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	<title>Practical Mum &#187; Blog</title>
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	<link>http://practicalmum.com</link>
	<description>Practical Mum</description>
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		<title>Make Death Wait: A Campaign from the Heart and Stroke Foundation</title>
		<link>http://practicalmum.com/2012/02/make-death-wait-a-campaign-from-the-heart-and-stroke-foundation/</link>
		<comments>http://practicalmum.com/2012/02/make-death-wait-a-campaign-from-the-heart-and-stroke-foundation/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 04 Feb 2012 17:31:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Shelagh Cummins</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Giveaways]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://practicalmum.com/?p=6558</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[OUR MISSION: SAVE MORE LIVES. The mission of the Heart and Stroke Foundation (HSF) is to reduce deaths due to heart disease and stroke by 25% by 2020. That’s 25,000 lives &#8211; the size of a typical town &#8211; that could be saved every year. A recent HSF survey reveals that Canadians aren’t making time [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>OUR MISSION: SAVE MORE LIVES.</h2>
<p><a href="http://mdw.heartandstroke.ca/"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-6560" title="HSF" src="http://practicalmum.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/HSF.png" alt="" width="164" height="40" /></a>The mission of the Heart and Stroke Foundation (HSF) is to reduce deaths due to heart disease and stroke by 25%  by 2020. That’s 25,000 lives &#8211; the size of a typical town &#8211; that could  be saved every year.</p>
<p>A recent HSF survey reveals that Canadians aren’t making time for healthy choices, which is contributing to the fact that heart disease and stroke is the #<strong>1 killer of women</strong>, and the cause of <strong>1 in 3 deaths</strong> in this country.  In fact, 82 per cent of Ontarians say they would be more active and 63 per cent say they would eat healthier if they could, but cite time as a barrier preventing them from doing so.</p>
<p>The HSF wants Canadians to help them reach their goal of making <strong>one million actions to Make Death Wait</strong> by the end of February 2012.</p>
<p><strong>How can you Make Death Wait?</strong> Check out the <a href="http://www.heartandstroke.com/site/c.ikIQLcMWJtE/b.2796497/k.F922/Heart_Disease_Stroke_and_Healthy_Living.htm" target="_blank"> Make Death Wait</a> website and make a healthy action.</p>
<ul>
<li>Take the Heart &amp; Stroke Risk Assessment</li>
<li>Download the Facebook App</li>
<li>Donate</li>
<li>Volunteer</li>
<li>Perform a Healthy Action</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Join me in the <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.heartandstroke.com/site/c.ikIQLcMWJtE/b.2796497/k.F922/Heart_Disease_Stroke_and_Healthy_Living.htm" target="_blank">Make Death Wait movement</a> and help the Heart &amp; Stroke Foundation meet their goal!<br />
</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://mdw.heartandstroke.ca/"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-6561" title="HSF image" src="http://practicalmum.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/HSF-image-300x255.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="255" /></a>To encourage participation in their campaign, The Heart and Stroke Foundation is generously giving away a <strong>Make Death Wait</strong> Prize Pack. Valued at over $150, the prize pack includes:</p>
<p>-          A live or virtual nutrition counseling session with a HSF registered dietitian,</p>
<p>-          heart healthy cookbook,</p>
<p>-          pedometer,</p>
<p>-          water bottle,</p>
<p>-          measuring spoons, and</p>
<p>-          reusable HSF bag.</p>
<p><strong>How to enter? Easy! Leave a comment telling how you take action against heart disease and stroke.  That&#8217;s it! </strong></p>
<p>Want extra entries?</p>
<p>1- ‘Like’ <a href="https://www.facebook.com/heartandstroke" target="_blank">The Heart and Stroke Foundation on Facebook</a>. Leave a comment telling me that you have!</p>
<p>2- Follow<a href="https://twitter.com/#!/TheHSF" target="_blank"> @TheHSF on Twitter.</a> Leave a comment telling me you are following them.</p>
<p>3 – Become a Practicalmum fan on <a href="http://facebook.com/practicalmumfan">Facebook</a>. Leave a comment below telling me you’ve signed up.</p>
<p>4 – Follow <a href="http://twitter.com/practicalmum">@practicalmum</a> on Twitter and tweet this giveaway (once a day!). (Leave me the link to your tweets below)</p>
<p><em>Win an amazing heart healthy prize pack from @TheHSF and @practicalmum Make Death Wait #giveaway {Cdn only} 29/02 http://ht.ly/8SkPv</em></p>
<p>5 –  Create an account at practicalmum.com. Leave me a comment with your username once you’ve signed up.</p>
<p>6- Post or share about this giveaway on your blog, or any of your           social media outlets.  Leave me a comment for each post you  shared.</p>
<p>Contest is open to <strong>Canadian</strong> readers only through <strong>February 29th, 2011</strong>.           Winner will be chosen using the “… and the winner is” plug in    and        contacted via email. The winner will have 24 hours to    respond.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div class="wp-biographia-container-top" style="background-color:#FFEAA8;"><div class="wp-biographia-pic"><img src="http://www.gravatar.com/avatar/895aa15ef7d0e303a80ebe8ae45e1ac9?d=http://practicalmum.com/wp-content/plugins/buddypress/bp-core/images/mystery-man.jpg&amp;s=100" alt="" class="avatar user-1-avatar" width='100' height='100' /></div><div class="wp-biographia-text"><h3>About <a href="http://practicalmum.com/author/admin/" title="Shelagh Cummins">Shelagh Cummins</a></h3><p>Shelagh Cummins is the founder, editor and Mum-in-chief at Practicalmum.com – an online community parenting resource &amp; blog. She is also the Principal at BizTrainHer.com, a boutique firm specializing in desiging, developing and facilitating training for women in business.</p><small><a href="http://practicalmum.com" title="Shelagh Cummins On The Web">Web</a> | <a href="http://twitter.com/practicalmum" title="Shelagh Cummins On Twitter">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://facebook.com/practicalmumfan" title="Shelagh Cummins On Facebook">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://ca.linkedin.com/in/practicalmum" title="Shelagh Cummins On LinkedIn">LinkedIn</a> | <a href="http://practicalmum.com/author/admin/" title="More Posts By Shelagh Cummins">More Posts (425)</a></small></div></div>]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
		<title>How to Make a Cars2 Cake</title>
		<link>http://practicalmum.com/2012/02/how-to-make-a-cars2-cake/</link>
		<comments>http://practicalmum.com/2012/02/how-to-make-a-cars2-cake/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:57:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Shelagh Cummins</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[birthday cake]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cars]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cars2]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[easy recipes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[how to make]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://practicalmum.com/?p=6541</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Boy just turned 5. And the birthday was simply not going to happen without a Cars2 cake. The challenge was on. Not bad for an amateur huh? So how did I make the Cars 2 Cake? Easy! 1. Make a slab cake using any easy recipe. I am a huge fan of the Betty [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Boy just turned 5. And the birthday was simply not going to happen without a Cars2 cake. The challenge was on.</p>
<p><a href="http://practicalmum.com/"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-6542" title="cars3a" src="http://practicalmum.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/cars3a-300x266.jpg" alt="How to make a cars2 cake" width="300" height="266" /></a>Not bad for an amateur huh?</p>
<p>So how did I make the Cars 2 Cake? Easy!</p>
<p>1. Make a slab cake using any <a href="http://lifemadedelicious.ca">easy recipe</a>. I am a huge fan of the Betty Crocker Gluten Free Cake mixes.  For this particular cake, my mom saved the day and baked a phenomenal chocolate cake from scratch because our oven was broken. Long story for another time.</p>
<p>2. Make your favorite <a href="http://www.wilton.com/recipe/Buttercream-Icing">buttercream icing</a>. I often buy the Betty Crocker buttercream frosting, this time I made it from scratch.  I bow to your applause.<a href="http://practicalmum.com/"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-6543" title="Cars cake b" src="http://practicalmum.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Cars-cake-b-257x300.jpg" alt="How to make a cars 2 cake" width="257" height="300" /></a></p>
<p>3. Divide the icing into two &#8211; leave part plain, and add green food coloring to the other part. Ice the cake with the plain icing to create the perfect &#8220;surface&#8221; on which to create.</p>
<p>4. Ice the top of the cake green &#8211; this is your track surface.</p>
<p>5. Throw some chocolate wafers through the food processor, or crush them by hand.  This is your track.  Lay your track in whatever configuration works for you. I chose the figure 8, but would do the oval track next time to make it less busy.</p>
<p>6. I experimented with the leftover icing (I don&#8217;t believe you can ever have enough icing &#8211; it is possibly my favorite food on the planet). I tried a few different tips to create flowers and bushes &#8211; I find it gave the cake nice texture (love when experiments work out!).</p>
<p>7. I made a gravel viewing area using Rice Krispies.</p>
<p>8. I printed a finish line and checkered flags from the computer and attached them to toothpicks.</p>
<p>9. I included a few of the cars characters on top.  Of course, Lightning McQueen is a must and Mater &#8211; they are The Boy&#8217;s favorites.  I also added on Francesco Bernoulli because it was one of his birthday prezzies and he loves saying &#8220;Francesco Bernoulli&#8221; in an Italian accent. I laugh every time he says it.</p>
<p>10. Candle on top, light candle, sing the song then&#8230; eat!</p>
<div class="wp-biographia-container-top" style="background-color:#FFEAA8;"><div class="wp-biographia-pic"><img src="http://www.gravatar.com/avatar/895aa15ef7d0e303a80ebe8ae45e1ac9?d=http://practicalmum.com/wp-content/plugins/buddypress/bp-core/images/mystery-man.jpg&amp;s=100" alt="" class="avatar user-1-avatar" width='100' height='100' /></div><div class="wp-biographia-text"><h3>About <a href="http://practicalmum.com/author/admin/" title="Shelagh Cummins">Shelagh Cummins</a></h3><p>Shelagh Cummins is the founder, editor and Mum-in-chief at Practicalmum.com – an online community parenting resource &amp; blog. She is also the Principal at BizTrainHer.com, a boutique firm specializing in desiging, developing and facilitating training for women in business.</p><small><a href="http://practicalmum.com" title="Shelagh Cummins On The Web">Web</a> | <a href="http://twitter.com/practicalmum" title="Shelagh Cummins On Twitter">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://facebook.com/practicalmumfan" title="Shelagh Cummins On Facebook">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://ca.linkedin.com/in/practicalmum" title="Shelagh Cummins On LinkedIn">LinkedIn</a> | <a href="http://practicalmum.com/author/admin/" title="More Posts By Shelagh Cummins">More Posts (425)</a></small></div></div>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Fibre One Chill Challenge &#8211; Are you Game?</title>
		<link>http://practicalmum.com/2012/02/fibre-one-chill-challenge-are-you-game/</link>
		<comments>http://practicalmum.com/2012/02/fibre-one-chill-challenge-are-you-game/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:20:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Shelagh Cummins</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fibre]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fibre 1 CHallenge]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fibre diet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[life made delicious]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Running room]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://practicalmum.com/?p=6507</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Sooooo &#8211; have you kept your resolution? They say it takes 28 days to establish a new habit&#8230; so is it working?! The most common resolutions are to eat healthier and exercise more. Sound familiar? One thing I have been pushing in our house is to increase fiber in our diet.  A scoop of ground [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Sooooo &#8211; have you kept your resolution? They say it takes 28 days to establish a new habit&#8230; so is it working?!</p>
<p>The most common resolutions are to eat healthier and exercise more. Sound familiar?</p>
<p>One thing I have been pushing in our house is to increase fiber in our diet.  A scoop of ground flaxmeal has been quietly added to many meals- nobody is the wiser! <strong>Hint:</strong> There are many <a href="http://www.lifemadedelicious.ca" target="_blank">high fibre recipes</a> at the <a href="http://www.lifemadedelicious.ca/">lifemadedelicious.ca</a> site.<a href="http://www.events.runningroom.com/site/?raceId=7424&amp;contentId=22089&amp;vrindex=0"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.events.runningroom.com/site/?raceId=7424&amp;contentId=22089&amp;vrindex=0"><br />
<img class="alignright size-full wp-image-6534" title="Fibre 1 Challenge runner" src="http://practicalmum.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Fibre-1-Challenge-runner.jpg" alt="" width="180" height="149" /></a>If exercise is your resolution, how about setting a specific goal? Get your booty out there for 20 mins and put your hard work to the test&#8230; how about using the Fibre 1 Challenge as the first tangible goal for 2012?</p>
<p>Presented by The Running Room, <a href="http://www.events.runningroom.com/site/?raceId=7424&amp;contentId=22089&amp;vrindex=0">the Fibre 1 Chill Challenge</a> is an opportunity to get active by walking or running for 20 minutes, on <strong>Wednesday February 29th</strong>.  PLUS as bonus, the first 10,000 people to register will get a free toque!  Abandon the hibernation and get outside &#8211; <a href="http://www.events.runningroom.com/site/?raceId=7424&amp;contentId=22089&amp;vrindex=0">click here for more information</a>.</p>
<div class="wp-biographia-container-top" style="background-color:#FFEAA8;"><div class="wp-biographia-pic"><img src="http://www.gravatar.com/avatar/895aa15ef7d0e303a80ebe8ae45e1ac9?d=http://practicalmum.com/wp-content/plugins/buddypress/bp-core/images/mystery-man.jpg&amp;s=100" alt="" class="avatar user-1-avatar" width='100' height='100' /></div><div class="wp-biographia-text"><h3>About <a href="http://practicalmum.com/author/admin/" title="Shelagh Cummins">Shelagh Cummins</a></h3><p>Shelagh Cummins is the founder, editor and Mum-in-chief at Practicalmum.com – an online community parenting resource &amp; blog. She is also the Principal at BizTrainHer.com, a boutique firm specializing in desiging, developing and facilitating training for women in business.</p><small><a href="http://practicalmum.com" title="Shelagh Cummins On The Web">Web</a> | <a href="http://twitter.com/practicalmum" title="Shelagh Cummins On Twitter">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://facebook.com/practicalmumfan" title="Shelagh Cummins On Facebook">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://ca.linkedin.com/in/practicalmum" title="Shelagh Cummins On LinkedIn">LinkedIn</a> | <a href="http://practicalmum.com/author/admin/" title="More Posts By Shelagh Cummins">More Posts (425)</a></small></div></div>]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
		<title>@MomBizRetreat &#8211; Chicago Jan 27-29</title>
		<link>http://practicalmum.com/2012/01/mombizretreat-chicago-jan-27-29/</link>
		<comments>http://practicalmum.com/2012/01/mombizretreat-chicago-jan-27-29/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:40:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Shelagh Cummins</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mom entrepreneurs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mombizretreat]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mombizretreat chicago]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mompreneurs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[women business]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://practicalmum.com/?p=6509</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Hey Mom Entrepreneurs! Do you need a time out? Invest a weekend making your business successful AND enjoying some much-needed “me time”? The Mom Biz Retreat January 27, 28, 29, 2012 The Amalfi Hotel in Chicago! If you are an established mom business owner, or a work at home mom, or thinking about starting your [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #ff6600;">Hey Mom Entrepreneurs! Do you need a time out?<br />
Invest a weekend making your business successful AND enjoying some much-needed “me time”?</span></span></h1>
<h1 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #008080;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="color: #800000;">The </span><span style="color: #800000;">Mom Biz Retreat</span><br />
January 27, 28, 29, 2012<br />
<a href="http://www.amalfihotelchicago.com/">The Amalfi Hotel</a> in Chicago!</span></span><br />
</span></span></h1>
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #008080;">If you are an established mom business owner, or a work at home mom, or thinking about starting your own business, ponder this:</span></span></h3>
<ul>
<li>
<h3 style="padding-left: 30px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Working harder at your own business than you did when you worked for someone else?</span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #008080;"><img style="margin: 5px; float: right; border: 1px solid black;" src="https://evbdn.eventbrite.com/s3-s3/eventlogos/17248487/businesswomen.jpg" alt="" width="185" height="224" /></span></span></span></h3>
</li>
<li>
<h3 style="padding-left: 30px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">What if your business is viable?</span></h3>
</li>
<li>
<h3 style="padding-left: 30px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">What if you had someone to guide you on the next steps?</span></h3>
</li>
<li>
<h3 style="padding-left: 30px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">What if you had support to get to where you’re going?</span></h3>
</li>
<li>
<h3 style="padding-left: 30px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">What if the number of hours you spent went down and your profit went up?<br />
</span></h3>
</li>
<li>
<h3 style="padding-left: 30px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">What if your family saw more of you?<br />
</span></h3>
</li>
<li>
<h3 style="padding-left: 30px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">What if you knew how to find more ideal clients? The ones you love to work with?<br />
</span></h3>
</li>
<li>
<h3 style="padding-left: 30px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">What if you worked hard AND got paid for it?</span></h3>
</li>
<li>
<h3 style="padding-left: 30px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Connect with other like-minded mompreneurs who understand your world?<br />
</span></h3>
</li>
<li>
<h3 style="padding-left: 30px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Are you ready to learn how to build a successful business, and then to make a plan to do it and start taking action IMMEDIATELY with an experienced business coach to mentor you each step of the way?</span></h3>
</li>
<li>
<h3 style="padding-left: 30px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">What if you ate five excellent meals that you didn’t have to cook?</span></h3>
</li>
<li>
<h3 style="padding-left: 30px; text-align: left;">Imagine <span style="font-size: small;">two nights of uninterrupted sleep in a luxurious hotel surrounded by unbelievable beauty!</span></h3>
</li>
<li>
<h3 style="padding-left: 30px; text-align: left;">What if you had <span style="font-size: small;">on-site spa services to pamper you and make you feel loved?</span></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://mombizretreatchicago.eventbrite.com?ref=ebtn" target="_blank"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://www.eventbrite.com/registerbutton?eid=2299732562" border="0" alt="Register for Mom Biz Retreat - Chicago in Chicago, IL  on Eventbrite" /></a></p>
<p>Psssst &#8211; use promo code &#8216;Chicago100&#8243; and receive $100 off your ticket! WOW!</p>
<div style="width: 100%; text-align: left;">
<div style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 10px; padding: 5px 0 5px; margin: 2px; width: 100%; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong><span style="color: #008080;">&#8221; </span></strong></span><em><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong>Lara and Shelagh have an amazing program for any woman business owner to focus on what she needs to create a powerful vision of what she wants in her business, family and personal life. </strong></span> </em><span style="font-size: small;"><strong><span style="color: #008080;">&#8221; Barbra Alberts, Founder of <a href="http://selfindulgence.biz/" target="_blank">Self Indulgence.</a><br />
</span></strong></span></div>
</div>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #008080;"><img style="margin: 5px; float: left;" src="https://evbdn.eventbrite.com/s3-s3/eventlogos/17248487/businesstoolbox.jpg" alt="" width="100" height="66" />When you come home on Sunday, You will have in your business toolbox:<br />
</span></span></h3>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #000000;">A killer<strong> Time Map</strong> to provide clarity around when you are actually available to work.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #000000;">A clear picture of the <strong>viabilty of your business</strong> and a better understanding of what to <strong>modify to make it more sustainable.</strong></span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #000000;">A rockin’ <strong>elevator pitch</strong> that gives you the confidence to market yourself and qualify clients.<br />
</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #000000;">An <strong>EASE Mindset</strong> designed to help you do only the work you love with clients you love to serve.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #000000;">A proven,<strong> well-designed business model</strong> that leverages your expertise and keeps your customers coming back.<br />
</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #000000;">A tight <strong>engagement marketing strategy </strong>showing you where to find your target clients and how to build lasting, profitable relationships with them.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Specific systems and support structures to allow you to grow and prosper.</strong></span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #000000;">Your<strong> one page business plan</strong> for the year.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #000000;">A weekend away to<strong> work ON your business, not IN it.</strong></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #000000;">Incredible memories and relationships with 20-30 motivated, inspired, incredible women who have been where you are and live in your world.<br />
</span></span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><strong><span style="color: #008080;">&#8221; </span></strong></span><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong><em>I went away with a stronger intention to be kinder to myself and my health. I also went away with a sense of strength knowing that I had great clarity about the direction of my business. </em></strong></span><span style="font-size: small;"><strong><span style="color: #008080;">&#8221; Leigh Mitchell, Founder of <a href="http://womeninbiznetwork.com/aboutus/leigh-mitchell/" target="_blank">Women In Business Network</a><br />
</span></strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>More good news. You also get;</strong><br />
</span></span></p>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #000000;">An accountability network of like-minded mompreneurs who truly GET IT, and understand what’s important to you, who are willing to help you get there.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #000000;">Two breakfasts, two lunches, coffee breaks and one exquisite dinner at a landmark Italian Steakhouse (complete with wine) that you don’t have to cook (or clean up after!).</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #000000;">Uninterrupted sleep, no laundry, no kids (did we mention no kids?), no husbands.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #000000;">R&amp;R: come in your yoga (or comfy) pants, relax and refresh your body with our private yoga sessions each morning (we provide the mats).<br />
</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #000000;">Access to all manner of in-room spa services to help you get the relaxation you crave and deserve.<br />
</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #000000;">All sorts of shopping opportunities to reward your hard work.<br />
</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #000000;">The chance to hang out with a group of like-minded women who will probably say “Me, too!” more times than you can count over the weekend!</span></span></li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-size: small;">Now is your time to think about:</span></strong></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"> branding</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">business planning</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">time management</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">work/family balance strategies</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">social media marketing plans</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">creating systems and structures to support you, what to delegate, how to manage your business, and where to find more clients…</span></li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em><span style="color: #ff6600;">Let&#8217;s do it together so you get it DONE!</span></em></span><br />
</span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>&#8220;</strong></span></span><em><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong>The collective wisdom of this group was incredible! I’ve always said that “Together We Are Stronger,” and the Mom Biz Retreat has proved the theory ten-fold! </strong></span> </em><span style="font-size: small;"><strong><span style="color: #008080;">&#8221; Karen Climans, Founder <a href="http://www.tail-wags.com/aboutus.php" target="_blank">Tail-Wags Helmet Covers</a><br />
</span></strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Your 3 day agenda to sucess:</strong></span><br />
</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Friday<br />
</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Arrival and Check-in<br />
</span><span style="font-size: small;">Why We Work and What We Want<br />
Secrets of a Successful Mompreneur Business</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: small;">Friday Night</span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Meet and Greet (w/appetizers and drinks) at The Ups Store!<br />
</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Saturday</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Wake-Up Yoga<br />
Gourmet Buffet Breakfast<br />
Time Mapping—How to Handle All Your Priorities in the Time You Have<br />
Mastering the E.A.S.E. Mindset<br />
Delicious 4 course Lunch<br />
Branding—How to Attract your Ideal Clients and Keep Them Forever<br />
Coffee Break<br />
Engagement Marketing<br />
Accountability and Action Steps<br />
Free Time (Spa or shopping, anyone?)</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Saturday Night </strong><br />
Exquisite Gourmet Dinner With Our Group at <a href="http://www.philstefanis437rush.com/">437 Rush Street</a><br />
</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Sunday</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Wake Up Yoga<br />
Another gourmet Breakfast<br />
Set Yourself Up For Growth<br />
Coffee Break<br />
Create Your Business Model<br />
An exquisite Lunch<br />
One Page Business Plan<br />
Coffee Break<br />
Challenge of Change<br />
Finish Time is 4:30pm</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>&#8220;</strong></span></span><em><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong>Lara and Shelagh, you are both motivating, inspirational, driven, caring, supportive and committed to the Mom Biz Retreat participants, and I wouldn&#8217;t hesitate to recommend it to other women! </strong></span> </em><span style="font-size: small;"><strong><span style="color: #008080;">&#8221; Judy Ranieri, Owner <a href="http://www.smallbizcafe.ca/" target="_blank">Small Biz Cafe</a></span></strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img style="margin: 5px; float: right; border: 1px solid black;" src="https://evbdn.eventbrite.com/s3-s3/eventlogos/17248487/womenworkingtogether.jpg" alt="" width="235" height="105" /></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left; font-size: small;">This is a learn and <em><strong>DO</strong></em> event. You are working ON your business in a supportive and nurturing environment. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">This weekend, you walk away with awesome tools for your business toolkit–plans, guides, checklists, action items, next steps… You’ll be doing the work of business owners,<strong> the stuff it takes to build a successful business</strong>, that you often push aside when you&#8217;re busy.<br />
</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">So much business coaching and training is packed into this weekend, so you accomplish much in the short time you are away from your family. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong><span style="color: #008080;">&#8220;</span></strong></span><em><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong>I was soooo inspired by all these women you brought together. I really enjoyed the weekend and learned a lot about so many things. I was telling everyone about it and I have more women interested to join. </strong></span> </em><span style="font-size: small;"><strong><span style="color: #008080;">&#8221; Ravi Choudhry, Founder <a href="http://neurohealth.ca/default.asp" target="_blank">Neuro Health, Inc.</a></span></strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Private coaching clients pay $300 per hour to learn these tools over weeks and months of one-on-one coaching. This information is $3,000+. It has been packed into one deluxe weekend for mom. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong><span style="color: #ff6600;">They say that if you take money out of your pocket and invest it in your mind, then your mind will find a way to put it back in your pocket and then some.</span></strong><br />
</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px; text-align: left;"><span style="text-decoration: line-through;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Early Bird (until November 15): $495 ENDED<br />
</strong></span></span></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px; text-align: left;"><span style="text-decoration: line-through;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
<strong> Bring-a-Friend rate (until December 16): $450</strong></span></span> <span style="font-size: small;">each<br />
<strong> </strong>(Bring-a-Friend rate only available when you and a friend sign up together and both names are listed in the registration field on the EventBrite sign-up page.)</span></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
<strong> Regular rate (until January 27): $595</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Use promo code &#8216;CHICAGO100&#8242; and receive $100 of your ticket! That&#8217;s a good deal!</strong><br />
</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">How powerful will you feel when you are clear on your brand, your business model, your business plan and your marketing strategy? How happy will you be when you create a schedule that gets your work done without feeling guilty about stealing time away from your family?</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">What if you were one of the 30 incredible women in that room for 3 days?</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-size: small;">Now is your time to draw a line in the sand and jump in with both feet. </span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-size: small;">You deserve this. </span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Your family deserves this.</strong><br />
</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>&#8220;</strong></span></span><em> <span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong>Life changing. I can&#8217;t stop thinking about the Mom Biz Retreat and everyone that was there.</strong></span> </em><span style="font-size: small;"><strong><span style="color: #008080;">&#8221; Susan Schenck, <a href="http://www.technologyandtoolsforkids.com/" target="_blank">Technology and Tools for Kids</a></span></strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong><span style="color: #008080;"><br />
</span></strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Come and indulge yourself by staying Friday and Saturday nights at the <a href="http://www.amalfihotelchicago.com/">Amalfi Hotel</a>, where all the meetings, Meet and Greet reception, and Wake-Up Yoga Sessions take place.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: #ffff00;"><a href="http://www.amalfihotelchicago.com/"><span style="color: #ff6600; font-size: medium;"><strong><span style="background-color: #ffffff;">The Amalfi Hotel Chicago</span></strong></span></a><br />
</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: #ffff00;"><br />
</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://mombizcoach.com/images/2011/06/Mom-Biz-Retreat-Millcroft-Inn.jpg"><img style="border: 3px solid black; float: left; margin-left: 20px; margin-right: 20px;" src="http://i452.photobucket.com/albums/qq243/mombizcoach/AmalfiLobbyMomBizRetreat.jpg" alt="" width="156" height="117" /></a></span><img style="border: 3px solid black; vertical-align: middle; margin-left: 20px; margin-right: 20px;" src="http://i452.photobucket.com/albums/qq243/mombizcoach/AmalfiHotelRoomMomBizRetreat.jpg" alt="" /><img style="float: right; border: 3px solid black;" src="http://i452.photobucket.com/albums/qq243/mombizcoach/AmalfiMeetingRoomMomBizRetreat.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>You can have a special Mom Biz Retreat participant room rate of $109/night (+ taxes) for a deluxe room with a king bed or $119/night (+ taxes) for a deluxe room with two queen beds.<a href="https://gc.synxis.com/rez.aspx?Hotel=23778&amp;Chain=9151&amp;arrive=1/25/2012&amp;depart=1/30/2012&amp;adult=1&amp;child=0&amp;group=MOMBIZRETREAT" target="_blank"> Click here for the MomBizRetreat Hotel Room Reservation link.</a><br />
</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Or you can c<span style="font-size: medium;">all </span></strong></span><strong><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"> 877-262-5341 and mention &#8220;MomBizRetreat.&#8221;</span> </span></span></strong><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">M</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;">ake sure you book by January 1 to guarantee our special rate!<strong><br />
</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>When you book your room, also consider booking your massage, facial or pedicure to round out the Retreat!<br />
</strong></span></p>
<h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #008080;">What’s Included:</span></span></h2>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Retreat includes two-and-a-half days of workshops on Friday afternoon, all day Saturday and all day Sunday, two breakfasts, two lunches, snacks, and one gourmet dinner with wine on Saturday night. It also includes the morning Wake Up Yoga Sessions on Saturday and Sunday, and the evening “Meet and Greet&#8221; reception in the Ravello Lounge, plus all your workbooks, checklists, plans, templates, models, how-to guides, fill-in-the-blank exercises and other resources we provide to help you get things done. We are providing tons of hands-on, do-it-now tools that are critical to your mompreneur success. It’s like six months of business coaching in two days!</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-size: small;">You are capable of accomplishing in one weekend what some people take a year to do. Then socialize, relax, and indulge in the treats a world-class spa offers with a group of women you&#8217;ll call BFFs before the end of the weekend.<br />
</span></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://mombizretreatchicago.eventbrite.com?ref=ebtn" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.eventbrite.com/registerbutton?eid=2299732562" border="0" alt="Register for Mom Biz Retreat - Chicago in Chicago, IL  on Eventbrite" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>&#8220;</strong></span></span><em> </em><em><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong>I just wanted to thank you all for taking me into the fold and being such an inspiring group to bounce ideas off of. What a great retreat and wonderful learning opportunity. </strong></span> </em><span style="font-size: small;"><strong><span style="color: #008080;">&#8220;</span></strong></span><em> </em><strong><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #008080;">Anjum Nayyar, Founder and Editor <a href="http://masalamommas.com/about/" target="_blank">Masala Mommas</a></span> </span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The small print:</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">What is not included in your MomBizRetreat registration fee is your hotel room at Amalfi and the lovely spa services you choose yourself.<br />
</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-size: small;">You owe it to yourself, your family and your business to take care of yourself, to be the best mom and business owner you can be. </span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-size: small;">Take this time to do the visioning, planning and strategizing that will allow you to be successful <span style="text-decoration: underline;">on</span> <span style="text-decoration: underline;">your</span> <span style="text-decoration: underline;">own</span> <span style="text-decoration: underline;">terms</span> and create a business that you and your family love!</span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img style="margin: 5px; float: left;" src="https://evbdn.eventbrite.com/s3-s3/eventlogos/17248487/moneybackguarantee.jpg" alt="" width="224" height="224" /></span><strong><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #ff6600;">Let us remove all the risk for you.</span> </span></strong><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml><br />
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">The return on your investment is guaranteed! If at the end of the weekend, you have done all the work and you don’t walk out with the tools, knowledge and strategy that you need to make money in a business you love, we’ll give you 100% of your registration fee back. Guaranteed.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Still have some questions? We would love to answer them.</strong> </span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Call or email Lara (lara@mombizcoach.com) or (Shelagh.Cummins@gmail.com) to talk it over.</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="http://mombizretreatchicago.eventbrite.com/" target="_blank"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-190" title="register mombizretreat" src="http://mombizretreat.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/register-mombizretreat.gif" alt="" width="187" height="44" /></a></p>
<p><span style="color: #008080;"><em>Interested in getting a whole bunch of digitally-savvy mom entrepreneurs interested in your business, product or service? We&#8217;d love to help you with that. Various sponsorship levels are available. Just contact <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/mombizcoach">Lara</a> or <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/biztrainher">Shelagh</a> for our sponsorship deck: lara@mombizcoach.com, shelagh@biztrainher.com or DM them on twitter.</em></span></p>
<p>*We are unable to offer refunds once tickets are purchased. You are, however, welcome to transfer to an alternate date/city or sell your ticket to another person. Your credit will remain on file for a future event. The credit is good for 18 months. Please email us for details.</p>
<div class="wp-biographia-container-top" style="background-color:#FFEAA8;"><div class="wp-biographia-pic"><img src="http://www.gravatar.com/avatar/895aa15ef7d0e303a80ebe8ae45e1ac9?d=http://practicalmum.com/wp-content/plugins/buddypress/bp-core/images/mystery-man.jpg&amp;s=100" alt="" class="avatar user-1-avatar" width='100' height='100' /></div><div class="wp-biographia-text"><h3>About <a href="http://practicalmum.com/author/admin/" title="Shelagh Cummins">Shelagh Cummins</a></h3><p>Shelagh Cummins is the founder, editor and Mum-in-chief at Practicalmum.com – an online community parenting resource &amp; blog. She is also the Principal at BizTrainHer.com, a boutique firm specializing in desiging, developing and facilitating training for women in business.</p><small><a href="http://practicalmum.com" title="Shelagh Cummins On The Web">Web</a> | <a href="http://twitter.com/practicalmum" title="Shelagh Cummins On Twitter">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://facebook.com/practicalmumfan" title="Shelagh Cummins On Facebook">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://ca.linkedin.com/in/practicalmum" title="Shelagh Cummins On LinkedIn">LinkedIn</a> | <a href="http://practicalmum.com/author/admin/" title="More Posts By Shelagh Cummins">More Posts (425)</a></small></div></div>]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Desserts First &#8211; Who needs dinner?</title>
		<link>http://practicalmum.com/2012/01/desserts-first-who-needs-dinner/</link>
		<comments>http://practicalmum.com/2012/01/desserts-first-who-needs-dinner/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 04 Jan 2012 02:01:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Shelagh Cummins</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dessert.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[easy dessert]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[holiday desserts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kraft]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kraft desserts]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://practicalmum.com/?p=6476</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Just because the holidays are over, doesn&#8217;t mean the parties need to end. I love parties in January- a little pick me up after the post holiday blues, the back to work, the back to routine&#8230; the perfect time to get together and survive the dark days of winter together. Sometimes a little home made [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Just because the holidays are over, doesn&#8217;t mean the parties need to end.</p>
<p>I love parties in January- a little pick me up after the post holiday blues, the back to work, the back to routine&#8230; the perfect time to get together and survive the dark days of winter together.</p>
<p>Sometimes a little home made food is just good for the soul -and i<a href="http://www.kraftcanada.com/en/recipes/Dessert/Main.aspx?utm_source=offline-promo&amp;utm_medium=vanity-url&amp;utm_campaign=en-dessertcentre-ca&amp;cm_mmc_o=MzEbfYCAyk*wECpwllwyfgwEfywCgz*BuukbEwC5yBFB*pwllwyfClgzkw"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-6477" title="IMG_0959" src="http://practicalmum.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/IMG_0959-300x224.jpg" alt="dessertfirst.ca double chocolate treasure cake" width="180" height="134" /></a>n my world, the best thing for my soul? Dessert. The other best thing for my soul? Girlfriends.  Put the two together? A 5-alarm dessert night with my girlfriends! Who needs a main meal?</p>
<p>We feasted on a <a title="Double Chocolate Treasure Cake" href="http://www.kraftcanada.com/en/recipes/double-chocolate-treasure-cake-127970.aspx" target="_blank">Double Chocolate Treasure Cake</a>.  Hello, divine! So rich, so chocolate-y, so smooth, simply delicious.  The other perk? Really easy to make.  This is on my &#8216;to make&#8217; list for upcoming birthdays.</p>
<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-6479" href="http://practicalmum.com/2012/01/desserts-first-who-needs-dinner/pecan-shortbread-cookies-53272/"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-6479" title="Pecan-Shortbread-Cookies-53272" src="http://practicalmum.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Pecan-Shortbread-Cookies-53272-300x199.jpg" alt="chocolate shortbread cookies dessertfirst.ca" width="180" height="119" /></a>We also nibbled on some <a href="http://www.kraftcanada.com/en/recipes/chocolate-shortbread-cookies-84024.aspx" target="_blank">chocolate shortbread cookies</a>. Hello deliciousness. I ended up making a batch, and batch of <a href="http://www.kraftcanada.com/en/recipes/easy-oreo-truffles-114801.aspx" target="_blank">Oreo Truffles</a> to giveaway as hostess gifts and to neighbors.  The truffles were a hit &#8211; absolutely sensational &#8211; and made with 3 ingredients; cream cheese, oreo cookies and Bakers chocolate.</p>
<p>I love that Kraft Canada has a partnership with <a href="http://foodbankscanada.ca/" target="_blank">Food Banks Canada</a>&#8230; Kraft Food for Families is designed to enable communities across Canada to have improved access to food.</p>
<p>Starting December 2, every week for ten weeks, each name added online  at <a href="http://kraftassists.ca" target="_blank">www.kraftassists.ca</a> will equal one vote for any of the 29  participating food banks. Every week, the food bank that receives the  most names of support during each weekly voting period, will receive a  $1000 donation from the Kraft Food for Families program.</p>
<p>Inspired by the tremendous support for the program since it launched  last month, Kraft launched a second phase to allow Canadians to continue  adding their signature online at www.kraftassists.ca in support of  their local food bank.  Each week, the totals reset at zero and the  tallies start from scratch – so <strong>Canadians can add their name daily each week until the end of the program on February 10.</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div class="wp-biographia-container-top" style="background-color:#FFEAA8;"><div class="wp-biographia-pic"><img src="http://www.gravatar.com/avatar/895aa15ef7d0e303a80ebe8ae45e1ac9?d=http://practicalmum.com/wp-content/plugins/buddypress/bp-core/images/mystery-man.jpg&amp;s=100" alt="" class="avatar user-1-avatar" width='100' height='100' /></div><div class="wp-biographia-text"><h3>About <a href="http://practicalmum.com/author/admin/" title="Shelagh Cummins">Shelagh Cummins</a></h3><p>Shelagh Cummins is the founder, editor and Mum-in-chief at Practicalmum.com – an online community parenting resource &amp; blog. She is also the Principal at BizTrainHer.com, a boutique firm specializing in desiging, developing and facilitating training for women in business.</p><small><a href="http://practicalmum.com" title="Shelagh Cummins On The Web">Web</a> | <a href="http://twitter.com/practicalmum" title="Shelagh Cummins On Twitter">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://facebook.com/practicalmumfan" title="Shelagh Cummins On Facebook">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://ca.linkedin.com/in/practicalmum" title="Shelagh Cummins On LinkedIn">LinkedIn</a> | <a href="http://practicalmum.com/author/admin/" title="More Posts By Shelagh Cummins">More Posts (425)</a></small></div></div>]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>The PostPartum Depression Fight is on! 10 steps to help yourself postpartum.</title>
		<link>http://practicalmum.com/2011/12/the-postpartum-depression-fight-is-on-10-steps-to-help-yourself-postpartum/</link>
		<comments>http://practicalmum.com/2011/12/the-postpartum-depression-fight-is-on-10-steps-to-help-yourself-postpartum/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 22 Dec 2011 04:23:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Shelagh Cummins</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lifemadedelicious.ca]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[postpartum depression]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PPD]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[self help]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://practicalmum.com/?p=6309</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The gloves are off. I am taking no prisoners.  I am going to win this battle. I am fighting postpartum depression with everything in my arsenal. Before we go any further, let me be crystal clear. I am not a doctor, nor an expert in the area of post partum depression (PPD). I am simply [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The gloves are off. I am taking no prisoners.  I am going to win this battle.</p>
<p>I am fighting postpartum depression with everything in my arsenal.</p>
<p><em>Before we go any further, let me be crystal clear. I am not a doctor, nor an expert in the area of post partum depression (PPD). I am simply sharing my experience.  If you think you may be suffering from PPD, please, I beg you, do yourself a favor and go to see your doctor. Just tell them you haven&#8217;t felt like yourself since your baby was born &#8211; they know exactly what to do next.  Please. Take care of yourself. Or reach out here, leave me a comment, I get it. Don&#8217;t suffer in silence.</em></p>
<p>It has been 10 weeks since The Baby was born.  He is thriving.  He&#8217;s packing on the pounds, we have him on a 3 hour routine. He is filling his diapers appropriately &#8211; he is an absolute gem of a baby.  We love him to bits and couldn&#8217;t ask for a better baby.  I am so blessed.</p>
<p>You see, cognitively I know that I am blessed.  I know how much I love him.  I would do anything for him &#8211; or for any of my kids for that matter. I just wish my feelings were connecting to my head. That is one of the effect of PPD &#8211; you are numb.  I know when I am happy, but I don&#8217;t always feel it. I am anxious about silly things. I have irrational anger (just ask my husband). These are all symptoms of PPD.</p>
<p><strong>So how am I fighting it? Here are 10 things I am doing to help fight Post Partum Depression. </strong>I have not won yet, but I am having more good days than bad!</p>
<p><strong>1. Shower every day.</strong></p>
<p>Yeah, I know.  So simple right? HA! It is not as simple, nor as easy as it sounds but wow does it make a difference. When you&#8217;re nursing the hormones are elevating which means body odor and sweat is elevated which means&#8230; ew. Wash it off Girl! <strong><br />
</strong></p>
<p><strong>2. Get dressed every day.</strong></p>
<p>Get out of the jammies. Even if it is into a clean pair of sweatpants, get out of the jammies. You need to start distinguishing day and night, just like your baby does. Clean clothes after your shower &#8211; gold.<strong><br />
</strong></p>
<p><strong>3. Get outside every day.</strong></p>
<p>Get out and breathe the fresh air. On bad days, stand on your porch and give yourself 10 big breaths of fresh air. On the good days, go for a walk. If it&#8217;s raining, walk the aisles at the grocery store or mall. Visit a friend. Go to the library.  Just get out and have a change of scenery.<strong><br />
</strong></p>
<p><strong>4. Turn off day time TV.</strong><strong></strong></p>
<p>It can suck the life right out of you. It was actually one of the first tips our Public Health Nurse shared with me and I was surprised. Don&#8217;t watch hours on end of day time TV. Read, listen to music, call a friend, get out, shower&#8230; anything but the tube!<strong><br />
</strong></p>
<p><strong>5. Supplements</strong></p>
<p>I swear by my natural supplements. I take two EPA fish oils, Vitamin B Complex, and 2000mg of Vitamin D daily.  They are a game changer in my world.  I need my husband to supervise their ingestion as the self sabotage of not taking them is part of the PPD. Don&#8217;t ask me why, just is. It takes 3 days on the supplements to clear my head and for me to notice a visible difference. My concoction was prescribed by a naturopath &#8211; please visit with your own naturopath to find out what works best for you. These supplements apparently mimic an antidepressant medication (which I didn&#8217;t want to take while  nursing)- but consult with your own medical doctor for advice that works for you!</p>
<p><strong>6. Sleep.</strong><strong></strong></p>
<p>8 hours in a 24 hour cycle. This for me is the hardest. The Baby is #3 &#8211; so it&#8217;s really challenging to sleep during the day. And since I <a href="http://mombizretreat.com" target="_blank">work for myself</a>, I am still working now and often find evenings are when I am most productive and able to accomplish anything. So instead of hitting the hay at 9pm like I should, I am up until the first night feeding around midnight/1pm.  Not enough sleep is debilitating. Do as I say, not as I do.  This holiday, sleep is my focus as I take a breather from work.</p>
<p><strong>7. Connect.</strong></p>
<p>Girl, you are not alone.  Seriously. I feel strongly that every mother experience varying degrees of PPD. Reach out and find other new moms.  Meet with them regularly.  Get online and chat with other new moms &#8211; if you&#8217;re on Twitter there&#8217;s a great group called #zombiemoms. Connect with others who are experiencing what you are. Seriously, it may feel it, but you are not alone.<strong><br />
</strong></p>
<p><strong></strong><strong>8. Awareness</strong> <strong><a rel="attachment wp-att-6464" href="http://practicalmum.com/2011/12/the-postpartum-depression-fight-is-on-10-steps-to-help-yourself-postpartum/bebe-18166/"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-6464" title="post partum battle" src="http://practicalmum.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/postpartum-depression.jpg" alt="" width="396" height="303" /></a></strong></p>
<p>Knowing when you are lashing out irrationally, or when you are feeling anxious is half the b<strong></strong>attle. The more you talk about how you are feeling, the more natural it will be to talk about it&#8230; know what I mean?</p>
<p><strong>9. Simplify</strong><strong></strong></p>
<p>Simplify your life. From cooking to cleaning to laundry.  Implement systems to make your day as straight forward and stress free as possible.  Look for <strong><a title="Life Made Delicious" href="http://lifemadedelicious.ca" target="_blank">quick meal ideas </a></strong>to help with the meal preparation. Do one load of laundry a day so it doesn&#8217;t become overwhelming. Clean one room a day to keep on top of things. Keep It Simple Baby!</p>
<p><strong>10. Breathe</strong></p>
<p>This too shall pass. It feels like an eternity right now, but having a newborn is really a nanosecond in an eternity of life.  Just breathe and ride it out.  Things will get easier and better.</p>
<p>Please don&#8217;t suffer in silence, or alone. We&#8217;re here.</p>
<div class="wp-biographia-container-top" style="background-color:#FFEAA8;"><div class="wp-biographia-pic"><img src="http://www.gravatar.com/avatar/895aa15ef7d0e303a80ebe8ae45e1ac9?d=http://practicalmum.com/wp-content/plugins/buddypress/bp-core/images/mystery-man.jpg&amp;s=100" alt="" class="avatar user-1-avatar" width='100' height='100' /></div><div class="wp-biographia-text"><h3>About <a href="http://practicalmum.com/author/admin/" title="Shelagh Cummins">Shelagh Cummins</a></h3><p>Shelagh Cummins is the founder, editor and Mum-in-chief at Practicalmum.com – an online community parenting resource &amp; blog. She is also the Principal at BizTrainHer.com, a boutique firm specializing in desiging, developing and facilitating training for women in business.</p><small><a href="http://practicalmum.com" title="Shelagh Cummins On The Web">Web</a> | <a href="http://twitter.com/practicalmum" title="Shelagh Cummins On Twitter">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://facebook.com/practicalmumfan" title="Shelagh Cummins On Facebook">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://ca.linkedin.com/in/practicalmum" title="Shelagh Cummins On LinkedIn">LinkedIn</a> | <a href="http://practicalmum.com/author/admin/" title="More Posts By Shelagh Cummins">More Posts (425)</a></small></div></div>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Holiday Baking &#8211; 3StepstoWow.com</title>
		<link>http://practicalmum.com/2011/11/holiday-baking-3stepstowow-com/</link>
		<comments>http://practicalmum.com/2011/11/holiday-baking-3stepstowow-com/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 25 Nov 2011 03:36:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Shelagh Cummins</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://practicalmum.com/?p=6372</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It&#8217;s that time of year. I can feel the sugar highs already. Cookie Exchanges, parties, care packages, house warming gifts&#8230; baking is often unavoidable. If baking isn&#8217;t your thing (if you read this blog frequently, you will know I am banned from making my usual hockey puck cookies.  I have officially been asked to stop [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It&#8217;s that time of year. I can feel the sugar highs already.</p>
<p>Cookie Exchanges, parties, care packages, house warming gifts&#8230; baking is often unavoidable. If baking isn&#8217;t your thing (if you read this blog frequently, you will know I am banned from making my usual hockey puck cookies.  I have officially been asked to stop baking &#8211; it is officially a waste of ingredients!) then how about taking <a href="https://lifemadedelicious.ca/123wow.aspx" target="_blank">3 Steps to Wow</a>. What you ask?</p>
<p><a href="https://lifemadedelicious.ca/123wow.aspx" target="_blank">3 Steps to Wow.</a></p>
<p>Holiday baking in 3 easy steps.  Sign me up! There are dozens of recipes to help make your life easier this holiday season.</p>
<p><a href="https://lifemadedelicious.ca/en/Video/C/Crescent-Wrapped-Brie.aspx#"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-6373" title="Crescent_Wrapped_Brie.ashx" src="http://practicalmum.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Crescent_Wrapped_Brie.ashx_-300x190.jpg" alt="3 steps to wow lifemadedelicious.ca practicalmum.com" width="180" height="114" /></a>I personally can&#8217;t get the baked brie out of my mind&#8230; check out the <a href="https://lifemadedelicious.ca/en/Recipes/C/Crescent-Wrapped-Brie.aspx" target="_blank">baked brie appetizer</a> &#8211; one of my favorites &#8211; there is even <a href="https://lifemadedelicious.ca/en/Video/C/Crescent-Wrapped-Brie.aspx#" target="_blank">a video</a> to help!</p>
<div class="wp-biographia-container-top" style="background-color:#FFEAA8;"><div class="wp-biographia-pic"><img src="http://www.gravatar.com/avatar/895aa15ef7d0e303a80ebe8ae45e1ac9?d=http://practicalmum.com/wp-content/plugins/buddypress/bp-core/images/mystery-man.jpg&amp;s=100" alt="" class="avatar user-1-avatar" width='100' height='100' /></div><div class="wp-biographia-text"><h3>About <a href="http://practicalmum.com/author/admin/" title="Shelagh Cummins">Shelagh Cummins</a></h3><p>Shelagh Cummins is the founder, editor and Mum-in-chief at Practicalmum.com – an online community parenting resource &amp; blog. She is also the Principal at BizTrainHer.com, a boutique firm specializing in desiging, developing and facilitating training for women in business.</p><small><a href="http://practicalmum.com" title="Shelagh Cummins On The Web">Web</a> | <a href="http://twitter.com/practicalmum" title="Shelagh Cummins On Twitter">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://facebook.com/practicalmumfan" title="Shelagh Cummins On Facebook">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://ca.linkedin.com/in/practicalmum" title="Shelagh Cummins On LinkedIn">LinkedIn</a> | <a href="http://practicalmum.com/author/admin/" title="More Posts By Shelagh Cummins">More Posts (425)</a></small></div></div>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Empire Theatres Gift Cards for the Holidays</title>
		<link>http://practicalmum.com/2011/11/empire-theatres-gift-cards-for-the-holidays/</link>
		<comments>http://practicalmum.com/2011/11/empire-theatres-gift-cards-for-the-holidays/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 25 Nov 2011 03:03:24 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Shelagh Cummins</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://practicalmum.com/?p=6363</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Are you more of an experiential gift giver or a merchandise gift giver? I used to be all about the merchandise. I loved (and still do) masterminding gifts that would be totally helpful but fun for the person I was buying for. I am finding though, that more and more people have everything they need. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Are you more of an experiential gift giver or a merchandise gift giver?</p>
<p>I used to be all about the merchandise. I loved (and still do) masterminding gifts that would be totally helpful but fun for the person I was buying for.  I am finding though, that more and more people have everything they need. And I hate buying something just for the sake of having a present.</p>
<p>For those difficult to buy for people, I opt for the experiential gifts.  And what is more fun than heading out to the movies?  If you have to buy for the person who has everything, or someone you don&#8217;t know very well, then I have the solution for you:<br />
An Empire Theatres&#8217; Gift Cards.</p>
<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-6366" href="http://practicalmum.com/2011/11/empire-theatres-gift-cards-for-the-holidays/watching-movies/"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-6366" title="watching movies" src="http://practicalmum.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/watching-movies.jpg" alt="Empire Theatres Gift Cards Practicalmum.com" width="214" height="235" /></a>When you purchase $30 in Empire Theatres’ Gift Cards you will receive $30 in Empire Theatres Coupons. For example:<br />
o If you purchase 3 cards for $10 each you qualify;<br />
o If you purchase $60 you would receive 2 bundles.</p>
<p>The coupons are fantastic.  They include:</p>
<p>o BOGO Admission (January 9 to January 31, 2012)<br />
o $2.00 off any Combo &#8211; excluding Kid’s Pack (January 9 to January 31, 2012)<br />
o $9.99 (Admission, Regular Drink, Small Popcorn) (February 1st to February 29th, 2012)<br />
o Buy a Large Popcorn, get a Large Drink Free (March 1st to March 31st, 2012)<br />
o $6.99 General Admission(March 1st to March 31st, 2012)<br />
o Get $4.00 off a General Admission Ticket(April 1st to April 30th, 2012)</p>
<p>You can <a href="http://www.empiretheatres.com/gift" target="_blank">purchase the gift cards in theatres</a> until Saturday, December 24th.</p>
<p>You can <a href="http://empiretheatres.com/gift" target="_blank">purchase the cards online</a> until December 18th.</p>
<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-6367" href="http://practicalmum.com/2011/11/empire-theatres-gift-cards-for-the-holidays/gift-tins/"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-6367" title="gift tins" src="http://practicalmum.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/gift-tins.jpg" alt="Empire Theatres Gift Tins Practicalmum.com" width="160" height="109" /></a>The Gift Tins are back again this year to be used as a “gift box”.  Empire Theatres are selling them for $1.00, plus tax with net proceeds going to Kids Help Phone. Anyone can purchase a Tin; you do not have to purchase $30 in Gift cards to be able to purchase one. You can even purchase them online.</p>
<p>To learn more about Empire Theatres and their Holiday Gift Pack Bundles – check out their site at: <a href="http://www.empiretheatres.com/gift" target="_blank"> http://www.empiretheatres.com/gift</a></p>
<div class="wp-biographia-container-top" style="background-color:#FFEAA8;"><div class="wp-biographia-pic"><img src="http://www.gravatar.com/avatar/895aa15ef7d0e303a80ebe8ae45e1ac9?d=http://practicalmum.com/wp-content/plugins/buddypress/bp-core/images/mystery-man.jpg&amp;s=100" alt="" class="avatar user-1-avatar" width='100' height='100' /></div><div class="wp-biographia-text"><h3>About <a href="http://practicalmum.com/author/admin/" title="Shelagh Cummins">Shelagh Cummins</a></h3><p>Shelagh Cummins is the founder, editor and Mum-in-chief at Practicalmum.com – an online community parenting resource &amp; blog. She is also the Principal at BizTrainHer.com, a boutique firm specializing in desiging, developing and facilitating training for women in business.</p><small><a href="http://practicalmum.com" title="Shelagh Cummins On The Web">Web</a> | <a href="http://twitter.com/practicalmum" title="Shelagh Cummins On Twitter">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://facebook.com/practicalmumfan" title="Shelagh Cummins On Facebook">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://ca.linkedin.com/in/practicalmum" title="Shelagh Cummins On LinkedIn">LinkedIn</a> | <a href="http://practicalmum.com/author/admin/" title="More Posts By Shelagh Cummins">More Posts (425)</a></small></div></div>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Baby, It&#8217;s Chili Outside!</title>
		<link>http://practicalmum.com/2011/11/baby-its-chili-outside/</link>
		<comments>http://practicalmum.com/2011/11/baby-its-chili-outside/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 20 Nov 2011 14:02:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Shelagh Cummins</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[chili]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[easy recipes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[life made delicious]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://practicalmum.com/?p=6353</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I really can&#8217;t stay (but baby it&#8217;s cold outside) I&#8217;ve got to go away (but baby it&#8217;s cold outside) This evening has been (been hoping that you&#8217;d drop in) So very nice (i&#8217;ll hold your hands, they&#8217;re just like ice) So the lyrics don&#8217;t directly link to making chili &#8211; but it&#8217;s my favorite song [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><em>I really can&#8217;t stay</em><br />
<em> (but baby it&#8217;s cold outside)</em><br />
<em> I&#8217;ve got to go away</em><br />
<em> (but baby it&#8217;s cold outside)</em><br />
<em> This evening has been</em><br />
<em> (been hoping that you&#8217;d drop in)</em><br />
<em> So very nice</em><br />
<em> (i&#8217;ll hold your hands, they&#8217;re just like ice)</em></p>
<p>So the lyrics don&#8217;t directly link to making chili &#8211; but it&#8217;s my favorite song for this time of year &#8211; the holidays approaching, the thermometer dipping&#8230; enter chili season!</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">I love making chili. Why? Because it is a <a href="http://lifemadedelicious.ca" target="_blank">simple recipe</a> AND it&#8217;s really hard to make a bad chili. I love that with a base of ingredients you can add virtually anything from the fridge.  The more veggies, the yummier.  The more beans, the heartier. It keeps well, freezes well, and provides a healthy nutritious meal in a pinch.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">To me, a basic chili starts with a little oil, onion, garlic and celery.  Throw in carrots, maybe some peppers.  Then add in some tomatoes, some tomato sauce and beans galore &#8211; I alternate between black beans, chic peas, navy beans and white kidney beans. Then a little chili powder and&#8230; Voila! Of course, that is just a basic recipe.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">I found two new funky,<a href="http://lifemadedelicious.ca" target="_blank"> easy recipes</a> to test out.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://https://www.lifemadedelicious.ca/en/Recipes/S/Slow-Cooked-White-Chili-with-Chicken.aspx" target="_blank"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-6354" style="margin: 5px;" title="Slow-Cooked_White_Chili_with_Chicken.ashx" src="http://practicalmum.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Slow-Cooked_White_Chili_with_Chicken.ashx_-300x190.jpg" alt="easy recipe lifemadedelicious.ca practicalmum.com" width="180" height="114" />Slow- Cooked White Chili with Chicken </a>-</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">I love that this recipe takes a break from tomatoes (I find I sometimes get heartburn from too much tomatoes), and it is made in the slow cooker.  The slow cooker is very quickly becoming my friend these days.  Life is frantic with a new baby and cooking is quite challenging to integrate into the day.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.lifemadedelicious.ca/en/Recipes/C/Chili-in-the-Oven.aspx" target="_blank"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-6355" style="margin: 5px;" title="Chili_In_The_Oven.ashx" src="http://practicalmum.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Chili_In_The_Oven.ashx_-300x190.jpg" alt="https://www.lifemadedelicious.ca/en/Recipes/C/Chili-in-the-Oven.aspx" width="180" height="114" /></a><a href="https://www.lifemadedelicious.ca/en/Recipes/C/Chili-in-the-Oven.aspx" target="_blank">Chili in the Oven</a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Love that this recipe is a twist on the old tried and true &#8211; perfect to make on a weekend or cooking day, freeze then pop into the oven on those days when cooking just isn&#8217;t possible. I would replace the process cheese with cheddar &#8211; but that is just me.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">So i am off to try these two new, <a href="http://lifemadedelicious.ca" target="_blank">easy recipes </a>to warm us up on these chilly (chili) days!</p>
<p>I leave you with these two Canadian icons to warm you up on these chili days!</p>
<p><iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yiNnl9WCiYg?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<div class="wp-biographia-container-top" style="background-color:#FFEAA8;"><div class="wp-biographia-pic"><img src="http://www.gravatar.com/avatar/895aa15ef7d0e303a80ebe8ae45e1ac9?d=http://practicalmum.com/wp-content/plugins/buddypress/bp-core/images/mystery-man.jpg&amp;s=100" alt="" class="avatar user-1-avatar" width='100' height='100' /></div><div class="wp-biographia-text"><h3>About <a href="http://practicalmum.com/author/admin/" title="Shelagh Cummins">Shelagh Cummins</a></h3><p>Shelagh Cummins is the founder, editor and Mum-in-chief at Practicalmum.com – an online community parenting resource &amp; blog. She is also the Principal at BizTrainHer.com, a boutique firm specializing in desiging, developing and facilitating training for women in business.</p><small><a href="http://practicalmum.com" title="Shelagh Cummins On The Web">Web</a> | <a href="http://twitter.com/practicalmum" title="Shelagh Cummins On Twitter">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://facebook.com/practicalmumfan" title="Shelagh Cummins On Facebook">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://ca.linkedin.com/in/practicalmum" title="Shelagh Cummins On LinkedIn">LinkedIn</a> | <a href="http://practicalmum.com/author/admin/" title="More Posts By Shelagh Cummins">More Posts (425)</a></small></div></div>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Win VIP Tickets to the Santa Claus Parade!</title>
		<link>http://practicalmum.com/2011/11/win-vip-tickets-to-the-santa-claus-parade/</link>
		<comments>http://practicalmum.com/2011/11/win-vip-tickets-to-the-santa-claus-parade/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 15 Nov 2011 20:11:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Shelagh Cummins</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Giveaways]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Santa Parade]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Toronto Santa Claus Parade]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://practicalmum.com/?p=6315</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Enter for a chance to win VIP tickets to the 107th Toronto Santa Claus Parade on Sunday, November 20th! Smile and wave at Santa and Mrs. Claus from a reserved spot along the Parade route. Parade starts at 12:30pm. Don’t forget to bring along chairs, blankets and letters to Santa! How to enter? Easy! Leave [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-family: Calibri,Verdana,Helvetica,Arial;"><a rel="attachment wp-att-6316" href="http://practicalmum.com/2011/11/win-vip-tickets-to-the-santa-claus-parade/toronto_santa_claus_parade/"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-6316" style="margin: 5px;" title="toronto_santa_claus_parade" src="http://practicalmum.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/toronto_santa_claus_parade.jpg" alt="" width="182" height="200" /></a>Enter  for a chance to win <strong>VIP tickets to the 107th Toronto Santa Claus Parade</strong> on  <strong>Sunday, November 20th</strong>! Smile and wave at Santa and Mrs. Claus from a  reserved spot along the Parade route. Parade starts at 12:30pm. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri,Verdana,Helvetica,Arial;">Don’t forget to bring along  chairs, blankets and letters to Santa!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri,Verdana,Helvetica,Arial;">How to enter? Easy! <strong>Leave me a comment telling me what is on your Christmas list this year.</strong> That&#8217;s it! Contest closes Thursday, November 17, 2011 at 8pm.<em><br />
</em></span></p>
<div class="wp-biographia-container-top" style="background-color:#FFEAA8;"><div class="wp-biographia-pic"><img src="http://www.gravatar.com/avatar/895aa15ef7d0e303a80ebe8ae45e1ac9?d=http://practicalmum.com/wp-content/plugins/buddypress/bp-core/images/mystery-man.jpg&amp;s=100" alt="" class="avatar user-1-avatar" width='100' height='100' /></div><div class="wp-biographia-text"><h3>About <a href="http://practicalmum.com/author/admin/" title="Shelagh Cummins">Shelagh Cummins</a></h3><p>Shelagh Cummins is the founder, editor and Mum-in-chief at Practicalmum.com – an online community parenting resource &amp; blog. She is also the Principal at BizTrainHer.com, a boutique firm specializing in desiging, developing and facilitating training for women in business.</p><small><a href="http://practicalmum.com" title="Shelagh Cummins On The Web">Web</a> | <a href="http://twitter.com/practicalmum" title="Shelagh Cummins On Twitter">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://facebook.com/practicalmumfan" title="Shelagh Cummins On Facebook">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://ca.linkedin.com/in/practicalmum" title="Shelagh Cummins On LinkedIn">LinkedIn</a> | <a href="http://practicalmum.com/author/admin/" title="More Posts By Shelagh Cummins">More Posts (425)</a></small></div></div>]]></content:encoded>
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