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How To Create Cute Camping Mug Decals With Cricut Joy In 6 Easy Steps!

Disclosure: Some of the links in this Create Mug Decals Cricut Joy post are affiliate links provided for your convenience. This means, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Welcome, welcome! In this tutorial post you are going to learn some beginner tips and tricks for starting Cricut Projects like creating cute camping mug decals with your Cricut Joy!

Most camp enthusiasts know that camping is not restricted to only the season of Summer – but is enjoyable in all seasons as long as you are prepared for the weather and environment!

I will not be seen without my revamped camp mug with either hot or iced coffee at all times while camping. Keep scrolling for my easy to follow instructions on how to create mug decals with Cricut Joy!

Searching for how to make and apply vinyl decals for mugs with your Cricut Joy? Hannah, from the popular lifestyle blog Honey & Betts, shares all her beginner tips and tricks to make a dishwasher safe vinyl decal for mugs, cups, and tumblers.

Supplies needed to create mug decals with Cricut Joy:

Cricut Joy Machine
Cricut Joy Smart Vinyl Permanent, your choice of colour
Mug, Cup, or Tumbler
Cricut Joy Transfer Tape
Cricut Weeder
Cricut XL Scraper
Cricut Design Space App for IPad, IPhone, or iOS Device

Cricut Joy to learn more, creates custom cards in minutes! Make custom designed and hand made items at home!

Step 1: Choose Your Camping Mug’s Decal In Cricut Design Space

There are lots options when it come to this Cricut project! You can make your own design, or use one of the many ready-made designs available, or there are more personalized and detailed decals available for additional purchase. First you are going to want to measure your mug, cup or tumbler that you are applying the decal to, and make your cup template in Cricut Design Space to be those measurements when you are sizing and designing your decal.

My first blunder was that in a rush I skipped the step aforementioned and had to adjust my decal’s writing to the side of my mug, instead of the writing being underneath the decal’s image. Please, learn from my mistakes!

Step 2: Load Your Cricut Joy Smart Vinyl Into Your Cricut Joy Machine

When you are ready with your finalized decal design (double or triple check the decal’s measurements will fit on your mug!), then press “Create”! You will be instructed to choose your material on your device, and instructed to load the material into the machine.

This is your time to gently lead the front of your Cricut Joy Smart Vinyl into the track on the edges on the front of the machine and push the material closer to the roller. Your material will be loaded when you hear and see the Cricut Joy roll the edge of the material inward.

Step 3: Wait For Your Cricut Joy To Cut Your Design

How to get started with your Cricut Joy? Start by making yourself or a loved one a gift of a custom camping mug! Hannah, from the popular lifestyle blog Honey & Betts, shares her 6 easy steps to making dishwasher proof camping mugs!

The most hypnotizing part of your project is watching the Cricut Joy effortlessly and seamlessly cut your design into the vinyl! Grab a drink and snack, and enjoy watching this step!

Step 4: Use Your Cricut Weeder To Remove The Negative Space Of Your Design

Now depending on what design you chose, you will need to remove the excess material with your Cricut Weeder so that your camping mug’s decal is visible and ready to apply.

For simple designs, you are removing the negative space of the image or words you chose. Don’t forget the inner parts of letters, if you chose a word or phrase for your decal. Your excess material can be put in the waste basket.

Step 5: Cut Your Transfer Tape And Apply It To Your Decal

The reason Cricut Transfer Tape is awesome, is that it takes your decal from the white backing it’s on while you cut it and it transfer it to your mug without mistakes.

You can use the Cricut XL Scrapper to press the air bubbles out of the transfer tape, to secure the transfer tape to your decal well. Then when it is ready, you peel your decal from it’s backing and it is primed for applying to your mug!

Step 6: Apply Your Vinyl Decal To Your Camping Mug

Line up your decal (but be careful, the reverse of the decal is very sticky) and press it firmly to your mug. Again using the Cricut XL Scrapper seal the decal to the mug with a bit of pressure. Press any air bubbles out from the design.

Step 7: Remove Your Transfer Tape From The Mug

This can be a tricky part if you have delicate or small parts of your decal – I find using the scrapper against the other side to slowly maneuver the transfer tape away from the decal works well. Use your Cricut tools to get the finished result that you want – sometimes it takes a little creativity in this step.

Optional Dishwasher Safe Step

If you would like to make your Cricut Vinyl Decal dishwasher safe or dishwasher friendly, I highly recommend put a thin layer of Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge. Use a foam paint brush and apply 3 layers (drying in between) of the Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge – it has to be that specific kind of Mod Podge!

I hope you enjoyed this super cute Cricut camping mug decal tutorial!

If you like this post, check out my Easy Back To School Retro Graduation Kids T-Shirt post before you go!

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Hannah is a Canadian Mom Blogger from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada who shares her life around motherhood to 4 kids, on-the-go beauty for moms, healthy and delicious recipes, bohemian home decor, family travel, and local Edmonton businesses.

Jurassic Forest | Amazing Edmonton Family Day Trip Ideas

Jurassic Forest Review & Feature

Looking for the best dinosaur day ever? Driving to Drumheller for the Tyrell Museum (but you should do too! Check out this other Alberta dinosaur blog post!) can be too long for a day trip for Edmonton families, but there is a place a bit north from Edmonton that will entertain you kids just as much…the Jurassic Forest!

Looking for the best dinosaur birthday in Edmonton? Check out Hannah's, the Edmonton mom blogger for Honey & Betts, recommendation for the Jurassic Forest! From toddlers to big kids - kids love the sand and the moving dinos!

Both my oldest children’s (7 and 5 years old) favourite part of being at Jurassic Forest was playing in the main sand area with the dinosaurs that you can climb on. Next time we may spend majority of our time there, because it is so fun!

Here are some in depth questions and answers for what to expect when you go:

How far from Edmonton is Jurassic Forest?

The drive is about 45 minutes from Central Edmonton, but from St. Albert it was 30 mins.

Can I buy Jurassic Forest tickets online or in-person?

You can pay and print your own tickets, or you can now purchase them at the entrance. Check the Jurassic Forest website for current prices, here.

What is in Jurassic Forest? What is there to do?

When you enter the Jurassic Forest, there is a large sand space with climbable dinosaurs and pretend excavation sites with paint brushes for kids to brush the sand off dinosaur skeletons in the sand.

There are two different dinosaur discovery trails from the main area, North and South. You walk the discovery trails to see and read more about prehistoric life – from plants to insects to motion activated dinosaurs with the forest.

Can I bring a stroller? Is it baby friendly?

Yes, the walk ways are boarded and wide enough for strollers. There are also rentable dinosaur carts to put a toddler in, the carts are first come first serve – the price for renting was about $5.

Can kids touch the dinosaurs on the discovery trails?

Both – yes for the area with sand and climbable dinosaurs. But when you are on the discovery trails, do not leave the roped off trails. The dinosaurs are far into the forest but very visible from the trails.

How long does it take to walk the trails?

It took my children and I about an hour to enjoy both trails, and then we spent a total of another hour playing in the sand area.

Is there a place to buy food and drinks inside?

Yes, there is a concession inside Jurassic Forest that opens around 11-11:30am for lunch. They serve hotdogs, popcorn, pizza, pop, coffee, water, and a variety of different snacks. The closest restaurants to Jurassic Forest are in the town of Gibbons, that is about 5 minutes South of Jurassic Forest.

Are there bathrooms available?

Yes, there is one inside the main building – between the entrance and gift shop. And then two more bathrooms accessible from outside the front entrance.

The Jurassic Forest is a great spot to take your toddlers and older kids – what a place to host a dinosaur birthday if you are from the Edmonton area! I hope this helps you make the discussion to venture out on a dinosaur day with your family!

If you like this post, check out my 3 Reasons You Need To Add Slave Lake To Your Summer Travel List post!

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3 Reasons Why Slave Lake Should Be On Your Summer Bucket List!

After our fantastic family getaway to Slave Lake this Spring, it is right back at the top of my summer day trip list! If you prefer to avoid crowd, I highly recommend going during the week. This is one beach in Alberta you will want to plan a trip to this summer!

This cabin’s location was too good to pass up, right off of Marten Beach (one of the best Alberta beaches!). The white sandy beach was warm and fun to play in, while the lake remained frozen.

Looking for an awesome beach front AirBnB? Hannah, from the popular Edmonton blogger at Honey & Betts, shares this amazing beach front cabin on the cleanest beach in Alberta! From what to look for in an AirBnb with kids, to the best location tips, and more!

Looking for the best Alberta beaches? Hannah, from the popular Edmonton travel blog Honey & Betts, shares her amazing family trip to Slave Lake with one of Alberta's cleanest beaches!
From what to look for AirBnBs, to travelling tips with kids, to what Slave Lake looks like in April. Check it out!

Other than that, this Air BnB had one bedroom upstairs and two downstairs. The loft area upstairs and the many windows showcasing the lake caught my eye when I looked for places to stay.

With 4 kids, I always take into consideration where we are staying for overnight trips – even though we are not spending all our time inside, it is our home base for unwinding at the end of the day or during nap time.

When I’m staying in an AirBnb with adults I don’t need to look for a kid-friendly spot – in my experience with travelling with kids, I need a place that doesn’t have a lot of knick knacks, it’s not cluttered with furniture, and it has open spaces. My kids (especially the toddlers) do not always keep their energy and movement contained, and it would be my worst nightmare if they broke something by accident.

If you own a AirBnB make sure you have lots of clear photos (honestly the more the better!), I am more likely to book a place that has more photos than if there are only 3-4 images.

After we checked out of our Air BnB we headed back into town and found an awesome local cafe called FIX Coffee Bar. They make all their baked goods and breads in store. They also have a sandwich menu (similar to Subway) where you can build your own delicious sandwich! I can’t wait to come back again and support this local business!

Then we headed back home to Edmonton with our coffees in hand. This past year has been a difficult one for the world, but I learned not to take for granted the remarkable places in Alberta. And to never take for granted our short, short summers!

If you haven’t seen our latest trip to Lac La Biche, check it out here!

Right now, I’m in the works for planning a day trip or an overnight (not quite sure yet) to one of our favourite Alberta destinations… Drumheller!

Alberta Family Camping | Sir Winston Churchill Comfort Camping

This weekend we reserved a cabin in Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park, and the cabin exceeded my expectations! The photos on the province’s website were decent, but I expected it to be a little more run down than the photos. Thankfully, it was not!

Keep reading to see the top questions on: What did the process of checking into the Sir Winston Churchill Comfort Camping cabin look like? What was the protocol to check out of the cabin? What was the cabin like? What did you need to bring for a comfortable stay with young kids?

Check out the photos below for more in-depth look at the comfort camping cabin!

Looking into the Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park Comfort Camping? Hannah, from the popular Edmonton lifestyle blog Honey & Betts, shares her experience staying in the cabins with her 4 kids and husband. Look into the living area, kitchen, bedrooms, and bathroom.

Where is a vacation place in Alberta you can go to during Covid? Hannah, from the popular Edmonton mom blog Honey & Betts, is sharing her family getaway to Lac La Biche's Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park. Try comfort camping and beautiful beaches for a summer trip!

What did the process of checking into the cabin look like?

We reserved and paid for our cabin online prior to checking in, though in previous years it looks like they also allow walk ins to reserve available cabins.

There are Provincial Park employees at the small registration office, masks are required inside. You can purchase fire wood if there is no fire ban, it was $10 for a rubbermaid full of wood (our wood lasted us a full night). And then at the end of your stay you return the rubbermaid to the registration office.

After signing the paper agreement and going over some of the cabins house keeping rules (they were straight forward, nothing stood out differently from other camp grounds) and the 11am checkout, we were given the electronic lock code to our cabin. And off we went!

What was the protocol to check out of the cabin?

Check-out was at 11am, and the staff ask that you leave the cabin tidied similar to like it was when you arrived. They do a thorough cleaning and sanitizing job, but this makes it easier for them to do their duties. We needed to make sure our recycle and trash was disposed into the community garbage bins (there are a couple close by the cabins, very accessible).

We then locked up, returned our fire wood rubbermaid to the registration office, and texted the cabin staff supervisor (you are given her number at the beginning of your stay for after office hours) that we were checked-out of our cabin. It was contactless and easy to do!

What was the comfort camping cabin like?

The cabin’s furniture was comfortable and durable, there was a fully stocked kitchen with fridge and appliances (slow cooker, toaster, kettle, pots and pans, cutlery, cups, dishes), running city water, a full bath, and 2 bedrooms (1 queen, and 1 double bunk bed).

Then outside on our cabin’s site was our cabin’s own BBQ (looked very new), a private fire pit with 2 long wood benches, and a picnic table. And the lake front view was stunning! There is bush and small trees between the cabin’s site and the water, there is not a beach or direct access to the water from your cabin.

Down the road was a wonderfully kept sand playground and a boat launch further down the same road.

The cabins are located on the land bridge between the mainland and Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park which is an island in Lac La Biche. It’s a short 5 minute drive to the island that has secluded sandy/rocky beaches. There were signs warning of checking the blue green algae on the lake, you can check the province’s website for what lakes throughout the year to look out for.

What did you need to bring for a comfortable stay with young kids?

The Sir Winston Churchill Comfort Camping site had a detailed list of what to bring and what would be available in the cabin. I knew beforehand there was only a bunkbed and queen (and a futon pullout in the living area), so I prepared our playpen for our 1 1/2 year old to sleep in and a sleeping pad for our 3 year old to use in the bunk bed room.

Other than that, we packed what we usually do for getaways to help the kids sleep (baby monitor and sound machines) and followed the recommendations from the campsites packing list.

I hope this helps you with booking your next adventure to these awesome Sir Winston Churchill Comfort Camping Cabins in Lac La Biche!

Stay safe and enjoy the outdoors!

If you are interested in day trip ideas in Alberta, check out my 3 Awesome Alberta Day Trip Ideas post before you go!

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Prairie Pine Creations | 3 Reasons Why Big Kids Love Pikler Triangles

This Pikler Triangle post is in partnership with Prairie Pine Creations. All opinions are 100% my own.

Before you continue reading why big kids love pikler triangles, check out my previous review of the Prairie Pine Creations extra large pikler triangle, extra large climbing arch, and slide! It will give you lots of answers I do not cover in this post.

While my toddlers use the pikler triangles the most, because they’re at home more than my two big kids – my big kids (5 and 7 years old) love the Prairie Pine Creations climbing structures just as much!

Can you use a pikler triangle with big kids? Hannah, from the popular Canada mom blog Honey & Betts, shares how her big kids have been playing with the extra large pikler triangle and ramp. Check it out!

Here are 3 reasons why big kids love pikler triangles:

Practices Hand-Eye Coordination: Just like toddlers and preschoolers, encouraging practice of gross motor skills, boundaries, and body awareness.
The Perfect Reading Nook: If you have a small or large family, finding quiet time can be difficult for playtime or reading time. My big kids love to throw a sheet over the pikler triangle and escape into their pile of books.
Encourages Imagination: Pirate ships, mountain climbing, superhero headquarters, camping adventures and more are many of the games my kids have created with the pikler triangles.

I am pleased with how much my big kids love the Prairie Pine Creations pikler triangle!

What is one thing you wish you had for your kids to keep them moving inside?

If you like this post, check out my Awesome Double Stroller Review post before you go!

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Handcrafted Pikler Triangles in Edmonton | Pine Prairie Creations

This “Pikler Triangles in Edmonton” post is in partnership with Prairie Pine Creations. All opinions are 100% my own.

Pikler triangles in Edmonton winters are the newest trend for keeping toddlers and young kids active!

Prairie Pine Creations is an amazing local Edmonton & Area business – all their kid products are handcrafted by a journeyman carpenter with very high-quality hardwood.

Prairie Pine Creations welcomes custom orders, and have a variety of adorable paint colours to choose from! We opted for the natural wood finish, you will see in the photos below.

Looking to keep your toddler active and busy? Check out Hannah's review of the Edmonton pikler triangle, slide and scaffolding, and extra large arch for 1-6 year olds. Pine & Prairie Creations make well-made, affordable climbing structures.

Extra Large Pikler Triangle & Ramp From Prairie Pine Creations

Pikler triangles are an investment! I wanted the best pikler triangle in Edmonton because it was going to be put to the test (physically) with my kids! My youngest, an energetic 18 month old boy, is my most active child yet. He zips from one end of the house to the other, and is always curiously investigating things I’ve tried to baby proof.

Since Edmonton, Alberta is nowhere near opening local play places or indoor jungle gyms or drop-in toddler gymnastic classes – when I did research into at-home alternatives finding a locally made pikler triangle was at the top of my list.

Prairie Pine was my first choice, because I have been watching their business announcement and product releases for months before I ordered (make sure you follow them on Instagram and Facebook)!

I’m so happy with our climbing set, my 4 kids (1-7 years old) love the extra large pikler triangle, extra large climbing arch, and ladder/ramp slide we purchased!

Prairie Pine Creations wood products include:

Pikler Triangles – original, large, and extra large size options
Climbing Arches/Rockers – original, and extra large size options
Ladder/Ramp Slides – original, and extra large size options
Rock climbing ramp/slides – original, and extra large size options
Toddler Learning Tower – single, and double width size options

Considering how rough and tumble my two toddlers play, the Prairie Pine Creations pikler triangle has stood up to their antics!

If you enjoyed this Pikler Triangles in Edmonton post, I’d be very grateful if you’d help it spread by emailing it to a friend, or sharing it on Pinterest or Facebook. Thank you!

If you enjoyed reading, you might also enjoy this post about Easy DIY Rainbow Rice Sensory Activity!

Coming up next is a blog post about why big kids love pikler triangles too! Make sure you subscribe to this awesome email list to be the first to read!

Looking for a pikler triangle and scaffolding slide in Edmonton? Hannah, from the popular Edmonton motherhood blog at Honey & Betts, shares the well-made Prairie & Pine Creations climbing structures. Check out her review!

Extra Large Climbing Arch From Prairie Pine Creations

Valco Baby Canada Stroller: Snap Duo Trend Stroller Review

This Valco Baby Canada Snap Duo Trend Review post has been in partnership with Valco Baby Canada. All opinions are 100% my own.

The Canadian winters are harsh, so when I discovered the Valco Baby Canada Tri Mode X Duo Stroller 3 years ago I fell in love with it’s high quality make and durability with 3 children. For the past few months I have now been testing out the Valco Baby Snap Duo Trend Stroller and I am equally as impressed!

Of course, there are a few differences to take into consideration between these two strollers but I am happy to report that the exceptional Valco Baby Canada luxury quality reaches across both double stroller models I’ve had the opportunity to use.

Looking for a luxury double stroller for twins or young kids? Hannah, from the popular Canadian motherhood blog Honey & Betts, shares her 6 favourite features of the high quality Valco Baby Snap Duo Trend Stroller. From lots of storage to it's modern design!

Looking for a Canadian luxury double stroller for twins? Hannah, from the popular Edmonton motherhood blog at Honey & Betts, shares how the Valco Baby Snap Duo Trend Stroller is the best double stroller ever! With a metal frame, large tires to navigate the snow and off roading, smooth turning. Check it out!

My favourite features of the Valco Baby Canada Snap Duo Trend Stroller:

Five Point Harness: My youngest has grown into a strong willed toddler and this harness is the easiest to strap him in on difficult days (you know what I mean!). When it feels like I’m wrestling a crocodile into a stroller, the 4 clips make it much more manageable to keep him safe on walks.
Leather Bar Covers: This added touch heightens the feel of the stroller! I love the warm cognac brown toddler bar and the push bar covers.
Huge Storage Under Stroller: The accessible storage under the double is more than enough for all your diaper bag, snacks, purse, and much more! It’s uncomplicated to grab your things but they are secure that they do not fall out.
Extra Sun Shade: Keeping my children safe from the summer sun while enjoying fresh air, it’s a high priority for me! There are two canopies built into the Valco Baby Snap Duo Trend: mesh sun shade and a waterproof shade.
Extends To Full Recline: This stroller is newborn approved with the seat reclining down to a flat surface, and this is also ideal for snoozing big kids too!
Effortless Fold & Compact Storage: With a new fold down button built into the push bar, putting this double stroller is easier than ever! It folds tightly so that the interior of the stroller where your child is doesn’t come into contact with the outside environment. Keeping the stroller cleaner for longer!

The Valco Baby Snap Duo Trend Stroller comes in 3 different colours – Grey, Charcoal, and Denim. We have photographed the Denim colour above, and I am obsessed with the effortless light greyish blue. It’s unique and chic for a baby stroller!

Some of my prefered Winter accessories for the Valco Baby Snap Duo Trend Stroller are the Snug Footmuff and Trend Sport Pack! I will be posting a few short reviews on those items soon, you will be able to click through to them in this post when they are live.

Have you ever heard of Valco Baby? What’s your favourite stroller model? Tell me in a comment below!

If you like this post, check out my Valco Baby Canada Tri Mode X Stroller Review in Phoenix, AZ post before you go!

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15 Local Edmonton Restaurants That Sell Meal Boxes To Go!

Are you here for this delicious list of Edmonton restaurants that sell meal boxes to go?

Many, many local Edmonton restaurants and catering services have had to adjust to take out/delivery only – it’s a different world we are living in and small businesses in Edmonton are adjusting their business models! Whether it’s for an at-home date night, a pick-me-up gift to yourself, or a Christmas present to a loved one to let them know you are thinking of them – these Edmonton to-go meal boxes are the optimal choice this winter!

This week I have tried two different food boxes from a local catering company and a Canadian national company – both were amazing! Keep reading for 15 meal boxes that you can find in Edmonton, AB!

Looking for Edmonton food boxes to take home? Check out Hannah's list, from the popular Edmonton lifestyle blogger at Honey & Betts, is full of delicious food boxes curated by the foodies of YEG. Add it to your holiday celebrations this winter!

Photos featuring the Bagel Brunch Box from Mercer’s Catering. The box includes gryfe’s bagels, salmon gravlax, lemon dill cream cheese, capers, hollandaise butter, pickled onions and fresh arugula.

Looking for Edmonton restaurants that sell meal boxes to take home? Check out Hannah's list, from the popular Edmonton lifestyle blogger at Honey & Betts, is full of delicious food boxes curated by the foodies of YEG. Add it to your holiday celebrations this winter!

Here are 15 Edmonton restaurants and food services that sell meal boxes to enjoy at home:

Mercer’s Catering Brunch Boxes

Under The High Wheel Grazing Box

Meuley’s Cheese Boards & Charcuterie Kits

The Butchery YEG Meal Kits

The University Club – Dinner Specials

XIX 19 Family Dinner

The Marc 3 Course Meals

Simply Supper Christmas Supper

Art of Charcuterie Boxes

Santa Maria Goretti Centre 5 Course Italian Meal Kit

Mercer Trading Co. Take Home Burger & Pizza Kits

Naks Bistro & Catering Family Christmas Dinners

Rebel Food & Drink Holiday Dinner Package

Chateau Louis Gluten Free Royal Coach Dining Menu

Garneau’s Upper Crust Christmas Dinner Takeout

Before you grab your takeout service app like Skip The Dishes, Doordash or UberEats – try reaching out to these small Edmonton businesses to order pick-up. Then your money goes straight to the business instead of them paying a percentage to utilize the apps!