a list of DMV eats where the food is delicious and the ambiance is top tier! there are restaurants & coffee shops on this list so give em all a try & let me know what you think!!
All the snack finds in one place — the cleaner everyday picks like popcorn, fruit bars, pistachios and seaweed snacks, plus the fun stuff everyone's posting about, from freeze-dried Skittles and Takis to gummy clusters and sour candy. Something here for every kind of snack mood.
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.
I've noticed a lot of hype about sourdough baked goods lately—nearly a third of my Instagram stories seem to be about some kind of sourdough creation. I get it; it's trendy. So, I decided to look into what makes sourdough bread so special. It turns out, it's not just delicious—it's also very healthy. Now, I may not have been into sourdough before, but I am into healthy eating. So, here I am, learning more about sourdough and practicing my baking skills. This list is all about what I've discovered: interesting facts about sourdough, tips for mastering the craft, and what you need to get started.
🍸 whether you’re sober curious, in your soft girl era, or just want to avoid the next-day crash — this is my go-to list of non-alcoholic drinks that still bring the vibe. i’ve personally tested these (unless they’re in the “new” section 👀), and i’m always on the hunt for more options that feel fun, elevated, and hormone-friendly. from spicy mocktails to sparkling wines — there’s something here for every kind of night out (or night in). 🤍
Hi, my hubby and I have traveled all around the country sampling sweets and treats along the way. Here's a list of some of our favorites, we hope you enjoy them as much as we do!
I lean towards using clean ingredient products whenever I can. Truth be told I’m not going to use a clean product if it’s crap. These are the ones I personally use & love.
I am a HUGE baker; I've been baking for years now from cookies and cakes to bread. In all honestly I'm basically my family's private baker, so if you want to start baking or been meaning to this is the place for you!
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)
Build a baking basket for the woman whose kitchen is the heart of her holidays. Real tools, good ingredients, and sweet finishing touches she can use the same day she opens it, then keep using all season. Lovely for neighbors, teachers, new bakers, and grandmas who taught us everything. Love these pieces? Start your own Benable list with my invite link: https://benable.com/i/CM5YN and code CM5YN
“If you want a cozy, delicious holiday meal without draining your wallet, this little guide is your new best friend. These ideas help you stretch ingredients, keep the magic, and still serve something everyone will love. I use these tricks myself when I want the holiday vibe without the holiday stress. You can make it special, you can make it memorable — and you absolutely can make it affordable.
Last December I burned two trays of sugar cookies, cracked my only rolling pin, and ran out of vanilla extract mid-recipe with guests arriving in four hours. If your holiday baking sessions feel more like kitchen disasters than cozy traditions, this is the lineup that finally turned things around for me — tested across three Christmases and way too many batches of snickerdoodles.
This list includes some of my favorite tools and essentials for anyone getting into sourdough baking — the items that have made my process simpler, more consistent, and even more rewarding.I inherited my sourdough starter from my parents — it’s been alive for over five years now — and for the past two years, I’ve been lovingly keeping it going while learning the rhythm of sourdough baking. It’s truly a labor of love. There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh bread baking or the pride that comes from slicing into a loaf your own hands created.
Kalamazoo, Michigan has really been working on what it has to offer in the past few decades and it will not disappoint! This list includes favorites that have lasted the decades as well as new hot spots!
Feeding a family of 5- snacks, meals & party food. I don't love cooking, but I try to feed my family real food for meals and ease up on the snacks! They have to live a little ya know, and I also need to keep my sanity.
Every birthday cake I made looked like a kindergartner frosted it — lopsided, lumpy, buttercream fingerprints everywhere. I spent two years blaming my skills before realizing my tools were the problem. This is everything I use now, from the turntable that changed my whole approach to the offset spatula that made me feel like I knew what I was doing. If you frost cakes at home and keep wondering why yours never look like the tutorial, start here before you waste another tub of frosting.
My favorite places to eat, wander, shop, and spend an unreasonable amount of time in Oceanside, California. Personally loved, selectively shared. 🖤you're welcome.
For anyone visiting Chicago, or locals who are sick of spending all their money at boujee restaurants when you can find better food, for a fraction of the price!
My go-to high-protein Walmart staples for busy weeks. These are the budget-friendly items I keep stocked all month long for quick meals, meal prep, and staying on track without overthinking it. All affordable, all easy to grab, and all actually used in my real-life high-protein routine.
My favourite spots for food and drinks in the Collingwood / Blue Mountain Area. Food guide from a local resident who has been to basically every restaurant in town and surrounding and these are the best places to go
Nothing like exploring home sweet home, good eats. Some Atlanta, Atlanta options but will probably be Gwinnett County heavy since that's where my OG stomping grounds are.
I made this gluten free fast food and restaurant list as a handy guide for our family when we are out on a road trip. We always need a safe place to stop for allergy safe lunches and dinners for our celiac child. Check the notes on specific item safety for allergies and precautions.
I've been vegan for many years and have explored so many vegan cookbooks. If you're vegan curious, a baby vegan, or a longtime herbivore like me, you'll find something that speaks to you from this list of my favorites! Note: I've tried out a LOT of cookbooks and have plenty I am NOT putting on this list to recommend. If you're curious about a vegan cookbook, send me a message! If I've tried it, I'll give you the pros and cons!
Hey y'all!! These recommendations are based on my personal experience with baking and cooking! I absolutely love this as a hobby. :) I do a lot of sourdough discard baking and these tools are very helpful.
I love kitchen gadgets. It's probably my biggest weakness! I collect them all, but I'm also for anything that makes cooking a little easier and more streamlined. I have arthritis in my hands, so I'm always looking for functional, finger friendly adaptations, as well as “set it and forget it” tools that make mom life a bit simpler. This collection is an ode to “basic cooking”
Think Amarillo is just a quick stop on Route 66? Think again! Whether you're here for a weekend getaway, passing through on a road trip, or lucky enough to call the Texas Panhandle home, Amarillo is packed with unique attractions, incredible local food, Western heritage, and hidden gems.
We have been dye-free for almost 4 years now! It’s hard at the beginning to find replacements (especially when you have kids) for your favorite sweets and snacks. Here are our favorite alternatives. Truly hopes this helps someone!
December rolls around and suddenly you need 14 teacher gifts, a PTA fundraiser contribution, and your bank account is already crying. I spent years buying random mugs nobody wanted before I figured out a system that covers gifts AND gives back to the school. Here's everything I rotate through so nothing feels generic and the PTA actually benefits.
For anyone who owns a slow cooker and wants dinner waiting at 6 instead of starting it at 6. These cookbooks cover set-it-in-the-morning meals from test kitchens and long-running slow cooker writers, plus a few for lighter, vegan, Indian and Mediterranean cooking and one for small households. This list contains affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
This is a list of all the coffee essentials I have (and use almost every day) in my house as a mobile coffee shop owner! I have a very expensive machine in my trailer, so I knew for my at-home coffee setup, I wanted something high-quality but also budget friendly. This list has all of that for a great price! ☕️
Every dinner party I threw used to be the same — order pizza, put out some chips, hope nobody noticed I didn't actually cook. Then I impulse-bought a cheap fondue set and suddenly I'm the friend with the ‘fancy’ dinner parties. If you want to look like you tried way harder than you did, steal my whole setup before your next hosting gig.
Calling all kiwis or travelers looking for the best food spots in NZ! Here are my absolute favorite restaurants I found while living in New Zealand, and spots that I would actually book a flight back just to go to again. Let me know your favorite dishes from these restaurants when you go!
Some of these have healthy ingredients and some won't; mental health is part of whole health and these goodies bring me a moment of happiness so technically, it's all healthy 😇. There's also a list of gums and mints to enjoy after that sugary goodness.
These are some of my favourite restaurants in or around Niagara Falls. You will notice there are not many chain restaurants mentioned. I prefer restaurants that have their own unique character. I'll be adding more so check back soon. We have a lot of restaurants to choose from so this list is going to get really long. I wont add a restaurant unless I've personally eaten there and liked it. Any restaurants that I wouldn't go back to won't make it onto this list.
Moms,
My kiddo has always struggled with eating since day one. It has been a constant stressor for me. This list is REAL & RAW. Items I have searched for that have the highest calories, fat & protein. Items we have leaned on just to get by.
As a very picky eater,it's so hard these days trying to find food with everything being so sky high, and on top of that trying to find food you like, and that isn't full of salt, and sugar. Well, here's some of the food that I like, and can tolerate, as well as being cheaper than it's competition.
Came back from Oaxaca and my regular Tuesday tacos tasted like cardboard. If you've been cooking the same rotation of meals and wondering why everything feels flat, this is what finally cracked it open for me. Took me three trips and a lot of mezcal to narrow this down so you don't have to.
If you have dietary restrictions, then you know the worst part about traveling is trying to figure out where you can eat. As an NC local with celiac, I’ve put together a list of amazing GF restaurants and more in Wilmington, NC!
Been living in Toledo my whole life. Thought I’d share some of my favorite restaurants in Toledo and Sylvania. I also included some restaurants that are only a little out of the way.
You press down with a knife and the tomato just flattens into a sad, juicy mess. Every single time. If you've rage-quit making caprese salad or given up on burger toppings that don't slide off, these tools finally solved it for me. Took a lot of smashed tomatoes to get here so you don't have to repeat my mistakes.
If your scones come out flat and dense because every cutter you own compresses the layers before they even hit the oven, you know the pain. This list is for home bakers who want tall, flaky, bakery-style scones and pastries but keep fighting tools that work against them. Took me two years of sad, squat triangles to land on this lineup, so save yourself the trouble.
Tubuh yang sehat adalah tubuh yang cukup akan nutrisi, baik dari vitamin, mineral, ataupun serat. Berbagai komponen nutrisi sangat diperlukan untuk menjaga tubuh agar tetap fit. Saking boomingnya junkfood saat ini, tentu makanan yang realfood menjadi sangat kurang diminati. Jadi, bisa banget loh bagi kamu yang tidak suka buah maupun sayur, bikin smoothies ini. Yuk cobain!
For people who get their side business done before the day job starts, which means the coffee has to be ready fast and taste decent at 5 a.m. The list covers a programmable drip machine you set the night before, a few manual brewers, two grinders, a kettle and scale, mugs that keep it hot, and a sunrise alarm for the wake-up itself. This list contains affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
These are the high-protein snacks I'd happily eat even if they weren't packed with protein. From crunchy chips and jerky to chocolate bars and plant-based favorites, every pick delivers great flavor along with a satisfying protein boost.
Monday morning you realize Labor Day is THIS weekend and you haven't planned a thing. No decorations, no decent grill tools, nothing to keep the kids busy while burgers cook. I panicked through this exact scenario last year and spent way too long wandering aisles. This time I had a plan. If you're the person who always hosts but never preps until 48 hours out, steal this list before the weekend hits.
Sunday mornings used to mean dragging the family to a crowded brunch place, waiting 45 minutes for a table, and dropping $80 before tip. Then I spent three months testing waffle makers and dialing in recipes until my kitchen started producing waffles that made my teenagers actually wake up before noon. If you want restaurant-quality waffles without the parking lot drama, this is everything I use.
A delightful collection of dye-free goodies. These treats are free from artificial colors, letting the real flavors shine while keeping snack time safe and fun for kids and adults alike. Perfect for health-conscious families, sensitive tummies, or anyone who loves naturally colorful, delicious snacks.
Do you know someone who’s ingredient based and loves to cook/bake? Here’s some great ideas that will make them feel cozy on the inside. Being an ingredient based home, all of these things would be used weekly if not daily which is why they make the best gifts. 🥰
You know that moment when you pour a $15 craft IPA into a random pint glass and it tastes like. nothing special? I was doing that for years. Turns out the shape of your glass affects aroma, carbonation, and flavor more than I ever realized. This list is for anyone who drinks craft beer at home and wants to actually taste what they're paying for. Took me two years of swapping, breaking, and testing to land on these picks.
Finding good gluten-free options can be challenging. It's also difficult to keep track of who/where has what and when to go because you don't want to inconvenience the staff. Here are some of my favorite gluten-free snacks and meals, as well as places I will go to eat or get food from confidently, stores I get stuff from, and apps and other resources I've found to be useful since my celiac diagnosis in 2022.
Weeknight meals used to end with burnt outer edges, dry shredded pork, and dried crust stuck to the ceramic pot forever. This upgraded rotation is built for working parents and busy professionals who want dinner ready the second they open the front door without scrubbing burned ceramic for an hour.
Every baker needs a solid set of tools and ingredients to make the magic happen. This list is filled with my go-to essentials; the items I reach for every time I’m in the kitchen. From mixing bowls and pans to little gadgets that make life easier, these must-haves keep baking fun, efficient, and stress-free. Whether you’re just starting out or already a seasoned baker, these picks will help you create treats that look beautiful and taste amazing.
Fall is the season for slowing down, curling up, and creating little pockets of comfort. This list has everything you need to embrace the cozy vibe. From soft loungewear and autumn candles to nourishing skincare, must-read books, and warm drink favorites that make every night in feel special. Think of it as your starter pack for embracing all the cozy girl fall moments.
Every afternoon was the same scramble. Kids screaming for snacks, me hacking at apples with a dull knife, peanut butter everywhere, carrot sticks that looked like they survived a blender. I finally stopped winging it and found tools that make snack prep take five minutes flat. If you're a parent who wants to stop reaching for packaged junk but barely has time to breathe, scroll through before the school year gets any crazier.
Must see gems in Nashville, TN coming from a local! Stop in to any of these places the next time you are in town for a guaranteed true Nashville experience! 🌆
I've spent a year living in New York and have visited countless times since. A slice of New York pizza has been my dinner on many a weeknight after work. And of course, I've sampled a few full pies too. Here are the best spots around New York for pizza slices and pizza pies.
Stress was eating me alive — I couldn't sit still long enough to meditate, journaling felt forced, and my brain wouldn't shut up. Then I bought a bread kit on a whim, and something about punching dough for twenty minutes on a Sunday morning finally quieted the noise. If you're someone who needs to do something with your hands to actually relax, this is the lineup that got me from burnt hockey pucks to actual beautiful loaves.
Every time I’m home in the Philippines, these are my absolute must-haves and must-dos. From favorite eats and local spots to little finds that make me feel connected, this list is like my personal guidebook. It’s my go-to collection whenever I’m back — the things I always come back to, love, and can’t leave without. 🇵🇭 If you’re looking for a taste of the Philippines (literally and figuratively), you’ll find my favorites right here.
Every Sunday was the same loop of scrolling, snacking, and feeling guilty about wasting the day. My kids were bored, I was bored, and nobody wanted to suggest another board game. Then I grabbed a cookie decorating setup on a whim and suddenly we had flour fights, frosting critiques, and a kitchen full of laughing people. This is everything I bought that made it work, from the actual baking tools to the sprinkles that caused a full sibling rivalry. Grab these before your next dead weekend.
My husband and I love going out and about…but, don't really enjoy large crowds, difficult parking, long lines, etc. So, here's a currated list of places we enjoy that avoid the hassles of being too “peoply.”
Im a big fan of snacking especially during the fall and winter since so many good snacks get released. Im big into sweets but sometimes I'll dabble into something more savory. My pantry and fridge always have something I can grab and go with.
All of my must-haves to be an at home barista. It's truly become a hobby for me :) I included my favorite beans from around the US (coffee shops i've been to!)
If you get home at 6pm and want something that tastes like it simmered all day but you've got maybe 45 minutes — I spent two years burning through cheap pots and bland recipes before landing on this exact setup. For anyone tired of sad weeknight dinners who refuses to live on rotisserie chicken forever, this is everything I actually use now.
I’ve lived in Santa Rosa for 30 years. As a self proclaimed foodie and workout junkie, these are the spots that are always worth your time and money! I have tried everything around here we are super spoiled with the food options. Here are the top tier spots.
These are my must taste 👅 restaurants in Northwest Arkansas. I’m only adding places I love in the Bentonville, Rogers, Fayetteville, Pinnacle and Bella Vista regions. If I was visiting for only a few days, these are the places I would prioritize.
My go-to matcha and tea finds for a slower, calmer morning. This list has everything from the best matcha powder and a traditional bamboo whisk to loose-leaf green tea and the cups that make the ritual feel worth pausing for. Whether you’re just getting into matcha or building a tea setup you actually love, these are the things I keep coming back to.
I am not the biggest fan of cooking. I will literally purchase anything that will cut down on prep time or make cooking more enjoyable. When I cook, it is all about simplistic and quick. This is a list of things in my kitchen that I actually use and would recommend. Enjoy!