Photo by Eric Uys
Hi! I’m Rian (pronounced Ryan), an American living in Canada who’s married to a lovely, Afrikaans speaking South African. Life in Vancouver is rainy, multi-accented, and full of unexpected adventure. My training is in writing and theatre, but I like to dabble in many creative pursuits: photography, travel, food, design, and a well-crafted pitcher of sangria. From time to time, I’ll also harp on my other loves: Paris, safaris, pet pigs, slow jams, books, and of course, that most delicious of confections, cake. I adore them all, le sigh.
Truth and Cake is about looking at the world with eyes wide open, figuring out how to lead a more authentic, rewarding, adventurous life, and enjoying a bit of frosting along the way. Pull up a chair, get out your fanciest fork. Here we go…
104 Comments
Post a commentI love the style of your blog! It’s so chic <3
A) I thought that was a real piggy!
B) I’ve been to Canada and loved it
C) I’m an Afrikaans South African, awesome husband you’ve got there :)
totally love your style!
O my fabulous! These photos are to die!
You seem like the kind of girl I would want to be best friends with :)
http://indiraadams.wordpress.com
I’m super excited that your blog was just freshly presesd. I’m loving it!
Your blog looks awesome, excited to read more of it. And, for some silly reason, I feel compelled to share that I am South African, too :) And somewhat Afrikaans-speaking. Though, some friends and family would say that I can’t, in fact, speak Afrikaans. They laugh at me when I do. Pssht! What do they know? So I rather stick firmly to English if I can help it :)
Beautiful blog! I think the white pig statue is superb!
The name of your blog is catchy. Thanks for the good read. Made me remember what I gave up to get here; family, friends, lifestyle. It was a gut feeling and I have never regretted it.
http://www.facebook.com/blaaghs
https://twitter.com/#!/pchezz77
Hi, sorry, to get “here” – “where?” (just not an offensive ask, but would like to understand it better)? normally, if we give up something than gain something instead. If you gave up family, friends, and also lifestyle (!), – then what did you gain instead? I gave up family, but not friends and lifestyle. Lefestyle is something we really have to creave and set up by ourselves for ourselves, – doesnt matter what we gave up then.
Sorry for the ommision, create…
I like your style of writing and ease of communicating. I am a fan.
Hey Rian, Reallly sassy blog! Me like it a lot:)
Love your bio! I have a feeling you and I would get along famously! Following your blog and looking forward to more from you.
Regards, Dawne
Title of blog is really attractive and any one can easily understand what is all about, thanks and well come in Family
Love your style
Great blog
Just followed
Your blog is beautiful. LOVE the cakes :) I look forward to reading more!
Wow! Amazing, thought-provoking words and conversation-provoking images = plus your second one got FP! I’m subscribing!
I like your signature :)
Freshly Pressed in your first month?! That is definitely something to be proud of – rock on! And I absolutely LOVE your style/pictures!
Not sure how you do it Rian but you got us all excited from the start.
It’s a combination of your style and how you marketed yourself from the beginning : your stylish logo, the use of a paid theme, your interesting portraits and your cool invitation : “come get some”. You sure know what you are doing so I’m following you to see where you are going to lead us.
Btw, I share your same taste for literature.
I would love to read about your life in Canada. How does it compare to life in America?
Congrats on Freshly Pressed! Pretty blog!
I love your name (and blog). My husband is Ryan, so my youngest daughter’s middle name is Riane. Fun to see other people spell it different too! ;)
Love your photo essay. Thanks–people usually love or hate Rian as a girl’s name. I like it, but I’m not an impartial judge ;)
I love your photos, very chic. Since you are into safaris…check out my first post on my trip to Uganda (more to come). Happy blogging and congrats on being ‘freshly pressed’!!
http://huntingforbliss.wordpress.com/2012/03/27/uganda-on-my-mind/
Fantastic photos! They transported me straight to the African veld.
Kindred spirits! I love words above all else.
I was just about to say it. She really has an interestingly simple, yet detailed, style.
Really glad you were freshly pressed! I love your humor already and your slogan : )
Also your writing style is lovely and.. I happen to enjoy Bingo as well!
A very realistic and well written blog
Don Cooks
Your “profile” photos are brilliant. Is there some symbolism behind the pig, though?
O My God !!!!! Your header image is mind blowwwwwwing :))))))
Thanks. Very informative blog you have there :)
Omg blog style!<3 I love your header photos and what you write too! (wish someday I could write that good as you) :)
You’re an awesome writer–I just read “What Did You Give Up…” and had to come find out more about you. Fabulous ! A thinker! On a blog! What’s this place coming to?
What an inspirational blog! Love your photos and style… Looking forward to follow ;-)
I just read a few of your posts, they’re awesome! I love your style. And I am pretty fascinated by words, myself, so I think we would get along fantastic! Oh, and I LOVE Canada! Haha. Check out my blog and let me know what you think!
aliciajenae.wordpress.com
So glad I found your blog! I’m a Canadian. Congrats on getting Freshly Pressed. Keep up the great work!
I have enjoyed your blog, even if it has only been like a week! Anyway, I started a month ago myself and I have had several award nominations and haven’t done anything with them until today. I am passing one onto you.
You can find it in my post today at
allthatmakesyou.com
Thanks for the site and sharing your insights. Thanks for making me think.
Abbie, All that makes you…
Thanks! I enjoy your humour and look forward to reading more. Keep on keepin’ on…
Hi. I’ve nominated you for a Versatile Blogger Award! http://lazylauramaisey.wordpress.com/2012/05/04/been-nominated-for-a-pardon/
Thanks so much!
PLS, advise, how is it possible to nominate the author for a Versatile Blogger Award?! I am new to this sort of activity, – would like to do the same, – so much I like this blog and thoughtul articles! So happy to find the blog! Thax a lot…
Svetlana
Hi, I love the style, your class and attitude to life! Everrything is so boho chic! Deffinitely, you’ve got a writing talent! Cant wait to read your new stories! Best, Svetlana (Moscow, Russia)
Hi Svetlana, thanks for stopping by and saying hi and for your very sweet compliments :) Take care xx
Rian, I have nominated you for the One Lovely Blog Award. http://definingwonderland.wordpress.com/2012/05/25/you-like-me-you-really-like-me/
Your blog and style are utterly inspirational and you deserve every accolade that comes your way. xoxo
Your blog is adorable and it never fails to make me smile, which is why you’ve been nominated… :)
http://circlesunderstreetlights.wordpress.com/2012/05/29/versatility/
Thank you so much! You’re too kind.
Hi! Found your blog on BYW 2 and love it! Looking forward to seeing you in class!
Hi Marit! Thanks for stopping by–your blog is gorgeous. See you in class!
Rian, hi again, I want to nomitate you on One Lovely Blog Award! If you have got a chance to visit Moscow, Russia, – pls, so not hesitate to ask me the advice, I will assist the best places to visit…. You are blond, – the same as me… And we have totally the same taste to life… Amasing… Totally two different parts of the World, but we find similarities!
Best,
Svetlana
(Moscow, Russia)
I’m joining the nomination crowd! Your on my list of nominees for the One Lovely Blog Award and the Very Inspirational Blogger Award! :)
LOVE the new about page and image! (Loved the old one, too, but this has even more about you, which you know we can’t get enough of! Much like cake. Pass the fork.)
Absolutely love your banner! It’s so playful and full of beautiful colors!
<3 <3 <3
Thanks, Shelly! You already know how much I love your picture–so playful and fun. What is that little creature–a horse, a dog? I love it!
I’m loving your blog! I was given an award and told to nominate bloggers I admire. So from one Lovely Blogger to another: http://theforgottenwife.com/2012/06/13/from-one-lovely-blogger-to-another/
Thanks, I’m really flattered! I just did a big awards post, so I probably won’t do another. But I truly appreciate the nod!
Rian, I know you have been inundated with awards… but here’s another one! Welcome to the Sisterhood of the World Bloggers! xoxo http://definingwonderland.wordpress.com/2012/06/16/did-i-really-earn-this-or-did-i-just-wear-you-all-down/
Hi Rian, just stopping by from BYW to say hello! I I’m really new to blogging, so your blog is an inspiration! LOVE your banner.. Hollie x
Rian, I just nominated you for the One Lovely Blog Award! Check my latest post for the rules to nominate the blogs you love too! http://dreamlifemoments.wordpress.com/2012/06/24/one-lovely-blog-award/
Hey there! I would like to nominate your blog for the Liebster Award! You can check out the rules for accepting here: http://wp.me/p1YRs0-AN happy blogging!
Your blog is awesome from head to toe.
You write and you love cake. As I do! Also: Chicago was my once upon a time home too. How cool to have found your blog :)
howdy! im a refugee from ontario! no, seriously….i lived in ontario for a while but you know what…that damn freezing weather just did it for me! couldnt take any more of it, so i moved to Van! im working on assignment in lil ol’ engalnd at the mo…looking to move back to van sometime next few weeks. love your work! i usually ahng out at one or more coffe places around downtown..next time im there, wouldnt mind sharing a few cups with your hubby and yourself!
Hello from one American living in Canada to another. I used to live in Vancouver (for 5 blissful years) but I find myself in the harrying Toronto now.
Hello. I love your picture on the homepage and the way you added all of your posts to “truth” or “cake” categories. That was very creative.
Hi there! I found your blog after stumbling on it (via freshly pressed) and being drawn in by the title and your cover photo. I am a Canadian studying Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto. Happily following!
Thoroughly enjoying this. Thank you for this little piece of heaven :-)
Well you sound like someone I’d like to be friends with! I’ll settle for enjoying your blog though :)
Here’s mine if you’d like to have a look:
amommys2cents.wordpress.com
Hello, Rian! I’d like to pose here, among other valuables comments and reviews, my sincere and heartfelt personal opinion: I really enjoy so much your blog and your words and thoughts. I guess you’re improving the concepts that lie behind the “why and how to blog” title… ;-)
My best wishes,
Flávio.
hello africa loving friend! i would love to see what you could come up with for this silly little challenge :) take care! xoxohttp://huntingforbliss.wordpress.com/2012/07/16/seven-super-shots/
Very cool idea…I’d love to participate. I’ll have to start photo sorting ;)
Hi there! Since seeing your blog on Freshly Pressed I’ve become addicted! That’s why I immediately thought of you when nominated for the Inspiring Blog Award! http://taliamarcheggiani.wordpress.com/2012/07/21/the-inspiring-blog-award/#more-1565 Congratulations!
Hey Rian! I’m assuming that you’ve probably won this award before but I nominated you for the One Lovely Blog Award. You don’t have to do anything with it but I just wanted you to know that your blog is appreciated! I love reading your posts and engaging in the conversations that you begin with your writing. If you’re interested, you can read more about it http://asmileeachday.wordpress.com/2012/07/27/one-lovely-honour/. I hope you’re enjoying your summer!
Hi there- I nominated you for the Inspiring Blog Award! If you want to participate, you can check out my post here and follow the steps. http://pattytmitchell.com/2012/08/08/inspiring-blog-award/
Hi there – I just nominated you for a Beautiful Blogger award.
If you want to accept it, click below for details.
http://narcissista.me/2012/08/09/with-gratitude-for-other-bloggers/
No worries if you’re not into the award thang:)
Becca
Marsella’s Book Ends nominated you for a Very Inspiring Blog award!!! Which I can see is well deserved. Looking forward to reading your future posts!!!
Very fanciful and delightful! I’ve enjoyed browsing your site ;-)
Hi there! Just so you know, as prompted I’ve nominated you on my list of most inspiring bloggers. If you wish to continue this thread of happiness, you can find details of the entire business here: http://theafictionado.wordpress.com/2012/10/19/posting-in-the-middle-of-the-week/
Heya Rian – I nominated you and your lovely blog for the One Lovely Blogger Award, I’m sure you have a ton of them, but I just adore youre blog.
http://saresknipping.wordpress.com/2012/10/27/one-lovely-blog-award/
a friend sent me a link to your blog yesterday, and i looked at it this morning for the first time – i just realized half the morning has gone by while reading it! your posts are so thoughtful and well-written, and i’m really enjoying reading them! :)
Hi! I nominated you for a blog award. Check it here http://dolacotidiana.wordpress.com/2012/12/21/hypoglycemia-blog-award-and-other-stuff/ :)
Aww, thanks. You’re the sweetest.
I have nominated you for the Reality Blog Award. Your blog has been an inspiration to me to stretch myself and communicate with the world at large. We see glimpses of ourselves in others and it has been my pleasure to follow your blog and gain insight into your world and mine.
If you choose to accept you are asked to answer 5 questions and nominate no more than 20 fellow bloggers (the total number of nominations is up to you). I realize the time commitment associated with this award and understand if it is something that you do not wish to do.
Here are the questions:
1) If you could change one thing, what would you change?
2) If you could repeat an age, what age would it be?
3) What one thing really scares you?
4) What is one dream you have not completed, and do you think you’ll be able to complete it?
5) If you could be someone else for one day, who would it be?
Allan
Hi Allan, thank you so much! That means a lot to me :)
Awesome…fork is ready :)
Stopping by to say hello from BYW. I’m am loving your blog! Can’t wait to read more :-)
I’m also doing the BlogBoss course and really like your blog! Lovely sentiments and style. I’ll definitely be following.. :-)
Hi Rian,
Echoing what everyone’s said above, I love your writing and also the blog design! To add to your collection of awards I’ve just nominated you for the Inspiring Blogger Award: http://takingtotheopenroad.com/2013/04/10/blog-award-nominations-2013/
Keep the truths and cakes coming!
Peggy.x
Thanks so much, Peggy! xx
Hi Rian. Your blog sure is a sweet surprise! I discovered Truth and Cake through words of praise on http://takingtotheopenroad.com. After discovering and exploring your blog, I have decided to Follow it. My blog is http://www.throughharoldslens.com. Take a peek. Hope you enjoy the journey as much as I am looking forward to enjoying yours. Best, Harold
Hi! I chose your blog for a Liebster Award :) Here’s the nomination: http://littlebitsweet.co/2013/04/23/the-liebster-award-times-2/
Happy blogging!
Your blog is simply gorgeous and so inspiring. Thank you!
I love reading your blog, and have nominated you for the sisterhood of the world bloggers award. If you’re interested in accepting it, then follow the link to see what you have to do. Keep up the great posts! http://greyeyedwanderer.wordpress.com/2013/05/15/sisterhood-of-the-world-bloggers-award/
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