Having food allergies is a big part of who I am, but it’s not all of who I am. It’s one aspect that has influenced and shaped my life, through every stage. I want to share a little bit more about myself with you. Despite having gone into detail about my greatest fears, allergic reactions, and embarrassing teenage moments, I’ve never really divulged much about myself personally. I’d also love to know more about YOU. In the comments, tell me something about yourself that doesn’t have to do with your allergies. Something you’d want others to know about.

Added in 2019:

I’m BOLD and BRIGHT. I like to stand out. Tie dye, overalls, bright colours, 70s silhouettes, and all kinds of flare are right up my alley.

Dancing daily. Music wakes me up, motivates me, and gets me excited. Whether I’m home alone, in the car, or hanging with my husband, I love to listen to good tunes and get my body moving. My current obsession is Lizzo (but who isn’t obsessed with her right now).

I collect artwork. Not that I have a huge collection yet, but I like to order custom pieces from local artists and street artists, to adorn my home and express myself. My Anser piece is taller than myself, and was my husband and my first art purchase together. I recently bought a print from Zeppelin Moon.

My imagination runs wild. Far out stories come to me and I just have to let them out, in great detail. My husband says our future kids will never need a single book because I’m full of stories. I add colour to everything I see.

I’m small! I’m a petite gal, with fast-movin legs and a massive smile.

Each morning, I burn sage. I first tried this cleansing ritual at an indigenous people’s community gathering in 2010 and had no idea what it was or how to participate. I wrongly assumed I was supposed to breathe in the smoke as the sage was passed to me first before anyone else in the room. I learned that was not what I was supposed to do! I have since adopted the ritual in my own home, as part of my morning routine for starting the day out with positivity.

Added in 2018:

I need comedy. As a kid of the 90’s I grew up watching Seinfeld, The Simpsons, and Frasier, stand up acts, Saturday Night Live, Adam Sandler and John Candy movies, and so much more. Can’t go for more than a day without taking in a good comedy, and I love to laugh.

Cooking makes me happy. For as long as I can remember, cooking is the one thing that makes me feel whole. All day, any day, it’s my favorite pastime. And so is reading about and watching others cook. I suggest reading Heat, by Bill Buford.

Coffee also makes me very happy. Dark, bold roast, taken black.

Photography was a long-time dream of mine. When my parents gave me a DSLR camera as a convocation gift I decided to begin working on my first book. Here’s a photo from my very first portfolio… I have learned a lot about lighting since then.

Fashun, please. I enjoy fashion as a form of creative expression. I don’t buy anything that I don’t absolutely love, and I never buy something just because it’s on sale. I’m a capsule wardrobe girl all the way, and I could scroll through Moda and Shop Bop for hours (and I do). Man Repeller is my fashion blog of choice, and I also read The Cut. #fashun

I’m a binge watcher. Brandon and I are background noise people. Even if we aren’t watching, there has to be a show or movie or music on TV. I’ve rewatched my favorite series’ countless times (especially The Office). But I also love sitting down to watch a movie on a rainy day or to unwind before bed. I’m a total sucker for Nora Ephron and Nancy Meyers movies, I love Woody Allen films and look up to Diane Keaton as a fashion icon, dark indie films by Harmony Korine or similar directors enthrall me, black and white/classic movies give me the warm and fuzzies…

I walk a ton. I’m a city dweller not just physically, but at heart. I love to walk everywhere, even if weighed down by loads of groceries. Every day I plan my errand route and I love a good reusable grocery bag that I can sling over my shoulder. Walking not only keeps me feeling good, but it allows me to connect with my surroundings and appreciate the texture of my city (Toronto).

Books are the one thing I collect. David Sedaris is my favorite author. I’m fortunate that my condo has a den which I use as a library room. Before moving in, I had over a thousand books. I think Brandon had nightmares about where we’d keep them all. When I started talking about getting built-in bookshelves on several walls, he had a little talk with me about obsessive behaviors. I culled the heard, and now I have one gloriously overflowing, over-stuffed bookshelf!

I used to work in publishing. I took a receptionist job at Scholastic after graduating from university, intending to work there while I figured out what I wanted to do with my life. Before I knew it, I had a job on the sales team. Then I moved over to Indigo as a buyer. I left to pursue my solo career this past spring. My first book, Allergen-Free Desserts, was picked up in 2013 and published in 2015. I have a new book, Everyone’s Welcome, releasing in 2019. When you’re a book lover, the publishing industry easily sucks you in. And working at Scholastic was like a childhood dream come true! Our office was cozy, in an old loft building, and had cartoon characters and books everywhere. From time to time, Robert Munsch and Dave Pilkey came to visit. My career in publishing was a time in my life that I will look back on with fond memories.

Before that I went to University of Toronto, was a member of Green Peace, and wanted to be an urban planner. Hunting through thrift shops, hanging out at the Dance Cave, participating in protests, drinking Pabst and living at coffee shops. My university experience was one I will never forget.

I’m a neurotic clean freak who likes everything in its place.

No matter how hard I try, I will never get to bed on time. Are there actually “morning people” out there? Or can we finally stop pretending

New York. Any day, any time. I’ve always dreamed of living in NYC. Unless I get picked up by the Food Network, that’s probably not going to happen. But I still take any chance I can get to visit. The city never fails to amaze me.

Pasta pasta pasta! I can (and sometimes do) eat pasta for any meal of the day. It’s one of my all time favorite foods. I learned to make my own pasta as a kid in my Nonna’s kitchen, and it has always been a staple in my family.

Now that you know more about me, what should I know about you?