August 15, 2014

STAYING ACTIVE WITH YOUR LITTLES

Today we are excited to have Jessica of Happy Hughes sharing her tips on how to stay active with your little people!  Jessica is a workoutaholic and her blog is full of inspiration on the subject. We are so happy to have here as another one of our contributors!

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As an active mom with a VERY active toddler, I try and keep us both moving (and in his case, learning) every day.  Here is a typical day in the life:


We wake up with a good cup of "coffee" (milk in his case).  He likes to copy everything I do, so of course a Starbucks cup is necessary.  Then we do some yoga in the living room.  Before you roll your eyes, I use the term "yoga" loosely.  I play some relaxing music and stretch and my mini-me tries to follow what I do.  Most of the time he follows along for a couple minutes, and then he'll snuggle up next to me for some hugs and kisses.  


Here's his famous "yoga" position- the husband and I call it the "Huddy Duddy".  After yoga I get this busy body out of the house.  One of our favorites?  Walking the greenway.  I grab the stroller and a grocery bag and we're off.




"C'mon Mom let's go playyyyy"




While walking, Huddy and I find different "treasures" such as rocks, twigs, etc.  I'll repeat the name of each object before we put it in the bag. 




Between our hunt for "treasures" and his crazy bursts of energy, I get a good walk in while we explore.  When he's tuckered out I'll put him in the running stroller and work out for another 30 minutes with running and lunges.  Then we'll head home for lunch and nap time.


After nap time, we normally find something fun to do in the yard.  Chalk is one of our favorites. 




Obviously Huddy at 14 months is a little too young to understand hop scotch, but he still has a great time!  We draw the blocks together and he'll help by coloring them in.  Then I'll hopscotch, turning each jump into a squat.  10 blocks x 10 trips= 100 squats!  He thinks it's hilarious, running back and forth and laughing while I sweat and grunt.  

@happilyhughes

August 11, 2014

BEAT THE SUMMERTIME HEAT!

Meet Cindy - the extremely creative gal behind the Confetti and Sparkle Party Shop! Her shop and Instagram feed are pure eye candy and stuffed with tons ideas with anything you need to perfect the perfect party! We are so thrilled to have her on our blogging team here, sharing all sorts of colorful inspiration. Check our her cute summertime post below.


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As a busy mom of two kids, I'm always looking for simple yet fun activities to entertain them during the summer break. It's been a hot one so far this summer and the kiddie pool just isn't cutting it anymore. I knew I had to change it up and thought why not have our own backyard Popsicle party? Just gather what you already have at home along with your kids favourite juice or punch and popsicles! Simple yet fun. My kinda style. 
























The kids loved choosing their own popsicles and adding them to their favourite juice. The perfect way to cool down on a hot summer day. I hope you give it a try with your families. You could even make your own popsicles or add ginger ale instead of juice. Enjoy the rest of the summer!

Details:
- Ikea kitchen cart: painted 
- Felt ball garland, silver scalloped paper cups, polka dot straws, rocket pop balloon all from Confetti and Sparkle Party Shop- Plastic juice container: real Canadian superstore 
- Popsicle fabric: Fabricland  
- Photography: www.hatchedphotography.ca

Cindy Dueck
Confetti and sparkle party shop
@cindyconfettisparkle

August 5, 2014

WHOLE WHEAT ZUCCHINI MUFFINS

We want to welcome Ari from The Diva Dish as one of our foodie contributors here on the blog! We are so thrilled to have her expertise on healthy eating and living for you and your family. We love the recipe she shared with us today and can't wait for lots of other great ideas to come. Thanks Ari!

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With the new school year quickly approaching, it is again time to start thinking about those school lunches and the early morning breakfast rush. I love to have something ready made and on hand for a quick fix when I don't have a ton of time. Breakfast muffins have always been a go-to in our family. I can make them healthy, with whole grains, healthy fats, and even a hint of vegetables. It's the perfect way to start the day! Smear a little peanut butter or jelly on a warm muffin and your kiddos will love it! You can even make mini muffins and throw in some chocolate chips as a yummy treat for the kids lunches!



Whole Wheat Zucchini Muffins

Ingredients:
3/4 c. whole wheat flour
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
dash of salt
1/2 c. brown sugar (I also like to use coconut sugar)
1 egg (slightly room temp.)
1/4 c. melted coconut oil (canola oil works too)
2 TB. buttermilk
1 c. finely shredded zucchini
1/2 c. dark chocolate chips

Directions:
1. In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, spices, baking soda, baking powder, and sugar.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and coconut oil together.
3. Add the wet to the dry, and mix until combined. Add in the buttermilk, and mix together with a fork.
4. Fold in the zucchini.
5. Fold in the chocolate chips.
6. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
7. Line a muffin pan with cupcake liners, and using a cookie scoop, scoop the batter into the liners.
8. Bake for 20-23 minutes, or until the muffins are done.




@thedivadish

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June 13, 2014

FRIDAY FAVORITES: Father's Day Faves

Need a last minute Father's Day idea? Here are some go-to, no brainer ideas if you are in a bind. Get your man ready for summer!


June 10, 2014

SALE: Summer Warehouse Sale

We have fall on our brains! We are so excited about our newest collection we are working on and we need to make room for what is coming. Lucky for you, our entire site is 30% off while supplies last. Take advantage of our (online) WAREHOUSE SALE now!




FRIDAY FAVORITES: Gold Glam