As an stress-baker here are some of my favorite recipes, and recipes I would love to make! They're separated by season, because, well, baking is for every time of year. Enjoy :D
Here are some of my favorite smoothie recipes that not only taste delicious, but also helped clear my skin, and reduced inflammation.
I do want to mention that what you eat is only a part of getting clear skin. What's most important is to love yourself and to have patience.
We try to have a dye free home when it comes to foods. All food dyes, but especially Red #40, and linked to behavioral issues and even things like cancer. Fresh fruits and vegetables are the best dye free snacks available, but I'm going to add some of my toddlers favorites outside of those.
Eating sad desk lunches because you never have time to prep anything decent? Same. I was spending $12 a day on smoothie bar runs until I started blending at my desk during lunch. Took me five blenders and a noise complaint to figure out the right setup. Here's everything that actually works for office smoothie-making, from the blender itself to containers that won't leak in your work bag.
I've been vegan for many years and have explored so many vegan cookbooks. If you're vegan curious, a baby vegan, or a longtime herbivore like me, you'll find something that speaks to you from this list of my favorites! Note: I've tried out a LOT of cookbooks and have plenty I am NOT putting on this list to recommend. If you're curious about a vegan cookbook, send me a message! If I've tried it, I'll give you the pros and cons!
Mornings used to be me staring into the fridge, grabbing string cheese, and calling it lunch. Meal prepping sounded great in theory but every container leaked, every recipe took two hours, and nothing reheated well. This is the exact lineup I use now to batch-cook egg cups and freezer-friendly lunches on Sunday in about 45 minutes. Built for anyone juggling a full schedule who keeps defaulting to drive-throughs because cooking feels like a second job.
You know that deep, smoky, stick-to-your-ribs chili smell that hits you when you walk into a cabin? I spent years chasing that with sad stovetop attempts that tasted flat and smelled like nothing. This is everything I use now, from the slow cooker to the exact spices, beans, and toppings that make my house smell so good the neighbors have literally knocked on my door asking what I was cooking. If you want a chili day ritual that actually delivers, save yourself the trial and error I went through.
A compact coffee corner works best when brewing, weighing, pouring and cleanup have a defined place. These options suit people making one or two cups who want more control without installing a large espresso machine. Choose one brewing method first, then match the grinder, filters and serving pieces to it. This version is for a weekday cup where repeatability and fast cleanup matter more than displaying accessories. It starts with Choose One Brewer, Grind and Weigh, Heat and Pour, and Store and Clean, using concrete options such as Hario V60 Plastic Dripper 02, Timemore Chestnut C2 Grinder, and Hario V60 Buono Kettle to keep the choices practical. The goal is a list that can be browsed in order, with each section answering a different part of the setup.
Wisconsin is know for its beer, brats and cheese curds. But if you look hard enough there are a handful of acceptable Asian restaurants that offset the drive to Chicago. Here is my curated list.
Build a hot cocoa night basket for slow winter evenings and holiday movie time at home. Rich cocoa, good mugs, soft marshmallows, and cozy little extras that turn a cold night into a small ritual. Perfect for families, neighbors, teachers, and anyone who needs a warm night in. Love these pieces? Start your own Benable list with my invite link: https://benable.com/i/CM5YN and code CM5YN
Being gluten free can be hard, especially when you can’t eat pork, beef, or eggs (thank you messed up gut 😭) but Baltimore actually has a lot of great options! This page is a work in progress as I continue to add recs :)
**Most of these recs also produce gluten containing items and may not be safe for those with Celiac disease. Sweet 27 and Harmony are exclusively gluten free.
These are my favorites from Nespresso. I personally have the Vertuo Next Machine and I am in love with it. I purchased mine in 2021 and never had trouble with it. I love that I can connect it with my phone and lets me know if needs cleaning or if something is wrong with the machine. For me the cleaning part notification is a huge plus because let's be serious who remembers to descaling their machine every 3 months? Another reason why I choose Nespresso versus other brand is because they always have deals or promotions. I always get 10 or more sleeves and I usually get free mugs, glasses, plus every order comes with free samples. Recycling is free of charge as the UPS label is prepaid.
“If you want a cozy, delicious holiday meal without draining your wallet, this little guide is your new best friend. These ideas help you stretch ingredients, keep the magic, and still serve something everyone will love. I use these tricks myself when I want the holiday vibe without the holiday stress. You can make it special, you can make it memorable — and you absolutely can make it affordable.
This list is for those who are getting more into cooking this summer, or are looking for a summer aesthetic to take you away from what you usually make for meals. Everything in this list was carefully picked for you with the best of ratings by the way. I absolutely enjoyed making this list and it withholds some of my favorite recipes, or recipes that I will be trying whether it is an appetizer, breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, or drinks. Have a great summer everyone !
Been living in Toledo my whole life. Thought I’d share some of my favorite restaurants in Toledo and Sylvania. I also included some restaurants that are only a little out of the way.
Nutrient dense sweets & treats. Here's a collection of my favorite superfood/fruit goodies. My aim with this list is to limit zero sugar substitutes but you may see some stevia and monk fruit occasionally.
I have successfully lost over 120lbs without sacrificing everything I love. I worked a lot on myself mentally and physically and continue to do so. This list is for anybody like me. An emotional eater, a foodie, a baker, a cook, a food addict, an emotional roller coaster! Losing weight helped me get the healthcare I desperately needed when I was ignored by Drs who blamed my weight for everything. It really helped save my life and continues to do so. Let me help you as well. I still struggle and probably always will but every little bit helps!
Been in and out of town for a bit, but I’m always looking for the best (and affordable) places to break bread and have fun with my peoples! Haven’t been to a place where the atmosphere isn’t friendly yet either!
Grainy, wet ricotta that falls apart on toast — sound familiar? I spent way too long blaming the milk before realizing my straining setup was the actual problem. This list is for anyone who wants to make cheese at home without ending up with sad, crumbly curds. Took me dozens of failed batches to nail this lineup, so steal it before your next Sunday morning cooking session.
Eating out in Kissimmee and Orlando doesn't have to wreck your budget. These are the spots where locals actually line up - Puerto Rican bakeries, no-frills taco joints, and old-school counters where a filling, delicious meal still runs about $15 or less.
Those black spotted bananas sitting on your counter guilt-tripping you every week? Same. I used to toss them straight into the trash until I finally committed to banana bread — and then realized I needed the right tools, pans, and pantry staples to actually make it happen without a mess. This list is for the person who keeps saying ‘I should bake more’ but never does. Took me dozens of sticky countertops and one smoke alarm incident to nail this setup.
The North End is full of tourists and tourist-y places that are not very good. The best Italian food in Boston is outside the North End, and these spots prove it.
If you're like me, you're constantly on the go and don't have time to prepare homemade snacks. These snacks have natural ingredients that will actually make you feel good after you eat them! Plus, they all taste delicious.
*As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases.
There’s no reason why you can’t enjoy the holidays, even if you have to follow a gluten free diet. This list has some recommendations to make your holiday dinner feel “normal”.
This is a list of places I genuinely love in New York. They haven’t been turned into photo ops or blown up on TikTok. You won’t find long lines or themed backdrops here, just solid spots I keep going back to. Whether it’s for a quiet coffee, a reliable dinner, or a neighborhood walk, these places feel like my version of the city.
A good kitchen tool is worth its weight in gold. Reliable. Simple. Lasts forever. Who wants to fuss around with fancy gadgets that take just as long to clean as they do to figure out how to use? Not me! Below you’ll find some of my favorite kitchen essentials that you will use over and over again.
Beverages are a social and ritual experience, here's some of my favourite drinks to change it up from plain water every now and again, some are deemed healthy and some are just fun to make and drink
Every time I go to Indy, I plan a little itinerary so I can make a full day out of the trip instead of just running errands and heading back home. One thing I never go without is my handy-dandy list of restaurants I want to try. I love exploring food from different cultures and finding spots that are actually worth the hype.
These are the places I’ve visited so far that I 100% recommend adding to your list. If you’re spending a day in Indianapolis and want good food, these spots are definitely worth trying at least once.
Hauling random grocery bags to the drive-in gets old fast. Stuff spills, drinks tip over, and you always forget something. This is the exact snack box lineup I bring every weekend to our local outdoor theater. If you're the person who plans the car snack spread for your crew, steal this list before your next showtime.
As a born-and-raised New Yorker who’s been living in San Antonio for over 5 years, I’ve learned to blend my love for bold flavors, diverse cuisines, and no-nonsense good eats with the warm, laid-back charm of Texas living. Whether you’re craving an authentic slice that reminds you of Brooklyn, looking for the best breakfast tacos in town, or just want to explore San Antonio’s hidden food gems, these are my tried-and-true favorites — curated with a New York palate and a San Antonio soul.
Gluten-Free Doesn't Have to Mean Boring!
Being sensitive to gluten meant I had to switch things up and find foods I could still enjoy without feeling like I was missing out. And let's be honest, eating the same thing over and over gets old!
So I started searching for delicious gluten-free alternatives, snacks, treats, and everyday grocery finds that allow me to enjoy food without feeling like I'm missing out.
This list is items from my own kitchen, not just random recommendations. Because living gluten-free doesn't mean giving up the foods you love! 💚
As always, check product labels and ingredients before purchasing, as formulations can change and individual sensitivities vary.
I hope you find something new to add to your grocery list.
Happy shopping!!!
— Mrs. Zen😋
My tried and true itinerary for anyone visiting me in San Francisco! Yes, it is mostly food recommendations, and yes, that's really all you need to have a good time.
I am crazy for spice, when I was in college I grew 24 pepper plants of 6 different varieties one year, and I've tried to grow at least one new variety every year. I love trying and making new hot sauces. I enjoy sweeter (and hotter) hot sauces, so keep in mind my spice tolerance is on the high side and if you like salty hot sauces this list might not work for you. I keep a spreadsheet of all the hot sauces I try and how I liked them, how hot I thought they were, and what other flavors they have.
A delightful collection of dye-free goodies. These treats are free from artificial colors, letting the real flavors shine while keeping snack time safe and fun for kids and adults alike. Perfect for health-conscious families, sensitive tummies, or anyone who loves naturally colorful, delicious snacks.
Sending a care package is my favorite way to show up for my college kid from miles away. These are the snacks, dorm staples, and little comforts I pack into the box, the things that get eaten, shared with roommates, and appreciated during long study weeks.
One of my favorite parts of gardening is figuring out how to preserve the harvest so nothing goes to waste. I recently added a freeze dryer to my kitchen, and it has opened up a whole new world of preserving fruits, vegetables, and even fun snacks my family loves. These are the tools, supplies, and ingredients I use when freeze drying food from our garden and pantry so we can enjoy it all year long.
Let's just get this first part out of the way. I am not a chef. I am not a baker. But I LOVE food and fall is my favorite season. Therefore, I tend to cook more in the fall. I love all of the spices and pumpkin flavoring, the warm soups on a chilly day, and the fluffy muffins for an after school snack. I tend to cook the same recipes over and over, so I decided to start trying some new ones. Here are some that I have found are easy, cheap, and full of flavor! Happy Fall Y'all!!!!
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.
My go-to Costco finds for a low-toxin lifestyle. These are the pantry staples, household products, and better-ingredient swaps I personally buy for my family.
Recovering from a tooth extraction or wisdom teeth removal? This list has you covered with the best soft foods to eat after oral surgery — all dentist-approved and easy to digest. From creamy mashed potatoes and smoothies to protein-packed soups and puddings, these gentle meals and snacks will help you heal faster without the risk of dry socket. Perfect for anyone recovering from dental work who needs a safe, satisfying way to stay nourished.
Making lunch at home shouldn't feel like a chore, but my old sandwich press took forever to heat up and never sealed the edges properly. Half my fillings ended up on the counter. If you're someone who meal preps, works from home, or just wants a hot sandwich without firing up the whole kitchen, this is everything I use now. Took me way too many mediocre lunches to land on this setup.
These are some of my favorite spots in Wilmington, Delaware for food, flavor, and soft life energy. Whether you're visiting or local, this list is for women 40+ who love great meals, peaceful vibes, and a little inspiration on the side.
You’ll also find links to recreate these dishes at home, plus articles that help you plan your next bite with confidence and joy.
My favourite spots for food and drinks in the Collingwood / Blue Mountain Area. Food guide from a local resident who has been to basically every restaurant in town and surrounding and these are the best places to go
I went completely dairy free in December 2023 when we discovered my youngest son had an extreme sensitivity to dairy. I wanted to continue breastfeeding, so I cut it out completely. Through A LOT of trial and error, I’ve come up with a great list of dairy free alternatives!
I absolutely love soup season, and as fall approaches, I can't wait to start making some of these. Soups are great for meal preps because most freeze very well. I also remember how some of these recipes came in handy when I had my hands full with the little ones. I'm grateful that my kids love a good soup too.
This list features the most Instagram-worthy restaurants known for stunning aesthetics, beautiful plates, and unforgettable vibes. From stylish cafés and themed dining rooms to rooftop hotspots and visually striking dishes, these spots are perfect for food lovers who appreciate ambiance as much as flavor. Whether you're traveling or exploring locally, each restaurant here delivers photo-ready moments and a dining experience worth sharing.
These are the restaurants I would (and have) booked a flight just to eat at! From iconic steakhouses to once-in-a-lifetime dining experiences, these spots are 100% worth the trip.
Going into my senior year of high school I’ve perfectly crafted a list of my favorite snacks to take in my lunch or on the go during the school year! I try my best to make snacking as healthy as possible!
My go-to coffee setup for iced and hot drinks at home. These are the exact pods, syrups, and tools I use to make caramel, vanilla, and chocolate coffees that actually taste like a coffee shop. Perfect if you have a Nespresso or want an easy at-home coffee routine. I’ve tested a lot and these are the ones I actually repurchase.
Everything that makes college life at UC easier and more fun. From campus go-tos and local gems to study must-haves, apartment staples, and cute little things that get me through the semester
Tired of opening your fridge to a graveyard of half-used store-bought dressing bottles that all taste like vinegar and sadness? Same. I started making my own dressings but storing them was a nightmare — random jars, leaky containers, zero organization. This is everything I use now, from the squeeze bottles to the whisks to the oils that make weeknight salads something I actually look forward to. If you meal prep, hate bland lunches, or just want your fridge to look like it belongs to someone who has their life together — steal this whole setup before you waste another week eating dry salads.
Half a can of tomato paste goes bad in the fridge. Fresh herbs wilt before you use them twice. Homemade stock disappears down the drain because you made too much. If you cook at home but hate throwing away perfectly good ingredients, this is the lineup that saved me hundreds of dollars in wasted food. Took me two years of trial and error so you can skip straight to what works.
welcome to my gluten free guide! i’ve been gluten free for nearly 10 years, so over time i’ve built a go-to list of my favorite gluten free snacks, ingredients, and products that actually taste good.
i have a gluten intolerance (not celiac disease), so while i avoid gluten completely, cross contamination doesn’t affect me the same way it might someone with celiac. please keep that in mind while browsing my recommendations!
these are all products i personally love and reach for regularly ☺️
If you are spending too much on your daily Starbucks coffee, I encourage you to take a look at my favourite brands to make the best iced/hot coffee at home! You will save tons of money and the best part is: you can customize it just like Starbucks!
A list of alllll the delicious snacks that I craved during pregnancy. These really hit the spot! From sweet to salty, these recs have all the flavors covered!
Recommendations I've saved over the years for delicious places to grab a coffee, grab a sweet snack, or best places to eat in Osaka and Kyoto. I only have a few for Kyoto so I've added it to this list, but if I have more I will separate it into another 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 💅
These are a lot of the things you will find in our kitchen during a cooking stream, but these are all great items we use on the daily. We do a lot of cooking and baking so over the years we've used a ton of kitchen items and found the ones we love the most.
I worked downtown for 9 months, and still take every opportunity I get to visit the city. I love downtown, but I want this list to explore every neighborhood (as soon as I get to all of them). These are my Chicago favorites!
Mobile, Al is a hidden gem for food lovers, offering everything from fresh Gulf seafood and classic Southern comfort dishes to vibrant Creole and Cajun flavors.
Vancouver has a dining spot for everyone. The city is known for various fine dining or casual establishments depending on your choice of adventure. I will be curating my favourites along with recommendations.
When spring arrives (for those of us living in the Northern Hemisphere anyway), it's time to think about planting some of the more exotic (and lesser known) edibles that I've grown (or contemplated growing). Note: This list may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission (at no extra charge to you) if you make a purchase using these links.
“All the antique malls and vintage shops are gone!” Wrong. We’re still here and thriving. This list has almost every vintage shop as well as other shops, great restaurants, and more.
Starting a gift guide which is basically just a list of my fav things I own and the things I really want!! Will be geared towards bakers, foodies, triathletes, runners, and travelers
You know that 9pm moment when you're staring into the pantry wanting something crunchy and salty, but you're trying to keep carbs low? I cycled through sad celery sticks and rubbery string cheese for months before I found snacks that actually scratch the chip itch. This list is for anyone doing keto, low-carb, or just trying not to demolish a family-size bag of Doritos every Tuesday. Took me a full year of trial and error so you can skip straight to the good stuff.