Times are hectic so making the best of the time we have is essential. Who would have ever thought we would have to teach our kids from home while also working a full-time job? On top of that, we are now preparing more meals than ever before. Some of us have become better chefs, forcing ourselves to cook more and some of us have opted for UberEats. No judgement either way but we have a solution to spice up your chef life. We believe meal kit delivery services will make your life easier. Best of all, you can skip or cancel at any time as you learn some new, fun recipes.
*This list is specially curated by the xoNecole team and some links are affiliate links. If you purchase an item from an affiliate link, xoNecole might earn a small commission.
Freshly
Convenient, delicious and nutritious – this is what you can expect from Freshly. The website states, "Our easy meals are made with only thoughtful ingredients like lean proteins, seasonal veggies, and whole-grain starches. Plus, we're certified gluten free." Freshly also strives to be sustainable with its recyclable boxes and low food waste with the perfect portions.
HelloFresh
HelloFresh customers love the simplicity and flexibility of this service. Whether you have a picky appetite or dietary restrictions, HelloFresh has step-by-step recipes dedicated to making your life easier and your tummy full. The ingredients are locally sourced to ensure fresh and delicious servings. I've heard nothing but rave reviews about the Mahi Mahi Piccata and the Garlic Butter Shrimp. HelloFresh has also started selling the meal kits in grocery stores so you can do a taste test before committing to weekly meals.
Home Chef
Are you a planner? Home Chef is perfect for you because you can view the menu five weeks before you place your order and curate your very own meal prep plan. Word on the street is that it is #1 in customer satisfaction. First, you pick meals that are most appetizing to you. Then, customize your plate. And finally, cook your effortless meal and enjoy. Even these Chinese Pork Lettuce Wraps look fire! I want to eat them at this very moment.
Blue Apron
Blue Apron was the first meal kit delivery service so now that there's more competition they have added a cutting edge pairing: wine. They pair the perfect wine with your meals so it's almost as if you have your own personal sommelier. We also love how Blue Apron's vision includes better standards for higher quality ingredients. They recognize that it can be hard to tell whether food is high quality and sustainably grown so they are partnering with the foremost sustainability experts to create better standards for growing food and raising animals. From veggie pad thai to hot honey crispy chicken, your palette will thank you for choosing Blue Apron.
Gobble
Gobble may just be your new best friend. This service preps the food for you so you don't have to be bothered. You won't need to peel or chop anything because the goal is to go from one pan to your plate in 15 minutes or less. Sample meals include Black Pepper Beef with Stir-Fry Vegetables and Jasmine Rice, Fettuccine Pasta Primavera with Basil Pesto Cream Sauce and Soft Poached Egg and Mexican Squash Flatbread With Cotija Cheese.
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Adrian Marcel On Purpose, Sacrifice, And The 'Signs Of Life'
In this week's episode of xoMAN, host Kiara Walker talked with R&B artist Adrian Marcel, who opened up, full of heart and authenticity, about his personal evolution. He discussed his days transitioning from a young Bay Area singer on the come-up to becoming a grounded husband and father of four.
With honesty and introspection, Marcel reflected on how life, love, and loss have shaped the man he is today.
On ‘Life’s Subtle Signals’
Much of the conversation centered around purpose, sacrifice, and listening to life’s subtle signals. “I think that you really have to pay attention to the signs of life,” Marcel said. “Because as much as we need to make money, we are not necessarily on this Earth for that sole purpose, you know what I mean?” While he acknowledged his ambitions, adding, “that is not me saying at all I’m not trying to ball out,” he emphasized that fulfillment goes deeper.
“We are here to be happy. We are here [to] fulfill a purpose that we are put on here for.”
On Passion vs. Survival
Adrian spoke candidly about the tension between passion and survival, describing how hardship can sometimes point us away from misaligned paths. “If you find it’s constantly hurting you… that’s telling you something. That’s telling you that you’re going outside of your purpose.”
Marcel’s path hasn’t been without detours. A promising athlete in his youth, he recalled, “Early on in my career, I was still doing sports… I was good… I had a scholarship.” An injury changed everything. “My femur broke. Hence why I always say, you know, I’m gonna keep you hip like a femur.” After the injury, he pivoted to explore other careers, including teaching and corporate jobs.
“It just did not get me—even with any success that happened in anything—those times, back then, I was so unhappy. And you know, to a different degree. Like not just like, ‘I really want to be a singer so that’s why I’m unhappy.’ Nah, it was like, it was not fulfilling me in any form or fashion.”
On Connection Between Pursuing Music & Fatherhood
He recalled performing old-school songs at age 12 to impress girls, then his father challenged him: “You can lie to these girls all you want, but you're really just lying to yourself. You ain't growing.” That push led him to the piano—and eventually, to his truth. “Music is my love,” Marcel affirmed. “I wouldn’t be a happy husband if I was here trying to do anything else just to appease her [his wife].”
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
Featured image by xoNecole/YouTube
Roscoe Dash joined xoMan host Kiara Walker to share the journey of his personal and spiritual evolution—from the party anthems that made him famous to a deeper life rooted in faith, family, and purpose. This episode offers an honest look at how the artist has grown beyond early fame, addressing fatherhood, masculinity, creativity, and healing.
Dash opened up about the internal transformation that has guided him away from chasing the spotlight and toward seeking peace. “Faith and fear can’t occupy the same space,” he said, underscoring his shift toward a more spiritually grounded life. Throughout the interview, he emphasized the importance of self-reflection:
“The most important conversations to me, honestly, outside of the ones you have with God, is the ones you have with yourself in the mirror.”
Dash is focused on the man he’s become. “I’m not the accolades I’ve achieved—I’m the person who achieved them,” he added, pointing to a broader understanding of identity and worth. A large part of that growth has come through fatherhood, especially raising daughters, which he said has deepened his understanding of love. “Love is unconditional and love loves to love no matter what,” he shared.
He also spoke candidly about the pressures of fame and its impact on creativity. “Chasing fame can kill your creativity as a musician,” he warns. Instead, his advice to other artists is simple but clear: “Keep your focus on your art form, whatever that may be, and stay passionate.”
The conversation also touches on gender dynamics and emotional safety in relationships. “Safe men make soft women. If she feels safe, she’ll melt like butter,” he said, challenging traditional notions of masculinity. Roscoe also offers wisdom on discernment and spiritual testing: “Sometimes the devil will give you what looks better than your blessing.”
Ultimately, Dash has learned to embrace peace over chaos. “All I can do is control what I can control. And that's how I respond to things and what I'm giving out,” he said. It’s a thoughtful, soulful side of Roscoe Dash that many may not expect—but one that leaves a lasting impression.
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
Featured image by xoNecole/YouTube