When Tania La Fortune became a single mom back in September of 2010, she struggled with the universal challenge most parents face –finding balance.
The Port Coquitlam resident and personal chef was solo on her journey with newborn son Jaxon, which was no easy feat. However, she wasn’t alone in her feelings of frustration and helplessness.
“Becoming a sister in ‘motherhood,’ I now see and face the same challenges that most parents agonize over: How do I balance life and parenthood? Do I let the house go during the week to spend time with my beloved, ordering meals out and give up my weekend to chores? Or, do I keep everything meticulous, make home-cooked meals everyday and feel the guilt that I am neglecting the ones I love?”
But even during what was the most trying time of her life, Tania managed turned her situation into a positive one.
“I knew I could provide a solution to this shared dilemma,” she said.
Around a year later, her second baby was born – Retro Mom Services.
The professional service isn’t your average cleaning company; rather, it’s the ultimate blast-to-the past.
Think domestic pro house cleaner meets June Cleaver and voila – you have the holy grail of personalized services for everyone, from new moms and empty nesters to singles and seniors.
“It is unique in that you can pick and choose the services to suit your household needs,” explained Tania, who utilizes her 15+ years of experience as a professional chef, skills acquired from being a 4-star resort housekeeper, plus her keen “Mom Smarts for the ultimate domestic trifecta.
“For you, this could mean a clean house/home cooked meal/chores completed all in just a few hours. Or, you can simply have your home cleaned. The choice is yours and the rate is the same for all services. We will do what mom will do for you, but with no complaint!”
A skilled expert in diet and nutrition, food sensitivities and allergies, Tania’s culinary service involves sitting down with her clients to map out their meals, taking diet, preference and budget into account. Freezer meals are especially popular for busy moms and working professionals, she says.
“Your life is going to be so much easier when you can offload a few freezer meals on me – this will save you so much time in the week do spend on what you’d rather be doing. It will also cost you less in the long run, instead of relying on takeout – of course, it’s also a lot healthier and tastier too.”
Domestic services includes a detailed home cleaning with a vapor steam machine – there’s also the option to add on tile & grout steam cleaning, carpet cleaning, home organization, laundry, painting, gardening, outdoor home beautification – if you have a job, Tania is happy to take it off your shoulders.
“My thing has always been helping people – especially new moms. Ever since I became a mom myself, I can identify with what they’re going through.”
The work itself is never a job, it’s Tania’s passion.
“Honestly, that’s where I get that instant gratification. People are instantly happy… there’s no seed I have to sow and wait for it to grow – it’s results right away.”
And while hiring someone to clean your home can seem awkward, especially for some stay-at-home mothers who fear being judged, there’s no need to be embarrassed or ashamed, says Tania, who has seen it all.
“I see the things, but I never judge – that’s my job,” she said matter-of-factly.
“That’s what I’m here to help with. I’m coming in as a friend, as a mom without judgment to free up your time so you can focus on more important things.”
For moms with small children and home who are known to hide food and leave behind mucky finger prints, the steam cleaner is the ultimate saving grace, she adds.
“Retro Mom Services is one of the few companies around that does the domestic steam. It’s basically the cleaning you’d do on your hands and knees with a toothbrush, but takes a fraction of a second. It will get all the nooks and crannies that you can’t normally reach.”
For more information about Retro Mom Services, visit www.retromomservices.ca or call 778-829-0530.
Our house was spotless thanks to Tania at Retro Mom Services.
Editor’s Note: I recently had the pleasure of having Tania come and clean our home for 4 whole hours. While I’ll admit I felt weird about letting someone else scrub our floors and vacuum our carpets while I spent time with Molly and Zoe playing, our house has never looked cleaner. It also freed up our weekend to spend time doing what we love instead of spending hours on chores.
ValleyMom.ca has partnered with Retro Mom Services to give away an 8-hour cleaning service to one lucky fan from the Tri Cities, Burnaby, New Westminster, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, Surrey, Langley, Aldergrove or Abbotsford.
Please Note: Currently, those are the only areas that Retro Mom Services caters to.
To enter, simply follow the instructions on the Rafflecopter below. You must be 18+ to enter and live within the 9 designated areas. Contest closes on March. 17/15 at midnight.
Contest is now closes. A big congrats to Janet C Houle!
Disclaimer: While I did receive a complimentary cleaning service, I was not paid to write this post. All opinions are my own. Other than facilitating the contest, ValleyMom.ca is not responsible for the prize or any services from Retro Mom Services.
95 Comments
Britt
February 17, 2015 at 1:05 pmWould love to win this!!!
Brittany
February 17, 2015 at 1:06 pmSo necessary!! (We live in Surrey!)
Louise
February 17, 2015 at 1:10 pmWHat would I do?! I think I would take my kids outside for a day of exploring good old beautiful BC!
Jennifer Harvey
February 17, 2015 at 1:15 pmWould love this so much!! My house in definitely in need of TLC. Would spend the extra time relaxing and playing with my son instead of either cleaning, or spending time with him and feeling bad for not getting any cleaning done!
Beth
February 17, 2015 at 1:19 pmWith a newborn and a toddler I would love to have my entire house cleaned and some freezer meals made!
kyle Anderson
February 17, 2015 at 1:20 pmOMG this would be amazing !
Lisa Whelton
February 17, 2015 at 1:21 pmI would LOVE this! I have 4 kids 5 & under, so our house gets a lot of wear and tear. And stickiness. And spills. And dust and dirt.
I love the idea of doing my regular errands and taking the kids to the park while someone cleans my house!
Jen V.
February 17, 2015 at 1:22 pmWould love to win this. I will have a family day with my kids and my husband.
Lisa
February 17, 2015 at 1:32 pmIf I win, I would play, play, play with my kids!
Margo
February 17, 2015 at 1:35 pmIf I win, I would use the time to rest. I’m 29weeks pregnant. Work full time doing home daycare and caring for my toddler. I could use the break to just rest
Tara
February 17, 2015 at 1:45 pmI would go spend the time with my family!!!
Jaclyn
February 17, 2015 at 1:55 pmI would LOVE to win this – my house could so benefit from a professional deep clean!
Gina
February 17, 2015 at 1:59 pmI would enjoy snuggles with our new babe and relax 🙂
Jessica Hugh
February 17, 2015 at 2:01 pmI am 5 weeks to my due date, and unfortunately my home is nowhere it should be. With hubby working full-time, two very active boys to chase, and an online business to maintain.. I’ve basically lost all will to really do much.. and it’s taken it’s toll! I would love nothing more, than by the time baby is here, to have this house in order. There’s laundry to be done, things to be arranged, items to be packed… too much for me!
Teresa Roe
February 17, 2015 at 2:05 pmGood luck to ME!
Jami
February 17, 2015 at 2:13 pm8 hours of retro mom in my house? That would give me time to catch up on all my “She’s a valley mom” blog posts!
trish debruycker
February 17, 2015 at 2:36 pmWith my free time I will take my girls to the park and maybe venture out to Menchies for some fro-yo?? how fun!
Janet
February 17, 2015 at 2:37 pmIf I won, I would work. Most nights I am up late working from home as my children and housework take up most of the day. Sleep would be nice.
Tara J.
February 17, 2015 at 2:44 pmI’d spend the whole day with my kiddo at the park and worry less about what needs to be cleaned at home!
Chelsea
February 17, 2015 at 2:48 pmThis would be a dream!!
Sarah
February 17, 2015 at 3:02 pmGo to the park and drink in the anticipation of walking into a clean house..that I did not have to clean..
Marina
February 17, 2015 at 3:08 pmI got my entries in and if I win I think I’ll be spending my new found spare time probably cleaning up my messy office and “crap” room. I know not fabulous but it’s been a mess for over 5 years LOL! Good luck everyone.
Michelle
February 17, 2015 at 3:24 pmSpend more time with my baby and toddler!
Valerie
February 17, 2015 at 3:30 pmI would take the kids for a day trip to Crescent beach and spend all day lifting rocks and finding crabs 🙂
Shannon
February 17, 2015 at 3:33 pmIf I won this I would be able to spend more time with my family on evenings after work and weekends instead of trying to catch up on all the cleaning and household chores!
Ashley
February 17, 2015 at 3:51 pmThis sounds like heaven! To be honest, I’d probably lounge around for an hour instead of scrubbing bathrooms!
Jennifer P.
February 17, 2015 at 4:02 pmFirst I would probably sob with joy at this dream come true, then I would love to play with my kids, maybe take them to the park if the weather is nice!
Connie
February 17, 2015 at 4:03 pmOh my goodness…winning this would be so great I’ve been considering hiring someone to do at least some aspect of cleaning due to broken foot. My daughter has had the flu for over a week (she was my helper in the cleaning dept.) and my hubby has been away for over a week. YIKES!! At least I get a laugh from watching my cat chase the dust bunnies around!!
Kristi K
February 17, 2015 at 4:40 pmWill she watch my kids too?!! It would be so nice to just be able to go somewhere by myself…maybe get a pedicure? I don’t know but something just for me 🙂
Jeannie
February 17, 2015 at 5:53 pmI would love to win this for my sister in law. With 3 boys, I’m sure she would spend those extra hours at the mall, all by herself and enjoy it!
KellyL
February 17, 2015 at 6:15 pmHopefully the weather will still be nice and I can get some extra chores done outside. Don’t really mind being outside in the sunshine doing chores. Come into a lovely cleaned home would be awesome. Would have to go out for dinner, so we didn’t make a mess to soon. 🙂
Brenda Parmiter Cooper
February 17, 2015 at 6:31 pmI think I would go and relax and think about all the things that will look beautiful in my house after the Retro Mom is finished. It would be like a dream for me, to have a clean organized house.
Sam
February 17, 2015 at 6:39 pmi would love to win this.
Lexia
February 17, 2015 at 7:14 pmI’d love to win for my Grandma! She’s 84 and just got out of the hospital with orders not to cook, drive, any lifting etc. It would be wonderful for her 🙂
Lyndene
February 17, 2015 at 7:21 pmI would send the kids away and go for a long walk, dinner with hubby, and come home and relax in a home I did not have to clean!!!!
Jennifer
February 17, 2015 at 7:22 pmIs it bad to say I’d take a nap? I have a 2 year old and a 4 month old and mama needs some sleep!!! But then I’d hang out with the fam once I’m out of zombie mode 🙂
Alicia
February 17, 2015 at 8:23 pmWould be amazing to have before I head back to work!
Rhonda
February 17, 2015 at 8:31 pmNot gonna lie….I just need a good cleaning. I’m so far behind I’m drowning. Dogs ate my leather couch and love seat…FINALLY getting it replaced in March and it would be so nice to start fresh with a clean home and some redecorating. Thanks for the chance to WIN!
kim
February 17, 2015 at 8:41 pmWould love this.
Meaghan
February 17, 2015 at 8:46 pmi am home with a 3.5 year old and a 6 month old…I would love to have my house cleaned and dusted as myself and kids have dust allergies….and it would be great to spend an afternoon at the park and have the house clean when we got home!
Mona Lefebvre
February 17, 2015 at 9:27 pmThis would be amazingly!if we won, the hubs and I would take the kids out (to cause some chaos OUTSIDE the house) so we could come home and really take in “the after” all at once!
Rachel
February 17, 2015 at 10:30 pmI would spend some much needed quality time with my husband!
Dana Miller
February 17, 2015 at 11:29 pmI’d go window shopping and have peace of mind that I’d be coming home to a clean house.
Nicole Calla
February 18, 2015 at 6:15 amI would love Retro Mom come and tackle all those jobs that never seem to get done…blinds, windows, and behind the appliances! My husband and I could enjoy our time not thinking about all those chores that need doing.
krystyl olson
February 18, 2015 at 8:53 amI would get to ENJOY my WEEKEND with my kids – I DONT EVEN CARE WHAT WE DO, just as long as we’re together and having fun!!! I spend all weekend, EVERY WEEKEND cleaning, cooking and grocery shopping. then *poof* my weekend is gone. maybe go on a mini road trip !!
Ryan Olson
February 18, 2015 at 8:58 amGive the family a day off on the weekend to enjoy a day out. Would be wonderful!
Stephanie Stumph
February 18, 2015 at 9:49 am8 hours of cleaning…. WOW what would I do!!!???? I would spend EVERY single moment with my little family. What a gift this would be!! And then I would come home and ENJOY my clean house 😉
Richelle
February 18, 2015 at 10:02 amI need this line nobody’s business. 😉
Lianne W
February 18, 2015 at 10:44 amI have been following Retro Mom on Facebook and will definitely be booking her in the future. Thanks for the opportuinity to win a booking ; )
tammy harbord
February 18, 2015 at 10:52 amI will play with my boys outside if it is a nice day!!
Lisa
February 18, 2015 at 10:57 amI would for sure make hubby take a MUCH NEEDED day off work on the weekend and go out for an actual family day (a rarity in our house as I work during the week and hubby works weekends)
Shaunna
February 18, 2015 at 11:04 amI would get my hair cut much much needed
Sarah
February 18, 2015 at 11:16 amNot even gonna lie… with my free time not having to clean, I’d try and catch up on some much needed sleep. Either that or take the kids to the beach… probably more likely as they never let me sleep! *lol*
Andi Pandy
February 18, 2015 at 11:33 amIf I won this amazing prize… I would bask in the glory of a clean organized home, while drinking a small glass of wine, and dancing foolishly about the cleanliness of my new home. This is a luxury I have not had in the past almost 16 years, thanks to children and being pregnant with my third – without this prize, I don’t anticipate having this glory for at least another 16! LOL Please good luck charms, help my OCD!!!
jenna
February 18, 2015 at 2:19 pmI can’t even imagine what 8 hrs clean would look like. I get so much out of 2!!! (pick me!)
Katrina
February 18, 2015 at 2:27 pmI have used Tania’s services just prior to moving – she helped me pack, get organized, and best of all steam cleaned all my appliances and cupboards. That steam cleaner is freaking AMAZING. She was a great help and I highly recommend her. Not to mention, I’d love to win this too!!!
Selena
February 18, 2015 at 6:03 pmI would sit back with a cup of tea and finish reading my book while my house was getting cleaned. Of course I’d also make sure my kids were out at school and daycare! 🙂
Laverne jutila
February 18, 2015 at 6:45 pmLove retro mom did my gardening last year amazing been waiting to try more services
Chelle
February 18, 2015 at 7:40 pmI can’t imagine not having to do 8 hours of cleaning…it seems like a dream. I would love to spend time with my kiddo instead of doing the cleaning 🙂
Kim
February 20, 2015 at 10:44 amActually bake something! I don’t seem to have time. Also, relax.. don’t do a lot of that either with 2 little ones at home.
Celina W
February 20, 2015 at 10:50 amI would love to win this so I can spend some more time with family and friends… I am just moving back home after living out of province for the last couple years so we have lots to catch up on.
Tania
February 21, 2015 at 7:56 amRetro Mom here!
Aww you guys! I hope to be able to help you all! It is so wonderful that I get to help Moms & families on a daily basis, get their time and freedom back! If you would like to book us, don’t hesitate to call or email!
And thank you to my clients’ support! I see you!
#nochoremovement
778-829-0530 info@retromomservices.ca
Heather
February 21, 2015 at 8:54 amWhile Retro Mom Services are cleaning my house, I will take my kids to the park and then maybe I will sleep. No, I will for sure sleep 🙂
jan
February 24, 2015 at 11:38 amgo and have a coffee out with just me and my book
Rita Y
February 25, 2015 at 2:55 pmWe’d go out for lunch and play, and then come back to a clean house! Sounds like bliss to me 😀
Katy
February 26, 2015 at 1:37 pmI would go to the park or Go Bananas with the kiddos or take a nap 😉
Maryanne
February 27, 2015 at 10:10 pmSpend some time with my son!
Michelle
February 28, 2015 at 9:24 pmMy parents could really use this and they’d likely go out for lunch and a walk while this was happening..
Linda
March 1, 2015 at 11:46 pmI would enjoy my coffee… We wouldn’t rush at the park… We would. ” smell the flowers” and enjoy the break! xo
Kristi
March 5, 2015 at 8:03 amOh ma gosh, I need you Tania! I would take some very much needed Mum time, then make my family a nice dinner in our clean kitchen! 🙂
Cristina L.
March 5, 2015 at 10:33 amSpend time with my kids, who have lost ALL of my attention because of my cleanliness addiction. It’s an honest problem, and my kids suffer because of it! 🙂
Kimberly
March 5, 2015 at 1:53 pmAwesome!! Chill out! That’s what I’d too!
Carolyn
March 5, 2015 at 7:15 pmI would bake!
shannon grochowski
March 6, 2015 at 2:44 pmI would spend more time with my three littles! I often find them saying “mom can you play with me” and my reply, “I just need to do some cleaning then we can play.” But there is always something that comes up. I have gotten a lot better at not cleaning so much all the time but it would be awesome to have someone give me 8 hours just to focus on nothing but my babies!
Carolyn
March 6, 2015 at 4:36 pmI would do some serious lounging. Heck, i’d order dinner in that night too 😉
Jennifer P.
March 10, 2015 at 10:08 amUgh, I was trying to enter my tweet for today in the right field on the form but I could not get it to copy there – it just kept taking a previous “copy” that I had done yesterday for something else (unrelated to this contest). I am on a mobile device and am having trouble working it – sorry!! Anyway, i cannot access the field again now, as it submitted with the wrong info, so here is the proof of my tweet for today:
https://mobile.twitter.com/JaylynneParsons/status/575339797532835840
Sorry for the user error, I just cannot seem to figure out how to get my “copy” function to work in the forms (having the same trouble with all my forms, but not elsewhere like comment fields). Will have to do some research before I enter again. Thanks!
KristylClark
March 11, 2015 at 9:56 amThanks Jennifer!
Barb W
March 16, 2015 at 5:18 pmI can’t even imagine! Lol
Monique Tamminga
March 16, 2015 at 6:06 pmIf I won I would be so excited to walk back into my home to see it sparkle clean and I didn’t lift a finger. With a kid and a big dog this place can get crazy.
Kyla
March 16, 2015 at 6:12 pmSo need this!!!
Vicki
March 16, 2015 at 6:45 pmI would thoroughly enjoy NOT cleaning my house.
Stephanie pankratz
March 16, 2015 at 7:58 pmoooh, what would I do? Maybe take my boys to the park
Meagan
March 16, 2015 at 8:45 pmWhat a wonderful company to help promote. Would love to win this. Especially with a new baby on the way in two months would be great to have an extra set of hands before arrival.
cathy
March 16, 2015 at 9:31 pmI so need to win this
Kim H.
March 16, 2015 at 9:32 pmwould love to win this! I feel like there’s never enough time to clean.
Lyndsey MacKenzie
March 16, 2015 at 9:45 pmOmg!!!! This would be a dream come true!!! Between 3 kids and a full time job, my house needs some serious attention
Hillary
March 16, 2015 at 11:07 pmAwesome! Would LOVE to win this 😉
Sarah
March 16, 2015 at 11:47 pmwould love to win to spend some time with my little one !!
Sarah hatch
March 17, 2015 at 7:59 amWould love to win this! After 2-1/2 months of taking care of my recuperating husband, 2 kids, the house etc all alone this would a dream come true!
Sarah Stewart
March 17, 2015 at 8:59 amI would finally get to relax and spend some time doing what my kids want to do! No more ‘mom, why are you always cleaning?’
Victoria Mitchell
March 17, 2015 at 9:09 amYes please!
Ruby BB
March 17, 2015 at 1:22 pmI would enjoy some downtime walking & playing with our dog.
Inna
March 17, 2015 at 9:29 pmI would LOVE to use this service right before/after baby #3 arrives in June!
Emily
March 17, 2015 at 9:36 pmOh, this is SO needed right now!!
kathy vale
March 17, 2015 at 9:56 pmIf I won 8 hours of house cleaning I would enjoy my family without the thought of all the chores I had to do in the back of my mind. Imagine a peaceful, relaxing family day..ahhhh