I am so grateful that you stopped by for a visit!  I can’t wait to get to know you!  Just arriving to this page means that you and I have a lot in common.  I’m excited to hang out with you and share all of the things we both love! 

Let me introduce myself…I was born in Texas, but raised in 10 + cities across Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Kansas.  At one point I lived in 5 different houses in four cities in 3 states in a span of 5 years.  (Right now, you Military brats are thinking “That’s nothing, Melissa!” ;))  Some may say that this nomadic lifestyle must have really messed me up.  Quite the contrary.  For me, my childhood was the perfect equipping ground for this platform.  My unique life experience shaped my view of incredible hosting.  I know how it feels to be new in town.  I know how it feels to struggle and suffer and feel discouraged.  I’ve experienced the impact of being connected by a host to a person/company that changed the course of my career and life.  I’ve seen the impact of how a simple meal or gift can breathe air into the lungs of a discouraged friend.  Or how a celebration of a milestone can strengthen the relationships of friends and families and can INFUSE JOY in their hearts.  I have learned to be highly aware of the people around me, adapt to new situations easily, and thrive in environments that force me to continuously learn.  All because of learning to host in a way that matters. 

Hosting is my full-time job.  On a daily basis I host three adorable children, a toothless dog (update:  my sweet toothless dog passed away 🙁  Now, we have a crazy two year old Malti Poo named Coconut “Coco” Magnolia), and my adventurous hunk of a hubby.  No other hosting gig is more important to me than this one.  I use every excuse to celebrate with these 4 and our friends and family!  I absolutely adore spending time around a cozy table, with food that feeds my soul-not just my mouth-and most of all connecting with people I’m breaking bread with at the moment.      

My hosting philosophy is quite simple.  I believe that hosting is not about the table setting or the recipe, but about the relationships that are born and strengthened through the encounter.  This philosophy is born out of my faith in God through my personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  In whom, I find my value, hope, freedom, and joy.  My Heavenly Father knows me completely and loves me unconditionally.  After experiencing this type of love, I can’t help but want to try my best to value and love others just as they are as well.  It is through this lens, that I truly believe that hosting leads to life change.  Enriched lives are born through hosting and being hosted.   Whether you are the Host or the Guest, be inspired to host and be hosted in a way that matters.  

Along the way I have found unique ways to make each celebration special.  I am passionate about infusing unexpected, meaningful details into each party or gathering.  This strategy is born out of my goal to have my guests leave more encouraged than when they arrived.  Our world can be hard and discouraging.  My hope in gathering those around me is to cheer them on and give them opportunities to rest and refuel with fun gatherings focused on strengthening relationships. I often call myself  YOUR VIRTUAL ENCOURAGER.  🙂 Want to follow along and learn more?    Begin here…