50 Things to Do--#9 BESTIES TATTOO --check!

Well it worked out pretty awesome that Encrypted Ink was able to take myself and my Sask bestie Carmen in for a cute little freckle tattoo! Tee is amazing and we had so much fun getting our little matching tattoos!

This was sort of a spur of the moment—the opportunity is here—the future is now situation and I am so happy that Tee was the one to do it for us!

As you know—this is the summer of checking stuff off of my list and this won’t be the first bestie tattoo that I get as I have some really amazing gals in my circle. Carmen and I go way back to our Boston Pizza days in Saskatoon. Nothing cements a friendship like serving together until the wee hours, having kids the same age, traveling together and being able to cry and share your deepest fears and regrets with someone. This little tattoo does not take up much space on my wrist but our friendship real estate is big in my heart.

I can officially check #9—Bestie’s tattoo (round 1) off my list of 50 Things! My blog is going to be lighting up as I have so many awesome things to share and I realize I still have a lot of things to do (behind on recipes, yoga and letter writing—but will get caught up!)

Isn’t this the cutest thing ever?

Thanks for being a piece of my story!

50 Things to Do list--#20 Walk through the River Valley

I have enjoyed two beautiful walks with my besties so far this summer season in the beautiful Edmonton river valley—this might not seem like list worthy but when you live in the suburbs and work 3 jobs—getting out to enjoy something as simple as a walk becomes a treasured thing.

Bailey and I picked up amazing Iced Mocha’s from the Columbian and walked throughout the Millcreek Ravine with no destination in mind (we did manage to find our way back to the car-hahaha!)

Look at this view—sometimes you do not know where the path is taking you, you just have to believe it’s leading you where you are meant to be. This is something I have come to trust in over the past couple of years—every direction is redirection to where you are meant to be —nothing is accidental! My life is on such an amazing path and I am so grateful to have the gift of time this summer.

Look at this amazing hobbit door—right in Millcreek! What a great find while wandering!

My Saskatchewan bestie made the trip to Edmonton to celebrate Summer’s grad, so we made a trip to the new Hawrelak Park and it did not disappoint!

There are so many different paths and experiences you can have at the park and we had a great morning wandering around. Maybe there was more laughing and chatting than walking, but we did make it all around the main water way loop.

I am looking forward to more walks this summer throughout the river valley—if you want to join me, let me know!

I can officially say I have checked #20 off my list!

50 Things to Do--#15 BUY A NEW CAR!

Yay! I did it—I bought myself a new car a couple months ago! It was a snowstorm that day and I recently took it in for service and they were kind enough to do a ‘red bow’ picture for me!

This was the first day I picked up my new car—a Volkswagen Taos. I drove a big SUV for years so this was a huge switch to start driving a compact SUV. However, it’s perfect for me, much better on gas and a fun color!

Buying a new car might not seem like a big deal. People buy new cars on the time right? However, this moment really highlighted for me how far I have come in the last 3 years.

This is me now—in one of my fav cozy tee’s and denim shirt after a day of crafting in my basement. Much better weather for a ‘red bow’ picture. The guys as Norden Volkswagen were so accommodating!

What this purchase actually represents is independence. 3 years ago, my kids dad left us and moved to another county. Some of you know the story and those that don’t—I was left to figure IT ALL OUT ALONE. Mortgage, bills, 3 teens, and myself.

And you know what? I did. Got myself back into my career, got a permanent contract and inherited literally the BEST coworkers on the planet. These people (they know who they are) let me break and recreate myself while returning to my profession after 15 years. They let me be ME. Something I had not been in years.

So being able to buy a new car by myself—it feels big to me. I remember I texted the first picture to a few close friends with the message—I have come so far—while crying and feeling immensely proud of myself.

This summer—it’s the summer of the 50 Things List—-I am on a mission, so keep following along!

50 Things to Do List--#19 check and check!

Hi friends,

I am happy to report that I was able to check off #19 off my list. #19 was to go on a girls trip—which I did and it also doubled as a 40th birthday trip for one of my besties! Maybe the key to looking and feeling young is hanging around the young…hahaha!

We rented a really cool house/cabin in Nordegg, Alberta which has some really gorgeous mountain views and is just a short drive from Abraham Lake.

We had absolutely amazing weather that was a combination of light beautiful snow, warm sunshine and barely a breeze! We took advantage of it by spending some time on the lake and taking a hike up to see the Cline River Falls. I love a frozen waterfall!

The hike was fun and such a great way to spend an afternoon! Our rental had a cedar sauna which was perfect (once we figured it out) and we had delicious meals all weekend, played some games and enjoyed just being ‘ourselves’ and not moms, wives or anything else.

The best part of the weekend was celebrating my wonderful friend Bailey who was celebrating a milestone birthday! She is funny, generous, a good listener and has a unique and inspiring perspective on the world. She is a top shelf mom and I am so lucky to have the benefit of being her friend. I am looking forward to many more adventures together!

Happy birthday my friend :) You are loved.

Best Month EVER--and #50 off my list is checked!

I can officially say that Jan 2026 was probably one of the BEST months of my entire life. This whole month was a celebration of embracing turning 50 and focusing on my relationships, being grateful for all the gifts in my life and all the fun and adventure I have in my future. I am so grateful for the amazing friends I have in my life. They truly made this month special in so many ways.

And I am so unbelievably happy for everyone who has contributed to my list, reached out to make plans with me to partner with me on things—it was an unexpected ripple effect of my 50 Things List!

Today I checked another item off my list—I went skating! It has been YEARS since I have laced up my skates and while my ankles feel like they were beaten with a baseball bat, I had literally the BEST time!

My amazing friend Amanda came up to spend the day with me and skating at the Victoria Oval was on my list of things to do. It has been so long since I went skating. Today was the perfect day, warm with the sun shining on our faces as we skated a ton of laps, enjoyed the path and caught up on life.

The best part is that neither of us wiped out, hahaha! And I can say that skating falls into the same category as riding a bike. I am hoping to be able to go out at least once more this winter—so if anyone wants a skating date—hit me up!

I am so excited for February and to keep working on fulfilling items on my list—some are year long projects that will update you on from time to time and some are one and done! Thanks for following along on my journey :)