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!!
Everything you need for a cozy Canadian Thanksgiving dinner in Ottawa! From a farm-fresh turkey from Ottawa Valley Meats to pumpkin pie, apple pie, apple butter, pure maple syrup, maple candy, stuffing, cranberry sauce and all the trimmings I've rounded up budget-friendly Thanksgiving dinner essentials from local Ottawa bakeries, maple producers and markets, plus handy Walmart.ca staples. Whether you're hosting the whole family or bringing a dish to share, these Thanksgiving food ideas and local Ottawa finds will make your holiday table warm, delicious and stress-free. Happy Thanksgiving, mamas!
Craving something delicious but short on time? This list is your breakfast savior! Packed with quick and easy recipes to fuel your mornings, without sacrificing flavor. Let's make breakfast enjoyable again!
Hey y'all! I've recently taken on the hobby of baking sourdough bread and other goodies with sourdough starter! I started from scratch and after having done this a few months, here are the recommendations I have for useful products! I will update this list as I discover more helpful ideas and tools :)
If you want to make great cold brew at home, here's a curation of my guides and recommended tools. I've been making cold brew coffee at home for 10 years and counting. If you don't want to make it a home, check out my favorite commercial cold brews for ready to drink options. Some links may be affiliate links, if you make a purchase, I may earn a commission. As an Amazon affiliate, I may earn from qualifying purchases. I only recommend the things I like, not the things that earn!
For those trying to get some cleaner, more whole protein in! I try to moderately vet my ingredients especially in things labeled ‘protein’, as almost all have things like sucralose and carrageenan. While I like to think those occasionally in moderation are fine, I like to have some good go-tos without!
If you're sick of sad desk lunches and reheating yesterday's leftovers in a microwave that smells like someone else's fish, this is for you. I started making cold peanut noodle salads last spring and haven't looked back. This list is for the meal-prepper who wants something that actually tastes good at room temperature, packs in five minutes, and doesn't require a fork and knife situation at your desk. Took me a full year of trial and error to nail the setup, so save yourself the wasted groceries.
As someone who is tackling two jobs, a full time college student, and having a social life — I know my way around energy drinks. These drinks in these lists are my go tos, and help you find which ones are actually worth it.
I put together some of my favorite healthier swaps for snacks, sweets, and everyday staples. These are the go-to options I reach for when I want to stay on track without feeling restricted. Whether you’re craving something sweet, need a protein boost, or want better carb choices, these alternatives make it easier to enjoy the foods you love in a lighter, more balanced way. This post may contain affiliate links.
From hydration to happy hour, these are my go-to sips and the cute cups I love to drink them in. Whether it’s a water enhancer, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a cozy nightcap, this list has all my favorite drinks (and dranks) along with the mugs, tumblers, and bottles that make every sip feel a little extra. Because yes—the cup does matter. ☕🫖🥤
Trader Joe's had a lot of fun, tasty fall treats last year but this thie TJs has really showed out! I had to create a list on everything I have my eye on and everything I tried from the previous season.
Aldi's is my 1st choice for shopping. Great selections and lots of specials. Their produce is so fresh and affordable. White bread costs $1.25 per loaf. You're not going to find that price anywhere else. Here you will find products from other stores as well as Aldi's.
Copenhagen may come with some sticker shock at first, but eating around this city is like nowhere else in the world. The pastries are elite. The grab and go is top. And there’s of course Michelin stars for anyone pushing their budgets.
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!
There is nothing like a reuben and its uniqueness of a sandwich and I'm on the hunt to find the best restaurants in the Chicago area (or anywhere I've traveled to) that have the best of the best!
The ritual of making tea is my new obsession. You must have patience while brewing the tea. There is something so cozy about holding a fragrant cup next to your chest, calming the vagus nerve. The slow sips while you calm your body, reset your day.
Sprinkles, toppers and glitter galore! Check out all of the supplies used to create the K-Pop Demon Hunters cake shown and all my extra favorite supplies to create your own masterpiece to help make their birthday GOLDEN 😉💜
Central Florida sits just a short drive from both coasts, and the seafood scene around Kissimmee and Orlando delivers everything from fresh Gulf shrimp to raw-bar oysters and Caribbean-style fish. After years of chasing the best catch across Osceola County and the I-4 corridor, these are the seafood restaurants my family returns to again and again. This local's guide covers Kissimmee, Poinciana, and the greater Orlando area.
Spent my first three trips to Berlin eating sad currywurst at tourist traps near Checkpoint Charlie — meanwhile locals were eating like kings two blocks away. This is the list I built after living there for a year, for anyone who wants to actually eat well in Berlin without downloading six apps or trusting random TripAdvisor reviews. Print this before you go.
I have eaten my way through the city for a decade now, so I consider myself and my taste buds to be experts about good grub in Cape Town (as a local). All these are worth your time and your buck.
Thinking about making custom sugar cookies? As a custom cookie designer, here's some essentials you should consider adding to your kitchen. Please keep in mind things may be added at random so always check back!
First time eating real Indonesian food and your mouth feels like it's on actual fire? Same. I spent two weeks in Java thinking I could handle spicy food because I liked Sriracha. I was so wrong. Whether you're prepping for a trip to Indonesia or just trying to cook sambal at home without crying, this is everything I wish someone had handed me before my first bite of rawon.
Some local favorites around Virginia Beach… from coffee shops to walking trails! If you want something fun to do or some good food these are the spots!
We have two 3 year old nieces & one 3 year old nephew. Picky when it comes to food is an understatement. Figured why not make a list of some of their favorite foods & maybe help others struggling to feed their picky toddler munchkins as well. *This list will be primarily Wal-Mart items because everyone has access to a Wal-Mart* And these are foods the toddlers in our family love. And they can be pretty picky at times.
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!
Every year I throw a themed party — chocolate only, international street food, breakfast for dinner — and every year I used to panic-buy random stuff that didn't match. If you're the person who announces a party theme in the group chat and then has no idea how to execute it, this is the exact lineup I've built over six years of trial, error, and one very sad fondue incident.
My favorite sober-friendly drinks and essentials that make alcohol-free living enjoyable and refreshing. These make it easy to enjoy great drinks and good moments without alcohol.
I spent 20 years in Mass, and these are THE best spots I found and kept coming back to. Mostly Italian, some asian, mexican/salvadoran. Plenty of sweets. Something for everyone. Boston isn't really a foodie city but these places are can't-miss.
These are restaurants that we have personally went to and the food and atmosphere was nice. I was born and raised in Palm Beach County. I am a true Florida Girl!
As someone who’s struggled with poor eating habits and making healthy choices their whole life, Ive decided to make the move towards a more healthy, whole, plant based diet. Hope you’re hungry besties!! 🥕🖤
Living in the heart of wine country for over 7 years, I've visited my fair share of wineries. These are some of my personal favorites, and ones I recommend to visiting family and friends and that I go back to time and time again. Enjoy! 🥂
Did you know that 5% of the Boston population is a student? Well.. if that's you, then you came to the right place. Here are all my favorite spots to hit a good study sesh with a fire latte. At most of these places, the seasonal drinks are a must-try but I always get just the classic latte to gauge how their machine really is. Enjoy!
Quick and delicious recipes that make life easier, mostly coming together in a hour or less. We use all the tricks in the book, from jarred garlic to precooked chicken!
I have been a home cook since the age of 7 in my MawMaw’s kitchen. All the ladies on both sides of my family are avid home cooks and I’m happy to carry on the tradition. These are my high quality kitchen favorites that last forever. Some items may be pricier, but I promise they are worth the investment.
Last Thanksgiving I served lukewarm mac and cheese to 30 people and watched everyone quietly push it around their plates. Never again. I went deep on disposable chafing dishes, Sterno fuel, serving setups, and everything you need to keep food steaming through a long party without renting catering equipment. If you host even two gatherings a year and you're tired of food going cold 20 minutes after you set it out, save yourself the embarrassment I lived through.
Every morning I was dirtying a blender pitcher, a cup, and a lid just to make one smoothie — then leaving it all in the sink because who has time. If you're tired of scrubbing blender parts before your coffee even kicks in, this is every cup, blender, and accessory that let me blend and sip from the same container. Took me way too many sticky countertops to figure this out.
I enjoy dining out with my family but often grab takeout for an evening in! Living in Oxford is so good for my soul! The quaint square, the hospitality, all the charm this town offers give me a sense of wellbeing.
But I love it still has many of the attributes of a large city, with collage games, headlining shows at the Vaught, great medical care, shopping & choice of restaurants!
Every birthday party felt the same — pizza, cake, awkward silence. I threw together a popcorn bar on a whim last summer and suddenly my eight-year-old was the most popular kid on the block. Parents kept texting me asking how I did it. Here's every single thing I used, down to the scoops, so you can steal the whole setup before your next party.
Edmonton's food scene might surprise you — in the best way. From cozy neighborhood gems to chef-driven plates and wine lists worth a detour, these spots have standout flavor and serious vibe. Whether you're booking a dinner date, long brunch, or just treating yourself, these are the ones to know.
As a mom to three Gen Z kids, I've learned that the secret to a happy house is a well-stocked snack drawer. This list is a curated mix of our family's absolute favorites—from the authentic Japanese Dagashi boxes my daughter requests every birthday to the high-energy snacks my sons reach for during game nights. Every item here has been 'kid-tested' and approved for quality and flavor!Some links are affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of my links at no additional cost to you.
Bit down on a rogue kernel during movie night and felt my soul leave my body — spent the next month hunting down every popcorn gadget, bowl, and snack hack that actually prevents that from happening again. If you're someone who eats popcorn multiple times a week and treats movie night like a sacred ritual, this lineup took me way too long to figure out so you don't have to.
All my favorite experiences and good bites in Indy as I come across them. Coming from a girl that is not hard to please with food and sometimes prefers instant ramen over restaurant ramen. You have been warned⚠️🙅🏻♀️‼️
My go-to pantry staples for busy family life - clean-ish ingredients, gut-friendly options, no dye snacks, and easy meal helpers I use every single week. These are real-life favorites we always restock.
Costco is where we go for all the bulk essentials, and a few other ods and ends. The past 2 years have been spent researching grocery hacks (healthy ones at that!) and developing more of a strategy with my grocery trips!! These are products that stay on my list! Let me know if you've tried any of these or have recommendations yourself! I'm always looking for suggestions. - Check out my other lists for recipe ideas and more healthy living hacks!
These are the kitchen tools I actually use and reach for all the time. They make cooking easier, faster, and more enjoyable—and they’ve earned a permanent spot in my kitchen.
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!
Ideas for baking, How to's and a few items you will need to get started! I have been baking on the side for clients for three years so these are proven items! the quality of the pan you bake in matters more than you think!
A curated list of irresistible chocolate desserts and snacks for every sweet tooth. From tiramisu to Ferrero Rocher and Kinder Bueno, each pick delivers rich flavour, indulgent texture, and pure cocoa bliss.
Here are some beautifully packaged premium olive oils to choose from. They make fantastic host/hostess gifts, or birthday presents for the home cook in your life. Olive oil should be stored in a dark pantry to keep from spoiling. The fresher your olive oil, the better it tastes.
I am a drink girlie!! From happy hour, to barbecues, to Sunday football, to girls nights, to date nights! Here are all of my favorite drinks and favorite drink accessories like cups, glassware, blenders and more! :)
As a former crew member, these are some of my favorite Trader Joe's items! I was fortunate enough to try and test a lot of the items during my time there and have added some of my must-have products ranging from snacks, quick meals, frozen items, dog treats, beauty, and more!
I love the snacks and specialties that Trader Joe’s offers. Here is a list of things I can’t leave without. From snacks, to everyday groceries, to flowers… Trader Joe’s has the best items for the best price tbh. There is always something for everyone
Some people collect stamps. Some collect passport stamps. I collect snacks. From iconic Japanese chocolates to buttery European biscuits and legendary candies from around the globe, these are the sweet treats worth crossing borders for. Your snack drawer deserves a passport. Whether you're craving buttery biscuits from Europe, iconic Asian sweets, or chocolates loved around the world, these treats prove that the best way to travel is sometimes one bite at a time.
Everything you need to embrace freshly ground wheat. From grain mills to wheat varieties, and baking tips to wholesome recipes that will bring nutrition and flavor back to your table. (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.)
These are in my opinion the best chain restaurants in the UK. The uk has a lot to offer including some restaurants which have come over from America recently. There are so many options in the list, from pubs to Caribbean cuisine,
It's truly all about the snacks on long-distance backpacking trips with high elevation gain. I used to eat one snack every hour I was hiking on the big days. Here are my favorites below!
My coffee at home is so much better than outside now. Also, just in terms of perceived volume, if you froth the espresso first, you get more coffee #girlmath.
I have always been sort of health conscious. I want clean ingredients, minimally processed and delicious foods. Being a single mother to a toddler is a lot of work! When I don’t have time to prep snacks, I make sure my pantry is stocked with these goodies. My toddler loves them. I love them. Some of them aren’t the healthiest things in the world, but it’s a better alternative to other things.
These are pantry foods, so you can stock up and they have some shelf life.
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.
It's Summer,which means 1 thing. Time to get ready for those Summer night gatherings with family and friends. You can grill and BBQ. You can use a solo stove and fire pits to have a campfire and make S'mores.
Busy weeknights call for kitchen tools that save real time, not gadgets that collect dust. These practical upgrades make meal prep, cooking, cleanup, and small-kitchen organization feel faster and way less annoying.
A carefully curated list of my favorite Nashville cafés — from downtown roasters to cozy neighborhood gems. These are all local, independent spots I trust for a great brew, a chill vibe, and repeat visits.
I got a soft-serve ice cream maker for my birthday this year, and I'm officially obsessed. 🍦 If you're planning an ice cream social, sundae bar, or just looking for an excuse to invite friends over, this list has everything you need to create the ultimate at-home ice cream shindig. From the perfect toppings and sauces to serving essentials and fun extras, I've rounded up all my favorites. Have your friends over. Impress your kids. Channel your inner ice cream shop. And most importantly... eat ALL the ice cream.