I am back with a new Halloween printable for you! Whether you are wanting to trick or treat as a whole fam or just looking to hand out candy from a distance, these signs let little goblins know they can help themselves to a treat. I have provided two different posters with both options of "take one" for bigger treats or "take two" if you're doing fun size bars. If you do use one, tag me on Instagram with your porch set up @venturesinmotherhood!
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Is it just me or does winter just make you want to eat all the carbs? Throw in a pregnancy and I simply cannot be stopped. This weekend I had a craving for an old flame my husband and I used to enjoy on the regular pre-babies. As I was meal planning for the week, I wondered if my daughter might enjoy it too. I mean, it does contain all the good things: pasta, shrimp, garlic. What's not to love? Apparently the answer is nothing because she gobbled hers up to. And the leftovers (if there are any)? Don't even get me started. They're just as delicious as the original.
I've used both fresh and dried parsley in this recipe, depending on my desire to chop herbs. This week I was not feeling it so just used half the amount in dried. If you ever need to substitute, that's the rule: use half. It's because dried herbs and spices are more potent than their fresh counterparts. I also omit the salt in the recipe. But not in the pasta water; that's your one opportunity to season that shit. Don't miss it! Other than that, I follow the recipe exactly as written.
INGREDIENTS:
½ cup (125ml) olive oil 7 cloves garlic, minced 1 tsp (5ml) salt 1 pinch hot pepper flakes 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined 12oz (340g) spaghetti ⅓ cup (70ml) chopped fresh parsley
DIRECTIONS:
Fill a large pot with 20 cups (5L) water and 2 tbsp (30ml) salt; cover and bring to boil. Meanwhile, in a skillet, heat oil over low heat; cook garlic, salt and hot pepper flakes, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes or until garlic is light golden but not browned. Increase heat to medium-high. Add shrimp to skillet; stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes or until lightly pink and opaque. Fill your pasta bowls with hot water to warm. Meanwhile, add pasta to water, stirring to separate strands. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until tender but firm; drain and return to pot. Add shrimp mixture and parsley; toss to coat. Empty bowls. Spoon in pasta. Serves: 4
I first discovered this recipe in an old Canadian Living cookbook. It has remained a favourite at our house and will hopefully be making more regular appearances at our table.
Rowyn woke up with a phlegmy cough and snotty nose the other day. It's always hard with little ones as there isn't much they can take and they don't understand what is happening to them. I opt to let things like that run their course and personally try to limit the chemical concoctions I ingest so I am trying to do the same for my family.
That being said, she needed to rest and that darn cough was keeping her up. So I used Mother Nature's heavy hitters and brewed this magic potion. It totally took care of the cough and congestion and left her feeling well enough to go about her day. NATURAL COUGH SYRUP
INGREDIENTS:
¼ cup (60ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice ¼ cup (60ml) raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar ½ tsp (2.5ml) cayenne pepper 1 tsp (5ml) fresh grated ginger 3 tbsp (45ml) raw honey
DIRECTIONS:
Combine lemon juice and apple cider vinegar in a small sauce pan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Add cayenne, ginger, and honey. Mix well. Let cool and store in a sealed container. Adults: 1-2 tbsp daily Children: 1 -3 tsp daily
Please keep in mind that I am not a doctor, nor do I play one on TV. This information is just to share what worked for us and should not replace the advice of your healthcare professional. Also, honey should never be given to infants under the age of one.
We used 1 tsp, three times per day on my toddler until her congestion cleared. My daughter requested seconds every time she had to take it, but did have to eat and drink with it; it is a pretty intense flavour combo but it works. What are your favourite natural remedies during cold and flu season?
It's been a while since I shared a recipe around here. That first trimester of pregnancy seems to really kick my ass and puts cooking/eating very low on my list of things I want to do. As for the other three months, a lack of motivation was definitely the culprit. I have been struggling with how to manage my time between blogging, creating, caring for our toddler, and running a house. This is now one of my priorities for 2018: figuring my shit out. Or at least trying to.
Along those lines, one way I try to maximize my time is by making the most out of a recipe when I can. Pancakes are no exception. I find that if I'm already making them, then it's no more trouble to double the batch and freeze a bunch so I have them on hand. Just lay them out on a cookie sheet between layers of parchment and pop in your freezer. To reheat, just toss a couple of these beauties in the toaster for a quick and delicious breakfast any day!
This is another recipe from my favourite Quinoa 365: The Everyday Superfood cookbook by Quinoa Sisters, Patricia Green and Carolyn Hemming. It calls for quinoa flour which I make myself by toasting quinoa and grinding in my Vitamix. The toasting gives it a nice nutty flavour that works well in this recipe. I also use a local Cold Pressed Camelina Oil in place of the vegetable oil. It adds another subtle note of nuttiness that pairs perfectly with those fall flavours. Around Thanksgiving every year I stock up on organic pumpkin purée so I have it on hand in our pantry. The brand I buy has enough purée to double this recipe so I don't have any leftovers.
DIRECTIONS:
Measure the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, allspice, cinnamon, ginger, and salt into a large bowl. Mix well. Whisk together the milk, pumpkin, eggs, and oil in a medium bowl. Add to the flour mixture and stir until just blended. Grease a large nonstick frying pan or spray with cooking oil and place on medium heat. When hot, pour ¼ cup (60ml) portions of batter into the pan. Pancakes will be ready to flip when you begin to observe bubbles and the underside is brown. Flip and cook the pancake for another 20 to 25 seconds, until the center springs back when pressed. If the pancakes buckle when sliding a spatula under them, lightly oil the pan again for the next pancakes. Serve with maple syrup, pecans, and/or whipped cream. Yield: about 17 pancakes
These pancakes have become a staple in our breakfast rotation and are delicious with nut butter or with a splash of maple syrup for a weekend treat. After you're hooked, grab a copy of this national bestseller to see where else you can add a little quinoa to your life!
I have been following Red Fox Creative Studio for a few months now and was thrilled to finally partake in a couple of their workshops this past month. I was so excited to see something like this pop up in our city. Creativity and artistic expression have been so good for my soul, particularly postpartum, and I know that some of the new crafts I have learned will help me calm my busy mind when baby number two arrives. Check out all that these ladies are offering and then treat yourself to some me time to learn something new!
Tell us about Red Fox Creative Studio.
We like creativity. We like it a lot. We believe creating is good for people. Our services include technique-based art classes and workshops along with classes and workshops rooted in mindfulness. A few of the studio's offerings:
Where did the idea for a creative studio come from?
At the time, we were feeling like we weren't using our passions to drive our lives forward. We were conforming to the ideals of "work" and feeling drab about every day life. Inspirational thoughts for our "unicorn dream" (as we refer to it) started to become more frequent. The dream was and still is to create a business model that was centralized around people getting together to learn new things, while expressing themselves creatively.
How has becoming Momtrepreneurs meshed with your family lives?
We are often answering emails and creating social media content into the night. We both try and keep it to a minimum, but sometimes it can't be helped. Also, because of the nature of what we do, most of our classes take place in the evenings — so we are away from our families.
Where do your ideas for classes and workshops come from?
This business would be crazy hard without each other. We both bring particularly great skills to the table. It's great to have another person to brainstorm with. Oh, and the one and the only Pinterest.
What has been your favourite class offering so far?
ART BOOK. I love how you can present a topic/journal prompt and everyone can come up with a different visual to go along with it. Everyone says how relaxing it is to just create for the sake of creating and not having the pressure to create a grand masterpiece. The pieces created in this class are just for you. No one else even knows what it might mean, that is what's so special about it.
Kayla, you also offer other services through Kayla Huszar Creative Services. Do you want to share more about that?
YES, I sure do! I am a registered social worker, trained in expressive art therapy. The focus of my private practice is creativity, dialogue and playful expression, as a means to heal. I want to hold space for anyone who needs it, while focusing on providing support for mothers and working professionals. My practice involves using a therapeutic setting where clients use imagination and creativity to show how they might be feeling, grieving, and/or struggling.
Creative expression in therapy is an effective form of communication that can alleviate stress, calm minds and focus on healing. What would you say are the top three skills a Momtrepreneur would need to successfully run a creative studio?
What have you found the most gratifying about running a creative studio?
Having a space to come to everyday that it just ours, while creating a community, homey feel about the services we are offering.
Where do you see Red Fox heading in the future?
Well the unicorn dream is to have instructors (including us but other people, too) in the studio teaching all the time. Spreading the creative joy all over the city.
What do you have in store for creators next year?
Here is our current menu, with classes being added to the website all the time:
Where can we find more class info?
Use code CREATIVITY2018 to save 10% off of all classes and workshops!
I've got a free printable available for you to download and place out with your candy bowls tonight! If you're like us and are torn between handing out candy or trick-or-treating with your wee ones, now you don't have to choose! I printed mine on an 8.5"x11" piece of card stock, trimmed to size, and placed in a black frame to protect it from the elements. And how great is that mummy candy bowl I snagged from Homesense?
Happy Halloween!
Erin Degelman has been whipping up delectable sweets in her home bakery, Let Them Eat Cake, for the past 8 years. We had the pleasure of chatting with Erin about the challenges of running a business with little ones, her biggest inspirations, and her best baking secrets.
Tell us about Let Them Eat Cake.
I bake cupcakes, cakes, and confections to order. My products are all fresh, never frozen, and made with quality products.
When did you start baking?
I began baking when I was a young girl actually. My grandma used to give my sister and I dough to play with and we would add cinnamon and sugar and bake it! My mom used to own a bed and breakfast and she is also an excellent baker, so it's always been something that I grew up with. I decided 8 years ago to start baking for other people and it just grew from there.
Who is your bakery crush?
Jenna Rae Cakes in Winnipeg! She does amazing cakes and cupcakes and I would love to have a bakery like hers one day.
What has been the hardest part of adding a family to your business?
Being a good mom. There is not enough time in the day to do everything I need to do for my business and be the best mom I can be. It is the thing I struggle with the most. The guilt that the time I am using to bake and decorate could be spent playing with my kids.
How do you generate new ideas?
I am a huge Pinterest fan. I love to look through Pinterest and see creations that people have made and try new techniques. Instagram is great too for seeing trends and new techniques.
What has been your most successful form of marketing?
My main source for marketing is Instagram. Instagram and word of mouth. I have been so fortunate that I have had people recommend friends and family to me.
Who is your kitchen idol?
I love Ina Garten. She had no formal training and became a success. There is not a recipe of hers that I have tried that I did not like!
What is your favourite aspect of being a Momtrepreneur?
My favourite aspect is having the option to say I won't take on an order. If I have something important for my child, I have the option to say they come first and I can make my schedule around my family's.
What is your favourite cupcake on the menu?
It's a toss up between lemon and coconut — I am a total lemon and coconut girl. My dulce de leche comes in a close second though!
For all of us amateur bakers, what is the secret to a perfect cake?
Room temperature ingredients and let your cakes rest a night before icing them. I always bake my cakes, let them cool, and then leave them overnight in a sealed freezer bag on my counter. My grandma always did that, so that's what I do!
Where can we find your sweet treats?
I've been on the hunt for hardworking Momtrepreneurs all over our beautiful province. This week, I am featuring a mom who has been making a line of natural baby products since last year. Madison of Little Bum Baby Products not only creates a beautiful bath, body, and baby products, but she offers natural alternatives for the laundry room, too! She sat down with us to give us the scoop on growing a business with a young family at home.
Tell us about Little Bum Baby Products.
We are a Saskatchewan-based company that offers all natural, organic, and chemical free baby care products. Our full product line includes:
How did you get into making baby products?
My daughter is allergic to disposable diapers which means I had to cloth diaper, and finding a cloth-diaper-safe diaper cream was hard and expensive. So I did a ton of research and found some recipes online and decided to make my own. I took different parts of a bunch of recipes and came up with my own. Thus, the first Little Bum Baby Products Diaper Cream. After that, I expanded to create all of the products we currently offer.
Getting the right recipe must take lots of trial and error. What was the biggest nightmare batch you ever made?
When we first started making lip balm it was a long process to figure out how to make them solid without being too solid. We also tried making them with natural flavorings instead of essential oils. The first batch we made was a liquidy mess and none of the flavour (vanilla extract) even remained in the lip balm tub, it all leaked out the bottom! We played with it enough that we now have a great recipe that is the perfect consistency and works wonders for the lips!
What is your product philosophy?
We want to make sure everything is 100% safe for all ages and all natural. We hate that most baby products are filled with chemicals and fillers which are really terrible for your children and their skin.
What has been your biggest mistake since starting?
Having too many products and not enough sales. I haven't really learned my lesson as I just keep adding to the list!
What is your favourite part of being a Momtrepreneur?
Getting to stay home with my family .
What would you say are the top three things needed to launch a successful product line?
What is your biggest motivator that continues to drive Little Baby Bum Products?
Helping all the little bums with their sensitivities.
How do you use social media to market your business?
Creating lots of Facebook posts, participating in tradeshows, sharing in Facebook groups, and doing giveaways.
Where can we find Little Baby Bum Products?
*Mention this interview and save 25% off your entire order until October 20!
*contact Little Baby Bum Products before placing your order*
As a former teacher, Nichole Forbes, speech pathologist and co-owner at Regina Speech Centre, holds a special place in my educator heart. I've seen the difference early intervention can make so I know the value behind the services they are offering. We all know there have been major funding cuts to education and services like speech and language therapy are one of many that take a hit. This is one of the many reasons private centres are so important in our community.
Tell us about Regina Speech Centre.
Regina Speech Centre is a speech and language centre that just opened its doors on April 1, 2017 and we have been busy ever since. We are an energetic, enthusiastic, and passionate speech centre who aim to provide the most current, evidence based practice to our community. We provide client and family centered speech and language services within our community, day cares, and family homes targeting various concerns. We have a variety of experience in helping families with (but not limited to); expressive and receptive language delays.
We have experience in working with individuals with motor speech disorders, apraxia, autism, fluency, cochlear implants, literacy and language development, auditory processing, picking eating, and early attachment. We also have a passion and strong interest in providing parents with tools and strategies through parent coaching. We believe the best way we can help the children we work with is by empowering the parents and giving them the strategies. This is the main motivator to encourage us to develop various parent education classes. We offer individual services, group services, consultation services, and parent education services. What ignited the spark to open a speech centre?
It really just takes one person to believe in your crazy idea, and say "yes... do it." Then next thing you know you're in the middle of renovations, building a speech centre, and reading information on how to write blogs, choose a logo, and build a brand for your company. Encouragement from other strong women who own their own businesses and strong family members who support our crazy ideas are what sparked our business adventure.
What is your favourite aspect of being a Momtrepreneur?
That when an idea or an opportunity approaches me, I can say yes or no and pursue it. I am in charge of what my work day and work life looks like. There is freedom in that.
If you had not taken the plunge and opened your own centre, what would you be doing instead?
You mean besides professional Disney karaoke, yarn spinner, 90's rapper, master pun creator, rebel knitter and crocheter? I would probably still be working at my previous job. I don't see myself NOT providing speech and language services in some way. I have been fortunate enough to find my passion and purpose; it would be crazy to abandon that blessing.
What has surprised you most about working for yourself?
How my passion for the field has been reignited, how my drive has increased, how much my creativity has exploded, and my overall happiness. It's amazing how freeing and rewarding it is once you start believing in yourself.
What might people be surprised to know about you?
I'm creative and artistic; I have had paintings in art galleries before. I am also strongly passionate for outdoor activities: kayaking, hiking, snowshoeing, snowboarding, and just soaking up the sun are some of my favorite things. I am an avid reader; I read on average a book a week (either read it or listen to an audio book).
Another reader! What is your top pick?
Two favourites: "To Kill a Mocking Bird" and "Daisy Fay and The Miracle Man".
What local businesses do you admire the most?
Ali Lauren Creative Services: I love the personality, the grace, and the drive she has with her business. She's always encouraged me and is always a sounding board for me to bounce ideas and business problems off of.
OuTcomes Therapy: I have been blessed to cross paths with Louise, owner of OuTcomes Therapy, and her drive, her passion, her advocacy for her clients, and her ethics motivate me to push for, and deliver, stronger services for my own clients. What do you wish other people knew about Regina Speech Centre?
I wish people had a stronger knowledge of how encompassing speech and language therapy is. I can work with the little-little ones to school age to adults. I can help with not only speech sounds but literacy, writing, cognitive skills, memory tasks, feeding, play skills, vocabulary development, and overall communication skills. We have an abundance of information on child development, interaction and attachment, and parent coaching and offer various classes.
Most importantly, I wish that people realized the importance of early intervention, to not "wait and see," and that they are their child's best advocate. So if their gut is saying "help"... listen to it and seek out our help. It's what we love to do. Where can we find Regina Speech Centre?
This week's Momtrepreneur is Amanda Adam, owner and lead photographer at Fat Cat Studios. She is an award-winning, local Saskatoon lifestyle photographer who has an amazing eye for detail. She offers a variety of services that will beautifully capture and preserve your life's most important moments.
Tell us about Fat Cat Studios.
I am an award-winning and published photographer. My main focus is on maternity, wedding, newborn, and children's portraiture. I bring my history as a graphic artist to my photography and offer high-quality, artistic portraits. I work with an amazing, professional photographic print company to offer beautiful artwork featuring my clients' portraits as well. My services are available both on-location and at my in-home studio. I currently offer sessions for:
Has photography always been your dream job?
I had actually never even considered becoming a photographer. I have always loved to cook and, for much of my life, I wanted to be a chef. I ended up choosing not to pursue that career path because I thought it would make having a family life more difficult, and I didn't want to lose my love of cooking. Instead, I content myself with always cooking new dishes and having friends over for dinner parties!
How did Fat Cat Studios come to be?
I was working a job I hated that I felt was eating up all my time. I was always either working, commuting, or de-stressing from work. My son was due to start school soon and I desperately wanted to spend more time with him while I could. I decided to turn my side-project into a temporary full-time venture, so I could be home with my son. By the time he started school, it had taken off enough that I didn't need to return to work!
What do you love most about photography?
I love getting to meet so many new people and being allowed into their life for some of their most special moments. I recently had a wedding with one of my favourite couples to date. Prior to getting engaged, they went through a very difficult cancer diagnosis and treatment together. Their wedding was a very emotional one on all sides, full of love and gratitude for something as simple and precious as good health. The knowledge that I'm helping people keep these moments for life, makes me love my job even more.
What is the best part of being a Momtrepreneur?
The cookies! I LOVE being able to say, "Time for a break. Let's bake some cookies!" I started my business to spend more time with my family and I do everything I can to ensure I don't lose sight of that!
What are your hobbies? What do you do in your non-work time?
I love to cook and bake! It helps me relax at the end of a long day, or in the middle of a particularly difficult day. I also love to read and usually have one or two books going.
We love a fellow reader and are always looking for recommendations. What is your favourite book?
One of my absolute favourite books is The Mercy of Thin Air by Ronlyn Domingue. I read it about once a year!
What has surprised you most about working for yourself?
The biggest thing that's surprised me, is how much I enjoy going to work now. Not only is my "commute" easier but I have a lot more freedom in how I spend my time. I don't feel guilty getting up and moving around, or simply taking a break when I'm stuck at a desk, because my "boss" understands mental and physical health is important. It's not easy shouldering the responsibility alone but, with a great support system, owning a business can be very rewarding!
What is your best piece of advice for people choosing a photographer?
While you should look for someone whose style you love, who is experienced and serious about their business. I feel it's just as important to find someone who you get along with on a personal level. You are inviting this person into some very special and private moments of your life and, especially in the case of weddings, you're spending several hours with this person. If you dislike them, or feel uncomfortable around them for any reason, this will definitely show in your photos!
Where can we find Fat Cat Studios?
Mention this interview and save 30% on all *lifestyle sessions from September 15 - December 15!
*LIFESTYLE SESSIONS DO NOT INCLUDE WEDDING OR BOUDOIR SHOOTS. DISCOUNT CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH OTHER OFFERS.*
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