I admit that I've spent many an evening this winter on the couch crushing some Netflix series or scrolling through Insta with a glass of wine. Sigh. We just finished Ozark and are watching The Handmaid's Tale now. (Loving all of the scenes in The Handmaid's Tale that were filmed in Toronto!)

However, I'm feeling a little guilty about all of the screen time and want to get out and do some activities this winter and perhaps learn something too. I've been looking around and here are some west end Toronto classes that seem like winners to me. Since part of my New Years resolutions & personal goals was to spend more money here 'at home' and focus on shopping locally to support local small business these classes work for me. Bonus that I can walk to all of them, get some exercise and learn some great skills all at the same time. Here's what I'm planning on doing in the next two months.

The Cookery on Roncesvalles offers a huge variety of classes for all ages. I'm particularly interested in trying out the Brasserie Lyonnaise & The Dinner in India. I need some inspiration for meals at this time of year and Pinterest can only take me so far. I love that she has classes for kids and does PA Day camps as well.

Although I have some experience on my trusty Kenmore sewing machine I'm interested in expanding my skills at The Sewing Junction this winter. I've always wanted to be able to do more with zippers so might be signing myself up for that workshop at least. The Sewing Junction offers classes from beginner to expert and the studio has a seriously cheery vibe that will be sure to take away your winter blues.

To really warm up I really want to try a cocktail class at my favourite spot Famous Last Words. These tend to sell out since it's such a great way to spend an evening with a friend or two. I'm thinking of trying Liquid Gold or The Roaring 20's. Or both, who am I kidding.

Did you know that the Toronto Library offers free classes in computer basics (photoshop/excel etc) , writers workshops, quilting & other crafts, financial planning, history and so much more. Check out your local branch and see if there is anything that interests you. The programming is quite extensive and I've never done a class but I just might try one this year.

From improv to writing, make-up to art, there are dozens of amazing classes offered for adults in Toronto each week. Narrow down what you have down on your personal goals for 2018 and find something fun and exciting to do. I'm sure I'll still watch some Netflix this winter but I will also get out a learn something new and have some laughs!

What a crazy week! Anyone else tired? I don't think I've recovered from last weekend yet and another one is here already. We did get a lot done as a family this week but I always start to feel like time is going by too quickly the week leading up to Christmas. It's really important to take a step back from all of this holiday cheer and spend time with your family remembering what is really important. These next few days of our WSS Christmas Countdown are all about quality time, making memories and slowing down. A friend of mine suffered a huge loss this year and wrote a note to some of us with young children in hopes of helping us remember why we do all of this to begin with. Here's a small bit of what she wrote:

I’ve thought about the way it used to be. The innocence of many family Christmas’ before. Then, our only worry was whether or not we would have enough chairs for everyone. I’ve thought about the Christmas’ when I couldn’t get my kids to sleep because they wanted to catch a glimpse of Santa delivering their presents. I’ve thought about their pajamas, their silly pajamas with the characters on them that they loved so much. The softness of the flannel when they’d crawl up on to my lap for just one more story and then look up at me like I was the only person in the world to say, “I love you Mommy!” I always thought I had a good appreciation for moments and memories, but these last few months have made me realize that they are beyond precious, and more importantly, they are fleeting.The moments when your child loves you so unconditionally that you are like a super hero to them, when you lock the door at night and take comfort in the knowledge that everyone you love so dearly is under your roof. All of those Christmas Eves when your kids carefully write letters to Santa and lay out cookies convinced he’s starving by the time he lands on their roof. The nights you finally get to bed, but first, take a quick second to peek at them and feel your heart ache at the sight of their faces on the pillow because you love them more than you can begin to explain. Those moments that happen when you are beyond tired, the moments that happen at the busiest time in your life, a time when you long for sleep without the weight of the superhero cape.I’m happy to have had the experience, but I want to go back. I want to carry my kids on my hip and read them a story until they fall asleep. I want to watch A put her head on her Daddy’s shoulder without a care in the world, knowing their bond will last forever. I want to stand in that ridiculous line up at the mall, so my kids can scream their heads off when I set them on Santa’s lap. I want my eyes to burn because I’m so tried when my kids wake me up at an ungodly hour to open their gifts. I want it back, I want the innocence, I want the moments, and I want the simple life with my kids before time and grief got in the way.A left us so many gifts. One of the greatest for me is that she taught me the value of a moment. So, for all of you who are feeling the weight of your super hero cape, I’d like to share this with you.Your days of wearing that cape are numbered. There will come a time when you’ll have to wake them up on Christmas morning because the party the night before has taken priority over their presents. So, embrace tired when your babies are young, it means your kids are consuming so much of your time because nobody else can fill that space other than you. In honour of my beautiful red headed, freckled face A, hold your babies in their flannels, embrace that early Christmas morning, and be thankful for every moment. I never understood the value of a moment until I realized how much you can long for just one more.