2025 Favourites

Oh 2025. A year that tested us and one that many, perhaps myself included, don’t really care to revisit.

Even in years that we wish to forget, there are things that create memories, make our lives easier, or even add delight to the everyday. 

Here are some of those things for me, my 2025 Favourites.

Beauty

HaruHaru Wonder Black Rice Sunscreen: this is truly a holy grail product for me. It’s velvety, non-greasy, absorbs quickly and great under makeup. I stocked up on three earlier this year before tariffs and sunscreen import laws and I’m so glad I did.

Elemis Superfood Multi Mist: this mist is a godsend every winter, and something I purchase everytime the air dries out and the temps drop. It’s perfect as a morning pick-me-up and a refresher after time outdoors.

Abib Collagen Eye Patches: these make a poor night’s sleep look like eight hours. Even better, they don’t move after application. They make mornings so much easier.

Makeup by Mario Skin Enhancer: it’s tough to find bronzing products that aren’t too dark or too yellow for my pale skin. This complexion tint in light is perfect for days when I want a little colour or want to sport a blush-free look.

AOU Glowy Tint Balm: 2025 was the year of the tinted lip balm and no one does tinted lip balms better than the Koreans. This one from AOU is glowy, pigmented, moisturizing and non-sticky and even lasts through my morning cup of coffee. 

Fashion

J Crew Stratus Pant in black: these pants are magic and are easily my most worn item this year. Theses silky black trousers got me through evening events, blazing hot summer commutes, office A/C and even a 20 hour round trip travel day for a conference in NYC.

Prescription Sunglasses: I am not ashamed to say I joined the old-folks club this year and splurged for two pairs of prescription sunglasses. Luckily Warby Parker and Ray-Ban came through with two stylish pairs, now I can see the stage at outdoor concerts and focus on the road (!!!) when driving long distances. 

COS Wool Shirt Dress: as my style has honed over the years, I’ve noticed there’s one silhouette I’ve been unable to resist over the years, the funnel neck collar. This dress from COS is the ultimate confidence creator for me, navy wool, gunmetal hardware and a funnel neck to bury myself in. 

Mejuri Charlotte Textured Huggie Hoops: I've been a silver girlie for a few years now, but found myself wearing these gold huggies more times than I could count this calendar year. They cost way more than I was planning on spending at the boutique in Austin but they’re the perfect “i want to wear something but not nothing” earring. My cost per wear is easily in the single digits now. 

Status Anxiety Paloma Recycled Bag: I stumbled into their Soho storefront on the coldest day in January and walked out with the perfect summer purse. It’s lightweight, fits under the shoulder, and the end pockets proved perfect for my summer essentials: my phone and my fan. 

Tech & Office

Macbook Air computer: my old macbook pro finally hit “won’t update” status after ten years this year and needed replaced. I couldn’t be happier with my Macbook Air, it’s light, it’s midnight, and it’s battery life is everything I need it be when my life gets busy. 10/10. 

Delphonics Planner: i’m heading into 2026 with a bit of planner anxiety as I wasn’t able to find a replacement for my trusty Delphonics B6 that got me through this past year. I love the attached pen holder, the plastic cover, and especially the weekly layouts. Here’s hoping my new Hightide planner is up for the task. *wink 

Owala coffee cup: as part of an effort to decrease my morning caffiene intake this year, I picked up this Owala coffee cup. I love that it’s the size of a rocks glass and that it’s smaller than my previous travel coffee tumblers. Plus, it’s just so darn cute. Oh, and it’s leakproof too, perfect for this decaffeinated klutz in the mornings. 

MoMA Sliding Perpetual Calendar: this calendar hits the trifecta of design for me: functional, reusable, and darn good to look at. I love sliding the days, months and dates on this thing and love even more that it fits my office design.

Home

Room & Board Jasper Couch: this was THE purchase of mine for 2026. I visited no less than three Room & Board showrooms before I pulled the trigger on Jasper and couldn’t be happier with my purchase. It’s midcentury but cozy and I love that the fabric is “all-the-things-proof”. Finally a design purchase I’ve yet to regret. 

Le Creuset Matte Black 2qt Dutch Oven: we managed to score tickets to the Le Creuset Factory to Table sale this year and boy was it wild. I tried to be as restrained as possible during the madness and am happy to report one of my purchases made this list. The 2qt casserole has come in handy for my most random cooking tasks - making hard boiled eggs, cooking quinoa and rice, and making my fave, Jin ramen. I love the matte black colour, it matches my mixer. 

BluDot NeedWant Narrow Shelves: I had no purpose buying another furniture piece this year after purchasing my couch, but when a free shipping coupon dropped during the annual BluDot sale I had to pull the trigger. Boy am I so glad I did. As much as a I love Ikea, there’s something about sturdy, grown up modern furniture that elevates your space. I especially love the cross bar design element of these - it makes them that much more interesting. 

Eames Wire Base Low Table: this might be the world’s most expensive plant stand. In other’s homes it might have more function, but in mine, it looks fabulous holding my peace lily under the window in my sun room.  

Homeforia Picture Frames: I finally got around to framing artwork I’ve been carrying around for years this summer. From prints, to posters to even originals, these slim black glass pictures frames let the artwork shine while providing a minimalist border. 

Chrome Accessories: I fell hard for the chrome trend this year. I love the 70s of it all mixed with the reflective light from them all. This Areaware planter, this Tom Dixon lamp and this West Elm martini table brought a touch of sexiness to my space and I’m so happy with the result. 

cover image courtesy of Design Within Reach.

Weekly R.E.P.O.R.T: October 7-13, 2024

It’s been a bit since I’ve written in this space.

I’ve been religiously watching a Sunday night kdrama, giving my eyes a break from all the blue light, and generally finding time to unplug and unwind.

It feels good to write here again after a break, its a nice change from the powerpoint decks that my day job demands.

Here’s this week’s Weekly R.E.P.O.R.T.

Reading

Not in Love (Ali Hazelwood)

Every time Ali Hazelwood releases a new book it immediately gets added to my TBR pile. She has a unique ability to make nerdy girls into sultry heroines, and her latest, Not in Love, continues this streak. The real star of Not in Love for me was her male lead, Eli. He’s determined, yet kind, ridiculously smart, and holds his emotions in where other male leads would not. If you love Ali Hazelwood, you’ll love Not in Love.

Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



View all my reviews

Buy on Amazon

Eating

True Food Kitchen

Coordinating lunch for six people is never an easy task, but when your family from Vancouver is in town, you’ll do anything. I’d never eaten at True Food Kitchen before but would easily go back after the experience we had. The food was fresh, the ambiance was great, and most importantly, they took reservations. I’m a sucker for a tuna poke bowl, and I’m happy to report that it’s delicious.

Playing

Nobody Wants This (Netflix)

I’m two weeks behind the rest of the country, and only four episodes in, but I get the Nobody Wants This hype. I totally understand how women feel seen in Kristen Bell’s characters (being told we’re too much) and also get the ginormous amount of rizz/charisma that Adam Brody has playing Noah. I’m hooked.

Obsessing

Chubby Pearl Initial Pendant (Missoma)

Immediately after the first episode of Nobody Wants This ended, I sprinted to google to find out who made Kristen Bell’s initial necklace. I’ve adored Adina Reyter’s pieces from afar for awhile, but for me they’ll stay afar given their price tag. But this chubby pearl pendant from Missoma has the same retro, curvy vibe as Kristen’s, at a much more approachable price range for my wallet. Now all I need is for it to come back in stock.

image courtesy of Missoma

Recommending

Book of Mormon

For someone who’s had season tickets to broadway shows the last few years, I have to admit I had no idea what the Book of Mormon was about before I saw it. I knew it won a bunch of Tony’s and was written by the South Park guys, but honestly, that’s about it. It was two and a half hours of constant laughs, raunchy theatrics, and brilliant songs that flew by. If you can handle the humour, I highly recommend.

Treating

Delfonics 2025 Weekly & Monthly Planner

2024 is the first year in awhile I’ve stayed pretty dedicated to a print planner. I downsized this year to the smaller Japanese Delfonics notebook and found that a planner with extra note paper on the sides really helped me to prioritize my weeks. I’m bummed that I can’t seem to find the A5 size of my planner for 2025, so picked up this B6 size that’s a smidge smaller, but has the same layout and this year’s model.

image courtesy of OMOI Life Goods

Weekly R.E.P.O.R.T: August 26-September 1, 2024

“Gird Your Loins!”

The end of Labour Day weekend always reminds me of this quote from The Devil Wears Prada. It’s time to get ready for ALL.THE. THINGS.

To be honest, I’m kind of exhausted thinking about it. So in lieu of doing that, I think I’ll make sure my planner is always handy, my Notes App is always open, and I’ll keep my fingers crossed that nothing gets derailed too badly.

Maybe next week we can bring it on.

Here is this week’s Weekly R.E.P.O.R.T.

Reading

Lovelight Farms (B.K. Borison)

I really wish I had waited to read Lovelight Farms when it was colder. It’s a hot mug of cider, fuzzy socks, and the perfect rom-com in one wrapped up book. Stella owns a Christmas Tree farm that could be doing better (to put it mildly) and enters a contest for an influencer feature in hopes of attracting new business and winning a cash prize. To make her entry sound more idyllic, she mentions in her entry that she owns the farm with her boyfriend. Except she doesn’t have a boyfriend, instead she has a decades long crush on her best friend Luka, who she asks to stand in for the content. This book could’ve been super angsty and super syrupy, but as I was reading it was anything but. You already know the ending here, but getting there is so much fun.

Lovelight Farms by B.K. Borison
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



View all my reviews

Buy on Amazon

Eating

Pear Cider (Ikea)

I’m not normally a drinker of fountain pop, mostly because I haven’t had a coke or pepsi product in years. But the once exception I’ll make for fountain pop is at IKEA. Fountain is now the only way I can consumer their pear cider, not that they’ve discontinued the canned version. It hit the spot after a quick visit during the blazing temps this week. I guess I’ll have to keep making trips to IKEA in the future to get my fix.

Playing

Love Next Door (Netflix)

Obsessed. Love Next Door has only aired six episodes so far, but it’s only taken six episodes for me to place it on my 2024 favourites list. Jung Hae-in and Jung So-min have amazing chemistry, chemistry just as strong as my other 2024 fave, Queen of Tears. Love Next Door reminds me why I love kdrama rom-coms so much and I love that the leads are in their thirties, so they’re actually believable. The drama has been looking forward to every Saturday and Sunday even more, waiting for the next episodes.

Obsessing

Soft Brown Bowling Bag (Marge Sherwood)

I really wish I would have ordered this bag a month ago. Before it sold out and before retailers increased the price by $50. The bowling bag shape has always been classic, and the dark chocolate suede is yummy yet luxurious. I also love it’s size, it’s big enough to hold the essentials, but small enough to look super special.

image courtesy of SSENSE

Recommending

Uniqlo:C oversized cropped t-shirt (Uniqlo)

Claire Wright-Keller’s collections for Uniqlo can do no wrong in my book. I already have my alarm set for Thursday, when her fall Uniqlo:C collection launches online. In the meantime, my favourite pick-up from her spring collection has easily been this oversized cropped t-shirt. It’s the perfect crop for a long-torsoed gal like me, I can even wear it work with high waisted jeans or skirts. The weight of it is also really solid, the cotton has some heft to keep the hem laying flat and the white is opaque a non-see through. Here’s hoping she drops another version this fall.

image courtesy of Uniqlo

Treating

Cedar Leaf & Oak Boxed Candle (Anthropologie)

I can’t recommend the Short North Anthropologie enough. After stopping in last week for customer service need, which is exceed ALL of my expectations with, I took a wander around the store with some newfound “girlmath” burning a hole in my pocket. To say its merchandised beautifully is an understatement. Their clothes and home goods look so much better than their sometimes chaotic Easton location, making it super easy for me to spot, and fall in lust with, this cedar scented candle. I can’t wait for its aroma to fill up my home, its vessel already looks stylish sitting on my coffee table.

image courtesy of Anthropologie

Cover image photo by Eric Rothermel on Unsplash.

Weekly R.E.P.O.R.T: August 19-25, 2024

I was talking to a gentleman at the farmer’s market tha week ago about this time of year. These last few weeks of August where summer is lazing along, seemingly never ending.

But our conversation got me thinking - should we be cherishing this time of summer more?

Without school or classes to go back to, these dog days of August are just that - hot, humid and numerous in nature. A hint of fall last week got me excited and looking forward, but with the return of the heat and humidity, my dread of it has now somehow turning to longing. Longing for walks after dinner when its still light out, bike rides to the market for snacks and frose, and the slower pace that late August brings.

Here’s to the upcoming holiday weekend and last of the summer. May it be long, lazy and full of lounging, just as summer should be.

Here is this week’s Weekly R.E.P.O.R.T.

Reading

Just for the Summer (Abby Jimenez)

Speaking of summer days, Just for the Summer was a perfect summer read. Abby Jimenez’s stories are always some of my faves, and her latest was exactly what I wanted it be. Unputdownable, heartwarming, and completely satisfying. I’m not sure if this is my favourite book of hers, but her male lead was totally swoonworthy in all the best ways.

Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
My rating: 4 of 5 stars



View all my reviews

Eating

Frose (Littleton’s)

Frozen drinks on a sparsly populated Littleton’s Market patio is my new fave. There’s something about a breezy summer day and an ice cold drink that chase all the worries away, Littleton’s frose couldn’t be icier. It’s a frozen treat worth savouring - for its not-to-sweet taste, and for the way it makes you slow down to enjoy it. 10/10.

Playing

As Beautiful As You (Viki)

2024 has seen some stellar kdramas this year, but it’s also been a year where I’ve given Chinese dramas another shot. Modern dramas have definitely been more my style, I just can’t get into the historical ones, but its tricky to find one where the female lead isn’t a total pushover. As Beautiful As You had a strong female lead, a kind, but badass male lead, and a second lead couple that was super adorable (but watch out, the third and fourth couples were super annoying). It also introduced me to the phenomenom that is Xu Kai, I had no idea he’s one of the most popular Chinese actors today. Give this drama some patience, it does take a minute to get going, but once it does, you’ll appreciate all the little “things” from the beginning.

Obsessing

Dalium Leather Flower (Polene)

You know those objects you come across when you first see them that take your breath away? That’s how I felt when I spotted Polene’s Dalium leather flowers. I’ve been styling bookshelves recently, and know that these come absolutely complete a shelf perfectly. The price has me a little gun shy, a few more rounds of Etsy searches might have me coming back to purchase these. They’re GORGEOUS.

image courtesy of Polene

Recommending

Tinted Mineral Sunscreen (Vichy)

The last thing I want to put on my face in 90 degree heat and humidity is foundation. Ew. Thank goodness for tinted sunscreen, especially this mineral one from Vichy. A lovely Shoppers Drug Mart rep tipped me off to this one the last time I was in Canada, and I love how non-greasy and mattifying it is. It’s definitely not a dewy finish when it goes one, which I love, because it give my face room to breathe during the day without becoming a greasy mess. I don’t think I can pull this shade off in the winter, but for summer, it couldn’t be better.

image courtesy of Vichy USA

Treating

Black & White Classic Tray (Vitra)

Those flower I mentioned earlier? This midcentury modern tray from Vitra got the same visceral reaction from me a few weeks ago. I let it sit in my Ssense wishlist for weeks, hemming and hawing over whether I really needed a tray at this price. One tax-free week and a generous return policy later, and this tray now anchors the bookshelf in all its mid-century glory. It’s perfect.

image courtesy of SSENSE

Weekly R.E.P.O.R.T: August 5 - August 11, 2024

Hasn't it been great these last two weeks how the world has come together? Cheering on the underdogs, the favourites, and the happy to be there athletes as a collective has been a joy to participate in, and even more, a joy to watch.

As a former media member, kudos to the NBC team on finally getting the American Olympic broadcast right. Having every sport, at any time, was awesome, and I even foundation myself watching events again during primetime with all the moving stories that only the Olympics can produce.

I’m almost dreading what’s next after this glorious Olympic bubble. But at least for a few more days/hours/weeks, I'll crack a smile, remembering how fun these weeks have been.

Here is this week’s Weekly R.E.P.O.R.T.

Reading

Wallet, Keys, Personal Fan? The New Must-Have. (NYT)

My family made fun of me when I purchased a personal fan back in June ahead of a Lion King performance on a 90 degree day. Look at me now - dare I say trendy? But seriously, this little machine has saved my sanity more than once this summer, at outdoor concerts, on ridiculously sweltering drives home, and even when rushing during the mornings for my setting spray to dry. I picked up this one from Amazon and it’s worked like a champ.

JISULIFE Handheld Portable Turbo Fan [16H Max Cooling Time], 4000mAh USB Rechargeable Personal Battery Operated Mini Small Pocket Fan with 5 Speeds for Travel/Outdoor/Home/Office - Brown Buy on Amazon

Eating

Tommy’s Margarita

Margaritas are a summer tradition, I love enjoying a cold one on a hot, summer night. I’m always looking for a new recipe to try, one that’s easy to make, doesn’t require too many strange ingredients, and is as fresh as possible. Tommy’s Margarita fits the bill perfectly. Discovered via @notjustabartender, what I love most about this version is the sugar is agave syrup (I found mine at Littleton’s), instead of a second liquor like Triple Sec or Grand Marnier. It’s fresh, super limey, and easier to enjoy.

Tommy’s Margarita

.75oz agave syrup

1oz fresh lime juice

2oz Tequila of choice

Combine all ingredients in a shaker, add ice, shake, and strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass.

Playing

Neo-Romance (Alexandra Streliski)

For those days when you want to get lost in your thoughts and dreams, classical music is the perfect backdrop. This album, Neo-Romance, by Canadian pianist Alexandra Steliski is whimsical, it’s dreamy, and like a warm cup of team.

Obsessing

Utility Short Blouson (Uniqlo)

Barn jackets, chore jackets, field jackets - whatever you’re speed, they’re all coming back in style this fall thanks to Miuccia Prada. While I would love to splurge on a waxed Barbour version, this Uniqlo version is much more palatable for my budget right now. I’m especially fond of the olive colour, I imagine styling it this fall with wide-leg trousers and long dresses for a perfectly done undone look.

image courtesy of Uniqlo

Recommending

Body Hero Exfoliating Bar (Glossier)

When you first use the Glossier Body Hero bar, it totally feels like sandpaper is rubbing up and down your body. It’s rough, it’s scratchy, and questioning all your life decisions is totally the norm. But after a summer of sunscreen, shaving, sweat and moisturizers, it’s a hero product for congested summer skin. Skin is baby smooth post wash, clothes glide on easier, and it leaves behind the most delightful orange blossom neroli scent.

image courtesy of Glossier

Treating

Peptide Lip Treatment (Ole Henrikson)

Suni Lee’s viral lip products claimed another devote. After the gymnast shared her lip routine on TikTok, I ran to my Ulta app to get my hands on the Ole Henrikson lip balm. Now a convert, I totally get why its beloved and sold out everywhere. The formula is hydrating and lip filling, hiding the unflattering lines and cracks you might have, and the citrus scent reminds me orange julius in the very best way.

Cover Photo by Bo Zhang on Unsplash