shinelily

This is a sponsored post and all opinions are 100% mine.

Literally, I blinked and here we are prepping for back to school. The boys are going into SK, so this year isn’t as stressful as last. It’ll be the same school, same teachers, same knapsacks, same lunch bags and the same lunch boxes.

We are also adding a few new things to the mix. This year I plan on making some hot lunch meals, so we bought the boys thermoses. I also intend on baking breakfast/snack recipes that I archived from Instagram, as well as adding some deli meat and sausage options – opting out of my typical ham sandwich creation.

Recently, we received a generous delivery of deli sliced chicken and summer sausage meats, along with turkey and chicken snack bites from Piller’s Fine Foods. They are a family business that is all about making food for families to enjoy and supporting their community. They also offer products that are free of all major food allergens (gluten, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, mustard, sesame, egg, fish, soy, sulphites). About an hour west of Toronto, they are a local Ontario company. Always feels good to support local!

 

So, what makes Piller’s Fine Foods stand out from others? Quality and taste! True testament, my boys have already polished off a package of the summer sausage meats. I have one really picky eater and at such a young age, he’s gaining quite the reputation of having an appetite for only the finest foods. He got it from his mama!

In addition, when it comes to lunches, let’s take that even further, when it comes to any type of meal prep, I am all about convenience and efficiency. I’m not creative in the kitchen and I am pretty basic and I own it. So, where I lack in creativity, I’ll make up for it by ensuring that I’m buying premium quality products because I won’t sacrifice the good stuff for just convenience.

So, what am I going to do with the delivery of goods from Piller’s Fine Foods? We’ll be sharing some so others can enjoy! The turkey and chicken bites will come in handy during extracurricular activity days. Adding some deli meats to the boys’ lunch, sneaking in a couple of slices for myself and saving some slices to make omelets over the weekend. Like I said, I’m basic and proud of it. For those who can whip up lunches and meals like a boss, I’ve provided their recipe link (click here) for food inspiration. If you happen to make anything, let me know, save us a piece or just have us over.

Best of luck in the new school year!

 

Sunshine

 

This is a sponsored post and all opinions are 100% mine. 

Canadian summers are short in Canada, so during these months we love quick getaways without fussing over all the packing and planning. We were recently hosted by Sherkston Shores Resorts to stay several nights and to explore and enjoy their facilities and beaches. Sharing with you what we loved and throwing in a few tips!

ACCOMMODATIONS

The resort has various accommodations available to suit any family. Camp site, RV sites, cabins and cottage rentals. We stayed in a 2-bedroom premium cottage with a large patio, fully equipped kitchen, airconditioned and WiFi strictly for the unit we were staying at.

It was the perfect size cottage for our family of four as it was modern, clean and very cozy. It had everything you needed to prep and cook all three meals, linens were included along with travel size shampoo, conditioner and body lotion which was a nice touch.

TIPS

• The unit has a shared BBQ Grill available, however you must bring your own charcoal
• If you don’t want to fire up the grill, there is a Boston Pizza on-site as well as a Super Mart on the facility
• Super Mart carries high quality foods and products that I was surprised they even had and I’m hella picky! But because we weren’t prepared at all, I still went the next day to a local super market outside the resort. Expect to drive for 15-20 minutes to a grocery store.
• There is a fire pit in the back which we did not use, but it’s great for those evenings to chill and eat s’mores.
• The cottage rentals are close to each other and if you look out the window, you can look right into your neighbour’s deck. I didn’t mind it and the neighbours were cool.
• Our cottage did not have a dishwasher and although it’s not a showstopper, it’s worth mentioning
• Laundry Mat is also available on-site

BEACHES

There are so many beaches on the resort and the easiest way to get to them is with the golf cart. You can drive and park your cart right on the beach. My recommendation is to secure your spot early. We arrived early afternoon one day and it was packed. Still managed to snag a spot, but I always like having first dibs.

We didn’t get a chance to hang out on all the beaches (because so much to do). Rather, we drove to each one to check them out.

Our fav is Elco Beach. Good vibes, soft sand and the lake was perfect. Quarry Beach is equally beautiful and we had a great time, however the shoreline is covered in rocks and walking into the water was uncomfortable and sometimes painful. The boys loved it either way, but I would highly recommend the whole family wears water shoes if they’re’ going into the lake. Staying on the beach to chill, then you’re good without them.

TIPS

• Quarry Beach – beach sport rentals for kayaks, paddleboats and canoes

GOLF CARTS

Riding the carts from Birdie Golf Carts. The best form of transportation on the resort and the most memorable according to Maxwell and Brandon. Gets you to your destination and being able to pull up and park on the beach is a win-win. I hate lugging all the beach gear with me, and this was a lifesaver!

TIPS

• Reserve the golf carts ahead of time. They had sold out when I came to pick mine up and when I wanted to extend my rental for an additional day, they couldn’t because they had rented all carts out.
• Anytime you can, charge the golf carts. Their battery life is 1.5 to 2 hours riding time.

ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT

If you want to switch up the pace and scenery from the beaches, there are other activities to keep the family busy and entertained at any point in the day. Mini putt, skate park and basketball court to name a few.

We had the chance to also chill at the waterpark where the kids played at the splash pads and the big kids (hubby, brother, nephew and sister-in-law) took advantage of the water slides.

In the evening, there was live music for the whole family, we missed out on Chocolate Bar Bingo because the boys were too busy playing at the arcade.

TIPS

• We went to the water park at 6:00pm because the weather was still hot, and the sun was up. It was perfect because no crowds and barely any lineups. We were told by staff either come first thing in the morning or come around dinner time to avoid the rush.
• Every Saturday evening over the summer, there is fireworks by Quarry Beach around 9:30pm. We were too tired to head out, but from our cottage we had a great view.

It was a great stay at Sherkston Shores Resort and we’d definitely come back! Our family has a huge appreciation for what Ontario offers and I’m looking forward to more staycations and more travel. Stay tuned!

xoxo

Sunshine

 

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Hey peeps! Do you love a good farmer’s market? Well I do, and I want to share one of my favs. I discovered Centro Farmer’s Market four summers ago on one of my Sunday visits to a cute home décor and plant shop Centro Garden in Burlington (40 minutes west of Toronto). The market is located in the back parking lot and the hours run from 9:00am – 12:00pm rain or shine. There are approximately 12-15 vendors, so while it’s not a huge market, it’s perfect for our family.

What I love about Centro Farmer’s Market compared to others is the true sense of community. While I don’t live in Burlington, I do love the community feel and with this being my fourth summer heading to the market, we’ve now become regulars to the vendors, other families and the owner of Centro Garden.

In the middle of the market, they have picnic benches for customers to have their breakfast and coffee, a little play kitchen and chalk to keep the littles busy and live music setting the tone.

All the vendors have great produce/products but I want to share my favs with you.

Foundry Ice Cream – Enough said…Ice Cream! Made in Hamilton making small batch pints with in-season fruits. I try my hardest not to have ice cream for breakfast and will wait until closer to noon to grab my cone. I highly recommend Lavender, it’s my fav!

Dez’s Flower Stand of Justice – I’m a sucker for flowers and they’ve got a great selection. But I would recommend coming early, because they do go fast. They also sell Strawberry Lemonade by the glass and in concentrate so you can take some home to make.

Vandenbroek Family Farm – since the boys could walk, I would have them come with me to any Farmer’s Market and help me pick produce. It takes a little bit longer to get what you need, but having them as my shopping buddies they pick what they want and they’ll eat it. This family farm has plenty of fresh selection right up until the end of market. Our staples at every visit are tomatoes, kale and peppers.

So, you’re now thinking it’s 12noon and what do I do after the Farmer’s Market. Well, keep your car parked and you can visit the following within a few steps.

Centro Garden – steps away from the market is the home, lifestyle and garden store. I always walk away with some type of plant that I can’t seem to maintain (black thumb). And Centro Garden is amazing all year round with their home décor and plants.

Kelly’s Bake – sells baked goods that are gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, vegan and peanut free. They’ve got their soft serve ice cream going on, take home goods available and a great selection of beverages.

I’m not done yet as there are still more things to do in the downtown Burlington area. A short drive to the following spots is worth visiting. However, I’ve walked with the family from the market to the waterfront. (note: this area is paid parking, however residential streets offer 3 hours free parking, click on link for parking locations and rates).

Spencer Smith Park – downtown waterfront park allowing for bike rides, roller blading, picnics, splash pad and a kids playground.

Sunshine Doughnuts – a short walk from the park. Donuts are fabulous and they’ve got the cutest backdrop in store and out. There are days where donuts are sold out, so I would make that a priority to visit before heading to the park.

Hoping you’ll make your way out one Sunday. Some spend the day, while others may use it as a pit stop from Toronto to hang out before heading to Niagara Falls or Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Any questions, please feel to contact me!

xo

Sunshine

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is a sponsored post and all opinions are 100% mine. #ad, #EnjoyTheGo with @Charmin

“When I grow up, I want to be a Scientist, no make that a Senior Scientist, better yet a Senior Sensory Scientist.  Or maybe I’ll be a corporate Storyteller or Group Head in Family Care.”

That’s how I felt after meeting with the Charmin Team a couple of weeks ago at the Proctor & Gamble Headquarters and the Charmin Testing Lab in Cincinnati. This group of passionate individuals seriously made me want to make a career change! We (myself along with two other influencers) spent a full day learning, participating in demonstrations, sharing stories and enjoying each other’s company.

BELOW: The Charmin and the Great Lengths Influencer Team

Ok, I know what you’re thinking … it’s toilet paper (TP) and there are so many brands out there that can do the job. This, I have to say also crossed my mind but that’s what lured me into wanting to find out more. Also, having worked in a manufacturing and lab environment, I have a genuine curiosity for the development and the story telling behind any type of product. So, this visit was educational, and I’m not kidding when I say I’m still geeking out.

Our morning started off with the history of P&G products and then focused on the history of Charmin

Charmin was first manufactured in 1928 and over the years their brand and packaging evolved and became a household name. Check out the TP packages they’ve had over the last few decades!

Want further history details, I’ve provided the link to their website. Click here.

 

The Poop Test

Yes, it’s legit. Not real poop, but they created the next best thing. Of all the demonstrations I participated in that day, the Poop test was my favourite. Why? I know it’s not the most comfortable topic to chat and share about, but the Charmin team’s commitment to providing a quality product and constantly looking for ways to improve, made it easy to participate. Not to mention, my fellow Great Lengths Influencers were so fun to be around.

Below: Poop test using Charmin

Charmin Ultra Soft or Ultra Strong?

While I can honestly use either with no complaints, I’m going to have to say I am Team Charmin Ultra Soft, which means by default (because I do most of the shopping) my household is also on the same team. P&G prides itself on quality and delivering the best product to customers and this was evident in every interaction I had with the Charmin Team. Who can say no to 2-ply TP, with super softness you can see and feel (along with its absorbency!). Charmin Ultra Soft also comes in Mega Rolls, so you get more value and you can change the roll less often!

All fancy in my lab coat and Charmin Ultra Soft setting up for a demonstration

So that’s it! I had such an amazing experience! I left P&G headquarters that day inspired by their employees, their values and their commitment to providing top products.

Thanks for stopping by.

 

 

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of President’s Choice Services Inc. All opinions are 100% mine.

The juggle is real and every day I’m trying to find ways to be efficient, to save time and to stress less. And if I can find and give myself the gift of time, I’ve got to document it and share my wins. That’s where PC Insiders subscription comes in. Sign up and become a PC Insiders member – Try one month free at pcinsiders.ca. Offer excludes Quebec residents; terms and conditions apply.

Let me break it down for you.  We were a busy family to begin with. Now, we’re even busier with the boys in JK, sprinkle in some extracurricular activities throughout the week and then suddenly the family calendar explodes.

How do I do it all you ask?  I don’t … and I will never claim to.  However, I will take credit for being diligent and always looking to find services/products that will make running the household and making family life more manageable.  I’m ready to fill you in.

By becoming a PC Insiders subscription member, you benefit in the following ways:

• Grocery shopping online at Loblaw banner stores with no PC Express™ pick-up fees! They have a great selection of fresh fruits, meats, veggies and other goodies. I’ve never been disappointed!
• Joe Fresh®– how times have changed with kids.  I used to love grocery shopping and buying loungewear in the same store.  But, having a membership gives me free shipping from joefresh.com with no minimum purchase. **insert happy dance**
• Beauty Boutique at shoppersdrugmart.ca– I’m habitual when it comes to buying makeup, so being able to just buy eyeliner (you read it right) and get it shipped to my home for free is a great perk.  No more trying to fill that cart up to just get free shipping.
• Points for the Win– if there is a way to collect points which will earn me a little something, I’m in. And getting 20% back in PC Optimum points on select brands is huge.  And trust me, it quickly accumulates. The extra points help us with the grocery bill. Hello, mom of boys!
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Still on the fence?  Well, when grocery pickup became a thing, we jumped on it because it saved us time.  We shop online 4 times a month and that does not even count unexpected grocery runs because the boys are eating us out of house and home.  The cost of 1 month’s subscription is $9.99 and with no PC Express™ pick-up fees, our subscription pays for itself.

So, what have we been doing with all this extra time because of the membership?  Filling it in with family time and sometimes making that pit stop to the park to snack on the groceries we just picked up.

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