It’s that time of year again! Each January, around my birthday, Evan and I take our annual “big trip.” Last year, it was Bali. This year, we’re heading to Hong Kong and Tokyo. For two weeks, we’ll wander through long lists of recommended shops, coffee spots, and neighbourhoods, soaking up the culture and being fully present with one another. It’s something we look forward to all year. A chance to step outside our routines, create memories, and experience the world in a way that stays with us long after we return. As a business owner, taking time away isn’t always easy. It requires thoughtful planning, organization, and most importantly, a strong team holding things down while you’re gone. But it matters.

Unpopular Opinion: Winter Is Not It

I’ll admit it… I usually struggle through winter. Like many Vancouverites, I find the short days, long nights, and constant rain a little hard to handle.

Don’t get me wrong, I love the cozy parts of the season. A clean home with a glittering Christmas tree, wandering the Shipyards Christmas Market, or sipping an espresso martini in a candlelit bar all make me so happy. Anyone who knows me knows I love Christmas in a big way. But winter as a whole? Not my favourite.