Don't try to be Superwoman

Don't let life get you down

Are you stressed? Overwhelmed? Most women are. Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom, careerist or newlywed, life is going to throw you curveballs and overwhelm you every once in a while ...  guaranteed. That’s life. My problem? I’m a people-pleaser. As a communications professional, wife and mother of two, it’s not an easy job. So I try to take my own advice that I give to other women ... Stop trying to be superwoman. The truth is that everyone around you already thinks you are a superwoman!! So calm down and don’t put the extra weight on your shoulders when it’s unnecessary. Excuse the pun. Whether you're stressed because of work, your spouse, your kids or your weight -- I urge you to slow down. Here are some tips on how to avoid stress and even worse, depression:

•    Be organized and prepared

•    Make time for fun

•    Make time for relaxing

•    Exercise

•    Eat healthy foods

•    Stay positive

•    Go to sleep at a regular time

•    Plan your time ahead

•    Be around people who make you feel happy

•    Be around people who you can talk to about your feelings

•    Stay away from people or situations that make you feel stressed

Hey ladies, how do you relieve stress?? ~KLB

Make Every Day Special!

What are your plans this Valentine's Day? Are you spending time with your partner or your kids, or both? Tonight I'll be at the hockey rink for my son Connor's game ...and that's OK by me. As I've gotten older I've come to realize that one day a year to spend special time with your loved ones isn't good enough. I say we put in a little effort each day to make them special -- whether it's a kiss in the morning before work, a special treat in their lunchbox, or simply saying 'I love you' before bed. This is what it's all about. Now don't get me wrong, I love to receive flowers or chocolates on February 14th, but why should this happen only once a year? :~) If you have kids here's a cool site with some suggestions on how to make special memories with your kids this Valentine's Day:  http://cascade.patch.com/articles/make-memories-with-the-kids-this-valentines-day Happy Valentine's Day everyone! ~ KLB

Canadian kids need more physical activity

Are your kids getting outside?

Fewer than one in 10 young people, and only 10% of Canadians as a whole, get enough exercise, according to Statistics Canada. The study comes after national guidelines for physical activity were actually lowered to make it easier for people to meet exercise goals. 

How are you helping your kids exercise? ~KLB

Count Your Blessings

Sometimes we fail to see success in the little things in life. Everyday routine can seem well, very routine, but hey isn't that part of life? Personally, I find Monday mornings extra tough (try getting a 6-year-old out of bed who loves his sleep waaaaay too much). Be thankful for what you have and the fact that your kids go to a good school, and you have a good job, and you have a family to work hard for. Here's a little inspirational quote for those of you who feel their days all seem to blend together as in the mundane. I say count your blessings and have a wonderful Monday! ~KLB   "In the hopes of reaching the moon men fail to see the flowers that blossom at their feet." 
~ Albert Schweitzer

Are You Happy ... Enough?

Gretchen Rubin, a former lawyer-turned writer, wanted to be happier so she devoted a year to testing strategies from sources as varied as Oprah to Plato. This mother-of-two started reading every self-help book she could get her hands on and after outlining a roster of resolutions for a year she developed a bestselling book in no time. Everything from cleaning her closet to being kinder to her husband and starting a children’s lit club ~ Rubin was determined to get happier. And she did. Rubin continues her project online at www.happiness-project.com. What are you doing to be happier this year? ~KLB

What makes me tick - 'da boyz!

What makes your life special?

My boys are 6.5 and 1.5 years old. They’re awesome. Already showing signs of becoming a pro athlete and famous musician (as per my husband lol) we are very fortunate that they are both happy and healthy. Being a mom is one of the most amazing things that has ever happened to me. The ironic thing, however, is that growing up I never aspired to be a mama. I've always liked kids and I was a babysitter in my teens, but I was always focused on my career after university, not having a family of my own. Don't get me wrong I am a family-oriented person and very close to my parents and sister, but I never dreamed of producing offspring. Or at least the thought never crossed my mind until I turned 30. All that changed when I had my first son Connor in 2004, and re-affirmed again when Brock came along almost two years ago. Ever since my boys came into my life, I’ve changed. I now truly understand the importance of a mom’s affection for her babies and the term "motherly love." Being a mom has made me appreciate my own mom more too. So I guess this is my little tribute to all moms out there for their hard work and dedication to their families. Without you (us) our kids would not know how strong a mother’s love/bond is in life. Even if they don’t realize it until they’re older… much love ~KLB