Author: Laura Cyra

Mmmm…bread!  And my favorite is sourdough. I have always been in love with sourdough bread. While this starter isn’t your traditional flour and water starter it tastes amazing and is easy to maintain. This quick and easy sourdough starter recipe is hearty and packs a lot of flavor. I first published this recipe in 2015 and am still using the same starter with no issues. I use the starter in everything from bread to pizza, adjusting the additions to the base dough recipe as I go. Quick and Easy Sourdough Starter Recipe You’ll need a simple mason jar for this…

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At some point during their adolescence or young adulthood, most children are faced with the decision to use drugs or alcohol. And while teens and adults experience much the same complications and effects of substance abuse and addiction, young adults are often at a greater risk than their adult counterparts. Keep reading for more on addiction during adolescence, including information on risk factors, symptoms and available treatment options. Addiction and Teenagers: Risk Factors During their adolescent years, children experience intense physical, emotional and psychological changes. These changes, though a natural part of development, often play a major role in…

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I don’t know about you but I love buying gifts especially for babies!  That’s why when I found this cute [easyazon_link asin=”B00CS16EJU” locale=”US” new_window=”default” tag=”reamom0b-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]VTech Touch and Swipe Baby Phone[/easyazon_link] I knew it would be a perfect addition to a newborn baby basket.  I love spoiling new Mom’s and babies and usually put together a basket full of toys and essentials to take to the baby shower and this phone makes the perfect gift because baby can mimic their parents. Just like a real phone this toy has an interactive touchscreen with twelve play apps that include…

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The Tricycoo Tricycle effectively delivers on all points of Joovy’s efforts to deliver value and functionality in a long-lasting and durable product. But before you get a typical tricycle in your mind, you have to see the innovative styling and common sense design that makes these trykes so unique. Let’s take one for a spin and see exactly what you can expect. Joovy is a family gear brand for active lifestyles whose philosophy is based on “modern, functional, high-quality features at value-driven price points with an emphasis on durability and utility.” In business since 2005, one of the company’s focus…

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Even though you’re married it doesn’t mean you are off the hook for Valentine’s Day! I think it is the perfect reminder to make the day special and do something you normally wouldn’t.  It is important to keep your relationship exciting! A few fun ideas you can do this Valentine’s Day include: Make dinner reservations Buy chocolate (because who doesn’t LOVE chocolates) Wine of The Month Subscription Buy a new outfit for the day Plan a romantic night in Get a sitter and go to the movies Wait for the kids to go to sleep and enjoy some wine and cheese picnic…

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Does the thought of a family road trip strike fear into your heart?  It did for me at first when I considered driving to Las Vegas last summer solo with the kids.  I honestly thought I was crazy at moments until I actually got over my own fear and just did it!  My favorite part of the 1200 mile (one way) road trip?  The memories! It took me a while to get over my own negative thinking that I couldn’t do it solo but once I did the planning was a lot of fun.  Truthfully when it came right down…

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Getting the family together for a road trip can be quite an ordeal.  And between heavy traffic, bored or restless kids and driver fatigue, the process of getting there can test anyone’s patience. With diligent planning from fuel costs to rest stops you can make the experience enjoyable for everyone rather than frustrating. Simple Tips for A Flawless Family Road Trip A few tips I like to use to make the most out of our family road trip include: Before You Go Map your journey from beginning to end, I’m sure you have your favorite online apps or maybe you’ll go a…

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 By now you’ve seen my review on the Farmer’s Market Color Sorting Set and the many benefits of using it and that’s why I thought it was important to talk a little more about child development!  I have 5 fun benefits of playing with toy food and play kitchens that you’ll love as part of your child’s development.  I  know that I love watching the kids cook up a meal in their play kitchen and serve it, there is something special about the whole process!   5 Benefits of Toy Food for Child Development   1.  Visual recognition of shapes, patterns…

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The [easyazon_link asin=”B006RQ8TY0″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”reamom0b-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Farmers Market Color Sorting Set[/easyazon_link] from Learning Resources is a 30 piece set of 25 multi-colored foods with five distinct buckets. The purpose of the set is simple – let your children learn all about new fruit and vegetables while learning their colors. Children learn not only about healthy fruit and vegetables, but color names and how to sort by color. Included in the pack is an activity book with 9 suggested activities, so there is always a way to adapt play with fun new games. Features of the Learning Resources…

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The highly anticipated Winefest returns to Calgary February 20-21, 2015 and I can’t tell you how excited I am!  This all-inclusive wine event is held at the Stampede Park BMO Centre.  Sample your way from booth to booth and enjoy a wide selection of local and international wines from 16 of the world’s top wine regions. One ticket includes all-inclusive wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres, as well as a complimentary Riedel wine glass and Tasting Notebook. Nibble your way through some delicious hors d’oeuvres from Stampede Catering, Spingback Cheese Company, Ollia Macarons & Tea, Rosso Coffee Roasters and nefiss Lezizz. Don’t…

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The [easyazon_link asin=”B00NHQFA1I” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”reamom0b-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]LEGO Classic Medium Creative Brick Box[/easyazon_link] set is a 484 piece set that encourages free building for LEGO enthusiasts, young and not so young alike. The pieces cover the whole spectrum of colors, 35 to be exact, and include a large base plate, tires, wheel rims, a window frame and three sets of eyes.  The Brick Box comes with a number of starter ideas but it also encourages kids to use their imagination!  If you can think it, you can build it.  If you’re like me and want everything to have…

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Reviews

The New Year marks changes and goals for many people. Most of those include making healthy lifestyle changes.  Whether you’re adding more exercise, healthy eating habits, or small changes to your lifestyle we all have one goal in mind – to feel our best.  Cheyenne’s 3rd grade class started a new challenge to reduce their waste in the classroom and they’re focusing on lunches.  It is surprising how much garbage is packed in a lunch box! That’s why we were excited to do a Rubbermaid LunchBlox review. In their classroom they have a compost bin and recycling to try and…

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You find fewer and fewer teenagers who love to spend their spare time with their head stuck in a good book, usually it is all about social media and friends.  As parents we need to create a love for reading at a young age so our kids can carry it with them as they grow older. I believe it is important to understand why reading is important for children. Reading helps a child develop numerous basic literacy skills. At a young age, it helps children identify letters and sounds, and eventually to put them together to make words. This, in…

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When the weather is less than friendly, it is a good idea to start an indoor vegetable garden. This way you can supplement your diet with lots of healthy vegetables and save money this winter.  Hopefully these tips will help you grow a bountiful crop. Pick a Good Spot – Planning for your garden before you build it is absolutely key for a successful indoor garden. Choose a good spot in your home that is out of the way, and that has adequate space and also plenty of sunlight. Just like outdoors, your plants need the sun to thrive. So either…

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Nobody wants to be stuck in the kitchen during the Big Game. Make the following recipes ahead and keep them warm until kickoff. The use of an all-natural slow cooker sauce made entirely of vegetables and seasonings speeds up prep time considerably. Using lean ground beef, turkey or all vegetables ensures a low-fat delicious meal!  Super Bowl of Chili – Three Ways! Beef, Turkey, and Veggie If you prefer less heat, chili powder can be reduced in any of these recipes by 1 tablespoon. On the other hand, if you like your chili hot, add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne…

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This sturdy but lightweight kid transporter is attractive for multiple factors including affordability and a kid-tough design.  The roomy wagon easily fits two kids with a few extras!  Let’s take a ride in the [easyazon_link asin=”B000B74E9A” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”reamom0b-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Step2 Wagon for Two Plus[/easyazon_link]and see just what you can expect! Key Features of the Step2 Wagon for Two Plus 2 safety belts are included Large, wide easy-latch door Extra-long handle folds away for easy storage Compatible with Tag-Along Trailer Plus (sold separately) Contains 2 contoured seats and deep leg compartments [easyazon_image add_to_cart=”default” align=”center” asin=”B000B74E9A” cloaking=”default”…

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[easyazon_link asin=”B00O4ZC57I” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”reamom0b-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Big Hero 6[/easyazon_link] is the name of the 54th film in the Walt Disney Animated Classics series. The movie was inspired by a Marvel Comics superhero team of the same name. The film starts off in imaginary San Fransokyo, where 14-year-old robotics genius Hiro Hamada reports being attacked by a man in a kabuki mask and an army of miniature flying robots. Hiro befriends Baymax, a personal health care robot made by his older brother. Baymax is both a mild mannered Nursebot and a superhero, so let’s get a closer look. Key…

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Think back to when you were a child. Did you enjoy doing your chores? Probably not. And when you did, it was because your parents made them fun. You actually looked forward to cleaning up your room, putting away your toys and helping out with the laundry.  To get the kidlets more involved around the house I had to get creative!  When you make chores fun the next time you ask for help around the house it won’t be like pulling teeth! 6 Tips to Make Chores Fun for Kids Use a reward system your child is familiar with – at…

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Now that we’ve been successful with transitioning LouLou to Petcurean we decided to try one of the other recipes – lamb meal!  She’s loving it and we’ve noticed her coat is becoming softer and she has less dander which is great for my allergies.  I have to say the Petcurean company greatly impresses me their passion and love for animals really shines in the products they create not to mention they’re Canadian!!  The team at Petcurean are true epicureans who put the same love and care into creating meals for pets as they do preparing dinner for their own families, because they…

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My theme for the year is celebrate!  Part of making that a reality is spending more time with my family and sharing some of our favorite things with each other.  One way we are bringing this into our everyday lives is through reading, we all take turns reading a page or two from the book each night when we’re all together.  Something fun we decided to do was pick a favorite author and read a book or two that has been made into a movie. If you’re looking for a few literature inspired Netflix titles we have a few suggestions!…

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