For years, my mornings were chaotic, reactive, and, honestly, a bit of a mess. I’d snooze my alarm three times, scroll through social media before even brushing my teeth, and spend the next hour rushing through the motions—coffee in one hand, phone in the other, mind already tangled in the demands of the day. It wasn’t until I hit a breaking point—burned out, anxious, and constantly playing catch-up—that I realized something had to change. What started as a simple experiment turned into a transformation: I took back my mornings. Not with a radical overhaul or a 5 a.m. wake-up call,…
Author: markmunroe
Once relegated to sad sodas and saccharine mocktails, the world of non-alcoholic beverages has transformed dramatically. Today, zero-proof drinks are booming—bringing bold flavours, beautiful packaging, and legit bar vibes without the hangover. Whether you’re sober, sober-curious, or need a booze break, there’s a whole new world of drinks designed to delight your taste buds and elevate your sipping experience. From complex non-alcoholic spirits to botanical tonics and craft NA beers, there’s truly something for everyone. Let’s explore the best booze-free drinks that bring all the vibe, without the alcohol. Why Zero-Proof is Having a Moment In recent years, there’s…
In a world obsessed with productivity, busyness has become a badge of honour. We celebrate the hustle, glorify multitasking, and praise those who seem to juggle it all without breaking a sweat. Somewhere along the way, we’ve forgotten the value—no, the necessity-of doing nothing. But what if doing nothing isn’t lazy, selfish, or indulgent? What if it’s an art, a skill worth cultivating, and perhaps the antidote to the chronic exhaustion so many of us feel? Welcome to the art of doing nothing—a mindful rebellion against burnout, a pathway to restoration, and, most importantly, a gift you absolutely deserve. …
If you’ve ever stood in the travel aisle of a store holding a neck pillow and wondering, “Is this really the best I can do?”, you’re not alone. Gifting for someone with wanderlust isn’t easy. Frequent travellers live light, love experiences, and have probably seen five variations of the same toiletry kit. That’s why the best gifts aren’t bulky or expensive—they’re thoughtful, portable, and personal. Whether it’s your dad, your partner, or your best friend who’s always off to the next adventure, there’s a sweet spot between practical and meaningful. And the good news? You don’t have to blow your…
Luxury doesn’t always require a five-figure renovation budget or a complete home overhaul. Sometimes, all it takes is a few thoughtful touches, elevated finishes, and clever design swaps to transform a space from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you’re aiming to impress guests or simply want your surroundings to feel more indulgent, these small upgrades can make a big impact—instantly. Here are five tried-and-true ways to bring a little luxury into your home without breaking the bank. 1. Upgrade Your Hardware: The Jewelry of Your Home Think of cabinet pulls, door handles, and faucets as the accessories of your home. Swapping…
Timing Is Everything When It Comes to Clear Views There’s a unique clarity that comes from clean windows — not just visually, but psychologically. Sparkling glass invites in more natural light, improves the mood inside the home, and gives your property an instant polish. But the question isn’t if you should clean your windows. The real question is when. In a country like Canada, where the climate throws everything from snowstorms to heatwaves at your home throughout the year, timing your window cleaning right is both a science and a smart strategy. And without question, spring and fall are the…
There’s a phrase that has been quietly weaving its way through social media, lifestyle blogs, and self-help spaces: “romanticize your life.” What began as a niche internet trend—videos of steaming morning coffee, handwritten notes, long walks set to soft indie music—has evolved into a cultural philosophy. It’s a reminder, a rebellion even, against the numbness of routine and the sometimes crushing pace of modern life. But what does it actually mean to romanticize your life, and why should you do it—especially when things feel painfully mundane? Let’s start with the truth: Life is often ordinary. Most days are not grand…
In a world obsessed with filters, flawless feeds, and five-step routines, when was the last time someone actually looked at your skin – really looked? Not through a ring light or sales pitch, but through a lens of expertise, science, and care? If your answer is somewhere between “never” and “a long time ago,” you’re not alone. Today, many of us curate our skincare routines based on Instagram trends, TikTok testimonials, and that one product our friend swears by. And while experimentation has its place, there is a fine line between discovery and confusion. Without truly understanding our skin’s current…
In the ever-evolving digital landscape, where algorithms largely determine what we see, think, and feel, one powerful tool remains entirely in our control: the unfollow button. At first glance, it might seem trivial—a small digital gesture with minor consequences. However, in reality, curating your digital space through unfollowing, muting, and unfriending can be one of the most liberating and healthy decisions you make for your mental well-being. As our lives become increasingly enmeshed with online platforms, learning to shape our digital environments consciously isn’t just an act of preference—it’s an act of self-preservation. The Digital Clutter Dilemma We wouldn’t…
Burnout isn’t a buzzword—it’s a modern-day epidemic. With work bleeding into home life, endless notifications, and hustle culture disguised as ambition, it’s no wonder people feel fried before they’ve even opened their inboxes. The antidote? A morning routine that grounds you instead of draining you. But forget the cold plunges, 4:30 a.m. alarms, and 15-step regimens. We spoke to real people across various careers who’ve found what actually works to fight burnout—and it’s refreshingly doable. The Myth of the “Perfect” Morning The internet is overflowing with morning routine advice. Scroll TikTok or YouTube and you’ll see influencers journaling in golden hour…
For years, I bought into the myth that living alone was something to fear. That it meant loneliness, or worse, some kind of personal failure. Our society tends to romanticize cohabitation—be it roommates, relationships, or families under one roof. Living alone? That’s often portrayed as a liminal state between lives, a pause before the “real” part starts. But here’s the truth: living alone can be really great. Like, life-changingly great. It’s not about isolation—it’s about independence. About understanding yourself in ways that aren’t always possible when you’re constantly navigating around others. And if you’re someone who’s ever considered taking the plunge but hesitated, let…
There’s a growing shift toward simplicity, transparency, and natural solutions. As more of us strive to minimize synthetic ingredients and avoid lengthy lists of unfamiliar chemicals, our kitchens are becoming treasure troves of beauty essentials. Whether you’re a skincare enthusiast or just starting to make conscious choices, it turns out that many natural ingredients you already have in your pantry can do double duty. These aren’t complicated recipes or time-consuming routines. They’re effective, budget-friendly, and surprisingly versatile. Let’s explore how common kitchen staples can seamlessly fit into your beauty regimen. Coconut Oil: The Multi-Tasking Marvel Coconut oil has long…
In today’s hyperconnected world, social media has become both a blessing and a burden. It’s where we share life’s highlights, stay up-to-date with global events, promote our work, and sometimes find solace in community. But in exchange, we often pay a steep price: attention spans have shortened, comparisons run rampant, anxiety is on the rise, and burnout is just a thumb-scroll away. The average person spends over two hours a day on social media, and that number is steadily climbing. While platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter) offer endless entertainment and connection, they can also contribute to feelings…
Let’s be real — Canadian winters are no joke. Between snowstorms, slush, road salt and freezing rain, our windows take a beating. By the time the warm weather rolls around, the view outside is long overdue for a refresh. So when should you roll up your sleeves (or call in the experts) and get those panes sparkling? Spoiler alert: Summer is hands down the best time to clean your windows in Canada. Here’s why. 1. Goodbye Snow and Salt, Hello Sunshine In the winter, our windows collect a messy mix of dirt, salt and grime. Spring might melt the…