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Sunday, July 8, 2012

Brainstorming!

Cupcakes for Leeland's 3rd Birthday Party!

As a 'stay at home' mom, it can be hard keeping things updated and current when you are chasing two little guys who need your full attention. In the evenings, I like to relax with my hubby and enjoy a nice meal and just enjoy some quality time together or work on another project. I love this blog and have been doing it for the last two and a half years, but it is time to change some things up. 

I have a knack for baking, cooking, creating, food photography, entertaining, blogging and lots of other hobbies like couponing and at home projects which I enjoy doing on a daily basis. You might think, and I've been told, "How do you have time to do all these things and chase those boys?" The answer is, well, that's just me and who I am. I enjoy doing all those things (those who really know me know I get it from my mom). They are not really a big deal to me. I love to make over-the-top meals even if it's just for my toddlers who end up trashing it on the floor. To me, they are like my little guests. We also as a family don't eat out at a lot of restaurants and so I like to make meals at home and experiment with new recipes and above all share them with everyone!

Back in February of this year (2012) I had the opportunity with my best friend to audition for a show on Food Network called "Recipe to Riches" Season 2 and entered my pretzel bites which I named "Canadian Bacon Bites" and was able to snag a "Golden Ticket" which made me the top 15 in Canada in my category of savoury snacks. I did not get through to the top 3 and make it to the competition in Toronto, but being in that environment and among the celebrity judges sure gave me the confidence to know I can do more. I did end up having an opportunity through my blog to work with Maple Leaf Canada and their product Oliveri to create some meals using their pasta which they posted on their Facebook Fanpage to over 40,000 fans! They sent me a $50 gift card and 10 free product coupons to use to make these meals. There was also another opportunity with GoldSeal tuna after I submitted a recipe using their flavoured tuna. They sent me some free product coupons and some other gift items as well. All in all, a lot of confidence was built and put to use!

So, this is where I stand now. I want to further in my baking and creations to share with others on a different scale. This blog isn't just a blog to me, it's also my virtual cookbook and I will be updating it here and there. For now, the blog address is www.mwmichelle.blogspot.com and www.mealswithmichelle.com will become something new, exciting, and hopefully produce a little extra money for this 'stay at home' mom!