Dark Fruitcake and Christmas Spirit
Working on my Christmas Spirit while baking my family’s Fruitcake recipe Continue reading Dark Fruitcake and Christmas Spirit
Old House Living Room Before and After
A before and after story about our old house living room renovation Continue reading Old House Living Room Before and After
My First Black Friday
I was overwhelmed many years ago when I experienced my first Black Friday. Continue reading My First Black Friday
Getting Holiday Ready – Polishing Silver
I experimented with different silver polishes and silver polishing “hacks” with some success! Continue reading Getting Holiday Ready – Polishing Silver
Southern Saskatchewan Road Trip
We took a roadtrip to Southern Saskatchewan and can promise you the land is not flat. Continue reading Southern Saskatchewan Road Trip
Chicken Thighs and Spinach
We just love chicken thighs and spinach. It requires no oil and only 6 ingredients. Continue reading Chicken Thighs and Spinach
One Pan Lemon Chicken and Potatoes from our test kitchen
We make Lemon Chicken and Potatoes in one pan – and place it in the centre of the table so that everyone can ladle their own food. Continue reading One Pan Lemon Chicken and Potatoes from our test kitchen
Thunder Bay ON to Brandon MB
A quick 9 or so hour drive from Thunder Bay to Brandon Manitoba. Continue reading Thunder Bay ON to Brandon MB
Happy Halloween!
Happy Halloween 2021! Continue reading Happy Halloween!
Canadian Road Trip (again)
We jumped in a car and drove from Ontario to Alberta and back. Continue reading Canadian Road Trip (again)
Home Staging 101
Having our home staged isn’t fun, but we can definitely learn from it. Continue reading Home Staging 101
A Keeper from our Test Kitchen – Pasta with Anchovies
A recipe for easy but sophisticated Pasta with Anchovies – and it’s a Keeper Continue reading A Keeper from our Test Kitchen – Pasta with Anchovies
Labour Day
A little bit of Labour Day history Continue reading Labour Day
Midnight Fireplace Makeover
A fast fireplace makeover Continue reading Midnight Fireplace Makeover
3 Bathrooms Before and After
Finally wrapping up our 3 bathroom renovations Continue reading 3 Bathrooms Before and After
Real Estate Rant
The mechanisms in our current Real Estate market, just aren’t right. Continue reading Real Estate Rant
The New Old Bathroom
A few small projects in our almost complete bathroom reno Continue reading The New Old Bathroom
Happy Canada Day 2021
Canadian Flag pictures for Canada Day Continue reading Happy Canada Day 2021
Laundry to Bathroom Progress
We are turning our laundry room back into a bathroom in our century home with a little help
Continue reading Laundry to Bathroom Progress
Everyday Tomato Pasta Sauce
An easy to make “homemade” pasta sauce for a change from jarred sauce. Continue reading Everyday Tomato Pasta Sauce
Painting Ledgestone
We were happy to make our ledgestone wall disappear with a thin layer of paint
Continue reading Painting Ledgestone
Airing My Dirty Laundry
We wanted to move our washer and dryer in our 1890s home but things didn’t go as originally planned. Continue reading Airing My Dirty Laundry
Flapper Pie
Flapper Pie is a delicious fluffy Canadian concoction. Continue reading Flapper Pie
Around the House
Sometimes, one thing leads to another and nothing gets done around the house. Continue reading Around the House
Vaccine Day
We waited a year to get vaccinated and then couldn’t decide what to wear. Continue reading Vaccine Day
Easter Sunday – Odds and Eggs
Happy Easter Continue reading Easter Sunday – Odds and Eggs
MLB Opening Day
Remembering the last at home Blue Jays opening day Continue reading MLB Opening Day
The Final Floor
Scraping carpet underpadding up from hardwood floor is no fun but can be done. Continue reading The Final Floor
Banana Cream Pie on Pi Day
Why not bake a banana cream pie on Pi Day? Continue reading Banana Cream Pie on Pi Day
Happy Valentine’s Day
Silly heart shaped potato pictures for Valentine’s Day! Continue reading Happy Valentine’s Day
Cabbage Rolls
How to make comforting cabbage rolls Continue reading Cabbage Rolls
Karma – What Goes Around Comes Around?
Does what goes around really come around? Continue reading Karma – What Goes Around Comes Around?
Groundhog Day
Happy Groundhog Day! Continue reading Groundhog Day
Split Pea Soup – Pantry Slow Cooking
A Recipe for Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup Continue reading Split Pea Soup – Pantry Slow Cooking
Penny Tile Floor
Our DIY penny round tile floor project is finished without too much drama Continue reading Penny Tile Floor
Easy Slow Cooker Baked Beans
It;s easy to make comfort food -baked beans in the slow cooker Continue reading Easy Slow Cooker Baked Beans
What I Learned from My 12 Cookies of Christmas Project
What I learned from baking 12 cookie recipes for Christmas. Continue reading What I Learned from My 12 Cookies of Christmas Project
Old House Reno – Painting the Radiators
Painting radiators in our 130 year old house wasn’t difficult. Continue reading Old House Reno – Painting the Radiators
Christmas Photo Traditions
Christmas photo traditions including a composite picture, family calendar and photo Christmas cards.
Continue reading Christmas Photo Traditions
Pandemic Online Stocking Stuffing
Trying to Christmas Shop entirely online Continue reading Pandemic Online Stocking Stuffing
Bread Pudding
Bread pudding has humble beginnings. Continue reading Bread Pudding
Terror in the Neighbourhood
We evicted our neighbourhood terrors Continue reading Terror in the Neighbourhood
Gas Fireplace Makeover
I detested my green gas fireplace until we gave it a makeover Continue reading Gas Fireplace Makeover
The Cat Door Needed to Go
Filling holes while waiting out the pandemic Continue reading The Cat Door Needed to Go
Why did the Canadian Wildlife Cross the Road?
2 fall road trips to view Canadian wildlife Continue reading Why did the Canadian Wildlife Cross the Road?
Hot Dogs, Pogos and a Twist
We made Corn Dogs or Pogos in our test kitchen Continue reading Hot Dogs, Pogos and a Twist
Fiddling with the roof
Having to fix or replace a roof is no fun at all. Continue reading Fiddling with the roof
Autumn Wreath
A pandemic Autumn Wreath project Continue reading Autumn Wreath
Happy Thanksgiving!
Photos of wild turkey crossing the road Continue reading Happy Thanksgiving!
Thrifty Crackle Mirror Project
A thrifty crackled white mirror Continue reading Thrifty Crackle Mirror Project
Just the Facts Please
A rant about Covid 19 contact reporting Continue reading Just the Facts Please
Product Review – Remote Dog Training Collar
Review Petrainer Remote Control Dog Training Collar Continue reading Product Review – Remote Dog Training Collar
Canadian Road Trip-the way home – Winnipeg to Ontario
CrossCanada Road Trip – Winnipeg to Southern Ontario Continue reading Canadian Road Trip-the way home – Winnipeg to Ontario
Masked Road Trip
Masked roadside attractions Continue reading Masked Road Trip
A Vegemergency – Apple Dump Cake
It was a Vegan emergency – that is our daughter, a long time vegan, surprised us by arriving home for her birthday. Now, as her birthday always falls on the first day of school or so, she has not been … Continue reading A Vegemergency – Apple Dump Cake
Canadian Road Trip Day 6 – Rocky Mountain House to Winnipeg
Day 6 of our TransCanada journey took us from Rocky Mountain House Alberta through Saskatchewan to Winnipeg Manitoba Continue reading Canadian Road Trip Day 6 – Rocky Mountain House to Winnipeg
Spatchcock Chicken from our Test Kitchen
If you’ve never tried spatchcock chicken – it’s a must! Continue reading Spatchcock Chicken from our Test Kitchen
Canadian Road Trip – Day 5 – Kamloops to Rocky Mountain House
Day 5 really started with a peaceful “what should we do now?” state of mind. We were not required back home, we had already done the TransCanada Highway westbound, and thought, well…… – should we dawdle a little and take … Continue reading Canadian Road Trip – Day 5 – Kamloops to Rocky Mountain House
Braised Beef Shank in Red Wine from our Test Kitchen
A delicious recipe for comforting Braised Beef Shank in Red Wine from our Test Kitchen. Continue reading Braised Beef Shank in Red Wine from our Test Kitchen
Cottage Memories
My husband loves cottage life. It’s funny that his childhood cottage memories are so similar to mine. Continue reading Cottage Memories
Canadian Road Trip Day 4 – Calgary to Kamloops British Columbia
Day 4 of our TransCanada road trip from Calgary to Kamloops. Continue reading Canadian Road Trip Day 4 – Calgary to Kamloops British Columbia
Canadian Road Trip Day 3 – Regina to Calgary
Day 3 of our Canadian Road Trip was a short drive from Regina Saskatchewan to Calgary Alberta. Continue reading Canadian Road Trip Day 3 – Regina to Calgary
Canadian Road Trip Day 2 – NW Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan
The 2nd day of our TransCanada drive beginning in Thunder Day Ontario, travelling through Manitoba and ending in Regina Saskatchewan. Continue reading Canadian Road Trip Day 2 – NW Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan
Canadian Road Trip Day 1
Day 1 of our TransCanada Highway cross Canada road trip Continue reading Canadian Road Trip Day 1
Canadian Road Trip
Tomorrow, July 1st in Canada Day. This has always been my favourite holiday. No gifts to buy, no cards, the stores are all closed and the weather is typically wonderful and warm wherever we may be. We have all been … Continue reading Canadian Road Trip
A Young Athlete Describes being Drug Tested
I thought it was time for something completely different. A distraction from politics and the everyday….. On the long car ride back from our fishing/northern vacation I interviewed one of our boys about his Canadian drug testing experience. He is … Continue reading A Young Athlete Describes being Drug Tested
The “Fun Car” Road Trip
In our large family, we (well maybe JUST ME) enjoy taking family road trips. Whether it be a family wedding in another city, or a vacation at a cottage style resort, we load up the car with snacks and belongings … Continue reading The “Fun Car” Road Trip
Ontario Wild Birds
A few Ontario wild bird pictures Continue reading Ontario Wild Birds
Centre Pedestal Table Makeover
We cut down a thrifted round table until it was just right. Continue reading Centre Pedestal Table Makeover
Kitchen Thrifting
Is it ever OK to grab a neighbour’s discarded kitchen table and refinish it? Of course it is! Continue reading Kitchen Thrifting
Travel Takes Flight
We have been staying safely at home since mid-March now and we are looking forward to venturing out safely. In Ontario many people look forward to visiting Ontario’s near north on vacation, or for regular weekend cottage visits. Restrictions on … Continue reading Travel Takes Flight
Sodastream Fizzi Review
What do I think about my Sodastream Fizzi? Continue reading Sodastream Fizzi Review
Powder Room Reno Gets Rolling…..
We are moving forward with finishing up our downstairs powder room and side entranceway. We had started our penny round tiling project months ago, and then the other day I replaced the toilet and started the tiling in the powder … Continue reading Powder Room Reno Gets Rolling…..
Risotto – A Wonderful Forgotten Dish from our Test Kitchen
A delicious mushroom risotto recipe from our test kitchen Continue reading Risotto – A Wonderful Forgotten Dish from our Test Kitchen
Finally Getting to the Bathroom Reno
Can or should a housewife install a toilet? Continue reading Finally Getting to the Bathroom Reno
Pandemic – Back to Work Canada
A brief update about getting back to normal. Continue reading Pandemic – Back to Work Canada
Crispy Baked Chicken Wings from our Test Kitchen
Chicken wings can be crispy from your oven. Continue reading Crispy Baked Chicken Wings from our Test Kitchen
Tree Planting in B.C. during the Pandemic
Despite the Pandemic, 5000 young tree planters have traveled to B.C. from across Canada to plant hundreds of millions of essential trees. Continue reading Tree Planting in B.C. during the Pandemic
Pandemic Cross-Canada Travel
Flying in Canada during the pandemic Continue reading Pandemic Cross-Canada Travel
More about Masks
We still need more masks Loblaw, Walmart, and large stores Continue reading More about Masks
Online Education
What my four children have taught me about online education in high school and now in University – due to Covid-19 closures. Continue reading Online Education
A Fine Wine or Ripened Cheese?
My handsome husband compares his aging to ripening cheese Continue reading A Fine Wine or Ripened Cheese?
Old House Reno – Crowded House
Tearing off wallpaper and painting are suitable projects to do while staying safe at home in a crowded house. Continue reading Old House Reno – Crowded House
When University Students Return Home
Our University students are home while the whole world holds its breath. Continue reading When University Students Return Home
I Miss Sports
I never thought that I would miss sports broadcasting. Continue reading I Miss Sports
How’s Your Online Shopping Going?
How are you acquiring things these days? Continue reading How’s Your Online Shopping Going?
Easter Sunday Southern Ontario Urban Wildlife
A few pictures of local wildlife Continue reading Easter Sunday Southern Ontario Urban Wildlife
The Best Vegan Carbonara from our Test Kitchen
Our daughter, an amazing young woman is about to complete her major in political science and was an elected member of the University’s student council. Through the course of her student career she has hobknobbed with the city mayor, travelled … Continue reading The Best Vegan Carbonara from our Test Kitchen
At Times Like These
My husband writes about pulling together in times of difficulty Continue reading At Times Like These
Blogging Lessons Learned
Occasionally I like to let you know what I have learned from blogging since my last post. It’s a nice change from thinking about pandemics and so on isn’t it? It also seems that even though I don’t blog about … Continue reading Blogging Lessons Learned
Make Pasta Great Again – The Authentic Carbonara
Isolating in the test kitchen Continue reading Make Pasta Great Again – The Authentic Carbonara
Rusty Nail Soup in a Pandemic
Make homemade soup with leftovers and pantry items and stay home from the grocery stores. Continue reading Rusty Nail Soup in a Pandemic
Hope by the Numbers
I hope that social distancing and staying at home will result in positive numbers soon. Continue reading Hope by the Numbers
What will the future hold for us Social Distancers?
Light social distancing humour and positive news Continue reading What will the future hold for us Social Distancers?
Facial fashion when there are no N95 masks
Thinking about N95 masks and other solutions for those of us who don’t have them Continue reading Facial fashion when there are no N95 masks
The October Crisis – War Measures Act
A post by my husband about – Responding to crisis. Continue reading The October Crisis – War Measures Act
Protect Grocery Store Employees
Grocery store workers deserve protection during Coronavirus emergency
Continue reading Protect Grocery Store Employees
Some Slightly Positive Thinking
It’s encouraging that people, businesses, governments and health care workers are doing the best that they can in the circumstances. Continue reading Some Slightly Positive Thinking
I Wish I had known it was Pi(e) Day
Keeping busy while social distancing Continue reading I Wish I had known it was Pi(e) Day
Everyday Lillie 