tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78702383479028910662024-03-12T16:32:54.880-07:00Mom's Best TricksMom's best tricks! Blog on tricks, healthy recipes, toy reviews as well as general information that help with parenting. Information for infants, babies, toddlers and school-age kids. Parenting made easier! Proud to be Canadian and in the Ottawa region.Mom's Trickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01144524076102364556noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7870238347902891066.post-76265715061645170652010-04-27T12:56:00.001-07:002010-04-27T12:56:49.331-07:00Quick Tips – Slides that aren’t “slippery”!<span xmlns=''><p>We have a great play structure with an angled slide. When it was new (and after the winter months), the kids were getting stuck half-way, defeating the whole purpose of having a slide!<br /></p><p>What can you do to make a slide more slippery?<br /></p><p>Use a furniture wax (like Pledge), and spray the slide. Wait a minute or so and then wipe it with a paper towel. This is sure to make the slide a lot more fun!<br /></p><p>(Just make sure the kids are careful on the first slide, especially if they were getting used to a "slower slide"!)<br /></p></span>Mom's Best Trickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08777939809191902781noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7870238347902891066.post-42274745296036270972009-11-16T12:55:00.000-08:002014-09-29T06:00:26.472-07:00Winter must haves for kids, toddlers and babies<div><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><span style="color:#666666;">Unlike some of my friends, I am NOT a fan of the Canadian winters. Too cold, too much snow and don't get me started on freezing rain!<br /><br />When I became a mom (YAWN! Most boring expression EVER!), I told myself that I was going to make an effort to make peace with winter... which meant that the kids and I needed to be ready to brave the cold and snow.<br /><br /><br />Here are</span> <em><strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">some of</span></strong></em> <span style="color:#666666;">the "must haves" for winter. Some of these items are part of my everyday life, and some I simply find ingenious!<br /><br /><br /></span><span style="color:#333399;"><strong>STONZ</strong></span> <a href="http://www.stonzwear.com/">http://www.stonzwear.com/</a><br /></div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405100201374359378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 70px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF7HJW9vYlImRV6yc0BddljUKI0sDLEr1KJdqozkT72Us_tC9183YbjNc0gfKBhAgnL7Nqmf6KvWPn0pdfERFxZYePJIcY_q_Wd8leEBUXbAQXhbZ1lUFqg7YyuscPsFRblqFjk8OxZ04/s320/stonz.jpg" border="0" /><span style="color:#666666;">Have you ever had a hard time putting your child's boots on? As a baby, my son had "meat feet" and it took me weeks to find him winter boots that were warm enough and had an opening wide enough for his feet: STONZ!<br /><br />Made for the Canadian winter, these "boots" are water and wind resistant and they slip easily over socks, slippers, bare feet, shoes, etc. If you have troubles putting boots on your baby/toddler, these are for you and will save you time and a lot of frustration.<br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#333399;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmkSsHZ35LAJpc4ZY-ls7W4EJbVI1qJi66y4yEfDjrHCW5-yTi3Leu4mBw3aIawwA1jNvHzBaspMtpCi6A-nV4XqKO8WcrOmVJtTodxoqE-r0NJYc_V_-RJxJ12hTSknMdwERx6gCQ7fw/s1600/winter+stuff+-+jj+cover.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405097134875925554" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmkSsHZ35LAJpc4ZY-ls7W4EJbVI1qJi66y4yEfDjrHCW5-yTi3Leu4mBw3aIawwA1jNvHzBaspMtpCi6A-nV4XqKO8WcrOmVJtTodxoqE-r0NJYc_V_-RJxJ12hTSknMdwERx6gCQ7fw/s200/winter+stuff+-+jj+cover.jpg" border="0" /></a>Snuggly/Baby Björn Carrieer Cover<br /></span></strong><br />For walks, outdoor shopping or simply for spending a little time outside, this is perfect for you and your baby. Just put your child in your usual baby carrier and cover your bundle with this soft, fleece cover. It also has a hood that you can use or keep hidden.<br /><br />It is much like a blanket, but the elastic bottom wraps under your child's feet to keep them warm - just like a cocoon! The "pocket wholes" for mom are perfect to keep your hands warm too! This neat little accessory can also be used on your stroller or car seat. For sale at </span><a href="http://www.toysrus.ca/product/index.jsp?productId=3443845&kw=&origkw=&parentPage=search&f=Taxonomy/TRUSCA/2567270&f=PAD/Brand%20Name%20Secondary/Jolly%20Jumper">Toys R Us</a>.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#666666;"><strong><span style="color:#333399;">Extra mittens and Hats</span></strong><br /><br />By the end of winter, we have usually lost all but a few mismatched mittens, a hat and, if we are lucky, a scarf! This year, I needed to be better prepared.<br /><br />I often discard the dollar store, but not this time. They carry inexpensive mittens and hats that can help you when you can't find your kids' accessories. I stock up on a few pairs for each kids, and even a few pairs of gloves for us. </span><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw62i8FCXs31ijLAMAzebAs186hth4L9wBW_bpu-SECx-o5V5ptUrK8m8KfOU4agdFmR5snKWOjQK31_S35_tJ-wSpoOT9UuAMuPojcQdt52EZAhy_fHRp__fsTaEE5pwL72chM9fgywQ/s1600/mitten+clips.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405096946969050690" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 116px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 109px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw62i8FCXs31ijLAMAzebAs186hth4L9wBW_bpu-SECx-o5V5ptUrK8m8KfOU4agdFmR5snKWOjQK31_S35_tJ-wSpoOT9UuAMuPojcQdt52EZAhy_fHRp__fsTaEE5pwL72chM9fgywQ/s200/mitten+clips.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><strong><span style="color:#333399;">Mitten clips</span></strong></p><p><span style="color:#666666;">These might save you from using your dollar store mittens...</span> <a href="http://www.outdoorkids.com/store/product.php?productid=18472&cat=760&page=1">Outdoor Kids </a><span style="color:#666666;">sell them online, but you can find them in a few kid's stores!!</span></p><p><span style="color:#666666;">(Another way to keep your kids' mittens from disappearing is to<span style="color:#000000;"> </span><a href="http://momsbesttricks.blogspot.com/2009/10/name-labels-for-kids.html">label them</a></span><span style="color:#666666;">!)</span></p><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDiDjS-egyLZIH8z_TeO_1PP-cNqruB87gB73RRQ__F2Q79UvU2gJLMzhoxXzzujYDMBVJOZP8uf36gipEHRswKJtOjQ0DKH3cb9jEpAf67mkGFBiRZv7SSYSeLv61Ykl-aDWi6sa6KI/s1600/mittens.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405096954081047618" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 143px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 146px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDiDjS-egyLZIH8z_TeO_1PP-cNqruB87gB73RRQ__F2Q79UvU2gJLMzhoxXzzujYDMBVJOZP8uf36gipEHRswKJtOjQ0DKH3cb9jEpAf67mkGFBiRZv7SSYSeLv61Ykl-aDWi6sa6KI/s200/mittens.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong><span style="color:#333399;">Creative mittens</span></strong></p><p><span style="color:#666666;">Some will argue that keeping the mittens on your kids is the biggest task of all. At my son school, they would <em><strong>tape</strong></em> his mittens on because he would always take them off! Maybe if he had "cool bear hands mittens", he would not have taken them off!</span></p><p><span style="color:#666666;">These come in two styles. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-E_GWpxLNMMZ3NMMri7r60zjn0RVXyTHgWHRE1LzU_AvlGMcjPxc2d9EwHDcGPVfC7reyzR7S4E5q85kFVvcr4hm1jdRcpSWIpu2bZiKXcvhz5VcGgmhrvIwFSMA_ObWJs6JHwJAuqRU/s1600/mittens+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405096948547497170" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 155px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 161px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-E_GWpxLNMMZ3NMMri7r60zjn0RVXyTHgWHRE1LzU_AvlGMcjPxc2d9EwHDcGPVfC7reyzR7S4E5q85kFVvcr4hm1jdRcpSWIpu2bZiKXcvhz5VcGgmhrvIwFSMA_ObWJs6JHwJAuqRU/s200/mittens+2.jpg" border="0" /></a>Regular ones for babies and toddlers, and some with an opening for older kids. As you can see in the picture, kids can "flip" them open when they need to use their fingers, instead of taking the mittens off.</span><br /></p><p><a href="http://www.bearhands.net/index.php?section=100">http://www.bearhands.net/index.php?section=100</a></p><br /><p><span style="color:#666666;"><strong><span style="color:#333399;">Car protector</span></strong> </span></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNg4xRo7h6zr5nCcVeiwy0fRYC8Pyyc7IdnbIiWPWVJc4pA3iHm9SERw776P3idTRBXEkp3-_CJAZ5Ytky8jKeW6Oy3Y84eXLcNwAlmliKH1Mx_hxQIreiCZVWM8SdXGQujPOwtzlOj2g/s1600/undermat.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405097128543613778" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 155px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 175px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNg4xRo7h6zr5nCcVeiwy0fRYC8Pyyc7IdnbIiWPWVJc4pA3iHm9SERw776P3idTRBXEkp3-_CJAZ5Ytky8jKeW6Oy3Y84eXLcNwAlmliKH1Mx_hxQIreiCZVWM8SdXGQujPOwtzlOj2g/s200/undermat.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#666666;">Anyone who has a new car or takes good care of their car understands how frustrating it is to see how kids get your car dirty. Salt, sand, rocks, snow and slush... </span><br /><p><span style="color:#666666;">When I was a kid, the only thing to protect your car were those plastic mats you put on the floor. Now with the new car seats, dirty boots are right against the back of the front seats.</span></p><p><span style="color:#666666;">Now there is a great way to protect your car and keep it clean. The first is a</span> <a href="http://www.babyproofingplus.com/item10333.htm">seat cover </a><span style="color:#666666;">you put under the car seat. It is great for any food that might escape your kid's hands and any potty <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVVzjoEbcPgMTaz5dKobhSV4mzb_cpzkxVieXrhNvxnC7CqhGEmp2qWEtc4InUtpFjz2cTS_CgpRNXG60assDGNzDrdJW9pswLAWqyBjkKJuXMX0PNfQBNr7hWQDTFe-WFT3lZwXbq2vY/s1600/car+seat+protector.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405096942926424002" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 180px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 179px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVVzjoEbcPgMTaz5dKobhSV4mzb_cpzkxVieXrhNvxnC7CqhGEmp2qWEtc4InUtpFjz2cTS_CgpRNXG60assDGNzDrdJW9pswLAWqyBjkKJuXMX0PNfQBNr7hWQDTFe-WFT3lZwXbq2vY/s200/car+seat+protector.jpg" border="0" /></a>accidents that might happen in the car. Be sure to get one that is waterproof!</span></p><p><span style="color:#666666;">The second protects the back of you front seats. Some are</span> <a href="http://www.toysrus.ca/product/index.jsp?productId=2685770&kw=&origkw=&parentPage=search&f=Taxonomy/TRUSCA/2567270&f=PAD/Brand%20Name%20Secondary/Jolly%20Jumper">simple</a>,<span style="color:#666666;"> and</span> <a href="http://www.toysrus.ca/product/index.jsp?productId=2852943&kw=&origkw=&parentPage=search&f=PAD/Brand%20Name%20Secondary/Jolly%20Jumper">some have different compartments for toys, books and snacks</a>.<br /><br /></p><p><br /><strong><span style="color:#333399;">Balaclava </span></strong></p><p><span style="color:#666666;">I'll admit, I can't pronounce this word without having it <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw2XybY4iNZnFQ9O8zjeFOOyX_oWSG-_mbeSeVXUuaexRPUuAYjqwStDrHu2jzDpud5enFtIUwh4Cdi-B9DCpMXclfTaE5kC56De3lSo2BSafm8JSxGX5hdOj59BJF2MJ8GoYa9VhIwYo/s1600/Balaclava.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405096941058820130" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 93px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw2XybY4iNZnFQ9O8zjeFOOyX_oWSG-_mbeSeVXUuaexRPUuAYjqwStDrHu2jzDpud5enFtIUwh4Cdi-B9DCpMXclfTaE5kC56De3lSo2BSafm8JSxGX5hdOj59BJF2MJ8GoYa9VhIwYo/s200/Balaclava.gif" border="0" /></a>written in from of me... or else it sounds like a Greek dessert!!! BUT, these are awesome for kids, toddlers and babies! They keep you kid's head, ears and neck warm with one piece of fleece that won't move while your kid is playing. These are comfortable and perfect for playing, skiing, skating or any other outdoor sport you and your kids enjoy.</span></p><p><a ref="http://www.kidskiandrain.com/balaclavas.html">http://www.kidskiandrain.com/balaclavas.html</a></p><br /><br /><p><strong><span style="color:#330099;">SPF cream and lip protection</span></strong></p><p><span style="color:#666666;">It's not because it's winter that we need to put the sun screens away. When your kids are going outside, don't forget to put it on every patch of skin that is exposed. </span></p><br /><br /><p><br /></p><br /><br /><span style="color:#666666;">Now it's your turn to let us know what are YOUR "winter must haves"!<br /><br /></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Mom's Best Trickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08777939809191902781noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7870238347902891066.post-29252354268013348402009-11-14T05:20:00.000-08:002014-09-29T06:00:26.467-07:00Shop online - shipping deals for CanadaOne trick to keep your sanity over the holidays is to avoid going to malls. You save time, traffic, parking and many, many headaches!<br /><br />However, the main problem with online shopping is that you are often stuck with a large shipping fee that can make your purchase seem less worth it.<br /><br /><br />Here is a list of a few online store where you can get free shipping to Canada:<br /><br /><br /><strong>Toys R Us</strong> - <a href="http://www.toysrus.ca/">http://www.toysrus.ca</a> - Free shipping for orders over $75 (some items ship for free)<br /><br /><strong>Robeez</strong> - <a href="http://www.robeez.com/">http://www.robeez.com</a> - free shipping when you buy 2 pairs or more<br /><br /><strong>Chapters / Indigo</strong> - <a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/">http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/</a> - Free shipping for orders over $39<br /><div> <br /></div><div><strong>Amazon</strong> - <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/">http://www.amazon.ca</a> - Free shipping for orders over $39</div><div><br /> </div><div><strong>Buy.com Canada</strong> - <a href="http://ca.buy.com/">http://ca.buy.com/</a> - most orders ship free (computer stuff, electronics, software)</div><div><br /> </div><div><div><strong>The Source by Circuit City</strong> - <a href="http://www.thesource.ca/">http://www.thesource.ca</a> - Standard shipping is free</div><div><div> </div></div><br /></div><div><strong>Gourmet Gift Baskets Canada</strong> - <a href="http://www.giftwithabasket.com/">http://www.giftwithabasket.com/</a> - Free shipping</div><div><br /> </div><div><strong>Roots Canada</strong> - <a href="http://canada.roots.com/">http://canada.roots.com</a> - free shipping on orders over $100</div><div> </div><div><br /><br /><br /> </div><div> </div><div>Of course, it's hard to list all stores that have shipping deals this season. A few websites are dedicated to finding great shipping deals out there (however some need updating). </div><div> <br /><br /></div><div>If you find another deal worth sharing, be sure to write a comment below! </div>Mom's Trickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01144524076102364556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7870238347902891066.post-3590374887589226652009-10-28T04:00:00.000-07:002014-09-29T06:00:26.470-07:00Easy pumpkin carving ideas and free patternsThis post is easy... it's just pictures (some mine, some not!) of different ways to carve a pumpkin. Most of them are really easy to do too!<br /><br />A carved pumpkin can last anywhere from <span style="color:#cc6600;"><strong><em>1 day to a week</em></strong></span>, so don't carve too early!<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc6600;"><br />HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!! </span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc6600;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc6600;"></span></strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397368654860161122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiee_h7dROQASj0-wTfBBMVuH8VXK7XVXwNmELwLLOBPVdAnm4eRIjkCEPtv2d9PQez51uzePhjSB9j3hpTbeJHjUyNqLdPP0CkJ1d1ybhykZxiInIb0XgFGZua3XLB9pOJeWDVstPGjBk/s320/pumpkins.jpg" border="0" /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj4AL2GuYu4X-LOBFdr38Eym7qeMudWqB6ww84oeSARGrfUo0w0-bs3deuM_I0ZJ7js-hbn0Ar53S5gf3hb7vSX1ZxaAVynnGV4WLflMJouzWXQQhiPboAVQ93IyEQnXr_mcDDv9yT4h0/s1600-h/Thomas+709.jpg"></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397368957737698178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj4AL2GuYu4X-LOBFdr38Eym7qeMudWqB6ww84oeSARGrfUo0w0-bs3deuM_I0ZJ7js-hbn0Ar53S5gf3hb7vSX1ZxaAVynnGV4WLflMJouzWXQQhiPboAVQ93IyEQnXr_mcDDv9yT4h0/s320/Thomas+709.jpg" border="0" /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFQbx-xIeqh61Xcen24yx9oEOy2xE0Ca-XW8hPfySB_oo-GVHXef_XUeow88svqyH1nV3AUMSHb-CTnc9RttFg8tk2vWfwg9fddi_S-h9m2NLs-l_S47054nVNYErHqAB3iw-nDickiY/s1600-h/Thomas+704.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397368952217773458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFQbx-xIeqh61Xcen24yx9oEOy2xE0Ca-XW8hPfySB_oo-GVHXef_XUeow88svqyH1nV3AUMSHb-CTnc9RttFg8tk2vWfwg9fddi_S-h9m2NLs-l_S47054nVNYErHqAB3iw-nDickiY/s320/Thomas+704.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnWg3oqZrfg9eGjIc66BGXg-Ri8k5uPeYHUDkBVAJDMHgcB1Q-P25bg6uuITFo_YF-jyeMDKT-pvi7vcqQKpoCtJpgItXDNnEldDXYLWs_PEQMZyYHpjnK7mrS0hGVFIATBT0qf0y9V6w/s1600-h/Thomas+703.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397368652229312050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnWg3oqZrfg9eGjIc66BGXg-Ri8k5uPeYHUDkBVAJDMHgcB1Q-P25bg6uuITFo_YF-jyeMDKT-pvi7vcqQKpoCtJpgItXDNnEldDXYLWs_PEQMZyYHpjnK7mrS0hGVFIATBT0qf0y9V6w/s320/Thomas+703.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7AC5azyHHaC4dblONJzWlti7SsOtFMfiZteTUuwX_mWk-cY7yr0Qb-NXT68yoJi9x_uylw3XVQBbOM-pio9rOqAB4PO12aqnoGqt95b44bZtX1hUmMUCwscPK7I-U65XO5MvZles2st4/s1600-h/Pumpkins+004.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397368646921461554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7AC5azyHHaC4dblONJzWlti7SsOtFMfiZteTUuwX_mWk-cY7yr0Qb-NXT68yoJi9x_uylw3XVQBbOM-pio9rOqAB4PO12aqnoGqt95b44bZtX1hUmMUCwscPK7I-U65XO5MvZles2st4/s320/Pumpkins+004.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs6R87A9PRcKYjtWrydXHvRINqMmItRQW3uiLh9UWeaRfCLW1Ej2kZE3WGVZxLjy_nU0FHIhGwWRYiGLK336ln26NjSTqbiDljxZ6VszYuTyeVeu62-vZ7X8B8QyR4LWaM79I6riYVdDA/s1600-h/pumpkins2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397368641716507538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs6R87A9PRcKYjtWrydXHvRINqMmItRQW3uiLh9UWeaRfCLW1Ej2kZE3WGVZxLjy_nU0FHIhGwWRYiGLK336ln26NjSTqbiDljxZ6VszYuTyeVeu62-vZ7X8B8QyR4LWaM79I6riYVdDA/s320/pumpkins2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397368646102643490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipPwc2A1c7t07EQ3wCb2LEUN5WoZd-tcP5aYD9diPN74v3ArdHyhxP5YOpSmGVKrQTZvsFpgToBdRC1-ZFH1Q4fD7DzgUCMlh_NtBi2hcVTclApprpCl4kQQlFMUIbC1Zporo2no1tdzg/s320/Pumpkins+001.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm87wOrKb-lQuorbhJ2Gt-q27c7g11ShnFwyYnXe9EOeWXKII-YnvSLP5i1mqznjrpcoKcfd80yoRmy6SIwzPFoBpg88gLrMbAhyphenhyphenOhBj9XU8GM_mIrpaNk-chLFTS4MR2Ej10HlYXY01A/s1600-h/pumpkin.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397368221822553730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 241px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm87wOrKb-lQuorbhJ2Gt-q27c7g11ShnFwyYnXe9EOeWXKII-YnvSLP5i1mqznjrpcoKcfd80yoRmy6SIwzPFoBpg88gLrMbAhyphenhyphenOhBj9XU8GM_mIrpaNk-chLFTS4MR2Ej10HlYXY01A/s320/pumpkin.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBSIFM4ZZ2pVxmCmZY_IjDfo3sDu-pvHmL6cS3PiwYeJscEErPVcpWaPiuy-sn1h4pudvseIbu0tCt_H6-MfIjKGOKguk_fWILPlIGmTbcDPey7vWI5nH8xyIClgLcUvK-UGOAhCDlw4E/s1600-h/pumpkin8.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397368219747487618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 260px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBSIFM4ZZ2pVxmCmZY_IjDfo3sDu-pvHmL6cS3PiwYeJscEErPVcpWaPiuy-sn1h4pudvseIbu0tCt_H6-MfIjKGOKguk_fWILPlIGmTbcDPey7vWI5nH8xyIClgLcUvK-UGOAhCDlw4E/s320/pumpkin8.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0vLulRH9s9XN3OnXzlBc0OSzk9qLIH8mbQ2RbiHfhYxtupPXDl1GMYcx_JPeXM72yAhntTpFDBqFKaxTaytfhL0uNJcFavBwLgtmeDxhPRK-qoNLvDwjCzdiG_RnhPEPt39g2rIru34/s1600-h/pumpkin7.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397368216102913858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 221px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0vLulRH9s9XN3OnXzlBc0OSzk9qLIH8mbQ2RbiHfhYxtupPXDl1GMYcx_JPeXM72yAhntTpFDBqFKaxTaytfhL0uNJcFavBwLgtmeDxhPRK-qoNLvDwjCzdiG_RnhPEPt39g2rIru34/s320/pumpkin7.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv6nFha5aTjnsNHKjpI_Cl7NaIkFzNqJfjJlQhzVQ43Q_Ei_m2IjiVBHxwZ-kQiRx6CGv8XGCrjftdQ83BuvtM8TsjXjpFIv5qgFVHEYPeyKtPyxEg05Wq0uqkRbh75yCjSPqjZ8BtiBg/s1600-h/pumpkin6.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397368212116804626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 256px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv6nFha5aTjnsNHKjpI_Cl7NaIkFzNqJfjJlQhzVQ43Q_Ei_m2IjiVBHxwZ-kQiRx6CGv8XGCrjftdQ83BuvtM8TsjXjpFIv5qgFVHEYPeyKtPyxEg05Wq0uqkRbh75yCjSPqjZ8BtiBg/s320/pumpkin6.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNquo7tVqvGuo9Kt0K7dMTz0rQNrpUHexj0s0ivdgezKHgWIPMl4BcL_mNTra_gTpipXhoWh4Z2SG7PP4M2iXaKuLx6Tw8JxZezp4uP9QI1HLdouYHXNHjbm15w-gUqMl4vgWsb8ZEeEs/s1600-h/pumpkin5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397368212002795730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 256px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNquo7tVqvGuo9Kt0K7dMTz0rQNrpUHexj0s0ivdgezKHgWIPMl4BcL_mNTra_gTpipXhoWh4Z2SG7PP4M2iXaKuLx6Tw8JxZezp4uP9QI1HLdouYHXNHjbm15w-gUqMl4vgWsb8ZEeEs/s320/pumpkin5.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62DU4WcbiInxK_MuB53f5QDto88qSfwJWr2du5mzQPlCo9PCfD9K3o_rgXylDAth12zUkqVV_y-HBn9hD0Tdq2hrk5MDbF011akPu1LAPYmVC6GXQFksXgr_rhNYvkXm4mNH-6l_U4gg/s1600-h/pumpkin4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397367975913444994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 256px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62DU4WcbiInxK_MuB53f5QDto88qSfwJWr2du5mzQPlCo9PCfD9K3o_rgXylDAth12zUkqVV_y-HBn9hD0Tdq2hrk5MDbF011akPu1LAPYmVC6GXQFksXgr_rhNYvkXm4mNH-6l_U4gg/s320/pumpkin4.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEaTOd3NVfMzKeOkQBQ0ggVO6Cz00D2nB68VvPkh9vWNTesF3D-les-iFe8v74lwLTMT0EjIVVqWh8Z45DMHE-3XrV9jS5FmXvOL2z7WKQ-EyOEGPUpJpehvZS72iF8zRlNq5d7EhUX7g/s1600-h/pumpkin3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397367972377731010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 256px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEaTOd3NVfMzKeOkQBQ0ggVO6Cz00D2nB68VvPkh9vWNTesF3D-les-iFe8v74lwLTMT0EjIVVqWh8Z45DMHE-3XrV9jS5FmXvOL2z7WKQ-EyOEGPUpJpehvZS72iF8zRlNq5d7EhUX7g/s320/pumpkin3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2VvCooewckMwZ_Tc8__H7Zq9cD0XUnxm9780N_42fHxFxu64GTlQa5VovGynavffgGXGcumpPoUx27IjE-AeE1JNck5JG93C0VfEKnzpzlVUSC2sHzlE0zO8JupOneuKiHeL7nNNY_-4/s1600-h/pumpkin2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397367971839749538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 260px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2VvCooewckMwZ_Tc8__H7Zq9cD0XUnxm9780N_42fHxFxu64GTlQa5VovGynavffgGXGcumpPoUx27IjE-AeE1JNck5JG93C0VfEKnzpzlVUSC2sHzlE0zO8JupOneuKiHeL7nNNY_-4/s320/pumpkin2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_sZgW_CGKu7uOKsAETSUXgWa-rijKcr73t-bz_UOkXGylVSB_wjVkQ-479jlPWIHidm1lrE4n8C9i-Ux_fSRqvVU5O7Ci99eWTqaFLvIXPnWRfZ-vNwG9gudNSs82aQQ6fPbrTC1VAuc/s1600-h/pumpkin1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397367964512973106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 221px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_sZgW_CGKu7uOKsAETSUXgWa-rijKcr73t-bz_UOkXGylVSB_wjVkQ-479jlPWIHidm1lrE4n8C9i-Ux_fSRqvVU5O7Ci99eWTqaFLvIXPnWRfZ-vNwG9gudNSs82aQQ6fPbrTC1VAuc/s320/pumpkin1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr7ALA9351PywYm1M0Lpj-RNyVyVRhkMOOllFTgUYNaViCIrbY7OtjR_ZLd9V3rA9EdW7dM0V4W3moZcpwW-gt_vpVBzyc2CXkxsBh_bKwRCR0V3t0zrb8w7Q1soYGj8uuDaHPs4zYIQc/s1600-h/29halloween.cityroom%5B1%5D.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397367962296243762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 182px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr7ALA9351PywYm1M0Lpj-RNyVyVRhkMOOllFTgUYNaViCIrbY7OtjR_ZLd9V3rA9EdW7dM0V4W3moZcpwW-gt_vpVBzyc2CXkxsBh_bKwRCR0V3t0zrb8w7Q1soYGj8uuDaHPs4zYIQc/s320/29halloween.cityroom%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc6600;"><br /></span></strong>The following websites have FREE patterns you can download and print to help you carve you own pumpkin:<br /><br /><div></div><div><a href="http://www.celebrating-halloween.com/pumpkincarving/index.shtml">http://www.celebrating-halloween.com/pumpkincarving/index.shtml</a><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.ehow.com/halloween/templates.html#carvingPatterns">http://www.ehow.com/halloween/templates.html#carvingPatterns</a><br /><a href="http://www.dltk-holidays.com/halloween/mpatterns.htm">http://www.dltk-holidays.com/halloween/mpatterns.htm</a><br /></div><div><br />sources:</div><div><a href="http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/">http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/</a><br /><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/">http://www.marthastewart.com/</a></div><div><a href="http://www.rd.com/">http://www.rd.com/</a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Mom's Trickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01144524076102364556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7870238347902891066.post-17361084740232582472009-10-05T04:00:00.002-07:002014-09-29T06:00:26.464-07:00Indoor fall activities you can do with your childrenMy last post was about activities you can do outside with your kids. As much as I like going outside with my kiddies, there are some days where the fall weather just doesn't cooperate!<br /><div><br /><div>Here is a list of activities you and your kids can do inside the house.</div><br /><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#990000;">Halloween and fall coloring pictures</span></strong> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388827261643555634" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 137px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 154px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrh6K9hR7QtrmDbxGQ0cr0Atv4oyNX-MXyzzccvqsOkgzMyIz_8OKJpcymAd00qNg1RsKQuJQu5g6_0vQ2me8Yy3DVRH3LvwW34TZUJgI_znBa7L4kpPaurGnKIgbM_wwwri9h8AS6WYM/s200/scarecrow.gif" border="0" /><br /><br />If you have a printer and crayons or markers, you're all set for an inexpensive activity.</div><br /><div>The following websites (along with about 100 other ones on the web!) have a number of free Halloween coloring pages to print. Under the "Holidays" section, you'll find some Thanksgiving and Halloween pages. You'll find pumpkins, turkeys, pilgrims, autumn leafs... pretty much any fall-themed coloring page you could want!<br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388827255876779474" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 135px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 154px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyeeD9CooEltUoOEOseHBBKOM8yQlusDe6bRstLK-Jpq1nSd4Xh0XxCLVLT-r34amPFN1678zpeoHzXiwahPEQs29fF5PqUd3H2unZRdyqYjz2lurjv1nHN-LctVhKp2XScqSKinwMHeM/s200/pump2.gif" border="0" /></div><div><a href="http://www.coloring-page.net/coloring.html">http://www.coloring-page.net/coloring.html</a></div><div><a href="http://www.coloring.ws/holidays.htm">http://www.coloring.ws/holidays.htm</a></div><br /><div>If you don't find what you are looking for, just "Image Google" the words "Halloween coloring pages" and you'll probably find it!</div><br /><div>If you are planning a thanksgiving dinner with a number of kids, you can pre-print 2-3 designs per kid and have the kids' table all ready with markers and crayons.</div><br /><div><br /><strong><span style="color:#990000;">Halloween Crafts - using their hands</span></strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388909614298557858" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 80px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf7CIdNTHmepGGkF30NQvJOK4s4PiBQOE3qyzXCWd0NPYNeBhEfHp0PCubk4l27Vg9x0onUCWui9-E4k-6vs7cvCVrRT82PvQxgRrVL6f2WbCbg5qoqKhKONx8PngwzwvnTWLMcXwfGn4/s200/bathands.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><div>There are about a thousand different fall or Halloween crafts you can do with your kids. Depending on the age of your kids, you can find something that will be interesting and challenging to them.</div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388909604143334146" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 197px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 143px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs4lQNP8rhr4GJDsIDoVXThwF-Ns0Oqod0NzHtl4ylHlt-jW8J3s3V5RDjdviJdFsEeabXLTPqqxFGjDJkWkJx_oi9H1dO3k2DD0HSNI-PwGCiKpnQwIBsvZxx0rA93yuexKK_Wfz8t5w/s200/Family+1575.jpg" border="0" />One thing that is always fun for my toddler is tracing his hands and making something out of it. Here are a few examples that are really easy to do - depending on the age, you might have to help a little or a lot! </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#990000;">Decorate for Halloween and Fall</span></strong></div><br /><div>Where younger kids love to help, older ones like to create.</div><br /><div>If you have a toddler, get him/her to help you stick things on the windows, put spiders in the webs, draw on paper pumpkins, etc. </div><br /><div>For older kids, give them a budget and let them go loose at the dollar store, Michael's (don't forget your 40%-50% coupons!), or any other decorating store. Then step back and let them create - you might be surprised!</div><br /><br /><div></div><div><strong><span style="color:#990000;">Making a center-piece for Thanksgiving dinner</span></strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKQPJT-Ir5Z9WEVwke8_VTZslTYw5ypxX4LogpfkkE7wFrB7M-qdBpPmOXOGUFR3DgfOEPcYXx3iUoeXUSXQ31VFqZdk-TWsatCDwOF7spYRrB1RtXsNZ1T011ybqDga4sDo1Dc25N8jg/s1600-h/pumpkin+004.jpg"><strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388916640052243250" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKQPJT-Ir5Z9WEVwke8_VTZslTYw5ypxX4LogpfkkE7wFrB7M-qdBpPmOXOGUFR3DgfOEPcYXx3iUoeXUSXQ31VFqZdk-TWsatCDwOF7spYRrB1RtXsNZ1T011ybqDga4sDo1Dc25N8jg/s200/pumpkin+004.jpg" border="0" /></strong></a></div><br /><div>Are you planning on having some guests over for Thanksgiving? If yes, then spend one of those rainy days making a center-piece for the table.</div><br /><div>You can go online and choose an elaborate design or simply use candles (or your uncarved pumpkin) and decorate it with leafs, arranged on a platter. Kids can help by making (out of black cardboard) a smiley face for one side and a scary face for the other.</div><br /><br /><div></div><div><strong><span style="color:#990000;">Leaf rubbings</span></strong></div><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#990000;"></span></strong></div><div>Here's something to do with those leafs the kids picked out when the weather was nicer... </div><br /><div></div><div>Peel the label off a few crayons (go for fall colors - brown, orange, red, yellow). Place a white sheet of paper on top of a few leafs. Get your kids to rub the crayon horizontally on the paper over the leafs.<br /></div><div></div><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#990000;">Cook / Bake</span></strong></div><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#990000;"></span></strong></div><div>There are a few recipes out there where kids can help by pouring ingredients or stirring. Give my son a wooden spoon to stir a soup and he's in heaven!</div><br /><div></div><div>Kids as young as 2 can actively help you when cooking or baking. Just keep them a safe distance from the stove or electric appliances.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#990000;">Making Leafs Placemats</span></strong></div><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#990000;"></span></strong></div><div>Take those leafs you picked up a few days/weeks before. Arrange them in different patterns on a sheet of wax paper (leafs on the waxed side). Place another sheet (wax-on-wax) and iron with your clothes iron, on a low setting. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#990000;">Build a fort</span></strong></div><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#990000;"></span></strong></div><div>Channel your inner kid and build a fort for your kid(s). Use blankets, boxes, cushions, tents, etc. Get them to help you make it and, why not, have lunch in it with your kids (provided it's big enough!!!).</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><div>Whether inside or outside, there is plenty of thing to do with the kids. We just have to stop being an adult for a few hours and take the time to have fun with them!</div></div>Mom's Trickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01144524076102364556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7870238347902891066.post-9871884679381349532009-09-30T04:55:00.000-07:002014-09-29T06:00:26.476-07:00Outdoor Fall Activities with ChildrenI know it's getting chilly outside, but there are weeks of outdoor fun left before winter really takes a stand.<br /><br /><div>I've compiled a list of different activities you can do with you kids so you can all enjoy the few weeks of nice weather left.<br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><span style="color:#ff6600;"><strong>Pumpkin patch</strong> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaDd2-Y4ucizkK7zHW_52jo5mPgj9bLIgSKsCC5NmoW8sLY1xjUf0GWkG2o2mgo9YwqGS82koV3N4wTOA-xCRDs6yPtJZSFd5LkHfPODfMfNIIEWkU3xHuHccb42JgNiO1DkY3St_jl8g/s1600-h/Thomas+681.jpg"><span style="color:#ff6600;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387228849848536322" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaDd2-Y4ucizkK7zHW_52jo5mPgj9bLIgSKsCC5NmoW8sLY1xjUf0GWkG2o2mgo9YwqGS82koV3N4wTOA-xCRDs6yPtJZSFd5LkHfPODfMfNIIEWkU3xHuHccb42JgNiO1DkY3St_jl8g/s200/Thomas+681.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-n2zxGv8BqOXMrsOznxRTLVa1O25y1khwAqqRtn7D0AnjYxJp0XCxx0PcL8TpCVcjjw96wgNZIdog9hEXBiKkHRPz4ZRqVPIZKvYrOqZkoDjmc27o3c_mfbj0GAWG2L3FhjW89OCrCOI/s1600-h/Thomas+681.jpg"></a><br />This is one of my favorite things to do. I love going there with the kids, walking around to pick my pumpkins (yes, I'm one of those people that get more than one pumpkin!!). My toddler gets to pick smaller pumpkins that I let him paint. The rest, until carved, is used for decoration inside and outside the house.<br /></div><br /><div>If you are lucky enough to live close to a large pumpkin patch, they might also have other items such as gourds, hay bails, fall mums, fresh vegetables and even activities for the kids.<br /></div><br /><div>This website has a long list of pumpkin patches in Ontario:<br /><a href="http://www.pumpkinpatchesandmore.org/CAONpumpkins.php#Eastern">http://www.pumpkinpatchesandmore.org/CAONpumpkins.php#Eastern</a><br /></div><br /><div>With such great colors around, it's a great time for a photo session too!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-n2zxGv8BqOXMrsOznxRTLVa1O25y1khwAqqRtn7D0AnjYxJp0XCxx0PcL8TpCVcjjw96wgNZIdog9hEXBiKkHRPz4ZRqVPIZKvYrOqZkoDjmc27o3c_mfbj0GAWG2L3FhjW89OCrCOI/s1600-h/Thomas+681.jpg"></a><br /></div><br /><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>Apple picking</strong><br /></span></div><br /><div>I think the reason I like apple picking is because there HAS to be baking involved after. With kids, it becomes an activity outside where they can run around and get some fresh air.<br /></div><br /><div>In the Ottawa region, you have Pinewood Orchards (<a href="http://www.pinewoodorchards.com/">http://www.pinewoodorchards.com/</a>), Kilmarnoc Orchard (<a href="http://www.kilmarnockorchard.ca/">http://www.kilmarnockorchard.ca/</a>), and MANY others. If you prefer to go a little south of Ottawa, you'll also find Hall's Apple Market (<a href="http://www.hallsapplemarket.com/">http://www.hallsapplemarket.com/</a>) in the Brockville area.<br /></div><br /><div>A lot of them will also have baked goods and cider for sale. Mmmmm....<br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><span style="color:#993300;"><strong>Leaf picking and Raking leafs</strong><br /></span></div><br /><div>As this might not interest the older kids (they'll know it's actual work!), bringing the kids outside while you rake the leafs on the yard is another way for them to get entertained for free! ;)<br /></div><br /><div>In the middle of jumping in the leaf piles, get them to set aside a few "nice" leafs. Keep them in a thick book (preferably a dictionary or a phone book), maybe later, you can find some craft activities where you need leafs!<br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Activity centers around Ottawa</span></strong><br /></div><br /><div>Many farm have adapted their properties and made them family centers. Places like Saunder's farm (<a href="http://www.saundersfarm.com/">http://www.saundersfarm.com/</a> - a little on the expensive side) and the Valley View </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Little Animal Farm (<a href="http://www.vvlittleanimalfarm.com/">http://www.vvlittleanimalfarm.com/</a> - fairly priced) make for a great day outside.<br /></div><br /><div>If you kids are older, you can also have some "motorized" fun at places like Vanridge ATV Tours and Trails (<a href="http://www.vanridgeatvtrails.com/">http://www.vanridgeatvtrails.com/</a>). However, call ahead to make sure you children are old enough to ride with you.<br /></div><br /><div>The first website of this post also lists a number of places where you can go in your area.<br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#cc9933;">With the nice colors, how about a nice photo session?<br /></span></strong></div><br /><div>If you are talented in photography or know someone who is, the fall colors are the prefect background to gorgeous pictures. An outside photo session might turn out better than any other you've ever had!<br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#660000;">Make a Scarecrow</span><br /></strong></div><br /><div>Using old clothes, stuff it with leafs or hay. Use a plastic or real pumpkin or a bag filled with leafs for the head. Once finished, the easier way to display it is to sit it in a patio chair.<br /></div><br /><div>It's a great decoration for Halloween night too!<br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#336666;">The Last Picnic</span><br /></strong></div><br /><div>OK, it's getting cold, but it's no reason to stay inside!<br /></div><br /><div>So, how about a day at the park where your kids spent the whole summer? Most coolers or lunch bags will also keep your food warm, so pack a Thermos of soup or chili, a few gingerbread cookies, and another Thermos for... what else? HOT CHOCOLATE!<br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Have fun this fall, and stay safe! </div>Mom's Trickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01144524076102364556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7870238347902891066.post-80657934018762194082009-09-21T05:00:00.000-07:002009-09-30T08:54:05.971-07:00Tricks for Children's Fever: The Fever Chart<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Aaaaaaah</span>... can't you feel it? Winter is coming!<br /><br />Last week, my family survived yet another cold virus, the first one of the season. I found myself taking <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">everyone's</span> temperature and AGAIN googling what is the temperature that is considered a fever, when to go see the Doc, etc.. I must have visited at least 10 sites before finding my answer. To complicate things even more, you need to consider how you took your child's temperature (rectal, under the arm/axillary, or in the mouth - hopefully not with the same thermometer!!!).<br /><br />Yesterday, as I was reading one of my favorite parents' <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">magazine</span>, I found an article on fever. That's when I promised myself: "next time, I'm going to be prepared!"<br /><br />I created myself a reference table, printed it and placed it inside the cupboard where we keep our thermometers, pain/fever <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">medicine</span>, etc. I also added the number of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Telehealth</span> Ontario (free access to a registered nurse — 24 Hours a day, 7 days a Week) and my doctor's number for quick access.<br /><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383654053432390482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 305px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif0OS7_i-Rp1M-qlyx_x0JHi9vwjVnzADnuXPHHXxDhsw1azHdsgfOl4fUkDb5DuaxUHc6FJcD-xBRtE4mUu9YknfzXqwd62JM77_MYvcsTqC8WtmgTLU2P0pHhBc8Gc5dyFixR-39Q0oG/s400/Fever+chart.bmp" border="0" /><br /><br />In this table, I can <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">easily</span> find the different levels of fever for each method and the times to call a doctor or directly go to the hospital. I know when to worry, and when it's "no big deal".</p><p>Once you've determined it's a mild fever, you can decide whether to let it run its course (under supervision) or to try lowering it with medicine (Acetaminophen such as Tylenol®, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Tempra</span>®, or Ibuprofen, found in products such as Advil® and Motrin®).<br /><br />Again, this chart is something I hate using, but I'm glad it's there when I need it! </p><p></p><p>These numbers were pulled from: </p><p>-October 2009 issue of the Canadian Family magazine (p.28)(the magazine assures readers that these numbers are verified by Pediatricians at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">SickKids</span>®, The Hospital for Sick Children)</p><p>-CPS (Canadian Paediatric Society) - Sept. 2009</p><p>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">CFPC</span> (the College of Family Physicians of Canada) - Sept 2009<br /><br /><br /></p><p></p><p></p><p>However, if you don't know me, I do NOT have a medical background, so <span style="color:#990000;"><strong>verify these numbers on your own.</strong> <span style="color:#000000;">This is my chart that I use at home,</span></span><span style="color:#000000;"> but I am</span><span style="color:#000000;"> not responsible if these levels or phone numbers change.</span> Below are the websites where I found my information. Make your own chart/table with the temperatures or phone numbers you need when these situations occur.<br /><br /><br />Canadian Sites:<br /><a href="http://www.cfpc.ca/English/cfpc/programs/patient%20education/fever%20children/default.asp">http://www.cfpc.ca/English/cfpc/programs/patient%20education/fever%20children/default.asp</a><br /><a href="http://www.cps.ca/caringforkids/whensick/fever.htm">http://www.cps.ca/caringforkids/whensick/fever.htm</a><br /><br /><br />US/International<br /><a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fever/DS00077">http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fever/DS00077</a><br /><a href="http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/body/fever.html">http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/body/fever.html</a></p>Mom's Best Trickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08777939809191902781noreply@blogger.com3