I opened up Mark’s laptop to discover that someone in this household (I’m guessing it was one of the girls) was looking up the origin of the phrase: LIAR LIAR PANTS ON FIRE. I find this fascinating for a couple of reasons. 1) It’s a wee insight into the inner workings of their brain. I’m thrilled […]
Author Archive
24 Jun, 2014
Having a blast, with rockets
Posted by: andrea tomkins In: Easy ways to make kids happy
We did something totally new here at Casa Fishbowl, we launched a rocket. (!) This process started a few months ago with a visit to the Hobby House in Vanier. Have you ever been? It’s chock full of great stuff, mostly, er, hobby related wares (hence the name HOBBY HOUSE) but I picked out a cool puzzle and […]
23 Jun, 2014
Low tech amusement for your next road trip, or just the family room
Posted by: andrea tomkins In: Easy ways to make kids happy|Oh! Things!|travel talk
I can’t tell you how many books show up on my doorstep and on my desk at work. Most don’t even come with a note or explanation. I only assume that the universe is trying to tell me I need to read more, either that, or the publishers would like me to review and write about their […]
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- My new life mantra
- Sharbot Lake Provincial Park dog beach
- Spring is a time of transition (and peonies)
- It’s in you to give
- Ottawa summer bucket list 2026
- Rum punch
- Archery in Ottawa: Try a beginner lesson at the RA Centre
- Winter ramble to the Mill of Kintail, Almonte
- The Mental Hygiene Challenge
- Friday things
- Jeanie Maennling: I spent many wonderful days visiting my cousins and Uncle Herb and aunt Eleanor at the Farm in the 1950's. Mycousin Skippy (Sharon) and I got into l
- alex: For a classic Canadian treat for valentine day , try a BeaverTail (a fried dough pastry) there its yummy
- Juliet Luiz: I was at this park today and saw the foundation and historical sign which got me curious and let me to your blog post! Great information:) too bad t
- Rowyn Tape: Hello, I was sitting at Easter dinner with my grandmother and she was telling me this story. She is Herbert Lytles daughter who eventually bought the
- Bernie: I freeze ball sizes of bread dough for beavertails each winter season.Easy to thaw, roll out and fry. Best winter treat!
- Jen_nifer: I feel very much the same about my SUP. Floating with snacks is fantastic! When I go on water with some current, I make sure that I paddle into the cu
- sam: Great article. This is very insightful. Thanks for sharing
The Obligatory Blurb
My name is Andrea and I live in Ottawa with my husband Mark and our dog Sunny who is kind of a big deal on Instagram. During the day I work as a freelance writer. I am a longtime Ottawa blogger and I've occupied this little corner of the WWW since 1999. The Fishbowl is my whiteboard, water cooler, and journal, all rolled into one. I'm passionate about healthy living, arts and culture, travel, great gear, good food, and sharing the best of Ottawa. I also love vegetables, photography, gadgets, and great design.
If you're so inclined, you can read more about me here.
I've deactivated the commenting function as well as my contact form so if you want to get in touch, please drop me a line at quietfish@gmail.com. Thank you!