Author: Lindsay Gough

Splurging at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler

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Even if we had all the money in the world, we’d choose sleeping under the stars over a fancy four poster bed (at least that’s what I like to fool myself into believing 😬). But my goodness, a night in a Fairmont bed is always worth writing home about. So here it is.

We were fortunate to have a couple excellent family adventures at the Chateau Whistler last spring/summer. Before that, I was no stranger to the epic landmark (thanks to the good eats), situated at the base of Blackcomb mountain, in Whistler’s (quieter) Upper Village, a short stroll away from Whistler’s (busier) Main Village. We used to live in Whistler, and recently moved about an hour down the Sea to Sky highway to Horseshoe Bay, but it’s still our go-to for a quick and easy getaway. The Fairmont Chateau Whistler makes it something special, that’s for sure.

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Daisy enjoying the complimentary apples and fragrant lilies in the hotel’s lobby

Aprés visits to The Mallard, their lux and cozy, couch filled lounge open to the hotel’s large main lobby, cannot be beat imo. We have also been making it an annual tradition to eat at The Wildflower‘s famous Mother’s Day Brunch since my daughter was just a wee bébé. Portebello has also been a staple in my pre-snowboarding regimen, to fuel my days up in the mountains.

Pleasantly pleased Daisy, in her element, riding up the Blackcomb village gondy

The hotel couldn’t be more convenient, situated right at the base of the Blackcomb Gondy. Thanks to its name, Blackcomb tends to be the lesser known of Whistler resort’s mountains, where the ratio of locals to visitors tends to be higher. It funnily happens to be the larger of the two mountains, has shorter lift lines, and is insanely fun. My best days on both mountains have hands down been on Blackcomb, off Seventh Heaven, and behind on the Blackcomb Glacier/Bowl. It basks in the afternoon sun, so is super cruisy to finish the day off on, before returning back to your evening’s cushy digs.

Suiting up for spring shreddin’ and Rendezvous hangouts

Tell me a better way to relax ye olde muscles after a long day on the slopes than in a hot tub, and I won’t believe you. The Fairmont’s Vida Spa and pools are worthy of a visit in themselves. Many locals have caught onto this and get monthly under the table/non-advertised passes in the winter to soothe and warm their weary woes.

I mean, matching family bathrobes?! C’mon, couldn’t get much cuter (and cozier)

A nice restorative yoga class after a long day could possibly tie with the hot tubs, in terms of rejuvenating bliss. To coincide with the spa, the Chateau offers top notch yoga classes, whether to limber you up to start your day, or to soothe said sore muscles at the end. If you’re lucky, you may time your visit with a sound bowl experience to revel in complete relaxation to soothe the soul.

They make things super simple and efficient with their slopeside ski valet and ski and snowboard rentals. Also slopeside, maple infused hot chocolate awaits to warm yourself in the afternoons, sittiing on their red adirondack chairs next to propane fire pits. Picturesque, and oh so quintessential.

Yummmy

If you haven’t thought of visiting Whistler in the summer, than get on it, as each summer the visitors increase, making no season an off-season. The world’s best mountain and downhill biking are at the Chateau’s doorstep. Hiking more your thing? Strap the hikers on and head up the Blackcomb Ascent Trail/Grind to get to the top, and take the gondola down to save your knees. If you’re a seasoned golfer, you’ve probably heard of the Fairmont Chateau Whistler’s namesake golf course.

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Hiking up the Ascent Trail, stopping to smell the Daisy’s 🙂

The summertime farmer’s market is a hoot as well!

Spring and Fall, also known as the ‘shoulder seasons’ are the quietest time to visit Whistler, where you can find sweet lodging and dining deals. The nostalgia and anticipation fall brings, with the cooler temps and first signs of snow, feels like magic. Some of the top restaurants in town offering $50 (or less $) a la carte 5 course meals/experiences.

We love eating local and getting a taste of what life is like wherever we visit by checking out the local markets. Right outside the hotel’s doors, you can find the Whistler Farmer’s market, filling up the village stroll with local art, goods and yummy eats, May to mid-October, on Sundays from 11am-4pm.

Farmer’s market strollin’

The Chateau also comes complete with it’s own tennis and pickleball courts. Also, tucked beyond the courts is the hotel’s own playground, encompassing a large fenced-in area for kids to run around, complete with a climbing play structure and swings. We found this incredibly convenient plus the kids adored going. It was entertaining for all of us, as we met families (and friends for the kids) from all over the world.

If all the perks, the brilliant Blackcomb location, the good food and amenities, weren’t reason enough, Fairmont is making steps towards a sustainable future. They are showing that they care about the environment, knowing that Whistler, and many of their hotel’s locations, are so popular due to being surrounded by incredible nature at their doorsteps. So let’s preserve that! And they’re trying, and also prompting guests to think about their own impact, when they travel and what they can learn and take home with them.

The friendly staff are also a fond memory for us. From checkin, to our room servicing crew, smiles were had all around. From delivering our bags to bringing the kids their own bathrobes, the service is top notch, making you feel welcomed, and truly feeling like it is a home away from home during your stay.

Roarrr

With all this said, the main reason to choose the Fairmont over all the rest… The bed! The crisp white linen, the cushy mattress, it is enrapturing, I sink into it, and could stay tucked in it all day, everyday (if it weren’t for the kids telling me they’re hungry). Open the curtains, I know I’m in Whistler, I can watch the sun cast its shadow over the mountains, all from the comfort of those stunning beds. The natural live edge wooden headboards. The room. The towels. The (reuseable and refillable) toiletries. All a bonus.

Before

After – amidst the soft sea of pillows, excellent naps were had.

In summary, if you’re looking for a most excellent stay, warm cozy beds, good food, great amenities, and the best location, the Fairmont Chateau Whistler is your answer. We give it 4 sets of luxurious thumbs up!

Book this most excellent hotel!

August 7, 2026
Why Camp?

For all the obvious reasons and the fresh air fun, duhh. But maybe it ain’t so obvious when you think of all the work involved, I certainly am no stranger to that all too familiar heavy hurdle. And sure, you can get a good dose of the outdoors by simply going for a walk, hike, picnic, beach day etc., but to really feel the benefits of nature, to feel the weight lift, our family likes to spend some solid time without a solid roof over our heads.

A couple weeks ago, while I was speedily walk-running to keep up with my daughter, biking around in circles around Porteau Cove Campground, she declared how much she loves camping. She then asked me ‘Mama, can we live here at Porteau Cove?’ I wish I could’ve said yes. Instead, I asked her what makes her love it so much, to which she didn’t quite have the words. She responded simply saying, ‘because it’s so beautiful’.

Sure is a real beauty

I am no doctor or child’s psychologist, but I am a mother and once a nature thriving child myself. The benefits to which I believe Daisy felt, are as simple and as complex as her answer.

Howe Sound aka Átl’ḵa7tsem (in Squamish) is undeniably beautiful. The steep mountain lined fjord with it’s glacial fed emerald green waters, jagged deep green silhouetted islands, wise old douglas firs and red cedars lining the rocky shoreline. The salty mid-day winds and late summer golden sunsets make way for the star of the show – the night’s sky reflecting off the calm midnight waters. The wind in the trees, the squawk of the nesting bald eagles and barks of boisterous sea lions drown out the noises of the everyday world. Even the hungry creatures, the cute lil’ chipmunks and equally cute (but not cuddly) racoons and camp robbing Stellar Jays bring on the beauty.

This immersion is also undeniably beautiful for our psyches. Our nervous system can relax, we feel more in synch with ourselves and each other, feeding off one anothers ease. The deep sigh evokes, breathing in the fresh air and letting go, regulating on mother nature’s clock.

Their giggles as they bounce around their play tent. Their creativity as they make art from pinecones and rocks. The way the light reflects and twinkles off their soft skin as we play in tide-pools. Their pride after they squat for another ‘wild wee’. It’s all too gorgeous to capture by word. It’s a lived experience that penetrates our beings, along with their growing minds.

Come in Dada, come in Dada.. Young Daisy, pleasantly pleased playing with a walkie talkie, camping in the rain

Our time together is beautiful. The time to disconnect, to truly connect. The presence that we experience together while camping is unlike anything we can get at home.

Once setup is complete, we are there with the kids. Fully present without the nagging thoughts that accompany us at home. And sure, we still have to make meals and do the dishes, but the kids join us in this process; there are no walls dividing where they’re playing and where we’re ‘working’. The weight is fully released, and the kids feel it. Immediately.

But don’t get me wrong, packing and unpacking from camping can take time and work, a full day on either end, easily, depending on how long the adventure. Sometimes I drag my heels and think the work isn’t worth it, but once we go, there are never any regrets, even if it’s pouring rain – we’re outside.

I have a motto that came to me many years back when I was hesitating on whether or not to go for a hike through the woods. I had a laundry list of things nagging at me, so close to skipping the walk and staying indoors. But as I started out through the trails, my head unloaded, and it became so clear:

‘When in doubt, get out.’

I live by it. If I’m on the fence now, I just go. The puzzle pieces of life magically find their place, once you let go, and let nature be your guide.

And my goodness, it is beautiful. In all the ways. Every single time.

And that’s why we camp.

Dada packed the weekend’s rations 😉

July 30, 2026

No Reception Club: Are These The Best Bags For Families?

Travel Bags made to last

Is the idea of flying with your kids enough to make you stop in your tracks, stay home and dream of the ‘one day’ when things will become easier? Word on the street – that ‘one day’ ain’t coming. It’s time to embrace doing the hard things now, and the more ya do it, the easier it’ll become. Especially when equipped with the right tools.

The tools of the travel trade begin with your luggage. Believe you me, as an ex-flight attendant with ADHD, I wholeheartedly know the value of staying organized while on the fly. Your bags are the backbone of your trip, to feeling grounded while on the move, lugging your gear and your kids prized possessions.

Bags that make travelling with kids a little simpler.

Look no further than No Reception Club. These thoughtfully designed bags have come from a set of real-life (local Vancouverite) parents whom found a gaping hole in the market of organized travel with kiddos.

The idea of No Reception Club was birthed when their first was just a wee babe, on a 6 hour flight to Hawaii. Where, oh where were their diapers and wipes? With limited opportunity to get up and use the lavs on bumpy busy flights, you don’t want to be stuck questioning where your essentials are, believe you me. Thus came the idea of creating the best possible carry-on baby/toddler/kid bags on the market. They have succeeded, with not 1, but now 3 said bags, and rumour has it a wheelie bag is in the near future.

Blending Gemma’s background in fashion design and Daniel’s idea-generating mind in tech, they care deeply about creating the best kid travel bags out there and the world our children inherit. They know the importance of travel, the lived experience education gained and the connection that comes from being disconnected – to have No Reception.

We could’ve written their mission statement ourselves:

‘We empower parents to go on family adventures because we believe travel becomes more important with little ones, not less.’

Our boy with the wrapped unboxing of the no reception club duffel bag — Yup. We can get behind their motto. What’s a motto? Nuthin, what’s a motto with you? 😉

With their lifetime warranty, they stand behind their product. And so do we.

Their multi-award winning travel bags, the Hideaway Duffel and the Getaway Bag are so beautifully planned, they’ve kept my jet-lagged and sleep-deprived mind far less messy on the road. No more forgetting which pocket the passports are in when you’re struggling with sleeping kids off a red-eye. I will give a brief summary of why we choose their bags. You can find far more info, more specs and a great blog on their website.

Have we all been here? When the kids finally fall asleep towards the end of the flight, and you wanna maximize their zzz’s, so you wait until the very last minute once you’re organized, to pick ’em up.

And again. Too hard waking up a sleeping bébé.

The Sidekick Bag

Our well loved Sidekick bag, kickin’ around for the past 3+ years.

We’ve used the Sidekick bag on the daily since our now nearly 4 year old was just a baby. It’s handy, it’s light, it’s simple and straightforward. It’s conveniently equipped with a change pad, and space for diapers, bum cream – all the essentials. The designated magnetic quick-access pocket for wipes is clever. It feels fuss free, perfect for keeping stashed in your car or stroller, conveniently on hand for whenever the poop face strikes. It’s made simply for diapers, nothing else (other than maybe a few small toys – if you need some help entertaining your wee one while in diaper change mode).

The easy access magnetic opening wipe door.

The Getaway bag 4.0

Our version 1.0 of the Getaway Bag. We be lovin’ this OG just as it is for over 3 years.

Updates on the 4th edition of their OG hero product.

No Reception Club bags are designed to evolve with your kids, and that’s just what the design of The Getaway Bag is doing as Gemma and Daniel’s ‘third kid’. They’re not only figuring how to make the most organized bag, they’re answering the question of how to be the most comfortable product on the market

Your backpack will never be heavier and stuffed with more stuff, than when you have a very small child. An organized and comfortable backpack needs to be emphasized during this phase of life.

They’re answering their call to comfort with their latest upgrades. The latest version comes with contoured shoulder straps, an air strip down the back with more structured and denser foam to keep things cool and cozy while navigating airports and new places. They’ve also added a secure sternum strap that stays in place while moving around. The trusty award winning bag still has the same ol’ wonderful design, the inside shelves flexible and removable to arrange different items as interests mature. Feeding, changing, entertainment divided organized shelves, accessed by a side panel and top opening. The opposite side panel zippers open, to reveal an opening that conveniently fits the sidekick bag or any other must-haves.

Our well loved Getaway bag and it’s side shelves.

Also, winning extra points on their social service, direct from their website: ‘Every Getaway Bag sold will help Baby2Baby distribute 20 diapers to a baby in need.‘

The Hideaway Duffel

Not just the best bag for long haul flights, we bring this puppy everywhere, ready for all totally excellent adventures!

The real test came when I slipped in the mud while crossing a stream to get to our backcountry campsite. Although muddy and wet on the outside, the goods inside were intact, dry and clean. Once the mud dried, it easily wiped off, and now over a year later, looks brand new (see first image) thanks to the durable CORDURA® Eco 600D/1200D polyester shell.

This duffel is a narrow personal fave of all No Reception Club’s bags. Although each bag serves a different purpose, this one tames my ADHD sleepy travelling mind the most. I use this bag less while on the go/flights, but more once we arrive. With a customizable and removable organizer insert aka ‘the cubby’, I can keep my daughter’s clothes, jammies and toys separate from my son’s. It’s 42 litre capacity is perfect for 2 toddlers, also meeting the allowed carry-on dimensions. We may have to purchase another down the road to grow our bag space with our growing kids, or just get used to packing less.

Laundry bay on left, cubby installed to divide and conquer!

The added laundry bag is brilliant, as are the odour resistant compartments to keep your stinky socks and soiled shoes in. The handy stash pockets are created to fit easy access items, such as toys, books, and NRC’s accessories – the Dopp Kit, sliders and/or their insulated lunch kit.

The Hideaway Duffel can also conveniently be carried in various ways, with backpack straps, a single shoulder strap, many handles, and a back pocket to fit over your rolley bag.

The Dopp Kit

Small but mighty. No Reception Club really does make feeling organized, with kids, seem simple. This toiletry bag is made for littles to fit their little stash of bathroom stuffs. For us, there’s enough space on short adventures, to fit mom and dad’s things too. With see-through windows and mesh pockets on the inside, no more hide-and-seek in a dark oblivion to find where their things are.

Comparison

Although not comparable in their use, here’s a quick rundown of price and size.

Bag	SideKick Bag	The Getaway Bag	The Hideaway Duffel	The Dopp Kit
Price	$100 CAD	$275 CAD	$345 CAD	$66 CAD
Use	Diaper Fanny Pack	Travel Diaper Backpack	Carry-On Carry-All	Kids Toiletry Bag
Size	3 Litres	24 Litres	42 Litres	23cm x 14 x 4cm

Cons

Can’t think of many. Some fun colours could be nice, as the selection is pretty basic. I get the bags are made for the parents to lug around, but our kids are sparkly, I could see them getting more onboard with them if they looked totally excellent through their eyes.

The price is slightly steep. With their lifetime warranty, you can hope that they’ll stick with your kid for life. I know once our youngest is out of diapers, we can easily repurpose the Sidekick fanny pack as a convenient carry all, and the backpack and duffel are certainly age-less.

If you’re looking for lightweight and flexible bags to take on your next backcountry backpack trip, these may not be for you.

In Conclusion

We’ve been testing No Reception Clubs bag for three years now. We can attest that their product is durable, excellent quality and built to last. With their ethics of paying it forward to baby’s in need, using mostly recycled materials, and inspiring families to get out there and explore, they are creating a better world world for our children – one bag at a time.

👍👍

Stay tuned

This review comes as No Reception Club just released their latest version of their Getaway Bag (June 2026). Word on the street is they’ll also be coming out with a roller bag. So keep your eyes peeled for the latest drop in their delightfully designed family of bags.

July 2, 2026

Glerups Slipper Review

Best slippers on the block?

This may be entirely unnecessary, pretty sure these slippers write their own review, but today, is (always) the day to give praise where praise is due.

As I arise from bed on this dreary, Tuesday morning, with a few pairs of slippers to choose from, without thought or hesitation, my feet gravitate towards these baby’s. Every. Single. Time.

Let’s take a look at why Glerups are my queen in the kingdom of slippers.

What makes them the best?

Comfort. Over a few wears, the felted wool shapes to the contours of your feet, it also keeps it’s shape, and doesn’t cave in or expand drastically over time. The wool is miraculously itch free, as my skin is usually super sensitive to all things that go ‘baaah’. The wool acts as a temperature regulator, keeping your toes toasty in winter and cool as a cuke in summer. And if you have stinky feet? No worries, these won’t absorb the smell, they’ll also work as a barrier, so your SO’s nose doesn’t need to fret when they see you coming close.

Not only do they fit like a glove, the felted wool worn in just so (on my feet), the company is one of the good ones. They make one product, and they make that one product, imo, perhaps better than anyone else. Hailing from Denmark, notoriously known for it’s great design, these slippers are Scandinavian simple, chic and practical.

Earth-First

In addition to their incredibly thoughtful design, these slippers are created with the environment at the forefront of the entire circular design process, from the sheep to your feet.

Utmost care goes into all the materials, the animals and plants these slippers hail from. They carry the highest standard for humane animal care with their leather souls and wool, using Certified Responsible Wool (traceable to the exact location and farm it originated from), Forest Stewardship Council Certified natural rubber souls (zero harm caused from it’s source – the Hevea tree), and chrome-free leather. The slippers are also meant to completely break down after their (long) lifespan on your feet, rather than (most) other slippers that use petroleum and synthetic elements. Through their Project Zero Waste, Glerups upcycle all their scraps to make other handy things. They also don’t outsource, having complete control of their energy usage (solar power) and employee treatment. Go Glerups!

From sheep to feet. Photo courtesy of Glerups

“…It takes time to make a pair of glerups. We don’t rush the process, but rather, we take our time. My parents spent many years testing and developing our product. They put a lot of hard work and many hours into glerups. All the way from the sheep to your feet. We take extreme pride in the fact that we own our own factory, partner with honest and caring farmers, and have eyes on every step of our value chain… My parents started glerups this way and their legacy will never be forgotten.”

– Jesper Glerup

With all that said, I’ll share a few pros to why my unconscious and conscious both choose Glerups.

Glerups Slip-on: The Facts

My go to, the Glerups Slip-on with natural rubber sole – honey – Chestnut

Price (as reviewed)	$119.95 (cdn)
Upper	100% pure, natural wool (available in 3 styles – slip on, shoe and boot)
Lining / footbed	100% pure, natural wool
Outsole	Natural rubber (also available in leather for less $$)
Fit	True to size
Warranty	Fully guaranteed against defects in materials and workmanship – without guarantee or expectation of service life

Specs verified June 11, 2026. Prices drift — check before you buy.

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Check Price on Glerups

First Impressions out of the Box

They’re beautiful, so pristine, so clean, slightly stiff. The rubber soul is rounded rather than flat, feeling off at first. But just wait, give it time, and soon, once the wool footbed molds to your feet, you’ll be pleasantly pleased.

Over Time

If these slippers could time travel in a time travellin’ phone booth, they would. Hailing from the current owner’s parent’s, they feel timeless. Nanny Glerup created her first booty for her husband, Ove, back in in 1970. In 1985 they moved to their own farm and reared their own lustrous Gotland Sheep, registering the company in 1993 to keep up with the demand of their friends and family. That’s 33 years the company has been going strong, and they’ll most likely be around for Nanny’s great great great grandchildren.

Now, over time through the life of my slippers? I’ve had them for over 8 months, they have formed to my feet, and are delicously comfortable. Sometimes I forget I’m wearing them and omit to change into shoes when going to do errands. There is a little pilling around the opening, and if you have fuzzy animals, the felt attracts fur. Both not a big deal imo, if you have spare time away from your toddlers or whatever beckons, both can easily be pulled away.

If you buy the leather soles, know that there is an awkward teenage break in phase where everything seems to stick to the bottom. With more wear and tear, this eventually hardens and smooths out. You can see this in the image below, nearing the end of their sticky adolescence.

I snuck a pic of my sister’s ride or die Glerups, and this is how they look after 8 years. She put these slippers on my radar, as she wore them nearly every single day for the first 5 years of their life. She holds onto them to wear during the cool and damp winter months. Here, you can see how they naturally break down and will eventually return to the earth they came.

A work of art, non? If you could describe what love looks like to an alien, maybe, it would be this.

Final Thoughts

We’ve got some good experience with Glerups and can report that these slippers hold up well over time. Steve (my co-creator in this lil’ family adventure) rated his Glerups as Best for Travel and Best Slippers for the Home in his review of the best slippers for camping, travel, and home. More reason to stand by my best slipper on the block testament. We simply love them, in our everyday and on our adventures. Perhaps now is the time to see for yourself, dude/dudette.

Party on Glerups!

looking on the underside of the glerups boot slipper with rubber sole — The rubber sole version makes outdoor adventures much more palatable.

June 12, 2026

Outdoorsy Mother’s Day Gift/Un-Gift Guide

I may not be the best mom to ask here, as I’d take breakfast in bed, handmade cards, foot rubs and hugs over material prezzies any day. But if receiving gifts is the mumma in your life’s love language, than here is a little curation from one outdoorsy ma to another.

Real-life mom connections

First off, I am slightly obsessed with the ethos and call to community of this outdoorsy, quirky n’ cool ma’s creation of The Mothership Collective. Her merch is on point, and something I’ll personally be asking for this mother’s day. ‘Rally the Village’ is a month-long, community-led series of events happening all May—designed to help women connect in real life, a chance to find your own outdoorsy mom crew. Local meetups are happening worldwide, including one from, ahem, yours truly, on May 24th in the Sea to Sky. Check here to see if there’s anything happening near you.

Mothership merch 👽

Next up, 🌞 sunshine stuff..

The turning of seasons calls for summer sandals, shorts and sunnies. Here are some that I sport and can 100% recommend.

Sandals

I’ve been wearing these since the temps have started to rise, and can whole heartedly recommend them for short hikes, park visits, kid pickups, gardening, errand running, beach going, all the things. Lem’s Women’s Switchback Sandal Knit have a breathable knit upper that provides serious immediate comfort, no break-in time required for these bad boys. The barefoot inspired footbed, made to mimic the contours of your feet are also full on comfort, and the wide, more natural toe box works well for my yogi surf toes.

Sunnies

I can’t praise Ombraz armless sunglasses enough. These have revolutionized my sunny days, they have changed my life. For real.

The strap in place of arms is ingenious for 2 main reasons.

1. Headaches be-gone! I often find I get temple pain/headaches when wearing sunglasses, and these completely eliminate that feeling. They feel so light, my head feels zero pressure whatsoever.

2. The convenience. When dusk hits, or you go inside, or you’re in the deep dark woods, you can just let the sunglasses hang from your neck rather than having to stop and put them away, or wear them on top of your head and forget where you put them. I’ve golfed, hiked, snowboarded, toddled with toddlers, and have simply frolicked around town with these, without ever misplacing them or having to slow what I’m doing.

The lens are also amazing, mine in particular are polarized brown, the colours pop and I feel the brown tint makes the world extra cheery rather than dulling it out. The also have non-polarized, photochromic, low light and prescription lenses.

strike a pose

Side note: I was fortunate enough to receive my pair as a hand-me-down from my partner, as he, unfortunate for him, was blessed with uber long eyelashes that reach the lens when he blinks. Not a bad problem to have I suppose, but if you find yourself with the same blessing, head’s up.

Shorts

Okay, well these aren’t shorts, cus shorts won’t cut it in the garden. These are something I’ve coveted for quite some time, so I decided to snatch them up when they went on sale. Made with 100% Regenerative Organic Certified® cotton canvas, Patagonia’s Women’s Point Reyes Canvas Overalls hold up. The blackberry brambles that usually stab me through anything I’m wearing stand no chance wearing these puppies. I’ll be wearing these all summer tending to our garden, I may even sport them in my pottery classes.

Time to get sentimental

To help dad’s and kiddos that want to invoke their own creativity, and are wanting the mama in their life feel seen and loved for who she truly is, a little thought goes a long way.

If you don’t already know, figure out her love language(s). Get to know her and understand her more deeply. This will be what truly gets to her heart this mother’s day and for all the mother’s day’s to come.

Love languages. Here they are.

Physical touch: Gift her a massage, rub her feet, play with her hair. And/or give her some space, she may just be touched out, read your mama.

Acts of service: Do the breakfast in bed thing, then maybe lunch, then the dinner. Make things easy for her so she doesn’t have to think or make any decisions today. Clean the house, organize the toys, wash the car. Plan the hike or the adventure.

Receiving gifts: As mentioned above, but the gifts can also be homemade – art, crafts, cards, you name it! Flowers picked from the garden. I’d be happy with dandelions and grass if it came from my kids, get them involved, it’ll be fun! Perhaps an outting, she may like to go out for a nice mother’s day brunch? A picnic at the beach?

Words of affirmation: Tell her what makes her such a great mom. Recognize the work she puts in everyday, and let her know how much you appreciate it. Like really tell her. Write this in your homemade card, send it in a text, tell her as you massage her tight shoulders, doesn’t matter how, just make sure she knows the depth of your appreciation and love. And she may already know this, but it never hurts to hear it again and again for this love language queen.

Quality time: The bottom line of our little outdoor adventure blog. If we could see time as our most precious resource, we would be more meaningful in all our decisions and what we do with our remaining days. Spend real quality time together. Turn off your phones and get outside. Go for a hike, rain or shine. Do what she loves, maybe it’s climbing, swimming, running? And you know what she may really love? Not only quality time together, but quality time on her own. Give her the gift of time to herself, time to fill up her cup, then gather around afterwards with family quality time once she’s had her moment.

From one mom to another, I hope you/she has a wonderful day celebrating all that you do in raising the next generation to help make this world a more loving and accepting place.

xoxo

Love me my handpicked flowers from the garden 💐

Looking for the best gifts for dad? Check out our Father’s Day Gift Guide as well!

May 4, 2026
Every Day is Earth Day

Can we just go ahead and declare everyday as Earth Day? Our beautiful home that homes us all, cares for the diversity of the animals, mammals, insects, humanity. She gives without asking for anything in return, provides the plants that nourish us, the beauty that sparks our imagination and feeds our soul. She cares deeply, and she hasn’t given up on us yet.

Photos by Steve Andrews

Not a day passes where I don’t think about my personal impact, and now, as a mother, our entire family’s. With two extra people in tow, I’m hyper-aware of the essentials required to keep us healthy and safe (gosh, what happens when they become ravenous teenagers?!). But at what point do “essentials” become simple desires for more in this commercial paradise? When do our untamed desires of today become the burden of our children’s tomorrow?

When do our untamed desires of today become the burden of our children’s tomorrow?

Many would say it’s already too late, but we need to hold onto hope. Now, more than ever, we are trying to cull our spending and hone in on true necessity. In my humble opinion, less is certainly more.

We do our best to reward our children with experiences vs things. To get their developing brains excited with time outside, going to the park, the beach, the mountains, the pump track, the slopes. When birthdays come along, I accept donations from neighbours, hand me downs from friends and family, and sometimes buy things from local kids consignment and/or second-hand shops and/or fb Marketplace (and I’m all ears for a good alternative ). If we need to buy something new, we do our research to support companies that share our bottom line – earth first.

Where’s Captain Planet When You Need Him?

This makes me think of the 80/90’s campaigns geared towards kids, to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. This one is worth a watch. It worked, it’s ingrained in me, and I sure hope kids are learning the same today. Although, with convenience culture at the forefront, acting on impulse with a touch of a button, with same day delivery trucks running rampant about the neighbourhood (the city, the country, the continent, the world(!), it may not be so.

Can we cancel Amazon already? What would Bill and Ted, Socrates and Joan of Arc think of all this? Bogus, heineous! Most non-triumphant. Morally and for the longevity of our loving planet and our children, quit these companies that we know are run by inhumane, royal ugly dudes!! Okay, rant over.

He is richest who is content with the least, for content is the wealth of nature.

Socrates

Part of the Solution

Once things that can’t be passed down have collected enough dust in our garage, we do our best to research how to recycle responsibly. Carseats for example, seems bonkers that they have such a short expiration, but we need to keep our children safe, I get it. All that plastic, polyester, foam and metal, ugh, it hurts to think of how many are sitting in landfills. Look out for specialized local recycling programs which separate plastic, metal, and fabric components.

The “Ugh” of expiring car seats

Check with your local municipality for community zero-waste recycling events that may accept car seats. Also, some retailers offer trade-in programs where you can bring back old car seats for recycling when buying a new one. You can also manually disassemble the seat, removing fabric, padding, and metal buckles to dispose of the components separately, the plastic shell is often recyclable.

I know how busy we all are as parents, but efforts must be made! Markers that have gone dry? Save them up and bring them into Staples where they’ll recycle them for you.

Get creative

Also, with clothes that have been stained and have lost their capacity to be passed down, I use them for cleaning rags. I have also just dusted off my sewing machine, brushed up on my sewing skills (with a local class close to home) and am thinking of using the well loved collection to make bunting for the kids birthday decorations, to make custom blankets/quilts/duvet covers, doll clothes, you name it! Bring on the creativity.

Many communities have sharing libraries. We used to live in Whistler, and the tool library that they had, housed out of my fave thrift shop maybe ever, the Whistler Re-Use it Centre, was clutch.

Our rainy-day sanctuary

It’s safe to say that our kids most loved physical items are books. We spend many-a-rainy-days here in the Pacific Northwest at our local library, the kids love it, and there’s usually story time and different gatherings that help to feel immersed in our community. We also make a point when travelling to search out libraries for that community connection along with fun books to borrow.

Companies we can get behind

There are many responsible companies that are creating their own way, putting earth at the forefront of their decision making. Patagonia is an obvious example, as a certified B Corp and founding member of 1% for the Planet, its hefty investments into environmental organizations and generating of awareness through it’s content creation and film work is commendable. If other companies could follow suit with their unique ownership structure, declaring Earth as its only shareholder, with profits paid as dividends to protect the planet, the earth would certainly be a better place for future generations. Patagonia has a Worn Wear program that allows you to buy and trade used namesake gear, they’ll even repair your gear, no questions asked. They have created fabrics made from ocean waste, recycled and natural materials.

Outerknown, a purpose-driven surf brand built on transparency, circular design and fair labour is another brand to take notice. I also love our local Parade Organics for kids and mama matching cozy jammies.

Earth Day deals

And if you must buy something new this Earth Day, think of these good to do/earth companies. We love Jungmaven, known for using the incredibly resilient natural sustainable fibre of Hemp in all its goods, they’re offering 20% off everything until Sunday with code EARTH2026, and if you want $30 off your first order, use this link (that in turn helps us 😁 ).

One of our absolute favourite brands is PAKA, for so many reasons, primarily the thought and due diligence they take to make quality, natural fibre goods whilst taking care of their communities, the alpaca’s and the planet. This Earth Day, PAKA is offering 20% off sitewide on orders over $150, giving consumers an opportunity to experience the performance and sustainability of natural fibers firsthand.

When in doubt, get out.

As our children grow, we will continue to prioritize getting their dopamine hits from the outdoors, teaching them to wear their badges of dirt under their fingernails and bruises and scrapes on their knees with pride. More time spent outside equals more time caring about what matters most. Nothing, absolutely nada, can ever top the feeling that comes from being immersed in the absolute wonder and magic of the outdoors.

me and my girl 😉

April 21, 2026