Hi there! I’m Lauren. I’m a college student, self-taught baker, and a local magazine freelance writer in love with the idea of creating recipes to inspire others to live healthy inside and outside of the kitchen. My favorite part of inventing new recipes is the smile that it puts on peoples’ faces as they enjoy the farm-fresh flavors and tastes inspired by cultures from around the world. From cultural experiences to nostalgic walks through local farmers markets across the USA from Seattle, Washington to the Carolinas, my recipes are uniquely delicious. I was blessed with parents who believed in knowledge through experience starting at a very young age. As we hiked out West / Southwest, we saw nature in the wild with buffalos, moose, bears, javelinas, and more. My childhood memories include eating slow cooked whole oats, bear claws on the window, and an indigenous Panamanian tribe member canoeing us across muddy waters. Only moments before a baby boa constrictor decided to tap my shoulder as we hiked the rainforest jungle trail to enjoy a small meal with the native tribe. Some of my favorite memories are our bi-annual trips to enjoy traditional slow food and farmhouse cooking in Italy. Growing up, I loved watching my grandmother, of Armenian descent, cook in the kitchen. Then, Cupcake Wars released their first episode… and my life changed. I was obsessed with trying to create unique cupcake recipes. Some were good, and inevitably, some were a bit disastrous. But hey, that’s part of the process of being a self-taught baker! As I grew older, I became even more conscience of health. I found joy in creating recipes that incorporated seasonal fruits and veggies from my local farmers market. I’ve learned so much, and try my best to exhibit my fondness for the awe-inspiring cultures throughout my recipes, along with a few traditional Southern dishes with unique twists. I am so thrilled you’ve come across my path! I truly hope you enjoy this food & lifestyle blog. Philippians 4:13