As someone who cares deeply about ingredients, this one is really disappointing.

I have personally spent so much money over the years buying what I thought were cleaner food products. I’ve willingly paid the premium price tag for chips, mayonnaise, dressings, and other foods made with avocado oil because I thought I was paying for a better ingredient.

I’m also a content creator who has genuinely purchased, used, loved, worked with, and recommended some of these brands over the years.

So when I saw the headline that 89% of the avocado oil-labeled processed foods tested by UC Davis were not compositionally consistent with authentic avocado oil, my stomach DROPPED.

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It feels like consumers have been paying more money specifically to avoid certain oils, only to find out that some of the products we trusted may not contain what we thought they did.

But before we grab our pitchforks and blame every brand on this list, I think there is A LOT more to this story.

What did UC Davis actually find?

Researchers at UC Davis tested processed foods marketed as being made with avocado oil, including chips, mayonnaise, and salad dressings.

According to UC Davis, researchers purchased the products in 2025 and 2026 from online retailers and stores in California.

Of the 54 avocado oil-labeled products tested, 48 were found to contain other oils, meaning 89% were not compositionally consistent with authentic avocado oil.

Broken down by category:

• 93% of avocado oil chips tested contained other oils

• 71% of avocado oil mayonnaises contained other oils

• 100% of the avocado oil salad dressings tested contained other oils

That is obviously extremely concerning.

And here’s the part that really caught my attention: researchers performed the same type of testing on 20 processed foods labeled as containing olive oil, and only ONE failed.

So this wasn’t a situation where nearly every processed food they tested produced weird results. There was a huge difference between the avocado oil and olive oil products.

According to UC Davis, olive oil has been studied, scrutinized, and tested for authenticity for decades, while avocado oil is a newer and more expensive category without the same level of oversight.

How did they determine whether the oil was authentic?

This is important because I’ve seen a lot of questions about whether cooking or processing the foods could have thrown off the results.

Researchers analyzed fatty acids and sterols, which essentially act as chemical fingerprints for different oils.

They specifically considered whether things like frying, blending, or emulsifying could alter those fingerprints enough to create false results. According to UC Davis, they tested this and found that processing changed the fatty acids and sterols minimally.

They also accounted for natural variation.

Avocados grown in different geographic locations or different avocado varieties can naturally have slightly different chemical profiles, so the researchers allowed a 10% margin of deviation.

Even with that wiggle room, 89% of the avocado oil products still failed.

So, yes, there are limitations to this study (which I’ll get into) but I also don’t think we should completely dismiss these findings.

Here are the exact avocado oil products that did NOT test as compositionally consistent with authentic avocado oil

I went through UC Davis’s actual product list because I don’t want to repeat a random graphic circulating on social media.

Chips

The study’s product table shows these avocado-oil products without a checkmark indicating consistency with authentic oil:

Boulder Canyon

• Avocado Oil Classic Sea Salt Kettle Style Potato Chips

Siete

• Kettle Cooked Sea Salt Potato Chips Made with Avocado Oil

• Maiz Sea Salt Corn Tortilla Chips Made with Avocado Oil

Kettle Brand

• Sea Salt with a Hint of Pink Peppercorn Chips Made with Avocado Oil

• Apple Cider Vinegar Chips Made with Avocado Oil

Jackson’s

• Avocado Oil Sweet Potato Chips

• Kettle Cooked Sea Salt Potato Chips Only with Avocado Oil

Sprouts

• Organic Sea Salt & A Hint of Lime Tortilla Chips Made with Avocado Oil

• Kettle Style Potato Chips Made with 100% Avocado Oil Sea Salt

Sensible Portions

• Garden Veggie Straws Made with Avocado Oil Sea Salt

Bettergoods

• Hatch Chile Tortilla Chips Fried in 100% Avocado Oil

Good Health

• Kettle Style Avocado Oil Potato Chips Sea Salt

And this wasn’t simply one questionable bag in many of these cases. The UC Davis product sheet lists two samples of each of these products, and neither sample received the checkmark for being compositionally consistent with authentic oil.

What about LesserEvil?

This one is interesting.

LesserEvil Moonions Intergalactic Onion Made with Organic Avocado Oil was tested twice.

One sample was marked as compositionally consistent with authentic oil.

The other was not.

So I don’t think it would be accurate to put LesserEvil into either a simple “passed” or “failed” category. The study found inconsistent results between the two samples tested.

That distinction matters.

The same thing happened with Simply Tostitos Sea Salt & Avocado Oil Tortilla Chips: one sample was consistent with authentic avocado oil and the other was not.

The avocado oil dressings were especially disappointing

According to UC Davis, 100% of the avocado oil salad dressings they tested contained other oils.

The exact avocado-oil dressings in the product sheet that did not receive an authenticity checkmark were:

Sprouts

• Balsamic Vinaigrette with Avocado Oil

Primal Kitchen

• Avocado Oil and Vinegar Vinaigrette & Marinade

• Italian Dressing & Marinade Made with Avocado Oil

Chosen Foods

• Lemon Garlic Dressing & Marinade Made with 100% Pure Avocado Oil

• Zesty Italian Dressing & Marinade Made with 100% Pure Avocado Oil

Briannas

• Classic Balsamic Vinaigrette Made with 100% Avocado Oil

Again, the researchers tested two samples of each, and the product table shows no authenticity checkmark for either sample.

And then there’s mayonnaise...

The avocado-oil mayo results were also really surprising to me.

The following products were tested twice and neither sample received the authentic-oil checkmark:

Chosen Foods

• Vegan Mayo Made with 100% Pure Avocado Oil

• Classic Mayo Made with 100% Pure Avocado Oil

Primal Kitchen

• Real Mayonnaise Made with Avocado Oil

Sir Kensington’s

• Avocado Oil Mayonnaise

BetterBody Foods

• 100% Avocado Oil Mayo

But there was one avocado oil mayo brand in this study that DID pass:

Grove

Both samples of Grove AvoYeah! Mayo Sauce Made with Avocado Oil were compositionally consistent with authentic oil.

Both samples of Grove AvoYeah! Garlic Aioli Sauce Made with Avocado Oil were also consistent.

So if you’re specifically looking for an avocado-oil mayo based solely on the results of this study, Grove had reassuring results.

Olive oil products were a completely different story

This may actually be one of my biggest takeaways from the entire study.

If you’re trying to choose between an avocado-oil version and an olive-oil version of a processed food right now, I personally feel much more comfortable reaching for olive oil.

UC Davis found that 19 of the 20 olive oil-labeled processed foods passed their authenticity testing.

And there were several products in the actual product list worth knowing about.

For chips, both samples of these passed:

• Lay’s Baked BBQ Flavored Potato Crisps Made with Olive Oil

• Trader Joe’s Kettle Cooked Olive Oil Potato Chips

• Torres Extra Virgin Olive Oil Potato Chips

• Graza Extra Virgin Olive Oil Potato Chips

Boulder Canyon’s Olive Oil Classic Sea Salt Kettle Style Potato Chips had mixed results: one sample passed and one did not.

For dressings, both samples of these were consistent with authentic olive oil:

• Bella Sun Luci Sonoma Vinaigrette Made with 100% Olive Oil

• Bragg Organic Vinaigrette Dressing Made with 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• California Olive Ranch Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing Made with Extra Virgin Olive Oil

And for mayo, all of the tested Graza olive-oil mayos passed:

• Graza “Original” Mayo — 100% Olive Pomace Oil & E.V.O.O.

• Graza “Fancy” Mayo — 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Both samples of each were compositionally consistent with authentic oil.

That doesn’t mean every olive-oil product on the grocery store shelf is automatically perfect. It means the olive-oil products included in this particular study performed dramatically better than the avocado-oil products.

But here’s where I think this conversation needs more nuance

Seeing those results makes me angry and sad as a consumer.

When a package tells me something is made with 100% avocado oil, I expect it to be made with 100% avocado oil.

Period.

But I also don’t feel comfortable jumping from these results to:

“These brands intentionally lied to us.”

We don’t know that.

And interestingly enough, the researchers themselves don’t appear to think that’s necessarily what happened.

Professor Selina Wang, the lead author of the study, specifically said that brands whose products failed may not know they’re purchasing adulterated oil.

Food manufacturers frequently buy oil through third-party brokers or multiple suppliers. If a supplier is selling adulterated avocado oil and the food company isn’t independently testing every shipment, the brand could potentially be getting scammed too.

Wang said:

“I don’t think there is enough accountability throughout the supply chain. Suppliers of adulterated oil may be hiding behind a couple of layers of supply chain, making it difficult to identify where the problem originated.”

THAT is a huge part of this conversation.

Because when I see this many different companies showing similar results, I have a hard time believing that every single one of them independently decided to intentionally deceive their customers.

Could some companies know more than they’re saying? Maybe.

Could the brands themselves have been deceived by suppliers? Also maybe.

Could inadequate quality-control testing have allowed adulterated oil to enter their products without them realizing it? Absolutely possible.

We simply don’t have enough information yet to know where the adulteration occurred or who knew what.

And I think it’s really important that we distinguish between what the study actually proved and what we’re assuming based on it.

There are limitations to this study, too

This isn’t something I want to gloss over.

The researchers purchased these products during a specific period in 2025 and 2026.

UC Davis itself states in its product sheet that the study represents “a snapshot of the marketplace rather than a continuous assessment of brand quality.”

They also specifically caution that ingredient sourcing and formulations can change over time.

And they point out that results across multiple lots provide more confidence than a result from a single lot.

There are also natural variables researchers had to account for, including avocado variety and geographic origin. And while researchers found that frying, emulsifying, and other processing only minimally altered the chemical markers they were measuring, processed foods are obviously more complicated to analyze than testing a bottle of oil by itself.

The researchers accounted for some of this by allowing that 10% margin of deviation.

So I think two things can be true at once:

These results are extremely concerning.

AND

One study should not be treated as the final verdict on every company represented in it.

I want independent testing. I want more batches tested. I want to know where these companies source their avocado oil. I want to know what testing their suppliers provide. I want to know whether the brands independently verify those results.

And most importantly, I want to hear from the companies themselves!

This isn’t the first time UC Davis has found problems with avocado oil

This is another reason I’m taking the study seriously.

According to UC Davis, a 2020 study found 82% of commercial bottled avocado oils tested were either rancid or mixed with other oils.

A later study of private-label avocado oils found 70% were rancid or adulterated.

Now we’re seeing similar issues in processed foods made with avocado oil.

That suggests to me that this conversation is bigger than one bag of chips or one jar of mayo.

We may have a much larger avocado-oil supply-chain problem.

And THAT is where I want accountability.

What about these brands being bought by huge food companies?

This is another piece of the conversation that I’ve been thinking about.

A lot of smaller “better-for-you” brands have been acquired by much larger food corporations over the years.

And as consumers, I think it’s fair to wonder whether sourcing, manufacturing, cost pressures, suppliers, or quality-control practices change after an acquisition.

But I also want to be careful here.

This UC Davis study does NOT establish that corporate acquisitions caused these results.

There isn’t evidence in the study showing that a product was authentic before an acquisition and adulterated afterward.

So while I think corporate ownership is absolutely something consumers can pay attention to, I don’t want to present it as the explanation when we don’t actually have evidence connecting the two.

What I do want to know is what these companies are doing now.

Show us your sourcing.

Show us your testing.

Show us your certificates of analysis.

Test multiple lots independently.

If your supplier deceived you, tell us.

If you’ve changed suppliers since these samples were purchased, tell us.

If you believe UC Davis’s methodology produced an inaccurate result, show us the evidence.

Consumers are paying a premium specifically because of the ingredient printed on the front of the package. I don’t think asking for transparency is unreasonable.

Where I’m at personally

For right now, I’m not going to continue purchasing the specific avocado-oil products that had consistently concerning results in this study.

That’s not me declaring these companies guilty of intentionally deceiving anyone.

It’s me saying: I don’t have enough answers yet.

I’m disappointed. I’m confused. And until I have more information, I’d rather spend my money elsewhere.

If these brands release statements, independent testing, sourcing information, or other evidence that explains these findings, I am completely open to reading it and changing my opinion.

I actually HOPE there is an explanation.

Because I have genuinely liked and trusted several of these brands.

What I’m buying instead

The funny thing is that my pantry has already moved away from most of these chip brands anyway.

If you’ve followed me for any amount of time, you’ve probably seen me share MASA and Vandy over and over again.

Those are the chips I personally buy and keep in our pantry. They’re made with beef tallow rather than avocado oil, and I genuinely think they taste better too.

If you want to check them out and try them here are some discount codes:

• Discount code “COOKINGKATIELADY” for 25% off MASA.

• Discount code “KATIEMCLENDON” for 25% off Vandy.

Important clarification: MASA and Vandy were not part of this UC Davis study, so I’m not claiming UC Davis verified them. They’re simply brands I personally use and feel comfortable purchasing based on their stated ingredients and what I know about them.

For other products, I’m going to lean more heavily on options that performed well in this study.

For dressings, the olive-oil options that passed included Bragg Organic Vinaigrette, Bella Sun Luci Sonoma Vinaigrette, and California Olive Ranch Balsamic Vinaigrette.

For mayo, Grove’s avocado oil mayo and garlic aioli passed both samples, while Graza’s Original and Fancy olive-oil mayos also passed both samples.

And if you’re looking for chips specifically, the olive-oil products from Trader Joe’s, Torres, Graza, and Lay’s listed above passed both samples tested.

As for LesserEvil, I personally wouldn’t describe the study as giving them a clean pass because one Moonions sample passed and one didn’t. I still think that’s important context for anyone making purchasing decisions.

My biggest takeaway from all of this

Read your labels—but also understand that reading a label can only take us so far if what’s inside the package doesn’t match it.

That’s the part that frustrates me the most.

I’ve talked about ingredients for YEARS. I’ve encouraged you guys to flip packages over, read ingredient lists, choose products made with ingredients you feel good about, and spend your money supporting companies doing things differently.

I do that in my own home too.

And I’ve paid the premium.

So yes, I feel disappointed.

But I don’t want this conversation to turn into internet hysteria where we decide overnight that every person behind every one of these companies is evil or intentionally trying to poison or scam us.

The study itself points toward a much more complicated problem involving suppliers, brokers, manufacturers, testing, regulation, and accountability throughout the food supply chain.

Maybe some brands failed us.

Maybe some suppliers failed the brands AND us.

Maybe we’ll learn that there are additional explanations when more testing is done.

Right now, we don’t know the full story.

What we DO know is that 48 of the 54 avocado oil-labeled products UC Davis tested were not compositionally consistent with authentic avocado oil.

That’s enough for me to pay attention.

It’s enough for me to temporarily change some of my purchasing decisions.

And it’s enough for me to expect answers from the companies selling these products at a premium.

For now, I’m going to keep buying from the smaller brands I already love, lean more toward products made with olive oil when it makes sense, and keep a very close eye on what these companies say next.

Because if I’m spending extra money specifically to buy a product made with avocado oil?

I expect it to actually be avocado oil.

And I don’t think that’s asking too much.

Source: UC Davis, “That Avocado Oil Chip You’re Eating May Not Be Made With Pure Avocado Oil,” July 15, 2026; product-level results from the study’s accompanying brand information sheet for “Authenticity of avocado and olive oils used as ingredients in commercially processed foods.” The product sheet emphasizes that the testing represents a snapshot of products purchased during a specific period and is not a continuous assessment of any brand’s quality.

Because of that, I get asked one question more than any other:

“Katie…what do you actually use?”

So today, I’m sharing exactly that.

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Before we dive in, I want to make one thing very clear…

Not one single brand asked me to write this post. This isn’t sponsored, and no one has approved or reviewed what I’m about to say.

Yes, I’ve worked with many of these brands.
Yes, many of them have generously sent me products over the years.

But these are the brands that earned a permanent spot in my home. These are the products I continue to purchase with my own money because I genuinely love them and use them almost every single day. If I ran out tomorrow, these are the products I’d immediately reorder.

Let’s get into it.

🧺 Laundry Detergent

🥇 Dirty Labs (My #1 Favorite)

If I could only choose one laundry detergent for the rest of my life, it would be Dirty Labs.

First of all, I love how highly concentrated it is. One bottle lasts a surprisingly long time because you only need a tiny amount.

Second… the scent.

Oh. My. Goodness.

My laundry room smells absolutely heavenly whenever I do laundry. The fragrances are clean, fresh, and luxurious without smelling fake or overpowering. I genuinely look forward to doing laundry because of how good everything smells afterward.

Performance-wise, I think it cleans incredibly well, too. Stinky workout clothes, towels, musty kitchen towels—it handles everything.

I also never do laundry without adding their Bio Enzyme Laundry Booster. Living in Florida, things can get a little musty thanks to the humidity (if you know, you know 😅), and this completely solves that problem. It keeps towels, workout clothes, and even dish towels smelling fresh instead of developing that damp smell.

I honestly can’t recommend it enough. The discount code COOKINGKATIELADY gives you 20% off!

🥈 Branch Basics

Branch Basics is a very close second.

I absolutely love both their laundry detergent and their Oxygen Boost. Their detergent has a super light, clean scent, which makes it a fantastic option if you’re sensitive to fragrance or simply prefer your laundry without much smell.

The only downside for me is that the liquid detergent is pretty watery, so it can sometimes be a little messy to pour into my washing machine. But they just came out with a powder one too!

Other than that, it’s fantastic.

If you love a stronger fresh laundry scent like I do, I’d lean Dirty Labs.

If you prefer something very subtle, Branch Basics is an amazing choice.

I do have a discount code with them as well, COOKINGKATIELADY for 15%.

🍽️ Dishwasher Detergent

This category is honestly a tie.

I truly cannot pick a favorite.

Dirty Labs

Their dishwasher detergent comes as a powder, and every single time I use it, I swear my dishes come out sparkling.

Like... noticeably sparkling.

I also absolutely love their fresh lemon scent. It makes unloading the dishwasher oddly enjoyable.

Branch Basics

Branch Basics wins for convenience.

There’s something so nice about simply tossing a pod into the dishwasher and pressing start.

The cleaning power is excellent, and I always get great results.

Honestly, I keep both on hand because I love them equally. Discount code COOKINGKATIELADY.

🍳 Cookware

√ & Our Place

These are my two favorite cookware brands.

Both are non-toxic, ceramic-coated, and incredibly non-stick.

I’ve seen negative reviews online about food sticking to both brands, but honestly... I’ve never experienced that.

I truly think many people simply aren’t following the care instructions. Ceramic cookware isn’t meant for super high heat, metal utensils, or harsh scrubbing. If you take care of them properly, they last beautifully.

I do have a discount code with Caraway, KATIELADY10.

Caraway

Caraway is definitely the super pretty/aesthetic one.

Their colors are gorgeous, and they offer so many different pots, pans, bakeware, food storage pieces, and kitchen accessories. If aesthetics matter to you, Caraway is absolutely stunning.

Our Place

Our Place gets the slight edge when it comes to durability.

Everything I own from them has held up incredibly well, even with constant use.

I genuinely love both brands and use them interchangeably in my kitchen.

🍴 Cooking Utensils

I use two brands because they each serve a different purpose.

Earlywood

If you’ve never heard of Earlywood, you’re in for a treat.

They make the most beautiful handcrafted wooden kitchen utensils, and you can truly tell how much care goes into every single piece.

Wood utensils are what I reach for anytime I’m cooking with my ceramic cookware because they’re gentle on the surface and won’t scratch your pans.

One of my favorite memories is when they made engraved wooden baby spoons with my daughter’s name on them.

I literally cried.

They’re just genuinely good people making beautiful products.

GIR

For silicone utensils, nothing beats GIR.

Silicone is perfect for scraping bowls clean, folding batter, making sauces, baking, and getting every last bit out of jars or pans.

Their spatulas are incredibly sturdy, beautifully designed, and hold up so well over time.

I own way too many...

...and I have zero regrets.

🥡 Food Storage Containers

I actually use three different brands because each one serves a different purpose.

Caraway

Caraway’s food storage containers are what I use most for meal prep and leftovers.

They’re ceramic-coated glass, beautifully designed, stack perfectly in the refrigerator, and make my fridge feel so much more organized.

Stojo

Stojo is my favorite for travel.

Their collapsible silicone bowls and cups flatten down when you’re finished using them, making them perfect for diaper bags, beach bags, purses, road trips, and vacations.

They’re lightweight, reusable, and save so much space.

Discount code KAT15.

W&P

W&P makes some of my favorite reusable silicone storage products.

I especially love their freezer trays for freezing bone broth, herbs, sauces, smoothie cubes, and baby food.

Their reusable silicone bags have replaced so many disposable plastic bags in our home, and they’re incredibly durable.

🚽 Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Dirty Labs

I never thought I’d have a favorite toilet bowl cleaner...

Yet here we are.

I’m actually allergic to bleach, so those bright blue conventional toilet bowl cleaners have never been an option for me.

Dirty Labs comes as a powder.

When you sprinkle it into the bowl, it foams slightly, and when you scrub with your toilet brush, it almost feels like it’s exfoliating the porcelain.

Everything comes off so easily.

It leaves the toilet sparkling clean without the overwhelming chemical smell.

It’s the only toilet bowl cleaner I use. Discount code COOKINGKATIELADY.

🧼 Household Cleaners

🥇 Branch Basics

Branch Basics is my number one recommendation.

The biggest reason?

Simplicity.

Instead of buying separate cleaners for every room in your house, you buy one concentrate.

From that one bottle, you can make your everyday cleaner, bathroom cleaner, streak-free cleaner, laundry products, and so much more.

I also love that they offer reusable glass bottles, which I personally prefer over plastic.

It keeps my cleaning cabinet simple and uncluttered. I do have a discount code with them as well, COOKINGKATIELADY for 15%.

🥈 Truly Free

Truly Free also makes phenomenal products.

Instead of one concentrate, they have different refill pouches for different types of cleaning.

The product I continue buying over and over is their Heavy Duty Degreaser.

If you’ve ever cleaned an oven, stovetop, or greasy range hood...

You know how valuable a really good degreaser is.

So while Branch Basics handles probably 90% of my everyday cleaning, Truly Free’s degreaser has earned a permanent spot under my sink.

🍽️ Plates, Bowls & Drinking Glasses

Fable

Hands down my favorite dinnerware.

Before switching to Fable, every set of plates I’d ever owned eventually developed those gray utensil scratches across the surface.

These haven’t.

Their handcrafted stoneware is incredibly durable, absolutely beautiful, and somehow still looks brand new after lots of use.

The drinking glasses deserve their own shoutout.

They’re lightweight and elegant but surprisingly durable.

I won’t lie...

They’re definitely an investment.

But I truly believe they’re worth every penny.

These are the kinds of dishes you’ll own for decades instead of replacing every few years.

🧺 Kitchen & Bath Towels

Geometry

I know getting excited about towels sounds ridiculous...

Until you try Geometry.

They’re hands down my favorite kitchen towels I’ve ever owned.

They’re incredibly absorbent, dry so quickly, never seem to get that damp musty smell, and somehow still look beautiful after countless washes.

I also use their bath towels and love them just as much.

They’re soft, lightweight, absorbent, and dry much faster than traditional towels.

One of the biggest reasons I’ll always support Geometry is because of the people behind the company.

Every interaction I’ve had with their team has been so kind, thoughtful, and genuine.

They’re truly just good people.

And I love supporting brands like that.

I do have a discount code COOKINGKATIE with them!

🛏️ Bed Sheets

Quince

If you’ve ever asked where my bedding is from...

The answer is probably Quince. 😂

I’m pretty sure every single bedroom in my house has Quince bedding at this point.

Their 100% organic cotton sheets are crisp, breathable, and somehow get softer every single time you wash them.

Living in Florida, breathable bedding is a must, and these have been incredible year-round.

Between the sheets, duvet covers, quilts, and blankets...

I honestly think every bedroom in our home has at least one Quince piece.

🕯️ Candles

Primally Pure

I honestly didn’t realize how overpowering conventional candles smelled until I switched.

Primally Pure candles are made with cleaner ingredients and scented with pure essential oils instead of synthetic fragrance blends.

The scents are cozy, calming, and make our home smell amazing without giving me a headache.

Lighting one at the end of the day has become part of my nightly routine, and they’re one of those little luxuries I genuinely look forward to.

I do have a discount code COOKINGKATIE for 10% off!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve made it this far, I hope this post saves you a little time and research.

One thing I always want to emphasize is that I don’t believe you need to throw everything away and replace it overnight. That’s expensive, wasteful, and honestly unnecessary. My philosophy has always been to make better swaps over time—as products run out or need replacing.

I’d love to hear from you in the comments! Is there a non-toxic product you absolutely swear by? Or is there another category you’d like me to review next? I’m always testing new products, and I’m happy to keep sharing the ones that have truly earned a permanent place in our home. 🤍

I want to be clear that this isn’t medical advice, and what works for me may not work for everyone. However, these are the habits I’ve consistently incorporated into my routine that help me feel stronger, move better, and manage discomfort.

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Strength Training

If I could only choose one thing, it would be strength training.

Building muscle has been one of the most impactful things I’ve done for my scoliosis. Strong muscles help support the spine, improve posture, increase stability, and reduce strain on other areas of the body. I focus on lifting weights 4 days per week and prioritize exercises that strengthen my core, glutes, back, and overall posterior chain.

As someone who also has hip dysplasia, maintaining muscle mass isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s an important part of supporting my body and helping me stay active long-term.

Walking Daily

I aim for 10,000 steps per day and notice a significant difference when I stay consistent.

Walking is one of the most underrated forms of movement. It helps me avoid sitting for long periods, keeps my body moving throughout the day, and often helps relieve stiffness. The key for me has been making walking a daily habit rather than relying solely on structured workouts.

Whether it’s a walk on the beach, a walk after meals, a walking meeting, or time on my walking pad, those steps add up quickly.

Ergonomic Office Setup

As someone who spends a lot of time at a desk, my ergonomic office setup has been a game changer.

I use both an ergonomic office chair and a standing desk, which allow me to change positions throughout the day instead of remaining seated for hours. Being able to alternate between sitting, standing, and walking has helped tremendously with my posture and overall comfort.

I also use a walking pad while working, which has become one of my favorite ways to stay active during the workday.

Recovery Tools

Recovery is just as important as movement.

I regularly use my Theragun and Therabody cupping device to help relieve muscle tightness and tension. Because scoliosis can create muscular imbalances, I often notice certain areas becoming tighter than others. Taking a few minutes to focus on recovery can make a big difference in how I feel.

I also prioritize rest, hydration, and recovery days when my body needs them.

Mobility Work & Stretching

Even just 10–15 minutes of mobility work can make a huge difference.

I try to incorporate stretching and mobility exercises throughout the week, especially after workouts or long periods of sitting. Mobility work helps me maintain flexibility, improve range of motion, and reduce stiffness that can sometimes accompany scoliosis.

It doesn’t have to be an hour-long routine—consistency matters much more than duration.

Chiropractic Care

Another tool that’s been helpful for me is regular chiropractic care. The whole family goes! Here is a throwback image to baby Adalyn getting adjusted! Where has time gone?!

While chiropractic care isn’t a cure for scoliosis, I personally find that routine adjustments help me feel more aligned, mobile, and comfortable. It’s become one piece of my overall wellness routine alongside strength training, walking, stretching, and recovery work.

As with any treatment approach, it’s important to work with qualified healthcare professionals and determine what works best for your individual needs.

The Biggest Thing I’ve Learned

While scoliosis is something I’ll always manage, I’ve learned that focusing on what I can do rather than what I can’t has made all the difference.

For me, that means prioritizing strength training, staying active, walking daily, investing in ergonomic tools, focusing on recovery, and being consistent with the habits that help me feel my best.

None of these things are quick fixes. But over time, those small daily choices have helped me stay strong, active, and continue doing the things I love!

As someone who works from home, runs a business, takes care of a toddler, and manages a household, I know how easy it is to get caught up in life and realize you’ve barely moved all day. The key for me has been finding ways to make movement feel natural rather than something I have to force myself to do.

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I Use a Walking Pad While Working

This is hands-down my biggest secret.

When you’re sitting at a desk all day, it’s surprisingly easy to go hours without moving. Between emails, meetings, content creation, running my business, and handling behind-the-scenes tasks for my husband’s business, I can easily get lost in work and forget to get up.

My walking pad allows me to answer emails, brainstorm content, edit videos, create blog and Substack posts, take calls, and work through the countless behind-the-scenes tasks that come with running a business while getting steps in. I also set reminders on my phone throughout the day to get up and move, especially during busy work weeks when it’s easy to stay glued to my desk. Those small walking sessions add up much faster than you’d think, and by the end of the day, they can make a huge difference in both my step count and how I feel. In fact, I’d say my walking pad is one of the biggest reasons I’m able to consistently hit my movement goals while balancing work, motherhood, and everything else life throws my way.

This habit actually started when I was working a full-time 9-to-5 remote job on top of running my business and being a mom. Even then, I used my walking pad while working and found it was one of the easiest ways to stay active despite spending most of my day behind a computer. It helped me then, and it continues to be one of my favorite wellness tools today.

I Take Walking Meetings

If I don’t need to be on camera, I’m usually moving.

One of the easiest ways I’ve found to increase my daily step count is by turning phone calls and meetings into opportunities to walk. Whether I’m pacing around the house, walking outside, or hopping on my walking pad, those minutes add up quickly. Not only am I getting more movement in, but I also find that I think more clearly and stay more focused when I’m walking versus sitting at my desk. It’s such a simple habit, but over the course of a week, it can add thousands of extra steps without requiring any additional time in your day.

I Walk After Meals

This is one of the simplest habits I've built into my routine. Whenever possible, I try to take a short walk after I eat—whether it's after breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It doesn't have to be long, and I don't overthink it. Even just 10 minutes of movement can add hundreds of steps to your day. By making it a habit that happens every time I eat rather than something I have to schedule separately, it feels effortless and is much easier to stay consistent with.

I Look for Small Opportunities to Move

These may sound silly, but they truly add up!

I park farther away when running errands. I take the long route whenever possible like in the grocery store. When I’m putting away laundry, I’ll often take smaller loads back and forth instead of carrying everything at once. Those extra trips may seem insignificant, but they add up throughout the day.

Movement doesn’t always have to come from a workout!

I Make Movement Social

One of my favorite ways to get steps in is by making it something I actually enjoy.

I host walks through a local all-women’s walking club on the beach, and it’s amazing how quickly the steps add up when you’re talking with friends, enjoying the ocean views, and getting fresh air. Most of the time, it doesn’t even feel like exercise because you’re having so much fun.

I Choose Activities That Don’t Feel Like Exercise

I think one of the biggest mistakes people make is assuming that every step has to come from a workout.

Some of my favorite ways to stay active don’t feel like exercise at all. My husband and I love playing pickleball, and before I know it, I’ve accumulated thousands of steps. Whether it’s pickleball, walking on the beach, chasing your kids around the yard, or exploring a new town on vacation, those activities all count.

If 10,000 Seems Like Too Much For You

Some days you might hit 12,000 steps. Some days you might only hit 8,000. And that’s okay.

The goal isn’t perfection—it’s consistency.

One of the biggest mistakes people make is thinking they need to go from 2,000 steps a day to 10,000 overnight. Instead, focus on simply moving more than you did yesterday. Maybe that means taking a short walk after lunch, parking a little farther away, or adding a few minutes on a walking pad while answering emails. Those small changes add up over time.

Focusing on movement throughout the day is much more sustainable than obsessing over an exact number. Eventually, those healthy habits become second nature—it just takes time and consistency.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that movement doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes it’s a workout, but more often it’s a walk with friends, a game of pickleball with my husband, a few extra trips while doing laundry, a walk on the beach, or answering emails on a walking pad. Those small moments of movement add up faster than you think, and they can make a huge difference in how you feel physically and mentally.

Katie

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🫐 Blackberry Balsamic & Brie Grilled Cheese

This isn’t your average grilled cheese.

Creamy brie, sweet blackberries, and tangy balsamic glaze come together between perfectly toasted slices of bread for the ultimate sweet-and-savory combination. It feels elevated enough for entertaining but is easy enough to make for lunch at home.

👉 Get the recipe: https://cookingkatielady.com/recipe/blackberry-balsamic-brie-grilled-cheese/

🍓 Strawberry Shortcake Greek Yogurt Pancakes

These pancakes taste like strawberry shortcake in breakfast form.

Made with Greek yogurt and fresh strawberries, they’re fluffy, flavorful, and packed with protein to help keep you satisfied all morning long. They’re perfect for slow summer weekends or meal prep for the week ahead.

👉 Get the recipe: https://cookingkatielady.com/recipe/strawberry-shortcake-greek-yogurt-protein-pancakes/

🥐 Almond Croissant Greek Yogurt Banana Bread

If almond croissants and banana bread had a baby, this would be it.

This recipe combines the cozy flavor of banana bread with the buttery almond flavor that makes almond croissants so irresistible. The Greek yogurt adds extra moisture and protein, creating a loaf that’s perfect with your morning coffee.

👉 Get the recipe: https://cookingkatielady.com/recipe/almond-croissant-greek-yogurt-banana-bread/

🍤 The BEST Garlic Butter Noodles with Shrimp

This is one of those recipes that tastes like it came from a restaurant but comes together surprisingly quickly.

Tender shrimp are tossed with buttery garlic noodles for a meal that’s rich, comforting, and packed with flavor. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that feels a little fancy without requiring much effort.

👉 Get the recipe: https://cookingkatielady.com/recipe/the-best-garlic-butter-noodles/

🥚 Healthy Egg Salad Stuffed Bread Pockets

This recipe is one of my favorite easy lunches.

Creamy egg salad gets tucked into soft bread pockets for a simple meal that’s portable, satisfying, and perfect for busy summer days. They’re great for meal prep, beach days, or quick lunches at home.

👉 Get the recipe: https://cookingkatielady.com/recipe/egg-salad-stuffed-bread-pockets/

🥩 Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry

If you’re looking for something different for dinner, this recipe is a must-try.

Ground beef is cooked with Mediterranean-inspired flavors and vegetables for a quick one-pan meal that’s packed with protein and flavor. It’s easy, family-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights.

👉 Get the recipe: https://cookingkatielady.com/recipe/mediterranean-ground-beef-stir-fry/

🥗 Italian Grinder Salad

All the flavors of your favorite Italian grinder sandwich—without the bread.

This salad is loaded with crisp lettuce, savory deli meats, cheese, and an Italian dressing that brings everything together. It’s crunchy, satisfying, and one of the best summer lunch recipes you’ll make.

👉 Get the recipe: https://cookingkatielady.com/recipe/italian-grinder-salad/

What’s Going on Your Menu This Week?

I’d love to know—which recipe are you trying first? ☀️🍴

Happy cooking,
Katie ❤️

But is blue light really as harmful as social media makes it seem?

Like most things in wellness, the truth is somewhere in the middle.

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First, What Is Blue Light?

Blue light is a high-energy, short-wavelength light naturally emitted by the sun. During the day, blue light is actually beneficial. It helps regulate our circadian rhythm, boosts alertness, improves reaction times, and helps us feel awake.

The problem isn’t blue light itself.

The problem is that we’re now exposed to it long after the sun goes down.

Unlike our ancestors, many of us spend evenings scrolling our phones, working on laptops, watching television, and checking emails right up until bedtime.

Our bodies weren’t designed for that kind of nighttime light exposure.

What Blue Light Does to the Brain

One of the most well-studied effects of blue light is its impact on melatonin production.

Melatonin is the hormone that tells your body it’s time to sleep. Exposure to blue light in the evening can suppress melatonin release, making it harder to fall asleep and potentially affecting sleep quality.

Poor sleep doesn’t just leave you tired the next day. Over time, inadequate sleep can influence mood, cognitive performance, stress levels, metabolism, hormone balance, and immune function.

This is one reason many sleep experts recommend limiting screen time before bed or using blue-light-reducing settings in the evening.

What About Your Eyes?

Despite what many marketing claims suggest, there is currently limited evidence that blue light from digital devices causes permanent eye damage in healthy individuals.

However, screens can absolutely contribute to digital eye strain.

Symptoms may include:

• Dry eyes

• Blurry vision

• Headaches

• Eye fatigue

• Difficulty focusing

Often this is due to a combination of factors, including reduced blinking, prolonged close-up focus, and screen brightness—not just blue light itself.

That said, many people report feeling more comfortable using blue-light filters, especially in the evening.

Can Blue Light Affect Your Skin?

This is where things get interesting.

Emerging research suggests that prolonged exposure to high-energy visible (HEV) blue light may contribute to oxidative stress in the skin and may play a role in hyperpigmentation and visible signs of aging, particularly in individuals with darker skin tones. More research is still needed, but scientists are actively studying the connection between screen-generated blue light and skin health.

While your phone isn’t giving you the same level of exposure as the sun, many of us hold these devices inches from our faces for several hours every day.

It’s certainly something worth paying attention to.

My Latest Wellness Find

I recently came across something that I thought was pretty fascinating.

This is not sponsored.

I found these on my own, purchased them with my own money, and genuinely wanted to try them.

The company is called BodyGuardz, and they make what they call a Red Light Converter Screen Protector.

Unlike traditional blue-light filters that simply block or dim blue light, these protectors use quantum dot technology designed to convert some blue light into red light wavelengths. According to the company, third-party testing found a reduction in blue light output and an increase in red light output from the device.

What initially caught my attention was that they don’t noticeably distort screen colors the way some blue-light products can.

I bought one myself because I spend so much time on my phone and wanted another layer of protection, especially during evening screen time. Let’s be honest—my job has me on my phone and computer for most of the day, so reducing my exposure where I can feels like a simple, practical step.

Then something really cool happened.

After I shared them online, the team at BodyGuardz reached out and offered to let me try a few additional products. No payment, no sponsorship, and no obligation to post. I just thought it was a kind gesture worth mentioning!

Devices They Make Them For

At the moment, BodyGuardz offers Red Light Converter protectors for a wide range of devices, including many Samsung Phones, Google phones, iPhones, iPads as well as newer MacBook devices and even the Nintendo Switch. They also offer both standard and privacy-screen versions for several models.

If you’re interested, I’d recommend checking their website directly since compatible devices are updated regularly as new products are released.

The Bottom Line

In today’s world, it’s nearly impossible to avoid blue light completely, so I’m not panicking about it.

But I am always looking for simple ways to support my health in a modern world that our bodies weren’t necessarily designed for.

For me, that looks like:

• Getting morning sunlight

• Limiting screens before bed

• Using Night Shift settings on my devices

• Prioritizing quality sleep

• Taking regular screen breaks throughout the day

• Exploring tools like blue-light-reducing or red-light-converting screen protectors

Small changes add up.

And if something can make my daily screen time a little easier on my eyes, brain, sleep, and skin, I’m willing to give it a try.

Have you tried any blue-light-reducing tools or screen protectors? I’d love to hear what’s worked for you!

Katie

These are five of my favorite summer salads that I make on repeat every year. They’re perfect for cookouts, meal prep, potlucks, beach days, and those nights when it’s simply too hot to turn on the oven. The best part? Every single one is packed with fresh ingredients and incredible flavor.

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1. Lemony Couscous Salad with Feta & Veggies

If summer had a signature side dish, this might be it.

Tender couscous is tossed with crisp vegetables, salty feta cheese, and a bright lemon dressing that ties everything together beautifully. It’s fresh, vibrant, and pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, fish, or burgers.

What I love most about this salad is how versatile it is. You can prep it ahead of time, serve it chilled, and it tastes even better after the flavors have had a chance to mingle.

👉 Get the recipe: https://cookingkatielady.com/recipe/lemony-couscous-salad-with-feta-veggies/

2. Bright & Crunchy Chopped Vegetable Salad with Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette

This is the salad I make when I want something packed with color, crunch, and nutrition.

Loaded with fresh vegetables and tossed in a tangy lemon Dijon vinaigrette, every bite is crisp, refreshing, and full of flavor. The finely chopped vegetables make it easy to eat and perfect for serving alongside just about any meal. And it never gets soggy!

It’s one of those recipes that makes healthy eating feel effortless because it genuinely tastes so good.

👉 Get the recipe: https://cookingkatielady.com/recipe/crunchy-chopped-vegetable-salad-with-lemon-dijon-vinaigrette/

3. Crunchy Thai Quinoa Salad

If you love bold flavors and lots of texture, this salad is for you.

Fluffy quinoa, crunchy vegetables, fresh herbs, and a delicious Thai-inspired dressing come together to create a salad that’s both satisfying and refreshing. It works beautifully as a side dish, but it’s hearty enough to enjoy as a meal on its own.

This is one of my favorite recipes for meal prep because the flavors continue to develop as it sits in the refrigerator.

👉 Get the recipe: https://cookingkatielady.com/recipe/crunchy-thai-quinoa-salad/

4. Lemon Couscous & Chickpea Salad with Zesty Lemon Vinaigrette

This salad checks all the boxes: easy, flavorful, and packed with plant-based protein and fiber.

The combination of fluffy couscous, hearty chickpeas, crisp vegetables, and a bright lemon vinaigrette makes this recipe incredibly refreshing while still being filling enough for lunch. It’s one of those dishes that disappears quickly at every cookout or gathering.

Make a batch at the beginning of the week and enjoy it for days.

👉 Get the recipe: https://cookingkatielady.com/recipe/lemon-couscous-chickpea-salad-with-zesty-lemon-vinaigrette/

5. Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad with Toasted Pine Nuts

This isn’t your typical pasta salad.

Peppery arugula, tender pasta, toasted pine nuts, and a bright lemon dressing create a fresh and elevated side dish that feels perfect for summer entertaining. The toasted pine nuts add incredible flavor and texture, while the lemon keeps everything light and refreshing.

It’s elegant enough for a dinner party but easy enough for a weeknight meal. This is one of my most popular recipes!

👉 Get the recipe: https://cookingkatielady.com/recipe/lemon-arugula-pasta-salad-with-toasted-pine-nuts/

Which One Are You Making First?

Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, heading to a potluck, meal prepping lunches, or simply looking for new ways to enjoy seasonal produce, these five salads are guaranteed to become warm-weather favorites!

Let me know in the comments which one you’re trying first—or if you have a favorite summer salad that deserves a spot on this list! ☀️🥗

Katie ❤️

When most people think about FSA and HSA funds, they picture the basics: prescription medications, doctor visits, bandages, and first-aid supplies.

While those things are certainly covered, many people don’t realize there are quite a few wellness, recovery, vision, and even home-health products that may qualify as eligible expenses too.

As someone who maxes out my FSA contribution each year, I’ve made it a point to use those pre-tax dollars strategically. Over the past couple of years, I’ve purchased several products that have genuinely improved my daily life, recovery, comfort, and overall well-being.

Here are a few of my favorite FSA/HSA-eligible purchases:

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Therabody Red Light Therapy Face Mask

Red light therapy has become incredibly popular for supporting skin health and reducing the appearance of fine lines. This is one of my favorite self-care purchases and a great example of a wellness product many people don’t realize may qualify.

Therabody RecoveryAir Cupping Therapy

If you’re someone who deals with muscle tightness, soreness, or tension, this device combines modern technology with traditional cupping therapy for at-home recovery.

Therabody Theragun

A massage gun has become a staple in our house. It’s great for relieving tight muscles after workouts, long workdays, or simply helping reduce tension.

Ergonomic Office Chair & Standing Desk

I spend a lot of time at my desk running my business, so investing in an ergonomic setup has made a huge difference in how I feel day to day. I personally have scoliosis, and my ergonomic office chair has helped support my back and improve my posture tremendously. Pairing it with a standing desk has been a game changer—I can easily switch positions throughout the day, stretch my legs, and even use my walking pad while I work. Fun fact: depending on your situation and documentation requirements, certain ergonomic office products and even a walking pad may qualify as eligible FSA/HSA expenses when deemed medically necessary!

Air Purifiers

Indoor air quality matters more than many people realize. Air purifiers can help reduce allergens, dust, pet dander, and other airborne particles in your home.

Contacts & Glasses

This one surprises people all the time. Prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses, and many related vision expenses are generally FSA/HSA eligible.

Tinted Face Sunscreen (Colorescience)

Many people know sunscreen is important, but certain SPF products—especially those recommended for skin protection—may qualify. I personally love the tinted Colorescience options because they provide both sun protection and light coverage.

Exercise Equipment

Depending on your circumstances and documentation requirements, some exercise equipment may qualify when used to treat or manage a specific medical condition. This has been a huge benefit for me because strength training and mobility work are an important part of my health routine. With scoliosis and hip dysplasia, building and maintaining muscle helps support my joints, improve posture, reduce discomfort, and keep me moving well. Investing in quality exercise equipment has allowed me to stay consistent with the strength training that helps me feel my best!

Smart Scale

A smart scale can help track body composition metrics, weight trends, and overall health goals, making it a useful tool for monitoring progress over time.

A Quick Reminder

FSA and HSA eligibility can vary by product, retailer, and individual circumstances, and some items may require a Letter of Medical Necessity from your healthcare provider. Always verify eligibility before purchasing.

If you’re already contributing to an FSA or HSA, don’t leave those pre-tax dollars sitting unused. You may be surprised by how many wellness and recovery products qualify beyond the typical pharmacy aisle!

These are the brands I personally use and trust!

Diapers + Wipes

I use Millie Moon and have been really happy with them. They’re soft, fragrance-free, and easy to grab at Target. Other options I like are Coterie and HealthyBaby, but they are more premium priced.

For wipes, I stick to fragrance-free, water-based wipes with minimal ingredients. I typically grab Millie Moon wipes as well.

Baby Wash

I use the Baby Bar from Primally Pure, and it’s one of my favorites. It’s made with organic goat’s milk, coconut oil, and shea butter. If you use the discount code “COOKINGKATIE” at checkout, it will give you 10% off!

Other clean baby wash brands I trust:

• Earth Mama Simply Non-Scents Baby Wash

• Pipette Baby Wash + Shampoo (fragrance-free)

• Babo Botanicals Sensitive Baby (fragrance-free)

• Honest (fragrance-free)

I keep it simple here and avoid added fragrance.

Lotion + Skin Care

I use Primally Pure Baby Balm. It works for dry skin, irritation, and pretty much everything in between. Primally Pure’s Baby Balm is made with a simple base of grass-fed tallow, organic jojoba oil, calendula, and beeswax to deeply nourish and protect the skin. Each ingredient serves a purpose, helping support the skin barrier and soothe irritation without any added fragrance or unnecessary fillers.

I also use their baby powder. If you use the discount code “COOKINGKATIE” at checkout, it will give you 10% off! Primally Pure’s Baby Powder is made with simple ingredients like arrowroot powder to absorb moisture, along with kaolin clay to keep skin dry and comfortable. It’s completely free from talc and added fragrance, making it a much cleaner option for everyday use.

Bottles + Feeding
I use Philips Avent glass bottles and prefer glass or high-quality silicone whenever possible since it’s in constant contact with milk or formula.

Mattress + Bedding

Sleep is one of the biggest areas I focus on.
I personally have the Newton Baby mattress and love it.

Other mattress brands I trust:

• Naturepedic

• Avocado

For bedding, I stick to 100% organic cotton once blankets and pillows are age-appropriate.

I have this organic pillow from Amazon that I’ll link here, and it’s great!

Bedding brands I like:

• Burt’s Bees Baby

• Pottery Barn Kids organic line

• Parachute Baby

Air Quality

This is a big one in my home.

No plug-ins, no artificial sprays, and no toxic candles. Keeping the air clean and neutral makes a noticeable difference. I also keep an air purifier in my daughter’s room. If you have the money, an Air Doctor air purifier is amazing, but a low cost option I also like is this one.

If you are new to living a non-toxic lifestyle, focus on the products that are used on your baby’s skin, in their sleep space, and in their daily routine. Keeping those as clean and simple as possible top priority. What goes on baby’s skin and into their environment helps limit unnecessary exposure to added ingredients, fragrances, and toxic materials.

Katie

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1. Creamy Bacon Avocado Chicken Salad
   This is one of those recipes that just works for everything. It’s creamy, savory, and super filling, but still feels light enough for warmer days. I love it for quick lunches or prepping ahead for the week.
   https://cookingkatielady.com/recipe/creamy-bacon-avocado-chicken-salad/

   

2. Almond Flour Greek Yogurt Lemon Blueberry Poppyseed Muffins
   Bright, soft, and packed with fresh lemon flavor. Perfect for spring mornings or an easy snack to keep on hand.
   https://cookingkatielady.com/recipe/almond-flour-greek-yogurt-lemon-blueberry-poppyseed-muffins/

   

3. Bananas Foster Greek Yogurt Protein Pancakes
   A cozy recipe with a spring twist. The caramelized bananas make these feel indulgent, but they’re still made with simple, better-for-you ingredients.
   https://cookingkatielady.com/recipe/bananas-foster-greek-yogurt-protein-pancakes/

   

4. Lemon Couscous Chickpea Salad with Zesty Lemon Vinaigrette
   Fresh, zesty, and perfect for meal prep, picnics, or a quick side that goes with everything.
   https://cookingkatielady.com/recipe/lemon-couscous-chickpea-salad-with-zesty-lemon-vinaigrette/

   

5. 3-Ingredient Strawberry Frozen Yogurt (Ninja Creami)
   Simple, refreshing, and so good when you want something sweet but light. This one’s been on repeat in our house.
   https://cookingkatielady.com/recipe/3-ingredient-strawberry-frozen-yogurt-ninja-creami/

   

6. Sourdough Discard Strawberry Cake
   A soft, lightly sweet cake with fresh strawberry flavor and the perfect way to use up sourdough discard. It feels seasonal, simple, and just right for spring.
   https://cookingkatielady.com/recipe/sourdough-discard-strawberry-cake/

   

7. Crunchy Quinoa Snap Pea Salad
   Crisp, fresh, and full of texture with a bright, herby flavor. This is the kind of salad that actually keeps you full and perfect for warmer days.
   https://cookingkatielady.com/recipe/crunchy-quinoa-snap-pea-salad/

   

If you’re looking to shift into lighter, brighter flavors this season, these are a great place to start!

Cheers,

Katie

This batten wall completely transformed the space, and I’m not exaggerating when I say this is one of the easiest DIY projects I’ve ever done.

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And coming from me, that says a lot, because I am not super handy lol.

If I can do this, you can do this. I promise

The Before Photo

Excuse my daughters bath toy mess lol

What I Used

I kept this super simple:

• 1x3 boards for vertical battens

• 1x4 board across the top

• 1x2 board flipped sideways for the top ledge

• Existing baseboards (did not remove)

That’s it.

I linked all the exact products I used here: https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/4515432

For reference, I have 10 foot ceilings, so I wanted the batten wall to be taller to match the scale of the room and also to hang towels high enough off the ground.

My top ledge ended up at exactly 61 7/8 inches for reference.

Why I Kept My Baseboards

Instead of removing my baseboards, I just built on top of them.

My 1x3 boards sat perfectly flush on my baseboards, and I added a few shims where needed to make everything line up clean.

This saved time and made the project way easier.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Measure + Cut Your Wood

Plan your spacing and have your boards cut ahead of time.

I intentionally spaced my battens so they would land on studs. This made everything more secure.

2. Install the Vertical Boards (1x3s)

I used long screws instead of a brad nailer and drilled directly into the studs, but you can do either one.

Each board only needed 2-3 screws to feel secure.

Yes, the holes are bigger than nails, but you’re filling and sanding anyway, so it really doesn’t matter (in my mind at least).

3. Add the Top Board (1x4)

Next, install your 1x4 horizontally across the tops of the vertical boards.

4. Add the Ledge (1x2)

Then attach your 1x2 flipped sideways on top of the 1x4 to create that ledge detail.

This is what really makes it look finished.

5. Fill + Sand

Fill all holes and seams between battens with drywall putty and sand everything smooth. Now a pro may tell you to use wood filled lol but drywall putty is so much easier to sand down.

6. Caulk

I caulked:

• The top edge where the ledge meets the wall

• The side where the battens meet the door frame

• The side where the battens meet the shower

• All areas where the battens meet and touch the wall.

I used:

• White caulk for edge against my door frame and on top of the 1x2 where it touches my wall.

• Black caulk for seams on the wall and battens touching each other (since I painted it dark)

But honestly, if I did this again, I would just use white everywhere. Black caulk is much harder to work with.

I just used a basic caulk gun and smoothed it with my finger. Nothing fancy.

7. Paint

I used a roller for most of it and a brush for detail areas.

• Color: Iron Ore by Sherwin Williams

• Coats: 2

I didn’t prime because:

• My boards were pre-primed

• My walls are new

If your walls are older or your boards aren’t primed, definitely prime first.

8. Add Hooks

Last step was installing hooks for towels.

I used these brass hooks from Amazon and they matched my cabinet hardware perfectly!

I screwed them directly into the 1x3 board so they’re super sturdy for holding towels.

This took me 2 days total to allow time for proper drying

It completely changed the space, made the wall feel intentional, and added function at the same time.

Now I want to do this in my laundry room next!

If you’ve been wanting to try a DIY but feel intimidated, this is a really good project to start with!

That one word on the label, “fragrance” (or parfum), can represent hundreds of undisclosed chemicals, including phthalates that are commonly linked to hormone disruption.

And the tricky part? You’re not just putting it on your skin—you’re inhaling it all day long!!

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If you love wearing perfume but want a cleaner option, you don’t have to give it up. You just need better swaps!

My current non-toxic favorites:

• We Are Uni — they just launched these and I am OBSESSED. Clean ingredients, elevated scents, and they actually last. I also have a discount code if you want to try them. You can find these on their website or Ulta! If you get them off their website I do have a discount code, KATIEM15.

• DIME Beauty — one of my go-to clean brands. Their perfumes are light, fresh, and made without synthetic fragrance. You can find Sniff at Ulta or on thier website!

• Snif — such good unique scents and they’re transparent about ingredients, which I always look for. Their scents are so fun!! You can find Sniff at Ulta or on their website!

What to look for when switching:

• Naturally derived scents (like essential oils)
• Brands that are transparent about ingredients
• Avoid anything that just lists “fragrance” without explanation

This is one of those swaps that makes a bigger impact than you think, because it’s something you’re exposed to all day long!

But today I wanted to share a few affordable swaps under $20 that are easy to implement without spending a lot.

One of the biggest misconceptions about switching to non-toxic products is that it has to be expensive.

It doesn’t!!

While some clean swaps can definitely cost more upfront, there are actually a lot of simple changes you can make for under $20 that significantly reduce the toxins in your home.

And the best part? These are the swaps that add up the fastest because they replace products we use every single day.

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1. Switch to a Safer Dish Soap

Most conventional dish soaps contain artificial fragrance, dyes, and harsh surfactants that stay on the dishes we eat from every day.

A simple swap is choosing a cleaner formula with transparent ingredients.

Some great options:

• Molly’s Suds

• Ecos Dish Soap

• Seventh Generation Free & Clear

2. Ditch Synthetic Sponges

Traditional kitchen sponges can contain dyes and synthetic materials, and they tend to hold onto bacteria.

Instead, try:

• Natural cellulose sponges

• Wood pulp sponges

• Swedish dish cloths

• Bamboo brushes

They’re biodegradable, last longer, and are usually under $15 for a pack.

3. Swap Out Plastic Food Storage

Plastic containers can leach chemicals, especially when heated.

Instead, try:

• Glass storage containers ( I love these ones for smaller items! Stojo also make really neat non-toxic storage containers.)

• Silicone reusable bags

• Beeswax food wraps

Even swapping just a few containers you use the most can make a difference.

Many starter sets are around $20.

4. Upgrade Your Hand Soap

Fragrance in hand soap is one of the easiest toxins to eliminate.

Look for brands that avoid synthetic fragrance and unnecessary additives.

Good options include:

• Truly Free Aloe Hand Soap

• Everyone Soap

• Branch Basics hand soap (my top favorite! See explanation below.)

  • At first glance it might seem expensive because the concentrate is around $55, but it’s actually incredibly cost effective.

  • For foaming hand soap, you only use about 1 ounce of concentrate per bottle and then fill the rest with water.

  • 1 bottle of concentrate makes about 33 bottles of hand soap. When you break that down:

    • $55 ÷ 33 bottles = about $1.67 per bottle of hand soap.

      So while the upfront cost is higher, it actually comes out cheaper than most conventional hand soaps, and you’re avoiding synthetic fragrance, dyes, and harsh chemicals.

  • Plus the same concentrate can also be used to make:

    • all-purpose cleaner

    • bathroom cleaner

    • laundry soap

    • glass cleaner

    So one bottle ends up replacing multiple cleaning products in your home.

  • **I do have a discount code if you purchase from their website directly, and it is COOKINGKATIELADY.

5. Switch to Cleaner Laundry Detergent

Conventional laundry detergents often contain synthetic fragrance and optical brighteners.

Cleaner options around $20 include:

• Dirty Labs laundry soap

• Truly Free laundry detergent

• Branch Basics laundry detergent (same concept as above where you use the concentrate to make your detergent!)

These work just as well without coating your clothes in unnecessary chemicals.

Start Small

You don’t have to change everything overnight.

I always recommend starting with the products you use the most:

• dish soap

• hand soap

• laundry detergent

• all-purpose cleaners

Once those are swapped, you’ve already reduced a huge amount of daily exposure.

Cleaner living isn’t about perfection. It’s about making small changes that add up over time!!

Helping you create a cleaner home one swap at a time,

Katie

But some of the most impactful changes you can make for your home are completely free!!

Before you replace a single product, start with your habits.

Here are simple, science-backed non-toxic swaps that cost little to nothing and truly make a difference:

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1. Take Your Shoes Off at the Door

Shoes track in pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, bacteria, and outdoor pollutants. Studies have found everything from lawn chemicals and lead dust to fecal bacteria and other harmful contaminants on the bottoms of shoes.

When those shoes walk through your home, those contaminants settle into your floors and carpets — exactly where kids and pets play.

A simple shoe-free rule dramatically reduces what gets tracked inside.

2. Open Your Windows Daily (Even for 5–10 Minutes)

Indoor air can actually be more polluted than outdoor air.

Cooking fumes, cleaning products, furniture off-gassing, candles, and everyday living all release particles and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) into the air.

Opening windows regularly creates airflow that helps remove trapped pollutants and lowers indoor toxin buildup.

3. Run Your Kitchen Vent Fan Every Time You Cook

Especially if you cook with gas.

Gas stoves release nitrogen dioxide and other byproducts that impact indoor air quality. Even high-heat cooking with oils produces particulate matter.

Turning on your vent hood while cooking significantly reduces what lingers in the air.

4. Wash New Clothes and Sheets Before Using

New textiles are often treated with finishing chemicals, dyes, wrinkle-resistant coatings, and preservatives during manufacturing and shipping. Even if you buy “clean” brands, I still highly recommend washing them first just to remove leftover manufacturing residues, excess dye, dust from warehouses, and anything they may have picked up in packaging and transit. A simple wash before wearing or sleeping on them helps rinse away what your skin would otherwise be in direct contact with for hours.

5. Switch to Non-Toxic As Products Run Out

You don’t need to replace everything overnight. Instead of doing a full purge, just choose non-toxic options as you naturally run out of products. I have lots of posts on non-toxic alternatives for cleaners, dishwasher pods, laundry soap, etc.

Once you run out of your current cleaning products in your home, I highly recommend getting a starter pack from Branch Basics for all your cleaning staples. This is all I use in my home!! I do have a discount code COOKINGKATIELADY for 15% off all starter kits!

6. Dust With a Damp Cloth

Dry dusting often just redistributes particles into the air.

Using a slightly damp cloth actually captures and removes dust — which can contain flame retardants, microplastics, pollen, and other irritants.

7. Skip Microwaving Plastic

Heat increases the likelihood of chemicals leaching from plastic into food.

If you already own glass or ceramic dishes, use those for reheating instead.

8. Control Humidity

Mold thrives in damp environments.

Use bathroom fans during showers, run your kitchen fan while cooking, and avoid letting wet laundry sit too long. Leave your dishwasher and washer open until they are completely dry. Keeping humidity between 30–50% prevents mold growth and improves air quality.

9. Let the Sun Work for You

Sunlight is a natural disinfectant.

When possible, air out bedding, rugs, or pillows outside. The UV rays help reduce odor-causing bacteria and freshen fabrics naturally.

10. Vacuum High-Traffic Areas More Often

Floors collect more than just visible dirt.

Regular vacuuming reduces dust, pollen, microplastics, and chemicals tracked into the home — especially important if you live in a neighborhood where lawns are frequently treated.

Healthy Homes Start With Habits

Healthy homes really do start with simple habits. Just like with food, ingredients matter, and the same goes for your environment. What you bring into your home, what you spray, what you cook with, and what you breathe in every day all adds up over time. Being aware of what is coming into your space matters because that is the air you and your family are breathing. These are zero cost changes you can start making today and they make a bigger difference than most people realize.

Cheering you on in creating a healthier home,
Katie

I am not even sure where to begin, because losing her feels like losing a piece of myself.

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I adopted Lucy from a shelter in Colorado right after high school. She had been abandoned and was estimated to be around two or three years old. I was just becoming an adult around this time. I had no idea what my life would look like yet. I most definitely did not realize I was bringing home the most loving soul I would ever know.

We had about ten years together. She was around fourteen when she passed. I never had her exact age since I adopted her from a shelter. Ten years somehow feels like a lifetime and not nearly long enough at the same time.

I love all of my animals so much (I also have two male kitties that I got after Lucy that I adore dearly). But Lucy was different and extra special to me. I had family pets growing up, but she was the first pet who was fully mine. My first real companion. My first baby.

She loved with her whole body. If you were sitting down, she was on you. Curled into your chest. Pressed against your face. Purring nonstop. She did not believe in personal space. Sometimes we would laugh and gently push her away because she would not get out of our faces!

But that was just who she was. She loved intensely.

She was there for me through so many milestones and tough times in my life. Before I moved to Florida. Before I became a wife. Before I became a mom. Before Cooking Katie Lady started. She knew me when I was just a girl trying to figure out life. She stayed through every move, every milestone, every hard season and every beautiful one.

She loved every version of me.

When she was around eleven, we found out at a routine checkup that she had hyperthyroidism. All of her organs were perfectly healthy. It was just her thyroid. So we began treating it immediately. She took medication twice a day, had monthly bloodwork done, we constantly were changing her medicine dosages to try to help her thyroid levels.

We did everything we could.

But over time, her hyperthyroidism slowly took over her little body. She became so frail. No matter how much we fed her or adjusted her medication, she kept getting thinner. She struggled to walk. She couldn’t jump anymore. The medicine itself was strong and often made her sick to her stomach. This last year was especially hard. Watching her body weaken was heartbreaking.

I knew she was sick.

But I always believed I would get to say goodbye.

That is the part that hurts the most.

She passed on 2/26/26 somewhere between 2 am and 6 am while we were all asleep.

I thought I would have one last moment. One last cuddle. One last chance to hold her and tell her how much she meant to me. To thank her for being my companion through so many stages of my life.

I did not get that.

When Thomas & I found her, she was not alone. My two boys were with her. One on each side of her, pressed up against her like they were holding her.

That image shattered me.

But it also brings me comfort now that I look back at that moment.

She did not leave this world alone. She was surrounded. She was loved until her final breath.

Still, I hate that I was not awake. I hate that I did not get that final moment. I feel like I did not get closure.

Since she passed, my mind has been loud with what-ifs.

What if I had tried something different.
What if I had pushed for another treatment.
What if I had been there.

Grief attaches itself to guilt. It makes you believe that if you replay everything enough times, you could somehow change the ending.

But I cannot.

And I cannot live in that space forever.

Because when I step back from the guilt, I see something else.

She was abandoned once. And then she never had to wonder again.

I gave her a safe home.
A warm bed.
Food and water every day.
Medical care.
Comfort.
Affection.
A family who adored her.

She was deeply loved.

She may not have had a long life like I envisioned, but she had a good life.

What gives me peace now is knowing she is no longer frail. No longer sick from strong medication. No longer trapped in a body that was failing her.

She is whole.
She is restored.
She is at peace.

And I know she is in heaven.

Pet grief is heavier than people talk about. I feel like non-pet owners do not fully understand when you say, “she was my baby.”

But she was.

She was my baby before I ever had a baby. She was my rock. The most affectionate, gentle soul I have ever come into contact with.

The house feels different without her. I still look for her in her usual spots. I still expect to hear her meow every morning.

I miss her so much.

Walking through this has taught me that the depth of grief reflects the depth of love. And I would choose those ten years with her all over again, even knowing how much it hurts to lose her.

She was not just a pet.

She was part of my story.

And she always will be.

A Letter to Lucy

Lucy,

I love you so much. I miss you more than I can put into words.

I hate that I did not get to hold you one last time. I hate that I did not get to say goodbye. I always thought I would have that moment.

But I hope you felt my love every single day of your life.

Thank you for being my rock when I was just a girl trying to figure life out. Thank you for loving me through every season. Thank you for being my best friend and my soulmate in the smallest, sweetest body.

Thank you for loving Thomas and turning him into a cat lover. Thank you for loving and watching over Addie while she played. Thank you for loving our home.

I hope you always felt safe. I hope you always knew how loved you were.

I am so grateful I got to be your mom.

Until I see you again.

I love you forever,

Mom 🤍

You followed along with our fireplace makeover, and now I’m taking you behind the scenes of our pot filler and backsplash renovation.

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When we were building, I chose not to have the builder install a backsplash because I had been eyeing a very specific tile. I also knew that if I wanted a pot filler, it needed to be installed before the backsplash went in.

This project completely transformed our kitchen, and it was extra special because my dad helped me do it. He literally knows how to do everything, and he walked me through the plumbing step by step! I’m definitely not a professional or very knowledgeable in this area, but I’m sharing what I know & how we did it in case you’re thinking about adding one too!

Step 1: Finding the Closest Water Line

The first thing we did was locate the nearest water source.

Thankfully, there’s a toilet just a couple feet to the right of our stove. That meant we didn’t have to run water from across the house. We carefully cut open the drywall from behind the stove toward that water line so we could access it.

Step 2: Splitting the Line with a PEX Tee

Once we accessed the existing line, we:

• Snipped the water line

• Installed a 1/2 inch PEX crimp brass tee to split the line

To secure it, we used:

• 1/2 inch PEX copper crimp rings

• A professional PEX crimp tool (this is important — you need proper compression so it seals tightly)

From there, we connected a 1/2 inch blue PEX-B pipe from the brass tee to the exact location where I wanted the pot filler installed.

Step 3: Installing the Drop Ear Elbow

We needed something sturdy to anchor the pot filler connection.

So we:

• Installed a 2x6 horizontally between the studs

• Secured it firmly

• Mounted a 90-degree female drop ear elbow onto that 2x6

This gives the pot filler a solid anchor point.

When securing plumbing fittings, you want to use copper screws, not regular steel screws.

When two dissimilar metals (like brass and standard steel) come into contact and are exposed to moisture, a process called galvanic corrosion can occur. This is an electrochemical reaction where one metal essentially sacrifices itself and corrodes over time. In plumbing, that can weaken fasteners and cause long-term issues.

We added a temporary test plug while we finished the backsplash.

Step 4: Patching Drywall + Installing Tile

After plumbing was complete, we patched the drywall and moved on to the backsplash.

And this tile… I am obsessed.

We used the Villa Zellige Oat Ceramic Tile. Every single piece is slightly different in tone and texture. The variation gives it so much depth and character without being busy. It reflects light beautifully and adds so much dimension.

Pro Tip:
If you use a variegated tile like this, open all the boxes and mix the tiles together before installation. Otherwise you’ll end up with clusters of the same tones in one area.

For grout, we chose:

• Mapei grout in the color “Eggshell”

Step 5: Installing the Pot Filler

After tile was installed, it was finally time.

We did have to find the correct brass male fitting adapter — and it took a couple of tries because we needed one that was longer than standard. If you’re lucky, your pot filler may include one. Ours did not.

Once we had the correct adapter:

• We used a diamond-tipped core bit to drill through the tile

• Anchored the base plate to the drop ear elbow behind the wall

• Screwed the pot filler on and adjusted until perfectly level

And just like that…

It was done! Honestly did not take as long as I thought and we saved so much money doing some pieces by ourselves!

Adding the pot filler completely elevated my kitchen! It feels custom. It feels intentional. And it’s practical!

Now every time I turn that pot filler on, I just stand there and smile lol. I have wanted a pot filler for SO LONG.

It’s one of those upgrades that’s functional, but it also makes the whole kitchen feel more finished and custom.

I’m so glad we waited and did it the way we wanted. It finally feels like my kitchen.

Now it’s time to get my cookbook cover photo done in my new kitchen!!

I hope you learned something from this little DIY project — or at the very least just enjoyed seeing it come together :)

Katie

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Most of us cover leftovers, wrap sandwiches, or seal bowls with plastic wrap without thinking twice. But when plastic comes into direct contact with food, especially warm or acidic food, it is doing more than just covering your leftovers.

What happens when plastic wrap touches food?

Many conventional plastic wraps are made from materials like PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or LDPE (low-density polyethylene). To make them flexible and clingy, manufacturers often add plasticizers, which can migrate into your food.

Now, this is more likely to happen when:

• Food is warm or hot

• Food is acidic (tomato sauce, citrus, vinegar-based dishes)

• Food is fatty or oily

• Plastic is used for long-term storage

Heat and fat in particular can accelerate chemical migration, which is when small amounts of compounds transfer from the plastic into the food.

Even when no chemical transfer occurs, plastic wrap can still affect food by:

• trapping excess condensation

• creating soggy textures

• holding onto strong odors

• subtly affecting flavor during storage

Short-term vs. long-term concerns

Short-term exposure isn’t likely to cause immediate harm, but repeated exposure over time is where concern grows.

Research on food-contact plastics has focused on endocrine-disrupting chemicals, which can interfere with hormone signaling in the body when exposure accumulates over time. While regulations limit what can be used in food packaging, many people choose to reduce contact with plastics as part of a lower-tox lifestyle.

This is especially relevant when plastic wrap is used to cover:

• Hot leftovers

• Microwave dishes

• Fermenting or acidic foods

• Foods stored for multiple days

The goal isn’t perfection. It’s simply reducing repeated exposure where it’s easy to do so.

Better alternatives to plastic wrap

The good news is there are some really easy swaps.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Reusable silicone stretch lids
These create an airtight seal over bowls, glass containers, and even cut fruit. They’re durable, dishwasher-safe, and replace plastic wrap almost completely in my kitchen.

Beeswax wraps
These are great for wrapping sandwiches, covering cheese, or placing over bowls. They’re breathable and reusable, which helps food stay fresh without trapping moisture the same way plastic does.

Non-toxic containers with lids
Something like Caraway food storage containers are a great option. Although they are an investment, they are so worth it! I do have a discount code with Caraway, KATIELADY10.

Parchment paper + a plate
A simple low-effort option when you just need to loosely cover something in the fridge. Make sure you use unbleached parchment paper though!!

“Cleaner” plastic wrap options
If you still want the convenience of plastic wrap sometimes, look for brands made without PVC or phthalates. These can be a better option for occasional use, especially with cold foods.

Sometimes the biggest impact comes from the smallest habits. Covering leftovers is something most of us do daily, which makes it a powerful place to reduce unnecessary exposure!!

Until next week,

Katie

Welcome to our first official Non-Toxic Tuesday in this new format — where we take one swap at a time and really break it down.

Today we’re talking about something most of us use every single day without thinking twice: body lotion.

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If you’ve ever flipped over the back of a conventional lotion bottle, you’ve probably seen an ingredient list that looks more like a chemistry experiment than skincare. And the truth is, this isn’t just one brand. This is most conventional lotions sitting on store shelves unfortunately.

The wild part? These products are marketed as “moisturizing,” “soothing,” and “good for skin,” when many of the ingredients do the exact opposite.

Here are some of the most common problematic ingredients you’ll see on labels.

Fragrance (Parfum)
This is the big one. “Fragrance” is a legal loophole that can hide hundreds of undisclosed chemicals, including phthalates, which are known endocrine disruptors. This is what gives lotions that strong, fake perfume smell that lingers for hours.

Phenoxyethanol
A synthetic preservative that can cause skin irritation and has been linked to nervous system effects in high exposure.

PEGs (Polyethylene Glycols)
These are petroleum-based compounds that can be contaminated with carcinogens during manufacturing. They also increase skin permeability, meaning your skin absorbs more of everything else in the formula.

Propylene Glycol
Used to help products penetrate the skin, but it’s also a known skin irritant and can cause dermatitis over time.

Parabens (methylparaben, propylparaben, etc.)
Preservatives that mimic estrogen in the body and disrupt hormone function.

Artificial dyes (Red 33, Yellow 5, Blue 1, etc.)
These add nothing for your skin and are purely cosmetic, yet are linked to irritation and toxicity concerns.

Petrolatum / Mineral Oil
A petroleum byproduct that coats the skin instead of nourishing it. It can trap toxins and clog pores rather than actually moisturizing.

Chlorphenesin
Another preservative with potential nervous system impact and skin irritation.

Disodium EDTA
A penetration enhancer that allows more ingredients to pass through your skin barrier and into the bloodstream.

Dimethicone
Creates a seal over the skin that traps all of these ingredients against your body, increasing absorption.

Hexamethylindanopyran
A synthetic musk fragrance chemical that can build up in the body over time and is linked to hormone disruption.

Tetramethyl Acetyloctahydronaphthalenes (OTNE)
A fragrance fixative that is associated with endocrine disruption.

So while these lotions feel silky at first, they’re often just coating your skin with synthetic fillers and fragrance while your body absorbs things you don’t want anywhere near your system.

Now here’s the good part.

When you switch to truly non-toxic lotions made with real butters, oils, and essential oils, two things happen:

1. Your skin actually gets more hydrated.

2. You don’t need nearly as much product.

You’re feeding your skin instead of masking dryness.

My personal all-time favorite brand for this is Primally Pure.

Their body butters and lotions are made with ingredients you can pronounce:

• grass-fed tallow

• shea butter

• jojoba oil

• real essential oils for scent

No fake fragrances. No fillers. No junk.

And not only are they better for you, they work better and smell better. The scent is light, natural, and doesn’t give you that overwhelming perfume cloud. Their body butters literally melt into your skin!

You can use my code COOKINGKATIE for a discount!

These ingredients work with your skin, not against it, by strengthening the skin barrier, delivering deep lasting moisture, calming inflammation, and providing vitamins and nutrients your skin can recognize, absorb, and actually use.

Some other clean brands that also make great non-toxic body products:

• DIME Beauty

• OSEA

• Rowe Casa Organics

Before you purchase any sort of body lotion, flip the bottle over and read the ingredient list. If you see fragrance, PEGs, parabens, propylene glycol, or a list that looks like a chemistry experiment, it’s a no.

This is one of the easiest swaps you can make because you use lotion daily, and your skin is your largest organ. What you put on it matters!

Until next week,

Katie
Cooking Katie Lady

You may have noticed I skipped last week’s newsletter. It was intentional!

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Up until now, my weekly letters have been a mix of everything: a non-toxic swap, new recipes, life updates, little finds I love, and whatever else was on my heart that week. And while I love sharing all of that with you, it started to feel a little… jumbled. Like too many good things crammed into one space.

So I decided to switch things up.

Instead of one big weekly newsletter with a little bit of everything, I’m moving toward more dedicated posts. That means each post will focus on one specific topic at a time — whether that’s a Non-Toxic Tuesday swap, a brand new recipe, a lifestyle update, a kitchen tip, or something I’m loving lately.

This doesn’t mean you’ll be receiving less from me. Quite the opposite.

You’ll actually be getting more frequent updates, just in a way that’s easier to read, easier to save, and easier to come back to when you need it. If you want non-toxic swaps, you’ll know exactly where to find them. If you want recipes, you’ll have posts dedicated just to that.

As I develop new recipes, I’ll also be sharing them directly in my main feed and linking you straight to the full recipe on my site, so you can get to it quickly.

I’m really excited about this shift because it feels more organized, more intentional, and honestly more helpful for you.

So this isn’t necessarily the “last” newsletter — just the last of this format!!

Thank you for being here, for reading along, and for growing with me as this little space continues to evolve.

Happy February!

Katie

I hope most of you have the day off and are enjoying a cozy three-day weekend. Ours was busy but productive.

Cookbook Progress

I made so much progress on my cookbook over the weekend. I’m officially in the phase of choosing which recipes make the cut, and wow — this is harder than I expected. I’m limited to 50 recipes in this first book, and narrowing things down has been painful. I’ve gotten myself down to 60, so I only have 10 more to eliminate… or I may try to convince my publisher to let me do 55. We’ll see.

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One thing I didn’t realize before starting this process is how much goes into publishing a cookbook. Every page adds cost — photography, food styling, recipe testing, editing, layout, printing, paper quality, binding, and shipping. It’s a huge investment behind the scenes. That’s why recipe count and page count matter so much. It’s been a learning experience, but also incredibly exciting. This book is truly a dream in the making.

A Hard Family Update

Last week I mentioned we had some unexpected chaos going on, and unfortunately we had more news to add to that.

As I shared, our youngest cat Archie had emergency surgery to remove a fast-growing mass on his ear. This growth appeared out of nowhere and doubled in size overnight. He had a tiny growth removed in the same spot about a year and a half ago, but it looked completely different, so we didn’t think they were related. This new one was aggressive, angry-looking, and honestly shocking in how fast it grew — it was larger than his ear itself.

The surgery went well and he’s been recovering like a champ. But we wanted answers, so we decided to send the mass to a lab for testing.

We got the results back, and it was cancerous.

Archie has (or had — we don’t fully know yet) sarcoma cancer, which is a rare form of skin and soft-tissue cancer. Sarcomas can be aggressive and are known for returning if margins aren’t wide enough during removal.

The good news is that the doc intentionally took large margins around the tumor because of how fast-growing it was. He feels confident that he removed all of it. And because these tumors grow externally and quickly, if it ever does return, we’ll know right away.

I took Tuesday off just to process everything. There were a lot of tears. Fur babies are family, and this was a scary moment. But Archie is healing, playful again, and acting like himself — and that’s what matters most right now. We’re choosing hope and praying this is behind us.

Busy Mom Life

Addie is learning new words every day and is officially running instead of wobble-walking. Which means I’m getting all my steps in chasing her around the house. Exhausting, adorable, and the best kind of chaos.

Recipe Recap

Here’s what went up recently:

Greek Yogurt Strawberry Shortcake Pancakes — an all-time favorite and perfect for Valentine’s Day.

Copycat Strawberry Nutri-Grain Bars — I was so sad this one didn’t perform well on social media because they’re genuinely one of my favorite creations. Addie and Thomas devoured them. Please trust me and try these — they’re nostalgic, wholesome, and so worth it.

Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad — refreshing, simple, goes with everything, and packed with nutritious ingredients.

Copycat Crazy Feta Dip — tastes even better than Cava in my opinion. Another one the algorithm didn’t love, but we sure did.

Sausage McGriddle Egg Bites — reposted because I made them again last week and remembered how obsessed I am.

Coming This Week

• Dump-and-bake chicken and rice casserole

• Another yummy salad recipe

• A healthy high-protein brownie

• A sweet breakfast treat

And I’ll be putting up a recipe request box on my stories this week — I haven’t done one in a while, so send me your ideas!

Nontoxic Swap of the Week: Your Meat

Nearly all of our protein comes from ButcherBox. It’s a meat subscription delivery service that ships high-quality proteins straight to your door.

Their meats are grass-fed, pasture-raised, and responsibly sourced. No questionable additives. No mystery sourcing. Just clean, quality protein.

You order a month (or more) of protein at once, which means fewer grocery trips, less packaging waste, and more efficient shipping. Everything comes frozen, vacuum-sealed, and packed sustainably.

And the quality difference is real — better taste, better texture, and peace of mind knowing what we’re feeding our family.

Right now they’re running an unreal offer: when you sign up, you get to choose either free bacon and steak for a whole year, or free chicken breasts and bacon for a whole year — in every box.

Here’s my link if you want to check it out:
http://butcherbox.pxf.io/Y96rNm

Thank you for being here, for supporting my work, and for following along through the busy, messy, beautiful parts of life.

Until next week,
Katie