Hey there! Welcome to The Hobby Wife, a cozy corner of the internet where we celebrate the simple joys of gardening, cooking, homemaking, and travel. I’m so glad you found your way here, and I can’t wait to share my adventures, tips, and stories with you.
Meet Melissa
Hey there! I’m Melissa, a free spirit with roots in the vibrant landscapes of New Jersey, now living in the heart of Iowa with my wonderful husband, Mike.
I grew up without the traditional family setup, which taught me the art of making do—from mastering microwave-grilled cheese to navigating life’s twists and turns. But it also lit a fire in me to create the kind of home I always dreamed of—a space filled with love, warmth, and maybe even a hot meal at the end of the day.
Thankfully, I had my Italian grandmother, Ellen, who was a bit of a culinary superhero and my personal guardian angel. She stepped in and filled my world with delicious meals, a bit of colorful language, and a whole lot of heart. She taught me everything I know about cooking and cleaning, but more importantly, she showed me the beauty of creating a nurturing home. Her influence sparked a passion in me that has become an integral part of who I am today.
But my grandma’s gifts didn’t stop in the kitchen. She also opened my eyes to a world brimming with life, love, and furry friends. Through her, I found a deep affection for animals and a sense of purpose in caring for them. Her green thumb inspired my love for gardening, and her culinary skills sparked my joy in cooking. These passions have woven themselves into the very fabric of my life, bringing me endless joy and fulfillment.
So here I am, a Jersey girl at heart, now in the Midwest, with a love for all things green and growing, a soft spot for animals, and an insatiable appetite for whipping up tasty dishes. I’m on a journey to create a home that’s a sanctuary filled with love, laughter, and good food, and I’d love for you to join me.
Together, we’ll explore the joys of animal companionship, dive into the wonders of gardening, and share the secrets of making a house feel like a home. This is a space for finding inspiration, nurturing our homes and hearts, and creating a life that brings us joy.
Welcome to my world, where New Jersey charm meets Iowa warmth. The Hobby Wife isn’t just my story—it’s about helping you find your own path to happiness and fulfillment. Let’s embark on this journey together, creating a tapestry of memories, laughter, and growth.
I hope to see you around!
Digging into Gardening
Gardening has always been a passion of mine but I especially love being able to cook my recipes with ingredients I have grown myself, whenever possible. Over the years, I’ve turned my backyard into a little slice of paradise, filled with fruits, veggies, herbs, and a whole lot of love. I’m all about keeping it real with sustainable practices and sharing what I’ve learned—whether you’re a newbie just starting with a potted plant or a seasoned gardener looking for fresh ideas. Here, you’ll find a mix of practical advice, seasonal gardening tips, and a few creative tricks to help you grow a garden you’ll love.
Cooking from the Heart
In my kitchen, food is more than just something to eat—it’s an expression of love. I’m all about bringing fresh, seasonal ingredients straight from the garden to the table, creating comforting dishes that are full of flavor and easy to make.
My cooking style is a bit of a mix—a dash of homestyle comfort, a sprinkle of global inspiration, and a whole lot of fun. From my tried-and-true family favorites to new recipes inspired by my travels, I hope to spark your culinary creativity with all of my recipes and make every meal a celebration.
The Art of Homemaking
To me, homemaking is all about creating a space that feels like a big, warm hug—a place where you and your loved ones can relax, laugh, and just be. I’m here to share my journey in making our house a home, with tips on everything from organizing chaos to adding those little touches that make a room feel just right. Let’s explore how to bring more joy and simplicity into our daily routines, one step at a time.
I’m not an expert in everything, but I’m passionate about what I do, and I believe in the power of sharing knowledge, experiences, and a little bit of joy. I hope this blog feels like a friendly chat over coffee, where we can learn from each other and find inspiration in everyday life.
Wanderlust and Wonder
Travel has always been a source of inspiration for me. There’s something magical about discovering new places, meeting new people, and, of course, trying new foods. Whether it’s a quick weekend road trip or a far-flung adventure, I love soaking up new experiences and sharing them with you. You’ll find my travel stories, tips, and recommendations here—perfect for planning your next getaway or just dreaming about it.
So, join me on this journey—let’s grow, cook, create, and explore together. Thanks for stopping by, and I can’t wait to see what we discover next!