• Printables

    Father’s Day Word Search Printable

    When you think of Dad what sort of words come to mind? I think of joking and pranks and barbecues and sports and travel and patience and love. There are a lot of different things good dads give their children. But most important of all these things I think is love and respect and security. A good Dad makes his kids feel safe and happy and loved. My children have a good Dad and on Father’s Day that’s worth celebrating. What are you doing to celebrate Father’s Day? I actually am not too sure here yet. I often do a…

  • family - Food - Giveaways - homes

    My New Fiesta Dinnerware in Slate and a #Giveaway ARV $150

    Fiesta Dishes are the sexiest dishes I have ever owned. Not exaggerating. Not one little bit. Take a look at that rich colour! Slate is one of the newest shades in the Fiesta Dinnerware lineup this year and I love it. It’s sophisticated and attractive and these dishes are hard working too. Remember when I moved into my new house and I grumbled last year many times over that I couldn’t find the right dinnerware? I shared my frustrating search on Instagram. We hunted high and low. I frequented all kinds of stores looking for something that was safe for…

  • Travel

    Five Alberta Attractions You Can’t Miss

    There’s a lot to love about the province of Alberta. I have been a couple of times and would love to go back. If you’re headed to Alberta for any reason, try your best to take in some of the beauty and fun of these great Alberta attractions. 5 Alberta Attractions You Can’t Miss Alberta is a beautiful province, and from the natural beauty of its many national parks, to its ski hills and, to the fun and excitement of its cities, these Alberta attractions are must sees. Best Alberta Attractions Alberta is a province boasting both man made and…

  • family - Health - parenting

    10 Sensory Play Ideas with Gelatin

    My kids are a curious combination of sensory seeking and sensory avoiding. That’s not uncommon for children with sensory processing difficulties. My older daughter avoids anything that feels scratchy. My younger daughter seeks out deep pressure often and also avoids any fabrics that are not soft and comfortable. Both have some sensory issues. I have written about that often here. Remember this post about 5 easy and free sensory play activities for kids with sensory processing disorder. [tweetthis]Five Easy and Free activities for kids who love sensory play https://www.thriftymommastips.com/easy-and-free-sensory-play-activities-for-kids/[/tweetthis] Both of my girls indulge in and seek out messy play.…

  • family

    Mastey Natural Hair Care Products for Colored Hair

    Post may contain affiliate links as a service to my readers.   Let’s talk Natural Hair Care Products for Colored Hair? Do you specifically need hair care products for colored hair if you highlight or dye your hair? Does it matter? Can dry hair also benefit from products specifically made for colored hair? Read on and you will find out. Mastey Natural Hair Care Products for Colored Hair are formulated for color protection. I highlight and color my hair from time to time. I also have dry hair that responds best to products that are super moisturizing. I once read…

  • family - Food - parenting

    Tervis Tumblers for the Pool and Patio

    I’ve been waiting months to crack these open. We have a house with a pool and while that is lovely, it also means we are learning as we go. We enjoy spending summer days reading and entertaining and playing in the pool. The deck is where I spend a lot of my time. But our nice glasses are not really great for around a pool. Glass breaks near the pool and you can end up with a torn pool liner or a cut. That’s no good. We have plastic cups like every other parent of children, but they are a…

  • family - Giveaways - parenting

    Dads and Grads Gifts from Hallmark #HallmarkCA #Giveaway

    The school year is winding down and many students are getting ready for graduation. My oldest daughter is finishing grade eight and graduating to high school. That is a very big deal around here. Next year she’s off to high school and that marks a dramatic change. Luckily Hallmark has everything you need to help celebrate your graduate’s accomplishment. There are several unique gifts for graduates, and some fun gifts for Dads too. Don’t forget about Father’s Day, which is right around the corner on Sunday, June 21st.   Gifts for Graduates: This year the Autograph Graduation Bear has my…

  • adoption and tweens - family - Health - Parenting - parenting

    Adoption and End of School Year – Buckle Up, It’s Going to Be a Bumpy Ride #adoption

    OH MAN! I have been sitting on this one for a bit so it’s likely to all come out in a big incoherent mess. But here it is. Life as an adoptee, or an adoptive parent at the end of the school year can be a mess of conflicting emotions. I get it. I do. It is hard and sloppy and somehow this is usually where I find my zen because when the kids come completely unhinged I shove aside most things and retreat to inner calm with purpose because they require it. I am not quite there yet this…

  • Food

    My Favourite Buttermilk Biscuits Recipe

    Buttermilk biscuits are smooth and so delicious. No holiday meal is complete without these in my opinion. Nothing reminds me of home cooked meals more than Buttermilk Biscuits. My Mom used to make them at holiday time almost every single Christmas. She was a massive bread and biscuit lover. English pudding was her other favourite recipe. I can’t recall a gathering without some kind of scrumptious buns or biscuits actually. This buttermilk biscuits recipe is similar to one she used to make at holiday time every year. Buttermilk makes everything tastier and creamier and melt in your mouth delicious. While you…

  • family - parenting

    5 Handmade Gift Ideas for the Preschool Teacher in Your Life

    5 Handmade Gift Ideas for the Preschool Teacher in Your Life Preschool teachers do so much to help our children grow and learn. They are the educational force that helps prepare our kids for grade school, high school, and beyond. In the context of my younger daughter’s entire education so far, the preschool teachers might have had the greatest impact. My younger daughter, as some of you know, has some special needs. I talk about that here from time to time. When my daughter was very small she had a lot of trouble with socializing, so all of her helpers,…