The Optimistic Musings of a Pessimist

Happy Things Friday: 19 September

Life has been busy and I was going to skip Happy Things Friday this week, but the thought made me sad. I really do love pulling this post together each week. Then, Ally from…

Blogging, Frugality, Happy Things Friday, Travel
Sep, 19, 2025
45 Comments

Birchie in Nova Scotia Part 2: Peggy’s Cove + Pretty Views

(Part 1 of our adventures is here…)

DAY THREE: CHURCH + PEGGY’S COVE + GAMES

I woke up Sunday morning feeling ten times better. My cold wasn’t completely gone, but I could breathe (always helpful!) and…

Blogging, Friendship, Nova Scotia, Travel
Sep, 18, 2025
39 Comments

Meet My Favourite Guy: A Q&A with John (Part One)

When I floated the idea of doing a guest “interview” with John, he was agreeable, if a bit skeptical. He wasn’t convinced anyone would have questions for him.

I knew better. And, you had so…

Guest Post, Marriage, Parenting, Personality Insights
Sep, 17, 2025
51 Comments

Birchie in Nova Scotia Part 1: Muddy Days + Movie Nights

One of the great joys of blogging is experiencing how online friendships transition seamlessly into real life.

Another joy is realizing someone is willing to get up at 4 am, deal with airport security and…

Blogging, Friendship, Life, Nova Scotia, Travel
Sep, 16, 2025
47 Comments

Ten Frugal Things Last Week

Belle needed a calculator for school, so we headed off to Staples to get her a scientific calculator. We bought something fairly inexpensive ($20), but our next stop was a thrift store. Guess what…

Happy Things Friday: 12 September

Well, first things first.

Birchie arrives today. I repeat: Birchie touches down in Nova Scotia later today! Woot, woot!

The weather looks perfect and I cannot wait to get out and explore. (And also just hang…

Life
Sep, 12, 2025
46 Comments

Farewell, Crockpot. Hello…Instant Pot?

After many years of loyal service (it was a wedding shower gift from one of my uncles), my big crockpot has finally given up the ghost. It developed a giant hairline crack which means…

Happy Things Friday: 19 September

Birchie in Nova Scotia Part 2: Peggy’s Cove + Pretty Views

Meet My Favourite Guy: A Q&A with John (Part One)

Birchie in Nova Scotia Part 1: Muddy Days + Movie Nights

Ten Frugal Things Last Week

Happy Things Friday: 12 September

Farewell, Crockpot. Hello…Instant Pot?

Hi! I'm Elisabeth...

Search

Travel

GUESTS

BOOKS

Recent posts

20 Gift Ideas for Women (That I Own and Love)

15 Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Men (Recommended by My Husband)

Happy Things Friday: 23 October