I'm A Real Women of Philadelphia Entree Finalist!

WOW, what a difference a few weeks makes. As you read in my title - I was named as an entree finalist in the Real Women of Philadelphia online cooking contest on Tuesday, May 3rd. Needless to say, I'm still in a state of "wow, I'm really going to Savannah!" (I say this to myself at least once or twice a day!) You can see Paula Deen's announcement here:





http://www.realwomenofphiladelphia.com/post/meet-your-entree-finalist-kirsten-shabaz





A few weeks ago, right before they announced the appetizer category finalists, I wanted to remember what was most important in this online cooking contest. I wanted to make sure I remembered that 1. I needed to be patient -- patient because I didn't know what the judges were looking for or if I'd even get picked and 2. although the title of HOST is an incredible opportunity that I would embrace with every fiber of my being & represent KRAFT, Paula Deen & EQAL to the fullest, the friends I've gained as a result of being a part of RWOP is equally imporant, they mean so much to me and I'm equally excited when one of them is announced as a finalist.





In reading my post from a few weeks ago, I can say that even if I hadn't been picked as a finalist, I would've been ok and this is why. What I did yesterday & what I do today only makes me a better person for what I will be faced with tomorrow, next week, next month or next year!





So I'm a FINALIST...I will be heading to Savannah in June to cook for Ms. Paula Deen & KRAFT Foods, but even as I go about my day today, I know that I've made it farther than I ever thought in my wildest dreams, but my patience, growth, & the friendships that have developed stronger during this time are just as important to me as the title of "Entree Finalist".

**If you'd like to join me in Savannah, GA for a chance to win $25,000 go to the website link posted here and enter your original award winning recipe NOW:

http://www.realwomenofphiladelphia.com/





Thanks to all who've cheered me on, supported me and been my awesome taste testers...I love you all!





Until Next Time,


Kirsten

Patiently Waiting When Necessary!

Spring in Minnesota doesn't always mean that we have green grass and birds chirping. No, today we woke up to snow on the ground. Now I don't get too razzled by that because I know it'll melt soon. I do realize that it puts a hamper on any outside activities, but living here all my life has made me a "roll with the seasons" kinda gal. So instead of focusing on whether or not the snow is there, I'm looking ahead to next week. I'm sure you are wondering why on a Sat. morning am I looking forward to next week. Let me explain. See I'm a part of the Real Women of Philadelphia online cooking contest that Paula Deen (Food Network star) & KRAFT Foods PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese began last March. (www.realwomenofphiladelphia.com) Season 1 has come & gone and we are now into season 2. This is really an audition to be a "HOST" of the site, an audition where personality,energy, creativity in the kitchen and understanding of how cream cheese works in a recipe helps you move one step closer to being a "HOST" of the site. However, I do realize that the 'judges' know what they are looking for so no matter what I do or who I am I may not fit their idea of a host. This is very important to remember otherwise, one tends to get upset or frustrated when all that hard work doesn't earn them a spot. All I can do is my very best, come up with ideas that are creative and delicious in the hopes that this incredible opportunity would be presented to me. Next week is the week that the first 2 winners are announced for the "Appetizer Category" and like everyone on the site it would be an honor to be given a finalist postition in this category, but I just get excited to see who will win because you see I've made friends with all the ladies on the RWoP site. Friends that I wouldn't have if I hadn't joined RWoP last March. So whether or not I win a finalist postition, I'm ok with that because chances are I have friends who will be finalists and who will win the spot of "HOST"! So even if next week, my name isn't listed as a finalist for week 1, I keep in mind to do my best and be myself and leave it in the hands of the judges. Being patient in waiting for when my time will come, knowing that all that I do yesterday & today helps me for what lies ahead tomorrow! There are 7 more weeks in which I can present my best recipes, my heart for cooking and sharing that love of cooking with cream cheese with others. To check out my recipes go to these links: http://www.realwomenofphiladelphia.com/user_recipe/view/11524/10777/1 http://www.realwomenofphiladelphia.com/user_recipe/view/11524/10776/1 There are so many great recipes in the gallery so check it out if you are looking for new dishes to put on your dinner table. Link to the gallery: http://www.realwomenofphiladelphia.com/recipes-gallery?section=Season+Two So until next time, from my heart to yours, have a great day, Kirsten