I’m thrilled to welcome you to my new website today. Three years ago, you saw me go through the hardest job interview of my life, a reality show known as “The Next Food Network Star.” Now, as we prepare to see who will win the title this season, I can’t help but reminisce a bit. While so much has happened and changed, the reason why I embarked on this journey still remains the same – and it always will. The following is an excerpt from a note I wrote on my Facebook page in March 2011.
“I have said many times in interviews that the “secret” to career happiness for me is to have a job that advances my personal life mission. Note I didn’t say professional goals (which I have, but are different). I’m talking about what I want to accomplish on this Earth before I leave it. How will I leave the world a slightly better place? If I can finish a day of work knowing that – even if in a small way – I advanced my personal life mission (in addition to my professional goals), then that is enough (and, it also gets me through the challenges and headaches we can face with any job).”
And now, we move from the past to the present. Sunday July 15th, the 7th (yes, 7, time surely does fly!) season of “Ten Dollar Dinners” premiered on Food Network. Earlier this year, I began hosting a second series, “Drop 5 lbs with Good Housekeeping,” on Cooking Channel. In just a few weeks, my first cookbook Ten Dollar Dinners will be released. I’ve had the fortunate opportunity to travel the country meeting many of you at all sorts of events, and I’m looking forward to a cross-country book tour in August when I will have the chance to meet so many more of you. Each of these events is an opportunity to further my life mission – a blessing for which I am truly grateful.
And through it all, my family has been fixed at my side– supportive and loving as always. Philippe, Valentine, Charlotte, Margaux and Océane – I cherish my family more than anything.
To all my supportive fans: You’ve become a second family to me over the past three years, and I am so very appreciative of your support. From the kind words and endless encouragement to the stories about you enjoying my recipes and utilizing my tips, I am honored to have you all in my corner. Thank you for letting me be a small part of your lives. And while many of you have told me that I have inspired you in some way, I want you to know that I’ve found inspiration in you, too.
This new website will offer tons of fun content – from recipes and blogs to TV and book info.
Here’s a snapshot of what you’ll find:
- An easily searchable database of my company-worthy yet wallet-friendly recipes – all of which are perfect for a Tuesday night family dinner too – as well as my personal menu suggestions for holidays and events
- Behind-the-scenes blog posts about my television shows, events, book tour, recipes, and family with fun photos and video
- Up-to-date information about current and upcoming projects, events, appearances, and when I will be in a city near you!
- News about my Food Network and Cooking Channel shows along with fun on-the-set scoop, stories and interviews
- Press coverage of me sharing recipes, tips, and more about my life as a TV host, cookbook author, and mom of four – from TV and online features to magazine and newspaper coverage, all in one place!
- Everything you need to know about my debut cookbook, “Ten Dollar Dinners,” (out August 14th) including sneak peeks, recipes, videos, and book tour details.
Thanks for visiting and, again, welcome!
Melissa