A Clean Shoreline, A Healthier You

I’m sure by now you’ve heard the phrases like “plastic pollution”, “micro-plastics” and “marine debris”. And by now, almost everyone and their mother is aware that there is “an island made of garbage” floating in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. This type of talk seems to be everywhere in the media these days. 

But, the question is, do you know why? Or more importantly, why you should care?

“I don’t live by the ocean” you think, “marine debris doesn’t affect me”. 

Well my friend, that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Whether you live on the coast or thousands of miles inland, trash in our lakes, rivers and oceans DOES affect you. These bodies of water all play an important role in our daily lives, from providing us with the oxygen we breathe to the food we eat, regulating our climate and providing us with hours of relaxation and enjoyment. Protecting these natural resources is essential to our wellbeing.

For example - the above photo was take along Lake Ontario last summer during a shoreline cleanup. Keeping in mind that last summer Toronto experienced record spring rainfall and as a result, record Lake Ontario water levels. Looks beautiful, right? Like a beach and a lake should, right? 

Well, if you look closer, you’ll see the photo below. 

One of those things is not like the other.

That’s plastic. Tiny pieces of plastic. Plastic that once was large, but over time has broken down (or photo-degraded) into smaller and smaller pieces with no where to go except our lakes, our rivers, our oceans and our beaches. 

That big fancy word “photo-degrade” doesn’t mean bio-degrade like a compostable product may, completely disappearing after a period of time. It means that over time, the rays of the sun break the plastic into smaller and smaller pieces. It never completely disappears. 

So, while folks are so concerned about this “patch the size of Texas” floating in the Pacific Ocean, they don’t realize that the problem is also occurring without our own backyards. In the Great Lakes. Our drinking water.

Yuck.

But, it doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom. There are ways to help. While completely eliminating single-use plastics from your lifestyle would be the ultimate goal, it is a big ask. Plastic is EVERYWHERE! By making small changes, such as refusing the straw, using a reusable water bottle and coffee mug and even participating in a local shoreline cleanup, those small changes become cumulative and CAN make change.

Each year the environmental non-profit A Greener Future embarks on a cleanup adventure along the shores of Lake Ontario. Starting in Niagara-on-the-Lake, they work east towards Kingston, ON completing 100 litter cleanups along the way. 

So far this year, they’ve picked up over 13,000 pieces of trash on Toronto’s shorelines, with about half of the cleanups still coming. Most of that amount has been made up of completely unnecessary single-use items such as straws, food wrappers, cutlery, cups, etc., while the remainder is coming from uncertain sources such as sewage bypasses, storm debris and even shipping cargo on the lakes. And then there’s the more bizarre items, such as toilet seats (yes, as in multiple) that just can’t be explained. 

The point is, there’s way too much trash in our lakes. The beauty of our natural landscapes and the health of all species on Earth are being threatened by the waste we're leaving behind. But you CAN do something about it. The time to act is now. 

Interesting in joining? Check out A Greener Future’s website to find a cleanup near you.

Have you ever participated in a shoreline cleanup? How are you a good steward for the environment? And, why do you care? I’d love to hear!

Note: This post was sponsored by A Greener Future. All thoughts and opinions are 100% that of To & Fro. 

The Mother of All Worries

If you asked my mom, she would likely call me a “worrywart”.  I’m definitely no stranger to the phrase. Growing up, I was always worried about one thing or another. Mostly about others or things that were completely beyond my control.

When I took on the role of “mom”, I knew that worrying was part of the job description. But, I had no idea how much different the worrying would be.

On one hand, I am happy to rid myself of the days where I used to put so much onus on what people would think of me, what was happening days down the road or even about something that happened days before.

One the other hand, the worrying is now bigger picture. With a 15 month old daughter who watches my every move and knowing that every choice I make impacts her in some way, well, that’s a lot of pressure for a mama. How can you not be plagued with worry?

I have officially entered the uncomfortable world of maternal anxiety.

Worrying is nothing new. And as moms, we all worry about similar things - “Why won’t baby stop crying?”, “Is my baby getting enough to eat?”, “Is my baby normal?” or even, “Am I a good mom?”, just to name a few.

As a mom, I also know that the worrying has only just begun. As Morley grows up, the worries will only change. Until that day, I focus on the present and the normal worries of a mom with a 15 month old daughter. And, most importantly, I will continue to focus on the joys of being a mom with a 15 month old daughter, like getting to build sand castles at the beach.

Becoming a mom has taught me what is important and what is not worth fretting over. One thing I don’t need to worry about is keeping her comfortable and dry, whether at the beach or overnight.

The NEW Pampers Baby Dry diapers now have the same Extra Absorb Channels that exist on Swaddlers and Cruisers. Unlike ordinary diapers, Pampers has three absorbent layers to stay up to 3x drier, pulling liquid away, so our little ones can sleep soundly all night long. The Pampers exclusive thick-to-thin technology distributes wetness evenly and locks is away so babies are even drier than before. 

Pampers Baby Dry may have a new look, but they are still the same diaper (plus, even more absorbent) you have come to trust to give you and your baby up to 12 hours of overnight protection. And that is one worry you can strike off your list.

New Pampers Baby Dry diapers are starting to become available in sizes 5 and 6 now – sizes 1-4 will be available this fall! 

How do you deal with mom guilt and worry? What are some things you worry about? I’d love to hear!

Disclosure: This post is brought to you by Pampers but the images and opinions are 100% my own.

A Family First Camping Trip

We recently kicked off our spring/summer family adventures with a trip to one of my favourite camping destinations in Ontario - Pinery Provincial Park.

Growing up, my family and I spent many summers exploring all that the Pinery has to offer. Now, its my turn to create those memories with my little family and introduce Morley to one of our favourite outdoor activities - camping!

When it was just the two of us, the camping possibilities were endless. Camping at the base of a glacier? Check. A full day back country hike only to camp in the pouring rain? Check. Having a bear huff past your tent and not be able to sleep? Check. Taking a 6-hour ferry ride with plans to camp, only to find out there was still six feet of snow on the ground? Check, check, check. It's safe to say, we've had some pretty interesting camping adventures. But  have also made some amazing camping memories.

So, when it came time to plan Morley's first camping adventure, we figured we'd start small and play it safe with a car camping trip to the Pinery.

Located on the shores of the mighty Lake Huron, just outside of Grand Bend, Pinery Provincial Park is a hidden gem in the Ontario Parks' system. The 21 square kilometres of rare forests and rolling dunes offer excellent year-round outdoor recreations, including 10 walking trails, a 14 km bike trail and 38 kms of groomed ski trails. The Old Ausable River Channel, which runs the length of the park, is perfect for wildlife viewing, fishing or a relaxing paddle in a kayak or canoe.

Our long weekend at the Pinery was perfect. We spent our four days exploring the trails, the beach, the river, the dirt and just relaxing around the campsite. We couldn't have asked for better weather, or better company. With a jam packed campsite that included my parents, my brother, his girlfriend and three crazy dogs, there was no shortage of good laughs or activities going on.  Morley loved hanging out with her pups, Tity and Dooda (otherwise known as Titus and Lola), and was even introduced to a few new animal friends - raccoons, frogs and chipmunks galore. 

And even though we slept in the trailer with my parents (Morley would not even go near the tent), she absolutely rocked her first camping trip. This kid continues to amaze me, constantly adapting to every new situation we toss at her.

We can't wait to get out and create many more amazing memories with Morley this summer!

When heading out on an adventure, whether to the local park or camping, we always consider Morley’s safety first. That is why when it came time to upgrade her car seat, we chose the radian®rXT from diono. Premium materials and thoughtful safety features like a steel alloy frame, aluminum reinforced side walls, energy absorbing EPS foam and five-point harness put your mind at ease as your little one stays safe and sound. The reinforced adjustable head support provides additional side impact protection, and comfort when the little one crashes after a long day of adventuring. 

One of my favourite features of this car seat, which will come in handy on our trip to Alaska in the fall, is that the car seat folds flat for travel and is FAA-certified. Radian car seats fit 3-across in most mid-size vehicles, making it the perfect choice for growing families. And while we are not yet at the stage where we have to worry about that (I promise), one day down the road this will come in handy. 

The radian rXT car seat comes in a variety of colours, but we chose black plum. It adds a pop of colour, while still helping hide the inevitable toddler spills and messes. Find the radian rXT car seat at a retailer near you.

Check out To & Fro on Instagram for more from our camping trip to Pinery Provincial Park. 

Where will your adventures take you this summer? I'd love to hear!

Disclaimer: I received product and/or compensation for this post, however, all opinions are 100% my own. I only support brands that I trust and love.

Life is Better at the Lake

As my American teacher friends and their kids are gearing up to go back to school in the coming days, and my Canadian friends aren't far behind, I'm sitting here like, "Not to brag, but I don't have to go back to work... until March." Thank you maternity leave.

I've absolutely loved having the summer off. The only issue? Its been so bloody hot in my neck of the woods that summer has seemed to pass us by without being able to enjoy it. Instead, we've been confined to our teeny apartment because it is far too hot to take the babe outside. Lets just say, we've started going a little stir crazy. 

Last weekend we escaped the city for my parents' house on Lake Huron. While we were able to escape the confinement of our apartment, we could not escape the heat. 

I could talk your ear off about this place, but instead, I'll let the photos do the talking. 

Did I mention that this is where we got married three years ago? The perfect setting for the perfect day, if you ask me.

The water level is extremely high this year, washing out what was once a nice sandy beach. The lack of sand to set up shop mixed with the sweltering heat doesn't make the best beach day when you have a little one. So instead, we settled for Morley's new kiddy pool. I think this kid was a mermaid in a previous life. There is no fear. She LOVES the water, and that makes this water lovin' mama very very happy.

Yes, those are measuring spoons she's planning with. Sometimes you have to improvise. And if I've learned anything from this whole parenting thing, its the simple things, like kitchen measuring spoons and tissue paper, that make baby happy.

It's true what they say, life is better at the lake. Especially when you get to see your daughter enjoy it just as much as you do.

Don't forget to follow our summer adventures on Instagram (@toandfro21)!

If you like this, you may also like: Cottage Life

How are you spending the last few weeks of summer? How do you beat the heat?

Cleaning Up

Last night a brutal storm whipped off Lake Huron. Rain like we've never seen, leaves flying everywhere and trees coming down...

When a storm hits the lake, it usually means beach treasure the next day. So, with bucket in hand, I had every intention this morning of collecting driftwood for my next craft project. Instead, less than half an hour later, I walked back to my parents with over 17 pounds of garbage in tow. From large pieces of plastic, to plastic bottles, beer cans, a boat oar, styrofoam and broken balloons. And I know that I just scratched the surface, with proof as I walked past a half buried tire and blanket that were not willing to leave.

This is my beach. The beach I have grown up on, where I spent many hours laying on the shore and playing in the water, and where I got married. It is the beach I intend for my children to hold as near to their hearts, and it sickens me to see it this way, littered with trash.

I know when garbage leaves your possession it becomes out of sight, out of mind. But please, allow these pictures to remind you that it doesn't just disappear. It ends up in our waterways, polluting our beautiful beaches and harming the wildlife that call them home.

Do your part! Take part in a shoreline cleanup. Don't live by the ocean or lake? Not a problem. Find your nearest body of water, from a small creek to a pond or river. Do your part to keep our natural world clean and happy.

Have you ever taken part in a shoreline cleanup? What did you find? How did it make you feel?

DIY// Driftwood Candle Holder

I am in love with the lake and all of the treasures that wash up on shore.  There is something so calming about treasuring hunting while the waves lap the shore and the gentle breeze blows. I love all of the driftwoof that washes up - each piece is unique.  With our move to a condo in the big city, I won't have the beach as my escape.  So instead, I've decided I will bring the beach to us with these simple and cheap driftwood candle holders.

Materials:

+ piece of driftwood (see notes below)

+ tealight candles (the ones with metal around them)

+ measuring tape

+ pencil

+ drill

+ 1.5'' spade or orbital drill bit
+ safety glasses

+ fine-grain sand paper

notes about the driftwood:  

// select a piece that is appealing to you
// piece must be at least 3 inches wide and with enough depth so that the candle will sit in nicely

// rinse the piece off with the hose and let it dry completely before drilling

// leave the piece outside for a few days to ensure it is completely dry and allow any critters calling it home to make an exit (sounds gross I know, but you'll thank me later)

Steps:

+ Choose the top side of you candle holder.  Make sure it sits flat.  

+ With the pencil and tape measure, mark where you want the centre of the candle. 

+ Drill away.  I recommend holding your wood in place with some sort of clamp to prevent it from slipping.  
+ Make sure you wear safety glasses.  Saw dust will be flying everywhere!
+ Drill the hole deep enough for the top of your candle to sit at or just above the wood line.
+ Make sure the holes are flat and even to prevent wax from getting everywhere.

+ To prevent slivers, sand any rough areas of the driftwood.  The finer grain sandpaper the better.
+ Add your candles and test that baby out!

Ironically, the power went out half way through writing this post so I was able to put it to good use.

Happy Friday the 13th!

Take Me to the Beach

I am lying on the hot sand in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  Fifty feet from my towel, the Atlantic Ocean dramatically ebbs and flows.  I watch as the water dances up the sand, and then waves goodbye, only to do it over and over and over again.

I am completely mesmerized.  The waves come and they go, and I continue to stare, my mind totally blank.

But then I realize that it's not so much blank as it is happy.  The water has apparently washed away any thoughts of things I need to do or troubles that have been weighing me down.

What is it about that beach?  Why are we drawn to the beach?

"At the beach, life is different.  Time doesn't move hour to hour, but mood to moment.  We live by the currents, plan by the tides and follow the sun." - Unknown

Simply put, life is better at the beach.  The beach is my escapism in so many ways.

... collecting shells

... the critters that call it home

... feeling the sand between my toes

... the way the sun bleaches my hair and causes the nose freckles to make an appearance.

... sunsets

... sunrises

Cheers to beach hair, tan skin, flip flops and sandy toes!

What's your favorite thing about the beach?

Stay tuned next week for more on my trip to the low country.