Bliss. Another hot, lazy long weekend is winding down. Last time, I shared highlights from my family barbecue with y’all – including some juicy hamburgers courtesy of Canadian Living, Summer Fun Comes Naturally and WONDER+ SimplyFree.

This time around, we moved the barbecue indoors. 

I’m sure you’ve seen me mention this before, but I am just fed up with the extreme heat and humidity that Toronto has experienced this summer. My poor toddler has been having regular nosebleeds, my husband’s asthma is acting up, and I can’t take all these frizzy, bad hair days! So while we considered celebrating the long weekend with another barbecue, we opted to bring the festivities indoors instead.

Boy, am I glad that WONDER+ SimplyFree buns are so versatile! I decided to make Tuna Salmon Melts from Canadian Living’s Simply Better BBQ’s, and was pleased that I could use the hamburger buns as a perfect, soft roll for this yummy sandwich.

(WONDER+ SimplyFree is the first Canadian National branded line of hamburger & hotdog buns FREE OF artificial preservatives, artificial flavours and artificial colours. They are also made with NO high fructose corn syrup, and like all products from WONDER, made with unbleached wheat flour. LOVE!)

The original recipe calls for canned tuna, but I substituted canned salmon as I prefer the omega 3′s and added calcium from crushed bones.

INGREDIENTS

2 cans flaked tuna (or salmon), well drained
3 tbsp (45 mL) finely chopped gherkin pickles
2 tbsp (25 mL) finely chopped celery
2 tbsp (25 mL) ketchup
2 tbsp (4 mL) finely diced onions
3 tbsp (45 mL) mayonnaise
4 Wonder+ SimplyFree hamburger buns
1/2 cup (125 mL) shredded Cheddar cheese

DIRECTIONS

In large bowl, combine tuna, pickles, celery, ketchup and onions; stir in mayonnaise until well mixed. Spoon onto bottom of buns. Top each with about 2 tbsp (25 mL) cheese.

For barbecuing, wrap in foil and heat for about 4 minutes, turning once, to heat through and melt cheese. Makes 4 servings.

So I cheated and actually placed the buns open-faced under the broiler to toast the bread and melt the cheese. Bonus: it only took about 3 minutes and we didn’t have to heat the barbecue!

Here’s my sandwich, waiting to be tucked into:

It was quite delish! Way more flavourful than your standard salmon salad sandwich, and the addition of toasted bread and gooey cheese really put this one over the top. My husband had two!

With only one long weekend left in summer, I’m hoping this heat wave subsides soon so we can once again be grilling up a storm. Until then, I’m quite happy to enjoy more delicious sandwiches like the one we tried today.

Before the little ones came along, my husband and I were avid picnickers. There’s just something so romantic about stretching out on a big, soft blanket and enjoying a simple meal… all the while being surrounded by nature on a sunny, warm day. In fact, almost 5 years ago I received a proposal for marriage while we were picnicking – which essentially made me a fan for life.

PIC TAKEN BY A PASSERBY SECONDS LATER

Alas, with the addition of two little boys, the thought of picnicking seemed more like a chore than a time to get away. Packing diapers. A change of clothes. Sippy cups. Lots of wet wipes for sticky hands. Toys… and that’s all before I got to the components of the meal. Sheesh, it’s no wonder we hadn’t ventured out to our nearest park in years.

But that’s all changed. It’s been too long since hubby and I enjoyed the outdoors, and I’ve made it my mission to incorporate fun-filled family picnics this summer. Wanting to be prepared, I asked friends, researched online, and came up with my own ways to make it easy to enjoy one of my favourite summer past times. And here’s what I came up with:

1. Keep it Simple. Finger foods all the way! There’s no point in bringing extra utensils, condiments and/or paper plates to complement a more complicated dish. Kids are famous for just picking what they want anyways, so a simple spread of finger foods such as cooked chicken nuggets, vegetable sticks, sandwich halves and chips are the way to go. Of course, mommy and daddy can have a fork or knife on hand, but for the most part, we all just dig in!

2. Make it Fun. Even though I’m completely entertained just lounging and eating grapes, the boys often require a little more stimulation. I pack a bag full of toys and games to keep the kiddies occupied before and after they eat. Balls, butterfly nets, Frisbees, squirt toys and picture books depicting nature are all a great way to help them enjoy the outdoors. If there’s a walkway nearby, sidewalk chalk is also a great option.

RYDER KICKIN’ UP SOME FUN

3. Keep them Safe. Protecting little ones from the sun and bug bites is essential, especially if picnicking in conservations or near water. A gentle, waterproof sunscreen should be a staple in the picnic tote, along with a variety of insect repellents. For the kids, I like OFF!® familycare® Summer Splash® Spray – it protects for 3 hours (perfect duration for a picnic) and is also ideal for use during outdoor activities like barbecues, gardening and backyard play. (For a non-DEET alternative, OFF!® familycare® Botanicals Lotion is a unique formula based on an ingredient found in the lemon eucalyptus plant.)

4. Pack your Canon. Your Canon camera, that is. There are so many moments I cherish. Seeing the baby sitting on the picnic blanket (with chubby legs poking out); watching my little guy jump up to catch a football; capturing a colourful spread of summer ripe fruits and vegetables. And, it’s a good thing I had my camera around a few years back – we were able to snap that shot of me with a shiny ring on my finger!

5. Think Outside the Park. Picnics can happen anywhere – at a nature conservation, the beach, on top of a mountain – even in your own backyard! I love “stay-at-home picnics”… it’s a great way to spend a sunny, weekday afternoon with the boys – with minimal fuss! A bonus: no need to pack a change of clothes/diapers, ha!

This summer, picnicking together is at the top of my list for spending leisurely time with my family. Outdoor fun, here we come!

OFF TO PICNIC DOWN BY THE LAKE

The following giveaway is open to US and CAN residents.

This iconic figure in the world of beauty needs no introduction: Bobbi Brown.

A celebrated makeup artist for 30 years (!!!), her brand Bobbi Brown Cosmetics enables every woman to enhance her unique beauty. The products are straightforward, easy-to-use and in timeless hues, all formulated to create a smooth, natural, and healthy appearance.

Fun Fact:

In 1991, her 10 lipsticks debuted at the Bergdorf Goodman under the name of Bobbi Brown Essentials. Bobbi was expecting to sell 100 in a month. She sold 100 within the first day. The message was clear: Women wanted makeup that was simple, flattering, and wearable.

I was first turned on to Bobbi Brown Cosmetics in the mid 90′s. Having a strong warm undertone, I found it impossible to wear foundation for the simple fact that most drugstore brands were too pink for my complexion. When a family friend from the US stayed with us one weekend, she saw me smoothing on a decidedly cool Cover Girl hue (I was in my teens at the time so CG was all the rage – and all I could afford). Discreetly, she popped down to the guestroom and returned with a stick of Bobbi Brown foundation.

“Try this,” she offered.

I looked at the most sophisticated piece of makeup I had ever laid eyes on. Enchanted, I warmed a bit of the foundation on my fingertips and proceeded to blend in the exact match for my skin tone. Weeks later, I received another stick in the mail, courtesy of my generous family friend.

Today, Bobbi Brown has ten (10) foundations to choose from and the most sought-after shades in lip colour. In fact, her Brightening Lip Gloss in Peach is my go-to product of the summer.

I was fortunate to receive three of Bobbi Brown’s other essentials for summer: beach Body Lotion, Illuminating Bronzing Powder and Bronzer Brush.

If you didn’t catch my review of beach Body Lotion, click here. In a nutshell:

“The fragrance – beach – is the cleanest, freshest, most tantalizing scent I have ever smelled. I’m hooked! I literally could not stop applying the lotion to my arms and upper body… and last night, I booted it to Holt Renfrew so I could pick up the beach Eau de Parfum.

beach captures the very essence of summer with a lightly intoxicating blend of sand jasmine, sea spray and mandarin. But it doesn’t merely smell like the beach. It smells like the beach at a 5-star resort, where a gorgeous cabana boy is offering you a fruity concoction while you turn over on your side to enjoy the view of the clear blue water lapping up to the shore.

Or, for my 80′s girls – running through the sprinkler in th backyard, wearing Coppertone sun tan oil, trading jelly bracelets and drinking Kool Aid. The fragrance evokes so many memories, it’s almost like a nostalgic drug.”

I’m also a big fan of the Illuminating Bronzing Powder and Bronzer Brush; I received “Bahama”, a deep golden bronze, to review. (You may click to enlarge pictures.)

BRONZER IN #7 BAHAMA

CLICK TO ENLARGE FOR THE GORGEOUS PEARL FINISH

The bronzer is silky soft and so smooth to the touch. It’s formulated with a unique blend of sheer powder and micro pearls, which gives it the perfect sheen without being too shiny. The powder glides on sheer, evenly and gives skin a seamless natural-looking glow. After applying the bronzer my husband joked that it looked like I was lying out in the sun for two days – the perfect compliment, considering it took me only 30 seconds to apply the bronzer :)

BRONZER APPLIED ALL OVER FOR SUN-KISSED LOOK

COLOUR CONCENTRATED ON CHEEKS The Bronzer Brush has now officially eclipsed all other face brushes that I own. The brush features luxuriously soft bristles and a more rounded brush head to provide smoother, more even application of bronzer. When you stroke the brush across your face, it feels like a veil of satin. And while the brush is a little bit pricey ($50), it is well worth it. Yes, I would recommend purchasing this brush – but don’t just take my word for it; 100% of customers on Bobbi Brown’s website (65 of 65) would also recommend this product to a friend.

Bobbi Brown Cosmetics can be purchased at Holt Renfrew and Murale locations across Canada, and online at bobbibrowncosmetics.com (US only).

One lucky reader will win a Summer Essentials Prize Pack, including beach Body Lotion, an Illuminating Bronzing Powder and a Bronzer Brush (value $120)!

To enter, visit Bobbi Brown Cosmetics and find three (3) other products that you believe epitomize simple, flattering and wearable beauty. Then, leave a comment here, telling us what they are.

You can also qualify for extra entries! Remember, you must leave a separate comment for each. You can:

(1) Follow my blog, Listen to Lena! (2 extra entries!)
(2) “Like” Listen to Lena! on Facebook
(3) NEW Follow Listen to Lena! on Twitter
(4) “Like” Bobbi Brown Cosmetics on Facebook
(5) Follow Bobbi Brown on Twitter
(6) Tweet daily: Please use this Bobbi Brown Giveaway Tweet.

I’ll draw for a winner on July 31st. Good luck everybody!

Ah, another long weekend winding down – the sights, sounds and tastes of summer still fresh in my mind. Of course, this Canada Day long weekend was slightly less than perfect since I’m still getting over a summer cold. However, nothing makes a gal feel better than family, food and fun!

We decided to postpone Friday’s Canada Day celebration until earlier this afternoon so that I’d have a chance to recuperate. My parents, brother and sister-in-law came over for a BBQ-licious good time, and we had a blast! I was a little worried about the heat (we have full afternoon sun and the humidex temperature creeped up to 35 degrees Celsius) but we moved lunch inside and saved the outdoor fun for when the 4:00pm shade settled in.

Inspired to create a new burger, I checked out the WONDER+ SimplyFree recipes available through the Canadian Living, Summer Fun Comes Naturally site. I decided that the Juicy Extra-Lean Burgers were good to go; I had all the ingredients on hand, loved that the prep work was quick and easy, and I’m always looking for healthier, lower fat options.

Here’s my resident grill master with the burgers:

MY SUMMER CHEF

EXTRA LEAN BURGERS ON THE GRILL

VEGETARIANS NEED NOT APPLY

We also added a few turkey sausages in the mix, but I can’t take the credit for making those :) We teamed ‘em all up with WONDER+ SimplyFree hamburger and hot dog buns, which are the perfect complement to a scrumptious BBQ. WONDER+ SimplyFree is the 1st Canadian National branded line of hamburger & hotdog buns FREE OF artificial preservatives, artificial flavours and artificial colours. They are also made with NO high fructose corn syrup, and like all products from WONDER, made with unbleached wheat flour. Loves it!

LOVE THOSE WONDER+ SIMPLY FREE BUNS

THE SPREAD

(For those of you WONDERing, they taste exactly like the regular WONDER buns you’ve come to know and love. Seriously, there’s no difference at all – they’ve taken all the bad stuff out and left the good stuff in. A win-win!)

Here’s my fam digging into the yummy meal…

MY LOVELY SIL, DAD AND MOM

HUBBY, RYDER AND MY BRO

Want to throw a BBQ of your own? When you purchase WONDER+ SimplyFree buns, enter to win a BBQ party worth $5,000 through a unique PIN found on specially marked packages. The grand prize includes a Weber Genesis Propane BBQ (!), $50.00 CDN worth of WONDER+ SimplyFree product coupons, a $500 CDN grocery gift card, a $1,500 gift card towards a patio set (!) and a $1,450 gift card towards an Outdoor stereo system. Holy Hannah! I just entered two PINS… cross your fingers for me! Party at Lena’s!

How did you spend your long weekend? Was BBQ on the menu? I cannot wait until the next one comes along… food, family and fun… I can get used to this!

Ah… blogging just to blog. After an obligatory run of giveaways (more to come) it feels nice to just unwind with a chillin’ post. Which brings me to the title: The Sights, Sounds and Smells of Summer.

Last week, the whole family went out for a late afternoon stroll. Pulling the little guys in their wagon, we traipsed through the neighbourhood, basking in the warm summer day. As we turned on to a parallel street, I heard the faint sound of ethnic music drifting through an open window. Immediately, I was filled with nostalgia… but couldn’t nail down the exact memory.

We continued down the block, and within moments I felt yet another throwback to my youth: the pungent scent of Middle Eastern food wafting through a screen door.

And then it hit me: air conditioning killed the sights, sounds and smells of summer.

I began thinking back to my childhood; of my neighbours, who always had every window open and a constant stream of Portuguese folk songs bellowing a happy tune. Of the college kid around the corner who spent all summer in his open garage, working on his motorcycle (I may have had a tiny crush). I remembered the elderly lady across the street, who unfailingly greeted Saturday morning with a spicy curry you could smell for miles. And of people – friends, strangers, children of all ages – lounging on their balconies or the front porch. Kids circling the driveway on bicycles, skipping with one end of the rope tied to a railing. And all just to catch a hint of cool breeze… because the thought of staying in a sticky, hot, sweltering house was just not an option.

But that day, walking down that street… you’d think every single home was unoccupied. Doors and windows closed tight, not allowing one inch of precious bought-air to escape. The eerie quiet of citizens locked inside, with only the hum of air conditioners heard every few paces. The sun beating down on the back of my neck was the only factor that tied my childhood to the present.

It’s no secret that I’m having the ultimate Beauty & Fashion Bash in July. I’m just waiting on a few sponsors to confirm, but it looks like there will be a giveaway for EVERY day of the month.

(Don’t mind me – just doing a happy dance.)

Yesterday, I received a very summery package of goodies courtesy of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, one of my fabulous sponsors. Now while I’d normally wait until the event to post my review, I simply can’t contain my excitement for one of the products: Bobbi Brown beach Body Lotion.

“This lightweight body moisturizer contains a soothing and hydrating blend of Aloe Vera and Olive, Jojoba and Sunflower Oils. beach Body Lotion helps reduce peeling and prolong the life of your tan. Green Tea and Vitamin E provide antioxidant protection. Freshly scented with beach Fragrance.”

The fragrance – beach – is the cleanest, freshest, most tantalizing scent I have ever smelled. I’m hooked! I literally could not stop applying the lotion to my arms and upper body… and last night, I booted it to Holt Renfrew so I could pick up the beach Eau de Parfum.

beach captures the very essence of summer with a lightly intoxicating blend of sand jasmine, sea spray and mandarin. But it doesn’t merely smell like the beach. It smells like the beach at a 5-star resort, where a gorgeous cabana boy is offering you a fruity concoction while you turn over on your side to enjoy the view of the clear blue water lapping up to the shore.

Or, for my 80′s girls – running through the sprinkler in th backyard, wearing Coppertone sun tan oil, trading jelly bracelets and drinking Kool Aid. The fragrance evokes so many memories, it’s almost like a nostalgic drug.

Do you see why I couldn’t wait until July to share this with you?

The fragrance also passes the “guys love it” test – my husband described the scent as “hot” but “light and fresh” at the same time… and “that’s how all ladies should smell in summer”. LOVE it!

Click here to find a Bobbi Brown store near you.

Woo hoo! After living under what seemed like ENDLESS cloud for the past two weeks, last night Torontonians were treated to an epic thunderstorm. Seriously, the walls were shaking! BUT, looks like it was nature’s last hurrah for some time… ’cause The Weather Network is showing NOTHING BUT SUN for the next 7 days!

Hello, Summer! Nice of you to join us!

Woo! My “May 2-4″ weekend was a blend of sheer craziness and sheer relaxation. I’m currently in a chillin’ mode, which I must admit is my favourite way to be :)

Saturday morning began with Reid’s first birthday party (I know, where has the time flown!).

We had a “small” party; just about 35 friends and family. I was joking with my girlfriend that as we get older and families expand, it only takes about 10 invitations to families of 3-4 to pack the house! I’ll blog about some of the party highlights in a separate post later this week.

After the party, hubby and boys crashed while mommy cleaned up… but that’s okay, because I have a pedicure with my name on it tomorrow. I can’t remember what time I went to sleep that night, but I’m sure it coincided with the sunset.

Sunday we were out and about. I had been holding on to about 6 items that needed to be returned, so I dragged the family to Square One in order to put $$$ back on the Visa. As much as I like purchasing goodies, sometimes it can be just as satisfying to sign a refund slip :)

Today, we decided to keep it low key and have a lunchtime BBQ. With grey skies and heavy clouds overhead, my husband ran out to throw some burgers on the grill. Here’s a quick pic of our BBQ Master in action…

I can’t tell you how excited I am to kick off the official start of BBQ Season!

This year, while burgers and hot dogs are always on the menu, we’ll be complementing our yummy fare with products from Wonder + SimplyFree. It is the first Canadian national brand of bakery products (including NEW white hotdog and hamburger buns) that are made with unbleached wheat flour. SimplyFree buns have absolutely no:

- artificial preservatives
- flavours
- colouring or dye
- high fructose corn syrup

In other words, ENJOY! You can now have your buns, and eat them (guilt-free) too! Seriously folks, you’re gonna LOVE them.

But don’t just take my word for it… head on over to Facebook and “Like” Wonder+. You’ll have the opportunity to grab money saving coupons, participate in fun promotions, and grab scrumptious recipes made especially for the grill.

Speaking of recipes, you can also check out Canadian Living, where they’ve teamed up with Wonder+ SimplyFree to provide some of most drool-worthy burgers of the summer, including these Zesty Chicken Burgers and Juicy Extra Lean Burgers.

As someone who’s still got a few pounds to lose, I’m all for healthier alternatives such as burgers made with lean ground chicken. Will be whipping up these babies soon!

How did you spend your long weekend? And, did you have a chance to fire up your BBQ? Do tell!

I am participating in the Wonder+ SimplyFree program by Mom Central Canada on behalf of Weston Bakeries. I received a gift card and free product coupons as a thank you. The opinions on this blog are my own.

*EDIT* I thought I’d bump this post as I received a few e-mails from readers asking about Toronto tourist spots – check out Casa Loma!

When I was a little girl, I dreamed of meeting my Prince Charming and living in castle on top of a hill. I would wear long, flowing dresses and of course, have tons of merry maids to cater to my every whim and desire. (Who would have thought I’d marry a commoner and live in semi in the suburbs. Still working on affording those merry maids, though.)

So I was bursting with excitement when offered the chance to visit a real castle – Casa Loma - with my Grade 4 class. It was quite possibly the best school trip ever. My classmates and I marveled at the possibility of discovering a hidden passage, and gleefully pushed every book in a bookcase until we were reprimanded by a Casa Loma official (unfortunately, we were not able to uncover the secrets of ye olde times).

Fast forward a couple of decades, and I wanted to share the beauty and wonder of Casa Loma with Ryder, who has recently taken an interest in architecture (translation: his Mega Bloks designs are beginning to resemble actual things).

With the help of Lays Chip Trips, we purchased admission tickets for 30% off the regular price (at a redemption rate of only 5 points – that’s the equivalent of ONE code!)

CASA LOMA:

Exquisite architecture, beautifully decorated suites, secret passages, soaring towers, tunnels and beautiful estate gardens.

We opted for the self-guided tour so that we could experience each room at our own pace. We began with the outside gardens – a breathtakingly beautiful experience for me, and much fun for Ryder as he sprinted through the vast lawns. Not so much fun for daddy as he had to run to keep up!

We then ventured inside and took in the architecture and famed historical pieces. If you’ve got a few moments, read about the rise and fall of Sir Henry Pellatt and the intriguing saga of his dream home. The audio tour through the castle is much fun, especially while imagining it in the perspective of those who lived, worked, and visited here in the early twentieth century (would have loved to attend one of Pellat’s dinner parties back in the day). The tour can last anywhere from 45 minutes to 3 hours, depending on how much you want absorb (and how patient your child is).

I promised Ryder that we would find a “secret room,” which he asked about almost incessantly until we finally came to Sir Henry Pellatt’s study. Considering the awe I had for the passages when I was a little girl, this feature paled in comparison to rich history, design and decor of the castle.

We grabbed lunch in the castle café, which features grilled sandwiches, fresh salads and other quick bites. After munching on paninis and Lays Chips (of course), we concluded our tour by venturing up the Scottish Tower, which can be accessed through 3 sets of narrow staircases above the third floor. From here, we enjoyed a panoramic view of Toronto – seeing as far as Niagara Falls.

Highlights for me included: the grounds, the conservatory, Sir Henry’s study and its secret passage, Sir Henry’s bathroom and the Scottish Tower. I probably would have enjoyed more, but after two hours I was beginning to experience “museum fatigue” and my concentration began to wane. Plus, it was time for Ryder’s nap – I don’t have to describe his demeanor at this point.

For those wishing to visit Casa Loma, be sure to use your Lays Chip Trips points – for the cost of one bag of chips, you’ll save $5.46 per person! If you’re not very fond of crowds, check out the castle on a weekday – bunches of people tend to make an already filled room feel claustrophobic. The building is also NOT very stroller friendly, so be sure your children are ready to walk (or you’re ready to carry them).

If you haven’t started collecting Lays Chips Trip points, what are you waiting for? Summer’s almost over! Click here to join the program.

I am participating in the Lay’s Chip Trips program by Mom Central on behalf of Frito Lay Canada. I received Lay’s Chip Trips points and a gift card to off-set my trip costs to facilitate this post. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Summer is the perfect time to use up overripe bananas – you can turn them into Popsicles! I came across this recipe on Allrecipes.com and am glad I did. The ripe fruit has a smooth and creamy consistency when frozen, and you’ll love biting into the rich chocolatey coating. You can vary the toppings to suit your taste, including drizzling melted milk chocolate or caramel, or rolling in flaked coconut, chopped nuts, sprinkles, or other toppings. Yum!

(While this recipe calls for overripe bananas, I wouldn’t go so far as to use the brown, slippery, fall-apart-in-your-hands type. Go for extremely freckled instead.)

INGREDIENTS

10 ice pop sticks
5 very ripe bananas, peeled and halved crosswise
1 (16 ounce) package semisweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon butter
3/4 cup of topping (flaked coconut, chopped nuts, etc.)

DIRECTIONS

Insert 1 pop stick into the cut end of each banana. Place the bananas on a wax paper covered baking sheet and freeze until the bananas are frozen, about 2 hours.

Melt the chocolate and butter in a microwave-safe glass or ceramic bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, for 1 to 2 minutes (depending on your microwave).

Remove 2 bananas from freezer at a time. Dip the frozen bananas in the melted chocolate, spooning the chocolate over the banana to cover it completely. Roll in topping if desired. Place the dipped bananas on the wax same baking sheet, and freeze until the chocolate is firm. Makes 10 Monkey Tails.

Three words: Straight. Up. Delicious.

Here’s a ridiculously easy recipe for cinnamon ice cream. You can happily serve this treat on its own, but you’ll find it also has a marvellous affinity with several desserts including apple pie, strudel, waffles and my favourite – sandwiched in between two oatmeal cookies. Yum!

Be sure to follow the instructions for tempering the hot liquid into the egg mixture – or you may end up with scrambled eggs!

INGREDIENTS

1 cup white sugar
1 1/2 cups half-and-half cream
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

DIRECTIONS

In a saucepan over medium-low heat, stir together the sugar and half-and-half. When the mixture begins to simmer, remove from heat, and stir half of the mixture into the eggs, whisking quickly so that the eggs do not scramble. Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan to combine, and stir in the heavy cream. Continue cooking over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is thick enough to coat the back of a metal spoon. Remove from heat, and stir in vanilla and cinnamon. Cool in refrigerator for at least 6-8 hours or overnight.

Pour cooled mixture into an ice cream maker, and freeze according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Serves 8.

Essentially the same thing as McDonald’s $1 soft drink promo… BUT, Arby’s offers Pepsi products, whereas McD’s is all about Coke, so take your pick depending on which pop tickles your fancy.

Personally, I prefer Pepsi in a can, but Coke in a fountain drink. For $1, they both taste good.

As summer officially began just a few short days ago, you know it’s time for the H&M Summer Sale! Gotta clear out the shorts and get those parkas in before the temperature hits 30 degrees (rolls eyes).

Anyhoo, right now you can stock up on H&M’s sizzling summer fashions at up to 50% off the regular price on select styles. Sale items start at just $7 (!!!) and include a variety of tanks, tops, tees, shorts, dresses and accessories. HOT!

It’s been a while since I’ve posted a recipe! To quote reader Erin – “Don’t you eat anymore? Where are all your awesome recipes?” LOL!

Well, Erin, yes I do partake in a meal from time to time (many more than I should being pregnant) and I admit I’ve been pretty lazy about posting recipes. So here goes – with picnic season around the corner, I think it’s definitely time to post my favourite Classic Macaroni Salad. I’ve never had this salad without picnic fare (cold fried chicken, smoked meat sandwiches and fresh fruit) and just thinking about it makes me ready for Kelso park :)

Note: Always practice safe food storage on picnics. This salad should never be left at room/ outdoor temperature. Be sure to have adequate room in your cooler to keep all your perishable foods cool and safe from harmful bacteria.

INGREDIENTS

4 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1 cup mayonnaise
1/8 cup distilled white vinegar
1/8 cup apple cidar vinegar
1/4 cup white sugar
2 tablespoons prepared yellow mustard
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 medium onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
2 chopped hard cooked eggs (optional)
1/4 cup grated carrot (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped pimento peppers (optional)

DIRECTIONS

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni, and cook until tender, about 8 minutes. Rinse under cold water and drain very well (salad will become soupy otherwise).

In a large bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, vinegars, sugar, mustard, salt and pepper. Stir in the onion, celery, green pepper, egg, carrot, pimentos and macaroni. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving, preferably overnight. Serves 8.