Welcome!  I'm Jen — thanks so much for stopping by.

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I'm the founder of this family-run wellness and healthy recipe hub, where I share tips, tricks, and plant-forward meals to help you (and your loved ones) feel your best. My husband, Ludo, and our son, Olivier, are along for the ride — helping me test recipes, pair wines, and laugh through the messier moments in the kitchen.

 

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A little about us...

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Ludo is from France and works in the wine industry. Together, we love exploring food and wine pairings, especially when we can give traditional French dishes a healthy twist. Our recipe philosophy is all about balance: quick, healthy, family-friendly, and always delicious.

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Olivier — the inspiration behind our olive tree logo — was once my most adventurous eater. Now that he’s pickier, I’ve had to get more creative, involving him in the cooking process (even if it takes a little longer!). "Olives" also happen to be a household staple, making the logo feel even more personal.

 

Why health and wellness?

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In 2000, at age 23, I was diagnosed with a rare form of ovarian cancer. That life-changing moment set me on a new path — one that led me to study health, become a certified health coach and personal trainer, and work alongside doctors to help others lead healthier lives.

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My background:

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• B.S. in Community Health, Western Connecticut State University (2007)

• Certified Health Coach (ACE)

• Certified Personal Trainer (AFAA)

• Certified ServSafe Food Protection Manager

• Former health coach in a private medical practice

• Lifelong foodie with roots in the restaurant industry (my dad’s a chef, and my stepdad owned a restaurant — I started working there at age 12!)​

 

 

I gave up red meat and pork in 1994 after falling in love with a prize-winning pig at the Bridgewater Fair. (Back then, my diet was more mac and cheese than mindful eating — we all start somewhere!)

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Ludo and I met at Luc’s Café, a cozy French restaurant in Ridgefield, CT, and eventually tied the knot. My maiden name was Coates — now it’s Coatanroch, which means “of rock and wood” in French. (It’s pronounced COAT-IN-ROCK.)

 

What you’ll find here:

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Many of our recipes are plant-forward, meaning they’re mostly plant-based with occasional fish or chicken. I love creating meals that are fast, nourishing, and perfect for busy families — just like mine.

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Whether you’re starting your wellness journey or looking for new healthy meal ideas, we hope you find inspiration here.

 

Life doesn’t always go the way we expect, but I’ve learned to be thankful for the blessings I’ve been given, and grateful for the journey.  I'm excited to share with you the things I’ve learned along the way.

Carpe Diem...

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​Bon Appétit!

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Jen, Ludo and Olivier