Pumpkin Spice Energy Bites

Now that it’s officially fall, we can officially bring you everything… pumpkin!! Sorry for those that don’t love this seasonal craze. My friend Jonah sent me a really interesting article on WHY people love pumpkin so much. It’s not necessarily the pumpkin flavor itself, but the nostalgic and warm associations people have with cinnamon, nutmeg, and the pumpkin spice blends. Those flavors are often ones we associate with the holidays. For many, the holiday season means gathering with family and friends, a nod back to childhood, and a time when life was just a little more… simple. Even when it’s rounding 90 degrees in St. Louis, people crave that feeling of comfort and joy brought to you by none other than a PSL from a friendly green siren… and also every coffee shop and grocery store in America.

Halo + Cleaver

This post is a paid partnership with Halo + Cleaver. As always, our opinions are our own.

We are condiment people. As foodies, it’s hard not to be. We often create our own sauces, marinades, and dips to amp up the flavor of our meals and level up a seemingly simple dish. I think one of the biggest take aways from doing Whole 30 the first time was being aware of every single ingredient we were eating, and it’s impact on our overall health. At that time, we were realized how much processed ingredients and sugar condiments can sneak into our weekly routine. Fortunately for us, we’ve met the wonderful health-minded folks at Halo + Cleaver who are changing that game entirely. They were so kind to drop off samples of their sauces and we were immediately hooked.

Colleen’s

This post is a paid partnership with Colleen’s. As always, our opinions are our own. All pictures were photographed prior to a proposed mask mandate in St. Louis county.

Nestled along busy Forsyth Boulevard and connecting the business-focused downtown Clayton with the academic world of Washington University is one of our favorite spots for breakfast and lunch: Colleen’s. Originally known as “Colleen’s Cookies,” this adorable bakery and restaurant has grown over the last decade to include not only sweet treats but savory options as well. Owner Colleen Thompson graciously hosted us to share some of their favorite dishes and tell a little more about how Colleen’s came to be.

Dierbergs – Homegrown’s Here!

This post is a paid partnership with Dierbergs. As always, our opinions are our own.

My family has been shopping at Dierbergs since I was a kid. I have fond memories of going there after school with my dad to pick out ingredients for dinner (and perhaps getting a sweet treat from the bakery for an after school snack). Fast forward twenty something years, and going to Dierbergs is still an integral part of my weekly routine. Actually, our family goes multiple times a week! We’ve always loved their inventory, fresh produce, friendly staff, and local finds. There’s now yet a new reason for us to shop at Dierbergs: the homegrown produce.

Celebrate with Hudsonville Ice Cream

This post is a paid partnership with Hudsonville Ice Cream. As always, our opinions are our own.

After a unique and challenging year, we are ready to celebrate BIG this summer. The birthdays, the anniversaries, the special moments that were put on hold last year have suddenly come around again and this year are bursting on the scene as bigger and better than ever, perhaps in a way to “make up” for last year. Friends and families have reunited safely again, and at the center of the celebration there must be a show-stopping dessert. Show-stopping doesn’t necessarily have to be difficult to make, though! Lucky for us in St. Louis, we have Hudsonville Ice Cream available at the grocery store to make our summer celebrations memorable.

Father’s Day Steak and Potatoes from Verde Farms

Plated Steak and Potatoes

This post is a paid partnership with Verde Farms. As always, all opinions are our own.

When we want to celebrate a special occasion and we’re cooking at home, we usually make filet mignon. Why? It’s our favorite. Neil remembers having a filet at the first nice restaurant he went to, and it’s not only nostalgic to him, but he actually prefers the flavor. Filets are traditionally a lean cut, and he finds them to be just as flavorful as other traditional “manly” cuts of meat. With Father’s Day just a week away, he had his eye on these organic beef tenderloin steaks from our friends at Verde Farms.