Lights Out With Chocolat de Kat

Sleep, wake, repeat. Read all about how our friends optimize their surroundings, unwind, and relax the mind for a good night—every night.

We sat down with Kata Ambrus, the founder of Chocolat de Kat, exquisitely hand painted artisanal chocolates, to talk about her nightly bedtime rituals.

Double, Queen, or King? 

King all the way. Unfortunately once you go king, it’s impossible to go back. It also makes me seriously consider the size of bed in a hotel room if we’re looking to go away, which in turn makes me feel old, but alas, that’s a me problem not a you guys problem.

Why is a good night’s sleep important to you? 

There ain’t nothin in this life that can make or break my day like a good night’s sleep (just ask my husband or my team at work.. Jk, but not really). I feel like a zombie without one! Whereas with a good night’s sleep behind me, I have more clarity and peace of mind to take on the day.

How many hours of sleep do you get a night—or at least dream of getting? 

These days @ 38 weeks pregnant, I’m lucky if I get 6 straight hours. Something to do with the person sitting on my bladder. I dream of 8.

Are you a dreamer? 

That being said, I do not dream! Or at least, I’m blissfully unaware of my dreams 99% of the time. The nights that I actually experience my dreams feel real like I never slept at all.  I don’t know how people do it!

What’s currently on your bedside table? 

A huge glass of water, a stack of books I’m half way through (1 of which is always Harry Potter), and a bottle of mint Tums for my pregnancy heartburn. Oh and my phone charger unfortunately. I would love to keep it out of the bedroom altogether but have zero discipline when it comes down to it. Same with my laptop. Sometimes I write emails or do website updates in bed. Maybe being open about these habits will finally help me make some changes?

Do you partake in any nightly routine before settling into bed?

 

I really enjoy a night time shower or bath. I started doing baths again after my first daughter was born because she made it look so fun, and the hot water is so relaxing. A hot shower will do in a pinch too. There’s no feeling like getting into a set of crispy sheets when you’re squeaky clean. Going to change my sheets right now brb.

Tell us about where the magic happens—and by magic, we mean sleep. How do you optimize your sleep environment? 

Simple. I like a cold room with a cozy duvet, clean sheets and total darkness. 

If you feel a restless night coming on, is there anything you do to help get you through the night without waking? 

I actually haven’t found a solid way to deal with this yet, and the thought of having a bad night’s sleep gives me some anxiety. Sometimes listening to a body scan puts me right at ease though! Sometimes it’s not so simple. Being a relatively new mom with a second on the way and a small business to run has got to be the enemy of consistent, restful nights.  Life is good though and I’m workin’ on it!

What kind of pillows do you use to keep your head in the clouds? 

I’m currently enjoying a standard sized Caspar pillow. Funny story: growing up and being Hungarian, we always had pocket handkerchief-sized pillows (my dad still only ever uses one like that) but somewhere along the way of becoming more Canadian than Hungarian (sorry dad!), I grew into loving that full sized pillow life. Just one though. I don’t want a crick in my neck in the morning!

Last but not least, what is your number one piece of can’t-sleep-without advice? 

Sleeping in the nude has got to be one of the most comfortable states of existence for a human being. That’s all :)

 

Each Chocolat de Kat bon bon is a tiny piece of edible art that Kata and her team hand paint, shell, fill and cap with meticulous care.  You can find them online or in person at their retail space in the St. Clair West neighbourhood of Toronto.