At FoodDrinkLife, we believe life is best when it’s savored. We bring you stories from the crossroads of food, travel, culture, and the everyday art of living well.
We are a collective of passionate creators, journalists, food historians, explorers, photographers, and writers, who share one mission: to bring you content that inspires your palate and your perspective. Whether we’re diving into the latest home trends, uncovering an off-the-beaten-path travel gem, or interpreting evolving food culture around the world, we do so with curiosity, respect, and a commitment to truth.
Founders
Jennifer Allen
Chef, travel expert (Europe and the Americas)
Jennifer is a retired chef turned traveler, cookbook author and nationally syndicated journalist. A recognized cruise expert with a passion for high-end experiences and off-the-beaten-path destinations, Jennifer explores the world with curiosity, depth and a storyteller’s perspective. Her articles are regularly featured on the Associated Press Wire, The Washington Post, Seattle Times, MSN and more.
Mandy Applegate
Travel expert (Asia and Africa), food writer
Mandy is a luxury travel, fine dining and bucket list adventure journalist with expert insight from 46 countries. She uncovers unforgettable experiences around the world and brings them to life through immersive storytelling that blends indulgence, culture and discovery. Her articles appear on MSN and through the Associated Press Wire in major U.S. outlets, including NBC, the Daily News, Boston Herald, Chicago Sun-Times and many more.
Zuzana Paar
Photographer, travel expert (Middle East)
Zuzana is a seasoned traveler and writer who has explored 62 countries and lived in St. Lucia, Dubai, Vienna, Doha and Slovakia. Her work has been featured on Fox News, New York Daily News, MSN and more; she has also appeared live on Chicago’s WGN Bob Sirott Radio Show. When she’s not discovering new destinations, she shares travel tips and insider insights to help others experience the world uniquely and unforgettably.
What We Do
At FoodDrinkLife, we tell stories about how people live, travel, and connect. Our features and editorial content explore the rhythms of everyday life, from family traditions and creative pursuits to the ways culture and travel shape our sense of place. We share stories that highlight discovery and belonging, following the experiences that turn every day moments into lasting memories.
Our profiles and interviews spotlight the creators, makers, and thinkers who inspire change in how we eat, design and explore. Alongside them, we publish articles that help readers live well at home and on the road, embracing thoughtful travel, meaningful gatherings and the small pleasures that make each day richer. Every piece we produce is grounded in curiosity, integrity and respect for our readers.
Our Promise
We are committed to accuracy and transparency in everything we publish. When errors occur, we correct them promptly and clearly. We approach each topic with context and depth, recognizing that compelling stories often have complex edges. Diversity of voice and perspective matters to us; it’s what makes our coverage authentic and resonant. Above all, FoodDrinkLife remains reader-first; we’re always receptive to feedback, collaboration and conversation that help us grow and tell better stories.
Contributors
We collaborate with writers, photographers and storytellers from around the world. Each brings a unique perspective, from family life and home inspiration to travel experiences and cultural insight. Together, our contributors capture what it means to live well: cooking and gathering, exploring new places, and finding joy in the everyday moments that connect us.
Anne Jolly
Anne is the creator of the food blog Upstate Ramblings. She loves to cook with gadgets like an air fryer, sous vide or pressure cooker. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, reading, knitting and spending time with her three kids.
Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a storyteller, food lover, new mom, dog lover, and recipe developer from a small island town on the Pacific Coast of Canada. She blogs at xoxoBella, sharing easy, creative recipes alongside travel, lifestyle, and sustainability content. With years of experience traveling the world and taking cooking classes, she inspires her followers to explore new cuisines and enjoy the simple joys of cooking and connection.
Gen La Rocca
Gen is a professional chef, writer and editor living in Southern California. She is the owner and recipe creator behind Two Cloves Kitchen, a food site featuring contemporary, California-inspired recipes. She has edited over 20 novels, short stories and essays for publication.
Gina Matsoukas
Gina is the photographer, writer and recipe creator of Running to the Kitchen. Focusing on healthy, seasonal, whole-food recipes, her work has been featured in online and print publications. Gina’s passion for food extends to the world of canines, as she also co-authors the site What Can My Dog Eat? with her husband, who is a K9 trainer and handler.
Heidi Bruaw
Heidi is a certified elementary school teacher in the Inland Northwest and has been teaching for 17 years. She is also a vintage recipe blogger at Real Life of Lulu, focusing on recipes at least 50 years old, many from her grandparents’ kitchens. When she isn’t teaching or baking, she loves spending time with her husband and three kids.
Jere’ Cassidy
Jere’ is the writer and recipe developer behind the blog One Hot Oven. A passion for all things food-related led her to culinary school to expand on her baking skills and now to share easy recipes for home cooks and bakers of all skill levels. When not in the kitchen, Jere’ likes to travel far and wide to find delicious food.
Jessica Haggard
Jessica is a lifelong recipe lover, blogger and author of multiple cookbooks. She helps people find success with gluten-free, low-carb and keto cooking at Primal Edge Health. Her second blog, Easy Homemade Life, is dedicated to dishing up super simple, family-friendly recipes, DIY beauty care and natural homemaking tips.
Karee Blunt
Karee Blunt is a nationally syndicated travel journalist, primarily focused on luxury family travel. She’s also the creator of the travel blog, Our Woven Journey. Karee enjoys sharing what she learns about places she visits, including history museums, unique things-to-do (indoors and out), one-of-a-kind festivals, and upscale dining and accommodations. She is the mother of six kids, including four through adoption, and lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest.
Kristen Wood
Kristen is a photographer, writer and creator of MOON and spoon and yum and Schisandra & Bergamot. She also wrote Vegetarian Family Cookbook, Fermented Hot Sauce Cookbook and Hot Sauce Cookbook for Beginners. Her work has been featured in various online and print publications, including Elle, Martha Stewart, Yoga Journal and more.
Ksenia Prints
Ksenia is a writer, blogger, photographer and recipe developer from Montreal, Canada. She blogs over At the Immigrant’s Table, showcasing healthy, beautiful international recipes for adventurous home cooks. She loves to highlight ethnic cuisines and immigrant cultures and adapt those recipes to gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, sugar-free and other dietary restrictions.
Lara Clevenger
Lara is a registered dietitian, nutritionist and personal trainer. She is also a photographer, recipe developer and creator of Lara Clevenger. She shares easy recipes that are mostly low-carb, along with some bowling and travel adventures. Whether you’re cooking with an air fryer, Blackstone or Instant Pot, she has you covered with healthy recipes.
Laura Sampson
Laura of Little House Big Alaska is on a mission to teach modern family-oriented home cooks how to make old-fashioned foods new again. She shares her passion for home cooking, backyard gardening and homesteading on her website and blog.
Lisa MarcAurele
Lisa is a retired engineer, long-time blogger and the author of Low Carb Yum 5-Ingredient Keto and Low Carb Yum Simple Keto Meals For Beginners. Her latest recipes at Little Bit Recipes are perfect for one or two people. Lisa lives in Connecticut and enjoys taking scenic day trips around New England.
Lucy Brewer
Lucy Brewer, from Evans, GA, is the owner of Southern Food and Fun, where she shares Southern classics and easy meals. She holds a Master’s in Professional Writing and founded Real Bloggers, a directory of original content creators. When she’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find Lucy spoiling her six grandkids and the cutest mini-goldendoodle on the planet.
Michelle Price
Michelle, a food and travel writer based in Chicago, shares her expertise and inspiration through her popular website, Honest and Truly. With a focus on empowering readers, she encourages culinary exploration and memorable travel experiences, fostering a love for new flavors and diverse adventures.
Renee N Gardner
Renee is the creative mastermind behind Renee Nicole’s Kitchen, a recipe blog based on seasonal ingredients dedicated to helping home cooks become home chefs. When Renee isn’t writing, developing recipes or photographing food, she’s in the garden, traveling or enjoying the outdoors with her husband, son and two dogs.
Robin Donovan
Robin is the author of more than 40 cookbooks, including the bestselling Campfire Cuisine, Ramen Obsession, and Ramen for Beginners. She has written about food for dozens of major publications. Robin is a co-founder of Food Drink Life Inc. and the creator of the blogs All Ways Delicious, Eggs All Ways, and All The Noodles.
Sage Scott
Sage was bitten by the travel bug as a preschooler when her family moved abroad for the first time. Now settled in America’s heartland, Sage is a travel writer, world wanderer and photographer whose favorite color is golden hour.
Sara Nelson
Sara is the food blogger behind Real Balanced, a site that shares easy and balanced recipes. Since 2017, she has shared delicious, nutritious and allergy-friendly recipes with thousands of blog readers and social media followers. Sara lives in Wisconsin with her husband, two children and their dog.
Sarita Harbour
Sarita is a long-time business and finance writer. Sarita created An Off Grid Life to help people become more self-reliant. Sarita and her family live off the grid in Canada’s Northwest Territories.
Shruthi Baskaran-Makanju
Shruthi Baskaran-Makanju is a food and travel writer and a global food systems expert based in Seattle. She has lived in or traveled in more than 60 countries and shares stories and recipes inspired by those travels on Rainy City Life.
Tamara Tsaturyan
Tamara is a blogger at Thriving In Parenting, where she shares simple tips for busy parents — easy and healthy recipes, home decor ideas, self-care for moms and all things parenting.
Tammy Camp
Tammy Camp is the recipe creator and writer behind Trop Rockin Recipes, where she shares easy air fryer recipes, slow cooker favorites, and simple ideas for weeknight dinners and casual gatherings. Tammy helps busy home cooks get delicious food on the table without the stress. Her recipes range from crowd-pleasing appetizers to easy side dishes and fun cocktails.
Trina Krug, MS, CDSP
Trina is a holistic nutritionist, recipe creator and advocate for human health. Her passion for low-carb lifestyles, gluten-free eating and nutrition education has led to the creation of Trina Krug. She spends her time creating recipes, hanging out with her family on her farm and working on her Doctorate of Science in Integrative Health.