Health-Fitness Tips,Tricks And How To Tutorials Which Will Help To Live Life Healthy-Wealthy And Enjoyable Forever.
Top posts and pages of 2022
Sharing the top posts and pages of 2022!
Hi friends! Happy Monday! I hope you had a wonderful weekend and a Merry Christmas to those who were celebrating!
Some pics from our holly jolly weekend:
It was the perfect weekend and I’m already sad that today we’ll be packing away decorations. The holiday season always goes by too quickly, but this year was warp speed. Welp, bring on spring and summer swimming and BBQ season 😉
For today’s post, I wanted to share the top posts and pages of 2022. I always love going back and looking at my top-performing posts to give me an idea of the type of content you want to see. I used this info to plan my editorial calendar, along with your amazing annual survey suggestions. It’s always interesting to see which posts blow it out of the water (which usually have nothing to do with food, fitness, or fashion.. but more like potty training and guinea pigs lol). This year I was surprised! WAY more fitness and health content than usual.
Here are the top 22 posts and pages of 2022!
1. How to set up your Peloton bike or any spin bike
This was one of those posts that I was proud creating, because I knew I had friends out there who needs help with spin bike setup. (Also, I think the Peloton intro video does not explain it very well.) I was pumped to see that this post is still a top pick!
2. Why I tried Nutrisense and what I learned
I’ve been using Nutrisense for over a year now – I have a CGM attached to me while I write this post – and it’s been such a helpful tool in my health journey. It’s been so insightful to see how my body responds to different habits, stressors, foods, and workouts, and I’ve been able to make positive changes in my routine.
3. Potty training tips from two nanas
This is an old post – my girls are far beyond the potty training years – but has held a top spot for a long time. My mom and nana potty trained Liv in 24 hours, and I’m sharing all of their tips here. (P potty trained herself when she was about 18 months old. She yelled at me, “NO MORE DIAPERS” and that was that. I’ve had it very easy on the potty training front lol.)
4. How to keep your guinea pig cage clean
The guinea pigs are SO cute but I REALLY didn’t want our house to smell like a barn when we got them. Here’s how I keep their cage clean!
5. F45 vs. Orangetheory – my full review
This was another post that I thought would help those who were curious about the difference between the two popular bootcamp-style classes. I break it all down here!
6. How to train for a half marathon while strength training
I made this training plan for a friend (who has used it successfully a few times now) and wanted to share it on the blog. I’m definitely not a running coach, but I am pretty good at putting plans together that can help you get towards your goals without encouraging overtraining injuries.
7. Why type of cardio to do after strength training
This morning detox drink is such a great way to start the day, and now through my work studying blood sugar balance and learning more through IHP, I know more about WHY this can be so beneficial. I had stopped drinking it, but brought it back into my routine. It’s excellent first thing in the morning, or even in the afternoon an hour or so before lunch or dinner.
9. Homemade gelatin gummies for gut health
LOVE these little gelatin-packed gummies and so do the kids! They ask to make these every few weeks.
10. How much cardio is too much?
The GOLDEN fitness question. Surprise: you *need* less than you likely think you need.
11. I got my breast implants removed + my experience with explant surgery
This is still one of the best things I’ve ever done for my health. While I definitely miss the look of my implants, I feel a thousand times better with them out. I anticipate that this post will continue to be a top post because the demand for this procedure continues to rise as women become more educated about the potential harm of breast implants.
12. Adrenal cocktail recipe and why you should try it
This is another healthy drink I love! You can also drink it AFTER a balanced meal (veggies, protein, healthy fats, smart carbs), if you’re worried about spiking blood sugar.
13. How to take care of a fiddle leaf fig tree
Frida, the queeeeeeen! It’s hard to believe that she’s even bigger now than she was in these pics! She’s slowly taking over the living room. Sharing all of the details about how I keep her alive and thriving.
Some of my favorite fashion finds for fall, plus some options that stay within trends without looking too young.
15. TRX workout plan for beginners
One of my favorite things about the TRX is that it’s easily scaled for various fitness levels. This plan focuses on exercises that would be appropriate for beginners, with room for more challenging professions.
16. How to combine Peloton with other workouts + a sample plan
This one is all about how to use the Peloton bike if you like to do other workouts and how to combine them into a weekly plan.
17. Pure barre vs. barre3. Which one is better?
The details on two of my barre class loves, which are both excellent workouts, but are very different from one another.
18. Copycat glow bowl recipe from Flower Child
We’re finally getting a Flower Child and I CAN’T WAIT. In the meantime, I recreate recipes like this one.
I didn’t post a ton of new workouts this past year – it’s one of my goals for 2023 – but I was happy to see ya’ll are still using the workouts and plans I’ve shared here.
20. We painted our cabinets Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee
This is one of the best DIYs we’ve done for the house and it was a huge money saver.
Love these mini cheese board boxes for an individual appetizer, or little gift along with a bottle of wine.
22. How to make tempeh taste good
The age old question haha. Thankfully, I have a few amazing tempeh recipes and strategies!
These blog posts are random… just like yours truly
It’s a pretty solid mix of fitness, good eats, and lifestyle posts. I also noticed that the second half of my top 50 analytics were focused on biohacking products (like my sauna blanket review, Oura ring, red light face mask, etc.). I was very surprised to see so much fitness content doing well this year. It was a good nudge to continue to answer questions my friends out there want to know regarding fitness and health strategies, classes, and formats. It’s also a good nudge to post some more full plans and workouts!
If you have any suggestions for the upcoming year, pleeeeeease take 2 minutes to fill out my annual survey here. It’s so important to me to create a blog that you enjoy reading, so your feedback means the world to me.
Ok friends, I’m doing something wild the rest of the week: I’m taking the week off of blogging. I’m pretty sure I’ve never done this and am looking forward to a little break and hitting the new year back here refreshed and ready to go!
It will be the perfect time to enjoy some extra adventures with our babies before they head back to school. I also need to do this for myself to prove that my blog won’t disappear if I happen to step away for a few days. 😉
I’ll see you all in the new year and hope you have a wonderful week!
xo
Gina
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The 8 Best Places to Buy Contacts Online
Getting your contacts online is sometimes easier and cheaper than buying from the eye doc — that’s crystal clear. But deciding which site to shop at? That’s a little out of focus.
So where will you find exactly what you’re looking for? Here’s a bird’s-eye view of the best places to shop.
A quick look at the best places to buy contacts online
- Best overall: 1-800 Contacts
- Cheapest and best returns: Discount Contacts
- Best for expired prescriptions: Warby Parker
- Best for using insurance: Contacts Direct
- Best customer service: Lens.com
- Best for colored contacts: WebEyeCare
- Best for contacts and glasses: Eyeconic and LensCrafters
How we chose the best online options for buying contacts
With a bajillion online contacts suppliers out there — offering everything from pink zebra fashion lenses to multifocal lenses for astigmatism — choosing the best options is no small feat. Here’s how we decided which companies made the cut.
- Price. Sure, you could pay an arm and a leg (and maybe an eye) for pricey contacts, but why pay top dollar if you don’t have to? The companies on our list feature a range of reasonable prices. Plus, many take insurance or can be used as out-of-network providers for reimbursement after purchase. To sweeten the financial deal, several even provide free shipping.
- Variety. Everybody has different priorities for what makes the perfect pair of eyeball pasties — er, contacts. The options listed here offer a variety of contact types, brands, and additional products (like glasses) so you can choose which works best for you.
- Ease of use. It’s no fun slogging through a clunky website or jumping through a thousand hoops just to place a dang contacts order. Our selections feature easy-to-use websites and smooth purchasing processes. (Because isn’t convenience the whole point of ordering online?)
- Vetting. We put every brand through a thorough vetting process to make sure they’re not making any unsupported health claims or engaging in shady business practices. We also make sure they have a good reputation by digging into customer reviews and ratings on their own sites and on sites like Better Business Bureau. Only brands that passed that vetting process made our list below.
Pricing guide
To get a feel for each retailer’s general price point, we compared prices for the same 90-pack of daily lenses. (Except for the direct-to-consumer brands. For those, we looked at the price of their line.)
- $ = under $60
- $$ = $61–$80
- $$$ = over $81
The best places to buy contacts online
Best place to buy contacts online overall
1-800 Contacts
| Price | $$ |
| Insurance accepted | In-network: Anthem, Blue View Vision, Davis Vision, Spectera, SuperiorVision, United Healthcare Vision |
| Number of contacts brands | 11 |
| Shipping cost | free standard shipping |
| Shipping time | 1–7 business days |
| Return policy | free returns or exchanges on unopened contacts indefinitely, free replacement on ripped contacts |
Summary: It’s a household name for a reason, folks. 1-800 Contacts has a huge, easy-to-search selection of daily and monthly lenses, plus lenses for dry eyes, astigmatism, and multi- or bifocal needs.
The brand has a “gajillion percent promise” that includes price matching, free returns and exchanges for any reason, and free replacements for ripped contact lenses.
If you have your prescription, the ordering process is a cinch: Text or email your prescription or have them reach out to your eye doc directly. Also amazing? For $20, you can take an app-based eye test to update your prescription — no trip to the doctor needed.
Heads up, though: The online vision exam isn’t available in every state. Plus, it doesn’t replace a comprehensive eye exam. Boo. Use this link to check your eligibility.
Reviews: One of our editors is a 1-800 Contacts loyalist because of how easy it easy to find and order contacts. She says it’s super easy to submit your prescription and reorder when you run out since the site stores your past orders and keeps your prescription on file. She also loves the discount you get when you buy multiple boxes at once and how easy it is to apply insurance benefits at checkout.
Some reviewers say they’ve had technical glitches with the 1-800 Contacts website, and that customer service could use an upgrade. But others rave that its low prices and easy process are the best in the biz.
Cheapest place to buy contacts online (and best returns!)
Discount Contacts
| Price | $ |
| Insurance accepted | no |
| Number of contacts brands | 34 |
| Shipping cost | free on orders over $99 |
| Shipping time | 7–10 business days |
| Return policy | free returns for 365 days |
Summary: You’ll score some really great deals here, as the name implies. Plus, first-time buyers get an additional 20 percent off, and orders over $99 ship free. There are 34 different brands to choose from and all kinds of lens types — like daily, weekly, and monthly disposables, colored contacts, multifocals, and lenses for astigmatism.
You can also buy red and dry eye treatments, contact solution, and eyeglasses. And like 1-800 Contacts, you can take an online vision exam (depending on what state you live in) to update your prescription. But unlike 1-800 Contacts, it’s free! Just remember this does *not* replace a comprehensive in-person eye exam.
The downside? This site doesn’t accept insurance, but it does have forms you can complete and submit to your insurance provider for potential reimbursement. Alternatively, you can use your health savings account (HSA) or federal savings account (FSA) if you have one.
Reviews: Users dig the hassle-free ordering process and (obvi) the rock-bottom prices — though some say shipping times take longer than expected.
Best place to buy contacts online if your prescription is expired
Warby Parker
| Price | $ for Scout, $$ for major brands |
| Insurance accepted | In-network: Aetna, Anthem Blue View Vision, Blue Cross Blue Shield FEP Vision, EyeMed, Cigna, Davis Vision, EyeMed, Humana, NVA, United Healthcare, VSP |
| Number of contacts brands | 11 |
| Shipping cost | free standard shipping |
| Shipping time | 7–9 business days |
| Return policy | free returns for 30 days |
Summary: Everyone’s fave online glasses brand also offers an in-house line of daily contacts called Scout, which is billed as a more affordable and more sustainable (read: less packaging) alternative to traditional contact brands. They also take up waaay less space than traditional packs of contacts. Bonus? You can try a mini pack for $5.
Warby Parker sells 10 other major contact brands, too, claiming to do so without any hidden fees, but the prices for those offerings really aren’t much different from other online retailers’ prices.
We love that you can easily renew an expired prescription using WP’s online vision test *or* head into a brick-and-mortar store near you for a full eye exam. We also appreciate that you get 15 percent off your first order and free shipping no matter what.
Reviews: Planet-conscious users are in love with their space-saving, lower impact flat packs. Reviewers are also big fans of Warby Parker’s customer service, saying it’s super easy to get help when things go wrong. They also appreciate having the option to visit an in-person store for more hands-on help or to get a full eye exam.
Best place to buy contacts online with insurance
Contacts Direct
| Price | $$ |
| Insurance accepted | In-network: most major insurance providers including Aetna Vision Preferred, Anthem Blue View Vision, EyeMed, Humana Vision, Superior Vision |
| Number of contacts brands | 14 |
| Shipping cost | free standard shipping |
| Shipping time | 7–10 business days |
| Return policy | return unopened products within 6 months, but customer pays return postage |
Summary: If you have vision insurance, Contacts Direct makes it as easy as possible to use your coverage. Just add your insurance info at checkout and your provider will be charged directly (you’ll be notified if you have to pay anything out of pocket). If your provider isn’t in-network, a representative can help you file a claim at checkout via chat. You can apply your FSA/HSA dollars too.
Reviews: Reviewers also gush over Contacts Direct’s easy-to-use website, competitive prices, and ample variety. But if you’re not happy with your purchase, be prepared: You’ll have to pay for shipping and handling on returns.
Best customer service
Lens.com
| Price | $$ |
| Insurance accepted | no |
| Number of contacts brands | 28 |
| Shipping cost | $9.95 for standard shipping |
| Shipping time | 5–7 business days |
| Return policy | free returns for 30 days |
Summary: Lens.com has been around since 1995, pretty much since the beginning of the interwebs, so they have the whole customer service thing down. If you don’t like the contacts you bought, you can return them for free with no questions asked. (That’s probably why their reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with thousands of users singing the praises of their smooth and streamlined process.)
They’ve also got a mega selection of major brands, and you can renew your prescription online with a virtual vision test. The brand’s standard prices are definitely midrange, but take note: Lens.com periodically offers shockingly deep discounts.
Reviews: Reviews are raving. People can’t get enough of how quick and easy it is to order from Lens.com. Most say shipping and delivery were quick, too. Others are happy with the competitive prices offered on popular brands.
Best place to buy colored contacts online
| Price | $$ |
| Insurance accepted | no |
| Number of contacts brands | 18 |
| Shipping cost | free standard shipping on order over $89 |
| Shipping time | 5–10 business days |
| Return policy | return unopened products within 60 days, but customer pays return postage and restocking fee |
Summary: Want that wild-child, just-got-back-from-Coachella look? (Or just wanna see what you’d look like with green eyes?). Explore a rainbow of optical fashions with WebEyeCare’s colored contacts. Seven different packs provide jewel-toned hues like turquoise, amethyst, and sapphire.
While you’re at it, you can shop for new sunnies or readers from super popular brands like Ray-Ban, Burberry, and GUESS.
Reviews: An easy-peasy website and budget-friendly prices make for tons of satisfied reviewers. But some users complain that WebEyeCare’s customer service is lacking.
Best place to buy contacts and glasses online
| Price | $$$ |
| Insurance accepted | Cigna Vision, MetLife, VSP |
| Number of contacts brands | 15 |
| Shipping cost | free standard shipping |
| Shipping time | 4–7 business days |
| Return policy | free returns for 60 days |
Summary: If you’re like most contacts wearers, your lenses probably aren’t glued to your eyeballs 24/7. You’ve most likely got a pair of glasses on standby (and maybe some sunglasses, too). Eyeconic is a one-stop shop for contacts, glasses, and shades, featuring sought-after brands like Ray-Ban, Gucci, and Nike. Their massive variety also means Eyeconic has a wide spectrum of pricing — for glasses, you’ll find options from about $95 to $500.
Fortunately, Eyeconic accepts several insurance plans and offers free shipping.
Reviews: Tons of reviewers are happy with their experience and satisfied with the prices — especially peeps with VSP insurance (VSP owns Eyeconic, so you get a real deal). BUT many reviewers also complain of delayed shipments and incorrect orders.
LensCrafters
| Price | $$$ |
| Insurance accepted | Aetna, Ameritas, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue View Vision, EyeMed, GEHA, Humana, Optima Health Plan, PlusProvider, and more. |
| Number of contacts brands | 21 |
| Shipping cost | free “green” and ground shipping |
| Shipping time | 7 business days |
| Return policy | free returns for 30 days |
Summary: It’s not just a strip mall chain. With both a booming in-person and online business, LensCrafters offers contacts options that users say are super comprehensive and decently priced.
LensCrafters has all the big contact brands at solid (often discounted) prices, plus affordable glasses and sunglasses.
They take most vision insurance plans and make it easy to check your eligibility too. And if you need to update your Rx before placing your order, just schedule an appointment at one of the brand’s brick-and-mortar stores.
Reviews: Reviewers are v satisfied with the wide range of options they get at LensCrafters. Many say the customer service in brick-and-mortar stores is top-notch, but a few complain that online customer service is lacking.
Side-by-side comparison
| Company | Price | Insurance accepted | Number of brands | Shipping cost | Shipping time | Return policy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-800 Contacts | $$ | Anthem, Blue View Vision, Davis Vision, Spectera, SuperiorVision, United Healthcare Vision | 11 | free standard shipping | 1–7 business days | free returns or exchanges on unopened contacts for indefinitely, free replacement on ripped contacts |
| Discount Contacts | $ | no | 34 | free on orders over $99 | 1–7 business days | free returns for 365 days |
| Warby Parker | $ for Scout, $$ for other brands | Aetna, Anthem Blue View Vision, Blue Cross Blue Shield FEP Vision, EyeMed, Cigna, Davis Vision, EyeMed, Humana, NVA, United Healthcare, VSP | 11 | Free standard shipping | 7–9 business days | free returns for 30 days |
| Contacts Direct | $$ | most major insurance providers including Aetna Vision Preferred, Anthem Blue View Vision, EyeMed, Humana Vision, Superior Vision | 14 | free standard shipping | 1–7 business days | return unopened products within 6 months, but customer pays return postage |
| Lens.com | $$ | no | 28 | $9.95 for standard shipping | 5–7 business days | free returns for 30 days |
| WebEyeCare | $$ | no | 18 | free standard shipping on orders over $89 | 5–10 business days | return unopened products within 60 days, but customer pays return postage and restocking fee |
| Eyeconic | $$$ | Cigna Vision, MetLife, VSP | 15 | free standard shipping | 4–7 days | free returns for 60 days |
| LensCrafters | $$$ | Aetna, Ameritas, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue View Vision, EyeMed, GEHA, Humana, Optima Health Plan, PlusProvider, and more. | 21 | free “green” and ground shipping | 7 business days | free returns for 30 days |
How to choose the best online contacts supplier
Seeing your way clear to the best online contacts retailer will depend on a variety of factors.
- Insurance. If you have vision insurance, start by looking for a retailer that accepts your specific insurance. While most insurance plans won’t cover 100 percent of contacts cost, it’ll still help you save some money.
- Product selection. The next most important factor to consider is what products the retailer carries. Did your ophthalmologist recommend a specific brand and type of contact for you? Do you need glasses and contacts? Are you looking to spice things up with colored contacts? Make sure you’re picking a website that has all your needs covered.
- Prescriptions and eye exams. Some retailers offer easy online vision tests to renew expired prescriptions, which can be hella convenient if your current prescription is working for you. If you need a whole new prescription, some sites (like Warby Parker and Lens Crafters) have brick-and-mortar locations where you can go get an eye exam and then order online.
- Price. If your insurance doesn’t cover contacts or if your insurance benefits don’t cover a full year’s worth of contacts, you’ll want to shop around to find the best bang for your buck. (Use our pricing guide as a jumping-off point!)
- Return policy. Keep a company’s shipping and return policies in mind. Finding a retailer with an easy returns and exchanges policy could keep you from amassing a shelf full of contacts that don’t actually work for you.
- Company reputation. A company’s reputation and user reviews are other key indicators of quality — so go ahead down the rabbit hole of Trustpilot or Better Business Bureau write-ups to get insider deets.
Tips for buying contacts online
Ordering contacts online is fabulously convenient and usually super simple. But before you go ordering a lifetime supply of visual aids, consider these tips.
Saving money
- Shop sales! Lots of online contacts retailers offer discounts throughout the year. (Hellooooo Black Friday deals.)
- Buy in bulk. If your prescription is unlikely to change and you’ve found a product you like, bulking up almost always saves some green.
- Check out subscriptions. Choosing a company that offers monthly subscriptions isn’t just easy on your wallet — it’s one less thing to think about each month.
- Opt for retailers with free shipping and returns. No need to rack up the cost with dang shipping charges.
- Discounts. Ask your eye doctor if they have coupons, deals, or recommendations for online contacts purchases.
Using insurance
- Always double-check your vision insurance coverage to determine your out-of-pocket costs before choosing an online retailer. (Boring, we know, but necessary.)
- If you’re buying contacts out of network, try filing a reimbursement claim after your purchase. Your insurance provider may surprise you with some cash back.
- Prescription contacts are an eligible expense with a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA). Just note that FSA funds often expire at the end of the year.
Script tips
- Need an updated Rx? It’s possible to get a prescription for contacts via your device (because in-person healthcare is so 2019). 1-800 Contacts offers this service for $20. Just keep in mind that this does *not* replace a comprehensive eye exam and works best if your old prescription was working well for you.
- If your eye doctor has recommended a specific brand of contacts, listen up! Don’t try substituting a cheaper brand; your doc knows best.
- Never try to order contacts without a valid prescription.
Frequently asked questions
Is it OK to buy contacts online?
Of course! Buying contacts online is a super convenient way to get ’em. Just make sure you’re buying from a reputable brand and take things like budget, insurance, return policy, and shipping time into consideration before ordering.
What is the best place to buy contact lenses online?
For start-to-finish convenience, good variety, and insurance coverage, we’re fans of 1-800 Contacts. But if you’re looking for snazzy colored lenses, dreaming of sustainable packaging, or need to snag some glasses along with your contacts, you may prefer a different site. Before you purchase, play internet detective to compare options based on your top priorities.
How do I get the best deal on contacts?
Just because you want to see better doesn’t mean you want to glimpse a massive charge on your credit card. So how do you cut costs on contacts? Start by determining your insurance coverage — it’s possible you’ll have little to no out-of-pocket costs.
No insurance? Check out budget-friendly retailers like Warby Parker or Discount Contacts, or consider buying in bulk to save money. And don’t forget to chat up your optometrist — they may have coupons or insider recommendations for you.
Is it safe to buy contacts online?
As long as you purchase from a reputable company, safety shouldn’t be an issue when ordering contacts online. Still, if you’re concerned you might not like the online experience (or are worried about getting an incorrect order), choose a retailer with a generous return policy.
Can I order contacts online with an expired prescription?
This one’s a hard no. It’s actually illegal for retailers to sell contacts to anyone without a valid, current prescription — so don’t try. That said, several contacts companies provide virtual eye exams so you can get a prescription without leaving the couch.
Can I trust 1-800 Contacts?
If you’ve ever had a bait-and-switch experience with online shopping (and haven’t we all?), you may feel skeptical of trusting the internet with something as important as your eyesight. Not too sure about 1-800 Contacts? Here are some comforting stats: 1-800 Contacts is accredited with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), where they have an A+ rating.
On the other hand, their customer rating on BBB isn’t stellar (averaging 2 out of 5). On Trustpilot, they get slightly higher marks at 3.2 out of 5.
Is 1-800 Contacts cheaper than Walmart?
1-800 Contacts tops our list for best overall online contact retailer but that doesn’t mean they’re always the cheapest. You may find lower prices at Walmart. That said, price differences between the two usually aren’t that dramatic. When we compared products, Walmart’s options were only a few dollars less than those of 1-800 Contacts.
The bottom line
Once you’ve got a prescription in hand, it’s not hard to get eyes on great contact lens deals online. With a few clicks, you’ll be on your way to better vision, no appointment required! Just be sure to give some thought to priorities like budget, insurance, return policy terms, and shipping time before committing any contacts to your virtual shopping cart.
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Have yourself a Merry little Christmas
Hi friends! I hope that whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hannukah, or a lovely Friday, that you have an amazing weekend. Please know that I’m grateful for you every.single.day and I’m sending you the biggest hug and lots of love. I pray that 2023 is a year filled with happiness, good health, and time surrounded with those you love.
Thank you for being here and being a part of this community. <3
xoxo,
Gina + the Pilot, Liv, P, Maisey, Cookie the hairless guinea pig, and Donut
Photos by Audria Abney
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How to Make All Your Favorite Starbucks Drinks at Home
I’ll admit it: I love Starbucks, but I’m ballin’ on a budget, so I don’t always have the money to shell out $8 for a drink. Feel me? It happens to the best of us.
But I have a solution! I’m here to help you become your own barista, and pretty soon you’ll be able to make some of the most classic Starbucks drinks — hot or iced — from the comfort of your own home.
And if you buy all the ingredients up front, you’ll probably save money on coffee in the long run, which is a huge plus.
11 recipes to DIY your way to barista status
1. Pumpkin spice latte
The fall favorite that I admittedly have still never tried(!) has become synonymous with the Starbucks name, so I’d be totally remiss not to teach you how to make it at home. This way, you can start every day with a lower-sugar (but still seasonally delightful) PSL. You’re so welcome.
For the latte itself, you’ll want to start by heating your milk for 1 minute and then frothing it a bit. If you don’t have a handheld frother, never fear. Here’s how to froth milk without an espresso machine (or an electric frother, for that matter). For the full PSL effect, be sure to top with whipped cream and some pumpkin pie spice.
Get our pumpkin spice latte recipe.
2. Caramel frappuccino
This is the perfect drink for a hot day, the one that got me hooked on Starbucks years before I discovered my need for pure shots of espresso straight into my bloodstream. You can use espresso shots or strongly brewed coffee, and any milk you like. You’ll also need caramel syrup, which is worth the splurge if you enjoy these drinks as much as I do.
Because you’re the barista, you get to decide exactly how tall to make your mountain of whipped cream on top. Wanna go full dairy Everest? You do you.
Get the caramel frappucino recipe.
3. Cold brew with salted cream cold foam
A more restrained but equally refreshing option that still satisfies the craving for a little something sweet (and salty), this simple cold brew with creamy, salted sweet foam is perfect. The recipe promises everything you love about the drink, except the instant gratification part, since you’ll need to steep your cold brew for about 18 hours.
Get the recipe for cold brew with salted cream cold foam.
4. White chocolate mocha
White chocolate mocha is one of Starbucks’ most popular drinks, and is it any wonder? It’s sweet, rich, and just a smidge more interesting than a traditional mocha.
This recipe calls for about 3 tablespoons of white chocolate chips rather than syrup, but if you like it sweeter, just add more chocolate! Make sure to whisk often when heating your coffee, milk, and chocolate, and don’t skip the whipped cream and chocolate shavings on top.
Get the white chocolate mocha recipe.
5. Vanilla latte
Hot or iced, the Starbucks vanilla latte is my thing. It’s so simple, yet so delicious. It’s even perfect with any kind of milk — regular, soy, coconut, you name it! Plus, it’s so easy, you barely even need a recipe… but, OK, we’ll give you one.
6. Iced caramel macchiato
Perhaps the most Instagram-worthy drink on this list, the iced caramel macchiato looks difficult because the espresso is so beautifully layered on the milk, but I promise it’s super simple, thanks to this recipe.
That caramel sauce you snagged for your homemade caramel frapps comes in handy here too, but the rest of the recipe relies on super common everyday ingredients.
Get the iced caramel macchiato recipe.
7. Passion tea lemonade
In what is perhaps the most basic thing in the world, I stop in a Starbucks drive through once a week every summer on the way to beach volleyball for one of these things. The passion tea lemonade is as addicting as it is delicious, and I think it’s just as good unsweetened.
For this copycat recipe, you’ll need the straight up passion tea that Starbucks makes. But good news, they sell it in stores and in bulk online! Once you’ve brewed and sweetened, all you need to do is add lemonade.
Get the passion tea lemonade recipe.
8. The pink drink
Closely related to the above thirst quencher, the equally Instagram-friendly Pink Drink is made from passion fruit, acaÃ, strawberries, and coconut milk. This recipe has a base of acaà berry tea and uses white grape juice to help sweeten it and intensify the fruity flavors.
Adjust the sweetness to taste with agave nectar (you’ll need a LOT if you want it as sweet as Starbucks’) and add coconut milk to give it that pale blushing color and creamy texture. Sliced strawberries add the finishing touch.
9. Chai tea latte
There was a time when I’d leave for Starbucks and my dad would always yell, “Get me a chai tea latte,” so this is the first one on this list I’m dying to make for myself.
While you can buy chai latte tea cups for your Keurig, it’s a little more fun to run down the spice aisle at the store and get everything you need to follow this DIY chai tea latte. You’ll need cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger, plus honey, black tea, and milk (and water, of course).
Get the chai tea latte recipe.
10. Peppermint mocha
Shout out to this copycat recipe for making it possible for me to enjoy a piping hot peppermint mocha even in the middle of July. Isn’t that what everyone wants? After all, mint is harvested in summer, so I’m calling it seasonal.
To get really festive, top it with whipped cream and crushed candy canes (which, I’ll admit, may be hard to find when it’s not Christmas time. I won’t tell if you use the peppermint candies from your grandma’s house in the off season).
Get the peppermint mocha recipe.
11. Flat white
The wildly popular flat white got me through midterms and finals week in college. Not even kidding!
The key to a successful flat white is a fine, frothy milk. If you actually have a frother, now is the time to use it. If not, you can blend or whisk the milk until it froths. All you need to do is pour the milk over the coffee when you’re satisfied with the froth. Stir in sugar to taste, but this is a drink that may actually better without the sweetener.
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The Best Marinades for BBQ Season, According to Chefs
Ever notice how a great marinade can instantly elevate what otherwise would be a pretty boring piece of grilled meat?
Soaking your meat in oils, juices, spices, and other ingredients is a quick and easy way to level up your barbecue game, and doesn’t require a lot of unnecessary mess either. Here’s what some of our favorite grill-masters have to say on bringing your carne to life with a soak in a tasty bath.
Grilling 101
First things first: Before you can even get to the marinade, there are some general rules to remember no matter what type of meat you’re grilling to ensure you’re bringing out its primo properties.
“Freshness and the right proportions are key,” says Sage Lau, owner of Thank You Come Again at DeKalb Market Hall. He advises that your meat should always be fatty and recommends marinating overnight if you can. His other grilling tenet: Never freeze meat, as it can suck the juiciness right out.
Grilling temperature matters too. “The cooking surface you use should be very hot when the meat is placed down to sear the edges and lock in the juice,” Lau says. “The flame itself should be low/lowered so the meat doesn’t dry out while cooking.”
A marinade will help with that — so let’s get to the goods! Here are liquid flavor infusions for every type of meat.
Marinades for steak
Hanger steak
NYC’s Left Bank chef and co-owner Laurence Edelman likes to get creative marinating his hanger steaks. “I love a dark marinade like pineapple juice with Chinese [rice] wine and soy sauce,” he says. “The pineapple juice tenderizes and flavors the meat.”
Strip steak
A strip steak is great in an Italian preparation, with a touch of fresh garlic and rosemary and marinated for 12 hours before grilling, Edelman says.
Rib-eye
Similar in its ease of use — and utilizing many ingredients you likely already have in your pantry — is Bill Fletcher’s suggestion for rib-eye.
The owner and chef at Brooklyn’s former Fletcher’s BBQ says you should look for 2-inch thick boneless rib-eye steaks and marinate for 4-6 hours in 1⁄2 cup olive oil, 1⁄4 cup balsamic vinegar, and 2 tablespoons Worcestershire.
“Whisk all that together, and before adding the steaks, coat all sides with 1⁄2 cup minced fresh rosemary and one tablespoon coarse black pepper,” he says. “Pat them dry after removing from marinade, coat with a few pinches of kosher salt, and let air-dry 1 hour at room temperature before grilling.”
Fletcher advises serving these babies with a horseradish aioli. His recipe calls for 1⁄2 cup mayo, 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish, 2 tablespoons plain yogurt, 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon minced rosemary, and 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.
Marinades for chicken
Though it’s slightly more involved, Chef Jordan Terry, who started as a meat cook before rising to his current role as executive chef at Dirty French, tells us he likes a marinade inspired by southeast Asian cuisine.
To make it, blend together:
- 100 grams (g) fish sauce
- 50 g honey
- 25 g shallots
- 10 g garlic
- 30 g hoisin sauce
- 10 g rice wine vinegar
- 2 grams makrut lime leaves
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Pour over the chicken and grill with excess marinade, allowing it to char with the skin.
For Fletcher, “My go-to summertime chicken method involves brining breasts on-the-bone.” His recipe calls for brining chicken breasts overnight in a solution of:
- 6 quarts water
- 1⁄2 cup kosher salt
- 1⁄2 cup white sugar
“In the morning I remove from brine, pat dry, and let them air dry in the fridge all day, uncovered, until I’m ready to grill. After grilling, I toss the breasts in a light dressing of 1⁄4 cup olive oil, juice from 2 fresh lemons, and 1 tablespoon of minced fresh garlic with salt and pepper to taste.”
Marinades for lamb and mutton
“I like grilling lamb in the springtime, as it’s a bit more unexpected,” says Chef Marc Vidal of Boqueria. At the restaurant, their pintxos morunos — grilled spiced lamb skewers — are popular for good reason.
“I marinate boneless lamb top rounds for 2 days with toasted cumin, coriander, fennel, onion, pimenton, and lemon and serve them with pickled shallots and salsa verde,” he says. “The acidity and freshness of the dish is perfect for warm weather grilling, and the skewers make great small bites for a cookout.”
For mutton, Fletcher likes to keep things simple. As a marinade, he blends together:
- 1⁄2 cup olive oil
- juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon oregano
“Grill mutton low and slow over indirect heat, and add some wood chips to your fire,” he advises.
Marinades for venison
The rich, earthy taste of venison (aka deer meat) is best when it’s cut with something on the sweeter side. “Since it’s so lean, marinate venison with blackberries or blueberries to give it a nice taste,” Cibo e Vino’s Executive Chef Maro Gjurasic says.
Marinades for pork
Pork is ideal for marinating in fresh orange slices, orange juice, honey, garlic, olive oil, and fresh bay leaves, Edelman says.
“The citric acid does wonders to break down tough micro-fibers, and the sweetness from both the honey and the oranges give the cut a seriously delicious skin. Bay leaves are just good — always, and always good with pork,” he adds.
Since pork does well with robust flavors, Fletcher advises using sweet and savory combinations for summertime preparations.
“For a process that’ll work for many different cuts of the pig, pick up some country-style pork ribs, or a pork tenderloin, or slice a pork shoulder into steaks,” he says. Then whisk together:
- 1⁄2 cup tamari or soy sauce
- 1⁄2 cup white sugar
- 1⁄2 cup neutral oil like grapeseed or light olive oil
- 1⁄4 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- 1⁄2 teaspoon Chinese five spice powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh minced ginger
- 1⁄2 teaspoon sea salt
“Reserve half of this marinade, then dunk your pork in the rest of this in a bowl overnight. The next day I pat dry the pork and put a coat of fresh coarsely ground black pepper on all sides.” After that, let pork and grill meet for low-and-slow indirect grilling, Fletcher advises.
“Use the reserve as a finishing sauce at the table, but add the juice of 1 fresh lime, and 1⁄4 cup of freshly minced cilantro before you do,” he says.
Marinades for shrimp and lobster
“For seafood, we often find our inspiration from New Orleans, and will marinate shrimp or lobster with blackening spices and Tabasco before charring,” says Terry. This easy-to-follow recipe for his blackening oil uses many ingredients you probably have on your spice rack. Combine:
- 200 g olive oil
- 5 g cayenne
- 20 g ground black pepper
- 10 g onion powder
- 10 g garlic powder
- 20 g Tabasco sauce
- 10 g Worcestershire sauce
- 2 g dried thyme
- 2 g dried oregano
- 5 g sweet paprika
Cover your seafood in it, grill, and enjoy!
Marinades for fish
Michelin-starred chef, restaurateur, and grilling savant Akira Back says citrus is a tried and true companion for nearly any type of seafood, and fresh herbs go a long way in brightening milder fish like mahi mahi and cod.
But Akira’s favorite way to dress a fish for the grill is with Korean-style barbecue or bulgogi sauce.
He makes his own which calls for simple ingredients you can easily find. Korean pear — sometimes called Chinese or Asian pear — is perhaps the only one you might not find in every market, but a high-end grocery store like Whole Foods should carry them. If you can’t find it, he recommends subbing in a red apple.
Back’s bulgogi fish marinade brings a little heat to your catch with fresh ginger, but the best part about this rich sauce is a sweet and salty caramelized crust that forms around a fresh fillet. This is largely thanks to a base of soy sauce, sugar, and corn syrup.
If you like a little heat, you can always amp up this sweet fish marinade with some crushed red pepper or chili paste too.
Try this large-batch fish marinade for an Asian-style fish fry. Blend together:
- 14 oz. corn syrup
- 12 oz. soy sauce
- 8 oz. sugar
- 7 oz. sake
- 3.5 oz. sesame oil
- 3.5 oz. diced onion
- 3.5 oz. diced Korean pear
- 1 oz. garlic
- 3/4 oz. spring onion
- 1/4 oz. fresh ginger
Add fish to marinate for up to an hour, then grill away.
Takeaway
With a few staple oils, vinegars, herbs, and spices, you’re all set with the makings of marinades galore for any cut of meat, fish, or plant-based proteins like tofu and seitan. Try mixing and matching any of these easy recipes to your favorite grill-able mains.
And if you happen to prefer a steak marinade on your tilapia or a pork marinade on your veggies, it’s all good! You have every right to grill at will, enjoying these concoctions or some of your very own.
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120: High Vibration Foods with Chef Whitney Aronoff
Hi friends! I hope you’re having a wonderful week! I’m so excited for today’s podcast episode because I’m chatting with Chef Whitney Aronoff about healthy cooking strategies, high vibration foods, her favorite healthy meals and more.
Here’s more about Whitney and her background:
Whitney Aronoff is a Health Supportive Personal Chef in Laguna Beach, California who attended The Natural Gourmet Institute and went on to work farm-to-table restaurants in New York City and Newport Beach. She is passionate about wellness, the vibration of food, and supporting others in living their best life.
As a personal chef Whitney prepares custom meals and dinner parties for her clients. She shares her seasonal recipes on Starseed Kitchen and in her eCookbook, High Vibration Cooking. In 2020, Chef Whitney launched a line of organic spice blends, graciously sharing the custom seasonings that brought her family around the table for years.
Knowing that a healthy diet is just one layer of being well, in 2021 she launched the podcast High Vibration Living With Chef Whitney Aronoff. She interviews experts on healthy eating, cooking, wellness, beauty, travel and spirituality to help others find the modalities and tips to help them feel their best and live in harmony with the world around them.
As the expert on high vibration foods, Whitney believes eating is a transfer of energy between our energetic being and the food we eat. She is an advocate for setting intentions that put the power of healing in our own hands through what she identifies as the four pillars – food, spiritual, emotional, and ethereal.
After all, only you know what your body needs!
Believing the healthiest meal you can eat is the one you make at home, Chef Whitney aims to invite people into her kitchen, feeling empowered to make healthy choices for themselves and their loved ones, and to experience high vibration living.
Resources from this episode:
The weather is cooling down, and I’m still obsessed with my sauna blanket. It feels even BETTER when it’s chilly outside and you can use the code FITNESSISTA15 for 15% off! This is one of my favorite ways to relax and sweat it out. I find that it energizes me, helps with aches and pains, I sleep better on the days I use this, and it makes my skin glow. Link to check it out here. You can also use my discount for the PEMF Go Mat, which I use every day!
I love love love the meals from Sakara Life! Use this link and the code XOGINAH for 20% off their meal delivery and clean boutique items. This is something I do once a month as a lil treat to myself and the meals are always showstoppers. I have a post-holidays shipment on the way and CAN’T WAIT.
Get 15% off Organifi with the code FITNESSISTA. I drink the green juice, red juice, gold, and Harmony! (Each day I might have something different, or have two different things. Everything I’ve tried is amazing.)
If any of my fellow health professional friends are looking for another way to help their clients, I highly recommend IHP. You can also use this information to heal yourself and then go one to heal others, which I think is a beautiful mission.
You can use my referral link here and the code FITNESSISTA for up to $250 off the Integrative Health Practitioner program. I finished Level 1 and am working my way through Level 2. I highly recommend it! You can check out my review IHP here!
Thank you so much for listening and for all of your support with the podcast! Please be sure to subscribe, and leave a rating or review if you enjoyed this episode. If you leave a rating, head to this page and you’ll get a little “thank you” gift from me to you.
xo
The post 120: High Vibration Foods with Chef Whitney Aronoff appeared first on The Fitnessista.
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Our Favorite Holiday Recipes
From Nana’s Famous Egg Dish to Spiced Sangria and Bourbon Pecan Pie, these are our favorite holiday recipes that we enjoy every Christmas!
‘Tis the season for all of the festive eats and drinks. We’ve been enjoying this cozy week at home cooking our favorite holiday recipes and getting ready for the Christmas weekend
While most of the time I aim to eat nourishing recipes with greens and protein and fresh wholesome ingredients (like these spa cuisine recipes), I like to live by the 80/20 perspective, allowing plenty of space for special treats. I’m also a big believer of enjoying holidays, special food, and time spent together.
We have several traditional-to-us recipes that make an appearance on our table during the holiday season year after year; like it’s tradition to have Alton Brown’s Overnight Cinnamon Rolls on Christmas morning while opening presents. From brunch casseroles to spiced sangria and Ina’s rib roast, I’m sharing our favorite holiday recipes – enjoy!
Our Favorite Holiday Recipes
Nana’s Famous Egg Dish
This egg casserole is perfect for any brunch or holiday celebrations. It freezes beautifully to make ahead, and tastes amazing with pico de gallo salsa.
Greens Beans with Goat Cheese, Almonds & Cranberries
These green beans are bright and fresh, with creamy goat cheese, orange zest, crunchy slivered almonds and sweet cranberries. The recipe is gluten-free and only takes 15 minutes from start to finish.
The Ultimate Fall & Winter Salad
This salad is a fall dream come true. It has butternut squash, spicy arugula, a tangy vinaigrette, chicken, pumpkin seeds, goat cheese. It’s perfect for any holiday gatherings or parties and makes a veggie-packed side dish. My vegetarian friends can easily omit the chicken and it’s just as delicious without it.
The Best Raw Chocolate Tart
This raw chocolate tart, made with cashews and cocoa and an almond coconut crust is a decadent gluten-free dessert that doesn’t require any cooking!
Holiday Spice Sangria
Holiday spice sangria! It’s made in advance of any holiday soirees, and the flavors just get better over the span of a few days. It’s perfect to take to parties, as it’s a fun switch-up from the usual bottle of vino.
Ina Garten’s Mulled Wine
Warm up with a pot of Ina Garten’s Mulled Wine recipe, a mix of apple cider and red wine infused with cinnamon, cloves and orange.
Ina’s Sunday Rib Roast
Ina’s Sunday Rib Roast with mustard horseradish is often our centerpiece at a holiday party. It’s a crowd favorite.
Ina’s Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie
Another favorite from Ina. Chocolate, bourbon and pecans—what’s not to love? I’ve made this twice this year already and plan to make it again on Saturday.
Here’s what our menu looks like this year:
Christmas Eve: dinner at my dad’s house (Mexican food buffet + my Aunt’s famous egg nog and all the desserts)
Christmas Brunch:
- Nana’s egg casserole
- Alton Brown’s cinnamon rolls
- Bacon or ham (I haven’t decided yet)
- Tamales and beans (from madre!)
Christmas Day dinner:
- Cheese board and artichoke dip with crackers
- Mediterranean chopped salad
- Smoked turkey on the Traeger
- Stuffing and gravy
- Beef tenderloin with horseradish sauce
- Cheesy potatoes (madre)
- Fresh sourdough
- Bourbon pecan pie + dessert platter (tons of different cookies and candies)
- Mulled wine, egg nog, and champagne
It should be a very good, and very tasty, weekend ahead 😉
See you tomorrow with a new podcast episode!
xo
Gina
You may also enjoy:
- 15 Festive Holiday Cocktail Recipes
- How To Brine A Turkey Breast Before Roasting
- How To Stay Healthy During the Holidays
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