News from nonamegourmet/ Iron Horse Foods

January 8, 2009

Issue: # 01

2009 A Year for "Change"

The New Year always brings changes, but some years more than others. Some changes we can control and others, not so much. I think January is a great time to look at how we are using what is valuable in our lives. It is pretty clear that four things could make just about everyone's list of what is valuable: time, health, family and money. I am fortunate that in my line of work I can have a direct and positive impact in all these areas for my friends and clients.

Time- This is the only one of the items where we are all equal: 24 hours each and every day. I often ask myself, and perhaps you do too, "How well am I spending this valuable resource?"

I hear more and more from my clients and others that using a personal chef frees up more time for other important things-time they used to spend shopping for groceries and cooking. They find more time for family, friends and even more time for themselves. What would you do with that time if you didn't have to shop or cook?

Health- A TV commercial from my youth used the slogan "When you've got your health, you've got just about everything." Now that I'm 49, that phrase seems much more relevant now, than when a first heard it. Every Jan 1st, I think many of us resolve to be healthier in the coming 364 days.

My services include options for portion control, and special dietary guidelines. Since every program is customized to your needs, you can take the steps you need to take to meet your goals, deliciously!

Family- I don't know about you, but I have two kinds of family, the ones I'm related to and those that I have "adopted". My parents fall into the first group, the second includes everyone from neighbors and former co-workers to people I still haven't even met yet. I'm sure we share the feeling that our "family" is group of people we want to spend time with, and who we want the best for in the coming year.

With so many households where both adults work, meal planning and preparation becomes an extra burden. I can provide meals that can help families get back to the dinner table. I can also provide a "helping hand" to newlyweds, new parents or aging parents. Imagine a week of meals ready when the new baby comes home, or simply having home-cooked fare instead of so much take out. These little things can help bring the family together, and I truly believe that what we eat feeds our bodies, but who we eat with can feed our souls.

Money- I put this one last on purpose. The old saying goes, " I've been rich and I've been poor... rich is better," and we all work hard to provide those things that money buys. That's important, but I think a good way to look at things is that money is really about what it can do in our lives. In the current economy we should all be looking at how we manage our money, and what we really do with it. Can we do better in 2009?

Many people I've talked to about hiring personal chef think that it must be for the "rich". A personal chef can be affordable-and beneficial-to anyone, not just the wealthy. A recent survey by The NPD Group, a leading market research company, found that the vast majority of consumers (91%) are cutting back on restaurant spending, and say they are dining out less frequently. Many clients find that a personal chef service costs the same or less than what they were spending on restaurants and take-out. Some have even told me that I have helped reduce their grocery bills. Is a personal chef a good choice for you? Only you can answer that-after you try it!

Here's to a great 2009 and beyond!