… plus, an avid Instagrammer

If you’ve read my own ‘Meet Me‘ you know I love chocolate. Candice, whom I’m about to introduce you to, shares stories and posts with my favorite treat in them. She also shares educational and other food related content.

When we first crossed paths, three or four months ago, I recall being the first to comment. Yes, it was on a chocolate treat. We began following one another shortly thereafter.

Maybe not all out friends yet. But close enough to enjoy a chat and an offer to be asked for an interview.

Candice quickly agreed…

Meet: Candice Wong

Youth

Tell me about your youth. Where did you grow up? Brothers/ sisters and where did you fall in as far as age? What was growing up like for Candice?

I was born and raised in Vancouver (Canada) alongside my younger sister, with whom I am still very close. We were fortunate enough to be surrounded by a pretty large network of family, friends and relatives growing up. We have many fond memories of Christmas dinners, social gatherings, and parties. 

How was school? Favorite subjects? Any extracurricular activities like sports, student council etc.?

I went to the same school from kindergarten all the way to Grade 12. Which is a great way to have a built-in community. I was a bit of a bookworm (some have used the word “nerd”) growing up. I loved going to school. I strived to be a high academic achiever and loved all the social aspects of high school as well.

My favorite class was, without a doubt, band. I played the flute and also privately took piano lessons. Music has always been a pretty huge passion of mine.

I’m also a bit of a karaoke addict, but there’s nothing professional or academic about that.

College Life

Did you attend college? Where?  Degree (s)? Any college extracurricular activities?

I attended the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver from 2004-2009. I completed my Bachelor of Arts as well a Bachelor of Education.

My major was French, and my minor was music. I went back several years later and completed my master’s degree in early childhood education.

I really didn’t get to reap the benefits of campus life. I commuted 90 minutes each way and lived at home for the entirety of my two degrees. But it was a positive experience overall.

Adulting

I know you’re married and mommin’ it too. Would you give my readers some advice on balancing being a wife, mom and running two successful Instagram accounts?

My Instagram accounts started as a fun side hobby. I began this during my second maternity leave, which coincidentally was during the lockdown. and it has grown into something I’ve never imagined.

It’s definitely a balancing act and can sometimes be a little overwhelming. But it’s also a really fun side hustle so it actually feels like a little break from “real life”.

How do you adjust your time and schedule to do so?

The most important thing for a healthy work/life balance is to put systems in place. I set aside a certain amount of time for each part of my life and fit things into boxes accordingly. Some people (my husband) would suggest that I can be a bit rigid about these things…but I don’t mind.

Teaching

What do you do for a living?

I’m a kindergarten teacher and I have been in the profession since 2009.

I wanted to be a teacher since I was 7 years old. It was always a dream of mine and I was heavily inspired my second-grade teacher. Who left an impact on me to this day.

I have always enjoyed teaching little ones. And throughout my teenage years, I worked as a math tutor, I’ve volunteered in preschool classrooms. Have helped out at summer camps.

Working with children has always been a big part of who I am. But I’ll admit that I never dreamed I would be teaching at the kindergarten level. 

I sort of fell into this grade level in my third or fourth year of teaching. I’ve never looked back. There is something very special about getting to teach kids in their first year of formal schooling. It’s one adventure after another and requires quite a bit of energy. And there is never a dull moment. It’s not only fun, but very rewarding.

Cooking and Food

We’re following one another on two Instagram pages, candice_snacks and mommy_craftsandlaughs. Let’s talk about your snacks page first.

At first appearance, it looks as if your family eats out a lot. However, I also see an equal number of healthy meals included. How often do you actually eat out and what importance do you emphasize healthy meals for your family?

Honestly, I have always been very passionate about food.

It’s such a big part of the way I socialize. I strongly associate going out to eat with spending time with friends, chatting with people, and giving myself a break.

I know some people get their hair done or take baths as a form of self-care. For me, it’s eating at restaurants or at least getting takeout. 

If I’m being completely honest about the food that I make, I have to say that it’s not very good. I am actually a horrible cook. This may be one of the reasons that I eat out so much.

Would you us an example of a few healthy snack choices that you have posted? And what makes a snack healthy?

Since becoming a mom, I have tried to come up with more nutritious and varied snack ideas. But if you’ve had a look at the recipe reels that I’ve made, they are all very basic and simple. They often fall under the category of “no bake” treats or “3 ingredient recipes”. I share that type of content because I look for basic and simple snacks when I’m searching on Instagram. And I’m trying to help out my fellow bad cooks.

Crafts and Laughs

I see you’re a mom of two. Would you explain the importance of crafts and laughs as you’re raising two young children?

As I mentioned earlier, this whole account started during Covid. My daughter’s daycare was closed for a few months. I wanted to keep her entertained while also raising a newborn. As a kindergarten teacher, I had a wealth of ideas for kids between the ages of 4-6. But I knew very little about the toddler years. I became part of a “Mom Community” on Instagram. We all shared craft ideas, sensory set ups, and book play suggestions for a wide range of ages and abilities. It was a whole new world for me, but it was very fun and enticing from the get-go. 

From there, it took on a life of its own. I actually learned quite a bit about Montessori toys, sensory materials, and even a few educational apps.

And how do you choose educational experiences with toys that interest your children? What are some of the best educational toys you’ve found?

I’ve also learned a lot about the small businesses and toy brands out there. I’ve built some really close relationships. Some with certain brands too like Kidamento Camera, the Name Stamp, Tovla Jr, Tinyfeats, and the Montessori Box.

Let’s talk about you.

If you had one day just for you, without children or your husband around, how would you spend it?

As I mentioned, music is a big passion of mine. I played piano my whole life and was quite an avid songwriter in my late teens and early twenties.

I’m somewhat addicted to karaoke. I go to Karaoke bars. I rent out private rooms with my friends. I also sing with my own personal machine at home.

Favorite song?

I can go on and on about my favorite songs. It’s so hard to narrow it down to just one track. I’ll just say that my favorite artists are Amanda Marshall, Alanis Morissette, Mariah Carey, and Evanescence. 

Favorite restaurant?

Socially, I definitely like going to restaurants with my friends and family. My husband and I love eating out at both fancy spots and yummy dives. My favorite restaurant would have to be Raisu, a Japanese spot that serves the best sashimi. 

Favorite actor/ actress? Favorite movie?

I watch a fair amount of TV. I love watching horror movies. I wouldn’t say I have a favorite actor or actress per se.

My top 3 favorite movies would be The Ring, The Others, and What Lies Beneath. The scarier the better. In my opinion, horror is the ultimate form of escapism. 

If you had one day just for you, without children or your husband around, how would you spend it?

If my husband and I had one day without the kids? We’d definitely be going to a restaurant for a few hours. And napping for all the rest of it.

About Me

Now for the finale. You’ve noticed everyone gets asked this question. What is it about me and my platform that had you follow me? And what is it that, you like most, that keeps you following me?

I love the whole concept. You use your account to interview others and share information about all the neat things people are doing. While also examining important topics like work/life balance and self-care.

Writers Note

Not having known Candice long, I still knew she was an amazing woman. Smart, talented and a hard worker and she brings joy to the world in a profession often underrated. Teaching our youth is truly an admirable undertaking. For that I applaud her. For her chocolate posts I ask her to keep them coming. They always look delicious! To her and her family I wish nothing but the very best in life. In closing, I’d like to say to her that it has truly been an honor writing her story. And that I look forward to continued growth in our friendship.

Thank you, my friend.

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