Create With Mom: summer

Showing posts with label summer. Show all posts

July 12, 2012

Mango milkshake

2 mangoes

1 cup milk

1 cup water, more if needed

1/4 cup vanilla ice cream*

sugar if needed

Peel the mango and remove the seed. Put all the ingredients in a blender and blend till it is smooth. Add ice cream on top and serve chilled.

July 2, 2012

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.

June 25, 2012

Summer products for children

If you are looking for cool sunglasses for kids and teens, then check out Eyes Cream Shades. They have a cute colourful collection of sunglasses for children over 3 years. These are good quality sunglasses that will keep the eyes protected from harmful UV rays.
The sunglasses have shatter resistant polycarbonate lenses, which are thinner and lighter than regular plastic lenses.

Kidorable will be celebrating July 4th by offering us free shipping with purchases over $50. Use this coupon code JULY4TH from July 1st through July 8th to shop for fabulous unique goodies that children will enjoy.
We are enjoying the Kidorable umbrella, raincoat, boots and hangers and I think you will too so do check it out.

June 20, 2012

Oofos footwear

Oofos footwear is very comfortable and ideal to wear during this season. These slippers are available in men and women's sizes. Oofos footwear are anti fatigue and lightweight. It would be lovely to wear for a causal look. The slippers have reduced body impact so it can be worn for long periods of time, for shopping and walking. The underfoot arch support feels good on the feet. I don't know of any flip flops that orthotics can be inserted to, so having this built in arch support is helpful. I like that the footwear is flexible.

These slippers are water resistant, which would be wonderful to have by the swimming pool and wading pools. It doesn't sweat so keeps the leg well snug in the slippers without slipping off. The slippers are safe to wear when we are walking, taking the children to the park and playing in the park as it doesn't slip off easily like other flip flops and open sandals.

I thought it is interesting that this footwear is machine washable in cold wash, I didn't try it because it is easy to wash by hand if necessary. The slippers cannot be put in the dryer and it doesn't need to either. Temperatures over 150F might shrink the shoes so don't leave it in the direct sun; which we must remember :)
These durable oofos ooahh slides come in mocha brown and black. Oofos also has ooriginal thongs that are available in pink, orange, brown and black. Oofos is sold at all these places in the USA and these countries.

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

June 19, 2012

Summer Burgers and Ice pops

Irresistible ice pops by Sunil Vijayakar is a wonderful book for this season; it is full of delicious ice pop recipes. The book is divided into 4 parts; Fresh & Fruity, Indulgent, New & Zingy and Pops with a kick. Each of these sections contains about 8 easy to extravagant recipes.

We can get ideas on how to take pictures of frozen treats by looking at the pictures on the book that is provided for each of its recipe. I like the glossy good quality of the book.

Here is a recipe for the sugar syrup from the book, which can be made beforehand and left in the fridge in a sealed container for a week. This sugar syrup is used in many of the delicious recipes in the book.

1 cup water

1/2 cup superfine sugar

Put the sugar and water in a pan and cook over low heat stirring for about 6 to 8 minutes till the sugar dissolves. Increase the heat to high and let the mixture boil. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat, cover and let it cool completely. Store the cooled recipe in a sealed container for up to a week.

I am looking forward to trying most of these treats on sticks, especially the mango fruity crush pops, banana split pops and dark chocolate ripple pops. If you want to get a hold of this book it is available for 7.99 at Barnes and Noble, Walmart, TJ Maxx/Marshalls, Texas Bookman, and online at BN.com and Amazon.com

After I made this Sparkling water ice pop, I read this interesting fact from the book. In 1905, a boy kept his sweetened club soda in a cup with a stirring stick on his porch during a freezing night; this is how the frozen "ice pops" were discovered.

Here is how I made these quick and easy frozen sweet ice pops, it is cheaper and eco-friendly to make these at home than buying packets of freezies from the store.

2 tbsp rose syrup

1 1/2 cups sparkling soda water

Combine, pour into ice pop containers and leave it in the freezer till it is ready. Don't fill it right to the top because soda water may expand.

I am also excited about this Burger book, which is full of delicious recipes that would make wonderful meals. There are over 100 varieties of burgers with different combinations. The book includes old favourites and new flavourful burgers made with meat, fish, vegetables, tofu and lentil. The book also has recipe for sauces, sides and burger friendly cocktails. This book is available in digital edition at iBookstore & Barnes and Noble Nook store for $6.99. The hard copy of the book will be available in August at Barnes and Noble, BJ's Wholesale Clubs, Books-a-Million, TJ Maxx/Marshalls, Indigo Books and Music, BN.com, Amazon.com.

June 18, 2012

Painting and projects

Mag Ruffman and Lowe's have created videos of cool fun family constructible projects that teach parents and children how to build things that they could use. This is a lovely way to create lasting memories. Some project ideas from Lowe's Family Fun Projects are building a step stool, table with a writing space, a hockey/soccer net and more.

June 14, 2012

Stained glass sun catcher craft

construction paper *
crayon or pencil
coloured craft tissue paper **
scissors
glue
hole puncher optional
string or ribbon optional

* Can use any other type of sturdy paper

** coloured cellophane will look beautiful and will not fade like the craft tissue paper

Draw a basic pattern with a borderline on the construction paper using crayon or pencil. Then cut the holes where you would like to place the craft tissue paper or coloured cellophane. Little ones may need help with this.

After cutting the holes put some glue on the borderline of the construction paper and then place the craft tissue paper. Cut the craft tissue paper if there are pieces stick outside of the borderlines.

If you like to hang this craft then use a hole puncher and put a hole on the borderline. Put a string or ribbon and hang.

The sun catcher can also be sticked directly on the window with tape, however if we use craft paper and the window gets morning dew it might get wet. Craft paper over time will fade; so it is better to use coloured cellophane if you want the sun catcher to last longer.

May 29, 2012

Cooked asparagus side dish

1 bunch asparagus

2" water

1/2 tsp salt to preference

1/2 tbsp butter

1/4 tsp pepper optional

Remove the woody bottom of the asparagus it will snap easily or we can peel the tough part of the asparagus stalk using a vegetable peeler.

Put the asparagus in boiling salted water. When it is cooked to preference drain it out of the water. Place it in a serving dish with butter, put more salt and pepper if needed and serve.

May 25, 2012

Kidorable review and giveaway

Kidorable has adorable rainwear for children; I haven't seen cute products like this anywhere. The children and parents will enjoy their unique, creative, fabulous collection of products. We like the quality and cuteness of these affordable Kidorable products.

The stitching and the detailed design on the products show good quality. My son is a big dinosaur fan and knows a lot about dinosaurs, he even scares us by making different dinosaur sounds :) My little dinosaur came alive with these super cute dinosaur coat and boots. He loved the pockets, pictures, spikes, the colour and everything about it. He couldn't stay still with this on :)

Children will want to have these rain gear on them even when there isn't any rain. I had to convince my son that there will be plenty of opportunities for him to wear the coat when it is raining.

Kidorable has a lovely selection of themed rain coats and rain boots for all the different fans such as pirates, dragon knight, dinosaur, fireman, frog, space hero for boys and ballerina, butterfly, fairy, lady bug, lotus flower, lucky cat and mermaid for girls. The coats are made out of PVC and have comfortable polymer lining. The sizes are from 1T to 6x. The size chart of the site is detailed, which will help us get the correct size. The coats also come with free hangers that are unique, wooden, lightweight and cute.

The rain/ mud boots made with natural rubber are really soft and pliable, which is comfortable for growing feet. The sole of the boots have a good grip and it is easy to clean. My children and I like the details throughout the boots such as the dinosaur face, eyes, teeth, spikes, texture, design and the attractive realistic colours.
Kidorable carries boot sizes from size 5 to youth size 2 that come up to mid calf. If your children are like mine; then you know that they can't avoid puddles/mud so rain boots are a good investment. These cute comfortable boots will make children want to wear it without complaining :)

As a parent, you will love seeing your cuties in the Kidorable rain coats and boots. Anyone seeing your children with these kidorable products will compliment how good it looks.

My daughter loves the selection they have for the girls, she wanted this ballerina umbrella and was really excited when she got it. It isn't just an umbrella; the details and design will bring out the ballerina in the little ones. We love every part of this 100% nylon umbrella; the pictures, colours, the shape, the cute ribbon on top and the unique comfortable handle. The umbrella is a good size that is big enough to protect them from the rain. It would also be good to have when it is sunny. My ballet queen is trying to find every opportunity to use it; she is out with it in rain and shine.

Kidorable has impressively made their products functional and cute. The products are shipped to anywhere in the world and can easily be purchased online.
Any child receiving these products will enjoy it. Parents will appreciate the affordable prices and will be happy to see how cute their children look in these.

Giveaway
Kidorable has lots of umbrella designs. If you want to win one of their umbrellas, please leave a comment saying which design of umbrella your little one will like to win.
The giveaway is open to people in USA and Canada till June 5th.
Please follow Kidorable on twitter and Facebook to get special discounts/deals.
With a purchase of $20 worth of products they are giving away a free umbrella to delight children around the world.
Please follow my twitter and Facebook so I can announce the winner and contact you.
Update: The winner is Cheryl

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

May 20, 2012

Burgers and Grilling tips

Cooking on the grill during summer is one anticipated activity we all wait for. Grilling correctly will help us enjoy our summer BBQs.

Here are five tips from Chef Tom Filippou, President's choice cooking school.

1. Get equipped with the right tools such as long handled steel brush to clean the grill, tongs for flipping, basting brush, spray water bottle to dampen hot flames.

2. To get perfect grilling marks generously oil the grill before cooking. Use a clean rag soaked with cooking oil or piece of beef.

3. To keep the meat juicy add salt right before putting the meat on the grill.

4. Use a meat thermometer to check if the meat is cooked without cutting.

5. Don't prick or pierce while grilling. Use tongs to flip this will maintain natural juices and tenderness.

For this burger

I used store bought burgers and buns

mayonnaise and mustard to apply on the buns

salad leaves

tomatoes

onion

cucumber cut into thin slices

peri-peri sauce

hot sauce

chillie sauce

Assemble and enjoy.

President's Choice BBQTown party

There is an online contest that asks Canadians to band together to nominate their community for a chance to win a BBQTown party for their community.

One Canadian community will win fantastic food for up to 5000 people, a performance by Hedley a recording group and $25000 will be donated on behalf the community to PC Children's Charity to support local nutrition program. The community will also get to set a new World Record for most hamburgers assembled in one hour. Here are the nominations. Check out your local Loblaws for a variety of PC BBQ products.

May 19, 2012

Alight plus size clothing

Alight is an online clothing store that has a number of selection for plus size clothing. The website states that there are over 1000 unique items and over 75 brands. They have dresses for casual and evening wear, shirts, blouses, tops, jeans, denim, cardigan, boleros, shrugs, knit tops, pants, leggings, jackets, skirts, capri, active wear, accessories, jewellery, sweaters, outerwear and shorts. They have plus size dresses for special events such as for weddings, formal, bridesmaid, prom dresses etc. There are lots of brands to choose from, if you prefer to shop by brand. We can shop by boutiques such as maxi dresses, clothing with dots and stripes, kimono style tops etc. Alight also has an option to choose clothing by sizes.

I am not sure if all of the advertised products are available online. I received this sundress to review. I wasn't too happy with it because it was sleeveless, as I prefer tops with sleeves. Many of us when we buy online, trust that the company will give attention to detail and give us the best product so it would be nicer if Alight pays more attention to detail on their clothing. The tassels in this dress make it stand out, however there was one ball from the tassel missing on a noticeable area, which was disappointing because we can't replace it ourselves. As the size was big for me I wanted to give it to a friend so they could enjoy it this summer; I felt a little unsure to give it as a gift because the quality wasn't as good.

Update: I gave it to my friend and she is really enjoying it. She has received many good compliments.

I liked that there was lining on this dress especially because without the lining it would have been transparent. I like the style and the colour of the dress. The dress is below the knee. It would be ideal if Alight has an image of all how each product looks in different angles importantly the back part of the clothing Check their online description of each product before purchasing it online as it is different for each one i.e. the material used, length, where it is made, length, cleaning tips and return policy. Alight ships international and right now they have a sale with 80% off of their original prices. Alight also has a store in New York.

May 9, 2012

Hasbro Nerf super soakers

I am glad the weather is getting warmer and we are spending a lot more time outdoors. Water play is always a fun activity for children and adults especially during warm weather. These Nerf super soakers from Hasbro are adventurous and fun for everyone.

The Hasbro Nerf super soakers look sleek and have a strong design. I like the choice of colours they have used for the soakers. These soakers are meant for anyone over the age of 6 years so use your own discretion if you want young children to play with it. Use only tap water and don't aim at eyes or face to avoid injury. Don't submerge the soakers into the water.

Tornado strike water clip holds 300ml water and aims 6 m. Our favourite part of this soaker is that when we shoot the water it spins through its special spinning barrel. This tornado strike doesn't require batteries because we have to pump to blast water. The detachable stock can be adjusted depending on the persons reach. It has a tactical rail that is compatible with other super soakers. I wish the water clips hold more than 300ml of water. However, we can buy more water clips separately to quickly reload so we can have fun without stopping to refill the water :) The water clips attach to our belts so it is convenient during playtime.

Electrostorm blaster super soaker aims up to 7.5 meters. This motorized full auto soaker doesn't require pumping, just pull the trigger and start soaking. This small soaker holds 76 ml of water so we had to practice aiming at the target correctly when needed so we aren't wasting time filling it up and missing the action. It needs a little practice and patience to aim and wait for the correct time/ opportunity to start soaking the target :) The only downside is that it needs 4 batteries and a philips cross head screwdriver, which is not included in the package.

Lightning storm blaster holds 1L of water and aims a distance of 7.6 meters. This powerful soaker requires 4 batteries. This motorized super soaker is fully automatic no pumping required just pull the trigger to soak. The water clips from the tornado strike can be put in place of the drum. It has a detachable stock that enhances accuracy when blasting. The blast shield is a lovely feature that blocks incoming water from other shooters. It also has a tactical rail. The soaker comes with instructions.

There are many other soakers such as hydro cannon, scatter blast, point break and microbursts. The super soakers are available at superstores, Toys R Us, Zellers and Walmart. The weather is getting warmer so get yourself one of these Hasbro Nerf soakers and start having fun with friends and family outdoors.

April 12, 2012

Planting with Pefferlaw Peat Products

Pefferlaw Peat product Inc. is a Canadian owned and operated company since 1954. Since 1999 the Prust family has acquired it. Pefferlaw products have OCPP logo because they are 100% organic certified.

The research done by University of Guelph growth trials for 14 weeks have proven Pefferlaw products such as organic hanging basket, planter mix, organic 3-way mix to have equal or surpassed the performance of the best-known national brands.

All Pefferlaw brand organic soils are safe, natural, and free of additives, clay and by products. The hanging basket planter mix is lighter than traditional soil mixes; it doesn't strain the hanging containers and retains moisture longer. They have used peat humus and spaghnum peat fibre. Their 3-way organic mix contains peat humus, peat fibre and composted barnyard manure, which has nutrients that improve aeration and increases water-holding capacity.

Here are some interesting statistics...

24% Canadians grow produce in their garden because of the economy

44% online survey respondents were health conscious, as they are concerned about eating produce from their garden grown in non-organic soil

32% Canadians (1 in 3) believe organic foods are more nutritious than non-organic foods

67% survey respondents said they would use certified organic soils in their garden

I also tried a small experiment planting these coriander seeds indoor using Pefferlaw soil. I found the rate of the plant growing was healthier and faster compared to the time I put seeds using regular garden soil.

Due to my experiment and proven data from University of Guelph's growth trials, I second the opinion of Peter Prust, the president of the company when he said that the exercise done by the University "... proves that it is possible to grow healthy, sustainable, bountiful plants without artificial additives..."

I think it is simple and affordable to plant safely at home and even those without any garden space can grow a small plant i.e. like this herb plant grown indoors by a windowsill.

Container gardening is totally for everyone even those without the 'green-thumb' and all those who are busy for gardening.

As a parent, I believe it teaches children a lot when we do a little bit of gardening i.e. just putting a few seeds into a pot and seeing it grow teaches these curious minds to question and learn many skills. So having soil that you know will work gives all of us confidence that we can do it.

Pefferlaw Peat Products Inc. has participated in successfully restoring a local bog that involved draining and replanting which has now become a habitat for migratory birds. This habitat is protected and has banned hunting on this bog site. Pefferlaw has also supported youth growing projects by hosting Brock 4H Junior achievement day for the past 2 years.

pictures of the bog

Pefferlaw currently has 10 products in their organic line such as top soil, black earth, 3-way mix, compost, cattle/sheep manure, hanging basket planter mix, premium potting mix, potting soil, and planting seeding mix.

If you are into landscape and gardening check out all the other fabulous products they have. These affordable products are sold at these retailers and garden centres in Ontario.

March 26, 2012

Sonsi clothing and accessories

We all like making fashion statements in some way or another and size shouldn't be a barrier. Sonsi is an online shopping and social destination that has clothing for plus size women. It is an award winning easy, fast, personalized shopping experience that sells all types of clothing. Women can determine their shape without measurements and customize it online. Sonsi has a variety of style and over 300 brands.

Follow Sonsi on Facebook and twitter to find fashionable clothing for all seasons. Their products are shipped International so start shopping from anywhere in the world :)

If you want to win a similar package of Sonsi products (accessories, clothing and jewelry), leave a comment on this post.

Updated: The giveaway winner is comment #6

March 18, 2012

Start a tradition with games

1/4 cup popcorn

1 tbsp maple syrup

Put the popcorn in a brown paper bag, fold the top of the bag, about 2" on the top. Microwave it for 2 minutes. Put the popcorn in a bowl and toss with maple syrup. Be careful popcorn maybe hot. This would be a lovely homemade snack to have with children... when you are having a family fun night or day :)

Hasbro has a variety of games for our preschoolers i.e. Memory game, Candy land, Chutes and Ladders, Hungry hungry hippos. All these games encourage taking turns, sharing, following rules; which are all important skills for preschoolers and young children to learn so they can be ready for school.

The Memory game is a matching puzzle game with 72 vibrant picture cards. Candy land is another fun game for children over 3 years. It has coloured cards and fun pictures that the children will love. The players have to go through fun destinations like mountains full of chocolate and get to the castle first to win this game.

Chutes and ladder is similar to the traditional snakes and ladders; instead of the dice there is a spin wheel with 6 numbers. It is easier for young children to look and start counting and learn their numbers up to 100. It too has lovely illustrations on the board.

Hungry hungry hippos is a toy game for children over 4 years of age or older because it has small marble sized balls. A maximum of 4 players get to press and collect has many marbles they can with their hippo. Children will have lots of fun pressing and collecting the marble with their colourful hippos.

Take the time to have fun with these Hasbro board games as a family and create lasting memories.

January 22, 2012

uKloo a treasure hunt game for early readers

uKloo is a game that every parent will want for their children. This game is created by Doreen Dotto, a mom who was motivated because of her own children. She wanted to teach her sons to read in a creative approach.

With this game, children will get active running around the house to find the clues. Even my three year old wanted to help his sister look for the cards. The children learn to work together. If they are just starting to read and can't read words yet, they will be able to refer to the colourful picture poster and match the words to figure it out.

uKloo targets 3 levels of reading, each level has 14 cards in different colours. There are 12 blank surprise cards for the parents to write a surprise that will fit their child's interest. Doreen has suggested surprises that work in the box. There is also instructions on different ways to play the game, so children will be excited each time they play.

Before starting, I made sure to tell the children that I will not be hiding the cards beside the stove, in pots or kitchen cupboards; just for safety. So make sure to set some ground rules.

As a parent, with a child in French immersion I try to teach English every chance I get. Games like uKloo makes it more easier to approach reading at an early age than making the child sit for a lesson :) I also think it is a fun way to introduce reading to children. While the children are busy looking for the cards, I can do my thing ;)

Children will actively learn, become confident, try hard to read on their own and feel a sense of achievement when they find their surprise. They will not want to stop playing this game. It is a worthy purchase.

This award winning game is available in many stores within Canada and online. In the USA, it is available at Timeless toys. If you are in the USA and would like to purchase it from your local toy or educational game store please request for this game to become available. There is also uKloo2 coming soon with riddles, thinking and problem solving. Do follow uKloo on Facebook and twitter.

Happy reading and hunting!

This was one of the surprises the children had.

Maple puffed rice snack

3 tbsp peanut butter *
3/4 cup maple syrup
4 cups puffed rice

* Can substitute with almond butter or another type of flavoured butter.

Heat peanut butter and maple syrup in a pan, when it comes to a boil turn off the cooker and stir in the puffed rice.
Put it into a plate and let it cool, then make into balls. The hands may need to be greased to make balls.

January 20, 2012

Strawberry banana milk shake and plasma car giveaway

I had a wonderful opportunity to review this plasma car. It is an awesome ride. The only thing needed to ride this car is, energy and a mood to have fun.

Didn't ride on this flooring, just for the purpose of pictures

Everything on the car is controlled by the steering wheels. There are NO batteries, gears or pedals. It is easy to assemble, as the instructions are straight forward. The car will hold upto 120lbs on uneven surfaces and 220lbs on smooth surfaces. I love the sleek design and the attractive choice of bright colours that are available.

It is recommended by the designers to ride the car on smooth floors. We used them on hardwood floors because it is freezing outside and there is snow :) So far, nothing happened to the floor and there were no scrapes.

Children and adults will have to learn to share ;) and patiently wait for their turn to ride the car. It is easy spend hours of fun moving around in this car.
We are eagerly waiting to try it outdoors in the Summer.

Plasma car is generously sponsoring 2 cars to giveaway.

Giveaways are open to USA and Canada and ends on January 31st.

To enter the random draws to win the plasma car:
Please like Plasma car on facebook and twitter.

Leave ONE comment. (Please make sure there is a contact email on the comment, if it is not linked to your profile or site. So I can reach you if you win.)

I will be drawing one person from Torviewtoronto and one from Createwithmom).
You can also like Me on Facebook and Twitter, this is not a requirement for the giveaway but I will appreciate :)

Updated: The giveaway winners are Heather and Laura

Here is a delicious Strawberry banana milk shake to drink after the ride...

1 to 2 ripe bananas chopped

1/2 cup strawberries hulled