As you know, planning a party isn’t an easy task. Theme or no theme? where will it be held? who to invite? what to serve? etc. etc.

I thought it might be fun to share the ingredients for an Epic Party that I recently put together:

Ingredients:

10 girls

cute eh?

10 pairs of feety pyjamas from Snugabye

no one is going to have cold feet tonite!!

2 suites at Great Wolf Lodge

love this room!!

13 water slides

beyond awesome!!

an assortment of potato chips, grilled cheese sandwiches, cheerios, pizza, juice, and coke.

Party Bus for transportation from Toronto to Great Wolf Lodge from Zoom Tours

Instructions:

1. Mix 10 happy girls in a small coach bus.
2. Chill.
3. Arrive at Great Wolf Lodge – eat pizza.
4. Get into bathing suits and explore the water park at Great Wolf Lodge.
5. Chill. (one more time)
6. Watch movies, go on facebook and give each other manicures with OPI nail polish.
7. Fold into beds, pullouts, and bunk beds.
8. Let Rest for several hours.

SECOND PART OF RECIPE:

1. In the morning – let the girls RISE.
2. Add Cheerios.
3. Get into bathing suits one more time.
4. Pack up.
5. CHILL  before serving 12 tired but happy girls back to their parents in Toronto.

I’m not kidding – this party was epic. The girls loved every aspect of this party and I loved putting it all together. I’ve known these girls since they were in nursery (they are now 12) and it’s been fun to watch them grow up. There is nothing like throwing parties with your good friends. I’m sure they will remember this party for many more years – I know I will remember it!!

Other parties I remember: taking 5 girls to have their hair blown dry, taking 3 girls to an all suite hotel, taking 5 boys to see those Monster Trucks, taking 5 girls to the CN tower, taking 5 girls for manicures and hiring a ballet student to teach 5 girls some ballet moves. Another fun party was at Kortright centre for a nature “harry potter” walk with 5 kids in January!! I always believed in small birthday parties and inviting the kids that my kids played with.

Here’s to many more years of parties. Cheers!!

Disclosure: I am part of the Life Made Delicious Connector Program and I receive special perks as part of the affiliation with this group. The opinion on this blog are my own.

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I have passed Chipotle Mexican Grill at Yonge/Eglinton NUMEROUS times but never went in. However this week – that changed. I finally went in and had lunch there.

Seeing as I had never been there before, I noticed that there’s more than just burritos or tacos!!  You can select a salad or a bowl as well.

Menu...Something for Everyone

I wanted to try something different, so I chose the bowl. Then it was explained to me, that my bowl would contain cilantro lime rice with the following options: pinto or black beans, three different types of salsa, sour cream, cheese and avocado. I chose EVERYTHING. (why not?). Then I realized what I did – and took 4 lactose pills!!

Goodness!

I managed to inhale my meal while observing how clean the restaurant was!! Then I did some more research and found out that Chipotle Mexican Grill is a franchise with numerous locations throughout the U.S., U.K and Canada. Toronto actually has the only two locations in Canada. (fun fact – don’t you think).

I also learned that Chipotle Mexican Grill really cares. Their websites says “Not just a burrito, its a foil wrapped, hand crafted, local farm supporting, food culture changing cylinder of deliciousness.

How can you not like a restaurant that has: great customer service, fresh food, a commitment to supporting local farmers, and serves food with integrity?

When they mean fresh – they mean fresh:

Plus the staff are super friendly and even took the time to take a photo with me!

Friendly staff pose with momwhoruns!!

I now know where to go when I’m looking for a healthy meal..right down the street to Yonge/Eglinton

Hope you get a chance soon to visit either location one day soon:

2323 Yonge Street  (Yonge/Eglinton) 416-489-8601

or 323 Yonge St. (Yonge/Dundas) 416-596-8600

Cross your fingers that you see more locations in Canada in the near future!!

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GInger Maple Vinaigrette

I have been in love with organic ginger for the last year. It all started when I was visiting Kensington Market and stopped by the Urban Herbivore. It was one of those cold winter days and I wanted some thing healthy and HOT, so I ordered some organic ginger tea. I watched them grind up the fresh ginger and then add some hot water. I loved this drink so much that I went out and bought some fresh organic ginger and then made the drink at home!

Often I just didn’t have organic ginger available and bought the normal ginger from the grocery store. Let me tell you – ITS NOT THE SAME. I will now ONLY buy organic ginger. I love how intense the flavor is – it’s not even on the same planet as the non organic ginger.

Lets discuss: organic vs non organic:

organic: stronger flavor, less water, you need less, costs more, not available at your local grocery store

non organic: flavor is not as strong, you need more, costs less,

The brand I usually pick up has a lovely recipe on the back and I FINALLY decided to try it. (took me long enough).

Here’s what you need for Ginger Maple Vinaigrette:

2 inch piece of organic ginger chopped

1 med organic garlic clove, minced

1 med shallot, minced

2 tablespoons maple syrup

2 tablespoons dijon mustard

3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 cup olive oil

METHOD:

In a blender combine all the ingredients except olive oil and blend until smooth.

On the lowest setting, pour olive oil until emulsified. Adjust taste with salt and pepper. Use as a dressing or marinade and store for up to 2 weeks in a refrigerator.

I encourage everyone to:  a) pick up some organic ginger b) try the above dressing c) or try making fresh ginger tea.

Funny, as I type this blog post I’m thinking of ginger ice cream, ginger cookies, gingerbread latte, dipped ginger in chocolate. Who else has any ideas what to make with ginger?

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