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!
My cooking has gone through quite the transformation from the early days when my roomates and I each knew how to make about 3 dishes, and we all had spaghetti as one of those three things. Here are the things that really moved the needle to become a much better cook through self study. This post may include affiliate links, if you make a person I may earn a commission. As am Amazon affiliate, I may earn from qualifying purchases. I only share my honest opinions and recommendations.
I am a huge iced latte fan so this list has all my recommendations of what i use at home to make delicious coffees that taste similar to what you pay an arm and leg for at the coffee shops!
I only source food from organic and grass-fed and finished privately or employee owned small business brands. If they are owned by corporations, they shouldn't be on this list (but it sure is hard to keep up as many sell out eventually). See “Where to Order” as most of the products and brands you'll find here are available from either Vitacost or iHerb online or Azure Standard or both. You can also buy them directly from the brand, but that only makes sense if you want them in bulk (due to minimum purchases required to get free shipping). Vitacost has free shipping for $50+ orders and a lot of promotions and discounts. Be sure to check their “Promo Pocket” tabs.NOTE: I only recommend brands and products owned by private or employee owned companies. But you can buy them through corporations which is sometimes the only local or online source if the brand doesn't retail their products online. And sadly, most brands price very high on their own sites because they don't want to compete with the retailers. For example, Chewy is publicly traded and 80% owned by private equity. Vitacost sold out to Kroger = corporate owned. The problem is they both are massive and have deals with shippers, so their prices are vastly lower than anywhere else.
Kitchen essentials, cookware, and gadgets that help you pretend you’re a chef while keeping it real. Great for meal prep enthusiasts, aspiring home cooks, or anyone who loves a pretty countertop.
Living with dairy and egg allergies means spending way too much time reading labels and being disappointed at the grocery store — been there! This list is everything I've personally found that actually tastes good, works in recipes, and doesn't make you feel like you're missing out. Whether you're newly diagnosed or just looking for better swaps, these are the products I genuinely use in my own kitchen every single week.
These are all of the tools that I use for my sourdough baking. I usually make sourdough a few times a month so I definitely get a lot of use out of these.
I married into a Gluten Free family 10 years ago and have had to completely re-learn how to bake and cook. I pride myself on making food that tastes good and so others could never tell that what I make is GF. Everything in this list is tried and true!
As the ultimate wine nerd, WSET Level 2, a Masters in French Wine, I love sharing about all things wine! Here are some recommendations for wine, wine resorts and wine tools.
A curated list of cafés, bars, markets, and restaurants you shouldn’t miss while exploring Spain — from tapas and market bites to historic coffee culture and local favourites. Whether you’re wandering Barcelona’s market stalls or sipping espresso in Madrid, these places offer authentic and delicious experiences.
you might not realize it; but the appliances we cook and prepare and serve food in actually are full of plastics, forever chemicals, and heavy metals- so even if you eat organic and pay attention to ingredients, you still are ingesting harmful things because of the appliances and utensils! This list has some healthy and clean options (made without chemical processing, and without heavy metals) for you to support your health!
Simple tools that make healthy cooking a joy — not a chore. Healthy cooking doesn’t have to be complicated — it’s all about having the right tools on hand. These are my favorite kitchen essentials that make preparing nourishing meals simple, efficient, and enjoyable. From meal prep to cleanup, each item helps you cook smarter, save time, and bring more joy to your kitchen. Some links may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase — at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use and love.
Portland tends to pride ourselves in spending our money where it matters the most —supporting the creative locals that live here. This list includes multiple businesses that I’ve had good experiences visiting, whether I bought something from them or not! 💕
Red 40 dye can be harmful to children & adults. Increases mood swings, irritability & restfulness. I have been working hard at not purchasing food items for my kids with red 40. 🫶🏼
As a gluten free and dairy free girlie these are my favorite restaurants in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois. I also manage food allergies to mustard, peas, corn, raw tomatoes, walnuts and peanuts. I have a child who manages an allergy to egg.
The gap between home coffee and cafe coffee is almost entirely grind and water temperature. Fix those two and everything else is preference. Here is the gear that closes the gap, at every budget. (Note: This list contains affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.)
Everything I bought at Costco as someone who is mindful of ingredients. I try to buy things that are mostly organic, dye-free, seed oil-free, and made with whole ingredients.
This is my list of the best restaurants in Austin! Ones I will go to again and again! I’ve lived in the area for all my life, so I know some great restaurant hidden gems!
My husband and I have atleast 1 datenight a week together. These are some of the restaurants on the island that we love to go to. Soulful food, beautiful settings, and a warm vibe. Tried, loved, and always worth returning to.
Coffee is my favorite way to hit my protein goals. These are the products I use to make delicious, high-protein iced coffees at home that taste like a coffee shop without the extra calories.
The ultimate guide to the best local eats and drinks in San Francisco. From iconic restaurants to hidden gems, explore what San Francisco can offer you to eat.
Dive into the ultimate pizza lover’s paradise, every item here is handpicked to bring you bold flavors, crispy perfection, and pure comfort. Whether you’re craving classic favorites or new discoveries, this list serves you the best slices, tools, and treats to elevate every pizza moment.”Check in everyday for amazing items added.
Can't afford the Shards or the Ritz restaurant yet? Here is wholesome & filling food under £10 student-friendly, affordable and a variety of options to suit various tastes buds, if you love Asian foods like dumplings, noodles or Korean spices like gochugaru. This is the spot.
🔥🤌🏾
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!!
Central Florida has a serious sweet tooth, and after years of chasing the best scoops, cookies, and treats around Kissimmee, Poinciana, and Orlando, these are the dessert spots my family can't stay away from. From homemade ice cream and Italian ice to legendary cookies and doughnuts, this local's guide covers the best places to cool off and indulge along the I-4 corridor.
My favorite part of the day, hands down. We’re big Nespresso people over here. There’s just something about being able to make high-quality coffee one-handed with a kiddo on my hip and still have that coffee shop experience at home.
Dans cette liste, je partage les équipements et accessoires qui rendent la cuisine plus simple et plus efficace au quotidien. Vous y trouverez des appareils pratiques, des outils pour le meal prep et des objets qui aident à mieux organiser sa cuisine. Je privilégie les solutions qui permettent de gagner du temps, de cuisiner plus facilement et de maintenir une organisation agréable dans la maison.
All my favorite repeat spots with gluten-friendly options near Canton, Ohio. A little bit of everything from breakfast, lunch, and dinner to desserts, small bites, and drinks.
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.
Do you agree or disagree? There are no sours on this list because I hate them all 😂 Some sites have individual boxes cheaper, I order directly from the manufacturer for the best selection and their extremely generous rewards and autoship.
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!
I’m obsessed with chai! I’ve been visiting several coffee shops throughout the metroplex for years, these are my favorite places to grab the perfect cup of chai.
We’ve all been there: you’re balancing a plate of raw burgers, the wind catches the tablecloth, a swarm of flies circles the potato salad, and suddenly your relaxing weekend cookout feels like a high-stress chore. A great backyard BBQ shouldn't mean running back and forth to the kitchen twenty times or fighting the elements. This list is a curated collection of clever, highly functional Amazon finds that solve the exact friction points of outdoor hosting—so you can actually sit down and enjoy your own party.
Some of my favorite local spots to eat, explore, and enjoy family time here in Anchorage. Whether it’s comfort food, unique finds, or cozy hangouts, these are the places I keep going back to.
I'm a local who enjoys drive through or carry-out at quick serve or reasonably priced restaurants that aren't too fancy. I also tend toward lower sodium options, where available. Most of these restaurants have nutrition information available on their site or through a Google search.
March the bridge between winter and spring! Feels like such a transitional time with a focus on growth and unpredictability. Here is my mix of recommendations for habits, analog lifestyle and lazy girl fashion.
The Best Coffee Shops in the Golden State- and what to order at each one - from a self-proclaimed coffee connoisseur. (Others may use the term junkie).
From coffee and matcha to energy drinks and pre-workout, I consistently hit my 400mg daily caffeine limit. I also try new drinks, powders, and lattes all the time, so this list will be my top recommendations for your next fix🔋⚡️☕️
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.
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)
If you’re obsessed with trying viral snacks and candy from different countries like I am… this list is dangerous 🍬✨ These are the international candies everyone keeps talking about — unique flavors, fun packaging, and honestly some of the BEST sweet treats I’ve tried lately. Perfect if you love Japanese candy, Korean snacks, freeze-dried candy, sour candy, or viral treats from around the world. Some from right here in the US that are new!
These are my favorite and most delicious looking desserts I will be trying myself this fall. From cookies, to pies, cakes, and everything in between you can get your sweet tooth fix. Bake and no bake recipes.
I love making fun coffee flavors at home because... well it's affordable lol so try my recipes and let me know what you think! I love experimenting with indian inspired flavors and mostly love whipped coffee!
As part Korean, great Korean food (and Asian food in general) is incredibly important to me!! (I eat Asian cuisine at LEAST 2-3 times a week, LOL.) Over the years, I've tried many different restaurants in both SD and OC, and here are my favorites!
I've been a cake decorator for 8 years. I started off in retail bakeries, and a couple of specialty bakeries. In 2021, I decided to branch out and begin my own cake business called Ashley's Cakeshop! I used to buy a lot of tools that I thought that I would use (most I haven't even touched). Today, I have a handful of tools that I use for every cake order. This list is where you will find those tools plus some honorable mentions!
From the smiling faces you'll pass on the street, lively bars and breweries, and food that feels like home. Plaza Midwood gives a small town vibe that will make you feel like you've known the residents your entire life.
I love to try all kinds of international foods. If you do too, here are some yummy places to eat if you're in Los Angeles. From spicy Thai noodles, to Peruvian street food, to $70 pizza (and worth every penny,) there’s something here for every palate.
These are restaurants in Portland, Oregon and the metro area that are tickling my tastebuds. I look for bold flavors, creative use of textures, and unexpected dishes! My go-to whenever someone is asking where are places to eat that represent the foodie city Portland is.
I'll never say no to a classic, but these Old-Fashioned variations are where the fun really starts. From smoky and spicy to maple-sweet or mezcal-bold. Here are recipes and ideas I've tried (or can't wait to). If you love a good bourbon moment, you'll want to bookmark this!
I LOVE to cook but I also have Really bad ADHD. Which Means I sometimes forget to eat/ don't have the energy to be able to cook for myself. These easy meals are tasty and easy to prepare and takes away alot of the thinking that comes with making meals 🥹
These refs are all over the place just like me. I’ve been sick for weeks so I don’t have a ton of energy to check things out. I’ll add to the list when I start feeling better.
I ate some of the best food while I was studying in Madrid and I am a HUGE foodie so I just have to share my best eats😋. The section names are either the nearest metro name or just the general area itself!
As a Universal Orlando Annual Passholder, I visit the theme parks a lot and rounded up my favorite drinks in City Walk, Islands of Adventure, and Universal Studios.
The Dutch probably eat bread every day — it’s basically their favorite thing. So it’s no surprise that Amsterdam is packed with bakeries, pastry shops, cakes and tasty sandwiches. From crusty loaves, epic cookies to buttery croissants, there’s a lot to try. His is my shortlist to make it easier (or harder) for you.