The last of 2017 is coming to a close, and I’ve got a small Recently post for you to chew on as we send our last bin of unwanted Christmas decorations off to the Goodwill. It was a long year. Not in a bad way but in a way that left me full. It was a year that had me craving more and gave me a lot to be thankful for. It built up hope. It gave me strength.
I know this isn’t what a lot of people are saying about 2017, but in our personal lives there is so much to be thankful for. Forget the president, forget the headlines, find peace with disasters, and rest easy in the power of community. 2017 was more than politics. It is time spent with family and it is joy in our little universes. It is the smallest details of life that flow bigger than we can imagine. Be thankful for the rock that stirred ripples throughout a large and still lake. We can change the world by raising thoughtful kids, by being gracious with ourselves, and by forgiving people quickly. What if we all practiced grace? What if we all worked at making our little worlds better? What an impact that would be.
Okay, okay, okay, food for thought… here is what’s been happening in my life.
Recently, I’ve been…
Taking a break. Which might not seem like it since I’ve been posting regularly. I knew I wanted to spend December with Daniel, with family, and with friends. So, I consciously stocked up recipes so that when the time came I could just stay in plaid pajamas and drink hot chocolate from a paper pouch.
My aunt told me she listened to a talk that claimed success comes from the perfect blend of stress and rest. They are so right. It might be time to get stressed again, but I took the time that I needed to balance the urgency of life.
Recently, I’ve been wanting…
To make croissants. It’s all I can think about. I’ve been finding myself watching YouTube videos and prepping for coming day in the kitchen working with butter and cake yeast. Maybe after my cake decorating workshop I’ll find a day to just make croissants. Yes, a whole day is needed from what I’m finding. I just need to conquer this culinary venture. More on this is sure to come on the blog, stay tuned.
Recently, I’ve been dreaming…
About my next cake workshop! I’ve vowed to not plan it until after February 3rd is over, but I can’t help but brainstorm and get a little bit giddy inside. There was so much demand for my last workshop that it just made sense to start another—especially since baseball season is coming up and that leaves me with a lot of time without my husband. I just love that people are into cake as much as me.
Recently, I’ve been loving…
My Pillow. No, but seriously My Pillow. We have been having issues finding the right pillows. Money was no object because we needed to get a restful night sleep and not wake up with kinks in our necks. We bought a My Pillow from QVC, and it fully exceeded our expectations. Yes, we have bought several things on QVC, no shame… Can you say “easy payments”!?! Anyway, I highly recommend it if you too are in the market for a good night’s sleep.
Recently, my type 1 has been…
Well, no pump yet! I’m still waiting on a call from the rep to tell me how much it will cost out-of-pocket. I don’t think it’s looking good. It’s going to cost me an arm and a leg to replace my pancreas. Don’t even get me started on the cost of insulin. Drug companies have price gouged us knowing that we literally can’t live without it. People have died because they can’t afford insulin or they try to ration it. So sad. I wish there was more that I could do.
Recently, I’ve been eating…
Jumbo Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies. YES! I’ve been eating them a ton because I’ve been testing this recipe all month. I made batch after batch, and they still were not right. I finally nailed the recipe, and I cannot wait to share it with you! They are salty, peanut buttery, and yes, JUMBO. Okay, I’m going to go eat one right now.
Thanks for joining along with me today! And thank you for coming alongside me in 2017. You are all a bright spot in my day/life. I love the comments, e-mails, messages, notes, likes and even if you’re quietly lurking behind your screen, I am happy you’re here. It makes my life 100% better just having you in it. I’m excited to take you with me into 2018 and make this the best year yet! Let’s all take care of ourselves, give ourselves grace, and change the world one kind word at a time.
Your post made me cry – a good cry! “Be thankful for the rock that stirred ripples throughout a large and still lake.” Wow, Karlee. Thanks. Love you so.
I love you, carol!!!!! Glad you liked it
We were thinking about buying My Pillow, but I wasn’t sure about it because of the price. Now I’m convinced!
Yes!!! It’s amazing!!