Hi – My name is Nicolle and these are just some of the things I love: food, crafts, decorating, Mexican food, party planning, I’m attempting to love gardening (more on that below), Italian food, photography, desserts…and food – primarily food; all kinds.  

While I have not always loved food and some of the other things listed, crafts and decorating have always been hobbies.  I still have those plastic-mesh-yarn-Christmas crafts (what were they called?) some finished, most still in boxes for that magical period in my life where I’ll have tons of free time.  I am hooked on Pinterest and am fascinated by some of the clever ideas people have!

Cooking (and baking) have become passions of mine over the last few years.  I am always trying new things and wanted a place to share my success and missteps, a.k.a end of the world catastrophes (according to Mr. E I can be a bit melodramatic), with friends and family.  Who is Mr. E? Mr. E is my wonderful other half who keeps me grounded, keeps me laughing and is the love of my life.  You may see him on here once in a while. 

Mr. E is also my taste tester, not just on the things I cook, but on anything that might be “suspect”.  You know when you’re at a restaurant and you’ve ordered something and it arrives at your table and its kinda… suspect.  Maybe you were attempting to be brave and try something new or adventurous and now that it is in front of you and maybe even looking at you with it’s one eye…. Sorry, I digress bad fish experience.  Anyway – Mr. E has been my taste tester since 2005 and he is fantastic at it. 🙂

Gardening is something new I’ve picked up and I have a love/hate relationship with it.  I love seeing the plants start to grow from little seeds and going to my garden to pick fresh kale or basil for a recipe, but I HATE HATE HATE it when some little bug – caterpillar thing starts eating on my plants or sucking all of the green out of the leaves.  I have a lot to learn and will probably be looking for advice and suggestions often!

One last thing, Mr. E and I have two of the best dogs in the whole wide world!  It’s true – these aren’t just the words of a proud “mama”.  Okay – so maybe I’m a little biased…and maybe sometimes they do gross dog things, but hardly ever! LOL.  They may also make appearances in some posts or pictures, but I’ll do my best to keep it at a minimum.

Please always share any ideas or suggestions; I love learning about new tricks! Also, let me know of any questions and I’ll always do my best to respond quickly: afrenchnovellife@aol.com