A B O U T
Hi there!
I’m Lauren, or to those closest to me - La! You can call me either! I’m a born and raised Okie from Oklahoma City, smack dab in the middle of the United States. Food has been a big part of my life, for my entire life. I grew up in a family that loved to cook, to share the gift of food and to entertain with food – food has always been a joy that has brought our family together and continues to do so.
My family got me in the kitchen early on and I will forever be grateful for that! I was shown the ropes from my grandma (Mema to me!), my amazing mom who made everything under the sun and my talented dad, who loved to bake. It wasn’t always fancy, but it was always made with love. None of them were afraid to let me right in on the action in the kitchen, no matter how small I was. I would be on my step stool stirring away!
I had the most amazing childhood, but the not-so-fun side is that I was often sick. In and out of doctors for most of my life, it wasn’t until 2011 that I was finally diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. In an odd sense, I was actually relieved to finally have answers. My doctor recommended going gluten free to see if it would benefit me, and I had barely heard of it at that point in time. I started doing some research and went “cold turkey” almost immediately after being diagnosed. Foods that had been poisoning my body for years were given away and never looked at again, literally. I haven’t had a single bite of gluten (intentionally) in the last 11 years - it’s second nature to me now and it can be for you too!
For the last decade plus, I’ve made it my mission to not just feel really good but eat really good food along the way! Gluten free can get a bad rap: it can be seen as boring, expensive, bland or dry. And I can promise you it’s not that way in my household! Life is too short for boring food. I’ve spent years creating in the kitchen converting old recipes I loved into gluten free versions and coming up with completely new recipes that have become household staples. I’ll share all I’ve learned and new things I’ve picked up along the way.
If you’re new to gluten free or have been at it a while – just know your best days aren’t behind you – they can be right in front of you. There is so much joy to bring back to food, to enjoy the creativity and time in the kitchen, to love food again, and to feel really good – it’s all possible. And I’ll show you how with quality ingredients! Everything from quick breakfast recipes, to your favorite carb-y dishes, to tasty snacks – you don’t have to feel alone in the kitchen – I’ve got you!
Beyond the kitchen - family and loved ones are everything to me. I wouldn’t be where I am in life without their support along this beautifully crazy journey of life. My parents are my best friends in the entire world and I love spending time with them and my little family (my puppy, Maizy & my boyfriend, Blake!). I’m a book nerd – I try to average 20–30 books per year, and I’m always taking book recommendations; send ‘em my way! I love sports and get more emotionally involved than I probably should :), and I play golf as often as my schedule allows or when the Oklahoma weather cooperates. My full-time job: I'm a modern abstract artist, Le • Art Studios, where I create custom art for people all over the United States. So 9 times out of 10, I'm covered in paint from head to toe. I hold a bachelor’s degree in public relations with a double minor in journalism and business. I’m so grateful I’m able to share my passions and I am so thankful for this blessed life I live.
