I never fully understood what people meant when they told me "Enjoy them while they're young", "They're only little once", and "Time flies!" Then I had a child and all of a sudden, I knew what others meant, and boy, were they right. Time flies! It's hard to believe that this time eight years ago, I was on strict hospital bed rest at Mount Sinai Hospital. It all seems like … [Read more...]
Mini Chocolate Chess Pies
It's National Chocolate Day, so we whipped up some Mini Chocolate Chess Pies. One of my husband's favourite desserts is Chocolate Chess Pie. Hubby mentioned recently that I haven't been baking as much as when we first started dating. Before we got married, I baked him gourmet cheesecakes regularly. Now, he only gets homemade gourmet cheesecake on his birthday or on … [Read more...]
Shocked At What I Have Been Doing To My Child
I am shocked at what I have been doing to my child. "Donne un beau bec!" "Give Grandma a hug!" "Give Uncle George a kiss goodbye!" I had no idea that by telling my child to do these things, I was doing her a tremendous disservice. I grew up in a culture where every adult relative or friend was considered family. Friends of the family were all "aunts" and … [Read more...]
Salmon with Maple Dijon Glaze
One of the greatest things about living on an island is that we have access to fresh fish. A favourite of ours is salmon. Manitoulin Island is a fisherman's paradise. The fish you can catch depends on the time of year, and which lake you are fishing at. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned fishing enthusiast, or whether you like fishing from the shore, the dock or … [Read more...]
Refreshing Raspberry Cider Vinegar Drink
This Raspberry Cider Vinegar Drink makes me think of the Raspberry Cordial from Anne of Green Gables. It was Summer sometime in the mid 1980s. The sun was shining and the gentle breeze made my dusty rose Venetian blinds sway. I remember the gentle clicking sound the blinds made when they hit my window sill. School was out for Summer, and I was lost in my new favourite book. … [Read more...]
The Giving Effect – Give Where We Live
"Every act of giving inspires another." (TELUS Give Where We Live - The Giving Effect) Growing up, my grandparents taught us to help others whenever possible. This practice has always been important to my family, and this is something I have noticed TELUS doing year after year with their Give Where We Live/TELUS Days of Giving campaigns. The message and impact of TELUS' … [Read more...]
Hasselback Potatoes – Another Family Favourite
I married a beef farmer. He loves his meat and potatoes. He really loves his meat and potatoes. This means I've got to pull out all my favourite potato recipes, as well as be on the look out for new recipes to try! I have been seeing Hasselback Potatoes on all of my social media networks. In fact, I'd be pretty hard pressed to go online and not come across photos and … [Read more...]
Revitalized: Rest and Relaxation at Casino Rama
It's been a pretty stressful year so far. Since Hubby's accident in February, life has been tough. Work, work, work. Farm, farm, farm. Family, family, family. It's easy to lose one's self when there is little to no down time. When the opportunity to sharpen up social media and marketing skills AND get some rest and relaxation at Casino Rama presented itself, you bet I … [Read more...]
Big Fun at Big Nickel and Dynamic Earth #SudburyTourism
Inquisitive minds will enjoy checking out Big Nickel and Dynamic Earth in Sudbury, Ontario. I have to admit that I have lived in Northern Ontario for twelve years, and this was my first time checking out Dynamic Earth. It's been on my travel bucket list for a while now, and I can now say that I'm checking it off the list. I've been to Science North countless times, and … [Read more...]
Northern Ontario Railroad Museum & Heritage Centre #SudburyTourism
"I never even knew such a place existed in the North!" (Little One, aged 7 in reference to the Northern Ontario Railroad Museum & Heritage Centre) I have to be honest. Living in Northern Ontario for the past twelve years, I've only really made Sudbury trips for either doctor's appointments, running errands, or just spending the day off-island. Sudbury has always just … [Read more...]
Calving Season ~ A Day in the Life of a Farmer #FarmVoices #OntAg
This post on calving season was written by Hubby (aka: Farmer John). John occasionally contributes farm posts in hopes of providing an understanding of farm life, farm practices, and sharing agricultural information with readers. Spring is an exciting time of the year on the farm, mainly because we get to experience calving season. It's something we look forward to, and … [Read more...]
Getting My Child to Eat her Food: The Truth Is…I Have No Tricks!
Several friends have asked me countless times how I get Little One to eat her school lunches every day. The truth is, I have no tricks or tips. We've just been very lucky that Little One happens to have an adventurous palate and a voracious appetite. Seriously. That is all. I was thinking about how all kids are different and have different tastes. What works for one … [Read more...]
The Day Mommy had a Meltdown
Growing up, I don't recall ever seeing my mother cry. I don't recall ever seeing a day that my mom had a meltdown. Sure, my mom would yell at us when we misbehaved or didn't listen, but I never saw her cry. I thought that surely she was the strongest person on the planet. Then I realized when I grew up that no one ever knew if Mom had a meltdown or how often she would … [Read more...]
Why Great Wolf Lodge is the Perfect Family Vacation Destination! #GWLNiagara10
This post is part of the YummyMummyClub.ca and Great Wolf Lodge #GWLNiagara10 sponsored program. I received compensation as a thank you for my participation. This post reflects my personal opinion about the information provided by the sponsors. The drive from Manitoulin Island the Niagara Falls is a long one, but Little One is a super traveler and plane rides and road trips … [Read more...]
So, You Want to Marry a Farmer?
Yes, having taught English from 1998 to 2012, I realize that you should never begin a sentence with "so". So, You Want to Marry a Farmer makes for a fun title though, doesn't it? I did contemplate on the title and thought I would call this post, A Day on the Farm. So, You Want to Marry a Farmer sounds better (even though this post is about the craziness that can happen on … [Read more...]