Welcome to My Moonstone Kitchen!
I’m a writer, photographer, and recipe developer with a passion for balanced well-being. This blog is a space for recipes, DIYs, and resources designed to nourish the body, mind, and spirit. From seasonal recipes to tips on holistic wellness, I’m here to empower and encourage you to live your happiest, most vibrant life.
hi, i’m haley!
My Story
Me at age 5 in the backyard (and just look at that skirt—thanks mom!!).
I was lucky enough to spend my early childhood immersed in nature. My family lived on a beautiful piece of land bordering a nature preserve in what was then rural New Jersey (unfortunately, much of that land is now developed). We had tulips and dogwood trees, a backyard stream and wildflowers, and a beautiful greenhouse filled with herbs. My sister and I would spend sun-dappled summer afternoons making ‘fairy food’ out of wild pansies we picked from the meadow, fresh thyme plucked from my mother’s garden, and magic water we carried from the grassy riverbanks in plastic sandcastle buckets.
And here I am, twenty years later, still making ‘fairy food’—only this time, it’s for the real-life humans who inspire me with their magic—the givers, makers, healers, and caretakers of the world. People who have been through a lot and perhaps are still struggling to love themselves and feel at peace in their bodies.
Me (right) and my sister, Skye (left) in our favorite fairy attire.
I believe wellness should be for everyone, and I do my best to create recipes that are accessible and easy. My hope is that every time you sprinkle flower petals into your bath, blend herbs into your smoothies, or spritz your skin with homemade botanical mist, these simple yet intentional acts of self-care will serve as powerful reminders of your worth.
These are the recipes, DIYs, and rituals I use to connect with nature and honor my inner child—and I hope they’ll serve you in the same way. I am deeply inspired by seasonal ingredients where I live, flavors and spices from other cuisines, herbalism, and of course, the work of the many incredible creatives I admire in this space.
My Food Philosophy
This blog is designed to help you cultivate a positive relationship with food and the perennially beautiful body you’re living in. Though I am adamant about body positivity today, my relationship with food hasn’t always been a healthy one. In my teens, I suffered from an eating disorder, the emotional remnants of which followed me into my early twenties in the form of anxiety, perfectionism, and self-deprivation, even after I’d physically recovered.
After years of hard work and counseling, I’ve reclaimed a balanced, positive relationship with food where I eat what feels right for me—and to now be in a position where I can uplift others by sharing my journey. Today I nourish my body with fresh produce and whole, nutritious foods, while also treating myself to joyful or nostalgic foods that feed my soul. For that reason, I don’t adhere to any dietary labels or restrictions. While many of the recipes I share here may be plant-based, I regularly eat chicken, fish, cheese, and late-night french fries with my sister.
Ironically, diet culture permeates the “wellness” industry, and I stand in complete opposition to it. You won’t find anything on my website about juice cleansing, fad diets, and detoxing (seriously, HOW is this even a thing?!?). You will instead find many colorful foods, body scrub recipes, and lots and lots of flowers.
If you want to connect or work with me, feel free to drop me an email by clicking the button below. Thank you so much for reading!
Some more facts about me…
Me and Alex at the Renaissance Fair!
I started this blog back in 2019 during a two-year adventure around the U.S. It was a creative outlet for my love of cooking and crafting during a difficult transitional time in my life. What started as a food and lifestyle blog became a record of my healing journey as I recovered from mental illness and discovered balanced living (although I was completely unaware of it at the time!).
I’m a highly sensitive person (HSP), which means I perceive the world a bit differently than most. I am extra sensitive to noises, smells, sensations and energies and can become easily overwhelmed. While being an HSP has its challenges, I see it as a strength because it helps me experience the world more deeply.
I live in central New Jersey (very close to the beach) with my wonderful boyfriend, Alex. When I’m not blogging, you can find me practicing yoga, working with other creatives and brands, and playing music.
