start learning chinese

When I was a preteen, I remember going to "Chinese school"  to learn the language.  At the time, there were no innovative methods to teach or learn, and many Saturday afternoons were spent with friends reading "Tween" magazines, drooling over the latest rock star (Duran Duran was the choice of the day) in the back of the class while a teacher speaking very little English hoped we were going to learn the Chinese language by osmosis.  I'm not sure if there was much value in those classes.

Education in general, has made some revolutionary changes, from iPads in elementary school classrooms to Mooc's (Massive Online Open Courses) that teach university level subjects.  Now more than ever, learning things like a new language or how to cook bok choy is available at your fingertips.

Recently I was introduced to an app called Learn With Miao Miao, that teaches preschoolers basic Chinese words and thought this would be a great opportunity for my kids to learn Chinese while having fun.

The app was easy to use since my daughter intuitively knew to tap on the Chinese characters (the written form of the words) and watch it come to life, becoming animated objects that look like the words they represented.  This, I thought, was really cool...and I finally saw the correlation between the pictures and words, and it actually helped ME to recognize Chinese characters!  Something I never learned in those classes.

“Some people don't realize how many Chinese characters are based on pictures, but it is actually an age-old way for Chinese children to learn to read,” says Leo Yu He, the producer for all the Miaomiao games and television programs.

Although   Learn with Miao Miao  isn't set up to teach complete fluency in Chinese (it's geared toward preschoolers), it is a great start for young children.  This app DID accomplish sparking an interest in my kids to learn more, and they were both eager and hopeful that a more challenging version for older kids would be available in the near future.  Anything that engages my kids to start a new language learning journey is worth a try to me (and has much more value than exchanging tween heartthrob pictures at the back of a classroom).

learnwithmiaomiao.com 

Happy Chinese New Year!!!

Editors note:  This Chinese New Year (January 31st), a free update with a new writing component will be available. Kids can trace the characters by following a lady bug or Doh Doh the dog that shows them the correct stroke order.  You can find out more at learnwithmiaomiao.com or download the app here at the iTunes store.  

A great big thank you to Christine at Mark Animation for introducing us to this Learn with Miao Miao app.

fishing for a compliment

When I worked in the corporate world, at the beginning of each fiscal year, employees and their managers would review some of the successes and challenges of the previous year as a guide to help determine their career objectives for the upcoming one.

Many of my coworkers really dreaded the employee review process.  For some, including myself, I already had intimate knowledge of my challenges, and with deadlines to meet, I didn't have time for compliments and another "pat on the back"!  However, many of my former employees only wanted to hear compliments...and were anxious about any scrutiny or criticism.

Earlier this month, mid-term exams for the older grades were held at my children's school.  My son asked why it was necessary to have exams.  I explained that exams serve to encapsulate the overall understanding of a subject, unlike tests that reflect specific points in time of the learning process. It was also to prepare the students for the process of high school, and this was just a way to help them grow towards that goal.

He thought about my answer for a while and was satisfied that there was nothing for him to worry about.  In our house, we have always emphasized that it's NOT just about the number score on the test that's important, but it's application of that learning.  In other words, what did that test tell us?  If everyone did poorly on the test, maybe it speaks not just about the difficulty of the subject matter, but the way the subject matter was taught. However, if only a handful of kids didn't do well on the test, then it speaks more about their study habits or that maybe their learning styles didn't match the teaching techniques.  For us, tests have always sparked the conversation to create solutions to improve study habits or finding different teaching methodologies.

I think I wouldn't have had this perspective at home if I didn't have it professionally.  I have always learned valuable lessons when I took a hard look at criticism; how it's presented and it's context within the work environment.  It also helped me evaluate not just my own abilities, but those that reported to me, and those that I reported to.  "Work to hear feedback as potentially valuable advice from a fresh perspective rather than as an indictment of how you’ve done things in the past." (source: Harvard Business Review's " Find the Coaching in Criticism")

Although logistically the process of reviews, tests and exams can sometimes take up a large block of time, the results are invaluable and should really be thought of as stepping stones towards gaining confidence of truly knowing yourself, and understanding that you can still progress towards your goals despite any perceived "weaknesses".   I hope my own children will continue to learn, explore and see value in these "tests"...and hope they seek understanding and guidance instead of fishing for compliments.

Food for thought.

Smoked Salmon and Cucumber Hors d'oeuvres

(serves about 6 people)

Ingredients:

• 1 large english cucumber
• 1 cup cream cheese (approximate)
• Smoked salmon

Directions:

• Slice cucumber.
• Spread 1 tsp. of cream cheese (or more, to taste...I've also used herbed cream cheese).
• Slice the salmon in long strips.
• Roll the salmon, and place on top of each cucumber slice.

Serve.

morning people

As a night owl, some of my best work is done when everyone is asleep.  The lights are out and I can write without distraction.  However, being a parent has forced me to be more of a morning person...to function with razor precision so we can get the day moving forward.   Preparation is done at night so I don't have to really think too much during the morning rush.  Just do.

One of the most common habits that top business executives share, according to the Business Insider, is that they all wake up early.  Very early.  Even on weekends.  I've been reading a lot about the strategies that businesses today must employ to stay healthy, strong and long lasting, and I've thought a lot about the parallels of successful business people and how some of their philosophies could be applied to having a successful home life.

It's funny how we can all be "morning people" during the holidays or quiet weekends.  On a school morning, it takes every effort to drag and pull the kids out of bed to get to school, but as soon as it's a Saturday morning, they are up before the sun rises.  

I think that is the key.  An early start to plan and look forward to a successful day.  To a corporate executive that may mean clearing their emails and preparing for their meetings.  To a child, their definition of success is an early start to the cartoons and playtime before they have chores and homework.  In a nutshell:  Starting the day with successful ME time.

I'm starting to wonder if I should change my perspective, and view early mornings as a clean slate, rather than an obstacle or chore to get through.  Although the stillness of the night can inspire some of my most creative ideas, my most clear thoughts to think and plan (or dream!) for the day ahead occur when I make it down the stairs for my morning coffee, even if it's for just ten minutes earlier, before anyone else is awake.  So much solved in those little ten minutes.   Listening to the house with not a creature stirring.  The sound of clarity.

Funnily enough, when I'm more organized on Friday nights, with a bit of preparation, I can get up earlier than the kids on those early Saturday mornings, ready with a full hearty breakfast to fuel our day and get an early start walking the dog or a family skate at the nearby rink.  We can focus on the priority of the day, which is taking full advantage of the weekend...family time spent together.

If those quiet and reflective early mornings help business leaders identify their priorities for that particular day or to even think clearly for the long term, then maybe it would work at home, for me as a parent.

Food for thought.

Make Ahead Cinnamon Waffles

(makes about ten 4"x4" waffles)

This batter can be made ahead of time and kept in a lidded container in the fridge for up to 5 days.  (You would need to re-whisk it prior to using.)  You could also make the waffles and then freeze them...just pop them in the toaster for future mornings.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose or whole wheat flour
• 1 3/4 cups milk
• 1/2 cup apple sauce (you can use vegetable oil)
• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 1 tsp of brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp of cinnamon 
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon almond or vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS:

• Preheat waffle iron (for about 10 minutes, closed)
• Beat eggs in large bowl until fluffy. 
• Whisk in apple sauce, milk, sugar, baking powder, salt and vanilla, just until smooth.
• Spray preheated waffle iron with oil (I used my Misto olive oil sprayer...you can use any cooking spray). You'll need to re-spray every 3 waffles.
• Pour mix onto hot waffle iron (I use approximately 3/4 of a cup...amount will vary depending on the size of your waffle maker)
• Cook until golden brown. (approximately 3-4 minutes)
• Serve hot.

Enjoy!

a healthy start

When returning to school and work this week after a wonderful holiday break, like many families the start of the new year was a little...rough.  Icy snowy weather made driving conditions just a little slower, and the process was slowed down even further as children sleepily resisted returning back to a regular morning routine in arctic cold temperatures.

Before the polar vortex arrived yesterday, earlier this week I realized that our son had ripped his gloves during our ski excursion over the holidays, and I was on the search for a new pair.  After visits to eight various stores, shelves that were filled just last week with warm, waterproof winter gloves are now replaced with little bathing suits, like little hints to remind us why we should buy the yoga outfits and workout gear, just a few shelves away.  

With New Year's resolutions abound, a fresh start and a renewed way to look at our daily lives invoking us to begin things like new workout routines and eating healthier, I thought about those store shelves promoting those exercise items.  

I wondered if what seemingly appears to promote physical health actually creates anxiety...to rush us through to the next season, finding goals to achieve so we can enjoy later (like fitting into that bathing suit), instead of loving where we stand now.  To live in the moment and indulge in the opportunities presented to us today, instead of trying to buy the next thing to eventually do in the future.  

It's like looking for those winter gloves.  How can we embrace the winter season now, and enjoy those physical activities that are available to us today, if the only thing available are bathing suits and yoga outfits?

Well, luckily I eventually did find a pair of warm gloves, and we are ready to embrace the cold weather.  It's a healthy start to a bright day and beautiful season...so we can enjoy, today.

Easy Banana Granola

This recipe is easily adaptable...varying the spices and add-on ingredients can change the taste drastically (think of adding exotic dried fruit, or even chocolate chips for the sweet tooth!).  The granola can be made in an hour and stored in a sealed container for up to 5 days.  Double the recipe and you might have enough for a family of four to eat before work or school.  A great and healthy breakfast to start the day and new year.

Ingredients

• 1 Banana
• 2 tbsp. brown sugar
• 2 tbsp. hot water
• 1 tbsp. vanilla extract
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp. ground cloves
• 3 cups quick cooking oats
• Dried fruit, sliced almonds, to taste. (optional)

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 300 degrees.
• Mash the banana, then add the sugar, water, vanilla and spices.  
• Toss with oats until well coated (about 5 minutes of mixing well).
• Toss fruit and almonds (I sometimes leave this out for those with nut allergies.  This can be added after baking)
• Spread onto a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Bake for approximately 1 hour to 1 ½ hours until toasted.
• Serve on top of yogurt and fruit.

Enjoy!

happy new year

merry christmas

light in the house

One of our favourite activities to do during the Christmas season is to simply drive around our neighbourhood   to see all the light displays along the street.  Although there are many tree lighting ceremonies throughout the city, some of the most unique and inspiring ones are those around the block.

Every house meticulously prepared for the holiday season, showcasing a twinkle of lights like stars in the sky. The vibrant personalities of homeowners shine through as you drive by a lawn covered with displays of Santa, reindeer and a multicolour of lights.  Or a quiet house with pretty winter wreaths, simple white lanterns, and a soft and subtle flicker of Christmas tree lights peeking through the front window.    

As school pageants, concerts and parties bring in the joy, what strikes me the most is the diversity of this celebration, and how each of us celebrate holidays differently.  Different traditions, rituals and food...all seemingly on a quest...to bring loved ones together.

Sometimes it's difficult to appreciate this or any "holiday quest".  It's easy to get caught up with all the glitz of decorations and the glam of appealing storefronts enticing you to buy, buy, buy!

So this year, I decided to take a much more laid back approach...at least with my Christmas decorating.  I used simple white ornaments to decorate the tree. I cut up some burlap for the garland.  I just placed little white bows on our mantle garland.    

Just as the lights on the neighbourhood houses represent the personalities of their homeowner, for me, beyond the "reason for the season", our lights represent a peaceful time to reflect and to be grateful for what we have at home.  

Because no matter how many lights are displayed on the rooftops, driveways and sidewalks, it's what's inside our homes and the love within, that makes the light in the house, truly shine.  

Simple Paper Tea Light Candle Holders

(for battery-operated tea lights only)

Inspired by the little porcelain ornaments that house some of the Christmas lights on my tree, I wanted to create something simple and easy to house my battery operated tea light candles.  (please use battery operated for this craft...we don't want any fires started!).  This also makes a sweet little Christmas themed night light for a child's room, with little cost and effort.

Tools

• Wedding favour gift boxes (found at Michaels or your local dollar store).
• Ruler
• Scissors/exacto knife
• Hole Punch
• Battery operated tea light candles

Directions

• Open the boxes until it is flat.
• Using a ruler, draw out the roof (at the top of the box). Draw out the door and windows, or just hole punch (using various shaped holes, if desired).

• Cut along the lines.
• Assemble the box.
• Place the battery operated tea light candles inside.

Display...and enjoy the light in the house, and in your home.

pockets of joy

This year, December started early.  At least it seemed to start early for me.  I don't know where the time flew, but I recall telling myself that I had lots of time before the holidays arrive.  Our daughter started requesting those Turtle chocolates for her "pockets" (I thought she was referring to her coat pocket...and since when did she like those kind of chocolates?). Then last Monday, my son asked me..."What ever happened to our annual advent calendar?"

You see, every year I place chocolates in the tiny square pockets of our little felt snowmen advent calendars.  It's a tradition that we've had since the kids were old enough to consume candy, and I loved the fact that I can control what goes into those pockets (sometimes I put stickers instead of sweet treats!).  I guess it was my little way to ensure that I don't stumble upon sugar-crashed-children sprawled on the sofa covered with thirty chocolate wrappers.

This year, I completely forgot those calendars.  The tree was set up, the lights on our mantle completed, and the outdoor lights done and displayed before the Santa Parade a few weeks ago, but... the calendars!

It's amazing how little traditions that I thought would go unnoticed, would resonate so much with the kids.  I would never have imagined that they would remember this little ritual that occurs every December.  And those Turtles chocolates that our daughter was asking about?  It turns out when she eats them, it reminds her of her grandparents (both Grandpas LOVE those chocolates).

It goes to show that those little gestures sometimes mean a lot more than you know.  I guess it's not just what's in those pockets that matter, but the thrill of peeking in them that makes those little pockets of joy...a sweet moment to remember.

Candy Cane Chocolate Toffee 

Ingredients

• 1/3 c sugar
• 4 tbs unsalted butter
• 2 tbs water
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup of candy canes, crushed.

Directions

• Combine sugar, butter, 2 tbs. water and salt in a small saucepan. 
• Cook on medium-high heat stirring until the sugar dissolves and the butter melts.
• Stop stirring and cook until the colour turns caramel-like brown. 
• Pour onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. 
• Sprinkle the chocolate chips immediate so it will melt.  Smooth gently with the back of the spoon or icing spatula.
• Once the chocolate covers the toffee smoothly, sprinkle the crushed candy canes.
• Let it cool completely.  
• Cut into little squares.

These can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week (if they last that long in the house!).

Enjoy!

apples to apples

When I was asking our son what he wanted for Christmas, he rhymed off a few things on his list, but he appeared most interested in getting a new board game.  So when Mattel sent the "Game On" box for us to try a few of their games, my son was thrilled...the first game he wanted to play was "Apples to Apples".

It was new game (to me), but my son mentioned that a classmate brought it along on their school overnight camping trip earlier this year, and it was something that the kids really enjoyed playing.  It was one of the best "quiet time" activities they had during their trip.

So when I opened the box, my son explained the rules of the game, and we played a few rounds.  Our daughter was off at a playdate, so I didn't think this would last too long, but it easily became an addictive game, and I knew this would be a classic family game to play over the holidays.

Since that night, my son has asked (almost pleaded) to play the game with us again and again. Unfortunately our schedule was too busy for all of us to sit together for any extended period of time, so we had to wait until this past weekend, when all four of us were able to sit together.

What started out as a quick ½ hour session to teach our daughter how to play the game, turned into an afternoon of family bonding.  It was so nice to see the kids OFF of their electronic devices, even for just a few hours.  We had hot cocoa and great conversation, and now I know why our son had insisted that we play "Apples to Apples".

It reminded him of all the quiet times we spend together, like we do at the cottage, sipping hot cocoa and just relying on each other's personalities and wit to keep each other company and entertained.  Just like his school trip, it created a wonderful moment to remember, a peaceful time without drama or stress.

Now it's clear why my son wanted a board game.  Although the flashy electronic devices are a lot of fun (yes, those were on his list too!), the board game gave us quality time to spend together as a family.  

And no other electronic toy can really compare to that.

A great big thank you to Carli for providing the Mattel "Game On" Box for our family to enjoy.  Visit Mattel for more board games for great family Christmas gift ideas.

dancing gingerly

I often think of that snow dance scene in Tim Burton's movie, "Edward Scissorhands", when Edward creates a flurry of snowflakes as he makes an ice sculpture for the girl he loves.  She freely dances in the gently falling snow, eyes closed and arms wide, without a care in the world.  During the Christmas holidays last year, it was the first time our kids saw this movie.  They were immediately entranced and loved how innocent an adult like "Edward" can be.

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For me, the fresh snow is a whimsical reminder of all the winter and Christmas holidays of years past.  The fondest memories are when we were young children.  The glorious days when you tried to sleep (but couldn't) on Christmas Eve...wondering if you could wake up at midnight to catch the presents being placed under the tree. The innocence of waking up earlier than ever and sneaking downstairs to gingerly shake the mystery presents.  The crackling sound of wrapping paper being torn, then playing with your new treasures as the smell of turkey wafts through the house.

I love experiencing Christmas or any holiday through the eyes of a child.  But as each year passes, I grasp at finding ways to keep that magic in their eyes, creating as many magical holiday memories for them so they too, can look back fondly at Christmas as a time of happiness and security.  I don't think I'm ready for them to grow into that age where they only want cash for gifts.  I think deep down inside of me, I still want them to open toys...something.  Not because it's about the gift, but it's about how they feel at that very moment when the wrapping paper is finally torn off to reveal the treasure inside. Because I love to watch their faces light up with pure excitement and exhilaration.  And as we get older there are fewer and fewer opportunities to have that singular moment of pure and innocent joy.

I guess I want them to continue to see the magic of Christmas because I enjoy re-living it again and again through my kids.  And as much as I want them to be independent, amazing, world changing adults when they grow up, maybe I'm not ready for that "grown up" part yet, and I want to be able to enjoy this young moment just a little bit longer so I can remember how it feels to be a kid.

Soon they'll pass that stage when they will no longer want to decorate gingerbread houses or leave cookies and milk for Santa, and maybe I too, will no longer want to do those things.  But until then, I will savour watching them consume all things gingerbread and cookies.

Or maybe I will too, just freely dance in the snow with them...enjoying the moment.

Caramel Gingerbread Cookie Square

Adapted from "Caramel Shortbread" square from Allrecipes 

Bottom Layer
Ingredients:

• 1 (3.5 ounce) package cook and serve
• butterscotch pudding mix
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line 9x9 square pan with parchment paper. 
• In a medium bowl, cream together the dry butterscotch pudding mix, butter, and brown sugar until smooth. Stir in the egg. Combine the flour, baking soda, ginger, and cinnamon; stir into the pudding mixture. 
• Press onto a baking pan, approximately 1/2 inch thick.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes in the preheated oven, until firm but still slightly soft.
• Let cool.

Top Layer

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/4 cup corn syrup.

Directions:

• Combine all 4 ingredients in a large saucepan.  
• Bring to boil on medium.  Boil for 3 minutes, stirring constantly.
• Remove from heat and stir for 1 minute.
• Pour over gingerbread layer.  Spread evenly.
• Let stand in pan for about 4 hours until cooled completely.

Cuts into 24 squares.