Spent two summers scraping runny strawberry preserves into the trash and wondering what I was doing wrong — turns out it was my pectin, my jars, and about six other things I had no clue about. Built this list for anyone who keeps ending up with fruit soup instead of jam and wants to actually hear that satisfying pop when the lid seals.

My fave healthy supermarket finds — the stuff that makes me feel like I have my life together while still definitely buying wine in the same trip

Spent two Christmases with wobbly lines, flooded edges, and cookies that looked like a toddler decorated them. If you're tired of watching YouTube tutorials and still ending up with a mess, this is the exact lineup I use now. Grabbed most of these before last holiday season and the difference was honestly embarrassing compared to my old attempts.

This dinosaur volcano dinner was a HUGE hit in my house. Take a look through everything we used to make it happen along with some supplies to keep the fun going!

Making fresh pasta in a small kitchen felt impossible. Flour everywhere, no counter space, drying noodles draped over chair backs like laundry. I spent two years buying and returning stuff before landing on tools that actually fold, stack, and tuck away. If your kitchen is under 100 square feet and you still want homemade fettuccine on a Tuesday night, this is the lineup that made it work.

Looking for high-impact kitchen gifts and gourmet foodie presents that turn everyday meals into restaurant-quality experiences? Finding cooking gifts that go beyond gimmicky novelties to deliver real culinary utility, durability, and flavor can be a challenge. This curated gift guide features high-performance, problem-solving kitchen appliances, artisan prep tools, specialty flavor sets, and host essentials. Discover how to upgrade meal prep, elevate home cooking routines, and pick memorable food gifts for any occasion.

Being located on the East Side, I’m originally from Hoboken, NJ which I have a REC dedicated to Hoboken spots I love so much! Growing up between Hoboken/Jersey City, it was such a melting pot between diversity in culture as well as food! These are some spots you must try!

Functional and unique cooking tools and kitchen accessories/gadgets I discovered through my favorite Japanese cooking content creators. If you're going to Japan, add these to your shopping list for yourself or to gift to a friend who loves to cook!

In the mood for an adult beverage but need options? This list may be helpful in getting started with a few varieties of tasty wines and a few suggestions of the hard stuff too.

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!

I studied abroad in Florence in 2022 as a culinary student… so of course I had to try almost every restaurant in this amazing city! Here are a few of my favorites for dinner!!

My favorite cozy mugs, brewers, syrups & little luxuries. For the coffee lovers all over. These are things I use and swear by to make my daily cup (or two) of motivation.

For picky eaters, happy hour lovers, and people who only leave the house when it’s actually worth it—these are my go-to East Bay spots for good food, good drinks, and no regrets.

My kids would walk right past the fruit plate at every cookout and head straight for the chips. I spent two summers trying different ways to make fruit appealing before landing on these tools. If you're tired of throwing away untouched cantaloupe slices and soggy strawberry bowls, this lineup changed everything for our family barbecues. Grab them before peak grilling season hits.

Items I use to help with weekly meal prep. This approach to mealtime has left so much more time for family fun during these long summer days.

A cozy collection of my go-to comfort foods that make every day a little bit better. Sweer, salty, and oh-sooo-satisfying!🍫

Finding higher protein snacks that actually taste good can be hard, here are some of my favorite options!

These are some of my favorite places to eat in and around my neighborhood in Haddon Township, NJ. Some places are around the corner and others may take a short drive.

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

A great morning coffee routine doesn't require dedicating half your kitchen to massive espresso machines and sprawling accessories. This list builds a highly capable, low-profile coffee station designed for small apartments. By focusing on manual brewing, slim electrics, and stacking storage, you can achieve café-quality results without sacrificing your only usable meal prep space.

My favorite restaurants to eat at in Rockford! Try something unique and community driven! 💗

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.

Filled with seasonal staples—warm spices, comfort food must-haves, and a few sweet treats for cozy autumn days.

When you find me, I will have at least one drink near me at all times. These are some of my current obsessions!

This list includes cafes, restaurants and more from all suburbs of Adelaide that are great to have lunch at!

Heavily focused around East Nashville

The wok, tools, and pantry staples I actually use for stir-fries, dumplings, fried rice, and noodle nights at home, from a carbon steel wok and spider strainer to the chili crisp, oyster sauce, and Shaoxing wine I keep restocking. If you want takeout-level flavor from your own stove, this is where I'd start.

If your weeknight dinner rotation is microwave meals and cereal eaten over the sink, I was you six months ago. These cookbooks broke through my laziness, my excuses, and my genuine fear of raw chicken. Built for anyone who wants to cook more but keeps telling themselves they don't have time — I tested dozens of books so you can skip the ones that collect dust.

How is ready to learn how to make homemade bread? This is a skill I have recently been trying to improve for myself and my family. It takes some practice but there is a real art in bread making.

Since going to a dye free, bioengineered free home and trying to eat less of the "junk" we have found these snacks, drinks and all around tasty treats to have less guilt, a healthier gut and try to eliminate the unneccesary ingredients.

The first 15 minutes of my day decide the next 15 hours. This is the exact setup — every mug, dripper, and little ritual object — that turned my rushed mornings into the part of the day I actually look forward to.

Maeve and Miranda run this cocktail bar, which stays open past midnight. They also carry cocktail and home bar supplies, cocktail books, cocktail glasses and barware, and cocktail-themed gifts. Come in and enjoy a sip at midnight!

floral, herbal and everything in between!!

Sweets are my weakness! When it comes to sweets I always crave a pastry, pie, or cake over candy but tend to love it all. This is a collection of everything sugary, dreamy, and oh-so-good. From decadent desserts to candy-coated classics and homemade bakes! All of these places are based in the DFW metroplex. Let me know if you have been to any of them and what you like to order!

I don't love to cook and am not the best cook, but these utensils and kitchen appliances make cooking easier and enjoyable. These beautiful pieces motivate me to cook and make a fun drink!

These are a few of my favorite GF/DF safe places to eat in Western WA. I am celiac and pretty sensitive so I am careful about where I eat. A few places I recommend are designated GF restaurants, but most are not. I can't promise that you won't get cross-contamination, but I have eaten at all these places several times and have had good luck. Hope you enjoy the list! If you try a place leave a comment and let me know your thoughts.

Here’s a list of our all-time favorite gluten-free products that we can’t get enough of! From snacks and treats to sauces and more, these picks are perfect for satisfying cravings without compromising on flavor. Whether you're at home or on the go, these are our top recommendations for delicious, gluten-free options!

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.

I love a good soup! here are some of my favorites for Fall and Winter! Some are new and some are nostalgic.

Healthy snack alternatives that taste good (not just the calories matter the ingredients matter so much!)

Saturday mornings used to mean cooking in shifts. Pancakes first, then eggs, then bacon while everything else got cold under foil. If you're the one stuck at the stove for 45 minutes while everyone else sits at the table waiting, this is the gear that finally let me plate everything hot at once. Took me two years of frustrating breakfasts to land on this lineup.

This list has all my favorite recipes for raising my vibration to a heightened state of awareness. Other benefits to this diet are weight loss, more energy and clear radiant skin!

Spending $200 a week on groceries for two people felt criminal, but I had no system. I was buying random stuff, tossing half of it, and still ordering pizza by Thursday. This list is for anyone who keeps saying ‘I’ll meal plan this week' and never does. Took me eight months of trial and error to land on this setup, so steal it and skip the expensive learning curve.

Listen, I’m a Taurus. I LIVE for a good meal! And when I like something, I go back to the restaurant to eat it again and again! Tasting my same favorites or trying new food and cocktails each time I go. These are restaurants in and around Columbus, Ohio where I have never had a bad meal!

Best ways to start the morning as a gluten free mom

My little corner of all things cozy and autumn-inspired. From the foods and drinks I’m craving this season, to fun fall activities, must-have skincare, and my go-to cozy fashion staples. Think of it as a mix of comfort, warmth, and a little bit of pumpkin spice magic ✨

A collection of some of my favorite Baltimore food spots, seafood restaurants, brunch places, dessert spots, Caribbean food, vegan finds, and cozy local restaurants I’ve personally visited and enjoyed ✨ From crab cakes and seafood platters to French toast, tacos, comfort food, and sweet treats — these are places around Baltimore & Maryland I genuinely recommend trying 💕 ✨

Squinting at tiny lines while holding a hot pot at eye level, spilling batter because you overpoured, guessing if that was a half cup or three-quarters. If your kitchen measurements feel like a coin flip every time, this is everything I swapped in after years of winging it. Took me way too long to figure out that better tools fix 90% of cooking frustration, so here you go.

Sunday afternoon used to mean staring at my fridge, boiling plain chicken, and questioning every life choice that led me here. If you're someone who knows meal prep is smart but physically cannot force yourself to do it one more week — these are the exact tools, containers, and flavor shortcuts that turned my kitchen from a sad assembly line into something I genuinely enjoy. Took me a year of trial and error so you can skip straight to the good part.

The best part of entering adulthood is you have the freedom to fill your pantry and fridge with anything you’d like! That also means, being overwhelmed with what’s worth it and what’s best for you. I’ve gotten more into cooking now that I’m out of college and have started to learn what works best for me. Here’s my staples for my fridge and pantry that you’ll always find in my apartment!

You spend ten minutes chopping zucchini and peppers, toss them on the grill, and watch half of them slip between the grates into the fire pit below. Infuriating. This list is for anyone who grills vegetables regularly and is tired of losing food to the flames. I tested a ridiculous number of grill baskets, mats, and tools before landing on the stuff that actually works. Grab these before your next cookout so you're not fishing charred bell pepper strips out of your grill with tongs.

Working overnight means the vending machine becomes your kitchen and cold pizza becomes a food group. If you've ever sat in a break room at 3 AM staring at a sad bag of chips wondering where your life went wrong, this list is for you. Took me two years of night shifts to nail down the gear that keeps real food hot, cold, organized, and actually worth eating at 2 AM.

Brunch season is here 💕 Whether you’re hosting Easter, Mother’s Day, or a graduation celebration, these Amazon finds are the prettiest way to elevate your table and make hosting feel effortless. The best part? I use these kitchen finds year-round.

20 yrs ago I had to go gluten free. GF has come a long way since then! Here are foods I have actually tested and have made the cut for everyday life. Buon Appetito!

Some of my favorite things to do, places to eat + favorite places for a staycation - from a NOLA native!

As a crazy coffee lover in NJ.. here are my favourite places with the best coffee and cafe options!

Spent years bouncing between guilt-driven diets and mindless takeout binges — never actually understanding what I was eating or why. If you're stuck in that same loop where food feels like either a chore or a problem to solve, this reading list is what finally broke me out. Took two years of reading to piece this together so you can skip straight to the ones that matter.

Espresso everything from instant to the real thing, machines and delicious recipes.

Central Florida's steakhouse scene runs from classic chophouses to hidden Latin churrascarias, and after years of celebrating birthdays and date nights across Osceola County and the I-4 corridor, these are the steakhouses my family keeps coming back to. From perfectly aged ribeyes to Brazilian rodizio and budget-friendly sizzlers, this local's guide covers the best steak in Kissimmee, Poinciana, and the greater Orlando area.

My daughter would pick every single vegetable out of her dinner and line them up on the side of her plate like evidence. I tried hiding spinach in smoothies, bribing with dessert, the whole circus. Then I started spiralizing everything into noodle shapes and she just. ate them. If you have a kid who treats vegetables like poison but inhales pasta, this is the lineup that finally worked for us.

My favorite local restaurants if you’re in the Midwest City, Del City, Tinker Air Force Base area outside of Oklahoma City. I’ve lived in the area on and off since the 90s, and these have stood the test of time. Didn’t include any of the chains on 15th or 29th streets!

I like snacking as everyelse does but I also like to keep ingredients as clean as possible even find low calorie ones or high protein. These snacks keep me on track and are perfect for when I'm craving something salty or sweet.

I see a lot of restaurants that get attention only due to social media and being new. I love that those restaurants are being seen, however not enough “older” restaurants that are great get showcased. Remember when traveling OTP of Atlanta, some areas have a good mix of foods, and some you’ll realize are heavily culturally focused, which I love! For Example: Duluth can be heavily Asian focused restaurants, so you’ll want to be in the Gwinnett area for your more authentic Asian dishes. Some areas of Roswell can be more Hispanic foods. Alpharetta is a mixing pot of American and Indian foods(but honestly a bit of everything). So here’s a small spotlight on a mix of old and new restaurants that taste amazing that hopefully can be a new favorite for you as well! Happy Eating! 🍴

A list of everything i’ve found to be necessary in my kitchen. I have slowly been upgrading my cooking and meal planning and everything on this list has made the process SO much easier and I actually get excited to cook. Not only have I linked my favorite appliances, but I’ve also let you in on my favorite places to purchase from and my favorite spices to cook with!

Looking for the perfect date night around Central Florida? After years of wining and dining my way through Kissimmee, Poinciana, and Orlando, these are my go-to romantic restaurants, rooftop bars, and unforgettable experiences for couples. Whether you want waterfront dining, a cozy wine bar, or a memorable night out along the I-4 corridor, this local's guide has you covered.

as a proud Nebraska local, i can confirm Lincoln has the best restaurants. whether you’re traveling or you’re looking for something new in town, this list is for you! 🍽️

These are some Cafés/lunch spots that I have been going to for years. All of these are close to the beach and so good after a jump in the ocean!

The core ingredients I use to craft every flavour I could want for my prepable overnight oats. Take to school, work, or the train to have a nourishing and satiating breaky on the go, and do it IN STYLE. WHO SAYS ON-THE-GO BREAKFAST CANT BE CUTE?!

Nestled in the lush valley of Manoa, these local gems offer a perfect blend of hidden favorites and timeless staples that have become part of the community's fabric. Whether you're a regular or just passing through on your way to hike Manoa Falls, these spots are a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy a taste of what makes this valley so special. From cozy cafes to iconic eateries, each offers something unique, making them perfect for fueling up before or after your outdoor adventure. Pro tip - parking is free!

Why settle for a plain Alani when you can make it dirty? 💅✨ These recipes take your favorite energy drink to the next level with cold foams, creamers, and flavored syrups that taste like coffee shop creations. Whether you’re craving something fruity, creamy, or dessert-like, these combos turn a simple can into a treat that feels totally extra. Perfect for hot days, study sessions, or just when you want your Alani to feel a little bougie.

I admit that I love sweet treats, but there are other things that I eat for snacks too! Not usually, but sometimes. And popcorn is the best, FYI.

My essential baking tools — durable, reliable, and used weekly in my kitchen. These are the pieces that make baking easier, cleaner, and more consistent.

Here are some of my favorite Thanksgiving meal ideas to help make your holiday table comforting, delicious, and memorable. I included a mix of classic dishes everyone expects, along with a few fun twists to keep things exciting. Whether you're hosting a full gathering or keeping it simple, these options are meant to bring warmth, flavor, and plenty of reasons to go back for seconds! 🦃✨

This is an ode to all of the snacks I used to have before my wheat allergy but gluten free versions!

These are some of the Best restaurants in Ascension Parish Louisiana. Some home cooking meals you get at a restaurant.

These are our favorite places to stop, all right off of Hall Road. You can get so much done from shopping, eating out to planning a run family day!!

This list of great little restaurants across the Eastern Part of Pennsylvania will make your mouth water while you plan your next date night

Topeka, KS!! Here are my recommendations for the best food and drinks in town, with bonus points for environment! Brunch, coffee, dessert, etc. if you ever come to the middle of the USA!

Filipino foods are top tier! Born and raised in the Philiipines, these dishes will always have a sweet spot in my heart. Here are my go-tos when eating out! I have to say though, my mom's cooking is the best! 💯

I'm a Jersey girl who loves food but never knows where to eat, so I've made a list to help you come to a decision faster than hangryness can take over!

These are the tried and true items I purchase again and again from Costco. Guaranteed to make life easier, and maybe even a little healthier!

Just some of my favorite upscale restaurants on and around the Main Line, Pennsylvania

This year ill be making cookie boxes for my friends and family members and YOU CAN TOO Its time to start planning what cookies and what ingredients! Hop on the cookie train and lets get ahead of the curve to give the people in our lives a lil somethin sweet ❤️

Six cities I work, and places I've actually sat down and eaten in all of them. Some are for a buyer dinner, some are for the night you're on your own and don't want another hotel bar burger. Reservation situation is in the notes where it matters, because half of these you cannot walk into on a Friday.

These are my grocery shopping staples. Here's a quick shopping list if you're trying to avoid seed oils, gluten, and dairy. Most of these foods are also preservative-free, but not all of them.

Essentially foods that I crave as a Puerto Rican. Must eats!

Dandelions are more than just a weed! This flower, a miniature version of a sunflower, has many vitamin and mineral benefits for your health. These recipes are a good way to incorporate these pretty florals into your diet or beauty routine to maximize their benefits to you.

For passionate home cooks, artisan bread bakers, and backyard pizza makers, the kitchen and outdoor patio serve as the ultimate culinary playground. This guide is tailored specifically for home chefs who love mastering artisanal techniques—from firing up leopard-spotted Neapolitan pizzas to slow-braising winter stews and pulling rich, velvety espresso shots at home.

You can't get better than the pairing of a delicious meal and beautiful walk. I wanted to structure this list as that sort of pairing. Choose a food spot and follow up with picturesque walk to or through any of those on the list. Boston certainly has it's moments and these gems might be hidden but they sure shine brightly.

Our kitchen doesn't have room for gimmicks. These are the food and kitchen tools that earned a permanent spot on the counter because they actually get used week after week.

A list of my favorite crunchy, salty, sour, and sweet snack foods and items, regardless of whether they're healthy or not. Snack to your hearts content.

its so hard to stay strong and curve cravings. but when you cant resist you can always do healthy snacks that are low calorie

I deem myself a coffee connoisseur, I have a mission this summer to find the best iced vanilla latte in Salt Lake! All of my tried and true places are here🫶🏼

You pack a perfectly good lunch at 7 AM and by noon the lettuce is wilted, the crackers are soft, and everything tastes like the inside of a plastic bag. I burned through so many flimsy containers before landing on ones that actually keep things separate, sealed, and fresh. This is for anyone who meal preps on Sunday or just wants their Tuesday salad to not taste like Monday's leftovers. Took me a full year of sad desk lunches to figure this out so you don't have to.

I'm going to try and include some great halal options into this list that could be helpful to visiting foodies!

We eat out far more than we should. Perhaps 2-3 times a week. So we have experienced all of the restaurants in this list, most of them multiple times.

I’ve loved to cook for 25 years, and I’ve gathered some amazing tools and cookbooks that make it so much easier.

My siblings and I are always on a food hunt, especially in the vibrant southern streets of Accra, the capital city of Ghana. We have a good eye for spotting hidden gems that not only satisfy our cravings but are so aesthetically pleasing with a cool and relaxed ambiance making it perfect for creating unmatched memories with friends and loved ones. This list is filled with places we've 'unwrapped' (a term my siblings, friends and I use when we discover a new place that's an absolute thrill) and places we are yet to ‘unwrap’ but are definitely on our ‘wrap list’. I had a great time making this list with my crew mates (siblings) and hope you have fun going through them as well. Oh, and most of these places take into consideration of special diets, such as vegan and vegetarian. Hoping you have a great time!

I’m a huge (and experienced) coffee drinker and have spent years curating my favourite Toronto spots while expanding my coffee palette — from cozy neighbourhood spots to must-visit cafés, here are the ones I keep going back to, and what my order is. :)

On busy weeknights, I want dinner on the table fast without settling for takeout again. I reach for one-pan meals, quick pastas, and pantry staples that come together in about 30 minutes. These are the products and ingredients I actually use when I am short on time but still want a real home-cooked meal. Shop all of these in my ShopMy: https://shopmy.us/shop/simonejay

Little luxuries are my love language. Everything on this list is under thirty dollars and still feels like a treat, from the good chocolate to the satin pajamas, perfect for gifts, stockings, and those days when you just need one small nice thing.