Chef Kendra Peterson has always had a love affair with food. She attended college at Miami of Ohio and cooked plenty of homemade dishes for roommates while receiving her degree in Nutrition and Food Science. Kendra has a passion for working with families to manage food allergies, realizing that food can heal. Now in its seventh year, her company Drizzle Kitchen is abuzz with a wonderful client roster that grows weekly. Drizzle manages everything from nut allergies to celiac disease to chemotherapy treatment to picky eaters. Kendra is the Consulting Chef for Enjoy Life Foods and writes for her own blog as well as a New York based yoga and healthy living blog, breatherepeat.com.
Miranda Jewel Myles is a hairdresser, yoga teacher, and adventure seeker. Born in Nevada, USA, Miranda currently lives in London with her husband that she met while traveling in Central America. She loves being active and spending time outdoors in nature. Miranda enjoys working with people, and learning about different cultures, especially trying new cuisines. Her favorite quote is Gandhi's “be the change,” as she practices awareness in her life, and seeks to share her passion for living to the people she meets.
Dr. Dena Mendes received her degree in Communications/Broadcast Journalism from Arizona State University while also studying Public Health and attended programs at Harvard and Northwestern Universities. She holds a Doctor of Naturopathy Degree. Her education, her wit and her confidence has catapulted her to the level of expert in Kicking Cancer’s Ass. She has been a featured guest on numerous international television/radio programs and magazines. She lives near Chicago with her two children and is still kicking ass!
So when people ask things like, “Didn’t you get lonely or bored growing up?” or “Do you ever wish you had brothers and sisters?” What I want them to know is that while my experience in life has been different, it has been equally dynamic and special. While many young children struggle with homesickness, I never did. Why? Because going to have sleepovers with friends was normal, very early on. If you don’t feel like getting ready for bed and winding down at home by yourself, you quickly learn to ask to go and sleep at a friend’s house.
I’ve always been able to observe, through a unique lens, the value in having people in your
life who will always be there and who will love you no matter what. I learned early on to extend that sort of love and support to my friends, and
thus I have it in return.
Siblings might be at your side to care for you when you’re ill, or help you in life’s “shit happens” moments. I have parents and friends who fill those roles and who I’d do the same for. In adulthood the excitement of having nieces and nephews is one of life’s greatest joys. I know this and understand it well, as my friend’s babies are my nieces and nephews, and I’m fortunate to have nieces and a nephew through marriage as well. The fact that I don’t share a shred of DNA with any of them has no bearing whatsoever in the magic of the experience.
So, while my life has been different without siblings, it certainly hasn’t been hindered. In fact it has been enhanced in a way I’ll always cherish.