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How Long Shuuld the Party Last? - SavvyMom

Birthday Party Planning 101: How Long Should the Party Last?

This week I was working with a local mom’s group, teaching them the ropes of basic birthday party planning, and one of the items that was up for discussion was the question of ‘how long should the party last?’ There is not one perfect answer to this of course, but I provided a brief guideline based on personal experience.

Generally speaking, the younger the child the shorter the party, and I personally don’t feel that every friend from school needs to be invited to a birthday celebration, but I know that I may be in the minority with this viewpoint.

Here’s a quick look at the timing and guest count I suggested to these moms, based on the age of the birthday child…

Birthday Planning: How Long Should the Party Last?

Age: 1-2 years

Time of Day: After a nap
Duration: 1 hour
Number of Guests: Depends on the type of party. Parents are obviously invited and usually at this age it’s a family-focused celebration so use your best judgement for how many guests you think you can manage.

Age: 3-4

Time of Day: Mid-morning or late-afternoon
Duration: 1 ½ hours
Number of Guests: 4-6. Parties become more friend-focused at this age and I’ve always liked the idea of inviting the same number of kids as the age your child is turning.

Age: 5-6

Time of Day: Afternoon
Duration: 1 ½-2 hours
Number of Guests: 6-8

Age: 7-8

Time of Day: Early or late afternoon; early evening
Duration: 2 hours maximum
Number of Guests: 7-10

Age: 9-10

Time of Day: Late afternoon or early evening
Duration: 2-3 hours
Number of Guests: 10-12

What do you think? Do you agree with me? Do you approach parties differently? What is your favourite time of day to host a birthday party?

On the opposite end of the spectrum, what do you bring as a present for a child you’ve never met? Here are some gift ideas for kids you barely know.

 

Lest We Forget: Christmas Decorations Before Remembrance Day?

The issue comes round year after year, but it seems like the annual debate has gotten particularly heated this year. Should Christmas decorations go up before Remembrance Day?

For many, the answer is a definite no; and some people feel that it is in fact disrespectful to veterans and fallen service people to start celebrating Christmas before Remembrance Day. Why? It’s simple: people want to keep the focus on Remembrance Day in the days leading up to November 11. Makes sense to us. Doesn’t it just seem logical to finish one holiday before starting in on another? Let’s do one thing at a time. Christmas can wait a few days.

But let’s not get too wrapped up in thoughts of appropriate and inappropriate timelines. As the lovely Alex from idontblog.ca says, “And as strongly as I feel about the importance of remembering with solemn gratitude the lives of those who fought for us and those who protect us, it’s not Christmas’ fault that we’ve been neglecting the day.” Well said. Alex goes on to talk about how education is the answer.

We also loved this piece by Jennifer Pinarski who gave us some guidance on talking to kids about Remembrance Day. Knowing you should be talking to your kids about the meaning of ‘Lest We Forget’ is one thing. How do you actually do that when they’re so small? Jen has some excellent ideas. We’ll be trying a few. All we can do is our best.

Lest we forget.

Streaming in November Shows for Kids in Canada - SavvyMom

Streaming in Canada: What’s On for Kids & Families in November

Baby, it’s getting cold outside, which means there’s no better time of year to bundle up as a family and enjoy some quality movies and shows for kids. Whether that means an educational watch for your preschooler as you prep dinner, or a full-out family viewing night with the latest Disney+ release, there’s plenty of family- and kid-friendly fare streaming in Canada this month.

Looking for some ideas on what to watch in November? Read on for our top picks for new movies and shows for kids streaming in Canada on CBC Gem, Disney Plus, Paramount Plus, Apple TV Plus, Crave, and Netflix in Canada…

New Movies & Shows for Kids and Families Streaming in Canada in November:

Streaming in Canada: Once Upon a Sesame Street Christmas - SavvyMom

Once Upon a Sesame Street Christmas

Tuesday, November 1 on Crave

Looking for holiday-themed programming you can enjoy with your preschooler or young children? Sesame Street delivers with this 2016 holiday-themed episode featuring Elmo and the gang as they partake in an epic bedtime story.

Slumberkins Streaming in Canada - SavvyMom

Slumberkins

Friday, November 4 on Apple TV+

Looking for a new kind of preschool series to get into with kids at home? This Jim Henson Company series features a world of magical puppet creatures—think Bigfoot, Unicorn, Sloth, Yak, and Fox, as they explore big feelings.

Monster High Movie - SavvyMom

Monster High

Friday, November 4 on Paramount Plus

If your kids are obsessed with the characters from Monster High (the dolls are also popular gift choices this holiday season), why not introduce them to the franchise’s revival streaming in Canada on Paramount Plus this month? The series teaches kids to embrace their differences while learning to be themselves, all while walking the halls of the fictional high school.

Streaming in Canada: Save Our Squad - SavvyMom

Save Our Squad

Wednesday, November 9 on Disney+

Soccer-loving families will want to join superstar David Beckham on this footballing journey. The docuseries follows Beckham as he returns to the Echo Premier League in East London, where he began his sporting journey. There, he teams with the Westward Boys, an U14 grassroots team in desperate need of help—and a big W.

Shows for Families: The Big Brunch - SavvyMom

The Big Brunch

Thursday, November 10 on Crave

If you’re a brunch-loving family, you may get a kick out of this latest culinary competition—especially since notable Canadian Dan Levy hosts it. In each episode, talented chefs share their stories, dreams, and culinary skills by presenting their best takes on brunch food. (Just note that alcohol is served.) The first three episodes debut on Nov. 10, the following three drop on Nov. 17, and the last two bow on Nov. 24.

Transformers: Earth Spark - SavvyMom

Transformers: Earthspark

Friday, November 11 on Paramount Plus

The latest animated Transformers series streaming in Canada follows a new generation of bots called Terrans—the first of their kind to be born on Earth. In each episode, they and the humans who care for them embark on fun adventures, redefining what it means to be a family.

Teletubbies Streaming in Canada - SavvyMom

 

Teletubbies

Monday, November 14 on Netflix

Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa, and Po are back for an updated round of wonder-filled adventures. The new series features all the colours and weirdness you remember from years ago, but it may be just the thing to help pass colder afternoons indoors with small kids.

Jurassic Park: Camp Cretaceous - SavvyMom

Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous: Hidden Adventure

Tuesday, November 15 on Netflix

A new chapter of this animated Jurassic series is here to entertain dino-loving kids this November. Hidden Adventure is an interactive special in which viewers must help the Camp Fam survive following a big storm.

Streaming in Canada: The Santa Clauses - SavvyMom

The Santa Clauses

Wednesday, November 16 on Disney+

If your family re-watches the big screen trilogy every holiday season, tune in for this limited series in which Tim Allen returns as Scott Calvin. In this iteration, the character has decided it’s time to hang up his Saint Nick hat for the good of his family, but before he can retire, he must interview the next batch of potential Santa Clause replacements. The first two episodes stream for in premiere, with weekly installments to follow.

Limitless Disney Plus - SavvyMom

Limitless

Wednesday, November 16 on Disney+

Chris Hemsworth is on a mission to discover how to live better for longer, and your family can join him in that fun. In each episode, the movie star speaks with experts, family, and friends to see how he can push himself to new limits while stopping the diseases of old age.

A Christmas Story Christmas Sequel - SavvyMom

A Christmas Story Christmas

Thursday, November 17 on Crave

A sequel to the 1983 classic, A Christmas Story, this film follows adult Ralphie (Peter Billingsley) in the 1970s. There, he returns to his magical house on Cleveland Street to give his kids the kind of Christmas he had growing up.

Disenchanted Disney Plus - SavvyMom

Disenchanted

Friday, November 18 on Disney+

The original live-action Disney Princess spoof is back 15 years later. Amy Adams reprises her iconic role of Giselle, a real-life princess who has become disillusioned with life in the city. So, she and her “prince,” Robert (returning star Patrick Dempsey), move their family to the suburbs for a fresh start. Add a Queen B in the form of Maya Rudolph, and this sequel promises to be a lot of royal fun.

Best in Snow on Disney Plus - SavvyMom

Best in Snow

Friday, November 18 on Disney+

Looking to get into the holiday spirit a little earlier this year? Grab the kids and gather around the telly for this ice-sculpting special, in which carvers recreate iconic Disney films and moments—with a holiday twist. Tituss Burgess (The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt) hosts.

Blue's Big City Adventure - SavvyMom

Blue’s Big City Adventure

Friday, November 18 on Paramount Plus

Families with younger kids will be pumped to catch this film adaptation of the popular preschool character as he heads to New York City. There, Blue and Josh audition for a big Broadway musical, reuniting the entire Blue’s Clues crew.

Spirited A Christmas Carol - SavvyMom

Spirited

Friday, November 18 on Apple TV+

It wouldn’t be a holiday season without some new iteration of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol coming to screens. This musical adaptation of the Ebenezer Scrooge story stars Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds in a PG-13 comedic romp.

Elton John Disney Plus - SavvyMom

Elton John: Farewell from Dodger Stadium

Sunday, November 20 on Disney+

Sir Elton John is wrapping up his goodbye tour, and if your family is a fan, you can catch the performer’s final shindig live from Dodger Stadium. The three-hour event promises lots of special guest stars and surprises and comes 49 years to the day of John’s first concert at the venue, which is said to have launched his epic career.

SHAQ - SavvyMom

SHAQ

Wednesday, November 23 on Crave

Basketball-loving families may want to check out this four-part docuseries revolving around the one and only Shaquille O’Neal. The episodes are packed with revealing interviews and plenty of archived footage, presenting the baller’s rise to stardom, his championships and honours, and his life away from the court.

The Great British Baking Show Holidays - SavvyMom

The Great British Baking Show Christmas Special

Tuesday, November 29 on CBC Gem

Looking for some family fun and inspiration for your upcoming Christmas bake? Tune into this holiday-themed special featuring the stars of It’s a Sin. Together they’ll whip up yummy treats before joining the London Community Gospel Choir for a performance of “All I Want for Christmas.”

Willow Series on Disney Plus - SavvyMom

Willow

Wednesday, November 30 on Disney+

Whether you want to introduce the fam to George Lucas’ 1988 fantasy adventure or your crew are already fans, this series features the return of the Nelwyn sorcerer, played again by Warwick Davis. In this adventure, Willow and an unlikely group of heroes embark on a quest to save the world, facing their inner demons.

Best Foods for Starting Baby on Solids - SavvyMom

The Best First Foods When Starting Baby on Solids

Starting baby on solids can be exciting, fun, and messy. It can also be confusing. But when should you start? How much should you offer? Which foods are best to begin with? The good news is it doesn’t need to be a challenge, and by following a few simple guidelines you can ensure your baby is well-fed with healthy and nutritious food that’s good to grow on.

Is My Child Ready for Solid Food?

The Canadian Paediatric Society says you should start your child on solid foods at six months of age. Developmental milestones that let you know your child is ready to begin eating solids include:

  • Your baby seems hungry earlier than usual.
  • You baby can sit up without support, and has good control of their neck muscles.
  • You baby holds food in their mouth without pushing it out on their tongue right away.
  • Your baby shows an interest in food when others are eating.
  • Your baby opens their mouth when they see food coming their way.
  • Your baby can let you know they don’t want food by leaning back or turning their head away.

Remember that all babies are different and some may start solids just before or just after the six-month mark. However, waiting too long can put your baby at risk for iron-deficiency.

Tips for Introducing Solids

Help your baby develop a lifetime of good eating habits by getting off to the right start. Here are four tips for introducing solid foods:

  1. Introduce one food at a time and wait 24-48 hours before starting a new food.
  2. Offer new foods at breakfast or lunch. If your baby has an allergy to a food you will know early in the day instead of close to bedtime.
  3. Start by feeding your baby 1-2 times a day, and then increase to 3 times a day.
  4. It can take 15-20 times of offering your baby the same food before they decide if they like it or not. Be patient and don’t give up!

What Food Should I Introduce First?

Health Canada recommends beginning with iron-rich foods, which babies need for many different aspects of their developments. This includes: cooked whole eggs, meat, poultry, and well-cooked legumes. Previously, eggs were held back until 12 months of age as a way to prevent babies from developing an allergy. New guidelines from Health Canada, the Canadian Paediatric Society, Dietitians of Canada, and the Breastfeeding Committee for Canada now recommend introducing whole eggs as soon as your child starts eating solids. Research shows that introducing eggs early can help to lower your baby’s chance of developing egg allergies.

Eggs are a great source of nutrition for your baby. They have six grams of the highest-quality protein and fourteen essential vitamins and nutrients. Eggs are a simple and practical way to add an iron-rich, wholesome food to your baby’s diet. They are also a natural source of choline, which plays an important role in brain development.

When your child is ready for iron-rich foods try offering any and all of the following:

  • Mashed yet lumpy fruits and vegetables (the lumps get babies used to the different textures in food).
  • Safe finger foods such as pieces of tender, soft-cooked fruits and vegetables, soft, ripe fruit like bananas, grated cheese, grains like quinoa or oatmeal, bread crust and/or toast, yogurt and cottage cheese.

What Foods Should Baby Avoid?

  • Honey: It can cause infant botulism if consumed before 12 months of age.
  • Milk: Sheep, goat and cow milk is low in iron and doesn’t meet the nutritional needs of babies under 12 months. Offer formula or breastmilk instead.
  • Common Choking Hazards: Foods like chunks of raw apples and carrots (grate them instead); fish with bones; popcorn, candy, nuts, raisins and other dried fruit.
  • Low-Fat Dairy Products: Babies need the calories from full-fat dairy.
  • Sugar and Salt: Use these very sparingly, if at all.

Portion Sizes for Babies

Here’s a sample of what to feed your baby between 6-12 months of age:

  • A serving of dairy is equal to ½ cup yogurt, cottage cheese, or grated hard cheese. Liquid milk should be delayed until 12 months.
  • A serving of grain is equal to ½ cup cooked grains, ½ cup o-shaped cereal, ½ slice of bread, or 3 crackers.

For more information on the new guidelines and ideas on how to incorporate eggs into your baby’s diet, please click here.

Remembrance Day Story Book: A Bear in War - SavvyMom

A Sweet Remembrance Day Story Book

The Halloween costumes are packed away, and now the red poppies are cropping up everywhere. Children are asking questions about what they mean and sometimes it’s hard to help them understand what ‘Remembrance’ is all about.

That’s why we were delighted to discover A Bear in War, co-authored by Stephanie Innes and Harry Endrulat, and beautifully illustrated with original oil paintings by Brian Deines.

Told from the perspective of Teddy, a stuffed bear that was sent to the front lines of World War I, A Bear in War is the tale of ten year old Aileen Rogers who lived with her family on a farm in Quebec. Aileen’s father, Lawrence Browning Rogers, enlisted in the First Canadian Mounted Rifles in 1915 and went to Europe to serve as a medic. In an effort to cheer him up, Aileen parted with beloved Teddy and sent it to her father, who kept it with him in his pocket as he was tending to wounded soldiers. Sadly, Teddy wasn’t enough to protect him, and he died at the battle of Passchendale on October 30, 1917.

And 85 years later, Lawrence’s granddaughter found the hundreds of letters the family had exchanged, along with Teddy and other war memorabilia packed away in a large briefcase. She was able to delve deeper into the story of how one Canadian family lived through the war. Inspired by the incredible story of Teddy’s experiences, her daughter, Lawrence’s great-granddaughter, took the discovery further and co-authored this wonderful book.

Ottawa: The Savvy Guide to November

Sure, November has a reputation as that dreary month between Halloween and the start of holiday party season. But that’s why it’s the perfect time to cozy up with the family before your calendar fills up. Plus, November is the true heart of fall. Crisp air, sweaters, piles of leaves, and warm goodies from the kitchen. Busy moms always have half an eye on the holidays by now. (I’ve already got one holiday pot luck sign-up sheet on the go!) But let’s not forget to enjoy the remaining fall colours, pumpkin-spice everything, and our last few snowsuit-free days. Our Savvy Guide to November in Ottawa will help you make the most of right now while planning for next month.

The Savvy Guide to November in Ottawa

Things to Do in Ottawa in November - SavvyMom

GO

Explore your city

Why?

Never mind the weather, bundle up and get out and enjoy your city! Get in the festive spirit early or head out and enjoy some downtime before the holidays take over. Here are some fun things to do in Ottawa in November for families.

Best Winter Gear for Kids - SavvyMom

PREP

Don’t let the cold catch you off guard

Why?

Winter’s chill is on its way! Don’t let the dropping temperatures impact your kids’ enjoyment of the great outdoors. The right winter gear for kids can make all the difference in keeping your kids off the couch.

Family Movies Streaming in Canada in November - SavvyMom

DO

Host a family movie night marathon

Why?

Not that there’s anything wrong with the couch. The shorter days have us yearning to cocoon with blankets, movies, and our favourite people. If you can no longer convince your guys to watch animated movies, check out what streaming in Canada in November for families on Canada’s streaming services. You can even serve a dinner of everyone’s favourite finger foods—and popcorn, of course. Lots of popcorn.

4 Surprising Dishes You Can Make in a Slow Cooker

MAKE

Slow-cooker dinners

Why?

This is the season for dusting off your favourite slow cooker recipes and seeking out a few new ones. Pandemic or no, family schedules are usually full to bursting at this time of year and there’s nothing like coming home to find a satisfying meal that’s hot and ready. Fall veggies like potatoes, carrots, beets, and sweet potatoes stand up well to long cooking which means you can eat local and on budget. There are lots of fantastic slow cooker tips and tricks here. I’ve got a rigatoni with pork ragu lined up that sounds DIVINE.

what time should my child go to bed

FALL

Get set to fall back

Why?

That pesky little hour can really mess us up even if we’re supposedly gaining an extra hour of sleep! Here are some strategies for falling back to help keep your sleep disruptions to a minimum.

START

Planning to decorate

Why?

Any guide to November in Ottawa needs to remind you that there are only two options, really. You can dig up the holiday decorations, take a quick inventory of your stock, and then set aside an afternoon late in the month for decking the halls. Or you can frantically tear through boxes in mid-December searching for the tree stand while your kids scatter tinsel all over the rest of the house. It pays to plan. And if you need to pick up a few extras, you’ll still have plenty of time to pick up those odds and sods and a new tree topper if the lights in yours have mysteriously burnt out. Again.

GREEN IT

By hitting a consignment store for “ugly” holiday sweaters

Why?

Leading up to the holidays, there’s always a need for festive clothing. It’s been a while since we had anywhere to wear anything special, but we are hopeful for this year! Get a jump start by hitting a consignment or thrift store for those fabulous, “ugly” holiday sweaters that are sure to make your family the hit of the party or, if worse comes to worse, the festive Zoom call once again.

Calgary: The Savvy Guide to November

Sure, November has a reputation as that dreary month between Halloween and the start of holiday party season. But that’s why it’s the perfect time to cozy up with the family before your calendar fills up. Plus, November is the true heart of fall. Crisp air, sweaters, piles of leaves, and warm goodies from the kitchen. Busy moms always have half an eye on the holidays by now. (I’ve already got one holiday pot luck sign-up sheet on the go!) But let’s not forget to enjoy the remaining fall colours, pumpkin-spice everything, and our last few snowsuit-free days. Our Savvy Guide to November in Calgary will help you make the most of right now while planning for next month.

The Savvy Guide to November in Calgary

Things to do in Calgary in November - SavvyMom

GO

Explore your city

Why?

Never mind the weather, bundle up and get out and enjoy your city! Get in the festive spirit early or head out and enjoy some downtime before the holidays take over. Here are some fun things to do in Calgary in November for families.

Best Winter Gear for Kids - SavvyMom

PREP

Don’t let the cold catch you off guard

Why?

Winter’s chill is on its way! Don’t let the dropping temperatures impact your kids’ enjoyment of the great outdoors. The right winter gear for kids can make all the difference in keeping your kids off the couch.

Family Movies Streaming in Canada in November - SavvyMom

DO

Host a family movie night marathon

Why?

Not that there’s anything wrong with the couch. The shorter days have us yearning to cocoon with blankets, movies, and our favourite people. If you can no longer convince your guys to watch animated movies, check out what streaming in Canada in November for families on Canada’s streaming services. You can even serve a dinner of everyone’s favourite finger foods—and popcorn, of course. Lots of popcorn.

4 Surprising Dishes You Can Make in a Slow Cooker

MAKE

Slow-cooker dinners

Why?

This is the season for dusting off your favourite slow cooker recipes and seeking out a few new ones. Pandemic or no, family schedules are usually full to bursting at this time of year and there’s nothing like coming home to find a satisfying meal that’s hot and ready. Fall veggies like potatoes, carrots, beets, and sweet potatoes stand up well to long cooking which means you can eat local and on budget. There are lots of fantastic slow cooker tips and tricks here. I’ve got a rigatoni with pork ragu lined up that sounds DIVINE.

what time should my child go to bed

FALL

Get set to fall back

Why?

That pesky little hour can really mess us up even if we’re supposedly gaining an extra hour of sleep! Here are some strategies for falling back to help keep your sleep disruptions to a minimum.

START

Planning to decorate

Why?

Any guide to November in Calgary needs to remind you that there are only two options, really. You can dig up the holiday decorations, take a quick inventory of your stock, and then set aside an afternoon late in the month for decking the halls. Or you can frantically tear through boxes in mid-December searching for the tree stand while your kids scatter tinsel all over the rest of the house. It pays to plan. And if you need to pick up a few extras, you’ll still have plenty of time to pick up those odds and sods and a new tree topper if the lights in yours have mysteriously burnt out. Again.

GREEN IT

By hitting a consignment store for “ugly” holiday sweaters

Why?

Leading up to the holidays, there’s always a need for festive clothing. It’s been a while since we had anywhere to wear anything special, but we are hopeful for this year! Get a jump start by hitting a consignment or thrift store for those fabulous, “ugly” holiday sweaters that are sure to make your family the hit of the party or, if worse comes to worse, the festive Zoom call once again.

Guide to November Toronto

Toronto: The Savvy Guide to November

Sure, November has a reputation as that dreary month between Halloween and the start of holiday party season. But that’s why it’s the perfect time to cozy up with the family before your calendar fills up. Plus, November is the true heart of fall. Crisp air, sweaters, piles of leaves, and warm goodies from the kitchen. Busy moms always have half an eye on the holidays by now. (I’ve already got one holiday pot luck sign-up sheet on the go!) But let’s not forget to enjoy the remaining fall colours, pumpkin-spice everything, and our last few snowsuit-free days. Our Savvy Guide to November in Toronto will help you make the most of right now while planning for next month.

The Savvy Guide to November in Toronto

Canada's Wonderland Winterfest - SavvyMom

GO

Explore your city

Why?

Never mind the weather, bundle up and get out and enjoy your city! Get in the festive spirit early or head out and enjoy some downtime before the holidays take over. Here are some fun things to do in Toronto in November for families.

Best Winter Gear for Kids - SavvyMom

PREP

Don’t let the cold catch you off guard

Why?

Winter’s chill is on its way! Don’t let the dropping temperatures impact your kids’ enjoyment of the great outdoors. The right winter gear for kids can make all the difference in keeping your kids off the couch.

Family Movies Streaming in Canada in November - SavvyMom

DO

Host a family movie night marathon

Why?

Not that there’s anything wrong with the couch. The shorter days have us yearning to cocoon with blankets, movies, and our favourite people. If you can no longer convince your guys to watch animated movies, check out what streaming in Canada in November for families on Canada’s streaming services. You can even serve a dinner of everyone’s favourite finger foods—and popcorn, of course. Lots of popcorn.

4 Surprising Dishes You Can Make in a Slow Cooker

MAKE

Slow-cooker dinners

Why?

This is the season for dusting off your favourite slow cooker recipes and seeking out a few new ones. Pandemic or no, family schedules are usually full to bursting at this time of year and there’s nothing like coming home to find a satisfying meal that’s hot and ready. Fall veggies like potatoes, carrots, beets, and sweet potatoes stand up well to long cooking which means you can eat local and on budget. There are lots of fantastic slow cooker tips and tricks here. I’ve got a rigatoni with pork ragu lined up that sounds DIVINE.

what time should my child go to bed

FALL

Get set to fall back

Why?

That pesky little hour can really mess us up even if we’re supposedly gaining an extra hour of sleep! Here are some strategies for falling back to help keep your sleep disruptions to a minimum.

START

Planning to decorate

Why?

Any guide to November in Toronto needs to remind you that there are only two options, really. You can dig up the holiday decorations, take a quick inventory of your stock, and then set aside an afternoon late in the month for decking the halls. Or you can frantically tear through boxes in mid-December searching for the tree stand while your kids scatter tinsel all over the rest of the house. It pays to plan. And if you need to pick up a few extras, you’ll still have plenty of time to pick up those odds and sods and a new tree topper if the lights in yours have mysteriously burnt out. Again.

GREEN IT

By hitting a consignment store for “ugly” holiday sweaters

Why?

Leading up to the holidays, there’s always a need for festive clothing. It’s been a while since we had anywhere to wear anything special, but we are hopeful for this year! Get a jump start by hitting a consignment or thrift store for those fabulous, “ugly” holiday sweaters that are sure to make your family the hit of the party or, if worse comes to worse, the festive Zoom call once again.

Vancouver November Guide

Vancouver: The Savvy Guide to November

Sure, November has a reputation as that dreary month between Halloween and the start of holiday party season. But that’s why it’s the perfect time to cozy up with the family before your calendar fills up. Plus, November is the true heart of fall. Crisp air, sweaters, piles of leaves, and warm goodies from the kitchen. Busy moms always have half an eye on the holidays by now. (I’ve already got one holiday pot luck sign-up sheet on the go!) But let’s not forget to enjoy the remaining fall colours, pumpkin-spice everything, and our last few snowsuit-free days. Our Savvy Guide to November in Vancouver will help you make the most of right now while planning for next month.

The Savvy Guide to November in Vancouver

Things to Do in Vancouver in November - SavvyMom

GO

Explore your city

Why?

Never mind the weather, bundle up and get out and enjoy your city! Get in the festive spirit early or head out and enjoy some downtime before the holidays take over. Here are some fun things to do in Vancouver in November for families.

Best Winter Gear for Kids - SavvyMom

PREP

Don’t let the cold catch you off guard

Why?

Winter’s chill is on its way! Don’t let the dropping temperatures impact your kids’ enjoyment of the great outdoors. The right winter gear for kids can make all the difference in keeping your kids off the couch.

Family Movies Streaming in Canada in November - SavvyMom

DO

Host a family movie night marathon

Why?

Not that there’s anything wrong with the couch. The shorter days have us yearning to cocoon with blankets, movies, and our favourite people. If you can no longer convince your guys to watch animated movies, check out what streaming in Canada in November for families on Canada’s streaming services. You can even serve a dinner of everyone’s favourite finger foods—and popcorn, of course. Lots of popcorn.

4 Surprising Dishes You Can Make in a Slow Cooker

MAKE

Slow-cooker dinners

Why?

This is the season for dusting off your favourite slow cooker recipes and seeking out a few new ones. Pandemic or no, family schedules are usually full to bursting at this time of year and there’s nothing like coming home to find a satisfying meal that’s hot and ready. Fall veggies like potatoes, carrots, beets, and sweet potatoes stand up well to long cooking which means you can eat local and on budget. There are lots of fantastic slow cooker tips and tricks here. I’ve got a rigatoni with pork ragu lined up that sounds DIVINE.

what time should my child go to bed

FALL

Get set to fall back

Why?

That pesky little hour can really mess us up even if we’re supposedly gaining an extra hour of sleep! Here are some strategies for falling back to help keep your sleep disruptions to a minimum.

START

Planning to decorate

Why?

Any guide to November in Vancouver needs to remind you that there are only two options, really. You can dig up the holiday decorations, take a quick inventory of your stock, and then set aside an afternoon late in the month for decking the halls. Or you can frantically tear through boxes in mid-December searching for the tree stand while your kids scatter tinsel all over the rest of the house. It pays to plan. And if you need to pick up a few extras, you’ll still have plenty of time to pick up those odds and sods and a new tree topper if the lights in yours have mysteriously burnt out. Again.

GREEN IT

By hitting a consignment store for “ugly” holiday sweaters

Why?

Leading up to the holidays, there’s always a need for festive clothing. It’s been a while since we had anywhere to wear anything special, but we are hopeful for this year! Get a jump start by hitting a consignment or thrift store for those fabulous, “ugly” holiday sweaters that are sure to make your family the hit of the party or, if worse comes to worse, the festive Zoom call once again.

Budget Cuts of Meat 101 - SavvyMom

Budget Cuts of Meat 101

Grocery prices are out of control. We’re trying to save money wherever we can. It can sometimes be a little overwhelming trying to discern what cut of meat to buy without factoring in price. However there are many affordable cuts of meat that are beautiful as long as you understand how to prepare them. Here is an overview of the tougher, budget cuts of meat and how to cook them for mouth watering dinners ideal for family and entertaining.

Which Cuts of Meat Are More Affordable?

The tougher cuts of meat come from the chuck, flank, short plate, brisket, and shank of the cow. These areas are more muscular and located at the back and bottom of the cow. Although these areas might seem less desirable, some of the finest restaurants use a slow cooking, moist method to bring out the outstanding flavour of these budget cuts of meat. The chuck area is where much of the meat is taken for ground beef. This is because there is a high fat content here. Other cuts from this area are ideal for moist cooking as they contain more muscle that must have time to cook slowly and break down. Brisket also requires slow, moist cooking to tenderize and bring out the flavour. However you can use dry heat methods for some cuts from these areas including flank and skirt steaks. These steaks can be perfect for dishes such as fajitas as well as perfect cuts for marinating. The higher fat content makes the meat ideal for more flavourful dishes.

Here are the most common budget cuts of meat:

  • Beef Brisket: Ideal for corned beef as well as a nice, slow cooked pot roast
  • Skirt Steak: Perfect for fajitas or quesadillas
  • Flank Steak: Lovely grilled and cut on the grain on its own or for sandwiches or salads. Also good for stir frys
  • Short Ribs: Beautiful stewed, marinated, or braised
  • Blade Steak or Roast: Perfect for pot roast, stewing or marinated and dry cooked for steaks
  • Cross Cut Steak or Roast: Perfect for pot roast, stewing or marinated and dry cooked for steaks
  • Flat Iron Steak: Same uses as flank or skirt steak
  • Stewing Beef: As the name implies perfect for hearty beef stews

Best Cooking Methods for Budget Cuts of Meat:

There are a number of cooking methods that will bring out the flavour of these tough cuts of meat including:

Braising: This method is best done in the oven. Meat is seared and than cooked for several hours at 325°F with a small amount of braising liquid such as stock or wine. Liquid must not cover the meat. Instead it should only come halfway up the roast.

Stewing: This method completely submerges the meat in a liquid. Meat is browned in a coating of flour and then the pan is deglazed with liquid such as stock or wine. The heat is reduced and the meat is covered and simmered for several hours.  It can be cooked in the oven or on the stove top. Bust out your Crock Pot for this Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Tenderizing: You can tenderize meat by either marinating it for several hours or pounding it with a meat tenderizer. Once this is done you can actually dry cook the meat on the grill or under the broiler as you would for a finer cut of meat. Marinades must have acidic content in order to tenderize such as vinegar or wine. Other ingredients that can help break down and tenderize meat include pineapple, citrus, and ginger. Never baste meat with marinade in which the meat was sitting. Instead, set some aside to brush on while you cook. Pounding will help break down the connective tissue allowing you to cook it more effectively using the dry method.

Tougher cuts of meat are not only affordable, they are ideal for creating comforting stews, roasts, and mouth watering meals that are elegant and flavourful.