• suede slippers
    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…

  • last_year
    family

    So Where’ve I Been for the Last Year?

    March 14, 2022 - By 

    So Where’ve I Been this last year? Two years ago this week we were practically standing at the door ready to roll on our trip to Vermont I was writing here 3-4 times a week, a regular contributor to CBC Parents and Content Coordinator at Neighbours of Sunningdale. But the pandemic upended a lot of that. Travel ground to a standstill two years ago this week and that was that. What is a travel writer without the ability to travel? I pivoted fast to writing about pandemic parenting and that worked for several months. Frankly, that first year just being…

  • gratitude jar
    family - Parenting

    Eight Ways to Teach Gratitude and a Gratitude Jar Craft

    June 7, 2021 - By 

    Gratitude is a funny thing. It’s hard to teach at times, but such an important value to hold close for life. Without gratitude life can ring hollow. For me, gratitude ties in closely with mindfulness. That’s why I like this gratitude jar kids’ craft idea for families. I’ve talked about self esteem before and self esteem crafts that help kids to grow more self esteem, but what about gratitude? How do you build a sense of gratitude from a young age that permeates a lifespan? Eight Ways to Show Gratitude Here are several ways to help build gratitude in kids…

  • airline_attendant_demonstrating_oxygen_mask
    family

    My Oxygen Mask and Life During a Pandemic

    March 9, 2021 - By 

    Huddle up real close. I have something to say regarding life this past year. But wait just a moment, my oxygen mask is askew. Put Your Own Oxygen Mask on First You know on airplanes before takeoff when the flight attendants give you that safety demonstration? Oh, I know you are supposed to be listening, but honestly a lot of us have zero interest in the safety demo when we just want to get to where we are going. Right? Lately, I have been reflecting on that simple statement – please put your own oxygen mask on before securing others.…

  • sensory_play
    family

    Easy Fun Five Senses Sensory Scavenger Hunt + Printable

    February 18, 2021 - By 

    A sensory scavenger hunt is perfect for so many kids. Whether they are sensory seekers or avoiders, there’s a little something for any child here. Some of you by now are aware that my kids have a fair number of sensory issues. So sensory stuff here is second nature. And I am sure that you know that we love scavenger hunts. My oldest would literally still do this actually. She is the crafty kind of kid who lives to get outside exploring and then brings what she has found indoors to build something crafty or creative with it. I am…

  • woman_man_hands_holding_roses
    family

    Valentines Date Night Conversation Cards

    February 3, 2021 - By 

    Well, here we are again. Today, I refuse to say anything about how things sure are different this year. I am getting tired of hearing that worn old story. Aren’t you? Instead, I am letting these Valentine’s Day Date night conversation cards speak for themselves. Set up a virtual date, or perhaps an in person date night this year. Plan out a lovely meal and maybe get the kids involved, if you have them. After they go to bed, get these cute date night conversation starters out and do something romantic and just a bit different. Looking for Ideas? Here…

  • Valentine's Day with kids
    family

    Fun Things to Do for Valentine’s Day with Kids + Valentine’s Cards Printable

    January 21, 2021 - By 

    This Valentine’s Day has potential to be a downer. Pandemic holidays are a bit of a challenge that way. But, it could also just as easily be memorable depending on how you spin it with the kids this season. And depending on your own outlook. So, here are a few fun things to do this Valentine’s Day with kids. Oh and stick to the very end of the post for some sweet free Valentine’s cards that you can download easily now. Six Fun Ways to Enjoy Valentine’s Day with Kids this Year Baking or Cooking Together Make some scrumptious and…

  • magician_writing_prompt_tophat_magic
    family - Printables

    Adorable Magician Writing Prompt for Kids

    January 6, 2021 - By 

    Here’s to your little writers and content creators. Let’s celebrate and nurture the creative souls with this Magician Writing Prompt Printable Activity. Easy Indoor Activities for Creative Kids First, if your kids are hunting for activities that are quiet and indoors this winter, then here’s a thought. Why not offer up some writing prompts to get them creating content? Writing is a great way to express imagination while exploring literacy through spelling and grammar. And second of all, this Magician Writing Prompt is simple and fun. Who doesn’t adore magic and magicians? Writers Will Write One millliiiiooooooonnn years ago, in…

  • Ilderton_christmas_lights
    family

    Best London Christmas Lights to See Now (Have a Drive Through, Socially Distant New Year!)

    December 31, 2020 - By 

    So where are the best London Christmas lights that are safe to see from the car? Are they still open? Can you make that part of your New Year’s Eve tonight? Read the information below to find out. Obviously parades and the holiday season went virtual this year around Ontario and in many places throughout Canada. But, what about New Year’s Eve? And what about social distancing? Good news. There are still a few London Christmas lights and homes to drive by and enjoy. Check out some of the Best Drive Through London Christmas lights and holiday light displays before…

  • christmas_gift_guide
    family

    My 2020 Christmas Gift Guide – Celebrate With Me

    December 15, 2020 - By 

    Happy Holidays! My 2020 Christmas Gift Guide is ready to share. I couldn’t be happier to spread some joy this year and share a few of my favourite things with you. My 2020 Christmas Gift guide contains affiliate links. At no extra fee to you, I receive a small commission off of purchases made via qualifying links. I received product and compensation in some cases for features in this guide. Well, here we are almost at Christmas and this year I am doing a few things differently. One thing I am doing is shopping slowly and in chunks to spread…