My name is Laira, and I’m from sunny Sequim located in the rain shadow of the magnificent Olympic Mountains on the Olympic Peninsula. I married the love of my life in 2007, and together, we welcomed our son in 2009 and our daughter in 2012. Our little haven in the forest is shared with my mother and my husband's father. Our playful household also consists of two affectionate dogs, four mischievous cats, two friendly bunnies and one guinea pig. I was homeschooled, gained my AA Degree and origionally went to college for photography but later obtained my Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education. As a homeschooling parent, I have the privilege of not only educating my own children but also teaching workshops at a local Alternative Learning Experience program for homeschool families. Working with children brings me immense joy, and I love leading classes that foster creativity, scientific exploration, and the occasional delightful mess!

For years, I wandered through life's many paths, searching for that one thing that would set my heart on fire. Little did I know that my unpredictable journey, which took me from behind the camera lens to the front of a classroom, would eventually lead me to a sweet and unexpected destination - the world of decorating cookies.

As a seasoned photographer, I reveled in capturing moments frozen in time. My lens painted stories, whispered emotions, and celebrated life's exquisite beauty. But deep within me, there was a stirring, an unquenchable desire for a new creative outlet. This unrest led me into the world of education, where I traded shutter clicks for a whiteboard and camera angles for lesson plans. As I pursued my degree in elementary education, I cherished nurturing young minds, witnessing their growth and curiosity. Still, there remained a yearning for another way to express my own artistic spirit.

In 2003, I had the pleasure of meeting someone who had a special tradition during Christmas. She would spend hours creating these exquisitely decorated sugar cookies for her family. Not only did they look beautiful, but they tasted absolutely delicious. Instantly, I knew I wanted to embark on this same journey. However, it wasn't until 2008 that I finally started baking. Those initial years of baking made me realize that I needed a lot of practice to perfect my craft. Throughout the years, numerous friends and family members insisted that I should sell my cookies. Despite their encouragement, I didn't feel confident enough in my skills or had the time to pursue it. It wasn't until my children grew older that I felt compelled to take the leap.

From Photographer to Teacher to Cookie Decorator Extraordinaire. I found myself embarking on a deliciously unexpected journey into the realm of cookie decoration. There is an artistry in everything we do, even in the seemingly simple act of cookie decorating. At Olympic Mountain Goodies, a whimsical confectionery nestled amid the resplendent peaks of the Olympic Mountains, I found my calling. Stepping away from the confines of capturing moments frozen in time, and a career in education, I now channel my expertise to document the intricate process of transforming blank canvases of deliciousness into edible masterpieces.

I realized that my keen eye for composition and attention to detail, nurtured by years of capturing photographs, flowed effortlessly into the delicate art of cookie decoration. Each cookie became a canvas waiting to be transformed, begging for colors and textures that would bring it to life. Just like I used to compose the perfect shot, now I curated intricate designs using sugar, icing, and edible embellishments.

Inspired by my degree in education, I discovered a joyous way to share my newfound talent with others. Much like guiding young minds in the classroom, I have found immense satisfaction in teaching others how to decorate cookies. The classroom had instilled in me the ability to break down complex ideas into accessible steps, a skill that translated seamlessly into teaching the art of cookie decorating.

I absolutely love baking cookies because it allows me to express my creativity and bring joy to others. There's something magical about the entire process, from measuring out the ingredients to watching the dough transform into mouth-watering treats in the oven. The aroma that fills the kitchen is simply divine, instantly warming my heart and creating a sense of comfort. Whether I'm making classic chocolate chip cookies that melt in your mouth or experimenting with unique flavor combinations, the satisfaction of creating something homemade and delicious is unparalleled. The best part is sharing my creations with family and friends, seeing their faces light up as they take that first bite. Baking cookies has become more than just a hobby; it has become a way for me to spread happiness and create lasting memories.

Designing and decorating sugar cookies with royal icing is an utterly delightful experience that never fails to ignite my creative spark. The artistic process allows me to blend my love for baking and artistry seamlessly. As I meticulously pipe delicate lines, intricate details, and vibrant colors onto each cookie canvas, I feel a sense of pure joy and fulfillment. The ability to transform a simple cookie into a miniature work of edible art is endlessly satisfying. Each cookie becomes a unique masterpiece, reflecting my personal style and imagination. The sheer satisfaction of seeing the final product, adorned with intricate designs, makes all the time and effort truly worthwhile. It is this passion for designing and decorating sugar cookies with royal icing that continues to bring sweet magic to my culinary adventures.