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8 Min Read May 8, 2024 2 Replies

Sustainable Fashion and comfort in my 40s

Fashion, Lifestyle

*this post contains affiliate links. I earn a percentage if you decide to shop and purchase! Thank you as always

There are a few different reasons why my clothing habits have changed over the years.

The first began some time ago when I started to become more aware of where the clothes I was shopping came from (and who was making them, and their safety/working conditions). I leaned more into reducing the amount of clothing I was buying, and researching ethically, consciously made items.

This doesn’t mean I completely cut out fast fashion (something I am still working towards) but as years have passed, I certainly have turned to shopping my own closet, thrifting, and sustainably made items.

Not only because of the labour implications, but also the environmental ones.

Another shift started to happen which impacted how I shopped for clothes. It was quite the combination to have the Pandemic hit the same year I turned 40. As I’ve aged, my body has softened and changed. This isn’t a bad thing, but it means that what I would have once tolerated for fashion, I’ve started to leave behind (things that look cute but don’t feel good for example).

Taking into account all of those factors, there’s still one driver when it comes to how I shop: I like to look and feel good. My sense of style is certainly not everyone’s, but for me, I like to look and FEEL good in my clothing. So I’ve ditched things that fit funny or uncomfortably. I’ve let go of buttons that dig and heels that hurt. I’ve become much pickier about the fabric I wear, in part for longevity, and because I know I’ll sweat. I want pieces that pack well for travel too.

^ Franc top. Encircled wide leg pants.

Finding clothing I love that looks great and fits great

So when you put all of that together, how do I find great pieces I love? There are many sustainable, eco-friendly options out there. Including stores that curate a variety of brands to help you have a variety all in one place.

Before I share some of my favourites, let’s chat about cost. Typically, sustainable, ethically made clothing is more expensive. That’s no secret. But we know why that is – because of the fair pay for labour, because of the cost of manufacturing etc. These pieces end up being more of an investment however, when you factor in that often they are the ones I turn to all the time, the cost-per-wear reduces.

My Encircled Dressy sweat pants were purchased in 2018. They look brand new. No fading. And I wear them constantly because they feel and look great.

^ encircled pants

It also means I buy less. I don’t always need MORE in my closet, I clearly have favourites that I keep going back to. I want a capsule wardrobe that works for me.

Sometimes, when I want something to supplement what I have, I thrift. I look for cotton and linen usually, and buy second hand!

Clothing has to be accessible, and it’s unrealistic to assume everyone can purchase pants that cover over $100 every time. I don’t write this as a piece to make others feel bad – shop where you can to get the items you need. But if people are buying hundreds and thousands of dollars in fast fashion to have ‘more’ or to be on trend, I don’t think that’s sustainable, and that’s not about affordability – it’s about consumption.

This is just a piece to encourage more consideration in shopping, if you can.

My thoughts on Fast Fashion

Honestly? I think we all buy too much stuff, myself included. Reducing how much I buy, and increasing the amount I spend on local and/or ethical brands is one change I’ve been making over many years.

This doesn’t mean I don’t shop at other stores and find fast fashion buys for my family, I would be lying if I said otherwise. But I am much more aware and conscious of how I spend and shop and it has me second guessing before buying that ‘quick, cheap’ clothing piece. Do I need it? How well will it hold up?

Most of the fast fashion pieces I’ve purchased in the past many years have not washed well, fitted well, or been a material that feels comfortable (or breaths well, shout out to my fellow people who sweat a lot). So it feels like a waste.

With the rise of fashion influencers online, there’s a more disturbing movement – trend purchasing. There’s always a deal, always a sale in the fast fashion world, and always a trend to follow. This leads to so much over consumption.

What I would love to see is how influencers are styling a few pieces in multiple ways. Shopping their own closet and helping people do the same.

I tend to buy t-shirts more often because of wear and use. So if I buy those new, how can I pair them with existing items?

I’m not saying there isn’t a place for fashion influencers – I LOVE seeing how people style stuff. But the ‘buy this’ constantly? Is this what we want? Just some of my thoughts.

^ Franc sweater

Eco-friendly, ethical shops in Canada

I have purchased from Encircled and Franc often (and love them), and follow the other sites eyeing their designs. I’ve also purchased from Pokoloko – they have a shop right in Ottawa too!

These shops are based in Canada – some of them have material made in Canada too.

Encircled

I love their pants. Full stop. I finally got a pair of wide leg pants (after living in my Dressy Sweatpants for years) and I’m thrilled. Encircled focuses on travel wear and comfort. I love being able to dress it up or down.

What’s I’m looking at next: everything, always. But mostly their airy tops for the warmer weather. Maybe the wide leg capris.

Franc

I’ve been a big fan of their tshirts and funnel neck sweaters. I have three of the sweaters! So comfy.

What I’m looking at next: They have a henley that is ribbed and looks amazing. I have an older henley of theirs and love it but this material is exactly what I want.

Pokoloko

An Ottawa shop that makes cozy resort wear and stylish lounge wear. I have their crinkle cardigan.

What I’m looking at next: I love their new royal blue colours. Their pants look comfy too in the cream to match my cardigan, or the stripe.

Oge Ajibe

This brand offers inclusive sizing and made to order (they can be tailor made too).

What I’m looking at: Love the look of their Peace Pant but also the Oversized denim dress looks awesome.

Anne Mulaire

I love the options that are professional and elegant, as well as comfort and casual options and that seems to be what’s offered with this collection. Sizing goes to 6x too.

What I’m looking at: The Promedade Skirt is gorgeous. But the jackets are stunning (the drape on the Maude wrap jacket is gorgeous).

Free Label

Not only do they offer clothes for everyday wear and comfort, but Free Label creats and their clothing is nursing friendly/can be used as maternity wear too. They have denim too!

What I’m looking at: Love the look of their Pacific Penny top.

11 Min Read May 2, 2024 No Reply

Let’s Chat Skin Cancer: My Story

Health and Wellness

*Content warning: please note this article discusses surgery and healing and medical concerns. There is a photo of bandages during healing.

“You’ll trade cancer for a scar” I was told. It was a fair trade.

In May 2023 I had an appointment with a dermatologist after a few months of waiting. The appointment happened to be the day after my dad’s celebration of life service, but given how I a) thought the spot on my forehead was really going to be nothing b) appointments have long waits and I didn’t want to cancel, I kept it.

It didn’t take the dermatologist long to tell me he suspected that the spot was cancer and he took a biopsy to confirm it.

Let’s pause this story to say the important part – I am ok, and I will be ok. This kind of skin cancer is the most common, and treatable. More on that in a bit. But I wanted to add this disclaimer.

Back to May – my head was spinning. I just kept repeating, outloud, over and over ‘will I be ok?’ (the doctor kept repeating that yes, I would be. I would not die from this) but I barely heard anything.

I kept thinking about having to tell my kids I have cancer after the year they had just been through as my dad had a different cancer and passed away. We were still in the early stages of grief. My cancer wasn’t deadly. But it was scary.

What happened next would be months of scheduling new apointments and eventually surgery. My doctor, as always, is amazing and patient while guiding me through this.

What began as one spot on my forehead ended up being four spots in total after additional appointments and more checks: One on my cheek near my nose, one on my scalp, one on my back and the forehead spot that began it all.

All were Basal Cell Carcinoma – the most common type of skin cancer (curable, removable). Although each seemed to have a slight variety subtype, and EACH of the four spots looked different from one another (sigh), it was still BCC.

The biggest issue with two subtypes was the potential to go deeper than others, making removal a bit tricky (and possibly more scarring). Neither did that.

One of the first questions I was asked is if I use a tanning bed. Never in my life. This doesn’t mean you’ll for sure get skin cancer if you used them, but they significantly increase the risk.

Sun exposure increases risk (admittedly, I’ve been a sunscreen lover since my teens and do cover up) but again, the risk is there. Especially for those of us of a certain age who would have had less protection when we were younger – it wasn’t like now when we lather ourselves and our kids with sunscreen.

The reality is, it happens. Although as the doctors kept telling me, I was young to have so many.

Note: I have rashguards, sunscreen, and avoid the sun. I have done this for decades, but now, I have to be even more careful.

Once diagnosis happens, the next steps begin.

With facial spots, there is a surgery called MOHS surgery. It’s a day-long surgery where you don’t leave until the cancer is gone. It’s a long day, but it’s done with a lot of precision with only small parts of your skin removed at a time to reduce scarring. My two spots that are visible are healing so nicely!

The other spots are done with plastic surgery. The cancer removed, the tested and within a couple weeks you know if it’s fully gone. Scars may be a bit bigger because the margins taken are a bit greater.

I ended up with MOHS surgery on the two spots on my face in November, 6 months to the day of my first dermatology appointment. I feel I got in then because I called to put myself on a cancellation list.

The spot on my cheek had been there for years. YEARS. And it hadn’t been a concern until I asked, at a new appointment in October at the dermatologist to look at more spots, to have it checked. The worry with waiting, although BCC is slow growing, is that the subtype this was had the potential spider out and dig in a bit deeper. Fortunately, this was removed during MOHS in one go.

The spot on my forehead took two tries during that day but both were a success. Recovery was about a week – day 1 and 2 mostly involved sleep, day 3 and 4 were the worst for swelling, and then I took it easy.

While at my MOHS surgery, I asked about a spot on my scalp. It had been irritated, and at times itchy. She wasn’t too concerned but we biopsied it. It would come back positive in about a week.

Within two weeks of of my MOHS surgery, I had the appointment for my back spot scheduled with a plastic surgeon. The wait was much quicker than MOHS so after finding the back spot in October (when we confirmed my cheek spot), we made the back appointment.

In between MOHS and the back surgery appointment, the scalp was confirmed as BCC. I could wait months for MOHS again in that area, or add it to my plastic surgery appointment. I choose the latter.

At first, they weren’t sure on the day of my back spot appointment that both could be done. The scalp spot was on my right side, the back on my left, so lying and healing would be more uncomfortable. I wanted it all done and we all made it work.

On December 21, I had stitches from my back removed and continued to heal during the holidays.

(note: The scar on my back was beautifully operated on, but my body decided it was MAD about it. I just thought it was healing the way it would heal but turns out, it was abnormal. Hypertrophic scarring is what happened – I produced TOO much scar tissue. Like Wolverine I guess 😉 I flagged it to the surgeon and we are managing it. It could be operated on to fix the appearance but I won’t bother.)

More Surgery, for a third time

Before the New Year, MyChart told me that the scalp spot wasn’t quite all gone. I would need more surgery.

A quick January appointment was made again (honestly, the surgeons and staff for everything at both places were beyond amazing) and this time, I wouldn’t leave until we confirmed the cancer on my scalp was gone.

Three surgeries, and four spots later, I have some scars that area healing so well. They sting and itch sometimes, a slight reminder about what the past 10 months has been like.

I now wait for additional appointments to check some new spots. This will be ongoing in my future.

But getting an appointment is not easy and the wait is long, yes, even if you have previous history (note, this may be specific for BCC, melonoma requires faster action!)

I live for sunscreen and rashguards, something I have done for years, but now I’ll be even more cautious.

I have healed well, taken care of by my family and friends – Andy and the kids were nothing but amazing during it all.

I should note, in case someone is reading this in prep for their own surgery, the surgeries weren’t painful. Uncomfortable yes, but not painful thanks for freezing. But the best way to describe them is that they can feel traumatic in their own way though. As ‘easy’ as things went, I hope to not have to do it again.

What did my spots look like?

Google only got me so far when trying to figure out my spots. As I mentioned, they all looked different. The biggest red flag I would say? A NEW spot.

But new spots aren’t all cancerous, and any one who is aging gets new spots sometimes it seems. But NEW and different is a red flag.

Bleeding or itchy, red flag. Unable to heal and stay healed, red flag. The one on my cheek never grew, never changed, but it was slighly pearly. Red flag in the end.

The one on my back I don’t think I saw. Andy saw it. It literally appeared between diagnosis of my forehead and my cheek (brand new!) so it got checked at the appointment for the latter. He said it was red, more like my forehead and ‘odd’ so he flagged it for me.

This is just what I had with my BCC.

There are different things to look for with melanoma too. Read this for more info about what to look for with all types of skin cancer.

If you have a partner or someone you trust to check over you every so often, I recommend it. I wouldn’t have really paid attention to the one on my back until Andy saw it and pointed it out.

Take photos. My camera roll is a weird storage space of spots all over me but it helps to document and see change.

Please ditch the tanning beds if they are still a thing. Grab the SPF (I’m always happy to share my faves!) and cover up if possible.

What to do if you aren’t sure about a spot

Ask your doctor as a starting point, and if it changes, bleeds, itches or you’re just worried, insist on a referral to a dermatologist. In Ontario, that’s the only way to see one – referall from a family doctor – unless you find a private option.

In Ottawa, from time to time, the Derm clinic I went to has a fundraiser (to increase the MOHS surgery availability) and you can do a drop in spot check.

I’m ok, and will be ok. But this experience wasn’t exactly fun. It’s hard.

When I was nervous, scared and confused, I searched for answers on the internet. So if this is how you found this post, I hope it helps a bit.

1 Min Read April 16, 2024 3 Replies

Recipe: Cold potato salad

Recipes
potato salad recipe

With summer season here, the BBQ will be in full use and there is nothing easier than cold salads to have along side a BBQ burger.  Especially on a hot day when you really don’t want to have the stove in major use.  This is my favourite potato salad.

It’s inspired by a restaurant that I used to go to on Spark Street when I was working in the area many, many years ago.

And yes, it’s so simple family members have been known to say ‘um, you don’t peel the potatoes?’ – not in a bad way. They just can’t believe how simple it is.

Enjoy!

Ingredients:

  • 6-8 large potatoes (or a small bag. I like red or fingerling potatoes)
  • Miracle Whip or Mayo
  • 2 tbsp dijon mustard (this is the secret!)
  • Chopped fresh chives (optional)

Directions:

  1. Don’t peel the potatoes. Wash and cut into bite size pieces.
  2. Boil potatoes until soft.  Drain and let cool. Yes, some peels may fall off.
  3. Add miracle whip (I didn’t post an amount because it depends on the number of potatoes etc, but start with a couple of large tablespoon scoops and add to your liking)
  4. Add dijon mustard.  Mix well.
  5. Add chives (optional).
  6. Let cool further. Serve and enjoy!

potato salad with chives and mustard

2 Min Read March 26, 2024 4 Replies

How to Set up an Outdoor Easter Egg Hunt

Activities and Crafts, Kids

Many years ago, we decided it was time to do an outdoor Easter egg hunt. What makes this even more wonderful is that we were at my Mother in Law’s house. She had acres and acres of property to hide eggs on, so it made for a really fun activity.

You don’t need a lot of space to make it work!

Here are some tips to set up an Easter egg hunt!

1 – An outdoor hunt depends heavily on one thing in particular: The Weather.

Check the weather forecast often and make sure it’s going to work out. Nothing worse than having colourful eggs waiting to be found outside and you tell the kids they can’t go out. If it’s a little spring drizzle, it will still work!

Is the weather looking miserable? Switch from outdoor to indoor. It’s still fun.

2 – Hide the eggs at the right time (if you can)

Since our children are up so early, we had to set up the hunt the night before. Being in a wooded, country area when I went out with the flash light last year and found my way around the property to place the eggs.

I assumed I was going to get skunked. Maybe don’t set it up the night before, but run out before the kids are up?

3 – Beware the wildlife.

Having placed the eggs the night before (all were in plastic eggs), the fact was I wasn’t sure if they would survive. There were no guarantees that animals weren’t going to have their own hunt while we slept! But it was a risk I was willing to take.

When we woke in the morning, we hadn’t indicated to the kids that the Easter bunny seemed to have left treats outside. We had to wait for family to come over. But I didn’t want the squirrels finding the eggs first!

4 – Baskets, Set, Go

When it’s time, every one can head out and start the hunt. When hiding the eggs, think about the ages and size of the children – put some in easy, low places for little ones, and others in trickier, higher places for the older kids.

The house rule is usually as follows: All eggs get split evenly in the end, no matter how many you found and mom and dad get to select a few for themselves.

Happy Easter Everyone!!

2 Min Read March 23, 2024 No Reply

Easter Activities to do that don’t involve Bunnies or Eggs

Parenting

The upcoming long weekend doesn’t have to be all about Easter (and for many who don’t celebrate it, or welcome the Bunny, it already isn’t!).  There are other ways to spend the long weekend as a family and still get out of the house for a bit. Below I’m sharing a few suggestions for you to consider if you want to fill the time this weekend but don’t want to see another pastel anything for a while.

1- Go to the Movies

Right now, there are many family friendly movies playing.

2- Find a sugar bush

This won’t help if you are trying to avoid the crowds this weekend, but it’s still maple syrup season and I’m not sure there is anything better than fresh syrup (or maple candy. Drool).

3- Go for a nature walk

Pull on the rubber boots (and splash pants) and head for a nature walk on a local path. If the snow has started melting in your area, it may mean a messy, muddy walk, but it also means you can chat with the kids about the emerging plant life, the animals coming out of hibernation and more.

4- Go for a drive

We like to hit the road in one direction or another for short drives on weekends like this. We often end up somewhere to eat (or at a bakery) and explore some of our favourite neighbourhoods and town we haven’t been to in the winter because of timing or weather.

Tip: Black Walnut Bakery in Cumberland has plenty of outdoor seating so if we get a nice-ish day, it’s a treat to be able to enjoy a hot beverage outside! Just be mindful of which days they are open!

But food doesn’t have to be involved! Going somewhere new and different can be fun.

5- Indulge in a treat

Sure, snow may be on the ground, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have ice cream. Easter weekend often kicks off our upcoming ‘warm weather’ ice cream addiction. If you have a favourite haunt, why not indulge in a special long weekend treat together.

Pro tip: Cafe Latte Cino in Orleans has a waffle on their menu that is topped with gelato. A perfect combination (at least, my kids seem to think so!)

6- Try a new game

Long weekends are a great time for families to reconnect, certainly in our house with everyone being so busy with work, school and extracurriculars, the slower paced long weekends give us a chance to try a new board game or video game. Any excuse to spend some extra time together!

4 Min Read February 26, 2024 No Reply

March Break Activities in Ottawa

Around Ottawa, Parenting

March Break for many families in the Ottawa area is March 11-17.

Not sure what to do? While we are looking forward to some quiet days without the hustle and bustle of a busy high school semester, I also know that many families (ourselves included) will be looking for some new and fun activities to enjoy for kids of all ages.

Please note that some activities are free, and others are ticketed/paid admission events.

March Break with Kids in Ottawa

Go Goat snuggling

Do I need to say anything else? Since our Beach Goat visit when we were in PEI this summer, goats have become a bit of an obsession for this family. Near Ottawa, in Winchester, at Vanderland The Barnyard Zoo, you can book a private goat snuggling session.

Honestly, just check out their Instagram to see that it literally means you’ll get to snuggle goats. You need to privately message to book your time.

Visit Parc Omega

A family favourite of ours, Parc Omega is a nice day trip outing to take with the kids. At this time of year, you’ll just be missing their maple season but there is still a lot to do during your visit. Kids of all ages LOVE seeing the animals and of course feeding them carrots!

wolf at parc omega where you can visit during march break

Plan a Staycation or Mini Getaway

We don’t have to plan a week-long vacation over the March Break (although admittedly, I would also love to do that) but a night or two away at a nearby location is sometimes the perfect break. It also means less stress since the drive is typically shorter and you don’t feel like overpacking the same way!

Not sure where to begin? Check out my staycation post for some ideas.

In Ottawa, many of our local hotels have amazing March Break packages that include visits to Museums and other activities (for example, the Lord Elgin has a family package that looks like a lot of fun and Brookstreet is always a great family hotel! Or, check out Fairmont Chateau Montebello for swimming, indoor activities and outdoor adventuring.) Being a tourist in our own city can be a blast.

Enjoy Maple Syrup Season Activities

I’ve always loved maple syrup season and sugar bush activities. During March Break, plan a trip to a local sugar bush to enjoy pancakes, learn about the making of maple syrup and play outside! Check out Proulx Farm or Stanley Farms.

Have a HOOT at a Museum!

Take your pick of which museum you want to visit in Ottawa because there are so many to choose from (we are fortunate that way!) But of note, the Owls Rendez-Vous at the Canadian Museum of Nature is ending on April 1 and I recommend that one (I need to take my kids too!) You can read about it from my previous visit here.

owls at the nature museum in ottawa. Visit during march break before they are gone

Also, over at the Children’s Museum (a part of the Canadian Museum of History), there are March Break activities in celebration of Anne of Green Gables! Fitting for fellow PEI lovers (or fans of the classic story).

Get hands-on at your local library

I love going to the library even when there are no events happening. If you have kids of any age, it’s a worthwhile outing. Everyone gets to browse for a new book to enjoy (and with the extra time at home during March Break, it’s a good time to get a stack!) A

TIP: if you didn’t already know, you can borrow video games for most systems (including older ones – shout out to the Wii fans) so it’s a nice little perk. There are movies too for family movie night. This is also a free activity!

In additional to creating your own self-guided fun at the library, there are many FREE events happening during March Break. Many require a pre-registration (although there are some drop-in activities) but you can browse all of the activities on the Ottawa Public Library website.

Take a walk outside

I know it seems so simple, but everytime we used to take the kids for a walk on a path or at Gatineau Park, we loved it – and it’s easy to forget how sometimes the simple activities (and the free ones) end up being filled with memories. You can create an outdoor scavenger hunt or just bundle up (in snow pants or rain pants depending on the weather!) and head outside!

HAVE FUN!

6 Min Read February 6, 2024 No Reply

Valentine’s Day at Home in Ottawa

Around Ottawa, Parenting

*edited for 2024!

So you want to do something special for Valentine’s Day, but prefer to stay home. Or maybe you have to stay home since finding a babysitter or heading out for the night can be difficult and expensive. Whatever the reason, keep reading for some delicious at-home take out ideas:

Andy and I used to go out for Valentine’s Day. It was a guaranteed date night and always meant good food. That didn’t change when we had the kids, although going out for a Wednesday night exclusive menu wasn’t as easy, so instead, we started bringing Valentine’s Day to our own dinner table.

We would set up and enjoy a fancy dinner when babies went to bed, or toddlers and preschoolers joined us at the table (with their own sweet menu). That tradition has continued for most years.

READ: How to make a sweet, memorable Valentine’s Day as a family

Sometimes it’s a fancy take-out meal from one of our fave restaurants, or pizza, or something quick. Sometimes we make it at home.

But the goal is just to come around the table, say cheers to our own little romantic story and life we have created and are working for, and be with those we love.

However, that’s just our experience. I know that Valentine’s Day looks different for many. Maybe you’ll have friends and family over, or maybe you are a single parent (or will be solo) this year. Many of these take out options are offered for one adult with child menus added on, or for larger groups when ordered in multiples.

Whatever your plans, if you want to start your own at-home Valentine’s Day tradition (with the kids, or when they are sleeping) here are some places in Ottawa to order from.

You’ll want to open each link to see their full menu, I only mention bits of them sometimes (and hardly do them justice). Also, many of these will likely sell out!

Where to get a take-out Valentine’s Day meal in Ottawa

Epicuria

This has been our go-to for many Valentine’s Days in years past. We would set up a fancy dinner table for the four of us and everything. This year, you have a variety of entrees to choose from so you can serve any palette, but I have to say it’s often the desserts that will have the kids requesting this again in the future!

Pelican Grill

Pelican Grill is offering their lobster dinner meal that includes two starters, sides and dessert (with local Ottawa delivery) and it’s one to impress. We’ve actually ordered this for New Year’s Eve in the past, and love it. This splurge from the sea will have you talking all night long.

Nonna’s Famous Pizza Box

Speaking of Pizza, check out local company Nonna’s Famous Pizza Box. Order DIY Pizza Kits and get hands-on as family so dinner becomes dinner and entertainment! Little hands love to help in the kitchen so a make-your-own-pizza night would be a lot of fun and still encourage wee ones to get to bed on time (especially with Valentine’s Day being a school night!) Plus, the kits also include cookies to decorate! Their delicious kits are available for pick up for delivery.

Taj Indian Cuisine

I’m already drooling thinking about Taj’s dinner package. Their Valentine’s Day menu is available with meat, vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. While this all-in-one combo is meant for two people, parents know that sharing with the kids is usually on the table and a good way to go. Choose an appetizer and a main dish with the level of spice you like. It comes with rice, naan, and rice pudding for dessert. A portion of the specials will support the Ottawa Food Bank.

Red Apron

Why do I write these articles? I just end up hungry and wanting everything. This next menu sounds amazing: Red Apron is serving up a Year of the Dragon inspired menu! Place your order by calling or via email for pick up or delivery.

Good Grazes

Maybe instead of a three course meal, you just want to have a lovely cheese and charcuterie board while sipping some cocktails or mocktails? If that’s the case, you won’t want to miss the Good Grazes Valentine’s Day box. You can even order it for a weekend date night pre-Valentine’s day if you want as orders (for pick up or delivery) are accepted between Febraury 11 and 14.

The Piggy Market

If you know charcuterie is what you want, you can also check out The Piggy Market’s Valentine’s Day Charcuterie Boards. This is a dinner sized portion with 4 meats, 3 cheeses, crostini and other bites. PLUS the locally-made wooden board that it is presented on is all yours to keep. So really, you are gifting yourself (or your partner) amazing food AND a useful kitchen item. The Piggy Market always has amazing food so while you are there, check out their other offerings like their delicious bread. Delivery is also available (spoiler – Tuesdays are free delivery but you can order for any day on Tuesday to get the offer!)

Next

Maybe you prefer to tuck the kids in bed before digging into a delicious meal. I’ve been there, done that. If you are looking for an at-home experience that is unique, check out the Valentine’s Day at-home menu from Next. Each all-in-one meal box for 2 (for pick up or delivery) has a 7 course meal (that is not a typo – seven), extra little bites, wine and cocktails. There are instructions and a video from Chef Michael Blackie so you can prep, plate and say cheers! Delivery is free!

Curated by Beckta

While there 2024 meals are sold out, bookmark their site for future special events! We have ordered from there MANY times over the past couple of years and can confidentally say everything is delicious. You’ll get a restaurant meal that requires very little preparation and heating up at home. We love these boxes.

I hope whatever you decide to do (if you decide to order in) you enjoy the evening. Or at the very least, get yourself from chocolate and enjoy that 😉 And no, I haven’t made our decision yet but I need to order soon!

READ: Last Minute Valentine’s Day activities to do with the kids

1 Min Read January 30, 2024 No Reply

My word of the year for 2024

Business, Lifestyle

In typical ‘me’ fashion, it’s almost the end of January and I’m just sharing my word of the year. I’ve done this word selection before but I’m not sure if I’ve ever done it so late.

There were a few words I considered as I headed into 2024 (I did also create a list of ‘ins and outs’ which has been going well so far – except the moving my body part. That has to increase)

I mostly want a kind, gentle year. So I almost chose gentle. 2023 was a trying, difficult, emotional year to be perfectly honest. And so as I headed into 2024, I felt mostly exhaustion and caution to think about anything to grand or extravagent or bold for 2024.

Instead, I choose a word that really helped guide me when 2023 was being especially difficult.

The word: Presence.

It simply means to just be there. To exist in a situation. The dictionary lists ‘present’ as “now existing or in progress”

And I know that doesn’t seem exciting, but being present in whatever moment is imporant for my wellbeing and for my heart. I need to take in the little moments, and manage the big ones as best I can.

I will offer my presence in 2024. For our family. For myself. My business. My presence will be enough, and sometimes will spark something new, exciting, joyful and meaningful.

Whatever it is in the moment, I just want to be there. Without thinking too far ahead. Or behind.

Presence. It’s a bit of a guide for 2024.

Did you pick a word of the year?

5 Min Read November 20, 2023 No Reply

Family Activity Advent: #25daysofChristmas Countdown

Parenting
25 days of christmas activity advent for families

It’s almost that time again! Advent Calendar season – a countdown to Christmas. But in addition to our chocolate countdowns, our family continues to have an activity calendar countdown, something we have had since the kids were babies and it’s a tradition we continue even as they grow (and both are now teens).

If you have younger kids, search ‘advent calendar’ on my blog search bar for previous years, especially 2009-2012ish when the kids were little. We did different activities that were more age appropriate then. This calendar grows with our kids!

The history of the activity advent calendar

It began in 2009 (when I read about it from a fellow blogger here in Ottawa – thanks Andrea!) and since then, it’s become a beloved tradition. I repeat favourite activities each year, add some new ones, and update them based on the age of the kids and our plans.

As with other years, here are some tips I’m sharing about creating your own activity calendar:

a) Don’t put dates on the activities. You may need to switch them up once and a while if something changes, illness hits etc. I copy the activities from this post, paste them into Word, remove the dates and print them. Then I cut them and add them in our calendar holder.

I bought this from a local Ottawa shop years ago

b) Stock up on the stuff you need for each activities like hot chocolate or craft supplies.

c) Check your family calendar and add in activities to the 25 Days countdown list that you already know you’ll be doing – like Santa letters, Christmas tree decorating or family cookie decorating.This list is also created in close consultation with my calendar  based on days of the week– some activities can’t be done easily on a weekday so I made sure they were on the weekend.

d) You’ll notice only certain movies make the list. This doesn’t mean we don’t watch others, it just means we don’t have a schedule for them.

—-> What’s most important about this calendar isn’t that you put too much effort into crafting the perfect activity, it’s that as a family you come together and take a few moments each day to celebrate and spend time doing something together that is festive, fun and family oriented.

Some days, if we get too busy, we skip.

That’s probably why I love it so much.

This calendar doesn’t work if you stress about it!

Remember, search ’25 days of Christmas’ or advent activities on my blog search bar you’ll find all our other years so if you have toddlers and preschoolers, you can use some of the ideas we had back then.

And again, I explain the singing that you will see on this list:

You’ll notice my list has a few spots where the activity for the day is to simply sing a Christmas song. My kids have requested these be removed but nope – they stay. I keep joking that I will add more. They find the activity boring and not necessary. But I keep them in there. Why? Because honestly, some days are busy, or tiring, or our plans change, or I’m just overwhelmed so having a few ‘freebie’ days means that we still get to do an activity, but it’s extremely simple. It works! And now it’s a running family joke.

As much as I love the holidays, I’m also a big fan of slowing things down, so when it gets to be too much, give yourself permission to skip a day (or just sing a song!) There are no real rules here. Focus on the fun, and time together.

I’m updating last year’s calendar because it will be fairly similar! But again, everything is decided based on existing plans, where the weekends fall, school events etc. I may still update this as we get into December and new activities and ideas appear!

2023 Activity Advent List #25daysofChristmas Countdown

  1. Write letters to Santa (even with no believers in the house, this tradition stays alive!)

2. Decorate the Christmas Tree (hoping to get it on December 1 as it’s a real one)

3. Watch a Muppet Christmas Carol, the Holiday Movie Kick Off

4. Holiday Scavenger hunt around the house

5. Write a special Christmas greeting to your sibling and mail it to them (it will be a nice read when they receive it! And yes, these go in the mail with stamps!)

6. Hot Chocolate Bar

7. Christmas Craft

8. Sing Jingle Bells

9. Visit Cumberland Vintage Village of Lights

10. Gingerbread House Decorating

11.  Play Holiday Who Am I?

12. Make a list of ten things you are thankful for this year.

13. Sing Frosty

14. Visit Taffy Lane!

15. Dessert for Supper, Supper for Dessert

16. Visit the Lansdowne Christmas Market

17. Decorate Christmas Cookies

18. Sing Rudolph

19. Make a donation to the local food bank

20. Hot Chocolate Bar

21. Play Family Christmas Charades

22. Bring in snow and make maple taffy!

23.  Sing We Wish You a Merry Christmas!

24. Unwrap one present from under the tree (mom and dad pick!) [reader note: This is always pjs lol]

25.  It’s Christmas Day. Remember you have a family who loves you. And that’s the most important gift of all.

3 Min Read November 8, 2023 1 Reply

Staycation Ideas for the Fall

Family Travel
fall leaves on a tree

I call the day before back to school the ‘last day of summer’, and then a whole bunch of people tell me how wrong I am because summer doesn’t end for a few more weeks. Fine. More accurately, it’s the last day of summer vacation. And one reason we love vacation so much is all of the travel we fit into the summer.

As we begin school and get back into a work routine in the Fall, we forget that our days of adventuring don’t need to end just because summer does. Fall is a gorgeous time of year for a local day trip or even an overnight staycation. As the leaves turn colour, and the temperatures drop just a bit, there are still opportunities for s’mores, bonfires and outdoor fun. Even grey November days can be made brighter.

I’m always wondering if we shouldn’t try to sneak in a quick overnight or two somewhere one weekend, just to remind ourselves that our time together and the travel that we enjoy can be year round and to get away from our new routine a bit.  Here are some spots that you and your family may enjoy visiting this Fall!

Chateau Montebello

We’ve been in the summer, late Fall after the holiday decorations go up, and the dead of winter and love each visit. Going when the leaves are orange and red would be a stunning time. There’s the indoor pool to enjoy no matter the weather outside, plus fitting in a game of mini putt while wearing cozy sweaters is easy to do. Here’s some info about a previous!  

mini golf at chateau montebello

Parc Omega

Feeling adventurous? Read about our overnight stay in Parc Omega. You can still reserve a spot for the Fall! I can imagine how stunning the drive through the area would be when the leaves turn colours!

deer at parc omega

Brookstreet Hotel

This resort will make it feel like you are out of the city without really having to go very far. They have mini putt, golf, and indoor arcade and an indoor pool. Depending on the weather, the outdoor heated pool may still be open! I love the ‘kids eat free’ dining option too. We always enjoy going there!

brookstreet hotel outdoor pool

Ottawa Marriott Hotel

It’s not hard to find activities to do in downtown Ottawa. Whether your family wants to visit Parliament Hill, or head over to see Mosaicanada in the autumn, it’s nice to relax and enjoy staying right in the city without worrying about driving home. The kids will love the indoor games room too.

Chateau Vaudrauil

It’s only about 90 minutes East of Orleans but Chateau Vaudrauil in Quebec is lovely in the Fall. We went a couple of years ago for Thanksgiving weekend and not only scored amazing weather but had such a fun time. There is plenty of food in the area, tennis courts on site, and since it’s right on the water it’s the perfect location for a morning cup of coffee. We bundled up and enjoyed the calm. Look for their suites to give you and your family a bit more space.

Cottage Country

Browse around and look for a cottage that is within a 90 minute drive in the area and see if you can secure a mini, secluded getaway where you can sip a beverage, stare at the water, and wear cozy sweaters while playing board games together.

Do you have any mini getaways planned for the Fall?

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