Unlocking May’s Best: Recipes, Skincare, and Family Fun from Kelly’s Monthly Edit
Welcome to Kelly’s Monthly Edit!
Join me every month as I round up the little joys that sparked inspiration, from must-make recipes and Mom-approved grocery finds to favorite products in kitchenware, skincare, fashion and beyond. Consider this your behind-the-scenes bite of life at Just a Taste—no gatekeeping, just good taste.
It’s hard to believe we’ve reached the end of another school year, and with it, the beautiful transition into the sun-kissed days of summer. Here in San Diego, the warmer weather is a welcome invitation to embrace endless summer nights at the beach, where the sunsets paint the sky with breathtaking hues. We’re eagerly anticipating beachside s’mores, lively family barbecues, and all the refreshing bubbles (of the beverage kind, of course!) that define the season. This month’s edit is packed with everything that made May memorable, and it’s all designed to help you savor these precious moments too.
And now, for the Monthly Edit…
The Just a Taste Monthly Recipe Challenge: Win Big!
Important announcement! I am thrilled to share the launch of the brand-new Just a Taste Monthly Recipe Challenge. This is something I’ve been dreaming about for a while, a way to connect with all of you and celebrate our shared love for delicious food. It’s designed to be fun, engaging, and incredibly simple to participate in, no matter your skill level in the kitchen. We believe in fostering a vibrant community where everyone can share their culinary creations and get inspired. Plus, there’s an exciting reward waiting for one lucky participant each month!
And the setup couldn’t be simpler:
- Make the designated recipe
- Snap a photo of your delicious creation
- Submit your photo through our easy online portal
One lucky winner will receive a $250 Amazon gift card! Imagine all the kitchen gadgets, ingredients, or even just everyday essentials you could get with that! This challenge is not just about cooking; it’s about building confidence in the kitchen, trying new things, and being part of a supportive community. Head on over to the Recipe Challenge for more info and to see this month’s featured recipe!
Favorite Finds: My May Grocery & Lifestyle Discoveries
As a professional grocery shopper (it’s a tough job, but someone’s got to do it!), I’ve adopted my mom Noni’s golden rule: always buy one new (to me, at least!) item every time I shop. This little ritual keeps grocery runs exciting and has led to some incredible discoveries. From unexpected snacks to game-changing kid activities, May did not disappoint. Here’s a peek into what’s made it into my cart and quickly became a household favorite this past month…
- Tangy Barbecue Rice Chips from Quaker: These chips are dangerously delicious. The tangy barbecue flavor is perfectly balanced, and the crispy texture of the rice chips makes them utterly addictive. Seriously, pop open a Diet Coke, and that bag will be gone in seconds. They are a fantastic, lighter alternative to traditional potato chips but still deliver on flavor.
- Hershey’s Milk Chocolate with Caramel Candy: If you follow along on Instagram, you’ll know that s’mores are a quintessential summer staple in our household. This year, I decided to elevate our s’mores game by swapping out regular Hershey’s for their milk chocolate with caramel version. The results were phenomenal – the crowds went wild! The gooey caramel adds an extra layer of decadence that takes this classic treat to an entirely new level. You absolutely have to try this for your next bonfire!
- Bunch O Balloons: And on the non-food front, we have my favorite kid-friendly activity for the summer, which involves this amazing contraption. For any parent who has spent what feels like an eternity filling and tying individual water balloons, this product is a miracle. It allows you to fill and tie (I REPEAT: TIE!) dozens of water balloons at once. It works shockingly well and is a consistent repeat Amazon order at our house. It transforms a tedious task into instant fun, making water balloon fights a breeze for everyone.
Skincare Products I’m Loving: My Journey to Dolphin-Smooth Skin
As I inch closer to the big 4-0, skincare has naturally become a top priority. It’s not just about looking good, but feeling confident and taking care of myself. Two of my incredibly thoughtful mom friends recently gifted me a facial at the luxurious Cleo Skincare in La Jolla, and I’ve got one word that changed everything for me: dermaplaning. To be honest, I was absolutely terrified to try this skincare technique, primarily because it involves a surgical-grade scalpel used to gently shave your entire face. The goal? To remove dead skin cells and, wait for it… peach fuzz.
My biggest fear was that dermaplaning just one time would somehow land me the role of The Bearded Lady in The Greatest Showman 2, and I’d be dealing with a full beard the next day. But here we are, a few weeks later, and I can confidently say my face is feeling like a dolphin’s backside—in the best possible way! The smoothness and radiance are remarkable. Best of all, you really don’t have to do it as frequently as people sometimes suggest. I’m aiming to go every 3 months to maintain that peachy-fuzz-free glow. Peach fuzz, be gone!
Beyond professional treatments, my daily routine relies heavily on some powerhouses. I’ve also been consistently using the Skinceuticals P-TIOX and CE Ferulic serums for over six months now. Safe to say, I’m utterly hooked on both. The P-TIOX serum specifically targets signs of aging, while the CE Ferulic, a potent antioxidant, helps protect against environmental damage and improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. They’re fantastic, less invasive ways to mitigate the visible signs of aging and keep my skin looking its best. Similarly, I can’t leave the house without a healthy slathering of the EltaMD Sunscreen. This isn’t just a recommendation; it’s a non-negotiable step. Regardless of where you live, what you’re wearing, or where you’re going, here’s your crucial reminder to always, always wear sunscreen. Coming from a girl who’s had a few too-close calls on the sun-damaged skin front, trust me on this one – protection is key!
Recipes I’m Cooking on Repeat: Family Favorites That Never Disappoint
Even though I’m constantly developing dozens of new recipes every month for Just a Taste, there’s a special place in our kitchen for my trusty favorites. These are the tried-and-true dishes that make a regular appearance on our dinner table because they are guaranteed crowd-pleasers. These beloved favorites are a consistent hit with my husband and all four kids alike, which means they’ll forever have a coveted spot in our weekly meal rotation. They simplify meal planning and ensure happy plates all around. The May favorites included:
- Mini Greek Yogurt Banana Muffins: Perfect for a quick breakfast or a healthy snack, these muffins are moist, flavorful, and a great way to use ripe bananas. The Greek yogurt adds a lovely tang and extra protein, making them a better-for-you treat the kids adore.
- Easy Bolognese Sauce: A rich, hearty, and deeply satisfying sauce that simmers to perfection. It’s ideal for a comforting family dinner, especially paired with pasta. This recipe is surprisingly simple to make but tastes like it cooked all day.
- Chicken Caesar Sandwiches: A fantastic way to reinvent leftover chicken. These sandwiches are packed with flavor, featuring creamy Caesar dressing, crisp lettuce, and tender chicken, all nestled in fresh bread. They make for a quick and incredibly tasty lunch or light dinner.
- Monster Cookies: Because every family needs a go-to cookie recipe, and these deliver! Packed with oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and M&M’s, they are chewy, colorful, and impossible to resist. A perfect treat for after-school snacks or dessert.
Restaurants I Visited: Savoring San Diego’s Culinary Gems
Every Friday night, my husband and I make it a point to have a dedicated date night. It’s our time to reconnect and, more often than not, really canvas the vibrant San Diego food scene for the latest and greatest restaurants. This past month, a friend managed to snag a much-coveted reservation at Leila in North Park, and I can confidently say it was mind-blowing. From the moment we walked in, the incredible ambiance captivated us, setting the stage for an unforgettable meal.
The near-perfect Persian cuisine was matched only by the incredible ambiance and stellar, attentive service. We pretty much sampled the entire menu, indulging in every dip, sauce, bread, and kabob we could get our hands on. Each dish was a burst of authentic flavors and fresh ingredients. My personal favorites were the succulent koobideh (grilled ground beef on a skewer), which was perfectly seasoned and incredibly tender, and the vibrant roasted red pepper sauce, which added a fantastic zest to everything. The tahdig (the crispy pan-fried rice pictured above, beautifully topped with ruby-red pomegranate seeds) was another menu must-have—it’s a textural marvel and incredibly flavorful. If you’re looking for an exceptional dining experience in San Diego, Leila is an absolute must-try.
A few other current favorite San Diego spots that consistently impress, offering diverse and delicious culinary experiences, include:
- Callie: For modern Mediterranean with a Californian twist.
- The Fishery: A fantastic choice for fresh, sustainably sourced seafood.
- Paradisaea: Offering an elegant dining experience with stunning ocean views and exquisite dishes.
- Mister A’s: A timeless classic for fine dining, iconic views, and a sophisticated atmosphere.
Recipes for You to Try: Embracing the Protein Power Trend
Protein is certainly having its moment in the culinary spotlight right now, and for good reason! I swear it wasn’t until recently that I had gone months (dare I say years?) without such an influx of “protein this” and “protein that” in every food conversation. But I am absolutely here for it! I’m a firm believer in packing as much muscle-building, satisfying protein as possible into every single meal, snack, beverage, and yes, even dessert. (Don’t believe me? Check out my mini cottage cheese cheesecakes!). It keeps you full, energized, and supports a healthy lifestyle. Here are some of my latest protein-packed recipes that I think you’ll love:
Even my dips are getting delicious, high-protein makeovers, including this incredibly flavorful, herby, and garlicky Whipped Cottage Cheese Dip. Think of it as a healthier, protein-packed version of your favorite Ranch dip, boasting an impressive 14g of protein per serving! It’s perfect with fresh veggies or crackers and makes for an excellent guilt-free snack. Black beans are also a leading attraction around here, providing a hearty and nutritious base for many meals. Many of you quickly took to the vibrant and fresh Black Bean and Corn Salad as your go-to side dish of the season, and I can see why—it’s colorful, full of texture, and incredibly satisfying.
But curds and beans aren’t having all the fun. Pork tenderloin is a fantastic, lean protein source and a weekday staple at our house. It finds its way into two family favorites: Quick Black Pepper Pork and Easy Pork Fried Rice. The kids go absolutely crazy for both options, and I love how quick and satisfying they are. The Pork Fried Rice, in particular, often lands as a dream lunch box filler on those days when DIY Uncrustables just aren’t cutting it, offering a flavorful and balanced meal that keeps them energized through the afternoon.
What Recipes Do You Want to See Next on Just a Taste? Share Your Ideas!
Your feedback is invaluable to me as I plan new content and recipes for Just a Taste. What culinary creations are you most eager to explore? Are you looking for refreshing summer salads to beat the heat, convenient make-ahead meals to simplify busy weeknights, or delightful frozen treats to cool down during those hot summer days? Perhaps there’s a specific ingredient you’d like to use more often, or a cuisine you’re curious about. Your desires help shape what we create next, ensuring Just a Taste continues to be your go-to source for delicious and inspiring recipes.
Leave your comments and suggestions below, and I’ll be back the last Friday of next month for another edit of all that inspires me, and hopefully, you too!