A little about me…

Welcome! I’m so grateful you’ve found your way to Little Ladle Living. Let me share the story behind this blog.

I grew up in a home where food was a daily celebration. My mother cooked dinner every night—chopping fresh vegetables, sautéing, simmering, even making fresh pasta from scratch. Her cooking was inspired by flavors from all over the world—Italian, Chinese, Indian, Mexican, Thai—you name it. Cooking ran deep in our family. I remember visiting my grandfather and great-grandmother in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where meals felt like feasts and ingredients came fresh from the garden. My great-grandmother had the most vibrant vegetable and herb garden, and dinner was often made with what she harvested that day.

Back then, I was more interested in playing with the dogs than learning recipes—but those memories stayed with me. As I’ve grown older, I’ve found a deep appreciation for the way I was raised around food, family, and tradition.

But my journey with food hasn’t always been easy.

As a teenager and young adult, my relationship with food became complicated. I struggled with an eating disorder that left me disconnected from nourishment and routine. At my lowest point, I’d go days without eating—or binge on whatever cheap food I could find. It wasn’t until college that I began healing, thanks in part to a therapist who helped me understand what food meant to me. I started from scratch—literally—learning to eat again, one meal at a time.

Eventually, I rediscovered the joy of whole meals. But that came with its own set of challenges: I was a full-time student, working long hours, living on a tight budget. I tried meal subscriptions, but they were pricey and inflexible. More than anything, I just wanted someone to tell me: here’s what to eat this week, here’s your grocery list, now go live your life. I didn’t want gourmet—I wanted doable. I wanted to think less and get more. And that’s what inspired me to create Little Ladle Living.

This blog is for anyone who’s felt overwhelmed by food—whether it’s what to cook, how to plan, or how to afford it. While you're here, I hope you find:

• Tips that make cooking approachable

• Peace of mind when it comes to planning meals

• Confidence in your food choices

• And most importantly, a renewed love for cooking at home

You don’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen to nourish yourself. Sometimes all it takes is a little ladle—and a little love.