amw | amotherworld

Health

Can Diet Soda Raise Blood Sugar? Yes it Can!

September 18, 2014

Put down the diet pop! Can diet soda raise blood sugar? Yes it can.

If you think that drinking diet soda is better for you than drinking regular soda, you’re wrong. Calorie-free drinks made with artificial sweeteners may increase metabolic disorders such as Type 2 diabetes, a new study revealed.

Researchers reported that artificial sweeteners increased blood sugar levels by interfering with microbes in the gut.

People choose calorie-free artificial sweeteners and drinks because they think they won’t raise blood sugar levels like regular sugar. But studies suggest that artificial sweeteners actually increase the risk of obesity and diabetes.

The study was conducted by Eran Segal of the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel.

“Our findings suggest that non-caloric artificial sweeteners may have directly contributed to enhancing the exact epidemic that they themselves were intended to fight.”

I remember once reading that your body reacts to the artificial sweeteners the same way as regular sugar. But this link to gut bacteria is interesting and how the sweeteners alter bacterial populations in the gut – the microbiota.

This study from 2011 had similar results, suggesting that artificial sweeteners trigger the appetite and boosted blood-sugar levels.

Stick to drinks with natural sweeteners – better yet – just plain water!

Fashion

Long Wrap Sweaters and Cardigans

September 17, 2014

It’s almost officially Autumn! Have you busted out your sweaters yet?

I love throwing long wrap sweaters and cardigans over my outfits. It’s not cool enough yet to wear a jacket but the mornings require a sweater or cardigan.

Long wrap sweaters and cardigans are perfect for wrapping up during autumn and winter. I like sweaters that feature an open, wrap-over style front making it easy to wear and layer. They also elongate the body and are flattering on any body type.

Here are some nice finds:

Wrap Cardigans and Long Sweaters by maria-amw featuring an open front cardigan

Silence Noise ivory top
140 CAD – urbanoutfitters.com

Calvin Klein Performance button down cardigan
80 CAD – lordandtaylor.com

Kimono cardigan
45 CAD – newlook.com

BB Dakota long cardigan
94 CAD – modcloth.com

Wrap top
83 CAD – modcloth.com

H M purple cardigan
45 CAD – hm.com

Bobeau asymmetrical hem top
44 CAD – nordstrom.com

Aqua black top
98 CAD – bloomingdales.com

Warehouse long cardigan
81 CAD – johnlewis.com

BCBGMAXAZRIA open front cardigan
110 CAD – bcbg.com

Jacquard-knit cardigan $69.95
78 CAD – hm.com

Family Travel

Beaches Resorts Fun for Kids and Sesame Street

September 16, 2014

If you’re thinking of traveling to a luxury all-inclusive resort with the family, Beaches Turks and Caicos is a fabulous choice.

Beaches Turks and Caicos is a family resort that offers endless activities for children of all ages, from tots to tweens and teens.

If you want a little alone time with your spouse, guess what? Child care is included. All nannies and Kids Camp staffers at Beaches Resorts are members of the International Nanny Association, America’s oldest and largest in-home child care association.

Little ones will love bumping into Sesame Street® characters and interacting with Cookie Monster, Elmo, Bert and Ernie and more favourites. Older kids will love cooling off in the new Xbox® Play Lounge, or playing a game of pool. Teens will have a chance to interact with other teens at a teen nightclub, Liquid.

Pirates Island

The most exciting feature for kids at Beaches Turks and Caicos is the 45,000 square-foot waterpark. Pirates Island is a fantasy world filled with gigantic waterslides, kid-friendly pools and swim-up soda bars. There are also water cannons, whirlpools and lazy river journeys, as well as the Caribbean’s only surf simulator.

Liquid Lounge Nightclub

The first of its kind at an all-inclusive family resort, Liquid at Beaches Resorts offers tweens and teens under 21 a cool place to visit when the sun goes down. Sodas and no-liquor cocktails are served. And the best part– no parents allowed until late at night when it becomes an adults-only nightclub.

Xbox One Lounge

The Xbox One is a little escape from the sun, sand and water for older children. The lounge offers exclusive games and your favorite gaming and entertainment apps for your serious gamers. Kids and parents alike can play exclusive titles like Forza Motorsports 5 and Kinect Sports Rivals. Gather a few friends or the family together to play Just Dance, Madden NFL 14, FIFA 14 and more during your trip.

Sesame Street

There are plenty of fun Sesame Street events and activities for kids. There is a Carnival Celebration Parade in the evening with lively music, authentic Carnival costuming and everyone’s favorite furry friends participating and dancing along. There is also a new stage show “Celebrate Friends” with a furry cast of characters celebrating friendship, with music and dancing for all to enjoy.

There is also a Sesame Street Character Breakfast, one of the few activities as part of the “Beaches Caribbean Adventure with Sesame Street” that has a small nominal fee.

The Sesame Street Character Breakfast takes place once-twice per week at Beaches Turks and Caicos and offer great interactive fun for kids and their favourite characters. Kiddies get some too! http://www.beaches.com/sesame-street/

Kids are given extra attention at Beaches which is wonderful when you’re traveling as a family. There are fun age-appropriate activities for everyone!

Beaches Resorts in Turks and Caicos is endless fun for kids of all ages and the entire family. You will never want to leave this island paradise!

Desserts

25 Delicious Apple Recipes

September 12, 2014

Fall is approaching quickly this year, and with Starbucks introducing the Pumpkin Spice Latte early this year, it’s time to bring out the apple recipes!

Apple is a huge staple for Fall and Fall lovers can find hundreds of ways to incorporate the fabulous fruit into some delicious recipes. You’d be surprised at some of the amazing ways you can use apples in your favorite recipes, but for now, check out this incredible list of some of the most delicious apple recipes on the web!

25 Delicious Apples Recipes

1. Apple Pie Ice Cream Sandwiches

2. Sparkling Apple Cider Pancakes

3. Baked Apple Brulee

4. Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls

5. Caramel Apple Cake

6. Caramel Apple Cupcakes

7. Apple Cider Donuts

8. Cinnamon Apple Muffins

9. Apple Walnut Bran Muffins

10. Apple Butterscotch Snack Cake

11. Applesauce Cake

12. Slow Cooker Cinnamon Applesauce

13. Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls with Salted Caramel Glaze

14. Dulce de Leche Candy Apples

15. Strawberry Apple Crumble

16. Perfect Mulled Apple Cider

17. Spiced Apple Tart

18. Apple Crisp

19. Caramel Apple Brown Ale Cake

20. Caramel Apple Cheesecake Pie

21. Maple Apple Pecan Bread

22. Caramel Apple Cookie Cups

23. Caramel Apple Toffee Blondies

24. Apple Pie Cheesecake Dip

25. Chocolate Chip Apple Banana Bread

Enjoy!

Taylor is a blogger and freelance writer who owns TheTailoredMama.com and resides in Arizona. She is a mother to a one year old daughter and happily married. She is currently attending school to become a Registered Dietician and enjoys exploring the outdoors.

Motherhood

I Miss How Things Were Before Having a Baby

September 11, 2014

written by an anonymous mom

I miss how things were before having a baby.

I love my baby so much. She’s almost 7 months and she’s at this really fun stage where she is sitting up and smiling and laughing. She’s so adorable and I love being with her. But there are times when I miss how things were before having a baby.

I feel very blessed to be able to be home with her but sometimes I think I should be out working like so many other moms in my area. Am I making the right decision being at home with my baby girl?

My husband works a lot and travels maybe one week out of the month which makes it hard. Before my baby girl was born I would sometimes go on trips with him. We would have date nights once a week, go for dinners all the time. I’m not saying that I would want to do that all the time now because my baby girl is my life now. But I can’t say that I don’t miss those carefree days where I could come and go as I please and my husband and I could just do something spontaneous whenever we felt like it.

I miss sleeping! I sound like I’m a terrible mom but I used to love sleeping. Maybe when she gets older I’ll be able to catch up on some sleep again. I sound really cranky. Running on little sleep doesn’t help. She still wakes up during the night and I can’t hear her cry so I do get up and soothe her so she can go back to sleep so that I can get some sleep!

I know it takes time to adjust to being a new mom and I know that I’m probably just cranky and whiny so please don’t judge me.

I must sound like a horrible person but do you ever miss how things used to be before having a baby? I can’t be the only one?

Any advice for this anonymous mom?

Contest

Shop Once Eat All Week! Healthy Meal Plans with Longo’s

September 10, 2014

Are you settled into your back to school routine yet? Evenings can be the most stressful times of the day – after school, homework, bath time and of course – preparing dinner for the family.

Being organized and preparing ahead of time can save you the stress of dinner time and for many children, the witching hour. Trying to get dinner on the table with hungry kids – if you’re not planned in advance, and nothing is in the fridge, doesn’t make for a happy meal.

Healthy meal plans can help you save time and money during those busy weeknights. Doing all the prep work over the weekend can also help relieve some of the evening stresses.

Longo’s has created simple step-by-step healthy meal plans where you prep a week’s worth of nutritious meals to enjoy all week. Not only that, their shopping list comes in at under $100! Shop once – eat all week! I love this idea but I must admit, I’m not so disciplined enough to keep this routine going but it’s definitely worth getting organized to make it work. By having all of your groceries and ingredients stocked in your pantry and refrigerator along healthy meal plans scheduled in advance, weeknights can be less stressful.

I’d suggest doing your grocery shopping on Saturday and then Sunday is your prep day for your healthy meal plan for the entire week. Better yet, order online at Grocery Gateway and have your groceries delivered right to your door. Imagine having ingredients arrive fresh to your front door, delivered by Longo’s partner, Grocery Gateway? If you have a hectic schedule, you can shop online during your lunch break and have fresh, local groceries delivered to you. Talk about saving time!

Here is Longo’s weekly menu:

All of the recipes can be incorporated into our household, with a few tweaks for me since I have some food sensitivity issues. A simple, healthy recipe which is packed with protein is the Potato Cauliflower Frittata. What a great idea to have some cauliflower and potato steamed and baked in advance on Sunday ready at hand for recipes during the week, like this frittata, ready in under 30 minutes. Here is the recipe:

Potato Cauliflower Frittata

PREP 5 min COOK 25 min SERVES 4

1 tsp Longo’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil

8 eggs

1/4 cup milk

3 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 tsp each salt and pepper

1 cup cooked potato, chopped

(reserved from Sunday’s prep)

1 cup roasted cauliflower,

chopped (reserved from Roasted Lemon Cauliflower)

1 small red bell pepper, diced

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

BEAT eggs with milk, parsley, salt and pepper. HEAT 8-inch ovenproof nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. ADD oil to pan and quickly heat chopped potato for 2 minutes, add chopped cauliflower.

POUR eggs into skillet and reduce heat to low. Top with red peppers and feta.

BAKE in preheated 375°F oven for 20 minutes or until knife inserted in centre comes out clean.

PER SERVING: 247 calories, 16 g protein, 16 g fat, 10 g carbohydrate, 1 g fibre, 4 g sugars, 486 mg sodium

Doesn’t it look scrumptious?

Make sure to get your copy of Longo’s weekly menu in stores now or find it here online.

ENTER TO WIN

Which of the 5 recipes from Longo’s is your favourite?

Tell me for the chance to win a $100 gift certificate from Longo’s! Use the Rafflecopter below to enter this giveaway.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Longo’s Markets are in the Greater Toronto area – see website for store locations. Ends September 27, 2014.

Good luck!

amw in the city

Riot Fest Toronto 2014 Rocked

September 9, 2014

Riot Fest Toronto was this past weekend and while I held a press pass, I fell ill and couldn’t make it out to cover the event.

Can you believe how upset I was that I wasn’t well enough to cover the festival as it happened? While I watched the Twitter and Instagram feeds as all the musical acts made the stage, I felt like I was there and had to write about Riot Fest Toronto 2014.

With four stages, there was so much music happening at Riot Fest Toronto 2014 in one venue over two days as Downsview Park.

Bands that played Riot Fest 2014 on Saturday were AWOLNATION, Taking Back Sunday, Brand New, Bring Me The Horizon, Death From Above 1979, Rise Against, Billy Talent. The final band? The Cure.

On day two, City and Colour closed the festival. Metric, The National, Death Cab for Cutie, Social Distortion, The Head and Heart, The New Pornographers, Tokyo Police Club, PUP and many more rocked the festival. See the full Riot Fest Toronto lineup here.

Images: Twitter

Contest

Baby Essentials: 8 Diaper Bag Must Haves

September 9, 2014

Being with a baby means being very organized, but keeping little ones clean, fed and entertained can be especially tricky when you’re on the move. A well-stocked diaper bag can help put your mind at ease, by ensuring that you have the tools you need to keep your baby comfortable and happy, wherever you are.

Here are some diaper bag must haves from Disney Baby, so you have one less thing to worry about on your way out the door.

8 Diaper Bag Must Haves

1. Diapers, of course!

This may seem like a no-brainer but it has happened to me before – you didn’t pack enough diapers. Make sure to keep plenty of diapers on hand. Bring one for every hour you’ll be out, plus one or two more – you just never know when you’ll need extras.

2. Baby Wipes

Baby wipes are a diaper bag essential. Keep a travel size pack of wipes or keep some in a plastic storage bag. Baby wipes have many uses – they keep baby clean after changing diapers, keep your hands clean and can be used for wiping down sticky fingers and faces, dirty surfaces and changing pads as well.

3. Changing Pad

Many diaper bags, including this Mickey Mouse one, come with changing pads inside. Changing pads make dealing with diapers a clean and comfortable experience wherever you are changing your baby. Yes I’ve changed baby many times in the back of my van or at the park! You can’t count on a changing table and even public ones, you still want to use our own changing pad.

4. Diaper Rash Cream

Pack diaper rash cream in your diaper bag. You never know when diaper rash could develop, and you don’t want your baby to be uncomfortable when you’re nowhere near home. Diaper rash cream makes the diaper bag must haves list!

5. Extra clothing

No matter how prepared you are, accidents can happen – especially leaks or when baby spits ups. Having an extra change of clothing is necessary. Disney Baby has plenty of adorable Layette sets, available at all major retail locations – check out these super cute body suits for inspiration! They will fit neatly in your bag, so your baby can stay stylish, even on the run.

6. Snacks

If your baby is bottle feeding, keep some milk ready at hand in these cute Mickey bottles. If your baby is older, take some snacks in a reusable container and fill a learner cup with water. Don’t forget to pack a snack for yourself too!

7. Carry creature comforts

If you use a soother, be sure to pack some pacifiers to help keep your baby calm. My eldest sucked his thumb and my younger didn’t take to either! Blankets, like these Peek-a-Boo Pooh ones, are also great to have on hand. Use them as burp cloths, for mopping up messes or just to keep your little one cozy and warm.

8. Toys

Keep baby occupied while you’re out and about with board books, rattles and other soft toys. There were many times when a few toys were lifesavers when my kids were little – especially when waiting at the doctor’s office.

Disney Baby has a great selection of diaper bags to choose from, featuring all of your favourite characters: Mickey and Minnie, Winnie the Pooh – even Tinkerbell. You can also get special Huggies® diapers that feature adorable Disney designs!

ENTER TO WIN

What are your diaper bag must-haves? Share your thoughts for a chance to win a Disney prize pack with the following items:

A Mickey Mouse SoftPal night light
A set of Mickey Mouse orthodontic bottles
A Mickey Mouse learner cup (for ages 6+)
A set of Mickey Mouse natural shape orthodontic pacifiers

Open to Canadians only. Ends midnight September 26, 2014. Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

amw in the city

Travel Back in Time at Heritage Park

September 9, 2014

Looking to travel to Western Canada?

Calgary boasts tons of fun family activities including spectacular attractions and places to see. The city hosts family fun, and educational experiences alike that will keep both parents and kids active and entertained.

Designated as a Canadian Tourism Commission Signature Experience, Heritage Park Historical Village is a must-see experience when traveling to Calgary, Alberta. Heritage Park celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2014, offering new exhibits, programs and attractions.

Canada’s largest living history museum offers a real glimpse into Western Canada from 1864 through to the 1950s. There are three key periods that are represented: the 1860s fur trading era, 1880s rustic pre-railway settlement and the bustling 1910 prairie railroad town.

Covering 127 acres and 180 exhibits, Heritage Park Historical Village offers a mix of history, adventure, discovery and fun, including rides – the kids will love that part!

Here are just some of the features of Heritage Park:

Ride the thundering steam train
Take a fun-filled trip to the antique midway
Visit the world-class Gasoline Alley Museum, home to a world-class collection of vintage vehicles.
Climb aboard the S.S. Moyie paddlewheeler, built in 1898
Savour baked treats from the Alberta Bakery
Ride on a horse-drawn wagon
Visit the brand new 2014 Famous 5 Centre of Canadian Women

While you’re exploring, you might bump into period-costumed townsfolk who bring western history to life including fur traders, First Nations people, railway workers and pioneers while exploring over 180 buildings and exhibits on 127 scenic acres.

For more information including prices, hours of operation and address, visit HeritagePark.ca.

What a great way to learn about the settlement of Western Canada. Heritage Park is a family-friendly attraction that appeals to people of all ages!

RIGHT HERE: You never know where they’ll find you — the perfect moments you’ll never forget. From early days on the river to late nights downtown, Calgary will show you that right here is exactly where you need to be.

Desserts

Blueberry White Chocolate Gluten-Free Cupcakes

September 4, 2014

Who doesn’t love blueberry recipes? Cupcakes with white chocolate chunks and blueberries is a flavour combination sure to please the palate.

Delicious BC Blueberries can be bought fresh in July through until the beginning of October, and are available frozen year-round. Here is a recipe for Blueberry White Chocolate Gluten-Free Cupcakes by the BC Blueberry Council, who represents 800 blueberry growers.

Blueberry White Chocolate Gluten-Free Cupcakes

Yields: 12 cupcakes

Ingredients

1.5 cups 195 g All-Purpose Gluten-Free Baking Flour

½ cup 60 g Almond flour

1.5 tsp 7.5ml Xanthan Gum

1.5 tsp 7.5 ml Baking powder

1.5 tsp 7.5 ml Baking soda

¼ tsp pinch Salt

3/4 cup 180 g Unsalted butter (room temperature)

3/4 cup 150 g White sugar

2 100 g Large eggs (room temperature)

3/4 cup 180 ml 14% Sour cream

1 tbsp 15 ml Lemon zest (approximately the zest from 1 large lemon)

1 tbsp 15 ml Lemon juice – fresh

2 cups 300 g B.C. blueberries – fresh or frozen, divided in half

1 cup 150 g White chocolate chunks, divided in half

FROSTING:

½ cup 125 g Cream cheese (room temperature)

1/3 cup 80 g Unsalted butter (room temperature)

1/2 tsp 2.5 ml Lemon juice

1/8 tsp pinch Salt

1 cup 100 g Confectioner’s/Icing sugar, sifted

Directions

Pre-heat oven to 350°F/160°C. Place baking cups in a large muffin pan
In a bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, almond flour, xanthan gum, baking soda, baking powder, and salt, whisk to remove clumps and set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 1 minute.
Beat the eggs in one at a time.
Alternately mix in the gluten free flour mixture, sour cream, lemon zest and juice, in three intervals.
Gently fold in half of the blueberries and half of the white chocolate.
Spoon into the lined muffin pan.
Top with the remaining blueberries and white chocolate
Bake in the middle rack of a pre-heated 350°F/160°C oven for 45-55 minutes or until cake tester comes out clean.
Cool for 30 minutes in the muffin pan, then invert on a cooling rack.
Cool completely before frosting.

FROSTING:

In a bowl cream together the cream cheese, butter, lemon juice and salt.
Slowly add in the sifted confectioner’s/icing sugar until creamy.
Frost onto cooled cupcakes.