If you’ve been following along with this blog and/or our newsletter for a while, you probably already know that I host a “Friendsgiving” feast down here in Florida every year before I fly up to New York to spend the holiday with my family. For those of you who don’t know, Friendsgiving is 
simple a Thanksgiving dinner shared with close friends before everybody heads wherever they are heading to visit their relatives. Well, I take this holiday very seriously. In fact, at my house, we don’t just eat, we compete. Everybody that comes to dinner also brings a homemade pie for our pie contest. No joke! We have an annual trophy and everything. I have been the winner for the last two years and I don’t plan on giving up my title this year. That’s where you come in. I need some help determining what kind of pie to make.
For the Love of Food
Most of you probably don’t know this but, I am actually a full time virtual health and fitness coach. I began creating my Foodie Turned Fit brand about four and a half years ago and one of 
the most popular questions I get is, “what sparked your love of food?” To some of you, that’s a silly question because, who doesn’t love food, right? But I’ve been told that I sort of geek out when it comes to all things related to the kitchen or anything gourmet, so I get the question. Anyway, I figured I’d share where my love of food came from with all of you since it IS McKinney & Doyle related.
New Orleans Food Recap & Recommendations
Ruta Sepetys, American author, once said, “New Orleans is unlike any city in America. Its cultural diversity is woven into the food, the music, the architecture – even the local superstitions. 
It’s a sensory experience on all levels and there’s a story lurking around every corner.” I couldn’t agree more, which is why NOLA has grown to be one of my all time favorite places to visit. I have gone once a year for the last four years and I learn more about the city with every visit. This past weekend, I was lucky enough to spend my birthday in this amazing city with some friends. Between time spent at old favorites and some new discoveries, I returned home with a full but happy stomach and an abundance of new memories to cherish.
Game Day Snacks
As much as I’d love to deny it, I can’t. Football season is back. And while I will definitely miss Sunday beach days with my husband, I am looking forward to all of the deliciousness that this 
sport has to offer. Now that we’ve got a couple of weeks under our belt, I’ve easily fallen back into our game day snack routine of wings, chips and dip. But tasty as they may be, I’d still rather spend my Sunday morning relaxing with coffee on the couch instead of prepping food in the kitchen. I haven’t found my go to spot here in St. Pete for pre-made quality goods but I DO know that if you’re anywhere M&D, the bakery has you covered.