All Things Trader Joe's, Food

The Top 10 Canned Items I Consistently Buy From Trader Joe’s

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Whether they are needed as an ingredient for a composed meal, an item for a quick snack, or for emergency preparedness – it’s always wise to keep a variety of canned food in your pantry. Beans, peeled tomatoes, and tinned fish make up the majority of canned items in my kitchen. However, there are a few other staples from Trader Joe’s that I just can’t live without.

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Clean Beauty, Sunscreen

The Best Mineral Sunscreens – 2025 Edition

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It’s the middle of summer, and today’s high in Los Angeles is forecasted to be 90° which is a clear indicator that it is absolutely sunblock season! The best thing you can do for your skin, in my humble opinion, is lathering on an SPF-based product when heading outside. Don’t know where to start when it comes to sunscreens? No need to fret my friend. I’ve got plenty of great recommendations to share when it comes to mineral-based sunblocks since I’m incredibly passionate about sun protection.

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Our Mental Health, Personal Stories, Wellness

A Love Letter to Los Angeles Amidst the LA Wildfires

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If it wasn’t already obvious from the title of my blog, I was born & raised in Los Angeles. The past few weeks have been nothing short of devastating and an incredibly overwhelming experience to say the least. It’s been five weeks since the Palisades & Eaton fires erupted. It’s been five weeks since we learned about the extent of the destruction that imprinted itself across our city in one short night and would continue to do so for days to follow. It’s been five weeks of panic, anxiety, shock, grief, resilience, fortitude, fear, struggle, strength, reflection, and deep hope for the future. On this Valentine’s Day – I felt compelled to write this post for my own emotional release, for everyone personally affected by these wildfires, for every single Angeleno, and for all those with deep ties to LA.

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Food, Quick & Easy Recipes

Cranberry, Goat Cheese Pastries – The Perfect Holiday Appetizer

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Thanksgiving & Christmas may be long gone, but cranberry season is still in full effect around my household. So if you too are a fan of this seasonal berry and happen to be hosting a New Year’s Eve party this Tuesday, I’ve got a great two-ingredient, appetizer perfect for ringing in 2025!

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All Things Trader Joe's, Food

Trader Joe’s – My Childhood Grocery Store Turned Grown-Up Sanctuary

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As a San Gabriel Valley native, Trader Joe’s has literally been my neighborhood grocery store since youth and continues to be my grocery store of choice as an adult. Considering how much time and money I spend at Trader Joe’s each month, I figured it apropos to finally dedicate a section of my blog to this hallowed place.

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Destination Guides, Travel

Here’s How I Spent 4 Nights In Lisbon

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A while back, I kicked off a monthslong, solo trip to Europe with a quick visit to Lisbon. My good friend, Pat, was wrapping up a Portuguese cycling excursion with his family on the same day I was starting my journey abroad. For this reason alone, I made Lisbon my very first stop. Keep reading to see how I spent my time exploring The City of Seven Hills.

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Destination Guides, Travel

Your Guide To Exploring Belém – Lisbon’s Busiest Tourist Destination

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A first-time trip to Lisbon is not complete without a day spent in the district of Belém. Located along an estuary of the Tagus River and directly to the west of the city center – Belém is a scenic hub teeming with monuments, museums, and the grandest of monasteries. Keep reading for a few tips and tricks on how to navigate this popular, Portuguese destination.

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Clean Beauty, Oral Care

My Favorite, Eco-Friendly Toothbrushes

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I am always striving to create less waste by using less plastic. One easy way I’m able to accomplish this is through the toothbrushes I choose to buy for myself. Keep reading to learn more about some of my favorite, oral care products that are not only great for my teeth but also great for the environment.

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Destination Guides, Travel

Heading To Lisbon? Here’s Where You Should Stay During Your Trip!

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I’m a nerd for research and looked into a variety of hotels and vacation rentals prior to my trip to Lisbon. After learning about the city’s various neighborhoods, countless hills, metro system, and tourist hotspots – I finally settled on a hotel in the neighborhood of Saldanha. I was really pleased with my decision at the time of my stay and still feel the same after reflecting on this fun, quick trip to Portugal’s capital city.

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Destination Guides, Travel

The Lisboa Card – Worth It Or Not – Your Guide to Visiting Lisbon

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Are you visiting Lisbon for the first time this year and searching for a cost-effective way to tour Portugal’s capital city? If so, the Lisboa Card may be just what you’re looking for. Keep reading to find out if the perks of this popular travel card are actually worth the price.

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Dining Guides, Mmm! The Joy of Eating, Travel

The Best Things I Ate & Drank In Lisbon

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During a recent trip to Europe, I was able to spend three full days in Portugal’s capital city. Although my time in Lisbon was quite short, I was lucky enough to stumble upon some truly delicious eats and equally tasty beverages during this quick visit.

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Clean Beauty, Oral Care

Davids Premium Toothpaste – An Honest Review

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My boyfriend and I have been using the same JĀSÖN toothpaste for almost a decade. Unfortunately, they recently changed the ingredients, and our favorite product just isn’t the same. As a result, I have been on the hunt for a new go-to teeth cleaner and recently stumbled upon Davids Premium Toothpaste a few weeks ago. If you’re curious to know what I think about this natural, oral care product – keep on reading for my honest review.

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Clean Beauty, Sunscreen

The Best Mineral Sunscreens – 2024 Edition

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Regardless of the season, I wear sunblock practically every day and truly believe it to be the holy grail of any skincare routine. So if, you too, are slightly obsessed about protecting your skin from the sun or just simply looking for some good recommendations, keep on reading to discover which mineral-based SPF moisturizes I purchase on the regular.

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Travel

Female Solo Travel – An Experience I Was Finally Able To Pursue in My Late Thirties

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Female Solo Travel – An Experience I Was Finally Able To Pursue in My Late Thirties

I have always had a desire to travel abroad on my own, but for a swath of reasons – never did. Finally, at the age of 37, I made the decision to take an extended trip to Europe. My journey of over four months was full of various adventures and unforgettable experiences. Looking back now, I am incredibly grateful that I was able to turn one of my dreams into a realty.

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Food, Quick & Easy Recipes

A Simply Delicious St. Patrick’s Day Dinner

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A Simply Delicious St. Patrick’s Day Dinner

Every year as a child, my mother made corned beef and cabbage on St. Patty’s Day, a uniquely Irish-American pairing. And yes, you heard correctly; this famous holiday duo is not a traditional Irish dish for those who were wondering. But as you all know, it remains a signature meal for festive Americans of both Irish and non-Irish descent every seventeenth day of March here in the States. For all those celebrating today, keep reading for my simple yet delicious 3-part recipe.

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Food, Quick & Easy Recipes

Savory & Spiced Up Butternut Squash Soup

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Savory & Spiced Up Butternut Squash Soup

The air is crisp, and the leaves are falling which means that soup season is officially upon us! I had a beautiful butternut squash sitting in my kitchen and decided to whip up a quick soup last night using a few seasonal spices and some fresh rosemary that was growing in my garden. The end product was so delicious that I knew I had to publish the recipe just in case any of you were interested in making a soup course for your Thanksgiving dinner this year!

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Clean Beauty, Skincare

Ursa Major: Skincare Review – Part 2

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Ursa Major: Skincare Review – Part 2

A few years ago, I published my very first Ursa Major review. At the end of the post, I mentioned that I was excited to try their Vitamin C Serum at some point down the road. That road was a little bit longer than anticipated, but I finally got around to purchasing their raved about brightening serum a few months ago in addition to a few other items. Keep on reading for my honest review.

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