5 Most Memorable Travel Meals

My favourite thing about travelling is eating (tbh that's actually my favourite thing to do at any time) the meals I have and share with travel partners become memorable moments that punctuate each country I visit.
You can experience a culture through it's national dishes and truly connect to a place with the food it feeds you. These special meals are memorable for different reasons and I like thinking back on them and where I was in my life when I had each meal.

Fish in Venice

I was in Italy with my English boyfriend. We were in Venice and had gone to the Lido and spent the afternoon lounging in the sunshine and splashing about the very warm water. This evening, we wandered the maze like streets and found ourselves in the fish market (closed for the day) with several restaurants along the canal. We had fish stew and salmon on crustinis. It was all so fishy and fresh. Also, this was the first time I tried Prosecco and oh boy!

Wood Pigeon at a hookah bar

This was a lady date. We were in central London to experience the Icebar London, once our cool cocktails were consumed, we were hungry. Next door was MoCafe (Momo Restaurant), this cool Moroccan restaurant got us to try several new things that night. We selected our flavoured Sheesha Pipes and got down to the business of ordering food. As soon as we saw Pigeon Pastilla we knew what we were getting. Wood pigeon in a filo pastry with almonds and cinnamon. It was surprisingly, amazingly delicious.

Escargot in France

I adore snails, like actually, the little slimy, slow moving slugs are incredibly fascinating to me. I even kept a few in a DIY terrarium as a kid. But never once did I think they looked tasty. That said, I was curious as to how they would taste. The verdict; I'm a fan of garlic butter and if that means eating a snail to get it, then I can be down.

Christmas Dinner in Paris 

It was 2004, I was with my parents in Paris and I was just coming off of a full week of not being able to eat from a tasty tummy bug. The restaurant was magical and Christmasy. The air was filled with piano music and the smell of garlic and melted cheese.

Thanksgiving Dinner in London 

I was on my semester abroad in London and most nights were spent in our hostel's dining hall. The food was pretty good, but I was starting to get a bit homesick, missing home cooked meals. Come thanksgiving time, I think a few of us in the class were feeling the same and we decided to plan a thanksgiving dinner for us all to enjoy. We cooked two chickens (couldn't actually find turkey) with all the fixings. It was a group effort that took over the kitchen and dining room in our residence. It was a great party!

Moose in Newfoundland

I didn't know eating moose was a thing. But when I went to Newfoundland, it became a quest to find it, to try. When had rented an airbnb in Bauline East and had to procure our own dinner for the evening. It was the perfect opportunity! We made a wonderful picnic meal and barbecued the meat. It was lovely.

What are your thoughts about eating special meals while travelling? Do you like to try the foods of the places you are visiting or is pizza just as good anywhere you go?

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2018 Thank you, next!

2018 was a year. 

This year's theme is routine.

Along with setting my theme for the year I like to recap the past 365 days with a look through my instagram and pull out some of my favourite moments from each month.

January The year started off with a wonderful visit from my former doing-things friend from Europe, and we did all the things in Toronto. (Hope I get to see her again here soon)
February was a good month as I got to take a quick trip to San Antonio, Tx and visit with another good friend of mine
March went to see the Toronto Zoo to see the last of the Panda bears (it only took me 5 years) before they were packed up and sent to Calgary to continue their Canadian tour
April meant a new venture, cat-sitting! This month was a funny period and was the catalyst (excuse the pun) for what was to come later in the year.
May, I found myself in search of the Sakura blossoms, these were in Mississauga's Kariya Park

June introduced goat yoga at the village and every Thursday, I got to spent time with these adorable baby pygmy goats
July I found out that I got a job and was moving to Saskatoon! And then I found out that I got a job closer to home
August my time at Black Creek Pioneer Village came to an end this month and I knew I was going to miss it

October is for Oktoberfest. Always a good time.
November is 3 months at my new job, new home, new life.
December was busy month, including having to give my poor baby a bath twice weekly as per vet's instructions. But having her with me makes me incredibly grateful.

Happy New Year!

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2018 Best Bits

In 2015 I blogged a personal list about my favourite bits that took place over the course of the year. It's a nice little reminder for me of how my year went IRL and on the blog. This year is no different and here is my 2018 best bits (if you're interested here is 2017, 2016 and 2015).

Most popular Instagram photo:
Surprisingly my most popular post was from my winterlicious dessert at the Royal York in Toronto. It was part of a terrible date, but lovely sorbet nonetheless.

Favourite Moment:
Not a specific moment but my favourite thing to have happened in 2018 was all the cat sitting I did. It was a gig I fell into this past year, but I thoroughly enjoyed doing it. Staying in Toronto, imagining I could afford to live in the places I was living and spending time with sweet little kitties.

Most popular blog post:
Blogging kinda fell by the wayside this past year, especially these past few months.
Did you notice?
I know my mum did, when she saw me open up a draft page over the Christmas holidays she excitedly asked, "are you writing a post?!" She's my biggest fan.
So although there was a limited number of posts, I was well pleased to see my 6 Must do walks of London as my most popular post of 2018. Check it out, it's a good one!

Favourite trip:
I only took the one trip this year, but honestly, it was great! Reconnecting with a good friend and exploring a new place, San Antonio, Texas. We obviously went to The Alamo and did the Riverwalk, but I loved our day trips to towns outside of San Antonio. Catching a band at the Gueren Hall, a pint in the German hall in New Braunfels, it really whetted my apatite to head back again and explore more of the Hill Country.

Best meal:
Getting in right under the wire, Christmas dinner on Boxing Day in Montreal. It wasn't the food so much as it was the company and atmosphere. I was feeling a bit blah this year, until we arrived at my aunt and uncle's place. As the noise and activity grew in the familiar home so did my Christmas spirit.

Happiest moment:
Is it terrible that I had a hard time identifying my happiest moment of 2018. Looking back at the year, there were some great moments (and some not so great) and I'm not in the same spot I started out in this time last year, which is all kinds of great. I have a new job that I enjoy, my own apartment with a balcony, and a new town to explore.

Saddest moment:
Leaving Black Creek Pioneer Village after working there for 4 years. I do wish it could have provided me with a sustainable income, because quite honestly where else do you get to dress up in a pretty dress, frolic with livestock, interact with the public and make things with your hands for work? I already miss this place, but I'm glad to have had the opportunity to work here, I learned some great things and made some great friends which I hold dear.

What were your best bits of 2018?

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2019 Travel Wish List #travellinkup

I didn't get to travel much this year, so I'm glad I was able to get a trip to Texas in, early on in the year. After starting a new job, I promised myself I would definitely be booking a big trip for 2019. So Although I know I'll certainly be heading back to my favourite place and taking the number one spot on my 2019 travel wish list.

1. UK/Ireland

Summer 2019! Whooohooooo!

2. Iceland
Possible layover on my way to England? Yes, please.

3. Buffalo
A bit weird, I know, but someone told me that there is a Frank Lloyd Wright home in Buffalo and I've always wanted to see one in person!

4. Pennsylvania
I have a new interest in oil history and I'd love to check out the Drake Well Museum and Park in Titusville, PA

5. Portugal
Throwing a random one out there, because why the heck not. It seemed like everyone and literally their mother, went here in 2018, so call it a bit of fomo.

What are your travel plans for 2019? 

At the beginning of each month, I like to take part in the monthly travel link up hosted on the incredible blogs by Angie, Emma, Binny. You can join in too by leaving a comment below, checking out other posts on the link up, or adding your own post to the widget now until January 7th.

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How to Feel Confident When You Feel Anything But

I know I'm not alone in occasionally suffering from the Imposter Syndrome or generally feeling like a big, fat, faker of adulting. My mum has always said to me, "Fake it til you make it!" which is a rule I do live by, since oftentimes when I'm in new situations I can be overwhelmed with thoughts of self-doubt and self-criticism.

Starting a new job, as I am doing, these same negative and harsh remarks make their way to the forefront of my brain and I begin to question EVERY MOLECULE OF MY BEING.

Not wanting to completely derail my first week of work when I should be excited and looking forward to new experiences instead of not being able to focus on things because the voice in my head shouting, "You can't do this!" is too distracting, I headed for Pinterest and researched some ways to make me feel more confident and comfortable in unfamiliar settings.

Clothes make the (wo)man

As in the old expression, "The clothes make the (wo)man." Originally it meant that, one could tell one's status by what someone wore and although this is still true, the idiom has also come to mean, dress comfortably and confidently and you will be comfortable and confident. That's why all those career advice articles tell you to dress for the job you want, not the job you have or that if you work from home, still put on real clothes, which will make you more productive than if you stay in your pajamas all day.  Also, after spending several years in uber casual clothes that are great for giving tours and getting physical, but not so office appropriate. I'm totally looking forward to a lady trouser in my future.

Positive Affirmations

Beyond the typical positive affirmations--my current fav, "I can do all the things", be kind with the way you speak to yourself. The world can be harsh enough, no need for you to pile it on too. Instead of criticizing, remind yourself that you are enough and that you got this!
A few years ago, I was starting a new position at work and I was feeling overwhelmed. A friend of mine told me that in Dutch, they say the word "sterkte!" to wish someone the strength to persevere whatever challenge they are facing. I really liked this and still say it to myself today.

Power Poses
Pseudoscience or not, I love the idea of practicing power poses to help boost my confidence. With fists on hips like Wonder Woman, I can't help but feel like I can conquer the world! Or at the very least, the small task in front of me. And even if it doesn't give me the little boost I'm looking for, body language speaks loud and proud and others will see you as confident. Just don't confuse the Wonder Woman pose with the Superman pose.

make a list

I have a bullet journal and one of my favourite things to do in it is to write a weekly inventory of achievements I accomplished that week. Sometimes the list includes major achievements like absolutely nailing an interview and other times it's the little wins, like woke up before 9am, that are celebrated. Creating a list of things you are good at and things you've accomplished is a good way to remind yourself just how much you rock.

Speak with Confidence
Rephrase how you speak, to instead speak with confidence. It's no longer, "I don't know", now it's "That's a good question, let me look into that and get back to you."

Rally Crowds

I once attended the London Marathon (merely as a spectator) and as runners passed by my friend and I noticed the name bibs on each participant. The crowds around us shouted and cheered people on, calling out their names even though they didn't personally know them. As an aside, I noticed a lot of Dave's running and called out to them each time with a hearty, "YEEEEEEEEEAAAHHH DAAAAVE!" Wouldn't you love to have a crowd should out encouragement to you everywhere you went?
When you need them, call on your personal cheerleaders, those people that are super supportive and say encouraging things to you and who have absolutely no doubt in their minds that you will be a success. It couldn't hurt.


These are some of the things I'm doing to trick myself into feeling more confident than I actually am just yet. Gaining real confidence will only come with time, as I become more comfortable with my surroundings, more familiar with the history of the organization and more informed about the industry.

Update: After posting this I discovered the newly launched The Insecure Girls' Club by the bad-ass blogger Liz Purvis. She's developing her club for women who need to be reminded "that you can be successful, outgoing, good company and confident and still be insecure at times...[the club is] a place for girls who want to kick ass, but still feel a bit wobbly at times." We aren't alone in our moments of insecurity even while being awesome and capable. Sometimes it's just nice to know we aren't alone, it's not all instagram perfection out there.

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A post shared by The Insecure Girls’ Club (@theinsecuregirlsclub) on Sep 9, 2018 at 8:49am PDT

Do you 'fake it til you make it?'

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Top Festivals in Toronto

Ohhh Toronto loves a festival. Summer is chockablock full of festivals celebrating food, music, drinks, art...you name it, there is probably a festival for it in and around the city. Here I've compiled my list of 5 favourite Toronto festivals and just so you know, not all of them are summertime deals.

1// Toronto Cider Festival

I'm not a beer drinker so all the craft beer fests usually aren't my scene, but put a cider on tap and I'm there! This end of summer fest has all the hallmarks of a great summer weekend at the cottage at the Toronto Waterfront on Sherbourne Common.

2// Toronto Light Fest

This winter festival arguably kicks off the year of fests by starting mid-January and running for several weeks at the Distillery District. It's an incredible installation of light based outdoor art pieces. Honestly, I really love this event. Cool public art is tops.

3// Historic Distillery District Christmas Market

I love all Christmas markets, but the ones in Europe are really where's it at. Short of a flight to Germany, the Distillery District for the month of November becomes a Christmas wonderland and the closest thing to a true and proper Christmas market on the cobbled streets of the former Victorian Distillery.

4 Taco Fest

Unlike the other fests on this list, this is the only one I have yet to repeat. June is a busy month for festivals and sometimes you just have to pick and choose how you spend your time. But I love tacos and a whole festival dedicated to them is a-okay in my books.

5 Brunch Fest

This festival also in June gives you your fill of breakfast themed foods. I recommend going to a early session to avoid lines and missing out on some favourite brunch items.

A festival is only second to a really good farmer's market, but what have I missed? Any honourable mentions that should be noted?

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Most Romantic Place in Canada: Bauline East

When I travel, I don't really think about the romance of a place. Sure I've been to Florence and Venice, Quebec City and Paris, which according to some travel websites are v. romantic places. Usually when I book a trip someplace it's usually from a pure desire to see something new and experience life in a different space. Also with an eye on the cultural food.

So last summer when a good friend and I decided to meet in St. John's, Newfoundland (a half way point between Toronto and the UK). We spent a few days in the city doing a whistle-stop tour of the major tourist sites and some more hidden spots (totally fell in love with this place). As an added treat after spending time in the big city, I booked us into an Airbnb off the Irish Loop in an area called the Bauline East. We rented a vehicle and hit the road, taking a leisurely ride to our one night jaunt.

We knew we were staying in an old Newfoundland barn, a structure big enough to store supplies, hay and a cow for the winter, now renovated to comfortably sleep two with a seating area and small kitchenette. But when we arrived we were both hit with the romanticism of the colourful structures on the property, the proximity to the private cove, and the general setting and peacefulness of it all.

As we cooked our moose meat burgers, steak, scallops and roasted veggie meal--a veritable feast--on the barbecue provided, we kept turning to each other and asking, "Can you believe this?"

After our gourmet dinner overlooking the cove, we sauntered down to the beach where George (the super friendly host) had arranged a fire pit for us. It started to lightly rain, but we persisted and out lasted the weather as the moody clouds rolled in but rained no more. We made friends with our bunky neighbours and sipped Newfoundland blueberry-partridgeberry wine (I wouldn't even change this detail of our night if I could relive this experience). Eventually the fire died down and we slipped back to our barn for a deep slumber.

The next morning we awoke to gorgeous bright light and sounds of sea birds and waves hitting the rocky shore. For breakfast we sipped warm hugs of tea and munched on fresh summer fruit on our tiny porch facing the water and the August morning sun. It was here that I declared, "I've found it! This is where I'm going to come when I write my novel."

We were slow to pack our bags and did it quite begrudgingly, I might add. We drove further along the Irish Loop and did some sight seeing in the area while seriously discussing cancelling our flight back to Toronto and spending the rest of our lives in this precious barn. I would have done it too, if we weren't heading to the wedding of a dear friend back in Ontario.

Given an opportunity I would return here any day, just looking for an excuse...hang on, let me grab a pen and get started on that book!

At the beginning of each month, I like to take part in the monthly travel link up hosted on the incredible blogs by Angie, Emma, Polly and guest host Bejal at Be-Lavie. You can join in too by leaving a comment below, checking out other posts on the link up, or adding your own post to the widget now until August 7th.

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Photo Essay: Quilts at the Creek

It's that time of year again, Quilts at the Creek, Black Creek Pioneer Village that is. I was able to pop in and spot some truly spectacular works of fabric art.

Here were some of my favourites

This beautiful setting is made that much more beautiful with the temporary colourful display. Check it out next year!

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