Every December I'd haul out a cookie press, fight with the dough for an hour, and end up with blobs that looked nothing like the pretty shapes on the box. If you've ever rage-quit a batch of spritz cookies at 11 PM on a Tuesday — this is the gear, the extras, and the tricks that turned my holiday platters from embarrassing to actually impressive. Took me four holiday seasons to nail this down so you don't have to.
As a mom of 2 boys, I look for easy, but healthy recipes to make. Here you'll find my favorite meals to cook, food subscription services, and food items found on Amazon.
Bland food used to be my whole personality. I'd grill chicken, roast veggies, make rice, and it all tasted like nothing. Then I started actually investing in seasonings instead of reaching for the same sad salt and pepper. This list is for anyone who knows they should be eating at home more but keeps ordering out because homemade food tastes boring. Every single blend here has earned a permanent spot in my kitchen, and most of them took me embarrassing amounts of trial and error to find.
Scottsdale brunch recommendations from a local! From classic brunch options, to boujee options, I’ve got your covered. I love all these places, and I hope you do too!
I have really been enjoying cooking lately, and love making nutrient dense meals that also taste amazing! I prioritize eating relatively clean and try to limit highly processed foods and refined sugar where possible. These are some of my favorite recipes that I have found, and will continue adding to the list whenever I find a new one! And of course there will be sweet treat recipes also :)
As an ex-bobarista/barista, I KNOW MY DANG DRINKS!! Chronically addicted to matcha and coffee. I actually have tachycardia from consuming so much. Don’t be like me. I’ve tried it for you. Now you decide based on my recs😝
Fall and winter are for comfort food! This list is packed with everything you need for cozy-season cooking — slow cookers, Dutch ovens, soup pots, baking essentials, hot cocoa sets, spice kits, and the cookbooks to inspire it all. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the smells of the season!
I swear the hardest part of eating is figuring out what to eat! Let me make it easy for you!
I get nothing but satisfaction that you get to try my favorite food spots! None of these restaurant links are affiliated and I do not get commission off these recommendations! 💗
Stop overthinking food. These 4 ingredient recipes are fast, cheap, and ridiculously easy to follow. No cooking skills needed. No time required. Just simple meals that help you eat better without the stress. Perfect if you’re busy, low on energy, or just can’t be bothered — but still want real food.
Great for cheap groceries, working with whatever is in the kitchen, teaching your kids to cook, and not slaving away for hours!!
Fast, affordable, teachable, simple. That’s 4 ingredient cooking.
I'm in NYC every few months and have spent YEARS curating a list of my favorite restaurants in the city. Everything from casual lunch spots to splurge-worthy dinner experiences ✨
Sharing my favorite places to eat, drink, and be merry in Lincoln, NE. I moved here in 2000 to attend UNL and love the small town atmosphere in a big city.
Every year it was the same panic — alarm at 5am, flour everywhere, kids asking when breakfast would be ready while I'm still measuring yeast. I finally built a system where everything gets prepped Christmas Eve and I just slide pans into the oven while still in my pajamas. If you're the person who wants homemade cinnamon rolls without losing your mind before presents, this took me three Christmases to perfect so you don't have to.
This is by no means a comprehensive list of all Sawtelle has to offer, however I have spent a LOT of time around here trying everything I can and have curated opinions on pretty much every single shop and restaurant. It never gets old guiding friends and family through my favorite spots, there is always something new to experience. A new viral dish, a weekend pop-up, even spotting celebrities. If you’re thinking of visiting, or want to explore more, you may find these recommendations helpful. Here lies my honest attempt at encouraging you to explore my favorite part of Los Angeles.
Here are some of my favorite fast food or casual restaurants that offer options for those who don't eat animal products. Perfect for if you're hanging out with people who have dietary restrictions but still want something AMAZING to eat!
These viral desserts are all over TikTok—but I tested the realistic, at-home versions that still give bakery-level results. I linked the exact tools + ingredients I use so you can recreate them without wasting money or guessing. Perfect for beginners, moms, or anyone who wants pretty desserts without the stress 💕
I've been on countless roadtrip ever since I was a kid. Between my dad and two siblings there have been a plethora of snacks we have discovered. Over time I've gotten more conscience about the things I put into my body. Don't worry there's still plenty of classic snack I love to have every once in a while, but I would like to highlight some snacks I've been loving!
I create recipe content for food brands, but I don’t have a picture-perfect kitchen or have room for a permanent studio. This list includes the compact filming equipment, movable surfaces, backgrounds, lighting, and styling tools I use or recommend for creating polished recipe videos with an iPhone. Everything is chosen to work in a small space, produce professional-looking content, and pack away when filming is finished.
Each list highlights the best of Aurora without emptying your wallet. From cozy diners and local cafés to brunch spots and coffee gems, you’ll find carefully curated options with flavorful meals, must-try drinks, and affordable prices. Every recommendation includes what makes it special—whether it’s a signature dish, a fan-favorite coffee, or a hidden menu item—so you can eat, sip, and brunch with confidence.
Gluten-free food that deserves a place in the kitchen! From condiments, to freezer meals, to sweets and more. These are the tried and true foods our family uses regularly.
The Blackstone is a must have and here are some accessories and kits that you absolutely need! I have all of these in my Blackstone tools drawer in the kitchen. Get geared up and start your journey to being a Blackstone chef!
Craving authentic tacos, pupusas, or a perfectly seasoned plate of ropa vieja? Central Florida's Mexican and Latin food scene runs deep, and after years of eating my way across Osceola County, these are the spots my family returns to again and again. This local's guide covers the best taquerias, Salvadoran kitchens, Cuban cafes, and Latin grills around Kissimmee, Poinciana, and the greater Orlando area.
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!
Visiting for the weekend or a new resident? Here is your go to guide for the BEST restaurants and cafes in Charlotte North Carolina. I have lived in Charlotte for over 2 years and know the top recommendations. Including places that are affordable and also some that are worth your money. Try out these incredible places!
I’ve been diagnosed with celiac for over 10 years so I’ve experimented with tons of gf food. Walmart is actually one of my favorite places to go for gf options. They have double the gf products most stores have and at a reasonable price. 🥰
As a former fat kid from the East Coast, I feel uniquely qualified to offer my favorite restaurants around the Twin Cities. Please comment and let me know if I missed a genre or restaurant! I am always looking to try new spots! Check out my descriptions to see my vibe checks of the places and my favorite things on the menus. Enjoy and thank you for visiting the Twin Cities, I hope we have been able to share just how special this area is.
As a 5'1 girly who has lost and gained weight before, I wanted this time to be my last time losing the weight! I did a ton of research (and trial and error) and these are the snacks I have been eating for the past 5 months that have helped me lose 40+ pounds. Plus they all actually taste good, which is how I was able to stay in my deficit and not feel like I was never able to eat good food.
Self proclaimed foodie (who is a little picky and also vegetarian lol). I have kids that go with me everywhere so I’m always looking for things to do, we love nature and being outside and always look for budget friendly ideas.
Soggy desk salads were ruining my lunch motivation — I'd spend Sunday prepping and by Tuesday everything tasted like wet cardboard. After way too many disappointing lunches eaten at my desk with a frown, I finally nailed a system that keeps greens crunchy and dressing contained through Thursday. If you meal prep lunches and you're tired of wilted, sad salads, this is everything I use from jar to fork.
Every night around 9pm I'd end up elbow-deep in a chip bag, hating myself by 9:15. Tried switching to store-bought dried fruit but it was either coated in sugar or tasted like cardboard. This list is for anyone who wants to snack without the guilt spiral but refuses to eat anything that tastes like punishment. Took me a solid year of ordering from small makers to narrow it down, so save yourself the trial and error.
All the places I've visited in California that have the best drinks, entrees or even best yet to visit for date night, bday celebration 🍾 or just a family gathering. 🥰
Burned rice, overcooked pasta, forgot about the roast — if your smoke alarm has become your unofficial kitchen timer, I've been there. This list is for anyone who gets distracted mid-cook (kids, phone, life) and needs something louder, simpler, or smarter than their phone buzzing face-down on the couch. Took me way too many charred meals to land on these.
Spending six bucks every morning on a latte felt fine until I did the math and nearly choked. If you're a daily coffee shop regular who keeps telling yourself you'll start making coffee at home but every attempt tastes like hot disappointment, this is the exact setup that finally got me there. Took me about a year of bad purchases and mediocre cups to land on this lineup, so steal it before you waste another paycheck at the drive-through.
A curated collection of affordable wines, wine accessories, wine night essentials, and winery favorites worth trying. Discover budget-friendly wines, entertaining must-haves, charcuterie finds, wine gifts, and cozy hosting inspiration for every wine lover. Note: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means if you click through my link and buy something, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Chicago is known for it's pizza but it doesn't stop at deep dish - These pizzas range from thin crust, grandma style, to New York style and they're all amazing!
Craving something new or a familiar favorite? Discover my top picks for must-try restaurants, cozy cafes, hidden gems, and vibrant spots where every bite tells a story
who doesn’t love a cute coffee shop vibe and a delish iced coffee, amirite? BUT the $7+ price tag multiple times a week is a no-go to stay in budget… so these are some things that help make an as-good-as (if not better sometimes tbh) cup from home or work
If you've ever dumped another batch of grainy, soupy fudge down the drain on December 23rd, I feel your pain. I ruined five batches in one holiday season before I figured out it wasn't my recipe. It was my tools. This list is for the home candy maker who's tired of guessing and ready to nail fudge, caramels, toffee, and brittle on the first try. Took me three Christmases to dial this setup in so you can skip straight to the good part.
Got a sweet treat craving? You’ve come to the right place! I am a sweet treat girly through and through, and would consider myself an expert on all things sweet treats. I’m am sharing some of my favorite sweet treats, as well as kitchenware and appliances I love to make my own homemade sweet treats (mainly of the frozen variety).
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)
I consider myself a master snacker. I get a sweet tooth about once a day too. So here you will find all things munchable! From chips and crackers to indulgent chocolates, trail mixes, candies and more!
if “it’s the little things in life” was a list lol! all things coffee, i may enjoy coffee toooo much. i am always searching for new and fun recipes to spice up my lattes and cold brew! some may be luxury but i consider them all essential to make my cup of joy each day
Spent years soaking cookie sheets overnight and still scraping off burnt caramel with a butter knife — if that sounds like your Tuesday night, this list is for you. Whether you bake weekly or just hate doing dishes, I tested dozens of silicone mats until cleanup actually became the easy part. Took me way too long to figure this out so you don't have to.
If your nightly wind-down routine is just reheating the same sad mug of cocoa from a packet while scrolling your phone, you're missing out on the best part of winter. I spent way too many evenings drinking lukewarm brown water before I figured out how to turn a simple hot chocolate into something I genuinely looked forward to all day. This list is for anyone who wants their after-dinner drink to feel like a tiny celebration. Grab these before the cold weather rush cleans out the shelves.
So I’m a big foody and in list are some of my favorite spots and some must go to spots when you are traveling in Ohio! Each one of these places are yummy and most are locally owned! Jump into Ohio with me and try something new!
Spending $6 on a box of four popsicles that are mostly sugar water got old fast. My kids wanted frozen treats every single day last summer and my wallet was begging for mercy. Once I grabbed a few molds and let them pick their own fruit, they started making their own bars before I even woke up on weekends. Here's everything we use, tested over two summers with three picky kids, so you can set this up before the heat hits.
Did I mention I love to eat? Chicago is the eating capital of the Midwest, and my waistline proves it. This list is ever growing as there are so many great places to eat all over the city
I love getting Matcha or Iced Coffees before class, but the price adds up, so I started making them myself! Here are some of the items I use! Follow my TikTok @arianaezacarias for recipes!!
Collection of places I've eaten in NYC and would definitely visit again - organized by cuisine type. View this list in Map view to see where the recommendations are located!
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.
The best gifts for coffee lovers in 2026: a Fellow Stagg kettle, Baratza grinder, Chemex and AeroPress brewers, a heated mug and fresh single-origin beans. Picks for home baristas and daily drinkers. Partnerships disclosed.
My oldest has multiple food allergies which means I’ve packed him lunch every day he’s been in school. That’s a lot of days. Find some tried and true suggestions here.
Baking is my favorite way to relax, and I have slowly built up a collection of pans and tools that make every recipe turn out better. Whether the baker in your life loves bundt cakes, cookies, or layer cakes, these are the bakeware pieces and decorating tools I use most and love to give. Tell me what you love to bake in the comments!
(This list contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.)
Here are some tasty foods that not only tantalize your taste buds, but also naturally detox and cleanse your body. I try to incorporate some of these weekly!
This list is for picky eaters who struggle to find food that actually sounds good. Everything here is simple, low-stress, and doesn’t have strong or overwhelming flavors.
If you’re like me and certain textures or smells can ruin a meal, these are safer, more comfortable options that are easy to stick with.
picky eater, simple meals, safe foods, easy food ideas, low effort meals, comfort foods, beginner cooking, quick meals, mild flavors, no complicated recipes, easy snacks, realistic meals, food ideas.
You spent three hours baking perfect snickerdoodles and then handed them over in a crinkled zip bag. Been there. If you host or attend cookie swaps and want your treats to actually look like you care, this is everything I use now. Took me two holiday seasons of sad baggies and crushed cookies to land on this lineup, so save yourself the trial and error before December hits.
This is a tea guide for people who don't like tea but want to because of the benefits. Or if you just want to find something new to change up your palette, here is a guide of iced and hot tea and some ideas that could make the tea taste better! Please let me know your fave teas so i can keep this list growing!
Here you’ll find my favorite snackies, sweet treats, cooking essentials, favorite easy dinner items I keep my house stocked with. If it takes more than 15 minutes to cook, you probably won’t find it on here.
A blanket, a cliffhanger, and something pumpkin spice within arm's reach: that's my whole fall reading plan, even if Miami is still 85 degrees. If you love seasonal treats as much as a new release, this list is for you. It has bakery grabs, bake-at-home kits and no-mess snacks with pumpkin, apple, maple and cinnamon everything, from Amazon, Target and Trader Joe's. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Count down to Christmas in style with the best 2025 holiday advent calendars! From chocolate advent calendars and beauty sets to DIY ideas and family favorites, this list is full of festive finds to make every day of December feel special. Whether you love luxury gifts, cute handmade options, or fun calendars for kids and pets, you’ll find inspiration for everyone on your list.
As a small town Kansas girl anytime I go anywhere I try to support local and small businesses. I have put together a list of business in my home town that i have supported or wish to support in the near future!
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!
As someone who has lived in Sacramento most of my life, this is a list of places to eat, drink, caffeinate, and have fun in Sacramento that I recommend to friends when they visit
As a scrunchie mom — fun, trendy, laid-back, with a touch of 90s nostalgia and a focus on family wellness — your pantry is a whole vibe. Here’s a curated list of snacks we constantly have on hand in our house! You'll catch the kiddos, YOU, and your husband grabbing these!
If you’re looking for gluten-free restaurants in Miami or Orlando, there are plenty of great options to explore. For the best gluten-free dining Orlando has to offer, you’ll find a variety of delicious choices, including gluten-free pizza Orlando locals rave about. Miami is also home to top gluten-free restaurants, with many offering an extensive gluten-free menu Miami Florida residents love. Whether you’re searching for restaurants with gluten-free options in Miami or wondering where to eat gluten-free in Orlando, you’ll find excellent gluten-free dining Miami and Orlando have in abundance. These gluten-free friendly restaurants in Florida ensure a delicious, safe dining experience for all!
These are essential spots for treating my very real and serious diagnosis of Sweet Treat Syndrome.
These aren’t made to be super instagrammable and over-the-top. They’re made to be delicious and happen to look really good as a result of the care that went into them!
A variety of my favorite drinks that come in a can or a bottle. Pre-made kinda stuff that is. I like fizzy drinks but not super sweet drinks of any sort.
You said yes to hosting brunch and now you're staring at your kitchen counter wondering how to feed eight people without losing your mind. If you've been cobbling together mismatched plates and hoping for the best, this is the spread setup I landed on after way too many chaotic Sunday mornings. Took me a full year of awkward brunches to figure this out so you can skip straight to the good part.
Planning a trip to Halls Harbour and wondering where to actually eat lobster without getting ripped off or disappointed? I spent two summers exploring every wharf, restaurant, and hidden shack along the Bay of Fundy coast. This is everything I ate, bought, and did that made it worth the drive. Bookmark this before your next Maritime road trip.
Tulsa’s THAT girl and these places prove it!✨
From dinner with your girly pops, to brunch with your pookie, there’s something on this list for everyone 🍾
Check out my fave bars, clurbs, restaurants & more! ⭐️
Staring at the same two boxes of Lipton and chamomile in your cabinet gets old fast. I was stuck in a tea rut, buying random boxes that sat half-finished because three flavors were good and the rest were dusty. So I went on a 90-day tear, one new tea a day, tracking what I actually wanted to brew again. This is for anyone who knows they like tea but has no idea what's out there beyond grocery store basics. Took me three months so you can skip straight to the ones that matter.