I’m known as half hippie, half hood—a blend of two lifestyles that has shaped how I approach life and creativity. My new book, Urban /‘hōm’sted/, is less of a traditional cookbook and more of a gastronomic anthology. It’s filled with photography, recipes, short stories, and poetry that capture moments of my life, reflecting the balance I’ve found between the free-spirited, earth-conscious world and the gritty, hustle-driven reality of urban life. This is the first part of a two-part series where I explore the art of food, the power of stories, and the beauty of everyday moments. Urban /‘hōm’sted/ is about more than just cooking—it’s about understanding where you come from, blending what you love, and finding nourishment for both the soul and the body. It is for those who, like me, live between worlds and embrace the complexities of life. Through these pages, I share stories, flavors, and moments that reflect the magic of living authentically in two spaces.