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a go-to resource for empty nesters looking to prioritize their health, wellness, and confidence in midlife. You'll find practical advice on losing belly fat, building strength, and fueling your body with nutritious meals.

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Our First Oktoberfest: What It’s Really Like + 3 Days in Munich
Travel, Empty Nesting Jill Lewis Travel, Empty Nesting Jill Lewis

Our First Oktoberfest: What It’s Really Like + 3 Days in Munich

We arrived in Munich on opening weekend of Oktoberfest, and WOW. From the massive beer tents and traditional Bavarian outfits to the music, food and people we met along the way, it was unlike anything we’d experienced before. I’m sharing what our first Oktoberfest was really like, what we learned, what I’d do differently and how we spent three days in Munich.

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Budapest Surprised Me: Food, Thermal Baths, Ruin Bars & More
Travel, Empty Nesting Jill Lewis Travel, Empty Nesting Jill Lewis

Budapest Surprised Me: Food, Thermal Baths, Ruin Bars & More

Budapest may have been the biggest surprise of our trip. We ate our way through the city on an incredible Hungarian food tour, soaked in the famous thermal baths, stayed out late at a ruin bar, found our favorite restaurant of the entire trip and saw Budapest lit up from the Danube at night. Here’s what we loved, what I’d skip next time and what I’d recommend for your first trip to Budapest.

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Spicy Crispy Beef and Rice Bowls with Creamy Gochujang Broth
Recipes Jill Lewis Recipes Jill Lewis

Spicy Crispy Beef and Rice Bowls with Creamy Gochujang Broth

These Spicy Crispy Beef and Rice Bowls are packed with flavor and protein! Crispy sweet and savory beef is served with jasmine rice, a creamy spicy gochujang broth and crunchy cucumber or sugar snap peas. And if you don’t have gochujang, I’ve included the easy substitute I used the first time I made them.

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Chocolate Raspberry Chia Yogurt Pudding
Recipes Jill Lewis Recipes Jill Lewis

Chocolate Raspberry Chia Yogurt Pudding

This Chocolate Raspberry Chia Yogurt Pudding combines creamy Greek yogurt, fresh raspberries, chia seeds and a crisp dark chocolate shell. With plenty of protein and fiber, it’s an easy make-ahead breakfast, snack or healthier dessert.

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Creamy Garden Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta 
Recipes Jill Lewis Recipes Jill Lewis

Creamy Garden Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta 

This Creamy Garden Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta is one of my favorite ways to use fresh summer tomatoes. Juicy garden tomatoes and sweet cherry tomatoes simmer into a rich, flavorful sauce with garlic, Parmesan, basil, and a touch of cream. Tossed with tender chicken and pasta, it's an easy weeknight dinner that tastes like summer.

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Fall-Apart Chicken Thighs with Vegetables and Homemade Gravy
Recipes Jill Lewis Recipes Jill Lewis

Fall-Apart Chicken Thighs with Vegetables and Homemade Gravy

This fall-apart chicken thigh recipe is the kind of meal that makes everyone think you spent hours in the kitchen. Tender chicken, carrots, onions, potatoes, fresh thyme, and a simple homemade gravy come together in one pan for an easy dinner that's perfect for Sunday family meals or leftovers during the week.

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Delayed, Baggage-Less, and Still Completely in Love with the Adriatic Coast
Travel, Empty Nesting Jill Lewis Travel, Empty Nesting Jill Lewis

Delayed, Baggage-Less, and Still Completely in Love with the Adriatic Coast

Twelve hours in the St. Louis airport. A hotel sleep that lasted three hours. Luggage that took its own detour through Europe. And somehow — Croatia and Montenegro still delivered. Here's my honest, unfiltered travel diary of Split, Hvar, Dubrovnik, and Porto Montenegro, including where to eat, where to stay, and what I'd do differently next time.

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Lemon Garlic Scallops with Asparagus and Rice
Recipes Jill Lewis Recipes Jill Lewis

Lemon Garlic Scallops with Asparagus and Rice

When my husband was out of town and it was a Friday during Lent, I decided to make a dinner that felt a little special just for me. These lemon garlic scallops with asparagus and rice are simple enough for a weeknight but feel restaurant-worthy. Consider this your reminder that girl dinner can absolutely be elevated.

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