“Hello, and welcome to ‘Gimme Yummy’!
I’m Gina Arias, a home cook, former bakery girl, and someone who’s always thinking about what to make (or eat!) next 😋 I grew up in Ecuador in a kitchen where something delicious was always on the go. My mom and grandma were amazing cooks, and I learned early on that food was more than just food, it was love, comfort, and connection.
I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Social Science before moving to Toronto in 2006, where I found myself back in the kitchen, this time working in a bakery. For seven years, I made everything from buttery pastries and fresh bread to cinnamon buns, cakes, muffins, and cookies. And let me tell you, those early mornings of batter and dough-covered nails were worth it. The experience I gained in the bakery taught me patience, precision, and creativity, skills I now bring to my home kitchen and share with you on this blog.
Later on, I followed another lifelong passion of mine, working with children which tied perfectly into my background in social sciences where I studied human development and behavior. I’ve always felt a strong connection to little ones, their curiosity, energy, and the way they experience the world with such honesty. So, I went back to school at Mothercraft College and earned my diploma in Early Childhood Education.
Now, I work as a child care educator, and I truly love being part of those early, important years in a child’s life. It’s a different kind of creative, but still full of fun, messes, and plenty of snacks (with glitter on the side ✨).
Embracing Motherhood, Family, and Gimme Yummy
Everything changed in the best way when I became a mom. Welcoming my daughter into the world was one of those life moments that shifts everything. My heart felt like it grew overnight. Suddenly, I wasn’t just a wife, or an immigrant building a life in Canada, I was a mom. And that role filled me with a kind of love and purpose I never even knew I was missing.
When Camila came along, everything in my kitchen and my life shifted in the best way. Cooking wasn’t just about putting meals on the table anymore. It became about creating comfort, love, and little everyday moments that stick with you. Whether I was flipping pancakes in the morning or cookies just because, it all meant more with her by my side.
She’s always been my little kitchen buddy, super curious, playful, and always ready to sneak a taste of the batter 😄. The smell of honey sponge cake baking, her giggles filling the room, those are the memories I treasure most.
Being a mom deepened my love for food and brought even more purpose to it. The kitchen became my happy place, where I could pass on pieces of our Ecuadorian and Portuguese roots, blend them with the flavors of our life in Canada, and build new traditions with my family one meal at a time.
That love, that connection, is what sparked this blog and where I bring it all togther. It’s my cozy little corner of the internet where I share real-life, tried-and-true recipes from my home to yours. Some are sweet, some are savory, all are made with heart and just like in my own kitchen, there’s always room for a little mess, laughter, and second helpings. So If you love food that feels like home, you’re in the right place 💛
😄 Oh! I can’t forget Mia, our beloved French Bulldog, who brings endless joy and laughter to our home. With her wagging little tail and playful antics, Mia is always there, offering her own unique brand while I’m cooking. She’ll sit nearby, watching attentively as I cook, hoping for a tasty morsel to fall her way. Her curious nature often leads her to sniff around, trying to identify the delicious aromas in the kitchen. Mia loves to offer companionship, and you’ll often find her by my side, providing comfort and warmth. When not keeping an eye on our cooking, she enjoys playtime with her favorite toys or taking a cozy nap, ensuring our kitchen is filled with her cheerful presence.
So, as you explore Gimme Yummy, know that every recipe I share is infused with love and dedication. It’s a celebration of the extraordinary journey that motherhood has been for me and an invitation to share in the joy and love that food can bring to our lives.
Thank You! 😊🙏
Above all, I extend my deepest thanks for stopping by Gimme Yummy. I truly hope that this site brings joy and flavor to your life. Here’s to all of us enjoying this journey together! 🌟🍴🙏
Sincerely,
Gina
.
.