New Orleans on My Mind

With the weather starting to turn cooler...who am I kidding? It's nicer out right now in the Calgary area than it has been for most of the summer! Anyways, with the leaves starting to change colour, I can't help but reminisce about my visit to scorching hot New Orleans.

Reminisce with me, or if you have yet to go, plan your visit with my "First-Timer's Guide to New Orleans" on BCLiving.ca. From gators to beignets to jazz to Mardi Gras and more, I've got you covered.

Richmond Bedtime Snacks

Photo courtesy of Tourism Richmond

As I prepare to head to Richmond next week to revisit the night markets there, my story in up! magazine about the markets from my visit last summer is actually in this month's edition.

I'm excited to check out what's new and different, and also to enjoy some of my old favourites. Fried squid anyone?!

Honestly, Richmond is one of the most delicious destinations I have experienced in my travels, especially when it comes to Asian food. I cannot wait to go back and eat my face off! I encourage you to go do the same.

New Orleans...Hot Fun in the Summertime

I recently went to New Orleans sans kid. I whipped down for a quick getaway with a girlfriend and man, was it ever awesome.

Some said I was crazy to go in summer when NOLA is sweltering and humid. But frankly, I found it completely manageable. And it was a great time to go: fewer crowds, good deals, tons to do.

See why you should make NOLA  your next summer destination in my Calgary Herald article.

Keiki-Friendly Maui

Okay, I admit it. Initially, I wasn't entirely thrilled about the idea of bringing Annabel to Maui. My husband and I loved the island so much as a couple; would bringing a toddler along ruin the mystique? Would our tropical paradise turn into a screaming nightmare?

Thankfully, my worries were unfounded. Sure, Maui is a romantic haven, but it's also incredibly family-friendly. Our little keiki had an incredible time as did we, showing her so many of the things we love about Maui. And she opened our eyes to a few new things we probably wouldn't have explored otherwise.

Check out my story in this month's up! magazine.

A Race to Save the Economy?

Garmin-Sharp, the team of Canadian superstar cyclist and winner of the 2012 Giro D’Italia, Ryder Hesjedal, is the first professional team confirmed to participate in Canada’s first international professional cycling stage race, the Tour of Alberta. Photo from Tour of Alberta

Sometimes I get asked to write about things I really know nothing about. Such was the case for my latest Canadian Business article about a six-stage pro cycling race and economic diversification. Sometimes it can be helpful not to know a lot; then you can ask all the "dumb" questions plus you bring no bias to the story. Other times, it just means putting your nose to the grindstone, researching, interviewing, and just getting the job done.

At the end of it all, I learned something, plus I'm actually keen to check out this Tour of Alberta race happening this September. I hope my story does the same for you.

Baby on a Schedule, Yay or Nay?

Are you a scheduler or a wing-it-er?

I used to be a wing-it-er. And I loved it. Even when my daughter was born, I continued to live a life of spontaneity--flying by the seat of my pants.

And then the utterly painful sleep deprivation set in. And routine won out against wingin' it. The only way I could guarantee myself at least a few hours of continuous sleep each night was if I made sure Annabel got her naps in during the day.

Schedules don't work for every kid, parent or even family, but for us, it does. We've loosened the reins as she's gotten a bit older, but I still try to schedule things so that we are home for her to nap if she wants to (she's starting to rock that boat now; please, universe, let her nap for a good while longer!), and in bed by 7:30/8pm every night.

I explore the issue for Today's Parent magazine.

And while I do follow a schedule of sorts, I still do not consider myself a slave to the clock. Heck, I don't even wear a watch! That's right. I'm bad, I know it. I'm bad, I show it.

Let's Make a Deal

Image by Pierre-Paul Pariseau, Swerve

Anyone who knows me at all knows that I love me a bargain. And these days, I do much of my deal-seeking online.

Have a boo at my latest piece in Swerve all about the wonderful world of online garage sales and auctions. I'm feeling the itch to bid just talking about it!

Canmore B&B for Champions...And Regular Folks Too.

If you're heading to Canmore, and you want a cozy and friendly place to stay, check out the Paintbox Lodge, a boutique B&B hidden in the town's downtown.

What's particularly special about it is that it's run by Olympic Medallist Sara Renner and her World Cup Champion husband, Thomas Grandi. Now, if that doesn't guarantee a breakfast for champions, I don't know what does.

In fact, the lodge offers wonderful cooking classes in its stunning Miele kitchen so it's perfect for a night of wining and dining, and then right off to bed!

Take a look at my story in Avenue Calgary.

Nanny Cam; Yay or Nay?

What do you think of using a nanny cam to monitor you child's caregiver? I'm against it. I think it's an invasion of privacy and a false sense of security. My husband, on the other hand, would be all for it. Anyhow, I duke it out with a fellow parent for Today's Parent magazine. Let me know your thoughts!

California Dreaming

Fresno County's Blossom Trail, photo courtesy of Fresno CVB

I'm just starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel after being sicker than I have been for years. I caught the flu--what the doctor tells me is the "most vicious stream" he's seen in years--from none other than my own little cesspool of germs, my dear, sweet toddler, Annabel.

And so I start the New Year, looking fondly back at some of my less flu-stricken times, such as our trip down to California, back in April.

That was our first family trip beyond the borders of Canada, and we decided to road trip from San Francisco to Fresno and then Sacramento. It was a super fun experience, and Jason and I learned a lot about travelling with a wee one as we checked out some lesser-known gems of California.

Here's a look at my story in Avenue Calgary magazine.

You can also learn more about Fresno in my City Palate story. I know, you're thinking, why'd you go to Fresno? Well, read the story and find out. (The story starts on page 42, and it helps to view it on a single-page spread vs. a double.)