The Optimistic Musings of a Pessimist

Never Have I Ever…Part 6

Watched an episode of Bluey.

Travelled outside of Canada over the Christmas holiday.

Been in a row boat (though I’ve spent countless hours in canoes).

Permed my hair.

Learned how to tie a bow tie.

Made or received a…

Never Have I Ever, Personality Insights, Random
May, 20, 2025
56 Comments

Best Runner-Up Nova Scotia Beaches (A-H)

There are too many “runner-up” beaches to squeeze into a single post, so I’ve decided to sort things alphabetically.

Some of these locations rank far higher in my mind than others but they’re all worth…

Happy Things Friday: 16 May

We’re at the point in the spring where All The Things start happening. My American friends talk about Maycember and I tend to roll my eyes…but I’m coming to realize Maycember is really more…

Top Five/Bottom Five: Smells (The Household Edition)

It’s been a long while since my last Top Five/Bottom Five post — so long, in fact, we were still talking about winter (praise be, ice is finally behind us). Tobia recently mentioned that…

Why Not Make the Little Things Beautiful?

In the comment section of a recent post, mbmom11 mentioned how much joy her $9 (purple, sparkly!) phone case brings her — and it got me thinking about the surprisingly big impact small aesthetic…

Creativity, Favourite Things, Gratitude, Joy, Personality Insights
May, 14, 2025
48 Comments

The 5 Best Beaches in Nova Scotia (According to a Local)

*Updated July 2026

Nova Scotia is home to some of Canada’s most stunning beaches, and as a local, I’ve picked what I consider to be the best beaches in the province.

Our coastline is a big…

Some Things We Ate in April

Apparently, people are interested in what ends up on our dinner table. (Wait – is it dinner? is it supper?) Either way, I’ve been asked to share more about our everyday meals, so I…