Tag Archives: summer


#WineoftheWeek Salute to Victoria Day Weekend

Excited about the holiday weekend and sunny days ahead? Celebrate outdoors with a royal salute to Victoria Day and a delicious, pink #wineoftheweek. Cheers! Continue reading

Barbecued Sittin’ Chicken

Nutritionist Lauren Follett says once you have a ceramic chicken roasting dish, you can enjoy delicious, easy, healthy barbecued chicken all summer long!
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BBQ steak with chimichurri? Yes please!

A delicious blend of fresh parsley, olive oil, garlic, and red wine vinegar, chimichurri is great with BBQed steak and it’s a healthy choice too. Continue reading

Berrylicious Treat

What’s Cold and Sweet and Sooo Good? A Berry Swirl Ice Pop, That’s What! Continue reading

Best Steak Ever on Your Grill

Steak lovers? Don’t settle for mediocre. Enjoy the world’s best steaks or host the ultimate BBQ and serve cuts as good as those at the top steakhouses. Continue reading

Corn with Sass

Looking for an easy side dish to spice up your Canada Day barbecue tomorrow? Try this tasty corn; it’s a jazzed up seasonal treat!  Prepare corn on the cob as usual—barbeque, boil, microwave or oven roast. After it’s cooked to … Continue reading

Exile Mosquitoes Without Pesticides? Yes!

There’s a new Canadian invention that can make it a whole lot easier for you to enjoy time outdoors this summer.  The Mosquito Preventer by GreenStrike  captures and destroys mosquito eggs to stop population growth before it starts. How cool … Continue reading

Fab Feet

By: Chloé Taylor
The crocuses and Irises are starting to peek out, are you ready for your toes to peek out too? This season’s shoe trend includes a variety of peep-toed beauties and if you want a fresh pair for spring then you’ll have to get your feet ready first. Continue reading

Family Dessert Night

As the kids say, “SWEET!”

The best part of a family dessert night is enjoying what you make. Recipes should be simple and easy. When everyone contributes, time flies and the results will put a smile on your face. Continue reading

Family Vacation in the Eastern Townships

MAKE A SPLASH!   By Stephen Johnson Imagine hurtling down a water slide with your in-laws? On a trip to the Eastern Townships, I actually took that plunge with my mother-in-law, father-in-law, wife and son. Believe it or not, we … Continue reading

Great Family Finds

It’s no secret potty training is easier in the summer when children are wearing fewer clothes. (Less laundry, natch!) Kandoo Flushable Wipes can help this sometimes-messy endeavor be a success. Not only do they clean better than toilet paper alone, … Continue reading

Head-to-Toe Sun Protection for the Kids

After a long winter, Ottawa parents and their kids are looking forward to getting out of the house for some fun in the sun. From lazy poolside afternoons to day trips at the beach, the warm temperatures and bright blue … Continue reading

How to Choose a Safe Sunscreen

By Tovah Paglaro, David Suzuki’s Queen of Green
The most effective sun protection is covering up! Choose sun hats and tightly woven, loose-fitting, long sleeved shirts and pants to keep harmful rays away from skin. And always seek out shade. When summer situations involve significant doses of sun, choose sunscreen wisely. Continue reading

Just Peachy

Go ahead and eat the first three or four baskets of peaches. Really – how can you resist?
After that, it’s time to get cooking some sweet, peachy stuff in the kitchen Continue reading

Let’s Make Lemonade

When life gives you lemons – or a whole lot of hot weather – it’s lemonade time!
Skip the can of frozen syrup.  It’s way more fun to make your own. Let the kids have a lemonade stand and let them help you make this liquid gold in the kitchen. You’ll all enjoy the fresh, tart burst of summer. Continue reading

Make Memories with Liquid Sunshine? Why Not!

Five reasons why Nobilo Regional Collection Sauvignon Blanc is your wine of the week….. LCBO #415745  |  $14.95 (was $16.92, save $2.00)   1. It immortalizes summer! Here we are, it’s back to school and our last long weekend of … Continue reading

Making a splash in the kiddie pool

By Alan Viau
There is nothing better than running through water on a hot day. It is the most fun way to cool kids off during these scorching summer holidays. And an inexpensive kiddie pool is just the thing. Continue reading

Nature Camp? Yes!

There is something magical about an outdoor nature camp. Kids can explore, test their limits, try new things, get plenty of exercise, and enjoy the wonders of Mother Nature.

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Patio-Ready Wine of the Week #WOTW

Each Friday, sommelier and Wine Travel Specialist Monique Sosa introduces us to a new wine worth sharing. We call it the #wineoftheweek #wotw Continue reading

Pests Springing to Life? Make Them Bug Off!

Just as the earth awakens, so do the pests that proliferate through the warm months. Not only are they an annoyance, they’re also a health risk. Here’s what you can do. Continue reading

Protect your Home on Social Media

Heading away on vacay? Heed these tips to ensure your social media activity doesn’t put your home safety at risk while you’re gone. Continue reading

Rag & Bone Puppet Theatre at the OPL

This July, the Ottawa Public Library is hosting the Rag & Bone Puppet Theatre to bring favorite Canadian songs and stories to life for Canada’s 150th birthday. Continue reading

Rib Eye Steaks, Smoked, Seasoned and Sensational

From his newest cookbook Weber’s Smoke, author and chef Jamie Purviance dazzles readers with this steak recipe that absolutely sizzles on your patio grill Continue reading

Road Trip Survival

Doing the classic family road trip this summer? Yay for you. This handy checklist will help you pack smart and get off to a good start.   Take It -Medications. -Identification and/or passports. -Money, credit and debit cards, and/or traveller’s … Continue reading

Safety First: Play Pokémon Go as a Family

Pokémon Go has been downloaded by over 40 million users — probably including your kids. Here’s how to make the hugely popular game safer for all ages. Continue reading

Sandbanks for Teens

A Classic Summer Beach Vacation
By Michele Peterson
Photos: Judy Hammond and Ontario Parks

Does your teen think the perfect summer vacation means shopping malls, video games and Facebook? Then it’s time to pack the camping gear and head south Continue reading

Sensational Mango Salsa

Looking to jazz up your weekend menu? Whether you’re planning a barbecue, a picnic or a family dinner on the deck, this recipe for mango salsa will dress up your menu–and your table–beautifully. It’s colourful and pretty to look at … Continue reading

Smart Snacks

Planning some snacks to enjoy this weekend? Here are a few healthy options that don’t sacrifice taste and convenience. Continue reading

Summer Fun With Math

An Opportunity for Learning
By Richard E. Bavaria, Ph.D. Continue reading

Summer Solstice 2014

Aboriginal arts fest and powwow offers family fun (and a major learning opportunity)! Did you know June is National Aboriginal History Month? Not only that, June 21 is National Aboriginal Day. Join the festivities, with your family, and take the … Continue reading

Swimming Smarts: Hippo Splash Party

How comfortable and safe are your kids in the water? With summer swim season just around the corner, now’s the time to assess swimming smarts, skills and confidence. Continue reading

Teens on the Loose

It’s 1 p.m. and My Teen Just Walked in the Door… “Can I have something to eat,” he said, slumping on the couch and twiddling with his i-timesucker. The dog looked at me expectantly, the ball in her mouth…. Continue reading

Time for Smoothies

Looking for a healthy and tasty alternative to the usual snacks and drinks for your family and guests this holiday weekend? Make smoothies! Continue reading

Time to Think about Summer Camp

  by Alyssa Delle Palme             When I was 12, I watched the movie The Parent Trap and immediately begged my parents to send me away to summer camp. I imagined it as a magical place where I would enjoy … Continue reading

Toys for Non-Stop Outdoor Action

Have we got some great toys for you! Spend day after day playing outside with these awesome choices for fun outdoor action. Continue reading

Toys for Summer Fun

Extreme fun and outdoor action? Yes please! With these cool toys, little ones (and big ones too!) can play play play — and more! — outdoors! Continue reading

Treats from the Freeeeezer

What’s your favourite frozen summer treat? An old fashioned orange juice ice pop, straight from the freezer? Homemade frozen yogurt or ice cream? Perhaps you’ve been trying some new concoctions at home. These days Pinterest is serving up a whole … Continue reading

Weather Sense

Reminder: Heat Can Kill, People
Follow these tips to protect your family and yourself Continue reading

Wine of the Week

Planning to kick back with a glass of wine this weekend? Or to prepare a yummy bacon-based dish (besides bacon and eggs)? Monique Ippolito gives us the skinny on a great red that will make it a pleasurable occasion.  by Monique … Continue reading

Wine of the Week: Tinhorn Creek 2014 Chardonnay

Periodically, Sommelier and Wine Travel Specialist Monique Sosa introduces us to a new wine worth savouring and sharing. Cheers! #wineoftheweek and #wotw Continue reading