I'm writing this in the parent's waiting room while my kids are in gymnastics. As much as I love watching my little athletes in action, there is a selfish little part of me that whispers "I wish I could go shopping for my spring wardrobe."

 

Since having kids, time has become my biggest impediment to dressing with style.

 

I miss wandering aimlessly through a mall filled with fashion sales, finding a few low cost gems, and wearing them proudly for a few months. Now my time is spent more responsibly: working non-stop to make money which I spend buying my kids a stream of new outfits to fit their ever stretching bodies. Fun fashion breaks for me are few and far between.

 

I admit it....when I feel like I look hot in an outfit, I feel better about myself and my personality gets a little brighter. In a way, shopping makes me a better woman.

 

To help stimulate your own spring shopping spree, we've put together a bunch of stylish and smart tips and tricks on what's hot this spring to remind you (and me) to take some time to find a few pieces to lift your mood.

In addition to your new bundle of joy, you may eagerly anticipate your due date as an opportunity to ditch the maternity wear and jump back into your fave pair of skinny jeans. But not so fast, the hard truth is your body may not immediately (if ever) bounce back to its pre-baby shape.

 

When I tell people I work at the Yummy Mummy Club, inevitably I get one of two faces:

(a) The "furrowed brow, I don't understand what that means, please explain" face or
(b) The "knowing smirk, wink wink, nudge nudge get your mind out of the gutter" face

 

Ironically, being a yummy mummy has nothing to do with your size, shape, age or the way you look. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with trying to look your best - I put on makeup every single day because it makes me feel more put together - but some of the yummiest mummies I know are rockin' the bare face, sweatpants and ponytails.

 

The definition of a Yummy Mummy is as unique and individual as the mother who is defining it. For me, it's about being...

On April 4th at 1 p.m. (festivities begin at noon), the world's longest "pay it backward" coffee line will begin at the Second Cup on Queen and John Street in Toronto. If you're wondering what the heck a 'pay it backward' coffee line is, well, let's just say that whatever your drink - it's on the kind soul in front of you. And whatever the person behind you is drinking - it's on you!
 
Enjoy your daily dose of caffeine and be entertained by street performers and live music. Bring your friends, your children, your pets and your hangovers (or simply your desire to do something nice) and help us re-write the history books... Toronto-style!

 

Second Cup has committed to donate 50% of the proceeds for every act of kindness to the SickKids Foundation.

Toons for Toddlers enables families with toddlers, ages 2 to 5, the opportunity to enjoy great entertainment at a movie theatre in a toddler-friendly environment with reduced theatre sound, dim lights and a screening time just under 60 minutes.