The Optimistic Musings of a Pessimist

Holiday Gift Guides 2026: Gift Ideas for Everyone on Your List

I know it’s early to be thinking about Christmas.

Also, it’s not early.

The holiday season is barrelling toward us like a freight train and I’ve decided I can stare at it like a deer…

Gift Guide, Christmas, Holidays
Oct, 20, 2026

Our European Adventures: The Tree Pose Edition

About the midway point of our trip, Indy got into the habit of striking a tree pose in various and sundry locations. (I will admit I wish this tradition had started on Day One!…

Happy Things Friday: 16 October

On paper, our week looked like it would be relaxing. It didn’t end up feeling that way!

Last Friday afternoon John got home from Helsinki, and we celebrated by going to bed early (I was…

Cool Bloggers Walking Club: Week 2

Woot, woot. Another week of walking is in the books!

:::Week 1 Recap:::

BLOG FRIEND WALKS

First up this week, it’s Sabine joining in from the Netherlands.

I did take at least 3-4 walks either with our daughter…

Recent Frugal Wins: Christmas PJs, Greek Yogurt, and Gift Bags

I’m popping by with another random assortment of frugal wins!

I used gift bags as shopping bags. A few weeks ago I was at Dollarama with Belle, and we were picking up a few fall…

Frugality
Oct, 14, 2026
16 Comments

Do We Really Need a Warning Label on Shredded Coconut??

I’ve been feeling a bit grumpy (?), conflicted (?)… I don’t know exactly what I’m feeling, but I have thoughts about Canada’s new front-of-package nutrition warnings. Let’s discuss!!

To me, it’s reminiscent of the introduction…