I’ve lived in Iowa for the better part of 25 years (minus a three year stint in Minneapolis, MN after college) and recently tucked one year of marriage to the best guy in the world under my belt. 
Ben (my husband) and I live in a great house with our parents’ houses exactly six blocks away on either side of us (jealous?)
I’m 100% an adventurer at heart and a few of the career choices I’ve considered pursuing include becoming an activities director on a cruise ship, starting a culinary touring company and getting hired as a historical interpreter at Iowa’s own Living History Farms. Oddly enough, I’m currently working a 9-5 desk job! I love trying new things and my short list of items to accomplish includes: learn how to surf, live in another country, go hot air ballooning, work in a bakery, learn Japanese and kayak in Alaska.
I really do love Iowa, however, the inner adventurer in me is ready to get out. My favorite place in the whole country is California. There’s so much to love – the beaches, the weather, exploring, the seafood, the weather, laid back people…and did I mention the wea
ther? 25 years of bitter cold winters + three years of even colder winters in Minneapolis, has me just dying to get away for a couple of years. No matter where I may roam though, Iowa – home – will always hold a special place in my heart.
In my spare time I enjoy cooking, traveling, eating, spending time with my husband, reading long books, watching Planet Earth and snuggling in my pink Slanket J
Hey! I just stumbled apon your wonderful blog! I live in Iowa City & its great to see someone with a food blog from around here! Keep up the good work
omg. i love this. so. freaking. natural. (and you are gorg.)
yayyy new bloggy find! xoxo hope you sleep sweet girly!
Hi Kristin,
Just found your blog through foodbuzz… love it! I’m new to the Midwest from California and it’s nice to find blogging about healthy things in this area.
Best,
Amber (Cal Med Chef)
I just found your blog from fitnessista…I am from Iowa too! I go to U of Iowa but travel home to des moines frequently. Thanks for representing the state so well
I’m gonna add you to my bookmarks!
Kristen
Hi guys! I can’t believe I ran across your website!! I was hopping from one food blog to another and ended up here! Hope you are doing well, have a good weekend! PS Come out Colorado soon…Drew says “Bring us some GODFATHERS!”
Is your wedding picture by chance taken at Faith Lutheran Church in Clive? It looks a lot like it.
You have the prettiest face!
I thought I was married to the best guy in the world?
Hi! I just found your link on Glamour.com and I thought “I have a wordpress blog too!” so I clicked. Your blog is awesome and you are just so pretty!!!
Oh you’re welcome! My link is http://marissa1273.wordpress.com/!!
I just found your blog through RD Daily Bites and I think I have a bit of a blog crush? Your food is so pretty!
Awww – thank you!!
Hi Kristin! I got here from Glamour and I am loving your blog. I just started my own (http://runsrests.blogspot.com) but have been reading on food and running blogs for a looong time.
It’s interesting that you want to learn Japanese. I’m currently working here in Japan and have learned the language to be able to carry a conversation. But I still have a long way to go. OMG, I just re-read your list and I pretty much have the same on my list: ride a hot air balloon and work in a bakery. 
You are super cool.
Learning how to surf and hot air ballooning are on my list too! I got to go up in a tethered ride, but that doesn’t count
And I want to live in another country like somewhere in Europe-that would be awesome
Very cute story. You are so pretty, by the way. You really remind me of my brother’s ex girlfriend. She always wanted to be a model.
Anywho, I just wanted to say how you sound alot like me. Grew up in Indiana for 25 years and shortly after my 25th birthday headed for the California Coast. Today, I live in San Diego.
Have a great day girly!
Hey! I just stumbled upon your blog, and I’m soo excited to see another Iowa girl blogging! They’re tough to find!
Feel free to check out my blog :
hopesjourneytohealthy.blogspot.com
I just want to say that I absolutely love your blog. The activities and recipies that you post are completely inspiring. I get so excited everyday when I see an update from IowaGirlEats, and your enthusiasm for life is incredibly uplifting. Keep it up, I thoroughly enjoy it!
Hurray for Iowa! So wonderful to find another girl who appreciates the state! I grew up in a small town in southwest Iowa but moved away for college. Such great looking blog you have here!
It’s great to see another Iowan who is also a foodie. I enjoy cooking a lot. Maybe some time we could swap recipes.
Just tried your Green Monster smoothie this morning – surprisingly YUMMY! I will definately make it again! The vibrant color alone kinda “wakes you up”.
We’re taking a trip to NAPA VALLEY in October and I’ve already scoped out a Trader Joe’s location there – I will be visiting them for the first time when we go, thanks to your recommendations.
You are absolutely stunning!!!
Iowa rocks! Dubuque here — love the blog. I’ll be watching you!
Oooo… Cali is not that great once you live in it… true there are beaches and mountains all in the same state, but there is tons of people and hot scorching weather… I live in Cali and dream about moving to Oregon … or anywhere but here..
But on anohter thing I think your blog is really cute I will def read it…