A few tips for a more relaxing summer It’s all right to slow down!
WRITTEN BY
Nathalie Prézeau
We’re running all year round, aren’t we? Then comes the summer and we just can’t stop the momentum. We keep rushing and we tackle the planning of our kids’ freedom with the same intense frenzy as if it were back-to-school time
By mid-June, those who are “on top of things” have already put the pieces of the summer logistical puzzle into place. Their kids have been registered to multiple camps and other enriching activities before and after some exciting family vacation. Meanwhile, the rest of us are panicking, scrambling to save our family from a disastrous summer (Thanks, Mom!).
No need to panic
First of all, did you know that many people don’t plan their vacations far in advance? I could not find stats for Ontario but according to the Quebec Ministry of Tourism, 56% of Québécois start planning a trip within the province only two weeks or less prior to the vacation. (Feeling better now?)
Secondly, a large part of our angst comes from our belief that a lack of planned activities is synonymous to total boredom for the kids. Which is weird considering most of the adults’ best childhood memories are made of simple summer pleasures involving minimal planning and supervision on the part of their parents: stop at the ice-cream truck, parties with the cousins, hot-dogs on the BBQ, games in the local park with their friends and lots of water fun.
What do you want?
It is vital that every family member gets a clear idea of a few things they’d badly want on a wish list of summer activities. All members will have different expectations, but as long as each one gets to cross a few items off their list, the summer will be a success: a water-balloon fight, a golf game with Junior, organizing a block party, trying a new water park, sipping a cocktail on a fancy patio with girlfriends (moms are people too!), watching the sun set over the horizon. You get the gist.
Need some help? Check April Durrett’s article Planning Your Ideal Vacation and download her Vacation Needs Worksheet PDF.
A few simple ideas
Can’t take a long vacation? Take your family on a sleepover in a local hotel. With a pool!Arrive early to enjoy the pool. Return to swim after dinner. Check out after breakfast and go back to the pool for one last dip. (As a bonus, rent a movie in the evening and order pizza to eat in the room. Kids will love it!)
Put up a tent in the backyard. Supply everyone with a flashlight and organize a game of light-tag with local friends (when you’re touched by the light, you’re it). Then, bring out sparklers (at least three per child).
No budget to travel? Time to play the tourist in your own town. There are three golden rules to a successful “staycation”: 1) Make sure to choose activities you don’t normally do in your daily life. 2) Allow for a little budget to indulge more than you would normally do (to go to a restaurant, to get a treat or to buy a little water toy). 3) Hire a babysitter at least one afternoon to enjoy lunch (less expensive and as decadent as a dinner) in a good local restaurant, with your partner or a friend.
Try trading! Plan for your friends’ kids to come over to play with yours for the whole day. Let them return the favour the next day.
Choose activities with minimum parental supervision. Drop all the Lego blocks on a blanket on the front yard. It will attract neighbourhood kids like flies. Supply the popsicles.
Take out plenty of big chalk for kids to draw a city on the sidewalk. Supply the little toy cars.
Supply all the items and condiments to fix a meal or a dessert. Then let the kids assemble their own creation. It’s even more fun with friends!This works great for pizzas on pita bread, sandwiches, tacos, and ice cream or cupcake decorating.
A few good resources
If you really do want to go somewhere for a few days, here are a few good reference sites.
www.bonjourquebec.com (covers the 22 tourist regions of Quebec, with interactive maps and an advance search option to find the most suitable accommodations and activities)
Nathalie Prezeau has played the tourist in and around the city since she moved to Toronto from Montreal 20 years ago. She’s the author of Toronto Fun Places… for families, now in its 5th edition. Her new guide Toronto Urban Strolls… for girlfriends offers a fun way to explore Toronto with the help of 28 strolls with walking maps, distances and over 800 colour photos. Both guides are sold in major bookstores and online on www.torontofunplaces.com and www.torontourbanstrolls.com.
Young people can find themselves part of the criminal justice system in Canada from the age of twelve. Until the age of seventeen their charges fall under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, legislation created to reflect their particular circumstances and needs. Youth custodial facilities separate alleged young offenders from adults. And yet, the reality can still be a very scary place for both parents or caregivers and the youths charged.
Understanding the criminal procedure flowing from an arrest is essential to achieving the best possible result. A criminal defence lawyer can help families navigate through the system, understand the charges faced, and determine which rights may have been infringed.
Steps in the legal system requiring preparation can include:
• Bail Hearing Court
• Set Date Court
• Disclosure of the alleged offence
• Pre-trial meeting(s)
• Judicial pre-trial meeting(s)
• Trial
At each stage, decisions may need to be made which will effect the outcome of the proceedings. It is important to have a comprehensive understanding of all complex issues before making those important decisions.
If families do not have the funds to hire a lawyer by private means, they can apply to the provincial Legal Aid program. In that case, a certificate to retain a lawyer will be issued if the applicant qualifies (payment terms may apply).
The court system is not the time to abandon a troubled youth, especially when she or he may have a defence. A family’s support can make the difference in ensuring that any lessons learned are positive ones.
Here is my story about a modern day super hero for parents, Five Star Rug and Carpet Cleaning, in a true action-packed adventure in the life of a family.
I came home this afternoon to find five of the stairs of my home had grease spots on the carpet runner going upstairs. I am not sure how it happened, but there it was. I called my husband, and we realized that we had to act fast before it set.
Where was a mom to go? The internet of course. I visited HomeStars.com, a site I like to visit because it gives me reviews for home improvement stars before I call. I looked for carpet cleaners in my area, who could visit within the next few hours.
I was fortunate to speak with Bob Geran of Five Star Rug & Carpet Cleaning (www.5starcleaning.ca) who arrived within an hour. He was very professional and easy to talk to. He told me his carpet cleaning is chemical free. And most importantly, he helped make our carpet runner look as good as new.
In addition to rug and carpet cleaning, Five Star Rug & Carpet Cleaning offers 24/7 Emergency Services for flood and water damage. I hope that I will never have to use this service, but if I do, I know who I will call.
A home disaster was diverted, and a great carpet cleaner is in my book for future visits. This day definitely had a happy ending.
Five Star Rug & Carpet Cleaning can be contacted at either 416-315-7562 or at www.5starcleaning.ca.
On the last day of school, I breathe a sigh of relief. Although I mostly enjoy the routine of school days, I find that by then I need a break from it as much as our daughters do.
Other than taking a break from routine, what I look forward to the most is re connecting as a family. Last summer we were fortunate to have taken a trip to England and France. We rented a quaint artist’s studio in the centre of London, stayed close to the Eiffel tower in Paris, and despite the overwhelming heat, enjoyed seeing the sights as a family. Eating crepes on the street in Paris, sitting by the Eiffel tower and watching it light up after the sun had set are some of our fondest memories. However, beyond the sights and special finds in Europe, we all agree that what we treasure most is the time we spent together.
Last year’s trip was more extravagant than usual. This year we’re thinking of staying closer to home.
I’ve come to realize that even when we take time off our work schedules and promise to spend family time in the city, something usually interrupts our time together. Even with the best of intentions, there’s usually something to divert our attention away from one another. That’s why we always escape to Fern Resort, near Orillia, Ontario – if only for a few nights, every summer. Although we love seeking out new adventures, there’s something comforting about the familiarity of returning to Fern Resort at the same time every year. Something about returning to activities that we know and love - bingo and fishing are the girls’ faves! So when they insist that if nothing else, we must go back year after year, we’re thrilled because we want to too.
We’re considered “alumni” now since we’ve been guests at Fern for five years – usually capping off the summer by spending a wonderful Labour Day weekend enjoying their incredible programs and activities.
Here then are some things to consider and what to look for when choosing a family friendly vacation this summer:
1. Considering the age of your children, how far do you want to venture from home? Especially when they’re young, and especially if you’d prefer to drive, you may want to consider finding a family friendly spot closer to home.
2. Unless you’re going camping or renting a cottage and creating your own fun, make sure that there are activities at the resort or hotel that you can all enjoy. We especially love watching the evening entertainment shows as a family at Fern. During the day, there are programs and activities that cater to our individual needs if we choose.
3. Some of the best times when away are meal times. At home, how often do you get to just sit together, be served and then have someone else clean up after you?
4. Check that the resort or hotel has high chairs or booster seats if you need. Since you want to encourage eating together, make sure that they don’t insist on separate dining times for adults and children.
5. Share a room if you can. Some places insist on no more than two people per room. This defeats the purpose of being together. I’d rather have the four of us share 2 queen or double sized beds than to be in separate rooms. We do that at home.
6. Find a spot that you can make a tradition out of going to every summer. If your children grow up going to the same spot every year, they will learn their way around the facility really well. Now that our kids are older and have been to Fern so many times, its comforting knowing that we can soak up some rays by the swimming pool while our children navigate their own way around the property.
While away, we often talk about the school year that has passed and the one to come. Again, free of distractions, the kids communicate more openly and the effects of this connection spill over into our lives for months after we return home.
Happy travelling!
Sara Dimerman, C.Psych.Assoc., provides in office and over the phone counseling to individuals, couples and families. A parent herself, she is the author of two parenting books, ‘Am I A Normal Parent?’ and ‘Character Is the Key.’ Listen to advice from Sara and other experts by searching for “helpmesara” on iTunes. Find out more at www.helpmesara.com.
For many people, June is happy month! School is ending, the days are longer, the sun is warmer, many workplaces have summer hours and people are generally in a happier place! When people are happier, they are more likely to share that happiness with friends and family by hosting parties; be it in the backyard, around the pool or at the cottage. As a caterer, that makes me happy! It’s going to be a busy cooking season with weddings, bon voyage parties, cocktail parties and birthday celebrations booked. Summer menus are bursting with bright colours, simple cooking methods and a focus on fresh flavours. For some hosts, hiring a caterer is the best option for them; no mess, no work and no stress. Others like the thrill of planning a menu, sourcing the best ingredients and making their tables a picture of summer beauty. Regardless of what category you fall into, I have something to make your summer entertaining a breeze. Pour yourself a glass of cool lemonade and browse through my summer catering menu (http://nhughes.homestead.com/hireachef.html) or sip away and start planning your next menu with two of my easy no fuss summer entertaining recipes. Either way, have a wonderful and delicious start to your summer!
Ricotta Fritters with Fresh Ontario Tomato & Mint Salad
Serves 4
Ingredients:
• 500g fresh ricotta
• ¼ cup (20g) finely grated parmesan
• 2 tablespoons plain (all-purpose) flour, plus extra, for dusting
• ¼ cup chopped chives
• 1 egg
• sea salt and cracked black pepper
• 1 eggwhite
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large tomato, diced
• ¼ cup minced red onion or sweet Vidalia onion
• 2 tbsp freshly chopped mint
• Salt and pepper to serve
1. Place the ricotta, parmesan, flour, chives, egg, salt and pepper in a bowl and mix well to combine.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggwhite until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped egg through the ricotta mixture.
3. Using moistened hands, shape ¼-cupfuls of the mixture into fritters and dust each side with the extra flour. DO AHEAD: the fritters can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and kept covered in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook them.
4. For the salad, combine the tomato, onion and mint in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Cook the fritters, in batches, for 2–3 minutes on each side or until browned.
6. Serve with a tomato, mint and onion salad.
Fresh Strawberry Bellini
Serves 8
Ingredients:
• 1 bottle Prosecco or sparkling wine
• 2 cups pureed and strained fresh strawberries
• Fresh mint for garnish
Place 8 Champagne flutes in the freezer for 20 minutes.
Open the prosecco and let it stand in an ice bucket for 5 minutes.
Into a pitcher, pour the 2 cups pureed strawberries.
Gently pour in the bottle of prosecco and stir gently to combine.
Divide among Champagne flutes and serve garnished with a mint sprig.
Nadine Hughes is the creator and owner of, The Cook’s Companion and The Menu Companion, through which she offers kitchen consultations, menu planning services as well as private cooking classes for adults and teens throughout Southern Ontario. She is also an award winning author. Pick up a copy of her latest cookbook “The Groove Mamma Goes Gourmet – Easy Ways To Put The Fun Back Into Entertaining” (awarded Best Canadian Entertaining Cookbook at the 2009 Gourmand Cookbook Awards) for $7.98 at www.groovemamma.com
Hit the road with Mickey Mouse and your favourite Disney friends for a hilarious talent search in Disney Live! Mickey’s Rockin’ Road Show! Produced by Feld Entertainment, this stage spectacular features classic Disney characters in an all-new adventure with an original storyline that will delight the entire family.
Save $5 using the promo code BLOG … because we love to help you save money while having fun (scroll down for more details below the show image).
From the producers of Disney On Ice, this fun-packed production is coming to the following 7 cities:
KITCHENER – Centre in the Square: January 7/11
OTTAWA – Ottawa Civic Centre: January 8/11
LONDON – John Labatt Centre: January 9/11
OSHAWA – GM Centre: January 13/11
TORONTO – Rogers Centre: January 14-16/11
WINDSOR – WFCU Centre: January 21/11
HAMILTON – Copps Coliseum: January 22-23/11
Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy set out on a zany road trip where audiences join in and help find the coolest acts around. Along the way, hit a high note with Cinderella; get your bounce on with Tigger; and shout out your loudest “yee-haw” at a hoedown with Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear from Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story! Grab your family for a fun-filled getaway at this live, show-stopping adventure jam-packed with unexpected twists, turns and hijinks —right in your hometown!
Special bonus! Starting fifteen minutes before every show, sing, dance and play along at the Playhouse Disney Pre-Show Party! This interactive experience features a live host and video highlights from “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse,” “Handy Manny,” “Imagination Movers,” “Special Agent Oso” and “Jungle Junction.” Free to all ticket holders.
Tickets are on sale now. For more information, visit www.disneylive.com or visit Facebook and YouTube.
The City of Hamilton will host the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train on Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2010 at approximately 8:00 p.m. This specially decorated freight train will stop at Gage Park on Lawrence Road as part of its journey across the country to build awareness and donations for local food banks. Please bring a non-perishable donation for the Hamilton Food Share.
The CP Holiday Train is about 1,000 feet in length with 14 decorated rail cars, including a modified box car that has been turned into a traveling stage for performers. Juno-award-winning Canadian singer Melanie Doane will perform for free during the Train’s stop at Gage Park.
In order to ensure public safety during the Holiday Train event, a section of Lawrence Road (from Ottawa to Cumberland) will be closed from 7:00 p.m. to approximately 9:00 p.m. Before and after the road closure, the Gage Park parking lot will be accessible for parking.
Tickets Now On Sale for Toronto, Ottawa, London, Hamilton, Kitchener, Windsor & Oshawa Shows
TORONTO, ON – October 4/10— Hit the road with Mickey Mouse and your favourite Disney friends for a hilarious talent search in Disney Live! Mickey’s Rockin’ Road Show! Produced by Feld Entertainment, this stage spectacular features classic Disney characters in an all-new adventure with an original storyline that will delight the entire family.
From the producers of Disney On Ice, this fun-packed production is coming to the following 7 cities:
KITCHENER – Centre in the Square: January 7/11
OTTAWA – Ottawa Civic Centre: January 8/11
LONDON – John Labatt Centre: January 9/11
OSHAWA – GM Centre: January 13/11
TORONTO – Rogers Centre: January 14-16/11
WINDSOR – WFCU Centre: January 21/11
HAMILTON – Copps Coliseum: January 22-23/11
Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy set out on a zany road trip where audiences join in and help find the coolest acts around. Along the way, hit a high note with Cinderella; get your bounce on with Tigger; and shout out your loudest “yee-haw” at a hoedown with Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear from Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story! Grab your family for a fun-filled getaway at this live, show-stopping adventure jam-packed with unexpected twists, turns and hijinks —right in your hometown!
Special bonus! Starting fifteen minutes before every show, sing, dance and play along at the Playhouse Disney Pre-Show Party! This interactive experience features a live host and video highlights from “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse,” “Handy Manny,” “Imagination Movers,” “Special Agent Oso” and “Jungle Junction.” Free to all ticket holders.
Kitchener Ticket Prices & Showtimes:
$65 (Front Row), $50 (VIP), $30, $22.50
January 7 – 3 pm
Tickets available at www.centre-square.com or 800-265-8977
Ottawa Ticket Prices & Showtimes:
$75 (Front Row), $50 (VIP), $37.50, $27.50
January 8 – 12:30 pm & 3:30 pm
Tickets available at www.ticketmaster.ca or 613-755-1111
London Ticket Prices & Showtimes:
$75 (Front Row) $60 (VIP), $40, $30, $20
January 9 – 12:30 pm & 3:30 pm
Tickets available at www.johnlabattcentre.com or 866-455-2849
Oshawa Ticket Prices & Showtimes:
$65 (Front Row), $50 (VIP), $32.50, $25
January 13 – 10:30 am & 6:30 pm
Tickets available at www.generalmotorscentre.com or 877-436-8811
Toronto Ticket Prices & Showtimes:
$75 (Front Row), $50 (VIP), $35, $27, $20
January 14 – 7 pm
January 15 – 11 am, 2 pm & 5 pm
January 16 – 11 am & 2 pm
Tickets available at www.ticketmaster.ca or 416-870-8000
Windsor Ticket Prices & Showtimes:
$40 (Front Row), $32 (VIP), $23, $18
January 21 – 3:30 pm & 6:30 pm
Tickets available at www.wfcu-centre.com or 866-969-WFCU
Hamilton Ticket Prices & Showtimes:
$60 (Front Row), $45 (VIP), $30, $23
January 22 – 2 pm & 5 pm
January 23 – 12 pm & 3 pm
Tickets available at www.ticketmaster.ca or 905-527-7666
Tickets are on sale now. For more information, visit www.disneylive.com or visit Facebook and YouTube.
About Feld Entertainment
Feld Entertainment is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live touring family entertainment experiences that lift the human spirit and create indelible memories, with 30 million people in attendance at its shows each year. Feld Entertainment’s productions have appeared in more than 70 countries on six continents and include Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®, Feld Motor Sports, Disney On Ice and Disney Live!.
I don’t camp. I know it’s supposedly lovely to commune with nature and sleep under the stars, but all I can think of is bugs and dirt and having to use an outhouse. NOT my idea of a good time. Cottaging is fun. But in order to cottage, one must actually HAVE a cottage, or at least friends or family members who’ll invite you to their cottage. Yes, I know you can rent them. But usually that involves bringing up your own linens and groceries, and you spend all your time cooking and tidying up while you’re there, and piles of laundry when you get home. That seems like a lot of work for a mini-break or a long weekend.
But this summer we discovered a fantastic cottage-y experience that kept us busy outside, AND we slept in comfy beds AND I didn’t have to cook or really do any kind of chore all weekend. That place is called Fern Resort – and I think my husband and I are hooked.
The driveway is lined with huge willow trees that dance in the breeze. The grounds and gardens are lovingly manicured, but not so precious that you can’t romp in them. Fern Resort is a true family escape. There’s so many activities that you can do together, but the PlayVillage steps in to look after little ones aged 0-6 so mom and dad can have some grown-up time too. All the rooms are plenty spacious for a family of four, and your kids can choose to eat from the buffet, or choose a child-sized portion from the adult menu.
Speaking of the food, it was fantastic and it was plentiful. I always pack snacks for when we travel, and on this trip they sat untouched. For most packages at Fern, three meals a day are included, and in addition to the entrees, there was always plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables to enjoy with your meal or bundle up for a snack later. You sit at the same table for every meal, and our high chair was always set up and ready to go for when we arrived. There is a 24-hr complimentary coffee and tea service in the Main Inn, and we were always able to get milk for the baby there too.
My husband and I both came home from our weekend at the Fern totally rested and rejuvenated, and we didn’t even try out the spa. It wasn’t necessary – it just felt great to get out of the city for a couple of nights and spend some fun time together playing outdoors with the kids.
Fern Resort is open year-round, with new activities available as the seasons change. I’m already thinking how wonderful a hayride would be amongst the fall foliage. Maybe another mini-break will be in order next month!
Corinne McDermott is the founder of Have Baby Will Travel, your online guide for family travel with babies, toddlers, and young children. Connect with her online at www.havebabywilltravel.com or www.twitter.com/hvbabywilltrvl
• Reduces plaque build-up in arteries, protecting against heart problems.
• Nutrients found in apples protect the brain against Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
• Soluble and insoluble fibre contained in apples aids digestion, resulting in weight control and a healthy digestive system.
• Assists with cholesterol control.
• Research suggests that apples may reduce the risks of many cancers including colon, breast, prostate and lung.
• Apples contain many antioxidants like Phlorizidin.
Chudleigh’s Entertainment Farm
Head over to Chudleigh’s in August for the first fruit of the season- Tydeman, Sunrise, Jersey Mac and Vista Bella. Chudleigh’s is open 7 days a week in August from 10am-5pm. Admission is $5.50 for ages 4 and up. A family of four can visit for just $17.50. Chudleigh’s is located at: 9528 Hwy 25 in Halton Hills, Ontario. For more info please visit www.chudleighs.com.
A few tips for a more relaxing summer
It is vital that every family member gets a clear idea of a few things they’d badly want on a wish list of summer activities. All members will have different expectations, but as long as each one gets to cross a few items off their list, the summer will be a success: a water-balloon fight, a golf game with Junior, organizing a block party, trying a new water park, sipping a cocktail on a fancy patio with girlfriends (moms are people too!), watching the sun set over the horizon. You get the gist.
WRITTEN BY
