Share this starter pack

ABB Düsseldorfer Mostert mustard

If you’re ever at a German grocery store and spot a jar of mustard from my hometown, buy it immediately. I’ve convinced every American in my life to try it, and now they all keep at least one jar in their pantry. It’s the kind of mustard that makes you realize how much better mustard can be. If you’re in Orange County, you can sometimes find it at the German market in Huntington Beach — but it usually sells out within hours whenever it’s restocked. One of my favorite tastes of home, and a recommendation I never get tired of sharing.

Ritter Sport Knusperkeks

If you had asked teenage me about a balanced lunch, I probably would have pointed to a full bar of Ritter Sport Knusperkeks. I ate one during school breaks more times than I’d like to admit. Looking back, it’s probably a good thing teenagers don’t spend much time thinking about calories. Still one of my favorite Ritter Sport flavors and an instant trip down memory lane. 🍫🇩🇪

B.C's Donuts

We have donuts in Germany too, so I didn’t think I was missing out on anything. Then my husband handed me a simple sugar-coated donut from BC Donuts. No fancy toppings. No filling. No glaze. Just a fresh, warm donut covered in sugar. Somehow it completely changed my opinion of donuts. It was one of those foods that seemed almost too simple to be special—until I tried it. Now it’s a mandatory stop whenever we’re in Pasadena.

Protein Shake in the Morning

Every morning I start my day with a protein shake that has at least 30g of protein. For me, it really helps stabilize my energy levels throughout the day. I used to start my mornings with just coffee on an empty stomach, and I noticed I would feel pretty drained and low-energy later in the day. Now I either have my coffee together with the shake or after it, and the difference in how I feel is honestly huge. It’s a small change in my routine, but it’s made my mornings much more steady and balanced.

ABB Düsseldorfer Mostert mustard

If you’re ever at a German grocery store and spot a jar of mustard from my hometown, buy it immediately. I’ve convinced every American in my life to try it, and now they all keep at least one jar in their pantry. It’s the kind of mustard that makes you realize how much better mustard can be. If you’re in Orange County, you can sometimes find it at the German market in Huntington Beach — but it usually sells out within hours whenever it’s restocked. One of my favorite tastes of home, and a recommendation I never get tired of sharing.

Ritter Sport Knusperkeks

If you had asked teenage me about a balanced lunch, I probably would have pointed to a full bar of Ritter Sport Knusperkeks. I ate one during school breaks more times than I’d like to admit. Looking back, it’s probably a good thing teenagers don’t spend much time thinking about calories. Still one of my favorite Ritter Sport flavors and an instant trip down memory lane. 🍫🇩🇪

B.C's Donuts

We have donuts in Germany too, so I didn’t think I was missing out on anything. Then my husband handed me a simple sugar-coated donut from BC Donuts. No fancy toppings. No filling. No glaze. Just a fresh, warm donut covered in sugar. Somehow it completely changed my opinion of donuts. It was one of those foods that seemed almost too simple to be special—until I tried it. Now it’s a mandatory stop whenever we’re in Pasadena.

Protein Shake in the Morning

Every morning I start my day with a protein shake that has at least 30g of protein. For me, it really helps stabilize my energy levels throughout the day. I used to start my mornings with just coffee on an empty stomach, and I noticed I would feel pretty drained and low-energy later in the day. Now I either have my coffee together with the shake or after it, and the difference in how I feel is honestly huge. It’s a small change in my routine, but it’s made my mornings much more steady and balanced.