Everything Up Close

Using Steel Cut Oats in Bread (a recipe)

2012-02-07T12:33:00.000-06:00

A couple of weeks ago I tried Steel Cut Oats for the first time, using the Steel Cut Slow Cooker recipe listed here. I really enjoyed it and it is definitely something I will make again in the future. Today, I am trying another recipe that calls for steel cut oats: Bread Machine Honey Steel Cut Oats Bread (found on http://www.beemaid.com/recipe/bread-machine-honey-steel-cut-oats-bread) - sounds

Lady and the Tramp on DVD + Blu-ray February 7th!

2012-02-02T18:18:00.000-06:00

It's no secret that I am a fan of Disney - such a fan that we had hidden Mickeys at our wedding, our colours were red, black, and white, and we had Disney trivia for whenever people clinked their glasses. When I was young, I always loved Lady and the Tramp - it is such a cute love story! That's why I'm excited about the new Diamond DVD + Blu-ray Edition of Lady and the Tramp! "A classic

Keeping your kids busy indoors this winter!

2012-02-01T21:50:00.002-06:00

In the summer it's so easy to find things to do with your kids - the sky is the limit and you can easily enjoy both indoor and outdoor activities. But in the winter, when it is really cold outside, many of your activities may be concentrated indoors. Especially if you are like me and hate the cold! If you have older kids, this may lead to a bit of 'cabin fever'. Luckily, Lyla is still too young

Me & My Slow Cooker at 11pm on a Wednesday Night

2012-01-25T22:26:00.000-06:00

This isn't typically what I find myself doing at 11pm on a Wednesday night... But, this week my husband and I went shopping at Costco and bought a HUGE box of Steel Cut Oats. I have been hearing a lot lately about their benefits over traditional rolled oats and wanted to give them a try. So, tonight I'll be preparing breakfast for the next few days - Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oatmeal. I found the

Tim Hortons Giveaway!

2012-01-16T13:59:00.003-06:00

If you could find someone in Canada who had never heard of a Tim Hortons, honestly, I'd be a bit surprised! Tim Horton's is so widespread that 'Tim's' and 'a timmies' (a coffee from Tim Hortons) has easily integrated itself into the Canadian language. Although, I don't drink a lot of coffee, I do appreciate my occasional special treat of a Café Mocha and a Honey Cruller or a Canadian Maple.

Announcement: Changes to winners in 2012

2012-01-11T11:25:00.002-06:00

For 2012, I have decided to post winners a bit differently to make it easier for everyone. I have started a on-going winner's list for 2012 that you can check to see if you are a winner. I will also post an announcement when I add new winners to the list. If you see your name on the winner's list, please email me using the email address you used to enter, along with your complete mailing

Winners!

2012-01-11T11:03:00.000-06:00

The holiday season has been a busy one but I've finally had a chance to pick the first group of winners for the new year! From now on, I will be posting new winners on the 2012 Everything Up Close Winner's List. Please check the winner's list in the future to find out if you are a winner! Zaida Baby Giveaway winner - Comment #43 - missrantsypants Natural Mat Giveaway winner - Comment #55 -

NEW P&G Brandsaver Coupons!

2012-01-04T16:29:00.000-06:00

It's a new year and that means lots of new coupons! P&G Brandsaver has just released new coupons for the Winter. Visit https://www.brandsaver.ca/en_ca/ to save up to $150 off of P&G products! Also, be sure to check out the new P&G 'Have You Tried It' section of the website for more great coupons. Enjoy and Happy Savings!

Canadian Blogs - an update!

2011-12-19T21:05:00.003-06:00

Are you a Canadian blog hopper? If so you'll want to check out my Canadian Blogger Blog Roll page to see some recent additions! Enjoy!

GAP Canada - get it before Christmas!

2011-12-19T14:44:00.000-06:00

Do you still have some last minute Christmas shopping to cross off your list? GAP Canada is offering free shipping by December 23rd, 2011 for orders over $50 when you place your order on or before December 20, 2011 at 11:59pm EST! This is great for last minute online shoppers (like me). Plus, use the coupon code GAPCCHEER during checkout to save an additional 30% off your order!

Zaida Baby Review & Giveaway

2011-12-17T22:19:00.002-06:00

Zaida Baby comes from the Arabic word zaida meaning fortunate or translated, fortunate baby. Zaida Baby is a unique first keepsake that helps to preserve precious memories from pregnancy to baby's first birthday, and allows mothers-to-be to create a strong bond with their unborn child (promotes positive prenatal bonding). Zaida Baby is a completely unique baby book that includes a

Santa Came Early - and Mom's Helper (Fisher-Price) Application

2011-12-15T17:20:00.001-06:00

Santa came a bit early this year and brought Lyla some new Fisher-Price toys: a Luv U Zoo™ Jumperoo™ and Laugh & Learn™ Dance & Play Puppy. Although Lyla was only 3 months when we got both items, we were surprised to see over the next month how much Lyla was changing with the help of these toys (particularly the Luv U Zoo™ Jumperoo™). Lyla is in awe of the Laugh & Learn™ Dance & Play Puppy

Fisher-Price Twitter Party!

2011-12-15T12:52:00.003-06:00

Are you wondering what to do tonight? Come join me and the rest of the Fisher-Price Play Panel for Fisher-Price's 1st Twitter Party! The details... Date: December 15, 2011 Time: 9:00-10:00pm EST The Fisher-Price Twitter party should be a lot of fun! Plus, as a party participant you'll have the chance to win one of 6 prizes. The prize packs are based on the age of your child and have an

Save 15% at Chapters!

2011-12-12T15:59:00.000-06:00

Do you still have some last minute Christmas shopping to do? If you are planning to do some online shopping at Chapters Indigo, make sure to use the coupon code IndigoJoy on your purchase of $75 or more, now through until Sunday at midnight, to save 15% off your order. The last day to shop and get FREE shipping to urban centers (other than GTA, Windsor, Montreal and Ottawa corridor) is December

How do you prepare for the holidays?

2011-11-24T21:04:00.001-06:00

When it comes to planning the gifts I'm going to purchase my loved ones for Christmas, I like to do a lot of research. I research online, often reading other blogs to find out what other Moms thought of particular items. Then, once I've decided what to buy, I do a bit more research to find out where to get the best buy! I used to do all my shopping in local malls but now, I like to do a lot of

Wordless Wednesday - Winter Family Fun!

2011-11-23T21:42:00.001-06:00

A picture of me, my husband, and my daughter during our walk at a local Manitoba provincial park this afternoon. An energizing walk on a snow-filled trail on a beautiful day! How did you spend your afternoon?

Boské Kids Review & Giveaway!

2011-11-17T19:59:00.000-06:00

Boské Kids is a natural children's clothing line based in Canada. The name Boské Kids comes from the Spanish word bosque (pronounced bOskay) meaning forest. The name of this children's clothing brand encompasses what the brand is, at it's roots: Natural, luxurious, enchanting, playful, imaginative, simple, soft, elegant, stylish, unique, beautiful, quality. Boské Kids is an environmentally

Patent Granted for Daddy Diaper Changing Toolbox - a Fun and Functional choice for New Dad Gifts

2011-11-16T19:27:00.001-06:00

Tampa, FL – Funstuff4babies, a New Dad Gifts creator, announced today they have been officially notified by the United States Patent and Trademark Office that their Daddy Diaper Changing Toolbox is Patented Patent No. 8,047,375; additional patents are pending for this Daddy to be gift. “I knew I had my million dollar idea when my mother-in-law bought one,” says Chris Hartsfield, CEO of

'In the Kitchen' Archive Fridays - Featured Food Blog 'Chubba Gurl'

2011-11-11T22:26:00.001-06:00

Welcome to this week's edition of 'In the Kitchen' Archive Fridays! Today I'll be featuring another food blog feature that I did on Everything 'In the Kitchen' Up Close back in 2009! Make sure to scroll to the bottom of this post for an update on 'Chubba Gurl'! The information contained in the original post may not be completely up to date, although, all the links should still work.

Canadian Blog Roll Update!

2011-11-10T10:34:00.001-06:00

To make finding the page easier for everyone, I have decided to make the Canadian Blogger Blog Roll a page of it's own. You can now find it at http://www.everythingupclose.com/p/canadian-blogger-blog-roll.html. I will be making a new button shortly that will appear on the sidebar of my blog to make finding the page even simpler! As always, I am always accepting new buttons or links to be added

Halloween Photo Contest!

2011-11-09T21:05:00.003-06:00

One of my previous review and giveaway sponsors, Le Petit Bébé is holding a Halloween Photo Contest on their Facebook page! To enter, just visit Boutique Le Petit Bébé on Facebook and post a picture of your little one all dressed up before November 15, 2011 at 8:00pm. Good Luck!

The Aviva Community Fund Contest

2011-11-09T17:01:00.001-06:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Aviva Community Fund. All opinions are 100% mine. Do you have an idea that would help to achieve a positive change in your community? With the Aviva Community Fund Contest, that idea could become a reality! Aviva Canada Inc., a provider of various types of insurance products in Canada, is proud to announce that they will be offering the

Baby Beau & Belle Review & Giveaway

2011-11-09T07:26:00.000-06:00

Baby Beau & Belle is a beautiful online store that creates 100% USA handmade garments made from the highest quality materials....perfect for your little one! In the Baby Beau & Belle online store you will find lovely pieces made from materials such as super soft soft 100% cotton fabrics and knits, 100% silk, Venice laces, Swiss embroideries, French ribbons, hand-made silk and satin rosettes,

Winner Time!

2011-11-05T01:52:00.002-05:00

I've finally had a chance to pick the winner of the $50 Loblaws gift certificate, part of the Huggies Baby and You article. In all honesty, I forgot that I hadn't picked a winner yet. So, I apologize for the delay. The winner of the $50 gift card was picked with the help of random.org. The winner is comment #34 - Amy C. The winning comment was for following Everything Up Close on Facebook.

Fisher-Price On the GO! Laugh & Learn Apptivity Review.

2011-11-05T00:48:00.000-05:00

Fisher-Price has so many toys, many which are great for traveling. But, they've come out with a brand new toy that is unlike any other! This toy allows your little one to learn about technology at a young age, while teaching them how to count, names and locations of body parts, and more! Introducing the Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Apptivity Case. The Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Apptivity