Kitchen Essentials, Cookware & Lifestyle Favorites
Cook. Gather. Live.
My most-loved tools and lifestyle favorites, all in one place.
Welcome to the Eat Picks Lifestyle Hub!
This is my go-to spot for everything I use, love, and recommend both in the kitchen and beyond. From cookware and baking tools to entertaining pieces, favorite home finds, and everyday fashion staples, this hub brings it all together in one place.
Think of it as your shortcut to the tools and little luxuries that make cooking, gathering, and living at home easier and more enjoyable.
Every item is thoroughly tested and loved. When you shop through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Quick Links
Kitchen & Cookware
Le Creuset Dutch Oven – This is an item I use almost every day. I had a 5-quart pot that I used when the kids were home, but now I use the 3.5-quart Le Creuset for just me and my husband. It’s a perfect size for weekly sauce, or to make our favorite soup or chili.
Lodge Cast Iron Skillet – This is hands-down my most used pan. From searing steaks on the stove to baking cornbread in the oven, a cast-iron skillet gives unbeatable flavor and even cooking. Once it’s seasoned, it only gets better with age. It’s the kind of pan you’ll use for decades.
USA Half Sheet Pans– Every kitchen needs a sturdy half sheet pan. I use USA Pans for everything from roasting veggies, baking cookies, and even toasting nuts. The rimmed edges keep spills in check, they are coated with silicone, making clean up a breeze, and it’s big enough for family-sized sheet-pan meal portions.
Nordic Baking Pans– I love using these as well. They are made of sturdy aluminum and are great for sheet cakes, jelly roll cakes, or anything that the USA pans can do.
Cooling Rack– A cooling rack is one of those tools you don’t think you need until you have one — then you use it all the time. Perfect for cooling cookies, resting a roast, or even glazing baked goods. I keep a few on hand because they always come in handy.
Chef’s Knife– If I had to pick just one knife to keep in my kitchen, it would be this Wusthof Classic. A sharp chef’s knife makes chopping vegetables, slicing meat, and even mincing herbs quick and easy. It’s the workhorse of the kitchen and worth every penny. I actually use my Santoku Knife the most because it's most comfortable in my hand.
Bread Knife– A good bread knife is a game-changer. This double-serrated knife slices through crusty loaves, soft sandwich bread, and even cakes without crushing them. I use mine almost daily it’s one of those tools that makes prep faster and way less frustrating.
Baking Tools
Pastry Brush– This little tool works overtime in my kitchen. I use it to brush olive oil on veggies before roasting, glaze rolls with butter, or spread sauce on grilled chicken. It’s small, inexpensive, and you’ll be surprised how often you reach for it.
Measuring Cups & Spoons – A dependable set of measuring cups and spoons is essential for every kitchen. Whether I’m portioning flour for pancakes, scooping sugar for cookies, or measuring spices for dinner, this set gets used daily. I like the rectangular shape of the measuring spoons because they fit easily into narrow spice jars.
Parchment Paper– Parchment paper is my secret weapon for easy cleanup and perfect baking. I use it for cookies, roasting veggies, and lining pans so nothing sticks. It saves time, keeps pans clean, and makes baking stress-free.
Whisk – A whisk is a humble tool, but one I reach for constantly. Whether I’m mixing pancake batter, whisking eggs, or blending sauces, it makes the job quick and smooth. Simple, reliable, and always handy.
Mixing Bowls – A good set of mixing bowls is a kitchen must-have. I use mine for everything from mixing cookie dough to tossing salads. Nesting sets save space and keep you covered for big and small recipes.
KitchenAid Stand Mixer – This is my baking workhorse. From whipping egg whites to kneading bread dough, my KitchenAid stand mixer handles it all. It’s an investment, but if you bake often, it pays for itself. I also have this counter caddy to help slide back and forth- so much easier than trying to lift it!
Immersion Blender – For soups, sauces, or even quick smoothies, an immersion blender is a lifesaver. No more transferring hot soup to a blender — you can blend right in the pot. Compact, easy to use, and quick to clean.
Vitamix Blender – When I need power, I reach for my Vitamix. It makes the smoothest soups, sauces, and smoothies, and it can handle tough ingredients like nuts or frozen fruit without a problem. A true powerhouse in the kitchen.
USA Loaf Pan – This loaf pan is perfect for banana bread, pound cake, or even meatloaf. Sturdy, nonstick, and built to last — it bakes evenly every time and cleans up beautifully.
USA Cake Pan – Every baker needs a reliable cake pan, and this one is my favorite. It produces even layers and never warps. Whether I’m making a simple snack cake or a celebration dessert, it delivers perfect results. If you prefer round cakes, I have these as well!
USA Muffin Tin – From muffins to cupcakes to mini quiches, this pan gets a workout in my kitchen. Durable and nonstick, it helps baked goods pop out easily and clean up quickly.
Wilton Donut Pans – Skip the fryer and make baked donuts at home! These pans are fun to use and perfect for weekend baking projects. My family loves them, and cleanup is a breeze.
Offset Spatula – An offset spatula is my secret tool for smooth frosting and even batter spreading. It makes decorating cakes and brownies so much easier and more professional-looking.
Wilton Pastry Bags – Reusable pastry bags are a game-changer for piping frosting, filling pastries, or even portioning batter. They’re sturdy, easy to handle, and much better than flimsy disposable bags.
Dining & Entertaining
This section is coming soon! I’ll be adding my favorite serving pieces, wine glasses, platters, and cozy entertaining finds here. Everything I use to make hosting simple, stress-free, and a little extra special.
White Soup Crocks I found these at Walmart and they are great for soups and stews. I like how food stays warm and the presentation is great.
Traditional French Onion Soup Crocks – These are the bowls always associated with French onion soup and our recipe tastes just as good as it looks when served in these bowls!
Soup Spoons– Perfect spoons to enjoy every drop of soup, chowder, or stew!
Soup Ladle– The perfect soup pour. I like this ladle because the lip saves the drips for the bowl and not my counter!
Soup Bowl Cozy– The holder you didn't know you needed until now. When soup season rolls around, I always pull out my bowl cozy and I have saved my hands from burning many a time!
Home & Lifestyle
This section is coming soon! From cozy candles and seasonal décor to my go-to coffee mugs and everyday home favorites, I’ll be sharing all the little things that make life at home easier and more enjoyable.
Fashion & Travel
This section is coming soon! I’ll be sharing my go-to travel essentials, versatile wardrobe staples, and favorite pieces I wear on repeat. From comfy sneakers and scarves to carry-on bags and everyday fashion picks, these are the items that keep life stylish and simple.