WisconsinHomemaker.com is a website by Deborah L Melian who shares helpful seasonal home and garden tips, as well as family favorite recipes.
***Deborah L Melian is a participant in the Amazon Service LLC Associate Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. She also is a participant in Google AdSense Affiliate program. So, if you buy something or take action after clinking one of these links on our site, we receive a small commission. Thank you for your patronage.***
Being from the Midwest, Wisconsin to be exact, we are blessed with four seasons. And, each season has it’s beauty.
So how best to capsulize all of the natural goodness of this area than by sharing my favorite tips for home and garden, as well as, my favorite family recipes.
(PSST: Be sure to check out my Recognition and Awards Section below.)
From home cleaning, to home decor and DIY projects, to gardening and recipes–who doesn’t love to eat–there’s something for everyone all year here on WisconsinHomemaker.com
Wisconsin Homemaker and the Art of Making a House a Home
I believe that a house becomes a home, not because of the stuff that fills the space between the four walls, but by the people that inhabit it. It’s a living space that should welcome all and not be treated as a museum or something like: “Ssssh! And, don’t sit on the furniture!”
That being said, I’m not about overly messy digs either–because there’s only so much I can take from man or beast–by the way, I also have three dogs who make their home with me.
“To be honest, I’ve never been fully “done” with housework, cooking, cleaning, gardening, or repairing–you get the picture. But my mission is to make these tasks of being a homemaker as enjoyable as possible.”
Recipes That Celebrate Farm and Family
I love sharing family favorite recipes, along with ones that I have created or have serendipitously been introduced to via friends, family and travels.
This includes dishes from Mexico, Cuba, Spain, China, Japan, Morocco, Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, Ireland, England, Canada, as well as from some other well-know locales around the U.S.–think Southern, Tex-Mex, Cajun, and South-of-the-Border.
Definitely a cacophony of flavors and textures in every dish.
And, don’t think I’d leave Wisconsin out of the picture–no siree. In fact, whenever possible I will try to share our amazing local produce and products. From aged cheese to fresh ground flour, to award-winning wines and spirits, to fresh fruits and vegetables, it’s always best coming directly from the source.
It’s my hope that you too will enjoy some of the culinary heaven I have experienced here and abroad.
“Home should be comfortable. Gardens should be a retreat. Food should be comforting. I guess that sums it all up.”
The Personal Side of Deborah L Melian, Wisconsin Homemaker
Now a little bit about me…
I’m Deborah L Melian, a midwestern mom (of five beautiful adult children) and wife (over 30+ years). I’ve lived in Wisconsin most of my life. And, the few times I left for other climes, (Texas and Arizona), my heart ached for what I left behind.
For those who are not familiar with Wisconsin, we’ve got everything from “mountains” to valleys, grasslands to vast forest lands. Plenty of wildlife and most of it seems to congregate in my backyard.
I’m an avid foodie, traveler, and photographer. And, in my “spare time,” I love to quilt, play golf, and fish.
I’m a SAHM (stay-at-home-mom), blog too much, all the while trying to manage my home and garden. I say “manage” because really my home is a work in progress.
But being a work in progress really means that I’m constantly redefining how I do and make things. Just like the seasonal changes here in Wisconsin, I’m always tweaking this and that. Like a tinkerer of sorts.
Maybe that’s why I love Wisconsin Homemaker so much. It allows me to share my love for everything home and garden.
Recognition and Awards
Education and Background
I couldn’t write or talk about the topics here on Wisconsin Homemaker without at least some background in the areas I love. I have a background in Journalism and English, with an emphasis in Resource Management (Forestry, Waters, Soils and Resource Management). I’m also a licensed Elementary Education Teacher (Grades 1-9).
In addition, I have participated in and watched quite a number of courses on culinary preparation — everything from simple home recipes to sophisticated restaurant cuisine.
Personally, I have been cooking for family and friends for well over 47 years. And, as a homemaker, well, thanks to my Mom, I’ve been dabbling in that for over 50 years.
Speaking and Teaching Engagements
I have also been asked to participate as a guest speaker for the following:
WISCONSIN PUBLIC RADIO – CENTRAL TIME – FOOD FRIDAY – August 14, 2020 – TOPIC – “HOW TO USE ALL THOSE TOMATOES”
LISTEN TO PODCAST HERE: https://www.wpr.org/recipe-developer-has-ideas-about-how-use-all-those-tomatoes
WISCONSIN PUBLIC RADIO – CENTRAL TIME – FOOD FRIDAY – June 12, 2020 – TOPIC – “CELEBRATING RHUBARB SEASON”
LISTEN TO PODCAST HERE: https://www.wpr.org/food-friday-celebrating-rhubarb-season
WISCONSIN PUBLIC RADIO – CENTRAL TIME – FOOD FRIDAY – September 20, 2019 – TOPIC – “ALL ABOUT APPLES”
LISTEN TO PODCAST HERE: https://www.wpr.org/food-friday-fall-cooking-apples
HIGH CROSS FARMS – CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) – July and October 2018 – TOPIC – “QUICK AND EASY RECIPES TO MAKE WITH FRESH FARM PRODUCE”
So, the long and short of this “About” section is my small attempt to share a bit of heart and soul of being a homemaker in Wisconsin.
It’s my hope with each article you read, you’ll find inspiration to make your own living and loving place and space the best it can be, no matter your locale.
Welcome to my little bit of heaven: Wisconsin.
All the Best ~DLM
P.S. I ask that if you like (or love) something on WisconsinHomemaker.com, please comment, share it, tag it and don’t forget to use our hashtag #wisconsinhomemaker
Above all, be sure to follow me on FACEBOOK • TWITTER • PINTEREST • INSTAGRAM That way you’ll always be the first to know what’s happening here on WisconsinHomemaker.com.