I am a relatively new transplant from Wisconsin. I grew up in a very small town and love that atmosphere. I feel that same atmosphere in my little neighborhood in Norman which is why I love it. I am obsessed with food/cooking, dogs, and books. I hoard books and kitchen equipment, and if allowed, would probably try to hoard dogs (if I had the room and time to love on them all). I also love to learn new things. Those loves resulted in my two side businesses: Small Town Hand Made and Must Heart Dogs.
Small Town Hand Made is my craft business I started in 2012. It started with knitting hats and has progressed to wooden signs, wreaths, baby blankets and more. Anything that someone wants made, I will attempt to make it. I like the challenge of learning a new skill and figuring out how it is made. It feeds my need for creativity while allowing me to relieve stress after a long day. Website is www.smalltownhandmade.com
Must Heart Dogs started because I have a very picky baby when it comes to treats. And 15 years ago, healthy dog treats were very expensive. I turned that hobby into a business venture in 2016. It allows me to be creative in the kitchen while spoiling all furbabies as they deserve in a healthy and affordable way. I also added dog sitting to my resume recently and have quickly become obsessed with it. I get to meet and love on so many different dogs while putting their parents at ease when they have to leave them for any amount of time. Website is www.mustheartdogswi.com
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am one of four kids. I’ve never been married nor had human babies. But I do have a 15 year old furbaby named Oscar and a 14 year old fur baby named Ramsey. I also have the best nieces and nephews to spoil when I need some human kids to love on.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I currently work from home doing billing for Ortho Central which is an orthopedic clinic under Norman Regional’s umbrella. I love the opportunity to work from home.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Best Mexican is Los Compadres Cafe hands down. I also love Thawan Thai Cuisine. I’ve never had anything bad there. Jimmy’s Egg is a breakfast must for simple, affordable, and delicious breakfast.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I’ve lived and worked in Norman for 3 years now.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
I’d have to say my retired neighbor, Chet. Once you get to know him, he always has a story or comment to keep you entertained.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Ireland. I have always loved all things Irish even before knowing I have Irish ancestors. And it is a gorgeous country.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I love all crime shows like Criminal Minds and SWAT.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Take the time to appreciate and enjoy what you have. It may not be exactly what you wanted, but it will always be what you needed.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Go to Greece for a food vacation.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Daughtry or Lifehouse
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Candace Cameron Bure. I would love to talk to her about her faith and how it shaped her and helped her through life. In spite of fame and fortune, she is open and honest about her relationship with God in a very relatable way. I’m going to guess that she appreciates healthy and unique food, so I’d take her to Scratch Kitchen and Cocktails
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love that on the edge of town there is a lake and wooded trails to enjoy for a close outdoor adventure at Sutton Wilderness Park.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I don’t see too much changing for me in the next 5-10 years. I’m exactly where I want to be in life. I get to spend my days doing things I love surrounded by dogs I love. Except in 5-10 years, I hope to be getting ready to purchase a large parcel of wooded property somewhere in the US to escape to for a quiet getaway from civilization when needed.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I eat food based on cravings. I can’t just eat eggs for breakfast if I’m not craving eggs. I decide what to eat for lunch and dinner that day based on what I’m craving.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Ireland
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Favorite month is October. I love fall. You get apple picking, hoodie and jeans weather, and the gorgeous fall colors. I’d have to say Christmas is my favorite holiday because I love buying gifts for people. I don’t have a best single day, but I love Sundays. It’s my favorite day to either be very productive or completely lazy. Just do whatever comes to mind.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Desserts. If I could eat desserts without gaining weight or it affecting my health, I’d eat desserts for most of my meals.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My Mom. She worked 3 or more jobs to raise 4 kids by herself when I was growing up. She never complained. She still doesn’t complain. She is always doing things for everyone else and will do anything to help her kids if we need it.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Lavender and Cedar
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Peace. Family. No place I’d rather be.
