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.

about-Janine-sidebar.jpg
Brand Mark 1.png

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.

Food Janine Zabel Food Janine Zabel

Ham and Bean Soup

Stuck with too much leftover ham from your Easter dinner? Save that bone for ham and bean soup! I’m sharing an old family recipe that’s the perfect combination of sweet and salty with a little kick!

Read More
Food Janine Zabel Food Janine Zabel

Carrot Cake Cupcakes

Looking for a dessert that can double as breakfast? Carrot cake cupcakes are the perfect solution. Serve these decadent, yet gluten free treats for birthdays, brunch and of course Easter. It might be the only way to get your kids to eat their carrots.

Read More
Food, Wellness Janine Zabel Food, Wellness Janine Zabel

Mocktail Recipes

Celebrate spring with creative mocktails from the new book, Zero Proof Drinks & More, by entertaining expert Maureen Petrosky. We’re sharing some of her most refreshing recipes, perfect for your next brunch or happy hour!

Read More
Food Janine Zabel Food Janine Zabel

Coloring Eggs

Easter is just around the corner. Are you ready to color eggs? We’ve got some old tips and new tricks to help brighten up your holiday table. Learn how to dye eggs naturally. with pure, organic ingredients. Plus we’ll show you the easiest way to boil an egg!

Read More
Food Janine Zabel Food Janine Zabel

Wild Rice Frittata

Tired of the same old cheese omelette? Mix it up in the kitchen and serve this scrumptious Wild Rice Frittata for any meal. Grab your whisk, collect your eggs and let’s get cracking!

Read More
Food Janine Zabel Food Janine Zabel

Wild Rice Chicken Soup

Come in from the cold and warm up with a piping hot bowl of wild rice chicken soup. Whether you like yours creamy or clear, we’ve got you covered. Plus, a few facts about wild rice, that might surprise you.

Read More
Food Janine Zabel Food Janine Zabel

Italian Soup

Take the chill out of winter by serving up a hearty Italian soup. Last night, I whipped up an easy meatless version with tortellini. It’s a great way to use up leftovers. Discover several variations to please any palate in my latest post.

Read More
Food Janine Zabel Food Janine Zabel

Shortbread Cookies

It wouldn’t be Christmas at our house without baking a batch or two of shortbread cookies. I’m sharing two versions of the recipe in this post, one for the chocolate lovers and another for a more traditional scotch scone taste!

Read More
Food Janine Zabel Food Janine Zabel

Sea Salt Chocolate Caramel Cookies

Nothing says, “Merry Christmas,” like the combination of chocolate, caramel and sea salt. This cookie simply melts in your mouth. Whip up a batch of this elf approved treat in just a few minutes.

Read More
Food, Traditions Janine Zabel Food, Traditions Janine Zabel

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!

Read More
Food Janine Zabel Food Janine Zabel

Aunt Franny's Sweet Potato Casserole

Aunt Franny’s Sweet Potato Casserole was always a family favorite. I’ve updated the recipe with a pecan crust. It’s the perfect combo of sweet and salty to tempt your tastebuds.

Read More
Food Janine Zabel Food Janine Zabel

Snickerdoodle Cookies

Snickerdoodles are a family favorite in our home. I’m sharing the recipe I’ve perfected over the years, since I just baked a batch this week. Happy baking, friends!

Read More
Food, Wellness Janine Zabel Food, Wellness Janine Zabel

Green Smoothie

Looking for a quick healthy breakfast that tastes good? We’ve got you covered with a refreshing green smoothie that’s become a family favorite. Your kids won’t even notice they’re drinking their daily dose of vitamins!

Read More
Food Janine Zabel Food Janine Zabel

Mom's Boozy Slushie

Flashback to the 70’s and Mom’s Boozy Slushie. I’m sharing the family recipe that was passed down from my grandma, in honor of Mom’s BIG birthday. Cheers to enjoying a taste of summer all year long!

Read More
Food Janine Zabel Food Janine Zabel

Chicken Curry Salad

Summer salad weather is almost over. I can’t let this season pass without sharing one of my favorite recipes-chicken curry salad, with multiple ingredient choices. No measurements on this one. Trust me, improvisation truly is a chef’s best friend. Give it try, I’m sure you’ll agree it’s Zabelicious!

Read More
Food Janine Zabel Food Janine Zabel

Cherry Frose

Looking for a refreshing cocktail to help you beat the heat? You’ve come to the right place. We’re mixing up an easy recipe for a cherry frosé. Who’s ready for happy hour?

Read More
Food Janine Zabel Food Janine Zabel

COM: Italicus Spritz

Our cocktail of the month will transport you to Italy’s Amalfi Coast. Discover why “the sip of Italy” is my new favorite spritz, when you taste it for yourself. Move over Aperol, Italicus is making a splash this summer!

Read More
Food Janine Zabel Food Janine Zabel

Toffee Triangles

Fresh out of ideas for a unique dessert to serve at your next gathering? Toffee Triangles are a family tradition for almost every celebration at our house. I’m sharing the recipe today. Don’t expect leftovers, they are addicting!

Read More
Food Janine Zabel Food Janine Zabel

COM: Calico Jack

Looking for some reprieve from the summer heat? We’ve got a refreshing cocktail of the month to help quench your thirst. It’s the island escape with no passport required.

Read More
Food Janine Zabel Food Janine Zabel

Kids Party Planning Tips

Looking for creative ways to entertain the kids this summer? We’ve got you covered with fun and easy party planning tips. Find all the details to make your child’s next celebration one to remember.

Read More