Mama's Toolbox

Would you like to get fit, stay healthy or lose weight? Are you an athlete looking for a way to reach your full potential through intense, customized training? Rebecca Cronk is the owner of Get Cronk'd, a boutique fitness studio in Kemptville. What makes her studio unique? Rebecca has a small staff, intimate classes and a community to cheer you on. If you feel intimidated by gyms packed with weight lifters, join the Get Cronk'd family and feel right at home. 

Visit http://www.getcronkd.ca/home.html for more details.

This month, I speak to Christina Madden, the owner of Christina's Movement & Dance. Christina offers dance and movement classes for all ages and abilities. Her goal is to give people the opportunity to feel the joy that dancing can bring. Throughout this interview you will discover Christina's passion for dance, her ability to work in groups, schools or individually as well as her flexibility within a structured setting to accommodate all students. Listen to our interview and register your child for her upcoming session on January 14th. For more information, visit Christina's website.

Listen in and discover all that Carrie-Leigh's 5 acre property has to offer. From the option to stay and relax to the variety of body treatments and soul sessions, Carrie has something for everyone. 

Check out Carrie's website for details and have a look at her Holiday packages: www.pure-lotus.ca

#wellness, #healing, #retreat, #services, #bodytreatments, #soulsessions, #reiki, #integratedenergyhealing, #indigokids

Want to know what a small group of parents can accomplish when they get together? Listen in on my interview with Sami Kutowy, one of the founders of The Ontario Parenting Connection as she describes how this group was created and evolved over time to create many fun and important events in our community from car seat clinics to Canada Day Family Glow Parties. Want to get involved? Click this link to visit their Facebook page. 

This month's guest, Holly Brown, is the founder of Rainbow Union Dundas Grenville, offering group meetings for children and teens who are exploring their sexual identity. Holly describes how she responded to a need in her community by creating the group and how that led her to organize the very first Kemptville Pride event. For more information, like their page on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/133153320691850/.

This month, meet Dr. Jacqueline Schoemaker Holmes as she candidly explains the genesis of her blog, Eating Her Young.  Jackie also describes her progression from blogger to founder of Mummy Voices, an online support group for moms. Jackie's wisdom and compassion are the foundation for her community of open, supportive moms where women can go to vent, ask for advice or just create connections. 

In this month's interview, Kristina shares what motivated her to start a blog about motherhood. We hear about her new line of products available through her online store, www.crooksandchaos.com. Kristina has big dreams for local mamas and we discuss those as well. For more information, visit her website or join her Facebook group, https://www.facebook.com/crooksandchaos/

Throughout our interview, Lorraine presented information about how the mind works and develops, what can become a barrier to our brain's development and how she can help. I never said wow so many times during an interview. If your child is struggling- whether s/he is on the autism spectrum or just struggling in school, diagnosed with ADD/ADHD, recovering from a concussion or trying to manage any learning challenge, this interview may be your answer. Lorraine combines her 13+ years of teaching with her qualifications as a registered nutritionist and her training in neuroplastic learning therapy. You can read more about her on her website: https://lorrainedriscoll.com

Have you ever heard of salt therapy or halo therapy? This month we learn about the benefits of salt therapy for everything from acne to seasonal depression. I wanted to share this resource with you because Saltastic has salt rooms for children which is wonderful for parents with children who struggle with allergies, eczema or asthma. It also offers private or groups salt sessions which can help mothers with postpartum depression. If you want to do something simple for self-care, how about a detox treatment, energy clearing or Yoga Nidra class in one of their salt rooms? Any way you look at it, Saltastic is worth a visit. Curious about it but not ready to commit? Visit their shop to check out their products and ask the friendly staff to visit their facility. From the moment you step into this calming oasis, breathing in that sea air smell, you'll be hooked, I know I was. For more information about their services, visit their website, http://www.saltastic.ca.

Any parent whose child struggles with mental health issues will know the stigma associated with mental illness. Many parents feel helpless as they try to support their child. They may put off reaching out for help and then feel frustrated by the lack of resources available or the wait times involved in accessing the services they so desperately need. Enter PLEO, a peer-based resource where parents who have been there can help you find the resources you need. The helpline is often a first step in finding a compassionate ear and useful information. The support groups help you connect with other parents. Please visit their website for more information, Https://www.pleo.on.ca.