happy 2025! ✨
big moments in the upcoming year
Hello, beautiful souls!
First and foremost, I apologize for going a bit quiet at the end of 2024. Life brought some drastic changes, but I’m thrilled to share that we’re expecting a baby this June! 💕
After a blindsiding miscarriage last summer, seeing our little potatey’s heartbeat at the 8-week ultrasound this time brought us so much joy and relief. We can’t wait to meet him!
First trimester fatigue really knocked me on my butt, with strong cravings for pickles and all things sour—Kühne’s Gourmet Selection Gherkins and Chongga’s Mat Kimchi got me through! Thankfully, the second trimester has brought back my energy, just in time for three non-stop weeks in Ontario, where we packed up our house to sell while squeezing in catch-ups and holiday festivities. Now that we’re back in Vancouver and settling into 2025, I’m feeling so grateful for what’s ahead. With our baby now the size of a pomegranate (!), I’m embracing all the changes this season of life brings.
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What I’m focusing on this year:
Prioritizing Wellness: As I navigate pregnancy and my 30s, I’ve been reflecting on the importance of health—not just for me, but for my growing family. Seeing loved ones navigate the challenges of aging has reminded me to cherish each moment and stay intentional about wellness. This year, I’m committing to hydration, movement, and daily rituals that nourish my body and mind.
Here are two books that have been game-changers during this chapter:
Expecting Better by Emily Oster – A refreshing, evidence-based take on pregnancy that’s helped me feel confident in my choices. I’ve embraced a diet rich in omega-3s, enjoy raw fish sushi (since the risk of salmonella would only affect me, not the baby, but skip raw shellfish and meats due to toxoplasmosis risks, which can harm the baby), and still eat pasteurized soft cheeses and the occasional cured meat. Everyone’s journey is personal, and these are the decisions that feel right for me.
Nine Golden Months by Heng Ou, Amely Greeven, and Marisa Belger – A holistic guide to nurturing yourself physically and emotionally during pregnancy, complete with recipes to support each stage.
Recharging vs. Resting: I recently learned about the difference between resting and recharging through a “bathtub metaphor”—resting is plugging the drain, while recharging is filling the tub. This year, I’m focusing on refilling my energy by creating space for joyful, soul-nourishing activities (and giving myself permission to play like a kid again ☺️).
Kindness to Ourselves: As we step into this new parenting chapter, I’m reminded that perfection isn’t the goal. Knowing that billions of others have walked this path in their own way is a comforting reminder to embrace the imperfectness of it all.
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On a thrilling note, I’m excited to update you a few projects:
Roux - Join me on this new recipe platform where I’ll be sharing fun recipes like quick gluten-free pastas and bold weeknight meals. It’s a place for culinary creativity, where you can remix (fork) recipes and curate (stack) your own collections! Sign up here and discover other inspiring creators like Abi Balingit and Kiano Moju.
Cookbook Countdown - Mark your calendars for October 2025! My cookbook is in its final stages—cover design, blurbs, and the last tweaks before it heads to the printers. My first bound copy will arrive in May, and pre-orders will open by late summer. I can’t wait to finally share this labour of love with you all!
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Before we dive into 2025, here are some of our favourite gluten-free bites from 2024 in LA, Mexico, Toronto and Vancouver:
As always, thank you for being here and sharing this journey with me.
✌🏼 Peace, love, and good food,
Jannell
Congratulations!