Some of my fondest memories come from time spent camping with my family. Growing up, my family went camping every Summer. It wasn't just my parents, brothers and me, but our entire family! My uncles, aunts, cousins, family friends, grandparents and other extended family relations would all embark on an epic camping trip each year. My memories of our family camping trips … [Read more...]
The Feeling of Loss Never Really Goes Away
The past few days, I've been thinking of my grandmother. A lot. In between phone and Skype meetings or replying to e-mail and wrapping up reports for clients, my thoughts occasionally wandered and were of happy times with my grandmother. I thought of how loving and kind she was. I thought of how patient she was. I thought of how she never talked ill of anyone. Really, … [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...]
June ~ Father’s Day & Graduation time! #lovehallmark
Can you believe it's already June? That means the end of the school year is in sight. For our niece, that means high school graduation! I cannot believe she's already graduating from high school! It seems like just yesterday she was still in elementary school! Her sister is already in college. Wow! The years just seem to fly by! What to give a teen on their high … [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...]
Disney World & Family Time
Our Disney story began a few years ago, when Little One was a pint-sized tot, totally in awe of all things Disney. A friend gave her Wall-E and a family gave her UP. The rest was history...or, just the beginning! Soon after, Little One just had to collect as many Disney DVDs as possible. She also REALLY wanted to go to Disney World. We discovered that though at three … [Read more...]
Wordless Wednesday ~ What is Love?
What is love? From the very beginning, Little One has had a very strong bond with her Grampy. Grampy's first visit with Little One in the NICU when she was a few days old did not last too long. In fact, it only lasted a few minutes. Admittedly, I was upset. Grampy drove six hours from the Island to Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto with Hubby, and only stayed a few … [Read more...]
Rockin’ out to the Mini Pops!
It was 1981 and Summer days were filled with wonder and adventure. Sunny days spent playing outdoors, hanging out in the pool or at the park, and even dancing up a storm were all part of my fondest memories. I remember when I was a little girl, one of my very first records (yes, I said RECORDS...as in vinyl, LPs!) was the Mini Pops! My brother, cousins and I would rock it … [Read more...]
A Glama-riffic Birthday Party!
It was a day that I was dreading. I knew it would come sooner or later. My baby would no longer be a little 5 year old, but a BIG GIRL. Yes. Little One's 6th birthday was one I was not looking forward to. It meant the end to the "little girl" part of her life and now she would be more grown up. *sniff* Well, we had to make her 6th birthday party a great one. Where else … [Read more...]
The Loss of a Loved One
The loss of a loved one -- Does it ever get easier? In my lifetime, I've only lost a handful of people dear to me. My grandfather on my father's side passed away when I was still very young. My recollections of him are of a jovial, gentle, kind man who made us laugh. He'd chase my brother around the house, play games with us, and because he was diabetic, he'd sneak sweets … [Read more...]
#Filipino Leche Flan Recipe #LMDConnector
Whenever I think of the holidays, I think of my grandmother's Leche Flan recipe. Whether it be Christmas, a birthday party, Easter or any family get together, my grandmother always made her famous leche flan. For those unfamiliar with leche flan, it is a popular dessert in the Philippines. Leche flan (or flan de leche in Spanish) simply means milk flan. In the Philippines, … [Read more...]
Memories and Generations + WIN a Mother’s Day Gift for Mom #hallmarkpresspause {Giveaway}
My mother always told me "Just wait until you have kids of your own! THEN you'll understand." Being a mostly good, respectful (but sometimes bratty, insolent, argumentative) teenager, I tried to assert my independence (while being a dependent), and wanted to be treated like a grown-up (when I obviously wasn't yet), I'd get into arguments with my Mom. Despite our fights … [Read more...]
Beautiful Skin: Memories & Youth #BestBeautiful #PGMom
I sat at her feet, playing under her vanity as she applied her make-up and brushed her hair. I remember looking up at my grandmother, thinking she was the most beautiful woman on the planet. When it came to my grandmother, I was always in awe and admiration. The persistence of memory is a remarkable thing. I often find it interesting how I remember her kindness, … [Read more...]