Happiness tied to ‘connection, not collection’

They say that you never know what someone is going through, so you should always be kind. Given the recent World Suicide Prevention Day, I feel like basic kindness is a good place to start, including with ourselves. That said, if you asked me if kind is the first adjective that I’d like me or my teens to be known …

Charmed by Prince Edward County travels

Most people visit Prince Edward County in the summer. It’s well known for Sandbanks Provincial Park, Lake on the Mountain, and many vineyards. Going in the fall has the advantage that you aren’t queuing and can add in extra stops. On my most recent trip to the county, earlier in October, we covered a lot of ground in two-and- a-half …

Digital reminder to renew licence plate will steer you right

Ontario drivers don’t have to pay licence plate renewal fees, nor put on those colourful little stickers anymore, but did you know that police can pull you over if you haven’t renewed your plate? I knew that the fees for licence plate renewals were scrubbed this year, but was surprised to learn that they have also stopped mailing people notices …

Bet on Banksy’s art to get thinking

There are hundreds of reasons to visit Ottawa, but my latest favourite is the Banksy 360 immersive exhibit in the Aberdeen Pavilion at Lansdowne Park. Banksy becomes more relevant every day as the world goes to pot and this exhibit is an entertaining and powerful reminder that we can’t just accept the status quo. If you don’t know the artist, …

It’s no wonder women are afraid to age

After 35 years, Lisa Laflamme was “retired” from her role as CTV National News anchor. The award-winning news anchor was 58. A couple of years back, she stopped dying her hair and went grey, and she continued to do her job expertly and continued to look sensational. Why am I linking these two topics and even writing about this? Simply put, …

Buying travel insurance can be adventure

Have you tried to buy travel insurance lately for international travel? Do you know if you even need it? Has the pandemic affected your travel insurance needs? Here are a few considerations that might help you to make a more informed decision. Emergency medical travel coverage and straight cancellation insurance isn’t too expensive, but the interruption and cancellation policies can be …

Getting weary of languishing

Is anyone else feeling down? Grieving your former life? Lacking purpose? Feeling untethered?  If you are, you aren’t alone. There are a lot of stressors out there right now, including, but surely not limited to: bad weather this summer, COVID-19 screwing up our lives for two years, divisiveness as public policy, unexpected and unfair wars, losing rights that everyone thought …

Let’s talk about birds, bees, and bylaws

Biodiversity ‘critical’ to health of all species, and bylaws must protect pollinators. Earlier this month, the Sault Star’s Elaine Della-Mattia reported that city council passed a resolution for the building and legal departments to suggest amendments to bylaws regarding yard maintenance, with a focus on long grass on vacant properties. Hopefully as they update bylaws they will factor in best practices …

Another kick at my bucket list

Back in January of 2015, I wrote about my progress on my 2010 bucket list. As I stare down a milestone birthday, it seems like a good time to review it and think about a new one to keep me moving forward, with hope and purpose. My 2010 list included that I wanted to travel to Greece, try a new …