Walt and I love hosting! Whether it's out at the lake, for a special occasion, or just to connect with family and friends - we love to welcome people into our home. I haven't always been this way, it definitely came with some trial and error, and a few burnt dishes. If you were like me, and feel a little overwhelmed by all the things that go into hosting an amazing and memorable dinner party, I've got you covered! Most of these tips are specific to hosting around the Christmas holidays, but can be adapted for hosting any time. I hope these hosting hacks save you a little bit of stress and...

From your favorite muffin recipe to a delicious creamy pasta sauce- when it comes to using flour no matter the recipe, getting your measurements correct makes all the difference! Have you ever attempted a bread or pancake recipe promised to be moist and tender but ends up being dense and dry? You are not alone. Get the consistency of all your baked goods just right from now on with my tips on measuring flour correctly. First, let me address these common flour faux-pas: Directly Scooping: We've all scooped flour directly out of the bag or jar with the measuring cup. This literally packs...

You don't need to be a Masterchef to cook healthy and delicious meals. It's amazing what you can do with a bit of know-how- so I've collected some of the most straightforward hacks to simplify and speed up your time in the kitchen. From storage solutions to ways to peel your veggies with ease - some of these tips are truly mind-blowing.  Keep this list of tips close to hand and they'll transform your kitchen habits for life. 1. Keep your eggs fresh: If you're not sure what state your eggs are in, pop one in a cup of water. You're good to go if it sinks straight to the bottom; if it...

New Years is filled with celebrating and big hopes for the year ahead. Although I love to set goals, I don’t believe in New Year resolutions or waiting until January to make big changes. Instead, I try to live a balanced life all year round that includes balanced, home cooked meals as well as yummy treats. I believe food should be shared and enjoyed, not demonized, besides there are too many delicious recipes out there to eat boiled chicken and rice every day in the name of health! One tool I use to ensure I am eating balanced meals is meal prepping. Having prepped food on hand means that...

For fellow Canadians, Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, good food, amazing company, and lots of warm fuzzies as we take some time to reflect on all we have to be thankful for. If you are a last-minute planner like me, this blog post is here to save the day and help you plan the perfect thanksgiving menu whether you are having an intimate gathering, a large family affair, or want to shake things up a bit. Each recipe includes step by step instructions, pro-tips and everything you need to know to wow your guests. The Appetizers One of the...

If you don't know your al dente from your al fresco, or if you ever scrolled past a recipe the second it mentions 'braising' or 'reducing'- you're not alone. Kitchen-talk can sound like another language - and it is!  6 years ago, I swear on my favorite set of pans, I didn't even know how to boil water. I want to help you make friends with your kitchen by providing you with a glossary of essential cooking terms, techniques, equipment, ingredients, and more to improve your skills in the kitchen and bring your A-game to the table. Even when perusing the most simple recipes, you'll come...

I’m about to share my secret weapon for success (in everything I do). Are you ready for this? Drumroll, please… Organization! I would be a chicken with my head cut off without my laid out to do lists and schedules. Without taking the time to plan before I do my weekly groceries, I would be reaching for the take-out menu all week! Menu-planning has transformed my life in so many ways that I want to help you transform yours. Let's look at all the benefits of menu planning together- and I'm also going to give you a gift to help you thrive in your first week! YOU WILL BE HEALTHIER Learning...