Celebrating 35: 35 Fun & Surprising Facts About Your Strawberry Blondie Food Blogger

Today marks a special milestone for me – I’ve officially entered my 35th year! As of 6:19 this morning, I’m celebrating three and a half decades of life, laughter, and, of course, a whole lot of delicious food. While my blog usually revolves around exciting recipes and culinary adventures, I thought my birthday would be the perfect occasion to step away from the kitchen for a moment and share something a little more personal with all of you.

It’s not often that I delve deep into my private life here on the blog. However, I truly believe that connecting with my wonderful readers goes beyond just sharing recipes. You see the dishes I create, but what about the person behind the spatula? Today, I’m pulling back the curtain a bit to reveal some fun, random, and perhaps surprising facts about me. Think of it as a peek into the life of the strawberry blondie who’s passionately whipping up delightful treats and savory meals for you.

To mark the occasion, I did bake myself a glorious funfetti birthday cake, brimming with vibrant sprinkles and pure joy. While I can’t claim credit for inventing the recipe (I discovered it on the fantastic Sally’s Baking Addiction – a site I adore and whose creator I’ve actually met in real life!), I did put my own spin on it. Instead of a towering three-layer creation, I opted for a more manageable two layers. Let’s be honest, I’m more of a baker than a professional cake decorator, and sometimes, simplicity is key, especially when you’re celebrating and feeling a little lazy!

So, without further delay, prepare to uncover more about me than you probably ever thought you wanted to know! From my quirky habits to my biggest passions, here are 35 facts that paint a picture of who I am, beyond the delicious content you find here every week.

35 Personal Insights & Random Facts

1. My Natural Hair Color: A True Strawberry Blonde. It’s been my signature shade since the day I was born. People often ask if it’s natural, and the answer is always a resounding yes! Well, unless you count that one summer during my teenage years when I spent countless days drenching my hair in lemon juice, desperately trying to make it appear more “blonde.” Those were the days of sun-kissed experiments and questionable hair care choices!
2. My Enduring Love for Green. For as long as I can remember, green has consistently been my favorite color. There’s something so calming and refreshing about it, whether it’s the deep emerald of a forest or the vibrant lime of a fresh spring leaf. It brings a sense of peace and balance, and you’ll often find touches of it in my home and wardrobe.
3. The Eldest of Two. I am the older sibling, with a sister who is two years my junior. Interestingly, most people assume I’m the younger one when they meet us. Sorry, Jill, but it’s true! I suppose I have a youthful spirit, or maybe it’s just the strawberry blonde genetics keeping me young.
4. Aiden: A Name Chosen Long Ago. Even before I met my husband, I knew that if I had a son, his name would be Aiden. It was a name that resonated with me deeply. Luckily, my husband loved it too! Honestly, it was pretty much a deal-breaker if he hadn’t been on board with it.
5. A Spring Break Serendipity. Speaking of my husband, our love story began on Spring Break in 2005, down in South Padre Island, TX. It’s funny how fate works – little did we know then that we actually lived only two blocks away from each other back at our college campus. We had to travel all that way to meet, only to find out we were practically neighbors!
6. My Inner Moana: A Deep Connection to the Ocean. If I could pack up and move tomorrow, I would undeniably choose to live as close to a beach, ocean, or any body of water as humanly possible. I often playfully refer to myself as Moana, completely embodying her spirit with the lyric, “But I come back to the water, no matter how hard I try, Every turn I take, every trail I track, Every path I make, every road leads back.” There’s just something about the water that calls to my soul.
7. My Jam: 90s and 2000s Hip Hop, Rap, and Pop. If I were curating a personal playlist, it would be heavily dominated by the vibrant beats and catchy tunes of 90s and 2000s hip hop, rap, and pop. That era just speaks to me. On the flip side, I absolutely loathe metal music. And let’s just say, I think Nickelback should crawl back into the hole they came out of. #sorrynotsorry, but some musical opinions are just too strong to hold back!
8. My Ultimate Culinary Love: Mexican Food. If I had to pick one food to eat for the rest of my life, it would be Mexican cuisine. I can, without exaggeration, get down on chips, salsa, guacamole, and margaritas until I’m absolutely stuffed to the point of exploding. It’s my ultimate comfort food and go-to for any celebration.
9. Dudley: My Furry Best Friend. Eight years ago, we adopted our beloved dog, Dudley, from a shelter, and he quickly became an irreplaceable member of our family. He’s my absolute best friend, and I honestly think daily about how I can somehow clone him when he’s no longer with us. The thought of life without his wagging tail and loving gaze is just too much to bear.
10. A Dream of Teaching. Growing up, my biggest dream was to become an elementary school teacher. I envisioned myself in a classroom, shaping young minds. Unfortunately, my college counselor swiftly crushed those dreams. Even now, I still ponder going back to school to pursue that passion. Until then, I’ll happily sit here, embracing my role as a stay-at-home “psychologist” and food blogger, which often feels like a different kind of teaching!
11. My Love Affair with Emojis and Hashtags. It’s true; I unapologetically overuse emojis and hashtags in my communication. They’re kind of my thing, my digital flair, and I honestly don’t see myself stopping anytime soon. They add so much personality and emphasis to my messages!
12. Coffee Connoisseur and Former Starbucks Assistant Manager. I absolutely LOVE coffee. My passion runs so deep that I used to be an assistant manager at Starbucks. This means I can school you for days on the proper methods for storing, brewing, and sampling coffee. So, if you ever need a lesson in getting that perfect cup, you know who to call! ☕
13. Born in Memphis, Tennessee. I was born in the vibrant city of Memphis, Tennessee. I have fond memories and a deep desire to return soon to sample its famous local BBQ and immerse myself in the incredible live music scene. It’s a city rich in culture and flavor that I’m eager to reconnect with. 🎶
14. “The Little Mermaid” Forever. My all-time favorite Disney movie is without a doubt “The Little Mermaid.” It holds a special place in my heart. Coincidentally, it’s playing at our local movie theater this very weekend, and you can bet your sweet ass I’m taking my daughter to see it. It’s a classic for a reason! 🧜‍♀️✨
15. Not a Movie Buff, But “Big” is My Favorite. Generally speaking, I’m not a huge fan of movies. It takes a lot of convincing for me to commit to sitting through an entire film. My restless nature prefers action! However, if forced to pick my absolute favorite movie, it would have to be “Big” starring Tom Hanks. It’s a timeless gem that always makes me smile.
16. My Go-To TV Comforts: “Schitt’s Creek” and “The Kitchen.” While I don’t watch a lot of TV, there are two shows I follow religiously. My top pick is definitely “Schitt’s Creek” (if you haven’t watched it, please do yourself a favor and start!). I also love “The Kitchen” on Food Network. I tune in every week without fail for my dose of culinary inspiration and witty banter.
17. A Creature of Constant Motion. As you might infer from my previous two statements, I find it incredibly difficult to sit still. I constantly need to be moving around, doing something productive, or engaging in an activity. This also explains why I don’t particularly enjoy reading books – my mind and body prefer to be in motion!
18. My Top Blog Recipes. Out of all the delicious creations on my blog, my two absolute favorite recipes are these incredibly satisfying Sheet Pan Mini Meatloaves and the irresistibly fun Peanut Butter Dirt Cups. They’re crowd-pleasers and genuinely bring me joy to make and share.
19. Sailing Through Vocabulary (When Kids Aren’t Around). When my kids aren’t within earshot, I confess, I cuss like a sailor. It’s a habit I keep strictly in check around little ears, but sometimes, a colorful word or two just feels right.
20. My Archnemesis: Peas. I absolutely HATE peas. You will be hard-pressed to find a single recipe on my blog that features them, unless you count this delicious Pot Pie Pizza, where they are merely a minor player in a larger symphony of flavors. They just aren’t my cup of tea!
21. The Anti-Hoarder. I am the furthest thing from a hoarder. In fact, I have a tendency to throw everything away, sometimes even things that are important. My husband can certainly attest to this! Sorry, honey, it’s just my nature to declutter.
22. Team iPhone for Life. I’ve been a loyal iPhone user since they first launched, and I honestly can’t ever see myself switching. My Apple Watch is also an indispensable gadget that keeps me connected and organized. Once you’re in the Apple ecosystem, it’s hard to leave!
23. A New Chapter: Saying Goodbye to My Business. After 15 dedicated years of selling party supplies and stationary, I made the decision to close my business this year. And I’m genuinely not the least bit sad about it. It was time for a new chapter and more focus on my true passions, like this blog!
24. Food Truck Fantasies (Briefly). Sometimes I dream of owning a food truck, imagining the freedom and creativity of taking my culinary skills on the road. But then I quickly remember how much I truly cherish my free time, and the dream happily fades into a whimsical thought.
25. My Lucky Numbers: 7 and 24. My favorite and lucky numbers have always been 7 and 24. I’m not sure why, but they just resonate with me, popping up at auspicious times and bringing a little extra good fortune.
26. Rachael Ray: My Culinary Muse. If you’ve read my About Me page, you’ll know that I learned to cook primarily by watching the incredible Rachael Ray. I wholeheartedly attribute my deep love for the kitchen and cooking to her infectious energy and approachable recipes. Meeting her someday in New York remains a definite dream!
27. A Dream Kitchen with a RAINBOW Splash. I absolutely LOVE color! My dream kitchen is a pristine white canvas, but with a vibrant pop: I envision open shelving displaying my complete rainbow collection of Fiestaware. Imagine the cheerful hues greeting me every morning – it’s pure joy!
28. My Obsession with Shoes and Sunglasses. I have a confessed obsession with both shoes and sunglasses. They’re my go-to accessories, and I find myself constantly drawn to new styles and designs. A great pair of shades or stylish shoes can truly complete any look.
29. My Signature Cocktails (and Beer Snobbery). My cocktail of choice is usually a caipirinha, especially when made by my dad, or a refreshing mojito. But if we’re reaching for beers, it absolutely has to be an IPA. I’ve become quite the beer snob over the years – or “boujee,” as we like to call it, right Mel?!
30. Not a Beauty Blogger Candidate. I could never, ever be a beauty blogger. My knowledge of makeup and hair is practically zero. I stick to minimal eye makeup and frankly struggle even with a curling iron. #truth – some talents just aren’t mine!
31. Proud to Be 5 Feet Tall. I stand at a proud 5 feet tall, though my husband will teasingly tell you I’m 4’11”. I absolutely love being short! It means I can confidently rock a cute pair of heels or wedges all day, any day, without feeling like a giant. It’s all about perspective!
32. Chocolate Over Everything. When it comes to sweets, my preference is always for chocolate over anything chewy, sour, or gummy. I’ve also always had a particular fondness for cherry and peppermint flavors. Two of my favorite recipes that embody these preferences are my Cherry Mash Truffles and my delightful Peppermint Patty Bars.
33. Punctuality is My Mantra. I am NEVER late. It’s a core principle of mine. I would much rather arrive a half hour early than be even one minute late. Punctuality shows respect for others’ time, and it’s a habit I’ve always upheld.
34. Die-Hard Chicago Bears Fan. I absolutely love football, and my team, through thick and thin, is always the Chicago Bears. Sundays during football season are sacred in our household, filled with cheers, groans, and plenty of game-day snacks.
35. Instagram Stories Enthusiast (Not Creator). I confess, I spend way too much time browsing and watching Instagram stories. I find them endlessly entertaining and a great way to stay connected. However, I rarely make my own stories. I’m simply too afraid to show my “I work from home” face – messy bun and all!

Well, that’s all folks! Phew, this took me much longer than I anticipated, but I must say, it was a truly fun experience reflecting on all these aspects of my life. I sincerely hope you found it at least somewhat entertaining and that it gave you a better understanding of the person behind this blog.

I also genuinely hope these 35 random facts about me haven’t scared you off! My intention was to share a more personal side and perhaps inspire you to reflect on your own journey.

Now, I’m off to celebrate my 35th birthday properly by enjoying a delicious meal at my favorite Mexican restaurant with the three most important people in my world. And after that? It’s back home to indulge in even more of that amazing funfetti cake. Here’s to another year of great food, cherished moments, and continued sharing with all of you!