This year, I’ve been tasked with replacing not one – but TWO – family vehicles. Our leased cars are due back in the spring and summer, and over the past four years, our boys have grown from primary school kids to tweens to teens. Therefore, our “wish list” for a vehicle has evolved somewhat dramatically; having multiple interior power points and ports to charge the kids’ iPads and electronics is no longer a nice-to-have, it’s a must-have.
If you told me a few months ago that I’d seriously consider a Toyota Sienna, I would have raised my eyebrows in surprise. Then again, the all-new, all-hybrid 2021 Toyota Sienna has done much to pleasantly surprise me – in the best way possible.
Considered a technology leader for modern families, this boldly designed minivan raises the bar for style, safety, comfort, versatility and fuel efficiency. Quite simply, it’s what a next-generation minivan should be.
First impression: the styling is gorgeous. I expected the 2021 Toyota Sienna to be spacious – but I didn’t expect it to be sexy. The interior boasts a clean and streamlined design with a sleek dashboard, a 9-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system and the innovative Bridge Console, which is the key to allocating personalized space to the driver and front passenger. …
There’s no doubt it’s more important than ever to file correctly and get every dollar we deserve. However, finding work/ life balance in COVID times is also a challenge; both my kids have been learning from home for almost a year, and in between being a parent, entrepreneur, photographer, at-home chef, armchair therapist… sigh, the list goes on!… I don’t necessarily have the time or energy to prepare my own taxes. My main goal heading into this tax season was to obtain the largest possible tax refund while staying safe at home. …
Now that we’ve officially spent 3/4 of the year getting used to our “new normal”, there’s an unspoken willingness among friends, family and fellow parents to simply move forward. No, 2020 isn’t what we expected. Yes, we will pivot and adjust.
Cheese, ham and egg goodness in a handheld breakfast bar – yes please! My husband, our resident breakfast chef, adapted the 
There comes a point in most children’s lives where they sincerely want to help out in the kitchen. (And let’s be honest: mini chefs are the best.) Whether it’s baking with mom or helping dad prepare breakfast in bed, the enthusiasm with which kids stretch their culinary expertise is downright precious.
3) Focus on building the boys’ RESPs. It feels like I blinked and suddenly, my sons will be 12 and 10 years old! Although I created an RESP for each of them many years ago, I’ll admit that I’ve majorly slacked when it comes to contributions. …
Photo (and feature image): First Steps Photography
What dominated our conversations this month? I recently got together with my friend Georgia from 
Here are three reasons to fall in love with The Westin Ottawa. …
Here are my Top Five Surprises with the 2019 Kia Sorento. …
This year, I’m sharing my best tips for back-to-school shopping – the old school way! …
3. At some point in my mid-twenties, inspired by Chef Anna Olson’s hit television show, “Sugar,” I decided to supplement my Bachelor of Commerce with a Pastry Arts Diploma. I know, polar opposites! But I was lacking motivation in my 9-5 job and decided that pursuing outside interests would be a great way to reinstate passion in my life. When I read in a local newspaper that Anna had opened an artisanal boutique in St. Catharines, Ontario, I was one of the first to visit her in-store and purchase a signed copy of her newest cookbook. …
For example, Reid is somewhat of a Beyblade champion, so he has offered a coupon for Beyblade lessons during recess to those friends he thinks would enjoy learning from the “master”. Ryder, who has a vast knowledge of Pokémon, has offered to share trading techniques and intel to those who are interested. The coupons are an out-of-the-box way to show love and kindness on Valentine’s Day, and I hope to make it a tradition! …
(Above: Reading about insects and arachnids, obviously.) …
Three cheers for the best time of year! There are tons of things you can see and do with the fam this summer using your 
(Don’t be alarmed if you are irrationally excited by the following images and text – I’m legitimately just as enamoured!)
1. What to Do: See 
Also? Let’s pay homage to his style, his MOJO and his always efficient approach to online shopping: 1) great selection, 2) fabulous price, and 3) a quick, convenient and secure transaction.
Summertime is the absolute best.