About Me

As long as I can remember, I have loved food.  My fondest childhood memories are long, hot Pennsylvania summer days spent in the garden with my grandma, growing ingredients that we would turn into marvelous dishes.  She ran a bed and breakfast, mainly for people that frequented the church, and there was never a shortage of food around.  I remember being very grumpy that the noise from the kitchen would wake me up at 5a.m. – only to be calmed by the smell of something delicious [usually the muffin flavor of the day] coming from the oven.  I spent hours and hours slaving in that kitchen – measuring, stirring, chopping, switching pans, washing dishes, and talking.  I had no idea at the time how much those long, hard days would shape me into the person I was to become.  

I still work hard, but not in the food industry.  I went to college (we are – Penn State) for a practical major that gives me and my family the ability to live another life-long dream… to live at the beach!  Long days analyzing data usually result in me cranking up 40’s music, sipping a glass of wine, and working tediously over a healthy creation to feed me and my family.  I’m not a trained chef, but I do cook every… single… day.  

When I was first married, I remember that some dishes I made for my husband were downright horrendous.  I used to stare at bon appetite magazine in awe because I didn’t even know what half of the ingredients were.  I would pick out a new recipe to try every week that would include something I had never used before.  Slowly over the years, I’ve found that my palate craves those fresh ingredients that were once foreign to me, and we’ve evolved to making most things from scratch. Our theory truly is everything in moderation; I mean, we live in the south [just outside of Myrtle Beach], so how can we not eat SOME of the greasy, stick-to-your-ribs food it’s known for every now and then?! 

In 2018, I had what can be called a defining experience – a dream trip to Cuba.  It was my son’s first trip out of the country, and my first time experiencing a country “No Reservations”-style where we sought to stay and eat where the locals do.  Since then, my family has traveled as much as we possible can.  I believe that life is meant to be lived, and I’d rather say “I can’t believe I did…” instead of “I wish I would have…”.  Some people think we’re crazy; some people think we’re inspiring.  Whatever we are, I hope you enjoy this Blog as a tribute to my love for both food & travel.