Hand and Beak Greeting Cards

Did you know Canada..  we are huge Dragons Den fans around here and have featured many Canadian businesses that have appeared on the show.  Did you see last week when Luigi the Lovebird was introduced - Luigi uses his beak to shred paper into precision strips and then his owner, Mary McQueen, crafts fun collages from his shreddings and creates beautiful greeting cards.  On Dragon's Den Mary requested $10,000 for 25% stake in the company and her and Luigi struck a deal with David Chilton, the newest Dragon.

Hand and Beak has teamed up with Hallmark Canada to produce the Hand and Beak Greeting Card Collection.  All six birthday cards include a strip of original shredded paper by Luigi on the inside cover.  Best of all, all proceeds from the sale of Hand and Beak greeting cards will be donated to Make-A-Wish Canada on behalf of Hallmark Canada, to help grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions.

Hand and Beak Greeting Cards are available across the country at Hallmark Gold Crown locations for $3.99 each.

Learn more about Mary and Luigi by visiting www.handandbeak.com and celebrate upcoming birthdays with these fun cards!

Winx Club Fairy Dolls

Did you know Canada..  a series new to Canada - WinxClub - is  a modern fantasy adventure series following six fashion forward best friends - Bloom, Stella, Flora, Musa, Tecna, Aisha - who attend the finest fairy school in all the realms, Alfea College.

You will be able to catch these fairies fighting evil villains on  YTV and Nickelodeon Canada this year.

As part of the launch we received a preview of the show and a complete set of the WinxClub 11.5” Deluxe Believix Dolls.  Even though I have boys they are at the perfect age to enjoy toys and shows directed at boys or girls.  Even little boys can learn something about self-expression, friendship, adventure, magic and yes, even fashion.

The boys have had lots of fun checking out the dolls, each fairy has her own personality traits and hobbies which is perfect for everyone to find a friend they relate to.  My guys love Musa the Fairy of Music and Aisha the Fairy of Waves best right now - they love brushing their hair, playing with their wings and acting out the stories we've seen in the preview and online.

Each doll also come with a beautiful membership card that unlocks exclusive content on www.nick.com/winx which is perfect for our techy kids!  Check out www.toysrus.ca/winx to see the dolls available this fall!

I think these will be a fantastic new hero for little girls everywhere.  We are excited to share the show and dolls with one of the boys female friends that hang out with us often.  I love that the dolls look realistic instead of too cartoon-y, wear cool clothes, have beautiful, sparkly wings and really amazing hair!  They will lead to great roll playing - all their parts move, they can sit, their wings flutter when you move the them and the wings are even removable.

Visit www.nick.com/winx to learn more about the WinxClub show and characters - trust me, you'll love it!

We are so excited to share a complete set of WinxClub 11.5” Deluxe Believix Dolls!!  Your little one can play with Bloom, Stella, Flora, Musa, Tecna, & Aisha.

Enter below for your chance to win!

Giveaway

Phineas and Ferb: The Perry Files

Did you know Canada..  last week we were so excited to give away three copies of Phineas and Ferb: The Perry Files!  This week we wanted to share our review of the DVD with you.

We've had Phineas and Ferb running in the background a few times but no one has really watched it until now, well the ENTIRE family is now addicted to this show!

Between the fun ideas the Phineas and Ferb work on, to their cool big sister Candace that is always trying to "bust" them - it's a riot.  Not to mention Perry who is a Platypus spying on the evil Dr. Doofenshmirtz.

"Doofenshmirtz" is a funny word we all scream out at random times at home now by the way, and everyone bursts out laughing.

I admit there are a few cartoons I can not stand (Caillou), a few cute ones my boys have grown out of (Max and Ruby) but this is the first time we've actually enjoyed watching shows as a family and I love it!!

I am so grateful to Walt Disney Canada for introducing us to such a fun show and I highly recommend picking this up for your kiddos!!

Doofenshmirtz!

#hockeyday

Did you know Canada.. I have CBC on right now for #hockeyday - do you??

Tonight is the face off between the Habs and the Leafs, starting bar fights and breaking up family across the nation tonight ;-)

Thanks to PEI for hosting Hockey Day in Canada!!!

Hockey Day in Canada is an annual special broadcast to celebrate the game in Canada that includes features all afternoon, leading up to a tripleheader of NHL action featuring the seven Canadian teams (Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, Winnipeg Jets).

Who are you cheering for tonight??

Update - really enjoyed the ceremony with Mats Sundin as they retired #13 - 13 great seasons with #13, Mats Sundin is a true hero of the sport with grace, confidence and someone to be proud of.

Dragon's Den Auditions

Did you know Canada.. I am a HUGE fan of Dragon's Den. We watch if every week and we have featured and even interviewed many small business owners that have appeared on the show.

Have you got a small business that needs an investment to explode in the marketplace? Well the Dragon's are on the hunt, auditions start this weekend starting in Toronto at CBC Toronto. They are travelling across the country between now and the end of March to find their next investments.

Visit the Dragon's Den website for the full list of audition cities. Let us know if you're applying and tell us about YOUR small business!! Maybe we can help promote you too, email us any time at didyouknowcanada@gmail.com.

Good luck in the den!!!

Recipe to Riches Season Two

Did you know Canada.. we've been waiting to hear what the big announcement was from Recipe to Riches and had our fingers crossed for another season.

We got our wish! Casting of Season TWO is now open! Head to recipetoriches.ca today to apply.

The Categories this year are:

Cakes, Puddings & Pies
Hors D'oeuvres
Savoury Snacks
Cookies & Squares
Candies & Chocolates
Entrees
Condiments & Dips

I love the Condiments & Dips category, I'm sure we'll be hearing some great recipes! Can't wait to hear all the news of the show and looking forward to seeing it.

Auditions start February 11th in Halifax, so don't delay, get that recipe book out right now!

Will you be applying??

Interview with Karyn Climans

Did you know Canada.. we have always been a big fan of Karyn Climans company Tail Wags Helmet Covers and we were so excited to watch her on the second chances episode of Dragon's Den last night! We have Tail Wags Helmet Covers on our helmets and sounds like a lot of other folks do too, her business has really taken off and she impressed the Dragon's last night!

We were lucky enough to be able to pass on a few questions to Karyn last night about her Dragon's Den experience..

1. I've heard you say the episode was filmed on Easter Sunday, did that add any extra stress to an already stressful situation?
KC: Filming on Easter Sunday was fine. In fact, it gave me a good excuse for not making Easter dinner this year for my family. My sister rose to the occasion and hosted the event. It was lovely following a LONG day at the CBC to spend the evening with family relaxing.

2. What was different from filming this episode than your first episode? I was impressed with how confident you were tonight!
KC: Every experience in front of a camera makes you feel more confident. The first time I was filmed on Dragons Den, I was a nervous wreck. Although I had butterflies in my stomach the second time, I was more self assured.

3. Kevin is nasty in just about every episode, what's he like in person?
KC: Let’s just say Kevin is not someone I would want to sit down and share a glass of wine with. Although some people think it’s just Kevin’s TV persona, I think he’s showing his true colours on the Dragons Den.

4. How stressful was it when the Dragons were not agreeing with your numbers?
KC: The way the episode is edited is always misleading. So even though it appeared I didn’t have a clue about my numbers, there is a lot of information I provided that was cut out of the final segment. That said, I’m the first to admit my weakness is my lack of business accounting skills. My strengths are my creative design abilities and my strong marketing and sales skills.

5. How exciting was it when you received the offer? Did you have any regrets?
KC: I was thrilled to be given an offer by the Dragons for investment in Tail Wags but I am very reluctant to give up 30% of my business. I have not made a final decision yet but I’m leaning towards declining the Dragons offer and arranging for financing through another means that does not require giving up a share of the business.

6. How quickly did the Dragons become involved in your business once you made the deal?
KC: Because I put the deal “on hold” while I explore other options, the Dragons have not been directly involved in the business to date.

7. Where is Tail Wags heading in the future?
KC: I will continue to expand Tail Wags Helmet Covers in to a business selling our adorable helmet covers worldwide. I am also committed to continuing to design and make my products exclusively in Canada. One of the initiatives I am most proud of is our new Tail Wags helmet safety campaign, “Mothers Against Naked Riding”. As you know, my passion is promoting helmet safety so I’m delighted to see our viral video is being viewed around the world.

Thanks so much to Karyn for chatting with us and congratulations again!! Here is the video for Tail Wags helmet safety campaign, “Mothers Against Naked Riding”!

Recipe to Riches: Voting

Did you know Canada.. the time is here, it's time to vote for your favourites! Be sure to Click here and get a vote in for your favourite dish on Recipe to Riches!

Did you try them all?? I did!! Even those that I made myself. Which was your favourite?

Be sure to tune in next Wednesday as we find out the winner! Remember the grand prize is $250,000!!

Recipe to Riches: Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie

Did you know Canada.. I hope you all watched Recipe to Riches last night! If not, be sure to catch a repeat either on the Food Network or on Global Saturday night. Remember, each week three Recipe to Riches contestants compete in one of seven food categories. To win the evening and the national stage they have to demonstrate that their recipe is the one that can best be scaled and marketed. The winners of each segment then compete in the season finale for the grand prize of $250,000 – the largest prize ever awarded on Canadian television.

Today we are featuring the winning recipe from last nights Sweet & Savoury Snack episode: Sonya Walos' Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie!! Now I have never really looked into gluten free cooking, it's not something that's had to come up in my family. So this was a shopping adventure, I have visited every gluten free section of every grocery store, corner store, local market, and bulk barn in my little town. I never did find xantham gum, but looked up possible substitutions online. See how it went..

First I got out all the ingredients (alright, most of them, I had to run to the cupboard for vanilla)..

Mixed the sugars and butter, then added the egg and vanilla..

Mixed it well..

Added the coconut and chocolate chips..

Then the cereal..

After letting the dough chill I got out a cookie sheet, lined it with parchment paper and forms balls with my dough ( note: I made these too big and/or put them too close together, my cookies ran together, still tasted just as good though ;-) )..

After 12 minutes in the oven they were delish!!!

I admit I wasn't sure how much I was going to love this recipe as I have not been concerned about eating gluten free, but I was pleasantly surprised by how yummy they are!! Will you be purchasing it this weekend or trying the recipe yourself?? Don't forget to check out the Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe on the Food network website.

Recipe to Riches: Chicken Grenades

Did you know Canada.. I hope you all watched Recipe to Riches last night! If not, be sure to catch a repeat either on the Food Network or on Global Saturday night. Remember, each week three Recipe to Riches contestants compete in one of seven food categories. To win the evening and the national stage they have to demonstrate that their recipe is the one that can best be scaled and marketed. The winners of each segment then compete in the season finale for the grand prize of $250,000 – the largest prize ever awarded on Canadian television.

Today we are featuring the winning recipe from last night's episode: John Grass' Chicken Grenades! I think at the end of the season this will still have been my favourite episode, I LOVE appetizers! I could make a whole meal out of them! And this one is to die for, trust me, this is your new go to recipe!! I know on last nights recipe they really promoted it as a guys food, well my guys LOVE it but so do I!!

First step is to make the spice mixture, I got all the spices together (I admit I had to purchase a few, there was no chipotle chili pepper powder or dried thyme leaves in my cupboard)..

Then gave it a quick mix and set aside (this made much more than I needed, able to keep the rest for next time!)..

Cut up the chicken into slices..

Sprinkled a baking sheet with the spice mixture..

Layered the bacon, chicken, cheese and jalapeno..

Rolled them up..

Got them on a cookie sheet..

While they were in the oven I got the 2 jellies out, microwave them just before you need them..

Brushed on the jelly mixture after 20 minutes of cooking..

Popped them back in for 10 and we were ready to go..

And guess what, they were so delicious, we're already making a second batch!!!!!!

I promise you, you will DIE for these! I made a few with no spice for my young boys and they inhaled them, so happy to find a recipe everyone will love!! So easy to make too, just layer, roll and cook. Will you be purchasing it this weekend or trying the recipe yourself?? Don't forget to check out the Chicken Grenades recipe on the Food network website.

Recipe to Riches: Multi-Layered Peach Cake

Did you know Canada.. I hope you all watched Recipe to Riches last night! If not, be sure to catch a repeat either on the Food Network or on Global Saturday night. Remember, each week three Recipe to Riches contestants compete in one of seven food categories. To win the evening and the national stage they have to demonstrate that their recipe is the one that can best be scaled and marketed. The winners of each segment then compete in the season finale for the grand prize of $250,000 – the largest prize ever awarded on Canadian television.

Today we are featuring the winning recipe from last night's episode - Multi-Layered Peach Cake by Jacqui Keseluk.  In fact, I've tried my hand at the recipe myself. I admit when I first read through it all those layers were a bit scary, but this recipe is SO EASY, I promise, and SO YUMMY - a bit of cooking time is well worth it.  How cool was Jacqui last night by the way, I loved her sweet tattoos, her composure in the kitchen with the cream cheese was awesome (I would have been freaking out!!), it was a great episode all around.

So, on to the cake!  First we made the crust, with one of my little guys helping (do not use the wisk as he attempted to do though)..

While that was baking we made the yummy cheese cake layer, poured it on top of the crust and baked. While that was baking we chopped up the peach slices..

Then cooked the chopped peaches with sugar, it does get watery and then that goes away and it turns into caramelized peach yumminess..

After the cheese cake was out and cool we topped it off with the peaches and made the cake layer, then put that on top of the peaches..

Whipped up some whip cream..

Topped with caramel sauce..

And cut right in!!!

So yummy..

It was a big hit around here let me tell you, everyone from me, to my husband, even my Mom snuck over for a piece last night. We talked about how great this would be for a summer cake, a celebratory cake, it's perfect for so many occasions. Honestly, it was very easy to make as well.

Will you be purchasing it this weekend or trying the recipe yourself?? Don't forget to check out the recipe for Multi-Layered Peach Cake, otherwise known as the Rock N' Peach Bliss Cheesecake on the Food network website.

Recipe to Riches

Did you know Canada.. in the coming weeks we'll be featuring some of the winning recipes on the new Canadian show: Recipe to Riches!

Dana McCauley, Tony Chapman, Laura Calder and host Jessie Palmer bring Recipe to Riches to prime time – Wednesday at 9 pm on Food Network, and Saturday at 8pm on Global TV

An exciting competitive reality series that gives everyday Canadians with extraordinary recipes a once in a lifetime opportunity to win $25,000 and have their recipe transformed into the next President's Choice® product available for purchase in grocery stores across the country. It's a television format similar to ones offered to aspiring singers, a national audience to showcase their talent and personality with the immediacy of purchase for the winning creation.

The show is hosted by former star of The Bachelor, Jesse Palmer, and the competition is judged by a panel of experts including Laura Calder, host of French Food at Home, Tony Chapman, Founder and CEO of leading advertising agency Capital C, and Dana McCauley, Culinary Director at Janes Family Foods. Galen Weston, the Executive Chairman of Loblaw, joins the judging panel for the final deliberation.

Each week three Recipe to Riches contestants compete in one of seven food categories. To win the evening and the national stage they have to demonstrate that their recipe is the one that can best be scaled and marketed. The winners of each segment then compete in the season finale for the grand prize of $250,000 – the largest prize ever awarded on Canadian television.

Check out the first bit of the premier:






Be sure to follow them on Twitter and Facebook as well!! See you back here as we try out the recipes soon!!

On Screen

Did you know Canada.. this is just a few of the famous Canadian Actors out there..

• Kiefer Sutherland
• Ryan Gosling
• William Shatner
• Jim Carrey
• Dan Aykroyd
• Martin Short
• Mike Myers
• John Candy
• Catherine O`Hara
• Donald Sutherland
• Evangeline Lilly
• Howie Mandel
• Joshua Jackson
• Keanu Reeves
• Matthew Perry
• Michael J. Fox
• Pamela Anderson
• Seth Rogen

The list goes on!!

Source: Wikipedia, NorthernStars, r-go.ca, AskMen Canada, Canadian Actor

Canadians at the Oscars

Did you know Canada.. there are a few Canadians who can bring home an Oscar tonight..

• Makeup artist Adrien Morot for Barney's Version
• Sound designer Craig Berkey for True Grit
• DeBlois - co-wrote and co-directed How to Train Your Dragon
• Filmmaker Denis Villeneuve for Incendies - nominated for best foreign-language film

Some Canadian Oscar winners in our past include..

• James Cameron
• Paul Haggis
• Anna Paquin
• Jason Reitman
• Christopher Plummer

Look forward to seeing some Canadian's bring home an Oscar tonight!  Let us know if you're watching!

Olympic Gold

Did you know Canada.. we hold the record for the most gold medals won at a Winter Olympic game.  At the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics we won 14 gold medals in..

• Short track speed skating - 2
• Speed skating - 2
• Freestyle skiing - 2
• Snowboarding - 2
• Ice hockey - 2
• Bobsled - 1
• Curling - 1
• Figure skating - 1
• Skeleton - 1

Survivor

Did you know Canada.. while many of us start watching the new season of Survivor tonight there are many Canadian's signing petitions to get Canadian's on the show! Currently only American citizens can apply for the show.

Especially one man is hankering to get on Survivor: Chris Ellison from London ON. The long time fan of the show is a skier, snowboarder, scuba diver and black-belt martial artist and it sounds like he's ready for anything. Chris has received over 600 signatures in support of getting him on the show. Check out his website here: http://www.canadiandestinationsmag.com/survivor-profile.htm

Source: CBC, Toronto Sun, canadiandestinationsmag.com

Alcatraz

Did you know Canada.. JJ Abrams next big show since Lost "Alcatraz" is being filmed in Vancouver. Filming for the Pilot wrapped up last week.

I'm really looking forward to this one, Lost was my all time favourite show and I can't wait to see Jorge Garcia in another JJ show.

Source: Vancouver Sun, Canada.com, Jorge Garcia's blog: Further Dispatches