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Remember when we set out on a last-minute family getaway right after New Year's? We stayed at the Forks in the Trail Bed and Breakfast and, well, I can't stop thinking about it. The place was just gorgeous and our hosts were really nice. I can't wait to go back in the summer and enjoy a swim in their outdoor saltwater pool!

As is common during the holidays, life can get a little busy entertaining guests, shopping for last-minute gifts or tending to household chores. Fortunately, our family was able to ring in the New Year with family and friends at our dinner table. But the following morning found me at the walk-in clinic, a sign, I believe, that my body needed some serious R&R. So here we are, enjoying a last-minute family getaway in Horseshoe Valley at the gorgeous Forks in the Trail Bed and Breakfast. With this being my first post of 2015, I would like to wish you and your loved ones a happy New Year and hope that you find the time to rest and unwind. As I wrap up this short post, allow me this one cliché: life is too short.

If you asked me what I loved most about our weekend getaway at Ste. Anne's Spa, I would find it difficult to pinpoint any one feature in particular. The fact is, the entire experience was exceptional. From the time we checked into our private Sentosa Spa Cottage right up until we stopped off at Ste. Anne's bakery on the way home, I reveled in the quietude and serenity. After a tour of the main floor, we headed to the dining room for a lovely afternoon tea. But it wasn't just a cup of tea that we enjoyed. We had the option of selecting from their menu of tea plates. I chose the fruit and cheese platter: mini fruit skewers of seasonal fruit served with honey yoghurt dip, slices of old cheddar cheese, creamy brie cheese with cranberry and grape garnish, and crackers.

My husband ordered the sampler plate with Ste. Anne’s scones, which my husband raved about. The scones were served with tea cream and homemade strawberry preserves, a flax and sesame seed cookie, a chocolate chip cookie, a chocolate brownie, a caramelized pecan and orange biscotti, a cucumber sandwich with local sprouts, a smoked salmon canapé with lemon pesto, a mini fruit skewer, a slice of old cheddar cheese, a slice of creamy brie and crackers. Yes, this was just a 'sampler.'

In the early evening, my husband and I took part in an intermediate yoga class in the Fitness Inn Pavilion. This room with a view provided the ideal conditions for ultimate relaxation. It was cozy and warm thanks to beautiful hardwood flooring and a toasty wood fire place. The best part is that the yoga mats and accessories are all provided so you need not worry if you left yours at home. Classes must be scheduled in advance to ensure space is available but, for our first class, it was only my husband and I in attendance. We returned the following morning for an additional session and enjoyed it equally so.

Periodically during our stay, my husband spent some time in the eucalyptus steam room. It was right up his alley.

Myself, I preferred the 104-degree outdoor hot tub, cold plunge pool and lap pool in the Fieldstone Grotto. It was the first time I ever experienced swimming in the midst of snow flurries. Coo, wha' a sight!

When we weren't busy devouring delicious and healthy foods (see more photos below), swimming in below freezing temperatures or resting in our beautifully appointed room, we could be found lounging in one of the many quiet rooms to be found in the main building. Each room had ample seating, games, puzzles, books, fireplaces and more, making for a truly enjoyable experience. The spa waiting room also offered fresh self-serve coffee, tea, granola and biscotti.

The service at Ste. Anne's Spa was wonderful and I couldn't be more impressed with the constant maintenance of the locker rooms. Each time I entered the room, staff members were busily re-stocking with fresh towels and ensuring that the room was pristine. Within the locker room, there were programmable lockers to securely store your belongings, a dry cedar sauna, steam room,  a colour therapy hot tub, change rooms, rain showers, washrooms, full-body mirrors and sinks with ample counter space. Forgot your bathing suit? You can borrow a clean spare from the basket in the locker room.

While an overnight getaway at Ste. Anne's Spa can set you back $299 - $515 per person based on double occupancy, it is undeniably worth the drive to Grafton. Keep in mind that the rate includes four-diamond accommodation, a 4-course dinner, breakfast, a 3-course lunch, afternoon tea, use of Ste. Anne's signature robe, a reusable spa bag and slippers, $120 spa & wellness allowance and complete use of the facilities. My husband and I both agree that a return visit is in order, we loved it so much. With over 400 acres of scenic countryside, walking trails and an outdoor pool, I definitely want to return in the summer. Oh, honey! Our 10-year anniversary is coming up in July...

A little over a week ago, my husband and I made the one-hour drive to Grafton to spend a weekend away at Ste. Anne's Spa. Upon receiving the invitation to experience Canada's largest destination spa, I was delighted to learn about the various spa cottages that can be found nestled around the main inn and located throughout the 400 acres of scenic countryside and rolling hills. While a room at the inn would afford the convenience of the on-site spa facilities and dining area, spending a romantic weekend in a more private cottage was a wonderful way to spend our first ever adult-only weekend trip in over eight years!

Cathedral ceilings, a gas fireplace, hardwood flooring, and this - a ginormous king size bed! (Cue ethereal music.) Oh, and we can't forget in-room wifi. Just in case, uh... you need to, you know... pop on Twitter or Facebook or something.

This bed was seriously the highlight of this room, next to all of the warm natural lighting that lit up our living space during the day. At night, it was so weird not to have noticed my husband when he moved on his side of the bed. Weird but nonetheless wonderful! Of course, the ensuite 4-piece bathroom was second on my list of favourite features. Check out the two-person whirlpool tub!

Have you ever gone swimming in below-freezing temperatures? Neither had I until recently. To celebrate my birthday, I had arranged a little getaway for my husband and I last weekend, a trip which also doubled as a travel review. It only made sense to choose the final weekend of my 35th year to make the hour-long drive out east to Ste. Anne's Spa. I was excited enough to get away with my husband for the first time since having kids but I also couldn't wait to check out the Fieldstone Grotto - a lap pool, a cold plunge pool and a 104-degree hot tub surrounded by snow and icicles. Enough said.

This is where I would rather be at this precise moment in time. Somewhere warm. On a beach. Watching the sunrise. Wouldn't you?

The following is sponsored by CAA South Central Ontario

The warm summer temperatures are beginning to fade, giving way to cold, rainy weather. While I love raking leaves this time of year (okay, maybe not), I would much rather be planning a getaway to somewhere hot and sunny. Somewhere exotic. The mere thought of laying on the beach by the ocean gets me feeling all warm inside. I can almost hear it now - the lapping of the waves, tropicbirds flying in the wind, the sound of refreshing coconut milk as I gulp up every last drop. Add to this the breathtaking backdrop of French Polynesia and you've got my ideal vacation. Now wouldn't a trip for two to Bora Bora just make your year?

With THE GAME OF LIFE: CAA Life-side Assistance Edition, you can visit www.caagol.com for the chance to win a vacation to one of three dreamy destinations such as an 8-day family trip to Florida, an 11-day cruise along the Danube River or an 11-day trip for two to French Polynesia valued at $10,000! Not yet convinced it's worth entering? Check out what's included in the Polynesian Escape:

Are you on cloud nine yet? The good news is that, with the all-new game board, CAA has added more daily prizes to increase everyone's chance of winning. You could win $10 Petro-Canada gift cards, Cineplex 'admit one' passes, or even a $200 gift card for Walmart, iTunes, Roots, or Sport Check!

How to Play

When I look at my wardrobe and accessories, the majority of the colours I see are neutrals. Browns, blacks, whites. Basic boring. There are a few solid-coloured pieces that I own which are bright and bold, and funny enough, those are the ones I receive the most compliments on. So when I saw the new Spring/Summer line of bags and accessories from Lug, I just knew I needed to add more colour to my life. And what better way to do that than with something practical, stylish, and just plain smart.

As a mother of two young children, spending the night away from home always requires that I pack for the inevitable, whether it's rain or shine. This means I am always stuffing a number of items into my small duffle bag, which I originally bought as a carry-on for my trip to Italy back in university. It has two deep pockets on either side and two smaller pockets on the front. And that's pretty much it. Needless to say, it doesn't quite cut it now that I'm married with children. It seems I am always packing something or other in an additional bag or two since it won't all fit in my old bag. It wasn't until I saw the Airbus Weekender Bag that I felt like I had found the solution to my travel woes.