I was driving to work this morning listening to a favorite podcast, StartUp, which just recently started their 2nd season. This season they are following a start-up, Dating Ring, which is an online dating company founded by 2 women. They were talking about their back story and how they got to the point where they decided to form this company and really give it a shot at making it work. As I was listening, it reminded me of my story and my "why" for creating this blog. Check out this Ted Talk by Simon Sinek if you haven't heard it before -- it's amazing, inspiring, and something I've been meaning to write about and put into words for a while.

Also, check out my friend, Kate Voda's Photography blog if you haven't already -- the gorgeous picture of tomatoes you see and many others are all by the talented Kate!

To be successful in business, or in most things in life, it's REALLY critical that you are passionate about what you do. To be good at something, it has to be so easy that you don't realize you're good at it. For example, I remember when a boss I had told me I was really good at bringing people together to which I replied, what does that even mean? To me, making friends and creating a bond with the people I work with everyday is something I just naturally do. I had no idea that it's actually a strength and something I'm good at and that not everyone finds it easy to do.

I remember the first time I brought in something I had baked to work in my LA office. People were shocked that I actually baked...from scratch. People are even more shocked to learn that I cook something every week--granted, it used to be closer to every day but, hey, I work a lot of hours. AND, I can now say I know A LOT of people who never cook. This is shocking to me! Making a delicious meal and sitting down to eat with your family is something that is so important and such a simple pleasure in life that it is sad to see others who don't experience that. My favorite time of every week is when Jason and I cook breakfast together on the weekends and then relax together while enjoying our meal. This is one thing I can point to that I grew up surrounded by in Idaho that I think people living in Urban areas are missing out on!

So, here goes for my "why":

Why: I believe cooking is too important for people to not know how to do and that greats meals shared together as a family are priceless...and way healthier than eating out!

How: I use easy techniques and basic ingredients that I grew up learning how to create delicious and healthy dishes that are easy enough for any home cook to replicate

What: I cook meals and share them with you every week on my blog

Simple Greek Salad
2 small cucumbers (I prefer English seedless), chopped     2-3 medium tomatoes, chopped
1-2 green onions, chopped     1/2 lemon, juiced     1-1 1/2 tsp. oregano
salt and pepper to taste     good drizzle of olive oil (~1/8 c.)
Optional: Handful of Feta cheese     Handful of Greek kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
Combine in a bowl, stir, and enjoy!