Desiree Cipolloni's Page

Tell us a little something about yourself.

My husband & I have 2 children. Isabella (7) & Giorgio (2). I have really enjoyed the adventure of raising my children full time. But, I have to admit...in the earlier years of Isabella's life I saw how it could be very lonely if you don't get out there to connect to people doing the same thing. Of course, it's not easy making the leap from career to full- time motherhood, but I decided quickly to embrace my life choice and call it the very exciting next chapter of my "Desiree-book". And, how exciting would any book be if every chapter was exactly the same, right??? So, this "Mom" chapter envigorated me. I used this as an opportunity to grow in other areas & and to explore deeper ...so much about myself, skills and ablilites that I did not know exsisted in my life before children. The key was putting myself out there to network with all Mom's doing the same thing as me everyday. I sought out many avenues along the way (parks, palydates, churches, groups, libraries/free classes, etc.) to make contact with many wonderful women(all of different stages in mothering) doing the same & enjoyed learning with and from them as we created the wonderful journey together. Truly that was the BIG lesson for me...this Mom journey is anything I wanted it to be because it can be... as little or big as I decided to create it. I feel honored and blessed to have enjoyed the time of giving this chapter to my children & gained so much personally along the way. And, certainly my job is far from over....
But....
Now that my kids are getting..a bit older, I am ready & very excited about reaching out to a whole new network of women who will inspire me to explore the latest chapter of my life book-- the "Me" chapter and all that it will bring for my future.

What would you like to change or improve?

I have loads of creative energy (at times) & have different projects on the back burner of my mind. My trouble is the execution. I get stumped or in a rut and do not know how to proceed.

What are your 3 main goals in this area?

To find out what truly interests me...my inner strengths.... and how I could utlilize this strength in & outside the home to be of service to others.

To carve out some "Me" time to FOCUS on my future and not feel scatter brained about the the future as I tend to get.

To not look at the future as some far away entity to be placed on the back burner. To not procrastinate to plan & act now.

To ask for help from others....which in my very Virgo world is so taboo. :)

How can others help you to achieve your goals?

Just by attending ONE BTBS meeting, I am proud to say that I was truly inspired to write my thoughts down....and that for me is a wonderful beginning.

Start creating your Beyond the Bus Stop Life List here (List Your Dreams & Goals)

My passion is being active and creative in the kitchen...my absolute favorite place in my home. Togetherness is...being in the KITCHEN! Have you ever noticed how your guests naturally migrate to this space when visiting you instead of lounging on the sofa in the family room? I desire anyone who shares time with us in our home to feel drawn to this space ...welcomed, nourished, and loved! This is the room in all of our homes that can truly leave a warm, wonderful lasting impression on the lives that we touch each day... our children, spouses, extended family & friends, even ourselves. I have always believed it to be the life-force of any home. Drawing energy to and from the people in it. The attitude that we have in approaching our time in the kitchen could give our homes the positive energy flow it deserves..both inside & out...affecting those who both enter & leave it.

But, I've noticed that most people I've encountered look upon time spent in the kitchen and cooking as a "chore". They mostly "eat out" instead of inside their own haven ...possibly because of lack of time or interest. They seem overwhelmed by following recipes. They are completely turned off by cooking believing that recipes need to be an "exact science".... precise... with no room to deviate. They feel no sense of freedom in preparing. This does not need to be the case at all! This attitude robs your home of that positive flow of energy we all want to surround our families with each day...especially our children.

The memories you can create in the kitchen with and for your kids will be life long. Even if they are not in there "mixing it up" with you right now...they are watching and taking mental notes of your time in this space. Whether you realize it not, their minds are like sponges and they notice and will recall your presence in the kitchen and how you approach meals. Surround them with fabulous aromas! Be a good example by trying something new! Add your favorite touches to any dish you prepare! Share the beautiful feeling of freedom in being creative. If anything your activity now in the kitchen will spark their desire to learn, create and fend for themselves in the future.

I consider myself a huge advocate of "Creating in your own Kitchen" ...a Culinary Motivator. Motivating people to embrace their inner creativity.... Encouraging use of what is on hand to make a recipe "their own"... Inspiring a fabulous food journey--a love affair for making magic in the kitchen which brings about great energy for their lives & their homes. What a concept! Making memories, creating good energy and of course, fabulous foods to enjoy! When it's made by YOU, it's all good! Allow YOUR kitchen & all that YOU bring to it to SHINE and be the life-force of your home as it was intended to be! Joy in the kitchen can truly be contagious! This is the energy we want our loved ones to be surrounded by each day and have etched in their minds and hearts for years to come..

Over the years I have embraced recipes from Mom's Group Swaps, magazine articles, recipe books given to me as gifts. I have been inspired from outings to restaurants…taking a good look at menus to see what I am drawn to most and how I can recreate in the kitchen things that I love. And most importantly...recipes passed down from family and friends that have been great traditions. With these I have found it exciting and rewarding to create meals by figuring out the basic cooking method ...then add my own twist by substituting what I consider the "playful ingredients"...spices, herbs and utilizing what I do have on hand to create MY OWN SPIN on any given recipe. Why not be inspired to create & make it your very own??? This is what I call my "Recipe Improv".

H: What makes me HAPPY?

Creating in the kitchen! Coming up with recipes and using my philosphy of 'Recipe Improv' to make many variations on a meal/recipe.

I absolutely love a snow day when I am in the house with no place to go & have the opportunity to create many meals for my family!
The kitchen...It is my favorite place in the house. The place that draws great energy & LIFE in our homes. Togetherness is...being in the KItchen!
And, I just love when we are all gathered in there together chatting it up while I am at the stove or when the oven is on & I am baking up something I just know they will love!
It's Heaven! To me it's more than happy...it's JOY! :)

O: What am I OPTIMISTIC about?

Life! The future & all that is has to offer! Touching the lives of others! Being a role model for others...especially our children!

T: How am I TAKING ACTION?

Putting my self out there to connect with others. Writing my thoughts down.