About Me

Easy recipes for your family!

Welcome! Here you will find fresh and easy recipes for all occasions! Every day dinners, sides, appetizers, drinks, desserts, recipes for the holidays and SO much more. You will also find simple home decorating ideas and tips. Everything that makes your home, home.

What You’ll Find here at A Pretty Life in the Suburbs

RECIPES: Simple + delicious recipes for all occasions!
HOME DECOR: Find inspiration for simple home decorating.
SIMPLICITY: All of my recipes are great for all skill levels.
APPROACHABLE: Straightforward recipes with loads of tips!

About Me

My name is Jo-Anna and I am a work-at-home mom to my daughter and two sons, and wife to Tobin who is my amazing and supportive husband. We live in the suburbs in Calgary, Canada, but my dream is to one day move out to a tiny little place in the country…that’s where my heart really is.

Inspire by sharing.

And in my spare time (ha!) I am also the editor, director, creator, chief, main cook and home decorator here at ‘A Pretty Life in the Suburbs’! Back in October 2011, I created this site as a way to share my love of a simple home life through uncomplicated home tips and fresh and easy recipes. Since that time it has grown into something I am quite proud of and am so happy to be able to share with you. And it is my hope that by spending some time with me you are inspired to add some simplicity and deliciousness into your home and life!

Home Life Made Simple

That’s my motto. I hope you have a chance to browse around and find some inspiration! Whether you’re baking a cake, putting together a holiday dinner, Sunday Supper or decorating your home, you’ll find loads of inspiration here! So browse around, I’m so happy you’re here!

FAQs about the blog!

I was a stay-at-home Mom looking for a creative outlet with the hopes that one day I could help to support my family. But really, I’ve always loved cooking and baking and crafting and decorating, and a blog just seemed like the most perfect way to share this! I love inspiring people to get in the kitchen and create, and make their homes cozy.

I love this question! Most of my recipes are simple enough than anyone can make them. My goal is to offer recipes that are uncomplicated and delicious. If you want somewhere to start, this Crustless Quiche is easy and one of my most popular recipes. You can also try this Bruschetta Pasta Salad (everyone will think you’re a rockstar in the kitchen with this flavourful dish). If you feel like baking try my favourite Chocolate Cake or this Classic Banana Bread.

The main focus of ‘A Pretty Life in the Suburbs’ is definitely recipes! But I also love to share other things that make a home, home. Like home tours and decorating for the holidays, gardening tips and ideas, cleaning and organizing tips…and if you’ve been around from the start then you know my love of making wreaths!

I’m a regular gal that’s been cooking and baking for 25+ years! The best training is just doing and learning as you go. My recipes are tried-and-true and tested on my family many many times haha! Fun Fact: I have an Environmental Science degree! It’s funny where life takes you…

If you are interested in working with me, you can find out more about that here, or request a copy of my media kit by sending me an email at: jo-anna@aprettylifeinthesuburbs.com.