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The Optimistic Musings of a Pessimist The Optimistic Musings of a Pessimist

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The Optimistic Musings of a Pessimist

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Best Things to Do in Helsinki: Family-Friendly Attractions, Hidden Gems + Easy Day Trips

  • Travel, Euro Adventure, Helsinki
  • Aug 10, 2026
  • 0 Comments
Helsinki Cathedral above the wide stone steps of Senate Square

We spent a full month living in Helsinki as a family, which gave us time to experience the city quite differently than we would have during a quick weekend visit (though my brother and sister-in-law came for a few days, so we tested a “What To See in a Weekend” in Helsinki itinerary, too). We…

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Happy Things Friday: 7 August

It’s 6:30 am on Friday. John is already downstairs on a work call, Indy is sleeping, Belle is nestled in a cabin at camp (with pre-primary to Grade 2 girls, GOD BLESS HER SOUL),…

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  • Happy Things Friday
  • Aug, 07, 2026
  • 18 Comments

Tween and Teen Allowance and Income: Our System for Giving, Saving, and Fun Money

A few weeks ago, in a Happy Things Friday post, I mentioned wanting to come up with a more robust savings plan for Belle.

She’s been babysitting fairly frequently, and while I love that she’s…

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  • Money, Budget, Parenting
  • Aug, 06, 2026
  • 24 Comments

Recent Frugal Wins (Including Free Cheesecake and Discount Sneakers)

A quick(ish) post for your Wednesday with some recent frugal wins.

Free Anniversary Cheesecake

The restaurant where we go to celebrate our wedding anniversary each year always asks (when we’re making a reservation) if we’re celebrating…

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  • Frugality
  • Aug, 05, 2026
  • 24 Comments

On My Shelf: Books Read July 2026

For years—ever since starting university—my reading stats have absolutely tanked over the summer months.

Because I was doing so much intensive reading during the academic year, I wasn’t thrilled at the thought of reading…

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  • Reading
  • Aug, 04, 2026
  • 23 Comments

Never Have I Ever… Part 19.

I’m almost at the 20th edition of this little blog series, which means I’m within arm’s reach of listing 200 things I’ve never done!

Maybe when I get to Part 20, I’ll post all 200…

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  • Never Have I Ever
  • Aug, 03, 2026
  • 42 Comments

Happy Things Friday: 31 July

And just like that, we’ve reached the end of July. While the kids still have over a month before they head back to school, it feels like we’re beginning to amble down the runway…

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  • Happy Things Friday
  • Jul, 31, 2026
  • 25 Comments
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    • Helsinki Cathedral above the wide stone steps of Senate Square
      Best Things to Do in Helsinki: Family-Friendly Attractions, Hidden Gems + Easy Day Trips

      August 10, 2026

    • Happy Things Friday: 7 August

      August 7, 2026

    • Tween and Teen Allowance and Income: Our System for Giving, Saving, and Fun Money

      August 6, 2026

    © 2026 Freya Theme by Sparrow and Snow | Disclosure Policy | Privacy Policy