What are some of your favourite eco-conscious wedding trends?

Renting, thrifting, or borrowing decor instead of buying it. I try to encourage couples to use items that they can incorporate back into their homes as keepsakes after the wedding. Another would be to source out a local flower farm and only use florals that are in season. Ditching floral foam and replacing it with other reusable options like chicken wire is also a great way to help the environment. Another trend we are seeing a lot of is up-cycled wedding rings. This might be a family ring that has been resized or a thrifted ring. 

What are some unique ways couples are personalizing their elopement ceremonies in 2024?

They are heading to locations that speak to them as a couple. Whether it’s a cabin in the woods, the top of a mountain, or their favourite restaurant, couples are going all out to find elopement locations with a bit of a wow factor.  While city hall weddings “get it done” they are rather bland and boring. Couples want to be able to tell their friends and family and maybe even their kids and grandkids about their love story. It’s a special day and it really does deserve special attention. 

What is the thing that most couples forget on their special day?

Hopefully nothing if they’ve hired a planner. It’s the planner’s responsibility to make sure that it all comes together seamlessly, however, they cannot be everywhere at once. Sometimes when florals are dropped off to a getting ready location they inadvertently get forgotten in all the excitement and someone has to go back and get them. Couples may also forget to take a few moments away from all of the festivities to reflect on their day. You spend weeks, months and sometimes years to plan one day of your life and it all goes by so quickly. Take all the time you need to slow down and enjoy it.

THE LEFTOVER WOMAN by Jean Kwok

If you’re looking for a book that is equal parts evocative family drama and riveting mystery, Jean Kwok’s forthcoming novel should be at the top of your reading list.

There are so many layers in this story, from the vast disparities between the privileged and the disadvantaged living in New York to the complicated relationships between mothers and their children. At its core, this is the story of two women in strikingly different circumstances set on a collision course, pulled together by the question of what it means to be a loving mother to your child.

Pack your tissues if you’re bringing The Leftover Woman on vacation as it’s guaranteed to be an emotional ride from start to finish.

THE HURRICANE WARS by Thea Guanzon

Fantasy romance lovers, this is set to be the spicy Star Wars-inspired book of your dreams. Set in a Southeast Asia-inspired world that is ravaged by storms, Thea Guanzon’s debut novel features all the tropes we can’t get enough of, including: slow burn romance, enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, and marriage of convenience, or what I like to call “marriage first, feelings later”.

If you’ve been scrolling through TikTok wondering what to read after finishing books from Sarah J. Maas, R. F. Kuang, and Ali Hazelwood, add The Hurricane Wars to your suitcase, stat!

WAVEWALKER by Suzanne Heywood

We’re rounding out this list with a book that reminds us of Educated by Tara Westover, but with its own inspiring and terrifying story. This heartbreaking and hopeful memoir chronicles Suzanne Heywood’s life from the age of seven, when she set sail with her parents and brother on what was supposed to be a three-year voyage around the world – that turned into a decade-long nightmare. No one else knew where they were most of the time and no state showed any interest in what was happening to the children.

This is ultimately a survival story of a child deprived of safety, friendships, schooling, and occasionally drinking water. It’s one that you won’t be able to put down while reading it and you won’t be able to stop thinking about it long after you’ve closed the pages. Grab a copy HERE.

ENGAGE THEIR CURIOSITY

Encourage your children to explore and learn from their natural surroundings.

Let them connect with nature by identifying plants, going on scavenger hunts, spotting wildlife, or building small forts with fallen branches.

We use the @natgeo seek app to help us identify and learn about new things!

EMBRACE SIMPLICITY

Help your kids appreciate the simplicity of off-grid living.

Teach them the importance of conserving resources, like using minimal electricity or reusing water.

Involve them in tasks such as gathering firewood or preparing meals.

WILDFLOWER WALKS

Take a stroll through the forests and fields near our cabins to view the blooming wildflowers. Many parks and conservation areas, such as Dahl Forest in Haliburton offer guided wildflower walks that allow you to see the beautiful colours and scents of spring. For another Haliburton adventure, wildflower spotting is included in our Esson Creek Mineral Tour.

Many gorgeous blooms of wildflowers grow around our Kawarthas property – meander through the meadows of the site to experience the diverse flora and fauna. Frontenac Provincial Park near our Lanark cabins is also a great option for trails that are filled with blooming flowers of the season.

INDULGE IN LOCAL FOOD & DRINK

No adventure is complete without trying out the local food and drink scenes. Whether you’re looking for a cozy café, a fine-dining experience, or a local pub, you’ll find plenty of options to satisfy your appetite. While visiting Lanark County, Perth is a foodie delight with endless restaurants and patios to choose from, while Fenelon Falls near Kawarthas offers a wide range of food options to please any palate. For a taste of the Swiss Alps, head to Canthooks restaurant at Calabogie Peaks Resort, or enjoy wood-fired smoked meals and ice-cold beers at Truss Foodworks Smokehouse in the heart of Haliburton Forest.

Disconnect to Reconnect: My Weekend at Cabinscape

I spent my weekend at CABINSCAPE embracing the peace that comes with not having a packed schedule, which almost feels like an act of rebellion in a world that values constant productivity. I made breakfast in the morning and went outside to drink my morning cup. I was greeted by a family of deer at the end of the driveway. They stared at me briefly before running off, but that was the moment I really felt myself relax. I was with nature. The birds were singing, I could see the lake, and I consciously decided to do nothing for the rest of the morning. After I made myself lunch, I set out on a hike. I took time to focus on breathing in the fresh air and feeling the wind on my face. Once I got back to the cabin, I took a nap outside before dinner. I watched the sunset over the horizon of the lake before retreating inside to read my book. I spent the day being intentional about my time and energy, and it was exactly what I needed.

Nature’s Classroom: How Being Outside Cultivates Environmental Stewardship

Spending time in nature can be a transformative experience, one that can inspire us to take action to reduce our environmental impact. By immersing ourselves in the natural world, we can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the interconnectedness of all things and the fragile balance that sustains life on our planet. With that understanding can come to a deeper sense of responsibility – inspiring us to take action to protect the planet and become environmental stewards. So next time you have the chance to spend time in nature, take advantage of it – you never know how it might inspire you to make a positive impact on the world.

CABINSCAPE offers the perfect opportunity to unwind, recharge, and reconnect with nature. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and escape to the forest, where the days will be yours to explore at your leisure.

To ensure that your stay is as nature-conscious as possible, we encourage our guests to practice sustainable habits during their visit.

Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:

• Pack light and avoid bringing unnecessary single-use items.
• Be mindful of your water and energy usage during your stay. 
• Practice ‘leave no trace’ principles when outside and exploring the trails.

ELOPE IN THE WOODS

Escape into the wilderness with your special person for an adventure of a lifetime! Launched in spring 2023, CABINSCAPE Weddings: Elopement Experience is designed so you can celebrate your love, your way. No two love stories are the same, which is why we have designed this package with tons of flexibility – so you can celebrate in a way that is uniquely yours. All you need to do is choose the cabin meant for you and let our professional elopement curators help you bring your vision to life!

Thanks to our partners at Bowtied With Love (in Lanark and Calabogie) and The Organic Moment (in Kawarthas and Calabogie), this package includes two nights at our cabins, up to two additional guests, on-site coordination and ceremony management, an hour of photography, keepsake CABINSCAPE wine glasses, a custom wedding cake AND MORE! You can also choose from an array of custom add-ons to curate the special day of your dreams.

Email bookings@cabinscape.com for more information.

TIPS & TRICKS FOR FIRST TIMERS

If you’re new to star gazing, it’s important to remember that the night sky can be overwhelming at first. However, with a bit of patience and practice, you’ll soon find yourself identifying constellations, planets, and other celestial objects with ease. 

• Get started by investing in a quality telescope or pair of binoculars. These tools can help you see the night sky in a whole new way, and can be a great investment for anyone interested in astronomy.
• Try an app or use a star chart: A star chart can help you identify stars and constellations, making it easier to navigate the night sky.
• Choose a dark location & check the weather: The darker the location, the better your chances of seeing stars. Clouds can obscure the stars too, so it’s important to check the weather forecast before heading out. 
• Be patient! Seeing stars can require patience and perseverance, so take your time and enjoy the experience.

• Get good sleep! Don’t underestimate the power of sleep. Experts stress the importance of 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Try and get back into a good routine after the hustle and bustle (and gluttony) of the holiday season. If you are having a tough time with sleep, try a light box. See next tip…
• Invest in a Lightbox. I cannot stress what a game-changer this can be! The effects of using a light box first thing in the morning can be immediate and may boost low mood after only 20 minutes of use. Sunlight is also crucial to our circadian rhythm.
• Be in nature while moving your body. Getting sunlight before noon can improve mental and physical health. Studies have also found that a mere glimpse of nature from a window can improve overall mood. Take advantage of the healing powers of nature by walking or exercising outside and adding plants/flowers to your indoor spaces. Not to mention taking a quick trip to the woods to reset your mind, body and spirit! See next tip…
• Plan a trip and have something to look forward to. Take advantage of our reduced winter pricing and get away to the woods! From snowboarding and howling with wolves in Haliburton to hitting the slopes in Calabogie our cabins have every inch of adventure you need to bust out of the blues. Have a winter campfire or just relax in the quiet while enjoying the stillness of the season if that is more your speed. Choose your own adventure!

Olivia Murray was voted Vancouver’s Top 30 Mom Bloggers and is a wife, mother, freelance creative director & digital strategist. To follow her journey, find her here.

 It’s an infamous theme, my suggestion to consider experiences over things. It’s right up there next to my “buy better, buy less” preference, discussed many times over the years.

We’ve been gifting the kids experiences for their birthdays for the past few years and try to implement the same mindset when it comes to other holidays, occasions and beyond.

We’ve done many staycations, little getaways and even some major travelling with our eldest but nothing has been quite like our latest experience and stay with family-founded company, Cabinscape.

Travelling at the back end of November meant snow was on the ground and the water was partially frozen over, so we didn’t get to make the most of the lake’s beauty or activities (cabin stay comes with a canoe for your use while there) but it still made for an incredibly serene backdrop. Lined with evergreen trees and entirely still, the kids were thrilled to find they could sit and hear the echo of their own voices.

The cabin is equipped with a gas stovetop, full-sized BBQ and fire pit for cooking or making s’mores of course. We did pre-plan simple meals that could be made with minimal effort but also go nicely with a camping-like experience. Due to the time of year, there is no running water at the cabins and so we kept that in mind when it came to cooking as well.

We packed things like soup (that we pre-made) and grilled cheese supplies, eggs with add-ins like mushrooms and tomatoes, as well the obligatory marshmallows, graham crackers, chocolate and veggie dogs/sausages for a traditional campfire dinner.

When not stargazing or on the lookout for animals, cabins offer a selection of games and reads for your enjoyment while there. The kids even found a colouring book, so we picked up some pencil crayons in the city (Haliburton) on one of our trips in for extra water and chocolate (a lot of s’mores were made).

*Note: Because water is not running at this time of the year, you’ll need to use bottled or stored water for all your needs: cooking, washing dishes, hygiene purposes, etc. Water is running again following winter.

Many of the experiences on this getaway were far from our norm, both as home or on any of our other stays/road trips and I can’t help but feel like it was so beneficial for the kids. To be out of their comfort zone and learn to navigate while embracing nature was such an experience that we cannot wait to visit another location in another (probably non-cold) season.

On our list for the next visit is one of Cabinscape’s new, Kawartha locations.

I hope you will follow @cabinscape and put it on your list of future considerations. I imagine these cabins as a great option for anything from birthdays to just needing a break, a girls’ trip to an anniversary getaway.

Stay tuned for some video content over on Instagram soon and consider this your reminder to return to slow and simple every so often.

x, Olivia

1. Write it down – Don’t just say it in your head, the physical record is important so you can continue to reflect. It can be anything from something major that happened or even a small win (example: The colour of the sky during my morning nature walk!).
2. Be specific – This is the key to gratitude! To be effective, it must be specific. Think of WHY you are grateful for a person, gesture or event that happened. Going into detail about one particular thing you are grateful for is more effective than mentioning a general list of many things.
3. Make it a daily habit – Commit to a small amount of time spent on this practice every day, even when you are busy (that is when it is most important!). Habits are important to building a healthy routine and getting the most benefits of your time spent in gratitude.