Hello, wonderful readers! It feels like an eternity since our last ‘Friday Thoughts’ gathering, and I’m genuinely thrilled to share some recent happenings and reflections with you today. There’s a special joy in connecting through these posts, and I always look forward to hearing your insights and updates in the comments.
Today, we’ll dive into a mix of personal life updates, spontaneous musings, and a few discoveries I’ve been absolutely loving lately. So, settle in, grab a warm drink, and let’s catch up!
Before we begin: I genuinely want to know what’s new in your world! Please share your thoughts, big or small, in the comments below. Your stories are always a highlight for me.
Life’s Little Updates: Kicking Off with a Smile
Life has been wonderfully full, and I recently had the delightful experience of helping two dear friends cater the food for their wedding reception. The couple envisioned a unique and memorable dessert waffle bar, and it turned out to be an absolute triumph – both incredibly fun to organize and utterly delicious for the guests!
The week leading up to the big day was a flurry of activity, specifically dedicated to preparing for an impressive 20X batch of dry ingredients for our best-ever waffles. Our ambitious goal was to feed a crowd of 350-400 people, and I’m happy to report that our calculations were spot on. The secret to managing such a large quantity? Meticulous pre-preparation!
On the evening of the reception, we smoothly blended the wet ingredients with our pre-measured dry mix. We set up several waffle iron stations, strategically placed on different electrical circuits to handle the demand. We began cooking the waffles approximately 45 minutes before the reception officially started, ensuring a steady supply. To keep them perfectly warm and wonderfully semi-crisp, we carefully arranged them on cooling racks inside a warm oven. For easy serving, the larger circular waffles were quartered, and we also used an adorable heart-shaped waffle maker {aff. link} and a small circle waffle maker {aff. link}, adding a charming variety to the presentation.
The array of toppings was nothing short of spectacular, designed to delight every palate. We offered freshly diced peaches, thinly sliced strawberries, plump blueberries, and sweet raspberries. Nutella, gently warmed for effortless serving, was a huge hit, alongside creamy cookie butter, miniature chocolate chips, and crunchy toffee bits. Canned whipped cream provided a light, airy touch, while the syrups truly elevated the experience: a generous 10X batch of our famous buttermilk syrup, a delicious triple berry syrup from the Kodiak brand, and a truly divine huckleberry syrup lovingly made by the groom’s mom. It was a symphony of flavors!
Serving was made easy and eco-friendly with these cute Kraft paper food trays {aff. link}. For beverages, we kept it simple and refreshing, offering ice water and orange juice, each garnished with fresh orange slices. The entire waffle bar concept was an undeniable success, leaving guests raving about the delicious and interactive dessert experience!
Switching gears, our family is navigating the experience of a four-day school week, and I confess, I have some pretty big feelings about it. While it offers a longer weekend, our Fridays are far from a free-for-all. They typically involve a whirlwind of morning sports practices, catching up on homework, the kids taking turns cleaning their bathroom, vacuuming, and dusting, and a variety of outdoor farm and yard chores. All the while, I find myself trying to gently remind everyone that for most of the world, Friday is still very much a regular weekday, not an extra “party-it-up” segment of the weekend. It’s a constant balancing act between structured productivity and the allure of a relaxed extra day off. I’m curious: Do any of you have four-day school weeks in your districts? What are your thoughts, experiences, and coping mechanisms for managing that unique schedule?
For those seeking an engrossing read, I recently immersed myself in “Killers of the Flower Moon” via audiobook, a gripping account of the Osage murders and the nascent days of the FBI. And WOW. This book is, in my humble opinion, an absolute must-read. It is incredibly eye-opening, deeply unsettling, and profoundly interesting. The historical depth and the shocking revelations within its pages will stay with you long after you’ve finished. Prepare to be both educated and disturbed by this powerful narrative.
In all honesty, the journey of motherhood has profoundly challenged and reshaped my world over the past little while. It’s not necessarily a negative shift, but rather an intense period of stretching and growth, where I’m learning so much about myself and, more importantly, about my children. My current, deeply intentional goal has been to connect with each of my kids every single day, one-on-one, even if it’s just for a few precious minutes. This simple practice has transformed my daily interactions, prompting me to deliberately put down my phone, make genuine eye contact, and engage in meaningful conversations with my teenage boys. (My son Cam, bless his heart, is always ready for a good chat, which helps immensely!). I’m also striving to offer more hugs and fewer lectures, fostering an environment of understanding and connection rather than constant instruction. Parenting is an incredibly demanding role, and if you find yourself feeling bogged down in the ‘muddy thick of things’ – constantly second-guessing every decision – please know that you are absolutely not alone. I frequently repeat these mantras to myself: “Where we are now is not forever” (a reminder that phases pass), “Meet them where they’re at” (encouraging empathy and understanding), and my personal favorite, “Eat more chocolate.” Sometimes, a little self-compassion, especially in the form of chocolate, goes a long way!
>>>On a related note, I recently finished this invaluable book {aff. link}, and I can’t recommend it enough. It has truly been a game-changer for me, fundamentally reshaping how I react to and parent my teenagers. It offers fresh perspectives and practical strategies that have made a significant difference in our family dynamics.<<<
A Glimmer of Hope: My Skin Cancer Update
A few months ago, a small, persistent spot on my upper lip prompted a visit to the dermatologist. A quick biopsy confirmed my fears: basal cell carcinoma. This was certainly not the news I had hoped for, especially given my previous challenging experience with basal cell and subsequent MOHS surgery on my face. The anxiety leading up to this second procedure was, predictably, quite high.
However, I’m thrilled to report that the MOHS surgery, performed almost two weeks ago, went far better than my anxious mind had prepared me for! The incredibly skilled MOHS surgeon successfully removed all the cancerous cells in just a single pass, and I ended up with only eight stitches. This was, by all accounts, the absolute best-case scenario I could have hoped for, bringing immense relief.
The stitches were removed earlier this week, and I’m genuinely astonished by how incredibly well it’s healing already! Currently, my regimen involves diligently covering the area with Aquaphor and strictly avoiding direct sun exposure. I’ve also been advised to be mindful of how wide I open my mouth when I eat, talk, and laugh – and if you’re guessing how well *that* particular instruction is going, you’re probably spot on! It’s certainly a challenge to modify natural expressions, but I’m doing my best.
My dermatologist and surgeon have highly recommended silicone gel sheets combined with light massaging of the scar site to help break up scar tissue, citing these as the best approaches for optimal healing. I’m excited to start both of these next week, with hopes for minimal scarring. Onward and upward! I feel incredibly grateful that this experience wasn’t nearly as arduous or extensive as my first MOHS surgery, reinforcing the importance of early detection and excellent medical care.
Early Bird or Last Minute? Discussing Holiday Gift Guides
Is it truly too early to start talking about holiday gift guides? I think not! The festive season has a way of creeping up on us, and I find that planning ahead makes all the difference. On that note, when do you typically tackle your holiday shopping? Some years, I’m incredibly organized and have everything wrapped up by October 1st. Other years (and yes, this year is shaping up to be one of them), it looks more like the third week of December, a frantic dash to the finish line. There’s something comforting in knowing we all have our own unique approaches to holiday prep!
I’m hoping to get my holiday gift guides published very soon this year – perhaps even next week, strategically aligning with Prime Day to help you snag some deals. But if that timeline proves too ambitious, rest assured, they will definitely be live by the end of October, offering plenty of inspiration for everyone on your list.
Before the full guides drop, I’d love to hear from you: Any favorite things you are currently loving and think others should know about? Share them below in the comments!
As a little teaser, I’ll give you a sneak peek of a few of my absolute latest favorites that are guaranteed to make an appearance on the upcoming gift guides. These are items I’ve genuinely used, loved, and wholeheartedly recommend.
{Affiliate links included below – meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you!}
- Popdarts: This is such a incredibly fun and interactive game, especially perfect for engaging teenagers. It’s surprisingly addictive and brings out the competitive spirit in everyone. Love this one for family game nights!
- Laser Measure: This is the ingenious little tool you never realized you desperately needed until you have it. Seriously, this device is utterly amazing – I genuinely question how I managed to live so long without it! It makes measuring anything incredibly quick and precise.
- Bliss Body Butter: I’ve been giving this luxurious lotion as gifts to countless people this year, and I’m a devout user myself. It is simply glorious! It’s wonderfully thick and creamy without ever feeling greasy, absorbing beautifully into the skin. The grapefruit “flavor” (scent) is, hands down, my absolute favorite.
- Small Sling Bag: I purchased this a few months ago, and it has completely revolutionized my daily carry. I’ve enthusiastically ditched all my other purses because this sling bag is just so practical and chic. Despite its compact size, it comfortably fits my phone, wallet, keys, and a few other essential necessaries. Plus, it’s super cute and keeps my hands free!
- ATM-Style Piggy Bank: This charming little money bank is not only adorable (and available in a wide array of colors!), but it also allows kids to set their own electronic password – and it genuinely works! It’s a fantastic way to teach kids about saving and digital security in a fun, interactive manner. For a slightly more intense and realistic version, this ATM piggy bank from Lakeshore Learning is super fun. My sister’s kids have this one and absolutely adore it!
The Heart of Our Home: Embarking on a Kitchen Remodel
Just when life couldn’t get any crazier, last month I decided it would be an excellent idea to embark on a full-scale kitchen remodel. 🤪 It might sound a bit ambitious, but it’s a project we’ve been envisioning for a long time.
Since our move from Minnesota to beautiful Idaho in 2014, we’ve progressively remodeled several areas of our home. Each project has been driven by a desire to gain more functional space, enhance usability, and update a few key elements to better suit our growing family and lifestyle.
For those of you who follow me on Instagram, you might recognize some of these past updates, showcasing our journey to personalize our home!
Let’s take a look at a few examples of our previous renovations:
- Exhibit A: Pantry Expansion. We ingeniously broke into our garage to significantly expand our pantry. This transformation dramatically increased our storage capacity, making meal prep and organization so much easier.
- Exhibit B: Living Room Expansion. To create a more spacious and open living area, we removed the wall separating the living room and master bedroom. This structural change opened up the main living space beautifully, creating a more welcoming and expansive gathering area for our family and guests.
- Exhibit C: Banister Replacement. A simpler yet impactful update involved replacing the outdated banister, which immediately modernized the entryway and staircase, adding a fresh, contemporary feel to a central part of our home.
When it comes to the kitchen, we’ve implemented several smaller updates over the years, carefully refining the space. These included cutting off the elevated ledge on the island to create a more functional, level countertop, installing beautiful granite countertops, and refacing the cabinets to give them a refreshed look without a full overhaul. Each update contributed to a more modern and efficient kitchen.
However, this time, we’re diving into a full, transformative remodel. The most significant change involves knocking down a wall to substantially expand the existing kitchen footprint. The green highlighted area in the image below illustrates the wall we’re eliminating to create a much larger, more open culinary space. This expansion is designed to not only update the aesthetics but dramatically improve the functionality and flow of our kitchen.
While our kitchen up to this point has been wonderfully functional (and certainly far bigger than kitchens we’ve had in many of our previous homes!), and I fully admit that the new kitchen will likely be more space than anyone truly “needs” (haha!), I am beyond excited for the specific upgrades. I’ve been dreaming of double ovens for 25 years – a true culinary luxury! – and I’m thrilled about gaining a few more cabinets for much-needed storage and, most importantly, significantly increased counter and work space. These additions will undoubtedly transform our cooking and entertaining experiences.
Currently, we’ve successfully navigated almost three weeks of the remodel, and we’re eagerly looking forward to approximately three more weeks until completion! Life during a remodel is an adventure, to say the least. Right now, we have limited access to our fridge and a very minimal pantry setup. Our meals have become wonderfully simple (or perhaps “survival-oriented” is a better description!): think cold cereal, convenient Costco meals that can be easily heated on a hot plate, an abundance of peanut butter sandwiches, toasted bagels, and a few strategic meals out here and there. And yes, we’re currently washing our minimal dishes in the bathtub – truly fun times, creating memories we’ll surely laugh about later!
The simple drawing below offers a conceptual glimpse of what the kitchen will approximately look like once our remodel is complete. And by “we,” I primarily mean the phenomenal general contractor we hired – Eric from Remedy Residential. He has skillfully handled all of our home remodels over the last eight years, and I cannot recommend him highly enough if you’re local to the Boise, Idaho area. His expertise and attention to detail are truly invaluable.
Once the dust settles and everything is beautifully finished, I’ll be excited to share all the intricate details about the finishes we carefully selected, from cabinetry to flooring. We’re keeping our existing fridge and dishwasher, which are still in great shape. The exciting new appliances will include those long-awaited double ovens (eeek!), a new microwave, and a state-of-the-art cooking range. I’ve decided to go with an induction range this time, a practical choice given that we don’t have natural gas available along our county road. My aesthetic preferences lean towards pretty simple tastes, reflecting my casual lifestyle, so the end result will hopefully be a wonderfully welcoming, functional, and deeply homey kitchen that truly serves as the heart of our home.
And that, my dear friends, wraps up this edition of ‘Friday Thoughts’! Thank you so much for joining me here and for being such a supportive and engaging community. Your presence means the world to me.
**Please promise me you’ll check back on Monday! I have a HUGE announcement that I absolutely cannot wait to share with you all. It’s something I’ve been incredibly excited about, and I truly want you to be a part of it. 💗**