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Kale Sweet Potato Salad Recipe

Lyne Proulx
-
18
Kale Sweet Potato Salad Recipe

With warmer weather on the horizon, I can foresee many potlucks and barbecues this summer. This Kale Sweet Potato Salad offers a refreshing new twist to the traditional potato salads with a mix of kale, greens, cranberries, Feta cheese, Quinoa, and cooked sweet potatoes. It will make a great side dish at any summer gatherings!

Kale sweet potato salad

PREPARATION AND HELPFUL HINTS:

To rinse/soak Kale: Place kale stalks in a large bowl and fill with water. Leave in bowl for 10 minutes swishing stalks around every few minutes. Rinse well. Set on towels and pat dry. When leaves are dry cut out ribs and discard stalks, chiffonade remaining leaves.

Citrus Vinaigrette: recipe makes a lot of dressing, feel free to cut the recipe in half and save extra in the refrigerator.

Kale Sweet Potato Salad Recipe

Kale Sweet Potato Salad Recipe

Ingredients

Salad

  • 3 cups Kale, rib removed, chiffonade soaked and dried (see instructions above)
  • 3 cups Mixed greens
  • 1 cup of cooked and diced Sweet Potato
  • 1/2 cup of dried cranberries
  • 1 cup red grapes, sliced in half
  • 1/2 cup of chopped Pecans
  • 1/2 cup of Feta Cheese crumbled
  • 1/3 cup of Quinoa
  • pinch sea salt
  • pinch pepper

Dressing

  • 2 oz rice wine vinegar
  • 8 oz fresh squeezed orange juice
  • 2 oz lemon juice
  • 1 tsp dijon mustard
  • 2 tsp honey
  • 1 tsp salt
  • pinch black pepper
  • 2½ cups extra virgin olive oil
carrots and kale

Directions

Salad

In a mixing bowl combine kale, dried Cranberries , grapes, Quinoa, Sweet Potato and a ⅓ cup of the citrus vinaigrette; toss together by hand. Season with salt and pepper and toss again. Add more dressing if needed.
Next pile salad on a plate and top with feta and Pecans, serve.

Dressing

Combine all ingredients except oil in a blender and mix till smooth. Slowly drizzle in oil in a steady stream till well incorporated.

Kale Sweet Potato Salad Recipe

I hope you enjoyed my Kale Sweet Potato Salad 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!

Kyle Sweet Potato Salad

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Ingredients
  

Salad

  • 3 cups Kale rib removed, chiffonade soaked and dried (see instructions above)
  • 3 cups Mixed greens
  • 1 cup of cooked and diced Sweet Potato
  • 1/2 cup of dried cranberries
  • 1 cup red grapes sliced in half
  • 1/2 cup of chopped Pecans
  • 1/2 cup of Feta Cheese crumbled
  • 1/3 cup of Quinoa
  • pinch sea salt
  • pinch pepper

Dressing

  • 2 oz rice wine vinegar
  • 8 oz fresh squeezed orange juice
  • 2 oz lemon juice
  • 1 tsp dijon mustard
  • 2 tsp honey
  • 1 tsp salt
  • pinch black pepper
  • 2½ cups extra virgin olive oil

Instructions
 

Salad

  • In a mixing bowl combine kale, dried Cranberries , grapes, Quinoa, Sweet Potato and a ⅓ cup of the citrus vinaigrette; toss together by hand. Season with salt and pepper and toss again. Add more dressing if needed.
  • Next pile salad on a plate and top with feta and Pecans, serve.
  • Dressing: Combine all ingredients except oil in a blender and mix till smooth. Slowly drizzle in oil in a steady stream till well incorporated.

Notes

PREPARATION AND HELPFUL HINTS:
To rinse/soak Kale: Place kale stalks in a large bowl and fill with water. Leave in bowl for 10 minutes swishing stalks around every few minutes. Rinse well. Set on towels and pat dry. When leaves are dry cut out ribs and discard stalks, chiffonade remaining leaves.
Citrus Vinaigrette: recipe makes a lot of dressing, feel free to cut the recipe in half and save extra in the refrigerator.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

20 Delicious Back to School Lunch box Snacks

Lyne Proulx
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11
20 Delicious Back to School Lunch box Snacks

It is time to send the kids back to school! I can’t help but feel like it is the most wonderful time of the year. (Does anyone remember that Staples commercial?) After so much missed school from the pandemic, to all of the time we spent away from our friends and routines, it feels like I should step up my game with everything, including school lunches. This list is packed with 20 Delicious Back to School Lunch Box Snacks that the whole family will love.

20 Delicious Back to School Lunch box Snacks
20 Delicious Back to School Lunch box Snacks

20 Delicious Back to School Lunch Box Snacks ideas

This year, I vow to not fall into a school lunch rut. I have been searching the internet for the best ideas of tasty things to put in our lunch box rotation and I know you are going to love some of these ideas. You can click thru the link to check out the recipes below.

From little delicious blueberry donuts with blueberry icing, which make a perfect start to the day. To some crispy and crunchy homemade apple chips that are healthy and perfect for snacking on during the day. 

These ideas are awesome because they are packed with homemade options that will help your kids avoid a lunch box full of pre-packed snacks. There are a bunch of healthy options like sweet and salty roasted chickpeas and homemade granola. But, lunches should be fun too, so you will  love these ideas like unicorn poop cookies and hand pies.

If you are looking for more school lunch ideas check out these 20 school lunch entree ideas. If you have a favourite back to school lunch box snack idea, I hope you will leave a comment to share with me, to keep my kids happily snacking all year long. You can also check out our 55 After-School snack kids will love too!

I am feeling mighty hungry right now. Yummy!

  20 Delicious Back to School Lunch Box Snacks

  1. Blueberry Mini Baked Cake Donuts with Blueberry Icing 
  2. Homemade Crunchy Apple Chips
  3. Granola Bars 
  4. Ham Egg and Cheese Muffins
  5. Homemade Strawberry Fruit Roll Ups 
  6. Vegetable Muffin
  7. Homemade Waffle Recipe with Apple Butter 
  8. Maple Banana Muffins
  9. Italian Brown Paper Bag Popcorn 
  10. Fruity Granola Bites 
  11. Corn Dog Muffins 
  12. Fruits with Messages
  13. Grain-Free Paleo Granola
  14. Colourful Unicorn Poop Cookies
  15. Crazy Chocolate Chip Cookie Monster
  16. Mini Butternut Squash Muffins 
  17. Back to School Apple with Worm Cookies Recipe
  18. Homemade Granola Bars‏  
  19. Sweet Salty Crusted Chickpeas 
  20. Strawberry Cheesecake Hand Pies 
20 Delicious Back to School Lunch box Snacks

Blueberries Farms in the Ottawa-Outaouais Region

Lyne Proulx
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13
Blueberries Farms in the Ottawa-Outaouais Region

Nothing beats picking your own fresh fruits like blueberries! You will find below a list Blueberries Farms in the Ottawa-Outaouais Region where you can bring the family, let your kids explore, and teach them about harvesting. If you are looking for a recipe idea using blueberries, you have to make the Blueberry Mini Baked Cake Donuts! 

blueberries-littleisland


N.B. Always view the farm’s websites or call them prior to visiting to see if they are open for the season.

Blueberries Farms in the Ottawa-Outaouais Region

1. Orleans Fruit Farm

Strawberries, zucchini, potatoes, onions, raspberries, sweet corn, tomatoes, blueberries, cucumbers, apples, carrots, lettuce, when in season.
1399 blvd St-Joseph in Orléans 

2. Canaan Blueberry farm

Blueberries, honey
2351 Canaan Road, Ottawa

3. Les Vergers Villeneuve and Blueberry Farm

Apples, blueberries, grapes, pears, plums, pumpkins, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, school tours
1341 Rollin Road, St.-Pascal Baylon

4. Potager Eardley

Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, apples, tomatoes, watermelon, squash, pumpkins, and more!
398 ch. Eardley, Gatineau

5. Proulx Farm

Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, sweet corn and pumpkins
1865 Chemin O’Toole, Cumberland (Ottawa)

 

Photo credit: Littleisland lighthouse / Foter / CC BY-SA

Essential Oils To Diffuse at Home With Baby

Lyne Proulx
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15
Essential Oils To Diffuse at Home With Baby

Essential Oils To Diffuse at Home With Baby

Essential oils can be a great way to help your baby through common baby ailments and fussy days. In fact, a lot of the well known baby soothing products on the market include popular essential oil ingredients, because they are the safest things to use with little ones. Diffusing these oils at home with baby is easy to do, and when you get used to adding them to the diffuser both of you will be able to enjoy the benefits all day long. 

Essential Oils To Diffuse at Home With Baby
Aromatherapy diffuser

These are some of the best and safe essential oil choices to diffuse at home with your baby (3 months and older), and a basic guide to the issues they help with.

Lemon Essential Oil

Lemon essential oil is a great mood booster when diffused in the home, for both you and the baby. More importantly though it can be used during cold and flu season, to clear the house of viruses, and then to relieve and loosen up congestion. This natural citrus oil is safe for diffusing near the baby, but you can also apply it with a carrier oil to the back or feet. 

Essential Oils To Diffuse at Home With Baby
Essential oil in a bottle.

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender is found in the baby version of a popular chest rub product, along with rosemary, and its sole purpose is to relax and calm babies down. This essential oil is one of the best soothers and calming aids you can use, with only a drop or two necessary to fill an entire room for several hours. Babies that suffer from colic, a cough, congestion or prolonged crying benefit the most from this oil. 

Melaleuca Essential Oil

Most new essential oil users are not familiar with melaleuca, but it is a great oil to have on hand and safe for use around baby. Used along with lavender and lemon this essential oil is a great way to hasten the healing process after a cold because it helps clear airways and baby and mom can breathe easier. 

Essential Oils To Diffuse at Home With Baby
Essential Oils To Diffuse at Home With Baby

Orange Essential Oil

Another citrus, this crisp oil is great for the fussy or colic baby, but it should only be diffused around baby. Orange is great as a balancing oil for everyone, and babies benefit from the benefits when they are upset, or just need some extra comfort. 

Roman Chamomile Essential Oil

Chamomile is known for its sleepytime benefits, and it works the same way when it is diffused in a room. This baby safe oil perfect for the fussy, colic baby that needs help getting to bed and staying asleep for longer than a few minutes at a time. It doesn’t take a lot of this oil to work, and it can be combined with orange and lavender in a diffuser for overall sleep support.

Do you diffuse essential oils at home? What is your favourite oil you use?

15 Minutes Workout at Home and a Healthy Chip Recipe

Sarah
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20
15 Minutes Workout at Home and a Healthy Chip Recipe

We might have foregone our gym membership for the summer, taken a break from our favourite class or dialed down our activity in general. Why not spend 15 minutes, 2 times a week maintaining our strength, improving our posture and increasing muscle mass (which is by the way, more dense than fat and takes up less space – check out a pic here Muscle vs Fat). You will find below 15 minutes workout to do at home!

15 Minutes Workout at Home

Here is an easy and simple 15 minute workout:

  1. Squats: Stand with feet hip width apart and sit hips back, push through heels and squeeze glutes on the way up. Do 2 sets of 15 repetitions.
  2. Push ups (knees or toes): Place hands shoulder width apart and ensure back is straight by engaging core muscles, bend elbows and bring chest to floor, press back up to start. Do 2 sets of 10-15 repetitions.
  3. Wall snow angels: Stand with hips, shoulders and head against wall, arms at sides palms facing out.  Bring shoulder blades down to floor and keep pressing blades down as you raise arms up to 45 degrees, return to start. Do 2 sets of 15 repetitions.
  4. Plank hold (knees or toes): Balance on elbows and knees or toes with a straight back.  Engage core muscles tight (imagine someone is going to punch you in the belly and maintain that tightness). Do 2 sets of 15-60 seconds.
  5. Bird Dog: Balance on all 4’s (hands and knees) and extend one arm and the opposite leg out.  Keep back and hips straight, pull core in tight. Do 2 sets of 10 repetitions each side.

Now, while we’re on that healthy kick, why not squeeze a healthy recipe after a 15 minutes workout?

Healthy Chip Recipe

I’m always looking for healthy alternatives to our favourite foods. I’ve tried a few different options to mimic that satisfying crunch that the mighty chip provides us. After recently foregoing the deep fried chip version, my search went into full swing. One of my favourite go to options in the kale chip. Find my recipe for the perfect kale chip right here. Sprinkle some nutritional yeast on there and you’ve got a cheesy, vegan, crunchy, healthy chip alternative.  They are always a hit at parties and kids just gobble them up.

Veggie Chip

The Terra chips were a favourite of mine but the price and deep friendness of them was a deterring factor. Behold! The tasty root veggie chip (trust me, it tastes better than it sounds).  I’ve been using Dasheen – see?

Dasheen

Yucca, Taro, Sweet potato and squash would work well.  I’ve even used beets – surprisingly good. Slice thin, brush with oil, bake low and slow until crispy and enjoy!

Sliced thin

Sarah Zahab

Photo credit Sarah Zahab

Back to School Apple Shaped Sugar Cookies

Lyne Proulx
-
16
Back to School Apple Shaped Sugar Cookies

I have been checking out Pinterest for school lunch ideas. While I haven’t come up with any over the top meal ideas for mid day, I do have the cutest cookie recipe to share with you. These back to school apple shaped sugar cookies with a worm are perfect to tuck into a lunch box for a sweet way to wrap up lunch.

Best recipe for cutout sugar cookies

This recipe begins with a good sugar cookie. I have included my favourite recipe below, or you can use your go to. But, these cookies aren’t easy. The icing does take some work, but the results are so cute, you will find the effort to be worthwhile. You will need to buy an apple cookie cutter to create these.

Best sugar cookies frosting

The frosting and decorating definitely takes a little patience. Be sure to allow plenty of drying time before serving these cute little cookies. I recommend at least 4 hours to overnight to make sure they are completely dry and your decorating efforts are not wasted!

Back to School Apple with Worm Cookies Recipe

Teacher’s gift ideas

These apple shaped sugar cookies would also make a perfect back to school teacher gift. They are delicious, adorable and are sure to bring a smile to the teacher’s face! 

Back to School Apple Shaped Sugar Cookies Recipe

The lazy days of summer are winding down. We have been finding the perfect outfits to wear to school and making sure we have all the required supplies, and looking forward to a new year. I might be a little more excited than the kids to send them back in style. I have high hopes that this will be a great year for everyone. These apple shaped sugar cookies will make the perfect dessert for the first day of school lunch.

  • 5 cup flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 cup soft unsalted butter
  • 2 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 eggs

Apple Shaped Sugar Cookies Directions

  1. Cream the soft butter with the sugar until the combination is smooth not grainy to the touch in a mixing bowl.
  2. Add all 4 eggs at one time and continue to mix. Add the vanilla and continue mixing.
  3. Sift the four, baking powder, and salt together.
  4. Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture.
  5. Continue mixing to make sure all ingredients are thoroughly blended.
  6. Make the dough into a ball, wrap it in cling wrap completely covering the entire dough ball.
  7. Put in the refrigerator for about 6 hours or overnight. Check to see if the dough is firm.
  8. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
  9. Pull the cookie dough out of the refrigerator and sit it out to soften up a bit.
  10. Put flour out on the wood cutting board, rub flour on the rolling pin, and work some flour into the batter.
  11. Roll the dough out on the cutting board and using your APPLE  cookie cutter begin to make your cookies.
  12. Line the cookie sheet with parchment paper.
  13. Using a metal spatula move the cut cookie  to the parchment lined cookie sheet.
  14. Bake at 325 degrees for 8 minutes.  Check to see if the cookie are thoroughly baked.
  15. Take the cookies off of the cookie sheet and put on a wire rack to cool completely.  

Sugar cookies royal icing

Icing Ingredients:

  • 2 egg whites
  • 1 cup powder sugar
  • 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
  • Red, brown, green gel food colouring
  • (For these cookies you may have to make two bowls of icing).

Sugar cookies icing recipe

  1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl mixing on medium speed for 4 minutes. (except your food colouring)
  2. If icing is  not stiff enough add 1/4 Cup powder sugar.
  3. Leave icing in large bowl. Take out 4 bowls, put 1/4 Cup of icing in three bowl and the rest of the icing in the fourth bowl.
  4. Bowl #1 remains white, bowl #2 , add several drops of brown gel food colouring stirring well until all of the colour is blended. Bowl #3, add several drops of green gel food colouring stirring well until all of the colour is blended.
  5. As for the largest amount of icing add several drops of red  gel food colouring in the bowl of icing and stir well to mix the colour. (Red is a difficult colour to get so you may have to continue to add the food colouring to get the bright deep red colour.  That is why we use a gel food colour as it doesn’t water down the icing.)
  6. Spoon each of the icing into individual frosting bags with a #5 tips and twist the open end of the bag to push the icing to the tip.

Whole Red Apple with Worm Cookies:

  1. First step for each of the completely red apple cookies outline it in red except for the stem and leaf.
  2. Allow the red outline  at least  30 seconds to dry before filling the  body of the cookie in with the other red icing*. After outlining all of the apple cookies you can push the remaining icing into a bowl and add the 1 tsp of water and mix well to get the right consistency .Using a butter knife to spread it from the outlined part inwards to the centre.
  3. Immediately, before the red icing dries, add a small drop of  white icing  and use a toothpick to drag the white icing up the side of the apple. (Following the example.)
  4. Outline the stem with brown icing on all of the same apple cookies, fill them in with the thinner icing.
  5. Outline the green leaf with the green icing on all of the same apple cookies, fill them in with the thinner icing.
  6. Set these aside and allow to completely dry about 4 hours.

Apple with White Apple Flesh and Brown Seeds Cookies:

  1. Outline the apple with the red icing leaving the stem and leaf untouched. Allow 30 seconds for the red outline to dry.
  2. Outline the apple flesh with white icing. Thin out the icing as per the instructions above. Using a knife spread the icing around the flesh of the red apple. Immediately, before the white icing dries, add two small drops of brown icing for the apple seeds. Drag a little of the brown icing down to make the dot look like an apple seed.
  3. Complete the stem and leaf as per the instructions for the whole red apple.
  4. Allow to dry for 4 hours.

Red Apple with Worm Cookies: 

  1. Follow the instructions on the first apple including the stem, leaf, and white spots on the apple.
  2. Add one small white round about the size of a dime, immediately drawing a thin brown line in the circle about a third of the way around the circle. Hand outline a green worm and fill it in. Allow to dry for 30 seconds and all the two eyes and a smile or mouth.
  3. Allow 4 hours for cookie to completely dry.
Back to School Apple with Worm Cookies Recipe

You can find all of my cookie recipes here. Reader favourites include Adorable Polar Bear Cookies and The Best Cheeto Cookies. You can find 20 back to school lunch ideas here to keep lunch interesting this year for the kids.

I hope you enjoyed my Back to School Apple with Worm 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!

Back to School Apple with Worm Cookies Recipe

Back to School Apple Shaped Sugar Cookies

Lyne Proulx
Put a smile on your kid's faces by making these apple shaped sugar cookies for them to bring on their first day of back to school.
No ratings yet
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Refrigerate and drying time 14 hours
Total Time 15 hours 15 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American, Canadian
Servings 20 cookies
Calories 351 kcal

Equipment

  • Cookie sheet with parchment paper
  • Cookie cutter
  • Cling wrap
  • Cutting board
  • Rolling Pin
  • spatula
  • Butter knife

Ingredients
  

Cookie Ingredients

  • 5 cup flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 cup soft unsalted butter
  • 2 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 eggs

Royal Icing

Icing Ingredients

  • 2 egg whites
  • 1 cup powder sugar
  • 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
  • Red food colouring brown, green gel food colouring

Instructions
 

Cookie Directions

  • Cream the soft butter with the sugar until the combination is smooth not grainy to the touch in a mixing bowl.
  • Add all 4 eggs at one time and continue to mix. Add the vanilla and continue mixing.
  • Sift the four, baking powder, and salt together.
  • Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture.
  • Continue mixing to make sure all ingredients are thoroughly blended.
  • Make the dough into a ball, wrap it in cling wrap completely covering the entire dough ball.
  • Put in the refrigerator for about 6 hours or overnight. Check to see if the dough is firm.
  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
  • Pull the cookie dough out of the refrigerator and sit it out to soften up a bit.
  • Put flour out on the wood cutting board, rub flour on the rolling pin, and work some flour into the batter.
  • Roll the dough out on the cutting board and using your APPLE cookie cutter begin to make your cookies.
  • Line the cookie sheet with parchment paper.
  • Using a metal spatula move the cut cookie to the parchment lined cookie sheet.
  • Bake at 325 degrees for 8 minutes. Check to see if the cookie are thoroughly baked.
  • Take the cookies off of the cookie sheet and put on a wire rack to cool completely.

Icing Directions

  • Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl mixing on medium speed for 4 minutes. (except your food colouring)
  • If icing is not stiff enough add 1/4 C powder sugar.
  • Leave icing in large bowl. Take out 4 bowls, put 1/4 C of icing in three bowl and the rest of the icing in the fourth bowl.
  • Bowl #1 remains white, bowl #2 , add several drops of brown gel food colouring stirring well until all of the colour is blended. Bowl #3, add several drops of green gel food colouring stirring well until all of the colour is blended.
  • As for the largest amount of icing add several drops of red gel food colouring in the bowl of icing and stir well to mix the colour. (Red is a difficult colour to get so you may have to continue to add the food colouring to get the bright deep red colour. That is why we use a gel food colour as it doesn’t water down the icing.)
  • Spoon each of the icing into individual frosting bags with a #5 tips and twist the open end of the bag to push the icing to the tip.

Whole Red Apple

  • First step for each of the completely red apple cookies outline it in red except for the stem and leaf.
  • Allow the red outline at least 30 seconds to dry before filling the body of the cookie in with the other red icing*. After outlining all of the apple cookies you can push the remaining icing into a bowl and add the 1 tsp of water and mix well to get the right consistency. Using a butter knife to spread it from the outlined part inwards to the centre.
  • Immediately, before the red icing dries, add a small drop of white icing and use a toothpick to drag the white icing up the side of the apple. (Following the example.)
  • Outline the stem with brown icing on all of the same apple cookies, fill them in with the thinner icing.
  • Outline the green leaf with the green icing on all of the same apple cookies, fill them in with the thinner icing.
  • Set these aside and allow to completely dry about 4 hours.

Apple with white apple flesh and brown seeds

  • Outline the apple with the red icing leaving the stem and leaf untouched. Allow 30 seconds for the red outline to dry.
  • Outline the apple flesh with white icing. Thin out the icing as per the instructions above. Using a knife spread the icing around the flesh of the red apple. Immediately, before the white icing dries, add two small drops of brown icing for the apple seeds. Drag a little of the brown icing down to make the dot look like an apple seed.
  • Complete the stem and leaf as per the instructions for the whole red apple.
  • Allow to dry for 4 hours.

Red Apple with Worm

  • Follow the instructions on the first apple including the stem, leaf, and white spots on the apple.
  • Add one small white round about the size of a dime, immediately drawing a thin brown line in the circle about a third of the way around the circle. Hand outline a green worm and fill it in. Allow to dry for 30 seconds and all the two eyes and a smile or mouth.
  • Allow 4 hours for cookie to completely dry.

Notes

For these cookies you may have to make two bowls of icing.

Nutrition

Calories: 351kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 5gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 69mgSodium: 179mgPotassium: 68mgFiber: 1gSugar: 26gVitamin A: 473IUCalcium: 38mgIron: 2mg
Keyword apple shaped sugar cookies, back to school cookies, bunny butt cookies, royal icing, sugar cookies
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

7 Tips for Travelling With a Toddler

OMCGuest
-
19
7 Tips for Travelling With a Toddler

With friends and family across Canada and around the world, we are a family that loves to travel. We enjoy jumping on a plane for faraway adventures, but equally love opportunities for a nearby road trip to spend time together and explore: from Ottawa we’ve traveled frequently to Prince Edward County, Montebello (QC), upstate New York, and Vermont, for example. Now that we’ve been around the block a few times, I’d like to offer a few tips for traveling with a toddler.

Our first big family trip was taking our then 6-month old for a multi-leg trip: three weeks to visit family in Calgary, followed by two weeks in Arizona, and finally a one week cruise along the coast of California. Before leaving on that trip I remember asking myself, “am I crazy?” There were five flights, two rental cars, multiple shuttles and embarkation on a ship, for most of which it was just baby and I (my husband joined us for a portion in the middle). With some planning and lots of patience, it all went more smoothly than I could have imagined which boosted my confidence and has encouraged us to travel further.

Our family has just returned from our first trip across the Atlantic with our little one who is now 17 months old, and I was pleasantly surprised that this trip went great as well! (Notwithstanding a missed connection in Frankfurt, being delayed nine hours and the airline losing our luggage, but that’s another story…).

7 Tips for Travelling With a Toddler

7 Tips for Travelling With a Toddler
Child riding a toy airplane.

1. Air Travel

For air travel: check in ASAP (usually 24 hours prior to departure) to ensure you aren’t bumped (airlines are getting brutal at over-booking flights), and so that you can select your seats. A strategy that worked well for my husband and I going to Europe was to select the two aisle seats in the middle section of the plane, or a window seat and an aisle seat. Absolutely no one chooses the middle seat, so unless the flight is 100% full, this could be your best chance of getting an empty seat beside you. Having that little bit of extra space makes all the difference in the world!

If you don’t get the seats you want, speak with an agent at the desk as soon as you get to the airport and ask (nicely!). If you don’t ask, the answer will always be no. You can also check out seatguru.com for advice on the most desirable seats on your aircraft.

7 Tips for Travelling With a Toddler
Clothes packed in a carry-on.

2. Pack Extra Clothes

Always pack an extra pair of clothes for everyone in your carry-on, in case someone has an accident. It will also mean you have at least one clean set if your luggage goes missing. For the same reason, pack enough diapers, wipes, diaper crème, food, and medications for 24 hours.

3. How To Pack

For packing, I strongly recommend rolling your clothes and securing them with elastic bands. For babies/kids, you can roll up entire outfits together. Not only does this allow you to make the most of room in your suitcase, but you’re able to see everything at a glance. This strategy is especially useful if your trip includes multiple stops, as you can just toss your “rolls” into your suitcase, and not have to fold/unfold your items each time.

7 Tips for Travelling With a Toddler
Clothes rolled with elastics in a suitcase.

4. Keep Your Toddler Busy

To keep a toddler occupied, you don’t need to bring every toy under the sun. What worked great for us:

  • A wallet with fake credit/gift cards. My daughter can literally spend an hour pulling the cards in and out, and rearranging them;
  • A purse-size mirror is fascinating for little ones;
  • A few crayons, depending on their age. Skip the colouring books/paper, and let them draw on the sick bags or newspapers on the plane;
  • iPad: We never let our daughter have screen time at home, but we break this rule for long flights. My husband downloaded two preschooler apps, about barnyard animals and modes of transportation, which provided welcome relief when we were running out of ideas.
  • Lots of snacks.
7 Tips for Travelling With a Toddler
Child playing in an airplane.

5. Combat Jetlag

To combat jetlag, try gradually adjusting your bedtime the week prior to leaving. For traveling to Europe, I moved bedtime (for everyone) 15 minutes earlier each night so that by the time we traveled our schedule was two hours closer to the time at our destination. As soon as your travel starts, adjust your watch to the time at your destination and try to start eating meals at those times. Your first evening, try to go to bed as close to your regular bedtime as possible. I also swear by using essential oils when I travel.

6. Accept Kindness

Accept the kindness of strangers, especially if you’re traveling alone. If the airline steward or kind grandma beside you offers to hold the baby so you can go to the washroom in peace, let them. The passenger behind you wants to play peek-a-boo with your little one? Encourage them to do so.

7 Tips for Travelling With a Toddler
7 Tips for Travelling With a Toddler

7. Relax

Most importantly, relax. Easier said than done, but try to enjoy the experience of traveling with your child. Don’t worry about the grumpy passenger across from you, or stress about whether your child will make noise or make a mess. You’re making invaluable memories with your family, and each time you travel it will get easier.

Bon voyage!

Meagan

OMC bio photo (Medium)

I am a Calgary girl transplanted to Ottawa (via Australia, Tunisia, Mexico, etc etc). I’ve been married for two years, I work as a federal public servant, and I’m mom to 16 month old Charlotte and a two year old feline named Rose. I’m also an avid cyclist, hiker, yogi, reader, coffee-lover and all around busy-body.

I blog about everything that is going on in and around town: festivals, special events throughout the year, my favourite yoga studios and great restaurants because contrary to popular belief, I think that ‘Hottawa’ is a fun and fabulous place to live.  Find me at @thehottawa.

Blueberry Mini Baked Cake Donuts with Blueberry Icing Recipe

Lyne Proulx
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17
Blueberry Mini Baked Cake Donuts with Blueberry Icing Recipe

Mini Blueberry Donuts

 

Did you know that August is marked as national blueberry month in Canada.

Did you know that blueberries are native only to North America? 

Did you also know that blueberries are full of antioxidants that help with aging, stress, may help prevent colon cancer and may also enhance your memory.

As you can see blueberries offer great nutritional benefits and are so healthy for you!

 

 

This Blueberry Mini Baked Cake Donuts Recipe is easy to prepare and so delicious! Make sure you purchase a 12-count mini donut pan for best results. Enjoy!

What is your favourite recipe using blueberries?

 

Blueberry Mini Baked Cake Donuts Recipe

Pep: 15 minutes

Cook: 10 minutes

Total: 25 minutes

Servings: 12

 

Ingredients

  • ¼ tbsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/3 tsp salt
  • 50 fresh blueberries
  • ¼ cup greek yogurt
  • 1 tsp vinegar
  • 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup hot water
  • 1 drop blue food colouring
  • 1 drop red food colouring

 

Instructions

Preheat oven at 350 degrees F.

 

Mini Donuts In-Process 01 (Small)

 

Mix baking soda, baking powder, flour, sugar, ground nutmeg, and salt into large mixing bowl.

 

Mini Donuts In-Process 02 (Small)

 

Melt butter in small pan or microwave. Beat 1 egg in medium mixing bowl. Add greek yogurt, vinegar, heavy whipping cream, butter and vanilla extract to egg. Mix well.

 

Mini Donuts In-Process 04 (Small)

 

Add egg mixture to dry ingredient mixture in large mixing bowl. Add 25 smashed blueberries. Stir until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

 

Blueberry Mini Donuts In-Process (Small)

 

Scoop mixture into piping bag. Add batter to 12-count mini donut pan (non-stick), filling each donut halfway full.

 

Mini Donuts In-Process 06 (Small)

 

Bake for approximately 10 minutes.

In the meantime, add 25 smashed blueberries, 2 cups powdered sugar, ¼ cup hot water, 1 drop blue food colouring, and 1 drop red food colouring. Stir well. Set aside.

 

Mini Donuts In-Process 08 (Small)

 

Remove donuts from oven and set aside to cool for 2 minutes.

Drizzle blueberry icing atop donuts.

Serve and enjoy your mini delights!

Keep any leftovers in sealed containers to preserve freshness.

 

Blueberry Mini Baked Cake Donuts

Blueberry Mini Baked Cake Donuts

5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 12

Ingredients
  

  • ¼ tbsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/3 tsp salt
  • 50 fresh blueberries
  • ¼ cup greek yogurt
  • 1 tsp vinegar
  • 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tspn vanilla extract
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup hot water
  • 1 drop blue food colouring
  • 1 drop red food colouring

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven at 350 degrees F.
  • Mix baking soda, baking powder, flour, sugar, ground nutmeg, and salt into large mixing bowl.
  • Melt butter in small pan or microwave. Beat 1 egg in medium mixing bowl. Add greek yogurt, vinegar, heavy whipping cream, butter and vanilla extract to egg. Mix well.
  • Add egg mixture to dry ingredient mixture in large mixing bowl. Add 25 smashed blueberries. Stir until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
  • Scoop mixture into piping bag. Add batter to 12-count mini donut pan (non-stick), filling each donut halfway full.
  • Bake for approximately 10 minutes.
  • In the meantime, add 25 smashed blueberries, 2 cups powdered sugar, ¼ cup hot water, 1 drop blue food colouring, and 1 drop red food colouring. Stir well. Set aside.
  • Remove donuts from oven and set aside to cool for 2 minutes.
  • Drizzle blueberry icing atop donuts.
  • Serve and enjoy your mini delights!
  • Keep any leftovers in sealed containers to preserve freshness.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
 

 

Buying and Selling Items Made Easy with VarageSale!

Pieces of Me
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12
Buying and Selling Items Made Easy with VarageSale!

Every few months, my other half likes to lighten the load of things in our home. Since there are five members of our family, it is easy to accumulate a lot of items in a short amount of time. You know, shoes, toys and devices that we either outgrow or no longer use.

 

Ottawa_Mommy_Club_VarageSale_Box_of_Stuff_Photo

 

When it comes time to part with these items, we want to quickly find a home for them. We have tried selling items a few different ways online, but it felt like a bit of a hassle and wanted to try something new. We did some searching and found VarageSale!

 

Ottawa_Mommy_Club_VarageSale_the-fun-safe-way-facebook-instagram_Photo

 

VarageSale is an online marketplace for people to buy, sell and connect with others within their community. It was founded by a former kindergarten teacher (Tami) who was buying and selling items locally on Facebook while pregnant with her son. Frustrated by her experience, she convinced her programmer husband to create a more user-friendly mobile app that offered a better user experience than existing classifieds sites or social networks. Today, VarageSale has more than 450 communities across North America.

How does VarageSale work? Well, here are the easy steps for anyone to become a part of a VarageSale  community.

  • Sign up for VarageSale at www.varagesale.com – it’s free!
  • Post an item for sale or browse the feed for great deals. Item categories range from baby clothing to home décor to devices and more!
  • Private message a user to confirm transaction details, such as final price, pick up time and location. Users typically meet at someone’s house or in a public place to complete the transaction.
  • View the profile of any buyer or seller to see their past history on VarageSale so you can decide where you will meet to complete your purchase or sale.
  • If you had a great experience with another VarageSale member, let others know by posting how smooth your transaction went so future buyers and sellers can know what to expect.

 

Ottawa_Mommy_Club_FB-Post-Seller-F2_Photo

 

I guess you may be wondering why you should choose to use VarageSale to buy and sell your used items? One of the main reasons why VarageSale is a fabulous site for finding and purchasing used items is its social aspect. VarageSale brings people together by allowing them to interact with other people in their community when they are buying and selling their items like never before. People are also able to purchase items they have found for much lower than its retail price. Members are more comfortable making transactions with people that are in their community, and it is an easy site to use. Oh, and who doesn’t like making a few dollars from the items they no longer want to keep in their home?

There are also Admins who moderate each local VarageSale community. Admins are on hand to make sure that each community runs smoothly and are ready to lend a hand should any members need it.

Need another reason to try VarageSale? We’ve got an Ottawa Mommy Club readers exclusive! Join today, and if you’re a brand new user, when you post your first item for sale and use the hashtag #OMC in your item description, VarageSale will send you $20 cash!

So what are you waiting for?! Visit their site or download the app today – they’re free!

Want more information about VarageSale? You can connect with them on their website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or YouTube pages!

Disclosure: This post was generously sponsored by VarageSale.

5 Natural Solutions for Poison Ivy

Dr. Ellen Simone, Naturopath
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11
5 Natural Solutions for Poison Ivy

Image purchased from www.dreamstime.com
Image purchased from www.dreamstime.com

Contact with poison ivy leads to itchy, fluid filled pimples on the skin.  This blistering red rash is very unpleasant for kids.  One of the key things to teach your children is how to identify what poison ivy looks like and to obey signs that warn of poison ivy  in order to minimize their risk of contact.

If your child does come into contact with poison ivy, here are 5 natural solutions to help ease their discomfort:

1. Apply pure aloe vera gel to the skin 3 times per day.  This will have a cooling, soothing effect on the irritated skin.

2. Alternate aloe vera gel with calendula cream.  Calendula is anti-inflammatory which will help relieve redness and swelling.  Calendula is also anti-microbial and will help to prevent the spread of infection due to scratching and open blisters.

3. Boil chamomile tea, allow it to cool and add it to your child’s bath water.  Chamomile is soothing and when absorbed through the skin has calming effects which are helpful for irritable children.

4. Slice up some cucumber and store in the freezer for 10 minutes.  Apply cool cucumber slices to hot skin for a soothing effect.

5. Use the homeopathic remedy Rhus toxicodendron 30 CH.  Let 3 pellets dissolve under the tongue up to 5 times per day to relieve poison ivy symptoms.  Homeopathic Rhus tox is made from diluted poison ivy and utilizes the principle of ‘like cures like.’  Essentially you are giving the body a small, diluted amount of a substance to stimulate a healing response to the effects of the same substance at a higher toxic amount.  Homeopathic remedies are easily found at your local drug or health store.

If your child has poison ivy on their face or if they are having signs of an allergic reaction such as breathing difficulties and extreme swelling call your primary health care provider immediately.

Fresh Peach Ice Tea Recipe

Lyne Proulx
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18
Fresh Peach Ice Tea Recipe

Peach Ice Tea

When I was little, I use to beg my parents to take me to a local store that served the best peach milkshakes around. It became a tradition on every Sunday to visit and get a peach milkshake. The store and the sweet old lady that ran it is no longer around. However, not all hope is lost. In its place is a new store. This store still carries on the peach tradition, but in a new way. They offer the best Fresh Peach Ice Tea I have ever tasted. Peaches are delivered daily and the tea is made right in front of you! Talk about fresh!

I could drink this stuff all day long, and running up to the store every time I needed tea was starting to get costly, so I decided to make my own version. It is so delicious and it never lasts longer than a day. I thought it would be harder to make, but I was amazed at just how simple it was to make and how strong the flavor was. This is perfect to drink daily, make in bulk for a brunch or even baby showers or parties.

Peach Ice Tea Recipe

To make my Fresh Peach Ice Tea, you will need the following ingredients:

Ingredients:

3 cup of water in pot
2 Family size Tea Bags
1/2 to 1 cup sugar (Depending on your level of desired sweetness)
7 cup of water in a pitcher
8 oz of Peach Nectar
Sliced peaches
Ice

It is so easy to make! Just follow these simple directions:

Directions:

Bring the 3 cup of water to a boil
Add the 2 family size tea bags
Lower the 3 cup of water with 2 tea bags to a simmer for 20 minutes
Remove tea bags
While tea is still hot add the sugar
Stir to mix the sugar into the hot tea mixture (Start with 1/2 cup of sugar)
Grab the pitcher with the 7 cup of water, pour the tea, then mix the tea and sugar mixture
Blend mixture well
Pour in the Peach Nectar and stir.
Taste for desired sweetness and add more sugar if needed
Stir to ensure all ingredients are mixed well
Alternate with ice and peach slices

I hope you enjoyed my Fresh Peach Ice Tea as much as my family and I did. If you make it, make sure to share with us on Facebook or Twitter! Also, check out all of our other Recipes.

 

Peach ice Tea recipe

Fresh Peach Ice Tea

5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cup of water in pot
  • 2 Family size Tea Bags
  • 1/2 to 1 cup sugar Depending on your level of desired sweetness
  • 7 cup of water in a pitcher
  • 8 oz of Peach Nectar
  • Sliced peaches
  • Ice

Instructions
 

  • Bring the 3 cup of water to a boil
  • Add the 2 family size tea bags
  • Lower the 3 cup of water with 2 tea bags to a simmer for 20 minutes
  • Remove tea bags
  • While tea is still hot add the sugar
  • Stir to mix the sugar into the hot tea mixture (Start with 1/2 cup of sugar)
  • Grab the pitcher with the 7 cup of water, pour the tea, then mix the tea and sugar mixture
  • Blend mixture well
  • Pour in the Peach Nectar and stir.
  • Taste for desired sweetness and add more sugar if needed
  • Stir to ensure all ingredients are mixed well
  • Alternate with ice and peach slices
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Six Reasons Calypso Waterpark Is the Perfect Date Destination for Adults

Tracy (Redefined)
-
13
Six Reasons Calypso Waterpark Is the Perfect Date Destination for Adults

Not long ago I wrote about family fun at Calypso Waterpark, but this time I am going to explain 6 reasons Calypso Waterpark Is the Perfect Date Destination for Adults! It’s the perfect summer date day destination for adults (also known as, the big kids).

Summit Tower
Summit Tower

My family hadn’t even left the Calypso parking lot when my husband exclaimed that he would return to Calypso in a heartbeat. We both agreed that Calypso would make a fun adults-only date destination and here are six reasons why:

1) VIP Cabanas

As I briefly explained in my previous post, Calypso offers VIP Cabanas that not only offer exquisite views of the park, but are also private, comfortably furnished and have free Wi-Fi (for the social media lovers in all of us). But what makes a VIP Cabana appealing for adults is access to the VIP Bar! For $99 a day during the low season and $119 during the high season, you have a home base where you and your loved one (and a couple of adult friends, if you feel like sharing) can relax, soak up the sun or get some shade, rest and enjoy some cocktails!

2) Hawaiian Beach Bar

If you have ever been to an all-inclusive resort then Calypso’s Hawaiian Beach Bar will take you right back. Located next to two restaurants, the festive ambiance of this bar features unique Calypso cocktails that will leave you thirsty for more.

Beach Bar

3) Adrenaline

Let’s talk about the waterslides! If you or your date like fast waterslides then the Adrenaline waterslide is the perfect slide! Riders are guaranteed to reach maximum speed on this twisty, enclosed slide. This slide is not for the faint of heart (or the very young) and is perfect to test how daring your loved one really is!

4) Black Hole

If you and your date aren’t necessarily looking for top speeds, but want to try something different then I suggest safely cozying on up together and sliding into darkness in the Black Hole waterslide.

5) AquaLoops

Many young kids watch the big kids riding the AquaLoop slides with complete awe and I guarantee that you will too once you see your date do it! Riders start in an enclosed cabin with a trap door. At the signal, the floor opens from under their feet and you drop down into a roller-coaster like ride with a 2.5G loop! These slides are exclusive to Canada and I think they make the perfect “how brave are you?” test for any date! Everyone finishes AquaLoop with a smile – it looks like the thrill of your life (and who doesn’t want that while on a date?).

Aqualoops

6) Slide Together

Slides such as Turbulence, Acid Test and Steamer are meant to be done as a twosome and make for perfect date day waterslides! There are so many slides that you can do together that Calypso is the perfect place to make the most out of summer while you bond, smile and make some memories with your loved one that will last a lifetime!

Zoomerang

If you’re not sure that Calypso Waterpark is the perfect date destination for you and your loved one I encourage you to visit their website and read about all they have to offer as well as watch the videos about the waterslides located on their description pages. I guarantee a fun date day is just waiting to happen at Calypso – why not make it yours!

For information on hours and rates, visit the Calypso website or on their social media channels:

 

Disclosure: I received free park passes and compensation for the purpose of this blog post.

DIY Healing Spray

Whipped Green Girl
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20
DIY Healing Spray

DIY Healing Spray - OttawaMommyClub.ca (By WhippedGreenGirl.com) #DIY #RECIPE #LAVENDER #ORGANIC

DIY Healing Spray

(Great for array of skin ailments and irritations)

  • 1 cup rose water
  • ½ cup aloe vera juice
  • 1 tbsp jojoba oil
  • 10 drops lavender essential oil
  • 1 fine mist amber spray bottle (avoid clear bottles, they can’t protect the properties in essential oils, glass is also preferred but not a must…)

Directions:

  • Pour 1 cup of rose water into an amber, spray (fine mist) spray bottle.
  • Next, add the jojoba oil and lavender essential oil
  • Finish by topping-off with aloe vera juice

Application:

SHAKE WELL before applying- spray when your skin needs it, feels dry or irritated (day or night)

After a shower this spray is heaven on your skin too, since it instantly restores pH levels.

Benefits of ingredients:

ROSE WATER & ALOE VERA JUICE will be the major skin soothers in this mix. Combining both their cooling and healing properties is the goal here. This DIY Healing Spray is safe on all skin types, extremely hydrating, and most important- helps heal skin.

The jojoba oil will serve to keep your skin soft and moisturized (minus clogging pores!)- that extra layer of goodness your skin will thank you for.

Lavender essential oil is the final piece to this DIY Healing Spray. Long known for its many benefits on skin- lavender is great on burns, rashes, dry/oily skin, acne, and so many other pesky skin ailments.

Expiry: use within 6 months of blending

I always like to take the time to mention, aromatherapy and playing with essential oils is no joke… Play safe and don’t be shy to consult a professional (aromatherapist, naturopath, doctor etc…)

Easy No Churn Cake Batter Ice Cream With Sprinkles Recipe

Lyne Proulx
-
16
Easy No Churn Cake Batter Ice Cream With Sprinkles Recipe

This quick no churn cake batter ice cream is so easy to make! On my daughter’s last birthday, she requested a specific type of ice cream and, well, being a mom I had to deliver it for her. I would love to introduce you to my Easy No Churn Funfetti Cake Batter Ice Cream recipe!

While I do love making ice cream the old-fashioned way, it is just a ton of work. When my kids were little they loved helping me make ice cream and they felt great knowing they needed it. Now that we are all getting older, we prefer the instant gratification type of things. We still make ice cream, but now we do not do any more churning, and the ice cream still tastes fantastic.

Easy No Churn Funfetti Cake Batter Ice Cream

This no churn ice cream with condensed milk recipe combines three of my favourite things; Funfetti, Cake Batter, and Ice Cream. What more could you really ask for in an easy to make sweet frozen treat?! This recipe for no churn ice cream can be made in big batches for parties or you can half the recipe for more single size servings. Ice cream stands up very well in the freezer, so this recipe can even be made well in advance, as long as you promise not to eat it all before the big day.

No Churn Cake Bater Ice Cream With Sprinkles

You will not believe how easy it is to make no churn ice cream! You will need the following ingredients to make my no churn cake batter ice cream:

Ingredients

  • 1 pint (2 cups) heavy cream
  • 1 can (300 ml) Sweetened Condensed Milk
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1 cup yellow cake mix 
  • 1/4 cup rainbow sprinkles

Equipment Needed

  • Stand mixer
  • Whisk
  • 2 Bowls
  • Rubber spatula
  • 2 quart container with lid

How To Make No Churn Ice Cream

It is so simple! Just follow these easy directions!

In Process 1

1. Using a mixer whip heavy cream to stiff peaks in a large bowl.

In Process 2

2. In a separate large bowl, whisk sweetened condensed milk, butter, cake mix and sprinkles.

In Process 3

3. Combine mixtures by folding in whipped cream with a rubber spatula.

In Process 4

4. Spread into a 2-quart container and cover. Freeze 6 hours or until firm.

Easy No Churn Funfetti Cake Batter Ice Cream
Easy No Churn Funfetti Cake Batter Ice Cream

5. Eat and store the reminder in the freezer.

I hope you enjoyed my No Churn Cake Batter Ice Cream with Sprinkles recipe as much as my family and I did. If you make it, make sure to share with us on Facebook or Twitter! Also, check out all of our other Recipes.

Easy No Churn Funfetti Cake Batter Ice Cream
Easy No Churn Funfetti Cake Batter Ice Cream

Easy No Churn Funfetti Cake Batter Ice Cream

Lyne Proulx
This Easy No Churn Cake Batter Ice Cream with sprinkles combines three of my favourite things; Funfetti, Cake Batter, and Ice Cream!
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Freeze 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 20 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American, Canadian
Servings 10
Calories 397 kcal

Equipment

  • Stand mixer
  • Whisk
  • 2 Bowls
  • Rubber spatula
  • 2 quart container with lid

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk
  • 2 Tablespoons butter melted
  • 1 cup yellow cake mix
  • 1/4 cup rainbow sprinkles

Instructions
 

  • Using a mixer whip heavy cream to stiff peaks in a large bowl.
  • In a separate large, bowl, whisk sweetened condensed milk, butter, cake mix and sprinkles.
  • Combine mixtures by folding in whipped cream with a rubber spatula.
  • Spread into a 2-quart container and cover.
  • Freeze 6 hours or until firm.
  • Store in freezer.

Nutrition

Calories: 397kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 5gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 79mgSodium: 244mgPotassium: 198mgFiber: 1gSugar: 36gVitamin A: 810IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 197mgIron: 1mg
Keyword cake batter ice cream, frozen dessert, no churn cake batter ice cream, no churn ice cream
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

5 Reasons Why You Need More Honey in Your Life!

Lyne Proulx
-
17
5 Reasons Why You Need More Honey in Your Life!

 

Organic Raw Golden Honey Comb on a Background
Organic Raw Golden Honey Comb on a Background

 

Honey is used everywhere in everything : in our cooking and baking, in skincare products, in-house cleaning items and even in medicine. You know it has to be good for you, but do you know why? What does increasing your consumption or your use of honey can do for you and why is it so beneficial? I believe that honey is essential to our well-being and here are 5 reasons why you need more honey in your life :

To strengthen your immune system

You probably have already heard about honey’s healing properties, especially when you get sick with a cold, but did you know it can actually boost your immune system to prevent illnesses? Honey contains polyphenol and just a spoonful a day is enough to increase your blood’s antioxidants levels (which diminishes damage caused by free radicals in your body). Raw honey is also great at killing bacteria because it contains enzymes to help with your digestion, along with essential vitamins and minerals. Research has discovered that honey is particularly effective at fighting E. coli and salmonella, as well as some antibiotics-resistant bacteria. Now that’s enough to convince me!

To have more energy

Let’s talk simple chemistry here : honey contains natural sugars (carbohydrates) and what’s the function of carbs? To provide energy to your body! I’m not saying that you have to replace your beloved coffee with spoonfuls of sugar to get that extra boost in the morning, but add a bit of honey to a glass of warm water every once in a while. Studies have shown that even mild dehydration can make you feel sleepy (remember that water is your body’s main fuel along with food), so don’t forget to drink a lot of water and adding some honey to it!

To make your cold symptoms go away

I am sure your mom or your grandma tried to cure your sore throat with a honey-based concoction when you were a kid. Homemade honey tea, homemade honey cough syrup, homemade honey cough drops, you have had at least one of these before. There is actually truth behind the idea of honey to cure cold symptoms (of course our moms were right, when were they not?). Raw honey is naturally soothing because it coats the throat to reduce coughing (which is usually the culprit of throat irritation). Honey is also antiviral : viruses can’t live in honey because it is extremely acidic. Who knew?

To make your skin beautiful and radiant

Being a natural antioxidant, honey can reduce sun damage and brighten the skin. Just mix it with rose water and use as a cleanser (make sure there are not traces of makeup on your face beforehand), then rinse it off. Hello glowing skin! You can also add a few drops of honey to your regular facial mask to wake up your dull complexion. Honey will also prevent signs of aging by boosting collagen production and make your skin look years younger. Since it’s antimicrobial, honey is also incredibly helpful against acne. What a versatile ingredient!

To make your food taste better

Try switching some common ingredients you use in your everyday recipes with honey so you get all its amazing health benefits on top of delicious taste! Instead of regular butter, make some honey butter (easy peasy : mix 4 parts butter with 1 part honey) and put it on your toast, muffin or pancakes. Add it to your salad dressing or choose honey mustard instead of regular mustard in your cold cut sandwich. It is often possible to substitute honey when a recipe asks for sugar, just make sure to double check the proportions. Possibilities are truly endless with honey in the kitchen!

Honey has been used for its many properties for the past 8000 years and will be for many years to come (if bee conservation efforts are maintained and increased). It has so many proven essential benefits, from illness-fighting to skin preserving, as well as tasting incredibly delicious. I count on you to make a daily effort and increase its presence in your life, you certainly won’t regret it!

 

Essential Oils to Use During Pregnancy

Lyne Proulx
-
11
Essential Oils to Use During Pregnancy

Essential Oils to Use During Pregnancy

Like all things you expose yourself to during pregnancy, you need to take care with essential oils. These oils have been used for aromatherapy for centuries, and have many beneficial effects on the body and mood, but at the same time you do not want to use any that are detrimental for your health, or the baby’s. Everyone agrees that you should avoid the use of essential oils for the duration of the first trimester, but after that it is okay to use the oils.

Essential Oils to Use During Pregnancy
2 Essential Oil bottles

If you are pregnant and unsure about what essential oils you can use during your pregnancy, check out these safe choices to help with everything from anxiety to restlessness.

Essential Oils to Relieve Stress

Stress often accompanies pregnancy, but it is very important that you do everything you can to reduce the amount of daily stress you are experiencing. Essential oils diffused in a room or added topically are the best way to experience the benefits and relieve stress, or prevent it from even becoming an issue. Lavender and rosewood essential oils are the best and safest choices for expecting mothers needing to reduce stress levels. 

Essential Oils for Mood Boosting

During pregnancy your hormones are raging, fluctuating and causing all kinds of changes in your body and mood. Sometimes, as an expectant mother you might feel down and are in need of mood boosters to help you get through the day.  Bergamot and chamomile are quick acting mood boosters that help your body balance itself out again naturally.

Essential Oils for Muscle Pain

Muscle pain is just one of the many things that the body can go through during a pregnancy, and it is something that can easily be dealt with when you know how. Eucalyptus essential oil is great at helping to reduce the pain that is accompanied by muscle spasms and aches. Gently massage it into the skin along with a carrier oil as soon.

Essential Oils to Use During Pregnancy
Essential Oils to Use During Pregnancy

 

Essential Oils for Fatigue

Eucalyptus and grapefruit essential oil are two of the most used essential oils for fatigue, with eucalyptus helping with muscle and general fatigue. eucalyptus has an almost immediate ability to perk you up and help you get going, especially in the mornings when you haven’t been able to sleep as well as you’d like. Diffuse either one in the mornings, or add them to your bath or shower to benefit from their properties immediately.

Essential Oil for an Upset Stomach

Ginger essential oil is one of the favourites for helping to calm an upset stomach, something that most mothers deal with during the duration of their pregnancy. Using this oil is safe during the second and third trimesters, so add a drop to the beverages that you create or just diffuse it in the home to help keep stomach issues at bay.

Nectarine Lemonade with Strawberries Recipe

Lyne Proulx
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20
Nectarine Lemonade with Strawberries Recipe

This Nectarine Lemonade with Strawberries is a sweet and refreshing beverage recipe using nectarines, strawberries, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and agave.

Driving through my neighborhood in the summer, I can count on seeing a few things: people mowing their lawns, garage sales set up in driveways, and entrepreneurial youth with lemonade stands on the sidewalk in front of their homes. You can’t say no to lemonade being sold by smiling kids, particularly not at the low price of 25 cents a glass. I have a secret, though – I usually don’t drink the lemonade.

Nectarine Lemonade With Strawberries Recipe

Nectarine Lemonade with Strawberries

Country Time has made quite a name for themselves, however I much prefer lemonade with a little more love. To me, lemonade should have a delightful sweet and tart balance, with at least a bit of fruit pulp so you know you’ve got the real thing. That’s why I love this recipe.

The only thing better than an ice-cold glass of lemonade on a summer day is when that lemonade has additional perfectly ripe seasonal fruits mixed into it. Nectarines and strawberries are both fruits that are at their best in the midst of the dog days of summer. Their juicy sweetness perfectly pairs with the tart and refreshing lemon juice. Once you give this recipe a try, you’ll never go back to another!

Nectarine Lemonade with Strawberries Ingredients

  • 6 cups water
  • 4 tbsp agave
  • 2 nectarines, pitted, peeled and pureed
  • 10 strawberries, hulled and pureed
  • 2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 4-6 whole fresh strawberries

How To Make Nectarine Lemonade with Strawberries

First, pour the pureed nectarine and strawberry juice through a mesh strainer to remove any chunks of fruit.

Pour water in a large pitcher and add nectarine and strawberry juices while adding lemon juice. Stir well to blend, add agave, and stir well again.

Put ice in each glass, pour the nectarine lemonade with strawberries into the glass, and add a fresh strawberry in the glass or on the edge of the glass.

Nectarine Lemonade with Strawberries Recipe

I hope you enjoyed my Nectarine Lemonade with Strawberries recipe as much as my family and I did. If you make it, make sure to share with us on Facebook or Twitter! Also, check out all of our other Recipes.

Nectarine Lemonade with Strawberries

This Nectarine Lemonade with Strawberries is a refreshing beverage recipe using nectarines, strawberries, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and agave.
No ratings yet
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course beverages
Cuisine American, Canadian
Servings 6
Calories 91 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 6 cups water
  • 4 tbsp agave
  • 2 nectarines pitted, peeled and pureed
  • 10 strawberries hulled and pureed
  • 2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 4-6 whole fresh strawberries

Instructions
 

  • Pour the pureed nectarine and strawberry juice through a mesh strainer to remove any chunks of fruit.
  • Pour water in a large pitcher and add nectarine and strawberry juices while adding lemon juice.
  • Stir well to blend, add agave, and stir well again.
  • Put ice in each glass, pour the nectarine lemonade with strawberries into the glass, and add a fresh strawberry in the glass or on the edge of the glass.

Nutrition

Calories: 91kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 13mgPotassium: 222mgFiber: 2gSugar: 17gVitamin A: 165IUVitamin C: 50mgCalcium: 19mgIron: 1mg
Keyword lemonade, lemonade recipe, Nectarine Lemonade with Strawberries
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

What Should You Pay Your Babysitter?

Lyne Proulx
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8
What Should You Pay Your Babysitter?

What factors should you consider when deciding what you should pay your babysitter?

What Should You Pay Your Babysitter?

We’ve put together this list for you to consider:

The babysitter

The fifteen year old kid next door is going to be at a different pay rate from the twenty year old ECE student. Age, experience and qualifications of your future sitter are all factors in deciding a rate.

Age

Some teenagers are very responsible and some adults are not but, on the whole, you should expect to pay a higher rate for an adult who is minding children as a source of income. Rates aside, the age of your babysitter might be a factor if you need them, for example, to care for a newborn. Someone with more qualifications or experience might be a better fit in that case.

Qualifications

Does your sitter have a certificate in Early Childhood Education or a babysitting course from the local community centre? Consider what you need / want in a sitter because the more qualified they are, the higher rate you should expect to pay.

Experience

If you are looking for a babysitter with more experience than babysitting little brothers and sisters or if you are looking for someone with specific experience (dealing with medical issues / special needs children, for example), you should be prepared to pay more for these qualifications.

Your kids

If you child needs special care, the number of kids you have, other tasks required to be done by the babysitter, where you are located, and the hours requested to babysit will all have an impact on what you should pay your babysitter.

Special care

Do your kids need special care? Administration of medicine, special needs, autism, ADHD, or a disability? The rate of pay should reflect the extra care and qualifications that your sitter will need to provide.

Number of kids

Do you have one kid or six? A sitter’s pay should reflect the number of children in their care, as well as the relative ages of those kids. Two school aged children have a different set of care requirements from a newborn and toddler combination. Basically, younger children = higher pay. More kids = higher pay.

The babysitting job or more

Tasks OTHER than child care. Do you need to babysitter to do something other than play with / mind and care for the kids? Cleaning, for example? Or meal preparation? Each ‘additional’ task should factor into the rate being set.

Hours required to babysit your child

The odd evening out or every day throughout the summer? Whether you need a babysitter on an occasional basis or consistently, the number of hours and time of day as well as consistency of work should factor in to the rate. Typically, evening, weekend and occasional work are at a higher rate of pay than consistent / daytime work.

Your location

If the sitter has to drive a fair distance to get to your home, you might want to consider a premium for transportation.

Babysitter rate

Once you and your babysitter have agreed to a rate, review it every 6 months or so to make sure that all of the factors above are still more or less the same. If your sitter has acquired more qualifications or you have had more kids or added to the list of tasks, you might want to revisit the rate.

Ultimately, you want your kids to be cared for by someone who is happy to do the job and part of that comes from being paid appropriately for the skills that they bring to the role. If they are spending a lot of time with your kids, the babysitter is having a direct impact on their growth and happiness, so it’s important to keep communication lines open!

SOSsitter.ca is a Canadian portal designed to help you find local caregivers in your area, easily and quickly. The babysitter who is right for your family is only a click away.

This post is sponsored by SOSsitter.ca.

Strawberry Piña Colada Parfait

Lyne Proulx
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18
Strawberry Piña Colada Parfait

This Strawberry Piña Colada Parfait recipe is great for breakfast, lunch, or even dessert. It is very easy to make and only takes seconds to assemble. Also, this recipe is very versatile and you can add in dried fruits, nuts, chia seeds, and so much more to create a unique parfait every time. The secret to a great parfait is the yogurt, that is why I only use vanilla greek yogurt. It is creamy and filling and gives a parfait the right type of fluff.

Strawberry Piña Colada Parfait Recipe

Lately I have been on a huge greek yogurt kick. There are so many uses for it, depending on the flavour you get. The plain greek yogurt can be used to replace butter and sour cream for a healthier alternative. Vanilla can be used for pretty much any and everything else.

While I was browsing through the grocery store the other week, there was an awesome deal on greek yogurt so of course, I stocked up. Once I got home I had to figure out what to do with all of it. I decided to make my twist on a parfait and make a Strawberry Piña Colada Parfait Recipe.

Strawberry Piña Colada Parfait

Ingredients

You will only need a few ingredients to make my Strawberry Piña Colada Parfait Recipe.

  • 2 cup freshly sliced Strawberries 
  • 1 cup Greek Vanilla Yogurt
  • 1 cup Homemade Tropical Granola (see recipe below)

Directions

It is so simple! Follow these easy directions:

Wash, remove the stem of the strawberries Pull out your parfait glass and begin to built your parfait.

Place 1/2 cup of the homemade tropical granola on the bottom of the glass. Second layer will be 1/2 C of Greek Vanilla yogurt. Top with half of the fresh Strawberries. Repeat with a layer of the remaining granola.

Layer with the rest of the Greek Vanilla yogurt. Top off the parfait with the remaining strawberries.

Strawberry Piña Colada Parfait Recipe

Homemade Tropical Granola

Ingredients

  • 4 cup oats
  • 1/2 cup agave
  • 1/2 cup oil
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup shredded coconut
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans
  • 3 TBSP chia seeds

Directions

Preheat cookie sheet to 250 degrees and treat cookie sheet with Pam spray.

Combine chia seeds, oats, salt and cinnamon in a bowlMix the agave and oil. Stir them together. Add to dry mixture and stir to mix all ingredients. Dump out on prepared cookie sheet. Spread the coconut and pecans on the top of the granola.

Bake at 250 degrees for 1 hour. Allow to cool overnight for best flavour. Store in a tightly lidded jar. The granola will last for several weeks.

Strawberry Piña Colada Parfait Recipe

I hope you enjoyed my Strawberry Piña Colada Parfait as much as my family and I did. If you make the recipe, make sure to share with us on Facebook or Twitter! Also, check out all of our other Recipes.

Strawberry Piña Colada Parfait

Lyne Proulx
This Strawberry Piña Colada Parfait Recipe is great for breakfast, lunch, or even dessert. It is super delicious very easy to make!
No ratings yet
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Let cool 12 hours
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine American, Canadian
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

Strawberry Piña Colada Parfait

  • 2 cup freshly sliced Strawberries
  • 1 cup Greek Vanilla Yogurt
  • 1 cup Homemade Tropical Granola

Homemade Tropical Granola

  • 4 cup oats
  • 1/2 cup agave
  • 1/2 cup oil
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup shredded coconut
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans
  • 3 tbsp chia seeds

Instructions
 

Strawberry Piña Colada Parfait

  • Wash, remove the stem of the strawberries
  • Pull out your parfait glass and begin to built your parfait.
  • Place 1/2 cup of granola on the bottom of the glass.
  • Second layer will be 1/2 cup of Greek Vanilla yogurt.
  • Top with half of the fresh Strawberries.
  • Repeat with a layer of the remaining granola.
  • Layer with the rest of the Greek Vanilla yogurt.
  • Top off the parfait with the remaining Strawberries.

Homemade Tropical Granola

  • Preheat cookie sheet to 250 degrees.
  • Treat cookie sheet with Pam spray.
  • Combine chia seeds, oats, salt and cinnamon in a bowl.
  • Mix the agave and oil. Stir them together.
  • Add to dry mixture and stir to mix all ingredients.
  • Dump out on prepared cookie sheet.
  • Spread the coconut and pecans on the top of the granola.
  • Bake at 250 degrees for 1 hour.
  • Allow to cool overnight for best flavor.
  • Store in a tightly lidded jar.
  • Will last for several weeks.
Keyword parfait, parfait recipe
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

The Libman Company Floor Cleaning Products Review

Pieces of Me
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84
The Libman Company Floor Cleaning Products Review

The Libman Company asked my family to review some of their floor cleaning products to see if they can help us clean our home better and more efficiently.

With the kids at home during the summer months, cleaning is the LAST thing I want to do! We go outside and we dredge in dirt, sand and muck when we come in from a good day in the great outdoors. When it comes time for us to (finally) get around to cleaning our floors, we want to do it well but we don’t like spending a whole day cleaning them.

The Libman Company has been in the business of helping to clean your home since 1896. It also remains a family-owned business that started making corn brooms and has evolved to produce many other product to keep your home clean.

The Libman Company provided us three of their floor cleaning products for my family to review. They were:

• Tornado Mop®
• Wonder® Mop
• Precision Angle® Broom with Dustpan

The Libman Company Floor Cleaning Products Review

Libman Precision Angle® Broom with Dustpan Review

To start getting my floors in order, I swept them with the Libman Precision Angle® Broom with Dustpan. I really enjoyed using this broom as it really helped to get the dirt out of those tough to reach places. It got into the cracks between our floor boards that dirt and other particles of things have found their way into. It also reached into the corners that usually try to capture dust and where dirt goes to hide. The particles also found themselves easily into the deep dustpan that clicks onto the broom handles so you do not have to go searching for it when it comes time to dispose of the muck.

There was one aspect of this product I would like to add. I wish that there was some form of teethed or jagged bit on the dustpan to help release the dust bunnies that wanted to stay attached to the broom bristles. This would make cleaning our floors so much more efficient.

The Libman Company Floor Cleaning Products Review

Libman Tornado Mop® Review

We then got to the business of mopping our floors. We turned to the Libman Tornado Mop® to see how they have improved on the mop I grew up using. This updated model has all of the ends attached to the bottom of the mop. When these ends are twisted with the help of its click n’ twist ratchet, the mop head is able to wring out a lot of water making it mopping and drying times much quicker. The three bands that keep the strands of the mop together and from tangling so I was able to clean a larger area of my floor.

Ottawa_Mommy_Club_Libman_Products_Tornado_Mop_Collage_Photo

Libman Wonder® Mop Review

I really loved using the Libman Wonder® Mop. The microfiber GRIPSTRIPS™ got into those tough to clean corners and lifted the dirt off of our floors. The power wringer was really easy to use, and helped to get rid of the excess water the mop head was holding so I didn’t have to spread out extra water from the mop head and the floors dry quicker. I zoomed through the cleaning of my floors, and my floors dried quicker than they usually did.

The Libman Company Floor Cleaning Products Review

Another feature I really liked about all of these floor cleaning products from Libman were the handles. Whenever I held any of these products in my hands, they felt comfortable and firm so I did not have to grip them as much as I would with my regular mop, and when I did want to have a firmer grip to remove dirt in a hard to reach area, my hands would not slip along the handle.

Review Conclusion

Overall, I loved using all three of these products from Libman to get my floors cleaned quickly and without a lot of fuss. The wringing action on the mops worked so well to remove excess water from the mop heads so floors would not be overly wet, and the broom got into those places my broom would skirt around. These Libman products are now some of my favourites to use, and cleaning will not be such a daunting task to take on this summer! You can purchase these floor cleaning products from the Libman Company at any Home Depot in Canada.

For more details about any of these floor cleaning products or The Libman Company, you can connect with them on their website or on their Facebook or Twitter pages! 

Disclaimer: I received products from The Libman Company in order to write this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Mouthwatering Raspberry Salad with Vinaigrette Recipe

Lyne Proulx
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18
Mouthwatering Raspberry Salad with Vinaigrette Recipe

On a hot summer day, there is nothing better than a refreshing salad. I love to make a spinach salad topped with fresh strawberries and nuts. While grocery shopping one day, I ran across an amazing deal on raspberries and I knew exactly what I wanted to try with them. Usually, I go pick my own raspberries, but I couldn’t pass up this deal. I headed and picked out some fresh spinach to make my Mouthwatering Raspberry Salad with Vinaigrette Recipe.

Raspberry Salad

What I love most about this recipe is that it is super simple to make. The Vinaigrette can be prepared ahead of time and saved. It can also be prepared in bigger batches for an easy to serve brunch idea. Not only is this a great dish for lunch or even dinner, it would be perfect for brunch dates or even baby showers. This recipe is so versatile, you could add in your favorite nuts, dried fruits, special cheeses and more to create a unique salad every time.

For my Mouthwatering Raspberry Salad with Vinaigrette Recipe, you will need the following:

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup fresh or frozen (thawed) raspberries
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/4 cup canola oil

To make this Raspberry Salad with Vinaigrette is simple. Just follow these directions:

Directions

Strawberry Salad Crushing strawberries

Place raspberries in a bowl and crush with a fork. (I used a potato masher) Whisk in remaining ingredients until well blended. Cover and chill. Whisk just before using.

Stawberry Salad preparation

Salad Ingredients

  • Fresh Spinach
  • 1/2 cup of  pecans
  • 1/2 cup of fresh raspberries
  • 1/4 cup of Gorgonzola cheese

Directions

  1. Place the spinach in a bowl top with raspberries, pecans, and cheese.
  2. Top the salad with the Fresh Raspberry Vinaigrette.

I hope you enjoyed my Mouthwatering Raspberry Salad with Vinaigrette Recipe as much as my family and I did. If you make it, make sure to share with us on Facebook or Twitter! Also, check out all of our other Recipes.

Mouthwatering Raspberry Salad

Mouthwatering Raspberry Salad with Vinaigrette

No ratings yet
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Ingredients
  

For the Raspberry Dressing, you will need

  • 1/2 cup fresh or frozen thawed raspberries
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/4 cup canola oil

For the Salad you will need

  • Fresh Spinach
  • 1/2 cup of pecans
  • 1/2 cup of fresh raspberries
  • 1/4 cup of Gorgonzola cheese

Instructions
 

Dressing

  • Place raspberries in a bowl and crush with a fork. ( I used a potato masher) Whisk in remaining ingredients until well blended. Cover and chill. Whisk just before using.

Salad

  • Place the spinach in a bowl top with raspberries, pecans, and cheese. Top the salad with the Fresh Raspberry Vinaigrette.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Pirate Life In Ottawa Review

Pieces of Me
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61
Pirate Life In Ottawa Review

Pirates. My family loves them! They having pretend sword fights, trying to find illusive buried treasure, and saying “Arrrrrrrrr!” while they do it all. The one of the aspects of pirate life we have yet to experience is getting to sail the open seas to put all of our “pirate skill sets” into play. We were asked to review our pirate practice into play by going an adventure with the crew at Pirate Life In Ottawa, and we could not wait to set sail!

A Swashbuckling Time at Pirate Adventures
A Swashbuckling Time at Pirate Adventures

A Swashbuckling Time with Pirate Life Ottawa 

Pirate Life In Ottawa is an interactive pirate-theatre cruise that takes place on a pirate ship on Mooney’s Bay. Everyone joining in on the action get to take part by dressing up in pirate garb and helping the pirates on the ship on their journey. There are trips that are spoken in either English or French, so you can sail in the preferred language of your choice.

After checking in, we were able to take in the beauty of the area in one of the “pirate-themed” party tents to get out of the sun until the action began. It was nice just hang out and look around to see what we were about to ship out.

A Swashbuckling Time at Pirate Adventures

Dress-up time!

It was dress-up time! Two members of our Pirate Life In Ottawa crew, welcomed us to the day’s adventure! We were then each given a pirate name so we would become fierce pirates. Besides being a pirate, there are options to become a pirate mermaid or a pirate princess. Out of all of my family members, our little guy looked the most like a pirate.

A Swashbuckling Time at Pirate Adventures
A young pirate

Once we were all sporting our pirate gear, it was time to hit the high seas of Mooney’s Bay! We were directed towards our sailing vessel. It was such a gorgeous ship and it was fun to board. My kids were both excited and a bit intimidated at the size of the ship, but once on board, they liked it a lot.

A Swashbuckling Time at Pirate Adventures
Pirate ship

The journey

As we took our seats, we were introduced to the final Pirate Life member of our crew, the Captain. I was pleasantly surprised to see that we were going to be sailing with an all-woman crew! She looked imposing, yet fun, too. As we started our pirate adventure, Cutlass Kate, Pearl and The Captain told us about the treasure we were going find and the story behind the treasure.

A Swashbuckling Time at Pirate Adventures
Captain

The crew was really interactive with us new members of the ship. They made sure that each of the younger members became involved in some aspect of our journey, from asking the kids questions; to having them help get rid of evil Pirate Pete, a pirate who was trying to stop us from finding the treasure, to learning pirate song and dances.

A Swashbuckling Time at Pirate Adventures

Pirates fights

One of the best parts with Pirate Life In Ottawa had to be the pirate fight between Pearl and Pirate Pete. It was fun to see a pirate sword fight, then to see them switch to a, um, less traditional form of combat.

A Swashbuckling Time at Pirate Adventures
Pirates fight

At the end of our journey, we found the “X” that marked the post where our treasure was hidden. We hauled it on board and opened it the chest to find it full of gold coins and other treasure the younger members of the crew would enjoy!

A Swashbuckling Time at Pirate Adventures
Hidden treasures

Once back on shore, we then ventured in to the gift shop where we were finding our own piece of treasure to take home.

A Swashbuckling Time at Pirate Adventures

Conclusion

We had an amazing time aboard the Grey Ghost as part of the crew during our time at Pirate Life In Ottawa. We got to dress-up as pirates, sail along the Rideau River on a pirate ship, and be a part of a pirate story that had action, mystery and comedy. My family really enjoyed this experience, and my kids are constantly asking to go on their next adventure.

For more information about Pirate Life In Ottawa, you can visit their website.

Disclaimer: I received a complementary trip for my family at Pirate Life in Ottawa in order to write this review. All opinion expressed in this review are my own.

Family Fun at Calypso Waterpark (Review)

Tracy (Redefined)
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15
Family Fun at Calypso Waterpark (Review)

When Calypso Waterpark first opened several years ago I was excited to check it out, but was hesitant because my daughter was young. But, when I was recently presented with the opportunity to visit Calypso for the purpose of a blog review I agreed, knowing it was the perfect chance to see and experience Family Fun at Calypso Waterpark with my family and her friends.

Calypso

I am glad I went. My family and I, and our guests had a great time! As with all aquatic activities there is risk involved, but with hundreds of staff and over 100 lifeguards on duty at all times, there are plenty of people around should an accident happen. 

Calypso Waterpark Review

Calypso Water Park 5

My visit to Calypso was with a group consisting of three adults and three children (ages 6 and 7). We felt this was a good ratio because we could keep a set of eyes on each child at all times. Also, the kids had fun playing with one another, especially on the slides and attractions that were solely for the kids, such as Zoo Lagoon and Pirate’s Aquaplay (although I did manage to go down two of the slides on Pirate’s Aquaplay and thought they were quite fun!).

Pirate’s Aquaplay

Pirate’s Aquaplay is the perfect spot for childhood imagination at Calypso Park. My daughter said she and her friends were pretending they were Pirate Fairies and had to complete their mission before the big bucket of water turned over. The kids spent a lot of time at Pirate’s Aquaplay, waiting for the big bucket to fill up and dump water on the people below or climbing and sliding down the numerous stairs, rope-like bridges, and slides. In my opinion, Pirate’s Aquaplay is ideal for kids around 5 to 8 years of age. Our only concern was the lack of warning when the bucket of water dumps out; apparently there is a bell that does sound to warn people, but no one in my group heard a bell that day.

Zoo Lagoon

If you do have young children though, the Zoo Lagoon is perfect for little ones. This child-oriented area was filled with toddlers and their parents engaged with the numerous animal structures, sliding down toddler-sized slides and sitting in the wading pool playing and splashing. The water here (as in most of the pools) was warm, which is ideal for those cooler summer days and for kids who get cold fast.

Calypso toddler
Photo courtesy of Calypso

We didn’t stay too long at Calypso’s Zoo Lagoon, simply because our kids were a bit too old for this section, but they did enjoy the nearby Jungle Challenge. In this area, kids and adults are challenged to walk as steadily as possible over logs, water lilies and crocodiles in an attempt to make it to the other side. Some of the ropes and bars were too high for our kids to reach (some of the challenges are meant for adults), but the ones they could reach proved to be a fun challenge and kept them entertained for quite awhile! 

Kongo Expedition

Once we were done with the aqua play areas we decided to check out the river attractions. And while we enjoyed the adventure, surprises and waves of the Kongo Expedition, we didn’t enjoy our tubes moving in circles over and over again at one point in a stubborn current near the end, but just a quick kick off the side solved that! All said and done, the kids enjoyed swimming in the Kongo Family Beach in this area more than the Expedition part.

We found the Jungle Run (also known as Lazy River) to be more enjoyable (and relaxing) – so much so that we did it more than once! All of us loved this area and wanted to do it again and again.

Calypso Water Park8

Boomerango

Of course, there were plenty of water slides for the kids to explore too at the Calypso Waterpark, and I love that there are numerous slides that can be done as a family. We did the Boomerango together, which was so much fun! The kids let out a happy shriek as we neared the big drop in the slide, but they held on tight and were all smiles at the end. Right next to the Boomerango is Canyon Rafting, which is also perfect for families with children over the age of three. There are also the Family Twister set of colourful slides that are fun for younger and older children (who may not be ready for the bigger slides quite yet).

CalypsoPark2

In addition to the water slides, aquatic play areas and the wave pool that produces ocean-like waves at Calypso Palace, there are many amenities geared toward family fun at Calypso Water Park. There are lockers available for rent, clothes dryers, eight restaurants, as well as plenty of benches, picnic areas, and easy-to-find bathrooms, and for $99 a family of four can rent a VIP cabana for the day, which includes an exclusive menu, WiFi, a fridge with water, and a comfortable, shaded area to call home base throughout an otherwise busy day!

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) are also available onsite for free, meaning you don’t have to lug yours from home (although you are more than welcome to bring your own if you are more comfortable doing so).

Calypso7

How we liked Calypso?

My daughter and her friends loved Calypso waterpark. They loved the rivers, the play areas and of course, the Calypso slides. They even enjoyed trying to find all of the Calypso characters that could be spotted walking throughout the park. We will definitely go back as a family, but I have a feeling my husband and I might go back with just our own friends because there is a lot of fun to be had for adults only – I will talk more about that in an upcoming blog post!

In the meantime, I encourage you to check out Calypso Waterpark for yourself. It’s definitely a fun summer stop and is so close to Ottawa that it would be a shame not to go! And in regards to any safety concerns, my advice is to set aside any preconceived notions, read all the warnings, instructions and restrictions available on their website as well as throughout the park itself. Keep an eye on your kids at all times, don’t do anything you are not comfortable doing, and simply go with the intention of family fun times at Calypso Waterpark!

For information on hours and rates, visit the Calypso website or on their social media channels:

I’d love to know if you and your family have visited Calypso recently and what your favourite attractions are!

Disclosure: I received free park passes and compensation for the purpose of this blog post.

Helpful Hints to Make Walking Easier and Fun!

Pieces of Me
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7
Helpful Hints to Make Walking Easier and Fun!

We are in the full swing of spring, and that means that I can get back to getting some of my exercise done outdoors again. Now that my toddlers are older, I can take them along with me to get them outside and active as well. One of the activities I like to do to keep myself fit is walking. I love it! It is simple, I have all the equipment I need at home, and I can do it alone, or with my family! Whether alone or as part of a group, I like to get in at least 30 minutes of walking a day most days of the week to improve my body, mental health, and spirit.

I am so excited about being asked to write an article on the Life Brand website along with other bloggers! This website is a place where people can find great health tips to become healthy and help to keep this goal no matter what stage of your life you may be experiencing!

Tips to Make Walking Easier and Fun

Here are a few walking tips I use while I walk myself fit to make this workout fun and safe:

Helpful Hints to Make Walking Easier and Fun!

1. Layering my clothing

People react differently to running. Some like wearing more clothing than others while running in case the weather may change while you working out in the elements. This is why it is a good idea to wear layers when you go out for a walk. I like wearing a t-shirt or tank top with a pair of running pants or shorts. If the weather seems a bit unpredictable, I will also carry a shell or a light sweater with me to help keep the unexpected cold or rain off of me while I workout. I also like to carry a bottle of water to keep hydrated while walking.

2. Warm up first, cool down afterwards

Before starting my walk, I like to do some warm up exercises to get my body ready for the workout ahead of it. I like to a series of stretches to warm up my muscles so my muscles will not be very sore after my walk, and to increase my heart rate. It only takes a few minutes, but it will benefit me after walking. I also like to do a bit of a cool down exercises after my walk to make the transition for my body from my walk back to a more stationary position an easier one.

Helpful Hints to Make Walking Easier and Fun!

3. Choose different routes to make walking more fun

Going for a walk is great, but taking the same route every time will make my walk seem like more of a chore than a fun activity. I like to take a few different routes when I go for my walks. There is always something new to see in a neighbourhood. From time to time, I like to take a longer way during my walk to see some of my favourite homes, or to see more scenic places to make the time go by faster and to make my walk more enjoyable. I am also lucky to live in a part of Ottawa where walking paths are at abundance, so they can add to my list of routes to take. Taking these routes also help my children become more familiar with the neighbourhood they live in, so they will be able to navigate their way around easier when they are older.

4. Protect your feet

Walking to keep fit is a wonderful workout to improve my physical, mental and emotional well-being, but there are times that my feet get the brunt of my workout. To prevent the development of blisters on my feet, I like to turn to Life Brand Anti-Blister Stick. When I apply it to my feet, it goes on clear, and it is non-greasy, so I do not have to wait for it to dry too long to get going with my workout. I also like that it prevents chafing, so that my feet do not feel raw or sore after going for a brisk walk.

These ideas are just some of the tips I use to walk myself fit! It is a great exercise that gets me away from my desk, and when I do this with my family, it allows for us to make fun discoveries and to make some great memories together.

Helpful Hints to Make Walking Easier and Fun!
Helpful Hints to Make Walking Easier and Fun!

My family and I love finding products to help keep us healthy and active on the Life Brand website! They have featured products that help relieve certain issues we come across in our daily life, as well as the ability to search for so many other products to help get us better and to help to keep us healthy! Check out for yourself how to get the most out of life!

This blog post was sponsored by Life Brand. The opinion I shared are my own.

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