Happy first day of summer! ☀️

Spring went by in a blur of puppy care and training. We’ve had Milo for just over 4 months and he’s definitely been keeping us on our toes. His neutering appointment is tomorrow, which I’m admittedly quite nervous about. But I keep reading that it’s a straightforward procedure so that helps to put my mind more at ease.

After over a year of reading on the stationary bike, I’ve shifted back to taking outdoor walks. Milo seems to enjoy going for walks and I want to enjoy the beautiful weather we’ve been having. It’s been so lovely to move my body in this way again.

Since Milo occupies so much of my time and attention, I’ve been taking special care to keep up with my self-reflection practices. Here’s what that entails:

  • Yes, I’m still writing morning pages every day — and it’s been 2372 consecutive days! Recently, it’s felt like more of a chore but I’m continuing this practice as I know how incredibly helpful it is for my mental and emotional health.

  • My moon planning check-ins have been so much lighter and more fun. I’m only answering a few reflective questions every two weeks so I’ve successfully pared down the process to a quick and easy touchpoint.

  • I’m going to be reviewing my goals periodically this year (likely every 2-3 months).

My friend introduced me to the Finch self-care app, which I’ve been loving! 🐣 If you’re interested in checking it out, you can click on this link to be birb friends.

For more about what’s on my mind right now, you can subscribe to my newsletter or check out my 101 in 1001 list. I’ve also got a few bits on my about page.

MEDIA

LISTENING

I don’t listen to music when I’m walking Milo — all my attention needs to be on him as he’s quite easily distracted and likes weaving back and forth in front of me. But I’ve been starting all of my long, meandering solo walks with Sabrina Carpenter’s 2024 album Short n’ Sweet.

READING

I just finished all three books in The Green Bone Saga — a five-star series! I wasn’t ready to leave the characters behind so I also listened to The Jade Setter of Janloon (novella) and I’m in the middle of Jade Shards (short stories).

WATCHING

Hubby and I have never gotten into the World Cup but there’s so much energy in Downtown Toronto now that we’re a host city. We’ve been caught up in the excitement so we almost always have a match on.

APP-ing

Here are the apps I use every day:

  • Organization: TickTick, Google Calendar

  • Self-Care: Finch (click here to be birb friends!)

  • Games: Pokémon Go, NYT Crossword, Toon Blast

  • Social media: Reddit, BeReal

DAILY ROUTINE

My routine is my source of power. Each day is like a little puzzle, and everything always comes together. Since we got our puppy, I’ve tried to be more consistent with my routine. Read about my fluid time blocking practice.

Morning

The morning is the most structured part of my day. I wake up at around 6-6:30am. I spend the first few hours of my day getting ready, taking care of Milo, oil pulling, making myself a hot herbal infusion, watering our houseplants, and writing morning pages. The rest of my morning depends on how busy I am with my paid and creative work. I usually go for a walk at some point, which often includes a quick trip to the grocery store.

Afternoon

I have my first meal of the day at around noon. The rest of my afternoon varies depending on how much energy and motivation I have. I take a nap almost every day — usually a power nap, but longer if I had a shorter night of sleep. I then spend some time on paid work or personal projects, and cooking or doing chores. Of course, I also spend some time training, walking, or playing with Milo! Some days, I have a sweet video call with a friend. I try to finish eating dinner by 6pm.

Evening

After dinner, I do a bit of this and that. Hubby and I usually start to wind down at around 7-8pm. We spend this time together — sometimes together-together, and sometimes together-while-also-doing-our-own-thing. Each night is different depending on how we feel (and how much energy Milo has!). I’m not spending as much time on the computer so my eye strain has improved. I go to bed at around 10-10:30pm.

SKINCARE ROUTINE

The general formula for my skincare products is toner + serum + facial oil + moisturizer. I’ll usually use up what I have before moving on to something else, but I also try to finish some of hubby’s products when he leaves them lying around. If you’re interested in which products are my favourites, you can find them listed here.

MORNING

  • Rinse my face with lukewarm water and towel dry.

  • Apply my skincare products in this order:

    • Divine Essence Damask Rose Organic Floral Water

    • The Ordinary Argireline Solution 10%

    • The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

    • The Ordinary 100% Cold-Pressed Virgin Marula Oil

    • The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

    • The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Lash and Brow Serum

  • I’ve been using The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Eye Serum when I remember. This is a very rich serum and can feel a bit sticky on the skin, so I try to apply it when I’m planning to spend a stretch of time at home.

  • I’ve been loving Atomy AC Spot Solution as a spot treatment when I have breakouts. I use this when I first notice a pimple and then whenever I remember to reapply, in the morning and/or evening.

EVENING

  • Wash my face with the Farmacy Clearly Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm, rinse with lukewarm water, and towel dry.

  • Apply the same skincare products as my morning routine. I’ve been using The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA (instead of my morning solution/serum combo).

  • I’ve been using a peel-off or mud mask every week as part of my self-care regimen (and also to use up my old products!).

Makeup Basket

I amassed a huge collection of makeup during my shopaholic days. Years later and I’m still in the process of downsizing my collection. One thing that’s helped me focus on using what I have is to keep a seasonal “makeup basket.” I use the products in this basket every day until I get bored, then I switch them out. For hygienic reasons, I only use mascara and lip gloss for 6–9 months before discarding any remaining product.

Here’s what I have in my current basket. My makeup is very old, so some of the products may be discontinued.

Eyes

  • Urban Decay Naked3 Eyeshadow Palette

  • Adelica Soft Brow Pencil in Brown

  • Miniso Gold Eyelash Curler

  • Adelica Waterproof Mascara in Black

Face

  • Combination of Atomy BB Cream, Atomy Healthy Glow Base, and Atomy Oil Serum Mist

  • Illamasqua Powder Blusher in Tremble

  • FENTY BEAUTY by Rihanna Sun Stalk'r Instant Warmth Bronzer in Private Island

  • Dior Shimmer Powder in Rose Diamond

  • Canmake Marshmallow Finish Foundation in MB*

*I use this as a powder concealer.

Lips

  • Jack Black Lip Balm

  • Carmex Classic Lip Balm

  • Hurraw Lip Balm

  • Atomy Lip Glow

That’s it for now! Let me know if I missed anything. I’ll update this page at the start of every season.

Last updated: June 21, 2026