Pop and Thistle

Author's posts

Getting Fit For Your Vancouver Island West Coast Trail Hike

Traveling six to sixteen kilometers with a twenty kilogram backpack on a wilderness hike like the West Coast Trail demands a good level of fitness. What is the best way to prepare? Just how fit do I need to be? When should I start preparing? These are pertinent questions for anyone who is planning on …

Continue reading

Oatmeal Snack Bars

4 tips to boost your family’s nutrition and fitness this spring With warmer weather just around the corner, it’s the perfect time for you and your family to spring into action and really hone in on overall nutrition and wellness. Not sure where to start? Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner shares easy ways …

Continue reading

Top 5 Coffee Makers for the Perfect Cup of Joe

For many people, a cup of coffee is an essential part of their morning routine. But with so many coffee makers on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. We’ve narrowed down the top 5 best coffee makers that will give you the perfect cup of joe every time. From drip …

Continue reading

From Beans to Brew: Understanding How Coffee Makers Work

For many people, a cup of coffee is an essential part of their morning routine. But have you ever stopped to think about how your coffee maker actually works? From the heating element to the water reservoir, this guide will explain the inner workings of coffee makers and how they brew your favorite beverage. The …

Continue reading

How to Crochet Beautiful 4 Petal Flowers

Are you ready to let your creative side bloom? Here, we’ll show you how to crochet beautiful 4 petal flowers that will add a touch of whimsy and charm to any project. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crocheter, this step-by-step guide will help you create stunning flower motifs that can be used in …

Continue reading

3-Ingredient Jam to Make With Mom

When you get the kids in the kitchen, you make both great food and great memories. This simple yet tasty three-ingredient recipe for cherry jam uses frozen fruit, chia seeds and maple syrup. It’s an all-family activity that gets kids and parents working together to create treats that can be shared with friends, family and …

Continue reading

Asian Honey Chicken

A marinade can add flavor and spice to a simple dish. This Asian Chicken features the sweet and savory combination of honey, soy and ginger. It’s easy to prepare and takes only half an hour to bake. Plus, ginger contains gingerol and zingerone, which are being studied for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Pair with …

Continue reading

Cheeseburger Quesadillas

A nutritious spin on classic cheeseburgers Nothing will get the family’s attention like a cheeseburger quesadilla. Filled with all your favourite traditional burger toppings, this fun new way to eat a “cheeseburger” will surely have the kids asking for seconds. Cheeseburger Quesadillas Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes Serves: 4 Ingredients: • 8 oz …

Continue reading

Pumpkin Orange Baked Oatmeal

This simple treat can serve as a tasty breakfast bite or healthy snack throughout the day. It also has some cross-border flare by combining Florida Orange Juice with a Canadian staple – maple syrup. It pairs well with yogurt, fresh fruit or even more maple syrup. Pumpkin Orange Baked Oatmeal  Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 35 minutesServes: …

Continue reading

Through the Garden Gate With the Queen of Annuals

“The Sweet Pea has a keel that was meant to seek all shores; it has wings that were meant to fly across all continents; it has a standard which is friendly to all nations; and it has a fragrance like the universal gospel, yea, a sweet prophecy of welcome everywhere that has been abundantly fulfilled” …

Continue reading