Thursday 21 November 2013

The blog post where I tell you my dream of publishing a book.

In late September I took some time away from the blog to concentrate on my family.

We have had a very busy year (I know right- when is it NOT busy at my place? But this was a SUPER DOOPER busy one with some extra tricky stuff thrown in the mix) and I needed to put my family first.


The time away from the blog allowed me to think about some goals for 'me', it allowed me the time to think about what this space is and what I want it to become.

As you know I have five young children. Next year all five of them will be at school.  I have always intended to become my own boss at this time.  To start my own business.

I have been working behind the scenes to turn what I do here into a business for myself for some time. I think I have grown something of value out of this space & it feels like the right time to make it into something that can contribute in a monetary way to our family.
It means that some things about my blog will evolve as my business does.

One of the MOST exciting things that happened during my bloggy break was that I let my head listen to my heart about my dream of getting a book published.

So I have started.  My defining moment was when the magnificent and long-time inspiration to me - Stephanie Alexander followed me and commented on my Instagram saying that 'my food looked delicious' & reposted one of my pictures. I decided it was time to take myself more seriously and truly consider getting started on a book- a defining moment. If you ever read this Stephanie, I can never really tell you in words how much that meant to me, just know it means the world. 

Sometime next year I hope to be able to offer you all the opportunity to buy my very first book. I am so super excited about this.
It will be a cookbook, family-life type book with what I hope contains lots of inspiration for you & foodie loveliness- all done by ME! 


Yippee!  
I am so happy about making a start on it.  And thank YOU to the many readers who have encouraged me to do so.
Your encouragement, kind words & consistent readership is a constant joy to me. Thank you so much for coming here, and to my Instagram and to my Facebook page and being part of Gourmet Girlfriend.

My blog will change a little, but the essence remains the same. It is fundamentally about the importance I place on cooking real food for your family & how the value of that goes so much further than nourishing your bodies- it is about nourishing your souls as well. The importance of the Family Table is something I feel passionate about and I want others to include it in their lives too.

I will be taking on sponsors & advertisements that I feel are in keeping with this space and of value to my readership. I will retain control over what advertising goes on my space. 

I will continue my recipe writing for other people & I am intending to start my own cooking classes too- I want to share my knowledge with others and help people feel confident enough to cook real food in their homes too.  

A lot of you may not be aware of how much time goes into just one of my posts.  It takes many hours of work to cook & photograph the food & then to write the recipe. I have always tended to write a piece and then go on to the recipe as well. This is a LOT of work and limits how often I can post.
In the past I may have found little snippets of something great, been thinking about something important or have found a source of inspiration somewhere but I felt so compelled to add all the other components to my posts & so didn't publish anything at all.  

I really hope changing the way I post allows more great stuff to come your way! WIN!

I am going to mix things up a little.  There will be some posts that don't have recipes but are just snippets of my thoughts, or inspiration that I think you will enjoy. There will still be plenty of recipes but I will be saving some just for my book!

Eeeep!
Did you read those words?

MY BOOK.

Oh Em Gee!!!!

Soooooo exciting.

I want to thank you all for sticking with me & I hope you enjoy the changes you see here. And I am totally aware that not all of you will like the changes- and that is ok.  This is about what is best for me & my family.  This is a further development to all the hard work I have already done in taking back me. It is super important for me to teach my children HOW important doing what is good for you (however that manifests) is.

It is NERVE wracking pressing publish on this post but here I go.........

2014 is all about being vulnerable and yet being the most courageous I can be.

It is all about being me, wonky bits and all.


(If you are a business that would like me to consider you for advertising on this space or to have me write recipes for you please email me at gourmetgirlfriend (at) me (dot) com )

"Everything is going to fine, expect to see me anytime....I'm coming home."

99 comments:

  1. YAY for you sweetheart. You've got all the makings of an amazing book full of soul, love and deliciousness xxx

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  2. I'm here cheering you on and will be among the first in line to buy your book and go to your cooking classes. So thrilled for you. X

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  3. I can't tell you how happy I am for you Ruth - A BOOK!! You are amazing. xo

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  4. How bloody exciting! I cannot wait to get my hands on your book! And if you ever find yourself in Perth hosting some cooking classes COUNT ME IN!! You look lovely in that photo Ruth, so fresh & bright!! xxx

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  5. Cath @mybeardedpigeon21 November 2013 at 16:39

    Great!!! Great!! Are you gonna do a pozible or kickstarter?? To fund it I mean! I HAVE ALREADY BOUGHT YOUR BOOK!! Done!

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  6. Annagrace (axesandfeathers)21 November 2013 at 17:02

    I know you from instagram and I adore you. And as someone who, in the midst of children and schooling them and trying to live a local, sustainable life has begun to pursue a long-time dream (that won't necessarily make much money but will feed my soul...) I say go write that book! There's never a good, perfect, easy, financially great time for the dream. But life is short and when you KNOW what you have in you that needs to go out into the world, you do it or something in you dies. I'm on your team, girl! xoxo

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  7. Love you. Go full boar, Bunzi! As you always do. All power to you,
    Nood
    A Million hugs and kisses Always,
    XXXXXXXXXXXXOOOOOOOOOOO

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  8. Onya. Totally, completely onya!! X

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  9. Oh my god! Ruth! YES YES YES! This is the most exciting thing I've seen all week. I'm gonna buy the shit out of that book. SO HARD.

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  10. fabulous news!!!! your photos of food that come up on my instagram feed are always so fabulous, fresh and interesting! well done!!!!!! I know it's going to be a huge success!

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  11. YAAAAYY!!! What fantastic, exciting news, Ruth! I'm so absolutely thrilled at the idea of holding that book in my hands - and giving it as presents to everyone I know who loves cooking.
    Well done, this is amazing. And I bet the new-look GG blog will be amazing too. Happy days!
    Onwards and upwards, my dear!

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  12. Lovely news! I'll definately be following along for the ride! :)

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  13. Yay! Ruthie-pegs! Awesome news. I want a signed copy, yo.
    Trish xxx

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  14. How very wonderful! Can't wait to see all your gorgeous recipes in print! Wishing you a magnificent journey x

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  15. You are so ace! Go you! Can't wait to see all the fab things you do in 2014.

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  16. Julie @mrstiddlypip21 November 2013 at 18:38

    Hooray for you Ruth! Looking forward to watching & reading all that the future holds for you...so very, very exciting. Let me know if you ever need a kitchen hand ;)

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  17. Yahooooooo! How very super exciting!!
    Can't wait!!
    Congratulations!!!!
    Xoxox

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  18. Congrats GG, have loved all your recipes and posts on life, am sure I will continue to too in whatever form you take them into the future, remember to toot at me when you see me walking my dog!

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  19. Congratulations Ruth, such wonderful news!!! I've been salivating over your recipes on IG. A book is the perfect next step for what you already do so fabulously. Good Luck :-) Mel xxx

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  20. The little red hen21 November 2013 at 19:10

    I'm very excited to have you back-and will be really interested & keen to see the new direction GG goes in. I think Ruth + book is an absolutely brilliant idea. Here's cheers to an amazing 2014! Xx

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  21. I'm so going to buy your book!

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  22. congratulations ruth - I will absolutely be lining up to buy a copy at your launch! your beautifully warm and inviting style of writing and effervescent personality rolled into a book can only be a huge success. best wishes on this wonderful journey for you xx

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  23. That is marvelous news! Congratulations!! You are such an inspiration as a mama, as a cook and as a generally all round awesome lady. And I must say that that song is one of my all time favourites. I discovered it 17 years ago and have loved it ever since.

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  24. Oh hooray! How exciting. It sounds like a great year ahead. I look forward to buying your book one day. x

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  25. Well good for you. And yay for doing what feels right in your heart and head. I love your recipes and often try them out (and they always work a treat), so a book makes total sense. Hope the process of creating it is a joy...

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  26. Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful! Love what you've written here - I couldn't agree more. Well done to you and I wish you all the best. x

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  27. cityhippyfarmgirl21 November 2013 at 21:38

    yay!!!! So exciting :-) That's awesome! To 2014!

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  28. You are an awesome writer and cook, your own book just makes so much sense (I'll be another buyer for sure). This is to 2014 and being brave! Big hug your way, Eva x

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  29. Bring it Girlfriend! X x x

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  30. great ... great ... great great great! your love of family and food communicates beautifully ... book or blog! I CANNOT wait .. but in the meantime ... will love following all your new goodies here! Hx

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  31. What an exciting journey to be embarking on. Go get it!

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  32. How thoroughly exciting!. These changes found like really good developments. And the book obviously not alone waiting for that. Love Greg xxx

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  33. That's fabulous! Go you for listening to your heart!

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  34. You go girl!! X

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  35. Ruth, I am so excited for you. So excited in fact that I feel quite teary with joy, that you are pursuing publishing YOUR book/story. It will be stunning. Of that I am sure. x

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  36. Ruth, you inspire all of us to follow our dreams. You go girl!!

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  37. Such wonderful news, Ruth! I'm absolutely thrilled for you. Keep going!!! x

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  38. Hi Ruth,
    I think that is just wonderful news!! It is evident as a reader that hours of work go into each of your posts, which is why I enjoy it so much!!! It is so lovely to see something start as a passion and organically grow into a small business. I look forward to watching it develop and purchasing your book when its available! Good luck Ruth! I know that you will do wonderfully well, Catherine Lucas xx

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  39. If you start selling signed copies en primeur, PLEASE SIGN ME UP! xx

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  40. So happy for you! I wish you all the best with this new venture and I look forward to having a squiz at this book in the future ;) x

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  41. Follow your heart Ruth. going to be awesome

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  42. Congratulations - I CANNOT wait to buy your book and it's such an HONOUR to have you on board the Anorak ship every issue. You go Lady! xxx

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  43. Mentally bought it already. Goosebumps.
    AND YAY!!!!!!
    xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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  44. Please put me first on your list of buyers. I love you desperately x

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  45. GourmetGirlfriend29 November 2013 at 10:33

    the love is mutual Le Veg. xxx

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  46. GourmetGirlfriend29 November 2013 at 10:33

    Louise!!! thankyou sweetheart for your support.
    xxxxx

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  47. GourmetGirlfriend29 November 2013 at 10:34

    the honour is ALL mine Cathy. MWAH! xxxxx

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  48. GourmetGirlfriend29 November 2013 at 10:34

    taking a leap of faith! it feels great so far. thankyou. x

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  49. GourmetGirlfriend29 November 2013 at 10:35

    i hope you like it a LOT Mel. thankyou! xx

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  50. GourmetGirlfriend29 November 2013 at 10:35

    i think we need to debrief over some good wine don't you?! xx

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  51. GourmetGirlfriend29 November 2013 at 10:35

    thankyou Sharon. xxx

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  52. GourmetGirlfriend29 November 2013 at 10:35

    you are super sweet- thankyou Catherine. xxxxxx

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  53. GourmetGirlfriend29 November 2013 at 10:36

    YAY for good news Bron. thankyou so much for your support. x

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  54. GourmetGirlfriend29 November 2013 at 10:36

    MWAH to you Kiki. xxxxx

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  55. GourmetGirlfriend29 November 2013 at 10:37

    Dear Lisa- each and every comment you write is full of positivity & care. You are a special soul. thankyou so much for supporting me.

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  56. GourmetGirlfriend29 November 2013 at 10:37

    thanks Patty! xxxxx

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  57. GourmetGirlfriend29 November 2013 at 10:38

    aw tears! me too! there has been so many tears. good ones but lots none-the-less! thankyou. x

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  58. GourmetGirlfriend29 November 2013 at 10:38

    thanks Paola. xxxxxxx

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  59. GourmetGirlfriend29 November 2013 at 10:38

    listening to our heart is hard sometimes- but always right. thankyou Clare. x

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  60. GourmetGirlfriend29 November 2013 at 10:39

    MWAH Greg- you are the bestest. xxxx

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  61. GourmetGirlfriend29 November 2013 at 10:39

    thank you.

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  62. GourmetGirlfriend29 November 2013 at 10:39

    that is super lovely to read. thankyou so much

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  63. GourmetGirlfriend29 November 2013 at 10:40

    yay Katie!!!!

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  64. GourmetGirlfriend29 November 2013 at 10:40

    aw Eva. thankyou so much. xxxx

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  65. GourmetGirlfriend29 November 2013 at 10:41

    thankyou so much. xx

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  66. GourmetGirlfriend29 November 2013 at 10:42

    thanks Vanessa. xx

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  67. GourmetGirlfriend29 November 2013 at 10:42

    i hope it is a joy too- so far so good! thankyou. xxxx

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  68. GourmetGirlfriend29 November 2013 at 10:42

    wow Kitty they are lovely words to read. thankyou. x

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  69. GourmetGirlfriend29 November 2013 at 10:43

    'at my launch'- how fancy! what shall we eat? yay! and thankyou!

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  70. GourmetGirlfriend29 November 2013 at 10:43

    thankyou so much Averil.
    xx

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  71. GourmetGirlfriend29 November 2013 at 10:44

    thanks for coming back & yay to 2014! xxx

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  72. GourmetGirlfriend29 November 2013 at 10:44

    aw Mel. a big kiss for you. thankyou so much. 2014 is going to be a good one right! yes! xx

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  73. GourmetGirlfriend29 November 2013 at 10:45

    I ALWAYS wave at you sweetheart. thankyou always for your generous support of me. xxxxxx

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  74. GourmetGirlfriend29 November 2013 at 10:45

    thanks Nicole. xxxx

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  75. GourmetGirlfriend29 November 2013 at 10:45

    oh yay a kitchen hand! xx

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  76. GourmetGirlfriend29 November 2013 at 10:46

    thanks Trish! xxx

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  77. GourmetGirlfriend29 November 2013 at 10:46

    me either. oh my! thankyou so much Steph

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  78. GourmetGirlfriend29 November 2013 at 10:46

    aw Pinky! thanks sweets. xxxxx

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  79. GourmetGirlfriend29 November 2013 at 10:47

    thankyou. x

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  80. GourmetGirlfriend29 November 2013 at 10:47

    Ciara- your support has always meant so much to me. book tour of Ireland perhaps? xxx

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  81. GourmetGirlfriend29 November 2013 at 10:47

    thanks COrrie. x

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  82. GourmetGirlfriend29 November 2013 at 10:48

    this comment made me & Mr GIrlfriend laugh so much. thankyou so much. xxxxxxx

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  83. GourmetGirlfriend29 November 2013 at 10:48

    MWAH to you Nick. thankyou for your support. on YOU buddy! xxx

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  84. GourmetGirlfriend29 November 2013 at 10:48

    i LOVE you right back Noodles. xxxxxxxxxx

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  85. GourmetGirlfriend29 November 2013 at 11:07

    oh Anna how amazing to read your words. thankyou. xx

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  86. GourmetGirlfriend29 November 2013 at 11:07

    super exciting! xx

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  87. GourmetGirlfriend29 November 2013 at 11:08

    thankyou Amy. XXX

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  88. GourmetGirlfriend29 November 2013 at 11:08

    OOOO travelling GG roadshow! yay! xxx

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  89. GourmetGirlfriend29 November 2013 at 11:08

    a BOOK! Oh Em Gee! thankyou Jody. xxxxxx

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  90. GourmetGirlfriend29 November 2013 at 11:09

    thanks Megan. so lovely of you. see you in the kitchen!

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  91. GourmetGirlfriend29 November 2013 at 11:09

    i hope that is exactly what it is full of. thanks B. xxxx

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  92. NO Thankyou Ruth, I love your blog xx

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  93. Just wanted to firstly say how wonderful books are and how wonderful that you are set to pen your own! Congratulations !
    Also a huge thankyou for your kind words about my tassels and me in Pip's mag, you are so kind xx

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  94. Fantastic news!! So happy for you and how great to be brave and take a risk and a chance to be awesome!! Can't wait to see your journey and I can see how much hard work and passion you put in. Off you go!!!!

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  95. I am so very very pleased about your news I have always thought you should write a cookbook and now you are ,Ruth Congratulations I can't think of a nicer person to write a lovely book about food for the soul,Yay for you xo

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  96. Amy {The Misadventurous Maker}10 June 2014 at 14:42

    Whoo hoo!!!! Go you fabulous woman!!!! I can't wait to see how everything evolves. I'll be here cheering you on, buying your book and I'll be first in line for your cooking classes. You're awesome Ruth. I'm glad you'll be doing some tidbit posts too. I know you're not a prescriptive parenting blog type person, but I get so much out of your posts that let us in to your style of parenting. I love reading your insights and benefiting from your experiences with your lads. And of course, we all love your cooking!!!xoxo

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