Curling up with a good book over the holidays and escaping into a different world is a welcome pleasure. Enter Better Luck Next Time, written by best-selling Canadian author Kate Hilton.

Sailing isn't an experience that I grew up doing, nor do I know how to do it today. But some of my most memorable and best vacation experiences have been had on overnight sailing trips.

My husband Dave promised my daughter Finlay a dog before she turned 11. I did not want a dog. Especially, the added responsibility of a dog. Our days were too busy already, and keeping the house clean was a battle we had lost three children ago. "Not to worry," my husband assured me.  He would take care of the dog! 

Maybe it's a fascination with what one doesn't have (we can idealize with Instagram). Still, it's hard for me not to think that mountain life is the pretty ideal way of living, and seems to have it all: natural beauty, endless exploration, casual lifestyle, activities galore, and even lakes, cities and quaint towns too. 

Janet and Andrea both have husbands named Dave and brothers named Gord! Hear their book recommendations and a few other places to get inspiration for your next read.

Thanksgiving is almost here, and it's a time to be with family and hunker down for some great food and company. However, family, to me, isn't just about my kids and husband. It's not even just about my parents, brother, or grandparents. It's also about my aunts, uncles, cousins, and even those once or twice removed. 

As an entrepreneur and a mom of two busy boys, I always find it really hard to take a moment for myself, forget to press pause or live in the moment.  There is always something to do or worry about. 

"If there is one thing that anyone who knows me would say brings me happiness, it would be the cottage."  Andrea Armstrong speaking about her love of the cottage.