• Food

    How to Make Soft Pretzels in the Bread Machine

    Soft Pretzels in the bread machine? Sure, why not? But the question is how…I mean how do you make pretzels in the bread machine? Homemade Pretzels for the Win Most bread makers do a superb job with fresh dough, so use the bread maker for that portion of the recipe and then turn the oven on for the final baking piece. Easy, peasy and so good. Enjoying Recreating Travel Memories with Food Since we are all grounded right now and we can’t even consider travel, we are striving to recreate some occasional travel memories with recipes we make at home.…

  • Travel

    Our Six Favourite Trips for Teens and Families

    This trips for teens post was written by my daughter, Ainsley, 16. Together, we visited many of these destinations while on hosted media trips. Post contains affiliate links to tours and destinations we recommend.   Over the past few months, during the pandemic, I can’t help but dwell upon how much I enjoy travelling. Travelling is one of my favourite things to do, and I know not every individual my age gets that opportunity. I know that I am lucky, because my mom’s job is one of the coolest jobs around. My mom is a travel writer, so her life…

  • family

    103 + PRIDE Gifts and Decorations

    This year, kind of got shorted as far as PRIDE is concerned. I have felt a bit sad about that for a few weeks now. June is typically a month that is synonymous with Pride gifts and Pride celebrations. Pride parades are commonplace in many major cities. But Coronavirus has made that less possible this year. I mean a few of the Pride celebrations went virtual and I love that they were that creative with their approach, but at the same time, I still want a bit more. After all celebrating diversity is a thing that I value here in…

  • Food

    U Pick Farms Near London Ontario for Fresh Local Fruit

    Why not take a quick local morning adventure or day trip to one of these U Pick Farms near London, Ontario? One of the things I miss the most this year, during this particular season is the abundance of local markets that are usually open. I often have enjoyed gathering all of the shades of the rainbow from Masonville Farmer’s Market, open from May through October in the Masonville Mall parking lot near my neighbourhood. But, this year with Coronavirus still in the driver’s seat we have all learned to proceed without a lot of our favourite conveniences. However, even…

  • Printables

    My Fun Little Australia Book for Kids

    Australia is one of those destinations that people just can’t hear enough about. The land down under is almost mythical. So, right now I thought this little Australia Book for Kids would be a fun resource to share. What child or adult full of wanderlust and curiosity hasn’t wanted to visit Australia at least once? It’s worth the visit, even if just for the wildlife alone. Then again, maybe it’s the upside down seasons that are so very captivating. Whatever the reason for your curiosity or interest in Australia, this Australia Book is the resource for you. See below for…

  • Food

    Perfect Tangy Lemon Meringue Cupcakes

    These Lemon Meringue Cupcakes are most, tangy, sweet and memorable. They might change your life. Imagine tangy lemon, plus crunchy sweet toasted meringue, grounded by the moist comforting flavour of vanilla cake. Mad tasty combination, right? Perfect textures and oh my gosh refreshing! These Lemon Meringue Cupcakes are what you need this summer. Tastiest Cupcakes Ever! These tangy lemon meringue cupcakes might be the best cupcakes I have made yet. By now, you all know deeply ingrained my love for lemon is. It’s simply always my favourite taste. That tangy sour fresh juicy lemon flavour rocks. Of course, everyone adores…

  • Travel

    Healthy Satisfying Train Ride or Road Trip Snacks

    When taking long trips, either by road or by train, it can be challenging to keep everyone nourished and rested. Most forms of public transportation, including trains, offer high calorie, heavily processed foods. And as for road trip snacks, even when you take a long ride by car together, you need to plan your stops and road trip snacks or you end up eating poorly and wasting a lot of money. Why Do Healthy Road Trip Snacks Matter? Without a stable arsenal of healthy and hearty options, your family can quickly find themselves tired, hungry, stressed, and lacking money. We…

  • family

    Two of the Best Books for Parents of Teens to Read Right Now

    Why aren’t there more books for parents of teens? I mean is there a harder stage? I don’t think so. That’s why, when I found these two resources for Parents of Teens I was happy to share them with the world. I received product for consideration here. Post also contains affiliate links. The title, Parenting the New Teen in the Age of Anxiety by Dr. John Duffy snagged my attention immediately when I saw it recently from Mango Publishing. Anxiety, check. Teen daughters, check. Could this be more relevant to my kids, my life as a parenting and my current…

  • Printables

    Best Minecraft Scavenger Hunt for Kids

    There’s no denying that Minecraft is still a massive runaway phenomenon. So, with that in mind I asked one of my helpers to build this Minecraft Scavenger Hunt for Kids so I could share it with readers here on Thrifty Mommas Tips. At first, I didn’t really get it. I mean it looks pretty simple. But my older daughter assures me that the popular video game has evolved dramatically ands this is why it is experiencing success again with tweens and teens everywhere. My two kids were into this hook line and sinker five years ago. Now, my younger girl…

  • Travel

    Ultimate Tips for Your First Yellowstone Visit

    With parks cautiously opening up again in various US states and Canadian provinces, I thought it seemed like a great time to share some tips for your first Yellowstone visit. Planning is important to get the most out of your Yellowstone trip, so take the time now to read up on where to stay and what to see and get it right, whether you are visiting this season or next. I visited Yellowstone and Cody, Wyoming with Austin Adventures in 2019. Here, I gathered my research, personal experiences and reached out to some contacts and friends who are National Parks…