Spray parks in your community

Edmonton Parks/Spray Parks

Are you looking for some fun and budget friendly activities to do with your family during those hot days? 

Check out the Spray Parks in a variety of communities in Edmonton and other surrounding communities. 
(They aren't open yet, but they will be soon!)

What to bring with you to spray parks. 

• Lawn chairs or a blanket to sit on
• Sunscreen
• Water & snacks
• Change for treats (if your children are captivated by the ice cream trucks like mine are)
• Towels
• Bathing suit/change of clothes
• Sandals/water shoes

Things to consider

• Dress your children in bright colors 
• Leave valuables at home 

Want to know where the closest spray park is to you? 

Check out the following links. 

Edmonton 

St.Albert

Sherwood Park

Spruce Grove

Clean 15 Dirty Dozen - The new list is out!

The Environmental Working group has released this years Clean 15 Dirty Dozen list. The items in the Dirty Dozen list are certain fruit and vegetables that have tested high in pesticides. The items on the  Clean 15 list are items that have tested low with pesticides.

When the list came out last year, I wrote down the items and used a self laminating pouch so I could keep it in my wallet. I purchased some at the dollar store but you can also go here to see them on the Staples Canada website.


Is Organic produce not a possibility for your budget? 
Try these tips:

• Peeling the items listed on the Dirty Dozen list can help to eliminate some pesticide residue
• Scrubbing produce gently with a soft bristle brush
• Make your own produce wash with equal parts vinegar and water in a container, let your produce soak for a few minutes and then rinse them. 

Healthy lifestyle considerations:
Pay attention to artificial colours and flavours, salt content, fat content, amongst many other things. Simple, healthy ingredients are what matter!

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3 in 1 Deluxe Trikes 1/2 price

Looking for a Deluxe 3 in 1 Trike for an awesome price? 
Check out Toys R Us! 
Priced at only $49.97 these will go fast. 
The sale is finished on Thursday May 1st!
It's available in store & online go here to purchase it online. 

The day of Birthdays.

This weekend was crazy!  Saturday night was spent baking over 50 cupcakes for Carter and Sophie's kid birthday party and preparing our crock pot chilli for the extended family birthday party on Sunday evening. I am not sure what I was thinking when I decided to have 2 birthday parties in 1 day but Kris and I rocked them both and we successfully hosted 90 people in our house!!

The Kids Party

We were excited to have Mister Milo from Wonder Why Entertainment and he was awesome.
(And affordable)

We feasted on some pizza, veggies, and also had some tasty cupcakes (recipe to come soon)

One of the greatest things about it all - we were able to host in our home. Words I never thought that I would be able to say so soon.

With a little break in between and some time for Carter to play outside with a friend and cousins, Sophie took a much needed nap. And then it was on to prep for the next party.

The Extended Family Party

This party while there was still a lot of people in our home, was a tad bit more relaxed as there were significantly less children. 

On the menu  

Basic Chilli in bread bowls  

Coleslaw with ginger dressing. 

Blueberry Sour Cream Coffee Cake 

Another success and at the end of it all Carter & Sophie went to sleep, happy and feeling very spoiled and mommy and daddy went downstairs and had some drinks.
Honestly though - I can not wait to do it all again next year. ;)

Blueberry Sour Cream Coffee Cake

I left the recipe picking for the extended family birthday party for Carter & Sophie up to Kris, and I am actually pretty darn impressed with his recipe choice. 

The Blueberry Sour Cream Coffee Cake was taken from all recipes and it is a great recipe to serve to a large group of people. The best thing about all recipes is that you can change the serving sizes to increase or decrease. 

Ingredients

1 cup of softened butter

2 cups of whitened sugar

2 eggs

1 cup of sour cream

1 tsp of vanilla extract

1 5/8 cups of all purpose flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt 

1 cup of blueberries

1/2 cup of brown sugar

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 cup of chopped pecans

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9 inch Bundt pan.

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. 

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the sour cream and vanilla. 

Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt; stir into the batter just until blended. Fold in blueberries.

Spoon half of the batter into the prepared pan. 

In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, cinnamon and pecans. Sprinkle half of this mixture over the batter in the pan. 

Spoon remaining batter over the top, and then sprinkle the remaining pecan mixture over. Use a knife or thin spatula to swirl the sugar layer into the cake.

Bake for 55 to 60 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a knife inserted into the crown of the cake comes out clean.

 

Cool in the pan over a wire rack. Invert onto a serving plate, and tap firmly to remove from the pan. Dust with confectioners' sugar just before serving.

Hints & after thoughts.

• If you do not have a bundt pan, a loaf pan works just as well. We upped the recipe to serve 30 people and I used a 9 inch bundt pan and a loaf pan
• You need to make sure that the nut & sugar mixture is mixed in good, as it will burn
• There is absolutely nothing healthy about this coffee cake but it is SO good. 

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U-Pick - a list of Edmonton and surrounding areas U-Pick farms **Updated**

We are looking at family things that we want to do this summer as we plan to have a lot of mini stay-cations. Going to a U-Pick is definitely on the top of our list! 

Depending on the weather U-Pick season generally goes June/July-October. 
Berry picking season in and around Edmonton generally starts in mid July 
**fingers crossed**

I have compiled a list of U-Pick farms to help you choose the best one.
If you want to visit the website for each location just click on the name, also register for their email notifications if they have them, you will get insider information on whats happening! 

Some things to consider when going to a U-Pick :

• Call first as some require appointments or strongly suggest appointments. Plus crop conditions may not be favourable. 
• Bring cash - Even if they accept debit or credit, what happens if it doesn't work?..out on a farm.....you get my point :)
• Bring snacks & water 
• Bring a cooler to keep your pickings fresh for the drive home. 
• Wear a hat & sunscreen - you will realize when its too late that you have gotten sun stroke or sun burn
• Wear good shoes & comfortable clothing- there is lots of bending and moving around. 
• BRING YOUR OWN PAILS FOR BERRY PICKING (ice cream pails work great)

North of Edmonton

Prairie Gardens - U-Pick Strawberries as well as various vegetables during the season. 
780.921.2272
Check out the other activities that Prairie Gardens has to offer. 

Sprout Farms Apple Orchard - U-Pick apple orchard that has been around for around 30 years! 
780.921.3460

Horse Hill Berry Farm - U-Pick for raspberries. 
780.406.4556
Appointment required

Sunflower Gardens - U-Pick berries, vegetables, and dill, 
780.914.5198


East of Edmonton

Creekside Saskatoon Berry Farm - Raspberries & Saskatoons.
creeksidesaskatoonberryfarm@gmail.com
780.243.2652
*Minimizes chemical and pesticide use*

The Berry Farm - Apples, currants, plums, raspberries, rhubarb, saskatoon berries and more. 
780.918.3221
theberryfarm@xplornet.com
*Use natural growing practices*

Prairie Berry Farm - Cherries, currants, raspberries, sweet corn, peas, onions and so much more. 
780.662.7669
bbelland3@gmail.com
*Use natural growing practices*


West of Edmonton

Big Rock Berry Farms - Offering Saskatoon's, Raspberries, & Strawberries
780-886-3387
bigrockberryfarm@gmail.com

Roys Raspberries - Offers 10 varieties of red raspberries and 2 golden. 
780.962.3959
*Use natural growing practices*

Grove Berry Patch - close to Spruce Grove also offers various U-Pick options of various berries and vegetables! 
780.962.5824

Happy Acres U-Pick- close to Spruce Grove. Pride themselves in having chemical free fruit & vegetables.
780.968.0099

South of Edmonton 

The Bevilaqua (no website) - 3 types of Raspberries, apples, cherries, 3 types of saskatoons, and delicious veggies! Even better - there is fresh honey. 
51165 RR 250 - Go south on 127 street until you get to 41 ave. You will see the farm on the left side on top of a small hill.
780.955.3051
*Chemical Free*

Brix 'N' Berries - a focus on Saskatoon berries, Strawberries, and veggies. 
780.980.5386

Steven's Strawberries - U-Pick and also offers the option for you to call ahead and reserve a 4 litre container of berries for $22! 
780-352-2924

Pipestone Berry Farm - Saskatoons & vegetables
780.387.5466 
russw@incentre.net 

Did I miss your U-Pick farm??
Send me an email @ anotheryegmommy@gmail.com and I will add it to the list!

Also if you like what you read you can subscribe to my blog to receive emails about other awesome things and happenings in and around #yeg

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Cauliflower Pizza - Healthy, delicious, and the kids LOVED it.

Tonight for dinner we tried a Cauliflower pizza crust, and it was awesome. In our house we eat a lot of cauliflower but Carter does not like to eat it without dip... He does however love pizza, so I figured I at least had a 50% fighting chance of this meal being a success.

The recipe is basic and easy

Ingredients

1 large head of Cauliflower

1 1/2 cup of cheese (I used cheddar) 

1 egg (you can add in another one if you want, but 1 is good enough) 

Oregano (your preference on amount) 

Dash of salt & pepper 

Oil to grease pan

Directions 

Preheat oven to 450 degrees 

Using a grater, grate the cauliflower. If you decide to use a food processor make sure it's not pureed. 

Put all grated cauliflower into a microwaveable bowl and microwave for 7 minutes.  

I do not use water as I find the cauliflower retains enough moisture from when it gets washed. 

Once the cauliflower is done in the microwave mix in egg, cheese, and spices.

Grease pan (I use a little bit of coconut oil) 

Spread mixed ingredients in a pan evenly.  I use a 9 inch pie plate but it is just a preference. 

Put in the oven to cook for 12-15 minutes. This is where you will need to watch because there is a fine line between this browning a bit and burning. 

Once out of the oven make your pizza. Be creative- use whatever strikes your fancy. Tonight we used some chicken and cheese, but the possibilities are endless.  My all time favourite - goat cheese, sautéed onions and  cranberries. I know it sounds weird, but it is honestly to die for. 

**I only had cheddar cheese in the house so I had to use that. The pizza was way too greasy. I will stick with a different cheese next time. Also while there was a hint of cauliflower taste is wasn't overpowering. From prep time to on the table this was a 45 minute meal.**

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Edmonton Bike Swap- Saturday May 10th!

Are you looking for a bike? Maybe you have a bike that you don't want or you want a different one?

 

Check out the Edmonton Bike Swap on Saturday May 10th at the Glengarry Arena 13340-85 street 

How does it work? It's actually very easy

If you are wanting to sell your bike, clean it up and make it look presentable! Price it accordingly!  

Bike drop off is 8 am-2 pm, fill out a registration sheet, pay the rack fee, and if your bike sells a cheque will be mailed to you minus 12.5%. If your bike doesn't sell you can pick up up within the specified time frame or donate it to a local cycling group. 

To buy a bike - show up at 2:30 pm with cash or debit and check out whats available. 

**Unfortunately no children s bikes will be sold or bough at this sale**

For more information about the Edmonton Bike Swap or to see if there are any happening in your area (yes they happen ALL over) check out the Alberta Bike Swap website. 

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Tours for Tots - Art Gallery of Alberta

Do you have children aged 3-5 and are looking for something fun to do? 

Check out Tours for Tots on Wednesday mornings 10 am-11 am located at the Edmonton Art Gallery

With classes like 3D Art, Art Installations, Story time and many more activities! 

Class is free with Gallery admission. (Children 6 and under are FREE) 

Also be sure to check out other events at the Edmonton Art Gallery such as, BMO Sundays. Programs and projects are offered for all ages and tie into the current exhibits every Sunday! 

Earth Day 2014

Happy Earth Day everyone! Today people around the world are observing, celebrating, and participating in Earth Day. Let us all be proactive today, tomorrow, and forever in keeping this place we call Earth as clean as we can :) 

With that being said I have compiled a list of ways to be environmentally friendly. 

• Walk, take the bus, or car pool to work 
• If you are looking for a new vehicle consider a hybrid or electrical car
• Start a garden. (If you are tight for room check out these concepts) 
• Walk to the grocery store
• Buy local whenever possible
• Recycle
• Shop consignment- it keeps unnecessary items out of the landfill. 
• Learn to compost
• Sign up for a program like Capital City Cleanup
• Shut off lights in rooms that you are not occupying
• Wash your clothes in cold water
• Make your own cleaning products like the ones in this online article
• Hang your clothes to dry
• Join your local freecycle group
• Up-cycle, re-purpose items, and donate. 
• Consider donating usable household supplies for building and renovation to Habitat for Humanity Restore
• Donate no longer needed clothing and household items to places like The Salvation Army
• Plant a tree

This is just a small list of ways to be proactive, what are some ways that you help to reduce your carbon foot print? 

A quick Shepherds Pie - Easy & tasty.

There are so many variations of shepherds pie but this is one that I love to make for my family. 
It is a tasty dish that is quick and healthy. Isn't super expensive to make, and also freezes great. 

What you will need
Potatoes 
Cheddar cheese
Ground beef or turkey
Mixed vegetables- I used a green & yellow bean medley and some cauliflower cut into small pieces
Green onion - enough to garnish top
Salt & Pepper to taste
Garlic powder or fresh garlic (optional) 
Casserole dish- size depends on how much you want to make. 

Directions
Pre-heat oven to 350 
Boil potatoes until they can be mashed. 
Cook meat through- add in garlic, salt & pepper to taste. 

While potatoes and meat are cooking shred enough cheese to mix in with mashed potatoes and also to sprinkle on top. 

When meat is cooked mix in vegetables and spread in caserole dish
Mash potatoes with cheddar cheese and spread over meat/vegetable mixture
Sprinkle top with cheese and garnish with some green onion

Cook covered in oven for 30 minutes and serve hot.


What do you like to put into your Shepherds Pie?? 

Introducing Just another Edmonton mommy. A name change for the win.

"A rose by any other name would smell as sweet"- William Shakespeare 

When I started writing this blog I started it thinking that I would write about pregnancy, maternity, and it would be an extension of my business Bun in the Oven Consignment.  That didn't happen. Soon enough I realized that while I enjoy writing about the previous topics sometimes, I also love writing about other things- my family, my views, cooking, DIY, deals, crafts, trying new things and many other endeavours that are of interest to me. Today this blog has been officially been renamed "Just another Edmonton mommy" 

I look forward to continuing this blog for a long time to come and I am excited to have you all along for the ride :) Thanks for following and don't forget to subscribe so that the blog posts for the day come right to your email. 

Until next time.

Christine 

Old Navy weekend sale up to 50% off!

Not finished shopping for the Easter presents? Need to pick up some cute clothes (even summer) for birthday presents- or just because???  Check out the awesome sale happening at Old Navy this weekend both in store AND online

This weekend ONLY receive up to 50% off of you purchase. And take advantage of Old Navy's "Eggs-tra deals" like $5 tees, cute dresses, and so much more!!



Also remember that the more you shop the more Old Navy cash you get back!!! 

Carters 4th birthday and the mommy experience so far.

Today is Carter's 4th birthday and it has been a fantastic 4 years. It seems that around every corner I think to myself "this is definitely my favourite stage" and then he does something else and I find myself saying "this is definitely my favourite stage"again..  This little boy, who is not so little anymore is the best big brother, a lover of all things musical and crafty, witty, funny, and the cutest boy I know.

Having been  a mommy for 4 years now. I figured that I would share some of the not so talked about things. 

Poonami's are inevitable.  (Like a tsunami but with poop) (credit to Melissa and Andrea for coining that term)

Baby poop and puke are the 2 worst culprits for stains on baby clothes. Invest in a good stain remover!!

At some point your child will repeat what you say. Case an point a couple of months ago when Carter told me that I was pissing him off. So watch what you say.

At some point your child will be obsessed with nose picking.
(And some even eating it- I am sorry :( )

They will be obsessed with body parts. More specifically genitals. Even more specifically for some- others genitals. Which brings me to the next point.

Kids have no filter, which is fun, cute, and embarrassing all at the same time. I believe in teaching my children the proper names of their body parts and others. Half the time Sophie thinks she has a penis and will also tell random people while shopping. "I have a penis"... yup never a dull moment.

Nakedness. Both my kids went through or are going through a period where they don't want to wear clothes (or diapers - uggggggg for the one not potty trained). They are just plum happy to disrobe and watch the television. My little sister was like this too. My mom had to install a latch at the top of the door because my sister would strip and then try to escape. She did once- didn't make it very far but man was she happy (Sorry Beck)

Poop. At first when potty training they may be afraid of it. Carter was terrified of his poop, one time he freaked out while going on the potty. This will pass. I promise. And really there is not a whole lot that you can do except for reassuring your little one that its okay, poop isn't scary, and waving "bye bye" when flushing the toilet may help.

No your potty trained kid does not automatically know how to wipe their own bum - they need to be taught. Sucks yes, but its either that or skid marks and you do the laundry. ;)

Being a mother is by far one of the best things that has happened in my life. Cheers to the past 4 years, to the next 60 and to my beautiful son Carter! :)

All you can eat cereal cartoon party - a family event

Check out the All You Can Eat Cereal Cartoon Party at the Metro Cinema (8712-109 street) this Saturday April 15th @ 10am. 
Come dressed in your pjs, enjoy various cereals, and watch some retro cartoons from the 70's & 80's. 

Admission for this event is: 
Adults  $10
Students/seniors $8
Children $6 

To find out more about the event or to purchase you can check out the Metro Cinema website. 

20% off your WHOLE purchase at Michaels TODAY ONLY

With the move and everything happening this month we have decided to do a joint birthday for Carter & Sophie this year AND we will be having a friends/kids birthday party over lunch and cake/coffee for family after supper. That means we will be shopping for LOTS of baking cups for cupcakes, some additions for the DIY photo booth stash and other fantabulous party accessories. The coupon is in the flyer and can also be accessed on the Michaels app through your smart phone.  

What will you be buying?

Fundraiser for Angel Whispers

I thank my lucky stars that I have 2 healthy children and that I haven't had to go through the unimaginable situation of loosing a child.  
I found out about Angel Whispers a few years ago when a friend of mine was interviewed about the program and its benefit to her and her husband. My friends story is not mine to tell however, seeing first hand how important a program like Angel Whispers is makes a fundraiser for Angel Whispers even more significant. 

On Sunday May 11th Macaroni Kid and Lumina Lash Studio are hosting a Mothers Day fundraiser for Angel Whispers. 

The fundraiser is taking place at Lorelei Beaumaris Community League 
16220 - 103 st  10am-4pm 

Tickets to the event are $5 and 100% of the proceeds are going to Angel Whispers. 

This event will offer MANY free activities for kids, shopping from many vendors, as well as door prizes, draw auctions, a silent auction, a 50/50 draw and many other activities. 

To buy tickets for this worthy cause you can call 780.907.2828

Even Amy Poehler is in on the Old Navy dress sale.

Dresses are on sale again at Old Navy! 
Girls dress starting from $10
Ladies starting from $15 

What's even better on Wednesday you can use coupon code "ONSAVE" to receive 20% off of your purchase. And YES that includes dresses. 

Theres more! 
You will also earn super cash to use at a later date. 
$10 for every $25 that you spend (up to $50 can be earned)

While you are there, check out YouTube video with Amy Poehler. Love it! 

Modern Mama makes finding a babysitter not so stressful!

Are you in West Edmonton and looking for a babysitter but have no idea where to start?

Check out Mama Needs a Babysitter tonight!

Hosted by Modern Mama at My Filosophy (9674-142 st NW) you can expect a relaxed evening with a great selection of potential babysitters! 

Want to shop too? My Filosophy is offering everyone attending the event an exclusive discount at the event as well. 

The event starts at 6:30pm and there are still some spots available! 

To guarantee yourself a spot go here for more information and to purchase tickets. 

Introducting me - It's nice to meet you

So I have been writing this blog and while some people know me - some know nothing about me. I figured that it would be fun to do some facts about me.


1.At my work my official title is "Community Connector"- I assist the individuals that we provide services to in finding employment, volunteer opportunities, recreation and any other opportunities that are based on a person to person case. Quite the fitting title since I seem to be a "Community Connector" through many avenues in my life.

2. In 2009 I "went missing" while on a trip  Las Vegas. Only for a few hours, and I can never drink vodka slimes again because of it.

3. I read fast - super fast. If I am into a book I can read it in one night.

4. People on stilts and dragon dancers freak me out. I don't know why they just do.

5. I want to have 5 children. I already have 2. We may not get to 5 but we will definitely get to 3.

6.  While on Maternity leave with both of my children I started a Moms group both times. (Read about my mommy friends here)

7. I am a night owl. I am that person that likes to go to Walmart at 12:00am.

8. My favourite TV shows are Glee, Girls, Nurse Jackie, Game of Thrones, and pretty much any show that has to do with religion, polygamy (I loved Big Love when it was on), or any other cultural practices.

9. When I was a baby I had salmonella food poisoning so bad that I almost died.

10. When I was younger my friends and I would put our hands on the roof inside of the car when going under a bridge with a train going over top - this meant we could make a wish. I still do this and sometimes my friends are like "what are you doing..." Kris embraces it.

11. I married my high school sweetheart. We have been together for 13 years and married for 7 years. (Love you Kris <3 <3 )

Now that you know a little bit about me, feel free to share something about you :)

Safeway discontinues loyalty program

Starting today you will no longer need a loyalty card to take advantage of the discounts that Safeway offers to its customers. 

There is no word on what that means for gas discounts, but according to a company representative on the Canada Safeway Facebook page there are some exciting things that will be coming our way!! 

What do you think that could mean? 

DIY photo booths -a fun and frugal way to be creative.

This past Christmas at our annual mommy group Christmas party I decided to do a DIY photo booth. It was something that didn't require a crazy amount of preparation and it gave all of the kids an opportunity to play and use their imagination.
Plus it was super fun.
Because it was Christmas I just went an bought several items that represented Christmas (a few red noses, reindeer antlers, beaded necklaces, hats, and gigantic candy canes)

All you need are a few props-whatever you decide and a camera. 



This idea can be used for ANYTHING! Birthdays, special occasions, fundraisers, and the list goes on. And it is great for ALL age groups.  
Make it as simple or as elaborate as you want. 

Mustaches for a Movember themed party
DIY chalk boards to write your own sayings
Use card board boxes to make photo booths, like a rocket ship for a space theme party, or even one where all you need to do is put your head through a hole and boom your whatever character drawn on the material. The possibilities for themes are endless.

Take the pictures and have them printed as a take home gift. 


Where to find props?

• Pinterest offers FREE printables and DIY props
• Dollar stores
• Party stores
• Michaels
• Wal-Mart
• Your local thrift store. 

I am always shopping to bulk up my photo booth stash- shop after holidays. I snagged some awesome green feather boas after St. Patty's day for cheap cheap cheap... Easter is just around the corner, just in time to stock up on some bunny ears. 

Happy creating! :)

FREE family fun - April 25th come and watch Frozen

Date: April 25th- Doors open at 6:30pm, movie starts at 7:00pm 

Admission is FREE 

Inglewood Hall

12525-116 Ave

·        Bring your cushions & blankets to cuddle up in...

·        Children must be accompanied by an adult

·        PJ’s optional!

·        Refreshments for sale

    (popcorn, juice, twizzlers etc.)