diff --git a/Seasoned.Frontend/app/app.vue b/Seasoned.Frontend/app/app.vue
index b4d011a..1332a1f 100644
--- a/Seasoned.Frontend/app/app.vue
+++ b/Seasoned.Frontend/app/app.vue
@@ -6,33 +6,31 @@
       <v-spacer></v-spacer>
 
       <div class="nav-links d-flex align-center">
-        <v-menu v-if="isLoggedIn" transition="slide-y-transition">
+        <v-menu v-if="isLoggedIn" transition="slide-y-transition" offset="8">
           <template v-slot:activator="{ props }">
-            <v-btn 
-              v-bind="props" 
-              variant="text" 
-              class="nav-auth-btn px-4 d-flex align-center"
-            >
+            <v-btn v-bind="props" variant="text" class="nav-auth-btn px-4">
               <v-icon icon="mdi-pot-steam" size="small" class="mr-2"></v-icon>
-              <span class="menu-label-text">Menu</span>
+              <span>Menu</span>
             </v-btn>
           </template>
 
-          <v-list class="recipe-card pa-2 mt-2" elevation="4" border>
+          <v-list class="menu-card mt-2" min-width="220">
             <v-list-item to="/uploader" prepend-icon="mdi-camera-outline">
-              <v-list-item-title class="menu-text">Recipe Uploader </v-list-item-title>
+              <v-list-item-title class="menu-text">Recipe Uploader</v-list-item-title>
             </v-list-item>
+
             <v-list-item to="/chat" prepend-icon="mdi-chef-hat">
               <v-list-item-title class="menu-text">Chef Consultation</v-list-item-title>
             </v-list-item>
-            <v-list-item to="/gallery" prepend-icon="mdi-book-open-variant" class="rounded">
+
+            <v-list-item to="/gallery" prepend-icon="mdi-book-open-variant">
               <v-list-item-title class="menu-text">My Collection</v-list-item-title>
             </v-list-item>
 
-            <v-divider class="ma-0"></v-divider>
+            <v-divider class="ma-0" color="#dccca7"></v-divider>
 
-            <v-list-item @click="logout" prepend-icon="mdi-logout" color="error" class="rounded mt-0">
-              <v-list-item-title class="menu-text">Sign Out</v-list-item-title>
+            <v-list-item @click="logout" prepend-icon="mdi-logout">
+              <v-list-item-title class="menu-text" style="color: #8c4a32;">Sign Out</v-list-item-title>
             </v-list-item>
           </v-list>
         </v-menu>
diff --git a/Seasoned.Frontend/app/assets/css/app-theme.css b/Seasoned.Frontend/app/assets/css/app-theme.css
index caba99c..a9965c9 100644
--- a/Seasoned.Frontend/app/assets/css/app-theme.css
+++ b/Seasoned.Frontend/app/assets/css/app-theme.css
@@ -173,7 +173,35 @@ html, body {
   font-family: 'Libre Baskerville', serif !important;
   color: #2e1e0a !important;
   font-weight: 600 !important;
-  font-size: 0.95rem !important;
+  font-size: 1.1rem !important;
+}
+
+.menu-card {
+  background-color: #f4e4bc !important; 
+  background-image: url("https://www.transparenttextures.com/patterns/natural-paper.png") !important;
+  border: 1px solid #dccca7 !important;
+  border-radius: 4px !important;
+  padding: 8px !important;
+  color: #2e1e0a !important;
+  box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) !important;
+}
+
+.v-list.menu-card {
+  background: #f4e4bc !important;
+}
+
+.menu-card .v-list-item {
+  border-radius: 6px !important;
+  margin-bottom: 2px !important;
+  transition: background-color 0.2s ease !important;
+}
+
+.menu-card .v-list-item:last-child {
+  margin-bottom: 0 !important;
+}
+
+.menu-card .v-list-item:hover {
+  background-color: rgba(85, 107, 47, 0.1) !important;
 }
 
 .v-list-item__prepend .v-icon {
diff --git a/Seasoned.Frontend/app/assets/css/gallery.css b/Seasoned.Frontend/app/assets/css/gallery.css
index a665f68..47acb71 100644
--- a/Seasoned.Frontend/app/assets/css/gallery.css
+++ b/Seasoned.Frontend/app/assets/css/gallery.css
@@ -88,6 +88,7 @@
 .recipe-title {
   font-family: 'Libre Baskerville', serif !important;
   font-weight: 700 !important;
+  font-size: 1.1rem;
   color: #1e1408 !important;
 }
 
diff --git a/Seasoned.Frontend/app/pages/gallery.vue b/Seasoned.Frontend/app/pages/gallery.vue
index 96250e0..3fe6216 100644
--- a/Seasoned.Frontend/app/pages/gallery.vue
+++ b/Seasoned.Frontend/app/pages/gallery.vue
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@
         <v-col cols="12" md="8" lg="6">
           <v-text-field
             v-model="searchQuery"
-            placeholder="Search for 'comfort food' or 'smoothie recipe'"
+            placeholder="Search for 'comfort food' or 'hot and brothy'"
             variant="outlined"
             class="search-bar"
             hide-details
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@
       </v-row>
 
       <v-row v-else-if="recipes?.length">
-        <v-col v-for="recipe in (searchQuery ? recipes : sortedRecipes)" :key="recipe.id" cols="12" sm="6" md="4">
+        <v-col v-for="recipe in (searchQuery?.trim() ? recipes : sortedRecipes)" :key="recipe.id" cols="12" sm="6" md="4">
           <v-card class="gallery-item-card pa-4">
             <v-sheet
               height="200"
@@ -93,10 +93,10 @@
         </v-col>
       </v-row>
       
-      <v-row v-else justify="center" class="py-10 text-center">
+      <v-row v-else justify="center" class=" text-center">
         <v-col cols="12">
-          <p class="brand-subtitle mb-4">Your collection is empty.</p>
-          <v-btn to="/" variant="text" color="#556b2f">Return Home to add some</v-btn>
+          <p class="brand-subtitle mb-10">Your collection is empty.</p>
+          <v-btn to="/" variant="text" class="column-btn">Return Home</v-btn>
         </v-col>
       </v-row>
 
@@ -114,23 +114,32 @@
           @click="closeDetails"
         ></v-btn>
 
-        <v-row align="start" class="mb-6">
-          <v-col cols="12" md="4" class="d-flex flex-column align-center">
+        <v-row 
+          align="center" 
+          class="mb-9 px-md-5" 
+          :justify="!(selectedRecipe.imageUrl || isEditing) ? 'center' : 'start'"
+        >
+          <v-col 
+            v-if="selectedRecipe.imageUrl || isEditing"
+            cols="12" 
+            md="3" 
+            class="d-flex justify-end pe-6"
+            style="flex: 0 0 auto;" 
+          >
             <v-hover v-slot="{ isHovering, props }">
               <v-card
                 v-bind="props"
-                width="160"
-                height="160"
+                width="150"
+                height="150"
                 :class="[
-                  'rounded-lg d-flex align-center justify-center position-relative overflow-hidden',
-                  { 
-                    'image-drop-zone': isEditing, 
-                    'cursor-pointer': isEditing
-                  }
+                  'rounded-lg d-flex align-center justify-center position-relative overflow-hidden elevation-1',
+                  { 'image-drop-zone': isEditing, 'cursor-pointer': isEditing }
                 ]"
-                :style="{ pointerEvents: isEditing ? 'auto' : 'none' }"
-                @click="isEditing ? $refs.fileInput.click() : null" 
-                :elevation="isHovering && isEditing ? 4 : 1"
+                :style="{ 
+                  pointerEvents: isEditing ? 'auto' : 'none',
+                  border: !selectedRecipe.imageUrl && isEditing ? '2px dashed #d1c7b7' : 'none' 
+                }"
+                @click="isEditing ? $refs.fileInput.click() : null"
               >
                 <v-img
                   v-if="selectedRecipe.imageUrl"
@@ -152,7 +161,11 @@
             <input type="file" ref="fileInput" accept="image/*" style="display: none" @change="handleImageUpload" />
           </v-col>
 
-          <v-col cols="12" md="8">
+          <v-col 
+            cols="12" 
+            :md="selectedRecipe.imageUrl || isEditing ? 8 : 12"
+            :class="!(selectedRecipe.imageUrl || isEditing) ? 'text-center' : 'ps-0'"
+          >
             <v-text-field
               v-if="isEditing"
               v-model="selectedRecipe.title"
@@ -161,16 +174,22 @@
               class="recipe-title-edit"
               hide-details
             ></v-text-field>
-            <h2 v-else class="recipe-title" style="font-size: 2.5rem;">{{ selectedRecipe.title }}</h2>
+            <h2 
+              v-else 
+              class="recipe-title" 
+              style="font-size: 2.2rem; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0;"
+            >
+              {{ selectedRecipe.title }}
+            </h2>
           </v-col>
         </v-row>
 
-        <v-divider class="mb-8 separator"></v-divider>
+        <v-divider class="mb-0 separator"></v-divider>
 
         <v-row class="mt-10" density="compact">
           <v-col cols="12" md="5" class="pe-md-10">
             <h3 class="section-header justify-center mb-6">
-              <v-icon icon="mdi-spoon-sugar" class="mr-2" size="small"></v-icon>
+              <v-icon icon="mdi-spoon-sugar" class="mr-2"></v-icon>
               Ingredients
             </h3>
             
@@ -179,7 +198,6 @@
               v-model="selectedRecipe.ingredients"
               variant="outlined"
               auto-grow
-              rows="10"
               density="comfortable"
               class="auth-input recipe-textarea"
               bg-color="transparent"
@@ -190,14 +208,14 @@
               <div 
                 v-for="(ing, index) in (Array.isArray(selectedRecipe.ingredients) ? selectedRecipe.ingredients : selectedRecipe.ingredients?.split('\n') || [])" 
                 :key="index"
-                class="ingredient-item"
+                class="ingredient-item d-flex align-start mb-4"
               >
                 {{ ing }}
               </div>
             </div>
           </v-col>
 
-          <v-col cols="12" md="7" class="ps-md-10">
+          <v-col cols="12" md="7" class="ps-md-1">
             <h3 class="section-header justify-center mb-6">
               <v-icon icon="mdi-pot-steam-outline" class="mr-2" size="small"></v-icon>
               Instructions
@@ -218,10 +236,10 @@
             <div v-else
               v-for="(step, index) in (Array.isArray(selectedRecipe.instructions) ? selectedRecipe.instructions : selectedRecipe.instructions?.split('\n') || [])"
               :key="index"
-              class="instruction-step mb-8"
+              class="instruction-step mb-8 d-flex align-start"
             >
-              <span class="step-number">{{ index + 1 }}.</span>
-              <p class="step-text">{{ step }}</p>
+              <span class="step-number mr-4">{{ index + 1 }}.</span>
+              <p class="step-text flex-grow-1 mb-0">{{ step }}</p>
             </div>
           </v-col>
         </v-row>
@@ -241,76 +259,7 @@ import { ref, onMounted, computed, watch } from 'vue'
 import '@/assets/css/gallery.css'
 import '@/assets/css/app-theme.css'
 
-/*const mockRecipes = [
-  {
-    id: 1,
-    title: "Miso-Glazed Smashed Burger",
-    imageUrl: "https://picsum.photos/id/42/800/600",
-    ingredients: ["1/2 lb Ground Beef", "1 tbsp White Miso", "Brioche Bun", "Pickled Ginger"],
-    instructions: ["Mix miso into beef.", "Smash thin on high heat.", "Sear until crispy."],
-    createdAt: "2026-03-18T10:00:00Z"
-  },
-  {
-    id: 2,
-    title: "Zesty Yuzu Raspberry Bowl",
-    imageUrl: "https://picsum.photos/id/429/800/600",
-    ingredients: ["1 cup Oats", "2 tbsp Yuzu Juice", "Fresh Raspberries", "Honey"],
-    instructions: ["Soak oats overnight.", "Stir in yuzu.", "Top with berries."],
-    createdAt: "2026-03-17T08:30:00Z"
-  },
-  {
-    id: 3,
-    title: "Caribbean Curry Chickpeas",
-    imageUrl: "https://picsum.photos/id/493/800/600",
-    ingredients: ["1 can Chickpeas", "Coconut Milk", "Curry Powder", "Sweet Potato"],
-    instructions: ["Sauté potatoes.", "Add chickpeas and spices.", "Simmer in coconut milk."],
-    createdAt: "2026-03-16T12:45:00Z"
-  },
-  {
-    id: 4,
-    title: "Tallow-Crisped Truffle Fries",
-    imageUrl: "https://picsum.photos/id/517/800/600",
-    ingredients: ["Russet Potatoes", "Beef Tallow", "Truffle Salt", "Parsley"],
-    instructions: ["Double fry in tallow.", "Toss with truffle salt.", "Garnish with parsley."],
-    createdAt: "2026-03-15T16:20:00Z"
-  },
-  {
-    id: 5,
-    title: "Smoked Gouda & Broccolini Soup",
-    imageUrl: "https://picsum.photos/id/488/800/600",
-    ingredients: ["Broccolini", "Smoked Gouda", "Heavy Cream", "Vegetable Broth"],
-    instructions: ["Simmer broccolini in broth.", "Blend until smooth.", "Melt in cheese."],
-    createdAt: "2026-03-14T11:10:00Z"
-  },
-  {
-    id: 6,
-    title: "Heirloom Tomato Galette",
-    imageUrl: "https://picsum.photos/id/447/800/600",
-    ingredients: ["Puff Pastry", "Heirloom Tomatoes", "Ricotta", "Thyme"],
-    instructions: ["Spread ricotta on pastry.", "Layer tomatoes.", "Bake at 200°C until golden."],
-    createdAt: "2026-03-13T09:00:00Z"
-  },
-  {
-    id: 7,
-    title: "Thai Basil Pesto Pasta",
-    imageUrl: "https://picsum.photos/id/102/800/600",
-    ingredients: ["Linguine", "Thai Basil", "Cashews", "Garlic", "Chili Flakes"],
-    instructions: ["Blend basil, cashews, and garlic.", "Toss with hot pasta.", "Add chili for heat."],
-    createdAt: "2026-03-12T19:30:00Z"
-  },
-  {
-    id: 8,
-    title: "Whipped Feta & Hot Honey Toast",
-    imageUrl: "https://picsum.photos/id/311/800/600",
-    ingredients: ["Sourdough", "Feta Cheese", "Greek Yogurt", "Hot Honey"],
-    instructions: ["Whip feta and yogurt.", "Toast sourdough.", "Spread and drizzle honey."],
-    createdAt: "2026-03-11T07:45:00Z"
-  }
-]
-*/
 const recipes = ref([])
-//const recipes = ref(mockRecipes)
-//const loading = ref(false)
 const loading = ref(true)
 const showDetails = ref(false)
 const selectedRecipe = ref(null)
@@ -323,7 +272,6 @@ let debounceTimeout = null
 
 onMounted(async () => {
   await fetchRecipes()
-  //loading.value = false
 })
 
 const fetchRecipes = async () => {
@@ -427,6 +375,7 @@ const sortedRecipes = computed(() => {
 })
 
 const performSearch = async () => {
+  const currentQuery = searchQuery.value
   if (!searchQuery.value) {
     await fetchRecipes()
     return
@@ -435,11 +384,12 @@ const performSearch = async () => {
   try {
     isSearching.value = true
     const data = await $fetch(`${config.public.apiBase}api/recipe/search`, {
-      query: { query: searchQuery.value }, 
+      query: { query: currentQuery }, 
       credentials: 'include'
     })
-    console.log("Search results received:", data)
-    recipes.value = data
+    if (searchQuery.value === currentQuery) {
+      recipes.value = data
+    }
   } catch (err) {
     console.error("Search failed:", err)
   } finally {
diff --git a/Seasoned.Frontend/app/pages/index.vue b/Seasoned.Frontend/app/pages/index.vue
index d0b95ee..367fbfa 100644
--- a/Seasoned.Frontend/app/pages/index.vue
+++ b/Seasoned.Frontend/app/pages/index.vue
@@ -3,9 +3,9 @@
     <v-row density="compact" justify="center" align="start" class="pt-6">
       <v-col cols="12" class="text-center px-4">
         
-        <v-card class="recipe-card pa-8 mx-auto mt-2" max-width="900">
+        <v-card class="recipe-card pa-8 mx-auto mt-2" max-width="750">
           
-          <header class="mb-10">
+          <header class="mb-8">
             <div class="brand-icon-container mb-2">
               <v-img 
                 src="/images/seasoned-logo.png" 
@@ -15,24 +15,24 @@
               ></v-img>
             </div>
             <h1 class="brand-title mt-0 mb-1">Seasoned</h1>
-            <p class="brand-subtitle mb-8">A Recipe Generator and Collection Tool</p>
+            <p class="brand-subtitle mb-6">A Recipe Generator and Collection Tool</p>
           </header>
 
-          <v-divider class="mb-10 separator"></v-divider>
+          <v-divider class="mb-8 separator"></v-divider>
 
-          <v-row class="mb-12 px-6" justify="center">
-            <v-col cols="12" md="4" class="text-center d-flex flex-column align-center">
+          <v-row class="mb-10 px-2" justify="center">
+            <v-col cols="12" md="4" class="text-center d-flex flex-column align-center px-2">
               <v-icon icon="mdi-folder-text" size="large" style="color: #2e1e0a" class="mb-3"></v-icon>
               <h3 class="section-header justify-center mb-3">Scan Archives</h3>
-              <p class="feature-text text-body-2">
+              <p class="feature-text text-body-2 px-1">
                 Turn handwritten cards into searchable digital text instantly.
               </p>
               <v-spacer></v-spacer>
-              <v-btn v-if="isLoggedIn" to="/uploader"  class="mt-12 column-btn">
+              <v-btn v-if="isLoggedIn" to="/uploader"  class="mt-8 column-btn">
                 Go to Uploader
               </v-btn>
             </v-col>
-            <v-col cols="12" md="4" class="text-center d-flex flex-column align-center">
+            <v-col cols="12" md="4" class="text-center d-flex flex-column align-center px-2">
               <v-icon icon="mdi-chef-hat" size="large" style="color: #2e1e0a" class="mb-3"></v-icon>
               <h3 class="section-header justify-center mb-3">Consult the Chef</h3>
               <p class="feature-text text-body-2">
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@
                 Talk to Chef
               </v-btn>
             </v-col>
-            <v-col cols="12" md="4" class="text-center d-flex flex-column align-center">
+            <v-col cols="12" md="4" class="text-center d-flex flex-column align-center px-2">
               <v-icon icon="mdi-book-open-variant" size="large" style="color: #2e1e0a" class="mb-3"></v-icon>
               <h3 class="section-header justify-center mb-3">Preserve History</h3>
               <p class="feature-text text-body-2">