jody

- mom-101
- April 19, 2016
My CBC News Segment: Travel with Confidence

Yesterday was quite a whirlwind. I was asked last minute (as always) to go on CBC News Network to talk about vacation rental properties. (An Ontario family recently shelled out $10,000 for a one week house rental in the Bahamas that turned out to be a dum
- family-life
- February 19, 2016
Vacation Fails

Travel writers travel a ton, but vacation rarely. Last week I decided to mix business with pleasure when attending a girlfriend's destination wedding. Trouble is, I'm out of practice when it comes to vacations, so the huz and I were screwing up all ov
- mom-101
- February 18, 2016
Vacation Fails

Travel writers travel a ton, but vacation rarely. Last week I decided to mix business with pleasure when attending a girlfriend's destination wedding. Trouble is, I'm out of practice when it comes to vacations, so the huz and I were screwing up all ov
- family-life
- February 17, 2016
Surprisingly affordable, Spring Break in Canada

Most moms know March Madness really refers to spring break and not boring basketball. If you don't fly the coop, your little chicks get restless and that's when the really trouble begins. Sadly, jetting off to the states has become too pricy for many
- family-life
- February 17, 2016
Ready for my close up: Jody on Global TV

Being a freelancer means you have to know how to juggle. A lot. I've gotta blog, do social, pitch editors, turn around revisions tout suite AND be camera ready on a moment's notice. Getting a call to discuss your latest article or to weigh in on
- family-life
- January 25, 2016
Last Chance to Make First Tracks

Skiers and boarders like to talk big about making first tracks, but getting them is actually pretty hard. You've got to time it just right. Not only do you need to arrive at the hill before all others (good luck getting up super early in the dead of win
- family-life
- January 14, 2016
When Effortful is Better than Effortless

Every New Year I'm guilty of making resolutions, but for the most part I keep them. What I like most about a new calendar year is reflecting on what worked the previous year, what didn't and what I hope to accomplish in the year ahead. What stood [...
- mom-101
- January 12, 2016
One Starry Night in Banff

Confession: though I frequently write about staycations and the importance of taking mini-breaks, I don't actually take them all that often myself. Until this past year, that is. Now that I have, I don't know what was wrong with me. I suppose I didn
- family-life
- December 28, 2015
Friday err Wednesday Faves

What can I say, it's a busy time of year! I meant to post these last Friday, but then some impromptu holiday entertaining happened. You know how it goes. Hopefully you're all prepped for your holidays and have whittled that to do list down to just the
- mom-101
- December 17, 2015
Whitehall opens in Calgary

There's not a lot of Britain in Calgary – not in the culinary sense at least. Yeah, I know we've seen loads of attempts at the traditional pub, but that's not what I mean. I'm talking about proper British fare – smoked fish and mash and treacl
- mom-101
- December 15, 2015
Holiday Hosting 101

Are you in the throes of holiday entertaining? I'm not, but we tend to get a lot of surprise guests between Christmas and New Years, so I have to be on my toes. I keep it casual, but there are some standbys. I always make a boozy Christmas [...] The po
- family-life
- December 1, 2015
A Very Prairie Christmas: Destination Shopping in Alberta

Tis the time of year to get a jump on your holiday shopping. Savvy shoppers know how to escape the crowds AND get into the spirit of the season. Their secret? Leaving town. Not only will you snag unique items Calgary chains don't carry, but these festiv
- family-life
- December 1, 2015
5 Best Calorie Burners

I'm not interested in looking like Santa this season, nor do I want to be a Grinch and miss out on all the holiday fun. To help avoid the dreaded holiday weight gain, I'm switching up my exercise regime this month. Adding in even just one of these
- mom-101
- November 24, 2015
A Very Prairie Christmas: Destination Shopping in Alberta

Tis the time of year to get a jump on your holiday shopping. Savvy shoppers know how to escape the crowds AND get into the spirit of the season. Their secret? Leaving town. Not only will you snag unique items Calgary chains don't carry, but these festiv
- family-life
- November 18, 2015
Easy, affordable accommodation options for winter

Is it too early to say the Christmas season is upon us? Even if it is, it's not too early to start thinking about and booking your accommodation for the holidays or even a winter getaway. If you're Canadian, you're probably keen to save some pennies
- mom-101
- November 16, 2015
Give the Gift of Travel: Some Suggestions

Remember when the holidays were more about sharing your time, your food and perhaps a few festive drinks with loved ones? Sure, it was still commercial when we were kids, but is wasn't as bad. Back then, there was more focus on the gathering of people a
- family-life
- November 11, 2015
Give the Gift of Travel – Some Super Suggestions

Remember when the holidays were more about sharing your time, your food and perhaps a few festive drinks with loved ones? Sure, it was still commercial when we were kids, but is wasn't as bad. Back then, there was more focus on the gathering of people a
- mom-101
- November 8, 2015
The DL on 007 and SPECTRE

Are you as stoked to see SPECTRE, the new James Bond film as I am? We've got our tickets to see it tonight, and I'm particularly excited to suss out the filming locations. A few years ago I wrote a piece for MSN travel on where Bond should travel to n
- mom-101
- October 26, 2015
5 Unique Vegas Experiences to Try Now

Going to Vegas doesn't have to be a exercise in debauchery – though you've gotta admit, it is pretty fun when it is…. The beauty of this city is its diversity. Want to glam it up, go nightclubbing or dine at celebrity chef restaurants?
- mom-101
- October 23, 2015
Friday Faves

Happy Friday! This is a going to be a quiet family weekend for me. We're driving the world's largest SUV out to Canmore, and fingers crossed I don't hit anything! Apparently I have issues with low profile cars and potholes (and curbs and garage door
- mom-101
- October 21, 2015
Two New Ways to Drink Champagne

I was more than a little surprised to be served champagne out of both white glasses and plastic goblets during my visit to Bermuda during the America's Cup World Series sailing event last week.
- family-life
- September 28, 2015
Makeup Bag Makeover

Is your makeup bag a mess? Is it filled with “gift with purchase” freebies you forgot you had? Is there a tube of (brown) lipstick in there from the 90s?
- mom-101
- September 21, 2015
Friday Faves

What are you up to this weekend? We're going to check out Beakerhead and I'm stoked to get together with my high school girlfriends. I've also got a bunch of errands to run
- mom-101
- September 14, 2015
Friday Faves

Hello! It's been too long, I know. With school back in session, my routine is more stable and I'm able to get back to my blog on a more frequent basis.
- mom-101
- September 4, 2015
How’d That Summer Bucket List Turn Out?

Being home for my first full week since early July made me realize how crazy our summer has been. I'm famous for taking too much on,
- mom-101
- August 31, 2015
Family Fun on Toronto Islands

As we pull away from the cluster of concrete high rises and into the glistening greeny-blue water, I can't help but relax. It's not as though I'm super stressed, we're on vacation after all, but something about being whisked by boat out the downto
- family-life
- August 14, 2015
The Best of Nova Scotia

My daughter and I just finished a wonderful 10-day trip to Nova Scotia. When I was a kid we used to go to the Maritimes every summer. Truthfully, it was a bit boring for me
- mom-101
- August 7, 2015
Why August Is Such a Bummer

August, the Sunday night of summer is such a buzz kill. I won't go so far to say that August is our most depressing month, but it certainly is one of the saddest. With August comes the knowledge that summer is almost over. This is particularly harsh, si
- mom-101
- July 26, 2015
Friday Faves

Happy Friday! Eve and I are wrapping up our trip to Halifax today and are off to explore smaller towns and seaside resorts in Nova Scotia. Travelling with kids always surprises me.
- family-life
- July 16, 2015
Links I love (because it’s not Friday…)

This was my last regular week of summer, folks. I suppose in summer, most weeks aren't typical, but I'm going to be living out of a suitcase until the last week of August.
- mom-101
- July 13, 2015
Friday Faves

It's been a crazy week here in Calgary, folks. The Calgary Stampede wraps up this weekend and as usual, I'm pooped out.
- family-life
- July 8, 2015
Spelunking: About as Much Fun as It Sounds

I bet you're wondering, as I was, what spelunking means. Is it's the noise you make when bellyflopping into too shallow a lake?
- mom-101
- July 6, 2015
10 Not to Miss Stampede Experiences

When you're a Calgarian, you've got your Stampede routine down pat. When you're a travel writer and get to go behind the scenes at the Calgary Stampede
- mom-101
- June 29, 2015
Friday Faves

How did it happen? How is it summer is here already? I'm making good on my summer bucket list and managed to nail off making homemade ice cream
- family-life
- June 24, 2015
Trick for Crafting a Sensational Summer

Do your summers start off with a bang, then fizzle out? Do you long to spend lazy days at the beach or curl up inside a cabin with a great book?
- mom-101
- June 19, 2015
Smart Design Tips

Unless you're a designer or in a super creative field, it can be hard getting the right look for your home. Some people just have knack for putting things together,
- mom-101
- June 10, 2015
A Hipster Bike and Picnic at Hotel Arts

Do you have a favourite way to spend a summer afternoon? For me, cruising along treelined paths, past public art and rushing rivers
- family-life
- June 8, 2015
7 Family Activities Not to Miss on Maui

Maui ticks all the right boxes for active families. Sure it's got those golden sand beaches fringing the island
- family-life
- June 5, 2015
They’re Back…the Best of Bridge Next Generation

Christmas Morning Wife Saver, Classy Chicken and Hamburger Soup, if you've lived anywhere in Western Canada over the past few decades
- mom-101
- June 5, 2015
Should You Influence What Teacher Your Child Gets?

We all want the best for our kids, but in our era of hyper-parenting things can quickly go from well meaning to well, kind of crazy.
- family-life
- June 1, 2015
6 Tips to Avoid Travel Theft

Have you ever had something stolen from you while you were travelling? Once a thief broken into the New Zealand condo I was staying at with my parents
- family-life
- June 1, 2015
Friday Faves

Sorry for the delay. Our kitchen reno is almost complete. I totally underestimated what a time suck it would be.
- mom-101
- May 25, 2015
Discover Canada through 100 Inspiring Outdoor Adventures

When you're on the cusp of summer, the great outdoors just begs to be conquered. The trouble is where to begin.
- mom-101
- May 25, 2015
What the Average Canadian Family Looks Like

I'm always curious to know about other families. I wonder how others manage their time, why certain families live where they do and what life is like for them.
- mom-101
- May 13, 2015
Behind the Scenes at the Circus

Here's the thing about circuses – you hardly ever see them anymore. In a world of über experiences, it's more likely families will fork out hundreds of dollars to see a show like Cirque or Cavalia, than a historical touring circus. I blame the m
- family-life
- May 6, 2015
Friday Faves

See that picture of the gal doing yoga there? That's not me. I wish it was, but it's not. That'll be me next weekend. Hopefully.
- mom-101
- May 4, 2015
Friday Faves

See that picture of the gal doing yoga there? That's not me. I wish it was, but it's not. That'll be me next weekend. Hopefully.
- family-life
- April 29, 2015
Fantasy Trips

I'm not so into the world of fantasy. I blame the popularity of Dungeons & Dragons in junior high for turning me off the world of warcraft, witches and other mythical creatures. Fantasy travel, however, is something I can get behind. Who hasn't fantas
- family-life
- April 29, 2015
Trending on Shaw

Life as a travel writer and blogger is certainly never boring. Yesterday I was asked to join the panel on Shaw TV's Trending program. The topic was fantasy, so I joined the live action role play wizard you see on the left and a paintball dude from Captu
- mom-101
- April 27, 2015
Friday Faves

Who's got exciting plans for the weekend? I'm off to Canmore again and hoping one of my friend's from high school will be joining me. It won't be a total girl's weekend as such, but I imagine there'll be a fair bit of 80s music and nachos in m
- family-life
- April 20, 2015
Friday Faves

What are your plans for this weekend? I'm determined to get back into hot yoga and am going to a spring spruce up at a friend's house. There'll be fab clothing and accessories, plus a professional brow waxer! On tap for this week's Friday Faves: g
- mom-101
- April 15, 2015
Gratitude Pics

I often think my weeks are boring and my weekends even worse. Of course, this isn't true, but I'm the sort who needs a daily does of perspective. I occasionally keep a gratitude journal, but I tend to fall off that wagon after a few days. My new s
- family-life
- April 13, 2015
Friday Faves

Hurray, it's almost the weekend! I'm loving this spring weather, which sadly, is so unusual for us to be experiencing in April. What I wouldn't give to live back in Japan or London for this month. I've got a not fun, non-cosmetic “procedure” o
- mom-101
- April 6, 2015
2 Weeks summed up in 5 pics

I can't lie. I'm pretty happy to get back to my routine today. With the exception of 3.5 days in mid-March, our schedule has been all over the map for the past month. These pics give a glimpse into our lives these past two weeks.
- mom-101
- April 3, 2015
Happy Easter Friday Faves

Happy Easter, everyone! How are you spending your long weekend? I've got one kid at my sister's farm and another at the ski hill, so I'm thrilled to have the day to myself. As usual, I have ambitious plans: finish a few articles, organize and book o
- family-life
- March 29, 2015
Friday Faves

Everyday seems like Friday to me this week. Yes, kiddo is on spring break, which means two weeks of kicking back, sleeping in and trying to fit in work somehow. We spent a few days this week at Mount Engadine Lodge outside of Canmore and it was such a h
- family-life
- February 25, 2015
Swiss Miss: Jody Takes on the Alps

Did you know winter tourism originated in Switzerland exactly 150 years ago? Back then, a Swiss hotelier named Badrutt made a bet with his summer guests. He promised them a dry climate, brilliant snow and sunny days. If they didn't find themselves tanne
- mom-101
- February 23, 2015
Best Heli-Ski Video Ever! (and Shot by the Huz)

My very clever and talented husband landed himself a gig writing about the new one day heli-skiing package offered in Revelstoke, B.C. by CMH. Heli-skiing didn't really exist until Hans Gmoser came on the scene and founded CHM in Canada 50 years ago. An
- family-life
- February 20, 2015
Friday Faves

Finally, she's back! That's what you were thinking, weren't you? Apologies for not posting at all this week until now. I had every intention of getting a post up on Tuesday, but then my site got corrupted. And then I got tired. Real tired. Jet lag h
- family-life
- February 2, 2015
Friday Faves

Happy Friday, peeps! Are you just as jazzed to kick start the weekend as I am? We're headed to Lake Louise and I can't wait to strap on my snowboard. Actually, I can wait, because we're staying here – Voted #1 resort in Canada by Travel & Leisure!
- family-life
- January 26, 2015
Friday Faves

Oh boy. It's been one of those work weeks. It started off OK, got super fantastic and then tanked spectacularly towards to end. There are many advantages to freelancing and working from home, but with it comes uncertainty and occasionally crushing mome
- family-life
- January 19, 2015
12 Things to Know Before Getting Naked at a Korean Spa

The best part about visiting Los Angeles isn't the celebrity spotting. It isn't Disney, nor is it hanging ten with the surfers. The very best part about L.A. is their 24-hour Korean spas. Asian spas are different than their North American counterparts
- family-life
- January 19, 2015
Friday Faves

I don't know why, but Friday always seems to catch me by surprise. I've been here and there for the past month, and am looking forward to a week where I'm home the entire time. I can't complain, though. I had an amazing snowshoeing experience a
- mom-101
- January 9, 2015
Friday Faves

Happy first Friday of 2015! OK, technically it's not the first Friday this month, but it is the first Friday Faves of 2015. Hopefully your new year got off to a smashing start. I'm in goals mode, thinking about the best ways to set and keep goals and
- family-life
- December 9, 2014
Holiday Tavel Tips

With the holidays just around the corner many travellers are taking to the skies or hitting the road to visit family and friends. But with all the last minute trips to the mall and passive aggressive stand offs with relatives, one can easily become distra
- mom-101
- November 24, 2014
Friday Faves

I'm baaack. It's been awhile since I've posted a few Friday faves and I'm sorry for dropping the ball. My girl and I took a quick trip to New York City last week and I'm too ADD to remember what was going on before then.
- family-life
- November 17, 2014
How to Survive Travelling With Tots Over The Holidays

With half term breaks, U.S. Thanksgiving and the winter holidays just around the corner, travelling with tots is a reality many parents face. But how survive, let alone enjoy lengthy travel is a bit of an art form. We're heading into the year's busies
- family-life
- November 10, 2014
Have a Wonderful Weekend

Man, did this week sprint past! I totally feel like cozying up at a pub tonight or lounging in my PJs in front of the fire with a big goblet of red. I'm also dying for a massage and for someone to swoop in and do my corporate taxes for me. But enou
- mom-101
- October 31, 2014
Friday Faves: Halloween Edition

Happy Halloween, everyone! Are you trick or treating this evening? I think I've successfully shrugged off that responsibility this year.
- mom-101
- October 30, 2014
Decent Kid Playlist

One of the worst parts about being a parent is having to listen to crap music. I like exposing my daughter to all different kinds of music, but Putumayo Kids gets a little old after the 50th rotation.
- family-life
- October 27, 2014
5 Thing to Look Forward to This Weekend

Is there anything better to look forward to than a girl's weekend? I think not. Especially when you've been duly owed one for quite some time. I can't wait to catch up with this group of gals
- family-life
- October 12, 2014
The Only Italian Expressions You Need to Know

Headed to Italy anytime soon? OK, even if you're not, it might amuse you to know there's apparently only three Italian expressions anyone needs to know to get by. This is according to my friend Lis over at The Women of Wine blog.
- family-life
- October 4, 2014
Friday Faves

Happy Friday, guys! I'm currently in Quito, Ecuador checking out the city's cool culinary scene. I've been here less than 24-hours and I'm already addicted to coca tea!
- mom-101
- September 29, 2014
Friday Faves

For some reason this felt like a really short week to me. Not that I'm complaining! I'm super excited about this weekend. My sister who lives in Saskatchewan is coming for a visit.
- family-life
- September 22, 2014
I Love My Muff, Do You?

Yes, it's true. I Love My Muff is a range of non-toxic fem-hy products. And yes, I do love it. And no, this isn't a sponsored post. (You know I disclose that shit, right?)
- family-life
- September 22, 2014
Friday Faves

It's not October, but it is time for Oktoberfest! I've never been to the Munich extravaganza, but I have been to one hell of a shindig at my Austrian friend's house.
- family-life
- September 15, 2014
Friday Faves

This weekend could not come soon enough for me. We had a crazy freak snowstorm earlier this week and so many lovely branches from thousands of trees broke off.
- mom-101
- September 11, 2014
A Perfect Saturday Morning

Saturday mornings are so fantastic, aren't they? It's like you've got the whole weekend filled with endless possibility laid out in front of you. What should you do? Go to brunch? Go the gym?
- family-life
- September 8, 2014
Friday Faves

I'm back! It's been a crazy summer being here, there and everywhere, but I'm finally home for the duration. September is one of my favourite months.
- mom-101
- September 8, 2014
Travel Quiz: How Well Do You Know the African Big Five?

Before we went to Africa when Eve was a toddler, I didn't even know what the Big Five was. I thought the Big Five meant: lion, elephant, giraffe, hippo and rhinoceros. What the Big Five actually refers to is
- mom-101
- September 8, 2014
Friday Faves

I'm back! It's been a crazy summer being here, there and everywhere, but I'm finally home for the duration. September is one of my favourite months.
- mom-101
- August 25, 2014
How to Avoid Having Sex Without Looking Like a B

Hubby had been away on a business trip for a loooong time. I was really looking forward to getting reacquainted, if you know what I mean… But dude wouldn't so much as lay a finger on me.
- family-life
- August 21, 2014
How to Avoid Having Sex Without Looking Like a B

Hubby had been away on a business trip for a loooong time. I was really looking forward to getting reacquainted, if you know what I mean… But dude wouldn't so much as lay a finger on me.
- family-life
- August 14, 2014
Kicking Around Calgary with Kids

I should have titled this post kicking around downtown Calgary with kids, because really, I never venture too far from the Beltline. When you're stuck in the city in summer, it can be a challenge to keep those ankle-biters occupied.
- mom-101
- August 8, 2014
Friday Faves

Can you believe it's August already? I can't. I'm simultaneously trying to make the most of it, whilst remembering to chill and dial it down a notch. It's not working out so well, to be honest. I'm more of a tick off the boxes kind of gal.
- mom-101
- July 25, 2014
Friday Faves

Happy Friday, everyone. It's been awhile, I know, but I've been on holiday with my girl in the Maritimes for a little over a week. We had such a lovely trip to PEI and New Brunswick
- family-life
- July 23, 2014
Tip of the Week: Wet Brush

Most women I know would never work through wet hair with a brush. We've been taught that it breaks off the hair and it's just way healthier to use a comb. Trouble is, it's annoying to switch from comb to brush when you're blowing out and who wants
- family-life
- July 13, 2014
Brunch at NOtaBLE

Calgary doesn't really have much of a brunch culture. For sure we have a breakfast culture, with all our fab diners, but a NYC-style, boozy brunch is hard to come by
- mom-101
- July 2, 2014
Have a Great Long Weekend

Yippee! School's out for summer. I'm so looking forward to sleeping in and not packing lunch boxes. Even though it's supposed to rain this weekend
- mom-101
- June 23, 2014
Tip of the Week: Prtty Peaushun

If you've ever wondered how celebrities get their legs looking so hot, it's not just because they have a swat team helping them look ripped. After months of searching, I finally found their go-to product at Joydrop
- family-life
- June 20, 2014
Friday Faves

It's been a rainy week here in Calgary, but it's so lush and green I haven't minded. I can't believe the Alberta flood happened a year ago today
- mom-101
- June 20, 2014
Friday Faves

It's been a rainy week here in Calgary, but it's so lush and green I haven't minded. I can't believe the Alberta flood happened a year ago today
- mom-101
- June 14, 2014
Friday Faves

How are you celebrating this Father's Day weekend? Fortunately the father in our family has jetted off to Europe, so I don't have to act all grateful and kind for a painful 24-hours.
- family-life
- June 11, 2014
Poolside Yoga at Hotel Arts

It's summer, and that means languorous swims, patio brunches and outdoor yoga. I'm feeling quite clever, as I just discovered a way to snag all three of these in one go.
- family-life
- June 2, 2014
Friday Faves

This is a busy weekend for me, folks. I'm in Pittsburgh this week, but flying back late tonight so I can make my 25-year high school reunion. Priorities, right? Should I have hashtagged that?:)
- mom-101
- May 23, 2014
Friday Faves

Do you feel it? It seems summer (or at least acceptable weather) is finally here. This is a weekend that calls for patio lunches, bike rides in the park and lingering outside over cocktails. I, however, probably won't be able to do any of those lovely
- family-life
- May 21, 2014
Questions to Ask Yourself

Don't tell anyone, but I've been doing a bit of soul searching lately. For this I blame Oprah. I don't buy her magazine, but I came across her latest issue in a waiting room and couldn't put it down. In it was an article on questions
- mom-101
- May 19, 2014
Friday Faves is Back

Happy long weekend, Canadians! Do you have exciting plans lined up for the next few days? Our dog has never been on a vacation, so we're taking him to Jasper Park Lodge for their Dog Days of May puppy party.
- family-life
- May 14, 2014
A Funny Thing About Belgian Men

Touring Belgium last week, I came across something curious. It wasn't the waffles nor the Walloons. Belgian men, while very well dressed, have a penchant for pink and red trousers! Have a look below and tell me I'm not overreacting.
- family-life
- May 11, 2014
What It’s Like to Be a Life Coach

I'm always fascinated by people who have interesting jobs. I often wonder what it takes, how hard it is, if it's something I could do, etc… I've decided to start a series on my blog about cool jobs. I'm kicking it off with my good friend