What We, As Mothers & Fathers, Can Do In The Wake Of The Events In Ottawa & Montreal

   

With the events that took place yesterday in Ottawa, and earlier in the week in Montreal, I can't help but feel concerned for the wellbeing of my my family, my children and my country. I am certain that many mothers and fathers out there are thinking of this today as they try and figure out a way to face this new concern here in Canada. My heart goes out to the parents and the son of Cpl. Nathan Cirillo! I can't even fathom what they might be going through right now. May he rest in peace, knowing that he was a hero in life, and not in death.

What do we say to our children when they ask us questions about what they've heard on TV or from their peers? What do we say to ourselves? How do we reassure our loved ones? Global News posted a helpful article yesterday on how to talk to our children about the events yesterday in Ottawa. Thankfully my sons are both young enough not to be aware (so far!) of these tragedies and the rising fears and anxieties that can proliferate in both kids and adults. For many of you, this is not the case. I urge you to consider not watching the news and non-strop streaming of coverage of events like these in their presence, unless they are old enough to fully understand and discuss their concerns and fears with you. It's hard to rationalize the irrational even in the best of situations. You know your child best, can they handle this information? Are they already an anxious child?

There have been warnings, there have been threats and there have been admissions by the RCMP that chatter is increasing regarding the safety of Canada and Canadians. So much so, that they have elevated our country's threat level from Low to Medium. While we have been fortunate enough to date not to have faced an attack comparable to 9-11 here on Canadian soil, I can't help but wonder if that will take place. If the world will change where my sons will choose or be forced to put themselves in the line of fire either on their home soil or abroad, to defend our rights, beliefs and our way of life. If I had daughters, I would be wondering the same thing about them. I feel for parents here & abroad whose children are fighting in wars, regardless of whose side they are on.

With a cousin who is currently in the military, who could very well be deployed to parts of the world where some of these extremist ideologies are festering, it hits close to home. If military personnel (or civilians for that matter) have been targeted on our home soil, then the risk is not only when they are deployed, but here in Canada as well.

I've felt a range of emotions this week, particularly yesterday with the events in Ottawa, and now today with the possible armed man arrested in Halifax today. I've felt fear, I've felt anger, and I've felt a call to action. To do what? I'm not exactly sure. But I can fully appreciate how those men and women signed up for the U.S. military in droves after the terror attacks on September 11th, 2001.

To the Sergeant-At-Arms Kevin Vickers, to our military personnel both on home turf and abroad, to our police, fire, EMS and security forces who walk in when others are running out, I say thank you! Thank you for protecting us, our freedoms and our liberties! If I have forgotten someone, please, know that you are thanked too!

While I am not a Sergeant-At-Arms, a member of the military, or a police officer, there is still something that I as a mother, as an average civilian and member of this great nation can do! And so can you! Be vigilant, keep your eyes and ears open, and trust your gut.

If you see something suspicious, something that seems legitimately concerning to the best of your knowledge, report it! There's no harm in reporting it, but there is harm in not reporting it! Run it by a police officer to see what they think. If you aren't comfortable providing your personal information, report it anonymously. Like Gavin Becker taught us in his book The Gift of Fear, trust your instincts and your intuition.

While we might feel helpless during times like these, there is something that we as mothers and fathers can do! We can all be "heroes" here in our own country and it doesn't have to be in death! I use that term not to make light of real heroes, but to empower each and every one of us to pay attention. Let's unite and protect this wonderful country we call home! Each one of us mothers, fathers, and civilians can do our part to help make sure that this country we call home stays as safe and peaceful as we can!

***** These views are mine, and mine alone. As with anything, you are responsible for assessing whether this item and/or activity is safe and suitable for your specific needs. InfoMommy does not make any warranties of any kind, expressed or implied, and assumes no responsibility and/or liability for any actions taken as a result of this blog post.*****

Rachael Ray's Bakeware Is Practical & Perky Like She Is!

   

I've been watching The Rachael Ray show for years and have always wanted to get my hands on her bakeware. I've been admiring those colourful casseroles and all those other items she has created for her personal cookware line for some time now. The colours are so cheery and the items are so sleek and trendy. 

I recently had the opportunity to try out a bunch of Rachael Ray's bakeware and her EVOO dispenser that are available to us here in Canada. Unfortunately, we Canadians don't have access to the multitude of colours she has available in her full cookware line in the U.S., but we do have Orange and Eggplant!  If you love the purple colour called "Eggplant", you can find the 9X13 Lasagna Lover baker and the Divided Dish in this great colour, in addition to Orange. All other items, (so far anyways), are available here only in the bright Orange hue. If you start getting excited looking at the Rachael Ray Store, hold back, because they do not ship to Canada. (Boohoo!)

I loved each and every one of the pieces that I got to try out! I love the colour! I love the shape! And I love the functionality of them all! Do I sound excited? If it didn't translate through all my exclamation marks, then let me tell you one more time - I loved them! Like many of her recipes, these items did not let me down!

First off, this bakeware is dishwasher, microwave, freezer and oven safe up to 500F/260C. The handles on them are great! Unlike many casserole dishes that have flat horizontal handles, these have raised handles that smoothly slope up from the main part of the dish. They are super easy to grab when using pot holders to take something out of the oven, thanks to the oversized holes on the handles. I find them easier to carry around than conventional casserole dishes. Full casserole dishes are often heavy, especially with the larger ones, so it's important to have a good grip on them when taking them out of the oven. I made a bunch of different things in these dishes, most which included cheese.  And we all know how cheese is notorious for becoming hard and sticking to casserole dishes, making elbow grease a necessity when cleaning!  While they are not classified as non-stick, I did find them be very easy to clean afterwards with very little scrubbing. Who doesn't love an easy to clean casserole dish?

To no surprise, the 9" X 13" Lasagna Lover is ideal for baking lasagna. In fact, it's great for practically any casserole. The way the dish slopes lower in the middle allows the heat to better circulate inside the dish, promoting better browning on top. I made my Grandmother's Hashbrown Casserole, and a batch of Rachael Ray's Que Pasta Mexican Mac & Cheese in it and it was perfect! The contrast of the purple dish against the browned top was beautiful! This dish retails for $59.99 and is available here in Canada at Walmart and at Target. If you want the Eggplant colour though, you'll have to get that at Target as Walmart is only carrying the Orange. 

The 2-Piece Bubble & Brown Oven Ovals are not named "Bubble & Brown" by coincidence! Like the Lasagna Lover, the slope of the dish in the center gets those casseroles bubbling hot and gets that cheese on top nice and brown! This 2-piece set nests nicely together, making them easier to store in the cupboard. It includes a medium 2-1/4 quart sized baker, as well as a small 1-1/4 quart baker. I love the shape of these dishes! They are perfect for practically any casserole, along with desserts like Apple Crisp,  Fruit Cobbler, and No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake!  Just be sure to modify your recipe to be certain it's the right amount for the dish you choose to make it in, as most recipes call for a 9X13 dish. These retail for $59.99 and are available at Target. 

The Casseroval is a 4-1/4 quart covered deep oval baker. Its extra wide handles are great for gripping this dish and comes in the colour Orange only here in Canada. This dish is great for large batches of pasta! While it's not made for use on the stovetop itself, it would great for reheating a big batch of chili or stew in the oven and even slow cooking a small roast on low in the oven. It retails for $49.95 and is available here at both Target and Walmart.

The 14" Divided Dish is great for entertaining, as well as everyday use. You can easily put 2 different types of vegetables on either side of the dish so that they don't touch - a sacrilege in some children's eyes! LOL Or one side macaroni salad and the other side potato salad. You could put tortilla chips on one side and salsa or a nacho dip on the other side.  There are so many uses for this dish! This one comes in Eggplant as well as the Orange and is available at Target. It retails for $49.99.

The 3 Quart Round Baker is a nice size to use for a large batch of pasta, or even for Chicken Pot Pie! Shepherd's Pie, Quiche Supreme or even a no-bake cheesecake would work and look great in this one too! It retails for $39.97 and is available here at Walmart.

Her 10oz Ramekins are handy for dips, sauces, condiments, or even single servings of pasta like lasagna. You could even use them for a small side of veggies for a single or 2-person family or make mini desserts in them. They would easily double as a very small mixing bowl when making small amounts of sauces or condiments. You will find them here in Canada in Orange only, and they retail for $6.97 each at Walmart.

And of course, these Rachael Ray items wouldn't be complete without her 24oz EVOO Bottle! In Canada, this oil cruet is available in Orange. It's a great tool for maximizing the life of your olive oil, and makes drizzling oil a cinch. It retails for $16.99 and is available here at Target and at Walmart.

These Rachael Ray items are practical & perky like her personality & the only thing I would change is to add lids that either come alongside the dishes or be available for purchase as an accessory. They can be a bit of a challenge to cover with tin foil when baking because of their unique design. Thankfully, casseroles don't typically require covering, so it's not that big of a deal. It's a very small price to pay for such a colourful, enjoyable product with a one-of-a-kind design! Wrapping them with foil just takes a bit of creativity.

For great recipes from Rachael Ray, I recommend her cookbook Look + Cook! This cookbook is great not only for delicious and easy recipes, but also for beginner cooks who aren't confident in the kitchen. Each recipe lays out step by step pictures, along with general instructions, making them fool-proof. You can find this cookbook at any bookstore or at your local library!

Using one of Rachael Ray's catchphrases, I give these products a huge "Yum-O!" (Which is also her non-profit organization!)  And one final word? Please, oh please, oh please, bring more colours and products to Canada, eh?! 


***** These views are mine, and mine alone. As with anything, you are responsible for assessing whether this item and/or activity is safe and suitable for your specific needs. InfoMommy does not make any warranties of any kind, expressed or implied, and assumes no responsibility and/or liability for any actions taken as a result of this blog post.*****

    

8 Ways My Kids Are Trying To Kill Me!

   

Have you ever been frustrated with your kids? Have you ever felt like they were wearing you down? Even if they weren't trying to do this on purpose, they were succeeding regardless of their intentions? 

Same goes for us! In fact, just this morning both of our kids were up at 4am! If it ain't one, then it's definitely the other, and we are both so tired!! We groaned this morning when being woken up by our one son asking if he could go downstairs to play. Really? What part of 4am did he think was play time?

Watch out everyone, they were born to get us! LOL 

Here are 8 signs that your children might be trying to kill you too!

1) Sleep Deprivation - It's not a coincidence that this one is listed first! It's the absolute worst way our kids are trying to torture us! Some wake up early, some won't go to bed, some wake up multiple times through the nights... You know what I'm talking about! Then you throw in some kids who have night terrors, screaming like mad only even they aren't awake  - just you!

2) Strategically Leaving Toys Around The House - There's nothing like stepping on a piece of Lego, or a dinky car (or for those of you with daughters, maybe it's a Barbie purse or other deadly accessory!) in the middle of the night when dealing with issue #1! Or when you turn the lights out and are heading upstairs to bed! It's like they are just waiting there at the top of the stairs... Waiting for you to curse or let out a blood curdling scream that wakes them up if they weren't already awake, all so they can giggle at you!

3) A Punch To The Crotch (A.K.A. Birth Control) - For those Dads out there, you know what I'm talking about! Little toddlers running around and clocking you right in the gonads. Not on purpose of course, as they can't control their impulses at that age. Or can they? Is it a secret conspiracy to make sure you don't reproduce any competition? Or are they just excited to see you? And if they have an older sibling, was it their idea? Conspiracy I tell ya!

4) Exposing Parents to Biohazardous Materials - Whether it's a sick kid who pukes on you, craps on you, or sneezes and coughs on you, they're out to get us! Have you ever seen a kid crap on you or throw up on you (or around you) at a convenient time? Nope! It's all a huge nasty surprise!

5) Causing Injury To Us While Picking Them Up - Have you ever seen someone ergonomically pick up their child? I haven't! I'm not so sure it's possible to pick them up the way you'd pick up a heavy box. Never mind a toddler who's throwing a tantrum and you have flailing limbs in your face! And Dads beware of those flailing feet! All I know is I've pulled more than one muscle in my back through the years of a being a parent and not only have I suffered pain, I've had to pay for a chiropractor to fix it!

6) Preventing Us From Eating Or Getting Nutrition - If I had a nickel for every time my meal has been interrupted by one of our kids, I'd be rich! Whether it's because they're done first, don't like what you made, whether they've just accidentally (or even worse - purposely!) spilled something all over the floor, spilled their drink, you forgot to put ketchup on the table, your baby needs to breastfeed, or one of the other multitude of reasons! Or that you are so tired, that you just want to shove down the 1st food item you see, regardless of its nutritional make-up.

7) Refusal To Let A Parent Sit Down - Have you ever been just about to plant your butt cheeks onto the couch to sit down and finally take a "break", only to be bombarded by your kids out of nowhere? I'm telling you, as soon as they see you start to sit down (or God forbid, lie down!) they're on to you!

8) Silence Is Not Golden - Contrary to what the song title from the 1960's implies, silence is NEVER golden! Not unless they are actually sleeping! Silence means they are up to something. Do not trust silence. I promise you, you will probably regret it if you ignore it!

If you can relate to any or all of these conspiratorial theories, then your kids might just be trying to kill you too! The crazy part is that I wouldn't have it any other way! (Although I might say so at 4am!) But once my eyes are fully open and my brain clears from the fog of extreme early morning wakings, I take them into my arms and celebrate the blessings that are my children.  Here's hoping that I will get some sleep again at some point in my life! Until then, it's all about survival mode and enjoying every moment of it! :)

***** These views are mine, and mine alone. As with anything, you are responsible for assessing whether this item and/or activity is safe and suitable for your specific needs. InfoMommy does not make any warranties of any kind, expressed or implied, and assumes no responsibility and/or liability for any actions taken as a result of this blog post.*****

    

Circulon Prime Skillets Are Skilled At Non-Stick!

   

Circulon, the pioneer of hard-anodized non-stick cookware, has been blazing trails in this market since it was first introduced in 1985.  Their Circulon Prime Collection is now available here in Canada! The Prime Collection features Circulon's Total Food Release System. Their patented hi-lo circular grooves guarantee non-stick performance. And they stand by their products so much that they have a lifetime guarantee! If for any reason you aren't happy with your item, they will replace it.

Their non-stick system allows for very little to no use of oils or fats while cooking. Circulon products featuring the Total non-stick system are three times more scratch resistant than other non-stick products of this type on the market. That means that your investment into these pieces translates into long lasting non-stick performance. Their gourmet non-stick cookware is actually the #1 best-selling brand in the world! And I love that you can actually use metal utensils with these non-stick cookware items!

I sampled the Circulon Prime skillets, and I have to say, I was impressed. I needed to fry up some chicken breasts to try out Rachael Ray's Cobbwich Sandwich recipe I recently saw on her show.  I pounded out a couple of boneless, skinless chicken breasts and drizzled them with a little bit of olive oil, and salt & pepper. The skillet was quick to heat up, and it browned and cooked the meat nicely. It never stuck at all, even when it wasn't fully ready to flip. I am confident that home cooks like me, would enjoy these skillets. Especially if you prefer cooking with very little fat and with metal gadgets.

Their Circulon Prime skillets are suitable for all cooktops, including induction stovetops. They are dishwasher safe and oven safe up to 400F/200C! I love this feature because you can sear a steak and then pop it into the oven to finish cooking. Something you can't do with many of the other non-stick pans that have plastic handles! They are PFOA, lead and cadmium free and their signature colour is a red exterior. The skillets come in a 7-1/2", 10" and 12" diameter. The 12" & 10" skillets are great for frying, sauteing or browning meats. I like the 7-1/2" skillet for frying up a couple of eggs or a small omelet. It's also the perfect size for a grilled cheese!

The full line consists of various cookware items, from an electric griddle to a stockpot that has a lid with a built in strainer/colander in it, to a full cookware set. The Circulon Prime line is available exclusively at Canadian Tire and ranges in price from $49.99 for the 7-1/2" skillet, to $499.99 for the 11-piece Cookset.  They are pricey, but if you're lucky, you can find these items on sale. Canadian Tire just had these items for 70% off! With the holidays coming up, keep an eye out in the flyers for great deals on these items. If all else fails, there's always Santa! ;)

It would be great if they expanded the line to offer a variety of colours. I was going to suggest adding a larger skillet to the mix but realized they have a 6-quart Covered Jumbo Cooker, which is great for larger batches. The handles on the skillets are thinner that I am used to using as I typically would use non-stick skillets with plastic handles. And I'm not used to having to be cognizant of hot handles during the cooking process either, so be wary the first couple of times you use them to be sure that you become familiar with managing the thinner metal handles that can become pretty warm after a prolonged period of cooking. Tips for dealing with this issue are: 1) Use the burner that is the closest in size to that of your skillet. 2) Make sure that you have your skillet perfectly centered on the burner. 3) Try to stick with low to medium heat if possible. 4) Always use pot holders or handle sleeves when handling the skillet while using it, or just after using when it may still be warm to the touch.

To promote this new line, Circulon Canada has a giveaway on right now until November 16, 2014. They are giving away various pieces from their Circulon Prime line, as well as a grand prize of a Foodie trip to Montreal! For more info on the giveaway, and to enter, please visit the Circulon Canada Facebook Page. Good luck & happy cooking!

***** These views are mine, and mine alone. As with anything, you are responsible for assessing whether this item and/or activity is safe and suitable for your specific needs. InfoMommy does not make any warranties of any kind, expressed or implied, and assumes no responsibility and/or liability for any actions taken as a result of this blog post.*****

   

Think Twice Before Telling Someone They're Lucky!

   

Deborra-Lee Furness, wife of famed Australian actor Hugh Jackman recently expressed feeling insulted with people telling her that she is lucky.  In Australian's Women's Weekly, she is quoted as saying: "That to me is a putdown," she warns. "(It is) like you suggesting I won the chook raffle. I think we create our own destiny." And you know what? She's right! At least she is in my humble opinion.

You see, I've always felt that way! I have done relatively well in my life to date. I am nowhere near rich, but I am financially stable for the most part. Growing up we didn't have a lot of money. I took out student loans for my post-secondary education.  I put in the work to graduate. I laid plans to get the job I wanted and made it happen. I made choices and took risks. Many of them in fact, most of which were calculated. I struggled, used food banks at times when first on my own and making very little money. I stuck to my guns and looked onward. My student loans accumulated, and I eventually dug myself out of them by working hard and paying them down. I am now and have been employed in my field of choice for well over a decade. And it wasn't from luck. It was from determination, cold calling, making sure that potential employers noticed me! Convincing them to give me a chance and a leg up. And not taking no for an answer. Perseverance, I tell ya!

I'm married to a good man. It might have been luck that we met that night, but it's not luck that I married him. I made a choice. I vetted him. I tested him. I observed him. I made sure that he was the one that I truly wanted. That he would be a good father to our kids, would provide for us and protect us. I took my time and was decisive with that too. Determined to pick the right one, not just someone. Someone who would not "babysit" his kids, but that would actually parent them. That would help me clean, do dishes and laundry, and not be full to the brim with machismo. A man who realized that if I work outside of the house too, then taking care of the house would need to be a shared responsibility. Even one of my grandmothers told me I was setting my sights too high. But I wasn't going to settle for just anyone. I wanted what I wanted and needed. And I made it happen.

There are only 3 things off the top of my head that I can truly say I was lucky over - 1) that my kids were both born healthy, 2) that I once won a 50/50 draw worth about $500, and 3) that I was lucky enough to be the one chosen to win a Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer. Now that was luck! The rest was blood, sweat and tears. Determination, perseverance, tenaciousness, not letting struggles pull me down, but allowing those moments to be a lesson, and to use those situations as fuel to propel me even harder towards my goals in life. Even if at times I felt beaten down and discouraged. I've been through a lot in my young(ish!) life. I've suffered a lot of loss and hard times but I'm not going to let that hold me back or hold me down. And no, it's not because I have a horseshoe stuck up my lady parts! It's because I made a choice to win, not to fail. To fight instead of surrender! 

Having people tell me over the years that I'm lucky that I have this and that, or that I've done this or that is insulting! Especially when coming from people who know or should know where I've come from, what I've done or had to go through to get where I am today. I didn't get here playing a scratch ticket. And even if I had of, I wouldn't have the knowledge and experience that I have now. So despite all the hard work, successes and failures, I wouldn't change a thing! It's made me who I am today - (un)lucky! LOL

Most people would never dream of trying to insult someone purposely. And they would probably be shocked to know that they've insulted me. I've only recently started politely correcting and educating people when they've called me lucky. I'm writing this post to make you aware, so that you know that you might very well be unknowingly insulting people.

The next time the word "lucky" starts to roll off of your tongue, make sure you think twice before saying it. Make sure it's what you really mean and that you are doing the person justice.

Now, go buy yourself a lottery ticket and get lucky! Keep on truckin' everyone!  :)

 ***** These views are mine, and mine alone. As with anything, you are responsible for assessing whether this item and/or activity is safe and suitable for your specific needs. InfoMommy does not make any warranties of any kind, expressed or implied, and assumes no responsibility and/or liability for any actions taken as a result of this blog post.*****

Get The Children's Book of Magic Before It Vanishes!

    

Have you ever watched a magician do a trick or perform an illusion that looked so real? My son wants to be that guy, and has a genuine interest in magic. 

The Children's Book of Magic is a brand new book that just came out this past September. It's geared for kids ages 7-10 years of age, and is a 128 page instruction, information and history book on magic and illusions. This oversized book measures almost a foot long and 10" wide and is reminiscent of a spellbook that Harry Potter would use. Only a heck of a lot more modern!

Whether you want to learn how to stack a deck, make a coin disappear (something my husband says I'm good at while at the mall! LOL), predict cards or perform a rope trick, this books is for you! There are 20 tricks in the book, covering 8 schools of magic. Each one has step by step written and pictorial instructions to help your little Houdini prepare, practice and perform the act. You will also find a list of supplies needed to perform each trick, most of which can be found in your home.

Kids can read up on historical magicians and illusionists and learn the history behind magic as far back as the Romans, Aztecs, cavemen and ancient China. It provides information on seeing into the future, prophecies, rituals, etc, an extensive glossary, as well as a layout on tools of the trade.

The Children's Book of Magic retails in Canada for approximately $20.99CAN. You can find it in local bookstores and in the DK Books Canada Holiday Boutique. Get it before it vanishes!

***** These views are mine, and mine alone. As with anything, you are responsible for assessing whether this item and/or activity is safe and suitable for your specific needs. InfoMommy does not make any warranties of any kind, expressed or implied, and assumes no responsibility and/or liability for any actions taken as a result of this blog post.*****