Black Pearl Life Style

Spring is (almost) here, and it's time for Spring Clean- Up! This is a great blog with tips such a cleaning of gutters and clean exterior windows. This may seems like a formidable task, but break down the tasks into smaller, less intimidating jobs which are easier to achieve.  Here's the blog! https://www.diynetwork.com/made-and-remade/fix-it/12-maintenance-tips-to-get-your-home-ready-for-spring  

We are a very active family and it's really important for me to get outside and get plenty of physical exercise, likewise instilling these important principles in our kids. This is an interesting tip I read recently, and should obviously be taken according to each individual's condition as sometimes, fatigue can be a sign of illness or something more serious. However, I like how they recommend exercise, even a short walk, after work, in order to revitalize senses,  mentally and physically. Particularly, if you have a sedentary job. "Everything we do uses oxygen, so when you exercise it helps you work more efficiently and you don't tire as easily," FYI - I'm heavily sleep deprived in this photo ;) Here's the link with the quote! http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20857218,00.html#exercise-when-you-re-tired

We've had a terrible year of colds. I've been chatting to friends who recommended supplementing with Vitamin C during these challenging months. There is certainly evidence to be found for and against (suggesting it has more of a placebo effect). There is no real harm in it, only the extra cost of the supplements (we picked up Emergen-C powder sachets from Wall-Mart). We'll keep you all posted on the results! Here's a great link! http://www.activebeat.com/diet-nutrition/10-essential-vitamins-for-winter-survival/

How exciting! The Winter Olympics in PyeongChang has started! We don't have cable so watched the Mogels and some curling today using the CBC app. 'Reddit' claims the CBC app is the best, avoiding lengthy commercials. I would agree, the stream is excellent, like watching live TV. Here's to two weeks of thrilling winter sports!  Here's the link to the CBC app https://cbchelp.cbc.ca/hc/en-ca/articles/360000733333-Where-can-I-get-the-CBC-Olympic-apps-

The snowplows are working day and night at the moment, keeping the roads maintained with the huge volume of snow we are getting. In Simcoe County, the main roads are the priority, with approximately 22000 tonnes of salt spread throughout the season. We have 29 county plows with 34 different routes. As you can see here, some rural roads are not maintained - snow shoe access only! We are grateful for all the hardworking folks that allow us safe passage during our commute in the morning.  Here's a great link about local maintenance: https://www.simcoe.ca/dpt/trs/operations

The Georgian Trail runs from Harbourview Park in Collingwood to Meaford. Beautifully maintained to ensure year round appeal for those who love the outdoors, the trail stretches as far as the eye can see. If you enjoy running, walking, biking, horse riding or snowshoeing, the trail is a stunning way to experience South Georgian Bay.  Here's the link! http://www.georgiantrail.ca/

We made a fabulous discovery today: Wasaga Tobogganing Park! Totally free, this is a fantastic set up, situated on Wasaga Sands Drive, close to the golf course. With designated parking area and even a port-a-potty, it's easy to stay safe from the road and provides the perfect tobogganing hill for all ages to enjoy.  Overlooking an athletics track, there is no concern about unwanted obstacles and the hill is quite long so the kids picked up great speed on their sleds. Certainly one of the best hills we have found in the area! Here's the link http://tobogganhills.com/hills/296-wasaga-toboggan-park

We're having a fairly harsh winter and it's important to stay healthy during these darker, colder months. I love the tips found on this blog (link below) to help keep you healthy from December to March. It's important to keep a sleep schedule. Make sure you find time to get outside, preferably doing some exercise, even a short walk. It will boost your mood. Caffeine may adversely affect your energy levels (beware the dreaded coffee-crash) so depend on that afternoon cuppa if you're on a lower ebb. And we love this tip -have a weekly ritual, such as yoga class or purchase of a small bunch of flowers. It will give you something to look forward to and feel great about! Here's the link! http://www.criticalcactus.com/scientifically-backed-tips-to-beat-the-winter-blues/

A milestone day for Ella - first time on the ice! Thanks to Sk8 Georgian Bay, her first experience was very positive. A team of caring, compassionate students helped the preschoolers one on one to avoid any scary or unfortunate falls which might discourage morale. We've heard great thing about the school and hoping Ella continues to enjoy it.  Here's the link!! http://www.sk8georgianbay.com/

Today we experienced a 'flash freeze' with temperatures dropping from 5oC to -10oC over the course of a few hours. The thaw and subsequent freeze made for terrifying driving conditions. Despite school buses being cancelled, we made a trip into town, a decision that was certainly not without some hairy moments on the roads. Snow tires, slow driving and a 4 x 4 vehicle helped enormously but even with these perks, it's still treacherous on days like this. Stay safe folks! Here's Magnus checking out the winter storm.  And a link to more info from the experts! https://www.insideottawavalley.com/news-story/8049269-special-weather-statement-flash-freeze-warning-in-effect-for-lanark-county/

The past few weeks have been debilitating cold. When the temperature gauge falls below minus 20, it's crucial to bundle up before heading outside or risk frost bite (or worse). At a balmy -12oC today, I was able to get out with the kids. Here are some great tips I was reading about today! Always wear a hat. Apparently it's a myth that 80% of your body heat is lost through your head, however heat IS lost through any exposed area, so wear those woolens! Another wonderful tip in the link below is 'bake all day' - presumably so your oven will add warmth the home and the cookies will add warmth to your belly. A delightful idea!  Here's the link! http://mentalfloss.com/article/60076/12-toasty-tips-staying-warm-cold-weather

We are experiencing significantly colder than average temperatures so we've been googling some great tips to stay healthy and active during the winter months. As well as keeping active and remembering to take vitamin D supplements, heating the home is an important tool in surviving the winter. We love this tip: "Run your ceiling fans clockwise to keep heat circulating downward". Genius! Also be mindful of cracks and holes where heat could escape. The link below suggests even bubble wrap can act as a good insulator. Anything to keep those Hydro bills down! Stay safe and warm folks! Here's the link! https://lifehacker.com/top-10-ways-to-survive-the-cold-harsh-winter-1498172684

Merry Christmas! What a treat to have a truly white Christmas this year.  The weather network is a great resource during these (sometimes) brutal winter months on Georgian Bay.  https://www.theweathernetwork.com/ca/weather/ontario/wasaga-beach Heading out in the snow storm.. (pre-plough). It was quite the work out! The bay was inaccessible from the road with the stroller. Three feet of snow is a fairly formidable foe on three wheels! Merry Christmas from everyone at Black Pearl Emporium 

We featured this craft during a Festive Play Date we hosted last week. Looking for an easy, appealing craft that the kids would enjoy, we found plenty of variations on trusty Pinterest  http://mommylittlehelper.blogspot.ca/2011/12/santa-claus.html   With just paper plates (that I pre-cut, and pre-glued using Popsicle stick 'holders')some glue and cotton wool, the kids were able to conjure up their Santa masks. I didn't have red card, so managed to find some decorative card for the hat cut outs. Here's a quick video we made while Ella, Magnus and I were practicing  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pNCSc_zZl0&feature=youtu.be

Carly Patterson trail is an approximately 11 km loop that meanders throughout the west end of Wasaga Beach. Never straying too far into the wilderness, this trail is perfect for almost all walking/ hiking abilities. There are countless entry points along the trail and it's very well maintained after storm damage. The deep snow we are currently experiencing makes it harder with the double stroller, but with snow shoes, you could enjoy a delightful hike through the woods.  Here's a video of our running convoy ( pup and stroller included) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xz_DX0SUEjo And some further links about the trail! http://staging.waymarking.com/waymarks/WMKJ6C_Carly_Patterson_Memorial_Trail_Wildwood_Drive_Access_Point http://wasagabeachtourism.com/wasagabeach/media/Documents/Maps/WB-Trails-eMap.pdf