Friday Favorites

Lately I have been getting stopped everywhere I go, and it is all because of this:

No, it is not the adorable kids, but rather the handy little wagon I have been using to transport them and all our things around in this summer.

I first read about the folding wagon from Costco on an internet forum and don’t think I would have really noticed it in store otherwise. I was not on the hunt for a wagon, and the outside of the box pictured it used as more of a utility cart then a children’s wagon so I would have never thought it would be comfortable enough to pull the kids around in.

We already own a plastic Step 2 wagon, so I hesitated to buy this one, but decided the folding style might be easier to throw in the back of the vehicle for day trips or for camping when we get back into it. At 2 and 4, my kids are just about out of the stroller stage but still get tired when there is a lot of walking involved. Add on the diaper bags and coolers I usually end up lugging around and a wagon becomes a definite necessity.

And folding it up couldn’t be easier – I simply grab the toggle handle in the middle of the wagon and it folds smoothly on itself. After fighting in parking lots to open and close strollers over the last few years, this is a very welcome feature!

Our wagon has already made numerous trips to the beach, playgrounds, the zoo and splash parks this summer. At around $60, the wagon has ended up being one of our better purchases. When I am stopped by people to ask about it, I always feel bad telling them that we bought the wagon from Costco back in April and there is no chance they’d be able to get one now. It does seems to be something Costco gets in every year so definitely keep an eye out come Spring if you are wanting one – and believe me, you probably do!

And if you just can’t wait, Canadian Tire does carry this folding Broadstone Wagon at a slightly higher price tag. From what I saw of my neighbour’s, it does seem to fold a little smaller then the Costco style, but I am not sure I love that the bottom is a separate piece that needs inserted and removed each time you fold.

Everyday Life, Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites: Bailey’s in my morning coffee

November 15, 2013 chantelledoll

I managed to make it through a 4 year university degree without developing a coffee habit. I didn’t really care for the taste and didn’t end up needing it to fuel any all nighters – perhaps I could have studied a bit harder.

The Christmas before we had my son, I bought my husband a mini Kuerig coffee maker as part of a baby survival themed gift to him. He was a coffee drinker so it was initially bought for him, but it turns out that I get far more use out of it now. I never was completely turned off by coffee, enjoying the occasionally fancy coffee drink from Starbucks or Second Cup, and quickly discovered that with some flavored creamer my coffee at home could be just as tasty.

I enjoy trying the different flavored creamers and get excited when I see something new in the grocery store – like the Bailey’s Irish Cream flavored line of creamers. I discovered them a few months ago and in my excitement bought all 3 flavors to try – Hazelnut, French Vanilla, and Original Irish Cream. They are all really good, but I think I prefer the original so that’s what is currently in our fridge.

I have gone from being a non-coffee drinker to having a once a day habit. Late nights and early mornings with kids will do that to you! I now look forward to my morning cup of coffee during my hectic mornings with the kids and some mornings will even get up a wee bit earlier then the kids so I can sit and enjoy it in peace while it is still hot.

Thank you Mr.Coffee and Bailey’s!

Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites: Sample Source

October 25, 2013October 25, 2013 chantelledoll

I love getting packages in the mail and I love getting free things. Sample source is the best of both worlds. All it takes is a quick sign-up online, a brief survey to select your products and then a short wait for your samples to come to you.

My latest package came this week and this time around I got:

a mini Dove Men Care deodorant
a sample bag of Tetley Chai tea
a sample of Ice Breakers Frost mints
a coupon for one free full size package of Catelli Gluten Free Pasta

Once signed up with Sample Source, you will get email notification every couple of months when there is another batch of samples available. You have to be pretty quick to get the better items, but it is worth it because you can get some pretty decent things.

In the past I have received travel size shampoo, conditioner and body wash samples, mouthwash, toothpaste, laundry and dish detergents tabs, Mr Clean Magic Erasers and Gillette razors. My sister has been signed up for a few years now and actually collected a lot of stuff through Sample Source and to use for the guest bathroom baskets at her wedding.

It is a fun surprise to receive in the mail and I love being able to try out new products before I commit to the full sized versions!

Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites: McDonald’s Pumpkin Spice Latte

October 4, 2013October 4, 2013 chantelledoll

I shared my Easy Pumpkin Creamcheese Muffins earlier this week, so I figured I would continue the theme and share my latest pumpkin discovery: the Pumpkin Spice Latte from McDonalds.

With September done and over, the kids and I are starting to fall into a bit of a weekly routine with playgroup on Tuesdays, Camden’s preschool class on Thursdays and another playdate or two to fill out the week. I usually enjoy a coffee at home from the Kuerig each morning, but last year with the rush to get ready and out the door I got into the habit of treating myself to a store bought coffee on the way to playgroup. This was usually from Tim Horton’s, and occasionally Starbucks or Second Cup when I was wanted something extra fancy.

I have tried the coffee from McDonalds before and enjoy their latte’s, but for some reason it just never comes to mind when I think of stopping for a coffee. I first tried the McDonalds Pumpkin Spice latte on a whim when I noticed a sign for it while ordering the kids a Happy Meal. I was very pleasantly surprised by the first sip and was immediately disappointed I didn’t order a larger size then the small. It is creamy with just the right amount of pumpkin and cinnamon flavour.

I do like the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice latte, but at $2 less per cup McDonald’s is a great alternative. It is missing the whipped cream and cinnamon sprinkling, but doesn’t come with the guilt of spending that much on a cup of coffee. It is the perfect compromise between economical and fancy coffee and has given me something to look forward to for the last several Tuesday mornings. There’s nothing better then some adult conversation with a good cup of coffee!

Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites: Orijen Dog Treats

September 27, 2013September 27, 2013 chantelledoll

We have been feeding our dogs Orijen brand dog food for several years. There seem to be a lot of dog food commercials lately asking you if you know what is in your pets food and I am very confident that Orijen stacks up just as well, if not better, then those foods being advertised. The dogs really seem to enjoy it, it is high protein and organic, and I really liked that it is produced locally in the town of Morinville, just outside Edmonton.

We ran out of dog food this past weekend so I made a quick trip to the pet store to pick up a bag. While there, I was excited to see Orijen now has a line of dog treats out and decided to pick up a bag for the dogs to try. There are 8 different flavors, and I ended up going with the Tundra – a mixture of freeze dried elk, quail and trout.

Nova has been picky about her treats lately and will barely touch a milkbone, so I was so happy to see she snapped these right up. Judging by both dog’s enthusiasm when I now reach for the bag, I would say they are a winner and will continue to be a doggy staple in our house. I love that I can offer them some variety with all the different flavors, and I am so happy to have found something I can use again to entice Nova downstairs when needed!

Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites: Official Puppy Hugger Shirt

September 13, 2013 chantelledoll

There is no question my little girl love’s her puppy’s. Since she’s been able to crawl, she can often be found on the floor cuddled up to one dog or the other.

One of her first words was “dog” and she squeals in delight when she sees our dogs first thing in the morning or when we come across another dog outside.

When I found this shirt at Carter’s, I knew we had to have it. The saying couldn’t be more suited to her and the fact that our newest family member is half French bulldog made it all that much more perfect.

I have loved Carter’s clothes for both my kids. Their stuff is very cute and it is comfortable for playing and sleeping in. I ended up with a lot of puppy themed articles for my son and I love that their current line has a lot of puppy themed stuff for the girls. Keira wears some of her brothers hand-me-downs, but I am a sucker for pink on my little girl and may just have to go back to Carter’s to check out some of these other puppy items:

Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites: Birthday Freebies!!

September 6, 2013 chantelledoll

Yesterday was my birthday. Leading up to the not-so-big day, I decided to try and take advantage of as many birthday deals as I could and signed up online for all kinds of loyalty clubs. There is a lot of good stuff out there and it was a fun to see my email inbox full of birthday wishes and coupons this week. After some printing and planning, we set out for our day…

We began the day with breakfast at Denny’s where I got to enjoy a free Grand Slam – I just had to present photo ID and purchase a drink. I opted for the French toast slam and the kids shared their own junior grand slam with eggs, bacon and pancakes.

Next it was off to the mall to pick up my free birthday gift from the Sephora Beauty Insider Club, check out the Lego store and try to find some new pyjamas for the baby. We accomplished the first two items, coming home with an adorable mascara and face highlighter from Sephora. I guess the PJ’s for the baby will have to wait.

The morning went quickly and it was soon time to head to Grandma and Grandpa’s. We made a quick stop at Booster Juice to get my free birthday smoothie for Camden to enjoy on the car ride and I stopped through the Starbucks drive through to get my free Birthday latte – Mmmm, Pumpkin Spice! The email from Booster Juice was for a full size smoothie, but I had them just give me a snack size for my little guy.

With the kids safely at Grandma and Grandpa’s, I went and met my husband at the new house for our 1:00 appointment with the finisher. We got to go over our plans for the shelving in the closets and check out the progress on the house. The cabinets were all in and it was a nice birthday surprise to see that the bathroom countertops had been installed.

After picking up the kids the plan was to go for ice cream, but they have been sick this week and both desperately needed naps. I received birthday emails for ice cream from Baskin Robbins (buy one cone get one free, $5 off a cake), Dairy Queen (buy a med blizzard get one free and $3 off a cake), and Marble Slab (free small cone with one mix in, $3 off a cake). Luckily my husband picked up a DQ cake on his way home from work so we did end up getting ice cream in the end!

The good thing about most of these freebies is they are valid for the entire week surrounding your birthday. I plan to redeem my free birthday burger from Red Robin this weekend and we’ll likely take advantage of the BOGO Orange Julius when we are out and about.

Looking for other Birthday Deals?

Milestone’s emails out a gift certificate for a free entrée if 3 other entree’s are purchased. The website also makes mention of a free birthday “surprise dessert”.

Join Red Lobster’s Fresh Catch Club to receive a coupon for a free entrée on your birthday. When you join the club, you also get a sign-up email with a free appetizer or dessert.

Sign up for the Boston Pizza BP Buzz and receive a free starter for joining, free dessert on your birthday, and a free two topping individual pizza for your first anniversary.

The Body Shop will send you a $10 off coupon to use during your birthday month, but you have to sign up for their Love Your Body Club at a cost of $10. I don’t buy enough from The Body Shop to feel this was worth it, but it does give you 10% off all purchases throughout the year so it is a good deal if you do shop there often.

Old Navy emails out a birthday coupon for $10 off your $50 purchase. (Just fill in your email address at the bottom of the webpage.) I have been needing new pants for my son so I think I might take advantage of this. I might also top up the order with those PJ’s I still need for the baby!

Michael’s sent me a birthday message and coupon for 20% off my entire purchase. This coupon is good for the whole month so I am sure I will come up with a project/reason to make use of it in the upcoming weeks.

So there you have it – sometimes it pays to give out your email address.

Know of any other freebies I missed? Please share in the comments!

Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites – Toddlers in Tutu’s (& Tuxedos!)

August 30, 2013September 2, 2013 chantelledoll

I bought my 15 month old daughter a gorgeous dress off Zulily months ago to wear to my brother in law’s wedding this weekend. The problem? I really thought she would be walking by this point! The dress is mostly WHITE and falls past her knees – far from ideal when your method of getting around is on your hands and knees across the dirty floor.

My solution? Outfit change! She will wear her white dress at the church and for photo’s, but I needed to find a second outfit that was a little easier to crawl around in. After searching many children’s stores, I spotted this pretty aqua colored tutu at Target and decided to pair it with a simple onesie and the white cardigan she will be wearing with her dress.

It looked cute on the rack, but after trying it on her I knew it was the right choice. It still may not be the most practical outfit for my little crawler, but it is beyond cute and that is what really counts right!? I just love tutu’s on baby girls!

The only thing that might possibly be cuter at the wedding will be my little ring bearer in his very first tuxedo…

I can’t wait to get everyone dolled up and celebrate with the happy couple tomorrow!

Friday Favorites, Recipes, Sweet

Friday Favorites: Vanilla Cupcakes with Raspberry Buttercream

August 23, 2013October 10, 2013 chantelledoll

I decided to bake up some quick cupcakes earlier this week for the human members of our family to enjoy on the dog’s birthday. They weren’t supposed to be anything spectacular, but they turned out so tasty I just had to share.

For the cake part, I just used a Mrs.Fields boxed cupcake mix from Dollar Tree. I absolutely love these mixes and try to keep one chocolate and one vanilla on hand at all times. They make one dozen cupcakes versus the 24 cupcakes you usually get from a standard boxed cake mix – perfect for our family of four. The liners and cupcake toppers were a kit I found at Dollarama and had sitting around in the pantry. The multicolored sprinkles were my 3 year old son’s addition.

Because we had just gone berry picking the day before and I had a bunch of fresh raspberries, I thought why not add them to the buttercream icing. After a quick google search I came up with this frosting recipe from myrecipes.com. It whipped up quickly and tasted amazing! It was just the right amount of sweet and tart, with a pretty pink hue. I enjoyed it so much I may just have to make it again for my birthday in a few weeks!

Raspberry Buttercream Frosting

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup fresh raspberries
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (almond would be delicious too!)
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 (16-oz.) package icing sugar

Directions

1. Beat butter, raspberries, vanilla and salt with electric mixer (medium) until smooth and creamy.

2. Gradually add the icing sugar, blending in slowly after each addition.

BONUS FAVORITE Since we are on the topic of Dollar stores and cupcakes, I thought I would share one more favorite – these awesome cupcake carriers I have found at both Dollarama and Dollar Tree. I always struggle to find a way to store my cupcakes at home or take them to events so these are perfect. At only a couple dollars each they are a lot cheaper then a lot of other versions, and I feel like I could afford to lose or leave them behind without being too heartbroken. I only wish they had them for mini cupcakes!

(I was going to take a picture with cupcakes in it but by the time I thought of it, the cupcakes were long gone! They were that good.)

Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites: Target Party Aisle

August 16, 2013August 16, 2013 chantelledoll

After much anticipation, I was very excited to have Target finally arrive in Canada. I could spend hours browsing the entire store, but my favourite aisle by far has become the party aisle. The selection of character brand supplies is excellent and I like the modern patterns and bright colors on some of their more generic themed supplies.

I decided to take the kids yesterday to pick up a few things for a small birthday celebration we will be having on Monday. I have been eyeing up this felt “Happy Birthday” banner for months so I decided this was a good excuse to finally buy it. Although I found it too late, it would have fit in perfect with my Go Dog Go party. It is a nice basic piece and I am sure I will find lots of use for it with future celebrations.

Next we perused the pet aisle to find the perfect gift for the birthday girl. A squeaky cupcake seemed to fit the bill!

And when you have a three year old in tow, no shopping trip is complete without a trip through the toy aisle. While my son checked out the latest hot wheels, I got a start on my Christmas shopping and grabbed this Little People set for my littlest person. She loves her Princess Castle so I was very excited to find this set.