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Tag: gastronomy

  • Supermom In Training: Homemade teacher appreciation gifts

    Supermom In Training: Homemade teacher appreciation gifts

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    There’s no one I want to show more appreciation toward than my son’s teachers. All of them. The aids. The gym and music teachers. The volunteers.  Heck, we even made a thank-you gift for the janitor.

    And it doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Homemade gifts show that you and your little one took the time to make something for them, and they can cost very little. Here are some quick ideas for homemade teacher appreciation gifts.

    Custom wine labels. Yep, I gave my kid’s teachers wine. Because they deserve a drink. They got wine at the holidays and are getting wine again. I made up quick labels that said “Thanks for helping our kid learn how to think, Now it’s time to have a drink.”

    We also made small pedicure kits for my son’s teacher and teacher’s aide. We bought items at the dollar store (a fun summer cup, nail file, polish, toe separators, etc.) and attached a small tag that says “Have a toe-tally awesome summer.”

    His music teacher is getting a small canvas where the bean painted some musical notes. Yes, they’re not to scale (pun intended), but they were created by him.

    For his two gym teachers, they’re getting mason jars filled with gumballs and a label that says “I had a ball in gym.” Just a small token to show our appreciation.

    And finally, the janitor. My son had his heart set on getting him a trophy, which we found a plastic one at the dollar store. Then we glued a tiny mop to it (from my old dollhouse), although we were going to just make one from a small skewer and some thread. The janitor seemed very touched.

    Don’t spend an arm and a leg. And do show your gratitude. Even a box or tin of homemade treats or cookies would surely brighten their days.

    A full-time work-from-home mom, Jennifer Cox (our “Supermom in Training”) loves dabbling in healthy cooking, craft projects, family outings, and more, sharing with readers everything she knows about being an (almost) superhero mommy.

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  • Parenting 101: Mother’s Day gift guide

    Parenting 101: Mother’s Day gift guide

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    Mother’s Day is right around the corner, and we have some great gift ideas to appeal to every mom: the one who has a sweet tooth, the one who loves a little indulgence, the practical mom, the sporty mom, and the one who loves beauty products. Tap into your mom’s interests and you’re sure to spoil this special lady like she deserves on Mother’s Day.

    For Mother’s Day, BKIND will be offering three body care gift sets to spoil mom or a loved one starting April 8! The gift sets will contain one Moisturizing Body Lotion, a Nourishing Hand Balm, a Lip balm and a Plantable Card. The card is made of seeded paper; it can be planted to grow pretty Canadian wildflowers! Customers will have the choice between the sweet, fruity and fresh set, with soft and natural fragrances! All gift sets contain only natural, eco-friendly, vegan, cruelty-free and made in Quebec products.

    Baskin-Robbins Canada reintroduced Mom’s Makin’ Cookies as its May Flavour of the Month. First introduced to Canadians ten years ago, the popular, seasonal flavour is a delicious ode to freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, featuring brown sugar-flavoured ice cream filled with chocolate chip cookie pieces and chocolate chips and is topped with a delicious cookie dough batter-flavoured ribbon.The flavour joins another sweet treat, Mother’s Day Cake, in spoiling motherly figures with a symbol of the sweetness and affection so appreciated in motherly love. As with most other Baskin-Robbins cakes, Mother’s Day Cake is available with your choice of cake – chocolate or white – and is topped with delectable and colourful flowers.  

    The Scented Market is a Canadian, female-led company founded by Kristy Miller. After being pregnant with her third son, she was looking for healthier, safer alternatives to traditional candles (the ones she was using were leaving black soot on her ceiling!). Today they sell delicately fragranced candles that come in recycled packaging and have lovely spring fragrances including Lily of the Valley, Lilac Breeze and Freshen Up. It’s a great non-conventional fragranced bouquet for mom and a great way to remind moms to slow down and take a break. 

    – Jennifer Cox

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  • Healthy Life: Healthy lunchbox ideas

    Healthy Life: Healthy lunchbox ideas

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    When my daughter started kindergarten it was the first time ever I had to pack her lunch. In daycare, lunch was always provided and that made my life much easier! So I accumulated lunch ideas. My son was very easy and would eat leftovers or sandwiches but my daughter was a bit more particular. Plus she needed three snacks and a lunch for each day of school.

    It’s not too difficult to keep kids lunches and snacks healthy and fresh. Most of these items are things that you can make in advance and store easily. It’s always a good idea to avoid sugar filled and refined foods. Kids need to be able to focus in school and stay alert. Too many sugary snacks leave them crashing and burning very quickly.

    So, along with a water bottle, we figured out my daughter’s favorite healthy lunchbox combination.

    Morning snack 

    Strawberries and blueberries 

    Chocolate almond (soy or rice) milk

    Lunch 

    2 hard boiled eggs in a salad made of freshly cut cucumbers, avocado and tomatoes, topped with olives and pickles

    Afternoon classroom snack 

    Homemade banana bread or muffin

    Afternoon daycare snack 

    Red peppers and carrots with hummus

    Other lunchbox ideas are zoodles with tofu, homemade soups, grilled chicken salads and of course lots of fresh, seasonal fruits and veggies. The idea is to keep it healthy and give our kids the tools they need to focus and learn. 

    – Jennifer Florence

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  • Meal prepping for the week: A classic meal you can really stretch

    Meal prepping for the week: A classic meal you can really stretch

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    Here’s a delicious, well-balanced meal that it great for a busy weeknight and as leftovers for lunches the next day.

    Buy the ingredients for this easy and nutritious chickpea salad and classic beef stew. You can wash and chop the vegetables for both over the weekend (and cut up some extras for lunch snacks). Make double the stew recipe and freeze in individual portions for quick and hearty lunches on-the-go.

    Finish with this delicious dessert of apple pumpkin spice muffins, which can double as healthy snacks or even a filling breakfast for harried mornings.

    – JC

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  • Health Happenings

    Health Happenings

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    Pigskin for Hodgkins will host the fifth annual charity flag football game March 25 at Northwest Guilford High School, 5240 Northwest School Road in Greensboro. The nonprofit raises money for families going through a battle with childhood cancer and to fund Hodgkin’s Lymphoma research.

    The event is a flag football game that features former high school, college and professional football players playing alongside other familiar faces to the area, as well as current NFL players serving as honorary coaches. Pigskin For Hodgkin’s is a family-friendly event that includes games, prizes, raffles and food.

    Gates open at noon and kick-off is at 1 p.m. A suggested $1 donation will be collected at the gate.

    For information, visit www.pigskinforhodgkins.org.

    Veterans who need transportation to their VA medical appointment to the Kernersville, Durham or Salisbury medical facilities are encouraged to contact the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 20 of Guilford County’s veterans transportation hotline at 336-510-7508.

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    Volunteer drivers are needed as well. Call 336-510-7508 for information.

    Callers should allow three business days for a response.

    The Well-Spring Group will hold a job fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 23, which is open to people interested in pursuing a job at a Well-Spring entity. Well-Spring is made up of Well-Spring, A Life Plan Community in Greensboro; Well-Spring Solutions in Greensboro; The Village at Brookwood, another life plan community, in Burlington; and Home Care from Well-Spring Solutions in Greensboro.

    The fair will take place at 4100 Well Spring Drive in Greensboro.

    Free pastries and hot and cold beverages from Wired Café Coffee Bus will be offered from 10 to 11 a.m. and free lunch will be provided from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

    Guided tours of Well-Spring will be offered every 30 minutes.

    For information, visit www.well-spring.org.

    Hirsch Wellness Network in Greensboro has 31 classes scheduled for April that are free to cancer survivors and caregivers. Some classes are in-person while others are online or hybrid.

    Some of the highlights include painting with watercolors, Huna Basics for anxiety, kinetic awareness, spine satisfying stretches and more.

    For information, visit www.hirschwellnessnetwork.org/classes or call 336-209-0259.

    Well-Spring Solutions, in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association, will offer a free talk focused on the “10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s” from 1 to 3 p.m. March 30 at First Presbyterian Church, 617 N. Elm St., Redhead Hall, Greensboro. Attendees will learn about:

    • The difference between normal aging and Alzheimer’s
    • Common warning signs
    • The importance of early detection and benefits of diagnosis
    • Next steps and expectations for the diagnostic process
    • Alzheimer’s Association resources

    Register by March 24; call 336-478-4702 or email dfoster@fpcgreensboro.org.

    The Lions Club Vision Van will offer free hearing and vision screenings from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 31 at 444 N. Elm St. in Greensboro.

    Fulfilling their mission, “We Serve!”, the Hamilton Lakes Lions Club will sponsor the mobile screening unit to provide free health screenings for existing or potential hearing loss, glaucoma and other eye diseases. Through early detection, screenings can prevent additional hearing loss, blindness and other chronic illnesses.

    The Hamilton Lakes Lions Club has served Greensboro for more than 60 years and is a part of Lions Clubs International, the world’s largest service organization with more than 1.4 million members in approximately 46,000 clubs in more than 200 countries. Screenings are free and available to anyone.

    Also, the Vision Van will be in front of the High Point Public Library from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 1.

    For information, call 336-373-2169 or visit www.greensborolibrary.org.

    March is National Kidney Month and April is National Organ Transplant Month.

    Founded in 2003, MatchingDonors is the nation’s largest living organ donor nonprofit organization finding and registering living organ donors for people needing organ transplants in the United States.

    Community members are encouraged to donate cars, boats, recreational vehicles, real estate and planes to the nonprofit to help save the lives of people needing organ transplants.

    To donate, call 781-821-2204 or visit MatchingDonorsDonations.com.

    Send press releases to people@greensboro.com.

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  • Health Happenings

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    Pigskin for Hodgkins will host the fifth annual charity flag football game March 25 at Northwest Guilford High School, 5240 Northwest School Road in Greensboro. The nonprofit raises money for families going through a battle with childhood cancer and to fund Hodgkin’s Lymphoma research.

    The event is a flag football game that features former high school, college and professional football players playing alongside other familiar faces to the area, as well as current NFL players serving as honorary coaches. Pigskin For Hodgkin’s is a family-friendly event that includes games, prizes, raffles and food.

    Gates open at noon and kick-off is at 1 p.m. A suggested $1 donation will be collected at the gate.

    For information, visit www.pigskinforhodgkins.org.

    Veterans who need transportation to their VA medical appointment to the Kernersville, Durham or Salisbury medical facilities are encouraged to contact the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 20 of Guilford County’s veterans transportation hotline at 336-510-7508.

    People are also reading…

    Volunteer drivers are needed as well. Call 336-510-7508 for information.

    Callers should allow three business days for a response.

    The Well-Spring Group will hold a job fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 23, which is open to people interested in pursuing a job at a Well-Spring entity. Well-Spring is made up of Well-Spring, A Life Plan Community in Greensboro; Well-Spring Solutions in Greensboro; The Village at Brookwood, another life plan community, in Burlington; and Home Care from Well-Spring Solutions in Greensboro.

    The fair will take place at 4100 Well Spring Drive in Greensboro.

    Free pastries and hot and cold beverages from Wired Café Coffee Bus will be offered from 10 to 11 a.m. and free lunch will be provided from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

    Guided tours of Well-Spring will be offered every 30 minutes.

    For information, visit www.well-spring.org.

    Hirsch Wellness Network in Greensboro has 31 classes scheduled for April that are free to cancer survivors and caregivers. Some classes are in-person while others are online or hybrid.

    Some of the highlights include painting with watercolors, Huna Basics for anxiety, kinetic awareness, spine satisfying stretches and more.

    For information, visit www.hirschwellnessnetwork.org/classes or call 336-209-0259.

    Well-Spring Solutions, in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association, will offer a free talk focused on the “10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s” from 1 to 3 p.m. March 30 at First Presbyterian Church, 617 N. Elm St., Redhead Hall, Greensboro. Attendees will learn about:

    • The difference between normal aging and Alzheimer’s
    • Common warning signs
    • The importance of early detection and benefits of diagnosis
    • Next steps and expectations for the diagnostic process
    • Alzheimer’s Association resources

    Register by March 24; call 336-478-4702 or email dfoster@fpcgreensboro.org.

    The Lions Club Vision Van will offer free hearing and vision screenings from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 31 at 444 N. Elm St. in Greensboro.

    Fulfilling their mission, “We Serve!”, the Hamilton Lakes Lions Club will sponsor the mobile screening unit to provide free health screenings for existing or potential hearing loss, glaucoma and other eye diseases. Through early detection, screenings can prevent additional hearing loss, blindness and other chronic illnesses.

    The Hamilton Lakes Lions Club has served Greensboro for more than 60 years and is a part of Lions Clubs International, the world’s largest service organization with more than 1.4 million members in approximately 46,000 clubs in more than 200 countries. Screenings are free and available to anyone.

    Also, the Vision Van will be in front of the High Point Public Library from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 1.

    For information, call 336-373-2169 or visit www.greensborolibrary.org.

    March is National Kidney Month and April is National Organ Transplant Month.

    Founded in 2003, MatchingDonors is the nation’s largest living organ donor nonprofit organization finding and registering living organ donors for people needing organ transplants in the United States.

    Community members are encouraged to donate cars, boats, recreational vehicles, real estate and planes to the nonprofit to help save the lives of people needing organ transplants.

    To donate, call 781-821-2204 or visit MatchingDonorsDonations.com.

    Send press releases to people@greensboro.com.

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  • Supermom In Training: St. Patrick’s Day activities for the whole family

    Supermom In Training: St. Patrick’s Day activities for the whole family

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    This mommy loves any excuse to try out new crafts, and St. Patrick’s Day is no exception. With lots of fun ideas for activities, food, and so much more, we’ve got the luck of the Irish on our side (even though we’re not Irish!).

    Make a leprechaun trap. Those sneaky little devils are on the hunt for a pot of a gold, so make a trap to catch him! Or, ask each family member to make their own trap and see how they compare.

    Shamrock stamping. You can use three wine corks glued together, and marshmallows will also work.

    End of the rainbow twirler. Colour a rainbow on both sides of a paper plate, then cut in a curly-cue fashion (see above). Attach a pot of gold to the end of it (made out of construction paper or cardstock), and hang in the corner of a room.

    Rainbow pancakes. Make a basic batch of pancake batter and divide among various bowls, then colour each a different colour.

    Make snack necklaces. Thread Fruit Loops onto a piece of yarn for a fun and wearable snack necklace.

    Toilet paper roll leprechaun hats. Paint a toilet paper roll green and add a black band and buckle made out of construction paper. This will be the top of the hat. Then glue in the middle of a green circle to complete the hat.

    Make packages of rainbow seeds. This is simply a bag of Skittles with a note of affection tied to it – perfect to wish friends and neighbours a Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

    A full-time work-from-home mom, Jennifer Cox (our “Supermom in Training”) loves dabbling in healthy cooking, craft projects, family outings, and more, sharing with Suburban readers everything she knows about being an (almost) superhero mommy.

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  • Supermom In Training: Honouring moms of all kinds on International Women’s Day

    Supermom In Training: Honouring moms of all kinds on International Women’s Day

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    It’s International Women’s Day, and I need to give a shoutout to the moms: the single moms, foster moms, grand-moms, auntie-moms, and mom friends. The booboo kissers, the birthday present shoppers, the to-do list makers, the keepers of the Cheerios, the Pinterest moms, the barely-getting-by moms, the young moms, and the silver fox moms.

    We do it all. And I mean all.

    We endure so much, and it begins with carrying our babies. We work. We maintain friendships, relationships, and playdates (as best as we can- miss you my dear friends!). We keep the household running. We clean. We organize. We cook. We errand-run. 

    I was doing some research ahead of writing this post and we need to put more time and effort into self-care, mamas! According to a study, nearly half of Canadian moms reached “breaking point” during Covid, and in another report, more than half of working mothers feel stressed while 47 per cent felt anxious and 43 per cent felt depressed. On this International Women’s Day, let’s support one another. Check in with your mom friends. Organize that much-needed girls night (a potlock will do!). Send flowers or a pizza for dinner tonight to a fellow tired mom. Give a compliment or a smile to a mom at school drop-off. Mark the occasion with support of any kind.

    Because moms: we ROCK!

    A full-time work-from-home mom, Jennifer Cox (our “Supermom in Training”) loves dabbling in healthy cooking, craft projects, family outings, and more, sharing with Suburban readers everything she knows about being an (almost) superhero mommy.

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  • Parenting 101: 10 Great Economical Activities to Keep Your Special Needs Kids Busy Over March Break

    Parenting 101: 10 Great Economical Activities to Keep Your Special Needs Kids Busy Over March Break

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    We have arrived. It is March Break! And if you moms and dads out there are like me and my husband, we cannot go out of town for a whole week, and though I am home with my son as I work from home, Dad only can manage to take off a day or two. Our son, on the other hand, wants adventure and fun. So what’s a special needs parent to do?  I have come up with a list of possible things:

    1)    Your local public library: I know, I know, some kids have a hard time settling in the library. Try reading a social story to them, and obviously choose a time of day when they have had their fill of the physical. Many libraries offer story times and other craft activities. You can even meet up with friends and their kids. Only remember Moms and Dads, save the coffee for before or afterwards. J

    2)    Sledding hills: This of course is weather permitting, but it’s great as it’s economical and will get the kids to burn off all that energy they’re not expending in school.

    3)    Public indoor skating: Again, if it’s in your municipality it’s VERY reasonable in price. For our municipality, it’s $1.00 a person. Skating is also a great activity and I always promise my little guy hot chocolate at home afterwards or out if we meet friends at the arena.

    4)    Indoor swimming at your municipal arena, the YMCA or Lasalle’s The Aquadome: Swimming is a super activity to burn off physical energy as well and not costly. My only advice is to go early. We live in a suburb off of Montreal and the public swimming was so popular at our community center pool that there was hardly room in the pool when we got there. The Aquadome is a lot of fun and very reasonably priced too. It has an indoor slide that is very popular. http://inscriptionsaquadome.ca/en/leisure-swims.

    5)    Marathon play dates at friends’ houses: I organize these playdates pretty much in advance with your Mom friends. We take turns at each other’s houses.

    6)    The Biodome: Ok, this is not as economical, but it is educational, and my son had so much fun when they had the Butterfly Exhibit.

    7)    Chapters bookstores: My son is not an arts and crafts kid, but I know the Chapters in the West Island usually has had activities in the past for kids during March Break. It’s worth checking out.

    8)    McGill’s Redpath Museum: I have heard from many of my mom friends how good this museum is. https://www.mcgill.ca/redpath/whatson

    9)    McDonald’s Playlands: I know fast food is not good for the kids. But you can always go before or after lunch. I mostly meet up with friends and the kids play in the play land while we Moms nurse coffee. One year, coffee was free for that week!

    10)     Family movie night: Get cozy with blankets, popcorn and goodies, or make some pizza and have a family pizza/movie night. Great way to catch up if Moms and Dads are both home with the kids. I will be trying this out too. My son’s father and I want to show him the rest of the Star Wars films and this is the week to do it!

    I wish you all a Happy March Break!

    Joanne Giacomini is a writer, editor, and blogger of “Exceptional Mom/Exceptional Child” at www.exceptionalmomchild.com, where she blogs about how her son with autism is raising her! Joanne is all about women helping women to live life happy, whole and in balance. Follow her on Twitter @exceptmomchild.

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  • Supermom In Training: Parent challenge: Eat what your kids eat

    Supermom In Training: Parent challenge: Eat what your kids eat

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    The other day my 9-year-old wanted a bowl of Goldfish crackers. As usual, I told him if he wanted something “junky” like that, he had to eat something nutritional, like an apple, which he happily obliged. And it got me to thinking: what if I ate what I make my son eat? I’d be much healthier.

    When I’m chiming after him to drink some water, I’m busy making my third coffee. While I’m preparing him a well-balanced lunch of protein, fruits, veggies, and some dairy, I’m stuffing stale muffins in my mouth and washing it down with, what else, more coffee. I don’t get 7-8 hours of sleep each night, and instead sacrifice sleep for alone time to binge watch horrible reality TV shows. 

    We spend so much time focusing on our children’s health and give so much less attention to our own wellbeing. Why is that? 

    Oh yeah- because our kids always come first.

    But maybe it’s time that we come in at a close second. And it’s not just nutritional choices. What about limiting our own screen time? Reading more? Flexing our creative muscles and doing a craft or art project?

    I’d like to issue a challenge to all you parents in the New Year: let’s make our family’s health a priority, not just our kids. Let’s hydrate like we encourage our children to do and try to eat more balanced meals and snacks. Let’s wear sunscreen, let’s get regular dentist and doctor appointments, let’s put time aside for naps (or at least resting), let’s get good-quality sleep, and let’s read and create more.

    In the end, we’ll all be better parents for it!

    A full-time work-from-home mom, Jennifer Cox (our “Supermom in Training”) loves dabbling in healthy cooking, craft projects, family outings, and more, sharing with readers everything she knows about being an (almost) superhero mommy.

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  • Gift Guide 2022: Gender-neutral gifts for boys and girls

    Gift Guide 2022: Gender-neutral gifts for boys and girls

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    Boys and girls love to read, create, and have fun, and there’s are lots of exciting gender-neutral toys out this holiday season that are up for grabs. Whether they like doing something that’s hands-on, playing a great game, or both, here are some fantastic gift ideas every child will love.

    Play-Doh Kitchen Creations Cafe. Little ones can create custom coffees, teas, and other colorful make-believe drinks with this creative play food set. Fill up a cup at the filling station, then watch it spin and slide over to the pretend topping station where Play-Doh compound ripples out like pretend whipped cream. Make pretend hot beverages in the mug or use the drinks toy machine to fill the three clear cups with colourful Play-Doh frappes! There are also two lids to take the pretend drinks to go, and it comes with five different colours of Play-Doh: blue, white, pink, orange, and brown (contains wheat).

    Kids Against Maturity. This family game has limitless, hilarious card combinations, poopy fart humor, and oodles of layered innuendos, and will have kids and adults alike rolling with laughter. There are 600 hilarious cards and more than 40,000 combinations, so this game is never dull or boring. It’s available through Walmart and Amazon.

    The Christmas Movie Cookbook. There are more than 65 classic movie recipes in this comprehensive and nostalgic cookbook – kids will find tons of stuff to try! Whether you yearn for roast turkey while watching National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation or wish you could taste the roast beast from How the Grinch Stole Christmas, ‘tis the season to recreate the dishes from all of your favorite holiday movies.

    Connect 4 Flip. This is a fun new spin on the original: this time around, it features a spinning grid, which can throw your whole game out of control (but in a fun way, of course). Things can change in an instant, so if you know someone who loves Connect 4, then they need this new, fast-paced, updated version.

    The Crayola Amazing Art Case. This kit has over 70 pieces in an all-in-one portable art studio. It contains dozens of crayons, pencils, markers, and sheets of drawing paper that can keep your budding artist creating for hours. Inside, the case has everything a kid needs to bring their imagination to life and create their own fridge-worthy masterpieces. The snap-fit case keeps supplies organized and the carry handle makes it easy to take art supplies anywhere.

    – Jennifer Cox

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  • Gift Guide 2022: Best gifts for foodies

    Gift Guide 2022: Best gifts for foodies

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    Friends and family who love spending time in the kitchen also love the latest in kitchen gadgets. Whether it’s cooking, baking, or entertaining, there are slews of fun, handy products that can make their holidays a little more magical. Here are a few of the best gifts for foodies.

    The Cuisinart Custom 14 14-cup food processor is made from brushed stainless steel and is a breeze to use. Whether making a weeknight meal or a weekend celebration, the large capacity work bowl will hold everything as the 720-watt motor makes quick work chopping fruits and vegetables, shredding cheese, or kneading dough.

    Kilne steak knives are the best you can get! These small but powerful knives have serrated blades that transition comfortably from meal prep to the dinner table. And they come in a beautiful acacia wood knife block.

    The KitchenAid 2022 Design Series Blossom Tilt-Head Stand Mixer is every baker’s dream come true. First off, it’s stunning: the soft green looks gorgeous matched with the hammered copper bowl. The soft thyme green colour and botanical accents are inspired by the aromatic herbs and edible flowers used in cooking and baking. The bowl even develops a unique patina over time.

    The gingerbread wood serving board, available at Indigo, is festive and adorable. It is made from acacia wood with a rich walnut stain and cute brass buttons to highlight the wood’s natural grain and add warmth to any holiday table.

    The rectangular roasting dish from Creuset will be the only pan you’ll ever have to buy your favourite cook. It always has even heat distribution and is extremely versatile. It can be used in a variety of ways by home cooks and chefs alike for roasting poultry, or even to prepare weekend comfort meals.

    – Jennifer Cox

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  • 24 Days of elf on the shelf… you’re welcome

    24 Days of elf on the shelf… you’re welcome

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    I think this tradition was invented to throw parents over the edge right before Christmas. Here’s the thing: we never did the Elf on the Shelf tradition in our household. I figured I had enough to do that I couldn’t be bothered setting up the elf every night of December.

    When my son was introduced to the Elf on the Shelf at school (thanks guys), he couldn’t understand why all the kids would talk about their elves and we didn’t have one. So, I let him in on Christmas’ first secret: the elf is fake. I knew he was a good kid and wouldn’t spoil the fun for others. And I needed a good “out”, so he didn’t feel like he was missing out.

    Two years ago, everything changed when he found out “certain truths” about the big man from the North Pole. And that’s when I decided to start this tradition. At least he knew it was us doing it so if I slipped up and forgot, it wouldn’t be the end of the world. Because there’s less pressure, I find it more fun to set up.

    So, leave the guesswork to me – here are your 24 days of Elf on the Shelf.

    Fishing in fishbowl. We have a Beta fish so our mischievous elf will be fishing for him. He could also be fishing for Goldfish crackers.

    Marshmellow. Using markers, I will make a mask of Marshmellow for our elf and add some other marshmellow marshmallows.

    Hershey Kiss. Wrap the elf in foil and shape it into a giant Hershey Kiss.

    Snow angel. Sprinkle a cookie sheet with sprinkles or flour and lay down your elf to make snow angels.

    Loungin’. Set your elf up floating in the tub with pool toys. Maybe he even has a summertime drink or sunglasses.

    Captured! Roll the elf up in toilet paper and make it look like he’s being pushed by LEGO people or other little bonhommes.

    Relaxing. Lay him in a hammock made from towels on a towel rack.

    Elf-abet soup. Put the elf in a pot and have the Grinch stirring it.

    The next day, he ties up the Grinch.

    Draw an elf reflection in bathroom mirror using wipe-off markers so when someone looks in the mirror, they’ll have pointy ears and a festive hat or scarf.

    Hang him from a mirror or shelf with a sign that says “the floor is lava” and see if your child can get to him without touching the floor.

    Playing tricks. Prop up your elf with a tube of white toothpaste and some separate Oreos like he’s trying to play a prank.

    Drinking maple syrup with a straw.

    Oops! He poops! Stand him next to a row of chocolate chip poopsies.

    Put him in a homemade “kissing booth” and spread Hershey Kisses around him.

    Playing games. Set up Jenga using mini Kit Kat bars.

    Cutting toilet paper in paper snowflakes.

    Make a scaled-down version of a Twister board for your elf.

    Draw minion faces on bananas and position your elf with a Sharpie next to them.

    Staying toasty. Put him between two pieces of toast.

    Set up a small makeshift lemonade stand and make it look like your elf is being naughty and peeing in the cups to make the lemonade.

    Make it so he’s climbing gift bows up a wall.

    Give him a cozy spot and put him curled up in tissue box.

    And for the last day, do a scavenger hunt. Hide a few candy canes around the house and attach a note to your elf challenging them to find them.

    A full-time work-from-home mom, Jennifer Cox (our “Supermom in Training”) loves dabbling in healthy cooking, craft projects, family outings, and more, sharing with readers everything she knows about being an (almost) superhero mommy.

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  • Supermom In Training: $100 Birthday Party Series – Tweens

    Supermom In Training: $100 Birthday Party Series – Tweens

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    Birthday parties can be no fun for busy overextended parents. I’m excited to bring you my $100 Birthday Party Series with great ideas for themes, menus, decorations and even gifts for all age groups, all for under $100. Come back every week for more birthday party suggestions.

    Ah yes – tweens. They can be tricky to handle and even trickier to plan a birthday party for. Believe it or not, it’s relatively easy to keep tweens happy on their big days – it’s about creating a chill, laid-back atmosphere where he or she can hang out comfortably with their friends. A fun activity and some cool noshes will keep your tweens and their best buds happy.

    For the boys, consider a video game party or something more active, like a cool obstacle course, a neighbourhood-wide scavenger hunt or a ball hockey tourney. Have an inexpensive prize for the winner at the end, like a gift card.

    For the ladies, spa parties are a  big hit at this age. Invite the girls to bring their favourite polishes and makeup, or do homemade face masks, manis and pedis. Maybe a dance party is more up your daughter’s alley – smoke machines, strobe lights or disco balls can really turn a room into a discotheque, and throw in some fun accessories like blow-up microphones and guitars. Perhaps there’s a craft project the girls would like to do: tie-dye shirts or canvas bags, painting ceramics (use oil-based Sharpies on plain dishes and then bake at 300 for 30 minutes), making their own lip gloss or soap, and so on. 

    Food should be simple and easy to munch on: pizza, nachos, a French fry bar, make-your-own tacos or subs, a milkshake or smoothie bar, etc.

    Forgo the usual decorations and go simple: a banner and some balloons. A photo booth spot could be fun too.

    A full-time work-from-home mom, Jennifer Cox (our “Supermom in Training”) loves dabbling in healthy cooking, craft projects, family outings, and more, sharing with readers everything she knows about being an (almost) superhero mommy.

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  • Supermom In Training: 8 Nutritious Halloween-themed snacks and meals to offset the sugar rush

    Supermom In Training: 8 Nutritious Halloween-themed snacks and meals to offset the sugar rush

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    For kids, the true essence of Halloween isn’t really about the pumpkins and the spookiness of it all – it’s about the sugar!! Undoubtedly, your kids are going to have their fair share of treats for Halloween, so prepare one of these 8 nutritious Halloween-themed snacks and meals to offset the sugar rush.

    Fearsome veggies and dip- make them festive by serving vegetable slices in hollowed out peppers, and carving little pumpkin faces in them.

    A frightful fruit platter. Ghost bananas, mummified strawberries, apple monsters and pumpkin clementines.

    A cauldron of dip. Make hot bean dip or pizza dip. Turn slices of cheese into ghosts and add black olive spiders for fun effects.

    DEVILled eggs. They’re filling, healthy, and devilishly delicious.

    Monster sliders. Use pickles, olives and cheese to turn ordinary little burgers into frightening monsters.

    Mummy-wrapped sausages. Get some protein into those kiddos!

    Mini pizza webs. Make extras because these will disappear quickly.

    Spooky spaghetti. Turn a round plate of spaghetti into a hideous monster face.

    A full-time work-from-home mom, Jennifer Cox (our “Supermom in Training”) loves dabbling in healthy cooking, craft projects, family outings, and more, sharing with readers everything she knows about being an (almost) superhero mommy.

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  • Supermom In Training: My best Halloween food creations

    Supermom In Training: My best Halloween food creations

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    Want to really spoil the kiddos this Halloween? Integrate some festive, fun, and spooky snacks and meals into your holiday plans. I’ve done a lot of different things these past eight years – here are my best Halloween food creations.

    Breakfast: Food colouring can turn pancakes into a monster mash of creations, especially when you add candy eyes. Hollow out an orange as a festive fruit holder and carve or draw a face. Make a blood-red smoothie.

    Or, buy refrigerated cinnamon rolls and colour the go-with frosting orange to transform your rolls into jack-o-lanterns.

    School lunch: Pack mummified fruit or juice boxes (just wrap the in medical gauze). Draw on fruit with a disposable peel or on clear sandwich bags to make funny faces. Slip in a plastic spider or bat.

    Munchie plate: It can be hard to get the kids settled at the table for a sit-down meal, so make your life easier by creating a grazing board. Hard boil eggs, crack the shell slightly, soak in water and food colouring for five minutes, and peel the eggs to reveal coloured veins. Use cookies cutters to cut out whimsical pita chips, cold cuts, and cheeses. Make spiders out of black olives. Add orange coloured items like peppers, carrots, or cantaloupe. 

    Soup: Soup is filling and warms the belly. Serve it in a small cleaned out pumpkin.

    Appetizers: Finger foods are always a hit! From hot bean dip with pita chip tombstones to miniature pizzas with spiderwebs of cheese, or even hot dogs wrapped in strips of dough to resemble mummies, there’s lots you can put out.

    Dinner: I love black pasta (it gets its unique colour usually from squid ink) on  Halloween. I’ve also made stuffed orange peppers (with pumpkin faces carved into them) and monster foot meatloaf (see photo) and ghostly potatoes.

    A full-time work-from-home mom, Jennifer Cox (our “Supermom in Training”) loves dabbling in healthy cooking, craft projects, family outings, and more, sharing with readers everything she knows about being an (almost) superhero mommy.

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  • Parenting 101: Fun ideas for a Halloween lunch

    Parenting 101: Fun ideas for a Halloween lunch

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    Spookify your child’s lunchbox with these fun ideas for a Halloween lunch.

    Use cookie cutters to make fun shapes in sandwiches, cheese and cold cut slices, and even mini pizzas. Cookie cutters can also be festive dividers for different munchies.

    Buy icing or googly eyes and stick them on everything, from fruit to juice boxes to dips and more. Olives also make for great “eyes.”

    Mummify items: wrap drinkable yogurt bottles, bananas or string cheese in gauze.

    Little plastic fangs and spiders are fun too – just make sure they’re not accidentally eaten!

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  • Supermom In Training: $100 Birthday Party Series – Kids

    Supermom In Training: $100 Birthday Party Series – Kids

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    Birthday parties can be no fun for busy overextended parents. I’m excited to bring you my $100 Birthday Party Series with great ideas for themes, menus, decorations and even gifts for all age groups, all for under $100. Come back every week for more birthday party suggestions.

    They’re getting older, and birthday parties ain’t what they used to be… the best way to curb the overspending on a party is by keeping the numbers down. A good rule of thumb: whatever your age, you can invite that many friends.

    The other key to cutting down on costs: host it at home. There are loads of cool ideas for inexpensive at-home parties for kids ages 5-12. You could have:

    – A sleepover party, complete with movies, tents, pizzas, make-your-own popcorn bar, glow-in-the-dark accessories, and an awesome breakfast in the morning.

    – A dance party. Get your hands on a disco ball, strobe light, or fog machine. Add karaoke into the mix for some laughs. Throw in some fun stuff like blow-up guitars, plastic mics, cool sunglasses, and more.

    – Olympic games’ party. A variety of games and a few medals will keep kids entertained.

    – A food fight. If you dare. Mention on the invitation that everyone should wear old clothes. Then arm them outside with a can of whipped cream and some foil pile pans. Have the strinkler or hose ready (this is obviously for summer birthday babes).

    – A make-your-own party. Kids can make shirts (tie-dye or with their favourite characters), jewellery, model cars or airplanes, pillowcases, painted pottery, etc. While they’re at, have them make their own pizzas or subs, make their own cupcakes or decorate their own cookies, and make their own juice bar.

    If the thought of having a bunch of kids in your house for a party gives you hives, then consider other inexpensive options where you can host a party elsewhere.

    – Community centres can oftentimes be rented. So can places like church basements, daycares, or even school gymnasiums. 

    – Parks. Even in the winter you could have a sledding or skating party with cake and hot chocolate in the nearby chalet.

    – Bowling. Renting a bowling lane and a few pairs of shoes, plus getting a pizza, should keep you at less than $100.

    – Depending on the number of kids, you might also be able to host a small ‘do at the movies with your child’s closest friends.

    A full-time work-from-home mom, Jennifer Cox (our “Supermom in Training”) loves dabbling in healthy cooking, craft projects, family outings, and more, sharing with readers everything she knows about being an (almost) superhero mommy.

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  • Supermom In Training: $100 Birthday Party Series – Toddlers

    Supermom In Training: $100 Birthday Party Series – Toddlers

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    Birthday parties can be no fun for busy overextended parents. I’m excited to bring you my $100 Birthday Party Series with great ideas for themes, menus, decorations and even gifts for all age groups, all for under $100. Come back every week for more birthday party suggestions.

    Another wonderful milestone, another party to plan. Don’t worry – I’ve got you!

    Here’s how to put together the perfect toddler party for less than $100.

    First off, it’s gotta be a home party. You won’t be able to stay within budget if you host it anywhere. If the party is in the warmer weather you can keep things outdoors. Otherwise, clear as much space as you can in your living spaces, set up some extra chairs, grin and bear it indoors.

    Start with e-vites – you can use a free website to send out your invitations as well as track RSVPs, which is perfect for busy parents. 

    Go with a theme that also makes it easy to come up with a corresponding menu. For example, if it’s a Paw Patrol bash, make finger sandwiches and cookies in the shape of bones, or top cupcakes with bone-shaped candy (you can find those at Bulk Barn). For a LOL ‘do, use lots of pinks and purples by making colourful fruit skewers, topping cupcakes baked in ice cream cones with sprinkles, or offering pink yogurt parfaits. Instead of spending an astronomical amount of money on custom-made desserts, print out a few small Paw Patrol/LOL logos and pictures, and use those instead. 

    You can even print the same images onto full label sheets and then cut them out to stick onto paper cups, plastic utensil holders, and goodie bags. It will be MUCH cheaper than buying all the copyrighted party supplies.

    This is a great age to add a game or activity to the party – nothing too complicated or expensive, but a fun way to add an element of entertainment to it all. If space permits or the party is being held outdoors, obstacle courses can be fun, or anything involving lots of balloons (put prizes inside and let them all pop them). If it’s a colder month and you’re stuck indoors, play hot potato, pin the tail, or do an Easter egg-style hunt involving something fun, like treats, which they can put into a bag and take home as a goody bag.

    Food should be the basics, as toddlers can be picky, so stick to pick-plates such as cheese and crackers, veggies and humus or dip, fruit, cold cuts, tomato pizza, baguette, etc.

    Happy birthday!

    A full-time work-from-home mom, Jennifer Cox (our “Supermom in Training”) loves dabbling in healthy cooking, craft projects, family outings, and more, sharing with readers everything she knows about being an (almost) superhero mommy.

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  • Supermom In Training: $100 Birthday Party Series – Babies

    Supermom In Training: $100 Birthday Party Series – Babies

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    Birthday parties can be no fun for busy overextended parents. I’m excited to bring you my $100 Birthday Party Series with great ideas for themes, menus, decorations and even gifts for all age groups, all for under $100. Come back every week for more birthday party suggestions.

    Babies

    What an exciting milestone when our babes turn 1 and 2 years old. While we want this to be a special memory, we also don’t want it to leave a huge dent in our bank accounts.

    The most important thing to remember when throwing a baby’s birthday party: keep it simple. Always time the party around nap time – have a morning ‘do with a light brunch spread (fruit and cheese platters, danishes and croissants) or an interactive make-your-own bagel bar. Or, have a late afternoon party with finger foods and other noshies. Noontime birthday parties only result in meltdowns and overtired celebrators.

    Home parties work best for this age. Hosting it at a children’s play centre can be expensive and will be lost on your little one anyhow (you have plenty of years ahead of you to hold parties at outside venues). Themes can vary depending on the child’s interest, but it’s always easier (and more cost effective) to choose a colour theme and then add in accessories that appeal to your baby (for example, use primary colours like red, blue and yellow, and have a few Mickey Mouse decorations to add in). There’s no reason at this age to shell out extra money for themed plates, cups and tablecloths. 

    When friends and family ask you what they should buy your baby, again: keep it simple. Ask for a small gift so they have something to open (perhaps books to build up their library) and gift cards. There will always be something you’ll need or want to buy your babe down the line, and those gift cards will definitely come in handy.

    Goodie bags at this age aren’t necessary. However, if you do want a little token of thanks for party guests, give out a small box of baked goods or some other treat, a small potted plant, or a cute homemade card with your baby’s handprint.

    A full-time work-from-home mom, Jennifer Cox (our “Supermom in Training”) loves dabbling in healthy cooking, craft projects, family outings, and more, sharing with readers everything she knows about being an (almost) superhero mommy.

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