Will my children inherit my Grinch attitude at Christmas?

 Question: Dear Adele, Sometimes when December rolls around I feel like the ultimate Grinch. I find myself hating Christmas carols, the tiring shopping and wishing the Christmas turkey dinner with aunt Gertrude never had to happen. I’m not exactly sure why I feel this way but if truth be told

How about a “Blues Christmas”?

 Winter blues? How about "Blue's Christmas" instead? Christmas is just around the corner, and there’s no such thing as getting into the holiday spirit too early. Get into the Christmas spirit this season with Putumayo’s new album, Blues Christmas! “Christmas is generally considered a season of delight, good tidings and cheer.

French Canadian Cranberry Pecan Gluten-Free Stuffing

 Recipe created by author Kathy Smart, North America’s Gluten Free Expert, courtesy of Udi’s Gluten-Free. This easy stuffing combines traditional French Canadian flavours. Serve this holiday favourite as a side, or toss it into a casserole with other post-festivity leftovers. Each bite receives a burst of cranberry and a pecan

Save money on flights this holiday season

 The holidays are meant to be spent with family, friends and loved ones. When those dear to us live halfway across the world or even a few hours away, travelling becomes a necessity. However, plane tickets can be expensive, and on top of all the other expenses particular to time

Three-ingredient holiday potluck recipes

 One of the best parts about the holiday season is the food! If you’re running out of ideas for what to make for a cocktail party your hosting or perhaps a potluck dinner you’ve been invited to, look no further! Here are some quick and easy three-ingredient recipes that will

5 Tips to Avoid the Holiday Weight Gain…and Still Indulge in it All

 Welcome to Day 9 of the 25 Days of Ottawa Life Christmas Calendar. We’ll be updating with a new treat daily so be sure to keep checking under the OLM Tree to see what’s new. Ahhh the holidays. It’s a time when we come together to celebrate joy and family… and inevitably

The Ultimate Winter Indulgence: Red Wine Hot Chocolate

 If you enjoy pairing your favourite Cab Sauv with a square of dark chocolate, you’ll love this trendy, seasonal drink. First popularized last year, red wine hot chocolate continues to make its rounds on various food blogs, news articles, and Pinterest boards. And it’s no wonder why -- it’s comforting,

Gift of Lights

 Welcome to Day 10 of our 25 Day Ottawa Life Christmas Calendar.  We’ll be updating with a new treat daily so be sure to keep checking under the OLM Tree to see what’s new. And don’t forget our big Light Up Your Ottawa Life Contest! It's a brand new holiday attraction here in

Light Up Your Ottawa Life Contest Begins NOW!

 Welcome to Day 1 of our 25 Day Ottawa Life Christmas Calendar.  We'll be updating with a new treat daily so be sure to check under the  OLM Tree to see what's there each day. Now we know these things usually end with a big surprise but we thought why

Ho-Ho-HO-town!

 All photos by Andre Gagne. The first holiday party of the season rolled through downtown Ottawa today with thousands lining up to see that jolly old man in the big, red suit. The help Santa Toy Parade, now in it's 47th year,has been the annual kickstart to the holidays ever since

Lake Placid & Mirror Lake Inn Stretch the Holiday Season

 The following narrative sums up the extended holiday season in Lake Placid and the Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa.  _____________________________________ It’s just after Thanksgiving and the 300,000 lights sprawling across the seven acres comprising the AAA Four Diamond Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa help create a one- month

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year . . . Sometimes

 Christmas, for those who celebrate the holiday, is supposed to be a happy, peaceful time to spend with friends and family, both immediate and extended. But for many, many families, it can be one of the most stressful and acrimonious times of the year. When you have children and are

Holiday Glamour

 Just in time for soirée season, fashion editor, Alexandra Gunn, shares her garment guide for Christmas cocktails, New Year’s Eve countdowns and everything in-between. Overdress: Embrace winter’s opulent luxe with a striking emerald gown for a cocktail event. Eliza J emerald gown $208 My twist on the little black dress Add silver studding

Healthy Food Choices This Holiday Season

 The holiday season is upon us. Special gatherings with family, friends, and plenty of food are in order. But if you are trying to watch your waistline, or simply want to make healthier choices this holiday season, here are 6 tips to make sure you have a great time without

5 Great places to have Christmas Dinner in Ottawa

 In households across Ottawa, the holiday season will be marked with tree decorating, present wrapping, and of course, plenty of good eating. For those of you who love a good Christmas dinner, but aren’t in the mood to cook, we’ve compiled a list of some great restaurants serving up festive

Ho! Ho! Head to the Theatre!

 A scene from Anne and Gilbert, The Musical. Photo courtesy of the NAC.  Christmas is always a great time to grab the kids and head to the theatre for a family outing.  There are two shows on in Ottawa right now that fit the bill perfectly. Anne and Gilbert, The Musical

Staying Active Over the Holidays

 As the holiday season arrives, schedules can fill up with parties, dinners, shopping, and vacations. Although this is an exciting time of year, it can be stressful. When our calendars get overwhelming, in order to meet holiday demands, one of the first things people often reduce is exercise. Also, as

Fill Your Glass With Greatness

 While it may be a bold move to call your wine amazing, Amazing Wine by Château des Charmes Estates Winery lives up to the claim. Not only is it reasonably priced, quality wine that pleases your palate, Château des Charmes is making a difference in the community and abroad by donating a dollar from every purchased bottle to charities

Many Shades of Dallas

 Photo by Matt Pasant. Sixth Floor Museum. Photo credit: Sixth Floor Museum There is an overwhelming feeling in Dallas,Texas that anything is possible. It is a city with guts and spirit, and while Dallas oozes wealth, it is also a city with a big heart, kind people and warm hospitality.

Resolve for a Stress-Free New Year

 The new year is here. Christmas trees line the curb, bobbles and lights are stored away for next year and just like that, 2015 is in full swing. Getting back into our busy routines can be a jolt to the system. Regaining a productive mentality after the luxuriously lazy holidays

How to Give Yourself a Much Greener Christmas

 Even though we love to shower our friends and family with gifts and special treats at this time of year, many of those holiday traditions aren’t very loving to our planet. Canadians exchange more than two billion holiday cards each year.  It’s estimated that we spend about $4 billion on

5 Holiday Gifts for Long-Distance Loved Ones

 Sending just the right gift can be difficult when family or friends live far away. Often the distance has left us out-of-touch with their tastes and interests – and the last thing we want is to send something they don’t like, or can’t use, so that your gift is nothing

Raise a glass – it’s the holidays!

 However you deck the halls, here are someholidays tips & recipes that will make everything brighter. Pop those corks! It’s always a nice touch to serve bubbly when your guests arrive. We do this at every Savvy Event. The sound of popping corks sets the mood and the rush of bubbly

Health for the Holidays

 The holidays wear me down. Between the parties, rich food and cold weather, it is hard to stay on top of my to-do list. Now, I don’t want you to think I’m complaining. Just the opposite! I love the smell of freshly baked Christmas cookies and really look forward to

How to Manage Time and Reduce Holiday Stress

 You hear a lot about peace and joy at this time of year, but seasonal pressures can make it difficult. Parties and get-togethers are usually fun, but many require baking, wine-buying, or a special outfit. Then there are the presents to buy for everyone – all while navigating crazy traffic