Coquitlam Mommy Page

Coquitlam Mommy Blog has moved to it's NEW HOME!

noreply@blogger.com (Coquitlam Mommy Page) — Sun, 6 Mar 2011 21:45:00 -0800

You can now find us at www.coquitlammommy.ca

Coquitlam Mommy Newsletter - February 21, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Coquitlam Mommy Page) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 19:09:00 -0800

Hard to believe that it's the end of February and we're almost in to Spring. There's still time to sign up for the 5lb challenge and be entered in the draw to win a $50 gift card to Lululemon. After you 'like' our Facebook Page, submit a healthy recipe and a fun activity to do with your little one here. The draw is in 2 days, get your name entered today!

Earlier in the week I started doing a little reading about keeping your life simple to find happiness. The whole idea made me laugh a little as I thought of all the things mom's go through on a regular basis. We're constantly juggling things like play dates, nap times, meals, and chores. As the week wore on, I realized that most of us moms set unrealistic goals for what we take on and can do in a day or even a week. Then you have the little things that can throw us off track. Take my day yesterday for example. I managed to get my swimsuit locked in my front-loading washer just before swim lessons. Then I forgot a file on the roof of my car, which I thought wasn't working because it was in reverse all along and not park! If I really stressed about the little things then I'd need a straight jacket, instead I find the humour in all that goes wrong over a coffee and a laugh with other moms.

This has all led me to our theme for next month. March is going to be all about Taking Time For Mom. We will be running several events and outings that will be mom focused, posting articles that have you in mind and promotions that take time to think about how a mom needs a bit of time to reconnect with her awesome self.

So for next month join us in a month that is all about loving ourselves and being selfish for once!

Highlights of the week

We've moved our events page to Meetup.com. This allows us to take advantage of Meetup's unique features that Facebook didn't such as setting up recurring events and allowing members to not only suggest but also create events. You can sign up for Meetup using your Facebook account and get started today!

Please note that the sponsorships and perks offered on the Meetup page are a service unique to the page and do not generate any benefits (monetary or otherwise) to Coquitlam Mommy.

Other exciting news is that we've updated our website. We've got articles and posts archived neatly for you to peruse. In case you can't find something you're looking for use our new "Search" function. Please check it out and let us know of any features you'd like to see added. While there, sign up for our weekly newsletter to be delivered straight to your inbox. Upgrades and changes to the site will be continuing through the next few weeks.

Page Turners

Monday The Bullfrog by Matthew Van Fleet

Fans of Matthew Van Fleets other books (Heads, Tails and Alphabet to name a few) won’t be disappointed by this one. This is a multi-concept book that combines a touch and feel story with a puppet toy. Read more...

Baby Fingers: Teaching Your Baby To Sign by Lora Heller

On many recent playdates I have heard parents ask: “Are you teaching sign language?” With so much information out there and options, this is a great choice. Read more...

Tunes

Hushabye Baby; Lullaby Renditions of Taylor Swift by Taylor Swift

This is a unique album for the little one! I am not a huge Taylor Swift fan, but the sounds effects used for the lullaby versions are really good. Read more...

February's 5 pound Challenge Highlights

Facebook Highlights of the Week

iPhone/Backberry App of the week

If you sign up for Coquitlam Mommy on Meetup you'll be able to RSVP for events, meet other moms and if you download their app, sync your iPhone or Blackberry calendar.

Product Recall's

Bob Stroller Recall

Events and Activities:

Be sure to check out our Meetup page for all the fun activities we'll be doing this week. Some of the highlights include a fun playdate at Koko's and the kick off event for our Mom focused month with a ladies night out at Brown's SocialHouse.

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Sasamat Lake/White Pines Hike

Thursday

Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Coquitlam Mommy Page) — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 23:18:00 -0800

Coquitlam Mommy Newsletter February 15/2011
I apologize for the delay on this Newsletter! I unfortunately was called in for dental work that has set me behind schedule and has taken a few days to get back on schedule.
This week there were several changes on our Facebook Page due to their new 'page' updates. All Events and Discussions will now be listed on the side bar, as it is done on your personal page. We have also changed the name of our group on Facebook to embrace our growing community. We greatly appreciate your feedback and submissions for content. All of this is allowing us to meet the interests of our members and the diverse nature of our group.

We are also still running a '5 Pound Challenge' on the Coquitlam Mommy Page. For those that have not signed up yet, please do! There is a $50 coupon for Lululemon up for grabs and only takes you sharing your fitness and nutrition tips that you use to get your self to your most comfortable you! If you havent signed up, you should check this out as the content has been very helpful for the group and keeps us buzzing on our walks and play dates.

Please be sure to also share our page with others as you never know what they will contribute or take away for their families.

Highlights of the Week from Coqutilam Mommy Page (Facebook)

iPhone App's of the Week
V-Tech - Whats that Noise

Gymboree - Kareoki and games to play with your little one anywhere

Shape Up Club Calorie and Activity Tracker

iPhone App - Total Baby (for tracking feedings and sleep)

Other News:
Coquitlam Farmers Market

VW SuperBowl Commercial

Crock Pot Recipe Site

Golden Girls - Finance for Women

Koko's Playdate Drop In Center in Port Moody

Eating out with Baby Article by The Bump

Youtube Video - Elephants

Johnson Baby Canada - Baby Photo Contest

Bell Baby Carrier for Bike on sale at Costco $149

Kids Sport Registration for assistance of sports for kids!

Great talk on TED TV about Women in Leadership. A great watch for Mom's raising little girls! For those working mom's and mom's going back this is also a great listen to take pride in the example you set for your little ones! The speaker is COO of Facebook: Sheryl Sandberg.

Cold Remedies for Babies

Cheerios and Toddlers - Talk/Event in West Vancouver

Last Weeks Highlights

Kids Swap Meet at Cloverdale on Feb 19th 10-1pm

Port Moody Farmers Market

Mom and Baby workout (Youtube)

Mom and Baby Aquafit in Pit Meadows

Starbucks E-Gift Cards - (you can send these by email or Facebook)

Local Business - Goober Baby

Vancouver Mom Article - 8 Great Books for your little one

Rainy Day Top 10 Things to do inside with your little one

Nestle Baby Cereal Info

Milupa Danone Cereal - CM Mom's are having better results for quantity with this cereal

Beechnut Cereal - with prunes and raisins

PC Organic Cereal

Recalls:

Car Seat Safety Notice (Check your seat)

Toys R' Us - Expired Formula

Foam Playmats banned in EU

Phil and Ted's Jogging Stroller

CM Download Images

Food Guide from Wholesome Baby & Babies First Teeth

Coquitlam Mommy Page Blog Highlights
Detox Smoothie

Transitioning to independent eating (Sharon Chong)

White Pines/Sasamat Lake Loop - Baby friendly Hike

Mediteranean Couscous Salad (Eat Clean)

Coquitlam Mommy Blog: Scrap Booking Babies First Year

Coquitlam Mommy Blog: Little Page Turners

Coquitlam Mommy Blog: Local Classes for your little one

Our Resource Page - Yawns, Sniffles and On the Road - We have added this as a Resource Page for families looking for further reading on common issues. We will be adding to this page as we grow. Let me know if you have anything to add to this.

Whats Mom Cooking? - We hope to share recipe's for the little ones and for families preparing dinners. We have added a few fantastic recipes this week from our on going 5 Pound Challenge worth checking our!

Eat Clean Almond Butter/ Peanut Butter Cookies

Mediteranean Couscous Salad (Eat Clean)

Also there has been a huge amount of discussion about the programs that are cost conscious in the Tri-Cities area! As many of us are on EI or some sort of reduced income with the addition of our little ones, I have started to put together a local calendar to refer to for events under $5 or FREE! Check out this link on our Facebook Page for more info! Calendar Link

Find Us on Facebook!

Coquitlam Mommy Page started with 9 women who had taken a prenatal class at Douglas College in Winter 2010. After having our reunion to meet all the babies, we discovered that all of our group was wanting to get out, get active with the babies and share our experiences. We started with a group walk at Rocky Point for 5 km that grew to numbers of 15 on sunny days in the summer, and we have grown from there. As the months have gone on we have shared everything from diaper choices, places to find deals, highchair options, breast feeding issues, events to attend together and everything else that a new mom may need to chat about. We are still growing and have been greatly inspired by all the new members that share and attend our events. In short we are here as a community for mom's in the Tri-cities and elsewhere to discuss issues and ideas with other moms. With all the information out there, it is fantastic to hear what real moms are doing.

Lil Page Turners of the Week

The Belly Button Book by Sandra Boynton (submitted by Raheel SI found this book on sale at Winners one day and flipped through it in the store and was hooked. I loved the cute cartoon hippos and the belly button song in an instant. The author has a great sense of rhythm and rhyme. The illustrations are super cute and eye catching. Who wouldn’t want to spend time on Belly Button Beach where hippos spend their time walking in bathing suits too little, so you can admire the button on their middle!

On the Stereo for Lil Ears

Mainly Mother Goose: Sharon Lois and Bram. After discussing Sharon Lois and Bram with a fellow mom, I have now opened my eyes to the fact that not all of us grew up with this crazy 3 musicians. If you have not purchased one of their albums I would recommend it as they are always great to sing along to!

This Weeks Event Highlights

Sasamat / White Pines Walk

This will be a refreshing walk for parents wanting to get out and enjoy a afternoon with their little ones. This walk take just over an hour and I recommend bringing a snack and a bottle. From the Port Moody Rec Center, it is a 15 min. drive to White Pines Beach.

Please read this article for more information on this walk.

Baby and Me Snowshoe Guided Tour!

Another fantastic outing with the little ones at Mount Seymour. This is a great way to get active and enjoy the snowy weather with the family. For more information on this event see the above link.

Please read the following article on snowshoeing with your little ones.

Outdoor Walk and Playdate at the Port Moody Rec Center

Wonderful walk for mom's and dad's to get out and get social with other parents. The Port Moody Rec Center is open from 10:30 - Noon and we will be walking at Noon from the front doors of the Rec Center. Come join us and enjoy the afternoon. If it is raining, we will be moving indoors to the upstairs track. This will be stroller friendly.

5 Km Running Group

We are looking for more mom's to come out and join us for a run. We do a steady run walk and are motivating each other to get running and have fun. Be warned their maybe some mom chat and baby talk!

Our mailing address is:

info@coquitlammommy.com

Teresa’s Detox Drink – “To take out the Garbage”

noreply@blogger.com (Coquitlam Mommy Page) — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 21:01:00 -0800

Teresa’s Detox Drink

Please take a look at this fantastic smoothy recipe. This was shared by my auntie and is a go to for me when I am looking to do a cleanse! I add what ever fruit I am craving for the day (strawberries, mango, or berries).

“This is my aunt's recipe and this is her own views on health. Not to be taken as medical advice. Use at your own discretion.”

In blender add in order:

1 cup of frozen or/ fresh Organic blue berries
1 banana, fresh or frozen (peeled of course) if you don’t want it this sweet just omit or use only ½ of a banana.
1 cup of water (pure is best)

Blend- while running add the following:

1 Tbsp. Bentonite
1 Tbsp. Flax oil (cold press is best)
1 dropper full of Chlorophyll concentre
1 quick shake of cayenne pepper

Stop blender and add:

1 scoop of Protein powder (I use Iso Gold Plain which is 100% pure Whey Isolate)

1-2 Tbsp. fresh ground flax seed or/ bran or/ oat bran

Start blender and blend only until mixed.

(If you over mix, the flax seed will start to gel your drink and than you have a pudding.)

Pour and enjoy at home or on the run.

Notes:

- Flax seeds will scrub your colon wall from top to bottom and allow you to up take your nutrients better. Flax seeds can be pre ground in a coffee grinder and stored in the freezer. Once the seed is cracked it begins to go rancid once the air hits it, as do all seeds and grains. Think fresh!

- Flax oil should always be sold out of a fridge and stored in a fridge once brought home. Rancid, remember. Never, never heat this oil it is to be used raw and when heated become carcinogenic. Flax oil is one of the most powerful anti-cancer nutrients available to us.

-Blueberries are packed with antioxidants and are thought to help protect the body against the damaging effects of free radicals and the chronic diseases associated with the aging process. Use organic, as berries are the most heavily pesticides sprayed fruits you can buy.

- Bentonite is clay. When this clay absorbs water it swells up and stretches open and act like a sponge. Toxins, pathogenic viruses, herbicides and will be absorbed. Buy at the health food store.

-Chlorophyll is the de-gasser of your colon. Your small intestines will love all that great green plant food that is in a form that is ready to use with no work involved. Buy at a health food store. It is sold in a small glass bottle with an eyedropper. Store in fridge..

-Cayenne pepper: A study published in the late 1990’s in a British journal indicates Cayenne may help boost metabolism while suppressing appetite. Cayenne pepper as well has shown to lower stress-related fatigue and depression

Cayenne can rebuild the tissue in the stomach and the peristaltic action in the intestines. It aids elimination and assimilation, and helps the body to create hydrochloric acid, which is so necessary for good digestion and assimilation, especially of proteins.

Please contact the site admin for more information on the author's details. I have been using this as a detox cleanse for several years and feel a 100% better at the conclusion of the week!

Transitioning to Independent Eating (Submitted by Sharon Chong)

noreply@blogger.com (Coquitlam Mommy Page) — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 20:25:00 -0800

Tips for Transitioning from Feeding to Independent Eating & a Recipe for a Yummy Pasta Favourite!

When your child is around eight or nine months and can sit on his own without assistance, he may be ready for finger foods which means it’s time to start that transition from feeding to independent eating! My son, Logan, is now at this stage and I’ve been doing some research on what I can do to help him through these early stages of self-feeding.

First finger foods are foods that have previously passed the four day rule in pureed form and that dissolve in baby’s mouth or that can be gummed to a consistency which is easily swallowed. You can test a food by trying it yourself and checking to see if you can easily squash the food against the roof of your mouth. The following are types of finger foods commonly suggested when trying out finger foods with your little ones:

Dry cereals such as Cheerios & Nutrios
Snacky foods such as puffins and biscuits
Cottage cheese
Ripened fruit
Veggies
Short pasta (penne, rotini, etc.)
Boiled egg yolk
Chicken or Turkey
Semisoft cheeses
Bread

For an extensive list of finger foods, I recommend the wholesome baby food website regarding finger foods: http://www.wholesomebabyfood.com/babyfingerfood.htm. They list foods by fruit, veggies and other. Also, they have several great recipes including Sweet Potato Fries and Broccoli and Cheddar Cheese Nuggets.

From the many baby books I have on hand, one of my favourites is the Baby Whisperer Solves All Your Problems by Tracy Hogg. What she emphasizes is that there are two key elements to successfully aiding your baby through independent eating: patience and creativity.

Patience consists of allowing your baby to play, feel, and even squish their foods between their fingers. Before each meal, place the chosen finger food in front of your baby and allow them to explore with it. You can even feed yourself as babies do love to imitate their mommies and daddies. If not successful, don’t worry! At some point your baby will decide to amaze you and coordinate his little fingers to put that food in his mouth.

Creativity comes with not only the types of food you offer your baby but the form in which you present the foods. To name a few, veggies can be cut into shoestrings and baked liked fries; pasta can be mixed with your favourite veggies (see below for You-Build-It Lasagna, a favourite for mommy, daddy and baby); fruit can be baked; and chicken can be breaded and served as baby chicken strips! One of the Coquitlam Mommies, Brittany, shared that she even rolls Quinoa into balls so that her daughter Aydenne can pick it up and feed it to herself!

I know a lot of Coquitlam Mommies are going through the same thing right now so if you have any suggestions that have worked for your little ones, we’d appreciate you sharing! Good luck to all and here’s to having fun, being creative and helping our little ones take their first steps towards independence!!

You-Build-It Lasagna from The Eat-Clean Diet Cookbook by Tosca Reno

Ingredients:

4 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)

1 medium onion, peeled and chopped

3 cloves garlic, passed through a garlic press

3 ribs celery, trimmed and chopped

2 carrots, peeled and chopped

2 cups sliced mushrooms

1 ½ Tbsp low-sodium tamari

Freshly ground pepper

4 cups fresh spinach

Pasta:

1 lb dry lasagna noodles (I use whole-wheat rotini so that Logan can eat it too)

2 cups tomato sauce

2 ½ cups non-fat cottage cheese

6 cups grated low-or non-fat mozzarella cheese (I use 3 cups to lower the calories)

1 ½ cup goat cheese (I cut this out all together, again to reduce calories)

Instructions:

Step 1

Preheat oven to 375F. In large skillet heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, celery, and carrot. Cook 5 minutes until veggies are soft. Add mushrooms and sauté for another few minutes. Stir in tamari, pepper and spinach. Let spinach wilt.

Step 2

In a large saucepan bring water to a boil. Pour a little olive oil into the water to prevent sticking and cook pasta noodle al dante. Drain noodles and run under cold water to prevent over cooking.

Step 3

Spread ½ cup or more tomato sauce on the bottom of lasagna pan that’s been coated with a non-stick cooking spray. Place a layer of pasta noodles on top. Spread ¾ cup cottage cheese on top of the noodles along with 1 ½ cups of grated mozzarella cheese (or in my case ¾ cup), ½ cup of goat cheese (or in my case none), and one third of the spinach vegetable mixture. Repeat the layers until you run out of ingredients. End with tomato sauce on top.

Step 4

Bake in hot oven for 35 minutes. Sprinkle more grated mozzarella on to of the lasagna and return to oven for another 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside for 20 minutes before serving.

Coquitlam Mommy Newsletter - Feb 6th, 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Coquitlam Mommy Page) — Sun, 6 Feb 2011 12:33:00 -0800

Coquitlam Mommy Page Highlights and Events:

CM has had a lot of interesting content offered to our page this week as we continue to grow! Thank you to all of our readers for your active participation in CM Facebook Page and Blog. Our Page is also currently running a '5 Pound Challenge' that will remain open till the end of the month. The prize for this competition is $50 Lululemon gift certificate. The admission price for this prize you ask? This is a challenge to get out there, get active and share your eating right recipe's with the group so we can drop 5lbs in a month, challenge begins in Feb and ends in March 1s

Lil Page Turners of the Week

In the Night Kitchen (Caldecott Collection) This book was a classic in my house as a kid and one that my brother and me requested as adults for our collections to share with our children. I love reading this to my son... he giggles at many of the cute lines in this book and many of them take me back to my childhood. "I'm not milk and the milks not me. I'm Mickey". Be forewarned that there are some silly animations to go along with this sorry and a bit of nudity as Mickey goes on his search to save the day for the bakers;

On the Stereo for Lil Ears

Here comes science - They Might Be Giants - As a long time fan of They Might Be Giants, I was happy to see their kids album to add to my favorites. This one comes with an instructional DVD. This album covers everything from photosynthesis, why does the sun shine to the electric car. This one is a bit of a odd pick but a unique album for science lovers and new age parents.

Coquitlam Mommy Page Events for the Week

Monday:

Runners and Booties (Mon)

Mommy Running Group (5km Learn to Run)

Tuesday:

Parent and Baby Swim Day ($1 for you and $1 for Baby)

Baby Drop In

Gymboree Get Together (Free Session for First Timers)

Wednesday:

Sasamat Walk Around the Lake

Thursday:

Outdoor Walk/Play Date at Port Moody Rec Center

Baby and Me Snowshoe Guided Tour!

Friday:

Runners and Booties @ Coquitlam Center

Mommy Running Group (5Km Learn to Run)

Highlights of the Week from Coqutilam Mommy Page (Facebook)

iPhone App's of the Week

Other News:

Milupa Danone Cereal - CM Mom's are having better results for quantity with this cereal
Beechnut Cereal - with prunes and raisins
PC Organic Cereal

Last Weeks Highlights

Huge Indoor Kids Swap Meet - Saturday Feb 19th, 2011

Etsy Shop - Anew (Cute Products for your Baby)

Jillian Michaels - No More Trouble Zones Work Out Video

Crock Pot Cooking Idea: Cooking Sherri: Marc Murphy's Roast Chicken

Coquitlam Mommy Blog: Scrap Booking Babies First Year

Coquitlam Mommy Blog: Little Page Turners

Coquitlam Mommy Blog: Local Classes for your little one

Today I ate a rainbow

Klahanie Canoe Club in Port Moody! ZUMBA (Mon 10am) Mom & Baby

Recalls:

CM Download Images

Food Guide from Wholesome Baby & Babies First Teeth

Coquitlam Mommy Page Blog Highlights

White Pines/Sasamat Lake Loop - Baby friendly Hike

Mediteranean Couscous Salad (Eat Clean)

Coquitlam Mommy Blog: Scrap Booking Babies First Year

Coquitlam Mommy Blog: Little Page Turners

Coquitlam Mommy Blog: Local Classes for your little one

Our Resource Page - Yawns, Sniffles and On the Road - We have added this as a Resource Page for families looking for further reading on common issues. We will be adding to this page as we grow. Let me know if you have anything to add to this.
Whats Mom Cooking? - We hope to share recipe's for the little ones and for families preparing dinners. We have added a few fantastic recipes this week from our on going 5 Pound Challenge worth checking our!

Also there has been a huge amount of discussion about the programs that are cost conscious in the Tri-Cities area! As many of us are on EI or some sort of reduced income with the addition of our little ones, I have started to put together a local calendar to refer to for events under $5 or FREE! Check out this link on our Facebook Page for more info! Calendar Link

Find Us on Facebook!

Coquitlam Mommy Page started with 9 women who had taken a prenatal class at Douglas College in Winter 2010. After having our reunion to meet all the babies, we discovered that all of our group was wanting to get out, get active with the babies and share our experiences. We started with a group walk at Rocky Point for 5 km that grew to numbers of 15 on sunny days in the summer, and we have grown from there. As the months have gone on we have shared everything from diaper choices, places to find deals, highchair options, breast feeding issues, events to attend together and everything else that a new mom may need to chat about. We are still growing and have been greatly inspired by all the new members that share and attend our events. In short we are here as a community for mom's in the Tri-cities and elsewhere to discuss issues and ideas with other moms. With all the information out there, it is fantastic to hear what real moms are doing.

Roasted Veggie Mash from Raheel Shaharyar

noreply@blogger.com (Coquitlam Mommy Page) — Fri, 4 Feb 2011 16:19:00 -0800

4 beets

2 Carrot

2 Parsip

2 Potato

optional: dried or fresh herbs, garlic, onions

or other aromatics for more flavour

Peel veggies and slice in to wedges of relatively

same width. Toss with olive oil. Bake until

tender at 400 degrees. Mash with fork or

puree to desired thickness.

Eat Clean Almond Butter/ Peanut Butter Cookies = Guilt Free (Submitted by Sharon Chong)

noreply@blogger.com (Coquitlam Mommy Page) — Fri, 4 Feb 2011 16:14:00 -0800

1 cup natural almond butter or natural peanut butter ( I use 1/2 of each for my preferred texture)
¾ cup sucanat (see below for a link to what this is! You can get it in the organic isle at superstore on the left hand side of the organic bulk foods)
1 large egg (you can also use 55 ml of egg whites so make it extra clean)
½ tsp. baking soda
¼ tsp. sea salt
3 oz. dark chocolate chips (70% cocoa or greater- I use Swiss Delice chocolates that are 72% cocoa which you can buy a 1300 g bag from Costco for $12.99. They come in individually wrapped pieces and I just break them up. Super cheap b/c dark choc chips are expensive! 3 oz is about 16 pieces)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Stir together first 5 ingredients in a medium bowl until blended. Stir in chocolate.

Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto parchment lined baking sheets. Bake for 10 – 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Let cool for 5 minutes on baking sheets. Move to a wire rack and let cool for 15 minutes.

And voila- yummy, guilt free cookies!!

Here is the link for the sucanut:http://www.wholesomesweeteners.com/brands/Wholesome_Sweeteners/Fair_Trade_Certified_Organic_Sucanat.html

Mediteranean Couscous Salad (Eat Clean Diet Book) Shared by Sharon Chong

noreply@blogger.com (Coquitlam Mommy Page) — Wed, 2 Feb 2011 22:21:00 -0800

Mediteranean Couscous Salad (Eat Clean Diet Book) Shared by Sharon Chong

1 cup dry whole wheat couscous3/4 cup low-fat, low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock

3/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice (i just use one large orange)

2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 Tbsp lime juice (juice of one lime)

1/2 cup grape tomatoes, cut in half

1/4 cup green onions, chopped

1 cup cucumber, chopped and seeded

1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano

1/2 cup goat cheese or feta cheese ( i used feta)

sea salt and black pepper to taste

Cooking Steps:

1. Bring stock and orange juice to a boil. Add couscous and stir. Then turn off heat and cover pot tightly. Let stand and don't peek!

2. Make dressing by combining olive oil and lime juice.

Whisk and set aside.

3. Back to the couscous. Remove lid and fluff grains with a fork. Add chopped vegetables. Crumble cheese over the salad and drizzle with dressing. Add oregano and season with sea salt and ground black pepper.

In addition, I added chicken for some protein and to complete it as a meal on it's own. I used one chicken breast and seasoned it with sea salt, black pepper, dried oregano and dried basil. I then pan fried it using olive oil cooking spray til it was done and added it to the completed salad.

Sasamat Lake Trail - Between Anmore and Belcarra (15 min from Port Moody Rec Center)

noreply@blogger.com (Coquitlam Mommy Page) — Wed, 2 Feb 2011 17:02:00 -0800

White Pines Beach:

Sasamat Lake Loop Trail - 3.2 Km

Fantastic afternoon walk for you and the kids located in the
Great Vancouver Region at Belcarra Regional Park between
Anmore and Belcarra. This is not a stroller friendly hike and
would be ranked 2/10 due to the multiple stair portions that
you will be coming up and down along the way. This trail is
relatively flat most of the way.

This is a fantastic walk so close to our community that is rarely taken advantage of in the mid winter months. This is a new favorite of mine for a 1 hour walk with other mom's or my hubby on a weekend afternoon.

With the amazing sunny days that came to Vancouver the last week; I talked the hubby into heading up and taking a short walk with our 7 1/2 month old son in the Ergo and our little toy poodle.

Our Coquitlam Mommy Group headed back this week to share this great mid-day walk. The whole loop took us just about an hour at our usual stop and take pictures, and chat along the way speed. You could easily run this in a quarter of the time.

This lake is located just above Ioco town site from Port Moody in the Belcarra Regional Park. This lake path also has a connecting path that brings you to Bunzen Lake. You can park just above White Pine Beach and start from just below the stairs by the main bathroom at this Park. If you follow the path around the perimeter and keep an eye out for the signs, it is nearly impossible to get lost on this trail.

With this trail, there are several look-out points that would be of interest to your kids and others alike. The actual trail is quite easy on the spectrum of Greater Vancouver trails. The beginning of the trail is primarily in the dense forest with spots where you can peak through and see views of the lake as you work your way around. Along this path you will come across a large rock that is used for swimming and sunbathing in the summer by a lot of the locals. There is one large section of stairs in the beginning when you are traveling in a counter clockwise direction from the main bathrooms at White Pine beach.

Beyond these skid plated stairs you will pass the Sasamat Summer Camp (Neighborhood House) that is on the south side of the lake. When you are standing on White Pine beach you can see the canoes lined up on the dock. This is a great spot to swim to in the summer. Once you have passed the camp you will come be along the edge of the lake following through the forests edge.

The last section will bring you to 50 meter floating bridge where you can take in the reflection of the mountains on the glassy water. This is well worth stopping to catch a picture of. From this vantage point you will also catch sight of Sugar Mountain in the background.

At all times of the year you will also see people fishing on the dock portion of this floating bridge. This is a stocked lake and is quite popular through out the year.

Beyond this portion you head back into the forest on the shoreline and pass through marshy area with reed grass growing along another platform path along the waters edge. This will bring you back to the White Pine Beach where there are several picnic tables, places to set up a portable BBQ and use the washroom facilities.

Through out the year this is a great spot for seeing ducks, geese, deer, squirrels and otters. You just have to keep your eyes out. Be warned that this spot is extremely busy in the summer months with the gates being closed due to capacity restrictions, and many people resort to parking on the roads leading into the park. Be forewarned that there is also a dog friendly portion on this trail. You may cross paths with dogs that should all be on leash and in the designated areas.

BC Hydro Map of this area can by found here!

Driving directions to White Pines Beach

12 mins
Ioco Rd and Bedwell Bay Rd
7.7 km

Port Moody Arena

300 Ioco Road

Port Moody, BC V3H 2V7

	1. Head northwest on Ioco Rd toward Avalon Dr
		3.9 km
	2. Turn right at 1 Ave
		700 m
	3. Slight left at Bedwell Bay Rd
		1.2 km
	4. Continue straight to stay on Bedwell Bay Rd 5. take a right at the White Pines Beach Exit and follow to the parking area

Coquitlam Mommy Newsletter - Jan 30, 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Coquitlam Mommy Page) — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 23:32:00 -0800

Coquitlam Mommy Page Highlights and Events

As our numbers continue to grow... so does our newsletter and events! Please keep sharing your thoughts and ideas as continue to improve the page & grow!

With our weather looking pretty fantastic for the upcoming week, I have challenged the Coquitlam Mom's to the '5 lbs' Challenge! This is a challenge to get out there, get active and share your eating right recipe's with the group so we can drop 5lbs in a month, challenge begins in Feb and ends in March 1st

Lil Page Turners of the Week

Are You My Mommy? - Carla Dijs This book gave a few of us a good laugh this week as we were discussing our little ones using Mamma and Pappa with everyone that would listen. This is a really cute set of books that also includes are you my 'daddy'. There are quite a few animals to discuss with your little ones too! Worth checking out for a sweet day time read with the little one.

On the Stereo for Lil Ears

There's a Hippo in my Tub - Anne Murray- She is one of Canada's most well knows folk singers. If you were a product of the 80's or 90's you will remember her specials on the cliffs of the East Coast and through out Canada. She has several albums, and has now lent her voice to a children's album. This may even be a nice treat for the grandparents for their special time with your wee one!

Coquitlam Mommy Page Events for the Week

Monday:

Runners and Booties (Mon)

Mommy Running Group (5km Learn to Run)

Tuesday:

Parent and Baby Swim Day ($1 for you and $1 for Baby)

Baby Drop In

Gymboree Get Together (Free Session for First Timers)

Ladies Night - Dine Out Vancouver (January 26-Feb 4)

Wednesday:

Gymboree Get Together (Free Session for First Timers)

Sasamat Walk Around the Lake

Thursday:

Outdoor Walk/Play Date at Port Moody Rec Center

Friday:

Runners and Booties @ Coquitlam Center

Mommy Running Group (5Km Learn to Run)

Highlights of the Week from Coqutilam Mommy Page (Facebook)

Recalls:

Other News:

Last Weeks Highlights

Download Images:

Food Guide from Wholesome Baby & Babies First Teeth

Coquitlam Mommy Page Blog Highlights

Our Resource Page - Yawns, Sniffles and On the Road - We have added this as a Resource Page for families looking for further reading on common issues. We will be adding to this page as we grow. Let me know if you have anything to add to this.

Whats Mom Cooking? - We hope to share recipe's for the little ones and for families preparing dinners.

Find Us on Facebook!

Scrap Booking Babies First Year

noreply@blogger.com (Coquitlam Mommy Page) — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 10:43:00 -0800

There is a lot to be said about capturing those precious moment you have with your newborn. These little guys grow so quickly it is hard to keep up with them as the move from just needing to be held to rolling, blowing raspberries, and crawling. As the time passes by it is great for you to be able to look back and reflect with your hubby or just have a misty eyed moment when they are too big to want to be held.

I am they type of girl that likes things basic but clean and uniform. When I first went to Michael's when I was pregnant to start a pregnancy album, I was very overwhelmed by all the choices. There is a whole aisle of books/album covers to choose from. These can range from canvas to leather and everything in between. I would recommend picking your colour theme at this stage. For example; if its a boy, maybe blue or green, a summer trip maybe yellow or electric blue. I do love being able to look at the covers on the shelf and know what each one is, but you may want something more aesthetic keeping them all one colour. Most of these albums come with pages in them and some even come with a complete kit. Keep in mind that you may just want to start with what's there and add the pages as need be. I have gone with the kits and with buying separate and found that I am cheaper when buying the kit. If you give yourself too many choices you end up with too many stickers and add-ons that you may not need.

I would also recommend printing off the basic photos you would like to highlight in your album. At least this way you will have a better gauge on the types of stickers, stamps and other applications you would like to add to the pages. This will also give you an idea of what size of book you will need. If you have a lot of photos you may want to double up on each pages' photos or even have more. Also take a look at the photo's and decide on a colour theme. If you are going with all black and white it is usually better to stay that way but if you are doing colour, try to not drown out your photos with everything else on the page.

The next major step is mounting the pictures to the pages. You can do this a couple of ways. I have used both the double sided option and the corner tabs. I prefer the corner tabs when it comes to a more formal album as it gives an antique look. If you are going to be cutting edges and adding borders, I would recommend the simple dispenser.

A few pointers that have kept my scrapbooks interesting is the things I have collected along the way. I have included the wrist and ankle bands from the hospital, the card that was placed on my sons incubator and pictures of his first shoes. These will be the things that will bring the experience and story back to life for you. I also find that sharing my albums is a bit more interesting.

A few products you will want to pick-up to make sure your project is straight, and in the end not a hot mess...

Great set of scissors a small pair and large pair
Scoring Score Board and Envelope Tool Martha Stewart Crafts EK Success
Martha Stewart Tools, Circle Cutter
Great First Year Page Kit

A couple great books to take out from the library or buy would be:

And my final point would be that this is a great activity with a group of other moms! It is amazing the creativity that comes out of other mom's and a group collective. The additional benefit to this is that you can share and trade supplies that you have with other moms.

Please share any other links that you may find helpful for other moms!

Coquitlam Mommy Newsletter - Jan 23, 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Coquitlam Mommy Page) — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 13:45:00 -0800

Coquitlam Mommy Page Highlights and Events

This week we have had a large growth in our numbers and postings shared by our readers. I lieu of this I have posted a summary of highlights this week. Please keep sharing your thoughts and ideas and we will continue to improve the page as we grow!

On a side note, I just wanted to add a bit of a back story on the Coquitlam Mommy Page. We were started by 9 women that all took a prenatal class at Douglas College in Winter 2010. After having our reunion to meet all the babies, we discovered that all of our group was wanting to get out, get active with the babies and share our experiences. We started with a group walk at Rocky Point for 5 km that grew to numbers of 15 on sunny days in the summer, and we have grown from there. As the months have gone on we have shared everything from diaper choices, places to find deals, highchair options, breast feeding issues, events to attend together and everything else that a new mom may need to chat about. We are still growing and have been greatly inspired by all the new members that share and attend our events. In short we are here as a community for mom's in the Tri-cities and elsewhere to discuss issues and ideas with other moms. With all the information out there, it is fantastic to hear what real moms are doing.

Lil Page Turners of the Week

Alphabet, Matthew Van Fleet I received this book as a Christmas gift for my son this Christmas and he absolutely loves it! I have read this to him several times and love the fact that he can hold the pages, interact with all the textures and pull tabs on the pages. As an added bonus there is also an Alphabet Poster included for when your little one grows a bit and is ready to learn their letters. I would recommend this as a must have for any new family.

On the Stereo for Lil Ears

Yo Gabba Gabba, Music is Awesome - This will surely become a classic in your home! I heard this album from a friend that showed me the video for 'Party in my Tummy' on You Tube and have been so entertained by the reaction of all kids to this album. I was pretty shocked to see the line-up that has performed on this Nick Jr. show; Jack Black, Leslie Hall, The Shins, The Aggrolites, Andy Samberg, Cornelius, Biz Markie, Shiny Toy Guns, Supernova, Mark Mothersbaugh, Rahzel, The Postmarks, Sugarland, Tony Hawk, The Roots, Low, Laila Ali, Elijah Wood, Mýa, The Salteens, Sean Kingston. Two of my favorite songs are the (Pick it Up Song & Yummy in my Tummy)

Coquitlam Mommy Page Blog Highlights

Whats Mom Cooking? - We hope to share recipe's for the little ones and for families preparing dinners.

Coquitlam Mommy Page Events for the Week

Monday:

Runners and Booties (Mon)

Mommy Running Group (5km Learn to Run)

Tuesday:

Parent and Baby Swim Day ($1 for you and $1 for Baby)

Baby Drop In

Gymboree Get Together (Free Session for First Timers)

Mom's night out at the Movies! - No Strings Attached

Wednesday:

Gymboree Get Together (Free Session for First Timers)

Movie and Play Date for the little ones!

Thursday:

Mompreneur Info Session (Learn how to start your own business)

Indoor Walk/Play Date at Port Moody Rec Center

Friday:

Runners and Booties @ Coquitlam Center

Mommy Running Group (5Km Learn to Run)

Future Mom Events:

Ladies Night - Dine Out Vancouver (January 26-Feb 4)

The Learning Circle - Start Your own home daycare Info Session

Highlights of the Week from Coqutilam Mommy Page (Facebook)

Recalls:

Other News:

Download Images:

Food Guide from Wholesome Baby & Babies First Teeth

Find Us on Facebook!

Snowshoeing With Your Little One!

noreply@blogger.com (Coquitlam Mommy Page) — Mon, 3 Jan 2011 00:01:00 -0800

Mount Seymour

With the snowy weather here and so much for us to do with our little ones... I wanted to share one of my

passions! Over the last few years I have really come to love snowshoeing. As an avid hiker and runner, this is a great sport to take on in the winter and keep fit.

There are a few basics to remember when getting prepared for snowshoeing! I am not a snowshoe instructor, but this is how I prepare my little family for a day on the mountain (based on over 29 years of skiing and a few instructing.)

For Mom & Dad I would recommend the following clothing to bundle up with:

Shell Coat (See picture above) The one in the Photo is by Nike and came with a liner fleece vest and breathing vents in the armpits for added cooling when my body temperature gets up there. You can find these at MEC as well. Great buy for all seasons, but be sure to get one with a water resistant coating (water proof tend not to breath)

Snow Pants - be sure to pick a waterproof or water resistant pair to keep dry. Make sure there is breathability to your pants.
You will also need a good pair of Long Johns underneath. You can also do a thicker pair and do some tights underneath. Remember to avoid cotton underneath as if they get wet you will be cold for the rest of the day. Even just sitting in the snow and having the snow sneak down your back can lead to a cold day.
On your base layer I would recommend a turtle neck or long-sleeve with a zip that will breath but keep you warm. My favorite base layers on the top have wool as the major component and tend to not carry moisture as long. You can go with a Polyester as well such as this one for a good price.
Sox are really important! Make sure you have wool based ski sox or just simple woolen sox. Do not wear Cotton or you will be a cold and grumpy parent with a tot in the snow. I also own these ones and love them!
Gloves also need to be chosen very carefully as this will keep you free to help your little one and warm enough to make it through an hour or two on the mountain. I have a thinner pair that I wear on warmer days such as these, and on colder days I put on a second shell type mitten as I have poor circulation in my hands. If you are not as picky as me you can do a typical glove... see below with the hand warmers for a colder day!
And finally if you are looking for snowshoes to buy, I recommend going a few times to see if you really like the sport. My and my hubby bought these MSR's last year and have been completely happy with the traction on icy and powder. We also like the extensions for deep powder and of course the price is the best on the market for all mountain snowshoes. You can go more expensive such as the ones my parents bought last year but this is for those that want to be more competitive with the sport or are looking for specifications. Poles are also a great thing to take along to keep your balance and check the snow depth when out there! (Rentals for snowshoes are available at all mountains listed below.
The final important factor is a good pair of hiking boots that are worn in and not brand new, and have been treated with a water resistant spray to stop your feet from getting wet and cold. This are a personal choice for your use... but I have gone through a few pairs of Salomons and a few Keens that I have now stuck with.
Remember a good pair of sunglasses too, as it gets quite bright up there in the snow!

First on my list for baby was a great carrier & I chose the ERGO carrier. The benefit of this carrier is that you can wear this on your back as well as front. When you have the baby on your back you have a reduced risk for injury if you fall or trip forward. If the trail is a bit more smooth you can take advantage of pulling them in a trailer for a luxury trip for the little one! You can also look at a steel framed back carrier for a larger child over 1 year old.

If your baby is a picky baby when it comes to his or her bottles, you may want to pick-up a cooler bag from a local shop. I have found them at the dollar store and zeller for a really good price. I would also recommend picking up some Hand Warmers from your local sports store to keep them room temperature for the little one. This is also a great place to stick a few diapers and wipes for and emergency situation.
You can also find snug bottle cases by companies such as Munchkin, that will keep a bottle a bit more warm when carrying them on hand for the trip.
Last but not least is the basics, and this includes a hat with a chin stap or ties and mittens to keep those little hands and head warm! And a warm snowsuit that will keep their temperature right. I would recommend a suite that can be unzipped to cool down and one piece to keep the warmth in, with a hood.

Here are also a few fun things I found online to do with your kids when they are a bit older and you want to take them out for a hike!

Go on a nature walk - see how many different animals you can find. Don't forget to
bring binoculars!
Sugar on snow - scoop up some freshly fallen snow and cover it with sticky maple syrup.
Go on a moonlight snowshoe adventure - These are great fun especially with headlamps.
Build a campfire for an afternoon lunch or an evening warm up - add s'mores and hot chocolate to enlarge smiles. (make sure this is authorized for the region or you are with a guide that has experience)
Be a tracker - bring your animal track card along. Identify their tracks and maybe find out where they live.

Local Mountains for Snowshoeing:

Mount Seymour - This mountain has great look-outs over the city for a fantastic afternoon hike ... this can be a really epic view on a clear day! Dog friendly trails on the lower portion of the mountain.

Grouse Mountain- Great for taking a trip on the tram with the family and seeing a unique view of the city. These trails can be a bit more difficult than Grouse but are definitely worth checking out. Not a dog friendly mountain.

Mount Seymour Look-Out

Cypress Mountain - fantastic mountain that offers free trails as well as unique tours that include fondue and so much more. This mountain has a dog friendly portion on the lower half.

Whistler / Blackcomb - This is a day trip but always worth the effort. You will have world class views, trails, and food to enjoy!

Hemlock Valley Resort - 1 hour away from Coquitlam

Manning Park Resort - 2 Hours away from Coquitlam

Coquitlam Mommy Page Snowshoe Events in January

January 6th - Baby and Me at Seymour

January 13th - Baby and Me at Seymour

Check out Coquitlam Mommy Page on Facebook for more events and discussions or our Coquitlam Mommy Blog

Further Reading:
http://www.snowshoemag.com/first.cfm

Cheap Deals online for Outdoor Gear (Skiing/Snow/Biking)

For these sites, the product changes when the time period is up so it is just a gamble of what is being sold off at the moment.
All Gear:
www.backcountry.com

Skiing / Snowboarding:
www.tramdock.com
www.whiskeymilitia.com
www.steepandcheap.com

Coquitlam Mommy Newsletter

noreply@blogger.com (Coquitlam Mommy Page) — Sun, 2 Jan 2011 21:40:00 -0800

Lil' Page Turners Tunes of the Week

of the Week

Great Munch Book to share! This is a Classic Album that will take you

back to your childhood!

What to do next Week?
(RSVP by clicking on the Links)

Events For The Week of January 4th - 7th:

Tuesday January 4th

Parent and Baby Swim Day and Lunch - A Mommy Swim and lunch. We can all meet at the pool and do a 1 hour swim and lunch after in the cafeteria at the pool.

Mommy Running Group (5Km Learn to Run)- Run at Port Moody Rec Center.

Wednesday January 5th

Mompreneur Info Session (Learn how to start your own business) Where successful entrepreneurs begin! Entrepreneurs have vision, passion, determination and the willingness to explore new opportunities. (North Vancouver)

Mompreneur Info Session (Learn how to start your own business) Where successful entrepreneurs begin! Entrepreneurs have vision, passion, determination and the willingness to explore new opportunities. (Coquitlam)

Gymboree Get Together (Free Session for First Timers) - Free class at Gymboree PLay and Music Level 2. Gymboree Play & Learn 2 (6-10 months) Wed 12:30 PM - 1:15 PM

Thursday January 6th

Indoor Walk at Port Moody Rec Center - Walk inside on the Port Moody track. We can also move downstairs after for the drop in at they gym if you are wanting to let the little one crawl around a bit!

Baby and Me Snowshoe Guided Tour-This invigorating snowshoe series held on Mondays at 11:00am (TBC) starting in January, is designed for parents with babies, by parents with babies! Mom/Dad and baby are invited to enjoy a 90 minute guided snowshoe tour followed by hot beverages and delicious gourmet snacks served to you indoors by our friendly staff.

Page Turners - Reading Group! - On to book #2, - The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society!

Friday January 7th

Runners and Booties @ Coquitlam Center - Runners and Booties Fitness offers specially designed fitness and dance classes for mom,baby and toddler.

Sunday January 9th

Port Moody Farmers Market - Enjoy farm fresh local produce, meat, fish, dairy products, plants, beautifully hand crafted items, and fresh baked goods direct from local producers. Enjoy live music, special events, and more. The Winter Market runs alternating Sundays from November to April at the Port Moody Recreation Centre (300 Ioco Road) from 10am – 2pm. Enjoy fresh local food all year round!

Check out Coquitlam Mommy Page on Facebook for more events and discussions or our Coquitlam Mommy Blog

Coquitlam Mommy Newsletter

noreply@blogger.com (Coquitlam Mommy Page) — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 21:59:00 -0800

Lil' Page Turners Tunes of the Week

of the Week

Love this bedtime book! This is a Classic Album that will take you

back to your childhood!

What to do next Week?
(RSVP by clicking on the Links)

Events For The Week of December 20-25:

Monday December 20th

Kinder Cafe (Play Date) - This is a new Cafe that offers a play area and a coffee/snack bar. They just opened in Port Moody and looks pretty good. Pre-crawlers are free and $5 per crawler.

2010 Festival of Lights - VanDusen - A fantastic festival of lights! One of my favorite things to do during the holidays! Pack up the kids and get ready for a fantastic night of photos! There are a few stands for food down here as well if you are wanting to grab a bite.

Tuesday December 21st

Movie and Play Date for the little ones! - New Release for the Week is: Elf - Will Farrel. There are 3 rows of seating; so we will move the little ones to the middle and the ones that want to chat to the back row. This way the mom's wanting to watch the movie can hear the TV. If the kids are back two rows... you also can keep them from watching the boob tube.

WINTER SOLSTICE LANTERN FESTIVAL 2010 - Celebrate the Winter Solstice which marks the longest night of 2010 on December 21, 2010. In Vancouver, the day is marked through the Winter Solstice Lantern Festival with celebrates its 17th year in the city. One festival spanning across five neighbourhoods: Yaletown, Granville Island, South East False Creek, Chinatown and the East Side offers performances, lantern making workshops, labyrinths of light and the spectacular Lantern Processions which make their way to sites across the city. Don't miss this spectacular evening event celebrating the 2010 Winter Solstice!

Wednesday December 22nd

Gymboree Get Together (Free Session for First Timers) - Free class at Gymboree PLay and Music Level 2. Gymboree Play & Learn 2 (6-10 months) Wed 12:30 PM - 1:15 PM

Thursday December 23rd

Indoor Walk at Port Moody Rec Center - Walk inside on the Port Moody track. We can also move downstairs after for the drop in at they gym if you are wanting to let the little one crawl around a bit!

Friday December 24th

Christmas Eve - No Events

Check out Coquitlam Mommy Page on Facebook for more events and discussions or our Coquitlam Mommy Blog

Local Classes for your Little One by Raheel Shaharyar

noreply@blogger.com (Coquitlam Mommy Page) — Wed, 8 Dec 2010 17:51:00 -0800

Reviewed by Raheel Shaharyar (Member of Facebook's Coquitlam Mommy Page)

As a new parent I knew how play is important for the development of a child. But wasn't sure how to play with a baby? I knew music was good for them but it took me 4 months to learn Baby Beluga!

So I signed up for a class. I tried out a few of the various ones offered in the Tri-cities, and have a short summary of what I found:

Jump Start Music and Movement
This class was a lot of fun and we partook in it when Liyana was 5 months old and a little more interactive. We learned a little infant massage, sign language and sang and danced to some fun songs. The only thing that bothered me about this class that it was ages 0-18 months. I felt that the age range was too great, with some babies barely able to lift there heads and others crawling and walking around the room. Since the babies are encouraged to roam and explore the parent was often singing by themselves while their baby crawled over to visit with someone else. It was distracting.

Boogie Babies (POMO Rec Ctr)
This class was almost exactly like Jump Start. The only difference was the songs we sang and the activities we did. I preferred it to Jump Start simply because it was closer to home. The age range however is again 0-12 months so you have babies walking and crawling all over the place. It really made me appreciate Gymboree with each level play group tailored to a specific age.

Gymboree Play and Music
I signed up to try a level 1 free class for this when Liyana was just 3 months old. I found it to be pricey when all we did was sing a few songs, give baby a massage and do some exercises to improve neck control.

I have been told by various friends that Gymboree is actually great for babies older then 6 months as they have a gym area and they help you do activities that improve a child's mobility, allow the babies to play side by side and help dexterity. I plan on signing up for level 2. Liyana is crawling and moving and I think she will benefit most from this class.

I think it's great that you can try a class for free with no pressure to sign up. If however you sign up for a class at the end of the free one you get a discount on your first month.

Mother Goose (Newport Village)
These classes are free and offered through West Coast Family Resources. They are great! You learn songs, rhymes and stories from two great ladies. You are given a song book only at the end of the 8 weeks of class. The idea is to teach parents the songs through repetition each week similar to the way a child learns.

In short, I think the perfect combination of play is to attend Mother Goose along with a paid class best suited to your child's needs and personality.

Toy Ideas for Babies First Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (Coquitlam Mommy Page) — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 18:02:00 -0800

Wow, it is really hard to think of what to buy a 6 month old baby with everything being marketed to us as parents. I have now searched countless websites the last few days and trying to find the perfect list of gifts to share with family members and friends wanting to get my little man something. After all this I feel like my eyes are bugging out.

Here are a few of the standout's I came across!

A few puzzles laying around can always keep them busy, and getting those little minds working! Two piece puzzles, sliding beads and stack-ables are a great way to get them playing.

Teasers to get them walking, crawling and chasing things around! This little chicken that drops the eggs was too cute. I also have purchased this Vtech Move & Crawl several times for little ones birthdays, and they love it!

Tub time is always filled with great memories and a wonderful idea when thinking of gifts.

Babies first doll is a nice gift and this Stella doll has a magnetic contact points to match with the accessories. This is a soft plush set that is great for your little one excited about their own baby.

Teethers for the first few months is nice for new parents to keep their little one busy

Exersaucers were a great discovery for us at 4 1/2 months. Once brought home, my son gave me this look like he had been waiting forever for this. He also had a huge love for his Jolly Jumper. After taking him out of either he is wanting to be still play and begs to be distracted by something else. A lot of people do prefer the jumperroo model for safety. Once again this is a personal choice.

Sleep is the gift that keeps on giving! Giving the little one a crib pal to cuddle up with can make the biggest difference for a baby.

Nothing is more fun that playing make believe & educating your little one about food and cooking!

Teaching your little one the joys of music can be a great gift and one that may grow into a little musician.

Buy Now

There is just so many options out there for your little one. The biggest thing to remember is not to go too crazy. You will have many years to go overboard. Keep in mind that your child is developing quickly and you may want to be looking for something that is a few months ahead developmentally in order to replace the current toys. Another thought would be to keep in mind what will work for your interaction with your baby. If you are someone that is active, keeping this in mind for stroller and car activities may be a thought. If you are taking up swimming or going on a trip in the upcoming months, this may also help you come up with some ideas. Just keep it to things you will want to play with yourself, will get you a few minutes to grab a shower or just simply keep the little one happy and learning!

Check us out on Facebook!

Trying Solids: Oooh Sweet Potatoes ... How Stefan loved you!

noreply@blogger.com (Coquitlam Mommy Page) — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 23:42:00 -0800

Serving Up Sweet Potatoes!

Today was a big day in our home, we moved from rice cereal to sweet potato. I was having a lot of apprehensions over what to start with, how to do it and when is the right time.

My little man is a good eater. He is primarily having breast milk right now with the addition of formula at night. But with him getting more and more hungry, the introduction of solids was calling me!

After a lot of discussion and reading, I finally got my whits together! And it was probably the easiest thing I have done in a long time.

Really there are 2 ways to do this: Bake or Boil!

* Bake method is 1 hour at 400 degrees Fahrenheit

* Boil method is till soft (about 15 min).

I would beg to argue that the bake method would be better for nutrients not boiling out, but it is truly a personal opinion!

After this I simply cut the sweet potato into chunks about 1/4 of an inch thick and prepared these to be pureed. Fortunately I was given a baby food puree machine that can be purchased at any baby store. Other options are using your food processor or your hand mixer.

After some reading today, I did find that a few chunks are OK. I will link a few references below for further reading on this point. At the first try, I opted for using a fork in the bowl to get it to the correct consistency that I felt comfortable with.

After the hard work was done the rest was all about the GOOD TIMES!
I served up a bowl of the good stuff and let Stefan dig in & he absolutely LOVED IT!

Last but not least ... One Sweet Potato made 6 servings for the week to test the little mans allergies and liking for this new culinary creation!

E How Recipe that got me started (thanks to Sharon Chong)

Wholesome Baby Food is a great resource - ALLERGY
5 Worst Baby Food - Babycenter.com)
10 Best Baby Foods: Baby Center

Lil' Page Turners, Tunes & What to do next week in the Tri-Cities?

noreply@blogger.com (Coquitlam Mommy Page) — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 22:33:00 -0800

Lil' Page Turners Tunes of the Week

of the Week

Super Cute book about animals What could be better than kids
that you match your Cheerios to! music by a classic Canadian band.

What to do next Week?
(RSVP by clicking on the Links)

Monday - Runners and Booties @ Coquitlam Center 9:30 am

Tuesday - Swim and Lunch @ Aquatics Center 10:30 am

- Learn to Run 5Km (tentative on weather)
@Rocky Point 1:30 pm

Wed. - Movie and Play Date for the little ones!

Thursday - Walk @ Port Moody Rec Center 11 am

   - Share Toy Drive @ Port Moody Rec Center - 1 pm
   - Mom and Baby Boot Camp Drop In
   @ Port Moody Rec Center 10:30 am

Friday - Runners and Booties @ Coquitlam Center 9:30 am

- Learn to Run 5Km (tentative on weather)
@Rocky Point 1:30 pm

Sunday - Farmers Market @ Port Moody Rec Center 10-2pm

- Learn to Run 5Km @Lafarge Lake 11 am

Check out Coquitlam Mommy Page on Facebook for more events and discussions or our Coquitlam Mommy Blog

Floor Mat for the Little Ones Play Area!

noreply@blogger.com (Coquitlam Mommy Page) — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 15:53:00 -0800

In my ongoing search for floor mats that have a bit more style for our family room, I have found the following that I wanted to share with all of you!

I have also seen these at Toys R Us in the basic colours if you are looking for your basic options!

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2401632
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2401627

If you are looking for a way to clean your mats or flooring before your little one is up close and personal, try Tea Tree Oil. This acts as a fantastic antiseptic, germicidal, antifungal, antibacterial immune-boosting cleaner for your home. Try 2 teaspoons of tea tree oil in a spray bottle with two cups of water. Just give this a wipe after and you will avoid putting chemicals on the play area. You can also try using this mixture in your 'Swiffer Wet Jet'; once the bottle is empty just refill with this mixture instead for mopping.

Christmas is in the Air!

noreply@blogger.com (Coquitlam Mommy Page) — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 23:32:00 -0800

Looking for something to do with your little ones and the hubby? Vancouver & Coquitlam are filled with a ton of great things to do. I have covered a few of my favorites over the years and I would love to hear yours!

13th Annual Bright Nights in Stanley Park

November 26, 2010 to January 2 (Closed Christmas Day) 3pm - 10pm (farmyard open to 9pm)
A great display of millions of lights in Stanley Parks forrest setting.
I recommend getting down early to get a spot on the train or heading down later. This is a very busy event later in December and can make for some long lines. The photo options on this are well worth it and the hot chestnuts & hot chocolate are a great seasonal snacks.

Santaland - Hours and Photo Information

November 20, 2010 - December 24, 2010

As usual, Coquitlam Centre will be offering digital photos with Santa throughout the holiday season. Photos will be available for pickup immediately following the visit with Santa, in Santaland. Packages start at $18.00. CDs are also available for $15 (with any package).

Santa will be available an hour after mall opening until an hour before closing; and must leave Santaland to feed his reindeer at approximately 3:00 pm everyday.

Visit our Facebook page this holiday season for a chance to win VIP Santa Photo Packages!

His hours are as follows:

Saturday, November 20 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Tuesday, November 23

11:00 am - 6:00 pm

7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Monday & Tuesday 11:00 am - 6:00 pm

Wednesday to Friday 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

Saturday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Sunday 11:00 am - 6:00 pm

Starting Monday, November 29

Monday to Friday 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

Saturday 10:00 am - 8:00 pm

Sunday 11:00 am - 6:00 pm

Christmas Eve

Wednesday, December 24

10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Christmas in Leigh Square

Saturday, November 27, 11 am-5 pm

Leigh Square in downtown Port Coquitlam

November 28, 2010 - Children's Toy & Clothing Market.

Buy or sell used childrens toys and clothes. Tables are $12 and go on sale Oct 16. In person registration only. Only used materials can be sold. No merchants or businesses. Sunday November 28 10:00am -1:00 pm Free Admission. Douglas Park Community Centre - 801 West 22nd Avenue. 604 257 8130.

Heritage Square, Light up the Square

December 4, 2010

This year, Heritage Square’s free holiday event Light up the Square is a lantern affair, complete with loads of fun activities and performances for the whole family. Make your own glowing lantern with which to deck Place des Arts’ Leonore Peyton Salon; bring a donation for the food bank to put under the “wish” tree, make an ornament to hang on it, and warm up with free hot chocolate at the Station Museum; partake in heritage baking and cookie and gingerbread decorating; enjoy yummy seasonal treats in the Noël Café; take a tour of Mackin Museum; and visit with Père Noël. The grand finale features a live presentation of the Christmas episode of Radio Maillard: a Vaudeville. Visitwww.placedesarts.ca for more information.

Rogers Santa Clause Parade

December 5, 2010

This is a classic Christmas tradition with a visit with Santa, all the floats and Parades. Get down there early, bundle up and bring a blanket to sit on and wrap up in.

I have volunteered several times to collect money and food for Vancouver Food Bank, so be sure to bring along some change and food! There are over 900k people that use the food banks to feed their families and they could use your help!

Breakfast with Santa

December 11 (9-11pm)

Wilson Centre, Port Coquitlam Recreation Complex (2150 Wilson Avenue)
$TBA per person (0-3 years free)

Breakfast with the jolly old elf himself!

Join us for entertainment, crafts, face painting, and a sing-along.

Tickets available from:

Port Coquitlam Recreation Complex (2150 Wilson Centre)
Hyde Creek Recreation Centre (1379 Laurier Avenue)
Parks & Recreation Administration Office (1100 - 2253 Leigh Square; behind City Hall)
For more information call 604.927.7970.

Coquitlam Mommy Page Family Night with the little ones & Santa!

Sunday, December 12 · 2:00pm - 5:00pm

Santa has arrived at Coquitlam Center and is now available for Photo's and dropping off letters for the little ones Christmas wishes!

I figure we should make an afternoon of it with the mommies and daddies! We can all meet at the food court by Dairy Queen at 2 pm. This way we can all grab a Starbucks or whatever your heart desires and head down to get pictures done.

I would also love to hear what all of your big picks for the little ones Christmas gifts are going to be! Please share in your comments!

Festival of Lights at Van Dusen Gardens

Dec. 10 - 24 2010

This has also become a tradition at our house, and with friends over the holidays. A large section of the park is dedicated to this lights display. There is also a light show that plays by the lake that play ever 30 min starting at 4:30. There is also 'Santa's Livingroom' that you can stop and have a picture with St.Nick!

Other great attractions (as posted on their site):

Santa's Living Room: Dec. 10 - 24 with Santa appearances 5:30, 6:30, 7:30, 8:30 p.m.
Svend and Jens, our Scandinavian Christmas Elves appear nightly in the Centre Court
Dancing Lights on Livingstone Lake: starting at 4:30 p.m. Two different shows - one show on the half hour and a different one at the top of the hour. Two different shows repeating in sequence throughout the evening.
Gingerbread Wood
Golden Chain Walk
Community Choir Concerts on the Deck at 6:00 pm and 7:30 pm, dates and choirs TBA
Make-a-Wish Candle Shrine
Candy Cane Lane
Sparkling Spruce in the Centre Court
Candy Cane Express model train

Christmas at Vancouver Aquarium

November 27, 2010 to January 3, 2011

This holiday season experience the Magic of the North as you explore the fascinating Canada’s Arcticexhibit, transformed into a winter wonderland. You can join Santa’s helpers with holiday crafts, write a letter to Scuba Claus and sing along to holiday carols.

Skate with Santa
December 19, 2010 12:45-4pm
December 24, 2010 Christmas Eve Skate 11am-2pm

Location Port Coquitlam Recreation Complex, 2150 Wilson Avenue

Drop in with friends and family to enjoy a festive skate featuring music, lights, and crafts! Try your luck at the reindeer guessing jar and enjoy free hot chocolate, apple cider and some treats!http://www.coquitlamcentre.com/events/santaland-hours-and-photo-information

Page Turners Book Club Reading List

noreply@blogger.com (Coquitlam Mommy Page) — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 23:49:00 -0800

While we hope that everyone who comes to meetings reads the book, there is no obligation for you to finish it. Those that have read it will discuss and perhaps spoil it for you but you won't be turned away for not finishing it.

Let us know if this time works for everyone!

As for babies I was thinking babies are welcome especially if you are breastfeeding or can't find a sitter, but it is really a chance for moms to get away from babies and allow us to talk. If babies are there we end up playing with them and entertaining them.

Event Link (Please RSVP)

January - Alyssa's House

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (Random House Reader's Circle)

February - Meg's House

The Girl Who Played With Fire

March - Brittany's House

The Hunger Games

April - Sharon
Book to be decided

The Story of Edgar Sawtelle: A Novel (P.S.)

Secret Daughter: A Novel

(Please Vote on the books listed above)

May - Jennifer's House

Stumbling on Happiness

June - Raheel's House

The 19th Wife

July - Helena's House
Book to be Decided

August - Kelly's House
Book to be Decided

Facebook Page Turners Event Link

Preparing the Little One for Snowy Weather!

noreply@blogger.com (Coquitlam Mommy Page) — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 18:23:00 -0800

With the snowy weather on the way, it is time for us to get the little ones prepared for winter walks and car rides. As I prepare my little man for our outings; I started to think of the basics that I am needing to make sure he is warm and prepared.

My first purchase a month or so ago, was the basic car-seat/stroller sleep bag. I was lucky to find one at a reasonable price at the Super Store on Lougheed Highway. The two main things to look for when picking one out is that it has a hole between the legs when buckling the little one in his or her car seat or stroller. Another thing that was on my worry list was if the sleeper was washable and would not show stains. Try this link for a Super Store $10 coupon on any winter gear.
Next on my list was something to keep the little ones legs warm on those cold days when he was all bundled into my ERGO carrier. I tend to put him in the carrier when taking a quick stop or in stores that are not so stroller friendly. I found that the leg warmers also keep his little shoes on and make sure that his legs stay warm when his pants ride up in the carrier. I found one option at H&M that was a thicker grey pair for $6.99. These worked as an emergency pair to get him home today when the cold hit. Another option that was shared with me, is a site called www.babylegs.ca After taking a look at this site I found that they do offer pretty cool boy options and a high fit for your little one to wear with a onsie if you want to layer.
Another important purchase you may want to look into is the rain covers offered for your stroller. I have found that my Bob Stroller offers a solution that is best suited for their stroller. These range from $40-$60 for the cover Bob Stroller Rain Cover. After looking around further I did come across another suitable solution made by Jolly Jumper, this can be found at most children's gear stores for around $15.
If your baby is a picky baby when it comes to his or her bottles, you may want to pick-up a cooler bag from a local shop. I have found them at the dollar store and zeller for a really good price. I would also recommend picking up some Hand Warmers from your local sports store to keep them room temperature for the little one.
I also found this cool product called the Mommy Mitten. After a very rainy walk the other day and a stroller handle that was soaking wet... this may have came in handy!
Last but not least is the basics, and this includes a hat with a chin stap or ties and mittens to keep those little hands and head warm!