About Me

I’m a momma to a 1/2 dozen great kids, Gigi to ten sweethearts, and wife to my awesome hubby of 38 years who is also my chief guinea pig recipe taste tester.

I’ve homeschooled all my kids over the past 20+ years and it has been my desire to share with our children the joys of intentional hospitality. Whether it is for small casual get-togethers or big parties, our door has always been open to old friends as well as new.

I grew up on a dairy farm in northern Indiana, being tutored in homemaking under my grandmother’s apron strings. She graciously taught me the art of loving a family through cooking, canning, and gardening. She demonstrated that our homes should be a place to enjoy the simple pleasures of living life well, each and every day. She showed me how to enjoy the gifts God has placed in our lives: a freshly picked bouquet of rosemary and flowers from the yard, the simple treat of a pretty bowl of pink peppermint candy tucked neatly on a table just for grandchildren, and the smell of garden-fresh heirloom tomatoes being caned into sumptuous tomato soup for a cold winter evening. Her simple, but oh so delicious lifestyle inspired me to instill this kind of intentional hospitality in my children, as well as share it with all who come to our home.

Getting around Intentional Hospitality

Frequently asked questions

What type of camera do you use?

I shoot with a Canon EOS 6D 20.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR.  This was the first real camera I purchased and it has been easy to learn how to use, it’s loaded with great features and the price was reasonable.  I also purchased a few lenses to go with the camera. My general all-purpose go-to lens is a Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Standard & Medium Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR Cameras – Fixed. My all-time favorite lens has been my Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras. The detail that this lens can get on my food shots is amazing!  I also have a Canon EF 28mm f/1.8 USM Wide Angle Lens for Canon SLR Cameras.  I don’t use a lot right now, but I plan on using it for kitchen interior shots more. 

Can I publish your photos or recipes on my blog/website? 

Thank you for asking. Please refer to my Photo and Recipe Policy for details.

Do you do sponsored posts, freelance recipe development, writing and/or food photography?

I sure do, contact me and we can talk!

Keeping in touch

There are lots of ways to keep in touch with me! You can subscribe via email and have recipes sent straight to your inbox. You can join my newsletter and get a FREE PARTY PLANNER PRINTABLE just for signing up.  

I love comments on my blog posts or you can email me any questions and comments you might have.  I reserve the right to remove promotional links, abusive and/or hurtful comments.

To contact me regarding freelance work, food photography, or sponsorships, please contact me, I look forward to hearing from you.

I truly hope you find the recipes I’ve created delicious, my photography inspiring, and my blog inviting. If you make a recipe or use a party idea, snap a picture and tag me on IG, #intentionalhospitality, or drop it to me in an email,  I would love to see them.