Maoomba 2012: Lions & Google & Food, Oh My!

 

I am so excited for 2012, I can’t even express it clearly.  If you had a crazy 2011 – and I know of a LOT of people who did, then maybe you can understand what I’m feeling.

So, wanting to help nudge the new year in a direction I truly want it to go, I’ve spent the last few weeks working on plans – personal, blog, and business alike.  And, things are cooking!

These plans and all that I’ve learned since I started the blog almost 2 and a half years ago have inspired me to build on my earlier efforts and expand Maoomba beyond the blog. 

Here’s what you can expect this year:

• The Blog: The Maoomba.com blog will continue with an emphasis on real food for active lives, and will, of course, remain naturally free of gluten and dairy.  I’ve got a great line-up of post ideas and recipes planned (with room for inspiration) that will touch on topics of real-food eating and cooking, kitchen strategies, gardening, exploring farmers markets and ethnic ingredients, and keeping things simple, delicious, and affordable.

• Virtual Cooking Classes:  Starting soon (end of January/ beginning of February), I will begin teaching virtual cooking classes using the new .  What exactly does this mean?  Once a week, I will offer a live, internet-based class for up to 9 participants focusing on a recipe, technique, food prep strategy, or ways to use a particular ingredient.  I will share more details soon, but, in the meantime, you can enter for a chance to participate in one of my classes for free by filling out this quick questionnaire to help me narrow down class topics.

• Culinary Travel! Yep, that’s right; I’m hitting the road and would love to have you join me.  This October, my husband, William, and I will be teaming up to lead a 2-week food, wine, and safari tour to South Africa – Will’s homeland and a country he leads tours to, and one of my favorite places in the world (I rarely eat so well as when I’m there).  We’re anxious to share the details as soon as they’re finalized, but WE WANT YOUR INPUT first.  Help us get a feel for your travel interests by completing this survey, and you’ll be entered for a chance to win a copy of “A Kitchen Safari: Stories and recipes from the African wilderness” and a copy of Extraordinary Life Travel’s Guide to South African Wine.  You’ll also be the first to hear about the details of what is sure to be a rollicking, yet sumptuous time.

• Strategic Consulting Services for organizations that promote health, food access, community, and economic empowerment through food…organizations like food banks, community gardens, farmers markets, public health agencies, fair trade food producers, and food business incubators.   Want to learn how I work with these organizations?  Read more here.

Oh, and, fingers-crossed, I will have a cookbook available later this year or early next year.

Like I said, things are cooking around here!

What amazing things do you have planned for 2012?  I’d love to know!

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