Holiday Coffee Chat
My top 10 products of 2025, awkward family photos, a three-star Michelin meal, and a tough year for small businesses.
Welcome back to my monthly coffee chat! This is where I share my life in a personal, unfiltered way that you don’t get on my primary recipe site Well Plated, or even on Instagram. No ads, no algorithms, no AI. It’s just me, your friend Erin. Let’s catch up!
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!
San Francisco Guide: What to Do, See and EAT
If the best way to know where to eat in a city is to talk to a local, I can do you one better: many of these recommendations come directly from a local chef! My talented sister-in-law is the CDC (that’s chef de cuisine) at one of SF’s most beloved restaurants, and she shows Ben and me the most delicious time whenever we visit.
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.
Napa Like a Local: Everything You Need to Know to Plan the Perfect Trip
Three days in Napa is one of my favorite ways to spend a long weekend. I’ve taken trips with girlfriends, with family, with groups of couples, and alone with Ben for a romantic weekend. Whatever your mix, it ALL works!
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.
If You're Grieving Someone This Christmas
I’ll never forget our first Christmas without my dad. He died in a plane crash when my younger sisters and I were 19, 17, and 14, all ages when we still very much needed him (hey, I’m 39 and still need him now).
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.
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Erin, you are a gifted writer and your recipes regularly grace our table. Thank you for working so hard to encourage and support your posse. Have a beautiful New Year!
Love your site…it’s my go-to for recipes! Also enjoying your newsletter and its tips, product recommendations and especially the travel information.