April is Cancer Awareness Month

You may or may not have known that April is Cancer Awareness Month.  I have some very personal reasons for supporting this cause, so as the month draws to a close, I thought I would share those reasons with you now.

I used to work for the Canadian Cancer Society and was fortunate enough to have met some really amazing people while I worked there.  I was able to learn so much about the many different types of cancer that exist (over 100!), programs available and research progress.  I know longer work for the Cancer Society, but the work they do still touches my daily life.

I've had family members and friends that have experienced cancer diagnoses, but it was when my dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in September 2011 that made me truly aware of how a cancer diagnosis affects a family.  Losing my dad was difficult, and an experience that I have in common with many people.  I believe that supporting the Canadian Cancer Society will ensure that people will survive cancer more often, and that those who experience a cancer diagnoses, and their families, will receive the information and support they need.

The Cancer Society provides the hospital with many information resources that were shared with my family and many others.  They have a toll-free Cancer Information Service that you can call and have your questions answered, and through that same number, you can even be matched with a volunteer who has been through a similar experience to receive some emotional support.  

I've heard many people say that they don't believe that Cancer research is resulting in any change in cancer, but it's easy to see that survival rates are changing in many different types of cancer, in particular the survival rates for breast cancer (86%) and prostate cancer (96%).*

In my own experience, there is a history of skin and colon cancer in my family, I've been getting screened for years and have even had some pre-cancerous growths removed.  I also actively participate in cervical cancer screening.  Without research, these cancer screening methods would not be as accurate as they are today.

Even with all of the progress we've made, we still have work to do.  The survival rates for many different kinds of cancer are still low, and there is still research that can be done in to earlier detection and better treatments.  

I continue to support the Canadian Cancer Society and their programs and services, information resources, advocacy efforts, and research, and I hope that you will join me in supporting this fantastic organization.  Visit www.cancer.ca to see how you can get involved.

Interested in supporting me and my fundraising efforts?  I am participating in this year's Relay for Life.  You are welcome to pledge me at http://convio.cancer.ca/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFL_NB_odd_?team_id=322372&pg=team&fr_id=17846

Or, have a look at our online auction that is running until May 2 at 9 PM Atlantic.  Don't live in Saint John, New Brunswick?  If there's something you're interested in, contact me and we can make arrangements to ship: http://relayforhope2015.eflea.ca/

Minimally, what I hope everyone takes home from reading this post is that there is progress being made, and there are even things we can do to reduce our own risk of cancer, visit www.cancer.ca to learn more, or call the Cancer Information Service and ask one of the Cancer Society's Information Specialists your questions at 1-888-939-3333.

*Source - Canadian Cancer Society.  "Cancer Statistics at a Glance". http://www.cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-101/cancer-statistics-at-a-glance/?region=nb. 2015.

Mother's Day Giveaway!

I love giveaways!  And this is a fun one!  I've partnered up with some fabulous bloggers to giveaway $140 in gift cards!  And you get to choose where they come from!  I know, this is a lot of exclamation points for one post, but it's so much fun!

Check back to this post on Thursday, April 30, when our giveaway begins, to enter the giveaway!

Checkout the details below:



                                         

Tammy from My Life Abundant and Tammy from Creative K Kids have gotten together with a few of our bloggie friends to have a giveaway!

      

 We are so excited to be giving away $140 in cash prizes for Mother's Day to one lucky reader. The prize will consist of $140 in gift cards. The winner will choose the gift card(s) you want. Please choose a gift card(s) which comes from an online store. EX: Amazon, Target, Walmart, Macy's, Kohls, etc. You may ask for more than one gift card(s), but must add up to $140.

Now its time to meet our wonderful co-hosts who have made this giveaway possible.

Starting at the top row we have:

Tricia of The Good Mamma | Leticia of Desafio in the City | Audrey of That Recipe | Christie of Sparkles of Sunshine | Laci of Sequins in the South | Sahana of Vikalpah | Zan of Flourishing at Home | Katie of The Ramblings of an Overtired Mama | Terri of Our Good Life | Camille of Chicken Scratch n Sniff | Kim of The Resourceful Mama | Christine of Where the Smiles Have Been

Please stop by and say hi to these wonderful ladies and their blogs.

The giveaway will end midnight on Thursday, May 8th, a few days before Mother's Day. You will have 48 hours to respond to the email claiming the prize. If we don't hear in 48 hours, we will choose another winner. The giveaway is open to anyone over 18 years of age. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good Luck and Happy Mother's Day,

Katie - aka Overtired Mama

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Product Review: L'Oreal Paris Fibralogy

I was happy to have been selected to review L'Oreal Paris Fibralogy products for Influenster.  I received Shampoo, Conditioner and the Booster, free of charge, to review, compliments of L'Oreal and Influenster.  So what did I think?  Let me start by sharing a  "before" picture:

My hair is typically flat and dull, with very little body, as you can see.  I have extremely dry hair because I am so hard on it (hair colouring, straighteners, curling irons, hair dryers, etc).  So when I received the Fibralogy products, I was excited to give it a try.  Fibralogy products are meant to thicken your hair and provide you with more body.  Sounds good, right?

First, you begin with the Shampoo, once it's rinsed from your hair, you add a small amount of the thickening booster and, without rinsing the booster, add the conditioner, then it gets rinsed out together.   Ultimately, the products are meant to leave your hair feeling clean, thicker and softer.

I've been using these products for a week now, I'm not sure that my hair feels much thicker, however, I do notice my hair is softer and certainly appears to have a little more body to it.  Here is my "after" picture.

My hair after using @LOrealParisCanada 's #fibralogyworks products. #GotItFree from @influenster

A photo posted by Katie (@katie_nb) on Apr 24, 2015 at 8:06am PDT

What I love about these products is that a little goes a long way.  You only need a small amount of product for it to do it's work.  I also love that my hair doesn't feel greasy or weighed down after I use the products, as some products have done in my past.  They also don't have an overwhelming smell, which is great, because I have had some shampoos that are so scented that I can't wear them to my scent-free workplace.

So what does this all mean?  I think these are good products.  I'm not sure that I would purchase them to thicken my hair, but I love the way my hair feels when I use them.  I've scouted these products out at some of my local stores and the prices are very comparable to other similar brands, so you're not breaking the bank for great quality.  I would recommend these products if you're looking for softer hair with a little more body, but the jury's still out on the "thickening" claim.  I plan to continue to use these products to see if I notice a difference.  I will share once I'm done the bottles!

Have you tried the Fibralogy products?  What did you think?

Easy Banana Bread!

I am no master chef, but this recipe has proved to be tried and true for me.

I had tried a number of banana bread recipes, but this one turns out every time (provided you don't forget it's in the oven... did that once), and the bonus - it's a simple recipe.

Here is what you'll need:

Blender
2 eggs
2 very ripe bananas
1/2 cup canola oil
1 1/4 cups flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp baking soda

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees, although, it may depend on your oven, I made this once outside of my own house and had to turn the heat down to 350, you may have to experiment.

In a mixing bowl, combine your dry ingredients.

 Then, in your blender, combine the eggs, bananas and canola oil.  Blend until smooth.  Poor the mixture in to your dry mix, and mix together.  Stir until well mixed.  Make sure you scrape the sides and bottom as there tends to be little "pockets" of dry ingredients.

Once mixed, poor everything in to a well-greased loaf pan.

Then put in the oven for 50 minutes.  Be sure to test the bread after 50 minutes with a toothpick.  If it comes out clean, you're done.  In some cases, you may have to put it back in for another 10 minutes.  It will be a very dark brown on the outside.

Feel free to add chocolate chips for that extra treat, but I find this recipe is yummy enough without.

Did you try this?  Let me know how you make out!

Talking about Serious Illnesses and Death with a Child

I realize this is a heavy topic for a Friday, but I've been asked to share, on many occasions, how we approached the topic of serious illness and death with my daughter.  Keep in mind that I am not a therapist or psychologist, and I don't claim that this is the only or best way to approach this subject.  This is just what worked for us.

In September 2011, when my daughter was 2 years old, my dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.  A serious diagnosis, and a serious topic of conversation.  My daughter and my dad had a special relationship - she was the apple of his eye, and they had special games that they played, that I just couldn't play the same way he did - and believe me I tried.

We knew we had to approach the subject with my daughter somehow, especially once my dad started chemotherapy, his appearance would change, and she would have lots of questions.  Cancer is a complicated topic.  We wanted to be careful not to instill any kind of fear in our daughter - fear of belly aches, fear of hospitals, none of that.  So we explained that Grampy had a sore belly and that doctor's were going to try to make him feel better.  We said that the medicine he needed would sometimes make him feel sick, but that it was working to help make him feel better.

When my dad was hospitalized, we visited often - she actually enjoyed it because the nurses would often fuss over her, and Grampy would sometimes read to her, or they would watch some videos on his laptop.

Eventually, his condition deteriorated, and even when he was in Palliative Care, she would come with us when we visited, and colour him pictures for his room.

When my dad passed away in 2013, we explained that Grampy had gone to Heaven, and that he was happy there.  We allowed her to ask any questions she had and answered them truthfully and as simply as we could.

It's been two years since his passing, and my daughter still asks questions occasionally, and just as we had before, we always try to answer in a way that she will understand.

Some questions are more complicated then others - like "how did he get sick"? And others make me reflect on my own grief - "do you cry because you miss Grampy"?

Grieving is something that is natural, that the whole family experiences.  I actually found that answering my daughter's questions was an oddly comforting exercise for me.

For us, answering our daughter's questions as simply and truthfully as we can allowed her to come to her own understanding of illness and death.  I don't think that hiding his illness, dismissing it or simply not acknowledging it would have done her any favours and would have created more questions in her mind in the end.

Have you had to deal with a similar situation?  Would you like to share your own tips, or ask me any questions about our experience?  Feel free to comment below, or if you would prefer to message me privately, feel free to email me at Katie_NB@hotmail.com.

Travel Deals of the Day - April 14

I think I've mentioned before, I love going away on a holiday.  Sometimes I take a "mini-holiday" in my mind (aka - daydreaming) by looking for great travel deals.  I thought I would share a few of the deals I came across today.

I'm sure no one wants to look ahead to the end of summer when we haven't really seen Spring yet (at least on the east coast), but it's no secret that fall can see some really great prices for holidays in the Caribbean.  Keep in mind, that fall means "hurricane season", so you do take your chances weather wise, but if you don't mind the risk, here are some great deals:

1 - Toronto to Holguin, Cuba - 7 nights at the Blau Costa Verde (leaving August 30, 2015) - $632.97/person (based on double occupancy).

Great price for a trip before school starts.  I've been to Holguin, it's a nice area with beautiful sandy beaches.  This package is all-inclusive: All meals and snacks, beverages, your room, as well as most of the activities and entertainment at the resort and transportation to and from the airport.  Read more about this deal on Air Canada Vacations website (http://vacations.aircanada.com/)

One last note - if you have kids, kids 6 and under stay and eat free, kids 7 to 12 have a special rate.  This resort offers special activities for children.

2 - LAST MINUTE DEAL - If you like the excitement of leaving on a whim, check out this deal.  Toronto to Nassau, Bahamas - 4 nights at Atlantis Paradise Island (leaving April 19 - THIS SUNDAY) - $770/person (based on double occupancy).

This hotel is a cut above.  I've had several friends stay here and talk about what a fantastic property this is.  Enjoy pools and waterslides, a water park, activities, entertainment, and even try your hand at the casino.  Note that this vacation does not include your meals.  For more information, visit www.sunwing.ca

3 - Not ready to leave that quickly?  How about this:  Toronto to Varadero, Cuba - 7 nights at Belleview Puntarena Playa Caleta Resort (leaving May 23) - $675/person (based on double occupancy).

This hotel is only a couple of kilometers from downtown Varadero.  There aren't many resorts that can get you that close to downtown.  It includes all meals, snacks, drinks, as well as most of the activities and entertainment provided by the hotel.  You also get transportation to and from the airport.  I love Varadero.  I haven't been in many years, but I can remember it like it was yesterday.  The beaches are beautiful and the markets and downtown clubs have a lot to offer.  Unlike other destinations in Cuba, Varadero offers day trips to Havana (a must see) at a pretty reasonable price.  For more details visit www.airtransat.com

Anyone else love daydreaming about vacations as much as I do?  Have any favourite destinations or travel tips you'd like to share?  Feel free to comment below.

*Disclaimer - I am not a travel agent, I don't work for any of these companies, nor did I receive any sort of compensation for writing this post.  These opinions were my own, and the prices noted were found on the websites indicated as of April 14, 2015.  Prices may differ depending on availability, dates, and amount of travelers.

Big Brother 3 - April 6

We're back with the aftermath of the HOH competition.  Brittnee has a plan to backdoor Graig.  At the nomination ceremony, Brittnee unleashes her plan.  Brittnee nominates Kevin and Bobby but insinuates that she has a bigger target in mind.  That is, in fact, true, however, her speech makes it sound like Johnny is the target.

We get to see some of the resulting punishment/rewards, including Graig's letter from his parents.  He cries.

On to POV.  This is a dizzying competition involves in spooling ropes on to your body, then putting the rope on another spool.   Bobby and Brittnee come out quick and lead the pack.  Johnny struggles, but not nearly as much as Sarah who feels nauseous and then claustrophobic.  She vomits and Kevin feels bad for her. So do I.  Motion sickness is truly awful.  She says she would usually have a "dube or two" to feel better but since she can't, she quits.

It ends up coming down to Johnny and Zach. .. And Johnny wins. 

Graig says he's skeptical of Brittnee's plan because Johnny's been spending time with her.  Oh Brittnee, what a rookie mistake.  If you want the house to think you hate someone, you can't spend a lot of time with them!  So Brittnee throws Johnny under the bus and tells Graig that Johnny said that Graig told everyone he had Brittnee under his thumb.  Graig is mad and confronts Johnny.

On to the POV - Kevin is saved.  There is a lot of talk about a bully in the house, so Graig is nominated. 

Eviction is Wednesday.  Who do you think is going home?

Big Brother 3 - April 5

It's instant eviction night!  Kevin nominates Naeha and Brittnee.  He's not allowed to tell houseguests under threat of instant eviction, so all the house guests campaign, not knowing the nominations have been made.

Eventually, Arissa reveals the infant eviction.  The houseguests had to write down who they vote for .......  And then reveal their votes to everyone.

Ultimately, Naeha goes home.  The girls realize they're being picked off.

The next HOH challenge is a balance competition that has to be done in pairs.   Most pairs settle on hugging as the best position.... Except Bruno and Graig who pick the most awkward position possible.  Craig describes it as "like spooning".

Losers get a reward or punishment.  But the big winners.... Sarah and Brittnee.  Brittnee gets the HOH.  She gets a letter from her mom and everyone cries.

Graig immediately starts strategy talk, but Sarah is not having it.

Nominations will be revealed tomorrow!

Big Brother Canada 3 - April 1

We start with the aftermath of the nomination ceremony.  Sindy is crying and still finds a way to mention that her name is spelled with an "s". Ugh.  Of course Brittnee and Sindy talk about not back stabbing each other.  Blah.

The Bruno and Graig decide to plant some seeds of doubt in Brittnee about Naeha, and Naeha is mad.

We get a few shots of various showmances.... Zach and Ashleigh, Johnny and Kevin, Kevin and Pilar, and Sindy and Jordan.

Then Big Brother decides to pull an April fools prank by making the houseguests think that one of them purposely damaged one of the cameras.  Rumours fly.  Arissa breaks the news to the houseguests that it was a prank. 

Time for the vote. No surprise, Sindy is voted out unanimously.

Big Brother has been waking the houseguests up to watch a video, and as we all know, this usually translates in to a competition.  So tonight's HOH has the houseguests face off with questions about the video.  Can I just say, Naeha was scary intense in this game.   It comes down to Ashleigh and Kevin, and Kevin wins HOH.

Arissa springs on us that we'll see an instant eviction after nominations, so we'll find all that out on Sunday. Feeds will be down, so no spoilers!

Thoughts on tonight's episode?  Share in the comments!

Review: Stella & Dot - Chelsea Tech Wallet

You may have heard of Stella & Dot - they offer bags, wallets, jewelry and other accessories.  I knew a number of people that raved about their products, but I never experienced any of their products myself, until now.

My friend Jill was a true fan of Stella & Dot and ultimately became a Stella & Dot personal stylist!  She encouraged me to try out one of the products, and I chose the Chelsea Tech Wallet because I loved the pattern, and I liked the idea of having a wallet that could hold my cell phone.

This wallet has lots of sections and a few spots for credit/debit cards.

What I love about this wallet - it has plenty of room for money and cards.  I am notoriously famous for carrying too many cards, but this wallet was able to accommodate all of my credit, debit, loyalty and membership cards, as well as hold my cash, and still left plenty of room for my cell phone.  It has a wrist strap that was very sturdy and allowed me to go without a purse and carry this alone.  

My family and I went on a recent vacation to Florida, so I carried this wallet with me and couldn't believe how many compliments I received!  It's stylish and practical.  I LOVE this wallet.  

There is only one change I would make in this wallet, and that is that there is no change compartment.  I initially put the change right in with my cards/cash, however, they coins got stuck in between cards and were hard to find.  Eventually I settled on putting a small change pouch in the wallet to hold my change.  It still holds the pouch, my cards, cash and phone.

I highly recommend having a look at what Stella & Dot has to offer.  You can have a party at home with a personal stylist to show you everything  (and, bonus, you get some great deals), and there's even an opportunity to have a fundraising party where proceeds from sales at your party goes towards a cause close to your heart.  I'll be doing the latter in a couple weeks with Jill as our personal stylist!

Have a look at Stella & Dot though the link below, and, BONUS, the wallet I reviewed in this post is on sale at the time of this publication!!!

http://www.stelladot.com/ts/5pe66

Have you tried Stella & Dot?  Share your favourite products in the comments below.  

*Note - I received the wallet free of charge to review (Thanks Jill!), but the opinions are all my own.