October 7, 2013

Apple Picking 2013


October 3, 2013

Mama's New Toy!

I got this special surprise yesterday from my hubby for my early 30th birthday gift!


So Mama has been having fun the last 2 days exploring apps and taking pics! Im hoping it will really help with my productivity!

Kinda looking forward to doing the dishes while watching a show!

September 2, 2013

Fall Colours...

Fall is quickly approaching, infact the cooler weather already seems to have started here... I've been thinking a lot lately about clothes for the fall/winter and have been window shopping with Lemon lately as well...

While out shopping in seeing what colours Im into for the fall. I made a Colour Lovers Chart to track the colours



Right now Im thinking of starting off with a new Fall/Winter purse. Im thinking either the red or blue colour...purple is my go-to colour so I may end up with it ;) Stay tuned while I shop ;)

July 18, 2013

Bedroom project!

I have loved the look of the old fashion frames for a while now so Ive been on the hunt for MONTHS!

Recently while at Salvation Army I found this beauty for $5 and I knew it would be perfect in Lemon's Big Girl Room!

I started out by picking up some Krylon Spray Paint at Walmart for $4. I knew I wanted to paint it purple to match her room! I spray painted it with the old picture still inside, then removed it when finished. It took about 3 coats to get fully covered and perfect, but only about an hour project total with wait times between coats!

(Image borrowed from the Internet as I forgot to get one of the can ;))

I absolutely love the finished product! I decided to hang it over her name  on the wall as a statement piece and it fits in perfectly! 


What do you think? Have you tried anything similar in your house? Share a link in the comments for me to check out!


February 28, 2013

Inspiration!



I recently saw this photo all over facebook and I just thought it's awesome!


Sometimes you just need to hear what a good mom you are, or what a good job you're doing. I really needed this lately! So I said to myself "Im making one of these!" and I did!!

First step I layed out the words I wanted on my Cricut, then I cut them out on Vinyl!


 I purchased a canvas at the dollar store for $2 and once I had all the lettering done I layed it out on my canvas and rubbed the letters down well...


Since purple is my favorite colour I went with purple paint and painted the entire canvas (2 coats)



When it was dry I pealed off the vinyl to reveal the final project!


I decided to hang it on the wall beside my bed. Something to look at when I need to take a mom-moment to myself, and also to see before and after bed as a reminder, if nothing else, I am a good mom!



(Ignore the wall colours, we sooo need to paint ;))

February 22, 2013

Lasagna Rolls!



Early in my Pinterest Days I saw a lot of people pinning Lasagna Rolls and they quickly became a favorite in our home! Theyre so much easier and less mess than normal Lasagna! I also like them cause its easy to customize them to each persons likes (ex. Mine are meatless, DH's are full of meat, Bear's are made with Dairy Free Cheese). You can put anything and everything you want in them!

Simply cook the lasagna then lay them out. then layer with sauce, cheese and anything else you want inside (Ive seen everything from meats, to spinach, I love ricotta cheese!) and roll them up! Place them in caserole dish, put another layer of sauce and cheese. When everyone has theirs done bake for 20 minutes until cheese is nicely melted!

It also helps with portion control! I just love them! Everyone gets what they want without having to make several lasagnas!


Here is Bears! Made with Daiya "Cheese"



February 21, 2013

Whole Wheat Waffles!



Trying out new recipes around here! Recently I tried this one for Whole Wheat Waffles found on 100 Days of Real Food, and it was a big hit in our home! The kids love it and its even great to make a double recipe and freeze some for a later meal!  I am also able to make it dairy free which is a big selling point for us! So check it out here:




 Whole-Wheat Waffles

SERVES: 4 – 5

INGREDIENTS
2 large eggs
1 ¾ cups milk (we use almond milk)
¼ cup oil (I have tried canola oil and coconut oil)
1 tablespoon honey
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon baking soda
1 ½ cups whole-wheat flour (Ive also used Spelt flour)
2 teaspoons baking powder
⅛ teaspoon salt

Optional Toppings:
100% pure maple syrup
Fresh fruit for serving
Apple Sauce

INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat your waffle iron.
In a large mixing bowl whisk together the eggs, milk, oil, honey, cinnamon, and baking soda until well combined.
Add in the flour, baking powder, and salt and whisk together just until the large lumps disappear.
When the waffle iron is hot, dab it with a little butter and then ladle some batter onto the center of the iron. Follow the instructions that came with your waffle maker to know how long it should be cooked (mine takes about 3 – 4 minutes each).
Keep waffles warm until you finish cooking all of them. Top with pure maple syrup and/or fruit and Enjoy!







February 20, 2013

Saving money





Yesterday I was doing something I regularly do that made me think, I wonder what things others do to save money.

Since becoming a stay at home mother 6 years ago, we've made a lot of sacrifices. Some are easier to do, some are harder. For example my husband and I, pre-children, used to eat out... a lot... like everyday practically. We just didn't even think about it. Now, we really have to restrict how often we eat out and try not to go out much at all!

So I thought I would put together my list of ways we save money around our house and ask my readers, how do you save money around your home?

1. Home Haircuts! This is what I was doing yesterday that made me think of how much money we save by doing this. I started out by realizing one day what a waste of money it was to take my son somewhere to shave his head. So after that day I went out and purchased a razor for $25 at Canadian Tire and haven't looked back since! Eventually I also went to Sallys and purchased a nice pair of scissors for my other sons hair, but between the two I maybe spent $40. Now this has lasted us over 2 years now and both are in great working condition still. At first it was just my oldest son, then moved on to my younger son, then my husband, now even my father! Even my sister in law was borrowing my clippers to do my nephews hair! So between the 3 men in my home and my father, who get regular cuts, I can only imagine how much money I have saved in the last 2 years. Now I don't cut my own hair yet, but I also only get my hair cut maybe once a year and my cousin is a hairdresser so I'm lucky enough to get a really good deal from her. I die my own hair now and I cut my own bangs when I have them. When Lemon is bigger I think I might cut her hair when needed (lol lets face it she'll be 5 before she needs her 1st haircut anyways, baldy!), with some guidance from my cousin and youtube ;) This has just been a great way to save cash around out home!

2. No Cable - Around the time my maternity leave ended with Button and I didn't return to work (so when he was almost 1) we cut the cable! I thought it was going to be really hard but honestly its not at all. Sometimes I get annoyed when I have to wait a day or so to watch a show, but really! I just tell myself get over it ;) First world problems here ;) Hubby downloads a lot of shows (I don't know how, I just tell him what I want to see ;)), I also watch shows online (on CTV, Global, etc.), and we also have Netflix, which has just been a godsend for the kids shows!!

3. Budget - Great way to know where your money is going is to make sure its all budgeted  We have followed Dave Ramsey for the last couple years. Now we're no where near perfect on this, but let me tell you, the months we don't budget or we don't stick to the budget, oy we feel it! I highly recommend his system to anyone and everyone!

4. Meal Plan and Make a List - Oh boy does this help! I really see how much money I save when I stick to the plan! Plus there's no "humm what should we have for supper?". When you go to the grocery store it helps to have a list and stick to it as much as possible. I also check flyers and try to meal plan around sales items to get a better deal!

5. Buy in Bulk - When I can I try to get commonly eaten foods and items in bulk at Costco! One thing I save on there a lot is cat food! I also regularly buy things like breads, juices, even milk is cheaper. Compare the prices and you'll notice a difference!

6. Purchase Generic - Again, when possible I try to buy generic items. I often find they're the same size and quality for a cheaper price!

7. Shop Sales - Whether is clothing or food, I always have my eye open for sales items I need. I also often purchase the kids clothes at the end of the seasons to get good deals! Last year I got all of Lemon's winter wardrobe for like an 8th the price of normal pricing! It was awesome!  I even got her winter coat for $4 at Old Navy! I know sometimes people say shopping ahead doesn't work for their kids but it always has for mine!

8. Consignment Shops - Another thing I recently discovered is our local consignment shop! I have been bringing the kids clothes there as they outgrow it and making some money off them! The clothes I brought in last Spring paid for most of  Lemon's birthday party! I have also been able to find clothing items there I need at a better price! I got Lemon some winter boots for $4.50 this year! I didn't want to get her new pricey ones since I knew she wouldn't be using them much since shes still so young!

So Those are just a couple of things we do to save money around our home. So now tell me, what do you do to save money?! Please leave a comment and tell me!

February 17, 2013

No Bake Energy Bites!



So not sure about you all but I have been seeing this recipe everywhere lately! Recently one of my friends brought some to a girls night and I finally tried them out! They were delicious!!

Today I set out to make some for the kids! I modified the recipe I found at Smashed Peas and Carrots

Simply Sophie's No-Bake Energy Bites
(makes 18-20 bites depending how big you make your balls ;))

1 cup oatmeal
1/2 cup peanut butter (or other nut butter)
1/3 cup honey
1 cup Rice Krispies (other recipes called for coconut, but Im not a fan so I subbed ;))
1/2 cup ground flaxseed
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (In our case dairy free chocolate chips so my dairy free son can have some!)
1 tsp vanilla


Mix everything into a medium bowl until thoroughly incorporated. Let chill in the refrigerator for about half an hour. Once chilled, roll into balls. Can be stored in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 1 week. ENJOY!

(Excuse the crappy pic for the first, I had to use my crappy blackberry camera...)







Update - They have been a HUGE hit with the kids! They're almost gone already!

Been a few days! And Facebook!

What a busy couple weeks I had! I was in charge of my sons school Teacher Appreciation Week! I had intended to make some posts about the projects I did for them but I lost all the pictures and at the moment Ive lost my motivation to post about it! lol

But its done and over with and now I'm focused on working on projects in my home! It's looking like it might be a snow day tomorrow as we're getting another storm as we speak, so Im hoping for a quiet day at home with the kids!



I've been in a bit of a funk the last 2 months and I'm really trying to shake it off here. Just purchased the "PULLING YOURSELF TOGETHER: Implementing a Cleaning Routine That Sticks - eBook" by Clean Mama . So I'm hoping to have a look at it tonight and start implementing tomorrow! Stay tuned for more results!

Also, I created a facebook page which I can now be followed on! Check me out over here!




February 1, 2013

More Vinyl Fun!

Had some more fun with my Cricut and making more vinyl creations.

First up, well since this has been a problem in our house lately, I decided to try this out and see if it helps ;)



Second I had a little fun decorating my Kitchenaid mixer!! I have a small home business (Sophisticakes) and so I decided to spice things up with my mixer and I like how it turned out! Now I want to decorate it some more! lol



Stay tuned, I'm sure I'm going to decorate it some more!


January 31, 2013

Banana Muffins!

Been on the hunt for a great Banana Muffin recipe for a while now. Most attempts have resulted in me wasting time and ingredients as my kids haven't liked them. Recently I was at a friends house and my kids actually ate her Banana Muffins! So I asked for her recipe, tweaked it slightly to be dairy free for Bear and voila! A Muffin my kids will actually eat! Yeah!!

So Thank you to Christina for sharing her recipe with me!


Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins!


½ cup hard margarine (or butter), softened (I substituted 1/4 cup of Apple Sauce)
1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp. vanilla

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. baking soda
¼ tsp. salt

1 ½ cups mashed banana (about 3 medium)
(Dairy Free) Chocolate Chips

1. Cream margarine, sugar, eggs and vanilla together in a large bowl until light and fluffy.

2. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in medium bowl.

3. Add flour mixture to margarine mixture in 3 additions, alternating with banana in 2 additions, beginning and ending with flour mixture,  Beat on low until batter is smooth. 

4. Fill muffin ¾ full/ Bake in 350 oven for 15-17 minutes until wooden pick inserted in center of muffin comes out clean.  Cook in pan for 5 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool.  Makes 2 dozen muffins.

Enjoy!


January 23, 2013

Something New for our household!

We've had a lot of trouble with our middle son and his sleeping and behaviour problems. Our doctor had put him on Melatonin 2 years ago to get him to sleep and for 2 years I’ve been trying to get more answers because weaning him off it wasn't helping him sleep and I didn’t want this to be a long term solution for my son. My new family doctor didn’t have any answers for me but after discussing his melatonin use with a pharmacist she decided she wasn’t comfortable with him continuing using it and advised me to try visiting the Naturopathic Doctor.

Almost two weeks ago we finally we're able to go. He sat with me for a good 45 minutes asking questions and discussing my son and his history. Then he told me he suspects that he has a Dairy Intolerance. We discussed things some more and came up with a plan for Bear.

So now I am embarking on a whole new life. I have counted myself lucky for having three healthy, happy children. When I listed to other parents talk about their childrens allergies and the things they needed to do I counted my blessings! Now here I am trying to adjust our eating habits! Bear is a big cheese eater! This is going to be hard!

I’ve been scouring the internet now for recipes and more information. In the meantime, we’ve been about 12 days relatively dairy free (he did have some at a party, which majorly blew up in my face! Bad idea!). His behaviour has been remarkably better! The Sleep is finally getting there! Last night I was able to get him to bed by 7:30pm!!! If you knew him, you’d know what a miracle that is!!! 7:30pm!! A sweet joy!

Now here we are on our new journey! A dairy free journey for Bear!


January 16, 2013

Cricut & Front Entrance!

Mama got a new toy! I've been saving up my money and finally got enough over Christmas to get myself something special ;) Spoiled myself with a Cricut Expressions 2!! 

Tonight I got it out and did a project for my front entrance with some vinyl I purchased! I opened the craft room and created the design I wanted to use.


Lined everything up and got cutting

 Object cut!

I applied the transfer tape and took it over to the area I wanted it and applied it where I wanted it!








I also made this up for the front door! lol We've been getting a lot of religious knocks on the door lately so Im hoping this will politely tell them not to knock ;) Jaime wants to me to add "Unless you're selling cookies" lol



And just for the update on the front entrance, I also worked on getting our calendar in order, as well as using my label maker to make my weekly list work better! Looks much cleaner and I like it more!



Much nicer & more functional! Its coming along!! (yes bottom still needs another coat of paint, I know!)