If you enjoy fluffy banana bread that isn’t too sweet, check out my recipe below. It’s incredibly easy to make and quite tasty if I say so myself!
Continue reading “Simple & Delicious Banana Bread”Simple & Delicious Banana Bread
Here’s What I Packed For A 3 Month Trip To Europe
Earlier this summer, I neatly packed up a few possessions into a carry-on size backpack, small purse, and clear zippered tote. These items mainly consisted of essential clothing, must-have toiletries, and practical electronics. These items were & continue to be my primary belongings on a solo, summer excursion in Europe. If you’re curious to see how I have maximized the concept of packing light all while having the necessary comforts for a long trip abroad, keep on reading.
Continue reading “Here’s What I Packed For A 3 Month Trip To Europe”Delicious Grilled Chicken Legs – A Perfect Addition To Any Summer Barbecue
After a few summers of actively grilling chicken and using different marinades, I have come to the conclusion that I prefer dry rubs when grilling over an open flame. I, for one, think it yields a crispier skin and less unwanted char compared to a wet marinade. And the best thing about a dry rub is that you can always brush on your favorite barbecue sauce or hot sauce over the grilled chicken during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking or when the poultry is off the heat and resting.
So if you feel like grilling up some chicken this 4th of July alongside your burgers and hot dogs, keep on reading for my super simple recipe!
Continue reading “Delicious Grilled Chicken Legs – A Perfect Addition To Any Summer Barbecue”The Best Mineral Sunscreens – 2023 Edition
This is the third summer in a row that I am posting an article about mineral sunscreen. If you’re a fan of the Clean Beauty section of my blog, you may already know that I wear sunblock practically every day. So if, you too, are slightly obsessed about protecting your skin from the sun or just simply looking for some good recommendations, keep on reading to discover which mineral-based SPF moisturizes I am currently using.
Continue reading “The Best Mineral Sunscreens – 2023 Edition”A 20-Minute Chicken & Chickpea Dinner with Herbed Feta & Fried Onions
I made this dish on a whim one night when I was home alone and hungry for dinner. I hadn’t thought about what I was going to prepare that day so I just opened the fridge, glanced in the pantry, pulled some ingredients that sounded good, and got to cooking! After taking my first bite, I can honestly say that this simple dish hit the mark in every way for me. It was warm, cozy, and packed with Mediterranean flavors. So if you also enjoy easy-to-prepare, tasty dinners – keep on reading to discover how to make this quick, 20-minute meal.
Continue reading “A 20-Minute Chicken & Chickpea Dinner with Herbed Feta & Fried Onions”The Best Places To Eat & Drink In Charleston
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Are you planning a trip to Charleston, South Carolina & looking for some good restaurant recommendations? If so, I’ve created this handy guide highlighting some of the best places to dine and drink in and around the Holy City.
Continue reading “The Best Places To Eat & Drink In Charleston”Deliciously Crunchy Coleslaw
I make this colorful salad quite often because it literally takes just 5-minutes to prepare, always tastes amazing, and adds a nice pop of acid and much needed crunch to any hearty meat dish. And now that it’s grilling season – I figured I would share this quick, hassle-free recipe since coleslaw is the perfect side dish for any spring or summer barbecue! I personally have always preferred a bright, crisp coleslaw made with large strips of cabbage to the finely grated, mayonnaise drenched, sweeter alternative. So if you, too, appreciate the flavors of fresh cruciferous veggies and a light, tangy dressing, you’ll surely enjoy this easy recipe.
Continue reading “Deliciously Crunchy Coleslaw”Easy Swaps To Make Your Beauty Routine More Sustainable
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Every day is Earth Day in my opinion, but I figured there was no better moment to publish this post than on the actual calendar holiday. So let’s raise a glass to our home, and cheers to the small steps we can take to help maintain the health and beauty of our planet.
Continue reading “Easy Swaps To Make Your Beauty Routine More Sustainable”A Simply Irresistible Ragù alla Bolognese
I make this hearty, meat sauce at least three times a month and typically serve it with pappardelle or gnocchi. I almost always use grass-fed ground beef but have also prepared this exact recipe with ground turkey, chicken, and pork on various occasions. It’s a favorite in my household and a hit amongst dinner guests which is why I figured it was about time that I share my easy Ragù alla Bolognese recipe for all to enjoy.
Continue reading “A Simply Irresistible Ragù alla Bolognese”Here’s How I Spent 48 Hours In Chicago
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For the amount of travel I’ve done as both a child and an adult, I have shockingly never been to Chicago before – that is until last summer. I was headed to South Carolina for a girls trip, and since there were zero direct flights to Charleston – I decided to make a quick pit stop in the Windy City to finally explore this jewel of the midwest and to also visit a good friend who recently moved back to Illinois. Keep reading to discover what I did during my 2-day-trip to Chicago.
Continue reading “Here’s How I Spent 48 Hours In Chicago”Here’s A Sneak Peek Into My Spring Flower Garden
I typically start planting my flower and edible gardens the last week of February. Due to the nonstop precipitation here in California, however, I am behind schedule. It’s been so rainy and cold that I’ve just allowed the plants around the house to grow wild since November with the exception of pulling a few weeds near my succulents and roses about a month ago. But now that the rain has finally let up and the soil around the house is no longer waterlogged – I can get back to gardening 🙌🏽 which is exactly what I did this past Sunday! I put my focus on the small flower bed in the front yard and got to work. It truly felt great to get my hands dirty, bask in the sunshine, and plant again!
Continue reading “Here’s A Sneak Peek Into My Spring Flower Garden”4 Moisturizers That I Can’t Live Without!
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Unbeknownst to some, skin is the body’s largest organ. To our great fortune, our skin is something we can physically see and care for on a daily basis. So no matter the season, it’s vitally important to always keep your skin hydrated and happy! Methods of skincare include drinking plenty of water, using sun protection when outside, gentle exfoliation, and of course, the application of lotions and creams. Thank goodness that I have a solid supply of top notch moisturizers to turn to!
Continue reading “4 Moisturizers That I Can’t Live Without!”Your Guide to Exploring Charleston, South Carolina!
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Charleston has always been high on my list of places to visit within the United States so when an opportunity to go with one of my besties came up, I jumped at the chance. Keep on reading for tips, tricks, and plenty of restaurant recommendations!
Continue reading “Your Guide to Exploring Charleston, South Carolina!”Good Soap by Alaffia – An Honest Review
Last Updated: January 2025
After using Dove’s Original beauty bar for decades, I was ready to find a parfum-free alternative about two years ago. Yes, I could have simply transitioned over to their Sensitive Skin body bar which is fragrance-free, conveniently sold at Costco, and quite affordable. However, I was eager to support a smaller brand who incorporated natural fragrances into their formulas since I still enjoy the aromatherapy effects of using a minimally scented soap in a hot shower. It’s no secret that quality items made by smaller companies cost an arm and a leg compared to products sold by giant corporations. However, after some searching – I discovered Good Soap by Alaffia – an affordable bar soap sold at Whole Foods.
Continue reading “Good Soap by Alaffia – An Honest Review”HumanKind: A Brief Book Review
I received HumanKind as a Christmas gift a few years ago. However, I didn’t get a chance to crack it open until very recently. If you’re intrigued by what I thought of this National Bestseller, keep on reading for my honest review.
Continue reading “HumanKind: A Brief Book Review”Pantry Staples: My Personal List Of Must-Have, Everyday Ingredients
Everyone can name the groceries that they absolutely love and simply cannot live without. Keep reading for an in depth list of the ingredients that I purchase regularly and always try to keep in my personal kitchen no matter the season. Each of these pantry staples truly holds a special place in my heart because they allow me to create tasty meals day after day.
Continue reading “Pantry Staples: My Personal List Of Must-Have, Everyday Ingredients”Flaky & Delicious Mushroom & Havarti Puffs
As a child, my parents often hosted a large Christmas Eve party for family & friends. The dinner that my mom cooked was of a different cuisine every year, but the appetizers were pretty much always the same. Some of those traditional starters included meatballs, spicy oyster shooters, and of course, potato balls from Porto’s. In addition to these items, my mom always baked up a slew of savory, puff pasty hors d’oeuvres! One batch would be filled with seasoned ground beef, and the other batch would be filled with roasted red bell peppers and spinach. The best part was that my brother, grandma, dad, and I were always allowed to have a warm pastry straight out of the oven before guests arrived! The flaky pockets were, of course, delicious and a special treat that I looked forward to my mom making every holiday season! The following recipe is inspired by my mother’s joy of cooking, old family traditions, and my obsession with all things puff pastry.
Continue reading “Flaky & Delicious Mushroom & Havarti Puffs”ACURE: Skincare Review
I first learned about Acure while strolling the hair care aisle of Whole Foods well over a decade ago. I quickly fell in love with their Curiously Clarifying Shampoo & Conditioner made with Lemongrass & Argan plus the cool rectangular bottles that they used to come in. Both of these products were so lovely that I even had visiting houseguests compliment them. Years later, I became intrigued by Acure’s skincare products when I started noticing them at both Whole Foods and the Santa Monica Co-op. Since then, the brand has blown up and can now be found at Target and big name grocery stores to name a few. And now after all this time, I FINALLY decided to try out their clean, skincare line. Please keep reading for my honest review.
Continue reading “ACURE: Skincare Review”Callie’s Hot Little Biscuits: A Make-At-Home Treat
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I visited Charleston for the first time this past August and was really excited to indulge in some good ol’ southern style biscuits while there. Since I love researching eateries before vacationing in a new city, I quickly discovered that Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit was a beloved staple and immediately made plans to visit one of their cafes before leaving South Carolina.
Continue reading “Callie’s Hot Little Biscuits: A Make-At-Home Treat”Dry Skin? Time To Moisturize!
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I moisturize throughout the year, but now that we are in the thick of autumn and temperatures are cooling down, my skin is in constant need of hydration. Drinking plenty of water, maintaining a well balanced diet, and applying products that contain hyaluronic acid are the main ways I keep my skin hydrated. However, the simple act of applying moisturizers is how I lock in that all important hydration and keep my skin feeling soft, supple, and smooth. See below for some of my current favorites.
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HOMEMADE IN LA 