While I may not boast culinary expertise, my love for food knows no bounds! Allow me to share a glimpse into my culinary world: from beloved dishes to preferred shopping spots and cherished dining establishments. Having resided in Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, and New Jersey, my palate reflects a delightful fusion of Midwestern charm and Northeastern flair.
Born & Raised in South Louisiana, I've got the scoop on the best products, places, and recipes when it comes to our cuisine! I shop for and prepare all of the meals in our home for over 16 years, so I'm no stranger to being in the kitchen. I hope this list helps anyone searching for a little splash of Cajun culture in their kitchen, their lives, and their traveling!
I eat a lot of the same and different dishes at home and outside. Ironically, i tend to forget what and where I ate (idky it's a problem lol). So here's a list of food recs for you and me. I also take recommendations.
I am a huge coffee drinker and spending hundreds of dollars at coffee shops was getting to be expensive, not to mention boring! So I started making coffee at home and buying all different types of coffee. Here are my favorites from over the years. I have added my favorite coffee makers and gadgets as well that help with the coffee experience. I don't know about you, but I love a great cup of coffee in the mornings before I start my day! Enjoy!
This fall, my fridge is stocked with soft life staples that keep me glowing, grounded, and energized. From sea moss gel and aloe vera juice to turmeric and herbal teas, these essentials are perfect for boosting immunity, supporting digestion, and staying cozy as the weather shifts. A peek inside my fridge—fall wellness, my way.
Every March I used to scramble for green sprinkles and shamrock cookie cutters the week before the party, only to find picked-over shelves and sad options. If you're the person who volunteers to bring dessert to every St. Patrick's Day gathering but dreads the last-minute hunt, this is everything I pulled together after three years of trial and error. Grab what you need now before the seasonal stuff vanishes in early March.
Christmas morning used to feel rushed. Everyone ripped open gifts and scattered. Then I started putting cocoa bombs in each stocking, and now we all gather around the kitchen, heat up milk, and watch them melt together before anything else gets unwrapped. If you want one simple tradition that actually slows everyone down and makes the morning feel cozy, steal this lineup before they sell out in November.
🌳 LOVE OF CHICO! ❤️
Chico has been my stomping ground since the late 1900s (sounds ancient, doesn’t it? 😂). I’m sharing the best of our little corner of Northern California—from hidden gems and local eats to shopping, fun, and fabulous finds. Come visit us! You might just fall in love and stay! ❤️
You keep ordering French onion soup at restaurants because yours never tastes right. The broth is flat, the cheese doesn't pull, and the bread turns to mush. I spent two years tweaking my recipe and testing every pot, ladle, and cheese grater until my kitchen smelled like a Parisian side street. Here's every single thing I use, from the Dutch oven to the exact Gruyere that stretches in ridiculous strings from the bowl.
Our family loves spaghetti. As a family of 6 it is my favorite meal to make and the leftovers are even better the next day. This is a complete list of ingredients and sides to make your meal planning easier. Perfect for lunch, dinner, and even breakfast. I added our favorite dessert in there too but feel free to add your own!
Love coffee but want to save money? The best products for making your coffee/tea drinks at home for a fraction of the price. Products that I use daily for deliciousness at home. ☕️
Moms always share about snacks for their kids, but what about snack for moms? Moms need fuel too! Here are all the snacks I gravitate towards as a busy Mom! And my favorite on the go ways to stay hydrated!
I put together this list of easy frozen meals because I wanted quick options that actually taste good and don’t feel like a downgrade. These are my go-tos for when I’m too tired to cook but still want something satisfying, affordable, and low effort no weird textures, no mystery ingredients, just real comfort food that gets the job done.
This is an EASY and FOR BEGINNERS guide to getting started with container gardening. It can be overwhelming to get into growing your own food and all the steps and wild recommendations from people. Remember to take it slow, start small with things you will enjoy, and don't feel bad for taking a few shortcuts or if not everything turns out perfectly!
This list has all spots for French (with a range in the bill) in Boston, MA. Frankly, whatever your vibe, you really can't go wrong with any of these! I was introduced to French food a bit later in my taste pallet - I thought of it as the onion soups and frog legs of the world but realized it's so much more than that. Living in Boston opened my eyes to the beauty and delicacy that is the French cuisine, and these places are IT.
Fresh juice is one of the best ways to power through a hot Central Florida day, and a good juicer makes it effortless. From slow masticating cold-press machines to high-speed centrifugal juicers and all the prep gear, these are my go-to Amazon picks for building a juicing habit at home in Kissimmee. Every item ships fast so you can start juicing this week.
Refrigerator jam is easy to make and it's a good way to use up fresh fruit if you have a lot of it (we have fig trees and a pear tree, so we have a lot of it.) Here are the supplies and recipes I use to make jam.
Thanksgiving and holiday hosting means a lot of cooking, so here's what I actually reach for. Everything here is cast iron, stainless, enamel, glass, wood or plain aluminum, with no PTFE-type nonstick coatings, plus a few swaps to cut down on plastic wrap.
If you've ever dumped a $6 bag of frozen fruit into a blender only to get a chunky, watery mess that tastes like regret — same. I spent way too long making bad smoothies before I finally nailed a system: freezing yogurt in silicone trays, pre-portioning greens, and actually using the right blender accessories. This list is for anyone who wants quick weekday smoothies without the cleanup nightmare or the wasted ingredients. Took me months of trial and error so you can skip straight to the good stuff.
If you love baking and wouldn’t mind a little extra cash you might look into a cottage bakery license in your state. Also, check out this list for some ideal tools for your new bakery! 🧁
If you're looking for that cafe-style coffee but can't afford to spend $7 on a latte every morning, don't worry. This list will set you up with everything you need to get that cafe feeling at home!
All my everyday grocery must-haves in one place—staples I never leave the store without! Perfect for quick trips, meal planning, and keeping the kitchen stocked.
Sometimes the best way to brighten a college boy’s day is with a package full of little surprises—and this one is all about his favorite color: BLUE. From snacks and drinks to everyday essentials and cozy extras, everything in this care package is curated in shades of blue to feel both fun and thoughtful. Whether it’s late-night study fuel, practical dorm must-haves, or just a playful way to remind him of home, these picks add a creative twist to the traditional care package. Perfect for game day, midterm motivation, or just because—you’ll make him smile when he opens a box filled with cool blue favorites.
Working from home in Sherborne, Dorset, UK, I am very lucky to be a short walk from town. So I can always pop into some excellent places to eat and drink for lunch or after a day in the office. If you're new to the area or visiting Sherborne for the day these are my recommendations.
If you are looking for cool hidden bars with an amazing atmosphere and great drinks or for a nice craft beer place to go with friends after work: this list is for you. The beer places also have amazing food options, so they are great laces to hang out with friends.
Philly is my absolute favorite city to live in and there are endless options of amzing food and drink. These are my top picks that I go back to time and time again! Keep in mind this is from the pov of a vegetarian (so no cheesesteak recs) but most of these places have plenty of options for all! 😋
From brunch, to dinner with the fam, to cafés or bakeries for a quick yummy treat These are some of the places I absolutely love and have enjoyed in SLC and sorrounding areas. vibes and all.
I love to cook, especially new and exciting foods. These are the items I've bought and continue to use for a multitude of different meals. I try to pick products that are easy to store or don't take up too much counter space. I also primarily use my dishwasher to clean, so if it's not dishwasher safe, it almost never has a purpose in my kitchen (minus my cast irons of course)
Every summer my kids would come inside looking like wilted flowers because they refused to drink water but would demolish anything frozen on a stick. I started filling popsicle molds with 100 percent juice and suddenly hydration wasn't a battle anymore. If you're tired of buying overpriced sugar-bomb freezer pops and want your kids running around outside without you worrying — steal this whole setup before the heat really kicks in.
As someone who lives for a good meal, coffee run or sweet treat trust me on these ones. I've been a tourist & now a local so I know the best of the best & only will recommend the best places in Orange County.
Discover the top restaurants, cafés, and dining experiences in Placer County. Whether you’re searching for farm-to-fork restaurants in Roseville, local brunch spots in Rocklin, or fine dining in Granite Bay and Auburn, this guide highlights the best places to eat across the region.
Placer County is home to a wide variety of flavors—from cozy coffee shops and family-friendly diners to upscale steakhouses and chef-driven kitchens. Each pick in this list is chosen for its atmosphere, service, and unforgettable food. Perfect for date nights, casual hangouts, or special celebrations.
Bookmark this list whenever you’re asking yourself “where to eat in Placer County”—and you’ll always have the best dining options ready to go.
I absolutely love the holiday season, largely because of the seasonal food and my family's cooking and baking traditions. These are the cookbooks my family and I use during the holiday season featuring beginner and advanced recipes!
A peek inside my pantry and fridge — my true kitchen MVPs.
The ones I’ll make a whole grocery run for if I’m running low (and yes, I've done it before and will again).
Here is a list of Filipino owned businesses to try in Los Angeles County! You can find restaurant, bar, coffee shop, and retail recommendations. They're all small businesses, too. I'm open to recommendations so please comment your favorite Filipino-owned businesses I should try out next :)
The BEST snacks and drinks from a certified foodie :) As a vegetarian girlie, these are my all-time fave go-to meals. ☕🍓✨ (FAIR WARNING: guilty caffeine addict haha)
A curated list of South Florida spots that are truly worth your time — and your taste buds. From elevated Italian favorites to standout Japanese cuisine, these restaurants are all about unforgettable flavors, beautiful presentation, and memorable experiences. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself to an incredible meal, these foodie-approved picks promise quality, atmosphere, and dishes that make every bite feel special. 🌴✨
A little collection of the drinks I reach for throughout the day—from my morning coffee and afternoon pick-me-ups to cozy evening sips. Plus, a few cups, frothers and little extras that make an everyday drink feel like something to look forward to
This is a lovely area in Brooklyn that visitors usually miss out on, because it's a bit further away from direct subway lines, but absolutely worth the walk! Imagine tree-lined streets with brownstones, family friendly cafes and little hidden parks. It's like a village inside the city, and you should visit if you want to experience what locals are up to.
Making iced tea used to mean boiling water in one pot, steeping in another, transferring to a pitcher, then waiting three hours for it to cool — all for a drink that lasted one afternoon. If you're someone who goes through iced tea like water in the summer but hates the multi-step mess, this is everything I use now. Took me two summers of sticky countertops to figure it out so you don't have to.
Coffee is a part of my daily life, and each of the items on this list helps me get caffeine in my body that much quicker! And I'm a sucker for a cute cup!
We have a busy house with lots of guests for meals so we have to be prepared for anything! We also try to eat healthy, shop smart and make a quick meal.
I love to garden, especially edible plants. I'm certainly no master gardener, though, so I look for easy-to-grow and maintain perennials and super simple annuals that are chock full of nutrition (a.k.a. superfoods). Note: This list may contain affiliate and cash back links.
Spending $15-18 per drink at cocktail bars was bleeding my wallet dry, but every attempt at home tasted like cough syrup with ice. If you're the person who orders an Old Fashioned every single time but winces at the check, this is the exact setup that closed the gap between my kitchen counter and a craft bar. Took me six months of bad drinks to land here so you can skip straight to the good part.
If you've ever been playing a game that features cooking, you may have wondered how you could make the food yourself. Well, I have. Apparently, there are cookbooks for gamers! I found a bunch of them and I can't wait to try them out. What could possibly be cozier than a night with gamer friends trying out your favorite recipes from the games you love? Or maybe a cold winter day of solo gaming with some hot gamer beverages and some tasty snacks based on one of your main games? They make a perfect gift for the gamer in your life - or yourself! 💜 Affiliate disclosure: Some links in this list are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy through them — at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting the Cozy Squad!
Clean eating snacks that I enjoy any time of day. These have helped me in my weight loss journey. Most of my snacks include cucumbers, celery, cheese, or some combination of those, especially in the summer. (This list may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them—at no extra cost to you.)
I’m a coffee connoisseur and everyone comes to me for coffee recommendations! It’s all I post about on insta and tiktok! Here are my Boston and greater Boston recommendations ❤️☕️
Looking for a refreshing twist to your everyday smoothies? These are my top tasty smoothie recipes that will not only quench your thirst, but also provide you with an array of nutrients.
Spent three weeks driving from Istria to Dubrovnik and somehow never hit a tourist trap — mostly because I failed spectacularly on a previous trip and learned what to avoid. If you're planning a Croatian coastal trip and don't want to waste a single meal on overpriced mediocre seafood near the cruise ship port, steal this entire list before you book your flights.
I was born in Rhode Island, spent a good bit of my life in Rhode Island (in and out), I've had 4 legal addresses all across RI as well, so lets put it this way, I'm a half RI half Boston girly, but my true heart is in Rhode Island LOL I know the real tea
I'm always on the lookout for delicious restaurants in Manila that are worth the hype, not just for good food but for kind staff and intentional restaurant designs.
These are the best high protein snacks/food, and I’ve tried a lot! I competed in my first body building show, and these have been a hack and a treat to help me prioritize muscle growth while still enjoying my life!
Reservations at 9:45 PM, a prix fixe menu you didn't pick, and shouting over the couple next to you. That was my Valentine's Day for years. Last year I stayed home, lit some candles, made a three-course meal, and it was the most romantic night we've had. This is everything I used, from the steak to the playlist speaker, so you can pull it off before February 14th.
I'm a local and I might as well share some places that you should go to in Duluth, Mn or Superior, Wi!
These are not all of the options, just ones ive personally gone to and recommend.
I know some are fast food things, let a person thrive ✨️
Landing in Tokyo at 2 AM, jet-lagged and starving, I wandered into a 7-Eleven expecting sad hot dogs — and instead found restaurant-quality food that cost less than a subway ride. If you're planning your first Japan trip and think konbini food is just snacks and soda, this list will save you from wasting money at tourist traps when the real meals are sitting in a cooler at Lawson.
My kids would demolish a bag of chips in 30 seconds flat but wouldn't touch a strawberry. I started freezing yogurt and fruit in molds and suddenly they think snack time is a treat, not a trick. If you're tired of fighting the after-school junk food battle, this lineup took me two summers of trial and error to nail down.
I’m a Local and I know the best spot for bite to eat! 😎😎😎 Come enjoy the scenic Erie Canal and enjoy some of the Best foods in Downtown’s Historic North Tonawanda!
Clients of mine often send their contacts hampers at this time of year, and I help them find the perfect choices. I have rounded up a list of hampers for £100 or less. The perfect gift for someone who already has everything but you want to spoil, say thank you or just give for love!
If you’re traveling to the Metro Area in Iowa, and want the best spots to eat.. From morning brunch with family, to date night on the town, and everything in between. Here they are!
I really appreciate that Costco merchandisers are top-notch, which helps with decision fatigue. I feel I can trust almost everything sold has passed the bar on quality and value. These are some of my favorites that I always reach to add to my cart.
Is there anything more romantic than the idea of touring around Italy eating yourself past capacity at every meal? Hopping around some of the country’s most well-known cities from Rome through the north of the country was such a treat, and I really can’t wait to go back and indulge again one day.
As a native New Yorker, I frequent these places often and have gained a few pounds doing so 😭. I’ve comprised a list of my favorite dessert spots ranging from ice cream to pies! There’s a lot of variety in dishes and location as these spots range from midtown to lower Manhattan!
Every weekend we'd show up to the park and every single pavilion was already claimed by 7 AM. I got tired of eating cold sandwiches while watching other families grill. So I built a portable cook station that fits in my trunk, sets up in five minutes, and lets us make burgers wherever we find shade. If you're the family that always loses the pavilion race, grab this stuff before summer fills up your calendar.
Spooky season is here! Whether you're baking autumn treats, styling your space and porch, picking out cozy fall fits, or stocking up on sweet Halloween candy, these are the top essentials to get in the spirit.
Thanksgiving Desserts Made Easy for Busy Moms. I'm not spending all day in the kitchen when I could be with my family. These are the semi-homemade shortcuts I actually use — store-bought pie upgrades, no-bake treats, and the serving pieces that make dessert look fancy with zero stress.
Watching $4 bunches of cilantro turn to slime in the fridge after three days was my weekly ritual. I was basically composting money. If you cook with fresh herbs but hate how fast they wilt, rot, or dry out, this is every product that finally stopped the waste. Took me a full year of trial and error so you can skip straight to what works.
Dragging out the blender, chopping fruit, measuring protein, cleaning up. By Wednesday you're back to grabbing a granola bar and calling it breakfast. I spent three months dialing in a Sunday prep system where I fill freezer bags for the whole week, and now my morning smoothie takes less time than brewing coffee. If you're someone who wants to eat better but keeps losing the battle against your snooze button, here's every single thing I use.
Food Favorites of ours Across America, We don't like to particularly go to chains unless we have to when we travel. Check out the Hole in Walls we venture!
They say “there’s food at home” — and with these essentials, that actually sounds pretty good 😏 From everyday cooking basics to my favourite kitchen gadgets, this list has everything you need to level up your space and save a few dollars while you’re at it
After living in Northwest Arkansas for 8 years now, I have a good idea about the places I love and have returned to for a fantastic meal. These are my top favorites, the ones I crave and the automatic picks for date nights!
I am crazy for spice, when I was in college I grew 24 pepper plants of 6 different varieties one year, and I've tried to grow at least one new variety every year. I love trying and making new hot sauces. I enjoy sweeter (and hotter) hot sauces, so keep in mind my spice tolerance is on the high side and if you like salty hot sauces this list might not work for you. I keep a spreadsheet of all the hot sauces I try and how I liked them, how hot I thought they were, and what other flavors they have.