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Oh the harvest! I love this time of year, when all of my favourite vegetables are in season. I especially love flat green beans – Φασολάκια – cooked with Romano beans in olive oil and onions/tomatoes.  Fasolakia Latheria (Φασολάκια λαδερά) are stewed green beans in Greek extra-virgin olive oil, on low heat for hours. This ensures that the onions and garlic melt into the tomatoes, and all the water evaporates, leaving that silky, lathery olive oil left with the beans.

The main ingredients typically include flat green beans, Romano beans, Greek extra-virgin olive oil, onions, tomatoes, garlic, salt, and pepper. These ingredients come together to create a flavorful and hearty dish. To prepare the Greek flat green beans recipe, the green beans and Romano beans are usually trimmed and washed thoroughly. Then, they are combined with sliced onions, chopped tomatoes, minced garlic, and a generous amount of Greek extra-virgin olive oil in a pot or a deep skillet.

The dish is cooked slowly over low heat for several hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to become tender. The slow cooking process helps the onions and garlic to melt into the tomatoes, creating a rich and flavorful base for the beans. As the dish simmers away, the kitchen fills with irresistible aromas, promising a delicious meal ahead. 

This flat green beans recipe is a Greek style dish my mom makes and that I’ve learned how to also make myself (though my family may argue that my mom’s is still better than mine!)

Greek Style Flat Green Beans recipe – Fasolakia Latheria – Φασολάκια λαδερά 

Ingredients:

6 cups flat green beans, trimmed

1-2 large onions, chopped

4 cloves garlic

1/3 cup Greek extra virgin olive oil

4 tomatoes, grated without skin

1-2 cups fresh or canned Romano beans

1 cup boiling water

Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

Cut ends off the flat beans and rinse. Steam green beans for 10 minutes – remove from heat.

In a large pot, sauté onions until soft. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Add grated tomatoes and stir. Add green beans, and Romano beans. Add boiling water. Season with salt and pepper.

Cover pot and stir occasionally. Simmer on medium-low heat for about 2-3 hours, or until most water is gone and only oil is left.

Greek Style Green Beans | AMOTHERWORLD

Greek Style Green Beans - Fasolakia

Greek Style Green Beans - Fasolakia

 

Yield: 6

Greek Style Flat Green Beans - Fasolakia

Greek Style Flat Green Beans

Oh the harvest! I love this time of year, when all of my favourite vegetables are in season. I especially love flat green beans - Φασολάκια - cooked with Romano beans in olive oil and onions/tomatoes. 

Fasolakia Latheria (Φασολάκια λαδερά) are stewed green beans in Greek extra-virgin olive oil, on low heat for hours. This ensures that the onions and garlic melt into the tomatoes, and all the water evaporates, leaving that silky, lathery olive oil left with the beans.

This is a Greek style dish my mom makes and that I've learned how to also make myself (though my family may argue that my mom's is still better than mine!)

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes

Ingredients

  • 6 cups flat green beans, trimmed
  • 1-2 large onions, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1/3 cup Greek extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 tomatoes, grated without skin
  • 1-2 cups fresh Romano beans
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

    1. Cut ends off the flat beans and rinse. Steam green beans for 10 minutes - remove from heat.
    2. In a pot, sauté onions until soft. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
    3. Add grated tomatoes and stir. Add green beans, and Romano beans.
    4. Add boiling water. Season with salt and pepper.
    5. Cover pot and stir occasionally.
    6. Simmer on medium-low heat for about 2-3 hours, or until most water is gone and only oil is left.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 319Total Fat: 20gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 28mgSodium: 585mgCarbohydrates: 26gFiber: 7gSugar: 11gProtein: 14g

Greek Style Green Beans - Fasolakia

Toronto is a vibrant sports hub and a major attraction for tourists. From the sound of the beating drums at the Toronto FC games to the legion of regular fans at the Toronto Marlies, sports in Toronto is a religion.

This past year has been an exciting one for sports fans who support Toronto teams, including out-of-town visitors who flock to our great city to catch the action.

The Raptors, TFC and the Toronto Marlies all made it to the playoffs in 2016, and the Maple Leafs are going to make to the playoffs one day – I can just feel it! The city is in love with the powerful Blue Jays too.

It’s no wonder Toronto draws not only local sports fans, but also sports enthusiasts from elsewhere in Canada and around the world! Here are the places to visit in Toronto if you’re a sports fan:

Air Canada Centre

Depending on when you visit Toronto, you can either catch a Raptors or a Maple Leafs game! It’s a treat to see crazed fans gather outside the Air Canada Centre to cheer on their team.

Toronto received an NBA franchise in 1995 with the hope being that the game would grow throughout Canada. And it sure has!  The Toronto Raptors have a huge fan base now, having won four division titles, including an exciting semi-final run just this past season, when they lost to eventual champions Cleveland. With TV ratings reaching record highs, the Raptors have become “Canada’s Team”.

Air Canada Centre

BMO Field

The Toronto Argonauts are the CFL’s most successful team, having won 16 Grey Cups! The Argos are now playing in the newly expanded BMO field, which is an outstanding CFL stadium with a great atmosphere.

BMO Field is also home to Toronto FC. TFC has a growing fan base, with Italian sensation Sebastian Giovinco a top scorer, breaking the MLS record for most combined goals and assists in a season in 2015. The team has a legion of supporters’ groups (like the Red Patch Boys, U-Sector, Inebriatti, and Kings in the North to name a few), all of which make watching the game super exciting.

Toronto is a Vibrant Sports Hub

 

Hockey Hall of Fame

Dedicated to the history of ice hockey, the Hockey Hall of Fame is both a museum and a hall of fame. It holds exhibits about players, teams, National Hockey League (NHL) records, memorabilia and NHL trophies, including Lord Stanley’s Mug itself – the Stanley Cup.

Maple Leaf Gardens

Considered one of the “cathedrals” of ice hockey, the Maple Leaf Gardens was home to the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs from 1931 to 1999. The Leafs won the Stanley Cup 11 times from 1932 to 1967 while playing at the Gardens. Now, the Gardens is a multi-purpose facility, housing a super market on the lower floors and, on the upper floors, an arena for Toronto’s Ryerson University, known as Mattamy Athletic Centre.

Ricoh Coliseum

The Ricoh Coliseum is home to the Toronto Marlies ice hockey team, the American Hockey League farm team of the Toronto Maple Leafs. For the 2015 Pan American Games, the venue hosted the gymnastics competitions. It was built for the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) and the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in 1921. I love watching the Marlies play and so do my hockey-playing kids. They’ve both been on the ice with the Marlies, either for the singing of the national anthem, or for a quick skate in between periods!

Toronto is a Vibrant Sports Hub

Rogers Centre

If you visit Toronto during the MLB season, you have to see a Blue Jays game. We’ve had the pleasure of watching Major League Baseball in Toronto since 1977. The Blue Jays are two-time World Series champions and one of the favourites this year after an exciting run in 2015 that earned them their sixth Division Title. Busloads of fans make the trek from other cities to see a Blue Jays game!

Toronto is a Vibrant Sports Hub - Rogers Centre Toronto Ontario

 

Toronto is a Vibrant Sports Hub

There are many more sports-related attractions in Toronto, including The Honda Indy, Toronto Rock lacrosse team, The Canadian Open in golf and tennis, and the Rogers Cup tennis tournament.

Whether you’re already a fan of a Toronto team or are just looking to see some world-class athletes in some of North America’s best stadiums, Toronto is an ideal destination for sports lovers of all kinds!

Canada’s largest city and most-visited destination, Toronto is Canada’s downtown. Toronto blends the best of modern Canadian diversity and inclusiveness with big-ticket events, top attractions, restaurants, music, architecture, culture and festivals in one of the world’s most unique and exciting cities.

toronto_logo

 

Disclosure: This post was brought to you by Tourism Toronto via Mode Media Canada. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Tourism Toronto.

 

Toronto is a Vibrant Sports Hub

With back-to-school around the corner, parents are starting to think about extra-curricular activities and the financial pressures when budgeting. How to budget for kids’ activities? After-school and weekend programs like hockey and swim practices, or dance and music classes, can make the school year even more expensive!

According to a recent TD survey, four in ten (40 per cent) Canadian parents with children under 18 years old spend $1,000 or more on extracurricular activities per child during the school year and half (51 per cent) of them find budgeting for these activities stressful.

Also, half (50 per cent) of Canadian parents say they limit the number of, or don’t sign their kids up for, extracurricular activities due to cost! So how can parents afford to pay for extracurricular activities, and how to budget for kids’ activities? Here are some ways to budget for kid’s activities.

How to Budget for Kids Activities

How to Budget for Kids Activities  | amotherworld | www.amotherworld.com

Don’t invest too much off the bat

If your child is young or starting an extracurricular activity for the first time, consider signing them up for classes offered through the city’s park and recreation department as they can be less costly than going the private route. Or, ask if you can try out activities before you commit or negotiate a trial class/lesson to see if the program is a fit for your child.

My son wanted to try martial arts. I wasn’t sure he’d love it, so when I saw a local studio offering a free class, I signed him up to give it a try. After the class, I asked him what he thought – he “kind of” liked it. So I knew that the interest just wasn’t there.

As younger children are still discovering what interests them most, you may not want to invest too much in one activity at a young age. Had I signed him up right off the bat, I would’ve lost at least $100 upfront.

I had also signed up my son for skating lessons like his big brother… but he hated it. He would cry every time on the ice. After the third try, I pulled him out of the class.

When he told me he wanted to take art lessons, I explained that this time, he would have to commit – he couldn’t back out. Luckily, he loved the classes and took lessons for two years. So it was quite the surprise when he told me wanted to get back into skates and play hockey like his big brother!

Your child’s interests may change throughout his/her childhood and that’s ok!

Avoid costly surprises

Before signing up your child for an extracurricular activity, think beyond the cost of the class itself. There could be more expenses down the road, for example, purchasing equipment, costumes, hotels for tournaments, etc.  Be sure to thoroughly research the class and ask instructors or coaches about all of the materials needed and any extra costs before signing up.

Create a budget and stick to it

Before the school year starts, create a budget for all the annual expenses you can think of related to that extracurricular activity, plus five to 10 per cent extra to cover potential surprises like the end-of-season framed team photo or a championship sweatshirt.

There are online budgeting tools to help determine how much you’ll be spending monthly and ensure you stay on track. Saving a little each month and putting it into your savings account or TFSA can also help offset extracurricular expenses.

Also, consider having your child sit down with you as you plan for these costs as it’s a great way to teach them about the importance of budgeting and saving.  And, it’s never too early to learn about responsible money management, so even if it’s very little, have your child contribute to the cost of their activity.

Shop around for discounts

You can find bargains on used sports equipment, gear, instruments, etc. at consignment stores, through friends and neighbours, or even online. I have a Facebook group for moms in my area and they post items for sale on a daily basis. Kids will outgrow equipment and gear quickly so there are plenty of gently used items available. Also, look for opportunities to save through group buying options or online deals.

File your receipts

Keep a record of all your child’s extracurricular activity costs and payments.  Some fitness and art classes could be tax deductible on your 2016 tax return. Receipts also act as a good reminder of what items you paid for this year when it comes time to plan for the next time around.

Return on enjoyment

The most important thing is that your kids are having fun. Are they learning something? Do they enjoy the classes or lessons?

When my kids tell me they LOVE playing hockey, I know we’ve made the right decision as a family to enroll them into the sport. They’ve not only learned the sport, more importantly they’ve learned discipline, teamwork, and that hard work and perseverance pays off. They’ve also made great friendships.

The time the boys spend laughing in the dressing room with their teammates, and the little nudges and fist pumps they give each other on the ice, makes the time and expense all worth it.

 

How do you budget for kids activities?

 

Disclosure: This post is proudly sponsored by TD Canada Trust. The opinions on this post are my own, as always.

 

Mont-Tremblant in the summer offers a ton of fun activities for kids and families in the great outdoors. There are so many fun summer activities for families in Mont-Tremblant, Quebec such as hiking, biking trails, swimming in Lac Supérieur, canoeing or kayaking, golfing, and so much more.

My husband drove us to the drop-off point at Billy Bishop airport in Toronto and we took the underground tunnel to the airport. How cool was it walking underwater technically! The airport offered free water and Starbucks coffee, which I know seems small but it makes a huge difference when you’re waiting for flights and want to keep the kids happy.

Fun Summer Activities for Families in Mont-Tremblant Billy Bishop Airport

Fun Summer Activities for Families in Mont-Tremblant Billy Bishop Airport (2)

Fun Summer Activities for Families in Mont-Tremblant Billy Bishop Airport Starbucks

Fun Summer Activities for Families in Mont-Tremblant Billy Bishop Airport airplanes

Fun Summer Activities for Families in Mont-Tremblant Billy Bishop Airport boarding

It was the first time we flew Porter Airlines and we will definitely do it again and highly recommend the airline. There are direct flights, and flights with one stop to pick up/drop off passengers.

Our flight was comfortable and again – small details make a big difference. The airline staff was friendly and helpful, and offered an array of delicious snacks which made my kids so happy – and quiet! – during the flight.

Fun Summer Activities for Families in Mont-Tremblant Billy Bishop Airport happy on the plane

 

Fun Summer Activities for Families in Mont-Tremblant Billy Bishop Airport to Mont-Tremblant

Fun Summer Activities for Families in Mont-Tremblant Billy Bishop Airport window seat

During our visit, we stayed at the Tour des Voyageurs, a popular family-friendly hotel in Mont-Tremblant situated at the entrance of the village and next to the lifts. It offers direct access to the hill, and has updated rooms and one-bedroom condos with full kitchens.

There are two buildings; the second one is next to the main building and has been renovated and updated. But we stayed the first tower which is connected to the lobby check-in, fitness room and swimming pool/hot tub.

Our room had a complete kitchen, dining table, room with sofa and TV, and a separate bedroom with two double beds. We also had a balcony overlooking the pool, which was a nice bonus. The room décor was chalet-cottage style so a little outdated, but it was comfortable for a larger family.

Tour des Voyageurs Mont-Tremblant Quebec Clock

Tour des Voyageurs Mont-Tremblant Quebec
Tour des Voyageurs Mont-Tremblant Quebec one bedroom condo double beds

Tour des Voyageurs Mont-Tremblant Quebec one bedroom condo living room

It’d be nice for the hotel to offer breakfast as you have to go to the village to grab a bite. A Starbucks is opening in the fall just next to the hotel, however.

Steps from the hotel is the open gondola-style lift, the Cabriolet, which connects the upper and lower parts of the pedestrian village. From the top of this lift, the main gondola is available to take skiers to the summit of the mountain. There is also a ski trail running through the village for skiers to access the lower level of the village and transportation.

Open gondola-style lift, The Cabriolet in Mont-Tremblant

Mont-Tremblant Quebec Pedestrian Village uphill view from lift

Mont-Tremblant Quebec Pedestrian Village uphill view from lift

Mont-Tremblant Quebec Pedestrian Village uphill view from lift

Mont-Tremblant Quebec

Mont-Tremblant Quebec Pedestrian Village uphill view from lift

Our first night, we explored the village and had dinner at Le Shack Resto-Bar. We dined on the outdoor patio in the heart of the action – and where you can see shows on the Place St-Bernard. Inside there are TVs for watching sports. The menu is casual with good eats like burgers and fries.  I was happy that they had gluten and soy free options.

Le Shack Resto Bar Mont-Tremblant Quebec

Le Shack Resto Bar Mont-Tremblant Quebec

Le Shack Resto Bar Mont-Tremblant Quebec

Le Shack Sports bar Mont-Tremblant Quebec

Simply walking around the Pedestrian Village in Mont-Tremblant and you’ll find so many restaurants and shops to explore. Also, grab a seat somewhere and people-watch. Throughout the summer, there are numerous events happening around town. The natural outdoor amphiteatre and enchanting decor of Promenade Deslauriers are perfect for enjoying a variety of musical genres in an intimate setting.

Mont Tremblant Quebec village

Fun Summer Activities for Families in Mont-Tremblant buildings

Mont Tremblant Quebec Big Muskoka Chair

Mont Tremblant Quebec Pedestrian Village

Mont-Tremblant Quebec Pedestrian Village at night

Mont-Tremblant Quebec Church

For breakfast, you can visit Au Grain de Café, Casey’s or Maison de la Crêpe in the village. I enjoyed my morning coffee at Le Grain de Café during our visit, and the boys like their croissants and muffins.

Le Grain de Café Mont-Tremblant

The next morning, we took our Activity Cards and went to town! With a Tremblant Activity Card, you can receive 3, 5, 7 or 10 accesses to your favourite activities including:

  • 1-day access to the Beach & Tennis Club
  • Climbing Tower
  • Bike Rental
  • Mini-golf Le Petit Géant
  • Birds of Prey show
  • Non-Motorized boat rental (30 min)
  • Aquaclub La Source
  • Iceberg (needs access to Beach & Tennis Club – not included)
  • Captain’s Harbour
  • Akropark
  • Eurobungy
  • Luge
  • Lunch Trio (Summit or Beach & Tennis Club)

It’s worth it to buy the activity passes to save money on all the available activities – many of them great for kids, such as the Eurobungy and Akropark. And if you purchase Activity Cards at least 48 hours in advance, you can save 10% off.

My boys loved the Eurobungy, Climbing Tower and went on the Luge twice!

Eurobungy Mont Tremblant Quebec

Eurobungy Mont Tremblant Quebec

Eurobungy Mont Tremblant Quebec
Luge Mont-Tremblant Quebec

We had lunch at La Diable Microbrasserie in the heart of Vieux-Tremblant, where they offer a selection of 100% natural, craft beers, and beers brewed on the premises. While they serve delicious European sausages and a variety of other tasty dishes, I opted for a hearty salad while the boys enjoyed chicken wings and burgers.

La Diable Microbrewery Mont-Tremblant outside

La Diable Microbrewery Mont-Tremblant Bar

La Diable Microbrewery Mont-Tremblant brewery

La Diable Microbrewery Mont-Tremblant inside

La Diable Microbrewery Mont-Tremblant lunch on patio

La Diable Microbrewery Mont-Tremblant Patio

La Diable Microbrewery Mont-Tremblant bar

In the afternoon, the boys and I went on an adventure of a lifetime – Ziptrek Ecotours to do five ziplines over the mountain. Ziptrek only has three ziplines – one in Banff, one in New Zealand and this one in Mont-Tremblant. First, you take the Panoramic Gondola to the top of the mountain.

The tour lasts approximately three hours and includes walk in the paths of the mountain forest, so you need to be prepared for an intermediate physical activity as some parts are inclined. I borrowed a handheld GoPro with a wrist safety strap. It was a very hot day and we didn’t need a sweater or jacket at the top of the mountain, but even on the hottest day it was a little chilly up there!  Also consider that you will zip at speeds that can approach 100 km/h!

It was incredible! I never thought I would do something like this. I do have a fear of heights so conquering this fear was amazing. My feet still tingle thinking about it!

Ziplining with Ziptrek Ecotours Mont-Tremblant Quebec

Ziplining with Ziptrek Ecotours Mont-Tremblant Quebec

Ziplining with Ziptrek Ecotours Mont-Tremblant Quebec (4)

Ziplining with Ziptrek Ecotours Mont-Tremblant Quebec

Ziplining with Ziptrek Ecotours Mont-Tremblant Quebec

Ziplining with Ziptrek Ecotours Mont-Tremblant Quebec

Ziptrek Ecotours Mont-Tremblant Quebec

 

The hotel Tour des Voyageurs gives free access to the Panoramic Gondola which takes you right to the top of the mountain, where you’ll enjoy the most stunning views of the village. We rode the gondola several times during our visit – the boys couldn’t get enough!

Gondola Mont-Tremblant Quebec

Panoramic Gondola Mont-Tremblant Quebec

Panoramic Gondola Mont-Tremblant Quebec view

Panoramic Gondola Mont-Tremblant Quebec view

View of Mont-Tremblant village from top of mountain

Mont-Tremblant mountain top

We enjoyed a delicious dinner at Coco Pazzo, a progressive Italian restaurant that serves local and organic whenever possible. I was so pleased they offered gluten-free dishes (vegetarian too).  I had the Penne Primavera; the sauce burst with flavour and had just the right amount of spice. While not on the menu, my youngest had “the best pizza ever” and my eldest got messy with a bowl of spaghetti.

Coco Pazzo Italian Restaurant Mont-Tremblant

Coco Pazzo Gluten-Free Pasta Primavera Mont-Tremblant

Coco Pazzo Gluten-Free Pasta Primavera Mont-Tremblant

Coco Pazzo pizza Mont-Tremblant

Coco Pazzo Italian Restaurant Mont-Tremblant

We had lunch at Casey’s Grill Bar for some simple lunch menu items, and again, was pleased that they served gluten free options! As someone with gluten and soy intolerances, it makes a world of difference to have delicious options available when travelling.

Casey's Mont-Tremblant

For dinner, I had a soy free Pad Thai takeout from Ô Wok Thai, which was absolutely delicious, while the boys gobbled down pizza from Ya’ooo Pizza Bar – both in Vieux-Tremblant. And of course, the boys couldn’t leave without eating some Beaver Tails.

O Wok Mont-Tremblant Quebec

Ya’ooo Pizza Bar Mont-Tremblant Quebec

Beaver Tails in Mont-Tremblant Quebec

My kids and I such an exciting experience at Mont-Tremblant, we can’t wait to go back — next time, in the winter!

Thank you to Mont-Tremblant for being such amazing hosts, and Porter Airlines for the seamless flights.

Mont-Tremblant Quebec Pedestrian Village at night

Fun Summer Activities for Families in Mont-Tremblant Quebec

As you know, I’m gluten free and have been for several years now. While I like to bake my own breads and buns with a variety of gluten free flours, I sometimes need a break from the kitchen! So I turn to some tried-and-true gluten free goods I can purchase at my local grocery store or natural food store.

I was happy to hear the news that Quaker is launching a new line of gluten-free oatmeal products that are produced in a Gluten-Free Certified Program (GFCP) facility. These products provide gluten-concerned families with an unquestionably good and reliably gluten-free option that can be found in many grocery stores across Canada.

You may be thinking…aren’t oats already naturally gluten-free? And you’re right, they are! But what many don’t know is that oats may come in contact with wheat, rye and barley at the farm, in storage or during transportation, making the product no longer gluten-free.

Breakfast is Easier and Tastier with Gluten Free Quaker Oats

By producing Quaker oats in a Gluten-Free Certified Program (GFCP) facility, gluten-concerned families can have a wholesome, nutritious and reliable option. The new line of Quaker gluten-free products has the Canadian Celiac Association certification, so those with celiac disease and gluten sensitivities don’t have to worry about cross-contamination.

Especially during those busy mornings when you’re rushing out the door for work and school, Quaker’s new certified gluten-free oats are a tasty option for a healthy breakfast. Quaker’s new gluten-free products are available in Maple & Brown Sugar Flavour Instant Oatmeal and Quick Standard Oats.

The oats are first screened and only those which meet Quaker’s specifications move on to gluten-free production. Through the oat milling and sorting, any gluten-containing grains are removed and then inspected. Quaker does sample testing to ensure each lot meets Health Canada’s and Quaker standards for gluten-free. Any and all additional ingredients that are added during packaging have been pre-screened and validated to be gluten-free. And finally, they test samples from each batch to ensure they meet Health Canada’s and Quaker standards for gluten-free before we send it out our doors and to your breakfast table.

There’s nothing like waking up to a piping-hot bowl of whole grain oats, especially when they’re gluten free! Now breakfasts can be easier – and tastier – for those who enjoy gluten-free living!

Breakfast is Easier and Tastier with Gluten Free Quaker Oats

 

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Quaker. In exchange for this review, I have received special perks in the form of products and/or compensation. All opinions on this blog are my own.

Our home is a two-storey, so in the summer, it’s cool on the main floor, freezing in the basement and still warm on the upper levels. In the winter months, it’s the same thing – it’s colder upstairs.

So I wanted to try the Dyson Hot + Cool Jet Focus AM09 bladeless fan to see how it could help keep some of the bedrooms cooler during the hot summer. Dyson’s fan which blows both hot and cold, is the answer to all of our hot/cold woes!

The new Dyson AM09 is the company’s latest in its series of bladeless fans – a heater and fan combined into an oblong loop, which looks like a cool paper clip. The small fan stands about the height of a small radiator, on a swiveling and tilting base.

There are no blades so it’s a safe unit around children. The heater has no exposed heating elements – so there’s no burning smell. It has an automatic cutout if tipped over.

 

The Dyson AM09 Hot + Cool Jet Focus

The ring directs the air forward with force, sucking air through the back of the loop as it does so, amplifying the airflow. A powerful jet of air is released from the back aperture, and as it meets the second aperture, air is guided at a 45 degree angle, which projects into the room and circulates the air more efficiently.

The AM09 Hot+Cool™ maintains your target temperature while you sleep, or you can set it to turn off using the build-in sleep timer.

It has 10 levels of power, so cranking it up to 10 doesn’t mean it’s super loud but it does sound like a jet stream. The small remote sets the temperature and the fan just does the rest. You can choose to make the unit swivel, or keep it still.

What it makes in noise it makes up for in heating the room. It is the most effective heater I have ever come across, raising the temperature from chilly to cozy in a matter of minutes.

The AM09 does a great job in cooling a room in a few minutes, and I’m sure it warms up a room on cold days too. It is the most effective cooling fan I have ever come across, and I can see that it will be effective in keeping my kids’ room warm upstairs during the winter months.

Here is a video of me and my son unboxing the Dyson Hot + Cool fan.

 

Before you know it, kids will be going back to school! It’s the most wonderful time of the year, am I right? Buying school supplies, stylish new kicks, and of course, back to school clothes! I personally love shopping for back to school outfits and fall clothing for kids!

Selecting an outfit for the first day of school is always a fun experience for kids and parents. But when you have a budget, you want to shop smart and stylishly too.

So I took my kids shopping for back to school outfits at Walmart to browse the boys’ section. Walmart’s private apparel brand, George, offers back to school fashion essentials at really affordable prices. This year’s line features everything from quality denim to stylish camo pants and hoodies for layering.

Shopping for Back to School Outfits

Shopping for Back to School Outfits

The boys ventured out on their own to pick out some outfits for their first day of school.

Both boys were drawn to Walmart’s George cotton plaid shirts in blue, perfect for those cool morning and warm afternoon fall days. They paired them with George pants which were priced at only $10!

back to school outfits with George

Back to school outfits for boys

Back to School Outfits for Boys

My eldest son is not a fan of skinny or slim fit jeans. With his muscular hockey/soccer legs, they usually fit too snug. So he tried on a pair of George regular fit jeans and loved how they fit.

Shopping for Back to School

Back to School Shopping at Walmart

My eldest was immediately drawn to the elastic-waist cargo pant with cuffs. He paired it with a Tony Hawk hoodie.

Back to School outfits for boys

While my kids don’t go to a school which require uniforms, I noticed that Walmart carries uniform short-sleeve pique polo shirts, white button-down shirts and black and flat-front pants at a great value.   My son will need to wear black dress shoes, black dress pants and a shirt and tie for his hockey games this year so I will keep these clothing options in mind when I shop next time!

I managed to buy one hoodie, two shirts, two pairs of pants and one pair of jeans – all for under $100!

Back to School Shopping Haul

When your kids need several pairs of pants and jeans plus a variety of shirts and hoodies, Walmart is a great choice for quality, style and price. Walmart stores are fully stocked with all your back to school style needs, so make sure you go shopping now!

 

This post is sponsored by Walmart Canada as part of the First Day of School Fashion Challenge program. In exchange for this review, I have received special perks in the form of products and/or compensation. All opinions on this blog are my own.

When looking for the ideal destination for your next family vacation, Toronto offers a huge range of attractions and entertainment – from zoos and aquariums to amusement parks and museums. Toronto is also considered one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world.

Toronto is a fun family vacation destination for all ages. It’s home to one of the tallest freestanding towers in the world, the CN Tower. It is also the site of the world’s largest underground shopping mall, PATH. You’ll also want to know that Toronto is where you’ll find the longest street in the world: Yonge Street!

Toronto makes great use of its waterfront, creating a lively venue for food fairs, musical concerts and kids’ events. There is so much to explore, see and do with the family when in Toronto. Here are just some of the must-see attractions for your fun family vacation in The 6:

CN Tower

Take in panoramic views of the city from the world’s tallest, freestanding structure from the 1,465-foot-high Sky Pod or from the 1,136-foot high observation deck, reached by glass elevators.

Toronto is a Fun Family Vacation Destination

The Harbourfront Centre

The Harbourfront Centre is a year-round facility right by Lake Ontario. The centre features concerts, dance performances, author readings, films and kids’ shows every weekend and many weeknights throughout the year.

Ontario Science Centre

The Ontario Science Centre’s vision is to inspire a lifelong journey of curiosity, discovery and action to create a better future for the planet. With more than 600 activities in our 10 exhibit halls, there is something for all ages.

Ripley’s Aquarium

Canada’s largest indoor aquarium showcases more than 16,000 marine animals, and features exhibits like the Rainbow Reef, Canadian Waters, Ray Bay and Planet Jellies.

Royal Ontario Museum

With more than six million items in its collection, the ROM rates among Canada’s largest museums, and a must-visit for families.

Toronto Zoo

With more than 5,000 animals, six indoor pavilions and daily zoo keeper talks, the Toronto Zoo is a must-see attraction for families.

While the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium, and the Royal Ontario Museum are must-see family attractions, venture out further to the Greater Toronto Area for many more family-friendly activities, such as Canada’s Wonderland.

Canada’s Wonderland

Canada’s Wonderland is Canada’s largest theme park and it’s just 25 miles north of downtown. It’s the most visited seasonal amusement park in North America! The park is home to the most exhilarating collection of rides and roller coasters including Leviathan, Behemoth and Wonder Mountain’s Guardian. I used to be a thrill-seeker when I was a teenager. But when my kids asked me to go on the Behemoth with them, I reluctantly agreed. I screamed the entire way!

Toronto is a Fun Family Vacation Destination

There is so much to do with the family when visiting Toronto – just make sure you get a chance to experience all the attractions during your visit! When looking for the ideal destination for your next family vacation, Toronto is the place to be!toronto_logo

 

Disclosure: This post was brought to you by Tourism Toronto via Mode Media Canada. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Tourism Toronto.

 

I enjoy cooking and spend many hours in the kitchen preparing homemade meals from scratch. But with a crazy schedule due to kids’ hockey, I sometimes have to turn to some help in the form of kitchen hacks!

Whether it’s a side dish to compliment a recipe, or a certain ingredient that I use in my cooking to help make kitchen prep faster, there are some tasty organic products out there to cut down my time in the kitchen. One of those is Seeds of Change®, the only Certified Organic, ready-to-heat rice and grain brand available in Canada.

The Quinoa & Brown Rice w Garlic is ready to heat and has healthy ingredients, like brown rice and quinoa and is also soy free. Tasty organic goodness.

If you have a microwave, heat it up in two minutes for a healthy side dish or if you don’t (like me), heat on the stove top. I made a quick BLT for lunch and added the Seeds of Change® Quinoa & Brown Rice w Garlic as the side dish. My kids like rice but I like that the quinoa is mixed in so they don’t even know the extra protein they’re getting!

Tasty Organic Goodness with Seeds of Change

Tasty Organic Goodness with Seeds of Change

Seeds of Change® also has a grant program in Canada – 1% of sales to goes towards community gardens across the country. Working with local partner Evergreen, Seeds of Change has identified 12 community gardens from coast to coast who need grant money to get their garden started and keep them going all season long. With one garden in every province, Seeds of Change® is helping Canadians get access to local, organic food from coast to coast!

Seeds of Change® comes in these flavours: Quinoa and Brown Rice with Garlic, Indian Style Pilau, Spanish Style, Seven Whole Grains, Wholegrain Brown Basmati, Caribbean Style.

Join the Seeds of Change® Canada Facebook page, a great resource for Canadians who are interested in growing or cooking with organic ingredients.

CONTEST

This summer, Canadians have a chance win a GRAND PRIZE trip to Prince Edward County, Ontario to enjoy a once in a lifetime meal of original recipes from world renowned Chef Jamie Kennedy made with local, seasonal produce and Seeds of Change.

There will be five grand prizes that include travel for two to Prince Edward County from anywhere in Canada, two nights’ stay in nearby Toronto, and $1,000.000 CAD spending money.

To enter, head to your local major grocery retailer and purchase Seeds of Change®, and then enter online with the code on the package at www.SeedsofChange.ca. The contest ends on August 14, 2016.

Tasty Organic Goodness with Seeds of Change

 

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post for SheSpeaks/SeedsofChangeCA.

 

 

If you’re looking for a fun destination with the family in Ontario with gorgeous beaches, great food and activities, Lambton County, Sarnia and Grand Bend in Southwest Ontario is the place to visit.

Here are 5 reasons why Sarnia Lambton is a fun destination:

5 Reasons Why Sarnia Lambton is a Fun Destination

5 Reasons Why Sarnia Lambton is a Fun Destination | amotherworld

The Beaches

The beaches of Lake Huron are stunning. When you see a Blue Flag flying, you are assured that a beach or marina is clean and meets high safety, water quality, and environmental standards. It’s a symbol trusted by millions around the world.

Canatara Park Blue Flag Beach  is blue flag beach for a reason – the water is beautifully clear, and you can see the sandy bottom by eye. The landscape reminds you of an ocean, not Lake Huron.  The beach has lifeguards, bathrooms and free parking.

Grand Bend Beach, Grand Bend Marina and Port Franks Marina in the municipality of Lambton Shores all are designated blue flag beaches too. Grand Bend Beach is 30 miles of continuous beaches, warm waters and sandy lake bottoms. People call this beach the Caribbean of Ontario. The waters are beautiful green and blue as far as the eye can see. Get there early for parking. There is a splash pad for the little ones and washrooms. Just off Main Street, you can walk to the busy strip.

Canatara Blue Flag Beach Sarnia Lambton Southwest Ontario
Canatara Blue Flag Beach
Grand Bend Ontario Southwest
Grand Bend Beach

The Bluewater Bridge

The Blue Water Bridge is a twin-span international bridge across the St. Clair River that links Port Huron, Michigan, United States, and Point Edward, Ontario, Canada. Together, the two bridges are the second-busiest crossing between the United States and Canada, after the Ambassador Bridge at Detroit-Windsor.

The Blue Water Bridge is the perfect place to see late evening sunsets. Locals say you must try the famous fries under the bridge from one of the French fries trucks.

Blue Water Bridge Sarnia Point Edward Ontario

Grand Bend Main Street

Main Street is the centre of activity in Grand Bend, with shopping during the day and night life in the evening. The atmosphere of Grand Bend has given the town a reputation of being Florida north. As well as Main Street, Grand Bend acts as a regional cultural centre, boasting art galleries in the town and the Huron Country Playhouse on the outskirts.

Soak up the local flavour, souvenir stores, eateries, ice cream, and mini-golf.  The new performance stage is in addition to the beach house and children’s water and play area. The beaches are a huge attraction, of course, but there are restaurants, shops, patios and nightlife for guests to enjoy.

Grand Bend has a variety of food for every taste – seafood, Mexican,  pizza, burgers, ice cream – you’ll find every cuisine on either on Hwy 21 or all down the Main Street of Grand Bend.

Grand Bend Main Street

Pinery Provincial Park

Pinery Provincial Park boasts 10 kilometres of sandy beach on the shores of Lake Huron. National Geographic has described this area as having the “Top Ten Best Sunsets” in the world.  If you want to experience a private beach like you’d experience in the Caribbean, this is the place to be in Ontario.

There are 1,000 campsites within the park, including 12 yurts, 10 hiking trails, bicycle trail, canoeing, cross-country skiing  and winter camping.  Tons of activities for the family to experience at Pinery, and the beach is perfect for families, with many areas for picnics.

Pinery Provincial Park

 

Food and Fun

There are plenty of activities for everyone in the area. Play a round of golf at Bayview Golfing, go canoeing or fishing at the Pinery, try wakeboarding at Boarder Pass Wake Park on Seaway Road in Sarnia. Check out some antique shopping at Dale’s Antique Market, Play tennis at Oakwood Inn, or take a boat ride with Xtreme Watersports.

Make sure to drop by Beanstock, a local handmade soap shop , and Ryan’s Sweet Maple for maple syrup, maple candy, maple butter!

Stop into Alton Farms Estate Winery in Plympton-Wyoming where Marc and Anne Alton have created a vineyard and winery in the new wine region of Lake Huron South Shore. They have a tasting room with a large selection of wine related merchandise.

Alton Farm Estate Winery sheep

After all the activity, you’ll need to satisfy your hunger and there are plenty of good eats. Nestled on the shores of the beautiful St. Clair River, in picturesque Point Edward, you will find one of South Western Ontario’s hotspots, Purdy’s Dockside Eatery.  It’s the place to be for fresh seafood and great views.

Alternate Grounds Dockside, on Sarnia Bay Marina is a must. The staff, service, and food while enjoying an exceptional view makes this spot a favourite. They also have gluten free options!

John’s Restaurant is famous for its award winning peameal bacon breakfasts.

Smackwater Jacks Taphouse is the hoppin’ place to be, right along the water with views of the boats from the adjacent Grand Bend Yacht Club. The newly renovated restaurant serves locally grown produce served with meat from local farmers alongside quality craft beers.

Have breakfast at Aunt Gussie’s Restaurant, a landmark family business. It’s a relaxed, family-run eatery serving breakfast favourites and classic comfort food amid rustic decor.  The restaurant offers a wide-ranging menu, and you can enjoy your in either a private booth, by the fireplace, at a large table or in the sunroom.

Smackwater Jacks Taphouse Grand Bend Ontario

 

Win a Best Beach Adventure

One lucky winner will enjoy an amazing three-day getaway for four people on Lake Huron! Enter here

 

Grand Bend Beach Southwest Ontario