Name: Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 2 h 10 min
Yield: 1
Ingredients: 1-1/2 cups (400 mL) packed brown sugar or coconut palm sugar; 1/4 cup (60 mL) softened butter; 3 eggs; 3/4 cup (175 mL) grapeseed oil; 2 cups (500 mL) roasted pumpkin purée; 2-1/2 cups (625 mL) all purpose flour OR gluten free flour* see notes; 2 tsp (10 mL) baking powder; 1 tsp (5 mL) baking soda; 3/4 tsp (4 mL) salt; 2 tsp (10 mL) pumpkin spice; ½ package (4 ounce) packages cream cheese,; 1/4 cup butter, softened; 2 cups (500 mL) sifted confectioners’ sugar; 2 tbsp (30 mL) roasted pumpkin puree; 1 tsp (5 mL) pumpkin spice

giveaways

One Other Thing Your Body Experiences After Baby!

October 20, 2015

Oh, the joys of pregnancy and childbirth! Did you ever think that along with the stretch marks, leaky breasts, and extra weight, you’d have to also deal with a weak bladder?

Well sheesh, after all that pushing – even if you’ve had a C-section – muscles in that entire region of the female body takes a beating. Childbirth completely loosens up all things in that area… inside, and out!

For many women, this is what happens after having kids! You can cough or sneeze, even laugh hysterically, and leak, requiring a change of underwear. It doesn’t matter if you try to hold in that sneeze, that dribble will still happen. Yes, I remember having a few of my own experiences where I’d have to squeeze my legs and run to the bathroom!

Did you ever think you’d have bladder incontinence at your age? Heck no! But the truth is, it’s a normal thing many women of all ages have to deal with. It’s one of the most common problems experienced by new moms, affecting about a third in the first year after having their baby. So if you’re experiencing this, you are not alone!

It takes time for those pelvic muscles to heal after giving birth, and strengthen them too. Do those Kegels, ladies! In the meantime, there’s help. Poise® pads are thin, comfortable and keep you much drier than other products on the market.

Coupon

Poise® provides the best protection for your leaks, try the new Thin-Shape pads at Walmart with a $2 off coupon here.

Enter to Win

One lucky winner will receive a $100 Walmart Gift Card! To enter this giveaway, please use the Rafflecopter below. Open to Canadians only. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This post was sponsored by Poise®. As always, opinions here are completely my own.

Entertainment

WestJet Announces Disney Frozen-Themed Plane

October 19, 2015

WestJet has unveiled its new, Frozen-themed airplane, featuring Anna, Elsa, and Olaf. Disney artists and cast members collaborated with WestJet to design the Boeing 737.

The outside of the aircraft tells a story – sisters Anna and Elsa celebrate sisterhood and the magic of snow. The magic travels to warm the front of the aircraft where Olaf can be found enjoying a summer day on the beach. In the Disney film Frozen, Olaf dreams of going someplace warm, and now he’ll be going to sunny destinations along with passengers.

The inside of the plane also has a similar design – the overhead bins and headrest covers have a cold theme in the back, but as you move toward the middle of the plane, the interior decoration transitions to become warmer and sunny towards the front of the plane.

According to WestJet, it took the painting crew 21 days of 12-hour rotations to finish the paint job, which took more than 170 gallons of paint and includes sections of paint mixed with glitter. Check out a time-lapse video of the plane being painted.

SUPER COOL!

Photo: Disney

Motherhood

What Are You Saving the Fine China For?

October 16, 2015

My son had an away hockey tournament this Thanksgiving weekend. With hockey tournaments, you don’t know the schedule of games until just a few days before, so it’s a challenge to plan anything in advance. Because we didn’t know how the team would play, we weren’t sure if they would advance to the semi-finals on Sunday morning. This meant we weren’t sure on Saturday afternoon if we needed a hotel that night!

I don’t mind a bit of spontaneity, but I had invited my parents and aunt and uncle over for Thanksgiving lunch on Monday. I knew I’d have to pick up the fresh turkey on Sunday, brine it overnight, and start baking desserts and prepping for lunch. A few years ago, I’d find this last-minute preparation extremely stressful. But I’ve learned to go with the flow… the more you fuss and worry about things, it causes unnecessary stress.

Stuffing a turkey, making some side dishes and baking a cake doesn’t take that long… in fact, I was so happy to host a small gathering that I did something I hadn’t done before.

I took out the fine china and crystal. Yep, 10 years in this house and I haven’t used my fine china and crystal for any occasion. Why? Because I don’t have a formal dining room.

This silly open-concept of new builds gave me a strange layout and my living-dining area is really only big enough for a sitting area. I inherited some formal living room furniture where my dining room would normally be. So I’m left with a large kitchen eating area, which is more country-style than fine dining.

So the lovely Wedgewood set my parents bought for our wedding gift, was sitting all packaged in plastic in my kitchen buffet and crystal on display in the hutch, collecting dust.

Then is dawned on me – what the heck am I waiting for? Why am I saving these things to enjoy “in my dream home”? Why not enjoy it now? The more difficult question I asked myself – what if that “perfect” setting I had in my mind for long, doesn’t come?

I carefully washed my never-used bone china plates and crystal wine glasses. I busted out the fine cutlery. I took the time to iron out the unused tablecloth, and set the table as I had always wanted to do in my fancy dining room – although I didn’t have proper 100% linen napkins (on my next shopping list). No worries about washing the linens and getting out stains with OxiClean™ Versatile Stain Remover which is oxygen-based, chlorine free and colour safe.

While the set-up wasn’t my dream dining room, I could – and should – still enjoy hosting a Thanksgiving luncheon. So what if my wobbly kitchen table could barely hold up the eight of us. Nobody could see the scratches on the table top. thanks to the tablecloth, or the marker drawings underneath the table.

Had I killed the goal of having the dining room I’d always wanted? Did this mean I wouldn’t get my dream home? No. I was being silly. This simply meant that I was living for today, and enjoying things for right now.

Have you ever saved something for use later? Why not enjoy it now?

Since I’m a Church & Dwight ambassador, I often acknowledge their products and/or write about them.

Health

It’s Global Handwashing Day!

October 15, 2015

Did you know…

164 million school days are lost due to illness

Your cell phone can have upwards of 25,000 bacteria per square inch

Only 24% wash their hands after handling money

5% of people wash their hands long enough to destroy infectious germs after using the bathroom

EW!

Kids love touching everything, including their faces and mouths. With cold and flu season approaching, it’s crucial to remind children how to wash their hands properly – adults too!

You ever see people rinse their hands with just water for two seconds? Or worse, when people leave a public bathroom without washing their hands?!?! It only takes 20 seconds for vigorous hand washing with soap and water to get those little hands clean.

Handwashing Tips

Make hand washing fun and interactive – my kids have learned to sing a song while washing their hands, long enough to get rid of those nasty germs.

Wash the front and back of your hands, as well as in between your fingers and under your nails

Wipe and dry your hands gently with a paper towel or clean towel.

Turn the tap off using paper towel so that you don’t recontaminate your hands.

When using the public bathroom, use that same paper towel to open the door when you leave.

My husband uses his sleeve to open public doors. We also keep wipes in the car to use after grocery shopping.

Thanks to Dial® for giving us the arsenal we need to get us through the next little while! Kids will enjoy the Dial® Kids Foaming Handwash. I’m looking forward to trying the Dial® Miracle Oil with Marula Oil liquid hand soap and Coconut Water & Mango!

Fashion

Kids Can Play in Style and Comfort

October 15, 2015

by Shelly Khushal

When I was asked to participate in the Peekaboo Beans Ambassador Program, I jumped at the chance. I mean who wouldn’t want their child to be featured in a clothing line, right?

But it was only after I attended the webinar and a got a chance to hear Director, Traci Costa’s story, I realized that it was much more than just a clothing line. It was a story… a journey, a statement of hope, a declaration of freedom.

Peekaboo Beans clothes takes into account children with sensory processing disorder or sensitive skin issues. The label-less, tag-less system enables children to wear clothing without fuss or irritation.

Through their ‘Right to Play’ philosophy, Peekaboo Beans designs play wear for children on-the-go, and encourages that free play be brought back. According to statistics, children today are playing less than ever before, leading to physical, intellectual, social and emotional problems. Hence, Peekaboo Beans clothes are not only beautiful, but are comfortable too!

Kids can play in style and comfort!

I love the texture of the clothing, and the colours are all bright and vibrant and all have a happy feel to them. The sizes are quite generous – their size chart on their website was quite helpful in assisting with picking the appropriate size. Not all size 5s are the same, so it was great that their clothing is made a little more on the larger size (i.e. still room for kids to grow into).

Here is what my daughter and I chose from the Peekaboo Beans Fall line:

The Kids Club Jacket, Aqua

Copa Cabana Tee, Aqua

Frilly You Leggings, Hibiscus

Fossil Fancy Dress, Teal

Peekaboo Beans clothing is comfortable, soft and playful, how kids’ clothing should be!

Kids can play in style and comfort! Agree?

Shelly Khushal is an events planner. Some of her projects include conducting leadership conferences, celebrity seminars, orientation conferences and wedding planning. Shelly@Khushal.ca

parenting

Should You Discipline Other People’s Kids?

October 14, 2015

Family expert Sara Dimerman is here to answer any questions you may have. If you need to submit a question, please email amotherworld@gmail.com.

Q: If I’m the only parent around, should I discipline other people’s kids?

A: Because you mention “If I’m the only parent around”, my answer is quite different to one that acknowledges the presence of other parents. So, yes, if there are no other parents or caregivers around such as when a child has come over to play with your child without another adult to supervise him or her, you may want to get involved if and when you see behaviour that may escalate.

Keep in mind, however, that you will be more limited in how you can discipline. For example, a time out or punishment would not be be appropriate. However, if your child’s playmate yanks a toy out of your child’s hands, then intervening by mentioning that grabbing is not okay and helping them come up with a way to work it out, would be appropriate.

If you are firm but fair and uphold consistent guidelines, then there is little risk of getting into hot water with the other child’s parents.

What I would also recommend is that when the child’s parents pick him or her up from your house, share what has taken place. If the parents hear what has happened from their child, they are less likely to appreciate your involvement and may be upset that you didn’t share the incident with them directly.

Some parents may even choose to ask for permission to discipline each other’s children. This even further reduces the risk of any negative consequences that may arise from disciplining another person’s child.

Sara Dimerman is a psychologist in the Toronto area who has provided counselling to individuals, couples and families for more than twenty-five years. She is the author of four books – two for parents and two for couples – the most recent of which is “Why Married Couples Don’t have Sex….at least not with each other!” and is a columnist and podcast producer/host for sites and print media across North America and internationally. She is a regular guest on radio and television and is interviewed frequently for articles online, in newspapers and magazines. Sara is married and has two daughters. Visit Sara‘s website: www.helpmesara.com or follow her on Twitter @helpmesara.

Food

Campbell Canada’s New Healthy Request Soups

October 13, 2015

I was invited to Campbell Canada’s exclusive behind-the-scene plant tour, to see what goes into their soups and how the process from farm to table works. I make all of my soups from scratch, but I know many who are pressed for time and bring Campbell’s soups for lunch, or add products to their meals. Does a can of Cream of Mushroom soup with chicken breast in the oven sound like a familiar dinner?

The plant tour was interesting. I learned that Campbell Canada sources the potatoes and carrots from local farms, with one supplier just north of where I live. I like that Campbell’s has long-standing relationships with local farmers right here in Ontario. You can’t help but notice how clean the plant is, exactly what you would expect.

I was happy to hear about the new Healthy Request line from Campbell’s. The Healthy Request line has surprisingly simple ingredients, including vegetables, broth, and spices – and no preservatives. The sodium content is reasonable also.

The six new flavours of soup, and two are gluten free.

Lemon Chicken Orzo with Chickpeas and Zucchini

Curried Cauliflower Lentil

Fiesta Vegetable with Black Bean and Quinoa

Spicy Vegetable Turkey with Rutabaga

Tomato Garden Vegetable with Pea Beans and Spinach

Vegetable with Beef and Black-Eyed Peas

I tried the Curried Cauliflower Lentil soup and was pleasantly surprised by the taste. The ingredients are also simple: water, cauliflower, tomato paste, cream (milk), red lentils, potatoes, peas, red bell peppers, carrot juice concentrate, modified corn starch, dried onion, pear puree, butter, salt, dried garlic, spices, lime juice concentrate, ginger extract (soy lecithin).

I think Campbell Canada’s new Healthy Request line of products is a move in the right direction. It’d be nice to see a change of ingredients across all food products.

My only concern about the line – and in fact, any canned product – is the BPA in the cans. While Campbell’s have made a commitment to look into alternatives for their soups, they don’t have any immediate plans to make a switch. On the tour, you could see the company has invested millions of dollars in canning equipment, so I don’t think they’ll be switching to bottles or tetra packs any time soon. When I asked the question, Campbell’s representatives reply they are confident in the tins they currently use, and the low exposure to BPA. I know others wouldn’t agree, but that’s a risk some consumers may or may not wish to take.

Do you want to try for yourself?

Campbell’s is hosting a pop-up Healthy Request Soup Café at Yonge Dundas Square on Wednesday, October 14th from 11am to 4pm. Try their new line of soups right in the heart of Toronto, and tell me what you think.

Entertainment

Alvin and the Chipmunks Live on Stage

October 8, 2015

Contributor Shelly had the opportunity to take her family to see Alvin and the Chipmunks Live on Stage at Massey Hall.

Based on the characters from the hit Twentieth Century Fox movies, the show features Alvin, Simon and Theodore – accompanied by the Chipettes – performing favorite songs by One Direction, Maroon 5, Carly Rae Jepsen, Elvis Presley and more.

The first act set up the story – Ian, the Chipmunks’ manager, concocted a story to get the Chipmunks to play a free concert, claiming it was going for a good cause. Meanwhile, he had other intentions.

Ian, the evil ex-record company executive, concocts a plan to use Alvin and the Chipmunks to perform a benefit concert to save the original site of the legendary Woodstock, but the only one who will benefit is Ian. To prepare for the big concert, Ian sends the Chipmunks on a war-up tour. But of course, chaos follows the Chipmunks along. The Chipmunks realize Ian didn’t have good intentions, so they decided to do a number of him instead.

The show seemed to appeal to the parents – the dialogue was mature for most kids, so adults could enjoy the show as well. The second act’s music impressed the audience, as did the twist ending.

Alvin and the Chipmunks Live on Stage is touring across Canada and the U.S.. For dates and tickets, visit here.

Desserts

Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze

October 7, 2015

If you’re looking to bake THE best pumpkin cake for fall, or for your Thanksgiving feast, this pumpkin spice cake with cream cheese glaze is it. I cannot tell you how moist and delicious this pumpkin spice cake is. You can adjust the sugars from brown to coconut palm sugar, as well as the flours to make it gluten free if you wish.

You must make this with fresh pumpkin purée – I don’t use the canned so not sure how the flavour changes. Earlier in the day or the day before, wash a pumpkin pie pumpkin, cut in half, remove seeds, and bake on a parchment paper lined pan for about an hour at 350. Scoop out the flesh once cooled, and puree. Freeze remaining in a sandwich bag.

Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups (400 mL) packed brown sugar or coconut palm sugar

1/4 cup (60 mL) softened butter

3 eggs

3/4 cup (175 mL) grapeseed oil

2 cups (500 mL) roasted pumpkin purée

2-1/2 cups (625 mL) all purpose flour OR gluten free flour (I use a mix of tapioca, rice, almond and sorghum flours)

2 tsp (10 mL) baking powder

1 tsp (5 mL) baking soda

3/4 tsp (4 mL) salt

2 tsp (10 mL) pumpkin spice (see recipe here)

Method

Mix together flours, baking powder, baking soda, salt and pumpkin spice. Set aside.

In a stand mixer, beat sugar and butter until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time. Add oil and stir until well blended. Add pumpkin puree. Add flour into two batches, and blend well until smooth.

Pour into a oiled and floured Bundt cake pan. Bake at 350 degrees for about 1 hour.

Once cake is cooled, place on a platter or cake stand. Prepare cream cheese glaze.

Cream Cheese Glaze

Ingredients

½ package (4 ounce) packages cream cheese,

1/4 cup butter, softened

2 cups (500 mL) sifted confectioners’ sugar

2 tbsp (30 mL) roasted pumpkin puree

1 tsp (5 mL) pumpkin spice

Method

In a stand mixer, beat butter, cream cheese, puree and spice together until well blended. Add sugar in two batches. Pour over Bundt cake and serve.

Yield: 1 cake

Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze

If you’re looking to bake THE best pumpkin cake for fall, or for your Thanksgiving feast, this pumpkin spice cake with cream cheese glaze is it.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour

Additional Time 1 hour

Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups (400 mL) packed brown sugar or coconut palm sugar
1/4 cup (60 mL) softened butter
3 eggs
3/4 cup (175 mL) grapeseed oil
2 cups (500 mL) roasted pumpkin purée
2-1/2 cups (625 mL) all purpose flour OR gluten free flour* see notes
2 tsp (10 mL) baking powder
1 tsp (5 mL) baking soda
3/4 tsp (4 mL) salt
2 tsp (10 mL) pumpkin spice

Cream Cheese Glaze

½ package (4 ounce) packages cream cheese,
1/4 cup butter, softened
2 cups (500 mL) sifted confectioners’ sugar
2 tbsp (30 mL) roasted pumpkin puree
1 tsp (5 mL) pumpkin spice

Instructions

Mix together flours, baking powder, baking soda, salt and pumpkin spice. Set aside.
In a stand mixer, beat sugar and butter until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time.
Add oil and stir until well blended. Add pumpkin puree.
Add flour into two batches, and blend well until smooth.
Pour into a oiled and floured Bundt cake pan.
Bake at 350 degrees for about 1 hour.
Once cake is cooled, place on a platter or cake stand.
Prepare cream cheese glaze.
In a stand mixer, beat butter, cream cheese, puree and spice together until well blended.
Add sugar in two batches. Pour over Bundt cake and serve.

Notes

If you use a pre-made gluten-free flour, it should contain xanthan gum. I use my own mix of tapioca, brown rice, almond meal and sorghum flours + 1/4 tsp xanthan gum.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

12

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 301Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 59mgSodium: 60mgCarbohydrates: 55gFiber: 3gSugar: 26gProtein: 6g

amw in the city

Soccer Fans! Up Close with Toronto FC

October 6, 2015

While everyone has play-offs Jays fever, let’s not forget about Toronto’s football (soccer) club! Last weekend, I took my son and his best friend to see a Toronto FC game. It was the first time seeing a soccer game for my son and I, so we were in for a treat.

Not only did we have a chance to watch our first soccer game together, we also were able to see the players up close and personal! The boys were thrilled to cheer on the soccer club as they went for warm-up, and later high-five them once they finished.

We had a lovely surprise meet and greet with Canadian soccer star Dwayne De Rosario, the Toronto-area native who retired earlier this year. He graciously signed autographs and took photos with this lucky group of kids… and big kids too!

There are two Toronto FC games left this season, one on October 14th against New York Redbulls, and the final game October 17th against Columbus Crew. Tickets are available with this promo code LANIOSTFC here.