It’s been tough finding the right words for this one. Some months feel more tangled and chaotic than others, and this month has been filled with moments that have left me speechless. I know I’m not alone in feeling this way (Scorpio season, you’ve been intense!!). Maybe you’ve been facing some hurdles too—whether it’s family health scares, the uncertainty of the state of the world, or the weight of some juicy questions surfacing right now.
Lately, I find myself asking, “Who do I want to become over these next few years?” and “How can I show up more intentionally for myself and my community?” I’d hoped to put more energy into creating right now, but I’ve needed a moment to pause, breathe, and regroup. Still, sharing my experience remains important to me because, as a woman of colour, my very existence feels political.
In reflecting on these questions, I’m reminded of the strength I draw from my communities and the importance of standing in solidarity with women, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ voices through these turbulent times.
In the midst of everything, I’ve been reaching for quick comfort meals to stay grounded—clean-out-the-fridge soups, defrosted frozen stews, and hot pot at home. Nothing very content-worthy, but each meal feels like a small anchor during this period of growth and unravelling. As much as I’m trying to be active on social for work reasons, some days my body just says “not today”. My feed does keep reminding me of the mental health benefits of cooking for your loved ones (including yourself), like this great article from Food & Wine.
There have been bright moments, too. A big one for me was receiving the first look of my entire book—Uber-delivered to my door on the same day we got the US election results. I’m so proud to see it all come together, even as I’m learning to hold space for all the emotions this season is bringing. Thank you for witnessing every part of this journey. I just can’t wait to share it all with you.
Anyway, I hope you’re giving yourself room to rest, reflect, and care for yourself in whatever ways feel right. We’re in this together, and I’m grateful for this space to share, even when I don’t have it all figured out.
Below are some recent joys that have been filling my plate, heart, and home with comfort, and perhaps they’ll resonate with you too.
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RECENT JOYS
💃🏻 Dopamine Menus – I’ve been intrigued by this concept—a list of mood-boosting activities, broken down into appetizers, entrées, sides, desserts, and specials. What would you put on your dopamine menu? And how can we nourish ourselves before showing up for others?
☕️ Saan Saan – I could not be more stoked about this gluten-free, Hong Kong-inspired café in Vancouver’s Chinatown ‘cause I don’t know of another one that exists anywhere else! Not only are their milk teas spot-on, but their cookies are perfectly crisp-chewy (with flavours like black sesame caramel and pineapple coconut), and their puff pastries are so buttery and moist (the curry beef is our fave!). It’s been so nice to share a taste of home with Reid, and dive deeper into my Canto background together.
🍲 Kecap Beef – When it comes to cooking for your loved ones, braising feels extra cozy and rewarding. It had been a while since we had revisited this beloved recipe from my blog, this time with boneless short ribs flavoured with sweet soy, lemongrass, chilies, and warming spices. Topped with pickled red onions, crispy shallots, and cilantro, and served with simple blanched baby bok choy and beech mushrooms—it’s the perfect comfort food.
📕 Beautiful Everydays – A really sweet coffee table book on how to find beauty in daily life and turn everyday moments into something special.
🎵 Jon Batiste Hears Green Day for the First Time – If you need a mood boost, watch this. What a talented and amazing human.
Sending you all a little extra warmth this November ✨
✌🏼 Peace, love, and good food,
Jannell