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Emily Smith

@bestofthislife

2104

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easy recipes & everyday lifestyle
cozy home, family, wellness ✨
🇨🇦💌 [email protected]
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Easy summer dinner idea: maple glazed pork chops with fresh summer slaw. ☀️This is the kind of meal that feels perfect for a backyard patio dinner! It’s simple, flavourful, and full of summer colour. The maple glaze gives the pork chops a sweet and savoury finish, while the slaw keeps everything fresh and light. #AdIf you’re looking for a summer meal inspiration, this is your sign to pick pork.@pick.pork #PickPorkMaple Glazed Pork Chops Recipe:* 4 pork chops * 2 tablespoons oil * Fresh thyme Maple Glaze* 1/4 cup real maple syrup * 3 tablespoons ketchup * 2 tablespoons soy sauce * 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar * 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder * 1 teaspoon lemon juice * Salt and pepper Cook pork chops in oil over medium-high heat for about 4 minutes per side. Whisk glaze ingredients together, pour into the skillet, and cook another 3–5 minutes, spooning glaze over the pork chops. Garnish with fresh thyme and serve.Fresh Summer Slaw Recipe:Fresh Summer Slaw Recipe:* 6–8 cups shredded cabbage mix * 2 medium carrots, shredded * 1/4 cup chopped green onion * 3/4 cup mayonnaise * 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar * 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard * 1 tablespoon sugar * 1/4 teaspoon sea salt * Black pepper Whisk mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon, sugar, sea salt, and black pepper. Toss with cabbage, carrots, and green onion. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.[pork chops, pork chop recipes, maple pork chops, easy pork dinner, easy family dinner, summer dinner ideas, pork dinner recipe, skillet pork chops, maple glaze pork chops, fresh summer slaw] #porkchoprecipe #familydinner #easydinnerideas by @bestofthislife

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3 days ago

Frozen yogurt bar = instant summer happiness. 🍓🍌✨With the recent heat wave, my family was craving a frozen treat, so I headed to FreshCo to grab everything for a build-your-own fro-yo bar: iÖGO Frozen Yogurt, fresh fruit, granola, waffle bowls, and lemonade on the side.I also checked FreshCo’s weekly flyer before shopping, because it’s such an easy way to find even more value without compromising on freshness. #Ad #FreshCoThe best part? Everyone gets to build their own bowl. A little fruit, a little crunch, maybe way too many sprinkles… no judgment here. 😄Such a fun, budget-friendly summer treat to enjoy outside together. What topping are you adding first?Disclaimer: Prices of products are based on the date of purchase and may differ by province in Canada, effective July 16-July 22nd 2026. by @bestofthislife

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4 days ago

Anyone else put the kettle on whenever they need a minute? 🍵🤍Because same.A cup of tea, some quiet, and suddenly everything feels a little less urgent.p.s love our new @hamiltonbeachca kettle ✨ (gifted)#teatime #cozyvibes #slowmoments #teaLover #lifestylecreator [ teatime, girl aesthetic, quiet moment, cozy vibes, tea break, slow living, self care ritual, afternoon tea, daily reset, lifestyle content ] by @bestofthislife

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2 months ago

This Spinach Strawberry Salad with Feta has been on repeat lately. 🥗🍓The best part? NATURSOURCE Salad Topper. It adds the perfect crunch with a delicious blend of Tamari® sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, cashews, and sweet cranberries.It’s gluten-free, made with all-natural ingredients, dry-roasted (never fried), and packed with 6g of plant-based protein per serving. I love it on salads, but it’s also delicious sprinkled on soups, yogurt, oatmeal, or even enjoyed straight from the bag.Available at major grocery stores across Canada.#ad @natursource @peersway#natursource #ElevateYourSalad by @bestofthislife

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12 days ago

Current fixation for girl breakfast (or lunch...or dinner) 🫐🤍Toasted bread, nut butter, and fresh blueberries. What’s your current fixation? ~ Made with the @hamiltonbeachca Stainless Steel 2 Slice Toaster (gifted) #breakfastroutine #breakfastinspo #toastideas #easybreakfast [ breakfast ideas, toast ideas, morning, morning routine, girl dinner ] by @bestofthislife

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2 months ago

CHERRY COKE SLUSHIE 🍒🥤There’s something about a Cherry Coke Slushie that feels like summer by the lake, movie nights, and staying outside until the streetlights come on. ☀️Save this easy frozen drink recipe!🍒 Cherry Coke Slushie• 1 can or bottle Coke (about 350 mL), frozen into ice cubes• 1 can or bottle Coke (about 350 mL)• 3 tbsp cherry syrup• Extra cherry syrup, for topping• Maraschino cherries1. Pour 1 can or bottle of Coke into an ice cube tray and freeze overnight.2. Add the frozen Coke cubes (about 8), the second can or bottle of Coke, and cherry syrup to a blender.3. Blend just until slushy.4. Top with extra cherry syrup and maraschino cherries.The easiest nostalgic summer drink you’ll make all season. ❤️ Enjoy!#CherryCoke #SummerDrinkRecipe #FrozenDrinkRecipe #SummerRecipes #EasyRecipes[ summer drinks, cherry coke slushie, frozen coke, nostalgic summer, summer recipes, easy drink recipes, patio season, movie night snacks, vintage summer vibes, oldies on the radio, butter mom recipes ] by @bestofthislife

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a month ago

Homemade pizza nights are one of our favourite summer traditions. 🍕☀️ I picked up everything I needed at Real Canadian Superstore, including Piller’s pepperoni and salami, along with Saputo Mozza Fresca and Feta, to make two fresh summer pizzas the whole family loved. Whether you’re dining on the patio or enjoying a cozy movie night, it’s such an easy meal to share. Find everything you need at Real Canadian Superstore! #ad @pillers1957 @ingredients_by_saputo#homemadepizza #pizzanight #freshpizza #familyrecipes by @bestofthislife

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22 days ago

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21 days ago

summer snacks & drinks we’ve been taste testing 🍓🥤The quickest way to get everyone into the kitchen? Open a box of new snacks. 😄 our friends at @wholefoodscanada sent over this sampler, so my family and I spent an afternoon tasting everything and comparing notes.Swipe through for the details and our ratings…#snacksonsnacks #snackbox #snackfood #wholefoods [ snack box, whole foods snacks, snack haul, new snacks, whole foods Canada, snacks to try ]Have you tried any of these? I’d love to know which one you’d reach for first. 💚 @wholefoodscanada Unboxing 😍 @wholefoodscanada 🍓 OHME! Crispy Strawberries — 10/10. These disappeared fast! Perfect for snacking or adding to yogurt.🫐 OHME! Blueberry Yogurt Crunch — 7/10. A little more tart than I expected, but still a fun snack.🥤 Blume SuperBelly Peach Lychee — 10/10. I’ve always loved SuperBelly, and this is such a refreshing summer flavour.🌶️ Que Pasa Rolled Tortilla Chips — 8/10. My kids loved these.🥣 CARBS Sourdough Crackers — 9/10 according to my husband. Definitely his favourite from the box!☕ Beck’s Broth Protein Hot Chocolate — 8/10. Not your traditional hot chocolate, but surprisingly comforting with a nice protein boost.🍪 Made with Local Protein Nut Butter Cookie — 7.5/10. A wholesome treat that’s especially good dunked in almond milk.🍓 OHME! Crispy Strawberries — 10/10. These disappeared fast! Perfect for snacking or adding to yogurt.🫐 OHME! Blueberry Yogurt Crunch — 7/10. A little more tart than I expected, but still a fun snack.@ohmefoods 🌶️ Que Pasa Rolled Tortilla Chips — 8/10. My kids loved these.@quepasafoods ☕ Beck’s Broth Protein Hot Chocolate — 8/10. Not your traditional hot chocolate, but surprisingly comforting with a nice protein boost.@becksbroth 🍪 Made with Local Protein Nut Butter Cookie — 7.5/10. A wholesome treat that’s especially good dunked in almond milk.@madewithlocal by @bestofthislife

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17 days ago

Ottawa Asian Fest Night Market📍 LeBreton Flats | May 29–31A few of our favourites from this year’s festival: ✨ Tuna Tartare Cone @spoon.mii 🍔 Teppanyaki Chicken Sandwich 🦑 BBQ Squid on a stick 🍩 Mochi Donuts + 🥭 Mango Mocktail @daocafe If you’re planning a visit, come hungry. There are so many great vendors to discover!@ottawaasianfest #ottawaasianfest #asiannightmarket #nightmarket #ottawaeats [ food festival, Ottawa events, things to do in Ottawa, Ottawa festivals ] by @bestofthislife

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2 months ago

🍌 BANANA PUDDING 🍌 Creamy, nostalgic, and oh so decadent. 🍨 Homemade Vanilla Wafers (or use store-bought)Ingredients:* 1 2/3 cups cake flour* 1 large egg plus 1 egg white, at room temperature* 3/4 cup sugar* 1 1/4 tsp baking powder* 1/2 tsp fine salt* 2 tbsp vanilla extract* 1 tsp water* 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted* 2 tbsp vegetable oilInstructions:1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.2. Sift cake flour and set aside.3. Using a hand or stand mixer, combine the whole egg, egg white, sugar, baking powder, salt, vanilla extract, and water. Beat on high until the mixture is light and thick, about 3-4 minutes.4. Reduce speed to low and add the melted butter and oil, then increase to high and mix for 30 seconds.5. Turn off the mixer, add the sifted flour, and mix on low until smooth.6. Transfer the batter to a pastry bag with a 1/2-inch round tip, and pipe quarter-sized mounds onto the prepared sheets, spacing them out evenly.7. Bake for 14-15 minutes, rotating halfway through until edges are golden brown. Allow to cool on the sheets. Depending on size makes 48-72 cookiesBanana PuddingIngredients:* 2 cups cold milk* 1 (5 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix* 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk* 1 tbsp vanilla extract* 1 (12 oz) container frozen whipped topping, thawed* 40-50 Vanilla wafers* 10-14 small bananas, slicedInstructions:1. In a large bowl, whisk together the milk and pudding mix for 2 minutes.2. Add the condensed milk and blend until smooth.3. Stir in the vanilla extract and gently fold in the whipped topping.4. In a large glass serving bowl, layer vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and pudding mixture.5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving. Garnish with extra crushed wafers just before serving.#bananapudding #easydessertrecipe #summerdesserts #dessertsofinstagram #dessertrecipes [ banana pudding, banana pudding recipe, easy banana pudding, homemade banana pudding, creamy banana pudding, southern banana pudding, layered dessert recipe] by @bestofthislife

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2 months ago

A little patio refresh for summer ☀️ We ordered this umbrella from @wayfaircanada and it completely changed the feel of our outdoor space.The tan colour pairs so well with our dining set, gives great coverage for sunny afternoons outside, and was super easy to put together.If you’re refreshing your patio for summer, you can shop this Wayfair Canada find through my link in bio ✨#WayfairCAPartner #WayfairCanada #WayfairCAHome #PatioRefresh #OutdoorLiving by @bestofthislife

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2 months ago