The Optimistic Musings of a Pessimist

The Great Bed-Making Debate

Everyone has a stance on bed-making. Whether you’re the “crisp corners by 7:00 am” type or the “it’s just going to get messy again” type, your answer says something about you as a person….

Habits, Home, Minimalism, Personality Insights
Aug, 31, 2025
60 Comments

Happy Things Friday: 29 August

It feels like all too often we reach the end of a week and there’s something tragic that has touched people we know and love. I’ve been struggling to find the right words for…

Gratitude Guests: Colleen (On Gratitude in Marriage and Parenting)

This is the second time Colleen has graciously shared her voice here, and I knew I wanted to have her speak specifically about gratitude and parenting. Who better than someone who’s birthed seven humans?…

Blogging, Friendship, Gratitude, Guest Post
Aug, 27, 2025
41 Comments

You Ask, He Answers: My Husband’s Guest Post Is Coming!

You know I love a good guest post, but it’s been years — and one deleted blog — since I’ve hosted John in this space.

But that’s changing! Earlier today I asked him if he’d…

Frugal Life: 10 Ways I Saved Money This Week

It’s been a while since I talked about thrifting and frugality, so here’s a quick rundown of some frugal “wins” from the last week.

1. Homemade chicken stock

Picture from my counter this morning.

Almost every time…

Happy Things Friday: 22 August — Water Edition

Water has been a major focus of life lately for fun and…much less fun reasons.

Let’s start with the less fun. Nova Scotia is hotter and drier than ever, and the wildfire situation has escalated….

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…