ACTIVE FAMILIES
Parenting blogs we love: My Ottawa Life BY LYNN JATANIA
M
elanie Kealey of My Ottawa Life (www.myottawalife.com) is always open to the new – new foods, new experiences, new thoughts. She’s excited about the world, fascinated by beauty, and always looking to expand her horizons. When she started her blog, she loved to share things she’d learned about home cooking, photography, and design. But this past year, something really new happened: she became a mom. Since her adorable son Julian was born, the learning curve has gotten a bit steeper – but quite a bit more fun, too. Melanie is always willing to tackle her new family life with an upbeat spin and a happy smile, and her stories of home life with Baby J radiate with warmth and affection. She hasn’t let new motherhood slow down her love of adventure at all, either – with baby in a carrier, she and her husband have already ventured on a few trips around Ontario, and have great tips to share on taking baby to hotels, restaurants, and parties with friends.
Melanie still manages to keep up with her love of food and photography, too. Her blog is a beautiful place full of gorgeous shots of her family, her friends, and best of all, delicious dishes she’s prepared herself. It’s sensible, simple, tasty food that will give you that Mom’s Kitchen feel, with plenty of meat-free options, and even some mixed drinks ideas for days when you’re up for a bit of a celebration. Of course, life with a new baby isn’t always sunshine and roses, but even on those tired, difficult days, Melanie can always turn things into a learning experience, finding the positive in every situation. As her family grows, we’re along for the journey, and we can all bask in the glow of this beautiful Ottawa life.
Noteable Quotes “I can’t help but feel a little sad that summer seems to be officially over, and it’s getting cooler and
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crisp, especially at night with the sun sinking earlier and earlier each day. I’m excited for fall colours and clean fresh air and Halloween but I’m loving all the things we’re able to do outside right now. This past weekend was normal and really nice. I went for a long rambling walk with one of my best friends and even though we got caught in a rainy drizzle, we also walked and walked and had fancy coffees and talked about everything. I’m getting ready to start Baby J on solids this month so I wanted to hear her experience and advice. It’s pretty amazing how much I’ve learned and am learning this year. When I think back to the early days and weeks of mamahood, I would do lots of little things differently now that I have a better handle on it, but I’d also do it all the same. Because I’ve just learned so much to get to where I am now. And solid food is the next learning curve to tackle – advice welcome!”
Meet Melanie Kealey of My Ottawa Life.
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