This Week's Inspiration (19-10-2026)

 

I've been interested in cake decorating since I was kid, yet I've never learned how to do it. My cakes tend to be pretty plain, with only icing sugar dusted over them or some basic frosting slathered on. If I did have the skills, I'd love to make a Day of the Dead cake like this.

It's the work of Leslie Vigil, and it took me an embarrassingly long time to realize those aren't real flowers. I love the colours here, the embroidered look, and just the overall design. If I ever did make a cake anywhere near this beautiful, I don't think I could let anyone touch it, which kind of defeats the purpose, don't you think?

It's probably for the best I don't have cake decorating skills. Then again, did I mention that Leslie offers classes?

What are you inspired by right now? Share in the comments...

Cheers,

Aspasia

My Books 

Love Lies Bleeding

Bleeding Heart

Blood Magic

Tooth & Claw

(Links take you to all available stores. Blood Magic and Tooth & Claw are free on most sites. Love Lies Bleeding and Bleeding Heart are also available in paperback.)

PS: Follow me on my official site: AspasiaSBissas.com. 

 

Happy Thanksgiving 2026, Canada!

 

With all due respect to the summer lovers out there, autumn is clearly the best season. Perfect weather, blue skies, beautiful colours, pumpkin everything (it and its spices are delicious--don't pretend otherwise), and two holidays in October for Canadians. There's more than enough to be thankful for.

By the way, who else loves the blue pumpkins that have been showing up in stores? If I could, I'd buy all the pumpkins (in all the colours) and fill my home with them.

Speaking of, I went looking for pumpkin dessert inspiration and came across a trove of options on the Canadian Living site. If you're looking for something new to try, you might like these:

 

Pumpkin Streusel Coffee Cake 

Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake Bars 

Pumpkin Scones with Whipped Brown Butter Icing 

Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie 

Chocolate Pumpkin Swirl Loaf 

Pumpkin Sticky Buns 

Pumpkin Gingerbread Cake with Caramel Sauce 

Classic Pumpkin Pie with Yogurt Whipped Cream 

Pumpkin Praline Tiramisu 

Spiced Pumpkin Layer Cake with Chocolate Icing 

 

And if you have a favourite pumpkin recipe you'd like to share, leave it or a link in the comments...

Curious about the origins of Canadian Thanksgiving? Read about it here.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Aspasía

My Books 

Love Lies Bleeding

Bleeding Heart

Blood Magic

Tooth & Claw

(Links take you to all available stores. Blood Magic and Tooth & Claw are free on most sites. Love Lies Bleeding and Bleeding Heart are also available in paperback.)

This Week's Inspiration (05-10-2026)

Artist unknown. Please share if you know who made this!

 

When I saw this needlepoint of Howl's secret garden (Howl's Moving Castle), I fell in love. The subject, the colours, and the work that went into it all sparked my imagination. It doesn't hurt that I've recently learned how to do this kind of embroidery, and now I want to embroider everything :) I don't know who the artist is, but if you see this-- you did an amazing job! (Needlepoint spotted on Pinterest.)

Here's a screenshot of Howl's garden. I think the embroidery is actually prettier than the original...

 

What are you inspired by right now? Share in the comments...

Cheers,

Aspasia

My Books 

Love Lies Bleeding

Bleeding Heart

Blood Magic

Tooth & Claw

(Links take you to all available stores. Blood Magic and Tooth & Claw are free on most sites. Love Lies Bleeding and Bleeding Heart are also available in paperback.)

PS: Follow me on my official site: AspasiaSBissas.com.