Ferris and Presqu'ile Provincial Park

We had a wonderful time exploring Ferris Provincial Park located in Northumberland county in the small town of Campbellford. The park is a two hour drive from Toronto. It is connected to Ranney Falls, which has a colourful and exciting view from the lookout. We encountered garter snakes on the easy to explore trails.

Tips to Consider When Shopping For Summer Outfits

With the past few weeks being extremely cold, we can't help but dream of some warm weather to soak in some sunshine. During the past couple of years the pandemic has disrupted our summer plans as we spent most of our days lounging. To get our minds off of feeling down, we are thinking of different things we can do in the summer, including our summer outfits. 

Here are some ideas to get you started if you are looking for inspiration to refresh your wardrobe - a less is more approach to get the desired aesthetic while feeling and looking fashionable.

Summer Reads: Paying attention to our lives and more

Get a copy of this book, "Your second life begins when you realize you only have one" by Raphaëlle Giordano and think a little deeper on the little things you can change to live fuller and happier. This is a wonderful book that has strategies we can adapt for the betterment of our lives after all we only have one life to live.

Keeping out the bugs with Thermacell

We recently tested the new Thermacell range of non-spray bug repellents, which are now available in Canada. Thermacell products have come in handy for us this summer as we were able to repel pesky mosquitos within a 15x15 foot zone. We like this repellent because there is no messy lotions, odours, noise, DEET, or open flames involved and the products use the same ingredients that make chrysanthemum flowers deter insects. All Thermacell products have been approved by the EPA for safety and effectiveness. 

DK Canada books to inspire Summer Detox and Giveaway

When spring comes along, we get quite excited to plant a variety of different vegetables, herbs, and flowers in our garden. Harvesting and caring for the plants all summer long is one of our favourite hobbies. In order to inspire us to spend our summer feeling relaxed, refreshed, and ready to take part in adventures, we took a closer look at a few DK Canada books that inspires Summer Detox. 

Register for STEM Summer Camp offered all across Ontario

My children spend some of their summer vacation being part of summer camps. This is a great way to be active, build skills, and make fun memories growing up. This summer they are excited to attend STEM camp! 

Our Stay at Lakes of Wasaga Parkbridge Resort

We had a lovely time during our stay in a chalet at Lakes of Wasaga Parkbridge Resort. At the resort, we have the option of either staying in a cottage or chalet. We can either own these four season homes or rent and enjoy during anytime of the year. The scenic view of the man-made lakes surrounding each lot of chalets and cottages is beautiful and the perfect setting to sit and relax. Our days in the chalet were relaxing and fun, as we did lots of outdoor activities.

Breaking Free from the Everyday with Hyundai Tucson

We did break free from the "everyday", as we drove the Hyundai Tucson recently for some of our road trips this summer! The features of the 2016 Hyundai Tucson deliver sporty driving dynamics, and its safety technology makes everyone feel safe, which gives us confidence to enjoy the drive. 

Cook with Local Food this Summer

With Local Food Week coming up from June 6-12th, Longo's is on a mission to help us understand exactly which fruits and vegetables are in season during the summer months - so we can enjoy delicious seasonal food. For the past 60 years the Longo's family has maintained a commitment to provide customers with the best fresh and local food possible. I like that local food has gained momentum because of sustainability concerns and consideration for local farmers. See the above infographic they have created to help us cook with local food this summer.

Spring and Summer Collection from Columbia

Columbia Sportswear Company's Spring and Summer Collection has a beautiful selection of clothing for both women and men. We think that this selection is perfect for all occasions especially when travelling and doing outdoor activities.

Fundy Trail Parkway and Scenic Caves

The Scenic Caves are must visit, while in the Saint John and St. Martins area. Being able to go into the caves and admiring its depth and the amazing power of how the water has changed the landscape is a beautiful and a humbling experience.

Visiting the City of Saint John, New Brunswick

Going from a stay at a small town like Saint Andrews to the city of Saint John is a different experience, and a wonderful way to explore the Fundy coastline. We loved our stay at Hilton Saint John located by the wharf. We enjoyed the excitement of the city during the day and night. 

Our Road Trip to New Brunswick in the 2015 Toyota Sienna

We really enjoyed driving the spacious 2015 Toyota Sienna XLE, which was perfect for our 14 hour road trip from Toronto to New Brunswick. Everyone in the family felt that they had comfortable amount of space to stretch, and to be seated during our travels. The ride was smooth throughout our trip despite the variety of road conditions we went on. In my upcoming posts, you will see that we not only drove the Sienna in the city, but also in small towns, winding highways, rugged roads, and lots of drivable trails.

Why You Should Choose TAC Sports Camp

My children loved attending the Toronto Athletic Sports Camp this summer. Learning a new skill, especially sports from professionals is quite important since the foundation is the key for children to continue their love for a sport. Since TAC sports coaches are experts in their sports either Soccer, Basketball, Tennis, and Martial Arts, my husband and I felt confident sending my children to the full day summer camp where both my children learned Martial Arts, and plan to continue their love for it. They spent half their day learning tennis and basketball. My daughter picked tennis and my son basketball. They were excited that their coaches picked them for their chosen sports for being a good sport for a week, and grasping the skills. 

Engaging Craft Books

While at home for the summer holidays, it is fun to engage our children with crafts. My children and I checked out three new creative books that have lots of ideas on how we can use things from around our home.

Quench Your Thirst for Science at the Ontario Science Centre

Quench your thirst for science this summer with a visit to the Ontario Science Centre. There is something for everyone in the family to do and explore from uncovering the truth behind myths in MythBusters, to gliding down a tree trunk slide in the Cohon Family Nature Escape or getting close to humpback whales without getting wet with the IMAX®film Humpback Whales.

Summer Feet in TOMS Shoes

With every pair of TOMS that we purchase, TOMS will donate a new pair of shoes to a child in need. To date, TOMS has given over 35 million pairs of new shoes to children in need in 60 countries around the world. We love TOMS shoes because they are perfect for the summer, as it is lightweight and comfortable to wear all day long. These shoes go well for any occasion. My children love the classic suede insole with rubber cushion that provide comfort, and the durable cupsole allows the shoes to be flexible. These shoes have the TOMS elastic V for easy on and off.  

Win a $50 gift card to Mastermind Toys

Mastermind Toys, Canadian owned and operated largest specialty toy and children’s book retailer, has released its annual summer toys list featuring 25 of the hottest items that will keep kids active and occupied…rain or shine… all summer long!

Win Your Own Copy of What Plant Where Encyclopedia

This time of the year, my family and I spend lots of time gardening, shopping for the garden, tending the plants, and weeding to keep our garden a clean and well maintained space. For us gardening is exciting, tiring, and relaxing. We love reading books about gardening, trying a variety of different plants and flowers every year, growing to love some plants more than others, talking about plants, recommending our favourites and our tips to family, friends, and neighbours. Recently, I got a wonderful book from DK that tells all about what plants go where in our garden.

UNEEK Sports Sandals

UNEEK is the latest innovative concept from KEEN. Its design is simple, as it only features two cords and a sole. I love that it is comfortable for long wear, and is very light and airy. The non-stretch, water repellent polyester cords in the sandals perfectly hugs to the natural shape of our feet allowing us to easily flex and move; when we remove the shoes we can see the imprints of the cords for a few seconds :)