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.
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.
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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!
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.
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!
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.
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?
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!
Monday Motivation: Embrace Change
Our little pumpkin has grown and flown. Now what? Tips for coping with empty nesting and other major life changes in my Monday Motivation: Embrace Change.
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!
Disconnect to Reconnect
When was the last time you took a break from technology? Ever consider closing some of those open tabs on your multiple devices? We’ve got some tips to help you disconnect in order to reconnect this fall.
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!
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!
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?
Summer Bucket List
Summer is flying by, way too fast! Have you done everything on your list? Still scrambling for ideas of fun things to do before Labor Day? Check out my summer bucket list with all the tips and travel guides for fun in the Midwest!
Best Beach Reads
Savor the final days of summer with some juicy stories. We’ve assembled our top ten beach reads to help you escape.
Villa Bellezza Winery
Join us for one of the most scenic road trips in America, which leads to an Italian gem in the Midwest. Discover a taste of Italy and more at Villa Bellezza Winery.
Old World Charm Bed & Breakfast
Still searching for a last minute summer getaway? We found a quaint B&B with vacancies on the lake amidst the towering pines in Northern Wisconsin.
Midwest Farmers' Markets
Midwest Farmers’ Markets are some of the best in the country. Find out everything you need to know as we travel to three capital city markets. Get the inside scoop from locals on favorite foods and artists.
Plant Kindness and Watch it Grow!
Take time this summer to reflect on ways to nurture old friendships and make new ones. Get inspired to plant seeds of kindness and watch them grow like wildflowers in our Monday motivation!
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!
Meditate. Balance. Repeat.
Struggling to keep calm and carry on? Meditate your way to inner peace and balance. We’ve got some tips to get you started with three simple steps.