Harry Potter World, Universal Studios, CA

A top Auntie Erin moment has been connecting with my two oldest nieces over Harry Potter, a series that was super meaningful to me growing up.

A kid who was picked on in middle school and high school, I could relate to Harry, and living vicariously through him, Ron, and Hermione made me feel braver in real life.

Earlier this month, my sister, the two girls, and I donned our coordinating Hogwarts house t-shirts (yes, I took the sorting hat quiz) and flew to California to immerse ourselves in the world of Harry Potter at Universal Studios.

The amount of detail in every element of the park, from the names of the snacks available for purchase to the staff costumes to the music that played throughout, brought the books to life.

We researched very little about the rides in advance to keep the experience a surprise.

Said surprise backfired when our first ride of the day turned out to be a virtual reality dragon/demon/high-speed broomstick experience that scared poor C (the younger of the two girls) to tears and gave everyone but me motion sickness.

Oops. Aunt of the Year award coming no time soon.

We recovered with butterbeers (like a butterscotch cream soda) for the kids and real beers (necessary by 10:30 a.m. when with two energetic children at a theme park) for the adults.

The next day, we hiked to the Hollywood sign, then visited Venice Beach, where the girls saw the ocean for the first time.

I didn’t even dip a toe in the water (the Pacific is FREEZING), but the girls happily splashed about as if it was bathtub temperature.

Kansas City, KS

I hate seeing one sister without seeing the other, so for Easter, I popped down to Kansas City to see my youngest sister and her two girls.

We brunched, baked bunny-shaped sourdough, took the girls to a neighborhood egg hunt, and my sister and I had a night on the town.

My brother-in-law treated us to homemade pasta, and I contributed my Extremely Excellent Spaghetti Sauce.

Food, family, love. What more can you ask for in a weekend?

Milwaukee, WI

We’re back in Milwaukee for four days before we embark on a 40th birthday adventure (more on that soon!), and we’ve been spending as much time with friends as we can.

As much as I love Park City and am trying to build new relationships there, nothing replaces friends who’ve known you for decades.

Brunch, drinks, dinner, lunch, dinner, more drinks, more dinner, backyard hangs, late-night chats, cookies, cake…it’s been a soul (and belly) filling four days.

Skirt That Feels Like Leggings. I cannot get over this skirt from AYR, a brand I discovered on my hunt for the perfect white button-down. I’ve worn it with a tee running errands, a sweatshirt on the plane, and a sweater out to dinner. It looks polished but is as comfy as a pair of leggings.

Jeans That Are Literal Sweatpants. Do not let circa 2009 jeggings turn you away from the viral sweatpant jeans. I have worn them at least three days a week since I’ve gotten them. I can hang in them all day, they look like real jeans, and they even make your booty look cute. 10/10.

A Perfect T-Shirt (SALE!). I’m on a bit of a quest for good quality, heavy-weight tees that wash well. This one is 30% off for JCrew Friends & Family, and it’s so good. Cropped but not too cropped, and the sleeve length gives it some style.

Perfume Sampler. After years of wearing the same scent, I’ve found myself wanting to switch it up for something more elevated. I am super sensitive to smells (most perfumes give me headaches), so Lake & Skye’s set was a bit of a revelation. Nothing is too sweet or strong, and I love having the minis to find my perfect scent. My favorites are the 11 11 and Santal Gray. Would make a great Mother’s Day gift!

The Dress I’m Wearing All Summer. Light and breezy, flattering, and comes in lots of colors.

Eye Mask for Side Sleepers. If you’re a side-sleeper like me, this $15 silk eye mask is so much more comfortable and does a better job blocking the light compared to standard masks. I’ve been getting better sleep since using it.

Drugstore Eyelash Primer. I really dislike additional makeup steps, but after seeing the difference in lash length and volume that this product makes, it’s well worth the extra 30 seconds.

Mostly French Cookbook. French cuisine isn’t all heavy sauces and butter. This lovely cookbook adapts bright Proveçal cooking (think sun-kissed Mediterranean: olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, fresh herbs) for modern American kitchens.

Any morning that I work out in our condo gym, a certain man is already there, with his complete office set up. He has a laptop, a monitor displaying stock prices, a charging deck, and a headset he wears while taking loud personal and work calls. Ben and I privately refer to him as “The Day Trader.”

He’s been setting up shop in the gym for years, despite clearly posted rules stating calls are to be taken outside. Residents (including myself) have complained to management, and gym rule reminder emails have been sent, but he’s done nothing to change his behavior.

For the most part, I blast my headphones and ignore him, but it really bothers me to see him flagrantly disrespecting rules and not giving consideration to others using the gym. But, because I see him in there almost every day, I can’t bring myself to confront him. I don’t want to deal with the awkwardness after the fact.

I know I should simply ignore him, but it drives me crazy. Am I being petty, or is this as annoying as I think it is?

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Easy, Natural-Looking Self Tanner. A breeze to apply and looks very subtle. 10% off with WELLPLATED.

Swimsuits for Grown Ups That Aren’t Frumpy. Quality, flattering, and no old lady vibes. 30% off with SUPER30ERIN.

Bras That Do Not Suck. I will sing the praises of this brand, which makes affordable, comfortable bras with pads that stay in place. Revelation! I just tried this one and this one and really like them both. 20% off with CLARKE20

Red Light Therapy Mask. Daily use of this red light mask (I strap it on while I go about my morning) has made my skin brighter and smoothed fine lines. 25% off with WELLPLATED. This is another great model (10% off with WELLPLATED).

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Bordeaux and Paris, France

I spent 10 days solo, taking immersive French courses in Bordeaux, France, then ended with a whirlwind weekend in Paris.

It’s the longest trip I’ve ever taken by myself by a long shot, and I did it in a foreign country, where I don’t speak the language fluently. I had a BLAST! And I learned a lot.

I shared about my trip in a lot of detail in this post. I won’t rehash it here, but it’s worth a read, for the inspiring comments if nothing else!

Park City, UT

Starting next week, I’m essentially traveling nonstop until the end of June for a mix of work trips, family visits, someone’s 40th birthday (me, it’s mine, eek!), and an annual girls trip.

It’s going to be definitely fun and probably exhausting.

So, before I launch into the chaos, I’m doing my best to make the most of the brief downtime at home:

Baking the world’s best banana bread and topping it with a generous smear of Kerrygold butter (worth it) and a big pinch of flaky salt.

Cleaning and waterproofing my shoes. I swear by THIS magical cleaner for white sneakers and this for keeping my suede boots looking their best (I waterproof 2x per year).

Dinner and a movie. I can’t remember the last time Ben and I went to the cinema for a blockbuster movie night. We had a Mexican feast, then saw Project Hail Mary. The cinematography is fantastic, and Ryan Gosling is my boyfriend excellent. Of course the book is better, but I think they did a super nice job.

Finding the perfect oversized white button down. I think I tried on 8 or 9 different styles and finally landed on THE ONE. It’s oversized without drowining, and the arms are fitted enough to feel feminine. It has a pretty back pleat and pointy collar. Love!

Taking advantage of local events, like the Range Rover House, a wild multi-day event in which you can shop for a six-figure car, drink cocktails, and get an IV under one roof. WILD. (No six-figure car was, or will be, purchased.)

Ordering my cappuccinos with whole milk. Really, there should be no other way.

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Pizza Dough Flavoring. Exceeded expectations! It made my favorite easy homemade pizza dough taste like a true pizza parlour crust.

Root Touch Up Kit. Haircuts and color in Utah are so expensive. Rather than shell out $300 every eight weeks (my grays really bug me), I finally took the plunge and colored my own roots. An experienced friend referred me to this brand. I couldn’t believe how fast and easy it was! Zero mess. I used shade 5N.

Strawberry Sleep Gummies (EARLY ACCESS!). My favorite brand just came out with a new strawberry flavor (not to hate on grape, but this is an upgrade). They don’t launch until Monday, but you can shop early with this link, plus get 15% off with WELLPLATED.

Unexpectedly Awesome Blush. I’ve switched over to cream blushes, because I find they give a much more natural color that makes it look like you’re glowing from within, vs. the color just sitting on top of your skin. Merit makes my fave (I use color Bespoke; it looks dark but is so pretty on). I apply it to this $5 brush, then use the brush to blend it into my skin.

An Elegant Insulated Coffee Mug. After one too many spills, I now only drink my coffee out of a cup with a lid (per my husband’s request). My gripe with other insulated mugs is that 1) I felt the coffee cooled too quickly, and 2) I didn’t like how wide and bulky most are (it’s the little things!). This one is more tall and thin, vs. wide, so it’s nice to hold and it keeps the coffee HOT. Plus, the see through lid for some reason makes the experience of sipping coffee better. 20% off with code SHOPMY20.

Chic Black Booties You Can Walk for Miles In (Literally, I did it). I purchased these Aerosoles before my trip to France, and I was so impressed! I walked for two to three miles in them at a time without achy feet the next day. The heel isn’t too high, and they’re actually supportive.

Cutest, Most Comfortable Sweater Set. The perfect transitional weight for spring, and it’s ridiculously comfortable. I am already questioning if I need a second colorway.

An Everyday Diamond Necklace. Quince has done it again with a high-quality piece at an excellent price. I haven’t taken this dainty necklace off since I got it (literally, I sleep and shower in it).

New LED Redlight Mask on the Market. Of everything I do for my skin, a red light mask makes the most consistent impact. I’m a huge fan of PMD’s products. I have the microderm skin pen (makes my skin so soft) and face-slimming band (it works). They came out with an LED mask that’s a lower price point than others. I haven’t tried it but if it’s anything like their other products, it’s good. 25% off with WELLPLATED. (This is the mask I have, also great! 10% off with WELLPLATED.)

I turn 40 in a month and am trying very hard to remain calm, which basically means thinking about it as little as possible.

I love my life. I am proud of the business I’ve built and the relationships I’ve nurtured. Say what you will about Millennials, but I do think we’re rewriting what 40 looks like. (Interesting article on that idea here.)

I don’t *think* I’m going to have a midlife crisis, because 1) I can’t wrap my head around being at the midpoint of my life, and 2) I still have so many things I want to do and see.

But yesterday, I got my second spontaneous cartilage piercing in the same month (sorry, Mom!). Could I be subconsciously freaking out? Time will tell.

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Amazon Big Spring Sale. I think a lot of Amazon’s “sales” are a sham, but there are a few real deals to be had, like this viral chopper, which saves me so much time when I’m making soups. I also stock up on basics like aluminum foil and garbage disposal, dishwasher, and washing machine cleaner. You can see all of my picks here.

Splendid: 30% Off Site Wide + an extra $15 off 150. Score deals on the most comfy cashmere joggers and super cute spring dresses. (Use codes FAMLOVE + SPECIAL15).

Bonus Serum. I’ve mentioned this ridiculously hydrating and lightweight moisturizer before (truly love). I’m mentioning it again because, through the weekend, you can get a bonus serum with any purchase from Calecium’s website. 15% off with WELLPLATED15.

Easy, Natural-Looking Self Tanner. This is a dream to apply and looks very subtle. 10% off with WELLPLATED.

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Latest Whereabouts

Park City - Plays, Pasta, and Scared-y Pups

It turns out that for me to stay put in the same city for a full month, that month just needs to be shorter than all the rest. (Don’t worry, I’m headed to Europe next month! My passport is itchy, and so I am.)

As much as I love to be on the go, I’m also a huge proponent of romanticizing everyday life and of playing tourist in your hometown. It keeps life fresh and the wonder alive.

Staying put for 4 consecutive weeks has enabled us to make the most of a cozy time in, the highlight of which has been Ben’s homemade pasta adventures.

The first attempt went into the trash (his choice, not mine), which prompted us to order this pasta maker attachment for our stand mixer. It made all the difference!

I’ve also ressureccted St. Germain, my pandemic sourdough starter. My latest loaf was jalapeno cheddar, which I served with turkey chili. ‘Twas king of winter meals.

Between my bread, Ben’s pasta, and these Brown Butter Toffee Cookies, we are thriving, not just surviving the winter weather.

My sisters came for a weekend in Park City, and we did our utmost to tear up the town, despite both of them coming down sick at different points.

A highlight was a rooftop après ski party at The Pendry Hotel. Judging from the amount of diamonds and fur most of the attendees were wearing, it was clear that not much actual skiing had occurred.

The only person NOT loving being at home is Teddy.

We had our first significant snowfall of the year (finally!), and that means the avalanche guns are back to firing every morning. The noise scares the poor boy to death.

He either is hiding in a closet (or under my bathroom drawer) or he needs to have a body part touching me at all times. Work-from-home parents with young children, I don’t know how you do it!

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Mini-Vacations <1 Hour From Home

Park City is an international ski destination, and that comes with some mega perks.

Ben and I were spoiled to be treated to a night’s stay and fabulous dinner at two area resorts, The Chateaux Deer Valley and The Inn at Sundance.

Even though we were only away for one night at each, there is something about being out of your own house that screams “VACATION, BABY!” even if you barely leave your zipcode.

As someone who (to quote Ben) “sucks at leisure,” I’ve never been good at staycations.

I find it more relaxing to do laundry than I do to lounge on my couch, because I will inevitably lie there thinking about my laundry pile.

A night at an in-town hotel, however? It feels like a mini-vacation. You couldn’t do laundry even if you wanted to, and someone else will make the bed.

It’s also way easier to pack, because you can just dump your top bathroom drawer in your suitcase, no TSA approval required.

If you’re visiting Park City, definitely check out Cena for an Italian dinner. The entire restaurant just got a facelift, and it is gorgeous.

The last time we went, both the food and the decor felt dated. A new exec chef is at the wheel, and I loved the changes. The menu was still comforting in the ways you want Italian food to be, but it didn’t feel stuck in 1985.

And for a getaway outside of Park City, I fell completely in love with Sundance resort. It was established by Robert Redford in 1969 as a place for people to connect with art and nature, and that spirit is very much alive.

A stream rushes through the property, you are nestled at the foot of one of the tallest mountains in Utah (I actually hiked it this summer!), and there are plenty of places to cozy up with a book.

We had fantastic cocktails at The Owl Bar, which was allegedly frequented by Butch Cassidy. Because the liquor laws in Utah are so strict, it’s harder than it should be to find a good drink.

The amount of base spirit allowed in a cocktail is very limited, and rather than hand patrons a half-empty glass (you don’t realize how tiny 1 ounce of vodka looks until you order a Utah martini), a lot of bars add extra juices or other fillers. It takes serious creativity to come up with a cocktail that tastes like the real deal, and Owl Bar nailed it.

The Tree Room was the original resort restaurant, and it’s something special. I rarely order steak, and this one was worth every juicy bite. If you’re looking for a special occasion, I can’t think of a better spot. (Hmmm, it’s our anniversary next month…)

Things I Tried and Liked

Stop Spammers From Selling Your Info. I recently purchased DeleteMe, a service that removes personal info from data broker sites (the sketchy ones that sell your data to spammers). It’s been running in the background for 2 months, and I’ve already seen fewer spam calls and texts. If you are concerned with online privacy, it’s a great investment. Get 20% off with this link and PARTNER20.

A $20 Beauty Product that Softens Skin Overnight. My friend Brandy introduced me to this product, and I noticed a difference immediately. You use it at night right after cleansing. It softens skin and also allows your other products to absorb more effectively.

Easy-to-Apply, Streak-Free Self-Tanner. While certainly not necessary to life (what fun things are?), self-tanner cheers my mood in the winter. This one is unique! It’s lightweight, doesn’t smell, and the applicator brush makes it seamless to apply. The color lasts for nearly a week and looks subtle and natural. Get 10% off with WELLPLATED10.

A Better Alarm Clock. After hearing about Hatch alarms from multiple friends, I finally gave one a try. WOW. The light wakes you up gently, the sound options are plentiful, and it also acts as a white noise machine should you choose. If you struggle to fall asleep, you can customize a wind-down routine with soft music. I am really digging feeling less groggy and more pleasant when I get out of bed.

True Botanicals Pure Radiance Face Oil. Teenage me would be horrified that I rub oil all over my face twice a day, but I love this stuff! I battle dry skin in the winter, and putting this on just before this amazing moisturizer has made a noticeable difference in my skin’s hydration and glow. I use both morning and night.

Sticky Cleavage-Boost Bra. Can we all agree that strapless bras are a form of torture? For my fellow small-busted ladies, this comfortable adhesive will have you looking your best, and it’s comfortable too. Get 21% off with WELLPLATED. (And if you don’t have these yet, this is your sign. Same discount applies.)

Confessional

I spent my entire life thinking the name of a figure skating jump was “sow-cow” until this year’s Olympics, when the screen displayed its correct name: “salchow.” Anyone else?

While I’m not usually one for watching sports for hours, the humanity, sacrifice, and stories of the Olympics are truly unique.

From tearing up when bobsledders Elana Meyers Taylor and Kaillie Humphries Armbruster (two moms in their 40s) went gold and bronze in women’s monobob (and Meyers Taylor stopped to sign to her deaf sons before she bothered to wave to the cameras), to cheering myself horse when Alysa Liu finished her gold-medal routine with a “That’s what I’m f@*%ing talking about!”, to the women’s hockey gold, it was a wonderful few weeks of escaping reality and feeling a sense of global unity that’s desperately lacking elsewhere.

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In Case You Missed It: New Posts This Month

Discounts & Resources

Thicker Hair, Please! Big believer in Nutrafol here. I take it daily, and my hair is noticeably thicker. Use this link for up to $106 off your first order.

Microderm Pen. I paid $$ for a microderm facial, only to discover that this at-home device does the same thing! I also am a fan of their face-slimming band (sounds crazy but works).

Gummies That Help You Sleep. 20% off with WELLPLATED. Even my mom is a fan! This is an alternative brand I also like (also 20% off with WELLPLATED).

Viverelle. First month free with ERINCLARKE. Rent luxury handbags and designer jewelry.

Flattering Swimsuits That Aren’t Frumpy. 30% off with SUPER30ERIN. My sister, girlfriends, and I all own at least one Albion Fit suit and swear by them!

Bras You Won’t Hate. 20% off with WELLPLATED20. This bra where the pads stay in place is a best seller every month.

CurrentBody. 10% off withWELLPLATED. I’ve been using this LED Mask for 6 months, and my skin is glowing.

Calecim. 15% off with WELLPLATED15. This face cream saves winter-ravaged skin.

The Noli Shop. 25% off with code WELLPLATED25. I get SO many compliments on these silk cargo pants, that I bought a second pair, and one for my mom! The website overall has unique pieces that add polish and personality to your wardrobe.

ZIIP Halo. 10% off with WELLPLATED. Microcurrent device that tightens and brightens your skin. Check out September’s coffee chat to see my face before and after using it.

My Amazon Storefront. Ever wonder what products I use in my own kitchen? You can find them all in my easy-to-shop storefront.

Caraway. 10% off with code WELLPLATED, which you can stack with any of their other promotions. Nontoxic nonstick pans with a cult following (and they are so pretty!).

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Latest Whereabouts

Hokkaido, Japan

Hello from Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan! We’re almost done with our 10-day ski extravaganza, and our trip coincided with an absolutely epic snowstorm. We’re talking waist-deep powder (some resorts got so much snow, they can’t even open!).

Ben is in heaven and plotting to move here for the remainder of winter (only semi-kidding; I’m staying inside today because my legs are toast, and he’s looking at moving flights to stay longer #marriage). I’ll be sharing more soon!

In the meantime, you can read more about what previously made Japan one of the most special places we’ve ever visited (and why it needs to be on your bucket list!) below:

Park City, UT

Unfortunately, I spent a chunk of the little time we had at home between the holidays and Japan with the flu. It turns out it took down half of my family after Christmas too. Nothing says “togetherness” like all walking away with the same illness, LOL!

Other than the unwanted souvenir, however, Christmas was lovely. Catch up below (feels like forever ago, doesn’t it?):

Fortunately, I recovered just in time for New Year’s Eve, and I have to say, our late-30s/early-40s group really crushed it.

We arrived at the most popular bar in Park City at 5:30 p.m. where we got the best table, then spent the next several hours watching the line to get in grow longer and longer outside in the cold.

By the time we left at 9:30, the line was down the block, and people were offering the bouncer $1,000 for entry.

Meanwhile, we cool kids were in bed before midnight. I woke up the next morning and went skiing. FELT GREAT.

Los Angeles, CA

This marked my second year in a row attending Tastemaker, the largest conference for food bloggers.

The sessions were only semi-valuable, but that wasn’t the point. One of the most wonderful surprises to come from food blogging is that it brought me some of my best friends.

Tastemaker gives us a business-expensable reason to all be in the same place, eat great food, and stay up way too late giggling in the hotel lobby. I also got to meet some long-time partners (like my amazing tech support) in person for the first time.

I also wasn’t repping Well Plated solo. Brenna, who is my right hand at Well Plated (she was recently promoted to Director of Operations, congrats Brenna!), attended with me. I loved getting to hang with her in person.

She also deserves major cred for holding her own amongst my group of lovably rowdy pals.

Things I Tried and Liked

My Most Worn Winter Skirt. I bought this washable silk skirt on a whim and have been wearing it non-stop! It looks adorable with chunky sweaters (I pair it with this comfy turtleneck) and more fitted shirts like this bodysuit, as seen above. It also comes in a midi-length and maxi-length.

Viral Facelifting Massage Band. I feel self-conscious about how wide my face is on the bottom (I know, groooan, but we all have our insecurities, ok?). This strap sends vibrations that tighten skin (think of it like a workout for your face). My face looks immediately slimmer after use! What a time to be alive.

Beautiful Every Occasion Eyeshadow Palette. I haven’t been this excited about new makeup in a long time! You can keep it easy and swipe one of the neutrals all over your lid, or glam it up with some of the deeper shades and shimmers.

CURED Dream Gummies. I’ve been trying a few brands of sleep gummies (all melatonin-free, as I don’t want to build up a tolerance), and these are a new favorite. 20% off with code WELLPLATED.

Face Cream for Extremely Dry Skin. Skiing is giving my skin a BEATING. I recently tried this moisturizer, and I adore it. It feels super hydrating but isn’t oily or greasy, and the smell is light and pleasant. (15% off with code WELLPLATED15).

Life Changing Deodorant. I try to use the phrase “life-changing” sparingly but honestly, this has improved my quality of daily life at a personal level that deserves the hyperbole. I’d heard of this brand for years, but thought no way am I paying that much. When my incredibly practical and tasteful friend Abby told me it was worth it, I took the plunge. WOW, was she right.

Rentable Luxury Brands. I am a huge fan of rental fashion, preferring to invest in a few high-quality pieces (like this emotional support sweater I’ve been wearing almost every day in Japan), then rent more fun, trendy items to keep my wardrobe fresh. I recently got to try out Viverelle, which brings rental accessibility to luxury goods. Dreaming of carrying a Chanel handbag or wearing a Cartier necklace? You can rent those brands and many more! Get your first month free with code ERINCLARKE.

Confessional

Heated Rivalry (the super-spicy HBO mini-series starring ultra-hot, closeted hockey players based on this book series), is drowning me with its fervor, and I have zero desire to be rescued.

I don’t watch much television, so I’m pretty picky about the shows I invest my time in, and I am already halfway through a rewatch. I have a dedicated “HR” text thread with my girlfriends, routinely check the hashtag #heatedrivalry, and I am now getting Instagram ads for merchandise.

Is anyone else watching? I’d love to hear what you think!

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In Case You Missed It

We’re talking a trip back to Well Plated’s earliest days, and I’m sharing what it’s like to be blogging right now. If you cook from food blogs, it’s a must-read.

Discounts & Resources

Gummies That Help You Sleep Through the Night. 20% off with WELLPLATED. Even my mom is a fan! This is an alternative brand I also like (also 20% off with WELLPLATED).

Viverelle. First month free with ERINCLARKE. Rent luxury handbags and designer jewelry.

Flattering Swimsuits That Aren’t Frumpy. 30% off with SUPER30ERIN. My sister, girlfriends, and I all own at least one Albion Fit suit and swear by them!

Bras & Undies You Won’t Hate: NEIWAI. 20% off with WELLPLATED20. This bra where the pads stay in place is a best seller every month!

The Noli Shop. 25% off with code WELLPLATED25. I get SO many compliments on these silk cargo pants, that I bought a second pair, and one for my mom! They’re my fave for travel (see photo above), because they are as comfy as pajamas but look chic. The website overall has unique pieces that add polish and personality to your wardrobe.

Nutrafol. WORKS to thicken hair when taken daily. Save $50 on your first shipment with this link. I’ve taken it for 2 years and see a noticeable difference in my hair volume.

CurrentBody. 10% off withWELLPLATED. I’ve been using this LED Mask for 6 months, and my skin is GLOWING.

Calecim. 15% off with WELLPLATED15. This face cream saves winter-ravaged skin.

ZIIP Halo. 10% off with WELLPLATED. Microcurrent device that tightens and brightens your skin. Check out September’s coffee chat to see my face before and after using it.

My Amazon Storefront. Ever wonder what products I use in my own kitchen? You can find them all in my easy-to-shop storefront.

Caraway. 10% off with code WELLPLATED, which you can stack with any of their other promotions. Nontoxic nonstick pans with a cult following (and they are so pretty!).

If you enjoyed reading this, give this post a quick ❤️

Leave a comment! Tell me one thing you liked (or didn’t!) about this post👇🏼

If you know someone who would enjoy this article, go ahead and forward it to them 💌

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Latest Wherabouts

San Francisco, CA

Ben and I headed out west to visit his sister Maria and her partner, both stellar chefs at this incredible restaurant in SF.

Whenever we’re together, Ben’s mom begs us to take a group photo, so for her Christmas present, his sister had the brilliant idea to book a session at the Bay Area’s lone remaining JCPenney photo studio.

The photographer took one look at us in our matching black turtlenecks and acid-wash jeans and said, “You’re doing awkward, right?”

Mission accomplished.

Per usual, Maria took us to some bar and restaurant GEMS (nothing beats going out with a chef!). I added them to my San Francisco guide, so be sure to check it out!

Napa, CA

After our day in “the City” (locals DO NOT like it when you call it “San Fran”), we headed to wine country to check off a life bucket list meal: dinner at The French Laundry, a three-star Michelin restaurant and one of the most famous places to dine in the world.

The entire experience was magnificent, and made even more special because we enjoyed it with two chefs who could uniquely appreciate the skill, care, and preparation that went into each dish. We also got a tour of the kitchen.

It’s hard to say in good faith that The French Laundry is “worth it” because it is Just. So. Expensive. You can have a lot of incredible meals in Northern California for a lot less. But was it one of the most memorable meals of my life? Absolutely. Would I go back in a few years if the opportunity presented itself? I would.

We did a little wine tasting in Napa also, which gave me the chance to update my Napa guide. It’s come together quite nicely, if I do say so myself.

Kansas City, KS

My sister Elaine took up the mantle of hosting Christmas this year, a role that belonged to our Grammy up until her passing.

This was our first Christmas cooking without her, and we were determined to do her traditional spread justice.

I showed up two days early to help cook, Elaine set a stunning table, and our whole family dressed up for Christmas Eve dinner, just like we did when Grammy was alive.

The food was incredible (Grammy, we did you proud!), but what really mattered most to me was how everyone took time out of their busy lives just to hang out.

We played games, essentially had mimosas on tap, and I got to soak up time with my six nieces, sisters, Mom and step dad, BILs, and my Uncle RD, who came all the way from London!

Spending your first Christmas without someone…is hard. Heck, it’s my 20th(!) Christmas without my dad, and it still sucks.

I wrote an article about grief at the holidays, and the responses were incredible. Thank you for meeting my vulnerability with your own. It’s pretty special. You can read it here.

My Favorite Finds of 2025

One of the perks of being a “influencer” (that word still makes me cringe when I use it to refer to myself) is that I get to try A LOT of products. Less than a quarter of them ever make it to my monthly “Things I Tried and Liked” section, because I am VERY picky about what I share.

Of everything that I was sent (or bought myself) this year, these are my top 10 items I’ll be repurchasing in 2026.

In no particular order:

CurrentBody LED Facemask. Of all of the serums, moisturizers, and gadgets I was sent this year, this has made the biggest single difference in the appearance of my skin. It’s clearer, brighter, and firmer. Get 10% off with code WELLPLATED.

NEIWAI Bras. How had I never heard of this brand before? The pads actually stay in place, and they are sooo comfy, I pretty much forget I have them on, which for me = 10/10. Get 20% off with code CLARKE20.

Earlybird CBD Gummies. These help me sleep through the night and have been a huge hit with Well Plated readers, including my mom!

Life-Changing Deodorant. I had heard about this deodorant for years, but refused to buy it because it seemed ridiculously expensive. I finally tried it, and I GET IT. No sweat (it has a high percentage of the active antiperspirant ingredient), the scent is light and pleasant, and it doesn’t burn or feel wet the way other clinical strength deodorants can.

SNIF Candles. My friend Rachel has been talking about these for years, and now that I've tried them myself, I GET IT. They burn clean, the scents are intoxicatingly delicious, and the scent fills up our whole condo. My favorites so far are Mornings at Levain (smells like coffee and baking cookies) and Apple Cider Smash (I’ll burn this year-round).

Blueland Dishwasher Tablets. I’ve been trying to cut microplastics and chemical cleaners out of my life and (the more I read, the more I realize how important this is), but let’s be real: a lot of “natural” cleaning products don’t work. These actually do!

“Get Ready with Me” Headband. Just $5! It went viral on TikTok, and my sister convinced me to try it. LOVE! It’s a great way to hold your hair back when doing your makeup or washing your face. I love it because if my hair’s already styled (I usually blowdry before doing makeup), it doesn’t mess it up.

Fabric Shaver. Removes pills in sweaters, upholstery, leggings, and more! This has given new life to my wardrobe and made me fall in love with older pieces again. It’s an ideal tool since fast fashion is on my “out” list for 2026.

Rothy’s Clogs. These have become my everyday shoe. They’re super comfy, easy to kick on and off, and work well with both jeans and leggings. They’re my go-to whenever I’m running errands or meeting friends for casual drinks. Honorable mention from the same brand: the comfortable flats that go with everything.

MERIT Lip Oil. Moisturizing like lip balm and shiny like a lip gloss (but not sticky!), with a flush of natural-looking pigment, I now always have this in my purse. Works for both everyday and nights out. (Fave color: Marrakesh). Honorable mention from the same brand: This combo SPF and tinted moisturizer. Great alternative to foundation if you don’t want heavy coverage and knocks out daily sunscreen at the same time.

Honorable Mention

The “It” Waterbottle. I never thought I’d replace my Stanley, but this one has taken the crown. Why? It closes to be 100% leak-proof (like a Nalgene) but has a hidden inner straw (so you can sip it easily like a Stanley).

The Perfect Linen Shorts. I know it’s winter, but believe me, you’re going to want these the moment the weather warms. They’re just the right length, resist wrinkling surprisingly well, and are so comfy and flattering.

World’s Softest PJs. I am not usually one to spend all day in my PJs, but I don’t want to take these off! They’re lightweight and feel luxurious for the price. I also got a men’s set for Ben for Christmas, and he loves them.

2025 Reading Recap

I read 32 books this year (my goal was 30!), and I’m already working on a roundup of my annual favorites to share soon.

Here are my picks from the first half of the year:

A Personal Note

This year has been the hardest of 13+ years as a food blogger. AI overviews are decimating traffic, social algorithms only show my posts to a tiny fraction of followers, and everyone wants a one-line fix—but it’s not that simple.

Writing these posts for Substack has revived my creative energy because I get to share my actual life with you. And to everyone who’s been cooking from Well Plated—thank you! It means everything. Every time you go to WellPlated.com instead of settling for a Frankenstein AI recipe mashup on a Google search page or ChatGPT, you’re helping my business survive.

If you’ve been enjoying these coffee chats, please consider becoming a paid subscriber if you’re not already. Your support makes a real difference.

Thank you for being here. Truly!

Discounts & Resources

Flattering Swimsuits That Aren’t Frumpy. 30% off with SUPER30ERIN. My sister, girlfriends, and I all own at least one Albion Fit suit and swear by them!

Bras that Don’t Suck: NEIWAI. 20% off with WELLPLATED20. They make my new fave bras (the cups stay in place, HALLELUJAH!). I’ve heard from dozens of you who’ve tried them and love them too.

Nutrafol. WORKS to thicken hair when taken daily! $50 your first shipment with this link. I’ve taken it for 2 years and see a noticeable difference in my hair volume.

CurrentBody. 10% off with code WELLPLATED. I’ve been using this LED Mask for 5 months, and I happier with my skin than I have been in years.

ZIIP Halo. 10% off with WELLPLATED. Check out September’s coffee chat to see my face before and after using.

My Amazon Storefront. Ever wonder what products I use in my own kitchen? You can find them all in my easy-to-shop storefront.

etúHOME. 20% off with code WELLPLATED20. Makers of the most stunning kitchen and dining products.

Caraway. 10% off with code WELLPLATED, which you can stack with any of their other promotions. These pans are a breeze to clean, non-toxic, and very pretty.

If you enjoyed reading this, give this post a quick ❤️

Leave a comment! Tell me one thing you liked (or didn’t!) about this post👇🏼

If you know someone who would enjoy this article, go ahead and forward it to them 💌

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This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on one to make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for helping to support my small business by shopping with these links.

Latest Whereabouts

Cabo, Mexico

Waiting to check the weather forecast until you’re leaving for the airport isn’t the smartest move, as we learned right before taking off into Hurricane Priscilla.

After canceling a bucket list hiking trip to the Alps to celebrate Ben’s 40th due to his lingering hip and knee injuries, we pivoted to do two short scuba diving trips in October and November.

WELLLL, it turns out if you arrive on the tail end of a hurricane, the ocean takes days to calm and scuba boats won’t go out, even if the weather appears to be cleared up.

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Thus, we spent the first two days of our trip having what felt like a very expensive staycation in our 5-star resort room (we were upgraded and had an entire villa to ourselves, which makes more sense when you consider the weather).

I did a video tour of it on Instagram, where I sounded decidedly unhinged, because I was so excited.

When you don’t have kids, you don’t tend to do things like take family photos, and so two days before we left, I booked a photographer to do a quick mini session with us.

These are the first non-cookbook-related professional photos we’ve gotten together since our wedding 13 ½ years ago. I’m so happy we decided to do it (and that the rain let up long enough to give us the chance!).

Chicago, IL

I popped down to Chicago from Milwaukee (it’s a quick 75-minute train ride) for a two-day mini-conference hosted by my ad network. They’re the ones who handle all the ads on my site (we each get a cut), which is how I’ve made a living creating free recipes for Well Plated for more than a decade.

The meeting brought together their executive team and a group of my fellow content publishers to talk about AI and where things are headed—which, let’s be honest, nobody really knows. It was useful to hear what they’re seeing across the industry and to compare notes with other creators who are dealing with the same traffic drops and social media pressures. When your mortgage depends on Google not randomly deciding your site is garbage one Tuesday, these conversations matter.

If you want to support creators during this scary AI transition (we’ve seen our traffic drop significantly), the best thing you can do is actually click through to our websites instead of just reading the AI summary at the top of Google. We only get paid (and thus pay our mortgages and our teams) when you visit our actual sites.❤️

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Milwaukee, WI

Now that we spend most of our time in Park City, our trips to Milwaukee are a solid back-to-back-to-back of spending time catching up with the friends we’ve grown close to over our last decade here, as well as frequenting our favorite local spots.

For us that means LOTS of eating and drinking, including on weeknights, because sometimes that’s just how schedules go.

To go along with our play hard, I’ve been working VERY hard on a special project…and you all are the first people to see it!

Meet the 2025 Well Plated Ultimate Thanksgiving Playbook!

I’ve released versions of this guide over the years, but this one is special. Not only is it the best one I’ve ever done—I am prepared to say it’s the best Thanksgiving planner out there, period.

It’s FREE, and comes complete with a dish-by-dish prep guide, turkey roasting cheat sheet, recipes, grocery lists, and even a Thanksgiving week checklist to help you stay sane.

This is my 17th year hosting Friendsgiving, and this guide is everything I wish someone had created for me all along. I hope you love it too!

Things I Tried and Liked

I found so many gems this month!! Can’t wait to share.

Sweater shaver with 92,500 5-star reviews. Years ago, I invested in this Jenni Kayne cashmere sweater (before I discovered this fantastic dupe) and, thanks to wearing it almost every single week, it’s pilled. This $13 fabric shaver made it look like new. See the before/afters above.

Replacement candle wicks. I shared these over on Instagram and the response was massive! When your candle wick burns all the way down, but you still have wax on the sides, just pop it into a low oven (250°F) to melt the wax, remove the old wick (I use long tweezers), and lower the new wick in. I hold it in place with a wooden spoon balanced across the top (see video above). The wax sets around the new wick, and you get hours of additional burn time.

Levain cookie candle. Speaking of candles, this one smells like freshly baking cookies and coffee, and I want to cuddle up with it. Hello, gift list!

Fabulous silk cargo pants (25% OFF!). Ever since I read a New York Times article on what chic editors wear to travel, I’ve been obsessed with the idea of silk cargo pants. The ones linked in the article were almost $500 (I’m all for a wise clothing investment, but that was too far). Then, I discovered The Noli Shop on Instagram, and I think their pieces are so beautiful and unique. I’ve been wearing these around the house with a white sweatshirt, out to dinner with heels, and you better believe I’ll be sporting them when we fly to London next month. I reached out to them, and they’re offering 25% off with code WELLPLATED25, whoo hooo!

I’m cheating on my Stanley. OK, I admit the ever-viral Stanley has flaws (like not being able to toss it into your bag without it spilling everywhere), but I was hooked on having the straw and how refreshingly cold it keeps my water (I drink so much more water that way). Enter this Owala bottle! It has a built-in straw hiding under the lid and keeps liquids ice cold. The design is brilliant.

Really great shampoo. My hair is both fine and frizzy (a fun combo) and I struggle to find clean-ingredient shampoo that can smooth and volumize it at the same time. I recently tried ROZ, and I loooove it! Female-owned brand, smells fantastic, and the eco-friendly bottles are refillable.

The Diplomat. Ben and I plowed through Season 2 during our hurricane “staycation” and Season 3 is just as good so far.

Erin’s Random Musings

Was trick-or-treat on Halloween night for you growing up? It was for us, so when I moved to Milwaukee and learned it’s always moved to the Saturday afternoon before Halloween, I have to say, I was bummed.

So many of my core memories revolve around trying to figure out how to make my costume visible under my winter coat while we trekked door to door amassing candy that my sisters and I would later spread out on the floor to barter over.

I know it had to make our parents (and our teachers the next day) exhausted, but I do feel like some magic is lost when it’s moved to a non-holiday afternoon. Do you agree?

Confessional

Given that we’re heading into the holidays (or are they already here?), I’m trying to figure out how I want to take care of myself in the coming months. Logically (and let’s be real, physically these days), I know multiple glasses of wine on a Wednesday night aren’t wise, but when I’m out having a great time with friends—as I have been almost every night this week trying to get quality time with everyone before we head back to Park City—it’s hard to draw the line.

I don’t like having set rules around food or alcohol because I don’t consider either of those things bad. Food and wine are two of my life’s greatest pleasures.

I’m still figuring it out, but I want to get better about listening to that little voice inside my head that says, “Do you actually want this right now?” I’m also going to try waiting an extra few minutes before ordering another glass of wine to see if the craving fades. As I found out on Tuesday at dinner, if you can politely say no, five minutes later, you may realize you didn’t “need” it like you thought you did.

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Discounts & Resources

Bras that Don’t Suck: NEIWAI. 20% off with WELLPLATED20. They make my new fave bras (the cups stay in place, HALLELUJAH!). I’ve heard from dozens of you who’ve tried them and love them too.

Nutrafol. WORKS to thicken hair when taken daily! $50 your first shipment with this link. I’ve taken it for 2 years and see a noticeable difference in my hair volume.

CurrentBody. 10% with code WELLPLATED. I’ve been using this LED Mask for 5 months, and I happier with my skin than I have been in years.

EarlyBird Sleep Gummies. 20% off with WELLPLATED20. Loving these.

ZIIP Halo. 10% off with WELLPLATED. Check out September’s coffee chat to see my face before and after using.

My Amazon Storefront. Ever wonder what products I use in my own kitchen? You can find them all in my easy-to-shop storefront.

etúHOME. 20% off with code WELLPLATED20. Makers of the most stunning kitchen and dining products.

Caraway. 10% off with code WELLPLATED, which you can stack with any of their other promotions. These pans are a breeze to clean, non-toxic, and very pretty.

If you enjoyed reading this, give this post a quick ❤️

Leave a comment! Tell me one thing you liked (or didn’t!) about this post👇🏼

If you know someone who would enjoy this article, go ahead and forward it to them 💌

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This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on one to make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for helping to support my small business by shopping with these links.

Latest Whearabouts

Denver, CO

In a recent French lesson, my teacher surmised that our favorite music is what we loved when we were teenagers, because it brings us back to a chapter of deep emotions and discovery. For her, it’s Supertramp; for me, it’s Third Eye Blind.

Their original album was one of only a handful of CDs my dad owned, and my sisters and I listened to it on repeat with him during long drives.

The music still holds a special place in all of our hearts, to the extent that we’ve seen “3EB” multiple times over the years, just never all together…until this past weekend.

Jumping up and down with my sisters and screaming all the lyrics to “Motorcycle Driveby,” “Wounded,” and of course “Semi-Charmed Life” will forever be one of my favorite nights and a core memory.

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We also squeezed in some hikes and ice cream with two of my nieces. These girls are 7 and 10 years old and scrambled up the mountain like spunky goats. Way to go, ladies!

Park City, UT

Today might be the official first day of fall, but between buying my favorite Trader Joe’s cookies, burning this delicious candle, and attending a beer festival at Deer Valley, I’ve transitioned into full-on autumn mode.

Is it just me, or do fall leaves never seem to stay on the trees long enough?

I’m soaking in as much of their beauty as I can, mostly in the form of hiking and taking 1,000 pictures. Of course, none of them do the real thing justice.

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Football is back, and I swear to myself each year that THIS is going to be the year I better understand strategy (Why is the defense in Cover 2? What IS Cover 2?) so I can enjoy watching the plays unfold.

Here’s how it’s going:

Maybe I’ll just dedicate my (clearly limited) focus to the football snacks.

Ben turned the big 4-0 this month!

We spent some time reminiscing and digging through a goldmine of photos from his four decades of life. Please enjoy this 2005 throwback of us at our first dance together.

And now, please enjoy the graphic design that two of our best friends gifted Ben. The kids pictured are our honorary nephews.

Note that “Super Aunt Erin” is holding a glass of wine. Clearly, my super strengths are no secret.

To celebrate, Ben wanted to get his PADI open water scuba diving certification.

Not one to be left behind (or to miss a tropical vacation complete with visiting coral reefs and seeing pretty fish), I’m joining him.

So far, we’ve completed a 15-hour e-learning course (which triggered stressful memories of cramming in the Notre Dame library), and I passed a 200-yard swim test.

Considering a lifeguard once paced beside me as I was swimming laps because my form was so bad, he was nervous I’d drown, this is a big deal. PHEW!

Like many kids, I went through a phase of wanting to be a marine biologist, so Young Erin is very thrilled about the adventure.

Things I Tried and Liked

ZIIP Halo. This microcurrent claims to tighten skin, give you an instant lifted appearance, and have long-term anti-aging benefits. They sent it to me to try, and per usual, I went in thinking it was pure marketing and…I think it actually works. The difference is subtle but if you look at the (100% unfiltered) photo of me above, you can decide for yourself (I’m pointing to the side I used the device on; the other side I had not). It’s $, but you can get 10% off with code WELLPLATED if you want to invest.

I’m Still Talking About This Bra. Mentioning this again, because now you can get 20% off any NEIWAI products with code WELLPLATED20! Super comfy, no underwire, and the pads STAY IN PLACE.

Rare Sale on these Comfy Jeans. (pictured above) Not too skinny, not too wide, and just right. FRAME is rarely discounted, but until 9/28 you can get 25% off site-wide during their Friends & Family sale. This is the time to purchase if you’re considering investing in some high-quality, flattering jeans that will last for years. For a wider cut, I LOVE their Le Slim Palazzo jean.

Favorite Fall Sweater Dress. I originally ordered in the Oatmeal color, then Instagram-sourced if I should keep or return. The overwhelming consensus was KEEP but exchange for the Mocha color. Done and LOVE! Looking forward to dressing this up or down all fall.

DIY PSL. This sugar-free pumpkin syrup gives you an at-home Starbucks experience for a fraction of the price (and calories). I’ve tried a few different brands over the years, and this is the first that hasn’t tasted cloying or fake. If you aren’t into sugar-free, there’s also a regular version.

The Most Perfect Fall Candle Ever to Exist. I’m so obsessed, I carry it from room to room with me. This one also smells incredible if that’s more your vibe.

Husbands and Lovers. A terrible title (IMO) for what was a fantastic book. Parallel timelines, romance, mystery, a main character you’ll cheer for, good writing, and a heartthrob rockstar. What’s not to love?

Erin’s Random Musings

Nothing is happier than a dog on a hike (see video evidence below), but what do people do afterwards when the dog is a dusty mess?

Since we don’t have a backyard to hose him down, we’ve taken to bathing Teddy in our lovely master bathtub.

We’ve owned our Park City condo for three years, and so far, Teddy is the only one of us to use that beautiful piece of bathroom infrastructure.

Other than as an in-home dog wash station, we use our tub as a landing pad for wet ski gear (and lately, scuba gear).

Am I missing out by not using my bathtub for an actual bath?

I feel like baths are enjoyable for the first five minutes, then I grow bored of lying in rapidly cooling (now somewhat dirty) water.

To those of you who relish a good bath, any tips to romanticize the experience?

Confessional

I once prided myself on staying relatively informed about current events. I listened to Up First every morning, received news alerts from publications on both sides of the aisle, and made a point to tune into the morning news.

Lately…not so much. Every time I open Instagram, it’s with a pit in my stomach, dreading what latest disaster is unfolding. I’ve started to wonder if I’m better off not knowing.

I do believe that if we don’t like how things are, we have a responsibility to work to change them, but all of the problems feel so big right now, I’ve been pulling my head into my shell like a turtle (Dear Algorithm, please send Taylor Swift and puppy videos only).

Any tips for poking my head back out and putting on my work gloves are welcome.

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What I’m Cooking Off the Blog

Hot Honey Goat Cheese Pepperoni Pizza

For Ben’s 40th, I offered to cook him anything he wanted for dinner. Instead of risotto and short ribs, he picked this pizza, one of our longtime favorites. I adapted it from How Sweet Eats.

Ingredients

• 1 batch pizza dough

• Pizza sauce (I use Rao’s, no shame)

• Shredded whole milk mozzarella (worth buying a ball and shredding it yourself, promise!)

• Enough pepperoni to liberally cover the pizza (or however many slices you’d like)

• 1 small jalapeño, thinly sliced

• 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled

• Handful of arugula

• Drizzle Hot Honey (or purchase it here)

Instructions

1. If you have a pizza stone, place it on your upper-third oven rack and preheat the oven as high as it will go (mine is 525°F). Let it preheat for a good half hour or so. Hotter stone = better crust.

2. For easy transfer to the stone, stretch the dough out on a sheet of parchment paper (or a well-dusted pizza peel) into a 12-inch or so circle. If it springs back, let it relax for 10 minutes, then stretch again.

3. Spread the pizza with a thin layer of sauce, leaving a ½-inch border all the way around.

4. Add the mozzarella, pepperoni, jalapeno, and goat cheese.

5. Transfer the pizza to the stone (I use the parchment paper to slide it onto a baking sheet, carry the baking sheet to the oven, then slide the paper onto the stone. The paper gets dark and burns, but I’ve never had an issue). Bake until the crust is golden and the top is bubbly, about 8 minutes depending upon your oven.

6. Remove from the oven and immediately top with the arugula and a drizzle of hot honey. Let cool a few minutes, then slice and serve.

Discounts & Resources

My Amazon Storefront. Ever wonder what products I use in my own kitchen? You can find them all in my easy-to-shop storefront.

CurrentBody. 10% with code WELLPLATED. I’ve been using this LED Mask for 4 months, and it works!

EarlyBird Sleep Gummies. 20% off with WELLPLATED20. Loving these.

NEIWAI. 20% off with WELLPLATED20. They make my new fave bras.

ZIIP Halo. 10% off with WELLPLATED

etúHOME. 20% off with code WELLPLATED20. Makers of the most stunning kitchen and dining products.

Clean Simple Eats.10% off with code WELLPLATED. They make my favorite protein powder.

Caraway. 10% off with code WELLPLATED, which you can stack with any of their other promotions. These pans are a breeze to clean, non-toxic, and very pretty.

Nutrafol. $20 your first shipment with this link. I’ve taken this daily for 2 years and see a noticeable difference in my hair volume.

If you enjoyed reading this, give this post a quick ❤️

Leave a comment! Tell me one thing you liked (or didn’t!) about this post👇🏼

If you know someone who would enjoy this article, go ahead and forward it to them 💌

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This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on one to make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for helping to support my small business by shopping with these links.

Latest Whereabouts

Las Vegas, NV

Never have I ever been so happy to act my age as when I saw BSB (that’s Backstreet Boys for those of you who did not come of age during Y2K) at the Sphere in Vegas this last weekend!

I went as a girl group of six elder Millennials, and we proved that 1) age is just a number, and 2) it’s a number that also requires a lot more Diet Cokes, espresso martinis, and Gatorades to power through than it used to.

My Y2K concert look: white eyeliner, butterfly clips, and blue mascara. 1999 Erin would have been proud.

The Sphere is a reflection of Vegas itself: immersive, overstimulating, and (with the right crowd) a lot of fun.

If you ever went to an IMAX planetarium show as a kid, imagine that but in seemingly 55,000 HD, with a best-in-class sound system and 18,000 screaming fans. It was part concert, part thrill ride. I loved every second.

While the Sphere itself is a spectacle, I’d like to take a moment to extend full kudos to the five members of the band.

These 40- and 50-year-old men got out there, rocked their choreography with unabashed boyband flair, sounded great, and seemed to be having a blast doing it.

I wish I could tell teenage them and preteen me that we’d be at a concert together 25 years later.

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Minneapolis, MN

GIRLS TRIIIIIP! The same group of 5 ladies and I have gotten together for a weekend of eating, drinking, and laughing until tears flow from our eyes for three summers running, and we have our destinations planned out through 2031.

When you find people who make you feel safe to be your most authentic, freaky self, hold them tight and don’t let them go.

Minneapolis is a perfect city for a summer girls trip. We all were able to fly direct, there’s enough to do (but not so much you feel overwhelmed), and the restaurant scene is fantastic.

Park City, UT

I COMPLETED MY HIKE! (Watch a 24-second recap here).

You may remember that back in June, I mentioned training to hike Mt. Timpaganos, the second-highest peak in the Wasatch (the range of the Rockies where we live in Utah). Well, I DID IT.

I woke up at 4:45 a.m., hit the trailhead at 6:00 a.m., and exactly 14 minutes into my hike, was delayed for nearly 40 minutes by…moose.

I rounded a corner and about walked into a bull moose and his lady friend nuzzling antlers. All moose advice I’ve read is GET OUT, so I hunkered down from a safe distance to wait for them to get a room.

Fortunately, the family of mountain goats I came upon about 8 miles later were much more amenable to my presence.

In total, the 16-mile hike (complete with 5,000 ft. elevation gain (and down again), which is quite a lot) took me nearly 11 hours, including the moose delay and plenty of snack breaks. I was beat at the end, and also very proud of myself.

It wasn’t pretty or perfect, but I set a goal, and I got it done!

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Milwaukee, WI

We spent most of August in Milwaukee, and it feels like what I envisioned falling in love would be when I was young: immediate, exhilarating, and the center of your entire world.

For many of us, summer in Wisconsin—a state whose seasons are pre-winter, winter, second winter, summer, and construction—necessitates cramming 12 months of living into an 8-week window. The only way to go about it is head-over-heels.

Wine on the patio Monday through Sunday, outdoor concerts, grilled corn every night, and treating yourself to a stunning bouquet at the farmers market are essential to human existence in the Great Lakes.

Do I sound dramatic? Excellent, it’s intentional.

Summer—especially August with her unbridled bounty and the evenings that grow shorter and shorter—deserves all the hype we can give her.

Speaking of Wine on the Patio…

I published a guide to Napa!

My first visit was in 2008 as a wee babe who couldn’t afford the tastings. Since I have been back with girlfriends, groups of couples, family, and Ben for a romantic weekend.

Every trip has been memorable (and that’s saying something considering how much Cab we consume…).

I’m really enjoying building out the travel guide section of this Substack.

Do you have any city requests? I’ve got a big backlog, and I’d love to know if there’s somewhere you have your eye on, in case I’ve been!

View all my travel guides

Things I Tried and Liked

• Finally, a Bra I Don’t Hate. We’re all friends here, so I can tell you that this underwire-free bra is the most comfortable I’ve ever worn. It’s smooth under t-shirts, and GET THIS: the pads actually stay in place. If you’ve done laundry and cursed the removable pads that end up twisted or scattered all over your dryer, you know that THIS IS A BIG DEAL.

• CBD Sleep Gummies. After multiple friends shared how CBD gummies were helping them get better sleep, I tried this brand and am a fan! The dose is light, and I don’t feel groggy in the morning, which happens to me with other over-the-counter options like Unisom and Tylenol PM. Get 20% off with code WELLPLATED20.

• Monopoly Deal. Our friends busted this out at their house a few weeks ago, and I loved it so much, I bought it. It’s like Monopoly except, you know, fun.

• Refreshment in a Bottle. I thought facial sprays were dumb until I tried this one. I love using it first thing in the morning to wake me up, or anytime my skin is feeling dry.

• Hydrating Lip Oil. A cross between a gloss, a lipstick, and a chapstick, it looks natural but elevated and feels so good on your lips. I have it in Marrakesh and am obsessed.

• Red Light Face Masks are LEGIT. I’m in my third month of using this LED light therapy face mask, and I’ve never been so happy with how my skin looks. It takes 10 minutes, and I wear it while I’m making my bed, brewing coffee, etc. (If you’re better than me at relaxing for 10 straight minutes, feel free to chill in bed while it works its magic). Get 10% off with code WELLPLATED.

• The Briar Club. Other than The God of the Woods, this is by far my favorite read of 2025 so far. (You can see all of my favorite reads here). It has mystery, compelling characters, moments of humor, and the ending left me with a huge smile on my face. There are also some recipes sprinkled throughout, which of course I loved!

• I Took a Perfume Quiz. And the scent I ended up with is perfection.

• The Perfect Skinny Belt. But not too skinny. I loved the white so much, I ended up getting it in brown too (maybe I also need the black…).

My First Cookbook Turned 5!

I can’t believe it’s been five years since I released The Well Plated Cookbook!

Since, it’s sold more than 170k copies and received 4,000+ 5-star reviews on Amazon.

To everyone who purchased a copy and made it such a success, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

And if you haven’t purchased a copy yet, this is your sign! It’s on sale for $18 on Amazon today and is truly a cookbook you’ll turn to every day (just read the reviews).

Get your copy

Erin’s Random Musings

Every day, I feel like I hear another food is “bad for you.” Seed oils are under fire on Instagram, and my sister texted me that she heard smoked salmon is the latest culprit.

I can’t keep up, and quite frankly, I’m not going to try. Is my glass of wine a health food? NOPE. Am I am going to enjoy it anyway? Absolutely.

Confessional

In my peak early-teen listening years, I did not appreciate Kevin and AJ of the Backstreet Boys the way they deserved.

It was heartthrob Nick and smooth-vocals Brian who commanded the “husband” line of my MASH games. After seeing the band live, however, I have shifted allegiance and am team AJ and Kevin.

AJ has the stage presence; Kevin has the mature, poetic eyes. It makes me wonder: who else didn’t I appreciate properly when I was young?

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What I’m Cooking Off the Blog

Grilled 5-Ingredient Dijon Salmon

This recipe is from my first cookbook, which turned 5 this week OH MY! In the book, I call for it to be baked, but we’ve been loving it on the grill.

Ingredients

• 1 pound skin-on salmon fillet

• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup

• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

Instructions

1. Remove the salmon from the refrigerator and let stand at room temperature for 10 minutes. Preheat an outdoor grill to medium-high (about 425°F). Place the salmon on a large piece of aluminum foil. With a paper towel, pat the salmon dry, then sprinkle the salt over the top.

2. In a small bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together the olive oil, maple syrup, and mustard. Pour over the salmon. With a pastry brush or your fingers, rub the mixture over the top of salmon so that the surface is nicely coated.

3. Carefully lift the foil and salmon together onto the grill. Close the lid and cook the salmon uncovered until it reaches 140°F on an instant read thermometer, about 10 minutes for a thinner fillet (about 1/2 to 3/4 inch at the thickest part), 13 to 19 minutes for a thicker fillet (1-inch to 1 1/2-inches at the thickest part), or 20 to 22 minutes for a very thick fillet (1 3/4 to 2 inches at the thickest part). Let rest 5 minutes, then slice crosswise and serve.

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Discounts and Resources

My Amazon Storefront. Ever wonder what products I use in my own kitchen? You can find them all in my easy-to-shop storefront.

CurrentBody. 10% with code WELLPLATED. I’ve been using this LED Mask for 3 months , and it works!

EarlyBird Sleep Gummies. 20% off with code WELLPLATED20.

etúHOME. 20% off with code WELLPLATED20. Makers of the most stunning kitchen and dining products.

Clean Simple Eats.10% off with code WELLPLATED. They make my favorite protein powder.

Caraway. 10% off with code WELLPLATED, which you can stack with any of their other promotions. These pans are a breeze to clean, non-toxic, and very pretty.

Nutrafol. $20 your first shipment with this link. I’ve taken this daily for 2 years and see a noticeable difference in my hair volume.

Rent the Runway. Get 40% off your first month with this link. I am a fan of monthly clothing rentals. I spend less overall, try fun trends risk-free, and always have something fun and new in my closet.

If you enjoyed reading this, give this post a quick ❤️

Leave a comment! Tell me one thing you liked (or didn’t!) about this post👇🏼

If you know someone who would enjoy this article, go ahead and forward it to them 💌

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This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on one to make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for helping to support my small business by shopping with these links.

Recent Travel

Denver, CO

For the hard hands life had dealt me—among my top gripes: too much responsibility too young; losing my dad abruptly; and a middle school chapter heavy on braces, angst, and cafeteria politics—it also handed me the royal flush: my two younger sisters, and through them, my six beautiful nieces.

It’s rare that we three sisters are together these days, so when I found out that my youngest sister Elaine and her family would be visiting our middle sister Elizabeth, Ben and I wasted no time crashing their get-together to make it a full house.

At my oldest niece Genevieve’s request, we made the Tahini Magic Bars from Well Plated Every Day (she’s had the recipe bookmarked for months❤️) and a sour cherry pie using cherries picked fresh from my sister’s tree.

I’ll say this: you haven’t lived until you’ve orchestrated picking and pitting 3 pounds of cherries, making and rolling pie dough, and arranging a lattice top with four elementary school children and two toddlers.

We hit up the neighborhood pool, took over a pizza and ice cream joint with the (literal and figurative) volume of our presence, and the grown-ups depleted 5 pounds of limes with our margarita intake (this is the last and only margarita recipe you’ll ever need).

And, as one would expect with six kids (four of whom are under five), we managed to take exactly zero group photos.

Uncle Ben and Teddy, however, got lots of attention from the camera (and all six girlies).

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Park City Blog Retreat

Last week, I hosted a small retreat for a group of food bloggers here in Park City.

I’ve been feeling burned out for the last few months, 100% of which I attribute to social media.

Ben and I put hours (and hours) into making videos for Instagram, because social media is an essential part of running an online business, whether we like it or not.

Through all of our discussions (which ranged from AI to social media to our favorite loungewear sets), I was reminded that I’m not alone in my struggles. The support of peers who understand—like, really understand—could not have come at a better time.

The retreat was part business mastermind, part group therapy.

I was super lucky to work with some of our favorite spots in Park City to host our group, including High West Saloon, Riverhorse on Main, Deer Valley, and the Stein Eriksen Spa (friends, I went for the 90-minute massage, and now 60-minute will never do again…I KNOW TOO MUCH).

One highlight: My friend Sally brought her new cookbook for us to check out, and it is a MASTERPIECE. Do yourself a favor and preorder a copy now. I’ll say it here first: it’s going be a New York Times bestseller.

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The Summer of Trying New Things

In addition to continuing with mountain biking lessons, and my summer theme of “try every activity at least once,” I took a stand-up paddleboarding (a.k.a. “SUP”) lesson.

Our lesson group was me, a 9-year-old, and a 6-year-old. Pretty sure I came in third (but hey! I had the most fun #winning).

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I’ve also been having a lot of fun trying new recipes.

Favorite so far: the Peach Jalapeño Crème Fraîche Pizza from Pizza Night.

It was the seventh recipe I’ve made from the book. 11/10 recommend!

I’ve also been reading as often as I can. Check out my 5 Best Reads of 2025 (so far).

Erin's 2025 Book Recs

Things I’ve Tried and Liked

• Weighted Vest. I finally purchased one, and it upped the burn on my usual walk with Teddy (I went with 8 pounds). It certainly can’t replace strength training, but I think it’s great if you want to burn a few extra calories or turn a regular walk into more of a workout.

• Mineral Sunscreen That Doesn’t Make You Look Like a Ghost. At my dermatologist's recommendation, I switched to mineral sunscreen a few years ago. This is the first non-tinted one I’ve found that doesn’t leave you with a pale white sheen (think lifeguard nose). I like to top it with SPF powder when I’m wearing makeup so I can stay protected without ruining said makeup.

• I Am Cheating on My Stanley. The fold-down straw on this water bottle is a game-changer. No leaks!

• Ballet Flats You Won’t Hate. I can’t get over how comfortable these are! I’ve worn them with dresses, jeans, shorts, you name it. They add a little French flair and are machine washable.

• The Perfect Linen Shorts Do Exist. And for a great price! They’re comfortable, an ideal length, and breezy without being see-through.

• Ridiculously Affordable Loungewear. I went all in and bought the pants, pullover, shorts, and tank, and I have been mixing and matching them nonstop. They’re ultra soft and a fraction of the price of competitive brands.

Erin’s Random Musings

On behalf of everyone who has ever tried to make a left turn out of a supermarket driveway into oncoming traffic, I’d like to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to the drivers who, when the traffic on the road is piling up, do not block the driveway.

Just because you have to wait for the light to turn green does not mean that you should ruin the chance for the rest of us to make a turn.

I am giving you my enthusiastic “thank you!!!” wave from my driver’s seat now! May karma reward you.

Confessional

Have you ever done something impulsive, then years later been unsure if you regret it or not? Growing up, I loved writing and journaling. By the time I finished college, I had filled well over a dozen notebooks (some of which would have reflected my 4th grade Harriet the Spy phase, in which I frequently got caught peeking into neighbors’ doggie doors).

In one of my post-college moves, I destroyed every single one of them, with the exception of the journal I kept after my dad died (I still haven’t read it).

I’m still not entirely sure why I did it. I told Ben once and he was shocked and clearly sad to not have this window into younger Erin’s life, but for me I think it represented a clean break between a complicated Then and a (still complicated but happier) Now.

Memo to self: ask Pam her thoughts about this. (Pam is my therapist. Hi, Pam!)

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What I’m Cooking Off the Blog

Or rather, what I’m NOT cooking!

Because if ever there were a time to avoid turning on the oven, this is it.

Peak Summer Grazing Board

Tools

• Cherry Pitter. This is a summer necessity and serious time-saver (it works for pitting olives too!)

• A Wooden Cutting Board. This set from Target is a great value.

Ingredients

• Sliced peaches

• Burrata cheese (8 or 16 ounces, depending upon how large a board you are making; this surprising retailer has the best deal on burrata)

• Prosciutto

• Lots of fresh basil leaves

• Fresh cherries, halved and pitted

• Thinly sliced cucumber (I used minis)

• Mixed cherry tomatoes, halved

• Really good olive oil

• Flaky salt

• Toasted sourdough or other yummy bread, for serving

Instructions

1. Grab a cutting board about this size and arrange the peaches in a row along the top. Below the peaches, place 2 (4-ounce) balls of burrata, spacing them evenly. With a knife and fork, cut an “X” in the top of each ball, then use your fork to spread it across the board to create a stripe.

2. In rows, add the prosciutto, basil, cherries, another row of burrata (if you feel so inclined), cucumbers, and tomatoes (the order doesn’t matter too much here, so have fun with it).

3. Drizzle the burrata with olive oil and sprinkle with flaky salt. Serve with sourdough.

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Discount Codes & Resources

AG1. On my third month strong using this stuff, and for me, IT WORKS! My digestion is better, I experience less bloating, and I generally feel awesome knowing how many nutrients I’m getting. Get a free welcome kit ($76 value) with my link.

etúHOME. 20% off with code WELLPLATED20. Makers of the most stunning kitchen and dining products.

CurrentBody. 10% with code WELLPLATED. I’ve been using this LED Mask for 8 weeks, and it works!

My Amazon Storefront. Ever wonder what products I use in my own kitchen? You can find them all in my easy-to-shop storefront.

Clean Simple Eats. Get 10% off with code WELLPLATED. They make my favorite protein powder.

Caraway. 10% off with code WELLPLATED, which you can stack with any of their other promotions. These pans are a breeze to clean, non-toxic, and very pretty.

Nutrafol. Get $20 your first shipment with this link. I’ve taken this daily for 2 years and see a noticeable difference in my hair volume.

Rent the Runway. Get 40% off your first month with this link. I am a fan of monthly clothing rentals. I spend less overall, try fun trends risk-free, and always have something fun and new in my closet.

If you enjoyed reading this, give this post a quick ❤️

Leave a comment! Tell me one thing you liked (or didn’t!) about this post👇🏼

If you know someone who would enjoy this article, go ahead and forward it to them 💌

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This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on one to make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for helping to support my small business by shopping with these links.

Recent Travel

Puerto Vallarta

I have a new life goal, and it is to be as cool as Ben’s Nonna.

“Nonna” is the Italian word for “grandmother,” and her Christmas wish last year was for all 6 of her kids, their spouses, and her grandkids to take a family vacation together.

And that’s how 20 loud Italians, and 1 loud Western European mutt (me), all ended up at a resort in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

We were on our own schedules during the day (the beauty of an all-inclusive), but Nonna was abundantly clear that EVERYONE would be present at dinner.

Since tables for 21 were in short supply, our group split between two tables along generational lines.

It wasn’t intentional, but our subconsciouses could not help but revert to an “adults” table (with Ben’s aunts and uncles) and a “kids” table, which consisted of all of his (very much adult) cousins.

Five days with your in-laws probably sounds like a lot. It is.

But all the laughs had were so worth it. It’s a testament to how easy Ben’s family is to be around. Other than the logistical stress of getting 21 people to agree on a bar, we all had a great time.

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Santa Barbara

One of the questions I receive most often is how I “meet” other bloggers.

It was pretty easy when I first started 13 years ago. There were only about 100 of us, most of us were in a single Facebook group, and we read and commented on each other’s blogs daily.

Large conferences existed and were well attended. By the time you met someone in person, you could be close friends and feel like you’d know each other for years (and sometimes you had! Rachel is still one of my best friends, and we didn’t meet until at least three years into our friendship. My first reaction: she’s very tall LOL, love ya Rach!)

I once even shared a hotel room with someone I’d never met in person. Fortunately, neither of us was catfished.

Then Covid happened, and the big conferences went away. We went back to interacting online.

Missing the infusion of life that is in-person connection, bloggers took to organizing their own small group retreats.

Being invited on a retreat is an honor, because it means the host values your presence, trusts you, and believes you have something to offer the group.

Thus, when Holly and Natalie of The Modern Proper asked me to join them and a small contingent of peers in Santa Baraba, it was an easy sell!

We chatted biz (Why is Pinterest traffic so awful? What are you all doing to prepare for AI? Tips to help my team feel appreciated?), ate way too much, and laughed a lot.

If anyone needs a dream vacay here in the U.S., I HIGHLY recommend our hotel, The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern. It’s low-key California bougie, and I adored it. My hotel room even had a porch swing!

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Park City

I’m a 1000% advocate for being a tourist in your own hometown, and I’ve been living my best summer life in Park City, hiking twice a week and drinking all the patio drinks.

In my heart of hearts, I am a summer girl.

I’m not introspective enough for fall, optimistic enough for winter, and other than my birthday, I’ve pretty much hated spring since I moved to the Great Lakes.

My first March in Minnesota, I discovered that what people in northern states refer to as “spring” is more accurately, “winter part 2, but make it rainy.”

So, hello summer, here we are, my favorite season!

I’m bursting with energy as I type, and I hope you can feel it radiating through your screen.

I’m powered by the joy of the season and a sudden influx of vitamin-D.

And by “vitamin-D”, yes I mean the sun, but more immediately I mean the vitamin-Diet Coke I guzzled moments ago.

I’ve set a goal to summit Mount Timpanogos, one of the highest peaks in the Wasatch Mountain range.

“Mount Timp” as locals call it is 15 miles round trip with significant elevation gain. I’m doing progressively longer hikes until I feel ready to tackle it.

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In case you missed it, we had two big updates on Substack this month.

My Charleston travel guide is live. It’s the most popular one I’ve published to date!

I also finally cracked the code on my Grandma Dorothy’s Cinnamon Rolls. Bookmark them to bake this weekend ❤️

See all my travel guides

Erin’s Random Musings

• Male refrigerator blindness is a real thing. Could chip pantry blindness be a thing too? Every couple of weeks, I find multiple partially-eaten bags of chips stacked together on the same shelf. Why not finish one bag first? Can he not see it?

• Driving with the windows down while running the AC. I know this is counterproductive (and it drives Ben insane when I do it), but I can’t help myself. I want the windows-down, cool girl summer vibes…but to feel cool (literally) while doing it.

• Do you have anxiety about losing your pet? Teddy is 9 1/2, and every morning when I walk up to his dog bed, I check if he’s still breathing. I never used to be this way; I have this weird feeling that our days together are limited, but I’m not sure why.

• Ice cream is the superior dessert. THERE, I said it.

Confessional

I started sleeping in a hair bonnet (which Ben finds sooooo attractive, ha!). I told my sister, and she replied that she had considered doing the same, but would feel too “ridiculous.”

Should I feel ridiculous? Maybe. But honestly, my hair has never looked better, so I’ll sacrifice slumbering in style.

Plus, considering that I went to physical therapy wearing my heatless curlers, safe to say it will take a lot more than a hair bonnet in the dark to make me feel ridiculous.

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What I’m Cooking Off the Blog

Frozen Protein S’mores are the IT dessert on social media right now. They’re just four ingredients (six if you add frozen berries for a summer twist like I did).

I have mixed feelings about social media trends.

If I try them, am I a sell out?

I don’t try them, am I less relevant to younger generations or companies that might what to work with me?

I’ve settled on trying only the trends that genuinely excite me…or that make me too morbidly curious to ignore them.

Fortunately, these frozen protein s’mores turned out WAY more deliciously than the bone broth hot chocolate trend that went bonkers last winter. (Spoiler: it tastes like chocolate and chicken.)

I brought a pan of these frozen treats to my friend Liz’s for dinner, and we polished off the entire pan.

Tools

• 8x10-inch (or similar) baking dish. (1.5 quarts) You can do this in a larger or smaller dish, but note the thickness of the filling will change and you’ll need to adjust the quantity of crackers and chocolate accordingly.

• Offset spatula. Not required, but it makes spreading layers of melted chocolate, smoothing the top of batter, and frosting cakes much easier.

Ingredients

• 1 (8-ounce) container CoolWhip—the cool kids use Cocowhip, which is coconut milk-based, but let’s call a spade a spade here; it’s still dessert)

• 1/2 cup (56g) protein powder—I used Toasted Marshmallow, which was too perfect (use WELLPLATED for 10% off!), but vanilla is great too

• 1 1/2 cups blueberries, raspberries, diced strawberries, or a mix—I did half blueberries, half raspberries

• 8 Graham cracker sheets

• 3.5 ounces dark chocolate, melted—I used 72%

Instructions

1. Dump the CoolWhip into a bowl and stir it together with the protein powder (you can do this directly in the tub, but stir down the whip first to remove some of the air or you’ll make a gaint mess, trust me). Fold in the berries.

2. Line an 8x10-inch (or similar) baking dish with parchment paper. Arrange a layer of graham crackers across the bottom.

3. Pour on the melted chocolate and spread into an even layer.

4. Spoon on the Cool Whip mixture, gently spreading it into an even layer, then arrange the remaining graham crackers on top.

5. Freeze for 1 hour. Slice and DEVOUR! Store in the freezer.

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Things I’ve Tried and Liked

• The Dress of Summer. I get so many compliments on this every time I wear it! Oh, and IT HAS POCKETS.

• Target 1 Piece Swimsuits that Don’t Suck. Sometimes a girl wants some coverage without looking like a nun, and these deliver! ALL SWIM 20% OFF THIS WEEK! (For an investment 1-piece this is the one I’m wearing in the photo at the top of this post; I adore it.)

• Obsessed with this St. Laurent Cateye Dupe. The one time I splurged on $300 sunglasses, I lost them (I still shudder), so this $14 pair is much more my speed.

• My #1 Selling Jeans are Now Available in the Perfect Summer Blue! More than 100 of you have bought AND LOVED these jeans. They make your rear look great (priorities!), don’t stretch out, and are so comfortable I can wear them on a plane. They’re an investment, but 1000% worth it.

• Silk Hair Bonnet. Listing here again because IT WORKS. My hair is less frizzy and dry, and my ends are in better shape than they have been in years.

Discount Codes & Resources

AG1. I was so skeptical about this that I initially turned the brand down when they offered to send it to me. Eventually I gave in, and I am glad I did. It’s a great way to boost nutrients, but what sold me is the probiotics. My digestion is improved since I started it, and I experience less bloating. Get a free welcome kit ($76 value) with my link.

CurrentBody. I caved and got an LED Mask (I do think they work when used daily). 10% with code WELLPLATED.

My Amazon Storefront. Ever wonder what products I use in my own kitchen? You can find them all in my easy-to-shop storefront.

Clean Simple Eats. Get 10% off with code WELLPLATED at checkout. They make my favorite protein powder. I also bring these greens packets with me when traveling.

Caraway. 10% off with code WELLPLATED, which you can stack with any of their other promotions. These pans are a breeze to clean, non-toxic, and very pretty.

Nutrafol. I’ve taken this daily for 2 years and see a noticeable difference in my hair volume. Get $20 your first shipment with this link.

Rent the Runway. I am a HUGE fan of monthly clothing rentals. I spend less overall, try fun trends risk-free, and always have something fun and new in my closet. Get 40% off your first month with this link.

If you enjoyed reading this, give this post a quick ❤️

Leave a comment! Tell me one thing you liked (or didn’t!) about this post👇🏼

If you know someone who would enjoy this article, go ahead and forward it to them 💌

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Recent Travel

Sweet (Damp) Home Milwaukee

We’ve been in Milwaukee for six days, and today is the first that it hasn’t rained. I opened our front door wide, even though it’s only 55°F. I’m so happy to see the sun again, I had to get personal with it.

It’s been an excellent week of discoveries, the first of which was how delicious donuts taste covered in Oreo cookie crumbs (see above), and the second of which was a cache of CDs I burned in the early 2000s.

Even though neither of our computers has a CD player, we figured out a way to listen, and I must say, the songs still hit. More in “Confessional” below!

Instead of closing our front door, I opted to bundle in my thickest, most oversized sweatsuit. (When friends ask if Ben and I ever get, um, distracted by each other while working together during the day, my current attire should end the speculation.)

“But Erin, you live in Milwaukee and Utah,” they say. “Aren’t you used to the cold?”.

I have a theory that everyone who asks this question probably doesn’t live somewhere with a long winter.

Unseasonable cold is not something one “gets used to,” or at least I haven’t figured out how during my 20 years living “up north.”

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It is humbling to admit how much sunshine affects my mood. I should be stronger than relentless clouds or sideways rain, but my spirit can only take so much gray, it seems.

It’s been almost six months since we were in Milwaukee, and we’ve been squeezing in time with as many friends as possible. Our weekends and evenings have been mostly spent in living rooms, off of our phones, and deep into conversations, bottles of wine, and boxes of donuts.

Most of our friends have kids, and I laugh when I imagine their perspective seeing us all sitting around. Grown-ups are so boring. All we do is talk!

Dating Myself (Literally and Figuratively) in NYC

One of the funniest parts of getting older, something I’ve been thinking about a lot after turning 39 this month and sharing the 5 Ways I'm Closing Out My 30s, is realizing that when outsiders look at me, they don’t see a 22-year-old…or even a 32-year-old.

Case in point: I got “ma’amed” in my New York City hotel lobby last week during a quick 48-hour work trip.

It was 5:30 p.m., and I ordered a spritz to sip while catching up on some computer work.

A voice floated in from my left saying, “Ma’am, we don’t allow laptops in here.” I completely ignored it.

I wasn’t trying to be rude—I didn’t realize he was talking to me. Who the heck is Ma’am?? I am a Miss.

Aren’t I? (This is rhetorical.)

Admittedly, I was overdue for my Botox (an appointment I took care of immediately upon my return to Milwaukee, right after my haircut, dentist visit, and eyebrow wax—the joys of coming home), but still ma’am.

Here I am.

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I had a free solo night and afternoon in NYC, which I spent taking myself on two “dates,” first for drinks and dinner, then for a Broadway matinee.

Whenever I’m in NYC, I make an effort to seek out food I can’t get in either Milwaukee or Park City, and since I was near Koreatown, it was an easy choice.

After a delish dill pickle martini at Little Ned, I headed to Her Name is Han, where I ordered dumplings, a curry salad, and ginger chicken noodle soup.

The server informed me I selected too much food for one person, and I informed her it’s ok, because I’m from the Midwest and we have big appetites.

In the end, I managed to finish all but one dumpling. I don’t know if she was appalled or impressed, but I did earn a respectful nod from the busboy as he cleared my plates.

On Broadway, I saw & Juliet, a musical about what would have happened if, instead of taking her own life, Juliet had decided to live on after Romeo.

The show music is entirely ‘90s through ‘2010s pop hits, which was especially appropriate since former N-SYNC star Joey Fatone played a male lead. I was VERY excited about seeing a middle school crush…until he walked on stage.

Let’s just say, my hopes for an older heartthrob did not come to fruition (he has not aged quite as well as JT), but it was fun to see him making a life for himself and being unafraid to poke fun at the boyband era.

I’ve been working tirelessly to update my New York City restaurant guide with dozens of new entries and photos. From bars, to bagels, to restaurants that are worth your time, money, (and calories!) this list has it all.

Like all my travel guides, my restaurant picks are meticulously researched, and I even include popular places if I didn’t think they lived up to the hype.

See all my travel guides

Erin’s Random Musings

• I’m not sure if this is normal, but EVERYTHING makes me think of a song. Foam rolling after a hard leg workout? I’ll start singing John Mellencamp’s “Hurts so Good.” Pretty view? Taylor Swift’s “Gorgeous” gets stuck in my head. I drip peanut butter on my new PJs? My brain plays Noah Kahn’s “I’m a Mess.”

• Do you have an unused gift card drawer? I just went through mine yesterday and need to sign up for about three massages, shop for several cookbooks at Barnes & Noble, and go out for a steak dinner. Challenge accepted.

• It’s frustrating how expensive it is to choose healthier fast food. Our Sweetgreen bill was nearly $40 for two salads after tax and a modest tip. How much of that price is driven by the ingredients, and how much of it is driven by the fact that the sort of people who order a salad are also the sort willing to overpay for one?

Confessional

I have a fatal attraction to punk rockers. Adam Levine is on my list,1 and I had a crush on my high school boyfriend’s best friend because he could play Green Day on guitar.

I think it’s a combination of the charisma of seeing someone on stage and the persona of a rockstar being the opposite of my buttoned-up, Type A self.

Plus, let’s be honest—musicians are inherently hot.

Punk pop (think Yellowcard, Blink-182, Good Charlotte, All-American Rejects, etc.) was the anthem of my high school and college, a musical chapter I’m currently reliving after finding a collection of CDs I burned sometime between 2003 and 2008.

To this day, I can’t listen to “Ocean Avenue” without envisioning myself as Yellowcard’s electric violinist.

^^That sentence alone I’m pretty sure solidifies me as a ma’am.

The first CD I listened to (thanks to this external CD/DVD player) is called “Speed Limits? Suggestions! KS-WI Road Trip Part 5.”

Highlights include “My Own Worst Enemy” (by Lit), “I Want You to Want Me” (Cheap Trick), and of course “Ocean Avenue” (my boys and imaginary bandmates, Yellowcard).

Anyone interested in a Spotify playlist of the hits?

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What I’m Cooking Off the Blog

Ben and I work most weekends (reality of owning your own biz), and I couldn’t remember the last time I cooked a big weekend breakfast for the two of us, just because. Nothing to me says weekend like WAFFLES, so I turned to one of our old favorites, this recipe from King Arthur Flour. They’re golden, unfussy, fluffy, and crisp.

Ingredients

• 2 large eggs

• 1 3/4 cups buttermilk* (397g)

• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled (113g)

• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (210g)

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (25g)

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• Butter, pure maple syrup, jam: for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat your waffle iron. If you’d like to keep the waffles warm between batches, preheat the oven to 225°F.

2. In a medium-sized bowl, beat together the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients (it doesn’t matter which you pour into which bowl), stirring with a wooden spoon until the batter is nearly smooth with a few small lumps remaining.

5. Cook the waffles according to your machine’s directions, using nonstick spray if needed. If your iron doesn’t have a timer, watch for the batter to stop steaming. Enjoy immediately, or place the waffles on a wirerack set atop a baking sheet and keep warm in the oven.

Notes

*These taste their best with buttermilk, but I often swap “clabbered milk,” a popular substitute made by stirring regular milk with 1 tablespoon white vinegar; let it sit for 5 minutes, stir again, then use as directed.

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Things I’ve Tried and Liked

• Wide Headband Multi-Pack. (wearing above) Super soft and ideal for extending the amount of time between hair washes. No headaches and comes in every color!

• Rothy’s Clogs (ON SALE!). These are super comfy, on trend, and machine washable. I wore them all over NYC.

• Rainbow Stone Necklace. (wearing above) My sisters gave me this for my birthday (in color “Dawn”), and I’ve been wearing it almost every day. It’s so cute on its own or layered with other necklaces.

• The World’s Best Waffle Iron. Through my job as a food blogger, I have tried many brands over the years, and this one is 1000% worth the pricetag. No sticking (even without spray), and the crispy outside to fluffy inside execution is flawless.

• Justin’s Vanilla Almond Butter. I’m still carrying a torch for the discontinued RX Vanilla Almond Butter, and this is a very close second. Delish on toast, mixed with yogurt, or let’s be real—eaten off of the spoon.

• Lake Pajamas. OMG. I can’t believe how obsessed I have become. Super soft, not see-through, and no night sweats. They live up to the hype!

Discount Codes & Resources

Clean Simple Eats. Get 10% off with code WELLPLATED at checkout. They make my favorite protein powder. I also bring these greens packets with me when traveling.

Caraway. 10% off with code WELLPLATED, on top of lots of Mother’s Day promos going on right now. These pretty pans are a breeze to clean, non-toxic, and would make a lovely gift.

My Amazon Storefront. Ever wonder what products I use in my own kitchen? You can find them all in my easy-to-shop storefront.

Nutrafol. I’ve taken this daily for 2 years and see a noticeable difference in my hair volume. Get $20 your first shipment with this link.

Rent the Runway. I am a HUGE fan of monthly clothing rentals. I spend less overall, try fun trends risk-free, and always have something fun and new in my closet. Get 40% off your first month with this link.

Nuuly. Another clothing rental service I’ve used. It’s a little less expensive than RTR, and the selection is less formal/premium. It’s worth testing out if you have a more casual style or want fun, more casual pieces to wear out. Get $30 off with this link.

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Recent Travel

This April, I was gone for 23 of 28 days, sprinting between Paris, Amsterdam, Belgium, Germany, Nashville, and Vegas. (I got jetlagged writing that sentence.)

Paris

The impetus for the 12 days in Europe (as if I need one!) was an invite to a work trip with Zwilling and Demeyere, two kitchen brands I use and love. Zwilling is located in Germany and has been making knives since 1731. Demeyere makes stainless steel cookware in Belgium.

Neither brand has anything to do with Paris, I just happen to adore the city (I’ve been at least 12 times since I was 20, maybe more), so I reasoned that if I were taking a 10-hour flight, I might as well make a Parisian pitstop first.

As much as I love to travel (and don’t mind dining alone occasionally), I always have more fun with a buddy.

Ben, as a matter of personal morality, does not leave Park City during the ski season (and miss a week of snow? inconceivable!), so instead I went with his mom, Danielle.

If traveling with your mother-in-law sounds like a task to be avoided versus a situation to be sought out intentionally, you’re on the same page as 78% of the people I polled about traveling with in-laws on Instagram.

Thus, it may seem semi-instutional that I asked Ben’s mom to come with me on a trip to Paris and Amsterdam, but she’s one of the most warm, flexible, and fun people you’ll ever meet. I’ve had a bit of a tough parental situation, so having her as another role model in my life is a blessing I try my hardest not to take for granted—even if she still refuses to eat steak tartare.

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In Paris, we ate…A LOT—so much, that I assured myself that, that I’d slow down in Amsterdam…HA!

Turns out Paris was just a warm up.

We had the fortune to be there during white asparagus season, so I busied myself ordering it at every possible opportunity.

In typical French fashion, both times I ordered it, the white asparagus came covered with meat, cheese, and/or cream sauce. Perhaps the French don’t think a person could possibly want a vegetable on its own?

I’ve been fine-tuning my Paris restaurant recommendation list for the last 10 years, and I’m thrilled to say that it’s now relocated to this very Substack, available only to paid subscribers (which I hope you will consider becoming!). I spent the last month cleaning it up to make it as useful as possible, and honestly would re-eat every one of these meals again (unless it’s on the “don’t bother” list, in which case I give you those unfiltered details too).

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Our favorite meal this trip was unquestionably Hugh & Co, a small hip-yet-cozy restaurant tucked away in the 5ème, a.k.a. the Latin Quarter.

A friend recently asked me what there is to do in the Latin Quarter, and my answer was nothing much except for sit, eat, drink, and watch the world go by, all while imagining being Parisian. It’s think it’s the very best thing to do in Paris of all.

My Full List of Paris Recommendations

Amsterdam

After Paris, we took the Eurostar train to Amsterdam, a 3.5 hour journey that made me fall in love with how easy going from country to country in Europe is all over again.

My favorite meal of this trip was an Indonesian dinner called a “rice table.” Indonesia was at one point a Dutch colony, and similar to how you can find fantastic Indian food in England, a visit to the Netherlands is a not-to-miss opportunity to experience Indonesian food. It’s all about warm spices, rich sauces, and dishes that are meant to be shared—comforting, flavorful, and decidedly unfussy yet undeniably complex.

This spread was just for two of us and cost 44 euro per person. Tofu! Tempeh! Veg of all kinds. Chicken thighs. Coconut beef. Three types of rice!

I could have happily set up a cot underneath the table, ate until I needed a nap, then woken back up to finish the rest.

My Amsterdam Guide

Zwilling & Demeyere Factory Tours

After Amsterdam, Danielle and I said adieu (I fear I never figured out how to pronounce “goodbye” in Dutch), then I joined the “work” portion of the trip.

I shared a behind-the-scenes look at the Zwilling factory over on Instagram. Both tours made me more deeply appreciate the thought and craftsmanship that goes into the tools I use every day.

I especially loved watching the Zwilling knife sharpening and honing, much of which is still done by hand.

This might sound odd, but it conjured the same feelings as when I walked into Notre Dame and saw it restored: a sense of optimism and satisfaction to see artists still employed at their craft.

Our final stop in Germany was at the Haribo factory. Picture a Costco shopping experience, but entirely gummy candies.

Nashville ➡️ Vegas

As soon as I got back from France, it was off to Nashville for our annual Well Plated Team Retreat. There’s a team of five dedicated, talented women (plus Ben, a.k.a. “Not So Well Plated”) all working our hardest to create quality recipes and meal plans for you.

Well Plated was a one-woman show for years, and I can’t believe how lucky I am to lead this amazing team!

Then, 24 hours after Nashville, it was VEGAS BABY for our new friend Kevin’s 40th birthday.

I say “new” because Ben and I just met Kevin and his wife Ali last year, after our move to Park City.

Making friends as an adult is HARD, so when Ali asked us if we’d like to join them in Vegas to celebrate, my first and only question was “when do we book?”

For Vegas fans, we stayed at the Cosmo and ate at Jaleo (HIGHLY recommend!).

Erin’s Random Musings

• The older I get, the more convinced I am that 90% of adult friendship is showing up. Was it crazy to fly to Vegas for 24 hours for a birthday party for someone we just met last summer? I do not think it was. Becoming and staying friends means being present, and we’re one step closer as a result of it.

• As I was wandering around the most majestic, awe-inspiring cathedral in Cologne (where the Three Wise Men, among other celebrities, are buried), I found myself feeling very small and insignificant, in that “I’m a speck amongst specks in a speck of time” sort of way. It’s a good and humbling reminder. Look at the stars makes me feel that way too.

• The French teacher of our croissant class had incredible English. She said she learned by watching Friends, so now I’m watching it dubbed in French. Effectiveness TBA, but I’m proud of myself for continuing to work at it.

• My Old Ass. This was a Sundance movie last year that sold out, so I was delighted to see it as an option on my plan to Paris. I’m not usually a fan of “finding yourself” movies (think Garden State and Almost Famous), but this was legitimately enjoyable. I plan to watch it again with Ben.

• After seeing my friend Kimber in these incredibly chic pants, I was delighted when she shared they are secretly sweatpants, complete with soft fleece lining. They look so polished — perfect for when you want to look put together but be comfy (and were 47% off when this published!)

Confessional

After four consecutive weeks of nonstop eating and drinking in Paris/Amsterdam/Nashville/Vegas, I’m feeling less light on my feet and looking at the scale like — hmmmm, I was hoping this wouldn’t happen….but also, girl you drank three glasses of wine ate a serving of pastries and truffles every day, what did you think would happen???

I got home and my initial attitude was “ONLY COTTAGE CHEESE THREE MEALS A DAY BYE” but TBH, diets, even short-term ones, have never worked for me. I spend too much mental energy obsessing over what I’m eating. I’ve been down that path before and have no interest in going back.

Plus, I brought home way too many incredible Belgian chocolates to set myself up for denial and disappointment.

I’m a work in progress, but this time coming home, what I’m saying to myself is, WOW, what a special, DELISH, month I’ve had. Pretty sure no one but me cares how my jeans fit right now. I’ll get back into a routine. There is no timeline.

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What I’m Cooking Off the Blog

Viral Ground Beef Cottage Cheese Sweet Potato Bowl

I didn’t get the hype of this social media sensation until I made three key changes: 1) Add onion and tomato paste when sauting the beef, 2) Add red pepper flakes, hot honey alone will not do, and 3) Use way more cottage cheese than you think makes sense.

Yield: ~3 bowls

For the Sweet Potatoes

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

• 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Beef:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 pound lean ground beef

• 1 red onion, diced

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 1 tablespoon chili powder

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

For Serving

• Cottage cheese

• Hot Honey

• Avocado

• Red pepper flakes

1. Toss the sweet potatoes with the oil and seasonings. Air fry at 400°F for 12 minutes, shaking the basket a few times throughout (or bake at 400°F for 15 to 20 minutes).

2. Brown the beef with the oil, onion, tomato paste, and seasonings over medium high, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook through.

3. Make a bed of sweet potatoes on your plate. Top with the beef, a generous scoop of cottage cheese, sliced avocado, a drizzle of hot honey, and sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

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Things I’ve Tried and Liked

• Maeley’s B-Tight Cellulite Cream. When they offered to send me a sample, I said yes but rolled my eyes because 1) cellulite is normal, and 2) it sounded like a gimmick. Um…it works if you use it 2x per day as directed. Who knew?!

• AG1. I’ve tried a rainbow of green powders over the years, and this is the first where I’ve felt a difference.

• Ultra Light Waterbottle. The 18-ounce fits in my purse and doesn’t leak, even with the straw.

• Coziest Crewneck. Lots of pretty colors and nice neutrals. I have the Trillium color and it’s gorgeous in person.

• OxiClean White Revive. If you like your whites WHITE, add a scoop to your washer before putting in the clothes. Unlike bleach, it’s color safe.

Discount Codes & Resources

Mother’s Day Gift Guide. Unique, affordable gift ideas for every kind of mom.

Clean Simple Eats. Get 10% off with code WELLPLATED at checkout. They make my favorite protein powder. I also bring these greens packets with me when traveling.

Caraway. 10% off with code WELLPLATED, on top of lots of Mother’s Day promos going on right now. These pretty pans are a breeze to clean, non-toxic, and would make a lovely gift.

My Amazon Storefront. Ever wonder what products I use in my own kitchen? You can find them all in my easy-to-shop storefront.

Nutrafol. I’ve taken this daily for 2 years and see a noticeable difference in my hair volume. Get $20 your first shipment with this link.

Rent the Runway. I am a HUGE fan of monthly clothing rentals. I spend less overall, try fun trends risk-free, and always have something fun and new in my closet. I rented my entire wardrobe for my Europe trip from RTR. I’m super impressed by their selection and customer service. Get 40% off your first month with this link.

Nuuly. Another clothing rental service I’ve used. It’s a little less expensive than RTR and the selection is less formal/premium. It’s worth testing out if you have a more casual style or want fun, more casual pieces to wear out. Get $30 off with this link.