Travel & Local Interest

When I say “shop local”, what do you think of? Fresh produce from a farmers’ market. Locally-made clothing, accessories, gifts bought in a boutique rather than a big-box store. One-of-a-kind home decor from a flea market or small shop. But there are SO many other … ...

You guys know that I love everything to do with fabric and textiles, right? I’ve always been fascinated by artisanal textiles, and one of my favourite things to do on vacation is find some locally-made fabrics or fibres to take home. I’ve bought embroidery in … ...

You may have noticed that things have been quiet here on the blog for the past week or so. I’ve been struggling to come up with content because talking about DIYing (and just being creative in general) has felt incredibly trivial compared to what’s been … ...

I’m honoured (and a tad nervous, if I’m honest) to be speaking at the Yes Women Can! Au feminin pluriel conference this weekend in Vankleek Hill, Ontario. Yes Women Can! is a day-long event and trade show celebrating female entrepreneurs, creatives, performers… and all-round fabulous … ...

Happy Friday, gang! We made it to the end of the week. Yahoo! I feel like I’ve had a pretty productive week, actually. I started working on refinishing our front door (the paint was peeling something fierce) and I also started a little sewing project for … ...

One of my favourite parts of our recent trip to Prince Edward Island, Canada was all the outstanding artisany and antiquing we took in. There was a beautiful studio or charming shop on practically every corner! If you love to shop locally, PEI is a fabulous … ...

We’re back from our sea-filled vacation on Prince Edward Island. PEI is known for its gorgeous beaches, red sand dunes, green fields, and homey atmosphere; not to mention the amazing selection of entertainment and dining! We had it all… except for good weather. The weather wasn’t … ...

Today, July 27th, marks our second wedding anniversary. By the time you are reading this, we will be home from our dreamy, sea-filled vacation on Prince Edward Island. (That’s right: if you guessed PEI as the answer to last week’s “mystery vacation” game, you WIN!) … ...

Happy Canada Day to my Canadian readers! I’m so pleased to be co-hosting this month’s Great Blog Train, a special monthly link party with a travel theme. This month, the Great Blog Train is stopping in my town: L’Ile Perrot, Quebec! Scroll down to check out … ...

Once more with feeling! I am so proud to present the work of my three choirs from Angels' Place home in Manipur, India. These children are so incredibly talented and hardworking. Please take a moment to read about and hear their music! ...

I just got home from my second life-changing trip to Manipur, India, where I spent a week making music with 160 orphans. I'd love to share my experiences with you! ...

Ladies and gentlemen: Flourish & Knot is in print for the first time! I was thrilled when I received a phone call on Tuesday evening from Stephanie O’Hanley, a local Montreal journalist (and former member of the Siamsa Singers). Stephanie has been following my blog … ...

… Antiquing we will go! Hide all the credit cards, antiquing we will go! Summer’s just about over (for teachers, at least), and I’ve had one of the best ever. One of my favourite parts of this summer has been the time spent poking around in … ...

I just arrived home from Newfoundland on Saturday, and my head (and camera!) is filled with Atlantic beauty. With my choir, the Siamsa Singers, I visited St John’s, Trinity, Elliston, and Eastport. It was a trip filled with gorgeous scenery, fantastic weather, amazing camaraderie, and … ...

Every Thursday, I drag my work-weary body downtown to Marianopolis College, where I have the privilege to conduct the Siamsa Singers. The Siamsa Singers are a truly unique group within the local choral world: they are a choir that sings almost exclusively Celtic and folk … ...

This is the final post about my trip to India, where I taught music classes at Angels’ Place, a home for children in Manipur. You can read about the rest of my trip here and here. *** Monday, April 7th Monday morning began with rehearsal with … ...

I’m back with the second installment of my trip to India, where I taught music classes at Angels’ Place children’s home! Click here to read about the beginning of my adventures in North-East India. *** Saturday, April 5th On Saturday morning, I was presented with … ...

In late January, one of my choir members asked me if I’d be interested in travelling to India to teach music classes at an orphanage. I felt like a small child again, with my hand shooting up in the air, crying “PICK ME! PICK ME!” … ...

Here’s the second instalment of my afternoon in Hudson with my hubby, Erick. Remember that none of these are paid write-ups! So when I left off, we had just finished have a delicious lunch at Les Artisans de Hudson. Bellies  content, we headed across the … ...

Over the March break, Erick and I went for a little jaunt out to Hudson, Quebec. We took in the beautiful (albeit teasingly spring-like) sunshine and gorgeous landscape, along with some lovely local shopping and dining. You should know that this is NOT a paid … ...