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Saskmom's Saskatoon Berry Muffins

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Monchuk {Saskmom}) — Tue, 21 Jul 2020 21:53:00 +0000

After a recent outing to pick Saskatoon berries at Rhodes' Raspberries and Black Currants U-Pick operation, the kids and I decided our next order of business had to be baking up some delicious Saskatoon Berry Muffins.

We are a bit fanatical about muffins in our family, as evidenced by my muffin board on Pinterest, my freezer full of muffins and the fact that I've already talked about muffins on this blog here and also here.

I just can't help myself! Muffins are portable, kid-approved, simple to bake, hard to screw up and easy to freeze. And, now that I'm using fresh, locally grown Saskatoon berries and these cute, colourful silicone baking cups, my muffin madness has grown in epic proportions!

So, let's do this!

Saskmom's Saskatoon Berry Muffins

Makes 2 dozen muffins + a dozen mini muffins to serve or freeze for later.

~ 2 eggs, beaten

~ 1 cup canola oil

~ 1 1/2 cups milk

~ 4 cups flour

~ 2 teaspoons salt

~ 4 teaspoons baking powder

~ 1 cup sugar {or 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 cup coconut palm sugar}

~ 2 cups fresh or frozen Saskatoon berries

1. Preheat oven to 375 F.

2. Combine eggs, oil and milk.

3. Stir in flour, salt, baking powder and sugar until moistened. {Batter will be lumpy.}

4. Fold in Saskatoon berries.

5. Fill muffin tins coated with cooking spray.
6. Bake for about 20 minutes or until edges are turning golden brown.

Saskmom Tip: Skip the spray by using silicone baking cups. I have come to love my reusable silicone baking cups like these 👉 via my Amazon.ca associates link 👈. Muffins never stick to them like paper liners and they are so fun and easy to clean. I bake, freeze and reheat in them all the time and they look as beautiful as the first day I got them!

Let me know if you share my mania for muffins in the comments below. What's your family's favourite muffin type?

Woof'em Campfire Creations

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Monchuk {Saskmom}) — Fri, 17 Jul 2020 04:45:00 +0000

One exceptionally beautiful summer evening, I texted my backyard neighbour.
Me: "When you see the fire, come over."
Her: "Will bring stuff for woof'ems. I have two sticks."
Me: 😐 "What's a woof'em?"
Then: Google.

Oh. My. Goodness. I was downright giddy with excitement in finding a new food activity to enjoy around our backyard chiminea and farm bonfires. {Yes, new foods make me giddy. . . especially when they involve chocolate. And marshmallows. And campfires.}

Woof'ems are fire-roasted dough cups filled with your choice of yumminess. The crispy, hot cup melts all the ooey-gooey-goodness inside.

My first try at a woof'em was pure masterpiece! I stuffed my cup made from canned biscuit dough with mini marshmallows, dark chocolate chips, strawberries, slivered almonds and whipped cream.

The beautiful thing is you could make any variety of fillings. My daughter's woof'ems are basically just a vehicle for Reddi-whip. But, my mind just races with all the delicious possibilities: apple or cherry pie filling, apricot jam, pudding . . . And then, it shifts to all of the savoury possibilities: pepperoni, pizza sauce and cheese, chili and cheese, taco meat and cheese, ham and cheese. . . basically anything with cheese!

I know I had you at chocolate . . . and cheese. So, where do you get a woof'em stick of your own?

My friend purchased hers from Jessica, the local maker behind Creations by J. To date, I have purchased 24 woof'em sticks from Jessica for ourselves, for gifts or to pass along to others who have caught my enthusiasm for these new campfire creations. Her wooden woof'em sticks are sold in pairs for $12.

You can find her sticks at Joyne Collective Marketplace, while supplies last, or by messaging her online at @creationsbyjyxe on Instagram or via her Creations by J Facebook page.

Once you have your sticks, you can make woof'ems with these five easy steps:
1. Oil the woof-em stick with your choice of spray or oil, if it is new. Then flatten and spread canned biscuit dough over the woof'em stick.
2. Slowly roast the dough in the fire, rotating the stick so that all sides and the edges turn golden brown.
3. When it is done, remove the dough. It will be hot, so consider using a dish towel or a napkin to help protect your fingers. You want it to be hot while you fill it with the goodies.
4. Fill it up with gooey goodness.
5. Woof'em and repeat!

{This is my sweet niece who enjoyed woof'ems for the first time while visiting us this summer.}

Saskatoon Berry Picking at Rhodes' U-Pick Orchard

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Monchuk {Saskmom}) — Fri, 17 Jul 2020 04:02:00 +0000

The kids and I spent this gorgeous July morning picking Saskatoon berries at Rhodes' Raspberries and Black Currants U-Pick operation. In around 45 minutes, the three of us picked five pounds of Saskatoon berries.

I just love Saskatoon berries! They have a sweet, nutty flavour and are high in fiber and antioxidants. Every time I go back to visit family in Oklahoma, my parents and brothers' families always request I bring back Saskatoon berry jam. {With COVID-19, they'll be waiting a long time for their next Saskatoon jam fix. 😔}

We enjoyed sampling the three different varieties of Saskatoons that Rhodes' offers, attempting to identify the subtle differences. The berries in the middle rows were plumper and juicier than I had ever experienced, but my kids perceived the smaller berries from the shorter bushes to be sweeter.

Rhodes' has around 20 deep rows of Saskatoon berry bushes that were full of berries from top to bottom -- great heights for little ones or big ones to pick! We'll be heading back again the last week of July, when I'm told black currants will be ripe and ready to pick. Their yellow, black and red raspberries also should be ready by then. After the first frost, sea buckthorn berries will be ready for harvesting.

If you prefer not to pick, Rhodes' also has frozen produce available for purchase, in addition to teas, jams and raspberry ice cream treats.

SASKMOM TIP: The picking conditions switch between sun and shade, so don't forget to apply sunscreen and bug spray! I brought a backpack with our water bottles inside, but you're never too far from the parking lot if your kids insist they need something.

We filled two ice cream pails we brought from home. However, there are containers for sale at the farm site for $2.

After we were finished picking, we headed back into the cute little red barn to weigh our pails. Our five pounds of Saskatoon berries were $15.

We also spent some time talking with the farm's founder Peter Rhodes. He shared his story of emigrating from England to Canada in 2002 at the age of 70. In 2004, he opened the family fruit orchard, which he and his daughter still run together. Our visit with him helped to make our lovely morning even more enjoyable.

When we got home, I rinsed all the beautiful berries and laid them out to dry. I reserved two cups for Saskatoon berry muffins, a cup to refrigerate for fresh snacking, and then still had two large ziplocks of berries to put into the freezer for future baking projects.

The Rhodes' orchard is located south of Saskatoon just off Valley Road. It's open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hours may vary during certain peak picking weeks. Before heading out on your own adventure, I'd recommend emailing or calling Mr. Rhodes to confirm berry availability and hours: 306-934-6748.

Is berry picking on your summer bucket list? Where do you like to pick? What are your family's favourite berry recipes? I'd love to hear from you in the comments below.

Kids Bowl Free This Summer

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Monchuk {Saskmom}) — Fri, 17 Jul 2020 02:31:00 +0000

With the COVID-19 situation, I had wondered if bowling would be able to remain on our summer bucket list. As it turns out, Eastview Bowl and Fairhaven Bowl are still offering the Kids Bowl Free program that we've enjoyed every year since our son was quite small.

Kids that are registered in the program receive weekly coupons for two free games of bowling each day through August 31, 2020. They also have discounted family passes for the adults in the family.

Bowling is a fun family activity that can be done on an overly hot or rainy afternoon in the summer. Thanks to the extra precautions the centers are taking, it also can be a safe and socially distanced activity to do indoors.

According to Hunter's Bowling Centres, the lanes are "safe, sanitized and ready to roll." They are taking extra measures in light of the pandemic including sanitizing every ball after every use, using only 50 percent of the available lanes, making sure to sanitize hard surfaces after each group and sanitizing shoes, which they have always done. Staff are required to wear masks and will have their temperature taken before starting their shift.

An Antidote for Fear

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Monchuk {Saskmom}) — Mon, 23 Mar 2020 17:42:00 +0000

"Don't let the fear of WHAT IF take away the joy of WHAT IS."

I first saw this quote scrawled on a sidewalk in 2012. That day I was having incredible anxiety. I was pregnant with my third child around a year after my second child had died inexplicably in utero at full term.

My husband was on a business trip out of province, and my 3-year-old son and I were tagging along. I was having a difficult time relaxing or enjoying anything because I saw imagined dangers around every corner for my son, myself and my unborn child.

That day we were walking to take my son to a playground in an unfamiliar neighbourhood that we'd found online. As we walked, I felt that all-too-familiar heaviness on my chest. I was trying to control my breathing, while I prayed a silent prayer for God to help ease my fears.

Just before we made it to the playground, we passed a small coffee shop. Just outside the door, someone had written in chalk, "Don't let the fear of WHAT IF take away the joy of WHAT IS." I stopped and stared at the words with tears in my eyes. I felt as if it was written just for me in that moment. The heaviness lifted from my chest, and I knew God saw me and had answered my prayer.

This quote helped me to look for all that was true in that moment. I was pregnant with a healthy baby, I had an amazing little boy and a supportive husband who loved me. I was free. I had wonderful family and friends who cared for me. I had a faithful Creator who loved me so much that he would orchestrate a beautifully poetic answer to my prayer in real time. {P.S. He loves you this much, too!}

It has been eight years since that moment, but this phrase has been an encouraging mantra for me almost every day since. . . including today.

This past week was one of the longest I've experienced in a long time. There are sad realities that we cannot deny and are worthy to be mourned. That is the truth.

There are other truthful realities that we also should not deny. We are so incredibly blessed. We will have enough of everything we need. We are loved and we have love to give. We are free. This is also the truth.

Fear comes into play when we dwell only on the negative realities while ignoring the positive realities. Fear is believing the lies of scarcity and discarding the truths of abundance.

I believe an antidote for fear is gratitude. There are gifts everywhere if we chose to unwrap them as such.

For the past 90 days or so, I have been starting every morning by writing five little things I am thankful for. This past week I encouraged my kids to write down one or two things that they are thankful for each day as well. I think this is going to be an important practice to help us look for the blessings and the joyful truths in our lives as we maneuver the coming days, weeks and months ahead.

Perhaps this quote or practice might encourage you today as well, friend. Be well!

Nutrien Wonderhub Offering Virtual Programming

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Monchuk {Saskmom}) — Sun, 22 Mar 2020 21:22:00 +0000

Since temporarily closing its doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Nutrien Wonderhub is offering digital content through its Facebook page. You can find Wonderhub's virtual programming schedule as well as watch prerecorded videos through its website and social media channels.

Thanks to Nutrien Wonderhub and its sponsors for helping make our socially distanced lives a little bit brighter!

Local Children's Entertainers Hosting Virtual Storytimes

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Monchuk {Saskmom}) — Sun, 22 Mar 2020 20:34:00 +0000

Join local children's entertainers from the social distance of your own home for stories, songs and rhymes! Crispi Lord of Wide Open Children's Theatre and Sylvia Chave, aka Singing with Sylvia, are hosting 30-minute online toddler story times via Facebook Live weekday mornings at 10 a.m.

Visit the Singing with Sylvia page on Facebook on Tuesdays and Thursdays for singing, interactive rhymes and stories with Sylvia Chave. On Mondays and Wednesdays, Crispi Lord will host story time and songs via Wide Open Children's Theatre page on Facebook.

If you're unable to catch the live show, the videos will also be available to watch after the live event. Watch for updated information on the Facebook event listing.

Virtual fist-bumps for these two wonderful women for gifting their time and talents to bring smiles to families at home during this time. Thanks, ladies!

Things to Do with Kids at Home

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Monchuk {Saskmom}) — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 04:30:00 +0000

The Saskatchewan Health Authority recommends social distancing and limiting gatherings as the information around COVID-19 is rapidly evolving. All the closures, cancellations and isolations are so important to the health of our community. Therefore, our Saskmom.com Saskatoon family event calendar will be on hold until this recommendation is lifted.

A silver lining during this challenging time is the opportunity for quality {and quantity} time with our families. There really is no shortage of things to do at home!

Have a living room dance party with your favourite tunes. Invite friends to choose a few songs to share and join in over FaceTime or Facebook Messenger!
Count your blessings. Challenge your family to collect 100 gifts of gratitude. If everyone in my family of four wrote down one thing we were grateful for every day, in 30 days we would have collected 120 gifts.
Have kids take turns planning family "spirit day" themes and plan costumes, activities and food themes for the day.
Check out Saskatchewan in Motion's idea jar.
Go for a walk outside {while maintaining appropriate social distances, of course}. Maybe make it a scavenger hunt?
Play board games.
Make a craft. It's the perfect time to go through all the cute Pinterest boards we've made!
Projectkid.com and @hotcoffee_creativekids on Instagram are fun places to look for art projects.
Challenge the kids to build a LEGO city or to take a 30-day LEGO challenge.
Organize Pajama Olympics.
Play in the back yard.
Make a chore jar together, placing various tasks on slips of paper, to add some fun to clean-up time.
Alphabet Bingo -- There are six cards in this set, so if you have extra, you could forward the PDF to friends and play together over a video chat.
Borrow ebooks and audiobooks from the Saskatoon Public Library digital resources.
Take virtual Canadian farm tours at FarmFood360.
Challenge another family to a family lip sync battle -- prerecorded or over FaceTime.
Stream music, movies, performances and concerts from Saskatoon Public Library's digital resources.
Set the kids up to explore a variety of free, ad-free, self-led educational lessons at KahnAcademy.org.
Take a virtual tour of Mars.
Check out this great list of virtual field trips.
Find a lonely hill for sledding.
Learn some new dance moves using "Just Dance" or other dance videos on YouTube.
Yoga in the living room.
All hands on deck for meal prep and clean up.
Use photos and/or clippings from magazines to create vision boards or to decorate an old shoebox for a special memory box.
Make a care package for a neighbour and put it on their front steps.
Make your own granola bars.
Search up some family fitness routines on YouTube.
Explore the Northeast Swale or another wooded trails for a winter walk.
Challenge your kids to reread all the books in the house and weed out the ones they no longer want (for future donations) and organize the ones they do.
Take turns reading a family chapter book together.
Have your kids pick a weekly topic to research on the Internet. Have them research one question about their topic each day and write one paragraph answering each question. By the end of the week they can arrange their paragraphs into a one-page essay that they could read to their grandparents over FaceTime.
Journal time with prompts or not.
Watch a sunrise or sunset together.
Start a knitting, sewing or woodworking project together that you already have supplies for around the house or garage.
Make your own puff paint.
Write a letter and snail mail it!
Movies and popcorn.
Make a dream destination list together and have kids research future vacation spots.
Start a paper or online scrapbooking project together.
Family puzzle day.
Find fun grade-specific educational games at ABCya.com.
Make homemade play dough.
Just play!

What fun and interesting things are you and your family doing?

Singing with Sylvia's Marchmallow Treat, March 12

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Monchuk {Saskmom}) — Tue, 03 Mar 2020 03:49:00 +0000

Sylvia Chave has three sweet and toasty shows lined up for her Marchmallow Treat concert series in Saskatoon on March 12. Singing with Sylvia shows are perfect occasions for families to sing and laugh together. If you haven't caught one of her shows before, your kids will undoubtedly adore Sylvia's tunes, costumes and lively stage antics.

Show times are Thursday, March 12 at 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. All three concerts will take place at The Refinery at 609 Dufferin Avenue.

Order tickets online at ontheboards.ca or by calling The Refinery Box Office, 306-653-5191. Tickets are $8 in advance or $10 at the door. Children under two are free.

After witnessing her engaging charm and wit for yourself, you may want to take home one or more of Sylvia's CDs to spin in the mini-van. Her music is not only available at her concerts, but also through her online store, on Spotify and through other streaming music services.

Sylvia's latest album, Shine, encourages kids to let their creativity, positivity and individuality shine with songs like "You Are Awesome" and "You Are You."

I realized my purchase of her second solo CD, The Orange Album, had already paid for itself the first time my 4-year-old crooned, "Momma says 'no,' she means no, and we all know . . . that Momma knows best!" and when he repeatedly requested Sylvia's "Goodnight, Sleep Tight" for his bedtime cuddle song.

Sylvia's Renji Penji album is packed full of fun lyrics and catchy musical hooks. Tunes like "Sandbox Shimmy," "See You Soon Baboon" and "I Yi Yi" are sure to stick in your head like bubble gum in your hair.

From morning, to night, and all the magic moments in between, Sylvia's music could serve as the perfect soundtrack for a day in the life of a Canadian family.

Catch the Rush

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Monchuk {Saskmom}) — Sat, 29 Feb 2020 21:12:00 +0000

From my very first Saskatchewan Rush Lacrosse game back in 2016 -- which also happened to be my first-ever introduction to lacrosse -- I was hooked! The athleticism, the energy, the music, and the crowd of fans pounding their chests had me charged up and eager for more.

If you haven't been to a Rush game before, it's more than just lacrosse. It's a fun party surrounding a great fast-paced game. Make sure you show up at least 30 minutes in advance for the pre-game show.

My kids have both loved it from the beginning as well. Following most games there's a free post-game autograph session and the ability to take pictures with their favourite players and the team's mascot Bruiser. Simply head to the Saskatchewan Lacrosse Association booth on the main concourse to receive a wristband and a free Rush team poster before the game.

A Rush game has been a popular birthday party destination for many in my son's circle of friends. If you fill out the online request form, they will display a happy birthday wish on the jumbotron during the game. There are also birthday party packages that include tickets DQ blizzards and goody bags that may even be delivered by Bruiser during the game.

If you haven't tried a Rush game yet this season, I would highly recommend it. There are two regular season home games in March and three in April. Click here for the full schedule.

View this post on Instagram

Last night I took in my first lacrosse game. Looking forward to the next. What a great game! Glad to have you in #saskatoon @saskrush!

A post shared by Laura Monchuk (@saskmomdotcom) on Jan 30, 2016 at 9:26pm PST

Toonie Tuesdays at Rainbow Cinemas

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Monchuk {Saskmom}) — Fri, 28 Feb 2020 22:32:00 +0000

This Tuesday, my family and I went to Rainbow Cinemas for Toonie Tuesday. It had been a while since we had gone to the movies and, at that price, we came away wondering why we don't do it more often.

Rainbow does not have plush, reclining seats, but when we can take our family of four to a movie for less than one child's ticket at Landmark, I think it is worth it! {By the way, my family absolutely loves the plush, reclining seats at Landmark and Cineplex theatres, and we certainly recommend it for a treat night out!}

There are some fun family movies playing now at Rainbow, including Frozen II, Dolittle, Spies in Disguise and more. Check the web site for the latest movies.

If you plan to get popcorn, avoid two lines and purchase your movie tickets at the concession till. I don't know how they do it, but they really do have the most delicious popcorn in town.

So, take advantage of Toonie Tuesdays before Rainbow closes its doors for good on May 21, 2020. If you have regularly scheduled activities on Tuesday nights, like we will beginning next week, regular tickets prices are only $5 at Rainbow. You can also get a free movie on your birthday, with valid identification.

Of course, if you are in the baby stage, Movies for Mommies offers weekly screenings at Rainbow Cinemas on Thursdays at 1 p.m. These shows include reduced film sound, an in-theatre change table with complimentary dipes and wipes, stroller parking, door prizes and regular pre-show events.

Seen any good family movies lately or have one you're wanting to see? Share in the comments below!

Discover Ag in the City, April 4

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Monchuk {Saskmom}) — Fri, 28 Feb 2020 07:31:00 +0000

My family is looking forward to another year of Ag in the City, a fun and free event that helps families discover the role agriculture plays in their daily lives. This year's event will take place Saturday, April 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Mall at Lawson Heights.

This year promises a Kid's Fun Zone with face painting, games, puzzles and other interactive activities, live cooking demos, family trivia gameshows, videos and booths from provincial agriculture organizations. Kids are encouraged to fill their "Tradeshow Passports" with stamps from each of the booths to receive a prize.

It is both fun and important for children to discover how food and fibre is produced. You may even be surprised by the many roles that Saskatchewan's diverse agriculture producers play in innovative food production, research and technology.

Click here for the full schedule of events and list of displays.

{P.S. Be sure to introduce yourself to the handsome event emcee Clinton Monchuk with Farm & Food Care Saskatchewan. You might get VIP treatment if you call him "Mr. Saskmom.com!"}

{ learning about Saskatchewan canola }

View this post on Instagram

Science IS cool! Fun times at Agriculture in the City @lawsonheightsmall #aginthecity

A post shared by Laura Monchuk (@saskmomdotcom) on Apr 21, 2018 at 4:28pm PDT

Draggins Car Show, April 10-11

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Monchuk {Saskmom}) — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 05:35:00 +0000

A great place to run off some energy on Easter weekend might be the 2020 Draggins Rod & Custom Car Show, which will take place April 10-11 at Prairieland Park. Doors are open both Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The show will be packed with hundreds of hot rods, custom vehicles, antiques, muscle cars, motorcycles, scale model cars and classic vehicles. Even the parking lot could be a fun destination with the "Cool Car Corral" where visitors to the show can leave their vehicles. {I wonder what they'd say if I tried to park my mini-van there?}

Admission for ages 5 and under is free, kids 6 to 15 are $5, adult tickets for ages 16 to 65 are $15 and seniors over 65 are $10. All proceeds benefit Camp Easter Seal, a fun, barrier-free and wheel-chair accessible camp for Saskatchewan children.

Saskmom Tip: Don't plan to go too late in the day, as the first 1,000 children each day will receive free Hot Wheels!

This should be a fun show for vehicle enthusiasts of all ages.

Thanks for the Memories, Jerry's!

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Monchuk {Saskmom}) — Thu, 20 Feb 2020 18:06:00 +0000

We were sad to hear that Jerry's Food Emporium was abruptly and permanently closing both locations on February 19, 2020.

When my kids were little, Jerry's Food Emporium was THE place we would go for celebratory family meals and morning mommy meet-ups.

When the restaurant on 8th was renovated in 2010, my son was 2-years-old and he requested "Jeewee's" regularly. I vividly remember holding his fourth birthday party there along with a delicious Jerry's ice cream cake. It was, in fact, my last meal before going into labour and heading into the hospital to deliver our third child.

The 51st Street location opened in 2012, just as my baby daughter came on the scene.

My kids have many memories of playing in the kids' areas at both locations. It was a place I always knew we adults could enjoy a delicious latte, lunch or gelato while the kids were entertained.

Thanks for the memories, Jerry's! These two locally owned Saskatoon restaurants will be missed.

Here's to You, McNally Robinson

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Monchuk {Saskmom}) — Mon, 17 Feb 2020 13:00:00 +0000

McNally Robinson has long been one of my comfort zones in the city. With its well-stocked sections of books, beautifully bound journals, new music and an array of gorgeous gift ideas, I could peruse this bookstore on 8th for hours!

Since becoming a parent, I've become an even bigger McNally Robinson fan. In my experiences, I have found McNally Robinson to be extremely family friendly. I have nursed my son in big cushy chairs scattered throughout the store; I have changed several diapers on the change table in the ladies' washroom behind the travel section; I have enjoyed several mom and baby dates at the adjoining Prairie Ink Restaurant & Bakery, and I have deliberated for hours over everything from the hottest novels and music releases to the latest board books and parenting guides in the fantastic upstairs children's section.

McNally Robinson hosts story times for 3- to 5-year-olds Tuesdays from 10:30 to 11 a.m. in its upstairs Story Circle.

McNally Robinson is a cozy place that can nourish your grown-up interests and simultaneously satisfy your little one's needs...a very cool combo!

All Aboard Model Train Show 2020

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Monchuk {Saskmom}) — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 18:38:00 +0000

Be sure to take the kids to see the trains at the Western Development Museum February 22 and 23. This is an annual must-do event for our family.

The Prairie Rail Workshop is hosting its annual All Aboard Model Train Show at the museum from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday. The show generally features several running model train layouts, elaborate LEGO creations, vendors, videos and consignment tables.

Regular admissions and WDM Memberships to the museum include the train shows on these days.

Of course, the Western Development Museum has a big train engine you can walk into as well as a couple model trains on permanent display that are worth a visit even after the show is over.

All aboard!

Wide Open Presents I Am Thunderbird Girl in February

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Monchuk {Saskmom}) — Sat, 08 Feb 2020 04:11:00 +0000

Wide Open Children's Theatre presents I Am Thunderbird Girl February 8-17. The 45-minute muppet-style puppet show based on a traditional Cree story.

Wide Open is proud to present this all-new work by Aaron Marie Nepoose, an emerging indiginous playwright working with Wide Open in their playwright mentorship program. In this show for young audiences, Thunderbird Girl sets out on an adventure to discover her destiny with some help from friends and family along the way.

With morning, afternoon and evening show times spanning two weekends, there's sure to be a time to fit into your family calendar. Each show will be held at The Refinery Arts & Spirit Centre {609 Dufferin Avenue, Saskatoon}.

Tickets are $12 for children 1-12 years old and $17 for ages 13 and up. Infants are free.

My daughter and I attended Wide Open's season opener, and it was fantastic! They always create high-caliber shows for families. We look forward to this new production.

Wide Open Children's Theatre is giving away a family pass to the showtime of your choice to one lucky Saskmom.com follower. To enter, comment below with a fun adventure you've enjoyed with your kids. Share another adventure via Saskmom.com's post on Facebook for a second entry.

Valentine's Tree Craft

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Monchuk {Saskmom}) — Thu, 06 Feb 2020 19:22:00 +0000

I've been following local mom Leah Tyree on Instagram @hotcoffee_creativekids for at least a year now. Leah regularly shares seasonal crafts she creates to spark creativity, to promote learning through play and to occupy her three little ones so she might drink her coffee while it's hot. Not a particularly crafty person myself, I'm always so inspired by the originality and beautiful simplicity of her crafts for kids. In fact, I was so inspired that I asked if she'd share some of her ingenuity with us on Saskmom.com, and she graciously agreed! Enjoy! 💗Laura, aka Saskmom

Valentine's Tree Craft
by Leah Tyree, aka @hotcoffee_creative kids on Instagram

I don't know about your kids, but on these cold winter days my little ones sometimes need a goal to get them outside and focused on something other than their cold toes! To prepare for this craft, their outdoor mission was to collect sticks.

For this craft you need:

sticks
white card stock paper or cardboard
coloured construction paper
hot glue
glue stick or white school glue

To set this craft up, first I glued the sticks with hot glue to the white card stock in a tree formation.

Next, I layered the construction paper and folded it in half to make it easy to cut out multiple hearts at once. Cut some bigger and some smaller.

Set out the cut-out hearts on a plate or tray and set out the glue for your little one. If you use white school glue, a popsicle stick works well for spreading.

Finally, have your little one decorate with the hearts however they desire.

This is a fun way to bring the outdoors inside for a lovely Valentine's Day craft and decoration.

Follow Leah on Instagram at @hotcoffee_creativekids for more educational play and creative crafts ideas.

Saskatoon Baby & Toddler Adventures

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Monchuk {Saskmom}) — Tue, 28 Jan 2020 15:45:00 +0000

There are loads of things to do in Saskatoon with babes and toddlers in tow! Yet, as a brand new mom, there were several days when I felt completely uninspired to leave my PJ's, let alone the house. Eventually, I snapped out my hormone-induced funk and vowed to venture out at least once a day with my baby.

I have made it my goal to post 365 adventures for Saskatoon parents to try with their babies -- one activity for every day of your maternity or paternity leave. While some destinations like the Forestry Farm Zoo may seem obvious, others may not be places you would necessarily think of as "adventure destinations" like the grocery store.

Let's face it: every time you step foot outside of your home with your child is an adventure. You learn new organization skills, will perfect the use of all that new baby gear and your baby will be introduced to various aspects of our fair city for the first time. Sounds like an adventure to me!

Anytime Adventures

Fall Adventures

Winter Adventures

Spring Adventures

Summer Adventures

More from the Archives

If you have some adventures you'd like to add, drop them in a comment below or shoot me a message through the email form at the bottom of the site.

Date Night In

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Monchuk {Saskmom}) — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 18:00:00 +0000

A few years ago, I was feeling quite bummed that my husband and I were unable to find a sitter for the Friday or Saturday of Valentine's Day weekend. I felt especially left out after Amazon.ca had ranked Saskatoon the 4th most romantic city in Canada!

Hoping to live vicariously through some of you, I asked my Saskmom.com followers on Facebook what they were up to for Valentine's Day. While a few of the responses included a date night out, most planned to stay in for the night and a few went as far as to give details that included scrubbing toilets and taking care of children with diarrhea. {sigh}

In lieu of a night out, my sweet husband and I decided to attempt a great date night in. . . . and I am proud to say we succeeded!

Part of our original plans had included sushi. So instead, my husband made an online order to pick up after work.

He stuck our platter of sushi in the fridge when he got home, and we worked together to get our kids fed, bathed and in bed. We were amazed when they were both out by 7:15! {8 p.m. is usually the very earliest we can make it downstairs from the bedtime routine.}

I took a couple minutes to fluff the hair, put on lipstick and spritz perfume before descending the staircase to our date. My husband was already busy downstairs altering the ambiance from a kid's play zone to an adult retreat space. He had finished picking up the food that had not made it into our children's mouths and was lighting candles. While I put on some music, he began setting things up on the opposite end of the table than we generally eat together. I thought this smallest of moves was brilliant, as it helped to make the meal feel even more different.

I broke out our cute little sushi set that we received from our wedding almost 10 years ago and these lovely dishes also helped to step up the romance factor for me.

Our sushi platter was both beautiful and delicious. It was also not lost on either of us that we would have spent the amount we paid for the 60-piece sushi platter on babysitting alone had we gone out that night.

As we chatted and enjoyed our sushi, we both could not stop smiling! It was a wonderful realization, for both of us I think, that we could closely recreate an enjoyable adult dining experience without leaving home.

While I was at Dollarama earlier in the week picking up a few Valentine's surprises for the kids, I ran across this somewhat cheesy card game called "To Know Me is to Love Me." It is basically a game to see how well you know your significant other. I wasn't sure if my guy would go for it, but he somewhat reluctantly complied and we ended up having fun with it. {Turns out his memory is much better than mine. Didn't see that one coming.}

We both agreed our "date night in" was fun. It was a wonderful way to connect while our 6-year-old and 2-year-old slept. It left us feeling inspired to try it again. We already are planning our next "date night in," and I am looking forward to it very much!

What are some of the successful "date nights in" you have had or would like to try with your partner?

P.S. After I wrote this, I found a new cookbook entitled Date Night In: More than 120 Recipes to Nourish Your Relationship. I am ordering a copy today! {I told you I was excited about date night in!}

BHP Enchanted Forest Holiday Light Tour

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Monchuk {Saskmom}) — Mon, 02 Dec 2019 18:30:00 +0000

The BHP Billiton Enchanted Forest Holiday Light Tour runs Nov. 15, 2019, through Jan. 6, 2020, at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park. Open nightly from 5:30 to 10 p.m., the 2.5-kilometer drive-through light show is sure to delight all ages.

The BHP Enchanted Forest is not only one of the longest-running Christmas light shows in Canada, but it is a major annual fundraiser for both the Saskatoon City Hospital Foundation and the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation.

Prices at the gate are $10 per person or $35 per vehicle that includes up to seven people. Children 5 years old and under are free. While cash keeps the line moving more quickly, Visa, Mastercard and debit cards are also accepted.

Saskmom Tip: Save $5 per car-load with the Enchanted ExpressPass available at Saskatoon Shoppers Drug Marts as well as Co-op Food Stores and Gas Bars in Saskatoon, Warman, Martensville and Watrous.

Noah's Ark is one of my family's favourite features. Someone in the car always points out the purple butterfly, and I always get misty-eyed as this is our daughter Ava Faith's symbol. I also love all of the gorgeous trees and marvel at the time it must take to get everything ready for this annual event.

What's your family's favourite Enchanted Forest display?

Snowman Shape Sorting Craft

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Monchuk {Saskmom}) — Wed, 20 Nov 2019 19:45:00 +0000

I've been following local mom Leah Tyree on Instagram @hotcoffee_creativekids for at least a year now. Leah regularly shares seasonal crafts she creates to spark creativity, to promote learning through play and to occupy her three little ones so she might drink her coffee while it's hot. Not a particularly crafty person myself, I'm always so inspired by the originality and beautiful simplicity of her crafts for kids. In fact, I was so inspired that I asked if she'd share some of her ingenuity with us on Saskmom.com, and she graciously agreed! Enjoy! 💗Laura, aka Saskmom

Snowman Shape Sorting Craft
by Leah Tyree, aka @hotcoffee_creative kids on Instagram

How easy is this activity? Grab some painter's tape and construction paper, and you've got yourself a coffee-sippin’ good time!

I start this activity by making my snowman: just three shapes using painter's tape on any hard surface. I used a triangle, circle and square for my 2-year-old, but you could use a hexagon, pentagon or octagon for an older child and have them count the sides of the shapes and match that way, too!

Once the snowman body is taped to the floor, I simply made a quick snowman head using white paper, coloured construction paper and glue. I tucked some tape under the head to secure it to the floor.

Now it's time for the snow, aka white circles, squares and triangles.

Pro Tip: You don't have to cut out individual shapes. Instead, layer the white paper to cut out multiple shapes at one time.

The first time you do this activity with your toddler, only make a few of each shape -- maybe three to five. This will prevent them from being overwhelmed during the activity. If they seem to really be engaged and loving it, you can always add more. I sprinkle the shapes on the ground for them to collect and sort into each snowman shape.

The first time you do this activity, you might present it by saying, “Can you fill the snowman’s tummy with snow?” Let them fill the snowman however they choose. Maybe they will put the shapes in the right place and maybe they won't, and that's ok! Even if they are incorrect in their sorting, this is a good introduction to shapes.

Continue with affirmations such as, “Good job grabbing a circle! You chose to put it in the square.” As you repeat this activity, slowly they will start to associate which shapes match and will begin sorting them accurately.

I always want my little one to feel successful after learning through play! The learning will come naturally with repetition, especially if they feel successful each time. Maybe today they matched only a few correctly, but they had fun. In my mind, this is the most important part about learning.

Their little brains are processing shapes throughout the activity without them even realizing it! If they enjoy themselves, they will be excited to do it again, and slowly you will notice the concept will click!

Follow Leah on Instagram at @hotcoffee_creativekids for more educational play and creative crafts ideas.

Glow Bowling with the Kids

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Monchuk {Saskmom}) — Wed, 20 Nov 2019 03:51:00 +0000

My family loves bowling. My husband and I have been bowling with our kids since my son was 4 years old. {Check out this trip down memory lane from the Saskmom.com archives.}

I love that it's a game that can be played by anyone regardless of age, size or strength. Any kids who can walk and carry the little ball can enjoy bowling. They can put up bumper pads in the gutters and there's even a cute dragon slide to help usher balls down the lane. Lanes are also wheelchair accessible.

According to the organizers of National Family Bowling Month, bowling two games is equivalent to walking half a mile and works 184 muscles while swinging around 576 pounds. I also love that bowling is a great physical activity we can do together no matter the season.

Here are the places to bowl with the family in Saskatoon:

Canadian Bowling Centre, 217 Fairmont Drive
Dino's Bar & Grill, 906 Central Avenue
Hunter's Eastview Bowl, 2929 Louise Street East
Hunter's Fairhaven Bowl, 3401 22 Street West

My family generally goes to Eastview Bowl. It has 32 lanes of glow-in-the-dark bowling, TV monitors with fun music videos and a full-service restaurant overlooking the lanes. My kids have attended several birthday parties here in their private party rooms.

We have signed up for the Kids Bowl Free program there for many summers. I often take my nieces and nephews with us when they visit over the summer, as it's an activity the littler cousins and teen-aged cousins can enjoy together year after year.

Saskmom Tip: To keep kids engaged for two back-to-back games, bowl one game normally and then try a fun second game taking turns bowling with the opposite hand or on one foot, with both hands or backwards! There are several "Funky Bowl" templates you can find with a quick search online.

Do you like to bowl with your kids? What physical activities do you like to do as the weather begins to turn colder? I'd love to hear from you in the comments below.

Singing with Sylvia's Holiday Hoopla

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Monchuk {Saskmom}) — Tue, 19 Nov 2019 05:21:00 +0000

S.C. is coming to town! No, not Santa Claus. It's Sylvia Chave and her Holiday Hoopla.

From the top of her candy-cane antlers to the bottom of her jingle bell boots, Sylvia's holiday spirit can illuminate a roomful of preschoolers like a Christmas tree. She'll have you and your little ones singing about holiday baking and the guy in the big red suit all the way home.

Check out her Christmas video playlist on the Singing with Sylvia Facebook page for a small taste of what to expect.

The four 2019 Hoopla shows will take place at The Refinery, 609 Dufferin Avenue:
~ Friday, December 6, 10:30 a.m.
~ Friday, December 6, 7 p.m.
~ Thursday, December 12, 10:30 a.m.
~ Thursday, December 12, 1 p.m.

Order tickets online or by calling The Refinery Box Office, 306-653-5191. Tickets are $8 in advance or $10 at the door. Children under two are free. Group rates are available for schools, preschools and daycares.

Glow Saskatoon Runs Through Dec. 28

noreply@blogger.com (Laura Monchuk {Saskmom}) — Sun, 17 Nov 2019 22:12:00 +0000

Glow Saskatoon, a shiny new holiday activity in Saskatoon, is happening at the World Trade Center at Prairieland Park November 21-December 28. {Click here for all dates and times and read on for our give-away.}

Glow is a family-friendly indoor garden featuring millions of twinkling lights, interactive features, entertainment and refreshments. The kids and I had a great time checking things out on opening day!

We spent considerable time enjoying the Gingerbread House Playground, the LED-lit swings and the glowing hopscotch court. My kids also enjoyed the scavenger hunt to help the elves find Santa's lost presents. They found all six for a holiday treat!

We met a couple princesses while we were there. Santa will also be available weekdays between 4 and 9 p.m. and Saturdays from 12 to 9 p.m. {except when he takes a needed break to feed the reindeer}.

I'm also hoping to get away with my husband for a romantic Glow date night. I'm dreaming of a smooch or two under the hanging lights, sipping a festive drink and a bite to eat while listening to one of the musical performances. {My kids and I were very impressed with Graham Dyck's performance on opening day.} Check the Glow Calendar for a schedule of events.

There are also a few shopping vendors and a couple full-service bars, which would add to a fun girls night out! {Oh, the possibilities!}

With twinkling light tunnels, illuminated picture frames and a variety of other hanging light fixtures, there are countless photo-ops to fill your family Christmas card.

Glow Saskatoon has agreed to give one lucky Saskmom.com follower a one-day family pass ticket, valued at $66, for any available day! To enter, share your favourite family holiday tradition in the comments below, then take a quick second to follow Glow Saskatoon on Facebook or via Instagram to stay updated on the latest news about this new local attraction. For a second entry, comment on our contest post on Facebook @saskmomdotcom.

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A post shared by Laura Monchuk (@saskmomdotcom) on Nov 21, 2019 at 7:36pm PST