it's my girls' world

My kids are first generation Canadian. It's very important that they embrace their Canadian heritage, but I want them to understand and appreciate that they come from a Trinidadian background and all of the cultural traditions that come along with our very diverse heritage. Our family travels to Trinidad almost every year, they spend lots of time with their grandparents, we eat lots of trini food and we're always telling them about Trinidad and our days growing up there. So we've got it covered at home.

Recently Cassia's class had a Heritage night. A lot of work goes into this night. The children spend the entire month of February learning about different countries and cultures. They each choose a country and learn about it, its geography and culture and then they share it with the rest of the class. They ask each of the parents what their background is. Each child then spends time doing a map of the world and learning about different cultures and heritage.
They also bring an item in from their heritage and make national flags for the countries of their ancestry. 

Heritage Night is a night the kids have been waiting for all month. They count down the days until the night is here. Each family brings a dish from their culture to share with the rest of the class…. Cassia wanted me to make a macaroni pie.  

After a delicious international dinner, the class sang songs that they practised all month. 

Then a story read about embracing different cultures 

This year there was Indian folk dancing and Celtic dancing, piano playing and a band. It was very entertaining for both adults and children alike. 

I loved the idea of heritage night. I think it's so important to remind kids not only of where they came from but also teach them respect for other people's cultures, values and beliefs. I also think that it's important for kids to see not only their  teachers who they hold in such high esteem showing interest, respect and understanding for the heritage of every single child in the class.  This night was a fun way to do that. 

Linking up for  The Grateful Heart with Ember Grey because this night was certainly something to be grateful for. 

1- I've spoken about this before but if you're an online shopper and  haven't jumped on the eBates bandwagon- you're totally missing out. There's no catch... really no catch… and look what I got in the mail both from eBates and eBates.ca.

It seriously is free money!

2- I received these lovely belated cards from my brother, sister in law and baby nephew amidst all the mail- In Canada our mailbox is down the street together with everyone else's mailboxes and in this weather I  didn't check it for a couple weeks. Nothing makes me smile like an unexpected card or package….especially from some of my favourite people. I can't wait for them to come to Canada in June for a WHOLE year- my brother got a fellowship! We are beyond excited.

3- We are seriously thinking about a Disney cruise this summer. We are not huge cruisers but they come very recommended. Any advice, internet friends?

4- If you have a young kid and want to teach them the importance of respecting and playing with all kids--- a life lesson we all need, Odd Velvet is the book for you-- 

Book Synopsis- Velvet is odd. Instead of dolls that talk and cry, Velvet brings a milkweed pod for show and tell. She wins the class art contest using only an eight-pack of crayons. She likes to collect rocks. Even her name is strange-Velvet! But as the school year unfolds, the things Velvet does and the things that Velvet says slowly begin to make sense. And, in the end, Velvet's classmates discover that being different is what makes Velvet so much fun.

It's a wonderful read! 

5- Who here loves Makeup Forever. Their pigments and colours last… well forever… not quite but longer than others out there. I bought this amazing gel eyeliner from them for a smoky eye and so far it does not disappoint. Does not smudge excessively like the regular pencil but also doesn't give that hard line that liquid eyeliner does. 

 And there you have it. Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

So there you have it. Yes, my house is sometimes messy and sometimes shiny. More than all of that though. I want my kids to clean up after themselves since I think it's a good life skill to have. I don't want them to think their parents will always be picking up after them.  I want them to go to other houses and pick up after themselves when they're done as well.  They're 5 and 2, there are long, sometimes messy years ahead. But all I can hope to do is be a good example, keep my cool and remember that a messy house never hurt anyone. 

Linking with with Annie and Nat for Thoughts on Thursday and
with Salma, Raj and Nisha for Three Things Thursday (although I have four tips listed- just call me a rebel without a cause)

We are finally on the mend from this awful flu that hit our house like a stack of bricks. This weekend was filled with lots of R&R, play-dates, takeout, TV watching and of course the Oscars! We did manage to hit the mall and D and I had a belated Valentine's dinner at a local inn which was absolutely de-yummy- my five year old's combo of delicious and yummy.

Linking up today with Erika and Andrea for Favourite Things at Target. It's kinda with a heavy heart as my beloved Target is leaving Canada. I mean, I thought I spent enough money to keep Target afloat here but apparently my funds did not suffice. So soon Target will once again have to become a destination whenever I head to the US.

Target's motto is "expect more, for less" and working in the corporate world and dealing with them before, their offerings and line up is different from other mass merchandisers. They really force encourage companies to provide different items for them than say Walmart. So you'd find a SKU (product) at Target like a pattern, appliance, type of shampoo that you simply can't find anywhere else.  

Here are a few of my favourites:

This is my favourite brand of hair care products. Love, love, love how it makes my hair feel after. And there are always specials at Target.

This line of Shea Moisture Baby products is my favourite, not only for the babes but for the entire family- can also be found in Walgreen by the way. Your baby will smell like cake.

Target's seasonal gel clings for windows can keep toddler hands busy for quite a while.

So Target, you and I will once more begin our long distance relationship but our love affair is far from over. 

Cheers,