tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41212289603126077992024-03-05T20:17:15.345-05:00SIMPLY SUPPASimply Suppa is a division of Suppa Media Inc.Julia Suppahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12321472452119091722noreply@blogger.comBlogger736125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4121228960312607799.post-79727007260030360582023-09-18T09:39:00.003-04:002023-09-18T09:51:26.465-04:00It’s (another) sad time for local journalism<p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAqB8GuszuZWBeU5LLaXSPOU_BJUeWRhc6e78Vi9J03h_KfhqMokjZLdFRl25yqsG6qJoKUFB6KJt6WHcFh5z01678Tqzpujt7P5rjxNf8DR5JkG9fuQePqeAhto6KNfxLed2lnPmk8Xny-QagQfLbPm-KomoxLU1eG_1aBajI5AdDi-hYfjOTIVALQQVl/s3334/IMG_0114.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2580" data-original-width="3334" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAqB8GuszuZWBeU5LLaXSPOU_BJUeWRhc6e78Vi9J03h_KfhqMokjZLdFRl25yqsG6qJoKUFB6KJt6WHcFh5z01678Tqzpujt7P5rjxNf8DR5JkG9fuQePqeAhto6KNfxLed2lnPmk8Xny-QagQfLbPm-KomoxLU1eG_1aBajI5AdDi-hYfjOTIVALQQVl/w640-h496/IMG_0114.heic" width="640" /></a></div><br />It’s another sad time for local journalism.<p></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Last week, Metroland Media Group, the sister company of The Toronto Star, sought bankruptcy protection and immediately ceased the print publications of dozens of weekly community newspapers across Ontario, including our local Vaughan Citizen and all the local papers in York Region. These publications will continue to run in an online model, and daily newspapers like The Star and The Hamilton Spectator, for example, will continue to be published in print and online, unaffected by the bankruptcy.</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">You could say it is a “sign of the times”, or to use another cliché, “the writing was on the wall”; printed, legacy media has been scaled back for years – blamed on the decline of advertising dollars – and local, community journalism has been shredded apart, nearly obliterated.</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Perhaps this decision doesn’t matter much to you; nobody <i>actually</i> <i>cares</i> about community news, right?! Wrong. Lots of people care.</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The 605 people who were laid off last week care, some of whom worked for the company for more than 20 years. By the way, they were let go without any severance or termination pay.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I was a victim of the abomination of local, community television in the GTA – 6 years ago this fall – and I still have people stopping me asking why they can’t find my shows anymore. Because they’re gone. Poof.</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Community news is where many (if not most) top journalists cut their teeth, dreaming of seeing their byline or photo in the paper, or in TV credits.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Believe it or not, thousands of bright-eyed, bushy-tailed teenagers and young adults enter into journalism school every year, ignited by this passion to tell stories, uncover truths, highlight people and businesses who are doing amazing things. And many (if not most) journalists are good people, severely underpaid for their work, and often abused online and in person because of their profession.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Where will these reporters get their start? And for communities in Ontario who not only rely on local news, but ENJOY reading a paper, what happens to their stories?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space">To all the kids who had their first job tossing the paper on the porch (and often on the driveway or lawn!) -- no more paper routes. </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Local papers were also an opportunity for small businesses and companies to be featured, in editorial and advertisements, often sharing good news stories and events – a welcome contrast to the hard news of murders, car thefts, and bank robberies.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">But, Julia, they weren’t making money.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I hear you. I get it. I run a business. Money matters.</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">You can blame facebook, or the government, or whoever you want.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Some of these printed papers date back to the 1800s, and once again, their owners are valuing local, legacy journalism based on the money it brings in, and that’s simply not fair. It will never compete with the big guys because of the lack of resources to make it viable. How do you sell advertising when you don’t have salespeople?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Perhaps we should cut everything out of our lives that doesn’t make us money. Your kid’s bake sale? Scrap it. Volunteering? What’s the point?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The point is – not everything makes money, but if it brings happiness, creates opportunities, develops the community – it still serves a purpose. And that’s why it’s a sad, sad time.</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Thank you to my local news colleagues at The Vaughan Citizen and YorkRegion.com, and the paper itself: you will be missed.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="post-footer"></div>
Julia Suppahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12321472452119091722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4121228960312607799.post-48434906216758943592023-02-22T23:56:00.006-05:002023-02-22T23:56:38.887-05:0011-Day East Coast Road Trip<div class="post-footer"></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVks9TMOePtCJYejeXLIY1RrUHIp6PmH2ZeXULGBAJ4waTNf16ezr9-hFZ3ZzZNYCj4mlXJMvGWtnhZHTE6VYQRrifZ6Z626mtiH2hC0DTmUa2BOqwfQmKFW8jnC_LF0OdUh92M0f20840oxazOlvimX8VcrUfGeu9u3J9J_KiNqyeSxEkK-Dww3Dduw/s4032/IMG_0316%202.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVks9TMOePtCJYejeXLIY1RrUHIp6PmH2ZeXULGBAJ4waTNf16ezr9-hFZ3ZzZNYCj4mlXJMvGWtnhZHTE6VYQRrifZ6Z626mtiH2hC0DTmUa2BOqwfQmKFW8jnC_LF0OdUh92M0f20840oxazOlvimX8VcrUfGeu9u3J9J_KiNqyeSxEkK-Dww3Dduw/w480-h640/IMG_0316%202.HEIC" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Last summer, like millions of others, Donny and I were craving a vacation. But with rising costs (of everything!) and airline challenges, we weren't quite ready for a European adventure with the kids just yet. </span></p><p style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">A Canadian roadtrip seemed like the perfect fit, and it was. We could go at our own pace, explore Canadian cities and towns and support our local Canadian tourism industry. </span></p><p style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">We didn't have a huge amount of time carved out, and truthfully, we didn't plan it far enough in advance, but that's why I'm handing out our itinerary now, so you have the time you need if you want to take a road trip to the Maritimes this summer. </span></p><p style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Our East-coast road trip was only 11-days roundtrip. Was it enough time? No. Do we regret going? Absolutely not. Would we do it again? One hundred per cent.</span></p><p style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The East Coast of Canada is simply awesome. The people are outstanding, the seafood is incredible and the views are magestic. You can hit wilderness and beach in the same day, and all in Canadian funds. </span></p><p style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Obviously, we didn't see and do everything on the East Coast of Canada, firstly, because it's impossible -- our nation is full of picturesque towns, delicious meals, and cultural experiences. But we DID jam-pack our 11 days. Our pace is not for everyone, but it worked for us.</span></p><p style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Soon, I will share more details about what we did in every city, but for now, here's an overview of our route, so you can start to plan yours. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p class="p1" style="font-size: 20px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><b><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><span style="font-family: verdana;">11-day East Coast Road Trip<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></b></p><p class="p2" style="font-size: 20px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b></b><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Prep Night: Vaughan ➡️ Kingston (Leave at 9 pm and get to Kingston to sleep)</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Day 1: Kingston ➡️ Quebec City, with lunch in Montreal</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Day 2: Quebec City ➡️ to Fredericton with stops in Rivières du Loup, Edmundston and Grand Falls (Long drive day)</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Day 3: Fredericton and surrounding areas: Saint John, Hopewell Rocks, St Martin, and Bay of Fundy</span></p><p class="p4" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Day 4: Moncton ➡️ Halifax</span></p><p class="p4" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Day 5: Halifax / Peggy's Cove / Lunenburg</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Day 6: Halifax to PEI via ferry in Caribou</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Day 6-8: Prince Edward Island </span></p><p class="p3" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Day 9: PEI ➡️ Rivières du Loup — stop in Shediac and Magnetic Hill<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Day 10: Rivières du Loup ➡️ Montreal (stop in Quebec City for lunch), sleep in Montreal</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Day 11: Montreal <span class="s1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">➡️</span> home<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-converted-space">Overall, our itinerary was great -- I would have liked more time in PEI, and possibly another few days in Nova Scotia to go to Cape Breton Island. But, that means we'll be back because there's so much left to see, including the St. Lawrence, Magdalene Islands, and we haven't even mentioned Newfoundland yet!</span></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-converted-space">If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask!</span></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><br /></div><br />Julia Suppahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12321472452119091722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4121228960312607799.post-6413145350433850762022-12-02T23:20:00.007-05:002022-12-03T09:59:43.741-05:00Ways You Can Go Green in 2023<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIV1Qr8lbJOJfpROqd6nBjIERNy7RRWm6vedpspZGiAcDvGAVraOVxjzaIpnApBtgaN0_wo58HjcpsK9mMhO1mHhFegppVY-_KmUyVbzbhirRFIYnnD_gWulDxCIj-WHa44vEwM2nf3nASFWh_Txp-WwEfJKXPenBksHcb5ku3NfgDPkj9-4PzTn3d3A/s3088/IMG_9788.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="3088" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIV1Qr8lbJOJfpROqd6nBjIERNy7RRWm6vedpspZGiAcDvGAVraOVxjzaIpnApBtgaN0_wo58HjcpsK9mMhO1mHhFegppVY-_KmUyVbzbhirRFIYnnD_gWulDxCIj-WHa44vEwM2nf3nASFWh_Txp-WwEfJKXPenBksHcb5ku3NfgDPkj9-4PzTn3d3A/w640-h480/IMG_9788.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />The last couple of years and through the pandemic have really taught our family to be grateful and appreciate what we have; the periods of lockdown were a big test for us to conserve and really start to implement ways to be more sustainable.</span><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Don’t get me wrong: we were already doing a lot in our home – eliminating single-use plastic, running the laundry at off-peak times, recycling – but now, we have made a concerted effort to be more environmentally friendly, and be more intentional with our consumption, whether that be gas, electricity, paper, etc.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinGcmh0fm8zFfGYVpq7Tw6Z9oN-42dg8mqBKcTBNbZ8c4yXQE5W2VBnvlfryqEAyPSX2pcL9AZBuPReyGDwwuIVxjAIqt0YutrudsNUt_MtIUkntG070RuDztL4c-yXECpizbGflg8QJ64HmH6YbJln6e0mm0VlLlss4PMnSJc_1Xsfbqmdy7tuA3qDA/s3024/IMG_9631%202.JPG" style="font-family: verdana; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinGcmh0fm8zFfGYVpq7Tw6Z9oN-42dg8mqBKcTBNbZ8c4yXQE5W2VBnvlfryqEAyPSX2pcL9AZBuPReyGDwwuIVxjAIqt0YutrudsNUt_MtIUkntG070RuDztL4c-yXECpizbGflg8QJ64HmH6YbJln6e0mm0VlLlss4PMnSJc_1Xsfbqmdy7tuA3qDA/w640-h640/IMG_9631%202.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">If you’re looking for a New Year’s resolution, here are a few ways you can go green in 2023:</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Get Outside and Walk:</b> We’ve done a lot more walking over the last few years, thanks in part to being at home. We love exploring the trails near our home – always have – but we’ve also tried to add more walking to visit friends, to school, etc.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Borrowing / Sharing Vehicles:</b> This was not by choice, but we found ourselves without a second vehicle for most of 2022. This taught us to arrange our schedules so we only used a vehicle when we needed to, and borrowed from family when they weren’t using theirs. We have also ordered a Hybrid vehicle and hope to have it soon!</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Eat everything in the fridge: </b>We typically do groceries weekly, but we have gotten into a habit of stretching to two weeks and only purchasing the absolute necessities. It’s actually turned into a bit of a game – how long can we eat without shopping?! In addition to meal prepping and planning, we’re ensuring we are wasting less and, in turn, spending less.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Support Farmers, and Get in the Garden: I</b>t’s a bit trickier in the winter months, but in the summer months, we try and visit local farms to buy fresh produce and continue to plant our own tomatoes, peppers, swiss chard, lettuces and herbs. I love cooking with fresh veggies, especially when they’re home-grown.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Host a Clothing Swap, or Give to Your Friends:</b> It’s no secret that I love to shop, but I never throw away clothes. When it’s time to tidy my closet, I share with my closest friends and sister – they pick what they want, like, could use, and the rest gets donated. There’s lots of life left in the threads – why not share with those you love?</span></li></ul><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://bit.ly/3fx8GP4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">eveelife.com</a> is an eco-conscious lifestyle platform that helps people make more purposeful choices. eveelife’s goal is to help conscious consumers spread the word, live their values, and make good on a carbon-free life.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The platform is dedicated to only promoting products, content, and companies that are changing the world for the better. </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">eveelife.com is running a giveaway – <a href="http://bit.ly/3fx8GP4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">visit their website</a>, sign up for the newsletter and enter to win!</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Good luck!</span></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/7amq-orDELM" width="480"></iframe></div><br /><br />
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<div><br /></div><div>#Disclaimer: this is a sponsored post. All opinions expressed on my blog are my own.</div>Julia Suppahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12321472452119091722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4121228960312607799.post-22032989615378606712022-11-17T09:11:00.000-05:002022-11-17T09:11:03.287-05:00Prematurity Awareness Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpkkUi_Nxlle63sibfp_tAF1NQXXqHl4a6Q6yDVrRvVmNM4s3ew9hKXpPmR8521wLf8ncReKK_PSzi1mm9Wztgseu4tWMEB2LN3diLMU06BOT6KTsGDbHRVu0_Q840xBXLXPHp39elU4vqIGaRRNflx4dwE0hqMifrMm8TnK7lP3pPcP_SWRoxWhtMfg/s5697/DSC_9214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3492" data-original-width="5697" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpkkUi_Nxlle63sibfp_tAF1NQXXqHl4a6Q6yDVrRvVmNM4s3ew9hKXpPmR8521wLf8ncReKK_PSzi1mm9Wztgseu4tWMEB2LN3diLMU06BOT6KTsGDbHRVu0_Q840xBXLXPHp39elU4vqIGaRRNflx4dwE0hqMifrMm8TnK7lP3pPcP_SWRoxWhtMfg/w640-h392/DSC_9214.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today is World Prematurity Awareness Day, a day to recognize and celebrate all the babies in the world born too early.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Many people know my story -- how I developed HELLP syndrome while pregnant with our eldest, Isabelle. Isabelle was born at 30 weeks gestation and stayed in the hospital (2 hospitals) for 62 days. When our family graduated, I vowed to turn our experience into advocacy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What you may not know, is that Madeline is also a preemie. She was born around 35 weeks because I began to develop that same illness -- only we knew to look for it. Madeline was, in fact, smaller than Isabelle when she came home, although, thankfully, didn't require any hospital stay. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They were (and are) small, but mighty. And we are so very lucky.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 in 10 babies worldwide is born too soon. In Canada, 30,000 babies are born prematurely each year. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Like many hardships in life, talking about your experience often connects you with others who share similar stories. I became acquainted with other amazing moms, who, like me, were preemie parents. While all of our stories vary slightly, we share many of the same emotions and trauma. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbwv0ASAgwpnjwi3Fvm2B1lHWnBfn1fEBZ8WYGGKsyCWc2NZJ3Mm_IFEDJzV3ZPgFTtco9G10vVlHEiUrhODCAgf9eZ75sDxCZ4wHUm52NCy_CL80Sdb7bkOde-g0Nhicjk4Qg0xP5W-74-GZAJ_Jd1w10z-nW2Gmt67x1SlqYGeXlYnWxJme-_TGLUg/s3024/IMG_7315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbwv0ASAgwpnjwi3Fvm2B1lHWnBfn1fEBZ8WYGGKsyCWc2NZJ3Mm_IFEDJzV3ZPgFTtco9G10vVlHEiUrhODCAgf9eZ75sDxCZ4wHUm52NCy_CL80Sdb7bkOde-g0Nhicjk4Qg0xP5W-74-GZAJ_Jd1w10z-nW2Gmt67x1SlqYGeXlYnWxJme-_TGLUg/w640-h640/IMG_7315.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Through our experience, I have been honoured to speak at the Mackenzie Health Groundbreaking, organize a NICU picnic, donate baskets to the local NICU through an organization called Handful Hearts, and most recently, speak on behalf of Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital at the Ferrari of Ontario rally this fall. </div><div><br /></div><div>After our NICU stay in 2012, I advocated for the new NICU, a parent lounge, a place to rest and think. A few weeks ago, I was elated to visit the NICU at Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital and shed a few tears of pride -- the new Women & Child area is beautiful, with spacious rooms and a detailed NICU that considers both the care of babies and the parents. </div><div><br /></div><div>Today, I wear purple to honour all the premature babies, and all the preemie parents -- it's a title few of us expect to get, but one that is so very meaningful.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJfK1nUXc4c39l5zC8qwsfR-Cm4CPKtBtl-rBFctmB_136NbF-ykfj2qBDBJuymWjsRfBAkNkr3dk50ZlTpsXAFTFDcEYPS8jEGta0OJ4lQUqyG5GLHRSW_dAz5YzAeaMMGD7ssD3SSTZwS8ZY3hBnKkul5rXx6AcIHA7dCnY6vs-YLfY_kB_Lv5rdVg/s4891/IMG_4652%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3261" data-original-width="4891" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJfK1nUXc4c39l5zC8qwsfR-Cm4CPKtBtl-rBFctmB_136NbF-ykfj2qBDBJuymWjsRfBAkNkr3dk50ZlTpsXAFTFDcEYPS8jEGta0OJ4lQUqyG5GLHRSW_dAz5YzAeaMMGD7ssD3SSTZwS8ZY3hBnKkul5rXx6AcIHA7dCnY6vs-YLfY_kB_Lv5rdVg/w640-h426/IMG_4652%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>If you, or someone you know, is a new preemie parent, needs some advice, or even a listening ear from someone who's been there, please don't hesitate to reach out. If you'd like to learn more about premature babies, check out the<a href="https://www.cpbf-fbpc.org/wpd" target="_blank"> Canadian Premature Babies Foundation </a>-- my fellow preemie mom and friend, Fabiana, and her team do outstanding work.</div><div><br /></div><img alt="your photo name" border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/198/A95E65DC5EB34CB2F9A0EB1CE1B6743C.png" />Julia Suppahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12321472452119091722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4121228960312607799.post-58378458281130509492022-06-10T15:46:00.006-04:002022-06-10T15:46:45.064-04:00What to Wear in Vegas -- My Vegas Outfits<span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs9L6AMZLlrPYG6y4cJis1vnbVyKO8ca-aiwcRbpNLsCvKrcipJWgdbwXop3OAT5rym2MZbCgsluNtGO80hh3a-e3edgYFvY3XRSmOoK2JWVKAEL9QaOz2KdOgBz1lzgiN5e7Y8xPHI5KIAFkld0_cp3jV_Y-zAjzxOPzasalZ8S2kMHbAF4v7FUOJ_g/s6912/Untitled%20design%20(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="6912" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs9L6AMZLlrPYG6y4cJis1vnbVyKO8ca-aiwcRbpNLsCvKrcipJWgdbwXop3OAT5rym2MZbCgsluNtGO80hh3a-e3edgYFvY3XRSmOoK2JWVKAEL9QaOz2KdOgBz1lzgiN5e7Y8xPHI5KIAFkld0_cp3jV_Y-zAjzxOPzasalZ8S2kMHbAF4v7FUOJ_g/w640-h320/Untitled%20design%20(3).jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />We just got back from our Vegas trip with our friends and we had a blast!</span><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Because this was my first time visiting Sin City, I was a bit worried about what to pack and what to wear. I wanted to be comfortable (I knew it would be hot), but also have clothing appropriate for our dinners, show and daytime activities. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">I got a lot of advice from Vegas pros, and for the most part, they were right -- anything goes in Vegas. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Here are a few things I made sure to pack for our visit: </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Comfortable sandals / shoes for daytime. I only brought sandals, which eliminated the need for socks.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">A black dress. You could wear a black dress any day or night of the week in Vegas. Add a sandal, sneaker or strappy shoe and you're ready to go.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">A day crossbody and an evening purse. Keep your hands free during the day and opt for a crossbody that can hold your wallet, phone, sunglasses, sunscreen and a few needed items like lip balm and gum. I used the same pink evening bag that doubles as a purse and cross-body for evening.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Clothes I felt great in. I hate wearing pants, especially in the summer -- so I mainly wore dresses for day and night.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Something a little risque or out of my comfort zone -- since this was a friends' trip sans kids, I took it upon myself to push the envelope and wear some things I normally wouldn't (crop tops and short dresses anyone!?) -- and I'm so happy I did!</span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Here are some of the outfits I put together. None of this is sponsored -- all purchased!:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b><u>Daytime:</u></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZHklAnQfzGekNhE0Gk6DRTSbMAn6eD_KaPJkhJ0stM4MmDqABsTd_FiSpC3yjGIlWLPebSmWljuWZ_3ydox-QBn_ggG_yko-gU6cFzRTWAglDuR0cEg9q4zh2jzBpt1Om3hJWI8FlTwOxR39v1I9EtBD8Q14cjbK6iAcC-2G1bBHvnCM-kVIx_VYtmw/s3088/IMG_3902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="1737" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZHklAnQfzGekNhE0Gk6DRTSbMAn6eD_KaPJkhJ0stM4MmDqABsTd_FiSpC3yjGIlWLPebSmWljuWZ_3ydox-QBn_ggG_yko-gU6cFzRTWAglDuR0cEg9q4zh2jzBpt1Om3hJWI8FlTwOxR39v1I9EtBD8Q14cjbK6iAcC-2G1bBHvnCM-kVIx_VYtmw/s320/IMG_3902.JPG" width="180" /></a></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Black Long Saturn Dress, Aritzia</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Black Birkenstocks</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Straw Hat, Amazon (<a href="https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00B8IG0ZM/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">linked on my storefront</a>)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">MJ Crossbody</span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV7En1KT1zvktqGKU1o4aC4vs9i9twufxEsPtNk0MlKVdZeUZhVih205KFqCCwrFFwTlTu5osIl-mYVlkc8_LB9mbtjMb1dFYh3fHCQVPF3bST9L6OwFTUv1EBI7vkK5dufw94BKU1GXrKp_rRdgntasuOTBB3aIa6k7pwAbtZLnEt1_0W4TYyHHtquQ/s2264/IMG_4161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2264" data-original-width="1273" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV7En1KT1zvktqGKU1o4aC4vs9i9twufxEsPtNk0MlKVdZeUZhVih205KFqCCwrFFwTlTu5osIl-mYVlkc8_LB9mbtjMb1dFYh3fHCQVPF3bST9L6OwFTUv1EBI7vkK5dufw94BKU1GXrKp_rRdgntasuOTBB3aIa6k7pwAbtZLnEt1_0W4TYyHHtquQ/s320/IMG_4161.JPG" width="180" /></a></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Ted Baker dress, purchased at Premium Outlets</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Black Birkenstocks</span></li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjijd3cxSFvOTwl_vyMf1Bo_W99CJZlipAKoOAzdTn_eTSQcaQxoSpAOBosx2CUKgerK7StH3Yh1xoCHpkMczjlfyFj5Kqv9Kb9Ub56MWZUTiNk6MkxJ331pXefBPbGmiZ1Fp96X6y1YbhIszqPpsaVUvhL1z7rvpOpgbPT7rMflfBsmrc0LX_NW_r-hA/s3088/IMG_4453%202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="1737" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjijd3cxSFvOTwl_vyMf1Bo_W99CJZlipAKoOAzdTn_eTSQcaQxoSpAOBosx2CUKgerK7StH3Yh1xoCHpkMczjlfyFj5Kqv9Kb9Ub56MWZUTiNk6MkxJ331pXefBPbGmiZ1Fp96X6y1YbhIszqPpsaVUvhL1z7rvpOpgbPT7rMflfBsmrc0LX_NW_r-hA/s320/IMG_4453%202.JPG" width="180" /></a><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Yellow patterned dress, Dynamite</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">White double strapped Birkenstocks</span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF2lq2xJlU1yDMiUPgLMLA4_OMw134pIjC3rK-tNTXouIwmqOkY_HVpAqXDQz22Murn-UAESTm97vfV05QpPZx_WAfAduzJlBkqZCADCPbCJPjiudIbr-KZWhWT45M0vbCLqQEa1hOuKUV8J8VchbMYza1Xz3vcsDXDS8OaW9YzibVtMiN_yZ-N81GNg/s3088/IMG_4754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="1737" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF2lq2xJlU1yDMiUPgLMLA4_OMw134pIjC3rK-tNTXouIwmqOkY_HVpAqXDQz22Murn-UAESTm97vfV05QpPZx_WAfAduzJlBkqZCADCPbCJPjiudIbr-KZWhWT45M0vbCLqQEa1hOuKUV8J8VchbMYza1Xz3vcsDXDS8OaW9YzibVtMiN_yZ-N81GNg/s320/IMG_4754.JPG" width="180" /></a></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Denim shorts, Nordstom Rack</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Babaton crop top!, Artizia</span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><b style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></b></div><div><b style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Evening:</b></div><div><b style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></b></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0KCHKnkvIolK3PB_mqP1QCTTE6ZNnxOkonqRzWHu2aAgapFJci01_CW-_vQEnMsuc-lRP4xY5vVWrY9-49jY5NMsnLFZe1B31cX4vSFnUMffqbOTtNkVIxckxp9ZPh3PG79yf0pV8YBTIjakynJcWW18p_H2MWo1rx3qWDJPEdTI_4VKlkzV8sOvFDQ/s2758/IMG_4096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2758" data-original-width="1551" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0KCHKnkvIolK3PB_mqP1QCTTE6ZNnxOkonqRzWHu2aAgapFJci01_CW-_vQEnMsuc-lRP4xY5vVWrY9-49jY5NMsnLFZe1B31cX4vSFnUMffqbOTtNkVIxckxp9ZPh3PG79yf0pV8YBTIjakynJcWW18p_H2MWo1rx3qWDJPEdTI_4VKlkzV8sOvFDQ/s320/IMG_4096.JPG" width="180" /></span></a><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Long tulip dress, Brando's</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Strappy Nude heels, Steve Madden @ Nordstrom Rack</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Heels, same as above</span></li></ul></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitnwocrXlEEEvscwEGUyk8r329-s2Bi8ovCctWmMNwCnYWD9qVsAD2xZ69iB0A0em-Pk1R5dIAYFNoDqM4L7xdgCx4Xw9o2rvbZmDTsQckmWzCtz_6Xrbpc5aRI90BmZm-jCEi8zaD4uGgKbHO_-aeILxl1nVND36JNAoTVTOCkuLM73depOx7AgnGCw/s2698/IMG_4369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2698" data-original-width="1518" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitnwocrXlEEEvscwEGUyk8r329-s2Bi8ovCctWmMNwCnYWD9qVsAD2xZ69iB0A0em-Pk1R5dIAYFNoDqM4L7xdgCx4Xw9o2rvbZmDTsQckmWzCtz_6Xrbpc5aRI90BmZm-jCEi8zaD4uGgKbHO_-aeILxl1nVND36JNAoTVTOCkuLM73depOx7AgnGCw/s320/IMG_4369.JPG" width="180" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Black slip dress, Artizia</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Shrug / Cape @ Ted Baker</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Pink Strappy Heels, Winners</span></li></ul></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLsKoZ-Mty9ata4acs2XVTo6609vVz6RmFwripuyv3EVo7HdDbr-Cub3NTglEHM-lZwKLPGIW-KOdxX2BJ3k-GL7BIFj_wfqiElQge30_00aH7paczWq98YreLdeoQuN0k-9c2nINSNvRGPcOBOAuNAfZ_037xeekWrcAgD4qMJzIjhKAhsnAKelIppg/s2745/IMG_4594%202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2745" data-original-width="1544" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLsKoZ-Mty9ata4acs2XVTo6609vVz6RmFwripuyv3EVo7HdDbr-Cub3NTglEHM-lZwKLPGIW-KOdxX2BJ3k-GL7BIFj_wfqiElQge30_00aH7paczWq98YreLdeoQuN0k-9c2nINSNvRGPcOBOAuNAfZ_037xeekWrcAgD4qMJzIjhKAhsnAKelIppg/s320/IMG_4594%202.JPG" width="180" /></a></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Mint green wrap dress, M Boutique</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">heels, same</span></li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">And there you have it! Any faves?</span></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div><br />
<img alt="your photo name" border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/198/A95E65DC5EB34CB2F9A0EB1CE1B6743C.png" />
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</div></div>Julia Suppahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12321472452119091722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4121228960312607799.post-77598227686132751832022-04-28T17:21:00.016-04:002022-04-28T17:23:32.639-04:00Cheers to another memorable summer at Canada's Wonderland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzDfuztMuYAUnhzgAujzOvdKrsrn6stH552ag-Vr4DemdzQq5XKH-6Smu6layP0PG1C49Uqze5WgCsRZLVnwFXwORZao0ATkpNXm1EvtIY7D93N7sFBM_njrVuKaXZDBgVsDSi9q9-GKoIQcHU0wEWujdWoBsPKZ7beBPDv0v_HQUsfjJPb08VynTvsg/s3088/IMG_0632_jpg.JPG" style="font-size: 14.6667px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="3088" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzDfuztMuYAUnhzgAujzOvdKrsrn6stH552ag-Vr4DemdzQq5XKH-6Smu6layP0PG1C49Uqze5WgCsRZLVnwFXwORZao0ATkpNXm1EvtIY7D93N7sFBM_njrVuKaXZDBgVsDSi9q9-GKoIQcHU0wEWujdWoBsPKZ7beBPDv0v_HQUsfjJPb08VynTvsg/w640-h480/IMG_0632_jpg.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm; text-size-adjust: auto;"></p><div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Summer? Is that you? </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">One of the first tell-tale signs summer is on its way is the opening of Canada's Wonderland. Well, you're in luck because the park officially opens to the public on Saturday, April 29!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghOzso5aJpy11L3N126R4knRmRkBh-CBbclHFZvCYBK5zfm9UYrhXqGk8ODQqR9-xRzammkcvppnwSAgr5r1nRBu8mbfQzncvlgs_adKQFM-Gh1PHI0dBI_eg0vAB-yjbmkYHZW9pMe9b-V2wOLtBhgqIBv7aKRDV1qLpqd0JGilbmyoyoJGOZ6pk88Q/s4032/IMG_0558%202.JPG" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghOzso5aJpy11L3N126R4knRmRkBh-CBbclHFZvCYBK5zfm9UYrhXqGk8ODQqR9-xRzammkcvppnwSAgr5r1nRBu8mbfQzncvlgs_adKQFM-Gh1PHI0dBI_eg0vAB-yjbmkYHZW9pMe9b-V2wOLtBhgqIBv7aKRDV1qLpqd0JGilbmyoyoJGOZ6pk88Q/w400-h300/IMG_0558%202.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 12pt;">Now, you know you're going to get all the thrills and attractions -- plus, the opening of Splash Works in May -- but this year, we can also look forward to the return of festivals and world-class, live entertainment. Sign me up!</span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: verdana;">With more to be announced, the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="https://www.canadaswonderland.com/entertainment" style="color: #0563c1;">2022 live show schedule</a><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>currently includes performances like:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><ul style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-size-adjust: auto;" type="disc"><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US">WoofJocks Canine All-Stars</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></span></span></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Tundra: A Cirque Experience<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Victoria Falls High Divers</span></span></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Fall Out – Stunt Dive Show<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Shows with The PEANUTS Gang<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></li></ul><div><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd8PbLnCTclRdt85rA8Wm9rhXdsXwkaaK0rqCME5MmJuu5mXiD3vYzXt7CcWT00OYcDCTuqNIbCbMAfmTkxKCqYOJxqfiLBaKDwiPrhdaEiMN5QXE_IJ9aD7o3uO-1d3dVSwXGtcYayv-hSRPr1bC4IPtywVfoNOUJBfwj3bPattKumVbTPiAynmLcnw/s4032/IMG_0586.JPG" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd8PbLnCTclRdt85rA8Wm9rhXdsXwkaaK0rqCME5MmJuu5mXiD3vYzXt7CcWT00OYcDCTuqNIbCbMAfmTkxKCqYOJxqfiLBaKDwiPrhdaEiMN5QXE_IJ9aD7o3uO-1d3dVSwXGtcYayv-hSRPr1bC4IPtywVfoNOUJBfwj3bPattKumVbTPiAynmLcnw/s320/IMG_0586.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">And foodies will want to take note of the specific food festivals this summer, including: </span></span></div><ul style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-size-adjust: auto;" type="disc"><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US">Taste of Portugal<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US">(Aug. 13-14) </span></span></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US">Taste of Ireland<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US">(Aug. 20-21), and</span></span></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span lang="EN-US">Taste of the Caribbean<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US">(Aug. 27-28)<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></li></ul><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">If you haven't done so already, purchasing your 2022 Gold Pass gets you into the park unlimited times this summer, including all these festivals, and Winterfest and Halloween Haunt, too. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">To learn more about the park and the pass, visit </span><a href="https://www.canadaswonderland.com/" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: #0563c1; font-size: 11pt;">canadaswonderland.com</a>/</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>Disclaimer: I am a member of the 2022 WonderCrew. The opinions expressed on my blog are my own.</i></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #0563c1; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.canadaswonderland.com/" style="color: #0563c1;"><br /></a></div><p></p><div class="post-footer"></div>
Julia Suppahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12321472452119091722noreply@blogger.com0Canada56.130366 -106.34677127.820132163821157 -141.503021 84.440599836178848 -71.190521tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4121228960312607799.post-53567350286208739632021-12-06T09:07:00.001-05:002021-12-06T09:07:06.229-05:00What I Learned During Home Renovation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVh3ksST37i8uMWMIR0SuxB0RtdhcZbL-SqfEurD5iPp_rduHh3eIQHJAtfDj6vzph1fkmqyNk95XGxc_VBTET-qgEgvUI0aXz_uZwKqoowXqVqRsZq1czyzFMFJefrYLVZqWEENb1jNZ2caQHd5TO7B9nQ-zfB4xy4PgerXz1HGKqgMrPWKz4_LN03g=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVh3ksST37i8uMWMIR0SuxB0RtdhcZbL-SqfEurD5iPp_rduHh3eIQHJAtfDj6vzph1fkmqyNk95XGxc_VBTET-qgEgvUI0aXz_uZwKqoowXqVqRsZq1czyzFMFJefrYLVZqWEENb1jNZ2caQHd5TO7B9nQ-zfB4xy4PgerXz1HGKqgMrPWKz4_LN03g=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We are <b>days away</b> from moving back to the main floor of our home, after 4 months of construction, and another 6 months of planning before that.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">To say we’ve learned a lot through this process is an understatement; many people have asked us what we would have done differently, or how the process has been (especially living in the home), so I’ve put together a list of <b>some</b> of my lessons and takeaways as we’re nearing the end.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">A Big Job<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></b></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The first thing I’ll say is renovation is a big job and takes a lot of hard work – from all angles. The concept, design, construction, finishes, etc. We anticipated and expected the full renovation to be done much earlier than it is – and while it’s easy to blame the pandemic and supply chain (definitely a factor), some things just simply get delayed. It is what it is. We even had a very detailed calendar and deadlines – unfortunately, one delay can snowball an entire chain of other delays in the project.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So, breathe. Once we adjusted our expectations and attitude towards the delays, we were calmer about our end date.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Lesson Learned:</b> If I were doing another reno again, I would weigh the expectations to avoid disappointment.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Passion Project</span></b></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Secondly, there are a LOT of emotions that are experienced through the process. There may be some raised voices at time, some passionate conversations and some arguments that, when looking back, were downright rude. As homeowners, we were involved in just about every phase of the project. Some homeowners are not. Combine that with living in the house, and there were a lot of tense moments.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">For the most part, I am glad we were able to hash out every single disagreement. Our team – designer, contractor and us – is a very passionate one. And honestly, I wouldn’t want it another way. The fact that we’re all so committed to our work and this project means that all the details will be looked after. If they didn’t care so much, that would be much more of a concern to me.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Lesson Learned:</b> Avoid sending text messages and notes without having a conversation first. Once the conversation is had, send a follow-up email or text with all details for confirmation.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Trust the Process and Your Gut</span></b></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b></b><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This one is a bit of a contradiction. Trust the process, trust the experts. Most trades who come into your home have been doing this work much longer than you have, which is why you hired pros. I firmly believe in asking for expert advice and trusting their work. What may seem like a big deal to you in the moment is likely something your contractor has seen many times<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>-- not actually a big deal, and likely fixable.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">However, and this is a big however, it is SO IMPORTANT to ask questions and express your concerns when you have them.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In most cases, work can be undone and redone, although it may cost you some more money. If you notice something that’s off, notarize and communicate. Get ahead of the problem so you can address the issue quickly and avoid delays (see above). Don’t leave things until the end – chances are, there are simple fixes that can be addressed quickly. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Advocate for yourself and ensure you understand what’s happening -- I’m sure I’ve asked a million questions (or more), but I’m confident in what’s happening in my home.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Lesson Learned: </b>Trust Your Gut. If something doesn’t feel right, ask the questions until you’re confident.<b> </b></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Money, Money, Money</span></b></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b></b><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I alluded to additional costs, and yes, there will be some. Budget the project before you sign a contract – ensure most aspects of the project are detailed and outlined. If there are additional costs incurred through the project – changing particular finishes, design aspects that weren’t originally considered, furniture, lighting – ensure your “tab” is communicated so there aren’t any surprises.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">While I say we’re days away, there’s actually a lot of stuff that still needs to be done – new couch, window coverings, lighting – which takes time, and you guessed it, money. And it will all get done, in time.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Lesson Learned:</b> If it’s super important to you to have all finishes completely done at the same time, reserve a chunk of money (I’m going to say 20% of your budget, but ask your designer for a more accurate number) for interior design and furnishings.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">It’s OK to Pause, and it's OK to Change Your Mind</span></b></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">There are a gazillion and one decisions you’ll need to make when starting any project.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Design, functionality, colours, hardware, cabinet design, flooring, windows, window coverings, door openings, door shape, door colour, counters, faucets, etc etc etc. That doesn’t include all the guts of the job – the beams, the structure, gas, electrical, plumbing, framing. TONS OF DECISIONS and a lot of sleepless nights.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s ok to hit pause. Some decisions can be delayed (hardware in your kitchen, for example) to near the end of the project, and some parts of the project can be postponed to another time.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We hit pause on our front door, as I couldn’t make a decision and didn’t want to be forced into one. Once the main part of our reno is complete, we will decide on a door, with a spring / early summer delivery (I hope!) </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As for changing my mind, I've tried to be sure of my decisions when buying something or selecting a finish, which means it has taken me a bit longer than I thought -- a lot of shopping and researching. But it's totally normal to change your mind along the way -- a lot of time passes from design to planning to execution! If you really want something changed, fight for it, or you'll regret it down the line.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Lesson Learned:</b> One day at a time. If you hit pause, it may delay a part of your job, but if it makes you feel better in the end, it’s worth it.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So, the biggest question – would you do it again? We would.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">While we haven’t lived in our new space yet, the transformation is astounding and the fact that we were able to take our vision and our ideas and bring them to life is simply amazing. Sometimes I can’t believe it’s the same, subdivision home. I will write a separate post about living through a reno – with kids – another time.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">When we were about a month into our project, our designer told us “it would all be worth it when it’s done”, and this is very much a philosophy I’ve stuck to the entire time. We waited and planned and worked so hard for this renovation, and when it’s all said and done, we will all be so proud of the finished job.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So yes, we would do it again, and thanks to all our lessons learned, I think the next time will be an even smoother process.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-converted-space">Do you have any other reno questions? Drop them below!</span></span></p></div><br /><br /><br />
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Julia Suppahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12321472452119091722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4121228960312607799.post-39525361031270363892021-12-01T16:12:00.002-05:002021-12-01T16:12:32.354-05:00Hump Day with Hasbro + Giveaway!<p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiIJjWlZLpNy7yMNhewu7Zv1ZCF2_vT5AvWzXCYple2_xKkxyPUhxJi4E4S8nRguQLEh1Nwryd_Hild0_NcHQ1thj7XbeacHacQQN2oAO3tRaLZEgcQC-aYdcCtAsSZBNtLG0RCZyVIXSon9JUVU2SZn8ag_wXb0QZ2FHyg4Dlmb6rmxXjHVdTwKxeIuQ=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiIJjWlZLpNy7yMNhewu7Zv1ZCF2_vT5AvWzXCYple2_xKkxyPUhxJi4E4S8nRguQLEh1Nwryd_Hild0_NcHQ1thj7XbeacHacQQN2oAO3tRaLZEgcQC-aYdcCtAsSZBNtLG0RCZyVIXSon9JUVU2SZn8ag_wXb0QZ2FHyg4Dlmb6rmxXjHVdTwKxeIuQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;">For more than 10 years, I've partnered with Hasbro to showcase some of the most popular toys during the holidays. </span><p></p><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I love Hasbro for the vast assortment of toys and games they have for kids and young adults (of all ages). The toys and games are easy to find in stores and they're reasonably priced, too. <br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">From dolls to superheroes, family games and activities, we've literally spent hundreds of hours playing with our Hasbro toys.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtr2w8Iw-7pCaWT-awEkRHv6eSeIovuQuMNgMEdBCj8zCRrDrGwORTunN1KSZpzRVuOUIeWjy4Ow1P3AT3xlSE5UDRRL8ps-RACKqG2nu1Ld30eamTJoEpFm721jnPhVuAfEtLcNtvx-dUjYmUyLy34yXRvB0Xgdy-9pX3QFIrcylEvnFJTDdGyyvKlQ=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="481" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtr2w8Iw-7pCaWT-awEkRHv6eSeIovuQuMNgMEdBCj8zCRrDrGwORTunN1KSZpzRVuOUIeWjy4Ow1P3AT3xlSE5UDRRL8ps-RACKqG2nu1Ld30eamTJoEpFm721jnPhVuAfEtLcNtvx-dUjYmUyLy34yXRvB0Xgdy-9pX3QFIrcylEvnFJTDdGyyvKlQ=w640-h481" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">One of my favourite gift ideas for the family at the holidays is board games. Introduce your kids to the classic games you grew up on -- like Monopoly or Trivial Pursuit. Only now, there's a twist. In Monopoly Builder, you put strategy to work, buying and trading properties, and Trivial Pursuit Decades challenges you with questions from 2010-2020. We will definitely be having a family game night this winter!<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Plus, who remembers Hungry Hungry Hippos! This game was too good to change it up, but I know the girls will just love to play!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Hasbro has once again put together an awesome prize pack for Simply Suppa readers including: </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><ul style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;" type="disc"><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Monopoly Builder<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Star Wars Galactic Snackin Grogu<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Baby LuLu Achoo</span></li></ul><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">To be entered to win this prize, visit my <a href="http://www.instagram.com/simplysuppa" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a> page :)</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Good luck!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
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</div></div>Julia Suppahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12321472452119091722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4121228960312607799.post-78838978275362275012021-11-19T10:34:00.002-05:002021-11-19T10:34:21.981-05:00One of the Most Important Things I've Learned Since Starting My Business <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDU4RQRpikQqM1tRNeIB-iSHQFq1jc-8g7Q2YzXi-dj-l9nyZkMA3mQZJ6WZyYVN6B78_nWJ3ZzYFENzr1dsn7z3K9oV-wvC_9w31nMocd61r0daib7H1wbSnXgtYGpnHMfIiaTUu6H-IIXI-tfgn-UwYSoWq3Gm_wA2aiFGJo90KnTf6VUBNu8fdaEg=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDU4RQRpikQqM1tRNeIB-iSHQFq1jc-8g7Q2YzXi-dj-l9nyZkMA3mQZJ6WZyYVN6B78_nWJ3ZzYFENzr1dsn7z3K9oV-wvC_9w31nMocd61r0daib7H1wbSnXgtYGpnHMfIiaTUu6H-IIXI-tfgn-UwYSoWq3Gm_wA2aiFGJo90KnTf6VUBNu8fdaEg=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"I'm not quite understanding that; can you explain further?"</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"What's your rationale?"</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"Break it down for me, please?"</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"Help me understand."</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"Can you draw it out for me?"</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"Why?!"</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">When I started my business nearly 4 years ago, a lot of people, primarily men, tried to talk above me, making</span><span style="font-size: large;"> me feel stupid, silly, inadequate -- essentially dismissing me. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">They said things like: "this is the way it is", or "that's impossible", or "there's lots of information online," without ever taking time to explain. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I got frustrated. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I got upset. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But I didn't give up. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Instead, I found people who <i>wanted to</i> help me and continued to push and ask questions, empowering myself with the knowledge I needed to move forward. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Here's the thing: you don't know what you don't know. </span><span style="font-size: large;">And there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with that. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But, there's also NOTHING wrong with asking for help, clarity, understanding. And those questions above? Those are some of my favourites. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Today, I take this learning with me every single day, in every aspect of my life, including my own marriage. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This also goes for banking, taxes, law, medicine, construction -- anything you (or in my case, me) may have trouble with. </span><span style="font-size: large;">If I don't understand something, I ask for clarification. I don't accept a straight no, and if you tell me something is impossible, there's a good chance we won't work well together. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">My advice: </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: medium;">Be confident in your decisions, and in your choices. </span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">Don't make blind decisions because you feel pressured or inadequate. And lastly, surround yourself with people who empower you, inspire you, make you stronger and who genuinely want to help. </span></li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><img alt="your photo name" border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/198/A95E65DC5EB34CB2F9A0EB1CE1B6743C.png" /></div><br />Julia Suppahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12321472452119091722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4121228960312607799.post-21345714539209177942021-11-17T08:54:00.003-05:002021-11-17T08:54:45.333-05:00Prematurity Awareness Day -- nearly 10 years later<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjeSD_dmq9s2U7iUiGETZPIRul7sWNmacgV0LUhcNRcAEf70jMGAWQdrcW7mXx8FEQNe-wdDNYG08hsaD9br5A--j84H_1PKUsAJAnyZ1d7B1rDwM-1kEqjxKQYilHNT5Y3mIr3fkfRP9aVBT8mlNUMUSl1Ymz2XBsSn4OgVcLEy0Ia-RFU6MpQylflwQ=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Premature Baby - Copyright Simply Suppa" border="0" data-original-height="1371" data-original-width="2048" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjeSD_dmq9s2U7iUiGETZPIRul7sWNmacgV0LUhcNRcAEf70jMGAWQdrcW7mXx8FEQNe-wdDNYG08hsaD9br5A--j84H_1PKUsAJAnyZ1d7B1rDwM-1kEqjxKQYilHNT5Y3mIr3fkfRP9aVBT8mlNUMUSl1Ymz2XBsSn4OgVcLEy0Ia-RFU6MpQylflwQ=w640-h428" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Today is World Prematurity Awareness Day. I am a two-time preemie mom, and preemie advocate, going on 10 years.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As many if you know, our eldest, Isabelle, was born at 30 weeks gestation after I developed a very serious and life-threatening condition during pregnancy. My introduction to motherhood was challenging and emotional, including a 9-week stay in the NICU.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Little did I know at that time that our experience in the NICU and mine as a preemie parent would give me the courage, strength, and hope that was missing in my life. I’ve never cheered for anything as passionately as I did our baby, and as I watched that tiny baby grow and thrive, I promised to forever be her advocate, and to other preemie parents who may be in a similar situation. And even though it was nearly 10 years ago, it’s as fresh in my mind today.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiO-hFE6x4GkVy5NcsqUoJmS6JIDiTOe6a2QHzrtGh4FJ9tvII603qMAdmgjmQiGyBC56jLe8TQ4ORKi-8Ysc26WdzkJb86KXwQG2tqx86UQBpU90SQpZ79aXsucq6a5hC6UpQRzypvQb-kRh9vSWJDyJXkBtP3Z0fNp8T8e7nebK5v7Q6wwd4xcBBHYg=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Times; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Mom holds preemie - Copyright Simply Suppa" border="0" data-original-height="1371" data-original-width="2048" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiO-hFE6x4GkVy5NcsqUoJmS6JIDiTOe6a2QHzrtGh4FJ9tvII603qMAdmgjmQiGyBC56jLe8TQ4ORKi-8Ysc26WdzkJb86KXwQG2tqx86UQBpU90SQpZ79aXsucq6a5hC6UpQRzypvQb-kRh9vSWJDyJXkBtP3Z0fNp8T8e7nebK5v7Q6wwd4xcBBHYg=w640-h428" width="640" /></a></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Two years later, Madeline was also born prematurely, at 35 weeks, but thanks to extensive follow up and care, she was able to come home without a NICU stay.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Whenever I meet a fellow preemie mom, there is an unexplainable bond that we immediately share. Our journey is different and unless you’ve been there, it’s very difficult to explain.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So, today, on World Prematurity Awareness Day, I salute our little fighters. I thank all our nurses and neonatal teams. And I smile at my fellow preemie moms and parents.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><img alt="your photo name" border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/198/A95E65DC5EB34CB2F9A0EB1CE1B6743C.png" />Julia Suppahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12321472452119091722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4121228960312607799.post-57031511694884055732021-10-26T11:51:00.003-04:002021-10-26T11:51:11.173-04:00Leaving Our Mark<br /><div class="post-footer"></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhoghd-Jnccd-gYWVwfEmne_z-q53OD-iH_QpMgTIllWiYLO2Sjy51t7CfPcEIgcHIo-bRhpZE_X9z_E1V3YGK2o4LSCrbFrLJsFN2uRhVu7rBwSq7-mV_zw_HfmeHsKJ1NfLYsPgiaM99nSuAICHEG5NxLd8gYScKkqzWrChX_g-mI0iEW4bbuFu4PkA=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhoghd-Jnccd-gYWVwfEmne_z-q53OD-iH_QpMgTIllWiYLO2Sjy51t7CfPcEIgcHIo-bRhpZE_X9z_E1V3YGK2o4LSCrbFrLJsFN2uRhVu7rBwSq7-mV_zw_HfmeHsKJ1NfLYsPgiaM99nSuAICHEG5NxLd8gYScKkqzWrChX_g-mI0iEW4bbuFu4PkA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">I always love when people renovate and they find a little piece of history. Since our home was built in the 90s, we knew we weren’t likely going to find any newspaper clippings and historical gems — the sandwich in the wall doesn’t count!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span>So we decided to leave OUR mark.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span>Many people have asked us since we’re investing in an extensive home renovation if this will be our forever home.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span>And it very well may be. Or it may not.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span>Over the years, and for a variety of reasons, I’ve focused less on forever and more on the not-so-distant future. We have so many goals and dreams, and part of the plan is bringing those visions to life so we can enjoy them — now.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span>And that’s why we’re leaving our mark (literally). If one day, another family rips up the hardwood floor, or maybe if we replace it years (many years) down the line, there will be a little piece of history revealed.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><br /></span></p></div><div><br /></div><img alt="your photo name" border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/198/A95E65DC5EB34CB2F9A0EB1CE1B6743C.png" />Julia Suppahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12321472452119091722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4121228960312607799.post-37755283766610349342021-10-06T22:13:00.001-04:002021-10-06T22:13:09.023-04:00RECIPE: My Mom's Famous Potato Pie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHhV_VIlC3ZmHUPPq7zPQfT6pbjWlgiHrp_R9Mkzd0LPoWYngS-4WXfImg5VJQbh2lBc6fw3u6b9mHIVUhP-RD8NITsfvANUu_OYmNDcRDFnFGpU7cQsC7f6kLqVYQhQUfSS-z61gbjmfl2ETT1ds70RzB53uFncVFFZ0Agj1rhtqcymYp4SVGZJJxBA=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHhV_VIlC3ZmHUPPq7zPQfT6pbjWlgiHrp_R9Mkzd0LPoWYngS-4WXfImg5VJQbh2lBc6fw3u6b9mHIVUhP-RD8NITsfvANUu_OYmNDcRDFnFGpU7cQsC7f6kLqVYQhQUfSS-z61gbjmfl2ETT1ds70RzB53uFncVFFZ0Agj1rhtqcymYp4SVGZJJxBA=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h4 style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">There's nothing like a warm slice of....potato pie!</span></h4><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">My mom's potato pie is one of my favourite things in the world, and not only do we enjoy it year-round it's also a staple at Thanksgiving. My mom credits her mom -- my Nonna -- for teaching her how to make this version, which she called a Gateaux (cake in French). </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">There are many versions of this dish online and in family traditions -- I"ve had people tell me they call it "Spuma" or "Pizza de Patate". Some people put Prosciutto Cotto inside, and others Cacciatore sausage. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Here's our version:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Lina's Famous Potato Pie</span></h4><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Ingredients:</span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Mashed Potatoes (these can be leftover. Ensure they are salted, and smooth)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">3 eggs, beaten</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">1 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">6 Provolone Cheese slices; you can use Mozzarella here too</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Bread crumbs</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Drizzle of Olive Oil</span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">To make:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">If you don't have mashed potatoes, you'll need to start there. When I'm making mashed potatoes, I always make double so I can make potato pie the next day. For reference, you need about 1/2 bag of potatoes. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">To your mashed potatoes, add 1 cup of Parmigiano-Reggiano and 3 beaten eggs. Stir well.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">In a pie dish, drizzle a tbsp of olive oil and sprinkle bread crumbs on the bottom</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Spoon out the potato mixture to cover the bottom of the dish and flatten with your hands</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Cover the potatoes with Sliced Provolone</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Top the pie with another layer of potatoes</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">With a fork, make little divets on the entire top of the pie</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sprinkle with bread crumbs and more grated cheese</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Bake at 350 for 20-30 minutes or until golden</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Allow pie to rest for 10 minutes before serving</span></li></ol><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">And there you go! If you make the pie, let me know what you think!</span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Happy Thanksgiving!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><img alt="your photo name" border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/198/A95E65DC5EB34CB2F9A0EB1CE1B6743C.png" />Julia Suppahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12321472452119091722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4121228960312607799.post-25698426131576286612021-09-21T13:48:00.002-04:002021-09-21T13:48:53.772-04:00You're LIVING through a Renovation!?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiegAy3uJ2qmpuKQY_CrvbLOUxON6GqeFOguMZQ9mG-vsFrpVcthSDiwkf_KhEdh4C82fAPjDvAITL4YLdxOmKYBsMIQm5zZsGWrIcRvI_fynRO5znqXfZvfFoPAoy2BYikkWRK6-yvS1B-/s2048/IMG_4923_jpg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiegAy3uJ2qmpuKQY_CrvbLOUxON6GqeFOguMZQ9mG-vsFrpVcthSDiwkf_KhEdh4C82fAPjDvAITL4YLdxOmKYBsMIQm5zZsGWrIcRvI_fynRO5znqXfZvfFoPAoy2BYikkWRK6-yvS1B-/w640-h360/IMG_4923_jpg.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>If you follow me on social media, you know that we are doing a major home reno. This is something we have been talking about and saving for years, and while Covid didn't really convince us, the time spent at home definitely solidified the idea of creating more efficient spaces in our home.</div><div><br /></div><div>You may also know we're living through our renovation. We moved out temporarily this summer while the upstairs ceiling was being done (yes we did work upstairs, too), but we are living and sleeping here during the main floor work.</div><div><br /></div><div>Every day, someone says:</div><div>"You're <i>LIVING</i> in it?!" Yes.</div><div>"You're <i>BRAVE</i>." Not really.</div><div>"Do you have a kitchen in the basement?" Nope.</div><div>"How are you <i>DOING</i> it!?" Well, let me tell you our rationale.</div><div><br /></div><div>This is our home. Donny and I are very hands-on people and have been in every conversation from beams to trim to spindles and chandeliers. It was important for us to be here, on-site.</div><div><br /></div><div>We HAVE a home. We have a roof and a/c and heat. We have beds to sleep in and hot water to shower. I don't have a stove or an oven, but I do have a slow cooker and microwave and bbq. </div><div><br /></div><div>Is it a bit uncomfortable? Sure. But we're managing, and managing well.</div><div><br /></div><div>From meal prep to workstations, we have found a way to work and live through the construction. Our designer and contractor tarped our main floor to prevent too much dust from getting upstairs and are understanding and respectful of our space. Together, we're a little team through this reno and I'm glad for that.</div><div><br /></div><div>We're not the first ones to live through a renovation and we won't be the last. Many people around the world live through much tougher conditions. We are privileged to have a home -- and I'm certain it will be worth the wait. </div><div><br /></div><div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />All this to say: it's working for us. If you moved out during a reno because it's what you needed to do, that's good, too -- there's no right way. </div><div><br /></div><div>PS -- An hour after taking this photo, we got word of another delay. Just like a reality show. It'll still be worth it.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><img alt="your photo name" border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/198/A95E65DC5EB34CB2F9A0EB1CE1B6743C.png" />Julia Suppahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12321472452119091722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4121228960312607799.post-13856346263516901422021-08-31T22:05:00.000-04:002021-08-31T22:05:02.634-04:00Back to School Shopping at Upper Canada Mall<p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx9qwD62RlTnwLRUFRfYJGcWPRzhD4bPTfo1frGcZRpsALwI1oxBEZrglm5QHLSK2309J-jP762CIzq3l41RgQUxVK2eGepLP_cCfT8FMjK9KjY6ez8PZr6lNoMhWc-lJUrN2WIUkHPZ8u/s2048/IMG_3702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx9qwD62RlTnwLRUFRfYJGcWPRzhD4bPTfo1frGcZRpsALwI1oxBEZrglm5QHLSK2309J-jP762CIzq3l41RgQUxVK2eGepLP_cCfT8FMjK9KjY6ez8PZr6lNoMhWc-lJUrN2WIUkHPZ8u/w640-h480/IMG_3702.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">OK Moms and Dads: depending on where you live in the GTA, the Back to School countdown is on — just over a week for us!</p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">What are your Back to School essentials or must-haves? What about your kids'?</p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinP-7ZYR1nvqZRycgv45KplBsbu7LxJ_HPnutBfibBoLhsp3b04JVCIhVlspH96zaoIjpVBi27WEWTVR-XoJw353E64vA41dzKu2uosV9wny4uiVtOaF-9n4nvBJ9Ahm8taadMlsEzJUeD/s2048/IMG_3729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinP-7ZYR1nvqZRycgv45KplBsbu7LxJ_HPnutBfibBoLhsp3b04JVCIhVlspH96zaoIjpVBi27WEWTVR-XoJw353E64vA41dzKu2uosV9wny4uiVtOaF-9n4nvBJ9Ahm8taadMlsEzJUeD/w640-h480/IMG_3729.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I remember LOVING B2S shopping with my mom. I would always get new shoes, and undoubtedly buy fall clothes that were way too warm for the first month and a half of school!</span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Last week, we took the girls Back to School shopping at Upper Canada Mall and we had a blast! The mall has done a great job of maintaining safety precautions and protocols, and if you visit on a weekday/night especially, you’ll find it much easier to navigate through the stores. We felt completely safe through the entire mall, and even stopped for dinner at Market & Co!</span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">From now until Sept 6, there’s also an awesome <b>GIFT CARD PROMOTION.</b> Spend $200 in Upper Canada gift cards, and receive 5% cashback on a gift card, maybe to use on yourself!? </span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Gift cards can be used at any Oxford Property – Upper Canada, Yorkdale, Square 1, Scarborough Town Centre, Hillcrest.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTOm_1bl98hpHYD8VkmsGfzuQmlVRf3RuGXNlXXEltT33FbpqYHFFyTDp1RANUc05grKoJr2f22cWiNngVsA9axEvhbPx69A57CYn28qWL_kHgdCDR3apj7h7osAa0518QpiBRS7EmkNnm/s2048/Untitled+design+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTOm_1bl98hpHYD8VkmsGfzuQmlVRf3RuGXNlXXEltT33FbpqYHFFyTDp1RANUc05grKoJr2f22cWiNngVsA9axEvhbPx69A57CYn28qWL_kHgdCDR3apj7h7osAa0518QpiBRS7EmkNnm/w640-h640/Untitled+design+%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">Lastly — have you heard of the Search.Find.Shop feature on Upper Canada’s website? </p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">If you’re in pinch (aren’t we all?!), you can search for the items you’re looking for and check in-store availability. Then, call the store directly to purchase or hold. It makes shopping even easier!</p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">So, how are you feeling with Back to School? Are you ready? Are the kids? Anything else left on your list?</p><br />
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<div><br /></div><div><i>Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. As always, the opinions expressed on my blog are my own.</i></div>Julia Suppahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12321472452119091722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4121228960312607799.post-80053788249555576122021-08-13T17:53:00.001-04:002021-08-23T14:20:29.400-04:00Fireplace -- yay or nay?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3s733yaWObbeQ58OGT9kdZfjt3zTvBVAaUXpPZQ1r29-6273091uETu7fnerYoWycUKNCwtrPIvGIQsE7j2dMLuZC8DHvEoljc0dVXdO0yeYpKZXGXoOgz5KGpM9A8nv_TW7atzUDbTbX/s2048/E35A6330.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3s733yaWObbeQ58OGT9kdZfjt3zTvBVAaUXpPZQ1r29-6273091uETu7fnerYoWycUKNCwtrPIvGIQsE7j2dMLuZC8DHvEoljc0dVXdO0yeYpKZXGXoOgz5KGpM9A8nv_TW7atzUDbTbX/w640-h426/E35A6330.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Let’s talk about Fireplaces in the dead of summer, shall we?</span><p></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What are your thoughts on fireplaces – do you like them? Do you have a gas insert or an electric firebox in your home? Anyone with a super traditional chimney and wood-burning fireplace?</span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3tSyqXrGFXX9i3_NUZdqKPGSTwzioVG3YosjJzmlAI8g0l951LNrwuV2lwboHEI52nzyA9cFMhExz42ieZbyzI7bjVYbreUdeuXT14xbFRT5PsiL3xJScLjiip1g3vR9pGFB7_fWO67pQ/s2048/E35A6354.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3tSyqXrGFXX9i3_NUZdqKPGSTwzioVG3YosjJzmlAI8g0l951LNrwuV2lwboHEI52nzyA9cFMhExz42ieZbyzI7bjVYbreUdeuXT14xbFRT5PsiL3xJScLjiip1g3vR9pGFB7_fWO67pQ/s320/E35A6354.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We’ve had gas inserts in our home since we bought the house – and never turn them on!. Here’s the thing though: I LOVE the look of a fireplace, and more specifically, a mantel.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Having a mantel in our new reno was at the top of my list. I wanted a traditional look so when it comes to the holidays, I can display my stocking and garland and sit by the “fire”.</span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You may recall I had a beautiful reclaimed wood mantel, and while I loved it, it wasn’t deep enough to hold our holiday décor – and it frustrated me every year.</span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Taking a trip to Improve Canada allowed us to see hundreds of fireplaces and mantels. We visited GTA Heating where we learned about the differences between gas and electric (from how much heat it can create in your home to price to size, etc), and were able to turn them all on to look at the colour of the flame to the rocks and logs, etc.</span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There are so many options, from modern to traditional – and I won’t spoil the surprise, but we ended up choosing something that was not part of our original plan!</span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuwuXFre5QTaI8GbJi5G3AZgTSKiICxe92eQjzF3PzPKaFCxz3cTPRMqIXaGnx3fO1-V3bbqDoItSP9WWeohBd4Gqh16Xm4TzxpklOqRhDSmNRgcushNoNSmQ1jvan5gmtD1-_WgFYRoux/s2048/E35A6343.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuwuXFre5QTaI8GbJi5G3AZgTSKiICxe92eQjzF3PzPKaFCxz3cTPRMqIXaGnx3fO1-V3bbqDoItSP9WWeohBd4Gqh16Xm4TzxpklOqRhDSmNRgcushNoNSmQ1jvan5gmtD1-_WgFYRoux/w640-h426/E35A6343.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We also stopped in at Omega Mantels, which has a showroom at Improve, as well as in Vaughan. There, we compared styles, colours and materials to create a cast fireplace surround – and mantel.</span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp_tJYf91xJCTyHFNrHX2_0nAopK6kN1g3KGBDASxsCWmV_Voxqe6awSeXWSQjBHXXPB_EAMaajBcLvG57QCsC5oDfR_aDvswTVplK9v1ahxhx_g1GBaj_VQFXaCBXQLSmuT5-FLss_CXr/s2048/E35A6349.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp_tJYf91xJCTyHFNrHX2_0nAopK6kN1g3KGBDASxsCWmV_Voxqe6awSeXWSQjBHXXPB_EAMaajBcLvG57QCsC5oDfR_aDvswTVplK9v1ahxhx_g1GBaj_VQFXaCBXQLSmuT5-FLss_CXr/w640-h426/E35A6349.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You’ll need to follow along the reno to see the final result!</span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Never been to Improve? </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Looking for expert design tips and advice? You're just in luck! Renovate It Right with Improve Canada on Thursday, August 26 where you will have the chance to visit and shop the vendor showrooms, listen to experts discuss design tips and trends for the coming year, and learn how to Renovate It Right with Mike Holmes and Mike Jr. —it doesn't get better than that. Learn more and register for their event<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="https://mailchi.mp/improvecanada/renovateitrightevent">here</a>. </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><br /></p></div><br />
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Julia Suppahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12321472452119091722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4121228960312607799.post-14212408998500978922021-07-30T11:00:00.002-04:002021-07-30T11:00:28.977-04:00Home Renovations: Choosing Hardwood Flooring<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0InJaktOVE6ozxjpPbJ5g16JRT9KgvXv2Pca0inY7Ro9gMwlBAIYwU08IQVqsGOgfhsWHLC_0GCWGtY3v9TvEQeiz9Ly2QLz5GjY6Tj4470hlriRD5YJFApjdoZin2N4ZMi-2yR-QWMl8/s2048/E35A6400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0InJaktOVE6ozxjpPbJ5g16JRT9KgvXv2Pca0inY7Ro9gMwlBAIYwU08IQVqsGOgfhsWHLC_0GCWGtY3v9TvEQeiz9Ly2QLz5GjY6Tj4470hlriRD5YJFApjdoZin2N4ZMi-2yR-QWMl8/w640-h426/E35A6400.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; text-align: center;">When we decided to renovate our home, a non-negotiable was replacing the flooring. We had parquet flooring in most of the living spaces, as well as old porcelain (ugly) tile. It needed a refresh. BIG TIME.</span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The challenge with most renovations is the snowball or domino effect. Once we decided to replace the main floor, what about upstairs?</span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLwQMmaq4D1OF6J_UVkHxxbH8WeBNnwzdnIaKy6-EW_2-qsthlA6GFyk27JSywBP2JDHdRGBWSm0623gRCoZc8HX2762mImM7w3_dIwJB582PkoIkaGLZTF8iw3-5TmV1HMGwq9h86wyLO/s2048/IMG_0626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: helvetica; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1524" data-original-width="2048" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLwQMmaq4D1OF6J_UVkHxxbH8WeBNnwzdnIaKy6-EW_2-qsthlA6GFyk27JSywBP2JDHdRGBWSm0623gRCoZc8HX2762mImM7w3_dIwJB582PkoIkaGLZTF8iw3-5TmV1HMGwq9h86wyLO/w640-h476/IMG_0626.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">So, we went for it – new floors everywhere!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Phew.</span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">We knew we wanted hardwood floor (even in the kitchen), but know that there are also lots of vinyl options out there, as well as ceramic tiles you NEED to touch, or you’d think they were wood. There really is an option for everyone.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_ClBwIeFHmlDOOjhwnY10oYfzvb9s2p90Ngl8XGqNQfeOh21b3Dlbiz5TZEjbtEDYfqHUEhETz0EbN5bz2-3MvlvyQSjVUYgongU2H1sjou_zXbRJZ-hhG8ZA8cNVUMZ2uK2ju_BgXfM/s2048/E35A6389.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: helvetica; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_ClBwIeFHmlDOOjhwnY10oYfzvb9s2p90Ngl8XGqNQfeOh21b3Dlbiz5TZEjbtEDYfqHUEhETz0EbN5bz2-3MvlvyQSjVUYgongU2H1sjou_zXbRJZ-hhG8ZA8cNVUMZ2uK2ju_BgXfM/w640-h426/E35A6389.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">From there, we needed to choose between Solid Wood and Engineered Hardwood (which is pretty much what everyone is laying in their homes these days). Solid wood is milled from solid lumber and can be sanded and refinished to maintain its natural beauty. Engineered wood flooring combines a layer of real wood with layers of plywood, softwood stickers or high-density fibreboard. It can also be used in basements.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">We went with Engineered.</span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGPhJ4buTqF6pMzyrigMRXA4ynZnkEhrZNQqjwuPD8Z3nkE4hYvzNQjTlCHbEKYk1ME3nK8wH_6MLPmmsG74ShsTVP6u_SpmCKCIHlUjmjD70YEMABrkCmWmmyRvXMo-TRNrbkJS2zfFGR/s2048/E35A6388.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: helvetica; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGPhJ4buTqF6pMzyrigMRXA4ynZnkEhrZNQqjwuPD8Z3nkE4hYvzNQjTlCHbEKYk1ME3nK8wH_6MLPmmsG74ShsTVP6u_SpmCKCIHlUjmjD70YEMABrkCmWmmyRvXMo-TRNrbkJS2zfFGR/w640-h426/E35A6388.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">One of the first places we visited was The Hardwood Outlet at Improve Canada. Ghaleb took his time and explained the variety of hardwood, the differences between Red Oak and White Oak and Walnut and Handscraped versus Wirebrushed and so on and so on.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Like everything else, it’s overwhelming, to say the least. There are so many options and we haven’t even gotten to the price yet. I would recommend at least 2 visits.</span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">My advice would then be to take photos of what you like and don’t like – from colour to texture to size and sheen. We wanted a wide plank and something matte in texture. As we have two young kids and a dog, I didn’t want anything too soft or delicate, but I am personally not a fan of super-textured or wavy flooring, so that ruled most hand-scraped options. </span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">In terms of colour, this was a difficult one. I knew I didn’t want anything too dark but also wasn’t sure of super light flooring either (I like it, just not for my space). I’m love a natural finish but not too rustic or rugged, either.</span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0t3lUfCgzDQswGAUUIYEmLJaDSjrthSCBRPBwiZaaMbAk97pPS-nEbisAnWvVLhsWufUMh2jRDsZLv9ZB7nIju9CytO2e1sqwf3mEL1gNjQkiJZORTg-EV6AE6QPLMTG4e7BzSNAhWO5S/s2048/E35A6393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: helvetica; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0t3lUfCgzDQswGAUUIYEmLJaDSjrthSCBRPBwiZaaMbAk97pPS-nEbisAnWvVLhsWufUMh2jRDsZLv9ZB7nIju9CytO2e1sqwf3mEL1gNjQkiJZORTg-EV6AE6QPLMTG4e7BzSNAhWO5S/w640-h426/E35A6393.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">In the store, we narrowed down some of our favourites – and narrowed from there even further. We were able to take some samples from inside to an outside door to compare in different lighting because remember, it’ll always look different in your space! </span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">We also asked for a sample to take home. This is very helpful.</span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp05-T5FPWgTzBZNavn28mpzB2UoKV2icQh8qnCupiZIyhyR9T7QnPduHtfWyhveFNenppzlu6sT1VIbR5ZGljGbOVl43K23aMDFFZs6xZ_rFjSsOGmT_a8UPQcyRov4G3S9tlUYklMBIS/s2048/IMG_9482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: helvetica; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1598" data-original-width="2048" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp05-T5FPWgTzBZNavn28mpzB2UoKV2icQh8qnCupiZIyhyR9T7QnPduHtfWyhveFNenppzlu6sT1VIbR5ZGljGbOVl43K23aMDFFZs6xZ_rFjSsOGmT_a8UPQcyRov4G3S9tlUYklMBIS/w640-h500/IMG_9482.jpg" width="640" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7e9x5Cbj8ygQSuL9J4g2Rn74_toivIfYilkW8fujdNhhEis1B4rqHQzAsn4DHYGVhHE2QjLRZlRxJRqeBIGoZiSnxwepEnS6yjeln6E3RZqvNz8ujvy3Oxmgm91mhEDkYQ48gp3rCyjHZ/s2048/IMG_9497.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: helvetica; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1636" data-original-width="2048" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7e9x5Cbj8ygQSuL9J4g2Rn74_toivIfYilkW8fujdNhhEis1B4rqHQzAsn4DHYGVhHE2QjLRZlRxJRqeBIGoZiSnxwepEnS6yjeln6E3RZqvNz8ujvy3Oxmgm91mhEDkYQ48gp3rCyjHZ/w640-h512/IMG_9497.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Here are some things you need to know if you’re considering hardwood:</span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">-<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>There are a lot of options, too many even;</span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">-<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Wood is a natural material. It is not all exactly the same. There will be variations in the colour and texture. It’s best to order from the same lot if possible;<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">-<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Don’t be surprised if the colour isn’t exactly the same as the sample.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCHn8VT6e4cNEOM_WNuV6Neu-XTsJsx8z7ujvJdsdLf0Zk1zpyLvXu6qZB_RCeZIedzl_h4EYB3AGj1P82H-tKE2zAd9A106QbC66oTxp9uzbjbBK15r3UUalpdOwdN2sE9NwaazG1vwQ/s2048/IMG_1299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: helvetica; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCHn8VT6e4cNEOM_WNuV6Neu-XTsJsx8z7ujvJdsdLf0Zk1zpyLvXu6qZB_RCeZIedzl_h4EYB3AGj1P82H-tKE2zAd9A106QbC66oTxp9uzbjbBK15r3UUalpdOwdN2sE9NwaazG1vwQ/w640-h480/IMG_1299.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Earlier this week, our hardwood upstairs was installed. To say I love it is an understatement! A lot of dust was made, and a lot of clean-up will come this weekend, but I’m loving the tones and the feel of the flooring underfoot. It’s warm and inviting with character and charm.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">As for the specs: The planks are 7 1/2 inches wide, and we went with a Wirebrushed White Oak.</span></p></div><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk2CPm4l3UnhFjQf0w18cMvGzXeIzYQqgDuvoJ2oW5vFE0DQqmge5HqPC5EeWWOmX1tH6HoPZyzhM991ctFQKx6gHmgVMQsYvMcqzvThAgeJfZ0o5Z78PH1xe9kBntaqVdYxa5JPjSAuXz/s2048/E35A2219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: helvetica; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk2CPm4l3UnhFjQf0w18cMvGzXeIzYQqgDuvoJ2oW5vFE0DQqmge5HqPC5EeWWOmX1tH6HoPZyzhM991ctFQKx6gHmgVMQsYvMcqzvThAgeJfZ0o5Z78PH1xe9kBntaqVdYxa5JPjSAuXz/w640-h426/E35A2219.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I can’t wait to see it all installed downstairs and in our new living spaces, so you'll have to follow along for the reveals!</span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">If you’re just starting out on your search or reno, I would recommend visiting The Hardwood Outlet; in addition to dozens of options, they were able to offer pricing on the spot and delivered in a reasonable time.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNvNF2dvabj5rN7cdxJLaGCAWclJP0wKjgt5y5ORm5Q4s6Xdfhc-otx-VS_frB3JE3QOMDLqF3pfbD8ZN4pnic4kMM6pyvRh5vLMw5S66a7SFnZgNgMQOqRYH9kmdwwT77_Qq5vo53miD-/s2048/E35A2225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: helvetica; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNvNF2dvabj5rN7cdxJLaGCAWclJP0wKjgt5y5ORm5Q4s6Xdfhc-otx-VS_frB3JE3QOMDLqF3pfbD8ZN4pnic4kMM6pyvRh5vLMw5S66a7SFnZgNgMQOqRYH9kmdwwT77_Qq5vo53miD-/w640-h426/E35A2225.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /></div><br />
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<div><br /></div><div>Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post and I have received some payment to write this blog. The opinions expressed on my blog are my own.</div>Julia Suppahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12321472452119091722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4121228960312607799.post-79683398856896799192021-07-21T13:10:00.005-04:002021-07-21T13:10:30.207-04:002021.5 Mazda CX-9 Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixQfiURAzC2Ki0tI_2KfP5ZM_hNIIpWTXV-Gc6NDhj108WKHlREuNKXvCkrlcHkoa_zYGj1_TC0tPzH8b8khl-_kRPIB-Ix6MCNvYP8353k0ri7bT6ZUkQbycj18wyzVHyfrA0DLbodyMN/s2048/IMG_0019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixQfiURAzC2Ki0tI_2KfP5ZM_hNIIpWTXV-Gc6NDhj108WKHlREuNKXvCkrlcHkoa_zYGj1_TC0tPzH8b8khl-_kRPIB-Ix6MCNvYP8353k0ri7bT6ZUkQbycj18wyzVHyfrA0DLbodyMN/w640-h480/IMG_0019.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It’s all you need in a family vehicle…and more.</span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I recently had the opportunity to test drive a brand new 2021.5 Mazda CX-9 GT from Prima Mazda, courtesy of Zanchin Automotive Group. This is a seven-passenger large SUV that has won various awards including Best Large Utility Vehicle in Canada for 2020 (and 2019) from the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) and a 2021 Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I was intrigued and excited to try it; I’ve been driving the same mid-size SUV for 10 years, and while it hasn’t given me any significant issues, it may be time to consider what our next family vehicle could be.</span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2oglA3b-sOyLEKTuN0lwC3cWYBO7RbMvp1ifXJOITRs-sPJOhT_IWP0hjiJ9kZUyp0hAQEY0XWOZSVroKuPr-JAhyphenhyphenUqRPH16AlkBCKflziDimkOeIhqYw76INx_cuvz30J44sarXElI98/s2048/IMG_0031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2oglA3b-sOyLEKTuN0lwC3cWYBO7RbMvp1ifXJOITRs-sPJOhT_IWP0hjiJ9kZUyp0hAQEY0XWOZSVroKuPr-JAhyphenhyphenUqRPH16AlkBCKflziDimkOeIhqYw76INx_cuvz30J44sarXElI98/w640-h480/IMG_0031.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">First Impressions:</span></b></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This is a Mazda?!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">From beautiful lines to chrome details, the Mazda CX-9 GT is one luxurious vehicle.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mazda has always made a solid vehicle; we have experience with the brand – Donny drove a Mazda3 for many years -- and while they always looked nice, this CX-9 is definitely a step up. It’s sleek and sophisticated -- on the outside and in.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />The model we tested was a 6-seater, with a full row in the back and Captain Chairs in the centre. The bucket seats can be swapped for a bench to give you the seven-seater capability.</span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Time to get on the road!</span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKLKxC3V5EFtqwQ3OcFK-AGpNd6UWT_M9jwNO5CweJSBSh0lzPBo7Qt_fTPmANasopAgOR88MjGG3e_Ra0UKqR_1SIFl8uxc41lqwLGuSphHYnbnTmyaRY2x4ilXR69ZQMuMSAsOZErrig/s2048/IMG_9683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKLKxC3V5EFtqwQ3OcFK-AGpNd6UWT_M9jwNO5CweJSBSh0lzPBo7Qt_fTPmANasopAgOR88MjGG3e_Ra0UKqR_1SIFl8uxc41lqwLGuSphHYnbnTmyaRY2x4ilXR69ZQMuMSAsOZErrig/w640-h480/IMG_9683.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">First Drive:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></b></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I was admittedly nervous on the first drive, but within minutes, definitely warmed up to the vehicle. It’s a smooth and nimble drive with quick response time and despite its size, doesn’t feel clunky at all. I absolutely love the leather-wrapped steering wheel; it felt good in my hands and wasn’t too big that I felt I was driving a bus.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">One of the first things that caught my eye, literally, is the digital speedometer projected onto the driver’s side windshield! I’ve never seen this before, and while it was distracting at first, I quickly discovered how to shift the angle so it wasn’t in your way. This digital reflection shows your speed, as well as icons, such as a stop sign. Pretty cool.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I definitely appreciated the lane detection (it beeps), and the automatic cameras when reversing or parking are very helpful. Many vehicles offer a variation of these features, but my current vehicle does not, so it was a nice experience to have these features.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The lane adjustment was not always accurate; the vehicle should vibrate if you cross a line, but that didn’t always happen. Not a deal-breaker IMO.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bells, Whistles and More:</span></b></p><p class="p3" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b></b><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I was immediately impressed by all of the controls and functions available in the GT model of the CX-9. This isn’t the top model of the line (there are 2 others above it), but still provides loads of controls, buttons and knobs for convenient and accessible features.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I especially appreciated the centre console controls which makes adjusting the radio, as well as windows and navigation system super simple. Once you get the hang of it, you don’t even have to look at what you’re doing.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9sws1Fc8oDYoTDVbLjOlob8GKPlbS_dV4HYWH_FUPIGbr83fzKKBNunyBN0kLx07k3B8evbKQ38kbTcki6jrEWNe9u0Y2Ut6w4xcfvcdIR3_R95AGcNHAQ2BRpNcuWtbS6MNFNOXbUKHa/s2048/IMG_9762.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9sws1Fc8oDYoTDVbLjOlob8GKPlbS_dV4HYWH_FUPIGbr83fzKKBNunyBN0kLx07k3B8evbKQ38kbTcki6jrEWNe9u0Y2Ut6w4xcfvcdIR3_R95AGcNHAQ2BRpNcuWtbS6MNFNOXbUKHa/w640-h480/IMG_9762.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And let’s talk about seat coolers, shall we!? Where have I been?!</span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My current vehicle has seat warmers, but seat coolers (especially on leather seats) is a dream come true in 30-degree heat.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Where it Could Be Better</span></b></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">No vehicle is perfect, but here are some areas that I think could be improved on this vehicle:</span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>While I loved the fact that there are fans and vents in the back of the vehicle so your passengers can control airflow, the fan is pretty loud. When the girls had the air on full blast, it’s loud for the driver. I was able to control from the front, but they could still override my controls. There may be a way to adjust this, but I didn’t discover it.</span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>For a large SUV, there is not a lot of small storage. The centre console is wonderful for the control functions, but as a result, there isn’t a lot of room to stow away personal items, including a change compartment. The automatic phone charger is nice, but I’d prefer a larger centre storage area. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We no longer carry a stroller around but if you have a stroller, it will fill the trunk (if back row is up). If you lower the rear row, the truck space is HUGE, but if you’re using both rows of seating, be aware the trunk space is smaller than you may assume.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>There’s no automatic truck release with your foot – with all the features this vehicle has, I thought it may have it. Again, I don’t have one with my current vehicle, so not a big deal for us.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="371" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ak-HO-uuDHg" width="479" youtube-src-id="ak-HO-uuDHg"></iframe></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Overall:</span></b></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Overall, the pluses definitely outweigh the negatives of this vehicle. The Mazda CX-9 GT is a comfortable family vehicle that boasts innovative technologies combined with some of the best safety scores in the country.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This model sells for around $51,000 and there are many different offers currently available through Prima Mazda.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Contact them directly to book your test drive or to speak with a salesperson, and thanks to Prima Mazda and Zanchin Auto for letting our family test this great vehicle!</span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Are you interested in learning more about family vehicles? What vehicle would you like to see us try next?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkCRvo0yXeakQhMApJyVLLryoT9tTOXadzoT8sr8KF73RKx8PUbrZe9QtX_4UTs6q1o_u9YyLcRSyB6vigwZxZKPUS365gXKjYHPU1e2BLuxKWY4nr66YqT-UwAoPIO2qKqi7nd533aG77/s2048/IMG_9993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkCRvo0yXeakQhMApJyVLLryoT9tTOXadzoT8sr8KF73RKx8PUbrZe9QtX_4UTs6q1o_u9YyLcRSyB6vigwZxZKPUS365gXKjYHPU1e2BLuxKWY4nr66YqT-UwAoPIO2qKqi7nd533aG77/w640-h480/IMG_9993.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. The opinions expressed on my blog are my own.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p></div><br /><br /><br />
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Julia Suppahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12321472452119091722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4121228960312607799.post-87422801721699945902021-07-08T11:44:00.006-04:002021-07-08T11:44:43.830-04:00Canada's Wonderland Opens with New Covid-19 Safety Protocols<div class="separator"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifw4uRl5_CfP9SJ0IHQ4i7E7zolCldSFeC2tgT__n730JAkOaZctcjxGndHyc-OYP95j-IpkAKb-DXu_5jHHmEkOlWeONxI-cIVWM3Bk5R-6QMC1JMYeIVLMVForhewJMMyFtFik90mN8C/s2048/IMG_0765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifw4uRl5_CfP9SJ0IHQ4i7E7zolCldSFeC2tgT__n730JAkOaZctcjxGndHyc-OYP95j-IpkAKb-DXu_5jHHmEkOlWeONxI-cIVWM3Bk5R-6QMC1JMYeIVLMVForhewJMMyFtFik90mN8C/w640-h480/IMG_0765.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">I didn't know it was possible to miss a mountain.</h3><div>But I could have honestly cried going through the gates at <a href="https://www.canadaswonderland.com/" target="_blank">Canada's Wonderland</a> yesterday. </div><div><br /></div><div>It had been more than 18 months since we last visited the park for Winterfest 2019, which seems like a lifetime ago. But the re-opening signalled so much more for me: a chance to go back to "the way it was", familiarity, fun, joy, people smiling. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmOG0i08wuHm5bmoUgvg12knjc-J9oRmNfRMlsYCsa2eoXJZCrSz88DcDBChH_Ipbe7NfwFdMWntviQemPtu8HL0CpqZMGGkD1mEfRJLH7k9tkGmUdPartiv6LRh-mPpTamD4hPA_Xbrs/s2048/IMG_0776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmOG0i08wuHm5bmoUgvg12knjc-J9oRmNfRMlsYCsa2eoXJZCrSz88DcDBChH_Ipbe7NfwFdMWntviQemPtu8HL0CpqZMGGkD1mEfRJLH7k9tkGmUdPartiv6LRh-mPpTamD4hPA_Xbrs/w640-h480/IMG_0776.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>There are many new protocols and policies, due to Covid-19, so if you're planning on visiting the park this year, or, if you are already a Season's Pass Holder (Gold Passes for 2021 are also valid for 2022), take note:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-qZaDLjCwtW8SFntc_W6wLpmacf0ViVWwpj0KKx27TD17disSxzsPVwiiR68RCbHcXIOt1CdIDbbmlw0zeAFPgCXnlfqM_CAH-tFyz97-_N3gvEkKsmnF9nQ_5fbEHiYHdk0BX2HC6_Fs/s2048/IMG_0783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-qZaDLjCwtW8SFntc_W6wLpmacf0ViVWwpj0KKx27TD17disSxzsPVwiiR68RCbHcXIOt1CdIDbbmlw0zeAFPgCXnlfqM_CAH-tFyz97-_N3gvEkKsmnF9nQ_5fbEHiYHdk0BX2HC6_Fs/w300-h400/IMG_0783.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>First of all, you need to make reservations. This is all done online or on the Mobile App. Schedule the date and time you want to attend. You cannot enter the park prior to your reserved time, but you can stay as long as you wish.</li><li>If you want to go to Splash Works (it opens July 12), you need to specify that on your reservation -- there is a different booking for Park+Splash Works, versus only the park.</li><li>There is hand sanitizer readily available throughout the park, and at the entrance to every ride. You can also bring your own, which we did.</li><li>I liked the ground demarkations for traffic flow and to ease congestion throughout the park. (A great idea for any time, if you ask me!)</li><li>In terms of cleaning rides, it happens frequently, but I don't know the exact time -- I think it depends on the ride. During our visit, we were paused at least twice for regular cleaning of seats and handrails. I also saw staff cleaning fences and touch areas, separate from the ride area. </li></ul><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNy1YPKZi9UYbAHVY4fibspnvIaunPFCbHdkwBMSj0CbIYh1We-qb93i1h9p7fsuv3wZNai53WAo3cAh9j7xmgXGAEX12j9_h9JTQSzttauHK_hessQTxBspYSLIjzxy1eIZYbVT4ZXabQ/s2048/IMG_0801+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNy1YPKZi9UYbAHVY4fibspnvIaunPFCbHdkwBMSj0CbIYh1We-qb93i1h9p7fsuv3wZNai53WAo3cAh9j7xmgXGAEX12j9_h9JTQSzttauHK_hessQTxBspYSLIjzxy1eIZYbVT4ZXabQ/w640-h480/IMG_0801+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Lines: many people asked me about lines. There ARE lines, and wait times are likely about the same as prior years. While there is a LOT of room in the park (I never felt crowded), the rides are also operating at 50% capacity, and sometimes less. Keep that in mind and hit up your favourite rides at off-peak times. You can also check the Ride Wait Times on the Mobile App.</li><li>Masks: Masks are required for everyone 2+ in all areas where socially distancing is not possible, on all rides and in all indoor facilities. Indoor restaurants are closed, but the stores are open. Masks are not required at SplashWorks or while eating.</li></ul></div><div>All in all, we had a wonderful day. The new protocols did not hinder or affect our visit, and while I'm sure it can get uncomfortable on an extremely hot day, I believe Canada's Wonderland has done a great job to protect visitors while complying with safety guidelines. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8dhhkX6xpUchxBRjwErohzMkC9BeiKQCajRshhrkq8t4hVsSKrggVGzRAA40yLrxGPE3seqYstkTG23JFShknQ7Q6AyJYETEYBWcE3Un9RpsrySp4o-HK_2mqal3rFiRLGXD-1LihdMob/s2048/IMG_0821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8dhhkX6xpUchxBRjwErohzMkC9BeiKQCajRshhrkq8t4hVsSKrggVGzRAA40yLrxGPE3seqYstkTG23JFShknQ7Q6AyJYETEYBWcE3Un9RpsrySp4o-HK_2mqal3rFiRLGXD-1LihdMob/s320/IMG_0821.JPG" /></a></div></div><div>Seeing the joy on my kids' faces, the smiles above the masks and the shrieks of happiness makes up for it all. </div><div><br /></div><div>They deserve it. We deserve it. We have had an unbelievable 18+ months, but we're on our way back.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks, Canada's Wonderland. <br /><br />
<img alt="your photo name" border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/198/A95E65DC5EB34CB2F9A0EB1CE1B6743C.png" /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqP3j6-n7BET-8BcbwJH3GyWC2TZnyd26uEy55Ed1WnJVfnUUKevcFrK0PxtQ8n5_NRREZZb0TBILzgcnj6jGU4s4RAybcsqdG2QLvG_t_78K7Zrw6s5EhrXbDy16fD7pjsJSdh-_ufT9h/s2048/IMG_0833+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqP3j6-n7BET-8BcbwJH3GyWC2TZnyd26uEy55Ed1WnJVfnUUKevcFrK0PxtQ8n5_NRREZZb0TBILzgcnj6jGU4s4RAybcsqdG2QLvG_t_78K7Zrw6s5EhrXbDy16fD7pjsJSdh-_ufT9h/w640-h480/IMG_0833+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Disclaimer: I am a 2021 Wonder Crew member. The opinions expressed on my blog are my own.</i></div><br /></div>Julia Suppahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12321472452119091722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4121228960312607799.post-64841987513560642612021-05-27T10:42:00.004-04:002021-05-27T10:43:04.738-04:00Designing a Dream Kitchen<h2 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR6jw97Tes1H_EF0uv8CayXh9hrqS93hJ_RohJebQNuN5AacOrpAxEfH-24LBP7p9cEfmk5Cu1JnXnI3yfy69VR8kUB2_udHlbs5xDYA0_F0PAf0FMhGiCw2-QjOzWDl5qdHloUk5AXVMD/s2048/E35A6589.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR6jw97Tes1H_EF0uv8CayXh9hrqS93hJ_RohJebQNuN5AacOrpAxEfH-24LBP7p9cEfmk5Cu1JnXnI3yfy69VR8kUB2_udHlbs5xDYA0_F0PAf0FMhGiCw2-QjOzWDl5qdHloUk5AXVMD/w640-h426/E35A6589.jpg" width="640" /></a></h2><h2 style="text-align: left;">You've heard the adage -- renovations can domino. You start with one idea and it snowballs from there.</h2><div style="text-align: left;">This is absolutely true, and it's sometimes difficult to draw a line where to stop or pause.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In my case, our renovation started with a dream of a new kitchen. A beautiful, big kitchen where we could all cook and gather, with lots of sunlight and a 6-burner stove. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Well, designing a kitchen takes a lot of mental work, even with the help of designers, friends, Pinterest and blogs. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As a complement to our planning, Donny and I t<a href="https://improvecanada.com/" target="_blank">ook a trip to Improve Canada</a> to visit vendors who specialize in kitchen design and renovation.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Due to COVID restrictions, Improve is open by appointment only, which means you are getting personal attention throughout your visit. There is also an opportunity to meet with multiple vendors, see the products and get a feel for how it would all come together in your space.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3jPZuXVwDabEUs8AFcYiJ5TS1q4PQf3AAWtwxNJLnc2qt-XeIbUlnD4j0t5ld6JKNnh2uV8Q5ofntrbJWsi8UgS9hyphenhyphen2vaNbfutwl5DIpFw00Ulwfq-nVsUQgtQ6jl_FyaUHw2OmxAizgN/s2048/E35A6377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3jPZuXVwDabEUs8AFcYiJ5TS1q4PQf3AAWtwxNJLnc2qt-XeIbUlnD4j0t5ld6JKNnh2uV8Q5ofntrbJWsi8UgS9hyphenhyphen2vaNbfutwl5DIpFw00Ulwfq-nVsUQgtQ6jl_FyaUHw2OmxAizgN/w640-h426/E35A6377.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from Mikia Kitchens</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here are just some of the things you need to think about when designing a kitchen:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Layout: </h2><div style="text-align: left;">This seems obvious, but you spend a lot of time in the kitchen (at least we do). Designing a flow or traffic pattern is important. While working with a designer, we also had the opportunity to stand in a variety of kitchen models and see what we liked and didn't. Everyone's space and taste are different -- this is a really personal experience. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTGNzJLhL30Pycy2kYV75kFaQM7H6L0VPEVeXbmUfb49dek31_aV7Pg8srxb1a3dL917YGfICx5CkjAj-ExgxCOhV2Xn7I7_FODvBuyipbDJRfLvyyFc6IUTUoKDvgfE6J6aEZtEpbJuLP/s2048/E35A6378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Designing a Dream Kitchen" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTGNzJLhL30Pycy2kYV75kFaQM7H6L0VPEVeXbmUfb49dek31_aV7Pg8srxb1a3dL917YGfICx5CkjAj-ExgxCOhV2Xn7I7_FODvBuyipbDJRfLvyyFc6IUTUoKDvgfE6J6aEZtEpbJuLP/w640-h426/E35A6378.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Cabinetry: </h2><div style="text-align: left;">Type, style, design, size. We've learned most cabinets today are made of MDF, although HDF and even hardwood options exist. And then there are door options -- we will likely go with a Shaker style, but we're still open to ideas and suggestions. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We loved meeting some vendors -- like Star Woodworking and Tobi Kitchens -- who introduced us to cool features like Blum hardware, cool hinges, and drawer options. The possibilities are endless and when you have time to learn about a product, it's empowering!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-5aUH6NBR23wxU2RCfZnRLzj7iHA7D0m5ilgnlh-c_W-1GieqRhirBnGV9rTUPWttWw-TVxvNA1U5uoGBG0mgZmKVmzjjAaII26pPAKi4m6UbBy1nOd7nK5VRtMAH7M4a9uuKIRN8WIM3/s2048/E35A6372.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Cabinets at Star Woodworking" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-5aUH6NBR23wxU2RCfZnRLzj7iHA7D0m5ilgnlh-c_W-1GieqRhirBnGV9rTUPWttWw-TVxvNA1U5uoGBG0mgZmKVmzjjAaII26pPAKi4m6UbBy1nOd7nK5VRtMAH7M4a9uuKIRN8WIM3/w640-h426/E35A6372.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM0W4xDysPGOKlW-Oije-11VqLvZQ8LENJ5k6MLOOvELBQG-00oPvx4XjhD2ppjkTdp6NGLtqAbHvXnmn1pRHF8KyOF2Zv2Lbjpy5HSFIfBIX9uUSE5b1aO7nJVaixnEQVNv1nK31ubI1G/s2048/E35A6373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM0W4xDysPGOKlW-Oije-11VqLvZQ8LENJ5k6MLOOvELBQG-00oPvx4XjhD2ppjkTdp6NGLtqAbHvXnmn1pRHF8KyOF2Zv2Lbjpy5HSFIfBIX9uUSE5b1aO7nJVaixnEQVNv1nK31ubI1G/w640-h426/E35A6373.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiklbfbrqwVFv_gwkxZJY3TElwDj-z6Vi-oZsqgo0KxyPcifu7st5bYzxrXc8w0B8G20lZour2YzvYsR99C-0uMvkHrR01JfzCAFWbeyHUYn0qd9Y3AEYMIYQRb1eE3uu5w3UKIfCFZdbUl/s2048/E35A6444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Blum Hardware" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiklbfbrqwVFv_gwkxZJY3TElwDj-z6Vi-oZsqgo0KxyPcifu7st5bYzxrXc8w0B8G20lZour2YzvYsR99C-0uMvkHrR01JfzCAFWbeyHUYn0qd9Y3AEYMIYQRb1eE3uu5w3UKIfCFZdbUl/w640-h426/E35A6444.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOs-WoJ25TwaJoQR0QKTLpLn4ezJzyiPasnbtoSNOMQYS8giab2G0pyNThO-srmxDD33XLyh2Cqteh9senf6eqK_aVY2X4Ltl71pygydrpN_73MOcI2lsYVDZb97FuLZDQlt5p4AHSzJbL/s2048/E35A6446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Blum Hardware" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOs-WoJ25TwaJoQR0QKTLpLn4ezJzyiPasnbtoSNOMQYS8giab2G0pyNThO-srmxDD33XLyh2Cqteh9senf6eqK_aVY2X4Ltl71pygydrpN_73MOcI2lsYVDZb97FuLZDQlt5p4AHSzJbL/w640-h426/E35A6446.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Flooring: </h2><div style="text-align: left;">Tile or hardwood? I know many people debate this -- I currently have tile in my kitchen but look forward to hardwood through the home. The good news is: you can compare and learn all about it at Improve. We had two great visits with Metropolitan Tile & Stone, as well as The Hardwood Outlet, which will undoubtedly make our decision easier.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Surfaces: </h2><div style="text-align: left;">Counters and backsplash is another huge undertaking. Honestly, we haven't really given this much thought just yet, but it may warrant another trip!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Decorative features: </h2><div style="text-align: left;">Sink (I'm dreaming of a white Farmhouse sink), lights, pendants, blinds, and curtains -- all on the to-do list. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-g2SUb3xludnztEIJyvBZZVDrFfZem1EuPCAHqr4qCho5CLpCeAEaTVMh0Evfi3_DE-kz8ULwNod7-ZrvMu322m4UwxWkSnDj4RIuokeLqMnBxBCc_Jj635xpW1W_xw0X5Q3ssjEsvqP/s2048/E35A6439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-g2SUb3xludnztEIJyvBZZVDrFfZem1EuPCAHqr4qCho5CLpCeAEaTVMh0Evfi3_DE-kz8ULwNod7-ZrvMu322m4UwxWkSnDj4RIuokeLqMnBxBCc_Jj635xpW1W_xw0X5Q3ssjEsvqP/w640-h426/E35A6439.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Electricity, Plumbing, and Gas:</b> We're leaving this to the contractor, but it's good to understand all the work involved,</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And of course, appliances!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><br /></div><div>To learn more about the hundreds of vendors at Improve, or to plan your next visit, check out their <a href="http://www.ImproveCanada.com" target="_blank">website</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>Have you done a kitchen reno? What did you learn from your experience?</div><br />
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</div>Julia Suppahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12321472452119091722noreply@blogger.com07250 Keele St, Concord, ON L4K 1Z8, Canada43.7877889 -79.496930615.477555063821157 -114.6531806 72.098022736178848 -44.3406806tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4121228960312607799.post-32356342657521619682021-04-12T20:58:00.005-04:002021-04-14T13:34:27.789-04:00Mental Health Check -- Register for the Run for Women<p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSp9Utzme6g_M-fHrTAvstdZlkZ3dgk9usqC5a_CnNRxTntO2Xc4sE1Gf9G4yFYiacLB0CtbO1_htyO99ydn5QH7J1HxEHe8T0lfNs3WWogDQwwmvamSgAZf8qNlnog-0v5l7dEhpaLEwP/s2048/IMG_4721.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSp9Utzme6g_M-fHrTAvstdZlkZ3dgk9usqC5a_CnNRxTntO2Xc4sE1Gf9G4yFYiacLB0CtbO1_htyO99ydn5QH7J1HxEHe8T0lfNs3WWogDQwwmvamSgAZf8qNlnog-0v5l7dEhpaLEwP/w640-h480/IMG_4721.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Mental health check, mamas: how we doing today?</p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Feeling a bit like you've been kicked down again? Me too. </p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Honestly, a couple of weeks ago, I was very optimistic, and there seemed to be "light at the end of the tunnel", as many people have said.</p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Today, I'm not so sure.</p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Don't get me wrong -- I am in support of today's announcement that kids will learn remotely. I'm not surprised by it either. It will be challenging, as it has always been, but I believe it's the right thing to do. While my family has engaged in in-person learning all year -- (and I think it's what we all need) -- I also recognize that the tides have shifted. I personally know people -- young people -- in the hospital. This is no joke.</p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">But the mental load and the back and forth is almost too much. We've all shouldered much more than we already did. And it's hard. The unknown, the constant shifting, the loss of income, the desire and longing to see our family and friends.</p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Over the last year, I"ve partnered with various organizations and groups to discuss or promote Women's Mental Health. </p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">It's OK not to be OK all the time. </p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">It's OK to have dirty dishes or an unmade bed.</p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">It's OK to give the kids a day off.</p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">it's OK to give yourself one.</p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I've just signed up for the Run for Women. It's an annual event (now virtual), that supports Markham Stouffville Hospital's Mental Health Programs. While it's listed as a Unionville event, this is actually York Region's event -- and because it's virtual, you can participate anywhere. It's a 5K or 10K -- walk or run anytime between July 4-11. </p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The Run for Women, brought to you by the LOVE YOU by Shoppers Drug Mart program will enable Markham Stouffville Hospital to confront York Region’s mental health crisis with a program that addresses the unique obstacles that women in our increasingly diverse community face on the path to wellness.</p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Registration is currently $40 (price goes up to $45 at midnight on April 15), but you also get a swag bag valued at $150 that can be picked up at the end of June/early July. You can also fundraise and help spread the word.</p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Want to join my team? I'd love to have you help promote this cause and raise funds together. </p></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://secure2.convio.net/run/site/TRR/Events/General/324168682?pg=ptype&fr_id=1242" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Donate or Join my team -- Mindful Mamas -- today!</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img alt="your photo name" border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/198/A95E65DC5EB34CB2F9A0EB1CE1B6743C.png" /></div>Julia Suppahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12321472452119091722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4121228960312607799.post-78381067041619130662021-04-11T10:50:00.001-04:002021-04-11T11:03:53.920-04:00Garlic Parm Pizza Knots<div class="separator"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjigWp4tQZqFHwQ088GEehUwAYshx0GW-i30yRljY9FKqDVQx66RMEbB-4BzjwYfxx4XuwIbQGtScQ7cX3v8-5eKCTV21sfO5AfyRKsXHMNthILF0NEgGA3ev89tz6VDzqLRlhofc7487Sz/s2048/IMG_6493.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjigWp4tQZqFHwQ088GEehUwAYshx0GW-i30yRljY9FKqDVQx66RMEbB-4BzjwYfxx4XuwIbQGtScQ7cX3v8-5eKCTV21sfO5AfyRKsXHMNthILF0NEgGA3ev89tz6VDzqLRlhofc7487Sz/w640-h640/IMG_6493.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />I love a faux-fancy dish -- you know, the ones that look like you've put in tons of effort, but are in fact, so easy!?<div><br /></div><div>So, here's the story: I had pizza dough in the fridge but didn't want pizza -- so I whipped up these deeeeeliicious Garlic Parm Pizza Knots using store-bought Pizza Dough.<div><br /></div><div>I most certainly didn't invent this -- but I searched a few recipes and then made it my own. And had I known you wanted the recipe, I would have done a video.</div><div><br /></div><div>Oh well.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Here's what I did:</b></div><div><br /></div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Preheat oven to 400.</li><li>Roll out pizza dough and cut into strips (I got 12).</li><li>Wrap the strip around your hand and make a knot.</li><li>Place knots onto a parchment-lined tray and gently brush with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt.</li><li>Bake for 12-15 min or until lightly golden.</li><li>Meanwhile, heat olive oil and butter in a pan. I didn't measure, but about 3 swirls in a big pan. And a chunk of butter -- a couple tbsps. </li><li>Add 3-4 cloves of minced garlic to low heat. DO NOT LET GARLIC BROWN. We're just looking for aroma here.</li><li>Add oregano. </li><li>As the EVOO/butter mix starts to simmer, shut off the heat.</li><li>When the knots are done baking, place them into the pan, ensuring all sides are coated.</li><li>Sprinkle with real Parmeggiano Reggiano. </li><li>Enjoy!</li></ol><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZONDd9fQxqW_pyGw9mG4w184nbZDZBoxsctYxwiHir5cXe5gpD8RMuTR6prxeo6tXBD8GCeBFf_DiQRP2wQmYMFEZgW3afvXIoTx9OG_MWw9Oe2WNNNPd846zWfT2w4u-SVsw8mhacRai/s2048/IMG_6492.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZONDd9fQxqW_pyGw9mG4w184nbZDZBoxsctYxwiHir5cXe5gpD8RMuTR6prxeo6tXBD8GCeBFf_DiQRP2wQmYMFEZgW3afvXIoTx9OG_MWw9Oe2WNNNPd846zWfT2w4u-SVsw8mhacRai/w640-h640/IMG_6492.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>What's your fave thing to do with pizza dough -- other than make pizza!?</div></div><div><br /><br />
<img alt="your photo name" border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/198/A95E65DC5EB34CB2F9A0EB1CE1B6743C.png" /><br /><br /></div></div>Julia Suppahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12321472452119091722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4121228960312607799.post-69754323355467047772021-03-08T09:37:00.007-05:002021-03-08T09:37:42.531-05:00International Women's Day<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82PCFsNV0zQBYyB4VFUf0aQvtSWJgrn9skXnd5XR8EPO72kUv2zro-g2F6Ol5rL4dlps6GvKMsKwez2W8GBtQjc-0s2YbW7N72EdFxhYDdetc9J8oqsxxNQx9xMSCAItgcoHTCdWSYpS9/s2048/IMG_6464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82PCFsNV0zQBYyB4VFUf0aQvtSWJgrn9skXnd5XR8EPO72kUv2zro-g2F6Ol5rL4dlps6GvKMsKwez2W8GBtQjc-0s2YbW7N72EdFxhYDdetc9J8oqsxxNQx9xMSCAItgcoHTCdWSYpS9/w640-h480/IMG_6464.jpg" width="640" /></a><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Today is International Women's Day, and the theme for this year is #ChoosetoChallenge. </div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">A challenged world is an alert world and from challenge comes change. </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">So let's all choose to challenge.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #46286e; text-align: center;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">I challenge everyone to change the language and words used to describe women, and in doing so, change the narrative and stereotypes given to women from when they were children.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">As a proud mother of two daughters, it is increasingly important that our daughters feel empowered by words, not diminished. And if you are raising boys and husbands, the onus is on everyone to challenge these norms. Words matter.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">A woman is not being <b>difficult</b> if she asks for clarification or questions the status quo;</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">We are not <b>high-maintenance</b> when we value details or specifics.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">If we are too kind or understanding, we're defined as <b>soft</b>, and,</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><b>shy </b>if we're being reserved or private.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">And, this one gets me all the time, little girls and women are not <b>bossy; </b>what you mean to say is assertive, with leadership qualities or driven. </span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div>I have been called most of these names, and some of these words have also been used to describe my daughters -- until this <i>feisty powerhouse mama bear</i> put a stop to it. In fact, I'm counting on my girls to be inquisitive, critical, and bold, all the while being fair, honest and kind. We can.</div><div><br /></div><div>See, we can be <b>passionate</b> and still <b>compassionate</b>. We can be strong and quiet. We can be sweet and sarcastic, questioning and understanding. We can be brave while struggling, challenging and opinionated.</div><div><br /></div><div>Words matter.</div><div><br /></div><div>We have come a long way, but there is still much work to be done -- and this is just a small part. There continue to be inequities in the workplace, gender stereotypes and the number of women in leadership positions remains far lower than those held by men. And of course, women of colour, visible minorities and indigenous women face even greater scrutiny every day. In parts of the world, women are still considered "less than", and while this isn't something I face on a daily basis, it can't be ignored, either.</div><div><br /></div><div>To all the women in my life who have paved the way, shattered ceilings and worked so we would be where we are today, thank you. I will do my best to continue that work so our daughters and sons live in a more equitable and fair world. And to my colleagues and friends, those who continue to change the narrative and those who stand up, thank you. You inspire me and give me strength every day. </div><div><br /></div><div>Happy International Women's Day.</div><div><br /></div><div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div>Julia Suppahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12321472452119091722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4121228960312607799.post-20399492003231006062021-03-01T10:53:00.014-05:002021-03-01T10:55:16.432-05:00What's Your FavSpot?<p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This is a sponsored post. As always, the opinions expressed on my blog are my own.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB6qW4GPfDUXcGdvheEYSqClYTSGDCOk3Hu4KJtj84H1lfLBO1TfiOLl3zDM-qFaUh4tZwFWdht3kPGU3RbwPUejFCtlzhStrYP92jhIydmFWoFN02skJHnlD68GVc8i2KmezHQXjjZpas/s2048/TitTg7NOQH-1aIIaRGCgFQ.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB6qW4GPfDUXcGdvheEYSqClYTSGDCOk3Hu4KJtj84H1lfLBO1TfiOLl3zDM-qFaUh4tZwFWdht3kPGU3RbwPUejFCtlzhStrYP92jhIydmFWoFN02skJHnlD68GVc8i2KmezHQXjjZpas/w640-h480/TitTg7NOQH-1aIIaRGCgFQ.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"Julia, what's your favourite spot in Vaughan?"</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmGv0e-NhPEuAlZuC1rDJUaRjR5h2bMh-Ygi57UMsH0ybO4ojQB_cjMX1jx3_SYhptmTv20PTPK6xmFDn9LEMzo4Fvc0sn1Kh6mSH72r4C1PtugI9I0Q-kX7cY213Xl-qYkgrang-bACQi/w299-h400/FeVBOIWPQRGND9W_vBh_qQ.jpg" width="299" /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">It's a question I get asked regularly<i> </i>and not one that I can answer quickly. My favourite restaurant? Town? Trail? Attraction? </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Truth is: we are absolutely blessed -- and spoiled -- to live in a city that is so varied in offerings and rich in culture, people and happenings. From historic Kleinburg and the Old Village of Thornhill to the hundreds of restaurants and world-renowned landmarks, it's no wonder people from all over come to our city. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As a resident, Vaughan gives us a blend of</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> big-city buzz meshed with small town pockets, subdivisions and green space and so much more. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I have millions of memories growing up in this community and continue to make long-lasting ones with our family. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8w9fW26995lMQkX0gRqxIdHi4D2a7arC87uLcZqGuhevGZdvphqJvCUXyNPVZlJL0cc7RQ9528u2-3LWm05LA_t95Zk1LZjIiwsHJw4Ca_xSVhIk9UM4ocd11DQXBAMEYKUMwhV4q7mbf/s2048/EtJ_VbVaTB2dd2EX2yu_0g.jpg" style="font-style: italic; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8w9fW26995lMQkX0gRqxIdHi4D2a7arC87uLcZqGuhevGZdvphqJvCUXyNPVZlJL0cc7RQ9528u2-3LWm05LA_t95Zk1LZjIiwsHJw4Ca_xSVhIk9UM4ocd11DQXBAMEYKUMwhV4q7mbf/w640-h480/EtJ_VbVaTB2dd2EX2yu_0g.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><a href=" visitvaughan.ca/favspot" target="_blank">Tourism Vaughan</a> wants you to share your favourite spots in the city for the chance to win </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">one of 10 Vaughan Travel Packs worth up to $475 each!</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Share a photo of your favourite place in Vaughan on Instagram with the hashtag <i style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">#FavSpotVaughan </i><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">and tag @VisitVaughan.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The categories are:</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><ul style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">accommodations</span></li><li>food & beverage</li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">attractions</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">gardens, parks & trails</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">museums & galleries, &<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">theatre, entertainment & events</span></li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKj_Y8JhFFVfQnVJQzsIbuUokBp4bvLcDTfTPuI0ZEHZcgnZAFoFyJ_o0jX7zTqm2gBeOPPgvB25tIVeAVPZ709MWflj8C1x43-WVktZDkMYlOqSCHAfqDCJkVElGCePLDtVJYcSYJm-jH/s1920/FavSpot_categories.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKj_Y8JhFFVfQnVJQzsIbuUokBp4bvLcDTfTPuI0ZEHZcgnZAFoFyJ_o0jX7zTqm2gBeOPPgvB25tIVeAVPZ709MWflj8C1x43-WVktZDkMYlOqSCHAfqDCJkVElGCePLDtVJYcSYJm-jH/w360-h640/FavSpot_categories.png" width="360" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The contest runs March 1-14, 2021. No purchase necessary. If you have any questions, contact <a href="http://www.visitvaughan.ca" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tourism Vaughan.</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">
<img alt="your photo name" border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/198/A95E65DC5EB34CB2F9A0EB1CE1B6743C.png" /></span><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /></div>Julia Suppahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12321472452119091722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4121228960312607799.post-90831740629797087732021-02-24T10:14:00.005-05:002021-02-24T10:14:47.635-05:00Pink Shirt Day Everyday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-rCKd7waCz5PbYEZ_vkZ-1JQL2_lErz6W-4Vg9rEC-W61qKW9ZO-sSOrmS_eQsIu0K13iE1XGLT8-zwYEwhz0m5z8FueyYzSbl13AUk1C6OKGFD-aiSyFITJ5BZpjeb1Sr8ZtGh2C6W9/s2048/IMG_4896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-rCKd7waCz5PbYEZ_vkZ-1JQL2_lErz6W-4Vg9rEC-W61qKW9ZO-sSOrmS_eQsIu0K13iE1XGLT8-zwYEwhz0m5z8FueyYzSbl13AUk1C6OKGFD-aiSyFITJ5BZpjeb1Sr8ZtGh2C6W9/w640-h480/IMG_4896.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today is Pink Shirt Day. The kids went to school with their pink tees, and will likely be reminded about bullying and the consequences bullying can have on a person's life.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In my house, pink shirt day is every day -- and not cause I have a lot of pink shirts (which I do) -- but because we practice and promote leading with kindness every single day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I frequently ask my girls who they play with in the school yard and remind them that it's important to be kind to one another. If we see someone hurt or being made fun of, they need to report it. And we never taunt someone for the way they look, talk, dress or act.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm sure many of us (myself included) have been a victim of a bully or bullies. I wasn't the cool kid growing up, didn't have lots of friends, wasn't very popular. Not much changed. There are new forms of bullies -- trolls online, others who say hurtful things to purposely cause harm or bring you down. I am triggered by watching mean characters in tv shows or movies. Funny bullies are not cool, either.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Only now I have a platform, and I'm grateful people on these channels pay attention. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Don't be a bully, and if you see a bully -- especially if it's your child -- extinguish their flame. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><img alt="your photo name" border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/198/A95E65DC5EB34CB2F9A0EB1CE1B6743C.png" />Julia Suppahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12321472452119091722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4121228960312607799.post-41919924735162448572021-02-19T08:55:00.005-05:002021-02-19T09:17:01.571-05:00#StayConnected with Virtual Birthday Parties<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="color: #454545; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Disclosure: This post was sponsored by The Regional Municipality of York (York Region). As always, all the opinions on my blog are my own.</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbqL0VPQV6QCzxVF6oq0YGm0dW2Kz-xbegO7o0kJn9o90FUfFTCIkh_h9mq88GFzSsXMnZFSdZqsGch7MoNJp6THcg0D7n2PYEElH07awAq9JKiTJNdMXa_QsTOPBUFZUdiE1oGyrL3XRv/s2048/E35A1395.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbqL0VPQV6QCzxVF6oq0YGm0dW2Kz-xbegO7o0kJn9o90FUfFTCIkh_h9mq88GFzSsXMnZFSdZqsGch7MoNJp6THcg0D7n2PYEElH07awAq9JKiTJNdMXa_QsTOPBUFZUdiE1oGyrL3XRv/w640-h426/E35A1395.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The pandemic has taken a lot from us in the last year: missed family gatherings, cancelled events, delayed travel, to name only a few. I know I’m not the only one who took all of these things for granted.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">But to see Isabelle’s face when I told her she couldn’t have a Birthday party because of COVID, I knew I had to do something to mark the occasion, even if it was a different type of party. And I reminded her that although she couldn’t see her friends in person, there are still safe ways to celebrate.</span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">We set out to plan the party similar to how we would in person: we made digital invites, collected RSVPs and had party kits with cupcakes and crafts delivered to each guest. A DIY balloon arrangement and my houseplants became the perfect backdrop to the mermaid-themed event, and Isabelle even made her own custom playlist for the online dance party.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYsZnkBfa9lGyfhYnd_Wc71FUJkbECgZgQ8c7sxj6kC0zVd7jxEzXWXH9xGbUqSxR7rCdoUFgqtBzgUtkbbp1zi5TsbmTdQFW9Z_VRgWLQkHsTNn6WWMNfRJCeelaw8CMxpOPvTER1I0WA/s2048/E35A1330.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYsZnkBfa9lGyfhYnd_Wc71FUJkbECgZgQ8c7sxj6kC0zVd7jxEzXWXH9xGbUqSxR7rCdoUFgqtBzgUtkbbp1zi5TsbmTdQFW9Z_VRgWLQkHsTNn6WWMNfRJCeelaw8CMxpOPvTER1I0WA/w640-h426/E35A1330.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">We didn’t compare in-person or virtual. We treated virtual as a new and cool way to celebrate, which it totally is.</span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">And then Mommy and Daddy followed the rules and stayed out of the kitchen so the kids could talk and laugh and share their crafts. And you know, in a weird 2021 way, it seemed almost normal.</span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilzUHJ6ezu6OduvxeznZzsm5wYP8ux0zrxB-AnEePPS_whD1Xph6y-HmLemJXV5p6lgqpH4y7zNaBPnE4IMq5r1YEWTPCsBuN1wOS4c6ziFMOPFMIFRESZniYbOYTevYZs5EmDAbqwPEeI/s2048/E35A1456.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilzUHJ6ezu6OduvxeznZzsm5wYP8ux0zrxB-AnEePPS_whD1Xph6y-HmLemJXV5p6lgqpH4y7zNaBPnE4IMq5r1YEWTPCsBuN1wOS4c6ziFMOPFMIFRESZniYbOYTevYZs5EmDAbqwPEeI/w640-h426/E35A1456.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIiCio5HAHxzHtz8GbIq2cDH5hPDmYmSZPmptcfsKVBgfNWo3ZqIb_xd4VLnyREp1HQLFNJrM6BdG-XlIyeVLPbcuYGlGyV0xMM-4kO2JvVW2lIagfi6yK1RhRokF9UaJbyEwxYy5OaXHe/s2048/Untitled+design+%252815%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIiCio5HAHxzHtz8GbIq2cDH5hPDmYmSZPmptcfsKVBgfNWo3ZqIb_xd4VLnyREp1HQLFNJrM6BdG-XlIyeVLPbcuYGlGyV0xMM-4kO2JvVW2lIagfi6yK1RhRokF9UaJbyEwxYy5OaXHe/w643-h428/Untitled+design+%252815%2529.png" width="643" /></a></div><p class="p2" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">As resilient as kids are, like adults, they need connections and to talk and socialize with their friends. At the end of the party, some of the kids said they had “so much fun” and it was the “best party ever!”. Mom win. I’m glad I could bring some joy at this time. Wanna know another win – or a few? Very little mess, cost-effective and easy to execute! In terms of parties I’ve thrown, this was by far the easiest.</span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">As we continue to follow public health measures and stay home as much as possible, it’s important to stay connected and check in on one another – a text, a virtual chat, or a phone call, especially for those who may not be online, like older family members. </span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">To help you get back in touch and inspire new ideas, check out York Region’s #YRStayConnected resources for ways to stay connected with others, while staying safely apart: <a href="http://york.ca/stayconnected">york.ca/stayconnected</a>.</span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMFAQma4udq8lyiPeejFI5EnXEJlU0Ta47qHodU26FA2U2tLshQ7PYJUPkFbWmVCGk3mDlKlSnW-KgqCRJlNebKYsGf2DJGJMydcMOaaYriux0kJ3ErokgAtNsWDx5MkLP41KWAG2laF3e/s2048/E35A1323.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMFAQma4udq8lyiPeejFI5EnXEJlU0Ta47qHodU26FA2U2tLshQ7PYJUPkFbWmVCGk3mDlKlSnW-KgqCRJlNebKYsGf2DJGJMydcMOaaYriux0kJ3ErokgAtNsWDx5MkLP41KWAG2laF3e/w640-h426/E35A1323.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p class="p3" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">How are you connecting with loved ones, staying in touch with friends or finding love in a creative, yet physically distanced way? </span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I’d love to hear your stories on how you've been able to safely stay connected during the pandemic.</span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Stay safe and connected,</span></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Julia Suppahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12321472452119091722noreply@blogger.com0