With summer season here, the BBQ will be in full use and there is nothing easier than cold salads to have along side a BBQ burger. Especially on a hot day when you really don’t want to have the stove in major use. This is my favourite potato salad.
It’s inspired by a restaurant that I used to go to on Spark Street when I was working in the area many, many years ago.
And yes, it’s so simple family members have been known to say ‘um, you don’t peel the potatoes?’ – not in a bad way. They just can’t believe how simple it is.
Enjoy!
Ingredients:
6-8 large potatoes (or a small bag. I like red or fingerling potatoes)
Miracle Whip or Mayo
2 tbsp dijon mustard (this is the secret!)
Chopped fresh chives (optional)
Directions:
Don’t peel the potatoes. Wash and cut into bite size pieces.
Boil potatoes until soft. Drain and let cool. Yes, some peels may fall off.
Add miracle whip (I didn’t post an amount because it depends on the number of potatoes etc, but start with a couple of large tablespoon scoops and add to your liking)
Many years ago, we decided it was time to do an outdoor Easter egg hunt. What makes this even more wonderful is that we were at my Mother in Law’s house. She had acres and acres of property to hide eggs on, so it made for a really fun activity.
You don’t need a lot of space to make it work!
Here are some tips to set up an Easter egg hunt!
1 – An outdoor hunt depends heavily on one thing in particular: The Weather.
Check the weather forecast often and make sure it’s going to work out. Nothing worse than having colourful eggs waiting to be found outside and you tell the kids they can’t go out. If it’s a little spring drizzle, it will still work!
Is the weather looking miserable? Switch from outdoor to indoor. It’s still fun.
2 – Hide the eggs at the right time (if you can)
Since our children are up so early, we had to set up the hunt the night before. Being in a wooded, country area when I went out with the flash light last year and found my way around the property to place the eggs.
I assumed I was going to get skunked. Maybe don’t set it up the night before, but run out before the kids are up?
3 – Beware the wildlife.
Having placed the eggs the night before (all were in plastic eggs), the fact was I wasn’t sure if they would survive. There were no guarantees that animals weren’t going to have their own hunt while we slept! But it was a risk I was willing to take.
When we woke in the morning, we hadn’t indicated to the kids that the Easter bunny seemed to have left treats outside. We had to wait for family to come over. But I didn’t want the squirrels finding the eggs first!
4 – Baskets, Set, Go
When it’s time, every one can head out and start the hunt. When hiding the eggs, think about the ages and size of the children – put some in easy, low places for little ones, and others in trickier, higher places for the older kids.
The house rule is usually as follows: All eggs get split evenly in the end, no matter how many you found and mom and dad get to select a few for themselves.
The upcoming long weekend doesn’t have to be all about Easter (and for many who don’t celebrate it, or welcome the Bunny, it already isn’t!). There are other ways to spend the long weekend as a family and still get out of the house for a bit. Below I’m sharing a few suggestions for you to consider if you want to fill the time this weekend but don’t want to see another pastel anything for a while.
1- Go to the Movies
Right now, there are many family friendly movies playing.
2- Find a sugar bush
This won’t help if you are trying to avoid the crowds this weekend, but it’s still maple syrup season and I’m not sure there is anything better than fresh syrup (or maple candy. Drool).
3- Go for a nature walk
Pull on the rubber boots (and splash pants) and head for a nature walk on a local path. If the snow has started melting in your area, it may mean a messy, muddy walk, but it also means you can chat with the kids about the emerging plant life, the animals coming out of hibernation and more.
4- Go for a drive
We like to hit the road in one direction or another for short drives on weekends like this. We often end up somewhere to eat (or at a bakery) and explore some of our favourite neighbourhoods and town we haven’t been to in the winter because of timing or weather.
Tip: Black Walnut Bakery in Cumberland has plenty of outdoor seating so if we get a nice-ish day, it’s a treat to be able to enjoy a hot beverage outside! Just be mindful of which days they are open!
But food doesn’t have to be involved! Going somewhere new and different can be fun.
5- Indulge in a treat
Sure, snow may be on the ground, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have ice cream. Easter weekend often kicks off our upcoming ‘warm weather’ ice cream addiction. If you have a favourite haunt, why not indulge in a special long weekend treat together.
Pro tip: Cafe Latte Cino in Orleans has a waffle on their menu that is topped with gelato. A perfect combination (at least, my kids seem to think so!)
6- Try a new game
Long weekends are a great time for families to reconnect, certainly in our house with everyone being so busy with work, school and extracurriculars, the slower paced long weekends give us a chance to try a new board game or video game. Any excuse to spend some extra time together!
March Break for many families in the Ottawa area is March 11-17.
Not sure what to do? While we are looking forward to some quiet days without the hustle and bustle of a busy high school semester, I also know that many families (ourselves included) will be looking for some new and fun activities to enjoy for kids of all ages.
Please note that some activities are free, and others are ticketed/paid admission events.
March Break with Kids in Ottawa
Go Goat snuggling
Do I need to say anything else? Since our Beach Goat visit when we were in PEI this summer, goats have become a bit of an obsession for this family. Near Ottawa, in Winchester, at Vanderland The Barnyard Zoo, you can book a private goat snuggling session.
Honestly, just check out their Instagram to see that it literally means you’ll get to snuggle goats. You need to privately message to book your time.
Visit Parc Omega
A family favourite of ours, Parc Omega is a nice day trip outing to take with the kids. At this time of year, you’ll just be missing their maple season but there is still a lot to do during your visit. Kids of all ages LOVE seeing the animals and of course feeding them carrots!
Plan a Staycation or Mini Getaway
We don’t have to plan a week-long vacation over the March Break (although admittedly, I would also love to do that) but a night or two away at a nearby location is sometimes the perfect break. It also means less stress since the drive is typically shorter and you don’t feel like overpacking the same way!
In Ottawa, many of our local hotels have amazing March Break packages that include visits to Museums and other activities (for example, the Lord Elgin has a family package that looks like a lot of fun and Brookstreet is always a great family hotel! Or, check out Fairmont Chateau Montebello for swimming, indoor activities and outdoor adventuring.) Being a tourist in our own city can be a blast.
Enjoy Maple Syrup Season Activities
I’ve always loved maple syrup season and sugar bush activities. During March Break, plan a trip to a local sugar bush to enjoy pancakes, learn about the making of maple syrup and play outside! Check out Proulx Farm or Stanley Farms.
Have a HOOT at a Museum!
Take your pick of which museum you want to visit in Ottawa because there are so many to choose from (we are fortunate that way!) But of note, the Owls Rendez-Vous at the Canadian Museum of Nature is ending on April 1 and I recommend that one (I need to take my kids too!) You can read about it from my previous visit here.
Also, over at the Children’s Museum (a part of the Canadian Museum of History), there are March Break activities in celebration of Anne of Green Gables! Fitting for fellow PEI lovers (or fans of the classic story).
Get hands-on at your local library
I love going to the library even when there are no events happening. If you have kids of any age, it’s a worthwhile outing. Everyone gets to browse for a new book to enjoy (and with the extra time at home during March Break, it’s a good time to get a stack!) A
TIP: if you didn’t already know, you can borrow video games for most systems (including older ones – shout out to the Wii fans) so it’s a nice little perk. There are movies too for family movie night. This is also a free activity!
In additional to creating your own self-guided fun at the library, there are many FREE events happening during March Break. Many require a pre-registration (although there are some drop-in activities) but you can browse all of the activities on the Ottawa Public Library website.
Take a walk outside
I know it seems so simple, but everytime we used to take the kids for a walk on a path or at Gatineau Park, we loved it – and it’s easy to forget how sometimes the simple activities (and the free ones) end up being filled with memories. You can create an outdoor scavenger hunt or just bundle up (in snow pants or rain pants depending on the weather!) and head outside!
So you want to do something special for Valentine’s Day, but prefer to stay home. Or maybe you have to stay home since finding a babysitter or heading out for the night can be difficult and expensive. Whatever the reason, keep reading for some delicious at-home take out ideas:
Andy and I used to go out for Valentine’s Day. It was a guaranteed date night and always meant good food. That didn’t change when we had the kids, although going out for a Wednesday night exclusive menu wasn’t as easy, so instead, we started bringing Valentine’s Day to our own dinner table.
We would set up and enjoy a fancy dinner when babies went to bed, or toddlers and preschoolers joined us at the table (with their own sweet menu). That tradition has continued for most years.
Sometimes it’s a fancy take-out meal from one of our fave restaurants, or pizza, or something quick. Sometimes we make it at home.
But the goal is just to come around the table, say cheers to our own little romantic story and life we have created and are working for, and be with those we love.
However, that’s just our experience. I know that Valentine’s Day looks different for many. Maybe you’ll have friends and family over, or maybe you are a single parent (or will be solo) this year. Many of these take out options are offered for one adult with child menus added on, or for larger groups when ordered in multiples.
Whatever your plans, if you want to start your own at-home Valentine’s Day tradition (with the kids, or when they are sleeping) here are some places in Ottawa to order from.
You’ll want to open each link to see their full menu, I only mention bits of them sometimes (and hardly do them justice). Also, many of these will likely sell out!
Where to get a take-out Valentine’s Day meal in Ottawa
This has been our go-to for many Valentine’s Days in years past. We would set up a fancy dinner table for the four of us and everything. This year, you have a variety of entrees to choose from so you can serve any palette, but I have to say it’s often the desserts that will have the kids requesting this again in the future!
Pelican Grill is offering their lobster dinner meal that includes two starters, sides and dessert (with local Ottawa delivery) and it’s one to impress. We’ve actually ordered this for New Year’s Eve in the past, and love it. This splurge from the sea will have you talking all night long.
Speaking of Pizza, check out local company Nonna’s Famous Pizza Box. Order DIY Pizza Kits and get hands-on as family so dinner becomes dinner and entertainment! Little hands love to help in the kitchen so a make-your-own-pizza night would be a lot of fun and still encourage wee ones to get to bed on time (especially with Valentine’s Day being a school night!) Plus, the kits also include cookies to decorate! Their delicious kits are available for pick up for delivery.
I’m already drooling thinking about Taj’s dinner package. Their Valentine’s Day menu is available with meat, vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. While this all-in-one combo is meant for two people, parents know that sharing with the kids is usually on the table and a good way to go. Choose an appetizer and a main dish with the level of spice you like. It comes with rice, naan, and rice pudding for dessert. A portion of the specials will support the Ottawa Food Bank.
Why do I write these articles? I just end up hungry and wanting everything. This next menu sounds amazing: Red Apron is serving up a Year of the Dragon inspired menu! Place your order by calling or via email for pick up or delivery.
Maybe instead of a three course meal, you just want to have a lovely cheese and charcuterie board while sipping some cocktails or mocktails? If that’s the case, you won’t want to miss the Good Grazes Valentine’s Day box. You can even order it for a weekend date night pre-Valentine’s day if you want as orders (for pick up or delivery) are accepted between Febraury 11 and 14.
If you know charcuterie is what you want, you can also check out The Piggy Market’s Valentine’s Day Charcuterie Boards. This is a dinner sized portion with 4 meats, 3 cheeses, crostini and other bites. PLUS the locally-made wooden board that it is presented on is all yours to keep. So really, you are gifting yourself (or your partner) amazing food AND a useful kitchen item. The Piggy Market always has amazing food so while you are there, check out their other offerings like their delicious bread. Delivery is also available (spoiler – Tuesdays are free delivery but you can order for any day on Tuesday to get the offer!)
Maybe you prefer to tuck the kids in bed before digging into a delicious meal. I’ve been there, done that. If you are looking for an at-home experience that is unique, check out the Valentine’s Day at-home menu from Next. Each all-in-one meal box for 2 (for pick up or delivery) has a 7 course meal (that is not a typo – seven), extra little bites, wine and cocktails. There are instructions and a video from Chef Michael Blackie so you can prep, plate and say cheers! Delivery is free!
While there 2024 meals are sold out, bookmark their site for future special events! We have ordered from there MANY times over the past couple of years and can confidentally say everything is delicious. You’ll get a restaurant meal that requires very little preparation and heating up at home. We love these boxes.
I hope whatever you decide to do (if you decide to order in) you enjoy the evening. Or at the very least, get yourself from chocolate and enjoy that 😉 And no, I haven’t made our decision yet but I need to order soon!
In typical ‘me’ fashion, it’s almost the end of January and I’m just sharing my word of the year. I’ve done this word selection before but I’m not sure if I’ve ever done it so late.
There were a few words I considered as I headed into 2024 (I did also create a list of ‘ins and outs’ which has been going well so far – except the moving my body part. That has to increase)
I mostly want a kind, gentle year. So I almost chose gentle. 2023 was a trying, difficult, emotional year to be perfectly honest. And so as I headed into 2024, I felt mostly exhaustion and caution to think about anything to grand or extravagent or bold for 2024.
Instead, I choose a word that really helped guide me when 2023 was being especially difficult.
The word: Presence.
It simply means to just be there. To exist in a situation. The dictionary lists ‘present’ as “now existing or in progress”
And I know that doesn’t seem exciting, but being present in whatever moment is imporant for my wellbeing and for my heart. I need to take in the little moments, and manage the big ones as best I can.
I will offer my presence in 2024. For our family. For myself. My business. My presence will be enough, and sometimes will spark something new, exciting, joyful and meaningful.
Whatever it is in the moment, I just want to be there. Without thinking too far ahead. Or behind.
It’s almost that time again! Advent Calendar season – a countdown to Christmas. But in addition to our chocolate countdowns, our family continues to have an activity calendar countdown, something we have had since the kids were babies and it’s a tradition we continue even as they grow (and both are now teens).
If you have younger kids, search ‘advent calendar’ on my blog search bar for previous years, especially 2009-2012ish when the kids were little. We did different activities that were more age appropriate then. This calendar grows with our kids!
The history of the activity advent calendar
It began in 2009 (when I read about it from a fellow blogger here in Ottawa – thanks Andrea!) and since then, it’s become a beloved tradition. I repeat favourite activities each year, add some new ones, and update them based on the age of the kids and our plans.
As with other years, here are some tips I’m sharing about creating your own activity calendar:
a) Don’t put dates on the activities. You may need to switch them up once and a while if something changes, illness hits etc. I copy the activities from this post, paste them into Word, remove the dates and print them. Then I cut them and add them in our calendar holder.
b) Stock up on the stuff you need for each activities like hot chocolate or craft supplies.
c) Check your family calendar and add in activities to the 25 Days countdown list that you already know you’ll be doing – like Santa letters, Christmas tree decorating or family cookie decorating.This list is also created in close consultation with my calendar based on days of the week– some activities can’t be done easily on a weekday so I made sure they were on the weekend.
d) You’ll notice only certain movies make the list. This doesn’t mean we don’t watch others, it just means we don’t have a schedule for them.
—-> What’s most important about this calendar isn’t that you put too much effort into crafting the perfect activity, it’s that as a family you come together and take a few moments each day to celebrate and spend time doing something together that is festive, fun and family oriented.
Some days, if we get too busy, we skip.
That’s probably why I love it so much.
This calendar doesn’t work if you stress about it!
Remember, search ’25 days of Christmas’ or advent activities on my blog search bar you’ll find all our other years so if you have toddlers and preschoolers, you can use some of the ideas we had back then.
And again, I explain the singing that you will see on this list:
You’ll notice my list has a few spots where the activity for the day is to simply sing a Christmas song. My kids have requested these be removed but nope – they stay. I keep joking that I will add more. They find the activity boring and not necessary. But I keep them in there. Why? Because honestly, some days are busy, or tiring, or our plans change, or I’m just overwhelmed so having a few ‘freebie’ days means that we still get to do an activity, but it’s extremely simple. It works! And now it’s a running family joke.
As much as I love the holidays, I’m also a big fan of slowing things down, so when it gets to be too much, give yourself permission to skip a day (or just sing a song!) There are no real rules here. Focus on the fun, and time together.
I’m updating last year’s calendar because it will be fairly similar! But again, everything is decided based on existing plans, where the weekends fall, school events etc. I may still update this as we get into December and new activities and ideas appear!
2023 Activity Advent List #25daysofChristmas Countdown
Write letters to Santa (even with no believers in the house, this tradition stays alive!)
2. Decorate the Christmas Tree (hoping to get it on December 1 as it’s a real one)
3. Watch a Muppet Christmas Carol, the Holiday Movie Kick Off
4. Holiday Scavenger hunt around the house
5. Write a special Christmas greeting to your sibling and mail it to them (it will be a nice read when they receive it! And yes, these go in the mail with stamps!)
6. Hot Chocolate Bar
7. Christmas Craft
8. Sing Jingle Bells
9. Visit Cumberland Vintage Village of Lights
10. Gingerbread House Decorating
11. Play Holiday Who Am I?
12. Make a list of ten things you are thankful for this year.
13. Sing Frosty
14. Visit Taffy Lane!
15. Dessert for Supper, Supper for Dessert
16. Visit the Lansdowne Christmas Market
17. Decorate Christmas Cookies
18. Sing Rudolph
19. Make a donation to the local food bank
20. Hot Chocolate Bar
21. Play Family Christmas Charades
22. Bring in snow and make maple taffy!
23. Sing We Wish You a Merry Christmas!
24. Unwrap one present from under the tree (mom and dad pick!) [reader note: This is always pjs lol]
25. It’s Christmas Day. Remember you have a family who loves you. And that’s the most important gift of all.
I call the day before back to school the ‘last day of summer’, and then a whole bunch of people tell me how wrong I am because summer doesn’t end for a few more weeks. Fine. More accurately, it’s the last day of summer vacation. And one reason we love vacation so much is all of the travel we fit into the summer.
As we begin school and get back into a work routine in the Fall, we forget that our days of adventuring don’t need to end just because summer does. Fall is a gorgeous time of year for a local day trip or even an overnight staycation. As the leaves turn colour, and the temperatures drop just a bit, there are still opportunities for s’mores, bonfires and outdoor fun. Even grey November days can be made brighter.
I’m always wondering if we shouldn’t try to sneak in a quick overnight or two somewhere one weekend, just to remind ourselves that our time together and the travel that we enjoy can be year round and to get away from our new routine a bit. Here are some spots that you and your family may enjoy visiting this Fall!
We’ve been in the summer, late Fall after the holiday decorations go up, and the dead of winter and love each visit. Going when the leaves are orange and red would be a stunning time. There’s the indoor pool to enjoy no matter the weather outside, plus fitting in a game of mini putt while wearing cozy sweaters is easy to do. Here’s some info about a previous!
Feeling adventurous? Read about our overnight stay in Parc Omega. You can still reserve a spot for the Fall! I can imagine how stunning the drive through the area would be when the leaves turn colours!
This resort will make it feel like you are out of the city without really having to go very far. They have mini putt, golf, and indoor arcade and an indoor pool. Depending on the weather, the outdoor heated pool may still be open! I love the ‘kids eat free’ dining option too. We always enjoy going there!
It’s not hard to find activities to do in downtown Ottawa. Whether your family wants to visit Parliament Hill, or head over to see Mosaicanada in the autumn, it’s nice to relax and enjoy staying right in the city without worrying about driving home. The kids will love the indoor games room too.
It’s only about 90 minutes East of Orleans but Chateau Vaudrauil in Quebec is lovely in the Fall. We went a couple of years ago for Thanksgiving weekend and not only scored amazing weather but had such a fun time. There is plenty of food in the area, tennis courts on site, and since it’s right on the water it’s the perfect location for a morning cup of coffee. We bundled up and enjoyed the calm. Look for their suites to give you and your family a bit more space.
Cottage Country
Browse around and look for a cottage that is within a 90 minute drive in the area and see if you can secure a mini, secluded getaway where you can sip a beverage, stare at the water, and wear cozy sweaters while playing board games together.
Do you have any mini getaways planned for the Fall?
Excited about Christmas craft shows and holiday events? Keep reading!
While I happily sing ‘This is Halloween’ over and over again during pumpkin carving, I quickly change from Scary season to Festive Season as the clock strikes 12.
Sure, I’m not decorating yet or putting on the holiday music (we have a November birthday in this family mid month that we use as our starting point) but that doesn’t mean I’m not already dreaming about sugar plums at night (and during the day).
That’s why I love hearing about craft shows and shopping events to help Ottawa residents kick of their shopping, or, just get in some of the spirit of the season by treating themselves to handmade or artisinal items.
The Nepean Sportsplex Christmas Craft Show runs from November 3 until 6 and is filled with over 100 local crafters. Every day, for all four days, the event begins at 10 and concludes at varying times (if you need to swing by at a later time, you’ll want to try and go on Thursday and Friday when the show closes at 8 pm and 9 pm.)
Nepean Sportsplex Christmas Craft Show Details:
November 2 to 5
Thursday, 10 am to 8 pm (2 for 1 admission on Thursday only)
Friday, 10 am to 8 pm
Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm
Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm
Admission prices
Adults $7
Seniors/Youth $5
Children (under 12) free
Find food, clothing and accessories, jewellery, wood products, décor, glass products, art, leather goods and unique items.
Shoppers will be excited about the over 100+ vendors offering handmade, unique, high-quality, items over the four-day show. It’s a perfect opportunity to get a unique gift or stocking stuffer for friends or family.
Halloween is on a Tuesday this year, which means that weekend right before October 31 will be filled with family friendly and fun activities around Ottawa.
There’s always something about a Halloween/Fall event that I love. Although this year I may spend part of the weekend carving pumpkins, here are some activities in Ottawa that you might want to check out!
Halloween Activities in Ottawa 2023
First, I’m going to share some of the Halloween haunts and highlights from when my own kids were little. Every year, I happily tried to find Halloween activities to take them to because, let’s be honest, I love it.
I have fond memories and photos from many of these places!
There are so many activities to do at Saunders Farm, and while there is a nighttime option (that brings more scares), the daytime one itself always had enough fright. If scary isn’t your family’s thing, that’s ok – take the hay ride instead of the haunted ride, and skip the scary house!
With hay slides, mazes and a pumpkin patch, this was always a fun outing for us. The kids will love visiting the animals and all of the activities. This event’s last day is October 29.
Dress up and spend Halloween with the animals? YES PLEASE. I have amazing photos of costumed kiddos with the cows from many years ago, and honestly the Farm was one of my favourite places to take the kids, especially when I was solo with them. Now, they’ve expanded their event even further with so many activities AND food options like Nonna’s Famous Pizza.
This event is on the weekend (October 28 and 29) only.
This was a fun activity years ago for us and not too far of a drive beyond Ottawa. With their Acres of Terror Halloween activities, you can choose a less scary daytime outing or the thrilling evening one. The daytime activities are only available on the weekend.
Place d’Orleans is hosting a trick-or-treat event on October 31 from 10 until 12 pm for little ones to collect treats around the Mall. I am pretty sure I took the kids when they were super little to this. What is nice, is that for wee ones who need a nap and early bedtime, this is a funy way to show off costume, gather with friends, and not worry about the weather!
MORE Halloween Activities in Ottawa
While I maybe haven’t been to these events, they sound amazing! Check them out:
Take the kids to the trick-or-treat stations and various businesses in Westboro on Saturday, October 28 from 1 pm to 4 pm. Make time to tour the area to enjoy music, balloon creations, a magician and more.
This event has been happening at Diefenbunker for years and while it’s ONLY availble until Friday, October 27, at the time of my publishing this there were still some tickets available. I love that it focuses on the little ones!
Some local businesses have teamed up on Elgin to provide a Halloween Party on Sunday, October 29 from 11 am until 2 pm (rain or shine!) Some of my favourite businesses are on Elgin. At participating locations, your family can enjoy trick-or-treating, face painting, photobooths, giveaways and more. The Merry Dairy will be there too! Pot and Pantry, The Gifted Type and Boogie and Birdie are three shops that I adore and are participating!
This event is a walk-through at Wesley Clover Parks with tickets available until October 31. The pathway is lit with pumpkins, structures, music and special effects.
Welcome to A Little Bit of Momsense! My name is Rebecca and I'm chatting about parenting, family friendly activities, yummy recipes, family travel, living in Ottawa, my random thoughts and more. Thanks for stopping by!
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