Our Life

I grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana and food and culture have always been a huge part of my life experience. I sat at my grandmother's side learning to cook from early childhood. We never followed recipes but rather "felt" and adapted recipes based on availability of product and whimsy. The fondest memories of my childhood were of sharing those experiences with her.  

As an adult I have lived in many different places across the country, always very urban and central city locations. I have traveled extensively and found people, food and different cultures to be an extraordinary influence to expand my knowledge.

My husband, Jeff, and I relocated to rural Colorado in 2014 and now live on 6 1/2 acres about 10 miles (30 minutes) from the closest provisions (food, gas, wine, etc). It is much more convenient to prepare meals at home than to travel so I prepare meals daily. Many days I cook for only me but also enjoy entertaining and definitely preparing meals for my family and friends. 

Almost 5 years after relocating, and countless social media posts about food preparation, I  am following through on my network's insistence that I document foodie posts. Also,  it should be noted that our ranchette is called Honeybee Farms. No, we don't raise bees (yet). The origin of Melissa is Greek for Honeybee. My nieces have called me Honeybee since they were born and it stuck.

Welcome to my celebration of life and enjoying it to the fullest!