We need so many “life skills” to thrive and grow, some are essential, some not so much. It depends on your values and priorities. For me, family, connection, energy and enjoyment are top priorities. So I guess it’s no surprise that in my opinion - cooking is a life skill. I see so many people eat terrible food - whether it’s processed foods, takeout, or just carb heavy nutrient light junk. And then they complain because don’t have energy, they are unhealthy or they lack focus or creativity. When we fuel our bodies properly we are feeding mind, body and soul. Building a foundation for success and sustainability. I taught my three kids to cook and they eat well and mom doesn’t worry about them! But my three kids are the inspiration behind my new community - The Cooking Skool! My mission is to teach as many people as I can to feel confident in the kitchen and not just follow recipes but learn to COOK. If you or anyone else want to feel more confident and lean to cook better meals, I’d love to have you!

Food, family and travel are my absolute passions and my offers are always made up of those three things to one degree or another. Here’s a little snippet of a recent cooking class recording with my daughter who I’m Insanely proud of, and grateful for her willingness to participate!

What are you up to this weekend? My oldest daughter is coming home tonight so this weekend will be about strawberries! Whenever one of my kids come home menu planning becomes our focus. Since it’s strawberry season and my daughter is a fanatic, strawberry shortcake is her first request!

Here’s a little tip to help you thrive. Food is not optional, it’s sustenance. It is the fuel that helps us do the jobs that we’re trying to do. Build our business, create and serve. Make sure you eat enough, and try to focus on including protein in your meals, along with fiber to help stave off hunger. One of my favorite go to meals on the fly is a protein shake, with Greek yogurt, some fruit, Chia, seeds, and flaxseed. Even as a chef, I can’t tell you how many times I get halfway through the day and think oh no I have to eat something! That’s almost always the end result. Go eat something now. Your body and your brain will thank you.

When I first joined, SKOOL, I was intrigued. It seemed like a great place for me to park my Program. I previously had no clue how to deliver it. I opened my community and started sharing cooking classes. I did some fancy ones, I did some very simple ones. And I created the Chef’s Kiss Date Night Experience. Food has always been sent to my life, so important either cooking or consuming, always sharing. I’ve taught cooking classes in various places, but I wouldn’t be able to count the number of people who I have taught informally. Of course, I taught my three kids to cook and they’re very confident in the kitchen, but I get text messages from friends all the time with cooking questions. I’ve guided so many people through basic techniques and help them grow into more complicated dishes. Food place a huge role in our lives. Every important occasion is celebrated with food playing a central role. Weddings. Birthdays. Anniversaries. It’s always there. About a month ago, I woke up in the morning and I was on fire. I wanted to teach young people to cook. I’ve had so many people ask me over the years, and I thought I’m going to do it. So I created Takeout to Real Meals in 30 days to take people from zero skills to basic kitchen confidence. And I tucked it into The Cooking Skool so I could be available for questions, support, and many more lessons to help people grow their newfound skills. My first member signed up and it was a 62-year-old woman who just wanted to feel more comfortable in the kitchen. Not the ICA I had imagined, but just made me realize that lots of people would like to learn to be more comfortable in the kitchen. @Shawn Ziem suggested I make it nine dollars a month instead of $97 a year, so I thought I might try it out. Who wants to learn how to cook?