About

Welcome to Life With Mary!

Hey there! I’m Mary O’Connor, and I’m thrilled you’ve landed on my little corner of the internet. If you love food that brings people together, you’re absolutely in the right place. I started Life With Mary because I believe that great recipes are about so much more than what ends up on your plate—they’re about creating memories, sharing laughter, and nourishing both body and soul.

From winning local bake-offs (I’ve got three blue ribbons in my kitchen!) to being featured in Midwest Living Magazine, my journey with food has always been an adventure. I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with well-known kitchen brands like KitchenAid and Le Creuset, and I’m honored to have taught hands-on cooking classes in my community for over five years. Every experience has taught me that the most important ingredient is always love (with a good pinch of patience).

Through all the cooking, sharing, and learning, I’ve realized that recipes are stories we can taste. Whether I’m testing a new breakfast idea, developing a dinner the whole family will actually eat, or perfecting a dessert for a potluck, I do it because I genuinely love connecting with others through food. The joy I get from your comments, photos, and kitchen successes fuels everything I do here.

How It All Started

My love of recipes began at my grandmother’s old oak table, dusted with flour and filled with laughter. Some of my fondest memories are of waking up early to help her knead dough or taste-test her famous apple crisp. Those moments made me fall in love with the art of cooking—and the warmth of sharing homemade food.

When I moved out on my own, I started collecting recipes like souvenirs: from my travels, family reunions, and late-night dinners with friends. Over the years, what began as a hobby turned into a calling. I realized my favorite moments weren’t just in the eating, but in the teaching—helping someone master their first pie crust or wow a crowd with an appetizer platter.

That’s why I started Life With Mary: to share what I’ve learned, pass on a few tips, and help you feel more confident (and happy!) in your own kitchen. My greatest hope is that you’ll find recipes here that spark your creativity, save your weeknight dinner, or simply make you smile.

Why You Can Trust Me

With over 12 years of experience cooking, baking, and teaching, I’ve truly been around the kitchen block! My journey includes not only feeding my family and friends but also attending culinary workshops, working in bustling restaurant kitchens, and even staging in a French bakery for a summer. I’m always hungry for more knowledge (and dessert, let’s be honest!).

I believe every recipe should be clear, reliable, and full of flavor. That’s why every dish you see on Life With Mary is thoroughly tested—sometimes multiple times, because I want you to have confidence that what you see is exactly what you’ll get. I pay special attention to details like ingredient swaps, step-by-step instructions, and timing, because I know real life can be hectic.

When it comes to visuals, I take all my own photos using natural light and a whole lot of patience. I want you to see real results, not just “food magazine” perfection—though I do love playing around with pretty plates and fresh garnishes! If you see crumbs, that’s probably because I couldn’t resist sneaking a bite (or two).

Outside of the kitchen, I’m a devoted library dweller, garden digger, and dog lover. I draw inspiration from everything around me: cookbooks stacked by my bedside, farmers’ markets on Saturday mornings, and the simple act of gathering around a table with people I love. I’m constantly researching new cuisines, testing different techniques, and finding ways to make good food accessible for everyone.

Above all, my mission is to help you find joy and connection through cooking—no matter your skill level. I promise to always share the tips, stories, and recipes that have made the biggest difference in my own kitchen. Let’s keep learning, laughing, and savoring every bite together!

Connect With Me

I’d love to hear from you—really! Whether you have a question, a recipe request, or just want to say hi, don’t hesitate to reach out. Here’s how you can connect:

Let’s swap stories, share kitchen wins, and build a delicious community together. Thanks so much for stopping by—I can’t wait to cook with you!

Meet The Team

Mary O’Connor – Founder & Recipe Creator

I’m the heart and hands behind every recipe on Life With Mary. With a background in home cooking and formal culinary workshops, I combine classic skills with real-life know-how. My favorite thing is helping others fall in love with the kitchen. I’m always on the lookout for the next great family recipe—or a new twist on an old favorite.

Jasmine Lee – Food Stylist & Photographer

Jasmine brings every dish to life with her incredible eye for detail. She studied visual arts and has worked on food shoots for magazines and top food brands. Jasmine loves playing with color, texture, and natural light. When she’s not behind the camera, she’s experimenting with new salad recipes or hiking with her rescue pup.

Marco Ruiz – Culinary Contributor

Marco is our resident chef with a passion for global flavors. He’s trained in both Italian and Mexican cuisines and loves fusing the two. Marco is all about teaching practical tips and simplifying complex dishes. Off the clock, you’ll find him perfecting his homemade bread or traveling to find the best street food.

Olivia Chen – Editorial Assistant

Olivia keeps the site running smoothly, from editing blog posts to answering your emails. With a background in nutrition and communications, she helps make every recipe as accessible as possible. Olivia’s passion is helping readers feel supported and inspired. She’s also a huge fan of baking and can never resist a good lemon tart.