summer snack: peach & oatmeal cookies

Im always on the hunt for healthy and filling snack ideas for my sweet toothed toddler. This cookie recipe is going into the vault at my house. Our usual chocolate loving household has accepted these fruit filled treats with gladness. They just make you happy.

The Goods 

• 4 cups all-purpose flour 
• (this is going to seem like a lot, but the peaches get juicy and need the extra flour) 
• 1 tbsp. baking powder
• 1 tbsp. baking soda
• 1 tbsp. cinnamon
• 1 tsp. salt
• 2 cups butter at room temperature
• 1 cups white sugar
• 3/4 cups brown sugar
• 1/2 cup maple syrup 
• 3 eggs
• 1 tbsp. vanilla
• 3 cups finely diced peaches (i didn't even peel them - cause I'm lazy like that) 
• 3 cups oats (old fashioned if your fancy) 
• 2 cups coconut (i used unsweetened)
• 2 cups nuts (optional, i opted not) 

• Preheat oven to 350°.
• Mix sugars, butter, eggs, vanilla, salt, baking powder, baking soda and cinnamon with an electric mixer until well combined.
• Stir in flour, oats, coconut (i saved a bit of the flour for the end, as i want convinced i needed it all- but i did, just combine it slowly) 
• Stir in peaches gently 
• For each cookie, press about 1/4 cup together (these are big mothers)
• Drop cookie dough onto cookie sheets sprayed with cooking spray, spacing 3 inches apart.
• Bake 16 minutes, until edges are lightly browned.
• Cool on pan 10 minutes. Remove to rack to cool.
• Enjoy!!!

These make great 'on the go' healthy breakfast or anytime snack. BONUS- packed with sneaky (mostly) goodness, have a happy and delicious day 

'Honest' Co. Haul

On my path to creating a healthier & cleaner home I purchased a few home cleaning products from the 'Honest' company. All the hype and buzz better be worth the charge just to get it shipped to Canada. Snarl. International charge of approx $15USD again, snarl. 
Good thing well.ca will be carrying their products as of August 2015. 
I did not participate in the 'bundle' as i have heard mixed reviews. Im not convinced its worth it. 
Most likely i will only be reordering the products i enjoy and maybe trying a few new on the well.ca website. 

I decided to do a separate post just for these products (other family friendly favourites to come) No i am not endorsed by the honest company (but how nice would that be), these opinions are my own and i purchased product on my own accord, because its darn cute, healthier for my home and who doesn't like Jessica Alba???

First impressions are running high, or maybe that's the clean marketing.
When looking for cleaning products that were more natural without all the harsh chemicals I was drawn to the honest company for their mission and passion for healthy families.
I'm 'honestly' suprised how satisfied I am so far....

I purchased the following a items from the honest company website

• Multi Surface Cleaner
• Dish soap
• Shampoo & Body wash
• Detangler
• Organic Breath Easy Chest Rub
• Kids toothpaste
• Healing balm
• Dish scrubber & Container

I was delighted to receive my brown box from the honest company-about a week after ordering. Opening the box was a lovely experience, just like Christmas!
I had thought about ordering products for quite some time and now that they ship to Canada I decided to splurge and treat myself  sweet new cleaning products!! What a sad lottery I have won.

The beautiful bright marketing and typography welcoming me to a new brand experience (I just eat that stuff up) Below are impressions of the products thus far...

Multi Surface Cleaner $5.95USD
Im happy with this purchase at the price. Great fresh grapefruit scent cant be beat and I was suprised at the large container
(26fl. oz) I do know it's easy to make your own cleaning sprays but I always struggle with the scents and appreciate this one a lot! 
Scent lasts just long enough and the construction of the sprayer and bottle seems of good quality. Bonus is it looks pretty on my counter (like all the honest products)

Dish Soap $3.95USD
This one I struggled with as I read multiple reviews that it was just alright and not all that 'green'
I took a chance as the value seemed great with the price/volume ratio (26.5 fl.oz) also I'm always willing to give lemon-verbena (y) scents a chance. 
It is a runnier consistency than my usual 'Dawn' but it smells amaze balls and it cleans surprisingly well even on breakfast bacon pans. I can see that I will go through it more quickly than other soaps but that's ok-it also says it can be used as a floor cleaner with a shot in a bucket of hot water. I haven't tried that yet but I will. I love multi purpose functionality.

Honest Shampoo & Body Wash $9.95USD 
This is probably the most popular item i have seen from the honest company. Its sweet vanilla orange scent is delightful and clean. I bought this specifically for my little and i must say, his hair is uber soft after use, doesn't irritate hiss eyes and cleans well. win, win, win

Conditioning Detangler $5.95USD
if you have a child with hair, you know. Detangler is a must! in my home but with this product, im not sure if its combining it with the shampoo but it works amazingly well; very quick and efficient.  Other detanglers i have used typically had to sit for a few minutes once applied and then try to comb it through- but this is great! i think its a decent value as you don't need to use much for a child's head. I will be repurchasing.

Breath Easy Rub $9.95USD
This product was timed perfectly as my little had some summer sniffles th week it arrived. I feel more comfortable using it than a 'vicks'. The container was quite small but the blend of essential oils it seems quite concentrated leaving you to use less. I appreciate that this product has a lavender scent to it as well as a eucalyptus. Very soothing and a new staple in my medicine box.

Kids Toothpaste $3.95USD for 2 pack 
This one is weird, its a strawberry flavour for kids and i purchased the 2 pack small sizes. I tried it first and i gotta say it tastes weird like artificial sweetener, that said- my little loves it.
Im glad it came in these small sizes, one is great for his overnight bag and the other is small enough to use in the next few months and move on to another 'natural' toothpaste. Any suggestions, please let me know!

Honest Healing Balm $12.95USD
I have yet to use this and the instructions were a little vague on my packaging, website is better..I was looking for a 'polysporn' type of product safer and more natural, i can only assume that is what this is... it feels a little greasy and i think they could have made it smell a little nicer, its pretty blah and haven't had anything major to try it on yet but i am intending to use it for scrapes, bruises and bug bites.. anyone else have any experience with this product?

'Suds Up' Bamboo scrubber & Ceramic suds maker $12.95USD
I bought this cause its cute, and looks like it makes cleaning fun. but in reality it makes it messier.
Its a typical cute little bamboo dish scrubber and it rests in this ceramic dish with a little platform that rests in a spring, so ideally you add some dish soap and water to the dish and press the scrubbby down to make bubbles and wash your dishes with more fun! well...you need to be a little heavy on the 'sudsing' so it splashes around the counter.. maybe i haven't figured it out yet, but im not giving up, its cute and pretty and fun. And it was $12.95

Overall, im pretty happy with most purchases, if you want to check out the website, heres a link.. 

honest company

happy and healthy cleaning to all on this fresh week!!!

happy (little) campers

Tis' the season, Happy Camping!!!!! 
we are in full swing with camping in our family and its such a blessing to be in the great wide wilderness with the family enjoying old fashioned time together, we have gotten pretty good at it - gadget free... well except for the iPad, we do need our daily dose of 'Paw Patrol'.. thats ok in these parts. 

Recently my hubby and I had a toddler-free camping weekend (thank you Oma & Grandpa) and as wonderful as it was to sleep in and get day drunk- most of the time i had to relax was spent reminiscing about what we would be doing if our little was with us and planning the next outdoor getaway with our little. Ain't that the parent life. 

Camping is like crack for my little, hello sweet snacks, staying up late, getting dirty, limited baths and dirt bikes, quads, etc... little boys dream! 
Although its not quite the same as the carefree camping we once experienced- its pretty awesome spending the weekend with friends together with our children and there is usually lots of hands to help, stories to tell and enough activities to keep them busy! 

I got to thinking about a few things that make our camping trips successful-we had a learning curve the first few times we decided to hit the sticks but we have gained confidence and a few less bug bites along the way..

Here are just a few suggestions for camping with littles and camping approved items from Toys to Sleeping suggestions.. 
(these are our personal favs)

Keep Toys under control- remember the house parties you used to wake up at and things WTF happened here- well a weekend camping with your toddler and your campsite will resemble something quite like that. 
We like to limit them and keep them organized in a rubbermaid (appropriate size for your trailer/tent)  
Rubber maid are great for outside in any weather then just bring in the truck or camper for transport.*BONUS-they can be used as a bathtub or cool pool* 
Think toys for all sorts of weather, bubble guns are great but if its all you got and its a rainy weekend..well.. - unless your cool mom, then go ahead. crazy.
We like simple things like colouring books, glow sticks, Tonka trucks, balls of various sizes, jars to catch bugs and of couple favourites from home. The best toys are the ones found in the wilderness!

Snacking toddlers are happy toddlers and with the excitement from being camping coupled with the fresh air and busyness- toddlers tend to eat less at mealtimes out camping, all my mommy friends say the same- think nutritious snacks and don't force too much at supper time. As long as they are staying hydrated- thats most important. They will find you and the meltdowns will tell you its time for some snacks so be prepared. 
Remember that these snacks will often be left out and revisited time and time again so be cautious of dairy products. 
We love these baby squeeze pouches - they usually have a balance of some veggies so i can rest assured its not just a sugar weekend. They are easy and on hot days, its a nice cool treat. 
Something else that always seems to be a hit for my little is a homemade trail mix. Mixing fav's like teddy grahams, almonds, cheerios... well maybe ill leave that for another post. Whatever you child likes, there are no rules, just make ahead and be prepared. 
Don't forget a reusable and durable water bottle and chair in their size. They will need a place to eat at if they are done with the highchair.. 

Plan ahead with at camp activities, We can't always be going on hikes, throwing rocks in the river, going on quad rides and watching daddy chop wood.. so in the meantimes make sure you have things to keep your little one busy while hanging out at camp. Nap times count :) 
We make sure we always bring the 'strider' bike for our little man, he enjoys hopping logs and we enjoy making little obstacle courses for him. Looking for bugs and catching them is a great past time and I'm sure you don't have to go far. If I'm really prepared i take a few things along to craft with like painting rocks, making pet sticks or bird feeders...Pinterest is at your becon call (before you leave of course) 
Im never without stickers and temporary tattoos.. those are favs and if you have access to enough water, water fights are always fun! 

S.L.E.E.P ???? Yes, They are going to sleep different, maybe better, maybe worse, just like any vacay. 
Be prepared... we are lucky enough to have a travel trailer so our little is now framiliar with his bed there, but it took awhile and no 2 nights are ever the same.. just be patient and bring a few comforts from home. We try to keep bedtime routine as much the same as possible from bed time to blankies... 

Don't forget essentials like medicines and things for emergency. We often camp in the forest so there isn't much around in the event of an emergency. Get yourself a REAL first aid kit, allergy meds and be prepared for things for tummy aches, fever, bug bites, diaper rash and teething. 
Seriously- Just take it momma.

On the Road- you gotta get there right?! Thats the beginning and the end- if your lucky they will be happy and excited on the way out and sleep the whole way home, but think ahead and plan for this stage too. Whether its books, iPad or games.. make sure you have something to keep them entertained oh and snacks... 

Happy Camping, be safe & have fun! 

My item favourites: 
1. CIAO Baby - Portable highchair
Not just for a weekend in the sticks, grandmas house, Mexico, your own germs at a restaurant, its a must!
2. Rubbermaid bins for storage
3. Attitude brand eco friendly wipes
Cause its nicer to the environment.... 
4. Squeeze pouches (I prefer organic brings like Ellas kitchen & Plum) but whatever is on sale and has veggies in it works for me 
5. Fleece lined jeans (these can be found anywhere) but so great for cool mornings and evenings 
6. Kleen Kanteen
Durable, safe & easy to clean are what your looking for here 
7. Strider, pedal free bike
This is a blast for any littles in that 2 year old + window! we take ours everywhere 

10 easy decorator tips

My job before this one, where my little (tries) to call the shots and i get paid in hugs I had a creative career, my dream job that i loved and sometimes do miss dearly..

I worked hard for my creative degree and that resulted working for a homebuilder in the city on an amazing team decorating 40+ showhomes a year. I'm tired just remembering it...

Its was fun to tell people i was a showhome decorator just to see the reaction on their faces. Almost always they say "so you shop for a living??!?" well yes and no dear... and its far more sweaty, exhausting, rigorous work than that. Full of time management and coordination. But it sure does sound glamorous doesn't it.. I'm sure i haven't fooled you.. 

Well i find myself missing that day to day decorating and since its such a hot topic for interest i though i would share with you some tricks and tips i learnt along the way for successful decorating! 

ONE: Please!!!! Ive seen this mistake SO MANY times, unless its intentional as part of a gallery wall- this rule needs to be followed- there are far to many pictures living close to ceilings in this world. 
Suck it up, putty it up and bring it down just above eye level. 
Gallery walls are great places to incorporate odd sizes and pieces and fill an otherwise empty wall
This is a great way to add dimension and interest to a large space! This unique and eclectic look allows you to incorporate a variety of photos, prints and framed personal pieces. 

TWO: If your going to splurge on that don't you think it should be neutral? If your the adventurous type and feel a lime green leather couch is something your going to adore for years, then your braver than me! 
Times have changed and colour is great, but keeping your investment pieces neutral (greys, taupes, blacks) will allow for longevity. They also ground a space and give your eye a visual rest. 
A million places make awesome throw pillows and blankets in fun patterns and colours - even inexpensive art can be changed out for a whole new look. Try that before your up to your eyeballs in dusty rose. (yea, people have been there before...) If you gotta have yellow, try a bowl with faux lemons on the coffee table or a great spray of tulips. Doormats, decals and frames are also an easy and unexpected way to add colour. 

THREE: This will make or break it. Furniture needs to be in scale with itself and its friends. 
A Large sectional with slipper chair isn't going to look right. Pieces like sofa and coffee table should mirror each other for size, and bulkiness. Large leather sofa should be paired with an end table that has some strength to it in your style. A feminine bed frame should have a nightstand that also feels feminine and light. There are no hard and fast rules but before you purchase that ottoman, make sure its going to flow... 

FOUR: I think what people most adore about showhomes (aside from all the creative ideas) is the fact that it has good energy through being clutter free. 
There are no personal items like mail and laundry hampers stuffed with clothes. Shoes aren't littering the back door and kids toys aren't hiding around every corner. However it can be argued that those are the things that make a house a home. Showhomes however are simplistic and clean. What people don't know is that is integrated into the decorating, little 'vignettes' are staged throughout the home, a neat diaper basket in the nursery with a few color coordinated toys. That tray of olive oils in the kitchen - these make it feel accessible, you can put yourself in its 'shoes'. Its paired down from the everyday. 
Take this as far as you like, i enjoy keeping a few personal items in my home, but i don't want my whole DVD collection on display and my mail is hidden in a drawer.. and after all, more stuff means more dusting and who wants that. 

FIVE: The world of Pinterest has changed life as we know it for the D-I-Y'er. 
Anything you can think of you can make with a little elbow grease, a lot of time and dedication - it can be done. Even professional decorators put in the sweat when it comes to custom projects. A many late nights were spent gluing, crafting and painting. Even if you have the highest of ambitions, some things can be too much, so proceed with caution. A DIY is a great way to personalize things and make you feel proud of your home. Give it a try, start small and you will astonish yourself. 

SIX: Have you met Grey? I'm talking all of its 50 shades here, no - not like that- I'm talking cool grey, warm grey, taupe grey. Seriously, its not just that but take a serious look at anything in your house that bring you back to the 70's, 80's, and particularly the 90's... peach, ruffles, potpourri.. upolstry that looks like a cosby sweater or covered in plastic- come on. let it go..Adding a little grey and neutral, clearing the crap and a fresh coat of paint will immediately update your space. 

SEVEN: This is simple, a home shouldn't have anything in it that isn't useful or that you love.. This is a great measure when clearing the clutter, deciding on purchases and sorting for donation. 
If you love those doilies from grandma and just can't part with them - think outside the box, frame them! showcase them in a unique way.. 

EIGHT: Personally, even when i was spending other peoples money (yes that was fun) - i just don't think its necessary to pay full price for almost anything. Since HomeSense (as we call it in Canada) has emerged on the decorator scene- i honestly don't know how other home accessory stores are keeping up.. They have pretty well everything your looking for, unique treasures and terrific prices. Shop smart and look online. 

NINE: When it comes to curtains that is - Hanging your curtains about 6 inches from the ceiling will make your windows feel bigger and brighter. 
Light is Key- everyone wants it and not everyone knows how to find it- I'm here to help you, check out my post about 'farmhouse curtains' for drapery tricks. 
Second to hanging pictures too low, this is the next most popular offence, let the sunshine in people! Your ceiling will look taller and your view will shine brighter. Win Win. 

TEN: Sometimes all you need is paint. Things can be transformed with a brush and some time. 
Many times as a decorator when we didn't like something or it wasn't quite right, paint fixed it up and made it a statement for the room. Whether that was an accent wall in a living room or a fun colour for a piece of furniture, making your own art or making accessories work- Paint is a makeover artist. Its budget friendly and almost anyone can do it. 

mommas lunch

hey you-aren't you sick of eating cheese and crackers, toddler leftovers and hiding the good stuff for bedtime...(oh, is that just me?)

I find myself so often cooking toddler friendly food that a week can easily go by on food that i don't really even enjoy eating.. so this week I'm switching it up, I made 2 easy and fresh salads with the same dressing! (love that) this is an easy way to maximize your time & ingredients while giving you a little variety.
These are healthy and MOMMA FRIENDLY,  your super lucky your toddler might eat these too (if your willing to share) ..but my guys aren't down, no meat or cheddar here - they out.

First lets start with the simple ingredients.

- 1 box of 'Casbah garlic & olive oil couscous'

(you could really use any grain, i was fresh out of quinoa, but whatever your fancy)

for the one box i split it in 2 and made both salads from 1 box of grains-awesome time saver

-1 cucumber (half for each salad) 

Tangy Lemon dressing

(half for each salad) 

-1/2 cup olive oil

-3 tablespoons of lemon juice

-salt & pepper

-zest of one lemon

from here the two salads split a bit, one having more depth with the berries and mango- the other staying lighter with more crunch..see below!

minted couscous veggie salad 
make couscous as package directs 
-1/2 red pepper, yellow pepper 
-1/2 cucumber 
-1/4 red onion 
-1/2 cup feta 
-5 leaves mint chopped for preference 
-add tangy lemon dressing (half) and combine  

berry basil couscous salad 

make couscous as package directs 

-1 cup blueberries 

-1/2 cup dried cranberries 

-1 cup diced mango

-1/2 cucumber 

-5 leaves basil chopped for preference 

-add tangy lemon dressing (half) and gently combine 

*optional, add almonds, slivered or whole*

(they provide nice crunch) 

this is the couscous my family enjoys, if your unfamiliar with couscous it is a middle eastern grain, very similar to a tiny rice, delicious and light. As mentioned, any grain you have on hand would do great, i can't wait to try with dark wild rice or quinoa 

happy monday! healthy and happy week to you 

good hostessing is free wifi

the cutest trend around being a hostess is this cute idea for your guest room or front entry. i love being a hostess and having guests over, i dream of owning a quaint b&b someday in the forest or near the water - this is my husbands worst nightmare but a girl can dream... 

until then, how sweet is this? it lets guests know your wifi password so its on hand and easy for houseguests to stay connected. LOVE THIS!! my dear friend Jenn from fox in the hole designs made this one at her sweet little design shop - check it out for purchase on her etsy shop now!!! She's a unicorn of graphic design and isn't this just perfect? 

Enjoy and happy weekend to you!