So…I’m at a crossroads in my life and I’d like to share it with you.

First off, I have decided to go back to school.  For nursing.

No, not for culinary school.  Not for Psychology. Not for photography.

Not even close, really.  Nursing.

Dustin and I have been talking a lot lately about our family, our future, our goals, our motivations, our dreams, our plans and so on.

I’ve realized something: I’m just not a business woman.  It was very hard for me to admit this, but it’s true.  I learned so much in the process of creating Sweet Pea Chef, but, if I’m being honest, I don’t want to run my own business.  Though I didn’t know this about myself when I started, I know now I don’t want to be an entrepreneur — at least, not in this way.  I don’t want to make all the decisions, do all the advertising, pay all the bills.  I just don’t wanna!

What I do want is to cook.  And to eat.  And to enjoy my two amazing little girls and my wonderful husband.  And to start to be my own person again.

It’s time for me to re-discover Lacey.  For most of my life, I was Lacey Stevens.  Then, I was Lacey Stevens-Baier.  Then, I was Sweet Pea Chef.

Now, I am Lacey Baier.  I like Lacey Baier.  She has confidence.  She’s a pretty cool mama.  She wears make-up and dresses like she’s worth something.  She has a food blog where she shares her foodie and photography hobbies.  She cares what people think about her.  She accepts it’s okay to care and to be sexy. She knows what she wants and she embraces it.

She’s gonna be a nurse.

Frankly, I haven’t known how to treat my blog now that I have made these major changes in my life.  I’m still not quite sure, either.  What I do know is that I need this blog.  I need this creative outlet, this journey to “enjoy,” this connection with you.  This blog has played an amazing and powerful role in my life.  It is, in a large part, what has helped me be…me!

For that, I sincerely thank you and I hope you stay with me on this new journey.

I’ve been meaning to share this amazing Homemade Ranch Dressing with you guys for a while.

I absolutely love this Ranch.  Well, to be fair, I just love Ranch.  A lot.  I know: shocking, right?

But, do you know who doesn’t like Ranch?  (Or, should I say didn’t?)

Dustin.

I know: shocking, right?

I mean…the man grew up in Dallas for crying out loud!  He loves okra and brisket and BBQ and all that Texas stuff.

He doesn’t like baked beans, iced tea or coleslaw, however.  Don’t get me started on that.

Well, he thought he didn’t like Ranch Dressing either.  Until he tried this Homemade Ranch Dressing.

Just like he thought he didn’t like Tomato Soup or Tuna Melts or Chicken Cacciatore or Pad Thai or Mashed Potatoes.  But tasty food has a way of changing minds.

And this, my friends, is tasty food.

I mean, it’s just Ranch, right?  Super easy to make?  Goes on salads, sandwiches and veggies?  Are we talking about the same thing here?

Yes!  Try it out for yourselves and tell me it isn’t amazing.

Homemade Ranch Dressing

Recipe adapted from The Pioneer Woman

1 clove garlic
1/4 tsp. kosher salt, plus more to taste
1/4 cup Italian parsley, chopped
2 tbsp. fresh chives, chopped
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
4-6 tbsp. buttermilk, as needed for desired consistency
1/8 tsp. ground black pepper, plus more to taste
Optional additions: white vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, fresh dill, cayenne pepper, oregano, Tabasco (all to taste)

Directions

Mince the garlic with a knife. Sprinkle kosher salt over minced garlic and mash it into a paste with a fork or knife.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine all ingredients (adding any optional ingredients as you wish), tasting frequently and adjusting seasonings as needed.

Chill for a couple of hours before serving, if desired. Thin with buttermilk if needed.

My parents just visited us for a few days from California.

It was really nice to see them and for Jordan and Savannah to spend time with their grandparents.

While they were here, we visited the capitol building in downtown Austin.

Man, oh man, was it impressive!

I thought I’d share some of our pics from our day.  I really enjoyed sightseeing in my own city.  Heehee.

If you’re ever in the Austin area, I highly recommend checking out the capitol building.  It’s as gorgeous and ornate on the inside as it is beautiful and impressive on the outside.  Plus, it’s free!

We also visited San Antonio, but I’ll share those photos another time.

I hope you enjoy the photos!