Sana Saleh

After our first visit back to Canada since moving away, we see our home country through a completely different lens. 🇨🇦❤️

Would we ever consider moving back? Of course. Canada will always be our homeland. It’s where so much of our story was written, where so many of the people we love are, and no matter where in the world we live, a piece of us will always belong there.

But are we thinking about moving back right now? No. Not yet. Maybe one day, in another season of life. But in this season, Malaysia is home, and we’re genuinely happy and grateful for the life Allah has given us here. 🇲🇾

But this time, leaving Canada felt different.

The hardest part wasn’t leaving the places, the food, or the familiarity. It was leaving the people we love.

The hugs that last a little longer because you know you don’t know exactly when the next one will be. Watching the distance grow between our kids and the people who love them. Saying goodbye and knowing that “see you soon” might still mean another few years apart.

That part is hard. There’s really no way around it. 😭

Living abroad has given our family so much, Alhamdulillah. But it also comes with sacrifices, and being so far away from the people you love is undoubtedly one of the biggest.

So we leave Canada this time with full hearts, a little sadness, and a whole lot of gratitude.

Grateful for our homeland. Grateful for our home in Malaysia. Grateful for the people we love on both sides of the world.

And above all, Alhamdulillah for everything. ❤️

Well, the jokes on them because we are now entering our 6th year doing it so… 🤭🤷🏻‍♀️ We must be doing something right

My entire life - I asked Allah to give me friends who felt like family. And Allah granted me just that.

So grateful for my circle both in Canada and in Malaysia.

They are family and I would travel the world to see them again, and again 🥹 and I know leaving this time will be even harder than before. Because now we KNOW what it feels like to be so distant.

May Allah reunite us again ❤️

A birth flower for my first flower 🌸

Check out the new birth flower collection by nominal - it launches tomorrow!

Comment SHOW and I’ll send you the link to watch this adorable show with your family 💕 Durioo+

One of the highlights of our BC trip was getting to experience Vancouver with the kids while the city was buzzing with FIFA excitement. ⚽️🌎 Seeing the iconic Science World transformed into a giant soccer ball was such a fun surprise—and one of those moments that reminded us how special it is to see a city come alive for a global event.

We stayed at Best Western® Hotels & Resorts Premier Chateau Granville Hotel, right in the heart of downtown Vancouver, which made exploring so easy. We spent our days strolling the city streets, discovering great restaurants, stopping at local cafés, and taking in all the energy that makes Vancouver such a vibrant place for families.

One adventure we were especially excited to share with the kids was Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Walking across the famous suspension bridge high above the Capilano River was unforgettable, but the Treetops Adventure ended up being everyone’s favorite. I’m scared of heights though and still braved it 😂😅

Wandering through the towering trees on suspended walkways gave us a whole new perspective of the rainforest, and the Cliffwalk offered breathtaking views around every corner. It’s one of those places that reminds you just how incredible British Columbia’s natural beauty really is 🥹

Trips like these are our favorite—not because everything has to be perfect, but because they’re filled with little moments we’ll remember for years. Exploring new places, watching the kids experience them for the first time, and making memories together is always worth it. ❤️

Returning to the place we all call home was easily the most special part of our trip back to British Columbia. 🤍

The Okanagan is where Will was born and raised. It’s where both of our girls were born. I was only one year old when my family moved here, and I spent the next 27 years growing up in this beautiful valley. This is where I went to school, where I met my husband, and where so many of our happiest memories began.

This time felt extra special because we got to experience it all through Yusuf’s eyes. Since he was born in Ontario, he got to experience the hometown that shaped both of us. Walking the same trails, driving the same streets, visiting our favourite spots, and sharing the stories behind them with our kids was something I’ll never forget.

The Okanagan has changed a lot over the years, but somehow it has never lost its charm. The lakes, the mountains, the vineyards, and those endless valley views still leave me speechless. Every time I looked out across the valley, I had to remind myself that these were the same beautiful views I woke up to for 27 years. There’s something so comforting about coming back to a place that still feels like home, no matter how much life has changed.

For our stay, we checked into Best Western® Hotels & Resorts Premier Route 97, and it couldn’t have been a better fit for our family. Having a kitchenette meant I could cook a homemade meal for the kids after long days of exploring, which made traveling with little ones so much easier.

And here’s a little full-circle moment… Will and I actually got married at the Best Western here, all those years ago. 🥹 So staying with them again during our trip home felt especially meaningful.

No matter where life takes us, a part of our hearts will always belong to the Okanagan. ❤️

Finally back in our home province of British Columbia—the place we were both born and raised. ❤️ It feels so special to be home, making new memories with our kids while sharing some of the places that mean so much to us.

Our first stop was beautiful Victoria, BC! 🌸 Fun fact: Will actually spent a few years growing up on Vancouver Island, so it was extra special getting to visit his family and show the kids a place that’s part of his childhood.

We happened to arrive on Canada Day 🇨🇦, and the city was full of celebrations, live music, and such a fun family-friendly atmosphere. The kids had the best time taking it all in!

We stayed at the Best Western® Hotels & Resorts Plus Carlton Plaza Hotel, and it was such a great fit for our family of five. The kitchenette made traveling with little ones so much easier, the customer service was absolutely incredible, and the location couldn’t have been better. We were within walking distance of the BC Legislature, the Inner Harbour, shops, restaurants, and so many of Victoria’s must-see attractions. If you’re planning a trip to Victoria, we’d definitely recommend checking them out!

One of the highlights of the trip was taking the ferry across to Vancouver Island. ⛴️ The kids were so excited, and honestly, the views alone are worth the journey 🥹

Sailing through the Salish Sea with the coastal mountains, tiny islands, forests, and endless ocean views is one of the most beautiful ways to experience British Columbia.

We’re so grateful to be back exploring home and showing our kids the beauty we grew up with. 💙

There is truly something so special about British Columbia.

Comment PACKING below for the link to these exact organizers 👇 and yes, they’re under $15!

I’ve used these for years and these are always the first thing I pull out before travel. I’ve tried all the packing cube systems (I own like 50+ cubes… don’t ask 😅), but I always end up reverting to this.

It’s just so much easier to see everything the kids have at a glance—like a mini closet in your suitcase. Picking outfits becomes effortless, and it also makes it really obvious when it’s time to do laundry 😂

Okay but THIS glow 😍✨ Comment MIST for the link 💌

The easiest way to make your skin look instantly fresh, hydrated, and radiant — even on no makeup days.

Infused with coconut water, aloe vera, and cucumber extract to help hydrate, calm, and refresh the skin 🤍 Plus a powerful antioxidant blend with ingredients like green tea, pomegranate, acai, and goji berry to help protect against free radicals.

And the glow? ✨ It uses light-reflecting minerals to give the prettiest natural-looking radiance — like your skin but healthier, glowier, and more awake.

It gives the prettiest lit-from-within glow without looking glittery or greasy 👏🏼 just healthy, dewy skin. Plus it feels sooo refreshing. And one bottle lasts me like 1-2 years 😂