In Real Life, May 1
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Hello, foodies! It’s been a while since I shared a Real Life post, so let me try to catch you up on all the eventful news around here.
I’ve been really busy lately with three trips to St. Louis since March, all because of my new grandson! In addition to him, I also have a 3-month-old granddaughter in Knoxville. Both new babies (plus our amazing 4-year-old) keep Nana and Papa on the road. It seems we’re always on the move!
Besides doting on my grandchildren — they really are the cutest! — I’ve been juggling work, physical therapy, doctor appointments, and so many other little things that require my attention. Do you ever feel you’re burning the candle at both ends? I sure do. Whew!
Last week I spent a few days away at a beautiful country house in Franklin, Tennesse, with my best blogger friends and it was just what I needed to get rejuvenated and recharged. Although we meet virtually every week, being together in one place was so motivating!
What’s new on the blog?
Two EASY Dinner Recipes
Juicy Air Fryer Pork Chops
If you’re wondering how to make Juicy Pork Chops in the Air Fryer, you’re not alone! Pork is notorious for quickly drying out, but this recipe results in perfectly tender pork chops with a slightly crisp outside. The chops are cooked with olive oil and seasoned with simple ingredients like salt, pepper, paprika, and ground mustard, producing a rich, tangy, and smoky flavor.
A new recipe for the smoker
A crowd pleaser
More about the blogging retreat
As a food blogger, I feel extremely fortunate to have connected with an amazing group of peers who help and encourage me every week. Each of us is the sole entrepreneur doing ALL the things for our respective businesses. We meet virtually to share info and troubleshoot issues in order to grow.
Those outside the blogging world (sometimes even our families) don’t really comprehend the unique challenges and stresses that come with being a food blogger. Thankfully, these ladies can relate because they face the same challenges.
Over the last few years, we’ve all become great friends. Last week we learned from one another, enjoyed shopping and dining out together, and laughed — so much laughter! — and even cried together. These talented ladies are a blessing in my life. 😊
I’ll be introducing each of them in future posts, but for now, be sure to check out their sites:
- Chellie from Art From My Table and Food Photography by Chellie
- Lynn from Nourish and Nestle
- Kathleen from The Fresh Cooky
- Nikki from Soulfully Made
- Eliza from Bensa Bacon Lovers Society
Sourdoughs of Somerset
The retreat ended with a phenomenal intimate dinner hosted in the home of Ryder and Mischa Zetts. Both are graduates of the Culinary Institute of America in New York and have quite the pedigree, including heading up kitchens at Michelin-rated restaurants.
Mischa is the mastermind behind the literal “cottage” industry known as Sourdoughs of Somerset. She bakes 100s of loaves of delicious sourdough in her home every week and her clients line up down the street on pick-up days. She has quite the following and for good reason, her bread is amazing!
In addition to Mischa’s sourdough, the Zetts offer a different carry-out gourmet menu weekly made with organic vegetables raised in their own backyard. Trust me, if you are in the Nashville / Brentwood / Franklin area, you MUST check it out!
At our dinner, Ryder served up a lovely spread of grilled vegetables, pecan pesto, burrata, shaved prosciutto, the best Caesar salad I’ve ever tasted, and luscious lemon bars with a macadamia nut crust. Just thinking about that wonderful spread has me drooling right now!
Reader review
I love hearing from readers when they find a recipe they love! 💕 Be sure to rate and comment below any recipe you try and let us know what you think — curious minds want to know!
The BEST Grilled Salmon
“This grilled salmon really is the BEST and so easy — I make it often! I hate cooking so I especially love how simple this is. I have tried many salmon recipes and always come back to yours.” — Lisa
Inspiration
The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched — they must be felt with the heart.
— Helen Keller
Thank you for being a faithful reader and supporter of Life Love and Good Food — it really means so much to me as a small business!
Have a blessed week, my friends!
About Sheila Thigpen
Recipe Developer, Food Photographer, Food Writer
Sheila Thigpen is the publisher of Life, Love, and Good Food — a Southern food blog — and the author of Easy Chicken Cookbook and The 5-Ingredient Fresh and Easy Cookbook. After 20+ years in the publishing industry, she retired in 2018 to focus on her own creative endeavors full time. She and her husband live near the beautiful Smoky Mountains and have a precious little granddaughter who has stolen their hearts. As an influencer, Sheila has collaborated with brands like Creamette, Kroger, HERSHEY’S, Hamilton Beach, Garafalo Pasta, OXO, Smithfield, Valley Fig Growers, and more.
