Palm Springs with kids

This spring break I was dying to get away.  Funds were limited, however, so I was looking for something that wouldn’t break the bank.  Sunshine and heat were a must, however, so I was looking at desert destinations, where the warm weather is basically a guarantee.

Renovating in Vancouver: realizing my vision

When we bought our house, I knew there was room to expand our third floor.  At the time, I was pregnant with our second child.  Our daughter was two and we were expecting a boy.  The upstairs had two large bedrooms, and I knew that we could eventually turn the back bedroom, that the kids would occupy, into two smaller bedrooms.  Unfortunately, even if you can afford a house, renovating in Vancouver is a reality that usually comes along with it.

We also only have ONE bathroom upstairs.  Aside from the bathroom in our basement suite, this is the only bathroom in the entire house…which is a stretch to use for a busy family of four.  First world problems, I know, but there you have it.

Vancouver millennials should lower their home-ownership expectations

A new report says home ownership amongst Vancouver Millennials (those born between 1982 and the early 2000s) may be quickly becoming unrealistic. 

North Vancouver bringing giant waterslide to streets while Vancouver drags its heels

Ever feel like everyone else around you is having fun, while you are left on the sidelines? Well, that’s what it feels like to live in Vancouver sometimes. I can’t believe the people in North Vancouver are getting to have a giant slip and slide over the summer, while “No Fun City” (a.k.a.) officials are dragging their heels about doing the same thing on Main Street.

What if your kid’s Vancouver school crumbles in an earthquake?

 

These are images from around the world of schools that have been damaged in earthquakes.  If you have been paying attention to the news recently, there has been a lot of squabbling and finger pointing going on between the Vancouver School Board and Ministry of Education in regards to seismic upgrades that are desperately needed in our public schools.  It is frightening how many schools are in need of upgrades…many of them (including my own children’s school) are deemed to be Red = High 1 (Most vulnerable structure; at highest risk of widespread damage or structural failure; not reparable after event).

Renovating in Vancouver: first steps

So…I’ve been on a bit of hiatus here.  2014 was a tough one for our family for various reasons.  Between my husband being treated for testicular cancer and the B.C. Teachers’ Strike, this mama was being pulled in so many directions!  Alas, my commitment to this blog waned.  It has been great to take a break, but we are at the beginning of a new, exciting project and I am planning to chronicle it here.