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Why You should Spend Time in the Kitchen with your Kids

Raising Healthy Kids
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Why You should Spend Time in the Kitchen with your Kids

When your kids are young it is fun to have them in the kitchen helping you pour and stir. The photos are cute, the flour on the floor and sprinkles all the way to the bathroom are adorable, and the memories are precious! As the kids get older, it is still fun to get them in the kitchen, but it is also important. The earlier kids learn to cook, to bake, to value food and healthy ingredients the better chance they have of making good food choices as teens and adults. It’s so important to spend kitchen time with our kids!

Spend Time with your Kids in the Kitchen

Kitchen time with kids is an opportunity to teach them about recipes, ingredients, measurements, baking, boiling, steaming and broiling. As kids grow they develop a relationship with food and rather than it always being a battle ground, cooking with your kids allows them fun time in the kitchen to learn. Being a part of the process of meal preparation will give them pride at the dinner table and may entice them to try new things, to experiment with tastes and flavours and empower them to make good eating choices.

Why You should Spend Time in the Kitchen with your Kids
Child making cookies

I have always spent kitchen time with my kids, mainly because I had to. Sometimes, they were literally wrapped around my legs as I tried to feed our family of 5, but mostly watching me prepare dinner was entertainment for them from their high chair as they chased peas around their tray. As they got bigger, they stood on a chair, pulled up to the counter while I chopped and stirred the food. I was giving them small tasks like assembling a whole lasagna once the ingredients were ready.

Kids of all Ages Can Help

Kids of all ages love to help and spend time in the kitchen. What we see as a daily chore they see as fun play time with mom or dad. Even doing the dishes! Have you ever asked an 8 year old that can now see over the counter to wash a few dishes for you? Hot soapy water, a scrub brush, a cloth and all these fun shapes I can play with???  Of course they see this as a good time!

Start small with fun things they like to eat such as muffins or healthy apple oat bars before moving on to bigger meals, but always give the kids as many of the tasks as you can, even dishes!!  They really do love to help and the learning along the way is the icing on the cake!

Why You should Spend Time in the Kitchen with your Kids
Kitchen Time with Kids

It may take a little longer to get the task of dinner making done, but by including your kids in the process, they become engaged in the meal. They are also more interested in it once it’s on the table, proud they were a part of it and eager to try another recipe the next time. Do you spend time cooking in the kitchen with your kids? Which recipes do you like to make together?

Sugar Bushes in Ottawa and Outaouais

Lyne Proulx
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Sugar Bushes in Ottawa and Outaouais

The temperature is gradually rising and the snow is beginning to melt. This only means one thing, it’s maple syrup time and time for a yearly family outing to one of Ottawa’s local sugar bushes! You will find below a list of Sugar Bushes in Ottawa and Surrounding Areas!

Ottawa is home to a variety of sugar bushes that offer unique experiences for visitors looking to immerse themselves in the world of maple syrup production. From family-friendly farms with interactive demonstrations to rustic sugar shacks that transport you back in time, each sugar bush has its own charm and character. Some popular sugar bushes in Ottawa include the Proulx Farm, Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm, Fulton’s Pancake House and Sugar Bush, and Temple’s Sugar Bush.

Fun Fact

Did you know that 85% of the world’s maple syrup comes from Canada and that 40 litres of sap is required to make just 1 litre of syrup? That’s pretty amazing! You can make so many great recipes with maple syrup including our very own Maple Bacon Cupcakes Recipe and Bacon Maple Bread Pudding Recipe!

Sugar Bushes in Ottawa and Surrounding Areas
Sugar Bushes in Ottawa and Surrounding Areas

The Food

Many sugar bushes in Ottawa offer all you can eat self-serve or cafeteria style brunch buffet. After you’ve eaten, you can also enjoy a maple tour, maple taffy, a farm with animals, walking trails, a playground, a horse drawn hay ride, and more!

Before you leave the Sugar Bush, don’t forget to stock up on maple syrup, taffy, and maple butter! By purchasing these products, visitors can support local producers and savor the taste of Ottawa’s maple heritage. You can even plan a sugar shack party to celebrate maple season with cocktails and appetizers that showcase your maple treats from the sugar bush outing.

Planning Your Visit

Before embarking on your sugar bush adventure in Ottawa, it’s essential to plan your visit accordingly to make the most of your experience. Check for seasonal opening hours, event schedules, and booking requirements for activities such as guided tours and dining reservations. Dress warmly for outdoor activities and bring along a camera to capture memorable moments amidst the maple trees.

Sugar Bushes in Ottawa

 You will find below a list of the most popular sugar bushes in the region!

Sugar Bushes in Ottawa and Surrounding Areas
Sugar Bushes in Ottawa and Surrounding Areas

Sugar Bushes in Outaouais

Exploring the sweet delights of sugar bushes in Ottawa offers a sensory journey through the sights, smells, and tastes of maple syrup production. From witnessing the time-honored process of sap collection to indulging in farm-fresh pancakes drizzled with golden maple syrup, a visit to a sugar bush is a quintessentially Canadian experience that celebrates nature’s bounty and cultural heritage. So pack your bags, gather your loved ones, and embark on a sweet adventure into Ottawa’s maple-scented wonderland.

How To Make An Omelette

Tracy (Redefined)
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How To Make An Omelette

Shrove Tuesday, also known as Pancake Tuesday, isn’t the only day of the year you can eat breakfast for dinner. In my house, we often have breakfast for dinner, especially when looking for something quick, but healthy to eat. One of my favourite things is using eggs to make is an omelette.

How To Make An Omelette

At first the idea of whisking the egg just right and folding it over perfectly intimidated me, but I quickly learned that so long as the right ingredients are in the omelette, my family could care less if the omelette looks picture-perfect.

How to make an omelette

  • To make an omelette for one person you simply whisk together two eggs with a tbsp. or two of milk (I use skim, but it doesn’t matter what kind), and add a dash of salt and pepper.
  • In a preheated lightly greased skillet pour in the whisked egg and move the pan around so that the egg is evenly distributed into a circle.
  • Next add your favourite finely chopped or shredded ingredients to half of the circle. Some of my family favourites are green or red pepper, onion, mushroom, spinach and ham. Then add some freshly grated cheese. If you want to be really adventurous, you can try sprinkling some flax-seed on top of the veggies, before adding the cheese – flax seed is a great source of fibre and omega-3 fatty acids.
  • It’s time to flip the one half of the omelette on top of the ingredients when the egg is cooked along the edges and almost cooked toward the middle.
  • Cook until all the cheese is melted. Slide the omelette onto a plate and serve!
  • Again, don’t worry if your omelette is not a perfect half circle  – mine rarely are, especially since I try to jam as many healthy ingredients in them as I can!

So, the next time you can’t think of anything for supper, but have eggs and various vegetables sitting in your fridge, there is an upside! You can make can basic omelette and regardless of what is in it, I bet it will taste great!

Canadian Fried Dough Pastry Recipe

Lyne Proulx
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39
Canadian Fried Dough Pastry Recipe

Living in Canada sure does have its perks. The weather is usually nice, people are friendly, and the scenery is just gorgeous. Those things are great, but honestly, the food is what keeps me here. Around every corner is a little bakery or family owned shop with the most delicious and moist foods I have ever tasted. If you know me, after enjoying a snack a few times, I am ready to try my hand at making it. That is exactly what I am bringing to you today, the Canadian Fried Dough Pastry or also know as Elephant Ear Pastries.

Canadian Fried Dough Pastry Recipe

Fried Dough Pastry Recipe

Youtube video

This delicious fried dough pastry is so yummy and really easy to make. The dough is really easy to make and is slightly sweet, thanks to the added vanilla and cinnamon. I usually like to use a dough hook in my mixer, but if you have kids, they can have fun helping to knead the bread. Once it is ready, pop it in some hot oil and it is ready to enjoy. If you wish, you can also make a fruit spread, cream cheese spread, or even just some plain Nutella to enjoy with this dish.

Pastry Recipe in process

You will need the following ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup warm water
  • 5 teaspoons dry yeast
  • 1 pinch sugar
  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 4 1/4-5 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
  • vegetable oil for frying (about 4 cups)
  • 2 cups of granulated sugar (for dusting)
  • 1/4 cup of cinnamon
Pastry Recipe in process

How do you make fried dough

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the yeast, warm water and pinch of sugar. Allow to stand a couple of minutes to allow yeast to swell or dissolve.

Stir in remaining sugar, milk, vanilla, eggs, oil, salt, and the flour to make a soft dough. Knead by hand or with a dough hook for 5 minutes, adding flour as needed to form a firm, smooth, elastic dough.

Place in a greased bowl. Place bowl in a plastic bag and seal. If not using the dough right away, you can refrigerate it.

Let rise in a covered and lightly greased bowl about 30-45 minutes.

Gently deflate dough. If dough is coming out of the fridge, allow to warm up for about 40 minutes before proceeding.

Pastry Recipe in process

Take a piece of dough the size of a golf ball and roll out into an oval.

Heat about 4 inches of oil in fryer, wok or frying pan. Temperature of the oil should be about 385°F.

Before putting in oil, stretch the ovals into a tail shape, thinning them out and enlarging them, like a beaver’s tail.

Add 1-2 dough pieces of the dough at a time to the hot oil. Turn once to fry until the undersides are dark brown. Lift the tails out with tongs and drain on paper towels.

Canadian Fried Dough Pastry Recipe
Canadian Fried Dough Pastry on a white plate

Fill a large flat bowl with a 2 cups of white sugar. Put the fried dough elephant ears in sugar with a little cinnamon and shake off excess.

You can top with jam, Nutella or a few drops of lemon juice!

This fried dough recipe makes at least a dozen elephant ear pastries.

Canadian Fried Dough Pastry- Elephant ear pastries - looks like a beaver's tail

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

Canadian Fried Dough Pastry Recipe

Canadian Fried Dough Pastry

The Canadian Fried Dough Pastry recipe is really easy to make. The dough is is slightly sweet, thanks to the added vanilla and cinnamon.
4.60 from 5 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 55 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine Canadian
Servings 18 pastry
Calories 278 kcal

Equipment

  • Frying pan

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup warm water
  • 5 teaspoons dry yeast
  • 1 pinch sugar
  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/3 cup oil
  • 4 1/4-5 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
  • oil for frying
  • 2 cups of granulated sugar for dusting
  • 1/4 cup of cinnamon

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, stir together the yeast, warm water and pinch of sugar.
  • Allow to stand a couple of minutes to allow yeast to swell or dissolve.
  • Stir in remaining sugar, milk, vanilla, eggs, oil, salt, and the flour to make a soft dough.
  • Knead by hand or with a dough hook for 5 minutes, adding flour as needed to form a firm, smooth, elastic dough.
  • Place in a greased bowl. Place bowl in a plastic bag and seal. If not using the dough right away, you can refrigerate it.
  • Let rise in a covered and lightly greased bowl about 30-45 minutes.
  • Gently deflate dough. If dough is coming out of the fridge, allow to warm up for about 40 minutes before proceeding.
  • Take a piece of dough the size of a golf ball and roll out into an oval.
  • Heat about 4 inches of oil in a wok or frying pan. Temperature of the oil should be about 385°F.
  • Before putting in oil, stretch the ovals into a tail shape, thinning them out and enlarging them, like a beaver’s tail.
  • Add 1-2 dough pieces at a time to the hot oil.
  • Turn once to fry until the undersides are dark brown.
  • Lift the tails out with tongs and drain on paper towels.
  • Fill a large flat bowl with a 2 cups of white sugar.
  • Put the tails in sugar with a little cinnamon and shake off excess.
  • You can add jam, Nutella or a few drops of lemon juice!

Nutrition

Serving: 1fried doughCalories: 278kcalCarbohydrates: 53gProtein: 6gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 19mgSodium: 210mgPotassium: 104mgFiber: 3gSugar: 27gVitamin A: 50IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 57mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Beaver Tails, Canadian Fried Dough pastry, Elephant ears, Fried Dough Pastry, recipe
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Canadian Fried Dough Pastry Recipe

This recipe is not in anyway associated with BEAVERTAILS®

The Legacy of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

website
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The Legacy of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

In 1981, my father went home for lunch. He walked into my baby sister’s room to kiss her goodbye and instead found that his little girl not breathing and without a pulse. She could not be revived. It was a parent’s worst nightmare come true. My sister’s death from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) has left a lasting scar on my family. We still feel its effects over thirty years later.

The Legacy of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
Baby sleeping

The Legacy of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

My sisters and I are more anxious than the average parents with newborns. All of us are guilty of sneaking into our babies’ rooms while they were sleeping and anxiously looking for the rise and fall of their chest. Always watchful and with crossed finger hoping, no praying that the fate of our sister will not be revisited on our children.

Cause of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

The cause of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) remains, for the most part, unknown. Prematurity is a risk factor, so too seems to be exposure to cigarette smoke. Placing a baby on their back to sleep seems to help prevent SIDS, as does removing blankets, pillows, and bumper pads from cribs. Some research has also shown that up to 10 percent of SIDS deaths may be related to congenital heart rhythm disorders.

I find little of this reassuring. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) feels to me like a random lightening strike. You don’t know where or when it is going to strike and, as a parent you are powerless to prevent it. And, I do believe it can happen to my child because my sister’s death proved to me that my family is not immune to such a tragedy.

Legacy of Fear

Pregnant with my second child, I find myself growing more anxious as her birth approaches. I will count down the months until she passes out of the danger zone for SIDS, as I did with my son. I will pray and hope that she makes it through and sleep more soundly when she does.

It is a legacy of fear. But, it is a legacy of fear that I hope to not pass down to my own children. The farther our family moves away from the tragedy, the less hold it has over us. My children will, most likely, never share my experience of losing a sibling to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

The Legacy of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
Baby’s feet

They will be able to believe that it would never happen to them or their children and that, in my opinion, is for the best. After all, I will worry enough about my grandchildren enough for all of us because I will never forget.

Homemade Playdough Recipe

Lyne Proulx
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8
Homemade Playdough Recipe

I had the pleasure of child minding my 4 year old niece. My kids are much older now so I don’t have too many toys or crafts for that age group, so we made some together. I used to make homemade playdough all the times with my kids when they were younger. We preferred the uncooked playdough recipe since it would be easier for them to make. I am sharing below my favourite recipe!

It is no secret that playing with those colourful pieces of playdough is fun, but did you know that it has other benefits for children? Having children play with playdough can introduce many different things to them.

Homemade Playdough Recipe
Child playing with Homemade Playdough

How does playing with playdough help a child’s development

When it comes to playing with playdough, many parents tend to avoid it because they see it as messy. While it can be messy at times, playing with playdough offers a ton of benefits and learning opportunities for your child that outweigh the negative aspect of it being messy.

1. Playdough can help build and enhance fine motor skills.

Since playdough is malleable, your child can manipulate it easily. As your child rolls, pokes, squishes, scores, and shapes the play dough it will help them strengthen their hand muscles.

Strengthening those hand muscles and tendons will help improve their fine motor skills and coordination. This can even help get them ready for more control when it comes to using pencils and scissors.

2. Encourages creativity

Playdough typically starts out in the shape of the ball. After that, it allows children to create and make anything they want through open ended play.

As they are shaping and forming objects like food, flowers, or other fun shapes, it’s really encouraging them to be creative and use their imaginations. Children see the world differently and allowing them to manipulate and get creative with playdough will help them bring their designs to life. From just a simple ball, they can create a variety of different shapes and designs.

3. Playing with playdough is soothing and calming

Manipulating and playing with play dough has a calming effect, even for adults. When children start to squeeze and mush the playdough through their hands, it is a soothing feeling that can help calm them down.

Playdough can also help children when it comes to their emotions, especially if they tend to struggle with them. For instance, if you give your child a ball of playdough to play with and let them freely play, it may be easier for them to open up more easily when it comes to talking about their feelings. You may notice that as they are playing, their feelings and worlds will just start to come out because they don’t have to focus on their words or try so hard to explain them.

4. Increases curiosity

Have you ever been curious as to what would happen if you mixed two or three things together? What if this colour mixed with that colour? When children play with playdough, it can help increase their curiosity to discover new colours or new things. They will start asking questions and experimenting which can turn into a fun learning opportunity.

5. Promotes investigation and science learning

There are a lot of kid-friendly playdough recipes out there and if want to encourage some extra learning, let your child help make homemade play dough.  

As they are helping make the playdough, they will see the science come to life. They will be closely watching what happens when the simple ingredients are mixed. They may start to form their own hypotheses or try and predict what is going to happen.

This doesn’t just apply when it comes to making playdough. These learning experiences will also make an appearance when they are playing with the dough. As they explore the different shapes they can make or try to stack the playdough pieces, their scientific thinking will set in leading to the “what if?” questions.

These are just a few ways that playing with playdough can be beneficial to children. As you can see, play dough is versatile and offers a lot of learning opportunities for children.

Homemade Playdough Recipe

Some recipes require cooking on the stovetop. The playdough does have a better texture when cooked, but if you want the kids to do it themselves, it’s best to try an uncooked playdough recipe.

Homemade Playdough Recipe
Homemade Playdough Recipe

This easy homemade playdough recipe provides hours of fun! It can be expensive to buy at stores, but it’s very easy and costs nothing to make it at home! The only materials you will need are:

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup salt
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 cup flour
  • Food dye or Kool-aid
Homemade Playdough Recipe
Homemade Playdough Recipe

How to make playdough from scratch

1. Food dye (any colour, be creative mix & match!) They now sell Neon food colouring. You can even scent it by adding 1-2 single packages of Kool-Aid.

2. Newspaper or plastic place mat to cover the surface you’re working on.

3. Mix salt and flour in a bowl.  Mix water and food dye in another bowl.  Pour water mixture into the dry ingredients bowl. Mix thoroughly by hand. If it’s too sticky add some flour or too dry/flacky add water.

I hope you enjoyed my Homemade Playdough 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 crafts!

Nursery Decor Tips for Style

OMCGuest
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3
Nursery Decor Tips for Style

The final instalment in my Nursery Decor Tips For Safety, Development, and Style, is by far the best part. When the paint has finally dried, the last picture has been hung, and the last teddy bear placed on the shelf, the awaited arrival of your little one will seem much more real and a lot more exciting (if that’s even possible)!

These simple and easy to follow nursery decor tips will point you in the right direction and help get you started on giving your little bundle their fabulous space that they will laugh, cry, and grow up in.

Nursery Decorating For Style

Nursery Decor Tips For Safety, Development, and Style - Part 3
Nursery room

Exit duck and clown art

Nursery decor is less about using the juvenile patterns we are use to seeing in the past, and more about being an extension of your home. By bringing your decorating choices throughout your home into the nursery you will increase the life of your design and allow for a more consistent and comforting feeling into your little ones bedroom. Nursery’s are now sweet without looking immature, and sophisticated without being pretentious.

Nix the matchy-matchy mindset

Matching all your nursery pieces is a thing of the past. Adding a more eclectic feeling to your nursery by using mismatched pieces can help increase the longevity of your design. It adds depth and an interesting atmosphere that your little bean can grow into, and is less likely to make you tire of the decor and want to redecorate in a couple of years.

Wall decals

These are huge for nursery decorating because they are cheap, extremely easy and foolproof to use. They also peel off without damaging paint when you want a change. A great website to visit is magicwall.ca . They sell countless wall decals and have tips and ideas for using their products.

Nursery Decor Tips For Safety, Development, and Style
A white bassinet

Style: room Colour

Grey – The grey colour can be coupled with every colour imaginable. Grey is gender neutral and is seen everywhere for the coming year.

Black and white with pops of colour add loads of drama and sophistication.  It will add interest, stimulation and a definite cool vibe.

Traditional made modern – There is a more modern approach to nursery decor by taking traditional furnishings and adding pops of colour. For example- DIY by taking an old rocking chair and modernize it with gorgeous paint colours.

Nursery Decor Tips For Safety, Development, and Style - Part 3
Nursery Decor Tips For Safety, Development, and Style – Part 3

Decorating your baby’s space is easier and even more enjoyable now than it ever was. Nursery decor is all grown up, and the predictable designs and boring decorating choices of yesterday are long gone. In today’s nursery you will find a more sophisticated, advanced, stylish, and usable spot that your little one will enjoy and grow in for years to come.

Don’t forget to read Part 1 and Part 2 of the series!

Happy decorating and best wishes! 🙂

DIY Crystal Hearts Craft

OMCGuest
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16
DIY Crystal Hearts Craft

I wanted there to be a bit of valentines magic in our house this year. I searched for hours on Pinterest (your welcome!!) to find what I thought was the coolest craft and it was Crystal Hearts. They are also perfect to make for Mother’s Day or any just for the fun of making them!

Make Your Own Crystal Hearts
Crystal hearts flower

Valentines day is approaching and we are all starting to see red and pink hearts on everything in the stores. My kids are starting to get really excited. My 5 year old can hardly wait to pass out little heart shaped papers to all her friends and get little valentine notes. Her excitement reminds me of how much I liked this special day and sometimes when you get older you don’t see the holiday the same way you once did as a child.

What Are Crystal Hearts

These are little hearts that you shape out of pipe cleaners and dip in a solution. When you wake up in the morning they are filled with beautiful crystals. We are going to hang them up so the birds don’t bump into our windows.  Not only are they gorgeous but they are useful too!

Homemade Crystal Hearts

Material You Need To Make The Crystal Hearts:

  • Pipe Cleaners
  • Wide Mouth mason jars
  • thread
  • Popsicle stick
  • boiling water
  • borax (found in the laundry section of your supermarket)
  • long spoon or stirring stick
  • ribbon for hanging
Make Your Own Crystal Hearts

How To Make Crystal Hearts

Step 1: We started making the crystal hearts by forming cute shapes with the pipe cleaners. This is something that kids can do too. We made some heart shapes and a cute squiggle. Tie a piece of thread around the pipe cleaner. Attach the other end of the thread to the Popsicle stick so that the shape hangs in the jar and does not touch the bottom or sides and place them aside.

Step 2: Pour boiling water into each jar and add a few tablespoons of borax, stir until powder is dissolved. Continue adding a tablespoon at a time and continue stirring until the mixture becomes cloudy and solution is completely saturated with the borax.

Make Your Own Crystal Hearts

Step 3: Add your shapes to the jar and let it sit in a place where it will not be disturbed for 24 hours. I took them out of the solution and let them dry. I added some ribbons to the crystals so I can hang them from the windows.

Make Your Own Crystal Hearts

Step 4: As my crafty neighbour and I made these we thought about all the different things we could dip into the solution. Pom poms, thread, yarn. So many fun possibilities! These would look beautiful in a shadow box or even as little toppers for gifts.

Notes:

Please keep a watchful eye around children with hot liquid and heating water on stove. Borax is a soap product and may be harmful to children if ingested. Please don’t let children handle crystals without supervision. Please wash hands thoroughly after touching crystals.

I hope you enjoyed my Crystal Hearts Craft 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 crafts!

Make Your Own Crystal Hearts
Make Your Own Crystal Hearts

Tints of Nature Permanent Hair Colour Review

The Pensive Mama
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9
Tints of Nature Permanent Hair Colour Review

The winter blahs have been getting me a little down lately.  When I feel like this there are usually two things that change my mood.  The first is to rearrange my furniture and since I have moved my sofa couch to every possible position in my living room, I had to resort to the next possible “pick me up”…. a new hair colour. I decided to try Tints of Nature permanent hair colour to dye my hair and share my review.

after shot- a nice natural shade of chocolate brown.

I will just let it be said that I have used many different types of hair dyes. I am no stranger to brands or to exotic colours. Mostly what I have always look for in a hair dye is something that is easy to use at home and was easy on my wallet. These days I have been thinking more and more about the products I am putting on my hair, in my body, and on my skin. I have been questioning the safety of products out there that I use for myself and my family.

Tints of Nature Permanent Hair Colour Review

When I first found out about the Tints of Nature hair dye, I was very excited. A long lasting hair dye without such harmful chemicals as ammonia and parabens, one that is gentle for your hair containing organic certified ingredients. I had to try this.

Tints of Nature Pre-Treatment

The first thing that I found different about this hair dye product was that it offered a “pre – treatment” for my hair.  There was a little packet of shampoo made with grape seed oil extracts that is used to prepare your hair before you dye it.  It strips away any build up on the hair and removes any oils making it more receptive to the dye.  I also thought that it was interesting that I was to wash my hair with the shampoo first, then towel dry my hair.  The dye then goes on the hair that is damp.  Normally I have always put the dye on my hair when it is dry.

The pre treatment had no smell and left my hair feeling squeaky clean. I then proceeded to towel dry my hair and I combed it out just like in the instructions.

Tints of Nature Colour Application

I mixed the colour and the activator and there was no offensive odours. It smelt a bit “minty”, but it did not have the harsh chemical smell that I have experienced with some other brands.  When I put the dye in my hair, it was fairly easy to use. I just lathered it in. I was careful to go around the back of my ears and get all the spots that I sometimes miss. There was plenty of dye, I was tempted to ask my husband if he wanted to use some. The gloves that came in the package were a thicker plastic which I thought was nice since I always poke my finger nails through the flimsy ones. I just had some trouble getting them off once I was done.

I left the dye in my hair for 40 minutes and used the little shower cap it came with. It was a loose fit, but there was an elastic in the box and it helped keep my cap on. (wow they thought of everything!) My husband had noted that I got quite a bit on the back of my neck.

When I washed it out I used the shampoo and conditioner that came with the product. It had a nice fresh smell. It left my hair feeling soft and removed the stiff feeling most hair dyes leave you with. I was also relieved to see that all the dye on my neck had been washed away with out having to do any intense scrubbing. Usually I have the “tell tale” signs on my neck, forehead ears and hands for a few days.

When my hair dried it was a cute chocolate brown colour. The colour was in my hair and not all over the towel. I noticed my natural highlights and low lights. My hair was soft and silky and my bathroom did not smell like a chemistry lab.

Love Tints of Nature Permanent Hair Colour

I am very happy with the results I got with Tints of Nature. This product is definitely worth the few extra dollars. Remember you get what you pay for, but in this case you don’t get the Parabins, the Amonnia, the resocinol. You get an amazing award winning product that isn’t tested on animals and uses natural and organic ingredients.

For this Mamma, the decision is a natural one!

A Parent’s Guide to Winterlude

Lyne Proulx
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A Parent’s Guide to Winterlude

A Parent’s Guide to Winterlude!

Winterlude is a festival in Ottawa that celebrates all the best that winter has to offer. Usually February kicks off Winterlude. Having lived in Ottawa and enjoyed Winterlude for 12 years now, I have several pieces of advice for parents. All three of my children now 9, 7 and 4 have experienced Winterlude from different perspectives and look forward to the adventure each year. You will find this parent’s guide to Winterlude very handy!

We usually go once with the insane crowds, thousands of visitors and exhibits galore along the canal route. However, the best time to go is when the tourists are not. The ice is clear, smooth and inviting. The absence of crowds gives my family and I the freedom to roam along the 14 km of skating uninterrupted.

A Parent's Guide to Winterlude !
Ice Sculpture at Winterlude

Bring Cash !

Beavertails are a rite of passage after skating on the worlds longest skating rink. Canadian invented & 100 % Canadian made these tasty oblong pastries can be purchased on the canal at the Beavertail kiosk.

A Parent's Guide to Winterlude !
Beavertails Girls!

 Baby it’s Cold Outside

You may think because the sun is shinning the canal will be a warm place to explore, but you would be wrong. Bundle up in layers and remember cotton kills. The theory of skating 14 k with you family may seem like the idyllic way to spend a Saturday but there are drawbacks. Cold feet are the number one complaint of skaters and their little ones. Bring a wagon or sled to draw your little one down ice after they have decided they are done for the day.

A Parent's Guide to Winterlude !
My tired boy.

 Donate to a Good Cause

The canal is an amazing feat build by masterful technicians in the heart of the nations capital. Please consider donating at one the many drop boxes along the canal route.

Tired of Skating?

There are so many other activities to experience during Winterlude other than skating on the canal including Jacques Cartier park, exhibits, contests and figure skating shows don’t limit yourself to one activity enjoy them all! One word of caution, the winter weather will tucker out even the most outdoorsy family. Pack fresh fruit, veggies, cheese treat and of course water for instant energy during your Winterlude adventures. Don’t be afraid to take a break or head back at your hotel, the canal will still be there when you get back.

A Parent's Guide to Winterlude !
Skating with our Shadows

Souvenirs…Functional & Fashionable

One thing I have learned about souvenirs is that most are dust collectors. However, the Winterlude items serve a purpose. Several years ago I bought Ice Hogs zipper fobs for my kids winter coats. It was one of the best purchases I have made, giving my kids the ability to zip up their coats with mittens on all while sporting our Winterlude swag.

Exploring the Glebe

So I may be a little bias, but the Glebe is wonderful area to explore. Take off your skates and take a walk up the tree lined streets for a break from the canal. The beautiful four square homes, wides side walks and shops make the Glebe a family friendly area.

A Parent's Guide to Winterlude
A Parent’s Guide to Winterlude

Enjoy this parent’s guide to Winterlude and your time in the nation’s capital. Winterlude is a fabulous place to start your family adventure just don’t forget to look at all the activities available to you and your family!

@Sherrie Mae

Huggable Valentine’s Day Craft

Tracy (Redefined)
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6
Huggable Valentine’s Day Craft

Every year since I can remember, I have given my grandfather a Valentine’s Day card. It’s a tradition I have since passed down to my four-year old daughter. Because my daughter enjoys crafts, we now make a Valentine’s Day craft or card instead of purchasing one, which to me is much more personal and heartfelt anyway. This year we made a Huggable Valentine’s Day Craft!

Huggable Valentine's Day Craft
A Huggable Valentine’s Day Craft

Thanks to the brilliance of Pinterest, I have access to hundreds of great Valentine’s Day crafts for kids. This year, I let my daughter chose which one she would like to do and right away she chose this “hug” craft from a blog called The Party Event! It’s such a fun handprint Valentine’s Day craft that makes it so much more memorable as a Valentine’s Day gift.

Valentine's Day Craft
A Huggable Valentine’s Day Craft

How To Make The Valentine’s Day Craft

The craft is really easy to make and involves:

  1. simply tracing and cutting out your child’s handprint on red or pink construction paper,
  2. attaching it to a ribbon (or yarn) of your choice,
  3. then cutting out several hearts and also gluing them to the ribbon,
  4. followed by printing or writing out and then attaching a verse to explain what the craft is.
A Huggable Valentine's Day Craft
A Huggable Valentine’s Day Craft

My daughter was able to cut out her handprint that I traced for her, as well as cut out some of the hearts and glue them to the ribbon. She also chose where she would like to place the hearts along the ribbon. The ribbon is the exact length of her arms stretched out – or the size of her hug.

Valentine's Day Craft
A Huggable Valentine’s Day Craft

My grandfather does not live in town, so this was the perfect craft to make and send to someone who will not be hugged in person this Valentine’s Day. It was, however, tricky to find an envelope that would fit her handprint without having to bend the fingers, so keep this in mind when tracing your child’s handprint – the more spread out the fingers are, the larger the handprint will be and the less likely it will fit into a standard letter-sized envelope.

Huggable Valentine’s Day Craft

After finding the perfect size envelope, sending the Huggable Valentine’s Day Craft reminded us how special, handmade gifts can bridge any distance. These crafty moments also highlight the potential of repurposing many of the materials we already have around the house, including old colouring pages. For those who enjoy upcycling, we’ve got inspiring ideas for turning colouring pages into greeting cards and gifts that are just as heartwarming as our Huggable Craft.

Huggable Valentine's Day Craft

Huggable Valentine's Day Craft

Yield: 1 craft
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Active Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Cost: $5

This Huggable Valentine's Day Craft is easy to make and uses construction paper, ribbon, your child's handprint, and writing out a verse.

No Ratings

Materials

  • Ribbons
  • Construction paper

Tools

  • scissors
  • glue

Instructions

    The craft is really easy to make and involves:

  1. simply tracing and cutting out your child’s handprint on red or pink construction paper,
  2. attaching it to a ribbon (or yarn) of your choice,
  3. then cutting out several hearts and also gluing them to the ribbon,
  4. followed by printing or writing out and then attaching a verse to explain what the craft is.

Notes

Taken from “““hug” craft from a blog called The Party Event!!!

© Tracy (Redefined)
Project Type: Valentine's Day / Category: Crafts

My daughter and I are happy that her great-grandfather will have her “hug” on Valentine’s Day. In fact, my daughter loved this craft so much, she made one for her best friend as well as one for her father. She’s so huggable…

Which Countertop to Choose

Keep it Beautiful
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3
Which Countertop to Choose

I’m sure we all have memories of laminate countertops in our parent’s or grandparent’s kitchens. I know my parents have had various shades of colours and styles of laminate in their kitchen over the years and just recently gone the way of granite. This past weekend, Mr. Fix-it and I were on the hunt for new countertops. I had no idea how many options there are now…and if you want to go the way of laminate…it has done leaps and bounds in improvements. So which countertop to choose?

Which Countertop to Choose?

Which Countertop to Choose?

If you are thinking about new countertops in your kitchen, it is important to do some research to see what is a good fit for you and your needs. 

Here are a few tips on which countertop to choose:

LAMINATE

Plastic laminates have been popular through the years because they are inexpensive, easy to install and durable. When choosing a plastic laminate, you have a variety of colors and styles to choose from.  It used to be that laminate only came in solid colours, however now photographs are taken of more expensive options (such as granite) and placed on the laminate to give it that “granite” look.  Laminate is a great option for relatively short term needs, renters and budget friendly. The disadvantages to choosing this alternative are that it fades over time, isn’t the most fashion forward, will not tolerate direct heat, and the seams are very noticeable.

STAINLESS STEEL

Stainless steel is used in restaurant kitchens all over the world.  It has also become popular for residential use as it provides a modern look, is scratch resistant and cleans well.  However, it can make a kitchen feel cold and sterile depending on what else is going on in the kitchen.

GRANITE

Granite is one of the most popular counter tops that is being installed in kitchens today.  It is a natural stone that comes in a variety of patterns and textures.  Granite isn’t a cheap option so it is best to hunt around for a good price and choose your slab as each piece is different.  It is likely that you will pay per foot for granite or if your counter top area is relatively small, you may be able to purchase end pieces which will be significantly cheaper.

The advantages to granite is it can take the heat of your pans and does not scratch easily.  The dissadvantage is that it can stain easily if you don’t catch a spill quickly.  It is important to seal your granite about once a year.

QUARTZ

Quartz is also a beautiful option that usually has the highest price tag.  This counter top requires little maintenance and is usually even throughout in its look with less visible seams.

STONE-SYNTHETIC COMPOSITES

Stone-Synthetic composites consist of Corian’s Zodiac, Formica’s Crystalite, and Consentino’s Silestone. Many times, these counter tops look like stone.

An advantage to using this type of material over granite, or other naturally occurring substances is that it will not have imperfections. These composites to do not need to be sealed and are pretty resistant to scratching. However, spills not mopped up will leave a stain.

CORIAN AND SOLID SURFACING MATERIALS

These countertops are 100% acrylic or polyester acrylic mixes. These types of countertops come in a wide range of colours and patterns.

When solid surfacing countertops are installed they are installed seamlessly leaving a continuous surface. You can even opt to have your sink done with solid surfacing material so there isn’t even a seem break there. These countertops are extremely popular as they provide a high end look that costs less than granite and quartz.

Tips On Which Countertop to Choose

I’m still undecided on what to put into our kitchen. We won’t be changing our cabinets but the counter top does need an upgrade. It is a small space so I’m hoping that maybe we can find an “end” piece that will fit. Hmmm, we’ll see. I’ll keep you posted, but in the meantime make sure to have your research done when looking for counter tops and ask lots of questions.

Keep it Beautiful.

Alicia

Nursery Decor Tips for Baby’s Development

OMCGuest
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3
Nursery Decor Tips for Baby’s Development

Decorating your baby’s nursery to provide the best possible atmosphere for development is a lot simpler than you would think. There is no need to spend copious amounts of money on expensive gadgets and unrecognizable furniture. With a little tweaking here and there, the simple traditional methods of decorating lead the way for maximum growth potential. Here are my top tips for the next chapter in my three part series on Nursery Decor.

Nursery Decor Tips For Safety, Development, and Style - Part 2
Nursery Decor Tips For Safety, Development, and Style – Part 2

Nursery Decorating For Development

1) Crib Mobiles

I love using mobiles in nurseries for two reasons. The first reason is that they can help aid in visual development.  Infants can see approximately 8-15 inches away and need your help to further develop their eyesight.  Since a crib mobile is the ideal length away from a baby’s face, it is the perfect tool for stimulating their vision. Using patterns and colours is highly recommended, as well as a mobile that spins around, since month 2 & 3 will see (pardon the pun :)) your baby developing sharper visual acuity, as they start to follow moving objects.

The second reason I love mobiles is for the music. Studies have established the presence of, “The Mozart Effect” in correlation between music and spatial reasoning in cognitive development for learning and problem solving. Not only that but the music will relax and sooth baby as well.

Nursery Decor Tips For Safety, Development, and Style - Part 2
Crib mobile

2) Wall Art

After month one baby can approximately see objects up to 18 inches away and sight will continue to develop at a rapid pace.  To help further stimulate your infant’s vision, decorate their room with artwork that has bright, cheerful, contrasting colours, and shapes.  It is advisable however, that you do not over do it in this area. Too much stimulation will backfire and you will wind up with a very cranky baby, and I imagine I will wind up with a few unhappy phone calls as well :s.  A few interesting pieces will do the trick, or you can even opt for wall stickers that will easily peel off once you want to redecorate!

The trick is to keep the wall art consistent around the room to develop a sense of balance as your newborn develops. So if you are hanging paintings you would want them to be equal distance apart and the same amount on each wall. Likewise if you are using wall stickers you would do a cluster equal space apart, same amount on each wall, or you could even do a border of wall stickers instead, around the centre of the wall at the same height that baby will be looking at while in the crib. The idea is to keep it stimulating but simple and consistent at the same time. We want to help the baby develop not have a brain aneurism 🙂

3) Patterned area rugs

Supervised tummy time is very important in helping baby develop important muscles and learn how to hold their head up, turn over, and crawl. Why not give them something to look at that will stimulate their eyes and brain at the same time? A simple patterned area rug is a great way to provide warmth, comfort, and stimulation as well! Since your baby will be a couple of  inches from it you can opt for something neutral that will blend in with your decor.

4)  Lighting

Did you know that a one month old baby requires 50 times more light than an adult to be aware that light is even present? Fast forward to one month later and that amount is reduced to needing 10 times more light than an adult for optimal sight.  As their eyesight develops and becomes acclimatized to their new environment it is a good idea to have a dimmer switch installed for your ceiling fan (as discussed in Part 1) and some soft lighting around the room such as nightlights.  Providing some low lighting will provide visual stimulation when they are awake in their crib.

5) A Rocking Chair

Of course I couldn’t finish without the obvious! What does a rocking chair have to do with development you ask? It gives you a cozy, quiet spot to bond with the newest love of your life. Bonding is an important human instinct that gives us a sense of security and self-esteem. Quality bonding time  is a key factor in your baby’s social, emotional, intellectual, and physical growth. The soothing rocking motion will also calm and de-stress you both, allowing you to slow down and enjoy each others company.

Nursery Decor Tips For Safety, Development, and Style - Part 2

The main thing to remember when decorating your baby’s new space is to keep it simple and comfortable. It is better to provide a calm, soothing nursery, with a few bold, bright decorating pieces that will support growth, than it would be to over stimulate with what could only be described as a Skittles explosion.

Next week, I will share my final top tips for decorating your nursery in true baby style!

Nursery Decor Tips for Safety

OMCGuest
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Nursery Decor Tips for Safety

Decorating for your little beans’ arrival is an incredibly fun and exciting project. It’s easy to get carried away in all the glee and excitement and purchase everything in sight; from blankies, to wall decals, to furniture, to teddy bears. Everything seems too cute to pass up and too perfect that before you know it, the crib is overflowing with toys, and the floor is littered with so many assembly instructions its enough to make your head spin! In my three part series on nursery decor tips for safety, development, and style, I will help keep you on track with buying the best items that will look fabulous, be safe, and help with the healthy development of your little one.

Nursery Decor Tips For Safety, Development, and Style
Nursery Decor – Photo credit: ex.libris / Foter.com / CC BY-NC-ND

Nursery Decor Tips For Safety

1) Preventing Suffocation

Blankets, pillows, bumper pads, and toys of any kind should never be used in a crib. Using these items has the potential to increase the risk of suffocation or of a baby getting tangled in them. A well fitted crib sheet is sufficient and should be the only item in your baby’s crib. It is also better to err on the side of caution and not use sleep positioners-even those that claim to reduce the risk of SIDS, as there is no actual evidence they do what they claim, and some babies have actually suffocated while using them.

Dressing your baby in a cozy fitted onesie will be just fine and they will be plenty warm without adding the risk of blankets.

2) Room Comfort

Installing a reversible ceiling fan to cool and circulate the air is a great choice to ensure your little one does not overheat. One study found that using a ceiling fan reduced the risk of SIDS by a whopping 72%! You can find some ultra-cute nursery theme ceiling fans.

3) Window Coverings

Heat reflecting UV blocking window treatments are another great choice for keeping baby comfortable and safe. My all-time favourite window treatments for nurseries are cordless blackout roller shades, which come in many gorgeous baby colours and cute patterns. They totally darken the room, look great, and carry the added safety and comfort feature of blocking out heat and having no cords which nix the risk of strangulation completely.

4) Furniture

When furnishing a nursery I never recommend anyone buy second hand or use hand me down furniture. Believe me-when it comes to saving money I’m the first person to get in line, but for this situation I would never risk it. Purchasing brand new furniture, from cribs to change tables, is the best way to ensure these items are up to code and companies are following proper safety procedures.

5) Crib mobiles

Using a crib mobiles is a debate that many people would argue for or against. I like using mobiles for one very good reason- It can aid in babies healthy eyesight development. We will discuss more about that next week. Hey! You didn’t think I was gonna give it all away now did you? 😉

If you DO decide to use a mobile there are some important guidelines to follow; Strings should not exceed 7 inches, a mobile should only be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and they should be removed the moment your baby can turn over, and\or starts to pull up, and\or can sit up.

Nursery Decor Tips For Safety, Development, and Style
Nursery Decor Tips For Safety, Development, and Style

Finally, make sure you register all your purchased baby items with the manufacturers as they will keep you up to date on any recalls or warnings that may come into effect.

Join me next week for Part Two of this series where we will discuss tips for Decorating For Baby’s Healthy Development.

5 Tips to Help Moms Balance Work and Home

Lyne Proulx
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2
5 Tips to Help Moms Balance Work and Home

After having a baby, one usually stays at home for a year or so to take care of their new baby. Some describe this as a very difficult year full of adjustments and lack of sleep. Now, over a year after having my son, I look back at that year and think that yes it was a hard year, but this year is much harder. I find it difficult to balance work and home!

5 Tips to Help Moms Balance Work and Home

I decided when Max was eight months old to go back to work. Raising a baby and holding down a professional job has resulted in days whizzing by and a multitude of little tasks that pile up and never seem to get done. If you make the choice to go back to work: not only are you expected to maintain a full-time job – you still have to take care of your little one, keep up with the housework, and at some point: take care of yourself! It is very easy to become overwhelmed.

5 Tips to Help Moms Balance Work and Home
Woman working on her laptop

It did take some time to get used to the new routine, but I believe that I’ve become accustomed to my new dual role of Mom and career person. Some aspects of my life had to change and I had to become more efficient with my time (meaning (for me):  do not be lazy).  I still struggle though. There are days when I look back at my job pre-baby and think to myself “wow did I ever waste my time!”. I’ve complied a list of ways to figure out your work-life-family balance if you do choose to go back to work.

Please find 5 tips below to help to balance work and home!

1.Alter your work schedule

If you can – go part-time, telecommute or work a condensed work schedule. I went back part-time to work and it worked for me (both balance-wise and financially). Now that Max is a bit older, I am going back to full-time work 6 months after returning to work. This has allowed me to get as much work done as I can during “work hours”, so that when I pick up Max from daycare, I am all his for the evening. It has also reduced my workload which in turn reduces my stress levels.

2.Create an online calendar that you can share

One of the biggest adjustments that I had to make was the idea that I could remember everything. I used to be able to remember my schedule without writing things done – now, not a chance. For my day-planner, I use two: an ‘old-school’ pen and paper agenda and my iCalendar. The great thing about my iCalendar (and Google Calendar as well) is that I can share my calendar with my husband. We are able to compare schedules and basically keep track of what is happening.

Spa essentials

3. Set aside some ‘me-time’

Set aside some ‘me-time’! This could be anything from going to Starbucks once a week to have a latte and read a book, to going to a yoga class, to spa treatments or to going for a run/walk! Although I felt the need to run and pick up Max as soon as the work day was over – I ended up deciding to pick him up a bit later every other day so that I could have an hour at the gym. After working out for a bit, I feel re-energized and ready to conquer the evening!

4.Get your sleep!

Make sure to get a solid nights sleep – not just once a week, but every day. If you have trouble going to bed, set a routine for yourself. Personally, I like to turn off all my devices at 10pm, read a book and relax.

5. Say No

Although it may be tempting to take up new work opportunities, sign the kids up for another activity or take up someone on a dinner invitation – sometimes ones schedule becomes a bit too packed and stress may appear. Know your limits.

Tips to Help Moms Balance Work and Home
Tips to Help Moms Balance Work and Home

It can be a struggle to try and balance it all. Some days are better than others. But in the end, the important thing is to keep calm, do your best and try and be the best parent you can be!

Time and Sanity Saving Tips in the Kitchen

Lyne Proulx
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7
Time and Sanity Saving Tips in the Kitchen

With busy households, it’s hard to find time to cook at home and eat right. Here are some time-saving tips and hacks to use in the kitchen that are good for our families and our budget!

 

Time and Sanity Saving Tips in the Kitchen
A woman and a man doing meal preparation.

 

Time and Sanity Saving Tips in the Kitchen

Get Organized

  • Make breakfast the night before. Some ideas are: instant stovetop oatmeal, boiled eggs, and scrambled eggs.
  • Pack your lunch and kids’ lunches the night before.
  • Set aside a few hours on the weekend to cook for the week (or for 3 days worth of meals).
    • Shop for ingredients on Friday.
    • Do the chopping and food preparations on Saturday.
    • Cook it up on Sunday.
  • Defrost something from the freezer in the middle of the week.
  • Invest in a deep freezer!
  • Treat yourself to takeout towards the end of the week to help you make it into the weekend.

Take Shortcuts

  • Throw a bunch of chicken bones into a pot of salted boiling water to make chicken stock. Pour the cooked stock into ice cube trays and freeze. When recipes call for broth, it’s easy throw in a few cubes.
  • Use salad dressing as a quick cooking sauce. Check out some recipes at www.Kraftcanada.com.

 

Time and Sanity Saving Tips in the Kitchen
Rice and chicken on a white plate

 

Try Quick Dishes

  • Make easy Indian-style basmati rice on the stove or rice cooker by adding frozen peas, a dash of turmeric, cumin seeds and chicken broth.
  • Use a rice cooker for cooking pasta. Add less water than listed on package directions. Recently I tried out a quick and easy tomato penne pasta recipe.
  • If your rice cooker has a steamer, steam veggies on top while the rice is cooking and you’ll have a side dish ready for dinner.
  • Try out crockpot recipes. Throw in a bunch of ingredients in the morning before leaving for the day. When you get home, dinner will be ready.

Simple Marinades

When you buy meat, poultry or fish for freezing, divide it up into meal-sized portions. Or try marinating it before freezing. Mix it with your favourite marinade, put it in Ziploc bags and label it. When you are ready to defrost it for cooking, the meat will marinate and tenderize while it defrosts. This saves you a step when it comes time to cook.

a)     Stir fry or Pasta: Marinate chicken breast pieces or small beef strips with garlic, ginger, and your favourite dry rub or seasoning mix. Separate chicken/beef pieces into 1 pound portions and put each in Ziploc bags. Label and freeze. Great for stir fries, pastas, casseroles, anything!

b)     Rotisserie: You could do the same for chicken thighs or legs. Marinate and freeze with St. Hubert or Swiss Chalet seasoning mix from the grocery store and you have a restaurant‐style meal at home. When it comes time to cook, take out the chicken, defrost, throw it in the oven / toaster oven / BBQ and let it cook while you do something else.

c)      Tandoori Chicken Marinade: My favourite marinade is Tandoori chicken

 

Time and Sanity Saving Tips in the Kitchen
Time and Sanity Saving Tips in the Kitchen

 

Ambereen Rahim is a senior analyst, part-time blogger and mom of three year old boy/girl twins. In her spare time you can find her travelling, exploring activities with the kids, trying new recipes and blogging about it. You can follow their adventures at www.2cute.intiaz.com

 

Dating As A Single Parent: Can You Really Have It All?

Lyne Proulx
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2
Dating As A Single Parent: Can You Really Have It All?

If there’s one skill that most single parents have mastered down to a fine art, it has to be multi-tasking. Between things like packing the kids’ lunches, getting them to school, picking them up from ballet practice and excelling at your career – it’s not unusual for single moms and dads to feel like they rarely have a spare moment to themselves. Finding the time to meet new people seems like a mammoth task in its own right, let alone maintaining a healthy long-term relationship. Yet despite the challenges, the good news is that it is possible for single parents to also develop happy and fulfilling relationships.

Here are some tips on how to make the process smoother.

1. Consider your timing

Whether you find yourself single following bereavement or a divorce, the process will no doubt have had an effect on both you and your children. It’s important to give plenty of thought about when it is an appropriate and considerate time to return to dating. Starting a new relationship can bring with it a lot of mixed feelings. It’s important to make sure you feel completely ready to begin sharing your life again with somebody new.

2. Start dating for the right reasons

If you find yourself single for the first time after a long-term relationship or marriage, it’s going to feel like quite a shock. Make sure the decision to get back on the dating scene is made for the right reasons. Finding a new partner and immediately entering a steady relationship might have more to do with your need for security than genuine feelings. Make sure you feel confident, happy and successful with your own life first before agreeing to share it with somebody new.

Dating As A Single Parent: Can You Really Have It All?

3. Look for love in the right places

For most single parents the biggest barrier faced when returning to dating is simply a matter of finding the time. Sitting in bars, going to nightclubs on weekends and agreeing to blind dates with family friends aren’t always an option. If you’re short of time one of the most successful methods of searching for love is by looking online.

Online dating sites are perfect for single parents, whether you hail from a small town or are looking to start dating in Ottawa or another big city. Relationship sites allow people to start meeting compatible, like-minded singles in your area, without the hassle of hiring a babysitter or missing out on spending time with the kids.

Be sure to look for a dating site with the right focus for you, with sites like eharmony specializing in creating meaningful and fulfilling relationships.

4. Be patient

This applies to all aspects of the dating process. Be patient when looking for love, and be patient when introducing a new partner to your kids. They might be frustrating experiences but statistics show that single parents can find long-term and meaningful love again.

When introducing your children to a new partner, always wait until the relationship has progressed to a more serious level before making them a regular feature in your children’s lives. For a first meeting place always choose a laid-back location that avoids pressure, like a trip to the park, bowling or the cinema.

This article is sponsored by http://www.eharmony.ca

How To Soothe Your Baby And Get Fit At The Same Time

Sarah
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1
How To Soothe Your Baby And Get Fit At The Same Time

When my first daughter was born, I discovered quickly how to soothe her when she was crying or fussy. Like most babies, she was soothed by rocking, bouncing, and walking. She also liked to be held (what baby doesn’t) and she wasn’t fond of the swings. I discovered a few ways to keep her comfortable and help her to sleep while burning calories at the same time. You will find below 4 ways on How To Soothe Your Baby And Get Fit At The Same Time! Let me know if you try them out with your munchkins and how it worked.

How To Soothe Your Baby And Get Fit At The Same Time

4 Tips on How To Soothe Your Baby And Get Fit At The Same Time

  1. Hold baby tight and bounce gently on an exercise ball. This worked the best with my firstborn and we’re doing this now with my 6 week old. Hold baby close to you supporting his/her head and step up and down off a step. 
  2. I use a Reebok step but the first step on a staircase would work as well as walking up and down stairs.
  3. Standing on a BOSU and bouncing gently (great for core and balance!), march or step up and down off the BOSU.
  4. Lastly, my favourite – walking.  Around the house, outside in the yard, or for longer stretches with baby in a sling, baby carrier or stroller.

When carrying baby in any of these positions, try to focus on good posture. Relax your shoulders, alternate sides or keep baby at the midline of your body. Note if you’re favouring one side or feeling aches or pains from holding your baby awkwardly and try to alternate positions or adjust so that you can maintain good upright posture. Take breaks if you’re feeling tight and sneak in some neck stretches to keep shoulders down and relaxed. Hoping these tips on How To Soothe Your Baby And Get Fit At The Same Time are helpful!

How To Soothe Your Baby And Get Fit At The Same Time

When Georgia is a little older, I’ll be incorporating her into my workouts as I did with Rayne.  Once she has sufficient neck control, we’ll be doing squats, presses, bridges and more. It’s a great way to bond with baby and get your workout in as well. In the meantime, I’ll keep bouncing, stepping and walking!

Ottawa Tennis Courts & Associations

Lyne Proulx
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0

Tennis Associations

Organization Name Contact Name(s) Phone Number(s)
Barrhaven Tennis Club Claude LeBlanc 613-825-5337      
Beacon Hill Tennis Club G.M. Paterson 613-749-3754      
Blackburn Tennis Club Michel Haddad 613-834-1269      
Blackburn Hamlet Tennis Club André Lepage 613-837-4752      
City View Tennis Club Jackie Nemesvary 613-225-8599       or
613-825-4493      
Craig Henry Tennis Club Clubhouse
Pauline St. Pierre		 613-829-8303
613-226-5889      
Crystal Beach Tennis Club Clubhouse
Bert Bridgewater
Ruth Rayman		 613-869-2298
613-726-9099
613-869-2298      
Cumberland Village Tennis Jim Girardin 613-833-2855      
Elmridge Park Tennis Club Gary Eikenberry 613-748-0490      
General Burns Tennis Club Laura Wardlaw 613-727-5583      
Glen Cairn Tennis Club Doug Ruddock 613-599-0661      
Glens Tennis Club Richard Lovatt
Amie Lee		  613-224-3096      
Kanata Table Tennis Club Peter Grabelny 613-839-9099      
Lindenlea Tennis Maggie Knaus 613-742-5011 
Long Park Tennis Club Silvana DiGiacomo, Membership 613-225-4648      
Lynwood Tennis Club Clubhouse
Dave Agnew		 613-820-6852      613-820-2023       
March Kanata Tennis Club Monica Hollands 613-591-1751      
National Capital Tennis Association info@ottawatennis.com   
North Gower Tennis Club Tim Cooke, President 613-489-1287      
Orléans Tennis Club Denis St. Denis 613-293-3597      
Queenswood Heights Tennis Club Office/Bureau 613-824-8171      
Ryerson Tennis Club Paul Coyle, President 613-825-3356      
Tanglewood Tennis Club      
Tennis Centre West Ottawa Katharine Usher-Vollett  613-828-7622      
Trend-Arlington Tennis Club Clubhouse
Dave Green
Mark Switzer		 613-828-3460
613-820-5510
613-723-7809      
Valleystream Tennis Club Clubhouse
Colleen Corby, President		 613-596-1760
613-829-0335      

Take advantage of the City of Ottawa’s municipal tennis courts.

Tennis Courts locations

Legend:

# – Number of Courts

Lgt – Lights ( yes/no )

CH – Clubhouse ( yes/no )

Ben – Benches ( yes/no )

Fen – Fence ( yes/no )

PC – Practice Court ( yes/no )

BW – Ball Wall ( yes/no )

 A

Name Address # Lgt CH Ben Fen PC BW Notes
ALADDIN PARK 3939 ALBION RD
Gloucester		 2 n n n y n n
ALEXANDER GROVE PARK 10 WARNER COLPITTS LANE
Goulbourn		 3 y y n y y y
ARNOTT PARK 691 HARTMAN CRES
Old Ottawa		 2 n n y y n n

B

Name Address # Lgt CH Ben Fen PC BW Notes
BEARBROOK PARK AND POOL / BLACKBURN TENNIS CLUB 99 BEARBROOK RD
Gloucester / 2669 Innes RD		 6 y y y y n y Blackburn Tennis Club
BEATON PARK 70 CASTLEFRANK RD
Kanata		 4 y y y y y y Glen Cairn
Tennis Club
BEAVERBROOK PARK 2500 CAMPEAU DR
Kanata		 8 y y n y n n March
Tennis Club
BILLBERRY PARK 6600 BILBERRY DR Gloucester 2 n n n y n n
BINGHAM PARK 145 CATHCART ST
Old Ottawa		 1 y n n y n n
BIRDLAND PARK 3 WHIPPOORWILL DR Gloucester 1 n n y y n n used with basketball
BLUEGRASS PARK 59 BLUEGRASS DR
Kanata		 2 y n n y n n
BORDELEAU PARK 349 BRUYERE ST
Old Ottawa		 2 n n y y n n
BRANTWOOD PARK 120 CLEGG ST
Old Ottawa		 2 n n y y n n
BRITANNIA PARK BRITANNIA PARK BRITANNIA PARK BRITANNIA PARK BRITANNIA PARK BRITANNIA PARK BRITANNIA PARK BRITANNIA PARK BRITANNIA PARK BRITANNIA PARK

C

Name Address # Lgt CH Ben Fen PC BW Notes
CANTERBURY PARK 2185 ARCH ST
Old Ottawa		 2 n n y y n n
CARLETON HEIGHTS PARK 1665 APELDOORN AVE
Old Ottawa		 2 n n n y n n
CARSON GROVE PARK 1423 MATHESON RD Gloucester 2 y n y y n n
CATTAIL CREEK PARK 38 CHIMO DR
Kanata		 2 n n n y n n
CECIL MORRISON PARK 1332 AVENUE N
Old Ottawa		 1 n n y p n n partial fencing with basketball
CENTENNIAL PARK 5572 DOCTOR LEACH DR
Rideau		 6 y y y y n n Manotick
Tennis Club
CHAMBERLAIN PARK 80 CHAMBERLAIN AVE
Old Ottawa		 2 n n n y n n
CHAPEL HILL PARK 1556 FOREST VALLEY DR
Gloucester		 2 y n n y n y
COMBERMERE PARK 11 COMBERMERE LANE
Gloucester		 3 y n y y n n
CORKSTOWN PARK 61 CORKSTOWN RD
Nepean		 3 y y n y n n Crystal Beach Tennis Club
CRAIG HENRY PARK 135 CRAIG HENRY DR
Nepean		 8 y y y y y y Craig Henry
Tennis Club
CRESTVIEW PARK 58 FIELDROW ST
Nepean		 5 y y y y y y City View
Tennis Club

D

Name Address # Lgt CH Ben Fen PC BW Notes
DALE PARK 1590 ALTA VISTA DR
Old Ottawa		 2 n n y y n n
DAVIDSON PARK 5 RYERSON AVE
Nepean		 2 y n y y n n Ryerson
Tennis Club

E

Name Address # Lgt CH Ben Fen PC BW Notes
EIGHTH LINE PARK / HARKNESS PARK 6020 EIGHTH LINE RD Gloucester 2 n n n y n n fenced with basketball
ELIZABETH MANLEY PARK 1161 BLOHM DR
Old Ottawa		 2 n n y y n n
ELMRIDGE PARK 1841 ELMRIDGE DR Gloucester 4 y y n y n n Elmridge Tennis Club

F

FAIRMONT PARK 265 FAIRMONT AVE
Old Ottawa		 2 y n y p n n
FEATHERSTONE PARK 2330 VIRGINIA DR
Old Ottawa		 2 n n y p n n
FISHER PARK 250 HOLLAND AVE
Old Ottawa		 6 y y n y n n Elmdale
Tennis Club
FRANK RYAN PARK 950 ALPINE AVE
Old Ottawa		 2 n n y p n y

G

Name Address # Lgt CH Ben Fen PC BW Notes
GARDENWAY PARK 2001 GARDENWAY DR Cumberland 3 y n y y n n Queenswood Heights Tennis Club
GENERAL BURNS PARK 107 CHESTERTON DR
Nepean		 4 y n n y y y General Burns Tennis Club
GLEBE COMMUNITY CENTRE AND ST JAMES TENNIS COURTS 690 LYON ST
Old Ottawa		 4 y y y y n n St James
Tennis Club
GOLDRIDGE PARK 400 GOLDRIDGE DRIVE
Kanata		 1 n n n y n n
GREENBORO PARK & COMMUNITY CENTRE 1505 CAHILL DR
Old Ottawa		 2 n n y y n n
GREENLAWN PARK 1145 GREENLAWN CRES
Old Ottawa		 2 n n y y n n
GRENFELL GLEN PARK 53 AVONLEA RD
Nepean		 2 y n y y n n Glens Tennis Club (2 locations)

H

Name Address # Lgt CH Ben Fen PC BW Notes
HAROLD BARNHART PARK 5650 SCOBIE CRES Osgoode 2 n n n y n n
HARRY CRAIG CENTRE 6047 PRINCE OF WALES
Rideau		 4 y y y y n y
HUNTLEY COMMUNITY CENTRE 108 JUANITA AVE
West Carleton		 2 y n n y n y

J

Name Address # Lgt CH Ben Fen PC BW Notes
JACK PURCELL PARK 320 JACK PURCELL LANE Old Ottawa 1 n n y y n n
JUDGE PARK 837 GRENON AVE
Old Ottawa		 2 n n y p n n

K

Name Address # Lgt CH Ben Fen PC BW Notes
KALADAR PARK 2554 KALADAR AVE
Old Ottawa		 2 n n n y n n
KEMP PARK 11 ROBERT KEMP 1 n n n y n y
KILREEN PARK 1250 SOUTHWOOD DR
Old Ottawa		 2 n n y y n n
KINSELLA PARK 1600 PRESTWICK DR Cumberland 4 y y y y n n Queenswood Heights Tennis Club
KLONDIKE ROAD PARK 1365 HALTON TER
Kanata		 2 n n n y n n

L

Name Address # Lgt CH Ben Fen PC BW Notes
LARKIN PARK 76 LARKIN DR
Nepean		 8 y y n y n y Barrhaven
Tennis Club
LEXINGTON PARK 1404 LEXINGTON ST
Old Ottawa		 2 n n y n n
LINCOLN HEIGHTS PARK 265 BRITANNIA RD
Old Ottawa		 2 n n y y n n
LINDENLEA PARK 15 ROCKCLIFFE WAY
Old Ottawa		 3 n n y y n n Lindenlea Tennis Club
LIONS PARK RICHMOND 3302 HUNTLEY RD
Goulbourn		 2 y n n y n y
LONGLEAF PARK 5831 GLADEWOODS PL Gloucester 2 y n n y n y Queenswood Heights Tennis Club
LYNWOOD PARK 7 SYCAMORE DR
Nepean		 4 y y n y n y Lynwood
Tennis Club

M

Name Address # Lgt CH Ben Fen PC BW Notes
MANOR PARK 100 BRAEMAR ST
Old Ottawa		 2 n n y n n
MARCH CENTRAL COMMUNITY CENTER 1030 RIDDELL DR
Kanata		 1 n n y y n n
MARSHA PARK 855 LAWNSBERRY DR Cumberland 2 y n n y n n
MCKELLAR PARK 539 WAVELL AVE
Old Ottawa		 2 n n y y n n
METCALFE COMMUNITY CENTRE 2785 8TH LINE RD Osgoode 2 y n n y n n
MOONEY’S BAY PARK 2960 RIVERSIDE DR
Old Ottawa		 2 y n y y n n
MORRISON PARK 1095 MORRISON DR
Old Ottawa		 2 n n n y n n
MUNSTER COMMUNITY CENTRE AND DOGWOOD PARK 2890 MUNSTER RD
Goulbourn		 2 y n n y n n

N

Name Address # Lgt CH Ben Fen PC BW Notes
NAVAHO PARK 2031 NAVAHO DR
Old Ottawa		 2 n n y y n n
NAVAN CENTENNIAL PARK 1279 COLONIAL ROAD Cumberland 2 y n y y n n
NEW EDINBURGH PARK 193 STANLEY AVE
Old Ottawa		 2 n n y y n y
NORTH GOWER RA / ALFRED TAYLOR RECREATION FACILITY 2300 COMMUNITY WAY
Rideau		 4 y n n y n y

O

Name Address # Lgt CH Ben Fen PC BW Notes
OSGOODE COMMUNITY CENTRE 5660 OSGOODE MAIN ST
Osgoode		 2 y n n y n n
OWL PARK 180 BOURBON ST
Old Ottawa		 4 y n y y n n

P

Name Address # Lgt CH Ben Fen PC BW Notes
PARKLAND 2 n n y y n n
PIERRE ROCQUE PARK 1257 JOSEPH DROUIN AVE Gloucester 4 y y y y n n Orléans Tennis Club
PIERRE ROCQUE PARK 1257 JOSEPH DROUIN AVE
Gloucester		 2 y n n y n y Orléans Tennis Club
PINECREST PARK COMMUNITY CENTRE 2240 TORQUAY AVE
Old Ottawa		 4 n n y y n n
PINEGLEN PARK 22 BRISBANE RD
Nepean		 2 y n y y n y Glens Tennis Club (2 locations)
PLAYFAIR PARK 1801 PLAYFAIR DR
Old Ottawa		 2 n n y p n n
PUSHMAN PARK 1270 PEBBLE RD
Old Ottawa		 3 n n y p n n

Q

Name Address # Lgt CH Ben Fen PC BW Notes
QUEENSWOOD HEIGHTS CENTENNIAL PARK AND COMMUNITY CENTRE 1485 DUFORD DR Cumberland 3 y n y y n n Queenswood Heights Tennis Club

R

Name Address # Lgt CH Ben Fen PC BW Notes
RACETTE PARK 1410 HENRI LAUZON ST Gloucester 2 y n n y n n
RIVERRAIN PARK 400 NORTH RIVER RD 4 y n y y n n
ROLLING RIVER PARK 4386 SPRATT RD Gloucester 2 n n n y n n
RUSSELL BOYD PARK 1735 ST. BERNARD ST Gloucester 2 n n n y n n
RUTH WILDGEN PARK 1099 GRENON AVE
Old Ottawa		 1 y n n y n n

S

Name Address # Lgt CH Ben Fen PC BW Notes
SANDLEWOOD PARK 2850 SANDALWOOD DR
Old Ottawa		 2 n n n p n n
SHEFFIELD GLEN PARK 2320 SOUTHVALE CRES
Old Ottawa		 2 y n n y n n
SIEVERIGHT PARK 2999 SABLE RIDGE DR Gloucester 2 y n n y n n
SOUTH FALLINGBROOK COMMUNITY CENTRE & PARK 3 y n n y n n
ST GERMAIN PARK 86 TEMPLETON ST
Old Ottawa		 3 n n y y n n
ST. FRANCOIS PARK 1855 SIMARD DR Gloucester 1 n n n y n n
ST. LUKE’S PARK 166 FRANK ST
Old Ottawa		 2 y n y y n n
STEVE MACLEAN PARK / LONG PARK 1190 DEER PARK RD
Nepean		 4 n n y y n n Long Park
Tennis Club

T

Name Address # Lgt CH Ben Fen PC BW Notes
TANGLEWOOD PARK 30 WOODFIELD DR
Nepean		 2 n n n y n n
TRAPPERS PARK 3580 TRAPPER’S RD Gloucester 2 n n n y n n
TREND-ARLINGTON PARK 50 BELLMAN DR
Nepean		 4 y y y y y y Trend-Arlington
Tennis Club

U

Name Address # Lgt CH Ben Fen PC BW Notes
UPLANDS PARK 3165 UPLANDS DR
Old Ottawa		 2 n n y y n n

V

Name Address # Lgt CH Ben Fen PC BW Notes
VALLEYSTREAM PARK 3412 RICHMOND ROAD,
Nepean		 4 y y y y n y Valleystream
Tennis Club

W

Name Address # Lgt CH Ben Fen PC BW Notes
WALDEN PARK 130 WALDEN DR
Kanata		 1 n n n y n n
WESTBORO KIWANIS PARK 411 DOVERCOURT AVE
Old Ottawa		 1 n n y y n n
WILFRED MURRAY PARK KENNEDY ARENA 1115 DUNNING RD Cumberland 2 y n n y n n Cumberland Tennis Club
WINDSOR PARK GLOUCESTER 3560 WYMAN PL
Gloucester		 1 n n n y n n
WINDSOR PARK OTTAWA 1 WINDSOR AVE
Old Ottawa		 4 n n y y n n
WOODBURN PARK 1819 STONEHENGE CRES
Gloucester		 2 y n y y n n

Y

Name Address # Lgt CH Ben Fen PC BW Notes
YVES CHENIER PARK 3585 SARSFIELD RD Cumberland 2 y n n y n n

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Ottawa Outdoor Basketball Courts

Lyne Proulx
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Ottawa Outdoor Basketball Courts

Whether you want to enjoy a pickup game with friends or want to practice your lay-up, the City of Ottawa Parks and Recreation branch provides seasonal basketball courts throughout the City for your enjoyment. You will find below Ottawa Outdoor Basketball Courts for your perusal.

Ottawa basketball court locations have been divided into two categories: East and West. The dividing line follows the Rideau Canal and continues south along the Rideau River. Courts are listed alphabetically.

Ottawa Outdoor Basketball Courts

City of Ottawa Outdoor Basketball Courts

Ottawa East Outdoor Basketball Courts

Park Name

Park Address

Court Size

Notes
Acres 2193 East Acres, Gloucester Full Half on full
Aladdin 3939 Albion, Gloucester Half Two half courts
Alta Vista 1309 Randall, Ottawa Half  
Alvin Heights 349 Claremont, Ottawa Half  
Andy Sheilds 1448 Meadow, Osgoode Full  
Baden 3900 Autumnwood, Gloucester Full  
Balena 1640 Devon, Ottawa Half  
Barnabe 1797 Des Epinettes, Gloucester Full Three backboards.
Bathgate 724 Bathgate, Ottawa Full  
Blackburn 190 Glen Park, Gloucester Full  
Bob MacQuarrie Recreation Complex 1490 Youville Gloucester Full  
Brantwood 120 Clegg, Ottawa Full  
Brewer 100 Brewer, Ottawa Half  
Canterbury 2185 Arch, Ottawa Full  
Carson Grove 1423 Matheson, Gloucester Full With two half courts along the side
Cathcart 219 Cathcart, Ottawa Full No posts or nets
Cecil Morrison 1332 Avenue N, Ottawa Full Fenced with tennis
Cedarcroft 1200 Cedarcroft, Gloucester Full  
Champagne 1861 Markwell Gloucester Half  
Chapel Hill 1556 Forest Valley, Gloucester Full / Half Two half courts, one full
Chapel Hill South 6011 Longleaf, Gloucester Half  
City Centre 1800 City Park, Gloucester Full  
Coronation 442 Coronation, Ottawa Full  
Cummings 980 Cummings, Gloucester Full  
Cyrville Community Centre 4355 Halmont, Gloucester Half  
Cyrville 1420 Meadowbrook, Gloucester Half  
Delorme 6591 Delorme, Gloucester Full  
Dr. John Hopps 300 Den Haag, Ottawa Full Shares with another basket on the side of the court (three nets)
Eastvale 740 Eastvale, Gloucester Full Lights
Edwards 1081 York’s Corners, Osgoode Full  
Eighth Line Park / Harkness 6020 Eighth Line, Gloucester Half Shared with tennis
Elizabeth Manley 1161 Blohm, Ottawa Full  
Elmridge 1841 Elmridge, Gloucester Full  
Emerald Woods 3795 Alderwood, Gloucester Half  
Fairlea 2989 Fairlea, Ottawa Full  
Fallingbrook 681 Deancourt Cumberland Half  
Forbes 669 Paul, Ottawa Full  
Four Seasons 4386 Spratt, Gloucester Full Half on full
Geoff Wightman 89 Leopolds, Ottawa Half  
Gerald Poulin 1899 Du Clairvaux, Gloucester Full  
Glen 1766 Grey Nuns, Gloucester Full  
Greenboro Park and Community Centre 1505 Cahill, Ottawa Full Holes for volleyball poles
Harold Barnhart 5650 Scobie, Osgoode Full  
Heron 1560 Heatherington, Ottawa Full  
Heron 999 Heron, Ottawa Full  
Hiawatha 6218 Voyageur, Gloucester Full  
Isaie Savaage 114 Saphir, Cumberland Full  
Jasmine 2040 Jamine, Gloucester Full  
Joe Jamieson 6940 Bilberry, Gloucester Full  
Joe Rowan 2665 Glenwood, Osgoode Full  
Joella 5565 Joella, Osgoode Full  
Josee Anselmo Memorial 6499 Princiotta, Osgoode Half Small paved court (only 3 by 3)
Kemp 11 Robert Kemp Half  
Kenmore Ball Park 3151 Yorks Corners, Osgoode Full  
La Verendrye 625 Laverendrye, Gloucester Half  
Ledbury 1250 Ledbury, Ottawa Full  
Lindenlea 15 Rockcliffe, Ottawa Full  
Longleaf 5831 Gladewoods, Gloucester Full  
Louis Perrault 6250 Beausejour, Gloucester Full  
Luc Major 956 Bilberry, Gloucester Full  
Marcel Beriault 1691 Sunview, Gloucester Half  
Marchand 1163 Kenaston, Gloucester Full  
McCarthy 3320 Paul Anka, Ottawa Full  
McKendry 2567 Dow, Osgoode Half  
Mooney’s Bay 2960 Riverside, Ottawa Half  
New Edinburgh 193 Stanley, Ottawa Full  
Ninth Line Park and Carlsbad Community Centre 5065 Ninth Line, Gloucester Full  
North Vineyard 6026 Voyaguer, Gloucester Full / Half Two half courts, one full
Ogilvie North 1059 Ogilvie, Gloucester Full With a half court
Optimiste 43 Ste. Cecile, Vanier Full  
Overbrook 33 Quill, Ottawa Full  
Pineview 1465 Ridgebrook, Gloucester Full  
Queenswood Heights Centennial and Community Centre 1485 Duford, Cumberland Full  
Racette 1410 Henri Lauzon, Gloucester Full  
Rideauview Community Centre 4310 Shoreline, Gloucester Full Small full
Ridgemont 1990 Cochrane, Ottawa Half  
Riverrain/River Road 400 North River, Vanier Full  
Roy 6210 Meadowglen, Gloucester Half  
Ruisseau 6116 Creek Crossing, Gloucester Half  
Sandlewood 2850 Sandalwood, Ottawa Full  
Sandy Hill Park and Community Centre 250 Somerset, Ottawa Half  
Sawmill Creek Community Centre 3380 D’Aoust, Gloucester Half  
Scala 797 Scala, Orleans Full  
Senator Eugene Forsey 964 Bronson, Ottawa Full Volleyball – shared
Shadow Ridge 7064 Donwel, Greely Full  
Sharel 1900 Florida, Ottawa Full  
Sheffield Glen 2320 Southvale, Ottawa Full Volleyball poles – no baskets
Sieveright 2999 Sable Ridge, Gloucester Full Attached half court
Silverbirtch 6105 Silverbirtch, Gloucester Full / Half One half court, one full
South Fallingbrook Community Centre 998 Valin, Ottawa Half  
Springhurst 24 Brunswick, Ottawa Full  
St. Francois 1855 Simard, Gloucester Full  
Stanley 1575 Lakeshore, Osgoode Full  
Sylvia Holden 945 Bank, Ottawa Full Non-pavement turf
Trappers 3580 Trapper’s, Gloucester Full  
Trojan 901 Trojan, Ottawa Full Also doubles as a volleyball court
Uplands 3165 Uplands, Ottawa Half  
Uplands Riverside 3860 Riverside, Ottawa Full  
Vars Centennial / Alcide Trudeau 5715 Rockdale, Cumberland Full Inside pavillion
Vernon Recreation Centre 7950 Lawrence, Osgoode Half  
Whiterock 1245 Matheson, Gloucester Full Additional half-court attached
Wilfred Murray / R.J. Kennedy Community Hall 1115 Dunning, Cumberland Half  
Windsor (Gloucester) 3560 Wyman, Gloucester Full Lights
Windsor (Ottawa) 1 Windsor, Ottawa Full  
basketball in a hoop

Ottawa West Outdoor Basketball Courts

Park Name

Park Address

Court Size

Notes
Alexander 960 Silver, Ottawa Full  
Alice Wilson Woods 5590 Campeau, Kanata Half  
Amberway 11 Denham, Goulbourn Half  
Banner 90 Banner, Nepean Full  
Barry Mullen 152 Grandview, Nepean Half Shared with parking
Bellevue Manor / Gym Complex 1520 Caldwell, Ottawa Full Two full courts
Bluegrass 199 Bridgestone, Kanata Half Fenced with tennis courts
Briargreen 9 Parkfield, Nepean Full  
Britannia 2805 Carling, Ottawa Full  
Bryanston Gate 23 Alon, Goulbourn Full  
Burnett / Escarpment 135 Sherway, Nepean Full  
Cattail Creek 38 Chimo, Kanata Full  
Centennial 5572 Doctor Leach, Rideau Full Fenced
Champlain 140 Carleton, Ottawa Half  
Chapman Mills 139 Windhurst, Nepean Half  
Charing 37 Chartwell, Nepean Full  
Chaudiere 68 Elm, Ottawa Full Fenced – old tennis
Constance Bay Community Centre 262 Len Purcell, West Carleton Half  
Country Place 83 Amberwood, Nepean Full  
Crossing Bridge 27 Hobin, Goulbourn Half  
Dalhousie Community Centre 755 Somerset, Ottawa Half Fenced
Davidson 5 Ryerson, Nepean Half  
Deevy Pines 65 Stonehaven, Kanata Full  
Doug Frobel 16 Rowley, Nepean Full  
Drumlins 12 Drumlins, Cumberland Half  
Echo 6698 Marina, Rideau Half Back stop and half court paved
Ed Hollyer 125 Bishop Mills, Kanata Full  
Edward Craig 6480 Doctor Blair, Rideau Half Back stop on grass
Ev Tremblay 108 Beech, Ottawa Full Shared with tennis
Fisher Heights 26 Barlyn, Nepean Full  
Frank Ryan 950 Alpine, Ottawa Full  
Fringewood Park and Community Centre 14 Fringewood, Goulbourn Half  
General Burns 107 Chesterton, Nepean Half  
Gesner Court 25 Gesner, Kanata Half  
Goldridge 400 Goldridge, Kanata Full  
Grandeur 2915 Haughton, Ottawa Half  
Grassy Plains 85 Grassy Plains, Kanata Full  
Grovehurst 100 Grovehurst, Nepean Full  
Hampton 645 Parkview, Ottawa Full  
Hillside 29 Larkspur, Nepean Full  
Houlahan and West Houlahan 44 Tartan, Nepean Half With ball wall
Inverness 76 Inverness, Nepean Full  
Iona 223 Iona, Ottawa Half  
Kars Recreation Centre 1604 Old Wellington, Rideau Full  
Kilreen 1250 Southwood, Ottawa Full Grass turf – for shooting only
Kings Grant 30 Queenston and 36 Dr. Neelan, Goulbourn Half  
Lakeview 62 Horner, Nepean Full  
Laroche 52 Bayview, Ottawa Full  
Lynwood 7 Sycamore, Nepean Full  
Marlbourough 6836 Malakoff, Rideau Half Court on parking lot
Mattawa 94 Steeplechase, Kanata Full  
McKellar 539 Wavell, Ottawa Full  
McNabb 435 Bronson, Ottawa Full  
Meadowvale Terrace 1205 Trenton, Ottawa Half  
Medhurst 72 Medhurst, Nepean Full Attached two more half courts and a ball wall
Merivale Gardens 25 Bie, Nepean Full  
Michele 2955 Michele, Ottawa Full Converted from tennis
Mohawk 90 Queensline, Nepean Full  
Moloughney 30 Wessex, Nepean Full  
Morgan’s Grant Woods 50 Flamborough, Kanata Full  
Morrison 1095 Morrison, Ottawa Full  
Mowat Farm 100 Fable, Nepean Full  
Munster Community Centre / Dogwood 2890 Munster, Goulbourn Full  
Neill Nesbit (Foxfield) 70 Foxfield, Nepean Full  
Parthia 16 Parthia, Nepean Half  
Pinecrest Community Centre 2240 Torquay, Ottawa Full  
Pineglenn 22 Brisbane, Nepean Full  
Plouffe 930 Somerset, Ottawa Full Three of them – kitty corner to each other
Raven 1500 Larose, Ottawa Full  
Reid 40 Reid, Ottawa Full  
Rideauview 960 Eiffel, Ottawa Full  
Rooney 15 Steeplehill, Nepean    
Ruth Wildgen 1099 Grenon, Ottawa Full  
Ryan Farm 5 Parkglen, Nepean Full  
Scisson’s 96 Bridle Park, Kanata Full  
St. Luke’s 166 Frank, Ottawa Full  
Steve Maclean/Long 1190 Deer Park, Nepean Full  
Stittsville Community Centre 10 Warner Colpitts, Goulbourn Half Half court on parking lot
Stonecrest 220 Stoneway, Nepean Full  
Stonegate 45 McIntosh, Kanata Half  
Tanglewood 30 Woodfield, Nepean Full  
Tillbury 725 Sherbourne, Ottawa Full  
Totteridge 11 Totteridge, Nepean Half  
W.C. Bowes 1251 Halton, Kanata Half  
Walter Baker 100 Walter Baker, Kanata Full  
Whalen 4111 Kanata, Kanata Half  
Winfield 6 Winfield, Nepean Half  
Youth Gym and 55+ Club 1463 Prince of Wales, Ottawa Full

Shop Local Farms in Ottawa

Lyne Proulx
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Shop Local Farms in Ottawa

Do you enjoy picking strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries? How about supporting local farmers in Ottawa area? Bring the family for some great outdoor fun times at one of these farms in Ottawa! 

Farms in Ottawa

Proulx Sugar Bush & Berry Farm

1865 O’Toole Rd.
Cumberland (Ottawa), ON K4C 1N2
Tel: 613-833-2417 or  613-833-9009
Fax: 613-833-0472
Email: proulx@proulxberryfarm.com 

Proulx Sugar Bush and Berry Farm sells strawberries, rhubarb, raspberries, sweet corn, and garden vegetables.

March-April:
Visit our sugarbush, see the maple production, enjoy a meal, sleigh ride and the petting farm;

June-August:
PYO or freshly picked available at our “on-farm market”, birthdays, corn roast, family gathering, educational tours;

October:

The farm is transformed into a gigantic Pumpkin Festival with mazes including evening hauntings of “SKREAMERS.ca”, plus a century old two storey “Barn of Terror.”

Saunders Farm

7893 Bleeks Road
Munster, On
K0A 3P0
Canada

Tel.: (613) 838-5440
Email: info@saundersfarm.com

Saunders Farm is located on Bleeks Road, in Munster, in the old township of GOULBOURN, it was the perfect location for a Hallowe’en farm attraction. An extensive renovation of the Farm’s historic log buildings began and in October 1992, Haunting Season was born.

Valleyview Little Animal Farm

4750 Fallowfield Road,
Nepean, ON K2J 4S4
Tel: (613) 591-1126

Email: info@valleyviewlittleanimalfarm.com

Children and adults alike will enjoy seeing a wide variety of animals and birds up close, from alpacas to zebus, goats to geese. Ride the Valleyview Express and enjoy our creative farm playground. Explore Bill’s Old Farm Museum to learn about our agricultural past. Watch a puppet show, have lunch in the Sunflower Cafe and browse in Robyn’s Nest Gift Shop. Come and spend a day in the country at Valleyview Little Animal Farm.

Enjoy picking strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries with the family at these local farms. Some of them even sell vegetables!

Make some time this summer to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at one of these local farms in Ottawa!

Best Hills To Toboggan In Ottawa And The Outaouais

Lyne Proulx
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Best Hills To Toboggan In Ottawa And The Outaouais

Tobogganing is one of our great Canadian traditions! Pack up the family and head out to one of the National Capital Greenbelt’s toboggan hills. You will find below the Best Hills To Toboggan In Ottawa and the Outaouais and many tips on tobogganing!

Ottawa - Gatineau Toboggan Guide

Tobogganing Tips

  • Keep children warm. Dress your children in layers. Make sure their heads and necks are covered by a hat and a neck warmer. Watch for frostbite!
  • On sunny days, put sunscreen on their skin.
  • Check your children’s equipment to make sure that it fits and is in good condition.

When tobogganing or sledding:

  • Make sure your children wear a helmet.
  • Choose a hill that is away from roads and parking lots. There should be no rocks, trees, fences or other dangers in the path.
  • Teach your children to slide down the middle of the hill, climb up the side and watch up the hill.
  • Teach them to move out of the way quickly when they get to the bottom.

Tobogganing and Sledding Injury Prevention – Winter Safety

  1. Tobogganing and sledding are fun winter pastimes, however, they can cause serious injuries that require medical attention. Colliding with objects such as trees, rocks, signs, and other people are common causes of sledding and tobogganing related injuries. Being aware of the dangers associated with these activities and exercising some common sense can help you and your family to have a safe and fun winter season.
  2. Choose a hill with a gentle slope, free of protruding objects such as ice, rocks, and tree stumps. Also, be sure that the hill is not too icy – you want to be able to stop if you need to!
  3. Sled in daylight so that you can see any potential dangers. If you choose to sled at night, make sure that the hill is very well lit.
  4. Children should wear a helmet at all times while sledding to help protect their heads and to decrease their risks of head injuries. In a study conducted by the Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program (1996) a total of 806 records of sledding related injuries in children and youth were examined. Of these 806 patients studied, only 5 reported wearing a helmet. Head and neck injuries accounted for 1/3 of injuries for children less than 10 years of age. Do not let your child go sledding without a helmet! Hockey helmets will do the trick to help minimize the risk of head injury.
  5. Tuck in any scarves, strings, or long hats that could potentially catch on a rock or tree and cause strangulation or other serious injuries.
  6. Wait until the path is clear before starting down the hill. This could help prevent you from running into another person on your way down.
  7. Always position yourself on your sled or toboggan so that you are kneeling or facing forward. Never lie down on a sled or toboggan while going down a hill.
  8. Children who are five years old or younger should have an adult accompany them on a sled or toboggan.
  9. Climb back up the hill on the side to keep out of the way of others who are sledding down. Also, wear bright coloured clothing so that you will be easy to spot from far away on the hill. This will give others time to turn or stop before they get close enough to hit you.
  10. Choose a sled that is sturdy and easy to control. Magic carpets, flying saucers, garbage bags, and cardboard boxes are not good options, as they are light and flimsy and can easily fly out of control.
  11. Have only the recommended number of passengers on a sled or toboggan at one time.
  12. Racing down the hill might seem fun, but sleds can often be more difficult to control at higher speeds. You could end up falling off the sled, hitting an unforeseen object, or hitting one of your friends! Try to maintain safe speeds that will allow you to have the control to stop if you need to.

The Best Hills To Toboggan in Ottawa and Gatineau:

  • Bruce Pit (Nepean)
    Cedarview across from Bell High School in Bell’s Corners
  • Conroy Pit (Ottawa)
    Conroy Road south of Hunt Club
  • Watler Baker Park (Kanata)
    On Terry Fox Drive near Hazeldean. Parking available at Kanata Recreation Complex.
  • Mooney’s Bay Park (Ottawa)
    2960 Riverside Drive. Parking is provided at Terry Fox Athletic Facility.
  • Carlington Park (aka Carlington Ski Hill) (Ottawa)
    937 Clyde Avenue
  • Arboretum / Experimental Farm (Ottawa)
    Next to Dow’s Lake along the Rideau Canal, access from Queen Elizabeth Drive, part of the Experimental Farm.
  • Green’s Creek There are also toboggan hills at Green’s Creek
  • Parc Lemoyne (Gatineau)
    Rue Hillside – advanced hills.

Private Toboggan Hills / Admission Required In the Outaouais

Ottawa City Hall: Rink of Dreams, Sports Hall of Fame and Art Gallery

Lyne Proulx
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Ottawa City Hall: Rink of Dreams, Sports Hall of Fame and Art Gallery

While at Ottawa City Hall why not visit the Rink of Dreams during the winter months or Ottawa’s Sports Hall of Fame and Ottawa’s Art Gallery open year round.

Ottawa Rink of Dreams

The Rink of Dreams is a 12,500 square-foot outdoor rink is officially open again this year in Marion Dewar Plaza on the north lawn of City Hall.  The glow of multicoloured LED lights illuminate around the perimeter of the rink.  The rink opened just in time for the NHL’s All-Star Weekend, hosted by Ottawa for the very first time.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank City Staff, the Ottawa Senators, the Ottawa Sens Foundation, the Hockey Canada Foundation and the many local suppliers involved for all the hard work and countless hours that have gone into making this project a reality for our residents and visitors alike. The Rink of Dreams is another good reason for people to come to our City Hall.”   said Jim Watson, Mayor.

The rink’s heated change hut will be open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. The rink may be closed due to inclement weather or for special events. Click here to view the updated times!

Grab your skates and lace up!

Sports Hall of Fame and City Hall Art Gallery

During your visit to City Hall, consider visiting Ottawa’s Sports Hall of Fame or the City Hall Gallery.

The Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame is located on the first floor of the Heritage Building. It is open to the public seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Admission is free.

The City Hall Gallery is located on the main floor of City Hall and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free.

Aboriginal Experiences – Turtle Island

Lyne Proulx
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Share a journey through Canadian history and arts with unique and interactive programs celebrating Native culture and contributions. Native music, dance, craft making and legends include an interpreted tour of the native village. The Village located just behind Parliament Hill is open June 15 to Labour Day. Voted best New Attraction and Developed Outdoor Site in Ontario 2001 by Attractions Canada.

Location: Victoria Island, Ottawa (near new Canadian War Museum)
Info:  613-235-2091

www.aboriginalexperiences.com

 

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