23 things I'm currently loving: 2026 edition

It’s my birthday today. This is a very different birthday as I’m just getting over a case of what ChatGPT tells me is likely “mild laryngitis.” I’m coughing a lot. My voice sounds weird. I feel kinda gross. This seems like a terrible birthday, doesn’t it? But there’s an upside: I get to read all day! I get to cuddle with Milo! Plus we have cake!

Last year, to celebrate my birthday, I made a virtual time capsule of 23 things I’m currently loving. I’m so happy to be doing it again. As with my last list, this time capsule is going to be stuffed with mostly-frivolous things. It’s a snapshot of new things I’ve discovered since my last birthday or things I’m generally into — for right now, but not necessarily for always. I’m going to try not to repeat any items from last year, even if I’m still into them.

Here’s what I’m putting into my 2026 time capsule!

Temaki. Temaki (hand rolls) have always been my favourite form of sushi. I was so pleased to discover Hello Nori last year. The only issue: The seating is hella uncomfortable! So I was doubly pleased when hubby found a takeout spot called Maki Mart. We enjoyed it so much that we had a mountain of temaki as my pre-birthday celebration yesterday.
Doraji. I regularly order the bibimbap and dupbap from this eatery at The Well. Last month, I tried their gimbap and it’s soooo good. I haven’t had much of an appetite this week, and when hubby asked what I wanted to eat today, the only thing I could think of was Doraji’s gimbap.
Kiin. Kiin continues to be one of my favourite restaurants in Toronto. Last year, my sister and I went during Summerlicious for her birthday dinner. I loved the menu so much, I decided to go back on my own. I sat at the bar and read a book between bites of delicious food. It was sublime. I hope to do it again this year.
Wok Theory. My current favourite spot for dim sum! I live for the Charcoal Molten Salted Egg Yolk Buns.
Saku. My friend introduced me to this katsu restaurant last winter and I ended up going there 4 times in less than 2 weeks. I clearly have no respect for my cholesterol. But the food is soooooo good.
Bestco. This Asian grocery store opened in my neighbourhood in August 2025 and it’s honestly one of the best things that happened last year. I shop there a few times a week.
Turtle chips. The texture of these snacks are perfection! All the flavours I’ve tried have been delicious. I’d buy them all the time if they weren’t so pricey for such a small bag.
Marry Me Mochi. This is my favourite place for mochi donuts. The flavours are right up my alley and I always keep my eye out for the ones with sticky rice.
Chocolat de Kat. Hubby put a selection of treats from this artisan chocolatier in my stocking last Christmas and I was blown away by how good they were. He’s great at finding new-to-us sweets but these chocolates really stood out.
Silver Screamers. This is one of the best documentaries I’ve ever watched: sweet, funny, endearing, thought-provoking, poignant, heartwarming, human. Hubby and I watched Silver Screamers at the Toronto After Dark Film Festival. Following the doc, they screened the short film (The Rug) that the seniors helped create. Then there was a Q&A with all the seniors featured in the film. It was a fantastic experience.
Becky Chambers. I’ve never wanted to read an author’s entire backlist until I came across Becky Chambers. I bought all of her books and plan to read them again and again. I can safely say that she’s my favourite author.
Stationary bikes. At some point in March 2025, I got tired of my long walks. I was so over it that I chose instead to do something I’ve never liked — go to the gym. After a few sessions, I discovered that I enjoy reading on the exercise bike. That’s been a fun way for me to get a chapter in while also listening to music and moving my body.
Sabrina Carpenter. I’ve been on a Sabrina Carpenter kick for at least a year now. I was so excited when Man’s Best Friend came out last summer. There are a few fun tracks on that album but I still can’t stop listening to Short n' Sweet.
Golden. Ahhh, “Golden” is such an earworm! I’ve heard it many times on different playlists but I didn’t realize where it was from until I looked it up. Then I went into a weeks-long rabbit hole of watching Kpop Demon Hunters, interviews with Ejae, live performances, reaction videos, and covers. Even after hearing the song probably a thousand times, I still love it.
T-shirt.ca. I buy the shockingly inexpensive Gildan brand of t-shirts and sweatshirts from this website — they (along with leggings or shorts) form my easy, go-to uniform for day-to-day. I’ll even pair one of these basics with a skirt and heels for fancy dinners.
Animal Restaurant. Before Milo arrived, I played this game every day… for multiple hours a day. I haven’t checked on my cute restaurant in a few months but I enjoyed the game for so long that this list wouldn’t be complete without it.
Priorities. I made an online version of the game Priorities on Google Sheets that’s just so darn convenient. Now I can play it with my sisters in Ottawa and Australia — omg what a joy!
Hanging out at the park. I always picture myself hanging out at a park but I rarely do it. Last year, I bought a couple of cheap and cheerful sporty sets (badminton and pickleball) — and I spent so much more time in parks. Of course, I’ve been going to the park a lot with Milo but he’s not at the stage yet when he can “hang out.” (I wanna sniff that tree. Pigeon! Why won’t you let me meet my new dog bestie? That human wants to play! I must mark that pole asap.)
Color My Mood. I absolutely love this five-year journal. The illustrations are adorable and it’s a fun way for me to reflect on my mood each day.
Xcaret Arte. A few years ago, my friend Kitty recommended this incredible all-inclusive in Mexico. Hubby and I splurged on a week at the resort and it was AMAZING. So worth the money.
Finch. Kitty also told me about this self-care app where you raise a baby birb and I’m crying at how cute it is.
My new computer setup. I was using an old laptop for the past many years and it finally went kaput. I decided to replace it with a Mac Mini and a 32” Samsung monitor. Oh my goodness, what a difference! The new system is so much faster and the gigantic monitor is so much easier on my eyes.
ChatGPT. I’ve been leaning on ChatGPT for one very specific topic: Milo. I used it extensively to help plan Milo’s first week at home. I ask it questions (almost daily!) related to training, food, vet visits, behaviour, and more. I have a just-for-fun thread that’s dedicated to translating Milo’s whining. It’s been a handy tool for all the nuanced questions I have about our puppy. Not to mention, it keeps me from spiralling into panic at every little wobble.

And that’s the mid-2026 snapshot of what current-me is loving!

This month’s reflective question

What are the mostly-frivolous things that current-you has been loving?

Hoarsely yours,

Lesley WongMay 23, 2026