Here are some events and activities happening for the PD Day in Ottawa on January 25. I’ve also included some places offering special full day child care for the day as well!
PD Day Activities and Camps in Ottawa for January 25
Escape Manor Junior has bookings starting at noon in one of their fun escape rooms! I’m not sure if I’d want to try the Spy room or the Enchanted forest room more!
You can drop into the Ottawa Art Gallery between 10 am and 12 pm on the PD Day for free and enjoy some creative activities!
My Gym Ottawa is hosting a full Day PD Day program between 9 am and 4 pm. Here’s their Facebook page with more info.
The City of Ottawa has a variety of PD Day camp offerings, including skating and swimming at Bob MacQuarrie and crafts and games at the Manotick arean.
The Ottawa Public Library has a variety of drop in activities happening at various branches across the City. Visit the website to find one near you – they’ll include crafts and more!
Rag and Bone Puppet Theatre has a performance of The Nightingale at the Nepean Creative Arts Centre at 1:30 pm. Tickets are still available.
I’ve often written about how much we love the East Coast. And seafood. One of my most favourite things to make recently is a seafood boil (and you can find the recipe for that right here on the blog!)
But a favourite comfort food at home is a simple fish chowder. It starts with a bacon base, then is built with celery, potatoes, milk, cream and fish. It’s quick, tasty, and warms us up in the cold winter months when we dreaming about getting back to the East Coast in the warmth of summer.
I’ve modified this Michael Smith clam chowder recipe to make our fish chowder. It’s basically the same, but I cook a white fish in advance and chop it up to add.
Here’s the recipe I typically use for fish chowder:
Ingredients:
2-4 slices cooked bacon (this is a great way to use up leftover breakfast bacon!)
Tbsp or so of olive oil
1 tbsp butter
1/2 onion, peeled and chopped
2 stalks of celery, chopped
1/3 cup white wine or water
1 cup cream
1 cup milk (if no cream, double the milk)
1 cup broth (you can also swap this for milk and just use 3 cups milk in total)
1-2 potatos, peeled and cubed
2 bay leaves
Thyme (about 4-6 sprigs if fresh, 1 tsp if ground)
There is always something refreshing about January. The back to school season is the official kick off for what my kids’ consider to be their new year, but for many of us, it’s January that we turn to for fresh ideas, new plans and goal setting.
This year is no different for me. I have been quite absent here since before the holidays, but I promise that’s not because I haven’t had things to share – it’s because I really disconnected this year. Although I am never truly offline (and rarely fully off work, given the nature of my job) it still meant that I wasn’t sharing stories like I usually do. Even my Instagram story presence (where I usually share snippets of my day/life) were quieter than usual.
However, that down time, and our driving time in the car to visit family, and my quiet afternoons (that I thoroughly enjoyed) meant that I had plenty of time for planning and reflection.
This is going to be my year.
My year for what? I’m not 100% sure. But I plan on making it the year I full step into the light. The year I grow my social media and writing business. The year I help others carve out the time in their own lives they are craving for personal or professional creativity.
I have big plans that involve me finally offering things I said I would for year. On this blog, I want to share more recipes, more stories, and possibly lean into my local love even further, while bringing my national readers tidbits that they can use and relate to.
January is refreshing and this momentum feels amazing.
And it’s taken me a while to determine what a word to guide me might be but I think I finally found one:
Value.
What I mean by value is that I need to appreciate my worth and value it. How I spend my time needs to have meaning and value (because it’s so important to me). My rates need to reflect my value. My ideas and creative process is valuable to those who I’m working with or collaborating with. I need to value my personal moments and those around me who help bring joy into my world. By remembering my own value, and realizing what I prioritize to be valuable, it will keep me focused and appreciative.
So that’s that. The start to the new year has already begun and now that the kids are back in school I am feeling ready to create, plan, grow and succeed.
This post is sponsored by the City of Ottawa Museums
Every year, for the past many years, our family has looked forward to the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum‘s annual Christmas event – the Vintage Village of Lights which closes for the season after December 23.
It’s so revered in our family that it gets added to our Advent Activity calendar. We go with cousins, aunts and uncles and nanny and grandpa.
This year, the kids ranged in ages between 2 years old and 12, and everyone (including those older than 12!) had an amazing time.
We didn’t let the little drizzle of rain scare us away, and although the horses were unavailable for the wagon ride, understandably due to the weather, each little activity and moment was special.
What is Vintage Village of Lights?
The Cumberland Heritage Village Museum is a large property with buildings set in the 1920s and 30s. You step back in time in the old school house, church, and residence. At Christmastime, the Museum lights up those buildings and surrounding trees with mini lights that illuminate the entire area.
There are activities in each building like gingerbread cookie decorating and crafts, a horse-drawn wagon ride, and scenes and items from a vintage Christmas era.
Here’s the list of activities:
· Visits with Santa (FYI, this is an AMAZING Santa!)
· Christmas light and decoration displays
· Horse-drawn wagon rides
· Cookie decorating
· Ornament decorating
· Ball hockey (My son looks forward to this every year! Most of the family gets involved)
· Print your own greeting card
· Receive a Santagram
· Christmas charades
· Bonfire
· Sing along to Christmas carols
· Watch a festive short film from the 1930s
Everything is included in your admission price, except for beverages that are for sale. We always bring some cash to buy some hot chocolate for the kids and apple cider for us. As soon as we stand in the cold and take a sip, I feel like it’s truly the holiday season!
The Museum has some really great tips to share with you on their website if you are planning to go this last weekend for the event (and I highly encourage you to go!). They give tips about what to bring, wear, and how to make the most out of your experience to avoid some of the busier time.
We have always planned our outings on Fridays at 5 pm to beat the crowds and with little ones with us, we have never had to wait long for anything which is perfect.
TIP: Follow their Facebook page to keep up to date on news and weather details as needed.
If you are looking for one last event to enjoy before Christmas arrives next week, I can’t recommend the Vintage Village of Lights enough!
Admission info:
Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday 3 pm – 8 pm (the lights turn on at 5 pm.)
Cost: $19.25 families; $7.50 adults; $5.50 seniors and students. Children 5 and under are free. Annual museum memberships are also accepted. Memberships are also available for purchase for $37.25.
It has been a busy many days (weeks?) as we lead up to Christmas. Not in a bad busy way – while I tend to overstretch myself a bit during the holidays, I really do believe in creating Christmas magic only because I love it, not at the expense of my health and happiness.
But as with every year, the final work deadlines, school events and commitments and family time ramps up all at the same time. These are all blessings and lovely reasons to be busy, but I find myself barely keeping my eyes open at night after unplugging the Christmas lights to call it a day.
I have so many posts swirling in my mind – I want to set some intentions for 2019, recap this year a bit, reflect on changes and wins, and more. But in the meantime, I wanted to just share a bit about the joyous reasons I haven’t been online as much lately!
We’ve been travelling (our annual Christmas trip to Chateau Montebello is always a fave!)
This post is a paid partnership with the City of Ottawa Museums
As I continue sharing the fun activities happening at the local City of Ottawa Museums, I can’t help but think about how special events like this can be in creating family memories.
I know in our family, many outings become annual traditions. Or maybe it’s something we do once, but then recount year after year.
Admissions is $17.25 per family; $6.50 single; and $10.75 per pair
There is no pre-registration required, so you can drop in at any time during the day when you find it’s easiest for all of you (I know what it’s like to make plans around nap times!) The activities will run all day.
I think you will LOVE all of the activities being offered:
Bring your camera or smart phone to snap a photo with Santa!
Ottawa Fantasy Face Painting will be at the museum with holiday and winter inspired designs!
Tree ornaments will be made and are inspired by the Nepean Bell
the Nepean bell was hung in the belfry of the old Nepean Town Hall from 1896 to 1966. It now sits in front on Ben Franklin Place
Kids can decorate a Christmas Card – perfect for sharing with family (grandparents love these!) or with friends. Maybe a teacher?
And possibly my favourite activity – families can decorate a Gingerbread house together!
All of the crafts are meant to be family projects, so adults will need to help little hands complete the activities. But that’s part of the fun, right?
Make new Christmas memories at the Nepean Museum on December 15th. It sounds like the entire day will be filled with festive fun, and takeaways the kids will love too.
This post is in partnership with blog advertiser Tag Along Toys
I love filling the stockings every Christmas. The kids receive one from Santa, and Andy and I fill each other’s.
It’s long been known that in our family, stockings are important. Sure, the kids are anxious to see what’s under the tree, but the stocking is where the real thought process comes into play. Items have to fit in the stocking itself, and coming up with the best items to drop in (including budget-friendly ones) are a challenge.
Here are some stocking stuffer ideas for you that are some of our go-tos for the kids. Then, keep reading to see a few items that I have found at Tag Along Toys for the stockings that I think kids will love! Some of them are going into our stockings too!
What to put in your child’s stocking
stickers (this is a great time to find special ones that are unique, or that are the theme for a fave game/sporting team/hobby)
art supplies – there is always a need for new markers and paint brushes!
Balls or pucks – road hockey balls, hockey pucks, tennis balls and badminton birdies fit well!
DVDs
Books or magazines
Personalized items for them – we tend to include hobby items like guitar pics
Nail polish (there are some great child friendly options!)
Stamps
Play food (I remember filling my son’s stocking when he was younger with this!)
mini figures
Stuffies (beanie boos are always a favourite!)
Play-doh
cards (sports cards, deck of cards etc)
Stocking Stuffers at Tag Along Toys
Holiday Playfoam
How cute are these? Both of my kids are getting this Playfoam this year. They’ll love how it feels!
Fortnite Notebooks
I think you can tell what video game my son was into each year based on what little themed item he received in his stocking that year. This year, of course, will be this Fortnite notebook! The journal is a great pick too!
LEGO Minifigures
Always a hit. Plus, there’s something fun about opening the package to see which one you get!
Jewellery
A Mood Ring, or a bracelet, are perfect gifts to tuck into a stocking!
Calico Critters
Have your children discovered Calico Critters? My daughter has been playing with them for some time, and my nieces love them. They are tiny and come with tiny parts but I think that’s partly why they enjoy them – she sets up the little furniture in the living room that includes a tiny telephone and other accessories with joy! And, they are cute. The little character packs are great for the stocking.
Science Experiments
I love these mini science experiments. They are perfect to encourage the kids to experiment without committing to a larger activity.
Old fashioned fun
There was one year my son got a paddle ball and he was thrilled; and both the kids still pull it out to play with (although, admittedly, it wasn’t as popular as the cup and ball has been!)
Practical, but fun, items
Hair brushes, lip balm, and even socks can all be added into a stocking but they don’t need to be boring. You can find fun options to include!
There are SO MANY stocking stuffer ideas at Tag Along Toys in Ottawa. Browse one of their two locations (Bank Street, or in Kanata) and you’ll easily find amazing items to tuck in the stockings for a real wow effect!
One final question: Do you wrap the items in the stockings or no? (I am definitely on team WRAP THEM)
I’ve watched many holiday romances and have selected my current favourites so you don’t have to watch the really terrible ones. You’re welcome.
A Christmas Prince
Sure, the sequel was just released, and it was cute, but nothing can compare to the original. Basically, a reporter pretends to be a nanny for the prince’s sister so she can get some scoop but then falls for the prince. Of course.
Where to watch: Netflix
Mistletoe Inn
A romance writer (yesssss) goes on a retreat to help get inspiration to finish her book at the most gorgeous location possible (which also was the place where Peter and Lara Jean from To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before had their hot tub scene). While there, a fellow writer helps her with her writing process, and her feelings (hahahaha I’m loving this) but there’s more to his story, of course.
Where to watch: Hallmark/W Network
The Spirit of Christmas
I mean, the basic premise is that an old holiday home needs to be sold and a workaholic lawyer comes to get it done. What she doesn’t expect is for the home to be haunted by a handsome spirit, who she can see and talk to, and who’s death is questionable. And before you ask – yes, he’s legit a ghost. And yes, it all works out. Let sensibility be set aside because this one was a favourite. Also, there’s a scene where I question how cold the snow actually is.
Where to watch: It’s an older Hallmark movie. No idea where to find it now, but please let me know if catch it so I can rewatch.
The Holiday Calendar
A photographer dreams of owning her own studio but feels stuck in her job. Meanwhile, it seems Christmas luck is on her side when she begins to date a far-to-perfect guy, while her grandpa’s magical advent calendar is predicting her December. But her handsome travel blogging child hood friend comes back to town and he’s supportive and funny and awesome which creates complications. Right?
Where to watch: Netflix
The Princess Switch
Ah yes, the classic ‘there’s another human that looks just like me let’s switch lives’ plot, but set around Christmas and with handsome men (one of them a prince, the other a baker). It’s predictable and silly but it was fun.
Where to watch: Netflix
Have a favourite? Please share them in the comments because I want more to watch! I’ll update this list if another one really stands out!
This post is a part of my ad partnership with the City of Ottawa Museums
On December 8th, head to Kidsmas!
I love this time of year in Ottawa. There are so many events that are exciting for families and kids of all ages. I know how tricky it can be to sometimes plan events for our little ones, in between nap times and early bedtimes. And even though my kids are older, continuing to have special family traditions around the holidays are important (maybe even a little more so to ensure that magic and spirit of Christmas continues!)
This weekend, there’s another City of Ottawa Museum event that I’m really excited to share with you. It sounds like another fantastic opportunity to put the entire family in the holiday mode.
Kidsmas at Fairfields Heritage House (located on Richmond Road – right across from the Bayshore Shopping Centre) is on December 8th, between 9 am and 1 pm.
You don’t need to register for this event, making it easy to drop in for some indoor and outdoor holiday fun.
I love history (as you probably know) and Fairfields Heritage House is a 19th Centure Gothic Revival farm house that welcomes visitors to learn about Ottawa’s history throughout the regular season as well as special programs and workshops. Now, during this time of year, they are hosting a family event that focuses on the Christmas season (and you’ll still get to learn about Ottawa’s history!)
Kidsmas at Fairfields Heritage House invites kids of all ages to paint the snow outside (weather permitting), and then head inside to warm up with Christmas goodies and hot chocolate. While inside, there are different crafts to make – tree ornaments and Christmas cards!
This is a hands-on day that is perfect for kids of all ages.
This entire day is sure to be so much for kids of all ages and is a great time to check out Fairfields Heritage House, a Museum that isn’t as well known as some others (I haven’t been yet, and just seeing the pictures from inside the home makes me want to go!)
Admission details:
$17.25 family (two adults and accompanying children); $6.50 single admission; $10.75 per pair
Remember, the event is only between 9 am and 1 pm (making it the perfect pre-nap activity) and only happens on December 8th!
Have you been a busy elf prepping for the holidays? Baking, shopping, decorating, getting the kids concert outfits ready and more? It’s early in December but we are in full holiday mode around here.
No matter how you spend December (whether you celebrate the season or not), it’s a good time of year to reflect on some of our habits and make a few resolutions for the new year, in particular, when it comes to our shopping decisions and the effect they have on our environment, our bodies and our futures.
I’ve teamed up with terra20, one of my favourite stores, to bring you a very special giveaway, just for you!
Throughout the past many years, you’ve read about my own personal shift to more conscious, sustainable habits in our home and when it comes to my personal care products for myself and family. Over the years, I’ve become more aware of the reusable containers and packaging we use in the home, beauty products that I buy for myself, bathing products for the kids, cleaning supplies, and other household decisions.
I slowly, but surely, have tried to become more ‘green’ in my efforts and I know many of you have as well, or are interested in doing that do.
If you want to start making changes in the new year, I applaud you. My friends at terra20 have great information in store and on their website to help you find the products that you are looking for (and I have been writing monthly articles on their site with information I think you’ll find helpful too!)
So that’s why I’m excited to have teamed up with them to offer one lucky blog reader the chance to win a CUSTOM GIFT BOX from terra20.
This gift set is going to be personally curated by myself and their team to find the best products based on your needs (and of course it will include some of my personal favourites!)
I’ll be in touch with the winner to ask a few questions about products of interest to ensure we create the best gift for them.
Terra20 and I want to help you make more eco-friendly buying decisions in future and we are hoping this is one step in the right direction!
ENTER TO WIN
Simply visit the terra20 website or blog and comment on this post below letting us know what changes you are making this holiday season to be more eco-friendly, OR what you want to do in the new year to take steps for more sustainable, green habits. And by random, one lucky reader will be chosen as the winner.
Use this little rafflecopter entry form to ensure you get all your entries counted!
Thank you for entering and taking the next steps for a greener future.
This giveaway is open to Canadian residents (void in QC) for those of legal age. One winner will be selected and contacted to arrange to mail a special gift. Giveaway closes December 10th, 2018 at 9 pm December 11th at 11:59 pm EST. That’s actually more time to enter! Sorry for the mix up! The Rafflecopter form is the correct date. Prize is estimated around $125 retail value.
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