11 Green Tea Detox Recipes For Skin Care

Wellness

Lyne Proulx

-

May 24, 2022

When you think of detoxing, you may immediately think of things that you need to drink or capsules you need to swallow. The truth is there are so many different ways you can detox your body. You can make green tea beauty recipes to soak your feet to detox or you can even use a facial to detox your skin. One ingredient that really seems to work in a number of detox products is green tea.

Green tea is packed with powerful antioxidants and nutrients that can nourish, protect, and rejuvenate your skin in some truly remarkable ways. You will find below 11 green tea detox recipes to use on the body.

What benefits does green tea have

Green tea is loaded with antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight disease by ridding the body of free radicals. Free radicals can damage the body, but antioxidants work to prevent damage to vital molecules by ending chain reactions that are caused by the free radicals. The more antioxidants we can add to our bodies, the better. The primary antioxidant compounds in green tea are a group of polyphenols called catechins, with the most abundant and well-studied being epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).

Research has shown that the EGCG in green tea is particularly effective at scavenging free radicals and inhibiting the enzymes that break down collagen – the structural protein that keeps skin firm and plump. This means that green tea can help minimize the visible signs of aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots.

But the benefits don’t stop there. Green tea’s antioxidants also have powerful anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe redness, irritation, and skin conditions like acne, eczema, and rosacea. By reducing inflammation at the cellular level, green tea can calm the skin and promote a more even, radiant complexion.

Benefits of green tea for the skin

While antioxidants are often consumed through drinking green tea and eating foods high in antioxidants, you can also get antioxidants into your body by using beauty products that are made with green tea. Not to mention that you’ll also get the benefit of the wonderful smell of green tea. It’s such a relaxing scent. Imagine relaxing in a bath with a green tea bath bomb. Not only will the scent and hot water relax you, but the green tea will help detox your skin.

Maintaining optimal skin hydration is crucial for a healthy, radiant complexion. Green tea can play a role in this as well, thanks to its ability to enhance the skin’s natural barrier function.

The polyphenols in green tea have been shown to increase the production of ceramides – lipid molecules that help seal in moisture and prevent transepidermal water loss. By strengthening the skin’s protective barrier, green tea can improve overall hydration levels and leave skin feeling soft, supple, and plump.

Additionally, green tea’s anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe and calm dry, irritated skin, reducing the appearance of flakiness and redness. This makes it a particularly beneficial ingredient for those with sensitive or dehydrated skin types.

Let’s not forget that detoxing with these products will greatly improve the look of your skin. People who detox by diet alone often experience horrible skin reactions as their bodies get rid of toxins; however, when you use skin treatments made with green tea, you can detox, but keep your skin looking beautiful.

Green Tea Detox Recipes

If you have a friend that’s also interested in detoxing, why not make her a gift basket filled with some of these DIY green tea skin care products? That way, both of you can benefit from the products and improve the look of your skin. Not only is it a great way to detox, but it’s an affordable way to pamper yourself as well.

Matcha Green Tea Face Mask
Green Tea Bath Bomb
Green Tea Facial Spritzer (hydrate and refresh your face with a quick spray of this)
Green Tea (melt and pour Soap recipe)
Make your own Green Tea Facial toner
DIY Green tea and Lemon Dry Skin Foot Detox Soak Recipe
Lemon and Green Tea Glycerin Soap Recipe
Green Tea Exfoliation Scrub bar Recipe
Easy to Make Green Tea Bath Bomb recipes
Green Tea Hair Detox Mask DIY Recipe
Green Tea Sugar Body Scrub Recipe

From fighting free radicals to soothing inflammation, the benefits of green tea for skin health are truly impressive. This humble botanical superstar is packed with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and other skin-loving nutrients that can help you achieve a radiant, youthful complexion.

Hope you like the above list of Green Tea Detox Recipes! If you are looking to make other DIY beauty products, you can try these 15 Homemade Essential Oil Beauty Gift Ideas or 6 Homemade Salves You Need to Make!

7 Positive Things to Say to Your Child

Family

Lyne Proulx

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May 23, 2022

2

Growing kids are like sponges and parents know and accept this. They tend to absorb everything around them, which is why, it is super important for you, as a parent, to always say the best, positive things to your child and motivate them whenever possible.

Positive things to say to kids

Here are positive things to say to your child!

1. You Make Me Proud

No matter what the situation is, always make sure your children know that you are proud of them. Mention this specifically whenever they make good choices and it’ll have a huge impact on them. Make sure you mention this specifically when they fail at something and remind them that you’re proud of them and their efforts and that the outcome may change, but your feelings about them won’t.

2. I Love it When You

Telling your kids that you love them is important, so make sure you do it often. But also remember to specify the little things that they do that make you love them even more, such as when they hug you without asking or share things with their siblings, etc.. Be affectionate with your children.

3. You are so Strong

There’s no better way to encourage your children to conquer their fears than to point out their strengths by saying you are strong. Be the one who admires their strength when they take that leap of faith and do the things they were scared to do, or achieve something they were not sure about. It will have a dramatic positive impact on them and will boost their morale.

4. Thank you!

One of the things you should say to your child is thank you! Don’t hold back from letting out these two words to your kid. Using words of appreciation more frequently will make your child feel valued and appreciated and will push him towards doing more of those things. Little things such as praising your child when they prepares the table for breakfast, or pours out the water for the dog, can make a big difference.

5. You are Kind

Even if your child hasn’t done many kind things in the day, find positive things to say to your child. Find that one little thing, and point that out to him. Doing that will encourage him to do it even more and this works for literally every other quality that you want them to develop.

6. Have a Terrific Day

There’s just something about motivating your child to have a nice day that will make them take on things better and with a different spirit. Be there with a smiling and ‘go do it face’ for them. It’ll inspire them more than you can imagine.

7. I am Thankful for You

One of the most positive things you could tell your child is how thankful you are to have them in your life. Having their presence appreciated is one of the most uplifting things anyone could hear, especially children.

As a parent, you should think of positive things to say to your child every day such as telling them how much you love them and by spending time your children!

How to Help Children Not to Waste Food

Family

Lyne Proulx

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May 20, 2022

0

In order to avoid having you and your child deal with leftover food situations, especially when the leftovers stand strong likelihoods of being tossed in the trash, the best thing to do is to help your children not to waste food.

When children are very young and especially when they have never tried foods before, they might want a large serving of an entrée simply because it looks good. They might not think about the fact that they just ate a short time ago and will likely be unable to finish a meal size entrée. Likewise, children often take more of everything available at mealtime, whether or not they have recently eaten, and wind up unable to finish the food on their plates. This could happen when a child does not have a big appetite or because a child ruined his or her appetite by eating a snack before a meal.

Leftover food

When children wind up with more food on their plates than they can eat at one sitting, you could opt to put their leftovers in the fridge. This tactic may work well at home and at restaurant, however, could be problematic when eating at other people’s homes or when saving leftovers is simply not feasible.

Understanding how to help your child not waste food can be a bit tricky especially if you never encountered this dilemma before. However, children can learn to take only what they are going to eat in order to avoid leftovers that go from their plates to the trash as food waste.

While helping children learn not to waste food; however, parents must allow children to choose what they want from whatever foods are available for them to eat at mealtime. After all, it makes no sense to serve Johnny spinach when Johnny only likes green foods when green foods are green beans. Johnny might eventually come to eat spinach – but that’s another article.

Ways not to waste food

These are a few ways not to waste food as a family. It’s important to understand that when we waste food, we also waste the labour and resources such as seeds and water that go into producing, transporting and processing it.

1) When serving children, give them small portions of the foods they like and let them ask for seconds if they want more.
2) When giving children seconds, give them only about half the amount of a food item compared to the amount you served them the first time.
3) When eating out at restaurants have your child choose entrées from the child’s menu or ask the server for an extra dish and serve your child food from your entrée.
4) When eating out at friend’s homes, at cookouts, picnics, barbecues, or smorgasbords where children often take what they want rather than having food served to them, watch your child make selections, and remind them to take small servings. Children should know that not wasting food when eating out is just as not wasting food while eating at home.

Parents should also understand that one of the best ways of how to help children not waste food is not to waste food themselves. Children learn what they live and if they live seeing mommy and daddy wasting food they learn that wasting food is really okay – no matter what mommy or daddy says!

What Are the Symptoms of Wheat Allergy

Wellness

Lyne Proulx

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May 19, 2022

1

Wheat and other cereal grains such as rye and barley contain a protein called gluten. The gluten protein may cause allergic reactions in those sensitive to the protein or those suffering from Celiac disease, a condition in which exposure to gluten damages the intestines. Let’s have a closer look at what are the symptoms of wheat allergy and how to treat it.

Allergens in wheat

You can have an allergy to wheat without having celiac disease or a gluten intolerance. In such cases, proteins other than gluten may trigger allergic reactions as well. All three conditions may result in similar allergic reactions.

Wheat allergic reactions are rarely immediately life threatening; those sensitive to gluten rarely experience anaphylactic shock or severe bronchial inflammation. An allergy to wheat or other grains may, however, garner a more severe reaction.

Anaphylactic reactions include swelling of the throat resulting in labored breathing, a bluish tint to the skin, and a weak pulse. Seek medical attention immediately should you suffer any of these reactions.

Symptoms of allergic reaction to wheat

Symptoms of allergic reactions to wheat include hives and/or eczema, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, shallow breathing, and fatigue. These same symptoms may also indicate exposure to pollens, excessive dust, or other respiratory irritants.

If stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhea or constipation, and vomiting accompany the other symptoms, the chances of the cause being an allergic reaction to wheat or other cereal grains increase. The presence of wheat and cereal grain proteins causes inflammation in the gastrointestinal track and the inflammation causes the digestive discomforts.

In the case of Celiac disease, the presence of gluten in the digestive tract flattens the villi lining of the small intestines, resulting in malabsorption. Nutrients are not properly absorbed for use by the body’s systems. Some suffering from undiagnosed Celiac disease may exhibit signs of malnourishment and brain fog.

Any combination of allergic reactions may indicate an allergy to wheat, a gluten intolerance, or celiac disease, but only medical testing can ascertain your exact condition.

How to treat wheat allergy

For all three conditions, a wheat-free, grain free diet is recommended. If the allergen is not present in the body, the body is symptom free, and so free of allergic reaction. The diet must then eliminate all flours made from cereal grains as well as any foods that use wheat based additives. A gluten free diet is also recommended.

Which flours are gluten free

Flours that may be safe for those with wheat allergies include rice flour, corn flour, potato flour, potato starch, tapioca flour, buckwheat flour, oat flour (use certified gluten-free flour), almond flour, bean flour, sorghum flour, coconut flour, and soy flour. The proteins in these types of flour differ in chemical make-up than cereal grains and do not trigger allergic responses when ingested.

Soy flour, corn flour, and corn meal (as well as cornstarch) are thought to cause allergic reactions in some with grain allergies, gluten intolerance, and celiac disease. Testing for sensitivities to these flours may be included when testing for wheat allergies.

If you suspect you suffer from a wheat allergy, gluten intolerance, or from celiac disease, consult a medical professional. The information here is intended for informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice.

6 Ways to Cope with Depression

Wellness

Lyne Proulx

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May 18, 2022

3

Depression can be devastating. Fortunately, there are natural methods to elevate your spirits. If you’ve been feeling depressed, here are 6 ways to cope with depression.

Ways to cope with depression at home

The 3rd leading cause of worldwide disease burden is depression according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Did you know that about twice as many women as men suffer from depression? If suffering from depressive disorder or depression, perhaps some simple steps taken at home can help.

1. Exercise to combat depression

One of the most effective and inexpensive ways to cope with depression is with regular exercise. A light workout releases mood enhancing chemicals and decreases stress hormones. Take a brisk walk in the mornings for at least 30 minutes. This also gives you fresh air and sunlight, both of which create positive effects in body functions and brain activity. Raining? Clean the house as aerobics. Crack some windows, open the curtains, and let the sun shine in. Go to the gym, take a swim, or play tennis. Pick an activity you enjoy and stick with it for better health and a positive outlook.

2. Can laughter help depression?

Yes, it can! That’s right. Laugh it up! Laughing releases positive feelings in the brain leading to mood elevation. Read a funny, lighthearted book, watch some humorous television shows, or go to a movie comedy. The more you laugh, the better you’ll feel.

3. Depression and friends

Social interaction is very important to a person’s feelings of contentment and to help cope with depression. Call a relative or an old friend and tell each other humorous stories. Go out to dinner with people you know well and are comfortable with. Take in a comedy film and go out for coffee afterwards to discuss the film and catch up. You’ll be feeling better – and less alone – in no time.

4. Aromatherapy Lifts Your Spirits

Aromatherapy have long been considered effective in lifting someone’s spirit and helping relieve depressive symptoms. Jasmine, lavender, and rosemary are all effective depression and anxiety smells. Purchase aromatherapy candles with these scents and light them throughout your home. Dot light bulbs with jasmine or lavender oil. Put lavender dryer sheets with your air conditioning filter or intake vents to release a light scent throughout the house. Boil rosemary spice on the stove. Take a lavender scented hot bath. You’ll not only feel better, but leave your house smelling fresh and vibrant.

Eat Fish for a Healthy Brain

Fish is high in omega-3 fatty acids, a type of good fat that’s needed for the brain to function normally. The only way to get it is through your diet since the body can’t produce this substance. Studies have found lower rates of depression in countries that consume a lot of fish, such as Japan. Cold water fish – salmon, sardines, and anchovies – are highest in omega-3s. Fish oil capsules may be the cleaner choice for the diet, as many companies filter pollutants from the fish first.

Vitamin B-9 Boosts Your Mood

Also known as folic acid, B-9 deficiency is common in people with depression. It has also been shown to boost the effectiveness of anti-depressants. B-9 is found in green, leafy vegetables, fruit, beans, and fortified grains. Folic acid is also in most multi-vitamins, and folic acid supplements may be purchased at drug and health food stores.

Depression is a serious illness, and can also be a symptom of other disorders, such as hypothyroidism and anemia. If you suspect you suffer from depression, see a doctor and speak to them before beginning any vitamin regimen.

If you follow this simple checklist for depression recovery, you’ll keep the gloom out, have a more positive outlook, and it will help you to cope with depression.

How To Ease Nausea While Pregnant

Wellness

Lyne Proulx

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May 17, 2022

0

Many pregnant woman suffer from nausea during the first semester of their pregnancy, but it can last throughout the pregnancy as well. Feeling nauseated in certainly uncomfortable, therefore these tips for nausea in pregnancy will come helpful. Let’s have a closer look at how to ease nausea while pregnant.

Causes of nausea in pregnancy

No one is sure exactly what causes the nausea during pregnancy, but experts believe that high levels of hormones may contribute to it. It often starts around the sixth week of pregnancy, but some women experience it earlier than that. It usually ends around the end of the first trimester, or at about 12 weeks, but can continue for longer or even throughout the pregnancy.

Nausea and vomiting usually isn’t harmful for the mother or her baby because in most cases, the woman is able to eat something during the day and keep it down. This is enough to provide nutrients to the baby so growth is normal. With severe cases of vomiting, in which the woman is unable to eat for days at a time, she should consult her doctor for treatment to ensure the baby stays healthy and that she’s not dehydrated.

Here are a few things pregnant woman can do to ease nausea during pregnancy.

8 Tips to ease nausea while pregnant

Here are some tips from the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada to help with pregnancy nausea:

In the morning when you wake up, eat a few crackers and stay in bed for a few more minutes.
Eat smaller meals and snacks throughout the day, so you are never really hungry or very full. This also helps if you’re suffering from heartburn.
Drink throughout the day in small amounts, and don’t drink too much with meals.
If odours bother you, open the windows while cooking or, even better, have someone else cook. Also, eating cold food rather than hot can help, since there is less of a smell to cold food.
Try sniffing ginger or lemons, or eating some salty snacks.
Get plenty of rest, but don’t sleep right after a meal. Being overtired plays a larger role in nausea than most people realize.
Try taking prenatal vitamins with food, and if this doesn’t help, at night. That way if they contribute to your nausea, you can usually sleep through the feeling. If this still doesn’t work, simply take folic acid instead of a prenatal multivitamin.
Consider taking vitamin B6 or ginger capsules. Both have been shown to reduce nausea. If you don’t want to take capsules, consider chewing on crystallized ginger or trying ginger candies.

Although nausea during pregnancy can be stressful and annoying, if you have a mild case, it doesn’t have to be debilitating. Trying these simple tips can reduce or even eliminate your symptoms of nausea, so instead of worrying about what might make you sick, you can focus on nourishing your body and your baby.

Things to Do in Folly Beach, South Carolina

Travel

Lyne Proulx

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May 16, 2022

3

Bring the family for a vacation to Folly Beach this summer and explore the fun things to do with the kids.

What’s so special about Folly Beach? How different can it be from any other South Carolina beach? There’s a mysterious and eerie history. You could travel around South Carolina and visit historical Civil War sites, but Folly Beach was home to the fallen and forgotten.

Folly Beach

There are so many things to do in Folly Beach, but when you do find yourself on the beach, which is inevitable, keep your eyes open for turtle tracks. Loggerhead sea turtles nest at Folly Beach every summer. You won’t be able to miss them. With some weighing in excess of 300 pounds, these fascinating, beautiful creatures will amaze you.

What is folly beach known for

The western end of Folly Island, which is now a State Park, was referred to on a map dating back to the 1700’s as “Coffin Land”. In that era, ships on their way to the Charleston Port would drop off passengers that had been diseased with a plague or cholera, and return to pick them up on their way back out to sea; burying the souls that didn’t survive.

Folly Beach was also believed to be a hideout for pirates. If you’ve got an interest in recovering buried treasure, you may want to check it out. There’s an old ghost story about a band of pirates burying six chests. The leader of the gang became upset with another pirate and stabbed and buried him with the treasure. Some treasure hunters have told stories of strange occurrences when they attempted to retrieve the infamous chests.

Surfing at Folly Beach

If you don’t want to pack up all your treasure hunting gear, then you could bring your surf board or learn how to surf at Folly Beach and, afterwards, enjoy dinner at The Washout. It is a section near the middle of the six and a half mile long beach, which boasts fantastic waves that occur as a result of Hurricane Hugo in 1989 naturally clearing out any obstructions.

Edwin S. Taylor Fishing Pier (under renovation and scheduled to open spring 2023)

Surfing’s not your thing? Try bringing a fishing pole down to the Edwin S. Taylor Fishing Pier instead. It is 24 feet wide and extends over 1,000 feet into the Atlantic Ocean. You can expect to catch spotted sea trout, black drum and red drum, sheepshead, Spanish and king mackerel, to name a few.

And if you’re a catch and release type of person, you can enjoy some great food right at the base of the pier at Locklear’s Beach City Grill. This moderately priced menu is sure to satisfy your craving after a long day at the beach. They offer up everything from steak and seafood to pasta and salads.

Folly Island

If you don’t want to spend your entire vacation digging your toes into the beach sands, you can rent a bicycle and cruise the island at your own pace. You can make your way up to the northeast tip of the island and see the spectacular Morris Island Lighthouse. The original structure was blown up by Confederate soldiers in 1861, but was rebuilt in 1876. Erosion of the sand has caused this once mainland lighthouse to stand on its own little patch of earth nearly 1600 feet offshore.

As you can see, there are many things to do in Folly Beach! Whether you’re interested in buried treasure, ghost stories, fishing, or exploring the beach, Folly Island is the perfect destination for the family. The quaint town and friendly people will be the cornerstone of your unforgettable experience.

Starbucks Iced White Chocolate Mocha Copycat Recipe

Recipes

Lyne Proulx

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May 13, 2022

7

Starbucks Iced White Chocolate Mocha Copycat Recipe

Stop waiting in a long line for a Starbucks iced white chocolate mocha! Save time and money by making your own DIY Starbucks iced white chocolate mocha at home! It only takes a few minutes to make this creamy recipe with white chocolate sauce, espresso, milk, ice, and topped with homemade whipped cream.

If you have ever visited a Starbucks, then you know they have a wide variety of flavourful coffee and tea drinks such as this Iced Matcha Tea Latte. If you know the ingredients in any of them, then you can make your own copycat Starbucks drink.

Starbucks iced white chocolate mocha recipe copycat

Espresso Machine not Required for the starbucks iced white chocolate mocha recipe

Espresso is usually made with a machine because it needs pressure. If you do have an espresso machine, then you are all set. Don’t worry, you can make this Starbucks iced mocha coffee without one by using an AeroPress, Moka Pot, or a French Press. If you are an Esspresso or Latte drinker, then you are probably already familiar with these other methods.

Best Coffee for Making Espresso

While you can use any coffee that you have on hand, using regular beans will not give you the perfect shot no matter how good the bean is. Dark roast coffee beans have the richest natural oils, which makes them the right bean to use. If you visit a bulk store, you may be able to find espresso coffee beans. These coffee beans will give you the consistency and flavour you want. Espresso beans hep achieve the rich crema (the light layer that forms on the surface).

Starbucks iced white chocolate mocha recipe

Flavouring Coffee

While the easiest way to flavour your coffee is to buy ready-made syrups and sauces like those from Torani; however, you can make your own coffee syrups at home with sugar, extracts, caramel, and chocolate. All you need to do is melt and whisk the ingredients until the mixture thickens and starts to simmer. This syrup can be used for your coffees and even dessert toppings.

Starbucks iced white chocolate mocha

Follow this recipe for Starbucks iced mocha and you won’t be disappointed. Be your own Barista and make some other copycat Starbucks drinks to share with your friends and family.

Makes 2 copycat Starbucks iced white chocolate mocha.

Kitchen tools

Espresso machine or AeroPress, Moka Pot, or a French Press
Coffee grinder
2 glasses

Starbucks iced white chocolate mocha ingredients

2 1/2 tbsp Meilitta dark roast coffee beans or your favourite dark roast beans
2 1/2 tbsp white chocolate sauce (store bought or homemade)
3/4 cup milk
3/4 cup whipped cream (store bought or homemade)
1 cup ice cubes (or more depending on size of the glass)
1 tsp sprinkles (optional)

How to make starbucks iced white chocolate mocha

Gather all the ingredients. Grind the coffee beans and make the espresso using an espresso machine or an AeroPress, a Moka Pot, or a French Press.

In a glass add, 1/2 of the milk, 1/2 of the chocolate sauce, 1/2 of the ice, and mix well. Add 1/2 of the espresso. Repeat with the other glass. Garnish with whipped cream and sprinkles. Serve the Starbucks iced white chocolate mocha cold.

I hope you enjoyed this Starbucks Iced White Chocolate Mocha. If you make this Starbucks copycat recipe, make sure to share with us on Facebook or Twitter! Also, check out all of our other Recipes.

Starbucks Iced White Chocolate Mocha Copycat Recipe

Lyne Proulx

Save time and money by making your own Starbucks iced white chocolate mocha at home! It only takes a few minutes to make this copycat recipe.

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 4

Making Espresso 5

Total Time 9

Course beverages

Cuisine American, Canadian

Servings Glass

Calories 206 kcal

Equipment

Espresso machine or AeroPress, Moka Pot, or a French Press
coffee grinder
2 glasses

Ingredients

2 1/2 tbsp dark roast coffee beans Meilitta dark roast coffee beans or your favourite dark roast beans
2 1/2 tbsp white chocolate sauce store bought or homemade
3/4 cup milk
3/4 cup whipped cream store bought or homemade
1 cup ice cubes or more depending on size of the glass
1 tsp Sprinkles optional

Instructions

Gather all the ingredients.
Grind the coffee beans and make the espresso using an espresso machine or an AeroPress, a Moka Pot, or a French Press.
Add in a glass: 1/2 of the milk, 1/2 of the chocolate sauce, 1/2 of the ice, and mix well.
Add 1/2 of the espresso.
Repeat with the other glass.
Garnish with whipped cream and sprinkles.
Serve.

Notes

white chocolate sauce – homemade
whipped cream – homemade

Nutrition

Calories: 206kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 5gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 28mgSodium: 125mgPotassium: 238mgFiber: 1gSugar: 17gVitamin A: 303IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Keyword copycat Starbucks drink, Starbucks copycat recipe, Starbucks iced drink recipe, Starbucks iced mocha, Starbucks Iced White Chocolate Mocha, Starbucks iced white chocolate mocha copycat

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Windows For Weather Protection

Home and Garden

Lyne Proulx

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May 12, 2022

4

Could it be said that you are searching for substitution windows? There are a couple of characteristics that you ought to give close consideration to get the ideal choices. You’ll need windows that provide:

Unmatched protection.
A lot of normal light.
Security from the cruelest of the components.

Assuming you believe safeguarding from the parts to be the main element to search for in a substitution window, a couple of choices are fit to that care about! Anyway, which windows offer the best security from the outside climate? We give you a few options beneath!

Shade Windows

Regarding fortresses from downpour, hail, and snow, shade windows are the best quality level for every one of the three. Unlike different windows, which either open from start to finish or side to side, overhang windows expand outward from the primary sheet. This makes a descending inclination where downpour, snow, and other garbage can flawlessly sneak off. This implies that you might have assurance from these things when your windows are open! Canopy windows also brag better weather conditions stripping than adding one more guard layer.

Straight Windows

While narrow windows are a lot bigger than numerous different windows, they give much more insurance than you could suspect! Indeed, these windows are more significant than most other models, yet they open from countless such points. The most excellent window sheet in the set, named an image window, doesn’t open. All things being equal, just the two side parts of the collection have that usefulness. Since straight windows expand outward from the house, they’re planned with a skewed rooftop to advance water spillover. Water can’t get into your home on the off chance that it’s being driven away from it!

Bow Windows

Bow windows aren’t to be mistaken for narrow windows; they contrast from one another in how many sheets they have. Bow windows typically have four or five openings, while cove windows are diminished to three. Notwithstanding, the two sorts of windows share a typical component that makes them better for climate security. Since these windows are comparable in structure, they have a similarly skewed rooftop for water overflow. This implies that bow windows are equally successful at keeping out the components.

Great Ways to Winter-Proof Your Windows

A lot of window organizations advance winter wellbeing — and for good explanation. A chilly climate can destroy a home, spike power expenses, and harm window siding. Whether you’re confronting another window installation or occasional insurance, you should focus on your window’s general wellbeing.

You don’t have to put resources into a complete window swap task to plan for winter. However, you ought to take care in safeguarding your family. Look at the five window winter sealing tips beneath:

Tip One: Place Window Insulation Film

To start with, you ought to get some window protection film. You can get it as a feature of a window protection unit — which is accessible either on the web or in a home improvement shop. Window protection units pack plastic therapist film. When applied to an indoor window’s casing, the therapist film sticks set up.

The twofold stick tape offers more than adequate insurance against snow, hail, and water while protecting your home’s temperature. Apply heat from a hairdryer to shrivel the film, eliminate wrinkles and safeguard the region.

Tip Two: Put Up Insulated Curtains

You’d be shocked by the viability of protected drapes. Any textures or shades put over windows can lessen drafts. Buy a few protected drapes with pre-introduced warm support, and cover any doorway windows if you would be able to focus on your porch entryways or sliding entryways.

Warm draperies are accessible in all sizes — the majority of which can fit sliding glass entryways, side entryways, and enormous windows. To keep out drafts, you want to have extensive inclusion. Relax: They look great.

Tip Three: Refinish the Seals

Drafty windows bring about energy misfortune, so you’ll have to ensure they’re appropriately fixed. Over the long haul, window sealant loses its strength. You’ll have to strip away any previous caulk to winterize your home. Then, you’ll have to restore every window’s seal. It’ll get a good deal on new windows, repairing old securities while getting every window for the long stretch.

Tip Four: Take Advantage of Sunlight

Now and then, you don’t have to do any upkeep. Daylight is a consistent warmer, and it very well may be used during the daytime. On the off chance that your windows are wearing warm draperies, you should try not to utilize them until dusk. Close all blinds and window hangings around evening time, yet let the daylight in during the daytime assist your HVAC framework with directing temperatures.

Tip Five: Install Draft Snakes

At last, go out and buy draft snakes. Draft snakes are thin texture tubes put under entryways and on window ledges to forestall cold air creep. If you would instead not buy draft snakes, you can make them by sewing texture tubes together. Fill the cylinders with dried rice and tenderly put them on the window ledge to protect the region.

Get to realize your home’s energy needs, and don’t hesitate for even a moment to get imaginative! You shouldn’t need to buy cold-safe windows to take care of business, and, surprisingly, a tiny amount of consideration makes a remarkable difference.

Painting Secrets All Painters Should Know About

Family

Lyne Proulx

-

May 11, 2022

0

Painting Secrets All Painters Should Know About

There are as many different interpretations of art as there are people in the world. According to a commonly recognized definition, art is created when ideas or creativity are combined to create something that can be immediately felt through our perceptions. While visual art has been the most prevalent type, art may also attract other senses, including hearing or touching.

As painting methods have progressed, much of the discussion in art societies has centred on what the term “art” implies. This core issue has played a significant role in the evolution of individual styles only within many art styles that have evolved.

Secret Tips That Will Help You Paint Like A Pro Painter

We asked successful artists for their tips on how to get into the art scene.

Although there are no specific guidelines in the arts, and there are surely a hundred various ways to “make it,” some artists share some pointers which have benefited them all along the way.

For an art forms overview and in-depth idea of art, you can go ahead and conduct your research. People have been making art in various ways since ancient times. The notion of what painting means has been under criticism throughout the centuries as tools and techniques have changed and grown, and it is an endless debate.

Various people have different ideas on what constitutes art. We’ll explore seven of the most commonly acknowledged types of art in this article without confounding these with art style and form. Painting, sculpting, architecture, literature, music, film, and theatrical are the seven primary genres of art.

Continue to Work!

Don’t allow other people’s opinions of your work to deter you from just doing what you’re passionate about. The project will progress. We believe that accepting criticism along the road will have a significant impact on the path of your profession. It is unavoidable. However, never try to push your work to meet the wants of the public on purpose.

First of all and foremost, concentrate on daily practice. Secondly, ensure that your body of work is powerful and unified. Make your stance clear in the third step.

Get Out There and Meet Some New Folks

Artists usually work alone at the studio for weeks or even months, especially while getting ready for concerts. It may be isolating. Artists are starving for social connection by the time the event starts. These events are crucial because they allow them to interact with individuals about their work.

Great Art Needs A Lot of Effort

Art is difficult, and expecting it to come readily is a huge error. When artists abandon a painting or drawing, artists usually reflect on their failure and recognize that it was solely due to their unwillingness to devote more time, effort, and focus to their work.

Drawing is Essential

The finest painters in history have often been brilliant draftsmen. Enhance your creative abilities to view the world by learning to draw better.

Keep a sketchbook with you. It’s much better if you have three sets – one in the car, one beside the bed, plus a small one to draw on inside your pocket or handbag.

Make Use of A Reference Photo

Use inspirations as much as possible since art is difficult enough as it is. Better yet, use your imagination to keep coming up with new ideas for good reference photos.

For instance, for just a cover page in university, you might have to draw dispersed matches on the snow. You can scrunch up several paper towels, place just a few matches into them, and shoot a picture against a white backdrop to mimic a snow-covered background. You can have the image you want after a few adjustments after retouching.

Everyone is Subject to Rejection

Negativity from others should be ignored or taken with a pinch of salt. All who endure amid rejection have a shot at success.

Choose to believe in yourself; like an artist, you’ll almost certainly need it.

Uniqueness Equals Achievement

Replicating popular work can indeed lead to quick success, but doing anything your own way might take a long time.

Choosing what you enjoy and staying with it is preferable because what is trendy will disappear; however, your originality will stay.

Surround Yourself with Individuals Who Will Help You

It is extremely beneficial to have a group or network of individuals who genuinely care about you and your job and who support you at all times. It’s also accurate that you’re the one who is most invested in your work. Without a strong support network, it is possible to accomplish it, but it is far more difficult.

Keep Your Eyes on the Prize

The very first thing we advise people is to quit allowing others to take their aspirations away from them. It’s entirely up to you how you filter what you’ve been taught, and as artists, you have such an obligation to contribute what you already have to say to the world. It’s critical.

When it comes to starting a company, doing art is no different from starting a business. It is indeed about first inventing something spectacular, then learning how to operate a business, and then bringing everything together. We know it doesn’t sound easy, and it isn’t, and it’s the first move.

Always Compete Against Yourself

Resist contests and tournaments, as well as judge yourself based on how many projects you’ve been featured in or accolades you’ve received. Internal validation is important since you will never be able to please everyone.

Practice These Secret Painting Tips to Become a Pro

You need to follow the tips mentioned above to improve your painting skills. Once you start believing in yourself and follow these steps ardently, you will come to see great results in your artwork.

Organic Aromas Nebulizing Diffuser Review

Home and Garden

Alyssa

-

May 10, 2022

598

The nicer weather is here which means many people are starting to air out their homes, opening windows to bring in the sunshine, fresh springtime air, and creating that perfect new season atmosphere in the home. Why not add some beautiful aromas to your home while also adding a sophisticated art piece to your decor with an Organic Aromas Nebulizing Diffuser.

Organic Aromas gifted me with:

Hand Carved Buddha diffuser
Sweet Ginger Essential oil
Lilac Essential oil
Organic Aromas Special Blend Essential oil

Organic Aromas nebulizing diffuser

Organic Aromas Nebulizing Diffuser uses what is known as the Bernoulli’s principle, a theorem of fluid dynamics that provides the best results when diffusing pure essential oil.

Compared to other popular diffusers like oil lamps, candles, or aroma heaters, nebulizing diffusers are great choices for your home. No heat or moisture means essential oils are released into the air in their purest form giving you top quality aroma therapy and peace of mind right at home.

Each Organic Aromas Nebulizing Diffuser kit comes with the diffuser base, glass vase, glass lid, power cord, and appropriate glass droppers (for oil) and plastic droppers (for cleaning), bottle of oil, an instruction manual, and bonus bag. Everything you need to get started with your new nebulizing essential oil diffuser.

You can find these beautiful Organic Aroma diffusers on their official website. They have lots of useful information to help you get started when you get your new nebulizing diffuser, information about the essential oils, and how to clean your diffuser, just like in the video below!

Organic Aromas Essential Oils

Organic Aromas also offers a wide variety of pure herbal essential oils from around the world to go with their gorgeous diffusers. You can get the oils in single bottles or you can indulge and get a whole kit with different scents. You can also use any kind of pure essential oils in these diffusers, according to their website.

The Organic Aromas essential oils that were sent to me are just a wonderful change of atmosphere. They are not too strong as you set the dial on the diffuser for as low or high as you need. The whole family noticed a difference in the air within minutes of turning the diffuser on just its lowest setting. I personally really like the Organic Aromas specialty blend which smells like lemongrass and mint!

Hand carved Buddha Organic Aromas diffuser Review

A diffuser and an art piece in one package.

This Organic Aromas diffuser is super simple to set up and get started. You only need about 1 ml of oil at a time to have a relaxing aroma for over an hour at a time. To start, you put together the lamp; it has got different settings and self timer which shuts it off from nebulizing for a rest period. There’s also a touch button on the side that control an illuminating colour changing light; I find this feature to be a personal favourite.

How to clean organic aromas diffuser

Organic aromas diffuser is simple enough to clean. Organic Aromas suggests weekly cleanings of the glass reservoir with alcohol and the base can be shined up with any wood friendly cleaner like dish soap and warm water. and it’s small enough to be able to be moved from room to room; What looks great next to the window also looks great on my shelf!

best aromatherapy nebulizer

Organic Aromas Nebulizing Diffuser has definitely made a difference in my own home; it’s a cleaner version of aromatherapy, but with style! If you’re looking for a luxury gift for yourself or someone you love, check out the Organic Aromas official website to learn more and buy one you know you’ll love. You can also follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest!

Best California Vacations For Families

Travel

Lyne Proulx

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May 9, 2022

0

What are the best vacation spots for families in California? California is known to offer the best vacations for families in the world. Let’s have a look at some fun things to do in California!

California vacations for families

From the coast, to the valley; from the desert to the alpine realms of the High Sierra; and from the quiet mountain and oceanside retreats to the vibrant, lively cities of Los Angeles and San Francisco, there is something to meet any family group interest. You will find below the best things to do for families during California vacations!

1. Southern California: Things to do in California with kids

The iconic theme park, Disneyland, can be the entire focus of the trip, or the major stop on the way to San Diego’s Sea World, which is about an hour and a half away. Between San Diego and Los Angeles, a week or two can be gone in a wonderful flash. Also, day excursions to Catalina Island, the beaches of the Southland, and a host of glamorous film venues will complete a well rounded view of the southern California vacation destinations.

2. Best vacation spots for families in California

Northern California offers the best in Alpine, mountain, river, and Gold Rush lifestyle. From Yosemite National Park to the great ski areas of the Tahoe-Donner region of the Sierras, there is no end to outdoor opportunity. For hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting, the Tahoe National Forest offers trails and campgrounds that are sublime, which lead from Nevada City, a wonderful haven for the arts, food, history, and unique shopping.

A unique adventure can be found at the numerous Plumas county gold panning campgrounds, where even the beginning prospector can find everything needed to pan for gold.

3. California’s Farmer’s markets and festivals

The California’s Farmer’s markets and festivals are world renowned. From “dried plums” (which used to be prunes) in the Yuba Sutter Region, which is the gateway to the gold Mother lode, to garlic (and yes, they do make garlic ice cream), there is no end to the list of fruits and vegetables which have earned their own festival of fun and food. There are festivals for every month in the year, and they are worth visiting if one is going on near your vacation venue. The Los Angeles Farmers market is one of the wonders of the world, and worth a visit.

4. California Vacations: San Francisco Bay Area

The San Francisco Bay Area is a vibrant and diverse megalopolis, where two major baseball, football, and basketball teams find their home. Two major universities in the world reside there. Every major style of music is represented in venues that are huge, medium and small. Foods from around the world are plentiful. And the beautiful Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay offer a wide variety of water action, from cruises that go all the way to Sacramento, to a host of guided tours for viewing or for ocean fishing. Take the bus from Sacramento to San Francisco to enjoy the Northern California scenery without paying for a rental car.

San Francisco is a cultural centre of world renown, and California municipalities are very “kid centric”. From the Exploratorium to the hall of science and nature, to the symphony and Opera, there are kids programs galore.

California offers natural, urban, country and other environments for just about any family from anywhere in the world. It is worth it to come and v!

Turtle Cupcakes Recipe

Recipes

Lyne Proulx

-

May 6, 2022

11

These Turtle Cupcakes make the perfect addition to parties and celebrations at the beach. They also make a great ocean themed birthday party food.

For the past 17 years on June 8th, the Ocean Project created this day to celebrate World Ocean Day. It is an important environmental issue. Many foods and medicines come from the ocean, so it is important to keep them safe and clean. On this day, it is important to show we care and the best way to show that is to visit a beach and help clean it up.

Beach Themed Birthday Party

The ideal place for a beach party is at your favourite beach. That only works out if you live in a warm climate or your birthday is during the warmer weather of summer. If your birthday happens to be in the winter, don’t worry there are always ways to make it a fun beach themed party indoors. While we can’t bring sand indoors, we can make a table that looks like a beach using cupcakes with blue frosting or turtle cupcakes with frosting and candies. Make sure to add some other ocean themed party food.

Set up a table to look like the beach using a blue tablecloth for the water and graham cracker crumbs for the sand. Place some water themed decorations on the table and make sure to have your turtle cupcakes in different spots on the table. This will make it look like they are swimming around.

Have the kids help out with decorations by making some of these 12 Ocean Themed Crafts. These can also be used for a fun activity during the beach themed birthday party or use as ideas for loot bags.

Lifecycle of a Turtle

At your child’s beach themed birthday party, you can show the lifecycle of a turtle by having the children make a sea turtle life cycle craft.

There are 4 stages in the lifecycle of the sea turtle; eggs (nesting), hatchlings, juvenile, and adult.

Nesting season is when the mother turtle comes to shore and lays eggs, usually between 80- 120. Once the eggs are buried in the sand, mother turtle heads back to the sea.
Once the baby turtles (hatchlings) have fully developed, they break out of the shell and dig their way to the surface of the sand to head to the ocean. They tend to do this in the darker hours to avoid predators. Sadly many of them don’t make it to the water’s edge.
For those baby turtles who make it to the ocean, they will continue to grow and become juveniles foraging by the shore.
When they become adults, they will find a mate and once again mother turtle will head to the shore and begin the cycle again.

Recipe for turtle cupcakes

One of the most loved ocean creatures is the sea turtle next to dolphins and whales. There is something about them that has us wanting to know more. If you have a fascination with turtles, you probably already have a collection of pictures ornaments and maybe a few stuffies. What better way to show your love of them than by making turtle cupcakes!

Cupcake Ingredients:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temp
2 egg whites
2 eggs
2 cup flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 baking soda
3/4 cup buttermilk
1 1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla

Moist vanilla cupcakes recipe

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Line the cupcake tins with paper liners.
Sift flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda together in a bowl.
With a mixer, beat butter on high for 30 seconds.
Add sugar and vanilla extract to the butter and beat until well combined.
Add egg whites, and then eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beating on low speed until everything is mixed together.
- Add 1/3 cup flour mixture to the wet mixture followed by adding 1/3 cup of the buttermilk; add 1/3 cup flour mixture again then add 1/3 cup buttermilk mix on low speed; add 1/3 cup of flour and add the rest of 1/3 cup of buttermilk mix in low speed until thoroughly blended.
Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until an inserted cupcake comes out clean.
Allow to cool in the cupcake tin for 10 minutes.
Remove the cupcakes from the cupcake tin and completely cool on a wire rack.

How to make a cupcake frosting

Frosting Ingredients

1 cup soft unsalted butter
4 + cup powder sugar
4 tbsp heavy whipping cream
Blue gel food colouring

Cupcake Frosting

Cream the butter and powder sugar until it looks light and creamy.
If it doesn’t cream add several drops of the heavy whipping cream.
Test to see if the frosting can form and hold a stiff peak.
If not add more powder sugar 1/2 cup at a time.
Test to make sure that the frosting can make and hold a stiff peak.
Divide the frosting into half. 1st bowl remains white while the 2nd bowl, add several drops of blue gel food colouring while making sure it is an ocean blue colour than stir to mix well.
Scoop the white frosting into a pastry bag with a large frosting tip. Scoop the blue frosting into the same pastry bag and twist the open end of the pastry bag to push the frosting to the tip. You may want to test this out to make sure that the frosting comes out with both the blue and white frosting at the same time.
Frost the cupcakes by starting at the outer edge of the cupcake in a circle until you reach the centre of the cupcake.

Candy turtles

Ingredients

Sour Apple Gummy ring candies
Green gum drop candies
Gum candy (similar to orange slices)
Candy Eyes
Toothpick or kitchen skewer

How to make the Turtle

Turtle shell: Place a gummy ring on each cupcake and place gum drop in the centre of the gummy ring. Push the gum drop into the frosting.
Fins: Cut the green (orange slice) candy into two pieces. The top piece will be the front fins while the thicker piece is the hind fin.
Head: a green gum drop will be the head and use royal icing to “glue” the eyes on each side of the gum drop.
Place the turtle into the cupcake frosting to hold it in place.

I hope you enjoyed my Turtle Cupcakes as much as I did! If you make the recipe, please share your photos with us on Facebook or Twitter! Also, check out all of our other recipes!

Turtle Cupcakes

Lyne Proulx

These Turtle Cupcakes make the perfect food addition to ocean themed birthday parties and celebrations at the beach.

5 from 4 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 20

Frosting 10

Total Time 35

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American, Canadian

Servings

Ingredients

Cupcake Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter room temp
2 egg whites
2 eggs
2 cup flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 baking soda
3/4 cup buttermilk
1 1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla

FROSTING INGREDIENTS

1 cup soft unsalted butter
4 cup powder sugar and more
4 tbsp heavy whipping cream
Blue gel food colouring

CANDY TURTLES

Sour Apple Gummy ring candies
Green gum drop candies
Gum candy similar to orange slices
Candy Eyes
Toothpick or kitchen skewer

Instructions

MOIST VANILLA CUPCAKES RECIPE

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Line the cupcake tins with paper liners.
Sift flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda together in a bowl.
With a mixer, beat butter on high for 30 seconds.
Add sugar and vanilla extract to the butter and beat until well combined.
Add egg whites, and then eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beating on low speed until everything is mixed together.
Add 1/3 cup flour mixture to the wet mixture followed by adding 1/3 cup of the buttermilk; add 1/3 cup flour mixture again then add 1/3 cup buttermilk mix on low speed; add 1/3 cup of flour and add the rest of 1/3 cup of buttermilk mix in low speed until thoroughly blended.
Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until an inserted cupcake comes out clean.
Allow to cool in the cupcake tin for 10 minutes.
Remove the cupcakes from the cupcake tin and completely cool on a wire rack.

CUPCAKE FROSTING

Cream the butter and powder sugar until it looks light and creamy.
If it doesn’t cream add several drops of the heavy whipping cream.
Test to see if the frosting can form and hold a stiff peak.
If not add more powder sugar 1/2 cup at a time.
Test to make sure that the frosting can make and hold a stiff peak.
Divide the frosting into half. 1st bowl remains white while the 2nd bowl, add several drops of blue gel food colouring while making sure it is an ocean blue colour than stir to mix well.
Scoop the white frosting into a pastry bag with a large frosting tip. Scoop the blue frosting into the same pastry bag and twist the open end of the pastry bag to push the frosting to the tip. You may want to test this out to make sure that the frosting comes out with both the blue and white frosting at the same time.
Frost the cupcakes by starting at the outer edge of the cupcake in a circle until you reach the centre of the cupcake.

HOW TO MAKE THE TURTLE

Turtle shell: Place a gummy ring on each cupcake and place gum drop in the centre of the gummy ring. Push the gum drop into the frosting.
Fins: Cut the green (orange slice) candy into two pieces. The top piece will be the front fins while the thicker piece is the hind fin.
Head: a green gum drop will be the head and use royal icing to “glue” the eyes on each side of the gum drop.
Place the turtle into the cupcake frosting to hold it in place.

Keyword ocean themed birthday party food, ocean week food, sea turtle cupcakes, turtle cupcakes

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

5 Reasons to Pursue Financial Independence

Family

Lyne Proulx

-

May 5, 2022

0

If you are used to spending money like there is no tomorrow and tend to follow your impulses when purchasing goods and services, you might find yourself in a challenging financial situation soon enough. On the other hand, tracking expenses and getting control over your personal finances will allow you to achieve financial independence much faster than you might think.

Financial freedom, in turn, brings its own benefits. Apart from the obvious advantages like freedom of choice and increased quality of life, being financially independent allows you to feel more secure and confident when it comes to your life decisions. In addition, it provides you with the necessary ground for starting a family and puts you in a better position to help others. If you want to learn more, here is more information about the most crucial reasons to pursue financial independence!

woman happy about her Financial Independence

Security and Confidence

Financial freedom is a lot more than just being able to pay your bills on time and not worrying about the future. For starters, financial issues are one of the most common reasons marriages fail. (If you do not believe it, check the top reasons for divorce here.) For that reason, being financially stable will provide you with a sense of security and confidence because you’ll know that no matter what happens, you’re not going to be dependent on anyone else for financial support.

While being financially independent might not guarantee that you will never experience difficult times, and, as one of the Desmond Tutu quotes states, “the universe can take quite a while to deliver.” However, if you stay consistent with your money-managing habits, it will give you the power you need to deal with life’s challenges with ease.

Moreover, having all your worries about the money behind you can enable you to focus on the more important aspects of your life, such as your relationships and career.

Freedom of Choice

Being financially independent means that you are free to pursue your own dreams and interests without having to take finances into consideration. You do not have to spend time thinking about how much money you are wasting, but can instead focus on your own well-being and happiness.

This is especially important for young people who are still in their twenties, but already have a lot of things going on in their lives. In addition to their education, they also have to worry about their relationships and living arrangements. All these factors require a lot of sacrifices and compromises, which might not always be easy to make, especially when relying on someone else financially.

Freedom to Help Others

Financial freedom gives you the opportunity to help others in case they are in need. It is not only the monetary support that you can offer, but also emotional support and assistance that can have a positive impact on other people’s lives. For instance, being financially independent might allow you to stop working two jobs and give you an opportunity to spend your time volunteering at a homeless shelter or a hospital.

Ability to Start a Family

Being financially independent enables you to start a family when you are truly ready for it. You will not have to worry about whether you will be able to afford the expenses related to the birth of a child or raising a family in general. Furthermore, you will be able to provide your children with a comfortable lifestyle and make sure that they get to enjoy all the opportunities that they require in order to develop their skills and pursue their own passions.

The financial freedom will also allow you to be more flexible about the way you raise your children and make it easier to focus on making the most out of their childhoods instead of worrying about how much everything costs.

Ability to Follow Your Passions

Last but not least, financial independence lets you pursue your passions in life without forcing you to worry about money. For starters, you could spend time studying what you are truly interested in because money will no longer be an issue when it comes to pursuing your goals.

In Conclusion

All in all, reaching financial independence will provide you with a lot of opportunities that should help you make the most out of your life. For starters, it will help you to stay productive and focused on the goals that you have set for yourself. In addition, pursuing financial independence will make you feel more secure and confident and make it easier for you to start a family. You will also get to help others and pursue your own dreams without having to worry about whether you will be able to afford them or not.

If you do not know where to start, do not worry. Instead, hire a financial advisor to help you out. With the aid from such a person, you should be able to come up with a detailed financial plan that will help you achieve your financial goals in no time!

Breastfeeding Wardrobe Tips

Family

Lyne Proulx

-

May 4, 2022

0

Many feel that the breast may be best for feeding a baby, but some clothing can hinder your success and comfort while nursing. These useful breastfeeding wardrobe tips will help you to choose the proper clothes for nursing in public.

These days, most new mothers are encouraged by their peers and health care providers to exclusively breastfeed their newborn babies. Breastfeeding provides a baby with all the nourishment he or she will need, has loads of health benefits, and mom and baby a unique opportunity to bond. Usually a new mom is coached on how to get breastfeeding started while she and baby are still in the hospital. But once you take off that hospital gown and step into the real world, how is baby going to get access to that natural fountain of milk?

Clothes for breastfeeding

At first, most new moms stay largely at home, where modesty is not really a concern when feeding the baby. But eventually, moms all want to step out into the world and many mothers are concerned about breastfeeding in public. Which brings us to what to wear to breastfeed in public? Nursing clothes for breastfeeding can contribute greatly to a new nursing mom’s comfort and confidence level and even be a factor in deciding if she can breastfeeding successfully.

Nursing Bras Offer Breastfeeding Support

A good bra is the foundation of a nursing wardrobe. Nursing bras come in a variety of styles, from lacy lingerie-inspired numbers to cotton sports bra types. Generally, the bras have a snap that releases the bra cup so that the baby has access to the breast. It is best to try out several styles of nursing bras to figure out which one works best and feels comfortable.

It is generally not recommended that nursing moms choose bras with an underwire, as the wire can put pressure on the milk ducts and interfere with breastfeeding, though there are underwire nursing bras on the market. You should choose a bra that offers support, but is not too tight – your breasts will change size throughout the early stages of nursing, so you want plenty of room to grow. Pressure from a bra on your breasts can be uncomfortable and can lead to mastitis, sore nipples, or clogged milk ducts.

Easy Access Shirts And Blouses

Nursing moms may have to put dress-wearing on hold during their months of breastfeeding, since baby will need frequent access to her breasts. Many new moms find that simple t-shirts are the easiest to wear while nursing – you simply lift up the bottom of the shirt and let the baby stick his or her head underneath. Some women prefer a button-up blouse, unbuttoning the top few buttons and giving the baby access from the top. The t-shirt method tends to offer more modesty.

You can also buy shirts for nursing with layers that can be pulled back to reveal the breast. These tops are readily available at maternity shops or online specialty stores.

Milk Leaks

Access isn’t the only issue to consider when choosing clothes for breastfeeding – especially in the early days of nursing when a woman’s breasts often leak milk. During this time, it’s wise to choose a shirt with a busy pattern to camouflage the leak. Wearing a cardigan or button-up shirt over top a t-shirt can also provide a good cover-up.

During these leaky times, a new mom will also want to purchase nursing pads to soak up the extra milk. Several brands of disposable breastfeeding pads are available in most drug stores and reuseable breastfeeding pads are available in maternity specialty stores. Again, a process of trial and error will tell you which pads are best for you.

Breastfeeding in public-breastfeeding cover

Cover-Up if You’re not Comfortable breastfeeding in public

Again, self-consciousness can sabotage a new mom’s milk flow, so if you’re not comfortable exposing a bit of skin in public, it’s wise to invest in a breastfeeding cover or apron. These aprons, which tie around the mom’s neck and cover her entire torso are available online or in maternity specialty shops. They do tend to be expensive, so crafty moms may want to make a breastfeeding cover for themselves. Another option is to drape a receiving blanket over the baby and breasts while feeding. The video below shows how to easily sew a nursing cover.

Breastfeeding can be a rewarding experience for both the mother and the child. Figuring out suitable clothes for breastfeeding can be stressful in the beginning, but if you follow the above breastfeeding wardrobe tips, nursing clothing choices won’t get in the way of naturally nourishing your baby.

4 Ways To Deal With Mom Rage

Family

Lyne Proulx

-

May 2, 2022

0

Moms have this general feeling: you wake up feeling positive today’s going to be a good day. Then, perhaps, somewhere in between the morning rush where your kid spilled your coffee on your clothes, you’ve got another little one screaming for attention that it seems like it’s going to be another day when angry mom comes in.

The truth is, no mom ever wanted to have an outburst due to frustration or anger. Every mother has that universal desire to make the home a happy and peaceful place. However, this is easier said than done.

Moms today are faced and burdened with so much pressure. And whether you’re a working mom or not, there’s a lot to do as soon as you wake up. It can feel overwhelming, like a never-ending cycle of to-do lists that just never get done. This, in some cases, can bring in mom rage as a result of all the piling up stress and emotions you may have been dealing with.

If that’s the case for you, you’ve come to the right place today, as this might be day one of dealing better with and overcoming mom rage with these tips below.

Commit To Change

Single or rarely-occurring incidents of angry conflict at home are fairly common. Moms have so much stress to deal with, so you can only imagine how their mood can be on the roof sometimes. What’s unacceptable, however, is when mom rage becomes too frequent. You don’t like that version of you, and surely, your kids feel the same way too.

Perhaps, incidents of angry conflicts have been occurring lately, and you feel you can no longer control your emotions such that your kids are somehow becoming afraid of you. This could be a telling sign you need to try seeking therapy. There’s’ no shame in that. In fact, it shows that you’re acknowledging the problem and your commitment to change.

Therapy can help moms address any emotional and psychological burdens they’ve been carrying. The piling up of all the negative unaddressed emotions may be what’s causing your outburst, and seeking professional help through counselling can just be exactly what you need.

Pause And Take A Deep Breath

As soon as your alarm rings for the day, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment and feel instantly overwhelmed at everything you have to face for the day. It’s a fast-paced day, once again, but this doesn’t mean you don’t have a few moments to spare to pause and breathe.

Having a good start to your day begins with a peaceful and positive morning. A good tip to apply is to wake up at least half an hour earlier than the rest of your family does. By doing so, you have a few minutes to yourself – to do what you want.

This time may be spent meditating, gathering your thoughts, doing a few stretches, or even a simple thing like taking your time in the shower. Pausing to take a deep breath may just be what you need for a calmer state of mind.

Give Yourself A Break

The expectations that moms should be perfect, unstoppable, and able to do everything all at once may also be contributing to why most mothers today feel so much stress and pressure.

When you’re a working mom, juggling both your job and the demands of parenthood can be overwhelming and tiring. While, on the other hand, for stay-at-home moms, there could be a feeling as if you never have time for yourself anymore. And in some cases, there’s a longing for an identity outside of the home.

It could feel as if you’re drowning at times. But remember, it’s not selfish to give yourself a break. Moms also need that breather once in a while. Allow yourself to do what you love, whether revisiting an old hobby or starting a new passion project, or as simple as going out to spend some time with your friends. You can also go for some me-time, pampering yourself at the salon or a spa, or even just take a scenic walk or jog around the park.

If it’s been too long since you last did something for yourself, try it out this weekend. You may just be surprised at the newer and better version of yourself you’ll see once you come home.

Learn To Set Realistic Expectations

There are only a few waking hours in a day, and even the best of all moms certainly has limitations. Consider taking a look at your daily to-do list. Perhaps, one of the reasons why you get frustrated and burned out easily is that you’ve always got that never-ending pressure and desire to do more and be the best mother for your kids.

It’s normal for moms to want to give their all. But, at the end of the day, you’ve also got to learn to set realistic expectations. For instance, you don’t have to cook the healthiest meals three times a day, seven days a week. You can take a break if you just want to have pizza on a Friday evening. Or, your home doesn’t have to look sparkling clean all the time.

Setting realistic expectations is healthy. Moreover, it can help take so much stress and burden off your shoulders. Who knows, you may just be a lot happier – and your kids, too.

Conclusion

Mom rage is a real thing. After all, you’re a human too. You get tired, frustrated, stressed, and overwhelmed from time to time. It’s normal. But, it doesn’t always have to be a norm in your home.

Don’t worry, moms, as you’re not alone. Here’s to hoping the insights above can help you through better and more positive days. That way, those frowns and frustrations can be consistently turned into cheerful and loving smiles.

Paper Bag Dog Puppet

Crafts

Lyne Proulx

-

April 29, 2022

20

If you have a love for dogs, then you will love making this paper bag dog puppet with the kids. There is a free template to use that you will be able to make an entire dog family for a puppet show.

Do love to do crafty projects with your family or classmates? When the kids are home or it’s an indoor day at school because of the rain, paper crafts are a great way to keep the kids busy. There are so many different projects to be made using paper or paper bags. Let your imagination go.

Puppet Show Stage Ideas

Once you have made this dog puppet, it is time to prepare for a puppet show. There are easy ways and there are creative ways. If you want to do a quick and easy show, then just hide behind furniture with your paper puppets. This is a good way to help younger kids learn about dogs around the home. If you want to share your puppet shows with others outside of the home or at school, get creative and make a stage using cardboard boxes, empty food containers, and tissue boxes or paper towel rolls. Just give these items some paint and embellishments with other crafting supplies you have on hand.

Depending on what type of puppet or theme you have will also depend on the stage and props you use. Since this a dog puppet, try to think of things dogs might use, need or do. Perhaps make a doggie bed, food dishes, or maybe a fire hydrant or trees if there is an outdoor scene. If you make this Paper Bag Bunny With Printable Template or Paper Bag Turkey Puppet Craft, then you will need different ideas and props for a puppet show.

Paper Bag Dog Puppet

Get ready to enjoy a fun afternoon with this dog craft for kids. Pull out those craft supplies, the puppet paper bag printable, and get the puppet show started.

Dog Craft Supplies:

Coloured craft papers (light brown, dark brown, white, purple, yellow, red, and light pink)
Paper bag
Craft glue
Sharpie
Scissors
Paper bag dog puppet template (click the link to download the free template)

How to make a dog puppet out of a paper bag

Step 1:

Select light brown, dark brown, and light pink coloured craft papers for the paper bag dog puppet craft. Cut out the patterns using scissors:

trace the body base, head and leg patterns on the light brown coloured paper;
trace the tail and ear patterns on dark brown coloured craft paper;
trace the mouth and the belly patterns on the light pink coloured craft paper.

Step 2:

Attach the mouth pattern on the bottom side of the head cutout and attach the belly cutout on the bottom side of the body base cutout.

Step 3:

Attach the eye cutouts on the top side of the head pattern.

Step 4:

Use a sharpie to draw the nose and mouth of the paper bag dog puppet.

Step 5:

Select a brown paper bag or you can craft your own custom sized paper bag from brown wrapping paper. Use the bottom side of the bag as the top side of the puppet pattern.

Step 6:

Attach the leg patterns near the open side of the paper bag.

Step 7:

Attach the tail on either side of the paper bag.

Step 8:

Attach the body base pattern on the top side of the leg and covering the paper bag’s surface.

Step 9:

Attach the head pattern of the paper dog on the bottom flat side of the paper bag and then flatten the bottom side with the rest of the pattern.

Step 10:

Cut 1 strip of purple construction paper to make the collar and cut a yellow circle for the dog ID tag. Glue the collar on the neck of the dog and glue the tag in the middle of the collar.

Dog Themed Activities

For other dog themed activities for kids, you can try:

I hope you enjoyed this Paper Bag Dog Puppet as much as I did! If you make this craft, please share your photos with us on Facebook or Twitter! Also, check out all of our other crafts!

Paper Bag Dog Puppet

Yield: 1

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Active Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

If you have a love for dogs then you will love making this paper bag dog puppet with the kids that includes a free template.

5.0 Stars (1 Review)

Materials

Coloured craft papers (light brown, dark brown, and light pink)
Paper bag
Craft glue
Sharpie
Paper bag dog puppet template

Tools

Scissors

Instructions

Step 1:

Select light brown, dark brown, and light pink coloured craft papers for the paper bag dog puppet craft. Cut out the patterns using scissors:

trace the body base, head and leg patterns on the light brown coloured paper;
trace the tail and ear patterns on dark brown coloured craft paper;
trace the mouth and the belly patterns on the light pink coloured craft paper.

Step 2:

Attach the mouth pattern on the bottom side of the head cutout and attach the belly cutout on the bottom side of the body base cutout.

Dog Puppet Step 2

Step 3:

Attach the eye cutouts on the top side of the head pattern.

Step 4:

Use a sharpie to draw the nose and mouth of the paper bag dog puppet.

Dog Puppet Step 4

Step 5:

Select a brown paper bag or you can craft your own custom sized paper bag from brown wrapping paper. Use the bottom side of the bag as the top side of the puppet pattern.

Paper Bag Dog Puppet Step 5

Step 6:

Attach the leg patterns near the open side of the paper bag.

Step 7:

Attach the tail on either side of the paper bag.

Step 8:

Attach the body base pattern on the top side of the leg and covering the paper bag’s surface.

Step 9:

Attach the head pattern of the paper dog on the bottom flat side of the paper bag and then flatten the bottom side with the rest of the pattern.

puppet with paper bag

15 Corn on the Cob Recipes

Recipes

Lyne Proulx

-

April 28, 2022

8

If you have a fondness for summer sweet corn like I do, then you are going to love this collection of the corn on the cob recipes. You will find ways to boil corn on the cob, ways to grill corn on the cob, and of course, a few easy corn on the cob recipes! Be sure to click thru the links below to check out the full recipes.

There is nothing like corn on the cob with dinner in the summer! When I see the first roadside stand on a hot day, with ear after ear of corn, I begin thinking of juicy corn on the cob! Just the thought of it seems to make dinner more appealing, no matter what you are serving. There is a promise of a fun meal, a mess on your face, and so much butter that I can’t resist!

Recipes to Serve With Corn on the Cob

Corn on the cob compliments so many dishes! In just about any scenario, it is a great side dish to share with your family. A few of our favourite opinions include classic options like cheeseburgers and hotdogs. But here are a few other tasty ways to serve it as a side.

Instant Pot Pork Tacos are a great dinner and Mexican street corn would really set the meal off beautifully! Crunchy Baked Turkey Tenders are also a great protein to pair with your best corn on the cob recipe this summer!

Corn on the Cob Recipes

From corn on the cob grilled in husk to how to grill corn without the husk, Mexican street corn, and sweet and spicy corn on the cob, this collection has a variety of best corn on the cob recipes. Hopefully you will get a chance to try a few of these corn on the cob recipes this summer!

1. Grilled in Husk Corn on the Cob

After you try grilling corn on the cob in the husk, you will always want to to grill corn on the cob this way. It is just so good!

2. Mexican Street Corn Inspired Compound Butter

Craving street corn? No worries, make this compound butter and you can slather it on corn on the cob all season long!

3. Smoked Corn on the Cob

Smoked corn sounds like a summer dream. With this corn on the cob recipe it tastes like a gourmet side dish dream come true!

4. Cilantro Lime Corn on the Cob

Spice up your corn on the cob with a few additions like lime and cilantro for a fresh take on a favourite.

5. Elote

This is one of my favourite corn on the cob recipes! Mexican street corn is the ultimate summer side dish. This Elote recipe tastes authentic and is so easy to make!

6. Baked Corn on the Cob

You have boiled it, grilled it, and maybe even frozen some for later. But, have you ever baked corn on the cob?! This is a must try easy side.

7. Beer Grilled Corn

Bring all of the flavors of summer to the table with this beer grilled corn. You are sure to love this tasty twist.

8. Herb Butter Grilled Corn

Simple pleasures like summer sweet corn slathered in herb butter sounds amazing right now doesn’t it?

9. Old Bay Grilled Corn

If you like old bay seasoning, then you are going to love this recipe!

10. Garlic Parmesan Corn on the Cob

Garlic parm corn looks like the tastiest way to eat corn for anyone who loves garlic!

11. Miso Butter Grilled Corn

Miso butter is just the thing to make this grilled corn pop!

12. Grilled Corn with Spam

Grilled corn on the cob is always yummy, but adding spam to the mix? That sounds delicious!

13. 10 Minute Grilled Corn

Who knew it only takes 10 minutes to get some summer corn on the table? A delicious corn on the cob recipe!

14. Sweet and Spicy Grilled Corn

A little sweet, a little spice, blended together make this corn on the cob recipe especially nice!

15. Sweet Chilli Grilled Corn

This sweet chilli corn has such a great flavour and colour! You are going to want to make this corn on the cob recipe this way often!

Hope you enjoy these recipes for corn on the cob as much as I did! Also, check out all of our recipes!

I hope you will leave a comment and let us know which of these corn on the cob recipes sounds the best to you! If you have ever made corn in a unique way, like cooking it in a cooler, or boiling corn in milk, I would love to hear about your experience!

50 DIY Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day

Crafts

Lyne Proulx

-

April 27, 2022

11

These homemade gift ideas for Mother’s Day make beautiful personalized presents for mom, an aunt, or a grandmother. You will find below DIY gift ideas for Mother’s Day that are easy to make with the family.

Mother’s day gift ideas kids can make

In the afternoon, children can make a present for their mother. Whether it is for Mother’s Day, Christmas, Chanukah, or a birthday, these DIY gifts show off children’s creativity and their love for their mother.

Make A Wind Chime From Recycled Items

A fun gift kids can make for their mom is a Wind Chime. Gather items for the wind chime and make sure they are the same type of material, such as metal (measuring spoons, washers, nails, forks, etc.) or wood (clothespins, chopsticks, spoons, etc.). Avoid mixing metal, wood, and plastic in the same wind chime because the sounds won’t be as musical.

Cut several pieces of string about twelve inches in length. Tie one end to the object and the other end to a sturdy twig, about twelve inches long, or a coat hanger (use a metal hanger for metal objects or a plastic hanger for plastic objects).

Tie the strings approximately two inches apart so the pieces will strike each other when they move. Before knotting the strings, listen to the sound of the objects striking one another. Move the objects around if necessary. Tie an eighteen-inch piece of string to either end of the branch (the coat hangers have hooks). Mom will be able to hang this wind chime somewhere she’ll hear the sound when a breeze blows.

Decorated Flower Vase

A decorated flower vase is always a well received gift that kids can make for their mom. Recycle a glass bottle or jar by covering it with scraps of yarn from a yarn stash. Squeeze some regular white glue onto the top part of the jar and spread it over the outside with fingertips. Wash the glue off the hands. Then, wrap the bottle around and around with yarn so that each round of yarn is pressed against the previous round. Work small sections at a time, so the glue doesn’t run down the glass. Avoid using too much glue because then the yarn will slide down the glass.

Allow the finished yarn-covered jar or bottle to dry. Mix some of the white glue with a little water. Paint the glue and water mixture over the rows of yarn. Let dry. Try this technique with a covered jar and fill with homemade bath salts.

Paper Bead Necklace

Another personalized gift kids can make for their mom is a paper bead necklace. Turn magazine or catalog pages into a paper beads. Don’t worry about what the picture is because it won’t be clear in the finished bead. Measure a two-inch base for a triangle along one side of a piece of paper and, with a ruler, draw an angled line to the opposite side of the page so to form a triangle. Cut out and continue drawing and cutting triangles until there are twenty shapes.

Don’t worry if the edges are ragged or the shapes aren’t perfectly triangular; it won’t show in the finished bead. Lay a pencil against the base of the triangle. Now, roll the triangle up to a point, adding small drops of glue along the way. Add a dot of white glue to the point and press it against the tube to hold it in place. Slide the bead off the pencil and set aside for it to dry.

Continue until all the triangles are beads. Mix regular white glue with some water and paint over the beads. Allow drying. String the dry beads onto crochet thread or beading string. Alternate the paper beads with glass, wood, or plastic beads. Tie the ends of the string together.

With a little time, patience, and creativity, children can make a wind chime from recycled wood or metal items, a vase from a bottle or jar and scraps of yarn, or a beaded necklace from magazine pages.

DIY Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day

For Mother’s day, get creative and write her a poem or make her something you know she could use like homemade gifts. Moms love homemade gifts from the heart and when you choose something useful, she’ll love it even more. These 50 ideas for Mother’s Day crafts are easy to make and will surely please mom on her special day!

Hope you like the above list of DIY Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day! If you are looking for other craft inspirations, you can look at our craft section!

10 Disney Cruise Door Decoration Ideas

Crafts

Lyne Proulx

-

April 26, 2022

5

When you go on a Disney cruise, one thing you will notice right away is that all the stateroom doors look the same. You’ll just see massive hallways with tons of doors that look just alike (similar to many hotels as well). This can be confusing on a big ship when you’re trying to navigate your way around; however, there are ways to decorate your Disney cruise stateroom door to be able to recognize it right away. You will find below Disney cruise door decoration ideas to use on your next vacation.

Disney stateroom door magnets — Photo credit: Play Party Plan – https://www.playpartyplan.com/

Disney cruise line stateroom door decorations

One thing that many people do to help them and their children find and identify their Disney cruise stateroom door from others is to decorate the door.

There are some guidelines from Disney about decorating your stateroom door, so, first things first, let’s look at those rules:

No tape or adhesive, including removable gel adhesives because they damage the finish of the door.
No over-the-door hangers/organizers are allowed because they scratch the stateroom doors and trim.
No light bulb strings or other hanging items.

If you violate these rules, Disney can charge you a $100 fine per incident to cover the costs of repairs.

How To Decorate Your Disney Cruise Stateroom Door — Photo credit: Mommy Mouse Clubhouse – https://mommymouseclubhouse.com/

How to Decorate your Cabin Door on a Cruise

So, how DO people decorate their cruise door? The most common way is with magnets. Keep in mind that Concierge staterooms on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy have wooden doors, so magnets won’t work.

Disney Cruise Cabin Door Magnet Decorations

When decorating the Disney cruise cabin door with magnets, here are some ideas:

Buy rolls of magnets before your trip. You can buy magnet adhesive rolls and use them to create your own magnets.
Spend some time decorating and designing your own magnets at home in any designs and colours you want, and bring them with you to place on your stateroom door.
Buy some Disney magnets and bring with you. You may let your kids pick their favourite characters.

Disney Cruise Door Magnets

When designing your DIY Disney cruise door magnets, you can really let your own personality show. You can create some fun things online with stock photos and Photoshop or Canva, or using photos of your family from previous Disney park vacations, then laminate them and put the magnets on them. You can also purchase Disney cruise door magnets on sites like Etsy.

Disney Cruise Door Decoration Ideas

These Disney cruise door decoration ideas will come in handy to make for your next Disney cruise ship vacation:

Take these Disney cruise cabin door magnets with you and show off your fun personality on your Disney cruise stateroom door. It also means you won’t ever lose your way when looking for your stateroom!

Top Things to Do in San Francisco with Kids

Travel

Lyne Proulx

-

April 25, 2022

0

There are many kid-friendly activities in San Francisco the whole family can take part in. You will find below top things to do in San Francisco with kids that will make your trip memorable.

San Francisco with Kids

San Francisco, located in Northern California, is an ideal travel vacation destination for families. San Francisco is renowned for its Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, historic buildings, delicious food, and many museums. You are bound to find many things to do with the family in the Golden City.

San Francisco Cable Cars

A great way to see San Francisco is is by taking a ride on the famous cable cars. Families will get a true feel for the hills of San Francisco without having to walk them. Don’t forget to watch the cable cars being turned around at the beginning and end of each line. Tickets may be purchased at the cable turnarounds or from the conductor upon boarding.

Places to visit in San Francisco with kids

San Francisco is world famous for its architecture. Modern skyscrapers as well as hundred year old buildings line the city streets. A walking tour around the Golden City allows for a close inspection of varied architecture. There are a number of Victorian homes to inspect from the inside as well as the outside such as the Painted Ladies. There are many office buildings that are open to the public. The lobby of the Transamerica Pyramid Center houses a display about the building as well as a virtual observation deck where adults and children may man the controls to the cameras perched at the top of the building.

Transamerica Pyramid Center in San Francisco

Food and Treats in San Francisco

Food choices abound in San Francisco. There are many opportunities to sample authentic ethnic dishes in Little Italy or Chinatown.

Pier 39, the famous pier in the Bay Area, offers many other dining options as well. One may visit Hard Rock Café and marvel over rock and roll treasures donated by musicians over the years. A visit to San Francisco wouldn’t be complete without having clam chowder in a bread bowl. A stroll along Pier 39 will yield samples of the chowder from different vendors, often coupled with discounts to adjacent stores. The famous sourdough bowls may be filled with chili instead of clam chowder for those who don’t prefer seafood.

A welcomed treat can be had at the famous Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop. Ice cream cones, ice cream sundaes or banana splits can be enjoyed in the patio or inside the ice cream parlour.

Bike across the Golden Gate Bridge

Families may also rent bikes and ride across the Golden Gate Bridge. Adults and kids of all ages can do this as it is a great family activity. Walking across the bridge is also an option.

Children’s Museums in San Francisco

San Francisco offers many cultural opportunities for families with children. Notable child-friendly attractions include the California Academy of Sciences. This museum honours the natural world. It includes a superb aquarium, a planetarium, natural history exhibits, a live rainforest, and a living roof. The museum sells out and tickets should be purchased ahead of time.

The Exploratorium is a children’s museum where kids can touch to their heart’s content. Budding scientist may experiment, study, and learn about many different things.

A busy, bustling city like San Francisco offers many fun activities to do with kids. With some planning, children as well as adults will be entertained for days.

Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cookies

Recipes

Lyne Proulx

-

April 22, 2022

6

If you love cinnamon toast crunch cereal, I have a treat for you today! These Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cookies are perfect for anyone who loves the classic cereal and wants to take the flavour beyond breakfast!

If you have been to the States and bought a famous Crumbl cookie, these large cookies are so good that you might think you are eating one of them again. But let me assure you that you can make these epic Cinnamon Toast Crunch cookies at home in no time!

Easy recipe for homemade cookies

This cinnamon toast crunch cookie recipe creates beautiful cookies that taste even better than they look! This easy recipe for homemade cookies uses ingredients you are likely to have on hand in your pantry, so you can make these soft homemade cookies at home anytime you want a treat.

There is nothing quite like a homemade cookie with cream cheese frosting! The softness of the centre combined with a thick and sweet frosting seems like a treat that the whole family can sink their teeth into happily! The tasty cereal topping is such an added bonus!

Recipe using cinnamon toast crunch cereal

After you bake and sample these cookies with Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, you might be wondering what other cereal you can add into your best homemade cookies recipe. I can’t wait to hear about what tasty combinations you can come up with! I think cinnamon toast crunch chocolate chip cookies also sound delicious, so you know what I will be baking up next! White chocolate chips are such a decadent mix in to these Cinnamon Toast Crunch cookies, I don’t see how you could go wrong with other chocolate flavours!

Cinnamon Toast Crunch cookies

These Cinnamon Toast Crunch cookies are perfect for bake sales, gatherings, or anytime really! You might be wondering can you can freeze homemade cookies? With this recipe you absolutely can, but, leave the cookies unfrosted until you are ready to eat them for best results.

Makes 10 large cookies

Kitchen tools

Cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicon baking mat
1 large bowl
1 medium bowl
1 small blow
Hand mixer or stand mixer

Cookies Ingredients

½ cup of Crisco (vegetable shortening)
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 extra large eggs
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp cornstarch
Pinch of salt
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
2 cups flour
3 cups cinnamon toast crunch cereal
1 cup white chocolate chips

Sugar Coating Ingredients

¼ cup sugar
1 tablespoon of cinnamon

Ingredients for cream cheese frosting

⅓ block cream cheese, softened
½ stick of butter, softened
1 ¼ cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla
A pinch of salt
1-2 tablespoons of milk

How to make cinnamon toast crunch cookies

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicon baking mat.

Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cookies in process

Mix crisco, brown sugar, and white sugar on medium speed until creamy and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

Add eggs and vanilla and mix for 1 minute.

Add corn starch, salt, baking soda, and baking powder and mix for 1 minute.

After, add flour and mix until there are no ribbons of flour visible in the dough.

I recommend crushing the Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal before adding it for a consistent dough, but if you like chunky cookies, you can add the cereal as is.

Add the cinnamon toast crunch cereal and mix for 1 minute. Add white chocolate chips and mix for 1 minute.

Use an ice cream scoop to form large dough balls.

Add cinnamon and sugar coating mix in a small blow. Place the dough into the mix and roll them until they are completely coated.

Place on the baking sheet 2” apart. Bake for 14-16 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Allow to cool completely before frosting.

How to make frosting for cookies

Add cream cheese, vanilla, powdered sugar, and butter to a mixing bowl. Begin mixing together. Add 1 tablespoon of milk, and continue to mix, until you achieve a creamy consistency. If needed add one additional tablespoon of milk.

Frost the cookies when they are completely cool. Decorate the cookies with whole pieces of cinnamon toast crunch cereal.

Make sure to check out all of our homemade cookie recipes. Reader favourites include Potato Chip Cookies and Twix Cookies.

I hope you enjoyed these Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cookies. If you make the recipe, make sure to share with us on Facebook or Twitter! Also, check out all of our other Recipes.

Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cookies

Lyne Proulx

These Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cookies are perfect for anyone who loves the classic cereal and wants to take the flavour beyond breakfast!

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 7

Cook Time 15

Frosting and Decoration 5

Total Time 25

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American, Canadian

Servings cookies

Calories 561 kcal

Equipment

1 Large bowl
1 Medium bowl
1 Small Bowl
1 hand mixer or stand mixer

Ingredients

½ cup Crisco vegetable shortening
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 eggs extra large
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp cornstarch
Pinch salt
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
2 cups flour
3 cups cinnamon toast crunch cereal
1 cup white chocolate chips

SUGAR COATING INGREDIENTS

¼ cup sugar
1 tablespoon of cinnamon

INGREDIENTS FOR CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

⅓ block cream cheese softened
½ stick butter softened
1 ¼ cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla
pinch salt
1 tablespoons milk 1-2 tablespoons

Instructions

HOW TO MAKE CINNAMON TOAST CRUNCH COOKIES

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicon baking mat.
Mix crisco, brown sugar, and white sugar on medium speed until creamy and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add eggs and vanilla and mix for 1 minute.
Add corn starch, salt, baking soda, and baking powder and mix for 1 minute.
After, add flour and mix until there are no ribbons of flour visible in the dough.
I recommend crushing the Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal before adding it for a consistent dough, but if you like chunky cookies, you can add the cereal as is.
Add the cinnamon toast crunch cereal and mix for 1 minute.
Add white chocolate chips and mix for 1 minute.
Use an ice cream scoop to form large dough balls.
Add cinnamon and sugar coating mix in a small blow. Place the dough into the mix and roll them until they are completely coated.
Place on the baking sheet 2” apart.
Bake for 14-16 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
Allow to cool completely before frosting.

HOW TO MAKE FROSTING FOR COOKIES

Add cream cheese, vanilla, powdered sugar, and butter to a mixing bowl. Begin mixing together.
Add 1 tablespoon of milk, and continue to mix, until you achieve a creamy consistency.
If needed add one additional tablespoon of milk.
Frost the cookies when they are completely cool.
Decorate the cookies with whole pieces of cinnamon toast crunch cereal.

Nutrition

Calories: 561kcalCarbohydrates: 82gProtein: 5gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 2gCholesterol: 24mgSodium: 527mgPotassium: 167mgFiber: 2gSugar: 59gVitamin A: 254IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 121mgIron: 3mg

Keyword Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cookies, cinnamon toast crunch cookies recipe, cookies recipe, cookies with cinnamon toast crunch cereal, homemade cookies

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Life Cycle of a Butterfly: Paper Plate Craft

Crafts

Lyne Proulx

-

April 21, 2022

8

Spring is in the air so this is the perfect time to learn about the life cycle of a butterfly with this paper plate craft.

This butterfly craft will work well for preschoolers or kindergarten kids to help them understand the cycles when they see them out in nature. They will probably have questions about other insects, animals, or maybe even the trees and flowers. If a child is afraid of insects that crawl or fly, this may help them overcome being scared.

The Life Cycle of a Butterfly

There are four stages to the life cycle of a butterfly. They begin with the life cycle of the caterpillar because without them there would be no butterflies and without a butterfly, there would be no caterpillars.

Stage 1 – Eggs: The female butterfly lays her eggs on the leaves or stems of plants and usually hatch within a few weeks.

Stage 2 – Caterpillar: The caterpillar will eat through the egg to enter its new world of chomping and growing. They will shed their skin 4 or 5 times.

Stage 3 – Chrysalis: When the caterpillar is fully grown it forms itself into chrysalis (cocoon) where it will transform into a butterfly.

Stage 4 – Butterfly: Once ready, the cocoon splits open and a butterfly emerges. Their wings are wet and need to dry before they are able to fly. Once dry they pump, a liquid called hemolymph into the wings to make them strong. They are finally ready to fly off and explore the world of flowers and trees.

Is a caterpillar a butterfly?

A caterpillar turns into a butterfly. The caterpillar and butterfly belong to the same species, but are at different developmental stages of the life cycle. The caterpillar is at the larva stage which is the 2nd stage of the life cycle. Stage 4 of the butterfly life cycle is the adult stage where the butterfly emerges and now ready to mate and lay eggs. Most adult butterflies live only to be one or two weeks old.

How long does it take for a caterpillar to become a butterfly?

Well, that will depend on the species. Most will go through metamorphosis within a week while others can take up to 3 weeks.

Now that you know about the caterpillar life cycle, you are ready to start this kid’s butterfly craft.

Butterfly Life Cycle Craft

When the snow starts melting and the weather begins to get warmer, the environment around us begins to change too. We begin to see more birds flying around, the trees are starting to regrow buds that will soon become leaves on their branches that give us shade in the hotter weather. Soon after, we start seeing butterflies fly around us. This paper plate butterfly craft will come in handy to show your kids what is the life cycle of a butterfly.

List of Supplies

Coloured craft papers ( 2-3 different greens, brown, orange, yellow, pink, purple, white, or other coloured paper)
Paper plate
Sharpie
Craft glue
Pencil
Scissors
Printable butterfly life cycle craft template

How to make a Life Cycle of a Butterfly craft

How to make a butterfly life cycle

Step 1:

Select different coloured craft papers for the caterpillar, leaf, chrysalis, and butterfly craft. Trace and cut out the patterns nicely. Let’s start with the leaves, chrysalis, and caterpillar crafts.

Step 2:

Use a sharpie to trace the leaf veins. Attach the leaf cutouts on the stem pattern and then attach the egg cutouts on a leaf pattern.

Step 3:

Attach the chrysalis patterns and then use a sharpie to draw lines on the chrysalis pattern. Attach the extra, stem-like part of the chrysalis with a stem pattern.

Step 4:

Grab the caterpillar pattern cutouts. Attach antennas on either side of the slightly bigger round paper and attach small feet cutouts on the backside of each round shape.

Step 5:

Attach all the round shapes together by keeping the feet on one side. Attach the bigger round shape (the head) to the front.

Step 6:

Now, attach the 2^nd feet to each round shape except for the head.

Step 7:

Trace and cut out the smiley butterfly pattern.

Step 8:

Attach the butterfly patterns together to complete the butterfly life cycle craft.

Step 9:

Prepare a paper plate by covering the inner bottom surface of the place with a round craft paper.

Step 10:

Now, place the items on the paper plate, starting from the eggs on a leaf and then the caterpillar followed by the chrysalis and then the butterfly. You can draw arrows pointing from the egg to the caterpillar, from the caterpillar to the chrysalis, from chrysalis to the butterfly and from the butterfly to the eggs.

I hope you enjoyed my Butterfly Life Cycle Craft as much as I did! If you make this craft, please share your photos with us on Facebook or Twitter! Also, check out all of our other crafts!

Butterfly Life Cycle Craft

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Active Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

5.0 Stars (1 Review)

Materials

Coloured craft papers ( 2-3 different greens, brown, orange, yellow, pink, purple, white, or other coloured paper)
Paper plate
Sharpie
Craft glue
Pencil
Printable butterfly life cycle craft template

Tools

Scissors

Instructions

Step 1:

Select different coloured craft papers for the caterpillar, leaf, chrysalis, and butterfly craft. Trace and cut out the patterns nicely. Let’s start with the leaves, chrysalis, and caterpillar crafts.

Life Cycle of a Butterfly step 1

Step 2:

Use a sharpie to trace the leaf veins. Attach the leaf cutouts on the stem pattern and then attach the egg cutouts on a leaf pattern.

Life Cycle of a Butterfly step 2

Step 3:

Attach the chrysalis patterns and then use a sharpie to draw lines on the chrysalis pattern. Attach the extra, stem-like part of the chrysalis with a stem pattern.

Life Cycle of a Butterfly step 3

Step 4:

Grab the caterpillar pattern cutouts. Attach antennas on either side of the slightly bigger round paper and attach small feet cutouts on the backside of each round shape.

Life Cycle of a Butterfly step 4

Step 5:

Attach all the round shapes together by keeping the feet on one side. Attach the bigger round shape (the head) to the front.

Life Cycle of a Butterfly step 5

Step 6:

Now, attach the 2nd feet to each round shape except for the head.

Life Cycle of a Butterfly step 6

Step 7:

Trace and cut out the smiley butterfly pattern.

Life Cycle of a Butterfly picture step 7

Step 8:

Attach the butterfly patterns together to complete the butterfly life cycle craft.

Life Cycle of a Butterfly picture step 8

Step 9:

Prepare a paper plate by covering the inner bottom surface of the place with a round craft paper.

Life Cycle of a Butterfly picture step 9

Step 10:

Now, place the items on the paper plate, starting from the eggs on a leaf and then the caterpillar followed by the chrysalis and then the butterfly. You can draw arrows pointing from the egg to the caterpillar, from the caterpillar to the chrysalis, from chrysalis to the butterfly and from the butterfly to the eggs.

Butterfly Life Cycle Paper Plate Craft

Top Things to Do in Los Angeles

Travel

Lyne Proulx

-

April 20, 2022

1

A visit to Los Angeles on California’s sunny coastal stretch is all about immersing oneself in a world of fame, money, and opulence in the city famous as the home of Hollywood. You will find below top things to do in Los Angeles while visiting!

Top 10 things to do in los angeles

Most first impressions of Los Angeles will be of a surprisingly unremarkable city of unremarkable suburban life. The magic of Hollywood and the extravagance of Beverly Hills are not apparent everywhere in the city; this list of must things to do in L.A. tries to narrow down the typical Los Angeles experiences into things that will thrill thrill-seekers and entertain almost everyone.

Hollywood’s Walk of Fame

One of the many great things to do in Los Angeles is visit the Walk of Fame. It is in the tourist-centre of the city, on Hollywood Boulevard, near Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, the Kodak Theatre, and Sunset Boulevard. While this ‘attraction’ may just be a few hundred red, black, and gold stars on the pavement, it is kind of exciting to stand where so many famous celebrities have, on a site known worldwide.

La Brea Tar Pits

While ‘Tar Pits’ may not have a romantic Hollywood ring about it, this sight is actually pretty unique and fascinating. When the Tar Pits were uncovered in Los Angeles, thousands of bones of long-extinct creatures such as mammoths and mastodons were discovered, opening up a long-forgotten part of the regions past. There are few locations like this in the world, where visitors get the chance to see the remains of long-extinct creatures in an amazing museum, called La Brea Tar Pits, sitting alongside the famed Tar Pits.

Universal Studios Theme Park

One of top ten places to visit in Los Angeles definitely includes Universal Studios Theme Park. There are many theme parks in and around Los Angeles, including the famous Disneyland in Anaheim. For visitors looking for a park easily accessible from central Los Angeles, Universal Studios is one of the best; an unforgettable day out for tourists who want a mix of exciting rides, characters, games, and shops. Universal Studios has a slant towards the ‘behind-the-scenes’ of film-making, with performances focusing on visual effects and pyrotechnics, to name a few. Great adult fun, with much to entertain the kids as well.

Dolby Theatre

The Dolby Theatre (formerly known as the Kodak Theatre), on Hollywood Boulevard, where the Oscars are presented at a red carpet event each year in March, is a must for any fan of quality films. A tour of the theatre takes visitors past the inner workings of the theatre on Oscar night; from the bars where the stars hang out to the backstage waiting area to the stage and auditorium. A must for film fanatics.

Tour of the Stars Homes

Top things to do in L.A. definitely include a walk down Hollywood Boulevard. You might find dozens of guys trying to sell bus tours (or limo tours) past celebrity houses in Los Angeles and the Hollywood hills. While this activity might seem a little tacky, there’s an element of excitement in the possibility of star spotting around L.A. And hey, a tour of stars homes is a rather typical Hollywood thing to do, cliché maybe, but cheap fun nonetheless.

Watch a TV Show Being Taped

One of the great things to do in Los Angeles to get close to a celebrity is by attending the live taping of a TV show. Best of all, this activity is usually free ñ audience wannabe’s just need to book in advance with Networks keen to fill seats. Visit websites like TVtix for more information on free audience tickets to programs like ‘The Tonight Show’, ‘Deal or no Deal’, and ‘The Price is Right’.

Chinatown In Los Angeles

Los Angeles is renowned as a melting pot of cultures, with strong residential representation by people from both Central America and Asia. Chinatown in downtown L.A. is a pertinent symbol of this crucial cultural integration, and, furthermore, the area is a spectacular site of colour, culture, and life. A visit to the area still has a Hollywood element about it; the colourful Asian backdrop of the district was used in the Jackie Chan film ‘Rush Hour’. At the end of the day though, a visit to Chinatown is a great chance to immerse oneself in the day-to-day life of Los Angeles, while experiencing some of the diversity that makes the city memorable. Plus, the food is great, if another excuse is needed.

The 3rd Street Promenade

Near the Santa Monica Pier, you will find this long stretch of pedestrian only street known as the 3rd Street Promenade. There are tons of well known stores, a few movie theatres with the latest hits, as well as the indie favourites, and many little eateries to satisfy any food enthusiast. And the best part about this great place is? It is just steps from the amazing Pacific Ocean!

There are numerous parking garages along 4th Street that offer minimal fees, and possible street parking, although most will be metered and have strict signs. There is a lot down by the mall (the southern end of the Promenade) that offers 3 hours of free parking.

The Americana At Brand

The Americana at Brand is the newest of the outdoor mall craze and for that reason also the largest. Made by the same people as the Grove, it has an in-house movie theatre, many, many stores, and also quite a few little eateries.

The high point of the Americana is the huge park like green area that lies in between this majestic shopping center. It is not uncommon to see locals lounging around with a book, or kids running around this great place. Definitely a great place for everyone.

There are even condos built above all the stores to show that the creators are really going for a whole city within a city feel. The Americana At Brand is located in Glendale near the 5 and 134 freeway. Parking is available in a structure just on the side of the location for a fee, but for free parking, park in the Glendale Mall lot just a block or two away.

The Grove

For a day spent in a European village setting, The Grove will definitely have all you are looking for. Besides just a shopping centre, they are also right next door to the famous Farmer’s Market where you can spend hours strolling around the various shops and picking up one of the best crepes in town.

The Grove has many shops and restaurants, including Pacific Theatres, and a beautiful little grassy area near a large fountain that is perfect for lounging around in after a long day spent shopping. For a restful tour of the area, hop on the shiny green trolley for a fun ride.

For a great day and evening spent under the sun, the Grove really does get the top spot with most locals. It is very near Hollywood, always has something going on, and you may even spot a recognizable face or two.

The city of Angels is an ever-sprawling metropolis where getting from A to B can be a real challenge. This list of top things to do in Los Angeles narrows down the sights, making manoeuvring much easier.

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