Hello, my name is Olivia and I love Olives.

Hello Readers!

I am a FOOD LOVER and this is my new blog! I love a lot of things about life. I am particularly enjoying newlywed-ism and being head over heels in love with my new hubby. I love that the sun is actually starting to shine in this godforsaken-500-shades-of-gray town. I love my family. I love my friends. I love Oregon. I love dogs and puppies, especially Poodles. Standard ones. I love YouTube for its wide array of adorable animal videos. I love dancing. Laughing is good, too. Traveling is brilliant. The view from my window right now is pretty grand.

But, when it comes down to it, food is what makes all of this madness happen for me. I no longer fear that it is a problem. I have officially surrendered to the obsession. In fact, I am going to USE this obsession and take advantage of it! Yes, obsession, I am taking advantage of you!! MUAHAHAHa. Anyway... I have used this obsession to better my health, knowledge, skills, and relationships. I do not know everything and I am not claiming to be a health wizard. I will grant you that I become over-zealous a lot and think I know everything...but just be forewarned and know that I told you "I know that I MAY BE wrong about being right." ;) It's called passion, and I've been told I have a lot of it!

So here goes this blog about eating. Because eating makes my world go 'round. Eating the wrong things took me down to the hell of this place called Rock Bottom. Eating the right things has allowed my body to heal in miraculous ways that I can only thank God for everyday of my life and talk about only if you allow me to cry my eyes out. I have come such a long way from the days when I didn't quite buy into the "you are what you eat" standard full-on. I have a long way to go before I can say I have healed wholly, but the progress I have made so far is already life changing. I want to spread the good word. You will be reading a lot about the philosophies of the Weston A. Price Foundation and Sally Fallon, author of Nourishing Traditions and of Dr. Natasha McBride of the GAPS Diet (Gut and Psychology Syndrome). There will be a lot of fermentation going on here, a lot of weird stuff, and a lot of unconventional, salubrious health tips. Salubrious=health-giving! Ex. Sauerkraut is salubrious.

I just cannot move forward with this blog without shouting to the world about a few great people who have been especially instrumental and influential in the creation of my passion.

I can't say how thankful I am to my loving and lovable Mom, Rose, for raising me on good food. It wasn't easy, in fact, it was really hard. But she was determined and it worked! I love how seriously she took the importance of food in our house. And how dedicated she was to making sure I was eating things that would better my sometimes unfortunate health situations. She really cared and it really showed, and now I'm a better me because of it. We share an affinity for great taste bud sensations and I wish we could have more meals together! <3

My Aunt Mary who is a fountain of knowledge in all things health. I am so lucky to be her niece! Aunt Mary and Uncle Scott are a dynamic duo of sharp knives always on the cutting-edge! I'm counting on a trip down to Fairfax for some Ethiopian when I return to LA!! :) Thank you and Uncle Scott for one of the best gifts I have ever received...my copy of Nourishing Traditions! Check out www.MaryCordaro.com for a healthy home!

And third, but certainly not least, my perfect man, Jeremiah for unconditional love and support. For being the most interesting person to talk and debate with. For, even though we come from different backgrounds in the food department, being supportive always and open to learning about my weird ways. I love him I love him I love him!

Note to reader: In the future you may thank Jeremiah for the usage of good grammar on this blog. This post is an exception. I apologize for the word vomit. :)

Cheers!