What does “mise en place” mean to you?

Pop up cooking class took place in the bar area with Chef Josh Vilain from The Swag in North Carolina.
Executive Sous Chef Josh Vilain – 2025

This term is one of my favorites. I think about it often. If you aren’t familiar with this term please read on, it’s interesting and could enrich your life in many ways. It’s usually used in reference to cooking, but is an essential life skill that everyone should learn. Your life could be made far easier if so. Sometimes you just NEED things to be in place to facilitate whatever it is your doing to make it efficient with time not wasted looking for things because they aren’t where they belong. So what does mise en place mean?

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Happy New Year’s Eve 2025!

Fireplace in room...

New Year’s Eve, 2025. Where will you be? I know there are so many wonderful plans being made. Are you one that can’t wait to get out on the town, visit friends, head to a party (or two!), have some great food, or are you one that prefers to stay home. Nice and quiet, maybe keeping your dog calm from the fireworks? I just read a few good tips to help with that…

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It’s Officially Fall – Super Excited!

dirt road with scattered autumn leaves in yellows and reds

Fall officially began Monday (9/22) and I couldn’t be more hopeful for cooler weather to come our way soon. As I write this the weather forecasters are showing possible storms headed this way soon. We continue to monitor and have a plan for food, water, etc. so we can stay in.

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Life as a Bird in the Great Smoky Mountains

Bird perched on a railing, looking out over the Great Smoky Mountains, Waynesville, North Carolina

Can you imagine life as a bird in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park? The freedom to fly hither and yon. Life as a bird comes with options. You glide with the wind. Or you take a break at the bird feeder and hang out with your friends. Or, if you preferred, you just take a break and look out over the beautiful vistas. #lifeisgood

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A Sunrise Treasure!

Mountains with sunrise in the distance, early morning fog, treetops, and swirling dark blue clouds

Sunrise. Sunset. I love them both equally. How magical it would be to have an amazing view of one or the other. “If I had my druthers” as my MIL will say, I’m not sure which I would pick. I love a sunrise. I love to pop out of bed as I did in this image above. But, I also love a sunset. We were visiting…

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