Our lives started on Pickwick.  The cutest little enclave in Baltimore.  My house along with all the others was lined with boxwoods.  Very old boxwoods. There was a garden club in our little neighborhood that met once a month just to discuss the heritage and care taking of our boxwoods that every home inherited over many years.  Here we all were new families, new beginnings surrounded by splendor and the most unbelievable gardens you ever did see.  But one foot outside our beloved streets of wonder lived a not so nice area.  If you live or have ever lived in Baltimore you know what I'm talking about.  Baltimore has the most beautiful homes on the most amazing tree lined streets yet surrounded by some would go running from.  And thats just what we did.  In 2003 we headed west and built a nice home in a nice neighborhood that was safe and secure for our growing family.  Two kids, one amazing dog, and one hard working husband later I'm here on the east coast in the middle of Suburbia documenting my daily struggles and strives in my kitchen.

I do have an interesting tale to go along the way but I wont bore you with the details.  What I will tell you is that after about two years of being a stay at home mom in my early thirties I decided that I needed just a little something extra in my life.  I decided to open a catering business at exactly the wrong time. I started in my kitchen serving breakfast and lunches to a friend who was in medical sales.  Soon my business grew out of my house and I opened an amazing commercial space right downtown here in the historic district.  Before I knew it I was serving up 200 people a day before 11am. Out the door and onto my private parties and weddings.  I had a staff of twenty for evening parties and a menu to die for.  But that all came to an end when the recession hit and my doors closed.  A few stints in retail with Restoration Hardware as a Merchant Manager ( designing furniture store layouts, super fun),  J. Crew and Vera Bradley, I hung up my hat and realized my greatest accomplishment in life is cooking and raising my children.

Now I am documenting my travels around my stove.  This is for my children who will remain anonymous as will I, and family who always ask for a recipe and I half heartily recite a recipe over the phone that may or may not be correct.   And to the most amazing golden retriever who I refer to often as Lolo, Loulou, and Logan.  One cannot have enough love in their life.

I always thought writing a blog would be so redundant since so many people do and this one may be for you too.  For me this is my sanity and my release to give me personal gratitude for achievement. And a gift to those close.  Enjoy..