I'm Jenn Giam Smith. AAPI Wisconsinite wife & mom of 5. I'm the daughter of a chef and grew up in the kitchen. I'm always sharing about food (especially secrets my dad has shared with me including how kids can join in the kitchen), fun ideas, and family life.
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Click the photo to shop my favorite organizing items for your pantry and playroom
Hi Reader! I don't know about you, but I have a little burst of energy right now to get some things done around the house! I know spring cleaning isn't just a Midwest thing, but I do think that the weather really encourages it. Now that winter is "Midwest Goodbyeing" (it's a thing, Google it), I'm in major "Edit" and "Organize" mode. Cleaning the house helps me clear my mind. It's fewer things on my plate that need to be done (yes, I can feel the laundry glaring at me to finish it). I think a big reason for this is that my dad, being a chef, meant things had a place. Mise en place is something I live by. If my kitchen is messy or disorganized, I go on a major cleaning frenzy. I refuse to cook until the kitchen is in order. How can I cook if I can't find anything? I also clean as I cook. To quote Julia Child, “Use all the pans, bowls, and equipment you need, but soak them in water as soon as you are through with them. Clean up after yourself frequently to avoid confusion.” I'm also working on my kids, teaching them to clean up after they play. It's an uphill battle... but even if they clean up enough that I can walk, I consider it a win! So here's to springtime, warmer weather, open windows, and a clean house.
GET YOUR PANTRY ORGANIZED!
Wondering how to organize your pantry effectively? You don’t need a walk-in space to achieve a clean and tidy look! I just transformed mine, and I’m excited to share all the amazing products I used to get everything in order.
Say goodbye to that chaotic spice drawer and get ready to transform it into an organized masterpiece! Boost your kitchen game and elevate your cooking with this fun and easy DIY spice jar tutorial! And that’s not all—enjoy FREE sticker printables featuring a fabulous selection of 36 different spices, herbs, and seasoning labels. Get excited to spice up your cooking and bring order to your culinary world!
This quick Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is loaded with delicious corn, queso fresco, and a deliciously smokey, and refreshing dressing. It’s quick and easy to throw together and is made up of a combination of both pantry and fresh ingredients, most of which you probably already have, and the ones you don’t are easy to find at any grocery store!
I discovered Gourmend last year and have fallen in love with their bone broths. They are delicious! Not only does Gourmend offer bone broths, but they also offer other cooking essentials that replace symptom-causing ingredients with low FODMAP alternatives. If you have digestive sensitivity I highly recommend giving this brand a try!
I get it! Cooking with kids can feel overwhelming at times! But it can also be such a joyful experience. I really enjoy having my little ones help out in the kitchen, just like I did when I was their age. It’s all about creating those special memories together!
I'm Jenn Giam Smith. AAPI Wisconsinite wife & mom of 5. I'm the daughter of a chef and grew up in the kitchen. I'm always sharing about food (especially secrets my dad has shared with me including how kids can join in the kitchen), fun ideas, and family life.
Issue 3 March 2025 Straight From Jenn RECIPE COOKING TIPS AND TRICKS STRAIGHT FROM JENN Hi Reader, March seems to be the month that shows those first hints of spring. It has us dreaming of fresh starts, warmer weather, and more activity. It's the perfect time to stay a little cozy, start refreshing, reflecting and reseting—whether that looks like changing up what you cook (bring on lighter soups, salads, and food for the grill), clearing out the clutter in you home, curating a wardrobe that...
Issue 2 February 2025 Straight From Jenn RECIPES COOKING TIPS AND TRICKS STRAIGHT FROM JENN YOUTUBE REFLECTING January was filled with emotion, goals, and cleaning; at least in the Smith household. I know for many of you January is the month of new beginnings or resolutions. This newsletter was just that for me, something new I wanted to include with the blog. I'm excited to share recipes, ideas, and more that pertain to the coming month This time of the year is cold (usually) around here in...
FOOD STRAIGHT FROM JENN DIY & CRAFTS ABOUT SHOP OK, So some of you might already have kids in school. Mine have a few more days of summer left. But either way, with school underway I'm always in need of some easy lunch ideas I can do the day before or right away in the morning. Last year I did a mini-lunch ideas “series” on Instagram with Ecozoi. Today I'm sharing those lunches on a blog post for easy reference anytime you need lunch inspo. Make sure you check back here because I will make...
