Food For Thought

Marilyn Dean has a food blog a little different from the rest: it’s about food in a way that most of us aren’t thinking about directly – it’s aprons. Not just any old apron, forget visions of mom or grandma at the stove here, these aprons are contemporary and range from functional to cute to, dare I say it, even a little bit sexy.

Marilyn’s blog is an offshoot of her apron business, Susannah’s Aprons where you can find nearly any type of apron you’re looking for from vintage to children’s and beyond. Here is my recent interview with Marilyn – read on for more insight into her blog world and the rest of her very full and interesting life.

Your blog, Susannah’s {Kitchen} Aprons is not about food as much as it is about the kitchen in general and, of course, aprons. What is the thought process behind your posts?

It’s been interesting to watch the food trends in the past year. Thanks to Food TV, the recent movie Julie & Julia, and especially the current recession, we’re witnessing a huge return to the kitchen. Economic uncertainties have made dining out less affordable, and that’s created a nostalgia for good home cooking with family and friends.

In my blog posts at Susannah’s Aprons, I’ve tried to address this growing interest, which is especially prevalent among younger Gen Y Moms. I cover Vintage Apron Design, Hospitality, Religious Holidays, Recipes, and Food in the Media. (eg. the new 3D animated kids’ film “Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs.”)

No longer a symbol of oppression, aprons are a new way for smart modern women to express their style and creativity. We may not all be domestic divas yet, but many of us are willing to give it a try!

Susannah’s {Kitchen} Aprons is your second blog. Tell us a bit about the first.

About four years ago, when my two children were preparing to flee the nest, I decided to go back to school to study theology. Blogging seemed like a natural place to share the things I was learning. I started Chrysalis as a “webzine for thinking Christian women” with no blogging experience whatsoever. It’s been a fantastic journey, and a wonderful way to meet like-minded SAHM and WAHM Moms.

The inspiration for my Vintage Apron site comes from Susannah Wesley. She’s the famous home schooling mother of ten, including the English evangelists, John and Charles Wesley. Susannah’s reputation as a woman of prayer is legendary. Historians tell us that while cooking, she often flipped her apron over her head. Hidden beneath her cotton tent, Susannah offered spontaneous prayers to God.

Has blogging changed the way you look at life?

Absolutely. They say the best way to learn is to teach. And thanks to reading others’ blogs, I’ve expanded my knowledge far beyond the classroom. Also, I’m an interior designer by profession, so my new blog, Susannah’s Aprons has given me the opportunity to express my artsy/creative side through blogging too. As I go through my daily routines, blogging is always on my mind!

Your aprons are fabulous – do you make them all?

Thank you. I wish I could say yes! I do sew—but not aprons. I use my sewing skills in my design work, including draperies, throw pillows, upholstery etc. All the aprons at Susannah’s Aprons are created by others. Like many online vendors, I have “affiliate” business relationships where I am compensated to provide a store front and advertising.

Share with us a day in your kitchen – what is the daily food like in your home?

As a new empty nester, I’m learning to cook for two again. I like to prepare dinner for my husband with care each evening. Since he doesn’t cook, he really appreciates my efforts. We especially love international cuisine including Mexican, Asian, Italian, Greek, Indian, British, French, and of course good old-fashioned American.

The recession has made me rethink our weekly food budget, which I’ve taken for granted for many years. Mindful of the hungry, I’ve begun donating 10% of my earnings at Susannah’s Aprons to a charity called Angel Food Ministries. Angel Food provides food relief for over 500,000 Americans/month who are struggling financially.

In what ways does having a family change the way you blog?

My husband and I will be celebrating our 31st anniversary next month. We still feel like kids, even though our two children are now grown. Our oldest daughter was married last summer in Hawaii, and our son just graduated from college this past spring. Since they are no longer little, I devote a good chunk of my time to blogging, Twittering and Facebooking. I also hope to write an ebook at some point in the near future.

Name a handful of ingredients that you couldn’t live without.

You may laugh, but for “women of a certain age” like me, green tea and soy products have taken a front seat in my life—especially soy milk. More appealing ingredients that I must have include fresh garlic, high quality olive oil, fresh basil, sharp cheeses, and lime in all its variations. I’m a salt, savory, sour lover, with not much of a sweet tooth. Cumin is currently my favorite spice.

When and Why did you join Half Hour Meals?

Since Susannah’s Aprons is only three months old, I’m still exploring the vast world of “foodie” blogs. I found Half Hour Meals through a badge on someone’s recipe blog. I joined Half Hour Meals to mix with creative home cooks who might also want to buy a new apron for themselves or a friend.

What’s your favorite thing about the site?

I love the social aspect. I’ve been surprised by the number of comments, and how supportive readers are. It’s really fun to know that members are actually trying out my recipes! When reviewing Susannah’s Aprons, Theresa111 kindly said,

“A store that gets my attention because its aprons and cast iron skillets. A must see because you might just want to order something cute to wear while you are preparing your next Half Hour Meal.”

Have you tried others’ recipes from Half Hour Meals?

Not yet! However, I certainly will. I love to cook, and I’m always on the lookout for quick and easy recipes with a little international flair.

If others were to ask you about Half Hour Meals, how would you describe the site to them?

In three words, I’d call Half Hour Meals an “online cooking community.” The site is easy to navigate, and has the potential to compete with my blogging as a tempting new hobby.

7 Good Reasons to Buy a Vintage Apron

You’ll feel pretty
You’ll feel like smiling
You’ll feel more creative
Your cooking will taste better
Your kitchen will smell more inviting
Your family will purr with contentment
Your guests will thank you with love in their hearts