Top 10 little BIG KID FAV'S (mommy approved)

Life on the other end of toddler hood is almost as bad as i was forewarned. Between the new and improved (and changing on the daily) personal preferences, dropping nap time conflict and mediating the ever prominent tantrum - life has been, well... busy. 

But, lets shine light on the things that get us through- the simple pleasures. 

Here are a list of my top 10 little BIG kid (and mommy approved) favourites... for this week.

yogurt drinks. nuff' said. 

weather you pass them off as milkshakes, yogurt, 'pop' or whatever. they do the trick, crave hanger and are great mini portions

comfy pants- cause really, aren't we all happier in comfy pants. 

Little's move, ALOT. All those cute skinny hipster pants are great for your photo shoot but be real..the daily grind is all about comfort. 

yummy vitamins DHA vitamin (max & ruby) cause they are good for you.

This sweet lemony concoction is treated like a reward at our house- can't get enough. so, "OK... i guess, if you promise to be good"... your welcome. 

Tupperware wipes case. the mecca of all wipes cases is here. 

I haven't met a wipe that doesn't fit in here- if you are reusable i think they would even fit.. keeps wipes wet, and the latch to let them out stays closed and only lets one out at a time. what a concept! 

fun band aids - duh. 

for invisible owies, teddy bears, big boo boos and even your own needs- everything does feel better under the care of a Disney princess.. 

backpack/suitcase- its time.

start letting them haul (some) of their own crap. of course your still the following mule, but it sure helps when your trying to leave the house and their entire stuffy collection can't fit. tough choices. like life. start em young... 

Squeezies for veggies - sneaky. 

my house isn't much of a nutritional palace so i sneak these babies in anywhere i can. No they aren't just for babies.. celebs even carry them in their gym bags for a quick recharge. And no, i don't prepare them myself but by all means.... 

thirty one snack thermal zip cooler- you need one. 

This little cooler pouch is a saving grace for on the go. its small enough to fit in my enormous bag, holds all the snacks and keeps them cool. i love this for carry thing things like the inevitable cheese string and even yogurt drinks! (it also does hold 3 beer- just sayin) i love mine. Check out my friend Erin's ThirtyOne Gifts website for options 

Honest Co. Breath easy rub 

your always in cold season when you have a little one. this rub is awesome. Its child friendly, kids can apply it to their own chest or feet and feel 'big' helping. its safe and chemical free- unlike the nasties in Vick's, you can feel good about this choice. 

SAGO mini app - if you can't beat em, make it educational. 

A friend introduced me to this line of apps geared towards toddlers and inspires interest in numbers and letters- the cute animals and monsters don't hurt either. Its as not annoying and really does a great job teaching age appropriate lessons. 

Tropical Inspired Bridal Shower

I LOVE a good party! Hosting parties, celebrating loved ones, all the crafting, and decorating are definitely a few of my favourite things! I just love all the details and of course, the food. 

This past month I had the honour of celebrating my future sister-to-be! 
It was a special day filled with friends, family and well wishes! The bride and groom will be getting married in Mexico - with not everyone able to attend, I wanted to bring a little tropical heat into the theme to really get inspired and excited about the upcoming nuptials. Here is a little peek....

DIY Banners, tropical details, lots of yummy food, Fruity Punch & Luggage tags for favours to continue with the destination feel...

My favourite DIY was definitely the easily spray painted pineapple also i used one and turned it into a vase for these fresh tropical flowers my mother-in-law brought! (seen above) It really was as easy as you would expect... 

Fresh Pineapple- check! 

Gold metallic spray paint-check! (2 coats to be exact)

Outdoors & Newspaper-check! 

 

We also played an updated version of the traditional 'whats in your purse?' game, with a 'what's in your cell phone?' Here it is for some inspiration and ideas- it was a great way to incorporate things specific to the bride! Turns out we had a winner with close to 100 points!

For a surprise for the bride, Guests wrote ideas for date nights on popsicle sticks and placed them in a box for the bride to take home and share with her groom. Its really funny to read the inpiration and where it came from for years to come! 

Hope you enjoyed a peek at this Tropical Themed bridal shower- It was full of love and memories that we will be talking about for years... 

Toddler Easter Fun- Sugar Free!!!

Easter is almost second to Christmas at my house, I love the feeling of renewed peace and life the season brings with it. Of course all the adornments, cute-as-a-button decor and crafting ideas don't hurt either.. but the highlight for me was always finding my easter basket filled with goodies and treats lovingly selected by my mother- now its my turn to do the same! 

This year, as every year, I'm excited to fill a basket with fun things for my little to celebrate in the joy of easter too. Check out these great 'Basket' alternatives - I like multi-purpouse A LOT so something that can be taken past the time of Easter Morning and be put to use keeping little hands busy is a win! Imagine all your cute easter goodies piled high in one of these fun items for your toddler this spring. 

Here are a few other fun ideas to celebrate Easter and the new season with your little! 
All 'sugar-free'!! Enjoy and happy 'almost' spring! 

Egg Roll Bowl

This Egg Roll Bowl was apart of my Cheap Eats weekly meal plan and I though I would make a quick post for those of you who have no idea what that is...here she is! Pretty tasty looking wouldn't you say? 

Its easy, healthy and delicious... even my 3 year old gobbles it up! 

EGG ROLL BOWL 

-One package of ground meat, turkey, pork or beef 

-One package of coleslaw mix, I prefer the Asian mix with bean sprouts but i had broccoli coleslaw mix on hand 

- 2 tbsp ginger, freshly grated 

- 3-5 garlic cloves freshly chopped or grated 

- green onion 

- sesame seeds to garnish (optional)

- rice to serve over (I had brown minute rice on hand) 

Sauce Mix 

- 1/2 cup Soya Sauce (low sodium is ideal) 

- 3 tbsp brown sugar 

- 1 tsp garlic powder 

-In a large skillet brown your meat with garlic, ginger and salt/pepper - once cooked remove and set aside

-Add coleslaw mix, and green onion to skillet on high heat and sauté 

-Once tender add meat back to vegetable mixture and add sauce mixture 

-Combine all elements and add more ginger (if you adore it like me) serve over rice and garnish with additional green onion and sesame seeds 

-Enjoy!!! 

Cheap Eats 1 : weekly meal planning

Meal Planning for me is always a highlight of my week- it lets me be creative and resourceful. 

These days those skills need to work in overdrive! My husband is back to school finishing off his program and with me being a stay at home mom and a government funded budget, we aren't working on much here. Lets be real... 

I'm excited for the challenge, although times will be tight frugality is something we have adopted since we decided I would stay at home with our little one. Surprisingly- we don't go without too much. We are clever and buy smarter. This is going to be tested the next 6 weeks without my husbands income and I'm sure there are those of you that can relate. 

We do have to be ingenious about not eating ICHIBAN every night now that we have another little mouth to feed... Healthy food is important and so are things that won't be wasted. 

My tactic is to lower our meat intake to a few times a week, my husband is away at school so my opposition to vegetables is in the clear and I'm going to take full advantage! Also choosing produce in season and budget friendly items is obviously imperative! 

Have a peek at my new 'weekly FRUGAL meal plan' & Grocery list-  'Pin-able' to Pinterest 

Hope this helps you pinch a few pennies and still feel satisfied in the kitchen! 

What are your favourite recipes a la cheap?? Ill be looking for more next week 

mini poutine cups

these sweet, messy bites of yum were a treat to my hubby on his birthday. 

they have all the amazing bits of poutine and are as satisfying as they are stupidly portion sized. Germaphobes - your welcome. 

these babies were a great hit at the party and so of course, they are making the blog. 

easy, dirty, greasy and delish.

mini poutine cups 

- tater tots for the fries 

-pizza mozzarella or curds 

-gravy package 

-seasoning salt 

-muffin tin 

Order of Assembly 

-preheat oven to tater tot instructions 

-place 4 or 5 tater tots in each muffin tin and place them in the oven for the preheat 

(this will soften them to allow them to 'smoosh' into the muffin mould) 

-once softened , take a spoon or some blunt tool and create a cup shape out of the tot. make sure you make edges to allow to hold the 'goods'

-sprinkle with seasoning salt and bake till edges are crispy 

- mix gravy per instructions 

- remove tots from oven and sprinkle with cheese while they cool a touch 

- place on plate to serve and drizzle with gravy and sprinkle with additional seasoning salt 

SEE-DIRTY. 

Serve with side of gravy if you want to allow dipping and any other fancy-ness you prefer

ENJOY! 

Capsule wardrobe 2015

We are almost into colour and fun of the summer season- but i wanted to share a few quick favourite items from my winter capsule wardrobe! Each season its so fun to mix and match and know that everything in the closet matches and fits and i feel good in.. a few of these items are new so I'm counting them forward into spring. Its nice to have a few new pieces in the new year!!! 

This isn't everything but it is my favourites from this season! I thought i had decided to forgo Old Navy this season but they got me with some great deals and cute cuts although I am already seeing a fade in the quality. However, the black jeggings are holding strong and almost make me feel like Catwoman. Almost. if Catwoman wore jeans, stretchy jeans, that makes sense..never mind. I suggest them to everyone! 

WINTER CAPSULE WARDROBE FAVOURITES 

Aquatherm Blend Rubber Boot

Rockstar Jegging from Old Navy 

Black Puffer Vest from Gap 

Plaid shirt and tunic are also from Old Navy 

Poncho is Similar to this one- i adore that it has a hood and can be stylish and comfy! winning!!! 

Stay tuned for SPRING 2016!!! I hope to see your soon too 

Firsts!!!

Hello!!!! I'm back! a little break never hurt anyone, I'm refreshed to start blogging again - just realizing the amazing ability to connect with people around the globe is inspiring and leaving me awestruck! 

So for this first post back- I'm proud to say, I have a 3 year old!!! we have survived the (not-so terrible) twos and have moved on to 'three-anger' territory! This one ain't for the faint of heart- life is now full of opinions, boundary pushing and 'why's .... say a little prayer for me! 

This left me reminiscing, as most mothers do, where has the time gone? Life really does flash by when your cleaning pee and trying to sleep... 

This is an exciting season of life, a celebratory season - not only is it almost spring, but its the beginning of new lives, my best friend is expecting her first bundle of joy- other friends are welcoming new little's to the world too and to top it off I'm gaining a sister in law!!! There is just something about firsts...
So in honour - this is a flash back to my Little's first Birthday!!!! 

I will be doing lots of celebrating in this next season of the year and am feeling blessed!!!
Thank GOD for Pinterest and all the unachievable ideas ... Because I love to throw a good party, here are a few very achievable party ideas from my littles first 'circus' bash!! Because well- life with wee ones is a Circus... 

Tickets, clown noses, snowcone inspired cupcakes, lemonade and a photo booth really added to the circus vibe. We also had a make your own cotton candy and hot dog station. The big gift was this Circus tent from IKEA which has been well loved and still standing strong.. 

 Those polka dot balloons made for great photo pop for my little the next day for pictures! 
It was a great time celebrating with family and friends!!!!  Im so happy i took so many pictures to remember upon- 1 is a really big deal, not only is your little growing, but you have survived the parenting pains of year 1 too!!! 

DIY 'feel better buddy' bath bombs - ALL NATURAL

Looking for a last minute DIY - or am I the only one that adventurous on DECEMBER 23rd!!?! 
Well these are fun, easy and will make a lovely gift for this time of year- i love them so much, my people are likely to be getting these natural and handmade sweeties for most upcoming holidays... easter eggs, hearts, pumpkins.. oh the list continues....
Lets get started. 

All you need are a few on hand ingredients and they take a little time to prepare but the efforts are worth it! (Unlike LUSH'S bath bomb's, these don't fizz up as much because there is no citric acid in them) they are safe for littles and natural and healthy!!! but at a savings of  $6+ a pop - you won't mind...

You will need:

• 1 cup of epsom salts 
• 1&1/2 cup of baking soda 
• 1/2 cup sea salt 
• 1 cup lemon juice (instead of citric acid) 
• spray bottle filled with about 1/2 cup of water (i suggest a decent sized spray bottle) 
• fun sprinkles for the kiddos.. (optional) 
• food colouring (optional- i chose no) 
• 10-15 drops of essential oil of your choice (i chose 'immune' from sage wellness) 
• silicone or metal moulds 
• whisk 
• * you could also add eyeshadow pigment to create a shimmer- but i didn't) 

1) Combine epsom salts, sea salts & baking soda into a large bowl
2) Fill spray bottle with water and lemon juice and food colouring (if desired) - shake to combine 
3) Add your drops of essential oils 
4) Stir well with whisk
5) About 1 spray at a time, spray the liquid mixture into the powders and combine with whisk, repeat. (if you see the mixtures starting to fizz you are going too quickly) 
6) Get your mixture to the texture of wet sand 
(this does take awhile, so be patient and err on the side of too wet than too dry- my snowmen didn't turn out as well as the gingerbread men because they were 'dryer')
7) Stir in sprinkles if desired (i thought a few would be fun) or sprinkle them in the moulds before packing the mixture in- 'how LUSH!'
8) Pack the mixture tightly as possible into the moulds applying lots of pressure, this is going to create your shape! 
9) Allow to dry overnight *
10) When ready to pop them out- lay down a tea towel and gently turn them over .. easy clean up and it eases the fall.. 
11) Under warm water drop these buddies in and enjoy a relaxing and healthy aromatherapy bath! (safe for littles too) 

*applying a sheet of tissue paper is supposedly a great way to enhance drying*

Enjoy and Happy & Safe Christmas to you all!!!! 

Great gifting ideas, Part Two: 1-2 year olds

Thanks for dropping by for Part 2: 1-2 year olds! 

This is such a fun age and there are some so many great items for this age category it can be a little overwhelming.. here as a momma, are my top 10! 

Starting off, this age group is all about exploration and learning new skills and being involved in everything!! 

My first item would be an annual pass or monthly pass to somewhere new and exciting like a science centre, the one in Calgary has an amazing tot-zone. A local zoo, swimming classes, gymboree...whatever will get them into new environments learning and socializing. 

Another top choice for this age group are items like a great step stool, this can serve as a chair or more-but you better believe that by year 2, it will be used daily from hand washing to helping momma! 
There are some great ones out there at many price points. 

An activity tree like this Tree top adventure from Manhattan toys, is a bit of a splurge, but it does so much your babe will be enjoying it for longer than you think... 

Interactive books with music and lights are a huge hit at this age and get littles interested in reading! These are great for car rides and in mommas purse- you can never have enough, this is a great go to gift! 

Practical gifts are always welcomed by parents- sure it might not be as fun for baby- but practicality has its silver lining too.. a few toys that would fit into that category are fresh and new sippy cups- soon baby will be onto the next step in its foody career so new cups with straws or push and release tops are great for baby to learn new skills.. 

Another one that can always be used is bath toys, simple but they get gross so quick - its nice to have new and fresh ones at the ready. 

Activity and exploration toys like a sand/water table or small ball bit are great fun and offer hours of baby-tainment! These can be found at most local toy stores or of course, amazon. 

From personal experience, shopping carts are like crack for littles, so metal, plastic, wood or whatever- its going to be loved! 
Same goes for a sneaky place to hide out, wind down, play, read, snuggle... there are lots of options for tent like play structures so just keep in mind child's interests and space when you are choosing something like this.. 

Hope you enjoyed Part 2- Final part 3 will be up later this week! Happy shopping!!!! 

Great gifting ideas: Part 1 - just baby!

Welcome to holiday gift giving part 1 of 3!!! 

Im almost into my 3rd year with my little so by no means am i an expert at the first 3 years- i just adore gift giving and i know especially for those whom don't have kids- trying to but for littles is pretty much a shot in the dark. So wherever your coming from welcome! i hope you find this helpful.

Gift giving for Under 1 years old is really all about stuff that will make a parents life better- honestly skip the baby goods and offer them babysitting services, pop by and make them dinner or take baby so mom and dad can hit a cool and local brunch- think gift cards for adult things like food - or booze is always a welcome gift!!! If you feel the need to stray from the said advice, try these...

Personalized items are something really special and can be found in any price point. Also a gift that would be welcomed by parents as they often wouldn't choose to purchase this for their own children.
These stockings are just perfect for this time of year and for any age! They can be handmade or bought at a variety of retailers

Kids are selfish little buggers - also vain and LOVE looking at themselves so any kind of mirrored, sensory apparatus is going to be a hit for the next coming months.. 

Keeping with the sensory theme sensory balls are great play for babies and can grow with them.. my almost 3 year old still loves to play with these toys from time to time..
This Manhattan Skwish Rattle and Teether is also great for sensory and is very popular for its unique construction and durability.

Growth blocks are a really fun gift and can serve as a great prop for photos and keepsake moments for baby! Some really great ones can be found on etsy.

Another favourite and must-have item is this little JJ Cole Bundle Me car seat bag. It keeps winter babes warm and cozy- adult size too please!

Any kiddo is in style with these bohemian booties!!! - i love these Moccasins from Freshly Picked but they can also be found almost anywhere at any price point. 
Look for these in leather with a good sole if the babe is walking - otherwise just go for cuteness!

The Ikea BUSA play tunnel is a hit for almost all ages and for $17 its a steal of a deal and a gift that will be enjoyed for years to come. I promise it will be destroyed from play before they outgrow it- great for indoor or outdoor use!

These sturdy Usbourne touchy-feely books are great for 0+ the books are bright and have a sensory aspect. They offer them in anything from animals to robots to snowmen so if your child has a favourite animal - I'm sure there is a book for that.

Still not sure? try a really over the top even tacky holiday outfit or onesie- this will be welcomed and offer great photo opps!

Hope your now filled with possibility and restored hope.. stay tuned later in the week for part 2; Great gifts for 1-2 year olds! 

Mommy & Toddler Favourites for DECEMBER

Hello All! I wanted to get this out quickly mid month so perhaps it could inspire you for some gift giving ideas - Ill be doing a separate post for gift ideas for littles but here are a few quick ideas, enjoy and happy shopping!!!! 

I'm loving these products this month and they are also especially festive and would make great treats for any momma or toddler in the family. 

Here we go... 

Frosted Plum Body Butter from Body Shop

This first item is a new-found-find, only around for a limited time! Body Shop got me with this light and delightful scented body butter for the holidays. Its fresh and feminine, fruity and fun. And BONUS they have an amazing sale going on now and apparently this amazing scent now comes in just about everything from bath fizzies to room spray... dance on sugar plums, dance on!!!! 

Purdy's Himalayan Pink Sea Salt Caramels

These inch by inch salted sweeties are divine! I recently shared them with a friend and immediately had to take her to buy some ;) good thing they come in boxes of 20- or i could really over indulge- lol.

These come in milk and dark chocolate not to discriminate and choosing between the two is really like having to choose between the Hemsworth brothers... also great gift idea for just about anyone on your list! 

Lush's 'Ultrabland' facial cleanser

Next product for momma is this luxurious and creamy facial cleanser from Lush. Of course almost everything this place pumps out is amaze balls- but this face wash really is that good. 

It comes in a bucket and is like a modern day cold cream- it removes makeup, cleanses, moisturizes and soothes the skin.. just apply as much as you like- rub it in, leave to sit (like a sweet cocoon for your face) and wipe off with a hot towel.. mini facial! a little pricey for the bucket but i don't use it as an everyday cleanser just a treat once a week. 

Its great for any skin type - so another great pampering gift, give it with some super soft face towels for a quick and simple gift! 

'A Very Marley Christmas' by Josh Grogan

My little guy has really been loving this book as we are getting into the Christmas spirit! 

Its funny and light and it helps that we have our own real life Marley in the house! 

I change the word Marley to 'Wheelie' our dogs name and my little guy laughs at all the mischief that silly pup gets into. Yup its the same Marley from the tear jerking 'Marley & Me' Movie.. no tears here- just great illustrations and fun storyline! 

  

Adventure Play sets

If you have a little girl or boy around 2-3 years of age- this toy is a hit and i love that they make a girl version too! Im going to do a separate post on gift giving for kids but this has been a favourite. 

These ones are from Cabela's but my little guy is blessed to have one from Bass Pro too. They have so many fun pieces and they can use their imagination to play for hours!! If your family is the outdoorsy type- your little will extra enjoy this! 

Gingerbread Bear Paws

I don't think i know a kid that doesn't like these soft cookie treats- this gingerbread seasonal flavour is a nice change. Don't you get sick of having the same goodies for your kids all year!?! 

This is just like the usual with a mild gingerbread flavour. These of course aren't as good as homemade- but sometimes a mommas gotta have a packaged snack at the ready! These are going in our holiday arsenal and maybe the stocking too! 

Thats it for now- a few quick items topping our everyday list, its the little things.. stay tuned for a gift list for toddlers and under. Have a safe and blessed December! 

Mommy & Toddler Favourites for NOVEMBER

Well, its that time again.. (lets just pretend that i didn't miss October) 

that would just be a big rant about sweet treats and the stresses keeping me from my love of blogging so lets skip that by and enjoy the fav's of November!

I love November, its the time when festive spirits start filling the air- the light snow begins to fall and we are preparing our homes, hearts and calendars for the busyness and Joy of December. So lets jump in! 

This months favourites are all over the map- but thats part of the fun..

First All- life has been a little scattered for me with nights away from home and distance from my family- so this in turn when i get to be home it has made me really appreciate home. There really is nowhere like it. So upon coming home- i have been burning this DIVINE candle from none other than Bath & Body Works. This 'Mulled wine' inspired candle would not have been one i would have grabbed if it didn't have the word apple in its fragrance notes... 

(I'm a sucker like that) 

Anyway its fragrant and unique & What feels more home-y than a flickering candle... 

Along with being in and out i haven't had the 'luxury' (as i call it these days) of making a lot of home cooked meals. I have been relying on the old stand by- M&M Meat Shops

But not just for anything - for CABBAGE ROLLS! 

THEY ARE AMAZING. Lord have mercy 

(they don't always taste better when you don't have to put in the effort) 

They taste fresh and maintain their shape and consistency well. Theres enough sauce too- sauce is always important!!! A must try for a quick, cook free night! 

This next product is lovely. 

When something makes cleaning better- its a fav. This Clean Everything Cleaner

is a lavender scented all-purpose cleaner. Bonus it isn't just enviro and child friendly, its gentle, safe and cleans great. I love an all purpose. This is great for this seasons germmies and cleans toys and counters like a lavender dream. A little pricey- $8.50 CAD but its a large bottle and it seemed to last quite awhile. 

My next favourite is a new regular on our coffee table- also its a classic that has allowed me to relive my childhood and it hasn't lost its sparkle. 

Hungry, Hungry Hippos is actually the perfect game for my almost 3 year old. Its simple enough for him to understand and loud enough to be 'cool'.

We are really enjoying some screen free fun with this one- i think growing our child-friendly game collection is whats on the wish list for Santa this year.

This next child product is relatively new to me- vitamins that are gummies?!? 

Have i been living under a rock? well - yea..

My tiny guy always took vitamins no problem but these make my little feel like he is getting a reward and that reward itself is good! 

Costco makes these babies- I'm sure there are numerous ones out there- so leave a comment on tips for my next bottle! 

This sweet bottle of ginger bliss is Origins Ginger burst body wash

Let me tell you- it is divine. Its like having a shower with tiny gingerbread angels!!! 

This body wash is the perfect scent for this holiday season and it works well to moisturize and leave you feeling clean (and slightly more delicious) 

Here is that all over the map thing i was talking about... My new Christmas tree! (fa la la la la la la)

I have been searching for awhile for a skinny and tall christmas tree- we are going to do a larger real one in our downstairs but i don't have a lot of room on my main floor and of course- i can't wait till December to put up a tree (crazy) 

So I found her-here she is the 7 ft Cashmere Skinny Christmas tree from Michaels. 

Its pre-lit and has a really nice detail to the branches, it almost glows and takes up very little space- so if your looking for a space saving tree- Michael's usually has great deals and this is a good choice! 

My last item- is probably one of my most favourite items ever- its the Mom-on-the-go Planner from 'In the Leafy Treetops'

This planner may be on the big side (they make a smaller version too) but it does it all! Budgeting, Meals, vacations, wish lists, planning, holidays, inspiration. it is amazing. 

There are options for add-ons and custom covers and I'm so happy i went with this one. I know there are Erin Condren lovers out there- but this one just seems a little less put together (life in reality!) 

So there it is- my short and sweet list for my top favs from this month. 

Hope you enjoyed and i have encouraged you into a few new products. 

Have a wonderful week!