Barbies, accessories upcoming coupons

Barbie has been there for a long time and it isn’t about fashion and girlie accessories; it’s also about imagination, creativity and the importance of play.  
When we play with dolls and change their wardrobe, it opens a world of imagination.  I remember making clothes for Barbie with my grandma.  My daughter enjoys playing with Barbie as she tries different hairstyles and puts on accessories.
Save With Barbie Coupons 
Starting August 7th, every week either on Tuesday or Thursday I will be posting coupons that you can use to purchase Barbie dolls, accessories and many more essentials :) on my Facebook and Twitter.  
Please follow so you will easily get to know about these deals and save.
Disclosure: I am participating in the MC campaign for Barbie and receive compensation.  All rights reserved on opinion of the written content Createwithmom © 2012. Please Ask First

Healthy living General Mills green banner cereal

Summer is full of goodness, we find ourselves being more active without planning as we run around, go to the park, for bicycle rides and walks.  We also eat healthier as we can find fresh local produce and organic vegetables from our garden.
General Mills under their green banner is promoting healthy living.  This green banner General Mills products honey nut cheerios, regular cheerios and the new oatmeal crisp cereals have oat fibre on top of their whole grains and nutrients.  Here is a variety of ways we can use these delicious cereals.

It is important for us to eat food that has lower cholesterol levels, which will protect us from the risk of heart disease.  Heart disease is the 1 in 3 leading cause of death in Canada.  9 in 10 Canadians have at least one risk factor for heart disease, one of these being high cholesterol.  Eating a healthy balanced diet and having a good lifestyle is important for us to lower the risk.


Whole grain food with fibre has antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that will help lower the risk of heart disease.  3 grams of oat fibre everyday helps reduce 5% of our total cholesterol and 8 % of LDL cholesterol, which is the most important type of cholesterol that we need to reduce.
It is important we choose salmon or light tuna 2 to 3 times a week.  It is better to use olive or canola oil for cooking and dressings.
A small handful of almonds or walnuts daily will be helpful.  It is healthier for us to choose beans, chickpeas and lentils instead of meat.  And importantly 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity daily will benefit us, we don't have to do the exercise all at the same time rather spread it out during the day.

Check this link for more information on cholesterol.

All rights reserved on photographs and opinion of the written content Createwithmom © 2012. Please Ask First

Crafts with clay

Creative play is very important in my home, as it is a key element in children's development.  As a parent, I like getting involved and giving my children the opportunity to become creative.  It also allows me to have fun and be a child again :)

Crayola has lots of products that inspire us to become creative.  I bought this tub of air drying clay, which is available at craft stores and office supply sections.  The clay was available in natural clay and white, we chose the white one.

To do this activity we need...

1 tub of Crayola air drying clay

beads optional

our hands and imagination :)

Let children create whatever they like using their imagination.  I liked that the clay wasn't drying too fast, which is important with little hands working and reworking the clay.  

My son created this submarine and many little fun figures, which he accompanied with his stories.  

My daughter wanted to make a big bowl, so I showed her the coiling method by rolling the clay into ropes then shaping it.  After we made it into the shape we like, we pressed in some beads for colour.

After many hours of drying we placed our finished products on our worktables for decor and to hold pens, pencils/ accessories.  

This would be a good activity to do in the summer for fun. We can create useful homemade gifts that grandparents and family will appreciate :) 

Here is a list of more creative ideas that you can do with your children.

All rights reserved on photographs and written content Createwithmom © 2012. Please Ask First

Cake pops for any occasion

I used this cake pop kit from Bakerella that came with instructions and useful tools to make these delicious treats.  The cake pop kit includes a colourful booklet with instructions, a cake pop stand, cello bags to place each cake pop, cake pop sticks, gift tags and ribbons.  The kit is available on Amazon and in bookstores.  
This creative treat is a lot of fun to make and is the new trend :)  

My kids were super excited to help me make these cake pops.  It would be a lovely treat for any day, which can be served as dessert or at a party.  It would also be a good homemade gift to take to family and friends.


We need...
1 box cake mix
1 16 oz container frosting
candy melts (I used the Wilton brand)


Follow the instruction on the cake mix and bake the cake; don't forget to get some help from the little ones to make it.
When the cake is completely cool crumble the cake with clean hands in a big bowl and add 3/4 of the frosting from the container.
Mix the cake with the frosting and then make balls about 2" diameter.  Leave the cake ball on a baking sheet that is lined with wax paper, cover with plastic wrap and place in the freeze for 15 minutes or refrigerate the cake balls until it is firm.  We can also shape the cake balls into any shape we like and then place it in the fridge.
Make sure the cake pops are firm before coating with the candy melts.
Melt the candy coating in a small heatproof bowl in the microwave.  Make sure to choose a bowl that is about 3" deep, which makes it easy to dip.  Put in 30 second interval and stir in between.  Repeat this till the candy coating melts and is smooth.
Work with a few cake balls at a time and leave the rest in the fridge.  The candy melts harden pretty fast so if you want to add sprinkles or decoration do it soon :)

Dip the lollipop stick into the melted candy coating then insert into the bottom of the cake ball half way and then place it in the stand for it to dry.
Dip the entire cake pop into the candy coating.  Dip and remove in one motion without stirring.
If the coating is thick add few drops of vegetable oil to thin it, I didn't have to do this.


These cake pops can be stored in an airtight container or in the fridge.  Hope you get to try these fun cake pops with your family.

Check out Life Made Delicious for fun ideas and fun offers.  To cheer our athletes that are going to the Olympics 2012, General Mills has a lovely offer of fun Free cheer gear t-shirts and flip-flops on their specially marked packages of cereal, Nature Valley granola bars and Betty Crocker child snacks.  

All we have to do is buy one of these, find the code inside the package, visit this link, select a size and get the shirt or flip-flops for free.  Life Made Delicious covers the shipping and handling fees, so we don't have to pay anything to get the cheer gear that will arrive in 8 to 10 weeks.
Also follow their Facebook to get free coupons.

Disclosure:  I am part of the Life Made Delicious Blogger program and receive special perks as part of this.  All rights reserved on opinion, written content and photographs Createwithmom © 2012. Please Ask First

Strategies for parents and fun activities for children (cookies and crafts)

As parents, we all get busy so often and sometimes there isn't enough time to do everything we intend to. However, the time we spend with our children will be valued life long and if we don't try to squeeze in some time for memorable activities we might regret it.

Empire reel babies program giveaway

To enjoy new release movies in a baby-friendly environment check out Empire reel baby program.

The theatre is equipped with change table, bottle warmer, play mat and swing. With these comforts you can comfortably enjoy the movies and watch your little one at the same time.

The lights in the theatre are kept dim and the volume lower for convenience.

Check out their new promotion "Bring a Friend" month where you can buy one admission and get the second for free.

You also have a chance of winning 14 free passes and 5 $3 off coupons by leaving a comment on this post by March 15th.

Updated: The winner is Aisha

Disclosure: I am part of MC Canada's Empire Reel Babies program, and get special perks for being part of it. All opinion and rights reserved on photographs and written content Createwithmom © 2012. Please Ask First

Savoury snack and Barbie I Can Be blog tour

As a young girl, I would say my grandmother has given me a lot of motivation and valuable inspiration. I try to teach these values I learned to my daughter.

Celebrate treasured memories

My KINDER Moments has a fabulous creative application on their Facebook page.

This application is easy to work with and it adds fun to the pictures. There are many choices of frames i.e. birthday, special holidays, vacations, haircut, hockey etc... Each time a mom makes a frame they will automatically be entered to the monthly promotion. This month it is a $500 cash card :)

The application is on the right hand side of the Facebook page. Click My KINDER Moments, then fill the simple form. Click an image from the computer or Facebook album. The image you choose can be moved around the frame to fit the way you like. Once the picture is framed you can share this special picture with your family and friends.

Here is a glimpse...

Have fun framing your special moments.

Disclosure: As a part of the Kinder® Mom program I receive compensation. All opinion and written content are my own. Please Ask First

Macaroni cheese pasta

1 cup macaroni elbow pasta

1/2 tsp salt

2 cups water

Boil the pasta according to package instructions with salted water till it is tender.

1 cup of grated cheese

pepper to taste optional

salt to taste optional

Going to the movies at Empire reel babies

I am excited to be part of the Empire reel babies blog tour. We are looking forward to go to the movies with the little one; and not worry if he will start to fuss because Empire reel babies is a place for like minded moms.

In the Empire reel babies program there are new release movies twice a month. It is a baby friendly environment, so no need for babysitters. The theatre is equipped with change table, bottle warmer, play mat and swing so while watching we can take care of the little one. The lights are dim and volume lower and the theatre would be a perfect outing for parents to enjoy with children and friends. Checkout their site for more information.

Promotions, coupons and free passes coming soon, so do follow createwithmom and don't miss these opportunities.

Disclosure: I received compensation for participating in this program by MC Canada on behalf of Empire theatres. All opinion and rights reserved Createwithmom © 2011. Please Ask First