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Funny Mats Review

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Boredom. It can hit my kids at any moment. I am not a fan of letting my kids live on a device all day. I love when they are able to be creative quickly. Funny Mats are thin mats with cute themes kids can use to colour and discover fun in a flash. They asked if our family would like to review if their Funny Mats would end their boredom fast in our home. I could not wait to see how much fun they would discover with these mats.

Boredom Ended Fast with Funny Mats

Review of Funny Mats

Below are the items we received from Funny Mats:

  • Jurassic Funny Mat Unicorn
  • Funny Mat Space Funny Mat
  • Princess Funny Mat
  • Holiday Funny Mat
  • Mini Funny Mat Travel Set with 6 Markers
  • Never Ending Notebook, Small

Boredom coloured away, one stroke at a time

I was pleasantly surprised when my kids saw their new Funny Mats. They were itching to get colouring on these mats to colour their boredom away.

Do you have a Dino lover at home? Funny Mats has a mat for your little one! Their Jurassic Funny Mat displays is a cute and fun way for little Dino fans to see the creatures they love in one spot. 

End Boredom Fast with Funny Mats

Does your child love more whimsical creatures? The Unicorn Mat is a hit with my kids!

End Boredom Fast with Funny Mats

My daughter became a fan of it the moment she laid eyes on it. She was particular with the way she coloured her new friend on the mat. My girl always has fun thinking of new ways for her unicorn in this mat to look.

End Boredom Fast with Funny Mats

Would you like for your kids to haven an out-of-this-world experience with Funny Mats? Their Space Mat will allow them to decorate this corner of the universe any way they want! With ticket ships, stars, satellites, planets and more, there is no shortage to the fun they can have!

End Boredom Fast with Funny Mats

More Funny Mats fun!

My kids love fairytales. So it was perfect for them to receive the Princess Funny Mat to colour.

End Boredom Fast with Funny Mats

There are so many objects in this scene for him to colour. He decided to colour the star of the mat: The Princess. My son wanted this lady to look her best, so he spent a lot of time making sure the princess looked perfect. He really loved colouring in this mat. He enjoyed making this mat into a work of art.

End Boredom Fast with Funny Mats

Are your kids already in the holiday spirit? The Holiday Mat is the perfect mat to get! Santa and other holiday favourites are present to make colouring fun! We are big fans of traditional and winter friends found in this scene to decorate in fun and colourful ways!

End Boredom Fast with Funny Mats

Extra boredom busters!

If the mats were not enough, we also received two other fun boredom-busting surprises to colour in and enjoy.

The Mini Funny Mat Travel Set with 6 Markers is a fabulous items to have at hand to get rid of boredom. It is smaller than the Funny Mats, and has a bunch of themes to choose from.

End Boredom Fast with Funny Mats

My daughter’s favourite theme is Cats. She loves giving these funny felines fun colours. The faces are so cute and there are many different kitties to colour. This is a very popular page to visit.

End Boredom Fast with Funny Mats

My son can be a maverick from time to time. He likes to colour outside of the lines and do his own thing. The Small Never Ending Notebook is handy to have for those times when free creative time is wanted.

End Boredom Fast with Funny Mats

He loves being able to let loose and draw whatever is on his mind. There are plenty of pages to draw on so he is able to start a project then move on to a new one without having to wipe the first one away.

End Boredom Fast with Funny Mats

Other reasons why we love Funny Mats

There are so many reasons why we love using our Funny Mats products. If a colour was not right on a mat, or if a new feel is needed, all we have to do is wipe it away under running water or with a wet towel. I love they can clean up their mats whenever they want to without having to reply on me to do it for them.

End Boredom Fast with Funny Mats

Another great feature of the Mini Funny Mat Travel Set and the Small Never Ending Notebook is their size. Each if these items are small so they are amazing to have to keep boredom at bay. I can’t wait to have these fun books on hand to take in the car for our road trip this Christmas. My kids can be entertained in the car and at our family’s home for more fun during the holiday season. Iw oils want to get more of them as stocking stuffers or to gift as a holiday gift idea.

Boredom ended with Funny Mats

Whenever boredom shows up in my home, I’m glad we can turn to Funny mats to end it. Each of the mats we received has a fun theme to colour over and over again. The Mini Funny Mat Travel Set with 6 Markers and the Small Never Ending Notebook are perfect to have around for extra places to draw and for fun on-the-go! We are so happy to have Funny Mats around our home. Fun is always present when they are around.

End Boredom Fast with Funny Mats
End Boredom Fast with Funny Mats

Where pick up Funny Mats

Curious to know where you can pick up Funny Mats for your littles? Check out the in-store locations below to find them near you:

Clement 

  • Bayshore Shopping Centre: 100 Bayshore Dr, Nepean 
  • Promenade de l’Outaouais: 1100 Boulevard Maloney O, Gatineau
  • Tag Along Toys: 1500 Bank Street, #16, Ottawa
  • Fab Baby Gear: 1244 Wellington Street W, Ottawa

Thibo

  • Place du Centre: 200 Prom. du Portage, Gatineau

Do you live outside the Ottawa-Gatineau area? You can also find Funny Mats online.

Disclaimer: I received products and was generously compensated by Funny Mats to write this review. The views I shared are my own.

10 DIY Peppermint Body Recipes

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Essential oils are a natural way to heal a number of ailments such as headaches and migraines. One way to use essential oils is to add them to beauty products such as DIY body recipes. Everything from bath bombs to homemade soap can be made with essential oils. But why would you choose peppermint oil over others? You will find below 10 peppermint body recipes to make for the holiday season.

Peppermint Oil Benefits

Peppermint oil has so many benefits. Not only does it have a scent that reminds you of the holidays, but the health benefits are amazing. Peppermint essential oil relieves headaches, reduces stress, improves blood circulation, and even boosts immunity. This is just a few of the benefits that come from smelling peppermint oil.

10 Peppermint DIY Body Recipes
10 Peppermint DIY Body Recipes

Of course, peppermint oil is also known for its energizing properties. If you have trouble waking up in the morning, consider making homemade peppermint soap and using it in your morning shower. It’s a great, natural way to get energized for the day without reaching for a cup of coffee.

While peppermint oil can be added to a diffuser, adding it to homemade body recipes is so much better. Imagine taking a hot bath and enjoying the scent of peppermint. It’s a great way to unwind after a hard day. The scent will naturally reduce stress.

10 Peppermint DIY Body Recipes
10 Peppermint DIY Body Recipes

DIY Body Recipes As A Gift

Any of these peppermint body recipes would make an awesome gift. If you have a friend in your life that’s going through a rough time, consider making some homemade beauty products for her. Put them all in a gift basket along with some chocolate, a good book, and maybe a journal. It’s just a nice way to let that person know you’re thinking of them.

10 Peppermint DIY Body Recipes

  1. Peppermint Body Scrub
  2. DIY Peppermint Soap
  3. Peppermint Foot Bar – This DIY Bar melts as it touches your warm skin.
  4. DIY Peppermint and Lavender Foot Lotion
  5. DIY Peppermint Candy For your Body
  6. Peppermint Bath Bombs
  7. Peppermint Bath Bombs – shaped like snowflakes
  8. Green Tea And Peppermint Facial Toner
  9. Easy to Make DIY Peppermint Bath Bombs
  10. Cocoa Mint Foot

Whether you’re looking to soak in the bath, or take a quick shower, you can enjoy the health benefits of peppermint oil. Choose a couple of these peppermint body recipes that suit your lifestyle. It might be soap, bath bombs, or even foot lotion!

How to Save More Money on Christmas Gifts

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How to Save More Money on Christmas Gifts

Christmas is famous for being a time for presents and showing the ones you love how much you care about them. It’s easy to see how it can also be a time that people spend a lot of money. You don’t have to break the bank on Christmas gifts! The holiday season can be financially draining for many people. Fortunately, there are a number of ways you can do your shopping without breaking the bank. Here are some ideas on how to save more money on Christmas gifts!

How to Save More Money on Christmas Gifts
Gifts under the Christmas tree.

1. Make a list and check it twice.

Writing things down or using a holiday planner can help you stay focused on what you’re going to get and will prevent you from overspending.

2. Take advantage of cashback.

There are several ways to get cash back on your holiday shopping purchases. One way is to sign up for a cash back credit card. Another option is to use an online cash back site, such as Rakuten. You won’t make a ton of money this way, but you’ll get some cash back.

How to Save More Money on Christmas Gifts
Mall during the Holidays

3. Start shopping ahead of time.

The earlier you start holiday shopping, the more time you’ll have to look for deals and sales. If nothing else, you will have more time to budget for your gifts.

4. Sign up for store rewards cards.

If you’re planning to do most of your shopping at only a few stores, rewards can help you save bundles of money on your Christmas gifts!

How to Save More Money on Christmas Gifts
How to Save More Money on Christmas Gifts

These are just a few ideas on how to save more money on Christmas gifts. Following these tips can help prevent you from breaking the bank this holiday season. You can still give great Christmas gifts to the people you care about without stressing about it, and you won’t have to sacrifice on the quality of your gifts!

Share your tips to save money on Christmas gifts!

How to Increase Low Milk Supply for Breastfeeding Moms

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How to Increase Low Milk Supply for Breastfeeding Moms

It can be frustrating to deal with low milk supply when all you want is to feed your baby. Most moms begin producing milk at birth; the goal is to have the baby begin feeding as soon as possible because demand tends to increase supply. However, some moms don’t produce enough breast milk to fully nourish and satisfy their rapidly growing baby. If you have low milk production, there are some things you can do to increase your milk supply such as using essential oils.

How to Increase Low Milk Supply for Breastfeeding Moms
woman holding a baby.

Drink

While you want to avoid alcohol and caffeine, you should be drinking more fluids than ever before. The better you are hydrated, the better your body will work to produce breast milk. Drinking water, milk, juice, and herbal teas are ideal for hydrating your body in a healthy manner.

Eat

You may find that you are stressing and worrying which can decrease your appetite. It is important that you have a well-balanced diet, and include foods such as garlic, asparagus, and apricots which stimulate the hormones for lactation. Get plenty of fruits and proteins that will help keep you and baby healthy.

How to Increase Low Milk Supply for Breastfeeding Moms
How to Increase Low Milk Supply for Breastfeeding Moms

Empty Your Breasts

Nurse your baby frequently and allow the baby to nurse as long as they are actively nursing. This will help you empty your breasts more frequently and therefore increase the demand on your body to produce more milk. If you have a sleepy nursing baby use a pump when the baby is finished nursing to make sure you are removing more milk to increase the supply.

Not producing enough breast milk may feel like a clue that you shouldn’t breastfeed, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth, it’s just another challenge to work through in order to do what is the best for your baby. Your body is made for this, and if you are producing some milk, you can produce more!

Weekend Disney World Getaway: Best Tips and Tricks

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If you have just a few days to escape to Disney World, then make sure you do it right! Different types of Disney World vacations require different strategies. So, if you have a weekend Disney World getaway planned, follow these tips and tricks so that you have the most fun without burning out!

Weekend Disney World Getaway: Best Tips and Tricks

Weekend Disney World Getaway Tips and Tricks

Arrival and Departure

First, maximize your time as much as possible. Make your arrival early and your departure late into the day. Unless you have amazing dinner plans, show up on the first morning you have availability. This cuts back on hotel cost and gives you a full day to play. Delay your departure too, so you arrive back at home at the latest possible time.

Don’t Try to Do Everything!

Since you have a very limited amount of time on a weekend Disney World getaway, be aware of those limitations and don’t try to cram a whole Disney vacation into one weekend. Set lazy goals for yourself so that it feels like you are undershooting. Give your schedule plenty of room so you aren’t working yourself too hard all weekend.

Stay at a Moderate Resort

Conventional wisdom will tell you to stay at a Disney resort that is super close to your favourite park. That’s a good game plan, especially if your tastes are very specific and you have money to burn; however, those locations are always deluxe hotels that have amenities you most likely will not have time to use. Don’t plan a weekend Disney World getaway to have a spa day. Stay at a well themed but less pricey resort!

Weekend Disney World Getaway: Best Tips and Tricks
Weekend Disney World Getaway: Best Tips and Tricks

Save time with Uber or Lyft

When every second counts, you might not want to be at the mercy of a bus schedule. Using a ride sharing app with Uber or Lyft is a low cost and convenient way to get around Disney World quickly. You can even request the Minnie Van Service. You are not at the mercy of bus routes, so you can go to any resort hotel or park from anywhere you are on Disney property. This is a huge advantage over the Disney buses. It costs money, but it is very reasonable considering how much time it can save you.

Park Hopper Passes

A short trip is the best excuse to buy Park Hopper passes, if you want to experience a sample of each of the parks. If you have three day park hoppers, I recommend using them every day and dividing your time up so that Epcot and Magic Kingdom get the most time. It’s also a good idea to have nighttime shows available to you from Epcot, Magic Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios.

For example, here is how an ideal three day park hopping weekend Disney World getaway would look:

Day one: Magic Kingdom in the morning and Epcot at night ( dinner reservations at any restaurants at the World Showcase and Epcot Fireworks)

Day two: Epcot in the morning and Hollywood Studios at night (Make sure to visit Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge and dinner reservations for Brown Derby)

Day three: Animal Kingdom in the morning and view the fireworks at Magic Kingdom at night.

Weekend Disney World Getaway: Best Tips and Tricks

If you have to leave early on the third day, these days are interchangeable so you can choose what nighttime show you can miss. The only thing I strongly recommend is combining Epcot with Hollywood Studios because the park hopping is so easy. It’s also easy to hop between Epcot and Magic Kingdom via monorail!

What is your must-do attraction for a perfect Disney vacation? Share in the comments below!

45 Delicious Instant Pot Meal Recipes

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What is it that makes people love the Instant Pot? The real question is what’s not to love? The Instant Pot makes it so easy for busy moms to put a delicious and healthy meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. We have put together 45 Instant Pot meal recipes for you to try!

Imagine being able to do other things while your meal cooks! Now, also imagine being able to serve amazing meals in a matter of minutes! You no longer have to cook a roast all day long. It takes about 60 to 80 minutes to cook a roast and veggies. You can even cook meals using frozen meat in a very short period of time!

45 Delicious Instant Pot Meal Recipes
45 Delicious Instant Pot Meal Recipes

Simplest instant pot recipes

Roast is great. Even being able to cook vegetables in less than 10 minutes is wonderful, but you can’t live on roast and vegetables alone right? Right. Below, you’ll find awesome Instant Pot meal recipes that your family is going to love. Whether your family loves chicken, beef, or pork – there’s something for everyone. With quick and easy instant pot recipes like soups, chicken and dumplings and Hawaiian Sloppy Joes, who wouldn’t want to own an Instant Pot? Being able to make all these easy instant pot recipes for beginners so quickly will open up a world of possibilities.

Saving Money

And, let’s not forget: eating more meals at home means that you’re going to save money! Think about how much money your family spends each month eating out because you’re busy. Now you won’t have that excuse! You can make easy instant pot recipes without all the work or time. Even if you forget to thaw some meat for dinner, you can still make a quick meal.

The Instant Pot offers the ability to make so many delicious meals and even desserts. If you want to save time and money, you should consider investing in an Instant Pot. It’s something that will quickly pay for itself in the amount of money saved eating at home each week.

45 Delicious Instant Pot Meal Recipes
45 Delicious Instant Pot Meal Recipes

45 Instant Pot Meal Recipes

These Instant Pot meal prep recipes are so easy to prepare! Which Instant Pot recipes is your favourite?

  1. THE BEST INSTANT POT CHICKEN BREAST RECIPE
  2. THE EASIEST INSTANT POT BEEF STEW {GLUTEN-FREE}
  3. INSTANT POT WHOLE FROZEN CHICKEN
  4. CREAMY SALSA CHICKEN
  5. INSTANT POT BBQ CHICKEN RECIPE WITH CHICKEN BREASTS OR THIGHS
  6. INSTANT POT MEATBALLS RECIPE
  7. INSTANT POT SHRIMP SCAMPI
  8. HEALTHY INSTANT POT BUTTER CHICKEN
  9. INSTANT POT CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS
  10. HAWAIIN SLOPPY JOES 
  11. INSTANT POT TERIYAKI RIBS RECIPE
  12. EASY INSTANT POT BRISKET RECIPE
  13. WATERMELON BEER BABY BACK RIBS
  14. INSTANT POT GOULASH
  15. EASY HONEY CHICKEN SESAME CHICKEN
  16. INSTANT POT PAD THAI CHICKEN LETTUCE WRAPS
  17. INSTANT POT PINEAPPLE PORK
  18. CHIPOTLE CHICKEN TACOS
  19. INSTANT POT GUMBO
  20. PEPPER JACK MAC ‘N’ CHEESE
  21. INSTANT POT SALISBURY STEAK STYLED MEATBALLS RECIPE
  22. INSTANT POT CHICKEN CACCIATORE RECIPE
  23. GRANDMA’S UNSTUFFED CABBAGE ROLLS
  24. SHRIMP INSTANT POT RECIPE
  25. INSTANT PORK POT BBQ PULLED PORK RECIPE 
  26. INSTANT POT MAPLE GLAZED PORK LOIN
  27. FOOL PROOF PRESSURE COOKER ROAST BEEF
  28. STEAK FAJITAS PASTA
  29. INSTANT POT GROUND PORK AND PASTA
  30. INSTANT POT CHICKEN PAPRIKASH
  31. INSTANT POT ROAST RECIPE
  32. SPINACH AND GARLIC MEATBALLS
  33. EASY PRESSURE COOKER CHICKEN TERIYAKI RECIPE – Perfect for Instant Pot
  34. INSTANT POT AND SLOW COOKER GARLIC LEMON CHICKEN
  35. INSTANT POT SPAGHETTI SQUASH WITH MEAT SAUCE
  36. INSTANT POT CHEESY TACO PASTA
  37. INSTANT POT KOREAN CHICKEN MEATBALLS
  38. INSTANT POT RECIPE – EASY PRESSURE COOKER ORANGE CHICKEN
  39. INSTANT POT CRACK CHICKEN RECIPE
  40. INSTANT POT PASTA PUTTANESCA (VEGAN)
  41. INSTANT POT GLUTEN-FREE BARBECUE TURKEY MEATBALLS
  42. Instant Pot Pulled Pork Tacos Recipe
  43. INSTANT POT BUFFALO CHICKEN LETTUCE WRAPS
  44. INSTANT POT CHILI GROUND BEEF & BLACK BEANS 
  45. MOUTHWATERING INSTANT POT WINGS

Holiday Entertaining Tips with FREE Printable Planner

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It’s almost time to start entertaining for the holidays, which makes this the perfect opportunity to put together your plans. Whether you typically host large parties, or smaller get-togethers, there are scads of great holiday entertaining tips meant to help you pull off any size event without a hitch. These are just a few of them!

Holiday Entertaining Tips

Holiday Entertaining Tips with FREE Printable Planner
A glass of wine on a table with a festive Christmas backgro

Set Things Up the Night Before

By doing things such as setting the table the night before and placing extra toilet paper in the bathroom, you’re putting much less stress on yourself the day of the party. Depending on how much you get accomplished, the food and beverages may be the only two things you have to worry about the next day.

Consider an Alternative to Candles

A wonderful alternative to expensive candles are products you probably already have in your kitchen. I’m talking about things like apples, oranges, cinnamon sticks, and cloves. It’s super easy to simmer these ingredients in a crock-pot filled with water. Another option is to toss a handful of cinnamon sticks and pinecones into the fireplace.

Holiday Entertaining Tips with FREE Printable Planner
Holiday Entertaining Tips with FREE Printable Planner

Use a Holiday Planner

If you’ve never used a holiday planner like the one showcased in this post, then you don’t know what you’re missing! Talk about making things easier! This one has large recipe cards, really cute potluck labels, and a huge list of great holiday movies to entertain guests of all ages!

In the holiday planner, you will receive:

  • A Christmas card list
  • A Christmas cookie exchange share list
  • 2 Christmas movie checklists
  • A Christmas planner purchase tracker
  • A Christmas pot luck labels
  • A gift ideas list
  • December act of kindness
  • Christmas prep list
  • Download printable

TO DOWNLOAD THE HOLIDAY PLANNER, SIMPLY CLICK ON THE PHOTO BELOW!

Holiday Entertaining Tips with FREE Printable Planner
Christmas Planner printable

Establish Your Holiday Playlist Beforehand

Don’t wait until the last minute to establish a holiday playlist. Give yourself a few days to decide what songs you want to include. Music is an important part of any holiday party. Some party planners say the music you choose can even make or break your event. Who knew, right?

These holiday entertaining tips are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to seasonal get-togethers. Remember, the worst thing you can do is wait until the last minute to get things done. In this case, advanced planning and using a holiday planner are definitely a must!

Do you have any holiday entertaining tips to share with us? Comment below!

Candy Cookie Bar Recipe Using Leftover Halloween Candy

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Halloween is a little over a month away. Kids will be deciding on what costume they will be wearing this year and all the candy they will get going door to door trick or treating. Some years kids get a big haul of candy and sometimes it’s a small haul depending on where they go and the weather. It seems to always rain on Halloween. If you have a large amount of candy and need some ideas of what to do with it then this candy cookie bar recipe using leftover Halloween candy is exactly what you need.

Uses for Leftover Halloween Candy

Is there such a thing as leftover candy after Halloween? The answer is of course yes. There is candy we get that we don’t like and sometimes we get multiples of the same. I like a variety of treats and not always the same kind so when this happens, take those extras and put them aside to make other snacks and treats using them. In many families, the most dislike candy from Halloween is candy corn but did you know there are many recipes just for them alone?

Check out these 17 Candy corn treat recipes and you just might find another use for them aside from putting them in the garbage. Some candies work well as an ice cream topping or even on cakes or cupcakes. The ides are endless with a big imagination.

Cookie Bars

Have you ever made cookie bars with anything other than chocolate chips? Depending on the holiday I have mostly added M&M’s or smarties because they usually have limited edition holiday colours. These candy cookie bars make a nice Halloween snack for school lunches and will probably have the other kids asking where they can get them. The best thing about these bars is that they are a fun and easy snack that the kids will enjoy helping out with. Candy cookie bars are the perfect addition to those Halloween party treats.

Candy Cookie Bar Recipe

Not sure what do to with leftover Halloween candy and bars? How about making these Candy Cookie Bars! Your can substitute a few bars with some candy corn, M & M, Smarties, and more! Ask the kids to help you make them and enjoy family time together.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter, soft (1 stick)
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 1/2 cup flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • 1 cup of butterscotch, peanut butter chips, and or chocolate chips
  • Leftover Halloween candy like candy corn, Cadbury Mini Eggs, M & M’s, Smarties, etc..

Equipment Needed

  • 9 x 9 in baking pan
  • Baking spray
  • Parchment paper
  • Small bowl
  • Electric mixer/ mixing bowl
  • Spoon
Candy Cookie Bar Recipe

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line the baking pan with parchment paper. Lightly coat the parchment paper lined pan. Set aside.

Mix together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl. Set aside.

Using the electric mixer cream together butter and both sugars until they are combined. Slowly add the egg and vanilla to the bowl beating until completely combined. Add the dry ingredients a little at a time to the wet ingredients beating until they are thoroughly blended. Add chocolate chip stirring to combine and mix within the dough.

cookie bar dough

Divide the dough in half. Press one half into the bottom of the baking pan with your hands. (Leave 1/2 inch gap around the edges of the pan).

Add chocolate, butterscotch and/or peanut butter chips. Top with the remaining dough. Cover the candy on the first layer (Both top and sides).

Candy Cookie Bar in process

Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Remove from the oven. Set aside the pan. Allow the bars to cool for 30 minutes. Lift the candy cookie bar out of the pan by using the parchment paper. Cut into candy cookie bar into squares and serve.

Recipe note: Optional Candy Bars

You can also add 25 mini (or 9 full size) candy bars cut up instead of the mix of chocolate, butterscotch and/or peanut butter chips. Simply unwrap bars and begin placing them evenly spaced on the top of the first layer of the dough.

Candy Cookie Bars Recipe Using Leftover Halloween Candy Bars
Candy Cookie Bars Recipe Using Leftover Halloween Candy Bars

I hope you enjoyed my Candy Cookie Bar Recipe using leftover Halloween candy as much as my family and myself did! If you make it, please share your photos with us on Facebook or Twitter! Also, check out all of our other Halloween Recipes!

Candy Cookie Bar Recipe

Candy Cookie Bar Recipe

Lyne Proulx
Not sure what do to with leftover Halloween candy and bars! How about making this Candy Cookie Bar recipe with the family!
No ratings yet
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American, Canadian
Servings 16 bars

Equipment

  • Baking Spray
  • 9 x 9 in baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Small Bowl
  • electric mixer/ mixing bowl
  • Spoon

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup butter soft (1 stick)
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 1/2 cup flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • Leftover candy corn, M & M or Smarties To Taste
  • 1 cup butterscotch, peanut butter chips, and or chocolate chips

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Line the baking pan with parchment paper.
  • Lightly coat the parchment paper lined pan. Set aside.
  • Mix together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl. Set aside.
  • Using the electric mixer cream together butter and both sugars until they are combined.
  • Slowly add the egg and vanilla to the bowl beating until completely combined.
  • Add the dry ingredients a little at a time to the wet ingredients beating until they are thoroughly blended.
  • Add chocolate chip stirring to combine and mix within the dough.
  • Divide the dough in half. Press one half into the bottom of the baking pan with your hands. (Leave 1/2 inch gap around the edges of the pan).
  • Add chocolate, butterscotch and/or peanut butter chips. Top with the remaining dough. Cover the candy on the first layer (Both top and sides).
  • Top this with the remaining dough.
  • Cover the candy on the first layer. (Both top and sides)
  • Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes. (Or until the top is golden brown)
  • Remove from the oven. Set aside the pan. Allow the bars to cool for 30 minutes.
  • Lift the bars out of the pan by using the parchment paper.
  • Cut into squares.

Notes

OPTIONAL CANDY BARS

You can also add 25 mini (or 9 full size) candy bars cut up instead of the mix of chocolate, butterscotch and/or peanut butter chips. Simply unwrap bars and begin placing them evenly spaced on the top of the first layer of the dough.
Keyword bars, candy, Candy cookie bar, halloween, Halloween bar
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Set A Saucy Game Day Table with Montana’s Texas-Style Ribs

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Game Day. This is a time when the gang cheers on their favourite football team from the comfort of home. Ribs are a big hit to snack on during Game Day, but can be cumbersome to prep and cook. What if the hard part was already done for you? Montana’s Texas Style Ready-To-Eat Ribs are now available in grocery stores for you to add to your Game Day table. We were asked to give these saucy snacks a try to see if Game Day would be more fun with them and we could not wait to try them!

Set A Saucy Game Day Table with Montana’s Texas-Style Ribs

Set a Saucy Game Day Table with Montana's Ribs
Montana’s Ribs on a Game Day table with snacks.

A surprise at the grocery store

When I picked up my boxes of ribs from the grocery store, I realized that they were not frozen. I was wondering how much work I would have to put into cooking these ribs.

How easy is it to cook Montana’s Texas-Style Ribs?

Having a smorgasbord of delights is key to enjoying the day in our home. I was hoping that these Texas-style ribs would add to the spread we were putting together.

After checking out the box, I read that it would take 10-12 minutes on the barbecue (you know, for those die-hard outdoor grillers). Since we have retired our grill for the year, it would only take up to 26 minutes in our oven.

Set a Saucy Game Day Table with Montana's Ribs
Box of Montana’s Texas-Style Ribs on a table.

I was so happy to learn how simple it is to prepare and cook this full rack of ribs. Here are the easy steps we followed to get this snack ready:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
  • Remove the ribs from the package and put the leftover sauce on top.
  • Place ribs into the oven for 23-26 minutes (basting halfway through is optional).
  • Divide the ribs as desired and serve!

Setting a fun Game Day table

I was so happy to have my mini football fans help set up our Game Day table while we waited for our ribs to cook! We made it a bit festive with a mini garland, some decorations, and some sides to enjoy alongside our ribs.

Set a Saucy Game Day Table with Montana's Ribs
Kids setting up a Game Day table.

Ribs are served!

We were so excited to get eating when the ribs were plated and on the table. Montana’s Texas-style ribs were the shining star of our Game Day table! The gloss of the sauce made our mouths water. The smoky smell made us rush to fill our plates!

Set a Saucy Game Day Table with Montana's Ribs
Montana’s Texas-Style Ribs on a plate.

And the flavour…? They were A-Ma-Zing! A drop of sauce hit my tongue and I tasted so many flavours! There were hits of garlic, a bang of smoke, and a simmering of sweetness that tied everything together.

I was a bit curious as to the taste and the texture of the meat. Surprise! It was REALLY good. When I bit into the meat, it pulled away from the bone with ease. The meat was very tender, and melted in your mouth with every chew. I also got the garlic, smoky-sweet flavours of the sauce in the meat. Our gang was so happy to watch the game with every bite of these ribs!

Set a Saucy Game Day Table with Montana's Ribs
Boy about to bite into ribs.

Montana’s Texas-Style Ribs are a touchdown!

The football game is the focus of our day, but the food helps to increase the excitement of watching the game. Their glossy saucy finish and tender taste are sure to score a touchdown with guests to watch the big game.  The fact that these ribs are so easy to prepare and cook is an added bonus. We can’t wait to devour them for our next Game Day!

Set a Saucy Game Day Table with Montana's Texas-Style Ribs
Set a Saucy Game Day Table with Montana’s Texas-Style Ribs

How would you make Montana’s Texas-Style Ribs a saucy addition to your Game Day table?

Disclaimer: This post was generously sponsored by Montana’s Texas-Style Ribs. The views shared are my own.

A Montana’s Texas-Style Ribs Giveaway!

Set a Saucy Game Day Table with Montana's Ribs
Montana’s Ribs on a Game Day table with snacks.

Want to set a saucy Game Day table for your gang? Montana’s Texas-Style Ready-To-Eat Ribs is giving away 5 vouchers redeemable for five packs of ribs to one lucky Ottawa Mommy Club follower to celebrate Football Month!

The ARV of this prize package is $74.95!

This giveaway is open to Canadian residents (excluding Quebec) and ends at 11:59 EDT on November 10, 2019.

Good luck!

Rules: Open to Canadian residents 18 + ( excluding Quebec) . You have 48 hours to reply by email once you are notified as the winner. If you don’t, we will draw another entry. Prize is non-transferable. No substitution or cash equivalent of prizes is permitted. The selected winner must correctly answer a mathematical question in order to win the prize mentioned above. The Ottawa Mommy Club is not responsible for prize fulfillment and for the delivery/shipment of the prize(s) mentioned above. For our complete set of rules, please click here.

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Making Story Time Your Own with Your Book, Your Story -Review

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Kids love stories they can jump into and be a part of from start to finish. These stories are even better when they are personalized so they are a part the adventure. Your Book, Your Story wants to put your special child into fun stories that will help to jump start their imaginations. My family was asked if we would like make our own story time fun with these books. We could not wait to see what the stories would be like.

Making Story Time Your Own with Your Book, Your Story

Below are the books we received to review:

  • Pirate School (Primary/Elementary)
  • A Mysterious Gift 
  • The Impish Elves
  • The Apprentice Knight
  • Santa Claus’ Glasses
  • Super Princesses
  • Hello, World!
Making Story Time Your Own with Your Book, Your Story
Your Book, Your Story book covers.

Making story time your own

For each story, Your Book, Your Story asks for some information to customize a story for a special child. There is even dedication page letting the owner of the book how special they are.

Making Story Time Your Own with Your Book, Your Story
Page with personalized dedication.
Making Story Time Your Own with Your Book, Your Story
Personalized page from “Super Princesses.”

Pirate School (Primary/Elementary)

This personalized story leads your child on a fun pirate adventure with their friends and teacher. The group go on an adventure to find the treasure of Clever Island. This book is for primary/elementary readers. (There is also a version for daycare/pre-school readers).

Making Story Time Your Own with Your Book, Your Story
“Pirate School” book cover.

My son really loved this book. He started giggling when he saw the names of his friends in the story. He was happily surprised to see that his teacher would be leading them on this journey as pirates on the search for treasure. 

Making Story Time Your Own with Your Book, Your Story
Boy reading “Pirate School” book.

The story is at a great reading level for him. He was able to get through the book without much trouble. 

A Mysterious Gift 

This story takes your little one on a journey around the world on their birthday. It would make for a special gift to open on their special day. This story is for readers 3-8 years-old.

Making Story Time Your Own with Your Book, Your Story
“A Mysterious Gift” book cover.

Super Princesses

In this story, your special girl and her friends get to become princesses with special powers. It is a fun holiday-themed book your girl will love. This book is for children ages 3-8 years-old.

Making Story Time Your Own with Your Book, Your Story
“Super Princesses” book cover.

My daughter was so excited about reading this book! She loves “being” a princess, so this book was a perfect choice for her.

Making Story Time Your Own with Your Book, Your Story
Boy reading “Super Princesses” book.

My girl loves the idea of becoming a princess with super powers. She also likes being able to help Santa by delivering presents with her best friends by her side. She is still curious as to how Santa is able to do this. Being able to takeover this responsibility was a fun adventure for her to go on.

The Impish Elves

In this Christmas story your child is in the middle of a magical adventure with his or her friends and a cute little mouse friend named Nibble. This story is for children ages 3-8 years-old.

Making Story Time Your Own with Your Book, Your Story
“The Impish Elves” book cover.

Santa Claus’ Glasses

It’s December 25th, and young readers are taken on a magical journey of the preparation and anxious anticipation of the big day. This book is for readers 3-8 years-old.

Making Story Time Your Own with Your Book, Your Story
“Santa Claus’ Glasses” book cover.

The Apprentice Knight

Your special child and his or her friends go on a quest to fulfill his or her dream of becoming a real knight. This story is for 3-8 years-old readers.

Making Story Time Your Own with Your Book, Your Story
“The Apprentice Knight” book cover.

Hello, World!

This book is about a baby’s journey from it’s mommy’s tummy to being welcomed into the world by its family. It is a great keepsake for parents to have to share wth their little ones during story time. There is another version that is for a child to gift to a younger sibling.

Making Story Time Your Own with Your Book, Your Story
“Hello World!” book cover.

I am no longer looking to having a new edition to my family. I thought this book for a friend of mine who recently became a new mom. 

The personal details are woven well into this tale. It is heart-warming, and I know she will be thrilled to read it to her little one. The illustrations in this story, and all of the book we received, are very cute, colourful, and engaging.

Making Story Time Your Own with Your Book, Your Story
Page from “Yellow World!”

Where story time does not make a connection

Even though my kids loved reading these stories, they were a bit disappointed they could not fully connect with their characters in these books. 

My kids said the stories would have been better if they could quickly see themselves and their friends in each of the adventures. My littles ended up picking out which characters they were in each of these tales. They enjoyed their personalized stories, but their characters did not look like them in these tales.

Making Your Own Story Time Fun

Overall, my kids enjoy reading stories with a personal touch from Your Book, Your Story. They loved reading the exciting adventures in each book. Seeing their names and the names of their friends in these journeys made them light up and giggle. My littles wished they would have been able to actually see themselves in each of the tales, but they were still able to want to read the adventures over and over again.

Making Story Time Your Own with Your Book Your Story
Making Story Time Your Own with Your Book Your Story

Are you curious to see the other adventures Your book, Your Story has to offer? We hopped over to their website and visited them on their Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest pages to find out more about this company!

Disclaimer: I received books from Your Book, Your Story to write this review. The views I share are my own.

16 All Things Cheeseburger Recipes

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16 All Things Cheeseburger

There’s something so satisfying about biting into a juicy cheeseburger. The combination of the meat, cheese, and toppings can be so comforting after a rough day. But there are so many great ways to enjoy cheeseburgers you may not even know about! You can switch up the toppings or just use the ingredients to make an entirely new recipe. These 16 All Things Cheeseburger Recipes roundup has so many awesome recipes that you’re going to love.

16 All Things Cheeseburger Recipes
16 All Things Cheeseburger Recipes

Imagine combining cheeseburgers with some of your other favorite foods. For example, why not try a cheeseburger pizza or even cheeseburger soup? The sky’s the limit! You can even do a cheeseburger salad or cheeseburger muffins. While some of these recipes may sound a bit strange, you’ll be surprised at how well these flavours work in different recipes.

Let these recipes be an inspiration for creating your own recipes. Think about how the hamburger, cheese, and toppings would work with your other favourites. Maybe you could create cheeseburger tacos, or even a cheeseburger lasagna! Don’t be afraid to try new things. That’s how you find new recipes that you and your family love!

16 All Things Cheeseburger Recipes
Cheeseburgers

This is always a great way to discover new recipes. Think about the foods you love and think about how you could use the ingredients to create something new. You can do this with so many different foods. For example, if you love buffalo chicken, think about the ways you can use buffalo sauce and chicken in different recipes. This makes cooking so much more fun!

If you’re bored in the kitchen, try some of the recipes below. You’re sure to find at least one recipe that you’ll want to add to your list of family favourites. It’s always great when you have something new to add to your recipe collection. It’s much easier to keep the family satisfied when you have a large list of recipes they love.

16 All Things Cheeseburger Recipes
Cheeseburger Recipes

16 All Things Cheeseburger Recipes

1. Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders – Merry about Town

2. Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza Recipe – Somewhat Simple

3. Spicy Cheeseburger Grilled Cheese Sandwich – Thrifty Jinxy

4. Bacon Cheeseburger Roll-Up – Cosmopolitan Cornbread

5. Grilled Stuffed Jalapeno Cheeseburger – Dear Creatives

6. Mac and Cheese Stuffed Cheeseburger – Food ‘n Service

7. Loaded Cheeseburger Muffins – Kicking It with Kelly

8. Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf – 4 Sons “R” Us

9. Copycat Red Robin Banzai Burger Recipe – A Mom’s Take

10. Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole – Midlife Healthy Living

11. Peanut Butter Bacon Cheeseburger – A Mom’s Impression

12. Buffalo Burger with Bacon and Blue Cheese – Onion Rings and Things

13. Big Mac Salad Cheeseburger – Wholesome Yum

14. Barbecue Bacon Cheeseburger – Tastes of lizzy T

15. Cheeseburger Pie – Someday I’ll Learn

16. Cheeseburger Soup – Mama Loves Food

Top Ten Things to Do in Paris for Couples

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Paris, the French Capital, is one of Europe’s most visited cities, and it’s easy to see why! Built on centuries of history both romantic and enthralling, it’s a place where you will want to pack your days and not miss out on the best there is to offer. There are so many things to do in Paris for couples. We came up with a list of the top ten!

Things to do in Paris for Couples

Things to do in Paris for Couples

1. Climb the Eiffel Tower

It’s not enough to stand back and view the Eiffel Tower, Paris’s most recognizable icon. It’s not even enough to take the elevators to the beautiful cascading views of Paris! If you’re feeling brave enough to conquer the Tower’s nearly 700 steps by foot, the main shaft of the Eiffel Tower is elevator only (though costs extra), so there’s an easy ride to the top for those who’ve braved a walk from the bottom. The best thing about walking up the Tower is that the line up for tickets to take the stairs is shorter than lines for the elevator!

Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.

2. The Best of Europe at Notre Dame Cathedral

Located centrally by the Seine, the famous Notre Dame Cathedral lives up to its reputation. You can view its large, exquisitely detailed and historically impressive interior. Visitors to Europe will quickly get their fill of cathedrals, but this is one of the more impressive and needs to be near the top of the list.

3. Go Subterranean in the Parisian Catacombs

In the late eighteenth century, when the cemeteries of Paris were overflowing, many of the bodies were dug up and buried beneath the city. These anonymous bones have been neatly arranged as the walls of Paris’ subterranean catacombs. They line these dark and intriguing underground hallways, which stretch for miles. While this is a rather bizarre tourist draw, it’s worth the effort as this is one of the most unique tourist sights in the world.

Les Deux Magots restaurant in Paris

4. Eat Good French Food, Drink Good French Wine

The quality and general appeal of French food and drink is not to be underestimated: French cuisine deserves its reputation. Nervous travellers need to leave their notions of snails and frogs legs at the airport doors. French food is about subtlety in flavour and their wine is the product of centuries of experience. For those wanting an easier introduction to French food, avoid the classier restaurants and try a more laid back brasserie, which will be cheaper with dishes more familiar to the Western-style palate. For a beginners guide to wine, couples can try wine tasting at O Chateau. They offer a great range of tastings for beginners and the slightly more experienced.

The Louvre Museum in Paris.

5. Art Appreciation at the Louvre

The Louvre is without a doubt one of the world’s most famous and most visited art museums and a must thing to see in Paris as a couple. It is, of course, the home of one of the world’s most famous paintings, ‘The Mona Lisa’. Beyond this there is much to be enjoyed and appreciated! The building itself offers, with its combination of classic style and the more modern inverted pyramid entrance, endless halls of classic art and sculpture. A single day is barely enough to scratch the surface, so don’t rush to try and see everything. After all, good art is about quality, not quantity!

6. Walk from the Arc De Triomphe to the Champs Elysees

Start at the Arc De Triomphe, Paris’ immense classical Arch, built by Napoleon on what is now one of Europe’s busiest roundabouts. Walk down the Avenue des Champs Elysées; Paris’ ritziest shopping street, lined with beautiful trees and only the classiest of the classy high street stores. At the end of this two Kilometre walk, once you’ve passed and admired Marigny Square and the Grand Palais, you’ll come to the Obelisk, a taste of Ancient Egypt in the middle of classic Paris. This walk will take you past a number of Paris’ best sights, while giving you a feel for a part of the city that’s best experienced by foot.

Arc De Triomphe in Paris.

7. Get Pious at the Sacre Coeur

Paris’s chief Catholic Church, the Basilique du Sacre Coeur, is situated at an ideal vantage point for visitors; the highest point in the city. The lush views of Paris may be one draw card, but the view of the church’s interior is worth the journey as well.

8. Party at the Moulin Rouge

One of the top things to do in Paris for couples is to party at the Moulin Rouge! At night, the famous windmill sitting atop the Moulin Rouge lights up, a beacon to those seeking bawdy entertainment in the heart of old Paris. There are usually two shows per night, with dinner an optional extra, and champagne flowing aplenty. The show itself is a cabaret-style mix, with acrobatics, slapstick comedy, ventriloquism, and a parade of dance numbers varying from fun to funky to naughty. The Moulin Rouge may not be for everyone, but there will be at least one act everyone will love. Be warned, you should book ahead on their website.

The Moulin Rouge in Paris

9. Impressionism at the Musée d’Orsay

The Musée d’Orsay is an art gallery housed in a large former train station in Paris. It offers an impressive collection of French Impressionist works. Within this beautiful historic building, visitors can find works by such renowned artists as Monet, Renoir, and Cezanne. It’s this slant towards more modern French paintings that sets d’Orsay apart from the more classical Louvre. This gallery is a must for lovers of French Art.

Things to Do in Paris for Couples

10. Take an Evening Cruise down the Seine

Paris: one of the world’s most romantic cities; a night cruise down the Seine River is a great way of seeing why, first hand as couples. Cruises run from the riverbank adjacent the Eiffel Tower. Boats take visitors on a journey past the city’s most striking buildings, the desirable villas, and through years of fascinating history. Also, it’s a great chance to see the Eiffel Tower lit up so gloriously at night time!

I hope you enjoyed our top 10 things to do in Paris for couples! Bon voyage!

What is your favourite thing to do in Paris? Comment below!

Festival of the Holidays At Epcot in Walt Disney World

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Festival of the Holidays At Epcot in Walt Disney World

Christmas time is always a special time of year for Disney, because they dress up Magic Kingdom. They bring out the carolers, display a massive tree, and do a nightly castle lighting ceremony; however, that’s just the beginning! They have after hours parties with a parade, fireworks, and free cookie stations all over the park. Hollywood Studios creates snowfall over Sunset Boulevard and has nightly spectaculars. For two years now, Epcot has jumped on board to celebrate the season with another festival. The International Festival of the Holidays premiered in 2017. This exciting festival combines the best of what we love about Epcot Festivals and the joyful spirit of Christmas celebration.

Festival of the Holidays At Epcot in Walt Disney World – Mexico PavilionFeaturing festive mariachi band music and dancing ~ Photo credit: Walt Disney World -Chloe Rice, photographer

Christmas Celebrated Around the World

Festival of the Holidays is a seasonal celebration of Christmas and other winter holidays. The primary focus is on how Christmas is celebrated in cultures all around the world. In the America Pavilion, there is a little bit of Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, and vocal performances in Future World include Kwanzaa songs. In other Pavilions are traditional representations of Kris Kringle, as well as festive music and decor related to that country. This festival is still very new, so there is no telling how it will grow, even in the 2019 holiday season!

Festival of the Holidays At Epcot in Walt Disney World
JOYFUL! A Gospel Celebration of the Season ~ Photo credit: Walt Disney World – Chloe Rice, photographer

The Candlelight Procession

Every December, Disney hosts Epcot® International Festival of the Holidays – Candlelight Processional on select evenings where a chorus carrying candles takes the stage in the American Pavilion. The production includes a 50 piece orchestra, a human Christmas tree, and a celebrity narrator. The show uses song and scripture to tell the story of Christmas according to the Gospel of Luke. It’s a powerful night of song that takes place at the American Gardens Theater. Dinner Packages for the show are available and include reserved seating.

Festival of the Holidays At Epcot in Walt Disney World
Candlelight Processional ~ Photo credit: Walt Disney World (Kent Phillips, photographer)

A Kid at Christmas

Epcot has a Festival of the Holidays themed scavenger hunt to involve the children as you tour the World Showcase. Chip & Dale’s Christmas Tree Spree involves using a map to locate ornaments that Chip and Dale can hang on their tree. The map is $6.99. In each of the 11 World Showcase Pavilions, you can find Chip and Dale among the decor gathering their ornaments. As you spot them, put a sticker on your map and take the completed map to Disney Traders or World Traveler for a prize!

Festival of the Holidays At Epcot in Walt Disney World
The giant Christmas tree at Epcot, seen glistening in front of the iconic Spaceship Earth attraction. Photo Credit: Walt Disney World(Garth Vaughan, photographer)

A New Kind of Christmas Feast

Of all the transformations Epcot goes through during the festivals of the year, this one has got to be the most magical. The spirit of Christmas is everywhere and the sense of global unity that the World Showcase creates is a perfect way to underscore the Christmas narrative. Of course, no festival is complete without food booths, and this seasons booths are all about popular traditional holiday dishes cultures around the world! Not just those of the permanent pavilions, but in many others as well!

Have you been to the Festival of the Holidays At Epcot in Walt Disney World? If yes, what did you like best about it?

Food Production with Farm And Food Care Ontario

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Food production is more than just working a field and being at the whim of Mother Nature. There are many technical and learning elements farmers use to have successful harvests. Farm & Food Care Ontario works hard to share with Ontarians the ins and outs of local Ontario farming and the people who do this work.

I was pleased to be invited this year’s tour to see how food production on two different farms has evolved from the traditional thought of caring for animals and crops. You can view last year’s tour here!

Food Production with Farm & Food Care Ontario

Our first stop of this tour was to Drouin Turkey Farm. Jean Francois and Marie-Pair opened the doors to their poult and hen barns to give us a closer look at how Turkey production has become more technical.

Drouin Turkey Farm

Wondering what a poult is? One of the first things we learned on this tour was that poults are baby turkeys! Greg, Rachel, and Emily from Turkey Farmers of Ontario were on hand to talk turkey and food production.

The Learning Behind Food Production with Farm & Food Care Ontario
Turkey poult walking in its barn.

Since 2003, The Flock Care Program makes sure turkeys are responsibly cared for by farmers from birth until they leave the farm. A part of this program demands training and inspection to make sure turkeys are raised well.

Before gaining access to the barns, the Drouin showed us some of the technology they use on their farm. The system helps to monitor the living conditions, the feed, and water the turkeys receive in each barn.

The Learning Behind Food Production with Farm & Food Care Ontario
Turkey barns control panels on the wall.
The Learning Behind Food Production with Farm & Food Care Ontario
Control panel for turkey pens.

Hello, turkeys!

Dressed in our marshmallowy best suites to prevent cross contamination of germs, our group got to visit with the poults. This was an amazing experience. I have never been around so many turkeys before, and to see these little wonders melted my heart.

The Learning Behind Food Production with Farm & Food Care Ontario
Turkey poults sitting in their barn.

I have never held a small bird before, and this was my first chance to get to do so! These baby birds were really light and looked fragile, but I could easily feel how strong they were. I may be a bit biased, but this honey was the best one in the room.

The Learning Behind Food Production with Farm & Food Care Ontario

We then moved onto the hen barn. These larger birds were feisty! They were hopping around, snuggling up to each other, or showing off for us by stretching out and flapping their wings.

The Learning Behind Food Production with Farm & Food Care Ontario

We were also able to see some of the equipment within the barns to help feed and water them. Food, water, and the temperature are all being monitored by the control panel outside of these rooms. We had fun gobbling up all of the turkey details.

‘Taste of Ontario’ lunch

Once we bid fare well to Drouin Turkey Farm, we tucked in to our ‘Taste of Ontario’ lunch catered by Take Another Bite at the Morewood Community Hall. This talented catering company put together three tasty courses for us to devour.

Gooey, crunchy deliciousness

Our first dish: a beautiful Cauliflower Croquette. This dish included extra-old cheese from the Greater Ottawa area, smoked paprika, sourdough crumbs, roasted tomatoes, and saffron canola aioli.

I have never had anything like it! It was gooey, crunchy, and all over delicious! This dish was an amazing way to start off our lunch!

A warmup to Thanksgiving

The next dish was Brined Turkey Breast Roulande with Honeycrisp Apple, Fennel, Tarragon, and Pancetta. A Pilaf with Wheatberries, Millet, Red and White Quinoa, Cous Cous, and Herbs and seasonal vegetables accompanied our roulade on the plate.

This dish was a tasty way to welcome fall. I loved trying to get a little piece of everything on a fork to enjoy. Each bite I took was cozy and savoury. This dish made me feel as though it was a yummy warmup to Thanksgiving this year!

A trifle of sweetness

To end our lunch, Take Another Bite put together a sweet Trifle to enjoy. This dish included local Honey Poached Pear, Canola Oil Pound Cake, Cider Jelly, Ginger Anglaise, and Meringue Crisp.

I thought I wouldn’t have any room in my stomach to put this trifle of sweetness, but I was wrong! I had a lot of fun sampling all of the components of this dessert. The different flavours all came together to complete this marvellous meal.

I could only imagine the amount of skill and learning has gone into perfecting our ‘Taste of Ontario’ lunch. The technical aspects of some of the elements of this meal could be tricky to master. I really appreciated all of the hard work Take Another Bite put into this meal. It was a lunch I won’t soon forget.

Cedar Lodge Farms

Our last stop was to Cedar Lodge Farms to speak with Warren Scheneckenburger (or Farmer Schneck) and his parents. They talked about the evolution of the work they have had to do in order to have a better harvest.

The Scheneckenburger family welcomed us to their farm. They spoke to us about the importance of not leaving all of the work on the farm up to nature to deal with. They rely on a higher level of education, along with nature, to grow their corn crops.

The Learning Behind Food Production with Farm & Food Care Ontario
The Learning Behind Food Production with Farm & Food Care Ontario

Sustainable fields = Healthier, better crops

One key aspect Warren stressed was keeping the fields sustainable to yield healthy crops year after year. Some of this knowledge he picked up from growing up on his family farm. A lot of it he learned from his post-secondary education, agricultural conferences, and training beyond the farm.

Warren is a true showman. He educated and entertained us by setting up three experiments to demonstrate why sustainable fields are so important to farmers.

My favourite experiment Warren showed us centred around the field’s ability to absorb water. It was a a crash course in how important it is to have healthy and well formed soil in order for crops to survive.

Why is it important for soil to absorb water to have a healthy field? If soil is able to keep water in it, the water can get into the crops planted into them easier. If water cannot be kept in the soil, it will pond and run off, taking the nutrients out of the soil in the fields. Crops will no longer be able to grow, making if difficult for farms to survive.

Big tools to get the job done

The Scheneckenburgers then introduced us to some of the tools of their trade: their large collection of equipment to help them tend to their crops.

Many of these vehicles need a bit of training to learn how to use the tech within them. Warren and his family stressed how these pieces of equipment are key to helping to improve their fields and their crops.

We were invited to check out the big tools and to have a look at a part of their corn crop in their field. It was impressive to learn how important all of this knowledge and training is necessary to yield a success harvest.

Learning to improve food production

I learn so much about how food production is evolving and the people behind the food Ontarians eat on Farm & Food Ontario’s Fall Farm Tours . I enjoyed meeting my new best poult friend while gobbling up a lot of turkey knowledge at Drouin Turkey Farm. We savoured bite after bite of local flavours from our ‘Taste of Ontario’ lunch from Take Another Bite. Sustainability and evolving education is key at Cedar Lodge Farms with the Scheneckenburger family. I am really curious to see what Farm & Food Care Ontario has in store next year and to see how food production is evolving in different areas of agriculture.

Want to find our more about wha term & Food Care Ontario does to educate Ontarians about food production? We found out more by visiting their website and discovered the lasted they are sharing on their Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube pages

Disclaimer: I was invited by Farm & Food Care Ontario on a media tour to learn about food production at local Ottawa area farms. The views expressed are my own.

Las Vegas Travel Tips for the Best Vacation Experience

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Knowing some insider tips about how to plan and enjoy a Las Vegas vacation can help make the trip a happier, more memorable experience. Going to Las Vegas can be a fun and exciting vacation, but for people who have never visited there before, it helps to know a few insider travel tips to make the experience more enjoyable.

Las Vegas Travel Tips for the Best Vacation Experience

Before Booking a Las Vegas Vacation

Before booking a trip to Las Vegas, or before leaving if heading there by car, look online at the many hotels available both on and off the Las Vegas Strip. Even though the majority of the vacation will be spent visiting all the surrounding casinos and attractions, it is still important to be comfortable in the hotel where you are staying. Some hotels cater to families while others are definitely more adult-orientated. Location of the hotel is another important consideration.

Las Vegas Travel Tips for the Best Vacation Experience
Las Vegas Strip

If the plan is to walk the strip to see as many of the casinos as possible, then it is important to stay at a hotel that is centralized on the strip. Staying at either end of the strip, Mandalay Bay or the Stratosphere, means long walks or using public transportation to visit the other casinos. While the public transportation is excellent in Vegas, if the plan is to walk from casino to casino, you may want to be closer to the middle of the strip.

Next, consider how many days and which days of the week to visit Las Vegas. Weekends in Vegas are crowded, so if the plan is to visit attractions, it may be better to plan the vacation during the middle of the week. Also, hotel room prices usually drop during the week as opposed to weekends. The best time to fly in or out of Vegas is on a Tuesday or Saturday. Most people fly in on Friday and out on Sunday or Monday, so avoid those days if possible. Also, remember it can take days to see the many attractions and casinos in Vegas, so book the trip for enough days to see the sights.

Las Vegas Travel Tips for the Best Vacation Experience
Las Vegas arial view

Other things to consider before taking a Las Vegas trip are:

  1. Pack comfortable shoes. Looking great is nice but Vegas hotels and casinos are so large there is a long walking distance between them. Plan on walking miles every day, even when using public transportation.
  2. Be prepared for changing temperatures. Vegas is a desert town so that means warm days and possibly cold evenings. Bring tank tops and T-shirts but also bring sweatshirts and jackets.
  3. Think twice about renting a car unless you plan on traveling outside of Las Vegas. Traffic on the strip is always busy and parking is expensive. Most people spend a week in Vegas either walking or using public transportation and don’t miss having a car.
  4. Consider booking a shuttle bus from the airport to the hotel and back as part of the vacation package. It is generally less expensive to buy these tickets in advance and there is less waiting time upon arrival.
Las Vegas Travel Tips for the Best Vacation Experience

Tips to Enjoy Las Vegas

While checking into the hotel, ask the desk clerk for any coupons, free show tickets, and maps of Las Vegas that are available. A map is an important tool in planning how to spend each day of the vacation. It can save miles of walking. Since many of the hotels in Vegas are owned by the same corporation, they give out coupons and show tickets for their sister hotels. Coupon books may also be in the hotel room.

Tentatively plan out each day of the trip if there are certain tourist sites that you wish to visit. There are many free shows in Vegas and all are on schedules so it is important to know where to be at the right time. The best time to visit attractions is during the day before 3:00 PM while everyone is sleeping off the night before. For free shows, it is recommended to show up at least 30 minutes before show time to get a good spot. Showing up early is a good practice for any free show.

There are several good options to choose from for transportation between casinos. There is the Las Vegas Monorail system that runs between the MGM Grand and the Sahara, making several stops in-between. Tickets for this monorail can be purchased at ticket machines at any of the monorail stations. The monorail is a good choice because it is rarely crowded during the day and easy to access. There is also another monorail that runs between Mandalay Bay and Excalibur which is free to use. There are also several trams that run between many of the casinos. City busses are also a good form of transportation.

Las Vegas Travel Tips for the Best Vacation Experience!
Mirage Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

Free Sights and Shows to See

Las Vegas is a Mecca of entertainment and there is always something to see or do. Some free shows and sites that shouldnít be missed are:

  1. The volcano at the Mirage. The shows are every night, once every hour.
  2. The fountains at the Bellagio. The fountains put on a show to music every fifteen minutes throughout the day and night.
  3. The Conservatory and Botanical Gardens inside the Bellagio. The conservatory is filled with a display of fresh flowers that are arranged in different themes five times a year. Open daily.
  4. “Big Elvis” show at Bill’s Gambling Hall & Saloon. Daily shows, check for times.

Visiting Las Vegas is an experience like no other and can be fun for anyone, even those who do not enjoy gambling. With so much to do and see, you are sure to come home with many new stores to tell friends and family!

Busy Moms Can Save Time and Money with the Instant Pot

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Busy Moms Can Save Time and Money with the Instant Pot

We all know there’s a ton of hype surrounding the Instant Pot, but does that hype really hold up? Yes! In fact, the Instant Pot not only makes delicious meals, but it says you time and money. In other words, busy moms are definitely going to want an Instant Pot in their home. Imagine being able to make a full meal (including dessert) in less than an hour!

Busy Moms Can Save Time and Money with the Instant Pot
Instant pot meal ~ Photo by Harris County Public Library on Foter.com / CC BY-NC-SA

Electric pressure cookers give families the ability to enjoy home cooked meals without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. This means you can feed your family something healthy and delicious each and every night. Best of all, you won’t break the bank doing it!

Let’s take a closer look at how the Instant Pot can save time and money!

Cook Cheaper Cuts of Meat

Are you intimidated by all the different cuts of meat your grocery store has to offer? Don’t be. There are so many cheap cuts that can be made into a delicious meal with the correct cooking techniques. For example, you can cook down beef neck bones to make a delicious beef stew. Chuck roasts are another great option. These are perfect for a Sunday roast or to make into barbecue sandwiches. If in doubt, ask your butcher which cuts of meat are affordable and will cook best in a pressure cooker.

Instant Pot soup ~ Photo by Cat Sidh on Foter.com / CC BY-NC-SA

Skip the Drive-Thru on Busy Nights

We’re all guilty of hitting the drive-thru on busy nights, but how much money does this cost? Truth be told, those value meals can really add up. Not only are you eating lots of fat, calories, and sodium, but you’re also paying more than you realize. Think about how much is costs your family for one trip and then multiple that by the number of times per week you eat out. Now multiple that by fifty-two. Chances are you’ll be surprised at just how much money it can cost you.

Prepare a Full Meal in Less Time Than Pizza Delivery

Imagine putting a full meal on the table in less time than it takes to order and receive delivery pizza. That’s what the Instant Pot does. It makes it so quick to put a meal on the table. You can do barbecued chicken legs in less than 15 minutes. Pair that with some greens that cooked in 8 minutes and you’ve got a delicious dinner that took less than 30 minutes. Can you really use time as an excuse anymore?

Busy Moms Can Save Time and Money with the Instant Pot
Instant Pot Stew ~ Photo by RosieTulips on Foter.com / CC BY-NC-ND

Make Roasts and Vegetables in a Matter of Minutes

Do you love a good beef roast with vegetables? Who doesn’t! What you may not love is cooking it for hours and hours and hours. Did you know that you can make a roast and vegetables in the Instant Pot in 60 to 80 minutes? Think about that! In less time than it takes to wash and dry a load of laundry, you can make a Sunday dinner for your family in the middle of the week. Why would you continue to serve frozen dinners that take just as much time?

Busy Moms Can Save Time and Money with the Instant Pot
Busy Moms Can Save Time and Money with the Instant Pot

The Instant Pot really does make it easier for families to save time and money. And let’s not forge that the Instant Pot is a lifesaver in the middle of summer! You can enjoy delicious meals without having to crank up the air conditioner. If you’ve been on the fence about ordering an Instant Pot, why not give it a try? Chances are the money you save eating at home will allow you to quickly make your money back on the purchase. Plus, your family is going to love the homemade meals, soups, and desserts.

7 Ways to Lose Post Pregnancy Weight And Stay Fit

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Post pregnancy weight, also known as baby fat, is the extra weight a woman’s body accumulates during and after pregnancy. A lot of moms have trouble with this, and struggling to fit back into those jeans can be more mentally challenging than it really looks like. It’s so easy to compare ourselves with other moms and celebrity moms, but every mother’s body is different! Some barely put on weight during pregnancy, while for others it could be 30 pounds or more. Here are a few tips to lose post pregnancy weight and stay fit.

7 Ways to Lose Post Pregnancy Weight And Stay Fit

How To Lose Post Pregnancy Weight And Stay Fit

Losing baby fat is not the same as losing the usual body fat. There are certain things to be considered when thinking of how to shed baby fat, and working according to what your body requires is key. It would take you a few months of watching what you eat and exercising to put off post pregnancy weight if you started at a normal weight and gained 20-30 pounds after pregnancy. It would take up to a year or longer if you were initially overweight and gained more than 35 pounds to shed baby fat, which could stick with you for a long time if you don’t take it off.

1. Breastfeed Your Baby

Studies have shown that mothers who breastfed their babies have put off weight faster than some mothers who didn’t. Mind you, this hasn’t been clinically proven, but it’s definitely worth applying.

2. Exercise

Endeavour to make time to exercise, talk a walk, do some body stretching, cardio, workout, or whatever kind of exercise your body can take at each stage after the arrival of your baby.

3. Avoid Strict Dieting

As much as it might make sense to diet after your baby arrives, don’t do it! Putting your body through the mental stress of worrying about what to eat and how to avoid craving for your favourite meals will only make you add more weight. It is also unhealthy for your body, so don’t take the fast lane this time around!

7 Ways to Lose Post Pregnancy Weight And Stay Fit

4. Sleep Properly

When you don’t get enough sleep, your body suffers. It’s advisable to get a minimum of 6-8 hours sleep to prevent yourself from getting exhausted.

5. Drink Lot of Water

Drinking lots of water keeps you hydrated and filled up, that way you don’t eat as much as you would without enough water. It also speeds up your metabolism by assisting in flushing out toxins from your body.

7 Ways to Lose Post Pregnancy Weight And Stay Fit

6. Consume Less Calories and Carbohydrates

Eat foods richly packed with the nutrients needed by your body and less calories. Foods like fish, yogurt, milk, lean meat, and lots of proteins are great for your body.

7. Eat Healthy Snacks

Healthy snacking is very important because as a nursing mom you get hungry often, so it’s important that you have something to snack on at hand. Stocking your home with snacks like nuts, cut vegetables, fruits, and yogurts helps you stay healthy.

Being healthy will help your enjoy more time with your baby and will make you feel good about yourself. Remember most moms add more weight after childbirth and it is perfectly normal, so cut yourself some slack!

14 Spooky Snacks for Your Halloween Party

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Halloween is right around the corner. For many, that means creating fun, spooky treats for friends and family! You might even be asked to make treats for a classroom party or bake sale. That’s why you need a lot of fun recipes on hand. These spooky snacks for Halloween are great for parties at home, classroom parties, and so much more. Even if you just want to make treats for coworkers, these are awesome options!

14 Spooky Snacks for Your Halloween Party
14 Spooky Snacks for Your Halloween Party

Below, you’ll find 14 awesome Halloween snacks. Whether you want something sweet or savory, you’re going to love these recipes. Also, these are so easy to make. You can get the kids in the kitchen to help with these. Remember, if you want to get your kids interested in cooking, fun recipes are perfect. Kids will love making spooky treats. The more you involve your child with making meals and snacks, the more he’ll want to be involved.

These recipes are spooky, but they’re not the type that will gross everyone out. These are spooky in a fun way. We’ve got noodles and eyeballs and mummies and candy cups that ooze blood. Each are incredibly tasty and so much fun to make. You’ll be the hit of the office if you bring in one of these treats each week leading up to Halloween.

14 Spooky Snacks for Your Halloween Party
14 Spooky Snacks for Your Halloween Party

If you’re having a Halloween party this year, make these treats. You’ll be able to put several of them together in one evening. Some you can even make ahead of time. Just imagine your buffet table covered in a black tablecloth, spooky décor, and plates upon plates of these yummy Halloween treats. No one will be able to resist all these goodies.

What’s your favourite spooky Halloween snack to make? Leave a comment below and share your ideas with others.

14 Spooky Snacks for Your Halloween Party

Anxiety and Sleep Problems Will Wreak Havoc In Your Life!

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There Is a Safe and Natural Way to Reduce Life’s Chaos.

Are you suffering from ANXIETY and SLEEP PROBLEMS? They are amongst the most common issues women are struggling with these days, which doesn’t surprise me with all the stress in relationships, in the work place and even with life in general.

Anxiety and Sleep Problems Will Wreak Havoc In Your Life!
Nature is therapeutic for the body, mind and Soul.

Getting It All Done Under 30 Seconds…What?

Getting the kids ready for school and extra curricular activities, making sure you meet those dead-lines at work, staying on top of your social calendar and social media, can make your head spin.

All of these stress factors jack up our cortisol level and adrenaline, and conventional medicine will most likely send you off to the pharmacy with a prescription for Benzos or sleeping pills.🙁

Now the problem with this, is that these medications have serious short-term memory and long-term cognitive function side effects! I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be walking in a room and trying to remember why I went there in the first place.🤔

There Is a Safer and More Natural Way

As a family herbalist, I offer to my clients a more natural and very effective solution without those nasty side-effects.

Oat straw and passion flower (Passiflora incarnata) are my favourite combination to ease anxiety, improve sleep, calm the nervous system and actually heal its nerve endings. Who wants a bucket of this delivered to their doorstep?

Ladies, unless you are in a serious emotional state, there are so many other ways for you to heal your body without turning towards conventional medicine. This is one of the things I teach my resilient clients who are struggling with stress and anxiety.

Word of Caution…

Like I’ve mentioned earlier, there are no known side effects or contraindications to use, though caution is advised with using herbs along with sedative pharmaceuticals.⠀

Your Body Is Your Home 24-7

I invite you to treat your body like a temple…feed it whole, nutritious foods…give it plenty of water and rest…use medicinal herbs such as oat straw and passion flower to heal your nervous system.

Anxiety and Sleep Problems Will Wreak Havoc In Your Life!
Anxiety and Sleep Problems Will Wreak Havoc In Your Life!

Add in some long walks in nature by yourself or with loved-ones, long hot baths with mineral salts, meditations, and some good old writing in a journal to help release those pent up emotions.

And most important, be kind to yourself….you deserve it. 💞

❤️

 Julie Follow me! Facebook

3 Las Vegas Vacation Tips for First Time Tourists

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Las Vegas can be overwhelming for first time visitors. Following a few simple tips can help make a trip to Vegas go smoothly and be one to remember! There are many Las Vegas travel guides out there, but many of them don’t take into consideration the first time visitors who won’t have a complete idea of what they really want to do or see. You will find below 3 Las Vegas vacation tips for first time tourists!

3 Las Vegas Vacation Tips for First Time Tourists

Las Vegas Vacations: Three Travel Tips for First Time Tourists
Last Vegas Sign

The Vegas Strip can be very intimidating to first time visitors to Sin City, and no matter how many travel articles a tourist reads in preparation, the actual first time experience on the Strip can be overwhelming. There are several helpful vacation planning tips that can help the first time Las Vegas visitor prepare to enjoy the city like an old school pro!

1. Prepare for Sensory Overload on the Vegas Strip

This is a big one. Even in the “less flashy” and older casino resorts on the Las Vegas Strip, the first time tourist to Vegas can easily be overwhelmed by the loud sounds, bright flashing lights, and huge groups of interesting people everywhere you look. Some are dressed up, some are scantily clad, and some are dressed up very strangely. Wherever a first time visitor looks, there are dozens of people or signs vying for undivided attention, so it’s not a bad idea for first time visitors to Las Vegas to take it easy when you first arrive.

Las Vegas Vacations: Three Travel Tips for First Time Tourists
Las Vegas Vacations: Three Travel Tips for First Time Tourists

2. Wear Comfortable Shoes

The maps in guidebooks or even from online make the Las Vegas Strip look fairly small and easy to walk, but this is not the case. The Strip is over 5 miles long, and can seem much longer for tourists who visit in the summer and have to deal with the intense desert heat. Even going to a casino that is “only” two down from the one a tourist is staying at could be a one mile or more walk. Because of this, wearing comfortable shoes is an absolute must, especially for people walking outside during the afternoon hours.

Las Vegas Vacations: Three Travel Tips for First Time Tourists
Gambling at Las Vegas

3. Don’t Try to Do Everything on One Vegas Trip

A five day trip to Las Vegas can seem like weeks. There are many great shows held at virtually every major casino resort on the Vegas Strip, dozens of great restaurants and buffets, dance clubs, and of course more slot machines and table games than anyone could play in a lifetime. First time visitors in particular can sometimes be easily overwhelmed, and it is important to have an idea of what one wants to do on the trip, and what can wait.

Las Vegas Vacations: Three Travel Tips for First Time Tourists
Fountains in Las Vegas

There is so much to do in Las Vegas that planning can be very important. Don’t try to fit in everything in one trip. It’s just not possible. While there is entertainment to be found at all hours of the day or night up and down the Strip, the best thing that first time visitors can do is decide on a few shows they really want to see, a few places they really want to check out, or what type of gambling they really want to do, and stick to that plan.

Plans can always change mid-vacation, but having a basic plan in place will help to ensure that first time visitors to Las Vegas will get the most out of their experience.

Tips to Plan for Your Children’s Future

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Tips to Plan for Your Children’s Future

Most parents worry about planning for their child’s future, and for good reason. It’s natural to be concerned about long-term goals, but achieving them can be a different matter. Do you know how much you should be saving and how? Not to mention the escalating costs of education. There are several important questions you need to answer when planning for the future.

Children putting their hands on top of each other.

How Early Should I Start?

You should start saving for your child’s future as soon as you’re sure you want children. Saving a small amount consistently over a long period of time can grow into a substantial amount. Even just $50 a month a year over 15 years grows into $10K plus interest. It’s not necessary to have an aggressive investment portfolio to save for the future. It’s also never too late to start saving, especially if you have multiple children in your household.

What is the Value of Money?

Establishing a healthy relationship with finances can go a long way toward helping your child. Educating them about savings and the importance of responsible spending will serve them throughout their life. Teaching your children about advanced concepts may be beyond your skill set. If so, encourage them to speak with a financial professional when they’re ready.

Do I Need a Will?

The short answer to this question is yes. In 2016 only 38% of Canadians had signed a legally valid will. Your spouse, children, and other relatives may suffer without one. The death of a loved one without a will means the estate is divided according to a formula over which you have no control. Having a will drawn up allows you to decide where your money and assets will go upon your death. Otherwise, the government gets to decide for you.

Tips to Plan for Your Children’s Future
Life Insurance application

What About Life Insurance?

Life insurance helps provide financial security for your family while dealing with a tragic loss. Insurance for the main bread-winner of the household is important, but everyone should be covered. Stay-at-home spouses put in as much or more work effort and their absence can cause just as much suffering. The safety net that life insurance offers is a great way to keep your kids safe. Canadian life insurance quotes can be found online in minutes and offer competitive rates.

Tips to Plan for Your Children’s Future
Tips to Plan for Your Children’s Future

What About Education Costs?

Tuition is only one part of the education cost for your child. Books, food, travel, and leisure money are all needed to help your child succeed. A recent study from 2018 found that stay-at-home students spend around $9,300 per year. For those who move away from home, that number doubles to over $20,000. Rent and tuition are the most obvious expenses, but groceries creep up. Campus food and traveling home can also incur significant expenses for students. Books are also an out-of-pocket expense that can add up. The average Canadian college student spends $773 per year on books alone. Even if your child’s tuition costs are covered, they will need money to cover other expenses. Parents often pick up the slack, covering these expenses out of their own daily budgets.

Do you have any tips to share? Comment below!

How to Grow Your Family’s Finances Without (Much) Sacrificing

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How to Grow Your Family’s Finances Without (Much) Sacrificing

Gas, groceries, utilities, kids. The financial imperatives of running a modern household boggle the mind (and rob it of sleep, no doubt). Give yourself some much-deserved inner peace — and, just maybe, eight quality hours a night — with these five strategies for growing your family’s finances without scrimping to the bone!

How to Grow Your Family’s Finances Without (Much) Sacrificing
Canadian currency. Photo credit: MorboKat via Foter.com / CC BY

Develop a Comprehensive Investing Strategy

You don’t have to be a numbers person to appreciate the value of a sound investment strategy. Choosing to put your money to work over the long haul is among the most important decisions you can make for your family’s financial future. Start by seeking out and evaluating financial professionals that offer comprehensive investing services, ideally ones that are specific to Canadian investors — and don’t be afraid to ask tough questions to ensure that these services align with your goals and risk tolerance.

Seek Out High-Yield Savings Accounts

Interest rates have been at rock bottom ever since the financial crisis of the late 2000s. That’s been a serious problem for conservative savers — sensible types leery of putting their money in the stock market.

Whether it’s actually sensible to be scared of the stock market is a separate question; however, it’s not up for debate that every household needs liquid savings. Most experts recommend an emergency fund equivalent to at least three months’ income, and ideally six or more.

Where to park that money? In the highest-yielding savings account possible, that’s where. At current rates, yield is relative, but signs of an impending rise in prevailing rates are multiplying. In a year or two, those accounts might actually pay you back while you wait.

Invest in Energy Efficient Upgrades

Your home is leaking money. Not literally, of course, but — well, you can probably draw a detailed map of your house’s drifts and drafts from chilly memory. And those old appliances? Forget about it.

Not every energy efficient home improvement project pays for itself over time, but many do. Some common, cost-effective ideas:

  • Caulking and weatherstripping older doors and windows
  • Swapping out single-pane windows for double-pane alternatives
  • Upgrading to LED lighting
  • Using a smart or programmable thermostat
  • Installing low-flow water fixtures
  • Upgrading your furnace, boiler, laundry machines, and kitchen appliances to late-year models

Plus, various governments across Canada offer lucrative tax credits for energy efficient projects. Use that link to see what’s available in your area and by when you’d need to get started!

How to Grow Your Family’s Finances Without (Much) Sacrificing
How to Grow Your Family’s Finances Without (Much) Sacrificing

Hold a Yard Sale

Is your garage, basement, or attic absolutely overflowing with old junk that you’re pretty sure you’re never going to use again? Some of that stuff is worth money — at least, to the right buyers. Why not hold a yard sale to slough some of it off?

As long as you follow common-sense yard sale tips, an informal sale is a great way to get rid of excess possessions and downsize your life. Be careful about selling more valuable items at the same time, though. If you’re looking to offload a second car, motorcycle, or boat, you want to devote your full attention to finding and vetting buyers. That above-book final selling price will make it all worthwhile.

Look Into Side Jobs

Ambition, meet reward. If you have free time — a big “if” — you can take advantage of a virtually unlimited palette of extra income opportunities, most of which are available from the comfort of your own home.

Contrary to what you’ve seen in comment-section spam, you won’t get rich from these gigs. But an extra $50 or $100 each week is probably enough to make a difference for your family’s budget. Start with a freelance platform like Upwork, then hone in on the opportunities that best fit your skills.

What’s your family doing to grow its finances without undue sacrifice?

Photo credit: MorboKat via Foter.com / CC BY

How to Plan for Stress Free Air Travel

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In today’s world of terrorism, planing ahead for air travel is a must to avoid the problems and delays that too often occur at major airports. A generation ago air travel meant packing a suitcase and hopping aboard a flight. Once the reservations were confirmed, there were few details to attend to and airport security was virtually nonexistent. TSA screenings, body pat-downs, and luggage checks were unheard of. You will find below tips on How to Plan for Stress Free Air Travel!

How to Plan for Stress Free Air Travel
Passengers in airplane

Unfortunately, in today’s world of insecurity and increased terrorist activities, security checks are necessary if passengers and the plane they fly in are to reach the destination safely.

Air travel takes as much time as planning a wedding or a major vacation. Getting to the airport under adverse weather conditions is just the first of many stressful activities. Getting to the airport only to find the flight has been canceled fray many a traveler’s nerves, and that doesn’t include irate passengers that hold up check-in lines and others who refuse to follow airport rules. So many things can ruin the anticipation of flying.

While flying may not be the pleasant experience it once was, following some rules for preparation and travel can greatly reduce stress levels and make flying more bearable.

How to Plan for Stress Free Air Travel

How to Plan for Stress Free Air Travel
Air Canada airplane

Book in Advance

With today’s technology, booking online shaves a good deal of the time required to purchase tickets at a travel agent office. Tickets can simply be purchased and printed out. Those with special needs or disabilities require a good deal of lead time to make suitable arrangements so everything is prepared and ready for them once they arrive at the airport. Ensuring that visas and passports are up to date requires time as government bureaucracy moves slowly. Hotel reservations need to be booked. Thought needs to be given as to what must be packed for the journey.

Airport Arrival

Waiting for the last minute is no excuse today. Those who wait may miss their flights. In the past, it was necessary to arrive at the airport two hours in advance to allow time to get through the baggage check. Winter weather requires additional time to prepare for traffic and those snowstorms that naturally seem to arrive just as soon as the traveler steps out the front door. Today’s tighter security means adding an extra hour for the long lineups waiting to get past TSA screening.

Airport Security Rules

Security rules at airports are less tolerant of troublemakers and those who engage in emotional outbursts. Patience is a virtue when it comes to stress-free air travel. People often forget to empty their pockets of jewelry, keys, loose change, cell phones, and other electronic devices while they go through the luggage check-in counter. Despite the rules, some try to bring aboard aerosols, perfumes, and other liquids that are considered hazardous on every flight. Wrapped gifts and parcels must be unwrapped to ensure the contents are safe. This all produces more frayed nerves and further delays.

How to Plan for Stress Free Air Travel
Herschel brand backpacks on top of hardcase luggage.

Packing Light

Business trips don’t require carrying aboard anything more than light luggage, but for cross country and international flights it may be necessary to bring on the appropriate luggage weight allowed aboard a flight. Packing light can avoid this problem. Carry-on luggage should only contain those items that will be needed during the flight. When traveling overnight, a light blanket and an inflatable pillow can help kill flight time while sleeping. Passport and relevant documents, money, and medications will prevent any problems aboard the flight. One necessity that many forget is to take along the clothes they may need once they get off the plane at the destination.

Comfortable Clothing

Air travel is uncomfortable. Sitting for prolonged periods in cramped seats severely restricts circulation in the legs. It can be particularly hard on passengers who have heart disease, diabetes, or other health problems that could lead to heart attack or stroke while flying. Loose and light clothing help ease tension and allow for better maneuverability.

Flight Courtesy

Flight etiquette is something every air traveler should know about. The flight attendants have a job to do and they may not always tend to every traveler’s needs or resolve problems. Courtesy is paramount during the flight. Getting frustrated by a crying baby does not offer an excuse to resort to air rage.

How to Plan for Stress Free Air Travel
How to Plan for Stress Free Air Travel

The right preparations, a comfortable lead time, and following airport rules can make flying a pleasant experience again. Every air traveler should remember that the joy of the destination should outweigh any stressful experience they may experience before and during the flight.

14 Petrifying Punch Recipes For The Family

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We all love spooky treats when it comes to Halloween. While you may have dozens of cookie, cupcake, and snack recipes – what about pertrifying Punch drinks? There are so many fun drinks you can make for a Halloween party. The recipes below are not only cute for a Halloween kids’ party, but these would work great for an adult party as well.

What about pertrifying punch drinks?
What about pertrifying punch drinks?

These petrifying punch recipes look completely over-the-top but are really easy to make. You can create so many creepy looking concoctions by simply using food coloring to turn drinks red or green, depending on the look you’re going after. You can also find many drink mixes that are red or green, such as Kool Aid.

Add Creepy Candy to Petrifying Punch

Adding creepy candy to your punches is always a great tip. There’s nothing creepier than candy eyeballs floating in your drink or gummy worms hanging off the edge of your glass. Hit up your local candy store to see what goodies are available. Candy stores often carry Halloween inspired gummies that look like tarantulas, rats, snakes, and even bugs.

14 Petrifying Punch Recipes
14 Petrifying Punch Recipes

You can easily create Halloween drinks that are creepy in a fun way or completely gross. It all depends on what you add. Remember, many of these drinks are all about the little additions you make. If you don’t have a lot of time, you can mix cherry and grape Kool-Aid mixes to make really dark red Kool-Aid that can be called Blood Punch.

It’s all about how creative you can be. Let these recipes inspire you to create your own concoctions. Or, try a few out and then choose one for your Halloween party. Chances are your family won’t mind trying out a few petrifying punch recipes before Halloween arrives.

Do you have a favourite Halloween punch recipe? Share it below so that others can try it.

14 Petrifying Punch Recipes
14 Petrifying Punch Recipes

14 Petrifying Punch Recipes