You know what I love? I love being able to breathe. Many people might take that for granted but me, a teacher who often gets sick, I treasure those moments between colds when I can inhale through both nostrils and truly savour the food that I eat. This is why, whenever I'm fighting a cough or cold, I will resort to some good ol' aromatherapy to help relieve some of the symptoms. My go-to essential oil is eucalyptus, which you will always find in my bathroom cupboard. I tend to add a few drops onto the floor of my shower and reap the decongestant benefits. I also envision its antiviral and antimicrobial properties attacking any potential infection that so often plagues me throughout the school year. But did you know that eucalyptus isn't the only oil that helps relieve coughs and colds? Thanks to Thursday Plantation, I learned that peppermint oil can help, too.

Peppermint oil has many other benefits as well. It is used in aromatherapy to help relieve joint or muscle pain associated with sprain, strain or rheumatoid arthritis, and it can also help relieve digestive discomfort. I recently received a Therapeutic Oils Quad Gift Pack from Thursday Plantation and, after reading more about peppermint oil, I started using it to help relieve headaches naturally. To take advantage of this particular benefit, I blended peppermint oil with olive oil, and then rubbed a few drops of the blend onto the temples. There are other carrier oils you can choose such as coconut oil, and I've also read that eucalyptus oil and lavender oil can be used in a similar way to help relieve headaches. 

Our complimentary gift pack also included a beautiful Thursday Plantation bamboo diffuser. This has proven extremely helpful since my daughter has been experiencing some anxiety and often finds it difficult to fall asleep at night. When this happens, we add some drops of lavender oil and turn on the diffuser so she can enjoy the calming effects. She also finds that the soft hue of the diffuser light adds additional relaxing benefits since she can pick a colour that suits her mood.

And we can't forget about Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Oil. Sourced and made in Australia, this essential oil is 100% pure and is free from SLS, parabens and synthetic filters. Used as a multipurpose antiseptic, tea tree oil can be used for minor cuts, abrasions, insect bites, stings and even on pimples. It is also a natural way to clean surfaces and remove odours or bacteria. Simply add a few drops of tea tree oil to warm water with your usual detergent to take advantage of its disinfectant properties the next time you tackle household chores. 

While I'm still learning about the many uses and benefits of tea tree, eucalyptus, peppermint and lavender oils, it's great to know that I can check out thursdayplantationcanada.ca/100uses for more great tips and ideas on how my family and I can benefit from these therapeutic essential oils. And because I have thoroughly enjoyed using them over the past several weeks, I am going to be giving away a set of Thursday Plantation Therapeutic Oils Quad Gift Pack, plus a Bamboo Diffuser. This  gift pack is valued at $124 and includes:

For a chance to win, please complete the Rafflecopter form below. Open to residents of Canada only, excluding Quebec.

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Of all the things I want to limit in my diet, sugar is at the top. Unfortunately, it is also the one thing I just can't seem to avoid. What can I say? I have a sweet tooth. Last year, I made a choice to cut back sugar in my coffee to one teaspoon instead of two. At home, I like to use organic cane sugar but I have also tried using Stevia. While I have become used to less sugar in my coffee, I can't quite get used to the Stevia. The only beverage sweetened with Stevia that I genuinely enjoy is Zevia. Unlike conventional sodas, Zevia does not contain any chemically processed artificial substitutes as can be found in diet sodas. Instead, it uses a natural alternative that is derived from the stevia leaf and has no caloric value or effect on blood sugar levels.

This spells good news for soda lovers such as myself. As Healthy Shopper experts Andrea Donsky, Registered Holistic Nutritionist, and Randy Boyer will agree, Zevia solves the soda dilemma. Not only is it naturally sweetened, it is also non-GMO and contains no artificial preservatives, flavours or colours. For a number of years, our family has purchased Zevia as an alternative to conventional soda. My personal favourite has always been their Cola flavour but my husband prefers their Ginger Ale. 

Recently, we had a chance to try out their additional flavours as well as their new clear varieties. When I first tried Zevia Cola several years ago, it took me a while to get used to the after taste but now I love it. I didn't think I would like the other flavours as much as Cola but I do, especially the Cream Soda and the Ginger Root Beer. I even like the Black Cherry, which I always avoided for no good reason. I'm glad I was able to try some new flavours because sticking to one flavour gets boring for me. And while their new clear Cola tastes different than their original Cola, I still like it. Personally, I prefer how it tasted with the caramel colour. 

If you'd like to try Zevia, it is available at several locations such as Loblaw's, Bulk Barn, Shoppers, Real Canadian Super Store, Whole Foods Market and natural food stores at $5.99 for a six pack. Visit Zevia.com for more information.

Disclosure: I received product to help facilitate this review. Any opinions expressed in this post are my own.

Looking to try something different in your kids' lunches? Here we round up some new products we recently tried. First up is Li'l Oliver, an all natural snack that is free of sugar, peanuts and cholesterol. Made by Sardo Foods, Li’l Oliver comes in two pre-packed varieties: pitted green (my kids' favourite) and black olives. They contain no artificial flavours or colours, gluten or trans fats, making it an excellent alternative to sweet and salty snacks. Each snack cup of Li’l Oliver olives has only 20 calories and two grams of fat. Bonus: Specially-marked boxes include free motivational stickers!

On any given day, you would need more than two hands to count the number of bruises on my kids' legs. This summer is no exception. When they're not at tennis camp or inside avoiding the rain, you can be guaranteed to find them playing with their neighbourhood friends riding their bikes, playing tag or running about having fun. As much as I would love to shield them from potential cuts and bruises, my kids are just that - kids. Minor injuries are inevitable. But when they do happen, mommy is here to kiss it all better. Plus, I can rely on Arnicare by Boiron to help them recover from soreness, bumps and bruises. 

Boiron, which has long since been my go-to for natural cough and cold remedies, is a bit of an Arnica expert. With 80 years of expertise, they have developed the Arnicare line of gel, cream and tablets by using Arnica Montana, a little flower from the mountainous region of Europe discovered in the 16th century. Thanks to its analgesic properties, Arnicare products help to relieve muscle aches, swelling and bruising. I like to use Arnicare Cream on bruises since it is light and fragrance free. Plus, it's fun to hear my son giggle, since he's so ticklish. For my daughter, I have been trying out Arnicare Gel since it is water-based, absorbs quickly and offers a cooling effect on her sore muscles. We recently used it when she complained of a minor backache and also noticed almost immediate relief after applying it to her sore ankle.

Both Arnicare Cream and Gel can be used for both adults and children 3 years of age and older. We haven't tried Arnicare Tablets yet but I have a couple of friends who have found they worked quite well. I like that they are quick-dissolving. The tablets can be taken by adults and children 2 years of age and older. Arnicare Sport tablets, which are chewable and lemon-flavoured, help ease cramps, aches and muscular fatigue in adults and children 6 years of age and older.

For those who suffer from nasal and skin irritations such as dry patches, sunburns, chapped lips, cracked heels and ravaged cuticles (the latter being my arch nemesis), Boiron has created Homeoplasmine/Cicadermine, an ointment for soothing skin irritations that just so happens to be recommended by Stylist magazine & Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop.com. 

For more information on Boiron homeopathic remedies, visit Boiron.ca or download their Homeopathic Medicine Finder. These homeopathic medicines may not be right for everyone. Always read and follow the label.

Disclosure: I received product to help facilitate this review. Any opinions expressed in this post are my own.

Say hello to happy skin with the new Vitamin C Glow Boosting Moisturizer collection from the Body Shop. It's pretty much common knowledge that vitamin C helps to maintain the health of your skin. But now you can take your morning orange juice ritual a step further and go for an added glow with the help of the camu camu berry. Sourced from the depths of the Amazonian rainforest, the camu camu berry has up to 60 times the vitamin C power of an orange. And it is likely the reason why I love the Vitamin C collection so much. It can help clarify your skin to reveal a natural healthy glow while energizing and hydrating the skin. This gel cream moisturizer boasts a fresh and lightweight formula that not only feels great when applied to the skin but also smells great, too. You can also get an instant glow fix with the new Vitamin C Instant Glow Enhancer. Its silky formula provides an instant glow with a fresh rosy tint. It's like skincare and makeup in one! Personally, I'd recommend sticking with the moisturizer, especially since you get more bang for your buck. A 50 mL jar of moisturizer retails for $25 and a 25 mL tube of enhancer retails for $20. Recommended read: How to get your glow back.

Ever since my husband and I became parents, we knew we wanted to provide our children with wholesome foods. Our preference has always leaned towards natural and organic foods so it wasn't long after our first-born began to snack on solids that we discovered Barbara's Cereals. We also found ourselves stocking our pantry with their fig bars and Snackimals cookies. Using high quality ingredients, Barbara's has been creating wholesome snacks and cereals that have no refined sugar or hydrogenated oils for more than 40 years. 

Our family recently had a chance to sample two varieties of Barbara's Organic Snackimals Cereals: Vanilla Blast and Cinnamon Crunch. Of the two flavours, vanilla was the clear winner. We even offered a box to the neighbour's kids down the street and they picked vanilla over cinnamon, too. To be honest, I'm not surprised. I personally have to be in the mood for cinnamon. Our family doesn't use cinnamon often and so I think my kids don't have much of an appetite for it. In fact, they would only have the vanilla cereal for breakfast. The stuff was gone before I had a chance to sample it myself!

What I tried instead was adding the cinnamon Snackimals cereal to a snack tray and left it out on the table after school. I noticed my son nibbling on some of it and had one of those "a-ha" moments. Forget about offering the cinnamon variety at breakfast and just keep it on hand for snacks. They are 'Snack'imals, after all! 

What is made with all-natural ingredients, is completely free of GMOs, artificial colours, flavours and preservatives, and will knock your socks off because it tastes SO good? It's G.H. Cretors Chicago Mix Popcorn, the perfect marriage of Caramel Corn and Cheese Corn. While I was a little offended that I hadn't been invited to their wedding (I heard there was a buffet table and a caramel fountain...) I was overjoyed at the chance to devour the sweet, salty, crunchy and scrumptious result of their offspring. [NB: I am aware that this may all sound slightly carnivorous and cannibalistic in nature but alas, it has been nearly four weeks since my taste buds were last tantalized by the stuff that I am currently battling ravenous cravings for more.]


Now I could tell you that, in 1885, Claire Cretors' great grandfather invented the commercial popcorn machine. Or that, 126 years later, his great granddaughter is taking the Cretors family business to the next level with popcorn that will leave you drooling for more. But really, there isn't much more to be said than this:

 
It is clear that they take great pride in creating a gourmet product. They make caramel corn the old-fashioned way: by hand, in copper kettles. They use cane sugar, brown rice syrup and real butter to make their caramel and they use real cheddar cheese for their cheese corn. And yes, they use locally-grown, air-popped popcorn as well. In the end, there is simply no denying that their popcorn is SO good!

Sitting on the balcony munching on a bag of yummy @GHCretors Chicago Mix pop corn. #lifeisgood pic.twitter.com/FVcuvrWTFq
— Diana M. (@TeacherMomOfTwo) July 18, 2014

In the past, I have always preferred to keep my cheese-flavoured snacks separate from other savoury or sweet snacks but I have had to make a one-and-only exception with regards to G.H. Cretors Chicago Mix. In fact, it was my snack of choice while on our family getaway to Blue Mountain this summer. The problem I am faced with now is that they have Just the Caramel Corn variety that keeps taunting me, beckoning me to unleash it's to-die-for flavour. Seriously, you will find yourself hooked on the stuff almost instantaneously. But don't take my word for it. Go ahead and try some. It will have you on your knees praising the heavens and yelling from the rooftops (go ahead, say it with me):

G.H. Cretor popped corn is SO good!

Disclosure: I received product to help facilitate this review. Any opinions expressed in this post are my own.

You know when you pick up your baby right after a bath and you smell that sweet baby smell? It's that unforgettable scent that, though ever so slight, still invokes memories of your newborn several years later. Ever since I first purchased Mustela products at Moms to be and More nearly a decade ago, I decided to use them with both of my children during their baby years. We relied on three main products: Mustela Baby Shampoo, Mustela Dermo-Cleansing and Mustela 2 in 1 Hair and Body Wash. The decision was based on the fact that their baby products are made using a tear-free formula, are hypoallergenic, paraben, phthalate and phenoxyethanol free and contain mostly ingredients of natural origin. Plus, they just smell oh, so good!

You know what I love most about being a teacher? I love those moments when my primary students greet me with a great big smile, followed by sneezing and perhaps a cough or two. Of course, I'm kidding around with that last pair of references. But seriously, it's like that Robert Munsch book where, in kindergarten, we share... we share EVERYthing! And yes, we even share germs. The daily routine of reminding my younger students to wash their hands after sneezing or blowing their nose is a good way to help prevent the spread of germs but the reality is that it is next to impossible to avoid. In any given week, it seems that at least one of the nearly 200 students I teach is sick and I just know that, sooner or later, it will be my turn. And with two kids of my own, I know all too well that they will surely catch one of those nasty bugs, too. Luckily, our family has a fresh stock of our favourite homeopathic cough, cold and flu remedies from Boiron.

Ever since my daughter was a baby, we have used a variety of Boiron's products ranging from Camilia to help sooth teething symptoms and Quiétude to help ease restlessness at night, to Boiron's cough and cold remedies. We have been using these products for roughly eight years and still use them today. Coryzalia is our go-to remedy when the kids develop systems such as nasal congestion, runny nose or sneezing. I find that using the product at the very onset of these symptoms proves to be much more effective than waiting until they are full blown. Plus, I have noticed it has a very long shelf life so I don't have to worry about them expiring if I don't use all of the 30 doses included in each package. And it is safe for use in children under the age of six.

For coughs, we often use Stodal cough syrup. There are now two varieties available: Stodal Honey and the new Stodal Sugar-Free. The sugar-free syrup has a neutral taste but my daughter loves the honey variety. Just like Coryzalia, it has no side effects and there is no risk of overdose. Each package includes a pre-measured cup and you only need to administer 5 ml three times a day and gradually reduce the dosage with improvement. Children's Stodal is suitable for kids between the ages of 1 and 11 years. The adult variety has three additional ingredients but can still be administered to children. The only other difference is a dosage of 15 ml for those age 12 and older.

When flu symptoms appear, we sometimes use Oscillococcinum to help relieve chills and body aches. One tube is a single dose, the contents of which need to be dissolved in the mouth. Dosage depends on how early on it is being administered or on the instructions given by your health care practitioner. Boiron also makes Sinusalia which helps relieve nasal congestion and pain due to sinus inflammation. They also make a tablet version of Coryzalia which is suitable for all members of the family as young as five. 

Earlier this summer, NailPolishCanada.com sent my daughter her very first samples of Piggy Paint, a 'natural as mud' water-based nail polish for children. Ever since my daughter took an interest in jazzing up her finger nails, I have been looking out for a non-toxic polish that didn't have a harsh smell and was safe for her to use. I had come across several positive reviews of Piggy Paint and couldn't wait to try it out.

For review, we were sent the following three shades: Jazz It Up, Glamour Girl and Fairy Fabulous. The first two were among her favourite shades but Glamour Girl won with its shimmery silver glitter. We also received a bottle of Piggy Paint topcoat, also water-based, for added shine and scratch resistance. When I asked my daughter what she thought of her new nail polish, she gave it two glittery thumbs up!

Piggy Paint for kids is available in a wide assortment of fun, fashionable colours on NailPolishCanada.com. The current price is listed at $10.75 for 15mL. The good news for my fellow Canadians is that, for a limited time, all orders ship free in Canada. This might be the perfect time to get a head start on your Christmas shopping with some fabulous stocking stuffers for the glamour girl in your family.

Disclosure: We received product samples to help facilitate this review. Any opinions expressed in this post are my own.

The first time I had attended the One of a Kind Show here in Toronto, my daughter was still a baby. I remember my husband and I taking turns pushing an empty stroller and carrying a fussy one-year-old through bustling aisles, barely able to fully appreciate the unique wares and merchandise up for grabs. So when my bestie called me up suggesting we take advantage of the late night shopping hours this past Thursday, sans enfants, I could hardly say no. And we lucked out with free parking!

This was one of the funnest shopping experiences I have had in a long time. It was the perfect opportunity to hang with my girlfriend, who drove in from out of town, all the while admiring and supporting the work of local and North American artisans. It was an added bonus that within the first five minutes I came across an unexpected vendor Cuillères Héritage Spoons. After attending the OMLTA Conference earlier this month, I knew I wanted to buy a pair of wooden spoons that I could use to introduce my students to French Canadian traditional music. When I heard the unmistakable clickity clack soon after I arrived at the One of a Kind Show, I ran right over to the booth that housed a variety of beautifully crafted wooden spoons designed by the one and only Richard Cyr. And yes, I bought myself la belle boîte à boîte, a newer design which offers more variations in sound than the traditional giboulée. I was also given a mini refresher course on how to play. Cause, yeah... I can play a mean spoon diddy.

ThreeWorks Apple Chips have arrived and can be found in a grocery store near you. They are fat free, gluten free, GMO free and contain no added sugar. Apple Chips are available in six crunchy flavours - Original, Caramel, Vanilla, Lemon, Mixed Berries, and Cinnamon. They are also available in two sizes, the smallest size containing a mere 100 calories. ThreeWorks Apple Chips are made from carefully selected Fuiji apples and dehydrated in a way that retains the fruit's natural flavour, making it a tasty snack.

Over the past few weeks, I have made an unsettling discovery that the reason my pants feel tighter has nothing to do with my clothes shrinking in the wash but rather an expanding waistline. I'd like to blame it on my husband who took the kids out for Halloween and came home with twice as much candy than last year. Surely I could not allow my children to consume all of it so, as a diligent mom, I took it upon myself to eat my fair share. And then some. But now, I feel awful. It's time to get back on track and eat better so that I can model to my children the importance of giving our bodies the best possible fuel. Such is the foundation upon which is based a family-owned bakery known as Ozery's Pita Break.

Ozery’s Pita Break is a Toronto-based bakery and sandwich shop that opened in 1996 and has since expanded to better serve its growing clientele across North America. Each day, they bake all-natural, preservative-free flatbreads, pitas, Lavash crackers and most recently Crispy Pitas. I have to give my husband credit for introducing me to the brilliant concept of the Pita Break OneBun. This revolutionary product has "all the best parts of a traditional hamburger bun combined with the benefits of healthy, whole grains." Yes, it is lower in fat and contains no preservatives but the best part is that it's thin and super tasty. And they're even better when toasted!

The OneBun is great for sandwiches, especially for the kids' lunches. You see, when I use sliced bread, I often find that the kids will eat the middle and leave behind the crust. With the OneBun, there really isn't a crust and so the kids will eat the entire sandwich. The kids are also less intimidated by the size since the thin bun makes for a smaller sandwich. I personally prefer the OneBun because I like to savour what's in my sandwich such as tuna, turkey or ham with cheese and tomato.

With six weeks remaining until Christmas, a part of me is excited to have a couple of weeks to spend at home with the family. Another part of me, however, is somewhat stressed when I think about shopping for the perfect gifts for loved ones. I know most kids will likely have toys or gadgets on their wish list but I often feel torn over buying play things versus practical items. Sure, toys will bring children instant fun and enjoyment. Yet, once the novelty wears off, they often get tossed aside. Useful gifts such as clothing or consumables such as art supplies, now that is what I would much rather buy. And I love shopping at Canadian stores, especially those that carry unique eco-friendly products such as the ones available via Lavish & Lime.

For greener gift ideas for the little artist on your shopping list, Lavish and Lime offers a wonderful selection of art products that are natural, recycled and non-toxic. From stylish sketchbooks to recycled crayon sticks, there is sure to be some sparks of creativity in the air. I would absolutely love to colour with their bright natural crayon rocks.

It is the beginning of November and we are currently experiencing near-freezing temperatures. With the furnace pumping out warm, dry air, I find my skin is already becoming dry and my lips chapped. One of my favourite lip balms is made by Burt's Bees and this year, they have a whole lineup of holiday gift sets which would make great stocking stuffers or teacher gifts. My personal preference is for Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balms since they add a nice hint of colour while providing moisture. To add to my collection, I now have a pomegranate lip balm that is included in the Burt's Bees Body Scrub and Balm Set, featured above. The cost of $14.99 is quite reasonable considering that Burt's Bees are made using earth-friendly and natural ingredients.

Ozery’s Pita Break is a Toronto-based family-owned bakery and sandwich shop that opened in 1996. They are firm believers that we are what we eat and that "our bodies deserve the best possible fuel." Each day, they bake all-natural, preservative-free flatbreads, pitas and Lavash crackers. And now, Ozery's Pita Break has recently introduced their yummy Crispy Pitas.

Crispy Pitas are a delicious and healthier option for snacking. They are great all on their own or dipped in peanut butter, hummus or salsa. Available in four flavours, they come in 170g bags and contain 50 per cent less fat than regular potato chips (Per 50g serving, Crispy Pitas contain 8g of fat while regular potato chips contain 18g fat.) Crispy Pitas are Trans Fat free, contain whole grains, are a source of fibre and contain 6g of protein per serving. 

Burt's Bees has done it again. They have created a new Baby Bee product that I wish was around when my kids were little babies. It's the new Baby Bee Multi-Purpose Ointment. Pediatrician tested, it is gentle enough to use every day as a moisturizer and forms an effective barrier that helps protect skin from dryness and soothe baby's bottom. This ointment is a natural alternative to petroleum jelly and is free from phthalates, petrochemicals and paraben.

 

Redness. 

Irritation. 

Dryness. 

These are just some of the unpleasant symptoms experienced by those who suffer from sensitive skin. Call it RID, if you like. You know, the stuff you want to get rid off. If you're a Burt's Bees fan like I am and suffer from sensitive skin, you'll be happy to know that they offer a new line of Burt's Bees® Natural Skin Solutions for Sensitive Skin. Designed to cleanse and moisturize vulnerable skin without causing redness or irritation, these products are infused with the softening properties of Cotton and the gentle power of Rice and Aloe.