Meet Ivanka
Welcome to my little corner of the internet. Here you’ll find lots of delicious, simple and healthyish recipes, as well as a sprinkle of motherhood, all things kitchen and travel.
A little bit about me: I’m Ivanka (legally Ivanna), born in L’viv Ukrainian and moved to Canada when I was 7. After graduating University, I moved to Toronto to pursue a post grad diploma and then eventually completed my Master’s. For 13 years I worked in healthcare in Education & Training. During that time, I started to experiment with cooking. I come from a family of cooks but honestly had no interest in being in the kitchen until I moved out on my own. I realized I couldn’t afford to eat out all the time and was tired of feeling crappy from it. I started by bringing a lunch to work and then cooked my way through several Jamie Oliver cookbooks. Fast forward 10 years later, I started making my own recipes and developed a passion for being in the kitchen and cooking for others.
In 2024, my husband was offered a position we couldn’t turn down in Minneapolis, Minnesota. We moved our little family and I decided to take a leap of faith and started to work for myself full time. Since then I’ve been creating and sharing recipes over 4 social platforms and working with incredible brands. I started Happy&Full to share my love of food with YOU in the hopes that it inspires you to cook, become confident in the kitchen and live a balanced lifestyle.
When i’m not cooking, I’m busy playing with my 3 year old daughter Annie, walking my sweet pup Ruby, checking out the newest local restaurants and/or traveling the world.
Thanks for stopping by.
xo
Ivanka
Stay Inspired Every Day
Join the Happy & Full crew and stay up to date on our latest recipes, and more!
Newest Recipes
salsa verde chicken bowls
If you're looking for a weeknight dinner that practically makes itself, these salsa verde chicken bowls are your new go-to. With just three ingredients for the chicken — chicken breasts, a jar of salsa verde, and taco seasoning — you get incredibly juicy, tender,...
mexican streetcorn pasta salad with chicken
mexican streetcorn pasta salad with chicken cutting boardknife 1 lb short pasta (cavatappi or rotini)2 boneless skinless chicken breasts4 cups corn kernels (fresh, or thawed frozen)1/2 cup mayonnaise1/2 cup greek yogurt1/2 cup crumbled feta2 limes (juiced and...
Cheeseburger Pockets
Cheeseburger Pockets These Cheeseburger Pockets are the ultimate handheld meal — seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, diced pickles, and a creamy burger sauce all tucked inside golden, flaky Pillsbury biscuit dough. Perfect for lunch at the park, a quick...
Crispy Smashed Potatoes
These crispy smashed potatoes are the side dish I bring to every cookout and the one everyone asks me about after. Baby potatoes boiled until tender, smashed flat, tossed in olive oil and spices, and baked until the edges are impossibly crispy. Simple ingredients,...
partners and collaborators












