Hi! My name is Christina and I’m a recipe developer, writer, and death doula.
I write about food, philosophy, and living a meaningful life. For me, making food is an easy way to slow down and appreciate the goodness of living. And yes, despite the challenges we all encounter every day, there is much to be grateful for.
If you love making good food, if you enjoy philosophy, and if you want to reflect upon how to make the most of your moments — then this newsletter is for you.
What You’ll Find Here
For Free Subscribers
Occasional Free Essays & Recipes.
For Patrons
Recipes: Well-tested recipes that nourish body and soul. All of the recipes I publish are tested by my 14-year-old and my official recipe tester. (You can see some of his work here.)
Check out the recipe index to see what has been published so far.
Stories & Essays: Food is a way to process change, celebrate small moments, and navigate life’s bigger questions — like how to let go, how to find meaning, and how to connect more deeply with those around us. Examples of these posts include “The Quiet Power of Small Courtesies” and “Friendship Is an Act of Courage.”
Legacy Cookbook Tutorials: Learn how to create an end-of-life cookbook filled with cherished recipes and stories. Whether you’re preserving your own legacy or helping a loved one preserve theirs, these tutorials will guide you every step of the way. You can learn more about this project in: What is a Legacy Cookbook?
🌲 I Like to Plant Trees
For each new paid subscription I plant a tree with One Tree Planted, which is a non-profit focused on global reforestation. I donate at the end of every month and my goal is to donate 180 trees in 2024. 🌳
As of November ‘24, we have planted 75 trees together.
All of my photos, videos, and recipes are original content.
I don’t use stock photos or videos, ever. (I get this question a lot, which I guess is a compliment if folks think my content looks professional!)
Why am I on Substack?
Why Sunny Side?
The name of this newsletter was inspired by one of my favorite songs, “The Sunny Side of the Street.” There are several versions, one by Frank Sinatra and another by Steve Tyrell being two of the best. However, my favorite is the one by Louis Armstrong: