Monika Hibbs’ Tips To Create An Everyday Escape (Win!)

As the country starts to reopen, we’re finding new ways to reconnect and looking for ways to enjoy the summer at home, using coffee breaks as a perfect everyday escape. Recognizing the importance of these escapes, Ethical Bean Coffee has teamed up with home and lifestyle expert Monika Hibbs to give three lucky Canadians custom design consultations from Hibbs and $5,000 to be used to turn their favourite spot to sip into the perfect at home summer retreat. Even better: we’ve secured two Ethical Bean Coffee prize packs (details below) for Vita Daily readers to win, too! But first, we chatted with Monika to get her top tips on creating an at-home oasis, coffee included! —Noa Nichol

Hi Monika! Please tell us about your most recent partnership with Ethical Bean Coffee; what does it entail, what makes it a good fit for you?

For many Canadians, including myself, our daily coffee breaks have become an escape in an otherwise challenging year. I’ve used my everyday coffee break as a moment to unwind at home and recognized that for many people, their living spaces have been put to test and become overused. That’s why I’ve teamed up with Ethical Bean to give Canadians the chance to have a space within their home or outdoor space upgraded so they can reconnect with friends and family and enjoy an elevated coffee break together from the comfort of their own home.

Coffee is all beans, but different sources mean different things in terms of flavour, sustainability, and more. What do you love most about Ethical Bean Coffee and its ethos?

I really enjoy a well-balanced cup of coffee and Ethical Bean always delivers the perfect roast that’s full bodied and rich in flavour. The great thing is it’s certified organic and they have a great bag return policy that allows you to send your empty coffee bags from any brand to receive a free bag of coffee in return. The packaging is then sent to a recycling company that specializes in developing zero-waste solutions for difficult-to-recycle waste streams. You can also scan the QR code on the back of each bag to trace where your beans are coming from!

As the country starts to reopen, Canadians are finding new ways to reconnect and looking for ways to enjoy the summer at home; how do you see them using coffee breaks as a perfect everyday escape?

With travel-bans grounding Canadians this past year, many looked for new ways to escape in their own backyards, balconies, or kitchen nooks. As the restrictions start to ease and weather warms, Canadians will be reconnecting with friends and family, which is why Ethical Bean wants to help Canadians elevate this moment of escape, giving them the perfect space to enjoy a coffee break together.

As a home design and lifestyle expert, what are your top three or so easy tips around creating an at-home oasis?

Adding layers into your home is key to creating a warm and inviting space. Artwork, lighting, and rugs help to make a space feel complete. Stick to neutrals for larger pieces of furniture and play with subtle colour and patterns in your accent pieces to create a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing space.

Any suggestions on how to elevate our regular coffee break and turn it into a moment of escape?

I would suggest adding a few throw pillows and an outdoor blanket to bring out the coziness of a summer/fall evening while enjoying a delicious cup of Coffee. Those looking to elevate their favourite spot to sip can visit escapewithethicalbean.ca to enter for a chance to win $5,000 to put toward a home upgrade—whether it’s something bold for your backyard, lush for your balcony or a brand-new coffee nook.

Finally, what’s your favourite way to enjoy a cup, and where do you usually take your first sip of the day?

I love my coffee black, and sometimes with just a splash of cream. Sitting outside on the front porch in the early mornings is the perfect way to start off my day.

escapewithethicalbean.ca

Win! 1 of 2 $110 Ethical Bean Coffee Prize Packs!

Congrats Heather L. of Langley, B.C., and Luca P. of Vancouver, B.V., who will each receive an Ethical Bean Coffee prize pack, including a coffee scoop, coffee mug, adventure book, cosy socks and a variety of coffee bags! Please note: if you are the winner, you will receive a DM (direct message) in Instagram directly from @vitadaily.ca. Please be wary of fake accounts, which often use similar handles with an extra or missing letter, number or symbol. We will never ask for a payment or for your credit card number, and we will never ask you to click through a link. If you are unsure whether you have been contacted, via Instagram, by us or a fake account, email us before responding.