I am Amber, all around crunchy granola mom to 5-year-old Hannah and 1-year-old Jacob. I am an engineer-turned-at home mom and an aspiring freelance writer. My husband Jon, the kids and I live in suburban Vancouver, BC along with our crazy cat Dorothy.

These days I’m all about maternity leave and parenting. I even wrote a super-cool Quick Guide to Canadian Maternity Leave, which you should totally download. It’s completely fabulous, if I do say so myself.

When I’m not blogging I am working to simplify and live a more eco-friendly lifestyle. I’m seeking to find some kind of personal balance, and working to craft my life into something new and more personally fulfilling. Along the way I’m dreaming big and discovering who I really want to be. To that end I knit and sew and garden. I make up songs and sing them to myself or anyone who will listen. I breastfeed and I wear my babies. And I regularly sometimes sneak chocolate when no one’s looking.

I welcome your comments and feedback. I love knowing that people are reading! Please drop me a line and pass along your thoughts. You can comment on any post, or email me at amber[at]strocel[dot]com. And if you’re all hip to the social networking, connect with me on Twitter, Facebook, Flickr or FriendFeed. After all, nothing is cooler than a thirtysomething suburban mom of two trying to rock the social networking.

If you want more of me (and really, who wouldn’t?) you can find me over on The V3H, writing about what’s going on in and around Port Moody, BC. I also contribute to API Speaks and 5 Minutes for Going Green.

While you’re at it, be sure to check out my amazingly good guest posts and features: