Showing posts with label friends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label friends. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 09, 2013
A Turtle's Tale 2: Sammy's Escape From Paradise ~ Dive into a Fun-Filled Adventure! #TurtlesTale2
Imagine yourself in a house full of 3, 4, and 5 year olds (and their moms), sprawled out on the floor with their sleeping bags and pillows! Popcorn, every single flavour of Goldfish crackers available to mankind, fruit and veggie platters decorated like fish, a coral reef and starfish and multi-coloured gummy frogs and turtles swimming in a sea of blue Jello?! What mom would willingly open up her house to a dozen junior kindergarten kids for a fun movie matinee? Me! That's who!
Disclosure: I am participating in A Turtle’s Tale 2 – Sammy Escapes From Paradise Blogger Campaign by Mom Central Canada. I received compensation as a thank you for participating and for sharing my honest opinion. The opinions on this blog are my own.
An underwater-themed snack table went hand in hand with the feature presentation: A Turtle's Tale 2: Sammy's Escape From Paradise.
When you're a kid (and even when you're an adult), one of the most exciting parts of a party is the food!
A Turtle’s Tale 2, which is being released on DVD this Tuesday July 9 2013, is a cute movie for kids of all ages. *ahem!* Adults included! Intended for the 3 – 10 year old crowd and rated G,this movie captures the attention of more than just the littlest movie watchers ! I have to say that though all the children started off watching the movie with little bowls of popcorn and goldfish crackers in hand, half of the kids ended up in the toy room! Those who were deep into the movie stayed put for the entire movie.
I forgot how active 3-5 year olds are and how having them sit through an entire movie can sometimes be a challenge.
Nonetheless, the kids enjoyed A Turtle's Tale 2 immensely. It's almost impossible to not fall in love with Ray and Sammy, the two little turtles in the first Turtle's Tale movie! We see them again in A Turtle's Tale 2, only this time they are the big turtles!
The Plot
Sammy and Ray return to the screen in A Turtle’s Tale 2 and they are ready to “Dive into a Fun Filled Adventure”! The dynamic due struggles to escape The Tank, an underwater aquarium, in an effort to find their two adorable little grand-turtles, Ricky and Ella. Working together with some new friends, they discover that when you work together anything is possible!
There were many oooohs and ahhhhs, giggles, and gasps throughout the movie. The kids really responded to Sammy, Ray, Ella, Ricky and all their new friends. They thought Anna, the little pink girl octopus was adorable. As Little One said, "Ohhhh! Anna is a cutie patootie!" Quite cute hearing a four year old say that!
What the moms thought
It was a cute movie and a good one for family movie night. The characters are sweet and there's a distinct message of teamwork. The animation and graphics are very well done. Two of the moms mentioned that they'd like to get A Turtle's Tale 2 for their movie collections.
What the kids thought
I was surprised that even the youngest of our movie watchers was able to pick up on the underlying message of caring for our ocean & the creatures in it. The 3, 4, and 5 year olds were heard chatting about the environment and keeping animals safe, and how mankind should take care of the fish and other water creatures.
One thing both the moms and kids agreed upon was that this movie had some suspenseful moments and the younger children thought it was a little bit scary. My daughter in particular is a bit sensitive to suspense-filled movies and gets nightmares. She didn't have any nightmares and has watched this movie three times since the first time she saw it with her friends on the weekend, but she did say she thought some parts were scary.
Unlike her friends, Little One was seen hiding behind her hands or under her sleeping bag a few times. She doesn't like "bad guys" or villains. To be honest, I was going to screen the movie beforehand, but didn't have time. I figured it couldn't be that scary considering its intended age group/audience.
Our A Turtle's Tale 2 movie matinee was a hit and the kids had lots of fun! Makes me think I should host movie matinee play dates more often...if I'm brave enough to do so!
Here's the trailer for A Turtle’s Tale 2:
Both Turtle's Tale movies are adorable and have characters kids will fall in love with. Definitely a great addition to any family movie night or DVD collection.
Disclosure: I am participating in A Turtle’s Tale 2 – Sammy Escapes From Paradise Blogger Campaign by Mom Central Canada. I received compensation as a thank you for participating and for sharing my honest opinion. The opinions on this blog are my own.
Friday, July 05, 2013
A Scentsy-sational Way to Spruce Up Your Home #Giveway
I have a confession. Much to my husband's dismay, I want our old farm house to look like it's right out of a Better Homes & Gardens magazine. I'm not really winning this battle, but it's my hope to one day have a home worthy of being in Country Living magazine. *sigh* One of these days, my dream will come true.
To add to our "rustic meets modern" home (that's the look I'm striving for), I love a house that smells wonderfully when you walk through the front door. Apples and cinnamon, vanilla, and the like are so welcoming. I love pretty things and things that smell good. Who doesn't, right? This said, I'm very particular about the pretty, scented things I have in my house. I'm extremely sensitive to fragrances and anything too overpowering makes me ill. Very, very ill.
A few years ago, I was at the Manitoulin Trade Fair and came across a Scentsy booth. I have been hooked ever since!
I love the Scentsy Bars for a wickless alternative to traditional scented candles. Such a great way to refresh your home. We've got the Rustic Star Plug In Warmer and I'm in love with the Taro Plug In Warmer!
What I love is that the Scentsy wickless concept is simply decorative ceramic warmers that are designed to melt scented wax with the heat of a light bulb and not with a traditional wick and flame. As someone with allergies and doesn't do well with smoke, I can appreciate this.
To peruse the wide array of Scentsy products, visit www.anita.scentsy.ca or check out Anita's Scentsy Facebook Page.
Anita's Scentsy has donated a Scentsy Plug In Warmer and the Scentsy Scent of the Month to be given to one lucky fan! This month on the website, the featured scent is Watermelon Mint!
To enter: Simply fill out the Rafflecopter form below. Open to residents of Canada only.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclosure - This is a sponsored post, however, as always, all thoughts and opinions expressed on this blog are honest and my own.
To add to our "rustic meets modern" home (that's the look I'm striving for), I love a house that smells wonderfully when you walk through the front door. Apples and cinnamon, vanilla, and the like are so welcoming. I love pretty things and things that smell good. Who doesn't, right? This said, I'm very particular about the pretty, scented things I have in my house. I'm extremely sensitive to fragrances and anything too overpowering makes me ill. Very, very ill.
A few years ago, I was at the Manitoulin Trade Fair and came across a Scentsy booth. I have been hooked ever since!
I love the Scentsy Bars for a wickless alternative to traditional scented candles. Such a great way to refresh your home. We've got the Rustic Star Plug In Warmer and I'm in love with the Taro Plug In Warmer!
What I love is that the Scentsy wickless concept is simply decorative ceramic warmers that are designed to melt scented wax with the heat of a light bulb and not with a traditional wick and flame. As someone with allergies and doesn't do well with smoke, I can appreciate this.
To peruse the wide array of Scentsy products, visit www.anita.scentsy.ca or check out Anita's Scentsy Facebook Page.
Giveaway
Because like me, Anita's Scentsy is as excited about all the Scentsy goodness, she wants to share the love with my Life on Manitoulin readers!Anita's Scentsy has donated a Scentsy Plug In Warmer and the Scentsy Scent of the Month to be given to one lucky fan! This month on the website, the featured scent is Watermelon Mint!
To enter: Simply fill out the Rafflecopter form below. Open to residents of Canada only.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclosure - This is a sponsored post, however, as always, all thoughts and opinions expressed on this blog are honest and my own.
Tuesday, July 02, 2013
Superhero Birthday Party #WordlessWednesday
What do you get when you give a bunch of kids some paint and cardboard superhero shields? Couple that with water balloons and a hunt for asteroids and unfreezing Star Wars action heroes from actual ice and you've got yourself the best birthday party of the Summer!
Let's not forget the amazing Death Star pinata!
Can't forget about the awesome Captain America birthday cake either!
Even better when the hostess is dressed like Princess Leia!
My friends did a fab job on their son's Avengers/Star Wars birthday party. Gotta love Summer birthdays! Especially when you live by the lake!
Link up your Wordless Wednesday posts! Granted, mine wasn't so "wordless" today!
We'd love to check your WW posts out!
Friday, June 21, 2013
Key Lime Parfaits ~ Refreshing Summer Treat
I have two really good girlfriends that I wish I had more time with. We all live on the Island, except on opposite ends. Getting together takes planning in advance. I miss these lovely ladies and really do wish we could see each other more often. Crazy how we all live on the Island, yet due to life, kids, work, and the every day things that keep us busy, we only see each other a few times a year.
This is why we came up with our Key Lime Pie dates. We love our key lime get-togethers! It's a great chance for us to catch up, chat, enjoy each other's company, and enjoy a great lunch. We always end our visit with a slice of key lime pie.
I made something a little bit different for our lunch date today.
This is why we came up with our Key Lime Pie dates. We love our key lime get-togethers! It's a great chance for us to catch up, chat, enjoy each other's company, and enjoy a great lunch. We always end our visit with a slice of key lime pie.
I made something a little bit different for our lunch date today.
Key Lime Parfaits
Ingredients:
Zest of 1 key lime, grated (2 tbsp)
Juice of 1 key lime (or regular lime if you don't have access)
OR 2 tbsp limeade concentrate
1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz can)
2 cups homemade whipped cream (I use Martha Stewart's whipped cream recipe)
1 c Graham Cracker Crumbs
3 tbps granulated sugar
3 tbsp butter, room temperature
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix together condensed milk, lime juice OR limeade (I use the limeade because I like the extra bit of punch), and grated lime zest.
- In a separate bowl, mix Graham Cracker Crumbs, sugar and butter. I use room temperature butter. No need to melt the butter. It mixes nicely at room temp.
- Scoop 2 tbps of crumb mixture into parfait cups and press firmly to form the base/crust.
- Add 2 tbsp of key lime mixture.
- Add a layer of whipped cream.
- If you wish, you can add another layer of crumbs, key lime mixture, whipped cream, or keep it sweet and simple.
- To garnish, I just added a sprinkle of Graham Cracker crumbs and a slice of lime.
- Chill for 2 hrs+. I chill mine in the refrigerator overnight to make sure everything is solidified. The first time I made this, I was so impatient and we wanted to dig in. The result was more like a key lime soup! Note to self: Make sure you chill the key lime dessert long enough!
Et, voila! Makes for a quick, easy, refreshing treat to enjoy with your favourite gal pals.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
When Blogging Was Just Blogging
There was a time when I used to blog for the love of blogging. I moved to an island in the middle of one of the Great Lakes and needed an outlet to ward off isolation (though I was in love with the Island, I missed my loved ones) and to share my new life with my friends and family far away.
I blogged about my life on an island and in a small rural Northern Ontario town. Did you know that the Island is the world's largest fresh water lake island? The blog also served as a place where I planned my wedding details and asked readers for tips and advice. I asked about things like wedding etiquette, what kinds of bombonieres to give guests at our wedding, what kind of food to serve, music to play, etc. That was back in 2006. I had no idea that people other than my friends and family could read the blog until comments started filtering in.
Why would anyone other than my friends and family want to read a boring blog like mine?
All of a sudden, I had a core group of friends in the blogosphere whose blogs I frequented. We commented on each other's blogs religiously. We blogged for the love of blogging. Things were different back then. I miss the daily banter between Ms.Mamma, JellyJules, Uncivil, Wisconsin Candy Dish, and Curiosity Killer. The only one from that vintage who still corresponds via the blog regularly is CanineCologne. Though I keep in touch with my old school bloggy friends, it's outside of the blog. Canine has actually visited us with her family twice in the past few years and is a regular fixture in our loves via email, phone calls, text messages and care packages.
Where was I? Oh, right...
Then I ended up on complete bed rest for my high risk pregnancy, and to my surprise, blog friends around the world were watching, praying, giving me phone calls from California and New Zealand! It's hard to describe the amazing friendships the blog brought me. It was a
Little One catapulted herself into existence at 28 weeks gestation. It the most difficult and the most terrifying time of my life. Our life in the NICU lasted 72 days. It was a long and challenging journey for us, yet she proved (and continues to prove) what a fighter she really is.
I had become a Mommy.
I was a Mom with a blog. I guess by default, that made the blog a "Mom blog". I blogged about life with a preemie, parenting, and everything under the sun. The good, the bad, and the ugly.
That was then
This is now
There was a brief time a few years ago (I think Little One was two years old), when I wanted to shut down the blog. I went on a brief hiatus. It was turning into something that wasn't me. I felt like I was losing my voice and losing the reason I started blogging in the first place. Though the blog had been around since 2006, I didn't really start monetizing until 2009 and wasn't even seriously blogging until 2010. That's when all the big opportunities started coming in. The blog also became secondary to all the social media jobs I was getting as an offshoot of the blog. My main job is with PTPA as their Social Media Community Manager on Twitter. Had I not started a blog back in 2006, I wouldn't have opened up a Twitter account. Had I not opened up a Twitter account, I would not have engaged and formed relationships like I did on Twitter. Had I not done all of that, I wouldn't have been given the amazing jobs I am now happily working at. It's almost dizzying to think of how one thing led to another and how so much has changed.
A girlfriend of mine shared her new blog with me and as I read, it was bitter sweet to me. She recently moved to the Island and started her blog for pretty much the same reasons I did back in 2006. Her blog posts made me smile. Reading her posts made me wistful and nostalgic. That was me seven years ago. Holy smokes! Seven years? That's crazy!
As I read my friend's blog, I remember a time when blogging was just blogging. I remember a time when I blogged because I loved it. I still love it, but sometimes I feel like the blogging world has turned blogs into something else. It's not a bad thing - As long as we preserve our voice and continue to write about what we love and are passionate about.
I guess I just miss the older blogs where people used to visit and read each other's posts. I mean really read and comment. Don't get me wrong. I love each and every comment I receive and I adore my friends and readers. There's a kinship I feel with those in my blogging community. I do feel people who comment on the blog are genuine in their comments. It's just that somewhere between the reviews and giveaways, and producing posts like you're a machine, I think we've lost something. We may be gaining readers and followers, but part of me just misses the old school blog.
I love the blog and all it has given me. It's an extension of me and something to keep for posterity. It has given me so many incredible opportunities from ambassadorships and conferences, to sponsored posts and making fabulous friends (many of whom are not simply online friends, but in real life friends too). Feeling a little nostalgic and wistful tonight. Kind of miss the old school blogs.
Know what I'm sayin'?
End of rant.
Please show my friend, New Country Mama Manitoulin some love. She's new around here. :)
Wednesday, June 05, 2013
Giving Thanks
Never in a million years would I have ever imagined what it would feel like to be on the receiving end of the kind of love and support we received over a week ago. When I think about the tremendous outpour of concern and well wishes, I get so overwhelmed and end up crying.
Giving Thanks
What I originally thought would be a quick in and out visit at the hospital for an ultrasound for my four year old turned into a "We're flying you to Ottawa for doctors at CHEO to find out what's going on with [insert Little One's real name here]".
To be honest, the whole experience was rather dizzying. For three weeks, Little One had been complaining of really bad abdominal pains, yet no one could figure out what was wrong. One minute we were at the hospital on the Island, and the next minute we were being flown to Ottawa.
A Huge Thank You to CHEO
The Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario really impressed me. Everything from their patient care to even the tiniest detail like giving their littlest patients stickers for doing a great job (like letting the nurses put in their PICC line for their IV or staying still for an X-Ray or ultrasound). CHEO also makes the experience a happy one even though circumstances may not be so happy. What do I mean by this? Well, CHEO has a great play room for their patients. Computers, an air hockey table, arts and crafts, and so many other activities to keep kids busy and having fun.
My four year old was excited to do some arts and crafts. She was all over the paints and glittery stickers!
Another thing that impressed me was CHEO's library! A fully stocked library for patients to enjoy! Little One had us reading princess book after princess book!
Thank You to the Blogging Community
Through Facebook and Twitter, my online friends were watching and waiting with baited breath for news about Little One. What I didn't know was what was going on behind the scenes. Some of my friends from the CBN and Blogaholics were gathering up funds for us.
Thank you to all these amazing friends for doing something so thoughtful (and unexpected). A BIG thank you!
I was totally shocked, moved, overwhelmed, and in tears. This was something I was not expecting and couldn't even imagine why people would team up and do something like this for us. To me, it was more a question of "Why would anyone ever do this for us? Who are we to deserve something like this?"
Our friends were all parents who could imagine the costs of being away from home and in hospital for an extended period of time. This reminded me of the 72 days spent when Little One was in the NICU. As a preemie born at 28 weeks, we had to stay at Mount Sinai for 72 very long days. People don't often think of things like travel costs, food, etc.
Thank goodness I didn't have to stay in a motel or take public transportation every day to see my daughter at the hospital. I was able to sleep in a chair that pulled out into a bed (right beside Little One's hospital bed).
Having just the clothes Little One and I were wearing, I had to get my friend to run to Wal-mart and pick up some capris, t-shirts, socks, undies, and necessities for both Little One and me. Things like toothbrushes and all the little every day items were things I didn't have with me (as I wasn't expecting to be flown to Ottawa).
Thank you SO much to all our blogging friends! You have touched our hearts more than you can ever imagine. Thank you.
I think what surprised me too was that companies like TELUS and Mom Central Canada also sent us some love online. I had been offline for a bit and when I saw this tweet from TELUS, I cried.
I'm telling you, there was a lot of crying going on last week! If you think of it though, it says a lot about a company when they reach out to their fans/followers/customers/community. I'm more apt to go with (and stay with) a company that values their members and doesn't treat them as just a number. Still wowed by the gesture from TELUS. Yet another reason I love them and have been with them since 2000! The longest relationship I've had ;)
Giving Thanks to Some Very Special People
My friend, @flywithbaby has been one of my closest friends since we were 17. She also happens to live in Ottawa and came to the hospital every day when Little One was under CHEO's care. Being still in shock that we had to be sent by air ambulance and also being severely sleep deprived and worried about Little One, I was pretty useless. Kelly (aka @flywithbaby) was the extra set of ears I needed and asked the doctors questions I didn't even think of asking.
She also did a lot of running around (going to the pharmacy to get Little One's medication, picking up clothes and food, etc) while I was by Little One's bedside. She and her husband also housed us for the days following Little One's surgery.
Another VERY special person to us is @CanadianDadBlog! He and his family were such a great support while we were in Ottawa. This experience has really shown us how blessed we are to have such great friends. Canadian Dad visited Little One when she was released from hospital and then brought us back to CHEO when Little One had a fever and was ill post surgery. Not only did he drive us to the hospital, but he also stayed with us for a few hours until @flywithbaby came to join us. So thankful for such amazing friends when I was so emotional (and Hubby was 9 hours away tending the farm).
If all that wasn't enough to give thanks for, Canadian Dad also chatted with Official Princess Parties and got Little One's favourite princess to visit! That experience will not be forgotten. Belle made Little One a very happy girl!
I was so touched when Canadian Dad told me that he had spoken to Official Princess Parties and that though they were fully booked for events that weekend, the owner put it out to her princesses who were off day to see if anyone was interested in doing this for us. Within minutes, she received three "yes" replies! That totally made me cry!
It's no wonder they are so popular! What a great company. Find out more about all the great things they do for kids' charities here.
Thank you to Team PTPA for the beautiful flowers and teddy bear for Little One. They arrived right before her surgery and totally made her day. I have to say that PTPA is a great company to work for. They're my second family!
Little One's BFF had her grandma in Ottawa bring over a Hello Kitty. Other special visits included a visit from one of my old friends (we went to kindergarten together and the last time we saw each other was maybe high school graduation or perhaps sometime in c.e.g.e.p.), may aunt, uncle, and cousin, one of my old students from when I taught in Toronto, @LilMissKateCo, my childhood friend & my parents' best friends.
Giving thanks to all the special people in our lives
We are so blessed to have all of you in our lives and we really appreciate all the love and support you have given us.
** We were going to do a special Vlog Thank You to everyone, but I couldn't bring myself to make it go "live". I was crying too much and really had the "Ugly Crying Face" thing going on! **
Monday, June 03, 2013
Official Princess Parties & a BIG Surprise for a Sick Little Girlie!
Over a week ago, my four year old was airlifted to Ottawa and sent to CHEO (Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario). Other than her early delivery (when I was sent by air ambulance to Mount Sinai, where Little One canon-balled her way into existence), this experience was probably one of the scariest times in my life.
After Little One's surgery, one of the first things she uttered was, "Now you really have to take me to Disney!"
I had heard of Official Princess Parties through my friend, Canadian Dad's blog posts this past year and knew my four year old would love to meet her favourite princess.
As soon as Little One was discharged from the hospital and had rested for a few days, I wanted to have a thank you BBQ for my friends @flywithbaby (and her husband and family), as well as for @CanadianDadBlog and his family. Both families were such a great support while Little One was in the hospital. Having a young child in the hospital is scary and emotionally challenging, but coupled with being away from Hubby and being 9 hours away from home, it is even more challenging.
Canadian Dad made the big BBQ party even more special by organizing a meeting with Little One's favourite princess! Little One was so excited to see Belle!
Check out the smile on Little One's face! Now, that is one very happy kid!
I was really impressed with the entire princess experience. We were staying at my friend's house and Belle popped in for a visit. She wowed all the children with sing-along tunes, dancing, story time, and cheek glitter and tattoo application!
Little One running to greet Belle. For a kid who was in a lot of pain from having surgery, she sure ran very quickly to see her favourite princess!
Thank you to Official Princess Parties, Belle, and Canadian Dad for making one sick little girlie very happy!
Connect with Official Princess Parties on Facebook too.
After Little One's surgery, one of the first things she uttered was, "Now you really have to take me to Disney!"
I had heard of Official Princess Parties through my friend, Canadian Dad's blog posts this past year and knew my four year old would love to meet her favourite princess.
As soon as Little One was discharged from the hospital and had rested for a few days, I wanted to have a thank you BBQ for my friends @flywithbaby (and her husband and family), as well as for @CanadianDadBlog and his family. Both families were such a great support while Little One was in the hospital. Having a young child in the hospital is scary and emotionally challenging, but coupled with being away from Hubby and being 9 hours away from home, it is even more challenging.
Canadian Dad made the big BBQ party even more special by organizing a meeting with Little One's favourite princess! Little One was so excited to see Belle!
I was really impressed with the entire princess experience. We were staying at my friend's house and Belle popped in for a visit. She wowed all the children with sing-along tunes, dancing, story time, and cheek glitter and tattoo application!
The cheek glitter and princess tattoos were a huge hit!
Connect with Official Princess Parties on Facebook too.
Friday, May 17, 2013
May 2-4 is the Unofficial Start of Summer! Target Canada Makes Summer Living Easy! @target_ca {GIVEAWAY}
May 2-4 is the Unofficial Start of Summer and Target Canada Makes Summer Living Easy.
For many of us in Canada, Victoria Day long weekend is the unofficial start of Summer! You know it's true. We get really excited with the milder weather. To us, May 2-4 weekend is shorts and flip flops time! It's when we open up our cottages, head to the lake, do some serious outdoor entertaining and rev up the 'ol BBQ!
Target Canada has prepared a check-list of all the essentials families will need to kick off the season. They've thought of everything from Road Trip Essentials to Cottage Weekend and Summer Entertaining!
ROAD TRIP ESSENTIALS
The family road trip can be tough – often inching along as everyone hits the highway for the inaugural cottage visit or weekend away. To keep kids occupied (and drivers sane), be sure to pack the following:
COTTAGE WEEKEND
May 2-4 often marks the opening of family cottages across the country. Load the family van with these essentials to ensure everyone has a great weekend together and is ready for the summer:
SUMMER ENTERTAINING
Canadians love to entertain outdoors and take advantage of beautiful summer-like weather. Target has everything from Bublé to bistro sets to make entertaining a breeze this season:
The family road trip can be tough – often inching along as everyone hits the highway for the inaugural cottage visit or weekend away. To keep kids occupied (and drivers sane), be sure to pack the following:
- Snacks – keep a secret stash of goodies to make a long trip a bit more bearable (and fast food pit stops to a minimum). Target’s owned brands Market Pantry and Archer Farms have a variety of snack items including fruit strips, granola, chips and popcorn to snack on along the way
- Car friendly games – for long drives, best to pack some car friendly games and books to keep little ones occupied and entertained.
- iPad – make sure the family iPad is fully charged for tech savvy kids to quietly play their favourite games in the back.
- DVD – great for a rainy day or dull drive, pack favourite movies for the DVD player, such as The Rise of the Guardians, Mulan or The Lorax.
- Safety First – with so many cars on the highway, make sure to have a fully stocked first aid kit in the trunk.
COTTAGE WEEKEND
May 2-4 often marks the opening of family cottages across the country. Load the family van with these essentials to ensure everyone has a great weekend together and is ready for the summer:
- Cottage comfies - Mother Nature doesn’t always cooperate for the long weekend. Be sure to pack warm clothes and blankets if temperatures drop at night. The Roots Outfitters for Target collection has hoodies and jogging pants for the whole family to keep warm round the campfire.
- Sun/Skincare – be sure to hit the pharmacy aisle to be prepped for the elements. Don’t forget sunscreen, bug spray and a first aid kit for the cottage and boat. Target’s Up and Up line has everything to stock the medicine cabinet with all essentials for the summer.
- Meals – bring foods that are easy to cook so you can spend more time outside having fun with family and friends. Frozen pizzas and chips and dips are easy items to have on hand for quick bites and easy but delicious appetizers for guests.
SUMMER ENTERTAINING
Canadians love to entertain outdoors and take advantage of beautiful summer-like weather. Target has everything from Bublé to bistro sets to make entertaining a breeze this season:
- Plastic makes perfect – with kids running around in bare feet, plastic dishes and stemware make entertaining outside stress free. Target’s Threshold collection carries colourful dishes and serving trays to create a beautiful outdoor tabletop.
- Accessorize – gardens and greenery provide a beautiful backdrop for any occasion. Add to the outdoors with seasonal accessories including bright patio rugs, umbrellas and pillows.
- Ambiance – set the mood with outdoor lanterns and low background music (but remember, sound travels!)
- Food - check the grocery aisle for quick and easy appetizers to pop in the oven as guests arrive. Archer Farms’ Spanakopita and Lobster and Cheese bites are crowd pleasers – just make sure you have enough on hand for seconds!
Now, if you know me in real life or if you've been reading this blog for a while, you'll know that I am all about entertaining. I love hosting dinner parties and I love cooking for lots of people!
Target Canada has some fabulous ideas for your Summer entertaining! The ingredients for these next dishes are available at Target, including all the Market Place products (chickpeas and extra virgin olive oil for the dip and marshmallows for the S'mores bars). The Ghiradelli chocolate chips and Golden Grahams Crunch cereal are also available at Target.
The following recipes are courtesy of Target Canada:
The following recipes are courtesy of Target Canada:
{ CHICKPEA & FETA DIP }
What you need:
Here’s how:
1. Process chickpeas, 1/2 cup cheese, 1/4 cup peppers and next 4 ingredients in food processor until smooth.
2. Spoon into serving bowl; top with remaining cheese and peppers.
3. Serve with crackers.
- Serve with TRISCUIT Thin Crisps or Archer Farms Tortilla Chips
- Two kinds of crunch: serve dip with cut-up fresh vegetable dippers in addition to crackers
What you need:
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) chickpeas (garbanzo beans), rinsed
- 2/3 cup crumbled feta cheese, divided
- 1/3 cup roasted red pepper strips, divided
- 1 clove garlic
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- TRISCUIT Crackers
Here’s how:
1. Process chickpeas, 1/2 cup cheese, 1/4 cup peppers and next 4 ingredients in food processor until smooth.
2. Spoon into serving bowl; top with remaining cheese and peppers.
3. Serve with crackers.
- Serve with TRISCUIT Thin Crisps or Archer Farms Tortilla Chips
- Two kinds of crunch: serve dip with cut-up fresh vegetable dippers in addition to crackers
and
{ HONEY GRAHAM CRUNCH S'MORES BARS }
What you need:
Here’s how:
1. Spray 8 or 9-inch square pan with cooking spray.
2. Melt butter in large saucepan over LOW heat; add 3 cups miniature marshmallows. Cook and stir until melted and smooth; remove from heat. Add cereal; mix until well coated.
3. Press firmly into prepared pan with the back of a buttered spoon or waxed paper. Sprinkle 1
1/2 cups miniature marshmallows in single layer over top.*
4. Heat chocolate chips in medium microwave-safe bowl on HIGH 1 minute; stir. Heat in additional 10 second increments until completely melted. Spread evenly over top of marshmallows. Let stand until chocolate is set. - Makes 16 bars
- If desired, toast marshmallows by heating under broiler a few minutes until lightly browned. Then drizzle with chocolate.
- This recipe can easily be doubled and made in a 13x9-inch pan. (You will need to purchase 2 bags of miniature marshmallows.) - Sprinkle over hot cereal.
- These make a great snack just served plain or mixed with dried fruit.
- Stir slightly crushed cereal into ice cream or frozen yogurt for a crunchy treat.
What you need:
- 3 Tbsp. butter
- 3 cups miniature marshmallows
- 4 cups Honey Graham Crunch cereal
- 1 1/2 cups Market Pantry miniature marshmallows
- 1 (11.5 oz.) bag milk chocolate chips
Here’s how:
1. Spray 8 or 9-inch square pan with cooking spray.
2. Melt butter in large saucepan over LOW heat; add 3 cups miniature marshmallows. Cook and stir until melted and smooth; remove from heat. Add cereal; mix until well coated.
3. Press firmly into prepared pan with the back of a buttered spoon or waxed paper. Sprinkle 1
1/2 cups miniature marshmallows in single layer over top.*
4. Heat chocolate chips in medium microwave-safe bowl on HIGH 1 minute; stir. Heat in additional 10 second increments until completely melted. Spread evenly over top of marshmallows. Let stand until chocolate is set. - Makes 16 bars
- If desired, toast marshmallows by heating under broiler a few minutes until lightly browned. Then drizzle with chocolate.
- This recipe can easily be doubled and made in a 13x9-inch pan. (You will need to purchase 2 bags of miniature marshmallows.) - Sprinkle over hot cereal.
- These make a great snack just served plain or mixed with dried fruit.
- Stir slightly crushed cereal into ice cream or frozen yogurt for a crunchy treat.
{ WIN IT }
Who's ready for Summer? Are you excited for May 2-4 Weekend? Leave a comment telling me how you'll be spending your Victoria Day weekend and you can win a $50 Target Gift Card with which you can buy your Summer entertaining essentials (or buy something nice for yourself)!
Open to residents of Canada. Ends June 3, 2013.
Open to residents of Canada. Ends June 3, 2013.
Disclosure - I was compensated for this post, however all the thoughts and opinions expressed on this blog are honest and my own.
Wednesday, May 08, 2013
#4000Party Contest #3: $25 CardSwap Credit! {2 Winners}
To celebrate, my friend Lil Sugar (a.k.a. @LilSugarMag) and I are having a PARTY! To show how much we appreciate YOU, we will be giving away 1 product each day on Twitter for the next few days! Woot! Not on Twitter? Don't worry! We have you covered! All prizes will be announced on Facebook as well!
Just follow the link and enter for your chance to WIN!
SO MANY CHANCES TO WIN! SO MUCH FUN! TO GET STARTED, MAKE SURE YOU ARE FOLLOWING US!
On Twitter - @chancesmommy and @LilSugarMag Hashtag #4000Party
On Facebook - Life on Manitoulin and Lil-sugar.ca
**No R.S.V.P. necessary** Just join in on the fun and remember to enter daily (via Rafflecopter) to win the prize for that day! All entrants can only win once for the duration of the contest. Open to both US and Canadian residents.
CardSwap allows you to buy the gift cards you want for every day
purchases, and sell the ones you don't for cash.
With every purchase or sale, you will earn SwapPoints.
Earn, collect, and then spend your SwapPointson an amazing range of gift
cards.
1,000 SWAPPOINTS = $10 GIFT CARD
CardSwap is rewarding Canadians with gift cards and cash back savings on
everyday purchases -- dining, shopping, grocery, and even gas. And
CardSwap is still Canada's #1 site to buy gift cards and sell gift cards.
You can buy gift cards and earn rewards redeemable for gift cards, or sell
us your unused gift cards for up to 92% of the face value in cash. As
Canada's #1 gift card exchange, we have created Canada's largest and
fastest growing market place for gift cards where you can buy gift cards,
sell gift cards, or donate gift cards to charity.
CardSwap allows you to get money that you can use any way you want for
your unused gift cards. Don't let those unwanted gift cards waste away in
your wallet or get lost in your sock drawer. Turn your Winners gift card,
Cineplex gift card, Lululemon gift card, and many more into cash today.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Monday, May 06, 2013
#4000Party Contest #1: Butterfly Cupcake Kit - @MeMyselfUsInc
My friend Lil Sugar and I have both recently met a HUGE (to us) milestone! Both of us have reached 4,000+ followers on Twitter! We both love Twitter and love engaging with our tweeps!
To celebrate, my friend Lil Sugar (a.k.a. @LilSugarMag) and I are having a PARTY!
To show how much we appreciate YOU, we will be giving away 1 product each day on Twitter for the next few days!
Woot! Not on Twitter? Don't worry! We have you covered! All prizes will be announced on Facebook as well! Just follow the link and enter for your chance to WIN!
So many chances to win! So much fun! To get started, make sure you are following us!
On Twitter - @chancesmommy and @LilSugarMag Hashtag #4000PartyOn Facebook - Life on Manitoulin and Lil-sugar.ca
**No R.S.V.P. necessary** Just join in on the fun and remember to enter daily (via Rafflecopter) to win the prize for that day! All entrants can only win once for the duration of the contest. Open to both US and Canadian residents.
#4000Party Contest #1: Butterfly Cupcake Kit - @MeMyselfUsInc
Butterfly Cupcake Kit: Bring the garden to the kitchen this season with Butterfly-Shaped Cupcakes. Bake delicious cupcakes in cool silicone butterfly-shaped baking cups. Just mix, bake and decorate. Kit includes: 6 Silicone Butterfly Baking Cups, Vanilla Cupcake Mix, Vanilla Frosting Mix, Pink & Blue Icing Pen, Candies. SRP $24.95
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
#WordlessWednesday @FoodBloggersCA Kitchen Aid Fun
Just this past weekend, I was fortunate enough to be able to attend the Food Bloggers of Canada Conference at Hockley Valley Resort. What an amazing conference it was! So inspiring! Detailed blog post to come!
Above photos can also be found on the Kitchen Aid Canada Facebook Page. Photos taken by femkephotography.ca
Link up your Wordless Wednesday posts! We'd love to check them out!
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Chicken Adobo & Nordic Ware Review
I am excited to announce that in but a few short days, I will be attending the Food Bloggers of Canada Conference! As a Canadian Beef Brand Ambassador, I am honoured to be attending this event. I can't wait to meet my fellow foodies and chat with some of the people in the food industry!
As someone who is obsessed with FoodNetworkCA, restaurant hopping, taste testing, and creating (and recreating) recipes, this event is something I have been anxiously awaiting!
I'm looking forward to seeing Heather Travis from Canadian Beef again. She's my #BeefSoulSista! I'm also excited to chat with Dana McCauley again. She is one of my absolute favourites.
Included in the conference pass is some fantastic swag! I recently received three gorgeous pieces from Nordic Ware which I was eager to try out.
The package contained:
My Nordic Ware items arrived at my home while I was away in Toronto for some social media events and work-related meetings. My wonderful husband BBM'd me the above photos. Hubby was almost as excited as I was. He knows how happy kitchenware and kitchen gadgets make me!
Luckily for me, I'm staying at @SoberJulie's house and she also has the Nordic Ware (since she's attending the Food Bloggers of Canada Conference as well). I was anxious to use the Nordic Ware items and decided to come up with something quick and easy to make for Julie's family as a thank you for letting me stay at their house until we head to the Hockley Valley Resort on the weekend for the conference.
We gathered up some ingredients in Julie's kitchen and I came up with a classic Filipino dish - Chicken Adobo.
Check out our friend, Spud!
I was excited to show SoberJulie how to use her Dutch Oven. The Nordic Ware Pro Cast Traditions Aluminum 3 qt Dutch Ovenworks really well. I was really pleased with the quality of the product. The Dutch Oven is constructed of nonstick cast aluminum for fast and even heat distribution. The textured fused nonstick interior is durable, stain-resistant and allows foods to brown and sear evenly. Safe in oven up to 425 degrees.
What I love about this Dutch Oven is that it is perfect for stews, casseroles, small roasts, and one pot meals. This is the perfect thing to cook Chicken Adobo in!
CHICKEN ADOBO RECIPE
Truth
be told, I sometimes cheat and just saute the onion and garlic, add the
potatoes, and then the chicken, cover and let cook. Okay, I'll be
totally honest. That's what I always do. It turns out just as yummy, but
without the extra steps of browning the meat and then pouring the sauce
over it.
I was really pleased that Julie's family loved the Chicken Adobo! It was the first time her kids had Filipino food and they really enjoyed it! Yay!
Check out Julie's Nordic Ware Review and Jalapeno Poppers Recipe!
I'm looking forward to seeing Heather Travis from Canadian Beef again. She's my #BeefSoulSista! I'm also excited to chat with Dana McCauley again. She is one of my absolute favourites.
Included in the conference pass is some fantastic swag! I recently received three gorgeous pieces from Nordic Ware which I was eager to try out.
The package contained:
- Nordic Ware Pro Cast Traditions Aluminum 3 qt Dutch Oven
- Nordic Ware Pro Cast Traditions Aluminum Traditions Braiser
- Nordic Ware 365 Chicken Leg and Galapeno Griller
Luckily for me, I'm staying at @SoberJulie's house and she also has the Nordic Ware (since she's attending the Food Bloggers of Canada Conference as well). I was anxious to use the Nordic Ware items and decided to come up with something quick and easy to make for Julie's family as a thank you for letting me stay at their house until we head to the Hockley Valley Resort on the weekend for the conference.
We gathered up some ingredients in Julie's kitchen and I came up with a classic Filipino dish - Chicken Adobo.
Check out our friend, Spud!
What I love about this Dutch Oven is that it is perfect for stews, casseroles, small roasts, and one pot meals. This is the perfect thing to cook Chicken Adobo in!
CHICKEN ADOBO RECIPE
Surprisingly,
one of the easiest recipes to make. Once you've attempted this recipe
for the first time, you pretty much don't need to follow a recipe after
that! Soooooooooo easy!
Ingredients:
1 1/2 lb. chicken
1/3 c. vinegar
2 tbsp. soy sauce
1 medium sized onion, quartered
1 medium sized onion, quartered
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small bay leaf
Dash of pepper
1 tbsp. sugar
1/2 c. water
2 tbsp. cooking oil
Combine all ingredients except cooking oil in a pot and let stand for at least 30 minutes.
Simmer covered for 1 hour or until meat is tender.
Drain
and reserve sauce. Heat cooking oil in skillet. Brown meat on all
sides. Transfer to a serving dish. Pour off all remaining oil from
skillet. Add sauce and cook for a minute or two scraping all browned
bits sticking to pan. Pour sauce over meat and serve. Sauce is ideal for
steamed rice.
Check out Julie's Nordic Ware Review and Jalapeno Poppers Recipe!
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About the Blog Author
City girl moves to the country, falls in love, and marries a farmer. She tries to incorporate her city ways with her new country lifestyle and blogs to keep in touch with friends, family & students who live far, far away :) Can this city girl go country? Watch as she learns all sorts of exciting things about life on the farm and in a small rural community. *UPDATE* We are now parents! Our baby girl was born on Nov. 11, 2008 (at 28 weeks gestation- 12 weeks premature, but she's quite the trooper)!!!
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