Hey there! I'm Janel (aka NellieBellie--a childhood nickname.) I'm the owner and founder of NellieBellie and JanelHuttton.com. I'm crazy about my 2 kids (16 and 21), husband, and 2 spoiled rescue dogs. I love to eat, entertain, and drink wine. In that order, pretty much. Sometimes in reverse.
My husband and I owned a small business for over 15 years that we recently closed allowing me to focus full-time on my passion... getting families more moments connecting.
I totally try to get myself dressed and to my office each day like a proper #girlboss. But a couple of times a week I'll be curled up on the couch with my laptop, Say Yes to the Dress on, and a cup of coffee (one of many!) sitting on the coffee table. Yes, the same coffee table that I tell my family not to use because it's on the beautiful white rug. So hypocritical!
The oldest of ten kids, I'm incredibly bossy. But am usually always right (no really, it's true! I know when to pick a fight and that, my friend, is the key to seeming super smart). The rule in my home is that the oldest never has to give up their seat. Which means, I always have a comfy spot to sit while my kids (younger than my siblings. Well, my oldest is older than my youngest sibling.) often are on the floor.
Skills:
Starting things. Getting "pretty good" at things. Cleaning. Talking. Being kind. Sharing. Dressing up. Decorating. Painting (gross!). Growing things outside (but I don't currently have a garden.). Cakes. Soups. Cocktails. Breads. Salads. Coffee. Basically, all food. I'm crazy good at it. Being creative. Planning parties. Speaking. Making people feel comfy. Hosting parties.
I've been featured on many websites, magazines and brands throughout the last 8 years. Some included Better Homes and Gardens, Woman's Day, Cottages and Bungalows, Country Living, Reader's Digest, and many more. I was also a Stillwater Gazette Columnist for 1.5 years.
3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
I'm all about lazy, efficient, get you back to talking and laughing kind of cooking. With a comfort food twist. I serve up a good portion of traditional, old-fashioned recipes with as many short-cuts and hacks as I can.
You might be surprised to know that I don't love cooking. I love eating. And talking. And connecting. Cooking is a tool that I have learned to deeply appreciate and hope to pass on that appreciation to you.
Because, I believe with all my heart that your kitchen can heal hurts, solve problems, start conversations, make new friends, mark victories, and more. I've lived it in my own life.
You don't have to be a great cook or know how to read a recipe. Grab a frozen pizza and bottle of wine and share it with a friend. Learn how to bake a cake with your kids while laughing at how poorly it turns out. Or, master a recipe here on NellieBellie and feel like a SuperHero (heck, I'll send you a sticker!).
Enough about me. I hope you enjoy reading NellieBellie and find resources to help you in your own home and kitchen.
Cheers!