The past few months blogging have been a bit sporadic. I’m the type to stick her head in the sand and hope things pass. They never do and eventually I have to confront them.
I haven’t been my usual over-sharing self.
Not because I was hiding how I felt but I was still working through it. When I wrote The Year of Focus I shared that I wanted to simplify things in my life.
I streamlined work, decided to travel less and also confessed I’m in a relationship.
I’m really happy.
I haven’t been writing because I’ve been loving life in Toronto, connecting with friends and joyful to be in a relationship so amazing and something (to be honest) I never thought I’d have.
But where does this leave Bacon is Magic? What’s next for the bacon girl who left a relationship to wander the world, balancing travel with an ever growing waistline?
That’s what I’ve been contemplating for the last few months.
A while ago I shot this how to poach an egg video with Chef Rouge. I was practically embarrassed to admit that I didn’t know how and so the simple act of him showing me turned into a video.
And then it clicked.
I’m approaching my four year anniversary of leaving my old life. The one where I worked in an office from 9-5, stayed in a long-term relationship that was never going to go anywhere because I was afraid
I wouldn’t find someone else, more afraid to buy furniture from anywhere but Ikea because I needed to feel like one day I could escape if I wanted to.
And I did.
Much has changed in the last four years. I evolved from someone who falsely appeared outwardly confident to someone who was on the inside as well.
I found security in admitting self-doubt. I realized fear is not weakness. Vulnerability is not fragility. I dated great men, lousy men and even men who couldn’t speak English.
I made a lot of mistakes and hopefully I learned from some of them.
I wandered the world and somehow found myself.
And so now I’m here learning how to poach an egg.
But this isn’t the end of my story.
Learning to poach an egg made me realize that I’m evolving and so Bacon is Magic needs to as well.
I’m still going to travel.
The wonderful thing about dating a chef is that they understand unconventional hours and making the most of the precious little time they have. Β
I have some vague plans for travel later in Spring but nothing immediate.
I’m content to just be here. In the moment. Something I’ve never been able to do.
I’ve been poaching eggs, learning how to make beef heart bourguignon and roast bone marrow.
I’ve been exploring Toronto on weekends and falling in love with home all over again.
And so that is what Bacon is Magic will evolve into.
My favourite things around the world and at home.
And here is the video of how to poach an egg and while it’s nothing revolutionary it changed my perspective of how the site will reflect my life: with more videos like this, dishes I loved around the world, dishes I love at home.
I hope you enjoy.
If you want to see more food and travel videos Iβd love for you toΒ subscribe to my YouTube channel.
All you need is an email address, no special YouTube login required.
Great to take time to reflect and figure out what you want for yourself and what comes next…
Congrats on everything!
I love that you’re so happy!
Life changes, people change, situations change, but in the end, the only important things is to do what makes you happy! And I’m so happy for you! You deserve it. xxx
What a lovely way to look at it, thanks Helen.
Congrats Ayngelina! On both your new found appreciation for home and your comforts of a relationship/confidence.
I find myself in a similar situation where I love exploring my city/valley and travel – when I can’t do one I do the other. My blog, as always, is in constant evolution like myself. While I don’t feel comfortable in focusing solely on southern BC I am satisfied in where I am going and where it’s gotten me.
Since you’re exploring Toronto, have you been to The Black Hoof? I visited your city for the first time last year and ate there. Loved it!
But of course, one of my favourite restaurants – blood and brains terrine! Chef Rouge actually knows the chef there so we had a great time. But that’s part of what I realized. I have been out having a great time in the city and yet sharing none of it.
What a happy post! Super-excited for ya, enjoy this next chapter!
Thanks so much Aga!
I went to culinary school and still find it tricky to poach an egg properly on every try. So simple, but takes so much finesse.
Do you use vinegar?
I love this. Definitely gives me hope for the time when I’m ready to be in the same shoes… I feel like I’m two years behind you!
Eventually you will know. It was an amazing feeling when I realized I had been nomadic for too long – there was never a doubt that I wanted a base in Toronto.
I’m glad you’re able to share so much on this blog. Its scary! I’m using it as inspiration to be brave on mine. Life’s seasons are always difficult to embrace, the leaving and the staying. Good luck to you.
I wasn’t always brave but every time I’ve been vulnerable on this site I’ve been rewarded with support. Just try with it a little bit and you’ll see. There’s nothing wrong with admitting you don’t know what you’re doing – no one does.
I’m glad you’re happy, Ayngelina! I think sometimes we are afraid to let ourselves feel happy because we fear that we will be disappointed. To be happy requires us to let go of doubts, which takes an immense amount of courage because most of the time, it’s so much easier to doubt than to trust. In any case, congratulations in achieving your goal!! π
Aaaanndd… I had no idea poaching an egg is THAT simple!
Thanks so much Pauline. This is really the first time I’ve just been in the moment and not worry about the future. I owe so much of that to travel.
Travelling for four years is a long time, so I can understand that you are currently feeling the urge to stay put. Good luck with it! Oh, and I am useless at poaching eggs. It never works out for me. π
Maybe try the vinegar?
This sounds like a wonderful change for you, Ayngelina. I can’t wait to see what will happen next here π
Thanks Janice, it’s going to be an interesting ride.
This post made me really happy and reminds me that it is possible to create the life I want as well.
Thanks, that means a lot coming from you.
Such beautiful post, I’m so happy you’ve found peace in your life and the joy of everyday things. Thank you for including us on your journey! On that note, I watched your lovely poached egg video lasts week (also ashamed that I didn’t know how to do something so basic) and tried it out the next morning. Perfection! π
Thanks Cassie that means a lot, I’m really excited to start working on a new path for this site.
And LOVE that the video helped you.
LOL, I guess I’m just amazed that anyone doesn’t know how to poach an egg. Surely you’re joking? π
Nice photos, btw.
Ha, you would be surprised how many people emailed me that they finally made one for the first time after watching this video.
I also don’t know how to poach egg and I am a bit surprise that it is easy to do!
I should have been doing it long ago!
Love to hear that you’re so happy where you are! I think this may even make your blog more “real” to a lot of the world- especially since most people have to balance a home base with their love of travel. Happiness is really what matters in the end, isn’t it?
Thanks so much AJ, I’m really excited for this new direction.
Congrats Aynegelina, I’m happy for you.
In another two months I’m about to finally head back home after almost 3 years traipsing around Asia. I’ve been a bit nervous, but reading this somehow put me a little more at ease.
Oh, and I also don’t know how to poach an egg!
Don’t be nervous. Actually that is ridiculous to say, of course you will be nervous. But you will work your way through it and your life will change in an amazing way.
Please integrate more food content with this site … do stuff with a global flavour, as it will tie in well with the travel stuff.
Preferably bacon anything! π
I’m thinking a good Mexican soup may be the recipe video…
Hahaha now I won’t feel like such a toss because I can’t (couldn’t) make poached eggs. Thanks for the video. Had no clue vinegar was involved!
Glad you are happy. Happy is important. And yeah, post more vids on some cool and easy yummy recipes now that you dating a chef;)
Not a lot of people knew about vinegar, it’s definitely a pro tip!
i know how to poach an egg but i wonder to see that you did know that all thing hahahhahah
We love that your traveling is evolving and changing. We want to encourage more people to travel and connect, however we realized some people have trouble doing so. Much like the egg you poached we found a simple and easy way to enable people to get the more out of travel, adventure seeking social.
Sounds Interesting. I’ll check it out.
I hope you donβt think this too presumptuous of meβ¦ more than just learning how to poach an egg, I think you might have also learned how to live and be happy again. β¦ and exploring Toronto on weekends may or may not have had anything to do with it. Who knows?
I think most of us travel to discover ourselves. Congratulations on that and your new endeavors!
Hi Ayngelina, just the other day I was talking with my husband about sticking the head into the sand.He had to tell something to his boss but was a bit afraid..But I always tell him this are just things in life you learn something new and because of that we want more in life!
I think you are doing great with learning how to poach an egg and you look really happy. Wish you all good and keep living your dreams π
Glad that you found happiness and that you’re learning to good more and better π
replace “good” with “cook” and it’ll make more sense. Autocorrect is stalking me!
If people would not stick their head in others business everyone would be happyier. If there were more people like you, but its ok as long as we love ourselfs we will find people like you. As I found your blog π
Kepp smiling Ayngelina
Awww congrats on the relationship. I’m also feeling the same way. Just enjoying being home with my loverboy and not having immediate travels plans although that might change soon in the summer.
Loving the videos by the way. Make more of them!
That’s a great post Ayngelina – I’m amazed how you mix your personal experiences with travel reports. Happy anniversary then!
You look so happy. Your enjoying your life to the fullest! I hope I can make balance in my life too. And wow, I got amazed on how your perfectly poach an egg.
I loved this post. As a travel blogger I’m constantly thinking about where I want to go next, but this article reminded me to stay grounded and find happiness where you are. Your own city has just as much, if not more, to teach you. Thanks for writing!
Congratulations! Four years is an achievement in its own but to still be passionate and love what you do makes it all the more amazing!
Very inspiring words!!! Looking forward to reading more and yes, I agree, Bacon is indeed magical!
Hi Ayngelina, thanks so much for this brilliant post! Travel is so great but I think that one of the most important lessons you learn from travelling is to be able to see the world in a different light, and there is no reason why you can’t do that at home too. I love having a base to call home, whether it is for a few months or a few years. I am planning on living in Sydney, Australia for the next few years to work in contract positions, explore everyday life in this beautiful City and reconnect with friends and family. I am also planning to continue travelling and will do lots of short trips as well as a couple of longer multi-month ones. Being a traveller doesn’t mean you need to be continuously on the road all of the time, it works for some people but it isn’t the only option and there are so many fantastic reasons to having a ‘home’. Good luck with this new chapter in your life and enjoy rediscovering lovely Toronto!
Yay, Ayngelina! This post made me smile. We all find what we’re looking for eventually, and it’s wonderful to hear you’re in a happy place π
Congratulations on finding happiness!
Lovely! Life is about learning and relearning so just let go, slide and follow your heart wherever it takes you! Traveling or not, it’s how we put things in perspective that makes each and one of us wiser. Truly, there are things (if not a lot) we can learn even in such a mundane activity as poaching an egg π
Love this post. So simple yet so reflective. Sometimes it’s the smallest moments that teach us our biggest lessons and give us clarity.
Who would think you can learn so much from learning how to poach an egg π But being serious, it is natural to progress in life, change is eternal. Good luck with everything Girl.