Welcome to Lighter Bites!

Well, I've finally done it - I've launched my recipe blog! This is something I've wanted to do for a while now. I'm still working out the kinks of blog design, but I'm at a point where I have enough done that I feel comfortable getting this running. So, without further ado, I'd like to briefly introduce myself and my blog - and then I'll be posting my first recipe!

Who am I?

Nice to meet you!

My name is Michele Springer. Pictured with me are my wonderful husband Ryan and our shiba inu Penny. I'd like to keep this short and sweet, so I'll just let you know a few things about me. I was born and raised on Long Island. I grew up in Lindenhurst, lived in an apartment in Oceanside for a few years, and currently reside in Bethpage. I know Long Island has its negatives, but you'll never convince me there's a better place to live. 

I graduated from Hofstra University in 2008 with a degree in English-Publishing Studies and a minor in Journalism. I worked as an editor at a non-fiction book publishing company for a few years. In 2010, I transitioned into the medical education field and I've been there ever since. Currently, I work as a Senior Medical Editor at a medical communications agency in NYC.

Outside of work, I lead a simple (but satisfying) life. I love to read, watch movies and TV, go out to eat, and spend time with my family and friends, who mean everything to me. I love music - my favorite bands are Adelita's Way, Shinedown, and Daughtry, and my favorite artist of all time is Billy Joel (my Long Island may be showing). People who know me would probably say I'm obsessed with my dog (can you blame me? Look how cute she is!) 

I met my husband in 2003 when we were both working at Hollywood Video (RIP). We started dating in 2005; moved in together, got engaged, and got our puppy in 2011; got married in 2012; and purchased our first house in 2013. Funny story - we actually grew up a block and a half away from each other (and even shared a bus stop in middle school) but didn't officially meet until we worked together. Funny how things work out sometimes! 

What's the backstory to this blog?

Back in 2010, after working full-time for a few years and settling into a happy relationship, I started noticing my clothes weren't fitting and looking as good as they used to. I signed up for Weight Watchers and lost 30 pounds! I kept it off for a while, but then got lazy and gained most of it back. Getting engaged was a good motivator - I lost the weight I gained (and then some). When I got married in October of 2012, I looked the best I've looked in years. Now, almost 2.5 years later, I'm carrying some newlywed weight (can I still call it that? I'm going to go with yes...) and I'd like to lose it once and for all. I'm a member of Weight Watchers again, and while I don't always stick 100% to the plan, I do my best and exercise as often as I can. Weight Watchers really does work, and I know with motivation and drive I can have success with the program again.

Why start a blog?

Simple! 

(1) I like food, and I love to cook. 
(2) I've been trying to get inventive lately, and I've been coming up with some of my own recipes. 
(3) I want to share my recipes with others. I've been posting some of my recipes on Instagram and getting good feedback, so I decided to give blogging a shot.

As I mentioned, I commute to the city for work. When I get home, I want to be able to enjoy a good dinner, but I don't want to spend hours in the kitchen preparing it. So, I can promise that the recipes I post here will be quick, easy, and low-calorie. Some recipes I've invented myself, and others are lightened-up versions of recipes I've found online. If I post an adapted recipe, I'll always post a link to the original.


So I guess that's that! I'll post my first recipe tomorrow, and I think it's one you guys will really enjoy.

Until then!