Hey there, I'm Ashlee

 Hey there, I'm Ashlee!

I'm a 40-year-old writer, dreamer, and lover of cozy kitchens and heartfelt stories, living in North York, Ontario. My journey has taken me through bustling restaurants, charming bakeries, retail shops, and even behind the wheel as a school bus and long-haul driver. From Swiss Chalet and Panera Bread to Hickory Farms and hauling lumber across the province—I’ve picked up a little bit of everything along the way.

I studied Medical Administration at CDI College and later earned a business degree, but my real education came from life: long shifts, meaningful conversations, and finding moments of joy in unexpected places.

I’m passionate about food and its power to bring people together—especially when it comes to cultural traditions and family recipes. My blog is where I share stories from my life, memories that shaped me, and reflections on love, loss, resilience, and everything in between. Sometimes you’ll find recipes, sometimes reflections, and sometimes just a little magic from the ordinary.

Thanks for being here. I hope you’ll stay awhile.

Popular posts from this blog

Why Should We Read Books?

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  Why should we read books? Reading books is an essential activity that offers a multitude of benefits across various aspects of life. Here’s a detailed exploration of why reading is important: 1. Cognitive Development and Intelligence Enhancement Reading books stimulates the brain, enhancing cognitive functions such as comprehension, critical thinking, and analytical skills. Engaging with complex narratives and diverse vocabulary helps improve overall intelligence. Studies have shown that individuals who read regularly tend to score higher on intelligence tests and achieve better academic performance. This is because reading requires active engagement, which exercises the brain much like physical exercise strengthens muscles. 2. Empathy and Emotional Intelligence Books often present characters with diverse backgrounds and experiences, allowing readers to step into their shoes and understand different perspectives. This practice fosters empathy, as readers learn to appreciate viewp...
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Last Rites By Ozzy Osbourne

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  October 7, 2025 From the moment I heard Last Rite by Ozzy Osbourne was for preserving order, I didn’t even think twice — I ordered it instantly. Then came the wait. Days felt longer. Every knock at the door had me checking if it was here. I waited patiently, but deep down I was counting the minutes. And finally... it arrived. When I opened the package and saw the book inside, I didn’t just look at it — I held it tightly. Like I was holding the weight of an era. A final message from the Prince of Darkness himself. This isn’t just a book — it’s a ritual. A relic. A farewell sealed in ink and legacy. Ashlee Johnston 's review Oct 14, 2025   ·    edit it was amazing “A raw, unfiltered look at the man behind the madness — and a must-read for lifelong fans.” I grew up hearing my dad play  Black Sabbath , so Ozzy’s voice has always been part of the soundtrack of my life. By the time I got my own copy of  Blizzard of Ozz , I was completely hooked — and I’v...
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Ozzy Osbourne 1948 - 2025

The first time I heard Ozzy Osbourne, it was “No More Tears” on the radio—and that was it for me. That voice, that intensity... I was hooked. I went straight to the record shop and picked up a Black Sabbath album. Then another. Sometimes just one CD at a time, sometimes two—until I had every single one by 2001. Ozzy became the soundtrack to my life. His music walked with me through chaos, clarity, and everything in between. Songs like “Mama, I’m Coming Home” hit especially hard now after losing my mom. That one breaks me open every time—but in a way that feels healing, like I’m still somehow talking to her. Even now, decades later, Ozzy keeps speaking to me. His newer tracks have hit just as hard—maybe even more. “Ordinary Man” with Elton John is a recent favorite. Honest. Fragile. Legendary. And “Under the Graveyard”… that one? It cuts deep. It’s raw, real, and reminds me that even our heroes are human—that strength comes from surviving what tried to break you. Thank you, Ozzy. For ev...
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