More than three weeks have passed since I started this Advent Calendar blog, faithfully delivering a post each day to follow through on my promise. It has been a very interesting experience, and I confess that I had not considered all the challenges an Advent Calendar blog could present when I came up with the…
Did you know I am an ailurophile? I will say that my husband is as well, and others in my family. This is the term used to describe a cat lover, derived from the Greek word “ailouros” which means cat and the suffix “phile“, meaning lover. While I don’t discriminate against dogs, I must confess…
“Hey Google, Play Jewel 98.5” And just like that, our favourite radio station is pulled in from the airwaves, and begins to fill the room with music, and we go about our business, having never even moved from our seat to turn on the radio. For the millennials reading this article, it used to be…
The best part of my day, is watching a sunrise. The cover pic is a photo I took earlier this year from my east facing hotel room as the sun rose over Miami. You would be surprised how quickly it happens, from the moment the pinkish red glow appears on the horizon to the time…
Canadians love going to the cottage. If you are in Alberta you go to the cabin and if you live in BC you call it a chalet. In northern Ontario, you go to camp! Whatever you call it, its a great place to get away from the city hustle and bustle to commune with nature,…
December always brings forward so many beautiful memories of time spent as a family. I was thinking today of all the school recitals and concerts we attended while our children were growing up. We have only one daughter, but we were very fortunate to raise her in a small community where two of my cousins…
Is it just me, or has life become simpler and yet more complicated with Pinterest? How did we ever live our life before having access to an unlimited compendium of recipes, decor suggestions, fashion hints, life hacks, funny quotes and so much more? Ten years ago, my social media apps consisted primarily of Facebook, and…
If you have ever been spent time in Canada’s Capital as a visitor or a resident, then you likely know of the Rideau Canal. The narrow channel weaves through Ottawa landmarks and neighbourhoods along an 8km stretch, connecting the metropolitan’s two universities while delivering the most picturesque scenery a city can provide. Many of us…
Yes, you read that title correctly and it was not a typo. Traditions have always been big in my family, thanks mostly to my husband who was a big fan of repeating events and activities that our daughter enjoyed while growing up. Camping out in the backyard to mark the last day of school, ending…
Travel should be about helping you connect with the people of the countries you are visiting, to understand their culture, their economy and their history. What I like about cruising is that we get that opportunity, not only in port, but also with the people we meet on board. There are typically over 60 nationalities…
St. Nicholas was a Bishop who lived in the fourth century in Turkey. He was a kindhearted and generous man, and because he had inherited large wealth from his parents at an early age, he developed a reputation for helping the poor and giving secret gifts to people who needed it. The stories of this…
Let me take you back to the summer of 2019. The air is warm, people are out and about and you are sitting out, possibly enjoying a refreshing beverage, listening to the sounds around you. You hear the birds of course, maybe a light breeze rustling through the trees and general murmurs and clatter people…
I have been unbelievably blessed all my life and I give thanks everyday for my good fortune. I try so hard not to take anything for granted and treasure my family and our good health, and my precious friends. I am aware that one’s good fortune can change in an instant, and that many experience…
I have written before about cruising and until our recent trip to Mexico, preferred vacations on ships rather than resorts. I would say that for a vacation in the Caribbean, a cruise is still my preference. This year, we took 3 Caribbean cruises, visiting islands of the lesser and south Antilles (St-Thomas, St-Marten, Barbados, St-Lucia,…
We all know that travelling gives us an opportunity to expand our knowledge and gain a better understanding of other cultures, and countries. Beyond this, the benefits of travel are quite tangible, physically and psychologically. I walk more when I travel, and my stress level goes way down. The fresh air stimulates endorphins, putting me…
