I dream of Agnes

Okay, so there is freezing rain today. Spring is still here, technically, and we can pretend that it is balmy outside. And once that balmy springtime sun starts shining, I start dreaming of camping – of roasted hotdogs and marshmallows, of wilderness walks and lazy beach naps.

This year, we have a baby in the mix, so there will likely be fewer spiderdogs and more baby-consoling-sessions, fewer lazy naps and more games of keep-the-baby-on-the-beach-blanket. Camping will likely be a bit more complicated this year.

Adding to the complication is determining what we need to bring camping and how to get it there. How will we fit all of our stuff, and D's stuff, in the car? Where will he sleep, since we can't stuff his Pack n' Play in our small tent? What if it's raining the whole time? What if he can't sleep?

I spent some time looking for tips online, and it was then that I stumbled upon the Big Agnes Flying Diamond on MEC's website. And my, she is lovely. We could fit several Pack n' Plays in there! We could spread out a few blankets for D to play on if it rains. And, God willing, should we have more children, we could easily fit them in there, too.

Ben says we should hold off and see how it goes this year, making use of what we do have. There is wisdom in that. But still, I dream of Agnes.

I'd love to hear from you. What are essentials for camping with a baby? Any tips, suggestions? We really do need Agnes, right!?  

These are a few of my favourite things

You know you really love a store when you wake up in a fright after having a dream it was shutting down.

I had said dream the other night, but thankfully it was not a vision of things to come. I've been by the store since, and it is still bustling with people and brimming with some of my favourite things.

Things like tea and coffee. Baking supplies. Spices galore. Natural home cleaning products. Nifty kitchen tools.

Here are just a few of my latest purchases at Foodstuffs in downtown Georgetown.

Mmm. I'm inspired to bake up something tasty with these ingredients.
The curry is optional.

And, because I'm hoping it will inspire Baby V to arrive sooner rather than later, some Red Raspberry Leaf Tea.

Come on, baby!

If you enjoy cooking or baking and supporting local shops, you really must give Foodstuffs a visit!

... And, because it is just too absurd, here is another of my favourite things. Enjoy!

Christmas wishes

For the past few years, our families have attempted to focus less on spending money at Christmas and more on just spending time together. Since me and my sisters are all out of the house now, getting together with our parents and siblings for an extended amount of time isn't the norm anymore – it's a treat.

One way we have tried to simplify Christmas is by picking names rather than buying gifts for everyone. We use an online gift site, elfster.com, and keep the spending limit at $50. While the limit caps the amount we can spend, we are free to add extra goodies to the gift, be it a coupon for a back massage, home made truffles, or a promise to help with computer woes (that would be a prime gift for you, Mom).

Personally, I also strive to avoid Christmas box store mania by selecting -- as much as possible -- items for my wishlist that promote shopping local, shopping small business, and/or shopping handmade.

So what's on my list this year?

Stationery by LauraLaineIllustration, 
resident of Hamilton. 

Makeup from Cheeky Cosmetics,
temporarily located in Montréal.

Jewelry from 5andUnder 
in Toronto.

Baby sling by SnuggleBugSlings
on Etsy.

Gift certificate to White Rabbit Books,
downtown Georgetown.

So what are you wishing for this Christmas,  

and how do you keep Christmas gift-giving simple?