Dec 19 2021
Each Christmas decorated trees, twinkling lights and familiar carols take center stage in creating a festive holiday atmosphere. Certain plants play key roles as well: church altars banked with poinsettias, mistletoe hung over doorways, and holly adorning floral arrangements. Ironically, the histories of most Christmas plants have pagan roots (pardon the pun!), some dating back …
Oct 17 2021
As I write this, Christmas is still a few months away but it is already at the top of my mind. What will I buy for everyone, what will I wear over the holiday, where will I celebrate it? Questions abound and so do some of the things that I look forward to every year …
Oct 01 2021
Warm up with Thai-inspired spicy soup In the fall and early winter, nothing warms the tummy or the spirit quite like a flavourful bowl of soup. And while chicken noodle soup is a common go-to, after a few bowls many of us want to try something a little different. Spice up your family’s food life …
Dec 31 2019
I like having a New Year project, changing up something and setting a goal, even if it’s a small one. So this year I’m going to have a go at crocheting a temperature blanket, where you crochet one row a day, and the color of yarn corresponds to your local temperature. One thing that I’m …
Dec 13 2019
Last week my family and I visited Leavenworth, Washington for their annual Christmas lighting festival and truly had the best time of our lives. Leavenworth is an over-the-top charming Bavarian-styled village nestled in the Cascade Mountains. The Cascade mountains are located in in central Washington State and about a 4 and 1/2 hour drive from …
Dec 12 2018
This year I decided to be a little bit “crafty” and tackle making a wreath. I have to preface this by saying I have very few creative bones in my body and usually find any sort of crafting or Pinterest-type projects to be overwhelming. However, this year was a little different. My coworkers and I decided to …
Dec 23 2017
Whether you’re participating in a cookie exchange with friends or making a treat for St. Nick, add these adorable reindeer cookies to your holiday baking this year. As sweet to look at as they are to eat, the salty pretzel antlers complement the season’s favourite flavours of ginger, cinnamon cloves and sweet molasses. These homemade …
Dec 25 2016
Delight with a peppermint candy cane dessert Peppermint candy cane could be the official taste of Christmas. For added whimsy, add a sprig of holly and a bow to make this dessert look like a festive wreath. Candy Cane Pavlova Serves: 8 Ingredients: • 6 egg whites • 1 3/4 cups (425 mL) granulated sugar • 1 tsp …
Dec 11 2016
Last weekend my family and I had the pleasure of visiting Alpenrose Dairy in Portland, Oregon. We were looking for something fun and Christmas-y to do and Christmas in Dairyville fit the bill! This year marks the 100 year anniversary of Alpenrose Dairy farm. They’re truly considered a mandatory staple in the Pacific Northwest with delicious …
