living

- family-life
- March 23, 2016
When It Comes To Water Conservation, #EveryDropCounts

I spent two years living in Australia. While I was there I saw my fair share of natural disasters—floods and fires happened every now and then, and extreme heat warnings were no joke. But no matter...
- food
- March 7, 2016
Zucchini Chocolate Chip Muffins

Muffins are very popular in my home and I try to make a variety of flavors. I also try to sneak in a veggies or two into the recipe so they have more nutritional value. My family does not like zucchini on it's own, but included in my muffin mix, they love
- st-patricks-day
- March 14, 2017
Shamrock Rice Krispie Treats

Rice Krispies have been the base for a plethora of recipes throughout the years, and I've made many of them. The original classic recipe can be mixed with so many different ingredients to come up with a diverse selection of yummy tastes, or served as is.
- food
- February 23, 2016
Grandma’s Banana Muffins – Pawsitive Living

Baking my grandmother's recipe for Banana Muffins always brings back a nostalgic and fond memories. The aroma, the divine taste, and her warm smile is something I will always remember. Today, I continue the tradition by creating her recipe for my family a
- mom-101
- February 10, 2016
Father’s Touching Photography Series Shines A Light On Living

Welsh photographer and father, Glenn Gameson-Burrows, has enjoyed taking photos of his two daughters as a pastime—especially Aneira, who has autism spectrum disorder. To raise awareness of...
- family-life
- January 22, 2016
10 Reasons to Be Active That Have Nothing to Do with Your Looks

Living active has many more benefits than just improving your looks, here's some reasons to start being more active today!
- family-life
- January 22, 2016
Stop Living on Auto-Pilot

Today I'm welcoming special guest blogger Kelly McCann from Your Formula For Life.***********Do you ever just put your head down, nose to the grindstone, and tell yourself – it won't be like this forever… I just need to get through this week… past
- mom-101
- December 28, 2015
Living the dream

I am now done my first semester of my Masters program, which means I have one more semester of classes and then an internship. Right now I don't have any real
- home
- December 28, 2015
Christmas Home Tour with Country Living

Hello friends!! I'm so excited to share with you my Woodland Chic Christmas Home Tour with Country Living Magazine today! I hope you like glam shimmer, metallics and shine mixed with lots of natural elements, woodland icons and neutrals! If you're vi
- home
- December 28, 2015
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Hello friends! As you've probably noticed, I took a break from blogging this past month. Not to worry, I will be back after the holidays to share our renovation details, as well as new and exciting plans and projects for 2016. Until then, wishing you a
- mom-101
- December 18, 2015
Living the dream

I am now done my first semester of my Masters program, which means I have one more semester of classes and then an internship. Right now I don't have any real
- food
- November 27, 2015
Sweet-and-Sour Meatballs

The holidays are all about entertaining. For one month of the year, you're either the entertainer, or the party guest. Either way, you want to have a back up of no fail recipes on hand that you can use to feed your guests at home or to bring along to th
- home
- November 13, 2015
Living Room Design Ideas

Hello Friends! Today I'm dishing about Living Room Design Ideas, my Design Dash room reveal, a chance for you to win $10,000 in La-Z-Boy furniture and a chance to win a La-Z-Boy ottoman! How exciting! I can't wait to fill you in on the details of my a
- food
- October 19, 2015
Pot Pie with Biscuit Topping

With the onset of cooler weather, my family is craving warm and hearty meals. They're big fans of casseroles and slow cooker meals, so I've brought some of my favorite recipe books and started perusing. I like to incorporate lots of wholesome ingredients;
- food
- October 19, 2015
5 Weird Looking Exotic Superfoods

Mother Nature has a sense of humor when it comes to the appearance of some of her vegetation. What's taken serious though is the potent nutritional value they add to our diet. Rambutan The Rambutan
- home
- September 9, 2015
Free Fall Printable and a Little Vignette in Our Living Room

I can hardly believe it. Where we live this week the kids officially go back to school. Well not our kids. We don't start homeschooling until next week. But still. Summer is unofficially over. Honestly I think that's okay. September marks new beginnin
- mom-101
- September 2, 2015
The Pros and Cons of Island Living; What It’s Really Like

Six years ago my husband and I packed up our little family of three to move to the Virgin Islands. I am often asked by people what living here is really like
- home
- August 5, 2015
Fireplace Makeover

Hello everyone! It's the end of July (yikes!) and, yes, we're redoing our fireplace. Why a fireplace makeover in the summer?
- home
- July 14, 2015
The Thing About Living in a Small Community

Moving to Salt Spring Island is by far one of the best life changes I've ever experienced. There have been so many positive things to come out of making the move from the big city of Vancouver
- home
- July 9, 2015
Staircase Makeover

Hello All! How is your summer going? I wish I could say the break I took from blogging the past couple of weeks was for a vacation.
- food
- July 6, 2015
Strawberries: A Genuine Superfood

There's nothing more inviting than a bowl of fresh, plump, juicy, and sweet strawberries. They are just too yummy to resist.
- mom-101
- June 29, 2015
Living With a Snorer? It Might Be Sleep Apnea

This post is sponsored by RANA Here's a fact that anyone living with a snorer can tell you; no one is sleeping in the house.
- home
- June 24, 2015
Throw Pillows in the Living Room

I think it's safe to say I have a real thing for throw pillows in the living room. (She says with a sheepish grin.) It started innocently enough – a pillow here, a pillow there.
- food
- June 7, 2015
The Best Gluten Free Lemon Loaf

Lemon loaf reminds me of my mom baking for church potlucks or friends coming over for coffee.
- food
- May 29, 2015
5 Smoothie Bowls That Instagram Loved

Followers of The Best of this Life on instagram already know how much we love to make smoothie bowls! They are a treat we like to enjoy for breakfast or dessert.
- family-life
- May 27, 2015
I Have Anxiety and it’s Time to Stop Hiding

I have Anxiety and it's time to stop hiding from it. Parenting with Anxiety is difficult. Living with Anxiety can feel impossible. Share your stories too
- family-life
- May 4, 2015
From The Heart: 7 Handmade Gifts For Mother’s Day

The first Mother's Day after Little A. was born, my husband was out to sea, but I was surrounded by family and friends who honoured me and made that day incredibly special.
- family-life
- May 3, 2015
Living a Life of Surprises

We are really (really) big on surprises around here, if there is a way to turn a plain old cheese and spinach sandwich into a surprise, in our house it will be done. Big surprises are our favorite ...
- food
- April 26, 2015
Strawberry Pecan Salad with Maple Dressing

Who else is craving salads, now that the snow has melted? While during the cold months, I shiver at the thought of a cold, crisp salad - once warmer days hit, I've got salad on my mind. Person...
- family-life
- April 20, 2015
8 Flirty Lace & Eyelet Whites

// You would think that I would be over all things white, after the unbearably long winter we've had - but there is just something about flirty white lace and eyelet that screams summer! Personally...
- family-life
- April 20, 2015
7 Gorgeous Beauty Products for Warmer Weather

// Bang! Let's skip over spring and head straight into summer, shall we? Ha, we've been waiting so long and I can tell you that here in Ottawa, Canada - we haven't had much of a spring at all. But ...
- family-life
- April 20, 2015
H&M Conscious Exclusive Collection Launches in Ottawa

Hurry, there is still time to step into The Conscious Closet at Bayshore Shopping Centre. You have until April 30th to be treated to presentations from the team at ELLE Canada as well as enter to w...
- home
- April 15, 2015
At Home: Living Room Shelves

Home decor and organization: Living room shelves
- food
- April 10, 2015
Parsley, a Superfood

If I mentioned the word parsley, many of you would not think of it as a superfood. To most it's a colorful garnish that brightens a plate and is usually ignored and discarded. Maybe if you knew the awesome benefits of parsley, you just might include it in
- mom-101
- April 8, 2015
How to Thrive and Not Just Survive on ONE Income

If your family is living on a single income, then it can sometimes feel as if you're barely surviving. By making some serious budget changes, you can transform your barely surviving mentality into one that's thriving. Here are some tips you can use to
- family-life
- April 8, 2015
14 Styles of Denim for Spring 2015

Like it or not, statement denim is hot right now and I don't just mean your favourite pair of jeans. Everything from denim jackets, shirts, dresses, and even accessories (I'm on the fence about den...
- food
- April 8, 2015
The Best Vegetarian Pasta Salad

Have you ever been to a church potluck? When I was a kid, I loved them. I remember the church potlucks specifically because our congregation had what seemed like a thousand people (probably less) a...
- home
- April 6, 2015
Air Purifying Indoor Plants

Air purifying Indoor Plants can help produce oxygen from CO2(carbon Dioxide), but also know that some absorb benzene, formaldehyde or trichloroethylene. If you have any of the plants listed, you will be living and breathing clean air indoors.
- home
- March 29, 2015
Spring Decorating—Flowers, Moss & Colour, Oh My!

Friday marks the official start of Spring. Not that the weatherman will agree. It's entirely possible (and probable) that in my part of the world there will still be snow on the ground. But that's okay. Because Spring is coming. It always comes. And s
- home
- March 29, 2015
Pretty Spring Decorating Ideas

Yesterday was such a gorgeous day making it feel like Easter is truly around the corner. However, Mother Nature decided to bring back winter today… sigh. That's the way it goes, right? Thankfully, the days will be getting longer and eventually a whole
- mom-101
- March 25, 2015
Apartment Living

Apartment Living has its ups and downs and I'm not talking elevators. If you have ever lived in or are currently living in an apartment, some of what I have to say may sound familiar. Living in an apartment, there are all sorts of issues you have to dea
- food
- March 20, 2015
Bibb Salad with Radishes and Asparagus

Asparagus is a sure sign of spring - when the market fills with delicious green stalks that are perfect for light broiling or to enjoy in fresh garden salads.
- food
- March 17, 2015
St-Patrick’s Day Gluten Free Vanilla Cupcakes

Happy St-Patrick's Day! Hope you are having a fun day. Around here, we are turning foods green, giving our part-Irish kids lots of kisses and having a cupcake party.
- family-life
- March 9, 2015
21 Fun Spring Crafts and Activities for Kids

March Break is almost here - which means for many of us that our home will be a little bit busier and a whole lot louder during the daytime. Whether you are travelling, sending your kids to a day c...
- home
- March 9, 2015
4 Ways to Create a Stylish Home Office in the Living Room

When we moved to this house a couple of years ago, the plan was to build me an office in the unfinished part of the basement. But as the kids have grown, we've sort of decided to re-purpose that space as a fourth bedroom for one of them. Which means I
- home
- February 12, 2015
Prepping for Our Kitchen Renovation

It's been a little quiet here lately, but for good reason. Behind the scenes, I've been prepping for our kitchen renovation that will start later this month. For me, it's a BIG deal. Do you know how long I've had to stare at faux granite counterto
- home
- January 4, 2015
Tips For De-Cluttering After The Holidays

The reality of urban living, especially in expensive cities like Vancouver, is that we often don't have vast and unfinished basements to banish unwanted toys from our sight lines. After the holida...
- mom-101
- November 30, 2014
The Things That Drive Me Crazy About Living With Boys

There was a video on Buzzfeed the other day entitled "
- home
- November 4, 2014
Making Room

We're a little behind our norm over here. We've been sick for a few weeks (thank you so much for the get well wishes on Instagram and Facebook!) and are finally catching up. Typically our family begins decorating for Christmas on November 1st. Dean
- home
- November 4, 2014
White Washed Numbered Crates

We recently did a little shelf switcheroo when we built new Rolling Kitchen Pantry Shelves and moved our Restoration Hardware Inspired Industrial Shelves to the living room
- food
- October 8, 2014
Never Have a Cold Again

Can this even possible to never have a cold? If you are like me and have young children, trying to never have a cold in the house could be a challenge:)
- mom-101
- September 10, 2014
Power Your Dreams: Energy for Seven Billion

Living in urban Canada, my family enjoys the comforts our modern infrastructure provides. Until just recently I hadn't given much thought to just how much we rely on energy in particular.
- mom-101
- July 16, 2014
In Living Colour

A day on the lavender farm full of vivid colours and intense scents
- food
- June 9, 2014
Going Microwave Free

I can't remember having ever lived without a microwave until now. That said, I can't say that we used the microwave all that much either. Mostly we used it to reheat leftovers
- food
- May 31, 2014
Baked Spring Rolls

When we first moved into the new house, I'll admit we ate more fast food and take-out pizzas than we should have. It was bad for our bodies and our bank account! I've started planning out our meals again
- home
- May 29, 2014
Living in Our Dream Home

There hasn't been a real British Columbia rain day in the 23 days since we've moved in, that is, until today. Today is one of those perfect rain days – you wake up to rain, you hang out with the rain, you eat with the rain, you go to sleep with the rain…
- mom-101
- May 27, 2014
On Parenting and Living in Fear

There are always reasons to be afraid, but I don't want any of us to feel trapped by fear. The only people who should be locked away are the rapists.
- home
- May 21, 2014
Blue, Grey and White Living Room Color Palette

Get Color Inspiration for a Sea-Inspired blue, grey and white Living Room using ‘Chip It!' When it comes to decorating a room, one of the most important things to plan is the room's color palette
- home
- May 19, 2014
Our Sunday Best Showcase- Link Party #16

It's Sunday! Oh how I love Sundays, especially on a long weekend. Happy (early) Victoria Day to my Canadian readers! I'm glad you're here to check out Our Sunday Best Showcase, a weekly link party I host along with Jo-Anna from A Pretty Life
- mom-101
- March 13, 2014
Unmet Needs

We are considering getting a dog. Shoot me now? It was not long ago (last week, actually) that I thought that I just could not face the unmet needs of another living creature.
- home
- March 9, 2014
Our Sunday Best Showcase

It's time, once again, for Our Sunday Best Showcase link party! Before you share your project(s), be sure to say hello to my weekly co-hosts, Jo-Anna from A Pretty Life in the Suburbs, Aimee from Twigg Studios and Nicolette from Momnivore's
- family-life
- March 5, 2014
Rules For Living Well

My rules for living well, being happy and experiencing a good life.
- home
- March 5, 2014
Designer Challenge: Which Sofa?

Welcome to another edition of the Designer Challenge! It's been a while since we've seen a room designed around a piece, and this time it's all about sofas! Today, I have the lovely Alicia from Keep It Beautiful Designs here
- mom-101
- February 26, 2014
The Pitfalls of Living With a Love Polyglot

Despite winning the French fluency award in the eighth grade, growing up with a bilingual father and being married to someone who speaks three languages, I am what one would call a monolinguist
- mom-101
- February 5, 2014
Why Living Minimally is Not the Same as Living Cheaply

Since heading up this journey to minimalism over a year ago I'd say I've had equal amount of support and scoffing sent in my general direction. I've heard words like “impossible”, “stupid”, “not good for my kids” and so forth.
- mom-101
- January 17, 2014
Look to the Sky

I left work late tonight, as is often the case these days. But I guess the days are indeed getting longer, because instead of being dark the sky was full of brilliant tiger stripes of colour – pink and red and orange and wisps of blue.
- mom-101
- January 5, 2014
On Living Without Ice Cream

I miss ice cream. And milk. And eating big bowls of macaroni and cheese. I've been living nearly dairy free for months now. Though I'm not sure Asher is fully allergic to milk protein, he quite
- home
- December 30, 2013
Year in Review {2013}

It's that time again when the calendar is about to turn to another year! Although I'm taking a short break from blogging, I thought I'd stop by quickly to review a few of my favorite and most memorable moments of 2013. Before I get to that, I must f
- mom-101
- December 20, 2013
Simply Living or Living More Simply?

I can't simplify Christmas. I just can't. I love the idea of homemade gifts but I can't even sit down with the Rainbow Loom for 10 minutes without wanting to snap it in half over my knee
- home
- December 15, 2013
Holiday Countdown Planner {Week Eight}

As we all know, Christmas is almost here! Can you believe it's December 13th already? I think we could all use a little more time right now to get our shopping, baking, decorating and everything else done before Christmas
- home
- December 8, 2013
Holiday Countdown Planner {Week Seven}

We had a major snowstorm this week and, although it looks Christmasy outside, I'm not loving all the shoveling I'm having to do! I was working up the courage to bundle up and head out into the chilly weather the other night
- family-life
- December 5, 2013
The Living by Matt de la Peña

And you thought cruise ships were fun... Interests/Topics: survival, conspiracy, natural disasters, social justice, adventure Curriculum Connections: English, Geography, Equity Studies
- home
- November 27, 2013
Burlap Table Favors for Christmas

Welcome to the final installment of this year's One Item Project Challenge. Kristin, Tiffany, Tara and I have had a lot of fun over the past few weeks getting creative with glass paint and branches
- home
- November 25, 2013
My Version of the Book Page Wreath

If you're on Pinterest, a book page wreath isn't anything new to you. I've been wanting to make one of these after admiring them for more than two years
- home
- November 23, 2013
Holiday Countdown Planner {Week Five}

If you haven't figured it out yet, we only have 5 weekends including this one before Christmas. If you're someone who's swamped during the week and Saturdays and Sundays are your days to play catch-up
- mom-101
- November 21, 2013
Simple Steps To Living A Greener Life

Last night I watched An Inconvenient Truth as penance for my environmental sins, for which I have many and am now more ashamed of than ever before
- family-life
- November 14, 2013
Football Pajamas

This time last year, I lay in bed worrying. Worrying all night long. We escaped the city and went to the farm where I could be pregnant and worry in peace by the fire place.
- food
- November 14, 2013
Cauliflower Curry

It's officially cold out side. It's also raining and the roof is leaking. So if you need me I'll be in the kitchen making curry and taking photographs of cauliflower.
- mom-101
- November 11, 2013
The Ultimate Healthy Living Bundle

I decided to invest in the Ultimate Healthy Living Bundle today. There are multiple reasons that led me to this: 86 Ebooks for Free! Free bonuses subscriptions to multiple websites
- home
- October 28, 2013
Planting Autumn Garlic

Can you ever have enough garlic? I know we used 10 cloves in tonight's dinner alone, so I'm already worried that we don't have enough to last the winter.
- home
- October 28, 2013
Winterizing the Yard and House – Just in Time!

How was your weekend? Saturday was absolutely gorgeous outside, and we were able to pack away the last bit of outdoor stuff and pick up a bunch of leaves
- food
- October 28, 2013
Cauliflower Curry

It's officially cold out side. It's also raining and the roof is leaking. So if you need me I'll be in the kitchen making curry and taking photographs of cauliflower.
- mom-101
- October 24, 2013
Living Life Upside Down

What I'm about to say may turn your day upside down so hang onto your hat... tomorrow is National Upside Down Day! As the parent of a child with special needs, it often feels like
- home
- October 21, 2013
Fall Home Tour – Part I The Dining Room and Living Room

Today I'm sharing Part I of a Fall Home Tour, starting with the Dining Room and Living Room. I realized I've only ever shown bits and pieces of my home
- home
- October 6, 2013
Custom Drapery for the Living Room

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?
- home
- October 3, 2013
Office Makeover…Again!

I started my home office makeover more than two years ago (perhaps three), and then it happened- something Kimberley Seldon likes to call ‘Decoritus Interruptus' (no, it isn't some kind of illness)!
- home
- October 2, 2013
Project: Living Rooms

Here's a beautiful collection of bloggers living room reveals
- food
- September 30, 2013
The Best Alternatives to Organic

What would be a second best option, when organic is not an
- home
- September 29, 2013
Beaver Canoe for The Home

You probably remember wanting a Beaver Canoe sweatshirt
- home
- September 16, 2013
The Glamorous Life of a Decorator

A behind the scenes look at what my day-to-day is like
- home
- September 3, 2013
Dorm Room Storage and Decor {For Him}

We helped move my son into his residence at college
- home
- August 14, 2013
Cottage or Cabin: What’s Your Style?

Check out these rustic styles for inspiration
- home
- July 31, 2013
Shabby Chic Couture in Santa Monica

I returned from a getaway to California's Pacific Coast
- home
- July 24, 2013
Jiilian Harris’ Latest Venture—Charlie Ford Vintage

Curating one-of-a-kind vintage finds
- home
- July 16, 2013
What I’ve Learned About Caring for Outdoor Succulents

Caring for these beautiful, simple looking plants
- mom-101
- July 11, 2013
9 Etsy Must-Haves

When I am at a loss for gift buying or receiving, I always turn to Etsy for some one of a kind action. Here are some of my recommendations for that hard to shop for person in your life...
- mom-101
- July 5, 2013
Pimp My Shed

There seriously a show about this - crazy back yard sheds! Check out these pictures, they are hilarious.
- home
- July 5, 2013
Celebrating Graduation

I'm taking a little time away from designing and blogging to celebrate my son Hayden's high school graduation. Here are some highlights.
- mom-101
- June 21, 2013
Who Are These French Super Moms?

Now they want us to believe what?
- home
- June 21, 2013
Saying Goodbye is Never Easy

We had to make the gut-wrenching decision to put her down