Get to Know the Confectionista



Photo by Magna Vita Photography

When I started this blog, I wanted to give my fans and customers an inside peak into the life of a working mom with a small business and all that goes with being in the gourmet confection business. I also wanted to share my passion for food and my opinions on the food industry.

This week, I thought it would be fun to share a little more about myself in the form of a list:

1. I love lists
2. I love food
3. My favorite color is green
4. I really love bacon
5. I have one sister
6. My first pet was a calico cat named cally
7. I have too many ideas
8. I have a day job as a Manager of Human Resources for a credit union
9. I now belong to a credit union
10. My husband and I met at Starbucks. I hired him.
11. I am frequently frustrated with technology
12. I am also impatient with technology
13. But I love my iPhone
14. If I could only hear one song for the rest of my life it would be George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue
15. I am trained in classical piano
16. I love power tools and carpentry
17. I am superstitious about numbers
18. I have a fear of snakes
19. I have a fear of depths
20. I have a degree in Fine Arts, with a major in Theatre (Acting, to be exact)
21. I love baking real scones made with lots of butter (see photo above)

~Kimberley

Country Roads

Photo by Magna Vita Photography

A lot can happen in a year. This photo was taken almost one year ago, shortly after the launch of Kimberley's Kitchen. I didn't know at that time that I would be sitting here, blogging from my new home in the small northern town of Smithers, BC one year later. But here I am.

I have spent most of my life living in a city. But the country life has always been a part of me. I have often said I like the extreme- urban, downtown life or country life. I never really wanted to live somewhere in between.

My husband and I had been talking about moving to a small town but we knew that we would need the right job to take us there. When the opportunity came up to move to Smithers, we didn't hesitate. We had never been here, knew little about it or even where it was, but it just felt like the right move.

One month after accepting the job, we were on the road to our new life. We spent a few days driving and camping our way up. I have done a fair bit of traveling through BC but had never made it up to the Bulkley Valley and beyond. It is amazing country and worth the drive (which, by the way, is quite easy and enjoyable once you leave Hope).

It is remarkably beautiful in the Bulkley Valley. I wasn't expecting this. I thought it would be nice. I didn't think it would be gorgeous. Breathtaking views of mountains, forest, ranchland, rivers. The people are authentic, genuine, friendly, compassionate, and welcoming. People here live very healthy lifestyles and the food in this region is fantastic. The Bulkley Valley Farmers Market is the best I have ever been to. Local farms, food producers, and merchants all take pride in offering sustainable and organic options.

Moving here was a choice for how we want to raise our family and spend our time. We have already found balance and enjoy living on Smithers-time. Yes, everything is slightly slower because there is no need to rush. Life is full but not exhausting. Everwhere I go I know someone, and I have only been here two weeks.

Advice from locals is welcome: watch out for bears, buy your winter coat early, and join a hockey league. Our urban life feels so far away and so far in the past. And that's okay with me. There is a really good sushi restaurant so I think I will do just fine.