It’s not everyday a restaurant or cafe names a drink after you.
So what better way to sit down with Meghan Bonhomme to reflect on the past year than at Da Capo Cafe and Lounge in downtown Sudbury, where she regularly sips the “Meghan Mocha.”
The 16-ounce mocha includes two shots of espresso, chocolate and coconut milk, and you could say it’s a bit of what makes Bonhomme tick.
To say Bonhomme is busy is an understatement. In addition to teaching at Cambrian College for 15 years, Bonhomme runs workshops under her business, the Lovely Human School, a self-care program. She is also a LuluLemon ambassador, a yoga instructor and a newly certified breathing coach.
As she looks back on the past year, she uses YearCompass.com. It’s a free online download that allows users to reflect and plan their newest adventures.
“It is like an online vision board, but without intense expectations. I even encourage my students to complete this gentle goal setting work,” Bonhomme said.
One thing Bonhomme said is not negotiable in life is her self-care routine.
“I really take care of myself with movement, mindfulness, mindset and momentum,” she said.
“I also ensure I am visiting a number of experts to help me reset from acupuncturists, osteopaths, massage therapists and so forth.”
Bonhomme started running in high school and continued to foster that love in university, but the reality is she found it hard on the body and has recently shifted to yoga, pilates and cycling to re-energize.
The fuel she puts into her body is also critical.
“I am a huge fan of Super C juice from Smith’s with its lemon and ginger combination, as well as protein like lemon pepper chicken and heaping plates of roasted vegetables like broccoli.
“We have a rule in our house to try and avoid stocking it with sweets and chips, as they will be gone in a jiffy.”
But everyonce in a while, Meghan will indulge in chocolate-covered almonds at Smith’s Market.
“The omeleta is also hard to resist at Da Capo with a slice of bacon on top,” she said.
It features three eggs, feta cheese, onions, peppers, tomatoes and mushrooms, and pairs perfectly with the Meghan Mocha.
Da Capo is a second home for Bonhomme. Her family in Elliot Lake have all visited and met the owners. It’s her meeting point and her zen spot.
“I come with my comfy clothes. I love the vibe, the music and the menu,” she said.
Bonhomme keeps a pretty disciplined sleep routine as well. Wake-up time is just after 4 a.m. on weekdays. She said she wasn’t always this determined and focussed on self-care.
“There were hard times in life. I went on a healing journey and really had to focus on loving me,” she said.
Bonhomme has loose plans for 2024 that involve travel to Belgium and Australia with her wife.
There will be great meals and it also involves tickets to see Taylor Swift live in concert.
She encourages readers to be present, make memories and indulge in self care and try slowing down a little in 2024.
Anastasia Rioux is a writer in Greater Sudbury. Let’s Eat! is made possible by our Community Leaders Program.
