Home-made goods.

I used to tell Mark, my husband, if I make it at home, it's home-made...even if it's from a box or bag.

Wrong.

Two years later, I prefer bread that I make over store bought bread. I prefer my cookies from scratch, hand made pizzas and everything else I can learn to make.

Growing up, my mom and even sometimes my dad, made dinner every single night. Sooo much better than fast and pre-prepared meals. I think this is why I love to make dinner every night and bake my own goodies. What a great influence I hope to pass on to my kids.

I remember before I was even a teenager trying and trying to make chocolate chip cookies like my mom's and I could not even come close. She told me that I have to have more patience and take time to measure things correctly.... the most important lesson: Take time.

Especially now that I'm a stay-at-home momma, I have plenty of time to try and try again and it's helped me to perfect even the chocolate chip cookies. What do I have to work on still? Cooking, I can say with confidence that I'm great at baking, but my cooking needs a little work in terms of not being bland.

I love that I have the opportunity to work on my home-made goodies and meals.