10 Strawberry Recipes for National Strawberry Day

Recipes

Lyne Proulx

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February 27, 2015

13

10 Strawberry Recipes for National Strawberry Day

I thought I would share a round-up of delicious strawberry recipes for National Strawberry Day on February 27th!

Did you know that these facts about strawberries:

strawberries are full of flavonoids, which form part of the strawberry’s red colour. Flavonoids are best known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory health benefits and also help support the cardiovascular and nervous systems.
eight strawberries have more vitamin C than one orange.
the strawberry plant is a member of the rose family.
strawberries are low in calories (32 cal/100 g).
strawberries are rich in B-complex vitamins. It contains very good amounts of vitamin B-6, niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid and folic acid.
strawberries contain a good amount of minerals like potassium, manganese, fluorine, copper, iron and iodine.

What are your favourite Strawberry Recipes? Comment below!

Disney on Ice: Worlds of Fantasy (A Review)

Family

Tracy (Redefined)

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February 26, 2015

9

Disney on Ice: Worlds of Fantasy (A Review)

My daughter and I have been to several Disney on Ice shows as well as Disney Live! Mickey’s Rocking Road show. At the moment, her favourite Disney character is Bullseye from the beloved trilogy of Toy Story movies, so when she saw a commercial for Disney on Ice: Worlds of Fantasy she was ecstatic at the thought of seeing Bullseye on skates (she knew horses could skate from last year’s Disney on Ice: Princesses and Heroes when Rapunzel’s horse briefly skated).

We were lucky enough to be invited to the opening night performance of Disney on Ice: Worlds of Fantasy on Wednesday, February 25^th at the Canadian Tire Centre. My daughter was so excited for the evening that she woke up wondering how many hours it would be until the show started.

The show opened with the infamous Mickey and Minnie Mouse (and eventually Donald and Goofy too) greeting the crowd in a cute little red car. Shortly thereafter the car mysteriously breaks down leaving them wondering where they could find a good tow truck. In came Tow Mater and his friends from the Cars movies, including Lightning McQueen himself.

When my daughter was around three years of age she absolutely adored the Cars movies and I think tonight rekindled her love for them. She was all smiles and awe as she watched the cars try and maneuver and “drive” around the ice. It was a great scene that I wished had lasted a little longer.

Following the Cars act was a brief recreation of The Little Mermaid, complete with Sebastian, Ariel and the evil witch Ursula, whose costume was so scary even my husband was a bit scared of her. The music and fun colours of this scene never disappoint and the music always makes people in the audience sing aloud.

I think the most scenic of the acts had to be Tinkerbell and the fairies. Between Queen Clarion majestically flying in the sky, the bouquet of spring flowers surrounding the ice surface and Tinkerbell herself floating around sprinkling fairy dust, one couldn’t help but smile throughout the performance.

After a brief intermission, Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy returned to the ice briefly to introduce us to the magical world of Toy Story. My daughter seemed a bit confused as to who this Andy kid was and why he was skating around with a mini-Woody when Woody was the real star of Toy Story (and Bullseye, of course), but it wasn’t long before the “toys were back in town” and the crowd was clapping along with them (except maybe with Rex 😉 ). The surprise stars of this act were Barbie and Ken who were not only talented skaters, but funny too.

The most memorable part of the show for my daughter was seeing Bullseye on skates. She was very happy that he got more ice time than Rapunzel’s horse had in the Princess and Heroes ice show (and also mentioned she hopes Disney will produce a Disney on Ice Show JUST for the horses… hint, hint Disney).

If you have waited for Disney to include Cars in an ice show then this is the time to go! Disney on Ice: Worlds of Fantasy is also perfect for those who love Tinkerbell, Toy Story and, of course, The Little Mermaid. The familiar Disney tunes will have you singing along from beginning to end and I guarantee that as soon as the house lights turn on and it’s time to go home, your kids will be asking when the next Disney on Ice show is.

Disney On Ice – Worlds of Fantasty will run from February 25th until March 1st, 2015 at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa. Ticket prices range from $15 up to $72,

Show Dates and times below(including 2 shows in French):
February 25, 2015 @ 7pm
February 26, 2015 @ 10:30am and 7pm
February 27, 2015 @ 7pm
February 28, 2015 @ 11am, 3pm and 7pm (French)
March 1, 2015 @11am and 3pm (French)

You can purchase tickets to the show, by clicking HERE!

Click here to purchase tickets to a Disney On Ice show near you!

Disclosure: I received something of value from Feld Entertainment as part of their Insider Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Family Friendly Activities in Texas

Travel

Lyne Proulx

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February 25, 2015

9

In 2012, I finally got my family passports to travel abroad the perimeters of our beautiful country and visit our good neighbours down south, so for the past few years, we’ve been spending our vacation in the United States. We definitely welcome exploring new cities, regions, and cultural attractions. There are many fascinating States that I would love to visit including Texas. You will find below Family Friendly Activities in Texas!

Tip: February is the perfect month to start thinking about summer family vacation. Really, it is! I used to wait until spring to only find out that the hotels I wanted to book for a getaway were already full or did not have the type of rooms suitable for my family. Lesson is learned, so I plan way ahead by surfing the net for exciting new cities during winter. I search for hours looking at the tourism and hotel sites to view photos and descriptions of the surrounding areas, attractions, and the rooms as well as the fun activities that might interest my family. Once I have narrowed down to 3 cities, I present my newly found destinations to my husband and kids and discuss our ideal summer vacation.

Let me tell you why I would like to visit Texas!

When you think of Texas, I am positive that what comes to your mind is the Wild West with cowboys riding horses, old western ranches, and a rodeo showdown. There is so much more to the rich Texas culture: the festivals and events, the music, countless museums, zoos, aquariums, entertainment and water parks, the nature trails, the 600 miles of coastline and breath-taking beaches, the fine art, and dining! Did you know that Texas is divided into 7 geographic regions with widely different landscapes such as beaches, forests, rolling hills and canyons? Your family can enjoy being active by hiking, horse back riding, kayaking, fishing, rock climbing, walking trails, and more!

Family Friendly Activities in Texas

These are fun family activities that I suggest you take part when visiting Texas!

Barton Springs Pool

The Barton Springs Pool is over 3 acres, around 900 feet long, and is fed from underground springs with an average temperature of 70 degrees throughout the year. The pool’s depth varies from 0’ to 18’ and is easily accessible by diving boards, stairs and ladders. Definitely a unique swimming experience for children of all ages!

The Caprock Canyons State Park & Trailway

To truly capture the feeling of a rugged and wild Texas, you must take the time to visit The Caprock Canyons State Park & Trailway and watch a free roaming heard of bison in its natural habitat! The park offers many activities including hiking, wildlife watching, horseback riding, mountain-biking, boating, fishing, lake swimming, a scenic drive, bat viewing, and guided tours.

Nasa Space Centre

Have you ever wanted to know everything about outer space? Now is your chance at the Space Centre, home of NASA Mission Control, International Space Station Mission Control, and astronaut training. It has the world’s largest collection of moon rocks and lunar samples and offers more than 250 space artefacts, permanent and travelling exhibits, and interactive presentations, shows, and movies. You can even meet and ask questions to an astronaut on Fridays!

The Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary

It’s important as parents to go outside with our children and help them recognize the beauty of Mother Nature. Children learn by example, so if you take the time to teach them to appreciate their surroundings, you will be giving them a gift they will have forever. The Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary helps connect kids with nature by offering innovative programs, guided nature trails, live animal presentations, collections, and gardens. The Heard Museum currently maintains exhibits on Texas’ venomous snakes, rocks, minerals and fossils, seashells and marine life, North Texas ecosystems, a children’s fossil dig, a marine room, and even a life-size Animatronic Dinosaurs exhibit along the nature trails!

To help with planning your visit, the Texas Tourism website has an easy to use interactive passport which allows you to customize your trip. You can also download the FREE Texas Travel Guide and sign up for their E-Newsletter.

As you can see Texas has lots of Family Friendly Activities and is an ideal family destination for Canadians! I am really hoping to visit soon and taste their famous chuck wagon cooking!

Although this post has been generously sponsored by Texas Tourism, the opinions and language are my own, and in no way do they reflect Texas Tourism.

Photo Credit: KEVIN STILLMAN/TXDOT

Spending Quality Time with your Tween/Teen Daughter

Family

Lyne Proulx

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February 25, 2015

3

Spending Quality Time with your Tween/Teen Daughter

I remember the first day I was back from the hospital with my eldest child. I put her in a white bassinet and looked fondly upon her for many minutes. She was so precious and beautiful! So many questions were going through my mind: will I be a good mom, will she keep her dad’s blue eyes, will she be healthy, will we have a close mother-daughter relationship, what will she be when she grows up, etc… At nineteen, she is now a young woman and no longer my little girl. I have to say that as parents, my husband and I can certainly give ourselves a pat on the back, as she bloomed into a responsible adult in her second year of university in Nursing.

From the moment she came into my life, I wanted us to get along and have a close relationship. When puberty kicked in for her, I wondered if there would be a huge generation gap and if she would use her independence as a way to reject me. Fortunately, I was one of those lucky moms that didn’t have to go through too many mood swings and tantrums with her daughter. I did learn to give her space and time to think things through when I could see she needed it, and she knew she could come to me for guidance and support no matter what the topic or issue might be. If you wish for your daughter to spend quality time with you when she is a tween/teen, the open line of communication has to start when she is little and must be continued through puberty and into adulthood. Once this is achieved, she will be more willing to spend time with you and enjoy mother-daughter time.

Of course, tween/teen girls still prefer to be with their friends, but they also enjoy one-on-one time with their mothers. The key is finding out the activities they enjoy and what really interests them! Next, plan an outing or time alone at home with no siblings or spouse. And last, enjoy each other’s company and laughing and talking with each other!

I thought I would share 10 ideas on what do to on a mother-daughter date:

Prepare lunch or dinner together and watch a movie with popcorn
Shop for clothes/jewelry at the mall and treat yourselves to a yummy snack
Head outside for a nature walk or to a bike trail
Take a class together like yoga, art, or scrapbooking
Bake a fun dessert or treat
Go bowling, swimming, or mini-putting
Volunteer together
Have a spa-themed evening
Visit a museum
Paint, draw or sculpt

The possibilities are endless! What’s important is having this special bonding time just between the two of you!

For tips to help through puberty, your daughter can visit BeingGirl.com – a mom-approved site that can help her with all of the questions she might have.

What mother-daughter activities do you do with your tween/teen?

Although this post has been generously sponsored by Always, the opinions and language are all my own, and in no way do they reflect Always.

3 Habits of a Heart Healthy Family

Wellness

Raising Healthy Kids

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February 23, 2015

9

Today’s families are busy, so it is often difficult to eat healthy and make time for all family members to stay physically active – two keys for a healthy heart family! Parents are consumed with naps, diapers & feeding schedules or drop offs and pick ups and waiting in arena’s, at dance studios and swimming pools, that we don’t have time to get active ourselves. Older kids are busy being shuffled to after school sports and this hectic schedule leaves little time for parents to plan, or kids to eat, healthy meals.

Families that do manage to stay healthy amidst the chaos share three essential habits.

3 Habits of A Heart Healthy Family

Heart Healthy Menu

Even on the go, heart healthy families include important proteins and nutrient rich foods in daily meals to keep everyone going.

Dinner

Include fish at least one to two times a week. Salmon, halibut and tuna are excellent sources of Omega 3 fatty acids that protect your heart. Prepare quick healthy meals even if you have to eat in the mini van! Quick meals that include fish are tuna melts or a fast tuna helper made whole grain noodles, peas, can of broccoli soup and 2 cans of tuna.

Breakfast

Mornings are always a super busy time, that is why overnight steel cut oats or homemade instant oatmeal packets are perfect. The fibre in oatmeal fills you up for a full day ahead and keeps your digestive system on track. Add some yogurt and berries and you are good to go.

Snacks

Apples are natures candy, actually all fruit is. Pack some to go and include cubed cheese and almonds for a complete heart healthy snack that is easy to eat on the run. Leave the packaged and processed snacks at the store and opt for your own mix of dried fruits, seeds, low sugar whole grain cereals, and granola.

Heart Healthy Exercise

Research shows that to maintain optimal health kids and adults need to stay active. Scheduling in something physical for the kids after school is key, and for yourself also. Active lessons, such as dance, karate, swimming or hockey, will keep them moving and keep those hearts pumping healthy and strong. But what about Mom and Dad?

It can be trickier for busy parents to fit in exercise, but it can be done. Schedule a 30 minute block of time 2-4 times a week for you. During lunch break at work, during babies nap time, before kids get up in the morning or in the evening when the after dinner rush is over. Go for a brisk walk, learn to jog, take up yoga, swimming, climb stairs, or invest in good at home workout video. Get a friend or spouse to help motivate you.

Healthy parents raise healthy kids; make sure you are taking care of you.

Heart Healthy Homework

Do your homework. The more you know the better educated you will be to help your family lead a heart healthy lifestyle.

You have heard the Chinese proverb “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” It applies here. Insist your kids eat broccoli and they will reap the nutrient rewards today, teach them why it is so important to eat a rainbow of fruits and vegetables everyday and their health will benefit as they get older and make their own food choices.

Learn the benefits of healthy foods and exercise yourself and then pass these lessons along to your children. Educate your kids on the benefits of regular exercise and then lead by example. For your kids a healthy heart will just be a part of growing up.

Deborah

Lime Poke Cake Recipe For St. Patricks Day

Recipes

Lyne Proulx

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February 20, 2015

6

Lime Poke Cake Recipe For St. Patricks Day

St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect time to make something special, and green; like this Leprechaun lime poke cake. Made from scratch with ingredients you likely have on hand, this cake is one unforgettable way to bring the luck of the Irish to your holiday festivities!

Leprechaun Lime Cake Recipe — Leprechaun Lime Cake

Poke Cake Recipe Tips

I love a good poke cake recipe because they are so versatile. You can combine so many flavor combos to make a sweet treat that perfectly fits any occasion. If you don’t have a lot of time, you can use a box mix, or you can use your favorite cake recipe. With a poke cake, the mixing bowl is the limit.

This cake comes together easily; if you don’t have the buttermilk on hand, make a note to get a container before baking this, because it really adds a great flavor to the recipe. The lime gelatin can be Jello or store brand.

Poke holes in one inch intervals all over your cake after it has cooled for a while before pouring your jello over it to create the colorful effect!

While this is called a leprechaun cake, don’t let that discourage you from saving this recipe for later use. This cake is also perfect for summer when you might want a little tropical flavour with dessert, or your family just craves something different.

What To Serve As Main Dishes With The Lime Poke Cake

This cake goes great with a Reuben, or even corned beef cabbage. It tastes so good your family will definitely feel the luck of the Irish when dessert is served!

Cake Recipe Ideas

While you are here, check out some of my other cake recipes. Reader favourites include: Maple Bacon Cupcakes and Salted Caramel Latte Cupcakes.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY RECIPE IDEAS

If you are looking for more St. Patrick Day recipe ideas, you might like these:

Leprechaun Lime Poke Cake

Have you ever made a poke cake? I would love to hear what your favourite flavour combination is.

Ingredients for the Lime Poke Cake

1 Cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, soften, + for greasing pan
1/2 tsp baking powder
2 1/2 Cup all purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/4 Cup buttermilk, shake well
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 Cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
One 3 – oz box of lime gelatin

Cake Topping Ingredients

2 Cup heavy cream, cold
1 Tbsp granulated sugar
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Green sanding sugar (or green sprinkles) for decoration on top of the cake

How To Make The Leprechaun Lime Poke Cake

Set oven rack in the lower third of the oven.
Preheat to 350 degrees.
Butter the bottom and sides of your baking pan
Whisk; flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
Set bowl aside.
Beat granulated sugar and soft butter at medium speed until very light in colour and also fluffy.
Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
With the mixer still on medium slowly add eggs and continue to beat into mixture until fully integrated
Reduce the speed of the mixer to it’s lowest setting.
Now while the mixer continues to run, add 1/3 of the flour mixture.
Now add 1/2 of the buttermilk mixture.
After adding the buttermilk mixture, add 1/2 of the remaining flour mixture.
Next alternate by adding the rest of the buttermilk mixture and lastly the rest of the flour mixture.
Scrape the sides and beat until well mixed.

Baking Pan

Spread the batter evenly into your baking pan.
Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean from the centre of the cake.
When baking turn the cake halfway at the 15 minute point.
Allow to cool for 30 minutes with cake still in pan.
Using a larger fork, poke holes an inch apart in the top and all the way through the cake.

Topping For The Lime Poke Cake

Lime green jello- following the directions on the box reducing the cold water to 1/2 Cup.
Pour the jello evenly over the cooled cake
Place in your refrigerator for 2 hrs.

Whipping Cream

Place a large bowl in your refrigerator to cool.
Whip the cream with the sugar and vanilla in the cooled bowl until fluffy.

Last step

Spread the prepared whipping cream over the cake and sprinkle your sanding sugar (or green sprinkles) .
Slice and serve.

I hope you enjoyed my Leprechaun Lime Poke Cake Recipe as much as my family and myself did! If you make it, please share your photos with us on Facebook or Twitter! Also, check out all of our other Recipes!

Leprechaun Lime Poke Cake‏

Lyne Proulx

St. Patrick’s Day is ideal to make something green; like this Leprechaun lime poke cake. This cake will bring the luck of the Irish!

No ratings yet

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 30

Frosting and Decoration 15

Total Time 1 5

Course Dessert

Cuisine American, Canadian, irish

Servings People

Calories 688 kcal

Equipment

Bakin Pan
Medium bowl
spatula
Hand Mixer

Ingredients

Cake

1 Cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, soften, + for greasing pan
2 1/2 Cup all purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
11/4 Cup buttermilk shake well
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 Cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs lightly beaten
3 oz box of lime gelatin

Topping

2 cup heavy cream cold
1 Tbsp granulated sugar
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Green sanding sugar (or green sprinkles) for decoration on top of the cake

Instructions

Set oven rack in the lower third of the oven.
Preheat to 350 degrees.
Butter the bottom and sides of your baking pan
Whisk; flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
Set bowl aside.
Beat granulated sugar and soft butter at medium speed until very light in color and also fluffy.
Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
With the mixer still on medium slowly add eggs and continue to beat into mixture until fully integrated
Reduce the speed of the mixer to it’s lowest setting.
Now while the mixer continues to run, add 1/3 of the flour mixture.
Now add 1/2 of the buttermilk mixture.
After adding the buttermilk mixture, add 1/2 of the remaining flour mixture.
Next alternate by adding the rest of the buttermilk mixture and lastly the rest of the flour mixture.
Scrape the sides and beat until well mixed.

Baking Pan

Spread the batter evenly into your baking pan.
Bake about 30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean from the centre of the cake.
When baking turn the cake halfway at the 15 minute point.
Allow to cool for 30 minutes with cake still in pan.
Using a larger fork, poke holes an inch apart in the top and all the way through the cake.

Topping

Lime green jello- following the directions on the box reducing the cold water to 1/2 C.
Pour the jello evenly over the cooled cake
Place in your refrigerator for 2 hrs.

Whipping cream

Place a large bowl in your refrigerator to cool.
Whip the cream with the sugar and vanilla in the cooled bowl until fluffy.

Last step

Spread the prepared whipping cream over the cake and sprinkle your sanding sugar (or green sprinkles) .
Slice and serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1peopleCalories: 688kcalCarbohydrates: 79gProtein: 8gFat: 39gSaturated Fat: 24gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 166mgSodium: 304mgPotassium: 137mgFiber: 1gSugar: 53gVitamin A: 1388IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 96mgIron: 2mg

Keyword Leprechanu Lime Poke Cake, Lime Poke Cake, Poke cake, St. Patrick’ Day cake, St. Patrick’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day dessert

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Colourful Cotton Candy Cupcake

Recipes

Lyne Proulx

-

February 18, 2015

17

These Cotton Candy Cupcakes will be a big hit at birthday parties and school fundraisers! They are easy to make and look so colourful!

Cupcakes
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1 egg, plus 2 egg yolks, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup cotton candy

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a muffin pan with paper liners and place to the side.

In a large bowl combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the butter, sour cream, egg, yolks, and vanilla and beat until smooth. Stir in the cotton candy until evenly distributed, do not over mix.

Get 3-4 small bowls scoop equal amount of cake mix in each bowl. Add 1 drop of food coloring to each bowl mixing until you get the desired color of choice. Using a large spoon add a scoop of cake mix from each color filling the cupcake holder. Do not over fill.

Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Transfer to a wire cooling rack and allow to cool completely before frosting.

For the Frosting
1 1/2 to 3 teaspoons heavy cream
1 ounce cotton candy
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter softened
4 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a bowl, pour 1 1/2 teaspoons of the heavy cream over the cotton candy to melt it place to the side

In a large bowl cream together the butter and sugar until thoroughly combined. Stir in the vanilla and melted cotton candy. Beat on medium high until light and fluffy add the remaining cream.

To Decorate

Get 3-4 small bowls fill with equal parts icing. Add food coloring to each of color of choice. Mix until completely blended to the color of choice.

Use a pastry bag and a LARGE Star tip: fill the pastry bag with scoops from each color of icing using your hand start at one spot on the cupcake ago around the edge with icing continue the motion building a cone shape and covering the whole cupcake.

Now place a small piece of cotton candy on top for decoration!

Enjoy!

Cotton Candy Cupcake

No ratings yet

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Ingredients

Cupcakes

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup 1 stick unsalted butter softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1 egg plus 2 egg yolks, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup cotton candy

FOR THE FROSTING

1 1/2 to 3 teaspoons heavy cream
1 ounce cotton candy
1/2 cup 1 stick unsalted butter softened
4 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Cupcakes

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a muffin pan with paper liners and place to the side.
In a large bowl combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the butter, sour cream, egg, yolks, and vanilla and beat until smooth. Stir in the cotton candy until evenly distributed -do not over mix.
Get 3-4 small bowls scoop equal amount of cake mix in each bowl. Add 1 drop of food coloring to each bowl mixing until you get the desired color of choice. Using a large spoon add a scoop of cake mix from each color filling the cupcake holder. Do not over fill.
Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Transfer to a wire cooling rack and allow to cool completely before frosting.

Notes

Frosting:
In a bowl, pour 1 1/2 teaspoons ofthe heavy cream over the cotton candy to melt it place to the side
In a large bowl cream together the butter and sugar until thoroughly combined. Stir in the vanilla and melted cotton candy. Beat on medium high until light and fluffy add the remaining cream.

To Decorate:
Get 3-4 small bowls fill with equal parts icing. Add food coloring to each of color of choice. Mix until completely blended to the color of choice.
Use a pastry bag and a LARGE Star tip: fill the pastry bag with scoops from each color of icing using your hand start at one spot on the cupcake ago around the edge with icing continue the motion building a cone shape and covering the whole cupcake.
Now place a small piece of cotton candy on top for decoration!
Enjoy!

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

3 Nutrients That Help with Post-partum Depression

Wellness

Dr. Ellen Simone, Naturopath

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February 17, 2015

9

3 Nutrients That Help with Post-partum Depression

Image purchased from: www.dreamstime.com

Having a baby brings with it a host of emotions ranging from excitement, happiness, worry, guilt, sadness and irritability. Transitioning into motherhood is challenging and post-partum depression creates an added layer of challenge. A lot of mothers wish to avoid the use of anti-depressants, especially if they are breastfeeding. However, anti-depressant medication can help you feel better faster, allowing you to cope and adjust to the new change.

Choosing to take pharmaceutical medication is a personal decision. If you are having feelings of worry, sadness, guilt, irritability, mood swings, etc. it is best to speak with your primary health care physician who can assist you with pharmaceutical options and provide resources for support.

Regardless of your decision to take pharmaceutical medication or not, the following three nutrients are commonly prescribed by naturopathic doctors for post-partum depression, and do not interact with pharmaceuticals:

1. Continue your prenatal vitamins: Prenatal vitamins are high in b-vitamins. B-vitamins are needed to help your body produce seratonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters that boost mood. Foods high in b-vitamins, particularly vitamin B6 and B12 include: eggs, milk, meat, fish, whole grain bread products, sunflower seeds, banana, avocado and spinach.

2. Vitamin D: Vitamin D plays a role in mood support, especially in the winter months when sun exposure is lacking. It is challenging to achieve minimum daily requirements through food alone which is why supplementation is recommended. Often more vitamin D than is found in your prenatal vitamin is required for healthy mood support. Speak to your primary care physician to determine how much vitamin D is right for you.

3. Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids support healthy nervous system function and therefore have positive mood balancing properties. It is also challenging to intake a high enough therapeutic dose through food alone which is why supplementation through a high-quality fish oil supplement is recommended. Speak to your primary care physician to determine what dose of omega-3 fatty acids is right for you. In the meantime, adding small, fatty fish such as sardines, anchovies and mackerel to your diet is a great start to boosting your omega-3 intake. Vegetarian sources of omega-3 fatty acids include ground flaxseed, flaxseed oil, chia seeds, hemp hearts, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds.

More natural alternatives for balancing mood include:

Exercise
Meditation
Relaxation exercises
Guided imagery
In person and online support groups
Acupuncture
Homeopathy

Herbal medicine such as St. John’s wort is a popular natural option for mood balancing, however it is CONTRAINDICATED if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking pharmaceutical medications. To stay on the safe side, it is best to avoid herbal medicine unless under the supervision of a trained health professional.

Feel free to share your personal story and tips others might find useful!

15 Enjoyable Bread Recipes

Recipes

Lyne Proulx

-

February 13, 2015

14

I love to make breads for my family rather than purchasing them at the store. They are really not that difficult to make and I find they taste better. I also know which ingredients are used to prepare the bread and I don’t add any preservatives. Wholesome Goodness! These 15 bread recipes are so delicious and easy to do!

Benefits Of Eating Bananas

Do you like banana bread? Did you know that bananas are high in potassium? Bananas outrank almost all other types of fruit when it comes to potassium. Bananas are officially recognized by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) as being able to lower blood pressure and protect against heart attack and stroke. Potassium helps maintain the body’s water balance. Higher potassium intakes may protect against high blood pressure by increasing the amount of sodium your kidneys excrete. Potassium is critical for normal muscle, nerve and brain function.

Bananas are a good source of carbohydrate, therefore eating a banana one hour before you exercise/run will provide glucose into your bloodstream. In return, your muscles use it for energy. For more tips on eating before a run, you can read Eating for Runners.

15 Enjoyable Bread Recipes

The round up of bread recipes below gives you a variety of assorted breads to try out and enjoy! The bread recipes include apple cinnamon, cranberry, coconut, cranberry orange, green beer, chocolate chips pumpkin, banana zucchini, chocolate, pull apart monkey, honey pear, and more!

Bread Recipe Ideas

If you are looking for more bread recipe ideas, you might like these:

I hope you enjoyed these 15 Enjoyable Bread Recipes round up as much as I did! Also, check out all of our other recipes!

No Bake Oreo Truffles Recipe

Recipes

Lyne Proulx

-

February 6, 2015

17

Don’t these No Bake Oreo Truffles look so good and just ready to be devoured! This super easy truffle recipe only uses 3 ingredients, therefore a perfect recipe for kids to make. Be aware, they won’t last for long!

Only 3 Ingredients

1 – 8 oz cream cheese softened
36 OREO Cookies finely crushed (about 3 cups)
4 – 4oz semi-sweet baking chocolate melted

How to Make the Truffles

MIX cream cheese and cookie crumbs until blended.

SHAPE into 48 (1-inch) balls. Freeze 10 min.

PLACE chocolate in microwaveable bowl. Microwave on HIGH 2-1/2 min. or until chocolate is completely melted, stirring every 30 sec. Dip balls in melted chocolate; place in single layer in shallow waxed paper-lined pan.

CUSTOMIZE it with your own ingredient additions or decorative skills

REFRIGERATE 1 hour or until firm

STORE in tightly covered container in the refrigerator

I hope you enjoyed my No Bake Oreo Truffles 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!

No Bake Oreo Truffles

Lyne Proulx

Don't these No Bake Oreo Truffles look so good and just ready to be devoured! This super easy truffle recipe only uses 3 ingredients.

No ratings yet

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Total Time 20

Servings

Calories 171 kcal

Ingredients

1 8 oz cream cheese softened
36 OREO Cookies finely crushed (about 3 cups)
4 4oz semi-sweet baking chocolate melted

Instructions

MIX cream cheese and cookie crumbs until blended.
SHAPE into 48 (1-inch) balls. Freeze 10 min. Dip balls in melted chocolate; place in single layer in shallow waxed paper-lined pan.
CUSTOMIZE it with your own ingredient additions or decorative skills.
REFRIGERATE 1 hour or until firm.

Nutrition

Calories: 171kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 166mgPotassium: 79mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 2IUCalcium: 8mgIron: 3mg

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Easy Valentine’s Day Box Craft

Crafts

Keep it Beautiful

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February 4, 2015

6

This Valentines’ Day box is an easy craft to make with the kids. The Valentines box is fun to decorate and you place small little presents inside for each other when it’s done!

I love Valentine’s Day. As a kid, my family was totally into it. Well, I guess it was my mom that was the most into it and by default we all were. However, now that I’m a mom I’m all over the cheesy celebratory dinner and sharing of the love. As kids, we made Valentines’ Day crafts and had a Valentine’s Day Box.

Turning Valentine’s Day into a family celebration is as easy as implementing some new traditions. Simple and fun valentines activities can help every family member involved appreciate love and learn to demonstrate affection for others.

How to make a valentines box

So, while shopping the other day at Dollarama, I cam across this red box for $2! Perfect for a DIY Valentine’s Day Box.

One night after dinner, I whipped out the red Valentine’s Day box and the boys decorated it with stickers, glitter and markers. This is an adorable way to get your kiddies working together and creating something for love.

Now the kids can make cute little gifts to put inside for one another or we can head over to the dollar store and they can pick what they want to give their siblings for love day:)

How easy is that Valentine’s Day box craft? The kids love it, it looks adorable and made with tender loving care.

An Easy DIY Valentine's Day Box — An Easy DIY Valentine’s Day Box

And remember…..Valentine’s Day shouldn’t be limited to young couples and those who are dating. Everyone needs to be told they are loved and appreciated. Valentine’s Day is the perfect day for family celebrations and to call a mother, father, child, spouse, uncle, aunt, grandchild, grandparent, or cousin simply to let them know they are appreciated!

I hope you enjoyed this Valentine’s Day Craft Box 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 crafts!

An Easy DIY Valentine's Day Box Craft

Yield: 1

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Active Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Estimated Cost: $10

Kids can make this super easy Valentine's Day Box craft. They simply decorate it and place small little presents inside to give to each other.

5.0 Stars (1 Review)

Materials

red box ( shoe box)
stickers, glitter and markers

Instructions

Decorate the red box with heart stickers, red glitter and markers.

Keep it Beautiful.
Alicia

10 Very Cherry Drink Recipes for National Cherry Month!

Recipes

Lyne Proulx

-

January 29, 2015

20

10 Very Cherry Drink Recipes for National Cherry Month!

Did you know that National Cherry Month is in February? I just love cherries, sweet or tart! Have you tried making a cherry drink to celebrate?

Cherries are actually very good for you. There are two major categories of cherries, tart and sweet. Both are rich in antioxidants which helps reduce inflammation in the body. Cherries have also been known to soothe sore muscles and relieve muscles aches and pain. They are a good source of vitamins A and C, and fiber.

The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties found in cherries have been found to accelerate muscle recovery and decrease exercise-induced muscle pain. They also promote heart health and may reduce symptoms of arthritis. Cherries contain melatonin, a substance that helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle, therefore help to improve your sleep quality.

Cherries can easily be added to your diet and meal planning. You can also purchased dried cherries, cherry powder, and cherry juice, in order to add them to a variety of recipes.

Why not make a delicious cherry drink for Valentine’s Day or to celebrate National Cherry Month! Here are some ways to incorporate cherries into your diet!

1. Skinny Cherry Bomb Cocktail
2. Cherry Vanilla Smoothie
3. Hard Cherry Limeade
4. Sour Cherry Pomegranate Detox Smoothie
5. Cherry Cheesecake Shakes
6. Chocolate Cherry Oat Smoothie
7. Refreshing Cherry Lime Spritzer
8. Cherry Lime Smoothie
9. Sparkling Cherry Lemonade
10. Cherry Cream Floats

What’s your favourite recipe that incorporates cherries? Share them in the comments below!

Winter’s Here: 5 Ways to Motivate Kids to Get Active

Wellness

Raising Healthy Kids

-

January 27, 2015

7

We know the benefits of raising active kids, but sometimes it is a chore just getting the kids up off the couch and away from the electronics. Add to that the fewer hours of daylight and chillier temperatures and no one wants to go outdoors. What can parents and caregivers do to motivate kids to get active over the long winter months to be healthy when it seems they would rather hibernate?

5 Ways to Motivate Kids to Get Active During the Winter Months

My kids are extremely active with organized sports and family events, so an hour or two of electronics on a weekend morning is not unusual, but any longer than that and I step in and within minutes they are gone. Imaginations in full gear and active play under way. How do I get my kids motivated?

1.Right Tools for the Job

We have 2 giant bins in our garage. One is full of balls – soccer balls, basket balls, tennis balls, baseballs, badminton birdies, beach balls – you name it we have it. The other bin has roller blades, rackets, skipping ropes, sacks for jumping, horseshoes, ring toss, and hula hoops. More than enough imagination-inspiring-free-play-enticing toys in there to keep the whole street active whether there is sunshine or a fresh snowfall.

2.Get Out There Too

If the kids are having trouble coming up with something to do and be active, watch their faces light up as you put on your snow pants and get outside with them. It won’t take long before the whole family is having fun.

3.Activity Jar

Sit with the kids and have them tell you all their favourite games to play and write each one down on its own piece of paper. Have a list for Indoor Activities and Outdoor Activities and maybe even a summer list and a winter list. Put all the ideas into a labelled activity jar. When the kids are looking for something to do, have them pull out an activity and let their imagination take over.

4.Set a Time Target

You are certain to meet up with resistance if you ask the kids to run outside and play for then next 4 hours before dinner, that will seem like FOREVER to them and you will have lost the battle before it even started. Instead, asked them to go out for 15 minutes and kick a soccer ball around. I am willing to bet you don’t see them for an hour. How many times have you seen the kids totally engaged in play and time simply slips away. As they say, ‘time flies when you are having fun!’

5.New Family Fun

Put on your best cheerleading face and get the kids motivated to try something new. Do your homework first to find new and exciting indoor family fun activities for super cold winter days. Check out neighbourhood outdoor fun when the weather is good. Outdoor rinks, your favourite park covered in snow, a new hiking spot or winter geocaching can turn into a fun active afternoon. Check recreation centres and local listings for outdoor winter festivals happening near you. There are so many family adventures you probably haven’t yet tried yet that might just become new family favourites. Get everyone active!

How do you motivate your family to be active during the long cold winter?

Deb @deb_Lowther

Make Your Garden a Safe Haven for Children

Home and Garden

Lyne Proulx

-

January 26, 2015

9

Make Your Garden a Safe Haven for Children

This summer, you decided to make a beautiful garden with your children, but in order to make sure your kids are safe while roaming in the garden, please consider these safety tips.

Make Your Garden a Safe Haven for Children

We all have fond memories of playing outdoors as children. For little ones, a garden is a place where your imagination can roam free; the washing pole can become the mast of a ship on a stormy sea, the picnic table transforms into the perfect hiding place in a game of hide-and-seek, or the lawn a football pitch in an arena of screaming spectators.

It’s important that you encourage this sense of adventure for your children, but there are some precautions you can take to make sure your mini explorers remain unharmed in the garden and make a child-friendly garden.

Banish stinging insects

Wasp nests and beehives can potentially be very hazardous for small children, especially if they’re allergic to stings. Wasps’ nests can be common, and if you have a wasp nest in one of your garden buildings, don’t try and tackle it alone. Instead, hire an exterminator for peace of mind. To keep your garden wasp-free, hang a blown up paper bag from a prominent spot. Wasps are fiercely territorial, and will avoid anything that looks like another wasps’ nest.

Lock away hazards

Power tools, paint stripper, wood stain and other DIY and garden tools should be locked away in the garden shed at all times. Invest in a sturdy padlock for the shed door, and make sure all family members work to keep it secured. If you’re working outside with tools, don’t leave them unattended, and if you have freshly painted a fence or sprayed weeds, make the garden strictly off-limits.

Counteract the heat

When the weather is scorching, there are a few important steps you can take to counteract the risks of sunburn and heatstroke. Don’t let little ones play in the midday sun – they can quickly become overwhelmed by the heat. Equip kids with a hat and sunblock, and make sure there are plenty of frozen treats available in the kitchen when all that running around on the grass gets too much!

Know what’s in your shrubbery

Trim back thorny plants like rose bushes and prickly shrubs to avoid little bodies getting tangled or scratched. Remove any plants that bear berries other than those which are considered safe to eat. Fortunately, most plants are very safe, but even common blooms like foxgloves, daffodils and hyacinth can prove toxic if eaten. Educate yourself and your little ones to avoid nasty tummy aches.

By following these simple tips you will be able to make your garden a safe place for children.

Image by David K used under the Creative Commons license.

Cheesy Dip Recipes For Game Day

Recipes

Lyne Proulx

-

January 22, 2015

21

If you love cheese and have a fondness for dips; you are in the right place! I have gathered some of my favourite Cheesy Dip Recipes to share with you to make for game day. This collection features some of the yummiest cheese dip recipes on the internet!

From a spicy Swiss and bacon dip that is perfect for a party or makes a savoury highlight to any football game day spread. To a bacon cheddar onion dip that practically begs to be savoured with chips, veggies, toasted breads and everything in between. I know you are going to find a few that you will want to try. The hardest part about prepping any of the recipes in this collection will be picking just one to try first! My favourite is the bacon cheeseburger dip. It is so good!

Cheese Dip Recipes for game day - Super Bowl

Dip recipes for parties

Cheesy dips are always a hit when serving a crowd at parties. From elegant events to a relaxed BBQ at home with your family. I love that these easy recipes for cheese dip are all easy enough to throw together on a whim. Most of them call for ingredients you are likely to have on hand, so when the mood for something decadently cheesy to dip into hits, you can whip up one of these dip recipes!

Cheesy Dip Recipes

My family loves to use thin sliced french bread, lightly toasted with any type of cheese dip. Chips are always a natural option too; both tortilla and potato varieties work well. When serving one of these dip recipes at a party, be sure to offer a variety of food for dipping. Vegetables work well, as do bagel chips. I have heard toasted pasta makes for a yummy way to dip too. If you have a suggestion, I would love to hear about it in a comment!

Check them out on each blog!

I hope you enjoyed these Cheesy Dip Recipes as much as I did! Also, check out all of our recipes!

Girl Body Image: You are Beautiful

Family

Lyne Proulx

-

January 21, 2015

15

Girl Body Image: You are Beautiful

Girls have lots of pressure from the media and fashion magazines to look flawless, blemish-free and very thin, like their favourite celebrities or models. What they don’t realize is that some digital enhancements are done to the photos to make women look “perfect”, therefore it is pretty much unrealistic to attain this ideal body. It is essential that we reinforce the importance of having a positive body image with our daughters, since self-esteem and body image are tied together and will affect how they feel about themselves. Poor self-esteem can lead to eating disorders and depression. Take the time to explain the touch-up of photos and, at the same time, get the conversation started about what it means to be beautiful inside and out!

Comparing

Girls start thinking at a young age about how they look, since they compare themselves to friends or siblings. They realize that they do not have the same body size and shape as others, so some can see this as being negative since they are not alike. Don’t think that it’s only because they are necessarily overweight; sometimes it’s because they feel too skinny and tall. If your daughter starts to have negative thoughts about herself, tell her the many beautiful traits that make her so unique and special. Explain to her that her body will go through many changes during puberty. She will get taller, her hips and thighs will be wider, and her weight will increase.

It’s also normal that she might feel stressed out, moody, or just unsure of herself. Beinggirl.com has great resources for young girls experiencing these changes, like this article on body changes during puberty. If ever your daughter complains about her weight gain or new body shape, as per my December article on Healthy lifestyle for Girls, it’s important for her to take good care of herself by eating healthy foods and getting regular exercise – not for her looks, but for her health.

Compliments

Don’t forget to compliment your daughter on a daily basis on how beautiful she looks wearing her favourite dress or with her hair in a ponytail – or even on her positive behaviour, such as how thoughtful she was to help her brother with his homework, or put the groceries away in the cupboards. That will boost her self-esteem and body image.

As mothers, we also play a tremendous role in molding our daughter’s self-assurance and how she views what a woman should be and look like. If you complain about your weight, are constantly on diets, and make derogatory comments about your appearance, she will definitely mirror you and have low self-esteem.

A woman’s body comes in different shapes and sizes, so let’s embrace it, be proud, and be beautiful!

For more information on how to talk to your daughter about puberty, you can visit the Always website!

What is your definition of being beautiful?

Although this post has been generously sponsored by Always, the opinions and language are all my own, and in no way do they reflect Always.

Strawberry Chocolate Chip Cake Mix Cookies Recipe

Recipes

Lyne Proulx

-

January 16, 2015

22

Strawberry Chocolate Chip Cake Mix Cookies Recipe

These Strawberry Chocolate Chip Cookies are such an easy yummy treat for Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day that you will want to make it year round!

This recipe actually uses a box of strawberry cake mix to make the cookies. If you prefer, you can substitute for a lemon, carrot or other cake mix. The cookies are super moist and will melt in your mouth. Your family will want you to make them often as a sweet treat or snack!

Strawberry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Ingredients

1 box strawberry cake mix
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 large eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ¼ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

How To Make the Strawberry Chocolate Chip Cookies

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

2. In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix and baking powder. Set aside. In a smaller bowl, whisk together the eggs, oil and vanilla by hand. Add the egg mixture to the cake mixture and stir to form dough. Stir vigorously until all of the pockets of dry cake mix are gone. Gently mix in the chocolate chips.

3. Drop rounded balls of dough (about 2 tablespoons each) onto prepared baking sheet. Place a few more chocolate chips on top of the cookie dough balls if for looks, if desired.

Strawberry Chocolate Chip Cookies cooking

4. Bake for 10 minutes – do not let the cookies get brown. Allow to cool on baking sheet for 3 minutes; they will be very soft at first.

5. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to one week or you can freeze them for 3 months.

Strawberry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

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

Strawberry Chocolate Chip Cake Mix Cookies Recipe

Lyne

These Strawberry Chocolate Chip Cake Mix Cookies are such an easy yummy treat for the family!

No ratings yet

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 25

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American, Canadian

Servings cookies

Calories 217 kcal

Ingredients

1 box strawberry cake mix
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 large eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ¼ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix and baking powder. Set aside.
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the eggs, oil and vanilla by hand.
Add the egg mixture to the cake mixture and stir to form a firm dough. Stir vigorously until all of the pockets of dry cake mix are gone.
Gently fold in the chocolate chips.
Place rounded balls of dough (about 2 tablespoons each) onto prepared baking sheet. You can use a small ice cream scooper to do this. Place a few more chocolate chips on top of the cookie dough balls for looks, if desired.
Bake for 10 minutes – do not let the cookies get brown. You want to maintain the pink colour.
Allow to cool on baking sheet for 3 minutes; the cookies will be very soft at first. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to one week.

Nutrition

Serving: 18cookiesCalories: 217kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 3gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 19mgSodium: 230mgPotassium: 157mgFiber: 2gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 33IUCalcium: 60mgIron: 2mg

Keyword cake mix cookies, chocolate chips, cookies, Strawberry Chocolate Chip Cake Mix Cookies, Valentine’s Day cookies

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

5 Younger-Looking Food Supplements for The Skin

Wellness

Lyne Proulx

-

January 14, 2015

8

All of us want to look our best. But as we age, some of us don’t feel as if our skin will pass the test of time. Fortunately, you don’t have to rely on painful and expensive procedures to show off younger looking skin. It is actually possible by simply changing your diet and making sure you are getting the right supplements. Here are five supplements that, along with a healthy diet, will help your skin look more vibrant and younger than ever before.

5 Younger-Looking Food Supplements for The Skin

1 – Fern Extract

You probably know the importance of sun protection to stop the signs of aging, but there is more that you can do in addition to that. One supplement that works very well for sun protection is fern extract. It is best when taken about a week or so before you hit the beach, and it can help to reduce the damage from the UVA rays of the sun.

2 – Idebenone

Another supplement you might want to consider adding is called idebenone. This is an antioxidant that is available in pill form, but you can also get it in a cream or serum. Idebenone is essentially a synthetic form of coenzyme Q10, a natural substance that helps to remove wrinkles and improve the overall look of skin.

3 – Primrose Oil

You can also choose to take primrose oil for healthier, younger skin. Primrose oil contains a type of healthy fat known as gamma-linoleic acid or GLA. GLA is difficult to come by in your diet, so getting it through a supplement like primrose oil is quite helpful. GLA helps to bring about younger skin, but also is excellent for your hair and nails.

4 – Biotin

Biotin is one of the popular B vitamins and an essential addition to your diet if you want to achieve younger looking skin. Naturally, it can be found in foods like bananas and peanut butter, but you can also find biotin supplements at your local drugstore or vitamin shop. You can get added benefits by combining it with chromium picolinate.

5 – Fish Oil

You might have heard that taking fish oil supplements can help your cardiovascular system, but it can also be highly beneficial when taken for younger skin. Fish oil is primarily made of omega-3s and this substance helps to keep moisture in your skin. It also prevents wrinkles and sagging.

Many beauty and health companies today realise the importance of using natural supplements when it comes to preventing the aging process. In fact, companies like Murad.co.uk encourage men and women to care for the skin naturally even before the onset of aging begins.

These are just a few of the supplements that you might want to consider adding to your diet for younger looking skin. Make sure to talk to your doctor before starting any vitamin or supplement regimen.

3 Simple Changes to Improve Your Health

Wellness

Dr. Ellen Simone, Naturopath

-

January 13, 2015

12

There are an abundance of little changes you can make to optimize your health and prevent disease. These are 3 simple changes which will give you a boost to achieve optimal health:

1. Drink a glass of warm lemon water when you wake up.

In addition to getting that extra cup of water, the lemon stimulates your liver to help your body release toxins, gets your digestive juices flowing, and stimulates a morning bowel movement. Squeezing 1/4 a lemon into a glass of water is all you need to obtain this gentle daily detox. Cutting up a lemon and storing it in the fridge ahead of time makes this lifestyle habit simpler to achieve.

2. Eat some berries!

Blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, cranberries, and raspberries are high in proanthocyanidins, important anti-oxidants which protect your cells from damage. They have anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and tissue healing properties which keeps our bodies resilient as we age.

3. Drink a cup of green tea to replace one of your daily cups of coffee.

Green tea helps prevent cancer, heart disease and nervous system diseases like Alzheimer’s. Components of green tea also assist your body in blood sugar balance, reducing cravings. This is especially helpful in the new year when you are trying to fulfill your resolutions to drink less alcohol and coffee, quit smoking or reduce your sugar consumption.

These are just 3 simple ones to get you started. Remember every little bit counts and will have an additive effect on your overall health so why not get started today?

Happy Healthy New Year!

Dr. Ellen Simone

Winter Workout and an Egg in a Kale Cup Breakfast Recipe

Recipes

Sarah

-

January 9, 2015

16

Winter Workout and an Egg in a Kale Cup Breakfast Recipe

Winter is here! Some of us celebrate and some of us cringe… Whether you cheer or boo – the key to surviving an Ottawa winter is to embrace it in one way, shape or form. Time will fly if you get the kids outside tobogganing, sledding, skating, skiing or even out to your local park. Finding time to fit in a winter workout and exercise is important to maintain overall health and to avoid the winter weight gain that many complain about come spring.

Ideas Of A Winter Workout

It doesn’t have to be winter running or cross country skiing (although great if so!). Your winter workout can be as simple as a daily 20 minute walk (there is no bad weather, only bad clothing – layer up!), playing with the kids or joining a class to keep you motivated. Many fitness centres will offer free classes and trials. Continuum Fitness, for example is offering a week of free classes beginning January 12. Ask your local fitness centre about their specials and take advantage.

Strength Exercises To Try At home

Can’t make it out for fresh air? Why not try a few strength exercises at home to keep the flow going. Try one set of each of the following 3-4 times a week:

Squats: 15-20
Push ups (knees or toes): 15-20
Plank hold (knees or toes): 30 to 60 seconds
Climbing stairs: 5-10 flights

Egg in a Kale Cup Recipe

I also like to experiment with more savoury breakfast options in the winter. Try this egg in a kale cup for a kick start to your day. Very easy and nutritious!

Ingredients

Kale leafs
eggs
cheddar cheese

Instructions

Start by folding a kale leaf into a muffin tin. Crack one egg into the well. I use a muffin cup and crack one egg and some cheese for the kids. It should look like this:

Bake at 350F for 15 minutes or so until the egg is cooked or until it looks like this:

Sprinkle with salt and pepper and enjoy!

Hoping you enjoyed this super easy winter workout our healthy recipe! Happy winter!

Sarah at Continuum Fitness

Healthy Lifestyle for Girls

Wellness

Lyne Proulx

-

January 7, 2015

10

Healthy Lifestyle for Girls

In today’s era, it’s difficult to get our children away from the television, laptops, video games, tablets, cell phones, and more electronic devices! We don’t want them to have a sedentary lifestyle at a young age and grow up being couch potatoes. For a tween girl, it’s really important to adopt a healthy lifestyle now as she will continue to adopt it throughout her adult life and beyond. She needs to maintain a healthy lifestyle by exercising, eating healthy foods, and having a healthy body image in order to be a well balanced teen; mind, body, and soul!

Exercise

Regular exercise is key to maintaining a healthy weight. A tween/teen should get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day. Of course for her keep up with the activities, she will need to find something that she likes and having a friend or two to join also helps to motivate her to do them regularly and are more enjoyable. Activities can be any sports, swimming, running, yoga,etc. She doesn’t have to do it all at once, but as long as she exercises throughout the day, it’s all good! If she also has role model as parents that incorporate exercising or sports into their routine, this will help her see that you preach what you say.

Healthy Eating Habits

It’s so easy to open the cupboards and grab cookies and sweets! Teenagers will eat what is the closest to their reach and what takes the less effort to make. Coming from school, they are often in a rush to finish their homework and get going to their activities or part-time job. Purchase foods that are rich in protein such as almonds, hummus, and Greek yogurt, low in sugar, as well as plenty of veggies and fruits.

Make sure they eat a variety of food and not the same food every day, and from all different food groups. Reminding your daughter of which items are in the refrigerator or cupboards that they can eat for snacks help them remember what is good for them to eat. Preparing an appetizing veggies and cheese tray with a low-fat dip will entice her to indulge in healthy food versus a sweeter snack. Also teaching your tween daughter how to cook healthy foods is one way to make good nutrition habits a lot more interesting.

Healthy Body Image

The most important part of your daughter’s self-esteem is for her to feel comfortable with her growing body. Some girls have a quest to have a perfect body and to be physically attractive. If they do not achieve their desired look or weight, they might feel ashamed of their bodies and start skipping meals to lose weight or be depressed. Your daughter needs to understand that gaining weight is normal during puberty. Take some time to talk with her about self-image and reassure her that, as women, we have many different body shapes and they are all beautiful! The key is to encourage your daughter to concentrate on eating a healthy diet and staying physically active, not for her looks, but for her health.

Although this post has been generously sponsored by Always, the opinions and language are all my own, and in no way do they reflect Always.

The Other Way to Get Kids to Eat Their Vegetables

Wellness

Raising Healthy Kids

-

December 29, 2014

22

Mashed cauliflower in your hair, broccoli all over the floor, avocado dried to the high chair and peas up the nose. Sound familiar? Trying to feed a toddler vegetables? See The Other Way to Get Kids to Eat Their Vegetables!

Getting kids to eat their vegetables can be a very messy job when they are young and a frustrating power struggle when kids get older . . . both resulting in very little vegetables actually getting eaten.

Studies have shown it takes many many tries of one food before most kids will even discover they actually do like the taste. The struggle of getting kids to eat vegetables only seems to get worse as the kids get older and before you know it, food is flying and kids are crying in protest.

If frustration is setting in and you wonder how you will ever get your kids not to be so picky to eat vegetables, why not try another way.

Rather than spinning my wheels trying to get my family to love cauliflower, I created meals where I could easily include cauliflower without it being obvious. Most of the time it is not even noticed. I’m not hiding it so much as finding a way to make it taste good while making our everyday meals a bit healthier!

It would be great if the kids would eat a spinach salad, but they think the green stuff is gross . . . until it is put into the brownies they take to school for lunch. Zucchini? Forget it. But in cookies it works.

Here are some ideas you can try to get your kids to eat more veggies.

The Other Way to Get Kids to Eat Their Veggies

Squash and Cauliflower

Chopped small cauliflower can be included when making scrambled eggs, or cooked and pureed and added to almost anything – soups or stews and its white colour makes it undetectable in any sauce. Squash when cooked and pureed works best as a thicker for homemade soup and is perfect in the cheese sauce for this Macaroni and Cheese recipe.

Zucchini

Shredded zucchini is perfect for adding to spaghetti sauces, home made meatballs and even baking but my kids don’t like seeing the green bits of the skin so pureed works in these Chocolate Zucchini Oatmeal Cookies and even these healthy Carrot, Apple and Zucchini Muffins

Spinach & Carrots

It takes 6 cups of spinach leaves, cooked down in a small amount of water then pureed to give me enough spinach for these Spinach Brownies. That is a lot of spinach and my kids love these brownies. If your kids are not opposed to the green colour, baby spinach leaves can be chopped and added to soups or layered in a lasagna.

Beets & Kale

Smoothies are the best for getting a few extra vegetables in both you and the kids! The dark red colour of beets and the dark purple of blueberries make them a great cover for the green Kale in a morning smoothie. Start with ingredients you know the kids love – milk, yogurt, berries, peanut butter, banana then add in some colour with beets and blueberries and a handful of frozen or fresh kale. Experiment to find just the right amount of each ingredient for a smoothie everyone loves.

I still serve a side of beans, broccoli, carrots, corn or peas with all meals because those are the vegetables the kids do like. The rest, I get creative with.

Don’t be afraid to add cooked, chopped or pureed vegetables to everything you bake and cook, it certainly won’t hurt them and you might just find out it is a little easier to get your kids to eat their vegetables when they don’t really know they are eating their vegetables.

“Joy to the World”

Family

Kindermusik with Tanya

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December 24, 2014

15

Did you know that “Joy to the World” was not originally a Christmas hymn? One of the most published Christmas hymns in North America was actually written about Christ’s Second Coming, not His birth. The hymn was first published in the early 1700s by English hymn writer Isaac Watts. Only the last half of the hymn as we know it today is still sung.

There was a bit of confusion regarding to whom the music should be attributed. Lowell Mason gave credit to George F. Handel by writing “Arr. from Handel” when he published his tune ANTIOCH in 1836. Two small passages of the melody also appear in Handel’s Messiah.

Who doesn’t love to sing “Joy to the World” at the top of their voice? What a beautiful way to celebrate Christmas! Here are the lyrics. Go ahead and sing it right now!

“Joy to the World”

Joy to the world! the Lord is come;
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare him room,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the earth! the Savior reigns;
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.

Cake Pops for Any Occasion

Recipes

Lyne Proulx

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December 22, 2014

37

A few weeks ago, we had company over for dinner and I served them Cake Pops for dessert that I had purchased at a local bakery. Well…. they all wanted seconds! I thought, why not bake these myself! The day after, I asked my sister-in-law if she has ever eating them. Her reply was, “not only have I tried them, I have a machine that makes them.” What? She lend me her Babycakes, Cake Pop Maker (not an affiliate link). If you prefer to make them from scratch, you can try this cake pops recipe. The tips, suggestions of toppings or glaze recipe listed below can be used when making homemade cake pops or with the BabyCakes.

Making Cake Pop with the Babycakes

Wow, was this ever easy! Make the batter, pour and it bakes 12 moist cake pops in 5 minutes! They also make donut holes. In 20 minutes, I baked 48 balls. Cooling, adding the frosting and decorating them will take you about 1 hour or more if you are putting them in gift bags. You are really saving time, energy, and electricity by purchasing the Babycakes.

Accessories also included are:

Fork Tool
Cake Pop Treat Sticks
Cake Pop Cooling and Decorating Stand
Recipe booklet

I like the Babycakes so much that I bought myself one. I am looking forward to making more cake pops for my kids’ school fundraisers, family parties, and baking donut holes.

Helpful tips:

Put the batter in a pastry bag or a plastic bag, zip, and clip one of the corners of the bag. Pour only 1 tablespoon in the cooking reservoirs.
To make the frosting, rather than using chocolate chips or white chocolate barks, I bought Merckens chocolate moulding wafers at Bulk Barns. They come in a variety of colours! You can make pink, yellow, red, etc. cake pops, perfect for any theme such as Valentine’s Day, Easter, Christmas or Halloween!
To melt the chocolate use a double boiler on the stove as it helps to coat the balls if the frosting is warm. If you don’t have one, use a microwavable bowl that is deep and narrow and reheat in a microwave at high for 10-15 seconds. Dip each ball into the chocolate until covered.
Don’t put too much frosting as it will drip all over the decorating stand and taste too sweet. It should be thin.
Cool them by putting them on a cooking sheet and freezing them for about 15-20 minutes. After, dip them into the warm frosting and insert the sticks. To keep the sticks in the cake, dip 1/2 ” to 1″ of the stick in the warm frosting and then insert it into the cake pop. Freeze another 20 minutes, take them out and serve or put them in gift bags. You can also keep them frozen until you would like to serve at a later time in an air tight container. You can use a foam block to hold the extra cake pops.

Topping and decorating suggestions all cake pops ( homemade recipe or using the Babycakes)

The toppings will adhere better to a freshly dipped cake pop while the frosting is warm and moist.
You can use shredded coconut, coloured sugars, starquins, Skor toffee bits, etc. to decorate the cake pops.
My favourite Glaze- white, chocolate or any colour!

Cake Pops Glaze

Ingredients

3/4 cup (6 onces) of Merckens chocolate moulding wafers or any colour
4 tablespoon heavy whipping cream
3 tablespoons butter, cut into thirds and softened
½ cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted
½ teaspoon vanilla

Directions (Microwave)

Combine white chocolate and cream in a deep bowl. Microwave on HIGH power (100%) for 1 minute. Stir. Add butter and microwave on HIGH power (100%) for 30 seconds. Stir. Microwave on HIGH power (100%) for an additional 10 to 15 seconds if necessary for white chocolate and butter to melt.
Blend in sugar and vanilla. Stir until smooth.
Dip cake pops in warm frosting dip.
Microwave on HIGH power (100%) for 10 to 15 seconds as needed to keep a glaze consistency.

Directions (double boiler)

Add all ingredients into the boiler. Stir until they are all melted and warm.
Dip cake pops in warm frosting dip.
Makes about 1 cup of glaze.

Be creative and decorate them for any occasion or special holidays! It was my first time making these sweet balls of cake with frosting and coated with coloured sugar or sprinkles. They definitely melt in your mouth!

All opinions on this blog are 100% my own and I did not receive any compensation or product to make the cake pops with the Babycakes.

Ottawa Mommy Club

Ottawa Mommy Club

Ottawa Mommy Club

Ottawa Mommy Club

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