We’re in for a bunch of snow this weekend. I’ve stocked up the snacks, the firewood is piled up, and all of my coziest sweats are washed and ready to go. I’m looking forward to it a little bit! I also got a haircut and colour for the first time in a couple years this week, so I’m thrilled to have beautiful snow day hair haha. I think I might try my hand at making bagels on Saturday (this recipe minus the egg wash), we’re going to rent Women Talking, I’m excited for the first F1 race of the year, and if the weather clears up on Sunday, we might try a new café with friends. Simple and relaxed times!

Work wise, I’ve been testing a new muffin recipe and a truly exciting new pancake option (!!). I typically shy away from sweets and breakfast-y things on here, but I’m just really fixated on both at the moment. Hoping I can get both of them locked down next week. I’m also slowly building up the collection of basics that are always available for your reference: 10-Minute Vegan Pesto, Vegan Sour Cream, and Flavourful Vegetable Stock so far. Let me know if there’s something in that category that you’d like to see next!

Here’s my usual assortment of links and other things to check out :)

5 Things I’m Reading:

1. 99 Things To Do Instead Of Reaching For Your Phone
2. The entire Mall Food Madness series on Eater
3. A retro hobby for the end times
4. What is a “Darkness Retreat”?
5. “March is arguably the biggest astrological month of 2023, set to usher in profound changes that will unfold for the rest of the year.”

5 Things I’m Enjoying:

1. We just started watching What We Do in the Shadows–it’s so silly and fun
2. Little pick-me-up: split dates with cashew coffee nibs nut butter, chocolate chips and crunchy salt.
3. Enjoying a few episodes of this new-to-me podcast: Reset with Liz Tran
4. Lupin super bloom!
5. Spending a lot of time on the gardening side of Instagram these days. Love this account.

5 Questions:

1. What is your evening routine?
   Oh it hasn’t been good lately and my sleep has been suffering because of it! Might as well be honest with you. My energy and momentum were totally taken out for most of February between getting covid and some other happenings in life. I started eating later/sometimes skipping dinner in favour of snacks, lots of binge watching TV, having caffeine a bit too late in the day, looking at my phone after dinner, and not being consistent with my evening supplements. I am slowly working my way back though. Ideally my evening routine looks like this: Eat dinner early (around 5-6), put my phone away, read or watch a little bit of TV, have a cup of chamomile/other relaxing tea, take my evening supps, journal a bit, stretch for 5-10 minutes, and go to bed by 10.
2. Who are some of your favourite food content creators?
   I have SO many! Here’s a small selection: Rainbow Plant Life, Liz Miu, Eat with Afia, The Pancake Princess, Butter Be Ready, Ambitious Kitchen, Joy The Baker, Bryan Ford, and Mississippi Vegan.
3. I am struggling with getting enough protein. Any Tips?
   I try to pack so much protein into my daily smoothie, and honestly this is the only strategy I can offer. I love to use soy milk because it has the highest protein out of all the non-dairy options, I boost the smoothie with protein powder (my fave brand here), peanut/almond butter, chia, hemp, and flax seeds. Sometimes I sneak frozen peas or cooked lentils in there (I swear if you’re using banana or berries, you won’t taste either). I usually get up to 30-40 grams of protein in the smoothie alone. From here, I’m always looking for ways to incorporate higher protein ingredients into our meals: lentils, beans, frozen shelled edamame, nuts, seeds, tofu, and tempeh. Sometimes it is hard to do, but we’re all just trying to do our best!
4. What’s the healthiest thing you do regularly and the least healthy thing?
   Healthiest: go outside for a walk/some type of movement. Least healthy: not always having great boundaries with social media/work on evenings and weekends.
5. Do you prefer cooking or having someone cook for you?
   Lately I’ve enjoyed having someone cook for me, which feels strange to admit. We were at my parents house for my birthday the other night and I don’t know if I was just sentimental about the occasion, but it was so, SO nice to have my mom’s cooking and to just feel cared for in that way. Acts of service are my love language 100%. Sometimes when I’m working on food for my site/social media all day, my “cooking brain” is fried when it’s time to make dinner, so if someone can step into that role, I’m extra grateful.