CONFLICT OF INTEREST?

Some may say yes, but I see the juggling of two totally opposite jobs as a harmonious balance. I get to enjoy two things that I am very passionate about. Fitness was my first love. I stepped into the aerobic scene in the early eighties. Eventually, I stepped out of the "teaching" scene and focused on my career and family. It was in 2009 that I reunited myself with the fitness industry. It was 2010 that Deliciously Home-Made was born.  Baking and creating was a therapeutic relief after my Dad passed; and exercise was a healthy one.

  

So while you may see me post on Facebook to get up and go work out, or to join me for a fitness class - don't be put off when you also see me post pictures of my delicious bite-sized treats. My "little pieces of heaven" are the right-size, leaving you satisfied without the guilt. (And if you feel guilt, then hook up with me for a workout!)

TEMPORARY CHANGE TO BUSINESS OPERATIONS - PLEASE READ

This newsletter design personalized with Smilebox

A Balancing Act - Transitional Work Arrangement

My days typically begin the same... working the minute my kids leave the house at 6:45 a.m., until they come home.  I try to get everything accomplished before they walk back through the door.  Sometimes it works; sometimes not.  This is especially true during the holidays.

I remember when Ford first announced Transitional Work Arrangement - known as TWA.  It was designed to allow parents to work flexible hours, juggling both career and family.  I first went on TWA when my oldest son was only a year old.  After a year of care by my parents while I worked full-time, I enrolled my son in daycare.  What came after that was constant illnesses.  Torn between being a devoted employee and a devoted parent.... I threw in the flag and began Transitional Work Arrangement.

Although no longer with Ford (I left in 2009 after 20 years), I find that TWA still applies.  My life is a constant juggle between parenting and Deliciously Home-Made.  The benefits.... I get to create unique and delicious treats, I get to do this in the comfort of my home, and most importantly, I can be there for my family.  This arrangement is challenging and often finds me up in the wee hours of the night finishing orders -- but this is a great trade off because I got to spend time with my family and share a family dinner with them.

So this Valentines Day.... I share my process with you and thank those for the support of my business. Deliciously Home-Made could not exist without your orders.  I also have to thank my supportive family who helps me with these orders.... my Mom, Aunt, Mother-in-Law, Sisters, Husband (up tying ribbons last night and packing boxes), and my kids.

Happy Valentine's Day!

My oldest son who opened my eyes to work-life balance.

My youngest son.

Step One 

Step Two 

Step Three 

Step Four 

Step Five

Step Six 

Step Seven 

Step Eight

Just what the doctor ordered!

Well, I'd like to think that my delicious treats played a hand in making my nephew better, but chances are it was the medical attention and medicine that he received.  While my treats may not have 'cured' him, they were tasty and did bring joy to his face as he gobbled them up.  

That's what my treats are for....bringing joy to someone.  As I have said time and time again, I am not just the owner of Deliciously Home-Made, but I am also a client.  Like you, I have people to thank, friends to cheer up, and children or other family members who enjoy being reminded how much they are loved.

New Year's Resolutions -

We have all done this.... made a resolution that we didn't keep.  Perhaps it was to exercise more, eat less, or stop a particular habit.  I don't like making resolutions because too often I break them.  For me, it is always about diet and exercise.  This year, I vowed not to make a resolution, but to focus my efforts on staying healthy.   Moderation, healthy choices and exercise are the key ingredients to balancing a healthy lifestyle.

As odd as this may seem, in addition to baking my delicious treats and running a successful baking business, I am also a fitness instructor.  I have instructed people for over 15 years and fitness has always been an integral part of my life.  I did take time off from instructing to focus on my family and career at Ford.  After leaving Ford in 2009, I began instructing again - AND launched my baking business.  Two things I am passionate about.

An oxymoron perhaps, but a prime example of balance and moderation.  I love the sweet treats and my Dessert POPS are the "perfect" bite-sized treat.  Enough to satisfy your taste buds by providing all of the satisfaction and none of the guilt.

Often people sabotage their resolutions by making it too strict.  If you made a resolution to give up sweets in 2014 - Don't deprive yourself!  With Dessert POPS, you can still have your cake -- and eat it too!  Make your resolution:  "Moderation - NOT - deprivation."

Happy 2014 -- make it sweet, make it fun, make it healthy - make it balanced!  

Girls Night Out!

This week I had the pleasure of creating treats for a Women's Networking Event in Chicago.  All the girls were going to be treated with Manicures, Pedicures - the works.

Here is a peak at the creations I came up with for them.  So much fun!

I love the Fall Season...

I love the Fall Season!  Perhaps it's the changing of the leaves, the crisp autumn air, or the fact that I can make these delightful caramel apples with the freshest of apples.  The apples are perfectly ripe this time of year and the gourmet toppings make the apples so much fun to eat.

Displaying your Dessert Pops...

Not quite sure how to display your Dessert Pops for your party or celebration?  Simply try laying them across platters for a clean, sophisticated, and DELICIOUS look!.

These bite-sized pieces of heaven are heading off to a retirement/birthday party celebration.  

Me LOVE Cookies!

So, last week when I was searching for something on-line,  I stumbled upon a 'eggless' cookie dough recipe. Yes, it is cookie dough - which everyone loves - and it is safe to eat!

I had to try the recipe for myself, and the results were amazing.  Check them out...

Cocktails, Classic Cars and Charity

Last Thursday I had the pleasure of catering desserts for a "Women in Automotive" Event sponsored by Dykema Law Firm.  The event took place at their Bloomfield Hills location overlooking Woodward Avenue. The food was prepared by 2 Unique Caterers and of course, I prepared the desserts.

  

Great food, music and fantastic women in business completed the night....all while watching the classic cars cruise down Woodward.

A "Wild" Success....

My nephew and niece's shower was Saturday, and it was a "Wild" success. The weather was perfect and the Jungle Theme set the tone.  Many came dressed in animal print to correspond with the theme.

The food was delicious and the Dessert Table a hit.  What a great day!