One of the perks of being a girl is to have great hair. Our mother’s fuss with it for us when we are little, then we fuss with it when we are older. We spend hundreds at the hair salon to try to make it perfect. But imagine losing your hair. And not just when you are older. Vanessa McWilliams, founder and owner of Confident Curls, knows all to well about this.

Her story starts at 9 when she was diagnosed with Alopecia. It’s a medical condition in which hair is lost from some or all areas of the body, usually from the scalp. And by the time Vanessa was 11 she had lost all but a little of her hair. I can’t imagine what she went though at that age to have such a huge loss. To most, it’s just not comprehensible.

Throughout her tween years she wore wigs that were too old, and too heavy for her small frame. It wasn’t until she was in her late teens where she took it upon herself to find the right wig. Not only did the wig fit, but so did the idea. She knew, based on her own personal experiences, she had to help other women and children. As Vanessa says, “Discreetness without embarrassment, a comfortable atmosphere, and getting properly fitted with your ‘Dream-Do’ by another wig wearing woman, is the ultimate ‘personal’ shopping experience!” That’s how Confident Curls was born.

The one thing I’ve seen through Vanessa is her passion. And I’ve always said that in life we should always do what comes natural and what we know. And Vanessa is doing just that! All at the same time helping other to put smiles on their faces! Thank you Vanessa for sharing your gift from the heart.

For more on Confident Curls, visit http://www.confidentcurls.ca/ Here you can find out more about her great products, more about Vanessa and how you can donate.

Confident Curls on Facebook
Confident Curls on Twitter
Bonus Code CURLS

We have to do research to find the resources and options that make our own lives work. If you’ve decided to go back to work, now you have to find childcare that works with you AND your pocket book.

Do you do a dayhome, daycare, nanny or a sitter?

With our first child, we hired a live out nanny. She showed up at 8am and finished at 4pm. Her duties were to take care of our child and tidy up after themselves, plus maintain the baby’s laundry. Since her duties didn’t include house cleaning, we also hired a housekeeper to keep up with what I couldn’t get to (IE: the bathrooms). But it got too expensive for us. So, after 7 months we moved my son to daycare.

That kept the costs down, but still had the housekeeper to tidy up as we both worked. Daycare was GREAT. My son loved it, they loved him, and he had great interaction with other children. The only downfall, which was a big one, was when my child was sick, he couldn’t go to daycare. And, we all know that you can’t really stay away from the germs that spread in a daycare. No matter how clean and tidy it is, there are germs. And once one child gets a cold, it will eventually spread to your child. So now what? Where are you going to take your child? You can’t miss out on work. You don’t want to use up your vacation days. You can’t always use family and friends every time your child has the sniffles. And you don’t want the guilt of taking your child to the daycare, pretending you didn’t know they had a cold and being THAT parent that always gets the other kids sick…. So FIND A SITTER.

But you’ll have to do your research. Not all sitters can work during the day. Where do you find one? There are several resources for you. One is to get to know your neighbours. Perhaps there’s someone who is retired, and wouldn’t mind helping out. Or, look in your local community news letter. Maybe place an ad looking for someone who would be willing to “occasionally babysit” during the day.

OR… go online and sign up with Canadian Sitter (Known as Canadian Nanny) This is a great website where you subscribe to find the best sitter for you. You place an ad looking for someone who is available during the day for occasional babysitting. Only the ones who are interested in your ad will email you. You meet with the sitter, and decided if she/he is right for you. Now, know that Canadian Sitter does not screen the people who sign up, that’s up to you. You should always ask for references.

In the end, we had a list of 4 sitters who were willing to work during the day. One was a fight attendant who was available when she wasn’t in the air. Another was a retired preschool teacher, who was looking to keep herself busy. And the other two had part time jobs who may be available. This way you have other options that will reduce your stress when your little one needs a day to recover from the sniffles. Plus, the sitters even worked out to babysit during the evening when Mom and Dad needed a date night. There’s nothing wrong with having a “List of Sitters”. If one isn’t available, try another. I had a great experience with Canadian Sitter, and hope you will too.

Now you can work towards that balanced teeter totter. If there is such a thing! But it’s going to take a bit more juggling than a sitter, but it’s a start! And you are just working towards what’s best for you and your child!

Go to http://www.canadiannanny.ca to find a sitter!

Bonus Code: Sitter

While surfing the tweets on Twitter, up came a link to Letter To Santa Cookies. Intrigued, I clicked! WOW! What an awesome idea. I love love love this idea. The letter your child wrote to Santa is on a cookie! What a wonderful, unique idea. And they look delicious too! But that’s not all, the best part, besides having the coolest cookies in your neighbourhood, is that $1.00 of every cookie sold will go to an organization called Children Without Poverty. If it wasn’t for Bloomalicious, I would have never known about this fantastic group of people.

The creator of Letter To Santa Cookie, chose this organization from her heart. Having experienced first hand from her childhood, she felt the need to give back. She remembers a time when she was in 6th grade going to school and her tummy was rumbling from hunger. Back then, things were “tight” at home. It’s unfortunate that anyone goes through those experiences. But it’s those moments we remember, and those moments make us who we are today. And today Bloomalicious can give back.

Children Without Poverty provides mentoring, support and assistance to families moving from homelessness and poverty to a desired sustainable lifestyle. Incredible! What a wonderful gift that would be. Thanks to Bloomalicious and their support through the Letter To Santa Cookie, now you can make a small step towards helping these children. To learn more about this local charity, visit their website www.childrenwithoutpoverty.com.

And on Christmas Eve, your child’s face will light up when they see their letter on a cookie! And during the rest of the year, be sure to check back with Bloomalicious for one of their custom made cookie bouquets! Another Great Idea with Amazing people!

Visit Children Without PovertyVisit Bloomalicious

Bonus Code: COOKIE Expires Midnight Monday Dec.12/2011

I recently received an email from a friend of mine who is looking for anyone who may be able to help out a friends 3 month old granddaughter Zoe. Zoe is currently fighting for her life with a very serious rare blood condition called HLH. Being a bone marrow donor might save the life of a child, just like Zoe.
The best way to get started on the stem cell donor list is to go to www.OneMatch.ca.

On behalf of my good friend and this family, thank you for reading this and passing the information along. Please spread the word, the more people who join the network means the more stem cells matches that are possible for sick kids here in Alberta and around the world.
Blessings,
Christina

I remember the very first time I saw Jann Arden. She was singing at an intimate pub in Gas Town in Vancouver in 1993 for Music West. I remember her sitting on a stool with one foot on the floor, I guess that’s call “sit-standing”. Anyway… I had no idea who she was, but thought, this woman is FUNNY! Never mind the singing talent, she was hilarious.

Little did I know, when I moved to Calgary in 1995, that Jann Arden was from here. Since then I’ve seen Jann perform on numerous occasions. I even had the opportunity to get to know Jann better when she was on an episode of Antique Psychic (where I was the host). Again, Jann was so funny. Really she is.

Another adoring quality about Jann Arden is that she’s down to earth. There’s nothing “Hollywood” about her. She’s not demanding, she’s not a diva, she’s not rude. Well, rude in the sense that she’s not pushy. If you don’t fancy the “f” bomb, you may think she’s rude. But other than that, she’s not rude. It’s not like she says it to your face. Just in conversations. Really, who doesn’t?

Jann has one of those infectious personalities. The more she talks, the more you want to get to know her. I would LOVE to just have Jann over for an hour or two to just talk. More like, I’d listen and she’d talk. Jann I just put you on my “Bucket List” of things to do… Have lunch with Jann Arden.

Jann just released her book “Falling Backwards a memoir”. I’m only One chapter deep, but I caught myself laughing out loud. When my husband asked me what was so funny, I couldn’t really explain it. Let’s just say it involves Jann being VERY grateful for her mother when she gave birth to her. The next out burst came when Jann explains what happens to children when they play in garbage cans in the back ally. THAT you’ll have to read on your own. I’m not about to go into detail. But Jann sure does. Jann has freaked me out a bit. My 2 year old son is already showing signs of being a little Jann. I’m thankful that we don’t have Milk Man chutes in today’s day and age… for fear of my son getting his head stuck. But there are other corners and crevasses he may find. (Let’s put it this way, Jann was an “adventurous” child, and so is my son who recently put peas up his nose).

The sentimental side of Jann comes from the inspiring love she has for her parents. I found myself tearing up as she talks about the unconditional love she has for her mom and dad. Thank you Jann for sharing that. Thank you for sharing so much of your life with us. I’m looking forward to reading more. (Hope the rest is just as good as the first chapter! lol)

At the same time Jann has also released a new album “Uncover Me 2″. It features Jann interpreting songs popularized by artists including The Beach Boys, Fleetwood Mac, The Smiths, The Everly Brothers, Doris Day, Benny Goodman and Peggy Lee. So I popped my new CD into my car and had a listen. Again, showcasing her God given talent. Outstanding. Especially the Stevie Nicks song Dreams. Love Love Love that cut on this CD. So now you have two ideas for gift giving this Holiday Season. The book “Falling Backwards” and the cd “Uncover Me 2″.

Recently, I had the opportunity to meet up again with Jann for a book signing of her latest memoir. Once again, she is as down to earth as one gets. Earlier in the day she was in Edmonton for a book signing at Chapters. Then drove to Calgary. Arriving at the Deerfoot Walmart by 7pm, with a crowd of people waiting to have her sign their books. Jann told the store manager that she’ll stay until the last book is signed. After a long night of chit chat and autograph signing she was off to Vancouver to sing the national anthem for the Grey Cup game. When do you take a breath Jann?

Thank you Jann for the fun pictures, and for brightening my day. Thank you for also brightening the day of all your fans. We truly love you!

Bonus Code Jann. Expires Nov.29th at Midnight

Hurray for these men! During November each year, Movember is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of men’s faces, in Canada and around the world. With their “Mo’s”, these men raise vital funds and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer. There’s a whole list of official rules and regulations on this site, and a link to donate to your favorite Tom Selleck wearing man.

Mookie and my husband with their Mo's

My husband and his comrades at work have a team going to raise the funds for this worthy cause. It’s become quite competitive in the office. Not only to see who can raise the most amount of money, but who can grow the best stash! If you feel the need to donate, here’s his link. Click here.

But it’s not just for the cause that men are growing these furry friends under their nose. Some of the men I work with are doing it “just because”. One colleague of mine suggested that it has always been a bit of a childhood dream to grow a moustache. It’s not as easy as women may think. Unless you’re a guy who has to shave twice a day, it may take the whole month for some men to grow something that will look decent.

Personally, I’m not fond of the Mo. Perhaps it’s because when I met my husband he had the clean-shaven look. And now the growth is, well, to put it nicely, EW! So how do some men pull it off? My father had one for years, but I met him like that, so I didn’t really notice it until he actually shaved it off when I was an adult. My father-in-law too. Again I didn’t notice it until he shaved it off. As for Tom Selleck, I think his “it” factor is that he has the GREAT hair to go with it!

This whole Movember has helped men bond too. I’ve seen men giving other men the high five, or a fist pound, and they don’t even know each other! It’s like they’re all truck drivers giving other truck drivers the wave!

On The Brighter Side ladies, most men will shave it off December 1st. AND it was for a good cause. Who knows, you may grow to love it. (Not this girl though)

Today is Mid Movember and Canada’s leading the global Movember movement, well ahead of Australia, where the campaign originated. Over 225,000 Canadian men are registered and have already raised over $16,000,000 so far for prostate cancer Canada. Way to go guys!!

Bonus Code for VIP’s -Mo
Expires Midnight November 16th.

Click on the picture to make it bigger.

Most recently, I was introduced to a program called Role Mothers. It’s a program designed to celebrate and encourage women; just like you; busy, active moms; who find the time to give back to the communities in which they live. All the while teaching their children the importance of giving along the way.

Being a “Role Mother” is as simple as identifying an opportunity, giving back to our community and sharing your story. Weather it’s a small gesture or a massive undertaking, your ideas may inspire other mothers to become “Role Mothers”.

On their Facebook page, other “Role Mothers” are sharing their stories on how they give back in their families. Talk about inspiring. Being a mom myself, and not always having the time to just breathe, let alone volunteer, this organization has given me the push to get out there and help. AND to instill the importance of giving back to my two boys. Even if it’s just donating gifts at Christmas for Toy Mountain , or baking extra food for Made by Momma. But it doesn’t stop there! The volunteer options are endless for us in this city. You just need to find the right one that fits your family and your life! Thank you Role Mothers for reaching out and helping us to give back to our beautiful city and the wonderful people we live with.

You can find Role Mothers online at www.rolemothers.ca and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RoleMothers Take a look and start giving back today.

Bonus Code : GIVING (expires Tuesday Nov.8.2011 at midnight)

<Just talk to Lee Horbachewski. She’s a suicide survivor, who lives with depression. And now Lee is taking a stand to help reduce the stigma and build awareness for Mental Illness and Suicide Prevention. Her Going Blue 4 U campaign is passionate about raising $40,000 to be donated to local charitable organizations that provide resources and support for Mental Illness. In Calgary, the funds will support the Distress Centre. The entire team will all dye their hair blue if they reach their goal. There are 10 days left for the Going Blue 4 U awareness campaign putting a colorful spin on “The Blues”.

Mental Illness impacts nearly 6 million Canadians, which is 20% of our population. Suicide accounts for 24% of all deaths among Canadians aged 15-24 and 16% of all deaths for the age group 25-44.

“Together we have the Power to Change and Reduce the Stigma that surrounds Mental Illness and suicide. The only way we will is by more and more people talking about it without judgment and fear.”

Lee Horbachewski has a vision: “To Empower You to Shine Bright & Steady, to be Aware, Accept and take Action by living life authentically and realizing you are never alone.” Truth that you CAN live on The Brighter Side. It’s not always easy, and you may need a helping hand along the way!

Hold Lee’s hand, and please help her with her vision. To donate to the Going Blue 4 U campaign, go to www.goingblue4u.ca

Follow on Twitter: @GoingBlue4U_CA #GB4U and Lee @SimpLee_Serene

Website: http://simpleeserene.com/

Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simpleeserene1, or https://www.facebook.com/GoingBlue4U

If you require immediate assistance call 9-1-1 or call a 24 Hour Crisis line http://www.iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres/
In Calgary you can contact the 24 Hour Crisis Line provided by the Distress Centre 403.266.HELP (4357) www.distresscentre.com

Not long ago, it took me 3 weeks to get my son an appointment to see a doctor. 3 weeks?! I was shocked. They told me that I can come to the walk in clinic instead. Walk in clinics should be for those who don’t have a doctor, not because I need someone to check my son’s itchy skin! Besides, I don’t have up to 4 hours to wait at a walk in clinic with my 4 year old. Plus I’d have to bring my 2 year old at the same time. And I just don’t have 4 extra hours in the day. So what did I do? I booked the appointment and then self diagnosed my son and went to the pharmacy to pick up some cream. 3 weeks later, I saw my doctor who prescribed the same thing I diagnosed him as having!

From that experience, I went to find a new doctor. Where the new doctor assured me that I won’t have to wait 3 weeks to book in my son… OR 6 months to get a physical. It wasn’t easy finding the doctor. After searching online and making a million or so calls, I actually found one through word of mouth.

It’s SO frustrating, especially those who are sick, to get in to just see a doctor. So now what? I went to our sister station 660 News to see if anyone there knew anything about what’s going on with our medical world. I came across my colleague Craig Lester. Craig informed me that he’s been working on a 5 part series that talks about just this. I will post his series here so you can follow along. Some VERY interesting information in it!

“the problem with the shortage starts with the number of family doctors being trained in the country.” Read the story here!