INSPIRE.
Meet vIRGINIA WILLIS - Author, cookbook writer & james beard Award Winner
I first met Virginia in October of 2017 at White Oak Pastures in Bluffton, GA. I was there with the National Peanut Board, experiencing harvest first-hand, learning about the latest irrigation technology, and cruising up and down the Flint River learning about the local ecosystems. Virginia, on the other hand, was creating a peanut-centric banquet for 30+ peanut fans on a hot, humid, post-hurricane, gnat-intensive day without AC, and slinging some serious joy and positive attitude. I loved her immediately before I even tasted the delicious courses of food placed before us.
Fast forward to an event at Melissa's Organic Produce headquarters (the largest organic produce dealers in the US), and there she was, again, cooking for the masses (this time with AC and no flies), slinging tips and tricks, exuding joy, knowledge, and friendship. I was honored when Virginia agreed to be this edition's interview subject, and I am proud to share some of her recipes and help promote her endeavors. One of the opening quotes of her book says it all: "Welcome to the global Southern kitchen - pull up a chair. EVERYONE is welcome at my table."
Without further ado, CLICK HERE to enjoy Virginia's interview.
meet TANYA MEMME - Host, Entrepreneur, Mom....
July 12, 2018
MEET SHIRLEY BOVSHOW - EDENMAKER
June 16, 2018

My bestie, Shirley Bovshow, at work in the garden - her home away from home!
IT'S SWEET TO BE DIANA SPROVERI!
June 8, 2018
SOPHIE ULIANO - GORGEOUSLY GREEN
May 28, 2018

LINDA GRASSO- veteran journalist
May 9, 2018
CRISTINA FERRARE - host, humanitarian, author & survivor
April 18, 2018

That's CRISTINA on the left, and yours truly on the right.
Cristina was one of my idols as a kid - a supermodel larger than life, later at the center of the news spotlight with a controversial first husband, and since then, a she's been at the helm of a long and successful career as a TV host, passionate cook, and even more passionate advocate and spokesperson on behalf of those with dementia and Alzheimer's Disease. She's about to publish a new book, Food For Thought, featuring dishes based on eating for health and memory. She is a survivor, a fighter, and most importantly, a source of inspiration, and a great friend. Read my interview with Cristina here.
Meet TAMMI LEADER FULLER
happy camper
MARCH 17, 2018

TAMMI LEADER FULLER - the Visionary behind CAMPOWERMENT
Be INSPIREd by KRISTIN SMITH
February 15, 2018
Be INSPIREd by EDESIA
i am so proud to be a member of the medical advisory board of this amazing organization. The founder, navyn salem, was in uganda 2 weeks ago and put together this little film. for more information about edesia, and what this company does, click here.
February 7, 2018
Meet Sharon Graves
FOUNDER AND OWNER OF BLVD KITCHEN
February 1, 2018

SHARON GRAVES and her daughter, RACHEL
lA ART SHOW
january 14, 2018
Talk about a wild and crazy show, this year's LA Art Show attracted a very diverse group of talent - with mixed media pieces as superstars. From Living Art (in the form of a sound bath emitting from crystal bowls held by dozens) to realistic crime scenes, from emojis to exquisite paper pieces, the show was very INSPIRing!

January 9, 2018
Check out this recent podcast I recorded with Linda Grasso, editor of Ventura Boulevard Magazine. Her podcast series, SheSez, focuses on the inspiration and aspiration we can all share with the women in our lives.