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Just 8 short months ago, my life was forever changed, when my sweet mom went home to be with her King in Heaven.  Some days I feel like she's been gone forever.  Others, it feels like time has stood still and it was just yesterday that those of us who loved her gathered together to say our goodbyes to one of the world's greatest women.  I miss her in ways I never imagined I would.  I'm grateful that she's no longer in pain, but there's crashing pain in my heart at the longing I have to see her smile and feel her soft skin touch my lips as I kiss her cheek....

Three months after mom's passing, as I was in the midst of my final semester of culinary school, my life plans were put on hold and my dreams of working as a chef were shattered into a million tiny pieces.  It was UGLY.  I suffered a complete physical and mental breakdown.  I had dismissed the warning signs, and I was anything but prepared for the internal fight that my body would endure.  I'm still fighting to regain my health today...

As spring kicks into high gear, the sights and sounds at every turn remind me of "Granny" and her love of nature's beauty.  The birds chirping, welcoming in each new day.... the Forsythia in bloom (her favorite), and the cool breeze running through the wind chimes on the back patio.  Mom is everywhere...yet nowhere.

Through this experience, I've come to accept (and even appreciate!) that life doesn't always move according to my plans and time table, but it does move forward.  I've learned that there's excitement to be found in new experiences, and that I have no need to fear the unknown.  It's unknown to me, but not to my Maker.  He knows and is aware of every twist and turn that my life will take.  However, it's up to me to open the doors of opportunity to see what's hiding behind them, and it's my responsibility to take a step through the doorway to experience what's in store for me.  Even if what's there looks scary and unknown, I'll have faith that it's all in His plan for my life.

As I continue to heal physically and emotionally, I've learned to do what I can, when I can.  Baby steps for the win!

On the days when my endurance is at its best, I take advantage of the opportunity to cook and bake.  It's therapeutic, and I feel accomplished and full of happiness seeing the smiles that my creations bring to the faces of those who partake of them.  Almost always, the following day brings physical exhaustion (like today).  I'm barely able to get up from my bed, so I take advantage of the opportunity to rest, have devotional time with God, to journal my thoughts and prayers,  to create and adapt recipes, and to write blog posts like this one.

For me, consumption of food is a necessity for keeping my body fueled, but cooking, serving, and helping others learn about food is my life's blood...it keeps my heart in working order.  Without the incorporation of those things in my life, I feel that I might wither away and be blown over like a dandelion in the breeze.

I don't want that to happen, so I'm hopeful that you'll continue to be here with me on this journey.  If I could have anything I wanted for this blog, it would be for you to find a friend or two (or three!) that don't know about this site and to invite them over... share the link with them.  Please help me to create happiness in your life and the lives of others!

Here are a few changes that I'm going to incorporate into this site moving forward:

FRUGAL FEEDING - Beginning on April 1st, I'm going to begin posting recipes that can be prepared for $1.00 (or less!) per person.  They'll cover all of the culinary bases of breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner, and desserts.  Because I'd love for you to cook along with me, I'll be posting the ingredients you'll need for that week's dishes every Sunday.  If there are any great grocery coupons for the items you'll need, I'll post links to them as well.  You're certainly under no obligation to click the links and print them, but I would greatly appreciate you doing so.  I receive a VERY small compensation when coupons are printed and when you sign up for offers that I advertise here on the site.  I'm not the type to beg for handouts and I'm certainly not one to sit on a pity pot and feel sorry for myself (or try to convince others to feel sorry for me), but right now, I don't have the ability to work, so every little bit of income helps me.

My goal will be to post 3 days per week, on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.  I'll be posting a variety of dishes, from American to Italian, meatless to bacon-loaded, and of course, a nice selection of healthy and sinful recipes.  If you have a preference on which days you'd like to see posts, if you'd like to see more or less posts, or if you have a dish you'd like to see me make, PLEASE leave me a comment.  Feedback is the ONLY way I'll know if I'm meeting your needs!

If you decide to make any of the dishes that I post about, I'd love to see pictures of your creations!  You can post them on my Facebook page, or email them to me

FOOD FACTS & COOKING TIPS - I've been posting these types of things for a while now, but primarily, I've been doing so on my Facebook page only.  Now I'll be posting that information here so that anyone without Facebook will also have access to the information.  If you have a food-related question, please feel free to leave a comment here on the site, or contact me HERE and I'll do what I can to get you an answer!

DEALS FOR YOUR FAMILY - Although the primary purpose and mission of this blog will continue to be to bring you food related content, I occasionally come across great deals for moms, kids, and families.  I have no intention of becoming a coupon site, nor do I feel that I fit into the "mom blog" category, as I no longer have children at home.  However, I know that lots of you have small children, and I want to pass along information and deals for you as I learn about them.  Once again, I hope that you'll consider taking advantage of them to help me pay for the cost of maintenance on this site.  Of course, I'm all about unconditional acceptance, so even if you don't choose to take advantage of the offers, I'll love you just the same

GIVEAWAYS & PRODUCT REVIEWS - From time to time, you'll see reviews and giveaways of great food, cooking related books, cookware, and products that all families can use and enjoy!  Oh, and of course, my favorite thing to give away... Amazon gift cards!  I earn them HERE and save them up to use for holiday and birthday gifts.  It's so exciting when I think about the fact that I've "purchased" over $1,000 in products without paying a single penny for them!

So there you have it... my life and blog changes all tied up with bundles of ruffles and ribbon and sealed with a yummilicious kiss.  WHAT DO YOU THINK?!