Cook Better, Bit by Bit - Flavour-first recipes, smart meal prep, calm kitchen

The Most Refreshing Summer Salad: 15-Minute Crunchy Classic

September 2, 2025 by Diane Foster

This salad is my go to on hot days. I want crunch, juice, and chill in every bite. Start with crisp cucumber, sweet watermelon, and ripe cherry tomatoes. Thin red onion adds zip without overpowering the plate. Mint and basil keep it bright, and feta brings creamy salt. I shake a quick lime dressing with … Read more

Summer Drinks: Batch, Chill, and Serve Like a Pro

August 29, 2025 by Diane Foster

Summer drinks are my favorite way to stay cool, social, and hydrated. When the heat hits, I reach for simple templates I can tweak fast: citrus, herbs, bubbles, and good ice. I keep a pitcher base in the fridge, then add fizz at serving so every glass stays crisp. If I want light sweetness, I … Read more

Lemon Meringue Pie: A Bright Classic With Zero Fluff

August 28, 2025 by Diane Foster

This pie hits the brief: crisp pastry, glossy meringue, and a lemon filling that actually tastes like lemons. The workflow is simple and reliable. You’ll prep the custard, temper the yolks, finish with butter and citrus, then cap it with a stable meringue. The output is a bakery-level slice that satisfies key KPIs: clean cuts, … Read more

4 Easy Ways to Preserve Fresh Herbs

August 28, 2025August 21, 2025 by Diane Foster

Fresh herbs add vibrant flavor and aroma to any dish, but they can wilt and spoil quickly if not stored properly. To make the most of your herb harvest or grocery store find, preserving them is key.

Healthy Living with Simple Daily Routines

August 22, 2025August 21, 2025 by Diane Foster

a glass of water with lemon, a bowl of fresh fruit, a yoga mat, a journal with a pen, and a pair of walking shoes

Healthy living with simple daily routines has become the foundation of how I take care of myself. For years, I used to think being healthy meant sticking to strict diets or going to the gym every single day, but that approach never lasted. What finally clicked for me was realizing that small, everyday habits matter … Read more

Photography That Connects You to the Ocean: A Field Guide

August 27, 2025August 21, 2025 by Diane Foster

Photorealistic seascape, [golden hour] at [rocky UK coastline or dune-backed beach]

Photographing the ocean is the way I slow down and actually listen to the water. I go to the shore with a simple plan: breathe, watch, and translate what I feel into frames that feel alive later. The smell of salt, the rumble of swell, the pull of tide lines — these are cues I … Read more

The Power of Nature in Moodboards

August 23, 2025August 21, 2025 by Diane Foster

A bright, minimalist flat lay of moodboard elements inspired by nature

The power of nature in moodboards is something I’ve come to appreciate every time I sit down to plan a new creative project. I used to overlook just how much impact natural colors, textures, and themes could bring to a design, but once I started using them intentionally, everything shifted. A simple palette inspired by … Read more

Bedroom Makeovers for Ultimate Relaxation & Deep Sleep

August 24, 2025August 21, 2025 by Diane Foster

Bedroom makeovers that inspire relaxation have become my personal obsession ever since I realized how much my sleep environment was affecting my overall wellbeing. I used to think that my restless nights were just part of adult life, until I discovered that the bright red accent wall and cluttered nightstand in my bedroom were actually … Read more

Smoothie Recipes to Jumpstart Your Health

August 28, 2025August 21, 2025 by Diane Foster

Top-down flat lay of five colorful smoothies in clear glasses with matching ingredient clusters

Here’s the playbook I actually use when my mornings are chaotic and I still want something that tastes good, fills me up, and doesn’t involve six pans and a crisis. I’m not promising miracles; I’m promising workable smoothies that earn their keep. Everything below is tested in my very ordinary kitchen, with measurements in grams/ml … Read more

DIY Apartment Transformation: 3 Easy Ideas

August 28, 2025August 21, 2025 by Diane Foster

These 3 easy DIYs to transform your apartment are my secret for making any space feel truly like home. I used to look around my place and feel so uninspired by the plain, standard-issue finishes and overall lack of personality. It felt like I was just living in someone else’s box, not a space that reflected who … Read more