Shake Shack Canadian snacks edition

Maple Salted Pretzel Shakes and More S'mores Concrete at Yonge and Dundas Square Shake Shack

One of the reasons I started writing my own reviews is because experiences don’t always match expectations. After extensive research, I was convinced I’d love the Maple Salted Pretzel Shake—though the More S’mores Concrete was equally tempting (so, of course, I ordered both). And thank goodness I did, because my experience didn’t quite align with what others had raved about.

Maple Salted Pretzel Shake

The Maple Salted Pretzel Shake wasn’t bad, but it lacked the salty pretzel kick that so many reviews had praised. While I appreciated the thick and creamy consistency, the overall flavour felt a bit one-dimensional. It leaned more on the sweet side than I expected, without enough contrast to balance it out. I kept waiting for that salty-sweet harmony to hit, but it never really did. The pretzel flavour was subtle—almost too subtle—making it taste more like a standard caramel or maple shake rather than something unique. For this reason, and the lack of depth in flavour, I’d rate this a 6.5/10.

More S'mores Concrete

The real showstopper was the More S’mores Concrete—a dessert that completely exceeded my expectations! It had everything I wanted: the perfect balance of saltiness, rich chocolatey goodness, and just the right amount of sweetness from the marshmallows. It was like a cold, ice cream version of a perfectly made s’more. The chocolate bits added a delightful crunch, while the well-blended texture ensured that each bite had an ideal mix of flavours. The graham cracker pieces tied everything together, making it taste just like a classic s’more but in a creamy, indulgent form.

For all these reasons, I’m giving it a 9.8/10—a near-perfect treat that I would 100% order again! If you ever find yourself in Toronto (or anywhere in Canada where it’s available), do yourself a favour and try the More S’mores Concrete! It’s a treat worth experiencing for yourself.

This experience reminded me of the importance of trying things for myself rather than relying solely on other people’s reviews. While recommendations can be helpful, taste is subjective, and nothing beats a firsthand experience. What worked for others didn’t quite work for me, and what I least expected ended up being the real winner. Sometimes, the best surprises come from trusting your own instinct and taste buds!

Verilux Happy Light Touch short review

One of my besties at work recommended I try out one of these light therapy lamps after I told her about my dreaded Winter Blues as the winter season approaches. She read about them and said that not only do they enhance and uplift your mood, but they also brighten your skin (naturally).

After hearing about the research and being desperate to not have to endure another sad and depressing winter, I bought it to try.

Before I continue the review, I want to emphasize how easy it is to turn on this lamp. It is like turning on an iPad: just press a small flat button in the upper right corner, and it turns on. Ever since having this lamp, I usually use it as my light source instead of my night lamp because it is easy to turn on and off. Despite how bright it is, I still prefer it over my lamp. 

I keep this beside my bed, so I can easily access it. (For the benefits and as a source of light)

off with 

This lamp is incredibly BRIGHT! The moment I turn it on, all I see is light, and it is powerful enough to illuminate my entire room. It offers two light settings: daylight and warm light. I personally prefer the daylight setting because it’s noticeably brighter. Additionally, there are three brightness levels, and I always set it to the brightest for maximum effect.

The buttons are conveniently located at the front of the lamp, making them easily accessible. A gentle touch is all it takes to switch between settings, which I find both practical and user-friendly.

on in an unlit room

It’s still "early" winter, and the winter blues haven’t officially kicked in yet (they usually settle in after Christmas and New Year), but I’ve already noticed my body craving light on darker, gloomier days.

Tilting Angle:

My only complaint is that the angle of the lamp cannot be adjusted, which limits flexibility in positioning. Other than that, I haven’t come across any other drawbacks.

size against my iPad Mini 5 (please excuse the mess in the background #postChristmasmess)

UPDATE:
Today was a gloomy, and snowy day, perfect for giving the lamp a proper test. And let me tell you... I LOVE IT! It works! I followed the instructions, positioning it at a 10 o’clock angle towards my face for 20 minutes. That’s all it took to lift my mood and brighten my day.

I am so glad I made this small investment—it has already proven incredibly rewarding. Not only does it help brighten my space on gloomy days, but it also uplifts my mood and keeps me feeling more energized. It’s a simple yet effective way to combat the winter blues, and I can already feel the positive impact it’s having on my overall well-being. I can confidently say this was a purchase worth making, and I look forward to continuing to reap its benefits throughout the darker winter months.

Score: 9.810
Website: https://verilux.com/products/new-happylight-touch?srsltid=AfmBOooP6YibqQHBGVpXCBvpeoEPGiE73fqEhcTvtfnHFYa8yfyQbPWa