• homeschooling,  Recipes

    Mixing Shopkins and Social Studies

    My girls have become obsessed with Shopkins in the past few months and I now have all these character names floating around in my head.  Chloe introduced me to Lammy Lamington a little while ago, but I didn’t quite know what it was suppose to represent.  Then this recipe for lamington crossed my path yesterday and with January 26 being Australia Day, it led to a fun, tasty lesson! An afternoon homemade treat, an animals of Australia coloring page and a Google image search of Australian beaches, Great Barrier Reef and Ayres Rock completed this lesson. I do very little homeschool planning (my Pinterest boards are where most of my inspiration…

  • Uncategorized

    A Contest to Say Thanks!

    I have reached my first major milestone on my Facebook page, 100 likes! So to celebrate, I’m giving away some fun Crayola items to say thank-you!  Head on over and like my page if you don’t yet, and like the pinned contest post.  Contest closes January 29, 2016 at 10 am MST and I will make the draw at noon!  Shipping included

  • Monday Menu

    Monday Menu: January 18

    This Blue Monday had some ups and downs and a long to-do list, so this week’s Monday Menu is coming out late.  But here are five meals that will hopefully boost you mood because they are over flowing with veggie goodness. Steak, Fried Mushrooms and Onions and Green Beans – I love the combination of fried onions, mushrooms and minced garlic.  Toss in some steak strips and steam green beans for an easy side.  Grilled Ratatouille Pasta – To be honest, I’ve never tried eggplant but this is an easy vegetarian recipe that I can’t wait to try. Garlic Chicken, Zucchini and Corn – This meal is clean, quick and tasty and easy…

  • Family Fun,  Travel

    Dreaming of Campfires – 2016 Campground Reservation Dates

    Current temperature is -22°C, windchill -31°C (that’s around -7 and -24 F for my American readers) and summer is a long ways away.  But it’s never too early to start thinking about summer fun and camping trips, as reservations are opening up earlier this year to make room for the heavy demand. Reservations for some Canadian National Parks, including Whistlers, Wapiti, Wabasso and Pocahontas, began on January 13, while all other roadside campgrounds operate on a first come, first serve basis.  View their reservation services here. If you haven’t had the opportunity to visit many Canadian National Parks, now is your chance. Canada will be celebration their 150th birthday in 2017 and National…

  • Monday Menu

    Monday Menu: January 11

    I am officially back with a new Monday Menu after my holiday time off / adjustment to working again.  This time of year we’re working hard on our goals and resolutions and for many, eating clean and healthy is at the top of the list. So here are five health options to keep our goals in check. Beef and Sweet Potato Curry – A flavorful meal that can be served on rice, tortilla, or on it’s own. Honey Balsamic Chicken and Veggies – Potatoes, carrots, asparagus, green beans, diced squash – pick your sides and cook everything at the same time. Thai Salmon – This zesty dish will go well on…

  • Travel

    Time to Take to the Skies: A New Low Fare Airline & Year Round WestJet Flights to Europe

    If you’re in Canada some air travel news broke today that’s to the traveler’s advantage.  A new low-fair airline launched today, offering flights from seven smaller Canadian cities.  NewLeaf offer flights from Abbotsford, Halifax, Kelowna, Hamilton, Saskatoon, Regina, and Winnipeg, and has flights as low as $89 one way and max out at $149 one way for a regular ticket.  There are fees for baggage and on in-flight food, but they are hoping to add US sun destinations by the end of the year. For all the details check out NewLeaf’s website.  In other travel news, my favorite Canadian airline, WestJet, announced today that it will now offer year round…

  • Family Fun,  Uncategorized

    Skating Made Easy in YEG

    Edmonton is a cold city this time of year, therefore it is a great city for outdoor skating in the winter. There are a number of outdoor public spaces that offer free skating, including the lower lawn of the Legislature grounds and many city run outdoor rinks. We’re eager to check out the new Freezeway in Victoria Park (BONUS-they have washrooms, change rooms and a warming trailer!). City of Edmonton Arenas also offer free YEAR ROUND indoor skating, check out the weekly schedule here for all the locations.  You might not even have to travel far to find an outdoor rink. Many Edmonton Community Leagues offer free skating with their…