welcome to
Basil + Lavender
I’m so glad you’re here
My hope is that your time spent on this site will allow you to slow down, exhale, and find content that will make your life easier and less stressful. Every visit to Basil + Lavender should lift your spirits and provide inspiration to Live Healthier and Happier!
The Basil + Lavender Journey
I launched Katharine’s Kitchen in 2018. This site provided a resource for easy, healthy, delicious recipes without making a big mess to clean up. Ingredients in my recipes are familiar and useful in everyday cooking. Following the Katharine’s Kitchen Method makes weekly meal planning more streamlined and less stressful.
In the summer of 2020, my passion for health and wellness began to grow. My newsletters became more and more about mindful, intentional living. Inspirational, life-changing books kept making their way into my life, and the global pandemic and a cancer diagnosis for a close friend propelled my passion even further.
In 2021, I merged Katharine’s Kitchen into my growing love for mindful living and Basil + Lavender was born!
Mindset + Empowerment Coaching
CLC (Certified Life Coach) - LPI (Life Purpose Institute)
Life Coaching is a path that has been calling to me for most of my adult life. I am now living my dream life as a Mindset + Empowerment Coach and Relationship Coach.
I would love the opportunity to share the tools I have, and to help empower you to live your wildest dreams!
Reiki Master/Teacher
My Reiki Healing Sessions are designed to clear your body emotionally, physically, and mentally, and raise your vibrational frequency. I offer in-person and virtual sessions.
Book an Initial Discovery Conversation with me today.
MY STORY
Over 20 years ago, I moved from Michigan to attend college at the University of California at Santa Barbara and have never looked back. When I arrived in Santa Barbara, it felt like coming home. The laid-back California lifestyle, learning to surf and spending time outside, in nature, year-round all felt so natural to me. I developed a passion for yoga, continued my life-long love of skiing in the mountains of California, and easily assimilated to the healthy, natural way of living in my new environment.
As the years have gone by, my knowledge and zest for health and wellness, along with mindful living, has grown and deepened. I am blessed to share my life with my husband and two beautiful daughters. Cooking healthy, seasonal, fresh meals for my family is a top priority. I’m fortunate to enjoy my time in the kitchen, but, like many of you, I do not endeavor to spend all of my time planning, making, and cleaning up meals. I am confident that my method and style of cooking, will help reduce stress and will appeal to the whole family.
I am so excited to share my knowledge, recipes, and resources with all of you!
Fun facts about me
Born
Baltimore, Maryland, raised in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
Education
CLC (Certified Life Coach, Life Purpose Institute)
Reiki Master/Teacher
MBA (Finance) University of San Francisco
BFA (Theater) UC Santa Barbara
Inspiration Partners
Ina Garten, Samin Nosrat, Deepak Chopra, Jay Shetty, Glennon Doyle, Tony Robbins, Michael Pollan, Reese Witherspoon, Gwyneth Paltrow
Favorite Recipe
Favorite Activities
Skiing, Surfing, Hiking, Reading, Yoga
Favorite Place
Our family cottage on Lake Michigan
Favorite Quote
“As for worrying about what other people might think - forget it. They aren’t concerned about you. They’re too busy worrying about what you and other people think of them.”
– Michael le Boeuf
live healthier + live happier
Katharine’s Kitchen
My style of cooking uses fresh, high quality ingredients, without being overly fussy.
I keep my kitchen and pantry stocked with key staples, making meal planning easier by only needing to shop for the protein you're in the mood to cook. Part of my strategy around meal planning involves consideration of the season, the weather, and how busy I might be week to week. The season and weather help dictate whether I’ll make a cozy, simmering soup on the stove or spicy lime shrimp skewers outside on the grill.
In addition, I try to plan my meals to complement my schedule for the week. I prepare easier meals on busy days, and I save meals that take a bit more time to prepare for quieter days. Even if you never have quiet days (as many of us don't), I can help!
your resource for healthy, mindful living
Mindful Living
I've always lived a healthy, active lifestyle, but in the summer of 2019 I kicked it up another notch.
The more I learn about the mind/body connection and how every choice we make contributes to our overall state of health, the more I have incorporated what I've learned into my daily life.
I'm excited to share what I've learned with all of you! How a morning smoothie can change the entire course of your day. How waking up early has revolutionized my life and improved my overall happiness. The use of essential oils as healing tools and so much more! I'm passionate about finding the best resources to share with all of you.