Travel

48 Hours in Nova Scotia: Surfing, Lighthouses + My Favourite Beach!

John’s best friend, his partner, and her son came to visit us for a whirlwind tour of Nova Scotia last weekend. With less than two full days together, we couldn’t do it all…but we…

Beaches, Lighthouses, Nova Scotia, Travel
Aug, 21, 2025
19 Comments

Hiking Castle Rock Trail, Nova Scotia: A Local Trail Guide

Years ago, we were looking for a way to fill a very long summer day with young kids. We found ourselves on Nova Scotia’s South Shore with no particular destination in mind when a…

Tangled Garden Nova Scotia: A Magical Garden Near Wolfville

Updated July 2026

Last week was all about local adventures. With both kids off at sleepaway camp, we wanted to make the most of our time close to home—no overnight bags, no itinerary spreadsheets (though…

Travel, Nova Scotia
Jul, 27, 2025
38 Comments

Happy Things Friday: 25 July (The Anniversary + Adventure Edition)

Happy and satisfied. That’s how I would sum up this week.

I’ve been thinking about how these weekly summaries are my attempt to follow Mary Oliver’s advice:

Pay attention.Be astonished. Tell about it.

That’s what…

Happy Things Friday, Marriage, Nova Scotia, Travel
Jul, 25, 2025
53 Comments

The Best Things to Do in Wolfville, Nova Scotia: A Local’s Guide

Looking for the best things to do in Wolfville, Nova Scotia? I’m delighted to introduce you to the place in Nova Scotia that’s closest to my heart.

Wolfville!

This small university town in the Annapolis Valley…

Travel, Nova Scotia
Jul, 16, 2025
38 Comments

Gratitude, Minimalism, and Frugal Living With Kathleen Paley

Updated July 2026: This interview was originally published in June 2025, when Kathleen was working as a lawyer, pursuing financial independence, and hosting a podcast called The Minimal(ish) Mom. She has since retired from…

Travel, Gratitude, Guest Post, Minimalism, Thrifting
Jun, 18, 2025
28 Comments

The (Next) Best Lighthouses in Nova Scotia: H-Z

Another day, more lighthouses. (See here and here.)

I’m running out of anecdotes energy. If I don’t have anything to say about a particular stop, I’ll just post pictures!

Hampton Lighthouse

They haven’t met a piece of…