What Lives in My Kitchen

August 10, 2026

There are certain things that are almost always in my kitchen.

Over the years, I've become more selective about what comes into this space. The ingredients I buy, the cookware I use, even the containers that store our leftovers. I pay attention to quality, prioritize toxin-free choices, and look for things that make everyday cooking feel easier and more enjoyable.

I've become more selective about what comes into this space.

Here's a peek inside what you'll almost always find around here. If you're wondering, yes, there’s a very unglamorous plastic bucket in my pantry because it keeps the things I reach for constantly all in one place. Nuts, hemp hearts, flaxseed, chia seeds, prunes, and whatever else is in regular rotation. Pulling the whole thing onto the counter and putting it right back when I'm done has made nourishing myself every day so much easier.

In the Fridge

At any given time, my fridge is full of plain, whole milk Greek yogurt (can't live without) and organic and/or pasture-raised eggs. You'll also find berries, baby spinach or arugula, homemade chicken bone broth, cottage cheese, whole milk, kefir, and Dijon mustard. Cheese is always a given (my son and I love it too much to ever go without). And whatever fruits and proteins looked good that week (or happened to be on sale).

In the Pantry

My pantry staples include rolled oats, walnuts and almonds, chia seeds, hemp hearts, ground flaxseed, and protein powder. I also keep decaf coffee, Ceylon cinnamon, whole wheat orzo (a family favorite), natural nut butters, and quality sea salt on hand. My cooking staples include balsamic and apple cider vinegars, single-origin extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, and avocado oil (though, given some recent findings about avocado oil purity, I'm on the hunt for a brand I trust and will share it in my Favorites when I find one. If you're curious, Google “UC Davis avocado oil purity” for more info).

On the Counter

A bowl of fruit and a mason jar of homemade granola almost always live on the counter. You'll also find mineral salt and a jar of bee pollen. My pill case stays out too, filled with multivitamins, magnesium, and a probiotic (otherwise, I'll forget to take them).

In the Drawers & Cabinets

My drawers and cabinets hold glass storage containers, wooden utensils, my mom's cast iron skillet, stainless steel cookware, and glass cutting boards. You'll also find my favorite Duralex drinkware and a few shelves dedicated to food photography props. And, admittedly, I own an almost unreasonable amount of serving bowls and platters.

The Little Extras

My two favorite coffee mugs (I rotate based on which one speaks to me that morning).

A linen towel draped over the oven handle.

An ever-growing apron collection in the closet.

Fresh flowers whenever I’ve gone to Trader Joe’s (or, currently, from my local farm’s flower CSA).

And music playing while I cook.

The little things that remind me the kitchen isn't just where meals are made. It's where we gather, recipes are tested, have “tell me about your day” conversations, and much of my life unfolds.

Curious about some of the products I use and love? You can find many of them on my Favorites page.