​I can't believe it, but Christmas is almost here. The holiday season is about to come to a close, and what my mother has told me for years is finally coming true. "Maya as you get older, the seasons will soon begin to run together and time will seem to speed up, but you have to remember to cherish each day as it comes." I carry my mother's wisdom with me everyday, and I try best to share it with others when I get the chance too. 

I am currently sitting in my recliner, watching the Grinch, and staring at my Christmas tree. This is the first year that me and my immediate family are not gifting each other presents. To some this may seem crazy, and for others they're probably saying "hoorah"! But for me, the true meaning of Christmas is shining through a bit more than usual, and I'm grateful for that. So, yes if it takes excluding all gifts between immediate family members to truly embrace what Christmas actually represents then I'm all for it. 
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I believe that in every new year there will be some challenges sent your way, and everyday you have the option to address those challenges head on, or ignore them & allow them to tear you down. If I'm being honest I've definitely had some seasons where I allowed my challenges to take the lead rather than jumping on that bad boy and handling it myself (I'm southern, forgive me hahaha). However, thats all going to change in 2020, I plan on attacking everyday with a set schedule and disciplined actions and patterns. If I say I'm going to be consistent with something then I am! I'm learning to trust myself more and more as times passes. 

Anyway, before I keep this rant going, I'm really excited about my next blog post. It will focus on my trip back home. Can't wait to share!!!

Love Y'all!
Truly, Madly, and Deeply -MP

​Hey guys! (forewarning: my thoughts are choppy today, so forgive me)

Welcome back to the blog portion of my website. The past couple of days have been pretty interesting. I feel that my life has been in this like "wave" motion, where some day's I'm extremely productive, and other days I'm as slow as a sloth when it comes to getting myself out of the bed and getting my day started. I set a goal for myself in the beginning of creating this blog; I wanted to launch with at least 5 recipes in each category. Obviously, this goal is easily attainable, I just have to do it, like nike says. 

Preparing for the launch of this website looks differently everyday honestly. Somedays, I work on adding recipes from my bed and on other days I'm adding them from my kitchen. I'm sure many of y'all have heard the sayings "don't reinvent the wheel; work smarter not harder", right? Well, that's been my motto when it comes to the creation of this website and recipes. Typically, when I see things that I like, I'll add my own little twist to make it my own, and when it comes to choosing what I share on the blog, I just say whats on my heart at the moment, which leads me to my next point. 

I'm currently sitting in Starbucks; I just finished having a conversation with one of my good friends, Devin. I realized during our conversation, that over the past week I really had placed myself in isolation. I wasn't taking anyones calls, nor responding to any texts, and he was worried. I think I had just gotten so overwhelmed with this last semester coming to a close, I just wanted to shut down and have some time to myself. And, y'all that is OKAY!!! Devin confirmed that, he was like "Maya, it is okay to shut down especially when you're going through a lot, you just have to make sure that someone knows that you're alive haha." Lesson learned!

Heading to the new year, I'm excited yet nervous because this new season is going to be filled with so much change. I'll be graduating, interviewing for a new job, and hopefully moving. Woah, just thinking about that in this moment feels me with a few jitters. Anyway, I'm SUPER EXCITED about launching M.O.M. because it serves as one of my outlets; It's a  way to share  my love for food, and my daily thoughts. Welp, I got to go, time to switch over to the professional side of things!

XOXO, 
​MP

​WOWZERS!

If you know me, then you'll know that I use the word "wowzers" ALOT. It's my way of expressing my excitement and or sarcasm. Honestly, I can't believe this moment has finally arrived, where I get the chance to share a little piece of my love and passion for cooking. A year ago August, August 2018, I started graduate school at the University of Georgia. After moving to Athens from Valdosta I went through several life altering events at once, which happened to re-ignite my FOCUS. At that I point, I just wanted to focus on things that were going to 1. keep me busy 2. challenge me 3. help me inspire other people, and show them the light of Christ. 

Cooking and working-out did just that. I began to cultivate a new routine for myself. Every morning began with a quick prayer, and a workout at Burn Boot Camp. I would then rush home to whip up some avocado toast & turkey bacon, and then head into work. After a while, I started to notice that the peaks of my days were usually centered around cooking, working-out, or spending time with my students or my friends. Since I've brought up my friends, let me just say that I have some of the best genuine, honest, and loyal friends in the world. They are actually one of the main reasons (besides some of my instagram followers) that I decided to finally start this blog and create this website.  

It is important to note your sources of happiness, and to know that there's purpose in every move/ decision you make. God's plan is far greater than my own, and as I continue to grow and mature I began to understand that notion more and more. Creating this blog and website during this season of my life serves as one of my sources of happiness.

Given that point, I had to learn that my PASSION & PURPOSE are two very different things. Your passions serve yourself, and your purpose serves others. If I'm being honest, I am unsure if cooking is a part of my purpose; however, I do know that it is a gift God blessed me with, and I intend on sharing that gift with y'all. 

Please know that in this blog I intend to be completely honest with you guys; whether it be about a failed new recipe, a successful job search, or dating. I genuinely hope you guys enjoy exploring my website and making some yummy food.  

I would like to thank you all in advance for allowing me to join your journey and help you "Mapp" out your meals in the kitchen. Don't forget to comment below, share your thoughts on anything!

My social media handles are linked below through the icons. Feel free to follow me (I do follow back lol)

XOXO,
​MP