For the last three years Alison and I have been knee deep in this shop local, handmade, sustainable, eco friendly, ethical, and canadian made, movement. As Christmas approaches I wanted to look at some questions surrounding this movement. What does this all mean? Does buying handmade really make an impact? How do handmade and sustainability relate? Businesses … Continue reading What does handmade and sustainable mean to you?
My daughters each had a friend sleepover last Saturday night. It was a last minute decision, so there weren’t any grand plans. I bought snacks, inflated air mattresses and then left four girls, ages eleven to thirteen, to their own devices. For over an hour I heard chatting, giggling, and squealing before knocking my eldest … Continue reading Sleepover
Controlling the toys and stuff that accumulates in our home is a never ending process. I wish I could say this wasn't a problem, yet here I am complaining about having too much stuff yet again! Yesterday I was watching the boys play and asked them if they had enough cars. They responded with "yes" … Continue reading Are we Robbing our Children of the Simple Joys of Childhood?
When Steph and I talk about seasonal living, we focus on spring, summer, fall, and winter, and how we can embrace each season thoughtfully. We also want to pay attention to the seasons of life which are much broader and varied. These can include seasons of busyness, quiet, illness, conflict, newness, sadness, loss, and so … Continue reading Embracing the Seasons of Life
I like to think of myself as the creative type. You know those people who love art, poetry, and well designed products. I love beautiful things and I love to express my love for creativity through design. Design for me includes fashion, home, art, photography, food, and so forth, but I realized recently that I … Continue reading Letting Go and Making Space
I’m not a big fan of cooking, so when Steph suggested we share some recipes on the journal I knew I would share cinnamon buns over cornish hens everytime, but then I realized, this is MY season. This is the season of soups, stews, and one pot wonders. This is the season of a simple, … Continue reading One Pot Wonder
Has there ever been a time in your life when you're waiting. Whether you're waiting in line at the grocery store or for a big life changing decision to happen, we all have to wait for something usually daily. Like most, waiting doesn't come naturally to me. Although there are some people who are just … Continue reading How to Start a Seasonal Dinner Club
A friend recently asked, “Are your empty walls part of the minimalist thing?” Fifteen years ago when my husband and I bought our first house, I went to antique stores, thrift shops and Winners finding things to fill every wall, nook and cranny of our new home. Some things I liked, some were OK and … Continue reading Empty Spaces
As we move from summer to autumn in the coming weeks, I want to dwell on the transition and mindfully embrace the change. Somewhere between the advancement of transportation and the creation of the internet, seasons have slowly lost relevance. As I read and discuss with others about slow and thoughtful living I'm constantly reminded … Continue reading The Importance of Seasons: Autumn
This past summer, our family of four, my parents-in-law, and my brother-in-law’s family of three rented a vintage cottage on the shores of Lake Huron. I fell in love with cottage’s massive stone fireplace, large awning windows and beautiful pine floors. The kitchen was tiny, but the seafoam green formica countertops won me over until … Continue reading Living Large with a Tiny Fridge
