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70 Summer Recipes for BBQ, Picnics, and Potlucks

Lyne Proulx
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14
70 Summer Recipes for BBQ, Picnics, and Potlucks

There’s something wonderful about summer get togethers. Spending time outdoors with your friends and family is a great way to spend a summer weekend or holiday. You may even want to plan a get together at least once a week or every other weekend. The only problem may be coming up with summer recipes to cook or take to a friend’s house. Thankfully, there are so many different options to choose from. You will find below a list of over 70 summer recipes ideal for BBQ, Picnics, and potlucks!

Summer Recipes
Over 70 Summer Recipes for BBQ, Picnics, and Potlucks

Summer Recipes for BBQ, Picnics, and Potlucks

The classic summer barbecue is an inexpensive way for families to get together. It’s a time when cousins hangout and get to know one another and parents get to kick back and relax. If you really want to relax, turn your summer barbecue into a potluck and ask everyone to bring a dish. This way, no one is carrying the entire cost of hosting the event. This allows you to get together more often.

Whether you want a dessert or something savoury, you can find some awesome summer recipes listed below. In fact, there are over 70 to choose from. That’s more than enough to get you through the summer. Shop the sales throughout the summer to stock your pantry so that you have the ingredients for a few of these on hand.

Summer Recipes for BBQ, Picnics, and Potlucks

Summer Recipes

Go through the list below and see what sounds good to you. There are so many to choose from that you’re bound to find a few that you want to try. Even if you’re not having a barbecue, try making some of these for your family. It’s nice to switch things up and have new summer recipes on hand. You can also check out these 75 Easy Summer Dessert Recipes!

  1. Watermelon Pizza Recipe with Cream Cheese Icing (SUGAR-FREE, LOW CARB, GLUTEN-FREE)
  2. Best SUGAR-FREE LOW CARB Ice Cream Recipe (NO CHURN) – 4 INGREDIENTS
  3. Four Color Caprese Salad Recipe
  4. Herbed Cheese and Veggie Macaroni Salad Recipe
  5. Cheesy Bacon Potato Salad Recipe
  6. Chewy White Chocolate Lemon Bars
  7. Strawberry Lemonade Bars
  8. Yin Yang Slice-and-Bake Cookies
  9. Colorful Fresh Green Bean Salad
  10. Lemon Pasta Salad with Tomatoes, Cucumber, and Feta
  11. Crockpot Baked Potatoes
  12. How To Smoke Great Ribs
  13. Tortellini Caprese Salad
  14. Grilled Corn Avocado Salad You’ll Want to Eat All Summer Long
  15. Grilled Whole Fish with Italian Bread Salad
  16. Cherry Limeade
  17. Asparagus Tortellini Pasta Salad
  18. Tomato & Cucumber Salad
  19. Creamy Potato Salad
  20. Three Chili Spiced Rubbed Chicken
  21. Lemon Butter Potatoes Recipe
  22. Grilled Corn with Pear Chorizo Salad
  23. Marinated Herb Butter T-Bone Steaks
  24. Succulent Grilled Chili Lime Shrimp
  25. Dry Rub Sweet Barbecue Pork Tenderloin
  26. Balsamic Vinegar Barbecue Ribs
  27. Creamy Potato and Green Bean Salad
  28. Roasted Vegetable Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
  29. BLT Pasta Salad
  30. Caprese Pasta Salad
  31. Simple Cucumber Salad with Lime Vinaigrette
  32. Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheese
  33. Creamy Macaroni Salad
  34. Barbecue Chicken Cobb Salad
  35. Sweet Pea Salad
  36. Pistachio Pudding Cool Whip Salad
  37. Easy Homemade Potato Salad
  38. 5 Ingredient Thai Peanut Lo Mein Salad
  39. Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp Skewers
  40. Foil Packet Potatoes
  41. Pink Fluff Dessert Easy and Perfect For Potlucks
  42. Loaded Potato Salad Recipe
  43. Oreo Fluff Quick Easy Dessert! Perfect For Potlucks Or BBQs
  44. Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Burgers Recipe
  45. Chili Dogs Recipe
  46. Rainbow Fruit Pizza Recipe
  47. Mini Fruit Pizzas Recipe
  48. Guacamole Recipe
  49. BLT Dip Recipe
  50. Classic Guacamole Recipe
  51. Black Bean and Corn Guacamole Recipe
  52. Bacon and Egg Potato Salad
  53. Simple Greek Pasta Salad
  54. Caprese Pasta Salad
  55. Simple Pressure Cooker BBQ Pork Spare Ribs {Baby Back Ribs}
  56. Pressure Cooker Chinese BBQ Char Siu Pulled Pork
  57. Meatloaf Burger: A Recipe for the Best Grilled Hamburger
  58. Chianti Braised Short Ribs
  59. Coconut Chicken Bites with Sweet Chili Sauce
  60. Chicken Corn Chowder Casserole
  61. Sour Cream, Onion and Herb Mini Cheese Ball Bites
  62. Artichoke Wontons
  63. Super Easy Raw Broccoli Salad With Options
  64. Fluffy Angel Food Cake Delight with Fresh Berries
  65. Chocolate Cream Layered Dessert – Layers of Yumminess
  66. Smores Ice Cream Cake
  67. Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
  68. Mozzarella Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Onions
  69. Panini-Style Ham and Cheese Sliders
  70. Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Sliders
  71. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings

Hope you enjoy these summer recipes as much as I did! Also, check out all of our recipes!

What are your favourite summer recipes? Is there anything that people request you bring to the family barbecue? Share your favourites below so that others can try them out.

16 Must Try Ice Cream Sandwiches

Lyne Proulx
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14
16 Must Try Ice Cream Sandwiches

Remember eating ice cream sandwiches as a kid? Below you’ll find 16 must-try ice cream sandwiches that are sure to make your mouth water.

You have the vanilla ice cream and chocolate wafers. Boring! There are so many ways you can make ice cream sandwich recipes. You don’t even have to use wafers. You can make ice cream sandwiches with everything from donuts to cookies to even pound cake. The sky’s the limit. You also don’t have to use vanilla ice cream. Get creative and try different combos.

16 Must Try Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipes
16 Must Try Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipes

The best part is that you can make these ahead of time and freeze until your family wants a quick treat. The trick to make them last longer is to make sure you wrap each one in plastic wrap and then place the sandwiches in an airtight container. This will help prevent the ice cream from soaking up strange freezer odors.

Gourmet Ice Cream Sandwiches

You can make ice cream sandwiches as gourmet or simple as you want. If you’re having a party, consider using premium ice cream with homemade cookies and maybe a drizzle or caramel or chocolate sauce. It will seriously blow your guests away.

These are also great for a birthday party. Use your child’s favourite ice cream with their favourite cookies. You can then roll the edges in sprinkles, crushed cookies, or even chopped up candy or nuts. Make them ahead of time and you’ll have less to do on the day of the party.

16 Must Try Ice Cream Sandwiches
16 Must Try Ice Cream Sandwiches

Ice Cream Sandwich Recipe Ideas

Use the recipes below to get you started and then play around with flavors. There are so many different combinations to choose from. Make a few different flavors and load up your freezer. You’ll spend a lot less making these from scratch and have a much better quality treat. Plus, you’ll know exactly what’s in them.

Disneyland Versus Walt Disney World

Christelle
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11
Disneyland Versus Walt Disney World

Personally speaking, I am a huge Disney fan and love both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Many people will not take time to point out the differences between the two, other than the obvious one being size. Magic Kingdom in Florida is larger by about 25 acres or so, making it more spacious; however, Disneyland has more rides and attractions. Here a few notable differences between Disneyland Versus Walt Disney World that show that both are equally magical parks!

Magic Kingdom’s Cinderella Castle

Disneyland Versus Walt Disney World

1.Park Sizes

For those of you who don’t like waiting in line or bumping into people constantly, then Magic Kingdom in Disney World is your place to be. Everything seems to be on a slightly bigger scale at Magic Kingdom: the buildings are taller, the streets are wider and longer, and there is space to breathe.

Another noticeable difference is the castle. Magic Kingdom’s Cinderella Castle is more than 100 feet tall, as opposed to Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty castle which is about 25 feet shorter.

Another note on the larger scale is that Disney World has more element: the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios just to name a few. Continuing on this note about bigger being better, the park in California is limited on its expansion. Being located in the middle of Orange County makes it hard to gain any more land. The park is roughly 430 acres, whereas Disney World is a total of 30,500 acres.

Disneyland Versus Walt Disney World
Disneyland Matterhorn Bobsleds

2. Attractions

For all the hype about Disney World, the park in California has some amazing perks too. While you are in the middle of a large city, Disney does a wonderful job of making you truly feel like you are on vacation in a land far, far away. Attractions and rides are fairly close to one another at Disneyland, which makes it perfect if you just want a shorter vacation and would like to hit as many rides as possible in one day.

Another cool thing about Disneyland is that it’s the original park. You definitely feel that once you’re there. I’m not talking about seeing things run down or old but in the atmosphere. You can tell a lot of planning and love went into making this theme park. If you’re looking for specific places in the park to visit, the biggest attraction at Disneyland is the Matterhorn Bobsleds, at more than 140 feet tall, it’s something that will take your breath away.

Disneyland Versus Walt Disney World
Disneyland Versus Walt Disney World

3. Rides and Water Parks

For Disney World rides, I would say Space Mountain is your best bet for some good quality fun. The water parks in both places are of course a blast as well. Some other cool places to visit would be the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction at both parks. If you love Finding Nemo like I do, Disneyland has an amazing attraction called the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, which involves a magical adventure underwater through the world of Nemo. The Animal Kingdom at Disney World is also magnificent, you can never get tired of seeing so many majestic animals.

If you’re traveling with smaller children, I recommend Disneyland as there is a lot less walking to get to attractions or rides. There may not be as many attractions as Disney World, but there are still plenty of things for kids to do and they won’t notice the difference. As parents, you’ll be much happier when your kids are not complaining so often and your feet will thank you as well. Regardless of how comfortable you think your shoes are.

Disneyland Versus Walt Disney World
Disney California Adventure Park

Of course, all of this depends on how far you’re willing to travel, your budget, and what exactly you’re looking for in a Disney Vacation. But I guarantee that you will have an amazing time and make lasting memories at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Disney locations!

Disney is where the magic happens and where dreams come true!

Which Disney Park do you prefer? Share in the comments below!

What to Bring for a Day at the Beach

Lyne Proulx
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11
What to Bring for a Day at the Beach

Summer is coming, and for many people that means going to the local beaches. When most people go to the beach they either forget or don’t know what to bring. Usually, they leave the sunscreen or just get bored and go home. Check out these top tips on what to bring for a day at the beach.

What to Bring for a Day at the Beach

Things to Bring to the Beach

There are tons of activities to do at the beach; however, without the proper supplies, your day at the beach could become boring. Follow this list to make sure you know what to bring for a beach trip. This way your trip to the beach is exciting, fun, and stress-free.

1. Food to Bring at the Beach

Bringing food is probably one of most important things on this list. If you don’t bring food, you will eventually get hungry and decide to go home. Food will definitely prolong your time at the beach, because it will keep you full and energetic. Next time you go on a trip, make sure to add these best foods to bring to the beach to your checklist. Simply grab a cooler, and load it up with your favourite beverages and snacks.

2. Bring Sunscreen, Sunblock and Lip Balm

Your day at the beach could become a nightmare if you do not bring lotion for your skin. The sun is very harmful to the skin, and excessive exposure can and will cause medical problems including skin cancer. This can be totally avoided by protecting the skin with sunscreen and other lotions. Most sunscreen lotions just protect you from the sun, they do not darken the skin. Make sure to lotion the skin with sun tan lotion before tanning to get an even tan. Do not tan without sun tan lotion; that is a sunburn waiting to happen.

Top 9 Things to Bring to the Beach

3. Bring an Umbrella or Tent

An umbrella or tent are also essential tools to take to the beach. The umbrella or tent will protect you from the sun when you’re cooling down or eating. Unless you plan to be exposed to the sun the entire day, having an umbrella or tent is a must.

4. Bring a Book, a Magazine or Music

Eventually you will become tired of swimming and exploring at the beach. There will be a point where you just want to relax. At this point, if you don’t have anything to entertain you, you might get bored and choose to go home. A book, magazine or listening to music with your cell phone with ear phones can definitely entertain you and relax you all at the same time without having to leave.

5. Take a Kayak or Boogie Board at the Beach

Swimming and sandcastles will eventually bore you. In which case, you can choose to grab your boogie board and ride the waves, or paddle offshore and explore with a kayak. This will keep you entertained for the time being, and you can even get a good workout out of it.

beach chairs sitting on sand at the beach

6. Bring Chairs

Unless you expect to sit in the sand, or not sit at all, it is suggested you bring a chair. You can perfectly position the chair under the umbrella to protect you from the sun, or you can position the chair near the water to relax and cool your feet. Just in case, you should bring multiple chairs, so your friends or family members can sit as well.

7. Take a Volleyball, a Football or any Ball

Many beaches have volleyball nets, so that guests can entertain themselves with several games of beach volleyball. Beach volleyball is a great way to meet new people, and it will keep you entertained for a long period of time. You can also choose to play football or soccer or even a game of catch on the sand.

8. Bring a Fishing Rod At the Beach

One of the best things to do at the beach is to fish. Fishing is relaxing and very fun. Catching fish can be very entertaining, especially if you hook a monster. Make sure to check first if fishing is allowed on the beach.

9. Don’t Forget the Money

Many people expect to go to the beach without money, because most beaches are free. In most cases, you have to pay a small parking fee. Bringing money is also important for emergencies. For example, when you’ve had your fun at the beach, you return to the parking lot to see your car was just towed or you have a flat tire.

What to Bring for a Day at the Beach

Now that you know what to bring for a day at the beach, your next trip should be relaxing and enjoyable. One of the most important things to remember is not to stress; after all you are on vacation. Overall, do not forget to have fun, and leave all your problems at home.

Gather Around the Grill with Brazilian Style Grilled Turkey Breast Recipe

Pieces of Me
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399
Gather Around the Grill with Brazilian Style Grilled Turkey Breast Recipe

We’re in the thick of summer, Canada! One of the things we love doing at this time of the year is to get outdoors and to fire up the barbecue! So many meals can be cooked up on the barbecue to tantalize taste buds, and turkey can take the flavour of any meal to the next level. Canadian Turkey can show you how to elevate your grilling game with their BBQ Bootcamp and this Brazilian Style Grilled Turkey Breast with Salsa Verde Recipe! They are sharing ideas to see how turkey can get you to gather around the grill in a delicious way!

Gather Around the Grill with Canadian Turkey

BBQ Bootcamp is in session

Canadian Tukey’s BBQ Bootcamp has with recipes, guides, videos, and tips to give you a hand to cook amazing dishes on the barbecue whether it is for entertaining guests or to escape the confines on your kitchen. On their website you can find easy-to-prepare and healthy dishes to prepare and serve. 

Each week in July, Canadian Turkey released new videos packed with tips and techniques to get you to master the grill and make those family favourite recipes you enjoy creating! Want to check out the entire series of videos? You can get ahead of the BBQ Bootcamp class by clicking here!

Turkey is a perfect grilling partner

Do you know how Canadian turkey makes the perfect partner for summer grilling? It is a low-fat, high-protein meat that is great to cook. Getting outside and creating a healthy meal with turkey is a great way to enjoy these few months of warm weather and to gather your loved ones together. Setting it up doesn’t have to be so hard. If you’re looking for an easy way to build your grilling space, a good outdoor kitchen kit will do the job.

Think you can’t fire up your grill on busy nights and gather everyone together to eat? Think again! The barbecue allows for outdoor chefs to prep multiple ingredients at the same time. This is due to the grill having different heat zones. These spots give you the ability to cook your main dish, side dishes, and even desserts all in the same place. Cooking your meals this way is a real time-saver and creates less mess to deal with once your meal is done, making it a go-to wingman!

A healthy and easy protein to prep for the grill

Are you looking for a nutritious and quick to prep protein to cook up on your grill? Turkey is a fabulous option to choose! The white and dark cuts of this fantastic fowl are lean, so you can breathe easier when you give your family their choice cuts. Turkey’s lean fat content also helps to reduce flare-ups on the grill. The rich and hearty flavour of turkey is also perfect for the barbecue. 

This tasty protein can be substituted to your family’s favourite BBQ dishes like burgers, kebobs, and sausages. All of these suggestions are made even tastier when they are made with Canadian turkey! Take a look at their Prep and Serving section to find more helpful tips to use!

Creating a flavourful combination on the barbecue 

Want to enhance the flavour of turkey on your barbecue this summer? Try creating a flavour combination of turkey with family favourite sauces, rubs, and marinades! Turkey pairs with all kinds of flavour profiles – spicy, sweet, savoury, or salty. Imagine using this dynamic duo for all of your grilling opportunities this season! 

The BBQ Bootcamp can give you ideas to create these tasty pairings. Canadian Turkey is hosting activities throughout July with their BBQ ideas and weekly giveaways to inspire to grill throughout barbecue season. Want a sneak peek? Check out these 5 Ways to Create Big Flavours with Turkey on the Grill video as a part of Canadian Turkey’s BBQ Bootcamp!

Is your curiosity peeked as to the types of marinades you can try with Canadian turkey? Have a look at these 10 Ways To Master Turkey Marinades to get started!

Gather Around the Grill with Canadian Turkey

How to build flavour with turkey on the grill?

Not sure how to create extra flavours to add to turkey on the grill? Canadian Turkey has tips to help get you started and to gather your gang together! They have shared with us 11 ways to build big flavour on the grill to inspire your meals and to wow your taste buds.

11 Ways To Build Big Flavour With Turkey On The Grill: 

Before the grill

1. Be patient and take the time to preheat your bbq for the best results. 

2. Prep your turkey meat for the grill. Remove from the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before cooking to allow the meat to come to room temperature. Dry the meat off with paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible. This will promote an even sear and avoid steaming the meat. 

3. Use dry and wet rubs to season your turkey cuts. Turkey marries well with a wide variety of herbs and spices, so feel free to experiment with your favourite combinations to enhance taste and texture. 

4. Preheat your grill to hot so that food will sear on contact. Searing will lock in those flavourful juices and help to avoid sticking which can lead to charring. 

Make sure to season your meat first, so that the sear will create a flavour-packed crust. 

5. Marinate your cuts to add big flavour and help to keep your turkey moist and juicy. Infuse flavour into your meats by marinating with healthy fats like olive oil, and adding citrus, beer, wine or vinegar and fresh herbs, spices and rubs.

On the grill

6. Learn to use direct and indirect heat. Direct heat works best to sear turkey, develop savoury crusts on your cuts, create flavourful grill marks, and cook smaller or thinner cuts of meat quickly. Indirect heat works for larger cuts of meat that need to cook low and slow, coaxing out flavours while keeping cuts moist and tender. 

7. Smoke and sizzle mean big flavour! Use the barbeque to brown your turkey and create caramelization that adds big, bold flavour and keeps your meat juicy and tender. Smoke adds that unique and special BBQ taste, allowing you to cut down on salt, sugar and fat. 

8. Know when your meat is done! Use a meat thermometer to check doneness and avoid overcooking or undercooking your turkey. 

9. Leave it alone! When cooking over indirect heat, leave your turkey cuts alone without turning or flipping very often to allow for even cooking and browning. 

10. Cook your entire meal on the BBQ – appetizers, side dishes, vegetables and even desserts can be cooked over the grill. Cooking entire meals on the grill will give you juicy meat and tasty vegetables. Grilling locks in moisture and adds natural smoky flavour, cutting down on the need for extra fat, salt and sugary sauces. Visit thinkturkey.ca to explore a library of amazing grilled turkey recipes! 

11. Don’t crowd the meat! When grilling your turkey, leave space between the turkey pieces to promote even heat circulation and ensure consistent cooking.

A turkey recipe to gather around the grill for!

Now that you have all of these tasty tips to get your gang gathered around the grill, do you want a yummy recipe to try? Canadian Turkey shared their Brazilian Style Grilled Turkey Breast with Salsa Verde recipe to wow your guests this summer!

Brazilian Style Grilled Turkey Breast with Salsa Verde Recipe

Brazilian Style Grilled Turkey Breast with Salsa Verde recipe
Gather Around the Grill with Canadian Turkey

Brazilian Style Grilled Turkey Breast with Salsa Verde

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Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Canadian
Servings 6 people

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients:

For turkey breast:

  • 1 X 3 lbs boneless skinless Canadian turkey breast
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For marinade:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp dried ground oregano
  • 1 tbsp dried ground coriander seeds
  • ½ cup chopped parsley
  • 3 cloves garlic crushed
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • ½ cup white wine or beer
  • 1 tbsp honey

For rub:

  • 1 tsp ground coriander seed
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp ground pepper

For Salsa Verde:

  • ½ cup flat leaf parsley
  • ½ cup cilantro
  • ½ cup chopped green onion
  • ¼ cup fresh oregano
  • Zest of one lemon
  • 1 clove garlic crushed
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Combine all ingredients to make the marinade. Pour marinade over the turkey breast in a non-reactive bowl (glass, ceramic or stainless steeand refrigerate for at least 1 hour up to overnight.
  • When ready to grill, remove the turkey breast from the marinade and wipe off any excess. Discard any remaining marinade.
  • Combine all spices and herbs to make a rub. Rub generously all over the turkey breast. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Grill the turkey breast over medium heat, with the lid closed, 15-20 minutes per side, until cooked through and no longer pink and a digital thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat registers 165°Let the meat rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
  • For the salsa, combine all ingredients in a mini blender or chopper. Pulse until roughly chopped. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve sliced turkey immediately with salsa on the side.

Notes

TIP: For a make ahead tip, freeze the turkey breast in the marinade in a freezer safe bag or container. The marinade will keep the turkey meat juicy and moist. When ready to eat, just defrost and proceed from step 2.
Keyword bbq turkey meal
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

More tips and ideas to try to gather around the grill!

Would you like more tips, recipes, and HOW TO’s to get grilling with Canadian Turkey’s BBQ Bootcamp? You should visit thinkturkey.ca for all your cooking inspiration! The Get Grilling recipe section shares delicious recipes to try on the barbecue. Do you know what brining or spatchcocking a turkey is all about? The Whole Turkey HOW TO’s section has instructional and recipe videos to help you make delicious meals all summer long. These tips should make it easy for you to gather around the grill!

Brazilian Style Grilled Turkey Breast Recipe
Gather Around the Grill with Canadian Turkey.

Disclaimer: This post is generously sponsored by Canadian Turkey.

Tasty Treats For Perfect Picnics

Lyne Proulx
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13
Tasty Treats For Perfect Picnics

Whether it’s a day out with the family or a romantic date with your spouse, picnics can be a great way to spend a warm afternoon. If you’re thinking that a boring sandwich is your only option, think again! There are so many great foods you can pack for a picnic. Fruit salads, savoury salads, wraps, and even fried chicken all make amazing dishes for the perfect picnic. You will find below Tasty Treats For Perfect Picnics!

Tasty Treats For Perfect Picnics
Tasty Treats For Perfect Picnics

Remember when packing a picnic, you definitely want to take proper care to keep foods at the right temperature. This may mean having to forgo the cute, old-school picnic basket, but if it means avoiding salmonella, you’ll be happy you went with a cooler or insulated bag. Of course, an insulated bag also has the advantage of allowing you to keep your foods warm, if you want to serve a hot dish!

Picnics can be a great way to get the kids out of the house on a boring summer’s day. Load up the cooler and head to the local park. The kids can play and then enjoy a delicious lunch. This can be just as nice for the mom as it is for the kids. You’ll love kicking back under a shade tree and reading a good book while the kids play.

Below, you’re going to find some tasty treats for the perfect summer picnic. Whether you’re looking for something to round out the meal, or looking for a main dish, you’ll find something you want to try. There’s something for everyone!

Tasty Treats For Perfect Picnics

Tasty Treats For Perfect Picnics
Tasty Treats For Perfect Picnics

If you have a favourite dish you like to take to a picnic, share it below! Maybe if we all had more recipes, we’d make more time to get outdoors and enjoy a delicious meal with our loved ones!

  1. Hawaiian Macaroni Salad – Yellow Bliss Road
  2. Buttermilk Fried Chicken – The Little Epicurean
  3. Corn, Tomato & Avocado Salad – Tastes of Lizzy T.
  4. Summertime Fruit Salad – Cookie and Kate
  5. Best Ever Potato Salads – Julie’s Eats and Treats
  6. Picnic Cake – Fav Family Recipes
  7. Caprese Sandwich With Parsley Pesto – Jessica in the Kitchen
  8. Italian Pressed Picnic Sandwiches – Love to Be in the Kitchen
  9. Easy Key Lime Bars – Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons
  10. Loaded Baked Potato Dip With Kettle Brand Chips – Bless This Mess Please
  11. Mexican Tortilla Pinwheels – Dinner At the Zoo
  12. Baked Ham and Swiss Sliders – The Comfort of Cooking
  13. Strawberry Pretzel Fluff Salad – The First Year Blog
  14. Simple Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Dipping Sauce – Cookie and Kate
  15. Peanut Butter Brownie Dessert – Inside Bru Crew Life
  16. Old Fashion Macaroni Salad – Ottawa Mommy Club

Benefits of Sending your Child to Camp – List of Summer Camps in Ottawa

Lyne Proulx
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9
Benefits of Sending your Child to Camp – List of Summer Camps in Ottawa

Summer camp is a positive experience for both children and parents. Although you may not admit it to yourself nor to anyone else, there’s the most obvious benefits for sending your child to summer camp: weeks of relaxation, a quiet house, chances to shop and wander, as well as provide quality time with your spouse!

However, as a responsible and caring parent, you certainly want the camp experience to be an enjoyable and constructive experience for your child. Some of the other benefits of sending your child away for the summer are worth noting.

Why Send Your Child To Summer Camp

Kids are happy when they’ve completed the school year and can get away from tight schedules, tests, reports, and all the other heavy pressures of formal education. When at camp, they benefit from the athletics and other pure enjoyment activities that don’t require anything more than just having fun. 

Meet new kids at camp

During the school year, your child has certain relationships with classmates. Some are positive and some may be negative and bothersome. Summer camp allows your child to experience other friendships and daily contacts, including children from other neighbourhoods and different backgrounds.

Benefits of Sending your Child to Summer Camp

Lots of sports, nature, and other new experiences

Away from the classroom and other school schedules, summer camp gives your child opportunities to explore summertime nature hikes, new types of sports, and constructive hobbies. What parents aren’t proud when their child brings home a hand-painted birdhouse or hand-molded ceramic pots?

Separation can be positive for parent and child

Being away from each other gives both parents and children many exciting experiences in independence. At camp, the child may enjoy relief from the over-protection and strict rules of the home. There will be a sense of maturity by being required to make independent decisions without parental supervision. Meanwhile, the parents can relax and pursue their own very welcome period of independence.

Benefits of Sending your Child to Summer Camp
Benefits of Sending your Child to Summer Camp

Take time for yourself

The parents of children at camp will find many benefits from the temporary separation, and be able to do positive things together and individually. They can find many ways to enjoy the relief from the daily responsibilities of childcare, child pick up and delivery, parent-teacher meetings, and other school-related duties.

There are many benefits of sending your child to summer camps. The best aspect of it is that both you and your child will enjoy your time apart, and then appreciate each other even more when you gather together again at the end of summer.

List of Camps in Ottawa

After School Programs

March Break and/or Summer Camps in Ottawa

  1. 5-Star Camps
  2. Above the Rim Basketball School
  3. Academie de la Capitale
  4. Actua
  5. Adventures in Engineering and Science
  6. Altitude Gym
  7. Bear Creek Outdoor Centre
  8. Bright Math Camp
  9. Britannia Yacht Club Sailing Camp
  10. Bytown Brigantine
  11. Camp IAWAH
  12. Camp Otterdale
  13. Canadian Golf & Country Club
  14. Canadian Museum of History Day Camp
  15. Capital Camps
  16. Capital Golf Centre
  17. Carleton U. Summer Camps and Children’s Programs
  18. Cedar Ridge Camp
  19. Centaur Riding School
  20. Children’s Village of Ottawa-Carleton
  21. City of Ottawa Day Camps
  22. Diefenbunker Summer Spy Camp
  23. Dovercourt Day Camps
  24. Fit & Fun Daycamp
  25. Frontier Trails Camp
  26. Futurekids
  27. GCGC Gymnastics
  28. CGIT Camp Kalalla
  29. Golden Lake Camp
  30. Greenbelt Riding School
  31. Greta Leeming Dance Camps
  32. Hila Science Camp
  33. Kanata Montessori School
  34. Marshes Golf Club – Junior Golf
  35. National Kids Camps
  36. Nepean Sailing Club
  37. Ottawa Athletic Club Summer Camps
  38. Ottawa BMX Association
  39. Ottawa Gymnastics Centre
  40. Ottawa Humane Society
  41. Ottawa River Canoe Club
  42. Ottawa River Runners Whitewater Kayak Club
  43. Ottawa Senators Summer Hockey Camps
  44. Ottawa South United Soccer Club
  45. Ottawa Tennis & Lawn Bowling Club
  46. Ottawa Youth Orchestra Summer Music Camp
  47. OYP Theatre Camps
  48. Papanack Zoo
  49. Pawsitively Pets Kids Camp
  50. Pedalheads
  51. The Putting Edge
  52. RA Centre Camps
  53. Ray’s Reptiles
  54. Rideau Tennis Club
  55. Royal City Soccer Club – Soccer Camps
  56. The School of Dance
  57. Shenkman Arts Summer Camps
  58. Spring Action Trampoline & Circus Camp
  59. Stabback Music Studio
  60. Suzart Musical Theatre Summer Camp
  61. Thunderbird Centre Sports Camp
  62. Turnbull School
  63. University of Ottawa Gees Gees
  64. Virtual Ventures Camps
  65. Westboro Academy Bilingual Day Camp
  66. YMCA/YWCA Day Camps

Gift Memories With Fujifilm Print Life – Review

Pieces of Me
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76
Gift Memories With Fujifilm Print Life – Review

Memories are sometimes the best gifts to give someone special. How do you gift a memory? It can be done by adding images to items they love using. Fujifilm Print Life asked us if there was someone special we would like to gift memories to this summer with products from their website. We were curious to see how well each item would turn out.

Gift Memories With Fujifilm Print Life – Review

Who would we want to give someone special to this summer? The first person that came to mind was my other half. He is such a picky person to find gifts for because he is the type of person who buys what he wants on the fly. He has also been working long hours for a while now, and we wanted to give him a surprise to let him know how much we care about him.

Gift Memories This Summer with Fujifilm Print Life
My Other Half reading a book on a couch.

Creating memories is as easy as 1,2,3  

Once I found the memories my kids and I wanted to gift, it was time to add them to items that Fujifilm Print Life have on their site. Their website was easy to navigate. I was able to find so many products I could add an image to that I could give as a gift that are a lot of fun. 

Gift Memories This Summer with Fujifilm Print Life
Fujifilm Print Life website on a laptop.

I thought about what my guy likes to have and decided on the following items to add images to:

  • 12” x 18” Print Collage
  • A 60” x 80” Blanket
  • A 4” x 6” Horizontal Magnet
  • A 15 oz White Coffee Mug.
Gift Memories This Summer with Fujifilm Print Life
Fujifilm Print Life items on a table.

For each item, I was able to get a preview of what they would look like as a finished product. The blanket, mug, and magnet were all easy to input images onto items.

For the print collage, I had trouble unlocking the images to move them around to where I wanted them. I did not mind having the images where they were. For me, it would have been better if it was easier to unlock the template to be able to have the images wherever you wanted or to enlarge them to fill up the empty spaces.

Once I had all of the items I wanted, it was simple to arrange for payment and shipping. I could not wait to see how they turned out.

Surprise time!

I was really surprised with the speed in which we received our items from Fujifilm Print Life. They were at our door in two different shipments within 10 days of ordering. When I opened each package, I was happy with the quality of the print imaging on most of the products.

Framed memories

My other half has asked for me to put a bunch of pictures together of our kids when they were younger. The print collage allowed me to fulfill this wish for him. By adding it to a frame, this product was a great gift my guy can now add to his office space. Some f the images turned out darker than I would have expected. This may have been due to many of them being taken on an older smartphone.

Gift Memories This Summer with Fujifilm Print Life
Fujifilm Print Life photo collage framed.

Cuddle time

We are also fur parents, so I wanted to use a photo of a beloved family member for the blanket: our cat Boots. He is like our baby, and since he and my other half are best buds, it was the perfect way to have Boots close to him to stay warm.

Gift Memories This Summer with Fujifilm Print Life
Boots the Cat in a garden.

The image is a fuzzier version of the photo I submitted. Fujifilm Print Life was able to capture a lot of Boots’ features on the blanket. The blanket itself so sooooooo soft and cozy.

Gift Memories This Summer with Fujifilm Print Life
Fujifilm Print Life blanket with a cat print on a couch.

My kids love that they can cuddle a cat who is not so cuddly and can be warm while they do it, too.

Gift Memories This Summer with Fujifilm Print Life
Girl wrapped in a chair with a Fujifilm Print Life Blanket on a chair.

Magnetic memories

My guy really likes the magnet! He really digs them, so I made sure to use a photo he really loves. We love to stick things to our fridge. The size of the horizontal magnet is great to pin some of my kids’ art work and spelling tests they are proud of. The image came out as well as it could , considering the quality of the photo.

Gift Memories This Summer with Fujifilm Print Life
Fujifilm Print Life 4″ x 6″ Horizontal Magnet.

When we want to share this memory around our home, we can easily pop this magnet into a frame. This image is sweet to have at my workstation or at my other half’s desk to have our littles close to us.

Gift Memories This Summer with Fujifilm Print Life
Fujifilm Print Life 4″ x 6″ Horizontal Magnet in a frame.

Daily smiles

One of the first things my other half loves to enjoy in the morning is a large piping cup of coffee or tea. It helps to open his eyes and focus on what is ahead for his day. I thought having his two favourite little people on a mug would make his morning every day.  I chose a whimsical photo to put on this mug because it was a fun moment I captured that makes us happy whenever we think of it.

Gift Memories This Summer with Fujifilm Print Life
Kids sitting on a deck.

This has to be our favourite item we created! The image wrapped around the mug so well. The kids are on each side of the mug, so he can see each of their pensive faces whenever he takes a healthy sip.

Gift Memories This Summer with Fujifilm Print Life
Fujifilm Print Life 15 oz mug girl side on a table.
Gift Memories This Summer with Fujifilm Print Life
Fujifilm Print Life 15 oz mug boy side on a table.

Gifting beloved summer memories made easy.

All of the items I had created from Fujifilm Print Life to gift to my other half made him feel special and loved. Each one held a memory he loves. Now, he can use and see these moments in time in a whole new way. There are many more products we are now thinking about adding photos to, allowing us to treasure each of them in a special way. We also love that we can gift these memories to our friends and family to enjoy. We can’t wait to get started!

Gift Memories This Summer with Fujifilm Print Life
Gift Memories This Summer with Fujifilm Print Life

Curious to know other ways you can gift memories this summer with Fujifilm Print Life? We love checking out Fujifilm Print Life website and we follow them on their Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest pages!

Gift Memories This Summer with Fujifilm Print Life
Fujifilm Print Life items on a table.

Disclaimer: We received products from Fujifilm Print Life in order to write this review. The views I shared are my own.

Why Every Parent Must Learn CPR

Lyne Proulx
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16
Why Every Parent Must Learn CPR

Why Every Parent Must Learn CPR

Your kid’s health is extremely important. Having your child’s pediatrician on speed dial is awesome. But what happens in emergency situations? What happens if your child suddenly stops breathing? Do you know the steps you need to take to possibly save your child’s life? As a parent, it’s important that you have basic knowledge regarding CPR. In this article, we’ll outline what you’ll learn in a CPR class. But first we’ve listed the reasons why this skill is vital for every household.

Why Every Parent Must Learn CPR
Infant CPR

What Can Cause Your Child to Stop Breathing?

There are many reasons why your little one’s heartbeat can suddenly stop. These reasons include but aren’t limited to the following.

Suffocation

Children have very inquisitive minds and they tend to play with anything and everything in sight. Unfortunately, some objects may be suffocation hazards. Common examples of such items include plastic bags or blankets. Covering their faces for even a few minutes with minimal breathable air can prove to be fatal.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Closely associated with suffocation is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). In 2017, there were 3600 deaths reported as a result of SIDS. These deaths are common in younger babies and are as a result of accidental suffocation—or strangulation—while sleeping.

Choking

It’s not uncommon for children to place harmful objects in their mouths as they play. Something such as a small sweet or toy can unfortunately, cause choking if swallowed.

Asthma

Certain medical conditions such as severe asthma can cause breathing problems for your little one. You’ll need to know what steps to take to resuscitate your child in time when this happens.

Drowning

A fun day at the beach can turn into a tragic experience if your child nearly drowns. Having CPR-related knowledge will significantly help you in such cases.

Why Every Parent Must Learn CPR
Why Every Parent Must Learn CPR

What You’ll Learn in CPR Class

CPR is designed to restore blood flow to the heart and other vital body organs. In a typical CPR class, you’ll learn about the following three basic parts which make up this life-saving process.

Compressions

The first thing you need to know is how to perform chest compressions. When you notice that your child has stopped breathing, you must conduct 30 chest compressions. The aim of these compressions is to improve the flow of blood.

Airway

The next step is to restore breathing by opening up the airway. An airway can be blocked by the tongue in cases where your little one loses consciousness or if it’s obstructed by a foreign object. In CPR class, you’re taught the technique used to restore breathing including the position in which you must place your child during the procedure.

Breathing

Here you learn how to conduct rescue breathing after the 30 chest compressions. This is how you force air into your child’s lungs.

Conclusion

Are you willing to take chances when it comes to your child’s life? Attending a CPR class is in you and your child’s best interests. It can make the difference between whether your child lives or not. 

Visiting the Moo Cows at the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum

Naomi
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6
Visiting the Moo Cows at the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum

Summer is finally here, and we are thrilled to be able to spend gorgeous sunny days at venues like the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum! Lately my littlest, Hudson, has been especially intrigued by farms and “moo cows” as he calls them, so when I asked him if he wanted to go to the farm, it was a big YES!! 

Canada Agriculture and Food Museum Review

While this museum is actually open all year round, we prefer to visit on the warmer, summer days. Some might call us wimps but we like to stick to the Ingenium Canada’s indoor museum offerings to keep warm during the winter months.

1. Convenience of the 3-in-1 museum membership with parking

There is plenty of parking on site and so handy when you have the membership that includes parking. Not only does it save you money if you are frequent visitors of all three museums (Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, Canada Aviation and Space Museum and Canada Science and Technology Museum) but it also saves you the step of having to wait at the ticket machine.

Our day began with checking out the various barns to say hello to all the animals. The first stop was outside the horse and cattle barn to admire a horse enjoying the beautiful day! Right next to her roaming around were the moo-cows feasting on hay. The Small Animals Barn has the cutest little goats and sheep all snug in their pens. When we completed these two barns we checked out the chickens, roosters and bunnies right across from the park and play structure. 

Visiting the Moo Cows at the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum
Visiting the Moo Cows at the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum

2. Did someone say baby animals!?

Shockingly they wanted to leave the play structure after only 20 minutes so we headed back to visit the animals around the sheep field. That’s where we fell in love with the sweetest baby donkey, Florence. Only 8 months old she was so happy to let the visitors pet her and we spent quite a bit of time petting and admiring her.

Snacks were hiding in the Learning Centre cafeteria so we headed over for some refreshing drinks to hydrate and granola bars to re-fuel. You can pack your lunch if you’re planning to stay and there are plenty of seats in the cafeteria as well as picnic tables outside. We left to explore the Learning Centre with some hands-on activities like a big play kitchen and more. This was a nice air-conditioned break!

3. Fun at the Dairy Barn

Next stop – Dairy Barn! So many cows! Hudson was frightened after first because you get so close to them and they are so huge (especially to a little guy but he warmed up quickly and started giggling)! It looks worrisome at first glance but they make sure to point out that these cows are free to roam the pastures at night time so they are treated very well.

We could have stayed longer but we were all hot, so we called it a day! That is until Jax begged to go see miss Florence one more time to say goodbye. Of course, I obliged. 

4. Fun filled events throughout the year

The museum has some great events throughout the year like the upcoming Ice Cream Festival. My personal favourite is the Barnyard Halloween! At these events there are tons of activities happening and a full schedule of crafts and demonstrations. I highly recommend them and with the museum membership you don’t pay the extra event costs. All in all we give the museum an A+ and plan to spend many more days there this year!

Would you like to visit this awesome museum this summer? You can find more information on their website! You can also find them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest pages!

To view more Ottawa Museums reviews, click HERE!

Disclaimer: I received a museum membership to write this review. The views I share are my own.

17 Puppet Crafts For Kids To Enjoy

Lyne Proulx
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15
17 Puppet Crafts For Kids To Enjoy

There are lots of benefits, when it comes to encouraging your children to play with puppets. This activity not only stimulates imagination, it also improves motor skills, teaches etiquette, boosts your child’s confidence and more. What follows is a list of 17 fun puppet crafts, suitable for kids of all ages. Let’s talk about a few of them!

17 Puppet Crafts For Kids To Enjoy
17 Puppet Crafts For Kids To Enjoy

What kid doesn’t appreciate sock puppets? This one from Jinxy Kids is easy to make and adorable to boot. It’s a great way to repurpose all of your single socks, instead of using them for dusting purposes.

Using felt is another way to construct really cute puppets, including this parrot. Felt, in almost every color you can imagine, is available at your local craft store or online. Hot glue makes building the bird easy-peasy!

If your kids are into zombies, these cute little puppets are right up their alley. Different than a traditional puppet, this one operates with the help of a clothespin. Additional materials include scissors, glue and the zombie head printable available as part of the tutorial.

17 Puppet Crafts For Kids To Enjoy
17 Puppet Crafts For Kids To Enjoy

Do you remember making paper bag puppets when you were little? If so, you were in a group of millions. This friendly little mouse puppet craft is appropriate for even the youngest crafters, with proper adult supervision, of course. Cut out the ears and whiskers and let your toddlers do the gluing. It’s as simple as that!

A simple paper plate can easily be transformed into a cute puppet, without much effort at all. This shark is just one such example. If your kids are into “Shark Week” this is a cute craft to commemorate the occasion.

Making puppets is an educational way to pass time on a Saturday afternoon or any time your kids complain about being bored. Many of these puppets make great classroom art projects as well.

17 Puppet Crafts For Kids To Enjoy
17 Puppet Crafts For Kids To Enjoy

17 Puppet Crafts For Kids To Enjoy

Pop Life into Your Home with Canvas Factory – Review

Pieces of Me
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90
Pop Life into Your Home with Canvas Factory – Review

Pop Life into Your Home with Canvas Factory – Review

Home life is really what you make it. We love having personal touches around it to make our home to have personal touches onto to bring it all together. One area that gets overlooked are our walls. They need to have something on them to add to the comfort and look of our home. Canvas Factory wanted to know if they could help us pop life into our home with a photo canvas print to add to our stark walls. I was so excited to see how well my photo would transfer to a canvas and add new life to our home.

Which photo to choose?

A wall in my living room is empty and is asking for something to adorn it. A canvas print would be perfect to put in this space. There are so many photos I wanted to use for this photo canvas print. I love taking nature photos, so this photo I shot of a dandelion against a lake near my home was a great image to add to a canvas.  

Pop Life into Your Home with Canvas Factory
Dandelion photo used for photo canvas print.

Canvas creation time

How do you create a photo canvas print from Canvas Factory?  Here are the simple steps to place an order with them on their website:

Pop Life into Your Home with Canvas Factory
Image of Canvas Factory homepage on a laptop.
  1. Size – I chose the size of print I wanted. I selected a 50 cm x 40 cm (20″ x 16″) print.
  2. Select Photo – I uploaded the photo I wanted to use to their site. I was able to adjust the photo to have the image where I wanted it on the canvas.
  3. Wrap Style – You can choose how your edge of your canvas border will look. You can have the image wrap around the edge of the border (Gallery Wrap), mirror the image (Mirror Wrap), or choose a colour that complements the image on the edges (Colour Wrap). I chose to have the Mirror Wrap feature.
  4. Effect – You are able to change the look of the image for your print. You also have the option to add text to make your print extra special. I chose to leave it as it was.
  5. Checkout – I made arrangements to have my canvas print shipped to my door. I also received my invoice via email to have a copy of my order.

Package received

A few days later, my Canvas Factory to arrive on my doorstep. I was so curious to see how the image on my canvas print turned out.

Pop Life into Your Home with Canvas Factory
Hand taking photo canvas print out of packaging.

I was pleased to see how well packaged it was. After I opened the box, my print was shrink wrapped in plastic. The edges were protected with covers to prevent crumpling during shipping.

Pop Life into Your Home with Canvas Factory
Photo canvas print covered in plastic and has protected corners.

Pretty picture

After all of the wrappings were removed from my print, I was able to get a better look at it. Th image is pretty close to the original image I uploaded to the site. I can see all of its florets and petals. Even some of the sun rays were still visible to add magic to this shot. I am really happy with how it turned out. 

Pop Life into Your Home with Canvas Factory
Photo canvas print on a wall.

Stark wall covered

After finding the right spot on my wall, I hammered a nail where I wanted to hang this photo canvas and placed it in its new home. I feel that it fills up this space nicely and brightens up this part of the room. We are so happy to have this personal touch in our home. I made a great choice in using this image to put onto a canvas!

Pop Life into Your Home with Canvas Factory
Photo canvas print on wall.

Art popping life in my living room

My new photo canvas print from Canvas Factory is bringing a pop of life to a blank wall of my home. It was simple to place my order online. It took a few days to arrive to my door. My print was wrapped well for shipping. The image was bright and gorgeous, making this spot in my living room. Photo canvas prints are also great gifts to give any time of the year! I have so many more photos I want to put on canvases for family and friends to make their homes pop with life, too!

Pop Life into Your Home with Canvas Factory
Pop Life into Your Home with Canvas Factory

Are you wondering other ways you can pop life into your home with Canvas Factory? We revisited their website and followed them on their Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest pages!

Disclaimer: I received a free canvas print form Canvas Factory in order to write this review. The views I shared are my own.

Great Family Vacation Ideas

Lyne Proulx
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6
Great Family Vacation Ideas

Planning a great family vacation can be a lot of fun. If possible, include children in on the planning. It will make them feel important and often, kids will come up with some great ideas.

Vacations are some of the most memorable events in a family’s life. Years later, children savour memories of a family trip. But selecting a successful family vacation destination can be difficult. Research, discussion and planning must occur. Read these strategies for selecting family vacation destinations and planning successful travel itineraries. Travel tips to stay organized and keep children happy are included.

Family going on a vacation

Selecting A Vacation Destination

Choosing a vacation destination everyone will enjoy is the first step in planning a successful family vacation. Parents must discuss/decide together the trip’s parameters. Is the weather a factor? What about the length of time parents want to vacation? Will parents include educational experiences for the children? Parents’ choices about these issues narrow the field of possible destinations. It is wise to make these logistical decisions before presenting the subject of a vacation to children.   

Presenting The General Vacation Plan To Children

Once parents develop the above “blueprint” for the vacation—the next step is talking with the children. The depth of this discussion depends on the children’s ages. Parents could solicit children’s suggestions about possible vacation destinations. To make it interesting, you can plan a special dinner out or at home for the vacation discussion.

With children 10+ years old, vacation planning can be an education in the democratic process. Use the info gained from family discussions to identify three possible vacation destinations. Then, have family members vote. The “winning” locale is the family vacation destination.

Planning Your Vacation Itinerary

As in the prior steps, parents must do some upfront work. Research the chosen destination on the internet or in travel books to see what the locale offers. Now is the time for parents to choose some activities/places of interests for themselves and/or for the children to experience. 

Next, parents talk with children about specific sights to see/activities to do. Parents might present a list of sights to see and ask for children’s input/feedback. Ask—“Which of these places would you like to visit?” 

Assign older children particular sights and locales to research to determine what they would like to do during the vacation. They will sharpen research skills, learn to exercise judgment and utilize problem-solving skills before making decisions.

Once parents develop the master list of suggested sights and activities, planning the vacation itinerary is nearly complete. The next step is to book your hotel and flights.

Great Family Vacation Ideas

Tips for Traveling with Children—Be Organized to Keep Them Happy

1. Parents must consider each child’s perspective to avert negative travel experiences. After parents identify child/teens’ particular needs, they can obtain necessary “supplies” to pack to keep the children happy. 

2. Before the vacation, get a couple of new movies on iPad to keep children/teens busy and happy during excursions. New games/apps for each child help pass time and encourage contentment. This tip is particularly important during long flights to/from your vacation destination.

3. Fill a carry-on bag with “surprise” items for children/teens. Include books about the vacation destination to read to the children or for older children to read. Pack puzzle/activity books with pencils to keep younger children entertained. Produce these “surprise” items when children get bored or have to sit still on flights.

4. Another important use for the carry-on bag is storing snacks. Nothing calms a child like a favored snack during a long trip. 

5. Encourage children to bring “security” items to keep close by for comfort. Examples are a child’s teddy bear or blanket.  

6. If children are too young to choose seating, parents should pre-plan seating arrangements. This tip ensures everyone knows where they will sit before boarding planes.

Great Family Vacation Tips and Ideas

Planning a family vacation with the kids can really add excitement to the vacation and give children an idea of what the vacation will be like. Be sure to start with a budget, then have fun planning the trip together with the whole family.

1. Family Vacation Budget

When deciding on a family vacation budget, be sure to include all the little things as well. For example, when figuring out how much money will be spent on meals, don’t forget to factor in the cost of snacks, additional beverages, and even treats like ice cream cones. Each one alone doesn’t sound like much money, but, over the course of an entire vacation, the money can add up.

Don’t forget to include emergency money in the budget. A parent never knows when a tire may go flat or a child can lose a tennis shoe. Be sure to keep a little aside for souvenirs as well. It’s always nice to have a little keepsake from a family vacation.

Tips for Planning a Great Family Vacation

2. Cheap and Affordable Family Vacations

What with the way the economy has been, many families are choosing to go camping for their family vacations. Interested in camping, but, don’t have the gear or can’t afford to purchase equipment? An alternative is the “kamping kabins” offered by KOA. These are generally cheaper than hotels and puts families right into the heart of a camping experience. Make sure you follow a camping checklist to ensure that you have all the essentials needed to go on a camping trip.

When camping, be sure to pick a place with fun activities for the kids. If possible, camp by the ocean or near a lake so that the children can enjoy water activities. A beach vacation can keep the whole family occupied without having to spend a lot of money.

3. Family Adventure Vacations

Looking for some outdoor excitement? How about a white water rafting trip? These can range from mild to wild. If considering this, check to see what the age restrictions are for children. While some rafting trips are fine for younger children, the more adventurous ones are geared for older kids and adults.

Want to know what it’s like to live life as a cowboy? Find out with a dude ranch vacation. Some of the usual activities include horseback riding, fishing, and some great cowboy cookouts. Many of these are all-inclusive.

4. Theme Park Vacations

Most kids love to visit theme parks and there’s certainly no shortage of them throughout the United States. Disneyland and Disney World, along with Universal Studios in both Florida and California are among the most popular theme parks.

A theme park vacation doesn’t have to empty out the wallet. There are some tips to saving money on these kind of vacations. While staying on property at a place like Walt Disney World sounds appealing, much less expensive hotels can be found within walking distance.

If on a tight budget, consider getting a room with a kitchenette. Food at theme parks can get pricey. It can be cheaper to eat three meals in the room than one full meal at a park. Also, look for hotels that provide a good, free continental breakfast.

Looking to hit more than one theme park on a family vacation? If so, consider a trip to southern California which is home to Disneyland, California Adventure, Universal Studios, Sea World, Legoland, and Knott’s Berry Farm.

Tips for Planning a Great Family Vacation

5. Family Cruise Vacations

In recent years, many cruise lines have become quite family friendly. There are some reasonably priced cruises to Mexico, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean. If budgeting, try to go during off season when prices are lower. A family cruise can be both exciting and educational for kids.

Family vacation ideas

Planning a family vacation can be a pleasant experience. Allowing children to take part in some way—however small—in selecting the vacation destination and choosing activities means they will be happier and more cooperative. Finally, using creativity during the vacation planning process enhances family bonding and communication.

Enjoy your family vacation!

15 Easy Baked Beans Recipes for a Potluck

Lyne Proulx
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16
15 Easy Baked Beans Recipes for a Potluck

Baked Beans are considered one of the most popular side dishes to serve. Here we list 15 Brilliant Baked Beans Recipes for you to test out, in case you’re not up for a kid’s versions that may or may not include gummy worms (something my kids would do).

Baked Beans Recipes
Baked Beans Recipes

Potluck side dish

Baked beans are ideal to make and bring as a side dish to a potluck. You can serve them with ham and creamy mashed potatoes, pancakes, an omelette, or simply eat as a main dish! Being French Canadian, they are always a big hit at our family gatherings!

Homemade baked beans

We wanted to bring you a Baked Beans Roundup that was nothing you could have ever prepared for! Stop buying the canned Baked Beans! Not that they aren’t tasty, but you can make your own homemade baked beans creation and customize it to you and your family’s style and likes. It’s rare that everyone in a family likes the same things, as this is what makes us all unique. Now you can experiment with these Baked Beans recipes to find one everyone will enjoy!

Get your kids involved with the cooking. Let them make their own creation and have everyone give it a try! This promotes creativity as well as increase their cooking skills. It will also help them understand and accept negative feedback if their creation isn’t exactly edible.

Baked Beans Recipes

Generally, Baked beans consist of haricot beans (or navy beans) that are stewed in a sauce. In recent years, companies have gone “outside of the box” with their flavours of Baked Beans. Some of these creations are down right gross, while others end up being made at every meal. Do you have a favourite Baked Beans recipe?

baked beans recipes
  1. Boston Baked Beans
  2. Maple Brown Sugar Baked Beans
  3. Slow Cooker Baked Beans
  4. Greek Baked Beans
  5. Homemade Quebec Maple Baked Beans: A BBQ Side Dish
  6. Slow Cooker Barbequed Beans With Ground Beef and Bacon
  7. Cowboy Baked Beans
  8. Troy’s Baked Beans
  9. Boston Baked Beans
  10. Homemade Vegetarian Baked Beans
  11. Grandma’s Famous Baked Beans
  12. Slow Cooker Baked Beans
  13. BBQ Baked Beans
  14. Apple Brown Sugar Baked Beans
  15. Bacon Baked Beans

Hope you enjoy these baked beans recipes as much as I did! Also, check out all of our recipes!

5 Ways to Control Nail Biting in Kids

Lyne Proulx
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11
5 Ways to Control Nail Biting in Kids

5 Ways to Control Nail Biting in Kids

Nail biting is a common habit that many kids develop, and statistics reveal that around 50% of children between 10 to 18 years of age have this habit, and it can be annoying and stressful for a parent to deal with.

While there may be different possible reasons for it- right from boredom and comfort to stress and anxiety, there are some actionable steps that you, as a parent, can take to discourage nail biting in your kid. Read on to know more!

5 Ways to Control Nail Biting in Kids
Girl biting her nails

Talk to Your Child

One of the simplest yet easiest ways to tackle nail biting in kids is to address his anxieties and detect if there are any particular causes or triggers that lead him to bite his nails. Some kids tend to start biting nails when exposed to stressful situations, or when they are unable to do something. Sit down and discuss ways in which you can help your kid learn different positive outlets for his concerns.

Get Real About the Germs

Another effective trick is to discuss with your kid about how there are germs under his nails, and how biting nails could cause the germs to enter his body easily, which may increase his risk of falling sick.

5 Ways to Control Nail Biting in Kids
5 Ways to Control Nail Biting in Kids

Offer Reward

This one’s a no-brainer, and it almost always works. Offer your little one a small reward in exchange for not biting his nails. It doesn’t have to be grand or something that could have him hooked. It can be as simple as a movie trip or his favorite homemade dish.

The Awareness Trick

This one’s one of the most tried and tested techniques when it comes to helping your kid stop nail biting. You can try applying nail paint on your kid’s nails or wrap a little bandage around his fingers as a reminder of how he should not bite nails. It will make him aware of his habit, and will definitely help him take an active step to tackle it.

5 Ways to Control Nail Biting in Kids
A white and black fidget spinners

Suggest an Alternative

Another great trick is to suggest your kid a substitute activity to try! If your kid is biting nails due to stress, get him to try some relaxation techniques or even just grab a stress ball or play with a fidget spinner.

10 Fun DIY Slime Recipes

Lyne Proulx
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10
10 Fun DIY Slime Recipes

Some toys never seem to go out of style, and slime is definitely one of those toys! Chances are you remember playing with slime when you were younger, and chances are your parents played with it as well! Now, your children are also obsessed with it! The only difference is that today’s children are also obsessed with making slime. And, why not? It is so much fun to make! Plus, there are so many different kinds of slime to make! You will find below a round-up of 10 Fun DIY Slime Recipes!

10 Fun DIY Slime Recipes
10 Fun DIY Slime Recipes

There are slimes with different textures, colours, and even add-ins. Some have foam beads, while others are loaded with glitter. Many of these are made with ingredients you can find in almost any discount department store. This means that you can set your kids up with their own slime-making factory for very little money. In fact, if you purchase large containers of the supplies, your kids will have enough supplies to make several batches of slime. It’s actually a very affordable hobby for your kids!

Below, you’ll find a number of awesome DIY slime recipes. There are bright and glittery colours, but there are also some that looks like something from a swamp! Your kids will have so much fun making these different kinds of slime. Additionally, you can purchase large containers for your kids to keep them in. You can also purchase some smaller containers so they can give their friends some of the slime they’ve made, or for smaller batches of slime!

10 Fun DIY Slime Recipes
10 Fun DIY Slime Recipes

If your kids love to make slime, print out a few of these recipes and grab any of the ingredients you don’t already have on hand. This is a great project to keep kids busy that doesn’t require electronics or a lot of money. If you want your kids to spend more time doing something creative, this is definitely a great option!

10 Fun DIY Slime Recipes

1.Glitter Slime Tutorial

10 Fun DIY Slime Recipes

2. Mermaid Slime Recipe

10 Fun DIY Slime Recipes

3. Edible Kids Slime Recipe

10 Fun DIY Slime Recipes

4. Glitter Galaxy Slime

10 Fun DIY Slime Recipes

5. NO Glue No Borax 100% Natural Slime

10 Fun DIY Slime Recipes

6. Goo Slime Recipe

10 Fun DIY Slime Recipes

7. Make a No Borax Slime

10 Fun DIY Slime Recipes

8. Slime Making  Tutorial video

10 Fun DIY Slime Recipes

9. Flubber Fluffy Slime Recipe

10 Fun DIY Slime Recipes

10. Harry Potter Slime

How to Conquer Disney World When You Have Allergies

Christelle
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11
How to Conquer Disney World When You Have Allergies

Disney World is a magical place, where magical memories are made daily! If you are fortunate enough to visit Disney World at least once, you will be sure to create an assortment of wonderful memories! Unless you have allergies… Right? Wrong! Disney World can still be magical, even if you suffer from allergies. Here are some things to keep in mind on How to Conquer Disney World When You Have Allergies!

How to Conquer Disney World When You Have Allergies

How to Conquer Disney World When You Have Allergies
Gluten-Free Mickey Waffles from Disney World

1. Food Allergies

If you or someone in your family has food allergies, whether it be nut allergies, an allergy to gluten, dairy, or anything else, be sure to check out the menus online ahead of time. This will help you to get an idea of which restaurants will best suit your needs. You will also want to be sure that you let your servers know of any allergies as soon as you arrive. This way you are sure to avoid any confusion. Employees at Disney are absolutely wonderful, and are happy to help you find foods that will comply with your individual needs for all ages!

How to Conquer Disney World When You Have Allergies
Various tasty snacks from Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World!

2. Bring Snacks

Although Disney does a wonderful job accommodating guests with their dietary needs and allergies, it may be wise to bring some of your own snacks. You never really know when hunger will strike, especially after wandering around the hot park all day. So, be prepared with suitable snacks to hold you over until you can make it to an allergy friendly restaurant. It’s truly awesome that Disney World allows guests to bring in drinks and snacks, as such take advantage of it while you can!

How to Conquer Disney World When You Have Allergies
How to Conquer Disney World When You Have Allergies

3. OTC Meds

High pollen counts can really ruin our day if you suffer from bad seasonal allergies. While you may not be having any issues with your allergies at home, you may find that the climate at Disney World is different than what you are used to. Thus, you may find yourself coming down with the sniffles, runny nose, and itchy eyes.

If you find yourself suffering miserably from allergies while you are at Disney, not to worry! Many of the gift shops sell individual portioned medicines to help you alleviate your symptoms. You can also stop by any of the first aid stations, as they are prepared and well stocked with items you may need.

In general, if you feel that allergies may cause an issue for you, you are better off bringing a few doses of your own medicine with you. The products you will purchase in the park will cost a fortune, compared to you what you normally pay, and the selection will be slim.

No matter what kind of allergies you have, it’s never fun! Hopefully, these tips show you how to conquer Disney World when you have allergies.

Have you ever suffered from allergies while on a Disney trip? Share your stories below!

15 Gin Cocktails for Summer

Lyne Proulx
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9
15 Gin Cocktails for Summer

The summer heat can be unbearable. It makes you want to just kick back and relax. What better way to relax than with a cold drink in your hand? Well, how about a cocktail that looks as good as it tastes? There are so many mixed drinks that look pretty and taste just as good. These Gin cocktails for summer are perfect for an evening with the girls!

15 Gin Cocktails for summer
15 Gorgeous Gin Cocktails

What could be better on a hot summer evening than gathering in the back yard with your best girlfriends and enjoying some delicious cocktails? These cocktails are sure to be a welcomed addition to your little get together!

Gin cocktails with the girls

If you want to put together a fun evening for your girlfriends, spend a bit of time on your back yard. Get some citronella candles or torches to keep the bugs away. Gather some chairs around your firepit, if you have one. Create a playlist of fun music to play in the background.

Next, throw together some easy snacks. You can even cheat and pick up some stuff from the freezer section and heat it up right before your friends arrive. Of course, if you want to skip the heat and the bugs, you can gather indoors and watch some chick flicks, order a pizza, and chill with these delicious gin cocktails.

15 Gin Cocktails

15 Gorgeous Gin Cocktails
15 Gorgeous Gin Cocktails

These gin cocktails recipes are truly great for any summer get together. The fruity flavour of many of these cocktails pairs beautifully with grilled meat, making them a must for any summer cookout. You can make a large batch and let everyone serve themselves or you could set up a bar and mix drinks to order. Either way, this is a huge improvement over some wine coolers.

  1. Classic Gin Fizz Cocktail
  2. Blueberry Lemon Gin Fizz
  3. Goodnight Kiss
  4. Ruby Red Gin Cocktail with Clementine 
  5. Gin and Melon Slushies
  6. Strawberry Mint Gin and Tonic 
  7. Rhubarb Gin Fizz 
  8. Cranberry Orange Gin Fizz 
  9. Orange Pomegranate Gin Cocktail
  10. Blueberry Lavender Gin Fizz 
  11. Lemon Basil Gin Fizz 
  12. Blackberry Lemon Gin & Tonic 
  13. Sparkling Rosemary Grapefruit Gin Martini
  14. Blackberry Mint Gin Martini 
  15. Rosemary Honey Gin Rickey

If you’re looking for some new cocktails to try this summer, try one of the ones above. There are several to choose from and something for everyone.

3 Basic Steps to Reduce Senior Falling Risks

Lyne Proulx
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9
3 Basic Steps to Reduce Senior Falling Risks

With age comes many gifts, but it also comes with its challenges. One challenge that an older senior faces is the risk of falling. Everyone ages differently and the reasons seniors are at a higher risk of falling are unique for every individual. They could be related to any number of factors. The most common is reduced reflexes – seniors have a harder time correcting themselves when they trip or slip than younger people. This can be due to arthritis, medications, reduced eyesight, muscle weakness, or many other reasons. Any reduction in strength or balance increases your risk of falling.

Most people know that falls for older adults are dangerous. One in five falls among older seniors lead to broken bones or head injuries, both major injuries that seniors will find harder to recover from than when they were younger. A fall can lead to major quality of life changes.

3 Basic Steps to Reduce Senior Falling Risks

Falls can result in life-altering injuries for seniors. That’s why fall prevention for seniors is so important. Every case is unique, and you and your family should look closely at the factors that could be increasing your fall risk. There are several general tips that can be useful for just about everyone.

Remove Falling Hazards from Your Home

Perform a “hazard audit” of your home and update your furniture and arrangement to accommodate for the fact that you need wider avenues and more clear space to navigate your home safely. Many falls happen at home.

Some ways you can make your home safer include clearing walkways of tripping hazards, including cords, plants, magazine racks, and boxes. Be sure to repair loose floorboards or carpets immediately, clean spilled liquids immediately, and start storing things you need to reach for (like clothes or dishes) in places that are more convenient. Don’t forget the bathroom; invest in nonslip mats for the shower or tub.

Wear Shoes Inside

Wearing the right footwear can give you more grip and reduce fall risks. Walking around in stocking feet can cause you to slip on tile or other smooth surfaces, whereas sensible shoes can give you more control.

3 Basic Steps to Reduce Senior Falling Risks

Exercises to Improve Strength and Balance

Physical activity targets the source of your increased fall risks: reduced strength and balance. It can be difficult for seniors to stay active due to joint pain and muscle weakness, but there are several exercises that are ideal for helping seniors that won’t hurt or require too much exertion:

  • Tai Chi – the first choice for many seniors who want to improve their balance and mindfulness of the way their bodies move. Tai Chi is an effective way to reduce falling risks, and it’s easy to practice in groups or alone once you’ve learned the basics.
  • Yoga – Much like Tai Chi, yoga also improves muscle strength and balance. For seniors who have difficulty bending into yoga positions, chair yoga is an excellent alternative.
  • Walking – Walking is another way for seniors to improve muscle strength in their legs. Find a walking group you can join every morning and stay active.

Exercises are some of the most effective ways you can reduce falls. Senior living centers such as Cite Parkway Residence in Ottawa exemplify the kind of exercise programming that can help seniors stay healthy and reduce their fall risks.

3 Basic Steps to Reduce Senior Falling Risks
3 Basic Steps to Reduce Senior Falling Risks

Fall prevention is an essential aspect of senior health. Stay active, clear walkways in your home, and start wearing sensible shoes to reduce your risks.

20 DIY Body Scrub Recipes

Lyne Proulx
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20
20 DIY Body Scrub Recipes

These DIY body scrub recipes are all easy to follow and perfect for your skin! These scrubs are full of nutrients, whilst the scrub part sheds the dry and dead skin from your body. Scrubs leave your skin refreshed and smooth. All the scrubs without fresh fruit can be stored in airtight containers. Body Scrubs make perfect gifts for friends and loved ones. Attach a small tag to tell them how to use it. All of the links below lead directly to the recipes. 

20 DIY Body Scrub Recipes
20 DIY Body Scrub Recipes

20 DIY Body Scrub Recipes

20 DIY Body Scrub Recipes

1. Coconut and Lime Sugar Scrub  Close your eyes and the fragrance of this coconut and lime sugar scrub will transport you to the beach. It contains ingredients you probably already have in your home!

20 DIY Body Scrub Recipes

2. DIY Herbal Body Scrub With Rosemary, Peppermint, and Eucalyptus oils. This wonderful scrub contains peppermint, rosemary and Eucalyptus. It is easy to make and very invigorating on the skin!

20 DIY Body Scrub Recipes

3. Coffee Sugar Scrub You may not automatically think of coffee as a sugar scrub ingredient, but it helps to get rid of dry skin quite admirably!

20 DIY Body Scrub Recipes

4. Nourishing Sandalwood and Mandarin Essential Oil Body Scrub This nourishing body scrub, containing Mandarin and Sandalwood essential oils, leaves you with a bright complexion and feeling good all over!

20 DIY Body Scrub Recipes

5. Peppermint Lip Scrub Don’t let chapped lips get you down! Simply apply this soothing peppermint-infused cream to your lips and you’re ready to face cold weather head on.

20 DIY Body Scrub Recipes

6. Full of Enzymes – Paw Paw Body Polish Recipe Papaya (or Paw Paw) is great for your skin! This single-ingredient body polish recipe will make you feel like a new person in just 20 minutes!

20 DIY Body Scrub Recipes

7. DIY Natural Mocha Lip Scrub Here’s another easy remedy for cracked, dry lips. Cocoa powder is said to smooth out fine lines anywhere on the body… even lips!

20 DIY Body Scrub Recipes

8. Activated Charcoal Facial Scrub Activated charcoal powder has many uses. This recipe is ideal when you want to thoroughly detox your skin!

20 DIY Body Scrub Recipes

9. Japanese Ginger Cellulite Scrub This combination of grated ginger and sea salt helps to breakdown fatty deposits under your skin. It also helps to improve circulation.

20 DIY Body Scrub Recipes

10. Homemade Coffee Body Scrub Coffee is rich in antioxidants, which are good for the skin. The addition of cinnamon in this recipe helps to stimulate blood vessels as well.

20 DIY Body Scrub Recipes

11. DIY Lightening Lemon Elbow Scrub Recipes Need something to help your elbows feel as good as new? This scrub recipe is about as easy as it gets!

20 DIY Body Scrub Recipes

12. Charcoal and Oatmeal Face Scrub Here’s another alternative to a detoxifying facemask. The addition of rosehip leaves your skin feeling extra moisturized.

20 DIY Body Scrub Recipes

13. Coffee and Coconut Brown Sugar Scrub Recipe This sugar scrub recipe is packed with ingredients that are said to help firm your skin. Coffee and coconut oil and brown sugar… oh my!

20 DIY Body Scrub Recipes

14. Exfoliating Cellulite Coffee scrub you can make at home. Say goodbye to dry, tired skin with this coffee body scrub. You have the choice is adding either sea salt or raw sugar into the mix.

20 DIY Body Scrub Recipes

15. Coconut Dry Cracked Heel Scrub Do your heels look and feel neglected? The combination of rice flour, clay powder, and desiccated coconut will have them looking and feeling as good as new.

20 DIY Body Scrub Recipes

16. Citrus Ginger Foot Scrub This particular Ginger foot scrub recipe calls for orange oil, which will have your feet doing a happy dance before you know it!

20 DIY Body Scrub Recipes

17. Citrus Ginger Foot Scrub This particular Ginger foot scrub recipe calls for orange oil, which will have your feet doing a happy dance before you know it!

20 DIY Body Scrub Recipes

18. Cinnamon Coffee Scrub Don’t throw out your coffee grounds… make this sugar scrub instead! This recipe is appropriate to use when you want your skin to feel extra invigorated.

20 DIY Body Scrub Recipes

19. Avocado Silk Body Scrub Skin recipe If you’re looking for a wonderful body scrub recipe for mature skin, this is it! The avocado and fresh cream help skin feel soft and glowing.

20 DIY Body Scrub Recipes

20. After-sport Muscle Soothing Sugar Scrub This soothing recipe makes a great gift for sports enthusiasts who love the smell of the outdoors. It features Eucalyptus, Pine, and Wintergreen essential oils.

20 DIY Body Scrub Recipes
20 DIY Body Scrub Recipes

12 DIY Water Play Ideas

Lyne Proulx
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16
12 DIY Water Play Ideas

You want your kids to spend some time outdoors during the summer months, but it can sometimes be too hot to enjoy. If your kids are stuck indoors because it’s too hot outdoors, why not create their own personal waterpark? There are so many ways to make fun water play areas in your back yard. Whether it’s a homemade slip and slide, or even a simple water table, your kids can have fun outdoors without burning up!

Below you’ll find 12 DIY water play ideas that are easy and affordable to make. Spend a bit of time putting together a few different water play stations so that your kids can have an obstacle course or waterpark of their own. If your kids have friends coming over for the weekend, this is a great way to let the kids burn off all that excess energy so that they actually sleep that evening.

12 DIY Water Play Ideas

If you wanted, you could also set up a station with some frozen treats. Be sure to check the website for ice cream sandwich recipes and some awesome slushie recipes. Your kids will love playing in the water and munching on some cool treats. If you’re throwing a barbecue, this would definitely keep the kids busy while the parents were chatting!

12 DIY Water Play Ideas
12 DIY Water Play Ideas

Remember, water play doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. You don’t have to rush out and buy expensive squirt guns or anything fancy. You can find so many great things at discount dollar stores. Everything from cheap squirt guns to water balloons can be found. Stock up for the summer and use these in your DIY waterpark. You can even do something really simple like having a water gun fight or throwing water balloons. You can set up spots where people can hide like a paintball course. Just be creative and have fun!

DIY Water Plays Ideas

12 DIY Water Play Ideas

Glow in the Dark Water Balloons
Plastic Bin Water Spray Table
DIY Splash Pad 
DIY Kids Car Wash 
Water Blob
Water Gun Cup Races 
Sponge Water Bombs
DIY Kiddie Sprinkler
DIY Water Spraying Table
Sand and Water Play Table
Homemade Water Wall 
DIY Toy Pool

7 Benefits of Lemon Water

Lyne Proulx
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22
7 Benefits of Lemon Water

Lemon is so common, but yet so important for our health. The benefits of lemon can never be over emphasized. I was first introduced to lemon water when I found out about a diet called “Keto”. I also decided to read up on it, as you see lemon water is highly known for its usefulness in weight loss, but so many people do not know that it plays so many other more important roles in the body. You will find below 7 Benefits of Drinking Lemon Water.

7 BENEFITS OF LEMON WATER

How To Make Lemon Water

You should drink it daily to get the full benefits. When making lemon water, use fresh lemons instead of lemon juice from a bottle. Start your morning breakfast routine with a glass of warm or cold lemon water on an empty stomach, and keep a pitcher of water infused with a few sliced lemons in your refrigerator to drink throughout the day. You can also infuse more flavour in the water by adding citrus fruits, cucumber slices, mint, ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, honey or maple syrup.

To make lemon water, wash lemon, squeeze half a lemon (organic lemons are best) into 8 ounces of warm or cold water and stir.

A simple way to have lemon juice on hand is to squeeze fresh lemon juice into ice cube trays and freeze them. You can now drop a few cubes into a glass of cold or hot water.

How to Make Lemon Water

7 BENEFITS OF DRINKING LEMON WATER

1. ENERGY BOOSTING

When you consume lemon water, the scent helps relieve anxiety and depression through the calming effect it has in your nerves. Additionally, when its juice gets into your digestive tract, it provides your body with energy.

2. JOINT PAIN REDUCTION

Joint and knee pains are quite common these days due to the daily increase in health issues in the society. Lemon water can help in reducing pain and inflammation in the joints by dissolving uric acid in the affected area.

3. PREVENTS THE GROWTH OF BACTERIA AND VIRAL INFECTIONS

A pathogenic bacterium causes infection and diseases. Lemon water boosts your immune system, as it is a major way to fight against viral infection and protect your body from the multiplication of these bacteria.

7 Benefits of Lemon Water

4. SPEEDS UP DIGESTION AND METABOLISM

Consumption of warm lemon water first thing in the morning daily flushes out toxins, speeds up digestion thereby increases the rate of metabolism and helps the body in the production of bile.

5. STRENGHTENS THE LIVER

Warm lemon water flushes out toxins by enhancing the functions of enzymes when they are diluted. It provides energy and strengthens the liver, but the best part is that it keeps your liver stimulated.

6. SMOOTH BOWEL FUNCTIONS

Constipation and diarrhea are often caused by the clustering of waste products in our body; lemon water prevents this by helping the process of the elimination of these waste products and enhancing bowel movement.

7. PREVENTION OF WRINKLES AND ACNE

Lemon water contains antioxidants that helps in decreasing and preventing wrinkles, acne, blemishes, and reduces the appearance of scars when applied to the affected spots. Because of its detoxification effects, consumption of lemon water leaves your skin radiant and glowing.

7 Benefits of Lemon Water

Amongst all that has been mentioned above, the high effect of lemon water in weight loss cannot be left out! It is globally recognized as one of the main fruits highly efficient for losing weight. One glass of cold or warm fresh lemon water on an empty stomach taken daily keeps the extra weight off!

Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp Recipe

Lyne Proulx
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21
Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp Recipe

If you love the tropical flavour of fried coconut shrimp, you’re going to love that you can omit a lot of the fat without giving up the flavour and texture of fried shrimp. You will love this Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp Recipe!

Who doesn’t love fried shrimp? It’s pure heaven biting into a large shrimp that has a delicious coating. And shrimp is even healthy. It’s a great source of protein and really low in calories.

Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp Recipe
Air Fryer Coconut Shrimps

What Is An Air Fryer?

An air fryer is an amazing addition to your home if you’re trying to eat better. You still get the decadent taste and texture of fried foods, but without the oil. Many people think it’s too good to be true until they have food cooked in an air fryer. It can be hard to believe that you can get such amazing flavour without the oil.

Fruity Dipping Sauce For The Coconut Shrimps

Coconut shrimp in air fryer frozen is an amazing treat – no matter what time of year it is. It’s especially nice to cook on a cold winter’s day when you want to pretend that there’s not a foot of snow outside your door. Add a fruity dipping sauce and you’re ready to escape to a warm sunny beach – at least in your mind.

Speaking of fruity dipping sauces, you can create a simple dipping sauce simply by heating your favourite jam. If you like spicy food, chop a jalapeno into a few large pieces and allow it to simmer in the jam over the stovetop. Remove the pepper from the sauce and serve. The heat from the pepper will have infused the jam to give you a sauce that has a sweet heat.

Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp Recipe
Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp Recipe

Recipe for air fryer coconut shrimp

You can enjoy fried coconut shrimp without all the guilt. Dust off your air fryer and put it to work. Whether you’re looking for an appetizer or a full meal, these air fryer coconut shrimp are going to become a favourite in your home.

Ingredients

  • 16 oz large shrimp (about 16 to 20), peeled to the tail
  • 2 egg whites
  • 1/2 cup Panko
  • 1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • spray can of olive oil
Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp ingredients

How To Make Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp

  1. Pre-heat the air fryer to 400F.
  2. Set the shrimp on a flat surface that is covered with paper towels. Pat the shrimp dry. 
  3. Place the eggs in a shallow dish whisk. 
  4. Add your Panko, coconut, and seasonings in a separate bowl. Mix to combine. 
  5. Dredge each shrimp first in the egg mixture, and finally press it into the breadcrumb-coconut mixture to coat all sides.
  6. Place 1/2 the coconut shrimp in the air fryer and cook about 3 minutes. Turn shrimp over and continue cooking until golden, about 3 minutes more
  7. Place the coconut shrimp on a plate and set to the side. Air-fry the shrimp in two batches.
Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp Recipe

I hope you enjoyed my recipe for air fryer coconut shrimp 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 Recipes!

Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp Recipe

Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp Recipe

Lyne Proulx
If you love tropical flavour of fried coconut shrimps, you’re going to like that you can omit the fat in our Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp recipe!
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 16 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American, Canadian
Servings 2 servings
Calories 466 kcal

Equipment

  • Air Fryer

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz large shrimp about 16 to 20, peeled to the tail
  • 2 egg whites
  • 1/2 cup Panko
  • 1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • spray can of olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Set the shrimp on a flat surface that is covered with paper towels.
  • Pat the shrimp dry
  • Place the eggs in a shallow dish whisk.
  • Add your Panko, coconut, and seasonings in a separate bowl.
  • Mix to combine
  • Pre-heat the air fryer to 400F.
  • Dredge each shrimp first in the egg mixture, and finally press it into the breadcrumb-coconut mixture to coat all sides.
  • Place 1/2 the shrimp in the air fryer and cook about 3 minutes. Turn shrimp over and continue cooking until golden, about 3 minutes more.
  • Place the shrimp on a plate and set to the side.
  • Air-fry the shrimp in two batches.

Nutrition

Calories: 466kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 53gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 572mgSodium: 2513mgPotassium: 391mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 104IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 365mgIron: 6mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Gentle Cleaning at Home with Babyganics – Review

Pieces of Me
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160
Gentle Cleaning at Home with Babyganics – Review

Cleaning. It is necessary to do around your home, especially when you have little ones. Finding products that clean well without the chemicals is what my family is always on the lookout for to care for our home and our skin. Babyganics see this struggle and creates products that parents can feel good about using all over their home. We were curious to see what they had in store for us to try! Gentle Cleaning at Home with Babyganics skin and cleaning products! We reviewed their collection and was not disappointed!

Gentle Cleaning at Home with Babyganics

Here are the items we received to review:

  • 3x Laundry Detergent Fragrance-Free
  • Dryer Sheets, Fragrance-Free
  • All-Purpose Surface Wipes
  • Foaming Dish & Bottle Soap, Fragrance-Free
  • Face, Hand & Baby Wipes, Fragrance-Free
  • Bubble Bath, Chamomile Verbena
  • Bubble Bath, Fragrance-Free
  • Shampoo + Body Wash, Chamomile Verbena
  • Shampoo + Body Wash, Fragrance-Free
Gentle Cleaning at Home with Babyganics
Babyganics home and skin care products.

Laundry room duo

Laundry is a task we are not fans of doing, but always seems to build up as soon as they are cleaned. Making sure our family’s clothes are clean is so important, especially when our kids have sensitive skin. 

Gentle Cleaning at Home with Babyganics
Babyganics laundry products in a basket with clothes.

The fragrance-free 3x Laundry Detergent and Dryer Sheets from Babyganics is a dynamic duo for laundry rooms to have. The detergent is made from plant-derived formula that gently cleans clothing, cloth diapers. The dryer sheets help to soften clothes and reduce static without using parabens, synthetic fragrances, or dyes.

Shiny surfaces

Dirt and muck can be found everywhere, especially when kids and pets are at home. Sticky fingers and yucky paws are the cause for most of these messes.  

Babyganics has fragrant-free All-Purpose Surface Wipes that will help clean surfaces quickly so playtime can continue without skipping a beat. Created with plant-driven cleaning power, these wipes make cleaning tabletops, toys, and floors simple to do! 

Gentle Cleaning at Home with Babyganics
Hand cleaning tabletop with Babyganics All-Purpose Surface Wipes.

My workstation is where crafts are created and where our cat likes to survey his boundaries. There is always a mess of some sort left behind once they leave this space. It is great to just have to pop the top, pull out a sheet, and wipe the surface clean. I am so happy I don’t have to think about what chemicals may be left behind after this spot is cleaned. My kids and cat can be here all day and enjoy their time here!

Dish duty done

A sink full of dishes is something my other half and I loath looking at.  Cleaning them well without harsh chemicals is an added bonus. The Foaming Dish & Bottle Soap Babyganics formulated does both of these things! It instantly foams and leaves no residue behind. It also works on breast pump accessories. 

Gentle Cleaning at Home with Babyganics
Babyganics Dish and Bottle Soap beside a dish drying rack with dishes.

It was really nice to get through Dish Duty in my kitchen with this dish soap on hand. The soap pumped easily out from the bottle to help cut through the grime on our dishes. I liked that this dish soap is fragrance-free. There are times that scents make me feel a bit queasy. The foaming soap also makes for a more fun experience while plowing through this task.

Kiddie cleanup

As I mentioned before, kids seem to have a knack for attracting dirt. Keeping them clean can be a daunting task, but Babyganics can give you a hand. They have a collection of products to help keep littles clean while being gentle on their skin.

Wiping away muck

It always amazes me when I see my children’s hands after they have had fun. Glue, markers, and dirt can be found on their hands, arms, and faces, yet they never know how these messes happen. Babyganics Hand, Face & Baby Wipes gives me some peace of mind knowing they can get cleaned up easier.

Girl cleaning her hands with Babyganic Hands, Face & Body Wipes.
Girl cleaning her hands with Babyganic Hands, Face & Body Wipes.

These wipes help to hydrate and nourish while removing dirt off of skin. Thick and durable, these wipes are tough enough to hold up against how rough my kids need to take muck off of their skin.

Bath time bubble fun 

Bath time is a negotiation for my kids. They try to talk their way out of getting cleaned up after a day of fun. The Bubble Bath and Shampoo + Body Wash Babyganics created make this time for day for my littles a fun affair.

Gentle Cleaning at Home with Babyganics
Babyganics bath products with towels on a tub.

Suds of fun

Formulated with plant-derived and certified organic ingredients, this bubble bath was welcomed by my kids! It took only a few squeezes to get our bath full of suds. They loved the calming chamomile verbena scent, but it is also nice to have the fragrance-free version on hand should we have other kids visiting with very sensitive skin. 

Babyganis Bubble Bath being poured into tub.
Babyganis Bubble Bath being poured into tub.

Foaming soap = easy bath time

When it came time to get down to business, the Shampoo + Body Wash was fun for them to use. A few pumps onto a cloth or a puff makes this foamy soap easy to use for younger users. 

Hands pumping Babyganics Shampoo + Body Wash on a puff.
Hands pumping Babyganics Shampoo + Body Wash on a puff.

My littles worry about getting shampoo in their eyes. Do you blame them? It stings and takes a while to rinse out. This shampoo and body wash is a tear-free formula, so when it came into contact with their eyes, it did not hurt them. 

It took a bit of negotiating for me to get them out of the tub after using this dynamo combo! Both kids wanted to splash and clean after they were clean for longer in the tub. They now enjoy this part of their routine!

Gentle cleaning around your home

Our family really enjoyed using products from Babyganics! It is great that they are created with plant-derived ingredients and that they make caring for our home and skin simple and fun. We liked that there are so many products to choose from that can give us a helping hand. From our main floor and kitchen, to our laundry room and bathroom, gentle cleaning is easy with Babyganics products! We are so happy to have them as part of our cleaning crew!

Gentle Cleaning at Home with Babyganics
Gentle Cleaning at Home with Babyganics

Would you like to find more products from Babyganics? We found out about them by checking out their website and by following them on their Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest pages!

Disclaimer: I received products from Babyganics in order to write this review. The views I shared are my own.

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