No space is too small for a garden

I like growing herbs in the summer in small spaces and pots, so it doesn't spread all over the garden. I find growing our own vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers is rewarding. It is rewarding to plant our own herbs and vegetables, as we can get local, organic food from our own garden that will makes us happy.

Last year I put lots of top soil, manure, compost from Pefferlaw that benefited our garden and helped produce a good crop of tomatoes, eggplant, okra, bitter melon, chillies, herbs and more. 

My Kids Enjoyed Watching Koala Kid

Meet a whole new breed of hero in this laugh-filled, action-packed animated adventure Koala Kid with an all-star voice cast, including Rob Schneider, Tim Curry and Alan Cumming. 

The story is about Johnny (Schneider) a rare white koala bear who just wants to fit in and make friends. But when a twist of fate mistakenly transforms him into a fearless protector of animals, called “Koala Kid,” Johnny finds himself in over his head on a thrilling trek across the outback. With help from his hilarious new sidekicks, including a crafty Tasmanian devil, a lovable lizard and a boomerang-flinging female koala, Johnny may just outwit a villainous crocodile named Bog (Cumming) and become a true hero after all.

My kids really enjoyed watching this movie and listening to the fun filled songs and dialogues; they have requested to watch it again :) It is out on DVD April 30th.

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Watching Toopy and Binoo When They Visited Our Town

My children enjoy watching Toopy and Binoo on TV, and were excited to see them performing at the Sony Centre. We enjoyed the theatrical musical show as Toopy and Binoo tried to look for the perfect song. The songs were catchy and we enjoyed singing along as well.  

Our Fabulous Experience Watching Stars on Ice

We had an awesome time watching Stars on Ice at the Air Canada Centre. We enjoy watching figure staking on TV, but haven't watched a live-performance of Stars on Ice before so it was a wonderful treat for us, especially my daughter as it was the night before her birthday. We enjoyed the show and meeting/greeting the stars at the after party.

Our Childhood Summer Camp Experience and The Awaiting Fun At Muskoka Woods

When I was growing up, I always look forward to spending my summer at summer camp. While in high school, I spent my summers as a camp counsellor making some cash while having lots of fun and seeing many attractions in Ontario. My memories of camp are mostly stored in my memory drive, as none of us at that time had digital cameras or camera-phones to capture all the wonderful memories. I remember as a camp counsellor we had lots of fun carrying out our approved planned activities such as sports, crafts, cooking, and trips. I learned a lot going to camp, as it helped me grow my confidence and allowed me to take on new challenges. Here are some of the little things I saved over the years in my treasure/ shoebox :)

This Closet Helper Will Keep Us Organized

We usually have a hard time keeping our bedroom closet organized, since the clothes go in and out of it all the time. Like us, many people I know get frustrated with disorganized closets and have tried many ways to keep it neat, tidy and accessible. 

Our frustration was solved after we installed the Rubbermaid Max Add-On Closet Helper, as it helps us keep our closet organized and neater. I liked how easy it was to install the Rubbermaid Max Add-On Closet Helper without any tools. I found the smooth and sturdy tower plastic shelves and cubby inserts in this package to be handy and useful as it helps me neatly keep the clothes folded. 

Visualize Your Home with this Virtual Remodeler Tool

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Royal Building Products. All opinions are 100% mine.

Royal Building Products manufactures and distributes leading materials for the home re-modeling, building and municipal construction markets. For over 40 years, the company has been making quality, innovative products such as siding, trim, accessories, soffit, rain ware, mouldings, deck, window profiles and patio doors. Royal Building Products also manufactures pipe and fittings for the electrical, municipal, irrigation, plumbing and industrial construction industries.

I used their Virtual Remodeler Tool online. This free tool helps us select new window styles and colors by allowing us to visualize the options on their stock home pictures or we can upload our own picture to see how the designs look before buying and remodelling.

Green products are better for us and the environment

Happy Earth Day to all of you. Today many of us are thinking global and green. With this thought, I think we need to make lifestyle changes and use greener products, which are better for the environment and us.

Fun to Read Digital Books for Children

Dr. Seuss's Short Story Collection has eight classic titles all in one digital book app. Each of these stories entertain in classic Seuss style and provides timeless moral lessons for readers young and old. 

The blessings of our children's milestones

As a parent, it is amazing to watch our children learn and grow. My family and I like talking about and looking through our family pictures and videos to re-live the memorable moments. I think milestones are truly blessings, as we miraculously learn important things in life such as walking, eating that we tend to take for granted each day.

Hilton HHonors Knows the Importance of a Well Travelled Teacher

I am glad to be part of the Hilton HHonors loyalty program for many years, as we can earn perks by staying at any of the ten Hilton Worldwide’s distinct hotel brands. This loyalty program as a part of Hilton Worldwide’s Travel with Purpose has put together a grant program, in partnership with the Institute of International Education (IIE). This program celebrates cultures and the power of travel that builds stronger communities.

Through this Teacher Treks Travel Grant Competition, 15 teachers will get to travel and experience first-hand the subjects they teach, enrich their curriculum, benefit the school, and inspire students to explore the world. Hilton HHonors has announced 30 finalists from 20 different states chosen by K-12 teachers and education experts after going through the applicants’ entries. We can vote for our favourite finalist until April 30^th and win 1 of 10 Hilton HHonors $250 Gift Cards.

Step-by-Step Home Design and Decorating Ideas

This book Step-by-Step home design and decorating give us lots of ideas to get our home functioning in the style we like. We can renovate our kitchen, bathroom, living room, bedroom, hallway, home office, laundry room and outside space within our budget by using the information from this book.

The beautiful pictures and instructions will encourage us to take on a project and complete it. My husband and I enjoy doing our own DIY projects as it keeps the cost low and once the projects are completed it gives us a sense of achievement. We recently renovated our outdoor space, backsplash in the kitchen and redecorated our entertainment area. We are always looking for ways to upgrade and add character to our home by doing small renovations, so we will be using this book as a guide before starting projects.

Usually when we do projects we come across problems we don’t know how to fix, which causes frustration so having a book to refer to will be helpful. This book gives us lots of details to help us when we are planning our projects. 

The book has information about creating focal points with picture frames and placing them in the correct way so it would suit our furniture and room. We got this Big Red painting from Lowes that adds character to our living room.

I think this book is a must for everyone interested in doing DIY projects as it gives detailed explanations.

All rights reserved on photographs and written content Createwithmom © 2011 - 2013. Please Ask First

New Tortilla Popchips and Healthy Tips

We really enjoy popchips and glad to see their new tortilla popchips, which are made with stoneground corn masa without any preservatives, artificial flavours or colour.  These cholesterol free chips are packed with natural flavours, without the extra calories. I think popchips are a healthier lunchbox and snack alternative as it has 0 grams of trans fat.  

My children and we enjoy the delicious flavours of the tortilla popchips; our favourite is the salsa flavour. We enjoy snacking on these flavourful, delicious, healthier alternative chips that are not greasy. I think these naturally popped tortilla popchips are a healthy snack option for everyone.

Win a Kanex Syndee Recharging Station Just for Mom

We find this Kanex Sydnee to be a useful device in our home. We have been using it everyday for several months to charge our iOS devices and smartphones. 

Since using Kanex Sydnee, the task of charging our devices has become simpler. We can neatly and easily charge up to 4 devices by using one outlet, instead of plugging our devices all over the house. This recharging station keeps our home neat and organized, while eliminating chaos and frustration of looking for the charger and devices. 

Giveaway: 

One person in Canada or US can win a black Kanex Sydnee (Value of $150) before May 8th. 

Our Discovery at LEGOLAND

If you a fan of LEGO, then I am sure you too would be excited to be in a place full of LEGO attractions like the recently opened LEGOLAND Discovery Centre at Vaughan Mills mall. This indoor LEGO Centre has lots of fun things that the whole family will enjoy. 

When we were entering the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre it didn't look like much, as we can't see everything from the outside. Once we enter there is a world of LEGO attractions for us to explore. 

Our Experience and Pictures from the Green Living Show 2013

We went to the Green Living Show 2013 that was held at Direct Energy Centre from April 12th-14th. This is North America’s largest consumer show dedicated to simple solutions for leading a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. This family event offered us lots of inspiration as it featured innovative products, educational demonstrations and fun activities. 

There were over 400 companies present at the event that taught and showed their automotive/innovative technology, health, beauty, fashion, home products and services.

Say a Special Thanks to Mom With This Parker IM Pen

It is important that we say thank you to our mothers everyday for all that they have done for us. After becoming a mom myself, I honour the hard work my mother’s done for me when I was growing up. I like seeing how my mom displays all the things I make for her and tell my children about these.

Knitted Rose

I made this knitted rose project by following the instructions on the Stitch-by-Stitch book written by Jane Bull. Although this book is recommended for children between the age of 5 and 8, even adults will enjoy learning from it. The book shows the projects beautifully with detailed zoomed pictures, so we can easily follow it. There are lots of cute projects in this book that are made with felt, wool and cloth.  

Children would love playing with Octonauts Underwater Sea Heroes

My children enjoy watching the Octonauts show, which follows the daily adventures of a team of eight underwater heroes; Tunip, Inkling, Tweak, Peso, Barnacles, Kwazii, Shellington and Dashi. These heroes explore the world’s oceans, and rescue creatures while protecting their habitats.

When my children saw the Octonauts toys from Fisher Price, they were so excited as it resembles the characters and vehicles from the show. When watching this show my children learn about marine life and find it fun to watch the  adventures of the Octonauts heroes. 

Tips for Getting The Spring Cleaning Chores Organized

This post brought to you by Insurance Hunter. All opinions are 100% mine.
This is the time of the year when we are all thinking of spring cleaning, so we can get things in order for the warm weather. I tend to start my spring cleaning during the March Break, and slowly get rid of things we no longer use or need by giving it to Goodwill or throwing and recycling. Before I start my cleaning chores I always make a plan and prioritize so it doesn't become overwhelming. Making a to-do list and checking it off, helps me feel good when I complete my tasks.

General Mills Partnership with Dairy Queen Just in Time for the Warm Weather

General Mills has partnered with Dairy Queen® to offer Canadians fabulous coupons as a bonus on top of their cereal. We are so excited about this with the weather warming up, as we love our ice creams and cold desserts :)

As a child, I used to go to DQ with my parents and brothers to get treats during summer evenings, and sometimes even in the middle of winter to get ice cream cake :) I am so glad DQ has the same wonderful treats so I can start to make new memories with my children.

A Good Hearted Monster That Visited Paris

On April 16th the internationally acclaimed film written and directed by Bibo Bergeron A Monster in Paris will be released.  

This movie is set in the 1950s Parisian cityscapes. The story is about Emile and Raoul accidentally creating a "monster" after having free reign in a scientist's laboratory and spilling potions. Monsieur Francoeur, the monster, is the product of a reaction between a common flea and one of the scientist’s mystery concoctions. 

Everyone in Paris except for Lucille, Emile, Raoul, and the scientist's monkey fail to realize that this "monster" is actually a soft-centered soul with an astounding talent for music. The stories of Paris’s newest monster attract the attention of the egotistical police commissioner who wants to become mayor. Emile and Raoul team up with the singer Lucille to protect Francoeur.

Top Chefs Canada is back on air with a chance for us to win

Top Chef Canada is back on air with its 3rd season. Sixteen of Canada’s most talented chefs are competing for the coveted title and the $100,000 cash prize that is presented by SpongeTowels, one of Canada’s favourite paper towel brands.

Contest:

SpongeTowels is also providing one lucky viewer a chance to win - cooking demonstration and dinner

Win $100 Walmart Gift Card To Help You With Spring Cleaning

This "Spring Cleaning" giveaway event is sponsored by Tip Hero. Tip Hero has featured many ways we can save money on spring cleaning. Their free homemade cleaners ebook features wonderful homemade cleaner recipes. 

Giveaway:

To help you get started with spring cleaning and redecorating you can win a $100 Walmart gift card before April 24th. This giveaway is open to everyone over 18 in US. 

Use the PromoSimple form below to enter,

Win a prize pack to stay fit and healthy (value of over $100)

General Mills family is welcoming Yoplait Source Greek Yogurt, which is a thick, creamy, delicious low-calorie yogurt the whole family will enjoy. This yogurt has twice the protein of regular Yoplait Source yogurt with only 50 calories and no added sugar. 

There are different yogurt flavours for us to choose from. We can enjoy it for breakfast, snack, and dessert or include it in our baking and cooking. I like using yogurt in desserts as it is a healthier substitute and I also include plain greek yogurt to thicken curries and to give it flavour. I make this choice of using yogurt in our diets so we can stay healthy and active.  

I use the plain yogurt when making this naan, baked Indian bread

The Birds of North America that visited our garden

House Sparrow

Birds of North America is a complete photographic guide to every Bird species we will see in North America written by experts from Canada and US. We really enjoyed learning about birds from this jargon-free book.  This guide has close up, colourful photography that brings over 650 birds species to life. It is a wonderful reference book to people of all ages with all levels of experience. We liked learning about the social behaviours and nesting habits of the birds we encounter during different seasons. Learning and recognizing the different species of birds becomes easier with a colourful book like this.

Lipikar Baume helps heal sensitive dry skin

I have been using Lipikar Baume AP for my son, ever since his doctor recommended us to use it on him. I started using it since the beginning of winter this year because he was getting eczema rashes because of the dryness in the air.  Using this cream made the rash go away as well as helped to prevent from the rash coming back. I am glad that Lipikar made the rash go away as I was reluctant to use any harsh medications on his skin.  

The connection of music to our development and your chance to win a LEGO DUPLO CD

Studies have proven there is a link between music and children's development. Music has been used for many centuries in all types of different cultures from the time babies are born with sweet lullabies to sooth them or to rock them when they are little. As we grow we listen to and sing different types of music depending on our mood and activities. There are different opinions on how music and sounds can make us feel, and impact our thoughts. 

Blogger sign up for 64 GB Surface Pro $899.00 giveaway starts May 1-29

Surface Pro Giveaway Event

Organized by: Mom to Bed by 8

Prize: 65GB Surface Pro {$899}

Event dates: 5/1 - 5/29

All rights reserved on opinion of the written content Createwithmom © 2011 - 2013. Please Ask First

Mystery of Life: Our survival depends on flowers

Before watching the Disneynature Wings of Life I thought the movie was about butterflies.  However, while watching the movie I realized it is called “Wings of life” because it outlines the importance of pollinators such as beetles, insects, bees, hummingbirds and bats that carry the pollen grains to other plants, so the plants can reproduce. I recommend this heartwarming movie for the whole family, as it points out the importance of flowers. This DVD and Blu-ray combo will be available on April 16th.

I also read the book Rainforest by Thomas Marent, which is filled with beautiful close-up photographs of the rare beauties found in the exciting, but dangerous tropical rainforests.  The pictures are amazing, which shows us the uniqueness and the beautiful details found in nature if we just stop to look at it.  

Children will enjoy watching Disney Junior Sofia and previews of upcoming movies

My children enjoy watching Sofia the First that premiered on Disney Junior Channel in January 2013. We are so happy about the newly released 50 minutes DVD of Sofia the First: Once Upon a Princess, which my children enjoy watching over and over. 

Time to think of Summer Camps

It is time to think of Summer Camps already, especially if you want to get a spot. TIFF Summer Day Camp sessions are geared towards children ages 8 to 16.  

The variety of camp sessions at Tiff Bell Lightbox promote creative thinking, filmmaking, teamwork and technical expertise.

Two exciting premieres on Disney Junior! Henry Hugglemonster + Quest for the Crystal Mickey

There will be two special series from Disney Junior that premieres this month, which are sure to please our little ones. 

The new series Henry Hugglemonster is produced by the same Oscar®-nominated animation studio Brown Bag Films as Doc McStuffins. This show is about Henry, a high-energy monster-kid that lives in Roarsville.  The series is based on the children's book "I'm a Happy Hugglewug".  Henry like any other typical five-year-old child loves his family, enjoys playing outside with his friends, and says exactly what he thinks the moment it pops into his head. 

3D animated TIFF Kids Opening Night Film: The Legend of Sarila (La légende de Sarila)

The Legend of Sarila (La légende de Sarila) by Nancy Florence Savard is an 82 minutes Canadian film inspired by various Inuit legends that explore the themes of friendship, hope, perseverance and self acceptance. This animated 3D movie is wonderful to watch for anyone over 8 years. The movie shows that life can be harsh and challenging for people who live on the Arctic tundra and how important the animals in the tundra are for their survival.

Cookies to celebrate spring

We made these cookies to celebrate the arrival of spring. These soft, delicious cookies would be wonderful to take on our upcoming trips to the park.

Crocus

These cookies are also easy enough for little ones to help make and give as gifts to grandma, mom and loved ones. Adding Callebaut Crispearls* to the cookies give it a slight crunch and adds colour. Callebaut Crispearls* are tiny toasted biscuit kernel coated with chocolate.