Molly Shannon, Cookbook for a Cause and Brightening up your Home
Let's Do This!
Books I’ve Been Reading
Hello Molly! by Molly Shannon - It was so interesting reading about how Molly Shannon’s tragic, dysfunctional but ultimately encouraging childhood created who she was and informed so many of her brilliant characters. I mean, she was a pretty wild child right from the beginning (although definitely not in the way the bands below were) and it was interesting reading it in today’s context. I’ve also read books by comedians Tina Fey, Amy Poehler and Mindy Kaling and Colin Jost. All great reads.
Meet Me in the Bathroom by Lizzy Goodman - If you are/were into The Strokes, Interpol, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, White Stripes etc, this book is for you. It’s an oral history of the rise of The Strokes and other bands in NYC in the early 2000s. The was prime concert going time for me, and I was lucky enough to see many of the bands mentioned while living in London, so this book was a real treat and brought up a ton of nostalgia.
Mother Tongue: A Surprising History of Women’s Words by Jenni Nuttall - Another super niche read - my husband was like ‘what the heck are you reading?’ I admit I liked hearing more about what it was like as a women in ‘ye olden days’ than the actual etymology part and you could tell Jenni is an Oxford academic, but I still found it interesting. ‘Drudge’ used to be a synonym for a female servant, so when we say we are doing drudgery we are using these old fashioned words. There are tons of these examples, while others have been lost to time. As anyone with a kid who says words like Gyatt or Sigma, one thing for certain is that language is always changing.
Reader Reccomendations:
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid (note: I’ve read all of this author’s books and they are ALL good)
The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel
The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley (note: The Paris Apartment by the same author is also very good)
The Neapolitan Novels by Elena Ferrante - I’m going to call this one divisive. I’ve had it recommended to me over and over but I just could not get into it.
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson - I also liked this one.
Atomic Habits by James Clear - Again, I loved this easy read and use his tips in my daily life. They work!
The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins
Thank you to Mel, Sophy, Jacqueline, Heather, my mom and anyone I might have missed!
Photo Credit: Food Stylist Hanna Hajilou of À La Table by Hanna and Photographer Riccardo Cellere
Rebecca Fruchter, author of the À La Carte Cookbook
My name is Rebecca Fruchter, and I am the author of the À La Carte Cookbook , a fundraising initiative where 100% of proceeds benefit the Montreal Children's Hospital. Volume 1 was carried by over 70 retailers, all of whom generously waived their commission on sales to help maximize our fundraising efforts. It sold out completely within 7 months, and I’m excited to share that the team is back together, working on À La Carte Cookbook, Encore! with a planned launch for Christmas 2026.
I’m someone who’s always on the go, whether it’s walking, hiking, cycling or paddleboarding: I’m all about staying active and soaking up the outdoors. When it’s cold out, you’ll find me shovelling snow, snowshoeing or hitting the gym for spinning and weightlifting.
I have a Bachelor of Commerce in Operations Management from Concordia University and an MBA from HEC Montréal with a focus on entrepreneurship. I earned a nutrition certification after my kids were born in a bid to dive deeper into health and wellness.
I’m also a huge fan of cooking and baking, especially when my 13-year-old joins me in the kitchen. He’s been by my side since he could walk and we make it a point to carve out special kitchen days for holidays. Our favourite recipe to make together is the Vanilla Pudding Fruity Trifle found in Volume 1 of the cookbook.
When I’m not cooking, I love volunteering, playing board games with my kids or walking our two dogs. I feel incredibly lucky to have found a passion project that ties all these personal interests together!
Tell us more about your cookbook initiative
Every individual involved in the book contributed his or her time and expertise pro bono to further support this cause. We are currently working on À La Carte Cookbook, Encore!, with a projected launch date of Christmas 2026.
None of this have been possible without the incredible support of the À La Carte Cookbook team: Food Stylist Hanna Hajilou of À La Table by Hanna, Photographer Riccardo Cellere (IG: @riccardocellere), Graphic Designers Neal Caminsky of Red Dream Studios (IG: @reddreamstudios) and Carolina Moens (Linked In: Carolina Moens) and Editor Susan Schwartz. Their passion and dedication continue to help bring this book to the community.
Why did you decide to start your own fundraiser vs. working for another fundraiser or volunteer opportunity?
I do both! When I’m not working on or selling the cookbook, I actively volunteer for various community-based initiatives. I grew up in an entrepreneurial home, so I’ve always had a natural curiosity about the production process. Starting my own fundraiser allowed me to tap into that passion and bring an idea to life while working with a team that shares the same vision. There's something incredibly rewarding about creating something from scratch and knowing it’s making a real difference.
I chose to fundraise for the Montreal Children’s hospital because…
I have always felt strongly about modelling an active, healthy lifestyle for our children and À La Carte is a way for me to share this passion with others – and to help support the hospital at the same time. It’s a feel-good community project, one which has brought together like-minded volunteers to make a difference in the lives of children treated at the hospital and their families.
Can you name the biggest lesson you’ve learned in running a project fundraiser?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned from running a fundraiser is that it never hurts to ask. Never assume the answer will be no, even for the biggest requests. You don’t know unless you try. When you truly believe in your work and cause and are passionate about it, that energy becomes contagious – and others are inspired to support and get involved.
What’s the first app, website or thing you open/do in the morning?
I start every morning by walking my dogs while listening to podcasts . I usually catch up on the news, dive into some entrepreneurial inspiration and mix in a few casual discussions in which random people talk about their lives. I find it fascinating to understand how and why people think and act the way they do: It’s a great way to kickstart my day!
Best piece of advice on motherhood?
Read to your kids. I’ve been reading to mine since they were in my tummy (I started with Oh, Baby, the Places You’ll Go—A Book to Read in utero by Dr. Seuss). Take books to appointments or read before bed: Just make it a part of your routine!
Favourite Board Game
Settlers of Catan, a game of negotiation and strategy. It’s a fantastic way to teach kids and adults how to communicate and collaborate effectively.
Favourite Podcast
How I Built This, with Guy Raz. It features stories from well-known entrepreneurs and their journeys. In every episode, Guy asks whether they attribute their success to luck, hard work, grit or a combination of all three. I’ve learned so much and found myself inspired time and again by the interviews on this podcast.
Funniest thing your kids have said: When my younger son was little, he didn’t know the word for “pan,” so he called it a “cook-it.” As for my older son, he once gave his brother, who loves to cook and has a sweet tooth, the brilliant advice of starting his own dessert food truck when he grows up and calling it Mother’s Worst Nightmare.
Local Montreal Activity
Seasonal produce picking at Quinn Farms in Notre-Dame-de-l'Île-Perrot has always been a favourite! When my kids were little, we loved visiting the barn, playing in the hay maze and enjoying picnics on the grounds. Shopping at the farm store to wrap up the day was always a highlight. Oh, and in 2026, you’ll find À La Carte Cookbook, Encore! there again. They’ve always graciously invited me to set up a table and sell the book and I absolutely love meeting the people who visit the farm!
For regular updates, behind-the-scenes insights and information on where to purchase a copy, follow us on social media at @alacartecookbook. The À La Carte Cookbook cookbook is currently sold out. To get updates for À La Carte Cookbook, Encore! you can go to the website and enter your email address where the prompt says “notify me of updates”. An email will go out when we have a specific launch date for À La Carte Cookbook, Encore!
Clockwise from Left: Good Vibes Slippers from Presentation Design, Pretty Vase from Zone, Red Nails, Charlotte Throw from VdeV, Medina Candle from Anthropologie, Cheap and Cheerful Carnations
Five Easy Ways to Brighten Your Home
Yahoooo—January is finally over! 🎉 But here comes February… blerg. Let’s be real, it’s still grey, it’s still cold, and we’re all just over it. Time to treat ourselves to a few little pick-me-ups that’ll brighten our moods and our homes, no matter how dreary it gets outside.
First up: FLOWERS! 🌸 I’m talking affordable blooms. Lately, I’ve been totally into bright carnations from the grocery store. They’re low-key adorable, and I love splitting them up into little bud vases around the house. I always make sure there’s one in the bedroom and another by the bathroom sink—because why shouldn’t your morning routine feel a little more luxe, right? Check this out for inspo: Carnation magic
Next, let’s talk about where to put those pretty flowers—because they deserve a cute home. How about this adorable vase? It’s a whole vibe and it’s from local store Zone. Seriously, who wouldn’t smile every time they see this?
Now we need a cozy, happy vibe to match! I’m OBSESSED with this cotton throw from VdeV. Add it to any corner, and it’ll instantly feel like a cozy little haven. Instant mood boost! VdeV has shops in the Plateau, St-Lambert and Toronto.
Still with me? Good! Because we need some candles to set the mood. Candles that smell amazing, make you smile, and bring a little light to the endless winter evenings. This Fruity Hibiscus PinkGuava Candle from Anthropologie is chef’s kiss perfect.
And let’s not forget about slippers. Happy feet = happy life, right? Slip into these Good vibes slippers, and I guarantee you’ll feel like a cozy queen. Plus the ladies at Presentation Gifts have the best taste.
Finally, when the cold gets really unbearable and you need something to perk you up—book yourself a mani/pedi! Pick a bright, fun color. Right now, I’m rocking bright red, and I swear it’s like my nails are shouting, “Don’t worry, be happy!” 💅
So go ahead, brighten up & treat yourself. You deserve it!
Amanda Eaman is a Montreal based stylist and interior decorator. Her services include styling, client wardrobe help, personal shopping and interiors. Her services are also included in my photoshoots. If you’d like to reach out to Amanda for advice or enquire about her services you can contact her at amandaeaman@gmail.com
Other stuff
I think it goes without saying we are all going to try and focus on buying Canadian. If you have any leads please let me know! For realz!
Interested in trying Canadian made beauty? The Indie Beauty Collective has put together a list of great Canadian made beauty companies.
I came across these bags from Rather Green the day the trade tariffs were announced. They are made in Canada and honestly, for their quality and ethics their products are super well priced. They’d also make a great gift.
Heart Jewelry
I love this heart bracelet and these fun earrings.
This heart necklace is also so pretty.
This local jeweller has such great ideas - her jewelry is so pretty and those heart socks are so cute. Amanda (from the post above) has these and loves them.
More other stuff
Cutest, and very affordable, graphic t’s and sweatshirts from local Etsy seller Rue Mentana
I also love this Canadian brand. I’d prob get this one, because I tend to listen to a lot of depressing music and when we play DJ in the car my kids are always asking if I’m going to put on one of my ‘sad songs.’ lol ‘Why, yes I might kids!’
If you are looking for a birthday (or other cake) try Les Glaceurs or even Bernie Beigne has a giant Simpson’s style donut that’s super cute. (Thank you Eve!)
Lincoln Bakery does baking classes and is hosting a super cute kids bake camp for the week de relâche! (Thank you Minna!)
Unpopular Opinion
I loved Sally Rooney’s Normal People. I did not particularly love Beautiful World, Where are You and I stopped reading Intermezzo about 1/3 of the way in.
From really cold to REALLY hot - Skincare Tips for Travel this winter
We may not be at summer yet, but I know a lot of you are going away to hotter climates. Wondering how to adjust your skin care? Read this article from Kep Skincare.
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Michelle Little is a photographer who specializes in family, maternity, newborn, headshots and boudoir. I offer studio, in-home and outdoor photography. You can see her website here and get in touch here.
I also have an insanely popular photography newsletter you can sign up to here for news, mini session announcements and more. Once a year I giveaway a free studio session to a lucky subscriber (maybe that’s why it’s insanely popular?)