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Making it Sweet started out as a to do-it-yourself blog. It soon turned into a lifestyle blog, documenting ways to “make life a little sweeter.” It’s all about making something for friends, finding hidden gems in everyday life or just keeping healthy. Behind the blog: I’m the wife of a sharp-thinking and innovative husband who has too many good ideas to count, the mother of two beautiful and creative girls, a business owner, the daughter of a father who cooks like no other and a mother who is the original “Jill of all trades”, and little sister to a woman who listens to all my crazy ideas and still loves me (although I’m sure I annoy her). I started blogging in 2007 when I noticed that my friends and family would call or email me for advice on baking, cooking and crafting. The common statement was, “Ask Leese, she would know.” Instead of having to repeat my recipes and sources, I thought a blog would be a great place to keep my projects… mostly because my mommy-brain tends to forget a lot of things. About Melissa a.k.a. Leese: Ever since a young age, I’ve been interested in the how things were made. I was that kid who took apart things and put them back together – sometimes (okay, most of the time) unsuccessfully. Before the internet, my nose was always in baking, cooking, sewing, natural health and home repair books. My parents allowed me to use the kitchen (been cooking since I was 8). I had free reign with my dad’s tools as long as I put them back. My mom can tell you how my sister and I ripped apart a delicate, framed jade art piece that my dad had brought back from Japan (she was not too happy). You can imagine Japanese characters, jade petals and leaves, little relief carvings of flower pots and stands—in hundreds of pieces. Little did she know then that it was that same curiosity that stayed with me to this day that helps me understand how to make and do “things.” I’ve always considered myself the “active” type. I enjoy many forms of fitness, particularly running. Good health has always been on my agenda. I’m not a “crunchy granola” type but I do go the natural route more often than not. Professionally, my background is in graphic and web design. I’m a nerd. I’m techy. My “how-it’s-made” attitude pours into my professional career. I sit at a computer and design print items, websites and write code. I left an advertising agency when I gave birth to our oldest child and have owned my own graphic/web/marketing business since. Spiritually, I’m Roman Catholic. I was born and raised a Catholic but was just “going through the motions” until recently when I had a retreat that opened my eyes and filled my heart. Now everything I do is for a greater purpose. I serve the Lord in the way I treat people, how I care for my family and others. Not to mention I do a lot of praying…. a lot… especially since I have kids. (Serenity prayer, anyone?) My hope is that through sharing my knowledge on this blog, it will help you to serve others, too. There’s nothing like experiencing joy when you bless people with gifts, treats… or even fixing your family’s problematic fridge.