Who Inspires You?

“Life is a series of experiences, each one of which makes us bigger, even though sometimes it is hard to realize this. For the world was built to develop character, and we must learn that the setbacks and grieves which we endure help us in our marching onward.”  
~Henry Ford

In my life I have been inspired by several amazing women.  
My Mom (the rock) has been a very important influence in shaping who I am as a women.  While my mom and I have butted heads in the past 
I know I can always count on my mom to lift me up when I’m down and be there for me when I need her most.

My paternal grandmother (Granny) was a strong homemaker who taught us proper English manners and etiquette.  Granny was born and raised in England and moved to the States in her 20s. Granny was a big part of our lives with regular weekend visits, working in the garden, cooking and trips to the Navy base during the summer for swimming in the officer’s pool.  My maternal grandmother was a hoot.  She was a wild child of the 60s.  She was creative, liked to sew and taught us that it’s okay to be different as long as you’re having fun.

Last but certainly not least is my Great Grandmother who was the inspiration for Mary’s Real Food Cookbook.  My sisters and I would visit Grandma Peg when we were little and listen to stories of her travels around the world.  My mom told me that she was very active in her Women’s Club and even became president.  I too am active in my local Women’s Club (a local non-profit) and find it very rewarding to give back to the community with the programs were are involved in as a club.

Why Real Food?

There are many definitions of what “real food” is.  I’m not a food snob but I like healthy, simple and delicious meals.  I try to use organic ingredients as often as possible but most importantly, our meals are homemade.  I don’t always cook “from scratch” but at least I know what went into my food, how it was prepared and I can control portion size.

“Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood.”  ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Because giving back is so important, 10% of all pre-order sales of Mary’s Real Food Cookbook will be donated to Feeding America and Feeding South Florida.

Thank you so much for stopping by.  Have a great weekend!

*Back to the Basics is being featured on Eye Heart*
Be sure to check out Friday Shout-Out and Anything Goes, two awesome link parties hosted at Eye Heart.

The side-yard project

Homegrown Turnip

Homemade Key Lime Marmalade