Posted @withregram • @loverussellon Meet Kareen. “I grew up in a small village of about 100 people in the beautiful Ottawa Valley, so I am truly a small town girl. I tried living in the city for a couple of years but quickly realized that it wasn't for me. My husband and I moved to Russell in 1995 and it is one of the best decisions we have made. Raising our two daughters, now ages 19 & 21, in a small town environment was very important to both of us. I worked in an office setting in Ottawa for 20+ years and realized one day that I was bored and tired of doing the same thing day after day. So, after a front porch conversation, I joined local company Beyond the House in 2013 and haven't looked back! It has been a whirlwind few years and I am extremely proud to have been a part of building this business to what it is today! As my children can attest to, I enjoy gardening and have created a welcoming environment for my feathered friends. Photography is another of my passions and I get excited to find that perfect shot! I love to spend time with our family and with the wonderful friends we have made here in Russell. Wandering around other small towns and finding quaint little coffee shops and boutiques is my idea of an ideal day. Small town living is definitely for me. Russell is a wonderful place to live and raise a family. There is a true sense of community here and people pull together in difficult times and to help those in need. My husband travelled a great deal when our children were younger and I often relied on our friends and neighbours to help out with rides to and from the girls' activities, helping me get out of the driveway after a big snow storm or driving me to the hospital after a gallbladder attack with a newborn and two year old in the house! For newcomers, I like to point out some of the great features here, including the bike/walking trails, the conservation area along the Castor River and the dry stone bridge in MacDougall Park which is a wonderful location for family photos! I'm a bit biased of course, but I also believe we have the prettiest Garden Centre in the Ottawa area!” #loverussell #smalltown #lovegardening #gardencen https://www.instagram.com/p/CDwGx6Kj7k-/?igshid=1vxcrqvw46kvb