i'm - SavvyMom

i’m

- mom-101
- September 21, 2017
I’m Ready to Talk About ADHD

I’m still processing the news that my son has been diagnosed with ADHD and a writing learning disability, but I’m ready to talk about ADHD.
- mom-101
- April 7, 2016
Friday 5: What I’m Watching

Here's what I'm watching on TV and Netflix, but this is not all about me, I want to hear about what you're watching and are hooked on too!
- family-life
- March 16, 2016
Because I’m Not a Woman Anymore, I’m a Mom!

I was scrolling through my Facebook feed the other day, as one does, when I came upon a sponsored article with this title: “The best-dressed moms on the red carpet!” and then later, this one: “Hot moms who rocked the red carpet!” The title photo f
- family-life
- March 15, 2016
I’m a Loser, Baby – and Proud Of It!

Fear of failure. It holds too many people back in so many aspects of their lives, every day. It held me...
- mom-101
- February 24, 2017
And the Oscar Goes to a 41-Year-Old Man and a 26-Year-Old Woman. Sounds About Right

Listen, I'm not saying that comparing Leonardo DiCaprio to a fine wine isn't an apt comparison because it's clearly the perfect comparison; our dear, rich, full-bodied Barolo with just a hint of mulberry. I'm simply saying that there was an expectation th
- mom-101
- March 2, 2016
Why I Don’t Bring my Son Home for Lunch Anymore

Last year, I did this crazy thing where I brought my son home from school for lunch every day. Here is why I stopped doing it & why I'm a better mom for it
- mom-101
- January 14, 2016
My Modified Whole 30 and Why I’m liking it a lot better

I am almost halfway through my second whole 30, which is not something I ever thought I would say! I tried it last may, and while I rigidly stuck to the diet, I completely hated it. Seriously, there was a point during that month where I was googling 'wh
- home
- November 17, 2015
A $10 side table redo

I think this might be my favourite furniture redo yet. I'm really in love with it. This little $10 1950s side table was cute when I bought it despite the fact that the finish had water rings on it and it was flaking off on the top. Still, it was cute an
- mom-101
- November 16, 2015
I’m Done Breastfeeding and I’m Glad!

Forty Seven months! The total amount of time I've breast feed my sons. Well, I'm done breast feeding and I'm glad!
- family-life
- October 30, 2015
I’m Being Ditched On Halloween

The time has come, my kid is ditching me on halloween
- mom-101
- October 14, 2015
How I Do It ALL

People often wonder "how I do it ALL!?!?" It's easy, and you can do it too! Find out how (FYI: I'm being sarcastic).
- mom-101
- September 28, 2015
On the To-Do List

There are all kinds of things on my separation and divorce to-do list – all things related to splitting apart two lives, which is hard for so many reasons.
- family-life
- September 16, 2015
Making Thanksgiving Memorable: Crafts, Cupcakes and Charity

Those cupcakes are beyond cute!! I'll bet Michael would like to make (and eat) some of those this weekend. And thanks for including some great ideas for giving back as well. I have a food bank donation ready to go today. I like to get M to choose a couple
- mom-101
- September 9, 2015
Let It Go. It’s All Right.

I'm driving down a road I've never been on, sun streaming in, music on the radio. I've run away again. *** For the last few weeks I've been carrying the pain of this in my gut.
- mom-101
- August 26, 2015
Mixed Feelings About Going Back to School

When it comes to my kids, I will stop at nothing to get them the help that they need and deserve. Whether it's with me or an expert, I will get support, just like I did with Zack since the day he was born.
- mom-101
- August 26, 2015
I’m Going to Try This Out

This week I'm trying something new. Well, kind of.
- mom-101
- August 21, 2015
What NOT to Say to Parents

If you're a parent, I'm sure you've heard your share of remarks made by family, friends & even strangers. Here's a list of what not to say to parents
- family-life
- August 17, 2015
Demon Baby on 4D Ultrasound Got Me Remembering

I get it. It definitely looks strange and 3D and 4D ultrasounds can look hilarious and creepy at the same time. But what if this unborn baby actually has a genetic issue or disorder?
- family-life
- July 27, 2015
The Best Bra Fitting Tips from the Experts

One of the benefits of losing weight has been that I have needed to go shopping and replace many of the items in my drawers and closet! From my skinny jeans and black blazers to yoga pants and coats, all of my essential items have had to be replaced!
- family-life
- July 24, 2015
Our Love Story: The Night We Met

I love hearing how couples met. Thanks so much for sharing your love story! It was a great read to start my morning off. Totally made me smile. Happy Anniversary to you and Paul!
- mom-101
- July 14, 2015
I’m Moving This Week!

I'm moving to Squamish this weekend so I can still be reached via email and social media, but I won't be blogging as much over the next 2 weeks.
- family-life
- July 10, 2015
How Tim Riggins and Friday Night Lights Changed Me

Friday Night Lights is on my mind...I'm not sure whether it's the fact that the news came out that Tim Riggins, I mean Taylor Kitsch, is dating his latest co-star
- family-life
- June 29, 2015
Tips to Help Stay on Budget This Summer

How do YOU stay on budget during the summer? Any tips to share?
- food
- June 29, 2015
Incredible Summer Pineapple Dessert Recipe

Okay, this one is totally NOT on my diet, but I had to share my mom's recipe for this incredible summer pineapple dessert.
- food
- June 29, 2015
Brownie and Fruit Pizza Dessert Recipe

Now that we have our new deck, it will mean more summer entertaining, parties and BBQs, yippee! We have our regular go-to dishes and desserts
- family-life
- June 22, 2015
Making the Perfect Gift for a Special Teacher

I've thought of just about every kind of gift card, walked the aisles of HomeSense and thought of making a donation but they just don't seem right for Jayden's teacher.
- mom-101
- June 17, 2015
Grief is Like Wearing a New Pair of Glasses

t's a lens through which I now see all aspects of my life. It's the experience that I can't escape and that has become a part of who I am.
- family-life
- June 17, 2015
Family Fun and Adventure at Blue Mountain in the Summer!

As we plan our summer vacation for this year, we are dreaming about our trip to Blue Mountain two years ago. The last time we traveled to Blue Mountain together was with our son Zack
- mom-101
- June 15, 2015
I’m Right in the Middle of the Ages 35-39 Bracket

I write about my loves: my family, DIY/projects, causes I feel a connection
- mom-101
- June 10, 2015
Things I’m Loving Lately

This edition of things I'm loving lately is all about my feet. My poor, running feet. The summer is so harsh on them: blisters, aches and general malodourousness
- food
- June 2, 2015
My Favourite Crunchy Asian Slaw Salad Recipe

Who ever said salads were boring?
- family-life
- May 25, 2015
My 10 Favourite Weight Loss Tips and Tricks

Always so proud of you and continually inspired by you. Losing weight is freaking hard. I'm struggling, I must say.
- family-life
- May 19, 2015
Planning a Couple’s Weekend in Niagara Falls

When was the last time you and your husband took a trip together? I know, right? Almost a foreign concept in many homes.
- family-life
- May 19, 2015
This Week’s Sex Question From My Tween Son

'm really fortunate to have a very special and close relationship with my tween son, Ty. At 11 years old, he and I are totally similar in some of the best ways and even some of the ways I wish I could shield him from (my ability to worry all the time).
- mom-101
- May 6, 2015
Surviving Mother’s Day After the Loss of a Child

Being a mother to a son that you have lost is heartbreaking and yet I find myself struggling with this each day, especially at Mother's Day.
- mom-101
- April 27, 2015
What I’m Loving Lately

Time for another segment of What I'm Loving Lately. I like to add these into the blog once in a while because sometimes I need a break from writing about food and recipes.
- family-life
- February 13, 2017
Ice Cream with Racism on Top

n this morning's breakfast discussion I learned that a boy who had been expelled from school last year told my boys 'I hate black people and I love white people' as they walked to get ice cream at our local DQ.
- mom-101
- April 14, 2015
My Birthday Lessons This Year

HOW I WAS HELPED BY DR OLAWOLE THE GREAT SPELL CASTER I am out here to spread this good news to the entire world on how I got my ex love back. I was going crazy when my love left me for another girl last month, But when I meet a friend that introduce me t
- mom-101
- April 9, 2015
Today, I failed as a Parent

Today was not a good parenting day. I'm typically not one to yell or lose my s!*t, but I did. I just wanted to give up! Today, I failed as a parent.
- family-life
- March 19, 2015
Would You Have Told His Mom?

I would absolutely want to know if it were my child, and I think you did the right thing. These guys are really young and still learning. We're there to help with that. I love the relationship you have with your boys and the trust you've all built togethe
- family-life
- March 13, 2015
Make Your Own Artisanal Natural Cold Pressed Soap

I'm here to tell you that creating the best handmade soap suited specifically to your needs or those of the people you love is entirely within your power. But first I'm going to tell you how I fail...
- family-life
- March 2, 2015
Why I’m Not Rushing My Son to Grow Up

As a mother of an only child, I am very aware that many of my son's stages in life are not only precious, but the only time I will get to experience them.
- mom-101
- February 25, 2015
5 Ways To Survive Your First Trimester

This may not be the conventional advice you're looking for - but here's 5 Ways To Survive Your First Trimester (It's how I'm doing things this time around!)
- mom-101
- February 20, 2015
The Day I Told Our Kids They Were IVF Babies

They're reaction was perfect. Especially the 'so you and daddy never had sex?' question. Your kids do ask the darndest things. And when they get older they'll realize what miracles they are.
- family-life
- February 20, 2015
Please Let Elijah’s Parents Grieve in Peace

Thank you for writing this, Heather. You've said it so well. I was appalled to see people questioning locked doors and how a 3yo would know how to operate an elevator and so on. OMG so not ok.(But, for the record - there was no elevator and, have you neve
- mom-101
- February 17, 2015
Breakfast With the Monkeys

It's monday morning, 10 am, and I am sipping on some cold coffee as sesame street plays in the background and Poppy naps. Holiday mondays are the best!Yesterday the babes were up exceptionally early, so we decided to go out for breakfast. Soren's first ch
- mom-101
- February 17, 2015
Valentines Day Dinner

Valentine's Day was a big event in our house this year! Usually, we keep it pretty low key, and enjoy a home-made cake that my husband lovingly bakes. This year, with the kiddos at nursery/daycare, I needed to send valentines day cards and treats to all o
- family-life
- February 13, 2015
When Paint on the Walls Is More Than It Seems

Since Zack died, almost four years ago, his room has always held a special place in our family. At times the door was closed, but slowly we felt comforted being surrounded by his things and our memories.
- mom-101
- February 11, 2015
Ways I Wish My Kids Would Show Me Some Valentines Day Love

I know what I'm getting my kids for Valentines Day. Here's a list of 10 things I wish my kids will get ME for Valentines Day.
- mom-101
- February 9, 2015
On Sundays We…

... grab the camera to document my favourite time of day - after-naps. Poppy delights in waking up Soren... and he doesn't seem to mind a bit. He opens his eyes to the afternoon sunlight and squeals of delight from his baby sister. After a few minutes in
- family-life
- February 8, 2015
The Day I Told Our Kids They Were IVF Babies

I'm not sure why I thought that after 11 years, THIS was the right moment to share the important news I'd been saving for a special discussion, but I went for it.
- mom-101
- February 4, 2015
5 Valentine’s Day Gifts That Give Back

This month is all about the heart and love. Since I will always be a "Heart Mom", it's important to our family to give back during February in honour of Heart Month and Valentine's Day.
- mom-101
- February 4, 2015
First Work Trip

I had plans of posting this last week, while I was actually on my first work trip. But the trip through four states was busy, and then when I got home I was excited to see my little guys. And then, just when I thought I was caught up on everything, I caug
- mom-101
- January 28, 2015
Playing with the Polar Bears

Last weekend the weather was nice, really nice, and we wanted to do something outdoors - so we headed to the assiniboine park zoo. We have passes, and went pretty regularly in the summer, but in all my visits I've never seen the polar bears swimming. It w
- family-life
- January 26, 2015
The Five Reasons Why I Won’t Cheat on my Diet This Weekend

Why cheating isn't ok
- mom-101
- January 21, 2015
A Three Year Olds Favourite Day

There are plenty of things that Soren does not like... vegetables of any kind, new clothes, picking up his toys, or going to the bathroom by himself (not sure on this one... he is perfectly capable, but always insists that one of us help him). But give th
- mom-101
- January 12, 2015
Return of the R. I. C. E.

Well after a busy week that saw my oldest return to school after winter break and start swimming lessons again, I was happy to see the weekend come. I had a couple of horrible nights of sleep and was dragging my butt about three feet behind the rest of me
- mom-101
- January 12, 2015
Winter adventures – The Children Museum

When the temperatures plummet to minus thirty and beyond, it's hard to figure out what to do with two little kids. Anything outside is out of the question, and days at home mean a lot of restlessness, and a lot of mess to clean up.Over the christmas holid
- family-life
- January 12, 2015
Will You Help Me Stay Motivated This Year?

It's certainly taken me a while to start writing again. Probably because we are still getting back in the groove after some much needed time off, but I also think I need to do some "planning" for the upcoming year and really make an effort to work on my v
- mom-101
- January 7, 2015
Bathing beauties – Nightly Routine

Now that I am working full-time, our evenings have become a little more compacted. No longer can Soren stay up until 9... we found that out the hard way on monday morning when he refused to get out of bed. And refused to get dressed. Or eat breakfast. I s
- mom-101
- January 5, 2015
14 Months – A Poppy Update

Poppy turns fifteen months on January 12th, which seems a little crazy as it means she is fast becoming a toddler (and not a baby). As she is most likely my last baby... it's a little sad. It's also so much fun to watch everything that she does, each and
- mom-101
- January 2, 2015
The Sugar Monster

I am the first to admit that I eat way too much sugar. Soren does too. His eating habits are pretty terrible, and we've struggled with what he will eat for quite some time. Around christmas, sugar seems to be everywhere!! Cookies, candies, gingerbread ho
- mom-101
- December 27, 2014
There Are Not Enough Hours…

We bought our tree ten days ago, and it's still not fully decorated. I don't have time. I don't have time for anything, really, other than what physically has to be done. Last week I started working full-time, and wow is it ever difficult. I always knew i
- mom-101
- December 24, 2014
Last Minute Shoppers

The countdown till christmas is in its last few days, and thankfully I have most of my gifts bought and wrapped. There always seem to be a few last minute things that creep up, though. Hostess gifts, stocking stuffers... that sort of thing. My two little
- mom-101
- December 21, 2014
Things I’m Doing Now That I’m Done Exams

I finished my last exam on Wednesday afternoon…
- family-life
- December 21, 2014
Top 10 Gift Ideas for Tween Boys

Some gift ideas for tween boys
- mom-101
- December 15, 2014
I’ve Decided to Cry Today

I hide it from the boys, I hide it from Paul, I hide it from my parents and friends, I hide it at work and I even try to hide it from myself, but it's always there.
- mom-101
- December 10, 2014
Breakfast With Santa

On saturday morning we had breakfast with Santa! One babe wasn't too impressed. She loved the breakfast portion - complete with apple crepes, eggs benedict, pancakes, sausages, fruit, and mini croissants. The candy bar was obviously a success, and both ki
- mom-101
- December 6, 2014
Christmas Cookies

I love baking at any time of the year, but there is something extra special about holiday baking. I turn up the christmas carols, light some scented candles, and pour myself a cup of hot coffee. While there are some staples that I make year after year, I
- mom-101
- December 4, 2014
Advent Calendar DIY

A couple of years ago I decided to make Soren an advent calendar, and we are now in our third year of enjoying it. It's also no longer just for Soren... he has to share the daily treat with his little sister (which he obviously does happily...)
- mom-101
- December 3, 2014
Things I’m Learning

I have watched what's happening in Ferguson. I have watched what's happening in Canada, with the #beenrapedneverreported tag. I have been watching victims get blamed, mistreated. I have watched excuses being made over and over for perpetrators.
- mom-101
- December 3, 2014
Changes All Around

So, things are about to change around the Linden house! Very shortly, I will be returning to work after fourteen months at home with my babies. The last few weeks have been a bit of a whirlwind, but things are settling into place and I am excited about th
- mom-101
- November 28, 2014
10 Reasons I’m Not a Perfect Mother

Dear kids, When I was a little girl, like many little girls, I dreamed of what it would be like to grow up and have a family of my own. I thought about the type of mother I would be. Patient and kind. Loving and playful. I would always try to use a calm v
- family-life
- November 24, 2014
‘Cause I’m TNT, I’m Dynamite

This last week was wild. I'm pretty sure it was the most I've been out of the house (other than for work) in years. I suddenly had a booming social calendar. What?!?! It was great. It's not often that I get a lot of socializing time and I really do
- family-life
- November 16, 2014
My First Functional Movement Screen

Yesterday, as I eluded to earlier in the week, was my first official day at my new gym, Fukumoto Fitness, aka the Warehouse. Day one consisted of no workout but rather an orientation and functional movement screen to introduce new members to the gym and a
- family-life
- November 13, 2014
This Week in Kardashian News

We already know that Kanye has been offending people with disabilities at his concerts but now the Kardashian girls too? The story came to a halt when BET weighed in and now Khloe has taken the post down on all of her social channels
- family-life
- November 10, 2014
A Lesson In Dealing With Cruel Kids

Heather, frig. What a horrible, stupid, mean thing for that girl to say. I can't even believe it or understand it. Jayden is a rockstar for handling this situation so well. And well, you and Paul? Amazing parents. Love you guys.
- mom-101
- November 6, 2014
More Precious Than Sleep

I'm a big believer in sleep. For the kids, for my husband, and for me. I think it's key to health and equilibrium. I can still function when sleep-deprived, but should only do this alone - I hav...
- mom-101
- November 6, 2014
Swimming With Your Clothes On

So, this crazy goofball jumped into the swimming pool today, fully clothed. Poppy and I were enjoying her starfish swimming class, and Soren and Tyler were watching nicely. All of a sudden, there was a big commotion and Soren was in the pool, in his sweat
- mom-101
- November 6, 2014
My Kids Watch TV and I’m Ok With It

I'm ok with my kids watching TV. See why
- mom-101
- November 5, 2014
I’m Sorry Your Brother Died

I think it's wonderful that you can share your pain. Somehow I think that must make it more bearable for both of you. Its really all you can do for each other but hopefully it makes the healing come faster for all of you.
- mom-101
- November 5, 2014
Travel, Fundraising & Getting Old

I suddenly feel old. Maybe it's because I've been sick for 6 weeks. (Have you had pleurisy? Oh lordy, that hurts.) Maybe it's because I was recently in 6 time zones in a three-week period
- family-life
- November 5, 2014
How I’m Healing My Diastasis Recti

I've mentioned it a few times on the blog over the years but 3 pregnancies and very large babies have taken their toll on my core. Not having a strong core before babies certainly didn't help.
- mom-101
- November 3, 2014
The Longest Day

Like probably every parent of toddlers, daylight savings time changes are not exactly welcomed. Add that to the crazy sugar high that one of our terrors toddlers has been on all weekend, and sunday was a l-o-n-g day for us. We were constantly looking at
- mom-101
- November 3, 2014
Trick or Treat

This halloween we had a little grey elephant, and a chicken hatching out of an egg. Some people confused Soren as a duck, but he was quick to point out that he was actually a chicken hatching out of an egg. He came up with the costume idea months ago, and
- mom-101
- October 29, 2014
First Birthday Bash

Last week we celebrated Poppy's first birthday with a little afternoon party of cake and goodies. It's tough deciding on an invite list, because with just our families we already had twenty people. Any more than that and things get kind of crazy
- family-life
- October 29, 2014
The Day I Met Toronto’s New Mayor, John Tory

As we shared our journey, Mr. Tory was overwhelmed with emotion. I found it hard to actually finish speaking, while looking at him sobbing. He cried with us so much that the boys still talk about the man with the drippy nose.
- mom-101
- October 27, 2014
Autumn 2014

We had to take advantage of the amazing fall weather we have been having, and have a little photo shoot! I know snow will be on the ground soon, but for now we are spending all of our free time outside.
- food
- October 27, 2014
Mini Chocolate Chip Pancake Muffin Dippers

I was inspired by a baked pancake muffin photo that I saw on Facebook and realized that as much as the kids LOVE pancakes, we just don't have time for them on busy school mornings
- family-life
- October 22, 2014
Screen Time Tips

I love that you have these rules in place Heather. Its so hard to control screen time these days - kids and even their parents are addicted!
- mom-101
- October 22, 2014
Re-Igniting my Food Prep Mojo

Happy Wednesday folks! I'll admit, I keep thinking that it's Thursday and we're inching closer and closer to the weekend. It's one of the pitfalls of maternity leave and exhaustion
- mom-101
- October 22, 2014
Bathtime and Bedtime…

These bath pictures are of baby Soren, although I had to double check as Poppy looks so similar right now! Bath-times around here are sometimes fun and sometimes stressful... pretty much like anything baby-related.
- mom-101
- October 22, 2014
A Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Lesson for Our Family

Go Hamiltons!!!
- mom-101
- October 20, 2014
She’s Come Undone

friends, i am suffering. my baby, TWO TODAY, has been a struggling for months with some intense separation / bedtime / sleep anxiety issues. needless to say
- mom-101
- October 15, 2014
A Little birthday

Miss Poppy turned one this weekend! We were so excited to make it special for her... Soren has been talking about her birthday for weeks. He really wanted me to bake her a 'baby doll' cake
- mom-101
- October 12, 2014
Heading To World Mastercard Fashion Week – What To Wear?

I'm very excited to be attending World Mastercard Fashion Week's "Fashion Saturday" on October 25th in Toronto
- home
- October 12, 2014
Easy DIY Halloween Crafts and Kid-Friendly Halloween Movies

My house is buzzing with talk of this year's epic Halloween costumes and Paul and I are working hard to steer the boys away from the Grim Reaper and Zombie looks that they are attracted to and challenge their creativity like WE did as kids!
- home
- October 12, 2014
Thanksgiving Memories with Crafts, Cupcakes and Charity

The leaves are changing, our fall jackets are out of the closet and my favourite time of year is approaching. I love the crisp air, apple picking, tall black boots and celebrating all that we are thankful for at Thanksgiving and Christmas.
- mom-101
- October 9, 2014
Human Rights Museum

On a foggy sunday morning a few weeks back, we loaded up the whole family and took a tour of the new Canadian Museum for Human Rights.
- mom-101
- October 6, 2014
Summertime Flavours All Year Round

One of our favourite things to eat in the summer (or anytime, really!) are popsicles. For my birthday back in July, my sister gave me a great set of sailboat popsicle molds, and I've been using them ever since.