Hail Caesar…Really? Why We Have a Leap Year

There may well be many reasons to honour the accomplishments and mighty deeds of Julius Caesar, but this business behind the origin of Leap Year, actually adding a day to winter, is definitely not one of them. I mean, it might be nice and warm in parts of Italy at this time of the year but I can assure you, from all of us in the northern hemisphere, it most certainly isn’t warm where we are. I wonder how the conversation actually occurred way back there in 45 BC. (Before Cold??). Was … [Read more...]

5 Frequently Asked Yummly Questions

If you love to bake, cook and write about it and are not yet on Yummly™, you need to run...run as fast as you can, and sign up right now! Yummly™ is simple to set up and will not only offer you thousands of recipes but oodles of traffic to your blog. 5 Frequently Asked Yummly™ Questions   What is Yummly™? Yummly™ was launched in 2010 by foodies on a mission to invent the ultimate kitchen tool. Whether it’s finding a recipe or going to the store, Yummly™ wants to make it easier … [Read more...]

In 2016, I Resolve To …

Well, we’re just about six weeks into the new year and I thought it would be a good time to see how everyone is making out with their New Year’s resolutions. If you’re anything like me you have gone through this annual exercise, well, almost as many times as there are candles on your cake. Whether it’s losing weight, reducing your alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, (I thought I would get the really bad habits out of the way first...lol), or resolving to learn a second language, or a … [Read more...]

What Does Valentine’s Day Mean to You? {w/ Recipe for Sugar Cookies }

What is Valentine’s Day? Is it a day that we hold special, taking the opportunity to do something nice for the one, or one’s we love? Or is it, as the cynics among us proscribe, just a day created by companies to move product during a particularly slow period in the retail calendar? Actually, it’s neither. Saint Valentine’s Day is, or was, a religious celebration honouring Valentinus, an early Christian Saint. The day didn’t really take on romantic overtones until 18th century … [Read more...]

5 Facts About Chinese New Year ~ w/Recipe for Lettuce Wraps of Prosperity

I find a fun way to become a little familiar with other cultures is to share in their significant celebrations. Did you know this year’s Chinese New Year 2016 celebration begins on February 8th and will usher in the Year of the Monkey? The personality of the Monkey People born in the Year of the Monkey are characterised as lively, quick-witted, curious, innovative and mischievous, but it is also believed to be one of the most unlucky years in the Chinese calendar. The general image of … [Read more...]

Join the #NoHairSelfie Movement & Twitter Party in Support of Cancer Research

I can pretty well guarantee that there is not one adult person in North America (or worldwide) that hasn’t been affected by cancer in one way or another. I have.  My sister battled breast cancer and won, I am thrilled to say she is now more than five years cancer free.  Sadly, a happy outcome is not always the case. My brother-in-law, my husband's only sibling, died of cancer on the night of his 46th birthday. I have also lost grandparents, aunts, uncles, co-workers, and friends to this … [Read more...]

~ CLOSED ~ Love, Hallmark this Valentine’s Day w/Giveaway

For us, Valentine’s Day is not a huge celebration like we do for birthdays and Christmas, however, we do like to recognize it in a few little ways.  From heart-shaped pancakes to a little love note tucked into a lunch box, there are many ways to show someone special that you love them. This year, as the season of love approaches, Hallmark wants  you to spend time with those you love and celebrate life’s special moments together. From a "Love-a-Saurus" Techno Plush and an Oversized Message … [Read more...]

Buy Local ~ It Saves

In our home, when possible, we always try to buy the goods and services we use, locally. Sometimes, this is relatively easy.  Buying fresh produce at a local Farmer's Market in the summer or the choice to use a local hair stylist or coffee shop. Sometimes, it’s more difficult. This is especially true with major purchases like automobiles or financial products like insurance, where you know that a large portion of the money you are spending will leave your region. It’s not that it’s … [Read more...]

13 Winter Emergency Preparedness Essentials ~ Are You Ready?

Is it just me, or are our winters becoming worse every year? Lately, it certainly has felt that way. Last year, here in Eastern Canada, we had a winter of epic proportions. From mid-January until the end of March, here in southern New Brunswick, we received more than 17 feet of snow. Yes, you read that correctly, 17 FEET! And this year, there was the recent massive snowstorm that paralyzed the eastern United States. Leaving in its wake, flooding, massive snowfall, power outages, travel … [Read more...]

~ CLOSED ~ #MySweetValentine $400 PayPal Giveaway {Open WW}

  The excitement of the holidays are behind us and we are smack, dab, in the midst of the dog-days of winter. With more than six long weeks of winter still ahead, I think we could all use something to look forward to. How would you feel about 400 things to look forward to? What if I told you it was a chance to win a whopping $400.00 USD in the #MySweetValentine giveaway? Now that is something to warm you up on a cold winter night! Welcome to #MySweetValentine Giveaway!    This cash … [Read more...]

Visits From The Neighbourhood Deer

The area that I now live in, was not that long ago, fields, forest and a scattering of farms. When Music Man and I, more than 30 years ago, moved here from a neighbouring city, this community had a population of a little more than 10,000.  There was still acres and acres of dense forest and sprawling fields. Since we moved here, homes have popped up left, right and centre and we now live in a suburban community, with a population of roughly 30,000 residents. While the building lots are fairly … [Read more...]

All Animals Deserve Our Kindness and Respect

Some of the beautiful little kittens in the “Kitten Room” of our local SPCA/Animal Rescue. Anyone who knows me well, or who has read my blog or followed me on Facebook or Twitter, knows that I am a huge lover of animals. I have written a number of articles on various subjects related to the care and ethical treatment of animals. I firmly believe, All Animals Deserve Our Kindness and Respect. I am sure there are times when some people roll their eyes and think, “oh no, she’s at it again”. … [Read more...]

The Top 10 Recipes of 2015

As cliche as it sounds, it really is difficult to believe that 2015 is over. I could swear that just a few weeks ago we were sitting on our deck enjoying those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer. Now the hustle and bustle of Christmas are behind us and we are looking hopefully toward a new year in 2016. Before totally engulfing myself in a new year of blogging, I always find it fun (and enlightening) to review our blog stats from the previous year. Recipes make up a large part of our blog … [Read more...]

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Wonderful 2016!

We want to take this opportunity to thank all of you, the readers of Older Mommy Still Yummy for making blogging so much fun for us! Whether you glance through the odd article or read every word, comment or not, enter a contest or drop by for a recipe; we are so thankful you have taken the time from your busy day to visit with us and our blog. Honestly, it means so much and gives us so much enjoyment. We are taking a few days away from blogging to recharge our batteries and spend some … [Read more...]