Dining Al Fresco: Designing an Outdoor Kitchen with a Mediterranean Soul

We partnered with a home design company for this post. The opinions in the post are honest. All reviews and opinions expressed in this post are based on our personal views. We are excited because we know you will love it.

Who doesn't like a lunch or dining experience under the sky, enjoying the gentle breeze rustling through the olive trees and the golden glow of the sunset hitting your patio area? You are enjoying your drink while soaking in the beauty of space. Well, it's not a holiday in Greece or a Tuscan villa, it's your backyard. And yes, designing can dramatically change the look and feel of your space and make it a haven. Designing an outdoor kitchen with a Mediterranean soul isn’t just about adding a grill and calling it a day. It's about creating summer vibes and enjoying them whenever you want. Let’s see how you can create that charm in your home.

Design Ideas for an Outdoor Kitchen

An outdoor kitchen is for enjoying food and views without worrying about the to and fro from the kitchen to the table. It's a mindful setup that allows you to enjoy your meals with beauty. Let's see how:

1. Set the Foundation Right

Mediterranean design is deeply rooted in natural textures and earthy tones. When planning your outdoor kitchen, start from the ground up literally. Think of stone like Outdoor Sandstone Tiles, in shades of ivory, beige or grey that absolutely complements the architectural design needs. These natural pavers not only look beautiful but also make your space airy due to their light shade, which is ideal for hot climates.

You can go with a different design like the French pattern for your outdoor kitchen. It looks great and also blends with the environment with charm.

2. Create Warmth with Stone Cladding

No Mediterranean kitchen is complete without textured stone walls. Stone wall cladding can effortlessly enhance the beauty of any space. A beautifully clad wall behind your cooking area adds visual depth and acts as a stunning backdrop for your kitchen appliances and other uses. Especially for outdoor kitchens, you can use any stone of your choice, whether it's Outdoor Indian Sandstone or Australian Sandstone, even Limestone. Warm shades like golden beige, sandy cream and charcoal are more preferred due to their beautiful colours.

3. Built-in BBQ and Wood-Fired Pizza Oven

Let’s talk about the heart of the outdoor kitchen - the cooking station. A built-in BBQ is a no-brainer, but if you are looking for true Mediterranean authenticity, go for a wood-fired pizza oven. A stone dome not only serves a purpose (hello, crispy wood-fired pizza!) but it is also a design element all on its own. You can install floating timber shelves for herbs and spices; this setup will look straight out of a coastal villa.

5. Add a rustic Dining Area with Earthy Touches

Mediterranean outdoor kitchens are much about the dining experience as they are about cooking. So, go for a long timber table paired with mismatched chairs or bench seating. You can pair with handmade ceramics, linen and candles to make it inviting.  Let it be relaxed and soulful, like dining in a courtyard in Spain or a garden in Greece.

6. Keep it Low Maintenance  

While design matters, so does functionality. So, you must pick the materials accordingly, such as those that are heat resistant and don't become slippery when wet. Antique finished Outdoor Limestone Tiles are a popular option, known for their balance of beauty and functionality. Make sure the flooring is sealed properly. Ensure that you cover your appliances or opt for built-in systems to protect them during changing weather conditions. This ensures your outdoor kitchen stays beautiful and functional every season.

7. Surround the Space with Mediterranean Greenery

No Mediterranean kitchen is complete without nature surrounding it. Plants herbs like rosemary, oregano and thyme in stone planters not only smells good but also add liveliness to the space. You can keep them on the window shill them within arm's reach to quickly use when required. This enhances your cooking experience and makes it more enjoyable. For the surrounding area, you can add potted plants like lemon trees, lavender and flowering vines. The best thing about the plants is that their presence softens the surroundings, adding contrast and fragrance. The greenery turns your outdoor space into a private Mediterranean garden.

Final Thoughts

Designing an outdoor kitchen with a Mediterranean soul is not just about the looks but also creating a space where memories are made. Whether you are hosting a sunset dinner party, brunch or just flipping pizzas for the family, this setup invites connection and conversation. Whatever materials you are using, whether it's natural stone or wood, ensure that you are using A-grade material. It is important to opt for good-quality materials so that they can withstand external conditions. Every small detail matters and together you can create a beautiful Mediterranean-themed kitchen in your backyard. So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and live your outdoor kitchen dream!

Kitchen Shortcuts To Make Your Life Easier!

Life is busy, and if you don’t want to be spending hours and hours in the kitchen to eat well, then you’re in the right place. We’re here with some great kitchen shortcuts to help make your life easier and to help you save time, whilst never compromising on the quality of food that you’re eating! 

Get Your Food Shops Delivered 

Our first tip is to get your food shops delivered. Many people are guilty of heading to the shops and picking up lots of random bits and pieces, and bits they don’t need, then find out throughout the week that things are missing or they didn’t have enough substantial meal ingredients. So, we’d really recommend that you figure out your schedule for the week, look at which nights you’ll be at home for your dinners, then plan out what you’ll eat on those nights. 

From here, you should utilise home deliveries from supermarkets! Usually you can pay a small amount per month for free unlimited delivery, or you can pay a small amount each time (higher demand slots are slightly more and lower demand ones can be really cheap). Everything is packed for you in the shop, then it’ll get delivered on a day and in a time window of your choice, it couldn’t be easier. You’ll be able to make sure you have all the ingredients you need for your planned meals, and it just takes the stress away. 

In terms of items you need more often throughout the week, like your milk, eggs and yogurt, we’d really recommend milk delivery. It’s hassle free, and you can just select how often you want a delivery of these essentials, then by the time you wake up, they’ll be on your doorstep. Just search “milk delivery near me” to find a great local supplier. You won’t have to worry about no milk for that morning cereal or drink ever again! 

Rely On Your Slow Cooker

Another great hack to save time and make life easier is to rely on your slow cooker. If you know you’ve got a busy evening and won’t be back until later, but want a nutritious and delicious meal, you can simply add everything into your slow cooker in the morning, set it to low, then when you get home you’ll have a really delicious meal that is filled with flavour and if you’re using meat, it will be delicious and tender. Sometimes you’ll need to add some cornstarch to thicken the sauce, but this is really easy to add at the end. 

There are endless amounts of slow cooker recipes out there, and so many cook books too for you to take inspiration from. From soups to ribs, roast chicken, beef stroganoff, chilli con carne, stews, pulled meat to go in wraps and sandwiches, curries, tagine and so much more. Then when you get home, you could just have a microwave pack of rice ready to go with it, boil some pasta, make some mashed potatoes, etc. 

This saves so much time, helps you eat great food and is just a real life saver! 

Use Lazy Chilli, Garlic and Ginger

Something else you can do as a shortcut is to use lazy chilli, garlic and ginger. They come in pre-chopped jars and you can literally use however much you need without any fuss of chopping. Rather than settling for blander mid-week foods when you don’t have time to cook, this is a great middle ground so you can add flavour whilst also saving time and staying organised in the kitchen! 

Have A Freezer Supply 

Last but certainly not least, we’d recommend you have a freezer supply. As much as you can plan ahead, sometimes things get in the way and we end up staring at an empty fridge. So, when you’re cooking, try to plan to make larger portions or to batch cook, so you can freeze a few portions for emergencies. Say you’re making a slow cooker curry, it’s no trouble to add some extra ingredients, put some portions in a freezer bag, then you’re sorted. 

How Can You Maximize Nutrition with Whole Foods on a Vegan Diet?

We partnered with a wellness company for this post. The opinions in the post are honest. All reviews and opinions expressed in this post are based on our personal views. We are excited because we know you will love it.

There can be many debates about what to eat and what to not. But how can one decide he is on the right track for a healthy lifestyle? Experts also claim many things about it.

If we summarize all the expert's opinions in a line then a diet that is full of whole foods is a perfect way to increase the health quality. Whole foods are all about plant-based foods that are naturally good sources of proteins, fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, and many more essential nutrients.

If you are also someone who wants to know how can you maximize nutrition with whole foods then this guide is only for you. We will explore different whole foods options here to help you decide what should you eat.

Let’s get started.

Boost Your Protein Intake With Whole Foods

It is a most often-heard myth that vegan diets are not good as they have no protein sources. This is not true. 

In fact, there are many sources in a vegan diet that ensure good protein intake. All in an easy and simple way. How? 

Lentils, beans, tofu, quinoa, and tempeh are some of the best meals that you can consider for an adequate amount of protein. Add whatever from them to your meals. These are great protein sources.

These foods provide more than just protein. They offer fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Your body needs all of these to stay healthy.

You can also combine different plant-based proteins. This way, you can get a complete protein profile. Your body will get all the amino acids it needs.

Best Whole Food Sources of Healthy Fats

Whole Foods also offers a good amount of healthy fats to its consumers. There are two types of fats that we often see in our food choices. One of them is a healthy fat that our body must need for its optimal functioning. 

Healthy fats are very good in a balanced vegan diet. You should also know that such healthy fats are good for you. It is especially considered more when they come from whole foods. 

Avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil are some of the excellent sources of healthy fats. It would be great if you add such sources to your diet.

It is also worth mentioning that healthy fats with omega-3 fatty acids provide a very good pairing combination. Flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts are some of the good omega-3 sources. You can add them as an essential component for your brain function and reduce inflammation.

Fiber Sources From Whole Foods On a Vegan Diet

A vegan diet is incomplete without vegetables. It is also important for you to know that more than half amount of all fiber sources are mostly from whole food sources. Yes – it is true that we can get a huge quantity of fiber from vegetables, lentils, and fruits.

Now, if you are thinking about the role of fiber in the human body then it’s important to mention that the role of fiber is very prominent in your body. It can assist you in the digestion process and also work as an antioxidant. 

It is also worth mentioning that fiber is very good especially if you are on your weight management journey. They are lower in calories and are more fuller in eating. So, it would be a great approach to add them to a healthy meal.

Whole Foods Souces For Skin, Joints & Bones 

We all know very well about the role of collagen in our skin, joints, and bones. Did you know that whole foods can help support your body’s collagen production? 

Yes, It’s absolutely true!

There are many foods present that are rich in vitamin C, like citrus fruits, bell peppers, and broccoli. All of them are crucial for collagen synthesis. Moreover, you can pair such foods with zinc-rich foods. They are better for many reasons. So, you should add foods like pumpkin seeds and cashews for more benefits.

Want extra support? It’s time to consider a supplement like Sunwarrior Vegan Collagen Building Powder. Trust me, it’s an easy addition to your routine and worth it!

Bottom Line

Whole foods are really one of the most important foods that you can choose to enjoy many benefits. These are endless. From health benefits to your overall well-being. 

All you need to do is to make a balanced vegan meal plate without processed foods. This way you can elevate your health in no time.

Simple Tips for Organizing Bulk Food Items in Your Family Pantry

There are so many advantages to buying from the bulk food section at the grocery store. You save money, reduce food and packaging waste, and streamline your shopping experience by acquiring exactly what you need in the exact right amount. Yet, for many families, there is one significant obstacle that prevents them from investing completely in bulk food: storage. How are you supposed to keep your pantry organized when so much of your food comes home in flimsy, unlabeled bags?

For most of human history, homes have organized their food stores without the help of branded packaging. If you are new to the world of buying bulk food, here are some tips you can use to enjoy all the benefits of bulk shopping and keep your pantry prim and proper.

Plan Your Pantry

Unfortunately, not all pantry spaces are created equal. There are a few conditions that make some pantries far superior to others, especially in their suitability for storing different kinds of bulk food. Because bulk food has never been hermetically sealed, it has the potential to lose its freshness faster when not kept in ideal conditions. For each bulk item you bring home, you need to consider its needs in terms of temperature, humidity, and light exposure. In most cases, a cool, dry, and dark environment is best.

If your kitchen pantry is small or open to the rest of your home, you might consider stashing your bulk items in a larger enclosed area. Then, you can maintain more control over the conditions of your bulk food to prolong shelf life and maintain organization. If you don’t have an available cupboard or closet — and if you know you will have a large amount of food to store — you might consider creating a food storage shed to house all your bulk goods, preserves, dried fruits and veggies, and more.

Collect Your Containers

The containers you use to hold your bulk goods serve two purposes: first, to preserve freshness and second, to aid in pantry organization. Thus, most food experts recommend investing in a set of stackable, square food storage containers with tight-sealing lids. Ideally, your containers will come in a wide range of useful sizes and be durable and easy to clean. Sturdy plastic tends to be preferred for its affordability, but you may opt for glass if you aren’t worried about little ones wreaking havoc in your pantry space.

Though most food storage containers are transparent, allowing you to discern with a glance what and how much of each food item you have, you may still want to create labels for your bulk goods. Labels will help you differentiate between food items that look similar — AP flour vs. bread flour, salt vs. sugar, baking powder vs. baking soda, etc. Labels can also contain useful information like purchase date, so you can more easily determine whether certain foods are still safe to eat.

Systematize Your Space

Bulk foods must be arranged in a reasonable system; otherwise, you will never find what you need while you are cooking. There are a few different categorization methods you might use in your pantry, such as:

Each shelf has a different purpose. One shelf might be snacks for kids. Another shelf might be dried beans. Another shelf might be baking ingredients. When you keep your goods separated by shelves, you know where to start looking for the item you need.

Goods used together are close together. Whether or not you separate shelves for different purposes, you should keep like goods close. For example, your dried pastas might be stashed on a shelf close to your canned pasta sauces.

Newer items go in the back. Though it is more convenient to unload your grocery bags by placing your newly acquired goods at the front of your pantry, it is more economical to shuffle them to the back. Then, you will use your oldest goods first, preventing them from going stale or rotten.

You may need to experiment with different locations, types of containers, and organization systems to build the perfect bulk food pantry in your home. With patience and persistence, you should become a pantry master and benefit from buying bulk for years to come.