tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-225780352024-03-23T14:17:05.818-04:00Life on ManitoulinJust a bunch of ramblings from a city girl gone country. Musings from the farm and some product reviews and awesome contests and giveaways!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09251507898309184477noreply@blogger.comBlogger1992125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22578035.post-43282578315379785912013-07-15T09:32:00.003-04:002013-07-15T09:39:20.874-04:00North Channel General: Evocative Objects of the Most Antique and Purest Water #ManitoulinSpotlight<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A new store just opened up in Gore Bay, and you will want to head over for a visit! Located by the water and in the newly renovated Harbour Centre by the marina, this is the perfect location for inspiration. At North Channel General, you will find items of the highest quality. North Channel General has made it their duty to bring only the best products to their customers.<br />
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The shop is beautiful and quite "Zen". With no cluttered displays, they only showcase a few choice items. You're not bombarded with a million different items, but presented with a handful of carefully selected pieces and they are all so visually stunning!<br />
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No kidding! When you walk in, you immediately get a sense of "<i>Ahhhhhhhhh</i>". Not only are the folks at North Channel General quite possibly the loveliest people around, but the shop itself makes you feel like all your stress and worries are melted away...even if momentarily. It really does remind me of the shops I used to frequent when I worked and lived in Japan. The space is "clean" (as in uncluttered) and visually peaceful. You definitely get that feeling in this store.<br />
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Some of the items North Channel General carries are:<br />
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Stylish and classic items like this Saint James piece</div>
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Noda Horo's "Tsuki Usagi Jirushi" (Moom and Rabbit series) enamel pot</div>
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North Channel General also sells artwork from local artists like Jack Whyte and Ann Beam.<br />
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Among my favourites are the wicker bags. They're perfect for a day at the beach. The photo does not do the product any justice. My 4 year old daughter wanted to play the budding photographer and snapped this shot while we were at the beach. Bag seen in background.<br />
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North Channel General is also on Facebook. Visit the <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/NorthChannelGeneral">North Channel General FB page</a></b> and check out all their fabulous items.<br />
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<b>Visit their store</b><br />
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Location:<br />
40 Water Street, Studio 2<br />
Gore Bay, ON<br />
P0P 1H0<br />
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Hours of operation:<br />
Mon-Thurs: 11:00 am - 6:00 pm<br />
Fri:-Sat: 11:00 am - 7:00pm<br />
Sun: 11:00 am - 5:00 pm<br />
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website: <a href="http://www.northchannelgeneral.com/">http://www.northchannelgeneral.com/</a><br />
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<i>All photos (except the photo of the bag) are courtesy of North Channel General. </i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09251507898309184477noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22578035.post-66777202853746937852013-07-14T00:19:00.000-04:002013-07-14T00:30:27.146-04:00Fizzy Strawberry Lemonade She slumped back into her armchair, face glistening from the heat. Another hot, humid Summer day. There was no reprieve from the heat. With no comfort of the air-conditioning she had in her city life, she had to remind herself that A) this was the "frugal farmer" thing to do and B) no A/C was far better for the environment. Yes, it was her duty as a citizen of the Earth to not use A/C and to find other ways to keep cool in the sweltering heat.<br />
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A dip in the lake? No. Her back took a beating from the strong rays of the sun at the beach the day before.<br />
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A run through the sprinkler? To be honest, the heat was too intense. Plus, sprinklers and hoses only invited a certain four year old girl to soak her Mama and the dog.<br />
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What could possibly offer some refreshment and momentary comfort in this heat?<br />
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Fizzy Strawberry Lemonade!</h2>
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That was the solution! With a bumper crop of strawberries, making a cool, refreshing pitcher of strawberry lemonade would quench her family's thirst and keep them cool and refreshed. With the "special" fizzy water that everyone in the family loved so much, this was absolutely perfect.<br />
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Even the four year old was a huge fan of S. Pellegrino Sparkling Natural Mineral Water. <i>This is not a sponsored post, by the way! We actually really love S. Pellegrino and have a few bottles on hand at all times!</i><br />
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<b><i>Ingredients:</i></b><br />
2 cups strawberries, washed and tops removed<br />
1 cup lemon juice (you can use Real Lemon, but I prefer freshly squeezed lemon juice - for the lemons I get at our grocery store, 1 cup is equaled to 8-10 lemons)<br />
1 (750 mL) bottle of San Pellegrino Sparkling Natural Mineral Water, chilled<br />
Simple Syrup (1 cup sugar, 1 cup water)<br />
Ice<br />
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<b><i>Instructions:</i></b><br />
Prepare syrup by boiling sugar and water in a pot. Once sugar is completely dissolved, remove from heat and let cool completely.<br />
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Puree the strawberries by adding strawberries and simple syrup into blender and "puree". I like a smooth drink, so I press strawberry puree through a strainer to remove the seeds and solids. Only let the strawberry juice through. You can put the strawberry pureed "pulp" into ice cube trays to use for other recipes later on.<br />
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In a pitcher, add lemon juice, strawberry juice (made from your strawberries and simple syrup), and 1 (750 mL) bottle of San Pellegrino.<br />
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Serve in a tall glass with ice. Garnish if you wish, but you're probably just going to want to drink it and forgo the garnishes because it's so tasty!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Enjoy!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09251507898309184477noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22578035.post-77508789339942706702013-07-11T23:57:00.000-04:002013-07-12T09:16:49.862-04:00Sizzlin' Summer Recipes with @CrosbysMolasses!Summertime is BBQ season, kick back on the patio with a cold beverage season, and <i>I-really-don't-want-to-turn-on-the-oven-let's-have-watermelon-or-salad-for-supper-instead</i> season!<br />
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In my quest to try new-to-me recipes, I wanted to incorporate molasses into some of my dishes. Why? Well, being Asian, I didn't exactly grow up using molasses in my food as a kid, and I am now married to a farmer whose mom uses molasses in her dishes. There's a certain level of curiosity and also the want for a challenge, and that exciting challenge is cooking with molasses!<br />
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Sure, I can make a great gingersnap cookie with molasses, but I want to use it in BBQ recipes and things one wouldn't think to use molasses in!<br />
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I came across some Sizzlin' Summer Recipes with Crosby's Molasses!</h2>
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First up - Iced Chai! I'm a sucker for chai and lovely cool beverages on a hot Summer day! I was perusing Crosby's Molasses' blog, <a href="http://blog.crosbys.com/">Molasses and More</a> and found out that they have some <a href="http://blog.crosbys.com/category/e-books/">FREE e-books</a> with tons of molasses recipes! </div>
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This recipe in Crosby's Molasses Iced Chai recipe is divine!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Iced Chai Tea</b></i></span><br />
<i>from <b><a href="http://blog.crosbys.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Crosbys-BBQ-Book-2013.pdf">Crosby's The BBQ Book</a></b></i></div>
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1 cup milk (can substitute nut or soy milk)</div>
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1 tea bag chai tea</div>
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2 tsp Crosby's Fancy Molasses</div>
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1 tsp cinnamon</div>
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6-8 ice cubes</div>
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(makes generous serving)</div>
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Place milk and tea bag in a small pot and bring to a simmer. Remove from heat and let steep for 5 minutes, pressing down on tea bag with a spoon a few times. </div>
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Remove tea bag from milk, transfer to a blender, add cinnamon. molasses, and ice cubes. Whirr until it's slushy and a little foamy. Transfer to a glass and garnish with a sprinkling of cinnamon.</div>
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Both my husband and our 4 year old daughter love ribs! When I saw this recipe for <b>Finger-Licking Oven Ribs</b> in <b><i><a href="http://blog.crosbys.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Crosbys-BBQ-Book-2013.pdf">Crosby's The BBQ Book</a></i></b>, I just had to make it!</div>
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The verdict? See for yourself?</div>
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No dinner would be complete without a tasty side dish! My family loves a good cabbage salad or coleslaw. The <b>Carrot and Cabbage Slaw with Orange and Molasses Dressing</b> looked interesting! I had to try it out!</div>
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Next week, I'm making the Molasses Glazed Grilled Shrimp and a salad with Molasses Herb Vinaigrette!</div>
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I'm really excited to have discovered the Molasses and More blog and Crosby's FREE e-books!</div>
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All of the recipes I featured on this blog can be found in <a href="http://blog.crosbys.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Crosbys-BBQ-Book-2013.pdf">Crosby's The BBQ Book</a>.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09251507898309184477noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22578035.post-37593862577610612022013-07-09T21:35:00.000-04:002013-07-09T21:35:20.506-04:00Strawberry-licious! #WordlessWednesday w/ Linky<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFEI_9ACtPnakj61VuKwNJK5W3DC-6LkuGsQrGSydvt_u-2nUKwLUmzccVx4s6oeHMj5KjXltih4uqaODrlPa_OkQc6LiSKphVKjXMKW9IV2f3Q-OePP_cgwNhhcmFc0Xlm7j9/s1600/strawberries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFEI_9ACtPnakj61VuKwNJK5W3DC-6LkuGsQrGSydvt_u-2nUKwLUmzccVx4s6oeHMj5KjXltih4uqaODrlPa_OkQc6LiSKphVKjXMKW9IV2f3Q-OePP_cgwNhhcmFc0Xlm7j9/s400/strawberries.jpg" width="243" /></a></div>
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This Summer, our strawberries have been growing like crazy! </div>
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It's Summertime! These beauties are Strawberry-licious!</div>
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This said, I've exhausted all my recipes that call for strawberries. Strawberry jams, pies, cakes, smoothies, ice cream...all done over and over. Have you got any interesting and unique recipes that call for strawberries?</div>
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Link up your Wordless Wednesday posts here! We'd love to check them out!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09251507898309184477noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22578035.post-72439672302161745292013-07-09T00:36:00.003-04:002013-07-09T01:11:27.949-04:00A Turtle's Tale 2: Sammy's Escape From Paradise ~ Dive into a Fun-Filled Adventure! #TurtlesTale2<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Corbel, 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Imagine yourself in a house full of 3, 4, and 5 year olds (and their moms), sprawled out on the floor with their sleeping bags and pillows! Popcorn, every single flavour of Goldfish crackers available to mankind, fruit and veggie platters decorated like fish, a coral reef and starfish </span><i style="color: #111111; font-family: Corbel, 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">and </i><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Corbel, 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">multi-coloured gummy frogs and turtles swimming in a sea of blue Jello?! </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Corbel, 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">What mom would willingly open up her house to a dozen junior kindergarten kids for a fun movie matinee? Me! That's who!</span><br />
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An underwater-themed snack table went hand in hand with the feature presentation: <b>A Turtle's Tale 2: Sammy's Escape From Paradise</b>. </div>
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When you're a kid (and even when you're an adult), one of the most exciting parts of a party is the food!</div>
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<strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">A Turtle’s Tale 2</strong>, which is being released on <strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">DVD this Tuesday July 9 2013</strong>, is a cute movie for kids of all ages. *ahem!* Adults included! Intended for the <span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">3 – 10 year old crowd and rated G,</span>this movie captures the attention of more than just the littlest movie watchers ! I have to say that though all the children started off watching the movie with little bowls of popcorn and goldfish crackers in hand, half of the kids ended up in the toy room! Those who were deep into the movie stayed put for the entire movie. </div>
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I forgot how active 3-5 year olds are and how having them sit through an entire movie can sometimes be a challenge. </div>
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Nonetheless, the kids enjoyed A Turtle's Tale 2 immensely. It's almost impossible to not fall in love with Ray and Sammy, the two little turtles in the first Turtle's Tale movie! We see them again in A Turtle's Tale 2, only this time they are the big turtles!</div>
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The Plot</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrz-_RdDzC54Eqd3KfjfS9WaZsqCB5chspfTepkUq9EA9ES7pxJxglN6lIaDmVpoMPYmYnTNP5veUk5lR_qxBSjZ0D1VP8EQSbQf7PJVP42BqiUFll3lWtfo31hapPLCf6fene/s1600/turtles+tale+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrz-_RdDzC54Eqd3KfjfS9WaZsqCB5chspfTepkUq9EA9ES7pxJxglN6lIaDmVpoMPYmYnTNP5veUk5lR_qxBSjZ0D1VP8EQSbQf7PJVP42BqiUFll3lWtfo31hapPLCf6fene/s320/turtles+tale+2.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Sammy and Ray return to the screen in A Turtle’s Tale 2 and they are ready to “Dive into a Fun Filled Adventure”! The dynamic due struggles to escape The Tank, an underwater aquarium, in an effort to find their two adorable little grand-turtles, Ricky and Ella. Working together with some new friends, they discover that when you work together <em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">anything</em> is possible!</div>
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There were many oooohs and ahhhhs, giggles, and gasps throughout the movie. The kids really responded to Sammy, Ray, Ella, Ricky and all their new friends. They thought Anna, the little pink girl octopus was adorable. As Little One said, "Ohhhh! Anna is a cutie patootie!" Quite cute hearing a four year old say that!</div>
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What the moms thought</h3>
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It was a cute movie and a good one for family movie night. The characters are sweet and there's a distinct message of teamwork. The animation and graphics are very well done. Two of the moms mentioned that they'd like to get A Turtle's Tale 2 for their movie collections. </div>
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What the kids thought</h3>
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I was surprised that even the youngest of our movie watchers was able to pick up on the underlying message of caring for our ocean & the creatures in it. The 3, 4, and 5 year olds were heard chatting about the environment and keeping animals safe, and how mankind should take care of the fish and other water creatures.</div>
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One thing both the moms and kids agreed upon was that this movie had some suspenseful moments and the younger children thought it was a little bit scary. My daughter in particular is a bit sensitive to suspense-filled movies and gets nightmares. She didn't have any nightmares and has watched this movie three times since the first time she saw it with her friends on the weekend, but she did say she thought some parts were scary. </div>
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Unlike her friends, Little One was seen hiding behind her hands or under her sleeping bag a few times. She doesn't like "bad guys" or villains. To be honest, I was going to screen the movie beforehand, but didn't have time. I figured it couldn't be that scary considering its intended age group/audience.</div>
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Our A Turtle's Tale 2 movie matinee was a hit and the kids had lots of fun! Makes me think I should host movie matinee play dates more often...if I'm brave enough to do so!</div>
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Here's the trailer for A Turtle’s Tale 2:</div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/uSEVHO_k9Z8" width="560"></iframe></span></div>
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Both Turtle's Tale movies are adorable and have characters kids will fall in love with. Definitely a great addition to any family movie night or DVD collection.</div>
<address style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Corbel, 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /></span><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Disclosure: I am participating in A Turtle’s Tale 2 – Sammy Escapes From Paradise Blogger Campaign by Mom Central Canada. I received compensation as a thank you for participating and for sharing my honest opinion. The opinions on this blog are my own.</i></span></i></span></address>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09251507898309184477noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22578035.post-32626037800211352272013-07-08T23:10:00.000-04:002013-07-09T21:09:45.117-04:00mOmma Spill-Proof Cup is the mOmma of all Cups! @LansinohUSA <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij59FqEP39_mpNdobxBf5mQJ7xJmakruZDjGsy9J-HfpBWd8PuT7ijiblyDD4oPa9S3XL8X38IBYoZg4JvPNUY4XnFxLom3Y1AqKRl3QCRuNf05LcI9hWO9oJT-7h_uHNutLMr/s1600/mOmma+cup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij59FqEP39_mpNdobxBf5mQJ7xJmakruZDjGsy9J-HfpBWd8PuT7ijiblyDD4oPa9S3XL8X38IBYoZg4JvPNUY4XnFxLom3Y1AqKRl3QCRuNf05LcI9hWO9oJT-7h_uHNutLMr/s1600/mOmma+cup.jpg" /></a></div>
When Little One was a baby, I noticed that <a href="http://www.lansinoh.com/">Lansinoh</a> seemed to be one of the brands all my breast-feeding mom friends talked about. Lansinoh has everything from breast pumps to breast pads, breast milk storage and bottles and drinking sets.<br />
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In fact, one of the best gifts a friend ever gave me was a basket she put together filled with baby necessities from Lansinoh. The <a href="http://www.lansinoh.com/products/disposable-nursing-pads">Lansinoh Disposable Nursing Pads</a> came in really handy, as did the <a href="http://www.lansinoh.com/products/hpa-lanolin">Lansinoh HPA Lanolin</a>.<br />
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I was excited to see that Lansinoh also has items for feeding babies as they continue through different stages of their development. When I first saw the mOmma Spill-Proof Cup with dual handles and Straw Cup, I was intrigued by their unique design. <br />
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Because of the round ergonomic shape and soft handles that are designed for baby's hands to grip, and the fact that pliable silicone spout is for of baby's developing teeth and gums, this makes for a great cup. With babies that like to toss things or drop things frequently, it really helps that the spout is spill-proof.<br />
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<i>Gadget Girl</i>, one of my mom testers was given the opportunity to try out both the mOmma Spill-Proof Cup with dual handles and the Straw Cup.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxI5Yy0S0HWHjQeyiunSQTPDeyTcd3qVN3NR9J2kV8LOy_QwRLMjbbfU4yC9EZPAtsIqREOf-ei0mI-any-G7_ANkjRJRm6HMoXcMJFhKZ7QvOzxyHIri_6o4L5mZSGNUxryuN/s1600/mOmma+Spill+Proof.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxI5Yy0S0HWHjQeyiunSQTPDeyTcd3qVN3NR9J2kV8LOy_QwRLMjbbfU4yC9EZPAtsIqREOf-ei0mI-any-G7_ANkjRJRm6HMoXcMJFhKZ7QvOzxyHIri_6o4L5mZSGNUxryuN/s320/mOmma+Spill+Proof.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Gadget Girl's Thoughts</h3>
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<i>My 10-month-old daughter is still mainly using bottles, but we have started to introduce sippy cups. She will try to get them to her mouth (a feat she can’t do with a bottle unless she is lying down) and has tried a few types so far. I love the shape of the mOmma, however, when you turn the cap to close the cup, the sipper also turns and can become uneven with the handles. </i><br />
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<i>Perhaps if the sippy cup had the handles on the top but separate from the cap/sipper feature, it would make it easier to make the sipper and handles line up, thereby allowing the baby to get the sipper to its mouth. The handles are very helpful in helping her get the sippy cup close to her mouth. </i><br />
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<i>Over all a good sippy and has not leaked yet even though my daughter throws it around.</i><br />
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<i>Can’t wait to try the mOmma straw cup when she is ready for a straw. She's still not quite ready, but she is eager to try sipping out of the straw!</i><br />
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Did you know that the <b>mOmma Spill-Proof Cup</b> has been awarded the <a href="http://www.ptpamedia.com/Product-page?PID=2151">PTPA Seal of Approval</a>? Parents Tested and Parents Approved.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><u>Editor's Note:</u> When using the Lansinoh mOmma cups, it is important to note that one needs to push the spout down all the way inside the collar of the cup before closing to avoid unevenness. Pushing the spout down all the way inside the collar of the cup will help ensure proper use and an optimal drinking experience for child. </span><br />
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<i>Disclosure - Our Mom Tester received products to facilitate this honest review. </i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09251507898309184477noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22578035.post-9576651114507189152013-07-08T11:42:00.003-04:002013-07-08T11:42:28.726-04:00Confessions of a Guilt-Ridden MomI have a confession. I'm a guilt-ridden mom. I know this insanity has to stop, but I can't help it. I'm conflicted. Little One started camp today and I don't know how I feel about it.<br />
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I'm excited for her. In fact, I'm super excited. She gets to spend a few weeks this Summer hanging out with her cohorts, learning new things, and having fun.<br />
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The other part of me feels guilty about not letting her have an easy, restful Summer vacation. After all, Summer vacation, as we all know is fleeting. It goes by far too quickly and kids are only little for a short time. Part of me contemplated letting Little One stay home this Summer and not having structured activities. She could play outside, play on the trampoline, and we could go to the beach after I finish work.<br />
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Yes, I work from a home office, but I put in regular working hours. The only difference is that I don't leave my house to go to my office. I know it's a new concept for many and most people who don't work from home cannot comprehend that just because your office is in your home, you can't just take off or do what you want whenever you want. To be honest, I find it's more of a juggling act to accommodate scheduling and activities. For this reason, it is so difficult for me to work when Little One is home during the day. Summer camp has been a huge blessing.<br />
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The community's Summer Recreation Program is fantastic, and so reasonably priced! $15 a week! $20 with field trip. You can't beat that!<br />
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This week, the kids have Outdoor Expedition Week. They'll be making terrariums, going on a fossil hunt on the beach, making homemade bird feeders, and even going on a field trip to Manitoulin Streams where they will be exploring habitats and creatures in the water. Manitoulin Streams will be taking the kids on a "Stream Detective" workshop where the children will be netting aquatic bugs, building a bass spawning nest, and more. <br />
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Little One is very excited about the upcoming Hands-On Science week. They'll be doing hands-on experiments, including making their own lava lamps out of an empty plastic bottle!<br />
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Despite the fact that I know Little One will have a great time, I only wish I could spend more of the Summer with her. She's only four years old. When I was four, we didn't do any organized activities during the Summer. For us, Summer meant getting to sleep late, sleep in, hang out with our friends and play all day. Summer meant freedom. It was a break from school and just a time to relax and be kids. I put Little One in Junior Kindergarten at three years of age and now Summer camp activities at four years old. I'm wondering if I'm doing the right thing.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Do your kids go to camp or Summer activities? What's your take on this? Should kids just be kids and take it easy for the Summer or do you think they need organized activities?</i></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09251507898309184477noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22578035.post-30840562224763727102013-07-07T23:58:00.001-04:002013-07-08T08:58:44.965-04:00Huron Island Time! Ice Cream & a Swim: Providence Bay #Manitoulin #ManitoulinSpotlightThere's nothing that screams "SUMMER'S HERE!" better than an ice cream cone enjoyed on the beach and a swim on a hot Summer day. Thankfully for Islanders and visitors alike, all of this can be found daily in Providence Bay.<br />
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Enjoy a stroll on the boardwalk, or walk along the beach and enjoy the sunset. Providence Bay is one of our favourite places to play. This is why...<br />
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Owners of the Auberge Inn in Providence Bay have added to the Auberge Inn family by including ice cream shop, Huron Island Time.<br />
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What Huron Island Time has to offer:</h2>
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Ice cream of course! Huron Island Time has a good selection of Farquhar’s and Nestle flavours served in regular cones, waffle cones, paper or waffle bowls.</div>
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All flavours can be made into a Milkshake or a sundae, to which you may add chocolate or caramel sauce, sprinkles, whipped cream and cherry.</div>
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The shop also offers smoothies, both vegan and non-vegan. </div>
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Coffee and Tea are organic and fair trade supplied by Old Rock Roastery in Sudbury. Huron Island Time has a French, dark roast named the Great Zamboni escape, a Vienna, medium roast named Café de l’Auberge and a simple decaf. They also have 5 varieties of teas.</div>
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The espresso blend is called Los Lobos and is very appreciated by coffee lovers. You can get Lattes, Cappucinos, hot chocolate, iced coffee and they can probably prepare what you need on demand. Also on tap is Vanilla, Hazelnut and caramel flavoring to add to your coffee. Huron Island Time also makse a good Chai Latte.</div>
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As if ice cream and beverages weren't enough, the shop also serves hot-dogs and sausages made on Manitoulin by Burt’s Farm, who uses sustainable and as natural as possible processes to raise the animals and process them.</div>
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You will find a variety of other local products such as an assortment of Garden’s Gate cookies, locally baked muffins, brownies and date squares, Nan’s Kettle Corn and apple chips. Huron Island Time also carries a selection of Aromaki’s body butter, face and body wash and mist.</div>
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Huron Island Time (HIT) also offers rentals of Kayaks, bicycles, beach chairs, umbrellas, tubs full of beach toys.</div>
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At HIT you will find various beach items to purchase. What's that? You went to the beach without a towel? Have no fear, HIT has items and necessities for beach goers!</div>
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Friendly service awaits you!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">No Hurries, no worries, Huron Island Time!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09251507898309184477noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22578035.post-7053710182163909672013-07-05T14:45:00.000-04:002013-07-08T17:34:21.851-04:00A Scentsy-sational Way to Spruce Up Your Home #GivewayI have a confession. Much to my husband's dismay, I want our old farm house to look like it's right out of a <a href="http://www.bhg.com/">Better Homes & Gardens</a> magazine. I'm not really winning this battle, but it's my hope to one day have a home worthy of being in <a href="http://www.countryliving.com/">Country Living</a> magazine. *sigh* One of these days, my dream will come true.<br />
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To add to our "rustic meets modern" home (that's the look I'm striving for), I love a house that smells wonderfully when you walk through the front door. Apples and cinnamon, vanilla, and the like are so welcoming. I love pretty things and things that smell good. Who doesn't, right? This said, I'm very particular about the pretty, scented things I have in my house. I'm extremely sensitive to fragrances and anything too overpowering makes me ill. Very, very ill.<br />
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A few years ago, I was at the <a href="http://www.manitoulintradefair.com/">Manitoulin Trade Fair</a> and came across a Scentsy booth. I have been hooked ever since!<br />
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I love the <a href="https://anita.scentsy.ca/Scentsy/Buy/Category/369">Scentsy Bars</a> for a wickless alternative to traditional scented candles. Such a great way to refresh your home. We've got the Rustic Star Plug In Warmer and I'm in love with the Taro Plug In Warmer!<br />
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What I love is that the Scentsy wickless concept is simply decorative ceramic warmers that are designed to melt scented wax with the heat of a light bulb and not with a traditional wick and flame. As someone with allergies and doesn't do well with smoke, I can appreciate this.<br />
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To peruse the wide array of Scentsy products, visit <span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;"><a href="http://www.anita.scentsy.ca/">www.anita.scentsy.ca</a> or check out <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Anitas-Scentsy/595645700452572">Anita's Scentsy Facebook Page</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Giveaway</i></span></div>
Because like me, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Anitas-Scentsy/595645700452572">Anita's Scentsy</a> is as excited about all the Scentsy goodness, she wants to share the love with my <i><a href="http://www.lifeonmanitoulin.com/">Life on Manitoulin</a></i> readers!<br />
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Anita's Scentsy has donated a Scentsy Plug In Warmer and the Scentsy Scent of the Month to be given to one lucky fan! This month on the website, the featured scent is Watermelon Mint!<br />
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To enter: Simply fill out the Rafflecopter form below. Open to residents of Canada only.<br />
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/79c36065/" id="rc-79c36065" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script><br />
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<i>Disclosure - This is a sponsored post, however, as always, all thoughts and opinions expressed on this blog are honest and my own.</i><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09251507898309184477noreply@blogger.com86tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22578035.post-83354349680402275822013-07-03T15:17:00.001-04:002013-07-03T15:17:20.293-04:00Pampered Pet Grooming #ManitoulinSpotlightWhen I lived in Toronto, my canine baby was a pampered pooch. He got groomed twice yearly and had the royal treatment. He really was a spoiled boy.<br />
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Fast forward a few years and we're no longer living in the city. We're on an island in the middle of one of the Great Lakes and in Northern Ontario! How on earth did we get here?!<br />
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Chance seems to love rural living though. He gets to run around our farm and be free as a bird. He is one very happy puppy! Okay, he's ten years old, but he looks and acts like a pup!<br />
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The only drawback of country living is that this once well-groomed city dog is now <i>always</i> covered in gross things and doesn't smell great at all. I will not mention what he's covered in, but we live on a cattle farm. You get the picture, right?<br />
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There isn't a day that I don't thank my lucky stars for Patti McKenzie, <b><i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pampered-Pet-Grooming/148829018544076">Pampered Pet Grooming</a></i></b> owner and dog groomer. <br />
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No word of a lie, Patti is the most amazing person ever. She is so good with the animals and has that magic touch. I say this because my dog won't let anyone touch his paws, and Patti is always able to get him to let her do whatever she wants and needs to do to get him groomed!<br />
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You see, when Chance was a pup, an elevator incident had his paw stuck and dewclaw bleeding. Since then, <i>nobody</i> has been able to touch his sensitive paw. Nobody except Patti, that is! <br />
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A few years ago, he was run over by a bus and almost died. For three months, he was pretty much in a vegetative state. Crushed organs, a crushed pelvis, and no mobility, had our canine baby out of commission for a long time. It was a miracle when he all of a sudden decided to get up and start running around again! He looks and acts just like a pup still.<br />
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I thought for sure that no groomer would ever be able to touch him without his protests, but Patti seems to have the magic touch. She always sends Chance back to us looking like a brand new pup. Coat clipped down for his "Summer look", smelling fresh (the good kind of fresh, and not the "ripe" kind), and clean! He's always so happy when he comes back from the groomer's and he looks a lot lighter too!<br />
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That's one very happy pup!</div>
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If you're on Manitoulin Island, I highly recommend Pampered Pet Grooming. For more info, check out <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pampered-Pet-Grooming/148829018544076">their Facebook page</a>!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09251507898309184477noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22578035.post-90046629716888837322013-07-02T23:56:00.000-04:002013-07-02T23:56:05.482-04:00Superhero Birthday Party #WordlessWednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What do you get when you give a bunch of kids some paint and cardboard superhero shields? Couple that with water balloons and a hunt for asteroids and unfreezing Star Wars action heroes from actual ice and you've got yourself the <i>best</i> birthday party of the Summer!</div>
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Let's not forget the amazing Death Star pinata!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKHuPXhJy02H0AQfQKFOXKBIEiTuXhEdQfMQEiWoL7kLu21DDOGvmlw0C6ENqN8IPBgdsUo3YHMthzphSXL-W_EsxecSYwMVVV8EzvtRsnp6L1pIhfhewNn5VBh9A5ybLgD8xe/s1600/Captain+America+Cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKHuPXhJy02H0AQfQKFOXKBIEiTuXhEdQfMQEiWoL7kLu21DDOGvmlw0C6ENqN8IPBgdsUo3YHMthzphSXL-W_EsxecSYwMVVV8EzvtRsnp6L1pIhfhewNn5VBh9A5ybLgD8xe/s400/Captain+America+Cake.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Can't forget about the awesome Captain America birthday cake either!</div>
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Even better when the hostess is dressed like Princess Leia!</div>
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My friends did a fab job on their son's Avengers/Star Wars birthday party. Gotta love Summer birthdays! Especially when you live by the lake!</div>
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Link up your Wordless Wednesday posts! Granted, mine wasn't so "wordless" today!<br />We'd love to check your WW posts out!</h2>
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<link href="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/styles/default.css" media="all" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"></link><script src="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/loc_en.js"></script><script src="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/opt_defaults.js"></script><script src="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/misterlinky.js"></script><script src="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/autolink.php?mode=standard&owner=chancesmommy&postid=03Jul2013" type="text/javascript"></script></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09251507898309184477noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22578035.post-52916368197379993602013-07-02T09:10:00.000-04:002013-07-02T09:10:30.445-04:00Zombie Mom No More: Dr. Brown's ~ Helping Parents With All Their Babies' Feeding NeedsWho knew that there were so many different kinds of bottles, nipples, soothers and feeding products out there? With so much selection to choose from, it can get a little dizzying at times.<br />
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When I was a new mom, I went to family, friends and other moms for tips and recommendations when it came to all things baby. I'm a research person when it comes to all things concerning my family. I like reading ratings and reviews of products and I like finding out why parents prefer one product over another.<br />
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Though I nursed Little One, we also bottle fed her. Hubby was able to give her a bottle of expressed breast milk so that Mommy could get a bit of sleep too.<br />
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Since Little One is now four years old, I have enlisted the help of my product testers for items geared towards infants and toddlers. Here's what my parent testers, <i>New Mommy</i> and <i>New Daddy</i> have to say about Dr. Brown's products.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaHVpn31CI5Ff9TbcHZM9HeVltUfh8Lj7SIhin9XpoRHCYoUciWmuClBQ98LpT-Q7917-txdBnN8TEprGpwxXSeqZJmoZ6zCJtJEk8zMQ1hfMdE7mKxc1RuEk6DA8R-fkI9hRs/s1600/dr+browns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaHVpn31CI5Ff9TbcHZM9HeVltUfh8Lj7SIhin9XpoRHCYoUciWmuClBQ98LpT-Q7917-txdBnN8TEprGpwxXSeqZJmoZ6zCJtJEk8zMQ1hfMdE7mKxc1RuEk6DA8R-fkI9hRs/s320/dr+browns.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Zombie Mom No More: Dr. Brown's Helps Parents With All Their Babies' Feeding Needs</h2>
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I am a Zombie Mom. I never realized what the hashtag #zombiemom really meant until we had our baby a few months ago. Since circumstances did not permit me to breastfeed our child, we had to resort to bottle feeding her. Before you cast any judgment, we do know "breast is best", but medical conditions have not permitted me to give my child that important gift of "liquid gold". <br />
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Coupled with me not being able to breastfeed, another challenge we faced was colic. Yes, our sweet little babe is a very colicky babe.<br />
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When you have a colicky baby, you do research. Lots of research on how to soothe that baby's discomfort. We've tried pretty much everything, but to no avail. When Christine at<i> Life on Manitoulin</i> asked us if we wanted to try some Dr. Brown's items, we were really excited! What I like about Dr. Brown's Patented Internal Vent System is that it reduces colic, spit-up, burping and gas. This is a big thing for us, as our child suffers from colic. <br />
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<br /><b>Bottles are not just bottles</b></h3>
I remember the first time I sent my husband out to the store to buy a few bottles for our baby. I just found out I couldn't breastfeed (after numerous attempts) and sent the husband out blindly into the world of baby stuff and more. The poor guy came back defeated...and armed with (I kid you not) over a dozen different bottles. Plastic bottles, glass bottles, ones that were bent in odd shapes, straight ones, tall ones, fat ones. Oh goodness.<br />
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It also turned out our baby happened to be a fussy one too. Not happy with <i>anything</i>. Some preferences were made apparent, but then came the colic.<br />
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With Dr. Brown's it's great to have the option of having different sizes to choose from depending on your baby's needs.<br />
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No technical, science wiz here, won't try to explain how things work. Let me just say that I was impressed with the patented internal vent system, but even more so when I read that in a university study that measured nutrient levels in baby bottle milk showed that Dr. Brown's fully-vented bottles helped maintain important nutrients (like vitamins C, A. and E, as well as lipids) that are key nutrients to baby's health.<br />
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Oh, it's not bottles that Dr. Brown sells. They have thought of everything from bottles to cleaning brushes, to sterilizers and soothers!<br />
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<b>Oh, baby! A whole lotta stuff to learn about baby feeding products (<i>and cleaning them</i>)!</b></h3>
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Can I tell you that Dr. Brown's <a href="http://www.drbrownsbaby.com/bottles-accessories/accessories/microwave-steam-sterilizer">Microwave Steam Sterilizer</a> is a parent's best friend? I won't mask my excitement when I say the custom tray is molded for Dr. Brown's bottles and parts. No more boiling huge pots of water and sterilizing your bottles and parts! It's really easy to use too! Trust me. As one who has made it a habit of boiling all of Baby's feeding items, I've ruined a bunch of them all in the name of sterilization. No one told me that if you boil some products, they don't work as well or don't end up fitting properly or end up making a leaking mess all over your baby's face.<br />
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Yes, the Dr. Brown's Microwave Steam Sterilizer is in fact a godsend.<br />
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<b>For the love of soothers!</b></h3>
We have a fussy little baby when it comes to soothers. We have about two dozen soothers (not kidding) and have been trying to find the perfect one. Soother nipples: Too small. Too big. Too hard. Too flat. Too round. There doesn't seem to be any pleasing our child. You won't believe me when I say this, but these soothers actually did the trick. Now, that is a hard feat!<br />
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<i>"My Momma always said, 'Soothers will give ya buckteeth!'"</i><br />
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<i>These</i> soothers were designed by a pediatric dentist and were developed to prevent dental issues. I remember many years ago, people used to say not to give your child a soother because it would give them buck teeth. 1. These were designed to present dental issues and 2. They really do help sooth our little peanut.<br />
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Whether you're an experienced parent or a pair of clueless first time zombie parents like us, we hope you maneuver through your parenting journey with relative ease. Remember to enjoy and savour the blissful moments and learn to laugh at everything else...like going to the store about buying a dozen different types of bottles in a sleep-deprived state or doing the dance of joy when your baby decides she loves a particular soother or bottle. For the love of baby bottles, soothers, and all that is good in the world, these moments are fleeting. Enjoy :)<br />
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We're happy to report that you can purchase <a href="http://www.drbrownsbaby.com/">Dr. Brown's products</a> at <a class="c_nobdr t_prs" href="http://www.babiesrus.ca/" style="background-color: white; color: #0563c1; cursor: pointer; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; outline: none;" target="_blank">http://www.babiesrus.ca</a>.<br />
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Thanks to Christine and <i>Life on Manitoulin </i>for giving us the opportunity to test these products. Thank you to Dr. Brown's for quality products we can trust on our fussy little peanut. ~ <i>New Mommy and New Daddy</i><br />
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<br />
<i style="color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-indent: 48px;">This post was generously sponsored by Dr. Brown’s, but the opinions and images are my own. For more information, visit </i><a href="http://www.drbrownsbaby.com/" style="color: #0563c1; cursor: pointer; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-indent: 48px;" target="_blank">www.drbrownsbaby.com</a>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09251507898309184477noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22578035.post-79885384808247206292013-07-01T00:00:00.000-04:002013-07-02T18:40:29.629-04:00Canada is... #TGCBB<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Les queues de castor, la poutine, Montreal Smoked Meat, Montreal Bagels, ketchup chips, the CN Tower, Niagara Falls, Rush, the Tragically Hip, Our Lady Peace, Blue Rodeo, Jann Arden, Sarah McLachlan, hockey, lacrosse, the outdoors, kayaking, canoeing, camping, glorious coastal and inland beaches, stunning mountains and the prairies...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxgYLmOEb6NVpSkIXg-rIGPrkydhkXGwWXs9bALX0Kq6tgHqEw0Z2_7_2fiU8jHOEY-E0rkMbupBFt4f1e73HagE1Hv1P0PHeCOt0F66fMvEB3BH-fKkBA9x8zHjU32OCsNTjq/s400/canada+day+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxgYLmOEb6NVpSkIXg-rIGPrkydhkXGwWXs9bALX0Kq6tgHqEw0Z2_7_2fiU8jHOEY-E0rkMbupBFt4f1e73HagE1Hv1P0PHeCOt0F66fMvEB3BH-fKkBA9x8zHjU32OCsNTjq/s320/canada+day+(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<h2>
Canada is</h2>
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all of the above and so much more. When I think of Canada, I think of how fortunate we are to live in a country where we have freedom, where neighbours help neighbours, where everyone has access to health care...</div>
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I think of how my grandparents moved here from the Philippines many moons ago to start a new life and offer new opportunities for their children, and in turn their children's children. Professionals in their home country, they started a new life in a new country and learned to adapt, speak French, practice new customs, all the while maintaining their culture and values. They embodied the spirit of what it means to be Canadian. Hard work, family, hospitality, friendship, perseverance, etc. </div>
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Both of my maternal grandparents loved Canada as much as they did their home country. Fiercely proud to be Canadian and Filipino, they were involved in the community and politics too. </div>
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There are so many reasons I'm thankful to be Canadian, and on our Nation's 146th Birthday, I'm reminded of those reasons even more.</div>
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One thing is for sure...</div>
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Canada is home.</h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>What does Canada mean to you?</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://tgcbb.ca/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxM8_kRQVnkBLN21k44HBccEp2y8xi7fLe76Y_CNOSqwrxvu42bmwwoSM0FoOicJuRRPh10_0GvDi6zVly-hKqxzLoJj3hJq6HayWMpLYQkqvr32qqx1jMSsPSaJZi8j82aPTP/s150/TGCBB-2012-SM-copy.png" /></a></div>
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I'm participating in <a href="http://tgcbb.ca/">The Great Canadian Blog Bash</a>. Check out some amazing Canadian blogs and get to know some fellow Canadian bloggers.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09251507898309184477noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22578035.post-39889788904285996782013-06-27T13:29:00.000-04:002013-06-27T13:29:03.933-04:00Oh, Canada! Recipes To Make Your Canada Day Weekend A Fabulous One! #LMDConnectorSchool is officially out for Summer! Little One just completed her first year of school! Forgive me if I get a little bit weepy! I cannot believe our little preemie is now a Junior Kindergarten graduate! <br />
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With the end of the school year and the beginning of Summer, what better way to celebrate than kicking the Canada Day long weekend off a little early?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCMMagg3W6XNfEJGB9SoPHXnORVb7THcx33JV74b0caWqa000XJplVNivuTu6TnZpZ9JvvnXBlE0vJfSDz3KzHT9dJLSfL705QMFsoTRcolzlGE6yNpzXzCzk-2tLCCAf7M-MF/s720/canada+day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCMMagg3W6XNfEJGB9SoPHXnORVb7THcx33JV74b0caWqa000XJplVNivuTu6TnZpZ9JvvnXBlE0vJfSDz3KzHT9dJLSfL705QMFsoTRcolzlGE6yNpzXzCzk-2tLCCAf7M-MF/s400/canada+day.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<h2>
Oh, Canada! How we love thee! </h2>
We also love BBQ season...especially with a Canadian favourite ingredient --maple syrup!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1hYNmJXpgz2PljuBlqLyUVMELrJTlkmMLDnl_BidmcUEjLSHEdpONb1JEjxBRZE25XeVmnF9m3jfiVUKJzke0j6fixzGG_7dieFht_O0YSUEMV1Qsb5WpA1vLeKmF83ZFOMXL/s500/maple+bbq+ribs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1hYNmJXpgz2PljuBlqLyUVMELrJTlkmMLDnl_BidmcUEjLSHEdpONb1JEjxBRZE25XeVmnF9m3jfiVUKJzke0j6fixzGG_7dieFht_O0YSUEMV1Qsb5WpA1vLeKmF83ZFOMXL/s400/maple+bbq+ribs.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Check out my <a href="http://www.lifeonmanitoulin.com/2013/04/maple-bbq-ribs-recipe.html"><b>Maple BBQ Ribs</b></a> recipe. Gotta love adding a little bit of Canadiana with some maple syrup made on our farm!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAYN0gJQR8floe67_ayqTQq8atI0GOvBBQPR1S74Bg_lvf9dibs4K5uJfcKxfzIDMj9gF4gh-snt9GQGe4EZcDd9xWg-DG8wy58PjR55_mvgoIGo55DC_nSfOjR3UcCYQatXsT/s600/maple+syrup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAYN0gJQR8floe67_ayqTQq8atI0GOvBBQPR1S74Bg_lvf9dibs4K5uJfcKxfzIDMj9gF4gh-snt9GQGe4EZcDd9xWg-DG8wy58PjR55_mvgoIGo55DC_nSfOjR3UcCYQatXsT/s400/maple+syrup.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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For outdoor entertaining, I've also got my <b>Filipino BBQ</b> recipe (which was featured in <a href="http://eatineatout.realviewdigital.com/#folio=58">Eat In Eat Out Magazine</a>!) and my <b>Manitoulin Shawarma </b>recipe (which recently made the <a href="http://eatineatout.ca/blogger-spotlight-life-on-manitoulin/">Eat In Eat Out Blogger Spotlight</a>).<br />
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I have a bunch of favourites my family and friends request that I make, but I'm always on the look out for new recipes to try. When I'm stumped, I frequent the Life Made Delicious website for recipe ideas. The recipes are quick, easy, and made with busy parents in mind, I'm sure! The neat thing is that for most of the recipes, Little One gets to help me from prep, cook, to assembly and plating!<br />
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Of course, nothing is sweeter than enjoying quality time with loved ones and a light, refreshing beverage and a scrumptious dessert together! Outdoor dining and spending time on the patio is what we look forward to in the Summer!<br />
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<b>Some great ones to try are:</b><br />
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://lifemadedelicious.ca/en/recipes/p/peachberry-smoothies">Peach-Berry Smoothies</a></li>
<li><a href="http://lifemadedelicious.ca/en/recipes/w/watermelon-cooler">Watermelon Cooler</a></li>
<li><a href="http://lifemadedelicious.ca/en/recipes/c/Creamy-Mango-Smoothies">Creamy Mango Smoothies</a></li>
<li><a href="http://lifemadedelicious.ca/en/recipes/k/key-lime-yogurt-pie.aspx">Key Lime Yogurt Pie</a></li>
<li><a href="http://lifemadedelicious.ca/en/recipes/c/chocolate-mousse-macadamia-tart">Chocolate Mousse Macadamia Tart</a></li>
</ul>
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I've found these and countless other recipes on <a href="http://lifemadedelicious.ca/">lifemadedelicious.ca</a>. They've quickly become family favourites.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Check out the <a href="http://lifemadedelicious.ca/">lifemadedelicious.ca</a> website and let me know which recipes you'll be serving up this Summer!</span><br />
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<em style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, AppleGothic, Verdana, Helvetica, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Disclosure: I am part of the Life Made Delicious. Blogger program and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.</em></em></em><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09251507898309184477noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22578035.post-55189690426224874142013-06-25T20:11:00.000-04:002013-06-25T20:11:22.881-04:00Bee-autiful! #WordlessWednesday w/ Linky<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhG3_V8Uox2K2tOr4Ztt6Cb5yMeYUGFGMIECzVhwEPRj-pobrw0N6ujPhwanbDWJgiM6TuG6lV2EGywl6meNeSWxKlMHP1eRhFUZkOCZKApe5YAXEQKQJe4ccHZ9H7ZKPzY96M/s1600/bee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhG3_V8Uox2K2tOr4Ztt6Cb5yMeYUGFGMIECzVhwEPRj-pobrw0N6ujPhwanbDWJgiM6TuG6lV2EGywl6meNeSWxKlMHP1eRhFUZkOCZKApe5YAXEQKQJe4ccHZ9H7ZKPzY96M/s400/bee.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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It's that time of the year! We've got lots of strawberries in our garden!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimmWjYsauqoSvPdH5cZuqGpYscwv9Ky6vwLQJi50cHdyHnZ8Plrl4kf0ssEcjhDkzHSKQx6raFzdIDer0sn9m36m9SiZSR7Lgi6kBwWie5Qmsrb7Kyl13a8U3ITK2420qVOpFN/s1600/strawberry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimmWjYsauqoSvPdH5cZuqGpYscwv9Ky6vwLQJi50cHdyHnZ8Plrl4kf0ssEcjhDkzHSKQx6raFzdIDer0sn9m36m9SiZSR7Lgi6kBwWie5Qmsrb7Kyl13a8U3ITK2420qVOpFN/s400/strawberry.jpg" width="251" /></a></div>
Strawberry shortcake, strawberry jam, strawberry ice cream...strawberries straight up! I love strawberry season!<br />
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<b>Link up your Wordless Wednesday posts! We'd love to check them out!</b><br />
<link href="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/styles/default.css" media="all" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"></link><script src="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/loc_en.js"></script><script src="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/opt_defaults.js"></script><script src="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/misterlinky.js"></script><script src="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/autolink.php?mode=standard&owner=chancesmommy&postid=26Jun2013" type="text/javascript"></script><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09251507898309184477noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22578035.post-19719207533528036312013-06-23T23:16:00.000-04:002013-06-24T13:59:58.717-04:00Bringing Home Baby ~ Pampers Twitter Party #ILoveSwaddlers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlVpzrsjqQ3xDCX_ezIbHmuZnHyV5WDC9tYb59K5Ji3_HukUxQn37busYnILPClVeu3mVJHXC_5NOCCrKI04KgVgzgYgOUCy6Nw3qZ3zru7JCNLYyLtG8InwlCSh-I8powVlOP/s1600/110810+-+Pampers+Logo+(white+bg)+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlVpzrsjqQ3xDCX_ezIbHmuZnHyV5WDC9tYb59K5Ji3_HukUxQn37busYnILPClVeu3mVJHXC_5NOCCrKI04KgVgzgYgOUCy6Nw3qZ3zru7JCNLYyLtG8InwlCSh-I8powVlOP/s320/110810+-+Pampers+Logo+(white+bg)+(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Every parent can relate when it comes to bringing baby home for the first time. There's the first time putting baby in the car seat, first car ride, sitting in the back seat with them, going home for the first time, and first sleep at home!<br />
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I think it's pretty universal that as first time parents, many of us have the same feelings of excitement as well as apprehension bringing baby home for the first time!<br />
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For myself, there was a little more drama with Little One being born at 28 weeks gestation. There was the whole air ambulance trip, hospital bed rest, "spontaneous birth" (Yes! That's what was written in her chart after she canon-balled her way into the world!), 72 days in the NICU and a huge roller coaster ride of emotions.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRRqkvZJC0x6OCR2GLo8hilw4PYIEAinB1_muBLRzDu16j8dQB24rBP7sj1jA2kVE6dfQ2P6bq3NLmNNVkrtdy6P-7Bo0DkKUq2paEWq2oWd7w4IWeeIQR-gD_nkmVmo1jRy4m/s1600/PampersNICU.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRRqkvZJC0x6OCR2GLo8hilw4PYIEAinB1_muBLRzDu16j8dQB24rBP7sj1jA2kVE6dfQ2P6bq3NLmNNVkrtdy6P-7Bo0DkKUq2paEWq2oWd7w4IWeeIQR-gD_nkmVmo1jRy4m/s320/PampersNICU.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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After our life in the NICU, we got to take Little One home. Then it sank in...Wow! We're bringing baby home!<br />
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I have to say that I was really impressed to discover that Pampers makes diapers for even the tiniest babies. The hospital we were at used Pampers Preemie/Size P for the preemies in the NICU. Though the hospital provides preemie diapers for the preemies in the NICU, something I just learned and think parents should know is that parents need to bring diapers to the hospital with them. <br />
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Pampers Size P (for preemies) were the diapers we used when we brought Little One home. I was so thankful to have diapers that <b><i>fit</i></b> my tiny baby! Little One was 980 grams at birth and when we brought her home from the hospital, she was 5 lbs! Finding a diaper that fit such a small baby would be a challenge had we not had Pampers. Even Hubby thought Pampers Size P fit Little One really well. He really liked the fact that the yellow line turns blue when baby has wet the diaper. The indicator line was one of Hubby's favourite Pampers features.<br />
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It's no surprise that <b>Pampers Swaddlers</b> is the #1 Choice of Canadian parents and hospitals for newborn babies. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxun2rF_vNhOIUTDVgedfze2LTpxS4cyVszvZCbpjW05oz0QFTPFYd-oTsGVprBWJS-6smqB46aXVbdFVvmDcgUU5YkNI0If4lccY6faIl7sqJ1MwbMnY9-mbyG8VlajNYjgl/s1600/04_60_11312_Swaddlers+newborn+pack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxun2rF_vNhOIUTDVgedfze2LTpxS4cyVszvZCbpjW05oz0QFTPFYd-oTsGVprBWJS-6smqB46aXVbdFVvmDcgUU5YkNI0If4lccY6faIl7sqJ1MwbMnY9-mbyG8VlajNYjgl/s320/04_60_11312_Swaddlers+newborn+pack.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I remember when my brother and his wife had their twins and they used Pampers on their girls. It's a brand they trusted and preferred for fit and leakage protection.<br />
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Speaking of leakage protection, I was chatting with a friend recently and she said she loves that Pampers' 12 hour leakage protection helps her baby sleep through the night without waking up with a leaky diaper. Yes, Pampers has Mom's back from birth to potty training with Cruisers and Easy Ups for baby at each stage.<br />
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Have you heard of <b>Pampers Village</b> (<a href="http://pampers.ca/">pampers.ca</a>)? It's a loyalty program that enables consumers to redeem rewards for every package of Pampers purchased, exclusive coupon offer, newsletters with parenting tips, and exclusive promotions. Discover all the benefits you can get by joining over 500,000 Canadian parents! I'm a member! Despite the fact that Little One is now in Junior Kindergarten, I still enjoy reading what's on <a href="http://pampers.ca/">pampers.ca</a>. It's a great resource for new and experienced moms as baby moves through the stages. Plus, who knows if Little One will have a sibling in the future?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgojynR_qNqe_Vl9er-GhoBswoEB-1lJ5J9dWCebOyVUmvEE6pKnXoSGfWXRR2e2B4N_PQGpHzEN3Kr6ur9Ib8sN3Za75pB0gAX5PJv8j8GubuM_acji-n0imosP6YlpDlHTXaq/s1600/Pampers+Swaddlers+Pack+Shot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgojynR_qNqe_Vl9er-GhoBswoEB-1lJ5J9dWCebOyVUmvEE6pKnXoSGfWXRR2e2B4N_PQGpHzEN3Kr6ur9Ib8sN3Za75pB0gAX5PJv8j8GubuM_acji-n0imosP6YlpDlHTXaq/s320/Pampers+Swaddlers+Pack+Shot.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
For new moms, getting a tailored newsletter for baby based on their stage is a great thing! I also like letting friends know about the exclusive rewards and coupons they can get from Pampers Rewards. Let's face it, moms (first time or veteran) can always use the support of a community and being able to share experiences with other moms. This is what it's like on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PampersCanada?fref=ts">Pampers Canada Facebook page</a>! Chat about everything from bringing baby home for the first time, baby sleeping through the night, and more!<br />
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I was just talking about Pampers with my best friend yesterday and smiled when she said, "Pampers is like wrapping your baby's bottom in a cloud". I love that!<br />
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<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Twitter Party!</b></span></h2>
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<h3>
#iloveswaddlers Twitter Party—over $1,500 in prizes to be won!</h3>
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Ready for some exciting news? Summer is the season of new bumps and babies, and with the Royal baby on the way, Pampers Canada wants to share memories and tips from experienced moms with those preparing for their first big day!<br />
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As <strike>an experienced</strike> a mom who has been there before, I'll be tweeting with @Pampers, @Gingermommy, @momvstheboys, and @myweeview on June 26th, giving some mom to mom support by sharing what new moms need to know about bringing their first baby home.<br />
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It's going to be a lot of fun! Who doesn't love talking about baby experiences?! Plus, the prizes are <i>phenomenal!</i> Definitely things any new mom would love!<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
$1,500 in prizing with a Grand Prize worth almost $700! </h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE5x45AHtVHHIys7vypZ4e3rXQhCPyl5KOWfj3_TShw0UBcW3QSbyTU0MQXpkNwsEZsUfxdQq3BFpfndNjsQRjKuvCXbGfQj7PyQM-mTzfypkG5uD0LgY6H-9kLCIlN6E10wAt/s1600/Ultimate+New+Mom+Prize+Pack.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE5x45AHtVHHIys7vypZ4e3rXQhCPyl5KOWfj3_TShw0UBcW3QSbyTU0MQXpkNwsEZsUfxdQq3BFpfndNjsQRjKuvCXbGfQj7PyQM-mTzfypkG5uD0LgY6H-9kLCIlN6E10wAt/s400/Ultimate+New+Mom+Prize+Pack.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>GRAND PRIZE: The ultimate expecting mom bundle</b> includes diapers and more to keep baby comfortable and capture precious moments.</div>
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* Over 1,200 Pampers Swaddlers diapers<br />
* Over 500 Pampers wipes<br />
* Canada onesie (0-3 months)<br />
* Two bottles of Ivory Snow Liquid detergent,<br />
* “Caring for Kids: The Complete Guide to Children’s Health”<br />
* Kodak Play Sport video camera<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUCz1xDg85u3WgAtm1OeazgqlvI1HwThcha9HgeJ5mE5XVo-YZ58vJ84ZsLXnIpA0tsg6a1jWnICoP-ALouj1wgWUDwIwLMjzHZP5SPWcpOqpm-8wxo4r8wvPwcXOShjW6CscM/s1600/Pamper+Mom+Prize+Pack.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUCz1xDg85u3WgAtm1OeazgqlvI1HwThcha9HgeJ5mE5XVo-YZ58vJ84ZsLXnIpA0tsg6a1jWnICoP-ALouj1wgWUDwIwLMjzHZP5SPWcpOqpm-8wxo4r8wvPwcXOShjW6CscM/s400/Pamper+Mom+Prize+Pack.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>Pampering Mom Prize Pack (over $250)</b></div>
<br />
Whether new or experienced, mom always deserves to be pampered!<br />
* Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture Renewal Moisture Mask<br />
* Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture Renewal Moisture Mist<br />
* Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture Renewal Shampoo & Conditioner<br />
* Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture Renewal Silky Moisture Whip<br />
* Venus & Olay razor and Satin Care with a Touch of Olay Shave Gel<br />
* CoverGirl Blast Flipstick<br />
* COVERGIRL LipPerfection<br />
* Secret Outlast deodorant<br />
* Vidal Sassoon Hair Colour coupon<br />
* Olay Ultra Moisture Lotion<br />
* Olay Total Effects Daily Anti-Aging UV Moisturizer Plus Touch of Foundation Cream<br />
* Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 Anti-Aging Eye Cream Line and Dark Circle Minimizing Brush<br />
* Olay Total Effects Refreshing Citrus Scrub<br />
* Olay Total Effects Tone Correcting Night Moisturizer<br />
* Olay Total Effects Tone Correcting Eye Treatment<br />
* COVERGIRL Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Gloss (two shades)<br />
* Febreze Candle<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Pampers Swaddlers & Memories ($200) THREE WINNERS!</b><br />
* Two boxes of Pampers diapers<br />
* Pampers Wipes<br />
* Kodak Play Sport video camera<br />
* Ivory Snow Liquid Detergent<br />
* Canada onesie (0-3 months)<br />
<br />
<b>Pampers Swaddlers ($80) THREE WINNERS!</b><br />
* Two small packs of Pampers diapers<br />
* Pampers Wipes<br />
* Ivory Snow Liquid Detergent<br />
* Canada onesie (0-3 months)<br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>That's a whole lot of prizes to give both Mom and baby the Royal Treatment!</b></div>
<br />
<b>Please join us on Wednesday, June 26th from 8pm-9pm EST.</b><br />
<br />
Follow Host: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/chancesmommy">@chancesmommy</a><br />
Co-Hosts: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/Gingermommy">@Gingermommy</a>, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/momvstheboys">@momvstheboys</a>, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/myweeview">@myweeview</a><br />
Sponsor: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/Pampers">@Pampers</a><br />
Hashtag: #ILoveSwaddlers<br />
<br />
<b>All Canadian participants, excluding residents of Quebec are eligible to win. </b><br />
<b>Please RSVP with your Twitter handle (Ex: @yourtwitterhandle) using the linky below:</b><br />
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<script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=201368" type="text/javascript"></script><br />
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Rules & Regulations</div>
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Contest is open to legal residents of Canada (excluding Quebec) and are 18 years or older. TO PLAY: Be sure to follow @Pampers, Host @chancesmommy, as well as co-hosts @Gingermommy, @momvstheboys, and @myweeview. You must RSVP in order to be eligible to enter to win.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;"><i> Disclosure - I am a P&Gmom. As part of my affiliation with this group I am hosting the #iloveswaddlers Twitter party and have been compensated for my services. The opinions on this blog and during the Twitter party are my own.</i></span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09251507898309184477noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22578035.post-28714862948987486112013-06-23T10:00:00.000-04:002013-06-25T19:56:01.515-04:00Manitoulin Botanicals ~ Natural Goodness for your Body #Manitoulin #ManitoulinSpotlight<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;">
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When people think of Manitoulin Island, they think of the outdoors, untouched land, and nature at its best. Many associate Manitoulin with fresh and natural food too. Our island Farmers' Markets are popular with locals and visitors alike</div>
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I recently met up with <b><a href="http://www.manitoulinbotanicals.com/">Manitoulin Botanicals</a> </b>to chat about the products they offer. Manitoulin Botanicals is a Canadian cosmetics business that was founded and is based in Meldrum Bay, Ontario, Canada.</div>
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I had an interesting chat learning about the products and the story behind them. I also learned more about the ingredients used and the reasoning behind it.</div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">"Your skin is the largest organ in your body. Anything that you put on your skin goes into your bloodstream and into your organs and tissues. At Manitoulin Botanicals we choose to put only healthy natural products in our bodies.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 10px;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;">We make beauty products that actually are natural; 100% and completely natural. Not 99% or 99.9% natural. They contain no petrochemicals, no synthetics or heavy metals, no alcohol and they are cruelty free and 100% Vegan. We use essential oils containing natural anti-oxidants that are known to keep skin healthy and looking young & naturally sourced vitamin E.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">We have our ingredients list, on our site, in English, for each item, so that you can see for yourself what our products contain. If the list of the ingredients is not in English then you might not really know what you are buying.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">Some companies claim that their products are 90 or 99 percent natural, but even a small percentage of impurities can be a problem. 1 part per billion of some substances is enough to cause birth defects, cancer, liver problems, skin irritations and sensitivities, allergies, to change hormone functions effecting reproductive success." - Manitoulin Botanicals</span></div>
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I have tried the Lavender Liquid Soap and the Orange Lip Balm. Lavender just happens to be one of my favourite scents. I love fresh lavender and lavender dried and added to my tea. </div>
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What surprised me was the consistency of the liquid soap. It wasn't as "thick" as store-bought soaps. This was much runnier than anything I had tried. The ingredients are natural and safe on the skin and for your body. There are no harmful ingredients used. It took some getting used to to adjust to the consistency. My 4 year old always uses too much soap from the dispenser, but after some practice, we figured out that we only need just a little bit of product to do the job. A little goes a long way.</div>
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I'm very pleased with the liquid hand soap as well as the Orange Lip Balm. My lips feel so soft and smooth. Plus, I love anything and everything orange-flavoured!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqMjfxRt9xECxafLvdbSUmYsZ7ssoTcm6-1MMzDU06IJJkxRaKt4BR7mlPjvSqpC0K5ivCVM0mB-UugfKtebd4FqI2Sgp6KqArpY0nby6nUbO9fzGXbTWSCzbzBAGS25Xjknhk/s1600/soap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqMjfxRt9xECxafLvdbSUmYsZ7ssoTcm6-1MMzDU06IJJkxRaKt4BR7mlPjvSqpC0K5ivCVM0mB-UugfKtebd4FqI2Sgp6KqArpY0nby6nUbO9fzGXbTWSCzbzBAGS25Xjknhk/s320/soap.jpg" width="274" /></a></div>
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Here are some other Manitoulin Botanicals products:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCwXwwBw-B8-HFpYCXZAywHuFbf6buM3HxyIGWRTd5fsMwrywAn95jGjkgFGg_qPgEn1j8MB-Dco_Z4nRUfMrxVPYwIHBWEx-9ooiZOy5lPj2f5wJaZHEqnmZM9e2UH7rAsqEU/s1600/bug+repellent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCwXwwBw-B8-HFpYCXZAywHuFbf6buM3HxyIGWRTd5fsMwrywAn95jGjkgFGg_qPgEn1j8MB-Dco_Z4nRUfMrxVPYwIHBWEx-9ooiZOy5lPj2f5wJaZHEqnmZM9e2UH7rAsqEU/s320/bug+repellent.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggbIu3eji2TUMd8afjw3fig_O3Ik4Q_C38zCBG47-_AorUoTp19Y3ake7NJaKgs8UzuBYsaukr423p3kauESM0zDnZAvrUTKpNx7qEiM6w4ZACvpNVLqXDZukojVbXOHXNPkZp/s1600/deodorant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggbIu3eji2TUMd8afjw3fig_O3Ik4Q_C38zCBG47-_AorUoTp19Y3ake7NJaKgs8UzuBYsaukr423p3kauESM0zDnZAvrUTKpNx7qEiM6w4ZACvpNVLqXDZukojVbXOHXNPkZp/s320/deodorant.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Get some bath salts for yourself or give some as a gift.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnHehUbHW9A4gLj2Vvg5kE0n82Vsr5nZBafl47RyJQhhbukDWDwd3Q8sL_VNpfFgQ-O5pKFu83lAiU4-SLvshulhqvwF5Fah6o2J1qM-ZcMKyT-2OdhSSsCBsm4QhB0xz1MR1P/s1600/bathsalts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnHehUbHW9A4gLj2Vvg5kE0n82Vsr5nZBafl47RyJQhhbukDWDwd3Q8sL_VNpfFgQ-O5pKFu83lAiU4-SLvshulhqvwF5Fah6o2J1qM-ZcMKyT-2OdhSSsCBsm4QhB0xz1MR1P/s320/bathsalts.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The lip balms are also great gift items! I guarantee you'll want to get some for yourself too!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEUaHScnWr9TIEC14-8P_0PXoz8FtA0dhJ4YiGL6pWZTmivRnSio_R-pO6KsKudbjNQnWtGV6gQOSSnoYrCYMnZ_XbfRCfwHhPK-jQWE-5DfA_T6SQgyogb2G1Btzup0OYp8OC/s1600/lipbalm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEUaHScnWr9TIEC14-8P_0PXoz8FtA0dhJ4YiGL6pWZTmivRnSio_R-pO6KsKudbjNQnWtGV6gQOSSnoYrCYMnZ_XbfRCfwHhPK-jQWE-5DfA_T6SQgyogb2G1Btzup0OYp8OC/s320/lipbalm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Connect with Manitoulin Botanicals on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Manitoulin-Botanicals/178450275517762">Facebook</a>, their <a href="http://www.manitoulinbotanicals.com/">website</a>, or via email<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">ManitoulinBotanicals@gmail.com</span><br />
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<i>Disclosure - This is not a sponsored post. Just promoting local businesses and the island we love.</i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09251507898309184477noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22578035.post-57104668441246447902013-06-21T19:46:00.002-04:002013-06-21T19:46:51.413-04:00Friday Funnies #PGMom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09251507898309184477noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22578035.post-77526929050967828912013-06-21T11:54:00.001-04:002013-06-22T06:49:06.221-04:00Key Lime Parfaits ~ Refreshing Summer TreatI have two really good girlfriends that I wish I had more time with. We all live on the Island, except on opposite ends. Getting together takes planning in advance. I miss these lovely ladies and really do wish we could see each other more often. Crazy how we all live on the Island, yet due to life, kids, work, and the every day things that keep us busy, we only see each other a few times a year.<br />
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This is why we came up with our Key Lime Pie dates. We love our key lime get-togethers! It's a great chance for us to catch up, chat, enjoy each other's company, and enjoy a great lunch. We always end our visit with a slice of key lime pie.<br />
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I made something a little bit different for our lunch date today.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVTMqaq4i4uZ28WilucoLwow3RV-7I8kg2IqBdTvFLP_c4z-qvbsXIkRN6UMutgBwB0zMqfiaSLX_MLfU2nPgCs6dWUoKZOQcvBJ6Ig3Ae9H_iY3EWCdqWtVSCQjRdLoT9FSW0/s1600/Key+Lime+Parfait.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVTMqaq4i4uZ28WilucoLwow3RV-7I8kg2IqBdTvFLP_c4z-qvbsXIkRN6UMutgBwB0zMqfiaSLX_MLfU2nPgCs6dWUoKZOQcvBJ6Ig3Ae9H_iY3EWCdqWtVSCQjRdLoT9FSW0/s400/Key+Lime+Parfait.jpg" width="246" /></a></div>
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Key Lime Parfaits</h2>
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<i>Ingredients:</i></div>
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Zest of 1 key lime, grated (2 tbsp)</div>
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Juice of 1 key lime (or regular lime if you don't have access)</div>
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OR 2 tbsp limeade concentrate</div>
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1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz can)</div>
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2 cups homemade whipped cream (I use <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/268190/whipped-cream">Martha Stewart's whipped cream recipe</a>)</div>
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1 c Graham Cracker Crumbs</div>
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3 tbps granulated sugar</div>
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3 tbsp butter, room temperature </div>
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<i>Instructions:</i></div>
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<ol>
<li>In a bowl, mix together condensed milk, lime juice OR limeade (I use the limeade because I like the extra bit of punch), and grated lime zest.</li>
<li>In a separate bowl, mix Graham Cracker Crumbs, sugar and butter. I use room temperature butter. No need to melt the butter. It mixes nicely at room temp.</li>
<li>Scoop 2 tbps of crumb mixture into parfait cups and press firmly to form the base/crust.</li>
<li>Add 2 tbsp of key lime mixture.</li>
<li>Add a layer of whipped cream.</li>
<li>If you wish, you can add another layer of crumbs, key lime mixture, whipped cream, or keep it sweet and simple.</li>
<li>To garnish, I just added a sprinkle of Graham Cracker crumbs and a slice of lime.</li>
<li>Chill for 2 hrs+. I chill mine in the refrigerator overnight to make sure everything is solidified. The first time I made this, I was so impatient and we wanted to dig in. The result was more like a key lime soup! Note to self: Make sure you chill the key lime dessert long enough!</li>
</ol>
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Et, voila! Makes for a quick, easy, refreshing treat to enjoy with your favourite gal pals.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09251507898309184477noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22578035.post-74947941573059309512013-06-19T22:11:00.000-04:002013-06-19T22:11:04.077-04:00Turón Bites ~ A Spin on a Filipino Street Food Fave<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIOOMjwdsLngMVQIi0B-3NmmOrzcGuTHp_OlaeQBn12qsUiyN2NlGi_ltr190OQqLpmOERvpwiyyVDPG9lvq37nXbdvahch-5O52BjT1ikhw7Ok1LcvT5YTmBqc7Krow2YRWfO/s1600/Turon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIOOMjwdsLngMVQIi0B-3NmmOrzcGuTHp_OlaeQBn12qsUiyN2NlGi_ltr190OQqLpmOERvpwiyyVDPG9lvq37nXbdvahch-5O52BjT1ikhw7Ok1LcvT5YTmBqc7Krow2YRWfO/s400/Turon.jpg" width="242" /></a></div>
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As a little girl, I remember my Mom, grandmother, and aunts sitting around the kitchen table, telling stories, laughing and wrapping <span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 19.1875px;">Turón</span>. The ladies would expertly wrap sliced up plantain, jack fruit and sugar in spring roll wrapper, and fry them. <br />
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It was always a special treat and a family favourite.<br />
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Whenever I have this Filipino treat, I think of my family and my childhood.<br />
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I was so shocked to see the local Foodland had plantain! I promised myself I'd only cook with local produce in my attempt to tread lighter on the earth, and also help support local farmers. I couldn't resist though. I had picked up a few cans of jack fruit when I was in Ottawa recently and had Turon on the brain.<br />
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My aunt's original recipe calls for large spring roll wrappers. Our local grocery store only carries the small wonton and egg roll wrappers. From experience, I know that the egg roll wrappers get bubbly when fried. That would be a definite no-no. I settled on the wonton wrappers. After all, we use what we have or have access to, right?<br />
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<b><i>Ingredients:</i></b><br />
1 large plantain, sliced<br />
1 can jack fruit (slice the jack fruit into strips)<br />
sugar to dust (white or brown sugar)<br />
1 pkg spring roll wrappers (in this case, 2 pkgs wonton wrappers)<br />
oil for frying<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-CbZV4TFX3D7uWijOrY5mzG7z_u9UBx9puyBZ5LOAlBZ0mzTelWj9bGJs3t3mnJdV5pMrIdP9v2zMElKMKSXQtExheMAzBi9ee6QgC0z9MXOc6SPAajxgVGUaJUVsyaG9Qfm/s1600/Turon+Bites.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-CbZV4TFX3D7uWijOrY5mzG7z_u9UBx9puyBZ5LOAlBZ0mzTelWj9bGJs3t3mnJdV5pMrIdP9v2zMElKMKSXQtExheMAzBi9ee6QgC0z9MXOc6SPAajxgVGUaJUVsyaG9Qfm/s400/Turon+Bites.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Instructions:</i></b><br />
1. Slice plantain into small, thin slices. I did them about 3 inches long and 1/2 inch thick.<br />
2. Drain jack fruit and slice 3/4 cm in thickness.<br />
3. Take one won ton or spring roll wrapper and place 1 slice of plantain and 1 slice of jack fruit in centre. Dust with sugar. Brown sugar works best for this treat. The caramelized brown sugar is lovely with the banana.<br />
4. Wrap and form a "roll" by folding ends over the banana and jack fruit, using water to seal.<br />
5. Repeat process until you have used up all the spring roll wrappers.<br />
6. Heat a skillet or pan and add cooking oil. Add a few rolls, but be careful not to overcrowd pan. Cook until golden on med heat, then turn over. Keep cooking until other side is golden. It doesn't take too long to cook.<br />
7. Remove from pan and either place on plate with paper towel. Sprinkle sugar over top while still hot.<br />
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These are smaller than the original Turon. Perfect bite-sized treats for entertaining and also perfect for little ones, as I've noticed that the original size Turon can be a bit too much for little kids to eat. Hubby, on the other hand, can eat his fair share of the original-sized Turon!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDqvwkO56C2Dgvp0aSMj6xQF6JsqvsRE0WXgEjk8cTPEHoKbkjbrKkvGJEV1Pk2a73_N99S0q6wFmlxp7q4Pj4BHnx4Sr5eiIpqYwnta0Rd_vHX87bb7hWMNPHYBf_1flUervN/s1600/TuronBites.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDqvwkO56C2Dgvp0aSMj6xQF6JsqvsRE0WXgEjk8cTPEHoKbkjbrKkvGJEV1Pk2a73_N99S0q6wFmlxp7q4Pj4BHnx4Sr5eiIpqYwnta0Rd_vHX87bb7hWMNPHYBf_1flUervN/s400/TuronBites.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Enjoy! This is best when eaten hot!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09251507898309184477noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22578035.post-88045489676318286012013-06-19T15:00:00.000-04:002013-06-21T21:11:46.546-04:00Walmart Canada + P&G Make Shopping Easier #PGMom #ShopWalMartonline #Sponsored<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<i>"Toilet paper, shampoo, deoderant, wipes, snacks. Toilet paper, shampoo, deoderant, wipes, snacks."</i> If I keep chanting, I won't forget what's on my list. Right? I've written down a carefully itemized list of things I need to pick up at the store, but in true <i>Christine fashion</i>, I forgot the list at home. I made my husband BBM me the list, but I left my BlackBerry in the van and already have the kid in the shopping cart. Can't be bothered to go all the way back to the parking lot.<br />
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I've committed some of the more important items to memory. <i>"Toilet paper, shampoo,deoderant, wipes, snacks. Toilet paper, shampoo, deoderant, wipes, snacks..."</i></div>
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Meanwhile, I've got a four year old who loves to shop. This is why I purposefully put her in the shopping cart. "Mommy, can we get _______" or "Mommy, I want __________" are phrases all too familiar to me.</div>
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I used to be a <i>take-your-time-saunter-window-shop-enjoy-the-shopping-experience</i> kind of gal. Now, I'm more of a <i>go-in-get-what-you-need-and-get-out </i>kind of girl. No, if I'm on my own and can enjoy a leisurely shopping experience, I love it. Otherwise, get me in and get me out! I'm a woman on a mission.</div>
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Of course, I always end up forgetting to get something or sometimes <strike>oftentimes</strike> I get tons of items that weren't on the list.</div>
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It just seems that when you're in a rush and have other things on your mind, you're bound to forget items. Either that or you can suffer from frequent bouts of <i>"Momnesia</i>"<i>/"Mommy Brain</i> like I do!</div>
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Thank goodness that picking up those last minute items just got easier for busy moms. To help with our weekly shop, Walmart and P&G have partnered and have launched a virtual store with a QR-based shopping experience for families in urban centres. This month, to celebrate the launch of <b>Walmart Canada's virtual store</b>, P&G has a special challenge. They're giving #PGMoms the chance to shop for our favourite P&G items and share the experience with our readers!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSDyer-rhgbG_61jXtRDdqtTxsoWBOEZAO9bHC9GGUJNqA9hO8uyhRpnh0hc0iolcfQj3W3X2zhSKyMqyx4bmi1fem9jt7Nt3g9zP0KlzaVvNrUS1XQXGO54IEPCSLmBdPhfVT/s1600/walmart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSDyer-rhgbG_61jXtRDdqtTxsoWBOEZAO9bHC9GGUJNqA9hO8uyhRpnh0hc0iolcfQj3W3X2zhSKyMqyx4bmi1fem9jt7Nt3g9zP0KlzaVvNrUS1XQXGO54IEPCSLmBdPhfVT/s400/walmart.jpg" width="263" /></a></div>
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How cool is that? I was given a challenge to shop for my favourite P&G items at <a href="http://walmart.ca/">walmart.ca</a> and share my experience. I'm always up for a challenge and I'm always up for shopping!<br />
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Since I remember what it was like when Hubby and I were new parents, wanted to help out friends with a new baby. I asked what P&G items they would like me to share with them. These are what they added to the online shopping cart:<br />
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-<a href="http://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/tide-pods-detergent-spring-meadow-57-pacs/10148752?trail=&fromPLP=true&ancestorID=&searchString=&startSearch=&fromSearchBox=&addFacet=">Tide Pods Detergent Spring Meadow</a><br />
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- <a href="http://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/pampers-baby-dry-diapers-giant-pack-na/207618?trail=&fromPLP=true&ancestorID=alldept&searchString=&moduleName=Pampers+Best+Sellers&startSearch=&fromSearchBox=&addFacet=18002%3A1255153182930">Pampers Baby Dry Diapers Giant Pack</a><br />
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- <a href="http://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/downy-unstopables-shimmer-in-wash-scent-booster/10187300?trail=&fromPLP=true&ancestorID=&searchString=&moduleName=&startSearch=&fromSearchBox=&addFacet=">Downy UNSTOPABLES Shimmer In-Wash Scent Booster</a><br />
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- <a href="http://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/downy-unstopables-spring-in-wash-scent-booster/10196877?trail=&fromPLP=true&ancestorID=&searchString=&moduleName=&startSearch=&fromSearchBox=&addFacet=">Downy UNSTOPABLES Spring In-Wash Scent Booster</a><br />
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- <a href="http://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/swiffer-360-dusters-unscented-refills/10065700?trail=&fromPLP=true&ancestorID=&searchString=&moduleName=&startSearch=&fromSearchBox=&addFacet=">Swiffer 360 Dusters Unscented Refills</a><br />
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- <a href="http://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/swiffer-sweeper-wet-cloths-refills-citrus-breeze-12-count/10036246?trail=&fromPLP=true&ancestorID=&searchString=&moduleName=&startSearch=&fromSearchBox=&addFacet=">Swiffer Sweeper Wet Cloths Refills Citrus Breeze</a><br />
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- <a href="http://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/crest-3d-white-vivid-toothpaste-radiant-mint/10133004?trail=&fromPLP=true&ancestorID=&searchString=&moduleName=C0038&startSearch=&fromSearchBox=&addFacet=2004%3ACrest">Crest 3D White Vivid Toothpaste Radiant Mint</a><br />
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The virtual shopping process at <a href="http://walmart.ca/">Walmart.ca</a> was super easy. The items will be shipped to my friends, and these new parents are very excited! Thanks to P&G and walmart.ca for making shopping that much easier for these new parents!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Have you tried shopping via Walmart.ca's virtual store? Do you shop using QR codes? What are your favourite P&G items?</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; line-height: normal;">Disclosure: I am a P&Gmom. As part of my affiliation with this group I receive products and special access to P&G events and opportunities. The opinions on this blog are my own.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09251507898309184477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22578035.post-21218686506445135122013-06-19T13:34:00.000-04:002013-06-19T13:40:02.098-04:00So Happy Together ~ @flyerland #itsbettertogether ContestWhen my friend (and co-worker), @Dogpaddling told me about the @flyerland <b><a href="http://bettertogether.strutta.com/">#itsbettertogether contest</a></b>, I couldn't get this song out of my head...<br />
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So happy together</h2>
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When I think of things that go well together, I immediately think:</div>
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<ul>
<li>Toast and jam</li>
<li>Honey and cheese (don't know why!)</li>
<li>Apple and pie</li>
<li>Hugs and kisses</li>
<li>You and I</li>
<li>Sand and surf</li>
<li>Chocolate and cake (or chocolate cake!)</li>
<li>Simon and Garfunkel</li>
<li>ET and Elliot</li>
<li>Romeo and Juliet</li>
<li>Gin and tonic</li>
<li>Malibu and pineapple</li>
</ul>
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Do you really want me to go on? I totally can.</div>
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What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think of things that go better together?</h3>
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Fellow English teachers, please don't chastise me for using the word "thing" (and twice in the same sentence)! It's been a busy week and my brain is fried!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhww2dS8DObLCMxpkyhP92b72kadQTtuVPFjZPlhrc7U7Gs_qr5GpALYWLdWpJOBzamrIfpc7_W_d3lX01cCrdDhEdwhrTakRhaWvR1p6jyfkN334wirg0JkNcCtfDEsbaOXIT9/s1600/contest-facebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhww2dS8DObLCMxpkyhP92b72kadQTtuVPFjZPlhrc7U7Gs_qr5GpALYWLdWpJOBzamrIfpc7_W_d3lX01cCrdDhEdwhrTakRhaWvR1p6jyfkN334wirg0JkNcCtfDEsbaOXIT9/s400/contest-facebook.jpg" width="380" /></a></div>
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To enter, simply upload any two things you think of that are better together and you will be entered to win a Canon Camera and Camcorder from <a href="http://shop.ca/">Shop.ca</a> PLUS a $2500 shopping spree from <a href="http://well.ca/">Well.ca</a>!</div>
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I can't resist a fun contest, so this is what I submitted:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsuFLM54KivVkfgjEKtFuAzqDrO5XMIj6q_eeP_lV3sMS-DLk9wWjMJDKuDFlRHuR0rEsWdq1106gqs4at8ZtIZindl07Zc3JkhwHC3k_qBAGBK__3SABLwn59zSO9_NX80v7S/s1600/providencbay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsuFLM54KivVkfgjEKtFuAzqDrO5XMIj6q_eeP_lV3sMS-DLk9wWjMJDKuDFlRHuR0rEsWdq1106gqs4at8ZtIZindl07Zc3JkhwHC3k_qBAGBK__3SABLwn59zSO9_NX80v7S/s400/providencbay.jpg" width="306" /></a></div>
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Check out @Dogpaddling's post <a href="http://www.ptpamedia.com/blog/index.php/2013/06/19/better-together-contest-with-flyerland/">here</a>. </div>
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Go on and check out the challenge. I'd love to hear what things you think go better together! Enter <a href="http://bettertogether.strutta.com/">here</a>. Contest ends July 16th, 2013.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09251507898309184477noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22578035.post-52649933455953951152013-06-18T19:00:00.000-04:002013-06-19T07:38:10.022-04:00What Little Girls Are Made Of ~ Not So #WordlessWednesday w/ LinkyLittle One is a veritable girlie girl. She loves all things blingy, sparkly and pink. She goes to the barn to feed the bull in her puffy tutu and rubber boots.<br />
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If you recall, I boycotted pink when Little One was born because I didn't want her to be under the whole notion that girls are all about princess, frilly things, and pink.<br />
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Despite my protests and not introducing her to all that is girlie, she somehow embraced all of those things anyway. She loves Disney princesses, fairies, ballerinas, and PINK!<br />
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She also loves digging in the dirt and playing with snails and whatever other bugs she finds in the garden.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-j3XQSmaxfqsdql2Rcs8tP60EthxP4_pzAZz4okd1f87rsNeXNE5Z_gU-YWJ9abQo4_jV10unlTSHVUeohfOyFJNrqODvFznvm3i2kFAJpX5Y0u2WSHeyeNI7nNeoIrmSMEpk/s1600/snail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-j3XQSmaxfqsdql2Rcs8tP60EthxP4_pzAZz4okd1f87rsNeXNE5Z_gU-YWJ9abQo4_jV10unlTSHVUeohfOyFJNrqODvFznvm3i2kFAJpX5Y0u2WSHeyeNI7nNeoIrmSMEpk/s640/snail.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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Little girls and little boys can do anything and everything they want to do when it comes to establishing their preferences in toys, activities or sports. I think it's great for boys to play house and play with dolls, just like I think it's fabulous for girls to play with dirt or play with toy tools. I think it's wonderful for boys to do ballet and girls to play hockey.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz6oSUPoYyqJNWuTW16KgIfj88IDK-W-6CGOvmedzhxxZVELpIrubyIMR1KsxPpAdNLxvbaQhV5z0Y4IYaM5luqCl8Vzf8pW_bfP4NI7fG7wO0o2WXaSRYYY4SGnocG80mRpWl/s1600/slimey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="363" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz6oSUPoYyqJNWuTW16KgIfj88IDK-W-6CGOvmedzhxxZVELpIrubyIMR1KsxPpAdNLxvbaQhV5z0Y4IYaM5luqCl8Vzf8pW_bfP4NI7fG7wO0o2WXaSRYYY4SGnocG80mRpWl/s640/slimey.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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What do you think?<br />
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Link up your Wordless Wednesday posts here. <i>Sorry mine is a little "wordy"!</i> We'd love to check your posts out!<br />
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<link href="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/styles/default.css" media="all" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"></link><script src="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/loc_en.js"></script><script src="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/opt_defaults.js"></script><script src="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/misterlinky.js"></script><script src="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/autolink.php?mode=standard&owner=chancesmommy&postid=16Jun2013" type="text/javascript"></script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09251507898309184477noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22578035.post-47570973476176771492013-06-17T00:00:00.000-04:002013-06-17T00:00:06.225-04:00Plan & Organize the Perfect Summer Wedding + Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 Giveaway #LoveNote8Seven years ago today, I had my dream wedding on the beach at Carter Bay. Yes, it's true! Today is our 7 Year Wedding Anniversary!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5P-rCisjZ_X7HDuCE1UM3ShS-8a3AglV09V2LobRYtVUPFIOZlZ_gUoFaanI47wOSfqym0Fy1dUXGwiY4nBkBvpbpLE55_5t6Dqa3DqoXMjGpvTfzZlNIsOsqx-fqJCYNOw9R/s1600/wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5P-rCisjZ_X7HDuCE1UM3ShS-8a3AglV09V2LobRYtVUPFIOZlZ_gUoFaanI47wOSfqym0Fy1dUXGwiY4nBkBvpbpLE55_5t6Dqa3DqoXMjGpvTfzZlNIsOsqx-fqJCYNOw9R/s400/wedding.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The white sand beach, the turquoise water, all our closest family and friends, and the perfect sunny day just made our special day a fairy tale come true.</div>
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I remember the planning and organizing too. I felt fortunate that technology like the internet enabled me to do most of my drafting of ideas online and on my computer. I researched everything from bridesmaids' dresses, motifs, bombonieres, to the perfect wedding cake. </div>
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When I saw this video of Mindy Weiss talking about planning weddings, I was in awe. I won't lie. The video made me think, "Wow. If we ever renew our wedding vows, I want Mindy <i>and that Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0</i>!" </div>
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Wishful thinking. I know. Not only is Mindy Weiss a celebrity event planner for the stars, but she is just a fabulous event planner in general. See for yourself in this video:</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/OzUaGb-9ZlA?list=PLG_rGpgE_jjgFih4JBxwizOADqfTT-ohs" width="560"></iframe></div>
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Mindy explains that what makes a person's event different from other people's is truly personalizing it. Every detail can be visualized with the use of the Galaxy Note 8.0.</div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.samsung.com/ca/consumer/mobile/galaxy-note/galaxy-note/GT-N5110ZWAXAC">The SamsungGalaxy Note 8.0</a> features:</span></span></h3>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 38.4pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Large 8” screen
that is still small enough to toss into a purse.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 38.4pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Wifi capable for
connecting at home or while out and about.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 38.4pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Bluetooth <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 38.4pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->5.0 MP Rear-facing Camera and 1.3 MP Front-facing Camera with Flash.
Capture those big and small moments that make each wedding unique.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 38.4pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Light weight, at just 340 g it won’t weigh you down.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 38.4pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">Decent
battery life will get you through an event without having to worry about
recharging. (depending on which apps are in use).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 38.4pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 115%;">S Pen for precision sketching,
quick navigation and easy handwriting. The S Pen is the perfect tool for taking
notes, personalizing emails, making last minute changes to invitations, or just
doodling. And with the convenience of Air View, you can preview content without
actually having to open it. Save everything to Dropbox and/or Evernote and have
access to everything in the cloud. </span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 38.4pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 115%;">Keep on track and on schedule with
Awesome Note, calendar and even sync it with Google’s calendar to seamlessly
track everything across devices. <span style="color: #333333;">With Multi Window,
you can use two apps on the same screen, at the same time. </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 38.4pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 115%;">Take your notes with you wherever
you go with preloaded Polaris Office. View, edit and create documents,
spreadsheets and guest lists without having to download anything. </span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 38.4pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 115%;">Expandable memory to take your
documents from your Note to your desktop and back again with ease. </span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 38.4pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 115%;">Meeting up with the girls for a
last minute farewell to singledom? No worries. Coordinate your event through
social media (Facebook, Twitter and more) with any one of the many apps
available for free in the Google Play store. </span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 38.4pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 115%;">Share photos with a roomful of
people with AllShare Play™. With a simple click your images are beamed
wirelessly. It’s seriously cool. </span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 38.4pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">If
you are more artistically inclined take your photos to the next level before
sending them to family and friends with </span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 115%;">the Note 8.0‘s
powerful and mobile photo editing option. </span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 38.4pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">Catch
up with the latest novel or magazine while waiting to get your hair or nails
done. The Note’s</span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; line-height: 115%;"> compact size makes
it easy to bring your library with you wherever you go. </span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">The Samsung
Galaxy Note is available for purchase at major retailers including Staples,
Futureshop, Best Buy, Visions and </span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; line-height: 115%;">NCIX
for around $430 CDN. </span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.4pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b>One lucky Canadian will get to take this beautiful tablet to
events with them this summer thanks to the generous people at Samsung. To enter
please fill out the form below. All entries will be verified.</b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a class="promosimple" data-campaign="3d7a0beea0dfe855f674341e3874aacb" href="https://promosimple.com/ps/3d7a0beea0dfe855f674341e3874aacb">Samsung Galaxy Note 8</a><script src="https://promosimple.com/api/1.0/campaign/3d7a0beea0dfe855f674341e3874aacb/iframe-loader" type="text/javascript"></script><noscript>You need to enable javascript to enter this campaign !<br />Powered by <a href="http://www.promosimple.com/">PromoSimple</a>.</noscript>
Good luck!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09251507898309184477noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22578035.post-68542042648118499062013-06-16T23:00:00.000-04:002013-06-16T23:15:49.710-04:00Blue Jay Creek Art Farm #ManitoulinSpotlightOn Manitoulin Island, there is a place where friendly faces greet you as you stop off to pick up your eggs and vegetables. You'll likely find people working in the garden and cultivating produce -- food that nourishes the body. Real food...straight from the garden to your table. You'll no doubt hear singing coming from the garden too. It's a magical place.<br />
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This place is <span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/109699965723397/photos/">Blue Jay Creek Art Farm</a></b></span>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVoRYKS7P3yLIoTxNT7jjRlXvLcvzpYR5COSejWagXL4ChX9F0uAAUj7xzI_M3MohEP6sbERqN6mt1WtuEXoa8I6vRQLoJX4icARUe7muq_yRkdQpoueEC3OQj25nkVFX6Rs6i/s1600/BlueJayCreek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVoRYKS7P3yLIoTxNT7jjRlXvLcvzpYR5COSejWagXL4ChX9F0uAAUj7xzI_M3MohEP6sbERqN6mt1WtuEXoa8I6vRQLoJX4icARUe7muq_yRkdQpoueEC3OQj25nkVFX6Rs6i/s320/BlueJayCreek.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>"Blue Jay Creek Art Farm grows and sells tomatoes, potatoes and other art! We are a work in progress, a living art-meets-survival experiment in organic community-building. In the 'High Season' our roadside stand carries honey, organic Loon Song oats and flours, delicious jams and jellies, and seasonal fruit and vegetables from our gardens. Throughout the year we produce or host unique and original events based in wonder and reverence for All Our Relations. The Blue Jay Creek runs through the farm and brings sheer magic to this farm experience."</i></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh67ffSVLUycOX27NttclvCCZ6AJdgNy_w1Y011GIATa8FR_bwpIHtPatAUs3Sp_0fDRO_VR6J8RLe3MdRhdePiNo2zN9RUeO8tB-NE8R4TqYh8UlbgkAtOGVUJvTkn0l18NBp/s1600/farmhouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh67ffSVLUycOX27NttclvCCZ6AJdgNy_w1Y011GIATa8FR_bwpIHtPatAUs3Sp_0fDRO_VR6J8RLe3MdRhdePiNo2zN9RUeO8tB-NE8R4TqYh8UlbgkAtOGVUJvTkn0l18NBp/s320/farmhouse.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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Blue Jay Creek Art Farm is a beautiful 100 acre farm with a pristine creek that runs through it. Aside from their roadside stand, you can find outdoor galleries and a performance venue. You'll also find dogs, cats and chickens at Blue Jay Creek Art Farm. The one thing you will note upon your first visit is how positive and welcoming the energy is at the art farm.<br />
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If you're planning a visit to Manitoulin Island (or if you are a resident of Manitoulin), make sure to visit Blue Jay Creek Art Farm! The fabulous produce will draw you in, but the friendly people will keep you coming back!<br />
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For more information, visit <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/109699965723397/">Blue Jay Creek Art Farm</a>'s Facebook page or their link on the Manitoulin Chamber of Commerce website <a href="http://www.manitoulinchamber.com/membersbluejaycreek.html">here</a>.<br />
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<i>*Photos are property of Blue Jay Creek Art Farm</i><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09251507898309184477noreply@blogger.com2