I am a happily married 20-something with two small children and am a busy homemaker. I collect vintage cookbooks from the 50's, 60's, and 70's. I will soon be the owner of 4 backyard-chickens; we are going to raise them for fresh eggs and fresh-butchered chicken. My cooking philosophy? I think pretty presentation is just as important as the quality of the dish and I like to serve meals that have a main dish, side dish, salad, bread, and dessert when budget- and time-permitting. Also, take help where you need it but that should be less and less as you learn more and more. Casseroles, stews, and salads Growing up, my mom always made an oreo ice cream birthday cake for everyone's birthdays. We loved it. She also made the birthday boy or girl's favorite meal for dinner. But my mom was also the kind of cook who wanted her kids out of the way & out of the kitchen (except for an occassional stirring). I find myself doing the same thing but I want to nip that in the bud and start a tradition of having my children help me & teaching them to be proficient cooks. Learning how to make dishes I previously only bought pre-made is probably my biggest cooking triumph. Oh, boy. Don't get me started. (-;