I ventured into the world of book (and blog) writing to fulfill a promise to my beloved mother-in-law. Sue's bright light was extinguished on December 2, 2010, after a valiant 13-year battle with breast cancer... just five month's after her first grandchild (my daughter) was born. Now as a mother, entrepreneur, friend, sister, daughter, wife, and torch-bearer of a legacy, I paddle my boat, one wave at a time, toward that promise to her—and now to myself. In death as in life, Sue continues to motivate and inspire me. Follow me, and I'll do my best to pass the inspiration along. To life!
Every recipe in my recipe album has a reason for being there. Most are passed on by family or created in our own kitchen. But a select few (some of our favorites) are from friends. On each recipe I make sure to note who passed it on to us, when they first shared it with … More Food and Friends
Did you happen to catch Matthew McConaughey’s Oscar speech? Sure, it had your typical Hollywood elements of narcissism, divine shout-outs, and a complete disregard for larger matters that his own character brought to light. None of that impressed me. What did impress me, however, were the questions he posed regarding the three things a person should … More What Are Your Three?
“What? You’re not going to find out the baby’s sex? I couldn’t do it!” That is the single most common response I get when people ask me what I’m having. So let me clarify: It’s not that I don’t want to know. I don’t want others to know. At least not yet. From the moment … More It’s a Boy! It’s a Girl! Who Cares?
I recently came across an idea-packed article on creativity rituals, which included everything from naps to bar brainstorming to frequent vacations (yes yes and yes!). They also mentioned something called an “interesting people fund,” the idea of which was taken from an interview with entrepreneur and author Ben Casnocha: By pre-committing time and money to meeting interesting … More Interesting Person Fund
It’s not often that I recommend a book so unilaterally. Frankly, I don’t recommend most books I enjoy because they’re usually too far in the realm of classic on the one end or fantasy on the other. Not true with The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt. Whether you’re man or woman, adventure lover or philosopher, page … More The Goldfinch
Warning: The situations you’re about to read are real. Third Trimester is not to be taken likely. If you or someone you love experiences any of these symptoms, enact relaxation measures immediately: sit, raise feet, and eat something immediately—preferably chocolate. You Might Be Third Trimester If… You return home from a night out with friends and … More You Might Be Third Trimester If…
Sure, you’ve had beef stew, but not like this. Sweet and savory. Rich and tomato-free. Unexpectedly herbal. Around these parts (i.e. our house), we call it “Brother-in-Law Stew.” Ryan first concocted it at my sister’s house for her, my parents, and my brother-in-law. Thus the name. But you can call it… Beef Stew With Gnocchi Ingredients for … More Beef Stew With Gnocchi
My first introduction to Homaro Cantu was via the Discovery Channel’s “Future Food” TV series on Planet Green. That’s also when I first learned about the miracle berry and its ability to temporarily fool your taste buds into thinking sour and bitter foods taste sweet. My friend Geraldine wrote about her miracle taste adventure over on … More Inspiring Minds: Homaro Cantu
Sometimes in life, you just need to stop and ask the universe for directions. That’s what I did, going into my recent trip to Hawaii with my husband and daughter. After years devoted to (and struggling with) two kids’ books near and dear to my heart, I left it up to vacation to provide some meditation … More Directions
Regardless of your political preferences, this is a refreshingly honest talk on grief (see video below) from Joe Biden to military families in mourning. For anyone coping with a loss, I hope it will bring you some peace during this reflective time of year. “There will come a day, I promise you, when the thought of … More Hope and Hard Truths
My Castle Heart Publications 