BORED Mommy — Always Bored, Never Boring

Jul

Shopping ShoeMe.Ca – Canada’s Online Shoe Retailer

by MARIA on July 21, 2014

I love shopping online.

I love the searching for great sites, I love the choosing, I love the buying and I especially love the arrival of said purchase. I LOVE IT ALL.

Just ask my credit card (insert husband sad face here).

The great thing about having great online options in Canada is that you can avoid the additional costs of duties and taxes that inevitably get added on to your purchase. It’s also easier to return or exchange items when the company is within Canada, I think. Shopping a Canadian site is a nice, stress-free option.

Enter my new favorite – ShoeMe.Ca. If you love shopping for shoes, and who doesn’t, ShoeMe.ca is the best online option in Canada.

ShoeMe.Ca has over 180 fantastic brands to choose from, for Women, Men and Children’s shoes (they also sell socks, shoe care and Herschel bags and products). They offer specialty sizing for wide and narrow feet, for smaller feet (size 6 and below) and bigger feet (size 10 and above). They even sell Steel Toe/CSA Approved options!

ShoeMe.Ca also offers FREE SHIPPING AND RETURNS within Canada – LOVE IT. And you must check out the Outlet section so you can check out all the shoes on sale, and clearance. Right now you can take an additional 20% off with the Outlet!20 promo code.

I was given the opportunity to try out the site and order some shoes and it took me forever to decide, because I wanted SO MANY PAIRS! They’ve got so many gorgeous shoes, from flats to heels to sneakers and boots, it was just difficult to decide. The list of brands is incredible – Fly London, Franco Sarto, Toms, Converse, Sam Edelman, Keds, and Rocket Dog, just to name a few. The selection is incredibly diverse and fantastic. It is impossible not to find something you’ll love. That was my problem – I loved many, many pairs, but in the end I went with my ultimate favs – Converse.

Specifically, I chose the Converse Women’s Chuck Taylor Metallic Silver Hi-Tops and I’m so glad I did. I LOVE THEM.

SUPER LOVE.

INFATUATED, WANT TO SLEEP IN THEM, KIND OF LOVE.

ShoeMe.Ca is a great online Canadian option for buying shoes for everyone in the family. They accept all credit cards and Paypal for payment options. Connect with them online on Twitter and Facebook, or sign up for the newsletter to stay in the know about their sales and promotions.

Need some shoes? Use my promo code BoredMommy25 to get $25 off your next purchase over $100!!

*This is a sponsored post, but my words and opinions are my own.*

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Jul

Rio 2 – Activity Sheets And BluRay/DVD Giveaway

by MARIA on July 18, 2014

Rio 2 has arrived on Digital HD (July 1, 2014) and on Blu-ray/DVD just this week, July 15, 2014.

The cast of the animated hit comedy Rio returns — along with a new flock of all-star voice talent, including Bruno Mars, Kristin Chenoweth, Andy Garcia and more — in this high-flying sequel for the whole family. The party continues when Blu (Oscar^® nominee Jesse Eisenberg¹), Jewel (Oscar^® winner Anne Hathaway²) and their three kids take a walk on the wild side and embark on a colorful, comical, music-filled journey through the Amazon. As Blu tries to fit into his new surroundings, he goes beak-to-beak with the villainous Nigel, and meets the most fearsome adversary of all: his father-in-law!

The RIO 2 Blu-ray™ and DVD brings everything you loved from the first Rio, but with even more laughs, excitement and music! Not only will kids get nearly an hour and a half of bonus features on the RIO 2 Blu-ray™, but they’ll also get their groove on with two downloadable bonus songs from the RIO 2 soundtrack: “I Will Survive” and “Poisonous Love,” both performed by Gabi (Kristin Chenoweth) and Nigel (Jemaine Clement). For even more fun, every Blu-ray™ comes with 15 exclusive levels for Angry Birds Rio™ and Music Machine Sing-Along and Dance-Along songs for a whole family party! There’s also Janelle Monáe’s “What is Love” lyric video, a deleted scene, character auditions and much more!

I’ve added some super cute Rio 2 activity sheets below that you can download and print for the kiddies!

RIO 2 MAZE

RIO 2 WORD SEARCH

RIO 2 ISPY

Would you like to win your own copy of Rio 2? Enter below!

Open to Canadian Residents and the giveaway ends Thursday, July 24, 2014.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Jul

July Ipsy Bag Reveal

by MARIA on July 16, 2014

I just joined ipsy last month and finally received my first bag yesterday.

Each bag has a theme and this month’s theme is Sensationally Sun Kissed.

Here’s what was included in my bag:

Sexy Hair Soy Renewal Beach Spray Conditioning & Texturizing Spray

Hang Ten Dark Tanning Oil SPF 08

Pixi Beauty Mini Tinted Brilliance Balm

POP Beauty Sunkissed Bronzer

A card offering Free Shipping at ULTA.com with any bareMinerals purchase – with the promo code IPSYBAREFS.

I should have also received another product – the bareMinerals5-in-1 BB Advanced Performance Cream Eyeshadow Broad Spectrum SPF 15 but it wasn’t in my package. I emailed them about it and received an email very quickly, letting me know they would send me a replacement as soon as possible.
My thoughts on the July Ipsy bag:

Do I love it? It’s ok. I love the little cosmetic bag, it’s adorable and my seven year old keeps stealing it, so it’s definitely a hit. I’ve heard from a friend that the beach spray is fantastic, but I haven’t tried it yet. The bronzer powder is nice and I adore the packaging, but I have never tried bronzer so it’s going to take a little practice so I don’t end up looking like a tan zebra. I really like the pixi balm in terms of it’s consistency and packaging but the shade is VERY PINK. The oddest thing by far I think, was the dark tanning oil. Do people still wear tanning oil in this day and age? Aren’t we all slathering ourselves with sunscreen at this point? I just think it’s a big miss, and I’ve read the forums and people are not loving it at all. I agree – awful idea to add a tanning oil.

Do you get ipsy? What did you get this month? Are you happy with your July bag??

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Jul

The New House – The Powder Room

by MARIA on July 14, 2014

Next up, the powder room! The powder room is just off the front hall and like the front hall, it was a good size and didn’t need a lot of work short-term.

We knew that some of the renos we were planning to do would be mostly cosmetic, at least in the short term and the powder room was one of them. We never considered keeping the wallpaper, although at one point we were planning to have new paper hung but it wasn’t meant to be.

Here’s what was on the powder room short term list and our yet to complete long term list:

SHORT TERM TO DOs:

Remove wallpaper with questionable stains. DONE
Remove towel bar. DONE
Remove useless fan and drywall over it. DONE
Remove wall cabinet. DONE
Replace register cover. DONE
Replace switch/outlet. DONE
Paint walls, trim, ceiling. DONE
Replace light fixture. DONE
Remove and replace mirror. DONE
Replace knobs on cabinet. DONE
Hang towel ring for hand towel. DONE
Buy and hang art. DONE
Buy basket(s) to fill bottom of cabinet with reading material for the husband. DONE

LONG TERM TO DOs:

Replace wood flooring with porcelain tile. I find the wood flooring in the room just bizarre, although it does hide the fact that my son can’t seem to aim into the toilet to save his live, quite nicely.
Replace cabinet/sink.

Here is what our powder room looked like the day we got the house.

I didn’t totally despise the wallpaper but it’s just not my style at all and the questionable stains on the paper just grossed me out completely. As mentioned, we were planning on wallpapering the powder room and had even purchased the paper. However, after thinking about it, and considering everything from budget to time frame, we decided against it. Instead, last minute, we decided to paint it a dark grey, the same as our bedroom. Here’s where the powder room is right now:

And here’s a little side by side comparison for you as well.

I’m planning to spray paint the soap bottle a fun color and add a plant in the space next to the cabinet which is actually pretty big. Long term I’m thinking gut job, but that’s really not a priority right now.

What do you think of the transformation?? If you have any questions, let me know below! Next up, the kitchen.

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Jul

Sex Tape: The Movie #BedroomSpice

by MARIA on July 10, 2014

In honour of the soon to be released SEX TAPE: The Movie, I’m compelled to share my favourite sexy time mishap that the husband and I had years ago. Thankfully, no video proof exists, although honestly, I ‘d watch it daily if there was. I’ve never laughed so hard in my life.

When the husband and I were first married, we headed to Niagara Falls for a weekend away. Of course, we had a room with the cheesy heart shaped jacuzzi tub in the corner of the room. After a day of playing tourist, we came back to the room for some sexy sexy jacuzzi tub times. This is where I admit I had never been in a jacuzzi tub before that, so I added bubbles. Fast forward to us being in the tub and suddenly noticing how high the bubbles were getting, coincidentally as they started pouring out the sides, onto the carpet. I’ll be clear, if I were to say that it was the Niagara Falls of bubbles, I would not be over exaggerating. Cue the husband jumping out of the tub, and attempting to carry armfuls of bubbles into the bathroom and into the standup shower, while naked and laughing hysterically. I was laughing so hard I couldn’t get out of the tub, watching him go back and forth over and over, covered in bubbles. Pure gold I tell you.

Sony’s Sex Tape: The Movie, starring Cameron Diaz and Jason Segel arrives in theatres July 18. Sony Pictures also offered a Sex Tape gift basket (includes sex dice, girl’s booty shorts and guy’s boxers, as well as mini posters) to give away to one winner. Please enter the giveaway below and note that you’re welcome to enter this giveaway on any of the participating sites, but you can only win once. The giveaway is open to Canadian residents (not including Quebec residents).

Check out the Sex Tape: The Movie Facebook page for more info and videos.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

“Disclosure: I am part of the Sony Pictures – Sex Tape Movie program with Mom Central Canada and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.”

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Jul

Niagara Falls – Bird Kingdom #FamilyTravel

by MARIA on July 9, 2014

We recently went to Niagara Falls with the kids to accompany Daddy on a business trip and our seven year old was DESPERATE to go to the Bird Kingdom. We really only had three things on our list of must do activities while in Niagara Falls – see the falls, go to the Butterfly Conservatory and check out Niagara Falls - Bird Kingdom.

The Bird Kingdom was the last place we went before leaving the city and we’re so glad we did. My kids absolutely loved it. It is actually the world’s largest indoor free flying bird aviary. It is very easy to find, a close five minute walk from the falls and there is parking attached to the building. After paying your entrance fee, they suggest you follow the white footprints on the ground as a guide through the rooms. Although there are some reptiles, bats and such, the birds are definitely the main event. A toucan, a kookaboura and a variety of parrots are what you’ll see when you first walk in, so prepare for it to be LOUD. The birds are beautiful and as an added bonus, you’ll even see a blue and yellow macaw that says hi and waves to you using his foot. It’s too adorable for words.

We then moved onto a small aviary filled with smaller birds flying around, most of which we had never seen before. We moved through this room quickly because the kids were excited to see what was next. After walking through a dark tunnel, we entered a huge aviary that resembled a rainforest, complete with a 40 ft. waterfall. It was so unexpected and incredible. There are approximately 400 birds in this 50,000 sq. ft aviary so you’ll want to take your time walking through and taking pictures. The definite highlight was when the blue Victoria Crowned Pigeon happened upon my son and seemed enamoured with him. He was wearing dark blue jeans and it seemed the bird was trying to figure out what they were all about, walking around him back and forth and making little noises. He followed him walking down the path and every time my son stopped walking, he would circle him and walk over his feet to get around him. My kids talked about it for DAYS.

Here’s a little video of the little man with the bird he wanted to take home – I’m hesitant to share it because the sound of my voice makes me CRINGE!!! But here you go:

Make sure if you’re headed to Niagara Falls, to check out the Bird Kingdom. Try to arrange it so you don’t miss feeding the Australian Rainbow Lorikeets – we missed it and I know the kids would have enjoyed it.

SOME USEFUL INFO: The Bird Kingdom is open 9:30-5 and 9:00-5:30 in the summer. Admission is $16.95 (plus tax) for adults, Seniors $14.95, Kids 4-15 are $11.95 and under 3 are free. Parking is $3 per hour.

*Sponsored by me.*

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Jul

The New House – The Front Hall

by MARIA on July 8, 2014

I can’t believe it but we’ve been in the new house now for just over FIVE MONTHS!

Sometimes I can’t believe we actually even bought this house to be honest – it definitely wasn’t planned.

The husband was in Amsterdam last October when I noticed that the house across the street (ie. the one we’re living in now and yes, it’s literally across the street from our old place) had a sale sign on the front lawn. After checking it out online, I called to make an appointment with the realtor, who coincidentally was also our realtor. The next day, my mom, my older sister and I went to check it out, and we all gave it the thumbs up. I knew it needed some work, but the size and the layout were there and a gorgeous backyard was an amazing bonus. So I emailed the husband, sent him links with pics and told him I wanted this house for us. The next day, I put in an offer and poof, I bought a house. Luckily, the sale of our house was a dream – we listed and sold it the same day. It was meant to be.

We got the new house three weeks before we had to be out of our old place, which allowed us to get most of our renos and all the painting done before we moved in. It was the best thing we could have done. We’ve accomplished and completed a TON since moving in, but there’s still tons to do yet. Sadly, the money tree eventually runs out and you need to slow down, which is where we are now. Boo.

A lot of people have asked that I share my before and after pics on the blog, after seeing some of my pics on my Instagram account. I appreciate all of your feedback and suggestions that I should be a decorator/interior designer. If only I had the talent to do so, but alas, I do not – but it sure is fun trying. Also, I don’t have a camera that is any good, so the pics leave much to be desired – I’ll apologize for that in advance. Become an amazing photographer is on my to-do list, after laundry and losing half my body weight.

THE FRONT HALL

The great thing about the front hall was it was nice and big, and the front door was in good shape but that’s about it. Here’s my ultimate to-do list for the front hall and what has been completed to date:

SHORT TERM TO DOs:

Remove all the hideous crap all over the walls and patch. DONE
Paint all the walls and trim. DONE
Replace all three light fixtures. DONE
Rip out closet organizer, paint inside closet and install new closet organizer. DONE
Replace closet doors. DONE
Move doorbell to another wall. DONE
New front door lock. DONE
Replace register cover. DONE
Replace all outlets and light switches and covers. DONE
Install Nest Thermometer. DONE
Hang framed photos and art.
Buy a piece of furniture and a mirror for the empty wall.

LONG TERM TO DOs:

Replace ugly tile floor with dark grey porcelain tile. Because we could live with this for now, we decided to put our money on things that needed to be finished asap.
Paint inside of both doors black – still undecided, so I’m waiting on this one.

Here is what our front hall looked like the day we got the house:

I think the design esthetic they were going for was a whole lot of brown and beige and hideous – mission accomplished!

And here is what we’ve done so far:

Again, my photos aren’t great, but you get the idea. I’m a big fan of clean, minimal, and grey so I think we’ve accomplished that. Of course, we still need to hang art on the walls, and we need a table or cabinet and a mirror for the empty wall with the two round lights. I’d love an area rug or two to hide the tile, at some point as well.

And some side by sides to compare:

So what do you think? If you have any questions or what any source info, let me know below! The powder room is up next!!

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Jun

Her – DVD/BluRay Giveaway

by MARIA on June 30, 2014

Her stars Joaquin Phoenix (in a pornstache) and Scarlett Johansson’s voice in a beautifully bizarre film, which coincidentally won the 2014 Oscar for Best Original Screenplay (written and directed by Spike Jonze).

It’s super creative and strange and different and perfectly cast – I can’t imagine anyone else as Theodore but Joaquin Phoenix. Theodore makes his living writing personal letters for other people. He’s sad and heartbroken over the end of his relationship. His life changes when he purchases a new operating system that “promises to be an intuitive and unique entity in its own right. Upon initiating it, he is delighted to meet Samantha (Johansson), who is insightful, sensitive and funny. As her needs and desires grow in tandem with his own, their friendship deepens into an eventual love for each other.”

I watched it last week and I’m still thinking about this movie. It’s a bizarre one, that’s for sure.

Want to win a DVD/BluRay copy of your own? Enter below! Open to Canadian residents only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Jun

Alone Time With Netflix #StreamTeam

by MARIA on June 30, 2014

Oh how I adore my alone time with Netflix.

It really doesn’t take much to make me happy after the kids are in bed – a iced latte, pyjamas, many pillows and my Netflix. I love it so much, and I’m ok with that. I like that I can relax in bed, and watch some great tv shows, and binge watch at my leisure.

Of course, I have my favourites:

ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK - I may have watched the new season over a two day period. Fantastic second season and excited to see Season Three.

HAPPY ENDINGS – This one is an old one, but whenever I need a laugh, every episode makes me howl. I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve watched them but it’s my go to happy place show.

THE KILLING – SO good. So sad it’s almost over but crazy excited about Season four coming up in July!!!

SUITS – Fantastic show – witty, smart, and full of obscenely attractive people. Love it.

I also have a very long list of shows that I have yet to watch that are conveniently on Netflix. I LOVE that I don’t have to wait a week to see the next show – seriously, binge watching is where it’s at.

I can’t wait to watch:

SHERLOCK – My cousin in Toronto and I are constantly texting each other about what we’re watching (we are both addicted to really bad reality tv) and she RAVES about this show. I’ve only heard great things so it’s number one on the list.

Veronica Mars – I adore Kristen Bell, so I’ve always been curious about this show.

The Good Wife – Oh, Mr. Big, you had me at hello.

Bates Motel – I’d love to see this but I’m a total wimp so, it’s been on the watch list with Dexter for a while now.

I love Netflix – did I say that already? Seriously, it’s worth every penny.

Do you have Netflix? What are your favorite shows to binge watch???

Disclaimer: I’m part of the Netflix #StreamTeam, and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with Netflix. All views and opinions are my own.

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Jun

Niagara Falls – Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory #familytravel

by MARIA on June 18, 2014

Last week we took a trip to Niagara Falls for a couple of days – the kids had never been and the husband had a business trip so it was the right time to go. The kids were super excited (to miss school) and stay in a hotel, which they LOVE to do. As with any road trip we take, and we love a good road trip, I made a list of our must see attractions and The Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory was number one on the list.

We had gone as a couple years ago before having kids, and we loved it so we knew the kids would as well. It’s about a ten minute drive from the Falls, so you will definitely need to drive or take public transportation to get there. We went first thing in the morning to avoid crowds and school groups and we really recommend you doing that so you can walk at a leisurely pace and really enjoy as many butterfly species as possible. There are over 2,000 butterflies (45 different species), flying around in a lovely tropical (ie. steamy) environment. The kids LOVED just walking around, seeing all the different butterflies, and hoping one would land on them.

Many of them did in fact. On their shoes, on their backs, and even their heads. They were beyond thrilled. My son fell in love with this particular butterfly – it landed on him and stayed there the entire time we were there. We eventually passed him off to a staff member who told us he had just been born that day.

There were so many gorgeous butterflies and unique flowers in the conservatory, you could spend hours looking at everything – the kids loved it and didn’t want to leave. The building itself is surrounded the botanical gardens so once you leave you can enjoy the gorgeous setting as well. There are almost 100 acres of gorgeous grounds to experience, including a beautiful rose garden. Don’t miss this Niagara Falls attraction – !!

Some Useful Info: Tickets are free for children under 5, $8.50 plus tax for 6-12 year olds, and $13.50 for 13+. Parking is $5 and the hours of Operation vary so check online!