School
University of Tulsa, Oklahoma State University - Tulsa
Expertise
Coffee, Food History, Baking
- During her time as a barista/coffee shop kitchen manager, Tara paid to send herself to a Specialty Coffee Association Expo, where she volunteered as a timekeeper for the U.S. Barista Championships.
- Tara has roasted coffee out of her home, selling fresh-roasted beans under the name "Share the Roast" to friends and family.
- Tara's love of food history and beverages comes from her grandmother, who gifted Tara her wonderful collection of books on English tea, tea parties, and the history of tea pots.
Experience
Upon graduating from college, Tara began working toward opening a coffeeshop. While that plan didn't pan out, Tara spent a few years honing her skills as a barista and coffee enthusiast, participating in latte art competitions, attending coffee tastings, and working as the kitchen manager for a local coffeeshop. Eventually, Tara pursued her master's in strategic communications, after which she secured a job with a local magazine as their digital and social media editor in 2017. She joined Static Media in 2024.
Education
Tara has a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Tulsa and a master's degree in strategic communications from Oklahoma State University - Tulsa.
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Shopping Tips
By Tara Bowen
If you're shopping for frozen chicken tenders, you may want to steer clear of this particular product, even though it comes from a brand worth billions.
By Tara Bowen
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Trader Joe's
By Tara Bowen
Shoppers appreciate Trader Joe's for its wide selection of different breads, but there's one variety in the frozen section that people can't get enough of.
By Tara Bowen
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If you love Kerrygold, try this option with a similar makeup that many shoppers say delivers that same rich, buttery taste at a much better price.
By Tara Bowen
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Shopping Tips
By Tara Bowen
Turns out, not all Crock-Pots are worth buying. There's one model that shoppers are disgruntled about, complaining that it breaks easily and doesn't work well.
By Tara Bowen
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Kitchen Tools
By Tara Bowen
If you love rotisserie chicken (or other rotisserie-cooked meals, for that matter) this popular rotisserie oven on Amazon just might be worth the splurge.
By Tara Bowen
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Trader Joe's
By Tara Bowen
Pavlova is a meringue-based dessert with whipped cream and fruits. This TJ's find takes care of the trickiest element for quick and easy pavlovas.
By Tara Bowen
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Shopping Tips
By Tara Bowen
Make your next grocery shopping trip more affordable, healthier, and simply easier with this popular method that's a favorite on social media.
By Tara Bowen
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Restaurants
By Tara Bowen
We tried a dozen blueberry bagels and the one that came first wasn't Panera. The best one had a much more strong and even blueberry flavor.
By Tara Bowen
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Restaurants
By Tara Bowen
Order waffles this way next time you're looking for something more indulgent at Waffle House. Plus, there are so many way to riff on this hack even further.
By Tara Bowen
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Yeti coolers are well-known for their durability, and some models are even labeled "Grizzly-Resistant." But what goes into determining that designation?
By Tara Bowen
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For the prettiest potato side, break out your old standby cookie cutters. Your result will be a rich, creamy dish that's as beautiful as it is delicious.
By Tara Bowen
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Brandy doesn't have to just be a winter drink. It's delicious year-round, especially when you know how to make the perfect summer-ready cocktail with it.
By Tara Bowen
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If you're looking to level up your mustard game, look no further than this fancy French mustard that features a blend of flavor profiles from wine and truffles.
By Tara Bowen
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Design & Decor
By Tara Bowen
A design expert weighs in on the range hood trends shaping kitchens, explaining why homeowners are choosing streamlined designs over ornate statement pieces.
By Tara Bowen
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This city has no history of producing pickles, but there's a reason why it's been dubbed the world's pickle capital. Read the story behind how it got the title.
By Tara Bowen
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Shopping Tips
By Tara Bowen
There's one red flag you want to watch out for when shopping for baby back ribs, or you could be in a for a disappointing dinner. Here's what to know.
By Tara Bowen
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If you're struggling to find the right ratio for your homemade Aperol spritz, it's really easy to simplify. Here's how an expert makes this signature cocktail.
By Tara Bowen
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This vintage Happy Meal was a product of its time in the best way, capturing a key part of '80s pop culture in an imaginative, child-friendly package.
By Tara Bowen
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Remember the catchy "Give me back that Filet-O-Fish" singing mechanical fish from 2009? Revisit the iconic McDonald's commercial that became a hit.
By Tara Bowen
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Don't lose out on quality leftover steak with half-hearted storage methods that dry it out. Keep it juicy even days later with a few simple tricks.
By Tara Bowen
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You can make a basic cocktail by just adding some watermelon juice to this alcohol. However, you can also take it a step further with garnishes and sweeteners.
By Tara Bowen
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Buying a whole ribeye and cutting your own steaks can save you some money. Read these expert tips on how to cut the meat properly for the best results.
By Tara Bowen
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Here is how your kitchen knife and cutting board could be making your food go bad faster, and what steps to take to ensure that doesn't happen.
By Tara Bowen
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Kitchen Tools
By Tara Bowen
Modern refrigerators comes with more features and snazzier technology, but are they built to last as long as older ones? Read an expert's answer.
By Tara Bowen
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Design & Decor
By Tara Bowen
If your kitchen gets unbearably hot while you're cooking, your oven might be the culprit. Three experts weigh in on what you can do to keep things cool.
By Tara Bowen
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Food History
By Tara Bowen
Since 1917, this old-school, family-run sausage brand has been feeding the South. No, it's not the iconic Jimmy Dean or Tennessee Pride.
By Tara Bowen
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The right decorations can take a plain cake and make it look extraordinary. Luckily, all it takes is a spoon and a little elbow grease. Here's how.
By Tara Bowen
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