Awesomeness of the Day (31-May-14)

Having an empty work e-mail inbox!

Awesomeness of the Day (30-May-14)

A clear blue sky.

Gift Idea - Fingerprint Key Chain/Pendant

Still looking for a craft do you with your kids for a memorable Father's Day gift? This is an easy craft that you can do with children of any age. For multiple kids you can create separate fingerprints or one larger key chain. Same process will also work as a necklace pendant or to hang from the rear view mirror.

Source: http://www.agirlandagluegun.com/

WHAT YOU NEED:

• Small package of clay.
• I like to use foamies modelling clay. It is a light clay that will completely harden after 72 hours of air drying.
• Wooden stick
• Key chain 
• Rolling pin
• Knife to cut the clay
• Acrylic Paint (optional)
• Mod Podge (optional)
• Beads (optional)
• Thin tip marker

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Take a portion of the clay and roll until approximately 1 cm thick. Remember to make the portion large enough for the finger impression and a key chain hole.
• Take your child's finger impression. 
• Use a wooden stick (ie. skewer) to create a key chain hole
• Use a knife to cut the clay into desired shape. (heart, oval)
• Let clay air dry for 72 hours or bake in oven as per instructions.
• Paint key chain and glaze with Mod Podge if desired.
• Decorate chain with beads if desired.
• Write child's name and date on the back.

Awesomeness of the Day (29-May-14)

Seeing a deer graze next to my house in the suburbs.

Parents - Think You Are Having a Bad Day?

Are your kids driving you nuts? Feel like you are having a bad day? Chances are there is a parent somewhere having a worse day.

Source: parentdish.ca

If you child is being really quiet there is a possibility that they are up to no good. Hopefully their antics aren't as extreme as the images posted on Parent Dish. Check out pictures of Kids Caught in the Act .

Awesomeness of the Day (28-May-14)

The smell of fresh coffee brewing in the morning.

By Felixco, Inc., published on 28 March 2013
Stock Photo - image ID: 100151719

Gift Idea - Shadow Picture

The warm weather is a perfect opportunity to take advantage of the sunlight and shadows that can be created. I thought it would make and awesome father's day gift that could be easily customized.

Source: http://southshoremamas.com

Awesomeness of the Day (27-May-14)

Working Outside.

Tasty Tuesday - Watermelon and Bocconcini Salad

Summer is a time for great activities and awesome food. It is also an opportunity to take advantage of seasonal fruits and vegetables and try new salads.

Watermelon and Bocconcini Salad

INGREDIENTS

1/2 small watermelon

1/2 tub of bocconcini pearls

1 tablespoon of chopped basil or basil flakes

Sea Salt

DIRECTIONS

Remove the watermelon rind and cut the flesh into 1 inch cubes.

Mix the bocconcini pearls (drained) with the watermelon.

Thinly slice the basil and mix with the watermelon mixture.

Sprinkle sea salt over entire salad. This will help brighten the flavours.

1/2 of a small watermelon will yield enough salad for 4 people.

Kitchen Gadget - Deep Tea Diver Infuser

Have some fun with your afternoon brew with this infuser that will take you 20,000 leagues under tea.

http://www.kikkerland.com/products/jacques-the-diver-+-tea-infuser/

Every Girl Deserves to be a Princess

Parents will go through great lengths to make a child happy and see them smile. It may even mean waiting in line for an opportunity to purchase a “Frozen” princess dress or in my case a Cabbage Patch doll. It’s astounding to see the support that a family received from total strangers so that they could fulfill the last wish of a 4 year old. Every little girl deserves to be a princess.

Disney Dress For A Princess and Heartbroken Family

Parents - Stop Telling your Kids that Fruits and Vegetables will make them Stronger

According to a study led by Dr. Avelet Fishbach of the University of Chicago, the best way to foster healthy eating habits in young children is to avoid telling them how fruits and vegetables will make them stronger, taller or smarter.






Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/don-kids-veggies-good-article-1.1801726#ixzz32ourm6T5

Awesomeness of the Day (26-May-14)

Car Singing! Hearing a favourite song on the radio that you remember every word to.

Awesomeness of the Day (25-May-14)

Kid problems. Being 5 years old with 3 girlfriends.

Awesomeness of the Day (24-May-14)

Getting a front row parking spot.

Updated baby feeding guidelines - End of the Sippy Cup?

As a first time mom it was interesting to hear the differing opinions regarding how to introduce solid foods to babies after six months. What is the best order that foods should be introduced in? Should you expose your child to common food allergens (ie. peanut butter) early?

Recently, Health Canada, Dietitians of Canada, the Canadian Pediatric Society and the Breastfeeding Committee for Canada together released updated guidelines for feeding infants aged six to 24 months. The revisions are based on the latest scientific evidence and are meant to simplify the current feeding messages.

Below are some of the recommendations:

• Breastfeeding - exclusively for the first six months, and continued for up to two years or longer with appropriate complementary feeding.
• Support breastfeeding for up to two years or beyond, as long as mother and child want to continue. 
• Recommend a daily vitamin D supplement of 10 µg (400 IU) for infants and young children who are breastfed or receiving breastmilk.
• If parents and caregivers are introducing cow milk, advise them to delay until nine to 12 months of age. Recommend limiting cow milk intake to no more than 750 mL per day.
• For most healthy young children, there is no indication for the use of commercial formulas beyond one year of age.
• Soy, rice, or other plant-based beverages, whether or not they are fortified, are inappropriate alternatives to cow milk in the first two years.
• Recommend iron-rich meat, meat alternatives, and iron-fortified cereal as the first complementary foods.
• Ensure that lumpy textures are offered no later than nine months.
• Common food allergens, such as peanut, fish, wheat (including iron-fortified infant cereals with wheat), milk products, soy and whole eggs, can be introduced from about six months of age.
• Do not to give honey to a child under one year of age. This helps to prevent infant botulism.
• Promote offering finger foods to encourage self-feeding.
• Encourage use of an open cup, initially with help.

All of the guidelines, rationale and references are available at:

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/nutrition/infant-nourisson/recom/recom-6-24-months-6-24-mois-eng.php#a6

The updated guidelines are clear, straightforward and addressed all of the feeding questions that I remember having as a first time mom. These questions and feeding strategies were often the subject of conversation with other parents and at mommy groups. I was pleased to see the recommendation to introduce common food allergens (ie. peanuts, egg, seafood, wheat) early and to serve the foods often so that babies do not develop an intolerance.

I think that the guideline which will be most difficult to adopt will be the use of an open cup starting at six months of age. Is this the end of the sippy cup? I must admit that as the parent of a little girl who likes to play rough and drinks water like it is going out of style, giving her an open cup will be a challenge. Learning to drink from an open cup will take patience and time but I understand the need to support the development of mature feeding skills. I don’t think I am prepared to fully remove the sippy cup just yet, especially if eating away from home. However, I will now start to introduce drinking from an open cup, which is much earlier than expected.

I’m always interested in hearing the feedback of others. What are your thoughts on the new feeding guidelines? Will you be abandoning the sippy cup?

Awesomeness of the Day (23-May-14)

Spring Blossoms

Awesomeness of the Day (22-May-14)

Baby Giggles. My favourite sound.

The most important rule, the rule you can never forget, no matter how much she cries, no matter how much she begs, never feed her after midnight.....

Kitchen Gadget - R2-D2 Soy Sauce Dispenser

I am a sucker for kitchen gadgets and could easily spend hours checking out the latest and greatest kitchen toys. I welcome anything that can save space, make life in the kitchen easier or simply more fun.

For our first gadget let's start with something fun. 

thinkgeek.com

What better way to enjoy sushi than with a R2-D2 soy sauce dispenser! R2-D2's holographic projector is the pouring spout. Not only is it a fun table accessory but it is also dishwasher safe!

Source: http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/117a/

Awesomeness of the Day (21-May-14)

Bubble Baths

© Sweetgoddess | Dreamstime Stock Photos& Stock Free Images

Gift Idea - Cufflinks

Every man needs at least one pair of cufflinks. They are a great way to show personality and have fun with a dress shirt. Use your imagination to create cufflinks that are perfect for dad.

kidstuffworld.com

To make your own cufflinks you will need:

• 2 Cufflink backs (I purchased 10 for $3.50 on Amazon)
• Quick-bonding glue
• 2 Lego bricks (for example)

Place the quick bonding glue on the round pad of the cufflink back. Keep in mind that the glue will adhere instantly. You will need to work carefully and quickly.

Hold the cufflink back in place until the glue is set.

Cufflink Ideas:

Big Kid - Lego
Musician - Guitar Pic
Board Game Fan - Scrabble Tile
Investor - Coins
Keyboard key
Buttons
Piece of computer motherboard

Awesomeness of the Day (20-May-14)

Fireworks on a clear night.

Tasty Tuesday - No Bake Chocolate Macaroons

This is an easy, no fuss drop cookie recipe. The hardest part will be waiting for the cookies to cool before eating the entire batch. These cookies freeze well.

INGREDIENTS:

6 tablespoons cocoa powder
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup milk
1 1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 cups quick oats
1 cup shredded coconut

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a saucepan melt butter with cocoa powder and stir. 
2. Stir in milk and sugar. 
3. Bring to a boil over medium heat for at least 2 minutes. 
4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. 
5. In a separate bowl mix quick oats and coconut. 
6. Pour liquid mixture over oats and coconut and mix well. 
7. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper and let cool. Cookies will become dry and easy to remove off paper.

Makes three dozen cookies.

Awesomeness of the Day (19-May-14)

The exhilarating sound your club makes when you hit the perfect ball.

Grift Idea - Child Letter Photos

I am always looking for new craft ideas that my toddler and I can complete together. For father's day why not put together a word collage that spell "DAD", "DADA" or "DADDY"? Wooden letters can be easily found in a craft supply store. Keep an eye out at your local dollar store since they will often carry some.

Paint the letters so that they will stand out. Hand them over to your child and snap away! If you have a squirmy child consider using the sports mode on your camera. It will take a ton of photos but you are guaranteed to find a few great ones.

Awesomeness of the Day (18-May-14)

Taking a walk on a lovely sunny day. 

Sunny Day, Sweepin' the clouds away ....

I am not surprised by how much my 13 month old loves Sesame Street. She squeals in delight at the first sight of Murray announcing the word of the day. She is entranced by Cookie Monster and Elmo, and she loves to dance to all of the songs. 

Canadian Sesame Street muppets

Growing up Sesame Street was also one of my favourite television shows. Big Bird was my favourite and Elmo didn't exist in those days. I also watched the Canadian version with Basil the Polar Bear.

Despite it being 30 years since I learned from Sesame Street, I must admit that I still enjoy watching it with my daughter. The song adaptations are current and the movie parodies are fun, witty and most of all educational. I have listened to Cookie Monster's "Me Want It" parody of Icona Pop's hit song "I Love It" so many times with my daughter that I no longer remember the original lyrics.

When it comes to children's programming Sesame Street has developed the perfect formula to withstand the test of time and educate generations of children.

Sesame Street Fun Facts

Original orange Oscar the Grouch

• Sesame Street first aired on November 10, 1969.
• The first celebrity guest was James Earl Jones.
• Oscar the Grouch was originally orange.
• Oscar the Grouch is 43 years old.
• Big Bird is 8-feet 2-inches tall
• Big Bird received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1994
• Grover has a key to the city of Bemidji, Minnesota.
• South Africa's version of Sesame Street "Takalani Sesame" has a yellow monster named Kami who contracted HIV from a blood transfusion. 

  

  Kami - HIV infected muppet

• The Count's compulsive love for counting is known as "Arithmomania"
• Very rarely does Cookie Monster actually eat cookies. He eats rice crackers decorated to look like cookies.
• Cookie Monster is one of the few muppets on Sesame Street with 5 fingers - most only have 4.
• Cookie Monster's real name is Sidney. In a 2010 twitter post Cookie Monster tweeted "Me wasn't born with name 'Cookie Monster'. It just nickname dat stuck. Me don't remember me real name... maybe it was Sidney?"
• In 1980, C-3PO and R2-D2 visited Sesame Street on a secret mission to deliver a message to Oscar.

Source: muppet.wikia.com

Awesomeness of the Day (17-May-14)

Family Pets. Especially those who come to the rescue.

Awesomeness of the Day (16-May-14)

Friday before a long weekend!

Awesomeness of the Day (15-May-14)

Hitting a bunch of green traffic lights on your way home from work.

Awesomeness of the Day (14-May-14)

Being able to sleep in.

Awesomeness of the Day (13-May-14)

The smell outside after it rains.

Tasty Tuesday - Chocolate Lava Cakes

There is something magical about a warm chocolate lava cake that can turn around any miserable day. Here is an easy and delicious chocolate lava cake recipe that will have others thinking you spent all day baking.

INGREDIENTS:
4 squares semi-sweet chocolate

1/2 cup butter

1 cup icing sugar

2 eggs

2 egg yolks

6 tbsp. flour

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Butter four ramekins. Place on baking sheet.
3. Melt chocolate and butter using a hot water bath. Stir until mixture is completely melted. 
4. Add sugar until well blended. Blend in eggs and egg yolks and whisk. Stir in flour. 
5. Divide batter between prepared ramekins.
6. Bake 13-14 minutes or until sides are firm but centers are soft. Let stand 1 minute.
7. Carefully run small knife around cakes to loosen. Invert cakes onto dessert dishes. Sprinkle icing sugar on top. Serve immediately. Delicious if served with whipped cream and fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Make-ahead: You can prepare the batter for this up to a day in advance. Pour into ramekins, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Bake as directed above.

Makes 4 lava cakes.

Awesomeness of the Day (12-May-14)

Baby passport photos that look like mug shots.

Awesomeness of the Day (11-May-14)

Being a mom. Happy Mother's Day!

Awesomeness of the Day (10-May-14)

Driving by a metallic pink Cadillac Escalade. For the big kid who can no longer fit in a power wheels!

Gift Idea - Hand Print Flowerpot

Looking for a last minute crafty Mother's Day gift? Get your little one to decorate a flower pot and plant some of your favourite seeds.

• Trace your child's hand on coloured cardstock.
• Cut out the traced hand and a flower stem with leaves.
• Use Mod Podge to glue the flowers to the pot. 
• Seal the pot with a layer of Mod Podge.
• It will take 2-3 layers of Mod Podge to complete this project. Wait 20 minutes between each layer for the Mod Podge to dry.

Sweet pea flowers were planted in the flower pot that we made. This is what the finished product looks like a few weeks later.

Tackling Walt Disney World With a Baby

Taking an infant on an all-day excursion may seem like a daunting task, especially if that outing is to Walt Disney World. Last summer we braved the crowds twice and took our 4-month old to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. Taking a baby to Walt Disney World is a manageable endeavor that provided a ton of great memories and photo opportunities.

For those of you thinking of tackling Walt Disney World with an infant, here are my tips to make it a great experience.

• Have a Plan of Attack – The Disney parks can be an overwhelming place if you have never been there before. Take an opportunity to look at a park map ahead of time so that you know what attractions are offered and what you would like to do. In my opinion, the best park to travel to would be Magic Kingdom because of the variety of things that you are able to do with an infant.

• Baby Care Centres – Take advantage of the baby care centres offered at each Disney park. These centres are a great place to go for feedings, changing diapers, if you have forgotten something or to simply get out of the sun. Below is a list of features provided by the baby centre.
• Private nursing room with rocking chairs
• Changing room with tables and a unisex bathroom
• Feeding area with highchairs
• Kitchen with microwave, oven and sink
• Main room with television, table, chairs and sofa
• On-site shop offering formula, baby food, juice, diapers, wipes, sunscreen, over-the-counter medications and clothing for purchase.

• Free “1st Visit” Button - Disney offers free buttons for individuals celebrating a special occasion. Visiting Walt Disney World for the first time is always a special occasion so be sure to grab a button as a keepsake. Buttons are available at Guest Relations. In Magic Kingdom this is the “City Hall” building when you first walk into the park.

•  Go on Attractions – Many people do not realize that numerous rides and attractions at Walt Disney World do not have height restrictions. Your child sits on your lap or next to you during the ride.  We were amazed at how transfixed my daughter was with all of the colours and music on “It’s a Small world”. Below is a list of some of the attractions in Magic Kingdom that do not have a height restriction. 
• Pirates of the Caribbean
• Jungle Cruise
• Haunted Mansion
• It’s a Small World
•  Enchanted Tale with Belle
• Under the Sea Journey of the Little Mermaid
• Prince Charming Regal Carousel
• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
• Monster’s Inc. Laugh Room

       Refer to each park map to get a full list of available attractions. 

          Disney World Park Maps

• Bring a Small Backpack - Disney requires that all strollers are left in the parking areas outside of attractions. Bring a small backpack that you can keep all of your valuables and baby essentials in. (1 diaper, wipes, soother …) Leave everything else in the stroller.

• Consider Bringing a Baby Carrier – It was helpful to have a baby carrier with us at the park. The carrier provided a great way for holding our daughter and letting her sleep while we waited in line.

• Fast Pass – Take advantage of Disney’s Fast Pass system. It is a great way to ensure that you get an opportunity to experience the attractions that you most want to complete. It may also prevent you from waiting in some of the longer attraction lines. For the attractions that you do not get a Fast Pass for, download the Disney app that provides you with current ride wait times.

• Character Meetings - I encourage you to take some time out of your busy day at the park for character meetings. They are a great way to get out of the sun and provided some of the best pictures from our day at the park.

I hope that these tips are useful and I look forward to hearing about other tips for surviving Walt Disney World with your baby. 

Awesomeness of the Day (9-May-14)

Baby bed head.

Awesomeness of the Day (8-May-14)

Seeing someone roller skate to work.

Throwback Thursday - Sony Walkman

One of my greatest treasures growing up was my yellow Sony Walkman. Despite chewing through countless AA batteries and cassette tapes, I thought it was the greatest piece of technology, belt clip and all. It even allowed me to become proficient in the art of untangling and rewinding exposed tape with a pencil.

The Walkman met its production death in 2010, but like any technology, it was never going to last forever. The video below is an amusing reminder of how quickly technology evolves.

Awesomeness of the Day (7-May-14)

Lego. Need I say more?

Awesomeness of the Day (6-May-14)

Finding something that you lost and thought you would never see again.

Portuguese Custard Tarts

With Mother’s Day approaching I can’t help but think of the women who had a part in raising me. One of my earliest memories as a child is walking to the local store with my Vavo to buy fresh bread. One of the perks of these outings was that my Vavo would always buy me a treat, usually a custard tart. To this day Portuguese custard tarts are still one of my favourite desserts.

The lack of a local Portuguese bakery and my love of baking inspired me to learn how to make custard tarts.  This has become my go-to dessert recipe and a common request among friends and family. I hope that you enjoy making and eating them as much as I do. Enjoy!

Awesomeness of the Day (5-May-14)

Taking the snow tires off your car after a very long winter.

Stop and Smell the Roses

As a first time parent I never had a true appreciation for the challenges, experiences and fun that parenting would bring. One of my greatest surprises has been the opportunity to rediscover the world and the simple pleasures in life through the eyes of a baby. Everything is new and exciting for a toddler.

This blog is a mechanism for me to share my realizations as a first time parent and working mother as I rediscover the world and learn new things. This is my attempt to stop and smell the roses in order to find the awesomeness that each day offers.

AWESOMENESS OF THE DAY:  

Remembering that the S.S. Minnow is the name of the boat on “Gilligan’s Island” for the crossword this morning.

Source: http://www.toptenz.net/top-10-failed-escapes-gilligans-island.php