December Hacks by @Those2Girls - A REELS Series on Instagram

 

December can be a busy time for many.  This December I want to give you some of my hacks that make the month a whole lot easier.  From holiday shopping, events and entertaining, I am sharing my simple December Hacks on Instagram @Those2Girls and hope they lend a helping hand. 

Get Ready for the December Hacks Series!

The holiday season is just around the corner, and I'm excited to announce our upcoming December Hacks Series! 🎄✨ This month, I will be sharing a variety of tips, tricks, and life hacks to help you navigate the busy holiday season with ease and style.

What to Expect from Our December Hacks Series

Gift Wrapping Hacks

Cooking Tips.

Gift Ideas

Holiday Hairstyles

Festive Outfits

Last Minute Gifts

December Self-Care

Community Support

Festive Activities

I might try some of your hacks too!

Why You Should Follow the December Hacks Series

Save Time and Money: Our hacks are designed to help you save both time and money, making the holiday season more enjoyable.

Stay Organized: Keep track of your holiday to-do list with our organizational tips and tricks.

Add Festive Fun: We'll be sharing fun and festive ideas to make your holidays even more special.

Creating Community: Join our community of readers who are all in this together, sharing their own tips and experiences.

Stay tuned for my (almost) daily posts throughout December, and get ready to make this holiday season the best one yet! 🎁🎅

You can find the December Hacks Series at https://www.instagram.com/those2girls beginning December 1st

Parents’ Day Out @ The KW Wine And Food #KitchenerMarket Cooking Stage – Enter To Win

We'll start with the Disclaimer – Yes, we did receive complimentary tickets, but this just means we're able to offer you a chance to attend too! Enter the contest at the end of this post!

Make it A PARENTS’ DAY OUT or PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT @ The Kitchener Market Cooking Stage

 

We are thrilled to announce that our FOOD REVOLUTION DAY partner, THE KITCHENER MARKET is sponsoring the Cooking Stage at The KW Wine And Food Show from April 20-21 2018 at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex and you have a chance to win your way in! Read on to see how you could be at what we are calling PARENTS DAY OUT!

 

The Chefs At The Cooking Stage

This year's Chef line up has a variety of local chefs.  Some that you may have met if you have attended the Kitchener Market Cooking Classes.  This 2018 Cooking Stage has a mix of cooking demonstrations so there is something for everyone in the age 19+ crowd. Be sure to stay tuned to get all the cooking stage info at https://www.kwwineandfoodshow.com/cooking-tasting-stage-schedule

Show Info (from the KW WINE AND FOOD SHOW PAGE)
ADvanced Admission

Friday - $15
3PM - 10:30PM

Saturday Afternoon - $13
12PM - 4PM + 2-3 Hour Exiting Period

Saturday Evening - $15
4PM - 10:30PM

Advanced admission available until Friday April 20th at noon.

 AT THE DOOR Admission

Friday & Saturday Evening - $20

Saturday Afternoon - $15

Walk-up tickets will be sold based on capacity with preference given to advance ticket holders.

All prices include tax but are subject to service fees for on-line ticket purchases.
Tickets are non-refundable or exchangeable and are good for one admission to the purchased date of the show (Friday or Saturday. Must be 19+. Taxes included but subject to service fees when purchased online.

Sample tickets can be purchased at the show for $1 each.

Please note that the Kitchener Market Cooking Stage is included in admission.  Food and beverage samples from the vendors are an additional cost.

• Sample tokens act as the official show currency
• Tokens can be purchased for samples of food and beverages
• Sample prices may vary based on product and exhibitor, *Sample tokens will be available for purchase on show dates only.

Enter To Win

Want to win your way in? We have a giveaway for passes to the KW Wine And Food Show so that you can be there live at The Kitchener Market Cooking Stage.
This contest is for those in the Kitchener Waterloo Area Only. Must be 19+ to enter. The prize is a pair of passes for FREE ADMISSION to the KW WINE AND FOOD SHOW. Food and Drink purchases are at your own cost.

Just enter the contest listed below (might take a minute to load the rafflecopter contest form. If the contest does not pop up, clear your cache and refresh). Remember the blog comment about WHAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO LEARN TO COOK is a mandatory entry.a Rafflecopter giveaway

#FREE Farm To Table Event THIS SATURDAY @ Kitchener Market

This Saturday, February 27, 2016 is the 26th Anniversary of the Greenbelt and to celebrate the Kitchener Market is having a FARM TO TABLE event! This event is FREE and for all ages, hosted by the Food Revolution KW team (aka us)!

Be sure to head to the Kitchener Market at 300 King St E. early enough to park and head up to the Marketplace Kitchen by 9am.  That's when the fun begins!

Farm To Table Event Schedule

The event begins with a 9am tour of the Kitchener Market with your tour guide Chef D.  After the tour he will be preparing a dish created with the items he picked up along the way during the tour, and yes there will be sampling for all those who took the tour.

Then at 10:30am Top Chef Canada finalist Chef Terry Salmond will be hosting a cooking cooking demo with items from the local farmers featured at the Kitchener Market for you to sample.

After that Chef Stephen Goyda will be presenting a cooking class with items to celebrate local food and that gives you a taste of the Kitchener Market.

PLUS
Art Shine will be on hand with crafting for the kids!

CAN YOU BELIEVE ALL OF THIS IS FREE?!?!?!?!?! Amazing right?!?!?

For updated information, be sure to RSVP on our Facebook Event Page
 https://www.facebook.com/events/829726600488331

Start Fresh With Kitchener Market Cooking Classes And Events In 2016 - Enter To Win

Food Revolution KW Wants You To Start Fresh At The Kitchener Market

January is always a great time for a fresh start! We're always giving you ideas on how to choose healthy options on the FOOD REVOLUTION KW FACEBOOK PAGE and The Kitchener Market is always a big part of that.  Why not try something new in 2016! There's a variety of events happening at Kitchener Market so find something that works for you!

As you can see from the list below the cooking classes at the Kitchener Market are filling up fast! Be sure to register for your choice before your spot is taken!  The large font dates are the ones that are still open for registration

Cooking Classes In January

January

Tasty Thai: Wednesday, Jan. 13 **FULL** or Tuesday, Jan. 26, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
One of the most popular international cuisines, Thai dishes are created using many different elements in a harmonious way to create a full dish. Although it sounds complex, the ingredients are simple and healthy! Come in and learn about all of the different components of Thai cuisine, and leave with recipes for some of your favourite meals from Thailand.
Cost $47
Register at http://www.kitchenermarket.ca/en/events/Cooking_classes.asp

Jan 16
Kw Home Organizers Workshop: Declutter Your kitchen Step-by-step 10am-Noon FREE but you must register at
http://www.kitchenermarket.ca/en/Calendar/Details.aspx?Id=df2913f0-ac63-4482-9e48-8849a525a411

Sushi and Apps: Wednesday, Jan. 27 **FULL** or Friday, Jan. 29, 6:30-8:30 p.m. **FULL**
One of the most popular Japanese foods found in North America is sushi! Instead of going out to a restaurant, why not try your hand at making your own sushi? For fresh, homemade sushi, let our professional chefs show you how to "roll" in style!
Cost $47
Register at http://www.kitchenermarket.ca/en/events/Cooking_classes.asp

Total Health Classes

Session Run Thursday evenings from 6-8pm beginning January 14 to February 18. Click on the images before for the full info

Cost is $349 for all 6 sessions
To register please call  Sage Naturopathic 519-573-6700

Cooking Classes In February

February

Greek in the Kitchen: Wednesday Feb 3 **FULL**, Thursday Feb. 4, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Buildings with white washed walls, gleaming turquoise waters, and the sun beaming down - sounds nice, right? Well, a trip to Greece might not be in the stars for you right now, but a taste of Greece is right around the corner at the Kitchener Market! Greek cuisine is one of the most popular international cuisines for its combination of both mild and strong flavoured components such as olives, feta, spinach and yogurt. This class will teach you how to utilize classic Greek ingredients and techniques at home to build dishes like a pro!
Cost $47
Register at http://www.kitchenermarket.ca/en/events/Cooking_classes.asp

Dumplings 101: Tuesday, Feb. 9, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

"I'm OBSESSED with gyoza. Deliciously steamed yet crunchy bottomed bites of heaven. I fell in love with dumplings in Japan and craved them constantly since returning home from a student exchange program 15 years ago. I'm hoping to send you all off after this class feeling the same way about them, only you'll be armed with the knowledge and skills to make them at home anytime the craving strikes. Varying recipes have been developed in my kitchen over the past couple of years, but this the one we fall back on time and time again. It's easily scaleable depending on how many mouths you're feeding, and is also quite easily personalised by adding some other flavours like mushrooms, leeks, or even sweet potato. Experimenting is how you level up your cooking game." - Terry Salmond
Cost $47

Register at http://www.kitchenermarket.ca/en/events/Cooking_classes.asp

 

Vegetarian Cuisine across Asia: Wednesday, Feb. 10, 6:30-8:30 p.m.**FULL** Thursday Feb 11 6:30-8:30pm
Vibrant with spices and savoury sauces, fresh vegetables, tofu, and beans, Asian dishes are a vegetarian's dream. Dive into these recipes inspired by Chinese, Japanese, and Thai traditional cuisine.

Chef D Valentine's Dinner: Friday, Feb. 12, 6:30-8:30 p.m. *Cost: $95 per couple.
A romantic three-course meal prepared in front of you by Chef D! Menu to follow.
Plus enter for a chance to win tickets to this Valentine's Dinner at the end of this post!

Rockin' with Moroccan Cuisine: Wednesday, Feb. 17, 6:30-8:30 p.m.**FULL** Thursday Feb. 18, 6:30-8:30pm
Moroccan cuisine is considered one of the most important cuisines in the world. One of the reasons for its importance is its remarkable diversity of influences. Every Moroccan dish has its place in society and varies with the market, the season, and the region.
Cost $47
Register at http://www.kitchenermarket.ca/en/events/Cooking_classes.asp

Tasty Thai: Friday Feb 19, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
One of the most popular international cuisines, Thai dishes are created using many different elements in a harmonious way to create a full dish. Although it sounds complex, the ingredients are simple and healthy! Come in and learn about all of the different components of Thai cuisine, and leave with recipes for some of your favourite meals from Thailand.
Cost $47
Register at http://www.kitchenermarket.ca/en/events/Cooking_classes.asp

Intro to Indian Cooking: Feb. 24 to Feb 26**FULL**
Indian food can be spicy, sweet, sour, buttery and salty - but most of all it can be addictive! For authentic Indian recipes and hands-on teaching from a professional chef, look no further. Our Indian Cuisine class will show you just how easy it can be to make classic Indian dishes to wow your family and dinner guests alike.
Cost $47
Register at http://www.kitchenermarket.ca/en/events/Cooking_classes.asp

February 27 9am-Noon
Farm To Table
Join us for this free morning event as we celebrate the 26th anniversary of the Greenbelt! We will have local chefs highlighting fresh and local produce and ingredients. We will have a cooking demonstration, sampling, and recipes provided, as well as local musicians playing live and crafts for kids!
Chef D at 9 am
Chef Terry at 10 am
Chef Stephen at 11 am
http://www.kitchenermarket.ca/en/Calendar/Details.aspx?Id=e8e5773e-0ecb-4a69-ba7a-f5d6d20f38d0

Enter To Win

The contest listed below (might take a minute to load the rafflecopter contest form. If the contest does not pop up, clear your cache and refresh) is for a chance to win DINNER FOR 2 w/CHEF D FEBRUARY 12,2016 @ 6:30PM @ KITCHENER MARKET! Be sure to answer the question about Why you LOVE the Kitchener Market!

You must provide your own transportation

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanksgiving Dinner Demo With TA Appliance And KitchenAid - Media Coverage

Be Thankful For A Thankgiving Dinner Demo

We were invited to TA Appliance 's Be Thankful Event Featuring KitchenAid, and we are very thankful we were.  It was a great event full of friendly faces, knowledgeable demonstrators and delcious delights!

The demonstration at TA Appliance featured KitchenAid appliances and cookware. Everything from convection ovens and cooktops to stand mixers and spiralizers. We learned how to create unique dished and what kitchen tools you will need to assemble them.

It gave us great ideas on what to serve for Thanksgiving as well as tips for using KitchenAid items to help make the meal preparation much easier.

NOTE: All recipes will be available on the event page this week (https://www.facebook.com/events/898829566852566/)

Update: The recipes are listed at
http://taapplianceblog.com/2015/10/06/recipe-roundup-a-kitchenaid-thanksgiving-dinner/

Appetizer Course

The list of the appetizers that were made included Warm Cheese And Spinach Dip, Cranberry Bruscetta, Pinwheels and Apple Pear Cocktail.

The KitchenAid items used included

• Stand Mixer
• Shredder Attachment
• Wall Oven
• Ceramic Baking Dish
• Soda Stream

Main Course

We learned how to prepare a turkey and all the fixings! The main course recipes included Roasted Turkey, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Cranberry Sauce, Stuffing, Apple Chedder Biscuits and Butternut Squash Au Gratin.

KitchenAid kitchen tools used included

• Roasting Pan
• Wall Over
• Stove Top
• Cookware
• Ceramic Baking Dish
• Stand Mixer
• Spiralizer Attachment
• Shredder Attachment

We did manage to get a glimpse of the Butternut Squash Au Gratin recipe.  You will want to give this one a try!

Click Image To Enlarge Recipe

Desserts

 

Nothing ends a great meal like dessert.  The dessert items that were served included Mini Pumpkin Pies, Pumpkin Loaf, Assorted Cookies and Apple Crumble

The KitchenAid products included

• Wall Oven
• Stand Mixer
• Spiralizer Attachement
• Bakeware
• Ceramic Measuring Bowls

Here's a video of the Spiralizer Attachment in action



As you can see we learned how to create several new dishes by attending this event. We left with our stomachs satisfied and our minds filled with the knowledge of how to get the most out of these kitchen tools! For more information about the recipes and appliances used in this demo visit the following links

Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/898829566852566/
TA Appliance Website: http://www.taappliance.com/
KitchenAid Canada Website: http://www.kitchenaid.ca/en_CA/

Do you have a favourite dish you enjoy at Thanksgiving? Let us know in the comments below!

Just For Fun How To Use The Watermelon Keg Tapping Kit - Time Lapse Demo

 

I know many of you may expect this to be a sponsored post, but it's not! It was just a fun experience I wanted to share with our readers.

What Is A Watermelon Keg?

Last month we were at an ECS Coffee demonstration.  They were showing some of their summer items and while many would use the Watermelon Keg Tapping Kit for summer patio drinks they demonstrated it with,  the idea of using lemonade gave me an idea.  With my nephew and niece visiting from British Columbia I thought it would be a great way to brighten up a rainy day.  Together we made this time lapse video to show how easy and fun the Watermelon Keg can be.

How To Set Up The Watermelon Keg Tapping Kit

I did most of it by memory from the demo I attended but realized after that the instructions were on the side of the box as well.  While the time lapse video is less than 30 seconds it took about a half an hour to set up the keg and another hour for the watermelon to flavour the drink.

Adult Steps

1. Make a thin slice across the bottom of the watermelon so it sits flat
2. Carve the top off a watermelon, similar in the way that you carve the top of a pumpkin and set aside.
3. Grab a big bowl for the upcoming 'kid steps'

Kid Steps

1. Give the child an ice cream scoop to remove the inside of the watermelon (again think of cleaning out a pumpkin) and have them scoop it into a bowl

Adult Steps Part 2

1. Take the "core" tools provided (yes it is sharp) in the kit and puncture it through the watermelon
2. Then attach the tap (in the video you'll see I started to put it on backwards at first, but the crank goes on the inside and then you can attach the spigot to the front of the watermelon.
3. Pour lemonade or "drink of your choice" into the watermelon with ice to let it chill and meld the flavour of the watermelon into the lemonade (an hour or so).  If you have room set it in the fridge instead of adding ice.

Kids Steps Part 2

1. It's hard to wait for the fun drink to be ready, but while you're waiting why not snack on some of that watermelon you scooped into the bowl? (be careful to watch for seeds though)

After about an hour you will be able to pour the watermelon lemonade through the tap.  You just transformed your watermelon into a keg!

Wine And Food Pairing Class - YES PLEASE

Enter To Win A Spot For Your And A Friend At The Wine And Food Pairing Class

PARENTS' NIGHT OUT @ Kitchener Market

Food and Wine pairing: Wednesday, June 17, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Steak, pasta or fish. According to the back of the bottle that's all that wine pairs well with! For some more creative ideas on how to pair wine with your meal join us for an enlightening class on the basic differences between wine types, and what key flavors make a good pair. After this class you will know how to create your own pairings with your favourite recipes and blends. Enjoy a glass of wine while the chef demonstrates pairings and answers questions, then prepares a meal for you to go with his selected wine!

To REGISTER for this class visit http://www.kitchenermarket.ca/en/events/Cooking_classes.asp


The contest listed below (might take a minute to load the rafflecopter contest form. If the contest does not pop up, clear your cache and refresh) is for a chance to win a spot for you and a friend to attend the Food And Wine Pairing Class @ Kitchener Market. Be sure to post your answer to the question listed in the Rafflecopter Widget in the comment section below.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Kitchener Market Cooking Stage At The Food And Drink Show - Enter To Win

The Kitchener Market Cooking Stage Returns To The Food And Drink Show

We are thrilled to announce that our FOOD REVOLUTION DAY partner, THE KITCHENER MARKET is sponsoring the Cooking Stage at The Food And Drink Show from April 24-26 2015 and you have a chance to win your way in! Read on to see how you could be at what we are calling PARENTS DAY OUT!

The Chefs At The Cooking Stage

This year's Chef line up has a variety of celebrity chefs.  Some from outside of Kitchener Waterloo and some that you may have met if you have attended the Kitchener Market Cooking Classes.  This 2015 Cooking Stage has a mix of cooking demonstrations and chef competitions so there is something for everyone in the age 19+ crowd. Be sure to visit the Cooking Stage Schedule page to get all the cooking stage info.

Show Info (from the Food And Drink Show Page)
Show Hours:

• Friday 5pm – 10pm
• Saturday 12pm – 10pm
• Sunday 12pm – 5pm
• Must be 19 years or older to attend. No children, no infants.
• Cost for admission is $12 per person/per day
• Sample tokens act as the official show currency
• Tokens can be purchased in increments of $10 (10 tokens)
• Sample prices may vary based on product and exhibitor, with the average cost between 1 or 2 tokens per sample *Sample tokens will be available for purchase on show dates only.

Enter To Win

Want to win your way in? We have a giveaway for passes to the Food And Drink Show so that you can be there live at The Kitchener Market Cooking Stage.
This contest is for those in the Kitchener Waterloo Area Only. Must be 19+ to enter. The prize is a pair of passes for FREE ADMISSION to the Food And Drink Show. Food and Drink purchases are at your own cost.

Just enter the contest listed below (might take a minute to load the rafflecopter contest form. If the contest does not pop up, clear your cache and refresh). Remember the blog comment about WHAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO LEARN TO COOK is a mandatory entry.


a Rafflecopter giveaway