February seems to come and go with minimal fanfare, don’t you think? The shortest of months is also fondly referred to as the “month of love” with Valentine’s Day as its shining gem nestled right in the middle. Perhaps it’s a reminder for us to celebrate the fact that we are loved—every one of us, by our Heavenly Father. And perhaps it’s a perfect opportunity to check-in and make time for our marriages—because they matter…

My twelve-year-old heart was crushed and confused as I listened to my parents. God had slammed into our family with grace and gumption the previous year when I witnessed my dad’s dramatic conversion from alcoholic to born-again Christian. But what was happening? Was my family going to crumble now that we had a foundation of faith?

Happy New Year, friend— and Happy New Decade! As we part ways with 2019 and forge ahead into the very grandiose 2020s, do you have any goals or resolutions? It has become a practice in these parts to claim “one word” for the next twelve-month period… a word to ponder and pray over as the year progresses. Honestly, I was dying to use “clarity” for 2020 as it was just SO perfect (20/20 vision and all that) but it seems I have another word I am to hold front and center for this coming year:

Where do you love to read? I vacillate between preferring a summer scenario with a book on the beach, lazily listening to the lap of water on shore—and then curling up with a comforting hot drink under a cozy blanket reading in the dead of winter. Whatever the circumstances, books are always a good idea! And I’ve picked six of my absolute favorites I devoured this year for your perusal…

When is it too early to read to a child? Umm, never. I say this as both author and mother. My kids might all be in their twenties (pinch me) but I treasure the precious memories of reading to them when they were tiny. What is more heartwarming than cozying up with a book, a blanket, and a baby? And today, I have good news AND a giveaway for you…

It’s approaching that time of year when the word “SIMPLIFY” sounds wonderfully appealing on multiple levels. With tentative thoughts on opening our festive homes and hearts to guests galore, we can find ourselves in danger of unraveling like a big ol’ roll of shiny gift wrap. So how can we be hospitable over the holidays in a way that is efficient, effortless, and enjoyable? Lean in and let’s talk all things simple…

With the holiday season right around the corner, most of us need all the help we can get! And so this seems the perfect time to share some of my favorite cookbooks with you. You can grab a copy for your festive food prep right now, glean some glorious gift ideas for the foodies in your life, or add one of my suggestions to put on your own Christmas list! It’s a win-win-win…

Every October I remember Nanny, my maternal grandma. Partly because October was her birthday month and partly because it’s when we celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving—and I tend to get a tad mushy and nostalgic. It makes me wish I could have just one more cup of tea with Nanny in a floral bone china teacup. And ask how her generation did hospitality so effortlessly and so well…

Now that flipflops are packed away and cute boots have appeared in the closet, it’s time to cozy up with some good books. Am I right? As much as I adore reading on the beach, there’s something comforting about snuggling under a warm throw with a cup of tea, emergency chocolate, and a gripping read. Hello, autumn. And I have five reads for fall especially for you…

Here we are, a full year into the phase of life commonly referred to as “the empty nest”—some of you are nodding sagely and others can’t begin to imagine such a time will come. I’m no expert (one whole year) and to be honest, I feel a bit of a cheat as our youngest was home from Uni for the summer, but the nest is in empty mode again and I can hear my fellow empty-nester moms collectively sigh. Part heartache, part relief, part anxiety. So listen in as I share how the hubby and I plan to navigate the nest with a new rhythm…