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Planning a Summer Vacation on a Budget

Lyne Proulx
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9
Planning a Summer Vacation on a Budget

 

Planning a Summer Vacation on a Budget
lake

 

Planning a Summer Vacation on a Budget

If you’re looking for an escape from reality this summer, you may be wondering what you can do on a limited budget. Fortunately, there are a number of ways you can enjoy yourself while not spending loads of money.

Here are some tips for planning a summer vacation on a budget:

1. Consider taking a staycation. If you’ve been wanting to check out that local water or amusement park, why not take the opportunity to do so? Another option is to go camping at a local state or national park.

2. Look for ways to save money. Check out sites like Groupon, RetailMeNot, and LivingSocial for deals and coupons that you can use during your trip. This can lead to huge savings.

3. Find free or low cost things to do. Museums, zoos, and other attractions sometimes offer free days. Also find out what other free or low cost attractions you and your family may be interested in, such as local parks or public pools.

 

Planning a Summer Vacation on a Budget
Piggy bank and a pair of sunglasses on the sand

 

4. Avoid traveling during the holidays. Summer holiday weekends are very popular times for people to vacation, which means that you’ll end up paying more money for your hotel room or travel expenses.

5. Consider bringing friends or family. Believe it or not, this can save you bundles of money. If you’re going to the beach, for example, it’s generally less expensive to rent a house for the week than to stay at a hotel.

6. Don’t eat out for every meal. Packing your own meals is one of the most effective ways to save money on a vacation. Bake muffins and snacks the day before you are leaving and bring them with you on the trip. If you plan to stay at a hotel, ask if they have a compact refrigerator in the room so you can store some food. Head out to a local grocery store to purchase lunch items for a picnic and add fruits, snacks and water bottles. 

These are just some tips for planning a summer vacation on a budget!

What are your tips? Comment below!

 

18 Summer Vacation Travel Hacks You Need to Know!

Lyne Proulx
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8
18 Summer Vacation Travel Hacks You Need to Know!

If you’re planning to go on a vacation this summer, you may be looking for ways to make traveling easier. Fortunately, there are a number of tips and tricks that can make things less hectic. You will find below 18 Summer Vacation Travel Hacks You Need to Know!

18 Summer Vacation Travel Hacks

18 Summer Vacation Travel Hacks

  1. When packing, place shoes in shower caps to prevent your clothes from getting dirty.
  2. Let your bank and credit card companies know you will be traveling so they don’t freeze your account due to “suspicious” transactions.
  3. Save the sample-sized toothpastes and toothbrushes you get from the dentist for your toiletries bag.
  4. Store chargers and other cords in an old sunglasses/glasses case.
  5. Check FourSquare for WiFi passwords when traveling.
  6. Take collapsible laundry bags to store dirty clothing.
  7. Consider getting a city pass to get free or low cost admittance to popular tourist attractions, such as museums.
  8. Check sites like Groupon to get deals on local restaurants, attractions, and more.
  9. Roll your clothes when you pack in order to create more space in your luggage.
  10. Go grocery shopping for items like bottled water and snacks to prevent overspending at the hotel’s vending machines.
  11. When traveling to another country, use the ATM to get cash in the local currency without unnecessary fees.
  12. Use a pill container to store your jewelry.
  13. To prevent plastic bottles from leaking in your luggage, place a plastic wrap over the container and seal it with the cap.
  14. Throw leftover hotel soaps in your dirty laundry bag, so the dirty clothes don’t stink up your suitcase. A dryer sheet also works well.
  15. Make a to-do list of items to bring, places to visits, times to be ready, and more! You can even use an app like Wunderlist (free for iPhone and Android) to help you out.
  16. Refill travel-size containers of  hand cream, shampoos, or conditioners instead of buying new ones.
  17. Use tissue paper to wrap clothes to avoid wrinkles.
  18. Avoid data roaming charges on your cell phone by only using Wi-Fi. You can use offline maps like CityMaps2Go and hidden offline maps feature on the Google Maps app. Make sure you download the app before you leave and have selected your destination city. The app will cache all the map data that is currently on your screen.

These are just some summer vacation travel hacks to keep in mind!

18 Summer Vacation Travel Hacks You Need to Know!

Do you have any vacation travel hacks that you would like to share?

Comment below!

21 Starbucks Copycat Drinks Served Cold

Lyne Proulx
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16
21 Starbucks Copycat Drinks Served Cold

Summer truly is the perfect season to enjoy an iced coffee or cold tea drink. Have you ever wished you could bring the magic of Starbucks drinks to enjoy from the comfort of your very own home? Now you can with these 21 Starbucks Copycat Drinks served cold!

Starbucks cold drinks Recipes

There’s surely one that’s bound to please your sweet tooth! From iced coffees, iced teas, cold tea drinks, cold coffee drinks, frappuccinos and more, now making easy copycat cold Starbucks drinks and bringing the coffee shop magic to your home has never been this easy!

We also have a few Starbucks copycat drink recipes that you can make such as the Starbucks Strawberry Acai Refresher Recipe, the Starbucks Iced White Chocolate Mocha Copycat Recipe, and this copycat starbucks recipe, the Butterbeer Frappuccino is my favourite!

21 starbucks drink Recipes

There’s simply something so magical about being able to sit outside and enjoy the warm weather, with a good cup of copycat Starbucks iced coffee at your side, without having to worry about the weather outside. These recipes for Starbucks drinks are easy to make and so delicious!

starbucks copycat drink recipes
Cold Starbucks Drinks
  1. Copycat Starbucks Frappucchino 
  2. Copycat Starbucks Iced Passion Tea Lemonade 
  3. Starbucks Java Chip Frappucchino Copycat 
  4. Starbucks Iced Cinnamon Dolce Latte Copycat 
  5. Copycat Starbucks Double Chocolate Chip Frappuccino
  6. Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Space Frappuccino 
  7. Starbucks Knockoff Black Tea Lemonade
  8. Starbucks Copycat Green Tea Frappuccino 
  9. Copycat Starbucks Iced White Chocolate Mocha Copycat Recipe
  10. Coconut Mocha Frappuccino 
  11. Starbucks Iced Green Tea 
  12. Starbucks Copycat Passion Tea Lemonade 
  13. Copycat Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino 
  14. Starbucks Copycat Valencia Orange Refresher
  15. Copycat Starbucks Strawberries and Creme Frappuccino 
  16. Starbucks Cotton Candy Frappuccino Copycat 
  17. Copycat Starbucks S’mores Frappuccino 
  18. Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappe Copycat
  19. Copycat Starbucks Vanilla Bean Frappuccino 
  20. Copycat Starbucks Hibiscus Refresher Recipe 
  21. Blackberry Mojito Tea Lemonade 

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

9 Fun Summer Staycation Ideas

Lyne Proulx
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8
9 Fun Summer Staycation Ideas

 

Everyone needs a vacation from time to time. If you don’t feel like travelling this summer, it doesn’t mean that you can’t still enjoy yourself and create lifelong family memories! Here are some fun summer staycation ideas!

9 Fun Summer Staycation Ideas
Flowers in a field

9 Fun Summer Staycation Ideas

1. Splash around

There are plenty of great ways to enjoy water activities when you’re on a staycation. Visit a local beach or lake, make fun DIY water play areas in your backyard, or splash with water balloons to help cool off during the summer season.

2. Go camping

Whether you go camping in your backyard or at a state or national park, camping can make for a great staycation. Unplug from social media and enjoy the great outdoors. You can go fishing, hiking, tell ghost stories, and make s’mores.

3. Go to a drive-in movie theatre

A drive-in movie can make for a fun summer activity, no matter how old you are!

4. Explore your own city and nearby areas

If you’re on a really low budget, try to plan your staycation around your own city and visit nearby areas. If ferries are available nearby, pack a lunch, hop on a ferry and go exploring. Near Ottawa, you can take the Cumberland Ferry and head out to visit an amazing destination for the whole family, Parc Omega. While in Montebello, you can visit these family attractions!

5. Try geocachin

If you and your family love scavenger hunts, you’ll be bound to enjoy geocaching, which requires GPS navigation. It can make for a fun adventure!

6. Experience something new together

If you’ve never been kayaking, canoeing or golfing try it out together as a family! It’s peaceful, provides good exercise, and it’s fun.

9 Fun Summer Staycation Ideas

7. Make your own dinner night

Have family members pick their favourite food and make it by putting all the ingredients on the table. Suggestions could be pizzas, tacos, burritos, and for dessert, a great choice would be an ice cream sundae bar.

8. Theme Nights

Each family member can decide on a theme night idea starting with the youngest child to the oldest family member. Food, entertainment and even costumes or dress up will be part of the theme. 

9. Explore a new park or trail

Bring your picnic basket, blankets, and sports balls and head out to your city’s local park or trail. 

These are just some fun summer staycation ideas to take into consideration!

Do you have any suggestions for summer staycation ideas?

Comment below!

5 Money Saving Tips When Selling Your Home

Andrew W Bradley
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14
5 Money Saving Tips When Selling Your Home

Tips on selling your home in Ottawa

 

5 Money Saving Tips When Selling Your Home

Now that you have decided on selling your home, how will you turn your home into the most valuable asset it can be? Your home is undoubtedly the most valuable asset for the vast majority of us. Getting it ready and selling it can cost you thousands. Using theses 5 money saving tips in this article should help you reduce the cost of selling your home.

1. Selling your home with a real estate agent

Estate Agent fees vary, so shopping around and don’t forget to haggle and play one off against the other. When you decide on an agent, you should aim to negotiate for the lowest commission rate, also push then to limit the tie-in period to no more than 6 weeks, this gives then enough time to sell the house, but if they can’t you can move to another agent. Ensure you get a fair valuation, never tell an estate agent what other agencies have valued your house at. They will use this to manipulate its offer, often resulting in wide distortions.

2. Choosing a real estate lawyer

It is a myth to go with the cheapest real estate lawyer, so get recommendations from all the real estate agents you speak to and remember to ask for the name of specific lawyers, rather than just the legal firms. Give them a call and ask what their fees are, also note whether they are they friendly, helpful, and most important efficient. Fees are also negotiable! You can combine legal services such as a getting a will (which you should already have, right?) to get a discount.

3. Selling your home yourself

Selling you house yourself can save thousands. One in twenty sellers are now taking the For Sale By Owner route which could save you thousands in real estate commissions. That is a massive money saving tip, but there are a couple of downsides, basically “time and effort”. You could consider newspaper advertising, flyers and signs. Newspapers usually charge per line or per word so try to keep your advert as brief as possible without making it uninteresting. The simplest way would to sell your house yourself is to use one of the many online house selling service.

4. When to sell your home

Obviously it is best to sell your house when the market is strong and demand is high, so keep an eye on the local property market. Generally, the market tends to be stronger in early and late summer than the rest of the year, so aim to sell your house then. Also avoid competing with your neighbours so if there are already a few “For Sale” signs on your street, it might be better to wait a bit.

5. Staging your home

Research has shown that a poor presented house can take longer to sell and may reduce the price by thousands. So get your paint brushes out, give your home a lick of paint and finish all of those DIY jobs that you haven’t got around to yet. Also talk to the real estate agent about adding value to your property, it maybe worth spending a bit of cash to increase the value of your home. However, be careful not to over spend, you might not get your money back, so talk all planned improvements through with your estate agent.

6. Bonus Tip

Get your finances in order – have a budget for your home improvements, lawyer fees and moving costs. Have a mortgage pre-approved and bridge financing in place so your ready to put an offer on your new home when your old one sells.  

If you are determined to save money when selling your home, do some more research, as they say knowledge is power. Research which home improvements have the best return on investment, home decorating trends and ask friends and family for referrals to real estate agents and lawyers. 

Andrew W. Bradley

 website or  @AndrewWBradley 

Photo credit: aag_photos via Foter.com / CC BY-SA

Ontario Music Programs In Decline: Are We Forgetting The Value Of Music?

Lyne Proulx
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6
Ontario Music Programs In Decline: Are We Forgetting The Value Of Music?

 

Ontario Music Programs In Decline: Are We Forgetting The Value Of Music?
Brown Acoustic Guitar on White and Black Leaf Print Pillow

 

Ontario Music Programs In Decline:

Are We Forgetting The Value Of Music?

Over the past twenty years there’s been a slow decline in the number of schools in Ontario that employ specialist music teachers. In 1997, roughly 60 percent of all public schools employed music teachers, down to 40 percent at present. The reasons for this are myriad, and yet there’s a strong case to be made that these reasons are founded on flawed logic.

The lack of support for music programs recently is linked to the proliferation of the idea that the arts in general are superfluous. Middle class families who came through the brutal recession of the mid aughts, which extended into our current decade, may have come to view music class as something of a needless luxury, especially if they are expecting their children to take up a practical craft or career.

In Toronto, where the population density is very high, many schools are stilled blessed with significant funding that covers music programs. If, on the other hand, you want your child to learn a new instrument in Waterloo or any other city that lies outside of a dense, urban area, the only effective route may be to engage the services of a private music instructor. While private music lessons are great, the advantage of playing in a classroom setting is that it inspires values related to team work and social skills.

 

Ontario Music Programs In Decline: Are We Forgetting The Value Of Music?
Saxophone

 

The misconception that the arts are purely a luxury is dangerous – it puts the next generation’s future at risk. The reality is that the arts, even as a supplement to a well-rounded education, promote emotional growth, problem solving skills and a wide variety of benefits that will generally enrich a young person’s life and motivate them to be disciplined and open minded. As education expert Gaztambide-Fernandez suggests, the education system is trending towards a double standard that is based in shaky logic. Most grown-ups don’t do long division, most grown-ups don’t play the French horn, but either way, gaining mastery over these skills has the potential to be an important formative experience; furthermore, they have the potential to complement each other so that young students can broaden their understanding of the world.

Unfortunately, the students who will miss out on these opportunities the most are typically from more rural communities where – to re-iterate – there is less arts funding. This widens the sense of a class divide, of a sense that city dwellers are effete, opera-loving art snobs who look down their noses at the lower middle class. In a perfect world, the arts could be a middle ground to help open up a dialogue and a shared experience that brings people together rather than dividing them.  

If the Ontario government is really committed to fostering a progressive culture that champions multicultural values, equal rights and equal opportunity, ensuring that public schools outside of large urban centres are receiving more funding for music programs would be an excellent investment.

 

50 Summer Bucket List Ideas

Lyne Proulx
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8
50 Summer Bucket List Ideas

Summer is a time when we have a lot of free time on our hands. The kids are out of school, parents are taking time off work to spend time with their families. It’s time to get out, enjoy the sunshine, dip your toes in the water for a fun-filled summer of activities. Start planning today and enjoy your family time together with these 50 summer bucket list ideas.

50 Summer Bucket List Ideas

What is a Bucket List?

A bucket list is a list of ideas or adventures that you have thought about over time. Things that you would like to accomplish during your entire life or in this case during the summer. These can be ideal for yourself or as a family. 

How To Create a Summer Bucket List

There are many reasons for creating a fun summer bucket list. If you are a parent, the main reason would be so you don’t hear those words “I’m bored”. Help keep your kids off of devices and include items that will keep them outside.

How do you create the ultimate summer bucket list that your entire family will enjoy? You gather the family together for a planning session and throw around ideas that will work for everyone. Make sure to add things that will be fun for everyone and not just you. To make this easier, have everyone write down their favourite ideas and put them in a hat. 

Once everyone has thrown their summer bucket list ideas around and you have picked some, you will need to decide how many items will be on your list. Think summer fun when adding to your list. 

Things To Put on Your summer bucket list  

Are you looking to have some new experiences this summer? There are a number of fun things you can do to create lifelong memories with your family. Here are 50 summer bucket list ideas for families!

1. Go stargazing and try to find a constellation

2. Find a new hobby

3. Try to recreate your favourite childhood summer memory

4. Blow soap bubbles

5. Go camping in your backyard

6. Play your favourite childhood outdoor game with your kids

7. Hold a summer BBQ

8. Plant a vegetable/plant garden

9. Do outdoor crafts

10. Build a sandcastle at the beach

11. Find a new park, beach, or lake to visit

12. Watch fireflies

13. Host a bonfire

14. Make s’mores and roast marshmallows

15. Go 24 hours without internet, radio or television

16. Watch the sunset or sunrise

17. Eat cotton candy

18. Go to a drive-in movie theater

19. Do a scavenger hunt

20. Go on a picnic

21. Have a water balloon fight

22. Play with water guns

23. Go mini-golfing or golfing

24. Bake a pie with fresh fruit

25. Start a summer journal

26. Visit a farmer’s market

27. Read at least 10 books

28. Make recycled crayons 

29. Make handprint art

30. Visit a relative

31. Make paper bag puppets 

32. Random act of kindness to your neighbours or co-workers

33. Have a family slumber party with your kids

34. Attend free kids activities/workshops

35. Be a tourist in your own city

36. Run through sprinklers

37. Write a story and illustrate it

38. Walk or run a 5K race with your family

39. Fly a kite with your kids

40. Make homemade playdough or slime

41. Dance in the rain and don’t forget a towel

42. Make jam

43. Play jump rope or hopscotch with your kids

44. Make homemade lemonade

45. Go on a nature walk and learn about plants

46. Have a family game night with snacks 

47. Have an ice cream sundae bar

48. Make a bird feeder for your backyard 

49. Have your children plan and make dinner (with your help and supervision)

50. Have a water balloon fight

50 Summer Bucket List Ideas

These are easy summer bucket list ideas! No matter how you’re spending your summer, you’re bound to create some memorable experiences with this list.

What are your summer bucket list ideas? Share in the comment!

Keeping Pests Out of Your Summer Garden

Lyne Proulx
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9
Keeping Pests Out of Your Summer Garden

 

Rabbits, moles, squirrels, groundhogs, and other critters may be cute, but they can be a gardener’s worst nightmare. You may be wondering what you can do to prevent these and other animals from wreaking havoc on your plants. Shooting the pests is generally not the best approach, and poison may be effective, but it can be harmful to pets. So, what can you do? Here are some tips for keeping pests out of your summer garden!

Keeping Pests Out of Your Summer Garden

Keeping Pests Out of Your Summer Garden

1. Get rid of areas where pests could build their homes.

High grass and brush piles can make perfect homes for tiny critters. Removing them from your garden area can help keep pests away.

2. Keep your compost pile and your bird feeder far away from your garden.

This will help lure critters to another area of your yard.

3. Fence in your garden.

While critters that dig, like moles and groundhogs, will still be able to make their way in, fences can help keep larger animals like deer out of your garden.

4. Consider using a repellent.

Garlic, peppermint oil, and castor oil are thought to keep some critters out of the garden. Predator urine, such as that of a bear, may help keep them away as well. However, it’s important to keep in mind that you’ll need to continuously reapply them in order for them to remain effective.

5. Pets such as cats and dogs can by useful for keeping unwanted furry pests under control.

Dogs can help deterring or nabbing furry pets while cats can be good at catching mice and gophers.

Keeping Pests Out of Your Summer Garden

6. Growing multiple types of plants.

It’s known that if you plant the same type of vegetables then pest that love those veggies may not come alone and actually bring more pests as a group to eat your crop. When multiple vegetables are planted, this risk is significantly reduced.

These are just some tips for keeping pests out of your summer garden! Do you have any tips to keep pests out of your garden?

Sweet and Salty Cookies Recipe

Lyne Proulx
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31
Sweet and Salty Cookies Recipe
 

Sweet and Salty Cookies
Sweet and Salty Cookies

 

Sweet and Salty Cookies Recipe

 Combine the salty deliciousness of pretzels with the scrumptious sweet taste of M&M’s and butterscotch chips, and you’ve got yourself the perfect combination in one dessert: Sweet and Salty Cookies! This soft and chewy cookie will melt in your mouth and leave you craving for more! Add a glass of warm milk or hot chocolate and you’ve got yourself a perfect late-night snack! Being a dessert fanatic myself, I love the great taste of a traditional salty pretzel, and I’m always up for any kind of sweet treat (or a very sweet glass of wine)! This is the perfect cookie for those who want the best of both worlds mixed together into one perfect little dessert! Who knew pairing sweet and salty together could create such a perfect match?
 
You will only need a few simple ingredients to get these going:

 

Ingredients

 

Sweet and Salty Cookies Recipe
Sweet and Salty Cookies

 
 
They are very simple, but follow these directions closely:

Directions 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees
  • Combine the cake mix, oil, and eggs into a standing mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. 
  • Mix until soft dough forms
  • Add in Reese baking chips, M&M, and pretzels. 
  • Mix until well combined
  • Take a small ice cream scoop and scoop some dough onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet, 2 inches apart. 
  • Bake for 8-10 minutes 
  • Once baked, pull the sheet out of the oven and let sit for a minute or two
  • Transfer to a wire rack and let cool before enjoying. 
Makes 3 dozen 
 
I hope you enjoyed the Sweet and Salty Cookies Recipe. If you make it, make sure to share with us on Facebook or Twitter! Also, check out all of our other Recipes.
 
 

Sweet and Salty Cookies
Sweet and Salty Cookies

 
 

Sweet and Salty Cookies

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Ingredients
  

  • French vanilla cake mix
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 Cup oil
  • 1 Cup Hershey’s Chipits Reese Peanut Butter Chips
  • 1 Cup chopped pretzels sticks
  • 1 Cup M&M’s Milk Chocolate Candies Stand up Pouch

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees
  • Combine the cake mix, oil, and eggs into a standing mixer fitted with a paddle attachment.
  • Mix until soft dough forms
  • Add in Reese baking chips, M&M, and pretzels.
  • Mix until well combined
  • Take a small ice cream scoop and scoop some dough onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet, 2 inches apart.
  • Bake for 8-10 minutes
  • Once baked, pull the sheet out of the oven and let sit for a minute or two
  • Transfer to a wire rack and let cool before enjoying.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

5 Useful Camping Hacks       

Lyne Proulx
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16
5 Useful Camping Hacks       

Are you planning a family camping trip? Great! Spending time together, in the company of Mother Nature, is a wonderful way to relax and have fun. Keep reading, to learn about 5 useful camping hacks that will probably surprise you.

family camping

5 Useful Camping Hacks       

            1. Water-Proof Match Holder

Wet matches typically mean the difference between a yummy campfire-prepared meal and eating bologna sandwiches. Make a simple water-proof match holder out of a Mason jar and sandpaper. Place the jar lid on the sandpaper. Trace around it, cut out the circle and hot glue it to the bottom side of the lid. Fill the jar with matches and you’re good to go. I just love this camping hack!

            2. Emergency Medicine Cabinet

You never know when someone might get an allergic reaction or need a remedy for common ailments like heartburn or diarrhea. Make a mini medicine cabinet out of an inexpensive plastic pill container. Fill each section with over the counter medications. Essentially, whatever you think your family might need.

            3. Kitchen Organization

Keep your camp kitchen totally organized with a cheap see-through plastic shoe organizer. Use it to store all kinds of cooking utensils and food prep supplies. Hang it somewhere within easy reach, to keep bugs at bay.

            4. Light-Up Cooler

A super-simple way to keep track of what’s in your cooler, once the sun goes down, is to add several small glow sticks in with the contents. Seriously, how much easier does it get? I am sure you will remember to do this useful camping hack!

            5. Tent Floor Comfort

Purchase enough large interlocking foam floor tiles to cover the floor of your tent. Not only does this make it easier on bare feet, it also makes sleeping a lot more comfortable. Save money by looking for the tiles at yard sales or on eBay.

5 Useful Camping Hacks   

These are just five of many more useful camping hacks to consider, during your next outdoor adventure.

The question is this… which one of these great camping tips are you going to try first?

Spice Up Your Summer With These Bordeaux Vintage Wines

Lyne Proulx
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6
Spice Up Your Summer With These Bordeaux Vintage Wines

Among mature wine drinkers, one region is synonymous with consistently delicious and complex wind. Bordeaux has had the distinction of being in the upper echelon for decades, and a complex bouquet that shifts into playful endnotes keeps this wine in the top tier for most collectors and critics. Perhaps the most incredible thing about Bordeaux vintages wines is that not every vintage is exorbitantly expensive, and solid bottles that score in the 90+ range can be purchased for under 30 dollars. Read on to see what goes into Bordeaux wines and how you can find a Bordeaux bottle that suits your taste and price point.

Bordeaux Vintage Wines

While white Bordeaux wine blends do exist, the name is synonymous with Bordeaux blend red wine, and when people say the name, they are more often than not looking for a Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blend, though the proportion of each depends on the specific location of the winery.

Wines From Bordeaux Region

It is a winery’s location on either bank of the Gironde estuary in the Bordeaux region of central France that determines the proportion of Merlot to Cabernet inside each bottle. If it’s a Left Bank winery, the blend will have more Cabernet Sauvignon, while Right Bank blends will lean strongly on the Merlot side. This determination also allows tasters to make a few generalizations about various vintages.

The reason why the Bordeaux region continues to produce the world’s most popular wines is the complex bouquet that develops over several years. The taste of Bordeaux changes as the wine matures over time in the bottle. Over that time, the initial primary fruit driven flavours and aromas are replaced by secondary and tertiary aromas.

Bordeaux Vintage Flavours

The Bordeaux bouquet offers unique notes ranging from tobacco leaf, leather, cigar box, truffle, spices, smoke, tar, wet earth, forest floor or other leafy aromas. With more time, the Black Currant, Plum, and Violet fruits in the initial tasting blend into dark cherry flavours. As it ages, the texture of the wine changes, too. When you taste the wines, they burst with mineral and fruit notes that lead into prickly, savoury, mouth-drying tannins.

According to the experts at Wineonline.ca this awakening of flavour occurs because the initial sternness of the tannins soften considerably as time passes allowing mature Bordeaux blends to become noticeably more elegant, offering a lush, silky mouthfeel.

Spice Up Your Summer With These Fabulous Bordeaux Vintages

Which Food To Serve With Bordeaux Vintage Wines

Another reason for the continued popularity of Bordeaux is that it pairs so well with food. If you want to feature Bordeaux as part of a larger offering, you’ll want to serve foods that feature plenty of savoury, umami flavours and also have enough fat to counteract the high tannin levels.

When serving Bordeaux, remember that:

  • This wine goes great with Beef Brisket, Filet Mignon, and even Buffalo Burgers
  • It pairs wonderfully with Lentils, Mushrooms, and Roast Potatoes, as well as Anise, Oregano, and black and white pepper
  • If you’re serving lighter summer fair, consider pairing with Comté, White Cheddar, or Manchego cheeses

Good Vintage For Bordeaux

Looking to get your hands on the best Bordeaux vintage? The Bordeaux 2016 Vintage Pontet Canet En Primeuris testing extremely well with critics. As James Molesworth at Wine Spectator tells us, “it has a lovely feel despite its weight, displaying grace as it flows through the loam-edged finish.”If you’re looking for the right bottle at the right price, you might also consider the 2010 Bordeaux Vintage Pierbone Haut Medoc which offers up a fantastic vintage paired with an incredible value. At $39.95 per bottle, this wine represents some serious value. Though you can age the wine even further, it will drink beautifully this season!

Get your summer off to the right start with some delectable Bordeaux vintages. Deep and complex, yet light enough to pair with summer fare, you can’t go wrong with this gorgeous red. Don’t forget to make this wine cork too! Serve it at your next event and your guests will love you for it.

Cheers!

National Holidays To Celebrate Each Day This Summer With Kids

Lyne Proulx
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9
National Holidays To Celebrate Each Day This Summer With Kids

Looking for boredom busters for the kids, check out this list of National holidays to celebrate each day this summer with your family! I have curated a list of items for you to skim through to find a way to make that Monday a little bit more exciting in your household! This list is for National Holidays everyday in July and August, you can find wonderful things to celebrate with your family! 

National Holidays To Celebrate This Summer With Kids Each Day

National Holidays Today

What National Holidays are today? National Gingersnap Day, fried chicken day, sugar cookie day, and much more are what you will find in the list below! These are fun and silly national holidays you and your family can celebrate! On threading the needle day, maybe take a class to learn how to sew, or sew something new if you already know how. On the lazy day, maybe just relax and have a day of watching movies. Get creative and have fun! Your kids will love looking at what the new daily holiday is and some National Holidays are weird! 

National Holidays July

  1. National Gingersnap Day 
  2. National Anisette Day
  3. National Eat Your Beans Day
  4. National Caesar Salad Day 
  5. National Graham Cracker Day
  6. National Fried Chicken Day
  7. National Macaroni Day
  8. National Chocolate with Almonds Day
  9. National Sugar Cookie Day
  10. National Pina Colada Day
  11. National Rainier Cherry Day
  12. National Different Colored Eyes Day
  13. National French Fry Day
  14. National Grand Marnier Day
  15. National Pet Fire Safety Day
  16. National Corn Fritters Day
  17. National Yellow Pig Day
  18. National Caviar Day
  19. National Hotdog Day
  20. National Moon Day
  21. National Junk Food Day
  22. National Hammock Day
  23. National Parent’s Day 
  24. National Thermal Engineer Day
  25. National Threading the Needle Day
  26. National Creme Brulee Day
  27. National Aunt and Uncle’s Day
  28. National Milk Chocolate Day
  29. National Dance Day 
  30. National Cheesecake Day
  31. National Raspberry Cake Day 

 

National Holidays To Celebrate This Summer With Kids Each Day

National Holidays in August

  1. National Minority Donor Awareness Day
  2. National Colouring Book Day
  3. National Watermelon Day
  4. National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day
  5. National Underwear Day
  6. National Wiggle Your Toes Day
  7. National Lighthouse Day
  8. National Frozen Custard Day
  9. National Book Lovers Day
  10. National Lazy Day
  11. National Son’s and Daughter’s Day
  12. National Vinyl Record Day
  13. National Filet Mignon Day
  14. National Creamsicle Day
  15. National Relaxation Day
  16. National Roller Coaster Day
  17. National I LOVE My Feet Day
  18. National Fajita Day
  19. National Aviation Day
  20. National Radio Day
  21. National Senior Citizens Day
  22. National Tooth Fairy Day
  23. National Sponge Cake Day
  24. National Peach Pie Day
  25. National Secondhand Wardrobe Day
  26. National Dog Day
  27. National Just Because Day
  28. National Cherry Turnovers Day
  29. National Chop Suey Day
  30. National Toasted Marshmallow Day
  31. National Trail Mix Day

For more information or to find a calendar with National Holidays to celebrate this summer, search each day listed above on the internet.

7 Fun Games to Play Outside in the Summer

Lyne Proulx
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24
7 Fun Games to Play Outside in the Summer

Are you looking for some fun games to play with your kids outdoors? Fortunately, there are a number of fun games that you can play outdoors! Here are 7 Fun Games to Play Outside in the Summer!

Fun Kids Games To Play Outside

1. Hide and Seek

This is a classic game that your kids are bound to enjoy playing. When playing outside, it’s best to create some safety rules (e.g. stay in the backyard, keep away from traffic).

2. Simon Says

Little children will love to play Simon Says outside this summer! You can take turns playing “Simon”.

3. Marco Polo

Although this game can be played at any time, it’s a lot of fun if you have a pool. One person will close their eyes and the other person will say “Marco.” The person with their eyes open will say “Polo” to help them determine their location. This cycle will continue until “Marco” finds “Polo”.

4. Volleyball or badminton

The equipment for volleyball or badminton are generally very inexpensive. These games can make for a fun summer!

5. Frisbee

Frisbees are also very inexpensive game and can be a lot of fun for your child to play this summer.

water balloons
Water Balloons games

6. Water balloons

On a hot day of summer, fill up some balloons with water and toss them around. Your kids will get a fun surprise when a water balloon breaks on them!

7. The Washer Toss game

It’s very challenging as each player or team takes turns tossing washers into a box that has a cylinder centre cup. Washers landing in the box get one point, washers landing in the cup are worth three points. The first player or team to reach 21 points wins the game.

7 Fun Games to Play Outside in the Summer

These are just some Fun Games to Play Outside in the Summer! Playing any of these games this summer can create lifetime memories for both you and your children.

What are you favourite outdoor games to play with your kids?

 

Oreo Knibbler Cookies Recipe

Lyne Proulx
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25
Oreo Knibbler Cookies Recipe

 

Oreo Knibbler Cookies Recipe
Oreo Knibbler Cookies

 

Oreo Knibbler Cookies Recipe

 

What isn’t to love about Oreo cookies? The delicious cookie is melt-in-your-mouth heavenly goodness, and licking away the sweet white icing is bound to send anyone on Cloud Nine! Oh, and nobody can’t possibly forget how fun it is to dunk an Oreo into a perfectly poured glass of fresh milk! So what could be even better than Oreos, dare I ask? Oreo Nibbler Cookies, that’s what!

This recipe puts a delightful twist on a classic chocolate chip cookie by combining french vanilla cake mix, cream cheese, chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and the best ingredient of all: crushed Oreos! Give it a try! You surely won’t regret baking up an Oreo-lover’s dream cookie and pairing it up with a glass of milk, or, for those who have a very sweet tooth, a warm cup of hot chocolate! This treat is perfect for a movie-night in, get-together’s, or as a tasty dessert!

You will only need a few simple ingredients to get these going:

Ingredients

  • 1 box of french vanilla cake mix
  • 8 TBSP unsalted sweet cream butter, melted
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 tsp madagascar vanilla
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 Cup chopped Oreo cookies
  • 1 Cup white chocolate chips
  • 1/2 Cup chocolate chips 
 
 
 
They are very simple, but follow these directions closely:

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line parchment paper onto a baking sheet.
  • In a standing mixer, combine the cake mix, butter, eggs, cream cheese and vanilla. 
  • Mix until soft ball of dough forms
  • Add in the chopped Oreos, chocolate chips and white chocolate chips
  • Mix until combined 
  • Take a small ice cream scoop and scoop onto the baking sheet. 
  • Bake for 8-10 minutes 
  • Enjoy!

Makes 4 1/2 dozen 

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

 

Oreo Knibbler Cookies

No ratings yet
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • 1 box of french vanilla cake mix
  • 8 TBSP unsalted sweet cream butter melted
  • 1 large egg room temperature
  • 1 tsp madagascar vanilla
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • 2 Cup chopped Oreo cookies
  • 1 Cup white chocolate chips
  • 1/2 Cup chocolate chips

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line parchment paper onto a baking sheet.
  • In a standing mixer, combine the cake mix, butter, eggs, cream cheese and vanilla.
  • Mix until soft ball of dough forms
  • Add in the chopped Oreos, chocolate chips and white chocolate chips
  • Mix until combined
  • Take a small ice cream scoop and scoop onto the baking sheet.
  • Bake for 8-10 minutes
  • Enjoy!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Grilled Turkey Sausage and Summer Greens Pizza Recipe

Pieces of Me
-
120
Grilled Turkey Sausage and Summer Greens Pizza Recipe

Canadian Turkey wants you to have a fabulous summer by trying to make a bit of a change to the meat you fire up on the grill by eating turkey this year! You have to make their Grilled Turkey Sausage and Summer Greens Pizza!

It’s summertime, Canada! After slugging through a harsh winter, and experiencing a wet and wild spring, it is great knowing that there is nothing but blue skies and good times ahead for the next few months. How do a lot of Canadians celebrate the coming of the summer season? By uncovering the grill and barbecuing some amazing meals!

Grilled Turkey Sausage and Summer Greens Pizza
Grilled Turkey Sausages and Summer Greens Pizza.

Turkey on the Grill!

Whoa! Wait a minute! Turkey on the grill?! YES! It is possible, and it can be done in so many delicious ways. Did you also know that turkey is a versatile protein? There are a variety of dishes you can create with the different cuts of turkey. Some of these cuts include:

  • Ground meat
  • Legs, drumsticks
  • Breast Steaks
  • Thighs
  • Breast rolls
  • Breast roasts
  • Drummettes
  • Wings
  • Sausages
  • Burgers

With all of these cuts to choose from you could have a different dish any weeknight, and have tasty turkey leftovers the next day. Another great reason to use turkey is that Canadian turkey is a low-fat, high-protein bird. Turkey can easily replace other meats in grilling recipes, so it is like making a new dish with this meat.

The leanest of Canadian turkey also makes it a great protein to put on the barbecue. Since both the dark and white meat are lean, you can give your family a choice as to which cut they would like without having to worry about health or nutrition. The lean content of turkey gets another check mark for meals on the grill because the lack of fat on this protein reduces flare-ups while cooking.

bbq half turkey
Barbecued Turkey in a table with side dishes.

What kinds of dishes can be made from Canadian turkey on the grill?

With all of the cuts available to you from Canadian turkey, there are numerous possibilities at your disposal! Some of the more popular summer choices are meals are burgers, kabobs, as well as turkey dishes topped with yummy sauces, rubs and marinades. You could also try experimenting with new spice blends since turkey pairs well with any flavour profile.

If you are entertaining or want to have a lot of leftovers for a few days, why not barbecue a whole bird? Yes, The. Whole. Bird! It is really easy to do on the grill and it helps you save a bit of green in your wallet. Having family and friends over for Canada’s big day? Why not wow guests with a fabulous Canadian turkey meal!

bbq half turkey
Photo Credit: Canadian Turkey; Barbecued Turkey on a set table.

Isn’t Canadian turkey considered comfort food?

Summer should be all about cooling down and taking easy, right? Canadian turkey is a great idea, whether it is for a small group or for a large crowd any time this summer. It can make any comforting while you take it easy this season.  Turkey can be used in snacks to take with you on those memorable trips you take when you hit the road this summer. This protein can also be used in sandwiches and other dishes you can pack for a sunny day picnic or family gathering. Turkey also tastes delicious, prepared for hot or cold dishes, so enjoying it is never a problem.

Not a barbecue master?

That is not a problem! Below are a few grilling tips and tricks you can do to make this summer to enjoy at the grill:

  1. Grill lean and trim the fat – using lean cuts of meat with less fat means less flames and smoke on the grill.
  2. Infuse flavour into your meats by marinating with healthy fats like olive oil, adding citrus, beer, wine or vinegar and fresh herbs, spices and rubs.
  3. When grilling, go low and slow by grilling over low and medium heat. Cook until a meat thermometer registers 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the meat.
  4. Practice food safe habits and refrigerate any foods that are marinating longer than 1/2 hour.
  5. Cooking entire meals on the grill will give you juicy meat and tasty vegetables. Grilling locks in moisture and adds natural smoky flavour, cutting down on the need for extra fats, salt and sugary sauces.
  6. Grilling your food gets you outside where you can hang out with the family while you cook. While barbecuing, why not throw the ball or the Frisbee around? It’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors and have some fun together.

Excited about fun times this summer barbecuing with Canadian turkey? Here is a Grilled Turkey Sausage and Summer Greens Pizza you can prepare and serve!

Grilled Turkey Sausage and Summer Greens Pizza Recipe
Grilled Sausages and Summer Greens Pizza on a table.

Grilled Turkey Sausage and Summer Greens Pizza Recipe

For more Canadian Turkey recipes, you can visit our OMC website!

Grilled Turkey Sausage and Summer Greens Pizza

Grilled Turkey Sausage and Summer Greens Pizza- Canadian Turkey

Lyne
Make a bit of a change to the meat you fire up on the grill by eating Canadian Turkey's Grilled Turkey Sausage and Summer Greens Pizza!
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Recipes
Cuisine Canadian
Servings 2 people

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Prepared pizza dough – homemade or store bought
  • 1 ½ cups cooked Swiss chard and rapini
  • 1 medium zucchini sliced into ribbons
  • ½ cup mozzarella thinly sliced or shredded
  • 2 Canadian turkey sausages grilled and sliced
  • 1 package pre-made pizza dough
  • 2 tbsp store bought pesto
  • 5 leaves fresh basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 tbsp olive oil optional

Instructions
 

  • Bring your pizza dough to room temperature to make it easier to stretch out.
  • While your dough is acclimating, prepare all your ingredients so they are on hand.
  • Pre-heat your grill to high.
  • Generously flour your work surface.
  • Stretch your dough out to your desired thickness. Make sure your pizza bottom does not stick to your work surface and can be easily moved.
  • Have a pizza stone or griddle on hand. Generously flour.
  • Transfer pizza dough to stone or griddle.
  • Build your pizza: spread the pesto over the dough, top with greens, zucchini and sausage.
  • Top with mozzarella and salt and pepper to taste.
  • Cook for 10 – 20 minutes, until pizza crust is browned, toppings are browned and cheese is melted and bubbly. Note that cooking times will vary depending on the strength of your BBQ and the thickness of the dough.
  • Remove the pizza from the BBQ and let rest for 5 minutes.
  • Sprinkle with fresh basil leaves.
  • Top with red pepper flakes and olive oil (optional).
  • Slice and serve.

Notes

You can also make this pizza with leftover turkey breast or turkey thigh meat. Just substitute for the turkey sausage and follow the directions as listed.
Keyword pizza, turkey sausage
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Canadian Turkey makes it easy for Canadians to want to fire up the grill this summer. They have so many different recipes and HOW TOs guides to help make the most of the summer. Take a look at their Summer Grilling Guide to #BBQWithTurkey!

Grilled Turkey Sausage and Summer Greens Pizza

Are you curious about other turkey dishes you can prepare with the perfect wing man, Canadian Turkey? Take a look the Canadian Turkey website, or connect with them on their Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest pages!

Disclosure: I was generously compensated to share these fabulous ideas in this post by Canadian Turkey.

Lightning McQueen is back in Disney/Pixar’s Cars 3

Jérémie
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18
Lightning McQueen is back in Disney/Pixar’s Cars 3

 In Cars 3, Lightning McQueen is up against a new breed of technologically advanced race car. Will he beat the odds and these faster rookie racers?

Lightning McQueen is back in Disney/Pixar's Cars 3
Lightning McQueen replica car ~ taken by Lyne Proulx

Synopsis

Lightning is in an unusual situation, he is no longer the fastest car on the track. The newest race cars, lead by Storm, are faster and better trained with the latest cutting edge technology.

McQueen gets a new training facility and trainer, Cruz Ramirez, who tries to coach Lightning with the latest technology. He resists the change and decides to continue with his unconventional training methods. This gets them both in some odd and sticky situations.

Lightning McQueen is back in Disney/Pixar's Cars 3
Lightning McQueen trailer ~ taken by Lyne Proulx

 

My Opinion

The movie features all of McQueen’s friends from Radiator Springs, with just the right amount of Mater. Doc Hudson is a large portion of the movie. It does not follow the typical comeback story. The rookies are passive aggressive rather than straight up mean, opting for backhanded comments and mind games. The only scary portion, for my daughter, was a little later in the movie when Lightning is in danger but the source of danger is quite absurd and the scene doesn’t last very long.

Those new to the series or don’t quite remember Cars 1 or 2 will be reminded of everything they need to know via flashbacks. My family was entertained and enjoyed it. We were pleasantly surprised by the story that was told and the direction the movie went. I don’t think it will be on repeat for a month, like some of the other Disney/Pixar movies from recent years.  

Will Kachow prevail and beat the rookies? Will he protect his brand? Or is this the end of his fabulous racing career?

Have you seen the Disney/Pixar’s Cars 3 yet? If yes, how did you like it?

Raspberry Mint Iced Tea Recipe – Adult Version Included!

Julie
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41
Raspberry Mint Iced Tea Recipe – Adult Version Included!

Mint is a popular herb which has several benefits including proper digestion and weight loss, relief from nausea, depression, fatigue and headache, treatment of asthma, memory loss, and skin care problems. It is a well known mouth and breath freshener that is scientifically known as Mentha, and has been used for hundreds of years for its remarkable medicinal properties. Since I have an overload of mint growing in my back yard, I needed a great refreshing recipe to allow me to use this amazing herb, and now I am sharing the love! You must try this refreshing Raspberry Mint Iced Tea Recipe for a boost of anti-oxidants and a refreshing change from water on hot summer days.

Raspberry Mint Iced Tea
Beverages in a glass and in bottles

Store-bought summer sips can cost you a lot in empty calories and added sugar – wreaking havoc with your energy as well as your waistline. Swap for this homemade version and relax knowing both your taste buds and body will thank you!

Beware the bottled beverage

Commercial iced tea is packed full of sugar, and after all that processing, likely also fairly low on the natural anti-oxidants present in tea. While it’s not going to make or break your health if you have a glass once in a while- we tend to overdo it in the heat and at all the BBQ’s and beach days where soda and iced teas are a regular addition. Common brands range from 18-24 g of sugar per cup.  

mint leaves
mint leaves

Keep in mind that most cans are 355 mL and the tall bottles can be up to 500 mL so you’re likely getting a much bigger sugar rush than you bargained for. All that liquid sugar is absorbed quickly, causing a rapid rise in blood sugar and later insulin that cause energy to crash fairly quickly. When taken more frequently these spikes of sugar and insulin are associated with inflammation and fat storage. This homemade version is less than 5 g of added sugars per cup making it a much cleaner choice, the carbohydrate load is lower and can be handled more easily.  

Quench your thirst and give your health a boost

Teas are naturally nutritious. All teas are high in polyphenols, a potent family of antioxidants. While green teas have been known linked to weight loss and cancer prevention, black teas are still great sources of these powerful nutrients. So you can heal your body and beat the heat!

Great iced tea tips

  • While water is always a great choice, sometimes I just crave something a bit more flavourful. Homemade lemonade and iced tea are also much more nutritious than store bought- the natural nutrients are preserved and you can control how much sweetener goes in. I like to use honey or maple syrup as it saves me the step of making simple syrup and adds flavour, but remember just because they’re natural doesn’t mean they don’t affect your blood sugar in a similar way to refined sugars.
  • Don’t skimp on tea bags, using fewer but steeping longer will just give you a bitter tea due to the tannins.
  • Don’t over steep! Removing the tea bags when the time is up is key to making a great batch of iced tea.
  • Get creative with your flavours- fresh blackberries, strawberries macerated with limoncello for an adults only version? Maple syrup instead of honey? The sky’s the limit.

Raspberry Mint Iced Tea Recipe

Raspberry Mint Iced Tea
Raspberry Mint Iced Tea

Raspberry Mint Iced Tea

Try this refreshing iced tea for a boost of anti-oxidants and a refreshing change from water on hot summer days.
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Course beverages
Cuisine American, Canadian
Servings 4 glasses

Ingredients
  

  • 1 L /4 cups of water
  • 2 black tea bags most recipes use orange pekoe, but Earl Grey would be wonderful here too!
  • 1 tbsp. honey add slightly more if needed to taste
  • Small handful of fresh mint leaves about 8 large leaves, 10-12 smaller leaves
  • 1/2 cup fresh raspberries roughly mashed with a fork.

Instructions
 

  • Bring water to a boil. Remove from heat and add the tea bags and honey. Steep for 3-4 minutes maximum and then remove the tea bags.
  • Pour in to a heatproof, pourable container (like a Pyrex measuring cup, sturdy, non-plastic pitcher, or divided amongst mason jars) and add half of the mint leaves.
  • Cool in the fridge, stirring occasionally until chilled (about 30 minutes).
  • Divide mashed raspberries and remaining mint (roughly torn) amongst four glasses and top with iced tea.

Notes

  • If you’re doubling or tripling the recipe for a larger crowd, you can easily put the raspberry and mint mixture in the bottom of a glass pitcher and top with iced tea to save the time of making individual glasses. If doing so, give it a good stir and let it sit for a few minutes to help the raspberry flavour infuse.
  • Get creative with your flavours- fresh blackberries, strawberries macerated with limoncello for an adults only version? Maple syrup instead of honey? The sky’s the limit.
Keyword iced tea
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

I hope you enjoyed my Raspberry Mint Iced Tea Recipe as much as I did! If you make it, please share your photos with us on Facebook or Twitter! Also, check out other OMC recipes!

Do you have any tips or recipes for healthy summer drinks? Share with me in the comments below!

With LOVE, 

Julie

Follow me!

@JulieCloutier6 & Facebook

Make Cherished Memories Pop with BestCanvas.ca – Review

Pieces of Me
-
35
Make Cherished Memories Pop with BestCanvas.ca – Review

Photos. We have been using them for years to capture our fond memories. It is great to have a record of these fun times, but some memories are so unforgettable that a regular sized photo just won’t do. Best Canvas Prints Canada (BestCanvas.ca) understands the need to make photos bigger, and they help users to bring cherished memories to life by transferring these images onto durable canvases. BestCanvas.ca asked me review their service to see how well one of my loved images look after being transferred onto canvas with their help!

It was really easy to get this image transferred onto a print from BestCanvas.ca. These are the steps to follow to get your memory brought to life:

  1. Click on the Order button in the menu bar of the site.
  2. Upload your photo to the site by clicking on the +Choose Image Button and selecting the image from your device’s files.
  3. Look at the formats and sizes available to choose for your print (format choices are Square, Landscape and Panoramic) then select the size and other features you can add to your print, such as a Floating Frame, Frame Thickness, Edge Option, and Image Effect.
  4. Pay for your order!

What I like about this process is that you can have an idea of what to expect your print will look like before your pay for it. When selecting a size, the system shows you how it will fit on the canvas and what parts of the image will fold over the frame. This way, you can position it or choose another photo for this process.

BestCanvas.ca Review

For this review, I had so many memories to choose from to have brought to life with Best Canvas Print Canada. Since this photo was the last one we had taken of my kids, I decided it was time for a new, more recent one.

Once I was able to speak to their people and coordinate their hectic schedules, I was able to sit them down to snap this shot.

Image of kids to be used for BestCanvas.ca review

I sent in my photo to be used for my print, and requested to have a 24″ x 20″ print of my image (Note: I sent in my request via . Within a week, my order had arrived. It was wrapped in a thin protective packing sheet to prevent the corners of the print and the frame from getting damaged.  

This is what it looks like from the back.

Back of BestCanvasa.ca image frame with staples to show it is secure

As you can see, a bit of the image used for this print folded over, but these parts of the image were not central to what I wanted captured for this print.

I like that the corners of the canvas are secured down to the frame to ensure it will not unravel over time. I also like that there is a barcode and the title of the image printed on each print. That way, if there is an issue with your print, you are able to contact BestCanvas.ca and refer to the  print in question quickly.

And now for the big reveal…

BestCanvas Print in backyard on a chair.

I really liked how this photo transferred over from an image to the canvas. The colours on the print look the same as they do on the image. Their faces looks great, so they will look nice when we frame and hang it up in our living room.

Overall, I really enjoy my print from BestCanvas.ca. The process of sending in a print is user-friendly. My print shipped really quickly, and the quality of my print is really fantastic. I love this print, and would order another one without any hesitation.

Want to see how you can bring your memories to life? You can visit them on BestCanvas.ca, as well as on their Facebook and Twitter pages!

Disclaimer: I received a 24” x 20” print from Best Canvas Prints Canada in order to write this review. The views I shared are my own.

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7 Summer Garden Tips

Lyne Proulx
-
10
7 Summer Garden Tips

Do you have a garden? Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned gardener, there are a number of things you can do to help your garden grow. I have come up with 7 summer garden tips for you to consider when gardening during the hot months.

7 Summer Garden Tips

Top gardening tips

1. When To Water Plants and Vegetables

It’s important to water your plants and vegetables at the right time of day.The best time to water is early in the morning or late in the evening. If you water your plants or vegetables in the afternoon, the water is likely to evaporate in the heat.

2. Vegetables that grow in full hot sun

Sweet potatoes, tomatoes, green beans, hot peppers, zucchini squash, eggplant, corn, and melons are just a few examples of vegetables that grow best in the heat.

3. Use the right soil

The right soil can make all the difference for your summer garden maintenance. It’s best to use soil that is rich with clay minerals, which expands better and allows water to distribute more evenly.

4. How Many Times Should I Water Plants

Make sure that you water your plants often enough, but not too much. Water your plants in the garden two to three times per week is an ideal number.

5. Try to avoid wetting plant leaves

Although this can be challenging if you have a sprinkler, try to only hit the roots of your plants when watering by hose or bucket. Plant diseases are more likely to wreak havoc when the leaves are moist.

6. Protect new plantings of vegetables and flowers

It’s important to protect young vegetables. Freshly planted vegetable and flower seedlings need to be sheltered about 50 per cent with a shade cloth or leafy branches for about a week or two. This will help them grow without any sun harm.

7. How to get rid of weeds in vegetable garden naturally

There is only 1 way and that’s to pull weeds out from your garden, because weeds steal the nutrients your vegetables and plants so desperately need and also the moisture in the soil. It’s best to pull the weeds when they are small and young as they will come out of the soil easier. If you also pick them out when they are young, it will stop the weeds from producing seeds for them to grow in abundance.

7 Summer Garden Tips
7 Summer Garden Tips

These are just 7 summer garden tips to help your plants thrive! Do you have any summer gardening ideas to share?

Tips For A Healthy Dad Lifestyle

Christelle
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16
Tips For A Healthy Dad Lifestyle

Living a happy, healthy life will be a gift your father will cherish for the years to come! You will find below Tips for a Healthy Dad Lifestyle!

When it comes to being a kid at heart, nobody does it better than Dads! They’re always fun, always willing to be ridiculous, and the best to play around with! Their big hearts ensure that they’ll always be there to take care of you when you need them most, and their strong arms give the best and tightest bear hugs you’ll ever experience. In the eyes of their kids, they’re superheroes, but there comes a time where even superheroes need a little help and some good old TLC!

Tips For A Healthy Dad Lifestyle

Tips for Men’s Healthy Lifestyle

If your Dad is anything like mine, we may not be able to change some of their old habits (hello, stubbornness!); however, this Father’s Day, consider having an honest conversation about healthy habits.

Greens over Fatty Foods!

My Dad loves, and when I say loves, I do say loves, a good big glass of cola with his meals (especially with pizza, hamburgers, and hot dogs!). And while it’s okay to eat those every now and again, shunning away anything that isn’t meat, fat, sugary, or carbs isn’t a healthy long-term lifestyle choice. With summer finally arriving, there are plenty of beautiful seasonal produce available throughout the season to green up his meals! Suggest a few new recipes, try to get him to grill veggies on the good BBQ with his steaks, or incorporate veggies into his meals without him knowing you used vegetables to begin with! This GRILLED VEGGIE recipe for the BBQ is a must-try!

Get Active!

Does your Dad love sports as much as mine? Perfect! Consider trying to coax him into participating in recreational sport leagues, depending on the season, for his age group! If that isn’t his cup of tea, nothing is better than getting active together and having a healthy dad!

Offer a daily walk around the neighbourhood if you live in the same area. If distance prohibits, turn it into an online competition to see who can rank the most steps in a day, or who can achieve 10 000 steps first! Initially, the task might seem horrendously tedious and demanding, but they’ll be grateful for it in the long run. Consistent exercise and activity can help you maintain your strength and agility, while also improving vitality and sleep, and can even help diminish chronic pain – truly a win-win! Remember to start slow to avoid injury and build up endurance over time!

Address pain before it slows Dad down!

Don’t let Dad’s back aches or muscular pains get in the way of your family activities! If they are preventing your Dad from enjoying the most of his day, suggest for him to talk to his pharmacist about ALEVE® to manage his pain. ALEVE® is clinically proven to last for up to 12 hours with 1 caplet or gel capsule and provides fast and effective pain relief such as arthritis pain, inflammation, joint and body pain, muscular aches, backache, headaches, and migraines. In addition, with the easy-open arthritis cap, he’ll get that relief even faster!

Tips for a Healthy Superhero Dad Lifestyle

Have the Difficult Talk: Heart Attack

Considering I’m a very recent Nursing School graduate, I’ve certainly had this talk with my Dad before. It’s nothing to be intimidated by! In fact, the more he knows about it and the more aware he becomes about the signs and symptoms of a heart attack, the more likely he’ll be able to recognize them and what to do if he may someday suffer from one.

What you should do if you have the signs and symptoms of a heart attack:

  • First, call 911 immediately
  • then chew or crush two ASPIRIN®81mg tablets

Having this talk and being prepared could save his life!

How will you and your Dad be celebrating this upcoming Father’s Day?

This post is sponsored by Bayer. To make sure these products are right for you, always read and follow the label.

Fitness + Learning Equals Fun at N.U.T.S – Review

Pieces of Me
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7
Fitness + Learning Equals Fun at N.U.T.S – Review

Fun and exercise do not always go hand in hand for many people. Throw learning into the mix and some people may think it is madness! This equation is Fitness + Learning Equals Fun at N.U.T.S!

Thinking about this, I received this email in my inbox from my commander:

Mission: Visit the Neuron Upgrade Training Station (N.U.T.S.) to see how much fun could be had learning while performing various exercises and become N.U.T.S Certified.

Should you accept, report for training at their facility and report your findings.

I was curious about this idea and enlisted the help of my daughter to see for ourselves if getting fit, becoming smarter and having fun can be done at the same time.

 

Fitness + Learning Equals Fun at N.U.T.S!

 

Fitness + Learning Equals Fun at N.U.T.S
Image credit: N.U.T.S.; N.U.T.S. logo

 

This is what we saw when we arrived to N.U.T.S.

 

Fitness + Learning Equals Fun at N.U.T.S
Front of N.U.T.S Training Facility

 

We did not know what to expect when we arrived to the training facility to go through with our mission. Hi Nguyen, Founder of N.U.T.S., greeted us and gave us a briefing about what this facility is and a run-down of our training session.

 

Fitness + Learning Equals Fun at N.U.T.S
Photo of Hi Nguyen, Founder of N.U.T.S.

 

N.U.T.S. is Canada’s first knowledge-based obstacle race™. Hi discovered how well obstacle racing could affect children and young adults and put together an active learning facility where they can have fun, get fit, and learn! There are three races competitors can take part in during their physical and mental training experience: Basic (30 minutes), Advanced (60 minutes), and Red Line (90 minutes). Teams are also able to have training sessions, and birthday parties are possible to be had at N.U.T.S

Hi then gave us a tour of all of the obstacles we would be racing around to complete our mission of the Basic Upgrade Session. To successfully be considered N.U.T.S. Certified, we would have to complete the obstacle course three times (roughly 10 minutes per lap).

Below is a list of the obstacles we would be facing:

  • Commando Lift
  • Squat Lifts
  • Tent Crawl
  • Wall Spell
  • Questions
  • Horizontal Wall Climb
  • Monkey Bars
  • Plank Boards
  • Tire Hops
  • Questions
  • Lunge Mini Medicine Balls
  • Mini Vertical Bar Climb
  • Bag Drag
  • Over and Under Carries
  • Questions?
  • Farmers’ Carries
  • Tire Jumps/Taps
  • Toe Touches

Before starting the course, we were outfitted with an I.D. bracelet to wear in order to input our answers during the learning portions of the race. We also had a selection of topic to choose from. Since it is the 150th anniversary of Confederation, we both decided to choose this area of knowledge to test our knowledge.

 

Fitness + Learning Equals Fun at N.U.T.S
Placing an ID bracelet on a wrist at N.U.T.S.

 

Looking at each of the zones we would be racing through made me think that I may have bitten off more than I could chew, but I am always up for a challenge and my daughter and I have competitive spirits, so we knew we could not back away from this mission.

 

Fitness + Learning Equals Fun at N.U.T.S
Collage of photos of teen performing some of the obstacles at N.U.T.S.

 

Below is the report I filed with my commander.

Let me tell you: It was fun! Yes, for someone who is trying to get back into shape, I forced myself to push a little bit harder to get through some of the more difficult obstacles, like the Mini Vertical Wall and the Horizontal Climbing Wall. I forgot at the end of the second lap of our training mission that I still had another full lap to complete and I was beginning to run on the fumes in my tank. I am pleased to report that our mission was a success!

Where the learning while working out was concerned, these “rest periods” were a sight for sore eyes for me. I love testing my knowledge. A lot of the questions I was asked I had learned from my time in high school or university, so it was fun to try and get the questions correct in a quick amount of time. Some of the questions repeated themselves a few times in order to test whether you remembered the answers from previous attempts throughout your session. By my last round, I was able to retain the correct answers and got all of them right!

At the end of our session, Hi announced my daughter and I had successfully completed our training session! We then were grated the honour of becoming N.U.T.S Certified. Here is the photo evidence of our accomplishment.

 

Fitness + Learning Equals Fun at N.U.T.S
Woman and teen by deemed N.U.T.S. Certified

 

I would say that this visit to N.U.T.S. can be filed as Mission: COMPLETE.

My daughter and I had an amazing experience while visiting N.U.T.S. The physical aspect was a total body workout (trust me, muscles I had not really worked out in a while let themselves be known the next day) that pushed you every step of the way. The learning portion of the obstacle course was a bit of a challenge at first, but as I went through, I was able to remember what I had learned to answer them correctly the next time I faced them and answer them correctly by the end of the race. The learning and the physical challenges made for a fun session and bonding moment my daughter and I won’t soon forget. We will be visiting N.U.T.S. again for another training mission to become N.U.T.S Certified again.

Are you ready to go N.U.T.S.? Check them out on their website, and connect with them on their Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat pages!

Disclaimer: I received a Basic (30 minute) Upgrade Training Session at N.U.T.S. in order to write this review. The views I shared are my own.

 

 

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Father’s Day: 10 Reasons Why Dads are Important

Lyne Proulx
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42
Father’s Day: 10 Reasons Why Dads are Important

Father’s Day is a special day set aside for sons and daughters to show their dads how much he means to them. However, it’s more than that. It’s a day to show the world just how important dads are.

History and Origins of Father's Day

Every year, fathers are celebrated with cards, poems, and gifts as a way to be honoured for all they do for their children throughout the year. Father’s Day is a wonderful way to show dads how much they are appreciated and loved. Celebrated in June, it’s a great time of year for picnics and BBQ’s in which to spend some quality time with fathers, while giving them thanks for everything they do. So, what are the history and origins of Father’s Day?

WHEN IS FATHER’S DAY?

Although the origins of Father’s Day began in the beginnings of the 1900s, it didn’t become an official holiday in the United States until 1966. A summer holiday, it doesn’t fall on the same date each year. Instead, it’s celebrated on the third Sunday in the month of June.

HISTORY OF FATHER’S DAY

One of the earliest Father’s Day celebrations took place in West Virginia in 1908. An official Father’s Day took place on June 19th, 1910 when Mrs. John B. Dodd was able to convince the mayor of Spokane and the governor of Washington that there should be a holiday to honour fathers.

In 1911, an attempt to celebrate dads was made in Chicago, Illinois. Due to the fact that there was no television or internet back in these days, most likely none of the earlier pursuers of forming a holiday for dads knew of the others attempts. In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge liked the idea of a holiday to celebrate fathers. Father’s Day didn’t become an official holiday in the United States until 1966.

ORIGINS OF FATHER’S DAY

Father’s Day began due to the love a daughter had for her father. Mrs. John B. Dodd grew up on a farm in eastern Washington. She was one of six children. Sadly, her mother lost her life while giving birth to her sixth child.

This left her father, William Smart, to raise all six children on his own. When Mrs. Dodd grew up, she realized what a difficult job her dad had single handedly raising a family of six. She decided to try to find a way to not only honour her father for all of his hard work, but for all dads for everything they do for their kids.

Nowadays, Father’s Day is celebrated throughout many countries around the world. Dads are honoured with cards and gifts and often times family picnics or BBQ’s take place. With all that dads do for their kids, this special day for dads is a way kids can show their love and appreciation by honouring their fathers and thanking them for all they do.

Father’s Day: Why Dads are Important

Father’s Day: Why Dads Are Important

Fathers play a very important role in the lives of their children. In fact, they have a much bigger influence in their kid’s life than most people are aware of.

Here are a few of the reasons why dads are important and should be honoured on Father’s Day:

1. By spending time and playing with their kids, dads help them to develop healthier emotional and psychological behaviours.

2. Dads teach their daughters that women are to be treated with respect and decency at all times, which helps prevent them from making bad choices when they start dating.

3. They teach their sons how to treat women with respect and how to love and cherish the woman in their life.

4. Dads have a way of teaching their kids how to be courageous and to never compromise the things they believe to be important.

5. Fathers tend to push their kids to be more independent and to explore the world a little more than moms. Women tend to hold tight and try to always protect their kids, even when they should let go.

6. They often provide more stimulating play than moms do. As a result, kids learn how to deal with aggressive feelings a little better than kids who grow up without a father.

7. Dads teach their kids that the sky is the limit and they should always follow their dreams.

8. They have a huge influence in their child’s academic success. They help to encourage them to keep trying and push hard to achieve their goals.

9. Dads help children to feel more safe or protected emotionally, which makes them less likely to make bad decisions later in life.

10. Kids learn how to respect and protect themselves from their dads, who are always looking after them and making sure they’re safe.

Father’s Day: Why Dads are Important

This Father’s Day show dad how much you love him by thanking him for everything he does and has done for you!

Changing the Trend on Food and Beverage Marketing to Children

Pieces of Me
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13
Changing the Trend on Food and Beverage Marketing to Children

 

Changing the Trend on Food and Beverage Marketing to Children

 

Changing the Trend on Food and Beverage Marketing to Children
Did you know?

 

 

Did you know that children are being marketed to on a daily basis? This is especially true when it comes to the food they consume.  We all want what’s best for our children—especially when it comes to their health and nutrition. So, why is keeping junk food out of the house so difficult? Where are children learning about the food they eat and the beverages they drink?

As parents, it  is hard to get away from advertising and marketing for children and youth. Marketing is everywhere: television, video games, online, in movies, endorsed by characters and celebrities, and even on packages and labeling of products.

What is marketing?

By its very nature, marketing is designed to persuade people into purchasing a product or service. For influential young minds, this persuasion can lead to unhealthy food and beverage choices.

Food and beverage marketing to children

Healthy food and beverage choices start in childhood, and unfortunately children learn a lot about both through marketing.

Whenever a child turns on the television they are exposed to a variety of marketing messages. Did you know that before the age of five, most children are not able to tell the difference between an advertisement and a television show. Manufacturers and big brands realize how easily influenced children and youth can be, and invest a lot of money to create marketing messages they feel will influence a child’s dietary decisions.

 

Changing the Trend on Food and Beverage Marketing to Children
Changing the Trend on Food and Beverage Marketing to Children~ Photo Credit: Ottawa Public Health: Kids sitting on a couch

 

If a child sees a marketing message for a particular beverage a child will, more than likely, ask their parents if they can have that particular beverage—healthy or not.

Ottawa Public Health is working hard to help parents and their children learn how to choose between healthy dietary choices and marketing ploys. With health-conscience information and resources, parents and children will be able to make healthier and more informed dietary choices.

What can parents do to help change the marketing trend?

 

Changing the Trend on Food and Beverage Marketing to Children
Healthy Eating

 

Parents need to find out about products they are consuming and read food labels. Just because something says it is 100% natural does not mean it is made with natural ingredients. Eat fresh foods as much as possible, and when shopping for packaged goods, look for products that have reduced salt or sugar and no trans fats.

Parents can also help educate their children on what marketing means and help their children differentiate between learning something new and trying to be convinced to buy something.

Sure, it can be hard to say to stay away from junk food, but teaching moderation and offering alternative, healthier options is a step in the right direction.

Marketing regulations

As obesity rates continue to rise in children, it has become the mission of public health organizations to create stricter policies and regulations concerning the marketing of food and beverages to children and youth.

In Canada, the Federal government is currently working to introduce restrictions on the marketing of unhealthy food and beverages to children and youth. These regulations include improving the information found on food labels.

The province of Quebec already banned commercial advertisements specifically directed at children under the age of 13 since the 80s. Quebec is the highest consumer of fruits and vegetables and has the lowest obesity rates for children between the ages of six and eleven.

Want to find out more information on how marketing influences the dietary choices of children and youth, and what steps are being taken to change these practices? Please visit Ottawa Public Health online.

Disclaimer: This post was generously compensated by Ottawa Public Health to share this information.

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Texas Cowboy Cookies Recipe

Lyne Proulx
-
17
Texas Cowboy Cookies Recipe

Texas Cowboy Cookies Recipe

Texas Cowboy Cookies Recipe
Texas Cowboy Cookies

 

You don’t have to live in Texas to enjoy these soft Texas Cowboy Cookies! You can also change the recipe and add some ingredients to suit your taste buds such as pecans, coconut, corn flakes, etc.. It all comes together and makes a delicious cookie that is crispy on the edges and perfectly soft and chewy in the middle. Everything’s bigger in Texas, right? And so are these cookies!

Enjoy!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose baking flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 cup old fashioned oats
  • 1 cup of peanut butter baking chips 
  • 1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

 

Texas Cowboy Cookies Recipe
Texas Cowboy Cookies

 

They are very simple, but follow these directions closely:

Directions

  • In a large bowl with a hand mixer or a stand mixer, beat the butter until it is light and fluffy.
  • Add your brown sugar and white sugar and beat well, scraping sides and bottom.
  • Add eggs and vanilla, beat well until well combined
  • Add the flour but don’t mix it in. 
  • Add the salt, baking powder, and baking soda to the flour
  • Now mix in the flour
  • Add the oats, and walnuts, to the bowl. 
  • Mix in gently.
  • Add the peanut butter chips and chocolate chips and mix until everything is combined.
  • Don’t over mix.
  • Chill the dough in the fridge for 1 hour.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. 
  • Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Use a 1/4 cup measuring cup to scoop these onto the pan. 
  • Leave at least a couple inches in between each ball of dough.
  • Bake at 350 for 13-14 minutes, until the cookies are golden on the edges.
  • Set to the side to cool 
  • Enjoy!

Yield: 18 large cookies

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

 

Texas Cowboy Cookies Recipe
Texas Cowboy Cookies

Texas Cowboy Cookies Recipe

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Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup 2 sticks butter, softened
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 1/2 cups all purpose baking flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 cup old fashioned oats
  • 1 cup of peanut butter baking chips
  • 1 cup walnuts roughly chopped
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl with a hand mixer or a stand mixer, beat the butter until it is light and fluffy.
  • Add your brown sugar and white sugar and beat well, scraping sides and bottom.
  • Add eggs and vanilla, beat well until well combined
  • Add the flour but don’t mix it in.
  • Add the salt, baking powder, and baking soda to the flour
  • Now mix in the flour
  • Add the oats, and walnuts, to the bowl.
  • Mix in gently.
  • Add the peanut butter chips and chocolate chips and mix until everything is combined.
  • Don’t over mix.
  • Chill the dough in the fridge for 1 hour.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Use a 1/4 cup measuring cup to scoop these onto the pan.
  • Leave at least a couple inches in between each ball of dough.
  • Bake at 350 for 13-14 minutes, until the cookies are golden on the edges.
  • Set to the side to cool
  • Enjoy!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
 

 

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