Cyber Sanity Savers

As moms, we often need to take matters into our own hands. Sometimes in doing so, a cottage industry is born (read: mom entrepreneur nominees).

In the spirit of supporting small mom businesses, and in a world where all we really want to do is cross things off the list, we’re bringing you three new online services from local moms (and a dad) that should help you take control of getting out of your house, the city, or a rut.

Once we master the art of feeding our children, we move onto obsessing about babysitters. That’s where SitSwap comes in—a site connecting Ontario moms looking for safe, reciprocal child-minding. If a friend watching your children appeals to you more than a 15 year-old or $15-an-hour caregiver, SitSwap may be your solution. The sign-up process mimics online dating sites: create a profile (there are free and pay-for-upgrade options), indicate what area of the city you live in, and then scroll through to find a like-minded mom (ideally with kids the same age as yours) who lives nearby. From there, you two are on your own to make a connection, meet, and when/if you’re ready, get to know one another in person. If it works out, you’ve made a new friend and found someone both you and the kids are happy with to look after them when a couple hours on your own is needed. 

Once you’ve got childcare covered, resurrecting date night may be in order. DiningDateNight.com is a Toronto-based service offering restaurant discounts when you book a dinner date night. Yes, someone is going to give you a break for taking a break with your beloved. Sign up via their website and for a $10 booking fee, you’ll receive 30% off the tab at the end of the night, no matter how much you order or spend. There are no embarrassing stage whispers when the bill arrives (“psst…we have a coupon”), and the 30% deduction is automatically applied when the bill is calculated. The restaurants range from neighbourhood favourites like Corner House Restaurant and Beast to fine dining experiences like La Maquette. New restaurants will be joining regularly, so check back for updated destinations. A deal on a delicious dinner? Talk about date night done right.

It’s summer, and most of us are looking to escape the city. Anyone looking to rent a cottage, or wanting to list their own cottage for rent or for sale, can find simple salvation in Online Cottage Rental, a streamlined cottage listing service that connects renters and owners. With cottages listed in provinces across Canada, simply search where you want to rent and view postings to determine if a property is a fit with what you are looking for based on price, location and amenities. For owners looking to rent or sell, you can post your property free for a full year and get instant access to an audience interested in cottaging.

Sometimes the solutions for all of life’s little problems can be found right at our fingertips. Tested by Alison R., Toronto