Okanagan Child

Strider Bikes – Skip the Training Wheels!

Colleen — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:02:16 +0000

A bike without wheels? My husband was skeptical when I ordered one for our son. I, on the other hand, was positively convinced about how incredible they are for teaching kids balance. After all, it’s balance that is the key to pedaling around on two wheels. And what kid doesn’t want to feel like all the big kids on the block?

Available in a rainbow of colors to suit every child’s fancy, Strider Bikes are the brain child of Ryan McFarland. With his own dad a motorcycle dealership owner, and his grandfather a race car engineer, Ryan was no stranger to the exciting world of wheels. When his own son was born, Ryan wanted a bike that he could ride without injury or fear (goodbye elbow and knee scrapes). He built his first prototype by purchasing the lightest, smallest bike from a local K-mart and stripping it down. The prototype was a hit with neighbors and before he knew it, Strider Bikes was born.

So…skip the tricycle, skip the training wheels. If your little one can walk, then they can hop on a Strider! Yes, it’s really that simple. And if it sounds too good to be true, well…it’s not! These are truly amazing bikes and definitely build children’s efficacy. And if you think speed isn’t achievable? Guess again. When your child runs their feet along the ground quickly, all they need to do is put their feet on integrated footrest and you’ll be running along beside them. the Before you know it, you’ll be purchasing a full pedal bike, minus the training wheels. So if you haven’t, go on and check them out. You can order these bikes locally through OkanaganStrider.ca.

Go on…get riding!

The Fall Issue Has Arrived!

Colleen — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 10:42:41 +0000

Check it out…our Fall issue has hit the streets! Click here to read it on-line now.

We are so excited to officially celebrate our first birthday. Yay!

To all of the businesses and services who advertise with us, we send a huge thank you for without your support this magazine would simply not be possible. To all of our readers, thank you so much for being with us. We are so excited to put together each and every issue and can’t wait for you dive in and enjoy this new one.

Have a wonderful fall!

Sleep Sense Contest

Colleen — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 10:32:06 +0000

You can win a FREE PRIVATE Consultation (value of $395.00 plus tax) with Pam Nease BA, your local and licensed Sleep SenseTM Consultant. Pam has been personally trained by Dana Obleman, founder of the Sleep Sense Program which has helped over 20,000 families worldwide since 2003. Pam can help solve your sleep challenges with your children ranging in age from newborns up to and including age 8.

This invaluable prize package comprises of the following:

A preliminary questionnaire completed by you so that Pam can get a clear picture of your child’s sleep history
A 1.5 hour in person or telephone consultation with you and your partner
A tailor made written sleep plan based on your parenting style and your child’s personality and temperament
4 – 30 minute scheduled telephone calls the first week of implementation
Unlimited email support the second week of implementation
Additional FREE bonus written material such as travel tips and what to do for teething and sickness that you can save for future reference

Mandatory Entry:
How can you win? Share your story…tell us why you need Pam’s help. Now, mamas and dadas, don’t be shy! Sometimes there’s nothing more comforting than knowing that you’re not alone. When you share your story, I can guarantee tons of other parents can relate! Pam is here to help you so get sharing for your chance to win. Leave a comment below and tell us why your eye lids are drooping and you’re longing for a better night’s sleep…

Additional Entries:
If you would like to earn additional entries, you can do any or all of the following. Please be sure to post a separate comment for each one that you do so that an entry will be registered for you. In other words, leave one comment for your mandatory entry, add another separate comment if you’re a facebook fan, another if you’re a twitter follower, etc. Every single comment counts as one entry ballot.

(1) Become a fan of Okanagan Child Magazine on facebook. If you are already a fan, leave a comment saying that you are!

(2) Follow Okanagan Child Magazine on twitter. If you already follow us, leave a comment saying you do!

(3) Join our e-newsletter. If you are already a subscriber, leave a comment saying you already subscribe!

(4) Follow Sleep Sense on twitter.

(5) Become a fan of Sleep Sense on facebook.

(6) Tweet about this giveaway. Please tweet: “Improve shut eye in your house…win a $395 sleep help package from @pamnease and @okanaganchild. Enter now! http://bit.ly/dulyO9″ You may tweet about the giveaway once per day. You will earn an additional entry for each day you tweet it. Please leave a separate comment below for each time you tweet with details (your status) so we can verify.

(8) Comment about this giveaway on a messageboard or in a forum. Leave a comment with the link.

The contest ends on November 5, 2010. The winner will be chosen by the editor of Okanagan Child based on your reasons for why you need Pam’s help! If the winner does not respond within 48 hours a new winner will be drawn. Please be certain to add info@okanaganchild.com to your address book so you won’t miss notification (spam folders like our e-mail address)! Best of luck everyone!

Lavish & Lime Giveaway

Colleen — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 22:59:42 +0000

Back to School season has arrived and you know what that means moms and dads…time to start packing lunches! To help make it more fun for you and greener for the world, we’ve partnered with Lavish and LimeTM to bring you this amazing giveaway! We’re confident your kid(s) will delight in winning this Litterless Lunch Kit!

Check out the contents of this ultra “green” prize pack:

Kids Neoprene Backpack – Flower motif
Two Resusble Sandwich Wraps
Pack of 2 Mini Stainless Steel Containers
Cleanwell Natural Hand Sanitizer Spray

All it takes is a one-time investment in a few long-lasting quality products and you can create waste-free lunches for years. Now that’s worth it.

Mandatory Entry:
(1) Simply add a comment below stating you’d like to win the prize pack!

Additional Entries:
If you would like to earn additional entries, you can do any or all of the following. Please be sure to post a separate comment for each one that you do so that an entry will be registered for you. In other words, leave one comment for your mandatory entry, add another comment if you’re a facebook fan, another if you’re a twitter follower, etc. Every single comment counts as one entry ballot.

(1) Become a fan of Okanagan Child Magazine on facebook. If you are already a fan, leave a comment saying that you are!

(2) Follow Okanagan Child Magazine on twitter. If you already follow us, leave a comment saying you do!

(3) Join our e-newsletter. If you are already a subscriber, leave a comment saying you already subscribe!

(4) Follow Lavish & Lime on twitter.

(5) Become a fan of Lavish & Lime on facebook.

(6) Visit Lavish & Lime and tell us about another product that catches your eye.

(7) Tweet about this giveaway. Please tweet: “Win a prize pack from @lavishandlime and @okanaganchild. Enter now! http://bit.ly/dulyO9″ You may tweet about the giveaway once per day. You will earn an additional entry for each day you tweet it. Please leave a separate comment below for each time you tweet with details (your status) so we can verify.

(8) Comment about this giveaway on a messageboard or in a forum. Leave a comment with the link.

The giveaway ends on November 5, 2010. The winner will be chosen using random.org. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours a new winner will be drawn. Please be certain to add info@okanaganchild.com to your address book so you won’t miss notification (spam folders like our e-mail address)! Best of luck everyone!

Local Children’s Product Wins PTPA Award!

Colleen — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 18:12:23 +0000

Every year, companies both big and small submit their products for consideration of a PTPA Media Award – “Parent Tested, Parent Approved.” Because independent parents evaluate these products in their own homes, PTPA winners are chosen based on merit and consumer experience – not on commercial considerations. This ensures that when you see the PTPA Media “Winner” Seal, you know you’re purchasing a high-quality product or service. As a result, the PTPA Seal has quickly gained recognition as an international leader in certifying consumer products for quality, effectiveness and value.

Kelowna based mom, Kia Robertson, developed Today I Ate A Rainbow™ which offers tools to help make healthy eating FUN for kids. Whether you use their interactive chart with your child, or snuggle up with ‘The Rainbow Bunch’ book, you can count on Today I Ate a Rainbow™ to creative a positive space for healthy eating in your home. And if you struggle with picky eaters, don’t despair! Kia Robertson has a created a truly informative website with loads of interesting tips and facts. You can even sign up for their newsletter in order to access special member-only contents.

Today I Ate A Rainbow™ is no stranger to us here at Okanagan Child Magazine — we’ve previously featured a chart giveaway and even a great fruit kabob recipe in our summer issue. It’s particularly exciting to see a local company meeting with such well-deserved success. If you don’t know about Today I Ate Rainbow™, be sure to check out the website.

Congratulations to Kia and the entire Today I Ate A Rainbow team!

Raspberry Vanilla Ice Cream

Colleen — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 10:12:23 +0000

With the hot weather and copious amounts of fresh fruit, my ice cream maker was screaming my name. Yes, literally screaming. I couldn’t ignore it so I decided to churn up a fresh batch of raspberry ice cream.

I don’t think I know a single person who doesn’t like ice cream. Even the lactose intolerant folks I know wish they could eat it. OK, I’m sure some exist…I just don’t know any! Ice cream makers are a fabulous investment for a number of reasons:

Ice cream is expensive. You can purchase the ingredients for cheaper and whip it up yourself.
There’s something appealing about knowing that your ice cream is made with wholesome, fresh ingredients. No preservatives, no strange ingredients you can’t pronounce.
You can make it entirely organic without breaking the bank.
You can customize it to your own quirky tastes. Chocolate cake-batter? No problem. Lime and peach? No problem.

There are loads of recipes out there for homemade ice creams. Some even involve creating a ‘custard’ ahead of time. Those ones are a little labor intensive for me, so check out this recipe that I find delivers great taste with only a minimal amount of effort:

Raspberry Vanilla Ice Cream

2 large eggs

3/4 cup sugar

2 cups of heavy cream (whipping cream)

1 cup of homogenized milk

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1.5 cups raspberries

Directions: Beat the eggs in a mixmaster for approximately 3 minutes. Slowly add the sugar continuing to beat the eggs. Then add the cream, milk, and vanilla until it is well blended. Mash all the raspberries and then add them to the mixmaster as well. Pour mixture into your ice cream container and start the machine!

Really at its core, this is a vanilla ice cream recipe. So you can take out the raspberries and add pretty much anything to it. Oreo cookies, nuts, strawberries, the list goes on. If you’re adding crunchy ingredients like cookies or candy, you should add them right towards the end of the churning. Most makers have an opening on the top lid where you can dump in additives which will then be nicely mixed throughout the ice cream.

Some are not comfortable with the raw egg. If this is the case, we recommend you try a custard based recipe which involves cooking the ingredients before they are frozen. This exact recipe can also be replicated using a ‘cooked’ format.

When Electronic Devices Meet Water…

Colleen — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 16:46:04 +0000

OK, so it happens. It might be your own fumble fingers, accidentally knocking your cell into the sink of dish water. Or it might be your little one who inadvertently tosses the digital camera into the kiddie pool. The problem? Water + electronic devices = BIG unhappy face. But rest assured, should one of your electronic devices meet water, there is hope for it…

First, don’t try to turn it on. Just take it and place it in a bowl of rice. Dry, uncooked rice, straight out of the bag/box. And leave it in the rice for about 2 days. Again….resist the urge to turn the device on during the wait. You want to make certain the components have a chance to fully dry out first. Rice does a fantastic job of speeding the drying process.

If your device meets salt water, you should actually rinse it thoroughly in tap water. Yes, it seems counter-intuitive to further soak the already drenched device. However, as salt water dries, the salt will leave crystals that can damage a device’s components.

So, fret not. If your phone or camera or other electronic device happens to acquaint itself with water this summer, just run for the rice.

$1000 Scholarship Competition Winner

Colleen — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 18:37:37 +0000

To celebrate the launch of our magazine one year ago, we created a special one-time $1000 scholarship competition. Grade 12 students from the around the Okanagan were eligible to win a $1000 cash prize towards any kind of post-secondary education. Entrants were required to simply write a brief paragraph describing themselves and their achievements.

We received so many incredible responses and after much deliberation, we are delighted to announce the winner.

Congratulations to Kristi MacDonald from Summerland, BC. Her winning statement is printed below. To all of the other entrants, thank you so much for taking the time to apply — the words were truly inspiring and it was so difficult to select only one winner.

Your entry will be judged on the following statement. In 300 words or less, tell us about yourself, your achievements:

What makes me…me? My name is Kristi MacDonald.
I’m 17 years old. I’ve been part of nearly every sport around, from soccer, to
swimming, to skiing, to hockey, to dance, to volleyball, just to name a few. I’m an
average kid, trying to survive the endless drama of high school. My future plans are
still contriving, but so far I’ve got UVIC in the fall, to study general sciences. I
put great effort into getting straight A’s, and I work each weekend at a veterinary
clinic. I love my friends, my family, my pets, and my life. No, my life isn’t near
as exhilarating as those on a soap opera, thankfully, so, what makes me so special?
I’m the co-founder of a volunteer program called “A-OK” (Acts of Kindness). My mum
and I started A-OK last spring, by going each week to our local thrift stores, and
schools, collecting clothes, generally consisting of hats, gloves, coats, shoes, and
such, to give to kids in need. My mum works at a nearby school, where she sees
children daily, coming to school in the -10 weather, without a jacket. The other
kids think “No coat? Wow, they’re tough,” but is that really the case? Growing up, I
didn’t get everything I wanted, but it didn’t take long to realize how fortunate I
truly am. I do not believe that some children should have 10 pairs of shoes, when
some have none. The materials we collect are anonymously placed into lockers, where
kids freely attain what they need. Being young is unforgettable, and I believe every
child deserves the best memories to look back on. My name is Kristi MacDonald, and
what makes me special? I care enough about those who aren’t able to care for
themselves, to actually do something about it.

Congratulations again Kristi! Best wishes this fall at university.

Fall Issue Sneak Peek!!

Colleen — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 16:05:41 +0000

Check it out….here’s the cover of our new fall issue that will be available at the end of August!

We’re particularly stoked about this issue as it marks our first anniversary. Yup, Okanagan Child Magazine is turning one!

We have some exciting giveaways included and lots of great editorial content. Keep your eyes peeled for your free copy late August.

Cake Decorating

Colleen — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 06:12:20 +0000

Some of us are inclined in the kitchen and produce masterpieces, be it appies, entrees or dessert. No matter our ability level, we receive hero status in our little one’s eyes when we whip up a birthday cake with a theme that speaks right to them.

My little monkey is obsessed with emergency vehicles so I cannot wait to create this firetruck cake for his birthday next year. I can guarantee that it won’t look as great as the one in the video, but I know for certain he’ll think it’s the best firetruck cake ever, simply because I made it for him.

Do you have a favorite birthday cake shape that you’ve tried or are planning to try!? Please share it with us!