Sensory Memory

2025 in review

This time last year, I set an intention to write more consistently. I kicked off 2025 with a recipe series, started a new full-time job, went to France in the spring, launched my cookbook, then one thing led to another, and now here we are. Truly, nothing could have prepared me for the busiest year of my life. I’m grateful for everything I experienced this past year, the new places I got to spend time in, friendships that blossomed, and the unexpected blessings that came along the way.

Of course, it wasn’t always pretty. I still spiralled here and there, felt anxious, overwhelmed, irritable, and spent a lot of time talking about the same things in therapy and venting to my husband. But with that came growth. I learned how to process unwanted feelings, reframed negative thoughts, and found better ways to cope with sadness and embarrassment. Life looks and feels different now, and I’m thankful for it all.

Here are some of the highlights.

Muskoka during a snowstorm

A week in the South of France

This gorgeous meal at Fleur de Sel

My book launch pop-up at Kapé Paris

Found a quiet corner to soak it all in

Went to York for a friend’s wedding and spent time with family

Celebrated my 30th

Our anniversary dinner at Pearl Morissette

I teared up over this dish

Did a food segment on live television — twice!

Did a pop-up at BB’s Diner in Toronto

More weddings!

Spent a week in Muskoka with my in-laws

Drank one too many espresso martinis at The Ace Hotel

Hosted our last dinner party in a while

Moved out of our Harbord Village apartment after 4 years

Went to London for work

Ate my way through Toronto

Quick Hits

1. Best New Movie: One Battle After Another

2. Best Movie to Rewatch: Dune Part Two (Silence!)

3. Best Beverage: Coke Zero with lime

4. Best Song: Sally, When The Wine Runs Out by Role Model

5. Best Song to Sing in the Shower: WHERE IS MY HUSBAND! by Raye

6. Best Song to Listen to On the Plane: Moonage Daydream by David Bowie

7. Best Dinner Vibe: Dreyfus, bar seat

8. Best Toronto Neighbourhood: Harbord Village

9. Best Pastry: Peach Jam Kouign Amann from Emmer

10. Best Bread: The complimentary bread from La Banane

11. Best Noodles: Soupe de Nouilles Au Bœuf Épicé from Happy Nouilles

12. Best Nails: Bare!

13. Best Purchase: The matching beaded bracelet I bought from Saint-Paul-de-Vence for my mom and I

14. Best TV Series to Binge: The Celebrity Traitors UK

15. Best New Spa: AIRE Ancient Baths

16. Best Pub: The Roebuck in Richmond

17. Best Date, Toronto: Dinner at Jamil’s, then off to the ballet

18. Best Date, Vacation: Dinner at Fleur de Sel, then an evening walk

19. Best Home Cooked Meal: Honey garlic salmon with rice and broccoli

20. Best Takeaway: Banjara on Bloor

Happy new year xx