Thursday, October 30, 2014

Spirit Experiences (Psychic/Medium)

I have ALWAYS been a believer in spirits; whether it is loved ones, angels or spirit guides, I find comfort in believing that they are always with me.

A few weeks ago I decided to see a psychic/medium.  The appointment was last night and I cannot even express how amazing the experience was for me.  She made it very clear at the beginning to only answer with yes or no - and not to lead her.

I am not going to go into detail, but there was so much she was communicating to me that was JUST RIGHT.  There were specific things said that you wouldn't be able to even guess or adapt to "most" people.

Visiting with her last night was such a comfort for me.  It was very emotional (and she has kleenex in many points around the room for that very reason).

While I have wanted to do it again (I did twice when I was younger, but none of it was accurate and they were very leading) , I knew I needed to find someone with the "right fit".  I was very anxious about it, and always put it off.  I think I was worried that no one would come through (or at least that my father wouldn't) and that would have been devastating for me.

I am so happy with my experience, and really look forward to doing it again.

Have you had any spiritual experiences like this before?


Do You Have Candy For Trick Or Treaters?

halloween, candy, trick or treaters, traditions, family, fun, fall, october


I posted a vent/rant on my facebook page earlier today, and it has gotten QUITE a lot of attention.  I, personally, feel that if you have kids trick or treating, then your household should be contributing candy to the rest of the kids that are out on Halloween night (I also gave out candy BEFORE kids, and will continue to do so after).  I know it sounds judgmental, and I shouldn't feel this way....but I do.

I understand there are circumstances where someone can't be at home AND take their kids out, but there are many ways around that (leaving a bowl on your door step, having a friend/relative at your house or asking a neighbour - we gave out for our neighbours one year when they were away)

What are your thoughts?

Check out our tips for a safe and fun halloween! and also how I steal candy from my kids

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

10 Stocking Stuffer Ideas For The Woman In Your Life



If you are stuck for stocking ideas for that special woman in our life, look no further!  I have put together a list of items that she will be sure to love.

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

10 Tips For A Safe And Fun Halloween

Halloween is lots of fun for kids and adults.  It's really easy to get caught up in the fun and excitement and forget about safety.  I have put together a list of 10 tips to keep everyone safe and still have a great time while trick or treating.


Monday, October 27, 2014

Chocolate Crazy Cake {Dairy and Egg Free}

We had some of Mr. J's friends over for a Halloween party on the weekend.  He had requested a chocolate cake that looked like a pumpkin.  I was happy to make one, but one of the little boys coming to the party is allergic to milk.
unsure of original recipe source

I wanted to make sure that he was able to eat anything that we served, so I decided to make "crazy cake"

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees

Ingredients:

flour - 3 cups
sugar - 2 cups
baking soda - 2 tsp
unsweetened cocoa - 1/2 cup
vegetable oil - 3/4 cup
white vinegar - 2 tbsp
vanilla - 2 tsp
cold water - 2 cups

mix together all of the dry ingredients in your pan; make 2 small wells and a large well.

Place vanilla in one small well, vinegar in the other and oil in the large well.  Cover with the water and mix together until smooth.

Bake for 30 minutes (ovens will vary - don't overbake)

Frosting:

Shortening - 1 cup
icing sugar - 4 cups
water - 2-3 tbsp (depends on consistency you want)

Using a mixer combine the above ingredients - add food colouring if desired

Hauntingly Fun Halloween Party For Kids

This year we decided to throw a Halloween party for Mr. J and some of his school friends.  Many had been asking about coming over to play, so I thought it would be a great way to have them over, without dragging it out for the next few weeks.

The kids are 7, and not knowing them very well I wasn't sure how scary we could go, so we decided to be pretty tame.

The boys and I had carved their pumpkins so they would be on the steps when the guests arrived.  I knew that having 9 kids in the house would be pretty crazy, so I planned some structure activities in hopes of keeping them somewhat calm (hahaha - that was wishful thinking - it was a crazy evening).

I picked up some foam craft sets for the kids to make; I also had some supplies on hand for them to make ghosts (white paper plate, white streamers. construction paper shapes for eyes, nose and mouth, and white glue).

When the crafts were done, we had some snacks (witches brew, mummy juice boxes, fruit, pretzels and a crazy cake in the shape of a pumpkin)

I picked up "pin the smile on the skeleton" and had it taped to the wall to play.

I found a great printable Halloween BINGO game as well.  I printed out the boards, cut the shapes and Mr. K was the BINGO caller for the evening while Mr. J and his friends played along.

As the kids were leaving, they each got a small goodie bag with a spooky plastic ring (spider, bat, witch) 2 rocket candies and a glow necklace to use when they are trick or treating on halloween night!

October 26th Monday Madness Giveaway Linky



If you are a blogger, feel free to list any open giveaways you have on your blog. Make sure to list the prize, end date and country eligibility (CAN/US/WW) any listed without this information will be deleted.

As always, sharing the linky is appreciated and helps gain maximum exposure for everyone that links up.

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Witches Brew

Having a Halloween party? or maybe you want to serve up some Halloween themed items for your family on before trick or treating on October 31st?  Here is a great recipe for Witches Brew

halloween punch, witches brew, frozen eyeballs,

What you need:

Orange Juice
Cranberry Juice
Sprite
Eyeballs (frozen grapes)

Using a punch bowl (or a jug if you don't have one - I have one that doubles as a cake plate with a domed lid) mix together equal parts cranberry juice, orange juice and sprite.

Add in the eyeballs and you are ready to serve

Thursday, October 23, 2014

10 Stocking Stuffer Ideas For The Man In Your Life


Finding items to add to your partners stocking can sometimes be tough or seem boring and impersonal.  I have put together a list of 10 items you can add to your shopping list!

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Hanging With Mr. K

Now that Mr. K has started full day school, I find that I don't get very much time with him.  The weekends are filled with family time, but it doesn't leave a lot of one to one time.

Last weekend I had some groceries to do, and I like to get to the store as soon as it opens.  Hubby and Mr. J were still sleeping, so Mr. K and I hopped in the Jeep and headed to RCSS.  He chose the cart and was the driver during our shop.

He loves to be my helper and get the items that I need.  He also gets quite upset with me when I put something in the cart (he see's it as his job).

Of course, no trip with kids to RCSS is complete without a stop in the toy department.  He is drawn to vehicles of all kinds, and enjoyed looking at them to see what he could add to his Christmas list.


When I had to bring the kids grocery shopping with me, I always wished I was alone.  Now that I am alone most grocery trips, I like to bring them with me once and a while.  Do you do groceries with the kids or without?

Monday, October 20, 2014

Monday Madness Giveaway Linky



If you are a blogger, feel free to list any open giveaways you have on your blog. Make sure to list the prize, end date and country eligibility (CAN/US/WW) any listed without this information will be deleted.

As always, sharing the linky is appreciated and helps gain maximum exposure for everyone that links up.

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Eco-Friendly Stocking Stuffers From Norwex

Christmas is coming and sometimes finding items for stocking stuffers can be tricky.  Here are a few eco-friendly ideas from Norwex to add to your list!



Stainless Steel Straws $16.99 and cleaning brush $4.99 - stop adding to the pile of straws in our landfills, and use these re-usable stainless steel ones!

Mesh produce bags $14.99 - breathable bags to hold your produce, instead of adding more plastic bags to the garbage.

Out to lunch snack bags or out to lunch sandwich wrappers for $9.99 each

Another option is to purchase the "Pitch the Plastic" set for the eco-friendly person in your life as a gift.

Disclosure: I am an Independent Norwex Consultant; should you make a purchase through any of these links, I will receive a commission

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Sands Alive! A Great Addition Under Your Tree This Holiday Season


A few months ago I had the chance to review Sands Alive! with my boys, and it is still a go to activity for Mr. K!  Whenever we have friends over, all the kids head to our Sands Alive! tub to play and have fun.

 Sands Alive!

Visit sandsalive.org to see the many kits to choose from; you are likely to find one that fits your price range.  Sands Alive! can be found at most stores where toys are sold and would make a great addition to any presents under your tree this Christmas for children 3+.  It would also be a wonderful gift to donate to any Christmas gift drives or your local Toy Mountain.

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Mr. Peabody and Sherman {review}


October 14th marked the release of Mr. Peabody and Sherman on Blu ray.  I had the opportunity to take my boys to see it when it was in theaters (we saw it with my mom, my brother and 3 of his children)  It is the only movie we have seen at theaters that Mr. K hasn't moved.  Once the movie started, his eyes were glued to the screen.  To say I was surprised would be an understatement.  Generally when we go to a movie, he is up at least once to move around, or he tries to bug his brother.  With Mr. Peabody and Sherman he didn't even notice when he ran out of his popcorn.

The kids laughed, and laughed and loved that there was a talking dog; they also thought it was great that the dog was the dad.

From a parents view, it's a great movie for the family.  It is appropriate for all ages and has enough humour to keep adults interested as well.  You learn a little about history as they travel to different time periods (and get to see the period fashion as well).

Mr. Peabody and Sherman would be a great film to add to your family collection; it would be a great gift for Christmas too!  If you want to win a copy, check out the giveaway (ends October 22)

Tales of Mommyhood was provided with the above mentioned product in exchange for their thoughts. All opinions are honest and belong to ToM; your experience/opinion may vary.

Have You Had Superman In Your House?

A few weeks ago, I was getting lunches ready for school and hear "I AM SUPERMAN" coming from upstairs....then a loud thump, and two little boys crying.

I made my way upstairs to find them both on the floor in tears.  Mr. K was holding his mouth, and Mr. J was holding his head.

THIS is what happens when little brothers decide they are Superman and can fly off the couch (please note - little brothers CANNOT actually fly)


When Mr. J took his hand away from his head, I noticed he was bleeding.  He gets SUPER upset when he is bleeding, so I had to very calmly ask him to come downstairs, and then make sure he didn't look in a mirror and see the blood.

Mr. K was upset, his front tooth hurt (apparently his teeth hit Mr. J right above the brow, and he loosened one of them a bit)....it seems fine now, 2 weeks later.

Have your kids gotten hurt pretending to be super heroes?

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Tasty Tuesday: Turkey Stock

With Thanksgiving just having passed, I wanted to give you all the Turkey Stock recipe that I use.  I absolutely love home made soups, and when I can make the stock for the soup base it is even better. I love that I can use up all of the Turkey.

Halloween Fun At Billings Estate National Historic Site


Halloween is such a fun time of year.  Our whole family gets really into it with decorating the house and yard, carving pumpkins and planning out costumes.  The kids love helping me get the treats ready before the trick or treaters arrive on Halloween night!

As the kids have gotten older, they have started wanting to do more for Halloween than just the one evening.  Now is the chance to stretch out the Halloween fun!

Billings Estate National Historic Site has a family friendly Halloween Party planned on October 26th from 10-4pm!

Wear a costume and participate in the costume parade! Face painting, trick or treating around child-sized models of iconic Ottawa landmarks and nerf gun fun!

Cost:

$6/person, $10/pair, $16/family

Location:

2100 Cabot Street,
Ottawa, ON  K1H 6K1

What would your child like most? I think mine would enjoy the nerf guns!

Monday, October 13, 2014

Cleaning House With The Dyson DC78 Turbinehead


Having two very messy young boys and a construction worker husband has been really hard on the floors in my home.  There are constantly crumbs scattered through the house (honestly, it doesn't matter WHAT they eat, the crumbs follow them into EVERY room) and dirt, dust and debris from my hubby's work boots littering my front hallway.

Happy Thanksgiving and Monday Madness Giveaway Linky

Happy Thanksgiving to my fellow Canadians.  We celebrate Thanksgiving on Sunday evening with a delicious turkey dinner (mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, stuffing, turkey, gravy and we finish up with home made apple pie).

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving with your friends and family.

I am thankful for my family, my health, my friends.  I am thankful that we have a home to live in, food on our table and clothes to keep us warm.

What are you thankful for?

If you are a blogger, feel free to list any open giveaways you have on your blog. Make sure to list the prize, end date and country eligibility (CAN/US/WW) any listed without this information will be deleted.

As always, sharing the linky is appreciated and helps gain maximum exposure for everyone that links up.

Saturday, October 11, 2014

PD Day Fun With Rice Krispies #RKHalloween

#RKHalloween, Rice Krispies Treats, PD Day fun, optometrist,

Friday marked the first PD Day of the year for my boys (around here, the Friday before Thanksgiving is always a pd day, making it a 4 day weekend).  In the morning they had their routine eye exams (where we discovered the Mr. K has quite a high prescription and will need to wear glasses all the time.  Mr. J has a minor one, and she is leaving it up to us whether we fill it or not).

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Let's Party! Celebrate Halloween With A Party {printable invite}

This year we are planning on having a Halloween party with some of Mr.J's school friends.  I was at the school volunteering the other day, and I was asked by 4 different kids when they could have a play-date with him.

It got my mind turning and I decided that instead of having a bunch of play-dates spread out over the next 2 months, we could have them all over at once to celebrate Halloween (kids LOVE to wear their costumes more than one night!)

I made up an invite to print out, and I thought I would share it with you in case you wanted to have a party yourself!

You can save it to your computer, print and fill out the information!

Invite, halloween party, celebrate, pumpkins, fun, scary

Letting Your Kids Discover Their Likes And Take Some Risks


Mr. J has been wanting to learn to skateboard for a while.  When he was a toddler, my mom would watch him while I worked and they would go for walks. If they came upon kids skateboarding, he would want to sit and watch - he was fascinated.

I noticed the same thing, and as he got older he mentioned that he wanted to learn how to skateboard. I entered a contest on Cathy Thinking Out Loud, the prize was a set of pads and a helmet.  I happened to be the winner.  When I took Mr. J down to pick up the gear, we bought a skateboard for him as well (no point in having the gear without a board).

When we got home that night, he tested it out, and practiced a few times over the next few weeks. He is now doing pretty well with his balance and learning how to control the board.

Now is where the fear comes in with this mama.  He wants to learn how to use the ramps and do tricks.  I want him to have fun, and I want him to explore the things that he likes and discover what he likes and doesn't like. BUT, it scares me.  It scares me a lot.

We know that we can't stop him from learning new things - but we want him to be as safe as he can be.  We plan on getting him lessons in the spring so he can learn proper techniques.

Have your kids taken up a sport that makes you nervous?


Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Mr. Peabody and Sherman Blu-ray {giveaway}


Mr. Peabody and Sherman will be arriving on store shelves October 14th.  Did you have a chance to see it in theaters - or were you waiting for home viewing?  Either way, now is your chance to own this wonderful family movie.

To help celebrate the upcoming release, enjoy these free printables.  My kids are loving them.  To use, right click on picture, save as to your computer and then you are able to print.




Would your family like to see the movie? Enter below for your chance to WIN a copy of the Blu-ray! Open to Canadian and US residents who are 18+; void where prohibited

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

DK Canada Can Help You With Star Wars Reads Day



Like most little boys, my 2 are pretty obsessed with all things Star Wars.  October 11th is Star Wars Reads Day III and DK Canada can help - they have an entire boutique with different Star Wars books.

We were sent some Level 3 readers, and the boys have really been enjoying them.  We sit down as a family and read through them.  Mr. K is just learning his alphabet, so he likes to hunt for all the K's on the pages.  Mr. J is doing great with learning to read, and the Star Wars books have such different names in them, that it really makes him think.

There are events happening throughout the country to celebrate - is there one near you?

Monday, October 6, 2014

Digital Health and Me: Better Health Together #digitalhealth


With new advances in technology happening all the time, more and more things are changing and moving into the digital world. When I first started using a computer, I had never even HEARD of the internet. Years later, computers changed, laptops became commonplace and digital information was available in pretty much every industry, including health care.

October 6th Monday Madness Giveaway Linky


giveaway, linky, monday madness, enter giveaways, list giveaways
If you are a blogger, feel free to list any open giveaways you have on your blog. Make sure to list the prize, end date and country eligibility (CAN/US/WW) any listed without this information will be deleted.
As always, sharing the linky is appreciated and helps gain maximum exposure for everyone that links up.