night

Tips For Better Sleep For Children (and You!)

- wellness,health
- March 13, 2022
Tips for Better Sleep for Children (and You!)

The clocks spring forward. Shifts in our regular sleeping patterns can really throw us off. Supporting better sleep for children means better sleep for you!
- mom-101
- April 21, 2016
Creative Date Night Ideas

Tired of the same old same old? Check out these awesome creative date night ideas to make your next date night an adventure.
- family-life
- March 9, 2016
When Do Babies Sleep Through The Night?

When do Babies Sleep through the night? If you want to know, I think you'd better read this to find out the answer. This is quite the loaded question...
- family-life
- February 29, 2016
Oscars 2016: All the Winners and What You Missed

Couldn't stay up all night last night catching the winners, the losers and the can't-miss moments? Don't worry, we've got you covered. Given that #OscarsSoWhite dominated most of the buzz leading...
- mom-101
- February 23, 2016
10 Signs You’re An Adult Now & There is No Going Back

There are days – weeks even – when I wonder how I ended up here: Mother, homeowner, voter, composter. It's all just so grown-up and yet I don't feel much different now than I did when I was 15 years-old. Becoming an adult is a gradual process, o
- family-life
- February 4, 2016
What NOT to Do When Your Baby Isn’t Sleeping

Sleep, for many parents, is a four-letter word. At around the age of four months, many babies stop falling blissfully asleep anywhere-and-everywhere, and naps and nighttime sleep – while perhaps already allusive – often become even more daunting. Here
- family-life
- January 22, 2016
2016’s Best Date Night Restaurants in Toronto

It's no secret that hubby and I love to eat out in restaurants with the kids but there are times when we just need a little us time. While last year's list is still tried and true, I wanted...
- family-life
- January 21, 2016
Tips for Teaching Your Kids to Stay in Bed

When you have small children and it comes the time to transition them from a crib into a big kid bed, things can get to be a bit difficult.
- mom-101
- January 12, 2016
One Starry Night in Banff

Confession: though I frequently write about staycations and the importance of taking mini-breaks, I don't actually take them all that often myself. Until this past year, that is. Now that I have, I don't know what was wrong with me. I suppose I didn
- home
- December 23, 2015
Christmas Lights at Night Home Tour

Hello friends! Today I'm sharing a fun Christmas Lights at Night mini home tour to give you a peek at my home lit up at night for the holidays! This is a new adventure for me to be honest – photographing at night – and I'm so excited to share m
- family-life
- December 1, 2015
Celebrity Moms Who Rocked the Red Carpet at the AMAs

Last night at the American Music Awards there were headline performances a-plenty and enough scandal and gossip to power social media for days to come. But it wasn't just One Direction and Justin...
- food
- October 30, 2015
Frankenstein Marshmallow Pops

Image via Halloween is less than a week away and you know that means the kids will be staying up extra wicked hours of the night! We're getting lots of party food ideas to scare up a fun...
- mom-101
- August 7, 2015
Why August Is Such a Bummer

August, the Sunday night of summer is such a buzz kill. I won't go so far to say that August is our most depressing month, but it certainly is one of the saddest. With August comes the knowledge that summer is almost over. This is particularly harsh, si
- 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!
- events
- October 4, 2016
Family Fun After Dark

Everything is more relaxed in the summer, including bedtimes. Sleeping? There's too much to do! We're joining #TeamNoSleep and sharing our favourite kid-friendly activities to do by the light of the moon in Vancouver.
- 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
- mom-101
- July 9, 2015
Mom’s First Night Out

Viewing Vancouver from our fancy hotel room. In my last post I mentioned that I was on route to my first full night away from my babe since she was born 19 months ago.
- mom-101
- June 29, 2015
The Music of the Night

Last night my sister and I took in the last show of the NAC Pops' season. It was an evening my father had bought tickets to and we sort of inherited them.
- home
- June 12, 2015
Game Night

On Wednesday evenings, after dinner is done, the dishes are clean and dessert has been eaten, Johannes has t-ball at our neighbourhood baseball diamond.
- mom-101
- June 5, 2015
Family Game Night

Playing Uno with kindergarteners.... it's not just for 7+ kids
- family-life
- May 27, 2015
Why You Shouldn’t Believe That Negative Pregnancy Test

We've all had that one night where we lie on the couch and marathon TLC's I Didn't Know I Was Pregnant with a feeling of pure shock and horror.
- mom-101
- April 24, 2015
Why I Don’t Want Magnus to Sleep Through the Night

Almost every mom or dad I know has one goal, to get their baby to sleep through the night. And at one time I did too. When Johannes was little, this was my goal. I couldn't wait for him to sleep through the night so I could rest. But things are di
- family-life
- April 10, 2015
Tested Night Lights for Toddlers

Have you gone through the toddler 'I'm scared of the dark!' phase yet? It's horrible. There isn't a lot you can do other than fix the problem – they want a light!
- family-life
- March 9, 2015
Date Night at Trapped!

I am always looking for new and different date night ideas when we decide do one each month. We have done the whole dinner and a movie thing one too many times, and sometimes its gets really boring.
- food
- March 2, 2015
Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

This baked oatmeal is an easy, hearty breakfast feeds a family of four for two days. You can make it the night before or the morning you want to serve it.
- home
- February 20, 2015
Every Night

Every night, when the time comes for Magnus to go to sleep, I quietly take him up to his room. I get him ready for a night ahead. Soft music playing, a few drops of lavender essential oil on his feet, a fresh diaper and then I snuggle him up in his sl
- family-life
- February 11, 2015
Valentine’s Day Date Night Ideas (No Babysitter Needed)

Check out these 10 Valentine's Day Date night ideas! You can have a date night at home, no babysitter required! Enjoy your Valentine's Day this year!
- family-life
- February 9, 2015
IDS 2015- Opening Night Party

Last night I was fortunate enough to attend the opening night party for the Interior Design Show at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
- mom-101
- February 2, 2015
Valentine’s Day on a Budget

Valentine's Day is one of those holidays that can get a little pricey. The price you pay for dinner, gifts, and a babysitter if you have kids all add up which makes it hard to enjoy such a beautiful holiday. If you'd like to enjoy your Valentine'
- family-life
- January 13, 2015
A New Trailer For Fifty Shades Of Grey Debuted and It’s HOT!

One of the most exciting things about last night's Golden Globe awards was the fact that a new, extended trailer for Fifty Shades of Grey was released. I know I'm not the only one super excited to see this movie, … Continue reading »The post A New
- family-life
- January 12, 2015
4 Ways Family Game Night Makes Your Kids Smarter!

The nights are definitely longer and the weather isn't super for after dinner walks in the park. Instead of turning on the TV or plugging into a device, how about trying out a family game night? Ti...
- mom-101
- January 12, 2015
Best Date Night Restaurants In Toronto

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, Toronto is a playground for anyone who enjoys trying new foods and new restaurants.
- food
- December 11, 2014
Thursday Night Cocktail : Cranberry Sparkler

This week's Thursday night cocktail is light and fresh and is inspired by the idea that the key to surviving the holiday season marathon without feeling like we need a two-week stay at a detox spa, is moderation. Moderation: from the Old French word m
- food
- December 4, 2014
The Ultimate Lasagna

We're settling into the cold weather now and craving comfort foods. Lasagna is always a great go-to dish for any night, especially for when guests come over.
- mom-101
- December 3, 2014
You Gotta Have Friends

The month of Will starts tomorrow. December. I have one night booked to go out with my book club and that's pretty much it. I'm looking forward to it. November was a month chock full of activities...
- food
- December 3, 2014
How to Make Eggnog Like a Boss

Once upon a time last Christmas season, I was enamored with the idea of making eggnog all the things. Eggnog cookies, eggnog bread, eggnog treats and drinks and toddies and etc. etc. etc. And then I made a terrible mistake. While I was at the store, I l
- food
- November 16, 2014
Thursday Night Cocktail: Apple Pie On The Rocks

This is not your Grandma's apple pie. Or maybe it is your Grandma's apple pie, but it's the one she hid in the kitchen and likely the reason she had to go back just once more to bring out
- mom-101
- November 10, 2014
Game Night (Just The Girls)

It started innocently enough. Daddy was dropping the boys off at Youth, while we finished up the dishes, homework and sweeping. But then we had an idea. A wonderful idea. Sitting on our kitchen counter was a pristine, unopened box from Influenster.
- 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...
- food
- October 31, 2014
Scary Good Halloween Candy Shandy

It's Thursday again already and who's ready for another Thursday Night Cocktail ? Join me, won't you? In case you've forgotten, tomorrow is Halloween and it's going to be costumes and candy and kids and rainbow coloured-barf and screaming and ca
- food
- October 27, 2014
Chocolate Irish Coffee

I sometimes like to brag about how terrible my job is. “Welp,” I said, “Today I've an assignment to make and photograph an alcoholic coffee drink.
- food
- October 18, 2014
The Harvest Moon Cocktail

When fall arrives, it's time to give my beloved Sangria a rest. While I don't think there's ever a bad time for a good sangria, my taste buds yearn for something a little more substantial in the fall
- mom-101
- October 15, 2014
Chronicles of a Night Owl

I written about the troubles my daughter has with falling asleep. She's afraid to miss out on everything that happens when she's supposed to be asleep and we're still awake. She has been this way most of her life
- mom-101
- October 9, 2014
Thursday Night Cocktail – Canadian Whisky and Maple Cider

Here at Life in Pleasantville we understand that some weeks just cannot be over soon enough. Especially now, as the days get shorter and our waking hours are book ended by darkness
- food
- October 5, 2014
5 Steps to a Successful Taco Night

If there's one meal that is sure to cause a unanimous chorus of approval around here, it's taco night. And we all know how much that sound is music to the ears for the meal planner in the family
- family-life
- August 13, 2014
Girls Night Out Deal

Every month I like to pick one night to have a nice quiet night out with my girlfriends. I got an email a while back from Kelsey's offering a girls night out deal for only $20.
- mom-101
- August 8, 2014
Sleep Camp 2014 – The Ginger Edition

I have always felt confident in my ability to make babies/toddlers sleep through the night. Obviously, working with Leigh was a tad deflating. Wizz was very supportive and had me realize quickly
- home
- July 17, 2014
Fajita Night

I am having a truly wonderful summer, two weeks in. I love having my girls home for the summer. We've been busy with playing, reading, gardening, play dates, swimming and VBS so far
- mom-101
- July 15, 2014
I Tried Something and Nearly Set My House on Fire

One stupid idea you need to avoid right now.
- mom-101
- July 13, 2014
Semi-Annual Date Night

That's what happened last night. Dubsy took the kids after camp for a sleepover, which meant Wizz and I had the night to ourselves. The photo above is the last time we went out together, nine months ago, to a charity event.
- mom-101
- May 29, 2014
Summer Night Date

Asos dress, Madewell pumps, Rebecca Minkoff purse Before we had Johannes Michael and I would often eat out several times a week, trying out the newest restaurants and going for walks after. But then kids come along and some things change a bit
- mom-101
- May 26, 2014
Girl’s Night Out. Better Than Therapy.

last weekend I had a “girl's night out” with my friend and I realized – or possibly just remembered – that going out with a girlfriend is exactly like therapy only better. (Unless if your therapist drinks blue cocktails in large numbers; in which case I m
- home
- May 19, 2014
It Goes Bump in The Night

This is a true story.
- food
- April 18, 2014
Friday Night Treat: S’more Crostini

Ahh, Friday. That's actually quickly becoming my tag line here. The happiness of a weekend. Actually, today I'm off for Good Friday and starting the weekend a wee bit early which somehow makes this treat even sweeter.
- food
- April 12, 2014
Friday Night Treat: Vacation Wings

Look at these delicious little devils. I made this recipe the first night we were down south. We'd eaten out already too much and were dying to just snack away at something fairly familiar and also something that we could try
- mom-101
- April 7, 2014
Ladies, When Was The Last Time You Had a Guys Night Out?

This weekend Meg and I embark on a “guys night”. It has become acutely aware to us that men seem to have more fun than women. They play more games, they act irresponsibly and generally are better at letting loose and feeling no guilt
- food
- April 4, 2014
In Your Face Scallops

Friday night and I'm feeling like I'm actually part of ‘Game of Thrones' and trapped in a 15 year winter. To counteract this-how about a treat? I made this down south on holiday and by then recreating it at home I am giving myself hope
- food
- March 24, 2014
Pineapple Ribs

End of the week and as usual you should have a treat. How about a wee bit of bbq? This is a meatlovers dinner but I throw some fruit in at the end just for good measures.
- mom-101
- March 11, 2014
Late Night Talk Show

On Sunday, after another busy weekend, the kid was emotional, exhausted and driving her daddy crazy. After she started crying at the dinner table I took her aside and finally carried her upstairs
- food
- March 9, 2014
Sausages with Maple Beer Mustard

It's Friday! I keep thinking that I need to make a Friday Night Treat button to put on the top of these posts but really, who wants a photo of my feet up on the couch with a glass of wine in my hands? In our neck-of-the-woods it's March Break.
- food
- February 28, 2014
Sesame Scallops and Chinese Pancakes

Friday Night Treat time and I want pancakes. I don't want sweetie cakes though. I want the type of pancakes that I get at a really good Asian restaurant that has lots of goodies tucked into it. I love these but oddly, rarely make them
- food
- February 24, 2014
Mexican Fiesta Dinner Party

What every cold, snowy winter needs, is a Mexican Fiesta to brighten things up! We recently joined a supper club -where 4 couples take turns hosting a dinner party
- food
- February 22, 2014
Prosecco and Blood Orange Jellies

It's Friday and we're getting freezing rain. Do you have such and animal in your neck of the woods? Ottawa is actually a superstar at this type of weather
- mom-101
- February 12, 2014
5 Valentine’s Day Date Ideas for the Family

This year, take the whole family out for a Valentine's Day date night and plan something exciting and new for everyone.
- food
- January 31, 2014
Slowcooker Mac & Cheese

I need a quiet weekend. I'm sure you do too. Poor small one caught the flu and has needed her mumma 24 hours a day. I'm happy to do it for my wee one but I'm bagged. I want to come home to a clean house and a 1950′s style dinner waiting for me.
- family-life
- January 31, 2014
Sleeping Though the Night

Somehow, we have been blessed with two babies that sleep well. What's the secret? I have absolutely no idea, but I thought I would share how things work in our house.
- mom-101
- January 27, 2014
Sleeping Through the Night

One of the first questions people like to ask when you have a baby is - 'is he/she sleeping through the night'? Somehow, we have been blessed with two babies that sleep well. What's the secret? I have absolutely no idea, but I thought I would share how
- food
- January 26, 2014
Roasted Spicy Chickpeas

I want a a BIG glass of bubbly, something to munch on and a really quiet night to look forward to. The week has been terrific; small one's growth spurt
- mom-101
- January 21, 2014
To Co-Sleep or Not To Co-Sleep – That is The Question

I think it's official. My kids have officially taken over our bed. It started slowly. Mr. T. would occasionally wake in the middle of the night and we would bring him into bed with us so that
- food
- January 19, 2014
Meatlover’s Chilli

This is such a stick-to-your-ribs chilli that you'll be addicted at the first bite. I warn you though-this is for hardcore meat eaters
- mom-101
- January 15, 2014
What is a #felfie

What is a #felfie, and why should you care.
- mom-101
- January 15, 2014
My Friends Don’t Think I’m Funny

My friends don't think I'm funny. It's depressing.
- food
- January 15, 2014
Mini Snack Quiche

Mini snack quiche, easy to make with kids
- food
- January 10, 2014
Lemon Mojito

Ahhh, Friday. The end of the first real week of January and it's time to have a wee bit of a relax. Swimming lessons have been done, work has been filed, the kiddo has been entertained and entertaining. Ballet is in the morning and tomorrow afterno
- food
- January 2, 2014
Coconut Rice Pudding

Have you made resolutions? Have you promised yourself that you're going to eat nothing but a couple of nuts and berries each day and run eight marathons this year? Can I suggest something different?
- mom-101
- December 17, 2013
Sunday Night Chit-Chat (December 15)

Well I've been MIA online for the past week due to some family issues but it hasn't stopped me from keeping busy. I managed to knit my daughter a scarf using that fancy wool.
- family-life
- December 17, 2013
What I Wore- Hot Restaurant on a Cold Night

This past weekend, the husband and I joined two of my BFF's and their spouses for dinner at Bar Isabel, arguably the hottest restaurant in town (and possibly the country) right now
- food
- December 15, 2013
Ham and Potato Bake

Friday night and we really need something cozy and warm. Yesterday it was -27 with the windchill and just waking to and from the car was punishing. Luckily, I won't be putting on a swimsuit for a few months
- mom-101
- December 15, 2013
I Figured Out The Purpose of Aging

Last night as I was lying in bed like an insomniacal fool (compliments of the hamster), the wheels started turning about the whole aging thing and how when you put it into context, it's really a thankless process.
- mom-101
- December 12, 2013
Alight at Night Delights

I was feeling less than enthusiastic about the holidays this year. I have an inordinate amount of work on my plate right now, plus a typical holiday schedule packed with parties and engagements and so I've been feeling more frazzled than festive
- mom-101
- December 10, 2013
Late Night Cuddles, Early Morning Snuggles

We don't bed share with our boys. There are several reasons we don't, but I won't get into those now. However, I always talk to my husband about how sweet it would be if our boys
- mom-101
- December 9, 2013
Sunday Night Chit-Chat

What are you… Reading: Nothing at the moment… Listening to: TV…background noise. Watching: Nothing really. Just watched Law and Order. Cooking/Baking: We had lasagna for dinner. I didn't get everything done but did make two loaves of bread
- family-life
- December 6, 2013
Sleep…All Through the Night

I've never had as much trouble sleeping when I was young and in my teens…I mean what teenager doesn't love a good 12 hour sleep. I personally require my 8 hours sleep at night or I'm pretty miserable otherwise
- food
- December 3, 2013
Broccoli Parmesan Soup

Tuesday night and we're hungry and more than a bit tired again. Soup is a necessity but I want to run out and grab a couple of Christmas gifts before it gets too late
- food
- November 30, 2013
Apple Bombs

Last weekend we went down to the farm. It's spot that my family first came to in the early 1800′s when they travelled from Scotland. Two brothers, their wives and all the children
- mom-101
- November 27, 2013
The Disney Fantasy Cruise – Kid and Mom’s Top 5 Recap

Last week we took our first ever cruise aboard the Disney Fantasy. We sailed from Port Canaveral, Florida to St. Maarten, St. Thomas and Disney's private island Castaway Cay. I know that my son had the time of his life, especially given that the cru
- food
- November 27, 2013
Tuesday Night Quickie: Cranberry Salad

It's already the time of year when I'm desperate for fresh flavours and deprived enough of sunlight that anything that can be described as ‘bright tasting' is of upmost importance
- mom-101
- November 25, 2013
Sunday Night Chit-Chat

And so begins the Christmas movies tonight. Reading: Nothing. Still trying to get through my last book for review. Listening to: The Simpsons and Brigette yelling at her friends on the computer.
- food
- November 24, 2013
Rhubarb and Rum Cocktail

Doesn't Friday night just scream ‘Cocktail Time' to you? It totally does to us. I seem to be on a real, champagne cocktail bent right now (another is coming tomorrow-hop you can be there) and this on is in the running for favourite right now
- family-life
- November 20, 2013
Style Denial: Girls Night Out

I don't get to go out for nights with my girls very often, so when I do I try to amp up the style factor a notch or two above my standard jeans and hoodie
- mom-101
- November 18, 2013
Sunday Night Chit-Chat

I am exhausted. I had a very long day at work today and then I just sat down since I got home. Lovin' my new phone. My husband just got his “white” one
- food
- November 16, 2013
Bacon Wrapped Chicken

We survived the week relatively unscathed and happy. Chicken pox, parent/teacher interviews and the regular day-to-day didn't defeat any of us and tummies were still filled. This is small one's new favourite and fits perfectly into her obsession with
- pick-of-the-week
- November 4, 2016
Glo Boy Solar Nightlight

Who's afraid of the dark? Not your kid—they've got this eco-friendly buddy keeping the boogeyman away.
- family-life
- November 11, 2013
Family Chess Night: The Gift of Experience

For Father's Day this year, the kids and I gave Ted a Family Chess Night. The two oldest had been selected for their school teams for the end-of-year chess tournaments
- food
- November 8, 2013
Friday Night Treat: Oven Fried Wings and Port Stilton Dip

Friday night treat time and these can be yours with five minutes of effort and 15 minutes in the oven. Sweet! I thought these would be the biggest hit with my spice loving DH but really it was small one who ate the most
- mom-101
- November 6, 2013
Crazy Runs and Mountains

One lovely summer evening, my friend Tamara and I were running by the river. Tamara, you should know (because it's relevant to this story), is a little bit crazy. She runs crazy races in crazy costumes
- food
- November 5, 2013
Sticky Roast Beef

I think that is actually the first time I've put those two words together but I'll happily do so knowing that this dinner is waiting for me. Sticky Roast Beef. I took these photos the first time I made this dish so you'll
- mom-101
- November 4, 2013
Sunday Night Chit-Chat

What are you… Reading? Finished “A Simple Christmas Wish” by Melody Carlson, just need to do the review. Still have “Christmas at Harmony Hill” by Ann H. Gabhart to read
- food
- November 1, 2013
Friday Night Treat: Roasted Cranberry Cocktail

Happy Friday and time for a little cocktail, hopefully you still have a bit of that pistachio brittle from yesterday left because these two are like peas and carrots together
- food
- October 29, 2013
Weekday Quickie: Kale and Walnut Slaw

My organic bin has been filled with kale lately and we love it-smoothies, stews, pastas…you name it but I haven't been eating much of it just raw