HOME GROWN Parenting in the North
October 2011 - Issue #4 Volume 1
Interview With Taste Of Timmins’ Rosalia Rivera
HG
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Editors Notes
3 4-5
Sew Simple Trick or Treat bag for Toddlers
42-45
Meet The Writers Interview with Rosalia Rivera
8-12
What to do Today
46-48
Bellies and Babies I want a natural birth
14-15
Gift Guide What to get the expecting mother
17
Recipe of the month Harvest Pumpkin Soup
18
Check List
20
A Growing Family
49
Through the Stages
Birth Tales
51-53
Opperation Labour Day
Home Maintenance Living Green
Halloween Celebrations
21
NEW
Natures Recipe
54
Our Facebook Fans are Talking
55
October Calendar
58
The sustainable dinner table Make Your Own
26-29
Thanksgiving Dinner Recipe Cards
30-32
Lady of the House
34-36
Apple Pies, Turkey and Affording to Stay Home Product Review
37
Cloth Diapers
Love and Learning
38-39
Is it Time?
Top Ten Halloween Costumes for 2011
40-41
Photograph Courtesy Of Rosalia Rivera
Editors Notes Being Thankful. By Kayleigh May
The leaves are falling and the sun is setting so much earlier. It’s a sure sign of fall. Time to put away those flip flops and opened toed shoes, although for some, like me, this is heart breaking. Look forward to a reason to snuggle up with your loved ones at night, drinking hot coco with a marshmallow or two, curled up under blankets watching a movie. This month’s issue is filled with tasty treats and delicious foods. We have a great tutorial on how to make your toddler a trick or treat bag, great Thanksgiving preparation ideas as well as help on potty training your toddler. This month, I would also like to welcome Diane Rochefort, our newest writer. Diane will be writing our new food section. Thank you Diane for the wonderful pumpkin soup recipe that you provided for our Thanksgiving issue. I am thankful for my wonderful family; my two boys and my husband. October is also the month that I will celebrate my 3 year wedding anniversary, so I am very thankful to my husband for an amazing three years. This month remember to sit down with your children and talk about what you are thankful for. Editor: Kayleigh May De Cecco Assistant Editor: Chantal Warren
Kayleigh May, As a Photographer, Mother, Wife, and the Editor of Homegrown- Parenting in the North. Kayleigh has many hobbies that include sewing, writing, photography and running after her two young boys.
Writers Christine South Christine.homegrown@gmail.com Lady of the House, Bellies and Babies - Julie-Anne Mauno Julieanne.homegrown@gmail.com Living Green - Chantal Warren Chantal.homegrown@gmail.com Home Decorating - Heather Cote Heather.homegrown@gmail.com Love And Learning - Tessa Morrissette Tessa.homegrown@gmail.com Child Care - Natalie Cloutier natcloutier.homegrown@gmail.com Sew Cool -Pamela Pilon
pamelapilon.homegrown@gmail.com
Editors Notes, - Kayleigh May De Cecco Kayleighmay.homegrown@gmail.com
Interested in writing? Here at Home Grown we are always looking for Writers. If you have an interesting topic that you think would benefit the magazine please e-mail either Kayleigh May or Chantal and we will be happy to review your idea. 3
Meet Our Writers ! Chantal is an eco-conscious entrepreneur who splits her time between being a mom
to two and operating a natural baby boutique in the City of Timmins. Her desires to live a more natural life have provided her the knowledge, experience and contacts to
reduce her family’s carbon footprint on the planet.
Chantal Warren Assistant Editor
Julie-Anne is a stay-at-home mom to six beautiful children in rural Northern Ontario. Her adventures include large family mothering, homeschooling, and rural living. As an experienced childbirth educator and doula, she desires to encourage other mothers, especially through the childbearing years. She also writes at www.fruitfulvines.blogspot.com.
Julie-Anne Mauno
Christine South is a married mother of 4 beautiful children. She is a qualified teacher and works occasionally with the NCDSB in Timmins. She spends most of her time with her family, enjoying the roller coaster ride of being a mother. Her husband works out of town as a Mechanic 4 weeks at a time, so she holds down the fort at home, juggling a 9 year old, a 5 year old, a 2 year old and a newborn. If there's one thing this lady is good at it's multi-
Christine South
tasking!
Heather is mom to 2 school-aged kids and works from home as an interior
decorator. She is the owner of Stylish Solutions, a decorating business in Timmins.
Heather Cote
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Meet Our Writers ! Tessa is the mom of a beautiful 2 and half-year-old boy and is expecting her
second baby in January. She has a background in Early Childhood Education and Child Development with a specialty for children with special needs. Her greatest joy
is raising her son and spending time with her family and looks forward to the many
rewards and challenges her expanding family with bring to her life.
Tessa Morrissette
Natalie is a stay at home mother of three beautiful little girls. She runs an in-
home private daycare and has done so for the last 6 years. Working with children
has taught her many things but the best is to watch the children she cares for and
her own become loving, respectful, independent and ready to take on the world, one
grade at a time. She enjoys the outdoors, singing and of course, spending time with her family.
Natalie Cloutier
Pamela is a mom of one who juggles her work as a Graphic Designer with
her hobby as a seamstress. She is the face behind Bibmababy - an online boutique that brings chic, funky and unique styles to babies and toddlers.
Pamela Pilon
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October 1-7 2011
6www.sweetface.ca
TRICK OR TREAT
SAFETY FOR YOUR LITTLE GHOST, GOBLIN AND PRINCESS Constable Rick Lemieux Community Service Officer Timmins Police Service As a Community Service Police Officer, I attend schools in my area and educate children about safety during Halloween. That alone is not enough! Halloween can be a very exciting time for kids. This is why, as parents, we must make sure that they are safe while out on the streets. Please educate your kids with the following tips, so they can have a fun and injury free Halloween. 1) Use a flashlight or glow bracelet, to be visible. 2) Stay in groups. 3) No treats are to be eaten until they have been checked by an adult at home. 4) Only trick-or-treat in well known neighborhoods at homes that have a porch light on. 5) Never enter a stranger’s home or car for a treat! 6) Costumes should be short enough so that they don’t cause the child to trip or fall. 7) Masks should fit securely and allow you to see well or use face paint instead. 8) Walk, DON’T RUN across the street. Cross the street at the corner or at a cross walk. 9) Remain on well lit streets and when possible, use the sidewalk. 10)Plan the route and stick to it!
Let’s work together and ensure that our kids are safe!
Rosalia Rivera
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Rosalia Rivera A Taste Of Timmins Interviewed Questions by: Chantal Warren All Photography By: Kayleigh May of All Things That Grow Photography
Home Town: New York, NY, but I'm starting to consider Timmins, ON my new home town :) What brought you to Timmins? The charms of one dynamite man whom I'm now creating a life with :) What is your favourite thing about Timmins? The community and how it’s becoming more and more progressive. You have travelled a lot, where is your favourite place so far? If I could pick a place to visit often (and I’ve already been there 3 times) it's Barcelona. It's a hot version of NY with a fabulous beach! WORK What is your day job? I would have to say it's different every day. I wear many hats! From being a photographer to a graphic designer to a marketing director to a full time farmer... and soon to be a mom... How did you start onto this path? The farmer part, which is my biggest passion currently, stemmed from my documentary work as a photographer. I chose to look deeper into the roots of where my food came from. What I discovered shocked and appalled me and I wanted to seek out alternatives to the food system I was contributing to. That’s when I discovered sustainably grown vegetables and ethically raised meat. It set me on the path of wanting to learn how to grow my own food, which we are fortunate to be able to do given the land resources we have here in the north. How long have you been passionate about the sustainable food chain? This all started close to 6 years ago now... It has been a progressive upward slope and I feel great about all my food choices. It's actually very empowering and also very humbling. I love contributing to it.
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RosaliaRivera A Taste Of Timmins
Why is it so important to you? I think people are so disconnected from where their food comes from that it leads them to make bad food choices unconsciously. My awareness was raised and it changed my life and my choices. I think that if people were to be made aware, they too could begin to make better choices and in turn improve their health, their environment and also their community’s well being. I'm not just thinking about it for me, but also for future generations. Especially now that I'm going to be a mom, it's not just about the short term effects of my choices, but also for those of my future family... What is the most important thing you would like people to know about where their food comes from? I'd like people to know that growing/ producing sustainable food is hard work and food should be valued much more than it is today. It is odd to me when people won't pay for what it’s really worth yet they will spend hundreds of dollars on crap that they don't really need. I think if people got their priorities in order they'd realize All things that grow% that food is one thing they shouldn't Photography( skimp on. Putting even $10 a week on sustainably grown food would radically improve the food system and their health in so many ways! And if parents took their kids to farmers markets or farms more often and talked to them about where their food came from, they would develop a greater appreciation for this one life sustaining thing called food... It doesn't just grow in a box or come from a shelf in store...
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RosaliaRivera A Taste Of Timmins
Where did the idea for Taste Of Timmins come from? I moved to Timmins with the idea that because there was so much land, there would be many farms. But as I searched or asked around, no one knew where to get local food. The farmer's market wasn't as booming as it is today... There weren't any farmers to be found! So I did some investigative digging and happily found that there were enough in Timmins to create some kind of data base for others to be able to find these farms more easily. So I used my skills to create Taste Of Timmins and help farmers promote and market their products. It has been a labour of love and I'm overjoyed with the response from the community. It means there's a real interest for local, fresh and sustainably grown/raised food! What do you hope to accomplish/achieve with the website? I hope to encourage more farms to become sustainable/organic. And I hope to encourage the community to support or continue to support the efforts made by these farms to supply the community with good food. That's all I really want and ever wanted from the website. All things that grow%
Photography( You’re also a photographer, what is your favourite ‘subject’ to photograph? My favourite subject at this point is 'life' so that's what I shoot. Spontaneous and unfiltered. I still very much enjoy documentary work and I guess I would have to say I still enjoy shooting still-life, which is where I started as a photographer 10 years ago.
Do you have any other side-projects you’d like to share? I'm excited about the idea of encouraging the community to cook and take back their kitchens. I have some projects in the pipeline that will help develop this idea with time... I'm hoping that I can create interest in whole foods vs. processed foods, which seem so prevalent in Timmins... And ultimately the biggest project that I'd like to get off the ground in the near future is getting kids in the kitchen. Making cooking fun for kids and a family activity for parents is my dream goal...
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FAMILY
RosaliaRivera A Taste Of Timmins
You are pregnant with your first child, what are you most looking forward to about becoming a parent? That's a hard question. I'm not sure what to expect... each stage of it has its own 'perks' and so I'm looking forward to discovering what those perks are at each stage... even the 'hard' moments will all be learning experiences that I'm sure I’ll look back at and value. To me it's like anything in life, it will require some hard work, but I've found that anything in life that's worth anything requires some hard work :) You are hoping to have a home birth, do you have any reservations about giving birth? Yes, I'm definitely hoping to have a home birth, that is the plan! I have confidence in my body and know that this is one of the things it’s built for. I'm planning on using hypno-birthing techniques for 'pain relief', as I'd like it to be All things that grow% 100% natural and med free. Photography( Who is your support team, what roles will they play? I have a midwife, a doula and my husband. My midwife will focus on the baby's health and wellbeing, the doula will focus on my health and well being and my husband will be there to support me and the baby in whichever way he can! What ‘style’ of parent would you say you will be? Check back with me in a year, I'll be able to better describe it then. I try to find the balance in all things. I hope to be able to do the same thing as a parent. OTHER If you could meet any person, past or present, who would it be and why? I would have liked to meet Ayn Rand. For those of you who don't know her, I strongly advise you look her up. She is a truly important philosopher who has never been fully credited for her genius. I would have wanted to meet her so I could pick her brain and perhaps we would have become friends! Who inspires you? Why? My husband is a constant inspiration and I'm sorry if that sounds cheesy. I could write a book on why but in a nutshell, it's because he takes life by the horns and has a great time doing it! It keeps me on my toes and I love that... Have you read any good books lately that you’d recommend? The Omnivores Dilema by Michael Pollan (don't worry, it is not trying to convince you to become a vegan or anything- not that there's anything wrong with that) and also the book Locavore by Sarah Elton; who is a Canadian. Helped me understand the Canadian food system in a really cool, relaxed non-preachy way...
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All Things That Grow% Photography( By Kayleigh May
Book Your Cake Smash Today! www.allthingsthatgrow.smugmug.com
Tel: 705.264.2023
E-Mail: dececco.km@gmail.com
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Bellies And Babies
I Want To Have A Natural Birth. By: Julie-Anne Mauno
“I want to have a natural birth but I’m not All things that grow% sure how to get there.” Photography(
All things that grow%
As a doula and childbirth educator, I’m inspired by all the women I meet along their journey of pregnancy, birth and motherhood. I’ve made it my mission to help women feel empowered, informed and equipped to have positive, rewarding birth experiences. Many of these women have come to me with the goal of having a “natural” birth, free of medical interventions.
Photography(
Wanting a natural birth in our society today is kind of like ordering a hotdog in a fancy restaurant. It might not be an obvious choice on the menu, after all, we live in a highly technical world and natural birth is, well, pretty low tech. Still, most women are drawn to the idea and many deeply desire an intervention-free birth experience. Like the woman ordering a hotdog in a fancy restaurant, realizing this desire may require some boldness. During pregnancy, you’re already on your birth journey. What you do now will have a huge impact on how you reach your destination. Here are some of the things you can do to prepare: ✓ Find a healthcare provider who supports your goal of having a natural birth. This is key! ✓ Read up on the natural birth process. The more you understand about birth, the easier it will be to trust in your body’s ability to do it! ✓ Explore different comfort measures. Relaxation, massage, breathing; these are all time-tested coping methods. But, I’ve seen acupuncture, aromatherapy and other more personal and creative comfort measures at births. Don’t limit yourself.
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✓ Take a class or workshop that focuses on preparing you for a natural birth experience. ✓ Make sure that your support team and close family understand and support your goals. ✓ Consider adding a Doula, who is knowledgeable in birth, to your team. ✓ Be prepared to advocate for your natural birth. Make choices that support your goal and don’t be afraid to voice them. It may take courage and determination to experience birth unencumbered by medical technology. The rewards can feel like planting a flag atop Mount Everest! Every mother has hopes and dreams for her birth experience. If natural birth is on your wish list, the journey begins now. Whatever happens, it is an exciting and refreshing experience to approach your birth experience with confidence and knowledge!
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Resources Supporting Natural Birth
Books
Websites
Husband-Coached Childbirth - Robert www.inamay.com A. Bradley, MD http://www.mybestbirth.com
Other
The Business of Being Born
Natural Childbirth the Bradley速 Way - http://spinningbabies.com/ Susan McCutcheon http://www.givingbirthnaturally.com/ Active Birth The New Approach to Giving Birth Naturally - Janet Balaskas
http://www.choicesinchildbirth.org/ choices/birth/labor
Your Best Birth- Rikki Lake and Abby Epstein
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http://www.etsy.com/shop/ChristineSherriffs
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Christines-Country-Favorites/223804797630509?sk=info
Gift Guide What to buy for the expecting mother. By: Chantal Warren
You’re standing in the middle of the baby aisle with onsies in one hand and receiving blankets in the other trying to determine just what the ideal gift is for that cute new bundle of joy. So, what is the perfect gift? We asked new parents what the best gifts were that they received at baby showers or the birth of their child. Here are the top 5 gifts to give new parents: 5. Sophie, the Giraffe – “The World’s Most Famous Baby Teething Toy”, Sophie has been chewed on by babies for 50 years and is more popular today than ever before. Made from natural Hevea rubber, Sophie is designed to stimulate each of baby’s senses starting at the age of 3 months. Get this baby essential at most natural parenting shops or large chain retailers for about $20.00.
item is probably the hardest to find of the list, available at most natural parenting shop. Prices range from $15.00 to $50.00 depending on the package selected.
4. Cleaning services – Either hiring a maid service or offering your own services. Giving new parents a hand by helping get the laundry washed and put away, doing the dishes, cleaning the bathrooms; any little tasks that allows parents the opportunity to relax with their new baby without having to worry about the growing pile of dirty dishes in the sink. 3. Wrap/sling or other style of carrier - The most useful gift, “especially to those parents who have NO CLUE how amazing they can be!” Some styles require specific measurements, so make sure you get the right size or that mom is able to exchange for the right size if need be. Prices range from around $40.00 up to $120.00 depending on style and brand purchased. Different styles are available at large chain retailers and natural parenting shops. 2. Aden & Anais Swaddling Blankets – One of the oldest techniques used to sooth babies, swaddling has been practiced for centuries. Aden & Anais makes swaddling easy and safe with its oversized muslin blankets. They come in a variety of modern prints that parents and babies alike will love and they also offer an organic cotton option. Great for more than just swaddling, “they are perfect for nursing, floor play, stroller blanket...everything!” This specialty baby
1. Food – Gift certificates for takeout from a favourite restaurant, home-made freezer meals or a tray of prepared fruit, veggies and other healthy snacks. The first few weeks after baby comes home can be hectic, and parents usually end up sacrificing in the healthy food department. Gifts of food help not only to relieve the stress of the dreaded ‘what’s for dinner?’ question, but also provide some much needed nourishment for over-tired parents.
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Harvest Pumpkin Soup by: Diane Rochefort
In her debut article for Home Grown, Diane Rochefort has prepared a delectable recipe in perfect harmony with the season. If you had the opportunity to participate in this year’s Harvest Moon Local Food and Community Potluck in support of the Anti-Hunger Coalition Timmins, then you may have already had the chance to try this deliciously festive soup.
HG
Harvest Pumpkin Soup by: Diane Rochefort
Ingredients: • • • • • • • • •
8 cups Pumpkin 1 leek 1 cup celery 2 cloves garlic 8 cups beef broth 1 tbsp Montreal Steak Spice 1 cup Cream 3 Sprigs Fresh Thyme Salt and Pepper to Taste
Instructions: 1. For this recipe, I used a long pie pumpkin, half of one should yield enough for the recipe. Remove the seeds from inside the pumpkin and chop up the “meat” into large cubes. 2. For the leeks slice in half and wash very well to get rid of all dirt. 3. Place the beef broth, veggies, and spices except for the thyme into the slow cooker and cook on high until all is tender. 4. Once ready to serve, puree with a hand blender until smooth. 5. Add cream and thyme leaves as well as salt and pepper to taste. Customize it: • This soup is very easy to make in the morning before work and ready for when you get home. Make sure you taste it and if you find it’s weak, add chicken stock or more salt and pepper. • Worried about the cream, take it out or use your favourite milk. • Worried about beef stock, substitute with vegetable stock. There is always another way to make a meal nutritional or tailored to your personal needs. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Got a question? Email Diane at dchetimmins@gmail.com
Should have used a bib.
Available online and at Sweet Face
www.bibmababy.com use code
HOMEGROWN
for 10% off
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Double Check ! By: Chantal Warren
There’s a distinct crispness in the air: the summer sandals are making their way to the back of the closet and stylish fall jackets are finding their way out for early morning outings. Those are some of the fashion changes you’re incorporating as the chill sets in, but what tasks do you need to do around your house to get it ready for the colder weather. Here is a checklist of the home maintenance items to take care of this fall.
Heating: Service furnace or heating system. Vacuum out the grills and ducts and replace filters. Use a vacuum to clean out electric wall radiators. Check chimneys and exhausts for obstructions like build-up or nests.
Outdoor: (
downspouts for proper drainage. (
) Close interior valve to outdoor hose connection
and drain and store hoses. (
) Make sure the ground around your home slopes
away from the foundation for proper drainage.
Check wood stoves and fireplaces to ensure they are in ( working order before using them the first time. Check gas fireplaces to ensure that they are working properly.
) Clean leaves from eaves troughs and roof, and test
) Check your septic tank to determine if the tank
will need to be emptied before the spring.
(
)
(
)
(
) Winterize landscaping, for example, store outdoor
If you have central air conditioning, clear it of debris and cover it for the winter.
Indoor:
Have your well water tested for quality. Check your driveway and walk ways for any cracks or uneven areas that may heave from freezing weather.
furniture, prepare gardens and, if necessary, protect young trees or bushes for winter.
Check smoke, carbon monoxide and security alarms, and replace batteries. Clean humidifier plates, pads or filters, if one is used.
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Check the weatherstripping on all outside doors and windows and make sure they all seal properly.
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Take down all screens from your windows to help control condensation and to allow more solar energy into your home.
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Living Green: The Sustainable Dinner Table By: Chantal Warren
Preface - When planning this month`s article, I had a vague understanding of the importance of buying locally to support our local economy and knew that organic food was better for me because they were produced with less pesticides and other chemicals, Lott,come Snapdragon but that was about it. In conducting the research to put it all together,Liz I have to realizePhotography that this is a much bigger issue than I ever realized that affects our lives in so many, deep and permanent ways. It was something of importance to me on a small level, but after finding out so much more about the reasons behind the push towards sustainable foods, I foresee some major changes to my family’s diet.
Kayleigh May
October brings about the beginning of the holiday season and a great way to keep your celebrations green is by serving food that is sustainably produced. So What Exactly Does ‘Sustainable’ Mean? Generally, it’s a set of criteria used to evaluate how healthy the food was grown or raised. Food is rated on 5 major points to determine just how ‘sustainable’ it is. Rating high in all five categories is ideal, but ensuring that at least a few of the criteria are met is a great way to start. The categories are: Conservation and Preservation: the farm employs a production system that reduces or eliminates the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, avoids the use of hormones, antibiotics and genetically engineered seeds. Biodiversity: the farms maintain a variety of crops and livestock to help enrich the soils. Crops are rotated in order to avoid depleting the natural resources. Animal Welfare: Animals or livestock are cared for in humane and healthy conditions. They are permitted to live natural lives in natural conditions where they can graze, peck and root. They are also fed a diet in accordance with their natural eating habits. Social Welfare: Workers are provided safe and fair working conditions. They are paid competitive wages. Economical Viability: Farmers are paid fair wages for their work and usually help to strengthen the economic wellbeing of the community.
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Living Green: The Sustainable Dinner Table By: Chantal Warren
Why Is It Important To Buy Sustainably Produced Food?
Generally, sustainable farms produce healthier foods than their industry-raised counterparts. They maintain the nutritional qualities of the foods by producing them in a manner that is natural to the produce or animal. They usually taste better as well, requiring less preparation to eat. The other important thing that sustainable farms keep in mind when growing their crops, is the maintenance of the earth’s minerals. They use a productions system that focuses on conserving soil integrity and water. Ideally, what is taken from the earth is returned to maintain longevity of the natural resources. So, sustainably produced foods are both better for you and the environments.
Keep it organic, keep it local, keep it fresh.
Is It Really That Much Better For My Family? By supporting sustainable farms and eating organic foods, you are removing the chemical pesticides, hormones and genetically modified foods from your dinner plates. You are also supporting a more environmentally friendly food system. Pesticides are toxic by design. Their sole purpose is to eradicate select living organisms. Companies claim that pesticide residue is safe for human consumption; however, several independent researches have linked them to chronic illnesses and diseases that plague the population.
Kayleigh May
Hormone-injected and genetically modified foods such as meats and poultry or GMO vegetables are engineered and injected to grow bigger and produce more. As an example: today, there are on average about 8 million cows producing milk on farms in the US. In 1950, there were over 20 million. Given this decrease in heard size, the milk produced today has in fact increased by over 50 billion pounds of milk annually. So, each cow is now producing approximately 4 times the milk that their predecessors did. Some may say that production has just become more efficient over time; however, the hormones and genetic modifications have not been proven healthy for either human or animal. They have in fact, been linked to cancers, allergies, reproductive interference and developmental problems.
If it lasts a long time in your cupboard, it will last a long time in your system.
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Living Green: The Sustainable Dinner Table
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By: Chantal Warren
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
How To Start Although going 100% organic and sustainable can be slightly more expensive, you will receive the biggest bang for your buck and benefits to your health by starting with produce. Here are the products determined to have the highest levels of pesticide residue:
Apples Celery Strawberries Peaches Spinach Nectarines Grapes Peppers Potatoes Blueberries Lettuce Kale
(Note: When testing is done to determine pesticide residue, the produce is prepared the way you would at home prior to testing, so washed and/or peeled. Therefore, even when washed, these products still have the highest residue levels.) Photograph Courtesy Of Rosalia Rivera
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Living Green: The Sustainable Dinner Table By: Chantal Warren
Every new adventure begins with a first step, here are a few suggestions that you can try to get you moving towards a more sustainable diet: 1. Educate yourself – learn more about the issues and how they affect your life; don`t 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
be shy to ask questions at the supermarkets, grocery stores or farms that you shop at. Shop sustainably - start small and work your way up by supporting one of the many local farmers markets or by purchasing a share of a CSA farm. Reduce your meat intake – Eat less meat and support local meat and poultry farmers by getting your meat and eggs locally. Eat seasonally – Cook – get back into the kitchen and plan meals that will bring the family together. Bring the joy back to the dinner table. Tap into our great water – just say NO to bottled water. Grow it – get your hands dirty and plant a small garden, or a big one. The best way to know what is in your food is to know where it came from, and there is nothing closer than your backyard.
There is a ton of information available and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. This overload of information may be a contributing factor as to why most people just don’t think about what they eat, where it came from or how it was produced. Starting slowly, learning about one issue at a time and making small adjustments is the best way to make life altering changes without giving up.
Where To Find More Information: Websites:
Kayleigh May
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Taste of Timmins: http://www.tasteoftimmins.com/
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The Sustainable Table: http://www.sustainabletable.org/ home.php
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The Centre for Food Safety: http://truefoodnow.org/
•
The Environmental Working Group: http://www.ewg.org/
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Make your Own: Thanksgiving Dinner This Thanksgiving, don’t get overwhelmed. Remember to purchase that turkey early and prep your Thanksgiving dinner well in advance. Take smaller steps to create your thanksgiving over a 10 day span.
Your Recipe for a Stress-Free Thanksgiving. October 1st: • Write out your menu and guest list: Most guests will offer to bring something and this will make it easier on you; have guests contribute an appetizer, or salad. • Check your cupboards: Make sure that you have all the staples, even if you are 99% sure you have it, it never hurts to double check. • Check your equipment: You don’t want to be stuck without a proper size roasting pan or meat thermometer on the day of. • Get your Grocery List Together: If you divide your list into categories it will make the trip to the grocery store quicker. Remember to add quick dinner ideas for the days before. • Figure out what size turkey you will need: Multiply the amount of guests by 1.5lbs to allow for some leftovers. Ex: 8 guests x 1.5lbs requires a 12lb turkey with plenty of leftovers for the next day.
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Tools Needed For Thanksgiving Dinner. • A good sized roasting pan, big enough for your turkey. • Crock pot- to keep side dishes warm. • Meat Thermometer • Spatula. • Whisk. • Serving Spoons. • Serving Dishes. • Carving Knife and Fork • Pie Pans • Sheet Pans • Casserole Dishes • Salad Bowl
Make Your Own: Thanksgiving Dinner
October 2nd: • Make room: Clean out the fridge; toss empty bottles of sauce, or marry sauces, even if they are not the same one sometimes they taste great together, experiment. Clean out your pantry. Now is a great time to donate to the food bank. • Go grocery shopping: Get what you need and avoid impulse buys. Don’t buy your perishables just yet. • When selecting your turkey, remember that it needs to fit into your roasting pan. October 3rd: • Start cleaning your house: Catch up on laundry, put clothing for Thanksgiving on a hanger in the front of your closets, don’t forget the kids. You don’t want to be stressing about what everyone is going to wear on Thanksgiving day. October 4th: • Focus on the reason for the holiday: This is a great time to sit down with your kids and talk about Thanksgiving and what it means to them. Ask them what they are thankful for. • Have the kids do a write up that they will read on Thanksgiving. Keep it simple: “I am Thankful for....” • Do crafts with the kids today. Try making some thanksgiving decorations.
PLACEMAT CRAFT Materials: • Wax Paper • Little crayon pieces (optional) • Yarn • Leaves • Iron • Ironing board • Old Sheet or Dishtowel • Adult Directions: 1. Place 1 sheet of wax paper on ironing board, wax side up. 2. Decorate with leaves, yarn, and crayon bits. Place second piece of wax paper, wax side down, over your creation. 3. Place an old sheet or dishtowel over the completed project. If using the crayon bits, you may want to place an old towel under the whole project before ironing, as the wax crayons may leak onto your ironing board. 4. Get an adult to iron your creation until the two wax papers are glued together.
* Try adding your guests’ names into the placemats to give your table a personal touch.
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Make Your Own: Thanksgiving Dinner
October 5th: • Make simple dinners for tonight and for the next 3 nights. Keep it healthy. o Try Annies Homegrown boxed pasta, it’s 80% organic. o Buy a pizza crust and add great toppings such as veggies from your local farms, tomatoes, broccoli, onion, peppers, and mushrooms. o Make your own ‘Lunchables’ by putting cold meat, cheese and crackers together, instead of a sugary treat add a fruit.
Tip: Get your Children to help out by putting toppings on the Pizza, they are more likely to eat something that they helped make
October 6th: • Having guests stay at your house? Time to prepare a room for them. Make them a welcome basket of soaps and lotions or other things they may enjoy and lay out a towel and a facecloth for them. • Prep your cranberry sauce and all other sauces and refrigerate. October 7th: • Make sure your kitchen is CLEAN. • If you bought a frozen turkey, place it in a cooler with ice to thaw today. • Start rearranging furniture: Make sure you have enough chairs for everyone. • Wash the table cloth, and cloth napkins (Yes, I said cloth napkins, be fair to the environment, if you don’t have any try making your own using the No-Sew Napkin Tutorial on the previous page. • Make your bread dough: Partially cook your buns and freeze. (You’ve seen the partially cooked bread at the grocery store, why not save money and make your own.)
Every 5 Lbs of Turkey takes about 24 hours to thaw
October 8th: • Final trip to the grocery store: Get all your perishables and any last minute items you may have forgotten. You will now have nice and fresh veggies for the big day; nobody likes a salad with wilted lettuce. • Wash and prep all your veggies, put into containers and refrigerate. October 9th: • Prepare any food that can be done the day before. • When you are done, clean the bathroom that the guests will be using and designate it as a NO-ENTRY ZONE. • Before you go to bed, make sure the kitchen is clean, this will be a big help for tomorrow. • Set the table and throw a second table cloth over the whole table so no dust gets on the dishes. • Write out your cooking schedule. • Figure out how many hours you need to cook your turkey for. *A Great site for this is http://www.dinnertool.com/article?id=654 Figure out what time you need to put the turkey in the oven, Example: If you have a 20lb turkey unstuffed you need 5 hours, 5 hours +30 Min and dinner needs to be ready for 6. Turkey goes in the oven at 12:30. • 28
Check your lists one more time. Make sure you have everything; Grocery stores are closed tomorrow.
Make Your Own: Thanksgiving Dinner
October 10th - Turkey Day Alright, so you made it to Thanksgiving Day. You’re in the home stretch: • Make sure you eat breakfast and have your tea or coffee, you will need the energy. • Set your children up with a craft to entertain them. Get them to help out by making place mats and name tags for all your guests. • Older kids love to help out in the kitchen, get them to toss a salad or help out with little tasks. • Set your oven timer for the time that you need to have your turkey in the oven. • Use your pre-cut veggies for appetizers or in your recipes. Wash out the containers and set them aside to pack up the leftovers. • Prepare your side dishes and salads. • Put your turkey in, basting every 30 minutes. (I use a separate timer to know when to baste next.) • Once meal is complete, keep everything warm by placing it in the oven with the lids on. You don’t want your food to dry out. • Continue to baste your turkey every 30 minutes even after it’s cooked. • Try to keep up with the dishes as you cook; run and unload the dishwasher so it’s ready to get filled with dinner dishes. • As guests arrive put out the appetizers and set the buffet table. • Allow yourself to rest and relax. Open the wine and have fun. Enjoy the amazing stress-free meal you prepared. • After dinner, allow guests to help with dishes. October 11th: The Day After. • The guests have left and the kitchen is somewhat clean. Today, enjoy leftovers and relax.
The Day after Thanksgiving Recipe
Ingredients: • • • • • •
3 cups cooked stuffing 1 cup cranberry sauce, plus more for topping (optional) 1 pound sliced cooked Turkey 10 ounces glazed carrots, (or another leftover vegetable) 4 to 6 tablespoons gravy 3 to 4 cups mashed potatoes Directions:
1.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a 9- to 10-inch pie plate, mound stuffing on bottom; layer with cranberry sauce, turkey, and carrots. Drizzle with gravy; spread potatoes over surface to sides of dish. Top with more cranberry sauce, if desired.
2.
Place pie on a baking sheet, and bake until heated through and potatoes are golden, 35 to 40 minutes. Let cool slightly. 29
Print out
HG
Cranberry Sauce With Port And Dried Figs
Yields: 3 Cups
Ingredients: • • • •
1 1/3 C. ruby Port 1/4 C. balsamic vinegar 1/4 C. brown sugar 12 dried black figs, chopped
1 sprig fresh rosemary • • 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 12 oz. fresh cranberries, washed • 3/4 C. granulated sugar •
1. In a non-reactive saucepan, combine port, vinegar, brown sugar, figs, rosemary sprig, and pepper. 2. 3.
Over medium heat, bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Simmer mixture approximately 10 minutes, til reduced and well combined.
4. Remove and throw away rosemary sprig. 5. Stir in cranberries and granulated sugar. 6. Simmer at a moderate heat until most of the berries have burst and the sauce has thickened and reduced somewhat, 10-20 minutes, depending on the final consistency desired. 7. Cool and transfer to serving bowl. Cover and refrigerate. Serve cold. http://www.divinedinnerparty.com/cranberry-sauce-recipe.html
HG
Healthy Homemade Ketchup (from Jessica Seinfeld's Deceptively Delicious) Ingredients: • 1 (6-ounce) can of tomato puree •
½ cup carrot puree*
•
¼ cup water
•
2 tbs apple-cider vinegar
Ketchup
•
2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbs firmly packed light or dark brown sugar (optional) •
½ teaspoon dry mustard
•
¼ tsp salt
•
¼ tsp ground allspice
*Carrot Puree Prep: Peel a few carrots, trim the ends, and cut into three-inch chunks. Cook: Steam for 10 to 12 minutes.
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1. Stir all the ingredients together in a big saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. 2. Reduce the heat and simmer until the mixture has reduced by about half, 10-20 minutes.
Puree: In a food processor or blender 3. Let cool before serving. for about two minutes, with a few 4. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to five days or teaspoons of water if needed for a freeze in ¼-cup amounts in zipper-lock snack bags for up to smoother texture. three months.
Print out
HG
Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes
Prep Time 10 minutes Total Time 35 minutes Yield: 4 Serves
Ingredients • • • • •
1 1/2 pounds new potatoes (4 medium), peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks Coarse salt and ground pepper 1/4 to 1/2 cup buttermilk 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces Snipped chives for garnish (optional)
Directions 1. 2.
Place potatoes in a large saucepan; add enough cold water to cover by 2 inches. Bring to a boil; add 1 tablespoon salt, and cook until potatoes are very tender when pierced with the tip of a paring knife, 20 to 25 minutes. Drain; place in a large bowl. Mash with a potato masher, then add buttermilk and butter. Season with salt and pepper. Mash until smooth and combined. If desired, garnish with snipped chives.
http://www.marthastewart.com
HG
EASY Stuffing Recipe
Yields: 8 Servings
Ingredients • • • •
6 ounces dry bread stuffing mix 10 slices day-old bread, torn into small pieces 3 eggs, beaten 1/2 cup water
Directions 1. 2. 3. 4.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter or spray one 2 quart casserole dish. Prepare stuffing according to directions on box; place stuffing in a large bowl. Add the dried bread, eggs and water; mix well and place in casserole dish. Cover and bake 45 to 60 minutes.
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/easy-stuffing/detail.aspx
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Print out
HG
Yields: 2 Pies Top and Bottom Crust
Easy Pie Pastry
Ingredients: • • 5 ¼ cups Flour • 2 tsp Baking Powder • • 2 Tbsp Icing Sugar • • 1 tsp Salt •
1 lb Lard or Shortening (room temperature) 8 oz Cold Water 1 Tbsp Vinegar 1 Egg
Apple Pie Filling
1. Mix dry ingredients in bowl of your electric mixer:
See Page 35
2. Add lard or shortening and mix well. 3. Add cold water, vinegar and egg and mix well.
4. Use plenty of flour on your surface and rolling pin when rolling out your dough.
Try cutting your dough in strips for a lattice top! Courtesy of Julie-Anne Mauno
HG
Yields: 2 Pies
Sweet Potato Pie Ingredients: • • • •
4 ounces butter, softened 2 cups cooked and mashed sweet potatoes 2 cups granulated sugar 1 small can (5 ounces, about 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons) evaporated milk
• • • •
1 teaspoon vanilla 3 eggs, beaten 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon 2 prepared pie shells, unbaked
Directions: Mix butter, potatoes, sugar and evaporated milk until well blended. Add vanilla, eggs, and cinnamon; mix well. Pour into the prepared pie shells. Bake in a 350° oven for about 1 hour, until set.
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http://southernfood.about.com/od/sweetpotatodess/r/bl1109d.htm
!
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Lady of the House Apple Pies, Turkey, And Affording to Stay Home. By Julie-Anne Mauno
As our family gears up for another thanksgiving- an opportunity to celebrate all the small and big things that have made our life sweeter this past year- I find myself busy with delightful fall rituals involving food, family and friends. Fall is a wonderful season full of opportunities to make single-income living a little more abundant!
“Good apple pies are a considerable part of our domestic happiness.” -Jane Austen As the summer comes to an end, markets and grocery stores abound with fresh, in-season produce that’s affordable and even local! It’s a great time to buy up fruit and vegetables in large quantities to freeze for the winter. We also love to take advantage of nature’s freebies like wild blueberries and try to pick up to 20 Litres every year. Some of the foods we like to freeze every fall include peaches, home-made apple pie filling, beans, zucchini, blueberries, strawberries (usually picked at a local “pick-your-own” farm), herbs (thyme and parsley grown in our backyard), broccoli, cauliflower, carrots etc. We also try to grow or buy tomatoes for canning homemade salsa. We found a recipe we love and nothing store-bought comes close! I know it might sound intimidating to do all that picking, growing, freezing and canning all in one season but if you’re courageous enough to try, you’ll find that your fall labours will go a long way in saving you money and give you wonderful ingredients for cooking and baking year-round!
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Lady of the House Apple Pies, Turkey, And Affording to Stay Home. By Julie-Anne Mauno
It’s true, I did say cooking and baking year-round. The apron is stayin’ because as I’ve learned, if you can make it yourself, you will save money. When I returned to being a full-time stay-at-home mom 7 years ago, I slowly learned to be a better cook, a smarter cook, a busy cook! I started baking things like muffins, cookies, granola and brownies on a regular basis. It took a while to get used to baking often, but I eventually grew to LOVE it! You can save a ton of money baking your own goodies. As your confidence grows, so will your repertoire of recipes! One of my favourite things to bake is apple pie. Making a large batch of filling using the bushels of apples I buy in the fall and freezing it in zip-top bags makes it really easy (and fast!) to whip up an apple pie not just for Thanksgiving but all winter too. I also love to cook great meals that cost very little to make! Home-cooked meals can save you loads of money and they are more nutritious too! The internet is full of recipes and how-to-make-justabout-anything articles for any home cook. Some of our favourite inexpensive (and EASY!) meal ideas include waffles (you can get a waffle maker for very cheap) which we love to dress up with frozen berries we picked in the summer, whipped cream and syrup!
Simple Roast Turkey Would you like to know how to roast a turkey? It’s simple. Place the turkey in the roasting pan with a chopped onion or two. Sprinkle salt and pepper (seasoning salt, dried or fresh herbs like thyme are optional but flavourful) and sprinkle some olive oil on the turkey. Add 2 inches of water in the pan. Cover with lid or foil. Follow the roasting instructions, 4 to 5 hours at 350F for a 10lb turkey.
I also love buying turkeys when they are under $1/lb. Holidays like Thanksgiving mean there will be turkeys on sale in most grocery stores. It’s a great time to stock up your freezer with this inexpensive, lean, healthy meat. I’ve even seen turkeys come on sale in the summer too! I love cooking turkeys because they are the meal that keeps on giving. We usually have lots of turkey left over. I either freeze the rest of the meat for later, or use it within 5 days in a fried rice, pot pie or stew. It’s great for sandwiches too. If I have time, I save the juices and make a yummy turkey soup. I usually get 2 to 3 meals out of one turkey! Another great way to save on time and money is to make the slow-cooker your friend! Fall is a great time to start enjoying comfort food again and nothing makes comfort food like your crock-pot! Go ahead, dust it off and turn it on. It really is amazing what you can throw in the slow-cooker with a few seasonings to come up with a feast for the whole family! I actually have a whole chicken in my slow cooker right now! Just add any kind of meat, potatoes and veggies. Include seasonings and herbs of your choice and add water to cover. Leave it on all day for the ultimate easy, affordable, comfort food!
Apple Pie Filling Peel and slice 18 cups of apples (1 apples=1cup) and mix with 3 tablespoons of lemon juice. In a large pot, mix 4 cups sugar, 1 cup cornstarch, 2 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp salt, ¼ tsp nutmeg with 7 cups water. Heat and boil for 2 minutes. Add the apples, turning off the burner once the apples are added. Cover and let cool for 30 min. Freeze in 4 or 5 zip-top bags. Adapted from: allrecipes.com/Recipe/apple-pie-filling/detail.aspx
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Lady of the House Apple Pies, Turkey, And Affording to Stay Home. By Julie-Anne Mauno
Smart cooking requires smart shopping so I also learned how to stock my pantry and freezer by shopping sales! I love finding foods we eat regularly like bread, natural peanut butter, yogourt and cheese on sale. I found it helpful to take the time to make up a Master Grocery List that includes all the foods we buy regularly so I can check flyers (most grocery stores have online flyers too) to save more on these staple items for my home. Figuring out what you need in your pantry doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to be complicated. I also took time to make a list of my 21 meals. It has been said that home cooks have about 21 meals they regularly choose from. With this list, I have been able to plan meals ahead of time and figure out what I
need in my pantry or freezer to be able to make those meals. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wonderful to have what I need to make easy, affordable and nutritious meals every day. Housewives everywhere are rediscovering the art and value of home cooking! For our family, how we preserve, cook and buy food makes living on a single income a lot easier. This thanksgiving, fall in love with cooking! Put on an apron and keep it handy. There are many ways of stretching your dollar on one income (stay tuned for more in my column on this). FOOD is a great place to start affording to stay home!
Additional Resources: Family Feasts for $75 a Week by Mary Ostyn www.econobusters.com (1) http://www.nheri.org/Latest/Homeschooling-Across-America-Academic-Achievement-and-Demographic-characteristics.html
HOME GROWN Parenting in the North
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PRODUCT REVIEW Cloth Diapers. By Kayleigh De Cecco
All things that grow% Photography(
Cloth Diapers... When I first decided to take on the task of cloth diapering my little koala for a month, I thought I was in for it... what could I possibly have gotten myself into this time. When you think about cloth diapers you think about folding towel squares into diapers with a big safety pin and attaching it to baby. The truth is, cloth diapering is much simpler than that these days, and not as gross. Whether you use disposables or cloth you are cleaning up poop. At first glance, a cloth diaper has a way better appearance than a disposable diaper. The inside of a cloth diaper is softer, and feels a lot nicer to the touch, so imagine how babies bum would feel. My favorite diapers were the hybrids, I found them easy to use and easy to clean. I must have washed the one diaper at least 20 times and I noticed the fabric did not fade, the snaps did not break, and the fabric still looks brand new. I will be purchasing a few cloth diapers to use at home even though my youngest is now one year. I feel that it is a huge shame that I never purchased cloth diapers right from the start. Actually, I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know how simple it was to cloth diaper. And the expense, well imagine how much you save, a box of diapers runs from about $25.00- $35.00/week in my house with two children, thats at least $100.00 a month on diapers, you can get at least 5 diapers for that price, and you only need about 24 cloth diapers per child, that is the cost of five visit months of disposable diapers that will last you until your child is potty www.sweetface.ca trained. You will save about $2,000 over the time your child is in diapers, for more eco friendly products, although, with all the cute patterns and colours you may find yourself including cloth diapers, natural buying extra diapers just for their looks.
skin care lines, and accessories.
Is there a product that you would like reviewed? Send an e-mail to kayleighmay.homegrown@gmail.com and let me know!
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Love And Learning Is It Time?
By: Tessa Morrissette
So you sit down one day and think: “When should we start potty training?” I can assure you that making this decision can create some stress and maybe even provoke a little anxiety. Are they ready, or not? Are you? We have been “potty training” our son for what feels like an eternity at this point and we’ve had some great successes but we also have a little ways to go. I’ve worked with some children who were completely trained in a weekend while for others it takes months. Remember, our children are the ultimate decision makers when it comes to these big moments in their lives, we are just there to watch and encourage them along the way.
Being able to identify some of the signs that children show when they are becoming “ready” for this next milestone can help you decide if now is the time or if you should wait a little longer. These little hints do not mean that it will be smooth sailing, but they will help you along the way and hopefully ease some of the frustrations that can go along with teaching your child to use the potty.
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Love And Learning Is It Time? Physical signs:
By: Tessa Morrissette
✓ Is coordinated enough to walk, and even run, steadily. ✓ Urinates a fair amount at one time. ✓ Has regular, well-formed bowel movements at relatively predictable times. ✓ Has "dry" periods, which shows their bladder muscles are developed enough to hold urine. Behavioral signs: ✓ Can sit down quietly in one position a short period of time. ✓ Can pull his/her pants up and down. ✓ Dislikes the feeling of wearing a wet or dirty diaper. ✓ Shows interest in when others are using the bathroom (wants to go with you when you go into the bathroom). ✓ Gives a physical or verbal sign when he's having a bowel movement such as grunting, squatting, or telling you. ✓ Demonstrates a desire for independence. ✓ Takes pride in his accomplishments (like tidying up) Cognitive signs: ✓ Can follow simple instructions, such as "go get the toy". ✓ Understands the value of putting things where they belong. ✓ Has own vocabulary for bodily functions (pee-pee, poops) So now that you’ve decided that your child is ready here are a few ideas to get you started on the right foot and make it a positive experience for you and your child: ✓ Plan a shopping date with your little one to go and get the perfect potty! Make sure to get them to help make the final choice. ✓ Have special underwear ready for the big day (we wrapped them up in wrapping paper like a present). ✓ Find that special little “something” to reward your child for all their work (stickers, smarties – find what’s motivating to them and DO THAT). ✓ Invest in a timer; this can encourage your child to sit for a short period of time. ✓ Read books about potty training to your child.
Remember to find joy in all the little successes and make sure your child feels your excitement too, this will be their biggest motivator and keep them moving in the right direction!
✓ Make sure to include your child every step of the way.
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Top Ten:
Halloween Costumes for 2011 By Christine South
10. Pirate – A classic costume that’s
6. Spiderman/Batman – The
easy to put together and can be used for either a boy or a girl. Accessories are easy enough to find: a plastic sword, an eye patch, a bandana and a striped dress or black overcoat.
classic superhero costume, always popular with the boys. You can also go with a mask or face paint, depending on the age of the child and where he will be wearing the costume.
9. Fairy/Witch – Always a hit with the little ladies! A good witch or fairy with a big pink dress, a wand and maybe even some wings OR for the more “mature” girls, a bad witch or an evil fairy with a black dress, a dark wand and some face paint.
8. Avatar – A new popular costume, from the motion picture “Avatar”. Costumes consist of a leotard and a mask or face paint. Costumes can be purchased at just about any retail store, or a local thrift store.
7. Harry Potter – As this series comes to a close, its popularity continues to rise. Harry Potter is known for his glasses and the scar on his forehead, both of which are easy to replicate. Girls can also get in on the fun and dress as Harry’s friend Hermione Granger. Use the internet to find a picture of the character and build your own rendition!
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5. Disney Princess – Also a favourite with little girls. What girl doesn’t want to feel like a princess, at least once a year! Big poufy dresses, tiaras, diamonds and pearls and all things grand! You could go with a pre-made costume, like classic Cinderella, or you could create your own custom princess costume with any dress, costume
4. Justin Bieber/Miley Cyrus – A superstar! Dancing, singing, performing on a big stage…some kids are just born for greatness! Halloween is a great time for them to try out their rockstar attitudes with a microphone, a wig to match their favourite singer, a little BLING, and maybe a big pair of sunglasses! The sky is the limit, just find a picture of their idol, and shop around or dig in the closet to make the perfect costume.
Top Ten: Halloween Costumes for 2011 By Christine South
3. Vampire – Do I have to say it? Who hasn’t seen TWILIGHT? It’s a movie favourite of kids young and old. Even the littlest kids know what vampires are, even if they haven’t seen the movie. A classic black cape, some fake pointy teeth, and a little face make-up can easily transform your little one into an intriguing vampire ready for Halloween fun.
http://www.buycostumes.com/browse/Kids-Costumes
http://www.buycostumes.com/
2. Super Mario – Making his way back from the 80’s is the classic Mario and his brother Luigi. Straight out of the addictive video game that kept us busy for hours as children; these brothers have made their way back to the forefront of the gaming world and are huge hits with children of today. Pick up a Super Mario (or Luigi) costume, and watch your child take on magical powers: super speed, high jump, flower power or fly power. They will truly feel like they are on an adventure in video game world.
1. Smurf – Who knew that these little blue creatures would make such a great come back so many years later! Dressing as their favourite smurf is as easy as a little blue face paint and a short blue tail. The details are up to you! Dress as Papa Smurf, Brainy, Grouchy, Chef or even Smurfette for the little girls! You could also create a smurf personality for your little one; such as Princess Smurf, Teacher Smurf, Firefighter Smurf or Rockstar Smurf. The sky is the limit for this versatile costume! http://www.smurfshalloweencostume.net/
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Enough with the worn out pillowcases and finger pinching grocery bags - make a cute, custom and pint-sized bag for your little one to carry around! Mix and match fabrics to coordinate with your ghost or goblinʼs costume.
PREPARATION TIME Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes WHAT YOU NEED • ½ meter for outside (quilterʼs cotton) • ½ meter for lining (quilterʼs cotton) • ¼ meter Fusible Fleece • Fabric pencil • Ruler • Rotary cutter and mat or scissors • Sewing machine and coordinating thread
CUTTING YOUR MATERIAL • Exterior Print • Cut 2 rectangles 12 inches x 15 inches • Lining • Cut 2 rectangles, 12 inches x 15 inches • Straps • Cut 2 rectangles, 5 inches x 17 inches of print or lining • Cut 4 strips, 1 inch by 16.5 inches of fusible fleece
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3
ASSEMBLING the EXTERIOR of the BAG * Unless otherwise noted, all seams are a ¼ inch allowance. 1. Sew around the sides and bottom of the exterior print. Backstitch at both ends. (Note: Zigzag stitch both seam flaps if you want durability.) 2. Press side seams open.
4
7
CREATING BOX CORNERS 3. Measure 2 inches by 2 inches on the bottom corners of your bag. Mark a dot at the point where the measurements intersect. Do this on both sides of the bottom of the bag. This should leave you with 4 dots. 4. Put your hand in the bag at the corner and pinch the side and bottom seams together. 5. Line up your side and bottom seam into a triangle. 6. Pin at 2 inches from the corner. 7. Stitch a straight line. Backstitch at both ends. 8. Trim the excess. 9. Repeat this process on the other corner of the bag.
8
10 ASSEMBLING the LINING 10. Repeat Steps 1-2 with ONE EXCEPTION. When sewing around the sides, leave a 5 inch opening at the bottom to allow you to turn your bag inside out after sewing the bag and lining together. 11. Repeat the Box Corners (Steps 3-9) for the Lining.
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12 BAG ASSEMBLY 12. Turn the lining inside out and stuff into your print bag. (The print bag should still be wrong side out.) The right sides of the fabrics should be facing each other. 13. Match the side seams and edges together. Pin and sew with a ½ inch seam allowance around the entire top of the bag. 14. Turn the bag right side out through the 5 inch gap you left at the bottom of the lining. 15. Topstitch the hole closed. 16. Insert the Lining back into the back, iron the bag mouth and topstitch ½ inch from the edge.
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14
16
19 MAKING THE STRAPS 17. Take your 5 inch x 17 inch pieces and iron ¼ inch edge on both ends. 18. Fold the strap in half lengthwise. Iron flat to create a crease in the middle. 19. Open the strap, and fold each raw side to meet at the middle crease. Iron Flat.
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22
20. Open the fold and place 2 strips of the fusible fleece, placing one on each side of the crease.
21. Refold at the crease, hiding the strips of Fusible Fleece.
22. Iron as per instructions on your package of Fusible Fleece.
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23. Refold at the crease to hide raw edges and sew on all sides at 1/8 inch.
24. Repeat steps 17-23 to make another strap.
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25. Attach one end of each strap to the bag
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at 2 inches from each side and 2 inches down (this will meet cleanly with the box corners). Choose which directions the handles will be facing at the point. 26. Sew the strap onto the bag using a box pattern and then sewing an â&#x20AC;&#x153;Xâ&#x20AC;? in the middle of the box for strength. 27. Do the same for all 4 sides. 28. ...
! Y D N A C T ...GE
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What Should We Do Today? Halloween Fun! By Natalie Cloutier Booo! October brings many themes and ideas, but the most common, of course is Halloween! There is a certain excitement that comes from this holiday, for both children and adults. Children get to be someone else for a few hours such as a princess or a big ferocious dragon! Adults get to take that time to really remember their childhood and how much they used to have. Here are a few ideas to make a fun filled Halloween party for your kids, a childcare center or just activities for you to enjoy with your child. Happy booing!
Songs: Fall is So Much Fun
Pumpkins
(Sung to: "Farmer in the Dell" )
(can be sung with the tune of “mary had a little lamb”)
Fall is so much fun, Fall is so much fun, I like to see the leaves fall down, Fall is so much fun. The leaves turn brown and red, The leaves turn brown and red, I like to see the colors change, The leaves turn brown and red. The air is crisp and cool, The air is crisp and cool, I like to dress in nice warm clothes, The air is crisp and cool. Soon the snow will fall, Soon the snow will fall, Then the season will be done. Soon the snow will fall.
Find more Fall Songs At: http://www.preschoollearningonline.com/preschoolkidsongs.html
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Pumpkin time is here again, Time to play trick or Treat. Pumpkin time is here again, Our Spooky friends we'll meet. See the costumes we have on, Monsters, ghosts, goblins too. See the costumes we have on, Hear us all shout "BOO!"
French: Vieille sorcière (Sur l’air de “frère Jacques) Vieille sorcière (2x) Que fais-tu? (2x) Je mange des citrouilles (2x) Cric crac croc (2x)
Halloween Memory Game Many of us have played a similar game at baby and bridal showers. Let’s make his game fun for kids! You’ll need: • A variety of small objects such as plastic spider, pumpkin, candy bar, popcorn, small apple, skeleton mini toy, acorn, plastic teeth… • Large bag or tray to put objects on • Paper and pencil for each player Place objects on tray or bag. Pass the tray around for a minute so that the guests can memorize the objects on the tray. Players then write as many objects as they can remember. The winner with the most on the list wins.
Alternative play: Place objects in a bag and your guests must guess what is in the bag. Once the bag has been passed around, give your guests some time to write them down. The guest with the most right answers wins.
For younger kids: Monster Statues -You’ll need Halloween music or party songs Players stomp around like a monster while the music is playing. Once the music stops, the players must freeze. Any player caught moving is out and helps judge the next round.
Halloween Jokes What did one ghost say to the other ghost? Do you believe in people? What is the mummy’s favorite type of music? Wrap Why did the skeleton cross the road? To go to the body shop! What’s it like to be kisses by a vampire? It’s a pain in the neck!
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Craft: Mini Ghosts These ghosts are perfect to decorate the house. They’re small but still have an interesting effect! You’ll need: - Tissues such as “Kleenex” - Black markers - String or yarn - Tie wraps Directions: 1. Roll up some tissues into a ball and place in the center of another tissue. 2. Wrap the ball of tissue into the flat tissue and tie it with a tie wrap 3. This will already look like a ghost. Draw eyes and mouth on the head of the ghost. 4. Wrap string or yarn around the head in order to be able to hang as a decoration. 5. Enjoy your new and simple decoration!
Recipe: Monster Meatloaf This fun recipe will really make your children’s imagination active. Perfect for a Halloween dinner party or just plain supper time! Ingredients: -
2 ½ lbs of lean ground beef (From Your Local Farm) 1 cup of combined chopped onions, green peppers and celery (also From your local farm) 1 ½ cup of Home Made Tomato Sauce See Recipe Found on Page 30 1 egg 1 cup of crushed soda crackers 6-8 shelled peanuts Directions:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
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First, chop all of your vegetables. Set aside. Place your ground beef, egg and crushed crackers into a bowl and mix using your hands for better results. Add vegetables to the ground beef mixture. Add Ketchup to the mixture and mix using your hands again. Shape your mixture into two monster feet and add the peanuts on the toes as toe nails. Add homemade tomato sauce on top of your monster feet for added taste. Place in the oven at 350 degrees for 1 to 1 ½ hours. Serve and enjoy!
For More Halloween Themed Recipes Visit www.familyfun.go.com
A GROWING FAMILY: THROUGH THE STAGES
By Christine South
INFANT (Birth to 12 Months): One of the biggest concerns of new parents is the safety of their baby, from choosing the right car seat, to whether or not to use bumper pads in the crib. Safety is an essential part of child rearing and it begins right at conception. Bringing a newborn home, some of the safety considerations include: sleeping the baby on their back; limiting the use of blankets; using straps in swings or other devices that baby is in; proper neck support for the baby; and sterilization of anything that goes in baby’s mouth (such as bottle nipples and/or soothers). These are just a few of the safety concerns that all new parents must consider, but each parent may decide which concerns they deem necessary or not. The most important thing is to follow your instincts, address the main safety concerns and then let the rest fall into your comfort level.
Kayleigh May
TODDLER (12 Months to 3 Years): The concerns for the safety of your child will grow as they do. As an infant, you had more control over where your child was because they were less mobile. As toddlers, they are always on the move, so concerns for safety have to expand to meet their growing living space. Some considerations include: using plastic plug covers; cupboard door stoppers; door handle covers; chain locks on all doors leading outside; baby gates at stairs or to off limit rooms; and then some. Toddlers are in need of constant supervision as they are very curious and are completely unaware of the dangers that lurk around them. It is very important at this stage to be vigilant and aware of what your child is doing at all times, and use language that they understand to teach them about safety. YOUNG CHILD (4 Years to 7 Years): You thought that chasing after a toddler was bad! Young children are bigger and stronger, yet many still lack the comprehension of what’s dangerous and what’s not. It’s this stage where we as parents have to teach our children rules of safety such as: caution when it comes to electricity, warning labels on sprays and liquids; using helmets and knee pads; looking both ways on the road; never talking to strangers; and many more. There are many safety lessons to be learned at this stage, and thankfully, teachers and family members are there to help. The key to ensuring your child learns these key lessons is repetition, they more you say it, and the more you practice it, they more likely they are to remember it. PRE-TEEN (8 Years to 12 Years): This stage is where you hope that all those years of repetition have paid off. It is at this stage that trust becomes more predominant. Trusting that your child has the skills and maturity to make good decisions when it comes to safety is a hard thing to do, but is essential at this time in a child’s life. Try letting go a little at a time: letting them walk to and from the school bus alone (provided it’s within reason); letting them ride their bike around the block; create an e-mail or Facebook account (make sure you know the password); or other small things that pertain specifically to your child. This phase of trust and encouragement will help your child to recognize the importance of safety and will allow them to develop a pattern of good decision making for their future.
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Birth Tales Operation Labour Day Stories are told by local northern mothers or fathers, To submit your story e-mail kayleighmay.homegrown@gmail.com
I was excited when I found out I was due on Labour Day. I’m a sarcastic, comedic individual, and thought if there was any more perfect day to give birth… it would be labour day. This also happened to be the day before the kiddies started school. Stores were crazy, but I was suffering from a severe case of cabin fever. I decided to drive to a local pharmacy to grab some last minute items for my hospital bag and figured walking around may provoke some contractions. Instead, I got into a fender bender. The lot was full, I was waiting for a car to pull out of their parking spot, when my boyfriend yells… someone’s backing into the car! My reflexes weren’t quite fast enough,… and I was pinned between 2 cars backing out at the same time. A woman comes flying out of her car,… tiny baby bump in hand and yells… “OH MY GOD MY WATER BROKE!” I waddled out of mine and yelled in a very irate voice… “ARE YOU KIDDING ME?” The woman’s jaw fell as she exclaimed, “WHEN ARE YOU DUE?” “Today.” “Don’t you think you’re being irresponsible?” I won’t get into the rest of this conversation, but let’s just end it with, no, her water didn’t break. She was simply trying to play the sympathy card. I followed her home, got insurance info, and things were laid to rest. Later that day, after walking up and down stairs for what felt like an eternity, I decided to settle down with a cup of raspberry tea and watch some “America’s Got Talent.” I fell fast asleep. The next morning was like any other… the day rolled on as I dealt with quotes for my car repairs,… prepped some meals for the freezer and spent some time alone in the baby’s room, nesting. I made myself yet another cup of raspberry tea and prepare for the finale of “America’s got Talent”. I heard an angelic little voice… Jackie Evancho took the stage. At 10:45, she hit a high note… and so did I. The best way I can describe the feeling was that somehow, a bicycle kick-stand flung open in my gut, and hit my spine. Nausea overcame me and I remember looking at my boyfriend and saying… “That’s not normal… I think it’s time.”
“I heard an angelic little voice… Jackie Evancho took the stage. At 10:45, she hit a high note… and so did I.” My OB told me at several of our visits that once the contractions began, we shouldn’t panic – wait 1 hour and the contractions should be 5 minutes apart. After my initial kick-stand contraction, I waited 6 minutes - another contraction that could be best described as back tearing goodness. 5 minutes go by… and there’s another… after nearly 30 minutes of my contractions now being 3 minutes apart, I tell my boyfriend to call the hospital, and see what they say. I speak to a nurse who tells me that I sound a bit “uncomfortable” and I should make my way to the hospital. I remember wanting to grab her through the phone and show her just how “uncomfortable” I really was… we grab our pre-packed bags, zip into the car and realize it’s about to storm. The drive to the hospital felt like it took hours. Every bump on the road hurt. My contractions were now a minute apart and we were still 30 minutes away from the hospital. I concentrated on slowing down my contractions. Last thing I wanted was to have my baby in a car on the side of a highway in the middle of a storm. I don’t recommend trying this… trying to prevent a contraction hurts more than just toughing through it!
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Birth Tales Operation Labour Day Stories are told by local northern mothers or fathers,
We got to the hospital at midnight. A paramedic saw me, and rushed me into emergency while daddy-to-be parked the car. A nurse greeted me with what was short of even caring, with a “Can you keep it down?” I told her I was in labour, and she told me to relax, cause I still had a ways to go. I told her I was positive the baby was crowning and she asked if this was my first, (yes) and that I shouldn’t worry, there was still time. I let out a huge yell from a contraction which were now under a minute. She asked security to escort me to the birthing floor. That poor man… he looked so scared. I am pretty sure he was hoping that the elevator wouldn’t get stuck or else he’d have to deliver my child. He tried small talk – and I told him I wasn’t interested. He dumped me pretty fast at reception.
I yelled out for a nurse, and a lady replied. She told me to walk about 10 feet to a bed. That 10 feet felt like an Ironman race. I asked for help, but I was assigned a cute little blonde intern, who weighed about half my weight. She couldn’t assist me, and called for back-up. No one was around to help.. I tried my best to sit up, and I felt a head between my legs. I cried for help, but I was told repeatedly to stay calm and wait until they were ready for me. A million thoughts ran through my head… where’s the dad, and why is it taking him so long to park the %#^$& car. I’d better not get a resident, where’s the nurse, and I hope my baby doesn’t fall on the floor since NO ONE IS HERE TO DELIVER MY CHILD! Dad finally arrived and he called for a nurse to check me – after politely telling the nurse “just look and I’ll shut up” she finally checked under my gown and said, “I see a redhead!”
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To submit your story e-mail kayleighmay.homegrown@gmail.com
Birth Tales Operation Labour Day Stories are told by local northern mothers or fathers,
I was rushed into the birthing room. Doctor was nowhere in sight. The nurse asked me if I wanted an epidural – and I said that I was sure I could handle it. Dad made the calls… and said to Grandma that he expected I’d have her in the next 30 minutes. The snarky nurse lifts her head and says “oh it’ll be another 6 hours”. I rolled over to my boyfriend and said “I can’t do this for 6 hours, GIVE ME DRUGS!!!” They called the anaesthesiologist and called up for the good stuff. The head nurse came in and said my OB was on his way. Then it happened. What felt like knives ripping into my backside. My sight went dark and it was time. They called in “back-up”. A resident doctor – my worst fear. Dad and nurse grabbed my legs. I was told to take a deep breath and push. I feared the worse, but realized that this wasn’t the painful part. I had already experience the pain. Now it was nothing but pressure relief. (Think Best.Poop.EVER.) I pushed 3 times and caught my own baby. She was born at 12:27am. (Do the math.) Suddenly, I felt pressure and another contraction??? No one had prepared me for this! I thought for a second I was having twins! A fear that was brought up in the first few months of pregnancy – turned out I have a roomy uterus. NO ONE told me I also had to push out a baby sized placenta! If I took anything away from this situation it’s this: Birthing is bloody. Birthing is messy. Birthing can be painful. No birth is the same – but I’d do it all over again.
To submit your story e-mail kayleighmay.homegrown@gmail.com
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Natures Recipes
You’ve no doubt heard about warm lemon and honey tea to cure a sore throat, but what other natural remedies can you make from ingredients found in your pantry. Tune in to our new monthly column for natural recipes that grandma used for everything from face scrubs to toilet bowl cleaners.
NATURE’S RECIPES Nobody likes to talk about it, but it happens to the best of us. The ‘Runs’, the ‘Poops’, the ‘Dirty D’ – Diarrhea. Whether brought on by virus, food, anxiety or too much coffee, the effects of diarrhea are never fun to deal with. It can drain your body of fluids and electrolytes quickly and dangerously, so it should not be taken lightly. To ensure you maintain your hydration, this easily made, inexpensive electrolyte juice drink helps maintain your body’s equilibrium. If symptoms persist for more than 24 hrs, you should see a doctor.
Electrolyte Juice Drink Ingredients: • • • •
1 cup apple juice 2 cups water ½ - 1 teaspoon salt Juice from a lemon or a lime
1. In a pitcher, combine all ingredients. 2. Store in the refrigerator. 3. Drink throughout the day to maintain hydration and proper balance of electrolytes. Recipe from Reader's Digest Natural Book of Homemade Things
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Farmers Market be sure to get your fresh produce before Thanksgiving Thanksgiving
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HOME GROWN
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Our Treasure Box Of Links http://www.preschoollearningonline.com/preschoolkidsongs.html http://www.buycostumes.com/ http://www.smurfshalloweencostume.net/
www.inamay.com http://www.mybestbirth.com http://spinningbabies.com/ http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/easy-stuffing/detail.aspx
http://www.givingbirthnaturally.com/
http://www.dinnertool.com/article?id=654
http://www.choicesinchildbirth.org/
http://southernfood.about.com/od/sweetpotatodess/r/bl1109d.htm www.divinedinnerparty.com http://www.marthastewart.com www.familyfun.go.com
http://www.nheri.org/Latest/Homeschooling-Across-America-Academic-Achievement-and-Demographic-characteristics.html
All Things That Grow% Photography( By Kayleigh May
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