Yes, I started a blog. Honestly, it seems like a lot of folks I know have started one lately. So why me? Why now?

Truth be told, I’ve been noodling on this idea for a while, but it’s taken a bit of courage, finding my voice, finding my vision, and getting comfortable with it all to take the leap. See, the whole idea of blogging started with our honeymoon back in 2015. We took a fantastic 2.5 week tour of France and Italy. While away, I wrote a few email updates to interested family and friends, sharing a touch about the sites and the AH-MAZING food we were indulging in along the way. I got a few replies telling me I should consider writing about food more often. The itch was born.

From time to time I would come back to, “Do I start a blog and just write about the food I eat?” And each time the answer was no. Who wanted my opinion on what food I thought was good? It’s such a personal relationship for each individual.

Over the next year plus, I let it go, pouring myself into building my career, settling into our homes, taking on parenthood, and exploring my favorite food blogs (I promise I’ll share more on these later). In that time, I also watched one of my best lady friends focus on building her brand and her blog. I was (and still am) so in awe of what she’s accomplished, all the while staying true to herself. And, not too long ago, a lovely gal from my hometown started a blog to share her experiences as a mom. The collective inspiration from all of these bloggers was my impetus.

Back to the big question, just what was my focus? It came in a flash, as I find most inspiration does, while out on a walk with my son on a mid-October day. Yes I love food, cooking, and baking, but that wasn’t all I wanted to talk about. And, I didn’t want to limit myself to only talking about my life as a mom either. I didn’t want to compartmentalize what makes me ME. I’m a woman who leads HR for a small company from my home office, while simultaneously momming-so-hard to Little Man. I’m a person that wants to look and feel good in my skin, but also enjoys the pleasures life has to offer (read: I LOVE dessert). I’m a wife, a friend, and my own individual attempting to balance the needs of those I hold close, to the me needs. This is what I was going to talk about!

So why are we here, two full months into 2018, and you’re just seeing Mrs. Rogers’ Neighborhood pop up on the blogosphere? Fear, life, a bit of research, fear, and getting it (mostly) right. I’m well aware nothing will ever be 100% before launch, but I wanted to feel comfortable with what I was about to put out to the world.

I could go on, but I’ll spare you. In short, Mrs. Rogers’ Neighborhood will focus on favorite recipes that work for busy lifestyles (you don’t have to be a mom to relate) and when you want to spend a little extra time on something extra-ordinary, my experiences navigating life in the here and now, and some of my favorite ways to stay healthy in mind, body, and spirit. You may also get a review or two peppered in because I am someone who shouts from mountaintops to all who care to listen when I’ve discovered a brand, location, or dining spot worth knowing about.

Whether you stop by for a brief visit, or make yourself at home, I hope you enjoy what Mrs. Rogers’ Neighborhood has to offer.

Until we meet again,