Strawberries on the
Menu

Kids in the Kitchen
Vegetable Lentil Soup
CTV News at Noon
Meatball w Spicy Tomato Sauce
"Mulled" Parsnip and Apple Shooters
Rain &Snow Day Activities
CTV Ottawa Morning Live

Organization 101:
Get The Most Out of 
Your Day!
 CTV Ottawa Morning Live


Jerk-Style Trout with
Apple Carrot Relish
Global News Morning 
Apple Picking 
Ample Apple Recipes
CTV Morning Live
Pumpkin Pie with 
Cookie Crumb Crust
Global News Morning
Back to School:
Study Space and More
CTV Morning Live

Outdoor Education Easy
CTV News at Noon
Fresh From the Market
CTV Morning Live
Garden Starters!
CTV Morning Live
One Meal Five Ways:
Making the Most of It
CTV Morning Live
Easter Made Easy
CTV Ottawa Morning Live
Homeade:
Covid Health Hacks:
Saving you time and money
CTV Ottawa Morning Live
Valentines Inspiration
PIZZA X 2
Chicken Pot Pie 
Apple Cheesecake 
Rogers Daytime


Comfort Food -
Chipolte Meatload Muffins
Global News Morning

Warm Barley Lentil Salad
with Roasted Vegetables
Global News Morning

Soups On-
Creamy Roasted Parsnip
& Celeriac Soup

Global New Morning



Everyday Muffin

 Global News 

 

Parenting Panel- Back to School

CTV Morning Live

 

Summer Fun Ideas

CTV News at Noon

 

 Weekday Recipes:

 The Morning Show on CKWS

RAINBOW TROUT 

 

Sheet Pan Turkey Dinner

 

Apple Oat Skillet Cookies

 

Kids in the Kitchen! All Things Local

Rogers Daytime Ottawa

 

Kids in the Kitchen! Pizza Many Ways

CTV Morning Live

 

Keep The Kids Warm and Dry!

CTV Morning Live

 

 

EVeryday ART CAMP! CTV NEWS

Not just for March Break

 

Fun & Easy Valentines Day Ideas!

 

Parenting Panel -
Some of Your Questions Answered 
CTV Ottawa Morning Live

 

Hosting A Howling Good Halloween
October 2018 - CTV Ottawa Morning Live

 

Great Cracking 
A Twist on Some Fall Classics
October 2018- Rogers Daytime Ottawa

 

Quick Meals - On the Go! 
September 2018 CTV Ottawa Morning Live


 Back to School - Set Up For Sucess
September 2108- Daytime Ottawa

 

It's Maple Season, Let's Cook - March 13, 2018
CTV 

 

Kids in the Kitchen - March 8, 2018
Rogers TV

March Break Ideas for Kids - February 21, 2018
CTV

 

Honey Oat Apple Muffins & Slow Cooker Lasagna - January 2018

Keeping Kids Warm and Dry - January 2018

 

A Little Goes a Long Way - Decemeber 8, 2017

 

Leek Apple and Brie Tarts - December 7, 2017

 

Game Day - November 15, 2017

 

Recipes for Leftover Halloween Candy -  November 3, 2017

Thanksgiving Desserts - October 8, 2017

Muffin Tin Fritattas - September 13, 2017

First Time Back to School - August 25, 2017

Back to School Must Haves - August 14, 2017

Back to School Snacks - August 14, 2017


Long Weekend Games - August 1, 2017

Packing 101 - August 1, 2017

Camping Treats - July 13, 2017

Cooking with Kids - July 5, 2017

Maple Mustard Turkey Burgers  - June 6, 2017

Butter Tart Maple Apple Squares - March 14, 2017


 

Januaury 1, 2017 - Cooking Up Ideas for a Healthy 2017

 

 

November 23 - Kid's Week on CTV

 

September 6 - CTV Morning Live

Fresh Ideas from Foodland

September 23 - CTV Morning Live

Grilling with Rob Rainford

 

September 21 - CTV Morning Live

Fall Home Decorating and Hacks

 

September 6 - CTV Morning Live

Get Cracking #wakeupyellow


August 15 - City Montreal

Back to School

 

August 12 - Rogers TV - Daytime


August 10 - Rogers TV - Daytime

 

August 9 - CTV Morning Live

Twists on Breakfast

 

 

 

 

 facebook icon facebookicon pinterest icon email icon

 

 

 



 

Monday
Nov262012

Easy Early Holiday Crafts and Decorations 

HTML tutorial

It seems to me that the Christmas season starts earlier and earlier every year.  No sooner have we packed away our Halloween costumes than the streets are decorated for the holidays, the store decorations are up and the radio is playing Silent Night.  The wait is long for children and it is not easy to hold their enthusiasm for baking, crafting and decorating.  This year, I have some great ideas to allow the kids to start Christmas preparations early in small measure.   

 

 

Early baking with Play Dough and Play Clay

Christmas baking is the highlight of the season at my house, the laughter in the kitchen and the smell of sweet treats in the oven fill our home.  The kids love to measure, roll and decorate their creations one after another on the kitchen counter top.  It’s not even December and already they have the cookie cutters and rollers out waiting for our first baking session. 

This year, I have come up with an alternate activity to cultivate their culinary talent without filling my cookie jar with too many baked goods…. Yet! 

Today, I am making homemade Play Dough and Play Clay Ornaments.   The kids roll and cut the dough using the same tools and spend hours modeling and decorating.  What’s more is that they can also make up packets of the play dough as gifts for their friends. 


Simple Play Dough Recipe

2 cups flour
2 cups warm water
1 cup salt
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
1 Tablespoon cream of tartar (optional for improved elasticity)

Mix and heat

Mix all of the ingredients together and stir over low heat. The dough will begin to thicken until it resembles mashed potatoes.

When the dough pulls away from the sides and clumps in the center, as shown below, remove the pan from heat and allow the dough to cool enough to handle.

If your dough is still sticky, you simply need to cook it longer. Keep stirring and cooking until the dough is dry and feels like Play Dough.

Try colouring the dough in holiday colours using food colouring or unsweetened drink mix.  Sometimes I add cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice as well.


OR you can make Play Clay ornaments that can be used year after year.

 


Play Clay Recipe

2 cups baking soda

1 cup cornstarch
1 1/4 cup cold water


Mix soda and cornstarch together blending well. Add the cold water and mix well until clay is smooth. Boil for 1 minute until it has the consistency of moist mashed potatoes; stir constantly. Spoon out on a plate. Cover with a damp cloth and allow to cool. Knead dough and roll out on waxed paper. Cut out designs with a cookie cutter or shape by hand. Let dry until hard, 1-2 days. Paint ornaments with tempera paint or water colors. Dry well and coat with clear shellac or clear nail polish. Hangers may be mounted on back with glue or pressed into dough before it dries.

 

Crafts with Christmas Cookie Cutters

Make your own wrapping paper.  Dip cookie cutters into paint and press them onto craft paper.  I like to use the big roll from Ikea, $4.99 for meters of fun.


Trace the cutters onto sponges. Cut out the sponges and sponge paint a Christmas scene.


Take photos from previous years, glue them to magnetic paper (found at photo stores or the dollar store) and trace with Christmas cookie cutter shape, cut out and hang on tree. 

A Starter Christmas Tree

Each year the kids are eager to decorate the tree. That is usually right after the Santa Claus parade in the middle of November.  Our solution is to offer a smaller artificial tree that they can decorate and put in their rooms. We have collected miniature ornaments over the years. They still love to create new ones.

Five ways to add new life and extra sparkle to old decorations

Grab your glitter and empty it into a cake pan. Paint balls with glue and roll in glitter.
Use themed stickers or scrapbook stickers to create a scene or glamour up your old Christmas balls.
Use markers to add a message to a ball or a whole new design.

Gather up some of your old beads and baubles that you no longer use. Lightly sand your Christmas ball and stick beads on with Modge Podge. 

 

Christmas Card Ideas

Greeting cards can be an ongoing project for young ones. Bring out the craft box. If you build the environment, they will come. It's always a pleasure to see their works of art.  Here are some ideas for great keepsakes.  Reindeer - foot is the body, hands are the antlers.  Christmas wreath- multiple hands attached to a cardboard cutout wreath.

 

Be sure to make every moment special this holiday season.  Send me photos of your creations and I will post them to my Facebook or blog.  I would love to learn more about your Christmas craft ideas and traditions.

Wednesday
Nov212012

Mom in the Know's Ultimate List of Christmas Events

Mayor’s 12th Annual Christmas Celebration

Saturday, December 8, 2012 

3:00 to 7:00 p.m.  

This fun-filled celebration will include ice skating on the Rink of Dreams, hot chocolate and horse-drawn wagon rides outside on Marion Dewar Plaza.  Inside City Hall meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, create a craft in Santa’s workshop, have your face painted and enjoy live performances.  As a special treat, savour chocolate by Lindt!

To help those in need and to share in the spirit of the holiday season, admission to this sponsored event is a non-perishable food donation to the Ottawa Food Bank.

 

 More information 

 

Cumberland Museum Vintage Christmas Village of Lights

 December 7 - 9, 2012 

3:00 to 8:00 p.m.  

Make a keepsake ornament for your own Christmas tree, decorate gingerbread men, and take a nostalgic horse-drawn wagon ride through our illuminated village.

More information

 

Canadian Museum of Civilization Handmade Holiday Fun 

Throughout the month of December

There are a  variety of activities inspired by Christmas and the holiday season. Make a snowflake ornament for your tree, get ready for the gift-giving season with recycled Christmas cards, and create a custom crown! 

More information

 


TREES AND LIGHTS

Twinkling trees and lights sparkling on the snow are so much a part of the magic of Christmas.  Tree lighting ceremonies, hot chocolate and carols remind me of my own childhood Christmases.  I love to share the magic with my little ones.   

Christmas Lights across Canada

Downtown Ottawa
December 6, 2012 to January 7, 2013.

More information 

 

Alight at Night Festival

Over a HALF-A-MILLION lights adorn the heritage buildings, trees and fences of Upper Canada Village creating a one-of-a-kind magical backdrop for its annual Alight at Night Festival…a true winter wonderland!

Upper Canada Village
Thursdays to Sunday December 2 to 18, 2012

More information 

 

Trees of Hope Event

Chateau Laurier
November 29, 2012 to January 5, 2013

Trees of Hope is an annual event put on by the Fairmont Chateau Laurier which raises funds for CHEO. This year, 31 sponsor teams consisting of representatives from local businesses, organizations and hospitals will be decorating trees which they have purchased. The trees will be on display throughout public spaces of the hotel from Monday, November 29th  to Wednesday, January 5th.  During this time, the public is invited to drop by the Chateau, vote on their favourite tree, and make a donation to CHEO.

More information 

 

THEATRE AND MUSICALS

The Nutcracker

Re-discover the classic that warms the hearts of young and old alike: a holiday tradition that has showcased the magic of the season for years. The joy of dance comes alive with the show that audiences flock back to again and again: The Nutcracker, A Canadian Tradition, and its holiday magic.

National Arts Centre
December 5 to 9, 2012

Information / Tickets

 

 

The Story of Holly and Ivy

This story is about wishing.  Holly is a toy who wishes for a child.  Mrs. Jones and her husband wish they had a little girl.  The story is brought to life by puppets and song. 

Shenkman
December 6 to 9, 2012

Information and Tickets

 

The Salvation Army Festival of Carols

Get into the Christmas Spirit with the The Salvation Army’s Festival of Carols at Centrepointe Theatre. Come and enjoy your favourite Christmas carols with the sounds of brass, organ and choir as a thank you for your support throughout the year. 

Centrepoint Theatre
December 9, 2012

Information / Tickets

 

 

VISIT SANTA

Rideau Center

details

 

Carlingwood

details

 

Bayshore

details

 

St. Laurent

details

 

Place D’Orelans

details

 

Billings Bridge

 details

 

Merival Mall

 details

 

 Westgate

 details

 

Hazeldean

details

 

OTHER FUN STUFF

Write a Letter to Santa 


Santa Claus 
North Pole 
HOH OHO 
Canada 


Don't forget to put your return address on your letter so he can write you back.

 

Personalized Video Message from Santa 


This is not just for Ottawa residents but I wanted to share it with all of you because it is a really neat idea and my kids really liked it. http://magicsanta.ca/homepage.html

 

 

HOLIDAY CHOIRS AND SLEIGH RIDES

 

Byward Market

Stop by the corner of George and ByWard to listen to great local choirs who are raising funds for their organizations and creating some holiday cheer!

Free Horse Drawn Carriage Rides!

Saturdays and Sundays  
December 3 to 18, 2012
12:00 to 4:00 p.m.

 More information 

 

Sleigh Rides

Can there be anything more memorable than a sleigh ride at Christmastime?  Beautiful snow covered trails running through the winter landscape.  Bring a blanket and some warm hot chocolate to cozy up. 

Here is a list of places that offer Sleigh Rides in the Ottawa area.

 

 

 Wishing you and yours the Merriest Holiday!  

Julie 

MITK

 

 

 

Friday
Nov162012

The Holidays are Here

It seems like overnight the Christmas lights went up, the Holiday music was switched on and toy commericals began playing on tv.  All of  a sudden the Christmas season is here.  Ho ho ho. 

For once, I feel like I have it under control and I am armed with a list of time-saving, stress-busting tips:     

 

  • Shop in stores that offer gift-wrapping services, so you don’t have to do it yourself.
  • Use professional delivery services to send out gifts - even within the city. It’s economical, reliable, and saves you time.
  • Keep your menus simple. Prepare a few signature home-cooked meals, and order the rest from your favorite restaurant or caterer.
  • Get everyone in the family involved in decorating your home. It may not look picture perfect or polished, but everyone gets to join in on the fun, and it makes for great memories.
  • Give gifts that are easy to wrap, such as books that need only to be tied with a ribbon and a card. Or give plants and herbs in nice terracotta pots. These gifts are not expensive, and don’t need to be wrapped.
  • Don’t shop with your kids - they slow you down.  Instead, shop with your friends. They can give you great advice during indecisive moments.
  • Bring a huge bag to stuff all your purchases into - it’s easier to carry just one bag, and you help save the environment, too.
  • It’s easier and faster to stuff gifts inside gift bags, instead of wrapping each one.  
  • If you are unable to buy gifts for everyone on your list, hand out personalized gift vouchers, such as “free movie and popcorn,” redeemable anytime.
  • Despite the Christmas rush, try to find the time to do a quick workout or exercise. It will give you an energy boost and will help end your day on a high note.
  • Teach your children to focus on what they intend to give this Christmas rather than on what they will receive. This will change the way they view Christmas and will teach them to quickly respond to people in need.
  •  Discuss your holiday schedule with the kids. Show them a calendar, and tell them your planned activities. They are also enjoying their holiday from school and conflict may arise when they don’t get to do what they expected to do during their break. The rushed home life and endless parties can be very stressful for kids, so giving them a heads-up will help them manage their own expectations.
  • Identify the tasks your kids can help out with during the holidays. The kids can wrap their own gifts (Don’t sweat the crumpled wrapping or uneven tape!) and label them. Older kids can help deliver gifts to neighbors by walking or riding a bike. Giving baked goodies? Ask them to help in the preparations and packaging. 

 

 

Thursday
Nov012012

Haunted Halloween Recipes 

 

 

Tuesday
Oct302012

Don't Let The Weather Haunt your Halloween Fun!

 

 

Tips for a Rainy Halloween Night

 

 

Rain on Halloween? Thanks Hurricane Sandy!   It may not be as bad as households running out of candy, but a downpour on October 31 can cause even the most eager trick-or-treater to shudder.

Here are some tips for making the most of a rainy Halloween.

Waterproof candy bags. Give trick or treaters strong durable water resistant candy bags. Don't use paper bags.  Stick to plastic bags or cloth bags made of recyclable materials.

 
Clear plastic rain ponchos (available at walmart stores)  will allow kids to show off their costumes. However, if the rain is  heavy, you will need to have a few good quality rain coats and umbrellas ready.  For smaller, kids consider a character raincoat such as firefighter or lady bug.  Keeps them dry while still in costume. 

Pick up a few masks as a back up plan for yourself or your kids just in case the makeup smears.

Line up the boots.  Make sure you have some good quality boots available in case it gets really wet. Wet socks and feet can cut trick-or-treat time short.

Prepare a few indoor  Halloween activities like  bobbing for apples, pin the tail on the donkey or just crank up some great Halloween grooves and dance the night away in a masquerade style party.

Clear the leaves away.   Wet leaves make a slippery mess and create havoc for trick-or-treaters. Take a walk around your house early to make sure all hazards are removed.  

Make sure all of your flashlights have batteries.  Have a good flashlight for each person in your group.  They aren't going to be able to see slippery pavement or large puddles in the darkness.

Rain doesn't have to be a foil for Halloween plans. In fact, overcast or drizzly days can enhance the haunted feel of the day even more.

Happy Halloween to all of my Friends and Followers.  

 

MITK ~ Julie Findlay 

 

Cooking with Pumpkin 

 

Preparing Pumpkin

Frozen pumpkin can be used in the same way as canned or freshly cooked -- in pies, muffins, cakes, breads and even casseroles, where it does double duty as a flavouring agent and thickener.

One cup of fresh pumpkin yields about one cup of cooked mashed vegetable.

To Bake: Cut into chunks, remove seeds and fibre from central cavity. Place in baking dish with a little water, cover and bake at 325°F (160°C) until tender -- about 50 minutes. Scoop pulp from rind, mash or purée. Use in baking or season to taste and serve as side dish.

To Boil/Steam: Cut into pieces, remove seeds and fibre. Cut into large cubes. Boil in lightly salted water or steam for 20 to 30 minutes or until tender. Remove, allow to cool slightly and scoop pulp from rind.

To Microwave: Cut in half, remove seeds and fibre from centre and peel. Cut flesh into 1 1/2 inch (4 cm) chunks. Place in 8-cup (2 L) casserole, cover and microwave at high, stirring several times, for 15 to 18 minutes or until tender.

To Purée: Mash cooked pulp in food processor or blender until smooth; or use a food mill, strainer or potato masher. Drain pulp in strainer for 15 minutes; discard liquid or reserve for use in soups and stews. Pack purée in airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to three days or freeze for up to six months.

To Roast Pumpkin Seeds: An average sized pumpkin contains about one cup of seeds. For best tasting seeds, try Bushkin or Trick or Treat varieties. Wash, removing any bits of clinging fibre. Spread seeds on clean baking sheet; let dry at room temperature overnight. Toss with 1 1/2 tsp (7 mL) vegetable oil. Bake at 250°F (120°C), stirring occasionally, for 1 1/2 hours or until golden brown and crunchy.

 

A few wonderful recipes from Foodland Ontario 

 

Pumpkin Trifle

 

 

 

 

Pumpkin Pecan Fudge

 

 

Goblin Pasta