Disclaimer - This Custom Photo Puzzle post was written in collaboration with collage.com. All thoughts and opinions expressed on this blog are my own. I have to admit that finding the perfect present for my parents has been a challenge over the past few years, since they're at the stage in their lives where they have everything they need and want. The one thing they love the … [Read more...]
Collage.com’s Photo Blankets = My New Favourite Gift Item!
Whenever I find something I love, I can't wait to tell all my friends and family about it. I love Collage.com's Photo Blankets and want to make one for all my loved ones for Christmas! Disclaimer: I received product in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed on this blog are honest and my own. I think it's safe to say that when it comes to giving … [Read more...]
No Dress Rehearsal, This is Our Life.
No dress rehearsal, this is our life. Gord, you were ahead by a century. Today, as I was ready to start my morning, I read the news of Gord Downie's death, and I wept. Normally a stickler for proper grammar, I'm sure this post will be full of run-on sentences and garbled thoughts. Whenever I think Canadian music, I immediately think of Gord Downie and The … [Read more...]
Favourite Memories #YesItsPinesol
Disclaimer - This is a sponsored post. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed on this blog are honest and my own. It is amazing how we are transported back to favourite memories when we take in certain scents. Our sense of smell is one of our senses most closely connected with memory. “A number of behavioral studies have demonstrated that smells trigger more vivid … [Read more...]
The Fresh Scent of Lavender
Disclaimer - This is a sponsored post, however all thoughts and opinions expressed on this blog are honest and my own. Isn't it incredible how certain fragrances and scents can evoke memories or transport us to another time in our lives? The fresh scent of lavender reminds me of my grandparents. I was first introduced to the calming, fresh scent of lavender by my maternal … [Read more...]
Cultivate Imagination & Creativity ~ Irish Fairy Door Giveaway
What child doesn't love getting lost in their own imagination and creativity? My little one spends hours searching for fairies in our forest. We actually have a section of one of our wood lots designated as her Enchanted Fairy Forest. There's nothing as magical as the look of wonder on a child's face. I enjoy experiencing moments of creative fun and play with my … [Read more...]
Magic Lives Everywhere ~The Irish Fairy Door
Magic lives everywhere (especially with the Irish Fairy Door Co). One of the greatest experiences a parent can have is witnessing magical moments with your children and seeing the look of joy and wonder on their faces. I love those kinds of moments with Little One. She believes in all things magical like Santa Claus, mermaids, unicorns, and fairies. Last year, Little … [Read more...]
First Day of School Tradition
Can you believe it's that time of the year again? Summer seems to have come and gone! I feel like I just picked up Little One from her bus stop on her last day of school, and all of a sudden, it's almost the first day of school again! The Summer was a whirlwind of events, beginning with four weeks straight of out of town visitors. I'm thrilled that Little One got to spend … [Read more...]
Sudbury Graphic-Con #graphiccon2016 #SudburyTourism
Many of you may not know this, but I am a total geek...and proud of it! Growing up, my middle brother and I collected comic books. We used to earn an allowance and our allowance money always went towards comic books and candy - in that order. As kids growing up in the 80s, watching Saturday morning cartoons with a bowl of cereal in hand was a ritual for us. That was … [Read more...]
Dealing with Grief: May is Always a Hard Month for Me
April showers bring May flowers. Mother's Day. One would think that May would be a happy time because the temperature is beginning to warm up, the flowers are blooming, the birds are chirping, and everything comes to life again in May. May used to be one of my favourite months. Now, May is a hard month for me though. It's a time when I find myself dealing with grief. I … [Read more...]
Broken-Hearted: Goodbye Chance
This is the day I have been dreading for a while. I remember when I first laid eyes on Chance, I knew he was a special puppy. Out of the entire litter, he was the only fluff ball, when all his litter mates were sleek black lab mixes. She had crinkly ears and was just so fuzzy. I fell in love with that puppy the minute I saw him. It may sound rather morbid, but that … [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...]
Genmaicha: Gen Mai Tea ~ Evoking Memories Through Flavours
I often find it incredible how a certain fragrance, taste, or even a song can evoke memories. Have you ever had that experience where a certain smell can transport you to a particular time in your life? My Dad said that genmaicha does that for him. Dad recently told me about how his Grandmother used to use the leftover rice from meals and roast the grains to use for making … [Read more...]
Lengua Estofada
Though my grandparents on my maternal side have both passed away, I think of them often. Most days, life goes on as it always does, but every now and then, something triggers a memory and I miss my grandparents tremendously. Cooking with my little one reminds me of my childhood and spending lots of time in my grandparents' kitchen. I was always curious about our … [Read more...]
Miso Soup
Miso soup for breakfast? Yes, please! When I was living and working in Japan (1998-2000), one of the things that was a bit of a surprise to me was Japanese breakfasts. Traditional Japanese breakfasts often include rice, soup, fish, or egg and natto -- but not limited to those breakfast items. When I had training at my school's headquarters, we stayed at a ryokan … [Read more...]