I find some of the best gifts to give and receive are those that are homemade. I adore little treasures like this homemade vanilla extract. And a little secret? This homemade vanilla was used in an apple pie contest that WON FIRST PLACE. It was probably the vanilla, right?! Don't forget to make these between the months of November and December so the extract has time to really infuse before gifting.

Lately I've become more attune to the masculine culture we subconsciously enforce. Culturally we project certain expectations of men - for them to be strong, tough and decisive. With that an unspoken rule been created: to be strong you can't be weak. To be tough you can't show vulnerability. To be decisive means not to falter or waver. How can we ask this of men while also expecting to have healthy relationships and a healthy society?

Que Kelsey Mech. Kelsey is the author of Man Enough and is a certified counsellor and trauma therapist. If I met her today I think we would instantly click given our professional backgrounds. But we actually met nearly 10 years ago!  And instead of our careers in health and wellness we bonded over working as interns in San Fransisco.

While chatting with Kelsey we delved into the inspirations behind her book, Man Enough, and the often neglected topic of how toxic masculinity is perpetuated in society.

This soup is subtly sweet and perfectly spiced, utilizing curry powder and cardamon spices which create an unexpected flavor profile. My grandpa loved this soup recipe so it holds a special place in my heart.

These pears are sweet, decadent and encapsulate all of the delicious flavors that Autumn has to offer, making this a great seasonal dessert.

This sweet, warm porridge is prepped the night before making it the perfect delicious and EASY breakfast to start your day.

Do you realize how easy it is to make a healthy homemade granola? If you did, you'd never buy store bought again! This is a great base recipe that can be customized to your liking. Give it a go!

Autumn is my absolute favorite season. All of my favorite things come into play during this time: apples and pears, cinnamon and maple syrup, pumpkin and winter squash. Warm creamy risottos and delicious baked goods. Who could say no to any of that? This risotto will bring your kitchen into the spirit as the sweet and savory goodness of pumpkin wraps you in an Autumn hug.

Pancakes and Sunday Mornings - am I right? They're quite the match. These pancakes are naturally sweet, light and do not leave you feeling lethargic! I also find these pancakes much more forgiving and easier to cook than traditional pancakes. You can jazz them up with your favorite fruits, nuts and warmed pure maple syrup or honey to your liking. Hellloooo Perfect Sunday Morning.

Tulsi is an herbal tea that has a range of benefits so vast it could fill a book....Also known as Holy Basil, this herbal brew is an old friend of mine. She is naturally calming, uplifting and nurturing. Gentle, soothing and subtly sweet. If you haven't already, it's time to welcome Tulsi into your life.

It's funny how if we tune into our body we can hear very clearly the things it wants. Lately I find myself gravitating towards Tulsi. Each night I make a cup before bed as part of my wind-down routine. And often, I even have a cup upon waking.

Strawberry lemonade is such a fun delicious way to cheers off the hot heat of summer. It's sweet, tangy and refreshing. This lemonade is made without refined sugars and instead uses the natural sweetness of maple and honey.  It's best made with fresh ripe organic strawberries rather than frozen ones.