I was a weird kid who liked to write music and poetry, and spent most of my childhood reading books and playing outside. Not much has changed. I describe myself as a radical self love warrior. I use the creative arts to help women heal their relationships with their bodies and recover from abuse trauma. I live in beautiful Port Moody with my husband and two little monsters Gabe and Gavin, and I am currently writing my second children’s book, Princess Monsters from 1 to 10.

Noons Creek Hatchery

You can visit the small fry, walk through Bennie’s Trail to learn about native plants, or throw rocks in the water. My boys have both spent hours here.

Moody Ales

For a summer girls night, sitting at a picnic table on the deck at Moody Ales with a bag of popcorn is just the best.

Caffe Divano

Caffe Divano bakes all their goodies on site, including their amazing pies (strawberry, ginger, peach is my favourite), which they serve a la mode with Rocky Point ice cream. If I want to sit and enjoy my coffee, I bring mini board games or play dough to keep the kids entertained.

Saint Street Grill

My favourite place for date night! They have amazing seafood and pasta, and the décor is fun and eclectic.

Geek Crossing

Community craft studio and nerdy art shop featuring local artists. I live in a house of Star Wars geeks, so this place is a dream!

See Also

Family friendly Thanksgiving activities in Metro Vancouver

Sango Restaurant

This Port Moody sushi restaurant is the place we eat out most with the kids. I love their baked salmon roll!

White Pine Beach

15 minutes from my house is Sasamat Lake. The best days of summer are the ones I spend here with my boys.

Connect with Joyelle on her site Joyelle Brandt, on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Top image credit: Michele Mateus