FREE events with the Edmonton Eskimos

Mark your calendars! 

This Sunday May 31st the Edmonton Eskimos start their Training Camp in Spruce Grove @ Fuhr Sports Park, 211 Jennifer Heil Way. 

(the commonwealth is being used for the FIFA world women cup) 

The training camp starts at 10:00am and goes until NOON!

Can't make it this Sunday? No worries the Eskimo's have several dates scheduled and you can get all the training camp information here. 

Also, the Eskimo's Fan Day is taking place on Saturday June 6th after their practice in Spruce Grove @ Fuhr Sports Park, 211 Jennifer Heil Way.  

There will be autographs from all of the Eskimo's starting @ 1:00pm and FREE activities for the whole family will also be taking place.

(Swag, face painting, and more) 

**Food is available at concession for $$**

This brings back so many fond memories from I was a child and would go to the practices and get those small squishy footballs (I think I still have some in my mom's garage). This is definitely going on my summer list of things to do! 

The day I made Cauliflower pizza "bread" and it was an epic failure

About a year ago I made cauliflower pizza and the kids devoured it. I thought it was delicious. However, since then we have had some epic failures with "sneaking" cauliflower into meals or trying to make it something it's not...
Case and point cauliflower pizza "bread".
Maybe it's that I made them wrong or maybe the 3 different recipes that I tried were just simply okay with these recipes having the consistency of a cheese quiche and the taste of cauliflower flavored eggs...yea...doesn't sound appealing does it? Nope, thats cause its not. And it was even better when Kris and I were choking it down to show the kids how delicious it was. Both Carter and Sophie had meltdowns when we tried to make them eat the "discusting" (carter's words) pizza bread.
No more.
Strike 1 for us and on we go to the next trial and error dish...we are done trying to hide the cauliflower.

Exploring the ULTIMATE list of Alberta Campgrounds with Natrivia

My camping requirements for a family of 5 with small kids is a lot different than when I was camping 10 years ago. The 10 years ago Christine really just wanted a fun place to drink Bacardi Breezers and a beach to get a good tan. 
The present day Christine wants a good park. Family friendly atmosphere. Showers. A kid friendly beach. Tent friendly. Lots of trees. And I am now drinking wine when the kids go to bed and playing a mean game of Cards Against Humanity. 


Being in Alberta there are many private and provincial campgrounds to choose from but there is not was not one place where you could get all that information. That is where the new website Natrivia comes in!! It's a one stop shop for all campgrounds across Alberta and it is also the place for you to go and review the campsites that you have been to. 
It's important to let people know if it's cash only, or if the bathrooms are disgusting. 

You can also earn badges for doing various things on the site such as suggesting edits when changes occur at the campsite or increase your review tier which is based on the amount of reviews that you submit.



Know of a campsite, but it's not on the list? You can submit it so that it can be included on the website.




See a campsite you want to visit in the future, or one that you have been too in the past? There's an option to track that!




There are so many amenitites that the website lists you will be able to see if a campsite allows pets (some have breed rules), has bike trails, or drinking water.
Word to the wise - bring your own drinking water!! 








I can't wait to use this site to plan some camping trips for the summer! 

Geocaching - The one activity you MUST try.

About a year ago I first wrote about how our family loves to go Geocaching (read the post here). Kris and I tried it before we had kids and we were hooked. When Carter was old enough to try it he was hooked too, now we all enjoy it and find that it's a great way to get outside and spend time as a family. 
A real life treasure hunt! 

Geocaching is also easy because you don't need much! There is as app that is available for iPhones as well as Androids and you can also register your Geocache find on www.geocaching.com and also look up Geocache locations close to you by inputting your postal code. 

One of the most fun facts that I read is that there are over 2,628,522 active Geocaches in the World! Yes Geocaching is something you can do ALL AROUND THE WORLD!!!
Camping √
A trip to Europe √
A walk in the River Valley √
A trip to Hawaii √
In your local neighbourhood √
Strathcona Riverside Trail √
Kelowna Wine Country √

Are you convinced yet???
If you want to find out even more information check out what the City of Edmonton and the John Walter Museum have to say about Geocaching here. 

P.S. 
Remember to BYOP (Bring your own pen/pencil) and to also bring small trinkets to leave in the Geocache if you plan to take one!

Butterfly Day @ Devonian Botanic Gardens - Sunday May 24th

Rain or shine!! 

This Sunday May 24th is Butterfly Day at the Devonian Botanic Gardens. 
(See map below for directions)

Event: 12:00pm-3:00pm
The rest of garden is open regular hours 

There will be butterflies from all around the world,  crafts (small fee applies), cookie decorating, and kids can come dressed up as their favourite bug or butterfly. 

Regular admission prices are in effect however garden season pass holders and friends of the Garden Members get free admission for this event. 

Directions:

Dinofest - A dinosaur lovers event

On Sunday May 24th join the John Janzen Nature Centre for Dinofest 

There are many activities happening at Dinofest. 

Learn what its like to be a paleontologist, dig for fossils, hun t-rexes, and get your face painted like your favourite dinosaur. 

The hours are 11:00am - 3:00pm and the John Janzen Nature Centre 

is located at 7000-143 Street 

Admission

Per person over 2yrs -$7

Family - $14 (from same household, max 7 people)

Children 2 and under FREE

Be sure to like their Facebook page too so you can keep 

up to date on their future family activities! 

Sleep health and Breathe Right Nasal Strips - The perfect combination! Plus a chance to win a Breathe Right Gift Bag with a $25 iTunes gift card

A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of sitting down with Bryce Wylde a well known alternative health expert who was in Edmonton to talk about sleep health and the new Breathe Right SleepWise App and Breathe Right Nasal Strips. I of course jumped at the opportunity to learn about the new app. 

I have used Breathe Right Nasal Strips on an off for about 6 years now. Why? Because of Pregnancy snoring.  I know lots of pregnancy ladies can relate (and their significant others or anyone who has had to sleep in the same building as them). The struggle is real and its no fun for anyone...I mean I was waking myself up...

The Breathe Right SleepWise App is a available for download through your iPhone and has features that monitor and record your snoring. When  you wake up you are given the results on how your snoring affected your sleep and a comparison tool that tells you what your loudest snoring point is compared to - like maybe a chainsaw. You also have the option to order samples of Breathe Right Nasal Strips to use with the app to see how Breathe Right nasal strips can help with your sleep! 

Being a drug free, non prescription option this was right up my alley especially being pregnant - and they helped Kris to have a good night sleep too. Win-win. 

Another great thing is also the Breathe Right Nasal Strips were ordered and delivered within 6 days!!! 

One more thing! 

I was given a Breathe Right Gift bag to give away to one lucky person!  Everything in this gift bag is what you need to make your sleep as comfortable and restful as possible. 

It includes 2 boxes of Breathe Right Nasal Strips, one being their newly released lavender strips. There is also a sleep mask, a delicious smelling candle and a $25 iTunes gift card so make sure you enter! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway


While I was compensated for this post all opinions expressed are my own. 

Zipzicles part 2 - Not just for kids!

A little over a week ago I posted my review for the Zipzicles Zip Top Pouches and how much the kids and I love using them! 
After a tipsy afternoon with some hit and miss recipes I mixed 2 delicious frozen treats alcoholic bevy style for the adults to enjoy! 

With both of the recipes I used my magic bullet to mix everything and used a small funnel that I purchased from Dollarama to fill the Zipzicles.

Tropical Zip

Orange Juice

Pineapple Juice 

Banana Liquer 

Rum 

Simple Syrup 

*I used 1/2 oz of each of these ingredients for this recipe*

Banilla Greeksicle

Banana

Banana Liquer 

Vanilla Greek Yogurt 

Rum 

Simple Syrup 

* I used 1/4 of a banana and 1/2oz for each of the other ingredients*

Zipzicle Tips

• When filling these there was some foam on the top. I filled them to the line and waited a few minutes for the foam to settle and then topped them off.  
• It is important to put Zipzicles in the freezer standing up in a cup so they freeze properly. 

Do you want a chance to win an 

18 pack of Zipzicles? 

You can enter the contest here.

Need compost?? Go here THIS Saturday May 16th!

This May long weekend we are doing some major garden revamping and planting as we are starting our big Urban farming project. We definitely need some compost so this compost sale with Cleanit Greenit Composting System inc. couldn't come at a better time for us! 

What's even better it that a portion of the proceeds from these sales go to 

local schools and charities! 

The sale goes from 9am-3pm and is taking place at 5 places in Edmonton

Where are the 5 locations in Edmonton? 

West Edmonton Toy's R Us - 9908-170 street

Bonnie Doon Mall - 255 82ave & 83 street

Allendale School - 6415-106 street

Highlands Community League - 6112 - 113 Ave

St. Peter's Church - 11035-127 street 

What are the prices for compost?  

40 litre bag $10 

3 for $25 

5 for $40 

Want to know more about the compost being sold on Saturday? 

All information can be found here

FREE family event. YMCA Healthy Kids Day - June 7th

Mark your calendars! The YMCA Healthy Kids event is happening on 

Sunday June 7th and it's FREE! 

It's taking place at the Westmount Community League 

10978-127 street 

12:00pm - 3:00pm 

There will be snacks, jumpy things, and over 20 booths with information 

to help keep on top of your children's health!

The ultimate list of all the fairs happening within 1.5 hours of Edmonton for summer 2015!!

Growing up I always loved going to Westlock where my mom grew up because the floats in the parade threw candy, something I never saw here in Edmonton. Talk about a kids priorities, hey???...
  
There really is nothing like a small town fair. It's seems less busy, local really means local, and there is always something unique to the fair (like the outdoor movie at the Blue Herion Fair in Barrhead, Zumba & Yoga in the Park for Devon Days, or the Cabaret in Wainwright) 

The best part about all of these locations is that they are within 1.5 hours of Edmonton, which makes for a perfect road trip for anyone! 

May

Devon Days - Devon - May 20th - 24th 
FREE hotdog lunch on Wednesday, Parade, Midway, music and more!

More information here

June

Jaywalkers Jamboree - Camrose - June 5th & 6th 
Pancake breakfasts, music, midway, and annual fundraiser. 
More information here

Wainwright Stampede - Wainwright - June 18th - 21st
Parade, Midway, Cabaret, Rodeo and more! 
More information here 

July
Westerner Days - Red Deer - July 15th - 19th 
Parade, Midway, Tarp Auction, and more!
More information here




August 

Blue Herion Fair  - Barrhead - Aug 7th - 8th 
Parade, midway, delicious food, and an outdoor movie on Saturday night!

More information here

County Fair - Vegreville - Aug 6th - 8th   
Mini tractor pulls, indoor market, parade, and strong man competitions! 

More information here

Westlock Fair - Westlock - Aug 21st - 23rd  
Kick off BBQ, coloring contest, tractor pull, psychic fair, midway, and parade! 

More information here

What the Truck?! - first food truck event May 23rd. #whatthetruck #foodtruck #yeg

What the Truck?! 

Who can resist delicious food served from some of Edmonton & areas best food trucks? From gourmet sandwiches, to flavourful desserts this is one of our date nights for May and we can't wait.

The Details 

What the Truck?! is taking place on Saturday May 23rd 4pm-8pm at 

Sir WinstonChurchill Square.

Who will be there 

Some of my fav's - La Poutine, Chedda Heads, Smokehouse BBQ, and Knosh will be there but that's not all! You can see the full line up here.

Planning to go? Be sure to RSVP on the What the Truck?! Facebook Page and I hope to see you there!!! 

Touch a Truck - June 14th - Check it out! #familyfriendly #touchatruck

The Touch a Truck event is a family friendly event where everyone can come and see, touch, and sit in those big vehicles that you see everyday in the community. It's the first event of it's kind in the prairie provinces and it's happening in Fort Saskatchewan at CN Station/Legacy Park (10005-102 Street) on Sunday June 14th, 10am - 3pm! 

Admission is $5 and profits go to support the Families First Society 

Want to see what vehicles will be there? Be sure to follow the event on Facebook!  


If you like what you read? Want to stay informed with everything? Why not subscribe to my blog? It only emails you if I post on that day, no random weird emails. I promise #sharethelove #beintheknow #cheers

Enter your email address:

Every Tuesday @ Cafe O Play is $2!!

Looking for a place for your little ones to play and explore while you sit back and enjoy a hot coffee (or one of their other awesome drinks or food items) Check out Cafe O Play! 

Until September Cafe O Play is offering $2 admission ALL DAY on Tuesdays! 

They are located at 5667 Riverbend Road and their hours are 9am - 3pm. 

Want to know more about Cafe O Play? Check out their website and be sure to like their Facebook page to be updated on their latest happenings! 






If you like what you read? Want to stay informed with everything? Why not subscribe to my blog? It only emails you if I post on that day, no random weird emails. I promise #sharethelove #beintheknow #cheers

Enter your email address:

Zipzicle Zip Top Pops - The best way to make a frozen treat! #zipspiration Enter the contest!

A few weeks ago I was on the search for a product that would let me make frozen treats in the shape of a "freezie" without all the added colouring, sugar, and whatever else is on the ingredient label that is as long as my block.
I had honestly been thinking about ways to be able to use my food saver to fang dangle some little bags to make faux freezies but then I came across Zipzicles. 
Zipzicles are a portable zip top product that allow you, to make ice pops with the ingredients that you want! They are BPA free and super easy to use. 
The best part is that Zipzicles generously provided me with a package to review as well as a package to give away.  You can enter below and the contest ends on May 18th! 

Carter and Sophie were so excited to make their own ice pops, especially since they got to decide what went in theirs. There are so many different ingredients to use but we decided to just make 2 different kinds. All we used was our magic bullet to blend everything together plus the ingredients and adjusted according to taste!

Chocolate Monkey
Organic Soy Milk
Free Trade Hot Cocoa
Greek Yogurt
1 Banana

Simply Tropical
Orange juice
Pineapple Juice
Cherry simple syrup

We used a small funnel purchased from Dollarama which made the process of filling up the Zipzicles quick and easy.

*Zipzicle Tips*

• If you are choosing to reuse your Zipzicles be sure to wash them out with warm soapy water and keep them open so that they dry properly. A bottle dryer or straw in a cup works good.

• When putting them in the freezer make sure you freeze them standing up. This can be done by putting them in a cup, in the freezer.

*Want to Buy Zipcicles?* 

You can purchase Zipzicles in Canada online through the following places:

YaYa Baby Boutique

Bed Bath and Beyond 

Be sure to check back again this week to see how I made some delicious mixed drinks into ice pops for mom & dad to enjoy!!

And don't forget to enter the contest to win a package of Zipzicles for your own use! 



a Rafflecopter giveaway


*While I received compensation for this review the views and opinions are my own*


If you like what you read? Want to stay informed with everything? Why not subscribe to my blog? It only emails you if I post on that day, no random weird emails. I promise #sharethelove #beintheknow #cheers

Enter your email address: