I confess – I’ve never BBQed. So, if my husband wasn’t home to make steak, I always used the grill pan (or now the Pampered Chef Air Fryer). But …
Lauren Rodych-Eberle
Calgary, Alberta, CANADA
I confess – I’ve never BBQed. So, if my husband wasn’t home to make steak, I always used the grill pan (or now the Pampered Chef Air Fryer). But …
I’ve always tried to be aware of my environmental footprint and I’ve continually become more and more natural – eliminating toxins from my family’s life. On top of that, …
Just like my trip to Boston, I only spent two nights in Philly, and one of the nights included seeing a hockey game, but I really feel like I …
Tex Mex – it’s pretty self-explanatory, but since making my own, it’s hard to look back. It has so much flavour, and this makes a pretty large batch, so …
Teething can throw a parent for a loop. You may think it’s coming on earlier than it is, it seems to last forever, and of course you just want …
What can’t the air fryer do? I love doing hard-boiled eggs in here, because it’s kind of a set-it-and-forget-it kind of thing. You don’t have to wait for water …
Remember my friend Kayleigh who got me on the sourdough train?! Well, she also helped me to never have to buy play dough again!! Here is how to make …
There are some topics you almost feel like a fraud talking about. This topic is one of them. Even though I have been bringing my daughter to work with …
It’s been quite a few years since I’ve bought any of my siblings a Christmas gift. Once everyone had spouses and started having kids, it was a lot of …
For my second baby, I took freezer prep even more seriously than the first time! The first time, I thought I made so much food, and then the pandemic …
It’s no secret that the Pampered Chef Air Fryer is one of my favourite things! But what maybe is a little bit of a secret is how to clean …
I cannot take credit for this recipe. It is a staple with my sister-in-law’s family, and I have adopted it as my own (and then altered it slightly). It …
I’ve talked block scheduling before, but the thing with any schedule is that things can get in the way real quick. There’s always something that will come up unexpectedly, …
Fevers. They can be very uncomfortable for us adults, and they can be even scarier for us as parents. But, the truth is that fevers are actually not an …
Sometimes you just crave lemonade! Especially during those hot summer days. Not only do I like to avoid an excess of refined sugar, but I for sure want to …
It really is a journey, isn’t it? You prepare to conceive, then you prepare for pregnancy and birth, and then you prepare for the actual baby that comes earth-side …
At Kids Who Explore, we always talk about choosing your own summit! I started writing this today after visiting my chiropractor and talking about the strain we put on …
I truly don’t think I will buy granola again, unless in a pinch. The homemade version is just so delicious, and the ingredient list is much more up my …
The Calgary Stampede – that time of year for 10 days in July where the business world pretty much shuts down, everyone turns into cowboys/cowgirls, and it’s perfectly acceptable …
Maybe you became a sourdough expert during the pandemic, or maybe like me, you were late to the party! I learned from my friend, Kayleigh, and I will forever …
Chiropractic care. I’m not sure how you feel when you hear that. Are you thinking, “Yes! Chiro is life!”? Are you cringing and thinking you could never go? Have …
Maui has filled my family’s heart for most of my life. So, I could talk Maui all day long, and I share many tips over on my travel guide. …
I feel like sun care can be daunting, especially as a parent wanting to do everything to protect their child. The thing is, the sun is good for us …
I went on two girl’s trips to Vegas, and we did the 21-and-over version of Vegas. Going back as a family trip, with our toddler in tow looked a …
The French Polynesia was absolutely beautiful. Stunning. Gorgeous. Surreal. It was a once in the lifetime trip for me and the hubs, so we enjoyed it for our honeymoon. …
Prior to having our first baby, I learned the technique of swaddling. My husband learned the technique of swaddling. I bought “pre-swaddled” blankets, or whatever you want to call …
What I’m hearing from you is that you want more smoothie recipes! What I do love about smoothies is I can crush so many “hidden” vegetables in one go. …
Hypnobirthing. Maybe you’re like me and you’re obsessed with birth and babies, so you know all about hypnobirthing. Or maybe you’re sitting there being like, “hypno-what??” Either way, I’d …
“Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” How many times have you been asked that question? I’ve been asked it countless times; I’ve asked myself it countless times…I’ve …
I must have heard it seventy times in my first month living in Seattle…”You have to go visit Leavenworth!” So, I did! A wonderful friend accompanied C and I …
It wasn’t until Dr. Ashley, that I learned about tongue scraping, and now I swear I am learning more and more about tongue scraping everywhere…including many of my wellness …
When hiking in Washington, you will need a Discover Pass, a National Park Pass, or a Northwest Park Pass to park at most locations (figure out which one you …
Something I love about living in Seattle, is that even living right downtown, it only takes a 10-30 minute drive to get to so many beautiful parks, beaches, and …
San Diego gives you all the options – the water, hiking, sports, so many family-friendly parks, and food food food! So, it’s a great location to go with kids …
Okay, before anyone calls me out, I know technically this would be called “dressing,” as we are not using it to “stuff,” but I find dressing can be confusing…are …
I often struggle to write parenting posts, especially as they relate to very divided topics, because I feel like every sentence I say needs to come with a disclaimer. …
I went to San Francisco, with a toddler; a 1.5-year-old toddler. We were there for 2 nights, and a total of 49 hours. The amount we were able to …
I’ve been told I need to bring back Alphabet Date Night, and I do believe that’s true! I am itching to bring that back, and thinking I may do …
I sit here writing feeling like an imposter, not knowing if I should share this post at all. But, it’s been requested…many times. So, I decided I will share …
If you’re hitting up Broadway, there are endless options, and you really can’t go wrong – the talent is just as endless as the options! You’re going to see …
I’m very much a meat eater, but sometimes there’s just something about a fresh veggie-filled sandwich, especially if it’s accompanied by a bowl of soup! Here’s what ya gotta …
Now that Seattle has become my home away from home, I have a lot more suggestions of what to do when visiting (or being a tourist in your own …
In the adventure circles I run in, and over at Kids Who Explore, this topic is widely discussed. Because of that, it almost feels redundant to write about it, …
When you have your first child at the height of a pandemic, you actually don’t know parenting outside of a pandemic. But, if I’ve learned anything from watching my …
It’s about time I gave you a recipe. Not sure if you’re a “soup is only for winter” person, or if you’re like me and think soup can happily …
I don’t know about you, but I love a good flossing session. Maybe it has to do with the fact that my mom flosses 2-3 times a day, so …
Okay, I know you all read that title and had some sort of feeling. Did it stress you out? Did it irk you? Did you assume I was lying? …
When your baby upgrades from the soft-structured carrier, to the hiking backpack child carrier, all of a sudden, you feel like you can concur some mountains! You put them …
Columbus felt cozy to me…like being in Edmonton. Columbus reminds me of Edmonton!! So all you Edmontonians, you’ll feel right at home here! The city isn’t glitz and glamour, …
Whether you’re kale obsessed, or you don’t understand the whole kale-thing, I think you’ll be able to get behind some kale chips! Step 1: Wash Kale, De-Stem Kale, & …
This summer is all about chasing waterfalls! I’ve shared some beginner-friendly hikes here and here. I also shared some very family-friendly hikes! Now, I’m back with waterfalls! Elbow Falls …
Believe it or not, one of the natural product questions I get asked the most is… “What’s your favourite natural bug spray?” “What bug spray do you use on …
Seattle reminds me a lot of of Vancouver, for all you Canadians out there! And you could literally do this trip simply to eat, which is a lot of …
Nashville is one of my favourite cities in America! I could most definitely go back again and again and again, and I sure hope I will, as my Nashville …
What is Grounding? First off, what is grounding? If you’ve been following me over on Instagram, you likely have seen me talk about grounding extensively. As I always like …
Last summer I did a farm fresh delivery where it was a fun surprise what you got. We ended up with a whole bunch of rhubarb…what can you make …
If you’re in the East, Vermont is a nice little escape to the mountains. Especially if you’re into Cross Country Skiing – the Trapp Family Lodge is something else …
Which one are you? I know you read that title and instantly knew. Yes-Person I am a “yes” person. I want to say yes to everything! Someone asks me …
I haven’t experienced my child losing her baby teeth yet, so who better to have on to talk about this topic than the dental expert herself, Dr. Ashley! Here …
Over here in New York, the temperatures sure feel like summer, and we have busted out the shorts, sunscreen, and water table!! So, it’s time to start thinking summer …
Let’s talk Baby Sign Language (BSL)! I’m going to tell you my non-expert experience using BSL with my baby girl. Why Use Baby Sign Language? The reason I’ve chosen to incorporate baby sign language into my days …
I am very excited to talk about hydroxyapatite today, as I personally have made the choice to completely remove fluoride from our oral care – my daughter and I …
C & I love reading together, and I love supporting local, so I wanted to give shout outs to some Alberta-based authors that we just can’t get enough of! …
I’ve been making this pasta sauce for…I don’t know how many years! The great thing about it is, it’s insanely easy, and you can change up the taste with …
I went to a bridal shower, fell in love with this game, and then proceeded to completely steal it for the next shower I hosted. You need a groom …
Here I am, a year and a half later, talking more books worth reading for the mom-to-be, or dad-to-be, (or already mom or dad, or caregiver)!! I still recommend …
In my early-twenties, I could start to tell that my body wasn’t tolerating dairy very well. From cramping and bloating, to my experiences in the bathroom (shall I go …
I’m back talking kid’s clothes!! Looking back on when I wrote about this topic last, my little C was legitimately little…where does time go? Anyhow, I do still love …
Jordan said our winter vacations keep getting more and more remote, and he is very right! This one was our most remote yet, where we made a little home …
This recipe idea was handed to me by the owners of Broth + Bowl YYC and now I can’t stop talking about it. It’s so simple, yet gives a …
Let’s talk parenting! It’s a hot topic! While all of us hold different jobs, hobbies, and interests, many of us share the role of parent! And that’s what makes …
Dr. Ashley is back, and this time to talk soothers. Or pacifiers, rather. But before I let Dr. Ashley do the talking, I’ll share my story. When I had …
I love my spaghetti squash – as a side, as a pasta-base, as a pizza-base, or as any kind of spaghetti squash bowl I can dream up! When I’m …
Currently I would say we don’t have that many toys. Books? Well, that’s a whole other story, but toys have sofar remained somewhat minimal. It helps that we only …
Dr. Ashley is our go-to over here for all things teeth, but she’s also a mama that loves to get creative with her little one. This craft she has …
This topic has come up a lot, and it took me a while to sit down and write it. Why? Because I always say that no day is exactly …
We already talked about Long Island family-friendly hikes that are not stroller-friendly, so now it’s time we talk stroller-friendly options! These spots are also great to do babywearing, or …
Maybe it’s the music teacher in me, or maybe it’s just the fact that I like to talk (and listen) and read, but speech is something that fascinates me. …
I love hiking, so even though I’m away from the mountains, and on Long Island, I haven’t let that stop me from “hiking.” I say hiking, but I know …
This smoothie has my name written all over it! I love green smoothies, and I love ginger! I pretty much stole this idea from my sister-in-law, and I’m very …
When I realized I could go a week between washing my hair, my life changed forever, for the better! And boy, am I glad I figured this out long …
Here is Dr. Ashley back with all things straw cups! There is a recommended order of cup introduction to help with proper oral development and oral-motor skills. We already …
Dr. Ashley Svenkeson answered all your kid teeth questions earlier, and she’s back again to answer all the W’s of serving your baby from an open cup. When Parents …
We have arrived at the final letters of the alphabet, and therefore, the final alphabet date nights/days! I’m sure I’ll do this again at some point, or change it …
Hi Friends! This is a big topic and a very important one to me, because if you’ve been following along, you know that I think babywearing is life! For …
When I was pregnant, I avoided anything and everything that was a ‘maybe should avoid.’ That was just my own personal choice, as it gave me more calm to …
When I had the privilege of being pregnant, I knew I wanted to continue working out to train for the marathon that is birth. I knew it was safe …
I thought I was pretty good at organizing. But truth is, my organization game had nothing on The Bare Abode. I was so grateful when I stumbled upon the …
I’ve moved a time or two, or rather, two times a year in some cases…and what I actually really like about moving is how clean, decluttered, and organized my …
Back in my babysitting days, I babysat a little one whose family cloth diapered – safety pin style cloth diapers, I might add. Even back then, I was interested …
If you’ve been following along over the last year and a bit of my alphabet date night, you know all about this! I guess I also now know how …
December is here, and the holiday season has begun! The holidays will be looking a little different over here, because…2020. But, I thought I’d still share some gift exchange …
When you become a parent or a caregiver, it is likely the first time car seat safety even crosses your mind. And then all of a sudden there are …
Hi, my name is Lauren, and I love pulled pork…I admit it. Have you tried my Pulled Pork Poutine recipe?! Anyhow, I wanted to make a pulled pork for …
Reading with kids has always been one of my favourite things, whether it be with my preschool students, my nieces and nephews, or my daughter. I love cozying up, …
If you haven’t noticed by now, I love food. And I am trying to share that love and appreciation for food with my daughter. In doing so, we’ve chosen …
I think every post-partum woman should have pelvic floor therapy covered; it should be part of the whole birth experience, and post-partum care. I went to pelvic floor therapy …
When it snowed in mid-October, I grabbed my 7-month-old daughter and said, “This is your first time seeing snow!!” Everything seems new, and fresh, and exciting, when I see …
Last Christmas, I shared my favourite items under and over $100, and most of those items are still my favourite items, but I have also found some new ones …
When I was intolerant to dairy, I tried making new substitutions for all my favourite foods! Pesto was one of those items. I love pesto on eggs, pasta, potatoes, …
I love reading! I think it’s great for everyone. And if you think you don’t like reading, do you really not like reading, or have you just not found …
I’ve already talked about being environmentally-friendly in the bathroom, and I hope some of those ideas are serving you well! Now, it’s time to talk about the kitchen – …
Okay, let’s talk meal prep. I’m a meal prepper by nature…partly because I don’t mind leftovers one bit, and partly because it makes life 7000 times simpler. You save …
I’m always quoting something and I never remember the author, nor do I know if I’m even saying the quote correctly, but the moral stands nonetheless. “You can’t be …
Do you still have cherries pitted and frozen from summer?! Well, I do…so I’m excited to enjoy this summer treat again in the fall! Plus, this is a great …
Dr. Ashley Svenkeson spent some time with me sharing her expertise on dental health when it comes to kids! If you haven’t read it yet, check it out here. …
Coming up on my daughter’s 6-months, I knew I wanted to do baby-led weaning. Not only is it known to help raise a less-picky and intuitive eater, it just …
It seems when you have a baby, the first thing everyone asks you is, “are they sleeping through the night?” Instantly that question sparked a mama bear fire within …
How do you deal with adversity in your life? Meditation – I meditate daily, but even the simple act of deep breaths in times of stress, can bring calm …
When Collins was just over two months, my friend told me about online swim lessons…I was sold instantly. I always planned on putting my kid(s) into swimming lessons early, …
Is this the world’s easiest recipe? Maybe! But that’s a plus! This is one of my favourite snacks/treats/desserts…or even a topping to oatmeal (without the chocolate chips)…or a delicious …
I’ve taught Preschool Music classes for many years. I’ve taught parented classes to mini musicians as young as 6-months-old, and unparented classes for toddlers and kids into kindergarten-age. The …
Hi Online Book Clubbers!As per your votes, this will be my last online book club post. Going forward, I will share books worth reading, or books that fall under …
We all have teeth. Well, most of us have teeth, or at least some teeth, but that doesn’t mean we have any idea what to do with our kid’s …
. Summer is closing in on us, but the hiking season can last well into fall, and you can even consider some safe, winter hikes. On top of that, …
Prosciutto-wrapped asparagus is another Rodych staple. This recipe is so simple, and tastes like such a treat – you’ll forget that you’re eating a vegetable. It’s quick to make, …
I put out an ask on what people wanted me to write about, and this one came up a lot…what I’ve learned as a Mom. Just as everyone’s journey …
Alberta has so much to explore! There are so many beautiful hikes in all areas, so don’t just think Banff and Canmore! Here are a few more that you …
I clearly have a thing for “pizza” – I already shared my spaghetti squash pizza, watermelon pizza, and now here we have portobello mushroom pizza…and believe me, I have …
I used to be the world’s worst sleeper, and I thought it was fine, because I was one of those people that could function off very little sleep. Eventually …
This summer has really got me out exploring new easy-level hikes. With a newborn, I’ve been focusing on finding hikes that are as close to the city as possible, …
Here is a Hiking Scavenger Hunt to print out for toddlers and kids, to make hiking that much more fun!! Download my Free Hiking Scavenger Hunt for Kids! .et_bloom …
This is a summer hit!! Delicious, refreshing, and oh-so-pretty! Change up the ingredients as you like, but if you want to copy this one, you’ll need: Watermelon, Yogurt (I …
I’m always changing kitchens between my time in Calgary & Garden City, and food waste makes me cry, so I always try to only have what I need, and …
Kelowna…Penticton…Wine! Need I say more?! But in truth, last time I was in both those places, I was pregnant and didn’t have a sip of vino and still had …
At the time I’m writing this, my little munchkin is about 4-months-old, and so far, has loved hiking! I’m hoping the “start them young” thing helps her find her …
From my time teaching Preschool Music, I have learned and come up with many DIY musical crafts to get the kids interacting with different instruments. The great thing about …
Hi fellow book clubbers! In light of the Black Lives Matter movement, I think it is more important than ever, that we take some time (now, and always) to …
Hi Online Book Clubbers!Was this book not perfect for the time we were in? It was all about isolation and quarantine that trumped anything we could have experienced during …
I used to live in White Rock, BC when I was younger and even after I moved, I spent many trips back there with family and friends. We often …
We are nearing the end of alphabet date night, and I’ve been wondering what I do when I’m finished…do I start over at A? Do I come up with …
Me talking about clothing? Not something I’d ever thought I’d do, seeing as I live in stretchy pants and cozy socks. I always said when I started working from …
Whether you are here for the pulled pork, or the fries, or the combo for poutine, here’s the recipe! Pulled Pork Ingredients About 4 lb. pork shoulder 1/4 cup brown …
I had a baby in the middle of a world pandemic. Words I thought I’d never say… I’ve had a lot of people ask me how my anxiety levels …
From my time teaching Preschool Music, I have learned and come up with many DIY musical crafts to get the kids interacting with different instruments. The great thing about …
I call myself a part-time minimalist, because I’m a minimalist that literally has two of everything, considering we live part-time in Calgary and part-time in New York. I’m not …
Alphabet Date Night continues! I love looking back and seeing the variety in our dates based on time of year, season and weather, and what’s going on in our …
This is a fun activity to do for a date night, or with kids, or just with yourself. Think of a food you like to eat multiple different ways! …
Having to condense this list was not an easy task…my favourite cookware is everything I have in my kitchen. I love cooking, I love baking, and I love all …
10% Happier by Dan Harris I’ve talked about this book in my posts about meditation – Meditation for Beginners and Meditation Q & A. This book is the why …
Y’all know me…I don’t measure anything, until I have to in order to give you a real recipe. So here is Coconut Curry, but don’t feel like you need to stay …
Hi to all the returning book clubbers! And welcome to any newcomers – isolation is sure a good time to read, isn’t it? Hope this book club helps you …
Hi Online Book Clubbers!How was the first book of 2020 for you? Did you stay on track?! Hope you’re continuing on with me, for the second book of the …
It’s hard to believe that not along ago I was prepping my “Stampede Bucket List,” and now, with the state of the world, that’s not going to be happening. …
Before I gave birth, I put out a post about my chosen products for postpartum, and although I’m glad I had everything prepared, I was blessed with a very …
From my time teaching Preschool Music, I have learned and come up with many DIY musical crafts to get the kids interacting with different instruments. The great thing about …
I listen to podcasts on the daily – they are my news, my inspiration, my education. Two years ago, I wrote about my favourite podcasts, and looking back, I …
They are addicting…hence the name. And I can’t even take credit for this simple and delicious recipe. It was my brother that came up with it so many years …
Alphabet date night continues! We are going all the way to Z, people!! Each letter has helped guide me in generating some creative ideas for our date nights. If …
Disclaimer: This is my story as I lived it. Everyone’s story is different. Everyone’s perspective is different. I am sharing this because others have asked, but I request that …
In my third trimester, I decided to stock up our freezer. Keep in mind, we live very far away from family, so I knew we wouldn’t have people popping …
From my time teaching Preschool Music, I have learned and come up with many DIY musical crafts to get the kids interacting with different instruments. The great thing about …