My husband and I are total foodies and are always looking for somewhere new to try. These are our Tucson favorites, from tried-and-true spots we keep going back to, to hidden gems and new finds that are actually worth the hype.
I've followed a vegan diet for the past 4 years, and have been making my way through all of the best vegan brunch spots in Bethesda MD and surrounding areas! Your love of brunch food doesn't have to end just because of changes in your diet.
My family of 3 and 6 fur babies are regulars at Sam's. Not much has ever disappointed me here and it is almost always more cost effective for my family. In the past we only would do the reg membership but we upgraded the last year for the bonus of shipping. (free shipping for orders over $50) Since most items are quite heavy, shipping costs are insane. If you frequently prefer to ship items to your door, I would go for the plus membership. If you prefer to shop in store, I would do the regular membership. Also, in my area gas is almost always significantly cheaper here. The lines are long if you go at peak times, but I often wait anyways because saving money where I can is helpful. I have linked some of my most repurchased items, and I hope it helps you and your family.
Every bundt cake I made came out looking like a sad blob — same vanilla cake, same boring ring shape, same disappointed faces at the potluck. Then I started collecting pans with actual architectural detail and suddenly people were asking if I ordered from a bakery. This list is for anyone who can follow a basic recipe but wants the final product to look like it took way more effort than it did. Took me two years and a lot of stuck cakes to narrow this down.
Every batch looked like a topographic map — thick lumps next to paper-thin discs that burned while the fat ones stayed raw in the middle. If you've ever rage-eaten a tray of lopsided sugar cookies at midnight, this list is for you. Took me two holiday seasons of disasters to land on these, so you can skip straight to the good stuff.
If you live here like me and want good food or if you’re coming down for a visit take a look at these places and see if you want to try them out!! Many of these have become some of my favorites!
My absolute favorite things for slow mornings with coffee. If I could spend every morning reading, baking, or sitting outside with a latte, I probably would.
On average I cook about 5 meals a day! It's so easy to run out of ideas but these are my favorite go to's when I need some ideas...and they're always a hit in this house! Enjoy!!
Local Eats recommendations from someone who has not only traveled the world, but has actually lived there too! Living in a small town, I am regularly impressed with the variety our town offers along with all the new eats that keep showing up and showing off!
These are a few of my favorite products for getting more protein into my diet. They taste great, keep me full, and fuel my body. Some gret options if you have a sweet tooth like me.
Want to eat like a true Las Vegas insider? I'm spilling my secrets! This isn't your average Strip guide; this is my personal roster of go-to restaurants, from hole-in-the-wall wonders to celebrated local institutions. Discover the vibrant culinary scene that locals keep to themselves – until now! Your taste buds will thank you.
I love throwing themed dinners during the month of December for my family. We normally do this every Friday night in December. We watch a movie and eat food that they had in the movie or put a play on words from the movie with what we are eating!
As an ex PT and also someone who suffers with endometriosis, keeping my protein intake up is really important. A lot of brands label things as ‘high protein’ when the calorie to protein ratio is completely off and it’s essentially a con! My nutrition training means I can spot a good protein find and what’s not worth the pennies!
Finding treats without common allergens can be difficult. These are some of my family's go to favorites I know you'll enjoy too! I search constantly for healthy options that don't include additives, seed oils or ingredients I can't recognize.
Upgrade your snacking game with these better-for-you swaps! From satisfying salty cravings to indulging your sweet tooth, these healthier alternatives will keep you fueled and feeling good without sacrificing flavor. ✨
Long drives with hungry kids used to mean someone crying by mile three and me white-knuckling the steering wheel while blindly tossing goldfish into the backseat. If you spend half your road trips playing snack vending machine from the driver's seat, this lineup is what finally let me keep my eyes on the road and my sanity intact — took me two years of trial and error so you don't have to.
Overnight oats start the night before. The oats, chia, jars and one honest protein behind a 30g-protein, high fiber breakfast that waits for you in the fridge.
Great food doesn’t have to involve complicated recipes or expensive ingredients. With the right pantry essentials, quality snacks, and practical kitchen tools, preparing delicious meals can be simpler, faster, and more enjoyable. From everyday staples and convenient ingredients to smart kitchen gadgets designed to save time and effort, these 15 carefully selected picks are useful additions to any home kitchen.
A collection of my favorite baking essentials! From bread making tools and ingredients to must haves for cookies, cakes, and sweet treats. These are the things I love using for baking!
My favorite bakeries in the San Francisco Bay Area freshly baking some of the best artisanal breads, flaky croissants, mochi donuts, Kouign-amanns, and pineapple buns!
I am Canadian so when I moved to LA I got to indulge in all things Trader Joes. Every time I go on a grocery haul I buy something new. So I have tried lots of things but these are some items I am always repurchasing. Leave a comment on something you think I should try!
Mornings used to be coffee and nothing else — I'd skip breakfast for years because cereal bored me and cooking took too long. Then I fell down the small batch granola rabbit hole and now I actually look forward to waking up. If you're someone who knows they should eat in the morning but can't find anything worth the effort, this took me a while to put together so you don't have to.
upon learning there were people putting their dirty underwear in hotel coffee machines to clean them, i knew i had to share my travel coffee bag essentials with you!
recipes in my 2 week rotation , easy to make and customize. at this moment in time i have 5 mouths to feed and they all eat meat and im vegetarian😅 try them out and let me know how you customized please!! always looking for new variations or new recipes as a whole! 🥰
A roundup of my favorite spots to eat in Hoover—from hidden gems to local staples. Whether you’re craving sushi, pizza, or something quick and comforting, these are the places that never disappoint.
You spend an hour decorating a cake, then grab a spoon to dust powdered sugar and it lands in one big pile right in the center. Or cocoa powder clumps into sad little brown patches. If you bake more than twice a month and you're tired of your finished cakes looking like a toddler sneezed on them, this is the lineup that fixed everything for me. Took me two years of lumpy results to get here so you don't have to.
If you’re eating keto, you still deserve treats that feel indulgent - no suffering required. These chocolates taste amazing without wrecking your goals, so you can enjoy something sweet without the guilt spiral. I reach for these when I want a little joy and don’t want to compromise my body or my vibe. Taking care of yourself should still feel delicious.
Everything you need for a cozy holiday baking season, from Christmas cookies to pies and all the sweet extras. Time to preheat the oven and make some memories.
As a self proclaimed domestic engineer (AKA ceo of the household, stay at home mom, housewife, chef, etc.) this is my long list of must have kitchen tools to make cooking home cooked meals, fun, easy, and delicious for you and your family!
As a busy mama, I don’t find much time to make myself a meal (especially after making meals, snacks, and everything in between for my ravenous baby). These are my go-to items that I waste no time snagging at the grocery store that not only taste GREAT but are also easy to make!
I’ve lived in the East Valley for 9 years and have eaten my way through so many spots across Gilbert and beyond. These are the restaurants, cafés, and hidden gems I keep coming back to — the ones I take friends to, rave about, and genuinely love.
Whether you’re local or visiting, this list has the best of Gilbert: brunch, coffee, dinner, date nights, family-friendly spots, and more.
Save this list — I update it often!
The best places to get a burger in Los Angeles. From fancy, high end burgers to cheap eats. From new-comers to well established LA icons, it's all here.
I found out I was gluten intolerant when I was 20 years old, and I really thought it was life over. I didn’t know what to do with myself, I had a total panic attack. However, 4 years later and I have this whole gluten free down! I have found so many replacements to my favourite things, and even healthier versions too. I’ve learned it’s not so hard or bad to be gf. Welcome to my top recommendations of how to survive being gf! These saved me over the years.
Landing in Taiwan with zero food plan means you'll end up at a 7-Eleven eating a sad triangle onigiri while incredible night market stalls sit two blocks away. This is for the first-timer who wants to eat like a local from hour one, not day three. Took me multiple trips and a lot of pointing at menus to narrow this down so you can skip the learning curve.
Bring the cozy vibes straight to your kitchen. From pumpkin-spiced everything to maple, caramel, and chai-inspired staples, these fall favorites make every sip and bite taste like autumn. Perfect for upgrading your coffee bar, stocking your pantry, or creating warm, seasonal treats at home.
An indispensable kitchen tool, a food blender makes meal preparation quicker, simpler, and more adaptable. A food blender produces reliable results in a matter of minutes, whether you're crushing ice, pureeing soups, creating sauces, or blending smoothies. Depending on your culinary demands, its strong motor and sharp blades combine to turn materials into rough or smooth concoctions.
Bomb food and drink near the La Mirada/whittier area. All my top favorites that even have some specific favorite items of mine listed from each joint. You can’t miss out on all this good food!
You pull butter straight from the fridge, try to spread it on toast, and the bread rips in half. Every single morning. These are the knives, dishes, and small fixes that solved the cold butter problem for anyone who refuses to wait 30 minutes for butter to soften or microwave it into a puddle.
I love cooking and food more than anything, so I have put in the time and effort trying all the delicious pantry staples. These are the ones that keep buying over and over again.
I love my Nespresso Vertuo Next, but those pods add up fast if you drink coffee every day. This is how I save money without giving up on good coffee. I use reusable virtual pods with my favorite ground coffee and a few simple tools to keep it easy and delicious. Everything here is what I actually use in my daily routine.
I have always enjoyed being in the kitchen baking and making unique dishes. Over the last few years or so, my kids and I have looked more at what we put into our bodies and have tried to make healthier choices. We also like to make new creations in the healthiest ways. Here are a few things we like and recommend you give them a try!
Transforming your cookies into pretty works of art is easier than you think when you use the right tools and learn a few techniques to help you. I've been making cookies and decorating them with royal icing for several years although it's been mainly for the Christmas season. Everyone loves looking at that smooth, glossy icing and then of coursing eating the cookies! The more you practice with making the royal icing and getting the right consistency the more you will enjoy the process. Royal icing offers loads of creative possibilities!
Which Asian doesn't like spicy food? Almost all Asian countries have authentic flavors with spices, especially Indonesians whose country is rich in spices. I looveee spicy food. Here are my favorite spicy instant food (with the rating of the spiciness). If you like spices, you should try it! 🌶️🔥
I currently am dairy free due to my breastfed baby having a dairy intolerance so these are some of my go-to snacks for when I want a little sweet or salty treat. Some of these are great options to take along to parties as well ;)
One of my goals during maternity leave was to nail down 10 staple dinner recipes - ones that were fairly quick to make and that weren't necessarily healthy…but they weren't UNhealthy. I have 6 so far! I'll add more as I find them.
I am a huge coffee enthusiast, especially when the weather starts to cool down and I can get all the seasonal drinks! This list is filled with all my recommendations for the perfect fall cup of coffee, plus a little peek into my coffee routine.
If you’re trying to make healthier swaps without the overwhelm, you’re in the right place. I've spent hours checking ingredient labels for my kids, and put together a list of our trusted facorites!~ A few of these links may earn me a small affiliate commission. It never changes your price—just helps me keep sharing helpful finds with other moms.~ *Not all items on this list are school‑safe. Some snacks may contain nuts or be processed in facilities that handle common allergens. Always double‑check labels and your school’s allergy guidelines before packing.
As someone who eats dairy free, I’ve tried a lot of different products, and these are the ones I keep coming back to. They’re versatile, tasty, and make it so much easier to stick with dairy-free living day to day. If you’re looking for ideas, consider this my personal go-to list.
** Always double check the labels to be sure they’re right for your diet. **
I don't know about you, but whenever I can, I prefer to buy local from my neighbors (or companies whose existence supports my neighbors). As a lifelong Mainer, these are the brands that I buy on repeat because they truly check all the boxes.
Different tools and gadgets for the kitchen! These are all items I have tried myself and still use in my kitchen!
I love to bake, so I always try to have whatever tool I may need for specific recipes.
I am also increasing how much I cook at home, so I am always looking for tools that make me more efficient and make the job easier!
Our household is dye-free and have been for quite a while. Grateful to see there has a been a shift in the use of artificial dyes and natural dyes have become easier to find! Here's what I have found our family enjoys - in moderation! The links here are US based!
I've tried over 40 different cookies around Los Angeles in the 15 years I've lived here, so I can guarantee you that these are the best ones. Covering every part of the city from the Westside to Mid-City to the Eastside!
I am the biggest fan of a good sweet treat, but I also know my body doesn’t tolerate the gluten, dairy, & refined sugars that come with classic holiday desserts. These are my favorite recipes to make around the holiday season that the whole fam can enjoy, including me!
(My substitutions if you see “normal” ingredients:
Flour —> gf flour or oat flour
Sugar —> coconut sugar
Eggs —> flax eggs
Veg Oil —> applesauce)
When the leaves start falling and there is a chill in the air, these are the best recipes for what you want to drink. Cocoa's, pumpkin spice, and apple ciders.
Sourdough can be intimidating but these are some of the essentials that helped me when I first started my starter! Don’t be scared to start.. just do it and have fun!
Currently living on the board of Rochester Hills and Troy, here is everywhere I would put in my rotation if I had infinite funds and no inspiration to cook!
Spending fourteen dollars a day on lukewarm takeout that somehow tastes like regret — yeah, that was me for two straight years. If you're someone who knows they should meal prep but keeps shoving food into random containers that leak all over your work bag, this lineup finally made packing lunch feel worth it. Took me way too long to figure out that a lunch box you actually like using changes everything.
An assortment of restaraunts and dive bars you should visit. These are my favorite places to hang in the Valley of the Sun! (Don't sleep on this list!)
Not just another rec list—these are the Clear Lake spots I actually go to when I wanna eat good, sip cute, and not drive to the city. Local and lowkey, but always a slay 💅
✨️ Who says you need alcohol to glow? 💖 This list is all about the prettiest sips, from bubbly mocktails to healthy drinks that keep you hydrated, glowing, and hangover-free 🥂🌸 Sip cute, feel amazing, and glow up from the inside out ✨️.
finding good matcha at cafes are SO HARD FOR NO REASON!! so here are my top spots in california & seattle that hit the spot each time that i think you should try!
From the Kansas City metro area to Edinburgh Scotland and everywhere in between, cozy little rustic shops to light and breezy stores - coffee shops are the ideal place to stop and take a breath and relax.
Dining - kid friendly (with the kids) and parents night out (for when we have a date night and the boys are having a blast with family while we are out)
I have run a home bakery for over 10 years and these are some of my favorite products to keep me organized, compliant, and stand out! I make macarons, cake pops, cookies, and more!
Turkish cuisine might often be narrowed to hummus and kebab, but there’s so many incredible dishes to discover. Eating around Istanbul and Göreme, we were met with unmatched hospitality and warmth, as well as some of the greatest treats you’ll find on the planet.
It’s super easy to make a BLT at home - make it melty and toasty or soft and chewy. Great dish for summer cooking when your garden is in full bloom of tomatoes and lettuce
A research-based guide to matcha preparation: ceramic bowls, bamboo tools, sifters, frothing options, and ceremonial-grade powders. Each card points to a specific item and explains its practical role, so readers can choose a setup that fits their preferred preparation style.
You spent two hours piping buttercream rosettes and then watched them smear against a foil-covered cookie sheet in the backseat of your car. I've been that person at the bake sale with lopsided cupcakes one too many times. This whole list is for the home baker who transports baked goods more than once a month and is tired of improvising with toothpicks and plastic wrap. Took me three school years and a lot of wasted frosting to land on gear that actually works.
I am not a cook so I am always looking for healthier options either for on the go or that I can pair with something else to make other things I eat what I want but I try to sub out smarter choices if I can find ones that I like.