About me

Hi, I’m Natashia, and if there’s one thing you should know about me, it’s this: I love to cook.

I was born in Australia to an Australian mother and a Spanish father, and in our family, food isn’t just something you eat. It’s an experience. It’s tradition. It’s the way we celebrate, connect, and share love. Whether it was Christmas, Easter, birthdays, or just a Monday night dinner, food was always at the heart of it.

Ever since I moved out of my home, my sister and I have kept a tradition alive. For the past two years, every Monday night, we go back to our parents’ house for dinner. These evenings are more than just a meal; they’re a warm reminder of where we came from, of the comfort that comes with familiar flavors, and of the love that is baked into every bite.

My mum is an incredible cook. Though she’s Australian by birth, she lived in pain for nine years, where she learned the art of Spanish cooking from my dad’s sisters. She brought back more than just recipes; she brought home a sense of authenticity that’s hard to describe. Her food is simple, honest, and deeply nourishing.

Now, as an adult, I’m beginning to understand just how special her recipes are. They’re not fancy or complicated, but they’re full of soul. These are the recipes I grew up with, the ones I learned to cook when I was just a little girl standing on a stool beside my mum. Now they’re second nature to me, woven into my hands, my heart, and my memories.

Outside the kitchen, I work in marketing and design. I started out more in the communications side of things, but over time, my creativity led me toward graphic design. I’m lucky that my career gives me the space to be imaginative every day. I also have a deep love for photography. Though it started as a hobby, I find myself constantly exploring it further, editing photos just for fun, experimenting with new styles and techniques. There’s something satisfying about capturing a moment, a plate, a texture, and telling a story without words.

In the little spare time I have (which is never enough!), I love to paint, restore old furniture, and create illustrations and random design pieces. My mind is always buzzing with ideas. Honestly, it’s like a theme park up there. There are so many projects I want to tackle, ideas I want to bring to life. My “to-do” list is never-ending.

I often joke that I could write a book made up of all the things I plan to do one day. My house reflects this creative chaos, filled with half-finished projects waiting for their moment. But that’s just how I am. Restless, curious, and always dreaming.

This blog? It was on that long to-do list. It lingered there for a while before I finally gave it life. And even now, there are days I think about giving it up. But then something magical happens: I publish a new recipe, and someone sends me a message saying they tried it, loved it, and shared it with their family. Those little moments mean everything. They remind me why I started this in the first place.

Food on this blog is more than just food. It’s a collection of stories, traditions, experiments, and heartfelt attempts to connect. Each recipe is part of my journey, a snapshot of my life, a piece of my past, and a taste of my culture. It’s the way I keep my family close, even when we’re apart. It’s how I express myself, wind down after a long day, or say, “I love you” without words.

What I hope to share with you through this space is more than just how to make a dish. I want to share the stories behind the recipes, the reasons they matter, and the joy they bring. Maybe you’ll find a new favorite here. Maybe you’ll be reminded of your own family’s cooking. Maybe you’ll just find some inspiration to pick up a wooden spoon and start something delicious.

I’m not a professional chef. I don’t have a culinary degree. What I have is a love for flavor, a respect for tradition, and a passion for sharing good food. I believe that the best meals don’t need to be complicated. They just need to be made with love.

So, welcome to my FoodonPaper.com. I’m so happy you’re here, and thank you for reading, for cooking, and for being part of this journey with me.

Feel free to leave a comment on a post, send me an email, or share your own cooking stories. It truly makes my day to hear from you.

Here’s to great food, messy kitchens, and moments that matter.