Hey there, welcome to Me in the Kitchen! 🥗
More whole foods, less processed crap. That’s still the heart of what I do—but over time, this space has grown into something even richer. A Christ-led corner of the internet where I share real food, natural beauty, homeschool moments, and honest encouragement for melanin moms doing all the things.
I’m Maria—Ria for short. Jesus follower, melanin-rich mama, homeschooler, and a food truth-seeker. I love good food, and I love knowing what’s actually in it. I went to culinary school, not to become a restaurant chef, but to understand how food works, how to cook it well, and how the food industry shapes what we eat. What I learned changed everything.
These days, I’m not just feeding my family—I’m learning to nourish every part of our lives. Faith first. Food second. And a little glow-up from pantry-skincare never hurt either.
Now, I share that knowledge with you—minus the food guilt, strict rules, or overwhelming advice. Life is busy, and I get that. Some days, I’m cooking a wholesome, homemade meal, and other days, I’m grabbing something quick because, well, life. My goal isn’t to tell you what to eat, wear or think—it’s to help you make informed choices so you can honor yourself and your family with confidence.
Here, you’ll find:
- Easy, whole-food recipes that don’t require a gourmet kitchen
- DIY beauty straight from the pantry
- Honest reviews on food, wellness products, and the occasional homeschool tool
- A peek into my kitchen wins (and fails!)
- Encouragement to get in the kitchen, no matter your skill level
FAQ
Are you vegan? Mostly, yes! But I don’t put labels on it. I focus on whole, plant-based foods while keeping things realistic and flexible.
Do I have to be vegetarian to eat healthy? Nope! My approach is about adding more whole foods to your diet, not restricting yourself.
Do you only buy organic? I try to as much as possible (about 75%), but I also believe in doing the best with what you have. Frozen and local produce can be just as good!
What’s your favorite food? French fries and chips and salsa. Not together, but now that I think about it…
Where did you go to culinary school? A program in Dallas, TX.
What’s the biggest change someone can make for their health? Cook more at home. It’s the easiest way to control what’s going into your body.
Where do you get your protein? From literally everything that’s not meat or dairy.