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...]
Specialty Cheeses & More at Quintina’s in Spring Bay #Manitoulin
Living on Manitoulin Island brings new experiences every day. Whether it be finding a new fishing spot or secluded place to swim in the summertime, you'll be surprised at some of the hidden gems this special island is home to. One of those hidden gems is Quintina's and we love them for their specialty cheeses! We recently discovered Quintina's specialty cheeses at the … [Read more...]
Buoys Eatery – A Manitoulin Gem
Back in 2004, I left Toronto and moved to an island in the middle of Lake Huron. Never would I have guessed back then that I would make so many meaningful connections with people on all ends of the island. One of those special connections is with Buoys Eatery in Gore Bay. I'm the person who went to Singapore because I wanted real Singapore noodles and so I could say I had … [Read more...]
Happy Year of the Monkey 2016! Plus a Beef & Broccoli Recipe!
Gung Hei Fat Choi! Happy New Year! As we welcome the Year of the Monkey, we wish you a happy, healthy New Year. Living on Manitoulin Island, I wanted to make sure that Little One is aware of her cultural heritage and that she embraces her roots. Yes, she was born in Canada and is Canadian, but she also has Filipino, Chinese, Caribbean, Scottish, English and even a bit of … [Read more...]
Where to Shop Locally this Season on #Manitoulin
I would be lying if I told you that we only shop locally, because we don't. There are times when we travel off-Island to get items that we cannot find on the Island. There are also times when we shop online and have items delivered to our home. This said, I firmly believe that people should first shop locally as much as possible, and as often possible. We're a farming … [Read more...]
A Manitoulin Thanksgiving
I can hardly wait for the weekend! Two more sleeps until we get to see some of our favourite people on the planet! People think I'm crazy because my favourite season is Fall. Sure, I love the freshness and the rebirth that is Spring and I love the sun on my back, the sand between my toes and the sound of the waves crashing on the shore in the Summer. This said, nothing … [Read more...]
Taiwanese Night at Buoys Eatery
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...]
Mosquito Season & a Green Strike Giveaway
Spring is always an exciting time! As soon as the temperature hits 12 degrees, we're in shorts and t-shirts! Funny, because come Fall, when the temperature goes down to 12 degrees, we're all bundled up in fuzzy sweaters and scarves! Ah! We're a strange breed, us Canadians! It's true! The warmer months are upon us and while we love outdoor living, often times we are … [Read more...]
13 Amazing & Practical Uses for Mason Jars
There's just something so rustic and homey about mason jars. Living on a farm, mason jars are aplenty in our old farm kitchen. Friends and family joke that I work for Bernardin! I don't, but I sure do use their mason jars regularly and have hundreds in use all the time. I'm not kidding. Hundreds! Okay, maybe about two or three hundred! That's still a lot though! … [Read more...]
Ice Caves on Manitoulin Island
People often ask me what there is to do on Manitoulin Island in the Winter. True, many of the businesses are closed until tourist season starts again in May, but there's always something going on! If you're an outdoor enthusiast and love keeping active with your family, you have got to check out the ice features and ice caves on Manitoulin Island. Beware, as the … [Read more...]
Local Manitoulin Gifts for the Holidays
Everyone who knows me knows how much I love to shop locally and support local businesses. We grow a lot of our food on our farm, we buy from other farmers, and when it comes to gifting, I love hitting up the Christmas Bazaars and Craft Sales for some local Manitoulin gifts. I find special, one of a kind items for loved ones when I buy from local mom and pop shops and … [Read more...]
Life Lessons
I was debating on whether to entitle this post Lessons with a Horse or How Riding Teaches us about Life, but thought those titles would generate the wrong audience! You never know! I've seen some blog traffic generated by some pretty strange Google searches! Anyway, Little One is five years old and I wants to join every possible activity available. Her entire year is … [Read more...]
Main Street Cafe in Kagawong #Manitoulin Island
There is a very special place on Manitoulin Island that captures the hearts of those who visit. Kagawong is a stunning jewel nestled between the cliffs of Mudge Bay. The view is spectacular and there are always adventures to be had. Whether it be walk on the trails or a dip in the water, or hanging out at the Bridal Veil Falls and then going to the Chocolate Works for a … [Read more...]