About Me
Greetings! I'm Morgan, and this is my virtual home where I talk all things food, education, spirited children, the spirited adults who raise them, and the shenanigans we frequently find ourselves in. Those shenanigans seem to be almost genetic. Keep reading, and you'll see what I mean. I was raised by three spirited women who taught me to believe in myself.
I run on coffee and tea, old television shows, and travel. And I'm almost always holding a book or my camera.
Also residing in this virtual home are K-Hubs and our two daughters. You'll hear about them from time to time, including just exactly how the girls feel about the recipes I create. They ARE my quality control specialists. We live in the suburbs, make noise wherever we go, and travel whenever we can.
I'm so glad you've found our spirited community! Stop by any time!
How it started...and NOW how it's going!
This FREE ebook will show you the before and after shots of a few of my most favoritest reshoots! You'll learn the camera equipment and settings I used, along with the editing tools I emphasized to get just the look I wanted! Happy snapping! ~Morgan
Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription, and you'll be directed to your very own copy of the How It Started / How It's Going food photography FREEBIE! You'll also be kept in the loop on upcoming resources and ways to take your photography to new heights!
I can't wait for you to get started, and I'm so glad you're here!
Spiritedly,
Morgan
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A little bit more...
Come for the food, stay for all the extras! In addition to recipes, you'll find a cornucopia of additional content here, including photography tips and tricks, teacher resources, notes about travel, and more. Throughout my career and through a variety of experiences, I've had the privilege to teach ages 3 to 93. And all ages are my favorite. So it's no wonder there are resources on this site that span the ages.
Recipes
We are all about the food here. When my daughters were diagnosed with food allergies, I learned to cook from scratch (literally), and decided to share what we concocted right here in this virtual kitchen. The girls go bonkers for Chocolate Chunk Crinkle Cookies while K-Hubs and I can't get enough Lemon Avocado Dip (we pair it with seafood, vegetables, and gluten-free crackers).
We also share recipes for hands-on learning in our Kids' Activities section. Think slime, rice, pasta, blocks, and MORE. It's sensory play for kids of all ages!
Photography Resources
When I learned to make allergen-friendly recipes, I knew I needed a way to have fun with it. Enter food photography. Covered in gluten-free flour, I got behind the lens and took pictures of what I made.
Curious to know how photographers make their images look the way they do? I know I did! And still do. That's why I have created a photography section where you can read up on equipment, lighting, and so much more!
Classroom Decor
But we didn't stop with food and photography. Because of course we didn't. In an attempt to keep the girls engaged in screen-free fun, I created learning resources for them. And then wondered if other parents and teachers were in the same boat.
Enter TPT. You can find our classroom resources in our Spirited Learning store on TPT. From full-scale classroom decor themes to individual resources, we've got a little something for everyone. Oh, and color. Lots of color.
Travel
There was a time when I swore I couldn't remember the last time I left the house. Pretty sure there was a 10-day stretch after the birth of my oldest that I didn't so much as put a toe on the front porch.
But now our family goes bonkers for nature hikes and day trips. You'll also get a peek at some of our out-of-state travels, including trips to Texas and Arkansas.
The original Spirit Squad
Mom was my rock, The Gram was my home away from home, and Auntie was my before and after school program when the weather was bad and the walk was long. These ladies are the reason I am more comfortable talking about Neil Diamond, the Mandrell Sisters, Roy Orbison, and Cher more than I am NSYNC, The Backstreet Boys, or 98 Degrees. Except for New Kids On The Block. There's photographic evidence of Mom and I getting ready to see them in concert.
Mom \mom\ noun 1 : flower child, free spirit, demonstrative, life of the party 2 : known for ability to give advice at just the right moment 3 : identifiable by reverberating, infectious laugh 4 : affectionate adj. See also : best friend
The one relationship you'll always have is the one you have with yourself. So be a best friend to yourself first and then go out and treat others with that same kindness. I want you to imagine a friend coming to you with the same feelings and troubles. What would you say to that friend? That's what I want you to say to yourself right now."
The Gram \ thuh gram\ noun 1 : loyal, dramatic, outspoken 2 : matriarch known for culinary prowess 3 : identifiable by appropriately dramatic reactions to grandchildren’s daily stories 4 : humorous adj. See also : fun grandma
So you got in trouble at school for talking too much and being a little rambunctious, Morgan? GOOD! We don’t want our daughters to be doormats.”
Auntie \an-tee\ noun 1 : formidable, no-nonsense, soft interior 2 : known for living life on her own terms 3 : identifiable by outspokenness 4 : stubborn adj. See also : role model
Never buy or sell a car between family members. It will become a lemon the minute the deal is done. And, good grief, never recommend anything to anyone. That’s your reputation on the line. Instead, only highly suggest something and leave it at that.”
Morgan \mor-ghen\ noun 1 : high energy, social, theatrical 2 : known for creating mondegreens 3 : identifiable by crescendoing voice 4 : dramatic adj. See also : entrepreneurial
Everyone says ‘I love you’ a little bit differently.”
