This year has been my first year teaching ESL again since I gave birth to Little One. I can honestly say that being a mom, a farmer's wife, an ESL teacher (among many other things), I've noticed just how valuable time with family is. There never seems to be enough hours in the day to get everything done or to be everything to everyone. Little One craves my attention and I am reminded of the need to "Press Pause" and take time for family...even when you're exhausted from everything else.

Now that Summer is here, our weekends are filled with countless baby showers, birthday parties, weddings, and other special occasions. Every weekend of the Summer has been booked with one thing or another. Thanks to Hallmark, we've got all our bases covered!

As part of the Hallmark Press Pause Panel, I have the opportunity to sample and review some fabulous Hallmark products.  Hallmark has been a trusted brand in our family ever since I can remember. With thoughtful greeting cards for every occasion to keepsakes to pass down to family members (photo frames, albums, etc), they've got something special for every loved one on your list.
I was excited (and shocked) to receive this in the mail! It is now one of my absolute favourite items in our house.
 
Disclosure: I’m part of the Hallmark Press Pause Panel and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

My old college and university buddy from my Montreal days is up visiting with his wife and baby.  Crazy to think that we've known each other since we were 17 and now we are both married and with kids!






Back in the day, I was hardcore vegetarian. The funny thing is that I married a beef farmer and I eat a bit of meat now.

My buddy is still veg, and in keeping with our Meatless Mondays, I decided to make Veggie Quinoa burgers. My buddy and I both agree that it's hard to find a good veggie burger. Licks' Nature Burgers are pretty good, but a good homemade veggie burger is like striking gold!

I'm happy to say that this recipe I concocted is a keeper. Even my beef farming husband agrees! That says a lot, people! My husband loves his steak and potatoes!


I have to apologize first for not including any measurements. I don't really use measurements when I cook, but mostly just go by taste. Also, please note that because of the nature and consistency of these burgers, you will have (like with pancakes), the first two sacrificial patties! After the first patties are cooked, the rest should come out flawlessly!

Ingredients:

Quinoa
Brown rice
Lentils
Chickpeas
Kidney beans
Black beans
Corn
Red pepper, diced (small)
Green pepper, diced (small)
Green onion/scallions, chopped
Cumin
Curry
Cinnamon (just a touch!)
Black pepper and sea salt
Garlic and celery powder
Eggs

Cooking instructions:
In a large bowl, add ALL ingredients. I used two cans of assorted beans/legumes because I didn't  have my regular beans in stock. I drained the beans and rinsed them. I cooked some Quinoa and brown rice (just enough to keep all the other ingredients "together". The eggs also help "bind" the ingredients. This time, I used 3 eggs as my binding agent. (I didn't have red or green pepper today, so they were omitted from the recipe)

You can either mash or puree the ingredients so that it forms a paste, but I kept them all in their original form. I don't like the way the mixture looks if it's pureed or mashed. With a serving spoon, I spooned some of the mixture, formed into patties, and placed into a heated pan (with oil already heated). Place no more than 4 patties in the pan at one time.

Sadly, it's difficult to grill or BBQ veggie burgers because of their consistency. You'll have to cook these veggie burgers some light oil. Lightly brown/cook in olive oil until firm and toasty brown. Very carefully, flip patty over with spatula and cook until firm. It only takes a few minutes on each side.

Serve on good quality buns or bread, topped with your favourite condiments.
I wanted to roast some garlic scapes to add as a topping, but ran out of time.

These days, I've been feeling a little like Inspector Gadget.

I can magically produce anything and everything  from my purse. There once was a time when my purse contained just lip gloss, my wallet, keys, and cell phone.





Now, it looks more like this:

 Contents?

1. Born Free Twist 'n Pop Straw Cup (I made a mango smoothie for Little One to take on our grocery/bank/post office/do everything and be home to make supper excursion)

2. Purolator slip (picked up an awesome parcel from Hallmark for being part of the Press Pause Panel! Blog post to come!)

3. Business card holder with business cards

4. Lip gloss (Rimmel "East End Snob")

5. 2 diapers for Little One (just in case)

6. Wipes

7. Keys

8. Wallet (don't get too excited, people! I've got no money!)

9. Sandra Boynton books (to keep Little One entertained in case she gets restless)

10. Assorted toys (see #9)

11. Hand cream, children's sunblock (Aubrey Natural Green Tea Sunblock) and hand sanitizer

12. Kleenex

13. Hair clips, elastics, and ribbons for Little One's hair (she always seems to yank them out, so I don't know why I even bother)

14. Memo pad and a few pens (for jotting down notes, addresses, phone numbers, directions, grocery lists, etc).

15. BlackBerry (can't live without it!)

16. Seaweed

Yes! I said SEAWEED!
I carry a few packets of seaweed in my purse because they keep Little One busy and content when waiting in line, at restaurants, in the car, etc. I'm tellin' ya, seaweed saved my life a few times. Little One LOVES seaweed and thinks they're "chips"! Seaweed and kale chips...gotta love 'em!


What's in your purse? Go ahead! I challenge you to reveal what a mess your purse is (or isn't)! 

Seriously, I've been looking for a purse that is fashionable, big enough (but not the size of an overnight travel bag!), and has compartments so I don't lose my keys and cell phone amongst all the other "stuff" all the time! Any ideas?

Yay! 10,000 Facebook Fans for Kidorable! In celebration of their 10,000 fan likes, Kidorable is announcing a special coupon on their Facebook wall! The first 10 fans to use the code will receive the free Kidorable umbrella, rain boots, and raincoat ensemble of their choice, all with free shipping. Facebook url: www.facebook.com/kidorable

Summer is finally here! I can think of no better way to spend the summer than by being outdoors with my family and friends. We live on an island and are surrounded by many beautiful beaches. You know where we'll be this summer!
I am looking forward to creating lots of fun memories with my toddler. She loves running on the beach, swimming, and...playing in the sand!

Melissa & Doug is one of my absolute favourite and most trusted brands when it comes to children's toys. They've got everything from educational toys, art supplies for kids, wooden puzzles, to play food and all kinds of other fun items to promote children's imaginary play and cultivate their imagination! Not only are their toys fun, but they're also safe, durable, and high quality.

My own toddler has an impressive collection of Melissa & Doug toys and puzzles. She loves them! She loves to scoop ice cream and make sandwiches with her toy food and she absolutely loves her Trunki!
You can only imagine how thrilled I was we were when Melissa & Doug sent me us a set of their Sand Play toys!
Perfect timing! The weather is gorgeous, it's sunny outside, and the beach is beckoning! It's definitely time to hit the beach and have fun in the sand with the new Sunny Patch Sand Play toys!
Seaside Sidekicks Sand Baking Set 

When I'm not teaching or helping Hubby with something on the farm, I'm in the kitchen preparing something for my family and ESL students to eat. Little One really enjoys being in the kitchen with her Mama. Sometimes she loves it too much and it makes getting dinner on the table a lot slower.

Thankfully, she now has the Seaside Sidekicks Sand Baking Set! The set is complete with a mixing bowl, a lid (which when turned upside down can double into a sifter!), three measuring cups, a mixing spoon, and a whisk. To say that Little One enjoys playing with her baking set is a huge understatement! She's been screaming, "I cooking! I cooking, Mama!" all afternoon!

 Seaside Sidekicks Sand Cupcake Set
What does one do with a sand baking set? Bake cupcakes of course! With all the mixing and whisking, Little One created adorable sand cupcakes with her cupcake set! Cake Boss, watch out!
The set comes with a cupcake tray, four cupcake tins, four cupcake toppers, a molder, icing tool, and a mesh bag to keep everything handy and together! The mesh bag is by far Mommy's favourite! What a great way to keep all these amazing sand toys together!? Love it!

Seaside Sidekicks Sand-Molding Set
What kid doesn't love to create things with sand? These sand molds help make creating sand creatures even more fun! Mommy loves that all the pieces fit perfectly inside the turtle. It makes for a hassle-free, compact way to store toys when going to and from the beach (or even the sandbox!).

Clicker the Crab Pail and Shovel
A must for kids in the Summer? Definitely a sturdy pail and shovel! There's nothing worse than a cheap plastic pail and shovel that will break into pieces under the weight of wet sand! This cheerful, bright pail and shovel is fun with the adorable Clicker the Crab designs!

 WIN IT!
Want a set of your own Melissa and Doug Seaside Sidekicks Sand Toys? I am very excited to be working with Melissa & Doug and to give one lucky reader a chance to win a complete set of the Sunny Patch Seaside Sidekicks sand toys! That's right! All FOUR sets of Sand Play toys! Melissa and Doug is generously offering a prize pack of all four products to one reader!

To win, leave me a comment on my blog and tell me how these Melissa and Doug Seaside Sidekicks Sand Toys would make your summer an even better one! (1 entry)

Please leave your e-mail address (and a separate comment for each entry if you are making additional entries).

Additional entries:

1. "Like" Melissa and Doug on Facebook and tell them  Random Thoughts and Musings from the Island  REVIEWS sent you. (1 entry)

2. Follow Melissa and Doug and @chancesmommy on Twitter and tweet this giveaway!
    "I entered to win a @MelissaAndDoug prize pack from @chancesmommy http://fb.me/OO39mufe" (1 entry)

3. "Like" Random Thoughts and Musings from the Island REVIEWS on Facebook. (1 entry)

4. Follow me on Google Friend Connect. (1 entry)

5. Follow me on Networked Blogs (1 entry)

6. Grab my button and post it on your site. Please leave me the link where I can find where you posted. (1 entry)

Contest Rules:
This contest is open to U.S. residents only. Contest ends on Friday, July 15, 2011 at 11:59 PM ET. A winner will be chosen at random via Random.Org and will be notified by e-mail. The winner has must respond within 48 hrs of being notified, otherwise another winner will be chosen. The prize will be mailed directly to the winner from the prize sponsor.


Good luck, everyone! Hope your little ones enjoy these sand toys as much as my toddler does!
DISCLOSURE: This giveaway is sponsored by Melissa & Doug. All the thoughts and  opinions expressed on this blog are my own. Facebook has no responsibility for this giveaway.

My a-little-over-two-and-a-half year old was quietly playing in her toy room when the summer students were watching a movie after supper. It was some Ben Afleck and Blake Lively movie with a lot of violence and "offensive language".

We didn't realize just how big Little One's ears were until we heard her bang something against the wall and yell, "F@#K! F*^K! F#@K! F^#K!

I looked at the students and said, "Did you hear what I heard?"

Giggles.

Thinking of a way to make this situation light, so that Little One didn't think it was a big deal, I said, "[insert Little One's real name here], would you like a fork for your yogurt or a spoon?"

I brought her to the kitchen and had her repeat the words "fork", "spoon", and "knife" and  clapped emphatically after she repeated the words. She doesn't pronounce the "s" at the beginning of words, so I'm trying to work on that with her. It's actually kind of endearing...and funny.

The other morning, we were having breakfast and she said, "Mommy, I want POON!"

The students and I couldn't help but laugh because if you're from the city, you know that "poon" is also a word used for part of the female anatomy! Okay, it's not a very nice way of saying it! It made the students laugh even more when Little One said, "I want POON! I want to hold it!"

Roaring laughter from everyone except Little One, who looked mildly confused.

Yikes! Young children are very impressionable. Hubby looked at me and said, "You're the linguist. What are you teaching our daughter?!"  He was joking, but I kind of feel like we should not watch TV at all when she's awake. We have to watch what language our visitors use when in her presence. We have to be extra careful and mindful of what we say. Then again, how much is too much and can anyone ever be too careful or protective of what their kids are exposed to? Ack!

Little One has had a word explosion in the past few weeks. I cannot believe my little baby has gone from needing to be coaxed to speak to talking non-stop! Not just that, but the things that come out of her mouth are incredible!

For example:

"Mommy, pick my nose! I have a booger!"

"Daddy, why are you naked?"

"Mommy, wake up! Get out of bed! Get dressed! Look at me!"

"What's that noise?"

"Mommy, I pooped!"

"I need to go toilet!"

"I want that one!"

"I want to go beach!"

"I need to wash hands!"

"CAT!!! Don't poop in the garden! Go away!"


Of course, things aren't always so rosy.  We've been experiencing our share of "I don't want to go to bed right now" and "I don't want to do what you want me to do".

Good times!

Canada Day long weekend began with a trip across the water from the Island to Tobermory.
Since we have students with us this summer, we thought it would be a great occasion to spend the day in Tobermory, walk around, grab something to eat for lunch, check out all the neat little shops, go on a glass bottom boat tour of the shipwrecks, explore and walk around Flower Pot Island, and make it back to the Island on the last boat so we could catch the fireworks in South Baymouth.

We passed my dream house on our way back. There were some stunning houses and some even had observation decks on the roof! I keep hinting to my husband that he really wants to sell the farm and get a house on the water! ;) Just kidding!

Of course, we couldn't let our ESL student return to South Korea without sampling something truly Canadian. The Beaver Tail.

We made it back to the Island in time to catch the fireworks display. It was brilliant - even better than I had expected. Each year they seem to get better and better.

Saturday began with a birthday party for one of Little One's friends. He turned 4 on Saturday and the theme for his party was "BUGS"! I don't know if I've mentioned this, but I'm deathly afraid of insects!!! Clowns, heights, insects, and small spaces freak me out.

It was a great party. The kids had fun. Little One didn't want to leave, but we had a Canada Day parade to rush to. After the parade, we went home for a little rest and then headed back to South Bay for the fish fry.

Sunday was a scorcher, so we spent the afternoon at the beach. Little One just loves the sand and crystal clear water. We are so fortunate to live so close to such gorgeous beaches.


Hanging out with the students. Little One is always around people and enjoys the company.

Sunday evening was spent with Daddy too! Daddy's always so busy, so it was a treat to have him for a few hours. We took the boat out on the lake for a little cruise.


What a lovely way to end the long weekend.

Thank you to everyone who entered the Ultimately Chocolate TOFFLE giveaway and for joining in on The Great Canadian Blog Bash! I hope you had a great Canada Day long weekend! The winner has been chosen via Random.Org.

409cope said... 87

I tweeted-https://twitter.com/409cope/status/85147786709958656 cardshark42(at)hotmail(dot)com

June 26, 2011 8:50 PM 

409cope is the winner of a box of Toffles. An e-mail has been sent out to you for shipping information. Please check your inbox and reply within 48 hrs.