Sleep deprivation seems like a standard feature of motherhood. Whether it’s your newborn waking up every hour, or your preschooler keeps having nightmares, or it’s your teenager thumping up the stairs late after curfew, sleep doesn’t seem to come easy to mothers regardless of their children’s age. As soon as your head hits the pillow, you hear the alarm and have no choice but to wake up. Sleep deprivation can have adverse effects on your brain function, performance levels, and overall health. You will find below are a few sleep hacks to help tired moms sleep better!
Sleep-Deprived Mom?
5 Genius Sleep Hacks for the Tired Mom
Woman sleeping in a bed.
Stick To a Sleep Schedule
Regular sleep patterns help to set your internal body clock to expect sleep at a certain time every night. This allows you to fall asleep much faster. Try going to bed and getting up at the same time every day, even on the weekends. Set your bedtime to when you normally feel tired. If you’re unable to fall asleep within 20 minutes, get out of bed and do something relaxing to avoid turning and tossing.
Have a Relaxing Bedtime Ritual
A typical day for any mom is filled with a never-ending to-do list that causes physical drain, not to mention strong emotional feelings of anger, anxiety, stress, and worry from work and life. Your body and mind need time to unwind and relax before going into sleep mode. You need to associate yourself with restful activities or try out some relaxation techniques before bedtime. Examples include reading a book, deep breathing, meditation, a relaxing massage, listening to relaxing music, etc.
Books in a basket.
Create a Good Sleep Environment
Your sleep environment also plays a huge role in ensuring a good night’s sleep. Start by removing any distractions, including computers, TV, phones, and work materials, to help strengthen the mental association of your bedroom with sleep. Also, keep the room quiet, dark, and cool to establish the conditions necessary for sleep. Lastly, ensure your bedroom is equipped with a comfortable bed, mattress, and bedding. The top mattress picks available in the market are ideal for every kind of sleeper and suit every budget.
Avoid Caffeine Late In the Day
Caffeine has many benefits, including enhancing focus and energy. But it’s also a stimulant and can stay in the body for up to 8 hours. Taking caffeine late in the day will only stimulate your nervous system and hinder your body from relaxing naturally at night. Some of the common sources of caffeine include coffee, non-herbal tea, soft drinks, some pain relievers, diet drugs, and chocolate. In the evening, stick with decaffeinated coffee or better yet, take warm water or herbal tea.
Sleep-Deprived Mom? 5 Genius Sleep Hacks for the Tired Mom
Exercise Regularly
Exercising every day can help improve sleep quality in several ways. For starters, it elevates body temperature. Later in the day when your internal body temperature drops, it triggers feelings of drowsiness, allowing you to fall asleep much faster. Exercise can also help decompress your mind, leaving you stress and worry-free. It’s, however, important to time your workouts at least 3 hours before bedtime. This is because exercise has a stimulatory effect, which increases alertness and makes it harder to fall asleep.
Do you have any sleep hacks to share with us? Comment below!
Canadians are comparatively fortunate to live in today’s market. According to Global News Canada, borrowers have been able to weather three Bank of Canada interest hikes and consumer delinquency rates – – the percent of non-mortgage loan payments more than 90 days late – – are at a two-year low. Canada is actually on track to record its longest period of economic expansion. In the midst of a prolonged economic expansion; however, the risk for a recession becomes more likely.
Financial crisis/recession
So how can you prepare your family for the next recession?
Here on Ottawa Mommy Club we have written before about how saving money is good practice. From taking advantage of cash back reward programs to paying more attention to your spending habits. In the event of an economic downturn, however, mothers and their families may be forced to get more creative.
In Hamilton Spectator’s article on preparing for a recession, readers are made to understand that any recession will entail a period of job loss and tightened credit requirements. Thus, one tip is implementing a 50/20/30 budget: putting away 50% of your after-tax income for must-have expenses and allocating 30% towards wants and 20% towards debt payment and savings. Giving yourself a certain spending limit is a good way to protect yourself against reduced hours or even job loss.
increase your financial flexibility
Another good pre-caution would be to increase your financial flexibility. This can be done by giving yourself means for additional credit. Homeowners can do this by setting up a home equity line of credit or switching to one with a higher limit. For non-homeowners, you can do this by having a number of credit cards and keeping multiple credit lines open and unused. It is also advisable that you prioritize paying off credit card debt, as this can save you money on interest and free up credit for you to use later on.
Preparing Your Family For the Next Recession
Invest in Gold
Of course, investing is always a good option. While this may typically mean buying stocks, Christina Gayton’s article notes how safe haven assets like gold may be a better choice. Gold is a commodity and despite tougher economic times people will still want gold jewelry and decorations, which most of us already have.
Additionally, unlike stocks, investing in gold has historically been touted as a safe haven as it offers stability for traders and investors. In this regard, the gold price chart on FXCM shows how the price of gold has remained strong in 2019, after dropping to as low as $1171 ($CAN 1159.25) in August last year. Much of this increase has been due to the threat of the US/China trade war and the anticipated havoc it could wreak on the world’s two largest economies – the ripple effects of which will no doubt reach Canada. Although gold has its detractors, the precious metal has historically experienced booms in times of economic recession, meaning its best to buy it low during times of economic expansion and sell it off later for a quick profit.
Gold bars
Regardless of what happens with the economy, taking precautions always makes sense. Heeding these steps now could make all the difference tomorrow in preparing your family for the next recession.
The master bedroom should be the most tranquil room in the house, and a thorough spring cleaning will give it a good start to helping it stay a tranquil zone throughout the rest of the year.
This will involve cleaning into nooks and crannies and making sure that every piece of linen in the bedroom is washed, ironed, and beautiful, and while it will involve some elbow grease, the satisfaction of having an airy, organized, spotless nighttime abode will be well worth the time spent with disinfectant, mops, and other cleaning supplies.
Laptop, coffee in a mug and cupcake on a bed
Here’s a guide to help you:
1. The bed and bedding.
Wash all the bedding, and leave your mattress in the sun for as long as possible, remembering to flip the mattress. Evaluate whether new bed linens need to be purchased. Wash your pillows, comforter, and other throws or bed blankets.
Clear out everything from under the bed. If you have storage units under your bed, you’ll want to move those as well, so that you can vacuum, and perhaps unearth some long-lost items. Once everything underneath is spotless, return your storage items back under the bed, provided that you are sure these items belong under the bed, and couldn’t be stored in the garage, or some other place in the house.
Bed and side table
2. Dresser drawers and bedside tables.
Pull everything out, and decide whether what is in your bedside table or dresser drawers deserves a place in your bedroom. Wipe down the surfaces, sort, declutter, and organize. Don’t settle on simply shifting items from one place of the room to another, but decide on not allowing anything onto a bedside table or dresser drawer that doesn’t belong there or serve some kind of function. Clean lampshades, and wipe down picture frames and other dust catching items within the room.
3. Windows.
Take down curtains and have them washed. Wipe and clean window panes, window sills and ledges.
4. Floors.
Sweep or vacuum your floor. If your carpet is looking worn, consider purchasing a new one, or having it specially cleaned. If you have wooden paneling, it may be in need of a coat of wax, or some other treatment for wooden floors.
Spring Cleaning Tips for the Master Bedroom
Finally, take some time to consider whether there are any other improvements that need doing within your master bedroom that you’ve been putting off till some convenient time. This is your official chance to perfect your bedroom and make your inner lair as peaceful as possible.
Have you been hearing about essential oils everywhere and hoping to get in on the action? Are you not sure where to start on using them for yourself? If you’ve been wondering how to use essential oils, you’re in luck. We’re going to cover some of the basics now.
Essential oil bottles
Buying Essential oils
High-quality aromatherapy essential oils may be purchased from a qualified aromatherapist, at health food stores, pharmacies, or from a reputable brand. Aromatherapy has long since been used to help treat a whole range of physical and mental health conditions, from premenstrual syndrome to anxiety, back pain to memory loss. However, it is important to always follow safety guidelines for using them and to buy aromatherapy products from good quality sources.
As with most foods, there is a huge amount of difference in terms of quality of aromatherapy oils, depending on where the oils are purchased. It’s always best to purchase essential oils through a qualified aromatherapist, who will be able to provide in-depth information on how aromatherapy products should best be used, as well as advice on safety guidelines. Stores and health-care pharmacies will typically offer a range of aromatherapy oils.
In The Essential Oils Handbook, Harding highlights that it is always best to purchase quality essential oils for aromatherapy from suppliers who source their products carefully. This is primarily due to the fact that the higher the quality of essential oils, the more effective they tend to be and the less likely it is that any adverse reactions may result.
Aromatherapy diffuser
How To Use Essential Oils
Essential oils are versatile oils that can be used in a variety of ways to improve everything from your mood to your health. You just need to learn how to use them correctly. If administered improperly, rash and other side effects may occur. Some of them can even be poisonous if absorbed directly through the skin. Certain oils, like grapefruit, lemon, and orange can cause major skin irritations if applied before exposure to sun.
Diffusers
A diffuser releases the scent of essential oils into the air you breathe. It’s better than any air freshener you can buy in the store and comes without harsh chemicals. Place different diffusers in different rooms to enhance your moods. Citrus oils are great for the kitchen, lavender in the bedroom and eucalyptus in your office.
Applied Topically
Whether you want to soothe tired muscles or simply absorb moisture and health into your skin topically applying essential oils will help your body and mind. Mix a few drops of your favourite oil into a carrier oil such as coconut oil and massage into your skin. It is not recommended to use them undiluted.
Essential oils in an carrier oil bottle
Soak It In
Adding a few drops of essential oil to your bath is not recommended unless you combine essential oils with a carrier oil first. Oil and water don’t mix, so you don’t want essential oils to sit on top of the water and have the undiluted oil directly on your skin which can cause irritation and burn.
Internal Use
There seems to be a debate on whether or not essential oils should be used internally. Some of them that are food grade quality can be orally ingested such as cacao, chamomile, carrot, ginger, grapefruit, orange, and vanilla. There are also some you absolutely should never ingest like arborvitae, birch, cedarwood, cypress, eucalyptus, white fir, and wintergreen.
How to Use Essential Oils
Storing Essential Oils
Essential oils will last longer when stored in cooler conditions; most oils last around a year at room temperature and two years when kept in the fridge, while citrus oils and tea tree oils usually last half as long.
Practical information on storing aromatherapy essential oils include the following:
Keep aromatherapy oils in dark-glass bottles.
Store away from sunlight and UV rays make essential oils degrade.
Place refrigerated oils in tightly closed box to prevent affecting food.
Buy oils in screw-cap bottles.
Ensure caps screwed tight in storage to prevent oxidization.
After opening bottle, write shelf-life date on bottle from this point.
Use out-of-date oils as room fragrance.
As highlighted above, in order for aromatherapy oils to be effective in treating both physical and mental health conditions such as premenstrual syndrome, memory loss, anxiety and muscle cramps, essential oils must be purchased from suppliers who source oils carefully. Storage of essential oils to make them last longer, involves using dark-glass, screw-cap bottles placed in a tightly closed box in the refrigerator.
They are natural oils that have a wide variety of uses and mood effects. Whether you want to unwind from a stressful day or need a pick me up to tackle a busy day they can help you get on the right page!
The breakdown of a long-term relationship is among the most devastating realities that a lot of people have to go through. And this holds true in Canada, the US, and even the rest of the world. While it’s not necessarily bad, a breakup is still a significant event that triggers strong emotional reactions from those involved (the partners themselves) and those who are just caught in the circumstance (their children).
Girl holding a teddy bear
But there are steps that the partners can take to keep the breakup as easy as possible for their kids. In this article, some of these steps are presented.
Treat the former partner with dignity, even in their absence
More often than not, the kids of a separating couple are emotionally attached to both parents. Because of this, bad-mouthing the former partner in their absence is not going to help. This will only increase the stress in an already tense situation, and it might even make it worse.
In some cases, the incessant attacks of one parent on another can result in kids feeling guilty about still loving the parent who is continually loathed by the one that they live with. It will be for the best if both partners treat each other with respect even if they are not in each other’s presence. This sends the idea that the kids do not have to choose between the two, and that they still have the support of both parents, especially when times get rough. Moreover, treating your former partner with dignity, even in their absence, helps maintain your own sense of self-respect. When you behave in a dignified and respectful way, you can feel good about yourself and your actions.
Get good divorce lawyers
Before a divorce is finalized, details have to be ironed out. The division of any conjugal properties must be talked about thoroughly and an agreement has to be reached. The schedule of child visits has to be finalized as well. Some couples might find it too difficult to talk about these things with each other. Oftentimes, these couples end up hurting each other in the process.
In such cases, it’s best if both partners decide to just get good family lawyers and let them do the talking. This way, they are spared from the emotional turmoil that prolonged exposure to the former partner can bring.
Now what makes a good family lawyer? Aside from having a strong academic background, a good family law expert has years of experience under their belt. Look for a family lawyer in your area, or ask for recommendations from friends and family.
Be in the company of supportive people
No one can deny the importance of social support in day-to-day life. Friends and family are just the people that effectively lessen the impact of distressing events such as breakups. Because of this, it’s important for the partners to take care of themselves by accepting the support of friends and family members.
It can be complicated and emotionally challenging to go through a breakup, and it’s understandable that you might be looking for support during this time. If friends and family members are unavailable at this time, one option you might consider is joining a support group specifically for people who are going through a breakup or dealing with the end of a relationship.
These groups can provide a safe and supportive space to talk about your feelings, share your experiences, and receive emotional support from others who are going through similar challenges. They can also be a great way to connect with others who may be able to offer advice or perspective based on their own experiences.
You can find a breakup support group in your local area by searching online, contacting a local mental health organization or counselling centre, or asking your healthcare provider for recommendations. They can include in-person groups, online groups, and phone or video-based groups. Some are run by trained therapists or counsellors, while others are informal peer support groups.
While it’s true that the unfolding of events is difficult for the children, the partners also have to honestly acknowledge that the whole process is difficult for them too. It’s not bad to seek help and assistance. Doing so is not a sign of weakness, it’s a natural part of being human. And it’s important to pay attention to it, so that there won’t be pent up resentment that can eventually affect them being parents to their children.
How to Protect the Kids From the Troubles of a Marriage Breakup
You have a penchant for the creative, and a flare for artistic design. If you do, you can look at an advertisement, a product label, or a website and can tell immediately if it’s a design success or a colossal flop. Youhave the eye of a designer, but where in that very broad career spectrum does your true strength reside? If you’ve been mulling over a potential career in design, but aren’t entirely sure which field appeals to you most, this article will aim to help you narrow your focus.
What Does a Graphic Designer Do?
Graphic design involves communicating a brand’s message or purpose through visual material. The outputs delivered by a graphic designer can vary greatly, ranging from a simple logo to the design and layout of an entire website. Within the relatively broad realm of graphic design resides a number of specialities, where designers can choose to focus their efforts on delivering poignant print marketing material, motion graphics and animation.
Graphic designers employ a finite list of design elements to create designs that are visually striking, and more importantly, memorable to the viewer. These elements include:
Line weight;
Colour;
Shapes;
Size;
Forms;
Texture;
Space.
While it’s difficult to dial-in on exactly what a student of graphic design can expect to do upon graduation, some of the most common roles that count graphic design amongst the required skills include:
Graphic designer;
Graphic artist;
Web designer;
Visual designer;
Art director;
User Experience designer.
What Does a UX (User Experience) Designer Do?
Like the name implies, UX designers are the professionals that companies hire to ensure that their software and mobile apps, are user-friendly and intuitive. They evaluate how well a particular product or service anticipates and works with a user’s needs, and can help companies ensure their website and software is accessible and inclusive to all potential users.
UX designers are guided by one very important principle: is the user going to find this easy or frustrating to use? UX designers typically work in developing wireframes, A/B testing models and web programming languages. They possess the unique ability of being able to combine aesthetically pleasing design with functionality. If a website looks good but is difficult to navigate, it will fail to promote repeated use. Likewise, if a piece of software works well but is aesthetically dated, people won’t enjoy using it. Here are a few of the tools the prospective UX designer should have at their disposal:
Visual design;
Adobe Photoshop;
HTML5;
Web design;
JavaScript;
Usability testing;
Prototype development;
Information architecture.
What Does a Creature and Character Designer Do?
To put it simply, creature and character designers are vital to the success of many television shows, movies and video games. If the characters are poorly conceived, it shows. If the characters are poorly rendered, it shows. It also shows, if the characters don’t move in the way they should. The point is, creature and character designers make the unbelievable believable, and the success of the program or game in question often hinges on their skills.
Of course, a successful creature and character designer has many tools in his or her toolkit. They must be able to create anatomically correct creatures and beings while still somehow adding otherworldly qualities. Being a skilled 2D artist will help during the development process, but a skilled creature and character designer will need to be able to create realistic 3D renderings using sophisticated software programs, such as ZBrush.
A character designer works alongside a number of stakeholders to turn a description of a creature or character into a full-fledged, on-screen being. From 2D, roughly sketched concept art to full-on 3D sculpting including texture and colour, the creature and character designer is responsible for bringing to life the vision of the director and writers, and ensuring that a digital element looks and moves the way the audience would expect it to.
Well designed living room
What Does an Interior Designer Do?
It might appear that interior designers don’t share much with the other disciplines, but that isn’t necessarily the case. Interior design involves more than matching paint swatches with fabrics. A good interior designer can access a physical space and unlock its unused functionality and maximize its aesthetic potential. Many of the same design elements that govern graphic design are used by interior designers, but rather than making use of the Adobe Suite of products, this designer’s weapon of choice is Computer Aided Drafting/Design (CAD) software.
What Does a Photographer Do?
Similar to interior designers, photographers (at first glance) seem to dwell on the fringe of the design world. Ask any photographer, however, and they’ll tell you that photography involves more than simply pointing and clicking a button. A competent photographer is able to tell a story in just one frame, a valuable skill highly sought after by marketing companies. Photographers must also consider things like lighting and composition when framing a shot, and can spend hours editing pictures using programs such as Adobe Photoshop to increase the impact of the image.
What Does an Advertising & Promotions Manager Do?
Professionals in this realm of design need to be able to take a macroscopic view of a company in order to help develop concepts for various marketing campaigns. There is also a sales element to this role, so the prospective promotions manager needs to be comfortable navigating customers through contracts and help paint “the big picture” to those that lack a similar artistic vision.
Different Types of Design Careers
The point of all this is, you needn’t worry about carving out a niche for yourself if you don’t want to as there are numerous career paths that you can take that are challenging, engaging and rewarding. Best of all, the list of designer-type careers is ever growing, something that many industries simply cannot claim.
Are you that parent who does their child’s homework? Do you decide who your kid gets to play with, and never allow him to be out on his own? Do you tend to do things for your kid, that he can probably easily do on his own? If you’ve answered yes to these, it’s known as helicopter parenting.
Girl looking at at laptop
Helicopter Parenting: What It Is And How You Can Stop Doing It
But hey! Don’t be offended yet! Helicopter parenting is basically micromanaging stuff for your kid. You may feel like you’re making the good choices for your kid, and that you’re actually helping him/her, but in fact, it is the other way round.
If you decide your kid’s every move and do everything for him/her, you’re basically spoon feeding him/her and not allowing him/her to grow and make decisions for himself/herself. If your child is constantly overshadowed by your moves and actions on his/her life, he/she will be unable to make decisions for himself/herself, and it’ll make him/her rely on you more than he actually should.
This will not only affect his progress and growth in his school life but also his personal and social life in more ways than one.
Whether it is the fear that your little one will be unable to cope with a particular aspect or being influenced by other parents around you, there are many possible reasons why you might be obsessed about handling everything for your kid. No matter what the reason is though, here’s how you can actually stop doing it.
Woman looking at at boy
1. Don’t hover over your kid while he performs day to day activities.
Give him/her his space and let him/her do things his way. Even if he/she makes mistakes, let him/her do it, because your child will learn from them.
2. Don’t label your kid.
Like ever. Even if your kid is unable to do something right, never put a stamp on it.
3. Allow your kid to make some choices.
It can be picking a new outfit or a new book. Allow him/her to explore and think differently than you do.
4. Don’t be obsessed over everything your child does.
Learn to take little things lightly, and even if your child makes small mistakes, don’t make a big deal out of it. Your child is a human after all, and a little human at that. He’s allowed to make mistakes.
Helicopter Parenting_ What it is and How you Can Stop Doing It
These are simple tips to help you not do helicopter parenting! They will help you along the way! It is a process and don’t be too hard on yourself as well if you don’t get it right every time. As long as your child has his/her space to make his/her own choices, you’re making progress and preparing your kid for adulthood!
Have you ever tried making homemade soap? You won’t believe how easy it is to whip up a batch of this lavender vanilla soap recipe.
This soap is made with shea butter melt and pour soap base, dried flowers and some fragrant essential oil to make a soap that is so luxurious! It smells amazing and rivals any high priced boutique soap I have ever tried. It is perfect for sharing with someone special or just using in every bathroom of your house!
Homemade Lavender Vanilla Soap
There are many ways to make your own soap and if you think you might like it then you should definitely try it. It can be very rewarding and the soaps that you make can be wonderful for your use, giving as gifts, and even for selling should you decide that you would like to.
Oils
Soap is made from a chemical reaction between oils and fats and caustic soda (usually lye). This process is done everywhere real soap is made. However, the results of the soap and how it treats your skin has everything to do with which oils and or fats are used. If you make your own, you can decide what oils you use and which properties you seek. You can make soap with a certain type of later, a certain feel, or even with the benefits to your specific skin type. You have all the control.
Additives
You can choose what things are added to your soap. You can decide if you want an all natural soap that is colored naturally and fragranced with essence oil. You can decide if you want to add Vitamin E oil, herbs, Aloe Vera, or other great for your skin ingredients. It is all in your hands. Whether you wish for a rich soap or one that will help even out your oily skin, you can do it all with just a little research.
You can also add wonderful products such as cucumbers, fruits, avocados, and even milk. Honey, sugar, and oatmeal are some other fantastic options for a great bar of soap.
Fragrances
You can choose to make your soaps with fragrance oils (synthetics) or with essence oil (all natural). You can also choose the fragrances that appeal to you. No more searching for the perfect bar of soap with a smell that you like, or can even handle. You get to decide what you want from many other choices.
Homemade Soap
Soap can be drying to the skin and having the right ingredients is important. However many of the bars of “soap” we buy today aren’t really soap. They are made from detergents, synthetic chemicals, and other options. These are particularly harsh on the skin. If you make your own soaps you don’t have to worry about these things.
Make your own homemade soaps can be a great advantage and can provide you with the perfect bar of soap any time. You can craft something worth talking about that has the perfect later and is healthy for your skin. You have the power.
Lavender Vanilla Soap Recipe
Making soap isn’t super complicated, it involves a little melting, a little mixing, a little pouring, and more than anything else, patience. Waiting for your soap to dry and harden is the most time consuming part of the process. It is worth the wait though!
While I made this soap in vanilla lavender fragrance, you can use any dried flowers or essential oils you prefer. This DIY lavender soap bars are versatile, it can work to suit your preferences or supplies on hand.
Helpful Tools
It is important to have a spray bottle of alcohol and a wooden craft or popsicle stick during the process. The wooden stick is perfect for stirring and it will save you from ruining your wooden spoons. The alcohol will be sprayed over the soap to prevent air bubbles and create a nice, smooth, uniform finish for your bars of homemade soap. It is a small step but it adds so much to the finished product.
You can find soap molds in a variety of shapes and sizes from retailers like Amazon. For this recipe, with the measurements given, I used rectangular molds and would recommend you do too if possible.
Just like any other room in your house, your bathroom needs to cleaned thoroughly and regularly to keep it sparkling clean. A clean airy bathroom is desirable and everyone would love to have a nice warm bath in a clean fresh nice smelling bathroom.
You can do your own bathroom spring cleaning if you are organized and have the right tools. Spring cleaning will remove any unwanted clutter, grime, and will definitely leave your bathroom with a sparkle. The following tips will help you to successfully spring clean your bathroom.
A cleaned bathroom
Do a cleaning checklist:
In order to make your work much easier, compile a checklist and segment your bathroom into areas such as the sink, bath tub, toilet, storage cabinet, windows, the floor, the walls, and the ceiling. This will also be a great time saver for you!
Get rid of all the expired products
There is nothing as annoying at looking at half used lotions that are collecting dust and worst of all have expired. Go through your lotions, soaps, body sprays, and any other body use products that have expired or you no longer use. Put away those products that are not expired and can be used another time
Empty your waste basket
Dispose of any trash in your waste basket and clean it well before putting back into the bathroom.
Dust the bathroom
Getting rid of cobwebs and dust from the walls, storage cabinets, under the sink area and any other areas is important. Remember to also dust the ceiling as well and the corners of the bathroom. This is something that should not take you long to do. After you have finished dusting the bathroom, sweep it clean before you can start using water to clean.
Clear the bathroom
Remove anything that is not stationary so that you have good space when cleaning the bathroom. You can find a place to keep the bathroom items until you have finished cleaning the bathroom.
Wash the bathroom linen
If you don’t have any spare bathroom linen such as the bathroom rag, a hand towel, and the shower curtain, you should wash them before you start cleaning the bathroom. Thus, you’ll have fresh linen after you have finished cleaning the bathroom!
How to Spring Clean the Bathroom
Start with the storage cabinet and bathroom organizer
Remove all the items in the bathroom organizer and storage cabinet so that you can thoroughly clean them. Use a damp cloth soaked in soapy water to clean these items. Use a dry cloth to dust the combs, toothpaste, and brushes before replacing them back into their holders. Soak your toothbrushes in hot water to kill any germs on them.
Clean the bathtub
Your bathtub needs more attention when cleaning because it is a high activity area with constant contact with dirt, water, and soap. Collection of grime, and mold is common in bathrooms especially if your don’t scrub the bath tub well after every use.
Grime and mold is usually found along the edges and corners of the bath tub, the shower curtain and the drain. Using a solution of water and soap or any other cleaning agent or your choice and a brush, start cleaning the bath tub till it sparkles. Rinse the bath tub well with plain water for a shine. Lastly clean the faucets and give them a new look too.
Clean the toilet
Another area that you should spend more time cleaning is the toilet and the surrounding areas. Using a toilet cleaner , scrub it well with a toilet brush and give it a new look. Remember to also clean the outside parts of the toilet using a damp cloth to remove all the accumulated dust.
Woman cleaning a toilet.
Clean the sink area
Cleaning the sink should not take you long, using a cleaning agent you can clean your sink under 10 minutes. Remember to also clean under the sink to give it a new look. Don’t forget to clean the faucets when cleaning the sink they also harbor grime especially around the grooves.
Clean the windows and floor
The bathroom windows should also be cleaned using soapy water and rinsing them well with plain water for a good shine. There are various window cleaning agents that you can use.
After you have finished cleaning all the areas well, the last place to clean is the bathroom floor. Remember it has been collecting all the dirt when you were cleaning the other areas. Use soapy water and rinse with plain water after for a clean floor.
Give your bathroom a new clean look and feel after spring cleaning. Use an air freshener to freshen up the air and return all the items that were there in their rightful places. Avoid clutter in the bathroom, get rid of items that you have been keeping in there and not using.
The frosty winds of winter have passed, and spring has finally arrived. It is time to stop living indoors and to start enjoying your outdoor living space. There are so many things you can do to make this part of your home ready for you to love. Not sure where to start? Here are five tips to help you set up your backyard oasis for outdoor fun!
How to Set Up Your Backyard Oasis for Outdoor Fun
Setting the stage
Getting your patio looking its best is important to be ready to entertain outdoors. The ice and snow from winter can leave behind dirt and grime on your deck, so giving it a good wash will help it to look good and be prepared for people to enjoy. A good clean-up around your yard and eco-friendly garden after a long winter also helps this part of your home look fabulous for outdoor fun.
What space do you want to enjoy?
Once the patio is sparkling, it is time to make it comfy for your loved ones. Finding the right pieces to fill this space is key to do this. Knowing how you will be using this part of your home will help you decide what type of furniture you need. As well, knowing the dimensions of this space is important. Buying furniture that does not fit well into this is not easy or enjoyable to return. Finally, search for pieces that blend into your outdoor living area. If your home has a modern feel, find pieces that reflect this look. It will look as though your outdoor space is an extension of your indoor space.
Add a bit of life to the mix
Outdoor deck with large plants.
Plants. Adding this bit of life to your deck or patio can help to brighten any space they occupy. A small bouquet of flowers or plants can be the star of a dining space or can adorn end tables. Larger plants can help fill in the empty spaces around your deck to make it feel more like home. Whether these plants are big or small, also take into consideration the conditions of your backyard. This will add to the health of these plants.
Outdoor storage goes a long way
Having places to keep items makes living outside easier. There are times when you want your outdoor space to be multipurpose for the whole family to love. Chest and ottomans that have storage space are great to accomplish this goal. These items make a great place to put toys and art supplies kids may want to play with while on your patio. Storage outside also allows for towels, dishes and other equipment to stay outside until they need to be brought indoors for the day. Hidden spaces outdoors also save on time from having to make extra trips in and out of your home.
Fire up the grill
What is entertaining outdoors without a barbecue! Firing up the grill can make your time outdoors so much fun for family and loved ones. Be ready to cook up a storm by cleaning out the grills and the interior of your barbecue. Make sure you are topped up with gas or charcoal so you are able to cook without running out of fuel. A great drink is a fun way to sip your way through and enjoy the day!
These tips will help you get your backyard oasis ready for living outdoors this year. A space that is comfortable to live in outdoors makes spending time outside more fun. Time in your outdoor space is great for you and your loved ones because you get the benefits of being outside and to make memories at the same time. Having your deck or patio set up for fun is a great first step to help to make this happen!
How do you like to enjoy your time in your backdoor oasis. Comment below!
YUM is the first word that comes to mind when I look at these cookies! Let’s face it; any cookie stuffed with caramel has got to be a winner. If you happen to be a Rolo fan this treat is right up your alley.
Except for the candy itself, you probably already have all of these cookie-making ingredients in your pantry. The recipe is just a basic chocolate cookie with a rich and gooey surprise inside… perfect for when you’re craving something sweet. Seriously, I dare you to eat just one!
I was surprised to learn that Rolos have actually been around since 1937. Who knew, right? They were introduced in the UK by a company called Mackintosh’s. Before that, the same company was well known for their toffee treats. Rolo was a “spinoff” version of one of them.
Rolo Stuffed Chocolate Cookies
Mackintosh’s eventually granted license to the New England Confectionery Company, which produced the Rolo brand in the United States. As of 1969, the Hershey Company took over production.
If you’re a Rolo aficionado, chances are you’re somewhat aware of all of the recipes that call for the candy. Performing a search will no doubt bring up ice cream options, muffin recipes, Rolo-infused yogurt, cookies (of course) and a whole lot more. And, don’t forget the now-famous McDonald’s Rolo McFlurry!
This particular candy is perfect for stuffing into cookies because of the way the caramel oozes when melted. It makes me think that popping one in a cup of steaming hot chocolate might result in the combination of chocolate and caramel goodness.
Do you give gifts of baked goods during the holidays? If so, why not whip up several batches of these to add to your goodie baskets? In this case, it’s always thoughtful to include the recipe so your family and friends can bake these yummy Rolo-stuffed chocolate cookies whenever their hearts desire
Rolo Stuffed Chocolate Cookies
Rolo Stuffed Chocolate Cookies
Cookie Ingredients:
2 1/2 cup flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup white sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, room temp
2 tsp vanilla
2 eggs, room temp
1 bag Rolo candy
Rolo Stuffed Chocolate Cookies
Cookie Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda together in a bowl.
Set aside.
Using an electric mixer beat both sugars and butter in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
Add vanilla and eggs; beating well.
Slowly add flour mixture at one tablespoon at a time, stirring well into sugar mixture and egg mixture. Place the cookie dough into your refrigerator for about 15 minutes.
Next, using a small ice cream scoop make the cookie dough into small balls.
Then place a Rolo candy into the center of the cookie dough ball.
If your dough gets too sticky return it to your refrigerator to harden up slightly.Place each cookie ball onto the lined cookie sheet, about 2 inches apart.
Bake at 375 for 7-10 minutes or until the baked cookie is slightly cracked.
Allow the cookies to cool on the cookie sheet for about 2 minutes.
Then transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
I hope you enjoyed this Rolo Stuffed Chocolate Cookies Recipe. If you make it, make sure to share with us on Facebook or Twitter! Also, check out all of our other Recipes.
Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda together in a bowl.
Set aside.
Using an electric mixer beat both sugars and butter in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
Add vanilla and eggs; beating well.
Slowly add flour mixture at one tablespoon at a time, stirring well into sugar mixture and egg mixture. Place the cookie dough into your refrigerator for about 15 minutes.
Next, using a small ice cream scoop make the cookie dough into small balls.
Then place a Rolo candy into the center of the cookie dough ball.
If your dough gets too sticky return it to your refrigerator to harden up slightly.Place each cookie ball onto the lined cookie sheet, about 2 inches apart.
Bake at 375 for 7-10 minutes or until the baked cookie is slightly cracked.
Allow the cookies to cool on the cookie sheet for about 2 minutes.
Then transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Did you know, our nation’s capital has MANY incredible museums? They are so fun to visit all year long but during our cold winter months, we were especially grateful to have these establishments so close by for exploring and keeping us busy. We had a great time at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum in Ottawa and you will find below our review!
Canada Aviation and Space Museum Review
Ingenium Museums 3-in-1 Membership
One of our favourite museums is the newly re-opened Canada Science and Technology Museum. I reviewed it a couple of months back for Ottawa Mommy Club and since then decided to visit the Canada Aviation & Space Museum. When you have a membership for Ingenium you get unlimited access to all three of their museums (Aviation, Science and Tech, and Agriculture), it’s such a great deal!
Ingenium Membership Benefits
Not only do you have access to all three Ottawa museums, but through their reciprocal agreement, you have access to over 360 museums and science centres throughout Canada and the world! You also have the option to purchase a parking pass which is really cost effective if you’re visiting the museums often. There is a 10% discount for members in their gift shops, and cafeterias. You can see all the perks here.
An Ottawa Museum Rich in History
The Canada Aviation and Space Museum is so neat, full of history with a collection containing a huge variety of aircrafts from before the 1stWorld War to today. Fun for adults but of course my 2 and 4 year old boys just get a kick out of looking at all these huge aircrafts. They were in awe!
One thing I love most about this museum is that it’s a HUGE space, so it’s perfect to let your littles run around, explore and burn energy. I feel confident taking the two of them there alone and not losing them. There is a big open space in the middle of the museum with all sorts of toy planes that they can sit on and drive, almost like tricycles. They absolutely love this, and that’s a big win for me!
Jax got a kick out of the simulator machine that you could pretend you are flying with your arms spread out following the on-screen instruction. This was pretty cool.
Fun Demonstrations
The museum offers demonstrations throughout the day at the back of the museum. We were there just in time for the ejection seat demonstration which happens at 2pm everyday, among many others. Jax got to demonstrate and thought this was really cool. Check out the museum’s video under Things to Do!
Guided Tours
Of course, you can do your own self-guided tour and spend all sorts of time at your own pace, but they do also offer guided tours. We went on a weekday which was great because we had the whole place to discover basically all by ourselves, however, had I known that they also do kids tours every Saturday at 11am, we will definitely do that next! Good thing we have a membership!
Spacious Play Area
Tucked away by the gift shop is a little play room full of toys including, planes (of course), blocks, puppets, colouring books, plenty of toddler tables, chairs and more! We wrapped up our day playing for a good 45 minutes, it was so fun they didn’t want to leave… it’s always fun playing with other people’s toys, right?
Jax, Hudson and I highly recommend the Canada Aviation & Space Museum and we can’t wait to visit again!
Last year, when I was planning a family visit to Walt Disney World for January 2019, it didn’t even occur to me to purchase a Disney World Annual Platinum Pass for myself versus a Disney World daily park ticket. In my mind, I thought the price must be so high that’s it’s not worth it, especially if we are only going to visit only once a year for a week. So, Should You Purchase A Disney World Annual Pass?
My family in front of Cinderella’s Castle at the Magic Kingdom
Should You Purchase A Disney World Annual Pass?
It’s only after arriving at Disney that I noticed on the Disney Experience App that I could upgrade to an Annual Platinum Pass. I was tempted to see what it was all about, and I am so glad I did! Not only could I receive a credit for the daily park tickets I had previously purchased, I was getting so much more in benefits from a Disney World Annual Platinum Pass!
Let me break it down to you!
Disney Platinum Plus Pass ( for non-Florida residents and no blackout dates – (pass fees may change, so check the Disney site)
Disney Annual Platinum Plus Pass Benefits
Admission for a year to all 4 theme parks, 2 Disney water parks, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, and Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course (No blockout dates)
The differences between the two are you get to visit 2 Disney water parks, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, and Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course for $100 US more with a Disney Platinum Plus Pass (for non-Florida residents).
The daily ticket fees (ticket fees may change, so check the Disney site)
When we purchased our tickets, Disney was offering a Canadian residents special pricing, (Canadian resident tickets expire 14 days after first use or by September 27, 2019, whichever comes first) and tickets had to be purchased between August 29, 2018 and March 15, 2019. At the present time, there is no special discounted ticket offers to Canadian residents.
6 Day Disney World Park Ticket fees
1 Park Per Day Ticket (ticket fees may change, so check the Disney site)
CAN Res. Special discount: 6-Day Ticket with Admission to 1 Park Per Day age 10+=$359.97USD
At the present time, regular daily price tickets for 6 days will vary per day from $72 US to $81 US depending on the day versus the $59 US that I paid. You are talking roughly about $100 US more for 6 days than with the Canadian special discount offer.
Enjoy admission to one theme park per day for each day of
your ticket. You can pick a different park each day.
6 day Disney Park Hopper Ticket fees
Park Hopper Ticket (ticket fees may change, so check the Disney site)
CAN Res. Special discount: 6-Day Ticket with Park Hopper Option age 10+=$430.26USD
At the present time, regular park hopper tickets for 6 days will vary per day from $86 US to $94 US depending on the day versus the $71 US that was available to Canadians. You are talking roughly about $100 US more for 6 days than with the Canadian special discount offer.
With the Park Hopper option, you can visit multiple theme parks on the same day for each day of your ticket.
Disney World Memory Maker
Disney Memory Maker included with an annual pass
You access and download Disney PhotoPass photos captured in
your account from the first valid date of your pass until your pass expires.
Plus, access and downloading is available after pass expiration for as long as
the photo is stored in the system (365 days from date of capture). Entitlement
also includes discounted prices on prints and physical product purchases. If
you are wearing your MagicBand, it automatically links attraction photos and
videos to your Disney account.
Disney Memory Maker Purchased
The Disney Memory Maker– Advance Purchase price is $169 US and any photos taken within 3 days of the date Memory Maker is purchased are not included and must be purchased separately. The Memory Maker – Starts Immediately is $199 US. You must download all your PhotoPass photos and videos before they expire (45 days from the date they’re taken). Once they expire, they can no longer be purchased or downloaded. If you are wearing your MagicBand, it automatically links attraction photos and videos to your Disney account.
Photos include:
Disney PhotoPass Photographers
Disney PhotoPass Photographers are available at iconic
locations throughout Walt Disney World Resort to capture all of your magical
moments. They are in front and to the side of the Cinderella Castle, in front
of Spaceship Earth at Epcot, taking photos of you hugging your favourite Disney
Character, and so much more.
Magic Kingdom Cinderella Castle during Christmas
Treasure Shots
Treasure shots are a photo taking of your family plummeting
down Splash
Mountain or a slow-motion video as you zoom around a corner on Seven
Dwarfs Mine Train.
Magic Shots
Magic Shots add Disney Characters such as Tinker Bell and
other fun surprises to your photos after they’re taken.
Disney PhotoPass Magic Shot
Dining Photos
They will take your photos at select restaurants and dining
experiences, before or after your meal as you get to enjoy your favourite
Disney Characters.
Disney PhotoPass Service Studio
You can capture magical portraits with standard or virtual
backdrops at the Disney Springs location.
There are 3 dining plans available: the Quick Service Disney Dining Plan, the Disney Dining Plan, and the Deluxe Disney Dining Plan. When I booked our room at the Disney Resort, no Free Dining plans were available during this time. After looking at the dining plan options versus my choices of restaurants, meals, snacks, beverages, and drinks, I decided to purchase my own food versus getting a paid plan.
Cast Member, Nicole, at Be Our Guest restaurant at Disney.
Let’s do the Math
Now, let’s do the math and see how much it cost for myself to visit Walt Disney World for 6 days:
Without a Disney Annual Pass (with special Canadian Ticket offer (ticket fees may change, so check the Disney site)
CAN Res. 6-Day Ticket with Park Hopper Option age 10+=$430.26USD
Memory Maker= 169 US/valid for 1 trip only
Food at all parks: $100 US/day X 6 days=$600 US
Merchandise: 500 US
Parking: $25 US/6 days: $150 US
Total cost: $1849.26 US
With a Disney Platinum Pass (pass fees may change, so check the Disney sites)
Cost: $894.00 US ( Park Hopper )
Memory Maker included for the year
Parking Included
Food at all parks: $100 US/day ($70 US applicable X 6 days=$420 X 10% discount) =$378 US + ($100 US- $70 US =$30 US X 6 days) =$558 US
Merchandise: 500 US X 15% discount (some were 10% others $20 %, average was 15%) = $425 US
Total cost: $1877 US
Should You Purchase A Disney World Annual Pass?
Should You Purchase A Disney World Annual Pass?
From what you can see, it would cost me more to purchase the Disney Annual Platinum Pass with the amount that I spent at the Parks. I was lucky enough to get the discounted Canadian day/park hopper ticket rate on this trip. At this time, with no Canadian discount on the daily park ticket rates, it would cost me about an extra $100 in Day tickets for 6 days to make my total purchases to roughly $1949.26 US versus $1877 US with the Annual Platinum Pass.
Hollywood Studios Toy Story Land
When I called Walt Disney World customer service to discuss the benefits of having an Platinum Annual Pass, she mentioned that all of my family members with me also benefit from the Passholder % off discount for dining, entertainment, and merchandise purchased at Walt Disney World. As long as I was present for the purchases and the meals, the discount applied to the bill. It is on select merchandise stores and dining locations, but there are lots to choose from. I only need to purchase 1 Disney Annual Platinum Pass to get the discount applied!
Walt Disney World Passholder logo
Yes, I ended up purchasing the Disney Platinum Pass for myself! I saved an extra $127 US in food and $168 US in merchandise from the purchased that I made for my other family members. Based on my family’s spending habits on this trip, it was more economical as we saved money in the long run.
There are also added perks for being a Passholder such as:
Mother’s Day will be here before you know it. Do you know what you’re going to give your mom this year? You can never go wrong with the traditional flowers and candy but, why not spice things up a bit? In addition to these gifts, surprise her with a little something extra. You will find below a list of the 15 Great Gifts for Your Mom on Mother’s Day
15 Great Gifts for Your Mom on Mother’s Day
Don’t wait until Mother’s Day arrives to start searching for great gifts for your mom. Now is a great time to start thinking about what she might want. This way, you’ll have time to shop around or online and look for exactly the ideal gift your mother!
Here are 15 best Mother’s Day gifts that she will love:
1. Buy mom a mug
There are many Mom Mugs that you can purchase and some can even be personalized with her name or fun catch phrase. It will be a great gift for her to enjoy drinking her morning cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate with a sweet message that’s just for her. It’s the perfect gift for Mother’s Day!
2. Give mom jewelry
Necklaces, earrings, and bracelets to match are always a big hit on Mother’s Day, but before you splurge on jewelry, find out what styles she likes best!
3. Give mom an Umbrella
Show your thoughtful side when you gift her an umbrella that ensures she won’t get drenched in a downpour. With a push-button design, it’s easy to carry, use, and store. I always seem to brake mine and need a new one every few years, so this is definitely a practical gift.
4. Buy mom a fitness tracker
Helping her maintain a healthy lifestyle by purchasing her a fitness tracker is a wonderful gift any mom will appreciate.
5. Buy mom a picture frame
A picture frame is ideal for capturing a special moment with your mother and your family in this pretty picture frame. It certainly makes for a thoughtful present on Mother’s Day.
6. Buy mom a knitting bowl
If your mom loves to knit, crochet, or if she uses yarn to make crafts, the knitting bowl is a great gift that she is sure to love. It holds the yarn in place when she pulls it off and keeps it from tangling up.
7. Give mom a spa set
This is something most moms love, but if she lives on a strict budget, she might not justify spending the money for it herself. Therefore, it makes a great Mother’s Day gift.
8. Give Mom a designer handbag
Find out what name brand and what style handbag your mom likes the best and get her a new one so she can switch them out once in a while.
9. Get Mom a scarf
Give her a scarf to make this the perfect finishing touch for her spring ensemble! Make a statement when you wear this sheer scarf over an outfit or as a light cover on a spring evening.
10. Add a Mother’s Day card with flowers
It’s sharing your feelings on how you truly feel about her on Mother’s Day. The sweet message of love and encouragement to an amazing mom is so precious and unforgettable. Flowers are always a nice gesture too!
11. NEW TABLET OR SMARTPHONE
Is the one she’s using now worn out or simply outdated? Surprise her with a new phone or tablet this Mother’s Day. She’ll love it!
12. CASHMERE ROBE AND SLIPPERS
Mom deserves the very best and she will feel like a million bucks when she relaxes in her soft comfy robe and slippers.
13. MONTHLY SUBSCRIPTION
It’s a thoughtful gift that shows you are thinking of her every month of the year! It can be to a magazine, Netflix, for a selection of wine, specialty food, chocolates, etc.
14. A GIFT CERTIFICATE FOR HER FAVOURITE RETAIL OR ONLINE STORE
This is perfect for the mom that’s hard to buy for and it’s a great way to say “I love you”. No matter what, she will love this Mother’s Day gift.
15. MATCHING JEWELRY SETS
Necklaces, earrings, watches, and rings are at the top of the list for best Mother’s Day gifts. With so many different options to choose from, this gift will fit into most any budget.
Growing children needs the best of foods to fulfill their nutritional requirements, and even if your kid isn’t a picky eater, you need to take steps to make sure he gets all the nutrients and minerals that he needs. So how exactly do you know you’re going right? Is there any actual way to know if your little one is deficient? It turns out- yes! Keep reading to find out 7 possible signs and symptoms of nutritional deficiencies in children.
Signs Your Kid Has a Nutritional Deficiency
1. Dryness of the Skin
A deficiency of fat soluble vitamins including vitamins A, D, E & K2 often results in dryness of the skin in children. If your little one seems to have dry skin that doesn’t resolve no matter what you do, you might want to include more of foods that contain these vitamins in his diet.
2. Cavities
Dental cavities are another common deficiency disorder noticed in children. Contrary to what we usually assume, sugar and candies aren’t entirely responsible for cavities. The lack of minerals and fat soluble vitamins is actually what worsens the problem.
3. Crowded Teeth
While overcrowding of teeth can happen due to hereditary issues, a lot of times, children tend to develop it because their diets have very low nutritive value and they tend to be more of processed foods.
4. Lethargy
Lethargy and general weakness, if observed often, is another clear sign of nutritional deficiencies in children. Iron deficiency in particular, is linked to low stamina and fatigue, and should be addressed at the earliest. Proper intake of vitamins for gut health can also support digestion and nutrient absorption, helping to maintain energy levels.
5. Frequent Cold
If your little one seems to catch cold very easily and has a weak immune system, it could be a sign that he isn’t getting enough essential vitamins and minerals through his diet. A balanced diet is usually enough to build a child’s immunity and make him less susceptible to falling ill.
7 Signs Your Kid Has a Nutritional Deficiency
6. Anxiety
Crankiness, anxiety and depression in children, are again, a strong pointer of improper nutrition. The lack of omega 3 fatty acids in particular, often results in anxiety in children, since these fats are concerned with the regulation of mood.
7. Hyperactivity
Yes, growing kids can be more active and energetic than the rest of us, but if you sense your little one is way more active than other kids of his age, it could point out towards hyperactivity, which usually happens due to poor gut flora concentration. The lack of adequate ‘good bacteria’ in the gut can affect the absorption of nutrients through food, which in turn, causes deficiency disorders and also results in hyperactivity in children.
Vitamin C Deficiency
Apart from these, obesity, mood swings and delay in speech development are some other signs that could hint towards nutritional deficiencies in children.
Does anything scream party food more than dip? Well, maybe birthday cake, but still, dip is the ultimate party food! It’s a dish that screams for everyone to gather round and grab a bite. There’s the classic cheese or onion dip, salsa, and even seven-layer dip. There are so many great dips to make and you will find below 12 easy homemade dips to make for the family!
Of course, while dip is party-friendly, you can also make a good dip and enjoy it on your own or with your family. Dips make great snacks and can usually be stored in the fridge for a few days. This means you can store some in a container and take it with you along with some fresh veggies for a great on-the-go snack.
Dips are perfect for parties, potlucks, and even movie night. While you can find a number of dips at the grocery store, you can’t beat homemade dips. When you make dips at home, you control the ingredients and you know that it’s made fresh. You can also have fun and change up the easy dip recipes to suit your taste. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make something brand new.
Healthy dips
As a mom, you might be interested to know that dips can also be a great way to hide healthy ingredients that you want your kids to eat. For example, you can hide a lot of vegetables in some delicious healthy dips. Your kids will have no idea they’re eating spinach or even broccoli when you add it into dip.
Easy Homemade Dip Recipes
Below you’ll find a number of easy dip recipes to make and sure to wow your guests. Whether you love hot or cold dips, there’s something for everyone. You can also find dips that are low-fat, high-fat, and somewhere in between. If you’re looking for a new dip recipe to try, you’re bound to find something you’ll love.
Not sure how turkey can make your gatherings a delicious affair this spring? Canadian Turkey wants to give you a hand to create a sensational easy to prepare recipe, Skillet Turkey Breakfast Hash, that will please your guests!
Now that the seasons have changed, it is time to plan some spring celebrations! This season brings with it warmer weather and many special occasions. This season makes great opportunities for loved ones to gather together. Food is a highlight of any occasion. Canadian turkey is a delicious protein to serve to make these get-togethers memorable.
How does Canadian turkey make spring celebrations easy?
Are you in the middle of planning a special day this spring? Turkey makes entertaining easy! This yummy protein is great for spring occasions such as:
Easter
Mother’s Day
Victoria Day
Father’s Day
graduations
conformations
spring communions
weekend brunches, and more!
When organizing a special event, cooking a whole turkey allows you to be a part of the action of your get-togethers. Roasting a whole turkey makes it easy to feed a large group of people and it can presented on the table in a beautiful fashion. Turkeys can also help you to calculate the amount of food you need per person and the cooking time involved to cook it. By having a bird roasting away in the oven, you are freed to mingle with your loved ones or tend to additional meal prep on your to-do list.
What about dietary concerns and preferences?
It is becoming more common to have guests who have dietary concerns and preferences. Can turkey help feed these loved ones? Yes, it can! Turkey provides a lighter and healthier menu that can still be spectacular to show off. Your loved ones can have their choice of dark or white selections to choose from. Turkey is also a lean meat that can be economical to shop for.
This fowl also allows for you to modify the flavours used to make it taste great! Creativity can be let loose by using different stuffing recipes, rubs, and marinades. You can also keep flavours simple by seasoning your bird with olive oil. Easy sides such as rice, potatoes, or a few veggies can help to complete an impressive meal.
Is there #AlwaysTimeForTurkey?
Wait! Turkey can be the star of any meal? Yes! You read that right! Turkey is great to eat for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, snacks and beyond! You can swap this bird for the protein you may usually use in recipes to create main dishes full of big, juicy flavour. Your loved ones will be wowed when the turkey hits their taste buds, and pleased when they do not suffer from experiencing a heavy meal hangover.
Spring really can be a great time for enjoying turkey, especially as a part of your celebrations at this time of the year. This is a Spring Entertaining Meal Guide Canadian Turkey shared to help you get started planning some yummy celebrations this season.
Are you not sure how turkey can excite your taste buds first thing in the morning? This Skillet Turkey Breakfast Hash has the ability to please your gang! Take a look at it below to see how to put it together!
Skillet Turkey Breakfast Hash Recipe
Skillet Turkey Breakfast Hash
Canadian Turkey wants to give you a hand to create a sensational easy to prepare recipe, Skillet Turkey Breakfast Hash!
Remove sausage meat from casings. Cook over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking up into chunks. Set aside. (You can also cut sausage into 1-inch slices).
In a non-stick skillet, heat oil. Cook potatoes until fork tender and cooked through, 12-15 minutes (cook time will depend on size). Remove from pan, season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
Add onions and peppers. Sauté until lightly browned and cooked through, 4-6 minutes. Lightly season with salt and pepper while cooking. In the last 2 minutes, add zucchini and continue to cook with peppers and onions until slightly softened.
To assemble hash; combine turkey sausage, potatoes, onions, peppers and zucchini.
Notes
TIP: Feel free to get creative with the ingredients in this dish. Mushrooms, eggplant, leeks or tomatoes are great options. You can also add in some grains like rice or wheat berries. Plan for leftovers! This dish tastes great at room temperature and makes a fantastic lunch the next day.
Curious to see more fabulous reasons why you should have Canadian turkey on your table this spring? Here are five of them that will make your everyday meals a delight!
5 Ways to Make Turkey Your Secret Weapon for Everyday Meals
1. Plan ahead!
When it comes to meal planning, a whole turkey delivers huge value as a ‘cook once, eat twice or more’ meal. You can buy a whole turkey to cook on the weekend and feed your family for several days during the week. Freeze portions of leftovers to use as meal-starters for quick weekday dinners and lunches.
2. Get back to basics!
Enjoying more meals at home is one of the best things you can do for your family. Cooking meals from scratch let you control the ingredients and include more health-boosting whole foods such as turkey, veggies and whole grains.
3. Boost your nutrients!
Turkey is packed with nutrients like vitamin B12 (important in keeping your nervous system – the body’s electrical wiring – working well), selenium (an antioxidant mineral) and zinc (for a strong immune system).
4. Make the switch!
Turkey makes a fantastic everyday choice for all your protein needs. Think about switching to turkey and turkey cuts for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. Turkey is lean, nutrient-rich and
packed with protein to give you long-lasting energy that powers you through your busy everyday schedules and activities.
Skillet Turkey Breakfast Hash Recipe
5. Bump up the protein!
Eating 20 to 30 grams of quality protein with all of your meals, along with being active, can help build and maintain muscle. Protein delivers hunger-curbing satisfaction to keep you energized for longer. Turkey is the power protein of choice – it’s an excellent source of high-quality protein with each 100 gram portion serving up about 30 grams of lean protein.
Turkey giving you a helping hand
Would you like to learn additional tips, recipes, and HOW TO’s to learn how to hop into spring celebrations? Visit Canadian Turkey to find some inspiration! The recipe section contains amazing recipes to help you create full meals, snacks, appetizers, and family favourites. There is also a treasure trove of ideas there to give you a hand to make some tasty make-ahead dishes and leftovers. Having these meals prepped and, in the freezer, makes busy weeknights easier to manage! Their WHOLE TURKEY HOW TO’s are full of helpful tips and instructions to get you through preparing a turkey.
Disclaimer: This post is generously sponsored by Canadian Turkey.
At Walt Disney World, the magical enchantment can be experienced at any age… Especially as an adult! There’s so much to see, so much to do, and so much to eat and drink that you may not know what to choose! To get you started, here are Five Disney Experiences for Adults you might not know about!
Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse statue in front of Cinderella’s Castle at Magic Kingdom park.
Five Disney Experiences for Adults
Disney experiences are not only for kids! You will discover below that they offer many experiences for adults too!
1. Disney-Themed Manicures & Pedicures at Disney Spas and Salons!
Two ladies receiving Pedicure at Walt Disney World Resort Spas. Photo Credit: Disney!
Before you leave for your Disney vacation, don’t get your nails done! Instead, book an appointment during your vacation for a Disney-Themed manicure or pedicure, and sit back to watch the magic unfold! Whether your favourite characters are from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, or Star Wars, you have over 100 designs and 132 colours to choose from at your heart’s desire!
Character Couture Makeovers at Walt Disney World Resorts. Three ladies with makeovers posing in front of Cinderella’s Castle at Magic Kingdom. Photo Credit: Disney! (Matt Stroshane, photographer)
Have you ever wished upon a star for an adult version of Bippity Boppity Boutique? Well, wish no further! Walt Disney World guests of all ages can now indulge in Custom Character-Couture packages! Allow Disney stylists to transform your hair, make up, and nails into a sophisticated style inspired by your favourite characters! The options are limitless! Perfect for all adults to experience at Disney.
These timeless transformations are offered to children 4+ (4-12) and adults! With a little pixie dust, you’ll be walking through the Parks as a regal princess, a galactic nerf-herding rebel from a galaxy far, far, away, or a mysteriously glamorous Disney villain — the possibilities are limitless!
3. Disney’s After Hours
Nighttime magic awaits you at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom theme parks for Disney After Hours! This ticketed event allows you to discover a 3 hour nightlife adventure by enjoying attractions and experiences with little-to-no-wait time starting from 7 PM! You may even catch the sinister Disney Villains running amok and causing mischief through the parks! Ice cream, select beverages, and popcorn are included in the price of the admission!That’s definitely one of the most fun Disney experiences for adults.
Two ladies posing with their drinks at Walt Disney World’s Epcot Park. Photo Credit: Disney!
4. Epcot’s “Drinking Around the World”
With Epcot offering 11 beautiful pavilions, including Canada, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, United States, Japan, and many more, “Drinking Around the World” consists of venturing around the World Showcase while stopping for snacks and drinks in each country. Thanks to Disney, as adults you can experience the beauty of each country in an exciting and delicious way, especially if you’re visiting the park duringEpcot’sInternational Food & Wine Festival!
5. Behind the Scenes Park Tours
If you’ve ever been curious to discover what kind of magic goes on across Walt Disney World Resort, then these Disney experiences for adults are perfect for you! You’ll get to experience a once-in-a-lifetime behind-the-scenes tours and get a glimpse of all the wizardry and hard work that happens behind the curtain. There are multiple tours to choose from, notably: The Backstage Magic Tour, The Disney Keys to the Kingdom Tour, The Backstage Tales Tour, and the Epcot Seas Aqua Tour.
Five Disney Experiences for Adults
Have fun with your adult friends at Disney by choosing one our Five Disney Experiences for Adults!
What are some of your favourite Disney experiences? Share them in the comments below!
Home is actually a deeper concept than just the simple and short word we hear. It’s not just walls that you raise in a part of the land, it’s not just the street number and the city name, convenient location, or square meters. So what can actually describe a “home”? It’s the feeling, the space that you live in, the people that are around you. It’s all a part of your life and it’s more than just material objects. But, even though the home is created with more than just physical things, there is a need for them to function correctly. If something breaks, you’re losing the ability to use and enjoy a part of your home as you’re used to, and you need to have it repaired. Is it worth renovating your home when everything works correctly? Is it worth to buy an old home and refresh its look?
Front of house
Is Renovating A Home The Answer To Everything?
Renovating a home can solve specific problems like outdated layouts, safety issues, energy inefficiency, or increasing resale value, but it’s not a universal solution: renovations can be costly, stressful, time-consuming, and may not address underlying financial, relationship, or location-related concerns; sometimes alternatives such as moving, decluttering, improving maintenance, or addressing non-housing problems (budgeting, counselling, lifestyle changes) are more effective depending on the goal.
To buy or not to buy?
Should you buy or not buy? There are many old houses on the market that require a major refurbishment. They’re built with a different standard than today and the technologies might be different. Is it worth to spend a fortune on a renovation? If you want to save some coins and buy an older mansion, you have to remember about the additional costs of renovation. The sum heavily depends on the state of the house. If it was renovated, you might only need to modernize and refresh the appearance. If no one really cared about refurbishments, you will spend some time trying to bring it back to the standard you want or need.
Restored home
So is it worth to invest money in the reconstruction of a house from about 40-50 years ago? It may turn out that it’s unprofitable, as it can even exceed the costs of demolition and setting up a new home. But that is very difficult to determine. The quality and standards changed a lot in the last fifty or so years. It might turn out that the materials are in a terrible state. Very old houses may, in fact, turn out to be a ruin, but they might just need some renovation. Houses built about ten to fifteen years ago might need only renovations. It’s up to you what you choose and which building style you like, you have to be careful about what you buy.
Is Renovating A Home The Answer To Everything?
Should I renovate if everything works well?
When you live in an apartment or a house long enough to be sure, that everything works and all you need to do is just paint the walls or change up furniture, you probably don’t really take the time to think about renovations at all. But you should. Why?
First of all, the great state of the building raises its value. If you’d like to sell it in the future, you can get a higher price just for keeping everything up to date. Even though you have to make an initial investment, the overall value will raise proportionally more than you put in. It’s worth to make the time and money to get future profits.
Man holding plans in front of a house
Things that serve you every day, like pipes, taps, showers, dishwashers, furniture, beds or doors get worn out after some time. Some of them might be used for five, ten or even twenty years, but eventually, they will need a replacement. Make sure that you won’t oversee the first stages of things going wrong. If you miss out the first signs of a leaky roof, you can get yourself flooded.
Pipe wrenches holding a pipe
Should You Renovate the Windows?
Renovating your old windows can be a wise decision even if you have an older house. It helps increase your energy savings and helps you recoup the costs in the long term. Replacing the old windows also help in increasing your home’s value. Besides, the latest windows can also help in increasing interior comfort. They can provide protection against heat and UV radiations from the sun. The protection provided extends not just to your family but also to your flooring, furniture, furnishings, and walls.
Old window
So eventually the choice of renovation depends on the condition of your home. If it is an old house, you should consider other more economical alternatives. On the other hand, if it was built more recently, it may be much more cost-effective to renovate it. There are, however, steps like windows replacement that can make your home more efficient and increase interior comfort in almost all scenarios.
When you can’t decide if you want a salty or sweet treat, make these Maple Bacon Cupcakes and have a taste of both.
I remember as a child having pancakes with a side of bacon and thinking what a wonderful flavour it was. When you dip the bacon in the maple syrup or it overflows onto the pieces on your plate the taste is divine. As you get older and start doing your own baking, you remember that discovery and decide you need to make something with bacon and maple. These bacon maple syrup cupcakes hit the spot!
Maple Bacon Cupcakes
Do you remember how you learned of maple and bacon being a delicious combination? If you need another salty and sweet treat check out this Bacon Maple Bread Pudding recipe.
Maple Bacon Cupcakes
Maple and Bacon are the perfect combinations of a sweet and salty treat. This recipe is made completely from scratch which makes them the best maple bacon cupcakes ever! If you want a quick cupcake recipe then just use a boxed cake mix and a can of frosting. They just won’t be the same homemade deliciousness. This recipe for maple bacon cupcakes calls for crumbled bacon bits, but if you are daring add an entire strip to the top. Since the icing will be sweet enough, I would stick to the amount of maple in the recipe. Remember it is all about balancing the bacon and maple flavours.
Best Tips for Frosting Cupcakes
Frosting cupcakes isn’t an easy task so if you are new to using a piping bag it may take a few times to get it right. That’s ok, you have 18 cupcakes in this recipe to frost.
First, make sure to have piping bags and tips. If you don’t have piping bags you can use a large ziplock type bad and just cut the corner and insert the tip. There are quite a few tips for piping icing so you have a choice. In this recipe, I use a #13.
Filling the piping bag may sound easy, but it can be a disaster. To make it easy, I use a large glass. I put the tip end in and then turn the open end over the top of the glass. This gives you enough space for twisting the end once the frosting is in the bag. Make sure not to overflow the piping bag.
It is important to keep a consistent flow with trying not to stop before you are finished. This vanilla frosting recipe for cupcakes should be thick and smooth so it doesn’t clog up the tip specifically for the smaller star tips.
Bacon Maple Cupcakes Recipe
Did you ever think that bacon and maple syrup combined together could make a sweet and delicious cupcake? An awesome recipe that you can make all year round, but especially during the maple syrup season. Why not purchase some maple syrup at your favourite local sugar bush to create these bacon and maple syrup cupcakes! These sweet and salty cupcakes can certainly be served with brunch or at a birthday party.
Makes 18 cupcakes
Cupcake Ingredients
1 ¾ cup flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2/3 cup sugar
2 eggs, room temperature
2 tbsp bacon fat
2 tbsp maple syrup
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup whole milk, room temperature
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
Maple syrup frosting ingredients
1 cup of unsalted butter (softened)
4 cup powder sugar
4 tbsp heavy whipping cream
1-2 tbsp maple syrup
1/4 cup chopped bacon
Maple Bacon Cupcakes Recipe
How to make maple bacon cupcakes
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Using the skillet, fry up the 6 pieces of bacon to your liking and then set aside to cool.
Line your cupcake pan with paper liners.
In a bowl combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk well. Set aside.
Now in a second bowl, mix together with your electric mixer sugar and eggs beating until well combined.
Add the oil, whole milk, bacon fat, maple syrup and vanilla to another bowl, stir to mix. Add this bowl of ingredients to the second bowl with sugar and eggs, again mixing well to combine. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients stirring just enough to blend all of the ingredients together.
Using a medium ice cream scoop fill each cupcake tin 2/3rds filled. Bake at 350 degrees for 16-18 minutes. Just stick a toothpick into the centre of your cupcake. If there is wet batter still on the toothpick, it needs more time in the oven. If it comes out clean, your cupcake is done.
Remove maple and bacon cupcakes from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Next transfer to a wire rack allowing them to cool completely.
How to make maple syrup frosting
Cream powder sugar, vanilla, maple syrup and butter until mixture is light and creamy. If for some reason it doesn’t cream you can add a few drops of heavy whipping cream until it creams.
Test to see if the frosting can form and hold a stiff peak by getting a spoonful of frosting and turning the spoon upside down to see if the frosting stays on the spoon or falls off. If it stays on the spoon, you’re in good shape if not, add more powder sugar 1/4 cup at a time and mix well.
Once the frosting is ready, fill a pastry bag with a size 13 tip. Twist the open end of the pastry bag and squeeze the frosting to the tip, Start at the outer edge of each cupcake moving in a circle inward to the centre of the cupcake.
Top with chopped bacon and maple syrup.
I hope you enjoyed these Maple Bacon Cupcakes With Maple Syrup Frosting. If you make it, make sure to share with us on Facebook or Twitter! Also, check out all of our other Recipes.
Bacon Maple Cupcakes
Lyne Proulx
Did you ever think that bacon and maple syrup combined together could make a sweet and delicious cupcake? It's so good!
Using the skillet, fry up the 6 pieces of bacon to your liking and then set aside to cool.
Line your cupcake pan with paper liners.
In a bowl combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk well. Set aside.
Now in a second bowl, mix together with your electric mixer sugar and eggs beating until well combined.
Add the oil, whole milk, bacon fat, maple syrup and vanilla to another bowl, stir to mix.
Add this bowl of ingredients to the second bowl with sugar and eggs, again mixing well to combine.
Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients stirring just enough to blend all of the ingredients together.
Using a medium ice cream scoop fill each cupcake tin 2/3rds filled. Bake at 350 degrees for 16-18 minutes. Just stick a toothpick into the centre of your cupcake. If there is wet batter still on the toothpick, it needs more time in the oven. If it comes out clean, your cupcake is done.
Remove cupcakes from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes.
Next transfer to a wire rack allowing them to cool completely.
Frosting the cupcakes
In a bowl, cream powder sugar, vanilla, maple syrup and butter until mixture is light and creamy. If for some reason it doesn’t cream you can add a few drops of heavy whipping cream until it creams.
Test to see if the frosting can form and hold a stiff peak by getting a spoonful of frosting and turning the spoon upside down to see if the frosting stays on the spoon or falls off. If it stays on the spoon, you’re in good shape if not, add more powder sugar 1/4 cup at a time and mix well.
Once the frosting is ready, fill a pastry bag with a size 13 tip.
Twist the open end of the pastry bag and squeeze the frosting to the tip. Start at the outer edge of each cupcake moving in a circle inward to the centre of the cupcake.
Top with chopped bacon and maple syrup.
Notes
BEST TIPS FOR FROSTING CUPCAKES
Frosting cupcakes isn’t an easy task so if you are new to using a piping bag it may take a few times to get it right. That’s ok, you have 18 cupcakes in this recipe to frost.First, make sure to have piping bags and tips. If you don’t have piping bags you can use a large ziplock type bad and just cut the corner and insert the tip. There are quite a few tips for piping icing so you have a choice. In this recipe, I use a #13.Filling the piping bag may sound easy, but it can be a disaster. To make it easy, I use a large glass. I put the tip end in and then turn the open end over the top of the glass. This gives you enough space for twisting the end once the frosting is in the bag. Make sure not to overflow the piping bag.It is important to keep a consistent flow with trying not to stop before you are finished. This vanilla frosting recipe for cupcakes should be thick and smooth so it doesn’t clog up the tip specifically for the smaller star tips.
After many months of learning how everything works at Disney, and experiencing it with my own eyes, I have compiled a list of 10 Disney Travel Tips for Adult First-Timers I’ve learned along the way that I wish I’d known before taking my first Walt Disney World trip!
From the moment I saw my very first Disney movie, travelling to Walt Disney World instantly became a beautiful dream I couldn’t get out of my head. I wanted to vacation there so badly, in fact, that I’d watch the promotional travel VHS tapes on repeat as a child, and hope that I’d someday be amongst my favourite princesses and Disney characters! (Not to mention, those promotional VHS tapes had the best songs to sing along to!) Unfortunately, upon realizing how expensive it is as I grew older, I’d long given up on that dream until late last year, as my family finally decided to jump the boat and make a Disney trip this past January. At the prime adult age of twenty-three, I was embarking on my first Disney trip!
Saying that you’re going to Walt Disney World is one thing, but planning it? That’s another thing entirely! Meal plans, hotels, plane tickets, FastPass+, PhotoPass, Magic Bands, Disney Park tickets, special events, off-season or not, … There was so much to coordinate, purchase, and organize that I was initially struggling to keep up with it! These handful tips below will surely be helpful if you are travelling to Disney World for the 1st time as an adult!
10 Disney Travel Tips for Adult First-Timers
Side view of Cinderella’s Castle at Magic Kingdom.
1. If you’re travelling from outside the United States, roaming isn’t always necessary!
I was skeptical at first concerning the reliability of Disney’s complimentary wifi service, but I’m pleased to say that the wifi network worked fantastically during my trip! It can be a little slow at times; however, I was successfully able to access all of my social media apps, answer texts, and even do FaceTime calls without any notable issues. Not once did I feel the need to turn on my roaming plan. Of course, it’s nice to have the option readily available if you need to turn it on for emergencies or calls! Otherwise, the resort and park wifi should cater to your needs!
2. Book your Disney dining up to 180 days in advance for up to 10 days.
The entrance of Be Our Guest Restaurant at Magic Kingdom.
For popular restaurants such as Be Our Guest and Cinderella’s Royal Table, if you already have your hotel booked, it’s best to also book your dining reservations up to 180 days in advance of your trip for 10 travel days! Popular times (especially around dinner-time) can disappear quickly, and if you choose to procrastinate and book a week before your trip, there may no longer be any reservations available for those specific days, or for the times you were hoping to have. Sitting down and planning this months in advance will save you from quite the mental headache later!
3. If you have a resort reservation, book your FastPass+ entertainment or rides 60 days in advance!
FastPass+ serves the purpose of holding your place in line for you, so you can enjoy your day at the park without spending the entire day in line. To get the most out of your FastPass+, use it towards the more popular/newer rides with the longest wait times! Since it comes at no extra charge with your park admission, plan ahead of time which day you’ll be visiting which park. It’ll be easier to get the rides you want most before the times rapidly fill up.
4. Familiarize yourself with the park’s quick service options!
One of the struggles I encountered during my trip was trying to discover quick-service and mobile ordering options I’d be interested in while using the park maps. When you’re hot and hungry, attempting to figure out where everyone wants to eat for lunch can feel near impossible. A solution I discovered was to familiarize and decide the night before at the resort which quick-service we would like to frequent the next day.
10 Disney Travel Tips for Adult First-Timers
5. Bring two pairs of comfortable shoes!
I made the mistake of wearing a lovely pair of flats for two days because it looked relatively nicer with my Star Wars and Marvel skirts, but I immediately regretted it after two, insanely busy non-stop days of walking around the parks. Bringing two pairs of comfortable shoes is ideal, particularly if something should happen to one pair, or you begin to get foot pain from your shoes. Packing an additional pair, in addition to testing out your shoe’s comfort before your Disney trip, is a must!
6. Ponchos for rainy days!
You never know when it might rain it Florida! Before our trip, I purchased a few ponchos from the dollar store that I could easily and readily put in my Disney backpack if the weather called for rain, instead of carrying around a raincoat or an umbrella all day long. Not only was it practical, but it saved so much packing space!
7. Reusable water bottles and mugs!
Bring your own reusable bottle at the park! There are water fountains aplenty! This will save you from constantly buying water bottles at the park on the daily. Plus, if you’re staying at any of the major Walt Disney World resorts, it’s worth purchasing a really cool refillable cup, called the Rapid Refill Mug. After playing a one-time affordable fee, you can refill your mug as many times as your heart desires during your resort stay at any refilling station for 7 days. Not only does it make a great dishwasher and microwave-safe souvenir, but you’re cutting down cost on food expenses! I wish I’d known about this awesome mug before my trip!
8. Mickey & Minnie Mouse Ears!
Beautiful Purple Minnie Ears from the new 2019 collection.
Almost everyone is proudly wearing their Mickey or Minnie Mouse ears around the parks! Be on the lookout for park exclusive ears during your visit if you’re interested in a specific design! They truly capture the Disney charm and make your photos a little more magical!
9. Use PhotoPass!
If the PhotoPass photographer lines aren’t too long, use them to your advantage! You can get a professionally photographed picture of you and your family in front of Walt Disney World’s most iconic landmarks, which will then be synced to your MagicBand. At the end of your trip, you can decide if you’d like to purchase Memory Maker, or a few individual pictures you loved the best. Especially if you’re visiting Disney for the first time, getting that professional, beautiful family picture in front of Cinderella’s Castle is worth it!
10. Indulge in everything Disney has to offer!
Whether you’re travelling off-peak or during Walt Disney World’s busiest seasons, be on the lookout for any special events happening! Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Epcot’s International Wine and Food Festival, and Mickey’s Not-So Scary Halloween Party are just a few of Disney’s many special events! For a more complete list of events, take a look at their park event calendar!
Do you have any helpful Disney travel tips for newcomers? Share them in the comments below!
Easter is the time of year the Christian Church set aside to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Through the years, this celebration has expanded to include the Easter bunny and Easter egg hunts are a big tradition for many families, but it’s not the only way to celebrate this holiday. Here are 6 great Easter ideas to do with your kids this year!
Easter eggs in a basket
Easter Ideas to Do with Your Kids
1. Easter Family Time
Set aside a special family time to teach your kids about Easter. Discover how it originated and the true meaning of this holiday. You can even discover how the Easter bunny came into play and learn about some of the interesting and popular traditions that many families share around the world.
2. Easter Baskets
Put together your own Easter baskets. You can buy Easter baskets already put together but it’s a lot more fun to make your own. All the kids can pitch in and help create the perfect basket for everyone in the family with contents you truly want.
3. Easter Eggs
Paint your eggs instead of dyeing them. Dyeing Easter eggs is an old tradition that’s a lot of fun but allowing your kids to paint their own pictures on them can be even more exciting. Toddlers can even get in on the action by decorating their eggs with stickers.
4. Easter Baking
Make baking together a new Easter tradition for your family. Make a cake or cookies in the shape of a bunny or Easter eggs and decorate or bake cupcakes with sprinkles on top. Get creative and come up with your own special Easter designs for your baked items.
5. Easter Egg Hunt
Take the traditional Easter egg hunt up a notch and make it more interesting with glow-in-the-dark eggs. It’s something kids of all ages will enjoy, even the teenager who thinks he’s too old for this tradition. Place glow sticks in clear plastic Easter eggs to make them glow. If you don’t expect the hunt to take too long, you can gather the family together and paint your eggs with glow-in-the-dark paint.
6 Great Easter Ideas to Do with Your Kids
6. Play Easter games
For example, pin the tail on the bunny and Easter bingo are always a big hit. Have a blind taste test where the players are blindfolded and guess what type of candy or desert they are tasting. The person who gets the most right wins the game, but be sure to have a little surprise for all players. You can also play runaway egg tag, have a jelly bean race, or you can put together a scavenger hunt!
Use these ideas to create your own special Easter tradition for your family to share with future generations!
Very few people like cleaning, and it seems even fewer people have the time to do so. Cleaning is like exercise, it should cost as little as possible! Below are some tips that can help you spring clean the kitchen faster and cheaper.
Tips To Spring Clean the Kitchen
Cleaning The Microwave
One of the dreadful small appliances to clean in the kitchen is the microwave. Trying to clean a microwave is an absolute nightmare, as the dirt seems to get encrusted so thoroughly and so very quickly. Forget fancy, expensive sprays that are loaded with chemicals! Simply place half an inch of warm water and half an inch of white vinegar into a microwaveable bowl, and heat on high for about three minutes. The combination of the steam and the vinegar will loosen the encrusted dirt and you will be able to wipe it off with a towel and some warm water. This will also work with a mixture of water and bicarbonate of soda.
How to Clean Floors
A couple of tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda added into some warm water will loosen tough stains on hard floors that need mopping. It will also help to eliminate any odours that tend to linger on floors.
Cleaning The Sink
Put the plug in the sink and add about quarter of a tub of bicarbonate of soda, half fill the sink with hot or boiling water (boiling is best), then add about a quarter of a bottle of lemon juice then fill the sink completely with hot or boiling water.
Leave for an hour and a half to 2 hours, then pull the plug out (make sure you have adequate rubber gloves on, the water will be cold, but the mixture will dry your skin out)
Then wipe the sink with a sponge and some warm water and rinse! Cleaning an oven is an awful job, and I can’t name anyone that would disagree! It can be a nightmare task and must be one of the most put off jobs in the world!
How To Clean Your Oven
And the commercial oven cleaners available are loaded with harsh chemicals which more and more people are turning away from because they are not only harsh on skin and bodies, but they are also bad for the environment.
Vinegar and water
Below is a cheap, easy and ecologically friendly way to clean your oven.
Make your very own oven cleaning solution
You will need:
White vinegar
Bicarbonate of soda
Warm/hot water
A spray bottle
A sponge and/or scourer
Use the sponge to dampen the inside of the oven
Instructions To Clean Oven
Place a thick coat of bicarbonate of soda on top of the water and leave for 3 hours.
Fill the spray bottle with white vinegar and spray anywhere that is coated with bicarbonate of soda, some fizzing will occur, but this is normal and good, this will loosen the dirt.
Leave for a few more hours and then wipe away with the sponge and/or scourer.
How to Spring Clean the Kitchen Cheap and Easily
I hope you enjoyed our tips on how to spring clean the kitchen! You can also read these articles on spring house cleaning tips:
You know what’s really great about coffee cakes? The fact that you can eat it for breakfast and get away with it. After all, it’s made to go with coffee so why not enjoy it as a morning treat? While you may be familiar with cinnamon coffee cake, there are so many other delicious recipes out there. Whether you’re looking for something with fruit or something that has a filling, you’ll be amazing at these decadent recipes.
Coffee cake is an excellent after-dinner dessert. It’s easy to slice up and serve and, obviously, goes wonderfully with a cup of coffee. These cakes are also extremely popular at bake sales. Not to mention that many of these cakes freeze really well allowing you to make them ahead of time. If you’re practicing portion control, you can even slice and freeze the cake so that you don’t overindulge.
Coffee Cakes
Another plus is that coffee cakes are so easy to make. If you follow the instructions, you’ll have a cake that turns out perfectly. If you’re intimidated about making a homemade cake, start with a coffee cake. You’ll be amazed at how well the cake turns out and be encouraged to make more cakes in the future. The only way you can go wrong is to use inferior ingredients. Always use real butter, pure extracts, etc. This will give your cakes the best flavor and texture possible.
Coffee cakes are something that everyone seems to love. If you’re at a loss as to what to bring to a potluck, try one of the recipes below. There are so many good ones to choose from. Choose one of these recipes and get baking. These cakes are great for dessert, a weekend brunch, or just because you want a nice little treat. Either way, you won’t be disappointed.
Did you know that National Coffee Cake Day is observed each year on April 7! Share your favourite recipes or photos by using the hashtag #NationalCoffeeCakeDay when posting on social media.
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