Lost in the Sauce: Discovering What’s Been Cooking All Along
Welcome to "Lost in the Sauce," where we dive deep into the delightful chaos of life’s everyday joys. This blog isn’t particularly about cooking—though food is certainly a major centerpiece of my life, so let’s be honest, it will come up often and likely in the form of a corny pun.
Here, we celebrate those enchanting moments when distractions fade away, and we find ourselves swept off our feet by the simple pleasures that make our hearts sing. This blog is a heartfelt exploration of what’s been simmering in front of me all along—and can you believe I found it right in the kitchen?
The kitchen is truly the heart of the home; it’s where memories are made, laughter is shared, and love fills the air.
When I reflect on our family’s kitchen, I’m transported to a world of endless meals cooked and shared together. It’s where my mom welcomed and encouraged us to get involved in the magic of cooking. She made everyone their favorite dinner on their birthday and perfected the holiday meals passed down to her all while creating new traditions of her own. I think of the Christmas pierogies made by hand, with my sister at the helm and her squad of finger-pinching sidekicks—each one a testament to our family’s bond. It’s the space where my two older brothers got engaged, where spirited arguments erupted, and whole slices of pizza were launched in the heat of the moment. It’s where you could find my mom with loads of moss in her hair while working on another project for the family business. A lot more than food preparation goes on in a kitchen! At least the one I grew up in.
We’ve created countless memories in that kitchen—like the Easter egg coloring night that turned into a rave. Games of 500 Rummy went on so long that my brother suggested we rename our game ‘Googolplex’ Rummy (far exceeding the number of particles in the observable universe, so yes, we played for an exceedingly long time).
I sometimes wish I had a statistic like “we could go to the moon three times over with the amount of pizza we’ve eaten in that kitchen,” because I think it would equate to that.
The door has always swung open and closed for visitors, while countless pets stared out the windows, keeping watch over their little kingdom. Slow mornings filled with “kaffeeklatsches” (or coffee clatches — that’s what my mom and I have been calling having coffee together for years, I had no idea it was a real German word spelled differently than I imagined, look it up!).
It’s the laughter, and heartfelt conversations that have stitched the fabric of our family together. We’ve cried, celebrated, and talked for more hours than anyone could count—coming to conclusions, tackling new jobs, and working on homework and school projects, or sharing our finds from shopping trips that would clutter the table.
As I write this blog today, I’m unearthing the vision and value of what I want this new business and platform to be. It’s a work in progress, and I’m not entirely sure what the final result will be. My own journey has taken me through growing up in a vibrant and demanding family business, business school, where I studied marketing and accounting, and led me to become a special events florist for several years. I’ve also worked with a few startups (and still do), which have reinforced my belief that there is a path out there for me to uncover—a path that allows me to unlock my purpose and pursue something truly meaningful.
My mom always taught me to “play.” Whether it’s an idea, a new project, picking out an outfit, with food, with makeup or with any medium you choose or any job that feels daunting. Playing is the best way to arrive at where you need to be and to get there having had fun. Maybe you don’t have to look far for inspiration or search wide and deep. Perhaps the best ideas are cooked up in the kitchen. The largest businesses have begun in small spaces, some in garages—you have to go wherever your heart leads you. What’s waiting for you can be right under your nose, simmering in the ordinary moments of your life.
The Joy of Being Present
Social media and the day to day grind can make life feel too fast, it’s all too easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of obligations and distractions, missing out on the sweet flavors of everyday life. Yet, when we allow ourselves to be fully present in a beautiful moment, we unlock the door to a treasure trove of joy. It’s in the aroma of a freshly baked apple crumb pie on Thanksgiving Eve, the warmth of a loved one’s embrace, and the laughter bubbling in the air that we find our true happiness.
Being “lost in the sauce” is not a misstep; it’s a delightful detour that invites us to embrace the messiness of life and discover purpose within it. When distractions fade, we can focus on the experiences that truly nourish our souls. Whether it’s whipping up a beloved recipe, savoring an ordinary Friday night where we opted for takeout instead of doing something big and exciting, or sitting in the silence that comes once everyone has gone home, gone to bed, or even moved out—these small, meaningful experiences help us uncover what’s most important and what we value most.
Honoring Tradition and Flavor
Navigating the landscape of feeling “Lost in the Sauce” means honoring the legacy of those who inspire me through the values that shaped our family. Tradition is the seasoning that brings depth to our lives, teaching us the significance of connection and the joy of gathering around the table. It’s about celebrating our roots while adding our own unique ingredients to the mix, creating new memories and ideas to be savored for years to come. It's about finding the thing that doesn't just feed your belly, but feeds your soul.
Reflect on the times you felt lost. Perhaps it was during a career change, a relationship shift, or a significant life event. In those moments of uncertainty, you may have uncovered new passions or discovered resilience you didn’t know you had. Being lost encourages us to explore the uncharted territories of our hearts and minds, leading us to unexpected flavors of self-discovery.
Finding Purpose in Life’s Saucy Moments
As we embark on this flavorful journey, let’s embrace the importance of reflection and mindfulness. By identifying what truly matters to us, we can navigate through the chaos and celebrate the art of being lost in the sauce. Setting small, achievable goals can serve as our roadmap, while connecting with others can remind us that we’re not alone.
This blog also serves as my idea pad, a portfolio, and a place where I can explore my thoughts and aspirations as I seek to create a meaningful business that reflects who I am and what I value. Embracing this journey and savoring the spices of life means appreciating the beauty in the mundane. It’s in these ordinary moments that we discover our true selves and what brings us joy. So, let’s study the art of being lost in the sauce—it’s in that delightful state of immersion where we find connection, happiness, and a sense of belonging. The moments you want to hold onto, marinate in and wish would last forever, like your favorite meal or a long soak in a hot bath.
Join the Flavorful Journey
As you navigate through “Lost in the Sauce,” I invite you to sprinkle your own stories and experiences into our communal pot. Let’s create a vibrant community that values the ordinary, cherishes traditions, and embraces the joy of being fully present. Together, we can explore the flavors of life, savor every moment, and remember to always “enjoy, enjoy.”
It is without a doubt the little things that make life extraordinary. And after all, sometimes getting lost is the best recipe for finding yourself.