Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk
If youāve been following along with my last few posts, you may have gathered by now (flowers and all) that Iām very much a Summer person at heart. Because of that, I feel like it takes me a little extra time to fully embrace Fall. Thanksgiving weekend is usually what marks that transition for me, and although Canadian Thanksgiving has come a to a close, thereās still plenty of time to celebrate all there is to be thankful for ā cozy recipes certainly being one of them. And for my American friends, I suppose you could consider this post an early start to your Thanksgiving preparations . . .
(West) Coast of Roses ā A Wine Bottleās (Re)purpose from Late Spring to Early Autumn
In case you havenāt noticed, Iām currently (and perpetually) hyperfixated on flowers.
While this isnāt your usual autumn floral arrangement, I like to think the things we cherish most donāt have to end when summer fades or the bottle runs empty . . .
A Matcha Moment Between Seasons (and a Few Floral Cupcakes)
Though Fall is officially here, Iām still holding on to Summer and my matcha latte. What can I say? After sharing my floral cake earlier this month, I couldnāt help but think of all the ways I could elevate my matcha and hold on to that last little bit of Summer warmth. As if the heat from my latte wasnāt enough. And so, I decided to complement it with a couple of other things I had been holding on to . . .
My Take on the āKinda Chicā Trend
Thereās something interesting about the things we collectively decide are āchic.ā For a long time, this word seemed reserved for a relatively narrow set of things: effortless style, expensive taste, beautiful spaces, lavish lifestylesā¦ But over the years, social media has had a way of reframing these seemingly curated ideals. However, long before all the Instagram influencers of today, I looked up to my mother, who also had a way of making things her own . . .
Classic Floral Cake with Soft Pink Buttercream
Today marks 15 years since my motherās celebration of life, and with a new season approaching, it feels natural (quite literally) to share a cake recipe in her honour (preserved from a cherished classic) . . .
(Himalayan) Zen Garden DIY ā Jewelry Box Repurpose
Much like the ocean waterās rush, the crash of Summer into Autumn has been nothing short of untamed. Between last minute beach days, back to school picnics, back to school shopping, semi-annual social media sound offs (if you know, you know), keeping up with current events, and simply (or not so simply) riding the waves of life, itās been A LOT (to say the least). However, these last few weeks have been very eye opening for me in terms of what kind of energy I desire to bring into my life going forward. This includes (but isnāt limited to) people, places, internet outlets, and ways of expression . . .
Locarno Beach (Re)view ā Why we Love it Here (and Keep Coming Back)
I donāt know about anyone else, but Summer in Vancouver feels a little extra cluttered this year. Perhaps itās the seemingly unpredictable weather. Or maybe itās because Iām a mom of multiple children trying to fit in all the beach days. Regardless, what I do know for certain is that I could never forget that I live here and am often reminded by nearly forgetting what season weāre supposed to be in some daysā¦ Blaring sunshine one minute, pouring rain the next, humid a l w a y s . Clearly the weather plays a part. Anyway, much like the forecast (and the many local beach crowds), my family and I have kind of been all over the place lately as well. However, thereās one place in particular we keep coming back to and I truly couldnāt recommend it more . . .
June ā July Highlights, Featuring Fresh Cake and Fresh Water Pearls
I know itās technically āruby seasonā, but can we take a minute to appreciate these pink and mauve freshwater pearls? This set (shown above) was thoughtfully gifted to me for my birthday, and meticulously crafted by Leah Alexandra Jewelry. If this name sounds familiar, youāre likely thinking of the original āSpark Studioā, owned by local Vancouver designer, Leah Alexandra, who is well known for her more permanent jewelry pieces, many of which have been featured in magazines such as Elle, Vogue, and InStyle. Need I say more? I mean, we all know Iām going to say more anyway, so letās get into all the pretty little details of this set . . .
Ninja Creami Unboxing / Blender Replacement
Second week into Summer with my Ninja Creami, and only 52+ weeks of it taking up counter space that I donāt really have.
While I often get asked if itās worth the hype, Iāve also been asked if it can be used in replacement of a blender. Over the last year, Iāve put both questions to the test, and much like the Ninja blade, itself, Iām about to break it all down, starting with the initial unboxing . . .
Is Starbucks Cold Foam Really Worth it?
Okay, so I like to think of myself as a granola mom, but Iām kind of 80/20. Iām all for organic, natural, non-GMO e v e r y t h i n g , but every once in a while I like to sprinkle in a little f*ck it, I need Starbucks. If this sounds familiar, youāve likely seen my recent reel on Instagram, telling everyone to go get free cold foam from Starbucks during one of their recent promos . The only problem? I embarrassingly auto-posted it to the wrong date and completely forgot about it. At least I didnāt forget to go to Starbucks all together, because that would obviously be deplorable . . .
All you can Eat Charcuterie, All Parties Invited ā A (Food) Bloggerās Thoughts on Political Discussion in 2025
Oh hi, itās been a while. Iāve been a little more quiet on social media lately because it seems to be a very loud place right now (politically speaking) and not in the greatest way (in my opinion). But you know, sometimes ignorance is only bliss for so long and Iām tired of biting my tongue . . .
Late Night Thoughts and Love at First Sip, Featuring Justly Made Tea
Iāve said it before and Iāll say it again, Iāve never understood people who leave their Christmas trees up until February. Not me writing this as I sit here in my Christmas sweater, sipping my justly made tea. At least itās not out of a Christmas mug though, because, I mean that would just be appalling. Anyway, I canāt say this is the first time Iāve contradicted myself during the holiday seasonā¦ Valentineās Day counts as a holiday, right? Look, as long as itās still Winter time, Iām going to find comfort in whatever I can, as I patiently wait for the warmer seasons to approach. Now if that means Delores down the street is going to keep whatās left of her Christmas tree up until Spring, so be it. For me, thatās too far, so Iāll just continue sitting here in my Christmas sweater, minding my own business (obviously), and sipping my warm tea. But not JUST any tea ā JusTea to be exact, and in the form of an Earl Grey latte or London Fog (as we Canadians like to call it) . . .
The Life-Changing Magic of Doing What Works for YOU ā Marie Kondo Book Review
I donāt know about anyone else, but for me, the most difficult part about tidying up is not knowing where to start. I often feel the same way with writing something newā¦ I canāt tell you how many times I tried to write this post, and to be honest, I still donāt really know where to begin. I also donāt know where the last month went, but weāre not ready for that conversation. By we, I mean me and my mental sanity . . .
Pepsi vs. Poppi (and Why to Make the Switch)
In case you missed it, Iām currently in my Popp(s)i Cola era. The best part? Zero guilt. Seriously, forget āPepsi zeroā, āCoke zeroā; I give zero cares. Poppi is where itās at . . .
Baby Teeth(ers), Featuring Lou Lou Lollipop and The Very Hungry Caterpillar
The very first book I ever read my son was āThe Very Hungry Caterpillarā, which has been a family favourite since our first was born. And much like the very hungry caterpillar, himself, my son has been biting things non-stop, but not just because heās hungryā¦ Growing babies = growing teeth, and boy, have we had a journey with teething this time aroundā¦ My girls never had an overly rough time with teething (from what I can remember), but this poor little guy canāt catch a break. Weāve tried multiple teething toys and have had minimal luck. Donāt get me wrong, the counter pressure helps, but not long after most teethers are given, he resorts to throwing them on the floor (or out in the parking lot with LOTS of tears to follow). Needless to say, it was time to look for a pacifier clip . . .
GRWM, Featuring Supercrush and Single Serve Hot Cocoa
šš®š©šš«šš«š®š¬š”ing it this morning with fuss-free hair (for once in my life) and single serve hot cocoa (for the second time today) . . .
Mini Egg Icebox Cake
This week, I decided to do some āSpring Cleaningā in my fridge, and in the process, discovered an unopened bag of mini eggs. While my stomach told me to run to the pantry (or any corner of the house where my kids canāt see) and devour them in one sitting, my heart told me I should probably share them. Well, Iām happy to report that I followed my heart, and not only did I share them with my kids, but Iāll be sharing them with all of you (in recipe form). Thatās right, the recipe Iām sharing today is a take on my momās traditional Cocoa Dusted Icebox Cake, with the addition of crushed mini eggs on top . . .
Ceramic Lab Unboxing, Featuring Hot Lavazza
For those who read my last post (or looked / got outside in Vancouver), youāll know cherry blossom season is in full swing! However, today, Iāve decided to throw it back to the cozier rainy days and copious pours of hot Lavazza via a Ceramic Lab unboxing . . .
What Cherry Blossom Season in Vancouver is Really Like
April showers bring Vancouver cherry blossoms, and let me tell you, Iām quite literally here for it. Of course Iām still a Summer girl through and through, but I do appreciate the rain and all the beauty that exists because of it. However, all too often the down pours are the talk of the city, leaving less conversation for the blooms. With that said, I figured Iād dedicate this post to what cherry blossom season in Vancouver is really like, including some interesting facts . . .
Flawless + Rockwell (Chrome Series)
Last night I set my alarm for 6:45am, so I could start my skin-care routine early. Next thing you know, daylight savings time kicks in and I find myself hitting the snooze button for an hour. Needless to say, I woke up feeling rushed. As much as I wanted my skin-care and make-up done, etc. I had little ones to attend to and somewhere I needed to be, so it just didnāt happen. Now while this may seem kind of absolutely ridiculous, this was the first time I truly felt content leaving the house without my make-up on ā the first time I hit the snooze button on unrealistic beauty standards . . .