Welcome to my blog! Grab a glass of wine, a blanket and a cozy seat on your back porch. I am so glad you are here!
This has been a thought/idea/dream in the back of my head for 3 years now. I was raised in a proper southern Kentucky home (yes, Kentucky is MOST DEFINITELY still considered of the south–I have sweet tea in my veins to prove it) where many of my greatest memories were shared around our family table and when people gathered in our home for many many dinner parties (my parents can throw it down in the kitchen and party hosting business!). From breaking beans on a blanket with my grandmother to creating an immaculate table setting a church dinner, I was born and raised to cook and entertain. Food is in our blood, it fuels our body and spirit and gives life to so many beloved memories. My hope is to give you just a glimpse into what makes me and my love for all the sweetness gathering around a table can bring.
My husband and I live in Kentucky where we continue my childhood traditions and love making our own. I studied Kinesiology at the University of Kentucky (Go Big Blue!) and as deep as my passion is for food—running, fitness and the human body is a close second. I have the greatest honor of being a strength and conditioning coach (NSCA, CSCS) where I have the privilege and delight of working with middle and high school athletes. I have coached high school track and field (cross country for a couple seasons) since the fall of 2010 and have been running myself since I was in 6th grade. If you would have told me when I graduated UK I would be an HS coach and teaching strength and conditioning I probably would have laughed at you—- AKA that was not my plan! But God had something so much sweeter in store, beginning with meeting my husband and gently guiding me in a different direction. My goal every day is to be someone I wish I would have had when I was their age. The hours are long, the work is hard but the rewards are bountiful.
I am a lover of sushi, salted caramel, chicken and dumplings and a good spinach and fruit salad. There is nothing better than dinner on our back porch with family, a good glass of red wine, game nights with friends, a hard track workout and being able to sleep in on a Saturday morning with my love, Justin. There isn’t a bad day that a dollop of homemade whipped cream and a hug can’t make better or belly that cannot be warmed with a warm homemade cookie. A dinner full of cheese, bread, crackers, fruit, and wine is heaven. I go to bed looking forward to eating my oatmeal and savoring each sip of coffee in the morning. I crave berries, watermelon and garden veggies all summer and love the smell of Justin firing up the grill for a light and fresh dinner.
My hope is that this blog can be a beautiful marriage of both my childhood and my life now. Southern comfort and a sweet treat. A workout that pushes the limits along with the stillness of a weekend night on the back porch. Southern charm with the strength of athleticism. Simply put, all of what fuels my southern soul.
