Channeling my inner-chef!

I don't have a state of the art kitchen...or super expensive equipment...or even fancy ingredients. In fact I usually curse my kitchen size, shape, storage abilities...you get the drift.

BUT...I have:

These wooden utensils. They let me channel my inner-Paula Deen.

I bought this pasta sauce.  

And mixed it with my favorite seasoned hamburger.  I even cooked it ahead of time for the next night ;)  I'm no Giada...but stirring it in my pan on my stove helped me feel more inspired!

I often drink out of these wine glasses while cooking.

They are perfect because they hold a wonderful size glass of wine AND they won't tip because there are no stems. Smart!

I used these crocs for the first time the other day.  Putting tomato soup in them and cutting up my grilled cheese on the surrounding plate made me feel just a little bit fancy.

Any time I want to feel classy, I whip out these pasta bowls.  It can be a random Wednesday night and pre-filled cheese ravioli from the freezer, but in this dish...it's kind of like a little bit of Italy in my kitchen.

I have this beautiful pottery that is the perfect addition to any table of appetizers I make for a get-together. I also used my favorite heart-shaped one to make rice-crispies for Owen. I can't wait for him to be old enough to have fun doing this sort of thing with me!

I sat some of my favorite cookbooks and cooking magazines within easy reach.  And any time I need a little inspiration, I open these pages and soak it up.

I watch this.  This.  This.  And this all on Food Network.  All of them help me get creative.  Oh and I love this too.  I heart Food Network!

I have my Mom's phone number on speed dial. I learned to cook from her.  Anything I know about meatloaf, cooking temps, portion sizes and just about anything related to being smart in the kitchen...it's because of my Mom. Thanks Mom!

So I may not have a state of the art kitchen. I certainly don't have french cuisine culinary cooking experience. And I may even be able to enter a contest for small kitchens (though I know there are smaller ones around!) BUT I have lots of wonderful things surrounding me each and every time I cook.  Paula Deen on my utensils, Pioneer Woman's cookbook at my fingertips and my Mom's common sense and delicious cooking know-how engrained in my fibers.

Every time I remember these things and step into my tiny little kitchen big enough for two, I am transported to another place...perfect for me and whatever culinary wonder I decide to cook up!!