When I moved to Manitoulin Island in 2004, aside from my friends and family, one of the only things I missed the most was the variety of different types of cuisine available. In order for me to enjoy international cuisine, I had to cook it myself. Thus the birth of "International Dinner Nights" came about. A group of friends and their families would take turns hosting … [Read more...]
We Day ~ Will you answer the Call for Change?
When I was ten years old, I wrote a letter to the Minister of the Environment. I penned a letter on a sheet of loose leaf and wanted a call for action since I felt something needed to be done about clear-cutting, deforestation, acidic precipitation, etc, etc, etc. I was ten and I wanted to make a difference. Years later, when I was in high school, I joined the Amnesty … [Read more...]
On Childhood
I remember my Summer days as a kid as if they were just yesterday. My parents believed in letting us just be kids and enjoy our childhood "because kids grow up too quickly and before you know it, it's adult problems, responsibility and stress." I'm laughing now, but those were my mom's exact words. Boy, was she ever right! I cherish my Summer memories and just being a … [Read more...]
1 Year Until Rio! #WannaPlayChat #RoadtoRio Twitter Party
Growing up, I recall the excitement of watching the Olympics. I was always amazed and inspired by the hard work, training and capabilities of the athletes who compete in the games. There was also the sense of unity and pride in one's country as we'd cheer on Canadian athletes. It only just dawned on me that the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics are just over a year … [Read more...]
Sunwing is in search of their new Kidcation Tester!
My very first time on an airplane was when I was an infant. My parents brought me to Trinidad and Tobago so my Dad could spend time helping out at my grandparents' shop in Trinidad. That was the first of many, many plane rides for me. International travel is something my family holds close to our hearts. I thank my parents for sharing the love of travel with us and for … [Read more...]
Dalvay by the Sea #PEI #travel
“Look at that sea, girls--all silver and shadow and vision of things not seen. We couldn't enjoy its loveliness any more if we had millions of dollars and ropes of diamonds.” ― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables That quote has always made me think of how blessed we are to be able to soak in the beauty of the sea and how fortunate we are to live in a country as … [Read more...]
Celebrating Canada Day #GTCanadaProud
The end of school is here and thus begins our Summer vacation! We're kicking things off with our Canada Day celebrations. Earlier this month, we talked about how to celebrate Canada Day with Giant Tiger. Giant Tiger has everything to help your family celebrate Canada Day. If you love entertaining and celebrating outdoors with a big BBQ get together, … [Read more...]
This Canada Day, Be #GTCanadaProud with Giant Tiger! {Giveaway}
Can you believe we're halfway through June already? That means Canada Day is right around the corner! Canada Day is a BIG event for us. I admit that I feel a bit emotional whenever the national anthem is sung or whenever I see Canadians across the nation band together in unison. On the Island, we participate in Canada festivities like our local Canada Day parade, a fish … [Read more...]
How to Sprout Seeds, Grains, and Beans
From my earliest recollections, sprouting our own bean sprouts has been something our family did. My Dad, being an expert green thumb and fan of all things innovative and science-based, always had some kind of "science project" going on. Whether it be hybridizing and creating new species of fancy Japanese goldfish to cross-pollinating flowers like orchids and daylilies, or … [Read more...]
Express yourself with #ArtTonite through cocktail inspired painting in Toronto!
Many moons ago, in my previous life, I used to frequent museums and art galleries and enjoy evenings out with friends. Dinner and drinks after work were part of my life. Now, those things I enjoyed the most are luxuries to me. Work, life, child, farm and family all take priority. Nights out are a rare treat. I'll be honest. I sometimes miss those social … [Read more...]
Should Screaming Kids Be Banned From Restaurants?
You know the situation. You've probably witnessed it before or you've probably been the parent of a child throwing a tantrum at a restaurant. I recently read yet another story about a restaurant banning screaming children. This time, the story on Global News featured the Facebook post from The Lobster Pound and Moore. The restaurant issued an apology on social media … [Read more...]
Filipino Siopao
It's incredible how certain sights, sounds and fragrances/scents can transport you back to a certain time and place. The senses can bring you back to a special moment in time. I find food has a way of doing this. Every now and then, I'll have a dish that reminds me of simpler times. I relive childhood memories where my Filipino side of the family would gather together for a … [Read more...]
Happy Chinese New Year 2015!
Gung Hey Fat Choy! Happy Chinese New Year 2015! The Year of the Goat It's Chinese New Year 2015! This year is the Year of the Goat! Though the Chinese word 羊 (yáng) is a generic term that refers to a sheep, goat or ram, many Chinese people believe that the animal in the Chinese zodiac is actually the goat. There are explanations to support their belief such as the fact … [Read more...]
Beef Bulgogi
One of our favourite dishes in our house is Korean Beef Bulgogi. Hubby just got me a meat slicer for Christmas and we tested it out last night! I'm a bit scared of super sharp blades (the meat slicer looks like a table saw). Okay, I am extremely accident prone. Hubby was the one who took on the slicing job and I just made the Bulgogi marinade and cooked our supper. … [Read more...]
Love Persimmons? Persimon®, Blueberry and Pomegranate Salad #persimonsays
For the holidays, we usually stick to our mainstays, but I thought I'd include this festive Persimon®, Blueberry and Pomegranate Salad this year. How gorgeous is that? I found the recipe on the persimonsays.com website. How gorgeous is this Persimon®, Blueberry and Pomegranate Salad? The flavours are so lovely and delicate. The salad was a total hit with everyone. … [Read more...]