Barb McMahon posted an article on Happy Simple - Nov 9, 2011, 11:04 am
A little over a year ago, I had my gallbladder out, with happy assurances that the pain that had been interrupting my sleep and my dinners would disappear. But it didn’t. And every night, I would wake up at 4:00 … Continue reading →
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Barb McMahon posted an article on Happy Simple - Oct 18, 2011, 5:12 pm
A few weeks ago, Karen Schulman Dupuis invited me to take part in this year’s Ignite Stratford.   So of course I said yes.   The title of my presentation was, yes, “Relax. You’re Fine.  Just The Way You Are.”  A few people … Continue reading →
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Barb McMahon posted an article on Happy Simple - Sep 21, 2011, 10:37 am
I’ve spoken before about friendships that happen when you least expect them.  And now I have another story to tell. As we were rolling into summer, a friend called and asked if I could take over dog-walking duties for her.  … Continue reading →
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Barb McMahon posted an article on Happy Simple - Aug 30, 2011, 10:10 am
Just before we opened the bakery, while Alan and I were in the middle of set-up mayhem, we took a little side-trip to the beach with a friend of ours.  We brought some wine and some cheese and crackers.  We … Continue reading →
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Barb McMahon posted an article on Happy Simple - Aug 5, 2011, 4:30 pm
You’ve all been so wonderfully patient over the last little while as Alan and I got the bakery ready to launch.  It’s been a long process, full of blog-fodder, which I will be writing about over the next few weeks. … Continue reading →
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Barb McMahon posted an article on Happy Simple - Jul 22, 2011, 12:55 pm
We’re in the middle of a heatwave where I live.  Yesterday was the hottest day ever (and Alan and I moved a walk-in fridge – but that’s a story for another time)! And while most of my contemporaries have responded … Continue reading →
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Barb McMahon posted an article on Happy Simple - Jul 18, 2011, 3:14 pm
Source: cottagelife.com via Krista on Pinterest   I haven’t posted any Monday links in awhile.  So here’s a treat for those of you who aren’t already hooked.  Pinterest is a great site where you can store, sort and share all those … Continue reading →
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Barb McMahon posted an article on Happy Simple - Jul 11, 2011, 10:27 pm
I’ve always taken a fairly gothic view of life.  When we were little, my sister would be all “Puppies! And unicorns! And rainbows!!!”  And I’d be all “Death.” It should be no surprise then, that I am occasionally depressed.  I’ve … Continue reading →
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Barb McMahon posted an article on Happy Simple - Jun 24, 2011, 12:48 pm
I’ve mentioned my friend Anna Atkinson before (here), but now she gets a whole post to herself because, yes, her CD “Mooniture” is launched and it is fabulous!  Just watch this video of “Cinnamon” to see for yourself: Anna graciously answered a few … Continue reading →
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Barb McMahon posted an article on Happy Simple - Jun 21, 2011, 12:08 pm
It’s been a while since I did a book review, hasn’t it? When How to Be Rich and Happy by Tim Brownson and John P. Strelecky first came out, I thought it probably wasn’t for me.  Not that I was … Continue reading →
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Barb McMahon posted an article on Happy Simple - Jun 17, 2011, 2:27 pm
No, but it’s a good exhaustion, full of creativity and plans and occasional paint splatters… I miss you all.  Can’t wait to get back to regular posting just as soon as I am able.  In the meantime, I hope you … Continue reading →
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Barb McMahon posted an article on Happy Simple - Jun 10, 2011, 12:46 pm
Good lord it’s Friday already! I’ve been working away on a big, crazy garden project for the last several weeks.  It involves digging out all the grass in my front boulevard and planting perennials and other lovely things.  I’m alllllmost … Continue reading →
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Barb McMahon posted an article on Happy Simple - Jun 7, 2011, 1:57 pm
Well hello there!  It’s been awhile, hasn’t it?  Sorry about that.  I’ve had a bunch of thoughts running around in my head lately, but none of them would settle down long enough to become an actual post.  I’ve also been … Continue reading →
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Barb McMahon posted an article on Happy Simple - May 30, 2011, 1:13 pm
Hello!  After the amazing response to my last post, I needed some quiet time.  Thank you all so much for your lovely comments and emails.  I am humbled and thrilled.  If you haven’t read through the comments, I highly recommend … Continue reading →
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Barb McMahon posted an article on Happy Simple - May 20, 2011, 9:45 am
My sister Eileen died 14 years ago today, after an excruciating night, from Hepatitis B, a disease she was never supposed to catch, that once caught, was never supposed to kill her. Her death ended a part of my life.  The safe … Continue reading →
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Barb McMahon posted an article on Happy Simple - May 18, 2011, 2:49 pm
There’s a lot of talk among bloggers these days about the importance of having something to actually say before you post.  The pressure is on to post greatness.  Because, as Scott Stratten says, nobody spreads Meh. And these sentiments apply … Continue reading →
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Barb McMahon posted an article on Happy Simple - May 13, 2011, 12:06 pm
I haven’t had a lot of internet time over the last few weeks, but luckily, I checked in with my friend Corine Gantz of Hidden in France just as she announced that her first novel Hidden in Paris has been published.  You … Continue reading →
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Barb McMahon posted an article on Happy Simple - May 11, 2011, 12:28 pm
Friday’s post touched a bit of a nerve.  Seems a lot of us use avoidance but feel kind of bad about it.  Which made me think about energy and how pottering about over here can make something shift way over there … Continue reading →
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Barb McMahon posted an article on Happy Simple - May 6, 2011, 1:48 pm
I woke up to the sound of rain this morning.  And it melted all my ambition, just like that.  There were dishes to do from a dinner party last night, things to clean, business, um, stuff to move ahead on… … Continue reading →
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Barb McMahon posted an article on Happy Simple - May 2, 2011, 12:42 pm
It’s Election Day here in Canada.  Voter turn-out may be higher than usual today.  A lot of people are frustrated enough to actually get up and go out and mark an X on a piece of paper.  Something that you … Continue reading →
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Barb McMahon posted an article on Happy Simple - Apr 29, 2011, 1:25 pm
I had my first Reiki client this morning.  I’m still kinda flying… I want you to know how much I appreciate all the encouragement and support you’ve shown me as I start this new path.  The sense of joy you’ve … Continue reading →
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Barb McMahon posted an article on Happy Simple - Apr 18, 2011, 12:59 pm
I’m beginning to realize that, whether you work for others or work for yourself, Mondays can be a little less than inspiring on the old Life is Inspiring/Life is Crap meter. I’ve found a few things this past week that have me excited. … Continue reading →
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Barb McMahon posted an article on Happy Simple - Apr 13, 2011, 11:06 am
I grew up in a family with certain ways of doing things.  You go to church on Sundays.  You don’t write in books.  I was amazed to discover that some people consider marginalia an art form rather than an excuse … Continue reading →
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Barb McMahon posted an article on Happy Simple - Apr 8, 2011, 10:33 am
Spring officially arrived a couple of weeks ago, but we were still knee deep in snow here.  I decided to wait till it had melted before I posted this.  Which it did. But then it came back.  And melted and … Continue reading →
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Barb McMahon posted an article on Happy Simple - Mar 29, 2011, 10:22 am
Life.  It’s supposed to flow merrily along.  And we’re supposed to flow with it.  Gracefully leaping from one project to the next, learning and growing all along the way.  Getting smarter, fitter, faster, being productive, climbing ladders, succeeding, achieving and … Continue reading →
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Barb McMahon posted an article on Happy Simple - Mar 24, 2011, 9:53 am
The past few weeks have been a time of change and upheaval here at Casa HappySimple.  OK, when is it not?  Still, the last few weeks seemed just a wee bit more fraught than usual. Remember that new job I … Continue reading →
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Barb McMahon posted an article on Happy Simple - Mar 18, 2011, 12:19 pm
I met Leslie nearly eight years ago,  just after my father died.  Making new friends was not on my agenda just then.  Little did I know. He and his wife Pat were in Canada for their annual visit from their … Continue reading →
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Barb McMahon posted an article on Happy Simple - Feb 24, 2011, 7:01 am
Alan and I were in Windsor last weekend.  His Dad sold his house.  The deal closes at the end of next month.  In the meantime, Dad’s moved in with Alan’s brother and sister-in-law.  I think we’re all sleeping a little better … Continue reading →
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Barb McMahon posted an article on Happy Simple - Feb 17, 2011, 7:40 am
Alan and I went to see The King’s Speech, set at the start of World War Two,  last night.  When we go to a movie, we stay right through the credits.  Gaffers and stand-ins can take comfort in the fact … Continue reading →
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Barb McMahon posted an article on Happy Simple - Feb 13, 2011, 1:37 pm
This is what the weather was like here yesterday morning and many, many recent mornings as I’ve headed out to walk to work.  Not really my definition of pleasant.  Couple that with the fact that I’m not what anyone would … Continue reading →
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Barb McMahon posted an article on Happy Simple - Feb 7, 2011, 7:12 pm
Most of you probably know this already, but working full-time takes 40 whole hours out of your week.  More than that if you’re working at a start-up.  Add in the time for getting dressed and getting to and from work … Continue reading →
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Barb McMahon posted an article on Happy Simple - Jan 16, 2011, 3:33 pm
Well, hello again! My first full week at work is done and I’m really, really pleased by how things are going. I’ve managed to get out of bed and into the office on time five full days in a row. I … Continue reading →
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Barb McMahon posted an article on Happy Simple - Jan 9, 2011, 2:11 pm
Well, hi! How’s 2011 working out for you so far? Mine has been just a little hectic. I started by catching what’s going around and then got hired for an exciting new job. I mean, I went in for a … Continue reading →
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Barb McMahon posted an article on Happy Simple - Dec 24, 2010, 12:43 pm
Hard as I’m finding it to believe, today is Christmas Eve.  I know a lot of you will be taking the next week or so off and I’ve decided to do the same.  Which means that if I want to … Continue reading →
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Barb McMahon posted an article on Happy Simple - Dec 23, 2010, 12:52 pm
(This is a repeat of a post I ran two years ago on my food blog.) By “best”, I mean “retaining the most flavour”, rather than the quickest or easiest. If you’re still with me, take a deep breath and … Continue reading →
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Barb McMahon posted an article on Happy Simple - Dec 21, 2010, 1:17 pm
Hi.  I’m feeling a little fried at the moment.  In between interviewing for a really exciting job opportunity (and that’s all I’m allowed to tell you at the moment) Alan and I were in Windsor for a my Aunt Phyl’s … Continue reading →
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Barb McMahon posted an article on Happy Simple - Dec 16, 2010, 1:33 pm
Alan and I like to cook with cast iron pans.  They’re way better for you than non-stick and no more difficult to use.  Occasionally they need to be reseasoned, which means that the very thin coating of oil on the … Continue reading →
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Barb McMahon posted an article on Happy Simple - Dec 15, 2010, 2:11 pm
You think I’m kidding, don’t you?  I’m not, actually.  I’m afraid this is the post where I may lose some of you.  It’s the most ‘out-there’ idea I’ve given you yet.  But I wouldn’t do it if I hadn’t actually … Continue reading →
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Barb McMahon posted an article on Happy Simple - Dec 14, 2010, 12:35 pm
Oh, the season is heating up, isn’t it? I reckon if I’m starting to deploy my favourite time-management tricks, then some of you might be in need of a little help, too. First of all, you might want to refer … Continue reading →
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Barb McMahon posted an article on Happy Simple - Dec 10, 2010, 1:24 pm
I’m just in from shovelling out the end of the driveway, and even though the calendar says we’ve a few more weeks before winter officially begins,  I’ve decided to start celebrating early. As with summer and autumn, I’ll just list … Continue reading →
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Barb McMahon posted an article on Happy Simple - Dec 9, 2010, 11:44 am
Ages ago, I asked the Facebook community what vegetables I should share tips and recipes for.  Dava requested collard greens.  Alan and I have never actually cooked those and I didn’t see any in the market over the next couple … Continue reading →
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Barb McMahon posted an article on Happy Simple - Dec 7, 2010, 12:57 pm
I pretty much suck at spirituality. I ask all the wrong questions.  And then get impatient when I don’t like the answers.  I used to drive my parents and my teachers to distraction with the questions, questions, questions. “It’s a … Continue reading →
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Barb McMahon posted an article on Happy Simple - Dec 3, 2010, 1:38 pm
Friends.  Loved ones.  Neighbours. They fill your life with love and joy and support for your ideas.  They call you when you’re sick and give you organic, free-range chickens when you’re feeling blue. We’re told to surround ourselves with lovely, … Continue reading →
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Barb McMahon posted an article on Happy Simple - Dec 2, 2010, 1:37 pm
Let’s talk kale, shall we?  Tough, hearty and a little intimidating if you’ve never worked with it before.   I’ve tried a few recipes recently and I’m turning into a huge fan. Kale has a distinctive flavour and a lot of … Continue reading →
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Barb McMahon posted an article on Happy Simple - Dec 1, 2010, 12:50 pm

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Barb McMahon posted an article on Happy Simple - Nov 29, 2010, 12:49 pm
I’ve got lots to share with you this week! Last week, Mike Donghia of The Art of Minimalism posted his Un-Productivity Manifesto.  It starts: Today I’m making a formal declaration (a manifesto, if you will) that productivity is for losers. … Continue reading →
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Barb McMahon posted an article on Happy Simple - Nov 26, 2010, 1:43 pm
Asthma Helper I know I promised you another cookie recipe.  While I was waiting for Alan to come home and help me with the search, the sewer backed up.  And as my nose-hairs curled, all thoughts of blogging (and everything else) … Continue reading →
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Barb McMahon posted an article on Happy Simple - Nov 24, 2010, 1:07 pm
Success, failure and trying are the topics for discussion here.  But there’s a deeper issue.  I think it’s time for another story. Four years before I was born, my oldest sister died of leukemia.   She was eight. I was born … Continue reading →
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Barb McMahon posted an article on Happy Simple - Nov 23, 2010, 2:07 pm
Well, Friday’s post had some amazing responses.  I think maybe we need to explore this failure thing some more, don’t you? It’s not just about taking chances on jobs or dates.  Pushing yourself athletically or mentally.  Trying to learn a … Continue reading →
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Barb McMahon posted an article on Happy Simple - Nov 19, 2010, 12:48 pm
 Mahatma4711 Earlier this week,  Rachel from ProNagger posed the question on Twitter:  (Finish this sentence) If I KNEW I couldn’t fail I would….. I’ve seen this question used as a way to help us figure out our big, scary, exciting dreams.  The … Continue reading →
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