New Read - Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes

I am enjoying the read so far Penguin Canada. 

Can't wait to finish this one.... thanks Penguin.ca

Hot Dogs

OK, I know they aren't always the most nutritious choice but to be honest they are always in my house - usually in the freezer. They are kind of a stand by kids food (OK, Mom food too sometimes) . My kids love hot dogs. I like a good hot dog occasionally too. They are often on the summer BBQ menu because BBQ'ing hot dogs is how I really love them.  And beans and hot dogs are a good lunch when the weather is cold outside.

I recently was offered coupons by Maple Leaf to try their Top Dogs. I will be honest when it comes to hot dogs I am picky. I don't eat pork so my dogs need to be all beef, preferably with no fillers. Maple Leaf  Tops Dogs are available in six varieties, including 100 % Angus Beef, BBQ size and with less salt. I really liked the Angus Beef Top Dogs.

The coupons were part of Maple Leafs campaign promoting the companies contest encouraging parents and kids across Canada to pile on the toppings and share how they like to "top" their Top Dogs for a chance at $25,000 and the crown title of "Canada's Next Top Dog". The top 10 finalists selected will be in Toronto this weekend for a live cook-off taking place at this years Scotiabank Buskerfest

* I have 2 sets of coupons for two readers. Anyone interested in some coupons for Maple Leaf products leave me a comment and I will pick 2 people for the coupons.(they can be used for a number of different Maple Leaf products, not just hot dogs). I will mail them out to you. Those selected will be chosen at random.

***I received coupons to purchase Maple Leaf products but my opinions and views are my own***

Wordless Wednesday - Garden Beauties

Wordless Wednesday - Porch Salon

Who needs to go to the salon when the kids bring the salon to you on the porch.

And here is the fancy creation.

When is a Sick Day Not a Sick Day?

So, when is a sick day not a sick day? When Mom is sick. And if you are a Mom you know exactly what I am talking about.

I have been suffering with a brutal cough for about 8 days now. It is bronchitis. I was so sick last week that I was off work for three days. Three days that I should have been lying in bed, resting and working to get rid of this cough BUT instead I was playing Mom, as well as being sick. There really is no such thing as a sick day when you have kids. They still need Mom no matter how she is feeling. They still need help finding clothes, getting breakfast, lunch and dinner, finding that ever special toy, sorting out the latest fight, calling a friend for that play date that shouldn't even be happening because Mom is not feeling well and  just needing Mom for what ever it is that sparks their fancy.

My kids were pretty good about letting me sleep past 9 a.m. and letting me rest on the couch but it just isn't the same. I think back longingly to those days before kids when I got sick and could stay in bed all day watching television with no one to look after but myself. Getting sick when you are childless just seems so much easier. Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining about my kids. I do love my kids but Mom is just a bit crankier when she is sick and has to fix grilled cheese sandwiches while coughing up a lung.

 How do you cope when you are sick and still have to look after the kids?

I'm Going...Are You?

I am going...are you?

This is a very exciting opportunity to connect with other Canadian Digital woman and Canadian brands.

What are you most looking forward to?

BBQ Time - Wonder+ Simply Free

These are great tasting & so nice to be able to serve the kids something that is simple and delicious.

SimplyFree is the first Canadian National Brand of bakery products FREE OF artificial preservatives, flavours and colours; it is also free of high fructose corn syrup and made with unbleached wheat flour. More and more companies are offering families smart choices for dinner like Wonder+ Simply Free. They are priced well which is always important when it comes to a grocery budget. I picked up these for $1.99, which is comparable with other brands.

 

Grilling up a delish meal.

Adding a slice of cheese for those burgers!

Buns are ready.

Disclosure – I am participating in the Wonder+ SimplyFree program by Mom Central Canada on behalf of Weston Bakeries.  I received a gift card and free product coupons as a thank you for my participation.  The opinions on this blog are my own.

Back to the Grind

I love going up to the cottage. It is so relaxing and it is always great to spend time with the family. My kids love the freedom of being at the cottage, they swim all day and sit around the fire roasting marshmallows at night. Everyone sleeps well. Ahhh.... it is relaxing just to think about our weekend at the cottage.

BUT ........

It is shocking how quickly that feeling of relaxation washes away. I was back at work Tuesday night and by Wednesday morning I was exhausted again. I was once again feeling worn down and slightly stressed out. Why is it the affects of the weekend getaway don't last longer, can't seem to withstand the stresses of regular life?

I think maybe the trick is to work a little bit of that cottage life into my everyday life. I need to take more time to relax, really relax. I need to take time out and put my feet up and not worry, stress or think about cleaning, dinner, laundry, work ... etc. Easier said then done I think.

 What do you think? What do you do to keep that vacation feeling? How do you relax and unwind during the week?

Wordless Wednesday - Cottage Bug

A little creature we rescued this weekend at the cottage.