Gillian is a writer, dreamer, cook, lover, traveler and an all over lush for life.

I first started my blog, Confessions of a Young Woman, in my first year of university in Toronto to keep my family and friends updated with my life.

My blog followed me to Paris the following year when I left to go work as an au pair.  I continued writing when I moved back to Toronto to finish my degree in Broadcast Journalism and haven’t stopped since.

After finishing school I moved back to Vancouver, the city I grew up in.  I spent my summer interning on a Food Network show before deciding to pursue my dream of writing a young woman’s guide book to Paris.

I hope you will follow me in my adventures as I explore this beautiful city.

TRAVEL

I have travelled since before I could walk.  I spent a lot of my childhood tugging a rolling suitcase behind me as I followed my mother through European cities.

When I was four-years-old we moved from Canada to a small village in the South of France for a year.  When I was sixteen I lived in Northern Ireland for a year to explore my heritage.  Today my parents have claimed permanent residence in the South of France.  As it stands, France and Canada are both home to me.

I am currently living in Vancouver after working on my guide book in Paris for six months.

FOOD

If there’s one thing I’m truly passionate about it’s food.  I love food for the nourishment it offers and its ability to bring people together. I can often be found in the kitchen with onions caramelizing on the stove, preparing a beautiful meal for the people I care about.

Throughout my travels food has always been a wonderful way to connect to new people and learn about different cultures.

I have worked in the catering and restaurant industry for many years, enjoy cooking for private parties and am a founder of Hidden Lounge, a private dining company based out of Toronto.  I have interned on a couple of food shows and hope to one day work for the Food Network.

HEALTH

I choose to be happy.  And part of this choice means respecting my body and treating it as best as I can.  I feel my best when I eat fresh, nutrient rich foods and get a healthy balance of exercise in my life.  When I am in good health it is easier to smile, to be kind and to show love to people around me.  It makes me an all around better person.

Health also means maintaining a healthy balance and never depriving yourself.  I eat a bounty of fruits and vegetables every day but I always encourage a good glass of wine, a strong espresso and a rich pastry whenever possible.

I would love to hear from you.  If you have any questions or feedback please email me at gilliankyoung@gmail.com