“Is it coincidence that we spend far more than our parents ever did on the restyling and improvement of our homes – homes in which we spend less and less time because we are out earning the money to pay for French chrome mixer taps and stripped oak floors? It’s as though home had become […] Read more…
“A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!” Merry Christmas, everyone! Read more…
Last weekend we took the girls for a little pre-Christmas getaway in Toronto. The highlights: We stayed at the Marriott Renaissance Toronto Downtown Hotel (attached to the Rogers Centre) simply because we were looking for accommodations that were reasonably priced and reasonably close to the Sony Centre. We booked online and got an amazing deal. Our […] Read more…
As Christmas approaches, we make it a priority to talk to our children (and students) about the importance of giving. On the flip side, here is an interesting thought about receiving: “Receiving is often harder than giving. Giving is very important: giving insight, giving hope, giving courage, giving advice, giving support, giving money, and most […] Read more…
The jacket sums it up better than I could: “Christine wakes up every morning in an unfamiliar bed with an unfamiliar man. She looks in the mirror and sees an unfamiliar, middle-aged face. And every morning, the man she has woken up with must explain that he is Ben, he is her husband, she is […] Read more…
Here’s how Natalie MacMaster’s website bio introduces her: *** “Meet Natalie MacMaster: wife, mother of four and virtuoso Cape Breton fiddler. You know her more as the latter than the former; an electrifying performer whose passionate proficiency on the beloved four-string amplifies the traditional East Coast sound for contemporary times. It’s a signature sound that […] Read more…
The Flying Canoe by Eric A. Kimmel, illustrated by Daniel San Souci and Justin San Souci A French Canadian legend, “The Flying Canoe” tells the story of a group of lonely fur traders on Christmas Eve, far away from their families at home in Montreal. A stranger appears and claims he can get them […] Read more…
Congratulations to the following winners of the Christmas Extravaganza: Secret Gift Basket: Jessica of Burlington, ON Moonjar Moneybox: Bev of Winnipeg, MB Rubbermaid Set: Valerie of Minto, NB Rubik’s Race Game: Lisa of Vineland Station, ON My Friendship Bracelet Maker: Jonathan of Edmonton, AB My Ribbon Barrette Maker: Lorie of Foxboro, ON $50 Posterjack Voucher: […] Read more…
These treats may not be edible, but they’re a sure-fire bet to spark that festive feeling! A couple of weeks ago, I received my latest Hallmark goody box, thanks to my role on their Press Pause Panel. My two favourite items, for home and classroom use: Merry-Okee Micro Karaoke (Christmas Karaoke Microphone) $19.95 This battery-powered […] Read more…
The following are the rules for my five year old daughter’s “Spy Club”. The members of the club fluctuate frequently, depending how they treat Frannie on any given day (there is an ever-changing list on her door where she crosses out and adds names accordingly) and I don’t believe they actually hold meetings or do […] Read more…