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EDITOR'S PICK

Meals made easy

by Tamara McKee

Parents make their own choices for their kids when it comes to nutrition but here are some new options, exclusive to Sobey's, IGA and Pricechopper stores, which are sure to put a smile on their faces.
These days many kids' foods are laced with high glucose fructose (corn syrup). High sugar and high sodium are linked to many childhood diseases.

These are three favourites:

1. Breekie Bites - Whole wheat, cinnamon mini waffles
2. Alpha Bites - Alphabet mashed potato letters
3. Fruit Pic Mix - Dried fruit mix in raisin, berry, apple

It's nice to read the ingredient list and not see any artificial flavours, chemicals or preservatives.

Disney and Sobey's have combined forces to make meals easier and healthier for kids. The new Compliments Junior line includes more than 100 new products, of which 75 per cent bear the Health Check symbol. As with anything, check the ingredients.

posted 12.10.07

Need a break this spring?

BY DANIELLE HARDER

child actor

Can't afford to ski in Vermont, travel to Disney World or take a cruise this spring break? You're not alone. Many families either can't afford an expensive holiday around this time of year or they choose to save vacation time and money for the warm summer months.

Still, it is spring break: a time when many of us - parents and children - need a break from the mid-winter 'blahs'. Believe it or not, that doesn't always mean laying on a beach in Mexico for seven days. Last year, a neighbour and her family went to Kingston (Ontario) overnight and had one of the best family vacations they've had in years.

So pack your bags - for a few hours or a day or two. Here's a sampling of close to home, less expensive, mini-holiday ideas.

Go skiing. There are many great deals at local hills, especially if you ski after 4 p.m. If you want to get away overnight, Snow Valley in Barrie is selling an end of the season pass for $79. It's good for 7 days, from open to close. Alternatively, try Devil's Elbow in the Kawarthas, where ticket prices are $10 off during spring break.

Spend a night in a hotel. Children love hotels, even if it's just downtown. We spent a great family night at the Residence Inn by Marriott in Whitby a few years ago. We enjoyed the pool and hot tub, watched movies in bed and ate from an incredible buffet breakfast downstairs the next morning.
A friend recently took her children to Peterborough for the weekend where they stayed at the Holiday Inn, which features a pool that's both indoors and outdoors. Her children loved the idea of swimming outside on a snowy winter day!

Enjoy a night in a bed & breakfast. Many B & Bs offer great off-season rates and cater to families. The King George Inn, set in the historic Cobourg Jail and Manor House, would have your kids talking. There are 23 individually themed rooms, many with the jail walls still intact! Ask for the Lawyer's Leap or the R.M.S. Queen Mary for a unique night's sleep.

Visit a nearby town. Find out more about one of those places that's usually a pit stop on the road to somewhere else, such as Kingston - a city with a rich history. Enjoy a night or two at a local hotel. During the day, take in some of the sites, such as Fort Henry National Historic Site. The authentic 19th Century British military fortress is open for non-guided walking tours that allow you to explore on your own. Get a scare on an Original Haunted Walk by lantern light through the quiet streets or visit Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area for a lesson in maple syrup making.

Take the train - anywhere. Few children today have the opportunity to enjoy a trip by train. You'll see countryside you don't see from the 401, with none of the usual "Are we there yet?" or "I have to go to the bathroom!" Ride the rails east to Ottawa or west to Windsor for an overnight stay or two. Via Rail offers Comfort (economy) fares for children 2 - 11 at half the adult fare. The good news is that you can depart from Oshawa to save the frustration of heading downtown.

Rent a cottage. Winter can be enjoyable - especially if you spend it somewhere else! Many cottage owners rent their retreats during the winter. Enjoy skating on a lake, ice fishing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or hiking in a new spot. You'll find several cottage listings at www.ontarioguide.com/cottage.

Build a 'vacation' around an event. Can't afford so see the Leafs? Get tickets to see the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League. Enjoy a night of great hockey for $10 to $38 a ticket. For that price, spend a night in a hotel (many hotels offer special spring break rates) and enjoy a dinner out. Make it the showcase of your week off.

Enjoy Ontario. There's no need to leave home with so much at our doorstep. Many resorts in Ontario offer March break getaway packages that include sleigh rides, snow tubing, maple sugar making, etc. Visit www.400eleven.com/getaways-march-break.html for a guide to packages from around $100, and up, a night.

Enjoy your mini-vacation with the knowledge that you're having fun and saving money at the same time.

Danielle Harder is a freelance writer in Whitby, who also teaches healthy eating cooking classes. You can reach her at danielleharder@rogers.com

06.03.08