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Food

How to Make Chicken Legs That Taste Fried

May 1, 2015

Unless you deep fry chicken legs, how can you make chicken legs that taste fried? It might sound impossible to bake chicken legs that are crispy on the outside, yet juicy on the inside, without either burning them, or drying them out.

Well now you can! Here’s how to make crispy chicken legs that taste fried. What makes the huge difference is the way you cook the chicken. I’ve baked chicken legs before and they take quite some time to achieve the crispiness my family desires. Once I tried cooking them in the Philips Airfryer, I won’t go back!

The Philips Airfryer is just that – it cooks and fries your food with hot air, which means you can enjoy the fried taste of cooking without all of the oil. Using Rapid Air Technology, you can fry, bake, grill, broil, braise and caramelize your food in less time and right on your counter-top.

If I can reduce the amount of time spent in the kitchen, I’m thrilled. As a busy mom and with a hectic schedule, there are many days I’m flustered with dinner time… so I welcome any device and recipe that makes my life a little easier.

How to make chicken legs that taste fried

Ingredients

10 chicken drumsticks

1 tablespoon oil (I prefer grape seed oil)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1-2 tablespoons barbecue sauce (optional)

Method:

Remove the skin from the chicken drumsticks. I like to boil the drumsticks first so they are fully cooked through – the last thing I want to serve is raw chicken. Once the water with chicken comes to a boil, boil for another 10 minutes. Remove chicken legs from boiling water. Add oil and spices to coat, and put into the cooking basket.

Turn the Philips Airfryer on and cook for about 15 minutes, until desired crispiness! After your chicken is ready, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of your favourite barbecue sauce to coat, or just eat plain. Voila!

The Philips Airfryer features Rapid Air Technology, so hot air circulates with speed and precision, without the use of too much oil. The adjustable temperature control up to 390 degrees allows you to cook a variety of food. It has a 1.8 lb cooking basket capacity which is enough for a family of four, but because it cooks so quickly, you can cook several batches in no time.

It also has a 30-minute timer with ready signal and auto shut-off, so you don’t have to keep your eye on it diligently, as you would if you’re grilling. Clean up is a snap; the basket comes out so you can wash and the bucket is also washable and dishwasher safe.

The Airfryer comes with a recipe book to help inspire you – you can cook spring rolls, chicken wings, frittatas, even desserts! I’m excited to try some other recipes.

Stay tuned for a FABULOUS giveaway!

Disclosure: I received a Philips Airfryer to review. As always, the opinions herein are my own.

Contest

Spring into Spring Cleaning (Giveaway)

April 30, 2015

I may have mentioned before ~~like a broken record~~ that I’m not a fan of cleaning… I just think I could spend my time more effectively rather than scrubbing floors. There’s always a new show to binge-watch on Netflix, after all. Plus, there’s a book that isn’t going to write itself.

But because I don’t think it’s healthy to live under layers of dust and piles of junk, I find ways to make cleaning more bearable. For me, this means kicking the kids outside to play while I blast some high-energy, rocking music like Metallica, Monster Truck or Alexisonfire.

Have you started doing any spring cleaning? If I can make the tedious job of spring cleaning easier and the outcome last longer, so I don’t have to clean again as soon, then I’ll do whatever it takes, including seven ways to make cleaning somewhat fun.

Spring cleaning for some means a complete overhaul of the house, from scrubbing walls and baseboards to cleaning windows. For me it simply means being able to apply the three-second rule when one of my favourite barbecue kettle chips falls on the floor.

Enter to win

To help motivate you to clean, one “lucky” reader will win a Spring Cleaning prize pack valued at $75.

OxiClean™ Laundry Detergent Fresh Scent, 24 paks
OxiClean™ Coldwater Laundry Detergent Fresh Scent, 24 paks
OxiClean™ Dishwasher Detergent Extreme Power Crystals™, Fresh Scent
OxiClean™ Versatile Stain Remover
Arm & Hammer™ plus OxiClean™ Carpet Odour Eliminator, Meadow Fresh
Arm & Hammer™ Clump and Seal Multi-Cat Litter Coupon
Scrub Free™ Bleach Mildew

Please use the Rafflecopter below to enter this giveaway!

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I’m a Church & Dwight ambassador and receive perks as part of our partnership. Opinions written herein are my own, as always!

Holidays

Mother’s Day 2015 Gift Ideas She Will Love

April 28, 2015

While she doesn’t need more shoes, a new necklace or perfume, mom wants to feel special and appreciated – not only every day of the year, but especially on Mother’s Day. Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 10th and it isn’t too early to start planning some gifts for the special woman in your life. Here are some fabulous Mother’s Day gift ideas.

Mother’s Day 2015 Gift Ideas She Will Love

Fashionista

Citrus Silver has some great items that make for a sentimental Mother’s Day gift while still keeping Mom on trend. This lovely Italian leather bracelet with a personalized pendant can include your children’s names and birthdates. Leather Cuff $135 Citrus Silver.

For the hockey mom, I just lurve this pendant! You can add your child’s playing number and name.

I love the look of cork and now you can enjoy it in a wallet! Manufactured with 100% Cork fabric and imported from Portugal, Rok Cork is a Canadian owned company. Manually cut, stitched and packaged, each item carefully handled, every detail looked into by expert craftsmen, making our products artisanal, unique and durable. There are also handbags and accessories. $97.50 Shop.ca.

Pampering

She will appreciate not having to get to the salon for a blowout, but rather do it herself at home.

The pursuit of the perfect at home blowout has never been easier thanks to the new 3Q dryer from infinitiPRO by Conair. This revolutionary, new brushless motor hair dryer ensures a Quick, Quiet and Quality blow dry every time. Conaire 3Q Hairdryer $129-$139

Big, soft curls also looks fabulous so she might enjoy the clip-less design of these pop-up rollers, leaving hair free from creases and seams for beautiful smooth curls. Secret Curl $64.99

For a little TLC, treat her with some body and bath products – she’ll always appreciate the excuse for a long, hot bath. The Barefoot Venus Wild Ginger and Sweet Orange Oat Therapy Bath is a 100% natural therapeutic oat soak will balance your body and mind. $4.99 at Well.ca. Pair it with the Barefoot Venus Wild Ginger Sweet Orange Macadamia Oil Body Cream $19.99 at Well.ca.

Envelop yourself in pure decadence with this triple moisture body lotion by Be Delectable Triple Moisture Body Lotion. This beautiful blend is whipped to perfection, and enriched with coconut oil, shea butter and aloe vera to hydrate, smooth and nourish. The whole line is available at Well.ca.

Foodie

Though she may not care for perfume or pearls, she goes crazy for the latest bestselling cookbook or kitchen gadget. Cuisinart has a multitude of cool gadgets any mom would love to have in her kitchen. Especially coffee-related? Oh yes! The Tazzaccino™ Milk Frother creates professional-style foam for cappuccinos and lattes and heats milk for hot chocolate and more – in seconds! $109.99 Cuisinart.

The Griddler® Deluxe takes grilling to new heights! It offers six enticing cooking options. This grill is perfect for making pancakes and eggs for breakfast, panini and open-faced sandwiches for lunch, and burgers or fajitas for dinner. $199.99 Cuisinart.

A great meal is made even better with a fine-pairing wine. With pronounced aromas of cassis and plum with vanilla and mocha notes, the Cabernet Sauvignon by Clos du Bois has ripe black fruit flavours with vanilla and spice in the finish. It’s a full-bodied an firm wine. $15.95 LCBO.

What should a true Zinfandel taste like? A robust red brimming with mouthwatering flavours of spicy ripe raspberry, cherry and boysenberry, like the Ravenswood Vintner’s Blend Old Vine Zinfandel. $17.95 LCBO.

If you live in Toronto, you’ll need to try these beautiful and tasty French Macrons at Agmacarons.com. Treat her with an assortment, from Chocolate Lovers to Party Box , packaged in their signature pink and gold gift box. Box of 24 $55.

Home Décor

Looking for a unique piece for you home? This lovely vase is made from driftwood personally selected for quality from the fresh water shores of lake Erie. Use it as a candle holder or as a vase.$34.12 Etsy.

Bring the garden inside with Senay Studio’s stunning collection of linens, tea towels, and greeting cards. Featuring original paintings and illustrations by Toronto based artist, Senay Guler Gunbaz, each piece is inspired by the beauty of life and nature. Printed using only eco-friendly, water-based pigment inks, each chemical-free design is printed on natural linen, silk, or cotton and 100% machine washable. Senay Studio Etsy.

New Mom

Being a new mom means your body is trying to get back to normal, and if you’re nursing, you’ll want to embrace your new curves. But it doesn’t mean new moms don’t want to feel sexy. This wire-free lace bra is designed for the woman who loves the feminine allure of fine lingerie. It has a clasp-free nursing technology, a one-handed innovative fold over motion, exclusive to Mayana Genevière. “Lorenna” – Opulence Collection $90.

Help the new mom in your life get her body back in shape, but new mommy tummies are sensitive, so make sure she can do so with confidence with these items from Core Expectations/ Bellies Inc. The ultimate in postpartum recovery is yours with the Bellies Inc Postpartum Recovery System. An eight-week exercise program that restores your core from the inside out coupled with the revolutionary AB Tank and Wrap ensures you have core confidence for motherhood. $157 Bellies Inc.

Adventure Seeker

Access to hundreds of experiences across Canada. From indulgent spas, luxurious hotels and resorts, meals/wine pairings/tours, personal chefs, thrilling adventures, or even a challenging round of golf, LifeExperiences.ca has your gift-giving needs covered. LifeExperiences.ca.

Are you a golfer? Adidas Golf is introducing a completely redesigned women’s line for 2015. The line includes a slub pop with layering tank, built with fabric more breathable and faster-drying than cotton for all-day comfort on the course; a tour mesh skort designed with moisture-wicking fabric and UPF protection; a transparent Wind Full-Zip Jacket and Adipower Boost Shoes which features Revolutionary Cushioning technology set to change the game in golf footwear.

Health

3 Tips for Healthy Teeth: National Oral Health Month

April 24, 2015

Smile, you’re on camera! While we don’t really think of the mouth as being a part of our bodies, it’s important to pay attention to what happens with your teeth and gums.

Did you know that everything that happens in your mouth affects your whole body? That’s why it’s important to visit your dentist regularly.

Approximately 3,200 Canadians are diagnosed with oral cancer every year. With early detection, the survival rate of oral cancer can be greatly improved. This means going to your dentist for regular dental exams.

Poor oral health can affect a person’s quality of life. Oral pain, missing teeth or oral infections can influence the way a person speaks, eats and socializes. These oral health problems can reduce a person’s quality of life by affecting their physical, mental and social well-being.

Here are some ways to practice excellent oral health care for you and your family.

3 Tips for Healthy Teeth

Teach good habits early

Teach your children good oral health care habits early on, as it will get them in a daily routine and help avoid future dental troubles. Did you know that 60-90% of children experience tooth decay?* Getting kids to brush their teeth can be a chore, so make it a little fun by using the Spinbrush™ My Little Pony™ or Super Mario™ battery brushes of their favourite characters. Children under age three years should use the brush under adult supervision.

Don’t forget to brush and floss!

While most of us know this, it’s a good reminder to make sure you’re brushing and flossing at least twice a day to achieve optimal oral health. Arm & Hammer™ Spinbrush Manual brush and ™ Truly Radiant™ Rejuvenating Paste help to blast away plaque and keep your smile shining bright.

Look out for red flags

Make sure you’re looking out for signs of trouble in your mouth. Bleeding, red or swollen gums, or bad breath that won’t go away** can be signs of gum disease so go see your dentist.

As part of a healthy lifestyle and to help reduce the risk of oral disease, follow the Canadian Dental Associations 5 steps to good oral health.

5 Steps Fact Sheet download

^*World Health Organization: http://www.who.int/oral_health/media/en/orh_report03_en.pdf

** Canadian Dental Association: http://www.cda-adc.ca/en/oral_health/cfyt/good_for_life/default.asp

Disclosure: I’m a Church & Dwight ambassador. All opinions here are my own, as always.

Beauty

Spring Summer 2015 Beauty Products to Have

April 23, 2015

What are some of the best beauty products to have this spring summer 2015? There are some fabulous new beauty products out this spring summer 2015 that you’ll be overwhelmed with choices. I’ve narrowed it down for you!

Spring Summer 2015 Beauty Products to Have

Dermalogica

I have been using Dermalogica skin smoothing cream for a while, thanks to my make-up artist and skin care specialist sister-in-law. It’s a wonderful, medium-weight moisturizer that helps balance combination/dry skin. I have dry, sensitive skin in the winter but do suffer from breakouts in the t-zone. It may be a little too heavy for my skin during the summer, so I’ll switch to the Antioxidant Hydramist, another favourite.

The skin soothing cream has lecithin and aloe gel which moisturize, extracts of mallow, Cucumber and Arnica which soothe and hydrate the skin and antioxidant Grape Seed Extract plus vitamins C and E which help shield skin from environmental assaults. With all of these wonderful ingredients, there are no artificial fragrances and colours.

The Dermalogica Multivitamin power serum is an age-fighting serum containing micro encapsulated vitamins A, C and E to help increase skin recovery, decrease fine lines and age spots while defending against skin aging. Boost elasticity levels with a skin-strengthening protein peptide that overrides biochemical triggers that lead to skin aging.

If you’re looking for a therapeutic balm for your lips, the Climate Control Lip Treatment is it! It helps damaged skin recover from the elements and provides a barrier from weather extremeties. It glides on smoothly and keeps your lips moist for hours. Find the full line at Dermalogica.ca.

Elizabeth Arden Sunkissed Pearls Line

Who wouldn’t want a sunkissed look, especially with the weather we have… take me to the tropics! This limited edition Sunkissed Pearls line by Elizabeth Arden is beautifully packaged for one… and the colours are beautiful.

The Sunkissed Pearls Lip Gloss Trio ($29.00) comes in three mouth-watering shades and give lips long-wearing, beautiful colour and shine. In pink, coral, and berry hues, these glosses finish any summer beauty look while softening and conditioning the lips to deliver a fuller looking pout.

They have mango and shea butters, which are natural emollients that help lock in moisture to protect and soothe lips, and Maxi-Lip which helps support natural collagen for plumper, fuller looking lips.

The Pearls Bronzer and Highlighter ($48.00) bronzer and highlighter are a perfect bronzing and highlighting duo in golden neutrals and soft pink hues. The compact includes two bronzing shades and one highlighting shade which are formulated with skin perfecting ingredients to protect and illuminate skin. Sunkissed Pearls Bronzer and Highlighter is packaged in a pearl white compact with a window and includes a metallic silver half-moon brush for easy application.

The makeup contains vitamin E and argan oil, helping skin feel soft and moisturized – not dried out The microlight minerals act as optical diffusers that work to scatter light and soften the look of fine lines and wrinkles. It comes in a Warm Pearl (Light/Medium) shade. You can use the bronzer and highlighter together for a bronzed look, or separately – the darker shade to contour and the lighter shade to enhance, and the shimmer as a highlighter. So pretty!

Elizabeth Arden Sunkissed Pearls Colour Collection 2015 is available for a limited time at Hudson’s Bay, Shoppers Drug Mart and London Drugs.

I’ve always been a fan of Elizabeth Arden’s Green Tea fragrance and now, the newest addition is Elizabeth Arden Green Tea Bamboo Fragrance. Bamboo is widely recognized as a symbol of longevity and healing and emanate peace and well-being. The citrus and green scent is energizing, and a lovely scent for daytime.

The fragrance has bamboo and lush green notes mingle with sparkling citrus, green tea leaves, soothing cucumber, violet leaves and syringe.

It comes in an Eau De Toilette Spray 100ml, $56.00 and Honey Drops Cream Cream 248ml $27.00, Exclusively at Hudson’s Bay. It also comes in a smaller size Eau De Toilette Spray 50ml $40.00 and is available at Shoppers Drug Mart, Hudson’s Bay, London Drugs, Jean Coutu and Rexall.

Wella Professionals Elements Line

Wella Professionals Elements has introduced their first “free-of” hair care system free of sulfates, parabens and artificial colourants. The line includes four luxurious products, namely a Renewing Shampoo, Daily Renewing Conditioner, Reconstructing Mask and Leave In Conditioning Spray.

The line smells wonderful – the fragrance has top notes of green basil, green basil, water lily, star fruit and mandarin. The shampoo doesn’t lather because it’s sulfate-free but that’s alright, it cleans and rinses well. The reconstructing mask moisturizes your hair, especially if you suffer from dry ends. I love the Leave In Conditioning Spray which is helpful on days you don’t wash your hair, because let’s face it, I don’t wash mine every day! It gives you hair a lift on the in-between days.

Wella Professionals Elements is now available in professional salons across North America. Products can be purchased at professional salons across North America. For more information, visit Wella.com.

Nioxin Diamax Advanced Thickeing Xtrafusion Treatment

I’ve heard a lot about Nioxin as it’s the #1 stylist choice for thin-looking hair. If you have thin or limp hair, this will definitely make your hair feel and look smoother and fuller. The HTX formula has 25% more concentration of the key ingredients that help to thicken and strengthen your hair, without it feeling sticky. I need to see how well my hair fares in heat and humid conditions as it’s supposed to help compared to other treatments!

The three key ingredients in the HTX formula are niacinamide, panthenol and caffeine. The intensive leave-in treatment boosts hair diameter, coating each strand to visibly thicken existing hair with a combination of three key ingredients to make a noticeable difference in fullness immediately. Now available at salons and beauty supply stores nationwide $59.99 Nioxin.com.

Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk

And for those days you don’t have time wash their hair every day? Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk is an easy-to-use dry shampoo which can be sprayed onto your hair and brushed out to remove impurities and restore volume. In two minutes, your hair is refreshed and revitalized.

Hair begins to look dull, lifeless, and in need of a wash when there is too much oil in your hair – hair follicles produce oil to protect and lubricate the hair But too much oil weighs the hair down. When you spray Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk on your hair, the powder absorbs excess oil. As you brush it out it removes the oil, leaving hair clean and refreshed – which is great in between washes.

This non-colouring dry shampoo formula is especially designed for darker hair. If applied correctly, Klorane leaves no residue and can be used on all hair types and shades.

More beauty products to try spring 2015

parenting

How Do I Get My Child to Sleep in Her Own Bed?

April 22, 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: How do I get my child to sleep in her own bed?

A: Ah, one of the most common questions I hear from parents. Along with “how do I get my child to sleep in her own bed, and not in mine?” Firstly, there are a few factors to consider when coming up with a solution to this problem.

1. How old is your child?
2. Why is he or she saying that he does not want to sleep in his own bed? Anything you can think of?
3. How long has this pattern been established?

Young children, in particular, seem to go through phases of not wanting to sleep alone or without an adult that they feel secure around. They may be going through a period of separation anxiety, for example or might be wanting extra reassurance, especially during periods of adjustment, such as moving into a new home or starting a new grade at school. During these phases, even children who were pretty good sleepers and fine with going to bed at a specific time will resist doing so.

Sometimes children will not be able to identify why they don’t want to be alone at night and you may have to consider factors yourself. Changes, as mentioned previously, can change behaviour. In addition, children, at various stages of development, become more anxious or aware of things they didn’t previously worry about – people breaking into homes, for example.

Has this pattern been established for a long time, meaning that it is more firmly entrenched, or is it recent? A recent behavioural change is easier to rectify more quickly.

Fear is top of the list for children not wanting to sleep in their own beds. They don’t want to be alone. So, acknowledge what your child may be feeling and come up with solutions. Sometimes, just talking about the shadows on the wall can make them go away. Other times, a toy bat under her bed will make her feel more able to defend any imaginary creature that might visit her during the ‘night. Sometimes, having siblings (both of whom may be a little afraid) share a room may be a good solution.

Although many parents are worried about setting a precedent by inviting their children into their beds, I often suggest that instead of having your child in bed with you, that you set up a mattress and bedding on the floor next to your bed. Then, tell your child that so long as he doesn’t disturb you during the night, he is welcome to be in your room, on the floor beside your bed.

The last solution is often one that is well received by both parents and children. Parents don’t get little feet in their faces while they’re trying to sleep and the child has the security of knowing that being with mom and dad when she is afraid is an option.
So, instead of bribing and punishing your child to stay in his own bed, maybe consider the alternatives I’ve suggested. I have yet to meet an adult who is unable to sleep alone as a result of sleeping in his or her parent’s room or bed when they were children.

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.

lifestyle

Not Just a Bank: BMO Gives Customer a Day Off

April 21, 2015

If you need to watch a video today that will remind you about the good in people, this is it.

Sheila, an assistant branch manager at BMO, introduces us to a deli owner named Arash. He hasn’t had a day off in a long time. As a small business owner, he works seven days a week and can’t take time off work – even to rest his leg after his knee buckled delivering and order. His doctor warned him to take care of his health.

So what did BMO and Sheila do? They rallied together and showed up at Arash’s deli to give him A Day Off. BMO is not just a bank – watch this must-see video:

Bank of Montreal’s new campaign, #HelpGiven is demonstrating the unique commitment they have to their customers. Their employees are really in the “we” in “We’re Here to Help” their customers fulfill their dreams.

How did they find Sheila? Well, through a series of casting calls in Toronto, Montreal and Chicago, they found employees who have a passion for helping others, inside their branch and out. The teams brought some interesting stories from their communities to light, all of which were carefully reviewed and subjected to a thorough screening process. In the end, Arash’s story was the one they chose to reflect BMO’s special banker-client relationships.

So you can just imagine how many other heart-warming stories are out there, waiting to be shared! How amazing is it that a bank employee thinks of customers as friends and really cares about their well-being? This video just demonstrates that real relationship, not just a business transaction. People first – bankers second.

Arash did take the day off – BMO not only stepped in and took over his deli for the day, they checked him into a Toronto hotel where was giving the special treatment! And really, the BMO team helped assemble and serve Montreal Smoked Meat Sandwiches to the customers – deli employees were also on hand to help manage the operations.

I love what BMO done so far with this #HelpGiven campaign and I hope to see more stories like Arash’s Day Off soon. Let’s help make this happen – help by sharing Arash’s story! Use the hashtags #HelpGiven and #BMOdayoff and follow BMO on Twitter.

Disclosure: This post is proudly sponsored by BMO. As always, the opinions expressed herein are my own.

Family Travel

Great Fun for Kids at Great Wolf Lodge Niagara Falls

April 21, 2015

Water park with big water slides?! Oh yeah! My kids were super excited to get to Great Wolf Lodge Niagara Falls and with good reason! As we entered the place, they were immediately impressed by the size of this indoor water park and lodge in Niagara Falls, Ontario. I knew right away that it would be great fun for kids at Great Wolf Lodge Niagara Falls.

Great Wolf Lodge Niagara Falls Ontario is a family-friendly resort with activities and amenities for kids of all ages. It has a kids’ club, arcade games, mini-golf, and other activities to keep kids busy. It has a massive indoor waterpark filled with thrilling water slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, and other enjoyable water activities. The waterpark is popular because it offers a fun and exciting experience for both adults and children.

Here’s why Great Wolf Lodge Niagara Falls is great fun for kids — and adults too!

Great Fun for Kids at Great Wolf Lodge Niagara Falls

Checking in.

Although there were quite a few people in the lobby, along with some talking animals, the check-in was quick! Staff were very friendly too. We were given wristbands to use during our stay, which would open the hotel room door and also charge meals and gifts to the room, if needed.

Our room.

We stayed in a themed KidCabin suite on the third floor, a bit of a walk from the elevator. But it’s probably a good thing to have a room further away as the hallways can become noisy because of the Magi-Quest game and kids running down the halls to complete the game! The lodge is only four floors so you can easily take the stairs as the elevators will be busy with families with strollers.

Our suite had a bunk bed and an extra single bed in one area, and a double bed and couch with fireplace separate. Of course my kids loved that they had their own room with bunk beds! It was a great, spacious room which also had a mini-fridge, microwave, safe and coffee maker. I could see how helpful these amenities would be for younger families, especially if you bring some of your own food and drinks to the hotel. The hotel is “green” so the bathroom offers shampoo and body wash in a dispenser in the shower and by the sink, so you may want to bring your own with you.

The water fun.

The kids had a blast with the swimming pools and water slides. There are lifeguards everywhere so it’s quite safe. You should get there early, however, to claim your chairs and tables as the water park does get very busy. The larger water slides also had a bit of a wait.

There are different areas within the water park – the larger water slides on one side, the lazy river on the other, a wave pool in the centre, and another pool on the other side. I will say the park is packed but not extremely insane. It’s very loud in there as well so if you’re traveling with older folks, maybe bring some ear plugs!

The food.

You aren’t allowed to bring in outdoor food into the water park but they do offer some food bars, including Grizzly Rob’s Bar and Spirit Island Snack Shop right I the water park. There are other options for food, including Northwoods Pizza Company where you can take out a pizza and eat in your room. For tired parents, there is the Canoe Coffee shop and Bear Claw Café for desserts.

The Antler Shanty is a restaurant in the lodge by the lobby which offers buffet meals – definitely worth a visit. We had dinner there and the kids went to town! Because of my food sensitivities, I spoke to the sous chef who was very helpful – he managed to make me a separate meal to ensure there was no gluten and soy in my food. I was very impressed by the extra attention and the food was delicious. He also brought me vegan chocolate cupcakes for dessert! My son loved the waffles and the made-to-order omelets for breakfast the next morning.

Other fun.

After dinner, the kids went to check out the story time, which was jam packed and very popular with the younger kids. Afterwards, there was a dance party but we decided to visit the arcade. A $20 card can allow the kids to play quite a few games, which I thought was worth the price. We didn’t get a chance to visit the bowling alley though! The kids also had fun playing MagiQuest, a unique fantasy-themed scavenger hunt that takes kids on a journey throughout the resort. The wand not only makes a great souvenir, kids can use it when they come back to the lodge to play again.

…………………..

When you do check out, remember you can still stay at the water park for the rest of the day. You can pack your luggage in the car and then put your smaller items into a locker for the remainder of your visit. Next time, I’ll be sure to ditch the kids so I can visit the adult-only hot tub and the Elements Spa Salon for a little “me” time!

Here is another mom’s experience:

Five Reasons Why Great Wolf Lodge is Great and Not So Great

Entertainment

Liar! Movies and TV Shows About Lies

April 16, 2015

While I enjoy almost every genre of movies and television shows, there is something to be said about a storyline that is full of twists and turns – and I’m not talking about action flicks. Deception, secrets and lies in a plot can pull the viewer in and get them hooked.

One of my favourite movies with secrets, truth, lies, and deception as a main theme is True Lies with Jamie Lee Curtis and Ahhhnold, and Dangerous Liaisons with Glenn Close and John Malkovich.

I’m thrilled to be part of the #StreamTeam with Netflix Canada so I can share upcoming movies and shows with my readers. This month, there’s a new Netflix original series that I need to check out called Bloodline, where dark family secrets and lies are in the forefront. Set in the Florida Keys, the series follows the Rayburn family, caught between the ugly truth and the terrible lie that covers it up.

I watched Liar Liar with Jim Carrey over the weekend – one of my favourite Jim Carrey movies. The man is a comedic genius! After his son makes a birthday wish that magically comes true, an evasive lawyer finds himself incapable of telling a lie for 24 hours. “I can’t lieeeeeee!!!”

Any movie starring Adam Sandler is a fave so on my to-watch list is Just Go With It. When Danny lies to his girlfriend that he’s a divorced family man, he recruits his employee and her kids to play his ex-wife and kids. It also stars Jennifer Aniston. How have I not seen this movie before?!

I’m not sure it this television show is too young for me but I may have to check it out. Although I’m afraid to watch even one episode of Pretty Little Liars for fear of getting hooked and having to watch from the beginning – it’s on its fifth season already.

What’s your favourite TV show or movie that revolves around the central theme of secrets, lies, or deception?

Health

Cool Accessories for Fitness and Health

April 15, 2015

You’ve got your gym bag, sports bra and water bottle ready to hit the gym. Or just your shoes for your outdoor run. But you might be missing out on some of the other cool accessories for fitness and health!

I mostly work out at the gym but enjoy doing yoga at home as well. Now I’m not the most coordinated person at the gym… which can call for some awkward moments. But who’s looking, right? As long as I have my cool fitness gear on to help me appear less clumsy, I can easily ignore the stares!

Here are some cool accessories for fitness and health that made my list:

Jabra Sport™ Wireless+

One of the many embarrassing moments for me at the gym is when my earphones fling out of my ears because of the cord. With the Jabra Sport™ Wireless+ headphones, they won’t fall out. It uses Bluetooth technology so I can sync it and listen to music from my phone. The wireless design allows you to control volume, take calls, switch FM radio, and skip tracks with a quick tape of your headset. They are designed to fit behind the ear and come with seven different ear gels so you can find the perfect fit for your ears. $99.99 at TELUS.

711 Mesh New Balance

Running around all day requires a shoe that can keep up and be comfortable and stylish, inside and outside of the gym. The New Balance 711 Mesh fitness-trainer features responsive cushioning and thin overlays for a secure fit and flexibility making it the perfect all-day shoe. $109.99 at New Balance.

Fitbit Charge HR

My favourite fitness and health accessory is the Fitbit Charge. It’s a great tracking wristband that tracks your activity right on your wrist. I don’t have the Charge HR which also tracks your heart rate but if you’re going to buy the Charge and want to keep track of it, it’s a great feature. I was part of the Telus blogger challenge so you can read more about it here. It syncs to your smartphone and computer to monitor your steps, distance, floors climbed and sleep quality. $179.99 at TELUS.

Root to Rise Cargo Mat Bag

Oooom! Keep your yoga mat clean, dry, and portable with the Root to Rise Cargo Mat Bag by Gaiam. This cute bag in a 100% cotton and deep plum surf pattern features an adjustable shoulder strap, full zipper closure, exterior expandable pocket, and room to fit any size mat – there is a matching yoga mat available too. . Deep Plum Surf pattern. Matching Yoga Mat available.

$32.99 at Gaiam.

QardioBase Smart Scale

QardioBase is going to be available soon but it seems people are already talking about it. It combines smart features, ease of use and a sleek design to make weight and health management an integral part of your everyday life.

This smart scale will wirelessly transmit your weigh-ins right to your smartphone. What I like it that it will be able to measure your body composition, which is important because sometimes your weight won’t decrease but you’re losing fat and gaining muscle. Pre-order at Qardiobase.

Slim Sweatpants

Move over yoga pants and leggings. Slim sweatpants are trendy and flattering. With a slim fit through the hips and upper legs, these training pants by Adidas excel in workout versatility. The women’s pants pull sweat away from skin with comfortable climalite® fabric. They also have a ribbed waist and long cuffs for a body-hugging finish. $58 at Adidas.

About

Hi I'm Maria! I'm an author, lifestyle and travel writer, rock-concert-goer & gluten-free foodie. Oh Baby! A Mom’s Self-Care Survival Guide for the First Year: Because Moms Need a Little TLC, Too! is available at Chapters/Indigo, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon!
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