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- food
- April 11, 2016
Caramel Chicken & Rice

Don't pay attention to the title...yes, Bon Appetit chose to call it caramel chicken, but it's not the sweet, sticky caramel that you are thinking. It was delicious. We had this with rice. I meant to make broccoli as well, but I was running to the gym
- family-life
- March 16, 2016
Create and Explore in the #digiPlaySpace

My first TIFF encounter included Adam Sandler and one of my best friends in 2002. I was in university at the time, and he had a movie screening near Yonge and Bloor. I'll never forget the look of excitement and happiness on my friend's face after she got
- family-life
- March 15, 2016
Crochet Tunic

As I pack my heavy sweaters away, I start to slowly add some new spring clothing to my wardrobe. This top I purchased from Dynamite at the Oshawa Centre, and it's super cute and comfy. It's perfect to layer over leggings! I found it was a bit see through
- food
- February 17, 2016
Shrimp Francese

The word "francese" means to do something in the French manner, but it refers to food that is dredged in flour and egg, fried, and served with a lemon-based sauce. Breaded, fried shrimp? Yum.
- food
- February 11, 2016
Culinary Affections: Lamb Curry With Peas

I was in the mood for lamb, but very short on time. I came across this meal in my recipe box (although I can't figure out where I originally got it) and decided to make a loose version of it.
- family-life
- February 4, 2016
The Books We’re Reading In 2016

I like to start every new year with a handful of new books. I love having hardcovers and paperbacks stacked on my nightstand, waiting to be discovered, one by one. I love the way the pages smell...
- food
- February 3, 2016
Mango Wings

My family loves wings so we do a wing night every once in a while. I always buy mine from wag jag grocery – because they are the best quality and price.
- food
- February 1, 2016
Coconut Chickpea Soup

I love love love soup. It's so warm and inviting…like a blanket for your stomach to get cozy with.
- home
- January 14, 2016
Our Family Photos 2015

I absolutely love getting family photos done every year. It's a great memory to look back on, and also see how much we have all changed from year to year.
- family-life
- January 8, 2016
On The Eve Of Your Wedding…

You are getting married tomorrow!! Holy *$%#!!Yesterday you were just a little thing, sitting on your big cousin's lap... my tweed-gaucho-pant-lap. Let's not even discuss the neon aztec print sweater and banana clipped spiral perm. And now you're all grow
- mom-101
- December 30, 2015
The First Skate

On a bit of a whim, I bought Poppy a helmut and a little pair of bob skates this afternoon. Bob skates are kind of 'learning skates' - they have two blades instead of one, and strap on to a child's own boots. When I showed them to her after her nap she wa
- mom-101
- December 28, 2015
Lake Louise – A Weekend Away

Last week we took a trip - without the kids! - which is actually the first time we've truly been 'on vacation' in about four years. After driving through Lake Louise last summer, we knew we had to come back in the winter. So on saturday morning we set o
- mom-101
- December 14, 2015
Santa Claus Breakfast

I'm taking a break from my Twelve Days of Christmas Cookies to share these photos from our breakfast with santa. On saturday, we joined my in-laws for a lovely christmas brunch. It was our second year going, and it was just as much fun as the first year
- mom-101
- December 14, 2015
Hey Santa

Poor Poppy will always wonder why she's not in this picture... Imagine her and I, trying to ease our way onto the corner of this sofa... staying as far away from Santa as humanly possible. We started off near Santa, but quickly realized Mrs. Claus might b
- mom-101
- December 1, 2015
They Love Each Other, They Hate Each Other

For the most part, Soren and Poppy get along pretty well. They play nicely together, help each other out with things, and comfort one another if one happens to be in time-out. (Time-outs are probably less effective with a partner beside you... but it's ju
- mom-101
- December 1, 2015
Advent time!

December first is tomorrow!! I think I'm more excited than my kids, especially now that the advent calendar is hanging on the wall, full of treats. There is something about advent calendars... I just love them! Lately there have been so many cute versions
- mom-101
- November 27, 2015
The Shoebox Project

Have you heard of the shoebox project? Last night, I got together with a group of girlfriends and we made little gifts for women in shelters. The idea is simple - put together a shoebox full of little luxuries that a woman might need or want, but may not
- mom-101
- November 16, 2015
Remembering

When I was little, I remember the long Remembrance Day assemblies where we would recite 'In Flanders Fields' and listen to a veteran tell a story about the war. My dad would always give me money for a poppy, and I felt important putting 'my' donation into
- mom-101
- November 16, 2015
Picnicing in November

We are enjoying an absolutely beautiful november, so when Soren asked if we could go for a picnic, I jumped at the chance to get one last one in before the snow (inevitably) falls. While the kids napped, I quickly put together a little picnic basket for u
- mom-101
- November 16, 2015
Cozying Up For Winter

While the weather outside is much warmer than usual, it's hard to resist pulling out the cozy sweaters and wool socks. Something about sweaters... I have the hardest time exiting a store without picking one up for someone in our little crew! Shopping for
- family-life
- November 12, 2015
Tears Of A Ukulele

Family is everything. I could easily end this post with that. Because when you boil it down, your family loves and supports you. And they go out of their way to make your life better.
- mom-101
- November 11, 2015
Tears Of A Ukulele

Family is everything. I could easily end this post with that.Because when you boil it down, your family loves and supports you.And they go out of their way to make your life better. Mostly.Without my family, I honestly don't know what I'd do.They make lif
- mom-101
- November 7, 2015
When Your Kid With Special Needs Is A Rock Star!

My friend Kathy Buckworth invited our daughter to participate in a live-to-air segment she was hosting for a local morning show—CHCH Morning Live. At the risk of sounding like a proud stage mother, Avery (and Kathy!) nailed it.I hesitated at first when
- family-life
- October 30, 2015
When Your Kid with Special Needs Is a Rock Star!

My friend Kathy Buckworth invited our daughter to participate in a live-to-air segment she was hosting for a local morning show—CHCH Morning Live. At the risk of sounding like a proud stage mother, Avery (and Kathy!) nailed it.I hesitated at first when
- mom-101
- October 28, 2015
French Immersion: One Month In

School started for us about six weeks ago, and it couldn't be going better. When it's time for your child to start school, you face a lot of decisions. In our case, we had decided that public school was our first choice, and then there were three schools
- mom-101
- October 27, 2015
I Had No Idea THIS Was an Aging Thing!

Well into fall, the ride has come to a full and complete stop. This weekend our favourite theme park closes its doors, slamming them shut on thrill-seeking fun until next year. No more Tiny Toms or over-priced pizza slices or exhilarating coasters rides u
- mom-101
- October 19, 2015
Pumpkin Time

On this bright and sunny Sunday morning, we headed out to pick our pumpkins in what has become a family tradition. We drove along, listening to Soren talk about people smoking in the bus stop last night - which is against the rules! (Him and his dad took
- mom-101
- October 19, 2015
How Much Do You Spend on Kids Clothes?

Miss Poppy, not surprisingly, got a little spoiled for her birthday. She was given this gorgeous dress and tights, which I had to try on her immediately and take a few pictures.
- mom-101
- October 14, 2015
The Cutest Family of Seven You Will Ever See

My husband has always been an avid photographer, and I love that he takes a million photos of us. Typically he doesn't take many pictures of non-family members
- mom-101
- October 6, 2015
Getting Out the Door: Weekdays

Our mornings are a little stressful around here, as I imagine they are for all families. It's hard to work towards a specific time - especially when that time starts with a 7!
- mom-101
- January 13, 2017
Picky Eaters vs Those Who Eat Everything

Photos taken at one of our favourite sushi restaurants - Naru Sushi on OsborneEver since Soren was around 18 months old, he has been a picky eater.
- mom-101
- September 25, 2015
Back-to-School Struggles

Whew. After posting this post last week about our wonderful first day of school, things took a decidedly different turn. On Soren's second day of school, he was taken to the hospital by ambulance.
- mom-101
- September 16, 2015
We Did It! Surviving School Drop Off

Waiting for the bus...Still waiting.The bus is in site!!!Some tears... only from mom.That face:)We all survived the first day. As the bus pulled out of site, the other parents
- mom-101
- September 14, 2015
Weekend in the City

Saturday morning started off early - way too early, actually. Poppy woke me up at 4:30, and then woke the whole house up at 5:30
- mom-101
- September 11, 2015
If We Had Three…or Four!

My husband is going to have a total heart attack, reading the title of this post. He is very firmly in the TWO KIDS camp. Like, he tells everyone we know, and swears he might not survive a third. I'm not so sure. I grew up in a family of four, and always
- mom-101
- September 9, 2015
The Best Cookies

I love cookies - and thought I had found the perfect recipe. And then I discovered these peanut butter chocolate chip cookies, which only contain six ingredients
- mom-101
- September 9, 2015
Our favourite Vancouver Stops

We spent two nights in Vancouver last month, staying at our friends lovely condo in Kitslano. Both Tyler and I have spent a good amount of time
- mom-101
- September 2, 2015
Our Favourite Vancouver Stops

We spent two nights in Vancouver last month, staying at our friends lovely condo in Kitslano. Both Tyler and I have spent a good amount of time in this beautiful city over the years
- mom-101
- August 31, 2015
Summer Sink Baths

Seems that four years olds do not like sink baths, or at least this four year old! Luckily, round two with Poppy went a little smoother.
- mom-101
- August 31, 2015
Wineries with Kids

We visited the Okanagan on our honeymoon waay back when, and loved it. The views, the wine, the fresh fruit, the wine... it was all great
- mom-101
- August 26, 2015
Which Mom Type Are YOU?

None of us Moms are the same. We all have different styles and ways of surviving parenthood. Here are the top 5 types of Moms out there. Some are complete rivals of the other.
- mom-101
- August 24, 2015
Blogging and Butterflys

This blog is not dead... even though it may seem like it lately. There are just not enough hours in the day! I feel like I am always a bit behind in things
- family-life
- August 24, 2015
Denim Shorts!

I am so happy I actually found a pair of denim shorts I love. These ones are from American Eagle, and I have to say they are one of the best pairs that I have owned yet. Super comfy!
- mom-101
- August 21, 2015
Enough Wasps Already! Seriously.

Even though I grew up in the country, I've always had a fear of nature. Well the creepy, crawly, buzzing, stinging and biting side of nature.
- mom-101
- August 19, 2015
Don’t Forget About the New Mom

In my opinion, if there's anything anyone can do to help out a new Mom it is not to forget about her. Sounds silly I know,
- mom-101
- August 19, 2015
Just EAT IT!

I love food, I always have and always will so I'm not sure why my kids don't. I feel like my husband and I have only ever shown love for food and try our best to make eating a fun and social event, so I'm really perplexed as to why supper time for our fam
- mom-101
- August 17, 2015
5 Unmistakable Signs You’re Doing it Right

People still want to hang out with you. Yes, you've had kids and think they are THE best. The true test however, is if other people like them
- mom-101
- August 17, 2015
Did We Miss the Terrible Two Boat?

When my daughter turned Two I was preparing myself for the worst. Everyone always said, “She's great NOW but wait until the Terrible Twos”. So I waited.
- mom-101
- August 17, 2015
The Sleep Deprivation Situation

I've never been a big sleeper, ever. When we were kids, my brother and I would be up at the crack of dawn and be outside playing for hours before most other kids even rolled out of bed.
- mom-101
- August 17, 2015
Were the 80’s Really That Good? Yes.

Sometimes I think to myself “Wouldn't it be so much better if it was 1985 right now instead of 2015?” These thoughts usually occur to me when I need to jump into the Macs for a jug of milk
- mom-101
- August 17, 2015
Encounters of the Know-It-All Mom

It's so nice to chat with friends and family about kids in a way that usually, in the end, is pretty informative. You find out you aren't the first parent to have the same crazy problems.
- mom-101
- August 13, 2015
Lake Louise

After waking up in Calgary and enjoying a delicious breakfast with my brother and sister, we headed for the mountains. The rockies look spectacular as you drive up to them
- food
- August 5, 2015
Creamy Beef Noodles

What's the first meal you think of when you literally have minutes to throw something together and get it on the table to feed your family?
- family-life
- July 28, 2015
Shaping Up with Wacoal Intimates

I was in grade 8. I was on the phone with my then-boyfriend when my brother and parents returned home from shopping
- mom-101
- July 6, 2015
Potty Training, Round Two

We went to the park this morning, and miss Poppy didn't wear a diaper! She's been very interested in potty-training for some time now
- mom-101
- July 6, 2015
Summer Dreaming

Today is day two on my 'five days as a stay at home mom'. I'm being a little dramatic about it, because I am loving it! It's the perfect time of year to be off
- mom-101
- June 29, 2015
Boating Babes

The summer is here, so we headed out of town on sunday to spend the day at my families cabin. While only about an hour north of the city
- family-life
- June 29, 2015
One Shoulder Dress

Finding a dress that I like on me these days is pretty hard. I feel nothing ever looks good on me because I have about 15 more pounds to loose after having my second child
- mom-101
- June 22, 2015
A Four Year Old, Changes, and Feeling Anxious

We have a four year old! Otherwise known as Darth Vader, or perhaps the biggest Star Wars fan in Winnipeg
- food
- June 22, 2015
Culinary Affections: Naan Pizzas

Tonight my ever-so-thoughtful BF decided to make dinner since I was at my zumba class and wouldn't be home until after 8:00.
- mom-101
- May 27, 2015
Sharing is Caring

Poppy is a bottomless pit. She eats her meals, and then proceeds to ask 'up' to every adult at the table and eat off their plates.
- family-life
- May 27, 2015
Skinny Jeans!

Last weekend I was on the hunt for a new pair of skinny jeans. I found these ones from Forever 21
- mom-101
- May 20, 2015
I Miss Baking – Day 25, Whole 30

I really love to bake. When I'm anxious or overwhelmed, the kitchen seems like such a calming place to unwind.
- mom-101
- May 20, 2015
Whole 30 – Day 20

Today marks twenty days since I have eaten a slice of bread, enjoyed milk in my coffee, or savoured a piece of chocolate after the kids have gone to bed.
- mom-101
- May 20, 2015
Grandparents

My grandpa came over on Mothers Day, and Poppy wasted no time in grabbing a book and climbing into his lap. I'm so happy I made the decision to pick up my camera
- mom-101
- May 11, 2015
He Tied Me Up

Wait, you thought this was going to be a seedy themed kind of post, didn't you? Rest assured, you won't need a safe word to read this story. But seriously, I really did get tied up. I was restrained by a neighbourhood kid when I was seven. We were playing
- mom-101
- May 5, 2015
The Sensitive Soccer Player

Timbits soccer... I think nearly every kid in Canada plays soccer for at least a short period of their lives. Soren played his first game tonight, and as per usual the verdict was mixed. He is such a sensitive kid, it's almost heart-breaking to watch hi
- mom-101
- May 4, 2015
I Hate the Whole 30

You may have heard of the whole 30 program, and after reading many articles and blog posts about it, I decided to give it a try. I'd also had some close friends try it, and loved it.
- mom-101
- April 27, 2015
Earth Day

We spent the most beautiful day outside today, celebrating earth day at the Fort Whyte Centre. As we hiked through the woods we peeled away layers, and felt the sun shine on our faces. We critter-dipped, saw lots and lots of geese, and dined al fresco. W
- mom-101
- April 20, 2015
The Best of Friends

I'm not sure if it is the change in weather or what, but these two are inseparable these days. The first thing Poppy does every morning is run into Soren's bed and cuddle with him, or jump on him and wake him up - which he never seems to mind. Soren tells
- family-life
- April 20, 2015
I Made This Mess—Now It’s Time To Clean It Up

It's not that I'm a “neat freak” exactly— I just prefer my environment (home, office, car, the world) to be orderly. Does this make me neurotic? Maybe, but my brain just functions better when the space around me is organized. Even as a kid, I ma
- food
- April 20, 2015
Crab Wontons!

haven't shared a recipe on my blog as of yet, so I thought I would share this one. It's one of my favourites! I love crab and when I came across this recipe around Christmas time, I was all over it. I made it once, and I was hooked!
- home
- April 13, 2015
Our Blog Planner Is Now Available in Print!

If you've been looking for a blog planner but… you find many of them to be way too expensive you don't want to pay for features you won't use you just want a well-organized planner you like our print-it-yourself planner but don't really want t
- family-life
- April 13, 2015
Never Shave Again?!

If you give a care about having less hair, please allow me to wax poetically about the pros and cons of laser hair removal. First, I should tell you that this post is not sponsored. I paid for this experience with my own dollhairs. I actually got a pack
- mom-101
- April 8, 2015
Fun at Shelmerdines

No kid filled morning is complete without a snack, right? Not for these two, that's for sure. While Soren will barely eat meals these days, he is always up for a snack. After colouring and planting sunflower seeds, we settled in for a little snack. They w
- mom-101
- April 8, 2015
Egg Hunters

On Sunday morning we woke up early (as we pretty much do every day), and hurried downstairs to see if the easter bunny had visited during the night. He had! Soren knew exactly what to do, while little Poppy wasn't quite so sure. We tried to tell her to pu
- mom-101
- April 1, 2015
When Do You Know How Many Kids Are ‘Enough’?

I look at these two beautiful babies, and I wonder how a third baby would fit into our family. Would we have enough time/love for three kids? Would we have enough time for each other? (Especially since it feels like we barely have any time together now...
- mom-101
- March 27, 2015
Watch and Repeat

This so accurately describes Poppy's personality - very focused, very intent. If food is involved, she is definitely interested. And those pony-tails?!Tomorrow is Friday - yay! - and I'm prepping for another work trip. This one is shorter, but I still hav
- mom-101
- March 27, 2015
The 12 Days of Easter—The Hunt Starts Now!

Any chance to party and my family is on it like confetti on a wet floor. Christmas is at least a month long celebration at our house, so it only makes sense that Easter should last for more than just one day. THIS is why we celebrate the 12 Days of Easter
- mom-101
- March 23, 2015
Sunday Coffee

We had a rare day at home yesterday, as in we didn't leave the house for the entire day. This morning I wanted to get out and do something, although the weather was a little too cool for anything outdoors. I asked Soren if he wanted to go out for coffee,
- mom-101
- March 23, 2015
Filling Your Boots with Rocks

We went to the park last sunday - taking care to choose one that looked pretty dry. The weather has been fantastic lately, but some areas are still pretty muddy. The kids are so excited to be able to play outside. It's like an entire new world opens up to
- mom-101
- March 20, 2015
When Being a Working Mom Sucks

This morning my alarm went off at 6am, and I thought to myself 'I don't want to go to work today. I'm too tired. I'm not ready... the laundry is not done and I couldn't get all of my to-do list completed over the weekend'. I pressed snooze. Twice. Around
- mom-101
- March 19, 2015
Weekend Style and a Photobomber

While it doesn't really look like it in these photos, the weather this weekend was gorgeous. These pictures were taken on saturday morning, and now on sunday night almost everything has melted. I took advantage of the warm weather to dress Poppy up in som
- family-life
- March 19, 2015
Our Visit to DigiPlaySpace

On Saturday, digiPlaySpace opened it's doors to the public for the first time this year at TIFF Bell Lightbox in Toronto. The 4th annual exhibition has been very successful over the years, and I was excited to take my son this weekend.
- mom-101
- March 11, 2015
Death To Daylight Saving Time

It seems I've been saying it wrong since the dawn of Daylight Savings Saving Time. You probably have too. It's Daylight Saving Time, not Daylight Savings Time. However you say it, Daylight Saving needs to end! Did you know that losing one hour of sleep by
- mom-101
- March 11, 2015
We Survived My Week Away!

Last week I said goodbye to my babies and flew hundreds of miles away... to sunshine and palm trees and very hot coffee. Nope, I wasn't on vacation - I was on a business trip to Orlando. When I heard about the trip a couple months back, I was nervous. I w
- mom-101
- February 23, 2015
A Winter Date

This past monday was a holiday, and after breakfast I asked the kids what they wanted to do. I suggested going for a walk on the river, to which Soren promptly replied 'no'. So I asked him if he wanted to go to his grandparents, which was met with an enth
- mom-101
- February 9, 2015
Spiritual Hybernation

I am a Canadian girl. I submitted this poem as an entry that won me this beautiful 'Canadian Girl' piece of art from an amazing Canadian artist. I would like to say that it is one of my most prized possessions, but I am just not that possessive. Let
- food
- January 12, 2015
Rocky Road Blondies

love desserts. Especially desserts that you can whip up super-fast and surprise the family. I also really enjoy Sunday dinners, so what better time to make a dessert that will last the week?
- food
- January 7, 2015
Thai “Chicken” Curry

I love curry. As you know, I love food in general, but curry especially is something I look forward to experimenting with.
- food
- December 15, 2014
The World’s BEST Short Ribs

There is no experience quite like the one you get when eating ribs. Back ribs or short ribs, beef or pork, so many possibilities and so much fun to eat.
- family-life
- December 3, 2014
Holiday Events

What to do and where to go over the Holidays in Toronto with kids
- food
- December 3, 2014
Ricotta Eggplant Rolls

Another fantastic vegetarian meal. I had high hopes for this one - my daughter refuses to eat eggplant and I thought that this would be the game-changer.
- family-life
- December 1, 2014
Blog Planner & Editorial Calendar (FREE PRINTABLE)

With a new year fast approaching – and my current planner quickly running out of pages – I decided I'd design my own blog planner for the new year. As much as I adore technology, I'm also a very visual person.
- food
- November 19, 2014
Pasta Carbonara With Bacon

Thank you Life Made Delicious for this fast and easy meal. Three days later we are still eating the leftovers, and I have packed some lunch-sized portions away in the freezer
- family-life
- November 10, 2014
Are You Up For The Challenge?

It was pretty hard at first. I love soft drinks. I always had at least 1-2 a day- 1 for lunch and 1 for dinner. I knew it wasn't good for me and water was the better option, but I find water so plain so I don't really like to drink it
- family-life
- November 5, 2014
Alexander Wang x at H&M.

Check out what Alexander Wang is up to at H&M
- family-life
- October 27, 2014
Our Family Photos

Every year I like to drag my family with me for an annual photo shoot. I was pretty nervous this time around because we have a 3 year old boy who hardly listens to us and a 4 month old that doesn't know what is going on at all
- family-life
- September 18, 2014
MyNameNecklaceCanada

Check out these great personalized necklaces
- mom-101
- April 30, 2014
Expressions of Love

Oh, but how life can have its way with you. Pitching a variety of gusty challenges from the mound at a hundred miles an hour. Some suggest the secret to success is to take a stance and swing at the good stuff.