Hey — it’s April already. Time really does fly.
I won’t overthink why that feels surprising (like summer break being less than seven weeks away), but here we are. I wanted to check in with a few favorite things, some life updates, and a quick note that I’ll share my microblading update next time — this post got long fast!
Here we go.
Some Favorite Things
I shared a handful of favorites on Instagram recently and didn’t want anyone who isn’t on Instagram to miss out. Below are a few things I’m loving right now — none sponsored, just things I genuinely enjoy.
- Yasso bars. My friend Deb dropped these frozen yogurt bars off and I immediately became obsessed. I tracked them down at Albertsons and later found out they’re at Target and Walmart. I bought every flavor I could find — the sea salt caramel chocolate crunch is my favorite.
- S’mores maker. I gave the kids a small s’mores maker for Valentine’s Day and it’s been a hit. It’s simple and fun; yes, you can make s’mores without another appliance, but we love having it.
- My new favorite jeans. I’m not a fashion blogger, but these jeans are flattering and comfortable. I bought them from Piper and Scoot and they run a bit large — I sized down one waist from my usual. They have a carpenter loop (yes, just like in high school).
- Queen Bee Chocolates. This small, family-owned company uses honey in its confections — my dad drives to buy them and sends me boxes. Favorites: dark chocolate haystacks, Bee Energy Bars, and honey caramels.
- Crazy amazing granola. My sister gifted me flavors of Safe + Fair granola for my birthday and I became an instant fan. The birthday cake flavor is outstanding, and the honeycrisp apple is delicious.
- Sassy bites. A grocery-store find that I now eat at lunch all the time — sweet and spicy pickles that I think are possibly the best I’ve tried.
- White balsamic vinegar. A friend introduced me to flavored white balsamic from Baker + Olive and I went through a bottle of mango in no time. I’ve since ordered multiple flavors and use them in dressings, marinades, or simply whisked with olive oil over salads.
How Did This Happen?
Unbelievably, I started this blog only a few weeks after the photo below was taken — almost 15 years ago.
Even more astonishing is that some of you have been along for nearly that whole time. Thank you.
This week, the little boy in the blue pajamas turned 18.
Me: WHO AM I AND HOW DID I GET HERE?
Also me: DON’T GET ATTACHED, THEY GROW UP AND LEAVE YOU.
Finally me: an absolute mess of tears and love.
Of course children have been growing up and launching into the world for millennia, but watching your firstborn reach milestones still feels uniquely bittersweet. My heart is full and aching at the same time. If only life had a pause button for a decade — and only while everyone at home is in a good mood.
Sourdough (Don’t Roll Your Eyes)
I haven’t become the person baking perfect artisan loaves with razor-sharp crusts, but I have gotten into sourdough discard recipes.
Consider this a friendly nudge to start or grow a sourdough starter now if you want to try upcoming recipes — I’ll share an easy discard recipe next week that I think you’ll love. I’m also working on a soft sourdough sandwich loaf and a perfected sourdough waffle recipe.
If sourdough isn’t your thing, don’t worry — this blog isn’t turning into Sourdough Central. Just a few recipes I’m excited to share before I move on.
My Brother’s Wedding
My younger brother Nate married last month. I was honored (and nervous) to photograph the wedding and make the cake.
Because the venue was six hours away, I baked the cake layers ahead and assembled and decorated at our Airbnb in Portland. After looking through the Pinterest boards Nate and Tim shared, I made a rustic, woodsy cake using my chocolate cake recipe for two 9-inch layers and two 7-inch layers.
Between the layers I spread dark chocolate ganache and a sprinkle of crispy chocolate pearls, and I finished the outside with a less-sweet, buttery frosting since Tim prefers frosting that isn’t overly sweet.
The cake tasted delicious, and I was mostly relieved it survived the drive to the venue. Special thanks to my mom for holding it on her lap during the trip through Portland traffic.
I love Nate more than words here can express — he’s not just my brother but one of my closest friends. He’s kind, authentic, funny, and an incredible dad. I’m grateful he’s found Tim, who listens patiently when I talk about sourdough starters and pigs.
Here I probably give Nate the side eye at one of his jokes — we always argue about who’s funnier. He’s hilarious, but I maintain I’m older, wiser, and definitely funnier.
Tummy Troubles
I’ve been dealing with stomach issues for months, likely from stress, family history of IBS, and a few inflammatory trigger foods. I recently completed an elimination diet that mostly looked like very plain meals for weeks.
Eating like that every day made me appreciate the joy of chocolate, cheese, and carbs. The upside is I identified foods that trigger symptoms. I’ve also had a positive response to taking digestive enzymes and probiotics, which made a noticeable difference.
Some News Resources I Like
The world feels heavy right now, especially with the war in Ukraine. If you want to stay informed without feeling overwhelmed, here are some resources I check for clear, concise updates and context.
- @sharonsaysso — frequent informational Instagram stories.
- @mosheh — helpful Instagram content and a useful email bulletin.
- The Donut daily email — quick synopses of world events and interesting tidbits.
- @smarthernews, @theamericanmoms, and @ridethenews — valuable informational accounts.
- @wiserworldpodcast — a podcast with informative short episodes about countries and historical events, including useful context on Russia and Ukraine.
I’ve also been following World Central Kitchen’s work in Ukraine — the scale of meals they’re providing is incredible. I’ve donated to World Central Kitchen and Save The Children for their relief efforts; they’re two of many reputable organizations doing important work right now.
I always seem to have so much to say. Thank you for being here, reading, and sticking with my randomness. I appreciate you a lot.
Tell me how you’re doing in the comments — I’d love to hear.