Canada Day Ice Cream HACK

A Canada Day celebration calls for a tasty and festive treat. Today, I am sharing a simple and fun ice cream HACK that is sure to impress your family and/or party guests. 

I made two versions of "dressed up" Canada Day ice cream sandwiches, and they were both big hits with my boys. The first one uses red sugar crystals (that are normally used for decorating cookies and cakes). I poured the crystals on a plate, and then I let my boys press the edges of their ice cream sandwiches into the sprinkles.

Cute, right? It's such a fun way to transform a store-bought treat into a red and white Canada Day dessert.

I also found some red and white M&Ms at the dollar store that my boys used to make another version.

I put the M&Ms on a plate, and my boys pressed the candies into the sides of the sandwiches.

Naturally, my boys each had to try both versions... and none of them were unable to pick a favourite. I have to agree... both of these ice cream sandwiches are delicious, easy to make, and perfect for celebrating Canada Day.

Enjoy!

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

10 minute Canada Day Wreath

Today, I am sharing a simple tutorial for a Canada Day wreath you can make in less than 10 minutes. I actually think you can make this wreath in 5 minutes, but I wanted to be conservative for anyone who feels they aren't super-crafty. Seriously... anyone can make this festive Canada Day wreath in less than 10 minutes. Wouldn't it be fabulous for celebrating Canada150?

This wreath is cute, easy to make... and cheap! I started with a plain/inexpensive grapevine wreath that I had in my craft room... but you can find these wreaths anywhere craft supplies are sold.

I made simple bunting using twine and old scraps of red and white felt. I cut the felt, and attached it to the twine with hot glue. Then, I attached the bunting to the wreath with hot glue.

Finally, I attached a mini hockey stick (that I purchased at the dollar store) to the wreath with hot glue. Simple, right?

This wreath is sure to impress your Canada Day party guests, and you don't have to tell them how simple it was to make!

You could also add some maple leafs if you wanted to take it a step further. If you make this Canada Day wreath, let me know how it turns out. Happy Canada Day!

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

Canada Day Photo Booth (using dollar store supplies)

What's a party without fun photos to document the occasion? With Canada Day around the corner, I thought it would be fun to put together an easy and inexpensive photo prop for my boys. I used dollar store supplies and a little imagination, and it turned out wonderfully. Today, I am sharing a tutorial for my Canada Day photo booth that you are going to love!

To make the booth, you'll need: a piece of dollar store foam core, a red Sharpie, red duct tape, and an x-acto knife. 

1) Draw a maple leaf on the foam core.
2) Make two red stripes with duct tape.
3) Cut the maple leaf out with an x-acto knife.

That's it! It's such a simple idea, but it is so much fun, and a perfect way to document the birthday of our nation.

Isn't this a fantastic idea for celebrating on July 1st? Happy Canada Day!

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)


You can find more easy and inexpensive Canada Day ideas here.

Tips for Celebrating Canada Day

This year, we are spending our Canada Day camping with family. My boys are super excited, and I am looking forward to celebrating with them. How are you planning to commemorate July 1st? Today I am sharing a few tips that are guaranteed to make your Canada Day celebration a success.

Start with a trip to the dollar store to pick up simple decorations, plastic cups, and sparklers. If you poke a hole in a plastic cup, you can protect little fingers from the heat of the sparkler.

You'll also want to stock up Canada Day t-shirts. Anything red and white will do!

Finally... supplies for a Canada Day BBQ are a must!

Of course, I am hoping for a sunny day, but in case it rains or we need a little time to wind down and relax, I'll pack everything we need for a movie a night.

In keeping with the Canada Day theme, we'll likely be streaming some Canadian Netflix content. 

Here are a few of my favorites:

For the family (filmed in Vancouver) - Diary of a Wimpy Kid. This is a favorite with my boys, and my husband and I think it is funny too.

For the kids (produced by a Canadian studio) - Super Why. My boys loved this when they were little, and it's educational too.

For the grown ups in the mood for romance (starring a wonderful Canadian actress) - About Time. Who doesn't love a romantic comedy?

For the grownups in the mood to laugh (starring some terrific Canadian comedians) - Arrested Development. It's always good for a laugh.

However you decide to celebrate, I hope you have a fantastic Canada Day filled with BBQs, community events, fireworks, family, and Canadian pride!

♥ 

Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

Disclosure: I receive compensation as part of my affiliation with Netflix.... however (as always) the opinions on this blog are my own.

Canada Day Wreath

Canada Day is just around the corner, so I wanted to share the adorable Canada Day wreaths my boys made from paper plates and tissue paper.

Aren't they cute?  I am sharing the full tutorial over at CBC Parents.  Come on over and see how easy it is to create your own Canada Day Decor.

Happy Canada Day!

♥
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

10+ Canada Day Recipes and Crafts and Activities

Canada Day is just around the corner, and to get you in the spirit, I have rounded up a little collection of Canada Day crafts and activities.  They are perfect for celebrating Canada150 too!

Click on the links {titles} for the full tutorials.

Canada Day Hair Accessories from Mama Pea Pod

Canada Day Sparklers from East Coast Mommy

Canada Day Flag Craft from Kitchen Counter Chronicles

Tape Resist Canadian Flag Craft from And Next Comes L

Toilet Roll RCMP from Crystal's Tiny Treasures

Canada Day Book Page Banner from East Coast Mommy

{Easy} Canada Day Flag Cake from East Coast Mommy (featured at Canadian Living Moms)

{Kit Kat} Canada Day Cake from Little Miss Kate & Co

Canada Day Hat and Flag from East Coast Mommy

Canada Day Toy Treehouse from Northstory

Canada Day Wreath from East Coast Mommy

Canada Day Paper Fan from East Coast Mommy

Thanks so much to all the creative ladies that allowed me to share their Canada Day creations with you today.  Do YOU have a favorite?

Happy Canada Day {from me and my boys}!

♥Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

Canada Day Fan {with free printable template}

Who doesn't love a simple craft that is fun AND useful?  This adorable, patriotic fan is easy to make, and it is a perfect Canada Day craft for children of all ages.

Ready to make this Canada Day Fan in three easy steps?

1)  Download the free template I created for you, and print it onto white card stock.  {You can find the free printable here).

2)  Have your little one color it, and cut it out.

3)  Add a craft stick to the back (with tape). 

Fun, right?  Wouldn't your little one enjoying keeping cool with this paper fan this summer?  Happy Canada Day!

♥
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

{Canada Day} Banner

As you may already know, I love decorating with simple, "book page banners" for the holidays.  Here is the cute one we made to celebrate Canada Day.

Want to make one with your kids {or on your own}?

1)  Trim the book pages and cut a "V" out of the bottom of each page.  {I used six pages, but you can use as many as you like.}

2)  Have your child color "maple leafs" and cut them out.  {You can draw your own, or you can download the template I made for you here.}

3)  Have your child glue the maple leafs onto the book pages.

4)  Then, hole-punch the top of each page, and string all the pieces together with a piece of twine or string.

It is an inexpensive and easy Canada Day craft for kids, and you'll end up with some super-cute holiday decor!  :-)

Happy Canada Day!

♥

Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)
 

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ECM Kid's Craft Club - #4 {Canada Day}

Welcome to the 4th edition of the {East Coast Mommy} Kid's Craft Club {an easy and inexpensive way for kids to have fun crafting and experience the excitement of getting their very own mail}.  If you want to join the club, you can find more info here, or email EastCoastMommy@gmail.com, and I will send you the details.


For everyone who is already a member... let's get started on this month's craft - "Canada Day Celebration"!

First... gather the supplies you'll need.  In addition to the supplies in your kit, you'll need tape, scissors, and a red crayon.

To assemble the hat:

1)  Tape the white cardstock strips together to make a band big enough to fit around your head.  Then, wrap the bands around your head to find the write size, and secure with tape.

2)  Color the flags, and cut them out.  Tape the big flag onto the hat band, and decorate with the flag stickers.

To assemble the flag... simply tape the stick to the back of the small flag that you colored.  Easy peasy!

I hope you had fun making this month's craft.  Leave a comment below to let me know what you thought of it.  Your comments help me improve the club, and I love hearing from you. 

♥ 

Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

Don't forget... Assist young children when using scissors, and be careful of the small parts included with this kit, as they can be a choking hazard for children under three".)