This lady caught my attention because she has an eye for décor, a honed knowledge of event planning and a great love of family, home and food. Her website is feminine and soft. Her vacations are taken to places of romantic allure. She makes videos to show where she goes and educates us about food and wines. She is sentimental, loves to travel and to help others with their celebrations. This is a creative work in progress, which takes you on her personal journey.
I know your name is Michele but looks like you have a pet name, Bunny. When I was in high school, I had a dear friend with the same nickname. How did you come to be given this affectionate name?
Twenty-three years ago, when I met my husband, he started calling me Bunny and has ever since. Many of our friends and family members call me that as well. I can’t even imagine my husband calling me Michele!!
Your blog and launch of your new website, The Paris House, is just full of adventurous places, events and antique finds. I especially enjoy watching the videos you do when you travel and the extensive photographs of the places where you visit and sometimes dine. You have posted one of your recipes on our food site. “Bunny’s Brandy Figs with Wine Drizzle.” Tell me how you invented this fruity dessert?
Every time I travel I am looking to leave that place with something new that I have learned and that I can incorporate in my life. I found these fabulous wine drizzles while in the Niagara on the Lake region in Canada and whipped up a very easy and delicious appetizer. I’ll have to post that recipe on Half Hour Meals soon. It only takes minutes to make and everyone loves it.
I also saw beautiful cakes a bit further into your posts. Do you bake and ice these beauties yourself? How did you get involved with Party Events Planning?
Yes I make all the cakes that are featured in the Bunny’s Cakes Portfolio. I love to bake and find it very relaxing. I’m not into spas and days of luxury. My idea of bliss is in creating things. I began as a party planner twenty years ago, for a company in New Jersey, and have been involved in special events and designing ever since. I started my own company after having my first child nearly sixteen years ago.
When I read the profile page that tells about you as a food writer, fashion lover and party events planner, I noticed all other things you are interested in. How do you fit everything in your day-to-day life?
Well I have had forty-four years to fit it all in. It takes a lot of time, but over the years, I have managed to create a business around my family and all of my passions. I will add that I have a great support system and I budget my time very well. Remember just because I am involved in many things I am not doing them all at the same time. I go through creative phases and focus on what I am into at that time. I also have amazing amounts of energy and really don’t sleep very much!
You have had “ La Maison Parisienne,” for a while now. When did you start blogging? What is the inspiration for your blog, and is this the only one you write? Do you see yourself still blogging a year from now?
I think I started blogging about 10 months ago. I didn’t know much about having a blog; it just has naturally evolved as an extension of my website and business. Along the way, I have met the most interesting people that I truly consider my friends. Also, I am constantly inspired by the amazing talent that is out there in the blogosphere. And yes, I hope to be blogging in a year. I often wonder if any of my blogging friends will stop. I hope not because I would really miss them.
I know you are on Twitter. Do you tweet about food or just about everyday matters?
Actually the only thing that I put on facebook and twitter is usually just my blog post. I have a lot of friends and family who are not on my blog and read what I am doing on either facebook or twitter, so I just add my daily blog post to twitter.
You mentioned your family and children, how do you balance your day? Does this change the way you blog? Do you have family support? I ask this because a few years ago not many of us knew what a blog was and now it is quite a respectable thing to write one.
Well the kids come first and my blog is a natural continuation of our life. I post about many of our parties, travel adventures and daily recipes, so my blog is just a memoir of my life as a wife, mother and designer. I do have a lot of family support and encouragement and I agree with you, writing a blog is a very respectable thing to do.
Where does your cooking inspiration come from? When you step into your kitchen and all is quiet, tell me what makes this room a special place for you?
My cooking inspiration comes from the seasons, the farmers market, our travels, my cravings and of course trying to cook healthy delicious meals for my family. I only relax when I am doing something creative, so when I go into my kitchen I believe my blood pressure is lower, my stress levels drop and I just start creating.
What led you to join The Half Hour Meals Community?
I was contacted by The Half Hour Meals Community and was thrilled to be involved in sharing recipes that will help busy families prepare delicious meals fast. That is another reason I am able to get a lot done. I know it probably isn’t a good idea to make a soufflé and a fancy cake on the day that I have a deadline with my jewelry designs, or a child home sick with a fever. Those are the times we need to be able to go to our recipes and pull out the ones that we can throw together in minutes!!
How long have you been a member here and what is your favorite thing about our site?
I am a recent new member and my favorite thing about the site is the community involvement. I felt part of Half Hour Meals immediately. I also love finding other great easy and delicious recipes that I can add to our family meals.
Have you had time to try any other members’ recipes yet?
Yes, I have made a chicken dish and several quick appetizers. I want to keep exploring the site and adding more great recipes to our family meals.
When others ask you about HHM, how do you describe our site to them?
HHM is a great place to find nutritious and delicious recipes, that can be made fast. It is also one of the easiest sites I have ever been on when it comes to finding things. It is easy to post, easy to search and very, very professional.
Michele is a fine example of a woman creating her dream and living her lifestyle around her family life. She is just as eager to find an antique as she is to design jewelry. We’re glad she decided to share The Paris House with us.