Welcome to my stories…


Are you ready to hop on the Zabelicious fun wheel? What is Zabelicious, you ask? Delicious. Unstoppable. Unpredictable. I like to mix it up in the kitchen.

I rarely follow recipes. I prefer to improvise. The result is usually Zabelicious. I look forward to sharing those creations and inspiring stories from the heart of the Midwest. Discover the art of journaling through my coaching tips and tools. Hop on the fun wheel and buckle up. I hope you enjoy the ride and visit Zabelicious Life often.

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It’s a Zabelicious Life!

I'm Janine, a modern mom who wears many hats: journalist, life coach, wife, and entrepreneur. I'm also a connector, explorer, and storyteller at heart.  

Zabelicious Life is an online lifestyle magazine dedicated to nourishing the soul and feeding the spirit through stories and recipes.

Traditions Janine Zabel Traditions Janine Zabel

Fall Vibes

Feeling the fall vibes and searching for fun things to do? I’m sharing some of my favorite autumn traditions and recipes to help you make the most of the season before it’s over.

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Santa's Giant Ginger Cookies

Are you ready for Santa? Don’t forget to bake his favorite giant ginger cookies. It’s a family recipe that’s become part of our “Night Before Christmas” tradition. I can almost guarantee your stockings will be filled, if you leave him a plate of these!

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O, Christmas Tree!

What holiday traditions mean the most to you? For me, the magic starts with selecting the tree. It’s a family outing I cherish, almost as much as singing Christmas carols! Cue the music, please.

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Traditions Janine Zabel Traditions Janine Zabel

Homemade Cookie Tins

Looking for a creative way to satisfy those cookie monsters on your list? Start a new family tradition, with these easy homemade cookie tins. It’s a DIY that’s practically fool proof. Get the scoop on the gift that keeps on giving!

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Traditions Janine Zabel Traditions Janine Zabel

Thanksgiving Traditions

Life’s short. Eat dessert first! This is just one of many new family traditions we celebrated this Thanksgiving. What’s your recipe for a memorable holiday? Looking for ideas to inspire you and yours to get into the spirit of the season?

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Traditions Janine Zabel Traditions Janine Zabel

U-Hauls Never Follow a Hearse

“You never see a U-Haul behind a hearse, so you might as well spend what you have and enjoy it!” Wise words to live by from my Grandpa George, whose generous spirit touched the lives of many on earth. Today, would have been his 107th birthday, and although he’s been gone over sixteen years, he’s never far from my mind. Sharing stories of his random acts of kindness to strangers are the perfect way to celebrate his life.

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Haluskanating Over the Blue Danube

There was always room for company at Grandma and Grandpa Haluska’s table. It wasn’t fancy or very large, but it was always set properly, with placemats or a tablecloth, and Grandma’s beautiful blue and white china.

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