My History and Family
Hi there! I’m Sara Johnson, and I’m so glad you’re here! I grew up in charming Asheville, North Carolina, surrounded by the mountains and plenty of southern cooking. My love for food started early, helping my mom bake pies and make hearty Sunday dinners. I met my husband, Ethan, while we were both living in Charleston, South Carolina—he was working as an architect, and I was fresh out of culinary school. After a few years, we decided to move west to Denver, Colorado, for a fresh start and new opportunities. Now, we call the friendly neighborhood of Washington Park home, and I can’t imagine living anywhere else.
Our two daughters, Lily (9) and Sophie (6), are the light of our lives. Lily is our creative soul who loves drawing and experimenting in the kitchen with me. Sophie, on the other hand, is our little adventurer—she’s fearless, always climbing trees in the backyard or leading the way on our family hikes. Life with two young girls is a whirlwind, but it’s the kind of busy that fills your heart.
Studies and Career
Cooking has always been my passion, so after high school, I attended The Culinary Institute of Charleston, where I learned everything from classic French techniques to modern plating styles. After graduating, I worked as a line cook in a bustling downtown restaurant before landing a catering manager job at Magnolia’s in Charleston. I loved every part of that role—planning menus, creating stunning food displays, and seeing people light up when everything came together perfectly.
Over the years, I also taught a few cooking classes at Charleston Community Center and even helped my friend Emily start a small food truck Taco Breeze where she served tacos and nice juice beverages. Those experiences taught me how much I love sharing what I know and connecting with people through food. But as my family grew, I knew I needed something that let me combine my love for cooking with the flexibility to be present for my girls.
The Garden in the Backyard
One of my favorite places in the world is my backyard garden. It’s not huge, but it’s my little oasis. I grow everything from cherry tomatoes and zucchinis to fresh herbs like basil, thyme, and rosemary. I even have a small patch for strawberries, which my daughters love picking in the summer. Last year, Ethan built me a beautiful raised bed for some lettuce and spinach, and it’s been a game-changer for our family salads.
The garden is more than just a source of fresh ingredients—it’s my escape. On summer mornings, I grab my coffee, check on my plants, and let the quiet moments recharge me for the day ahead. Watching something grow from seed to plate is one of the most rewarding parts of cooking for me, and I love sharing those fresh flavors with my family.
The Blog
Now that it’s January 2025, it feels like the perfect time to share that I’ve finally taken the leap into blogging full-time! Just a few weeks ago, I launched Family Table Vibes, something I’ve dreamed about for years. The idea came during a quiet evening after the girls went to bed, as I was flipping through an old family recipe book my mom gave me. I realized I wanted to create a space where I could share not just recipes, but the joy of cooking, gardening, and spending time together.
Since launching Family Table Vibes, I’ve been pouring my heart into it. I focus on simple, family-friendly recipes, tips for cooking with kids, and ideas for using fresh ingredients from the garden. My goal is to make cooking approachable and to inspire others to create meaningful moments around the table.
Thanks for stopping by—I hope my blog feels like a warm, welcoming kitchen where you can find inspiration for your next meal and memories to share with your loved ones.