You guys all know that I love to get creative around the holidays, and Spring holidays are the perfect time for decorating...eggs, that is!Now I'm very familiar with the Christian tradition of decorating Easter Eggs, but when I was doing some research on the origins of this tradition, I discovered … [Read more...]

'Round my parts, yesterday was the first real spring-like day so far. Seems like everyone crawled out of their hibernating holes and got outside to enjoy some sunshine and warm temperatures. I took a nice stroll around my neighbourhood and noticed that every park, every café, every patio was crowded … [Read more...]

The Vancouver 2010 Olympics are well underway, and I am busy as the proverbial Canadian beaver planning for our traditional Olympic wrap-up party. Because Canada is hosting the games this year, I'm planning to go all-out on this event. We have a massive Superbowl-style party every two years on the … [Read more...]

With Valentine's Day coming up, I like to be prepared to get a bunch of baking, crafts and sweets on the go. One of my favourite treats to indulge myself and my loved ones with is chocolate covered strawberries. They are so impressive and yet so easy to prepare. The list of ingredients is … [Read more...]

...or, how best to clean your piano!Well do I remember the days when my kids were younger and just beginning piano lessons. We were lucky enough to inherit an heirloom piano from my family; the same one my siblings and I all practiced our lessons on. Everything from pencil marks to cue fingerings to … [Read more...]

It's no secret how much I love white vinegar...I've even been known to carry a small bottle of the stuff around with me because it's simply so versatile! But did you know, my little pooch just loves the stuff too. Why? Well here are five reasons why vinegar is canine-friendly:After our pooch … [Read more...]

No, I'm not talking about re-gifting, here. This is talking about recycling or re-using all the leftover stuff you find yourself with on Boxing Day. First of all, if you have kids, there's going to be a lot of leftover cardboard and plastic. My advice is to keep things simple and put it all in the … [Read more...]

I love the spicy, sweet smell of holiday baking: gingerbread, mince pies, mulled wine and cider, spiced rum...but let's face it: you can't be baking (or drinking!) every day. Still, my house always smells spicy, sweet and warm all holiday long. How? My simple potpourri recipe:one orange … [Read more...]

I'll let you in on a little secret of mine: for 50 weeks of the year, I'm a bona fide tee-totaller. That's right, outside of the two weeks around Christmas and New Year's, I don't imbibe in even a drop of alcohol. But during the holidays, I let myself go and I really enjoy all the wonderful ways of … [Read more...]

I'm sure that by now, you have realized how much I love vinegar. It's the wonder-solution that can tackle cleaning, laundry and even disinfecting jobs. But next to vinegar, I love cola for solving some difficult cleaning challenges.Here are my top 3 cola fixes:Clogged sink? Pour a few cans of cola … [Read more...]