DIY Popcorn

This whole idea came to me because I realized I never had popped fresh popcorn and always had it from a microwave bag or pre-made bag. Before I tried it for the first time I checked online. I checked YouTube and came across a home video. It was clearly an amature video and the woman couldn't even speak very well... but I found myself interested in her tiny little kitchen, her flawed ways that she spoke into the camera and then I realized-- I was more interested in this unrefined woman than I was most TV Chef personalities. You know who I'm talking about- the ones with manicured kitchens, fridges full of food... you look at it and think-- That's not my kitchen! And no, for most of us, it's not... and those that I know that have kitchens like that- don't use them. Go figure. One of life's cruel ironies. She also mentioned about how she can't afford to go to the movies anymore and buy that oober expensive popcorn. And I realized neither could I. That's why I make everything that I want at home. I want to still eat everything I crave, but not pay a babysitter to watch my kids- tip a waiter- or have to fill my car up with gas. If I am dreaming about it I generally have to make it at home. And then I thought, maybe other people out there would like to satisfy their cravings or desires but don't feel empowered enough to do them at home. I used to crave crepes all the time, now that I make them I get snooty when I go out somewhere and they aren't as good as mine.
I was ordering a kitchen gadget for myself today and the woman I ordered it from said that my family must be very lucky to have me make things for my family like that. I didn't think about it, but after reflecting on it... I guess they are. There are quite a few people I know out there that don't do it. There are some people out there that think I can buy ____ somewhere so I don't have to make it. Then they begin relying on that frame of mind more and more and really get away from real cooking... until they're not cooking at all anymore. This is to bring cooking back. Bring baking back. Bring everything back home.
I saw a food trend prediction for 2012 and it was the rise in popularity of DIY cooking trends and websites. I think it's great. I love looking at websites that inspire and let me really stretch my abilities to their limits and then turn that on it's head again. I love it, I think it's great and I hope that the "trend" of people Doing MORE in the kitchen continues and I want to be a part of that.
I welcome everyone else out there to be a part of this DIY Cooking Nation!!