• whiteface mountain snowcapped and across the horizon in February as seen from Placid Bay Hotel with a building in the foreground and a picnic bench off to the side
    Travel

    Why Whiteface Mountain is Pure Magic

    January 8, 2026 - By 

    You know those trips that just stick with you? The ones you think about in the middle of a mundane workday, wishing you could swap that office chair for a quad chair or gondola and the smell of pine and cold air? For me, lately that trip is skiing Whiteface Mountain in Lake Placid, New York. I visited Lake Placid and skied Whiteface with my family a couple of years ago and it’s been too long. The History Whiteface isn’t just another ski resort; it’s iconic. Tucked away in the stunning Adirondacks, this mountain has a pedigree few others in…

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    family

    Why Dream Pairs Boots Are My New Obsession

    December 31, 2025 - By 

    Is there anything more “Canadian” than the eternal struggle of finding shoes or boots that actually look cute but won’t leave you sliding across a frozen Tim Horton’s parking lot? I’ve spent years cycling through boots that are either “industrial-tundra-chic” or “fashionable-but-frozen.” Product was provided for consideration and affiliate links are included as a service to readers. I make a small commission via qualifying purchases. The last pair I had were great and a well known brand, don’t get me wrong, but sexy they were not. Fashionable, NO. Functional only and I feel like there’s space for both function and…

  • parenting

    Small Santa, Big Heart: My Little Santa Claus

    December 21, 2025 - By 

    What happens when Santa Claus is the one in need of a gift? When young Magali meets a tiny, lost Santa on Christmas Eve, she discovers that the greatest holiday magic comes from compassion in My Little Santa Claus. I received product for consideration. Amazon affiliate links are included in this post as a service to readers. Any purchases made via the links within result in compensation. Available in English for the first time, this rediscovered gem, My Little Santa Claus, by beloved author-illustrator Gabrielle Vincent is a masterclass in simple storytelling through kindness. If you know me, or spend…

  • Travel

    Making Magic on a Budget: 5 Free Things to Do in Edinburgh

    December 21, 2025 - By 

    Edinburgh is a city that feels like it was plucked straight from the pages of a gothic novel. With its jagged skyline, misty atmosphere, narrow cobblestone “closes,” and gorgeous architecture, it is one of the most impressive cities you could ever visit. Edinburgh has a gravity that pulls you in. But as any traveler knows, visiting another country can be pricey. So, we, as a family, love to find budget friendly things to do when we travel. Here are a few free things to do in Edinburgh that we enjoyed. The very best of Edinburgh—its soul, its history, and its…

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    parenting

    Whimsical Girl Gifts for Christmas 

    December 12, 2025 - By 

    This is a collab with my daughter Payton, the queen of whimsy in my house. As a member of the oldest daughter’s club and someone who is chronically online, I feel it is my duty to help those who don’t know what to buy for the girl in their life. Stick with me and I will help you find the perfect Christmas gift. You’re welcome in advance. But also, if you hate anything here on this roundup of whimsical girl gifts I abdicate all responsibility. I broke this out into shopper personas, so if you know anyone your daughter, sister, bestie…

  • car gifts red car on a present
    Travel

    The Ultimate 101 Gifts for Car Guys and Gals

    December 7, 2025 - By 

    Clearly, the holidays are right around the bend and honestly it’s time to get shopping. So, here are a few of my hot gifts for Car Guys and Gals, you know who I mean, the guys and gals who know what they like and can name the brands they need in their lives. Post contains affiliate links as a service to readers. Any purchases made via qualifying links provides me with small commission from Amazon. Interior Tech & Gadgets Tools and Safety Gadgets: Battery Testers Tool Kits and Maintenance EMERGENCY Items: Maintenance Kit Battery Maintenance Practical gifts for the DIYer…

  • alkmaar_netherlands
    Travel

    Why Alkmaar Netherlands is the Perfect Dutch Base

    November 20, 2025 - By 

    Dreaming of a trip to the Netherlands? Visions of Amsterdam’s canals, windmills, iconic houses, and liberal culture might already be top of mind. Amsterdam is undeniably vibrant and an iconic tourist destination. But there are equally lovely quieter and more affordable alternatives for your home base, just a short train ride away from the hub. Alkmaar Netherlands offers all the Dutch charm with a side of relaxation and is easier on your wallet. Swap Crowds for Charm in Alkmaar Let me introduce you to the wonderful city of Alkmaar Netherlands. Forget what you think you know about needing to be…

  • bridge_in_summer_lined_with_red_flower_planters_and_a_teen_standing_nearby_looking_at_water
    Health

    How to Handle FASD and Running

    November 4, 2025 - By 

    From the moment my youngest child started moving, they were a runner. The kid ran everywhere. in fact, we used to joke that this child ran before they walked, which was pretty accurate and slightly comical, until they started running away. For them, FASD, Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, and running went hand in hand. What is Elopement? Elopement is basically when kids with some neurological conditions leave or run away from wherever they currently are. That can be school, home, the mall, the park or any other spot. For some reason their fight or flight reaction is activated and flight…

  • nyhavvvn_copenhagen_denmark
    Travel

    Finding Hygge in Copenhagen

    October 12, 2025 - By 

    Sweater season, leaf peeping, and pumpkin spice everything. There are two types of people in the world: those who love fall and those who, well, don’t. For most of my life, I have fallen squarely into the latter camp. The shorter days felt dreary. The chill in the air added to that feeling. The constant reminder that winter was just around the corner intensified it. But then, we experienced Denmark and finding hygge changed my feelings about the fall months. Finding Hygge in Denmark I went to Copenhagen last year with Payton, and while there we discovered hygge. What is…

  • kings_garden_copenhagen
    Travel

    Discover Kongens Have: Copenhagen’s Gem

    September 17, 2025 - By 

    Copenhagen is a city brimming with history, charm, and an undeniable sense of hygge. While many visitors flock to Nyhavn or Tivoli, another must see is Kongens Have, or the King’s Garden Copenhagen. It’s a peaceful spot with history and culture steeped in every perfectly manicured flowerbed, offering a tranquil escape right in the busy city. The gardens were high on our list of places to visit when we were there last fall. History Meets Horticulture Kongens Have, King’s Garden, is free to visit. For more ideas of budget friendly must sees in Copenhagen, check out the Free Things to…