Life ¤ Love ¤ Laughter ¤ Linds

We will be vacationing en masse as a family of 17 shortly.  My parents have splurged on three cottages at a lakeside resort in western Ontario and we (assorted family units spread across three generations) will be soaking up the sun, fishing off the dock, swimming in the lake, making s'mores by the campfire, and trying to give each other space when necessary. I'm all about keeping things simple on vacation.  The cottages come with basic furnished kitchens (woohoo) but not with grills (sigh).   I'm a don't-turn-on-the-oven type of girl in the summer - unless the temperatures have dropped a bit.   We don't have air con in our home at the moment and these days that feel like 40C leave you sweltering.  *If* I even drum up the energy to cook (we eat a lot of fruit and veggies and salads and sandwiches in the summer) - if I cook, it's done over the BBQ or involves a quick pan-fry - no fuss, no muss.    It also involves a fully stocked kitchen... and it still...

There are so many beautiful little hidden gems across the province.  We're truly in the perfect location for day tripping, staycations, or mini-getaways.  This summer we've had to cut-back on our little daytime adventures.  It's been hard balancing housework, exploration time, and a few part-time jobs.  I'm an expert juggler... well, a juggler at least.  I've been known to drop a ball or two before. This summer, the kids have enjoyed time at Grandma & Grandpa's cottage on Sturgeon Lake.  They've gone camping with Oma at Ontario Park Awenda.  We went spelunking (and hiking and swimming) at the Warsaw Caves Conservation area.  We've spent countless hours on the shores of Lake Scugog and playing in Palmer Park.  We found a fantastic deal on Wonderland tickets and wore ourselves out with sun, rides, and junk food.  This week we headed west and explored the sights (and tastes) of the St. Jacob's Farmers Market, with a stop at the Elora ...

A couple months ago I joined up for Steeped Tea - not because I want another "job", but to take advantage of the consultant savings personally. (Although I *can* place orders if you want something!) The starter kit was on at a fantastic price and it came loaded with some fabulous product.  I love tea... and I'm not as picky as some when it comes to loose leaf vs. bagged.  I still have a picky palate and I've come to realise my tea tastes have evolved a little over time.  I've been using Steeped Tea products on occasion for years since a friend introduced me to the company.  I'm also a fan of some of the Tazo varieties and my all-time-favourite tea is still the White Christmas by Stash.  It's like a cozy sweater in a cup.  (It's also great for soothing sore tummies with its blend of mint and ginger.)   I'm NOT a fan of most of the traditional brands, but in a pinch, they will do.    Fast forward to now... I have a cupboard full of teas in...