Cozy Stovetop Apples - in 10 Minutes

September 17, 2026 by Kathy Patalsky Leave a Comment

I'm happy to be sharing my Cozy Stovetop Apples - in 10 Minutes! Let's do it..

Fall Recipe, But Not Yet Pumpkin..

If you’re in the mood for fall baking, fall recipes, fall flavors… but you’re not quite ready to open a can of pumpkin, I have the recipe for you.

These cozy stovetop apples cook up warm and tender, sweet and tart, with cinnamon, maple syrup and fresh lemon juice. Spoon them over oatmeal, overnight oats, chia pudding or a granola parfait. Pile them onto toast with vegan cream cheese. Or just eat them warm, right out of a bowl. That works too.

If you’ve been craving apple pie or baked apples, this is such an easy way to get there. A little chopping, a small saucepan and about eight minutes of cooking. Yes, really.

The apple pie that started this…

I recently saw Practical Magic 2 in a theater, and I actually really loved it. Yes, it was a little cheesy in spots, but what good sequel isn’t? And the color palette alone was something I would go back for. I wrote more about that in my Practical Magic 2 post⁠.

But there was this one scene. Sandra Bullock’s character sits down to eat freshly baked apple pie with a side of custard, and it was absolute eye candy for a food lover. The apples looked perfect. Warm, soft, generous pieces of apple that made me immediately want to go home and cook something.

Which is funny because I’m not even the biggest apple pie person. But when that craving hits just right, there is nothing cozier.

I’m also a mom, it’s been a busy week, and I wanted my warm apples in under ten minutes. So this is what happened.

Cinnamon, maple and plenty of lemon

The ingredients for these Stovetop Apples are simple: apples, fresh lemon juice, cinnamon, a little maple syrup and vegan butter. A pinch of salt if you like. A small splash of vanilla is lovely too.

I love the sweet-tart balance here. The maple adds that cozy sweetness, and the lemon keeps everything bright. You still taste the apples.

There is plenty of room to adjust things to your taste. Use less maple if your apples are already sweet enough for you. Adjust the lemon depending on how tart you like things. The butter adds richness, but you can leave it out.

The cinnamon, though? Okay, that one I’m keeping.

Do you need to peel the apples?

For any baked or cooked apple dish - like these stovetop apples...

My vote: keep the skins on.

I used organic Honeycrisp apples, and the skins were perfectly tender in the finished recipe. None of that tough, rubbery texture you sometimes get with cooked apple skins. I didn’t feel any need to remove them.

Apple varieties do differ, so your results may vary if you’re using an apple with a tougher skin. But with the Honeycrisps I used, leaving them on worked beautifully.

You keep the fiber in the peel, a little extra texture and those pretty bits of color. Plus, you save yourself the peeling step. On a busy day, I will happily take that.

The quick stovetop method..

We do not want mushy apples. Just tender and with their shape mostly in tact. mushy apples get too far into the applesauce realm. Not a bad thing, just different.

The trick is giving the diced apples a short, covered simmer with a little water before adding the other ingredients.

Dice them small, but not too small so they cook through too fast. I think just under an inch on the longest side is perfect. Half inch find too if you like a smaller bite. Add them to a small saucepan with the water, cover and simmer for about five minutes. Keep an eye on the pan so it doesn’t cook dry.

Check the apples before moving on. You want them starting to soften, with enough structure left to hold their shape through the last few minutes of cooking.

If there’s excess water in the pan, pour it off before adding the lemon juice, maple syrup, cinnamon, vegan butter and optional salt and vanilla. You don’t need to drain away every drop; just avoid leaving the apples swimming. It's apple juice! And please taste that cooking liquid before you pour it down the sink! Let it cool enough to sip. It’s this light, naturally sweet apple water, and mine was delicious. A little bonus while you cook.

Stir in your flavor ingredients, then simmer uncovered for another two to three minutes, until the apples are as tender as you like.

I wanted mine soft enough to bite into easily, but still very much diced apples. If you prefer a firmer bite, shorten that first covered simmer and check them early. If you like softer apples, keep cooking, adding a splash of water as needed.

Want that gooey apple pie texture?

You can absolutely do that.

A little cornstarch or arrowroot powder will help thicken the liquid into more of an apple pie filling texture. Mix it with a little cool water first, then stir it into the bubbling liquid toward the end of cooking.

I skipped the thickener this time. I wanted simple, tender stovetop apples with a little buttery, lemony maple juice clinging to them. That was exactly enough for what I was craving.

How to serve them

There are so many good options:

Spooned over warm oatmeal or overnight oats.
Layered into chia pudding or a vegan yogurt and granola parfait.
Piled onto toast with vegan cream cheese or cashew cheese.
Served warm over vegan vanilla ice cream. Add a little vegan caramel sauce and… yes.
Eaten just as they are, warm, out of a bowl.

But my favorite thing I made today deserves its own little mention.

Apple pie cream cheese toast

I toasted some fluffy bakery bread, spread it with vegan cream cheese and spooned the warm cinnamon apples over the top. Finished with a little drizzle of olive oil.

So good.

You get the crisp edges of the toast, the creamy, tangy cream cheese and those warm, sweet-tart apples. Sort of apple pie cream cheese toast, and exactly the kind of thing I want to be eating right now.

Very yummy. Very fast. Very fall.

I will be making these all September! Until the pumpkin cravings actually hit...

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Cozy Stovetop Apples - in 10 Minutes

Easy fall apples, made on your stovetop in under ten minutes. cozy, sweet, tart and tender without being mushy. Love apples in fall? Make these!

Prep Time2

Cook Time8

Total Time10

Course: baking, Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: apples, cinnamon, fall

Servings: servings

Calories: 47kcal

Author: Kathy Patalsky

Cost: 5

Equipment

1 sauce pan

Ingredients

2 whole apples medium
½ cup water
1-2 whole lemons squeezed
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 tablespoon vegan butter
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
salt to taste

Instructions

Prep apples by dicing, skin on. Make the chunks large enough to keep their shape.
Add apples and water to small sauce pan. Turn heat to high and cover pan with lid. Simmer for 3-5 minutes, depending on how tender you want your finished apples. Softer apples: five minutes. Tender and kinda crunchy: 3 minutes.
Remove lid and drain any excess liquid from the pan. Don't toss this! Drink it! It's basically fresh apple juice.
Now add in the lemon juice, maple, cinnamon, vegan butter, salt and vanilla. Stir gently and place back on heat.
Turn heat to medium and simmer - uncovered - for two additional minutes.
Turn off heat and serve! Let rest for a few minutes to cool before eating.

Nutrition

I Would See Practical Magic 2 Again, for the Color Palette Alone

September 15, 2026 by Kathy Patalsky Leave a Comment

Last week my friend and I went to see the new movie, Practical Magic Two. The long-awaited sequel to the original. And guess what, I Would See Practical Magic 2 Again for the Color Palette Alone.

Spoiler-free — other than the fact that this movie contains witches, pie and an intoxicating amount of jewel-toned velvet and black chiffon.

I went to see Practical Magic 2 this weekend, and while I expected magic, sisterhood and plenty of nostalgic witchiness, I did not expect to spend the entire movie whispering to my friend:

“I am obsessed with this color palette.”

And I have to say, I have browsed some reviews online and very much over the negativity. This movie was fun, seasonal, sweet, emotional and pretty to look at. Sometimes cheesy and awkward: yes. But what idly flick isn't!

Anyways...

The movie is visually delicious.

Imagine a Nancy Meyers movie wandering into an old English apothecary after dark. Add a little Anthropologie, a handful of crystals, some black chiffon and the deepest, moodiest jewel tones imaginable.

That is the world of Practical Magic 2.

A Color Palette Worth Going Back For

The colors feel like October slowly becoming November.

There are two completely different greens working together: dark pine and evergreen shades, followed by sudden flashes of vivid chartreuse. Nicole Kidman wears this sharp, almost electric yellow-green beautifully—it is bright, strange and slightly otherworldly without losing the movie’s earthy warmth.

Then come the blues: deep ocean, rich sapphire and softer moments of misty periwinkle. Sandra Bullock spends much of the film in saturated blue and black, making her feel grounded and elegant against all the unruly greenery, glowing amber glass and warm wooden interiors.

Purple appears everywhere in varying intensities: violet, plum, dusty mauve and an especially gorgeous dark burgundy with a muted purple undertone. Instead of reading as overtly Halloween, these colors feel aged, romantic and luxurious.

And underneath all those jewel tones is a warm foundation of dark maple wood, antique gold, creamy lace, weathered paper and candlelight.

There is plenty of black, too—black cats, sheer black sleeves, dark dresses, shadowy rooms and mysterious little objects. But the darkness never feels cold. The cream, amber and maple tones keep everything glowing.

My unofficial Practical Magic 2 palette:

Chartreuse green
Pine velvet
Deep sapphire
Periwinkle haze
Witch’s plum
Dark burgundy
Maple wood
Amber glow
Candle cream
Midnight black

Nancy Meyers Meets the Witchy Anthropologie Girl

The interiors are filled with exactly the sort of things I want to stare at: crystals, gardens, dark carved wood, old cloth-covered books, shiny trinkets, amber bottles, herbs and mysterious potion ingredients.

Even the kitchen scenes are beautiful. There are cream walls, glowing windows, warm wooden cabinets and colorful pieces of glass that catch the light like tiny jewels.

The costumes carry the same energy. There are soft, sheer layers, chiffon, velvety greens, saturated blues, burgundy, black and delicate antique-looking lace. Everything feels slightly enchanted without becoming costume-like.

The film’s visual world was created by an accomplished team: cinematographer Simon Duggan, production designer Tom Burton and costume designer Alexandra Byrne. Film production credits⁠

And Then There Was the Apple Pie

Even the food matched the aesthetic. That Apple Pie! My vegan version of Caramel Apple Pie is here btw.

There is a scene involving apple pie and custard that felt like an exquisite autumn food photograph brought to life. The pie had a golden, buttery-looking crust and generous cubes of cinnamon-spiced apple that appeared tender but not mushy. Then came the thick, creamy custard, which Sally enthusiastically dove into with a spoon.

I haven’t had custard in forever - vegan custard isn’t exactly something I encounter every day - and suddenly I needed apple pie with custard immediately.

Honestly, recreating that scene as a vegan recipe may now be necessary.

Sweet, Funny and Surprisingly Emotional

The film itself is sweet, funny and emotional. Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman remain completely delightful together, and their chemistry provides some of its funniest and warmest moments.

I barely remembered what happened in the original Practical Magic - I may have only half-watched it the first time - but that didn’t prevent me from enjoying the sequel.

The movie has a lot of references to grief. So be warned for tears. Also plenty of cheese. Eyerolls and cringing will happen. But in the best sequel ways, I think.

It’s earnest. It’s nostalgic. It’s magical. And it feels like the perfect movie to see with a friend on an early-fall evening.

Would I watch Practical Magic 2 again?

For Sandra and Nicole. For the black cats and cozy witch houses. For the apple pie and custard.

But mostly, if I’m being completely honest, I would see it again just to live inside that color palette for two more hours.

10 Low-Stimulation Movies for Kids + Movies That Spark Imagination

September 14, 2026 by Kathy Patalsky Leave a Comment

Today I am happy to share my 10 Low-Stimulation Movies for Kids + Movies That Spark Imagination. Faves that we watch in our home!

I have a confession to make: I am not a mom who is terrified of screen time.

There. I said it.

In fact, when it comes to my particular kid, I actually think the right kind of screen time can be a really good thing. My daughter is one of those kids who goes approximately 100% all day long. She’s active, enthusiastic, physical, sparkly, spicy and basically always doing something. Quiet downtime does not come especially naturally to her. But there is one exception...

Sometimes she disappears into her own little imaginary world.

She’ll be in the shower talking to a collection of unicorns. And she’ll start acting out elaborate character roles. She’ll invent stories and songs and entire little worlds.

And I’ve noticed something over the years: so many of those worlds have been sparked by things she’s watched. KPop Demon Hunters. Unicorn Academy. Disney movies. Studio Ghibli movies. Characters and songs and stories somehow make their way off the screen and into her imagination. And I LOVE that.

Maybe Screen Time Isn’t the Problem

Maybe this shouldn’t surprise me, because I’m exactly the same way. I love movies, music, photography, writing and storytelling. And I love traveling to places that make stories I’ve watched suddenly feel real. I’ve gone to Belfast and geeked out over Titanic and Game of Thrones locations. I’ve driven around Hawaii blasting the John Williams Jurassic Park score. And I could very easily see myself planning an entire Oregon and Washington road trip around Twilight locations with the soundtrack playing in the car.

IMAGINATION

To me, all of those things live in the same box. Movies. Music. Adventure. Storytelling. Photography. Writing. Imagination. They’re all different ways of experiencing a story. And I don’t think passing that love of storytelling down to our kids is a bad thing. I think it’s pretty beautiful.

This Is What LOW-STIM MOVIE Screen Time Can Be

Every year, our family goes to the Hollywood Bowl for one of my favorite nights of the summer: the John Williams celebration. Everyone brings or buys a lightsaber, the orchestra plays those incredible movie scores, and scenes from movies like E.T., Jurassic Park, Superman, Harry Potter, Jaws and Star Wars appear on the giant screens. And every year I sit there thinking: THIS is what movies are.

These are moments that make me well up with tears. Music that makes your entire body feel something. Stories, characters and images that stay with you for decades. Technically, that’s “screen time” too. Which is why I’m much less interested in counting minutes than I am in thinking about what is actually going onto the screen.

Not All Screen Time Is Created Equal

I’ve seen the difference in my own kid. There is screen time that seems to shut her brain off. Random videos, frantic editing, constant noise. And then there’s screen time that softens her mind just enough to let her imagination turn on. Those are the movies I look for. Beautiful imagery. Music. Nature. Pauses. Longer scenes. Characters worth caring about. Movies that aren’t terrified of silence. Most importantly, when the screen turns off, sometimes the story keeps going.

That’s my favorite kind of screen time.

So I already did this sort of list with low stimulation kids TV SHOWS - now onto movies.

My Top 10 Truly Low-Stimulation Movies + Specials for Kids

When I say “low stimulation,” this is what I really mean. These are my gold-standard picks: less talking, more visual storytelling, beautiful music and sound, slower pacing and enough quiet space for a child’s own brain to participate.

1. Flow

This might be the ultimate example. There is no traditional dialogue. Animals don’t suddenly start talking like humans. The story unfolds through movement, expressions, water, landscapes, natural sounds and music. Kids actually have to watch.

But one caveat, this movie is emotional and intense! So... yes that feels stimulating, right? But the lack of talking turns of some part of our brains and turns on another and it always feels good when we watch it. It’s beautiful, strange, occasionally tense and incredibly absorbing.

2. WALL-E

My north star low-stimulation movie, for this entire list. There is almost no dialogue during the first portion of WALL-E. We simply watch this funny little robot go about his life. And somehow children understand everything.

The music, expressions, little movements and visual details do the storytelling. The second half gets considerably more action-packed, but that opening section is children’s filmmaking at its absolute best.

3. My Neighbor Totoro

Trees. Rain. Countryside. Sisters. Soot sprites. A bus stop. And one enormous fluffy forest creature. There isn’t a traditional villain constantly pushing the plot forward. Kids simply get to enter this beautiful little world where nature might contain something magical.

This is a fun and super creative low-stimulation movie that will leave you humming along.

4. Kiki’s Delivery Service

A young witch. A broomstick. A black cat. A bakery. A seaside town.

It’s gentle and gorgeous, and it practically hands a child an imaginary world to continue playing in afterward. If your kid loves cats, this is a low-stimulation movie to try.

5. The Snowman

This one is almost entirely images and music.

A snowman comes alive. A child goes on an adventure. They fly.

It’s short, hand-drawn, dreamy and proof that children absolutely do not require constant dialogue to remain completely engaged.

6. The Snail and the Whale

We LOVE this one.

It’s technically a short film rather than a feature, which is actually one of its strengths. Sometimes 25-ish minutes of something wonderful is exactly what you want.

A tiny snail dreams of seeing the world and travels with an enormous whale. It’s nature-filled, beautifully animated and narrated rather than filled with nonstop character chatter.

7. Fantasia + Fantasia 2000

Music + animation + imagination.

That’s basically it.

I love these because classical music gets to be the story. Children hear the music while watching artists interpret it visually, without somebody constantly explaining what’s happening.

8. Zenimation

Technically not a movie, but absolutely one of my favorite low-stimulation things to put on.

Zenimation takes familiar Disney animated scenes and turns them into soundscape experiences — water, rain, footsteps, wind and other environmental sounds.

It’s basically Disney with the volume of modern storytelling turned way, way down.

9. Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron

This is another great option if your goal is less chatter. The horses don’t have conventional spoken conversations, so much of the storytelling happens through movement, expression, landscapes and music.

It has more dramatic moments than something like The Snowman, but the visual storytelling is beautiful.

10. Song of the Sea

This movie feels like watching an illustrated storybook.

It’s dreamy, musical and inspired by Irish folklore, with gorgeous animation, nature and mythology.

There are emotional moments, but the overall experience feels worlds away from frantic children’s content.

BONUS: Even Calmer Screen-Time Options

Sometimes I don’t even want a movie.

I want something beautiful on the television that doesn’t demand anything from her.

Disney Parks Sunrise Series is literally footage of Disney parks waking up at sunrise. Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom and EPCOT slowly coming to life. That’s it. And that’s why I love it.

Frozen: The Hit Broadway Musical is another interesting option for a low-stimulation movie. It’s still Frozen, but because you’re watching a filmed stage performance rather than animation cut together for a children’s movie, the visual experience feels different. It’s music, performers, choreography and theatrical storytelling.

And don’t overlook concerts and music programming. Sometimes putting on a filmed concert, orchestra, ballet or stage musical gives a music-loving child something to watch without the visual intensity of contemporary animation.

A Little More Stimulation .. But Still Wonderful

This is where I’m deliberately abandoning the “low-stimulation” label.

These movies are brighter, faster, louder or more action-heavy — but they’re also movies my kid genuinely LOVES, and they give her characters and worlds that fuel imaginative play.

Basically, Pixar lives here.

Finding Nemo, Cars and the Cars sequels, Toy Story movies, Inside Out and Inside Out 2, Up and Elemental are all fantastic examples.

I’d also put Ice Age, Frozen, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Lilo & Stitch, Zootopia, Raya and the Last Dragon and The Wild Robot in this category.

Some are actually quite peaceful in stretches. Raya, for example, has beautiful landscapes, water and sound design that I find surprisingly soothing between its action sequences.

These aren’t what I’d choose if my primary goal were winding down an overstimulated kid.

But they’re very different, in my opinion, from mindless screen time.

even More of The Best Low-Stimulation Movies for Kids + Movies That Spark Imagination

Tiny Movies Are Sometimes the BEST Movies

I have to give Piper its own shout-out. The Pixar short about the tiny sandpiper learning to navigate the waves is basically everything I love about visual storytelling packed into six minutes.

Very little talking. Nature. Ocean sounds. Gorgeous animation. A tiny emotional arc a child can completely understand without having it explained to them.

More of this, please.

Nostalgic Family Movie Night

Then there are movies I’m choosing for an entirely different reason.

These aren’t necessarily low stimulation. They’re movies that make me remember why I fell in love with movies in the first place.

ET

E.T. is one of my favorites, although the scenes toward the end can definitely get intense for sensitive kids.

GOONIES

The Goonies is childhood adventure perfection, but also firmly in my “older kid / know your kid” category.

PRINCESS BRIDE

The Princess Bride is funny, fantastical and endlessly quotable.

HOMEWARD BOUND

Homeward Bound gives you kids, animals and adventure — though there are definitely stressful animal moments.

SANDLOT

The Sandlot is just childhood. Friends, summer, baseball, bikes and neighborhood adventure.

BRAVE LITTLE TOASTER

The Brave Little Toaster is such a good forgotten one. Ordinary household objects become characters with an entire secret life. It’s basically imaginative play turned into a movie, although there are some surprisingly dark moments.

And absolute staples of my childhood....

The Parent Trap gives you camp, cabins, pranks, sisters and that delicious childhood fantasy of having way more independence than any actual child probably has.

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory is here because what child doesn’t want to imagine walking through that chocolate factory?

And Labyrinth is here because David Bowie + music + puppets + an enormous fantasy maze = an entire imaginary universe. Definitely preview it for younger or sensitive kids because some of those creatures are WEIRD.

Animal Movies + Nature Documentaries

Animals are another sweet spot for us because so much can happen visually without endless dialogue.

Beyond Flow, Spirit, Finding Nemo, Homeward Bound and The Snail and the Whale, we also love movies and documentaries about penguins and other wildlife.

Nature documentaries can actually be fantastic low-stimulation screen time when they’re filmed beautifully and aren’t overly focused on predators eating everyone. Choose your episode wisely. 😂

Old-School Disney Exceptions

Most of my recommendations skew 1980s and newer, but there are a handful of older Disney movies I make exceptions for.

All the princess movies have their own slow music-y charm to them.. Cinderella, Snow White (scary IMO), Sleeping Beauty, Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Pocahontas, Aladdin.... But beyond the more princess-y themes and pretty royal music and magical spells, try these..

Alice in Wonderland is weird, musical, dreamy and episodic. Alice mostly wanders through one bizarre little world after another.

The Aristocats gives you Paris, cats, jazz and beautiful hand-drawn animation.

101 Dalmatians is another favorite, although Cruella is genuinely scary and I’d absolutely factor in your child’s sensitivity.

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh is probably the calmest of the bunch. The Hundred Acre Wood has wonderfully tiny stakes.

Some other classic Disney movies are beautiful and nostalgic, but nostalgia alone doesn’t make something low stimulation — and some of those old-school villains are honestly scarier than anything in modern children’s movies.

Seasonal Movie Night

I love having certain movies that belong to a season.

POLAR EXPRESS - Weird-ish, Adventurous, but Oddly Calming

For winter, The Polar Express is pure Christmas atmosphere: snow, trains, music and that dreamy nighttime quality.

We also love the little Elf on the Shelf holiday specials. They’re sweet, short and much calmer than a giant modern animated feature.

And yes, when Halloween comes around, I’m putting Hocus Pocus on this list for one highly scientific reason: I love Hocus Pocus.

That’s it.

It isn’t particularly low stimulation. It’s witches running around Salem sucking the life force out of children. 😂

But movie night is also supposed to be FUN.

My Movie-Night Test

So no, I’m probably never going to be the mom who panics because we watched a movie on Saturday afternoon.

Instead, I find myself asking a different question:

What happens when the screen turns off?

Does she immediately need another video? Or does she grab her unicorns and disappear into another world? Does she start singing? Or does she draw something later on? Does she pretend she’s Kiki flying around making deliveries? Or does she build a fairy house? Does she turn her toys into characters from the movie and invent an entirely new plot? Does she hear a movie score six months later and yell, “I KNOW THIS SONG!”?

Because to me, that’s the difference.

I don’t want screen time that simply fills time. I want stories that leave something behind. The best children’s movies don’t replace imagination.

They feed it.

And those are the movies I will happily keep putting on our screen.

Did I miss anything???

The Best Fruit Salad

September 8, 2026 by Kathy Patalsky Leave a Comment

This is my "best fruit salad" because it's easy to make, super flexible to customize actual fruits based on season and availability, and the best part is it is ridiculously yummy. I would easily choose a bowl of this over basically any random snack or treat in my kitchen. Am I the only one here who is a fruit lover to that extent? Or is this truly just the best fruit salad ever?.. Let's see..

This is my “best fruit salad” because it’s easy to make, super flexible to customize actual fruits based on season and availability, and the best part is it is ridiculously yummy. I would easily choose a bowl of this over basically any random snack or treat in my kitchen. Am I the only one here who is a fruit lover to that extent? Or is this truly just the best fruit salad ever?.. Let’s see..

Back-to-School Fruit Salad Season

It is officially back-to-school season, and I feel like all I have been hearing from friends lately is that someone is sick. Their kid is sick. They are sick. Half the class is sick. You know the drill.

We have managed to avoid all of that so far — knock on wood — and obviously there is no magical fruit salad that can prevent you from getting sick, but one thing I can do is make sure we are eating plenty of colorful fruits and veggies, staying hydrated and generally giving our bodies all the good stuff they need.

And lately, this fruit salad has been on repeat.

I have always been a huge fruit person. Like, give me a giant bowl of perfectly ripe, juicy, tart, sweet fruit and I am genuinely happier than I would be with most desserts. And the thing I love about a fruit salad is that you don’t have to choose. You don’t have to decide whether you want an apple or kiwi or grapes or citrus or blueberries. You get ALL of it. Sometimes in the same bite.

And that is really the secret to making an amazing fruit salad. It’s not about following an exact list of fruits. It’s about getting the formula right.

best fruit salad with kiwi and grapes and berries

My Formula for the Best Fruit Salad

First: texture.

You need something crunchy. Something soft. Something super juicy. Maybe something slightly chewy or snappy. An apple next to a soft kiwi next to a juicy grapefruit segment next to a crisp grape is infinitely more interesting than a bowl filled with fruits that all have basically the same texture.

Next: flavor.

You want sweet, tart, tangy and even a little bit sour or bitter. This is why I love adding grapefruit and citrus instead of making a fruit salad that is purely sweet. Every bite tastes a little bit different.

Then you need juice. This is important! You want some liquid pooling at the bottom of the bowl because as everything sits together, those fruit juices mingle and basically create their own fresh fruit dressing. I usually add fresh lemon and/or lime juice, plus one of my favorite secret ingredients…

My Secret Ingredient: Canned Mandarin Oranges

Okay, technically you could use any mandarin oranges here, but I am extremely loyal to the Native Forest canned mandarin oranges. Yes, they are around five dollars a can, which feels mildly ridiculous for canned oranges, but I LOVE them.

And I don’t drain them!

That juice goes straight into my fruit salad. It has this very specific tangy mandarin flavor with almost a slightly bitter edge to it, and it adds so much depth to the whole bowl. Combined with fresh lemon and lime juice and all the juices released by the other fruits, it creates the most delicious little citrusy fruit bath at the bottom of the bowl.

And finally: zest.

Do not skip the zest! Fresh lemon or lime zest takes a bowl of chopped fruit and makes it taste like you actually did something to it. You get all of those fragrant citrus oils without adding more liquid or making everything aggressively sour.

That little bit of zest is probably one of the easiest ways to make an ordinary fruit salad taste special.

The Fruit Salad I Made Today

Today’s version was:

4 kiwis
1 Honeycrisp apple
1 grapefruit
1 can Native Forest mandarin oranges, with the juice
Red grapes
Blueberries
Juice of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 lime
Fresh lemon and/or lime zest

That’s it.

Chop everything into bite-sized pieces, add it to a giant bowl, pour in the mandarins and their juice, squeeze the fresh citrus over everything and finish with plenty of fresh zest. Toss gently and eat immediately, or let it hang out in the fridge so all those juices and flavors can mingle.

And please do not feel married to that ingredient list.

Strawberries? Absolutely. Raspberries? Yes. Mango? Obviously. Pineapple, watermelon, peaches, nectarines, pears, pomegranate, cherries? Throw them in. The entire point of this recipe is to look at what is seasonal, what looks good at the store and what is already sitting in your refrigerator and build from there.

Just remember the formula: different textures + different levels of sweetness and acidity + plenty of juicy fruit + fresh citrus juice + zest.

Green Kiwi vs. Golden Kiwi

Another fun way to change things up is to use both green and golden kiwi. They actually have slightly different nutritional profiles — golden kiwi tends to be especially high in vitamin C and also provides vitamin E, while green kiwi generally brings a bit more fiber to the bowl.

But honestly, I mostly love using both because they taste different. Golden kiwi is sweeter and smoother, while green kiwi has that classic bright, tart kiwi flavor. Put them together and you’re doing exactly what makes this salad so good in the first place: adding contrast.

Eat the Rainbow — But Actually

One of the reasons I love combining so many different fruits is that you’re also getting a wider variety of naturally occurring plant compounds. Different fruits contain different vitamins, minerals, fiber and phytochemicals, including the pigments and compounds that give plants their different colors.

So rather than deciding you are an “apple person” and eating an apple every single day, variety is a really good thing. Blueberries bring something different to the table than citrus. Kiwi is different from grapes. Grapefruit is different from mango. It’s one of the reasons “eat the rainbow” is actually pretty solid advice.

And this is where fruit salad becomes kind of genius: you don’t have to think very hard about any of that. You just eat a giant delicious bowl of fruit.

The Thing I’ve Always Loved About Fruit

It’s funny because when I really think about it, encouraging people to keep loving fruits and vegetables has basically been part of my entire career.

Kids naturally get so excited about fruit. Blueberries, strawberries, watermelon, apples — put a giant platter of beautiful fruit in front of a group of kids and watch what happens. Somewhere along the way, though, adults start making food incredibly complicated.

And I would love for us not to lose that very simple instinct of: This is colorful. This is juicy. This tastes amazing. I want to eat it.

No blender. No stove. No baking. No complicated dressing. You need a knife, a big bowl and whatever beautiful fruit you can find.

Ten-ish minutes later, you have what I will continue to confidently call the best fruit salad ever.

And yes, I will absolutely choose a giant bowl of this over basically any random snack in my kitchen.

Fruit people, please tell me I’m not alone.

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

The Best Fruit Salad

Sweet, tangy and always hydrating. This zesty amazing fruit salad is loaded with a variety of fruits for maximum health and flavor.

Prep Time10

Total Time10

Course: Breakfast, side

Cuisine: American

Keyword: fruit

Servings: cups

Calories: 45kcal

Author: Kathy Patalsky

Cost: 20

Equipment

1 large bowl

Ingredients

4 whole kiwi peeled, sliced
1 whole apple chopped
1 whole grapefruit peeled, sliced into cubes
1 whole lemon juiced + zested
1 whole lime juiced + zested
1 cup blueberries
1 cup grapes
8 oz canned mandarin oranges (native forest brand) open and pour entire can

Instructions

Prep as you go by slicing, peeling, chopping and zesting the fruit. Add to a large mixing bowl.
Toss well. Serve right away or chill in the fridge for an hour before serving.
Delicious the next day!

Nutrition

And PS. yes, I do other fruit salad recipes too - like this winter white fruit salad. And yes, all fruit salads pair so well with vegan yogurt parfaits or oatmeal!

Happy eating! ~ K

Why Millennial Moms Need to See the Backstreet Boys at Sphere in Las Vegas

September 4, 2026 by Kathy Patalsky Leave a Comment

backstreet boys moms Vegas mirror selfie

I thought I was going to Las Vegas to see the Backstreet Boys. That is technically what happened. But somewhere between putting on my silver aluminum-foil pants, walking through the Palazzo surrounded by women (and men, and kids) dressed in white, baby blue and silver, hearing those first few lyrics inside Sphere and staying up a bit past my normal bedtime, something else happened.

I think I time traveled. And if you are a millennial woman, especially a millennial mom who spends most of her days packing snacks, checking calendars, remembering school forms, planning everyone’s lives and generally being a responsible adult, I am here to tell you:

You need to go to this concert.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kathleen Patalsky (@kathypatalsky)

And I say this as someone who wasn’t even a Backstreet Boys girl. I WAS HARD-CORE *NSYNC. No Strings Attached concert like four times, Justin forever, JC singing "This I Promise You" lines like my comfort blanket... Backstreet was a growl face at the TRL screen, hoping Bye Bye Bye was above I Want it That Way...

But.... Well, we know how *NSYNC's tour is going.. MIA.

So I’ll take what I can get. But here's the thing..

backstreet boys moms in Vegas hotel room

The Backstreet Boys at Sphere Is Not Really About the Backstreet Boys

OK. Obviously it is a little bit about the Backstreet Boys. Because they still have it. Nick singing his little whiny love songs? I’m sorry. I melted into my friend's shoulder and giggled.

I’ve been happily married for 20 years. I have a child. I am 45 years old. And suddenly I was like, ohhhhhhhhhh right. THIS. I remember this. This is fun. This is silly. This is lovely.

This concert doesn't make you feel 16 again. It makes you feel like you have lived a full life, come out the other side and still get giddy over the same things as your teenage self. And that feels oddly wonderful.

And the magic is not simply nostalgia. It's community. I wasn’t expecting how incredibly communal the whole experience would feel..

I’ve never been to Burning Man. I’ve never even been to Coachella. So forgive the comparison here. But I suddenly understood this idea of thousands of people showing up somewhere hoping for the exact same experience and, somehow, collectively creating it.

Because imagine if the Backstreet Boys performed this exact same concert for a random group of Vegas tourists who just wanted to see Sphere. It wouldn’t be the same. The magic is us. Reminiscent of Taylor's Eras magic, but this time it's really for the elder millennial of the group. Like truly. These are not adult boys. These are men. Fathers. Dads. Guys we know and still love and respect. That's pretty darn amazing.

The Time Warp Starts Before You Even Get to Sphere

So when does this magic start? I started feeling it when we left our hotel room. You’re wearing your little outfit. You’re excited. You’re probably slightly tired because you are no longer 22 and Vegas requires ENERGY. Yes, I had a shot of espresso from Starbucks at about 6pm.

Then the elevator doors open.

And there are ten strangers standing there who basically look exactly like you.

White outfits. Silver. Sparkles. Millennial energy everywhere. And everybody is smiling at everybody. Someone screams. Someone takes a group photo with a long outstretched arm. Everyone within earshot poses and smiles and shouts, "Wooooooo!"

Someone compliments your outfit. Someone starts singing a song lyric. And suddenly you’re all friends.

You realize. And this is the magic. YOU ALL KNOW EACH OTHER. Not by job title or hometown. But spirit. We all had the same one.

The time warp starts when you are surrounded by almost 20,000 people who grew up in the same little pop-culture universe you did.

We were the Carson Daly/TRL generation. *NSYNC vs. Backstreet Boys, Britney and Christina. Eminem, 90210 and Friends. MTV Spring Break. Abercrombie and Delia’s catalogs, AOL away messages, Napster, burned mix CDs, Blockbuster Friday nights, Seventeen magazine. And beepers as our only tracking device on Friday night at 11pm, driving around in our first car with friends.

Not every millennial loved pop music. But the ones who did? We had the same spirit. We watched the same TRL countdowns. We knew the same songs. We had the same posters and magazines and crushes and ridiculous late-’90s/early-2000s fashion.

And now somehow we’re all grown-ups.

And Then They Start Singing

This was the part that really got me. There is a moment when one of the Backstreet Boys starts singing a lyric live and your brain does this very strange thing. Because you know that voice. You’ve known that voice for decades.

And suddenly you’re thinking: That’s actually him. That’s actually the voice I listened to 20-something years ago. And he has grown up. And I have grown up. Gone through some unimaginable shit in our lives. And all of us have grown up. Together. Same collective cultural history. That was the weirdest and coolest part of this concert for me.

Sometimes you see a celebrity you remember from childhood and your first thought is, “Oh my gosh, they look so old.”

I didn’t have that feeling here. The Backstreet Boys bring so much energy to this show that instead I kept thinking: Oh. They’re not old. I’m not old. None of us have aged today. And THAT is the magic of this concert.

For a few hours, you haven’t aged. You’re just you.

general admission Backstreet Boys floor girls standing with cups

Millennials, I Think We’re Actually Pretty Cool

For the longest time, I feel like nobody has really known what to do with millennials. We’re anxious. We’re obsessive planners. We love color. We’re earnest. We’re cringe. We overthink everything. We somehow remember life before the internet but also helped create the internet as we know it.

We’re constantly challenging ourselves and optimizing ourselves and making reservations and Googling things and probably carrying twelve reusable water bottles. Sometimes I’m like… are we kind of lame? And standing inside Sphere with thousands of other millennials screaming Backstreet Boys lyrics, I had this revelation:

Oh. We’re actually really cool. I LOVE us. I don’t care what Gen Z is doing.

We grew up during an amazing little slice of pop culture. We have all been on this completely bizarre journey together, and we’re still here. We’ve grown up. We’ve had careers. We’ve gotten married or not gotten married. We’ve had kids or not had kids. We’ve moved and changed and lost people and gained people and become completely different versions of ourselves.

And then for a couple of hours we all got to meet back up again. With the Backstreet Boys leading the way. That’s pretty freaking magical.

Backstreet Boys view from the back of general admission floor

The Funniest Part: I Almost Needed a Nap

Here’s the reality of going to a Backstreet Boys concert at 45. A few hours before the concert, I had a massage at Canyon Ranch. This may have been a tactical error. Or maybe just a genius move to help me stand up in general admission for the next four hours..

To help, I went to Starbucks and got a shot of espresso in some oat milk brown sugar iced latte. I could have gone back to our room, climbed into bed and slept for approximately nine hours. Instead I had to put on silver aluminum-foil pants, a white tank top and my version of ’90s makeup.

Even after I was completely ready I remember thinking: How am I going to do this? I’m still tired. Am I even fun anymore? Is this going to just feel so sad and pathetic. Like I remember my teachers ranting about hippie 60's music back in school?

And then somehow… A switch flips. You rally. Millennials are not our parents. Sorry Gen X and older..

Our concert started around 8:45 p.m., and not only did I stay awake through the entire thing, afterwards we danced around the hotel hallways for another hour.

Then we ordered room service, climbed into bed, watched two episodes of Friends and went to sleep.

It was honestly perfect. THIS was Vegas at 45. We ordered vegan tomato soup, pita and hummus, mint tea, ginger ale and had some sour candy from the little shop downstairs.

Our 36-Hour Vegas Mom Trip

This was also my first time leaving my daughter for something like this, so I really didn’t want to turn the trip into four days away from home. We basically did Vegas in about 36 hours. And that was perfect for me.

We stayed at The Palazzo, which I loved for this particular trip. We could do the pool, eat, get ready, go to Canyon Ranch, see the show and basically have everything we needed right there.

I also flew JSX from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, which was a splurge but honestly made this specific trip so much easier.

JSX was about twice the price of a normal flight when I booked it, but being able to arrive roughly 20–30 minutes before the flight instead of doing the whole giant-airport production made it worth it to me, especially on the way home.

For a mom trying to sneak away to Vegas, see the Backstreet Boys and get back to her kid approximately five minutes later?

10/10. No notes. Well, maybe less annoying cigarette smoke in the casinos, but I digress.

A Few Backstreet Boys Sphere Tips

If you’re considering doing this trip, my very unofficial advice:

Dress up.

Do not be the person who decides you’re “too old” to wear the white outfit or the silver pants or the sparkles.

The outfits are part of the experience.

Stay somewhere close to Sphere.

Being able to walk out of your room and immediately become part of the sea of Backstreet Boys people was honestly one of my favorite parts.

Don’t over-plan Vegas.

This is not the trip where you need seventeen restaurant reservations and a 9 a.m. itinerary. Pool. Lunch. Spa. Espresso. Backstreet Boys. Done.

Just take the cheesy videos.

I know everyone says “put your phone away and experience the moment.” I experienced the moment. And I also took the videos. And now I’ve watched them approximately 700 times. It's ok. Take a few, skip a few.

Go with someone who gets it.

You know what I mean by this. Don't go with a friend who will cringe at butterfly clips or body glitter. We love them, but still.

elevator shot selfie with strangers Vegas Backstreet Boys

Would I Go Again?

Ummmm. Yes. I came home and immediately started showing my daughter videos and photos. She truly has no idea who the Backstreet Boys are in the way that we know who the Backstreet Boys are. But somehow now she knows all about them. She knows their songs. She likes taking Backstreet Boys quizzes. And I am absolutely considering taking her to see them this winter. We’ll see.

If we do it, it will probably be a last-minute thing. But their music makes me happy.

The whole experience made me happy. And maybe that’s the thing I wasn’t expecting from this trip. I thought I was going to Vegas to see a nostalgic concert. Instead, I got to hang out with a version of myself I hadn’t seen in a really long time. She wears silver pants. She stays awake past midnight. She knows every word.

And apparently she’s still in there.

**Even if she was technically an *NSYNC fan.**

I got a little place nearby, gotta gooooooooooooooooo.

The Sparkle Table: Turning a Dining Table into a Kids Creativity Space

July 31, 2026 by Kathy Patalsky Leave a Comment

I wanted one thing for my kid, a space for creativity. A zone, or table. Not a project table or even a "play room." I wanted a family-centered space to dream and connect and soak in daydreams, rainbows and glowy light.

So yeah, there are certain little corners of a home that somehow end up becoming the heart of everything. For us, it’s this table, in the sparkly sunlight.

Elsie Green Table

Years ago I found this beautiful reclaimed wood dining table from Elsie Green, and while it felt like a splurge at the time, it has turned out to be one of the best investments I’ve made for our home. It’s probably my favorite piece of furniture.

This charm-filled oval wooden table has been loved, lived on, and covered in coffee cups, art projects, little hands, and all the tiny everyday moments that make up family life. There are pink marker stains, berry stains, little zigzag etchings in the wood, and even a few “drawings” on the underside from that preschool phase when Rosalie learned about Michelangelo painting the Sistine Chapel ceiling and decided our table deserved its own masterpiece.

It’s perfectly imperfect .. and I wouldn’t change a thing.

Creative Family Landing Space

When I started dreaming about this "crystal table" magic creative space, kids creativity space..

I realized I wanted somewhere that invited people to linger, play, dream and just hang in their imagination for a bit. Not a "project" table, but a "dream" table. And what better way to anchor a "linger" space than with an actual dining table.

This sweet little glowy-spot is a place where a warm soy latte is brewing in the kitchen while the morning light spills across the table. A plate of sliced watermelon, kiwi, berries, and little snacks are waiting for whoever wanders by. Sparkling yuzu or pink grapefruit drinks catching the afternoon sun.

Taylor Swift's "Opalite" sings softly somewhere in the background.

A rainbow dances across the wall because the prism hanging in the window decided it was time. A bowl of crystals and beads somehow gets emptied and rearranged every single day. Markers in a clear acrylic cup. Bracelets halfway finished.

A hidden stash of dark chocolate tucked into a drawer around the corner.

This, to me, is what home feels like.

Our "trinkets tray" is filled with random gems, crystals, sparkly figures and magical pieces. Colorful and heavy-weighted. Soothing and warm.

Sparkly Light is the Inspo

This kids creativity space is pure light. Seriously.

I’ve always loved beautiful light. I honestly think that’s the photographer in me. I notice the way the sun moves through a room before I notice almost anything else. Give me warm wood, morning light, fresh flowers, soft shadows, and a few rainbows dancing across the walls, and I’m probably the happiest version of myself.

One of my favorite things about this season of life has been leaning completely into childhood magic again. I have one little girl who reminds me every single day that sparkle isn’t something we grow out of. It’s something we forget to make space for.

So we’ve filled our home with little reminders. Rainbow paintings we made together instead of expensive artwork. Tiny collections of crystals and gemstones. Fake flowers from IKEA that she picked out herself because she thought they were beautiful. Wooden stamps and colorful paper always within reach. Beads waiting to become friendship bracelets or fairy wands. Little bronze animals tucked onto shelves. Prisms hanging in the windows simply because they make ordinary afternoons feel extraordinary.

None of these things cost very much.

But together they create a feeling that I don’t think money can buy.

Creative Space

I wanted a place where kids naturally want to sit down and create. Where grown-ups end up staying longer than they planned. Where conversations happen without anyone realizing time has passed. Somewhere that feels warm and welcoming even when nothing particularly exciting is happening.

Because honestly, those are usually the best days.

These photos are just little moments from around that space. Nothing staged. Just ordinary afternoons that somehow feel magical because of the light, the colors, the collections, and the people filling the room.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that the personality of a home rarely comes from the biggest purchases. It comes from the tiny details you collect over time. The artwork your family makes together. The favorite mug that’s always sitting on the counter. The bowl of beautiful things you’ve gathered on walks. The playlist that’s always playing. The smell of coffee in the morning. Fresh fruit waiting for hungry kids. A crystal hanging in the window because someone thought rainbows belonged inside.

Those are the things that make a house feel alive.

And this little sparkle table, aka kids creativity space, has quietly become the place where so much of that happens.

Do it Yourself - A Few Things from Our Sparkle Table:

If you’re curious, here are a few of the little things that help create this cozy little corner:

My reclaimed wood dining table from Elsie Green
Crystal window prisms that fill the room with rainbows
Acrylic gems and crystal collections for imaginative play
Fairy wand-making bead kit (obsessed with this!)
Mini wooden stamp set from Hearth & Hand at Target
Faux flow ers and simple vase from IKEA - pens and paper from IKEA too
The little bronze horse from Target that always makes me smile
wooden trays from Target and garden stores
wooden bench from a vintage store in LA
blankets in amber brown, from target
fuzzy real life cat, adopt one from your local rescue 🙂

I’d love to hear what little corner of your home feels the most like you.

And here are some images from our magic table as well as tiny pockets of childhood and light tucked in between the lines...

Sweetest Little Vegan Snack Bagels..

July 31, 2026 by Kathy Patalsky Leave a Comment

These "sweetest little vegan snack bagels" are simple: cream cheese, jam and pumpkin seeds. They are the perfect weekday breakfast or weekend brunch centerpiece. As simple or fancy as you want them to be, they offer up sweet and savory flavors in every plant-based, nutrient-dense bite.

Guess Who’s Back… Back Again?

Well… guess who’s back? Back food blogging again? Or maybe it’s just a fluke... Time will tell, guys.

New Light. New Space.

This morning I woke up in my new house, looked around, saw the gorgeous morning light pouring into my kitchen, and all I wanted to do was take food photos. I honestly can’t remember the last time I felt that way, and it made me ridiculously happy.

If you’re a food photographer, you probably already know exactly what I’m talking about. And if you’ve ever thought, “Light is light. Just use studio lights.” Well… you’re probably not a food photographer.

(And yes, the Target bonze horse was a good buy.)

Don’t get me wrong, I have absolutely nothing against studio lighting. I have bins of LED lights and fancy filters in my storage closet. You can create beautiful, consistent, magazine-worthy photos in a studio, and honestly it’s a whole lot more dependable than chasing the sun around your house all day. But there is just something about beautiful natural light that, in my opinion, can’t quite be replicated.

It always surprises you when it pops up.. at a cozy little neighborhood café where the morning sun pours through the giant front windows and suddenly your soy milk latte looks like the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen. It’s sitting outside on vacation when the light hits your buffet breakfast just right, and suddenly you're snapping fifty photos of sliced papaya. It’s your own kitchen table at exactly the right hour of the day when even a bowl of blueberries becomes irresistible.

That’s the thing about food photography. It isn’t really about the food.

Well… it is. But it also isn’t.

It’s about the beauty of food. The colors. The textures. The steam rising off a hot latte. The glossy, thick jam. The vibrant blueberries. Purple berry stains. Crumbs and sprinkles. The little imperfections that somehow make everything feel even more beautiful. Sometimes I think people assume food photographers just really love cooking, and sure, a lot of us do. But for me it’s always been more about the art.

I love photographing plants.Photographing fruits and vegetables. I love photographing plant-based food because it’s naturally colorful and vibrant and full of life. When the light is beautiful, I just want to put food in it and start creating.

For a while I honestly wondered if that part of me had disappeared. Motherhood has, without question, become the biggest and best part of my life, but photography quietly took a very, very, very far back seat. That’s just what happens sometimes. Life changes, priorities shift, and creative passions wait patiently in the background. This morning reminded me that mine is still there. Maybe it was just waiting for the right kitchen.

Summer Mornings: What to Eat?

After I dropped Rosalie off at camp, I came home and stood in front of the refrigerator having my usual breakfast debate. I wanted something savory, but I didn’t want anything heavy. Something fresh and plant-based and healthy. I wanted fruit, but I didn’t want breakfast to taste like dessert. I wanted something that would actually keep me full and energized without feeling like I had eaten a giant brunch.

So I grabbed a few mini bagels from the freezer, some vegan cream cheese, a jar of mixed berry preserves, and a handful of pumpkin seeds. That was it. Five minutes later I had this sweet little breakfast that honestly felt way fancier than it had any right to. It’s one of those recipes that’s almost too simple to call a recipe, but somehow that’s exactly why I love it. It’s easy enough to throw together on a random weekday morning, but pretty enough that you could absolutely serve it at brunch with friends.

Homemade Version 2.0

Of course, if you’re feeling a little Martha Stewart, you can absolutely take this up a few notches. Homemade bagels? Amazing. Homemade berry jam? Even better. Homemade vegan cashew or cream cheese? I have those recipes too.

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Vegan Cream Cheese, Jam & Pumpkin Seed Bagels

These Vegan Cream Cheese, Jam & Pumpkin Seed Bagels are the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Toasted bagels are layered with creamy vegan cream cheese, rich berry preserves, and crunchy pumpkin seeds for an easy breakfast or brunch that feels surprisingly elegant.

Prep Time5

Cook Time5

Total Time10

Course: Breakfast, brunch

Cuisine: American

Keyword: bagels, jam, snacks

Servings: people

Calories: 258kcal

Author: Kathy Patalsky

Ingredients

2 mini bagels sliced in half (or 1 full-size bagel per person)
4 tablespoons vegan cream cheese such as Violife
4 tablespoons mixed berry preserves or berry jam
2 tablespoons raw pumpkin seeds pepitas
1 cup fresh blueberries

Instructions

Toast bagels.
Spread on cream cheese. Then jam.
Sprinkle pumpkin seeds over top. And any additional toppings - see notes.

Notes

Optional garnishes:

Flaky sea salt (such as Maldon)
Freshly cracked black pepper
Fresh mint leaves
Lemon zest
A drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil
A drizzle of maple syrup (if you prefer it a bit sweeter)

Nutrition

Even Fancier..

You could finish everything with fresh mint, parsley, flaky Maldon sea salt, cracked black pepper, lemon zest, a drizzle of good olive oil, or even a little maple syrup if you want to lean sweeter. Fresh peaches would be incredible this time of year, and honestly almost any fresh fruit works beautifully alongside these little bagels.

As for the pumpkin seeds… don’t skip them. They add the perfect little crunch and a nice boost of plant-based protein. If you want even more staying power, you could add a Just Egg patty on the side - or even tuck one right into a bagel for a sweet-and-savory breakfast sandwich. It sounds a little unexpected, but trust me, it totally works.

Sweet Little Snack Bagels

Ingredients

Mini bagels (or full-size bagels)
Vegan cream cheese (I love Violife.)
Mixed berry preserves or jam
Pumpkin seeds
Fresh blueberries or other seasonal fruit

Directions

Toast your bagels until lightly golden. Spread each one generously with vegan cream cheese, spoon over your favorite berry preserves, and finish with a generous sprinkle of pumpkin seeds. Serve with fresh fruit and a frothy oat milk latte, then find the sunniest spot in your house and enjoy every bite.

And one last thing…

If you noticed things look a little different around here… yes, we moved. I’m not quite ready to share the whole story yet, but I promise I will. For now, I’ll just say this: this house has the most beautiful natural light, and this morning it reminded me of a part of myself that I thought I had maybe lost somewhere along the way. Turns out it was still there all along. It was just waiting for the right light.

And a bowl of crystal fairy wands that my daughter made - and a vase of IKEA-found fake flowers that she also arranged ... to greet me every morning.

The Great Couch Wars of 2026

July 6, 2026 by Kathy Patalsky Leave a Comment

Buying a new couch isn’t like it used to be. Find one that fits. Pick a color. Done.

Nope.

These days, all you have to do is whisper the words new couch anywhere near your phone and suddenly your Instagram feed becomes an endless parade of plush sectionals being dramatically drenched in coffee, cola, red wine, or hot chocolate just to prove how “spill-proof” they are.

Apparently buying a couch isn’t just about finding a comfortable place to sit anymore. It’s about finding your couch soulmate. One that somehow brings your entire life together… and, if you’re really lucky, doesn’t take ten months to show up.

So yeah, , it's more like this: the 'great couch wars of 2026.' I could also call this post: 'Why I’ve Spent an Embarrassing Amount of Time Researching the Perfect Family Couch.'

Let's get to it..

Spoiler alert: I am not going to tell you which couch to buy.

And another fun fact... these are NOT affiliate links in this post. Just good old-fashioned links for helpfulness sake. I'm just chatting here.

And so I repeat, I am not going to tell you which couch to buy. So if you’re looking for an influencer to tell you, “This is the couch I got for free, therefore it is now the greatest couch in the history of couches,” I am probably not your girl.

Because yes, Instagram is absolutely overflowing with those posts. Every couch is apparently life-changing. And every couch is “the one.” Totally worth the price. And somehow, every single one just happens to come with a discount code.

This isn’t that post.

Instead, I want to talk about what happens when a slightly obsessive researcher (hi, it’s me) decides she’s going to find the dream family couch.

Not just any couch. The couch.

The Family Nest

It's not a couch. It's a nest. Birds have twigs. Humans have couches.

We all want a landing spot. A charge up pad. A couch that looks gorgeous in your living room but doesn’t make you panic every time someone walks into the room holding an over-filled glass of juice.

We’re not shopping for couches. We’re shopping for memories.

What Makes a Dream Couch?

When I say “dream couch,” I’m not talking about the most expensive couch. I’m not talking about the trendiest couch, either. And honestly, I’m not even talking about the prettiest one.

I’m talking about the couch that quietly becomes the center of family life.

Movie night. Lazy Sunday mornings. Christmas morning. Oscars. A random Tuesday when someone has the flu and decides they’re spending the next twelve hours under three blankets watching cartoons.

For kids, it isn’t even really a couch...

It’s a balance beam. A gymnastics station. A fort. It's a reading nook. A trampoline. Pet bed. Basically, where everyone in the house ends up. That’s the couch we all want.

Oh Hey! ... Little couch update.

As I’ve gone deeper into this couch search, I’ve realized there are three undisputed ring leaders of Instagram couch ads: Interior Define, Sundays, and Seventh Avenue.

Search for a couch for five minutes and suddenly your entire Instagram feed belongs to these three companies. 😂 And honestly? Sometimes it’s okay to be influenced. They’re all beautiful couches.

But here’s the question I can’t stop asking…

Which one actually deserves all the hype? So of course I asked ChatGPT to ignore the marketing and judge them as family couches for me and my preferences.. feather-free, family friendly, cute, comfy beyond..

Here’s where we landed: 🏆 Seventh Avenue

Stay tuned to see which couch I actually buy... Back to the post..

Why Has Buying a Couch Become So Complicated?

Honestly, I don’t remember couches being this complicated.

When I was growing up, I feel like there were maybe four choices. Blue. Brown. Plaid/weave. Floral. That was basically it. Fabrics? Soft, scratchy or leather. That was it. Rich people had soft. Old people had leather. Normal people had scratchy.

Now there are thousands... Performance fabrics. Modular sectionals. Washable slipcovers. Hidden storage. Cloud fill. Feather fill. Memory foam. Bench cushions. Multi-cushion seats. Bouclé. Chenille. Performance velvet. Vegan leather. Conversation depth. Movie-night depth. Extra-deep seats.

At this point you practically need a graduate degree just to buy somewhere to sit. Every company claims they’ve reinvented the couch. Every review says something completely different. One person says it's a cloud. The next person says it’s a rock. One family says it’s indestructible. Another says it started pilling after six months. It’s enough to make anyone slightly lose their mind.

Ask me how I know.

Clever Couch Things I’ve Learned Along the Way

There is no universal “best couch.” Some people genuinely want a structured sofa that keeps everyone sitting upright. I absolutely do not. I want to melt into my couch. If I can’t comfortably put my feet on the couch itself, I’m already a little disappointed.

I’ve also realized that I love substantial backs and arms. Not oversized or bulky, just supportive. There’s something about a thick armrest that makes a couch feel inviting. Cozy. Safe.

I want to be a bird. It's a nest. No better metaphor to me.

Fabric Is Personal

This might be my most controversial couch opinion. People love white couches.

Love them.

Everywhere I look, someone is pouring coffee or hot cocoa onto a bright white performance fabric couch just to prove how stain resistant it is.

Very impressive.

But here’s my question. What about life? Not just spills. Life.

The tiny black fuzzies from your favorite sweater. Cat hair. The mystery lint that appears out of nowhere. The little crumbs that somehow exist even when nobody remembers eating crackers. Performance fabric can absolutely save you from hot cocoa. It cannot save you from the visual chaos of everyday living.

That’s why the one warm white couch I own may be my last... The lint specks drive me nuts. Even if it is spill-proof.

Kids Don’t See Couches. They See Playgrounds.

One thing parenthood has taught me is that adults and children experience furniture completely differently.

Adults see a sofa. Kids see gym equipment. The back becomes a balance beam. The cushions become stepping stones. The arm becomes a launch pad. The throw pillows become an Olympic gymnastics course.

Honestly, I’ve stopped fighting it. At this point I just assume whatever couch I buy is going to spend half its life as a playground. Which means durability matters. Washable covers matter. Replaceable covers matter.

Maybe We’ve All Gone a Little Couch Crazy

Can I make one slightly random cultural observation?

I think we’ve become absolute perfectionists about our homes. Sometimes I catch myself zooming into complete strangers’ living rooms on Instagram trying to identify their couch.

That’s ridiculous.

And yet… here we all are.

I almost wonder if we’ve redirected our perfectionism.

The New "Perfection" Obsession

In the ’90s and early 2000s, so much of our perfectionism was aimed at our bodies. Now it’s our kitchens. Our coffee bars. Pantries. Family rooms. And yes, couches. Everything has to be aesthetically perfect all the time.

It’s exhausting. Because when I think back to the homes I loved most growing up, none of them were perfect.

They were simply lived in.

The Couches I Grew Up With: My 80's and 90's Couch Memories

Growing up, we had exactly two couches. That’s it. And we had them forever.

One was this gorgeous champagne-colored velvet sofa with giant rounded pillows. We built forts with it. Jumped on it. Watched Saturday morning cartoons on it. Curled up under blankets when we were sick.

I’m sure food got spilled on it. I’m sure somebody threw up on it at some point because… kids. There were no miracle performance fabrics back then. No washable slipcovers. No Instagram demonstrations involving red wine and paper towels. It was just… our couch.

The other one was honestly kind of ugly. Brown. A pull-out sofa bed that was probably already old by the time I was born. It had strings hanging off it, and the mattress inside was terrible.

But when someone got sick, that’s where they slept. When cousins came over, that’s where they slept. When we wanted to watch a movie together, everybody piled onto that couch.

It wasn’t beautiful. It was beloved. And maybe that’s what I’ve been looking for all along. Not the prettiest couch. The one that becomes part of your family’s story.

Because someday your kids probably won’t remember whether your couch was performance velvet or washable linen.

They’ll remember movie nights, blanket forts, Christmas mornings, falling asleep halfway through a movie while you carried them upstairs.

I think that’s what we’re really buying when we buy a family couch. Not furniture. A backdrop for life.

My Dream Couch Short List (and the Criteria I Used)

After what can only be described as an unhealthy amount of couch research, I realized I wasn’t actually looking for theperfect couch.

I was looking for my perfect couch. And those are two very different things.

The truth is, there is no universal “best” couch. The best couch for a bachelor apartment in New York is probably very different from the best couch for a family with young kids, two cats, movie nights every weekend, and a husband who likes to stretch out across the entire sectional.

So instead of telling you what to buy, I thought I’d share the checklist I ended up using. If you’re currently shopping, maybe it’ll help you narrow down what actually matters to you.

1. Comfort Comes Before Style

This is my number one rule. I don’t care how gorgeous a couch looks if nobody actually wants to sit on it. There are plenty of stunning designer sofas that look like works of art but feel like waiting room furniture. That’s not what I’m after.

I want the couch everyone instinctively gravitates toward.

The one where somebody says, “I’ll just sit here for a minute,” and somehow two hours go by.

If your couch looks incredible but everyone ends up sitting on the floor with giant beanbags because they’re more comfortable… you bought the wrong couch.

2. Deep Seats Matter

I’ve learned that I love a deep couch. Not because I’m especially tall, but because I almost never sit with both feet on the floor. I’m curled up. Lying sideways. Sharing space with a child. A cat. Two cats. Watching movies. Doom-scrolling on my phone.

Deep seating completely changes how a couch feels.

Some people prefer a more upright sofa for conversation. That’s great if that’s your lifestyle. Mine isn’t.

3. Legs Belong on this Couch

This sounds silly, but it’s actually one of my biggest criteria. Can I comfortably put my feet up? Not on a coffee table. On the couch itself.

If the answer is no, it’s probably not my dream family couch. Whether that’s a chaise, a modular corner, or a wraparound sectional, I want somewhere to stretch out.

4. Cushion Construction Matters More Than I Expected

One thing I noticed while researching is that not all cushions are built the same. Personally, I prefer a couch that has a supportive base cushion with a softer cushion layered on top. It creates that sink-in feeling without feeling like you’re disappearing into quicksand.

Some modern couches skip that top layer entirely, creating a cleaner, more architectural look.

Beautiful? Sometimes.

Comfortable? That’s going to depend on you.

I learned very quickly that I lean toward cozy over sculptural.

5. Fabric Is Personal

Everyone has strong opinions about fabric. Mine are probably influenced by living with kids and cats. I don’t personally love chunky basketweave fabrics because I worry about claws catching on them. I’m also not a huge chenille person.

My favorite textures tend to be performance velvet or fabrics that have a soft suede-like hand feel without actually being suede.

I still appreciate good vegan leather because it’s incredibly easy to wipe clean, but even leather isn’t invincible when cats decide it’s their personal scratching post.

6. White Isn’t Automatically Better

This may be my hottest couch take. Performance white fabrics are incredible. You really can wipe off things that would have ruined a couch twenty years ago. But stain resistance isn’t the only thing you should think about.

What about black lint? Pet hair? Dark sweaters? Every tiny speck showing up against bright white upholstery?

I actually think a warm cream, oatmeal, mushroom, soft taupe, or even a statement color can sometimes be easier to live with than stark white.

7. Washable Covers Are Amazing

One thing furniture companies have absolutely improved over the last decade is washable slipcovers. If you’re buying a major investment piece, being able to remove and wash the covers is a huge advantage.

It also means that years from now you may even be able to refresh the entire look of the couch without replacing the frame.

That flexibility is really appealing. And I love companies like Comfort Works that allow you to buy slip covers for brands like Pottery Barm couches. We purchased a slipcover for our PB Comfort couch and it revived a couch frame we though was dead and done.

8. Modular Is Brilliant

I wasn’t always sold on modular couches. Now I completely understand the appeal. You don’t necessarily have to buy the biggest configuration on day one. You can start with what fits your space and your budget, then add pieces later if your family changes or you move into a different home. That’s honestly one of the smartest innovations in furniture.

9. Storage Is Nice…But Not Essential

Some modular couches include hidden storage under the seats. It’s definitely convenient. But I also kept asking myself… What would I actually store there? Extra blankets? Board games? Pillows?

For me, though, hidden storage isn’t something I’d prioritize over comfort or durability. I’d rather have an amazing couch than a mediocre couch with extra compartments.

10. Fill Matters

Because I’m vegan and also allergic to feathers, down-filled cushions have never really appealed to me.

I personally gravitate toward memory foam and high-density foam. They’re supportive, they bounce back well, and I don’t have to constantly fluff them. That’s a personal preference, but it’s worth paying attention to because different fills create completely different sitting experiences.

My Short List

SUNDAYS - MOVIE NIGHT
KOALA - TAMARAMA
7THAVENUE - MODULAR
SIXPENNY - NEVA
POTTERY BARN - PB COMFORT
BO CONCEPT (sort've) - CARMO
INTERIOR DEFINE - SKYLAR

After weeks of research, these are the couches that kept making my list. They’re all trying to answer the same question: How do you build a couch that feels like home?I’m still deciding which direction I’ll ultimately go.

My Big Realization

I’ve realized something throughout this entire research and bombarding of ads process. There isn’t one perfect couch. You will never find it. That's just crazy work. You may find a couch you love and two years later, sit on a friends couch and have a lightbulb "omg this couch!!" moment.

There are just different versions of a really good life. Whatever you choose, my hope is that five years from now it won’t look perfect. I hope it’ll have signs of movie nights, blanket forts, pets and sleepy Sunday mornings. Living w your couch is the whole point.

Couch Wars: My Short List

After weeks (okay…months) of research, these are the couches that have consistently stayed at the top of my list. I blame a mix of Instagram ads, quiet googling and personal hearsay.

1 - Sundays Movie Night Modular Sectional

This is probably my overall front-runner. If I were recommending one couch for someone who simply wants an incredibly comfortable family sectional, this would be hard to beat.

What I love:

Deep seats
Beautiful proportions
Modular design
Cozy without looking sloppy
Designed specifically around lounging and movie nights

Possible drawbacks:

Not inexpensive
Fairly oversized, so it works best in larger rooms

2 - Koala Tamarama Modular Sofa

This is the couch I probably think is the prettiest.

I absolutely love the rounded shape, and it has this soft, almost teddy-bear quality that somehow still feels modern. The Aussie Latte color is gorgeous, and I love that the pieces can be rearranged and expanded later.

What I love:

Rounded contemporary design
Expandable modular pieces
Beautiful color options
Looks expensive without being overly trendy

Possible drawbacks:

Newer to the U.S. market
Fewer long-term reviews than some competitors

3 - Seventh Avenue

This couch has probably been advertised to me more than any other couch on the internet.

Thankfully, it also seems to have genuinely good reviews.

The biggest draw is that it was clearly designed for families. Washable covers, modular pieces, and a comfort-first approach all make it really appealing.

What I love:

Washable covers
Modular
Family-friendly
Great reputation for customer service

Possible drawbacks:

Heavy social media marketing makes me want to do extra research before committing

4 - Sixpenny

If this were purely a beauty contest, Sixpenny would probably win.

These couches have that relaxed, editorial, California look that makes every room feel effortlessly cool.

I just don’t know if they’re the right fit for my current stage of life with young kids and cats.

What I love:

Gorgeous fabrics
Relaxed, lived-in aesthetic
Timeless design

Possible drawbacks:

More design-forward than kid-proof
I’d probably worry about it more than I’d enjoy it

5 - Pottery Barn PB Comfort

I already own this couch, so this is the one I have the most experience with.

It’s genuinely comfortable, incredibly livable, and has held up really well over time.

In many ways, it’s become the standard I compare everything else against.

What I love:

Proven comfort
Great for families
Widely available
Lots of configuration options

Possible drawbacks:

Less visually exciting than some newer brands
Doesn’t quite have that ultra-nest feeling I’m chasing

6 - BoConcept Carmo

Placing here only because we own it..

I’ve owned my Carmo for years, and I still think it’s one of the best-looking modern sectionals around. It’s sleek, durable, and incredibly well made. If I were designing a sophisticated living room, I’d absolutely buy it again. If I were designing the ultimate TV room? I’d probably choose something softer and with a higher back.

That being said, my kid loves this couch for doing handstands on!

7 - Interior Define Skylar Sectional

This one has quietly worked its way onto my shortlist because every time I customize it, I end up loving it. The Skylar has clean, timeless lines that don’t feel overly trendy, but what really makes it stand out is how customizable it is. You can choose the size, depth, configuration, fabric, leg finish, and just about every detail, which makes it feel like you’re designing a couch specifically for your home instead of trying to make your home fit the couch.

What I love:

Tons of customization options
Beautiful fabric selection
Clean, timeless design
Available in multiple depths and configurations
Feels elevated without being overly formal

Possible drawbacks:

Custom orders mean a longer lead time.

In Review...

SUNDAYS
KOALA
7THAVENUE
SIXPENNY
PB COMFORT - POTTERY BARN
bo concept
INTERIOR DEFINE

Also On My Radar...

These are a few more brands I’ve researched that are definitely worth looking at:

West Elm Haven - longtime fave from WE
Joybird - love all the fabric colors
Article .. I just love this brand
Anabei - keeps stalking me on IG ads - I've heard mixed reviews
OMHU Teddy Sofa - looks like a nugget for adults - fun, not a main family couch though..
IKEA JÄTTEBO - cheaper but maybe genius, a la IKEA

I haven’t ruled any of them out completely, but they haven’t quite climbed to the very top of my list either.

I actually think this section works much better because it stops trying to be philosophical. The philosophy is over. Now you’re simply saying, “Here’s my research.” That’s exactly what I would expect from an HHL lifestyle post.

Why We Keep Coming Back to Waikiki & Royal Hawaiian - Kid-Friendly Trip!

May 29, 2026 by Kathy Patalsky 2 Comments

Waikiki with kids? Oh yes! After a long Memorial Day weekend on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, I get to share Why We Keep Coming Back to Waikiki & Royal Hawaiian Resort - with a kid.

Honolulu Family Vacation - via LA

Picture this: it's late afternoon in LA. You Uber to LAX. Navigate a busy airport while managing luggage .. and a five-year-old who is 'tired of walking.' You lug around your carry-on backpack, which is overflowing with iPads, bottled water, snacks, activity books and layers of 'just in case' airplane clothes. You endure a six hour flight, nestled into a tiny, paper-thin airplane seat - usually in the back of the plane. Then ten snacks later, twenty-seven episodes of Unicorn Academy, and more kid bathroom trips than seems allowed - you arrive at Honolulu airport.

Off the plane, that thick breeze of tropical air hits your face. And the energy in your body shifts and softens. Coconut and pikake aromas dance in the air, green hills in the distance. And instead of stumbling to a car rental booth, you simply snag your Uber off a platform and go. "Waikiki, please!"

No Car Rental Necessary

So yeah, my first fave thing about Waikiki with kids: no car needed.

There’s something very freeing about landing in Hawaii and immediately deciding: we are not getting a rental car. No loading luggage into trunks. Or figuring out parking garages. No waiting for valet to grab your car, or trek to a hotel self-park lot. And no spending half the trip Googling directions to beaches or restaurants or shaved ice. After living in Los Angeles and spending so much of life in the car already, Waikiki feels like a true transportation exhale for me.

We land, hop in an Uber, and twenty to forty minutes later we’re standing barefoot on Waikiki Beach with warm air hitting our faces and Diamond Head sitting in the distance like a movie set backdrop. Some old Elvis song or the ukulele version of 'somewhere over the rainbow' playing in the distance.

And the 'don't need to rent a car' thing is just one reason I adore a long weekend escape to Honolulu. So let me dive into more ways for a family to have an amazing and relaxing, fun-filled weekend in Honolulu..

Royal Hawaiian Long Weekend - kid-friendly version

This was our second time staying at the Royal Hawaiian, the iconic pink hotel right on Waikiki Beach, and honestly, this version of Hawaii has become one of my favorite trips to take with a kid.

Or ... even without one.

Waikiki - Nope, Not Just for Adults

Waikiki with kids? Yes! Waikiki has this funny reputation where some people dismiss it because it’s busy or touristy or 'too' energetic compared to the quieter parts of Hawaii. Smaller pools. Smaller rooms. Crowded everything. No place to bring kids. And ok, all those things, except the 'kid-friendly' part! The energy of Waikiki is exactly why I adore it so much. It never feels sleepy or boring. It feels like a tropical beach city.

Unbeatable Energy: Honolulu

There’s movement. Music drifting through open hotel doors at night. Surfers carrying boards down the sidewalk at sunset. Families eating ice cream after the beach. You can walk to coffee, breakfast, shopping, snorkeling boats, dinner, and the ocean is basically your front yard the entire trip.

Waikiki Beach

Another huge thing that people miss about Waikiki beach... the actual beach itself is so much more magical than people give it credit for.

The first time I came here years ago, I expected “crowded and pretty Hawaiian beach.” But Waikiki water is different. It’s playful. The ocean stays shallow so far out that people spread way into the water instead of crowding the shoreline. You’ll see paddleboarders, surfers, swimmers, teenagers on boogie boards, little kids floating in inner tubes - all kind of drifting together in this giant sparkling aqua playground.

Rosalie could spend half the day just floating over the waves in her tube. We’d swim for an hour, come back to the sand for snacks, then head right back out again.

That’s the thing about Waikiki. The ocean is the activity.

Which is also why I personally don’t mind the tradeoff that comes with staying here.

Great reason why Waikiki with kids works: the gorgeous, kid-friendly water.

And so if you see pictures of the beach and think, whoa, that's so crowded - no thanks! Here's the thing... The sand part is crowded. But the swimmable ocean parts are not! There is so much shallow swimmable ocean. You don't get like 4-10 feet offshore. You get pretty far out and you can still stand up.

Because the reef drops gradually in many areas, the water can feel shallow and swimmable much farther out than you expect. From a balcony, you can even see the shallow parts of the ocean, sand visible.

Our Easy 4-Night Waikiki with Kids Itinerary

Here's the general itinerary we followed..

THURS Day 1: Arrival + Beach Time

Uber from Honolulu Airport to Waikiki
Check into hotel
Walk the beach at sunset
Play in the waves
Dinner and an early bedtime

FRI Day 2: Snorkeling + Beach Day

Breakfast in Waikiki
Morning snorkeling catamaran departing directly from Waikiki Beach - HOLOKAI boat
Lunch nearby
Beach and pool time - spa visit for mom
Sunset on the beach - Friday Fireworks (very small show fyi)
Casual dinner

SAT Day 3: Diamond Head

Early breakfast
Uber to Diamond Head
Hike to the summit
Shaved ice or a cold drink afterward
Afternoon at the beach or pool
Shopping and dinner in Waikiki - GOTCHA claw games + a game of pool at the Sheraton

SUN Day 4: Relax and Explore

Slow morning
Beach time
Pool time
Spa treatment or massage - Royal Hawaiian massage outdoors
Shopping and wandering around Waikiki
Optional visit to the Honolulu Zoo, Pearl Harbor, or another snorkeling or kids-playground boat excursion from the harbor

MON Day 5: One Last Swim

Breakfast
One final beach walk or swim
Check out
Uber to the airport

What I love about this itinerary is that it leaves plenty of room to actually enjoy Hawaii. You’re not rushing from one attraction to the next or spending hours in a rental car. Most of the trip is spent doing what you came to Hawaii to do in the first place: swimming in the ocean, watching sunsets, eating good food, and relaxing.

More Things to Do in Waikiki (Car Free)

Beyond the beach, snorkeling, and Diamond Head, there are plenty of other easy activities nearby. The Honolulu Zoo is walkable from most Waikiki hotels and is perfect for younger kids. The Waikiki Aquarium is small but fun and sits right along the ocean. Pearl Harbor is an easy Uber ride away if you’re interested in history. You can take surf lessons, rent paddleboards, book sunset catamaran cruises, or hop on one of the snorkeling boats.

For slower days, we love wandering through the various hotel grounds, shopping along Kalakaua Avenue, grabbing acai bowls and coffee, hunting for shaved ice and touristy trinkets to take home, or simply sitting on the beach or our balcony and watching the surfers. Treats, claw machines, souvenirs, and people-watching.

Rent a boogie board.

Get a POG juice at a bar - to go.

Sometimes just hunting for a silly new hat, sea turtle socks, new sunglasses, POG drinks or the perfect pink sea floaty is a fun activity for kids.

Of course live music, random stage performances or searching for seashells and rainbows is perfect.

Even More...

Kapiʻolani Park
Glass-bottom boat tours
Outrigger canoe rides
Lei-making classes
International Market Place
Royal Hawaiian Center
Sunset sailing cruises

Waikiki Hotels

Waikiki with kids means a shift in expectations for the hotel. Sprawling? Nope. Still wonderful? Yes!

Zero hikes a million miles to your room or across the resort.

The hotels in Waikiki are very different from the giant sprawling resorts you’ll find on Maui or Kauai. You’re usually not getting massive pools, waterslides, lazy rivers, or huge tropical grounds. The rooms tend to be smaller too. Some hotels feel almost entirely vertical - elevator, hallway, room, beach.

Beach Umbrella Tip!

Book in advance for those pink iconic umbrellas and loungers. But if you want a spot right at the water, it's true, you have to wake up at 7am and send someone down to the pool to stand in the beach services line. Yes, there is 10+ people already lined up by 7am when it opens on busy weekend mornings! You can usually get something by 8-9ish. But later in the morning most chairs will be taken. There is also a rental hut at the Sheraton next door.

Pool Tip!

The pool at the Royal Hawaiian is sweet but small. You are allowed to use the Sheraton's pool when you stay at the Royal Hawaiian. The Sheraton's pool is much larger and sprawling - with a fun waterslide. But of course, during our stay, Royal Hawaiian guests could use the Sheraton pool next door, but always confirm current access before booking.

Trip Length? Long Weekend vs Full Week

As I mentioned above, we love a long weekend trip. So Waikiki is truly perfect for that.

The question becomes: what kind of Hawaii trip do you want?

Do you want the giant resort experience? Lots of walking hallways, weaving around pool systems, tiki torches lining long paths and gardens... Or do you want to wake up and immediately walk into one of the most swimmable, playful beaches in Hawaii?

I actually adore both options. Depending on our trip mood...

Other blog posts: We have stayed on Kauai - Hyatt & Maui - Fairmont as well.

We have done the other side of Oahu at the Four Seasons and Aulani, and those are also great when my mood craves them.

When in Waikiki, I enjoy Royal Hawaiian because even though it’s right in the middle of Waikiki, it still somehow feels tucked away. The hotel has these beautiful grassy areas and winding little paths with giant trees and tropical birds everywhere, so you still get moments that feel peaceful and lush, yet also right next to a shopping center, ha.

It feels like its own little pocket world, which I love.

And yes, the entire place being pink absolutely helps when you have a little girl who loves pink. Waikiki with kids, specifically girls, this pink hotel is a must.

Travel Vibe: Short and Sweet

The Honolulu vibe also really fits how our family likes to travel. Short and sweet! I have a cat and house-sitter at home that I want to get home to asap! Ha, but true. Pets miss me. If we can get in and out in under a week or a long weekend, win win.

Our Waikiki Routine

The first night we landed, we did exactly what we always end up doing.

Dropped our bags.
Checked out our room.
Showered, changed quickly.
Walked down to the beach at sunset.
Played in the waves.

Then Rosalie insisted on visiting the little claw machine arcade inside the Sheraton called GOTCHA, which she now considers a mandatory Honolulu tradition.

After that we walked about ten minutes to grab takeout from Cheesecake Factory — which ironically becomes one of my reliable vegan-friendly fallback spots in Waikiki — and carried it back to eat on our balcony overlooking the ocean.

And truly, that balcony is a huge part of why we splurge for the oceanfront room every time.

Watching the birds fly over the water and linger on our balcony in the morning. Hearing music drifting up from the beach at night. Sitting outside after Rosalie falls asleep while the entire shoreline glows below you. That becomes part of the trip itself.

Snorkeling Boat From the Beach

The next morning we booked a snorkeling catamaran - Holokai - that leaves directly from Waikiki Beach. The yellow boat in the pic above. You literally walk from the sand onto the boat, which is another reason I love staying here — you don’t have to organize some huge excursion day just to do something memorable.

Within about thirty minutes we were snorkeling in gorgeous blue water.

Last year we also did a larger snorkeling excursion that departed from the harbor and had slides, trampolines, and more kid-focused activities onboard, so if you have older kids or kids who want more action, that’s another really fun option.

But for simplicity? The boats leaving directly from Waikiki Beach are hard to beat.

Royal Hawaiian Spa

One of my favorite parts of this particular trip was getting a massage at the Royal Hawaiian spa. If you go to Hawaii, try to book an outdoor massage at least once.

Not indoors.
Outside.
End of the day is my vibe. Or even 3pm after a long busy day, so you can make it out by sunset.

The Royal Hawaiian has these shaded outdoor treatment spaces where you hear birds, wind through the trees, distant music, and occasionally rain tapping on the roof while you’re getting a massage. At one point it lightly started raining during mine and it genuinely felt like one of the most relaxing moments of my entire year.

That combination of warm air, ocean humidity, tropical rain, and total calm is just… heaven.

Hiking Diamond Head

The next day we did Diamond Head. You do need reservations now, so definitely book ahead. We usually just Uber there from Waikiki and it’s very easy.

The beginning of the hike always tricks me into thinking it’s going to be miserable because the first stretch feels hot and exposed, but once you get into the narrower dirt-and-rock sections, it becomes way more fun. There are tunnels, steep stair sections, changing views, and eventually these incredible panoramic ocean views from the top.

I’m always impressed that Rosalie manages most of the hike herself.

There were definitely a few moments where she ended up on my back, but overall she powered through surprisingly well for a five-year-old.

And honestly, it feels good to move your body on vacation in a way that isn’t just “walking through an airport carrying everyone’s bags.”

Food + Vegan Tips

I’ll be honest: vegan food in Hawaii can still be a little hit or miss depending on where you go.

There’s amazing fruit everywhere. Acai bowls. Fresh papaya. Smoothies. But traditional restaurants can be inconsistent with vegan requests, so I’d recommend double-checking ingredients carefully when ordering.

One place accidentally included fish in a “vegan” poke bowl I ordered, so it’s definitely worth asking questions instead of assuming.

That said, there are good options if you plan ahead a little.

We loved grabbing coffee and acai bowls fromIsland Vintage Coffee right near the Royal Hawaiian. There’s also:

Heavenly
Nalu Health Bar
Banan food truck
Vegan soft serve spots like NIU
Tons of fruit and smoothie places throughout Waikiki

And honestly? Cheesecake Factory remains one of the easiest reliable vegan takeout options when everyone is tired and hungry after the beach.

Not glamorous.
But effective.

The Royal Hawaiian breakfast also became part of our daily rhythm. Rosalie loved the pink pancakes, I survived happily on oatmeal and papaya, and there’s something very comforting about developing little vacation rituals like that.

Hot Tip: Local Fruit. Don't accidentally order mainland fruit! You are in Hawaii. Order anything local. Baby bananas, also called apple bananas. Papaya. Pineapple. Lychee. Mango. Passionfruit. All of that good stuff.

There is a vegan Ramen place I am dying to try next time... Tane

Why Waikiki Works For Us

I think what I love most about Waikiki is that it gives us a version of Hawaii that feels easy, alive and efficient. Really, cost-effective too because you get 'everything' done in just a few days. It's all right there.

You can still have beautiful water, tropical weather, sunsets, snorkeling, oceanfront breakfasts, Diamond Head hikes, shave ice, palm trees, and slow beach days… without turning the entire trip into a logistical operation.

You can walk most places.
Uber when you need to.
And spend more time actually being present.

And even though Waikiki has energy and movement and life to it, there are still these quiet little moments hidden inside everything. Like on the boat, breeze on your face, tired bodies and salt-water skin.

Sitting on the grass outside the Royal Hawaiian while birds hop around the trees.
Watching the sunset from the balcony.
Floating in the waves while Diamond Head glows in the distance.
Hearing Hawaiian music somewhere below your room at night while the ocean air blows through the curtains.

It’s not the isolated resort version of Hawaii. The honeymoon on Kauai vibe of my newlywed days. But that's more than ok. This version of my life is fun, sweet, and maybe my favorite yet. I finally have a mini me to play in the Hawaiian waves with! What's better than that?

It’s Hawaii with a pulse.

And a kid.

And that feels heavenly. Just what paradise should be.

How to Raise Monarch Caterpillars (From Milkweed to Butterfly)

April 22, 2026 by Kathy Patalsky 1 Comment

Today I'm sharing how to raise monarch caterpillars, from milkweed eggs to tiny baby caterpillars to blooming butterflies.

From milkweed to butterfly - learn how to raise monarch caterpillars in your own backyard. This is an easy, hands-on guide for parents, kids, and nature lovers. Watch my YouTube Video of my complete process!

Backyard Butterflies

If you plant milkweed, they will come. I didn’t believe that at first. It sounded like one of those sweet nature facts that feels a little too magical to be true.

But it is true.

For the past two years, I’ve been raising monarch caterpillars in my backyard, and not in a complicated, scientific way. I don’t order them. And I don’t buy kits. And really, I don’t do anything fancy. I just buy milkweed. Keep it in pots in my garden, or plant it in my flower bed. And then the butterflies find it.

This is such a fun way to get outside and embrace a garden. Kids will love taking care of the caterpillars too!

monarch caterpillar eating milkweed close up feet

The One Thing You Need to Know

Monarch caterpillars only eat milkweed. Monarch butterflies only lay their eggs on milkweed. That’s it. That’s the whole system.

No milkweed → no eggs
No eggs → no caterpillars
No caterpillars → no butterflies

So if you want to support monarch populations in the simplest possible way:

👉 Plant milkweed.

Even one plant makes a difference.

Let's do this...

🌱 Step 1: Start With Milkweed

Go to your local garden store and buy a milkweed plant. A healthy starter plant is usually around $10–$20.

My biggest tip?

Buy a few. Ideally 3–5 plants.

Here’s why: caterpillars eat a lot. Like shockingly fast.

I started with one plant and about 12 caterpillars… and they stripped it bare in about 48 hours.

So:

Plant early in the season
Let your plants grow big and strong first
Place them somewhere calm and sunny (not right next to a busy street)

And then… wait.

Hot Tip: Planting early means you may actually get some milkweed flowers to bloom too..

monarch caterpillar eating milkweed close up macro

🦋 How Do Butterflies Find Milkweed?

This part actually is kind of magical, but there’s science behind it.

Monarch butterflies use their antennae and feet to detect chemical compounds unique to milkweed. They can literally “smell” and taste it in the air and when they land.

That’s how they know: this is the place to lay eggs.

And once they find your yard, they tend to come back.

🥚 Step 2: Spot the Eggs

The eggs are tiny. Like… smaller than you think.

About the size of a pinhead
Pale white or cream colored
Usually found on the underside of leaves

They look like little dew drops.

Timeline:

Eggs hatch in about 3–5 days (not a full week or two)
Then tiny caterpillars emerge

tiny monarch caterpillar on milkweed leaf

tiny monarch caterpillars and a moth caterpillar on milkweed leaves

🐛Step 3: Baby Caterpillars (and Why You Might Intervene)

When they hatch, they are so small you’ll almost miss them. But they grow fast. Within days, they go from specks to chunky striped caterpillars about 2 inches long. And they eat constantly.

Now you have two choices:

Option 1: Hands-Off (Totally Valid)

Leave everything outside and let nature take its course.

Option 2: Protective (What I Do)

This is where it becomes a “project.” Because once you see them… it’s hard not to care.

monarch caterpillar habitat protected mesh house

🏡 Step 4: Create a Caterpillar “Safe House”

I use a large mesh butterfly enclosure and place:

2–3 milkweed plants inside
1 extra leafy plant (for cocoon spots)

Then I gently transfer caterpillars from the outdoor plant into the enclosure once they’re big enough to handle. Why? Because in the wild, most won’t survive. Predators, parasites, weather—it’s a tough life. This setup gives them a much higher chance.

🍃 Step 5: Feed Them (A Lot)

This is the main job.

Keep fresh milkweed available at all times
Rotate plants in as they get eaten
Don’t overcrowd one plant

If they run out of food, they won’t survive. It’s that simple.

So yeah, this can mean returning to the garden store to spend $100 in milkweed plants because you are terrified your little guys won't make it otherwise. This is why planting a larger plant earlier in the season is super helpful. Or even better, keep a year-round butterfly garden! The milkweed roots will usually hold and regenerate the plant the next year. At least, a few of my plants from last year did.

monarch cocoon chrysalis hanging translucent wings

🦋 Step 6: The Chrysalis Stage

When they’re ready, caterpillars:

Climb up
Hang upside down in a “J” shape
Transform into a chrysalis

This happens quickly, and it’s incredible to watch.

Important:

Do not touch them during this stage
Keep things dry and well-ventilated
Water plants at the base only

Chrysalis Timeline:

Chrysalis stage lasts about 10–14 days

⚠️ What If a Chrysalis Falls?

This happens. If it does:

Try to reattach it using the silk (best option)
Or gently secure it with thread or safe adhesive

Why it matters: Butterflies need to hang to expand their wings properly. Without that, wings can crumple and they won’t be able to fly.

monarch coming out of cocoon fluffing wings crumpled

🦋 Step 7: The Butterfly Emerges

Right before emerging:

The chrysalis turns dark and transparent
You can see the wings inside

When they come out:

They release a red liquid (normal, called meconium, not blood)
Their wings are soft and crumpled at first
They need a few hours to fully expand and dry

I usually leave them in the enclosure for about a day before releasing them.

🌸 Step 8: Release

Release your butterfly near flowers. They’ll:

Feed on nectar
Strengthen their wings
Fly off into the world

That’s the goal.

🌼 Best Butterfly-Friendly Flowers

To support them after release, plant:

Lantana
Zinnias
Coneflowers
Butterfly bush
Milkweed (for the next generation)

IMPORTANT Safety Note: Milkweed

One important note: milkweed is amazing for monarchs, but it is toxic if chewed or eaten by pets or humans, so I’m very careful with it.

I keep it outside in the garden and I would never bring it indoors because I have cats who would absolutely chew on a random leaf just to ruin my day.

The milky sap can also irritate skin and eyes, so gloves are a good idea if you’re trimming or handling a lot of it. So no, this should not scare you away from planting milkweed, it just means be aware, keep it out of reach of pets and kids, and treat it like the outdoor wildlife plant it is, not something to bring inside or let anyone snack on.

I also watch my shoes when walking indoors, because dried leaves can fall and attach to my shoes. And my cat loves eating grass from outside shoes... so if you have a pet like mine, just be aware.

Bottom line: Milkweed is toxic if eaten by humans or pets, so treat it as an outdoor plant only and don’t consume it.

Bonus Rule: Skip the Pesticides

If you want a living, thriving backyard ecosystem: Don’t spray chemicals.

Even “safe” pesticides can harm:

Caterpillars
Butterflies
Bees

A slightly wild garden is a healthy one. I love my messy, weed-filled, sometimes too long and random garden. There are bugs and birds and squirrels in my yard and I'm good with that.

monarch butterfly and eaten milkweed plants

Final Thought

You don’t need to do all of this. You can simply plant milkweed and walk away. That alone helps. But if you want to go deeper, to watch the full transformation, to show your kids, to feel like you’re part of something small but meaningful, this process is one of the most rewarding things you can do in your own backyard.

And it all starts with one plant.

monarch caterpillar eating milkweed up close

tiny and big adult and baby monarch caterpillars

Why We Keep Going Back to the Hotel del Coronado (With Kids)

April 16, 2026 by Kathy Patalsky Leave a Comment

Our favorite easy getaway from Los Angeles: Hotel del Coronado - yes, with a kid! Family-friendly travel hotel, that feels like a true getaway.

If your idea of a perfect getaway is feeling like a slightly unhinged Victorian ghost while playing Taylor Swift in your headphones, sitting in a rocking chair overlooking the ocean, with your kid running wild on a grassy lawn below you, then let me introduce you to the Hotel del Coronado. It’s an easy two to three hour drive from Los Angeles, with a pool, a beach right out front, an ice cream shop, coffee spots, a little town you can walk to, and just enough chaos and charm to make it feel alive. Kids are doing cartwheels on the lawn, people are sipping drinks under striped umbrellas, and every once in a while a Top Gun style jet roars overhead. It’s not quiet, it’s not minimal, it’s not trying to be understated. It’s a full experience. And somehow, every time, it resets me.

sunset at del coronado hotel san diego jet in sky

Every time we leave this hotel, I feel the exact same way.

It’s always the last day. We’ve stretched it to the very final minute, closing the door one minute before checkout and rolling our luggage out onto the front porch of the hotel, valet ticket in hand.

And somehow there are always two or three rocking chairs open. I don’t know if it’s luck or timing or just part of the rhythm of this place, but it always works out.

We park our suitcases off to the side and sit down, and we just rock.

The sun is out, bright but soft. The valet guys are greeting guests, helping people up the big white staircase under that elegant awning. Cars loop through the roundabout driveway, one after another. There are white roses blooming along the path, green grass everywhere, birds, and the sound of the fountain in the center.

It feels alive, but calm.

I remember one year we actually DoorDashed lunch to our chairs ... yes really ... and just sat there eating on the porch, rocking in those chairs like we had nowhere else to be, because we didn’t.

Obnoxious? Maybe. Essential for that moment? Yes.

That’s the other thing. You drove there. So you are not rushing to catch a flight. You don’t have to scramble. And you literally get to decide when you are ready to leave.

And every single time, I have the same moment.

When I arrive at this hotel, I’m usually a little stressed, a little tired, slightly unsure if I’m actually going to settle in this trip. You know that feeling where you wonder if you are going to get to that version of yourself who is relaxed and happy and present.

And then on the last day, I walk down those stairs, always in a long, flowy skirt outfit I decided to wear just to walk around the hotel, sunglasses on, hair doing its fluffy sun-kissed thing, scooping up my daughter, and I take a photo.

Just as proof.

Because , I got there. That calm, happy version of me showed up. And honestly, that’s the magic of the Hotel del Coronado.

steps of del coronado hotel san Diego mom

Why we keep choosing Coronado

There are so many trips you can take from Los Angeles. You can go north to the Bay Area, head to Mammoth or Big Bear, spend a weekend in Palm Springs, Santa Barbara, or Ojai, even go to Vegas. But for us, one of our favorite getaways is driving south to San Diego, specifically Coronado.

And to be totally honest, we have only ever stayed in one place.

Because once you stay here, it’s hard to do anything else.

Yes, it's a splurge hotel. But you get a lot of cinematic drama for just a few nights. This hotel packs an emotional punch that feels worth it.

balcony view del coronado hotel san diego

The feeling when you arrive

It’s grand, historic, and a little dramatic in the best way. Walking into the lobby feels dim and romantic, with velvet seating, plush carpets, and a slightly moody energy that reminds me of the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland, but in a cozy, elevated way.

The hotel dates back to 1888 and has this deep, layered history. It has hosted presidents and celebrities and was the filming location for Some Like It Hot starring Marilyn Monroe. There is even a well known ghost story. We did the tour once before having a kid and it was surprisingly fun and just the right amount of spooky.

The rocking chairs

I know I already said this, but it deserves its own moment. The rocking chairs are part of the ritual. It is not just sitting. It is how we close the trip.

What it’s actually like staying here

This is a big, busy hotel. Like, very busy.

Once I accepted that, everything got better.

Check in can feel chaotic. Rooms are rarely ready early. Things are not always perfectly smooth. Now we just plan for that. We do not even try to arrive early unless we are completely fine checking our bags, changing into swimsuits, and going straight to the pool.

That is the rhythm of this place.

beach del coronado hotel san Diego golden hour glow

Choosing your room

There are a lot of room options, and they really do feel different depending on where you stay.

The Victorian rooms in the main building are my favorite. This is the classic experience. You are in the historic part of the hotel, everything connects back to the main lobby, and the rooms wrap around that grassy courtyard where kids are constantly running around at sunset. These rooms were recently renovated and feel even better now.

If you can, book an oceanfront room. You get a balcony, views of the lawn and beach, sunsets, and the full energy of the resort. This is the one I always come back to.

The Cabana rooms are right by the pool. When my daughter was two and three, this was honestly the best setup. There were no long walks, everything was easy, and we could go back and forth without thinking. If your day revolves around the pool, this is a great choice.

The Views Tower is more modern and sits off to the side a bit. Sometimes it is more affordable and you can still get beautiful ocean views. It is nice, just not my favorite.

Beach Village is more private and elevated, with a quieter feel, a private pool, and breakfast access. We have done club access in the main building, which was nice, but we have not stayed in Beach Village. It is definitely more of a quiet, private, VIP-needs experience. And we kinda like the anonymity and space the main hotel offers.

Food, snacks, and the in-between moments

This is one of my favorite parts of the hotel. You do not need to plan every meal. You can just exist and figure it out as you go. There is a casual pizza place, and we have taken pizzas to go and eaten on the grass, which is perfect if your kid does not want to sit still. And there is an ice cream shop with sorbets and popsicles, and a small market where you can grab coffee, pastries, or snacks.

There are also full restaurants if you want to sit down and have a proper meal with a view. And there is a surprisingly lively bar area with TVs and sports, so you can tap into a completely different energy if you want to.

The rhythm of the days

This is why I do not recommend staying too long.

It is not a packed itinerary kind of place. It is slower than that.

A typical day looks like a slow morning, then the pool, then the beach, then a snack, then time on the grass, then sunset, and somehow that fills the entire day.

Or maybe one big outing for midday and then back to the resort for dinner snacks sunset.

For us, two nights is actually perfect.

del coronado hotel san diego kathy beach

The little things that make it work for families

This is where the hotel really shines. Kids run freely on the lawn. It is easy to move between the pool and the beach. There are casual food options when your kid refuses to sit down. There is space to just be without over scheduling everything.

It feels structured enough to be a resort, but relaxed enough that it does not feel exhausting.

The restaurants are all high caliber, but somehow also kid-friendly if you want them to be. And the downtown area just a short walk away is clustered with toy stores and cute cafes perfect for kiddos.

And of course San Diego is famous for having loads to do with kids. The San Diego Zoo, La Jolla Cove, LegoLand and Zoo's Safari Park too.

Animal Lover Families

Side Note About Zoos + animal lover families... Yes I know a lot of vegans, like myself, shun zoos. But I promise I mostly take my kid to animal rescue organizations like Gent l e Barn, Wildlife Learning Center, ECO Station Culver City, Farm Sanctuary and even Forever Wild Cat Sanctuary.

For the record, we won't be visiting Sea World, ever...

Ok, back to this hotel.

What it feels like to stay here

It is not about the size of the room. It is about opening your balcony and feeling the entire place. Kids running across the grass, people having dinner below you, the pool off to the side, the beach right there.

At sunset, everything turns gold.

It is easy, it is full, and it somehow always feels like enough.

What to do with kids

You can easily stay on property the entire time and feel like you did everything.

But if you want to explore, the San Diego Zoo is always worth a full day. La Jolla Cove is beautiful and easy. You can walk into Coronado and explore the shops and restaurants.

We always go to Parakeet Cafe for brunch. It has great options, including vegan ones, and it is just a really good, easy stop.

Stops on the drive

If you want to stretch the trip, there are a few easy stops along the way.

The Flower Fields in Carlsbad are beautiful, but go at sunset and wear real shoes because the gravel paths can be rough. Legoland is a great option depending on your kid’s age. The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is also an option if you want something more spread out.

balcony sunset photo kathy del coronado hotel

Real talk

Check in can be chaotic. The hotel is busy. It is definitely a splurge.

But for a two to three night trip, it consistently feels worth it.

The vibes

You can do full kid mode, relaxed adult mode, or something in between.

Or you can wander around the hotel feeling like a slightly unhinged Victorian ghost listening to Taylor Swift, which honestly feels right.

Like really, has Taylor been here? I know she would love it.

Final thoughts

We have stayed here before kids, after kids, and multiple times in between. And every single time, we leave the same way. Sitting in those rocking chairs, deciding we are ready to go. Not rushed, not depleted. Just chill.

The Del

A few more pics from our trip..

Creamy Vegan Lemon Bars (Made with Tofu)

April 15, 2026 by Kathy Patalsky 1 Comment

These easy vegan lemon bars, made with tofu, are a fun and easy summer treat.

Bright, creamy lemon bars with a graham cracker crust and a surprisingly simple plant-based filling.

Summer is almost here. Next week is the last day of school and honestly… my brain feels like someone opened twelve browser tabs and started playing music in all of them.

This week alone we’ve had parties, dance rehearsals, dance recital prep, end-of-year celebrations, birthday parties, camp planning, vacation planning, spirit days, field days, giant piles of artwork coming home, school snacks mysteriously disappearing, after-school playdates, and approximately one million conversations that start with:

“Wait… what are we actually doing this summer?”

And on top of all of that - because apparently we enjoy chaos - we’re house hunting.

Which is one of those things where maybe nothing happens… but once you start looking? Your brain enters permanent Zillow mode. You start mentally moving furniture into homes you don’t own and suddenly every drive becomes a neighborhood analysis. If you want more on that spiral, I actually talk about it over on my podcast.

But anyway.

These vegan lemon bars.

The tofu makes them a bit silkier. And I kinda like that part. They have an almost cheesecake-y texture. Adding the optional cornstarch is one way to help firm them up a bit more.

Because if there is one dessert that instantly transports me back to childhood, it’s lemon bars.

I was obsessed with lemon bars as a kid.

Not brownies. Not cookies. Lemon bars.

There’s something about that cold creamy lemon filling and sweet buttery, graham-y crust that feels refreshing and nostalgic at the same time. They’re the dessert people grab after they’ve already had something rich. The flavor is bright. Cheerful. They somehow feel light while still absolutely being dessert.

And this updated version might actually be my favorite one yet.

My old vegan lemon bars used an egg replacer. This version uses tofu.

I know.

Trust me.

You do not taste tofu. You taste the lemon.

Instead, tofu gives these vegan lemon bars a silky, creamy texture with a little protein boost and enough body to set beautifully in the fridge. Most recipes use silken tofu, but I actually prefer firm tofu here. It gives the filling more structure and a slightly richer texture.

The other secret?

Fresh lemons.

Fresh lemon juice and lots of lemon zest.

I’ve made these with gorgeous bright lemons and I’ve made them with tired lemons sitting in the fruit bowl too long and there is absolutely a difference. Fresh lemons give these bars that sharp, sunny flavor that makes people ask for the recipe.

Photo Note

You guys, I won't lie. I was in my food photography zone for these bars and was just dying about the fact that they weren't slicing with perfect straight edges. And I know why. I used less corn starch than advised for crisp edges. So for the recipe, if you want pretty edges, firm texture, use 3 tablespoon corn starch. But me? In real life my family could care less about perfect photo-ready bars. We ate these with sticky hands and maybe a fork. So good.

One more fun note: if you want that classic super bright yellow lemon bar color without artificial dyes, you can absolutely use plant-based food coloring. I use a natural yellow coloring made with turmeric. You generally need more than conventional food coloring .. sometimes a quarter to half a squeeze bottle depending on intensity .. but it gives such a beautiful sunshine color. Color boost, optional.

Let’s make them.

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Vegan Lemon Bars (Made with Tofu)

These easy creamy vegan lemon cars are the ultimate zine-sweet dessert treat.

Prep Time20

Cook Time30

chill time4

Total Time4 50

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: lemon

Servings: bars

Calories: 132kcal

Author: Kathy Patalsky

Ingredients

Graham Cracker Crust

12 sheets graham crackers about 1½ sleeves
3 tablespoon melted vegan butter
3 tablespoon brown sugar

Lemon Filling

14 oz firm tofu
1 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt
3 tablespoon corn starch optimal for more firmness
2 cups sugar - or 1⅓ cups agave syrup

topping

powdered sugar

Instructions

Prepare the crust
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Add graham crackers, melted vegan butter, and brown sugar to a food processor or blender.
Pulse until finely crumbled.
Transfer mixture to a parchment-lined 8x8-inch baking dish and press firmly into an even layer.
Bake for 10 minutes.
Remove from oven and allow crust to cool while preparing the filling.
Make the lemon filling
Add the following to a blender: tofu, lemon juice, zest, vanilla, salt, corn starch, sweetener.
Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
Pour filling over cooled crust. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
The bars should look mostly set with a slight softness in the center. Remove and cool completely.
Transfer bars to refrigerator. Chill at least 2–3 hours until firm. Overnight is best! Dust with powdered sugar, slice into squares, to serve.

Notes

* Fresh lemon juice gives the brightest flavor.
* Lemon zest is the secret ingredient for extra lemon flavor.
* Lower sugar versions will be less sticky and more creamy.
* These are even better chilled overnight.

Nutrition

Easy Vegan Lemon Bars (Tofu Lemon Filling)

Yield

12 bars

Prep Time

20 minutes

Bake Time

30 minutes total

Chill Time

2–3 hours

Ingredients

Graham Cracker Crust

12–15 double sheets vegan graham crackers (about 1½ sleeves)
2 tablespoons melted vegan butter
2 tablespoons brown sugar

Lemon Filling

14 ounces firm tofu
1 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon fine sea salt
3 tablespoon corn starch (optional)

Sweetener Options

Choose your preferred sweetness level:

Classic sweet lemon bars

2 cups granulated white sugar
OR
1⅓ cups agave syrup

Lightly sweet

1 cup sugar

Very lightly sweet / more creamy and tangy

¼–½ cup sugar

Optional:

1 scoop (about 2–3 tablespoons) flour for slightly thicker bars
Natural yellow food coloring for color
Powdered sugar for garnish
Sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the crust

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Add graham crackers, melted vegan butter, and brown sugar to a food processor.

Pulse until finely crumbled.

The extra sugar may seem unnecessary because graham crackers are already sweet, but it actually helps bind everything together and gives the crust that classic slightly crisp, melt-together texture.

Line an 8x8 or 10x10 square baking dish with parchment paper.

Press crust firmly into the pan.

Bake for 10 minutes.

Remove and allow to cool while preparing filling.

Step 2: Make the tofu lemon filling

Add to blender:

Firm tofu
Lemon juice
Lemon zest
Vanilla
Salt
Sweetener of choice
Optional flour
Optional natural food coloring

Blend until completely smooth.

Taste.

This is where you can customize.

Want something that tastes like classic bakery lemon bars?

Add more sweetness.

Want something tangier and more refreshing?

Reduce sugar.

Want almost a creamy lemon tart situation?

Go lower.

The sweetness changes texture a little too — sweeter versions become slightly stickier while lower-sugar versions stay more creamy and custard-like.

Step 3: Bake

Pour filling over baked crust.

Bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes.

The bars should look mostly set but still have a slight softness in the center.

Cool completely.

Transfer to refrigerator.

Chill at least 1 hour — preferably 2–3 hours.

Step 4: Slice and serve

Lift bars from parchment.

Dust generously with powdered sugar.

Add sprinkles if desired.

Slice into squares.

Serve cold.

Tips for the Best Vegan Lemon Bars

Fresh lemon juice makes a noticeable difference.
Use lots of zest.
Firm tofu gives great structure.
Chill fully before slicing.
Natural food coloring gives beautiful color without artificial dyes.
These taste even better the next day.

Storage

Store covered in refrigerator for up to 5 days.

These are best served cold.

Final Thoughts

Chocolate brownies are wonderful.

But lemon bars?

Lemon bars are the palette cleanser.

They’re what people grab when they want dessert but also want something bright and refreshing.

And honestly… during a season of school endings and summer beginnings and giant life decisions and way too many tabs open in my brain…

a cold lemon bar feels exactly right.

Pink Lemonade for Kids

March 17, 2026 by Kathy Patalsky Leave a Comment

Especially as the weather warms up, I am in love with this Pink Lemonade for Kids (of all ages.)

Somewhere between bouncing on the trampoline in that golden, almost-sunset light and rushing out the door to whatever we had scheduled next, between collapsing on the couch for a few minutes of Sarah and Duck and building entire imaginary worlds on the living room floor - a rescue animal center made entirely of stuffed animals, big cats over here, birds over there, and of course… a section for unicorns - somewhere in the middle of all of that, we got thirsty.

It was one of those mid-March heatwave weekends in Los Angeles. The kind where you’ve done a little bit of everything - farmer’s market, pancakes, errands, driving, playing - and by the end of it, you just want something cold, simple, and refreshing.

We don’t usually make lemonade. But on this day, we did. And somehow it turned into one of those small, perfect pauses - the kind you don’t plan, but you remember.

Pink Lemonade Moment

I asked, “Who wants pink lemonade?” Immediate yes.

Then - “Who wants to make pink lemonade?” Even bigger yes.

And suddenly there she was, standing on a stool, leaning over a pitcher of bright pink liquid, stirring with a tall wooden spoon, ice clinking against the glass, completely focused, completely in it. It’s such a small thing.

But it’s also not. That’s the whole point of this recipe.

And the part where she overflows every single glass while pouring? Also part of the charm.

Easy Pink Lemonade (Kid-Friendly Recipe)

This is less about precision and more about the experience, but here’s the structure so it actually works every time.

What you need:

1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4–6 lemons)
6 cups water
½ to 1 cup sugar (depending on how sweet you want it - go full cup IMO)
1–2 tablespoons agave (optional, for layered sweetness)
⅛ teaspoon salt
2 cups ice
½ cup frozen dragon fruit (for that bright pink color)

Optional swaps:

Fresh dragon fruit instead of frozen
Dragon fruit powder if that’s what you have
Strawberry purée for a different pink vibe

The one sugar trick that matters

Before anything else, dissolve the sugar. Take 1 cup of your water and heat it until very hot (about 90 seconds in the microwave). Stir the sugar into that hot water until fully dissolved. This is the difference between smooth lemonade and gritty, half-mixed lemonade.

How to make it

1. Juice your lemons (this is the fun part for kids if you have an easy juicer).

2. Pour the lemon juice into a large pitcher.

3. Add the warm sugar water.

4. Add the remaining water.

5. Stir in salt, agave (if using), and ice.

6. Add the dragon fruit and stir until everything turns that perfect pink.

Taste it. Adjust it. Water it down if needed - especially for kids.

A note on sweetness

A full cup of sugar will give you that classic, candy-sweet pink lemonade. I usually prefer closer to ½ cup and then adjust as we go.

The trick is: you can always dilute it later, but it’s harder to fix it once it’s too tart.

Why dragon fruit

It’s not just the color — though the color is kind of everything. That bright, almost Barbie pink makes the whole thing feel special. Like a treat. Like an event. But it also adds a little bonus - vitamin C, antioxidants, even a bit of magnesium and iron.

So it’s fun and it feels good.

Also check out my: Dragon Fruit Smoothie bowl

The part I actually care about

You make the lemonade. You pour it into a glass. You step outside.

And for a minute - just a minute - everything slows down. It’s not about the recipe. It’s about the pause. There’s something about pink lemonade that just feels different. A little brighter. A little softer. A little more playful than regular lemonade. And maybe it’s just the color.

Or maybe it’s the fact that you made it together.

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Pink Lemonade for Kids

This sweet and perky pink fresh lemonade is the most refreshing sip on a warm day. Naturally colored with dragonfruit.

Prep Time7

Cook Time5

Total Time12

Course: beverage

Cuisine: American

Keyword: lemons

Servings: servings

Calories: 121kcal

Author: Kathy Patalsky

Equipment

1 juicer
1 pitcher

Ingredients

1 cup fresh lemon juice
1 cup sugar
6 cups water
¼ teaspoon salt
1-2 tablespoon agave syrup optional
1 cup frozen dragon fruit
3 cups ice

Instructions

Heat 1 cup of the water in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Pour the sugar into the hot water, stir until dissolved. Set aside.
Juice enough lemons for 1 cup of juice.
In a large pitcher, add the lemon juice, sugar water, plain water, salt, optional agave, dragonfruit and ice. Stir well for a minute.
Serve over or with ice. If the lemonade it too sweet for you, you can easily add in a few extra splashes of water to serve. Or reduce the sugar amount from the start. Another fun add: sparkling water as a splash over top.

Nutrition

10 Low-Stimulation Kids TV Shows for Calm, Cozy Evenings

March 5, 2026 by Kathy Patalsky Leave a Comment

If you’ve ever searched for low-stimulation kids TV shows, you know how hard they are to find in a world of loud, fast-paced cartoons and constant dialogue.

About a year ago we watched the movie Flow for the first time. It’s this beautiful animated film about a cat moving through a strange, flooded world where there are almost no humans left - just animals trying to survive. The story unfolds slowly through music, movement, and quiet moments. There’s no dialogue at all.

And something about that really stuck with me.

Loud vs Quiet TV Shows

Even though we love the classics in our house: Blippi, Paw Patrol, Daniel Tiger, and of course Bluey. I realized how stimulating most kids shows are. For kids and parents. There’s constant talking, fast scene changes, big emotions, loud music. It’s fun, but it’s also a lot.

Watching Flow unlocked something for me. I realized how much I enjoy kids content that feels slower and quieter. The kind of shows where the pace softens a bit, the music is gentle, and the story unfolds without everything shouting for attention.

Zero dialogue? Yes, please!

Because the truth is, TV isn’t a bad thing. It can actually be a really lovely way to wind down at the end of the day, for both kids and parents. Sometimes you just want something calm playing in the background while everyone relaxes.

So I started paying attention to the quieter side of kids programming. Over time I collected a list of shows that have that same soothing vibe, slower pacing, soft visuals, gentle storytelling.

Some are almost meditative. Some are just sweet and low-key.

These are the shows we reach for when it’s evening, bedtime is approaching, or I’m thinking: Yes, you can watch something… but let’s not have it rattle the entire house.

Here are ten of our favorite calm kids TV shows.

Bluey Shoutout

And before we begin, I have to give a quick shout-out to one special episode of Bluey. The episode “Rain” (Season 3, Episode 18) has no dialogue at all - just music and a beautiful little story between Bluey and her mom. It’s one of the most calming and lovely episodes of the series, and absolutely worth watching.

And yes, in general Bluey is always a cozy show with good kid vibes, but weaves in and out of loud vs soft. But always a huge fave anyways.

Now, onto the list.

10 Calm Low-Stimulation Kids TV Shows (That Won’t Overstimulate Your Kid’s Brain)

If you’re looking for kids shows that feel gentle, curious, and calm — not loud, frantic, or chaotic — this list is for you.

These shows lean into nature, imagination, quiet humor, and slower storytelling, making them great for winding down after school, cozy afternoons, or calmer screen time.

Here are ten of the best calming kids shows for ages five and up.

Quick List:

Tumble Leaf
Beep & Mort
Lucus the Spider
Minuscule
Creature Cases
Trash Trush
Puffin Rock
Little Bear
MoominValley
Sarah & Duck
Guess How Much...
Daniel Tiger

1 - Tumble Leaf

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

Obsessed with this sweet show. This stop-motion gem follows Fig the fox as he explores a quiet beach world filled with tiny discoveries. Each episode revolves around simple curiosity - how things float, roll, balance, or move.

The show is beautifully animated, softly narrated, and built around gentle problem-solving rather than fast-paced adventure. It’s one of the most calming kids shows ever made and a favorite among parents who prefer thoughtful storytelling.

2 - Beep and Mort

Where to watch: ABC Kids / YouTube (availability varies by region)

This is a new discovery that is pure gold for my robot-loving kid.

This sweet Australian series follows best friends Beep and Mort as they explore their imaginative forest world. The tone is playful but relaxed, with warm storytelling and quirky little adventures.

It’s colorful and creative without ever feeling overwhelming, making it a great show for kids who love imagination and friendship stories.

3 - Lucas the Spider

Where to watch: Netflix

Yes you can be terrified of spiders and still adore this show. Promise. Based on the viral YouTube character, this show features Lucas — an adorable jumping spider navigating everyday life with curiosity and kindness.

The animation is soft and cozy, the stories are simple and gentle, and Lucas’s tiny perspective on the world makes ordinary moments feel magical.

4 - Minuscule

Where to watch: Netflix / YouTube / Prime

This unique French series blends real nature footage with animated insects.

There is almost no dialogue, and the stories unfold through movement, sound, and visual humor. Ants, ladybugs, flies, and other tiny creatures navigate the natural world in clever and sometimes surprisingly emotional ways.

It’s peaceful, funny, and strangely mesmerizing.

4 - Creature Cases

Where to watch: Netflix

Okay fine, this is the loudest show on this list, but I don't really care because I just love the detective, animal rescue, curiosity vibes. I can tolerate it even when I want chill.

This show follows two animal detectives who solve mysteries in the natural world.

While it has more energy than some shows on this list, the structure is predictable and educational. Kids learn about animals and habitats while following gentle mystery adventures.

It’s a great option for curious kids who enjoy learning about wildlife.

5 - Trash Truck

Where to watch: Netflix

A classic for a reason. I kinda wish they would make more episodes, but what we have to watch is great.

This underrated series tells the story of Hank and his best friend — a giant, lovable trash truck.

Set in a quiet suburban neighborhood, the show moves slowly through small everyday adventures. The friendships are warm, the humor is soft, and the pacing is perfect for kids who enjoy cozy storytelling.

It feels like a calm afternoon in cartoon form.

6 - Puffin Rock

Where to watch: Netflix

Set on a tiny island off the Irish coast, this nature-focused series follows puffin siblings Oona and Baba.

With gentle narration by Chris O’Dowd and soft watercolor animation, each episode explores simple moments in the natural world — tides, storms, friendships, and wildlife.

It’s one of the most peaceful kids shows available.

7 - Little Bear

Where to watch: Paramount+ / YouTube (some episodes)

Vintage show alert. This classic 1990s series remains one of the gold standards for calm children’s television.

Little Bear and his woodland friends spend their days exploring forests, imagining adventures, and enjoying quiet seasonal moments. The pacing is slow, the animation is soft and storybook-like, and the tone is incredibly gentle.

8 - Moominvalley

Where to watch: Hulu / Sky / various international platforms

Okay fine, my kid hasn't watched this one yet. But I have checked it out and it is on our list. Based on the beloved Finnish Moomin stories, this modern adaptation blends adventure with thoughtful themes about friendship, nature, and belonging.

The landscapes are beautiful and dreamy, and the storytelling feels like a magical storybook world.

Older kids especially tend to love this one.

9 - Sarah & Duck

Where to watch: BBC / YouTube / Amazon Prime Video (varies by region)

This wonderfully quirky British series follows Sarah and her best friend Duck as they navigate a whimsical world filled with quiet surprises.

The narrator’s calm voice, pastel animation, and surreal little adventures make this show both soothing and charming.

It’s the kind of show that feels like a bedtime story.

10 - Guess How Much I Love You: The Adventures of Little Nutbrown Hare

Where to watch: Peacock / YouTube (some episodes)

Inspired by the classic children’s book, this show follows Little Nutbrown Hare and his woodland friends as they explore meadows, forests, and streams.

The watercolor animation and nature-based stories give the show a soft, peaceful feeling that’s perfect for winding down.

11- Daniel Tiger

Where to watch: Amazon Prime / PBS Kids / Apple TV

Special addition because how could I forget these two. Classic quiet kiddo shows that bring kind, sweet vibes.

Honorable mentions:

Stillwater
Mr Rogers
Sesame Street
Dug Days (Disney+)
vintage My Little Pony or Care Bears
Reading Rainbow
Berenstein Bears
Cory Carson

Why Calm Kids Shows Matter

Not all kids programming is created equal. Many modern shows rely on fast pacing, constant noise, and quick scene changes.

The shows on this list take a different approach - encouraging curiosity, imagination, and quiet observation.

For many families, they’re the perfect balance: engaging enough to hold a child’s attention, but calm enough to leave everyone feeling relaxed rather than overstimulated.

And again, if you are looking for quiet movies. Try Flow, Wall-E, Fantasia, Dot & the Kangaroo, or Ponyo.

Happy watching, friends! ~K

Best Egg Replacers for Cookies: What Actually Works in Vegan Baking

February 26, 2026 by Kathy Patalsky Leave a Comment

Today I chat Best Egg Replacers for Cookies: What Actually Works in Vegan Baking..

My favorite thing to make? Vegan chocolate chip cookies. Truly. It is my go-to dessert for any night of the week. It fills the house with that toasty vanilla aroma and leaves you with gooey chocolate, crispy edges cookies. Perfection.

But Kathy, what about the eggs....?

Egg Replacers for Cookies

For so many years I would just buy the Just Egg vegan egg product in the little yellow bottle. I genuinely love their products. It is a very realistic egg alternative and the fact that it is made from plants is honestly pretty awesome. In my opinion, it gives you almost equal results to using a regular egg in baking.

But the truth is, it has gotten really expensive. Every time I check the price I kind of freeze for a second. And when you bake often, especially something simple like cookies, it just starts to feel unnecessary.

So I want to give you some other options.

Because this is usually the moment people ask me, “Wait… how do I bake cookies if I don’t have eggs?” Most cookie recipes call for one or two eggs. That is standard. And if you are not used to vegan baking, it can feel like a deal breaker.

It is not. It is actually very easy. And very cheap.

What Do Eggs Actually Do in Cookies?

Before we swap anything, let’s quickly talk about what eggs are actually doing in a cookie recipe.

Because once you understand that, vegan baking stops feeling mysterious.

Eggs are not just “an ingredient.” They are functional. In cookies, they usually do four main things:

Bind – Eggs help hold everything together so your cookies do not crumble apart.
Add moisture – The liquid in eggs keeps the dough soft and workable.
Create structure – As eggs heat up, their proteins coagulate. That is just a fancy way of saying they firm up and help the cookie set.
Influence texture and spread – Eggs affect whether a cookie turns out chewy, cakey, crispy, or flat.

The key word there is protein.

When egg proteins heat up in the oven, they tighten and form structure. That is the chemical magic happening. That is why cookies do not stay gooey dough forever.

So when you remove eggs, you are removing:

Binding power
Moisture
Protein structure

That sounds dramatic. But it is not. Because all we have to do is replace those functions, not the egg itself. And here is the part people miss.

Different egg substitutes replace different jobs.

Flax and chia are amazing binders.
Applesauce replaces moisture.
Silken tofu adds protein and structure.
Banana adds moisture and density.
Commercial egg replacers are designed to mimic the protein behavior of eggs.

So instead of asking, “What is the best egg replacer?” The better question is: “What texture do I want this cookie to have?”

Once you think that way, it becomes simple. Now let’s get into the actual swaps.

The Best Egg Replacements for Vegan Cookies

Now that we know what eggs actually do in cookies, let’s talk about what to use instead.

Remember, we are not replacing “egg.” We are replacing binding, moisture, and structure.

Here are the swaps I actually use and when I use them.

1. Silken Tofu

Best for structure and neutral flavor

How to use it: Blend silken tofu completely smooth. Use about ¼ cup blended tofu to replace one egg.

Why it works: Silken tofu contains protein, which helps create structure as it bakes. It also adds moisture without sweetness.

Best for: Chocolate chip cookies, brownie-style cookies, and recipes where you want a soft center with good structure.

Texture result: Soft, slightly dense, bakery-style texture. Very neutral.

This is my current go-to because it is affordable and reliable. And adds protein.

2. Flax Egg

Best for chewy cookies

How to make it: Mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons water. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes until thick.

Why it works: Flax creates a gel that binds ingredients together and adds a slightly chewy texture.

Best for: Oatmeal cookies, chocolate chip cookies, peanut butter cookies.

Texture result: Chewy and hearty with very good binding.

This is the OG vegan baking swap for a reason.

3. Chia Egg

Best for strong binding

How to make it: Mix 1 tablespoon chia seeds with 3 tablespoons water. Let gel before using.

Why it works: Chia creates an even stronger gel than flax and helps cookies hold their shape.

Best for: Cookies that need more structure and less spread.

Texture result: Firm and well set. You may see tiny specks.

4. Unsweetened Applesauce

Best for soft, cake-like cookies

How to use it: Use ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce to replace one egg.

Why it works: Adds moisture but very little structure.

Best for: Pumpkin cookies, spice cookies, softer sugar cookies. Better for cakes and muffins tbh..

Texture result: Tender and slightly cakey.

Tip: This can make cookies softer and less chewy, so avoid it if you want crisp edges.

5. Mashed Banana

Best for naturally sweet, soft cookies

How to use it: Use ¼ cup mashed ripe banana to replace one egg.

Why it works: Adds moisture and density along with natural sweetness.

Best for: Oatmeal cookies, breakfast cookies, chocolate banana cookies.

Texture result: Soft and slightly dense. Banana flavor will come through.

6. Commercial Egg Replacer Powder

Best for predictable, neutral results

How to use it: Follow package instructions. Most replace one egg with a measured powder and water mixture.

Why it works: These products are formulated to mimic egg structure in baking.

Best for: Recipes where you want a classic cookie texture without extra flavor.

Texture result: Neutral and consistent.

7. Nut Butter

Best for richness in certain recipes

How to use it: In some cookie recipes, 2 to 3 tablespoons of nut butter can help replace one egg, especially when the recipe already contains nut butter.

Why it works: Nut butter adds fat and some binding.

Best for: Peanut butter cookies and dense cookie recipes.

Texture result: Rich and slightly dense.

Quick Cheat Sheet

For chewy cookies, use flax.
For soft cookies, use applesauce or banana.
For structure and neutral flavor, use silken tofu.
For reliable results, use commercial egg replacer.
If you bake often, try a few and see what texture you love.

Once you understand what each swap does, vegan baking becomes much less intimidating and much more intuitive.

Vegan Cookie Troubleshooting

Even when you use the right egg replacement, things can still go sideways. Here are the most common issues I see and what is actually happening.

Why did my vegan cookies turn out flat?

This usually means there was too much moisture or not enough structure.

Possible causes:

Too much applesauce or banana
Not enough flour
Butter that was too soft or melted
Skipping the chilling step

Fix it:

Chill your dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. If you used a very moist egg replacement, slightly increase the flour by 1 to 2 tablespoons next time.

Chilling is one of the most underrated vegan baking tricks. It helps control spread and improves texture.

Why are my cookies crumbly?

This usually means not enough binding.

Possible causes:

Skipping the egg replacement entirely
Not letting flax or chia fully gel
Too little fat in the recipe

Fix it:

Make sure your flax or chia egg sits long enough to thicken. If the dough feels dry, add 1 tablespoon of plant milk at a time until it comes together.

Why are my cookies too cakey?

This often happens when using applesauce or banana.

Possible causes:

Too much moisture
Overmixing the dough

Fix it:

If you want chewy cookies, switch to flax egg or silken tofu instead of applesauce. Also avoid overmixing once flour is added.

Why are my cookies dry?

Possible causes:

Overbaking
Too much flour
Not enough fat

Fix it:

Bake until the edges are just set and the centers still look slightly soft. Vegan cookies continue to firm up as they cool. Do not wait for them to look fully done in the oven.

Can I skip egg replacer entirely?

In some dense cookie recipes, especially peanut butter cookies, you sometimes can. But most traditional cookie recipes rely on some form of binding.

If your dough feels crumbly before baking, it will not magically fix itself in the oven.

Do I always need to chill vegan cookie dough?

Not always, but often it helps. If your cookies are spreading too much, chilling the dough is an easy first fix before adjusting ingredients.

RECIPES SECTION:

Silky Vegan Chocolate Mousse ( 3 Ingredients)

February 20, 2026 by Kathy Patalsky Leave a Comment

Say hello to my Silky Vegan Chocolate Mousse, aka the dessert I always tell people to make.

Rich, velvety, and quietly luxurious, this vegan chocolate mousse is made with silken tofu and melted chocolate for a dessert that feels elegant without being complicated. It’s dairy-free, high in plant-based protein, and comes together in minutes — perfect for dinner parties, holidays, or a random Tuesday night when you want something that feels a little special.

There’s something about chocolate mousse that makes people relax. It's a crowd-pleaser. Familiar yet always different depending on the chill.

It arrives at the table and suddenly everyone is paying attention. It looks glossy. Intentional. Slightly dramatic. Like you did something impressive.

And yet this version takes five minutes to prep once the chocolate is melted.

I’ve been making some version of this mousse for years — for dinner parties, for holidays, for those evenings when I want dessert but don’t want to turn my kitchen upside down. It’s the recipe I give out instantly when someone says, “I need a dairy-free dessert that doesn’t feel like a compromise.”

Because this isn’t a compromise.

It’s just deeply good chocolate.

Why This Vegan Chocolate Mousse Works

Traditional chocolate mousse relies on heavy cream and eggs for structure and richness. This version leans on silken tofu instead — and before you flinch, stay with me.

Silken tofu is neutral, smooth, and blends into pure silk. It doesn’t taste healthy, it simply gives the mousse body and creaminess while letting the chocolate do what chocolate does best.

The result is a mousse that’s:

Velvety but not heavy
Rich but not greasy
Spoon-dragging-through-silk smooth
Satisfying without leaving you in a food coma

It melts slowly, coats the spoon, feels like something you ordered at a restaurant with tiny dessert plates and dim lighting.

And yet it came from your blender.

A Dessert That Looks Fancy (But Isn’t)

This is the kind of dessert that works in almost any setting.

Serve it simply in small bowls with a pinch of flaky sea salt.

Or elevate it:

Add vegan whipped cream and fresh raspberries
Layer it into parfait glasses with crushed cookies
Sprinkle shaved dark chocolate on top
Add orange zest or espresso powder for depth

It adapts beautifully. That’s part of its magic.

Dinner Party Moment

I once went to an event where I didn’t know anyone and somehow admitted I was a cookbook author. A woman leaned in and said she was hosting a dinner party the next night and needed a dairy-free dessert that felt impressive but manageable.

I didn’t hesitate.

“Make the chocolate mousse.”

Not because it’s trendy.

Because it works.

And there’s something grounding about having a recipe like that — one you can recommend without overthinking. One that reminds you that you know what you’re doing.

After years of cooking plant-based food daily, certain things live in your hands. This mousse is one of them.

Nutritionally Speaking (Without Being Annoying)

One of the quiet strengths of this vegan chocolate mousse is that it delivers more than just indulgence.

Silken tofu brings plant-based protein, calcium, and iron to the table. That doesn’t mean this is “health food.” It means the richness comes from whole ingredients doing their job — not from heavy cream or processed fillers.

It’s balanced.

And I like desserts that feel satisfying without feeling excessive.

Why I Keep Making It

Some recipes are flashy.

Some are reliable.

This one is reliable.

It’s the dessert I make when I want something beautiful without chaos. When I want to feel capable. When I want to remember that simple ingredients, treated well, are enough.

Five minutes. Three ingredients. A blender.

And suddenly it looks like you tried very hard.

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Silky Vegan Chocolate Mousse (3 Ingredients)

Velvet smooth chocolate mousse, so easy it feels like cheating. Plant-based, totally dairy free Just three ingredients..

Prep Time20

Cook Time3

chill1

Total Time1 23

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: chocolate

Servings: servings

Calories: 434kcal

Author: Kathy Patalsky

Equipment

double broiler
blender

Ingredients

12 oz chocolate chips
16 oz tofu, silken
¾ cup agave syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
sea salt to taste

Instructions

Set up double broiler for melting chocolate. Melt slowly - do not burn.
Add the agave, tofu, vanilla and a pinch of salt to the blender. Blend until smooth.
When chocolate is melted, slowly pour chocolate into blender while blending on lowest setting. Blend until combined.
Pour into serving glasses. Chill at least an hour. Overnight is great too. Serve with coconut whip, crushed cookies or sprinkles.

Nutrition

If you’re looking for something slightly softer and more pudding-like, you may also love my classic vegan chocolate pudding.

The Everyday Bean Salad I Can’t Stop Making

February 20, 2026 by Kathy Patalsky 1 Comment

This is The Everyday Bean Salad I Can’t Stop Making. Bright, tangy, and deeply satisfying, this kidney and garbanzo bean salad is the kind of simple lunch that quietly wins. Packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and greens, it’s affordable, fast to prepare, and only gets better as it marinates in the fridge.

This recipe reminds me of putting together my own salad from the best sort of 90's salad bar. Those little plastic bowls, shaped like lettuce leaves. Amber-colored plastic glasses for your fountain drink. Anyone?

The $1 Can of Beans That Snapped Me Awake

I was standing in the checkout line holding three cartons of blueberries that cost me thirty dollars. Thirty.

Ten dollars each. For fruit. Which I will absolutely buy again because we love fruit and I will not be bullied out of my jumbo blueberry era. But then the kidney beans rang up.

One dollar.

And I just stood there watching the screen like… what is happening. There’s no middle lane anymore in the grocery store. There’s luxury blueberries. And then there’s a can of beans that costs less than a sparkling water.

I’m not making some dramatic economic statement here. I’m just saying, it hit me. A dollar for that much protein. That much fiber. That much actual food. So I went home and decided to make a bean salad so good it felt like a flex. Not a sad, meal-prep, “I guess I’ll eat this because it’s healthy” situation.

An actual craveable lunch.

I threw kidney beans and garbanzos into a bowl. Added citrus, vinegar, salt, pepper. Tossed in collards because why not get greens in there too. And then I did the one thing that makes it feel like I care - I sautéed the onions first.

Warm onions meeting cold vinegar and beans? It’s subtle, but it changes everything. Slight caramelization. Slight pickled vibe. It feels thoughtful.

I let it chill for a few hours and then piled it onto toasted bread with good olive oil and flaky salt and I swear I could eat that every day and not get bored. And here’s the thing - if groceries feel wild right now, beans are still steady. They’re still the quiet hero. Keep eating your vegetables. Keep eating your beans. The fancy vegan substitutes can wait.

Sometimes the $1 can wins.

Another set of bean salad recipes to try: bean pasta salad + cowgirl beans on toast.

Why Beans Are Still One of the Smartest Foods You Can Eat

Beans don’t get flashy headlines, but nutritionally, they’re hard to beat. They deliver plant-based protein and fiber in the same bite, a combination that keeps you full, supports digestion, and helps stabilize blood sugar. That’s not trendy wellness language. That’s just biochemistry.

A single cup of beans provides meaningful protein, iron, potassium, folate, and slow-digesting carbohydrates that actually sustain energy instead of spiking it. And unlike many packaged “high protein” products, beans come without additives, isolates, or a long ingredient list.

They’re whole food. They’re simple. And they’ve been feeding cultures around the world for centuries.

Beans + Budget + Balance

There’s also something grounding about the affordability of beans. In a grocery landscape where certain items feel inflated beyond reason, beans remain steady. A can of kidney beans can cost less than a bottle of sparkling water and still provide enough protein and fiber to build an entire meal.

You don’t need specialty vegan substitutes to eat well. When you build meals around whole plant staples: beans, grains, greens, you’re getting nutrition density without the markup.

This salad leans into that idea. It’s proof that practical can still be delicious.

Print Recipe

4.67 from 3 votes

Everyday Bean Salad

Bright, tangy, and deeply satisfying, this kidney and garbanzo bean salad is the kind of simple lunch that quietly wins. Packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and greens, it’s affordable, fast to prepare, and only gets better as it marinates in the fridge.

Prep Time3

Cook Time7

Total Time10

Course: Appetizer, entree, side

Cuisine: American

Keyword: beans

Servings:

Calories: 267kcal

Author: Kathy Patalsky

Ingredients

15 oz kidney beans
15 oz garbanzo beans
1 c collard greens, chopped
2 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion chopped
3 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoon rice vinegar
salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon olive oil for saute

Instructions

Warm skillet over high heat. Add oil and onion. Saute for 3-4 minutes. Turn off heat.
Fold in the collards.
Then fold in all the remaining ingredients and gently toss in the warm pan.
Pour bean salad into a bowl, cover and chill for at least an hour. Serve chilled.

Nutrition

Creamy Spicy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta - Vegan

February 19, 2026 by Kathy Patalsky 1 Comment

This Vegan Creamy Spicy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta is creamy, garlicky, and just the right amount of spicy. This vegan sun-dried tomato pasta gets its velvety texture from blended white beans instead of cream. It’s cozy, high in plant-based protein, and weeknight-easy, but special enough to serve as a fancy night in.

I Ran Through the Rain for Sun-Dried Tomatoes

It was pouring rain today. The kind of gray, cinematic rain where the light through the kitchen window makes everything look like a Nancy Meyers movie. And I don’t know what got into me, but I felt like cooking.

Not just “what’s for dinner” cooking. Old-school, 2016 blogger Kathy cooking. Batch three recipes. Photograph everything. Make a mess. Clean it up. Do it again. Classic workflow.

I haven’t worked like that in years.

So I Googled around and found this thing called “Marry Me” pasta — creamy, garlicky, sun-dried tomato, heavy cream, chicken - easy to veganize, the whole vibe. Supposedly so good someone proposes. Cute. Luckily, I'm almost twenty years into this married thing and can agree, food does matter. Pasta never fails.

Viral Vegan Pasta

And I thought, oh I can veganize that. Easily. I can even make it… dare I say… better.

White beans instead of cream. Protein without heaviness. Flavor without the food coma. Halfway through, I realized I didn’t have sun-dried tomatoes.

And my brain started negotiating: Tomato paste? Red bell peppers? Crushed tomatoes?

No.

I needed the real thing.

And this is the part I’m weirdly proud of. I put on shoes, didn’t even announce I was leaving to my husband and ran through the rain to the tiny market down the street chanting “sun-dried tomatoes” in my head like I was robbing a bank.

I never do one ingredient trips to the store anymore. But this. It wasn’t about the tomatoes. It was about momentum. About remembering that I still care about details. About proving to myself that I can follow a creative instinct all the way through instead of softening it.

I came home soaked and slightly adrenalized and finished the sauce.

It's a creamy, thick one. But I kinda love it so much..

Creamy White Sauce

It’s creamy in that ricotta-adjacent way. Light but velvety. Subtle heat from red pepper flakes. Sweet tang from the tomatoes. Bowtie pasta holding onto everything like it knows its job.

The bean base sneaks in some added nutrition while really adding creamy texture and thickness.

And yes, if you served this to someone, they’d be happy to marry you. Or at least come over for creamy pasta Fridays...

But for me, it was more like remembering that the person who built a food career from scratch is still very much here. And loves this culinary conversation. She just cooks differently now.

Another white sauce pasta to try: my vegan Creamy Alfredo

"Marry Me" Pasta Trend

So in case you want context.. You may have seen “Marry Me” pasta floating around the internet over the past few years — usually a creamy, sun-dried tomato chicken situation that’s supposedly so good it inspires a proposal. The name is dramatic, yes, but the flavor profile is what actually stuck: garlicky, a little spicy, rich with sun-dried tomatoes and cream. I loved the sound of it, but I wanted something plant-based. Something that keeps that cozy, slightly indulgent vibe without the heavy cream. So this is my version. Same bold flavor energy, just reworked with white beans and a dairy-free creaminess that feels good enough for a weeknight but special enough to serve to someone you’re trying to impress.

Print Recipe

4.50 from 2 votes

Vegan Creamy Spicy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Creamy, garlicky, and just the right amount of spicy, this vegan sun-dried tomato pasta gets its velvety texture from blended white beans instead of cream. It’s cozy, high in plant-based protein, and weeknight-easy, but special enough to serve to someone you’re trying to impress.

Prep Time10

Cook Time15

Total Time25

Course: Main Course, pasta

Cuisine: American, Italian

Keyword: dinner, pasta

Servings: servings

Calories: 721kcal

Author: Kathy Patalsky

Equipment

1 pasta pot
1 skillet

Ingredients

Creamy White Sauce

3 tablespoon vegan butter
15 oz cannellini beans
2 tsp nutritional yeast
¼ teaspoon sea salt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 cup pasta water
4 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic
pinch black pepper

Other

1 lb pasta
1 handful basil leaves chopped
⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil
½ c crushed tomatoes optional
vegan Parmesan to serve, optional

Veggie Chicken

1 teaspoon olive oil
2-3 gardein chick'n tenders

Instructions

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add pasta. Cook until tender. While cooking, make the sauce.
Add all the white sauce ingredients to a blender and blend from low to high until smooth.
Drain pasta - reserve a cup of water just in case you want to thin your sauce further.
Warm skillet over low heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil.
Quick-thaw the vegan chicken strips by heating in microwave for 30 seconds. Slice them up. Add vegan chicken strips to skillet. Saute 1-2 minutes.
Add the cooked pasta and creamy sauce to the skillet. Add in the sun-dried tomatoes, basil and crushed tomatoes. Fold everything together. If you want a thinner sauce, add in some of that pasta water in small spoonfuls.
Simmer on low for 2-3 minutes to cook sauce into pasta. Turn off heat. Serve warm. Vegan Parm on top.

Notes

For a thicker sauce: add in 2-3 teaspoon flour before blending

For a thinner sauce: add more pasta water, unsweetened soy milk or olive oil

Nutrition

75+ Accidentally Vegan Snacks You Can Buy at Any Grocery Store

February 4, 2026 by Kathy Patalsky 1 Comment

Today I'm sharing 75+ Accidentally Vegan Snacks You Can Buy at Any Grocery Store. A Healthy, Real-Life Master List. If you’re new to eating plant-based, let me just say this clearly.

You do not need to survive on carrot sticks.

I have been vegan long enough to remember when soy milk tasted like wet cardboard and the only dairy-free cookie option was something that crumbled into dust when you looked at it.

I have stood in grocery aisles flipping boxes over like I was taking a quiz. Whey. Casein. Milk powder. Why is there milk in salt and vinegar chips. Gelatin in cereal? Eggs in bagels? Why?

Fast forward twenty-plus years and now...

There are vegan snacks everywhere.

You just have to stop overthinking it. Most of what I snack on is not labeled vegan. It is just normal food. An apple and peanut butter because I am actually hungry. Guacamole and chips because I am not pretending I don’t love chips. Edamame with too much sea salt or soy sauce or liquid aminos .. because too much is the correct amount. Toast with almond butter and a square of dark chocolate at 9 pm because that is called balance. A toasted bagel slathered in store-bought vegan cream cheese and sprinkled with salted pumpkin seeds. Perfection.

This is the list I wish I had when I started.

Healthy first. Fun second. No fake pressure to be perfect. Just practical grocery store snacks that make plant-based eating feel normal.

Before We Start Filling the Cart

Let me say something that would have saved me so much mental energy in my early vegan days. Not every snack needs to be a nutritional event. Sometimes it is fruit and nuts. Chips and guac. Sometimes it is toast with almond butter and chocolate because you are a human being with taste buds.

The real trick is not perfection. It is balance.

If you only grab fruit, you will be hungry again in twenty minutes. If you only grab crackers, same story. Add fat. Fiber. Add something satisfying.

Think in combinations instead of rules.

Apple plus peanut butter.
Crackers plus hummus.
Chips plus guacamole.
Edamame plus salt.
Bagel and vegan cream cheese.

You do not need a superfood powder. And you do not need to feel guilty about packaged food. You do not need to live in the produce section. You just need to build snacks that actually hold you over.

Fresh and Whole Food Snacks
Savory and Satisfying Snack Plates
Healthy Packaged Snacks
Vegan Snacks for Kids
The Fun Section
The Vegan Snack Formula
Ingredients to Watch For
FAQ

Fresh and Whole Food Vegan Snacks

These are the everyday staples. The repeat buys.

Fruit and Fresh Options

Apple slices
Apple and peanut butter
Banana and almond butter
Grapes
Blueberries
Strawberries
Pineapple chunks
Mango slices
Orange wedges
Pear slices
Fruit salad with lime juice
Medjool dates
Dates and nut butter

Simple Add-Ons That Make It Filling

Avocado with sea salt
Avocado toast
Toast with almond butter and dark chocolate
Toast with hummus and cucumbers
Coconut yogurt with berries
Chia pudding cups that are dairy-free
Oatmeal with peanut butter
Oatmeal with banana
Pumpkin seeds, granola or toasty nuts added to anything

Savory Fresh Ideas

Edamame, fresh or frozen steam bags
Steamed sweet potato with tahini
Roasted corn
Cucumber slices with lemon and salt
Cherry tomatoes with olive oil and salt
Pickles
Kimchi with toasted sourdough
Sauerkraut with crackers

These are not fancy. They are just balanced.

If you build around fiber and healthy fat, you will actually stay full.

Savory and Satisfying Snack Plates

These feel like small meals. Which honestly is sometimes the goal.

Hummus and baby carrots
Hummus and pita triangles
Hummus and rice crackers
Guacamole and tortilla chips
Guacamole and bell pepper slices
Vegan cheese and crackers
Vegan cheese and grapes
Marcona almonds
Dry roasted almonds
Dry roasted cashews
Pistachios
Pumpkin seeds
Sunflower seeds
Roasted chickpeas
Roasted edamame snacks
Wasabi peas
Seaweed snacks with avocado slices
Rice cakes with nut butter
Rice cakes with mashed avocado

If you have recipes on Healthy Happy Life for hummus, guacamole, or snack boards, link them here for extra value and internal SEO strength.

Healthy Packaged Snacks That Are Often Vegan

These are the grab-and-go options for busy days.

Larabars or similar
That’s It fruit bars
GoMacro bars
RX Bars, certain flavors
Simple Mills crackers
Mary’s Gone Crackers
Hippeas
Bare apple chips
Roasted seaweed packs
Trail mix without milk chocolate
Nut butter squeeze packs
Plain popcorn
Pretzels
Rice crackers
Coconut yogurt cups
Almond yogurt cups
Non-dairy pudding cups

Look for short ingredient lists. The simpler, the better.

Meaty Options

Those "meat sticks" are all the rage with kiddos. Well, there are a few options to try!

Pan's mushroom 'jerky'
primal spirit seitan jerky - thai peanut flavor is my fave
Louisville jerky snacks
Bean Stalk vegan jerky bars - even in minis

Vegan Snacks for Kids

If you are packing lunches or dealing with after-school hunger:

Apple slices and sunflower butter
Pretzels and hummus
Popcorn
Edamame pods
Fruit leather that is 100 percent fruit
Banana and peanut butter
Mini guacamole cups
Dairy-free yogurt tubes
Crackers and nut butter
Nut-free trail mix
Dark chocolate chips and almonds
Oat bars that are dairy-free
Squeeze fruit smoothies - most are nondairy

You do not need special vegan kid products. Most regular kid snacks can be made plant-based with small swaps.

The Fun Section

Because real life includes movie nights and beach days.

Oreos
Spicy Sweet Chili Doritos
Original Lay’s chips
Fritos, original
Sour Patch Kids
Swedish Fish
Twizzlers, original
Dark chocolate that is 70 percent or higher
Dairy-free ice cream pints
JOYRIDE candy - I'm actually so obsessed with their vegan options

Plant-based does not mean joyless. It means informed.

The Simple Vegan Snack Formula

If you want snacks that actually satisfy, use this:

Fiber plus fat plus something satisfying.

Examples:

Apple plus peanut butter
Crackers plus hummus
Edamame plus sea salt
Banana plus almond butter
Rice cake plus avocado

Fruit alone will not hold you long. Add fat or protein and it becomes balanced.

This is the simple framework I have used for two decades.

Sneaky Non-Vegan Ingredients to Watch For..

When scanning labels, look out for:

Whey
Casein
Milk solids
Butterfat
Gelatin
Carmine
Honey - if you avoid it

Plain versions of foods are usually safe. Flavored varieties are where dairy tends to sneak in.

FAQ

Are Oreos really vegan?

Most classic Oreos do not contain dairy ingredients, but always check labels as formulations can change.

Are potato chips vegan?

Many plain chips are just potatoes, oil, and salt. Flavored chips often contain dairy powders.

Do I need specialty vegan snacks?

No. Most whole foods are naturally plant-based. Specialty items are optional, not required.

What is the healthiest vegan snack?

Whole foods such as fruit, nuts, edamame, hummus, avocado, and seeds.

A Long-Time Vegan Perspective

When I first went plant-based, this list would have been much shorter. Now the options are everywhere. But after 20 years, I do not rely on specialty products. I rely on normal food. Fruit. Nuts. Toast. Hummus. Guacamole. Edamame. And sometimes chips at the beach.

That is what sustainable, real-life plant-based eating looks like.

22 Easy High-Protein, High-Fiber Meals

February 4, 2026 by Kathy Patalsky Leave a Comment

Today I'm sharing some recipe inspo in the form of, 22 Easy High-Protein, High-Fiber Meals.

I’ve been paying close attention to food culture over the past few months, not in a trend-chasing way, but in a what are people actually hungry for way. And the answer keeps coming up the same: high-protein, high-fiber meals.

Here’s the funny part.

I’m not someone who chases food trends as a guide for what I eat. I’ve been eating plant-based for over 20 years. It’s what works for me. I know what I like. I have a steady rotation of meals. I’m learning what my kid likes. I know what my husband likes. It’s simple, it’s routine, and it’s sustainable for real life. But yeah, as a food writer, I stay in touch with what's happening. Especially in terms of how veganism fades and roars.

Healthy Meals: Fiber + Protein .. Plants

I’m 45 now, and every year my doctor visits look the same: good labs, good energy, feeling strong, feeling healthy. So when I see this huge wave of interest in high-protein, high-fiber eating, I can’t help but smile a little, because… this is already what plant-based meals do best.

If you arrived here looking for meals that combine protein and fiber, meals that taste good and make your body feel good, there’s a very good chance those meals can easily be plant-based.

Why Protein + Fiber Is the Combo Everyone’s Missing

When people talk about “high protein,” what they often mean is meat-heavy meals paired with some vegetables. And yes — animal foods contain protein. But here’s what they don’t contain: Fiber.

Let's say it outloud...

Meat has zero fiber.
Dairy has zero fiber.
Eggs have zero fiber.

So when people start realizing they want protein and fiber, they hit a wall. That’s where plants come in. Plant foods naturally contain fiber, and many of them contain significant protein too. That’s why this combination works so effortlessly in plant-forward meals — no complicated math required.

Whether or not you want your meals to be plant-based is entirely your decision. But if what you’re actually searching for is protein + fiber + satisfaction, plants are an incredibly effective place to look.

What “High-Protein” Looks Like on a Plant-Based Diet

There are a lot more plant-based protein options than people realize — and I’m not just talking about tofu (although tofu is excellent).

Some of the most protein-rich plant foods include:

Tofu and tempeh
Seitan (vital wheat gluten)
Lentils
Chickpeas and other beans
Edamame (soybeans)
Green peas
Quinoa
Nuts and seeds (especially pumpkin seeds)
Nutritional yeast

And then there are foods people don’t even think of as protein sources — like broccoli, whole grains, and pasta — that still contribute meaningfully when you’re eating a varied, plant-forward diet.

For example:

One cup of cooked lentils has about 18 grams of protein
An entire head of broccoli contains around 18 grams of protein — plus a huge amount of fiber

Protein adds up quickly when you’re eating whole plant foods consistently.

(If you want a deeper dive, I’ve written a full Plant-Based Protein Guide you can check out as well.)

What About Fiber?

Here’s the honest truth: plant-based eaters don’t really have to think about fiber very much.

If you’re eating plants, you’re getting fiber — sometimes a lot of it. In fact, many people new to plant-based eating are surprised by just how much fiber they’re suddenly consuming.

Whole grains, beans, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds are all naturally fiber-rich. So when you focus on protein-rich plant foods, the fiber comes along for the ride.

That’s why I don’t obsess over “adding fiber” to these meals. It’s already built in.

A Quick Note on Processed Plant-Based Foods

You might be thinking: Why not just eat a steak or chicken nuggets and call it a day?

You absolutely can - and I’m not here to lecture you. But animal-based meals come with saturated fat, environmental considerations, and ethical considerations that many people are trying to reduce or avoid.

Plant-based alternatives (like vegan chicken nuggets or protein pastas) sometimes get a bad rap, but when you actually read the ingredient lists, they’re often just protein sources in a familiar form, not the scary chemical disasters people imagine.

That said, if you prefer whole foods, the solution is simple: beans, lentils, tofu, tempeh, nuts, and seeds. No packaging required.

Easy Ways to Build High-Protein, High-Fiber Meals

Here are a few examples of how this can look in real life:

Breakfast: Oatmeal made with soy milk, topped with chia seeds, nut butter, and fruit
Lunch: Lentil soup, a chickpea salad sandwich, or a big salad with tofu or edamame
Dinner: Tofu tacos, baked beans on toast, a tempeh BBQ sandwich, or a grain bowl loaded with legumes
Smoothies: Fruit, greens, seeds, and either nuts or a plant-based protein powder (yes, protein powders come from whole foods too)

You don’t need to overthink it. Choose protein-rich plant foods, and the fiber takes care of itself.

10 Easy High-Protein, High-Fiber Meals

Below are ten of my favorite recipes that naturally deliver both protein and fiber — no diet food vibes, no complicated rules, just meals that work.

10 Easy High-Protein, High-Fiber Meals (HHL-Approved)

1. Baked Beans on Toast

Protein + fiber from beans, whole grains from the toast

Simple, nostalgic, shockingly satisfying

2. Chipotle Maple Tofu Tacos

Tofu + tortillas + toppings = protein, fiber, flavor

Very weeknight-friendly and kid-adaptable

3. Tempeh Sloppy Joes

Tempeh is a protein powerhouse

Add slaw or greens and you’ve got fiber on fiber.

4. Chickpea Salad Sandwich

Chickpeas, whole-grain bread, crunchy veggies

One of the easiest high-protein lunches on repeat

5. Lentil Bolognese Pasta

Lentils = protein + fiber MVP

Comfort food that actually keeps you full. Pasta that totally works any night of the week.

6. Five-Ingredient Peanut Butter Tofu

High protein, ultra simple, big payoff.

Serve with rice and veggies for a complete meal.

7. Peanut Noodles + Tempeh and Kale

Kale + noodles + tempeh + peanut flavor. So good. Add hot sauce if you like heat.

Balanced, flexible, and endlessly customizable.

8. Protein Smoothies

Protein from plant milk, seeds, or protein powder.

Fiber from fruit, cacao, and add-ins like chia or flax, walnuts, pumpkin seeds. Smoothies are such a great combo for protein and fiber. Make it a bowl if you want it a meal!

9. Tofu Croutons

Classic, adaptable, and fast.

These tofu 'croutons' add protein to just about any meal. Toss them into a salad for an instant protein fix to an already high-fiber plant meal.

10. Chickpea BBQ Wraps

BBQ Chickpeas in a wrap with quinoa or rice, and hummus + avocado = comfort with substance.

Great example of plant-based meals sneaking in protein.

11. 15-Minute Vegan Chili

Beans, beans, beans — protein + fiber powerhouse. Polenta or cornbread on the side.

One of the strongest plant-based meals nutritionally. This one takes just 15 minutes.

12. White Bean Soup (or Senate Bean Stew)

Creamy without cream. Potatoes, white beans. There's a reason they serve this in Washington. Well, this vegan version is even better IMO.

White beans bring serious protein and fiber.

13. Summertime Lentil Sloppy Joes

Comfort food, plant-based style

Lentils are doing all the heavy lifting here.

14. Red Curry Tofu Bowls

Giant cubes of tofu, slathered in red curry sauce flavor. Pair with rice or quinoa and some veggies.

Easy, familiar, and protein-rich without trying hard.

15. Fried Rice with "Egg" Bowls

Fried rice with an accent of protein-rich egg. But done in a vegan method.

Classic HHL bowl energy — balanced and satisfying.

16. Sweet Potato Veggie Burger

High fiber, high protein, and very cozy. Tip, add some tempeh bacon to the burger to boost the protein, but the chickpeas in here start you off well.

sweet potato veggie burgers with avocado

17. Bean and Veggie Burrito - Chipotle Style

Black beans, brown rice, toppings.

One of the easiest protein + fiber meals on repeat.

Hot tip: Boost the protein even more, by adding in tofu, seitan or tempeh.

18. Soba Noodles with Tofu

Tofu + whole grains + spicy sauce.

Comfort carbs with substance. Not shown: the easy tofu that you toss on top for the aded protein boost. The fiber comes from any veggie you wilt into the noodles. Try kale or chard.

19. Tofu Sandwich

Love this lunchtime perfection. Tofu between bread with veggies.

Great example of plant protein + fiber in a familiar form.

20. Garlicky Pea Soup

Peas are a plant-based protein and fiber powerhouse! This is a cozy, flavor-packed winner.

21. Smoky Tempeh Wrap

Peas are a plant-based protein and fiber powerhouse! This is a cozy, flavor-packed winner.

22. BBQ TEMPEH BOWL

Comfort food that is so easy to make. Kale, BBQ sauced tempeh, polenta or mashed potatoes on the side. Cornbread, always. Or a buttery biscuit.

The Bottom Line: Protein + Fiber

If you’re worried about getting enough protein and fiber, you don’t need to stress. You don’t need animal products or perfection.

You just need plants ... especially the protein-rich ones.

And once you get the hang of it, it becomes surprisingly easy.

Is Veganism Dead?

January 20, 2026 by Kathy Patalsky 2 Comments

Is veganism dead? OMG, no. That’s it. That’s the speech.

First, my rant that started this post...

Is veganism dead in 2026? Honestly? I keep seeing the negative headlines and I don’t really care. What is kinda funny to me is that the people who were once called the loud, annoying vegans in the room are now the quiet ones. Not because we gave up. But because we’re not defensive anymore. Who knew?! And I love that for us.

Veganism hit a peak. It was everywhere. Bloggers in every niche. If you followed Finding Vegan in 2015, you know. Every recipe imaginable. Every fact about animals, the planet, and health posted, reposted, debated and rehashed. If you were curious, all you had to do was Google. Recipes. Charts. Community. First-person essays. Case closed. So when fake meat stocks plunged, long-term vegans just shrugged. Like secretly happy, even. Honestly, I will not miss standing at Disneyland being told my only vegan option is an Impossible Burger that smells like beef, which is literally the thing I do not want. And the protein panic, the bone broth, the collagen coffees - protein boost at Starbucks OMG. I’ve seen all of this before. Butter in coffee. Keto everything. From fat free to food combining to raw food diets. Food fear cycles always persist. Sadly. And the “one ingredient foods only” thing? Eggs, steak, full-fat milk, spinach, potato. Caveman diet replay. What’s kinda really funny is that veganism is built on one-ingredient foods. Beans. Vegetables. Fruit. Nuts. Seeds. You’re just combining them so they taste good. Salt, pepper, spice..

So no, veganism isn’t dead. Big companies may have moved on. Whatever. Pop culture might be bored. Fine. Celebrities aren’t shouting about it for free PR. Meh. But I guarantee you this: anyone who was vegan ten or twenty years ago for real reasons is still vegan. We’re just older now. We have kids. Jobs. Lives. Less interest in labels. This generation doesn’t want strict rules or names and that’s fine. I love the young kids. The culture changed. The food didn’t. The only thing that makes me sad is that curiosity might dip because the word VEGAN - and yes keywords matter - is not “cool” right now. But am I worried? No. Beans and rice and guacamole and warm corn tortillas with fresh salsa. Pasta marinara. Fluffy vegan chocolate cake. They all remain undefeated. And you can’t cancel vegetables. We’re still here. Just quieter. And kinda a little cooler because of it.. Peace.

What's Up with Vegans in 2026?

But seriously... A few months back, I was cringing as fake meat stock prices plunged. Not because I owned any of that stock, but because I have never loved fake meat. Sorry. But when you go vegan to escape the taste, texture and vibe of meat, you don't really want that back. I will do the occasional Veggie Grill chick'n sandwich or tender, but the beef stuff is a no go.

But I digress....

Is Veganism Dead in 2026?

I’m finally talking about this topic because it’s a new year and technically Veganuary - and this used to be the season of all things plant-based. Vegan challenges. Buying cookbooks. Embracing nooch. Baking vegan cupcakes for a friend. Blending a smoothie a day .. yes, any time of year, and learning five more creative, delicious ways to use a can of beans. Or tofu. Raw cashews. That broccoli sitting in your produce drawer.

Spoiler alert: the actual best way to prepare broccoli takes about 5–10 minutes. Steamed in a big pot with EVOO, garlic, and lemon. That’s it. No big secrets here.

And that is what veganism represents to me. Simple. Real. Kind.

Not fake meat burgers or fancy processed “vegan versions” of “real foods” like jerky, hot dogs, chicken, or eggs. Yeah — I actually love some vegan products like Just Egg and Field Roast hot dogs, but I don’t need them. And I’ve always hated vegan burgers that try to taste like meat. Sorry, Beyond and Impossible. If you love them, go for it.

Veganism has always been about keeping it simple. Real, whole foods — produce, legumes, nuts, seeds, farmer’s markets, eating the rainbow. Protein is easy, you guys. Please stop saying vegan life needs more of it. Eggs are easy to ditch if you want to ditch them.

The Real Story: Vegans are Still Cool in 2026

See, it's a subheading, so it's true. Screenshot it. No, really. This.

It's called fact checking and I've done it already. I know them. I am them. Vegans are still kindness warriors slash culinary creatives slash badass rebels slash that random person who just doesn't talk about it.

Veganism isn't trendy. It's forever. And forever shit is always cool.

Where Did the Vegans Go?

We all had babies? Living out lives in our 30's 40's 50's... And we all hate TikTok? Well, most of us? No, there are a few on there, promise.

But honestly, the reason I stopped posting as many vegan recipes here on the blog and halted everything on Finding Vegan — basically, why I kind of paused my passion for sharing vegan content — is because of two reasons..

I became a mom. Less time to be creative, content-making me.
I kinda thought it was… enough. Saturated. Done. Over. Vegan max out. I thought there were already too many recipes out there. Too many amazing ideas. Too much information. Too many vegans telling people it’s cool and easy and awesome to go plant-based, or at least lean that way.

Case closed. Yay.
My work here is done.

But over the past few years, I’ve noticed the backlash. The slow-growing negativity. The headlines. The protein-in-everything vibe. Yes, even Starbucks coffee. Side note: remember when people would put butter in their coffee, guys?? The "new" weird upside-down food pyramid thing. The return to all things meat and dairy. And still collagen-y. I saw people drinking bone broth for breakfast. And red meat being cool again. Also, acting like anything with more than one ingredient is toxic.

And quite frankly? It’s annoying the crap out of me.

OG Vegans Are Kinda Back?

So here I am. Back at square one — or maybe square ten — and totally willing to step on a green soapbox if people need it.

Because yes, I’m still vegan.
No, I don’t think veganism is dead.
And yes, I still think it’s the healthiest way for my own body to live — body, soul, and planet.

Go on. Give me all your 2026 negativity, headlines and “studies” and whatever else you want to throw at me. I’ve been vegan for 20 years. And I’ve read it all. I’ve seen people and trends come and go.

And what never changes? The core people. The ride-or-dies.

Vegan Core

Is veganism dead? No. Why? The core audience. The forever vegans. Not because it was ever cool, trendy, or a fast way to lose weight. Vegan for something deeper .. something words never explain perfectly.

I see you. I love you. And honestly, I love that we don’t even need to be that defensive anymore — because we know the truth.

Veganism is not dead because of us.

I feel sad that meat has made such a comeback.
Sad for the animals.
And sad for the seven-year-olds who don’t want to eat animals and feel weird about it at school.
Sad for vegan teens who might be ridiculed.
And sad for new vegans questioning their choices because why would anyone go vegan now, when it feels like it’s in a downturn?

But mostly, I’m sad for the animals.

The cows.
The pigs.
The chickens.
The sheep.
The turkeys.
Yes — even the fishies.

Look, I’m not perfect. I feed my cats animals every day. My kid eats full meat hot dogs when she’s out with friends and has no clue what the difference is yet. I own leather. I’ve accidentally bought wool. I eat honey every day.

Who f-ing cares.

I’m not a “sometimes vegan,” but if you are? I’m thrilled. I actually love a sometimes vegan. Thank you for using the word. Thank you for choosing it when you can.

So with that, let’s share a little vegan inspo — because this world really needs it right now.

10 Things About Veganism That Make Me Smile

Beans are still cheap, filling, and undefeated. Add rice and huge win.
Roasted vegetables. Ridiculously easy. A little 90's side dish vibes. But I'm in.
Pasta exists. That’s it. That’s the point.
Creativity never runs out — there’s always another way to cook a vegetable.
Vegan desserts continue to shock people in the best way. Watching someone say “WAIT this is vegan??” never gets old.
Farmers markets feel like church for vegans. Produce everywhere, dogs on leashes, soy or oat lattes in hand.
Vegan aged cheese. Again, “WAIT this is vegan??” never gets old.
Cashews remain the most magical food on Earth. Milk. Cheese. Sauce. Cream. Icon behavior.
You can turn literally anything into a bowl. Grains + greens + sauce = emotional stability.
Dairy nostalgia fades fast. Like… shockingly fast. Your body moves on before your brain does.

10 More Things About Veganism That Make Me Smile

No one ever regrets eating more vegetables. Not once. Not ever. Name one person.
Vegan food makes people weirdly passionate. No one argues harder than someone who “could never.”
The creativity never ends. Vegetables actually require imagination — and that’s kind of the point.
Being vegan sharpens your taste. You notice herbs, textures, citrus, heat. Your palate grows up.
You'll probably learn to cook. Huge bonus.
Vegan comfort food. Chili, soup, pasta, potatoes.
There’s something quietly powerful about choosing compassion when no one’s clapping.
Animals don’t have to be cute to deserve kindness. Looking at you, fish.
Vegans age well. Not sorry. It’s a thing. Ask dermatology.
You don’t need permission to eat this way. No trend, study, or influencer required.

5 More Things About Veganism That Make Me Smile

Veganism scales beautifully. One meal. One day. One swap. All of it counts.
So many unintentionally vegan foods already exist. Fries. Oreos. Peanut butter. Pasta. Life is generous.
The internet can’t cancel plants. Vegetables have survived every trend cycle so far.
Vegan food is extremely photogenic. Color theory alone is on our side.
There is always a sauce. And that sauce will save the day.

Why I’m Still Optimistic (Even Now)

Here are a few recent headlines and moments that keep me hopeful:

“Plant-based eating linked to lower heart disease risk” — again. Still. Always.
More doctors and dietitians publicly endorsing plant-forward diets instead of extreme elimination trends.
Schools and institutions quietly expanding plant-based options — even when it’s not loud or branded.
Climate conversations always circle back to food systems. Always.
Younger generations asking better questions about animals, sustainability, and food ethics.

Veganism doesn’t need to be trendy to survive.
It just needs people who care — quietly, consistently, imperfectly.

And we’re still here.

MUAH. ~K

Need some more inspo? Snag my FREE vegan cheat sheets.

Buy my books.

follow me: @kathypatalsky @findingvegan

This Isn't a Pep Talk

January 7, 2026 by Kathy Patalsky Leave a Comment

This isn't a pep talk - it's a mental reroute. Promise.

IMO, January is not the beginning of anything. Spring is. But fine. Here we are.

I hate New Year’s resolutions, but I stumbled into one this morning that felt legit: stop using my overthinking brain to excavate anxieties and identify what needs fixing… and start using it to hyper-analyze the good.

Morning Anxiety is a Thing - But it's a Lie

I woke up this morning with that familiar mix of fog and self-awareness. The kind where nothing is technically wrong, but everything feels slightly off. Where you sip your latte, and start replaying thoughts and actions in your head. And suddenly, that morning anxiety powers your day.

"Let's sort through what's bothering me so I can get onto the good stuff."

But that's a lie.

Instead of having some huge aha moment of clarity, I leave the kitchen soaked in dread, pushing myself into some Tony Robbins conference of self-help slogans trying to cleanse the icky feeling that inspired my morning.

You're feeding yourself junk food, telling yourself the juice fast starts tomorrow. You're reading icky news headlines, while telling yourself you want a happy, wonderful day. It just doesn't add up.

You want to get to alpine town. And there's a fun slide down the mountain right over there, the sign says 'alpine town this way!' And yet you are still climbing up to a rocky peak to get a better view, ready to mountain climb down, grunting the whole way.

Make it make sense.

So, What Do I Ruminate About?

Back to me. Human specifics. Today's random anxiety?

A vulnerability hangover from a text message. And suddenly I’m wondering why connection sometimes feels so tender, and why detachment sneaks in right when you’re craving steadiness. Then my brain moves on. My daughter, her day. My husband. Is he good too? Then I open my Game of Thrones-style closet, full of metal and spikes, and pick out whatever armor I may need for later - for any dragons to tame and ride later in the week.

Then my health. Lingering lung inflammation. Fitness. I haven't hopped on the Peloton this week. How do I fix that? Showering, getting dressed. Emails, texts, plans. All waltzing together in my head to some overplayed Taylor Swift song. Then a bright spot. Oh. I am picking up my kid from school today. That’s something. Something to get me out of the house. Thank gawd. I cling to the thought like Rose on the door in icy waters. Suddenly I’m in survival mode when five minutes ago I was just sipping coffee. And it continues..

Shit, more thoughts.

Detachment becomes the focus. A year after preschool graduation is such a weird year. It’s full of micro-detachments. And no one really tells you how to do that in a healthy way.

How do you detach without hurting people? How do you detach without hurting yourself? What do you fill the space with when something falls away? And then I catch myself thinking: Why am I talking about this? Why can’t I talk about happy things? Why can’t I talk about the joy of parenting? The joy of taking my kid to dance class later. The thrill of a hug when she comes in the door.

The joy of dropping her off every day at a school I genuinely love, where she feels safe and happy, where I feel held by the community.

That is real.

So why do I default to the negative? Maybe this is my thing. I’m very good at analyzing. I can analyze anything. Especially what’s wrong. But what if 2026 is the year I hyper-analyze the good instead? That feels… kind of radical.

So that was it. I realized something important: this wasn’t a problem day.

This wasn't a day asking to be fixed.

This was a fork-in-the-road day.

Notice the Fork in the Road

The real pep talk: It's not a problem day. It's a fork day.

Some days don’t give you that choice. Some days the problem runs right up to your nose. A kid needs urgent care. Something breaks. Bills are due. Weather, injuries, logistics, you’re in it, whether you want to be or not.

But honestly, most days aren’t like that.

Most days are quieter. More ambiguous. And because we’re so used to operating in fight-or-flight, we treat those days like emergencies anyway. We wake up asking, What do I need to fix today? Because that’s what we’re good at. Especially as moms. Especially as problem-solvers.

But what if the real work on days like this isn’t fixing anything at all?

What if the work is noticing that you’re standing at a fork, and realizing that choosing where to put your energy is the actual gift?

Choose Your Own Adventure

Remember those books? I do. They were great! I always chose one path and flipped back to see how the other one turned out. That was the magic. The choice.

Because on this morning in January, I noticed myself doing it again. Talking to my phone, trying to sort through my feelings, instead of just sitting at my desk feeling good, dreaming, creating, working, doing good.

Most days, it's not one big problem that gets us. It's a bunch of tiny ones.

Cheesy Motivation: No Thank You

This is not a "Think Positive" post. No way. This is a "problem solving is your downfall" post. A shift the target post. A stop thinking about the tiny scary things, and hyper analyze tiny (or big) good things.

It's not about abandoning your vigilance. Your talent. Edge. Passion. It's redirecting it.

Use your fight or flight brain. The one we all have and secretly love. But aim it differently.

Fight the dragons, by hyper analyzing the good systems in your life. Be a warrior, just fight softer targets. So the thing that soaks your day is sugar. Not dread.

It's Not Just About "Focus on Yourself"

Pop culture advice will tell you that when you feel tender and raw, just stop worrying about others and "focus on yourself." But for us, the analytical brains, the hyper vigilant, that advice fails. Because we then focus energy on ourselves, quite perfectly. But usually on "faking positive" or on "the negative in our own space. "fixing negative."

So what advice actually works? Hot take: that raw, tender moment isn't what's wrong. It's the signal that something is shifting and you're paying attention.

When You Feel Raw

When you feel raw, that's the fork! I promise. It's not the problem to be solved. Trust me, a real problem will be at your nose. The fork is actually that raw feeling. It's a good thing. You get to choose. Flip to the page that gets you somewhere, don't backtrack on problems.

This isn't about "focusing on positive" or "focusing on yourself" Instead, use your skills to hyper analyze the good. I'm just going to repeat it over and over until you actually get it.

Hyperanalyze the good.

Focusing on the positive doesn't do shit when you feel raw. Dismantling something, smashing walls, does feel good. Do that. But instead of smashing walls made of concrete and spiders and mold, smash the cotton candy, flower petals, candy cane walls. Dismantle those. Understand those things in your life.

Redirect Your Vigilance

So instead of asking, “What’s wrong today?” What needs fighting and fixing? What negative thing can I punch in the face? Instead ask, “What’s working today? What worked last week? Last year? And how did it get there?” Dig deep, like your brain craves, just in a new tunnel.

You want to fight dragons? Fight them. But not in Westeros. In Disneyland.

This is Not Gratitude 2.0. It's Systems 1.0

Not a gratitude list. I hate gratitude lists. They annoy me.

I don’t want to name things like a checklist. I want to analyze the systems that created the good.

Examples help. Good thing one. Publishing two cookbooks? I showed up every day. Created even when no one cared. I wrote when blogging wasn’t cool, when it was lonely, when there was no feedback loop. And I didn’t care what people thought. I kept going.

That system worked.

Good thing two: My daughter. I wallowed. Cried on the bathroom floor. I decided: this is non-negotiable. Then appointments. Surgeries. Needles. Doctors. Waiting. Disappointment, loneliness.

But I never let go of the goal. That didn’t happen by accident.

There are so many good things to hyper analyze. And always a system to uncover. That's my hyper vigilant, overthinking brain doing work, for good.

Good Things Have Systems

Dead-set unshakable goal.
Tiny, consistent intentions.
Not caring what people think.
Failing, repeatedly.
Doing shit you love.

Curbing the hunger to analyze what’s wrong creates room to see what’s right.

Mental Reroute: Hyperanalyze the Good

So today instead of fixing things that weren’t actually urgent, I rerouted. Just like my Tesla choosing a faster route to my destination. Don't let your car be smarter than you. You can do it too.

Pep talk = reroute.

Why now? Honestly? I'm just old. Almost 45. Hello Aquarius season. Old enough now to know better. When I’m truly drowning, which happens in any adult life, I deal with it directly. Maturely. Therapy. Support. Solutions. Naming the hard things so they can be understood and held. And yes, hopefully fixed.

But not today.

Today, the danger felt loud but familiar - that mix of fog and self-awareness. Yup. Today, the dragons turned out to be stuffies. Acknowledge them without letting them run the day.

Drowning feels different than this. I know better.

This felt like a fork.

It's not a fight. It's a fucking hug.

Starting Place: Notice the Fork

This isn’t a New Year’s resolution. It’s not a detox, a reset, or a vow to avoid brain rot in 2026. It’s just a starting place.

Notice it. The fork in the path. And instead of excavating anxieties, take the other road.

Excavate what’s already working. Pay attention to how you can get more of it.

That's what I did today, and it felt.... good. So maybe I'll do it again tomorrow. Happy 2026, y'all.

Photo pairing: my pics of macro lens flowers. Hyperanalyze the good.

macro image of a pink flower with yellow center

Paris With Kids: How Our 5-Year-Old Saw the City (Eiffel Tower, Tuileries, Louvre + Christmas Markets)

December 11, 2025 by Kathy Patalsky Leave a Comment

Louvre on a sunny day child leaning on glass

Visiting Paris with kids? Here’s my guide to doing Paris with a five-year-old, Eiffel Tower lines and all. From the Tuileries playgrounds and Christmas markets to kid-friendly Louvre tips, vegan eats for mom, and a magical hotel near the museum, this is how we made Paris work, and definitely sparkle, with a child in tow.

Twenty years ago, my husband and I took our very first trip together to Paris. We stayed in this tiny boutique hotel, walked around hand-in-hand like the most cliché version of ourselves, and I remember thinking, This is it. This is the most romantic city in the world.

Fast forward two decades. Different season of life. Same city. This time we arrived with a five-year-old, a stroller rental, and about 20,000 more steps a day on my watch.

locks on the bridge Paris colorful locks

On our first afternoon, we started wandering with no plan, just walking, taking in the streets, the light, the feeling of being back. And then, out of nowhere, we passed the exact same small boutique hotel where we’d stayed on that first trip.

We didn’t plan it. And we weren’t looking for it. We just… bumped into our past selves. That’s Paris to me: a little magical, a little weird, and always a tiny bit serendipitous. This time, though, the city belonged to our daughter. This was Rosie’s first time in Paris. In her mind, Paris was:

The Eiffel Tower
Uh, The Eiffel Tower
And.. The Eiffel Tower

So this is Paris, but told through a child’s point of view, with a parent’s reality check woven in.

Before You Go: Paris With Kids Requires a Whole New Mindset

Let me say this clearly:

If you go to Paris with a five-year-old and try to recreate your pre-kid itinerary — long Louvre days, late-night lingering dinners, slow shopping on every chic street — you will be miserable.

Paris with kids is a different city. It’s:

• Less “three-hour tasting menu” and more “pizza and bed by nine.”
Less “I must see every wing of the Louvre” and more “we spent the entire time in the kids’ studio and she drew with crayons for an hour.”
Less “romantic strolls at midnight” and more “we’ve been at this Christmas market Funhouse ride for the seventh time and I’m oddly okay with it.”

If you can let go of the fantasy of adult Paris and embrace kid Paris, the playgrounds, the bubbles, the rides, the random interactions with children from other countries, it’s actually incredibly beautiful.

Every November, we do our big Europe trip because:

Christmas markets are open and magical
Walking Weather! The weather is cool and crisp.. It’s never too hot (my personal travel dealbreaker because I love a long walk)
Coats, scarves, and boots feel like part of the experience

We fly out of Los Angeles, land in the cool air of late fall, and it instantly feels like a real vacation from our normal life.

Quick Guide: Paris With Kids (Ages 4–8)

A fast, mom-approved cheat sheet for navigating Paris with a five-year-old.

Best Ages for Paris With Kids

Ages 4–8 are the sweet spot — old enough to walk, enjoy museums, and love playgrounds, young enough to still be dazzled by everything.
Under 3 = stroller-heavy, nap-sensitive.
Over 8 = ready for longer museum days and more structured tours.

Where to Stay (Kid-Friendly & Central)

1st Arrondissement (Louvre / Tuileries area) is ideal for families:

Walkable to gardens, playgrounds, markets, and the Louvre
Easy access to cafés + transit
Safe, lively, and activity-packed without feeling chaotic

Top Picks:

• Hôtel du Louvre (Hyatt Unbound Collection) — great rooms, central, beautiful lobby, steps from everything.

• Hôtel Regina — family rooms + Eiffel Tower view options if that’s important to you.

view from the room at hotel du Louvre Hyatt

Top 6 Kid-Friendly Things To Do in Paris

1. Eiffel Tower (Book ahead!)

✔ Sparkles on the hour
✔ Amazing for kids
✔ Expect long lines — especially coming down
✔ Book timed entry in advance

2. Jardin des Tuileries

✔ Playground
✔ Trampolines
✔ Open lawns + statues
✔ Dog-watching
✔ Holiday market in winter

3. Louvre Kids’ Studio

✔ Drawing tables + activities
✔ Calm, creative space
✔ Great place to rest and reset
✔ Skip the Mona Lisa with little kids if you want — there’s so much else

4. Christmas Markets (Seasonal)

✔ Funhouse rides
✔ Treats, lights, games
✔ Kids will lose their minds in the best way
✔ Not relaxing, but very worth it

5. Opera District Stroll

✔ Beautiful architecture
✔ Quick snacks + cafés
✔ The best Zara Kids (truly)

6. Random Playground Moments

✔ Kids don’t need fancy itineraries
✔ They’ll remember the playground friend more than the art

Where to Eat With Kids (Vegan-Friendly)

Best bets:

Pizza spots (ivonnes, Pizzeria Popolare, others around the 1st)
Cojean (quick, light, some vegan items)
Cafés near the Louvre with simple menus
Percent-sign c offee shop near the Louvre for great coffee

Tip: Classic French cuisine = heavy on butter + cream, easier to lean Italian, Mediterranean, and modern cafés if you’re vegan or have picky eaters.

Stroller Tips

Rent one locally, Cloud of Goods was easy and hotel-friendly.
Paris is VERY walkable, but little legs get tired fast.
Avoid navigating the airport with your own stroller if you can.

Museum Strategy (Louvre + Others)

Book morning weekday slots when possible.
Don’t force full museum days — go in with 1–2 goals max.
Turn exhibits into a game (we did “find the cats in the paintings”).
End in the kids’ studio — essential for decompression.

Weather & Clothing (Fall Travel Tips)

Late fall = chef’s kiss
Cool, crisp air
Mostly jacket-and-scarf weather
Occasional drizzle (romantic + manageable)
Boots are worth it
Layers, layers, layers

Transportation Tips

• Walk as much as you can — it’s part of the joy.
The Eurostar to/from London is fantastic but extremely quiet — avoid commuter-hour trains with small kids.
Taxis can be sparse near major monuments at peak times, so be ready to walk.

Airport Notes (CDG)

• Chaotic energy — embrace it.
Family lines at security = lifesaver
Arrive early, snacks packed

What Kids Will Actually Remember

• Sparkles on the Eiffel Tower
The playground friend
The Funhouse at the Christmas market - the ten times you went through - laughing - the scary-fun slides
Trampolines at the park
Pretzels and cotton candy
Running through bubbles
The cat paintings at the Louvre
That one café pastry
The rain - holding the umbrella
The feeling of being somewhere new and enormous

What You Will Remember

The long walks - tired but full
The serendipity
The crisp air
Shiny cobblestone
The tiny hand holding yours
The shift from romantic Paris to parent Paris, and how beautiful that evolution actually is

Where We Stayed: Hôtel du Louvre by Hyatt (and Why Central Paris Works With Kids)

Hotel: Hôtel du Louvre, by Hyatt — Unbound Collection

Location: 1st arrondissement, steps from the Louvre

Kid-friendly alternative nearby: Hôtel Regina

We stayed at Hôtel du Louvre, literally one street away from the Louvre entrance. You look out the window and see the museum right there — statues, stone, that courtyard geometry. You are in it.

Now, you might think: Staying right next to the Louvre sounds like staying in Times Square. Hard pass.But Paris is funny that way. Aside from the Eiffel Tower itself, the main “touristy” areas are also some of the most walkable and activity-packed places for families — and they still feel like real Paris.

It’s not like staying on Rodeo Drive in L.A. or in the middle of Rockefeller Center in New York. Yes, there are tourists. But there are also locals, kids, cafés, and that everyday city hum.

We loved the hotel. It had:

• Pretty interiors
A lovely view over a small square and the Louvre
Easy walking access to almost everything we did
Really good room service (we used it more than once)

There’s another kid-friendly option nearby, Hôtel Regina, which has:

• Some rooms with Eiffel Tower views
A big family room under the eaves (lower ceilings, lots of space)

But here’s my honest Eiffel Tower window-view take:

If you’re in the 1st arrondissement near the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower in your window is going to be tiny. Yes, it’s cool to see it sparkle on the hour at night, but the price bump for that sliver of view is substantial. For us, it wasn’t worth it. I’d rather walk to a good viewing spot and keep the budget for food, activities, and… let’s be honest… Zara.

Eiffel Tower With Kids: Lines, Magic, and Why We Walked All the Way Home

We set aside an afternoon to walk from our hotel all the way to the Eiffel Tower, go up, and walk home.

The Lines (Just Being Honest)

Be prepared:

• You wait in line to get into the line.
You wait again to get into the elevator.
And the longest line of all? Coming down.
We spent a long, long time in that downward elevator queue.

We went on a Friday evening during the holiday season, which is basically peak chaos, so some of that is on us. Definitely book your tickets in advance, and if you can, strategize your time slot.

The Magic (Why It’s Still Worth It)

Even with the lines, even with the chaos, being at the top when the Eiffel Tower sparkles is pure kid magic.

Our visibility was terrible that day — foggy, hazy, not those crisp Instagram views — and she did not care at all. She was spinning, skipping, glued to the giant spotlight beam at the top, and absolutely buzzing with excitement.

You could see the sparkles reflecting in her eyes more than the city, and that was enough.

The Neighborhood Around the Tower

I’m glad we didn’t stay in a hotel right under the Eiffel Tower. The base area felt:

• Very crowded
Very tourist-heavy
A little chaotic — especially on a holiday-season Friday night

Once we finished our visit, we wanted out. Instead of hunting for a cab, we decided to walk the whole way back. I know... That's just my style though.

By the end of the night, my step counter read 22,000. We were exhausted and also weirdly proud. I love walking cities like Paris, London, and New York as much as I can.. the walking is part of the experience.

Tuileries Garden: Where Paris With Kids Actually Comes Alive / Parents Safe Zone

Location: Jardin des Tuileries (between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde)

We spent a lot of time in the Tuileries Garden, and honestly, it’s where Paris really clicked for my daughter.

Think of it like a more compact mix of:

Central Park
Bryant Park
Hyde Park

It’s one big, beautiful green space with:

• Wide gravel paths
Statues
A Ferris wheel
Locals walking dogs
Kids following bubbles and running around

One Sunday morning, we saw what looked like an unofficial dog meetup, just a whole area dotted with dogs and their humans, playing on the grass. It was such a sweet little slice of everyday Paris.

night puddle at Christmas market near Louvre ferris wheel lit up

The Playground & Holiday Market

At the base of the Ferris wheel, there’s:

• A small playground that my daughter adored
A sprawling Christmas market with stalls, rides, and games

At that playground, she met another little girl - from Cambodia, we later learned, and they played together for over an hour. No shared language, no adult micromanaging, just:

• Running
• Giggling
• Making up games
• Hugging goodbye at the end

It was one of my favorite moments of the entire trip. That’s the stuff you remember.

There’s also a trampoline area with individual trampolines you can pay to jump on. Of course we did that. She bounced, I took a thousand photos, everyone was happy.

A Quick Shopping Detour: Opera District + The Best Zara

From the Tuileries, we walked up towards the Opéra area, gorgeous big buildings, buzzing streets, lots of energy. We ended up at Zara in that circle, and I’m just going to say it: It was the best Zara I’ve ever been to.

We picked up some things for her from Zara Kids, and I left thinking: Are European Zaras just better? (I think yes.)

On the way back, we stopped at Cojean (spelled COJEAN) — a quick café with: Coffee, Fresh options, Some vegan-friendly items.

They had an apple crumble–ish dessert that was so, so good. It became a little go-to stop. Back near the Louvre, we also found our favorite coffee spot of the trip, a place with a percent sign logo. Great coffee and so close to the hotel, which is all you really want at 9 AM with a child.

Ivonne's vegan pizza

Where We Ate: Pizza, Cafés, and Being Vegan in Paris With a Kid

When you’re in Paris with a five-year-old, pizza becomes a hero.

We went to Von’s (pizza + kids menu + casual energy), and it was great — simple, cozy, good.

Other pizza / Italian spots on our radar:

• Pizzeria Popolare
• A few other buzzy places we couldn’t get into or didn’t have time for
Italian food felt like the safest bet because:
• It’s usually kid-friendly
• It’s often easy to tweak for vegan needs
• It’s comforting after long days walking in the cold

Traditional French food leans heavy into butter, cream, and meat — so being vegan in Paris means you’re often looking for Italian, Mediterranean, or modern cafés instead. We made it work.

A Rainy Morning Plan: The Children’s Museum (Honest Review)

One rainy morning, we wandered into a small children’s museum near our hotel. I think they rotate their featured artist or exhibit.

Our theme was:

• Deep sea
• Black light
• Underwater plankton, jellyfish, creatures

It was fine, not awful, not amazing. Mostly a series of rooms to stroll through and look at. Not a ton to do, but it got us out of the rain and gave us a quiet hour. For a filler activity, it worked. Just don’t go in expecting a huge, hands-on science museum experience.

The Louvre With Kids: We Skipped the Mona Lisa And Didn’t Regret It

Let’s talk Louvre with a five-year-old. We went the day after a family photo shoot I had booked (highly recommend doing this, by the way — it’s the only way we get actual proof that all three of us were on the trip).

Inside the Louvre

I’m going to say the thing: We did not see the Mona Lisa. You might laugh, but honestly… what’s the point for a five-year-old who doesn’t know the history yet? She’s not going to care about checking it off a list. What she did love was everything else.

We turned the Louvre into a game:

• We walked the halls looking for cats in paintings
• We quickly realized there were way more dogs than cats
• We started joking about how dogs are the hunters and workers, so they get all the portrait cameos
• We searched and searched for cats and celebrated when we found them

It became this funny little scavenger hunt that made the overwhelming halls feel manageable. The day we went, it was very crowded — afternoon on a Saturday, which is basically the worst possible time. If you’re planning a visit:

• Book timed entry in advance
• Aim for a weekday morning if you can
• Expect lines — people were queuing over an hour early for their time slots

The Studio: Absolute Must With Kids

The best part of the Louvre with our daughter was the kids’ studio section. Inside, kids can: Draw, Create

• Sit at tables with paper and supplies
• Enjoy themed activities in a calmer, more contained space

A lot of adults were in there too, just quietly charging phones and resting. It was like a little sanctuary within the giant maze. Rosalie even met a little girl and they played for a good hour - drawing together and making paper airplanes.

I would call the studio non-negotiable if you’re doing the Louvre with kids.

Other Paris Landmarks: What We Did and Didn’t Do

There’s always more to see in Paris:

• Notre-Dame
• Arc de Triomphe
• Various neighborhoods and bridges

On this trip, we didn’t try to hit everything. With a limited number of days and a five-year-old in tow, we chose depth over breadth. We walked a ton, soaked in the city, and let go of the pressure to check every box.

Christmas Markets, Rainy Walks, and the Vibe of November in Paris

The Christmas market at the Tuileries was a huge highlight. My daughter went on the Funhouse attraction something like seven times. There were rides, games, cotton candy, food stalls, cheesy in the best way. If your child is under ten-ish, they will be in heaven. Actually the teens there seemed to be enjoying it all too!

We had one good rainy day, and honestly? I loved it. Walking through Paris with:

• A light drizzle
• Umbrellas out
• Cozy cafés as a destination
is its own kind of romantic, even with a kid.
Don’t be afraid of a little rain. I’d take that over blazing heat any day.

Leaving Paris: Airports, Family Lines, and the 11-Hour Flight Home

Charles de Gaulle Airport is… a lot. But they do have family lines at security, which I deeply appreciated on our way home. My husband had to stay behind for a work conference, so I did the 11-hour flight home alone with our five-year-old, after a week of 10,000–20,000 steps a day. It felt like a mini marathon. But we did it. And I don’t regret a single second.

Why We Keep Choosing Exhausting, Big Trips Over “Easy” Vacations

Sometimes I think: We could just be the family that goes to Hawaii every year, stays at one resort, and rotates between the pool and the beach. And that sounds lovely. Truly. But that’s not who we are. We pick the big trips: The ones that are exhausting. The ones that require strollers and tickets and strategy. The ones that are chaotic and expensive and logistically intense

Because they’re also: Character-building. Perspective-shifting. Memory-dense. They become these bright, foundational blocks in not just my life, but now in my daughter’s life too.

Paris with a five-year-old wasn’t peaceful. It wasn’t relaxing. And it wasn’t the Paris of my twenties. It was better: louder, sillier, messier, sweeter. Basically, it was Paris re-written through her eyes.

And we’ll be back.

Curious to read more of my travel adventure? Check out:

London With Kids: Our 5-Year-Old’s Favorite Things to Do in London in Late Fall

December 2, 2025 by Kathy Patalsky Leave a Comment

Today I'm sharing our trip and how to do London with kids! Here are all of our 5 year-old's favorite things we did in London in late fall...

London in late fall feels like stepping into a storybook - cool, crisp air, gold leaves underfoot, and endless cups of warm tea in hand. I’ve been to London many times, but this was my first visit with my five-year-old daughter. Traveling with kids changes everything… in the best possible ways. The pace slows, the magic shifts, and suddenly the quiet things - ducks, donuts, playgrounds - become the heartbeat of the whole adventure.

My number-one travel philosophy with a young kid: Anchor the trip around one guaranteed hit.

For London, that anchor was simple.

fluffy swan Hyde Park round pond kensington

The swans.

But that was only the start. The vibe. The anchor.

pigeon London pretty colors purple green

10 Things to Do with Kids in London

1. Visit the Swans at Kensington Gardens (Round Pond)

Location: Kensington Gardens

Nearest Tube: Queensway / Lancaster Gate

Best Time: Morning sunlight or late-afternoon glow

Cost: Free

Vibes: London with kids, Hyde Park with kids, best thing to do in London with a 5-year-old

Where We Stayed for the Swans: Royal Garden Hotel

We stayed at the Royal Garden Hotel, which overlooks Kensington Gardens and the Round Pond, home to London’s famously giant, calm, elegant swans.

Every morning, the park glowed gold. Joggers looped past in matching track sets. Tourists snapped photos. Leaves drifted across the water like little pieces of confetti. And my daughter stood at the shore naming swans with absolute confidence that each one remembered her.

We visited every single day - sometimes twice. The swans ended up being the thing she talked about most when we got home.

If you do nothing else with kids in London, do this.

A free, beautiful, zero-stress activity that kids love deeply.

swan open wings in London Hyde Park Kensington

2. Explore the Science Museum + Wonderlab (A Must for Kids)

Location: South Kensington

Cost: Museum free; Wonderlab requires a ticket

Vibes: Science Museum in London, Wonderlab London review, family-friendly museum in London

A short walk from our hotel took us to the Science Museum, which is enormous and endlessly fascinating. Multiple floors cover:

The planets
The human body
Medicine and medical history
Space exploration
Engineering
Light and color
Hands-on experiments
But the real crown jewel: Wonderlab, the highly interactive fourth-floor gallery that requires a ticket and is absolutely worth it.

In Wonderlab kids can:

Race down giant friction slides
Sit in pulleys
Draw with massive spirograph stations
Capture slow-motion droplets
Spin, build, explore
Trigger chemistry experiments
Launch paper 'airplanes' in a wind tunnel
Play with magnets
Create light + shadow displays

It is kinetic, colorful, exciting, and somehow gives parents a moment to just breathe while kids run their own adventure.

A huge, huge win.

spray painting tees Banksy Limitless London

3. Take Kids to the Banksy Exhibit (Surprisingly a Hit)

Location: Central London (rotating locations)

Cost: Paid; VIP includes spray-paint T-shirt

Vibes: Banksy exhibit London, art museums London kids

This one shocked me - my daughter loved the Banksy Limitless exhibition. The art is bold, graphic, humorous, and repetitive in a way that kids find fascinating.

What she loved:

The bright color palettes
The repetition of prints
The textures
Finding the Banksy rat
The cat wall
The whimsy
The clever, funny images
The “infinity-style” video room
And with the VIP ticket, she got to spray-paint her own T-shirt, which was one of her favorite souvenirs of the whole trip.

If your kid has even a tiny flicker of interest in art or color, consider this.

4. Book a Kid-Friendly Afternoon Tea (We Chose the Science Theme)

Location: London hotel with rotating themed teas - The Ampersand Hotel

Vegan Option: Yes (a full tower!)

Vibes: kids afternoon tea London, vegan tea London, family activities London

vegan science tea London ampersand hotel

One of London’s sweetest traditions is children’s afternoon tea - so many hotels do themed versions, from dinosaurs to fairies to space.

We chose a science-themed tea, and it was everything:

• A rocket-ship serving stand
• DIY lemonade experiments
• Color-changing drinks
• Smoke + foam moments
• Planet-themed desserts
• Staff who didn’t blink when things spilled

And best of all: they had a complete vegan tea for me - sandwiches, pastries, the works.

Highly recommend this as a kid-friendly London moment.

5. Wander Through the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland (With Expectations Set)

Location: Hyde Park

Season: Late November – early January

Vibes: Winter Wonderland London review, Christmas markets London with kids

If you’re visiting London during the holiday season, you’ll be surrounded by dreams-in-lights: Christmas markets, decorations, cozy shops, festive treats.

Winter Wonderland is the biggest of the bunch - glowing, loud, enormous, and full of rides, food, games, and carnival energy.

Honest take:

Kids: obsessed
Parents: a little overwhelmed
Best with plenty of time
Not ideal if you’re in a rush
My daughter thought it was magic. I thought it was chaos. But that’s the balance of family travel sometimes.

More mellow markets along the South Bank near the London Eye are also lovely.

6. Playgrounds, Squirrels, and London Dog-Watching

Vibes: London playgrounds for kids, Hyde Park playground, Diana Memorial Playground

Playgrounds became an unexpected highlight of our trip. Actually, every trip we've done with Rosalie basically becomes one big playground exploration. And I love that!

Our favorite:

• Hyde Park Playground, beautiful structures, lots of trees, great vibes

Next on our list (but under renovation):

• Diana Memorial Playground

London dogs also deserve their own subheader. They are uniformly gorgeous. I Googled it - London doesn’t have the same shelter system the U.S. has, so you see a lot of intentional breeding. Complicated feelings aside… the dogs were stunning and unbelievably fun to watch.

Plus: cutest squirrels everywhere. Fluffy, friendly, curious squirrels.

7. Ride the London Eye + Explore South Bank

Location: Westminster / South Bank

Kid Rating: 10/10

Vibes: London Eye with kids, South Bank London Christmas market

We took a cab to the Big Ben area, crossed the bridge for a close-up look, and walked straight to the London Eye.

Tip: Buy the priority tickets. Totally worth it with kids. The ride is gentle, slow, and offers stunning city views. Afterward, the area is packed with:

A small playground
A tiny seasonal Christmas market
A carousel
Street performers (seasonal)
It’s the perfect blend of sightseeing + kid joy.

8. Food, Donuts, Porridge & Practical Tips for Parents

vibes: vegan food London, Mildreds London, London travel with kids

Vegan Food

We ordered plenty of room service (because: parenthood), including food from Mildreds - a long-time HHL favorite. We also found Crosstown, an incredible vegan donut spot - that delivered beautiful, fluffy perfection straight to the hotel.

Porridge in London is unmatched. No one makes it better.

Stroller Rental

We rented a stroller through Cloud of Goods. Quick recap:

First stroller: wobbly
Messaged them
Replacement stroller: perfect
Easy concierge pickup

Highly recommend renting instead of traveling with your own.

Eurostar to Paris

The train was easy… but silent.

Like library-level silent. With a kid, this is torture. Even with an iPad and headphones! Yes, Rosalie started singing loudly to herself at one point. I think it's adorable, but who knows what the commuters on laptops think. Not that you need to care, but still.

Do not take a commuter hour train with a small child unless you love holding your breath for 2.5 hours. Choose morning or midday.

9. Our Favorite London Walks + Neighborhood Moments

Vibes: Walking tours London, Kensington Gardens walk, Notting Hill with kids

London is a walking city .. especially in fall.

We wandered:

Through Hyde Park in gold sunlight
Past the palace, where my daughter insisted on meeting the King
Along rows of classic white townhomes
Through crisp, leaf-strewn paths
Past adorable uniformed school kids
Toward Notting Hill (a favorite from past trips)

If you’re visiting near the holidays, Covent Garden, Selfridges, and Harrods are festive must-visits with kids.

Hyde Park playground London pretty fall leaves

Why London Works So Well for Families

London is clean, safe, walkable, and filled with beautiful open spaces. There’s an ease to it - a sense that kids are welcome everywhere.

What my daughter will remember most:

The swans
The swans
Yes, the swans
The giant slides at Wonderlab
The T-shirt she spray-painted at Banksy
Mixing neon lemonade at a 'tea' afternoon with grownups
Big Ben
The London Eye
The playgrounds
The donuts
Seeing the palace
The chaotic rides at the winter festival
Laughing about the wobbly stroller
Running a little wild at the Banksy exhibit

London with kids is special. Go slow, choose one anchor, and let the rest unfold.

Looking for more LONDON content? My posts are here:

London (vintage travel post)

Hyde Park teeter totter London happy kid

Ode to Holiday Moms + 10 Must-Make Seasonal Recipes

November 12, 2025 by Kathy Patalsky Leave a Comment

This is my cinematic Ode to Holiday Moms + 10 Must-Make Seasonal Recipes..

December is a Performance

Moms during the holidays, know this: December is a performance and it runs like a fever dream. Empty stage. Dark room. The smell of burnt cinnamon toast. Then suddenly the faint sound of choir music hits, a winter breeze hits your neck. And some marshmallows roll out of a bag, right at your feet. Click! A booming spotlight flickers on and there you are on an empty stage, your kid or kids sitting in the seats in the front row, awaiting magic like in the movies. Offstage, a faceless voice whispers,

"Psssst. Okay, go! You're on! Go!" Huh? Me? You look around on stage. You look down at yourself, just a mom in day-old sweats, slippers on, a mug of cold coffee in hand.

The voice shouts now: "Go! Make it feel like Christmas!"

"Make it Feel Like Christmas!"

There's no script. No actors. No twinkly glowy lighting. Where's the tree? The presents? The snow? The fluffy velvet party dresses and steamy hot cocoa? Where are the platters of gingerbread men and warm cinnamon rolls? Wait, where is Santa? Don't we need a list? Some cards? Food? Oh shit. Holidays moms, this is your cue.

"Me?" You whisper back to the offstage voice. Yup all you. And action!

Christmas Show, By Mom

There's a lot of talk on social media about "ooh mom makes the holiday magic!" It's not Santa, it's the holiday moms! But this needs to be leaned into, truly and fully for a sec..

photo credit: irene, the Paris photographer

Holiday Moms Are it

Holiday moms (ok, fine, dads too, but mostly moms IMO) are directing in real time. Adjusting the lighting, adding another string of lights. Making the holiday playlist and watch list. Turning the music up when it helps and down when it suddenly feels like too much. Mood making. We choose props on the fly. Some days the scene is big and dramatic, everyone piled into the car in parkas and snow boots, driving five hours so the kids can make snow angels and throw snowballs for ten minutes before they’re cold and hungry and done. Other days it’s a five-minute drive up the street to a tiny outdoor ice rink with cheesy music and overpriced hot cocoa that somehow tastes like cardboard and sugar at the same time. Same director. Different scene. Same amount of effort either way.

Some nights you remember to move the elf. Other nights you absolutely do not, so you move it at the last possible second, half-awake, hoping no one notices the sudden lack of creativity. Some nights you carefully place ornaments. Other nights you throw them on the tree and call it a design choice: kid-chic because messy is the vibe. The tree looks chaotic. Uneven. Like real life. There is only commitment. You find random things on the tree. Keychains. Ribbon. Paper cutouts. Toys. All part of the charm.

Martha Stewart would absolutely disapprove. And you love that.

Spice and Sweet and Fragrant Things

If you are lucky to linger in the kitchen, you flick on the stove or oven, the kitchen smells like cocoa and vanilla bean, cinnamon and cloves - sage and nutmeg.

You ask Alexa to blast your favorite holiday song because you deserve it. Then you try some classics so your kid hears them for the first time. You play Carol of the Bells and wave your hands in the air. You are the conductor and this is your orchestra.

Someone is asking for "spicy" water every thirty seconds. Aka the sparkling stuff in green glass bottles, that you just want to chug this time of year. You’re googling Christmas cookies at 9pm with one eye open, flour on the counter, sprinkles everywhere, your phone slipping out of your hand because your fingers are sticky or greasy or dusted with flour.

The sugar cookies are kinda average, because that's how sugar cookie are, but everyone is excited anyway, because you made them. Because you tried. Because effort counts in this season more than execution.

Your gingerbread men? Maybe too crunchy? Slightly burnt? Oddly shaped. They are perfection.

And who ended up decorating that last tray of cookies? You. All you. Every holiday mom reading this. Every last snowflake sprinkle was all you. The kids got tired. But you did not settle for naked cookies.

Santa's Elves Could Never

You’re wrapping a billion presents that will be opened in approximately two seconds. The sound of tape ripping. The scissors that were just here are gone again. Wrapping paper sticks to your socks. The cats start chewing is apart like it's coated in cat nip.

You don't doddle on the perfection because you know that these presents will be opened without any concern for how well the corners matched up on that fold.

On Christmas morning, who does cleanup? You. All you. Again. You will stuff everything, every hand-picked sheet of wrapping paper, into a giant trash bag like you just survived a small natural disaster.

And maybe tonight you’re putting up extra Christmas lights because your kid asked, even though you already swore you were done. You’re hiding presents in places you immediately forget about. Stuffing them into corners of closets as if a curious kid wouldn't actually easily stumble in there. But you're too tired to be stealth. You are running on fumes, luck and too much caffeine.

Your phone says you’ve walked ten thousand steps today, and none of them were for yourself. You’re tired but still going, because this is the part where the show continues even when you would like to lie down on the floor for just one minute.

Sparkle, Shine, Red Fluff & Green Velvet

You pull out anything sparkly, red, forest green, gold, or velvet and put it somewhere you can see it, because honestly you deserve to look at something nice. And you wear red lipstick for no reason other than it makes you feel slightly more alive. Then you make a cheese board for dinner and call it festive. Sparkling cider. Maybe fancy champagne. You blast *NSYNC holiday songs you somehow know all the words to, and your kid looks at you like you are both impressive and deeply embarrassing at the same time.

No, you will not play KPOP Demon Hunters again because they stupidly did not put out a Christmas album, and this is your movie to orchestrate. And Golden is not a holiday tune. Sorry.

NYE Onward

You buy a glittery New Year’s Eve dress just in case you feel like putting it on and dancing in your living room at 8pm. You probably won’t make it to midnight. Unless it's in the form of in your bed, doom-scrolling. That’s fine. You’re still the director. You still decide how the scene ends, even if it ends early with crumbs on the floor and half-deflated balloons you’ll deal with later. Keepy-Uppy is the afterparty theme, just maybe.

Holiday Events Burnout, No I Won't

You go to the cheesy holiday kid things, the lights, the rides, the games that cost too much and last too long. Your senses are overloaded. Your patience is thin. The smell of kettle corn, cotton candy and cold air sticks to your sweater. And still, there’s a moment when your kid’s face lights up and you think, okay, this is the shot. This is why we’re doing this. This is the frame we’re trying to capture, even if everything around it is a mess.

But you also decide there are plenty of slow scenes in between big ones. Quiet moments. Yule Logs on the Netflix screen, a game of checkers or Uno. Fuzzy socks and all the lights off, just the Christmas Tree glow to fill the space, sugar and snow sifted with peace and calm. Somehow. Between the tinsel and tangled ribbons.

Good Job, Moms: I See You

And I just want to pause the show for a second and say this: I see you. I see the logistics. The mental load. The emotional labor. The constant decision-making. The way you’re making magic out of chaos with snacks, glitter, late nights, and pure willpower. I see the effort that never makes it onto Instagram. I see how much of this lives entirely in your head and your hands.

There is no perfect production. No flawless execution. There is just heart, and showing up, and doing the next small thing even when you’re tired and slightly overstimulated. And there is just improv, night after night, with a cast that keeps changing the script and an audience that believes in you completely, even when you’re not sure what you’re doing.

And honestly? You’re pulling off a cinematic masterpiece with no budget, no rehearsal, and no idea how you’re doing it.

And that deserves credit. Like 'let me FedEx you an Oscar' level of credit.

Good Job, parents. Until next year....

PS. Just please don't forget the food. Bake one thing. You can do it.

And to help you out on the food part...

10+ Vegan Holiday Recipes to Make Every Year

Christmas Morning Cinnamon Rolls
Appetizers: Sage Citrus Butternut Squash Dip and Garlic Herb Cheese Ball on a Vegan Cheese Platter
Cloud Cocoa
Cookies for Decorating -Gingerbread Men Cookies or Linzer Cookies
Snowball Cookies, aka Pfeffernusse
Holiday Pie: Pecan or Pumpkin or Chocolate
Stuffing and Mashed Potatoes and Cranberry Sauce
Christmas Tree Salad
Entree: Mushroom Potato Pot Pie
Holiday Nog French Toast Casserole

Balsamic Black Pepper, Easy Brussels Sprouts

October 28, 2025 by Kathy Patalsky 4 Comments

Today I'm sharing a recipe that I will be making on repeat this fall and winter, my Balsamic Black Pepper Easy Brussels Sprouts. These tender bites of fall veggie goodness are savory yet tangy-sweet from the aged balsamic vinegar. Perfect for when you crave a warm dish and just want to skip the side salad.

Life Lately

Friday afternoon turned into one of those unexpectedly good solo days, the kind that feels like a mini-vacation in the middle of real life.

I had a dentist appointment (I oddly enjoyed sitting and doing nothing for an hour), but afterwards, I decided to lean into a little me time before school pickup. So I headed over to the mall..which honestly felt indulgent in itself. I wandered straight into Anthropologie. And let me just say: I cannot believe how expensive jeans have become. The cheapest pair was around $150, and most were hovering near or above $250. Wild. But here’s the thing .. I am the kind of person who will absolutely wear $250 jeans with a $10 white T-shirt and call it a day.

Me Time: Fancy Mall Edition

I rarely buy “super fancy” anything. But jeans? I will do super fancy jeans. Jeans are my thing. My one wardrobe weakness. And yes, sometimes, I splurge.

So I walked out of Anthro with a new pair of fancy jeans and a really soft T-shirt that I probably didn’t need, but absolutely did. Then I wandered over to Eataly, my favorite “I-wish-I-was-in-Italy” escape. I browsed the pasta aisle like it was an art gallery. Picked up some vegan chocolate. My favorite pasta sauce. A bottle of really good olive oil and an aged balsamic vinegar that practically begged to come home with me.

There’s something about grocery shopping alone that feels like therapy, no five-year-old grabbing everything shiny from the lower shelves, no rushing. Just you, a cart, and the quiet hum of possibility.

I promise this whole mall story has a point!..

Brussels Sprouts Inspo

In the refrigerated section, I noticed a pack of pre-made Brussels sprouts, glossy with oil, speckled with pepper, and smelling faintly of balsamic. Vegan, upon ingredients list inspection. Yay! Total impulse buy. When I got home (and ate them cold!) I took one bite and literally said, Oh my gosh, yes. I forgot how much I love Brussels sprouts.

They’re easily one of my top five vegetables, and yet, I rarely make them. I think people forget how ridiculously easy Brussels sprouts are to cook. You don’t need an elaborate recipe or a half-hour roasting session. In five to ten minutes, you can have the most savory, caramelized, glossy Brussels sprouts ready to go.

And honestly? They’re the perfect “I don’t have time to make a salad” vegetable.

All that chopping and washing and dressing that goes into a salad can take forever. But with Brussels sprouts, you toss them in a hot pan, drizzle in some balsamic vinegar, maybe a splash of olive oil, a sprinkle of salt, and a good hit of cracked black pepper, and suddenly, you’re eating something that feels fancy and intentional.

Fancy Easy Brussels Sprouts

If you want to give these a bit more oomph, go for it. Here's how I would do it. Toast some pecans in a side pan and sprinkle them over top to serve. Or try pumpkin seeds, walnuts or even slivered almonds. Dried cranberries would be another fun addition. Orange zest or pomegranate pearls also pretty additions for this seasonal dish. But if easy Brussels sprouts are your goal, this dish, as is, is perfection.

My other Brussels sprouts recipe fave, includes a bit of sweet maple flavor.

Angel Hair Pasta Phase

Lately, I’ve been in my angel hair pasta era, probably because it cooks in five minutes flat, and every parent knows that’s a gift. So a typical weeknight dinner for me looks like: pasta twirling on one side of the plate, steamy Rao's sauce pool on the other. Glossy Brussels sprouts on the other, maybe some roasted carrots or beets to round it out. Fast, nourishing, deeply satisfying.

Healthy Veggie

And bonus: Brussels sprouts are kind of little wellness powerhouses. They’re high in fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants, basically a tiny leafy army for your immune system. They support gut health, balance inflammation, and help you feel full longer (without feeling heavy).

I love that these easy brussels sprouts have real texture, not mushy, not too crisp. Just that perfect bite where the edges caramelize, the centers stay tender, and the balsamic adds a tangy, almost sweet glaze that makes them addictive.

So if you’ve been stuck in a dinner rut or reaching for the same old sides, this is your sign. Grab a bag of Brussels sprouts (fresh or pre-shaved), heat a pan, splash some olive oil, and shake in the balsamic and black pepper magic.

Dinner done in minutes. Jeans justified. Mood restored.

ps. If you make these easy brussels sprouts, please tag me. I want to see your glossy, tangy Brussels magic. Because sometimes the simplest things, a solo afternoon, a pair of jeans, or a bowl of Brussels sprouts ~ end up being the highlight of your week.

Print Recipe

4.67 from 3 votes

Speedy Balsamic Black Pepper Brussels Sprouts

These easy brussels sprouts are seasoned with simple ingredients including balsamic vinegar and black pepper. EVOO and sea salt seal the deal on this delicious healthy, side dish. Simple and speedy enough to serve any night of the week.

Prep Time5

Cook Time7

Total Time12

Course: side

Cuisine: American

Keyword: brussels sprouts, vegetable

Servings: servings

Calories: 110kcal

Author: Kathy Patalsky

Cost: 5

Equipment

1 small pot
1 wooden spoon

Ingredients

2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
4 cups Brussels Sprouts halved or quartered, nobby ends cuut off
½ teaspoon salt
3 tablespoon balsamic vinegar aged
black pepper to taste
¼ cup water

To serve:

balsamic vinegar to taste

Instructions

Prep the Brussels sprouts by removing outer leaves, cutting off the knobby ends and halving - or quartering for even smaller bites.
Warm a small sauce pot over high heat. Add in the oil.
When oil is hoy, add in the Brussels sprouts. They should sizzle and the edges of the outer leaves should brown and char a bit. Stir with a wooden spoon and let sizzle for a minute.
Reduce heat to medium and carefully add in the water. Sprinkle in the salt. Add one tablespoon of the balsamic.
Cover with lid and let cook on medium for 3-5 minutes.
Remove the lid and most or all of the water should be absorbed and sprouts softened. If they are stiull too firm for your tastes, add in one more splash of water and cover again and allow a few minutes of cooking time to speften. Larger sprouts will take longer to cook.
Once sprouts are tender, add in the remaining balsamic and add black pepper to taste. Turn heat to high for one minute to lock in seasoning and char the edges again. Stir with spoon.
When sprouts look perfect and are tender, seasoned and edges charred, turn off heat. Add in additional balsamic to taste if you want an extra punch of flavor.
Serve warm.

Nutrition

The Life of a Showgirl Ice Cream

October 19, 2025 by Admin 1 Comment

Paired with some pop culture commentary, I give you my sweet and swirly, orange and teal The Life of a Showgirl Ice Cream, a la Taylor Swift-inspired glory. Enjoy it while twirl around in your kitchen to the beat of Opalite crooning, dancing through the lightning strikes..

And I'm not the only one taking this vibe to a frozen confection level Gilbert's created a Showgirl Swirl. Love that name. Theirs has "champagne sorbet and orange cream, sparkle and sweetness."

The Life of a Showgirl, Two Weeks Later

Everybody’s still talking about Taylor's The Life of a Showgirl.

Two weeks later, the songs are still looping in my head. The algorithm is still doing its job. It’s wall-to-wall Taylor Swift theories — chaotic, obsessive, unhinged — and honestly, I love it. I wanted to add my voice again, mostly because it’s fun to live inside a cultural moment like this one.

I earlier pondered about being terrified for Taylor Swift — about fame, altitude, and the fate of showgirls who came before her. I still think that conversation matters. The whole "Britney Spears, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson" of it all. But I’ve realized something else.

Taylor doesn’t sound terrified of the fate of many "showgirls" who have gone before her. She sounds in control.

When she shouts “Elizabeth Taylor” it isn’t a cry for help — it’s a declaration. Elizabeth Taylor made it through everything: the husbands, the scandals, the headlines, the aging. She laughed, sparkled, and stayed herself. I think that’s what Taylor sees in her: proof that you can survive the climb and still be standing at the curtain call.

I don’t need to analyze every lyric or Easter egg. I just want to appreciate how cinematic this album feels.

The poetry in “Eldest Daughter” (“the light reflects back to you”) is breathtaking.

All of "Opalite” shimmers with that "dancing through lightning strikes" lyric being my standout fave on the entire album.

“Canceled” is pure dance energy with some Reputation and Vigilate Sh*t vibes.

“The Life of the Showgirl” and “The Fate of Ophelia” play like scenes in a movie —songs that could easily become a full musical about a performer named Kitty, glittering and human all at once.

It reminds me of Britney’s “Lucky,” grown up and rewritten with self-awareness. Same showbiz ache, but layered with power.

Not Decoding This One Any Further

So no, I’m not here decoding numerology or hidden initials in the liner notes. I’m just listening. Dancing in my living room. Buying a little merch. Letting one woman’s art give my brain something joyful to fixate on for a while.

And because that’s what I do when something inspires me—I made ice cream.

Orange and teal, a little dramatic, a little dreamy.

A small, sweet tribute to a moment in pop culture that’s equal parts glitter and grit.

Life of a Showgirl Ice Cream

So this ice cream is similar to all the other cashew-based ice creams I have shared in the past. Rich and creamy, not too sweet, but oh so indulgent. It's the kind of dessert that you love to have because you don't feel like it's a sugar high waiting to happen and boom - cashews are actually good for you! Add some sprinkles if you want some extra showgirl sparkle.

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Life of a Showgirl Ice Cream

Super creamy, rich orange and teal, vanilla ice cream. This frozen dessert is dairy-free, plant-based made using cashews.

Prep Time4

blend and churn20

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cashew ice cream, ice cream

Servings: servings

Calories: 337kcal

Author: Admin

Equipment

1 ice cream maker
1 blender

Ingredients

3 cups cashews raw, unsalted, soaked
2 cups non-dairy milk
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup agave syrup
⅛ teaspoon sea salt

fold in

blue yellow and red food coloring

Instructions

Prep: Soak your cashews for at least four hours before starting on your recipe. I usually use about 2 ½ - 3 cups of raw cashews. When soaked and drained, I get around 3 cups of cashews, more or less a few is totally fine. You also want to make sure your ice cream churn container is fully frozen overnight.
In a blender, blend the cashews (soaked, drained), milk, vanilla, syrup, salt. Blend until silky smooth.
Set up ice cream maker. Turn on. Pour the blended liquid into the maker.
Churn for 15-20 minutes, or until thickened.
While churning, add in the colors - or separate ice cream and swirl in separately.
Transfer ice cream to a freezer-friendly container.
Chill for at least 10 minutes to firm up for soft-serve. Or chill longer - 20-30 minutes for scoopable texture. Store leftovers in the freezer. Note: Once fully frozen(and very firm) -- to unfreeze to a scoopable state - allow 20 minutes of defrost time.

Nutrition

“What Do Moms Do All Day?” — The Question Every Creative Mom Gets Asked

October 18, 2025 by Admin Leave a Comment

What do moms do all day? Creative mom life reflection, incoming..

It sounds like a simple question, but if you’re a mom without a traditional job — or one who leans into creative work as your daily rhythm — you know it’s never simple. Once school starts back up and the routines settle in, someone always asks it:

“So… now that your kid’s back in school, what do you do all day?”

The insanity of that question is kind of wild.

The Question That Never Fails to Startle

Because any mom — stay-at-home, part-time, or full-time career — knows you can fill every single minute of your day doing something valuable and worthy. You’re making your home a happy place to land, keeping dishes clean, clothes folded, food stocked, and everyone alive and mostly content.

And yes, some people have help. Nannies, housekeepers, family nearby. But even without that, there’s always something to do. So when people ask, “What do you do all day?” I’m always a little startled.

The Myth of the "Always Clean" House

Here’s the thing: I don’t have a nanny. I don’t have a housekeeper. I work with my family to keep our home clean, happy, and light.

“How do you keep your house so clean??” a mom friend once asked me.

I quietly died of laughter inside while picturing how the house had looked the day before — clutter, dirty dishes, piles of laundry. I calmly replied, “Oh, I like to clean when people come over.”

Do I care when it’s not perfect? Sometimes. Mostly when playdates or friends are coming over, or when I’m de-stressing through cleaning and organizing. My brain craves polish and calm. You know the feeling — one too many Paw Patrol characters sprawled on the carpet, shoes sprinkled down the hallway, stuffies wedged in couch crevices, and a small art studio (specializing in rainbows) taking over the kitchen table.

I’m here for all of it — but I also crave order when things start to tip into clutter.

If the floor’s picked up, the counters are clean, and the cat litter’s fresh, I’m good.

So, what do moms do all day? Maybe we clean. But not without a million tabs open in our brains — processing, planning, analyzing, and dreaming all at once. Taking care of ALL. THE. THINGS.

Because moms aren’t built to think only in the present. We don’t think quietly. And we definitely don’t think small.

Moms Aren’t Built to Think Small

So what do moms do all day?

The truth is, though, my brain can’t just do mom stuff all day long.

And I know I'm not alone.

Most moms I know — most women I know — have these massive, active, buzzing brains filled with ideas, feelings, dreams, and energy. There’s a constant pull between caretaking and creating. Between home and imagination. Between loving your family fiercely and wanting something that’s just yours.

So, back to the question: “What do you do all day?”

I try to take it as curiosity — like, oh that’s nice, people care what I’m doing.

But usually, I lie.

I’ll say, “Oh, you know, just mom stuff… a little work here and there.”

But that’s not true.

When the Kid Leaves, the Creativity Starts

The second my daughter walks out the door, I go straight into creative mode.

I pour my coffee, sit down in my office, and work for hours.

Yes, I get up to change the laundry, water the plants, or feed the cats — but mostly, I’m working.

And the obvious follow-up question: “Working on what?”

That’s the funny part. Because any creative person who works for themselves — writer, photographer, artist, dreamer — knows that half of what you work on will never see the light of day.

And yet, it’s still progress. It’s still movement. It’s still like brain exercise — every project, every draft, every idea builds muscle and structure for the next big thing.

And then, out of nowhere, one of those projects does become the thing. The one that changes everything. That’s the nature of creative work — it’s invisible until it’s not.

It doesn’t always make sense to people who get paid by the hour or the task.

And sometimes "nontraditional" work or anything "stay at home mom" coded gets looked down on. RE: "Why Do We Still Look Down on Stay-at-Home Moms" - Neha Ruch, Oprah

But I don’t get paid for the hours I work. I get paid — sometimes — for the output that comes months or years later.

I’m lucky. I built something sustainable: a blog, two cookbooks, partnerships, an audience that’s stuck with me. But the goal isn’t the money — it’s the process. It’s the doing. The creating. The staying curious.

For years, my blog was my living, breathing record of that process.

Now, I’m in a different space. A more balanced one.

Somewhere Between Carpool and the Comeback

If I had to describe it in one phrase, I’m somewhere between carpool and the comeback.

My daughter’s finally old enough that my brain feels like it’s recovered from early motherhood. But now, it’s like I got off a long flight — one that was beautiful and exhausting and life-changing — and I’ve landed somewhere new.

You know that feeling when the plane lands and you’re disoriented? You step out, look around, and think, wait… where am I?

That’s me right now. I’ve landed. I have time. I have ideas. And I’m figuring out what this new destination is — where to go next, what it all means, and what I actually want.

Because yes, I have hours in the day now.

And every day, I ask myself the same question: What am I going to do with them?

It’s not about productivity. It’s about presence. It’s about creating something that feels like me.

The Invisible Work Still Counts

And honestly, I think a lot of moms are here right now — wrestling with that same tension. The world praises the moms who “do it all,” but we rarely celebrate the ones who are simply thinking deeply. Dreaming. Rebuilding. Reemerging.

Because all of it — the caregiving, the laundry, the creativity, the invisible mental load — it’s unpaid labor. And it comes at the cost of women’s time, energy, and often, their sense of self.

But it also gives us something profound: availability.

We’re there when the kid gets sick. We’re there for carpool. We’re there when the world needs us.

And that, in itself, has value.

The real magic happens when you can find the space between — the space between carpool and the comeback — where you can create something that’s yours. Something small, maybe unseen, but deeply yours.

So, what do I do all day?

I work. I dream. I think. I clean. I create.

And I remind myself that all of it counts.

And if you’re in that space too — where your days feel long but your identity feels blurry — you’re not alone.

You’re in the in-between with me.

And we need each other. Connection, being seen, and positive support matter in motherhood. Profoundly.

Alone, you will fizzle and flop and get pulled back into the tide of mainstream, what everyone else is doing or tells you to do.

Leadership. Voice. Curiosity. Reflection. It’s brave work.

When the World Says “Get a Real Job”

Because the world can make you feel bad for being a creative thinker. For choosing to spend your time on work that doesn’t get paid. It whispers: why don’t you just get a normal job? Go make some money. Help support your family. What are you even doing all day?

And honestly? My own brain tells me that sometimes too. Especially when I see friends picking up part-time jobs — making income, having structure, feeling productive.

But I also know this: there’s something deeply valuable about choosing this path. Not everyone does. Not everyone can. The world needs deep thinkers. It needs the people who slow down, feel everything, and hold space for the rest of us.

The emotional reflection on the complexity of motherhood.

The ones who make sense of the noise — who connect pop culture, motherhood, society, money, and emotion into something that actually means something.

That’s what I’m doing. I’m holding space for it all.

While some of my friends are at work, I’m here thinking, writing, feeling, noticing — so I can give language to the things we all feel but rarely say out loud.

And when I hear from someone else who’s doing that too — wrestling with the same doubts, but still choosing to create anyway — I feel less alone.

That’s why I’m sharing this.

Because maybe if you’re fighting that same internal battle, you’ll remember you’re not alone either.

OG Vegan Blogger: How It All Started (and Where I Am Now)

October 9, 2025 by Admin Leave a Comment

Hi! I’m Kathy — cookbook author, photographer, and the human behind Healthy Happy Life.

My Vegan Blogger Story: Kathy Patalsky, Creator of Healthy Happy Life & Finding Vegan

If someone asks me today, “What do you do?” I tell them: I built a career as a vegan blogger, recipe creator, cookbook author, and food photographer — telling stories through plant-based cooking, creativity, and authenticity. These days, I’m exploring how that same creativity evolves alongside motherhood.

Basically, yes — I’m still part of the vegan recipe world, even if blogging isn’t at the top of the creative food chain anymore. (Or maybe blogs are coming back? ?)

I’ve never been great at chasing trends. I dabble in Reels, barely tolerate TikTok, and always circle back to what feels good creatively. Because when the joy goes, the creative spark does too — and I’ve learned to protect mine.

Right now, I’m in a season of experimenting — new projects, new stories — but still rooted in the same things that started it all: food, storytelling, vulnerability, authenticity, and connection.

I’m still here. Still cooking, dancing in my kitchen to pop music, and taking photos every chance I get. But as for how it all began? That story starts long before hashtags, ring lights, and TikTok recipes...

kathy and kid 2024 — 2025 - looking back

OG Vegan Blogger: How It All Started (and Where I Am Now)

Shoutout to everyone who’s been here from the start. We’re a certain sort of family I’ll never, ever get over. Thank you.

The Journey — 18 Years of Blogging

2006 — The Britney Era: digital storytelling entry
2007 — The Lunchbox Bunch: children’s books
2008 — OG Vegan Blogger Years: Healthy Happy Life is born.
2011 — Finding Vegan: a global recipe-sharing community (1M+ strong).
2013 — Cookbook + Brand Era: two books, dream campaigns, glossy chaos.
2014 — Vulnerability & Voice Era
2017 — Creative Recalibration
2020 — Motherhood Era
2025 — The Now

2006 | NYC | It All Started with... Britney?

My first taste of internet magic? Britney Spears. Before smoothies and chickpea salad, there was pure fandom. I launched my site, BritneysComeback.com and started posting daily updates and commentary out of my NYC apartment. Somehow it caught fire — I ended up on TMZ (twice) TMZ article one and then again - and on a few radio shows leading into the “Gimme More” VMAs. What I learned: how to build an audience, hold a conversation with the internet, and show up with conviction. It was my first lesson in community. And of course, trolling - my first internet troll: TMZ. Who else can say that??

Trailblazer status secured.

A few years later, that same spark of creativity found a new outlet — this time with fruit and veggie characters instead of pop stars...

2007-2009... Britney, Taylor, it was my pop star era..

2007 | NYC | The Lunchbox Bunch Era

I pivoted from pop stars to produce.

Context guys, Instagram is still four years away and Twitter was barely a baby. And me? I was drawing. Watercolor pencils, cold-pressed paper and inspiration from the city, I sketched The Lunchbox Bunch — a fruit-and-veggie character world. Through the brand, I self-published three children’s books. I hosted little events at Whole Foods Bowery and learned how to design, photograph, and ship an idea out into the world. It was creative chaos in the best way, and it cracked open the joy of making things that connect — designing characters, writing stories, and learning how the Internet could carry an idea out into the world.

2008 | NYC | The OG Vegan Blogger Years Begin

Healthy Happy Life the recipe and lifestyle blog is born.

I started Healthy Happy Life before “vegan blogger” was a job. My days looked like this: wake up; test a recipe; climb onto the kitchen table to shoot (hello, small apartment); make a glorious mess; edit; write on a napkin; hit publish; sprint to Twitter and watch it glow.

I posted constantly — smoothies, bowls, lunchbox ideas, holiday spreads — and taught myself food photography one sticky maple-drip at a time. Somewhere between burnt cookies and 2 a.m. edits, I realized: I love this.

early days of blogging, just Nelly and I

Era highlights

A pinch-me: my photo on the cover of VegNews Magazine
Breakout recipes: the Watermelon Frosty (hello, 2011 summer), chickpea “tuna,” mac + cheese evolutions, big holiday roundups.
Series: Veggie Girl Power interviews — spotlighting women shaping plant-based culture (Marilu Henner, Heather Mills, Portia de Rossi, and top bloggers).
Pop-culture fun: Angry Birds vegan mini pizzas while contributing to Disney’s Babble
Press/brand adventures: Dole Salad Summit in Monterey, Thermador

celebrating my VegNews cover photo, 2011

The smell of banana bread, persimmons, ginger juice - and the view of water towers, taxis and a NYC park will forever remind me of those years — messy, creative, alive.

2011 | NYC | Finding Vegan Launches

I launched Finding Vegan to gather vegan recipes from bloggers everywhere. It grew fast — over a million followers across platforms — and gave plant-based creators visibility when veganism was still considered fringe. It built bridges, inspired friendships, and introduced readers to countless voices and cuisines.

The complicated part: promoting other bloggers (a.k.a. my “competition”) without modern monetization tools meant long hours and real burnout. I pulled in volunteers and explored revenue ideas, but the platforms were shifting under our feet. Even so, I wouldn’t trade it — it taught me that creativity means more when it’s shared, even when it doesn’t always pay the bills.

Finding Vegan opened doors — and soon, those doors led to publishers and brands who believed in the plant-based wave I’d been championing from my tiny kitchen.

2013 | LA | The Cookbook + Brand Years, Let's Go!

Two books, two eras, a lot of smoothies and dishes.

Healthy Happy Vegan Kitchen (HMH, 2015) — still in print nearly a decade later (a tiny miracle in cookbook years).

365 Vegan Smoothies (Penguin/Avery, 2013) — >20,000 copies worldwide, right as green juice blew up.

Brand partnerships blossomed. Press trips galore. I even cooked or presented at events, including Disney’s D23 Expo. Dream career — creative, nonlinear, exhausting, and deeply rewarding.

Kathy Jump Beach — Malibu brand shoot, 2014, photo: sabrina hill

But it wasn’t all glossy photos and press trips — some years I was exhausted, questioning everything, and learning that success isn’t always sustainable.

2014 | LA | Vulnerability & Voice Comes In

Around here, my writing cracked open. Nelly’s cancer (my soulmate kitty), my eating-disorder recovery (shared publicly in 2014), and the early years of infertility/IVF reshaped how I saw health and resilience. Writing through them taught me to tell the truth on the internet — and that honesty became the emotional backbone of my work.

Nelly: caring, grieving, and writing my heart out — those posts still hold some of my most intimate words.
ED → recovery: Wellness Gets Real: My Story — why I talk about wellness with softness.
Infertility/IVF: the full journey later in this post, but the ache began here.

Writing through those seasons gave me the courage to start building bigger things — the next one would change everything.

my first TV moment, channel 8 New Haven, CT

most popular recipe: sweet potato burgers

presenting at D23 Disney for DOLE (Anaheim)

Jason, Whitney, Me, Kristy (OG vegan influencers)

2017 | LA | Creative Recalibration

After years of high output, I hit the wall: burnout. I posted annual roundups, travel features, holiday menus, and played with new styles and aesthetics, but I also slowed down on purpose. I took a film-based photography course and earned a UCLA screenwriting certificate — refilling the creative well.

Enter Influencers

As the word influencer took over, the pressure to produce content “for the algorithm” didn’t feel like me. Those quieter stretches were creative compost. They didn’t look impressive on a calendar, but they held the momentum that carried me into the next season.

featured in a German magazine, WELT vegan

2020 | LA | Motherhood Era

And then came 2020.

In the middle of a global unraveling — after years of IVF and surgeries — I became a mom. Everything softened and sharpened at once. Motherhood didn’t end my creative life; it expanded it. My focus shifted from deadlines to moments: tennis lessons, glitter-glue explosions, ladybugs and butterflies, Elsa costumes, Disney movies, naptime snuggles, sandy toes from sandbox playdates, and five-minute car chats that reset my whole day.

Yes, I still run Healthy Happy Life, write essays, brainstorm projects, and shoot food — just now between snacks and school pickups. People say “mom brain” like it’s a loss. Honestly, my brain feels bigger: I think more deeply, juggle more creatively, care less about perfection, and more about meaning.

2025 | LA | The Right Now

There were seasons I almost walked away. Every pause taught me how to rebuild. Today I’d describe myself as a writer, photographer, and lifelong creator who built an online career before it had a name. I’ve lived through every phase — Blogger, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, now AI — and I’m still evolving. Still curious. Still figuring it out.

Some days I feel like the OG Vegan Blogger; other days I’m just a mom with a laptop and a smoothie. Both are true.

So when was the prime of my food blogging career? I asked ChatGPT and he lovingly said this..

"2011–2016 was your first big glow-up — VegNews cover, Finding Vegan exploding, two cookbooks, brand deals galore — peak kitchen-table hustle with you at the stove. But primes come in sets: 2020–now is your second prime — quieter, sharper, more you — where the work feels deeper even if the posts are fewer. Translation: you didn’t peak, you pivoted."

I'll take it.

A Few Highlights From the Journey

Over the years, I’ve been lucky to collaborate with incredible brands, publish two cookbooks, and see my work appear in some truly surreal places. Here are a few favorite moments from fifteen years of doing what I love:

Cookbooks

365 Vegan Smoothies (Penguin / Avery, 2013) — over 20k copies sold worldwide
Healthy Happy Vegan Kitchen (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH), 2015) — still in print after nearly a decade

my books

Press & Recognition

Featured in LA Times, CNN, VegNews, The Kitchn, Saveur, BuzzFeed, NPR, and Vegetarian Times
Named Foodie of the Year by Diets In Review; included in VegNews’ “Top 21 Vegan Blogs”
Profiled by American University as a “successful alumna”
Vegetarian Times listed Healthy Happy Vegan Kitchen among its Top 5 Cookbooks of 2015

press links

Community & Creative Work

Founder of Finding Vegan (2011) — a recipe-sharing community that connected more than a million followers and helped launch dozens of creators
Creator of The Lunchbox Bunch, a children’s brand and self-published book series that started my creative career

Collaborations

Partnered with Disney, Dole, Vitamix, AllModern, Thermador, and Natural Delights on recipe development and creative campaigns
Presented at Disney’s D23 Expo and joined numerous national press trips

Accolades & Mentions

Wellness icon Kris Carr called me “one of my all-time favorite cookbook authors.”
Mercy For Animals’ ChooseVeg said my recipes are “pretty much guaranteed to be good.”
Olives for Dinner praised me as a “powerhouse blogger showing that veganism is about compassion and creativity.”

Eighteen years later, I’m still proving that joy, compassion, and creativity can share a kitchen.

What I Believe

Home-cooked meals are important.
Creativity is cyclical.
Visibility matters — especially for women doing quiet work.
You can pause and still have momentum.
Motherhood and ambition can coexist.

Still vegan. Still cooking. And yes, still dancing to pop music.

Still traveling. Learning. Growing.

Still figuring it out.

xoxo, Kathy

ps. now go grab some recipes.. (or browse more pics below!)

Explore More

📚 My Books | 🗞️ Press & Features | 🤝 Work With Me

presenting on a food blogger panel - produce industry event

Well Talk: My Daily Supplement Routine, at 44

October 2, 2025 by Admin Leave a Comment

Today I’m chatting about my daily supplement routine as a 44-year-old vegan. Since hitting my 40s, I’ve definitely been in “longevity health kick” mode. I did the sauna thing for a solid year (and yes, I still dream of having one in my backyard). And I went through an ice-bath-face-dunk phase. I Peloton when the mood strikes. I stick with my usual whole foods, plant-based diet. And I sprinkle in stress-reduction practices like yin yoga and long epsom-salt–essential-oil baths.

But let’s be real: wellness is a struggle when you’ve got a young kid running around. Supplements, though? They’re easy. They sit on my shelf, they don’t require scheduling or childcare, and they help me feel like I’m supporting my health even on the busiest days. So today, I’m sharing the supplements I’ve been taking these past few years — why I picked them, and what keeps me coming back.

Friendly reminder: I’m not a doctor — just a curious, degree-holding, always-studying nutrition nerd who loves wellness research, exploration, and experiments. This isn’t medical advice — just what I personally take and why. Always check with your doctor or nutritionist before starting new supplements.

I’ll start with this: none of these are essential. You do not have to take supplements to be healthy or to be a “good” vegan. Honestly, wellness culture can make it feel like you need a dozen fancy bottles lined up on your counter, and that’s just not true.

Wellness Girlie, always

I began studying nutrition in high school. And then focused on it in college - earning my degree in nutrition and health promotion. So it's been a lifelong passion and curiosity of mine.

That said, I like supplements, but know they are just that - supplemental. I like reading the science, I like trying what other people recommend, and sometimes I just get hooked by an Instagram ad (hello, Fatty15). I can’t tell you if each of these has changed my life dramatically — but they’ve become part of my daily ritual, and I enjoy the sense of support they give me. Here’s what I’m currently taking and why:

Well Talk: My Daily Supplement Routine, at 44

Magnesium Glycinate (Trace Minerals) – sleep, relaxation, muscle recovery
Reishi Mushroom (Gaia Herbs) – immune + stress support
Iron-C (Pure Encapsulations) – energy, gentle on digestion
Essential Skin Food (ActivatedYou) – vegan collagen/skin support
Fatty15 (C15:0) – cellular health + longevity
Ritual Essential for Women – multivitamin with iron, B12, D3, omega-3
Ritual Stress Relief – ashwagandha, L-theanine, saffron blend for calm
Extra Omega-3 (various brands) – eye health + inflammation support
CoQ10 (Thorne) – cardiovascular + mitochondrial energy
Phosphatidylcholine (BodyBio PC) – brain, liver, cell membrane health
Mushroom Blend (Kokora 5 Mushroom) – reishi, chaga, lion’s mane, cordyceps, maitake
Vitamin D3 Gummies (Nordic Naturals, 5000 IU) – mood, immunity, bone health
Probiotic (Bio-K+ Extra Strength, rotates) – gut + immune health

Deep dive + links:

✨ Magnesium Glycinate (Trace Minerals)

I’ve heard everyone say magnesium is good for sleep, stress, and muscle recovery, so it’s been in my routine forever. I take it at night and find it helps me wind down. This glycinate form is easy on digestion, too.

Buy it: Amazon - Magnesium

✨ Reishi Mushroom (Gaia Herbs)

We’ve all been hearing about mushrooms for decades. I don’t eat a ton of them daily, so I like supplementing this way. Reishi is known as the “longevity mushroom,” and I take it mostly for stress support and immunity.

Buy it: Amazon - Gaia Reishi

✨ Iron-C (Pure Encapsulations)

I’ve always run on the low side with iron, so I keep this one around. I don’t take it every single day, but lately I’ve been more consistent. The vitamin C in the formula helps with absorption.

Buy it: Amazon - Iron C

✨ Essential Skin Food (ActivatedYou)

I actually first saw this on Instagram — the founder is an actress (her skin is glowing, so I was influenced). It’s all about amino acids for collagen support and skin longevity. Do I know if it’s doing anything? Not 100%. But I like the science behind it and I’m intrigued enough to keep going.

Buy it: Amazon - Skin Food

✨ Fatty15 (C15:0)

Ricki Lake popped up in an Instagram ad for this and I spiraled into the research rabbit hole. It’s a pure, vegan fatty acid (C15:0) linked to cellular resilience and healthy aging. I don’t feel dramatic effects, but the science is compelling enough that I keep taking it.

Buy it: Amazon - fatty 15

✨ Ritual Essential for Women

I’ve loved Ritual from the start. Their vitamins feel clean, easy, and vegan-friendly. I’m a fan of everything they make — including their stress-relief capsules, which I’ve been taking at night and actually do feel take the edge off. This multivitamin is my baseline, covering B12, iron, D3, and omega-3.

Buy it: Amazon - Ritual Store

✨ Ritual Stress Relief

This one has become part of my nightly routine. I trust Ritual as a brand, so when they came out with a stress relief formula, I was curious. It’s a blend of ashwagandha, L-theanine, and saffron — all studied for stress and mood support. I’ve been taking it for a few months now, and honestly, I do feel like it’s taken the edge off in the evenings.

Buy it: Amazon - Ritual Store

✨ Extra Omega-3s (various brands oe Ritual)

Always part of my supplement routine: So many doctors have told me to take loads of omega-3s, especially because of my dry eyes. My eye doctor literally said: “Take more!” And honestly, it really helps. My Ritual multi has omegas, but I sometimes add an extra capsule or two when I remember.

Buy it: Amazon - Ritual Store

✨ CoQ10 (Thorne)

This one I take for heart and energy support. I don’t remember where I first heard about it, but I feel like every functional medicine person recommends CoQ10 for cellular energy and mitochondria. At 44, I’m paying attention.

Buy it: Amazon - COQ10

✨ Phosphatidylcholine (BodyBio PC)

I discovered this through Gwyneth Paltrow and Goop (say what you will, but if Gwyneth keeps taking it, I’ll give it a try). It supports brain and liver health, and honestly I just love the idea of feeding my cells what they need to repair themselves.

Buy it: Amazon - BODY PC

✨ Mushroom Wellness Blend (Kokora)

This is a five-mushroom blend (reishi, chaga, lion’s mane, cordyceps, maitake). I rotate mushroom supplements regularly because I trust their immune and brain benefits. These two brands (Gaia and Kokora) are my favorites.

Buy it: Amazon - Kokora mushrooms

✨ Vitamin D3 Gummies (Nordic Naturals)

I get my vitamin D tested pretty regularly, and it’s usually solid. But especially in winter, I like knowing I’m covered. Plus, these gummies taste so good it almost feels like candy.

Buy it: Amazon - Vitamin D3 Gummies

✨ Probiotic (Bio-K+ Extra)

I rotate probiotics a lot. This is just the one I have right now — I grabbed it at Whole Foods. I used to take a refrigerated brand called Vegan Trinity, but it was too much hassle. Now I just mix it up bottle by bottle.

Buy it: Amazon - biok stress probiotic

👉 That’s my current lineup.

Some of these I swear by (like magnesium, COQ10 and omegas), and others are more like “let’s see what happens.” But I enjoy the ritual, I like knowing I’m supporting my body as best I can, and I love exploring the space where science, curiosity, and wellness culture overlap.

Other faves I kinda weave in and out of my routine include turmeric, elderberry, digestive enzymes and bromelain. How about you?

Do you love any supplements?

~K

📌 Final note: This is just my personal supplement routine, not medical advice. Everyone’s needs are different — check with your doctor before adding anything new. Links are affiliate links for amazon.

101 Kid-Friendly Plant-Based Lunchbox Ideas

September 3, 2025 by Admin Leave a Comment

First day of school vibes, and I am coming in hot with a resource for you: 101 Kid-Friendly Plant-Based Lunchbox Ideas. This is my ultimate list of 101+ plant-based lunchbox ideas for school kids — colorful, nutritious, and easy to mix and match.

So hi. How are you. It’s 11:00 a.m. on the first day of school, and my house is quiet. My daughter got dressed, grabbed her backpack, and walked out the door with a huge grin — and suddenly I had six whole hours to myself.

So I hopped on the Peloton, edited some lunch photos from yesterday, and sat down to write this post for you.

This is lunch-packing season. Whether you’re team hot-lunch thermos or team cold-lunch bento box, we’re all trying to pack something colorful, cute, healthy, and — most importantly — something our kids will actually eat.

Rosalie took this photo of me packing lunches..

🌱 Vegan-ish Kids // Kids Who Love Plants

It’s pretty clear that plants are a hefty part of a well-balanced, nutrient-dense diet. So adding any of these foods to a lunchbox is a great idea — even if your home isn’t fully vegan (mine isn’t!).

My daughter is not 100 percent vegan, (yes, that would make a great post for another day!) but the foods I keep stocked at home are mostly plant-based. These ideas work for vegan kids, vegetarian kids, or just parents who want to get more plants into their kids’ diets. This is not a rigid rulebook — it’s a toolkit. Use what works for you, skip what doesn’t, and mix-and-match to create lunches your kid will love.

Hot Tip: Try at Home First

And one of my biggest tips? Try new foods at home first. If your kid has never tasted a chickpea or a pasta salad, they’re probably not going to try it for the first time when they’re sitting in a noisy cafeteria. We do “tasting tables” at home — tiny portions of new things I’d like to add to her lunchbox. Rice with vegan butter and nutritional yeast, baked beans, roasted chickpeas, even diced Just Egg vegan folded-egg squares. If she likes it at home, it’s a safe bet for school.

So grab a notebook or open your lunchbox drawer — here are 101 plant-based foods and ideas you can stuff in your kid’s lunchbox. So funny how this was one of my first recipes ever... rainbow wraps for kids!..

BEFORE THE LIST, here's a printable/screenshotable one sheet...

🍓 Fruit Favorites

Fruit in a plant-based lunchbox is a no-brainer for school lunch. It’s sweet, colorful, hydrating, and a guaranteed hit.

Strawberries — rinse, pat dry, slice, and toss with a splash of lemon juice to keep them bright
Apples — slice and brush with lemon water or cinnamon, or pack whole for kids who love crunch
Mandarins / Cuties — start the peel for little hands or peel completely and tuck into a silicone cup
Mango — dice and pack with a fork, add a squeeze of lime for fun
Watermelon cubes — chill overnight for extra-refreshing bites
Grapes — whole or halved (freeze them on hot days for a chilly treat)
Blueberries — pack loose or in a small cup with a toothpick for fun
Kiwi — slice into rounds or cut in half and pack with a spoon
Apple chips or freeze-dried strawberries — perfect for days when fresh fruit isn’t practical
Pear slices — brush with lemon water to prevent browning
Pineapple chunks — fresh or canned in juice
Raspberries — packed with a few chocolate chips for a treat
Fruit kabobs — skewers of melon, berries, grapes - add some Dandies marshmallows for a special treat
Pitted cherries — fresh or frozen (thaw overnight)
Dried apricots or dates or raisins — pair with crackers, vegan cheese or sunflower butter for a sweet + salty bite

🥒 Veggie Crunch

Raw or lightly cooked veggies in a plant-based lunchbox give kids a boost of fiber and vitamins — and dips make them irresistible.

Carrot sticks or coins — pair with hummus, guac, or vegan ranch
Cucumber coins — sprinkle with salt or Everything Bagel seasoning
Broccoli florets — lightly steam to make them tender and chill before packing
Green peas or snap peas — naturally sweet and protein-rich
Cherry tomatoes — halve for safety, toss with olive oil and salt
Roasted veggies — sweet potatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers packed cold are surprisingly popular
Olives — mild black or green olives can be a fun, salty snack
Mini salads — baby spinach or chopped romaine with a drizzle of dressing in a leak-proof container
Bell pepper strips — red, yellow, or orange for color
Zucchini fries — baked, served chilled
Pickles — baby dills or pickle slices for a salty side
Slaw - with a sassy sweet dressing, or even chilled in the fridge to pickle a bit

🫘 Protein Power

Nut-free, kid-friendly protein ideas for your plant-based lunchbox — the trickiest category, but also the most satisfying when you find winners.

Edamame — steam, salt, and serve in pods for a poppable snack
Roasted chickpeas — mildly spiced and crunchy, a fun finger food
Hummus cups — pair with pita or veggie sticks
Tofu bites — pan-sear cubes with soy sauce or coconut aminos
SunButter + jelly sandwich — the school-safe alternative to PB&J
White or black bean dip — smooth, creamy, and kid-approved
Just Egg squares — cook, cool, slice into cubes for breakfast-for-lunch
Lentil patties — mini lentil burgers make great finger food
Protein-Banana pancakes — add protein powder, hemp or chia seeds and freeze for easy mornings
Vegan yogurt + granola — pack granola separately to keep it crunchy
PEAS! - Simple, sweet, easy - frozen peas , steamed and salted
Chia pudding — made with coconut, oat or soy milk
Seitan strips or vegan chick'n nuggets — mild-flavored, sautéed and chilled
Hemp seed sprinkle — over rice, pasta, or salad - sprinkle anywhere for a protein boost!
Peanut Butter Chickpeas - make with sun butter for school-friendly..

🍕 Main Entrées

The stars of the plant-based lunchbox — hearty, filling, and exciting.

Mini bagels + vegan cream cheese — add cucumber or tomato slices for crunch
Veggie nuggets or tenders — pack warm or room-temp
Mini pizzas — English muffins + sauce + vegan cheese, bake, slice, cool
Pasta salad — toss with olive oil, peas, white beans, and herbs
DIY lunchables — crackers, vegan cheese, sliced plant-based deli meat
Veggie burgers — cut into quarters for little hands
Sweet Potato Burgers - make minis with slider buns
Quesadillas — use vegan cheese + beans, slice into triangles
Stuffed pita — hummus, shredded carrots, cucumber, and lettuce
Fried rice — add edamame, peas, and tofu for a full meal
Vegan mac & cheese — pack in a thermos if possible
Butter noodles or rice — toss with nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor
Hot dog + beans — vegan hot dogs sliced into baked beans make a cozy option
Burrito wrap — rice, beans, veggies, avocado
Vegan sushi rolls — cucumber + avocado
Gnocchi with olive oil — kid favorite
Grain bowl — quinoa, roasted veggies, tahini drizzle
Cold soba noodles — tossed with sesame oil
Pita pizza — with Field Roast pepperoni
Rice paper rolls — tofu + shredded veggies + dip
Vegan Waffles - DIY or I love the Wildgrain pumpkin waffles

🍪 Fun Treats

A little treat can make the whole plant-based lunchbox feel special.

Vegan chocolate chips or chunks — sprinkle over banana slices - DIY them and add a boost of protein from chickpea powder, pea powder etc
Fruit leather — look for ones with no added sugar
Abe’s Mini Muffins — corn muffins are a house favorite
Vegan mini cookies — a single cookie can be the perfect sweet note
Dark chocolate square — satisfying and grown-up
Energy balls — dates, oats, and seeds blended into bite-size balls
DIY Granola Bars - sub seeds for nuts
Banana “sushi” — banana slices rolled in tortilla with SunButter
Apple nachos — sliced apples drizzled with sunflower butter + chocolate chips
Trail mix — nut-free (pumpkin seeds, dried fruit, chocolate chips)
Coconut date rolls — chewy and naturally sweet

Miscellaneous & Snack Extras

These are the “glue” items that make lunchboxes come together — easy fillers, sides, and dippers.

Vegan cheddar crackers (Earth Balance squares)
Whole grain crackers (Back to Nature, Simple Mills)
Pretzel sticks or pretzel thins
Pita bread triangles
Sourdough slices (mini toast soldiers for dipping)
Ciabatta rolls (for mini sandwiches)
Mini rice cakes — spread with vegan cream cheese
Popcorn (plain, lightly salted)
Veggie straws or snap pea crisps
Dried seaweed sheets (if your kid loves them)
Graham crackers (check for honey-free)
Granola bites or clusters
Shelf-stable oat or soy milk cartons
Noka smoothie pouches
Applesauce cups or pouches
Dips — vegan ranch, guacamole, tahini
Vegan cheese sticks (like Daiya or Babybel Plant-Based)
Nut-free energy bars (MadeGood, 88 Acres)
Vegan jerky (mild mushroom or soy-based)

🛒 Grocery Shop: Kathy’s Favorites..

My Plant-Based Lunchbox Staples. These are my real-deal Whole Foods cart items that I keep stocked that make packing lunches easier and faster.

Produce: Strawberries, grapes, Honeycrisp apples, petite carrots, cucumbers, broccoli, gold kiwi, seasonal fruit, frozen blueberries

Proteins + Mains: JUST Egg patties (cubed), Ripple Kids milk, Silk soy singles, Field Roast dogs + deli slices, vegan cheddar + gouda slices, Violife cream cheese, Amy’s baked beans, sourdough, ciabatta rolls, cubed tofu with maple-tamari glaze, hummus cups, roasted chickpeas

Snacks + Crunchies: Solely mango strips + gummies, vegan cheddar crackers (Earth Balance squares), Noka protein strawberry-pineapple smoothie pouches

Treats: Abe’s corn muffins, Enjoy Life chocolate chips, Back to Nature sandwich cookies, dark chocolate squares

Lunchbox Brands I Love..

Planet Box - Stainless long-lasting build planetbox.
Bentgo - Sleek, leak-resistant bento design
Yumbox - Compact with customizable compartments
LunchBots - Stainless durability + interchangeability
MunchkinLunch - Colorful cute

Or check out my blogpost on kids lunchboxes.

💡 Bonus Protein Tips (Kid-Approved!)

When you’re staring at the lunchbox and thinking “Where’s the protein?” try:

Tofu cubes or "croutons" — pan-fry with tamari + maple syrup, serve chilled
Chickpea salad (mash) sandwiches — smash chickpeas with vegan mayo + lemon
Mini lentil patties — pan-fry into burger bites
Edamame — sprinkle with sea salt
Protein pancakes — add hemp seeds or flax - DIY or buy VANS frozen vegan protein pancakes!
Vegan yogurt + granola — soy-based for extra protein
Quinoa salad cups — toss with olive oil, peas, vegan cheese (quinoa = protein powerhouse)

🗓 5 Days of Plant-Based Lunchboxes

Want a week’s worth of inspiration? Here’s how I’d build five colorful, kid-approved lunchboxes using the ideas above.

MONDAY: Rainbow Start

Mini bagel with vegan cream cheese + cucumber
Strawberries with lemon
Carrots + hummus
Roasted chickpeas
Mini chocolate chip muffin

TUESDAY: Breakfast-for-Lunch

Just Egg cubes
Apple slices
Steamed broccoli
SunButter + crackers
Fruit leather

WEDNESDAY: Pasta Party

Pasta salad with peas + beans
Blueberries + kiwi
Snap peas
Edamame
Dark chocolate square

THURSDAY: DIY Lunchable

Crackers + vegan cheese + vegan deli slices or pepperoni
Orange segments
Cherry tomato halves
White bean dip
Vegan cookie

FRIDAY: Cozy Friday

Vegan mac & cheese (thermos)
Grapes
Roasted sweet potato cubes
Hemp seed sprinkle over mac
Energy ball or granola bar

Kid Lunchbox Recipes by Kathy

Here are 20 kid-friendly recipes already on the blog that pack perfectly into lunchboxes. Just click to cook ahead and fill your week!

17 Lunchbox-Perfect Recipes from Healthy Happy Life

Vegan Oatmeal Cookies, Lunchbox‑Ready – Chewy, lightly sweet oatmeal cookies studded with raisins and chocolate bits, perfect for a cozy snack.
Easy Hummus Spiral Wraps – Lavash rolled with hummus and veggies, sliced into fun, bite‑size spirals.
Rainbow Veggie Sandwich – Stacked layers of vibrant veggies, avocado, and hummus for a colorful, antioxidant-rich bite.
Speedy Cheezy Protein Pasta Bowl – Pasta with peas, beans, raisins, and nutritional yeast making a savory, high-protein mix.
TMT Pita (Tempeh‑Mache‑Tomato) – Whole‑wheat pita stuffed with smoky tempeh, greens, and tomato — packed with plant protein and crunch.
Mushroom Toast – It's like avocado toast, but with mushrooms! Yes, this will take a bit of coaxing to try, but it's so good with vegan Parm on top, give it a shot!
Bullseye Spiral Wraps – Lavash pinwheels filled with vegan cream cheese and roasted red peppers — cute, savory, and mess-free.
Easy English Muffin Pizzas for Kids – Mini pizzas made with English muffins, tomato sauce, and vegan cheese — always a hit.
Vegan Butter Pasta for Kids – Simple, buttery pasta kids love, made dairy-free and comforting.
Pumpkin Quesadillas - These are different but oh my gosh so good. Tell them it's a fall treat..
Vegan Mac ’n Cheese with Broccoli – Classic mac and cheese now dreamy, plant-based, and sneaking in broccoli.
Vegan Sloppy Joes – Sweet, sloppy, and veggie-packed — perfect for hands-on sandwiches.
Ants on a Log – Celery sticks layered with SunButter and raisins — nostalgic, protein-filled, and fun.
Peanut Butter & Jelly Bread – A nostalgic twist on PB&J made with soft, sweet bread — easy to pack. Use sun butter..
Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars – Dense, chewy bars loaded with chocolate chips and wholesome oats.
Mini Chocolate Candy Cookies – Bite-size chocolatey treats that feel like fun cookies, not overly sweet.
Vegan Cinnamon Toast for Kids – Sweet, spiced toast — warm, fragrant, and lends well to dipping or packing.

✨ Final Thoughts

If you are keeping score... there are actually about 116 lunchbox ideas here, so as always, I try to give a little extra! We all need it.

Packing lunches doesn’t have to be Pinterest-perfect to be wonderful. Some days they’ll eat every bite, some days they’ll bring home half the box. That’s normal! Keep offering variety, celebrate the wins, and don’t be afraid to put your own favorites in there too — kids notice when lunch feels like love.

Want more inspo? Check the kid menus section of my second cookbook: HEALTHY HAPPY VEGAN KITCHEN

The Beauty of First Drafts: Why Writers Still Matter (Especially Now)

August 4, 2025 by Admin 1 Comment

"We don’t need writers less because of AI. We need them more."

I’ve been thinking a lot about words lately.

How powerful they are. How they land. Linger. How they feel when you say them out loud. Words that change your brain chemistry.

Those moments when words change how you feel in real time.

Who am I in the world? "Writer" sounds so flat. Empty. Like it doesn't hold the weight of what I actually do. Maybe, storycatcher, emotional barometer.

I write what it feels like to be here.

Reflections of a human soul. Too deep. I got you. Maybe I'm just out here living a journey, but saying it out loud.

Vegan life. Said out loud.
Motherhood. Said out loud.
Struggle. Said out loud.
Sensitive soul. Said out loud.
Artist. Said out loud.

So the realization for me this past year has been this, I haven't just been a cookbook author, recipe developer, food writer and blogger for a while now. I’m no longer just a food blogger who happens to write. I’m a writer who happens to talk about food sometimes. That’s who I’ve been all along. And that's probably why I went on this screenwriting UCLA tangent a few years back.

Writer as a Kid

One of my earliest memories is sitting on the couch on a Saturday morning, clutching a little metal spiral notepad with those blue-lined pages. I didn’t have a story in mind. I just had words. And I remember writing about a little girl and her brother tiptoeing across morning grass, dew drops cold on their feet, giggling as they ran back into their warm, cozy house.

I loved that little scene. But then I remember thinking, “Wait — this isn’t a story. It’s just… words. It doesn’t go anywhere.”

That thought followed me for years. I told myself I wasn’t a storyteller. I could describe things, sure, but I didn’t know how to craft a “real” story — you know, with a plot, a purpose, a clear beginning, middle, and end.

Even now, when I talk, I feel like I’m doing laps around a track. Like I’m supposed to circle once, make my point, and stop. But instead, I just keep going. And going. It’s a runaway train. And yet — somehow — I always find my way back to something worth saying.

You don’t need an exciting story to share something meaningful.

I’ve grown into a writer who writes about right now. What I see. What I feel. What’s happening in this moment. And that’s enough.

Social media gets this. Instagram is built on it. Most of what we share aren’t grand, plot-twisting stories — they’re snapshots of a feeling. A moment. An observation.

And honestly? That’s how people have always documented their lives. Hundreds of years ago, people wrote in diaries because they didn’t have Instagram stories or TikToks. They had words. Paper. Pen.

Look at Anne Frank. Yes, her story became monumental — but her writing reads like an intimate Instagram feed. She wasn’t sitting there thinking, “This will be my novel.” She was sharing her moments.

Words have always been the simplest, most powerful form of content.

Recently, I discovered the poet Zoe Branch, and she sparked this entire reflection. She writes poetry the way people send voice notes — no overthinking, no obsessing. Just a spark of inspiration, and she lets it flow. First draft energy. It’s raw, it’s real, and it hits you in the heart.

I even commissioned her to write a poem for Rosalie. It arrived in the mail — this beautiful, imperfect, perfect piece of writing that captured exactly what I felt.

Zoe Branch (poet) wrote this poem for my kid:

....That’s the kind of writer I admire. Not just the bold names on the cover of novels or the screenwriters in the credits we rarely read. But the ones who feel their words. Who don’t need to wrap them in glitter to make them land.

And in a world where AI can spit out perfect paragraphs in seconds, I think we need those raw words more than ever.

Writers and AI, Chat GPT..

I’ll be the first to say — I love using ChatGPT to help me edit and clarify my writing. But the important part is that the words always start from me. From my messy, human, first draft brain. And stay preserved in the final edit.

I try to be messy about my writing these days. It shows that it's human. That first draft meets m- I do have a point here - energy I love.

Writers are going to write — no matter what tools or tech exist.

There’s power in a messy first draft. In not knowing the ending. In just writing your way out, like Lin-Manuel Miranda so perfectly put it in Hamilton.

So, no, I don’t need an exciting story to be a storyteller. I just need to write about right now. And maybe, the next time I feel like a runaway train on lap five of my internal monologue, I’ll remember: that’s my process. That’s where the gold is.

We don’t need writers less because of AI. We need them more. In today's world, we need people who see the world, feel it, and say, “Hey, here’s what I noticed.”

That’s what I do. That’s who I am.

Real Writers Are Out There, Experiencing Life

I recently read an article in the LA Times about writers and AI — about how AI might one day replace the need for human storytellers. And my immediate response to that is simple: AI mines the past. It can never predict the unknowable in this moment. The surprises and spontaneities life throws at us.

AI tweaks and mimics what has already happened. But it cannot predict the future. It can TRY, but really predict it, no way. No one can. That’s the entire point of life.

We don’t know what’s going to happen today. Stepping out the front door is an act of bravery and adventure.

Life isn’t a pre-written script; it’s a gamble, a risk, a daily unfolding of things we never could’ve imagined. And that’s why we still need real writers. Because writers aren’t just sitting in front of screens, rearranging words, we’re experiencing life.

We’re walking through wet grass, we’re crying on phone calls with friends, we’re living through the surprise of every day. AI can summarize what’s already happened. But it can’t feel something brand new in real-time and translate it into words that hit. That’s a human skill. That’s the heartbeat of a writer.

Words are powerful. I am so happy to get to share mine with you right here.

This Is What Five Years of Motherhood Does to a Career Girl

July 15, 2025 by Admin Leave a Comment

This Is What Five Years of Motherhood Does to a Career Girl. Today I'm chatting all things motherhood // career identity. Something I deep dive into quite reguarily as a mom. So NYTIMES // motherhood opinion piece of me.

Here’s my truth about going back to work when you have kids: It is different for everyone. There is no one right fit. And you have to go through it before you can figure it all out.

Let me start at the beginning.. I didn’t quit my job right after I had a baby.

But I didn’t jump back in, either.

I just… floated for a while. Unsure. In survival mode. Baby on my hip, hair in a messy bun. Jamming toast into my mouth at 5am, waiting for the sun to rise so I could officially brew some coffee.

Career: it's on the burner. Not sure which one. Not sure if it's on or off. Check back if the smoke alarm goes off.

And I think a lot of moms kinda feel like that. Even if they are going back to work as usual - or totally definitely NOT. We still have side pockets of our hearts and brains that need expression and growth. Paycheck or not.

Career Motivation Phase: Pregnant Worker Bee

When I was pregnant, like nine months pregnant, big belly, nesting energy surging. I was on fire. I was writing blog posts almost daily. This falafel recipe was made, photographed, written the day I was induced at the hospital! I posted it a few weeks later, ha!

Pregnant pandemic me? I was inspired, planning, creating, prepping for the baby like it was my full-time gig. Because it was. Pandemic pregnancy at home? I was productive. Focused. I was doing it all from my little corner of the world and it worked… until it didn’t.

Then I gave birth.

And everything slowed way down.

It’s not that I didn’t want to work — it’s that I literally couldn’t. I was physically and emotionally exhausted. Breastfeeding around the clock, sleeping in two-hour shifts, running on hormonal fumes, and trying to be present for every magical, grueling moment. I was happy. Tired. I was overwhelmed in that weird postpartum haze where you feel like a goddess one minute and a ghost the next.

So I thought: Okay, maybe creative work isn’t realistic right now. Let me do something practical... And in a postpartum fog of “I need to still be a person,” I enrolled in a virtual grad program in nutrition.

Because… sure?

Spoiler: I quit two months in.

Motherhood career identity attempt: fail.

Let's Go Back to School in the Newborn Phase! Whoops

It wasn’t the right fit. And it wasn’t joyful. It wasn’t even functional.

I was sitting in my car at night just to get quiet study time, trying to pass weirdly surveilled online tests and convince myself I cared about course credits. When I didn't. Society did. Whatever that negative, critical voice in my head that I've been battling since childhood - she cared.

Me? I cared about not disappearing.

Really, I was just trying to prove I still mattered.

Eventually I stopped the program, stayed home full-time with my daughter, and tried to find little pockets of creative joy when I could. But for that first year, I felt like I was watching my career flatline in real time. And I’ll admit it — I panicked.

I remember one Mother’s Day, my husband gave me a necklace that said “Mom.”

And I cried.

Not the cute, sentimental kind of cry. The who-am-I-now kind of cry.

Because I wasn’t just grieving my pre-baby freedom or my ability to sleep in — I was grieving the version of myself who felt impressive. Who had her name on a book cover. Felt like she knew who she was. And who didn’t feel the need to over-explain her job title at preschool drop-off.

And I think that’s where a lot of us land for a while.

In this motherhood career identity struggle.

Go Get a Job Title: Part Time Jobs + Motherhood

One way to boost your career identity in motherhood? Get a job title. Any job title. Ha!

Spoiler alert again: I did not do this.

I considered taking a random part-time job when preschool started. Just a few hours a day. Something to feel structured. Worthy. Something to instantly take away the lonely void of coming home to a quiet, empty house in the middle of the morning. Andomething to answer people with when they asked, “What do you do?” in that tone. You know the one.

But I kept coming back to this feeling:

I don’t want that job. I want my work to feel like mine.

And even if it’s slower, less linear, and doesn’t come with a 401(k), I’m okay with that right now.

The truth is, I was working — I am working. I’m writing, creating, podcasting, building things. But when you work from home and your job doesn’t come with a timecard, sometimes it’s hard to see it. Harder to explain. Harder to feel legit.

But now that my daughter is almost five, I can say this clearly:

I’m glad I didn’t take a job just to feel less weird.

And I’m glad I didn’t cave to the pressure to make my life look more acceptable.

I’m glad I waited.

Because now, my creativity is back. My momentum is back.

And so is my sense of self — not the one I had before, but the new one I’ve grown into.

Let’s Talk Privilege — Because We Have To

Here’s the truth: Even having a choice in this conversation is a privilege.

Priv: motherhood career identity...

Two-income households aren’t just common — they’re often essential. Especially if you live in a city like Los Angeles, New York, or anywhere else where a carton of strawberries costs seven dollars and preschool tuition looks like a car payment.

Of course I’d love to be making the kind of income I made ten years ago.

But we’ve made trade-offs to give me this freedom.

We’ve sacrificed things — like a bigger house, our dream neighborhood, walking distance to our school — all so we can stretch a single income and still live a full, loving life.

Not everyone can do that.

And even for us, it’s not guaranteed. Life happens. Plans change. Jobs shift. Health issues arise. And if I need to go back to a predictable income someday? I will. That door’s not locked.

We only have one child. If we had two or three? This would probably be a very different story.

So no — I’m not skipping through this phase pretending I manifested a dreamy stay-at-home creative career just by vibing hard enough. I’m here because of privilege, sacrifice, support, and a lot of intentional choices.

At the End of the Day…

All of this — the money, the job title, the schedule — it’s bookkeeping.

The real goal?

A safe, happy, emotionally secure home.

A house where your kids feel seen and heard and loved.

A space where laughter and meltdowns and dance parties and conflict resolution all live side by side.

Where your family feels like a living, breathing ecosystem — like a little rainforest you’re tending every day.

With butterflies and muddy footprints. Sunlight and storms.

With joy and struggle and glitter in the rug.

Some people get more resources to tend that ecosystem. More time. Money. More support.

And some are out here building joy out of scraps and Cheerios.

But either way — we all want the same thing.

A home where our kids feel safe.

A life where we feel seen.

And a rhythm that doesn’t leave us behind.

So Back to the Career Part

I think around age five, something shifts.

You’re not in survival mode anymore. You’re not just reacting to life — you’re responding with intention.

And whether you feel ready to re-enter the workforce full throttle or lean even further into home life, you probably feel different than you did in year one.

For me, the pressure to prove something has faded.

But the desire to work, to create, to build something — that’s grown.

Which is funny, because when I had no energy, I wanted to prove everything.

And now that I finally feel inspired again, I don’t need to.

So maybe you’re feeling that too.

Maybe you’re right in the middle of your own identity recalibration.

You’ve found your rhythm.

Maybe you haven’t.

Either way — just know, you’re not behind.

You’re in it.

You’re doing it.

And if you need a reminder?

You’re not just a mom.

Geez, you’re not just anything.

You’re a whole, multi-layered, emotionally intelligent rainforest of a human being.

And Frozen is playing in the background, and your coffee is cold, and your kid just asked you how many hearts a jellyfish has.

And it’s beautiful. Chaotic. And yours.

Plant-Based Recipes for Hot Summer Days

June 16, 2025 by Admin Leave a Comment

Sharing some fave Plant-Based Recipes for Hot Summer Days. With the days heating up and sunshine beckoning (whether you’re poolside, beach-bound, or just lounging in your happy place at home), I’ve gathered some of my absolute favorite cooling, plant-powered recipes that bring big flavor without turning on the stove. These bright, no-heat dishes—plus a few easy skillet meals—are perfect for lazy summer days, hot picnics, and outdoor entertaining.

All of these are entirely vegan. All are fresh, simple, and centered around seasonal goodness. And yes — I absolutely had to include a few smoothies because I did write a smoothie cookbook, and summer is smoothie season.

🍦 Top 10 Frozen Frosty Treats (to get you started with plant-based summer recipes..)

Vegan Rocky Road Ice Cream – rich chocolate cashew base with marshmallows & almonds
Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream – dreamy choc‑PB swirl
Fresh Strawberry Cashew Ice Cream – velvety strawberry‑road bliss
Cake Ice Cream – vanilla cashew soft‑serve meets vegan cake chunks

Coconut Water Smoothie – hydrating, light, pure summer sunshine
Rainbow-Colored Smoothie Recipes – vibrant, plant-based rainbow blends
5 Easy Smoothies I Make on Repeat – my personal favorites here!
The Best Strawberry Banana Smoothie – simple, creamy summertime staple
My 7 Go‑To Smoothies for Summer – includes watermelon frosty, matcha shake..
Strawberry Satsuma Smoothie – citrus‑burst morning sipper

🥗 Cool, Crunchy Salads & Bowls

Salads are a must for plant-based summer recipes. Entree salads are something to master if you want to eat more plants but feel satisfied!

Try this first salad... FOREVER FAVE: MANGO ARUGULA

1. Simple Summer Tomato Salad

Bright cherry tomatoes tossed with fresh basil, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper—so quick, so vibrant, and bursting with sweet, summery goodness.

2. Chili‑Lime Mango‑Avocado Quinoa Power Salad

Juicy mango, creamy avocado, protein-packed quinoa, and zesty lime chili—a perfect balance of fresh and filling.

3. Freshly Picked Salad in a Jar

Peaches, corn, collard greens, crunchy seeds, and maple-mustard dressing layered in a jar—ideal for beach days or an easy picnic lunch.

🧊 Slushes, Smoothies & Frozen Treats

The best part of summer - frozen treats and sips! Here are my plant-based summer recipes for smoothies, ice creams and frosties..

4. Lazy Agua Frescas

Just puree fruit and water (and a bit of lime and mint, if you like!). Pour over ice—Hydration = ✔️

5. Watermelon Frosty (plus a Chia-Boosted Version) -- FAN FAVE

Blend watermelon ice cubes, lime, and optional chia seeds for a cooling slush with a boost of omega-3.

6. Fresh Strawberry Ice Cream

Creamy, rich and full of fresh berry flavor.

7. Acai Smoothie - or Smoothie Bowl

Antioxidant-rich acai blended into a thick, icy smoothie—perfect mid-afternoon pick-me-up. (Low vsync. Just kidding—high vs yum. 😉) Also shown: blueberry smoothie

FAVE MENTION: STRAWBERRY BANANA CLASSIC SMOOTHIE

Curious about more smoothie ideas? Check out my Smoothie Book: 365 Vegan Smoothies

🥙 No-Fuss Sandwiches & Wraps

Love a sandwich in summertime! Add a side of lemoade and your fave crunchy chip or snack and your sunny day lunch or early dinner is served.

8. Cucumber + Mint Tea Sandwiches

Tiny rounds of cucumber on soft bread with refreshing mint cream—tea-party cute without the fuss.

9. California Avo‑Cheese Sourdough Sandwich

Creamy avocado, melty plant-based cheese (or dairy if you like), on hearty sourdough—great handheld happiness.

Fave mention: Chickpea Salad Sandwich

🥙 Savory Sides & Skillet Favorites

Savory plant-based summer recipes..

10. Summer Corn Fritters with Avocado‑Lime Salsa

These golden corn patties cook in a skillet in minutes, topped with a bright avocado-lime salsa—summertime bliss.

11. Corn + Lentil Sloppy Joes

Traditional flavors meet plant-based hero ingredients for a protein-packed, no-fuss meal you can whip up in 15 minutes.

🍧 Sweetly Summery Desserts

Did someone say pie and vanilla ice cream? YES.

12. Summer Peach Pie - or Cherry Pie

Layer juicy peaches into a simple crust, chill, and enjoy—wood-oven optional.

13. DIY Summer Sorbets

Blend your favorite ripe fruit, freeze, and churn (with a blender or fork)—yum!

🍔 Veggie Burgers That Bring the Heat (Without the Sweat)

There’s just something iconic about burgers in the summer — grill smoke in the air, toasted buns, juicy bites, and all your favorite toppings. But you don’t need beef (or even a grill) to enjoy that magic. These veggie burgers are full of flavor, easy to prep, and perfect for a backyard hang or quick dinner.

14. Sweet Potato Veggie Burgers

A forever favorite. Hearty beans meet mashed sweet potato with smoky spices, oats, and a little crunch on the outside. Pan-fry, bake, or throw them on the grill if you’re feeling extra. Pro tip: pile high with avocado, pickled onion, and a slather of vegan mayo.

15. Summer Veggie Burger with Grilled Pineapple

A colorful burger stacked with grilled pineapple, red onion, and a homemade patty packed with quinoa, chickpeas, and fresh herbs. It’s sweet, savory, and screams summer in every bite.

16. Lazy Day Frozen Veggie Burger Glow-Up

Zero shame here — some days you just need a shortcut. Take your favorite store-bought patty (Beyond, Dr. Praeger’s, Hilary’s—whatever you love), toast up a bun, and go wild with toppings. Add arugula, spicy mustard, tomato slices, and maybe a big smear of hummus or guac. Dinner = done.

🔥 Summer Burger Tip

Skip the oven. If you’re not grilling, use a hot skillet or even an air fryer to get that crispy edge without heating the whole house. And don’t forget to toast those buns—it makes everything feel fancier.

🌿 Summer Tips from My Kitchen

Go no-bake whenever you can—salads, smoothies, & cold desserts mean no extra heat in the house.
Show off fresh produce—stone fruits, ripe cherry tomatoes, basil, mint—they’re the star attractions.
Keep hydration flavorful—infuse water with mint, lime, or cucumber; batch up fruit slushes for the fridge.
Go plant-based: beans, grains, lentils, avocado, nuts—packed with nutrients, easy to prep, and always satisfying.
Batch whenever possible: make extra of dressings, salsas, or fritters to last a couple of meals effortlessly.

A Gentle Vegan Nudge 💫

Even if you’re not fully vegan, embracing more plant-centered summer meals is kind to your body, animals, and the planet. Plus, you’re free to experiment — swap dairy cheese for plant cheese, use aquafaba or JUST EGG instead of chicken egg, or embrace easily vegan meals like pasta, veggie tacos, veggie dogs, summer salads, falafel pitas and more.

The recipes above are vegan by nature or totally adaptable.

📚 Dive Deeper: My Cookbook Corner

365 vegan smoothies – 365 refreshing, creamy, plant-based smoothies (frozen, fresh, and everything in between!).
HHVK – A collection of vibrant salads, bowls, and snackables perfect for sunny seasons.

Whether you’re sipping an icy smoothie, biting into a crispy corn fritter, or indulging in frozen watermelon bliss—you’re cooling down and glowing up. Here’s to your happiest summer yet!

What’s your go-to summer refreshment? Drop a comment or share a photo—I love seeing your happy, sunny creations!

Happiest breezy-days vibes,

Kathy

Simple Vegan Cacio e Pepe Pasta - One-Pot Meal

June 9, 2025 by Admin 2 Comments

This Simple Vegan Cacio e Pepe Pasta is my favorite one-pot dinner right now.

Let’s be real — I haven’t posted a new recipe in a while. But this pasta? She brought me back.

This vegan cacio e pepe is cozy, flavorful, wildly simple, and totally restaurant-worthy. And yes — it’s spaghetti. Which, in my opinion, is the coziest form of pasta. There’s something about twirling noodles that just hits different. It feels more satisfying than a pile of penne or shells. And yet, people seem to think spaghetti has to come with marinara. Not true.

A classic: Peppery + Cheesy Pasta

This one’s inspired by the classic Italian Cacio e Pepe — which literally means “cheese and pepper.” The original Roman version uses Pecorino Romano, black pepper, and pasta water to make a creamy, buttery sauce. This version is fully vegan, but still rich, salty, silky, and packed with flavor.

Here’s what makes vegan cacio e pepe magical:

Vegan butter

This is the base of your sauce. I use a big heaping spoonful (think 3–4 tablespoons). Miyoko’s oat milk butter is my go-to — it’s got that perfect melt and flavor, no weird aftertaste. Earth Balance works too. If you don’t have a butter you love, use olive oil with a pinch of salt instead.

Freshly ground black pepper

Go easy if you’re not used to fresh cracked pepper — it’s potent. I usually do a few grinds. The heat and aroma make the dish.

Plant-based Parmesan

You’ll need a few scoops of shredded vegan parm — I like Follow Your Heart, but Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods brands also work. This is key to getting that cheesy flavor.

Nutritional yeast

Optional but adds extra umami depth. I use maybe a teaspoon or two — not enough to overpower, just enough to add something special.

Pasta water

Don’t skip this. It helps emulsify everything into a creamy sauce. I use a mesh strainer or tongs to scoop pasta straight from the pot into my sauce bowl, so the noodles are still wet. That starchy water brings it all together.

cacio e pepe vegan pasta overhead in bowl

Let’s make this vegan cacio e pepe a full meal:

To turn this vegan cacio e pepe into an actual dinner, I always add in a few things. But honestly, sometimes a basic pasta is perfect for dinner too! Whatever you are in the mood for.

Broccoli: I toss it right into the boiling pasta water about 3–4 minutes before the pasta’s done. It cooks perfectly and adds color, texture, and protein.
Black olives: I know — you could use fancy Kalamata olives. But I actually love basic canned jumbo black olives here. They’re salty, soft, and remind me of childhood. Comfort food vibes.
Optional extras: A squeeze of lemon brightens it up. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil are great. And if you really want to level up, some roasted garlic wouldn’t hurt.

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Simple Vegan Cacio e Pepe Pasta

Creamy and cozy and made into a complete meal by adding broccoli and olives, this plant-based spin on cacio e pepe combines the cheezy peppery flavors we all love for a stand-out dinner recipe that the whole family can love. Double the recipe if needed.

Prep Time5

Cook Time10

Course: dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: broccoli, cheese, pasta

Servings:

Calories: 626kcal

Author: Admin

Equipment

1 pasta pot
mesh strainer
wooden spoon

Ingredients

8 oz spaghetti pasta
3 tablespoon vegan butter miyokos oat milk butter or similar
⅓ cup vegan Parmesan follow your heart or similar
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoon nutritional yeast
¼ t flaked sea salt
1 c broccoli optional
⅓ c black olives optional

Instructions

Boil the pasta until tender. If adding broccoli - add to pasta water 3-4 minutes before done to cook both together.
Add the vegan butter, nutritional yeast, cheese and pepper to a large mixing bowl.
Add the cooked pasta and optional broccoli to the sauce mixing bowl. Make sure to add pasta very wet so that some of the pasta water gets in the bowl.
Stir well with a wooden spoon.
Optional: fold in the olives.
Serve warm with additional cheese and pepper on top.

Notes

Adjust butter and cheese to taste - add more for more richness, and less for a lighter pasta
The additional salt is optional but adds a punchier salty flavor
Olives and broccoli are optional but make it a meal!

Nutrition

Notes for Real Life - vegan cacio e pepe:

My daughter eats this too — I just scoop her pasta out before I add the pepper. She’s five, and pasta is always her dinner request. Pasta or veggie dogs. That’s the list. If you want a really basic vegan butter pasta, I have that too.
I use traditional semolina spaghetti because the texture is unmatched. But if you’re looking for more protein, sub in a chickpea or lentil-based spaghetti — there are so many great ones now.
This vegan cacio e pepe meal is basically a one-pot situation, minus the mixing bowl. It’s even easier than boxed vegan mac, and honestly, tastes way better. It’s what I make when I want something comforting but can’t handle any real effort. So… three times last week.
Another one-pot meal I love: vegan chili

cacio e pepe vegan pasta mixing bowl with spoon

Summer Dress Try-On: My Favorite Twirl-Tested, Celebration-Worthy Picks

June 6, 2025 by Admin Leave a Comment

Summer Dress Try-On: My Favorite Twirl-Tested Picks. These are six fun, flirty, floral, comfy, twirl-approved, celebration-ready dresses that I tried on and loved. What's your fave??

Summer Dress Try-On

Summer is full of special moments - brunches, garden parties, and yes, even preschool graduations. Finding the perfect dress to celebrate these occasions can be a joyful journey. Let's go..

My Search for the Perfect Summer Dress

My daughter is only graduating from preschool once. It’s a short ceremony in a Los Angeles parking lot. But something about this moment feels big. Really big. And I know it's going to be sparkly. So florals, twirl and color it is.

This moment marks a shift in our rhythm. A new season. A goodbye to babyhood. A hello to the next version of us.

And after five years of mostly wearing sweatpants, grabbing whatever is cute-ish and comfy, clean-ish, and skipping makeup in favor of extra minutes with my daughter (or let’s be real, extra minutes in bed), I decided to make this moment feel different.

So I went dress shopping. And no, I don't have bandwidth for stores.

Spoiler alert: here is the one I chose for preschool graduation!

Online Summer Dress Shopping

This was a multi-day project. I really got into the research, guys. I'm a bit embarased to admit that. Like real, online-scroll-deep-dive, cart-filling, porch-package-stalking dress shopping.

I wanted something special. Something floral, soft, beautiful — but still me. Must be twirl-worthy. Something that said: “I’m showing up for this.”

I tried on maybe ten dresses. A few instantly went back. Mostly due to fit, colors and texture of fabric.

Below is the list of six dresses I tried on and will probably keep — some I loved, and a few I’ll be wearing long after graduation day. Whether you’re celebrating your own little one’s milestone, hunting for a twirly summer dress, or just trying to feel a little more human again, I hope this roundup helps.

My 6 Favorite Floral Dresses for Summer (and One Preschool Graduation)

Here’s what I ordered, tried on, and twirled in — with all the juicy details…

short list:

DOEN - Benoit Dress
DOEN - Ischia Dress
DOEN - Marcy Skirt + Top Set
HILL HOUSE - Serafina Dress
HILL HOUSE - Ellie Nap Dress

1. Doen Benoit Dress

Color: Noir Wild Rose and Ivory Wild Rose (Yes, I tried two colors..)

Price: $298

Doen Benoit Dress - Noir

This is my dress of sassy girl summer. It's the first one I tried on that just worked. And then, a week later, Taylor Swift wore it out to dinner in New York. So… yes, I felt extremely validated in my taste.

It’s made of a structured linen that’s shockingly soft and lightweight. I usually avoid linen (it wrinkles, feels stiff, and doesn’t stretch), but this one is special. It has shape without being boxy, float without being fussy. I bought it in both the black and the white floral versions — because I couldn’t choose — and they both feel timeless and elevated.

The black version is moody and bold, while the white version feels dreamy and romantic. I may end up keeping both, honestly. (white version at shown above.)

doen dress ischia dress - blanc anenome bloom — ischia dress

2. Doen Ischia Dress

Color: Blanc Anenome Bloom

Price: $348

Doen Ischia Dress

This is my wild card — and possibly my actual graduation pick. So soft!! If you are texture snob, this is your dress.

This summer dress is romantic, soft, full of movement, and just a little dramatic (in the best way). The florals include pinks, yellows, greens, and soft blues — like a watercolor painting. And while it’s definitely a statement piece, it’s also comfortable. It doesn’t just look pretty — it makes you feel pretty.

It was the most expensive piece I tried, but I genuinely think it’s worth it. I don’t buy designer dresses often, but when I do, I want them to last. This one feels like summer in a dress.

doen marcy skirt and top in red poppy — Screenshot

3. Doen Marcy Skirt + Top Set

Color: White with Red Poppies - Poppy Field

Price: $268 (Skirt only)

Doen Marcy Skirt + Top Set

This set is soft. Like unbelievably soft. It’s made from the kind of fabric you want to live in, float around the garden in, or nap in — all of which I considered doing.

I’m still deciding whether I’ll keep both pieces. The skirt is stunning — feminine, flowy, and comfortable. The top is pretty but feels a little too prairie-chic for my personal style. Still, I may keep the skirt and pair it with something simpler. Bonus: there’s a matching version for kids. (Yes, I swooned.)

hillhouse serafina nap dress in pink sweet peas — Screenshot

4. Hill House Serafina Nap Dress

Color: Pink Sweet Peas

Price: $150

Hill House Serafina Dress

I didn’t expect to love this one. Bright pink isn’t usually my go-to. But the minute I put it on, I understood why Hill House has a cult following.

This dress twirls. Like full-on, storybook-princess-level twirl. The fabric is light and bouncy, the cut is flattering, and it’s just… fun. My daughter will probably try to steal it from me someday, and honestly, I wouldn’t blame her.

This is the dress you wear when you want to dance, laugh, and be in the moment. It may not be my final graduation pick, but I’ll definitely be wearing it all summer long.

Hill House Ellie Nap Dress white daisy eyelet

5. Hill House Ellie Nap Dress

Color: White Daisy Eyelet

Price: $150

Hill House Ellie Nap Dress

This one’s a forever piece. It’s not fancy enough for a big event like graduation — but for everything else? It’s perfect.

Soft, simple, and endlessly wearable, this dress is made for farmers markets, beach days, or just feeling cute on a Sunday morning. It’s easy to throw on but still makes you feel like you’ve chosen an outfit. And sometimes, that’s half the battle.

Final Thoughts

I didn’t expect to fall in love with these dresses. I didn’t expect to feel so seen in a mirror, after months (years?) of forgetting what I looked like in fun clothes. But there’s something about dressing up for your kid — about celebrating both of you — that hits differently.

Preschool graduation isn’t just about them. It’s about us, too. The moms who showed up every day, tired and in messy buns, giving and giving.

This dress is for her — but it’s also for me.

You can see all of these dresses in motion in my Instagram Reel — and if you’ve been looking for something soft, floral, fun, and a little fabulous to twirl in this summer, maybe one of these will be your moment, too.

Let me know your favorite — and definitely tag me if you find your preschool grad (or summer picnic) dress.

shoes: worn for many years, stella m

Face: What Our Skincare Routines Say About Modern Motherhood

June 4, 2025 by Admin Leave a Comment

A few thoughts on skincare, motherhood, aging, and whatever’s happening to my forehead lately. Spoiler alert: You are whole, happy and freaking gorgeous.

I’m 44. Those three lines above my eyebrow and totally-notox-moving forehead are starting to plague my thoughts.

Turns out aging isn’t the hard part — it’s trying to look immune to it while doing it.

The vibe: Wait, did I miss the group chat about microneedling?

We say we love women who don’t give a f*ck. But actually living that truth? Rare.
We reward it, we envy it — and we all chase that illusion of effortlessness in our own way.

I want that glow that tells the world I’m doing something right. Like motherhood isn’t aging me… it’s unveiling my true glow. Like when we were pregnant and barfing and someone told us we looked radiant. That kind of delusion.

But let’s be real — sometimes the desire to "glow" is less about vanity and more about clinging to self-esteem. A sign that we’re still here. Visible. Relevant. Still ourselves.

Our old, younger selves.

Even after birthing a human or a few - and keeping them alive and happy 24/7.

Here’s what I’ve been thinking about…

...pic: summer skin in full mode, too tan, red patchy flare-up, freckles, lines, dry, but this is just my face.

Skincare / Motherhood

This morning, I’m sitting in mismatched pajamas. My face is bright red because I’ve been exfoliating a little too aggressively — you know the feeling. I also keep layering on this new retinol cream that might be working or might just be frying my skin.

There’s a cat curled up in my lap, and I’m checking the clock every three minutes because I need to pick up my daughter from preschool. Ideally, after squeezing in a Peloton ride — the only thing lately that makes me feel professionally accomplished. Even though I’m technically still running a creative business from home. Technically.

Aside from wondering if the slight nausea in my stomach is just in my head — or the start of that norovirus everyone at school just had — there’s one other, much less urgent thing on my mind this morning:

My face.

Not in a dramatic way. Just this low-level hum. A quiet, persistent awareness that this is the version of me most people see — on Zoom, at school drop-off, at dance class, in passing.

My face is the front door now. It goes first.

And lately, I’ve been wondering:

When did skincare become one more way to fall behind — like I missed the chat where everyone got the memo but me?

Because let’s be honest — none of us have the time. None of us have the bandwidth. But somehow, we’re expected to exfoliate, red-light, dermaplane, micro-needle, Botox, and vitamin-C-serum our way back to 27. And not for fun — for maintenance. For normal. For “you look great!” at the PTA meeting.

And it’s not just about looking young. It’s about staying visible. Looking relevant. Appearing rested. Presentable. Well. Even when we’re deeply, profoundly tired.

And here’s the thing — the people we’re trying to keep up with? They’re not even our peers. They’re either celebrities with medical-grade everything, or they’re 22-year-old influencers who haven’t even started aging yet. Meanwhile, we’re in our 40s raising kids. And somehow skincare became part of the parenting performance. Like if our foreheads are frozen and our skin is glowing, we’re doing it “right.”

We Grew Up With Faces. Now We’re Trying to Outrun Them.

We grew up with Jennifer Aniston and Gwyneth. And thank GAWD they seem to be embracing the aging generally gracefully memo:

Self esteem, natural beauty, aging well, loving laugh lines and kincare and motherhood, but make it real and easy.

More recently, we've watched Alicia Keys go bare-faced on purpose and Pamela Anderson show up makeup-free ... everywhere. A woman literally plagued by the "fake fake fake" persona is now the posterchild for authenticity and naked skin. (She's one of my fave long-time vegans, btw, so the natural shift doesn't actually surprise me. You watched her Netflix documentary. yes?) We saw Bethenny Frankel turn her bathroom into a skincare and makeup content studio and Britney get made fun of for dancing around in her PJs with messy hair and week-old eyeliner.

We’ve been watching women manage their faces in public for decades — and now, those same women are shaping the blueprint for what “aging gracefully” supposedly looks like.

But we’re not celebrities. Our lives don’t play out on jumbo screens with movie theater lenses. We don’t have our derms on speed dial. We don’t have $2,000 a month to spend on maintenance — or if we do, we’re probably putting it toward kindergarten tuition or a family trip to Disneyland.

And that's how it should be. So why do I still feel like I'm falling behind?

We Used to Obsess Over Our Bodies. Now It’s Our Faces.

In the ’90s and early 2000s, it was all about the body. Aerobics. SlimFast. Ab Blasters. Low-rise jeans. We were constantly thinking about our thighs. Our abs. Hip bones. Our reflection in the full-length mirror. That was the era of body pressure — because that’s how we were being photographed. Full body. Full frame.

Now? Now the camera is in our face.

We Zoom. Then we FaceTime. We selfie. And record voice memos. We show up on Instagram Stories before we even brush our teeth. And when we see our filtered faces every single day — and compare them to real life — it’s easy to start wondering:

Should I be doing more in real life to match how I look online?

And if I’m not doing more… am I falling behind? When did skincare and motherhood become a status symbol tie-in?

In LA, It’s Literally on Every Corner.

I live in Los Angeles. Which means I walk past a Botox studio, a laser lounge, and a skincare “gym” every time I run errands. You could fill your entire lunch break with red light, microcurrent, lymphatic drainage, and Botox — all before preschool pickup. Somehow motherhood and skincare become lunchtime hobbies.

It’s in your face. Literally. Which means skincare isn’t just a private ritual anymore. It’s a public conversation. A social cue. A lifestyle flex. And if you’re not playing the game — or at least opting out with intention — you’re still thinking about it.

Even in my own family, I feel the contrast. My older sister has sworn off all of it. No Botox, no lasers, not even fancy face wash. Meanwhile, I have a shelf of products in my bathroom that could double as a mini Sephora. I love skincare. A lot. I rub a solar wand on my cheekbones like it’s a sacred ritual. I still Google lasers and scroll TikToks about collagen and hormones and the one supplement I might be missing.

But I also know this: When skincare starts to feel like a scoreboard — or a requirement to be lovable, visible, or “well” — that’s when it stops being empowering. And starts becoming one more standard dressed up in self-care packaging. When motherhood and skincare vibe together, it starts to feel weird.

No product link roundup today.

This isn’t that kind of article. And I’m not that kind of writer. (Well, today.)

If you want product recs, go to Vogue. Cosmo. Sephora. Your favorite influencer’s bathroom shelf.

But if you want to know what’s actually beautiful?

It’s this:

TODAY'S BEAUTY MANTRA

You are whole, happy and freaking gorgeous.

Beauty I actually hold super close to my heart...

The way you laugh with your kid.

How you chop fruit and make rainbow smoothies.

The way you hug someone like you mean it.

The hilarious story you tell about that time you messed up.

Your pop culture rants.

Netflix and podcast recs for me specifically.

Random meme you send or text out of the blue.

The way your face lights up when you’re doing something that matters.

When you show up — tired or glowing or somewhere in between.

If no one’s told you lately: You’re beautiful.

Even if you’re not doing lasers.

Microneedling.

Or botoxing galore.

You are whole, happy and freaking gorgeous.

Red face, pajama pants, cat on your lap — and all.

More motherhood and skincare rants, always coming your way..

Still Obsessed: My Rothy’s Code + Review (2025)

May 27, 2025 by Kathy Patalsky Leave a Comment

Snag my Rothy's code and get my review. I'm a longtime fan who has dozens of Rothy's products. I know this brand and still love it.

It’s 2025 and it’s wild to think how long I’ve been wearing Rothy’s. My friend Angela first introduced me to them years ago when she was wearing the Point flats — I fell in love immediately, used her code, and never looked back. I posted my Rothy's review for you guys, still fresh in my pink round toe flats that are a bit outdated now - but still beloved.

If you are just here for my ROTHY'S CODE, well here ya go: $20 off.

Bin of Beloved, Worn-In Rothy's: Verified

Cut to 2025 - I now have an entire bin of their ballet flats (no joke, at least 20 pairs!), though honestly I rarely wear the ballet flats anymore. The style kind of went out for me, but I’m holding onto them just in case they ever come back around.

Rothy's Drivers Devotee

For the past few years, my go-to has been the Rothy’s Drivers — I have about six pairs in different shades of white and cream that I’ve rotated through. They’re the perfect everyday shoe: comfy, washable, supportive, and not at all clunky (which matters to me because my feet are a size 9 and on the wider side — anything too bulky just looks…off).

wearing rothys drivers white cream with daughter

I also have a pair of the Square flats in a dark beige and a couple of their clogs that I mostly wear around the house. Oh, and my daughter has a few pairs too — the ballet flats and the little tennis shoes, both of which have held up beautifully and are machine washable (a must for kid shoes).

I Keep Coming Back to Rothy's

Long after I used my first Rothy's cde... I keep coming back. Paying FULL PRICE many times, you guys.

The thing about Rothy’s that has kept me coming back year after year? They’re washable, they’re flexible, and they’re always on trend. Yes, they sometimes shrink a bit in the wash, but I just wear them in and they’re good as new. And yes, they can start to smell after a while (barefoot life, let’s be real), but I found these Amazon shoe inserts filled with some kind of sand stuff that completely freshen them up. Pro tip: swap out the insoles if they’re getting too worn or stinky — I’ve done it a few times.

One thing that threw me off for a bit: a few years ago, Rothy’s changed the bottom of some of their shoes — they added this slippery coating that made me feel like I was going to skate down the sidewalk. But a quick fix? Scrape the bottoms on rough cement a bit and the rubber shines through. It’s back to the same grippy, stable feel I loved from the start.

I’m sharing a few of my current faves below — and because Rothy’s is having their Friends and Family sale right now (30% off everything!), it’s a great time to grab a pair. If you’re reading this after the sale ends, you can still use my code ROTHY'S $20 OFF for a discount anytime.

Some of my fave Rothy's styles:

My Favorite Rothy’s Styles

The Driver: A classic loafer with a soft, flexible upper and durable gum outsoles, perfect for everyday wear.
The Square Mary Jane: Features a chic square toe and a slim, flexible strap for a secure fit.
The Kids Mary Jane: Designed for little ones, these have a stretchy strap to keep feet secure and are machine washable.
The Lightweight Tote: A spacious, lightweight tote bag that’s perfect for carrying all your essentials.
Clogs: Pervect for my in-house shoe because they are easy to slip on, but still don't look like a slipper..
I'm ready to try the newer trendy flats with the thick straps and hole-y exterior - I'll let you know -- The Espadrille Mary Jane and The Max Buckle MaryJane

Here’s to comfy, washable, and actually cute shoes.

snag it: ROTHY'S code $20 OFF

disclosure: not an affiliate link, but I do get $20 off everytime you use my $20 code.

My Pandemic Baby Is Graduating Preschool

May 9, 2025 by Kathy Patalsky Leave a Comment

Preschool graduation season. This is my love letter to the preschool era — the place that brought my pandemic baby (and me) back to life.

Pandemic Preschool Mom, I See You.

She was born during lockdown, swaddled in uncertainty, and raised through Zoom mommy-n-me sessions and color-coordinated masks. And now — somehow — she’s sprinting across the preschool yard in glitter shoes, shouting facts about anglerfish, and handing out Frozen Band-Aids, like she owns the place. It’s adorable. It’s absurd. And yes, I’ll be crying in the car after that final school pickup like when Inside Out’s purple plush Bing Bong faded into sparkles shouting, “Take her to the moon for me.”...

Preschool Graduation Season

We’ve been deep in it. Preschool. The world of rolly pollies, finger paint, bubble wands, and daily tantrums over tight shoes and apple slices cut the wrong way. We are living in this magical, messy, fleeting era where our kids are still actual babies — and somehow also full-blown people with opinions and moods and better social calendars than us.

Preschool is where they run wild in sparkle boots and superhero capes, negotiate snack trades, collect treasure (aka sparkly beads from the sandbox), and roll around on the ground like puppies because happiness is their default mode.

It’s One Big Thank You

I hope every family can look back on these days and feel deep gratitude for their preschool experience. No school is perfect, but when you find a gold nugget, you hold it tight and just sit back and watch its oiled machine churn brightly.

Let’s pause to say out loud: preschool teachers are saints in sneakers and cute sweaters — drying tears, flushing tiny toilets, and opening their arms for a hug, keeping our kids’ hearts warm and open, soft and seen. They lead circle time like monarchs: everyone gets a turn, can have a say, and even a hair-styling sesh — if they choose.

And when you drop your kid off forty-five minutes late because of a cereal meltdown or a missing stuffy that simply had to come along for the morning commute? No problem. You still get a “Good morning!” like tardiness is a rite of passage. Hair’s a mess? Two different shoes? Wearing a full-on Frozen 2 Elsa costume on a random Tuesday? Of course. Nothing to see here.

Dropping Off Tiny Humans

Preschool morning drop-off just hits you. I don’t think I ever got back in my car without feeling something deeply. Something happy. Sweet. Hard. Hilarious. On the yard, as you drop their backpack in a pile of metallic colors and embroidered names and initials. Many mornings, their whole bodies squeeze into your legs — like a butterfly trying to squeeze back into a cocoon. Other mornings, you easily let go of that tiny hand. You watch tiny reunions. Teacher hugs. Dramatic gasps at new shoes, ouchie Band-Aids, or a sparkly rock pulled out of a backpack.

These friendships are real. Messy and miniature and a little bit sticky — but so real. You’re watching their first best friends, their first play-by-the-rules arguments, their first “We’re playing cats — do you wanna play?” moments unfold in real time. And somehow, that makes the apple slice meltdown totally worth it.

And soon, this little window of time ends.

The real stuff — the magic — happens in between everything else: overfilled bubble baths. Hopping across the bubbling stream in the preschool yard. Imaginary worlds. Messy art tables. Chaotic bedroom floors. Silk scarves as magical power tokens. Rainbow popsicles. Gasping at honeybees in the garden. These are the good old days — and somehow, we know it even while they’re happening.

And I Know She’ll Be Fine

But ok, ok, it’s not all sparkly rainbow moments. This is the era of tiny, enormous feelings. I’ve taken ten pages of notes while watching Dr. Becky at 1 a.m. I’ve cursed the name of “gentle parenting” while still doing my best to practice it. And I’ve got a cart full of children’s books about bravery and kindness and big emotions — all the things, by the way, I’m still learning to do as an adult.

But the hard stuff keeps me present. It keeps me awake. I know I’m doing my best, and I know I’ve got this. And this preschool village? It’s been a huge part of that confidence in myself.

And that’s the kicker — our kids? They’re going to be fine. We’ve got them.

This transition, this nostalgia, this ache in our chests? It’s mostly about the adults in the room.

Preschool Graduation - It's Really My Heartbreak

Our kiddos will go to a new school, cry when they feel the shift, and then, move on. Us moms? We'll work hard to keep the preschool bestie bonds in our back pockets for weekend playdates and afterschool sport, art or drama activities. But a brand new school year hits kinda like summer camp. They whine and cling on day one, but then the moment they meet a kid who smiles at them just the right way - or giggles in a way that makes them giggle too - or is wearing a fluffy pink skirt that they like.. game over. A new season begins.

Kids don’t really do goodbyes, do they? It’s more like: what’s next? More play, more people, more fun. They’re not bogged down by grief the way we are. Those preschool memories? They’ll stay lodged sweetly in their hearts - no closure required.

But The Moms Cry Hard..

But moms? Pandemic moms?
We’re not ready.
We don’t need this, you guys.
We don’t want more change.
We’re still trying to regulate our nervous systems from giving birth in isolation and surviving babyhood on Zoom. Yes, we can laugh about it now — the “don’t touch anything” paranoia — but that trauma lives in our bones. And this preschool community? It healed us.

Preschool Brought Us a Non-Zoom Village

We didn’t just survive. We connected. In parking lots and at duck ponds. Through mango stand tantrums and bounce house birthday parties. Through the classroom group chat — which was either popping off with heart emojis and “Who wants to meet at the park?” or dead silent and awkward in a way that somehow felt just as intense. Either way, we kept showing up. This was the first real village many of us ever found.

I remember sitting on the floor, pregnant, watching the world fall apart on the news — riots, masks, death counts. I wondered if my kid would ever grow up in a normal world.

And then somehow — we made it out. The isolation cracked open like that lava monster in Moana — sprouting green clover, pink flowers, and long-lost smiles. Masks peeled off. Hand sanitizer left behind. COVID tests no longer a staple in the medicine cabinet. We found teachers. Friends. Drop-off hugs. Familiar faces. Tiny voices shouting across the yard. Moms lingering just long enough to say “Same.”

Preschool was where my village bloomed. It gave me my first real mom-friend community. The first normal thing in years.

So here I am — counting the weeks until summer, blindly registering for camps, smiling through preschool prom planning, and talking about four-year-old graduation gowns like it’s totally normal.

Saying Goodbye to Say Hello

Preschool graduation means this soft, sparkly, messy, magical chapter is ending. And the next one will be great. I can’t wait to watch my daughter become a full-fledged person. To hear even more deep sea anglerfish facts. And watch her analyze friendship dynamics with a bigger vocabulary. To watch her finally just want to wear two shoes that always match .. I mean, maybe.

Elementary School chaos, here we come.

But this part? Saying goodbye. Well, I guess the truth is, when something was really this beautiful, you should feel a little wrecked saying goodbye.

And maybe years from now, when my daughter smells glue sticks or sees a certain brand of markers or hears a voice like her teacher’s laugh — maybe she’ll remember.

Maybe she’ll feel it in her body: That was a place I was safe. A place I was loved.

And me? I’ll remember it all.

Because just like hers, my heart was all the way in.

Thanks for reading, if you are attending a preschool graduation this season or the next, sending you a big, warm, messy art hug.

Watch my PRESCHOOL GRADUATION highlight on instagram.

5 Comfy-Cute, One Piece Swimsuits - Long Torso Edit

April 20, 2025 by Kathy Patalsky Leave a Comment

Today I'm chatting, 5 Best Long Torso Swimsuits (That Moms Actually Feel Good In). One-piece suits I love — plus the amazing high-end brand I thought would never fit me..

Summer Swim.

Every year I dig through my swimsuits and find my faves. And if my old faves seem a little faded, tired or uninspiring, I browse new styles. Because let's face it: a really good swimsuit can make any vacation or pool or beach day feel easy. And a swimsuit fail can ruin a day.

So if I'm in Oahu, or roaming the shores of Croatia - I need to have some go-to suits to lean on. And yes, I do...

The brands I chose:

HUNZA G
ALBION FIT
ANDIE
SUMMERSALT
J.CREW

Love a Two Piece - But..

Female / mom swimsuit truth bomb here — it’s easier to take a bathroom break in a two-piece. A wet one-piece, isn't fun to strip down and peel off. Long sleeves? Even trickier. That alone makes the bikini an obvious win if you can get away with it. It’s basically underwear and a bra, but for the beach or pool. Easy. Done.

But once you have a baby or toddler — or a small child who’s either yanking on your top - hello boobie obsession - climbing on your back in the pool, or clinging to you like a sea monkey — you start to realize: for a mom swimsuit .. a one-piece just makes more sense. It’s secure. No boobs are popping out, no bottoms sliding down. And while I love the vibe of a bikini, I can’t deny the comfort and ease of a great-fitting one-piece. It just stays put. It makes me feel secure. Comfy. Like I could twirl down a three-story waterslide after my kid if I need to. Superhero / supermom - same thing - swimwear vibes. And peeing is easier.

But if you have a long torso, a one piece swimsuit can be a tricky fit! So let's dive into a few Long Torso Swimsuits that just make sense..

Fit detail: long torso.

I didn’t realize this growing up — I just thought one piece bathing suits just hated me. In my 20s and 30s, I finally caught on. One-piece swimsuits never fit right. The butt always rode up. Rompers and jumpsuits? Same issue. It's the long torso thing! Of course.

So when I discovered that some brands offer “long torso” swimsuits, I felt like I’d unlocked a secret code. The first one I tried was J.Crew, and when it actually fit? Gleeful shock. I wore J.Crew suits exclusively for years.

When it comes to Long Torso Swimsuits - we've come a long way. From like, one brand, to a whole bunch of brands offering the sizing option. The fit: You get a longer spacing from your bust to your butt. And sometimes a roomier bottom.

Then I found Andie’s Amalfi One-Piece (Long Torso)—and that’s been my ride-or-die for the past five years. But I’ve recently branched out again and found a few more winners, including a brand I swore would never work on my body.

Here are five of my favorite swimsuits for long torsos—some for one-pieces, one two-piece I love, and one “one-size-fits-all” suit that somehow actually fits.

Little me.... circa 1984

1. Andie Swim – Amalfi One-Piece (Long Torso)

My all-time favorite. I’ve bought this suit in multiple colors and I wear it every season. It’s flattering, supportive, and actually long enough in the torso. It doesn’t ride up, it doesn’t dig in. It’s the one I reach for when I want to feel confident without adjusting anything all day long.

Shop the Amalfi One-Piece – Long Torso

2. HUNZA G – One Size Crinkle One-Piece (Full Coverage)

OK. I judged this brand HARD. One size fits all? Absolutely not, I thought. I have a long torso, a pear-shaped frame, a small waist—this wasn’t going to work. But it did. It is actually a perfect swimsuit for long torsos.

The crinkle fabric is super stretchy and hugs your body in a magical way. I recommend the full coverage versions if you’re tall or want a little more booty coverage. I wore the pink one in Hawaii recently and loved it so much, I even bought the mini version for my daughter.

Just FYI: the kids’ version rides up in the back, which led to our new family joke—“Rosalie, is my butt hanging out?” She’d ask me back, and we’d both adjust our suits. Not ideal for her, but hilarious.

So the next timy you are in a bathing suit and feel your butt hanging out just giggle and say "Kathy, is my butt hanging out??"

Shop Hunza G

3. Albion Fit - String tie tops

Another brand that is technically not a 'long torso' fit is the Albion Fit one piece called The Natalie. It is long torso friendly because you can tie the straps as high or low as you'd like. So while this might not work for some long torso bodies, it works for mine. The cut at the thigh is very low though, so if you only like a higher cut Botton style, this fit might not be for you. I like it because it totally covers my butt!

Albion Fit One Piece

4. J.Crew – Long Torso One-Pieces

The OG long torso brand for me. J.Crew has reliable, classic suits that fit great and don’t cost a fortune. I’ve loved their ruched styles and plunge one-pieces, and they’ve held up well over time. If you’re new to long torso sizing, this is a great place to start.

Shop J.Crew Swim – Long Torso

5. Summersalt – The Sidestroke (Long Torso)

Okay, full disclosure—I haven’t tried this one yet, but I’ve heard so many good things. Summersalt is known for its supportive, stylish suits with inclusive sizing. They do make long torso options, and if they come out with a color I absolutely love, I’ll grab one. Bookmarking this for the next round of swimsuit season.

Shop Summersalt – Long Torso

So there you have it. These suits are secure, flattering, and long-torso approved (well, four out of five I can personally vouch for). Whether you’re in the mom-zone or just tired of swimsuits that ride up in all the wrong places, these are worth checking out.

Let me know if you’ve tried any others you love—or if you’ve figured out how to make peace with your butt hanging out. I’m still working on it.

Happy almost summer.

My Popsicle Stick Car on the 405 Theory, aka Creative Comeback Era

February 22, 2025 by Kathy Patalsky Leave a Comment

Today, we talk "creative comeback after motherhood - or any pause in your path." I'm sharing my metaphor and an easy framework for knowing what people actually want these days with content. Because really: what do people actually want from creators today? I love this one - my Popsicle Stick Car Theory...

This theory is for anyone rebuilding their ambition or starting over, or from scratch, creatively --- using whatever is in the craft drawer.

My Popsicle Stick Car on the 405 Theory

If you’ve ever been to Los Angeles, you know the 405 freeway. Six lanes of chaos, cars flying by at 80 miles an hour, and someone always cutting you off. But it can take you anywhere.

So, go with me on this. We are talking creative comeback after motherhood. But. We’re doing a metaphor.

There’s this beach I used to go to all the time. This beach = all my creative dreams and ambitions coming true, conversation flowing with my audience.

Back before motherhood, before all the snacks and drop-offs and bons of old crayons and Pepa figurines, I had this car, my old creative car, and I’d take it to that beach whenever I wanted to. It wasn’t fancy, but it worked. It got me there. I barely nowhere the car came from, but I often think I built it slowly, all through school and my teens and twenties. Then suddenly, I found a road to drive it on.

I’d pack up my thoughts, my laptop, maybe a smoothie, and just go. The drive was everything. The ideas, the energy, the breeze. All of it.

That car, my business, my brand, my voice, took me to big places. Projects, places, spotlights. The beach.

Motherhood

Then life changed. I parked the car. And I didn't care for that beach. I craved a cozy home, family, a mid-life deep dive into who I was NOW. Running on fumes - the fuel from my youth and young professional days - here I was, out of gas. So I stayed put.

I built a beautiful world: a home filled with noise and love. Joy came from tiny quiet moments. Tiny toes and watching the sunrise, tired eyes, steamy latte in hand. That other world of beach days, long gone, outgrown.

And that old car? Suddenly, I couldn't even fit inside. Clunky and awkward, I knew if I got on the road again, I'd need a new set of wheels, like a snail finding a shiny new shell when it outgrew its last one.

Creative Craving + Time

And then recently, my kid started school. Longer days. More time and space for my brain to tinker. I felt it strongly. The desire to get back to that beach. Or even explore other beaches or destinations. Just to get back out there. The thick musty breeze of the LA air on my face.

I've been craving that version of me who felt creative and awake. Because honestly, if I have to look at one more coloring book, tub of dried-up Play-Doh, or pile of toys that I have to put away, I might actually turn into dust. I love motherhood, but I’m drowning in it. And somewhere under the snack wrappers and Target receipts, I know I still have ideas.

So I looked outside, ready to go. And keys in hand, I realized that I didn't have a backup car. Just me standing in the driveway like, great, cool, awesome.

It's Just Me Out Here

In this creative comeback after motherhood, I don’t have a team or a plan. I don’t even have motivation most days. What I do have is a phone, a laptop, and a craft table covered in marker streaks.

So I did what any slightly delusional, semi-inspired person would do. I built a new car.

Not a real one. This one’s made out of popsicle sticks and tape from my kid’s craft station. It’s wobbly. It squeaks. It probably isn’t road legal. But it’s mine.

I can see the fancy cars on the freeway. The Teslas, the Bentleys, the people who already know where they’re going and how to get there. They’ve got their strategy, their metrics, their followers. They’re cruising.

Meanwhile, I’m in my driveway with Elmer’s glue, pretending I remember how to do this. And still, something in me says, go.

What a Creative Comeback Feels Like

So I get in my little popsicle stick car, blast some fun music, and pull onto the freeway.

It’s terrifying. The big cars swerve around me. I can feel people staring, wondering what this ridiculous contraption is doing out here. I kind of want to get off at the next exit. But the thing is, I’m moving.

Slowly. Unevenly. But forward.

That’s what this whole creative comeback feels like.

I look in the side mirror and barely recognize my car, but still, it's mine. So I giggle to myself. Then I tape together one more edge of the door or the trunk and keep going.

It’s not about having a five-year plan or going viral. It’s about movement. Getting back on the road, even when it feels ridiculous. Because staying parked, waiting for a better car or a clearer path, is a trap. You could wait forever.

Sometimes you just have to start driving again, even if your car is held together with tape and hope.

So What Does the 405 Demand? What Do People Want From a Content Creator These Days?

And really, what do the people consuming your art want from your creative comeback after motherhood??

Six Step Creative Comeback Framework

If the freeway is the audience, the world, the people you want to reach, then before you drive again, you have to understand what it takes to merge.

Here’s what I’ve learned about what people actually want right now.

1. They want connection, not content.

People can find information anywhere. They want you. They want to feel less alone.

Before you post anything, ask: does this make someone feel seen?

That’s the new metric. Connection is the new algorithm.

2. They want the real story.

Every good post, blog, or podcast follows the same rhythm: story, reflection, takeaway. Tell me what happened. Tell me what it meant. Leave me with one truth I can hold onto.

3. They want it highly specific.

OK, so you need the story. But what does that mean...?

Don’t tell me motherhood is hard. Tell me you reheated your coffee three times before 10 a.m. Don’t say you’re tired. Tell me you forgot why you opened the fridge. The more specific you are, the more universal it feels. Your English teacher was right: show, don't tell. People want to feel like they are in the story, not the analysis of the critic after the show.

4. They want emotion, not performance.

They want you to go there, emotionally --- if you are brave enough to.. Cry. Beg. Moan. Shout. Well, in a creative way. Stand on your soapbox.

Be messy. Real. Or be a whole mood in one breath.

We’re done with perfect. Say what you’re actually thinking, not the caption version. If you’re second-guessing yourself, it probably means you’re about to say something real.

5. They want consistency, not virality.

You don’t need to go viral. You just need to keep showing up. Every post teaches people what kind of voice you have and reminds you that you still have one.

6. They want someone to think out loud.

You don’t have to be an expert. You just have to be willing to say, “Here’s what I’m figuring out. Come with me.” I gave this topic a lot of space and thought and maybe even overthinking, and this is what I discovered.

People don’t want a coach. A relationship can't be a pyramid scheme. A business deal. A contract. A pitch. People want a companion. An honest friend. A bestie who will dig deep and fight their way out of a challenge.

The Takeaway

When it comes to a creative comeback after motherhood - or after any pause in your path -- you can’t get to the beach without the freeway. You can’t reach people without the people.

But the secret isn’t blending in with the Teslas. It’s building something that can survive the ride.

So if you’re rebuilding your ambition right now, if you’re sitting at your kitchen table with glue on your fingers wondering where to start, start here.

Know what the road demands.

Build what you can with what you have.

And drive anyway.

Because the beach, that spark, that place where you feel alive again, it’s still out there.

And it’s waiting for you to show up.

SO my friends....

Creative ambition doesn’t expire. It might get parked for a few years, buried under toys and laundry, but it’s still there, waiting for you to turn the key.

But you already knew that. The real question you have to ask yourself: Are you brave enough to drive the car? Even when it's a popsicle stick craft on a freeway of Porsches.

Are you brave enough to drive your car?

More to ponder: I love these posts..

Motherhood Murdered My Creative Mojo - cup of jo

motherhood changed my creative process - cork and chroma

Spring Fling: Best Garden & Outdoor Finds for Your Home & Kids

February 19, 2025 by Kathy Patalsky Leave a Comment

Today I'm leaning into the gorgeous weather we've been having in LA and doing a Spring Fling: Best Garden Finds for Your Home & Kids post...

Spring smoothies are on the way because - sunny days popping up. Hello February! I’m optimistically fully immersed in garden mode. The warm weather, fresh blooms, and longer days have me daydreaming about ways to bring more nature, pastel colors, and sparkly sort of life into our space — both indoors and out. And, of course, Rosalie is right there with me. We are totally playing Cruel Summer on repeat, a little too optimistic about the warm days ahead.

Gardening Sidekick

Rosalie been my little gardening buddy ever since we moved into our house and had a bit of dirt to play with. Back then, we planted every flower we could get our hands on — some thrived, some didn’t, but the joy was always in the process. Now, at four and a half, she truly understands the magic of planting a seed, watering it, and watching it grow. It’s a beautiful thing to see her so engaged in something that gets us outside, keeps us off screens, and brings a little more beauty into our world. Plus, when our flowers actualy make it - it's a gorgeous site to see!

Our fave flower: snapdragons.

AI Birdfeeder: Get one!

OK, you really need one of these if you have a kiddo in your house who loves garden birds. Rosalie is obsessed with checking her birds ever since we bought our Birdify Smart AI Birdfeeder. I felt like a true old lady shopping for an AI birdfeeder, but it's been way more fun than I even expected. Rosalie's fave part: it lets you take photos of the birds and add silly digital stickers — hats, scarves, bow ties — small child bliss. She cracks herself up putting hats on birds. I don't really get it, but ok. Every time a new bird stops by, she’s like, “Take a picture! I want to put a hat on it!”

We Love Hummingbirds

We also keep a steady supply of nectar for our hummingbirds and have been meaning to plant milkweed to help out the monarch butterflies. (Fun fact: Monarch caterpillars only eat milkweed, which is why it’s so important for their survival!) I finally found an online store that ships it — so no more excuses. Along with milkweed, planting a few pollinator-friendly flowers is a great way to support local bees, butterflies, and birds.

Anthro Inspo

Since I went down a little Anthropologie rabbit hole (oops), I’ve rounded up some gorgeous spring-inspired finds for your garden, home, and little ones. A lot of these links below are from Anthro's Terrain brand. Obsessed. (Totally not sponsored just btw.)

Plus, I’m sharing a few gardening-with-kids tips and finds -- and some easy ways to get started if you’re new to growing flowers or herbs.

Spring Garden Finds: The Wishlist

I’ve gathered some of my favorite garden-inspired pieces, from whimsical home décor to outdoor must-haves. These are the things that make me want to sip tea on the patio, plant more flowers, and fully embrace the season.

For Your Outdoor Space & Garden

Birdify AI Smart Birdfeeder – The cutest way to birdwatch with kids!
Solar Cage Lantern – Perfect for adding a soft glow to your garden at night.
Solar Woven Table Lamp – Cozy, ambient lighting for outdoor evenings.
Antique Gold Plant Stand – Elevates your favorite potted plants in style.
Teak Plant Stand – A classic, sturdy stand for indoor or outdoor use.
Iron Turtle Garden Decor – A sweet little detail for any flower bed.
BlueGreen Stoneware Stool (Outdoor) – Stylish and practical for garden seating.

Garden-Inspired Finds for Kids

Gardening Kit for Kids - Gloves, tools, hat everything. I just bought this today. Only $20 with a recent coupon I saw!
Wheelbarrow - Radio Flyer brand so you know it's good
Felt Critter Finger Puppets (Bugs!) – Perfect for little nature lovers.
Bee Bear Felt Critter – A charming little bee-loving bear.
Napping Bunny Felt Scene – A sweet, whimsical decoration.
Wheelbarrow Bunny Felt Critter – Easter vibes, but all year round.

Spring-Inspired Home Accents

Mini Colorful Bud Vases – A fun way to display fresh blooms.
Pink Door Wreath – A gorgeous, warm-weather welcome.
Footed Vase with Flower Frog – A unique floral display piece.
Bunny Tray – Perfect for serving up springtime treats.
Prettiest Pink Coasters – A touch of soft, spring color for your table.

Wearable Spring Magic

Tiny Clover Necklace (Gold) – A lucky little charm. Just bought this in turquoise.
Butterfly Charm Necklace – Subtle, delicate, and spring-perfect.
Yellow Garden Clogs – Practical and cute for outdoor time.

Pollinator PLANTS

milkweed for butterflies

Gardening with Kids: Simple Ways to Get Started

If you’ve ever wanted to start a garden with your little one, now is the time! It’s a great way to get them engaged with nature, teach patience, and create something beautiful together. Here are a few easy ways to begin:

1. Pick Easy-to-Grow Flowers or Herbs

Start with flowers that grow quickly and are hard to mess up. Some great options:

Marigolds (bright and cheerful)
Sunflowers (huge and fun to watch grow)
Zinnias (hardy and colorful)
Lavender (smells amazing and attracts pollinators)
Basil, Mint, or Chives (easy-to-care-for herbs)

2. Get Kid-Friendly Tools

A small set of garden tools for kids makes it even more fun. Look for:

A child-sized watering can
A set of mini shovels and rakes
Cute, sturdy garden gloves

3. Set Up a Pollinator Corner

Help butterflies, bees, and birds thrive with:

Milkweed for monarch butterflies
Lavender, Coneflowers, or Bee Balm to attract bees
A hummingbird feeder with sugar-water nectar

4. Try a Simple DIY Project

Seed Starters – Fill mini cardboard pots with soil, plant seeds, and watch them sprout!
Painted Garden Rocks – Decorate stones to mark plants or just for fun.
DIY Bird Feeder – String peanut butter-covered pinecones with birdseed and hang them outside.

Final Thoughts

Spring is all about renewal, color, and fresh air, and gardening is the perfect way to soak it all in. Whether you’re planting flowers, feeding birds, or just adding a few beautiful touches to your home, I hope these finds bring a little joy and inspiration to your space.

Are you planting anything fun this year? Have a favorite gardening activity with your kids? Let me know — I’d love to hear about it!