About Me

I was always excited when thinking about what our next meal would be. Also, my friends would regularly comment about how I light up and become delightfully animated anytime our conversations turn to anything about food.

There were other clues for me that I didn’t notice at first. For instance, while some people collect stamps or fridge magnets, I was acquiring a rather large collection of cookbooks – in particular, Martha Steward’s Everyday Food Magazine, of which I have every edition since 2005. Hmmm…could there be something there?

Then a few years ago I had a pivotal day in my life – a "light bulb" moment so to speak. It had been a typical stress-filled day at the office when I returned home to cook dinner for my family. As I walked from my driveway to my home, I wasn't feeling up to being in the kitchen, particularly after the day I’d had.

I thought about throwing some chicken nuggets in the oven, cutting up some carrots, and calling it a night. However, I decided to make something healthier instead.

To my surprise, cooking that particular meal relaxed me in the way that a spa visit would relax some people. The action of peeling the skin off the onions, the sound of my knife cutting through their white flesh, the pungent aroma that they released into the air, gave me a sense of calm. All thoughts of the stress of my day had vanished. As I continued to prepare the meal I became even more mindful of the moment, savoring the pleasures in each step as my senses awakened.

Suddenly, the light bulb came on! This is what I love! This is what brings me joy!

Dinner that night was simple spaghetti and meat sauce, and I was in and out of the kitchen in less than 30 minutes. James (who is my biggest fan) raved about it and even Caleb, my picky four-year-old eater, loved it. Their bellies were full and my heart was happy.

Like many people, I have struggled with what to do with my life. The cliché of "Follow Your Passion" had eluded me for so long, because I didn't realize what my passion was until I discovered the joy I get from creating meals for my family and friends.

Now, I realize that not everyone is as joyful about the dinner time hour as I am. So I created this website to share some of the ideas I have about making meal planning practical and easy. It’s all about what really works for you.

Whatever your meal planning goals are: whether they are getting out of the rut of cooking the same old meals; finding easier, cheaper, or healthier ways to feed your family; or just taking the stress out of answering that age old question – what's for dinner tonight? I hope that the information that I have shared through this website will help you put dinner on the table each and every night with easy, and maybe even with some joy.

Thank you for taking the time to read about me. Please, feel free to get into contact with me with any questions or suggestions regarding meal planning, by clicking on the "Contact Me" link. It would be my pleasure to hear from you!

Happy Planning!


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