I live in nyc which I thought meant it would be impossible to forage fig leaves, but apparently once you open your eyes they are everywhere. I was lucky enough to have a friend who has a fig tree in her backyard, and she graciously donated as many fig leaves as I wanted to my cause.

Fig leaves are the leaves that grow on fig trees, the same ones that bear the gorgeous juicy summer-fall fruits. Figs have always been one of my favorite fruits and I had no idea that their leaves were equally as magical. You can smell the aroma immediately, but it is brought out even more when toasted. It has this nutty, earthy, vanilla and coconut scent and flavor that has this incredible caramel-like depth to it. It’s like burnt vanilla and toasted coconut, in the best way.

There are tons of ways you can use fig leaves, from infusions to syrups to ice creams and even savory dishes like wrapping fish and meats in the leaves. They just add another layer of flavor that is delicate but present. Although I have a yummy savory dish I love it with, I do prefer the sweet. I think the sugars and the cream balances out the flavor perfectly, and in this ice cream the vanilla bean just elevates it.

As you know I basically always no matter the flavor drizzle extra virgin olive oil on my ice creams, so it only felt right to make a fig leaf olive oil. Not only does it add the beautiful green color of the fig leaves, but you get even more fig leaf flavor.

I am so excited for you to try this. Get out there & forage some fig leaves, and enjoy!

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Fig Leaf Ice Cream

Ingredients

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Don’t get me wrong, I love Fall, it’s my favorite month, but it doesn’t officially start for a few weeks. We have a few more weeks of warmth, humidity, and longer days, and so it’s time to soak it up as much as possible. I have created a recipe roundup of summer-centric bevs, smoothies, baked goods, meals, sweets & more to make before we dive head first into fall!!! If you’ve been wanting to make any of these the time is nowww. Tomatoes are perfect. Melons & stone fruit are still abundant. & it’s still hot enough to cool down with an iced bev, smoothie, or maybe some froyo…

Let’s get into it…

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Bevs

• Blueberry Hibiscus Lemonade

• Coconut Cold Foam Coco Matcha

• Creamy Cherry Salted Lemonade

• Creamy Honeydew Herb Lemonade

• Hot Honey Peach Spritz

• Salted Watermelon Elixir

• Sungold Lemonade

Smoothies + Brekky

• Lemony Yogurt Bowl, in a Sugar Melon

• Mint Chip Smoothie

• PinkBerry Smoothie

Baked Goods

• Blackberry Fig Newtons

• Double Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

Sauces, Dressings & Jams

• Blueberry Basil Jam

• Maple Apricot Syrup

• Mixed Raspberry Currant Jam

• Spicy Sungold Heirloom Tomato Sauce

Salads

• Briny Tomato Greek Salad

• Charred Corn & Steak Salad

• Crunchy Ginger Cucumber Salad

• Green Goddess Chicken Salad

• Heirloom Tomato & Peach Panzanella

• Roasted Summer Squash & Corn Salad

• Tarragon & Chive Potato Salad

• Tomato & Watermelon Salad, in a Watermelon

Appetizers

• Beet Carpaccio & Pesto

• Checkered Sweet & Salty Melon

• Prosciutto Melon Crostini

Entrees

• Lemon-Thyme Chicken & Summer Veggies

• Sheet Pan Salmon & Summer Veggies

• Steak with Basil Chimichurri

• Summer Squash Lasagna

Sweets

• Basil Tarragon Ice Cream, in a Cantaloupe

• Cherry Stracciatella Custard Ice Cream

• Classic Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Tart Vanilla Bean Froyo

• Fiber Cookie Dough Banana Froyo Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Fig Leaf Ice Cream (coming wednesday)

• Maple Vanilla Bean Custard Ice Cream with Caramelized Apricots

• Mint Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream

• Peach & Strawberry Crumble Ice Cream

• Sweet & Savory Stone Fruit Cobbler

• Tiramisu Ice Cream

• Triple Berries & Cream Froyo

ENJOY! Happy September <3

XO - Ella

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The end of the month is my favorite time to do a complete reset—physically and mentally. The physical and mental are intertwined for me, a cluttered physical space means a cluttered mind, so I like to set aside a few hours to deep clean, de-clutter, and then reflect. I clean out my pantry, fridge, and do the general de-cluttering and deep cleansing of my space (vacuuming, steaming, putting away clothes and random items, etc).

& then I try to take some quiet time, without noise, to just reflect on the past month. This ritual really grounds me and helps me to move into the next month with more peace and clarity vs overwhelm. I highly recommend. Even just setting a timer for 30 minutes and locking in can be so amazing.

End of the month also means it’s time for our end of the month roundupppp, 10(plus-ish) of my favorite things, rituals, recipes, products anythinggg that I am obsessed with and loving!!! Let’s get into it….

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1. Lymphatic Exercises

Lymphatic drainage has always been an important pillar for our health, but it’s become more prevalent the more stagnant we become. Our bodies weren’t meant for sitting inside hunched over a desk all day, they need movement and flow to thrive, so I really try to prioritize adding in these exercises to allow for that, intentionally, since it’s not as naturally implemented in my routine. and it makes me feel SO GOOD.

In the morning, I love practicing Chinese longevity exercises/qi gong. Movements like lymphatic taps, lymphatic hops, arm swings, trunk twists, body waves, around the world squats, and more general flowy twists and stretches that help to loosen and allow flow into my body and fascia. Small stretches throughout the day are also some of my favorite ways to break up my day.

In the evening, legs up the wall is my favorite. It’s one of the easiest low-lift practices for circulation and nervous system regulation. and then of course I love to try and walk as much as possible. The more I am walking has a direct positive correlation with my energy, mood, sleep and everything in between.

2. Letter to Self

Last year I started a new ritual where I would write a letter to myself a year from today, from my future self. Explaining where we are, what we accomplished, how we feel, speaking from a future tense. There is something really powerful about this practice. It allows for you to envision your ideal future and really creates intention in your present day actions so you can ground your goals. It’s also just a great way to check in with yourself.

I write the letter, address it to myself with the date a year from today, and seal it to open up in a year. I think a new month is a great way to start that practice, September 1st, the end of summer before we transition into fall.

Also if you struggle with journaling, it’s a great prompt to spark some creativity. I love a new month to reflect, plan, and start fresh. And September is my favorite month.

3. Raw Honey Exfoliation Mask

When I first went to a facialist and told them my skincare routine they were shooook that I didn’t use an exfoliator. She said it was one of the most important things in a skincare routine to use weekly.

My skin is extremely sensitive so most exfoliators do nothing but irritate it and break down my barrier. I wanted to find one that was gentle and so I started doing raw honey face masks. Manuka honey in particular. Manuka honey is extremely soothing, hydrating, antibacterial, and helps to repair the skin barrier. It also is a natural exfoliant. It has natural enzymes that gently loosen dead skin cells while hydrating and repairing the skin barrier. It’s one of the only exfoliants that doesn’t dehydrate and redden and irritate my skin. You can use any manuka honey, I prefer a high-MGO one. Sometimes I’ll mix it with raw cacao powder or quality matcha powder, but usually will just keep it as is.

I have been loving this aunu manuka honey mask, it’s made with medical-grade manuka honey and leaves my skin glowing. I have been trying to be consistent with it and use it at least once a week. Sunday nights are my routine and then I do a hot shower to shower it off and do a full skin&body care routine. Best feeling after a full Sunday reset.

4. Ancestral Beef Sticks

Beef organs are like my nature’s multivitamin. I think eating nose to tail is soooo important and such a lost tradition. But it’s intimidating, I get it. So one of my FAVORITE ways to incorporate it is these ancestral beef sticks. You wouldn’t even know that there are beef organs in them they taste soooo good. I prefer them over any other beef stick, and they are 100% grass-fed & regeneratively raised. The best quality beef sticks I have ever come across and the best taste.

Whenever I am traveling I bring these, or if I need some protein in a pinch, they are the perfect nutrient dense snack and they have savedddd me over and over again.

5. Organic Cotton Capri Pants

I could live in these pants. I have worn them every single day since I bought them and considered buying another pair of the exact same ones because when I haven’t done laundry and they are dirty I miss them lol. I packed these on my Greece trip and didn’t even end up wearing 90% of my suitcase because I just wore these every day. They are the comfiest, most versatile yet cute pants that can be dressed up or down. Also made with organic cotton they are just buttery soft and I love them so much. Love wearing them with a pair of ballet flats, and I like the matching halter top too.

6. Vanilla Body Oil

I want to bathe in this body oil. There are not a lot of vanilla scents out there that use real vanilla, and this one does and you can smellll that. I am sooo sensitive to scents and this one uses real vanilla bean pods infused in organic golden jojoba oil and it’s just dreamy. It’s like a buttery freshly baked cupcake in the best way possible.

Only three ingredients: organic golden jojoba oil, organic vanilla beans, and non-gmo vitamin E oil. No synthetic fragrance, fillers, or preservatives. It’s my new favorite evening routine to smother this all over and it just melts into my skin.

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7. Ceramic Bowls

I’m a bowl girl. No matter what I am eating, I am using a bowl. Even if it’s a plate that has slightly rounded edges, rarely am I just using a flat plate. There’s just something about a bowl. Idk what it is it just makes meals better. Makes me happy.

So these everyday ceramic bowls have been the best ever addition to my kitchen repertoire. You know when you get a new bowl and every single one of your meals goes in that bowl, that is this for me. I got them in a few colors but the blue is my favorite. It romanticizes & elevates the meal, the girls that get it get it. They are also super high quality & handmade, all of their pieces are just beautiful.

8. Ceremonial Cacao

Cacao has always been fascinating to me I have visited farms in Costa Rica & Hawaii and they always have this healing and grounding energy to them. I have been in love with ceremonial cacao as part of my ritual for a while now.

Cacao is rich in minerals and polyphenols and properties that can help support mood, circulation and natural energy. It’s a heart opener that can help to support creativity, meditation and mindfulness.

Quality matters, which is why I am particular about where I source my cacao and one of my favorite places is Ora Cacao—they have everything from ceremonial cacao to cacao powder and cacao nibs. Plus really high quality functional mushrooms. Everything is regenerative, traceable, sourced from ethical small-farms, organic and super high in flavonoids (you can use “glowwithella” as a discount).

My favorite ceremonial cacao of theirs is the boundless belize, and then I have recently been more often using their cacao powder, nibs always, and functional mushrooms. I put the powder in my bevs (love it in my coffee) and sprinkle nibs on everything from yogurt bowls to desserts.

9. Fig Leaves

I am obsessed with figs. They are one of my favorite fruits. Especially when they are perfectly soft and just straight jammmmyyyy inside oh my gosh. This year I discovered fig leaves, which are the leaves that grow from fig trees, and they have this natural vanilla-coconut flavor that is just so unique.

There are lots of ways to get creative with fig leaves, fig leaf syrup, fig leaf tea, fig leaf infusions, wrapping meat or fish in fig leaves before grilling/baking, fig leaf rice, and then recently I made fig leaf oil with fig leaf ice cream. It’s like toasted coconut vanilla heaven. I’ll share the full recipe on Wednesday, but if you come across fig leaves, get them!!! There are so many fun ways to use them.

10. Summer Bevs & Treats

Sharing a few of my favorite refreshing summer recipes here to make before the fall crisp & chill hits the air and we are drowning in pumpkin!!!!

Coconut Cold Foam Coco-Matcha

Ingredients

For the Coconut Cold Foam

• 1 can of coconut cream

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 tsp vanilla bean powder

• 1 tbsp raw honey

• pinch of salt

For one Coconut Matcha

• 1-2 oz coconut cold foam (measure with ur heart tbh)

• 1 cup coconut water

• 2-3g of matcha (matcha kokoro, obviously @cosmic.cultures )

• 1/4 cup filtered water to whisk matcha

• lakey salt

Recipe

1. For the cold foam, leave the can of coconut cream in the fridge overnight to allow the liquids & solids to separate

2. When ready to make, scoop out the solids into a large bowl or cup

3. Add in vanillas, raw honey & salt

4. Use a electric hand whisk to whip the coconut cream until it is smooth and forms peaks like whipped cream

5. Add back in the liquid from the coconut cream, slowly 1 tbsp at a time, and whisk until smooth and creamy

6. Separately whisk your matcha until smooth and glossy*

7. Add ice to a large glass and pour over coconut water

8. Pour over matcha, and then top with coconut cold foam

9. Option to top with flakey salt or even coconut flakes, and enjoyyyyyyyy xxxxx

*my guide to making the perfect matcha is here

PinkBerry Smoothie

Ingredients

• 1 cup frozen strawberries (about 8-10 berries)

• 1/2 cup frozen raspberries

• 1/3 cup thick skyr plain yogurt

• pinch of salt

• 1/2 tsp fresh lemon juice

• 1/2 tsp vanilla powder or extract

• 1 scoop protein powder

• 1/4 cup milk

• optional for sweetness: 1 date OR 1/4 cup frozen banana OR 1 tsp raw honey (banana will alter flavor the most)

Recipe

1. Add all ingredients to blender

2. Pulse to blend (may need to shake or mix if needed to help blend, pause blender, mix, repeat) if it’s really stuck add more milk 1 tbsp at a time

3. Blend until thick and creamy

4. Blizzard test at your own risk

5. Top w your fav toppings & Enjoy

Tart Vanilla Bean Froyo

Ingredients

• 2 cups plain skyr or thick greek yogurt

• 1/4 cup full-fat kefir

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup whole milk

• 1/4 cup maple syrup

• 2 tsp vanilla bean powder

• pinch of salt

Recipe

24-48 HOURS BEFORE

1. Whisk together kefir and heavy cream until smooth, then place in an air tight container in the fridge for 24-48 to make cultured cream (the longer it sits the tarter/tangier it’ll get)

2. If using an ice cream base you need to freeze, place in the freezer

THE DAY OF

1. In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, cultured cream, whole milk, maple syrup, vanilla bean and salt until smooth

2. Once churner is ready, pour in chilled frozen yogurt base and churn for 20–40 minutes until it reaches a soft-serve consistency (time depends on your ice cream maker)

3. It’s best served fresh, store frozen yogurt in an air tight container in the freezer (option to press wax paper/plastic wrap directly onto the surface to help maintain freshness)

4. Enjoy!

Mint Chip Smoothie

Ingredients

• 1 cup ice

• 1/2 cup frozen banana*

• 1 tbsp almond butter

• 1/2 tsp vanilla

• 1/4 cup fresh mint

• 1 tsp maca powder

• 1 small handful spinach or dropper chlorophyll

• 1 scoop collagen

• 1 scoop protein powder

• 1 tbsp cacao nibs

• 1/4 cup milk (add 1 tbsp at a time as needed to blend)

• pinch of salt

*if you don’t want to use banana, sub for 1 date + 1/2 cup more of ice (it will be less creamy & more icy)

Recipe

1. Add everything a blender besides cacao nibs

2. Pulse to blend, making sure not to overblend to stay thickkkk

3. Shake to blend or use blender stick thing to help blend, if needed add more milk 1 tbsp at a time

4. Add in cacao nibs at the end and pulse, until thick and creamy

5. Serve & enjoy!!!! Top with more cacao nibs

LOVE YOU GUYS!!!! Happy almost September can’t wait to celebrate the new month with you alllll. Fig leaf ice cream & oil coming Wednesday. September seasonal menu coming Sunday. YAY. SUCH A GOOD WEEK. Talk to you soon.

XO - Ella

PS: Always ask me if you have any questions! I linked everything I talked about here in my ShopMy page, some are affiliate links some are not. I also reorganized my entire ShopMy + Amazon Storefront so if you are looking for something I posted about hopefully you can find it easier.

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Gut health and oral health are directly connected, and just like our gut, our mouth has a system of billions of microbes that support digestion, protection of teeth and gums, immune health, mineral absorption & more. When our oral microbiome is imbalanced (more bad bacteria than good), it can lead to tooth decay, gum disease & inflammation, bad breath and long-term imbalances in the body.

“What happens in the mouth doesn’t stay in the mouth,” —Dr. Staci Whitman on What’s The Juice Podcast. I highly recommend giving this podcast episode a listen to learn a bit deeper from a professional.

Oral health is obviously aesthetic, we all love a beautiful smile & white teeth and pink healthy gums—but it’s so much more than that!! Taking care of our oral health positively impacts skin health, gut health, hormone health and beyond.

Just like our gut microbiome, we need the good bacteria in our oral microbiome to be flourishing and thriving, the good helps to crowd out the bad and create an overall healthy environment. In order to support that good, creating a healthy lifestyle and oral health routine is keyyyy.

Supporting my oral health has been a life-changing ritual in my wellness routine, so I wanted to re-share with you all of the tips I have incorporated & some of my favorite healthy swaps when it comes to conventional oral products. Let’s get intooo it…

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My Everyday Products

Before we get into the habits & rituals, these are the products I use daily. I try to lean towards products that support my oral microbiome vs strip it. Unfortunately a lot of products on the shelf can strip the enamel from our teeth and destroy the good bacteria in our mouths, worsening problems instead of improving. I want to share some of my personal favorite products that, in my opinion, work better for me than conventional items.

• Suri Electric Toothbrush: I have been told to use an electric toothbrush by dentists my whole life but never actually stuck to using one, until SURI. There are a few reasons why I love it, first and foremost the bristles are completely plastic-free, made of cornstarch & castor oil, 100% plant-based. So no petroleum-based microplastic shedding while brushing my teeth&gums, doesn’t end up irritating my gums at all. I am a germaphobe, and so I love the feature that the charging case has a UV-cleaning button that kills 99.9% of bacteria (also feels like it stays charged forever I haven’t charged in in a month). There’s two modes, clean and polish so my teeth feel extra clean, and I really do feel like the vibrations help stimulate healthy gums. Plus its sleek and looks good in my bathroom. It’s been my favorite addition into my oral health routine. I am partnering with Suri today to get you 15% off with code ELLA.

• Fulvic Floss: I use floss infused with organic essential oils & fulvic acid, and made with beeswax instead of plastic and artificial coatings. Free of forever chemicals & made with 100% biodegradable silk!

• Toothpaste: I switch between toothpaste & toothpowder. The main thing I look for when it comes to a toothpaste is free preservatives, dyes, sulfates, SLS (synthetic foaming agent), and cruelty free/no animal testing. Prioritizing essential oils vs. artificial sweeteners and flavorings. I personally don’t use nano-hydroxyapatite or fluoride in my every day toothpaste.

• Mouthwash: I don’t really use a mouthwash, I prefer to oil pull with quality coconut oil (mentioned below) or chew/swish with cloves&fennel. I also love a salt water rinse&gargle every once in a while in the morning.

The products I use are linked here. I brush my teeth 2-3 times a day, tongue scrape in the morning, try my best to floss daily lol, and oil pull every once in a while when I feel the need. I used to oil pull weekly and I am trying to get back on that wave.

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Rituals for Oral Health

1. Nasal Breathing.

Breathing through our nose is so important for health. Mouth breathing can affect posture, facial structure, jaw/teeth, breath, oral health, facial symmetry, digestion, and ability to breathe properly. It can cause congestion, heavy mucus, asthma, snoring, poor smell, and crooked teeth.

Breathing through our nose also helps support a healthy oral microbiome. Mouth breathing can dry out important moisture and saliva, and increase the risk of tooth & gum issues. A few more benefits to nose breathing:

• Better sleep

• Optimal athletic performance

• Improved response to stress and anxiety

• Facial symmetry

• Stronger jawline

• Improved head posture

• Optimized oxygen absorption

• Improved Smell

• Cleaner air (nose helps to filter impurities)

I highly recommend learning more about the proper way to breathe from Patrick McKeown, here is one of his short Ted Talks, but he also has wonderful books that go deeper into it!

I luckily naturally breathe through my nose, but there are times where I am breathing out of my mouth without noticing (especially when I am feeling sick and congested - Patrick McKeown has a wonderful decongesting exercise for this). The biggest thing that has helped me is being more intentional about my breathing. Taking deep intentional belly breaths through my nose all throughout the day. My main tips for nasal breathing:

• Use pre-meal times to take three intentional deep belly breaths through the nose prior to eating. Practice this in the morning and before bed

• During workouts & when I am active, consciously breathing through my nose

• Mouth taping. This isn’t for everyone, especially people with sleep apnea so I am not recommending it, I do this every so often (especially if I am trying to sleep on a plane lol because my mouth naturally falls open). It can help to train to breathe through the nose throughout the night

• When eating, sit upright and thoroughly chew each bite of food

• Oil pulling also helps train to nasal breathe which I get into next…

2. Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is taking a tablespoon of high quality oil (I personally use organic regenerative virgin coconut oil) and swishing it around for up to 20 minutes (the more you swish the more it benefits, but it’s something you have to build up to). This is an ancient Aryuvedic practice that has been around for thousands of years! Start at 1 minute and build up, and create distraction while doing it (I like to make my bed, dry brush, unload dishwasher, etc…) I try to oil pull 1-2 times a week for 10-20 minutes. If the taste is bothersome, add peppermint or clove oil! Benefits may include:

• Healthy oral microbiome (antibacterial, antiviral, anti fungal) helps pull bad bacteria out of the mouth and promote healthy bacteria

• Whitens teeth

• Helps prevent receding gums & gingivitis

• Reduces plaque

• Reduces inflammation

• Promotes healthy skin & digestion

• Strengthens jaw

• Promotes nasal breathing

A few notes—don’t swallow any oil & once done make sure to spit it in the trash versus the sink as it can clog pipes! I prefer to oil pull as the first step in my oral routine before brushing and everything else.

3. Tongue Scraping

This is another ancient Aryuvedic practice that supports a healthy oral microbiome. I tongue scrape daily in the morning. I use a copper tongue scraper, and benefits may include:

• Fresher breath

• Improve oral and gut health

• Reduce plaque

• Promotes healthy digestion

4. Nourishing My Body

What we eat will either positively or negatively affect our oral microbiome. I try to avoid ultra-processed foods, and cook most meals at home. Of course I don’t let the fear of eating something get in the way of me enjoying life. I will eat out and have fun as well, but my primary lifestyle is home-cooked, seasonal quality food.

My diet consists of: (primarily organic for all of these) seasonal fruits and vegetables, grass-fed and finished meat, wild fish, pasture raised chicken, eggs and turkey, A2 full-fat dairy, fermented foods, sprouted grains/sourdough bread, extra virgin olive oil, raw honey and raw vinegars. Antioxidant rich foods like matcha, cacao, turmeric, herbals and ginger. Eating a diet rich in these vitamins, minerals, fibers, proteins helps to create a healthy oral environment.

5. Mindful Eating

As I stated prior, digestion starts in the mouth and HOW we eat is just as important as what we eat! Things like eating while distracted, rushed & stressed, eating without chewing food, drinking a bunch of liquid while eating, eating right before or after a workout and mindless eating ALL impact the way food is digested.

It is so important to eat in a rest and digest state, take deep breaths before eating, eat meal non distracted and present, chew food thoroughly and slowly, take herbal bitters pre meals, wait to drink large amounts of liquid until after finished eating, and even eating under the sun and in nature can support how your food is absorbed and digested. For me, slowing down while cooking my food helps me to slow down while eating my food.

6. Hydration

Properly hydrating our bodies is important for overall health, including oral. The water we drink and the way we remineralize our body through hydration is key.

It’s important to be drinking filtered water and/or Spring Water (I get Spring Water Delivery). My favorite ways to rehydrate/mineralize are:

• Bone Broth

• Milk

• Pure Fresh Fruit Juice

• Coconut Water

• Fresh Lemon & Lime

• Salt (I like redmonds, jacobson, vera or celtic)

• Shilajit

• Herbal Teas

• Raw Honey

7. Oral Health Routine

I briefly covered this above, but an every day oral health routine is key for a healthy oral microbiome. Taking those few extra minutes in the morning & evening to show our mouths some love can make such a positive difference in our long term health. This was drilled into me when I was younger and I am so grateful for that. I have never had a cavity, and every time I go to the dentist they always ask me what I am doing.

My routine isn’t complicated. It’s brushing in the morning, tongue scraping, flossing & rinsing. Occasionally I will wake up in the morning and do a salt water rinse and gargle before that OR oil pulling, but these are not every day for me as my teeth are more on the sensitive side. In the evening I brush, floss, rinse. And voila! I also clean my retainer every single day. All of these are key for a healthy oral microbiome.

I find the microbiome systems in our bodies fascinating & the way that our bodies are so interconnected is amazing. No one thing in our body is a separate entity, they all work together as a system, communicating with one another, making up for each others imbalances, and that is why it’s so important we don’t neglect any part of ourselves. I hope this was helpful for you to understand a little bit more about the oral microbiome, at a glance.

I notice that when I prioritize my routine, I feel a huge positive difference in the overall freshness of my mouth, whiter teeth, pinker gums, healthier looking tongue, and healthier skin & digestion. So I naturally gravitate towards it because it feels good.

Let me know if you have any further questions about my routine or anything else!!

XO - Ella

I linked everything I talked about here in my ShopMy page, some are affiliate links some are not. I also reorganized my entire ShopMy + Amazon Storefront so if you are looking for something I posted about hopefully you can find it easier. This post of mine was originally shared in 2024, and repurposed/updated to share again today. Thank you!

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So naturally I am having tomatoes with every single meal. Juicy little bursts of sunshine. On toast in the morning, making some pan con tomate (I love with anchovies), sungold pasta & rice, just plain ol salted tomatoes, tomato jam, BLTs and tomato sandwiches, and of course tomato salad.

Tomatoes are so good just salted right now, but today we are zhuzhing that upppp even more. I was just in Greece where I was eating a Greek salad a day and I would never get sick of it. I got home and continued making a greek salad a day because it’s that good. So that is what inspired this salad. Except we’re making it super tomato-centric, and adding a little bit more salty savory brininess. This is for the savory girls. Lemon juice, zest, lots of salt, olives, and miso to bring out those natural umami flavors. If you really want to go crazy, add some anchovies on top.

I could drink the juice in this salad alone and be happy. It is soooooo juicy and flavorful. So of course we’re toasting some baguette to serve it with because hot bread to soak up all those briny salty juices is just perfection.

This is the salad of the summer. Grab those tomatoes, maybe a crisp dry mineral glass of white wine, lay out in the sunshine and enjoyyyy. Let’s get into it.

BTW—I used a kitchen scale to be more precise with the measurements when developing the recipe for this salad. If you don’t have a kitchen scale I recommend you get one it’s life-changing. But you can also play around with measurements (I added estimates on the side) and make this your own. Always taste as you go and measure with your heart.

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Briny Tomato Greek Salad

Ingredients

• 25oz heirloom tomatoes (a little over 3 cups)

• 5oz sungold tomaotes (about a cup)

• 4oz red onion (about 1/2 cup roughly chopped)

• 5oz cucumber (a little over 1/2 cup)

• 1 long sweet pepper

• 2.5oz kalamata olives (about a 1/3 cup)

• 2 tbsp lemon juice

• 1/2 tsp lemon zest

• 2oz extra virgin olive oil (I used Brightland Kalamata Olive Oil)

• 1oz red wine vinegar

• 1 tsp white miso paste

• 1/2 tsp honey dijon

• Salt

• Fresh dill

• 4 cubes of meredith’s dairy marinated feta cheese (or ~6 oz creamy feta)

• Flakey Salt

• Toasted baguette or bread to serve with

Recipe

1. Slice heirloom tomatoes, half sungolds, and add to a large bowl

2. Roughly chop red onion and add to bowl

3. Sprinkle some salt over the tomatoes and onion, add lemon zest and lemon juice, toss, cover, and set aside

4. Peel (I peel halfway, leaving strips of skin) and chop cucumber, slice sweet pepper and add to large bowl with tomatoes and onion

5. Add in kalamata olives

6. In a separate glass, add olive oil, red wine vinegar, miso and dijon and use an immersion blender to pulse until creamy

7. Taste dressing, add salt and adjust as needed, stir and pour over salad in large bowl, toss with hands until everything is evenly covered and combined

8. Serve in a large bowl or individually, making sure to include every last drop of juice, and top with fresh dill and feta (I used the marinated feta cubes, but if you are using a feta block, the greeks serve it as one big block on top of the salad)

9. Finish with flakey salt and serve with hot toasted bread

10. ENJOY

Sometimes the most simple recipes are just the best. This is one of those for me. A salad that makes everyone happy. & also a salad without lettuce, served with a hot piece of bread, is my ideal. I hope this transports you to a Greek Vacation.

Let me know you have any questions. I love you & talk to you soon!!! XO - Ella

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Just yesterday I was floating in the mediterranean sea without a care in the world, wtf happened??? Literally the only difference is in my brain and my thoughts. Our brains prefer a familiar hell over an unfamiliar heaven, and apparently I am not allowed to have a peaceful vacation and also a peaceful life when I get back. It’s time to go straight back into fight or flight. You rested so much, so sorry!!! Time to overcompensate for that rest!!!!

Wait…I don’t have to do that. I don’t have to jump into complete scarcity mode all of a sudden. I don’t have to be over-productive just because I relaxed. I actually can just be as peaceful at home, on my couch, working, as I can just floating in the sea. But how can I channel that peace that I felt yesterday into my every day life today?

Vacation feels so good because we completely detach from discipline and routine. But at the same time, totally routine-free days oftentimes feel uncomfortable and produce more anxiety than ease. So we need a structured balance.

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Creating Rituals & Habits That Last

The other day I got asked how I find the discipline to do things I know are good for me, but seem hard. & it made me think, why do we group things that are healthy with things that are hard and disciplined?

I find myself doing the same thing…dreading something that is supposed to make me feel good, stressing out over my long list of to-dos—But WHY are we normalizing doing things that make us miserable for the sake of “health”???? That’s just never going to last. Even if the things themselves make us feel good, the stressful process we build around doing it is stopping it from having longevity.

We need to learn how to put the joy BACK into our healthy habits, find the routines that have us cravinggg them instead of the ones that we can’t wait to get over with. Create pleasure in our daily mundane rituals.

& I think it begins with a mindset shift (doesn’t it always?). As women especially, we often don’t respond well to rigidity, restriction & rules. We are ever flowing, fluid, flexible beings. In order for something to stick, we must romanticize the things that make them feel good and make them fun instead of feeling like they are a chore to just check off the list.

Removing the Barrier to Entry

Firstly, we tend to make things harder than they need to be. We create a barrier to entry with our healthy habits that make them harder to achieve. Idk why our brains do this, self sabotage? Not sure. But in order to create longevity we need to remove that barrier to entry. Start simple.

Working out doesn’t need to be leaving your house to go to the gym when you don’t want to be around people, it can be having your mat rolled up beside your bed and doing an at home workout, or even just stretching from bed. Make it easy.

It doesn’t have to be lifting heavy weights, it can be walking through the park with a camera taking photos of things you find beautiful. It can be dancing with friends. Eating healthy doesn’t have to mean counting macros and meal prepping, it can be going to the farmers market with friends and having them all come over to get creative & cook a meal together.

We gotta stop overcomplicating it. Health is not meant to be complicated. It’s meant to be enjoyed. It’s supposed to ADD to your life!!!

Language Shift

Second mindset shift—the “I get to” vs. “I have to”. This is the most simple thought practice ever but it is truly life changing. Cultivating a sense of gratitude around your health and habits will create a positive-reinforcement loop in your brain & body.

I get to move my body today. I get to stretch and breath deeply into my lungs. I get to go outside and take in nature and sunlight. What a blessing that is. Not everyone gets the same privilege.

Creating Intentions vs. a Check-List

Something I learned years ago is to prioritize intentions over a to do list. Now, as a type-a girly, I am never giving up my to-do lists because just writing everything down on paper helps clear my mind and ground me, but this is more of a mindset shift than anything else. Creating intentions, anchor points within our days, allow us to move through life with less pressure and more presence. Instead of checking boxes just to check them, we're actually choosing how we want a moment to feel before we're in it.

A to-do list tells you what needs to get done; an intention tells you how you want to show up while you do it, and what you want to get out of it. It’s the difference between rushing through a morning coffee to get to the next task, and actually inhaling to smell the beans, creating the art, truly tasting the coffee. When the day is built around a few intentions instead of an endless list, there's room to breathe between the things you're doing and that room is where enjoyment lies.

There is always more to do, more to check off, but how do you feel when you check something off? Fulfilled? Or onto the next? My intention helps me feel like I am actually living in the present moment while working towards something, instead of just onto the next next next-ing my life away.

Rest is not a Reward

You deserve rest always, not just because you accomplished something. This is so important. One of the biggest chaos-feeders is treating rest as something you get ifffff and whennnn you do xyz. This just doesn’t work.

Intentional, present rest is not only rejuvenating but it really is productive. When you are resting, the default mode network in your brain activates. These areas of the brain are so important for igniting creativity, promoting self-reflection, problem-solving, memory and more. Being bored is integral to a healthy brain, body & mind.

Vacation Your Life

When we choose to experience new things and disrupt our every day routines, it forces our brains to become more present and get out of that autopilot state. Being present isn’t conjured through effort, but pulling attention towards the moment in front of you vs. being somewhere else mentally—and by adding new things into our everyday, we train our brains to do that.

On vacation we are constantly exploring and adventuring, eating new foods, seeing new scenery, meeting new people, trying new things, taking new roads…this adds novelty, pleasure, and excitement into our lives. But if we did those things over and over again every day, they naturally become more mundane. In order to find gratitude in the mundane again, I find that adding more “new” into my every day life helps with that.

When we practice the same exact routine every day, our brains go into autopilot mode, and when in autopilot, our conscious brain becomes free to think/wander about other things, and for me those other things happen to be unfinished tasks or stressful events, and instead of being present and focusing on what’s in front of me, I am thinking about a million other things. When we add a new small and unexpected element, it breaks our brains our of that autopilot and allows us to be more present. So adding little bits of new excitement actually helps me naturally show up present.

Slow mornings (and eventually evenings & afternoons) are something that I like to do to help myself with this. An hour in the morning, no screen, no distraction, to just do whatever I want to do. Sometimes this ends up being crawling back in bed with a book and a cup of tea. Sometimes it’s a long journal sesh. Sometimes its a deep stretch and movement, or a walk outside when it’s still quiet out. It’s different every time, but it is so incredibly nourishing. I crave these moments of silence, peace without noise. They have helped me so much with allowing myself to show up more present and find beauty within the mundane. Fall in love with life again & find pleasure in my routine.

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Living presently, and resting, are not new things to add to the checklist. We need to stoppp making these things chores and tasks. It’s not a performance. It’s not another thing that we need to succeed at. It’s just simplifying everything. Doing one thing at a time. For example, walking without headphones in and without your phone. Eating without distraction. Doing less. Just living. Just being.

No one person, no one statistic, should define your version of health. It’s not black and white, what works for you may not and probably won’t work for someone else. This is why ALL health advice on the internet should be taken with a grain of salt. The person offering the advice may be speaking from a well intentioned place, but they have biases based on their environment, who they are, etc…a blanket statement can’t be made for anything (including the things I talk about here), take inspiration, what you like, and leave the rest. Kind of like how I cook, measure with your heart, add your own spices and flavor preferences. Build your own version.

To wrap it all up, I think routine is so important, but I also think we can get too rigid and lose sight of living when we’re so caught up in our routines. Allowing a little bit more freedom, slowness & flow back into my life has let me enjoy life a little more.

I value and love my routine, but only when it adds and brings joy into my life. Things ebb and flow, so instead of stressing and feeling “off track”, I accept that that is part of life. Health looks different for everyone, and you must find the routines & habits that give you energy and make you feel good. Once you find those things, you’ll notice that you look forward to them and ultimately crave them.

I am always reminding myself that health is abundance, not scarcity and restriction. It should be adding to your life, not taking away from it.

Create a routine that works for you, that you love, that makes you feel nourished, strong, free, abundant and joyful. That way you will flow to it without second thought, it won’t feel like discipline, you’ll actively choose it. It’s not a chore to overcome.

Would love to hear how you’ve incorporated this in your own lives <3

XO - Ella

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We’re using some of the most abundant August fruits functionally!!!! They are very bowl like, and therefore, work perfectly as our serving dish. Melons are one of those foods that I feel like get a bad rap. They’re underrated, and it makes sense why because they’re often grown outside of season leaving them flavorless and bland. I feel like year round there’s going to be cantaloupe&honeydew in a plastic fruit cup, but to me that’s not real melon.

A melon grown properly in peak season is such a gift, it’s extremely fragrant, has notes of floral and honey, and is incredibly juicy with the perfect burst of sweetness. They are quite literally thirst quenching, and it’s no coincidence that one of the most hydrating fruits is available during one of the hottest months of the year.

Today we’re highlighting four of the most popular & favorite melons: cantaloupe, watermelon, honeydew & sugar plum (which is like a baby variety of cantaloupe). I’ve been trying out a ton more melons this year, there’s so many I haven’t even heard of. If you see any you are curious about, try them!!!! & you can even swap out those for the melons I use if the shoe fits, but I wanted to create my main recipes with melons that are most easily accessible. BTW—If you see a yellow watermelon, gettttt itttttt. It’s my new obsession.

OK before we get into it lets to do a little crash course on picking a good melon, because there’s nothing worse than picking up a watermelon at the market, being soooooo excited about it, and then cutting it open only to reveal that it’s overripe, grainy, mushy and flavorless. Devastating. So let’s try to avoid that the best we can and pick melons that are juicy & sweeeet.

First & foremost, try to shop seasonally and locally if possible! That always produces the best tasting produce. I am no expert on this, this is just knowledge I’ve collected through research, so let me know if you know something I don’t!!!!!

Watermelon Best Practices—

• a buttery yellow colored field spot (discolored patch)

• dull & matte darker skin that is firm when pressed

• course wide webbing (brownish markings from healthy pollination)

• smaller and tighter blossom end (naval looking circle)

Cantaloupe/Sugar Best Practices—

• no piece of stem still attached (could indicate picking too early)

• smell the skin (or blossom end)—should be a sweet&floral aroma

• the web like netting on the skin should be raised, thick and course

• skin should be more warm and beige vs green

• blossom end when pressed should be springy vs mushy

Honeydew Best Practices—

• shouldn’t be completely smooth and hard, textured

• firm but springy when pressed

• creamy buttery yellow skin vs bright green or white

Other Melons/Overall Best Practices

• Check for color & aroma

• Heavy weight for its size (juicier)

• Free of bruises and cracks

• Small & tight naval

Ok now that we’re picking out the best of the best melons, let’s save a bowl and use a melon!!! Obviously these recipes can all be made without using the melons as the bowls/cups, but this is just more fun, functional, beautiful, and obviously delicious.

• Basil Tarragon Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, in a Cantaloupe

• Tomato & Watermelon Salad, in a Watermelon

• Creamy Honeydew Herb Lemonade, in a Honeydew

• Lemony Yogurt Bowl, in a Sugar Melon

Let’s get intooooo it…..

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Basil Tarragon Ice Cream, in a Cantaloupe

Ingredients

For the Ice Cream

• 2.5 cups heavy cream

• 1 cup whole milk

• 1 cup sugar

• 1/2 tbsp vanilla bean powder (or 1 Madagascar vanilla bean or 1 tbsp vanilla bean paste)

• 5g tarragon

• 1g basil leaves

For Two

• 1 ripe cantaloupe melon

• To top: lemon zest, extra virgin olive oil and flakey salt

Recipe

1. Bring a small pot of water to a boil and separately prepare an ice bath

2. Blanch tarragon and basil leaves for 10-20 seconds in boiling water, and immediately transfer to ice bath, let sit for a minute then remove

3. Add milk and cream into a pot and add in herbs over medium heat, add in sugar, stirring often until sugar is dissolved and milk is steaming but NOT boiling, then remove from heat, stir and cover

4. Let herbs steep for 5-10 minutes, then remove lid and use an immersion blender to blend herbs into milk and cream

5. Strain milk and cream through a mesh strainer to get rid of any small herb pieces

6. Stir in vanilla, then add ice cream base to a sealable airtight container and let cool in the fridge for a few hours or overnight

7. Add ice cream base to ice cream churner and churn for 30-50 minutes until thick and creamy (timing depends on ice cream maker)

8. While ice cream is churning, slice cantaloupe in half and remove seeds, drink out any excess juice and place upside down on a parchment lined plate, place in the freezer (should only stay in the freezer for no more than 30 minutes)

9. Once ice cream is done, scoop ice cream into cantaloupe halves

10. Add some lemon zest, extra virgin olive oil, flakey salt and enjoyyyyy

Tomato & Watermelon Salad, in a Watermelon

Ingredients

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Summer is summering. I can’t stop eating salted watermelon & tomatoes. I’ve also just been enjoying life more. I am such a homebody, or so I thought…I actually feel like a few years ago I became more introverted (caused by covid? health? living alone? maybe a combination?) but I am finding my inner extrovert again and it feels so good. The sun shining will do that to you I guess. I have been going out more, just saying yes more often, making friendships a priority, and I have felt so nourished & recharged.

I think when it comes to health, it’s easy for things to get lost in translation. We start saying no to things or doing less of something we love “for health” but what does that really mean? What really is health? Is it saying no to going out to stay in and go to bed early and have an early morning to make sure to complete your routine? Or is it saying yes to going out and dancing all night and laughing with your friends? Maybe the answer is somewhere in the middle. Honestly that is not for me to decide for you, but I think it is worth questioning. Is health really health when you stop living in order to achieve it?

For me, I have learned that health and wellness was never supposed to be all of the things you can’t do. Fear and stress (which is usually at the crux of restriction) is the antithesis of health and wellness. Being able to do the things you love, and feel good while doing it, is what health is for me.

And with that in mind, let’s make some August meal shortcuts wooooo. Bits and bobs that make my life easier and a lot more delicious, flexibility without rigidity. Abundance of zucchini? watermelon? blueberry? basil? Let me help you with that!!!!

• Double Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

• Watermelon Juice

• Watermelon Gummies

• Watermelon Rind Pickles

• Blueberry Basil Jam

• Tahini Fudge Fiber Bites

Let’s get intoooo it……

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Double Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

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A sheet pan meal to me encapsulates that at the simplest level. Everything on one sheet—less dishes, no less delicious. This meal was something I did not have planned, just saw what was in front of me and made do with what I had!

This is meant to be a measure with your heart recipe. Mix and match whatever veggies you have accessible, use whatever seasonings are calling your name, toss up your salad with whatever herbs&tomatoes or other fresh ingredient you’d like, make it fun and make it yours. Enjoy!!

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Sheet Pan Salmon & Summer Veggies

Ingredients

• 2 medium wild salmon filets

  • 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp lemon juice, salt

• 15 baby potatoes

• 2 bell peppers

• 1 sweet yellow onion

• 1 large zucchini

• 5 cloves of garlic

• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp coriander

• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika

• 1/4 tsp turmeric powder

• 2 large heirloom tomatoes

• 10 medium basil leaves

• 1 tbsp chopped tarragon

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tbsp white balsamic vinegar

• salt & green pepper

• lemon zest + flakey salt to top (and more fresh lemon juice)

Recipe

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F

2. Prep veggies: quarter potatoes, chop bell pepper, slice and quarter onion, slice and quarter zucchini, halve garlic cloves and add everything to a large bowl

3. In a smaller bowl whisk together olive with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, coriander, smoked paprika and turmeric powder

4. Pour mixture over the veggies and toss until evenly covered

5. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and pour veggies over, spreading evenly

6. Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden brown

7. While veggies are baking, season salmon filets with salt, lemon juice and olive oil

8. Once veggies are golden, make a little room in the middle of the baking sheet and add on salmon filets, place back in the oven for 12-15 minutes or until salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F

9. Option to broil on HI for 1-2 minutes at the end to get an extra crisp on salmon and veggies, then remove from oven

10. While salmon&veg are baking, slice tomatoes and add to a bowl with chopped basil, tarragon, olive oil, white balsamic, salt and green pepper

11. Toss with your hands and set aside

12. Once everything is done, plate veggies, salmon and tomato salad

13. Top with some lemon zest, lemon juice, flakey salt & enjoyyyyyy

Summer in a bowl!!!! I know people are going to be like Ella wtf where there is chopping involved it’s not a simple dinner. But it still issss it’s quick and a little bit of work put into a meal makes it taste better! It’s meditative, therapeutic, a time to use your hands and connect with nature (produce) and get off your phone. ITS AN ART FORM. A creative outlet! PS the bowl I have been using is this one I am obsessed idk why it’s making me romanticize my meals so much more. It’s the little things.

Stay tuned this Sunday for August’s meal shortcuts YAY!!!!!! Talk to ya sooooon. Let me know if you have any questions.

XO - Ella

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Look at all those colorssss!!! I love summer. So much beautiful abundance. And this just may be my favorite menu yet.

We’re highlighting all of the juiccyyyy melons, tomatoes (x3, I had to), peaches, peppers and herbs. It’s the perfect light and nourishing menu, whether you are making it for yourself or a summer soiree with friends.

• Sungold Lemonade

• Heirloom Tomato and Peach Panzanella

• Lemon-Thyme Chicken & Summer Veggies

• Basil-Tarragon Vanilla Bean Ice Cream in a Melon

Now let’s get intooo ittt…

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Sungold Lemonade

Ingredients

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It’s the end of Julyyyyy and it’s time for my monthly favorites roundup!

For the first time in my adulthood, this summer has really felt like summer. There is just an energy, and I am not sure if it’s external or internal based on my environment or my inner mindset but whatever it is I am loving i…

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When I visited France for the first time last year, I reunited with my love for plums at a local farmers market. I was just called to these miniature yellow&pink plums. I asked the man who was working if I could purchase a smaller basket than the ones they were offering, he told me no that the only option was the basket, and convinced me if was worth it. Even though I was only there for the day his insistance and my initial draw had me cave. I bought the whole obnoxiously large basket of them. And he was right. When I tried my first mirabelle plum, and it was love at first bite. They literally tasted like little bursts of candy. I finished the whole basket that day.

Now even though we don’t have the same mirabelle plums here New York, I have found different varieties of plums that I love at my local farmers market. Now that ‘tis the season I can’t help but get baskets of every type of plum I come across when I see them because I get too excited, so that is how I now have an abundance of plums. A plum every morning and every afternoon, a plum on it’s own a plum in my porridge, and now I am incorporating plums into my dessert.

Summer is my favorite time for the balance of sweet&savory. Feta and watermelon, cantaloupe and prosciutto, olives and tomatoes, peaches and burrata, honeycomb and parmesan, apple & cheese, blackberry and brie, blueberry and basil, radish and salted sweet cream butter…the list continues.

Today we are combining plums, and their stone fruit sisters peaches & apricots, and adding in rosemary & thyme. I love herbs, I think they are so incredibly diverse. They can compliment both sweet and savory, and bring out different flavors in each. In this cobbler it brings out the sweetness, earthiness and warmth, and gently balances out the tart, the flavors just melt together perfect. Even better served with a cold scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. I served mine with some vanilla bean basil & tarragon ice cream…recipe will be on my August seasonal menu next Sunday.

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The perfect excuse to use that abundance of summer stone fruit. Let’s get into it…

Sweet&Savory Stone Fruit Cobbler

Ingredients

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Growing up, my mom had very specific flavors that she loved. When it came to sweet treats, she would get the peanut M&Ms and eat the chocolate off the peanut M&Ms because she thought that chocolate tasted better than og M&Ms, she also loved the chocolate that came on the outside of a Klondike Bar…she loved the vanilla ice cream in the flavor Haagen-Dazs Swiss Vanilla Almond, she thought it tasted better than normal vanilla, and she also was absolutely in love with Ben&Jerry’s Cherry Garcia. As a kid I didn’t understand the Cherry Garcia hype—but then my brain fully developed.

The combination of cherries, vanilla, chocolate and touch of almond is just perfect. As you know I’ve used this combo in smoothies and yogurt bowls and ice cream pretty much every single day during the last few cherry seasons & now we are bringing it BACK. I look forward to it every year & this year we’ve elevated it even more.

The maple & vanilla bean custard base we know and love, creamy & smooth. Seasonal cherries cooked down with lemon for that sweet yet tart and beautiful pink. Plus a tiny dash of almond to bring out those flavors even further. And then ofc our chocolate drizzle that hardens in our ice cream so you get a crisp crunchy bite of chocolate ribbons in every scoop. It’s a match made in ice cream heaven.

BTW I got a new ice cream machine…trying out the cuisinart compression one, I usually use my kitchen aid attachment (which I love and kept). The nice thing about this compression one is I don’t have to freeze overnight and I can use it to make back to back ice cream…after more uses I will report back on what I prefer. PS—a cherry pitter is a kitchen tool I use so often during summertime and comes in clutch for this recipe. Let me know if you have any questions!!

Ok let’s get intoooo it….

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Cherry Stracciatella Custard Ice Cream

Ingredients

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For those who are just joining us, welcomeee so so happy to have ya here, meal shortcuts are a monthly segment where I share 5 recipes, using in season ingredients, that make life a little easier.

I’ve never been a meal-prepper, I like following my cravings and intuition on what I want to eat, and that’s hard to plan five days out, so meal shortcuts are like little components, shortcuts, that make my life easier. They aren’t full meals, but building blocks you can use as is or get creative with to make something new.

I still love the slow & intentional version of cooking and baking, slowing the f down and being present while creating in the kitchen has become a form of meditation to me, and really a love language. But I don’t alwaysss have the time for those slow meals, which is why these shortcuts help me so much. Little pieces prepped in advance that cut out some of the work so future me can make whatever sounds good whenever the craving hits, with more ease.

I have been prepping these meal shortcuts for years now and sharing all the recipes here on substack, so I have 150+ meal shortcut recipes in my archive if you are ever looking for more to prep!!

ALL MEAL SHORTCUTS

Now let’s get intoooo today’s….

• Salted Buckwheat Sesame Coconut Cookie Granola

• Spicy Sungold Heirloom Tomato Sauce

• Maple Apricot Syrup

• Mixed Raspberry Currant Jam

• Fiber Cookie Dough Banana Froyo Ice Cream Sandwiches

So excited for you guys to try these recipes. If you make them, share photos in the group chat! Always makes my dayyyy. Now let’s get cooking…

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Salted Buckwheat Sesame Coconut Cookie Granola

Ingredients

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The trip I went on was with a few friends, and when I got home to Cooper to tell him about it I star…

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Salads are never boring in my household, they are a manifestation of tons of things I love placed in a bowl and tossed with dressing, not sad dry lettuce with mid toppings. I think of a salad as a form of art, an expression of seasonal ingredients, and the best salads have a little bit of everything. They are filled with tons of different colors, they have a crunch factor OF COURSE, and they have a tang of acid, a creamy fat, touch of sweet, and maybe a little bit of bitterness or heat.

This has it all, fresh lightness from the lettuce, a herbaceous kick from the chimmichuri, sweetness of the corn, creaminess of the avocado, crispy crunchy saltiness of the potatoes with a deeply savory and buttery steak.

It’s simple, but delicious, and happened on accident. I was developing a recipe for crispy potatoes with chimichurri and a nice grilled steak, and wanted to include a corn element for summer because the corn is soooooo good rn. All the elements started separate, but became so much more elevated when brought together as one in this dish. A summer favorite from 2024, and I had to share it again this year because I am still making it today. Enjoyyyyyy.

Corn & Steak Salad w/ Crispy Potatoes and a Chimichurri Vinaigrette

*serves 1-2*

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I wanted to take this moment to look back at everything we’ve cooked, sipped, baked & explored together so far this year!

From morning creamy bevs to homemade froyo, this roundup gathers every recipe published to Gut Feelings in 2026 (over 75+ so far), organized so you can find exactly what y…

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The farmers markets are ABUNDANT. Juicy hydrating fruits just in time for the heat. Nature provides exactly what our bodies need! Today we’re highlighting cherries, corn, summer squash, tomatoes, basil & apricots.

• Bev: Creamy Cherry Salted Lemonade

• Appetizer: Roasted Summer Squash & Corn Salad

• Entree: Steak with Basil Chimmichuri

• Dessert: Maple Vanilla Bean Custard Ice Cream with Caramelized Apricots

And if you end up making any of these recipes I’d love to see photos of the finished product & hear about how it went, come share in the group chat, tag me on Instagram, or post right here in the comments!

Soooo excited for you guys to try these recipes!!! Let’s get intooo it….

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Creamy Cherry Vanilla Salted Lemonade

Ingredients

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It’s so magical being able to go into your backyard and smell the rosemary, pick some basil, water some mint & cilantro. Ugh I can smell it right now. There is also so much variety when it comes to herbs, I cooked with a beautiful purple basil last week, the week prior I made ice cream out of chocolate mint, made a marjoram chimichurri…I am still discovering new herb varieties to this day.

Herbs are natures gift to cooking. They add so much beautiful flavor and depth. I always say if your dish is lacking flavor, add either salt, acid like lemon/vinegar, or herbs!!! Herbs can completely elevate a dish and enhance the flavor profile.

And that is exactly what they do in this green goddess chicken salad. Summer calls for chicken salad, and as much as I enjoy the classic mayo-creamy chicken salad, I prefer a chicken salad that has a little more oomph. Even just a chicken salad with dill added is amazing, but I am going all the way and making a chicken salad with allll of the beautiful herbs, dill, tarragon, parsley & chives.

This green goddess chicken salad is creamy & herbaceous, light and fresh, and uses all of those beautiful herbs that are currently shining at the farmers market.

I hope you enjoy!!! Let’s get into it….

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Green Goddess Chicken Salad

Ingredients

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