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Tips for Having Budget Friendly Fun With Kids in Cooler Weather

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Thanks to Freedom Mobile for sponsoring this article

Sometimes, winters here in Calgary seem to stretch out forever. I find keeping the kids entertained on a budget to be easy in the summer, but this task seems way harder when it’s cooler outside.

I have a tendency to stay inside resulting in stir crazy kids, climbing the walls. To help you out (and me!) I’ve compiled a list of ways to have fun with the kids in cooler weather while keeping your budget in mind.

1. Skating

One of my favourite ways to enjoy the cold weather with kids is to take them ice skating. In Calgary, you can find community run outdoor skating rinks as well as a number of city run rinks and ponds and they are all free to use!

Although helmets and skates are required you can often find second hand skates pretty inexpensively. Some rinks even have skates available to rent.

Many indoor rinks also offer public skating and is it usually pretty inexpensive too.

2. Swimming

Public swimming is one of the cheapest things you can do as a family. The best thing about going in the outside of the summer is that for a little while you forget how cold it is outside. But don’t forget to bring a toque for afterwards!

3. Libraries

For free, indoor fun, it’s hard to beat the library. Not only are they full of great books, they also offer great free programs for all ages. In the last few years, Calgary’s libraries have been getting more kid friendly as well. All of the libraries now have at least some toys and games for kids and several have Early Learning Centres for kids 5 and under to play and learn. Hands down the best place to drink your coffee while the kids entertain themselves.

4. Tobogganing

I think tobogganing is my kids’ favourite winter activity. It’s also super cheap – you can find plastic sleds for under $15 and the hills are free! Make sure the hill you are sledding on is free of obstacles and has a long, flat, hazard free runoff at the bottom.

5. Transit

As an adult, taking the bus or train is not particularly exciting but kids always seem to love it. Kids 5 and under are free, which helps keep the costs down.

Pick a destination that you don’t normally go and make the trip part of the experience. The Devonian Gardens, Olympic Plaza’s outdoor skating rink and the new Central Library are all easily accessed with Calgary’s C-train.

6. Lesser Known Attractions

Big attractions usually mean big money – look for some smaller/lesser known attractions instead. Not only do they tend to be cheaper, but you may find a hidden gem!

Great options in Calgary include Youthlink the Calgary Police Museum, Spaceport at the Calgary Airport, Bow Habitat Station and Military Museums.

7. Stay Home But Add a Little Sparkle

Sometimes you don’t actually need to go anywhere. You just need to do something different to make your yard seem fresh. Try Snow painting, build a snow fort, make dinosaur snow prints, or create an obstacle course.

8.Keep your Phone costs down with Freedom Mobile’s Big Offers

When I am out with the kids, I use my phone a lot. Whether it’s finding information, taking pictures and videos of the kids, amusing the kids while we wait or chatting with my friends because I finally have a few minutes of peace while they play.

Until I switched to Freedom Mobile, I thought the high cost I was paying was just something I had to accept. But now, this Freedom Mobile’s Big Gig Offers, I’m getting all the data and service I need at a price that’s actually affordable.

I absolutely love this new iPhone X. The photos I’m taking with it are so good people have mistaken them for professional photos, and I’m loving that they’ve given me more data than I’d ever use. Freedom also doesn’t charge me for going over my limit (if it ever does happen), which would definitely be helpful in case my kids decide to watch Dinosaur Train with my WiFi turned off.

Grandma’s Hamburger Soup – #52soups

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Hamburger Soup - #52soups

My husband’s grandmother used to make this soup and is one of my husband’s favorites. As he will tell you though, it’s not exactly the same as the way she used to make it (aka not quite as good) but it’s as close as I can manage to get. Like many recipes it has changed a lot over time. I actually have a copy of her recipe for Hamburger Soup but it hardly resembles what my husband remembers at all.

He remembers a spicy tomato juice that you used to be able to get but I can’t seem to find anything like that. Do you know of anything like that?

Anyway, the soup is pretty kid friendly and healthy for something that feels a lot like comfort food. This recipe is not precise so feel free to adjust it to your taste or what you have on hand.

Print
Grandma's Hamburger Soup - #52soups
 
Ingredients
  • 1 giant can of tomato juice
  • ½ cup of pot barley
  • a few large carrots
  • a few stalks of celery
  • 1 tetra pack of beef broth
  • heat of your choice (optional) I like using rotel but that is not readily available in Canada
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 1 or 2 cans of whole potatoes (or other potatoes if you prefer)
  • ½-1lbs of cooked ground beef
  • 1 large can of diced tomatoes
Instructions
  1. Add all the ingredients to a large soup pot. Bring to a boil. Set to simmer and cook until barley is fully cooked. Keeps well in the fridge and freezes well too.

Hamburger Soup - #52soups

Tips to Host the Best Stress-Free Dinner Party

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Just as you’re celebrating the fact that your Thanksgiving turkey turned out perfectly and you survived the family antics and drama, you realize the Holiday season is just around the corner. If you’re like me, your mind starts racing… gift lists, shopping trips, recipe ideas, and more holiday parties and dinners than you can count on both hands. Where do you start?

If you’re like me, hosting holiday get togethers are at the top of the list. How do you ensure they go off without a hitch? Here are a few simple tips and tricks that will make every meal a hit:

  1. Make a list and check it twice. There are great organizational apps (I like to think of them as my virtual assistant) that can help you prioritize. From stocking up your pantry and creating menu ideas to managing RSVP lists, storing these items in one place can help you organize and strike off those to-dos!  Plus, the feeling of accomplishment you get when you check an item off your list is always a bonus (whether it’s on paper or on your phone!)
  2. Get the fancy silverware and dishes ready. Holiday feasts and festive parties mean bringing out your best silverware and serving dishes. To refresh your silver, try Arm & Hammer Baking Soda. Just rub a paste of three-parts Arm & Hammer Baking Soda and one-part water onto the silver with a clean cloth or sponge. Then rinse thoroughly and your dinnerware will be sparkling-ready to impress your guests!
  3. Expect the unexpected. For that unexpected guest who drops by, not-so-holiday-specific items like stationary, pens and notebooks are a nice last-minute gifting idea that anyone will appreciate. Taking a non-holiday themed approach means items can be purchased well in advance of the holiday shopping rush.
  4. Keep messes to a minimum. Having a trusted stain fighter on-hand to tackle those holiday spills and stains is a must! My go-to products are the OxiClean MaxForce Foam Laundry Pre-Treater and MaxForce Spray Laundry Pre-Treater. Both can treat wine stains, gravy spills and stains from sticky fingers to keep linens and napkins table-ready for next season. The Pre-treaters can stand for up to a week before washing.
  5. Pamper yourself! Treat yourself to that festive latte, Santa-shaped cookie, or extra hour in bed without the guilt! You deserve it for all your hard work, and it may be just what you need to keep your spirits up and stay energized for your next dinner party!

What are your tips for easing dinner party prep and clean-up stress? I’d love to hear them!

Brighter, whiter smiles for the whole family

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I am a brand ambassador for the 2017 year with Church & Dwight. As part of this program I receive monetary compensation as well as products to review.

National Oral Health Care month acts as the perfect annual reminder that it’s important to pay special attention to our teeth and our overall oral hygiene, which can have a tremendous impact on our overall health. Did you know that poor oral health can lead to gum disease, which left untreated can lead to the loss of teeth… do I need to go on?

To get you started on the path towards a brighter, whiter smile, I suggest the following tips:

For the kids

Children often look at mom and dad as role models, so make sure you lead by example and talk to them about the importance of taking care of their teeth and gums!

  • Suggest using a timer or a song to ensure that the kiddies are brushing for as long as they’re supposed to. You can even make it a family activity by doing it all together.
  • Give your kiddos a bonus for brushing. A sticker chart that keeps track of their brushing habits is a great way to give them an incentive to brush.
  • Introduce a toothpaste and brush that features one of your kids favourite characters – such as the Orajel™ Spiderman™ and My Little Pony™ Anticavity Fluoride Toothpaste and the Kids Spinbrush™ My Little Pony™ Battery Toothbrush. It keeps things exciting while practicing healthy habits!

For adults

Make sure you’re brushing and flossing at least twice a day to achieve optimal oral health.

  • The Canadian Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush or toothbrush head every three months or sooner if it becomes worn, for an optimal clean.
  • Use a battery-powered toothbrush with sonic pulsating action.  For example, the new

Arm & Hammer™ Sonic Pulse Battery Toothbrush is clinically proven to remove 2X more plaque versus a manual toothbrush. This toothbrush has a slim, ergonomic handle, and comes with a replaceable head and battery!

  • If you can’t resist desserts and candy, pay attention! Foods that contains a lot of sugar can stain your teeth and soften tooth enamel. I recommend Arm & Hammer™ Truly Radiant™ Clean & Fresh™ Toothpaste for enamel safe whitening and lasting freshness plus it prevents tartar build up!

This month make it your goal to wear a smile you’re proud of. How are you practicing good oral health habits?

Healthy Habits for the New Year

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I am a brand ambassador for the 2017 year with Church & Dwight. As part of this program I receive monetary compensation as well as products to review. 

The start of the New Year is the perfect time to reflect on the past and look forward to the future. It can also turn into a very hectic time, with children going back to school, winter sports starting and work piling up after a few weeks of relaxation. In the past, January has flown by and New Year’s resolutions quickly go out the window. This year start the New Year off right, with healthy habits that your whole family can benefit from.

Here are four simple changes that could turn into life-long habits. Good luck on your adventure!

 

  1. Healthy homemade lunches: Making lunch for your family can feel like a huge chore, but buying lunch regularly is expensive and often leads to unhealthy choices. Start 2017 off right by preparing simple and delicious meals ahead of time. Doing small tasks to prep, such as cutting up vegetables on the weekend, will make the process quick and ensure healthy choices are made during the week. Getting your family involved can also make prepping food more fun and helps your children understand the importance of making healthy decisions.
  2. Keep your hair healthy: Washing your hair too frequently can strip out natural oils and cause split ends[1]. This new year, start washing your hair every second or third day to maintain healthy and natural looking locks. Using Batiste™ Dry Shampoo Original between washes will help to eliminate excess oil and grease, leaving hair looking clean and fresh with added body and texture.  No water required!

 

  1. Drink water: After a month of indulging start the year off right by challenging your family to drink more water. Try switching your evening pop, or morning fruit juice, for a large glass of water. This may be difficult for the first few days, but after a week you will feel rejuvenated and have healthier hair and skin.

 

  1. Unplug and recharge: Getting a good night sleep is always difficult. There are always new emails to be answered and a list of chores to do; however, it is important to understand the need for a good night’s sleep. Sleep can boost productivity, improve your memory and help maintain a healthy weight[2]. This year, turn off the television, computers and smart-phones one hour earlier. If you are having trouble falling asleep, try Vitafusion™ SleepWell.  Each SleepWell gummy is made with 2.5 g of Melatonin, a hormone that helps increase total sleep time.

Starting a new habit can be daunting! What healthy habits do you want to start this year?

Healthy Habits

[1] https://www.bustle.com/articles/172232-11-reasons-why-you-should-stop-washing-your-hair-everyday

[2] http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20459221,00.html

Managing Summer Chaos

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While kids long for the freedom of summer, it doesn’t quite bring about the same feelings for parents. Juggling children, carpooling to camp and doing household chores with little ones under foot can be overwhelming and lead to a chaotic couple of months.

Below are some great tips to help you manage summer chaos, and enjoy the sunshine as much as possible!

  1. Encourage your children to get off their phones and get outside! In the summer your kids have no excuse but to run around in the backyard and burn off excess energy. Use this time to get to that huge pile of dishes or laundry that has been piling up. To clean all those dirty clothes and remove the grass stains your kids drag in, why not use Arm & Hammer™ Plus OxiClean™ Cold Water Power Paks, an inexpensive and reliable product that will leave your kids clothes looking as good as new.
  1. Stay healthy! Between soccer practice, summer camp and swim lessons summer often means eating quick on-the-go meals. Take L’il Critters™ Gummy Vites™, a complete multivitamin that any kid will love, to ensure your children are getting all of their essential nutrients!
  1. Keep a routine! Ensure you and your children keep a routine during the summer months even if you’ve turned off the alarm clock. Sleeping in and staying up late are great, but will lead to unproductive days. Getting your children excited about boring tasks, like brushing their teeth and completing household chores, will help your children keep a routine during the summer. Arm & Hammer Kid’s Spinbrush and Orajel Flouride and Flouride-Free Toothpastes that tastes great and comes in popular Kids characters such as My Little Pony, Mario, Spiderman and new PAW Patrol to get them brushing all summer long because mom knows when brushing is fun, it gets done.
  1. Get the kids to help with some chores! Having an extra set of hands around the house during the summer can be helpful. Talk with your kids and see what type of chores they can help with – emptying the dishwasher and setting the table are easy tasks that can give you back a few minutes of your day. Having kids fold the laundry is also a great help, and you can trust what they are folding will receive a better overall clean with OxiClean™ Versatile Stain Remover Powder – which boosts your detergent power to get out even the toughest stains.

What are your biggest tips for managing summer chaos?

SummerChaos_EN

I am a brand ambassador for the 2016 year with Church & Dwight. As part of this program I receive monetary compensation as well as products to review. 

May Long Weekend – The Unofficial Start of Summer

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Although the kids are still in school and warm sweaters are still in the back of our minds – for many Canadians, May is the unofficial start of summer and Victoria Day is the first long weekend in a set of many that the summer months bring.

Often, the May long weekend is left for tedious household tasks. This year instead of prepping the gardens, opening up the cottage or doing your annual spring cleaning, try doing something new and start the summer off right! Have your kids turn off the T.V., shut off your computer and head outside to enjoy your natural surroundings.

Readers Digest has put together an amazing list of the best hiking in Canada. While many of these trails are better suited to adults, Canada is also home to some amazing family friendly hiking spots. The Gold Creek Falls trail in Vancouver, B.C. or Webster Falls trail in Hamilton, Ont., are both great examples of outdoor trails that you can tackle with your kids. Be sure to pack a lot of snacks, bottles of water and sunscreen to keep everyone happy and energized throughout the day.

If you are not comfortable with the winding car rides that often occur when escaping the city, I suggest throwing some Gravol™ in your bag. Gravol™ Ginger Liquid Gels are easy to swallow, non-drowsy and will help prevent any motion sickness on long car rides – ensuring you are ready to explore! Don’t be put off by the aches and pains that may accompany you after your hike. It is only natural to be a bit sore after hibernating all winter.  Try Rub A535™ Extra Strength to ease those aches and pains.

The unofficial start of summer and family hikes also mean short season is upon us, which can be a bit daunting after bundling up in heavy sweaters and thick pants for six months. Try using Nair™ Wax READY-STRIPS before you put on that first pair of shorts. These ready to use strips are simple and convenient, just place and peel! Most importantly they will leave your legs looking smooth and summer ready!

What are you and your family planning on doing for the May long weekend?

Victoria Day EN

I am a brand ambassador for the 2016 year with Church & Dwight. As part of this program I receive monetary compensation as well as products to review. 

Super Easy Chicken and Barley Soup – #52soups

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Easy Chicken and Barley Soup

My kids have been a little resistant to soup. My oldest is sure that anything called soup must be terrible. He’s started to make a little progress and is now sometimes willing to try soup so I’ve been trying to make some that I think he might like. Nothing he can’t identify in it, not too spicy and definitely no onions! This soup is also ridiculously easy. You don’t even have to chop anything. And it’s pretty good too.

Easy Chicken and Barley Soup

Print
Super Easy Chicken and Barley Soup - #52soups
 
Ingredients
  • Tetra pack of Chicken Broth (about 4 cups)
  • 2 cups water
  • ½ cup pot barley
  • 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp dry thyme
  • 1-2 chicken breasts cooked (leftover rotisserie chicken is nice, or you can poach it in the broth)
  • salt and pepper
Instructions
  1. In a large pot bring the broth, water, garlic and barley to a boil.
  2. Turn the heat down to a simmer and cook until barley is cooked through (about 40 minutes depending on the kind of barley you use).
  3. Add cooked chicken, frozen mixed vegetables and bring back to a boil.
  4. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Add hot sauce (I like Chili Lime Cholula) if desired.
Notes
Inspired by a Pretty Life in the Suburbs Chicken and Rice Soup. Her recipes are awesome. Go check out her blog.


 Easy Chicken and Barley Soup

New Year’s Resolutions: Small Steps with Big Results!

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DSC_0483-001

My baby turned one at the beginning of 2016. I babies are wonderful but I find the disrupted sleep in that first year so hard to handle. Sleep deprivation is not my friend. Now that he’s one though, I’m starting to feel like I have a bit of a handle on things. Since it’s also the start of the new year I am thinking of new beginnings even more.

It’s tempting to try to make a whole bunch of changes all at once. I don’t know about you, but that has never worked for me in the past. Whether it is a new year’s resolution or not, I find that making smaller changes over time are more likely to stick.

Maybe it’s as simple as taking your vitamins. I’m actually doing really well with that this year since I switched over to gummy vitamins like Vitafusion™ Men’s & Women’s Complete Multivitamins. Gummy vitamins work really well for the kids too because they want to take them so help me remember.

This year I’m looking at other small things that I can do to improve my health. Like being less efficient.

For real.

I find that generally I always try to find the most efficient way to do something so I can cut down the time it takes to do it. But this year I am trying to dial that back in effort to walk more. I’m parking at the back of the lot, taking the long way around at the mall and walking my son to school. I got a fit bit this year at Christmas and am trying to get in my 10,000 steps. Right now sometimes I do and sometimes I really really don’t.

The other thing I am doing is prioritizing exercise. I find it really easy to put this last on my list. I am not an athlete, I would usually rather read a book. But I know I feel better when I exercise so I am trying to put that first on my list instead of last. I’ve found a yoga series I really like called 30 Days of Yoga with Adriene which is free on youtube! I love that the routines change every day but I don’t have to put in a lot of effort to decide what to do next. I just put on the next video. My current strategy is to do it as soon as my youngest goes down for his first nap. If for some reason I miss it I try to do it right after the kids go to sleep. It’s starting to feel my part of my routine and I really hope I can keep it up.

Veritas_VitaFusionMensWomens

I am a brand ambassador for the 2016 year with Church & Dwight. As part of this program I receive monetary compensation as well as products to review. 

World Meningitis Day – 2013

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April 24th was World Meningitis Day and as part of that I got to participate in a round table discussion with Dr. Taj Jadavji who amongst other things works at the Alberta Children’s Hospital specializing in Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases.

Meningitis caused the death of one of my husband’s cousins when he was a child and so it has always been something we’ve been aware of, but I have to admit I didn’t know a lot about it.

Meningitis in an inflammation of the fluid and membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord, it can be caused by a bacterial infection, viral infection or fungal infection. Based on the discussion with Dr. Jadavji, here are some things I think are worth noting about meningitis:

  • Meningitis can be difficult to diagnose as it symptoms initially look like many other more common and benign diseases including fever, headaches, and a stiff neck
  • Meningitis progresses quickly – if your child has a fever and suddenly takes a turn for the worse becoming very lethargic and stops making eye contact you should be seeking medical attention immediately
  • There are vaccines that can protect you and your family against many of the causes of meningitis
  • Meningitis is very rare, but the outcomes are very poor – it can result in death, hearing loss, and brain damage
  • Anyone can get meningitis but infants and children under five years old and adolescents between 15 and 19 years of age are at most at risk.

If you like to learn about about meningitis you can talk to your doctor, or go to http://www.comoonline.org.

I received compensation for my time at the round table but was under no obligation to write about it. No industry personnel were present at the discussion and all medical information was presented by a medical doctor who is an expert in the field of infectious disease. I am in most definitely not a medical professional – if you would like more information about meningitis please speak to your doctor.