Even though I am at home, sometimes it still feels like there are not enough hours in the day. As the posse gets older, we are taking part in more activities. Trying to schedule the things that NEED to get done around the things that we WANT to do during daylight hours has turned me into a maker of lists. Lists for groceries, lists for things to do around the house, and lists for errands that need to get done.
The grocery list is the absolute pinnacle of my planning. I keep a notepad and a pencil on the refrigerator to write items down as I run out of them. I also have a long term shopping list for items that I stock up on when I see a good sale. Having a list for these things guarantees that I leave the store with everything that I need. Not an easy task with screaming little people dangling from the seats as I ferry the burgeoning cart through the store. Shopping with a list also keeps impulse purchases to a minimum: a budget bonus!
Along with all of the other Halloween related things we need to get done today we have a few last minute Halloween items to pick up. Lists are my lifesavers!
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Free Printable Colouring Pages
I am always on the lookout for new colouring pages to keep those little hands busy. FreeColoringPageFun.com offers 2500+ free printable colouring pages. Perfect for those cold winter days ahead!
Monday, October 27, 2008
Baby Gear: Choosing the right jogging stroller.
With colder weather here, walks outside with the kids are requiring more planning. I like to get outside and stay active but have my children stay warm and comfortable. I am always on the lookout for products that make this easier. My best purchase to date has been my Chariot Cougar stroller. This stroller is made by Chariot Carriers of Calgary, Alberta.
Chariot has given much thought to the convenience and comfort aspects of this system. This all-in-one system can be used as a stroller, jogger, bike trailer, as well as for hiking and cross-country skiing. The system is sold as a chassis-only and conversion kits can be purchased separately from your local bicycle shop. The chassis is lightweight and folds down conveniently for storage or travel. Different conversions can be made quickly and easily by snapping on and off the required parts. No need for tools!
The cockpit of the carrier is large enough for two toddlers to be seated comfortably. There is an integrated sunshade, bug screen and rain cover as well as extra ventilation in the rear and sides of the cockpit .
We use the Chariot daily as a stroller and have been on many family bike rides with the posse comfortable and protected from the elements.
Chariot has given much thought to the convenience and comfort aspects of this system. This all-in-one system can be used as a stroller, jogger, bike trailer, as well as for hiking and cross-country skiing. The system is sold as a chassis-only and conversion kits can be purchased separately from your local bicycle shop. The chassis is lightweight and folds down conveniently for storage or travel. Different conversions can be made quickly and easily by snapping on and off the required parts. No need for tools!
The cockpit of the carrier is large enough for two toddlers to be seated comfortably. There is an integrated sunshade, bug screen and rain cover as well as extra ventilation in the rear and sides of the cockpit .
We use the Chariot daily as a stroller and have been on many family bike rides with the posse comfortable and protected from the elements.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Sunday Morning Muffins
Sunday morning at home is always a good time for home made muffins. It was a chilly two degrees Celsius this morning but beautiful and sunny.
Our family favourite is blueberry muffins. When blueberries are in season (August here in Canada) I buy them in a five pound case. Wash and drain them carefully. Line a cookie sheet with wax paper, spread the fresh blueberries out on top of the wax paper in a single layer and place the entire tray in the deep freeze for 12 hours. When the berries are frozen solid, remove from the freezer and transfer to a resealable freezer bag. The berries will be individually frozen and can be used in muffins, cakes and pancakes.
My favourite blueberry muffin recipe is adapted from Muffins, Scones, and Breads by the Australian Women's Weekly. My muffin tin makes 6 large muffins and fits into my counter top oven.
Our family favourite is blueberry muffins. When blueberries are in season (August here in Canada) I buy them in a five pound case. Wash and drain them carefully. Line a cookie sheet with wax paper, spread the fresh blueberries out on top of the wax paper in a single layer and place the entire tray in the deep freeze for 12 hours. When the berries are frozen solid, remove from the freezer and transfer to a resealable freezer bag. The berries will be individually frozen and can be used in muffins, cakes and pancakes.
My favourite blueberry muffin recipe is adapted from Muffins, Scones, and Breads by the Australian Women's Weekly. My muffin tin makes 6 large muffins and fits into my counter top oven.
My version of the recipe:
- 2 cups flour (I use whole wheat)
- 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 4 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1 egg
- 3/4 cup milk or buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 heaping tablespoon peach or apricot all fruit jam (I use President's Choice Blue Menu Twice the Fruit Peach and Passion fruit)
Grease muffin tin. Sift dry ingredients together. Stir in remaining ingredients. Spoon mixture into the muffin tin. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes. This recipe will make 12 regular or 6 large muffins.
The addition of the jam cuts down on the amount of brown sugar needed and results in a very moist, fruity muffin.
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