Monday, July 30, 2012

Official Date on the Penny

Did you know Canada..  it's official that Canada's mint will stop circulating pennies on Feb. 4, 2013.

As has previously been announced, cash transactions to be rounded to nearest 5-cent increment, debt and credit card will remain the same.

Now that we have a set date, how do you feel about having to round every cash transaction??


Friday, July 27, 2012

So Good

Did you know Canada..  So Good is Canada’s leading soy beverage brand.  100% lactose free and a perfect alternative to milk, it's also 100% free of cholesterol and low in saturated fat!



Coming in a wide range of flavours, we picked up a couple to try this week.  We held a taste test with the boys, Offering both Vanilla and Chocolate.  They had lots of fun with this and I'm happy to report BOTH are a huge hit here, though, as with most little boys, chocolate is the #1 favourite. :-)



As a Mom, I think this is great for my boys, as not are they getting all the nutrients they need, each serving also contains 6 grams of soy protein. For my picky eater this is a great way to get some protein and fill him up so we're not always looking for snack food.

Not only does the So Good beverage come in yummy flavours like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry, they now also have a selection of frozen desserts!!



A fantastic dairy alternative to ice cream, and coming in 3 delicious flavours: Chocolate Supreme, Creamy Vanilla and what I think would be my fav, Butterscotch Swirl.

We are so happy to support this Canadian company and we have a new favourite in the house for sure.  I'll be checking out their recipe section too, I honestly wasn't sure if Soy beverages could be easily used in recipes, now I know, yes, they can!

Follow So Good on Facebook to keep up to date on products and promotions.

We are really excited to share a giveaway with our Canadian readers as well!  Enter below for your chance to win $50 in So Good vouchers!!

Giveaway

Thursday, July 26, 2012

UNICEF Greeting Cards

Did you know Canada..  we are huge fans of Hallmark Canada, and we are so excited to let you know that they have teamed up with UNICEF.  Now you can show your support of underprivileged children by purchasing one of their everyday greeting cards.  In fact, there are more than 116 unique designs in the new UNICEF collection, so you are sure to find something for everyone and every occasion.



A portion of every UNICEF greeting card will support the organization's work ensuring child survival wherever children's lives are at risk.

Sadly every day 21,000 children under the age of 5 die - most of these deaths are preventable - can you believe it?

UNICEF has saved more children's lives than any other humanitarian organization.  For any and every occasion pick up one of these cards and not only celebrate something special in your life, also celebrate the children you are helping.


Tuesday, July 24, 2012

LOWEST Crime Reporting Rate In History

Did you know Canada.. I read a surprising article in the National Post saying Statistics Canada is reporting the rate of crimes reported to Canadian police forces reached its lowest level in 40 years in 2011.

Another surprising quote was that this marked the eighth consecutive decrease in Canada’s crime rate.

Some other interesting facts included that Nunavut, N.W.T., the Yukon have highest province/territory crime rate, and Ontario, N.B. and P.E.I. have lowest crime rates by province/territory.  I personally would have thought Ontario would have a high crime rate with big cities like Toronto.

When you turn on the TV it seems like all types of crimes are on the rise, but it looks like we are getting tougher on crime - I hope this is the case, but I'm honestly not sure if I feel any safer.

What do you think?


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

Friday, July 20, 2012

Farmers Feed Cities

Did you know Canada..  our Toronto Rep Faniya is heading to another fantastic event for us!



Did you know almost 60% of Ontario kids are unaware where their food comes from?  Next week we have a chance to attend Fresh from the Fields event at Riverdale Farm organized by Farmers Feed Cities. They invite us to experience a real farm life in the city, visit Ontario grown pigs, goat, cows, horses and baby chicks, speak with farmers and enjoy interactive games. It is a great opportunity to learn about local food we love and enjoy.

Faniya
Teddy Out-Ready


Thursday, July 19, 2012

Day Out With Thomas 2012

Did you know Canada..  last weekend we attended Day Out With Thomas Mystery On The Rails Tour 2012 in St. Thomas Ontario.

We have attended this event for a few years now and I have to say, hands-down, this year is the best one yet!  With more activities, better layout, friendly volunteers and more, we had a fantastic day!

If you follow me on Twitter you may have seen how much fun we were having, let me show you some great pictures we snapped.

We were so excited to see the entrance and knew it was going to be a great day..




First stop was the bubble truck, where they have tons of bubble stations set up, it's really fun..



Sir Topham Hat was outside taking pictures with everyone, there was also a haymaze, "Misty Island" misting station, and a fun clown making a free animal balloon of your choice!



Inside there was stories, hourly shows and movies in the a/c, a nice break on a hot day, there was also free Thomas tattoos and facepainting, Thomas tables set out to play trains, we also hit up the crafting area to make hats..



We took silly pictures..



Jumped in the awesome Thomas bouncy house and slide (free as well)..



Stopped in the store, we got a really cool Thomas light and a Thomas kite..



Then it was time to see the big guy!



The scenic ride was fun, more involved this year as Thomas made a stop to pick up a secret package, you could also get your picture taken on the train and chat with the conductor.

A fantastic day, and a great event for St. Thomas.  Thomas is there again this weekend and I highly recommend getting tickets and heading for a special day!


Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Disney Baby Review Opportunity

Did you know Canada..  Disney Baby brand is coming to Canada!!




Disney Baby is dedicated to helping parents enjoy  every little magical moment with their baby, so when the Disney “Momgineers” discovered that babies go through more than 35 bodysuits in their first year, they listened and created a perfect mom-inspired bodysuit! The extra stitching on all seams provides the Disney Cuddly Bodysuit with added strength to withstand repeated washes. This cuddly bodysuit is not only great for the babies, but for the moms too!

The Disney Cuddly Bodysuit is made from 100 per cent huggable soft cotton so moms can welcome their little one with a cuddle. It is also the first infant bodysuit to feature a patented grow-with-me design, with two rows of snaps to ensure extended use as baby grows. The label free design helps protect baby’s delicate skin and the envelope neck makes it easy to go over baby’s head.


If you have a blog and live in Canada, contact me today if you would like to review a Disney Baby cuddly bodysuit - outfits go up to 9 months.

Can't wait to see some cute babies!!


Canadian Club Mixed & Ready Cover Challenge

Did you know Canada..  Toronto Rep Teena has some awesome info for us..

Have you heard about the Canadian Club Mixed & Ready Cover Challenge?

I was invited to give you the scoop and received this cool kit of goodies (the cans are in the fridge getting a chill ... I can't wait to try 'em!).


Canadian Club Mixed & Ready is reinventing their classic whisky with a mix of Cola and Ginger Ale to create a new refreshing experience.

Now they want bands to do the same by reinventing an original Canadian song by adding their unique sound and style to create something new!

What's at stake ...
  • Three demo songs recorded, mixed and mastered in Toronto 
  • $3000 for transit to Toronto or gear
Are you ready for the challenge??
  1. 1. Choose one of the songs below and make it your own. 
  2. 2. Enter your band’s cover here
  3. 3. Share your entries with friends to collect votes (voters have the chance of winning one of two  Ticketmaster gift cards ~ valued at $3000)
The eligible songs are ...













The key dates ...
  • * Submission deadline: August 27, 2012 
  • *  Judging phase: August 27 - September 10, 2012 (by both Facebook votes and the Canadian Club Mixed & Ready judging panel)
  • *  Winner contacted: September 13, 2012
Good luck!

Teena
Teena in Toronto

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Harvest from Home

Did you know Canada..   from June through October, Metro stores have Ontarians covered with their annual Harvest from Home program!  During Harvest from Home, Metro purchases food from more than 100 farms across Ontario, providing its customers with a wide variety of the freshest most delicious produce.  Proudly supporting local farmers and the economy, Metro brings a new meaning to eating close to home!

This is AWESOME!  We've talked many times about the importance of supporting your local farmers, hitting up the farmers markets, and now you can make one trip to the grocery store and know you are indeed supporting Ontario's farmers and eating fresh food.  To celebrate we've cooked up one of metro's fantastic recipes, picking up all our fresh ingredients at our local Metro.

My little helper and I tried out the Lemon Blueberry California Walnut Bread, which the kids loved, I loved, Gramma loved, it's delicious!  Fresh blueberries and lemons make all the difference too.


Recipe ingredients
1 cup (250 mL) chopped California walnuts
2 cups (500 mL) all-purpose flour
2 tsp. (10 mL) baking powder
1/2 tsp. (2 mL) baking soda
1/4 tsp. (1 mL) salt
1 cup (250 mL) granulated sugar
2 Tbsp. (30 mL) finely grated lemon zest
3/4 cup (175 mL) buttermilk
2 eggs
1 tsp. (5 mL) pure vanilla extract
2 Tbsp. (30 mL) unsalted butter, melted
2 Tbsp. (30 mL) canola oil
1 cup (250 mL) fresh blueberries
3 Tbsp. (45 mL) granulated sugar
2 Tbsp. (30 mL) fresh lemon juice

Preparation
In dry skillet, toast walnuts over medium-high heat for 1 to 2 minutes.

In large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Whisk to combine. In medium bowl, combine sugar, lemon zest, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla, melted butter and oil. Whisk just to combine.

Make a well in centre of dry ingredients. Add liquid ingredients and mix gently just to combine; do not over-mix. Gently fold in walnuts and blueberries. Pour batter into a greased and floured 8 x 4-inch (20 x 10 cm) loaf pan. Bake at 350F (180C) for 55 to 60 minutes or until tester inserted in centre comes out clean. Cool on rack for 20 minutes; remove from pan, cool to room temperature.

Combine 3 Tbsp. sugar and lemon juice in small saucepan. Bring to boil over high heat then cook, stirring until sugar dissolves. Brush glaze over cake while still warm.

See how it went for us..

Good thing I picked up extra blueberries as my little helped was eating them all!





We got all our ingredients together..




stirred everything up..



ended up with some yummy smelling batter..



drooled over it as it came out of the oven..



and finished it off with a tasty, lemon glaze..



it looks amazing..



and as you can see, everyone thought it tasted pretty darn good too..



Be sure to check out Metro's website for more fresh tasting recipes!

We are SO EXCITED to share this recipe with one of our readers too!!  One lucky reader will win a basket full of the dry goods to make this recipe, plus a Metro giftcard to pick up the fresh ingredients.  Open to Ontario Only.



Giveaway
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
 
Blog Giveaway Directory
Sweepsadvantage
SheBlogs Canada