Maybe it’s my senioritis finally setting in, or perhaps I’ve seen one too many beachy reading week posts, but I swear it’s warming up in here.
With March looming, and daylight stretching a little longer into each evening, February’s deep freeze is finally starting to crack. As Kingston—and I—begin to thaw, here are my hot tips for shaking off the frost and welcoming the spring.
Watch
While I spent the break snowed in at my grandparents in southern Ontario, I was transported to sunny Australia via my newest Netflix binge: Apple Cider Vinegar.
Following the story of Belle Gibson, the Australian blogger who faked a brain cancer diagnosis, the series critiques wellness and influencer culture alike. With its sharp storytelling and unsettling revelations, Apple Cider Vinegar peels back the layers of deception that fueled Gibson’s rise to fame.
The series doesn’t just expose the influencer’s frauds—it dissects the broader culture of online wellness swindlers, unchecked power of social media, and the allure of miracle cures. If you’re in the mood for a watch that’s equal parts engaging and infuriating, this one’s worth the binge.
Listen
My new favourite artist is none other than 070 Shake—of recent “we approached them with nothing but RESPECT” meme fame. Their music feels like stepping into a dream—hazy, immersive, and impossible to shake.
070 Shake’s latest album, Petrichor, feels like the first rays of sunlight cutting through the cold. The album’s glitchy, atmospheric production and raw lyricism create a soundscape that mirrors the slow shift from isolation to renewal.
Songs like “Winter Baby / New Jersey Blues” and “Elephant” capture that perfect balance between melancholy and euphoria, making it the ideal soundtrack for late-night spring drives or quiet walks in the rain wearing your “trench coat buttoned to the TOP.”
Wear
Though I’m still dodging puddles and snow drifts, no shoe is better equipped to navigate the melting streets of Kingston than a classic dad sneaker.
Practicality and irony are wrapped into one perfectly unfashionable piece of footwear—take New Balance 530s, or Salomon XT-Wings 2, for example. The chunky sole will allow you to stay above the slush, while the sturdy design offers just enough grip to keep you from slipping on the ice.
Dad sneakers are cool again, so embrace the trend and take on puddle season with some fun kicks and even funnier dad jokes.
Read
If you’re in the mood for a thriller that unravels as slow as the ice is melting, Invisible Woman by Katia Lief is worth the read.
The novel explores the weight of the unraveling of a marriage, the fractures in a decades-old friendship, and the Time’s Up movement, the non-profit organization that advocated and raised money for victims of sexual harassment. The novel’s protagonist is a former filmmaker, Joni, who sacrificed her rising career for motherhood, only to find herself isolated in Brooklyn as her husband’s ambitions take the limelight. A scandal in the film industry resurfaces a secret Joni shared with her estranged friend Val, pushing the protagonist’s determination to bring the truth centre stage.
Lief’s storytelling is both chilling and compelling, making Invisible Woman the perfect pick for anyone who loves a psychological read whose tensions linger long after the final page.
Visit
If you’re craving authentic Mexican street-style tacos, look no further than El Gringo Tacos. Nestled in the alley behind 265 Ontario St., this taqueria brings the vibrant flavours of Mexico right to the heart of downtown Kingston.
El Gringo’s story is just as delicious as its tacos. What started as Queen’s Taco in 2022—serving up late-night student bites¾has grown into a Kingston staple. And honestly, nothing says goodbye winter like fresh, flavour-packed tacos.
If you’re still in hibernation mode, don’t fret—El Gringo delivers via Uber Eats and DoorDash, so you can defrost with some al pastor from the comfort of your couch. Whether you’re a taco connoisseur or just looking to spice things up, this spot brings the heat in all the right ways.
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