Texas, Y'all!

Hello family and friends!

Well... what is she up to now?

Dallas, y'all. Dallas.

Where shall I begin...

First of all, I absolutely adore this city. I feel, for the first time in a very long time, that I am "home." And I am grateful beyond words to have a job that I love. I am working as a private chef for a

wonderful family in Dallas. I work the majority of the time at their breath-taking ranch (ab

out two hours from Dallas). My job entails a huge number of responsibilities... all menu planning, execution of creative courses/plating, daily honing of my culinary skills, challenging myself to prepare impressive healthy food... I love each and every single aspect. Is it a huge sacrifice? Of

course it is. I enjoy the hard work and opportunity to share my gift and passion of the culinary arts.

My apartment is inundated with culinary books. Seriously. And I love it. Is it wrong that I become more excited over culinary books/tools than jewelry? I love to learn and challenge myself to improve on a daily basis.

You know, cooking entails a huge amount of trust. While recipes are a great "backbone," I always change flavors by using different techniques, spices, herbs, etc. Trusting self by listening to intuition (although it is much more than just mere "intuition") is imperative. had to laugh a few weeks ago... it was a Friday evening and I was at the ranch making hand-made gnocchi and pasta with the Food Network playing in the background. Friday night.

I know... sweet life.

Hehe, I am kidding, of course. I truly love my job and the opportunity to grow and learn. It is easy to make food taste delicious if one adds enough butter, cream and oils. However, the challenge comes into play when creating healthy meals that do not sacrifice impeccable taste. I enjoy

researching/experimenting with ingredients that tickle your palate without leaving one feeling heavy and lethargic. And the plating is always my favorite aspect... edible art. I often finish the decorations with delicate micro-greens, vibrant sauce/puree colors, edible flowers, glitter, gold-leaf paper... good grief, I am such a girl :)

Enough food talk for now. I really do love Texas. I would have to say that of all of the states, Texas probably has the most loyalty and state pride. There is a true, genuine southern mentality and sense of hospitality that is second to none. I love meeting new friends, cheering for the Mavs and Stars at the games (I get SO excited!), enjoying the sunshine during winter and truly savoring the beauty of life. The streets are brilliantly decorated in glowing Christmas lights, Christmas music permeates the air and I am thankful to share my passion for life with others. I am attending a wonderful church that I adore and have been meeting brilliant friends on a weekly basis.

Ultimately, I am thankful. I am thankful for life. I am thankful for loving family and friends. I am thankful for this time in my life... to learn how to live loved and actually apply this to my life! I am thankful.

All my love to each of you from DALLAS!!

Love, sb :)

"Let the Rain Fall Down... I'm Coming Clean..."

Hi Family and Friends!

It is the little things in life.

The Arizona rain has inundated the mountains and desert for several days. The storms bring forth billowing clouds, menacing shadows against the mountains, a gloomy sky and ominous lightning... far opposite from the usual glorious sunshine and sparkling blue sky. Such are the storms of life...

(Photo of one of my brothers, Michael, and my little nephew - Jonah!)

Today I decided to take advantage of the few hours of dry weather, in between pouring rains, in order to hike South Mountain. As I am writing this, the clouds are beginning to encroach upon the evening... I am thankful that I ran quickly and made it home safely. And I also have those beautiful endorphins rushing through my veins... bonus.


The paths on the mountain were easy to maneuver... usually the desert floor is dry and rather slippery. However, the rain soaked into the ground and transformed the earth into greatly appreciated traction. Ergo, my usual jumping and leaping from one rock to another boulder flowed like a modern dance of the "Sugar Plum Fairies" (except no sugar plums, nor fairies were involved... so I suppose that analogy describing my hops and bounds up the mountain did not do my ascent justice. Ahh, such are the ways of life!) Upon reaching the top of the mountain, I decided to continue onward... witnessing more of the summit... warm earth-toned browns, vibrant coppers and desert reds...

When trials, tribulations and storms come into our life, we have the opportunity to choose how we react. It is very humbling to be brought to your knees, but is the only way to find true joy and peace which penetrate into our hearts... radiating only from above. One can also notice the small, but significant details of nature. The past few days have stormed. Hard. However, after the rain nourished the ground, delicate and almost imperceptible green buds began to spring forth between the rock crevices and the desert floor... breathing a new life. Mustard seeds among thorns. A chance for new renewal and reiteration that every single circumstance in life happens for a reason.

"Yeah it does."

Times of delay, confusion, uncertainly, frustration, inability to control a situation... it can be easy to doubt our inner selves... believing lies of inadequacy, dear, ineptitude...

Maryanne Williamson once said, "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us most. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and famous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in all of us. And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberated others."

Delayed/frustrating times or trials allow our hearts to grow and change... sometimes for the better, sometime for the worse. Ideally, the former! We have the opportunity to display our patience and faith during challenging times. How would our true characters be shaped if life was a continuous high of sunshine and butterflies?

No matter what the circumstance, there is always hope. All it takes is faith... the size of a mustard-seed.

So dance in the rain and allow the water to wash away the past. We do not live in guilt, but in hope. And that, my friends, is beautiful freedom.

All my love from Arizona,

sb :)

ps- I sent this in a previous update, but I have been uploading cooking videos onto youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/user/serasmile7
All impromptu, not-edited (obviously!) I hope you enjoy! :)

"Reason, Season, Lifetime..."

Hi Family and Friends!

One year. One whirl-wind of a year! One year has passed since I set foot on terra firma in the States leaving the glorious City of Lights. My oh my... where has the time gone?!



I just recently stumbled upon this poem… I read it several years ago, but it came to my mind again today:



"Some friends come into your life for a reason. They come into your life and teach you a lesson, but they exit your life in such a way that the lesson is learned and they seldom cross your path again.

Some friends come into your life for a season. They make your life better, but time or death leave you only with the great memories you shared.

Some friends come into your life a lifetime. They make your soul dance of joy every time you see one another and even through distance you stay close. Those are the ones you should cherish and hold very close to your heart."




I was talking with my mother earlier today and she was going to Riverside in for the first of her biannual doctor appointments – you know… to earn a "clean bill of health" since her breast cancer has been in remission for six years already (yay!) I have no idea why, but I was particularly nervous today… ultimately there were no problems (thankfully); but I must admit, there are days when the entire cancer ordeal causes stress and affects my behavior.



Why?



It is so easy to simply say, "Well, everything happens for a reason. Just be patient, work hard and allow plans to come to fruition. Dream big, fight hard… be a proactive warrior!" I completely believe these statements… although acting on these ideals is the challenge. Sometimes I get big ideas in my head... ok, for those of you who know me well... let us change "sometimes," to, "all of the time." There is so much in life that I want to accomplish, to see, to do, to be a part of, to contribute, to help... oh, it is so exciting! I have been know to spread myself too thin and to wear myself out... sb, when will you ever learn?? Ambition can sometimes be your greatest enemy, eh?




We recently celebrated my mother’s sixtieth birthday in Ohio! I was so touched to see the number of family and friends who came to celebrate the life of such a remarkable woman! Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all who attended the party and helped to make her 60th unforgettable. My mom has always been available for her friends. She is one of those "lifetime friends" because she is constantly thinking about other individuals. Even during her chemotherapy and radiation – during her weakest of stages – she was still encouraging her family, driving with my dad to Michael’s graduation from Miami University (one of the longest days in history!), coming to my swim meets in her adorable wig and chic couture... Watching my mom conquer breast cancer - while remaining so ridiculously positive, loving and encouraging - has helped me when I become stressed and impatient with situations.



I often become pretty impatient when circumstances do not seem to be going "according to my plan." Exhibit A? Accounting CPA Exam. I have to admit, I do get frustrated with the copious amounts of material… BUT, I am thankful to have this opportunity. This is the only time in my life when I can actually can buckle down and focus all of my energies on defeating this beast. I do get anxious when I would SO much prefer to be doing something else. But guess what, friends... there are situations in life which we must overcome. "C’est la vie!" There is a light at the end of the tunnel (and no, it is not a train!) Trials and tribulations are a part of life. The only way that I can survive is by using that strength that comes only from above. Might not necessarily be a part of, "my plan..." but guess what... I take comfort in knowing that there is a far better plan for my life!




Friends will always be entering and exiting stage left out of our lives. I know that each of you can relate with this statement… but I know that I will forever keep a place in my heart for all of my friends. Those "forever friends" will always be with you… through the thick and thin, ups and downs, victories and failures... We are graced with the beauty in understanding that there is a reason for each person in our lives… waking in the middle of the night while reminiscing a loving memory, cherishing advice and "words of wisdom" from loved ones living afar ("mother bear!" – aka.. my grandmother), and having faith in knowing that all things will eventually work out to fulfill the ultimate purpose for each of our lives. Sometimes it is learning to be patient and to wait for the right time...



Fo sho :)




On that note, I do believe it is time for me to retire to my abode and catch a few winks of shut eye… the dazzling Arizona sunrises do come early and a hike on South Mountain is calling my name...








All my love to each and every single one of my cherished friends,
sb :)

"May There Always be an Angel by Your Side..."

Hello Family and Friends!


There are times in each of our lives when we are graced with the presence of true angels on earth... individuals who are so caring, selfless and encouraging despite hell or high-waters.


Mimi, Kelli and my mom. Three stunningly gorgeous women. Their radiating beauty is a reflection of their souls. These three women have encountered challenge after challenge in life… and have ultimately grown stronger as a result of their respective circumstances. Trials only make them more positive, loving and encouraging... traits which I strive to emulate daily.


I am learning that everything in life happens for a reason. Do I still have questions? Most definitely. Why do wretched circumstances happen to innocent and good people? Why is there so much pain in the world? I have no idea. But I am absolutely certain that angels are sent to each of us throughout our lives. Sometimes only for a season… sometimes for a longer duration. Sometimes we get knocked down, but we can reach to our angels for positive encouragement, support and love. We all face adversity at some point in our lives… it is inevitable. However, during trials we reach to those things in our life which are solid, inspirational, constant and never-failing. More often than not, help arrives via those we least expect.


I was back in Ohio for the Fourth of July – celebrating the independence of our nation with family and friends. Michael and I were finally able to meet our little nephew... Jonah-man!! Although only five months old, he helped me to see what truly matters in life... not fortune, fame or outlandish circumstances... but family and friends. My family adoringly crowded around the jovial infant during our entire vacation together. There is something so captivating about a baby’s pure innocence and joy. His belly-laugh and bright-eyed, wide-mouth stare found me laughing more often than not. Not a care in the world, but loving life. I see why my mom referred to her children as her "lil angels."


So Red, White and Boom. Always a good time had by all. (What is there not to like about glittering fire-smacks orchestrated to music?!) The visit was filled with laughing (wow, what a surprise!), grilling burgers and brats (thank you, friend!) and eating stellar food! My family also had the opportunity to watch my little cousin’s baseball game. I loved dusting off my old cheerleading skills for Blake and his UA teammates... "Come on, Nathan! Get your head in the game!!!"


I was also able to celebrate my upcoming birthday with my parents at my all-time favorite restaurant ever... The Refectory!! I was so thankful that my parents had the opportunity to see the kitchen (where I worked and absolutely ADORED my job last year), as well as to visit with the owner, Kamal and "my boys" in the back (and Jenn too!) Service was impeccable (as usual) and our dishes were absolutely amazing. Granted, nothing in this world is "perfect" – but it was a pretty darn amazing night. I miss the hard work, comradery and high-paced kitchen environment. However, I know that one day I shall return to my true passion of culinary arts.


Still many questions about the future. However, the uncertainty of the future makes life beautiful. We never know what tomorrow will bring. We never know who will enter our lives. Who we will have the opportunity to help and encourage? Who will cross our paths in order to help us? But we must always be ready to offer a helping hand, to listen to those in pain, to encourage the broken-hearted and to consider others first. "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it..."


Because more often than not... we’re dancing with angels...


All my love from Arizona!!!
SB :)

PS- I am absolutely captivated with the lightning show outside... Arizona storms are amazing... but that will be for another blog :)

I Get By With a Little Help From My Friends...

Hi family and friends!


First of all, thank you for supporting and voting for me in the Smashbox Cosmetics Cosmetics competition. I am truly honored that each of you would take a few minutes from your day and devote it toward helping me. Unfortunately I was unable to make the Top 20 from the public vote (due largely in part to the fact that I entered the contest during the final three days of the two-month competition.) However, over 900 votes in three days? Not too shabby. When I woke up this morning, I knew that there was no possible way that I would win this competition. However, rather than dwell on the negative, I chose to face the situation with an attitude that would make my parents proud. Sure, I did not win. But you know what? I had the support of my closest family and friends. That is top priority in my book any day.


Speaking of parents... Happy Father’s Day! And while we are at it… Happy Mother’s Day as well!! Growing up, Dad has instilled in the Baumert cherubs a "Power Triad of Euphemisms." I might even venture to label it the "Baumert Holy Trinity" to lead to success. Now, brace yourself… as this knowledge is power. And with power, there is great responsibility. Seriously, my father is the most intelligent individual whom I have ever encountered. Ergo, I would recommend printing out this list and posting it in a visible location in your house. I mean, I am just throwing it out there...


1) Slow is your friend.

2) The miracle of compound interest

3) Delayed gratification


Short, sweet, to the point. Yet, they go hand-in-hand. Remarkable, really. Slow is your friend. Now, this concept was developed whilst we, as teenagers, were learning to drive. Patience is essential in mastering certain skills, as well as learning how to wait for the 'correct' timing in life. Now does this apply to a race? No of course not. In fact, this would be absolutely wretched advice in giving someone in a 'need-for-speed' situation. However, patience is a virtue which I respect. Sometimes we experience a "waiting" period in life… a "dry-spell," if you will. Life is not always an extreme "up" or "down" roller coaster… learning how to balance work and play is essential… something which I have definitely not mastered yet! However, it is this day-to-day give-and-take which I am trying to experience. Learning to listen in the midst of silence. Patiently fulfilling obligations while waiting for dreams to come true. Slow is your friend.



The miracle of compound interest. As you know, the US Economy is not exactly… umm, 'thriving' right now. However, learning to save the nickels and pennies eventually accumulates into dollars. I almost never eat at restaurants in order to save money at home (ok let’s face it… I might as well put this culinary degree to use!) I adore cooking on the grill in Arizona. I experiment with a vast array of healthy foods every single day. I love to cook because it is an experience. A challenge. Walk into the grocery sale and purchase the produce on sale. Go home and create magic. Is everything a starred quality? No, but I will never know unless I am willing to try new experiments and concoctions (sounds like a magic potion). So continuing the subject of money conservation… I make it a goal to see how much I can NOT spend during the week! I know... "great day for a competition..."


Delayed gratification. Well, what do you know? This just fits in perfectly with the other two! (such wisdom, DJ!) As Americans, we prefer immediate results. A quick-fix pill? "Well, I will take two, since it will expedite the procedure." We enjoy completing a task and instantly obtaining the results. However, while delayed gratification is an incredibly difficult skill to master, it allows us to appreciate circumstances in life. To stop and smell the roses. The best things in life truly are worth waiting and fighting for… despite the need to have gratification immediately.


Now, a few more vital lessons/pieces of advice which are important, though not as essential to daily life:


With an Accounting profession, you will always have job security (Michael is a CPA and Stephen and I are in the process of earning our CPAs).


Stop the car closer to the curb than one might expect.


Never cry over broken/stolen articles. Replace them and do not dwell on the past. Life is not over.


Swim hard for your coach… thank you, mom.


Some of the Baumert wisdom. Cherish it. Embrace it. Love it. It does a body good.



So be willing to take chances! Be willing to dream big. Failure will happen, folks. However, dust yourself off and remain positive. There is always hope. Always.


Thank you again for your love and support. Although I did not win the contest, I won in life because I have the encouragement of family and friends. And that, my friends... is pretty special :)


All my love from Arizona!
SB :)

The Beauty in Serendipity...

Hello family and friends!


You know... one of the most beautiful gifts about life is the uncertainty of the future. Spontaneity provides the path to adventures. While formulating plans is important in order to achieve goals and accomplish daily tasks, one can only plan to a certain extent. Eventually destiny will run its course.


How about a short travel back into time, shall we? May 2007. Two weeks after graduating from Miami University, I stepped off the plane onto foreign grounds. I had left my family, my friends and my country in order to learn the art of gastronomy from the culinary capital of the world… Paris. Armed with two suitcases and a smile, I was ready for the challenge. Granted, I did not know a soul in the dazzling City of Light; however, the uncertainty of the future made the adventure even more appealing (and let’s face it... as a two year old I was required to wear a "Christmas bell" draped around my neck. My own, very own "tracking device' because I would aimlessly run away and talk with strangers). Ergo, I was not afraid to make new friends!


Once accepted into Le Cordon Bleu, I received an enormous package of paperwork which included the school rules, principles, valuable information, etc. Noted on every document was the policy of attendance and punctuality. Essentially, if you are on time, then you are already late... AKA – ARRIVE EARLY. I have always made it a goal to arrive at meetings/classes/interviews early as a sign of respect. Time is one of the most valuable gifts in life because it is something which is finite. No matter how hard we may try, one cannot alter time. I respect when an individual makes time for me in his or her hectic schedule. Therefore, in order to show my appreciation and gratitude, I arrive early. Oh, and you know me... I am "that girl" in the front and center of the classroom. Sweet life.


In order to familiarize myself with the City of Light, I arrived in Paris a few weeks before my classes actually began. This gave me the opportunity to explore the city, dabble in some touristy-visitations of monuments and discover authentic French cafes, bookstores, boutiques and parks. I also found a plethora of different transportation methods and routes to travel to LCB: walking, Metro, light-rail, bus, and all-out sprinting… oh how glorious you are, foreshadowing...


My orientation for classes was scheduled for 9.30 am on 11 June 2007. Remember the issue that I previously stressed? Promptness. In order to provide an ample amount of time for an early arrival, I set my alarm clock for 7.00 am the night before my orientation. My alarm clock thought otherwise.


You can probably see where this is going...


Seven o’clock in the morning. I rubbed the sleep away from my eyes and immediately jumped out of bed… overly elated to begin a new endeavor! My intention was to leave by 8.30 in order to arrive at LCB by 9.15… leaving fifteen minutes to spare. I made myself a leisurely breakfast (the most important meal of the day!), showered and looked presentable. Because it was only eight in the morning, I still had an abundance of free time before my pilgrimage to school. Therefore, I decided to check my emails and well... creep on facebook (seriously though… is there a better adjective to describe facebook? "I, umm... I noticed as I was stalking you this morning that you seem to be doing well with your facebook status update!") But that is beside the point... back to the computer. As I was perusing my emails, my eyes were directed toward the small digital clock in the bottom right-hand side of my computer screen. 9.05.


Time out for a mild heart-attack.


Walk it off, kid... walk it off.


Apparently my "atomic world clock" had a mind its own and desired to be in London, as it had somehow switched to British time during the night. I know… one should confidently rely on the "atomic world clock," to display the correct time (shoot... sounds promising enough to even experience time-travel with a name like that... I guess it did... tricksy-hobbit).


Because I lived in the 75016 area of Paris, providing ample travel-time was essential in order to make it to my destination on time. I had twenty-five minutes to get to school. Gentlemen, take your mark.


I literally threw on my ballet-flat shoes (why I did not slip on my running-shoes, I will never know) and I bolted out the door. I literally transformed into a wild gazelle. As a child, my hero was Florence Griffith-Joyner "Flo-Jo." During the 1988 Olympic games, I was memorized by her speed and I ran around the house while she competed. I was captivated with her long, flowing hair and glitzy running uniforms. What can I say... I was born with an eye for glitter :) As I was literally dashing through the streets of Paris, my feet were hovering and I was jumping through crowds, avoiding traffic and Parisian dog "presents" that littered the sidewalk.


The ‘light-rail’ station was located on the other side of the bridge which crossed the Seine. I remember seeing the train and thinking to myself, "if I can muster up enough speed, I can make it to the train, then hopefully be on time for orientation!" What a brilliant idea! As I was rapidly moving closer and closer, I was becoming more and more confident... success was within my grasp!


Oh no friends, that would make the story too easy.


I was literally thirty feet away from the train when I heard the bell ding and saw the wheels begin to turn. I remember crying out, "Come back! Come back!" While I have to pat myself on the back for the solid effort in attempting to coax the train to stop, my efforts were eventually in vain. The train picked up speed as I continued to dig down deep and fly down the side walk. My new goal... forget making it to orientation on time... I was not about to let this train get the best of me! At every stop, I caught-up to with the train, only to be left behind in its dust. However, I soon caught the train (thank you, very much). I jumped on while trying to take-in as much air as possible. My muscles burned with lactic acid (an amazing feeling which only athletes appreciate!) However, I was only able to ride one measly stop before having to jump off and skip-steps down into the Metro station. Fortunately the Metro arrived in time for me to skip on. I looked down at my watch... 9.25. Seriously. I still had five minutes! I rode the Metro two stops, then back to the races! I bolted through several side-streets and leaped up the stairs into Le Cordon Bleu.


Nine-thirty. Success. As I entered the building, I must have been a sight to see... my hair was everywhere, sweat was pouring down my face and I had a ridiculously-enormous smile plastered on my face because I had arrived on time. Disheveled, yet elated. And they say that first impressions are everything...


So my friends... there are times in life when we plan and prod a certain situation in order to manipulate it to meet our own plans and desires. However, is this truly living? The beauty of life is having the freedom to fail, the freedom to succeed, the freedom to take a wretched circumstance and turn it into a glorious victory. We can choose to cry, or we can choose to run like the wind! Call it serendipity. Call it destiny. Life is a beautiful gift.




All my love from this stunningly beautiful state of Arizona,
SB :)