Sometimes, it takes a change of scenery to truly see yourself again. Our trip to Japan was intended for family time and exploring, and while it was both, it also served as a necessary eye-opener. For years, I’ve been trying to balance my health while showing up for my family, but looking back, I was…
Author: Andrea
Fall Wellness: TCM Tips for Nourishing Body and Spirit
Fall is a time of change. The air cools, the leaves turn beautiful shades of orange and gold, and everything feels a little slower and more reflective. In TCM, fall is the season that corresponds with the lungs and metal element and it’s all about nourishing your body, mind, and spirit as we transition from…
Sweet Moments in Hokkaido
If you’ve ever been to Hokkaido—or even just had it on your travel wishlist—you’ve probably heard people go on and on about the food, especially the ice cream. Honestly, I used to wonder what the big deal was. But after trying it myself? I totally get it now. There is dairy, and then there is Hokkaido dairy….
A Sweet Summer in Hakodate
This summer, we had the chance to visit Hakodate, and it turned out to be such a memorable trip for so many reasons. One of the best parts? Getting to enjoy Snaffles’ famous cheesecakes again after so many years. Twelve years ago, I had my first taste of Japanese cheesecake from Snaffles and I instantly…
Summer Foods to Keep You Cool and Balanced, TCM Style
Summer is officially here, and you can feel it everywhere—longer days, sunshine, and that heat that just screams for ice-cold drinks. But here’s the thing: in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), offers a different perspective on internal balance. Cooling the body isn’t about the temperature of the liquid, but rather using specific functional foods that naturally help…
Nourishing Your Body: The Best Foods to Eat in Spring According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Spring’s that time of year when everything starts to shake off the winter slowdown. Nature wakes up, plants start growing again, animals come out of hibernation, and we feel that shift too. Maybe there’s a bit of winter weight or sluggishness hanging around, but as the days get warmer, we’re naturally pulled outside, craving movement…
Freshness Locked In: How Vacuum Seal Containers Can Transform Your Kitchen
Let’s be honest: there is nothing more frustrating than buying fresh produce on Monday only to find it wilted and sad by Thursday. As a nutritionist and a mom, I’m always looking for ways to keep nutrients in our food and money in our wallets. Whether you’re trying to waste less food, make meal prep…
Velvety Leek and Potato Soup
Today’s one of those blustery, snowy days that just screams “stay inside!” So, that’s exactly what I’m doing, and I’m whipping up some homemade soup. And really, what’s more comforting than a classic Leek and Potato Soup? It’s creamy, earthy, and just overflowing with cozy vibes. Simplicity and Health Benefits of Homemade Soup Making soup…
Embrace the Dark Side
We always hear about “eating the rainbow,” but today I want to shine a light on the most underrated part of the spectrum: Black Foods. These dark-pigmented ingredients offer significant functional value. I consider them the “underdogs” of the produce aisle—dense with antioxidants that support systemic health and provide a simple way to increase the nutrient…
Wholesome & Affordable: A Guide to Stress-Free Meal Planning
As we grapple with the economic challenges of rising costs, maintaining a healthy diet might seem like an unattainable luxury for many. Meal planning is a super handy way to eat healthy without overspending. I’ve definitely had my moments of struggle, but over the past year, I’ve made a real effort to focus on planning…
Hearty Eats: Braised Short Rib Ragù
Braised short ribs might just be one of my all-time favourite comfort meals. They’re rich, hearty, and exactly what you need on a cozy night in. What I love most is that while they feel fancy, the process is actually very simple. You just let them slow-cook on the stove (or in the oven), and the result…
Baked Alaska: A Timeless Classic Dessert
The first time I tasted Baked Alaska was at a restaurant in Hong Kong, and I was hooked instantly. Despite that early love affair, I hadn’t actually tried making it myself until very recently. With Valentine’s Day around the corner, I thought it would be a fun surprise for my husband and kids. They were so…
The Perfect Pull-Apart Dinner Rolls
There’s something so comforting about the smell of fresh bread baking, especially when it’s these pull-apart dinner rolls. As someone who’s been baking for years, I’ve spent a lot of time tweaking recipes and perfecting the process for my family. They can’t get enough of these rolls—they’re gone in no time! Over the past couple…
Why I’m Obsessed with These Melting Espresso Rocks
One evening at Petite Potato, as we were casually browsing the menu, something caught my eye under the drinks section: Espresso Rock. Now, I’m not exactly a coffee aficionado, but I couldn’t help but be curious. My husband, noticing the intrigue on my face and knowing how much I love trying new things, ordered it…