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It’s Friday, Friends. And it’s all happening at Our House this weekend.

It's been a busy summer at our house. And it will culminate this weekend with a massive family gathering. Among the guests will be my father's two brothers -- all three boys, all in one spot! It doesn't happen often because one is in Ottawa, one is in Toronto, and one is overseas in Germany. Photo taken by my grandmother of her three boys. 1961. In fact, the last time I recall seeing all three brothers together was at my grandmother's … [Read more...]

Custom Drapery for the Living Room

Fabric Samples from Tonic Living

You know how when you watch Sarah Richardson (of Sarah 101 fame) she always manages to find some beautiful fabrics and have throw pillows and custom curtains made? Well, I always wonder: Is that actually a realistic option or is that just something designers can not only know how to do, but also, afford to do. In the end, I decided to find out for myself. I mean, why not, right? I'd already taken the leap into throw pillows, so I'm practically … [Read more...]

It’s Friday, Friends. Find Some Time Alone.

I would like to have more time alone with my husband. This weekend, I'm in luck. My in-laws are watching our kids and Hubby and I will have TWO WHOLE NIGHTS alone. I am struggling to recall the last time we had two nights alone. I think it might have been four years ago when we attended a friend's out of town wedding. But even then, it might have only been one night. I just can't remember. Do you ever manage to get time alone with your special … [Read more...]

Photos from our East Coast Family Vacay

Huge deck, right on the water

We enjoyed our family vacation to the East Coast of Canada. The people were friendly, the seafood was amazing, and the coast line was beautiful. But my most fave thing of all was enjoying a glass of red on the dock and breathing in the fresh, salty sea air. If you're interested in visiting this area for your next vacation, I've shared our week's itinerary up over at Road Trips for Families. The Cottage at Hubbards Cove The Shore … [Read more...]

And with the blink of an eye, she’s 10

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Stella is 10. Double digits. I don't know how I went from limping around with stitches in my va-jayjay a brand-new mother to one hosting a bunch of tree-climbing kids. It just happened with the blink of an eye. This year, she did not want a themed birthday party. She did not want decorations. She did not want cake (and opted by Pavlova instead). She did not want parent-led games or activities. But she still wanted a homemade … [Read more...]

It’s Friday, Friends. I’ll Smile for Her.

My sister is leaving on a jet plane tomorrow. She and her husband are off overseas for a new international teaching gig. Two years. I'm sad. She's my little bottle of sunshine. But I'll smile for her. Love you, Megs. Live it up! Soak it all in. And Skype your sister lots.  xox … [Read more...]

Cool Cafes: Jimolly’s Bakery Cafe, Truro, Nova Scotia

Jimolly's Bakery Cafe

After a half-decent roadtripping sleep in a roadtripping hotel, a parent needs -- NEEDS -- a good coffee before hitting the road again. Hubby and I were up and circling the streets of Truro on just such a hunt when we spotted a sign for Jimolly's Bakery Cafe. We had come here to witness a tidal bore (this did not happen) on our road trip from Ottawa to Hubbards, Nova Scotia, and we did not have high expectations -- just a spot of caffeine and a … [Read more...]

Cold Quinoa Salad

Looneyspoons Quinoa Salad

I don't want to shock you or anything, but I've expanded my cooking repertoire beyond Bananaberry Bomb muffins to now include a quinoa salad. That keen-noa, people. Don't make the same mistake as me and go around called it key-no-ah for at least a year before figuring out that you're pronouncing it all wrong! For a while, I've been trying to sway the household into eating quinoa instead of pasta and rice, but with only limited success. … [Read more...]

Over 40 Hair: Oh, the Conundrums!

pixie hair cut

I have hair issues, people. I think this is because I was spoiled by good, thick hair when I was younger -- hair that I could do anything with -- but now it will not cooperate with me at all. (Oh, woe is me, right? Trust me, I'm fully aware that this is a petty problem, but let's continue anyhow, shall we ...) So, for a long time, wearing a short pixie cut worked for me. It was super quick, but it still looked like I had a "style." Here is a … [Read more...]

Guest Post: Advice for Parents if Your Child is Volunteering Abroad

Hello loverlies! I am back from my vacation out to Eastern Canada and will collect photos and notes to share with you soon. In the meantime, I was contacted a while back about a guest post sponsored by Projects Abroad, an international volunteer organization. Many young people take "gap years" these days -- I know I certainly did! In fact, in my family, three out of four of the kids chose to travel overseas after graduation: I left with a … [Read more...]

It’s a Long Weekend, Friends. Don’t be a Twit.

Relax, and love the ones you're with. And, also? Don't be a twit. Or let others be twits. Actually, whatever. You can be a twit this long weekend if you want. Just don't come to my place if that's in your plans. For a giggle, watch this video too. (Warning: Lots of cursing, not good viewing for kids or the office.) … [Read more...]

Family Road Trip: Ottawa to Hubbards (Part 2 of 2)

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So in Part 1 of this post, I had just left you at when we'd crashed into a deep sleep in Truro. The big attraction for us in coming to this town in central Nova Scotia was to see the tidal bore -- a natural phenomenon that happens twice a day, where the tide sweeps in from the Bay of Fundy and forces the Salmon River to flow in the opposite direction. Apparently Truro is one of the only places in the world to witness this and Hubby was keen to … [Read more...]