Oceans Bliss Portal
Welcome to Oceans Bliss Portal!
Your monthly dose of seasonal inspiration! Explore DIY projects, handmade wellness, practical self-sufficiency and creative ways to thrive with the seasons.
Earth to Chalah
Imagine a world where your imagination has no limits, where daydreaming and visualizing are not only accepted but encouraged! This is the
Creative Visualization: Build Your Dreams Like a Snowman
Are you ready for a deep-bliss session? Welcome back to Oceans Bliss Portal! Let's dive into it bliss feet first! After spending
Handmade Earrings Are Live – Shop Online!
I’m excited to share that my handmade in Penticton hypoallergenic earrings are now available on my online shop! These pieces are
The Wolf Supermoon
Snuggle up and bask in the enchanting glow of the Wolf Moon as we indulge in a traditional tale, a legend that
Make Your Own Natural Vapour Rub
This vapour rub has been a staple in my home for over 15 years. After spending time in New Zealand, I learned
The Coziest Pear Pie Recipe (with a Thick Filling)
There’s something about pears that feels softer, slower… a little more comforting than apples. Where apple pie has that bright, tart bite,
The Great January Reset – A Strategy for Makers & Homesteaders
January isn’t lazy, it’s strategic. If you live a seasonal life, you already know this. After the long stretch of garden harvests,
February
THE FEBRUARY CONNECTION
The Dalai Lamas Residence: A Tale of the Power of Prayer
Get ready to embark on a journey through one of the most memorable moments of my life! Welcome back to Oceans Bliss
Aphrodite’s Rock in Cyprus: Unlocking Love’s Magic
Visiting the birthplace of Aphrodite on Cyprus is not only a magical experience, but it can also be a catalyst for finding
Calling All Retailers!
Calling All Retailers: Stock Our Seasonal Earrings & Nature Prints! Are you looking to add unique, handcrafted products to your store? Well,
Valentines Day Love Eagles
Today I'm celebrating the spirit of commitment and loyalty on this very special day of love with a very special couple. Welcome
Wildcrafted Pine Resin Salve Recipe
Walking mountain trails, you’ll often see golden resin pooled along a scar in the bark. That’s a trees band aid, its way
A Valentine’s High Tea Tradition (Simple, Sweet & Made to Share)
There’s something special about slowing down and setting a table just because it’s February. There’s something special about traditions. And this high
DIY Space Saving Mini Greenhouses
If you’re anything like me, seed-starting season begins with excitement… and ends with every sunny windowsill completely taken over. Welcome back to
Homemade Apple Cider Vinegar Recipe
There’s something deeply satisfying about bottling a batch of homemade apple cider vinegar. Today I’m finally bottling the vinegar I made during
March
MARCH TO GOOD VIBRATIONS
Bliss Hotspot – Ibiza in the Spring
"Señoras y Señores this is your pilot speaking. We are now approaching Ibiza, and I wanted to personally welcome you to this
Take the Road Less Travelled
Hi Friends, I want to share a personal story with you about the road less traveled. Have you ever read 'The Road
Easy DIY Soil pH Test Using Red Cabbage
Before planting season begins, it helps to understand one simple thing about your soil: pH. Soil pH affects how easily plants can
Harvest to Jar: A Canning Yield Guide (Printable PDF)
Every year it happens! You bring home a box of peaches. Or you pull ten pounds of carrots from the garden. And
Wildcrafted Natural Pine Cleaner Recipe
Every spring I have the same ritual. As soon as the air starts to soften and the windows finally open again, I
My Natural Cleaning Cupboard (and the Recipes I Use Most)
Spring cleaning is a seasonal ritual that I love! Every spring I open the windows, let the fresh air in, and do
April
APRIL’S CREATIVE INFLUENCES
The Secret Balinese Garden
A new month, a new life highlight. My life highlight no4. Welcome back to Oceans Bliss Portal! Today, I want to share
Eagle Supermodel Glows Under the Pink Supermoon
Come on and join me today to witness an amazing show of wildlife style and coastal beauty! Welcome back to Oceans Bliss
My Photography Story
My photography story started over twenty years ago. It all began when I bought my first film camera in Bali followed by
Wall Art Size Guides
Discover the perfect wall art size with my new guides! They are handy visuals to help you measure your space and find
Spring Digital Image Downloads
I'm so excited to introduce a new product today, with a special spring price tag of only 5$ each! Digital image downloads
Wild Okanagan Sunflowers: Why you need to go for a walk in the mountains this spring!
Picture this: rolling hills shimmering in golden blankets, valleys overflowing with wild sunflowers—the sweet scent of arrowleaf balsamroot dancing in the breeze!
Preserving the Past: The Magic of Growing Heirloom Varieties
In our garden, we only grow organic, non-GMO heirloom varieties. If you’ve ever stepped into a garden like this, you can hear
Super Simple Small-Batch Sauerkraut (That Actually Gets Eaten)
This is the kind of recipe that easily becomes part of your routine. No fuss or no fancy tools... just cabbage, salt,
Super Simple DIY Dishwasher Tabs (That Actually Work)
There’s something deeply satisfying about making your own cleaning staples, especially when they’re simple, effective, and free from all the extra fillers.
Wild Violet Syrup: A Little Bit of Spring Magic in a Jar
There’s a short window each spring when the ground wakes up and offers one of its most delicate gifts....wild violets. You’ll find
Dandelion Season: Making Two Simple Infused Oils for Skincare and Food
Dandelions are a very easy place to start making your own oil stash! Because having a few simple infused oils on hand
May
MAY’S HEALTHY HEADLINES
The Road Less Travelled
When I look back at my life, it reminds me of the poem by Robert Frost - "The Road Not Taken". It
Get Ready for Summer: Digital Image Downloads
I'm so excited to upload new images to my Boutique Image Library today! With a special spring price tag of only 5$
A Gift! Apple Blossom Bliss Image Download!
Mother's Day Weekend Gift for YOU! To celebrate Mamas, I’m sharing apple blossom bliss with you through an INSTANT DIGITAL DOWNLOAD of
Clearing the Air: Smudging Your Creative Space
As a creative person, my studio is a sanctuary for ideas to flow and my imagination to run free. But sometimes my
How to Build A Greenhouse for Under $400
For under $400, we built a greenhouse and garden beds, filled them with soil, and planted seeds! Here, I'm going to share
June
JUNES BUILDING BLOCKS
Markets and Magic in Florianopolis Brazil
This month's highlight No6, takes us to the vibrant outdoor markets of Brazil, where I discovered a world of fresh fruits, vegetables,
Reflecting on our Roots
Going back to my roots has been an extraordinary adventure, a long journey filled with many profound revelations uncover the hidden gems
Bliss to Table
Today, let's give a blissful shout-out to pizza as I walk your taste buds on a journey of vibrant, real, and healthy
Jamming under the Strawberry SuperMoon
Are you a fellow jam and canning enthusiast? Get ready to embrace your inner canning spirit and join me on this canning
Purple Peruvian Heirloom Potatoes
I love potatoes. Mashed, fried, or baked, they always impress me. But nothing could prepare me for the potato revelation that awaited
Grow Your Own Bliss
From the very first time I stepped into my garden, I felt a profound connection with the living world around me. Each
Frame a 12 x 18″ Fine Art Print
Framing one of my 12x18” fine art prints is a straightforward process. Whether you prefer to visit a local frame shop or
Okanagan Markets: Then and Now
Looking at this old photo from 20 years ago brings back so many memories. A market in Okanagan Falls, the fee was
The Art of Giving Back
When life gives your daughter lemons, you help her make Okanagan fruit necklaces! Then you send them on a mission trip to
Why I Can on an Outdoor Cooking Stove
Am I crazy canner or is this the best thing ever? I started canning on an outdoor camping stove when our kitchen’s
Ready, Set, Can! How to Prepare Your Jars for the Season
Let's get our jars ready for canning season! Before I start canning, I go through all of my jars and this is
Our First Big Sale!
Now until June 30, 2025, enjoy 20% off all seasonal handmade earrings! It’s our first big sale, and stock is limited (I
July
JULY’S OPERATIONS
Blissful Energy Flow: Organize with Feng Shae!
Happy new month and a big shout-out to Life Highlight No7 - My absolute favourite since it's my favourite number! And we're
Oceans Bliss Art is at The Bench Market
For the month of July, Oceans Bliss will be at The Bench Market in Penticton, 368 Vancouver Ave! Come and check us out
Roses and Reflections at the Penticton Rose Garden
Each morning for the past week, I took a stroll through the Penticton rose garden, a calming ritual that started my day. The
Prepare in Advance: Canning for Christmas Gifts
With the canning season in full swing, now is the perfect time to start preparing for Christmas gifts. Canned goods make thoughtful, personalized
Low-Cost Canning Tips: How to Source Your Canning Fruits and Vegetables
Sourcing the fruits and vegetables for canning can be pricey if you’re not strategic. Here are some low-cost canning tips to help you
Free Homemade Sunscreen Recipe
Seasonal Wellness Series: Summer Living - Bali-Inspired Non-Tox Sunscreen Im sharing a tropical recipe from my time working in Balinese spas! This handmade,
August
AUGUST IS ON VACATION
Swimming with the Green Sea Turtle in Maui
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the turquoise waters, I found myself in a moment of
Summer Nights
Imagine a perfect day at the beach – the beautiful golden sun, the soft sand under your feet, and the rhythm of
Harvesting & Processing Elderberries
Elderberries are in season from August to September, so it’s the perfect time to plan for harvesting and processing these wonderful berries.
Love Lock Trestle Bridge in Penticton, B.C.
Nestled in the heart of Penticton, BC, the Kettle Valley Railway (KVR) trail offers one of the most scenic biking experiences around.
Get Your Fall Garden Ready
Hello August! It's time to start your seeds for your fall garden, my friends! Getting my greenhouse garden ready for fall is
Creating a Canning Garden: Your Pantry in the Backyard
For those who love to can, a garden is more than just a source of fresh produce—it's the foundation of a pantry
Why You Should Put a Bat House in Your Garden, Homestead or Orchard
If you're looking to give your orchard, garden or homestead a natural boost in pest control, consider putting up a bat house.
Grape Leaves: My Secret Pickling Ingredient
Pickling is one of my favourite ways to preserve the garden’s bounty, and over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks.
Stocking Up For Winter: The Benefits of Buying Bulk Pulses & Legumes
As the colder months approach, now is the perfect time to stock your pantry with bulk legumes and pulses. These nutrient-dense staples
Substituting Sugar in Canning
When it comes to canning, sugar has traditionally been seen as a key player in preserving fruits, maintaining their texture, and enhancing
September
INVESTING IN SEPTEMBER
Harnessing Inner Power: Hiking Mount Agung in Bali at Night
September has arrived, and it brings with it the key to ignite my life's highlight No9, a fresh beginning and a new
My Go-To Natural Garden Routine: Neem Oil Recipe
A little backstory on why I know so much about neem oil—it takes me back to my jungle days in Bali. I
Catching Septembers Harvest Supermoon
There’s something magical about waking up before the world does, especially when you’re in a place like Penticton, surrounded by mountains and
Celebrating Non-Gmo Apples in September
Orchards are heavy with fruit, and apple trees are bending under the weight of this season’s harvest. It’s the perfect time to
Back-To-Bliss Sneak Peek: Fall-o-ween Earrings Coming Soon!
Back to bliss celebration! School year has started up again, we are so excited to start up out homeschooling year, that we
How I Harvest, Preserve and Use Basil Year Round
If there’s one thing that thrives in my greenhouse, it’s basil. This herb is a powerhouse in my kitchen, and harvest days
October
OCTOBER’S SUPERPOWERS
Bali Spirit Under the Stars
As October takes centre stage, I can't help but reflect on the significance of this month in my life. It's a time
New! Satin Poster Paper Prints
Introducing new satin poster paper – a luxurious, budget-friendly option for displaying one of my vibrant nature prints! This satin finish gives
Leave the Leaves
As autumn arrives and the leaves begin to fall, many of us instinctively reach for the rake to tidy up our yards.
Hunter Moon
2023 was the year of the moon for me. I made it a mission to capture the moon every month, from the
Storing Root Vegetables for Winter
As the cool weather sets in, it's the perfect time to harvest and store your fall root vegetables for the winter months.
Winter Potato Math and Storage
This is our winter potato math: Our goal is to grow 75 pounds of potatoes for our family of three, enough to
Celebrating Fall Food and Eating Seasonally
Eating seasonally is like syncing up with nature’s rhythm—it just feels right. For a long time, I lived in the tropics on
November
LIGHTING NOVEMBERS FLAME
Leaps of Faith, Your Portals to Change!
Have you ever felt trapped in a stagnant moment, yearning for a spark to reignite your inner fire? Sometimes, life presents us
Fresh off the Bliss Press: New Prints, Prices & Sizes!
Fresh off the press: new prints, expanded sizes, and premium quality materials are here! Whether you’re looking to bring a bit of
December
HOME SWEET DECEMBER
The Last Full Moon of 2024
The final full moon of 2024, known as the Cold Moon—set this December morning, marking the end of another year. Its name
Home is Where the Heart Heals
As December kick offs, I find myself reflecting on a journey that led me back to where it all began - home.
My Iconic Earring Menu Boards
If you've ever visited my stand at a market or craft fair, you've probably noticed a colourful little detail right beside my
Homemade Elderberry Syrup (Small Batch, No Canning Needed!)
Every August I start gathering and drying elderberries for one of my favourite winter wellness traditions: a quick little batch of homemade
How to Store Root Vegetables for Winter
Every fall I harvest the vegetables that can feed my small family through winter. A root cellar or cold room doesn’t need
Naramata Warm Spiced Grape Cider
Every summer, I make fresh grape juice from Naramata grapes and tuck a few jars away for winter. When winter arrives, those
