I was long overdue to finally have a coffee with The Maven of Mayhem. We decided today was the day. And I decided, "Hey, maybe we could check out the new Target store opening up in our neighbourhood while we're at it?" … [Read more...]
On Trying Something New
September 13, 2013 by 3 Comments
I'm always trying to encourage my children to try something new. Whether it's a new food or an activity, I want them to have these opportunities. I don't expect them to like everything they try, but I believe that the simple act of trying has value in and of itself. I don't think I'm unique here. I think most parents feel the same way. And yet, as parents, are we modelling this kind of behaviour to our children? Are we trying new foods? Or we … [Read more...]
Wordless Wednesday: A Walk in the Woods
September 11, 2013 by 12 Comments
P.S. I had originally titled this post "My Family, My Heart," but it seemed too cheesy. But the truth is, that's how this photo makes me feel. Big huge hug and thank you to Sarah for capturing this moment. P.P. S. Want to hear more about me and my family? I'm sharing some tidbits over on Canadian Family. … [Read more...]
Back to School Round-Up: Hazing, Lunches, and Facebook, Oh My!
September 5, 2013 by 3 Comments
For many of us, it's a big week. It's get-back-into-routines, get-clothes-that-fit-and-are-clean-for-your-children, and re-learn-the-painful-art-of-the-lunchbox week. Oh, and also, try not to stress out too much about how our kids are doing at school and are they making friends, and is their teacher nice, and will they learn lots this year ... and ... and ... So, let's put that aside for a moment. How about I share some good stuff from the … [Read more...]
Because Miley is just not worth it.
August 29, 2013 by 14 Comments
Just as we wouldn't crack open a beer and drive, we shouldn't snap open our cell phones and drive. We've all gotten into the habit of arranging a ride home before a night that will involve alcohol, but our habits around cell phone use in cars still need adjustment. I know many friends who say, “Oh, I only look at it when I’m at a red light.” But I beg them to change that behaviour. Why? Because if they are like me, the need to look at the … [Read more...]
A Visit to See “The Hidden Life of Ants” @ Canadian Museum of Nature
August 23, 2013 by 1 Comment
We make regular visits to the Canadian Museum of Nature here in our home town of Ottawa. It's a fantastic place for both adults and kids (although I admit to being sick to death of the dinosaur section after the millionth visit!). So when I heard about "The Hidden Life of Ants" exhibit (remember this giveaway?), it was just one more good reason to head back to this museum. I went with my two children and brought along my sister Meaghan for extra … [Read more...]
Wordless Wednesday: Box of Cuteness Arrives!
August 21, 2013 by 1 Comment
Who needs cute kitten pics when you can have cute baby chicks, right? My girlfriend is going to be caring for these 50 babies for the next little while. Needless to say, the kids were thrilled to see and touch them (and so was I!). … [Read more...]
Great Bear River Canoe Trip: I Opened That Door Again
August 13, 2013 by 14 Comments
In yesterday's post, I told you about my hardest day on the trip. Today, I can tell you with a smile on my face that that day is but a distant memory. In fact, at one point in that post, I had compared a panic attack to labour. And like labour, where once you see that beautiful little face it's hard to remember much else, so too is an adventure trek. I needed to experience that feeling again. The discomfort that comes from doing something … [Read more...]
Easy Chilaquiles Recipe
July 31, 2013 by Leave a Comment
It's no secret that I am fairly pathetic in the kitchen. I once ran a series on dinner recipes that required only four ingredients, and it was only last year that I baked muffins for the first time. So when Kerrie from Family Food and Travel offered to share a recipe for all of you, I was very excited. But I was even more excited to read the recipe and realize that it is a Mexican favourite from her husband! (Oh, how I love Mexican … [Read more...]
How to Keep Your Cool When an Adult Bullies Your Child
July 29, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Today's post is a topic that's been broached here on Coffee with Julie before: Bullying. I'm really happy to share this post right now, because I think it's really important to discuss bullying not just for the two weeks following a tragedy, as is the tendency with media cycles. Today, Nicole from Our Family World shares some tips on how to keep your cool. I don't think I can agree with her more that despite our initial desires to go "mama bear … [Read more...]
Top 5 Strange Facts about Ants (+ Ottawa Giveaway to see “The Hidden Life of Ants” at the Canadian Museum of Nature)
July 26, 2013 by 4 Comments
Most of us have heard of some strange facts about ants. They are a curious species, with their queens and workers. But you can learn some of the lesser known facts about ants at an exhibit opening in Ottawa TODAY, July 26th, at the Canadian Museum of Nature. For the first-ever stop in Canada, an exhibit on loan from the Smithsonian that features 39 captivating large-format images from Mark W. Moffet's body of work. So, if at this point in the … [Read more...]
Confessions of a Recovering Judgmental Mom
July 24, 2013 by 9 Comments
I'm totally in awe of today's guest poster, Amanda. She probably thinks it's because I envy the way she always manages to capture the sexiest selfies, or perhaps her perfect hue of red hair, or maybe even her cute shoe collection. These things are true, and she might be on to something ... but no, it's the writing. Damn, she's good. Remember "50 Pounds of Poutine"? Yeah, that was her. This time she leaves the fantasy tales behind and shares some … [Read more...]
What to Pack for a White Water Canoe Course: On the Water Gear
July 12, 2013 by 8 Comments
Tomorrow morning, Kerry is picking me up bright and early for our Introduction to White Water Canoeing Course (called Groovy Moves! with Pure Life Adventures). Two bloggers, white water, one night in a tent ... we should have some good tales to tell when we get back! I am teaching myself, with a great deal of help from Hubby, how to pack independently for camping. When we go family camping, he is the "gear guy." I really don't touch a thing. … [Read more...]
Cute vs. Practical Clothing for Camping and Canoeing
July 11, 2013 by 6 Comments
I might not be ready for my canoe trek yet. But I will be! I am now diligently cramming for my introduction to white water canoeing course this weekend and the big trek to come in the Northwest Territories. After going out for a canoe via Britannia Bay on Monday night with Hubby and the kids, I swooped into Bushtukah, a local outdoors and sports store in our neighbourhood, one hour before closing. I wanted to find some clothing for camping and … [Read more...]
No, I’m Not Ready for My Canoe Trek.
July 8, 2013 by 9 Comments
These days, the most common question I've been getting from colleagues and friends and a few strangers is: So, are you ready for your big trip up to Northwest Territories? Well, it's on my list. And to be fair a lot important things don't get done on my list. I run out of time. Or energy. Or a combination of both. Plus, I've been really busy getting work done so that I can actually take a holiday. Oh, and there were the birthday parties, … [Read more...]
Making Conscious Choices About My Cosmetics (+ $100 Giveaway for a Terra20 Gift Certificate! CAN, 07/16)
July 8, 2013 by 49 Comments
This year, I started to be a little more conscious about my choices when it comes to what makeup I'm using (here are some of my posts about choosing safe cosmetics and body products: shampoos, winter skin cream, henna hair coloring, and makeup primer). I have not made a full switch-over to healthier cosmetics. Not even close, if I'm being honest. I am very attached, for example, to my Dior Mascara. But on the other hand, I adore using Burt's Bees … [Read more...]
Proudly Canadian Giveaway! ($485 total value *now closed*) #TGCBB
June 29, 2013 by 74 Comments
Over the past couple of months, I've really been enjoying the opportunity to meet more and more Canadian bloggers. In doing so, I was introduced to a tradition that started three years ago called The Great Canadian Blog Bash. Started up by three Canadian bloggers, the idea is to showcase Canadian pride via a blog post (which I will do shortly) as well as to showcase Canadian products and services via an all-Canadian giveaway (this post!). The … [Read more...]
Easy Summer Salad: Broccoli Coleslaw and Ramen Noodles
June 18, 2013 by 7 Comments
When I shared the recipe for the Orzo salad, I promised I would also share this easy summer salad with you as well. This one was actually even easier and quicker to make. 10 minutes, I swear. I definitely wouldn't count ramen noodles in the "healthy basket" but they add great crunch to the salad and heh, it's full of broccoli, so how bad can you go wrong? … [Read more...]
Summer Weddings, Past & Present (+ Giveaway for a Samsung Galaxy Note 8! *now closed*)
June 17, 2013 by 40 Comments
Hubby and I promised our lives to each other under a couple of century-old gum trees on one of the hottest of summer days in Australia. It was a day and a night that I will never forget, and will always be grateful for because we simply could not have done it without all of the help of our parents on both sides of the family. We were young and broke, and short on time. But so many family and friends pitched in with the planning and it somehow … [Read more...]
Easy Summer Salad: Orzo with Baby Spinach, Feta & Pinenuts
June 13, 2013 by 12 Comments
So, listen, it's been almost a full year since I shared the Cold Quinoa Salad recipe with you. Since then, I have circulated this one salad in my repertoire so many times in the last year that even I'm sick of it! On Tuesday of this week, Hubby and I had my parents over for a belated Mother's Day and early Father's Day celebration and I decided to try out not one but two (!) new salad recipes. To everyone's mighty surprise, they both turned … [Read more...]
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