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

 

Newest Recipes

3 Ingredient Mediterranean Dip

3 Ingredient Mediterranean Dip

I cannot believe how good this Mediterranean lentil dip is — and honestly, I cannot believe how easy it is to make. This is the viral Trader Joe's lentil dip that's been all over social media, and for good reason. You literally just throw everything into a bowl, mix...

Simple Caprese Crostini

Simple Caprese Crostini

It's finally summer and all I'm craving are simple, fresh, minimal-cooking appetizers — and this simple caprese crostini checks every box. Crispy toasted baguette, fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a gorgeous drizzle of balsamic glaze. It's light,...

Loaded Grinder Sandwich

Loaded Grinder Sandwich

  Loaded Grinder Sandwich The ultimate loaded grinder sandwich — crispy broiled baguette piled with turkey, salami, and melted mozzarella, then topped with a creamy chopped lettuce, olive, and onion mixture. Wrapped tight in parchment and sliced in half for the...

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