My name is Amanda Formaro, owner and founder of Amanda’s Cookin’, Crafts by Amanda and Fun Family Crafts. I’m the proud mother of four wonderful (grown) children and live in the midwest state of Wisconsin. I love to cook, bake and make crafts. I worked full time in finance until my third child was three months old. At that time I quit to stay home and raise my kids. As much as I loved being a mom, graham crackers and diapers just weren’t enough and my creative mind was going stir crazy.
Back in 1997, I bought a computer and logged onto the internet (dial-up and all!). A month later I created a website called FamilyCorner.com. I developed it over the years, teaching myself HTML, networking with other webmasters, and growing it into a profitable business. I sold that site in November of 2007, and worked as their Chief Editor for a couple years.
I worked as the craft expert for Disney’s Kaboose.com (later known as Spoonful), and created over 500 fun kid’s crafts for them over a five year time span. I have been published by many online magazines, including SheKnows.com and Family.com and have also written for Parents Magazine, Redbook, Mixing Bowl magazine, Woman’s World and several others. I was also a Chicago Tribune craft columnist for 18 months, have written 5 craft books and developed three different craft kits for kids.
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The Staff
When I started this food blog in mid September of 2008, I had no idea what it would grow into. Now I’m proud to say that my daughter has joined me in running this business and I have a slew of help as well as contributors that make this site so great.
Kristen Rittmer, Editorial Manager
Kristen is my 25-year old daughter and the Editorial Manager for Amanda’s Cookin’ and Crafts by Amanda. She handles all content for both of websites, plus she now helps me with developing new content for them both as well. She loves to create fun, cute food like her Unicorn Freakshakes and her Cookie Monster and Elmo Cookies. After several conversations with her about her old job, I knew she HAD to come work for me. She joined the team in January of 2017 and hasn’t looked back!
Kristen originally joined the team on a part-time basis in 2014 when she worked as a Virtual Assistant, handling the social media accounts and aiding in the development of weekly newsletters. We are enjoying this journey together and I’m excited for what the future holds.
Taylor Strickland, Social Media Strategist
Several years ago my son’s long time girlfriend, Taylor joined my team as a part time employee. She is currently in charge of all social media accounts including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest.
She is graduating in May with degrees in both public relations and media studies, a minor in communications and a certificate in digital arts and culture. She is an important part of the marketing efforts of this business and enjoys her job immensely and hopes to be a full time member of the time after graduation.
My hope is that I am successful in sharing my love for food and its preparation through this blog. I will continue to strive for better photographs so that you, the reader, will want to make the meals and desserts I blog about. I love to hear from all of you and hope you will continue to comment on my posts and share your thoughts!
Contact me
Email – [email protected]Twitter – @amandaformaroFacebook – Amanda’s Cookin’ Fan PageFacebook – Crafts by Amanda Fan Page
I hope you enjoy Amanda’s Cookin’ and will either follow the blog, or subscribe by email or in a reader. I would love to share with you what’s cookin’ at my house!
