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SEPTEMBER 2013 | FREE | www.capitalparent.ca

PHOTO : KATE SETTLE

Make it a September to remember Lunchbox inspiration, tips for capturing great first day of school photos, and more!

Confidence is the ultimate school supply.

Whether your child is at the head of the class or needs a little help, Kumon provides the perfect foundation for the coming school year.

OVER 15 LOCATIONS IN THE OTTAWA AREA www.kumon.ca 800-ABC-MATH

The Adventures of

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civilization.ca/potato National tour sponsored by

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The Adventures of MR. POTATO HEAD exhibit was created by the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum in collaboration with Hasbro. MR. POTATO HEAD is a registered trademark of Hasbro, Inc. and is used with permission. © 2013 Hasbro. All rights reserved.

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ACTIVE FAMILIES

Child-friendly Fletcher Wildlife Garden RIGHT IN THE HEART OF OTTAWA, A SECRET GARDEN AWAITS

BY KATHARINE FLETCHER

M

ost Ottawa area parents know how much kids adore the Central Experimental Farm, located at Prince of Wales Drive and Carling Avenue. We are the only capital in the world with a farm within the city limits, and here at “The Farm” kids can pet calves, watch a cow being milked, and explore the adjacent flower gardens and nearby Arboretum (which is Latin for “living tree museum”). However, many parents don’t realize that just beyond the Arboretum a secret garden awaits discovery!

Called the Fletcher Wildlife Garden (FWG), it honours James Fletcher, The Farm’s first entomologist (insect scientist) and botanist (plant scientist). Today, the FWG is operated by the Ottawa Field Naturalists’ Club (OFNC).

Founded in 1879, it is the oldest natural history club in Canada.

What is the Fletcher Wildlife Garden?

It is a complex of several different ecosystems, and it’s definitely worth a visit. Isabelle Nicol is the volunteer Backyard Garden Manager at FWG who guides other volunteers in what work – such as weeding, mulching, edging, transplanting – needs to be done.

“There are several areas to explore at the FWG. One is the Backyard Garden, which features a small pond home to green frogs and other animals. The Interpretive Centre’s usually open on Sunday afternoons, where visitors can find free wildlife brochures and pictures, including pamphlets on topics like how to attract animals to a wildlife garden,” says Isabelle.

“There are also trails. The Bill Holland Trail connects you to another path, which leads people directly to a larger pond area.”

Trails wend their way alongside the wetland to a mature woodland, butterfly meadow, and established hedgerows. One path descends to the Hartwell Locks, part of the Rideau Canal.

Although trails are not always suitable for strollers (wheels can get stuck if it’s muddy, for instance), all are easy for ambulatory youngsters through to grandparents to negotiate.

There’s free parking and a “johnny-on-thespot” toilet, but if you’re wondering, you’ll find proper washrooms at The Farm.

Sounds good… but why visit the FWG with children?

Easy, because kids love being outside amid nature, and here at the oh-so-accessible urban FWG, they can find out about animals and plants which call Ottawa home. Moreover, what child doesn’t love exploring ponds and marshes? Here at Ottawa’s secret garden, there are frogs, blue herons, and many other critters with which to get acquainted. Visitors might spot American black ducks, mallards, and perhaps a painted turtle, green herons, red-wing blackbirds, swallows, and more.

“The reason I personally love ponds and would recommend visiting ours is because of all the wildlife activity surrounding them.

Insects are there in the form of dragonflies, damselflies, butterflies,” says Isabelle. “We’ve even had young beavers stay over a couple of years as they start on their own journeys to find suitable habitat for a new home. There are mink and foxes around but you would be very fortunate to see one. They are among our more secretive residents.”

Listen for birdsongs and see if you can catch a glimpse of a downy woodpecker, a Mallard duck, or hear the croaking of a bullfrog. If you keep your voices down and eyes peeled, you might spy a quiet bird in a bush, or an American toad hopping along the path right in front of you. Just remember the Hikers’ Rule: Take only photos, leave only footprints.

The OFNC hosts lots of events, many of which are child-friendly. Consider becoming a volunteer. You can volunteer at the gardens as well. Children are welcome as long as parents accompany and supervise them.

Investigate the Macoun Club, the OFNC’s

young naturalists’ club where children from 8-18 are introduced to the magic, mystery, and science of nature. You can read more about it at www.ofnc.ca/macoun.

The FWG may be considered Ottawa’s secret garden, but it’s a delightfully busy haven for wildlife, right in the heart of our capital.

Katharine Fletcher is author of Historical Walks: The Gatineau Park Story, Capital Rambles: Exploring the National Capital Region, and Capital Walks: Walking Tours of Ottawa. Collect them all to discover walks, canoe day-trips and more – right here at home!

Where to begin?

The Backyard Garden is a great starting point.

Many of the native plants are identified with a sign that gives you its name and some of the plant’s properties. Some, like milkweed, represent a critical or even exclusive food source.

For instance, did you know that those migrating marvels – Monarch butterflies – eat milkweed plants almost exclusively? Here, kids can see the plant and, if they’re fortunate, spy one of the brilliant orange-and-black butterflies which overwinter in Mexico.

You can discover more about monarchs at the OFNC website (ofnc.ca). There you can also learn about the FWG’s monarch waystation project, a recognized, protected habitat where these increasingly rare butterflies can find milkweed, eat, lay their eggs, and mature prior to flying south.

Then what?

You can head out on a walk, starting at the sign to the Bill Holland Trail. Bring water, snacks, sunhats, and long-sleeve protection against the sun or mosquitoes. (There may be some around even though it’s September!)

Visitors to the Fletcher Wildlife Garden are encouraged to look for frogs but not disturb them in their natural habitat. PHOTO: KATHARINE FLETCHER

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From The Editor

PHOTO : JASON CODE

D

Andrea Tomkins andrea@capitalparent.ca

There is more online at

o you make resolutions in September? I do. It took me awhile to figure out, but whether these promises to myself are in regards to fitness or healthy eating (the usual suspects eh?) I eventually learned that I’d have more success if I made them in September rather than January. It just made more sense for me to do it in September rather than during the darkest and most frigid month of the year. I am more motivated to meet my personal goals when the days are longer and sunnier and I’m not shivering between layers of fleece and down-filled coats.

Here’s my confession: I look forward to September every year. It practically makes me giddy with glee when the kids go back to school and I finally get my routines back, as boring as they may be sometimes. That snappy feeling in the air combined with the fact that I can finally dig my favourite sweaters out from the back of my closet somehow makes me more productive in all aspects of my life. I wonder if I can bottle it up and use it during the winter months when I need it most.

This “September feeling” has been a part of me ever since I can remember. The feeling of excite-

ment and change was there during my earliest school days. As a child I always felt a thrill when it came time for the annual back-to-school shopping trip. There was always a yearning in my heart for pristine binders, crisp white paper, and brand new pens… and there still is. My passion for office supplies has never wavered, and I think it may have rubbed off on my kids too, lord help them.

When my youngest daughter saw her school supply list she jumped in the air and let out a whoop of joy. And I share her joy too. After all, it gives me a reason to walk down those aisles full of paper and pens again!

Sharpening all the pencils, and then packing them all up in a new case is a wonderful feeling.

For me, September is truly about regeneration and renewal, looking ahead with excitement, happiness and (hopefully) some newfound fortitude. So here’s to sharpened pencils and fresh beginnings, and a September to remember.

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CONTRIBUTORS Katharine Fletcher • Lynn Jatania Nathalie Meilleur • Paula Roy Kate Settle • Ottawa Public Library

COPY EDITOR Judith van Berkom

Cover Story

DESIGN & PRODUCTION Sarah Ellis sarah@greatriver.ca

For many families, September heralds a return to school. It’s such an exciting time, isn’t it? That’s why we asked Ottawa’s Kate Settle to find a local family and photograph a scene that is probably familiar to many parents: the first day of school. We were very happy to see the results of her photoshoot. Those smiling, eager faces perfectly summarize the thrill of that first day.

We always like to ask our photographers to tell us a bit about their cover shot, and here’s what Kate wrote: “It’s hard to plan for back to school when we are basking in 30 degree weather and enjoying some summer down time, but for this photo shoot we donned backpacks and went to work!

“We got a little gang of children together to recreate some back to school action, and it was interesting talking with the families about rituals and routines to get little ones ready. Whether it was visiting school grounds to play during the summer for new kindergarteners, letting older children practice packing lunches and choosing appropriate food, or shopping for new shoes and school supplies… there are lots of little ways to get ready. All the children at our photo shoot were enthusiastic about going back to school, although for some (Owen!) it was recess that held the biggest draw.”

Thank you Kate! To see more of Kate’s photography work, go to www.katesettlephotography.com.

ADVERTISING Mike Beard 613-238-1818 ext. 270 mbeard@obj.ca

CAPITALPARENT is published by

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Mark Sutcliffe PRESIDENT Michael Curran

Letter to the Editor

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Donna Neil

to personalize your gear. (Read more about SwaggerTags at capitalparent.ca!)

September’s winning letter is from Joy Mills.

She’s won a copy of “The Girl of the Wish Garden” by Uma Krishnaswami and Nasrin Khosravi, a beautiful hardcover picture book that is loosely inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s Thumbelina. Congratulations Joy!

We’re very interested in hearing from our readers and we welcome letters to the editor. We’d love to hear what articles resonated with you and what kind of topics you’d like to see in future issues.

Email your feedback to editor@capitalparent.ca. Your letter might be published in our next issue, and October’s letter of the month will win two SwaggerTags, a really cool way

EDITOR Andrea Tomkins 613-238-1818 ext. 279 andrea@capitalparent.ca

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Tanya Connolly-Holmes 613-238-1818 ext. 253 creative@greatriver.ca

capitalparent.ca!

•How to plan a block party to celebrate the end of summer• •Great gear for families• •How to make your own Play-Doh• •Ideas for new and veteran tooth fairies•

PUBLISHER Mark Sutcliffe mark@greatriver.ca

“I am a big fan of Capital Parent - I am always excited to pick up a new edition at the Ottawa Public Library. I read it from cover to cover, and enjoy all the different points of view. There are always good ideas of things to do, places to go, and recipes to drool over! The contributors are great - they sometimes make me laugh and other times make me think. It makes me happy that this little community newspaper geared to families is free and readily available. I think that all parents in Ottawa and surrounding area should grab a copy when they see it!!”

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OFFICE LOCATION: 250 CITY CENTRE DRIVE SUITE 500, OTTAWA

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FAMILY MATTERS

They call me Mrs. Smith-Jolie-Pitt-Pop THIRD TIME’S THE CHARM

BY LYNN JATANIA

O

nce upon a time, I had a boy and two girls.

Then a fad hit my son’s grade 4 class, and it was this: never get your hair cut, again, ever.

They became a troop of mini-Samsons.

Their superpowers were tied to their flowing locks. Nevermind that they had to pause during soccer rushes to stop and brush hair from their eyes. Nevermind that hot summer days led to sweaty necks and adorable little forehead curls.

No, long hair was where it was at – like wee Shaun Cassidys, they were ready to heartthrob (“Ew, Mom, gross!”).

Now our ten-year-old boy has moved past the shag of the Beatles and into the realm of Iggy Pop. Axl Rose is just around the corner.

He’s mistaken for a girl – and a pretty, pretty girl at that – several times a week. At restaurants: “What would your daughter like to drink?”

At the grocery store: “Helping your mom out today? What a good girl you are!” As the opposing soccer team’s coach comes to shake hands: “Great game today, girls.”

And still, the scissors remain the enemy.

We’re trying to be relaxed about it. Much like Jada and Will Smith, we can be hip, funky,

jiggy wid it. Surely we’re easy going enough to raise a kid who has the hair of a rock star, or a professional soccer player, or possibly a summer stock Jesus Christ. We could totally hang out on the back deck with Will and Jada, drinking mimosas that were hand-chilled by the sheer coolness of our children.

(Oh, who am I kidding, we can barely keep our hands off the clippers when he goes to sleep at night.)

I mean, I do admire his devotion to the project. Sure, he can’t spend more than 10 minutes on a major assignment for school, or spend longer than 30 seconds searching the kitchen for a snack before declaring that there’s nothing to eat, but when it comes to The Hair, he’s hangin’ tough. And it is helping him develop a thick skin, given that he seems unfazed by the constant ribbing that goes on around here, and even celebrates the times he gets mistaken for a girl. I guess when you have Johnny Depp, Thor, and the entire cast of Lord of the Rings on your side, you feel like you can kick a little butt.

As for the girl factor – it might gross him out now, but the future looks bright. After all, didn’t Howie of the Backstreet Boys move from a distant fifth to spitting-distance-to-fourth in attractiveness when he Went Ponytail? All he needs to do is figure out how to avoid dipping his lovely locks into his

dinner as he eats, and he’ll be a bona fide catch.

But while we’re trying to fend off Grandparent comments about the hooligan nature of our son on one hand, we also have a tomboy daughter who shops for her clothes in the boys’ section, and secretly steals her brother’s hand-me-downs. She’s our own little Shiloh Jolie-Pitt. We could totally hang out on

Sure, he can’t spend more than 10 minutes on a major assignment for school, or spend longer than 30 seconds searching the kitchen for a snack before declaring that there’s nothing to eat, but when it comes to The Hair, he’s hangin’ tough. the front porch with Angelina and Brad, drinking pink lemonade and basking in the gentle, sweet-smelling breeze given off by the sheer coolness of our children.

(Oh, who am I kidding, I’m on constant lookout for clothes she might wear that aren’t

shaped like a box and three sizes too big.)

Between the two of them, we’re a model of androgyny. It’s no wonder we confuse the world when we’re out and about. They don’t seem to mind, though, and if they’re happy, I’m happy.

I mean, we’re basically the parents of a pint-size David Beckham and a miniature Sporty Spice – more or (a lot) less – so who are we to complain?

Now we just need to convince the third one that a princess costume and sparkly crown are not required for her every single trip out of the house.

She’s got The Girly in spades, that’s for sure.

All this is to say that we are entering that delicate dance where you try, as a parent, to guide them to be better people, while also letting them express themselves without commentary (well, too much commentary, anyway). Our role is to gently suggest, instead of order. Our job is to be supportive, not authoritative. Our duty is to set aside more of the family budget for shampoo, tiaras, and oversized T-shirts featuring Tony Hawk, and try to keep the eye rolling to a minimum.

In the meantime, I plan to call up Jada, Angelina, and maybe Iggy Pop’s mom for a coffee date and a swapping of war stories. You’ll find us on the patio, iced cappuccinos in hand, enjoying the refreshing zephyrs given off by the sheer coolness of our children.

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FAMILY MATTERS

How to take great first day of school photos

S

napping a photo on the first day of school is a tradition for many families.

We asked local family photographer, Sarah McConnell, if she had any tips for capturing this special day.

(avoid cropping out hands and feet) near something that illustrates how much they’ve grown.

Taking a photo on the porch next to the front door is a perfect setting for this reason.

• Make sure your batteries are charged and that your camera is ready the night before. This might save you some rushing around in the morning, which is often chaotic enough as it is!

• Don’t forget the details! That shiny white pair of sneakers and brand new Spiderman backpack tells a story and adds personality to the shot. What about a shot of what they brought for lunch on the first day?

• Take your photos outdoors. Natural light makes for a better photograph because it tends to be softer and more flattering. Avoid using your flash and stay out of direct sunlight if you can. Bright light may result in squinty eyes, glare, and deep shadows. Seek shade for the best possible results.

• If your kids are reluctant posers, take a photo of them looking at their favourite book, or ask your kids to make one funny face and one smiling face. (Snapping a photo of each of course!) You can also ask your child to pose with their best friend at school. You’re practically guaranteed a big happy grin if you do.

• Don’t take the picture looking down from above.

Crouching down so you’re eye-to-eye with your child will result in a much better photo. If they’re sitting on the ground, you need to get down there too.

• Don’t forget to take a photo of parents and siblings! Enlist a neighbour or another parent at the bus stop to snap a quick family photo if you need an extra set of hands.

• At least one of your shots should be a close up. Zoom in on your child’s face to capture some detail. Facial features change so much as they get older!

• You should also strive for a full-body shot

• Consider other ways to document your child’s growth. For example, take a photo of your child in the same Muskoka chair every year, or have your child hold up a small chalkboard or sign that you’ve printed out on the computer. It can be as simple as: “Evan, Grade One, September 2013.” You

can do this every year with fabulous results over time. Or you could have your child fill out a short “survey” every year. What’s his or her favourite subject? What do they want to be when they grow up? Once they fill it out (perhaps this is best done the night before) you can take their photo with the survey or file it away with the first day photo in a special scrapbook.

Looking for a sample schoolage survey to go with your amazing first day of school shot? Download a free printable template at capitalparent.ca.

Carmen Castañeda-Moore (5) & Maya Castañeda-Moore (7) get ready for school.

PHOTO: KATE SETTLE

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CARING FOR KIDS Do you know of any kids under the age of 13 who are doing something really SUPER in our community? Maybe the you know is a dedicated volunteer, raises money for charity, or singlehandedly stopped a dog from getting hit by a car. Whatever it is, we want to hear about it!

Countdown to kindergarten

SUPER KID

BY NATHALIE MEILLEUR, PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE, OTTAWA PUBLIC HEALTH

S

tarting school is an exciting milestone for children and parents but it can be a stressful experience for young children who are not used to being in the care of others. Here are some things parents can do to help children feel secure and comfortable: • Ask older siblings or friends to talk about school.

• Read stories about school, and play games that will help your child imagine what school will be like.

• Visit the school to meet the teacher or see the classroom.

• Talk about school-related activities in a positive way (e.g. colouring, playing with friends at recess).

• Help your child learn the skills they will need to make the transition to school easier, such as buttoning coats, undoing zippers, and opening lunch boxes.

• Circle the first day of school on your calendar and count the days left.

• Give your child a special lunch box or

pencil case to mark the occasion.

• Take a photo of your child on the first day of school and with each passing year take a picture on his/her first day of school. Your child will have a nice memento to look at with each passing year as s/he grows up.

If your child is having trouble separating from you (e.g. being tearful, clinging, being upset), acknowledge your child’s feelings and ask what would make it easier (“I understand that you are worried about starting school…”). It also helps to allow the child to make small choices of their own (such as the colour of their new shirt) that first week.

Children feel more secure if they have some control over their situations. Be careful however, not to convey your own anxieties, and never sneak out at drop-off time. Always say goodbye to your child.

Here are a few other things to make sure you have checked off your list this month.

Book a physical with your health care provider. All children should have a complete physical exam, which should include a vision and hearing test as well as immunization updates.

Make arrangements with the school for children with special needs. For example, with regards to allergies, epi-pen, medications, diabetes, etc.

Make a weekday plan that includes time for breakfast and other healthy meals. Have your child help decide what to include for snack and lunch. Review bedtimes and have backup plans in case of caregiver illness and bus cancellations.

Spend some time teaching children basic street safety rules, such as: • What to do if approached by an adult.

• Not to go anywhere without telling a parent or caregiver.

• When walking to school, to walk with other children and always follow the same route (no shortcuts).

For more information about school readiness, call the Ottawa Public Health Information Line at 613-580-6744, TTY 613-580-9656, email healthsante@ottawa.ca or go to the website at ottawa.ca/health.

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Send an email to editor@capitalparent.ca and let us know whose stories we should be sharing with our readers.

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St. Martin‛s Nursery School

KITCHEN INSPIRATION

Solving the school day lunch dilemma

BY PAULA ROY

F

or many of us, the glorious days of summer represent a lovely respite from school day routines. The flipside, of course, is that for lots of parents, one of the most vexing aspects of the return to school is packing lunches.

We all know the importance of getting our kids to eat enough nutritious and satisfying food so they have the energy to concentrate properly and participate fully in all aspects of the school day. This includes striking a balance between appeal and nutrition – there’s no point in packing something super healthy, only to have it end up in the garbage or neglected at the bottom of a backpack.

While variety is often said to be the spice of life, it’s important also to consider your child’s eating habits. Some children are happy to eat the same thing day in and day out; it’s adults who think they should be looking for a wider range of options.

Here’s the test: If your kids are actually eating their lunches, even though the menu doesn’t vary much, then you’re on the right track and it’s better to save experimenta-

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Chicken Caesar Salad stuffed into pita bread pockets can make a great lunch! All the elements can be prepped the night before and quickly assembled in the morning. PHOTO: PAULA ROY

tion for weekend meals at home.

If your family is in a lunchtime rut, it might be easier to switch things up a little.

Soup can offer a nice change from sandwiches. It’s easy to make a hearty stew-like meal that can be quickly eaten with a fork by adding a serving of cooked pasta – tiny shells are great for this – to a favourite

soup, then put the warmed mixture in a pre-heated thermos.

Some kids find it too time consuming to use cutlery to eat at lunchtime when things are a bit rushed, so why not CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

SEPTEMBER 2013 9

KITCHEN INSPIRATION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

take their favourites and repackage them in an easy-to-eat fashion? A great example is Chicken Caesar Salad stuffed into pita bread pockets. All the elements can be prepped the night before and quickly assembled in the morning. It’s also a great way to use up leftover chicken from dinner, whether you’ve cooked it yourself or purchased one of those tasty supermarket rotisserie birds.

Another way to ensure adequate nutrition is to offer kids a favourite meal, even if it’s not something you’d traditionally serve for lunch. If your child really loves breakfast food, there’s nothing wrong with pancakes for a quick, satisfying athome lunch. Alternatively, try sending a container of dry cereal, a thermos of milk and a spoon – they can simply add the milk to the cereal container and eat right out of it. Just be sure the container has a tight lid so any milk residue afterwards won’t leak into their lunchbag. Cold pizza – on a regular or gluten-free crust – is another great example of alternative foods that many kids find appealing and quick to eat. Pop a couple of wrapped, frozen slices into their lunchbag and they’ll be thawed but still cold come lunchtime.

If you’re waging a constant battle, as many parents are, against pre-packaged foods marketed directly at children, made-at-home snacking-type meals are much healthier than store bought, so-dium-filled options. With some fun containers, you might even be able to get your child to help pack them! Put sliced cheese in a little container along with another one filled with crackers. Cut up their favourite vegetables into

kid-friendly, bite-size portions. Add a portion of dip such as hummus, salsa or ranch dressing if that will encourage them to munch and crunch.

You can round their nibbling meal off with some fresh fruit like sweet seedless grapes. Though kids like them, it’s best to avoid things like raisins and fruit leather which can really stick in teeth and promote decay.

Home baked muffins, snack breads or breakfast bars are another great school lunch option.

Be sure to use at least 25% whole-wheat flour; you can also swap out 5 to 10% of the flour and replace it with quinoa flakes for a good protein boost. Applesauce is a great ingredient for making breads that are nutritious, full of flavour yet low in fat. Check out this easy-tobake recipe for yummy, healthy snack bread at constantlycooking.wordpress.com. (Search for “apple loaf ” when you get there.) Lastly, consider that in many districts, times are changing.

Numerous schools are now scheduling nutrition breaks of equal duration rather than the traditional recess / lunch hour /recess model so it might be a good idea to pack appropriately portioned foods that can be eaten throughout the day. If your child likes sandwiches, consider cutting them into quarters so they can be enjoyed a bit at a time. Given that the eating may take place 6 or 7 hours after you packed the food, ice packs and insulated lunchbags are essential as many foods can begin to deteriorate at room temperature in just a few hours.

With a little bit of planning and preparation, your child can enjoy healthy food throughout their school day and be well-fuelled for success in and out of the classroom.

Easy lunch ideas for school Chicken Caesar Salad Wraps

You will need:

This lunch makes great use of leftovers, and works particularly well with roasted chicken from the grocery store. You can also substitute flour tortillas with gluten-free alternatives if required.

Thinly sliced ham Thinly sliced cheese

You will need:

Leftover chicken Tortilla Caesar salad dressing Romaine lettuce

1 2

Spread some dressing on the tortilla and top with chicken and lettuce.

Roll and spear with a toothpick to keep it together, or wrap with paper towel before placing in a container. Pack next to an ice pack or frozen juice box.

Pro tip: Keep washed lettuce in the fridge for sandwiches.

(Swiss or Havarti are perfect for this recipe)

Cocktail toothpicks

(optional, but mini swords have major kid appeal)

1 2

Lay out a slice of the cheese on top of a slice of ham. Roll them and secure with a toothpick.

Make as many as you think you will need and pack with a couple of healthy “sides” such as sliced apples (sprinkle with cinnamon to keep them from turning brown) and raw red peppers.

Hummus and Veggies Not everyone appreciates a sandwich at lunchtime. Hummus is a snap to make – not to mention cheaper than storebought – and is a great dip for pita and raw veggies.

You will need:

Ham and Cheese Roll-Ups

1-2 cloves garlic 2-3 tablespoons tahini

This is so simple the kids will be making their own lunch before you know it.

(a.k.a. sesame seed paste)

19-ounce can chickpeas (rinsed under cold water and drained)

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Yogurt drink

3 tablespoons lemon juice (or to taste) Raw veggies for dipping

2 tablespoons pizza or tomato sauce Pizza toppings as desired

DIY

(such as carrot, celery, cucumber)

(diced peppers, mushrooms, etc.)

1

1 2 3

ortable yogurt drinks can be a novel addition to a school lunch, but buying individual little plastic bottles can definitely eat into the grocery budget.

They can also be high in sugar. Fortunately it’s very easy to make your own at home. And as an added bonus, you get to control the ingredients and make your own custom flavours.

Make this the night before to cut down on morning chaos.

Pita triangles

Peel the garlic and throw it in a food processor. Whirl until it’s in teeny pieces.

2

Add tahini, chickpeas, and the lemon juice and pulse until the mixture is well blended. It will probably appear clumpy and dry. That’s ok!

While mixing, slowly add about 1/2 cup of water until it reaches a desirable consistency.

3

Serve with raw veggies and pita if desired. Hummus also makes a great sandwich spread.

Grilled Flatbread Pizzawiches Assemble these the night before for quick lunch prep the next day.

You will need:

1 5” (15 cm) flatbread bun or thin burger bun 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 teaspoon soft butter Split the flatbread in half to make two rounds.

Mix the cheese, pizza sauce and toppings together in a small bowl.

Spread the cheese mixture on the inside (cut side) of one of the flatbread rounds, leaving a half-inch (1.25 cm) space at the edge of the bread.

4

Lay the other flatbread round, cut side down, on top of the cheese mixture and gently press so they stick together.

P

Blueberry-banana yogurt drink 1 spotty banana 1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen) 2 cups plain yogurt (you can use vanilla too!)

Combine ingredients in a blender and pulse until everything is combined. Pour into a reusable container. Makes 3 cups.

Pizzawiches can be refrigerated or frozen at this point, but they do need to be thawed before moving on to the next step.

Wrap in foil to enjoy at lunchtime.

! geekmarket.ca

Saturday October 19 (11am - 7pm) Sunday October 20 (11am - 5pm)

Fieldhouse at Carleton University Admission: $10 per day, $15 weekend pass (Kids 12 and under get in for free!)

Come in costume for your chance to win a prize!

6 7

FOR THEE WHOL Y FAMIL

Tons of shopping Giant LEGO® display Giant board games Meet your favourite superheroes

5

Lightly butter both sides of the bun and fry over medium heat until the outsides are lightly toasted and the cheese is melted.

GEEKY FUN

This 9 oz. glass bottle by Lifefactory (available at Baby Enroute) is perfect for your DIY yogurt drink. Also pictured, a Keep Leaf reusable snack baggie and Stephen Joseph Owl Freezer Friend (both from terra20).

Help us fight bullying! This event is in support of:

Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary Grades Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary Grades Before & after school supervisionElementary Grades To register or arrange a school Preschool, Kindergarten, BeforeFrench & after school supervision Extended program tour, please call or emailTo register or arrange a school Before & after school supervision Independent, school Extendednon-profit Frenchco-ed program Extended French program tour, please call or email Extracurricular programs including: skating, gymnastics, dance, science, jiu jitsu & violin co-ed school Independent, non-profit principal@fernhillottawa.com Extracurricular programs including: skating, gymnastics, Low student-to-teacher ratio Extracurricular programs including: skating, gymnastics, dance, science, jiu jitsu & violin www.fernhillottawa.com Advanced preschool literacy program dance, science, jiu jitsu & violin Diverse international student community Low student-to-teacher ratio principal@fernhillottawa.com Low student-to-teacher 50 Vaughan Street, Flexible full & half day programsratio Advanced preschool literacy program Ottawa, ON K1M 1X1www.fernhillottawa.com Enriched curriculum: Music,literacy Art, IT, French, Spanish Advanced preschool program

613.746.0255

613.746.0255

Diverse international student community Diverse international student community Flexible full & half day programs Flexible full & half day programs Enrichedcurriculum: curriculum: Music, Art, IT, French, Enriched Music, Art, IT, French, SpanishSpanish

50 Vaughan Street, Ottawa, ON K1M 1X1

Select spaces available at the Grade School level for the 2013-2014 schoolGrades year. en, Elementary

To register or arrange a school tour, please call or email

supervision

To register arrange a school 50 Vaughan Street, Ottawa,orON K1M 1X1

613.746.0255

principal@fernhillottawa.com www.fernhillottawa.com

tour, please call or email

SEPTEMBER 2013 11

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As a Fortress investor, you’ll be able to individually weigh and choose between all of the available projects. You’re not buying through a blind pool or a fund; you can actually see and select which projects make sense for you and your investment objectives.

Eligible to be held in your RSP, LIRA, RIF and LIF accounts.

By investing in the development and construction of commercial and residential properties, you’re helping to create new places for Ottawans and Canadians to work and live… now that is growth that makes sense.

Luxury cottages for rent Weekends, holidays or anytime. If you just wish to kick back and enjoy a turn key, fully equipped 4 star log chalet just 20 minutes to Mont Tremblant.....

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613-725-7707 This is not an offer to sell securities. Any investment must be made pursuant to an offering memorandum for the relevant province. Interested persons are invited to obtain a copy of the offering memorandum. Fortress is available to both non-accredited and eligible investors. Fortress is a product, not a mortgage brokerage. Licensed mortgage agents/brokers close all transactions. Approved persons and organizations may enter into referral arrangements with Fortress Real Capital and/or Centro Mortgage and will be compensated for having referred, directed or introduced prospective investors/lenders to Fortress Real Capital/Centro Mortgage. All mortgage transactions in Ontario (investors/lenders and subject properties domiciled in Ontario) are performed by Centro Mortgage, FSCO license 10102 unless specially noted otherwise.

12 SEPTEMBER 2013 | w w w . c a p i t a l p a r e n t . c a |

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Call us today at 1-877-734-3414 or visit promo3@kanatatremblant.com

www.KanataTremblant.com Appelez-nous au 1-877-734-3414 ou écrivez-nous : promo3@kanatatremblant.com @capitalparent |

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PARENT TO PARENT

How about ‘dem apples?

G

ood news: there’s a bumper crop of apples in Ottawa this year! Experts are attributing this year’s boom to last year’s poor growing conditions, so if you haven’t gone apple picking before, this is definitely the year to do it.

We asked fellow Capital Parents on Facebook where they liked to pick apples and what they used them for afterwards. Here’s what they said: Maranda Carvell: “We went to the Orleans Fruit Farm last year. Picked 50 lbs and the kids ate 'em all! Wish I would have got more, there was nothing left for baking or anything.”

Chantal Lemieux-McEvoy: “Mountain Orchard, for the donuts as much as the apples!”

Stephanie Denison: “We had a great time at Mountain Orchard last year.

For the apples, apple pie, apple crisp,

apple cake and lots of apple eating.”

Michelle Johnston Lupien: “Mountain Orchard... Apple sauce for the next year!”

Joy Kelly Mills: “Dekok Family Berry Farm on March Road is a nice, quiet place to pick apples - there are tractor and wagon rides, and some animals to pet, too.”

Tracey O'Brien Nesrallah: “Log Cabin in Osgoode is great! Then pies!”

Kate Odams Settle: “Second for Log Cabin in Osgoode. It’s low-key, but has all the good orchard stuff, and is a wonderful family-run spot.”

Carmen Parsons: “Mountain Orchards!! Lots to do there!! We make apple sauce and apple crisp.”

going to Pinewood Orchards last year and our 5-year old had a blast picking whichever apples she wanted and wandering around. We made slow cooker apple sauce and apple crumble. It's a really fun inexpensive family outing.”

Are you wondering what to do with all those apples? You should try making your own applesauce. You may never go back to store bought again. It’s incredibly simple, and you get to use up some of those bruisers from the back of the fridge too. Pro tip: enlist the kids to help. It’s great paring practice!

Easiest applesauce You will need: 6-8 apples, peeled , cored, and roug hl y chopped Cinnamon (optiona l)

1 2

Take your apples and pu t the in a large pot over mediu m m heat.

Add about a 1/2 cup of water.

Cover.

3

Let the mixture simmer.

Ch in on it every once in aw eck hile, giving it a stir and a ma sh a wooden spoon. The app with les will start to break down.

4

Once the apples are coo ked give 'em a good turn wit , potato masher. You could h your also run the mixture through the food processor if you’re keen.

5

Serve warm, or not. It's up to you, but it tastes great eith er way!

Isabelle Reid MacNider: “We started

editor ’s

Parenting blogs we love: Keep it Beautiful

pick

BY LYNN JATANIA

S

ome people say that when you have little kids, you just can’t have nice things. Alicia of Keep It Beautiful (keepitbeautiful1. blogspot.ca) is here to prove them wrong. She and her husband are in the middle of renovating their 1920s downtown Ottawa home, and roomby-room, she’s making it into a very pretty place. While her husband builds and she decorates, they’re also finding time to raise three children, the newest of which was just born in April. Hers is a sweet, loving family growing up in a lovely space.

Each step of the makeover way, Alicia shares fresh ideas on how to make a space work for a family and, yes, keep it beautiful at the same time. Whether she’s offering suggestions on how to arrange a bookshelf

for maximum impact and safety (we’re thinking: breakables on the upper levels), inspired thoughts on using silver and stainless steel to store craft supplies, or recommendations for a colour scheme that goes with a backdrop of toys and stuffies (lots of cool white and sleek grey), she’ll have you thinking about reorganization, repainting, and remodelling in no time. We can’t wait to see what her plans are for the nursery for her new baby girl, or for her middle son’s room as he moves into toddlerhood.

As if that wasn’t enough, Alicia also loves to cook and likes to share a weekly recipe on her blog, complete with mouth-watering photos. Since she’s a brand-new third-time mom, you know it’s going to be something simple, but since she’s Alicia, it’s also going to be something deliciously

! s e i t r a p y a d h t r i We do b 613-482-4029

www.ottawa.madscience.org

sublime. She manages to find a way to make dining feel a little more refined, even amidst a table full of picky kids.

Food, family, warmth, and elegance – now that’s a real recipe for keeping it beautiful.

Noteable Quotes

“It’s amazing what paint can do. Changing the colour of your walls is one of the most inexpensive ways to change the look and feel of a space. Since we’ve been switching around the rooms on our second floor, we figured why not change up the colour of the tv room?! I’ve felt like the colour was too cool for a tv room. I needed it to be warmer, cozier. So, in a couple of evenings, Mr. Fix-it

gave the tv room walls a little face lift.

The colour was... Farrow and Ball Pale Powder. It’s a great colour, soft, coastal and fresh (we have it in our kitchen and breakfast room) but it just didn’t give that cozy-watcha-movie-snuggly feel.

Up went a few paint testers on the wall. I went back to Benjamin Moore 5 times with 5 different colours. Ugh. Buying those little test pots is a great way to test out your colour choices because just when you think you have the perfect colour it changes in different lights... so better to get the colour right before buying a gallon of the wrong one!”

Check out Alicia’s blog post for before and after photos: keepitbeautiful1.blogspot.ca/2013/06/a-little-paintgoes-long-way.html

Over 40 years of experience in serving the Ottawa Chinese community OCLS teaches traditional Chinese in Cantonese or Mandarin from JK to Grade 8

Registration on first day of school Saturday September 7, 2013 JK and SK, Cambridge Street Public School, 250 Cambridge Street North, Ottawa.

Classes from 9:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

G1-G8, Adult High School, 300 Rochester Street, Ottawa.

Classes from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon

Please visit: www.ocls-ottawa.ca or blog.huayuworld.org/ocls1972ocls1972 for more school information.

SEPTEMBER 2013 13

We’d like to stay in touch with you Check party dates, details & availability online!

Dovercourt Recreation Centre

613.798.8950

www.dovercourt.org

Sign up for Capital Parent’s email newsletter to get the latest news, events, profiles and tips for Ottawa’s on-the-go need-to-know families

top 5 books

best

S

eptember brings a new school year! For some children this is very exciting, but for others it can be a scary experience. There are all kinds of books at the Ottawa Public Library to help ease children through this potentially stressful time. These books have been chosen by Kirsten Partanen at the Greenboro Branch, but if you’re looking for more, ask your local librarian. They’re happy to help.

It’s free!

capitalparent.ca/email-update/

Llama Llama Misses Mama, by Anna Dewdney (Ages 3-6)

1

Llama Llama goes to school for the first time, which makes him scared and sad, but he quickly makes new friends and decides that school is fun. This is an ideal book for children starting daycare or kindergarten.

I Am Too Absolutely Small for School, by Lauren Child (Ages 4-6)

2

Lola is completely sure that she has no time to go to school. She has many important things to do at home.

Who needs to know how to count to 100 anyway? Her big brother Charlie convinces Lola that her invisible friend Loren Sorenson will be lonely if he has to go alone. This is a great book for those starting kindergarten or grade 1 (especially those who have an answer for everything)!

Mr. Harrison is Embarrassin’! by Dan Gutman (Ages 7-9)

3

It is a well-known fact among children that adults are just weird. Dan Gutman’s “My Weirder School” series tell of life in elementary school through the eyes of young students.

This is goofy fun for children in grades 1-3.

Doodlebug: A Novel in Doodles, by Karen Romano Young (Ages 9-12)

4

It is hard enough being the new kid in school, but Doreen (Dodo) Bussey has just moved as well. This book is perfect for anyone who loves books that have a diary format (with doodles). It’s also a good read for those who don’t feel like they don’t quite fit in. Great for grades 4-6.

Charlie Joe Jackson’s Guide to Not Reading, by Tom Greenwald (Ages 9-12)

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Charlie Joe Jackson does not like to read, and will do anything he can to avoid reading. He managed to get though elementary school but now that he is starting middle school things are going to change. The short chapters and conversational style make this book a great choice for reluctant readers in grades 4-6.

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FAMILY FUN

PHOTO : SARAH MCCORMACK, MI LESTONE PHOTOG RAPHY

Curtis, Allyson, and twins Jackson (9) and Kathryn (9) live

in Ottawa’s west end. They love to spend time with extended family and are lucky to have most of them living in the Ottawa area. They are big fans of the cottage life and enjoy lazy afternoons swimming in the lake, canoeing and kayaking and just hanging out on the dock. Jackson and Kathryn both enjoy biking, swimming and soccer. They are also excellent artists and love to draw and take pottery classes.

As a family they strive to take advantage of all the great things Ottawa has to offer.

One favourite excursion included a visit to Rideau Hall with a picnic lunch and a Frisbee.

family snaps

We’d like to see your best family photos! Submit your favourites and you might see one or two in a future issue. For more details go to capitalparent.ca

“

How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before beginning to improve the world.

”

- Anne Frank

Our family calendar Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival August 30-September 2 This year is the festival’s 26th anniversary and the schedule is jam-packed with all kinds of activities including a classic car exhibition, high-flying circus acts, music and dancing, BMX shows, and of course – the stars of the show – dozens of amazing hot air balloons. The hot air balloons lift off from Parc de la Baie Friday to Monday between 6 and 7 p.m., and Saturday to Monday between 6:30 and 7:30 a.m. Do note that the flights are weather-dependent! Check the website at www.montgolfieresgatineau.com for more information.

Ottawa Folk Festival September 4-8 Music festivals can provide loads of fun for kids of all ages, and the Ottawa Folk Festival is no exception. In addition to some great acts, families will enjoy an official KidZone with activities scheduled all day Saturday and Sunday. There’ll be a musical “petting zoo” with

T P C R A P C C R C

E E S P P A P P L E

B L A C K B O A R D

P E N C I L S A A S

E E S L H S S H E P

L A N A R E S H L C

O E L O R L R O S B

E B O A M S A M R R

E M H C R A Y O N S

PENCILS

ERASER

TEACHER

BLACKBOARD

APPLE

CRAYONS

CLASSROOM

SCISSORS

E S S C N E C A I C

PEN

editor ’s

faves

over 100 instruments to touch and try, a parade, children’s performers, and much more! For more information go to ottawafolk.com.

1st Annual Super Centertown Garage Sale September 7 Who says that garage sales should be confined to springtime closet cleanouts? The fall is just as good a time to shop for bargains and this is sure to be the place to nab sweet deals on new-to-you treasures. Some vendors will also be donating 10 per cent of their proceeds to the Centretown Community Health Centre, a nonprofit organization that has been providing health services to Centretown for 44 years. For more information go to supercentretown.com.

Bug Day at Fletcher Wildlife Garden September 7 We’re big fans of Fletcher! (See page 3!) Bug day is a collaborative event hosted by the Ottawa

Field-Naturalists’ Club and the Entomological Society of Ontario, and will be taking place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. It’s free, and it promises to be a fun and informative day for all ages.

Learn how to collect and identify insects, build bee houses, raise caterpillars and much more.

Activities will also include cockroach races, crafts, nature walks and other insect-related goings on.

The West End Studio Tour September 7-8 and September 14-15 Whether or not you’re in the market to buy some original art, the West End Studio Tour (W.E.S.T.) is a wonderful way of getting to know some fantastic local artists and seeing where they work. Grab a map online at www.westendstudiotour.ca, plot your route, and then spend a few leisurely hours walking, biking or driving to each destination. It’s very family friendly. And who knows? It might inspire your pint-sized Picassos to grab a paintbrush when they get home!

IAMS Wiggle Waggle Walkathon September 8 The Wiggle Waggle Walkathon is the Ottawa Humane Society’s largest fundraiser. It debuted in 1988 and has grown to include over 2,000 participants. The Walkathon offers a wide variety of activities for local families as well as their furry, four-legged canine friends: a K9 fun zone, family fun zone, a Pet Pavilion Marketplace, silent auction, and more. Go to ottawahumane.ca to register, sponsor a walker, or get more information about this fun event.

We want to hear from you!

Do you know of an event that Capital Parents would like to hear about? Submit your information to: editor@capitalparent.ca SEPTEMBER 2013 15

Classes resume Tuesday, September 3.

High quality BILINGUAL education from JK to Grade 12.

Pathways for EVERY child to succeed.

ALL students welcome.

Call 613-224-2222 or visit our website for more information.

ocsb.ca Chairperson Mark D. Mullan

Director of Education Julian Hanlon