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.

Journal It! Janine Zabel Journal It! Janine Zabel

Monday Motivation: Let it Go!

Do you hold grudges, have regrets or spend too much time worrying? Maybe it’s time for you to “let it go!” Ever consider spring cleaning the clutter from your mind? Unlock the key to a more joyful life and find your inspiration to “let it go” in our Monday motivation.

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Germany Tour: Tübingen and The Black Forest

We continue our tour of scenic Germany, as we explore historic Tübingen and hike the Black Forest. Discover the hidden gems of this medieval village, as we tempt your tastebuds with culinary treats along the way. No passport required to join me!

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24 Hours in Stuttgart

What can you do for fun if you only have 24 hours to explore Stuttgart, Germany? Find a great bartender to lead the way. I’m sharing the travel tips we learned from Benny, after he mixed us the perfect cocktail.

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COTM - April: Manhattan

A bartender named Benny at a quaint pub in Germany once shared his secret for making the perfect Manhattan, was in selecting the proper vermouth. Find out the name of the historic bar in Stuttgart, where we perfected the recipe for our cocktail of the month.

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Inspiring Stories Janine Zabel Inspiring Stories Janine Zabel

Green Janine

My chance meeting on a train in Germany led to an unlikely friendship that spans continents with another blonde named Janine. She’s on a mission to save the planet and says green travel is a great place to start. Get inspired by Green Janine’s story and her message “There is no planet B.”

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Be Like A Tree

Trees harbor the wildlife we love. Gifting one is the perfect way to give back to Mother Nature. Around the world people continue to celebrate Earth Day. This Friday, we recognize Arbor Day, which reminded me of a poem that offers a few life lessons we could all learn from a tree.

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Reflections on Nature

Come take a nature walk with me, as we celebrate Earth Day, through the lens of an award winning photographer. Iowa native, Cortney Kintzer, has a gift for finding the extraordinary in the ordinary. View his photo essay and get his perspective on preserving the planet, in my latest post.

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Wine Cellar Wish: Granted

Always dream of having your own wine cellar, but no room or budget to do so? Same here. So, we got creative with a space in our basement. Find out how easy it is to grant your wish for a wine cellar in my latest DIY project.

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Inspiring Stories Janine Zabel Inspiring Stories Janine Zabel

The Power of Possibility

Ever wonder what life coaching was all about? Still chasing that dream? Interested in learning some new skills? A coaching class might be just what you’re looking for. Find out more about life coaching from the mother daughter team who founded Learning Journeys, as we explore the “Power of Possibility.”

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Spring into Fashion!

Are you ready to spring into fashion? I’ve already done a little shopping of my own and just had to share some of my favorites! Have you ever heard of Cabi? If not, prepare to fall in love with their latest collection. I’m hooked on the green jacket. Confessions of a shopaholic and style tips in my latest post.

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Shoe Closet Makeover

Spring cleaning continues at my house. How about yours? Today, I’m sharing a shoe closet makeover from a friend. Because, let’s be honest, you can never have too many shoes. No room for storage? Problem solved.

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Zabelicious Fig Cookie Recipe

Italian Fig cookies are a time honored tradition that takes time and patience. I took a friend’s recipe and made some modifications for a short cut. I’m using my favorite Quince & Apple fig preserves as the base for the filling. Check out the Zabelicious recipe!

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Makeshift Mudroom

Spring has sprung. Time to purge, organize and update storage. We’ve always wanted a mudroom, but never had the space indoors. So we decided to get creative in the garage. Bonus-we found a potters bench that doubles as a cocktail cart! How Zabelicious is that?

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Venice: Unmasked

Travel with me to Venice for a rare glimpse behind the scenes of Carnevale and tour the canals. Learn more about the history of this floating city, as we unmask the secrets of Venice.

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Anna Maria Island, Florida

Looking for a spring break escape plan? The island is calling. Get ready to pack your bags, after you read my travel guide on a family favorite destination. Prepare to kick back and soak up the sun!

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Rocky Mountain High

Looking to hit the slopes for spring break? Fresh powder and sunshine are in the forecast, according to the Colorado transplant, who’s sharing his tips for your mountain getaway. Find everything from rental deals, to budget friendly lodging to plan your ski trip.

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