How awesome is it to find an event that will help create fun family bonding and lasting memories? Even Better? It’s FREE!
One of my favourite summer family events is back. Movies On The Beach is now Friday Night Flicks!
Round up family, friends, neighbours and co-workers. Arrive early, stake out your section of sand or grass. Bring a picnic, a blanket and a lawn chair, movies start at sundown but make sure to get there early to get a good spot!. While your waiting for the movie, play some Frisbee, toss a ball, fly a kite, build a sand castle or just relax.
Huge thanks to MAJIC 100, Reliance Holmes Heating, DQ, Used Ottawa and Mont Cascade for helping to bring communities together and for giving us a break on the pocket book.
For more info on Friday Night Flicks, check out MAJIC 100’s website. www.majic100.com
Cake Pops are decadent little delights! But they are so time consuming to make that I only make them for very special occasions; like Canada Day! This recipe for Red Velvet cake pops is also perfect for holidays or parties. They are a few bites of delicious red velvet cake, on a stick, dipped in white chocolate that are the perfect sweet to enjoy with friends!
Cake Pops Cooking Tips
While cake pops are a little harder to make than your average cake, I think they are one of the most fun recipes to involve the kids in! They will love baking a cake just to smash it up with frosting! Forming the balls can be a challenge to keep them from crumbling and to keep them in a nice shape, but with a little patience, even little hands can do it. Be sure to cool the cake completely for the best results.
Dipping The Cake Balls
Dipping the cake balls in melted chocolate will best be accomplished by an adult. It is important for a smooth finish to dip the cake pop in the melted white chocolate. Spooning it over will give it a very messy and clumpy appearance.
Red Velvet Cake Pops Decorating Tips
This recipe makes a good amount of cake pops, but these are so good that no one will only want to eat one on a special day. So if you are going to celebrate with a crowd, you might want to double the batch. You could decorate these in any number of ways. There are so many fun sprinkles and decorative sugar options on the market that would really make these decadent little goodies pop! No matter how you decorate them, they are perfect for a sweet treat mid day, or a bite sized dessert after an afternoon BBQ.
Cake Pops are really time consuming in the kitchen, but are they well worth the time and effort! These Canada Day Red Velvet Cake Pops will surely have your family and friends asking you for the recipe. Get your kids to help you make them!
In a separate bowl using an electric mixer, beat the butter, shortening and sugar until it is light and creamy.
Add the egg, vanilla, red velvet extract, and red gel food colouring.
Mix well.
Add flour and buttermilk, 1/2 of each at a time, mix until completely combined.
Pour or scoop the batter unto the cookie sheet.
Bake at 350 degrees for 20-22 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
Completely cool the baked cake.
Using a metal spatula remove the cooled cake from the cookie sheet and begin to break into pieces.
Put these cake pieces in a large bowl.
Add 1 cup chocolate frosting (recipe below) and using your hands mix cake pieces and frosting together forming a round ball. (About the size of a large gum ball.). Check to see if cake balls will hold and keep the ball shape.
If so, make as many cake balls as batter will allow.
Now using the cake balls sticks and melted white chocolate, dip one end of the stick into the melted white chocolate.
Put the cake balls into the refrigerator to chill for 2-3 hours.
Red Velvet Cake Pops White Chocolate Coating
Ingredients
340 grams of White Melting Wafers
Equipment Needed
Cookie sheet with parchment paper
Double boiler or microwavable dish
Directions
Using a double boiler, or a microwave melt the white melting wafers. Stir frequently if you use a double boiler.
Allow to cool completely.
Dip the entire cake ball into the melted white chocolate and coat the entire cake ball by rolling the cake pop on it’s side to make sure that the cake pop is fully covered in the white chocolate. Try not to have spoon the melted chocolate on the cake pops as it will not give a smooth look.
Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and place each coated cake ball on it until dried.
You can add additional decoration to each red velvet cake pop by adding sprinkles, coloured sugars, or the stripes with red icing.
Put in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes or until the white chocolate is hard.
Red Royal Icing Drizzle
Ingredients
2 egg whites
1/4 tsp cream of tatar
1 tsp almond extract
2 + cup powdered sugar
Red gel food colouring
Equipment Needed
Mixing bowl
Mixer
Directions
Combine in a mixing bowl on medium speed for 4 minutes.
Blend in the red gel food colouring and stir to mix colour.
Scoop into a frosting bag with a small tip.
Squeeze the icing out of the bag onto each cake pop, make decorations or lines like I did.
Optional: Add Pop Rocks Strawberry Candy to decorate, so its like fireworks in your mouth!
I hope you enjoyed my Canada Day Red Velvet Cake Pops 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!
Canada Day Red Velvet Cake Pops Recipe
Lyne Proulx
These Canada Day Red Velvet Cake Pops will surely have your family and friends asking you for the recipe. Get your kids to help you too!
Optional Pop Rocks Strawberry Candy to decorateso its like fireworks in your mouth!
Instructions
Cake Pop
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Spray a large deep cookie sheet with Pam spray.
Sift flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.
Mix with a wire whisk.
In a separate bowl using an electric mixer, beat the butter, shortening and sugar until it is light and creamy.
Add the egg, vanilla, red velvet extract, and red gel food colouring.
Mix well.
Add flour and buttermilk, 1/2 of each at a time, mix until completely combined.
Pour or scoop the batter unto the cookie sheet.
Bake at 350 degrees for 20-22 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
Completely cool the baked cake.
Using a metal spatula remove the cooled cake from the cookie sheet and begin to break into pieces.
Put these cake pieces in a large bowl.
Add 1 cup chocolate frosting (either homemade or purchased) and using your hands mix cake pieces and frosting together forming a round ball. (About the size of a large gum ball.). Check to see if cake balls will hold and keep the ball shape.
If so, make as many cake balls as batter will allow.
Now using the cake balls sticks and melted white chocolate, dip one end of the stick into the melted white chocolate.
Put the cake balls into the refrigerator to chill for 2-3 hours.
White Chocolate
Using a double boiler, or a microwave melt the white melting wafers. Stir frequently if you use a double boiler.
Allow to cool completely.
Dip the entire cake ball into the melted white chocolate and coat the entire cake ball by rolling the cake pop on it’s side to make sure that the cake pop is fully covered in the white chocolate. Try not to have spoon the melted chocolate on the cake pops as it will not give a smooth look.
Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and place each coated cake ball on it until dried.
You can add additional decoration to each cake pop by adding sprinkles, coloured sugars, or the stripes with red icing.
Put in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes or until the white chocolate is hard.
Royal Icing
Combine in a mixing bowl on medium speed for 4 minutes.
Blend in the red gel food colouring and stir to mix colour.
Scoop into a frosting bag with a small tip.
Squeeze the icing out of the bag onto each cake pop, make decorations or lines like I did.
Keyword cake pops, Canada Day, Canada Day cake pops, Canada Day dessert, Red velvet cake pops
Keep the kids off the couch and in the great outdoors by creating your own Activity Jar and filling a bin in your yard with lots of outdoor toys to spark their imagination and creative play. Here are the top toys to get kids to play outside!
Active Kids
This is my front lawn. It says “kids outside at play.” Summer vacation is just around the corner and the days will soon be filled with sunshine and kids looking to be entertained.
Active Kids: Top Toys to Get Kids Outside
Kids thrive on free play and unstructured time to be outside and active. You can raise active kids by inspiring and encouraging this outdoor toys with balls of all shapes and sizes, with skipping ropes, chalk, sprinklers, hula hoops and, of course, by getting outside with them when you can.
By ensuring you have some toys on hand that they can easily access, you will be adding hours to their fun time outdoors. Of course your front lawn might look like mine all summer, but I am OK with that. My lawn is a sure sign that kids were having fun that day and being active outside and that is always OK with me.
Activity Jar
Sit down with your kids and make a list of all the things they love to do or search the internet for fun games you can play on your own or with a friend and write them each on their own piece of paper. Put these papers in an Activity Jar and whenever the kids are getting bored, have them pick out a new activity.
Active Kids: Top Toys to Get Kids Outside
Top Toys to Get Kids Outside
Hula Hoops
Skipping Ropes
Soccer ball
Frisbee
Kites
Swingball/Tetherball
OgoSport Discs
Lawn Darts
ZigZag Tunnel
Juggling Balls
Mini Sticks
Boomerang
Velcro Mitt/Ball set
Bean Bag/Ring Toss
Ladder Ball
Badminton Set
Balance Board
Slip n Slide
Football
RipStik
Plasma Car
Scooter
Pogo Stick
Mini Basketball Net/Ball
Lacrosse Sticks
Stilts
Skate board
Roller blades
Tennis Racquets
Baseball Glove/T-Ball Set
ourdoor games and toys
Remember to be sun safe this summer when sending the kids outside and lather on the sunscreen and have pitchers of water, and summer snacks on hand to keep them hydrated. Have some of these Gourmet Popsicles in the freezer to refuel them ad keep them playing so they don’t have to come inside for a big meal!
How will your kids get outside and play this summer? Comment below!
Canada Day is almost upon us and I don’t know about you, but I feel like celebrating beyond the traditional festivities. This year, why not spread cheer with decadent and cheerful Canada Day cupcakes that make for a sweet interlude between the planned activities and will be a hit with everyone?
Canada Day In The Nation’s Capital
My family loves the military drills and the changing of the guard events. The cultural displays and performers are always appreciated and enjoyed as a part of our family traditions and we can’t forget wrapping up the day with the glorious fireworks displays. In between these events there is always a lot of walking and visiting with friends too. Trust me when I tell you Canada Day in the Nation’s Capital can be quite the affair. With so much going on, these Canada Day cupcakes are just what is needed.
Fancy Canada Day Cupcakes
These look quite fancy; swirls of colour and an awesome topper totally make this treat stand out from the crowd. They are perfect for such a time of celebration and community. After so much action, these glorious cupcakes make for an epic dessert or just a sweet way to say Happy Canada Day to your neighbours and friends. You can use a homemade cake recipe, which is provided below, or use a white cake mix.
Easy Red and White Frosting Swirl
The swirls of colour in this recipe should not intimidate you. It is so easy to create this effect with some food colouring, layering the batter and giving it a gentle swirl. While this is a little more work than just spooning in batter, it is really worth the few moments of extra effort it takes.
If you are celebrating Canada Day at home with your family and friends, you can create Canada Day crafts or make these Canada Day cupcakes for dessert. You better make 2 batches as they won’t last for long!
Canada Day Cupcake Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
2 egg whites
2 eggs
2 cup flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking soda
3/4 cup buttermilk
1 1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
Red gel food colouring
How To Make The Canada Day Cupcakes
Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line cupcake pan with paper liners.
Step 2: Sift flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda together in a bowl.
Step 3: Beat butter on high for 30 seconds. Add sugar and vanilla extract to the butter until well combined. Add egg whites, one at a time, mixing after each. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing after each.
Step 4: Add 1/3 cup flour mixture to the wet mixture followed by adding 1/3 cup of the buttermilk; add 1/3 cup flour mixture again then add 1/3 cup buttermilk mix on low-speed, add 1/3 cup of flour and add the rest of 1/3 cup of buttermilk mix in low-speed until thoroughly blended.
Step 5: Divide the batter into two bowls. Add red gel food colouring to one bowl and stir well. The second bowl remains white.
Step 6: Begin by spooning in some of the red batter then add the white on top of the red. Continue with the a spoon of the red again then the white all around the individual lined cupcake tins. The batter will spread out in the cupcake tin but continue to layer the batter with the red then the white. The batter should reach 2/3rd of the top of the lined cupcake holders.
Step 7: Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool for 10 minutes. Remove to a wire rack until fully cooled
Canada Day Cupcakes Frosting
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cup powder sugar
1 tsp vanilla
3/4 cup heavy cream
Red gel food colouring
How To Make The Frosting
Step 1: Beat the softened butter on its own until smooth. Add vanilla extract. Add powder sugar with heavy cream into the creamed butter until it becomes a smooth and thick texture. If the frosting is too thick, add more heavy cream, if the frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar.
Step 2: Take a spoonful of the frosting and hold the spoon upside down. If the frosting drops off the spoon, add more powdered sugar.
Step 3: Divide the frosting into two bowls. One bowl add several red drops of gel food colouring and stir well. The second bowl remains white.
Step 4: Scoop individual colours of the frosting, one at a time, into a pastry bag. Start with the red frosting, second add the white frosting. Twist the open end of the pastry bag to push the frosting to the tip. Test it out before applying the frosting to the cupcakes. The frosting should come out in a mixture of the red and white.
Step 5: Frost the cupcakes by starting on the edges of the baked cupcakes and with the frosting work towards the centre of the cupcake.
I hope you enjoyed my Canada Day Cupcakes 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!
Festive Canada Day Cupcakes
Lyne Proulx
If you are celebrating Canada Day at home with your family and friends, you can make these festive Canada Day cupcakes for dessert!
Sift flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda together in a bowl.
Beat butter on high for 30 seconds.
Add sugar and vanilla extract to the butter until well combined.
Add egg whites, one at a time, mixing after each.
Add eggs, one at a time, mixing after each.
Add 1/3 cup flour mixture to the wet mixture followed by adding 1/3 cup of the buttermilk; add 1/3 cup flour mixture again then add 1/3 cup buttermilk mix on low-speed, add 1/3 cup of flour and add the rest of 1/3 cup of buttermilk mix in low-speed until thoroughly blended.
Divide the batter into two bowls. Add red gel food colouring to one bowl and stir well. The second bowl remains white.
Begin by spooning in some of the red batter then add the white on top of the red. Continue with the a spoon of the red again then the white all around the individual lined cupcake tins.
The batter will spread out in the cupcake tin but continue to layer the batter with the red then the white.
The batter should reach 2/3rd of the top of the lined cupcake holders.
Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
Cool for 10 minutes.
Remove to a wire rack until fully cooled
Frosting
Beat the softened butter on its own until smooth.
Add vanilla extract.
Add powder sugar with heavy cream into the creamed butter until it becomes a smooth and thick texture.
If the frosting is too thick, add more heavy cream, if the frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar.
Take a spoonful of the frosting and hold the spoon upside down. If the frosting drops off the spoon, add more powdered sugar.
Divide the frosting into two bowls. One bowl add several red drops of gel food colouring and stir well. The second bowl remains white.
Scoop individual colors of the frosting, one at a time, into a pastry bag. Start with the red frosting, second add the white frosting.
Twist the open end of the pastry bag to push the frosting to the tip. Test it out before applying the frosting to the cupcakes. The frosting should come out in a mixture of the red and white.
Frost the cupcakes by starting on the edges of the baked cupcakes and with the frosting work towards the center of the cupcake.
There is something for everyone on Canada Day, including lots of great food! If you are heading out to a picnic or BBQ, I have the perfect treat recipe to share with you. These Maple Leaf Sandwich Cookies are the best snack to make and share to show off your national pride.
There is something I love about Canada Day! There are always so many fun family festivities to partake in. We look forward to the chance to celebrate our country and our heritage with the community. It wouldn’t be Canada Day without the cultural performances and displays, the parades and of course, the epic displays of fireworks!
Maple Leaf Cookie Cutters
This Maple Leaf Sandwich Cookies Recipe looks elegant, but truly, it comes together easily. The kids will love helping you make these tasty treats. You will need 2 different sized maple leaf cookie cutters, but I know you will make these cookies many times after trying them! So, it is a good investment in future baking.
Can I Use A Different Jam?
I used strawberry jam to fill my Canada Day Maple Leaf Cookies. My family thinks it is the perfect flavour for such a festive summer event. You can use whatever jam flavour you prefer. Raspberry, blackberry, and Peach jams are tasty options too.
This Maple Leaf Sandwich Cookes recipe does require refrigeration before baking, but only about 30 minutes. So, you can make these in the morning and have them ready for dessert, or as a sweet to pass around during the much anticipated fireworks display as the night winds down. You might not be able to tell if the oohs and ahhs are for the pyrotechnics or the delicious cookies!
Maple Leaf CookiesIngredients
2 sticks, unsalted butter, cold and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 tsp salt
2 1/4 cup flour
3/4 cup finely ground almonds
Raspberry or strawberry Jam
Confectioner’s sugar
2 Maple Leaf cookie cutters, 1 small enough to fit comfortably in the centre of the larger cookie cutter.
How To Make Maple Leaf Sandwich Cookies
Step 1: Line cookie sheets with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
Step 2: Using an electric mixer beat the butter, sugar and salt on low speed until the batter is almost smooth. In a second bowl combine the flour and almonds. Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, scraping the sides of the bowl often until the dough is almost completely mixed. Don’t over mix.
Step 3: Roll the dough into a ball wrapping it in plastic wrap and putting it in the refrigerator for at least one hour. After the hour in the refrigerator, remove the dough and place on a lightly floured wood cutting board.
Step 4: Using your rolling pin, you may have to flour the rolling pin, roll out the dough in the same thickness. (if the dough becomes too soft (sticks to the cutting board or to the cookie cutter) rewrap it in plastic and put it back in the refrigerator for at least 20-30 minutes.
Step 5: Using the larger Maple Leaf cookie cutter, cut out all of the larger cookies. (If cookies become too sticky place cookie sheet with the cookies on it the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes).
Step 6: Return to the cookies already cut and cut the centre out of half of the previously cut cookies by using a smaller Maple Leaf cookie cutter. Using a metal spatula gently lift the cut cookie dough onto the parchment lined cookie sheets.
Step 7: Bake the cookies on the top rack of the oven at 300 degrees for 30 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool on the cookie sheet for 10 minutes. Remove from cookie sheet and allow to cool completely.
Step 8: On the bottom half of the cookie (one without the hole in it) spread raspberry/strawberry jam on it, but not too close to the edges. On the top half of the cookie (the one with the hole in it) sprinkle confectionery sugar on it. (Do this away from the other half of the cookie). Taking the top part of the cookie holding it by it’s edges gently place it on top of the raspberry/strawberry jam cookie. (The jam will act as a “glue” to hold the two cookies together. )
I hope you enjoyed my Canada Day Maple Leaf Sandwich Cookies Recipe as much as my family did. If you make it, make sure to share with us on Facebook or Twitter! Also, check out all of our other Recipes.
Canada Day Maple Leaf Cookies
Lyne Proulx
These delicious Canada Day Maple Leaf cookies are ideal for a festive afternoon snack! You will need to purchase 2 maple leaf cookie cutters.
2 Maple Leaf cookie cutters- 1 small enough to fit comfortably in the centre of the larger cookie cutter.
Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
Rolling Pin
2 Bowls
spatula
Ingredients
2sticksunsalted butter, cold and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1/2cupwhite sugar
1/2tspsalt
2 1/4cupflour
3/4cupfinely ground almonds
Raspberry or strawberry Jam
Confectioner’s sugar
Instructions
Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
Using an electric mixer beat the butter, sugar and salt on low speed until the batter is almost smooth.
In a second bowl combine the flour and almonds.
Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, scraping the sides of the bowl often until the dough is almost completely mixed.
Don’t over mix.
Roll the dough into a ball wrapping it in plastic wrap and putting it in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
After the hour in the refrigerator, remove the dough and place on a lightly floured wood cutting board.
Using your rolling pin, you may have to flour the rolling pin, roll out the dough in the same thickness. (if the dough becomes too soft (sticks to the cutting board or to the cookie cutter) rewrap it in plastic and put it back in the refrigerator for at least 20-30 minutes.
Using the larger Maple Leaf cookie cutter, cut out all of the larger cookies. (If cookies become too sticky place cookie sheet with the cookies on it the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes).
Return to the cookies already cut and cut the center out of half of the previously cut cookies by using a smaller Maple Leaf cookie cutter.
Using a metal spatula gently lift the cut cookie dough onto the parchment lined cookie sheets.
Bake the cookies on the top rack of the oven at 300 degrees for 30 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
Allow to cool on the cookie sheet for 10 minutes.
Remove from cookie sheet and allow to cool completely.
On the bottom half of the cookie (one without the hole in it) spread raspberry/strawberry jam on it, but not too close to the edges.
On the top half of the cookie (the one with the hole in it) sprinkle confectionery sugar on it. (Do this away from the other half of the cookie.)
Taking the top part of the cookie holding it by it’s edges gently place it on top of the raspberry/strawberry jam cookie. (The jam will act as a “glue” to hold the two cookies together. )
Keyword Canada day cookies, Canada Day Maple Leaf Cookies, cookies recipe, Leaf Cookies, Maple Leaf Cookies, Maple Leaf Sandwich Cookies, Sandwich cookies recipe
School may be drawing to a close for another year, but summer camps will be starting up very soon, which means more labels will be needed for clothing, backpacks as well as lunch and snack containers. My daughter attends a few camps throughout the summer and last year came home with various pairs of splash pants and sweaters that were not her own. Luckily, a quick label check from Stuck On You Write Labels meant that they could easily be returned to the rightful owner.
Stick On Write On Labels
Just as I was about to place an order for name and iron labels, I was presented with the opportunity to review Stuck on You Write On Labels. Stuck on You offers a range of Stick On Write On Labels that are perfect for labeling all those metal and plastic lunch containers – they are as simple as write, peel and label! You can use ballpoint pen or permanent marker to write names – it takes a lot for either to wash off (just make sure to wait 48 hours after affixing the label to allow time for the label to bond).
Iron On Write On Clothing Labels
The Iron On Write On Clothing Labels are also quite simple – just set the iron to medium heat, peel off a label and place face up so that the text of the label is showing. The labels come with parchment paper that you can put on top of the label. Hold the iron on top of the covered label for 10 seconds (or less if your iron is really hot). Make sure all of the edges are firmly attached to the garment. Simple as that! The labels are laundry and dryer safe.
Stick On Name and Iron On Labels from Stuck On You
The Stick On Name and Iron On Labels from Stuck On You work great and the designs are cute. They come in blue or pink (orange is available for the Iron On Labels), but I find the designs are very stereotypical based on gender, which I find disappointing. My daughter would love blue labels with a unicorn as opposed to pink labels, but the blue labels are more sports-oriented. The option to alter the colours or designs is very limited for the Write On Stick On and Iron On Labels. There are however some gender neutral label, including some of the food ones. It would be great to have more options for those girls who aren’t into princesses and boys who are!
Durable Labels and Great for School
The labels are durable and wear really well over time (I washed the pieces several times by hand and the labels held well!). I also like the option of not having to have the same name fifty labels! It’s nice to sometimes be able to use a surname and sometimes my daughter’s first name. Also, we board our dog and believe it or not her toys and blankets can go missing – so the Write On Labels from Stuck On You Labels come in handy for pets too!
Stuck on You Write On Labels are also a great product to use when school starts again in the fall. They are useful for labeling all of your child’s school supplies such as pencil cases and devices they may bring with them to school. These labels can also be used on binders so your child can tell which binder is for which subject without having to open each one.
Stuck on You Write On Labels Prices
Stuck on You Write On Labels are reasonably priced – a 30 pack of Write On Labels is priced at $9.95 USD (plus shipping) and a 40-pack of Iron On Labels are $12.95 USD (plus shipping). They are presently on sale, so visit their website for more information. The easy-to-follow instructions are included on all packaging, including the handy storage envelope. These Write On Labels are a great label if you are looking for a durable write on label that is easy to use. So, stuck up and get ready for camp season and back to school!
For more information about Stuck on You Write On and Iron On Labels, you can connect with them online, as well as on their Facebook and Twitter pages!
Disclaimer: I received various sets of products from Stuck On You in order to write this review. The views expressed are my own.
Burt’s Bees has rocketed from a small company in Maine, USA to everyone’s pocket chap-stick. They pulled-off this marketing marverick by returning to natural ingredients and of course- beeswax to fix chapped lips. Their product works better than all the other cheap-synthetic brands. For this reason, this lip balm is one you tell your friends about and then buy 2 more… This brings me to their latest concoction and this Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm review.
Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm REVIEW
“A Hint of Color that Cares for your Lips”
Shade: Honeysuckle
Cost: $7.99
Size: 4.25g
NEW LINES- NEW PRODUCTS
It’s no surprise Burt’s Bees have been dabbling in new products beyond the scope of their regular “yellow” tube brand… Lately new forms of Burt’s Bees lip treatments are scoring places on shelves. I love their “Lip Shimmer Line” and constantly preach how its my “go-to” lip-gloss, but I also wanted a very lightly tinted lip balm for a more natural look…
Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm is the perfect combination. The tube itself looks like and rolls-up like any ol’ lip-chap; the lip balm has no smell either. The shade in this review is a deep pink shade (but you can choose from 8 different shades from all ranges- lighter to darker…) The finish effect is very subtle but lovely.
NOT A LIPSTICK – IT’S A LIP BALM
No to be mistaken, this product goes on light- really light. It’s tinted using 100% natural ingredients because nature knows color. Looking at the product can be fooling- it looks like it might go on darker but it definitely doesn’t. You need to do the triple lip swipe over your lips to get in on good. It leaves behind a perfect hint of pink plus gives your lips all the same benefits you’d get from regular Burt’s Bees Lip Balm. When you’re looking for a lip treatment minus a “lipstick” factor- this is a great lip tint option.
CERTIFIED NATURAL PRODUCT
Burt’s Bees make sure their products are meeting cosmetic standards for health-minded buyers. Instead of the product being wrapped in a bunch of non-recyclable junk, this lip balm comes in a 100% recyclable cardboard tube (made of 60%) recyclable materials. The packaging also sports the 2 following logos that are of much importance and meaning:
Mission statement taken from the Certified Natural Products Association website HERE
“As the leading voice of the natural products industry, the Natural Products Association’s mission is to advocate for the rights of consumers to have access to products that will maintain and improve their health, and for the rights of retailers and suppliers to sell these products.”
YES, I’D BUY IT AGAIN
From the packaging, to the product- it’s pretty. It’s a “step-up” Burt’s Bees lip-gloss that gives your lips a little more than a beeswax seal of protection. No deep dark effect, no sparkle, just a pure gloss hint of tint that also helps with chapped lips. Made in the USA, no animal testing, and meeting cosmetic all-natural standards are reasons this company continues to gain steam and barrel over cheaper-synthetic competition brands. Burt’s Bees have ninja sharp skills when it comes to the next best lip-balm blend but most notably they’re leaders in bringing nature back to beauty.
I have encountered many cookbooks that claim their recipes are “unbelievably delicious,” so when the cover of Patricia Green and Carolyn Hemming’s newest cookbook, Sweet Goodnessclaimed that very thing I didn’t immediately jump up and down in excitement. You may recognize Carolyn Hemming and Patricia Green as the sisters behind Quinoa 365, Quinoa Revolution and Grain Power. They are known for advocating healthy living and for updating recipes to reflect healthier options that are uncomplicated and delicious.
Gluten-Free Baking
About four years ago, at the recommendation of a Naturopath, I tried to follow a gluten-free diet. I failed and I think it was partially due to the lack of flavour in any gluten-free recipe I made. Especially baked goods; and anyone who really knows me knows I LOVE my baked goods – especially banana bread!
Well, gluten-free bakers! I have good news. Sweet Goodness is awesome – this cookbook takes traditional recipes and makes them gluten-free while maintaining (or improving) their flavour. For the purposes of this blog post I tried two of the gluten-free recipes in this cookbook and both were better (that’s right tastier, more delicious – BETTER) than the traditional recipe I have had for years.
Sweet Goodness Cookbook – Recipe Reviews
Chocolate Swirl Banana Loaf Recipe Review
The first recipe I tried was Chocolate Swirl Banana Loaf. Instead of traditional white flour, it calls for the more nutritious oat, millet and sorghum flours. Combined with bananas and unsweetened applesauce the result is a flavourful, moist banana bread that will give any gluten-filled banana bread a run for its money. I have since made this bread two more times – it’s that good.
Old-Fashioned Cake Doughnuts Recipe Review
The second recipe I tried was for something I have never made before. Well, okay, that’s not true. I tried to make baked doughnuts once before, but they were hard as a rock, so I never attempted to make them again – until this recipe. The recipe for Old-Fashioned Cake Doughnuts found in Sweet Goodness is divine! I will admit that my doughnuts did not look anything like the incredibly fancy looking ones pictured in the cookbook, but I also did not own a doughnut pan, so I made the doughnut holes instead and therefore didn’t see a need to make fancy pink icing. However, since trying this recipe, I have invested in a doughnut pan and WILL make the icing next time.
Using sorghum flour, tapioca starch and phsyllium husks instead of traditional white flour and replacing sugar with honey – these doughnuts were surprisingly sweet, moist and cake-like! My daughter almost ate the entire batch of the Old-Fashioned Cake Doughnut Holes in one sitting. And although they don’t look like them, they taste very similar to those famous commercial old-fashioned doughnuts that many people buy to accompany their double-double coffee.
I encourage you to make the similar Double-Chocolate Cake Doughnut recipe. For a simple glaze, add a few drops of water to some icing sugar and using a basting brush, brush the glaze over the doughnuts while they are still warm. I can taste them now – yum!
Sweet Goodness Cookbook Review
Sweet Goodness features more than one hundred tasty gluten-free baking recipes. For those new to gluten-free baking or for those who are experienced, these recipes will leave no one disappointed! If you are concerned about how to find all of the ingredients mentioned – it’s surprisingly easy! Many grocery stores will carry them in their health food aisles, or you can order online at Well.ca and have them delivered to your door!
If you try the any of the recipes in the Sweet Goodness cookbook, let me know! I’d love to know what you think!
Happy (gluten-free) baking!
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of Sweet Goodness from Penguin Canada for the purposes of review, however the opinions expressed in regards to the yumminess of the recipes are my own.
Jack & Lily was born in British Columbia, Canada in 2005. Brenda Buell, a Mom, saw the market was “lacking unique styling, quality and value” in “footwear for little feet” so she took it into her own hands, and started the brand which now has customers all over the world.
“Kadin” (Originals, $30). Photo by I Tell Stories.
Today I will be providing a review of a pair of shoes from each of the collections listed at the bottom of this post. My young model is the handsome Nathaniel, who chose “Kadin” (Originals, $30), “Nathan” (My Shoes, $32) and “Kelso” (My Mocs, $28) for his modelling debut at just over 2 months of age.
“Nathan” (My Shoes, $32). Photo by I Tell Stories.
Nathaniel had a great time running around the house and tossing the football with his older brother David while wearing his cool new shoes.
“Kelso” (My Mocs, $28). Photo by I Tell Stories.
Okay, he didn’t. He’s two months old. But that doesn’t mean that he doesn’t deserve to cover his little tootsies in the cutest of children’s footwear, while also protecting them from the elements.
“Kadin” worn by Nathaniel Danson. Photo by I Tell Stories.
Though Nathaniel is a “pre-walker” at this point – these shoes are still a great find at a reasonable price. And are an absolute steal for an older child who will have a hard time wearing these out!
“Nathan” worn by Nathaniel Danson. Photo by I Tell Stories.
Nathaniel’s mom, Alison, was amazed at the wide range of styles available for infants and toddlers. Pointing out the “Kelso”, she highlights, “they’re raccoons!….doggy shoes are a dime a dozen, but where do you ever see raccoons?”
From pirates, to guitars, to even skulls, there’s something for everyone here.
“Kelso” worn by Nathaniel Danson. Photo by I Tell Stories.
In addition to the cool factor, Alison was very impressed with the quality. These tiny shoes have to be held and felt to be believed. They are just amazingly well-crafted – the stitching, the quality of the materials…they are a cut above.
The clear sizing options also make these an easy online buy and perfect for those looking for a great gift for a friend or family member.
The cherry on top is that these shoes come in cute, reusable boxes that will keep them protected if you’d like to store them for another child to wear.
As much as Alison loved the shoes, she had a few small suggestions/criticisms for each one.
Though all the shoes were size “0-6 months – pre-walker”, the Kadins were noticeably longer than the other two pairs. But, in actuality, Alison was happy with this, because that meant Nathaniel could use the shoes longer!
Nathan – with this pair, Alison was disappointed that the straps weren’t longer. As she described, once Nathaniel’s “chubby little baby feet” were in the shoe, the velcro strap only just latched.
For the Kelso, the thick and grooved soles were “a bit much” for a pre-walker. However, these features would be great for those little ones who are walking and running about.
With these criticisms in mind, Alison and I would still highly recommend this footwear for other little feet. Now, here’s the ultimate compliment – My 3.5 year old Mary was jealous when the boxes arrived in the mail because there were none in her size! (I had to wrestle the boxes out of her grabby hands…)
Yes, they are that amazing!
These shoes appeal to parents and kids alike – which will definitely help when you’re trying to get your child dressed in the morning!
*Two Thumbs Up*
Collections
Jack & Lily Review and Giveaway are “where it all started” as these were the original style hand stitched by Buell in the early days.
They are “individually hand-crafted with genuine, breathable leather” and a suede sole that is flexible and skid-resistant. Originals feature a “gently elasticized ankle that provides comfort, making the shoes as easy to put on as slippers.”
Recommended by podiatrists.
Perfect for indoor and light outdoor use
Available in sizes 0-6 months (pre-walker), 6-12 months (pre-walker), 12-18 months (new walker), 18-24 months (confident walker), 24-30 months (master walker)
My Mocs for Boys and Girls is the newest addition to the Jack & Lily line of footwear. They are very flexible and designed with both stability and comfort in mind. They are “hand-crafted with breathable, genuine leather and premium, non-toxic materials.”
Recommended by podiatrists
Cozy moccasin style with velcro straps to keep shoes on wriggly toes
Available in sizes 0-6 months (pre-walker), 6-12 months (pre-walker), 12-18 months (new walker), 18-24 months (confident walker), 24-30 months (master walker)
My Shoes for Boys and Girls are “Low-cut, trim and sporty”, these are also “individually hand-crafted with breathable, genuine leather and premium, non-toxic materials (plus Jack & Lily’s signature Natural-flex rubber sole)”.
Recommended by podiatrists
Features “industry-defining 3 millimetres of cushioning for a child’s tiny sole and ankle.”
Available in sizes 0-6 months (pre-walker), 6-12 months (pre-walker), 12-18 months (new walker), 18-24 months (confident walker), 24-30 months (master walker)
For more details, please visit Jack & Lily website!
Fresh out of the mail! They have been a bit jostled here because I had to wrestle them out of the hands of Mary, who wanted them for herself! She only gave them up when I repeatedly told her they weren’t her size! Photo by I Tell Stories.
Just in time for summer! 4 amazing fresh fruit vinaigrette recipes that you must try! They are super easy to prepare and so delicious. You can make the vinaigrettes year round, but I am really looking forward to picking fresh strawberries and blueberries in the fields this summer and making some batches in Mason jars. You can serve them on spinach and kale salad, or on any of your favourite salads. If you are looking for easy to make salad dressings, we put together a round up of 20 recipes for you to choose from!
Fresh Orange Vinaigrette Recipe
Ingredients
1/4 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon-style prepared mustard
2 teaspoons honey
1/8 teaspoon cracked black pepper
Directions
In a small jar with a tight-fitting cover, combine the orange juice, vinegar, mustard, honey and pepper.
I hope you enjoyed my 4 Fresh Fruit Vinaigrette Recipes: Orange, Strawberry, Lemon, and Blueberry 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!
Go For Fun Adventures With Breakaway Experiences – Review
Finding the perfect gift for a special person can be a challenge, especially for someone who usually just goes out and buys what they want when they want it. Father’s Day is just around the corner, and my best friend, Mike is hard to shop for because he has everything! Since he is like a member of our family, I do like to give him something for Father’s Day, but I was scratching my head about what to get him this year. I was relieved to have the chance to review Breakaway Experiences to find some fun adventures that he would enjoy.
Breakaway Experiences is a service that offers Canadians with a shopping directory of unique packages from different companies that range from spas and restaurants to raceway and helicopter tours to gift to loved ones and friends, or to use for themselves. Their goal: To give the recipient of this service a fun and unforgettable experience they will not forget. They launched this service in 2014.
Fining experience is really easy with Breakaway Experiences.
Here is how it is done:
Look through the vast selection of experiences across Canada and select the one that you feel your family member or friend would love to do but hasn’t done yet…or pick something that’s on your bucket list.
After you buy the experience it goes into your Breakaway Experiences account where you can email the experience to a friend (or print and put in a card) when the time is right.
The person who receives the experience as a gift redeems the experience via a code in the email they received. After this they can activate the experience and contact the experience provider to reserve the activity or exchange the experience for another ( for example, they may prefer a spa day to bungee jumping).
Have fun and add one more check to your bucket list!
Golf experience from the Canadian Golf and Country Club
After a lot of pondering over what I thought Mike would enjoy the most, I decided to try the Two-9 Holes of Golf experience from the Canadian Golf and Country Club just outside of Ottawa. When I told Mike what we were going to do, he was really excited as he enjoys playing golf when he can. These are the details that were included in this experience:
• Two-9 hole rounds of golf (valid 7 days a week)
• Power cart rental for two
• Two medium buckets of range balls.
Mike and I were excited as we walked up to the Canadian Golf & Country Club. The main building is large and gorgeous! The grounds were green and luscious and nestled around the main building of the facility, adding to the beauty of the building. We then entered the main building into the Pro Shop to check in for our reservation. The staff was really friendly, and was able to answer all of our questions about the course and the facility.
After being handed the keys to our golf cart, we set off to start our day of golf glory!
The course at the Canadian Golf & Country Club was fantastic! Mike said that this was one of the nicest courses he has played at in the Ottawa area, and he has been to quite a few of them. I really liked how there was variation to each of the holes, and each one gave the facility a different point of view. Since I am not even close to being Arnold Palmer, I always teed off at the half way marks of each hole.
Golf cart fun
Our golf cart was really fun, not only to drive, but to use throughout our game. It had a GPS installed to it so we could see where we were on the course. It also let us see how much off of the pace of an average player we were so we would know whether we should let other players go in front of us. Our cart was also keeping count of our score for each hole we were on, just in case we did not feel like keeping our score manually on the score card provided to us upon checking in (we were also able to email our score cards to ourselves which I liked as well). Finally, we were also able to order food while we were on the course by pulling up their menu and selecting which meal we would like.
Mike found it amusing that I would become entranced with the numerous bits of natural beauty found all over the course. There were so many feature that were, both man-made and natural, that made this course one I would want to return to the next time I wanted to pick up a game.
I became a bit parched while on the course, so I bought a drink from the Club’s snack truck. There were plenty of treats, both child and adult-friendly, that would keep your appetite until you wanted to eat a meal once you were finished on the course.
Alas, Mike’s Father’s Day golf game came to an end. We were sad to go, but we are planning to return to play another round of golf. We learned that, along with the course for golfers, there is also a larger holes of golf for visitors and members to play Soccer Golf. When we heard this, we were even more excited about our next visit to the Canadian Golf & Country Club. We were both really pleased with the facility, the staff and, of course, the course! Mike really enjoyed his Father’s Day experience.
Breakaway Experiences Directory
Golf is not dad’s cup of tea? Breakaway Experiences has a list of great experiences on their directory that are great gift ideas:
1000 Islands Kayaking Guided Tour
Biplane Ride Over Parliament Hill
Canadian Golf & Country Club Golf for 2
Great Canadian Bungee – Bungee Jump and Ripride
Helicopter Ride Over Ottawa and the Gatineau Hills
Learn to Ride Horseback Riding Adventure
Ottawa River Guided Fishing Trip
Tandem Skydiving
Vineyards Wine Bar Bistro – Dinner for 2 with Wine
White Water Rafting
Breakaway Experiences also has a wedding registry so couples can let their friends and family gift experiences to them instead of signing up for traditional wedding registries. These experiences will help to create memories for this new chapter in their lives gifted by you, and it is great for guests to your special day who are unsure what traditional gift to give!
Gift certificates for Breakaway Experiences are also available on their website if you are still not sure what experience to send that special someone you think would love to have a great adventure!
We are both also going to look into using Breakaway Experiences for more fun adventures, not only for ourselves, but to gift to our friends and families so they can have a great and memorable experience! I can’t wait to go on my next adventure!
For more information about Breakaway Experiences, you can visit them online, or you can connect with them on their Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Google+ pages!
You can also connect with the Canadian Golf & Country Club on their website, as well as their Facebook, Twitter and Pinterst pages!
Disclaimer: My experience was paid for by Breakaway Experiences in order to write this review. My views are all my own.
It is officially summer! That means the time to eat salad as often as possible is here! With so many fresh ingredients readily available at the grocer, farmers market or maybe even growing in your own garden, salad has been so appealing. Next, comes easy to make salad dressings to compliment your delicious salad.
My family has salad with dinner often in the warm months. We love to try new salad dressing recipes and toppings. But, I don’t love committing to buying a bottle of something we may not love. Whenever possible I like to make dressing at home so I know what is in it, and if we will like it.
If you are picking the ingredients and enjoying your salads from farm to table, or showing your support to local growers, one thing remains the same, every salad needs a good dressing to spice things up and add variety!
Homemade Dressing Recipes
If you are looking for some amazing homemade salad dressing recipes, you are in the right place because I have some of the best options the internet has to offer, right here in one collection! From a Thai Mango Salad Dressing that is fruity, exotic and delightful to a Honey Red Wine Vinaigrette that tastes as sophisticated and wonderful as it sounds.
As you might imagine, you can find everything in between on this list too. Including the classics we all know and love like Thousand Island and Ranch! Chances are, you are going to find something you can’t wait to try in this collection. Be sure to click through the links to view the full recipes.
20 Easy Salad Dressing Recipes
In celebration of May being National Salad Month, these are 20 must make salad dressing to try with your favourite salads. I love the Creamy Avocado Cilantro Dressing featured in this recipe round up. It is perfect for a variety of salads and works well as a dip for all kinds of yummy things like veggies and chicken tenders.
Hope you enjoy these easy to make salad dressings as much as I did! Also, check out all of our recipes! If you have a favourite salad dressing recipe, be sure to share that with us in the comment below!
Technology is advancing faster every day. So is the savvy with which our children are able to learn and use the technology put in front of them. All of my children love using our mobile devices to play games, search for information and videos, and connect with their friends. We like to feel as though we are being vigilant by knowing what sites our kids are visiting and limiting the time they have access to our devices. This is why I was eager to review OurPact, a parental control app that, when set up, will allow for parents to manage the sites their children visit as well as the amount of time spent on a mobile device.
OurPact went live for iOS in 2015, and it is currently developing an app for Android shortly. Amir Moussavain, the Founder and Chairman of OurPact, was concerned about the positive and negative aspects of the Internet, and he wanted to protect his two daughters from the influence that social media and device use can have over its younger users. He created OurPact to help parents monitor what their children encounter while they are on their devices, and also limit the time they are fixed to the screen.
The app was really simple to install. We then followed the instructions provided by the app, and then set the settings we wanted to have for the device in question. For this review, it was the iPhone our children use from time to time. You can also use the Dashboard to control other iOS devices so you do not have to go on to each individual device to make these changes.
With our younger children, we tested the Parental Time Lock feature. This feature allows for parents to set a fixed amount of time their child can spend on any given device. It will then no longer allow access to that user until access is granted again. Using the OutPact app, we scheduled 15 minutes of access to a game from the Dashboard. We then spent time with our other children, waiting for time to run out. Like clockwork, each of our little ones came charging at us, letting us know that the game has “shut off.”
Photo credit: OurPact
My eldest daughter REALLY likes using her phone. She chats with her friends over her favourite social medial channels and loves playing games. The Scheduling, Block/Allow function really came in handy with my teenager. We set up a schedule for her to use this device around her daily routine for a few days to see how it would allow for her to learn how to rely less on-screen time so we can get more face time with her. After a few days, she got used to the schedule, and on days when she did not have homework, we adjusted the schedule to give her a few extra minutes of use.
We also really enjoyed using the Scheduling, Block/Allow function to map out some of her responsibilities around our home. We were able to schedule what she was responsible for doing around the house, giving her alerts when she was to get up and do them, and denying her access to this device until they were accomplished and approved by us.
Photo credit: OurPact
Overall, the OurPact app is a great tool to get you children to start to understand that there is a time and place for using a device. This app also blocks apps and websites you do not want your children to have access to. It was also simple to use and it did not take too long to start using the app effectively. I cannot wait for this app to be available for Android, as we also have phones using this operating system.
For more information about OurPact or the OurPact app, you can visit their website. You can also connect with them on their Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest pages!
You can also download the OurPact app for FREE from the App Store for iOS users by clicking here!
Salads have come a long way from being just a side dish or a simple bowl of greens. Nowadays, main dish salads are a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy a complete meal that’s light yet satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a refreshing dinner, or something packed with protein and fresh ingredients, these 18 main dish salads offer a variety of flavours and textures to suit every taste. Perfect for busy days or when you want to eat healthy without sacrificing flavour, these salads will inspire you to get creative with your meals.
Did you know that May is National Salad Month? After a long winter of comfy food, I always seem to crave more salads in the spring. Although I certainly enjoyed them all year round, May is definitely a tasty reminder to eat more greens. Celebrate National Salad Month by making one of these main dish salad ideas:
Main dish salads are a fantastic way to enjoy wholesome, balanced meals that don’t require hours in the kitchen. With so many tasty options to choose from, you can easily find something that fits your cravings and dietary needs. Whether you prefer something hearty with grilled meats or light and refreshing with fresh veggies and fruits, these 18 main dish salads for summer have got you covered. Give them a try and discover how satisfying and delicious healthy eating can be!
This collection of 15 amazing children’s crafts for Father’s Day features projects for every skill level so that kids of all ages can make an amazing craft for their dad!
If you are looking for a way to show Dad how much he is loved and appreciated this Father’s Day you are in the right place! I have a collection of some of the sweetest ways to give a gift from the heart! For more gift ideas, your kids can make our very own Father’s Day craft Rock Salt Dough Paperweight or print a Father’s Day Printable Certificate.
Amazing Father’s Day Crafts
From canvas art projects that any dad would love to display in his office, to a handmade trophy for the best dad ever, this list is chocked full of incredible ideas. The real challenge won’t necessarily be the project itself, but probably more like picking just one to make! Trust me, these are some amazing kid craft ideas that are sure to bring a smile to Dad’s face on his special day.
No matter which of these children’s crafts for father’s day you decide to make, I am certain that the special man in your life will adore it. Some of the best gifts are the ones that come from the heart!
Crafts for Father’s Day
I can’t wait to hear which of these ideas is your favourite. Be sure to leave a comment and let me know which one your kids want to make first! If you have any children’s craft ideas for father’s day, I hope you leave a comment to inspire other crafty kids!
Summer is undoubtedly an exciting time for families. The kids have no school and their parents have the opportunity to spend valuable time with their children, often taking them on summer vacations. Instead of spending the holidays by the lake or an expensive city, it might be a nice change to take the entire family on a new kind of trip this summer called a volunteer vacation. In a lot of ways, a vacation where the family is going to volunteer is much easier to plan for than any other type of trip, as most programmes like Projects Abroad usually organise the flights, accommodation, and the type of volunteer work you’ll be assigned to.
The need for volunteers and global support is at an all-time high, and it’s important that your kids see the value of charity. Cash donations go a long way but nonprofit organisations are in dire need of volunteers, which is why many of them have expanded operations to broaden their scope of humanitarian assistance. Child sponsorship programs, such as UnaKids initially set out to convince wealthy households to fund in need children and their aspirations of a full education, but now also welcome volunteers to help run schools and deliver relief to areas devastated by natural disasters.
Having the whole family volunteer for a good cause will increase your children’s awareness for global issues and motivate them to make the world a better place. For that rewarding experience, here are a couple of volunteering ideas for this summer.
For a vacation in Mexico
Cabo San Lucas normally is associated with amazing resorts that tourists rarely leave throughout the duration of their vacation, but takes your family beyond the hotel gates. The foundation organises community service trips twice a week for guests at the Solmar Hotels & Resorts. From nursing homes to orphanages, you and your family can soak in the Mexican sun while still helping out the Los Cabos community on specific days.
For a vacation in Utah, United States
If your kids are at least 6 years old, the whole family will love the volunteer camps at Best Friend Animal Sanctuary. Widely known as the country’s largest no-kill animal sanctuary, the kids can help take care of dogs, cats, horses, pigs, and other kinds of animals. Tending to these friendly creatures will increase your children’s self esteem, and hopeful inspire them to volunteer at local shelters after the trip.
Don’t have any preferences for the destination of your family volunteer vacation? You might want to consider signing up with Cross-Cultural Solutions that sends families on Volunteer Work Programmes in several Asian and South American nations. They can last from 2 to 12 weeks, with one-week insight programmes also available. As long as your children are at least 8 years of age, your family is eligible to volunteer with this organisation.
Have you considered doing a family volunteer vacation?
One of the most iconic summer treats is s’mores. The combination of chocolate, marshmallow, and graham crackers is one that was surely made in heaven. How could mere mortals come up with the combo of warm chocolate, gooey marshmallows, and crisp graham crackers? But did you know that there is so much more you can do with that flavour combination? Not only can you do bars, ice cream, and even cheesecake, but you can also do cupcakes. These S’mores cupcakes are going to quickly become a favourite with your family.
These s’mores cupcakes would be wonderful for family get togethers, barbecues, and even a community gathering. Not to mention that these would do extremely well at any summer bake sale. Who could resist the fluffy chocolate marshmallow frosting or the graham cracker crust on the bottom of these cupcakes? Add the cute addition of pieces of chocolate and miniature marshmallow and the look of these cupcakes will be enough to catch the eye.
What makes these cupcakes truly amazing though is that they are completely made from scratch. While it can be tempting to reach for a mix, baked goods come out so much better when you make everything from start to finish. Plus, it’s nice knowing what you’re feeding your family. That’s something that can’t be said for boxed cake mixes. Who can even pronounce some of those ingredients? All of the ingredients in this recipe are easy to find in almost any grocery store. The only one you may have a bit of trouble finding in small stores is the marshmallow extract, but most big box stores like Walmart should have it.
If you want something different to make this summer, you can’t go wrong with these s’mores cupcakes. Not only are they delicious, but they are so much easier to eat than real s’mores. It’s a win/win!
S’more Cupcakes
Irresistible S’mores Cupcakes Recipe
Ingredients
2 Cup Sugar
1 3/4 Cup All-Purpose Flour
3/4 Cup Cocoa
1 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
1 1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder
2 Eggs
1 teaspoon Salt
1 Cup Milk
1/2 Cup Vegetable Oil
1/2 Cup small Marshmallows
1/2 bag of Graham Crackers
Directions
1. Heat your oven to 350 and line cupcake pan with cupcake liners
2. Stir together sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in large bowl. Add your eggs, milk, and oil. Beat with a mixer for 2 minutes. Set aside.
3. Break Graham crackers in half and place in ziplock bag. Pound with cookie roller until finely crushed.
S’more Cupcakes in process
4. Scoop 1 Tablespoon of graham cracker into cupcake tin and then scoop chocolate cake batter onto graham cracker. Push in 3 small marshmallows in centre.
S’more Cupcakes in process
5. Bake for 20 minutes.
6. Let cupcakes cool. Once cooled, put on wire rack.
Frosting Ingredients
1 Cup Sweet Cream Butter
2/3 Cup Cocoa
3 Cup powdered sugar
1/3 Cup heavy cream
1 Tablespoon Marshmallow extract
Directions for frosting:
1. Place softened butter in mixing bowl and add in the cocoa and powder sugar. Mix on low until combined. Scrap sides and add in the extract.
2. Add in heavy cream and scrap down the sides.
Adding the icing on the S’more Cupcake
3. Garnish with graham cracker crumbs, marshmallows and a Hershey chocolate.
I hope you enjoyed the Irresistible S’mores Cupcakes Recipe. If you make it, make sure to share with us on Facebook or Twitter! Also, check out all of our other Recipes.
Heat your oven to 350 and line cupcake pan with cupcake liners
Stir together sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in large bowl. Add your eggs, milk, and oil. Beat with a mixer for 2 minutes. Set aside.
Break Graham crackers in half and place in ziplock bag. Pound with cookie roller until finely crushed.
Scoop 1 Tablespoon of graham cracker into cupcake tin and then scoop chocolate cake batter onto graham cracker. Push in 3 small marshmallows in center.
Bake for 20 minutes.
Let cupcakes cool. Once cooled, put on wire rack.
Directions for frosting
Place softened butter in mixing bowl and add in the cocoa and powder sugar. Mix on low until combined. Scrap sides and add in the extract.
Until I had a dog of my own, I thought seasonal allergies in pets were just a gimmick thought up by pet care companies. Having owned an Australian Shepherd for over three years now, and having dog-sat my parents’ 9-year old Shih Tzu many times, I can safely admit that I was wrong. Seasonal allergies in pets is not only real, it is quite common. Similar to humans, dogs can be allergic to a variety of environmental allergens including ragweed, pollen, dander, dust, mould, and mildew, but unlike humans who manifest allergy symptoms a variety of ways, pet allergies are mainly expressed through their skin.
Three Tips to Help Your Dog Manage Seasonal Allergies
Without the appropriate care, when seasonal allergies were at their peak, my parents’ Shih Tzu, Callie, constantly scratched behind her ears, licked her paws and bit her skin (to the point that it would bleed). Upon learning that Callie suffers from seasonal allergies, my parents, at the recommendation of their veterinarian, switched her food to Royal Canin. The formulaic Skin Care and Skin Support food by Royal Canin assists in treating non-specific skin disease and environmental allergies in dogs. The Skin Support formula has improved Callie’s condition by prohibiting bacterial growth and helping her skin heal. Although she still scratches from time to time, it’s nowhere near as bad as it was and her skin no longer bleeds from persistent scratching.
The 3 areas to pay attention to when suspecting seasonal allergies in your dog are their ears, skin, paws (ESP). Dogs suffering from seasonal allergies will scratch a lot, won’t want their ears touched and may excessively chew on their paws. It is recommended that dogs displaying any of these signs see a veterinarian for a thorough exam and proper diagnosis.
How to Help Seasonal Allergies in Dogs
In addition to feeding your pet quality food that is high in fatty acids and formulated to strengthen skin, there are other ways to help manage your dog’s seasonal allergies, including:
Bathing: Nothing soothes itchy, irritated skin like a lukewarm bath. If your suffering pet enjoys baths, try bathing them. Just make sure to use a gentle, allergen-free shampoo (or none at all).
Grooming: Make brushing your pet a part of their daily routine. Allergens can easily stick to fur, and brushing is a great way to get them out. Besides that a soft brush feels great on itchy skin!
Vacuuming: Those outdoor allergens can easily make their way indoor. By regularly vacuuming you minimize the irritants in your house and make your pet (and anyone else who may be suffering) a little more comfortable.
Benadryl: As one of the common antihistamines, Benadryl for dogs is used to block histamine, a substance that causes allergic symptoms. Does it work for dogs as well? Yes, it does! Dogs are commonly treated with Benadryl in veterinary practices for a variety of reasons.
Together these 4 simple things, combined with quality food, such as Royal Canin’s Skin Care and Skin Support formulas, will minimize your dog’s allergies and make spending time outside in the warmer weather all the more enjoyable!
For more information on Royal Canin’s #ItchyPetSeeYourVet initiative, including how you can help your dog manage their seasonal allergies visit Royal Canin’s website.
*Please note: I received compensation for writing this post. The opinions are completely my own based on my experience.*
In honor of Strange Magic arrivingonDVD, Digital HD/SD and On-Demand May 19th, you can enjoythese fun activity sheets from this magical adventure that features a host of colorful characters including a princess (voiced by Evan Rachel Wood) who has sworn off love, a dubious villain (voiced by Alan Cumming) and his match maker mom (voice by Maya Rudolf), a slightly nutty Sugar Plum Fairy (voiced by Kristin Chenoweth) and a knight who is no Prince Charming (voiced by Sam Palladio).
Essential Oils in a Steam Inhalation, a Natural Solution for Cold and Flu Symptoms
Children and adults alike experience respiratory symptoms when suffering from the cold and flu. These can include shortness of breath, wheezing, increased mucous production, cough, pain in the chest, throat, sinuses and nasal passages. Similar symptoms are also experienced with sinusitis, asthma and allergies.
2 Essential Oil bottles
A simple, natural solution is to do a steam inhalation using essential oils:
1. Boil water and pour it into a glass bowl or a mug.
2. Add 3 drops each of eucalyptus essential oil and tea tree essential oil.
3. Place face 10-15 centimeters over the steaming water.
4. Put a towel over your head to keep the steam in.
5. Inhale the steam for 10-15 minutes up to 3 times per day.
Benefits of the steam inhalation
The warm steam helps to lubricate the respiratory passages, soothes inflammation, and loosens the mucous so the body can expel it through coughing. The eucalyptus essential oil is anti-inflammatory to help with pain relief and opens up the nasal passages. The tea tree essential oil is anti-microbial which kills bacteria and viruses. It also has anti-inflammatory effects like the eucalyptus.
Chamomile and lavender essential oils can also be added to calm anxiety and promote relaxation and optimal sleep.
Essential Oils in a Steam Inhalation, a Natural Solution for Cold and Flu Symptoms
Cautions with using essential oils
Essential oils are toxic and should not be ingested. Keep out of reach of small children and pets. Call poison control immediately if they are ingested. Essential oils can also be irritating to the eyes. Ask children to close their eyes, wear a sleeping mask, or omit the oils and do the steam alone. Essential oils are sourced from plants so be cautious with children who have allergies to plants and pollens. If an allergic reaction occurs discontinue immediately and seek help from a medical professional.
Feel free to share your own experience with steam inhalations or use of essential oils!
Being a little girl and applying nail polish go together like Barbie and Ken. It’s a benchmark ladies start as kids and continue into adulthood without a blink. Who wants to deny any princess pretty fingertips but considering all of the toxic ingredients contained in nail polish, it’s the reality that some mothers are facing. This bring me to the discovery of a kid-friendly, non-toxic, low odour, nail polish called: PIGGY PAINT!
Piggy Paint Review
*A Kid-Friendly Nail Polish Alternative*
Piggy Paint is a “healthy” nail polish company created by a mother-of-two who loved getting manicures. The fact she knew the products she was applying on her girls was so toxic it made herself dizzy after two coats alone, let alone the fact nail polish can be so corrosive it was eating right though the styrofoam she was using to help apply it really affected her. If nail polish could do that to foam, what was it doing to her daughters bodies…? That’s how Piggy Paint was born.
Piggy Paint is a non-flammable, water-based polish. This company has avoided the usual cocktail of poisons found in drugstore nail polish, including: formaldehyde, DBP, toluene, phthalates, biphenyl A, ethyl acetate and acetone.
Ingredients in my Piggy Paint (shade: SWEETPEA): Aqua, acrylates copolymers, melia azadirachta (neem oil). May contain: mica, red 34 lake, ultramarines, red 28 (made in the U.S.A)
IT REALLY WORKS:
What’s great about this product is it actually works, dries, and chips-off, like any other nail polish. It’s definitely a bit thinner since it’s water-based. It’s not a thick polish like common drug-store brands either but for a little girl, this is an amazing product. If the nail polish starts to dry-out or get gooey, you need only add a few drops of water to it, and your Piggy Paint is back to new! The shade I chose (Sweetpea) was a thin shiny pink, it went on a bit clear- I applied it over my french-manicure so you could really see the coverage it gives:
IT DOESN’T PEEL EITHER!
Unlike most nail polishes made for little girls, this one doesn’t peel. I know when I was a little girl I probably ate more of the peel-off polish than I put on my nails (yuck). Instead, Piggy Paint actually stays on your nails like any polish you’ve ever used. It starts to chip a few days after application and can be removed with either “Piggy Paint Healthy Nail Polish Remover” or the conventional toxic nail polish remover we all get dizzy from.
PRODUCTS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY…
Piggy Paint’s packaging draws in kids by using a cute pink, piggy cartoon. Demand by health-conscious mothers who felt left in the dust and wanting this brand too has caused Piggy Paint to quickly evolve. They’ve created a new more mature line called: SOPHi Nail Polish (a little pun on sophisticated- essentially same polish but more mature colors and no cute pig on the bottle.)
I purchased my Piggy Paint at Rainbow Foods in Ottawa for $9.99. They had a bunch of different shades to pick from including: sparkly, matte, and neon’s. Piggy Paint’s “natural as mud” motto is certainly one I hope many pretty little fingers get their hands on. Finally a safe, nail polish alternative is here!
These Nutella Peanut Butter Nutella Balls are delightful crunchy bites that will amaze you with their unique peanut butter and Nutella flavour. There is no baking involved, so perfect to make with your kids!
Ingredients
1 cup Instant Oats
¼ cup Creamy Peanut Butter
¼ cup Nutella
2 tbs hard coconut oil (not melted)
1 tbs Honey
1 square dark chocolate for drizzling balls (optional)
Directions
In a medium sized bowl combine all ingredients except for the dark chocolate.
Stir with wooden spoon until well combined.
Make small balls with mixture. (10)
Refrigerate balls for 10-20 min to let them firm up a bit.
Melt the chocolate square in microwave and drizzle on top of balls.
DK Canada Idiot’s Guides for Canning, Home and Gardening – Reviews
If you’re like me, you probably remember those orange Idiot’s Guides from the late 90’s. Virtually on every topic imaginable, I’ve borrowed, browsed and bought these books as they suited my interest. But, they’ve changed! I’ve had the opportunity to review two titles from the new line of Idiot’s Guides by DK Canada which includes FULL colour and step by step photos in the books. ‘The Idiot’s Guides to Organizing your Life‘ and ‘The Idiot’s Guides to Canning & Preserving‘ are the two titles I’ve had the opportunity to peruse.
Along with these books, I have the ‘Kitchen Gardening for Beginner’s’ book to showcase as well, from DK Canada’s extensive selection of gardening. Since I’m not a gardener by any means, this title was an obvious choice for myself.
I love the photos in this book. Honestly, the steps and projects couldn’t be any clearer. There are many interactive tools in this book, including printable lists, checklists to jot down notes, and DIY projects both big and small. I like how the author includes small, doable projects, such as inserting drawer organizers into existing drawers. One constant in each chapter of the book is “quick tricks” which are little things you can accomplish right away in an effort to organize your life. There are tips galore which obviously draws from the extensive experience author Cyndy Aldred shares with the readers.
From organizing your fridge to organizing a children’s bathroom, there isn’t one area of the house that isn’t covered in this organization book. The ideas are modern and thoughtful and I particularly liked the chapter on entryway organization. But, I could relate to most of the sections and was often nodding or saying “what a great idea!” out loud to my husband. I can see myself using this reference book often and picking it up for guidance and inspiration as we continue the giant task of organizing areas of our home.
I decided to review one book from the line on a topic I know nothing about but have a great deal of interest in pursuing. This summer, I would like to try my hand and canning and preserving, and it looks like I’ve found just the book to help me along.
Another guide filled with vibrant photos, this book covers all the basics and necessities of taking on canning and preserving projects. It doesn’t skimp on the tools needed or the safety precautions to take when canning. For example, there are “Spoiler Alert!” notifications scattered throughout the book, warning the readers of this guide on ways a (homemade) canned good could be ruined. Little tips like this are so important to novice canners like myself. Once you have safety measures underway, there are many canning recipes to choose from, along with conversion charts, and supplies needed. Need a way to use these canned goods? There are more recipes to extend your salsas and jams, too. If you’re unsure of one of the terms used, check out the useful glossary at the back of the book.
Both of these titles in the Idiot’s Guides line really do showcase how they take the guesswork out of everyday interest topics, making one feel less like an idiot.
I love admiring perfectly polished nails, but I could never have them for myself for long periods of time. When I was offered the chance to review Kiss Nail products, I jumped at the chance to try and pamper a part of my body that has been sorely neglected for a long time.
Ottawa Mommy Club Readers, one area of the beauty world that usually does not attract a lot of my attention are my nails. I have horrible nails. I tend to keep my nails low because they always chip and break. I never get manicures because, well, this procedure would get ruined a few hours later because I am always using my hands and, playing with my kids ends up with wither me washing my hands often or the polish chipping. I usually keep them like this because I just do not have the time to maintain my nails and to have fun with them.
Kiss Nails is the largest manufacturer and distributor of professional quality nail products in the world. Kiss was the first company to provide quality, professional nail care straight to the consumer that is easy-to-use to achieve salon results in the comfort of their own homes in a complete kit. Kiss has expanded its beauty line to include nail care, nail jewelry, nail art and manicure and pedicure tools. Kiss nails also promise to be more flexible and waterproof, so the product go onto nails easier and will stay on nails for a week.
I was really surprised by the variety of products KISS sent me to review. Below is a list of items I received for this review: • 2 Kiss imPRESS Press-On Manicure by Broadway Nails Kit in Harlem Shakes • 1 Kiss imPRESS Press-On Manicure by Broadway Nails Kit in Bells & Whistles • 1 Kiss imPRESS Press-On Manicure by Broadway Nails Kit in Boogie Down • 1 Kiss imPRESS Press-On Manicure by Broadway Nails Kit in Symphony • 1 Kiss Salon Gel French Nail Kit in Real Short Length • 1 Kiss Salon Gel French Nail Kit in Medium Length • 1 Kiss Salon Secrets Nail Art Pro Tool Kit • 1 Kiss Salon Secrets Rococo Veil Kit
Since my younger daughter was eyeing the Kiss impress Press-On Manicure Kit in Symphony because a) she LOVES pink; and b) she LOVES sparkles, I decided to try this all-in-one kit first. Being all but a rookie where my nails are concerned, I thought there was going to be more involved with applying these nails, but they were really easy to follow, and I applied the nails in no time.
I really liked wearing these nails! They went on easily, and they stayed on really well until I was ready to remove them. They did not budge once or chip. For these nails, removal was a breeze as well! All I had to do was to peel the nail away from the sides and they came off.
I also tried these all-in-one kits in the Bells & Whistles and Harlem Shakes. I then had to use soap to remove any left-over glue on my nails.
I also had fun using the Kiss Salon Secrets Nail Art Pro Tool Kit and the Salon Secrets Rococo Veil Kit with the Kiss impress Press-On Manicure Kits to further jazz up my nails. I added sparkles to accent one of my nails found in the Salon Secrets Nail Art Pro Tool Kit with the , and I added a fleur-de-lis to my thumb following the instructions in the Salon Secrets Rococo Veil kit with the Kiss imPRESS Press-On Manicure Kit in Harlem Shakes. It only took minute to apply these extra touches to add more flair to my nails.
I only had two issues with the impress Press-On kits. The first one was avoiding water or fussing with the nails. Being a mom of two toddlers makes it really hard to avoid water for an hour or to not fuss with the nails. The other issue was that the nails made for the thumbs were too short for my thumb nails. This may due to the fact that my fingers are longer than what is deemed to be average. Even after cutting my thumb nails down as far as they can be cut and applying the nails, you could still see my nail peeking out from underneath the product.
Now I was ready to move onto a more classic look by trying the Kiss Salon Gel French Nail Kit in Medium Length. I did not try this series in the Real Short because, as I encountered with impress Press-On Kits, my thumb nails were too long. Again, the instructions were really simple to follow, and I had this product on my nails quickly. The pink gel that is included in this kit set really fast, and I was able to pick things up and even type easily. Removal of this product took a bit longer because the glue I used for these nails was a liquid one and was applied to both the product and my nails before application. I had to soak my nails in acetone based polish remover until the product was soft and could come off. Once this happened, the nails came off easily.
Overall, I really enjoyed using the products Kiss sent me to review. These products were simple and easy to apply to my nails, they did not chip or crack when they did hit against objects or while typing on my keyboard or come off when added to water. They were also easy to remove, the variety of colours in the imPRESS Press-On Manicure Kits were all fun and great for different occasions, and adding more personal touches to your nails was fun to do as well! I would recommend products from Kiss whether you are a novice nail art artist or if you have been dressing up your nails for years. I will definitely be using this product again and again to pamper my nails.
If you would like more information about Kiss, you can visit their website. You can also connect with Kiss on their Facebook, Twitter and YouTube pages!
Disclaimer: I received products from Kiss in order to write this review. The opinions expressed are my own.
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