Today is International Women’s Day! It is a day to think about women around the world who may have different struggles then we do. It is a day to be reminded of the great things women have done.

The words “We have come a long way baby” come to mind.

Yet even with as far as we have come there are so many women who lead very difficult lives today. Let’s think of them.

Last fall I was introduced to a great organization that is doing so excellent work at the ShesConnected Conference. One of the sessions was about social good. There are many great organizations that are doing great things but this one spoke to my heart. SAFE Stove’s rose to speak about the women of Sri Lanka, who many die simply gathering firewood because the area around their homes are filled with landmines, and they can not afford the fuel prices for a propane stove. This is also played out many times in other parts of the world as well and could you imagine dying simply because you want to cook your family a meal? We were told that for a mere $5 a woman could receive a stove through the UN World Food Programme.

At the ShesConnected  Conference when she shared what could be done with a mere $5 there was a moment in time as one blogger stood and was so excited to give her $5. You see that blogger had been homeless just a couple of years ago, and is still struggling money wise but she was excited, it was palpable really.  We gathered enough money to buy many stoves but there is still work to be done.

About the stoves themselves, they are manufactured in Sri Lanka to help the economy and the stoves help these women in many ways.  This is about saving a life, and empowering women, what a great way to help this International Women’s Day. If you simply have $5 you can give please do so, it will change a woman’s life. You can donate here.

The World Food Programme does great work, and you can register to receive there newsletter here and you can even tweet with them here. They are the largest organization in the world fighting to stop hunger and empower women, lets support them today.

The story begins many years ago for me. I have always been a huge fan of Oprah, Tony, and Deepak.

For me these 3 define inspiration.

Many years ago I as everyone else started watching Oprah. I dreamed of being in her audience or sitting on her stage as a guest. That dream almost came true a number of years ago when one of her producers called me at work. You should of heard the buzz around the office, and yes my boss wanted to know why Oprah was calling me at the time. The show I was going to be on took another angle and a mom of 6 was chosen instead. It was a dashed dream.

I did get the chance to meet Tony Robbins many years ago at one of his weekend events in Vancouver. This man is tall and strong. I remember well his lifting me off the ground and a twirl during the first night of the event, and there is nothing like a firewalk with him at the other end. Why he inspired me was something that doesn’t get talked about enough by him, the Basket Brigade. Hunger has always been an important issue to him, and through his foundation he has helped many a family, especially at Thanksgiving. Attending a weekend with Tony, helped me to make many a change in my life.

Deepak’s books, and guest appearances over the years have also inspired me and I so want to hear him now especially as I work on creating the new me.

Yesterday Toronto was buzzing, because guess who is coming to town? Oprah’s life class tour.

The festival priced ticket have already sold out. To ticket pricing starts at $169 for an evening that could change your life. I know every time I have sat and listened to these people I am encouraged to be a better me.

Last night on Twitter, I was saying I could not afford to go after the festival seating sold out and my boss offered to send me so yes I am going to the Life Class. Are you? I look forward to being inspired, encouraged and more.

How do you spend your March Break? Do you spend time together as a family? or are the kids at March Break camp?

Here in our house over we have done several different things over the years. This year I have a teen in the house. She is super excited this year about attending Film School with the Center of the Arts here in Toronto.

Really we are blessed to live in a city where there are so many options for March Break.

Over the years Rachel and I have enjoyed many of the free events that have gone on. Here in Toronto this March break there is much to do.

You can enjoy the library, with all its special March break programing.

The ROM and Science Center also both have special events planned for March break.These have been a favorite in past years.

We have also enjoyed the Spring Fling at the Rogers Center.

One of our favorite and free events put on every March Break is done by the Shops on Steeles. Think a morning of free activities and a free lunch or snack, there is nothing better.

Or you can simply stay home, bake, do crafts and enjoy some time together, maybe even break out a Kinder surprise for your kids.

In my house we are loving some of the perks of being a #Kindermom.My daughter and even her teen friends love Kinder Eggs, and even love the toys. Have you checked out the latest ones yet?

You can check them out on the KINDER® Canada Facebook page  and the exclusive monthly  contests through the My Kinder Moments application – this February they are giving away $500 towards the ultimate staycation! So be quick and go and enter as Febuary is almost over!

*This is a sponsored post through Mom Central, and on behalf of Kinder Canada, I do receive perks including free Kinder Eggs and a gift card for my writing, and participation.

Recently my daughter has taken a huge interest in film. So she was super excited that the Center for the Arts in Toronto is hosting a Film School for teens this March break.

At this five-day intensive camp, teens get to experience real professional filmmaking.  They get to produce, write, direct, light, shoot, act in, and edit their own films. Daily workshops are led by industry professionals and are followed by film shoots, putting these creative and technical ideas into practical use. My dear daughter will love that!

This training builds towards the successful completion of the teens’ final short films. Regardless of their level of experience, the teens will have the opportunity to participate in all aspects of the filmmaking process. Everyone will take home a copy of the films, and on Friday afternoon there will be a celebration and screening for family and friends! Everyone will take home a copy of the films, and on Friday afternoon there will be a celebration and screening for family and friends! What a great opputunity to learn and grow a new skill! My daughter is so looking forward to it.

If you have a teen that loves film you can check it out here.

So for those of you who don’t know I recently signed up to be part of the #cbias family of bloggers, and with that comes the chance to shop and report for #EqualCanada.

Well last week I was given this assignment:

Shop at Walmart looking for the yellow canister of Equal Sucralose Sweetener. It should be on Rollback at Walmart for $7.97 {as compared to $9.97}, and use the Walmart Facebook App to select a recipe I would make and report back on both the shop and experience.

Well I decided to check out the Facebook App first, it was easy to use, and I quickly found a recipe I knew I wanted to make. In this house two of our favorite loves are chocolate and cheesecake, so decided on this.

And since I knew I was heading to Walmart I checked out the flyers, and made a list. We are also trying to get healthier around here so new workout clothes, sneakers, and a few groceries were on the list.

First stop was for the workout clothes. I had to try on a few.

One of the things I noticed was the amount of clearance sale items and the next were the number of rollbacks. Seemed like a great weekend to get a deal.

I did get a pair of yoga pants, and a t-shirt, new socks and sneakers.

Then it was time to start the real hunt for the Equal Canister.

Checked out the baking section where I thought it should be, but there were other substitues there but then I remembered a fellow shopper once saying she found it in the pharmacy.

So got to the pharmacy and hidden way down,

way down on the shelf was the Equal!

But not this Equal canisiter that I was hunting for it was elusive.

So we got the tablets which will be great for my tea time!

Now though back to the creamcheese brownies we wanted to make. Lucky for us we had some Equal Spoonfuls at home.

So I grabbed the rest of the ingredients and headed home.

But on the way out of of the store I did have an impulse moment, and bought new bedding I saw on sale.

So then it was home to bake and you can follow that story here on Goggle+.

Let me just say the end result of this shop was just yummy!

You can also find #EqualCanada on the web, on Twitter and on Facebook

*This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias #Cbias however all opinions are my own.

Windows © by Peter Blanchard

Did you go to summer camp?

It seems like centuries since I went to camp. I remember the anticipation, the packing, the stashing of money for tuck time. I was enamored by it all.

When I was young I got to to summer camp a few times. Some of my favorite memories from my childhood are camp memories: life long friends and penpals can be found, there were crafts and skills to learn. Who doesn’t remember learning how to make a friendship bracelet? At camp I learned canoe and swim. I also learned how to make a fire at camp.

Some of my favorite parts of summer camp where craft time, campfires every night, learning what a smore was, and tuck time. If you went to camp I am sure you tried to play a prank or two. My favorite prank pulled was flying a certain item up a flag pole. I was 10 at the time.

If you went to summer camp what did you love about it?

My daughter who is 14, has gone to a few summer camps but they have all been here in the city. Her favorite so far was Circus Camp..think you are at camp and learning circus skills! She also has learned to canoe, swim, and draw at camp. This summer she really wants to do a sleep away adventure camp.

How about your kids, are they headed to camp? What do you look for when you are deciding about camp?

Are you looking for a summer camp destination for your kids? If you are in the GTA please Don’t miss Canada’s largest Camp Expo! February 26, 2012 from 12-4pm at Roy Thomson Hall (60 Simcoe St. Toronto).
There you will find top March Break, Summer and Holiday Camps for kids and teens. Attend free information seminars to help you make the best decision and prepare for camp. Learn about charities, discounts, bursaries and tax credits available for camp.

Proceeds from the expo go toward Kid in camp which is a non-profit organization that ensures every kid has the chance to experience camp!

When you register for FREE admission, you are automatically entered for a chance to win $500 toward exhibiting camps at the expo! For more info about the Camp Expo please visit OurKids.net

I’m participating in the Our Kids Camp Expo Blog Hop.  Yesterday’s Camp Memory can be found at Beautiful Side of Hectic . Tomorrow, the fun is happening at How to Survive Life in the Suburbs.

In celebration of the Camp Expo there are going to be another Twitter party!

When: February 22nd @ 9pm (est)
Where: Twitter hasthtag #campmemories

Come join the conversation on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ourkidsnet