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Buying a Home in Canada: 5 Things I Learned

by Shandean Reid on December 19, 2025

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Recently, my husband and I began the process of buying a home in Canada. As first-time homebuyers, we decided the best route for us was to buy our house pre-construction, so we set off on the arduous homeownership journey that would last more than a year. As new immigrants, we…

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Hoover OnePwr Cordless Vacuum Review

by Shandean Reid on December 5, 2025

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I bought my Hoover OnePower Cordless Vacuum after my budget one, the PrettyCare Cordless Vacuum. It began its life-decline two years in, losing suction power and time reduced on a full battery. I decided that, while the PrettyCare served my needs at the time I purchased it, my next purchase…

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4 Powder Fragrances for Everyday Wear

by Shandean Reid on November 28, 2025

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Smelling good is a non-negotiable, and let me be frank: I’m not a woman who fancies smelling like a garden. Instead, I’m partial to powder fragrances, and I am always on the hunt for those just-right, long-lasting formula powder fragrances for everyday wear. It’s been that way since I first…

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Winter Car Emergency Kit: Prairies Winter Prep

by Shandean Reid on November 7, 2025

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When you move from Jamaica to Canada, the Prairies to be exact, having a winter car emergency kit is part of navigating this new reality. Winter in the Canadian Prairies is no laughing matter. When I moved to Saskatchewan and bought a car, one of the first things everyone around…

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What to Wear on a Beach Vacation: Staple Outfits for Women

by Shandean Reid on October 31, 2025

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Dreaming of Jamaica, Mexico or the Mediterranean to break up your long winter season? Sun-kissed skin, sandy toes and the soothing sound of waves may be the ticket. While a beach vacation is the ultimate winter escape, if you’re anything like me, you want to do it packing lightly and…

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7 Benefits of Building vs Buying a Home in Canada

by Shandean Reid on October 24, 2025

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The question of whether we’d be building vs buying a home didn’t come up until well into our search to buy our first home in Canada. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I suppose I thought buying a new-build home was something people with infinite financial resources do. Well,…

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Work-Life Balance for Working Moms

by Shandean Reid on September 12, 2025

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A couple of years ago, I went back to school and found that even as a stay-at-home mom, finding balance in attending classes, doing homework —my kid’s and mine—and managing pickups and drop-offs, as well as extracurricular activities, was no easy feat. This year, I am doing it again as…

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Back-to-School Morning Routine: A Practical Blueprint

by Shandean Reid on September 5, 2025

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The idea of a fresh back-to-school morning routine at the start of the school year always feels hopeful, but a bit like it’s coming too soon as well. One day, we’re enjoying lazy summer mornings and the lack of hustle and bustle; the next, we’re scrambling to pack lunches, find…

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Moon Palace Cancún Sunrise – All Inclusive Resort Review

by Shandean Reid on May 23, 2025

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My family and I visited Moon Palace Cancún Sunrise in Mexico, and this is a review of our full family vacation. My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Moon Palace Jamaica to celebrate our anniversary a few years ago. Naturally, Moon Palace Cancún Sunrise Resort in Mexico was…

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4 Ways to a Design Trendy, Accessible Home

by Shandean Reid on March 29, 2025

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Designing a trendy, accessible home can be a balancing act. Some millennials, like me, enjoy modern home designs and interior decor. Even when we decide to love the bones of an older home, we tend not to love the idea of leaving our conveniences behind or keeping old building materials…

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Save Money : 7 Lifestyle Choices for Better Family Living

by Shandean Reid on January 31, 2025

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Everyone (regular folks) looks for realistic ways to save money. Whatever the reason, whether to afford necessities, prepare for the future, or make large purchases, the goal is almost always to improve one’s lifestyle. We’ve all heard the sordid cliche advice that Millennials should buy fewer lattes, cut out subscriptions…

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Straighten 4C Hair Without Heat Damage

by Shandean Reid on December 30, 2024

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I big-chopped my relaxed hair in 2020, one year after the relaxer. For the first two years, I got to know my hair in its natural state: thick, dense, and unruly. Unfortunately, though, love is not enough. I had to reconcile that wearing my hair naturally fits neither my lifestyle…

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6 Simple Ways to Look Good Every Day

by Shandean Reid on September 1, 2024

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One of the things I put on my vision board this year is to be more intentional about self-care—so I wanted to find simple ways to look good every day. I want to be more intentional about the little things that help me feel better. It is no small task…

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What to Do in Regina Saskatchewan | Summer Edition

by Shandean Reid on August 18, 2024

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When I arrived two years ago, I wanted to know about things to do in Saskatchewan, particularly what to do in Regina, Saskatchewan. As a native Caribbean national, our vibrant, festive culture leaves an undercurrent craving for excitement. Although I did not participate in much of Jamaica’s lively partying and…

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RIU Palace Aquarelle Resort Jamaica Review

by Shandean Reid on July 13, 2024

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Sprawled on White Bay Beach in Falmouth, the capital of Trelawny parish in Jamaica, Riu Palace Aquarelle opened to the public in May 2024. By now, my regular readers know I love a good Jamaican all-inclusive resort. Especially since the Jamaican experience has spoiled us for hotel stays elsewhere. So,…

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How to Dry Winter Boots

by Shandean Reid on March 24, 2024

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As a recent immigrant, I recently found myself face-to-face with a quandary. My kid did a kid thing and her winter boots were soaked–and because they left for a few days unbeknown to us–they also stank. I had no idea how to dry winter boots. It’s one of those things…

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Tips to Prevent Kids From Getting Sick

by Shandean Reid on January 21, 2024

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My social circle and feed are rife with stories of kids picking up nasty bugs. It’s not just the kids either; teachers and parents are also getting wiped out for days at a time. We’ve had a brush, too–hubby and I–but not too severely. Kiddo has been fine for the…

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Tips to Make the Most of Your Money Daily

by Shandean Reid on January 12, 2024

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Canada is expensive! Yesterday, I went to the store and a pack of three whole chickens that generally run me about $30-$34 (Yes, I absolutely search for a package that weighs and costs a dollar or two less) cost $45 this grocery trip. It’s not that I am not aware…

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3 Ways to Use Holiday Cards This Season

by Shandean Reid on November 29, 2023

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It’s tiiimmme! (I donned my Mariah Carey voice for this, thank you.) It’s my favourite time of year, and honestly, I am so ready for all of it—from the Christmas tree I’ve already put up to the home decor finds on a budget to the holiday cards and Christmas dinner.…

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My Minimalist Skin Care Routine

by Shandean Reid on September 1, 2023

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I’ve been putting more effort into skin care, but only so much. My 6-step minimalist skin care routine is working quite well, though. It’s perfect for my need for convenience. Until my late twenties, my skin care routine was so minimal that it was nearly non-existent. A good drugstore brand…

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Lunch Ideas for Picky Eaters

by Shandean Reid on August 12, 2023

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My daughter started school in Canada last term, and although she loved the new environment, it wasn’t without its challenges for her and us. We have to send her along with lunch. I feel like this is such a continuous scale of escalation. In Jamaica, kindergarten provided breakfast, lunch and…

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9 Safety Tips for Women Driving Alone

by Shandean Reid on June 18, 2023

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I wondered if it was too doom and gloom writing a post about safety tips for women driving alone. Then I remembered my goal for this blog. I am creating applicable, practical, experience-driven content for women. The fact is, the world is dangerous for us. We can wish it wasn’t…

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Cost of living in Canada: Saskatchewan

by Shandean Reid on May 20, 2023

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As you may know, Canada markets itself aggressively to immigrants. This results in the highlight of the great things about living here, which are many. Canada is a great place to live, but the cost of living in Canada needs more external attention. Nowhere is perfect, of course, but many…

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Nikon Z30 Camera Review

by Shandean Reid on April 30, 2023

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If you’re following me on Instagram or YouTube, you already know this, but I bought my first camera earlier this year, almost seven years into my journey as a blogger. I’ve been thinking about it for years and finally took the plunge a few weeks ago. I’d wanted a Canon…

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How to Maintain White Sheets

by Shandean Reid on March 5, 2023

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I love white sheets. As a mom and someone who uses skincare products heavily, though, I have to work to maintain white sheets. My favourite set is a buttery cream set I got rummaging through Ping’s fabric store in Jamaica (yes, they took the flight to Canada, too). Besides being…

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Four Tips for Saving Money More Intentionally

by Shandean Reid on February 18, 2023

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If there ever was a time to share tips for saving money, it’s now. Inflation going into 2023 is ridiculous. The cost of basic necessities while we are still very much in the throes of a pandemic and war is strangling many people. Just six months ago, when I recorded…

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Living Alone in my 30s as a Married Millennial

by Shandean Reid on February 4, 2023

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After living with my husband for eight years, I found myself living alone in my 30s for the first time. Most women have lived alone at one time or the other by the time they get to my age, and I have. (Does a college dorm count?) But also, not…

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Canadian Prairie Winter: A Jamaican’s First

by Shandean Reid on December 29, 2022

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I didn’t expect my first Canadian Prairie winter to be a walk in the park, but I did not expect it to arrive so early nor kick my butt so thoroughly in the first half. After being locked in a deep freeze for over a week (-20°C and lower), I’ve…

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PrettyCare Cordless Vacuum Cleaner Review

by Shandean Reid on November 23, 2022

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I wanted a small, efficient vacuum for my apartment, so I tried the PrettyCare Cordless Vacuum. It looked like exactly the what I was thinking that I would like to get. It’s the right size, cordless, has multiple attachments, and, of course, isn’t too expensive. As you can imagine, it’s…

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10 Tips for Job Hunting in Canada as a Newcomer

by Shandean Reid on November 15, 2022

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Job hunting in Canada as a newcomer is a natural part of the integration process. While moving, you may consider getting a ‘place-holder’ job – something to give you Canadian work experience, as some employers look for it before they are willing to hire a newcomer. However, many immigrants land…

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Decorating for Fall on a Budget

by Shandean Reid on September 10, 2022

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As an islander used to summer al year long and only a mild reduction in temperature during December to February, one of the things I looked forward to most about being new in Canada is experiencing all four seasons in their glory. Arriving in Canada last winter means fall is…

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How to Build Credit Score in Canada as an Immigrant

by Shandean Reid on August 18, 2022

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Credit scores don’t follow you when you move to North America, so one of the first things you need to start thinking about is how to build credit score in Canada as a new immigrant. If you’re like me and from a country where cash is still king, and most…

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How to Immigrate to Canada as an International Student

by Shandean Reid on July 20, 2022

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Over the last few months, I’ve been sharing pieces of my journey going back to school and, by extension, information on how to immigrate to Canada. Most readers of those posts are interested in a more specific part of that journey; How to immigrate to Canada as an international student.…

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Regina Saskatchewan As a Newcomer

by Shandean Reid on June 19, 2022

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When I was offered a job in Regina, Saskatchewan, I knew my acceptance meant that I would be moving to a smaller city in a Prairie province I knew nothing about as a newcomer to Canada. Well, almost nothing. When I started interviewing for the job, I dug into Google…

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SAHM to Working Mom After 5 Years

by Shandean Reid on June 4, 2022

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When I got pregnant, I didn’t think transitioning from being a SAHM to working mom would take five years. Back then, I agonized over the job or career that would allow me to stay home with my baby for a good while. It turns out that job was being a…

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Moving to Saskatchewan from Ontario: Why?

by Shandean Reid on May 29, 2022

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Yup, you read that right. I’m moving to Saskatchewan from Ontario, where I’ve been living for the last few months: my firsts in Canada. I completed my school program last month, and now I’m going off on this new phase of an adventure. I’m nervous, excited and ready for this…

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Niagara Falls, Canada in Spring

by Shandean Reid on May 22, 2022

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Since, I’m set to jet off to unknown parts (to you, dear reader) soon, I’ve been taking in a bit of Ontario, including Niagara Falls, Canada. I’ve always wanted to see it, and although I’ve been to the US, I’ve never been to New York to see it there. I…

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International Student in Canada: My Experience

by Shandean Reid on May 14, 2022

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In 2021, I decided to go back to school. Unbelievably, its already ended, and I want to share my experience studying as an international student in Canada. As of last month, I am no longer a student. Over the previous eight months, I’ve been engrossed in at least seven courses…

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Long-Distance Marriage: Making it Work

by Shandean Reid on April 11, 2022

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I am in a long-distance marriage. Of all the things I’ve shared since day one on this blog about my experiences with marriage, you couldn’t have paid me to believe this would be one of them. I’d have thought you to be mad. Perhaps I am the one who is…

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Code-Switching: Teaching My Child English Before Patois

by Shandean Reid on March 12, 2022

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My daughter is five years old and is prone to code-switching between English and Patois in an instant. She does it like a boss, and I cannot be prouder. As a parent whose child was born and raised in Jamaica, I often hear comments like ‘She sounds like a foreigner’…

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7 SEO Tips to Increase Organic Traffic

by Shandean Reid on March 6, 2022

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In the last year, I’ve put into practice some straightforward SEO tips to increase organic search blog traffic, and I’ve seen excellent results. Naturally, as you know I like to do, I want to date a few of those top to help fellow bloggers. If you have been blogging for…

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What 7 Years of Marriage Taught Me

by Shandean Reid on February 27, 2022

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On Valentine’s Day 2022, my husband and I celebrated the conclusion of our seventh year of marriage. It’s been seven years of beautiful companionship in matrimony, and nothing makes me happier than realizing that I love it and that our marriage is a truly happy one. There isn’t a single…

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Moon Palace Jamaica Review

by Shandean Reid on February 17, 2022

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My husband and I celebrated our seventh wedding anniversary at Moon Palace Jamaica in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. As you probably already know, if you’re a regular reader of the blog, my family and I like to frequent all-inclusive resorts around Jamaica, and our preference is family-friendly all-inclusive resorts. Although this trip…

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Starbucks Caffè Verona Dark Roast Coffee Review

by Shandean Reid on January 26, 2022

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I’m in the market for coffee to try in Canada and decided to give Starbucks Caffè Verona Dark Roast Coffee a go. As a Jamaican native, one of the things I have never had to worry about is accessing good coffee. I was born and raised where some of the…

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Two Households: The Challenges of Family Life

by Shandean Reid on January 21, 2022

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One of the most fascinating things that happened last year was splitting my family life into two households. This family life model is officially called Living Apart Together (LAT). Although the typical LAT circumstances are people who choose to live apart as a lifestyle or whether they are unable to…

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4 Alternatives to Force-Feeding Children

by Shandean Reid on January 16, 2022

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As a young child, I recall my parents force-feeding me. After 30+ years, I remember it vividly. Sitting over a single dumpling for hours (or what felt like it to me as a child) because my parents thought they had already given me a little, so I should eat it…

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2021 Top Blog Post RoundUp

by Shandean Reid on December 31, 2021

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Happy New Year, everyone! Can you believe it, it’s 2022 already. In some ways, 2021 felt long and in other ways, it felt like t just flew by. I hope your Holidays break was restful and resetting. Can you believe it, it’s 2022 already! Well, a few hours til then…

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Merry Christmas to You and Yours

by Shandean Reid on December 25, 2021

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Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year when it comes to you and yours. This is it, we are at the end we’re days shy of 2022. I wish you and yours peace, joy and love. I wish you success, guidance, light, abundance and perseverance. As we end this year’s…

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Christmas Tag

by Shandean Reid on December 24, 2021

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What better way to bring Blogmas to a close than with a Christmas tag? I have been looking for a tag I could do and say Tall Blonde Tales do this one and figure, why not? It’s Christmas Eve and not many people, myself included are out due to the…

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My Family Christmas Tradition, 2 Families, 10 Christmases

by Shandean Reid on December 23, 2021

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This year, my husband and I celebrate our 10th Christmas together. It encompasses the one Christmas tradition we have made over the years. This, our 10th will be the first one we will spend thousands of miles apart. As you can imagine, it’s bittersweet. It makes me both sad and…

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