Month: April 2023

Top 10 Brunch Locations for Mother’s Day in Vancouver, Surrey & Langley

The Ashley RhapsodyLeave a comment

Looking for the best brunch spots to treat your mom this Mother’s Day? Look no further, because I’ve got you covered. I’ve scoured Vancouver, Surrey, and Langley to find the top 10 brunch locations that will make your mom feel extra special. Whether she’s a pancake lover or prefers a classic eggs benedict, these spots will have something for every taste. So grab your mom, your siblings, and maybe even a mimosa (or two) and let’s get brunching

1.OEB Breakfast Co. (Langley)

First up, we have the newest addition to Langley’s brunch scene: OEB Breakfast Co. If your mom is a foodie, she’ll love this spot. Their menu is full of unique dishes like the Lobster Benny, which comes with Atlantic lobster, hollandaise, and truffle oil, and the Gold Digga, which features potato waffles, duck fat-fried chicken, and foie gras hollandaise. Plus, the industrial chic decor will make for the perfect Instagram backdrop

2. Milltown Bar & Grill (Vancouver)

Next on the list is Milltown Bar & Grill, located in the scenic Marpole area of Vancouver. This spot boasts a beautiful waterfront patio, where you and your mom can enjoy stunning views of the Fraser River while sipping on mimosas. Their brunch menu features classic dishes with a twist, like the Chorizo and Cheddar Omelette, and the Blueberry and Lemon Ricotta Pancakes.

3. Jam Cafe (Vancouver)

If your mom is a fan of comfort food, she’ll feel right at home at Jam Cafe. This cozy spot serves up hearty dishes like the Gravy Coated Biscuits, which are topped with sausage gravy and two sunny side up eggs, and the Pulled Pork Pancakes, which come with smoked pulled pork, apple bourbon BBQ sauce, and coleslaw. Plus, their famous homemade jam will have you and your mom fighting over the last bite.

4. The Wooden Spoon (White Rock)

If you’re in the mood for a charming, small-town brunch experience, head to The Wooden Spoon in White Rock. This adorable spot has a rustic, homey feel, and their menu features classic brunch dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Try the Farmers Hash, which comes with crispy bacon, house-made sausage, and roasted potatoes, or the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, which are light and fluffy with a citrusy twist.

5. The Red Wagon Cafe (Vancouver)

Last but not least, we have The Red Wagon Cafe, a no-frills spot that’s all about delicious, hearty food. Their menu features diner-style dishes like the Pulled Pork Pancakes and the Chicken and Waffles, as well as classic breakfast options like eggs, bacon, and toast. Plus, the prices won’t break the bank, so you can treat your mom without breaking a sweat.

6. Forage (Vancouver)

This Vancouver-based restaurant is known for its commitment to using locally-sourced and sustainable ingredients in its dishes. The brunch menu features a variety of delicious options like buttermilk pancakes with berry compote and poached eggs with Dungeness crab. Maybe leave the little kids home for this one, unless they are cultured foodies like yourself.

7. Krause Berry Farms (Langley)

This Langley-based farm and market offers a brunch menu featuring a variety of delicious options, like waffles with fresh berries, breakfast sandwiches with bacon and eggs, and quiches with seasonal veggies. Kids will love the farm atmosphere and the chance to pick their own berries after brunch.

8. Yolks (Surrey & Vancouver)

With locations in Vancouver and Surrey, Yolks offers a brunch menu featuring classic breakfast dishes like eggs Benedict and French toast, as well as more unique options like a breakfast poutine with hollandaise sauce.

9. Trading Post (Langley & Surrey)

Trading Post Brewing is a great spot for brunch and beer. Their menu features classic brunch items like waffles and breakfast sandwiches, and their craft beer selection is sure to please any beer-loving mom.

10. The Vault (Surrey)

If you’re in Surrey, The Vault Restaurant is a great option for Mother’s Day brunch. Their menu features classic breakfast dishes like eggs benny and pancakes, as well as more unique options like duck confit hash.

Whether you’re looking for a trendy atmosphere, a farm-to-table experience, or a family-friendly environment, the Lower Mainland has no shortage of amazing brunch options.

From the new OEB in Langley to the classic Red Wagon Cafe in Vancouver, there are so many fantastic restaurants to choose from. And if you’re looking for a kid-friendly spot, places like The Wooden Spoon and Milltown Bar & Grill have got you covered.

No matter where you decide to celebrate Mother’s Day this year, the most important thing is spending quality time with the people you love. So whether you’re savoring a mimosa with your girlfriends or enjoying a stack of pancakes with your little ones, make sure to take a moment to appreciate all the joys of motherhood (at least if just for today <3) . Happy brunching!

How to Play with Your Toddler (Even When You’d Rather Be Watching Bluey)!

The Ashley RhapsodyLeave a comment

Hey there fellow moms! As much as we love our little ones, there are times when the thought of playing with them just seems like a Herculean task. Maybe it’s because we’re tired or stressed or just plain bored. Whatever the reason, the truth is that playing with our toddlers is important for their development and our relationship with them. So, how do we engage in play when we absolutely do not feel like it? Let’s explore!

First of all, let’s acknowledge that it’s okay to not always feel like playing. We’re human, and sometimes we need a break. But if we want to be intentional about our parenting and build strong connections with our kids, we need to find ways to engage with them even when we’re not feeling it.

One way to do this is to let our kids take the lead in play. We may not be in the mood to play dolls or cars, but if our child is excited about it, we can use their enthusiasm to fuel our own. Ask them questions about the game they’re playing or the characters they’re acting out. Get curious about their ideas and let their creativity spark your own.

Another trick is to set a timer for playtime. Commit to playing with your child for a set amount of time, say 15 or 30 minutes, and then give yourself permission to move on to something else. This can take the pressure off and help you stay present in the moment. Plus, your child will feel valued and loved by having your undivided attention for that short period of time.

If you’re really struggling to get into the play mindset, try incorporating elements that you enjoy. Maybe you love music, so you can sing and dance along with your child. Or perhaps you like to be outdoors, so you can play a game of tag or hide-and-seek in the backyard. Find ways to make playtime enjoyable for both you and your child.

Finally, let’s talk about the beloved TV show, Bluey. We all know that sometimes our kids want to watch a show or movie instead of playing, and that’s okay too. But what if we could make screen time a little more interactive? Bluey is a great show for this because it’s all about imaginative play and family relationships. Watch an episode with your child and then try acting out one of the scenes together. You might be surprised at how much fun you have!

So, there you have it! Playing with our toddlers may not always be our top choice, but it’s a crucial part of parenting. By letting our kids take the lead, setting a timer, incorporating our own interests, and even using TV shows like Bluey, we can make playtime more enjoyable and meaningful for everyone involved. Let’s show our little ones that we love them, even when we’re not feeling particularly playful.

Thanks for reading, and happy parenting!

Toddler Meltdowns in Public: How to Handle Them Like a Pro

The Ashley Rhapsody1 Comment

Hey moms, let’s be real: there’s nothing quite like the embarrassment of your toddler having a full-on meltdown in the middle of the grocery store. It’s like your little angel has been possessed by a tiny demon, and everyone within a ten-mile radius is staring at you with judgment in their eyes.

But fear not, my fellow mamas! I’m here to help you navigate this minefield of toddler tantrums like a pro. Here are my top tips for handling meltdowns in public:

  1. Stay Calm (Even When You Want to Scream)

Your child is feeding off your energy, so the last thing you want to do is escalate the situation by losing your cool. Take a deep breath, count to ten, and remind yourself that this too shall pass.

  1. Get Down to Their Level

Toddlers are tiny humans with big emotions, and they often feel powerless in a world that doesn’t make sense to them. By getting down to their level and validating their feelings, you can help diffuse the situation.

  1. Offer Choices

Toddlers love to feel like they’re in control, so offering them choices can be a game-changer. Instead of saying “stop crying,” try saying “would you like to walk or be carried?” or “do you want to hold my hand or the cart?”

  1. Distract and Redirect

Sometimes, the best way to handle a meltdown is to distract and redirect your child’s attention. Point out something interesting in the store or start singing a silly song to get their mind off their distress.

  1. Know When to Cut Your Losses

There are times when you just need to throw in the towel and call it a day. If your child is inconsolable, take a deep breath and leave the store. Sometimes a change of scenery is all it takes to calm them down.

Remember, mama: you’re not alone in this. Toddler meltdowns are a rite of passage for all parents, and no one is judging you as harshly as you’re judging yourself. So take a deep breath, put on your big girl pants, and handle that tantrum like the badass mama you are!

I hope you find this helpful! Let me know if you need any revisions or if you have any other topics in mind.