francesbay

Adventures in A Town

Hello again, it has been too long since my last post. Although I have wanted to sit down and write, I have not found the time nor the words to describe my latest experiences. There have been some changes in ownership with the cooking studio and my schedule was pretty

Here’s to Much More in 2024

As we are already more than two weeks into the New Year, I can’t help but wonder what it will bring. I have a gut feeling something big is coming. Although there are many predictions, I have faith that whatever happens, it will be worth any suffering endured. I

Tis the Season for Croup and Christmas Tree Ticks

As we approach Christmas, things have gotten a little stressful. Not your typical holiday stress of hustle and bustle while shopping and trying to pick out the perfect presents. This year things have hit a little different. Holiday season is the time of year we try to make the month

Thankful for my Sense of Humor

Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. Although I don’t celebrate what the American system has always said that Thanksgiving is about. I celebrate my F’s, Family, Friends and Food. All the things I am most grateful for. This is a holiday where we can slow down and

First Day of School Feels

And just like that, Frankie is off to school. We held off on sending her to VPK for a few reasons, mostly because I was not ready. However, I noticed a change in her, a maturing that was undeniable. She wanted to start school and I didn’t want to

It's Fall Y'all

Autumn has fallen and all the local farms are gearing up for their Fall Festivals.  My husband and I enjoy taking Frankie to these little festivals. She loves the rides, corn cribs and bouncy houses. If there are farm animals to see or feed, she is always anxious to do

Sass, My Sister and Savannah

Frankie and I traveled to meet one of my sisters in Savannah for the night. It was such a fun experience for us. The travel time was only about two and a half hours, so it wasn’t too daunting. We left early enough to be there by lunch time,

Sharping my Kitchen Skills with Baking as Proof

Recently I began teaching as the lead chef for cooking classes at Home - JAX Cooking Studio. Cooking has always been a passion of mine. My parents always cooked, so I began young. At first, I would just cook for myself, then for friends. I received wonderful feedback, for the

Sourdough Sandwich Bread Recipe

Looking for a foolproof sourdough bread recipe? I’ve been making fluffy, soft crusted sourdough sandwich bread in my Stone Loaf Pan - Shop | Pampered Chef US Site and with my recipe it is an easy no-knead overnight rise. I use Organic Bread Flour | King Arthur Baking Company for an

Just Like Old Times, Except Not Really

The past week reminded me how much I love spending time on the lake. It was such a wonderful experience. Although very different from what it was in the past, there were things that seemed very familiar. I remember my mom being her happiest at the lake, I feel a

Creating Memories with Traditions

Remembering traditions and trips from my childhood has me longing to create these types of memories with Frankie. I can remember waking up early on Saturday mornings during the summer and loading up in the Astro Van while my dad hooked up the boat trailer so we could spend the

Courage and Carousels

Frankie and Maebz have been friends since before birth. I worked alongside her mother, where we became friends and just happened to get pregnant 3 months apart. Needless to say we have traded off watching each other's kids ever since they were born. Frankie and I pick up Maebz from

Pizza on the Grill

Grilling is one of my favorite ways to cook. During the summer, it is necessary in our house. Not only does the grill make everything delicious, but it also makes cooking more fun with less pots and pans to clean. This may not hit home with everyone living in Florida,

The Apple doesn't Fall Far from the Tree

It isn’t often that I see myself in Frankie. Mostly I see her daddy. It has been this way since the first time I laid eyes on her. She has his complexion, his eyes, face shape and his love for Star Wars. However, as time progresses, I am starting

Recipe: Mayonnaise

Ingredients * 1 Egg * 1 teaspoon Salt * ½ teaspoon Dry Mustard * 2 teaspoons Lemon Juice * 2 tablespoons White Vinegar * 1 cup Neutral Oil (I prefer light olive oil) Preparation 1. Using a stand mixer, add egg yolks, lemon juice, salt, dry mustard and mix on high with whisk attachment. 2. As it

Love for Animals Trumps Allergies

We recently took in a kitten even though I am allergic to cats. Whether the kitten was left by humans or its momma for unknown reasons, he was found by the dumpster behind the cooking studio where I work. It must have been close to one hundred degrees with the

Recipe: Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Ingredients: 1 lb. ground chicken ½ white onion 2 tbsp fresh ginger 2 clove garlic 2 green onions 1 can water Chesnuts ⅛ cup Tamari (Soy Sauce) 2 tbsp Hoisin Sauce 1 tbsp chili sauce (Sriracha) 1 head butter lettuce Instructions: Brown chicken in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium

Birthdays, Ballet recitals and Anniversary, Oh My!

I realize it has been a month or more since I have had the chance or the desire to write. Besides the lack of creative motivation, the family has been extremely active with events and out of town guests. Starting in May with Memorial day, then Frankies 4th birthday, ballet

Cash is King

Somehow, I avoided a flat tire earlier this week. While driving past an accident, I ended up with a piece of someone's headlight connector stuck in my tire. It was pouring rain and Frankie was in the back seat. I did not want to change my tire in the pouring

From F&B to Hospitality

My entire professional past is engrossed in the Food and Beverage/ Hospitality industry. I started out in restaurants, with my first job being a hostess for Ruby Tuesday’s. I was 15 years old when I started working. My mom would take me and pick me up. I loved greeting

Snacks, Sips and Road Trips

Most of our road trips are just Frankie and me. I have come to enjoy our time on the road, singing kids songs and stopping for snacks. Now that Frankie is old enough to speak, things have gotten easier on the open road. Of course, I have to stop more

Garden Gnome Guidance

In Florida it is best to start your summer garden in early to mid-February. Usually by that time, the possibility of a freeze or frost is pretty slim. The forecast said we were expecting rain all weekend. Therefore, it was the perfect time to plant my summer crops using RebelGardens

Dealing with Anger in a Toddler

Dealing with Anger in a Toddler Oh, this is a tough one for me. I am working on controlling my anger in response to anything Frankie does, because her anger response is almost immediate, and I can tell you it isn’t easy. Especially when she is angry. We have

The Reward is Worth It

Life with Frankie has been rewarding although quite challenging lately. She has been asserting her independence and I have been compelled to observe with patience and accept the process. I never thought of myself to be a control freak, but my triggers may be telling me differently. (don’t tell

Recipe: Whole food chocolate chip cookie dough

Ingredients: 15-20 dates (depending on freshness) 1 cup raw cashews ½ cup raw almonds ¼ cup mini chocolate chips ½ tsp vanilla bean pastes or extract   Instructions: Put everything in a food processor until dough-like texture. Stir in chocolate chips and roll into balls and refrigerate or freeze. Usually makes 10-12 balls. Whole