October + November edit
On croissant bag charms, fictional vampires and a delicious memoir.
Jellycat Amuseable Croissant Bag Charm
Sometimes, an actual croissant brings joy and other times, it’s a toy croissant with a smiley face. I’ve been on the hunt for this Jellycat for a while and several out-of-stock notifications later, the soft, fluffy croissant with the chocolate boots finally arrived at my doorstep. I’m not sure what it is about this little anthropomorphic croissant that made me so determined to get it. I love croissants, which is the obvious reason, but I think that having it in the form of a cute little keychain felt more practical and a good excuse to get it for myself. It’s the very definition of a small joy and will be tagging along with me everywhere.
Wicked
I watched an advance screening of Wicked courtesy of r.e.m. beauty and Shoppers Drug Mart, and loved it. I think I’ve come to appreciate it even more in the days that followed as I process the film. Cynthia Erivo was pure magic—she brought so much depth and realness to the character, and moved me to tears multiple times.
Arianna was also amazing and had such great chemistry with Cynthia, and I loved Jonathan Bailey and his scene-stealing performance of “Dancing Through Life.”
On a side note, after the movie, I told my friend Lisa that Jonathan Bailey could literally read a phonebook and I would consider it a work of art. Notice how I didn’t say “joked”? (Because I’m serious.) If you’re taking a break from listening to him sing on the Wicked soundtrack, I highly recommend listening to him read a sleep story on the Calm app.
Laufey x Catbird Like a Lune Bunny Charm
Catbird released a dreamy jewellery collaboration with singer Laufey. My favourite piece from the collection is the bunny charm. It’s pretty and whimsical—“a bunny surfs a crescent moon with a pearl lantern to light the way” is how it’s described on the website, which is pretty perfect. The rabbit is also a reference to the year of the rabbit in the Chinese zodiac, which is when I was born as well. The charm arrived with a ribbon and sparkle sticker in the package, which was a sweet little cherry on top.
Be Ready When the Luck Happens: A Memoir by Ina Garten
I listened to the audiobook version of Ina Garten’s memoir and I’m so glad I did because it felt that much more personal. I especially loved learning about the early parts of her life—how she discovered her love of cooking, her scrappy trips to Paris with her husband Jeffrey, and how she learned to run a business.
One of the funnest parts of the audiobook experience for me was whenever Ina called people out in her gentle, jovial tone. Speaking of Ina, I love Cherry Bombe’s pretty pink holiday issue with her on the cover.
Fang Fiction by Kate Stayman-London
Imagine if your favourite vampire fiction actually existed in real life and you got sucked into that world. That’s basically the premise of Fang Fiction, which is fun, fast-faced, and at times, campy and outlandish, which actually works! It’s like Twilight meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets fanfiction.net. Despite the seemingly lighthearted plot, the book deals with trauma (TW: SA),and how fan fiction can be a source of escape and community for people.
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Retinol-like
Embryolisse just dropped a new version of the French pharmacy favourite, Lait-Crème. The star ingredient is alfafa extract, a plant-based active that’s said to have a retinol-like effect on the skin. This has recently become my go-to moisturizer, especially as it transitions to cooler weather and I deal with temperamental skin and random breakouts. It has a slightly richer consistency than the OG, and the same delicate and comforting floral scent.
Patrick Ta Major Headlines Double-Take Crème & Powder Blush Duo
It’s been a good year for blushes. Patrick Ta’s cream and powder blush duo is my current favourite in heavy rotation. I bought the shade, Not Too Much, which is a nice everyday colour in rosy taupe, but also makes a nice going-out shade if you build up the intensity. I’ve been eyeing two more shades, She’s Flushed and She’s That Girl because they look so good.
H&M Paddington beanie
H&M just released a Paddington Bear-inspired collection for kids and if it weren’t for everything being sold out in the size I wanted, I would’ve bought all the things. I managed to snag this cute little ribbed hat with an embroidered Paddington for my son, which I also wish came in an adult size.
The Lion King at Mirvish
This was my first time seeing the musical as makes its return to the broadway stage in Toronto. Everything from the cast and costumes to the choreography and set design was amazing. I was especially blown away by Zama Magudulela who plays Rafiki. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about her performance of “He Lives In You.” Pure chills. I can’t wait until my son is a little older and I can take him to see it with me. The show runs until April at the Princess of Wales Theatre.
Wild Fable Swan ceramic jewellery tray
I picked up this sweet little jewellery tray on a recent cross-border trip to Target. I love the scalloped edges, the powdery blue colour and the swan accent. Target actually had a lot of cute jewellery trays. This one with cherries and a bow was another one that caught my eye.
Yes to room sprays! Vogue takes a look at the recent renaissance.
Love this cooking gift guide for kids from Bon Appetit.
I’ll be making Sohla’s fried chicken recipe during the holidays.
Profile alert: Everybody wants Adam Brody again.
This Napa Valley family home is so fun and eclectic.