My real job
I have a Bachelor degree in Urban Planning and am a huge proponent and advocate of New Urbanism, and am obsessed with learning of new places and developments; which are implementing these key principles. While that is my professional passion, my life’s passion is food! You will also catch me blogging about small space city living; utilizing every inch of space, and design.
I consider myself a SAHM, but I’m still very active in part-time and temporary planning work and community/social services. My current temporary position involves finding housing and resources for homeless veterans in RVA!
Kids! Kids! Kids!
Our first two Chillies are twins, baby boy and baby girl, we probably should of stopped, but God I’m glad we didn’t …and produced one more beautiful girl and last but certainly not least a cute rambunctious boy!
I have the most amazing kids, beautiful inside and out and they ALMOST give me no trouble. I’m sure my mom is thinking “where is Karma when you need it?!” They are great; they keep our lives pretty square, but we weren’t always that way…..
I married the first man I met in college…ok, maybe second…but who’s counting? We met and nearly a year later, we were married in Vegas. Yes we eloped. I could talk about my man all day but I’ll spare you and just say he is the best part of my life!
Major Food Allergies won’t stop me
According to a string of allergy test I am allergic to almost everything…but I don’t let that stop me from enjoying my food. There are certain foods I won’t go near and others I can somewhat tolerate. If you or someone you know has food allergies, and you need help preparing allergy free meals, shoot me an email or comment below. I am pretty handy at creating recipes; finding alternatives for allergens.
You can read about my allergies here, plus there’s a pretty good grain free recipe to boot.
I Love the Lord
My faith means the world to me and I feel, hear, and talk to my living God all day ( I’m not crazy) I just know he is real, and if I could just show you a little bit of how amazing he is, I know that I have done something decent in my life.
I’m no Boyardee…..
I’m not a trained chef…just trained in the hard knock life of home cooking. It took a few food poisonings, Some Crispy Golden Fried on the outside and bloody red on the inside chicken, and the occasional grease fire to get to where I am now! My skills have come with trials and kitchen tribulations but now I’m such a pro that my eyes are measuring cups which leads me to my next point……
Measuring Sucks
I rarely use measuring cups in my normal cooking life…but…..For You I Will….. every recipe I post has been measured to the T, then done over for accuracy! That still doesn’t mean I can guarantee everything will go great! Your circumstances may be different. I.E. climate, ovens, method, etc. If something is not coming out the way you expected let me know in the comment section I will try to remedy whatever is going on. I really just want to get you cookin’ and trying new things, for me that is number one to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, making your own food and knowing where it came from.
Inspired by the past
I love SOUL Food…I am a southern Food Queen and that is my major inspiration, and some have demonized soul food as unhealthy and bad for you and maybe there is some truth to that today….but don’t get it twisted, most of the traditional food and dishes of the South are healthy… I know that notion goes against what we see, but most of the food and dishes I grew up eating at my Gmas consisted of a plethora of garden veggies, various legumes, and desserts reserved for special occasions only. Which is why despite all the indulgent recipes you will see here…….
*UPDATE* No change here just wanted to let you know I still LOVE and enjoy delicious soul food despite my diet changes.
I’m a healthy weight
When it comes to my diet I am not counting calories, I don’t’ keep a journal, nor do I pig out to my heart’s content….and trust me my heart would be content with that, but I take an “everything in moderation” approach to food and life. I do a bit of exercise if time and schedule permit. I also make sure I get tons of fresh fruits and vegetables. You will almost always find me cooking some sort of legume in my crock pot, and I dabble in some at home yoga…mainly in the boudoir. It also helps that I have a big family around who are more than willing to help me try out all the recipes I come up with, so I’m not eating all these treats alone, I have a lot of help.
*UPDATE* I lost over 30lbs by the time I was a few months into a Paleo lifestyle. I thought I was a healthy weight but actually I was a little heavier.
Any other questions please ask below!
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To contact me
Email: [email protected]
Google Plus Profile
Follow me here on twitter, I’m always cooking and love to share…..
Check out my pictures on Instagram too!
All food pics are mine, and taken by me.
I currently use a Nikon D5300 and D3200.
Hi Christina! My son (2.5 years old) is riddled with food allergies and is pretty much a vegan. I would love to chat about allergy free meal ideas. We’ve found quite a few alternatives for him and he’s been eating quite well.
Hi Zahra, I too have been plagued with allergies in my childhood, I was taking weekly shots for about a year, which left everything dormant until my last pregnancy which led me back to an Allergist to find out I was allergic to life!Lol Im trying to reduce and eliminate allergens in steps, some are harder then others because I love food. One thing that does work for me is drinking Braggs brand Apple Cider Vinegar, that might be difficult for the baby, but you can always try and incorporate it in the meal. We definitely need to chat..Thanks for stopping by, and I love your blog btw!
Thanks!!! I’m loving your blog too! Yes! Let’s chat or do a recipe share. ACV will be difficult for him. We’ve been trying to build his immune system, but it’s tough when there are so many things to avoid. I know how you “feel” based on dealing with my son.
Thank you Zahra! I’ll be in touch
Hi Christina, that was an amazing intro if I’ve ever read one! I’m also a foodie and I will definitely get an eye-full reading here, I’m sure. It’s also great to know another person who talks to God all-day-long… (i’m not crazy either) Great to connect with you!
~Cynthia
Hi Cynthia, thanks for your kind words, it’s great to meet people who value their relationship with God as much as I, and food is always a great way to connect, talk to you soon!
Christina
So proud and so impressed
Aww Thanks!
Enjoy this great site it’s a master piece! Truly satisfied I recently found this on the internet.
Thank you, I’m glad you found it too!
I’m so excited to try your recipes. They look and sound absolutely delicious. Also they are not very complicated (I don’t have patience for that). Also do you have another mac and cheese recipe that I don’t have to melt the cheese on the stove top and I can just put everything in the oven at one time? I would like to use sour cream in the oven recipe. Would that work?
Hi Pamela, thanks for your kind words! I’m happy you’ve found me, I do have a bunch of no fuss recipes, and now that you mention it I will work on a “no-stove top melting” Mac and Cheese. Please, subscribe with your email address so you won’t miss any updates!
Hi Christina! I would like to send you a personal e-mail, however I cannot seem to locate an address/contact form. Would it be possible for you to send me your contact info to my e-mail. Thanks so much! ~Ericka Taylor
Hi Erica thank you for bringing that to my attention, but yes you can reach me by email at [email protected]
Hi there Christina I love your about page. Very heartfelt and genuine. But you gotta help me out with the food! I am a foodie and the cookies alone have put pound on just looking at them. Haha. No seriously I appreciate your blog and I like the fact that you love the Lord. So do I. He makes the difference in my life and is the reason I get to do what I do and manage a home and family. Well blessings on you and thanks for a lovely blog.
Thank you Charmaine, so happy we could connect and you are so right, The Lord does make a difference, he has made a huge impact on mine, and I’m so grateful for everything he’s done, what he’s gonna do and what he’s not gonna do! I have a bunch more family friendly recipes coming so please stop back by!
I love what you’re about! This is a great intro! And four kiddies! You must be so very busy! So happy to have found this–also so happy that my town (Vegas) figured into your joyous story!
Tracey @ saltysweetlife.com recently posted…Chinese New Year & Cucumber-Enoki Mushroom Salad
Thank you so much Tracey, I’m so excited we’ve found each other! We’ve been trying to make time to get back there to Vegas just the two of us
Your site is so pretty. I love the black and white! That was an amazing intro. I love to cook and am looking forward to seeing your recipes. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Tia recently posted…7 Days of Love: A Sexy Playlist
Thanks Tia, I love connecting with others who love to cook!! Happy V-DAY to you too!
Great meeting you Christina! Thanks for letting us get to know you. I’ll definitely be following your blog along.
Yvonne I. Wilson recently posted…9 Uplifting Bible Quotes for When You Are Hurting and Need Comfort
Thank you Yvonne it’s nice connecting with you as well!
I’m not the best cook, but I can follow a recipe to the tee so we shall be friends as long as you ALWAYS give me a measured amount!
mimi recently posted…Mixed Print Pillows
The pressure :/ ….I think I can handle the measurements, just make sure you keep me updated on all things fabulous…I’m not the best at that!