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Attracting Birds to Your Yard

The return of migratory birds to our yards and gardens can be a welcome sign that winter has passed us by and spring has finally returned. Some of us wait for robins, while others wait for geese and ducks to return to ponds and waterways. We hear them in the trees through our open windows, and we see them as we start to spend more time outside. It doesn’t take us long to realize how welcome they are once they are back, and to wonder how we can attract more birds to our yard – or perhaps coax the ones we have to stay, and nest.

What birds need:

• natural habitat and shelter (birdhouses or boxes, plus an abundance of trees, shrubs and plants for shelter)
• water (for drinking and bathing)
• nesting material (twigs, sticks, grass, dried leaves, feathers, pet hair, etc.)
• food (natural sources and supplements you might want to provide)

What to feed birds in your yard: 

Birdseed, sunflower seeds, suet (which you can purchase mixed with seeds and/or berries), millet, cracked corn, nectar for hummingbirds (sugar water, without red food colouring, please). Larger birds might like peanuts, popped popcorn, fruit, soaked raisins, or other larger items. Be creative, do a little research, and if you have kids, don’t hesitate to try preparing your own bird food at home. It can be a great project to share with little ones.

Be sure to do a little research to find out what the birds in your area are eating, and ensure if you decide to offer food that you are keeping the feeders clean and dry, that the suet isn’t left out to go rancid and other health considerations. It doesn’t help to offer food that won’t be healthy or safe.

Most birds get what they need from nature, but the more we clear trees and develop our cities, the less there is for birds to eat. If you want to attract them into your yard to stay, it would be a good idea to think about food sources. Well-fed birds will often stick around, and if they do, many will likely nest.

Benefits of welcoming birds to your yard:

Extending a welcome to birds in your yard is good for everyone. Our communities are bettered when we find ways to coexist with the species we are displacing as our urban areas spread. It’s also good for kids to stay in touch with nature, and to foster their interest and respect from a young age. Birds help us and our yards by eating insects that are considered pests in most yards – think of how many mosquitoes some species eat! And finally, our love for our outdoor spaces increases when we engage, connect, and find ways to increase our enjoyment. Kids also tend to love projects that get them into nature, so keep them busy preparing bird food, cleaning bird feeders, building nesting houses and feeders, and gathering nesting material to leave out for the birds.

Birds common in Canada :

Birds native to Canada can vary from province to province. It can be a great family project to track what bird species you have seen with your kids – does it change year to year? Does it vary from home to perhaps your favourite greenspace or camping spot?

Here is a list of all the birds commonly found in Canada, but you could do your own research to find ones common in your specific area. This could be good research for kids who show an interest

Ask your kids to look over your list as the year progresses – which birds are migrating?  Which are staying?

Do you get a lot of birds in your yard? How do you attract them? Do they stay and nest? We’d love to know if you have tips or tricks to share!

Bubble Blowing: Spring Activity for Kids

Most of us remember blowing bubbles as kids. Our memories are full of images of brightly-coloured wands dripping soapy water all over our front steps or back porches and bubbles sailing off in the wind. We competed to see who could blow the largest bubbles, and whose bubbles would last longest before popping. Any of us who grew up to have kids are sure to pass this activity along to them…it’s too much fun to miss out on. It’s also a great early spring activity, when the kids want to play outside and would love some water play but it’s too cold for hoses and water guns.

Tips and tricks:

Ask anyone who takes their bubble blowing seriously and they will tell you that making your own solution at home is the trick that will make all the difference. You’ll get bigger, longer lasting bubbles – and isn’t that the point?

Here is a homemade bubble solution recipe that I’m dying to try.

As simple as bubble blowing can be, there are a few other tips and tricks that can make the whole process more fun for you and the kids. Give kids small amounts of liquid if they want to play independently, and keep a larger container out of reach so adults can assist with refills. If it’s cool out, put your kids in rubber boots as they likely will drip. In warm weather, let them go barefoot. Shop for different types of bubble blowers – small to start, large wands, different shapes or try making your own. Remember bubbles can also be blown in the bathtub in inclement weather or to help very young children enjoy bathtime.

Unique ideas to shake up your bubble time:

A make-your-own bubble blowing station 

Water bottle bubble fun for small kids who struggle to blow bubbles

Can you freeze a bubble?

Beaded bubble wand craft perfect for older kids or a party activity

Reminders:

Bubble or soapy solutions can make surfaces slippery so use caution with young kids standing on wooden decks, steps or other smooth surfaces. I like to let my kids blow bubbles on the grass so there is no risk of falling.

Warn your kids that getting bubbles or soap in their eyes can sting and encourage them to keep their hands away from their eyes and faces. A bucket of clean water nearby or even a towel or clean cloth can be handy if someone crosses paths with a wayward bubble.

Don’t forget to take pictures! Blowing bubbles can make for some great candid shots as kids concentrate on blowing, then break into laughter or chase and reach for bubbles.

Bubbles can be a great, easy party theme for a young child. Their simple but appealing shape can be repeated throughout the decorations, the blowing itself can be an activity for any young children present, and guests can take home bubble blowing supplies as their take away treat or loot bag.

Do your kids love to blow bubbles?  Any tips or fun ideas to share with us?

Keep Your Basement Dry This Spring

Why basement flooding happens:

In spring, melting snow and early rains can cause basement flooding – either via cracks in the foundation, leaking window wells or other structural issues. Sometimes a sump pump can fail, or a sewer can back up due to issues with the public sewer system.

Consequences:

Water in a basement has all kinds of negative consequences. Besides the immediate mess and damage to belongings that can be an irritation and expense to clean up, there can be damage to walls and flooring that require insurance claims and renovations. There are long lasting effects of mold and mildew if water seeps in and is not discovered right away. Insurance rates can go up, and property value can suffer if it goes on too long.

What you can do to avoid flooding:

• Shovel snow away from exterior walls if you get a late snowfall or are having a late melt
• Clean out your gutters – this is a chore not to ignore!
• Clear out window wells and check for leaks
• Check your foundation for cracks that may need further inspection or attention
• Direct downspouts away from your home, and add extensions if necessary
• Watch your landscaping and grade – are there issues? Anything you can fix or remedy?
• Check your sump pump to be sure it is working properly, and have it checked periodically

Be prepared:

• Check your insurance policy – what’s covered? What’s not? Do you need additional coverage? Now is the time to ask, not later
• Check your storage and belongings – what do you store in your basement? Is there a better place for these items? Paperwork, memory boxes, keepsakes, important documents – all of these should be safely stored above the reach of potential water damage. Move or rearrange your storage in case the worst happens
• Keep contact numbers handy. Having a recommended plumber’s name and number at hand will be a relief, as will having your insurance documents and contact information close at hand. Don’t be trudging through water to open filing cabinets to look for this info. Put them in your phone or put the wallet cards in your wallet – whatever system will work for you
• Keep an inventory of your belongings, especially the most valuable or expensive. A list of what you own, the value of each item and the receipts for the most valuable would be immensely helpful in the event of an insurance claim

What else can you do?

If you live in a very flood-prone area, you could carefully consider the furnishings you choose for your basement as an extra precaution. If you build a home or develop the basement, choose flooring that can be easily cleaned after being wet. Ensure that furniture has legs or some elevation to keep your belongings off the floor. Build shelving to keep your possessions from getting soaked every time water seeps in.

Consider rallying with friends or neighbours in flood-prone areas. Let people know you are willing to help out or come to their aid if the worst happens and ask if they will do the same for you. If you end up with a wet basement, wouldn’t it be great to have a few people to call who can help support you, bring supplies and assist in the clean up? Or at the very least, if you have kids, take them off your hand for a few hours while you clean up and deal with the water? In this day and age, it’s easy to forget to be neighbourly…but having friends and family to help in a crisis can make all the difference.

Have you ever trouble with water in your basement?

What caused it? What did you do? Any tips to add to our list?

Get a Head Start: Starting Seeds Indoors

Spring is a funny time of year in Canada. Some areas enjoy early warmth and see grass greening up and flowers in bloom very early. Others wait, usually impatiently, through cold temperatures and even snow until April or May. Conversations between these two groups are often spirited and filled with teasing. Who doesn’t love to talk about the weather?

If you are shivering in the cold, you may not realize there are those getting a head start on their gardens by sowing seeds for some plants inside. Yes, if you check your reference guides, starting seeds indoors can begin as early as February/March in warm areas and in April/May in cooler climates.

What a great way to start getting excited for spring and put the winter behind us!

Starting seeds indoors:

In cool areas like the prairies, now is a great time to start seeds indoors. How to know which are good choices? Look for vegetables that can tolerate transplanting, and that might benefit from a longer growing season. You can also start annual flowers from seed as well, while perennials are trickier and need a couple of seasons to establish and bloom. Try vegetables like: Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, onion, cauliflower, peppers, tomatoes, celery, and eggplant. You could also try flowers like: nasturtium, lobelia, nicotiana, and cosmos.

Sowing seeds directly in soil:

In temperate areas like Victoria and Vancouver, it is already safe to be planting seed directly into the garden. In cooler areas such as the prairies and more northern cities, it is best to wait until early May before sowing seeds in the ground. This type of sowing is best suited to vegetables like: peas, beets, greens (spinach, lettuce, mesclun), carrots, garlic, turnips, rutabagas, kale, parsnips. These are all vegetables that can tolerate the cool soil, the cool temperatures and are often more successful sown directly in the soil than transplanted.

Supplies and equipment:

You probably have most of what you need to get started in your garden, and anything you are missing can be purchased at your local home centre. If you are just starting out, check your local UsedEverywhere site for deals. You might find someone clearing out their garage or garden shed – a great opportunity to save yourself some money. In the spring you may also find people giving away seeds they have collected, or even selling young plants they have started themselves. This can be a great way to add interesting plants to your garden. You’ll need simple garden tools, seeds, potting soil, peat moss, other amendments, peat pots or seed trays, and a sunny spot if you are starting seeds indoors.

Resources:

It is easy to find information online to guide you in your gardening plans. Here are a few links to get you started, but you can search for planting information in your area, or on specific plants/seeds:

Farmer’s Almanac – Frost Chart for Canada

Planting dates for Victoria, BC

Planting dates for Calgary, AB

Planting dates for Saskatoon, SK

Planting dates for Toronto, ON

Planting dates for Charlottetown, PEI

Now go start planning how to get a little green going in your life!  It’s a great way to enjoy spring even in the very early days, and you’ll be pleased later when your garden benefits from your extra efforts.

Do you start seeds indoors? Wait until you can sow them outside?

What has given you the best results?

The Homemade Kitchen: 5 Things to Make from Scratch

Many of us were raised in kitchens where convenience was king (or queen.) Many common recipes had a can of soup tossed in, or a soup packet sprinkled over, or some other shortcut involving a can, packet or bottle.  In many ways, the way we eat has been changing – it’s different in every household to be sure, but many of us are looking for ways to cut processed foods. If we can make something from scratch, we have more control over the health and flavour of each dish and meal. We can source ingredients that we feel comfortable eating or serving to our families; in some cases this may mean organic foods, looking for vegetarian options, or accommodating food sensitivities.

And let’s face it, there’s something satisfying about being able to create something special with just a little time and effort in the kitchen. I always feel like I am taking a little better care of myself when I take the time to make something myself rather than buy the commercially prepared version. Do I avoid all processed foods? No, not all, and there are some occasions where sanity screams for a shortcut. But when time allows, I love the idea of taking simple ingredients and making things from scratch.

Here are five things that you can learn to make from scratch that are easy and offer a lot of reward for your efforts. They’ll bowl you over with their simple goodness, spoil you with flavour and ruin you for commercially prepared versions. Some of them allow you to cook once, and save extra portions for future use.

Five things to learn to make from scratch:

Homemade butter

Homemade whipped cream

Homemade stock:  vegetable, chicken, beef

Homemade tomato sauce

Homemade salad dressings

They’ll also make you look like a hero to anyone lucky enough to share your kitchen or dinner table. Planning a dinner? Whip up a salad dressing or two ahead of time. Dessert? A generous serving of homemade whipped cream gives a rustic charm to any sweet treat. Any muffin or sweet bread recipe would be immediately lifted by the addition of homemade butter. Tomato sauce and stock can be used in many meals, saved in the fridge or freezer, and added to other recipes.

Are there certain items you insist on making from scratch in your kitchen? Are there some things that you prefer to buy premade? Why?

What would be the first thing you would try to make on your own if you were to make the switch?

Get Your Bikes Ready for Spring!

Biking is a great way to get active and enjoy the outdoors come spring. It’s something the whole family can enjoy, and can be planned ahead or done spur-of-the-moment. Maybe your spring weather has hit already, maybe it hasn’t, but there’s no denying that now is the time to be checking your bikes over and shopping for new ones if needed.  Looking early means more choice and more selection.

But of course, there’s a better way than just heading off to the nearest store! Before you ever buy a brand new bike, have a look at your local UsedEverywhere.com listings to see if you can find what you need there. Kids outgrow bikes, people upgrade to a new style – there can be many reasons why bikes hit the used listings, but they all benefit you!  You can also find bike parts and accessories like locks, racks and mudguards.  If you have very young children, watch for trailers that can be pulled behind a bike so you can bring your little ones along for a ride until they can pedal their own bike.

There are a few things you need to do before you hit the road this spring:

Sizing:

First, check sizing on everyone’s bikes at the beginning of each season. Make sure everyone has the proper bike for their size and ability.  This will help you decide if you need to be looking for anything new. Check to be sure everyone has a helmet and other safety gear and try everything on to check for fit.

Cleaning and prep:

Give the bike a good cleaning, check for damage or loose parts, tighten the seat, add air to tires, test brakes and add lubricant as needed to hold off the rust all season.  Here’s a great resource on tuning up your bike for spring and basic repairs.

Safety reminders:

When it comes to bicycle safety, make certain things non-negotiable.  Kids need to learn that they wear helmets or they don’t ride, period. You can decide if you want them wearing elbow and knee pads, and when they are first learning it’s best they wear long pants and even long sleeves to help protect them in the event of a fall.

Bicycle safety training is so important – your kids can’t be safe if they don’t learn the rules of the road. This goes for adults too. Sign kids up for a neighbourhood safety camp or afternoon, be careful where you allow them to bike and let them earn their freedom through safe and careful biking.

Here are some great resources for bike safety for families: Safe Kids Canada, Canada Safety Council and CAA Bike Safety.

Where to bike?

Start with your own street, nearby parks, green spaces in your city, and look for bike paths along rivers and other attractions. Do a search online to find routes in your city – you may find a list of popular paths. When I searched for “bike routes in Calgary” I found links leading me to our own city site, to bikecalgary.ca, to bikeyyc.ca, a family site with routes broken down by city area and a local cycling club. Try it in your own city and see what resources you find!

Do you cycle alone? Bike with your family? Any tips for families just starting out?

Celebrate spring with a scavenger hunt

Are there any signs of spring where you are?

Here are a few I’ve been noticing:  snow melting, puddles, my front step dry of snow all week, longer line ups at car washes, kids on bikes, people out running and walking, rubber boots, people driving with windows open, kids blowing bubbles, kids on skateboards, a robin, and the temptation to open all my windows each day.

I admit it’s caught me off guard. There have been sunny days that I have spent indoors, without realizing what I am missing.  Or I drive to pick up my son from the bus stop, only to realize I should have walked. Suddenly I am realizing – I should get organized now so that when the sun shines or the mild temperatures beckon, we can just get out and enjoy.

Spring necessities to have ready:

Spring Cleaning: Garage Makeover Time

Have you ever seen those organization systems that make your garage look like a sleek, futuristic storage zone? Don’t they make you jealous? I look at them, then look into my own garage and think – how do we get there from here? It’s a big undertaking, and one that seems to face us every spring and fall.  But when the sun comes out, and I’m ready to play, the last thing I want to do is spend a weekend cleaning out the garage.

What’s the plan?

Sneak out before the cold weather is quite done with us to do a little organizing, allowing full enjoyment when the sun shines later.

What’s lurking out there?

If your garage is anything like most people’s, it needs to fit a vehicle or two, tools and workspace, bicycles and athletic gear, seasonal storage like patio furniture, garden tools and lawnmower, garbage and recyclables, and long term storage items.  And after a long busy winter of not paying attention, it might look something like this out there:

Challenges?

After a long winter, dirt and muck have accumulated, clutter like extra cardboard and random storage items have been put outside but never dealt with. You’ve likely used tools and gear and not bothered to stay out in the cold long enough to put them away properly. Perhaps you’ve stored a few extra items without making room for them and there’s not enough space to move.

What’s on the to do list?

Clear garbage, and recyclables first. Make a pile of things to sell or donate if you have unwanted household items or leftover renovation materials. Put things away where they belong, and if they belong somewhere other than the garage, move them. If they don’t have a home, create one that makes sense and gets them out of the way. Add shelving, hang awkward items, and get as much off the floor as you can. Contain clutter in bins and boxes. Once you have things as tidy as possible, get cleaning. Dust or sweep off steps and work spaces. Clean doors, windows, and anything that’s been touched with dirty hands all winter or that shows the dirt easily. Sweep the floor thoroughly. If you have time, take your vehicles for a wash so they are clean in your neatly organized space.

With a little organization, come spring we’ll be ready to open the garage doors, let the kids out on their bikes and more without having to work in a crowded, dirty garage the first few weekends. Those first few sunny, warm days should be for enjoyment, not dirty work!

What challenges do you face in your garage? What are you storing in it? Any tips or tricks to share?

Stay active: commit to a race or charity walk this year

The nice days make all the difference right now, don’t they?  We look for signs of spring, we search out the sun, and we leave our mittens and warm jackets at home every chance we get.  I find myself taking off my coat when I get into my car, simply for the enjoyment of the sun on my bare arms as I drive home.

I can’t wait to be able to spend more time outside, getting some fresh air and exercise.  I’m committing time each week to strength and movement, for health reasons but also because I want to be full of energy and ready to enjoy when the days suddenly get warm.

A great way to boost your enthusiasm and commitment to staying active is to commit to a race or event that takes place later in the year.  If we wait for the sun, we could wait until May before we haul ourselves off the couch, and then immediately regret our sedentary ways.  But the deadline of a race or charity walk looming over you might just be what you need to get yourself up, time and again, to be sure you are ready.

What kind of events should you look for?  Check your favourite charities – many do walks, runs, races and family events and you’d be getting involved for a good cause.  Check with your local recreation centre or gym for posted events.  Ask your friends, colleagues, and extended family members what they do.  You’ll find there are events for all fitness levels, and all types of personalities.  Maybe you want a serious race? You’ll find it.  Maybe you want a family event with options for walking, running, bringing a stroller and more? You’ll find it.  Maybe you are just in it for the fun of it all and want to tackle a mud run or other themed event geared at not taking things too seriously?  Yep, you’ll find those too.

Even better?  Gather a group of friends or family members and sign up as a group. You can motivate each other to train, and share in a fun, active day once race day hits.

Here are just a few examples of events taking place across Canada:

Relay for Life

World Partnership Walk

The Shoppers Drug Mart’s Weekend to End Women’s Cancers

Walk to Fight Arthritis

Color Me Rad 5K

Mud Run and obstacle courses

For more organized races, try the event pages on websites like Running Room or Canadian Running.

And if you are really into it, check this list of marathons in Canada for the ultimate challenge!

Have you ever run in an organized race or event?  Which one? What was it like? Do you have a favourite event we should know about?

We’d love to know what has inspired you to get moving!

Stay warm and healthy with homemade soup!

There are few delights as simple as the comfort we find in a pot of homemade soup.  At this time of year, when we have felt a chill for far too many months, soup is a perfect warming meal to enjoy at any time:  lunch, dinner or even when hunger pangs strike mid-afternoon.

And as a bonus, it isn’t difficult to find recipes for soups that are lighter in calories, meaning while you warm your body and comfort your soul, you’re also not indulging in anything that will haunt you come spring and bathing suit season.  Soup can also be a great way to coax vegetables and other healthy ingredients into reluctant eaters.  Soup can warm you up on a cold day, boost your health with vitamins and antioxidants, and add some variety to your meal planning.

What kind of soup is best?  Every kind!  There are soups for every palate, every occasion.  You can pick and choose ones you and your family like, and you can usually add, subtract or substitute an ingredient if need be.  Soup is very forgiving. It can be served for dinner in fine china, or sipped out of a mug at your desk.  You can serve it in a big soup tureen (someone probably handed one down to you, or you can find them for sale new or used) or just right from a big steaming pot on the stove.

Hearty, dinnertime soups:

Lasagna soup

Italian sausage soup

Winter minestrone

Classic chicken noodle soup

Lighter or good-for-sipping soups:

Farmer’s Market Tomato soup

Pumpkin soup

Butternut Squash soup

Red Pepper Asparagus soup

Light Potato soup

And for something a little different:

Sopa de tortilla con camaron or shrimp tortilla soup

Mediterranean Fish Soup

Roasted Onion and Gorgonzola soup

Light Italian Wedding soup

What’s been simmering on your stove on the coldest days?  Have a favourite soup recipe to share? Post it in the comments!