The recipes, tips, and tricks found on these pages are born out of a love for making life and food simple, fun, and at times a little quirky.
Hi. my name is Gigi Verrey and I grew up watching my father, born in Lausanne, Switzerland, whip up French-inspired cuisine with fresh vegetables, dressings, and sauces. My mother was born and raised in Cold Springs, Kentucky on a farm, and she served up hearty meals like collard greens, pork chops, and biscuits. My parents’ cooking styles instilled in me the desire to go with the flow and to try different food combinations without hesitation.
I was born with a limb difference in my left hand that made certain tasks a challenge, but you can see I still enjoy all the gardening and cooking I want and so can you! I like to say “if I can do it with one hand, you can do it with two!” That’s why I try to keep the things I share very simple so anyone can learn and adapt them for themselves. Whether your challenge is a disability, a health limitation, or just plain life being overwhelming or exhausting, I hope to get you out in your garden, or enjoying time in your kitchen with these quick, fun ideas!
These days I use fresh vegetables whenever possible, but I am not opposed to using canned beans and frozen corn in a pinch! There are no rules here, just suggestions! If you try something and find a new hack! Please share with me on my Instagram by tagging @verysmartideas
It is my goal to use the fewest ingredients and cut out as many unnecessary steps as possible to create simple, healthy, great tasting dishes for you to try, and explain gardening tips I find helpful to get even the beginners growing fresh things as it can be so rewarding and calming. I also try to share home and entertaining tips that can be done without a big budget. I guess you can say I’m working to bring sanity and simplicity back into life and into homes!
The recipes, tips, and tricks found on these pages are born out of a love for making life and food simple, fun, and at times a little quirky.
Hi. my name is Gigi Verrey and I grew up watching my father, born in Lausanne, Switzerland, whip up French-inspired cuisine with fresh vegetables, dressings, and sauces. My mother was born and raised in Cold Springs, Kentucky on a farm, and she served up hearty meals like collard greens, pork chops, and biscuits. My parents’ cooking styles instilled in me the desire to go with the flow and to try different food combinations without hesitation.
I was born with a limb difference in my left hand that made certain tasks a challenge, but you can see I still enjoy all the gardening and cooking I want and so can you! I like to say “if I can do it with one hand, you can do it with two!” That’s why I try to keep the things I share very simple so anyone can learn and adapt them for themselves. Whether your challenge is a disability, a health limitation, or just plain life being overwhelming or exhausting, I hope to get you out in your garden, or enjoying time in your kitchen with these quick, fun ideas!
These days I use fresh vegetables whenever possible, but I am not opposed to using canned beans and frozen corn in a pinch! There are no rules here, just suggestions! If you try something and find a new hack! Please share with me on my Instagram by tagging @verysmartideas
It is my goal to use the fewest ingredients and cut out as many unnecessary steps as possible to create simple, healthy, great tasting dishes for you to try, and explain gardening tips I find helpful to get even the beginners growing fresh things as it can be so rewarding and calming. I also try to share home and entertaining tips that can be done without a big budget. I guess you can say I’m working to bring sanity and simplicity back into life and into homes!
Follow Me on Instagram!
Putting on earrings with the limb difference can be a challenge, but there are a couple of techniques that can make the process easier. Check out this video and how I put earrings on with out adaptive tools. #disabiltyawareness #lucky_fin_project #aboutgigi #disabilityadvocate #disabilityblogger #representationmatters
Putting on earrings with the limb difference can be a challenge, but there are a couple of techniques that can make the process easier. Check out this video and how I put earrings on with out adaptive tools. #disabiltyawareness #lucky_fin_project #aboutgigi #disabilityadvocate #disabilityblogger #representationmatters
Please share with those that can use this information 🙏🏻❤️. Of course I can tie my own shoes BUT for those moms and dads with children with limb differences, I wanted to show you how you might teach your little ones how to tie their shoes. Nothing gives a human being more pride than doing something on their own and this is particularly true for many of us with missing limbs. #lucky_fin_project #representationmatters #disabled #bionicwoman #aboutgigi
Please share with those that can use this information 🙏🏻❤️. Of course I can tie my own shoes BUT for those moms and dads with children with limb differences, I wanted to show you how you might teach your little ones how to tie their shoes. Nothing gives a human being more pride than doing something on their own and this is particularly true for many of us with missing limbs. #lucky_fin_project #representationmatters #disabled #bionicwoman #aboutgigi
Wow, I am so excited to have reached 25K followers. I want to say 🙏🏻 thank you to everyone for all your kindness, hilarious comments and words of encouragement!
Here’s a lil bit about me. Let me know if you can relate!?
-The Universe will always provide…she’s got our back🌏
-I’m a mom/ bonus mom to three boy’s 🤠
-I have 2 shih tzus, Taz & Ed. Ed is adopted but he knows.🐶
-I have a degree in Interior Design
-Don’t get me started on dishonest peeps👎🏻
-I married a younger man, so he can keep up with me ❤️
-I am considered someone who has a congenital amputee, but I prefer handi-capable🦾
-My middle son is a chefy type too @omnivorousadam👨🍳
-I have a potato addiction🥔French fries, hashbrowns, baked potato, vodka, the list goes on and on.
-During the day, I am a financial planner and wealth manager💲
-Most of my videos are done in my pajamas before the stock market opens😂
-My husband is THE bomb 💣 he loves my food but hates taking bites for stories
-I’m a pretty good athlete and ski WAY to fast
-My bionic hand turned 1 yr old last week🎂
-I learned to cook at a very young age from my aunts and uncles in Switzerland🇨🇭
-There isn’t very much that I won’t eat or try to cook. I love 🐌s
-I have a loooong middle name☺️
-spiders 🕷️scare the 💩out of me!
-Martinis are my go to 🍸
-Sox not Cubs⚾️
#gratitude #verysmartideas #aboutgigi #limbdifferenceawareness #thanks
Wow, I am so excited to have reached 25K followers. I want to say 🙏🏻 thank you to everyone for all your kindness, hilarious comments and words of encouragement!
Here’s a lil bit about me. Let me know if you can relate!?
-The Universe will always provide…she’s got our back🌏
-I’m a mom/ bonus mom to three boy’s 🤠
-I have 2 shih tzus, Taz & Ed. Ed is adopted but he knows.🐶
-I have a degree in Interior Design
-Don’t get me started on dishonest peeps👎🏻
-I married a younger man, so he can keep up with me ❤️
-I am considered someone who has a congenital amputee, but I prefer handi-capable🦾
-My middle son is a chefy type too @omnivorousadam👨🍳
-I have a potato addiction🥔French fries, hashbrowns, baked potato, vodka, the list goes on and on.
-During the day, I am a financial planner and wealth manager💲
-Most of my videos are done in my pajamas before the stock market opens😂
-My husband is THE bomb 💣 he loves my food but hates taking bites for stories
-I’m a pretty good athlete and ski WAY to fast
-My bionic hand turned 1 yr old last week🎂
-I learned to cook at a very young age from my aunts and uncles in Switzerland🇨🇭
-There isn’t very much that I won’t eat or try to cook. I love 🐌s
-I have a loooong middle name☺️
-spiders 🕷️scare the 💩out of me!
-Martinis are my go to 🍸
-Sox not Cubs⚾️
#gratitude #verysmartideas #aboutgigi #limbdifferenceawareness #thanks
Not my normal post...I had the pleasure of participating in a photography exhibit “50 Over 50”. 50 women participated and shared what it means to be 50 or over. It was an incredible experience. Women over 50 ROCK. Thanks to the very talented @juliekaplan for the beautiful images. You made me feel like a princess!
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#50over50 #womenover50 #50women #womanpower #50yearolds #photography #ifeltlikeamodel #photography exhibit #verysmartideas #aboutgigi #disabledcooking
Not my normal post...I had the pleasure of participating in a photography exhibit “50 Over 50”. 50 women participated and shared what it means to be 50 or over. It was an incredible experience. Women over 50 ROCK. Thanks to the very talented @juliekaplan for the beautiful images. You made me feel like a princess!
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#50over50 #womenover50 #50women #womanpower #50yearolds #photography #ifeltlikeamodel #photography exhibit #verysmartideas #aboutgigi #disabledcooking
Off to our annual trek to the Bristol Renaissance Faire. My family and I like to do fun things like this where we can be creative and laugh! I hope everybody’s having a wonderful weekend *
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#fantasy #art #fantasyart #bookstagram #drawing #renaisancefaire #artist #magic #artwork #dnd #cosplay #books #love #book #verysmartideas #aboutgigi #dungeonsanddragons #anime #photography #booklover #rpg #d #warhammer #dragon #fantasybooks #artistsoninstagram #conceptart #characterdesign
Off to our annual trek to the Bristol Renaissance Faire. My family and I like to do fun things like this where we can be creative and laugh! I hope everybody’s having a wonderful weekend *
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#fantasy #art #fantasyart #bookstagram #drawing #renaisancefaire #artist #magic #artwork #dnd #cosplay #books #love #book #verysmartideas #aboutgigi #dungeonsanddragons #anime #photography #booklover #rpg #d #warhammer #dragon #fantasybooks #artistsoninstagram #conceptart #characterdesign
Going to the C2 E2 convention today in Chicago. What’s everybody up to this weekend?
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#fantasy #art #fantasyart #bookstagram #drawing #digitalart #illustration #artist #magic #artwork #dnd #cosplay #books #scifi #love #sketch #book #verysmartideas #dungeonsanddragons #anime #photography #booklover #rpg #d #warhammer #dragon #fantasybooks #artistsoninstagram #conceptart #characterdesigns
Going to the C2 E2 convention today in Chicago. What’s everybody up to this weekend?
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#fantasy #art #fantasyart #bookstagram #drawing #digitalart #illustration #artist #magic #artwork #dnd #cosplay #books #scifi #love #sketch #book #verysmartideas #dungeonsanddragons #anime #photography #booklover #rpg #d #warhammer #dragon #fantasybooks #artistsoninstagram #conceptart #characterdesigns
A little trick for all my fellow #luckyfins!
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#reels #AbilityStartsHere #lucky_fin_project #limbdifferenceawareness #notawitch #tenfingersisoverated #luckyfin #calltoarms #luckyfinsrock #verysmartideas #bionic #bionicchef #bionicwoman #bionicvegan #bionics #bionicos #bionicArm #bionicers #bionicfoodie #bioniccooking #aboutgigi
A little trick for all my fellow #luckyfins!
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#reels #AbilityStartsHere #lucky_fin_project #limbdifferenceawareness #notawitch #tenfingersisoverated #luckyfin #calltoarms #luckyfinsrock #verysmartideas #bionic #bionicchef #bionicwoman #bionicvegan #bionics #bionicos #bionicArm #bionicers #bionicfoodie #bioniccooking #aboutgigi
Day 29 with my Bionic Hand. FIRST TIME Removing a Lid from a Jar with 2 hands!
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#verysmartideas #lucky_fin_project #limbdifferenceawareness #tenfingersisoverated #luckyfin #luckyfinsrock #verysmartideas #bionic #bionicchef #bionicwoman #bionicook #bionics #bionicHand #bionicers #bionicfoodie #bionicwoman #bionicmom #disabilityawareness #disabilityrights #disabilitypride #disabilitysupport #disabilityisnotinability #disabilityadvocate #cookingwithdisabilities #gardeneningwithdisabilities #disabledcook #disabledgardner #disabledmom #firsttime
Day 29 with my Bionic Hand. FIRST TIME Removing a Lid from a Jar with 2 hands!
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#verysmartideas #lucky_fin_project #limbdifferenceawareness #tenfingersisoverated #luckyfin #luckyfinsrock #verysmartideas #bionic #bionicchef #bionicwoman #bionicook #bionics #bionicHand #bionicers #bionicfoodie #bionicwoman #bionicmom #disabilityawareness #disabilityrights #disabilitypride #disabilitysupport #disabilityisnotinability #disabilityadvocate #cookingwithdisabilities #gardeneningwithdisabilities #disabledcook #disabledgardner #disabledmom #firsttime
Day 28 with my Bionic Hand. I attempted to cut an onion with 2 hands!
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#lucky_fin_project #limbdifferenceawareness #tenfingersisoverated #luckyfin #luckyfinsrock #verysmartideas #bionic #bionicchef #bionicwoman #bionicook #bionics #bionicHand #bionicers #bionicfoodie #bionicwoman #bionicmom #disabilityawareness #disabilityrights #disabilitypride #disabilitysupport #disabilityisnotinability #disabilityadvocate #cookingwithdisabilities #gardeneningwithdisabilities #disabledcook #disabledgardner #disabledmom #cuttinganonion #howtocutonions
Day 28 with my Bionic Hand. I attempted to cut an onion with 2 hands!
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#lucky_fin_project #limbdifferenceawareness #tenfingersisoverated #luckyfin #luckyfinsrock #verysmartideas #bionic #bionicchef #bionicwoman #bionicook #bionics #bionicHand #bionicers #bionicfoodie #bionicwoman #bionicmom #disabilityawareness #disabilityrights #disabilitypride #disabilitysupport #disabilityisnotinability #disabilityadvocate #cookingwithdisabilities #gardeneningwithdisabilities #disabledcook #disabledgardner #disabledmom #cuttinganonion #howtocutonions
Day 27 with my Bionic Hand. Unintended Consequence… my clothing doesn’t fit 😳
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#verysmartideas #lucky_fin_project #limbdifferenceawareness #tenfingersisoverated #luckyfin #luckyfinsrock #verysmartideas #bionic #bionicchef #bionicwoman #bionicook #bionics #bionicHand #bionicers #bionicfoodie #bionicwoman #bionicmom #disabilityawareness #disabilityrights #disabilitypride #disabilitysupport #disabilityisnotinability #disabilityadvocate #cookingwithdisabilities #gardeneningwithdisabilities #disabledcook #disabledgardner #disabledmom #abilitylab
Day 27 with my Bionic Hand. Unintended Consequence… my clothing doesn’t fit 😳
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#verysmartideas #lucky_fin_project #limbdifferenceawareness #tenfingersisoverated #luckyfin #luckyfinsrock #verysmartideas #bionic #bionicchef #bionicwoman #bionicook #bionics #bionicHand #bionicers #bionicfoodie #bionicwoman #bionicmom #disabilityawareness #disabilityrights #disabilitypride #disabilitysupport #disabilityisnotinability #disabilityadvocate #cookingwithdisabilities #gardeneningwithdisabilities #disabledcook #disabledgardner #disabledmom #abilitylab
Day 26 with my Bionic Hand. I emulsified a basic dressing!
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#verysmartideas #lucky_fin_project #limbdifferenceawareness #tenfingersisoverated #luckyfin #luckyfinsrock #verysmartideas #bionic #bionicchef #bionicwoman #bionicook #bionics #bionicHand #bionicers #bionicfoodie #bionicwoman #bionicmom #disabilityawareness #disabilityrights #disabilitypride #disabilitysupport #disabilityisnotinability #disabilityadvocate #cookingwithdisabilities #gardeneningwithdisabilities #disabledcook #disabledgardner #disabledmom #basicdressing #bionicwhisk
Day 26 with my Bionic Hand. I emulsified a basic dressing!
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#verysmartideas #lucky_fin_project #limbdifferenceawareness #tenfingersisoverated #luckyfin #luckyfinsrock #verysmartideas #bionic #bionicchef #bionicwoman #bionicook #bionics #bionicHand #bionicers #bionicfoodie #bionicwoman #bionicmom #disabilityawareness #disabilityrights #disabilitypride #disabilitysupport #disabilityisnotinability #disabilityadvocate #cookingwithdisabilities #gardeneningwithdisabilities #disabledcook #disabledgardner #disabledmom #basicdressing #bionicwhisk
Day 25-ish with my Bionic Hand… The Weirdest Thing Happened!
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#lucky_fin_project #limbdifferenceawareness #tenfingersisoverated #luckyfin #luckyfinsrock #verysmartideas #bionic #bionicchef #bionicwoman #bionicook #bionics #bionicHand #bionicers #bionicfoodie #bionicwoman #bionicmom #disabilityawareness #disabilityrights #disabilitypride #disabilitysupport #disabilityisnotinability #disabilityadvocate #cookingwithdisabilities #gardeneningwithdisabilities #disabledcook #disabledgardner #disabledmom #verysmartideas
Day 25-ish with my Bionic Hand… The Weirdest Thing Happened!
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#lucky_fin_project #limbdifferenceawareness #tenfingersisoverated #luckyfin #luckyfinsrock #verysmartideas #bionic #bionicchef #bionicwoman #bionicook #bionics #bionicHand #bionicers #bionicfoodie #bionicwoman #bionicmom #disabilityawareness #disabilityrights #disabilitypride #disabilitysupport #disabilityisnotinability #disabilityadvocate #cookingwithdisabilities #gardeneningwithdisabilities #disabledcook #disabledgardner #disabledmom #verysmartideas
Day 24 with my Bionic Hand. She is back from repair!
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#bionichand #bionicwoman #limbdifference #liimbdifferenceawareness #onehanded #bionichandtasks #livingwithabionichand #iamnotrobot #myluckyfin #lucky_fin_project #tenfingersisoverated #luckyfin #bionicmom #disabilityawareness #disabilityrights #disabilitypride #disabilitysupport #disabilityisnotinability #disabilityadvocate #cookingmamas #luckyfinsrock #verysmartideas
Day 24 with my Bionic Hand. She is back from repair!
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#bionichand #bionicwoman #limbdifference #liimbdifferenceawareness #onehanded #bionichandtasks #livingwithabionichand #iamnotrobot #myluckyfin #lucky_fin_project #tenfingersisoverated #luckyfin #bionicmom #disabilityawareness #disabilityrights #disabilitypride #disabilitysupport #disabilityisnotinability #disabilityadvocate #cookingmamas #luckyfinsrock #verysmartideas
Day 23 with my Bionic Hand
This time I put together a little montage of the tasks I have been practicing in my day to day life. Unfortunately, after this video I accidentally tore a hole in my silicone sleeve 😭 sooo I had to bring my bionic hand BACK to @abilitylab to get it fixed.
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#bionichand #bionicwoman #limbdifference #liimbdifferenceawareness #onehanded #eatingwithmybionichand #washingdisheswithmybionichand #pickingupamugwithmybionichand #makingcoffeewithmybionichand #bionichandtasks #livingwithabionichand #iamnotrobot #myluckyfin #lucky_fin_project #tenfingersisoverated #luckyfin #bionicmom #disabilityawareness #disabilityrights #disabilitypride #disabilitysupport #disabilityisnotinability #disabilityadvocate
#cookingmamas #luckyfinsrock #verysmartideas
Day 23 with my Bionic Hand
This time I put together a little montage of the tasks I have been practicing in my day to day life. Unfortunately, after this video I accidentally tore a hole in my silicone sleeve 😭 sooo I had to bring my bionic hand BACK to @abilitylab to get it fixed.
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#bionichand #bionicwoman #limbdifference #liimbdifferenceawareness #onehanded #eatingwithmybionichand #washingdisheswithmybionichand #pickingupamugwithmybionichand #makingcoffeewithmybionichand #bionichandtasks #livingwithabionichand #iamnotrobot #myluckyfin #lucky_fin_project #tenfingersisoverated #luckyfin #bionicmom #disabilityawareness #disabilityrights #disabilitypride #disabilitysupport #disabilityisnotinability #disabilityadvocate
#cookingmamas #luckyfinsrock #verysmartideas
Day 22 with my Bionic Hand and I got myself a manicure! That was a pretty bizarre experience for me for a couple of reasons. Check out the video to find out why.
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#bionichand #bionicwoman #limbdifference #liimbdifferenceawareness #onehanded #bionicmanicure #iamnotrobot #myluckyfin #manicure #nails #lucky_fin_project #tenfingersisoverated #luckyfin #bionicmom
#disabilityawareness #disabilityrights #disabilitypride
#disabilitysupport #disabilityisnotinability
#disabilityadvocate
#cookingmamas #luckyfinsrock #verysmartideas #ShirleyRyanAbilityLab
#AdvancingAbility
#AbilityStartsHere
Day 22 with my Bionic Hand and I got myself a manicure! That was a pretty bizarre experience for me for a couple of reasons. Check out the video to find out why.
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#bionichand #bionicwoman #limbdifference #liimbdifferenceawareness #onehanded #bionicmanicure #iamnotrobot #myluckyfin #manicure #nails #lucky_fin_project #tenfingersisoverated #luckyfin #bionicmom
#disabilityawareness #disabilityrights #disabilitypride
#disabilitysupport #disabilityisnotinability
#disabilityadvocate
#cookingmamas #luckyfinsrock #verysmartideas #ShirleyRyanAbilityLab
#AdvancingAbility
#AbilityStartsHere
Day 21 with my Bionic Hand
How I put on my new and improved REAL-LIFE looking silicone sleeve. It is crazy and amazing how realistic they can create the sleeve to mimic my skin tone, even included my freckles! Of course I will be getting a manicure too 😉
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#lucky_fin_project #ShirleyRyanAbilityLab
#AdvancingAbility
#AbilityStartsHere #limbdifferenceawareness #tenfingersisoverated #luckyfin #luckyfinsrock #verysmartideas
#bionic #bionicchef #bionicwoman #bionicook #bionics #bionicHand #bionicers #bionicfoodie
#bionicwoman
#disabilityawareness #disabilityrights #disabilitypride
#disabilitysupport #disabilityisnotinability
#disabilityadvocate
Day 21 with my Bionic Hand
How I put on my new and improved REAL-LIFE looking silicone sleeve. It is crazy and amazing how realistic they can create the sleeve to mimic my skin tone, even included my freckles! Of course I will be getting a manicure too 😉
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#lucky_fin_project #ShirleyRyanAbilityLab
#AdvancingAbility
#AbilityStartsHere #limbdifferenceawareness #tenfingersisoverated #luckyfin #luckyfinsrock #verysmartideas
#bionic #bionicchef #bionicwoman #bionicook #bionics #bionicHand #bionicers #bionicfoodie
#bionicwoman
#disabilityawareness #disabilityrights #disabilitypride
#disabilitysupport #disabilityisnotinability
#disabilityadvocate