How to Start a Dinner Club To Beat Loneliness & Explore Your City

The further we get into 2026, the more I’m convinced that this is the year of taking in-person hangouts seriously. After the pandemic-era lockdowns lifted, it felt like there was this boom of going out, coupled with anxiety surrounding a new, new normal. People now had different expectations about hugging, sharing spaces with strangers, and coming into work with the sniffles. In-person jobs started to … Continue reading How to Start a Dinner Club To Beat Loneliness & Explore Your City

Resting on Trips: The Most Productive Thing I Do

Earlier this week, I wrote about how my wedding coming up has taken up a huge chunk of my variable-expense budgeting (ie, I’m now less able to travel as much as I’d like). And when I think about this too much, I do get a little blue. The thing is—I actually haven’t had time to think about this too much. Between the bustle of work … Continue reading Resting on Trips: The Most Productive Thing I Do

Travel Alternatives for When You Just Can’t

I’m getting married this year, and I’m so excited! I’m also broke. Weddings are expensive. Even when you’re eloping; even when you look for your dress in a sample sale; even when you’re getting your shoes at a discount. I’m convinced that when you add the word “wedding” to something, the price skyrockets, because of the once-in-a-lifetime specialness of the event. For that reason, I’m … Continue reading Travel Alternatives for When You Just Can’t

Setting Up Home to Make Travel Easier

I love to travel, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t love coming home after a big trip. Coming home is like being wrapped in a warm hug for me—seeing my things, that familiar smell of home, and knowing I can kick off my shoes and be myself without any pretence is so gratifying. The trip doesn’t even need to be that long—hell, … Continue reading Setting Up Home to Make Travel Easier

Revisiting Places: A Waste, or Chance for a New Perspective?

I’ve never been someone who wants to go on the same trips year after year; I know some people have a favourite place to spend their Christmases or summers, but I always want the novelty of a place I’ve never been before. Whenever I go somewhere new, I often feel the need to suck the marrow out of every experience. My rationale is: this might … Continue reading Revisiting Places: A Waste, or Chance for a New Perspective?

What is Travel Burnout (And How Can I Stop It)?

I’ve been really lucky this year, to travel as much as I have. I use the word “lucky”, because I want to acknowledge that travelling comes from an enormous place of privilege; I have enough money to go where I like, enough time to research the best rates and travel deals, and loved ones to travel with. One of those privileges is the fact that … Continue reading What is Travel Burnout (And How Can I Stop It)?

Why Am I Always Tempted To Buy Self-Help Books at Airports?

After I’ve settled at the airport—been through security, checked in to my flight, and laid eyes on my gate—I typically wander through the airport. Favourite shops of mine are always those filled with snacks, discount designer items, and books. Lately I’ve been noticing that the airports book shops aren’t populated only with beach reads and SuDoKu books; there are always racks and racks of self-improvement … Continue reading Why Am I Always Tempted To Buy Self-Help Books at Airports?

Speaking Foreign Languages Abroad: Why Effort Matters Most

I consider myself really lucky, in that I grew up with multiple languages around me. Growing up in Ottawa, Canada (the capital, which prides itself on being bilingual) we had French as part of our core curriculum, starting at age 6. I also grew up in a family with a Peruvian-born Dad, and so I heard a lot of Spanish growing up from that side … Continue reading Speaking Foreign Languages Abroad: Why Effort Matters Most

My “Heirloom Quality” Obsession: Inside Le Creuset’s UK Pop-Up

Le Creuset has had a special part of my heart for about 10 years now. The brand comes with a lifetime guarantee, and more than once I’ve heard first-hand TikTok storytimes of people who find the Dutch ovens in their parent’s attics or charity shops, realize there’s a problem with the item, and then work with the brand to fix the piece. It’s less garbage in the ocean, and befitting of a promise—buy once, and you won’t have to buy another. Continue reading My “Heirloom Quality” Obsession: Inside Le Creuset’s UK Pop-Up