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High Protein Keto Chocolate Chip Cookie!

Why I Made This Giant Keto Cookie

This post pairs with my latest cooking video where I attempt to make a flour-less, egg-less, giant chocolate chip cookie that’s been making the rounds in the keto community. I’ve made this recipe a few times already and I honestly think it’s really good — soft, satisfying, and surprisingly “cookie-like” for something with no flour and no eggs.

But the real reason I filmed my own version? I wanted to challenge myself to make a cooking video that doesn’t look terrible. I’ve done a few in the past and… yeah… they weren’t great. This time I took the filming side seriously and I’m actually pleased with how it turned out.

Credit: Where This Recipe Came From

This recipe went viral thanks to The Keto Twins, and I originally found it through Highfalutin’ Low Carb. Full credit to both channels for inspiring this one:

The Keto Twins:
https://www.youtube.com/@ketotwins

Highfalutin’ Low Carb:
https://www.youtube.com/@HighfalutinLowCarb

The Filming Setup (Because This Was Also a Video Experiment)

I used this recipe as an excuse to level up my cooking video production. Here’s what I filmed with:

  • DJI Osmo Pocket 3 (the movement tracking was honestly awesome)
  • DJI Wireless Mic 2 (audio sounded great)
  • DJI Osmo Action 4 as a tabletop camera to capture hand movements

If you’ve ever tried filming cooking content, you know how hard it is to make it look clean and understandable. Compared to my older attempts, this is a huge improvement — and I’d love feedback on what worked and what I can do better next time.

Flourless & Eggless Giant Keto Chocolate Chip Cookie

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp sweetener (Brown Swerve or golden allulose/monk fruit blend)
  • 4 tbsp unflavored whey protein
  • 2 tbsp natural unsweetened peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup whole-fat cottage cheese (blend it smooth)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • 2 tbsp sugar-free chocolate chips (Lily’s, ChocZero, or Whole Foods sugar-free)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Microwave the peanut butter for 20 seconds to soften it.
  3. Mix the dry ingredients together (sweetener, whey protein, baking powder, salt).
  4. Blend the cottage cheese until smooth.
  5. Mix the peanut butter and cottage cheese together, then slowly mix in the dry ingredients and chocolate chips.
  6. Place dough on a baking sheet lined with a silicone baking mat and form one giant cookie.
  7. Bake for 9–11 minutes. Keep an eye on it — you want it slightly undercooked, not overbaked.

Tips for the Best Texture

  • Don’t overbake it. This is the #1 rule. Pull it early and let it set as it cools.
  • Blend the cottage cheese well. You want it smooth for the best texture.
  • Let it cool. It firms up and becomes more “cookie-like” after a few minutes out of the oven.

Final Thoughts

I’ve made this keto cookie recipe multiple times now, and it continues to be a win — especially if you want something sweet without flour or eggs. But for me, this one is also a small personal victory on the content side: the filming, audio, and angles came out way better than my earlier cooking videos.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out — and if you watched the video, tell me what you think about the filming setup.

Question for you: Do you prefer a cookie with crispy edges or a soft center?

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Replica WWF European Championship Belt Review

I’m taking a close look at a custom replica WWF European Championship Belt that I recently added to my collection. This belt was made by Great Custom Belts in Pakistan — the same belt maker who previously created my TNA Digital Media Championship replica.

The European Championship has always been one of those titles that quietly stood out. It may not have been the main event belt, but its design, history, and connection to the late-1990s / early-2000s WWF era make it a favorite among collectors.

For this version, I specifically requested the green leather strap, which was used during the later years of the belt before it was retired in the early 2000s.

A Brief History of the WWF European Championship

The WWF European Championship debuted in 1997 and quickly became a fixture of the Attitude Era midcard. While it didn’t always receive the same spotlight as the Intercontinental or World titles, it featured a unique design and was held by a wide range of talented performers.

The belt went through a few visual variations during its run, including strap color changes — which is what inspired my decision to go with the green strap for this replica.

Why I Ordered This Belt

I wanted a European Championship replica that reflected the later-era look of the title, especially the green strap version that’s rarely seen in modern reproductions. Since this belt isn’t readily available through official shops, going the custom route made the most sense.

Based on my previous experience with Great Custom Belts, I felt comfortable placing another order — and overall, I’m glad I did.

Close-Up Review: What I Like

After spending time with the belt and filming detailed close-ups, here are the aspects I really enjoy:

  • The color work on the plates — vibrant and visually accurate
  • The green leather strap, which gives the belt a unique look
  • The overall design of the European Championship plates
  • Solid craftsmanship for a custom replica

The green strap in particular really helps this belt stand out in a collection, especially next to more traditional black-strapped titles.

Things That Could Be Better

No replica is perfect, and I try to be honest in every review. A few things I would change if I could:

  • The belt is a bit too long for my personal preference
  • I would have liked deeper plate detail and etching
  • I think the “World Wrestling Federation” text would pop more if it were painted white

These are mostly personal preference items, but they’re worth mentioning for collectors who are considering a similar custom order.

Another Positive Experience with Great Custom Belts

This was my second custom belt from Great Custom Belts, and once again, the experience was solid. Communication was clear, the belt arrived as requested, and the final product matched what we discussed.

If you’re looking for a replica or custom championship belt that isn’t available through official WWE shops, I would absolutely recommend checking them out.

Additional Belt Resources & Creators

If you’re interested in championship belt history and high-quality belt content, I also recommend the following creators, who do a great job showcasing and preserving classic designs:

Stephen Hammer:
https://www.youtube.com/@STEPHENHAMMER

Serg More:
https://www.youtube.com/@Serg_More

Final Thoughts

Overall, I’m very happy with this replica WWF European Championship Belt. It captures the spirit of the original, the green strap gives it a distinctive look, and it fills a gap in my collection that official replicas don’t currently cover.

If you’re a wrestling belt collector, fan of classic WWF championships, or someone exploring custom replica options, I hope this review helps you decide whether a belt like this is right for you.

Let me know your thoughts: Would you go with the green strap, or do you prefer the traditional black version?

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An End-of-Year Reflection: What Actually Matters

As the year comes to a close, I wanted to take a moment to reflect — not just on where I ended up, but on what I learned along the way.

This isn’t meant to be a highlight reel or a list of accomplishments. It’s more of an honest check-in: how my health goals evolved, what travel taught me, and why connection and presence matter more than ever.

If you’re ending the year with mixed emotions — progress in some areas, challenges in others — you’re not alone.

A Health Update (With Tips You Can Actually Use)

I talk in the video about my health goals this year, but the focus isn’t really on me. It’s about what might help you if you’re trying to make sustainable changes.

Some themes that guided me this year:

  • Prioritizing whole foods over processed ones
  • Reducing added sugar instead of obsessing over restriction
  • Choosing consistency over intensity
  • Making health something that fits into real life

Health goals don’t have to be extreme to be effective. Small, repeatable habits tend to matter far more than short bursts of motivation.

Travel, Work, and Staying Health-Focused

This year included travel to England, Costa Rica, India, and California, and I was lucky to meet a lot of great people along the way.

Travel is energizing — but it can also make staying health-focused more complicated, especially when food is deeply tied to culture, hospitality, and connection.

In the video, I talk about:

  • How being health-conscious can sometimes feel isolating
  • Navigating meals respectfully when traveling for work
  • Finding balance without offending hosts or drawing attention
  • Giving yourself flexibility without abandoning your goals

Health doesn’t have to mean isolation — but it does require intention, especially in unfamiliar environments.

Perspective Changes Everything

This year reinforced something important: progress and gratitude can coexist with difficulty.

It’s not always easy to celebrate good things when life feels heavy. That tension shaped how I looked at everything — health, travel, and relationships included.

Because of that, I want to emphasize a few things that truly matter:

  • Get your annual medical checkups
  • Have routine blood work done
  • Don’t delay seeing a doctor when something feels off
  • Spend real, in-person time with the people you care about

After years of disruption and distance, presence matters more than ever.

Carrying the Right Things Forward

This reflection isn’t about closing the book on the year — it’s about deciding what to carry forward.

For me, that means:

  • Staying health-focused without becoming rigid
  • Traveling with curiosity and respect
  • Choosing connection over convenience
  • Making time for the people who matter

If this message resonates with you, I hope it encourages you to check in with yourself — physically, mentally, and relationally — as the year turns over.

Final Thought

Life doesn’t move in straight lines. Some years are about growth, some are about endurance, and some are about perspective.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and watch the video. If you feel comfortable sharing, I’d love to hear what this year taught you — or what you’re hoping to focus on next.

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Fall 2025 Bokksu Snack Box Review: Ben’s Snack Comeback

If you’ve watched this channel before, you might remember that Ben used to do Bokksu snack box reviews pretty regularly. After a long break, his enthusiasm for Japanese snacks has officially returned — and the timing couldn’t be better.

With the news that our family (including my cousin Ryan) is heading to Japan in 2026, Ben’s interest in Japanese food, culture, and snacks has been completely re-energized. The Fall 2025 Bokksu Snack Box turned out to be the perfect way to kick things off again.

This post pairs with our video review, where Ben and Ryan taste, react, and share their honest thoughts on this seasonal box.

What’s Inside the Fall 2025 Bokksu Snack Box?

Each Bokksu box highlights regional Japanese snacks with a seasonal theme, and Fall 2025 leaned into flavors that might surprise Western snack fans.

Instead of heavy pumpkin spice or cinnamon notes, this box focused on:

  • 🍠 Sweet potato flavors (the clear star of the box)

  • 🍎 Apple accents

  • 🍊 Citrus elements

  • 🍬 A mix of sweet and lightly savory textures

If you’re expecting fall flavors to mirror American autumn snacks, this box is a great reminder that Japanese seasonal flavors follow a different (and often more subtle) approach.

Taste Test Reactions: Hits, Misses, and Surprises

Ben and Ryan worked their way through the box, discussing:

  • Which sweet potato snacks stood out

  • Which flavor combinations were unexpected

  • How Japanese fall snacks differ from what we’re used to in the U.S.

Some snacks were immediate favorites, while others sparked debate — which is half the fun of a Bokksu box. Trying unfamiliar flavors is what makes these reviews interesting, especially when reactions are honest and unscripted.

Bonus Round: Extra Japanese Snacks from Ryan

At the end of the video, Ryan surprised us by bringing along additional Japanese snacks that weren’t part of the Bokksu box. This turned into an impromptu bonus tasting session and added some variety to the review.

These extra snacks also gave us a small preview of the kinds of treats we’ll eventually be hunting down in Japan during our 2026 trip.

Why This Bokksu Review Feels Special

This wasn’t just another snack review.

It marked:

  • Ben’s return to Bokksu videos

  • Renewed excitement around Japanese culture

  • The beginning of food-focused prep for Japan 2026

  • A fun, low-pressure family moment captured on video

Sometimes a simple box of snacks can reconnect old interests and spark new ones — and this one definitely did.

Watch the Video & Join the Conversation

If you haven’t watched the video yet, be sure to check it out to see Ben and Ryan’s full reactions.

👀 We’d love your input:

  • Which snacks looked good to you?

  • Which ones would you want to try?

  • Are there Japanese snacks we should track down next?

Drop your thoughts in the comments on the video — we genuinely enjoy hearing from viewers and often turn suggestions into future reviews.

Looking Ahead to Japan 2026 🇯🇵

This Bokksu review is just the beginning. As we get closer to our Japan 2026 trip, expect more snack reviews, food experiments, and Japan-inspired content along the way.

If you enjoy Japanese snacks, family reviews, and real reactions, stay tuned — there’s a lot more coming.

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Leather Field Jacket – 9 Month Patina Update & Care Tips

Introduction

Back in March 2025, I reviewed the Master Supply Company Field Jacket in Natural Leather — a beautifully made piece with classic style and tons of character. One viewer recently asked the perfect question: “How does it look now?”

So here we are, 9 months later with a full patina update, close-up footage, and some answers about how natural leather ages over time. Spoiler: this jacket looks even better than it did in March. Natural leather is supposed to evolve, and the way this piece has deepened and developed a richer golden tone has been incredibly fun to watch.

I also share the care recommendations I got directly from Master Supply Company, along with some insight into their leather conditioner — including how I’ve been using it on several other items around the house.

The 9-Month Patina: What’s Changed?

One of the biggest appeals of natural leather is how uniquely it ages. No two jackets will develop the same patina, and your lifestyle leaves its own fingerprints (literally) on the hide. After 9 months of wear, here’s what I’ve noticed:

  • A warmer, golden patina across the body of the jacket
  • Increased depth and vintage character developing on high-wear areas
  • Creasing around the elbows and shoulders giving it a lived-in feel
  • Darker tones beginning to appear around the cuffs and pockets

I filmed close-ups in the video so you can really see the texture, color shift, and the early stages of the aging process. Natural leather doesn’t rush — it builds personality slowly, and this jacket is right on track.

How I’ve Been Caring for the Jacket

Short version? I actually haven’t conditioned it yet.

But I wanted to make sure I was doing things correctly, so I reached out to Josh at Master Supply Company to ask how their natural leather ages and whether their leather conditioner is safe to use on this specific jacket.

His answer: Yes, their conditioner is perfectly safe — and no, it won’t dramatically change the color.

This was great news, since I’ve already been using the same conditioner on several other leather items around the house with excellent results. It absorbs cleanly, doesn’t leave residue, and doesn’t alter the appearance in any unwanted way.

For reference, here are the links to the exact items I’m discussing:

Master Supply Co. Field Jacket (Natural Leather):
https://mastersupply.co/collections/natural-leather-collection/products/field-jacket-natural

Leather Conditioners:
https://mastersupply.co/collections/leather-conditioners

I’ll likely condition the jacket sometime in the next few months and do a follow-up video when I do, but so far the leather has aged beautifully on its own without intervention.

Why Natural Leather Patina is So Rewarding

Unlike pre-finished leather, natural hides start out lighter and evolve with exposure to sunlight, movement, and daily use. That means:

  • Your jacket slowly darkens into a richer tan
  • Wear patterns appear where you bend and stretch
  • The leather softens over time without losing structure
  • No two jackets become the same — it’s truly unique to you

For many people, this aging process is the entire point. You’re not just wearing a jacket — you’re creating something with character.

Final Thoughts (9 Months Later)


(Original Video)

I loved this jacket in March, and I still love it now. The construction has held up perfectly, the leather feels even better as it breaks in, and the patina development has been beautiful to watch.

I also appreciate the engagement from viewers. A simple question — “How does it look now?” — turned into a full update video and this blog post. So keep the questions coming! I’ll keep sharing updates as the jacket continues to age.

If you enjoy natural leather, patina journeys, or gear updates, stay tuned. The 18-month check-in is definitely happening.

Shop the Products Mentioned

Master Supply Company Field Jacket (Natural Leather):
https://mastersupply.co/collections/natural-leather-collection/products/field-jacket-natural

Master Supply Co. Leather Conditioners:
https://mastersupply.co/collections/leather-conditioners

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My Rainy November Adventure in Joshua Tree & Palm Springs

Introduction

Our November trip to California was supposed to be a classic desert escape — warm days, cool nights, scenic hikes, and endless sun. Instead… the desert decided to cosplay as Seattle. It rained almost every day, temps fell into the 40s at night, and we had to improvise our way through the limited time we had.

But honestly? The chaos made the adventure even better.

From eBiking through Joshua Tree National Park, to discovering great local food, to finding creative indoor activities when the rain wouldn’t stop… here’s the full breakdown of our unexpected (but very memorable) trip.

Day 1: Exploring Joshua Tree on eBikes

Our first day — and one of the only days without heavy rain — was spent in Joshua Tree National Park. We rented eBikes and rode through the park’s surreal landscapes:

  • Massive boulder formations
  • Joshua trees stretching across the desert
  • Quiet, open trails
  • Scenic vantage points that look like another planet

Riding eBikes here was a game-changer: effortless uphill, fast on flat stretches, and a perfect way to see more of the park without burning the entire day.

After exploring Hidden Valley and the surrounding formations, we headed to Las Palmas, a local Mexican spot. The food was exactly what you want after hours of fresh air — hearty, flavorful, and authentic.

Food Finds: From Mexican to German to Classic Deli

This trip turned into an accidental food tour, and we weren’t mad about it. Some standouts:

🌮 Las Palmas — Joshua Tree

Authentic Mexican food, generous portions, and friendly service. A perfect post-ride meal.

🇩🇪 Alps Village — Indio

A surprising gem! A German restaurant in Indio serving warm, comforting classics. Great schnitzel, friendly staff — the kind of place you’re glad you stumbled upon.

🥪 Sherman’s Deli — Palm Springs

We didn’t film much here, but trust us… this Palm Springs staple is worth the hype. Classic deli food, huge portions, and great for a rainy-day lunch.

Indoor Adventures: Making the Best of Rainy Palm Springs

With outdoor plans washed out, we turned to creative alternatives.

🛍️ The Shops at Thirteen Forty-Five

A beautifully curated collection of boutique shops. A great spot to browse local art, clothing, home goods, and quirky finds.

🎎 Wabi Sabi Japan Living — Palm Springs

Hands down one of our favorite shops of the trip.
Unique gifts, beautiful Japanese home goods, and incredibly friendly staff.
Highly recommended if you’re looking for thoughtful souvenirs or just a peaceful browsing experience.

🎯 Indoor Axe Throwing — Robin Hood Archery Academy & Games (Indio)

We spent a rainy afternoon doing axe throwing and archery, and the staff couldn’t have been nicer. A perfect activity when the weather shuts down the outdoors.

Spa Time: The Spa at Sec-he

We made a last-minute decision to try The Spa at Sec-he, and it was a highlight of the trip. Warm pools, relaxing spaces, and a great escape from the chilly weather outside.

If you’re staying in Palm Springs and need something relaxing to do indoors, this is an excellent choice.

The Great Date Shake Quest

Trying a local date shake was at the top of our list, and we sampled a few different spots.

The winner — by a landslide — was Shields Date Garden.

  • Perfect texture
  • Not too sweet
  • Strong date flavor
  • Awesome Coffee Version (so good!)
  • Iconic Palm Springs experience

If you’re only going to try one date shake in the region, make it this one.

Final Thoughts

This trip didn’t go as planned.
It was colder, rainier, and more unpredictable than any November desert vacation should be. But the unexpected twists pushed us into new adventures:

  • eBiking through Joshua Tree
  • Finding amazing local food
  • Discovering shops and indoor activities
  • Relaxing at a desert spa
  • Hunting down the perfect date shake

Sometimes the best trips aren’t the ones you plan — they’re the ones you adapt to.

Thanks for checking out our adventure! If you’re planning a trip to Joshua Tree or Palm Springs, I hope this gives you ideas for both sunny days and the occasional surprise rainstorm.