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Kitchen Love: Tasty Recipes, Inspiring Cookbooks & Favorite Tools

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For over 25 years, I’ve been cooking from scratch, creating nourishing meals for my family while raising two boys. Along the way, I’ve curated my favorite kitchen essentials—trusted tools, go-to healthy recipes, and inspiring cookbooks that have shap...
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Cook It Again! Most-Loved Recipes Made with Love

A collection of my most-loved recipes, gathered over 25 years of cooking from scratch — tried, tested, and made on repeat for family, friends, and everyday deliciousness.

 
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bruschetta - the classic Italian antipasto when made the way Heidi does, can be very satisfying.
Simple Bruschetta
 
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Chicken can be boring but not when you make it like this… Try it!
Crispy chicken with carlin peas and zhoug
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A vegetarian main course!
Braised chickpeas with carrots, dates and feta
 
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So good and sooo healthy. High protein & easy to make…
Baked feta and dill frittata
 
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Her Ratatouille recipe is flawless
Julia Child’s Ratatouille
 
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It's almost Easter! This will make it a bit easier if you're hosting this year.
Easter Brunch Ideas
 
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Tomatoes are my favorite!
Warm tomato salad
 
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We make this dish on repeat. Soooo delicious and super simple.
Pasta Aglio e Olio from "Chef"
 
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Its not a typo! tempeh, lettuce, tomato
TLT Sandwich
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Spaghetti, fried zucchini and provolone cheese. mmmmmm…
Spaghetti alla Nerano
 
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Make sure you get your pasta made from egg as it’s more porous and therefore perfect for soaking up the sauce… better yet make your own.
Tagliatelle (al Ragù) Bolognese
 
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I am a big fan of Francis Mallmann and this is such a classic.
Beef-and-Onion Empanadas Recipe
 
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Trust me you never had chicken like this.
Grilled Chicken Breasts with Sautéed Mushrooms Recipe
 
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Eggplants and tomatoes - unbelievably satisfying side dish with cruchy texture from the bread crumbs
Grilled Eggplant and Tomatoes with Parmesan-Basil Crumbs Recipe
 
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Low carb but full of flavor - it's all about increasing the surface area
Dominique Crenn’s Roasted Cabbage Recipe
 
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There is also a mayo recipe in this article.
The Best Salad to Make at Home
 
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A vegetarian version of an old family favorite recipe
How to Make a French Casserole —With Veggies
 
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I have been making his chili for over ten years now - my boys' favorite
Spicy Chili - Chef Michael Smith
 
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Always delicious.
Your Favorite Pasta with Roast Tomato Sauce
 
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Meatless tacos - so flavourful you won't notice the missing ingredient
Pulse Tacos - Chef Michael Smith
 
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I make this and many of her dishes from her cookbook called “Oh She Glows” (find the book link below)
Cozy Butternut, Sweet Potato, and Red Lentil Stew

Cookbook Crush: My All Time Favorites for Delicious Meals

A collection of my favorite cookbooks—the ones I’ve actually used and loved over the years, filled with inspiring recipes, practical tips, and flavors that never get old.

 
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This book is a piece of art -of course recipes are amazing as always
Near & Far: Recipes Inspired by Home and Travel
 
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Next-level approach to vegetables & “flavor bombs” (homemade condiments) a must have
Ottolenghi Flavor
 
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I received this one as a Christmas gift from my children. A very personal cookbook, full of essays and headnotes that share Matty’s life—from growing up in Fort Erie, Canada
Matty Matheson
 
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This is not just a cookbook - it is a desire to go back to simpler times; to take a break from our busy lives; to build a community around a shared sensibility… I cherish this book always
The Kinfolk Table
 
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Innovative homemade Italian meals by Stanley Tucci…
The Tucci Cookbook
 
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This book will change the way you cook and eat vegetables.
Plenty More: Vibrant Vegetable Cooking
 
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Dreaming of building a huge fire to on one day just to honor this genious chef
Mallmann on Fire: 100 Grill Recipes Anytime
 
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She is the first female chef in America to be awarded two Michelin stars - the book is a work of art
Atelier Crenn: Metamorphosis of Taste
 
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This is a textbook! yes I am a nerd.
Mastering the Art of French Cooking
 
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Wanna make nutritionally packed meals? Give this a read
Super Natural Every Day: Well-Loved Recipes
 
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I made many recipes from this book - Heidi Swanson is one of my favorite authors.
Super Natural Simple: Whole-Food Vegetarian
 
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Elegant French cooking made easy thanks to Laura
French Taste: Elegant Everyday Eating
 
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I own multiple cookbooks by Michael Smith and use them often
Real Food, Real Good
 
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Easy breezy home cooked meals
Chef Michael Smith's Kitchen
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Amazing plant based recipes
Quick and Simply Satisfying Plant-based Cookbook
 
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We tried many recipes from this book including pigeon pie from Game of Thrones -another great Christmas gift from my boys
Recipes from Your Favorite Movies & TV Shows
 
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I mean come on - I can't even comment on this one - it's Gordon Ramsay - but I have to say I Iearned how to make proper steak from his book
Gordon Ramsay's Home Cooking: Fabulous Food
 
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The art of grain-free, dairy-free and gluten-free cooking- I keep this one handy
Against All Grain: Paleo Recipes Book
 
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For anyone with sweet tooth
All About Cookies: A Milk Bar Baking Book

Less Stress, More Flavor: Time Saving Tips & Tricks for Your Kitchen

Cook smarter, not harder! These time-saving kitchen tips and tricks will help you spend less time stressing and more time enjoying delicious, flavorful meals.

 
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This is actually genius - I do this for weekly meals too - saves me time planning the next event!
Keeping a Dinner Party Book
 
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I do this for large dinner parties and its a game changer.
Drink Service at a Busy Meal
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Tips for a perfect steak
How to Cook a Bistecca alla Fiorentina to Perfection

Timeless Kitchen Tools: Essentials That Last a Lifetime

These are the kitchen tools I can’t live without—timeless, traditional, and truly essential for making cooking easier, more efficient, and endlessly enjoyable.

 
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They are not only very high quality but also sooo pretty
Stainless Steel Sharp Chef Knife Set
 
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They are a conversation piece.
Vintage Art Deco Coupe Glasses
 
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Cheese boards with style
Mango Wood Ombre Cheese Board
 
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This is actually genius - no more burning your hands with those hot casserole dishes - it is flexible to fit different sizes. bonus: stores easy too.
Expanding Trivet/Hot Plate Holder
 
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Affordable and so pretty
Ripple Drinking Glasses
 
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Summer around the corner - this one makes life more enjoyable.
KitchenAid Cold Brew Coffee Maker
 
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I con not imagine life without my mixer - I've had mine for over 15 years and still good as new.
KitchenAid® 7 Quart Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer
 
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Best fluted cocktail glasses
Vintage Style Drinking Glasses
 
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We stopped buying ground beef long ago thanks to this little attachment - it is so much easier to grind and clean if you place the meat in freezer for 30 min. before grinding
KitchenAid Metal Food Grinder Attachment
 
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Home made butter anyone? I love my churner.
Hand Crank Butter Churner- Manual Butter Maker
 
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Chic and functional by your bedside …
Glass Carafe Set, Amber
 
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I can never have enough cutting boards
Marble and Acacia Wood Cutting Board
 
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Meal prepping made easy - I use these everyday
Glass Food Storage Containers with Lids
 
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Spice bowls galore
Mango Wood Tray with 3 Spice Bowls
 
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This will last you forever- you can pass it down generations 👍
Alexander Home 8-Inch Brass Salt Mill
 
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Now you can dry your dishes in style
Stone Dish Drying Mat for Kitchen Counter
 
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No under cabinet lights? No problem - these dimmable lights plug in anywhere for the ambience you are looking for
Dimmable Plug-in Lights
 
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Perfect for labeling your spice jars
Ink-less Bluetooth Label Maker
 
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I use this simple tool at least 3 times a day 🍋 I love that it’s flat on the bottom so you can push down on a flat surface
KitchenAid No Mess Citrus Press
 
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This set is so stylish and handy
3-Piece Round Mango Wood Cutting Boards with Stand
 
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Affordable and chic , these are perfect for everyday use
Hand-Forged Antique Brass Candle Holder
 
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This one is on my wishlist 💜
Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Braiser
 
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This is a timeless essential - talk about heirloom quality 👌
Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
 
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I’m a ceramic artist myself so I know when I see good quality, hand crafted pottery - these are choice 👍
Unique Dinner Set Organic Shaped Handmade Ceramics ...
 
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These unique plates are amazing to serve food with but I think I would use them as decor pieces on my kitchen walls 🍂🍁
Leaf Print Plates with Aquarelle Painting, Nature-Inspired Ceramic
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How cute are these ?
Icon Juice Glass
 
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This is my morning coffee maker. Wouldn’t trade it for any other ☕️
Bialetti - Espresso Maker
 
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I own this set and it’s so delicate yet sturdy- we use them everyday.
Gordon Ramsay Maze 4-Piece Place Setting
 
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We love this pan - heats evenly and retains its temperature- perfect for steaks 🥩
STAUB Cast Iron Grill Pan 26cm Cherry Red
 
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I own 2 of these tiny pots and use them almost daily. They are perfect for soups for 2 or any kind of sauce .
KitchenAid 3-Qt Brushed Stainless Saucepan
 
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This is one of the most affordable espresso machines out there. We bought this one for our son who is a coffee enthusiast.
Breville Café Roma Espresso Machine ESP8XL
 
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Same volume but different sizes so they nest 💜
aarke Nesting Glasses, 4 x 290 ml, Crystal
 
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This looks like a cake stand with lid but when you flip it over the stand becomes a bowl and it’s a charcuterie board with cover ! Perfect for outdoor dining. 🍷 🧀
HOMESPHERE Acacia Wood Cake Stand with Lid
 
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I love that it’s also a strainer- perfect for pasta or making bone broth
5 Quart Stock Pot with Strainer Lid
 
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These are perfect for any size plate or pot - so handy and colorful
Silicone Lids Set of 8, Silicone Lids Covers
 
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Easy peasy fresh juice every morning 🍊 🍋‍🟩 🍋
Electric Orange Juicer - Citrus Squeezer
 
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These are amazingly durable and so classy 👌
8 Pack Teak Wooden Cooking Spoons Set
 
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I am a big fan of this brand - always amazing quality and ergonomic
Double Wall Coffee Mug- 2 Piece Set, 355 ml, Glass
 
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Double walled: so your coffee stays warm for longer ☕️
Borosilicate Glass Double-Wall French Press
 
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Best steak knives : we’ve had ours for over 10 years still good as new
ZWILLING 8-Pc Stainless Steel Steak Knife Set
 
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Best flatware ever - we use them every day - great weight and quality
Zwilling J.A. Henckels 20-Piece Flatware Set
 
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I use a lot of garlic in my cooking- this is a great investment 🧄
ZWILLING Pro Garlic Press 202mm
 
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One of my favorite tools - easy to clean and makes amazing chili
Electric Pressure Cooker & Multi-Cooker
 
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Space saver and so chic ✨
3 Tier Ceramic Serving Bowls with Metal Stand
 
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I have a thing for pretty jars 🥰
3 Pcs Glass Jar Storage Container with Ball Cork
 
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Thin but durable 👍
Thin Highball Glasses Set of 4
 
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Very good quality- as good as handmade stoneware
Stoneware Dinnerware Set for 4, Reactive
 
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These are so cute and classy (on my wishlist:)
Gold Measuring Cups & Spoons Set, Wood Handle
 
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These are just funnnn 🥃
Rocks Glass, Set of 6
 
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Nothing beats a real linen feel 🇫🇷
French Flax Stonewashed Linen Napkins 18"x18"
 
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Every kitchen needs a good quality olive oil dispenser
Ceramic Olive Oil Dispenser Bottle
 
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Perfect for every day use - we own 2 sets and use them vigorously 🍷
Wine Glasses
 
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Great absorption- I will always recommend pure linen or cotton for kitchen towels
Creative Co-Op Tan & Grey Striped Tea Towels
 
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Not only is it great quality but also so classy and complete
13-Piece Boston Cocktail Shaker Set Kit
 
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They are so unique 👌
5 Pcs Korean Style Long Wooden Spoons 10.9"
 
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Makes a great host gift 🎁
Mango Wood Spoons Set of 3 with Bag
 
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Beautiful just beautiful 😍
Vintage Wine Glasses Set of 6
 
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Every kitchen needs at least one
Stainless Steel Spider Strainer Skimmer Ladle
 
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You’ll need labels for your thermal printer 👍✨
NIIMBOT Label Tape for B1/B21/B3S, 230 Labels
 
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Pink wine glasses 🌸 perfect for that Prosecco for summer nights
Morgan Wine Glasses, Set of 4
 
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Instant chic style added to your table 🥂
Madeline Embroidered Cotton Placemat
 
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Have your cereal in style with a country twist
The Latte Stoneware Cereal Bowls, Assorted Set of 6: Amelie Edition
 
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A little luxury never hurts 💙 be kind to yourself
Morgan Coupe Glasses, Set of 4
 
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You’ve never tasted food this good 👍 I use mine all the time - it circulates flavors so amazingly you can’t go wrong - put ingredients in, close it up - bake in oven 😋
10" Moroccan Clay Tagine Pot, 3.1 QT
 
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Re-use those plastic bags! This tool makes it easy to dry them
Plastic Bag Drying Rack for Ziplock & Bottles
 
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Extra long to protect your forearms 👍
Extra Long Oven Mitts and Pot Holders Set
 
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Space saver , practical and stylish
Gold Paper Towel Holder
 
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Best way to store eggs in the fridge 🥚 🥚 🥚
Automatic Rolling Egg Storage Container
 
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Fancy soft boiled eggs? Make it fancier with this tool
Egg Topper and Cracker for Soft Boiled Eggs
 
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The sound of a kettle whistling is so peaceful to me 🥰
Stove Top Whistling Tea Kettle
 
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Itty bitty label maker for itty bitty jars and everything else
Mini Label Maker with Tape, Bluetooth Printer
 
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Cherry on top please 🍒
Cherry Garnish Cocktail Picks, Set of 4
 
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These are great for ice cream 🍨
Clara Icon Glass Goblets, Set of 4
 
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Easy and affordable lighting hack - perfect for under cabinets in kitchen 💡
Under Cabinet Motion Sensor Lighting
 
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Super cute ☺️
4 Slice Toaster - Auto Shut Off & Extra Wide
 
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Genius! You can bake multiple dishes at once and they come with covers to refrigerate later - imagine the energy savings 👍
9-Piece Non-Stick Baking Set with Silicone Trays
 
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Strikingly stylish and the spout design is 👌
17 oz Glass Olive Oil Bottle - Non Drip
 
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Can’t imagine dinner party without candle sticks - I own at least 15 of them 😃
Luce Metal Candle Holder
 
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Gotta put out those candles, why not do it in style
Crane Candle Snuffer
 
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Lemon is my favorite scent in the kitchen 🍋
Paddywax Bistro Fruity Meyer Lemon Ceramic Candle
 
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Not just a candle 😃 a definite conversion starter 👌
Nata Farfalle Pasta Shaped Candle
 
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Smells like Rosemary Baguette 🥖 that’s all I have to say 😋
Rosemary Baguette Ceramic Candle
 
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Beware- Someone will try to eat these 🥐
Croissant Shaped Wax Boxed Candle
 
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I almost put this one in self love collection 💛 to make yourself a beautiful meal on this tray is certainly a healing experience
Amelia Tray
 
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I’m in Canada 🥶 and can’t stop dreaming about summer weather to be able to sip a fresh squeezed lemonade by the pool 💧
Lucia Acrylic Goblet Wine Glasses, Set of 4
 
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🧿 ahhh so refreshing and bonus protection from envious eyes
Icon Juice Glass 🧿
 
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Bud vases are my favorite for the breakfast table - just gather some buds from the nature and voila you have a statement piece 🌺
Glass Bud Vase
 
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These are soooo cute and only $10 - can’t go wrong , can’t go wrong
Ricky Coaster
 
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Any kitchen item with tomatoes 🍅 is irresistible for me ❤️
Tomato Serve Set
 
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Affordable choice for a cocktail shaker set 🍸
Cocktail Shaker Set Bartender Kit with Stylish Bamboo Stand 16 Piece Barware Mixing Tools, Bartending Kit Gift Set For Home Bar Party, Stainless Steel
 
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With spring around the corner - these are perfect 😍
Retro Juice Glasses Set of 4

Shaken, Stirred & Absolutely Delicious: Go-To Cocktails

A curated collection of delicious cocktail recipes I’ve discovered from around the internet—perfect for any occasion, whether you’re shaking up something classic or trying a new twist!

 
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This is a very fancy one… worth the try
The Black Saffron Martini Sipped by Stanley Tucci
 
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A fruity martini anyone will enjoy.
The Gin Blossom Is a Martini for People Who Don’t Think They Like Martinis
 
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Boozy, stirred, and complex
Red Hook
 
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Cherry 🍒 on top please
Cherry Garnish Cocktail Picks, Set of 4
 
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Sipping Chardonnay from this by the pool
Cheerie Icon Stemless Wine Glass
 
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Mmmmm martini 🍸 🍒
Garnish Stemless Martini Glass
 
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Certainly a delicious detail 🍸
Delice Cocktail Picks, Set of 4