Our Story:
A Kansas girl, Dina, met a Kentucky guy, Bruce, in a co-ed dorm at the University of Kansas—and the rest is history. We got married in 1988, and 37 years later, we’re still loving life just like we did when we first met. We both work full-time jobs, but no matter how busy life gets—or even when Bruce is traveling for work—Dina keeps the kitchen going with Dinner with Dina.
Over the years, friends have constantly said, “I can’t believe you made this!”—from simple desserts to cozy dinners and creative cocktails. That encouragement sparked something in us. We realized our true passion is creating and sharing easy, approachable recipes that bring joy to everyday life.
That’s how The Perks of Being Us was born. The name reflects exactly how we feel—grateful to do what we love, to have a healthy, happy family, and to truly enjoy life together. It really is a perk to be us.
Our Approach:
Cooking and cocktails are our passion. Even with busy schedules, we make it a priority to slow down and enjoy dinner at the table together every night. Weeknights are all about simple, healthy meals made with just a few ingredients—fresh vegetables, flavorful spices, and a little creativity. From crisp salads to comforting soups and quick pasta dishes, we keep things easy without sacrificing taste. And of course, a well-made cocktail often kicks off the evening.
Our weekends follow a rhythm we love: Friday nights are all about homemade pizza, Saturday nights are for fresh seafood dinners or risotto and Sundays are spent smoking chickens or simmering a big pot of Sunday sauce on the stove. That sauce often carries us through the week, topping pasta, pizza, or whatever needs a little extra comfort. When there’s time, Bruce gets baking—sourdough bread, cupcakes, cookies, or a rich cheesecake always seem to make their way into the weekend lineup.
We’re living, learning, and sharing our favorite recipes—hoping to show how cooking at home can be both simple and satisfying. Fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and slowing down around the table make all the difference. We love hearing from you, whether it’s a question, a comment, or seeing what you’re cooking. Your support and inspiration are what keep us going—and we truly wouldn’t be here without this incredible community.
Baking:
Let’s face it, Bruce is the ultimate baker. He is a mad scientist at measuring out the water and flour when he makes his famous sourdough bread. His pumpkin cheescake is something to dream about. And everyones favorite are his sugar cookies. Once in a while I pop into the kitchen to bake up a batch of molasses cookies or a peach galette. Bruce is full of good advice when it comes to baking. In fact, we were featured with his feature: “What are the common mistakes in baking that you need to avoid?” featured at Porch.com in: Ask the Pros: Expert Advice for Baking at Home
Cocktails:
Dina has a knack for crafting cocktails that are as fun to make as they are to sip. Whether it’s a sunny summer afternoon or a cozy evening at home, she loves mixing up drinks that feel just a little extra special. Two of our readers’ all-time favorites are her Watermelon Martini, made with fresh watermelon juice and a splash of lime, and the Lychee Martini, a lightly sweet, floral cocktail that always surprises guests in the best way. Dina keeps things simple, approachable, and always delicious—because a great cocktail doesn’t need to be complicated, just made with fresh ingredients.
