Easy, Healthy Meal Ideas for Busy Creatives

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Why does it feel like a Herculean task to find meal options that strike that perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication, surpassing the humble realms of the beloved PB&J sandwich (and don't get me wrong—I love a good PB&J once in a while)? If you’re a busy creative looking for recipes that are accessible and that you’ll actually be excited to eat, I'm here to share 7 ideas to bookmark. Each one promises:

  • A prep time of 30 minutes or less, because your muse shouldn't have to wait

  • A nutritious, vegetarian meal that doesn't skimp on flavor or heartiness

  • The versatility to use up those random veggies in your fridge, ensuring nothing goes to waste

Let’s get into them!

Spinach and Feta Pastry

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes

  • Ingredients: Puff pastry, 1 bag of fresh spinach, 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese, 1 egg (plus one for egg wash), pinch of nutmeg, salt, pepper.

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Sauté spinach until wilted, let cool, then mix with feta, one egg, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

  2. Cut puff pastry into squares, add spinach mixture, fold into triangles, seal, brush with egg wash, and bake until golden, about 20 minutes.

Sweet Potato & Black Bean Rice Bowl

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes

  • Ingredients: 1 sweet potato, olive oil, salt, pepper, 1 cup brown rice, 1 can black beans, 1 avocado, Greek yogurt, lime, cilantro, diced tomatoes (optional), diced onions (optional).

  1. Microwave pierced sweet potato for 5-8 minutes and cut into cubes when cooled. Cook rice according to package instructions. Warm beans with cumin and chili powder.

  2. Assemble with rice, sweet potato, beans, avocado, yogurt, lime juice, cilantro, and optional tomatoes and onions.

Eggplant Parmesan Stacks

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes

  • Ingredients: 1 eggplant, salt, flour, 2 eggs, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, olive oil, marinara sauce, slices of mozzarella cheese.

  1. Salt eggplant slices, rinse, dip in flour, eggs, then breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan. Fry until golden.

  2. Layer with marinara sauce and mozzarella, bake at 375°F until bubbly, about 10-15 minutes.

Falafel Wrap

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes (using pre-made falafel)

  • Ingredients: Whole-grain wraps, falafel, tahini sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, optional additional vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, onions).

  1. Warm wraps, spread tahini, add lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, falafel, and any other veggies.

  2. Drizzle with tahini, wrap, and serve.

Mediterranean Couscous Bowl

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes

  • Ingredients: Couscous, pine nuts, roasted red peppers, black or Kalamata olives, fresh basil, cheese (feta or mozzarella), olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper.

  1. Prepare couscous, let cool. Mix with toasted pine nuts, chopped roasted red peppers, olives, torn basil, and cheese cubes.

  2. Dress with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Roasted Veg Pasta Salad

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes

  • Ingredients: Whole-wheat pasta, bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, arugula, pesto sauce, olive oil, salt, pepper.

  1. Roast chopped vegetables at 425°F until tender. Cook and cool pasta.

  2. Toss pasta with vegetables, arugula, and pesto. Season as needed.

Sushi Wrap

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes

  • Ingredients: Sushi rice, nori sheets, avocado, cucumber, carrot, optional smoked salmon or cooked shrimp, sweet chili sauce, soy sauce.

  1. Prepare sushi rice. Spread over a nori sheet on a bamboo mat, leaving a border. Add avocado, cucumber, carrot, and optional seafood. Drizzle sweet chili sauce as desired.

  2. Roll tightly, cut into larger pieces or enjoy as a sushi burrito. Serve with soy sauce.

 
 

I hope you’re eyeing up several or all of these as some of your next culinary ventures that will brighten up your busy days!

xx, Danae

The Best On-The-Go Lunch Ideas for Busy Professionals

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As a busy professional, you're always on the move, whether it's for client meetings, shopping for materials, or on a project site. With so much to do, it can be challenging to find time for a proper lunch break. That's why it's essential to have quick, convenient, and healthy lunch options that you can take with you.

First of all, to be well-equipped to make great on-the-go lunches, we recommend getting yourself a variety of nice leak-proof lunch boxes with compartments, such as bento boxes, reusable silverware, and an insulated lunch bag that’s easy to carry. You may also look into reusable food wraps as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic wrap. And, of course, you need a collection of simple and delicious meal plans that you can always turn to, so I bring you 9 ideas to get you started! 

Protein Wrap

A wrap is a quick and easy lunch option that you can customize with your favorite ingredients. Start with a whole wheat wrap, add some protein such as grilled shrimp or chickpeas, and your favorite fillings like lettuce, red onion, cucumber, tomato, avocado, cheese, and a drizzle of your favorite sauce. Roll it up, wrap it up, and you're good to go!

Pasta Salad

Cook some whole grain pasta, add your favorite veggies like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and bell peppers, chicken or a diced cheese like feta, and a tangy dressing. This is a filling lunch that can be made ahead of time and kept in the fridge for a few days.

Quinoa Bowl

Cook some quinoa, add some veggies like roasted sweet potato, broccoli, and cherry tomatoes, and a tasty dressing. This is a high-protein, gluten-free option that will keep you full all afternoon.

Turkey and Avocado Sandwich

Spread some mayo or pesto on whole grain bread, add sliced turkey, avocado, lettuce, and tomato. This sandwich provides healthy fats, protein, and fiber.

Falafel Pita Pocket

Spread some hummus on a whole grain pita, add falafel, sliced veggies like carrot, cucumber, and bell pepper, and you have a delicious and easy lunch.

Tuna Salad

Mix canned tuna with some mayo, diced celery, and pickles. Serve it on whole grain bread or crackers, or in a lettuce wrap.

Tofu and Veggie Stir-Fry

Sauté veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, carrots, and bell peppers with some tofu in a sauce of your choice. Serve over brown rice for a complete meal.

Fruit Salad

Cut up a variety of fresh fruit, such as apples, bananas, grapes, and berries, into bite-sized pieces and mix together in a container. This provides a healthy and refreshing dessert option.

No-Bake Peanut Butter Squares

Mix 1 cup of creamy peanut butter with 1/2 cup of honey and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, then stir in 1 1/2 cups of quick-cooking oats. Press the mixture into a lined 8x8-inch square dish, pour melted semi-sweet chocolate chips on top, and refrigerate for 1 hour before cutting into squares. 

With these delicious and nutritious meal ideas, you'll never have to sacrifice taste for convenience. Whether you're in a rush, at a client meeting, or just need a quick bite, these lunch options will keep you fueled and satisfied, no matter where you are. Enjoy!

xx, Danae

Seasonal Eating: Summertime + 10 Simple Dish Ideas and Recipes

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Did you know that fruits and vegetables in season boast greater nutrient density and flavor compared to their out-of-season counterparts? Just as we often decorate our homes to reflect the shifting seasons, you can also curate your meals to match. Shopping for in-season produce is also more likely to be locally sourced, supporting local farmers and minimizing the environmental strain of long-haul transportation. Summertime brings a fresh, colorful harvest with truly endless possibilities. So, let's explore the summer produce in season and discover some extremely easy meal and snack ideas to make the most of them!

Summer Fruits:

  • Berries: strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries

  • Melons: watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew

  • Stone fruits: peaches, nectarines, apricots, cherries

Summer Vegetables:

  • Nightshade vegetables: tomatoes, bell peppers, eggplant

  • Cucurbitaceous vegetables: zucchini, cucumbers, summer squash (of course!)

  • Others: green beans, corn

Now, let's dive into some super simple recipes that showcase the deliciousness of these fruits and vegetables!

Strawberry Caprese Skewers: Skewer fresh strawberries, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with basil. Enjoy! 

Watermelon Feta Bites: Cut watermelon into bite-sized cubes. Top each with a small cube of feta cheese and a fresh mint leaf. Delightful summer appetizer.

Blueberry Spinach Salad: Toss baby spinach, fresh blueberries, and walnuts. Add salmon or crumbled goat cheese for extra protein. Dress with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing salad.

Grilled Corn on the Cob: Brush fresh corn with melted butter, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and grill until charred. Serve with a squeeze of lime.

Tomato Bruschetta: Dice ripe tomatoes, mix with minced garlic, fresh basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Serve on toasted baguette slices for a classic appetizer.

Zucchini Noodles with Pesto: Spiralize zucchini into noodles. Toss with homemade or store-bought pesto sauce. Top with cherry tomatoes and grated Parmesan. Simple and healthy.

Cucumber and Avocado Salad: Start with sliced cucumbers and diced avocado, then add veggies of your choice like cherry tomatoes and corn. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh cilantro.

Bell Pepper Nachos: Chop or slice bell peppers and sprinkle over nacho chips. Top with black beans, shredded cheese, and bake until cheese melts. Add avocado or jalapeño peppers for even more flavor.

Peach and Goat Cheese Crostini: Toast baguette slices, spread with goat cheese, and top with sliced peaches and a drizzle of honey. Elegant and delicious.

Raspberry Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt, fresh raspberries (or any berry you like), and granola in a glass. Repeat for a beautiful and nutritious breakfast or snack.

 
 

Feel free to experiment with these recipes and enjoy sharing seasonal summer dishes with your friends and family!

xx, Danae

6 Simple Steps to Creating a Picture-Perfect Picnic

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There's nothing quite like a picnic, is there? It’s the ultimate flexible and wallet-friendly way to enjoy all kinds of different settings in the great outdoors and soak up some much-needed vitamin D. Picnics are the perfect way to spend an afternoon with friends, family, or a romantic date, no reservation necessary. You can stay as long as you’d like, and you have complete control over the menu. Oh, and done right, it’s irresistible Instagram material. As interior designers, we often can’t pass up an opportunity to style a shoot.

So, whether you're a seasoned picnic pro or amateur, I'm here to share my checklist that will make your picnic prep quick and carefree.

1. Scout the right setting

A successful picnic is all about enjoying the atmosphere, so scope out the location and check the weather ahead of time (even though you never know). Some common–for good reason–picnic destinations include a local park, beach, or riverfront. But you can also search near you for lookout points, botanical gardens, vineyards, rooftops, boats for rent, or even farms that are open to visitors. Just make sure there’s a nice, even surface to set up on, preferably far from any traffic, and check for any local restrictions or regulations that might affect your picnic plans, such as no-alcohol or pet-free zones.

2. Make up the menu

It may be easiest to pitch the potluck approach, and there’s nothing wrong with that. But if you’re aiming for an aesthetic picnic, you might need to take charge. Choose items that are easy to serve and won't spoil or melt in the sun, but also consider their presentation.

One favorite option is a simple cheese and charcuterie board (on a cute cutting board, of course). Another great option is a DIY sandwich bar with fresh bread, meats, cheeses, and condiments. Olives and nuts make great finger snacks. Mason jar salads, a crudité platter with hummus or other dip, or colorful veggie chips are healthy additions, and fruit skewers or chocolate-dipped strawberries for dessert. Some great drink options are cucumber water, fresh-squeezed lemonade, flavored kombucha, wine or champagne. Remember to bring a cooler with ice!

3. Serve sustainably

Taking a cue from the mason jar salad idea, using eco-friendly supplies is a must for any responsible picnic-goer. Opt for reusable plates, cups, and utensils made from materials like bamboo or stainless steel. Glass champagne glasses can add an elegant touch to any picnic, unless you have small children or pets running around. Consider investing in a set of reusable cloth napkins. Not only do they look cute and Instagram-worthy, but they're also much more environmentally friendly than their paper counterparts. All of these items can be washed and reused for future picnics, reducing waste and saving you money in the long run.

4. Create a cozy atmosphere

Being comfortable is essential to really enjoying the experience, and no one wants to sit on a hard, bumpy surface for even 5 minutes. Bring enough cushions for each person to sit on, and even a few extra blankets for the ground or in case it gets chilly. Or bring foldable chairs and a table, if sitting on the ground isn’t your thing. Consider bringing a portable shade canopy or umbrella to provide an escape from strong rays. And if you're worried about pesky bugs, light a citronella candle and keep food covered when possible. Pro tip: sprinkle chalk or talcum powder around your picnic blanket–or use a DIY bug spray with essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, and peppermint with water–which deter ants from crashing your party.

5. Add low-maintenance activities

While eating and chatting the afternoon away may be more than enough to keep you busy, it can be fun to play some games. With so much already going on, you’ll want to keep these activities low-maintenance. So choose simple games like frisbee, fishbowl, charades, giant jenga, cornhole, or a deck of cards (beware of windy days!) that can provide hours of entertainment without too much setup or clean up. Another great option is to bring along a Bluetooth speaker and put on a collaborative playlist (be sure not to disturb others nearby). For a more serene vibe, activities like yoga or painting can be a fun addition. Or if you must go all out, why not set up an outdoor cinema with a portable projector?

6. Style the shot

Every element mentioned above is an opportunity for a visually appealing addition to your picnic scene. So think about what theme or color scheme you’d like to follow. Romantic Mediterranean? Colorful hippie? Sweet and rustic? Starting with the quintessential picnic item, your picnic blanket, and choose matching cushions. A classic wicker picnic basket is always charming, or opt for a more contemporary take. Other items that can serve as props in your photos include cute serving trays, fresh flowers or greenery, straw hats, sunglasses, books, or even someone’s bike! Remove unappealing objects such as any wrappers, phones, or other personal items that only add clutter. Take photos at different times to catch flattering lighting, such as the golden hour. Try photographing your picnic from a variety of perspectives, including from above, showing a bit more of the environment, and of course, including your loved ones to capture the wonderful memory.

Picnicking isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that allows you to enjoy the great outdoors and create lasting memories with your loved ones. By following these tips, you can elevate your picnic game and create a delightful setting that reflects your personal style. Remember to be flexible, and don't worry too much about the small details. So grab your picnic basket, embrace the spontaneity, and have fun every step of the way.

Happy picnicking!

xx, Danae

Fun, Easy & Unique Dinner Ideas: Molly Yeh Edition

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Today, I'll be sharing some fun, easy, and unique dinner ideas by the talented blogger and TV chef Molly Yeh, who has authored several books, including Molly on the Range and her latest one titled Home Is Where the Eggs Are. Lucky for us, Molly has also spilled some of her amazing recipes on her blog, and I've handpicked a few of my favorites to share with you in a slightly condensed version. You can click through to see the whole story on her blog. Get ready to drool!

Bánh Mì Hot Dogs

How about a fun and fancy twist on a classic hot dog?

Serves 8

For the daikon/carrot slaw: 1 cup of julienned daikon, 1 cup of carrots, a big pinch of salt, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of white vinegar, and 1 cup of water.

For assembly: 8 hot dogs and 8 hot dog buns, 1 large cucumber (seeded and sliced), 1/2 cup of hoisin sauce, and sriracha mayo (made with 1/2 cup of mayo and two teaspoons of sriracha, or more to taste), 2 jalapeños (seeded and sliced), and fresh cilantro sprigs.

To make the slaw, mix together all the ingredients in a large bowl, cover it, and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before using it. Meanwhile, grill the hot dogs, then place each one into a bun and add cucumber slices, hoisin sauce, sriracha mayo, slaw, jalapeño slices, and cilantro sprigs as desired.

Israeli Salad

This dish is perfect for a quick and easy snack or as an appetizer for a larger meal.

Serves 1-2

Begin by dicing up 2 ripe tomatoes, 1 English cucumber, and 1/2 of a red onion, and then toss the vegetables together in a bowl. To enhance the flavor, add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, along with a drizzle of olive oil. Mix well to ensure the vegetables are coated in the seasoning. Serve with a side of tahini or hummus for a delicious dip.

Mini Heart Whole Wheat Veggie Pizzas

Healthy, freezer-friendly, and full of love.

Serves 6

To make the dough you'll need: 1c (130g) all-purpose flour, more flour for dusting, 1c (130g) whole wheat flour, 1 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp sugar, 3/4 c (178ml) water, and 1/4 c (50g) olive oil.

For the toppings, you'll need: olive oil, 1/2 c (120g) red sauce, 8 oz shredded mozzarella, 2 big cloves garlic (minced), 1/2 medium onion (finely chopped), 1 green bell pepper (finely chopped), 2 Roma tomatoes…

To make the dough, whisk together the flours, salt, and sugar in a large bowl, then stir in the water and olive oil. Knead for 5 minutes, adding more flour if sticky, then form into a ball, cover, and let sit for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 475ºF and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Divide the dough into 6 pieces…

Cheese and Onion Hand Pies

Don’t these just look so appetizing and…grabbable?

Makes 8 small pies

You will need: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 medium onions thinly sliced, kosher salt, black pepper, 1/4 cup water, flour for dusting, one batch of pie dough, 1/2 cup shredded cheese (try sharp cheddar), and 1 large egg slightly beaten.

To make these savory hand pies, melt the butter in a large skillet and cook the onions with salt and pepper until soft. Add water, cook until the water is evaporated and the onions are lightly caramelized, and remove from heat. Preheat the oven to 375º and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut out 4 1/2-inch circles and top each with 1 tablespoon of onion and 1 tablespoon of cheese. Brush edges with egg, fold, seal, and bake at 375ºF for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Even better served with mustard.

Chickpea Pizza With Harissa And Spinach

A quick and gluten-free meal on the skillet!

Serves 2

You will need: 1 cup chickpea flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, a few cracks of black pepper, 1 cup water, olive oil to coat the pan, about 2 tablespoons harissa, 1/2 large onion chopped and caramelized, 1 cup packed fresh spinach chopped, and 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.

To make chickpea flour crust, preheat oven to high broil. Combine chickpea flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and water in a medium bowl, whisk until smooth. Heat a large oven-safe skillet with oil over medium heat. Pour in half of the batter and cook until browned, flip and cook other side. Spread harissa on the crust, add onion, spinach, and mozzarella, and broil for 1-2 minutes until cheese melts. Repeat with the remaining batter and toppings.

I hope these recipes inspire you to experiment and find your new favorite dish!

xx, Danae

Shop The Look: Going on a Picnic

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With spring in full swing, it's time for a picnic! Shop these items to make your next indoor or outdoor picnic unforgettable!