Things that are awesome...

...diaper pails that don't stink.

 

Enter the Ubbi, in all it's hot and subtle colors. Most diaper pails are made of plastic. The problem with plastic is that it absorbs odors and leaves a lingering smell that cannot be cleaned away. So even when the pail is empty the odors are still there. These pails also fail to contain the smell because they are poorly sealed allowing odors to leak out even when the pail is closed. Ubbi diaper pail is made of powder-coated steel which odors cannot penetrate. Rubber seals are used to prevent leaks and keep odors locked in when the pail is closed. Its innovative sliding lid design minimizes air disruption to prevent odors from escaping ensuring optimal odor control.

Ubbi diaper pail holds approximately 58 newborn diapers, 50 #1 diapers, 41 #2 diapers, 38 #3 diapers, 31 #4 diapers and 23 #5 (how crazy is it that they know that?)

Ubbi diaper pail doesn't require a special bag liner. You can use any regular tall kitchen bag. Not only that feature makes Ubbi economical, it also makes it flexible and convenient.


...rolling pins that don't stick


"The Sil-pin Junior keeps dough rolled even, avoid tearing and over flouring - nothing sticks to the Sil-pin. The Sil-pin makes cooking and cleanup in your kitchen fun."
 What I love about these little babies (available in 4 colors) is they are EXCELLENT for playdough. All playdough rolling pins either don't actually roll (solid plastic that you would have to  push over the dough) are wooden (ok, but NOT ideal for playdough!) or are so light they don't do squat. These things are SO GREAT we can hardly keep them in stock.

Reveal the difference...

Have I raved about the Rubbermaid Reveal before? If not, here goes. If I did, forgive me, but it's spring and this baby is getting daily use around here.

This is basically a Swiffer Wet Jet that is Eco-conscious. It's a wet mop with a removable, washable, scrubbing pad that you can chuck in the washing machine. For the cleaner (that you squirt on the floor as you go) you fill up this little bottle with your own, preferred floor cleaning product (or, if you want, just water. Or water and vinegar).

The most impressive part is how little cleaner you need! If you look at the bottle, you fill it with water basically to that lower line, and then with cleaner to the second line. A teeny, tiny amount of cleaner. We all know the base of our cleaning products is water, but when you see how much water it is shocking.  And every time you refill your container (as I did yesterday) you secretly feel SO excited/proud/giddy about how much money you are saving, and that you are avoiding all the chemicals/fragrance/garbage in traditional cleaning products. Around here, we use Home Hardware's Natura All-Purpose Cleaner which is made with genuine Australian tea tree oil.

If you do not own one of these, spring is the perfect time to invest in one. It is especially handy for muddy little paw prints or, you know, muddy boot prints after my kids fail to take off their boots before trotting through the house. 

Star Power

I have discovered so many uses for these beautiful, peel and stick mirrored stars that I wish I had a galaxy of them to decorate with. They are fun, and quick and easy to apply to any clean, smooth surface. Unleash your creativity and reach for the stars. You will be amazed with the results!

• 12 stars per pkg 2575-050

Super Star
Simply write on a mirrored star with a dry or permanent marker to create a personalized place setting or gift tag!

Stargazing
Take a wall mirror from ordinary to extraordinary by adding a border of mirrored stars.

Rock Star
Add a mirrored star to virtually anything to make it simply brilliant!

Dining with the Stars
Scatter mirrored stars (don't remove the backing) around your centrepiece and place settings for a star-studded affair. They make great coasters, too!

Spring a ding ding

Where the heck is spring? I thought I saw it a few weeks ago and then, blam, more snow.
We always joke with other HH dealers about Garden season in our zone (2A, doesn't get much lower!) and how it isn't unusual to have our pansies tucked into a blanket of snow in May. (Good things pansies can take the cold!)

It's just frustrating for the constant back-and-forth between spring and winter coats, rubber boots and mukluks, warm days spent outside playing and getting stuck in the frozen snow/ice ruts in our cul-de-sac.

We were lucky enough to escape to a sunnier destination for a week and it snowed while we were away! I was almost feeling bad leaving such beautiful weather. We got this shot of the kids on the beach. And while a vacation with kids is decidedly different from one without (i.e. there will be no relaxing and reading magazines by the pool, especially with a 1 yr old who thinks he can swim by himself!) it is always nice to be anywhere where you don't have to do the cooking and cleaning! And a treat to be able to just enjoy the kids and the time together. How do you bide the time till Spring?

We've been killing time on Pinterest, and the store has a new page! You can find us here Our page is a vast collection of all kinds of great ideas, curated mainly by my Dad (who has a massive collection himself!) Some things will be products or items you can find in the store, and others will be project ideas or recipes. If you haven't tried Pinterest, you must. They describe it as a Pinboard for all the things you like on the internet. An easier way to think of it is as picture-bookmarks. You "pin" the images on the web that you find and like, and save them on a "board" (for example, Recipes). Then later on you can skim the images and see those French Toast Muffins you've been meaning to try, and open the link to the recipe. You can also browse other people's pins and copy them to your own boards. It is such a great way to discover new things! Then the trick is to actually MAKE or TRY or SEE or READ the great new things you discovered. My friend found a great pin for Animal Jars that she then made with her kids. Another friend made a Button Collage for her son's room. I have made LOTS of recipes--because I am addicted to new recipes. My food board is bursting at the seams so I now have to diversify into categories--I think I have over 1000 things I want to try! (Just imagine all those in addition to the massive piles of recipes ripped out of magazines--oh boy!)

New arrivals of Robeez Spring Shoes and Socks are just in, and SOOOOO cute. Also Spring Scarves and Purses!

We also have a new girl in Gingersnaps and we're revamping the menu, and making our menu boards easier to navigate. You can still sample our St Patty's Day treats for the rest of the month (Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies, Mint Mocha, Irish Cream Latte--they all have my name on them!) Check out this week's menu here We're gonna have our menus posted on the webpage in advance so you can plan which day(s) you'd like to stop by :)

Also our SPRING FLING SALE is on until the end of the month. Save up to 50% off on select furniture, silk plants, picture frames and decor!

That's all for now!

Sporty Tables

He Shoots, He Scores

Sports inspired night table for your up and coming star!
He shoots, he scores!
Score brownie points with your favourite hockey fan.

What you'll need
Tools

• jigsaw 1268-687
• drill 1239-210
• drill press 1334-345
• fostner drill bit 1213-859
• belt sander 1262-859
• 3/4" half round bit 1216-586
• 2" paint brush 1612-605

Materials

• 6' of 16" pine shelving
• hockey sticks 7370-187 (3)
• epoxy resin 8659-481
• wood glue 2020-173
• 2 1/2" wood screws 2174-596
• masking tape 1670-285
• Beauti-Tone Cabinet and Furniture Paint - Black
  
  

Hockey table:

1. Cut the shelving into four (4) 16" squares.
2. Mark a 16" circle on one piece (measure to find the centre of the square, then tie a pencil and a small nail to the ends of a 8" length of string to scribe a circle). Cut the circle with the jigsaw and use it as a template to make the three additional circles.
3. Glue and stack the four circles together, alternating the direction of the wood grain.
4. Drill eight (8) counter sunk holes around the circle, 2" in from the edge, and fasten with 2 1/2" screws (ensure they do not go through the opposite face).
5. Clean off excess glue with a damp cloth. Let dry.
6. Sand edge smooth.
7. Divide the tabletop into three equal spaces for the leg placements.
8. Drill 1 1/4" holes, 2" deep, angled approximately 15 degrees toward the centre.
9. Cut the sticks to the desired height of the table. The table shown is 27" high, including the top.
10. Tape the sticks in a crossed position and secure by drilling pilot holes through the intersecting points. Fasten with screws that will not go all the way through.
11. Fill the holes with resin and paint the top (puck) black.

Home Run

This grand slam table made with baseball bat legs is sure to be a hit with your little slugger!

What you'll need
Tools

• jigsaw 1268-687
• drill 1239-210
• drill press 1334-345
• fostner drill bit 1213-877
• belt sander 1262-859
• router 1258-437
• 3⁄4" half round bit 1216-586
• 2" paint brush 1612-605
• fine tip artist paint brush 5712-311
• paste wax (dark) 1874-760
  
  

Materials

• 6' of 16" pine shelving
• junior baseball bat 6835-017 (3)
• epoxy resin 8659-481
• wood glue 2020-173
• 11⁄4" wood screws 2174-346
• masking tape 1670-285
• Beauti-Tone Cabinet and Furniture Paint 1880-424/427/429
  
  

Step by Step:

1. Cut the shelving into two (2) 16" squares.
2. Mark a 16" circle on one piece (measure to find the centre of the square, then tie a pencil and a small nail to the ends of a 8" length of string to scribe a circle). Cut the circle with the jigsaw and use it as a template to make the second circle.
3. Glue and stack the two circles together, alternating the direction of the wood grain.
4. Drill eight (8) counter sunk holes around the circle, 2" in from the edge, and fasten with screws (ensure they do not go through the opposite face).
5. Clean off excess glue with a damp cloth. Let dry.
6. Router the edges, then sand smooth and round.
7. Sand the handle of the bat to match the size of 2" bit and then sand or cut the butt of handle to make it flat.
8. Divide the tabletop into three equal spaces for the leg placements.
9. Drill 2" holes, 1" deep, angled approximately 8 degrees away from the centre.
10. Dry fit to ensure the bat ends sit in the holes. Mix resin and fill holes 1⁄4". Insert the bats and tape to maintain the correct position. Finish filling the holes and let the resin harden.
    
    

Finishing:

1. Paint the tabletop with Beauti-Tone Decorator White paint. Mark the stitching line lightly with a pencil, then paint using a fine tipped brush and red paint (shown Fort McMurray). Let dry.
2. Shadow the edges with Beauti-Tone Assiniboine paint. Using a soft brush or a soft, damp cloth, stipple the colour around edges, working towards the centre. Blot with a clean, soft, damp cloth to soften the effect. Continue until desired effect is achieved. Let dry.
3. Cover with the dark paste wax, let dry, and rub to achieve a soft, lustre finish.

Anna Olson's Classic Carrot Cake

You can't go wrong with a good carrot cake--and cream cheese frosting? Don't even get me started! I once made my best friend an entire batch of icing, and presented it to her in a bag as a graduation gift. She ate the whole bag that night! What a way to celebrate ;)

Makes (1) 9" (23 cm) cake
Serves 12

• 2 cups all-purpose flour 500 mL
• 2 tsp baking powder 10 mL
• 1 tsp baking soda 5 mL
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon 5 mL
• 1⁄2 tsp salt 2 mL
• 3 cups coarsely grated carrots, loosely packed 750 mL
• 2⁄3 cup light brown sugar, packed 160 mL
• 2⁄3 cup vegetable oil 160 mL
• 4 large eggs
• 1⁄2 cup raisins or walnut pieces (optional)
  125 mL
  
  

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1⁄2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature 125 mL
• 3⁄4 cup cream cheese, room temperature 175 mL
• 2 cups icing sugar, sifted 500 mL
• 1 tsp vanilla extract 5 mL
• walnut halves for garnish (optional)
  
  

Cake:

1. Preheat the oven to 325˚F (160˚C). Grease a 9" (23 cm) cake pan.
2. Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt into a large bowl. Stir in the grated carrots. In a separate bowl, whisk the brown sugar, oil and eggs and then add to the carrot mixture, stirring until well blended. Stir in the raisins or walnuts (optional) and scrape the batter into the prepared cake pan.
3. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, until atester inserted in the centre of the cake comes out clean. Cool for 20 minutes in the pan, and then turn out onto a rack to cool completely.
   
   

Frosting:

1. Beat the butter and cream cheese together for 3 minutes, or until fluffy. Add the icing sugar and vanilla, beating gently until the sugar is incorporated, then beat more vigorously until the icing is fluffy.
2. Cut the cake horizontally in half and place the bottom half on a platter. Spread a cupful of the frosting over the cake and place the second layer on top. Spread the remaining frosting on the top and sides of the cake. Garnish the edge of the cake with walnut halves (optional). Refrigerate.

The cake will keep refrigerated for up to 4 days.

Build Your Own Jigsaw Puzzle

Easy to make and fun to play with, this puzzle will become a true keepsake. Use a favourite photograph, children's school art, numbers or maps. Using half-inch pine for the backing material ensures no sharp edges. Remember both sides are available if you wish to make a double-sided puzzle. Resize the pattern to fit your puzzle, or design your own shapes.

What you'll need
Tools

• plastic straight edge or scraper 1630-266
• scroll saw 1345-048
• sander 1262-369

Material

• Weldbond adhesive (or equivalent) 2020-413
• fine sandpaper 1233-793
• rubber cement 5738-650
• backing material (¾" pine)
• photograph or artwork of your choice

Step-by-step

1. Cut backing material to the size of the photograph or artwork to be used. If you are using the puzzle pattern provided, your photograph may be enlarged on a photocopier, which is what we did. However, it is also easy and fun to design your own pattern.
2. Seal the surface of the backing material with Weldbond adhesive, smoothing over the entire surface with a straight edge. Allow it to dry thoroughly. The milky appearance will become clear when dry.
3. Apply a second coat of Weldbond, in a similar manner, to the surface of the backing material and immediately place the photograph onto the wet surface. Use a straight edge to carefully remove any bubbles or ripples etc., taking care not to damage the surface of the photograph. Allow it to dry completely.
4. Apply a coat of Weldbond to the surface of the photograph. Be sure to apply the coat as evenly and smoothly as possible. Again, the milky appearance will become clear when the glue dries. When dry, a second surface coat may be applied to give a harder, more durable surface.
5. Apply a thin coat of rubber cement to the backside of the puzzle pattern (NOT the picture surface), and quickly place it over the photograph surface. This will hold the pattern in place while you cut out the jigsaw puzzle and protect the surface of the puzzle during that process. It will peel off once the puzzle has been cut out.
6. Using a scroll saw, cut out the puzzle pieces. Tip: Practice using the scroll saw on a piece of scrap wood. Cut all horizontals, then all verticals.
7. Carefully peel off the paper pattern from each puzzle piece, gently removing any residual rubber cement.

Anna Olson's Decadent Brownies

Mayonnaise is the secret ingredient that replaces butter and makes these brownies rich and fudgy.

Makes (1) 9" x 13" (23 cm x 33 cm) pan
Cuts into 24 squares

• 4 oz unsweetened chocolate, chopped 120 g
• 2⁄3 cup boiling water 150 mL
• 2 cups sugar 500 mL
• 2⁄3 cup mayonnaise 150 mL
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract 5 mL
• 1 cup all-purpose flour 250 mL
• 1⁄2 cup cocoa powder, sifted 125 mL
• 1⁄2 tsp salt 2 mL
• 1 cup chocolate chips 250 mL

1. Preheat oven to 350˚F (175˚C). Grease and line a 9" x 13" (23 cm x 33 cm) baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Place the chopped chocolate in a large bowl and pour boiling water overtop. Let the chocolate mixture sit one minute, then whisk to melt.
3. Whisk the sugar into the chocolate mixture and, then add the mayonnaise and the eggs, one at a time. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, stir in the flour, cocoa powder and salt until well blended. Stir in the chocolate chips.
5. Scrape the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for about 30 minutes, until a tester inserted in the centre of the brownies comes out clean. Cool to room temperature.
6. Brownies slice best when chilled, but taste best at room temperature.

Once sliced, you can store the brownies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.