Page 43 – Ottawa Mommy Club

How To Spring Clean The Kitchen Cheap And Easily

Home and Garden

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April 9, 2019

How To Spring Clean The Kitchen Cheap And Easily

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.

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.

I hope you enjoyed our tips on how to spring clean the kitchen! You can also read these articles on spring house cleaning tips:

11 Coffee Cakes to Crave

Recipes

Lyne Proulx

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April 5, 2019

23

11 Coffee Cakes to Crave

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.

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.

11 Coffee Cakes to Crave

Raspberry Pecan Coffee Cake by Love Bakes Good Cakes
Apple Cider Coffee Cake by Shaken Together Life
Raspberry Coffee Cake by Amanda’s Cookin
Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Coffee Cake by Creekline House
Apple Butter Coffee Cake by A Cultivated Nest
Yogurt Streusel Coffee Cake by Tastes of Lizzy T
Caramel Macchiato Coffee Cake by A Night Owl
Blueberry Coffee Cake by Nellie Bellie
Old Fashioned Coffee Cake by Cookie Dough and Oven Mitt
Cream Filled Coffee Cake by Tastes of Lizzy T
Cherry Cheesecake Coffee Cake by Spend With Pennies

Top 5 Travel Tips to Norway

Travel

Lyne Proulx

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April 4, 2019

8

Norway is one of the most beautiful countries on our planet; however, trips to Norway don’t necessarily have to be crazy expensive. Nature is what makes Norway outstanding and we would most certainly suggest visiting Norway to enjoy the sights, scenery and Northern Lights! You will find below the Top 5 Travel Tips to Norway!

Travel Tips to Norway

To get the most of your trip to Norway, you should know a few things. These travel tips to Norway will come in handy!

1. Way of traveling

This is a very important travel tip to Norway! Renting a car in Norway is expensive, so joining a group tour or taking the train is a viable and affordable option. The legendary Norway in a Nutshell Tour takes you through Norway’s most breathtaking UNESCO-protected fjord and mountain scenery. From the scenic train, you can jump on a cruise and soak up the rugged beauty of the fjords and glacial wonders. As always, navigating around a country gets a bit easier when you know a little bit of the local language. having a few key phrases in one of the three languages of Norway, is a sure way to give yourself a leg up in your travel

2. Packing tips

Dress warm, even in summer. It’s best if you pack clothes for all weather conditions, including for wet and dry and warm and cold. You also definitely to clothe yourself in layers. Sunny days in the summer can be cool if your are staying in northern Norway, but, can be warm if you’re not too far north.

3. Safety

Traveling is safe in Norway, but beware of pickpockets in Oslo. Norway is known for its low level of crime and violent crime.

4. Best Travel Tips to Norway: When to go

Traveling in the summer is excellent when the endless hours of daylight give you a lot of time to explore the country. The winters in Norway are cold and long, but winter is the best time to see the legendary northern lights and the white snowy landscapes.

5. Independent Norway travel or tour

There are many different ways to travel to Norway. You can choose to partake in a guided Norway bus tour or travel independently and join some local tours.

Some of the destinations in Norway are quite remote, and it is not safe to travel without someone who knows how to travel there safely. On the other hand, if you prefer having it all for yourself, Norway gives you as much solitude as you need when going independently.

If you are an experienced traveler, you can fully enjoy the freedom of being independent from a group; however, if you are new to travel, a guided tour of Norway is not only an excellent introduction to seeing the country, but could be less costly as well.

If you want to have a company to travel with, joining a tour helps you make new friends. Many companies offers a wide selection of Norway tours, both independent and escorted for you to choose from depending on your need for adventure, experience, interests, budget, and lifestyle.

Enjoy, Norway, this exceptionally beautiful country!

5 Super Ways to Handle an Overactive Kid

Family

Lyne Proulx

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April 3, 2019

6

5 Super Ways to Handle an Overactive Kid

Parenting is no easy game, and things are sure to be even difficult for you if you have a kid who seems to be bursting with energy all the time! Handling an overactive kid can be difficult, but if you’re a mom who can relate, here’s a little something to help you out!

5 Super Ways to Handle an Overactive Kid

Follow these 5 super tricks to make things easier!

Break it Down

If complex instructions leave your little one all distracted and unable to handle things, breaking it down into small chunks can help. Help them put all their attention and focus into just one thing at a time, instead of multitasking and doing a million things together. This will help your child understand the importance and benefits of staying grounded and centred.

Encourage Reading

Instead of reading out a bedtime story to your kid, make it a routine for the both of you to read together. Allow them to listen to you read sometimes, and make them read it out sometimes. This will encourage them to stay focused, and try covering different stories and subjects to keep them interested. Reading can help improve your child’s vocabulary and again, is a nice way to keep them more centred!

Provide New Outlets

With so much energy bottled up and stored, your little one obviously needs an outlet, and if that’s the case, try to keep it a healthy one. Get them to try different sports or physical activities such as swimming, football, basketball etc. They will not just aid their growth and development, but also tire them out (in a good way of course!).

Avoid Large Gatherings

Getting your overactive kid into large gatherings often can make their behaviour reach its peak! Try to avoid getting them into churches, markets, and other formal gatherings as much as possible until you both work on various ways to help them stay calm and grounded.

Reward the Right Behaviour

Try to use positive reinforcement as much as possible and make sure you reward your little one for doing the right things in a calm way, especially if they are able to do it correctly the first time without your assistance.

How do you handle an overactive kid?

Understanding the True Meaning of Easter

Family

Lyne Proulx

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April 2, 2019

6

Understanding the True Meaning of Easter

How does your family celebrate Easter? Do you go to church or have a big meal at your home and invite all the family over? Do your children have fun with an Easter egg hunt? Whatever you do on this day, it pays to take time to understand the true meaning of Easter.

Whether you just need a reminder for yourself, or you want to explain it to your children, or to another adult who may not celebrate, it’s important to understand the meaning of Easter. It’s about more than bunnies and baskets, chocolate, or decorative eggs.

When asking about the true meaning of Easter, the answers you get may vary. This is because different people and different religions have varying ideas on what Easter is really all about. For most who are spiritual, it’s a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus from the tomb on the third day after he was crucified.

He is Risen!

Easter is the fulfilled prophecy of the Messiah. You can read more about it in Matthew 28, Mark 16, and Luke 24 of the Bible. Early Christians began celebrating Easter ever since its occurrence. A special day was officially declared later to celebrate, but the problem was in deciding if it should be on a weekday or always on a Sunday.

It was eventually decided that Easter would be celebrated on the Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox, which changes from year to year. This is why Easter is celebrated on a different day each year, rather than always on the same date, like Christmas.

Sometimes traditions get in the way (fun as they may be) and we forget what the holiday is really all about. If you are Christian, you can remember the true meaning of Easter by telling the story, re-reading Bible scripture related to the resurrection, attending church services, and taking time to pray and reflect on what the significance of the day is.

Spring Cleaning Tips for Kids Rooms

Home and Garden

Lyne Proulx

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April 1, 2019

11

Giving your child’s closets and living space a deep clean will give your child a helpful boost in maintaining a clean, tidy space in which to rest and study. Here are simple spring cleaning tips for kids rooms.

4 Spring Cleaning Tips for Kids Rooms

1. Closets and shelves

Children out grow both toys and clothes with remarkable speed, and without a regular purge of items, you’ll find your child’s room has less and less space and increasing amounts of disorder.

Sort through your child’s belongings with them. Donate all clothing items that no longer fit, and make a list of pieces of clothing they are in need of. Have your child sort through his toys and books putting all toys that he no longer plays with, in a pile to donate to a charity, or to give to a younger sibling.

While it may be slightly unrealistic to expect your child to enthusiastically join in on the spring paring down of belongings, giving an incentive for a clean room may help them join in with less balking. For example, tell your child that if they forsake X number of toys, then you’ll take them shopping for one choice toy or clothing item.

2. Bedding and furniture

Wash and air out all bedding, and clean out and vacuum under the bed and behind any larger furniture items.

Now is a good time to evaluate whether your child has outgrown any pieces of furniture within the room. Comfortable chairs, a homework desk, and good lighting, are all furniture essentials that should remain at optimum functioning capacity.

3. Wipe and clean

Wipe down all surfaces (windows, frames, furniture, shelves, drawers, and any and all dust catching items) with the appropriate cleaning supplies. Sweep, wipe, or vacuum the floor.

4. Organize and put away

Now that your child’s room is spotless, it’s time to put everything back into its proper place neatly! As you put your child’s belongings away, make sure that there is a place for everything, and that things are labeled if need be, so your child can establish the habit of returning items to the appropriate places.

Spring cleaning is also a wonderful time to evaluate any room improvements that may be needed in your child’s room. A clean and orderly room will help heighten your child’s appreciation for cleanliness and order. It is well worth the time and effort that will be spent during the spring months of the new year.

Happy spring cleaning!

The Best Cheeto Cookies Recipe

Recipes

Lyne Proulx

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March 29, 2019

18

Cheetos lovers, rejoice… there are Cheeto cookies in town! Yes, you read it right, Cheetos cookies! They’re cheesy with just a touch of sugary sweetness, definitely worth a try.

These cookies don’t require any expensive ingredients, which makes them a good choice if you’re on a budget. If you usually keep Cheetos on hand you probably have all the necessary ingredients to whip up a batch (or two) right now.

You might be surprised to learn that Cheetos have been around since 1948. The puffy cheese curl, invented by the creator of Fritos corn chips, has been a popular snack choice ever since. Today, Cheetos are sold in over 36 countries worldwide.

In addition to the popular flavours you already know about, there are several crazy regional flavours as well. This includes strawberry Cheetos in Japan and North Sea crab Cheetos in China. Some of these alternate flavours are baked in shapes other than the well-known curl.

Back to the cookies. The Cheetos in this recipe act as a coating. If you don’t have a blender or a food processor handy, simply put the Cheetos in a Ziploc bag and crush them with a rolling pin or the bottom of a drinking glass.

Unsalted butter is best for this recipe, because of the salt content in the cheese curls. This is especially true, since the ingredients also call for salt. Room temperature is important. Why? If the butter is cold mixing it in with the rest of the ingredients will be difficult.

CHEETO COOKIES

Cheetos are so insanely popular that there’s now a pop-up restaurant in New York, serving all kinds of Cheetos-based menu items. Popular Food Network Star Anne Burrell is currently the acting chef.

Chester Cheetah has been the official Cheetos mascot since 2008. His predecessor, the Cheetos Mouse, was phased out in 1979. For the mouse, at least, I guess it really ISN’T easy being cheesy.

INGREDIENTS

1 1/4 cup flour
3 cups of whole Cheetos puffs and 2 cups for coating
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tbsp cream of tartar
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup unsalted butter – room temperature
1/4 cup shortening
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 egg room temperature

The Best Cheeto Cookies — Cheeto Cookies

How to make cheeto cookies

Pre heat your oven 350 degrees
Place 3 cups of Cheetos in a Ziplock bag seal and crush using a rolling pin
In a medium sized bowl combine the flour, (3 cups ) Cheetos crumbs, salt, baking soda, and cream of tartar.
Using an electric mixer on medium speed mix to combine.
In a separate bowl add the butter, shortening and sugar.
Mix and cream well together.
Add egg and mix well again.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in 1/2 batches and mix well.
Cover and refrigerate dough for at least 1 hour.
Using a small ice cream scoop, make dough balls.
Add the remaining (2 cups ) Cheeto crumbs to a small bowl.
Roll each dough ball in the Cheeto crumbs
Place the dough balls on a parchment paper lined baking pan.
Bake for 10-12 minutes
Remove from the oven.
Let cookies completely cool.

I hope you enjoyed this Cheeto Cookies Recipe as much as I did! If you make it, please share your photos with us on Facebook or Twitter! Also, check out all of our other Recipes.

Cheeto Cookies

Lyne Proulx

Cheetos lovers, rejoice… You can now bake Cheeto cookies! They're cheesy with just a touch of sugary sweetness, definitely worth a try.

No ratings yet

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 12

Refrigerate 1

Total Time 1 22

Course Snack

Cuisine American, Canadian

Servings cookies

Equipment

1 Ziplock bag
1 Rolling Pin
1 Electric mixer
Bowl
1 Small ice cream scoop
1 parchment paper lined baking pan

Ingredients

1 1/4 cup flour
5 cups whole Cheetos puffs Keep 2 cups for coating
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tbsp cream of tartar
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup unsalted butter – room temperature
1/4 cup shortening
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 egg room temperature

Instructions

Pre heat your oven 350 degrees.
Place 3 cups of Cheetos in a Ziplock bag seal and crush using a rolling pin
In a medium sized bowl combine the flour, (3 cups ) Cheetos crumbs, salt, baking soda, and cream of tartar.
Using an electric mixer on medium speed mix to combine.
In a separate bowl add the butter, shortening and sugar.
Mix and cream well together.
Add egg and mix well again.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in 1/2 batches and mix well.
Cover and refrigerate dough for at least 1 hour.
Using a small ice cream scoop, make dough balls.
Add the remaining (2 cups ) Cheeto crumbs to a small bowl.
Roll each dough ball in the Cheeto crumbs.
Place the dough balls on a parchment paper lined baking pan.
Bake for 10-12 minutes.
Remove from the oven and Let cookies completely cool.

Keyword cheeto, cheeto cookies, cookies, snacks

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Most Popular Disney Rides

Travel

Christelle

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March 27, 2019

19

Most Popular Disney Rides

There are more than 50 Disney rides to choose from, situated within the gates of Disney World. And, as you might guess, everyone has his or her favourite. What follows is a short list of eight of the most popular Disney Rides… now and in years past. It’s up to you to decide how you feel about each one.

The Haunted Mansion

The Haunted Mansion is one of the most iconic Disney attractions. It features a ride through a dark mansion, which just so happens to be populated by creepy (yet charming) ghosts. The ride employs a combination of stage magic and animatronic elements to create truly memorable visual effects. In addition, the Haunted Mansion’s musical track is sure to delight passengers who get to hear the song’s several different versions throughout the course of the ride.

Space Mountain

Space Mountain is a thrilling indoor ride, zooming passengers through the exciting depths of outer space… sort of. The star-studded backgrounds and futuristic space station scenes provide great visuals for this incredible ride. It’s an absolute must for Disney visitors, looking for a little extra thrill. The cars move along at a fast pace and it’s hard to predict what’s going to happen next in the dark. It’s exactly what makes Space Mountain such a popular ride amongst park goers.

Pirates of the Caribbean

This popular Disney attraction is the basis for the Pirates of the Caribbean film series. The theme of this ride is the typical day in the life of a pirate, from sword fights and shipwrecks to caves filled with treasure. It features the character Captain Jack Sparrow as well as an assortment of other pirates. While the boat ride doesn’t offer quite as many thrills as Space Mountain, there are a few watery splashdowns to keep riders on their toes.

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

Heigh-ho, heigh-ho, it’s off to ride you go! Being one of Disney World’s most recent attractions, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is a fun roller coaster experience for the entire family! Located at Magic Kingdom, embark on a rustic mine train as you travel inside an age-old mountain and see some familiar faces singing as they mine gorgeous jewels along the way. You’ll whistle (or yell!) as you race back down to the foot of the mountain and get your picture snapped in the process!

Star Tours – The Adventures Continue

Hollywood Studios’ Star Tours simulation ride featuring Threepio and a scene from Star Wars: The Last Jedi; the battle of Crait. Photo credit to Disney!

Star Tours is an exciting motion simulator ride in Disney’s Hollywood Studios based on the Star Wars movie franchise. Guided by the droid C-3PO, guests get the opportunity to explore iconic planets from the Star Wars universe. The interesting thing about this attraction is that there are many different variations, selected randomly for each ride. That means that the journey you take ends up being different each time. How cool is that?

Expedition Everest

Expedition Everest is a steel roller coaster set around a mock-up of Mount Everest. It’s the tallest artificial mountain among all of Disney’s parks. It’s also the tallest attraction in Walt Disney World, beating out the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror by a mere six inches. This ride takes you all the way to the top of the mountain and sends you racing back down as you’re “chased” by the image of a fearsome Yeti. The views from the top are magnificent and the speed of the ride (as well as the backward movements) is sure to provide thrills to the riders who brave it. Are you ready to take the plunge?

Slinky Dog Dash

Of course, if you are a fan of Woody and his friends, you can’t miss the Slinky Dog Dash ride at Toy Story Land in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The Slinky Dog Dash allows you to enjoy twisting, curves, and drops. Everyone in the family is going to love this ride!

Avatar Flight of Passage

A scene from Avatar Flight of Passage, a 3-D thrilling adventure on Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Photo credit to Disney!

Last but not least, Avatar Flight of Passage has easily become one of my all-time favourite rides at Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom! The thrilling simulation experience takes you on an 3D adventure as you climb aboard a winged mountain banshee to experience the breathtaking beauty of Pandora’s landscape. The simulation felt so real and vivid that I temporarily forgot I wasn’t actually flying on the back of a Banshee as a Na’vi during this important rite of passage. This ride is a must if you’re looking for the most magical Disney experience during your family trip!

At the time of this blog being published, these are eight of the most popular Disney World rides. Yes, the lines are sometimes long, but it’s definitely worth the wait! Visiting the park during off-season cuts down on your wait time, which means riding your favourites over and over again! What could possibly be better than that?

Ways to Detox your Home for the Spring

Home and Garden

Lyne Proulx

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March 26, 2019

20

Ways to Detox your Home for the Spring

Home: your indoor sanctuary that has kept you warm and cozy this past winter surely deserves a makeover once spring time comes around. What better way to start spring cleaning than when the birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming, and a burst of fresh air invites you to detox your home from all the harmful dusts, molds, toxins, and debris that have been lingering around your airtight home for months? Get rid of indoor pollution by following some simple steps which should turn your cleaning duties into a no-brainer and get your home sparkling clean in no time!

Working step by step is a popular method that will get you going without feeling drained. If you focus on working one room at a time rather than attempting in getting the whole house done in one day, you will feel less tired and more likely to get the job done without pressure. So put your favourite music on, grab that duster, and start watching your home sparkle under your eyes!

Bathroom

Your bathroom is one of the rooms that needs most care in order to detox. Just think about it: you may use gallons of hair spray there, deodorants, perfumes, and aggressive cleaners. There are so many chemicals in such a small room! Try to invest in products that are kinder to your health and to the planet but that still get the work done. If you are really looking for a cheap, yet gentle way to clean, try to spray your sinks, tubs, and toilets with diluted vinegar or lemon juice left for at least half hour. Once the time is over, scrub and admire!

Mold is also a big problem in bathrooms as their humidity levels make it inviting for it to grow. In order to determine if the humidity levels of your home are too high, invest in a hygrometer. Ideally, the levels should be any where between 30 and 50 percent, more than that and you may need a humidifier to absorb the excessive moisture.

Kitchen

A good inspection of your kitchen starts by checking your range burners. If the flames are orange in colour near the tips, then this may be an indication that carbon monoxide is being released. This may require a call to the manufacturer to check if the burners need fixed. Another problem are the exhaust fans. A filthy mesh filter full of grease will not work efficiently as it should, therefore give it a good rinse in hot water and soap or place it in your dishwasher. Once again, sinks, tiles, floors should be cleaned using gentle products. If you must use products that produce fumes ensure you do so in well ventilated areas.

Bedroom

Because the bedroom is where you sleep, you want to ensure that it is as free of toxins as possible. Your bedroom is where dust mites may linger so try your best to invest in products that kill dust mites or on bedding that helps prevent these mites known to cause allergic reaction from making your bed an ideal home.

Perform some maintenance on your A/C unit to ensure that the filters are in top shape. A bad filter will likely release allergens around your room allowing you to breath unhealthy particles of pollen, spores, and dust. Vacuum your mattress and check for musty smells. If you notice a musty smell, then wash each side with one cup rubbing alcohol and one cup warm water. Allow to dry.

Living Room

Vacuum upholstery, including the backs of sofas and chairs. Wash throw pillows if they are machine washable and wipe down all furniture from dust. Vacuum carpets and air the room if you are not allergic. Clean all curtains and window sills. Try to use gentle products that are free of chemicals. Do a more thorough cleaning if you live with a smoker.

Spring time is also a good time to test your home from radon. Radon is an odourless gas emitted by the soil and that has the potential to cause lung cancer. Tests may be available to test your home for radon. If your home was built before 1978, it would be a good idea as well to test your home for lead paint especially if you have children. And why not check if your fire alarm is in good working order at this time of the year as well? Better take care of all now so then you have ample time to enjoy the mild weather and gorgeous days!

Do you have any spring cleaning tips to share?

How to Teach Young Children to Save Money

Family

Lyne Proulx

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March 25, 2019

23

How to Teach Young Children to Save Money

Saving money is one of the most important life lessons you can teach children. It’s the foundation for building a secure financial future and it’s never too early to teach young children this important lesson. It’s something they will carry with them throughout life.

Start talking to your child about saving money as soon as he understands what it is. Even toddlers can add money to the piggy bank and when they get older and more curious about money, explain why saving is important and the difference between needs and wants.

Here are a few tips to help teach young children to save money:

Give your kids an allowance for doing certain chores around the house. It teaches them that money is earned, not given.

Use different piggy banks to separate the money into at least three groups. One is a savings account for the future, one is the money you need to buy that special toy and one is for free spending and sharing with others.

Play games that teach kids the value of a dollar. Monopoly, Cashflow 101, Payday and The Game of Life are some of the most popular board games used to teach kids about money.

Allow your kids to watch when paying bills and answer their questions as you go. It’s also a good idea to take them with you grocery shopping. Watching you will help teach them good financial habits.

When possible, give children the freedom to make some financial decisions themselves. This will allow them to make and learn from their own mistakes when they’re young. This way, they won’t make the same mistakes when they’re older.

Teaching kids the value of a dollar when they’re young will help them learn the skills they need to have a secure financial future.

Dumbo Peanut Clusters Recipe

Recipes

Lyne Proulx

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March 22, 2019

21

Dumbo Peanut Clusters Recipe

As a child, I remember my parents purchasing me a Dumbo plush toy when we were vacationing at Walt Disney World. I was so happy and carried it with me everywhere! My two favourite Disney characters growing up were Winnie The Pooh and Dumbo. It will be fun to watch the new Walt Disney Studios version of “Dumbo ” on March 29th with my daughter! In the excitement of the upcoming movie, I made these Dumbo Peanut Clusters to enjoy with the family!

This is a live action adaptation of the animated classic movie. For those seeking a not-so-cookie-cutter adaptation, Tim Burton’s new feature may be the most innovative one we’ve seen thus far. Of course, it is inspired by Walt Disney’s 1941 animated film called “Dumbo”, based on the novel by Helen Aberson and Harold Pearl.

Circus owner Max Medici (Danny DeVito) enlists former star Holt Farrier (Colin Farrell) and his children Milly (Nico Parker) and Joe (Finley Hobbins) to care for a newborn elephant whose oversized ears make him a laughingstock in an already struggling circus. But when they discover that Dumbo can fly, the circus makes an incredible comeback, attracting persuasive entrepreneur V.A. Vandevere (Michael Keaton), who recruits the peculiar pachyderm for his newest, larger-than-life entertainment venture, Dreamland. Dumbo soars to new heights alongside a charming and spectacular aerial artist, Colette Marchant (Eva Green), until Holt learns that beneath its shiny veneer, Dreamland is full of dark secrets.

Dumbo Peanut Clusters

Ingredients

1 cup creamy peanut butter
4 cups Cheerios
1 cup honey
1 cookie sheet fitted with parchment paper
1 medium cookie dough scoop

Directions

In a large microwave safe bowl, combine the honey and peanut butter.
Place in the microwave for 1 minutes
Stir until combined
Place the cereal into a bowl and break up into smaller pieces using a wooden spoon
Mix the cereal into the honey and peanut butter until combined
Scoop the clusters onto the cookie sheet
Place into the fridge for 1 hour
Remove and mold into a ball
Enjoy

I hope you enjoyed this Dumbo Peanut Clusters Recipe. If you make it, make sure to share with us on Facebook or Twitter! Also, check out all of our other Recipes.

Dumbo Peanut Clusters

No ratings yet

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Snack

Cuisine American, Canadian

Ingredients

1 cup creamy peanut butter
4 cups Cheerios
1 cup honey
1 cookie sheet fitted with parchment paper
1 medium cookie dough scoop

Instructions

In a large microwave safe bowl, combine the honey and peanut butter.
Place in the microwave for 1 minutes
Stir until combined
Place the cereal into a bowl and break up into smaller pieces using a wooden spoon
Mix the cereal into the honey and peanut butter until combined
Scoop the clusters onto the cookie sheet
Place into the fridge for 1 hour
Remove and mold into a ball
Enjoy

Keyword Cheerios, clusters, dumbo, movie

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Is Your Child a Good Friend? Here’s How to Teach Them

Family

Lyne Proulx

-

March 20, 2019

11

Is Your Child a Good Friend? Here’s How to Teach Them

Your job as a parent is to teach and guide your child through the world. This includes lessons on how they should interact with others in the world. For example, you want your child to know how to be a good friend to others. While most children are born with good natures, that doesn’t automatically equate to being a good friend. Children can also be selfish or have limited capacity to understand or empathize with others, hindering their friendships. Here is how you can teach your child to be a good friend!

Is Your Child a Good Friend? Here’s How to Teach Them

1. To Be respectful

Teach your children to respect others, and to respect their differences, and other people’s beliefs. A good friend will always respect others.

2. Golden rule: Treat others as you would want to be treated

Teaching your kids to treat others as they would want to be treated themselves is an important component on being a good friend. On the other hand, they also need to recognize when a friend isn’t treating them kindly as they are treating that friend. One should not treat others in ways that one would not like to be treated.

3. Be supportive

A good friend will be there in a time of need. Teach your children to support others and lift them up.

4. Be loyal

A good friend sticks by you even when no one else does. Teach your children the importance of being loyal to people in their lives.

5. Be thoughtful

The person who is always thinking of himself or concerned how everything will affect him is self-centred and won’t care for others or won’t have time to about others. Teach your children to be thoughtful of others.

6. Be honest

Honesty is one of the most important traits of a good friend. Before someone can trust you, they have to know that you are an honest person.

7. Have Self-esteem

If your children have confidence and self-esteem in themselves, they won’t be searching for others to fill an emotional void or emptiness within. As a parent, praise their successes, hard work, and best attributes on a regular basis. This will help set them up to be a good friend to others.

With these tips as your guide, you can teach your child to be a good friend. Remember also that the most important thing you can do is be a good example.

Bakery Treats at Disney Springs: Top Five Ranked

Travel

Lyne Proulx

-

March 19, 2019

16

There are A LOT of reasons to make time on your Disney World vacation to visit and enjoy Disney Springs. There’s family entertainment, there’s the night life, and the great restaurants… However, what I love most is the little Disney treats you can pick up along the way. You may be on a budget, or on a full on vacation splurge, but one thing you can always do when you stop by is drop in to these awesome locations for the best bakery treats at Disney Springs.

Top 5 Bakery Treats at Disney Springs

5) ERIN MCKENNA’S BAKERY NYC – COFFEE CRUNCH DONUT

First, on the list, ranking at number 5 is the Coffee Crunch Donut at Erin McKenna’s. Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC is so great for people with food allergies, or dietary restrictions, or even if you have none of that. It’s just a really great bakery with amazing vegan and gluten free recipes for those of you looking out for that. While you are there, you have to pick up a Coffee Crunch Donut. Those three little words say it all!

4) AMORETTE’S PATISSERIE – MICKEY MOUSSE

Amorette’s Patisserie. Puns aside, this is a must have treat for anybody with an ounce of Disney spirit. The shiny dome shaped bakery treats are made to resemble Mickey’s red shorts, topped with cute little mouse ears and a tail. It encapsulates fun, but more than that– it encapsulates a decadent silky portion of creamy dark and white chocolate mousse over chocolate chiffon cake.

3) SPRINKLES – RED VELVET CUPCAKE

Everyone says you have to go to sprinkles, because YOU HAVE TO GO TO SPRINKLES. It’s the best place to go for awesome cupcakes. If you are not a cupcake person, I’m not saying it’s going to automatically turn you into one, but for normal people. Sprinkles is the best. The Red Velvet Cupcake here is exceptional. It’s the recipe everybody wants to copy, so when you are near Sprinkles, stop by for these popular bakery treats.

2) ERIN MCKENNA’S BAKERY NYC – FROZEN THIN MINTS COOKIE

Back to Erin McKenna’s, because this bakery is so amazing! They have a Frozen Thin Mints Cookie there that is high in the running for one of the best bakery treats in Disney Springs. And again… I don’t think much needs to be said about this, because the name Frozen Thin Mints Cookie, sort of gets right to the heart of it.

1) AMORETTE’S PATISSERIE CAKE CAKE

Last on the list and winning the number one spot out of all the bakery treats in Disney Springs is the famous dome cake found at Amorette’s Patisserie. These are gorgeous pieces of artwork that are so irresistibly delicious. They are similar to the mousse in appearance, but they come in characters other than classic Mickey. You can even participate in a cake design experience yourself with a 90 minute cake decorating class. That experience alone makes Amorette’s the top Disney Springs destination for amazing bakery treats.

Bakery Treats at Disney Springs: Top Five Ranked

The Digital World & Keeping Up Appearances

Family

Lyne Proulx

-

March 18, 2019

4

The Digital World & Keeping Up Appearances

There are many people who run scams and take advantage of the trusting culture the internet has ushered in. In order to put the best foot forward, there is a certain amount of keeping up appearances that many business owners implement. This happens in a variety of ways.

Keeping Up Appearances in the Digital World

The internet has truly transformed and revolutionized the ways businesses operate. There are so many ways the digital space has created space for people to run businesses and operate from the comfort of their own homes. At the same time, if you’re running a business from your home, you still need to maintain a high level of professionalism. You will find below 5 ways to keeping up appearances in the digital world.

Business Name

Your business name tends to be your first introduction to the world. Therefore, your business name should reflect what your business is about. There are so many people who are intentionally random with their business name because they think it makes things fun. However, the only thing it does is make their business more confusing to understand. If you’d like to start a wedding photography business and you name it ‘pickles, chips and dip photography’, don’t be surprised if people assume you’re a food photographer.

Take time out to be thoughtful and intentional as you assign a name to your business. This name will be on all of your business cards, social media handles and more. Choose wisely. If you don’t know where to start, consider using online tools and resources. Use a business name generator to spark creativity and steer you in the right direction.

Visual Branding

When you’re managing a website, business cards and more, the visual aspect is really essential. Everything from your colours to the fonts needs to be consistent. This is why it’s always helpful to consider the expertise of a graphic designer. If you have a close friend who is great with graphics and branding, you can always use their services and compensate them accordingly. However, there’s also a huge array of options to consider on various freelance sites.

You can take a look at their past work projects to gain a better understanding of their specialties and areas of expertise. When you can find a graphic designer who understands the vision and visual impact you’d like to have, they can make that desire come to life. Furthermore, it’s a wise idea to use the services of a web designer. This is especially true if you don’t have any level of expertise in the area of website development and design.

Think about how you want your products or services to look. When you’re aware of your desire in this area, you can begin crafting a social media aesthetic. If you’ve started a reselling business and sell gently used clothing, you might decide that you’d like to become great at flat lay photography. There are others who like to photograph clothes on a mannequin or on a live model.

Components like photography logo, lighting, angles and editing are important to think about before you post the photos online. Most people love to follow accounts that have a level of consistency. If you start posting on a consistent basis and remain within your niche, you’ll have an easier time building momentum. This is because you have people who are actively following your content and know what to expect from you.

Online Reviews

Online reviews are so important to consider because you always want to maintain clarity regarding what people really think about your business. You can set your Google alerts to receive notifications whenever someone mentions your company on the internet. Whether it’s a positive review or a negative comment, you’ll want to be aware of it.

There are some who might try to say that it’s best to simply ignore the haters. However, this isn’t the approach you’ll want to take with a business on the internet. One bad piece of press can really make your job an uphill battle. It’s a lot about reputation management. If you can stay ahead of the bad press, you’ll be able to maintain a positive appearance as a growing enterprise.

Transparency

Because there are so many fraudulent scams on the internet, it’s important to recognize that you’re building a brand in a space where you have very little room for error. The Competition Bureau Canada and the Canadian Code of Advertising Standards continues to crack down on what’s acceptable regarding online advertising, marketing and growing a business within the digital space. Many people don’t like to see a perfectly polished brand. Instead, they want transparency, authenticity and honesty.

At the end of the day, the most important way to communicate with the public is in a way that makes you comfortable. If you’d prefer to look like a clean, sterile brand with a simple aesthetic, that’s fine as well. Get clear regarding how transparent you’d like to be and honour your feelings.

20+ Paleo Diet Recipes for You to Try

Recipes

Lyne Proulx

-

March 15, 2019

12

The Paleolithic diet seems to be taking the world by storm right now. Many people are adapting to this diet in hopes to either lose weight or get healthier overall. To make it easier for you, we have compiled a list of over 20 Paleo recipes for you to try!

What do you eat on a Paleo Diet

What in the world do you eat when you are on the Paleo diet? Meat, fish, vegetables, fruit, roots, and nuts make up most of the modern Paleolithic diet. Basically, a general rule of thumb is that if a caveman couldn’t eat it, neither can you. If you can hunt or gather the food, it is more than likely on the Paleo approved food list.

This doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a good meal, however. Oddly enough, you may find that what you can make is not only healthier (which is the point of Paleo), but not as time-consuming to make. You may even save a few dollars.

Over 20 Paleo Recipes

You will find below a list of over 20 of the best Paleo recipes to get you started on this diet! Everything from chocolaty desserts to a savoury brisket dinner. Enjoy!

Hope you enjoy these Paleo recipes as much as I did! Also, check out all of our recipes! If you have a favourite Paleo diet friendly recipe, be sure to share that with us in the comment below!

5 Ideas on How to Get More Social Shares for Your Blog

Uncategorized

Lyne Proulx

-

March 13, 2019

8

5 Ideas on How to Get More Social Shares for Your Blog

Nearly every blogger has a drive to get more social and blog engagement. However, sometimes it seems hard to get more social shares. In this article, you’ll learn how to get more social shares for your blog, and hopefully more traffic and engagement too.

5 Ideas on How to Get More Social Shares for Your Blog

1. Have working social share buttons on your website.

A huge mistake that a many bloggers have, are that they forget to have a means for people to easily share your content onto social network sites. The second is having social share buttons that actually work. Once you’ve installed some social share buttons to your posts, make sure to test your social share buttons to find out if they work.

2. Make your social share buttons noticeable, and add a call to action near them.

Some social share buttons are easy to pass over. If they’re small and unnoticeable, they won’t entice your readers to share your articles. You may need to add bigger wording to ask people to share your article, or even include a catchy arrow that points to your social share buttons.

Additionally, make sure your content is worthy enough to be shared. You can have all the bells and whistles for your social share buttons, but if you don’t write quality content, then no one will want to share your posts.

3. Join a Social Share Tribe or community.

Tribes are just another term for communities. Triberr, Awesome Bloggers on Facebook, JustRetweet, BlogEngage, and ViralContentBuzz are all places that you can utilize to help promote your content, and gain more social shares. Each one of these places have people who are wanting the same thing as you, more blog and social engagement. Many of these require you to exchange actions like tweets, likes, comments, or shares.

4. When promoting your content, carefully research for relevant hashtags that are popular, and then add it when sharing your post to social networks.

Hashtags can be powerful – if they are used right. Buzzsumo and AllHashtag are just a few cool tools that can tell you if specific hashtags have a good and steady volume of traffic, are trending, or if the hashtag is on a decline in trend.

5. Reach out to influential bloggers in your niche that have roundups, and ask them to consider using your article in a future roundup.

Reaching out to influential bloggers can be scary, but they really are looking for content that their readers will love. If you see that they are putting together a list of articles together, also known as a roundup, try contacting them, and making them aware that you may have content that they would be interested in including.

These are just a few tips on how to get more social shares, but there are a lot more ways. If you’ve been blogging for a while, what tips do you have, that will help other bloggers in getting more social shares?

Flower and Garden Festival Experience in Disney World

Travel

Lyne Proulx

-

March 5, 2019

10

Flower and Garden Festival Experience in Disney World is a transformative event in Epcot. It makes Disney World’s second theme park even more beautiful and engaging. Every spring The landscaping gets a makeover. Stunningly detailed topiaries populate the park in celebration of favourite Disney Characters.

Of course there is plenty of food and drink. While the Food and Wine Festival is most popular, people don’t realize that the Flower and Garden Festival came first.

The Festival is a celebration of the art of sculpting nature through gardening; and it includes all the food, drink, music and merchandise these Epcot festivals have become known for.

Flower and Garden Festival Experience in Disney World

1. Festival Time at Epcot

When no Festival is happening at Epcot, there are two major sections of the park. One is dedicated to technology of the future; although it is mostly an exploration of scientific themes, such as marine biology, agriculture, and space travel. The other is a display of cultural diversity that aims to educate guests on various countries in the world, while highlighting distinct aesthetics of their unique architecture.

With the changing seasons however, These two themes serve as a backdrop to the real attraction; a major festival that runs throughout both sections of the park. In the case of Flower and Garden, the festival is a springtime celebration that puts Disney’s impressive horticulture on Display and educates guests on gardening technique through tours and seminars.

2. Tours and Exhibits

Throughout Epcot there are scattered displays of impressive horticulture, through expertly pruned and sculpted topiaries. These garden sculptures mostly feature beloved Disney characters that pop up in their native settings (such as Beauty and the Beast in the France Pavilion, or Figment at the Imagination Pavilion). The assortment of displays is a breathtaking attraction unto itself.

The learning experience blends with the art in Flower and Garden Festival as you appreciate gardens and exhibits influenced by culture and learn about the impressive details behind them.

The Italy Pavilion has a garden dedicated to produce. The UK has a tea garden sponsored by Twinings. Gardens everywhere share a new angle and perspective on the pavilions we love. The Imagination Pavilion has a honey bee garden; and there is a butterfly house with an exhibit on pollination and best gardening practices.

3. Inspire Your Inner Gardener

Flower and Garden Festival leads guests in the appreciation of gardening as an art form and as a form of cultivating, shaping and respecting our natural world. However it also inspires. You can learn so much about gardening at the festival and take home those ideas to create something beautiful yourself.

While you can explore these gardens and exhibits on your own, you can also take guided tours for even more information and insights. If you ever dreamed of starting a garden, or if you have one and are up for a new challenge, the Flower and Garden Festival is the perfect time for you to visit Epcot.

Fun Times at the Museum of Science and Technology in Ottawa (Review)

Travel

Naomi

-

March 4, 2019

12

Fun Times at the Museum of Science and Technology in Ottawa (Review)

One of our family’s favourite indoor activities is frequenting the amazing museums we have in the Ottawa-Gatineau area. As a child, my favourite museum memory was the Crazy Kitchen at the Canada Science and Technology Museum in Ottawa. My family and I really enjoyed this Ottawa Museum. Check out my review!

Ottawa Museum underwent an $80 Million Dollar Renovation

After closing for three years to undergo an $80 million-dollar renovation, the Canada Science and Technology Museum reopened on November 2017. Shortly after visiting the first time, we decided that it was well worth the investment to purchase a yearly membership. At $125 for a family of four, it was a no-brainer, and one of the most affordable memberships available. You can even add on parking for an extra $35.40 which is a steal based on parking rates. AND…this gets you access to all THREE Ingenium museums which includes visits to the Agricultural and Aviation museums.

Boys playing at Canada Aviation and Space Museum in Ottawa

So much interactive activities to participate in

We have probably visited close to 15 times since they opened, and have also taken advantage of the other Ingenium museums as well. On our most recent visit, we spent about 2 ½ hours because there is SO much to do!

One area of the activity at the Museum of Science and Technology in Ottawa that is perfect for my 2 and 4-year-old boys, is the Zooom Room. Based on my observations it’s quite the popular spot for little ones. There is a designated toddler area with a starry sky, an interactive gear wall, an ultra-sensory play structure, a vehicle-building station and test ramps, a light and sound console and much more! You could spend hours in that room alone!

The original Crazy Kitchen from 1967

Did you know? The crazy kitchen is the same as when they first opened way back in 1967. They have revamped the outside with a video camera feature and screen so you can see your friends and family on the inside while you’re on the outside. It’s hilarious to see how everyone is off balanced from this wonky kitchen with its angular space and angled floor that makes you feel all wobbly. It didn’t seem to nauseate my boys that kept running through giggling and off balanced. So fun!

Kids at Canada Aviation and Space Museum

There are plenty of exhibits with hands-on interactive stations including puzzles, and play doctor sections at the Museum of Science and Technology in Ottawa. We stopped at many on our travels to the next major exhibits. The current special exhibit is called Moving Stories and it takes you through the history of transportation in Canada. There is a very cool kids area for them to build their own car which kept them busy for a while.

Trains, trains and more train

We wrapped up our visit with a stop to the train section. The kids love these big impressive trains, and what’s best is the train table at the end. It’s always hard to pull them away from that part! We managed to skip the gift shop this time but we often pop in for some toys on our way out. They have the coolest gifts for kids and adults

Check out the March Break Lineup

The museum has so much going on to keep your brain cells active coming up this March Break! Fun-filled activities, experiments, and demonstrations that are sure to keep visitors of all ages engaged.

Canada Aviation and Space Museum - Review

You can visit their top-notch interactive exhibitions, get up close with demonstrations in the galleries, or head to the big demo stage for piping hot and supercool experiments at the Museum of Science and Technology in Ottawa. Don’t forget to try the special engineering challenge in Exploratek!

Here is a list of some upcoming March Break Fun! Visit their website for more info and I hope you enjoy the museum as much as we do!

Fun Times at the Museum of Science and Technology in Ottawa

For more Ottawa Museum reviews, click HERE!

Disclaimer: I received a free yearly family membership from Ingenium Canada to review the Museum of Science and Technology in Ottawa. All of the opinions are my own.

Bacon Maple Bread Pudding Recipe

Recipes

Lyne Proulx

-

March 1, 2019

27

Bread pudding got its beginnings in 13th-century England. It was a way for frugal cooks who didn’t have much money to use leftover bread, so it wouldn’t go to waste. This is why it’s still sometimes referred to as “poor man’s pudding.”

By today’s standards, bread pudding has moved up into the ranks as more of a comfort food than anything else. When you take a few minutes to consider all of the different bread and add-in combinations you can use for this recipe, the possibilities are almost endless.

how to make a good bread pudding

If you’ve never made bread pudding, rest assured it’s really easy to accomplish. Basically, you cube up whatever bread you’re using (day-old is better than fresh), melt the butter, mix up the remaining ingredients and pour the mixture over the bread. Baking time depends on the recipe you happen to be using.

You can just as easily bake bread pudding in a large casserole-type dish or in individual ramekins. If you choose the second option you need to decrease the baking time until the outside is golden. Another way to tell if the pudding is done is to stick a toothpick in the middle. If it comes out clean, you’re good to go.

Can you freeze bread pudding?

Bread pudding is one of those desserts that freezes well. That being said, it’s just as easy to make a double-batch and freeze half of it for later. Even better, you can freeze this dessert baked or unbaked… the choice is up to you.

If you freeze bread pudding already baked, let it thaw in the refrigerator for 8 to 12 hours and then just warm individual squares in the microwave. If you freeze it unbaked, thaw in refrigerator for the same amount of time and then bake as originally directed.

Maple bacon bread pudding Recipe

This old fashioned recipe for bread pudding combines the yummy flavours of bacon and maple syrup, along with just the right combination of spices, to make this the perfect anytime breakfast, snack or dessert.

Kitchen tools needed

11 X 9 baking dish
pam spray
Parchment paper
Bowl
Knife

Ingredients For Bread Pudding

2 cup whole milk
1/4 stick of butter
1 eggs
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
7 cup cubed bread
6 pieces of bacon
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 can of whipped cream

How do you make bread pudding?

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Tear off a piece of parchment paper long enough so the bottom and sides of the dish are covered. Spray with pam spray.

Take a sharp knife and cut your bread into 1/4 strips. Turn the bread and cute the 1/4 strips again to get cubes. Set aside in a large bowl.

In the small sauce pan, add the milk and butter and put on medium heat until butter is melted. Fry up the bacon to your liking and set aside

In a small bowl, add the eggs, sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg together and mix until combined.

Add 1/4 cup maple syrup to the egg mixture.Pour egg mixture over the bread.Pour milk over the bread and mix. Add to your baking dish.

Chop up the bacon and then add to your bread pudding.

Bake for 40 minutes. Pull out and set aside. Serve the bread pudding warm and top with whipped cream and maple syrup. This bread pudding with maple syrup is so flavourful!

I hope you enjoyed this Bacon Maple Bread Pudding Recipe. If you make it, make sure to share with us on Facebook or Twitter! Also, check out all of our other Recipes.

Bacon Maple Bread Pudding Recipe

Lyne Proulx

This Bacon Maple Bread Pudding recipe combines yummy flavours and spices to make this bread pudding the perfect breakfast, snack or dessert!

No ratings yet

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 40

Total Time 50

Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American, Canadian

Servings servings

Calories 787 kcal

Equipment

1 11 X 9 baking dish
Pam spray
Parchment paper
1 Knife and cutting board
1 Small Bowl
1 Pan

Ingredients

2 cups whole milk
1/4 stick of butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
7 cups cubed bread
6 pieces of bacon
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup whipped cream

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Tear off a piece of parchment paper long enough so the bottom and sides of the dish are covered.
Spray with pam spray.
Take a sharp knife and cut your bread into 1/4 strips.
Turn the bread and cute the 1/4 strips again to get cubes.
Set aside in a large bowl.
In the small sauce pan, add the milk and butter and put on medium heat until butter is melted.
In a pan, fry up the bacon to your liking and set aside.
In a small bowl, add the eggs, sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg together and mix until combined.
Add 1/4 cup maple syrup to the egg mixture.
Pour egg mixture over the bread.
Pour milk over the bread and mix.
Add to your baking dish.
Chop up the bacon and then add to your bread pudding.
Bake for 40 minutes.
Pull out and set aside.
Serve the bread pudding warm and top with whipped cream and maple syrup.

Notes

CAN YOU FREEZE BREAD PUDDING?

Bread pudding is one of those desserts that freezes well. That being said, it’s just as easy to make a double-batch and freeze half of it for later. Even better, you can freeze this dessert baked or unbaked… the choice is up to you.

If you freeze bread pudding already baked, let it thaw in the refrigerator for 8 to 12 hours and then just warm individual squares in the microwave. If you freeze it unbaked, thaw in refrigerator for the same amount of time and then bake as originally directed.

Nutrition

Calories: 787kcalCarbohydrates: 132gProtein: 26gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 1220mgPotassium: 551mgFiber: 9gSugar: 41gVitamin A: 167IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 387mgIron: 8mg

Keyword bacon maple bread pudding, bread pudding, bread pudding with maple syrup, maple bacon bread pudding

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Bountiful Breakfast Bowl with Turkey Sausage Recipe

Recipes

Pieces of Me

-

February 27, 2019

486

Canadian Turkey wants to give you some inspiration for meal makeovers and helpful hints to steer you back onto a healthy track. They do this by sharing unique ways to make simple recipes that incorporate super-charged ingredients such as this Bountiful Breakfast Bowl with Turkey Sausage recipe!

With the holiday season over, it can be a bit of a challenge to get a family back to basics. Did you know that choosing healthy ingredients and putting together nutritious meals doesn’t mean you have to comprise on taste?

Canadian parents have to find more ways to keep our families eating well, adding healthy choices to everyday meals, and give these meals a twist to keep families interested and excited to eat them. Turkey is a perfect ingredient to use to substitute for many other meat proteins in almost every recipe. Why, you ask? Both dark and white meat cuts are able to work well with different spice blends. This allows you to make your own flavour preferences. Turkey is also fabulous to use in meals throughout the day. This makes planning your breakfast, lunch and dinner meals simple while keeping your family feeling full of energy. Turkey also a great protein to have on hand because it helps to make tasty meals that are both budget and time-friendly.

How can turkey help make-ahead meals easier?

Roasting a big bird has many advantages. It can feed a lot of people and its leftovers are perfect to use in meals during your family’s hectic work week. Healthy and nutritious breakfasts and lunches can be prepped, packed and ready to be taken on-the-go the next day. Dinners can be put together, popped in the freezer, then heated up on a busy weeknight throughout the week. Meals created from leftover turkey really help to take the guess work out of what’s for dinner for hectic family. Would you like to make your breakfasts a tasty affair? Check out this Build A Better Breakfast Bowl for some fabulous suggestions!

Healthy cooking with turkey

Was one of your resolutions this new year to start eating healthier? Do you find it hard to stay on track with this goal? One great step you can take to help you and your family achieve this goal is by sticking to the basics and cooking most of your meals from scratch. When you prep your meals from scratch you get to be in the driver’s seat about what is added to your food. Ingredients such as salt and fat can be left out if you choose. Using mostly whole food ingredients when cooking allows you to make sure you sure providing your family with the nutrients they need to be healthy. Turkey is a lean protein that can help you make your meal makeovers to put together healthy meals that are nutritious and delicious.

Not sure how Canadian turkey can help you get back to basics with meal makeovers? Take a look below at these reasons why you should get started in making over your everyday meals with this fantastic fowl!

5 reasons to make over everyday meals with turkey!

Start your everyday meal makeover journey in the kitchen with turkey as a key ingredient. Did you know turkey contains a lot of nutrients per calorie? Yes, it’s true! Turkey also fits into an overall high-quality diet that is healthy without sacrificing on taste. Replace turkey for any protein in your family favourite recipes, making them a leaner, healthier choice. Here’s why adding turkey can help you feel good about adding this protein to your family’s meals and snacks:

Canadian turkey is a lean source of high-quality protein. Eating enough protein at each meal provides you with long-lasting energy so you can stay satisfied between meals.
Turkey is nutrient-rich, packed with protein, vitamins and minerals that we need for good health.
White turkey cuts are a low fat, extra-lean choice with just 3 grams of fat per 100-gram serving.
Dark cuts are lean too, with just 8 grams of fat per 100-gram serving. Plus, dark turkey cuts provide even more iron and zinc (which are key in keeping us healthy during cold and flu season).
All fresh cuts of turkey are naturally low in sodium. And because turkey is super tasty, you don’t need salty marinades to enhance the flavour.

Bountiful Breakfast Bowl with Turkey Sausage recipe

Would you like to know how to start off your days with a Canadian turkey meal makeover? Have a look at this Bountiful Breakfast Bowl with Turkey Sausage recipe to try!

Bountiful Breakfast Bowl with Turkey Sausage

Want new meal ideas? See these tips and recipe for a Bodacious Breakfast Bowl with Turkey Sausage to makeover your favourite meals.

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 30

Total Time 50

Course Breakfast

Cuisine Canadian

Ingredients

3-4 Canadian turkey sausages
2 cups sweet potato diced
3 cups kale chopped
8 eggs
2 zucchini diced
2 avocados sliced
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Remove turkey meat from the sausage casings. Take one third of the meat, roll into a ball and flatten into a patty. As an alternative, slice the sausage into pieces.
Cook the sausage patties/pieces for 4-6 minutes per side on medium heat until no longer pink and cooked through. Set aside.
Heat oil over medium heat. Cook sweet potatoes on all sides until cooked through, 12-15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
Sauté zucchini and kale until cooked through, 4-6 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Recipe can be made up to 3 days ahead at this point.
Cook eggs to your preference.
Assemble the bowls; use the kale as the base, top with sweet potatoes, zucchini, avocado, eggs and sausage.
Serve!

Notes

TIP: Feel free to experiment with these breakfast bowls! You can use any variety of veggies you have on hand and use a variety of grains as a base too.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Now that you have seen how turkey sausage can help make over your breakfasts, take a peek at this How to Build a Better Breakfast Sausage Patty chart for more flavour combinations to enjoy!

Are you curious to find additional tips, recipes, videos and Whole Turkey HOW-TOs? Visit Canadian Turkey to find some amazing cooking ideas. The recipe section shares a collection of tasty recipes like this Bountiful Breakfast Bowl with Turkey Sausage that include full meals, appetizers, and snacks to prepare and enjoy. There is also a treasure trove of ideas for you to whip up with your turkey leftovers and for make-ahead meals to give you a jump start to your busy work week. It has never been easier to #MakeItWithTurkey!

Disclaimer: This post is generously sponsored by Canadian Turkey.

Adorable Polar Bear Cookies Recipe

Recipes

Lyne Proulx

-

February 26, 2019

23

Raise your hand if you think these polar bear cookies are too cute to eat! I think they’re perfect for cookie exchanges and kid’s school parties… either for Christmas or a winter birthday celebration. Not only are they adorable, they’re super simple to make. Let’s talk a little bit about the no-bake process.

No-bake Cookies Recipe

The cookie base is actually a double-stuffed Oreo cookie, but you can use the original one. There’s nothing that says you can’t use another type of sandwich cookie in its place. Each cookie is dipped in melted white chocolate. If you’ve never melted chocolate wafers before, it’s totally easy-peasy! You can even do it in your microwave.

Tips To Make The Oreo Polar Bear Cookies

Blue M&M noses are adhered to an extra dollop of the chocolate. Mr. Bear’s ears are made out of the chocolate as well. Small edible eyes complete these cookies. Allow the coating to completely harden, before serving.

I’m thinking you could use milk chocolate instead of the white, to make these during other times of the year. Maybe replace the blue M&M for a red one, for Valentine’s Day.

Here’s another possible option, to kick this treat up a notch. Before dipping them in the chocolate, spread peanut butter or Nutella on one or both sides of the cookie. YUM!

Information About Polar Bears

Polar bears are pretty cool… no pun intended! They don’t hibernate, like black and brown bears. Their fur isn’t really white. It consists of tiny hollow tubes that are filled with air. And, they’ve been known to swim as far as 60 miles, just to find food.

Did you know that International Polar Bear Day is on February 27th! Every year, this global event draws attention to the challenges polar bears face in a warming Arctic. If you home school your children, consider making these cookies as part of a polar bear unit study. There’s a lot more to learn about the largest species of bear, sometimes referred to as the “Ambassador of the Arctic.” Get ready… get set… make cookies. You know you want to!

Polar Bear Oreo Cookies Recipe

Makes 24 cookies

Ingredients

1 package of double or original stuffed Oreos
1 box of M&M’s
2 bags of white chocolate melting wafers
1 package of small edible eyes
1 cookie sheet fitted with parchment or wax paper

How To Make The Polar Bear Cookies

Using a double boiler, melt 2 bags of the chocolate
Lightly separate the Oreo cookies in half, making sure that the creme stays on one half of the cookie.
Lightly push in two yellow M&M’s
Place the other half of the Oreo cookie back on and slowly dip the top half into the melted chocolate.
Lightly shake the cookie to get excess chocolate off and place onto the cookie sheet
Repeat steps with remaining cookies
Place cookies into the fridge for 10 minutes to harden before continuing
Place the Oreo cookie into the melted chocolate, using a fork, lightly flip the Oreo cookie so that both sides get coated.
Lightly tap the side of the pot to get excess chocolate off.
Place Oreo onto the cookie sheet and repeat step with remaining cookies
Place a non-melted wafer chip onto the lower part of the cookie for the bears nose
Dip a blue M&M into the melted chocolate and place onto the non-melted chip for the bears nose
Place two eyes onto the upper part of the cookies
Let cookies dry for 30 minutes before enjoying!

I hope you enjoyed these Adorable Polar Bear Cookies Recipe. If you make it, make sure to share with us on Facebook or Twitter! Also, check out all of our other Recipes.

Polar Bear Cookies

Lyne Proulx

Raise your hand if you think these polar bear cookies are too cute to eat! Not only are they adorable, they're simple to make with Oreo cookies.

No ratings yet

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 10

Resting time 30

Total Time 1

Course Dessert

Cuisine American, Canadian

Servings cookies

Calories 143 kcal

Equipment

cookie sheet fitted with parchment or wax paper

Ingredients

1 package double or single stuffed Oreos
1 box M&M’s
2 bags white chocolate melting wafers
1 package small edible eyes

Instructions

Using a double boiler, melt 2 bags of the chocolate
Lightly separate the Oreo cookies in half, making sure that the creme stays on one half of the cookie.
Lightly push in two yellow M&M’s
Place the other half of the Oreo cookie back on and slowly dip the top half into the melted chocolate.
Lightly shake the cookie to get excess chocolate off and place onto the cookie sheet
Repeat steps with remaining cookies
Place cookies into the fridge for 10 minutes to harden before continuing
Place the Oreo cookie into the melted chocolate, using a fork, lightly flip the Oreo cookie so that both sides get coated.
Lightly tap the side of the pot to get excess chocolate off.
Place Oreo onto the cookie sheet and repeat step with remaining cookies
Place a non melted wafer chip onto the lower part of the cookie for the bears nose
Dip a blue M&M into the melted chocolate and place onto the non melted chip for the bears nose
Place two eyes onto the upper part of the cookies
Let cookies dry for 30 minutes before enjoying!

Nutrition

Calories: 143kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 1gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 0.1mgSodium: 84mgPotassium: 44mgFiber: 1gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 0.004mgCalcium: 5mgIron: 2mg

Keyword cookies, oreo cookies, polar bear, snacks, treats

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Homemade Instant Pot Soup Recipes

Recipes

Lyne Proulx

-

February 22, 2019

19

Homemade Instant Pot Soup Recipes

On a cold, rainy day, what’s better than a big old bowl of soup? The only problem is that many soup recipes can take hours to prepare. This usually deters busy moms from making homemade soups. As a busy mom, you may think there isn’t enough time in the day to prepare soup for your family. If you have an Instant Pot though, you can make a large number of soups in a short time. Find below a list of Instant Pot Soup recipes your family will love!

The Instant Pot makes it so easy to make recipes that used to take hours to make. You can make a roast in 20 to 30 minutes and even cook whole potatoes in just a few minutes. You can then turn around and use those ingredients to make homemade soup. However, you don’t have to. There are also soups that can be made all in one go.

Whether you love loaded potato soup, tomato basil soup or even turkey noodle soup, you can spend just a few minutes in the kitchen and have a delicious, homemade meal that your family will love. There are so many homemade soups that work beautifully in the Instant Pot. This means that even on the busiest days, you can quickly throw together a well-balanced meal in the form of soup.

Of course, if you do have extra time, you can make several types of soup and then freeze them for later use. This allows you to have a night off from cooking without resorting to take out.

The Instant Pot is definitely a great addition to any kitchen, but especially for the kitchens of busy moms. The Instant Pot allows you to make a number of meals that would normally take hours and hours to make. If you don’t have time to slow cook, but want delicious meals that are quick and easy, you’re going to love the Instant Pot and these soup recipes.

Homemade Instant Pot Soup Recipes

Instant Pot Low-Carb Soup Ground Beef – Kalyn’s Kitchen

Pressure Cooker Butternut Cauliflower Soup – Peas and Crayons

Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup – Recipe This

Instant Pot Vegetable Broth from Veggie Scraps – Mashup Mom

Instant Pot Carrot Soup – Plated Cravings

The Best Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup – Sidewalk Shoes

Instant Pot Irish Stew – Copykat

Instant Pot Taco Soup – Mooshu Jenne

Instant Pot Zuppa Tuscana – The AWE FILLED Homemaker

Instant Pot Four Cheese Soup – Our Table for Seven

My Gym Ottawa Review

Family

Naomi

-

February 21, 2019

24

I stumbled upon My Gym Ottawa from another Ottawa mom’s Instagram stories. It looked so cool that I knew I had to check out their gymnastics classes for myself, and when I showed Jax, he was so excited, we just couldn’t wait to get there to try it out!

My Gym Ottawa: NOT Your Typical Gymnastics Centre

Boutique style classes for kids

Now let me tell you, My Gym Ottawa is NOT your typical gymnastics centre – it has more of a boutique-type feel. The classes are gymnastics based to help children build physical development skills but incorporate cognitive and social/emotional development through a series of games, puppet shows and team building activities.

Excellent value for your money

Since Jax just turned 4, we chose My Gym Ottawa Mighty Mites classes since it’s age appropriate catering to kids that are 3 – 4 years old. It’s an hour long class, which is nice because I find most classes you’re paying top dollar for and it’s only 30 to 45 minutes. In between drills and exercises they let the kids run around for free play time while they set up the next station.

What we found really amazing is that they have classes for all ages AND drop-in play available. They also have sibling classes that incorporate a variety of ages so that siblings can play together.

Flexible Membership Options

There are some great membership options at My Gym Ottawa to accommodate whichever package you want. A family membership (for all children in a family) is $75 and that’s lifetime so if you leave for a bit you don’t have to repurchase which is super convenient.

Highly trained, quality staff

Shout out to the staff – they are incredible! They go through 2 – 3 weeks of rigorous training before they can fully lead a class to ensure high quality, and it shows! Hudson and I would watch Jax, and I was fully prepared with an iPad and snacks for Hudson because naturally he would want to participate even though it wasn’t his age group. When he fussed a bit because he wanted to stop watching and take part, a staff member was there to give him some great toys to keep him occupied. It went over very well! Big kudos to their employees.

In our most recent class, we discovered that they actually have a ton of programs outside of regular classes including preschool prep, PD Day camps, March Break and summer camps, parents night out babysitting, themed holiday parties, birthday parties and a lot more! They even have a mobile program where they can bring the teachers and equipment to run programs outside of the gym.

My Gym Ottawa: NOT Your Typical Gymnastics Centre

As a mom who takes cleanliness very seriously, I was so impressed to see that the My Gym Ottawa facilities were absolutely SPOTLESS! I love seeing them on Instagram when they are cleaning… and when I say cleaning, I mean cleaning right down to EVERY SINGLE BALL in the ball pit. Now THAT is quality control!

Disclaimer: I received free classes in order to write this review. The views I shared army own.

Fun Kids Activities to Beat the Winter Break Blues

Family

Lyne Proulx

-

February 20, 2019

10

Fun Kids Activities to Beat the Winter Break Blues

When the kids are bored and knee deep in winter break blues, do not fear – inspiration is here! Beat the winter break blues with some fun activities for kids this winter and create a winter break they will never forget!

Fun kids Activities: Winter inspired crafts

Winter inspired crafts give kids a chance to connect with the season in a fun and interactive way. String cranberries and peanuts into an outdoor garland or make homemade bird feeders, and it can be used to attract wildlife and decorate trees. Candles are an easy fun craft for kids of all ages. You can either use wax craft sheets and roll up a couple candles, or use raw beeswax and make candles in the snow. Folded paper snowflakes is another example of a fun winter craft for kids to explore.

Fun Kids activities: A walk in the woods

A walk in the woods in the winter is very magical. Everything is still and quiet compared to the bustling summertime stroll. The birds who sing in the winter accentuate the stillness. Kids will have fun exploring the woods while walking through the snow. Icicles will fascinate and enchant them. Go for a slow stroll through the woods with your kids!

Outdoor activities for kids

Outdoor winter activities are lots of fun for kids in the winter. The winter break offers kids an opportunity to try new winter family fun activities and discover new interests.

Check for the public skate times at your local rink. Find a hill and slide down on a sled. Build forts, snowmen, sculptures and igloos in the snow. And don’t forget the winter staple – hot chocolate!

Kids Indoor activities: Winter family fun ideas

If it’s too chilly for you outside, or the snow isn’t quite available for building, have your kids do some fun indoor activities.

They can construct a fort in the living room. Bring in the chairs, cushions, blankets, and sheets into the living room and start building. Are you astronauts on a mission to Mars? Build a rocket ship, or a space station. Are you flower fairies collecting dew? Build a canopied forest with a soft mossy pillow floor.

If your kids enjoy making things, how about letting them take something apart? An old blender or printer can provide hours of fun for your kids. One great way for kids to learn how something works is by taking it apart!

Baking together with your kids makes for great memories. Put on some cheerful music, slow down, and enjoy the experience. Include your kids in the entire process of baking and they will have fun. Make cookies, bread, quiche, or any other family favourite!

Volunteering

Volunteer as a family this winter break. The good feeling you get from helping others is felt by people of all ages. Collect food for your local food bank, play or sing music for people in rest homes, or even shovel driveways for elderly neighbours. There are many available options for your family to lend a helping hand in your own community.

You can beat the winter break blues with some of these fun winter activities! Explore together with your kids and you are guaranteed to have fun!

Ottawa Mommy Club

Ottawa Mommy Club

Ottawa Mommy Club

Ottawa Mommy Club

Tips To Spring Clean the Kitchen

Cleaning The Microwave

How to Clean Floors

Cleaning The Sink

How To Clean Your Oven

Make your very own oven cleaning solution

You will need:

Instructions To Clean Oven

11 Coffee Cakes to Crave

11 Coffee Cakes to Crave

Travel Tips to Norway

1. Way of traveling

2. Packing tips

3. Safety

4. Best Travel Tips to Norway: When to go

5. Independent Norway travel or tour

5 Super Ways to Handle an Overactive Kid

Break it Down

Encourage Reading

Provide New Outlets

Avoid Large Gatherings

Reward the Right Behaviour

How do you handle an overactive kid?

Understanding the True Meaning of Easter

He is Risen!

4 Spring Cleaning Tips for Kids Rooms

1. Closets and shelves

2. Bedding and furniture

3. Wipe and clean

4. Organize and put away

Happy spring cleaning!

CHEETO COOKIES

INGREDIENTS

How to make cheeto cookies

Cheeto Cookies

Equipment

Ingredients 1x2x3x

Instructions

Most Popular Disney Rides

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Space Mountain

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Expedition Everest

Slinky Dog Dash

Avatar Flight of Passage

Ways to Detox your Home for the Spring

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Do you have any spring cleaning tips to share?

How to Teach Young Children to Save Money

Here are a few tips to help teach young children to save money:

Dumbo Peanut Clusters Recipe

Dumbo Peanut Clusters

Ingredients

Directions

Dumbo Peanut Clusters

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Is Your Child a Good Friend? Here’s How to Teach Them

1. To Be respectful

2. Golden rule: Treat others as you would want to be treated

3. Be supportive

4. Be loyal

5. Be thoughtful

6. Be honest

7. Have Self-esteem

Top 5 Bakery Treats at Disney Springs

5) ERIN MCKENNA’S BAKERY NYC – COFFEE CRUNCH DONUT

4) AMORETTE’S PATISSERIE – MICKEY MOUSSE

3) SPRINKLES – RED VELVET CUPCAKE

2) ERIN MCKENNA’S BAKERY NYC – FROZEN THIN MINTS COOKIE

1) AMORETTE’S PATISSERIE CAKE CAKE

Ingredients

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