Friday Thoughts
January. WHAT A MONTH. What a month.
How are you? That question has depth. I really would love to know: how are you??
It’s been a while since my last Friday Thoughts post, and considering they are some of my favorite posts (simply based on everything you guys share with me in the comments), I knew I wanted (needed?) to get one up today.
It might be just past midnight on Friday night but we’re still calling this a Friday Thoughts post! 🙂
1. New Year’s Resolutions
Yeah, yeah, I know it’s basically February, but how are those new year’s resolutions going?
Confession: I don’t set them. I learned years ago that I hated new year’s resolutions because they just made me feel guilt, pressure, and failure. I like goal-setting, but I don’t like the pressure of setting all.the.goals on January 1.
I started out this year young and full of hope. I was going to finally write a cookbook! And tackle several other projects (blog and not-blog related).
I was days away from signing a contract for a cookbook when January really hit. It’s hard to sum everything up, but let’s just say that 2022 hasn’t been the greatest start to a year in the history of ever for me and my family.
Unexpected illnesses. Unexpected job losses. Unexpected commitments. Unexpected reasons to take deep breaths and also look for blessings. Unexpected deep-reaching, soul-searching (and soul-sucking) challenges at every level, it seems.
So, I’ve had to regroup a little and really believe in the words: there is a time and season for everything. And right now, right in this moment of January 28, my time and season is to just make it through. And I can do that.
How is 2022 going for you? I REALLY WANT TO KNOW.
2. Microblading
Very unimportant question here, and yet I’d really love to know. Eyebrow microblading? Have you done it? Do you recommend it?
I have a history of thyroid disease (I was diagnosed with Hashimotos Disease and thyroid cancer in 2008; I had surgery, radiation, and have had a lot of struggles regulating my thyroid hormones since then).
Among the many (!!) areas of life it affects is my eyebrows. That might sound strange, but thyroid + eyebrow thinning or hair loss is really common. And it’s frustrating and annoying.
My poor little eyebrows have gotten worse in the last year and I’m considering microblading but I’m skeered.
My sister has had it done (she has many of the same thyroid issues I do), and hers look natural and amazing, but I’m nervous, because I just know I’m going to end up looking like Bert from Sesame Street (no offense, Bert, you’re my favorite).
Thoughts? Advice? Pros and Cons?
Any other eyebrow tips? I don’t wear a lot of makeup so trying to pencil in eyebrows with some kind of “tool” has me more nervous than microblading, tbh.
3. Things I’m Loving
This gurgle pot {aff. link} my mom gave me for Christmas. It is honestly the most clever and fun gift. My kids have never drunk (drank?) so much water in their lives. The pot gurgles as you pour, and that gluggety-glug sound apparently never gets old. So fun. I have a white one but there are some color variations online (here and on Amazon if you search “gurgle pot”).
These sugar cookies. They are next level delicious. I have made them probably eight times in the last two weeks for various events, and they just never get old. A sweet friend told me last week that when she eats one it is like taking a bite out of a fluffy cloud and a rainbow at the same time. So. I made an Instagram reel dedicated to that.
This sweet and sour licorice. {aff. link} I posted on Instagram about it last fall. But I’m still over here, four months later, inhaling bag after bag. Sweet and sour candy is my fave. And these little nubbins of licorice with their sweet and sour coating are just downright amazing. I buy 12 bags at a time on Amazon and occasionally share.
4. Winner of a Christmas Gift
While we are on the subject of winning items…this year for Christmas I decided to give each of the kids a 3-month subscription box. It was hands down the unexpected big hit of Christmas. Turns out, my kids get giddy at getting a package in the mail with their name on it (instead of the daily Amazon prime delivery updates all addressed to, ahem, me).
- Ramen noodle box for Jackson (17)
- SnackSack for Walker (16)
- Breakfast Club box for Cade (14)
- Eureka Crate (from Kiwi Co) for Ty (13)
- Doodle Crate (from Kiwi Co) for Camryn (9)
We’ve only gotten through one month but every single one has been a hit and perfect for the kid who got it.
The snack box has been SO fun and unique (and yummy!).
I’ll admit one of the ramen flavors in J’s box had me side-eyeing (but he loved it).
The Kiwi crates kept the kids busy for hours, and Cade, the resident chef around here, was thrilled about his make-your-own breakfast (although I should have thought this one through because I think there might be coffee in most of the boxes – we don’t drink coffee, although it’s one of my favorite smells ever, so it looks like he’ll be gifting the coffee to a few of his favorite teachers at school).
PS: the other big hit of Christmas was the homemade puzzle boxes Brian made each of the kids and the Comfy they each got on Christmas Eve. We’ve had to have a few talks about where and when it’s appropriate to where said Comfys. As in, not church.
5. Wordle
I almost don’t even dare ask, but have you gotten on the wordle train yet?
We are recent converts (it took me one day to become obsessed – I love word games). While we aren’t “those people” (haha) sharing our stats on social media…and actually since my teens don’t have social media…we are keeping the sharing to a family group text.
I have a feeling it’s about to get very competitive. 🙂
6. Wrestling + Volleyball
We are a wrestling family. And this time of year is busy, busy with high school wrestling.
All three of my high schoolers are wrestling. It’s the best of times (I love watching them, even if I cringe a lot and sometimes, even after 12 years of being a wrestling mom, still shout things like “rip his arms off!!” despite them telling me that is NOT helpful wrestling advice and could I please just watch quietly or stick with half nelson encouragements?) and the worst of times (this season has been plagued with injuries and a lot a lot of stinky wrestling gear).
Don’t worry, they’re much more excited than their facial expressions show in this photo. (Sidenote: teenage boys and photos, amiright?)
In case you follow wrestling and care (it’s ok if you don’t), we have a 98-pounder, 145-pounder, and 120-pounder.
It brings back memories of these years when they were much younger and had no qualms about running around our 950-square foot house in northern Minnesota in their singlets all.day.long. Oh wait, they still do. Again: TEENAGE BOYS, AMIRIGHT??
And while we’re on the subject of nostalgic wrestling pictures (this is my blog, and I guess I’m going down a wrestling rabbit hole today and no one can stop me), this is one of my favorite pictures of all time a few years ago when all four of the boys were wrestling in the club season. I think I’ll put this on my phone as my desktop to remind me that on the hard days of parenting and life, there have been a lot of great times, too.
In other news, little sis is playing volleyball for the first time and loving it! It’s a new experience for all of us (don’t worry, I keep my mouth shut and haven’t yelled the same alarming phrases as I do at wrestling tournies), and it has been so much fun.
AND she gets to be on the same team as her cousin who happens to have her exact same birthday so in the language of 9-year old girls: ohmygoshthisisthebestthingeverrrrr!!!! and I concur: it is the best thing ever.
7. Losing Friends
In the midst of everything January has brought to us, good and bad, we lost our incredibly dear friend, next door neighbor, and adopted grandmother this week. 💔
You’ve seen her here on the blog (on this cake post) and here on this Friday Thoughts post talking about her son, Jared, who was fighting a battle with early onset Alzheimers disease (and who passed away last fall).
Carol has been an integral part of our lives for the last 7 1/2 years since we’ve lived here.
Her loss was sudden and unexpected. I’m sitting here looking through teary, glazed eyes trying to write this. It doesn’t seem real yet. And it doesn’t seem fair.
Carol was the wisest and kindest of women. Over the years, she became a treasured friend and confidante. I will miss her tremendously (so will all of us, particularly Cam, who walked over and sat on Carol’s back deck several times a week to talk with her about kittens and school and how to deal with pestering brothers).
Her family meant everything to her. 12 children. Over 70 grandchildren. And 10+ great grandchildren.
I hope I can be like her as I grow up. She was remarkable and we will miss her fiercely.
8. Fill in the Blank
How would you finish this?
I WISH ________________________________
I think I’d go with:
I wish I could have the self-control to freaking go to bed before midnight.
And.
I wish I could take away the pain and injustices in this world for those I love.
This was a long Friday Thoughts post. If you made it to the end…well, like I always say, you deserve a prize. A cookie. 12 1/2 cookies! I appreciate you. So very much.
219 Comments on “Friday Thoughts”
I just have to say I’ve casually had my eye open for Wiley wallaby sour drops ever since seeing this post and your Instagram posts a year (or probably more) ago and the day finally came! I bought some at tractor supply today and it lives up to the hype!! I also love sweet and sour candy and they’re so good!! Thanks!
Yes, I had my brows micro bladed five years ago just before I had Mohs surgery. I might look more like Bert than you would want, but I like dark brows, ha ha! It’s expensive, but I definitely recommend it. I also had a thyroidectomy, but didn’t experience thinning brows. They were just really uneven.
Can’t remember what else I wanted to comment on, but just to say hi, Mel!! Also can’t believe our babies are double digits!!!
Just found you and loved reading this. My brothers wrestled so relate to all that. Wordle – love word games/puzzles also and find this a great way to keep in touch with my kids (young adults). We post among the four of us and it keeps us in touch.
Looking forward to your recipes, suggestions for family, etc. !
Hi Mel,
I feel your eyebrow pain! I naturally had eyebrows like burt from Sesame Street. However, since I hit 45 (almost 2 years ago) my brows and lash began to thin alot! I actually have places that won’t grow hair at all anymore. I’m not into the drawn in eyebrows or false eye lashes. I’ve hear that many lash and brow products can cause eye and skin irritation and discoloring (yikes). a couple months ago i found a product called Vegamour. Its a vegan product. It took a few weeks, but i started to see results and have not had any side effects. I may be worth looking into. https://vegamour.com/products/gro-lash-brow-kit. Good Luck!
Iove your blog!
I have been following your blog for a long, long time! Please take care of yourself and prioritize your well being, and when the cookbook comes out I will be so excited to buy it!
I got two bags of the Wiley Wallaby Sourrageous Drops based on your recommendation. Oh. My. Goodness! I’m addicted! I might eat the whole bag at once if my tongue doesn’t start bleeding first. 🙂
I love you Friday thoughts posts! Thank you for sharing your life and recipes! Love it! Yes to micro blading! Did it a few years ago and it’s been the best thing ever. Do your research and see peoples work and make sure where you get it done that the person really cares about cleanliness and sanitation. It shouldn’t be too painful. I had a little pain when the numbing cream was wearing off. But one of the best things I did for myself!
Mel I love your Friday posts! I literally thought the other day “I want to show up on Mel’s doorstep and Hang out with her!”
I remember seeing those young pics of your kids! So fun! I’m sorry about your losses. So hard to lose those close to us. Much love and thanks to you for sharing yummy food and putting your heart out/ even after midnight. Hugs! Ashlee from Utah
Mel, you are doing a great job. 🙂
*and I love Wordle too
Mel, would you ever post about how you handle smart phones, social media and teenage boys? I have 3 boys and will be entering that phase in life sooner than I’d like! I would love to hear about what has worked and what hasn’t for your family–knowing full well that every family/child is different. Would love to hear your thoughts on this topic!
I have had thyroid disease for about 30 years. I’ve been on medication the whole time and it’s under great control, but my eyebrows have never regrown. I’ve had microblading done for the past 4 years and I love it! They have a much more natural shape than when I drew them on. A few thoughts on microblading 1) Get a recommendation from a client whose eyebrows you like. 2) Ask for a more natural look—no sharply squared corners, not too close together, or too dark a pigment. 3) The first week you will feel a little like Bert. They are much darker and more prominent that first week, but then they scab up (just tiny scabs, not too noticeable, but don’t pick at them.) After the scabs fall off they look much more natural. 4) Even though they eventually fade, and need to be done about every year, it gives me a good template to fill them in with makeup. Mine fade pretty quickly since I have older skin. When they start to fade I fill them in with dark brown eyeshadow, then with IT eyebrow pencil in Universal Taupe when they need more help. Yearly touch-ups are cheaper and quicker then the original appointment.
I have had thyroid disease for about 30 years. I’ve been on medication the whole time and it’s under great control, but my eyebrows have never regrown. I’ve had microblading done for the past 4 years and I love it! They have a much more natural shape than when I drew them on. A few thoughts on microblading 1) Get a recommendation from a client whose eyebrows you like. 2) Ask for a more natural look—no sharply squared corners, not too close together, or too dark a pigment. 3) The first week you will feel a little like Bert. They are much darker and more prominent that first week, but then they scab up (just tiny scabs, not too noticeable, but don’t pick at them.) After the scabs fall off they look much more natural. 4) Even though they eventually fade, and need to be done about every year, it gives me a good template to fill them in with makeup. Mine fade pretty quickly since I have older skin. When they start to fade I fill them in with dark brown eyeshadow, then with IT eyebrow pencil in Universal Taupe when they need more help.
Microblading: yes! I also have thyroid disease and have lost most of my eyebrows. I did microblading in January of 2020. It’s supposed to be redone each year and mine is getting thin but it’s giving me a shape to fill in with makeup and I can live with it the way it is. I’m very glad I did it.
My eyebrows took a bad hit when I went through chemotherapy. (Age 44) Everything is thinner and my eyebrows are significantly lighter. I don’t even know what micro blading is, but I have been using a lm eyebrow mascara and it seems to do the trick. I’m not loving how high maintenance I’ve become post-chemo, but grateful for the little things that keep me feeling beautiful.
My daughter and I made your bagels yesterday! We doubled the recipe and added a tablespoon of cinnamon, then topped them with a bit of cinnamon sugar. Yumm!!! Thank you Mel!
I love your reading your Friday posts and getting even more of a personal peek into your life. I’m sorry January has been so hard especially with the passing of your friend.
January has been a rough one for sure over here too. Though Wordle has been a fun find! We are loving it. I have my oldest two daughter (7 and 9) playing every day too and it’s been so fun.
Maybe some has said this already but you should try Madluvv or The Brow Trio! I’ve used both and as soon as I started, everyone asked if I got them micro bladed! My sister in law used to microblade but got tired of the upkeep and switched to the brow trio and her brows look the same! There are also brow serums you can try that enhance brow growth.
I finally found a time to read every word. It is so difficult sometimes to understand the challenges that come our way. As I find myself to say Okay Heavenly Father what am I suppose to learn from this. It is so nice to look back and see what I learned and grew from. It has always helped me to address Heavenly Father and ask in prayer. That comforting arm has always been there to engulf me in his love. It is there for you as well. Find the good each day and laughter. You need both each day often.
Hugs,
Melinda
I’m laying in (Emily’s ) bed bawling at the beautiful tribute you gave to my mom. ❤ She loved you Mel, so, so much. It was the biggest blessing to have you be her neighbor! Your family has taken such great care of her and dad for so many years! Also, you have been AMAZING to us through all the tragedies in the family with your delicious dinners and endless service! (Especially the therapy sessions) Also, I can testify that your cookies do wonders for the broken heart!! Love you!
Now bring me some more of those cloud- rainbow cookies!
I wish… that we could meet IRL someday! And that I could express how much joy and light and laughter you bring to the world!! I’ve got kids exactly the same ages as you, and life is NUTS and AWESOME and HARD all wrapped together. 🙂 You have genius ideas for gifts, and I’ve got to say Goat Lords is now an all time favorite card game for our family.
I love your big heart – thanks for sharing it with the world. Prayers for you and your sweet friend’s family. Friends like that change our lives and encourage us to live better.
Wordle’s been haunting me ever since I looked it up yesterday. It reminds me of Bookworm Adventures from PopCap. My husband plays the minigame called Word Masters which is really similar to Wordle but you try to figure out as many words as you can to build points than just once a day!
I love your Friday thoughts! And especially when I get to my email on Monday and read through them :).
Thanks for being real & sharing. It makes all of us feel like we’re not the only ones! 2021 was hard… in so many ways that I’m still just not recovered from. And January… it’s always long! Lol.
Microblading.. YES!! I’ve had mine done and I LOVE them. I’m s redhead and so I had super light eyebrows that were hardly there. It’s been one of the best things! Do your research and look at the work of whomever you have do them. Make sure she’s good 🙂 and you will love them!!
Sorry for your loss of your friend Carol. She sounds like a special lady that will be missed.
And also…Thanks for sharing your recipes. I love them all!
It’s been a hard January for sure! Sending hugs to you!!! And I’m headed to the kitchen right now to make those delicious sugar cookies! ❤️❤️
Love your Friday thoughts posts. Thanks for sharing your heart. We made your grilled salmon recipe for dinner tonight before the snow storm hits Kansas City. It’s a favorite of every single one of us and with 6 different opinions at the dinner table every night it’s rare that we all agree. So sorry for your loss. Carol sounds like a really special friend and neighbor. Saying a prayer for you now.
Losing people that we love is so hard, and I am thankful for the many things that keep me busy and going. Hugs to you and I am glad that you have such a loving family and the memories to hold onto.
I have permanent makeup and love it. The other commenters are right about doing your research and having a consultation before fully committing. If it will add more confidence to your beautiful self, do it.
I wish the aliens would leave my teenager’s body.
I came to your site to tell you how much we loved the wild rice salad, so I guess I need to go rate that recipe. Oh, the English teacher in me can’t myself; it is “have drunk.”
Deep breaths and hugs.
Mel – I am so sorry about the loss of your friend and neighbor. The loss of someone close is very hard. Life seems to move on too quickly and I have been left wanting to shout “don’t you know the world is different now that she or he is gone?!!”
Anyway, I also wish I could get to bed earlier or that there were 4 more magic hours in the day just for moms or that every hour of sleep I got would count as 3. When I am really tired I ask God to please make the sleep I did receive be sufficient for my day.
Love that picture of you and your boys. Being a mom can be hard but as I focus on all the good and fun things about our day, I am amazed at how much more good there is than hard (not bad because the hard is just as important).
I’ve never heard of microblading until your post. My eyebrows are thin as well but probably from just getting older. I recently started using IT cosmetics eyebrow pencil. I think the color is universal taupe. My sister told me about it and she and I are NOT makeup people. I’ve been using it for a few weeks and I love it. It’s super easy to use. My sister and I both are using the same color and it works for both of us. She has light brown hair and I have dark brown.
If you want to do a cookbook, then I hope everything works out. If not, I hope you don’t do it. If you do, I will buy one and put it right beside my binder that is stuffed full of your recipes that I have printed off.
Thank you for all you do for us in this community you have built. You really are a wonderful person!
January has been rough. Like, lowest points of my life rough. I have spent many hours on my knees. Fortunately things have been better the last few days. Hopefully I can gain some momentum and have some time to breathe and renew. There’s so much to juggle, and I’m trying to learn to just deal with what I can and pass on all the rest.
Sorry for the loss of your friend. Losing someone close to us leaves a hole, but often they can be with us more from the other side than this one.
We are starting to get a taste of competitions/sports as my oldest just started Jr. Color Guard. She loves it so much. It’s a lot of work, driving, hair/makeup, practice, but it’s good too! I love that you support your boys in wrestling. I’m not sure I could handle the physicality of it (or the germs of it lol).
Lastly, thanks for being open and vulnerable. Online you can feel like everyone is healthy/beautiful/funny/got-it-all-together or everything is doom-gloom-despair. Your sharing reminds us that life is hard and has ups and downs. It’s not one or the other. We’re all in this together, and can relate to one another more than we think. And bonus– we get tons of wonderful and delicious recipes! You’re amazing 🙂
Thank you for being real! Thank you for sharing all the stuff! I have been around for a long time, making your recipes, enjoying your instagram fauxfarm posts, reading your blog post and have even listened to a podcast. In a world where social media/influencers show only the good or a modified version of the not so good, I appreciate your sharing real life. May you and your family find comfort from the loss of a dear sweet “grandma”. I love the reminder that the best is yet to come.
Oh, Mel! Is it weird I wish I could give you a hug?? You are a true light and I adore you. I am in the thick of young motherhood and that photo of you with your boys made me cry. My I wish is, I wish I could relax more and enjoy all the stages they are going through and let go of all the stuff that doesn’t matter. Thank you for sharing your heart about all the things and I hope you can feel the love and support from all your readers, but even more from Heavenly Father. I will say some extra prayers for you, friend. xoxo
I wish things could just calm down and stop being so stressful,
January 2022 seems to have lasted a year and I hope it ends soon. I am truly so sorry you have had such a rough time these last few weeks especially with the loss of your sweet friend. She sounds like she – like you – was a light to those who knew her.
i wish I were Tinkerbell, sprinkling glitter dust all over anyone that is sad, in pain, hurting, had a very difficult childhood, sick, etc., etc., etc.
I do know I so enjoy reading your blog.
You have way more eyebrows than I do. Mine are blonde and if I tried to do anything, I wouldn’t look right.
You are beautiful just the way you are. Forget about it. BBahahahaha…
I made you wonderful your yogurt tortillas. I cannot eat them, but Mr. Boopie can and that is what he had for dinner and he’s in space right now, he is so happy. I let the dough rest almost an hour and they were so light and soft.
I made them into Naans because it was easier, and He loves them.
I was already making a similar recipe, but your technique is better.
Take care…
So sorry for the loss of your friend, and all the other hard things you are dealing with. I hope you see more glimmers of light and hope in the upcoming months! As a longtime reader (clear back to your My Kitchen Cafe days), I feel like you are an old friend, and I can definitely say you bring light into our lives with your delicious recipes and real talk. (Also, I’m definitely crossing my fingers that you end up writing a cookbook still, even if it’s not this year!)
Thank you for you… for being real… and for making the world a better place… Keep the faith my sweet friend that I have never met. I hope to be more like you one day.
So very sorry for the loss of your dear friend. It sounds like this has been such a difficult time. Hopefully, the new month will bring healing and peace.
I have also dealt with thyroid issues for years, including thinning hair and eyebrows. I have considered microblading, but am also nervous. One thing that has helped is that I now get my eyebrows dyed when I get my haircut. It makes what little I have look much thicker, I have also learned to use a little stiff brush and eye shadow that matches my brows to fill in the ends. It’s much easier than those pencils and I think more natural looking.
Hang in there, Mel! Sending Hugs! <3
I love these Friday Thoughts posts, thank you for sharing your heart with us! I am so sorry for how heart-wrenching the last several months have been for you. As for publishing a cookbook—I have several cookbooks but there are really only two I actually use—two binders stuffed with recipes printed out from your blog and put into page protectors. I used to have only one but it got too fat so now I have two. I bet you have tons of similarly home-made “Mel’s Cookbooks” in kitchens of your readers all over the country. If YOU want to publish a cookbook, do it on YOUR timeline and we’ll buy it! But don’t feel any pressure from us—you’ve given so much and you don’t owe us anything. We love you and THANK YOU for all you do!!
As a fellow thyroid warrior, I just wanted to chime in about your eyebrows. Ugh. It’s one the most annoying symptoms. Mine were pathetic for years before I was diagnosed with Hashi’s. They have finally started coming back in over the last year or so now that I am on the right dose of medications. When your thyroid levels are optimal, they do improve!! Iron levels are also a big component as well. I highly recommend the book and website “Stop the Thyroid Madness”. Find a doctor that will run a full thyroid panel and not just TSH. And you want your levels optimal- not just in range!! B12 and Vit D are also so important! As someone with out a thyroid, you need both T4 and T3 containing medication. Levothyroxine is not enough!!
I am passionate about thyroid awareness and it makes me so angry to here stories of others who aren’t getting the proper treatment and still struggling with symptoms!!!
Rip his arm off that is really funny
Hang in there! January has been rough!
Feeling all the feels. We had what I term a sucker punch to the gut moment when my husband lost his job right before Christmas. Uncharted territory right there and only the hope of Christ carried us through. He starts his new job on Tuesday after 8 very long unemployed weeks. Changes my perspective on adversity. My heart is more tender and things that used to be so important just don’t matter anymore. God’s love is real. Sending a prayer up to Him for you! Your blog has helped me so much. Know that you do so much good!!
My thoughts…I’m sorry for your losses. Life is definitely 50/50 and as much as opposition helps us to grow and experience it all, it is still just plain uncomfortable sometimes.
If you get your eyebrows done, I want to see them. I literally laughed out loud on your Bert comment. Why do some ladies look good and some look not so good? It makes me nervous too.
Lastly, your neighbor…I hear you. I miss my neighbors (who became our family) and it hasn’t been the same since we moved 6 years ago. It’s apparent I need to go to work right where I am. Thanks for the reminder.
Thank Mel for all you do. ❤️
I look forward to your postings and recipes. Last year I followed your friend’s illness as my husband was being treated for metastatic melanoma too. I felt your heartbreak too as I’ve learned treatment is just a roller coaster of ups and does. He’s doing better now and we hope for the best in 2022. Hope your year gets better. Keep up the good work with melskitchencafe!
Hi Mel…I hope you and your family had a Merry Christmas. May God’s blessings be upon all of you in this New Year. Thank you for letting us see pictures of your Children…they are so dang precious and such Cute-pies! My deepest condolences go out to you for the loss of your dear friend Carol. I am sending a link re: micro-blading from Dominique Sachse whom I believe has awesome videos and appears to know a lot! https://youtu.be/2jaef2PQ5Kw
Take good care and God bless you, Brian and Family! Maureen
Hi Mel! I love all your Friday Thoughts posts but don’t ever comment. The microblading question spurred me into action this time. I had it done a few years ago and I’ll tell you my pros and cons. Pros: full-looking brows without any effort on the daily. Cons: cost and committment. I started out liking the look but you have to be committed to regular touch-ups, which I didn’t realize and then didn’t want to do. I thought it would just eventually fade but mine has not. A lot of it has disappeared but a few little areas (centres and tails) faded to an orangey-brown and 4 years later they’re still there. Pretty sure I’m stuck with them forever. If you get regular touch ups this may not be an issue. If you do go ahead I recommend finding someone who will do a good job of short, hair-like strokes only in areas where your brows are sparse, as opposed to within the existing hairs. My recommendation, and what I ended up doing after microblading, is finding a really good brow studio with a brow artist that can work with what you already have. A tint and wax can do wonders to bring out all the fine, lighter hairs you have and your brows might be fuller than you think! A brow lamination can help with more full-looking brows as well. If you want to go down a rabbit hole, check out the studio I go to on IG @laurabrows and you’ll see what can be done without microblading. It’s quite amazing!
Well, hope you got all the way through my essay on microblading. Good brows frame the whole face so it’s an important topic!
Thanks for all of your amazing recipes! My family thanks you too!
We sure don’t deserve you ❤️. Hugs of comfort and thanks for all you do.
I always love your Friday Thoughts posts, Mel. It’s so fun to get a glimpse into your family and into your life. I am sorry for the loss of your dear neighbor. ☹️ I love the idea of the Kiwi boxes! I might try that for my grandkids this next year.
As far as microblading, I am a fan! I, too, have Hashimoto’s disease and I also do not wear a lot of makeup. But you’ve GOT to have eyebrows! My recommendation is to find somebody that has good ratings. Ask friends, etc. The girl that does my microblading let me talk to her about what kind of brows I wanted to have, and then outlined what she thought I wanted and colored them in and let me make sure I liked what she was going to do before she did any of the actual microblading. She also made sure that I liked the color that she was going to use. Important! So I did not turn out like an Ernie!!! It is a great, wonderful invention! Now I just go once a year to have a touch up. So. Worth. It.
I loved this very heartwarming, real post. Touched on many of my loves, such as kids, cooking and family times. Keep up the good work.
The idea of subscription boxes is genius!!! I need to remember that for next year…
I’m sorry for your loss and the hard year so far.
The picture of your teenage boys made me laugh because one was smiling- the one wearing his Comfy!! Haha! My teen son wears his everywhere!
Mel, you probably don’t read every one of these, but I have quickly become a fan of much more than just your amazing recipes. ♥️ Thanks for sharing your thoughts on a Friday—and I hope you feel some solidarity. January seems to have been so rough on so many. My whole family came down with COVID, and my poor baby won’t stop coughing.
Best of luck with everything—I hope you can still sign that cookbook contract!! Sending love to your family!!
Mel, I never comment on anything (in writing) but always have an opinion on everything (typical woman I guess). Anyway… I just wanted to say how much you are loved and appreciated. I’m a foreigner who happened to move, stay and live in UT. If I could express how frustrating cooking/baking/you name it is here in UT, I would. How many recipes I’ve tried and have hated, HOWEVER, EVERYTHING that I’ve made from your blog has blown my mind away. I have loved every single recipe. I was wondering if you have ever thought about writing a book and oh my gosh, I hope you do (for selfish reasons really) because I want one and I want all of my family members to have one. You are an incredible cook and such a fun person to follow. Chin up, and I hope and pray that February is going to be an amazing month for you.
So sorry to hear of the losses in your life as well as all of the other struggles. Hopefully, there will be better days ahead. Listening to Christian music is always uplifting to me. Chocolate doesn’t hurt either!
There is a tv game show just like Wordle. It’s called ‘Lingo’ where contestants have to guess a 5 letter word. I think they get the first letter of the word, so it may be easier. But it’s fun to play along.
I wish……………….all of this Covid craziness would go away. I long for the days before Covid. I wonder if life will ever truly go back to normal.
I also wish police would be respected again. So many have already been shot (with some killed) and it’s only January.
I’m sorry your January has been hard. It has not been a fun time for me either. I’m in the middle of my bi annual Covid meltdown and it is starting to get old. My daughter was born with complex CHD and so all of this yuck is a real threat to her so we have basically been locked up for the better part of the last two years and I just want it to go away. Along with everyone I’m sure. So we push through and find things to celebrate between the mundane. Like Valentine’s Day!! Happy love day to you ♥️
My son has a complex condition that puts him at high risk with covid as well. You’re not alone. We’ve lived on lockdown the past two years too. It is agony, at times joyful, but mostly we’ve just been holding our breath. The worst happened and he came down with it. He was hospitalized for a week. We are fresh out and now I am down with covid. There has been very little attention to those families living with children under 5 with complex medical conditions. It has meant extended quarantine for most of us. We fought the beast this week and won, thank god. It was close though.
Much love.
You are the strongest “Buffalo” I know.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your sweet neighbor. We have several elderly neighbors and I know the days are coming and I cannot stand the thought. I hope you can find peace in your happy memories of her and your time together. I always look forward to your Friday thoughts post. I love how real you are. You are a breath of fresh air. I hope things get better for you following such a rough January.
I am deeply sorry for your loss. I wish you all my sincere condolences as you grieve.
I feel your pain on the thyroid! I have had it since my 20s, so does my mom and all of my maternal aunts. My first symptom of being low is hair loss, and I am very sensitive when my TSH gets over a certain threshold (that’s well within the “normal” range). My best advice is NO GENERICS!!! Every endocrinologist I even had has only prescribed name brand, they all say that results can vary too much with generics. I’d love to hear about the eyebrows!
I am so sorry for the loss of your neighbor. Losing friends is so very hard. But leaning on your faith (as you do) and your other friends will get you through. I love your blog so much! And I am so thankful for your fabulous recipes. They are all so good. I cook from your recipes several times a week with tons of compliments. The latest one everybody loved is the Beef and Broccoli Ramen noodle dish. I made it for the family last Friday night and every single person was raving. We started off January with my baby grandson getting Covid at daycare. Thank the good Lord that he only had a mild case and is feeling better now. But still – very scary. Blessings to you, Mel, and your family. You are doing a great job and please know that we are walking this path with you. We truly are here for you. Much love, Brenda
There is a lot to respond to but for today, I’m zoned in on the eyebrows and Hoshimotos. I recently was diagnosed with that and I completely understand about the disappearing eyebrows. My doctor told me to go off gluten because it would help. I have been surprised as I have spoken to others who have Hoshimotos that have NOT been told they should go off gluten. I’m curious if you have ever been told that by a doctor? Anyway, I’m curious to hear what you decide to do about your eyebrows. I also am not a fan of trying to pencil them in every day. I hope this year gets better for you and your family. It’s sad to lose a friend, especially unexpectedly.
Love reading your Friday comments. Sad losing a friend/neighbor. A large bump in life for sure! Yes I had my eyebrows done and loved it as I felt so much better when I would get up in the morning and look sort of good
That photo of you and your boys at the end just makes me so happy. I have four sons and one daughter with autism, and how I hope to have the same delightful interactions some day with those boys as is so evident in the picture of your son animatedly telling you something. I am so sorry about all the grief in your life. Thanks for sharing and being real.
In case you didn’t already see this – someone created a way to play all the archived games of Wordle while you wait for the next day’s challenge!
https://www.devangthakkar.com/wordle_archive/
Enjoy’
I’m so sorry for your loss. Losing people you love is never easy. She would want you to pick your head up and move forward. Don’t sweat the church organ thing, this happens to everyone occasionally. No one is perfect no matter how hard we try. I want to thank you for the wonderful recipes that you have shared. Especially the key lime cheesecake.
Mel! I live your Friday thoughts and this one was no different! Let me say… I’m do…I’m sorry for your loss… that is so incredibly sad… but can we talk about brows..I have lupus and sometimes my meds make my hair fall out… when I was 12 a neighbor made a statement about my uni brow…I shaved them off.. basically I’ve never had an eye brow since that time… during covid lock down I got a wild hairto try and grow brows…I didn’t plan on much success… but I thought I’d give it a shot and then go thr micro blading route.. my sister loves hers…I tried GRANDE LASH MD for two months… faithfully and they grew back…I upkeep this by using it for a month or two during the year… while they aren’t bushy
.. I’m very happy with them! Best of luck and I hope 2022 cuts you a little slack after this month! Love you so much!!! Jill
Thank you for mentioning the food crates! My oldest turns 16 next week, and I’ve been searcing for something fun for him. I think he’ll love the snack one!
I went into January waiting to find out if my breast biopsy would come back benign (it did!). It was a long wait between the first mammogram right before Thanksgiving and January 6th before I finally had my answer. We had a big snowstorm, and lost power for 24 hours the first week of January that dragged out getting that answer a few extra days.
I turned 44 in mid January, and the next day woke up sick. Its been about 10 days and I’m still recovering from it. Hopefully February will be a better month!
I turned 44 in mid-January too!
It has been a year and the first month is not even over. 2nd week of January we had 4 COVID funerals in our small rural community. Two in our small church congregation. So rough. I am sorry you last your friend after you just lost your dear friend the year before. Life is just hard so just love as much as you can and show kindness. It is so needed! Sorry no eye brow advice and my 4 kids all run cross country, track and one also did basketball. I just yell GO! Or GO faster. They appreciate that I know. Love you Mel. Been with you for over 10 years and you bless my family’s life daily with your recipes because I make at least one recipe of yours daily. You are a rock star and don’t forget it!!!
Sending you love and hugs for a wonderful post. My heart goes out to you and your family ❤️❤️
I will be trying those sugar cookies but will be adding lemon zest to both cookie and frosting as I can’t help myself!
My New Year has started out well, I celebrated my 72nd birthday with my dear cousin who took me out for lunch at an outdoor seated restaurant. First time in two years and it was so much fun! All my family called with good wishes so it was a wonderful day
Hoping the rest of the year will be better for you and your family ❤️
Hey, friends. I just sat down for a bit and read through all your comments so far. I wish I had the time right now to respond to each and everyone personally. Thank you for all that you have shared in your comments. Your joy, your heartbreak. The things that are going well…and the things that aren’t. So many of you are going through unspeakably difficult challenges, and I truly wish I could help in some way.
Thanks for sharing quotes that have helped you, your faith, and so many other things that have also lifted me up as I’ve read them. Words don’t fully encompass how grateful I am for this community. THANK YOU. XOXO
Hi Mel !
Happy (or maybe not) New Year ! I’m sorry for your loss and sadness that started your New Year.
I was happy to see 2022 because my 2021 had three major surgeries, so I will let you know about my 2021. All of a sudden, after bouncing around like I was 30 years old, my body decided to let me know “yeah, you’re not 30”! I had my first surgery on July 9. It was a total knee replacement. ( I had thought my 45 plus years at the gym would have saved me from all the surgeries I’ll be mentioning, but arthritis had different plans)) After hearing all the horror stories about a TKA, I was petrified! But I had a good surgeon and my 45 plus years of working out, helped me make a remarkable quick and relatively pain free recovery! I was back at the gym after only 3 weeks ! On Nov. 3, I had a 6 hour back surgery called a laminectomy for spinal stenosis which had caused me to feel like my right leg was on fire after walking only a few minutes. Again, I left the hospital in only two days and was able to walk 3 miles in just two weeks. The third surgery was not so much fun because 4 weeks after my back surgery, I fell coming down my back stairs right on my back and busted open my incision. I called my surgeon and he met me in the ER and I had a three hour surgery to repair the damage the very next morning. After feeling sorry for myself, I decided to move forward and recognize all the things I was grateful for, and how I had been blessed during these surgeries ((except the bonus one) I am blessed with a body that thinks major surgery is a walk in the park! I had the best surgeons for my surgeries and I am now pain free ! So all in all, after thinking 2021 was not a good year, I realized 2021 was a year that healed. Hint:When I go to the hospital, I go bearing three gift bags filled with all sorts of goodies. One for my surgeon, one for the nurses station that receives me, a total wailing mess, and a gift bag for the nurses who would care for me after my surgery. I made at least 8 gift bags! So I guess I try to focus on my blessings and the things I can be grateful for in the times when it’s hard to see those blessings.
I live near Boston, MA and we have lots of friends that live here and than go back to Utah. When they leave, the Ward gifts them this beautiful Googling Cod from Shreveport Crump Lowe. Check it out! It’s similar to what your Mom gave you.
Thanks for your post, and I hope the rest of 2022 brings you more happiness than heartache.
Linda T.
Oh, how I love to read your Friday thoughts, it does lift me UP. Seems like I’ve had a number of friends lose loved ones recently, too, it is hard. I was called to bring a cake to church for a funeral dinner. I made your Best Chocolate Cake. I’d never made it before, but I trust you. Honestly, I don’t bake many cakes, and I refused to take a box mix for a grieving family. At least when I licked the bowl, it was delicious. Thank you for testing all these recipes on your family, I appreciate their willingness for the cause. Hope your February is a bit happier.
When you started your post by noting how rough January has been, you could have been writing about my month. There have been silver linings along the way and I’m clinging to them tightly! My big brother passed away. (Silver lining: the crazy snow week stopped just in time for me to drive to Seattle to be the support his wife needed.) I caught covid on the way home and had to quarantine. (But the other 3 people in my house didn’t get it.) And then having dear friends in our little community lose their dear mother/grandmother – your own sweet Carol. That family has been through so much in the past year+. So, yep, it’s been a difficult beginning to 2022. But what is there to do but learn grow and make the best of it? Here’s to the sunny days ahead. Thank you for your candor.
I Love Friday Thoughts. I am sorry for the hard stuff and hope you have a better birthday month next month! My I wish statement would be “I wish we could be prepared or forewarned with how to deal when things are hard.” On a lighter note, I also love the smell of coffee. My seven year old just came over and said, “what are you reading?” And I said, “Mel’s post.” And he said, “Oh I know Mel!” I consider you like a sister I am not related to. My whole family follows you and we love you and your recipes. ❤️
Thank you for your post. I am so sorry about losing your dear friend and neighbor. You were so blessed to have each other. If Cam gets to play with her cousin on the same team that must mean you guys have family really close by, yahoo! That’s awesome!! Your post made my day. You’ve lived in Idaho for 7 1/2 years? Is that a record? I’m unpacking boxes today from our move last June…that arrived in November. Anyway. Big hugs and thank you sooo much for all you blog. Seriously.
Mel,
Microblading + powder brow is where it’s at! Half my brows are blonde and it took me a while to pull the trigger but not having to do your brows make up is so great, you should totally do it!
I wish Mel had a randomizer button on her site like Deb from Smitten Kitchen has. Man I love ‘shaking the magic 8 ball’ just to see what comes up.
I wish I had time to cook all of Mel’s recipes! I can’t because the ones I’ve tried are are on frequent repeat at our house. (we just destroyed a bowl of your black bean hummus!)
I wish I could love my neighbors and friends and random internet strangers as hard and as deep as Mel does.
I wish all ward organists knew how grateful I am for their service, missed notes and all!
I love these. Thank you for being open and honest. Here’s to love and kindness winning
I’m a wrestling mom too and for the first time ever I have only one child wrestling! (160 lbs) and for the first time, this particular son does not have to cut weight. Phew. It’s such a relief not to have exhausted stinky starving children! My older boys are 24, 24 and 22, 17 and 10. They wrestled at 220, 195 and 182 in high school and they always had to cut weight for tournaments. Especially the 182 weight class. It was awful to have them go for days (and workouts) without drinking or eating. I’m a few years ahead of you. They will be on to the next hard thing in no time. It’s just as hard to watch painful young adult experiences as it is to watch a child squirm his way out of a half Nelson. Having been through the sweat and tears and disappointment snd triumph as young teenagers helped them develop the skills to handle the really heartbreaking things that have come their way as young adults. Mothering is just hard! But also great.
For the record—downy unstoppables is the saving grace for stinky wrestling clothes!
And yay for a cookbook!
https://crisanbeauty.com/products/crisan-lash-brow-and-lip-set
You might like this for your eyebrows!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us, Mel. We like it.
My son recently joined his schools wrestling team and I’m nervous. It helped to read your post about your boys. I’m sorry for your loss. These last few years have been tough. Hang in there.
Love you Mel. Thank you for sharing your life and your talent and your sorrows. We are all right there with you.
Thinking about you! I also play organ in church (husband is still bishop). Not many callings require you to get up in front of people week after week and put yourself out there like that. You are awesome for doing it. I wish I could get myself to bed early, too. 🙂 So sorry to hear of Carol’s passing.
Thank you for sharing your wisdom. Wisdom gleaned from life’s experiences. I just said goodbye to my 5th child for two years. All of his older siblings have served missions as well. It doesn’t get easier, except that now I know what a blessing this will be in his life and ours. Baking is my outlet. My stress reliever. Whenever I’m searching for a recipe yours is a great resource! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and your recipes
I am a first time Missionary Mom…it’s hard. I had no idea how hard it would be. I figured since my kid was making a good choice I would just feel blessing raining down, which I do but it’s still way harder than I thought. It’s hard to watch them struggle and not really be able to help or give helpful suggestions due to cultural differences. I know it a common feeling but I thought I’d jump in here for a short therapy session with another mom. Good luck with your youngest!!
For the brows check out “Powder Brows” instead of doing the microblading.
I’m sorry. I read all of your posts, but haven’t taken time to comment lately. And I kind of fell off the Instagram train, but I do go search up your posts every so often. So sorry about your friend. When it rains, it pours! **Hugs**
Mel, I enjoy your posts (and your food)!
I’ve never been a resolution person either, but I have found picking a word of the year to be good for me. It’s one word that directs my year. I haven’t done a lot of work to get my word either. I pray and think about it, and it tends to come to me unexpectedly. This year is re-center.
I’m sorry for your losses and how 2022 is continuously taking it’s half out of the middle. 🙁 Your neighbor sounds delightful, I had a neighbor like that too growing up. Sweet memories.
I’m so glad there’s someone else that like sweet and sour goodies! I once had a (former) friend try to convince me that it’s just for kids. Pish posh!!
Wordle- just learned about it- haven’t explored it
Eyebrows- I know nothing of microblading- sadly I look like Groucho Marx if I don’t groom them, I didn’t know that people lose their eyebrows until my stylist told me I am lucky to have something to pluck and shape as annoying as it is… makes me sneeze just thinking about it. lol
I wish people would put down their phones and be in the moment with the people in front of them. I’m not anti-technology by any means and I love that we have the option to document everything and share our lives and preserve our memories. It definitely serves a purpose. But there has to be balance. I’m going to find that in 2022 for me.
I could read your posts all day! I have kids begging for breakfast but I’m enjoying my casual reading this Saturday morning! 🙂
We also have a “Carol” next door. She feels like my adopted mom. Helped teach me to shape bread loaves while trying out your Quinoa Wheat Bread recipe. Taught me to trim rose bushes. Plays piano duets with me. Is a grandma to my kids. I also hope to become like her! Sending love your way.
I wish… I knew what to write. Soooo many complicated thoughts and feelings this year 2022. Guess we’ll just keep pushing forward. Onward and upward! ❤️
Microblading? Do it. My eyebrows got up and left when I was in college. I waited 20 years and really debated about it for half of those. I had it done one year ago and it has been wonderful.
This isn’t an area where you want to find “a deal” or find someone who does it out of their basement. Find someone with good reviews who will listen to you.
Best of luck!! I love your recipes and reading your blog. Thank you for being inspiring, and real.
Anastasia brow pencil. The absolute best and a game changer for me and my sister. No other pencil comes close.
Awww Mel……here’s a (((((((HUG)))))) ❤️ I know just what you mean. Very sorry for the loss of your friend and the current every day real struggles. I’m right there with ya! I wish……my daughter who just finished her PhD last August could find a job…..like a real job…..with benefits type job! Been a frustrating time for sure. Seems Ike the last two years have been a continual struggle for everyone. That’s great your boys are in wrestling and your daughter in volleyball. THAT is what its all about…..helping and supporting your kids. Being there for them on the day in and day out stuff! So good for you! I am no help on micro blading…..sorry….I’m kind of a low key make up person……a bit of blush and a coat of lip gloss and I’m out the door! Take care of yourself and your family and hang in there……with the rest of us! Hugs from AZ……Lynn Peck
I love these mash up posts. I am so very sorry for your loss of your dear friend. My heart goes out to you and your family.
I don’t have any microblading recommendations, but I have been using the DIME Beauty brow enhancing gel and it has definitely re-grown my brows. Mine were very sparse in the outer 1/3 and I can see new growth just from using the gel when I apply my makeup. Just a thought if you weren’t ready for the microblading.
I am going to get micro blading done! I was scheduled for the end of November, but found out 1 week before that I had to wait longer since I just finished Acutane.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your friend. Sending a virtual hug to you.
Super cute kiddos pictures!
No clue about microblading! (I have crazy eyebrows.) Friends have done it & love it.
I wish… I could figure out this gut issue I have. And I also wish we could get a house. Lot of steps involved but I’m tired of living in a tiny place as our kids get bigger.
Happy 2022 to you & your family! Thank you for your amazing website & recipes. Has been my go to for many years 🙂
Yesterday I printed off your chocolate chip cookie recipe made with melted butter, and also the chocolate chocolate chip cookie recipe. My goal was to make them for daughter from Iowa and 4 grandkids coming for a visit today. Unfortunately COVID hit our daughter, and that basically changed all of our plans. But, I have a brother and his wife coming on Tuesday, so all is not lost (although she does not like desserts of any kind). My husband with Parkinson’s is not supposed to eat chocolate, but I know that he will at least have to sample one or two. Who can resist a recipe from the Famous Mel.
Thanks for getting on here and sharing what’s real. The good and the hard and everything in between. It definitely feels like life is ramping up doesn’t it? Like we are needing to learn all the things right now! Thank goodness for cookies and church.
Hope the next month has less sad times. Kudos to you for putting what’s important to you first and foremost. Thanks for reaching out and sharing with all of us. ❤️
First of all, I’m so sorry for your loss. You are so beautifully tied to your community, and I’m sorry when a piece of it is gone. Like CS Lewis said, the joy now is part of the pain later.
Secondly, I got my eyebrows micro bladed and I love it. I’m not high maintenance in any way (farm wife, mother of 6, living a parallel life with you) but it has made me feel so much more comfortable when I don’t bother to put makeup on. At least I have eyebrows now. I would say two things from my experience: make sure they let the numbing agent sit for a good long time before they start, and don’t do the full tattoo look. The first time I felt every slash and it made me squirm quite a bit, but when she refilled them, she let it sit much longer and I barely felt it at all.
Lastly, I’d love to send you something I made, an appreciation for all the things you share with me. If you’ll email me directly, I’ll send it your way.
I am so sorry for the passing of your friend and the job loss. Sending prayers and virtual hugs.
I’m so impressed that you can stay awake past midnight without being a coffee drinker. I sometimes need a cup around 3pm just to make it to 8pm. I call it my afternoon cocktail!
As for the cookbook, please do your homework to make sure this is the right kind of project for you. Perhaps network with some other food bloggers who have gone that route to understand the commitment, deadlines, expectations, etc. Keep doing you!!!
I have nothing to say except I feel your pain on the organ. I’ve had to train myself not to make faces when I make mistakes otherwise people would wonder what I was doing up there. Hang in there!
I only have two wishes right now although I could have many. Number one Is I wish my beautiful blonde wife was still alive and with me. Number two is I would love to see ALL politicians both local and federal to have only two terms like the president has. We need new people in there otherwise our country is lost to socialism.
Where did your sister get her eyebrows microbladed? Sounds like the lady who did hers is a great eyebrow artist. I have heard great things about a lady named Mel at Allure Artistry. https://allureartistrycosmetics.com/
I’ve always wanted to see her when I lived in Utah but now I live in NM and so its a lot further away. But I would totally trust her.
https://www.instagram.com/browsbycamillewardle/?hl=en
She’s the best!
Hi Mel, if you follow @hellomeridian, she just posted about the best microblading place in the valley. It’s called The Brow Club, there I just looked it up for you. Lol
We discovered Gurgle pots about 8 or 9 years ago, they are our absolute favorite dinner item. Everyone that comes over for dinner falls in love with them. We’re at the age where some of our nieces and nephews are getting married and we’ve decided it is our wedding gift that we will give everyone.
I love the subscription box idea!
So sorry that your neighbor passed. This winter seems full of unexpected death and sadness, not even Covid related. It can be so hard to not feel pulled down by it. Your animals and good food are wonderful highlights in a very dreary world. Creating can be one of the best anecdotes to sadness. Much love from Boise
Microblading – had it done and vote Yes! A friend came to visit, and every morning I looked at her and thought, “you put on makeup for breakfast?”, and teased her about it – she said, “Nope, just microbladed eyebrows!” I had it done, and then my daughter was so impressed that she had it done. It’s been a couple of years, and I continue to be glad it did it!
Hugs ❤️❤️
Love your thoughts posts!! So sorry for the loss of your dear friend. Life can really suck! I’m glad you’re able to see the blessings amidst the pain. Sending hugs and prayers to you. ❤️
I’m so sorry for your loss of your friend. And I’m so impressed you’re a wrestling mom! January is never easy. Right now in Oregon our state just made masks permanent for kids in schools. I Am part of a group that’s been fighting since august 2020 to first get our kids in school and to now get masks off our kids. It’s so discouraging, there is real harm being done. I see preschoolers who have really never seen people without a mask. Social/emotional development hurting. My heart hurts for all these kids who are living in so much fear. Oregon is a different world. So while this is not huge on the scheme of other things it takes up my time and emotional energy as we fight to try to return normalcy to our kids.
Oh my gosh, What a list of thoughts. My heart goes out to you as I have experienced like so many others suffered a lot of heartache over the last few months. The thing that stands out is the loss of a dear childhood friend.
You are in my prayers.
I’ve had microblading done, and love it. My vote is yes, get it done!
I’m so sorry for the loss of your dear friend.
Hi Mel-
As always, thank you so much for sharing. Really love and appreciate all of your comments as I’ve visited this space for over a decade.
I’m so sorry to hear about your neighbor passing away and all the struggles your family has had this past month. Mortality can just be rough and we have to lean in to those feelings and sit in grief for a while till we’re able to find a way through. I hope you are all able to find peace during the process, even if it’s not immediate.
For eyebrows, I recently did semi-permanent tattoos and it was the best decision ever. It looks extremely natural, but you can choose the look you want of course. This was recommended to me over microblading because they last longer (up to 5 years) and therefore your body has more time to recover between sessions and less scar tissue build up because microblading has to be repeated more often (usually 6 mos- 1 year). It’s at least worth looking into the differences. I think you’ll love the result. My preference is a very natural look and I love how convenient this makes my make-up (or not) routine—especially as a working mom of 5 myself. Take pictures of eyebrows you love and find someone with a good reputation.
I wish for patience with and strength for myself as I go through struggles—patience to not try to skip to the end of the hard thing and the strength to become a better person because of it.
I wish for more love towards those who have different experiences and views on life than I do, and the desire to try to understand their views with a willingness to change my own as I learn from them.
Thank you again for all your thoughts- this is so much more than a food blog.
Really feeling this right now. We’re also dealing with a really hard January and a devastating unexpected loss. Thanks for sharing. ❤️
Check out these posts about microblading…
https://www.thesmallthingsblog.com/2021/11/i-got-my-eyebrows-microbladed-part-1/
https://www.thesmallthingsblog.com/2022/01/i-got-my-eyebrows-microbladed-part-2/
My name is Melanie too and I’m about to have my 4th boy any day now. I loved seeing your 4 boys all together. So fun! I enjoy your posts so much! So sorry about the loss of your friend. So challenging to navigate those raw emotions.
What is a homemade puzzle box? It sounds amazing!
Loss is so hard. My heart goes out to you. We have a Grandma Barb who is like your Carol, what a treasure! Mom ups and downs. Those ups really help erase (mostly) the downs! Those cookies are happening. I wish we could all just show love and BE love! Myself Included, it’s a process. I’ll happily await your cookbook when it’s the season. You are wise to be sure.
I love you, Mel. I’m so sorry about Carol – you’ve experienced a lot of loss in the past year or so (thinking of Holli.) Thanks for sharing with us. ❤
I love that you pay the organ at church. I just got that calling and I’m feeling too young for it (it seems like only elderly ladies ever played the organ.) I find comfort knowing you play, too.
Your boys are fiercely handsome. I am sure they have a slew of young ladies after them. You have a beautiful family.
I wish… I could be more patient with myself as I lose pregnancy weight from a baby born a month ago. On a related note, I wish I could use a little more self control with the Hershey’s Hugs in my pantry.
I think you are an incredible human! I am grateful for the way you feed my soul and family with your posts. So sorry about losing your friend and neighbor. I am glad January is coming to an end. It has been a rough start to the year
Microblading— do it! I’m in my early sixties and did it last year because I only have half- brows. I don’t like makeup either but it’s the best thing I ever did for myself. Find a highly recommended person and do it!
I love your Friday thoughts posts. So sorry about the loss of your dear friend
Oh thank you for this Mel. I appreciate your adorable face hiding in the closet, your beautiful behbehs, the honest vulnerability of the pain of your losses and, always, your recipes.
Wordle: YES. Check out Crossgrams too. It won’t help with going to sleep before midnight though.
And sour licorice?? WHAAAT??!!
Please take good care friend
I’m so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful model for how to live a good life, let kindness and love be the currency of your life. If you go outside right now, scrape the snow aside and throw down poppy seeds, they will bloom for her in the spring. Find a memorial that will bring your family peace. Much love to you.
Oh, and DO THE COOKBOOK. Your recipes are the recipes my family lives by. From the white bean chili (which I’ve won awards with) to your korean beef (which brought my culinary skills to godlike status to my son), your recipes have become classics in my household and made my dinners legendary. Thank you. A thousand times, do it. You are the very best.
Mel. I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved Carol, on top of all the other serious difficulties of January. May you find comfort and strength in one another and in your faith. As you mentioned, you will make it through. It’s the seasons of loss and pain and just plain hard that make all the other seasons shine brighter. (I have a lot more to say about that but am reminding myself that this is meant to be a comment.) : )
I just want to add one more thing while I’m here. I’m not sure exactly how long I’ve been following you but I think you lived in MN (where I live) when I first found your blog. And I’m so grateful. You are my go to for all things baking and cooking. Period. And I’ve recommended you to many others through the years. And it’s not just your recipes, even though I know I can rely on them every time. It’s you. You’re real and relatable and are a gem of a person. Thank you for all you do and all you share.
All that being said, today I’m going to be making Sesame Thai Chicken Dip for the second time (oh my gosh people – make this and eat it!) as well as the Cinnamon Roll Blondie Bars (but gluten free for my daughter) to share with my loves. My daughter is a week overdue with my first grandbaby and will be induced tomorrow night. So we’re gathering one more time before we’re blessed with a brand new baby to love and to hold.
May your February give you time and space for recovering and healing and regrouping. And may there be no new griefs, issues, or unhappy surprises. All the best to you and your family.
I am so sorry you lost your neighbor. There seems to be so much loss lately. Not sure if it is the internet, our age, or what, but it seems there is loss at every turn. My sister in-law’s mom died unexpectedly two days ago. It has been a year since I lost my dad. The reality of mortality just feels so heavy. But I always say, our pain is our gift, because that pain only exists where there is love. And that really is what life is about. Sorry this month has been hard. Sending love. Bri
I have loved your Friday thoughts. I had my cup of tea with me and it was like sitting down with a friend as I read. Thank you for that!
I am so sorry about the sudden loss of Carol. My sister-in-law died in her sleep last weekend and I am still processing that. We were not close, she was a difficult person, but as I watched the most incredible sunset that night, I felt a peace and forgiveness for both of us that I cannot express. What a gift. And for the first time in many, many years, I could remember all the good times and fun we had way back when and that was the best! God is good.
As for resolutions, I don’t set them either. But last year I thought I would try something. Every week of the year (I kept a notebook to keep track), I sent out a handwritten note to someone. Real mail is still the best and I love sending it as much as I love receiving it. I ended up sending way more than 52 weeks’ worth of notes and it was a delight. I have started back up this year. It is a way to bring some love into someone’s day and couldn’t we all use some extra love?
My kids are all adults now, but I loved their sports and band days. From boys volleyball, to track and cross country, to marching band, to girls volleyball and basketball, I yelled like a crazy mom! So much fun! I fully support your yelling! Even if ripping someone’s arms off isn’t helpful advice, your kids hear you hollering and they know you are engaged and loving them. They will remember that always! <3
Kellie, I am sobbing, reading your comment. Such sweet thoughts. Thanks for sharing! You have a good soul!
Ohh, you are so sweet. Thank you, Erica! I’ve no doubt you have a good soul, too! <3
I’m so sorry for your loss. The people that touch us like that are the hardest to lose.
I live in North Carolina and when it snows here, everything shuts down…for days! It’s annoying for those of us who grew up in places like Utah. It’s just different here. Anyway, it’s snowed three weekends in a row! School gets canceled and activities get cancelled. We had a very important event for my son get canceled this weekend. It’s rescheduled for next week but I will be out of town. So disappointed! Plus the whole family has been sick with some flu-like virus the last two weeks. January is sooo long!
You posted something about the game Chronology so I spontaneously bought it and it has been the best! Thanks for that.
You should know, you are a great influence on the world. Thanks for putting good stuff out into the universe. I hope good things come back to you. We use many of your recipes and I can always trust that when I try a new recipe of yours, it will be good.
Thanks for this post. January has felt loooong to me too. My husband passed away in September and it feels like I’m moving through quicksand. Parenting a teenager alone is daunting. I wish I felt more confidence and clarity in all the decisions I now make alone.
Cooking for my family is something I can do in spite of my foggy brain. We tried 3 new “Mel recipes” this week and loved them all. I’m so thankful for your delicious food, positive emails and honesty about real life (it’s hard!)
I love Wordl (but I’ve never posted about it on social media and I’ve unfollowed so many people lately that I didn’t realize that was a thing), I’ve never tried micro blading (but I’m intrigued) and subscription boxes are a great idea! Thanks Mel, for being a bright spot in a dark world.
I’m so sorry for your own loss and pray that you’ll find comfort and guidance as you navigate this beautiful, messy life.
First, I’m so sorry about the loss of your sweet friend! You’ve had so much of that the past several months it really doesn’t seem fair and makes me hurt for you! And you mentioned unexpected job loss too? Again, I’m so sorry!
Second, eyebrows. Nope, I’ve never microbladed but my eyebrows got so thin, seemingly overnight last year (which makes me wonder if I need to get my thyroid checked- that’s for that bit of advice) but like you, I don’t wear a lot of makeup. I feel like if it takes even 1 second over 5 minutes to put on makeup it’s too long. I was terrified of the thought of penciling in eyebrows but I made it a New Years resolution to learn to do it (yes, I am a New Year’s goal setter) and found “Precisely my brow pencil” at ulta and it is SO EASY! Seriously, if I, who has worn the exact same makeup style for 25 years and would be totally lost if they ever discontinued my colors, can do learn to do it you can totally do it!
Third, a snack box subscription is a great idea! I’ve been trying to come up with something fun for Porter’s birthday. Seriously, what do you get a nearly 18 year old that is leaving on his mission right after graduation besides white shirts and a journal? He would love the snack idea, I’m absolutely doing that!
Fourth, wresting. In high school I did stats for our wrestling team and those tournaments make for some long Saturday’s! Way to go for supporting them! The pictures of your little boys in their singlets though and the one of you with them are so cute and would totally make it worth it!
Thanks for everything Mel! As you say, love your guts!
Mel –
Thanks for being you and being raw. I started following you for recipes not too long ago but your courage to speak up about LGBTQ+ got my attention and I’m so glad I now read your blog posts.
Made those rainbow cloud cookies and – wowza! I’m going to make more today to mail to my mom who recently got over Covid and has an impressive sweet tooth and affinity for sugar cookies.
Thanks for being so real about January being hard. Our little fam seems to be doing okay, but so many have a hard time during this part of the year and I appreciate people who don’t try to sugar coat life and make those who have trials feel like they are isolated in that experience. It’s hard for all of us right now. I STRUGGLE with how our country has seemed to dive into this ability to treat others with different beliefs/opinions like less than. Not everyone of course. But you know… reading the headlines can be rough.
Again, thanks for putting yourself out there, for making us weigh the flour and for being a little light on the gram. I’m so sorry for your losses. I hope that the pain eases and is joined by a feeling of peace.
Cheers to February!
Mel, second reply to you today as I just read the recipe for the cookies. My 95-year-old mother still lives on her own (we have worked hard to continue to make this happen through Covid) and yesterday I went over for a visit. To my surprise, she had made some sugar cookies and told me about using cream of tartar (which I had never heard of ). When I read your recipe ingredients I thought back to her cookies that were sooooo good – I ate 7 or 8 while I was visiting! Because everything is from memory for her – she couldn’t give me a recipe, but here we are – I can try yours, and I will today. Thanks again and remember if we didn’t feel sadness, then we wouldn’t know joy.
I love your recipes. It’s the first site I go to when I want to search for a recipe. Today is the first time I read the Friday notes. So I was pleased to discover you have a Minnesota connection – we live in Maple Grove – and that you have so many boys – I have 3 (they all play hockey but I get your wrestling rabbit hole – yours is warmer than mine!)
I have crazy thin eyebrows and know nothing about microblading so I’ll look forward to hearing what you learn.
And, finally, we are about to lose my father in law and worried about how my boys will react.
So…all this to say your post touched me today and keep up the great work!
Thank you for sharing you feelings, insights and perspectives on life,family and friends. Jeff Jiles.
Thank you for sharing. This was so uplifting. I’m currently going through tons of testing and treatment etc. For thyroid disease and feel you on the hair loss. I got my eyebrows micro bladed last year and LOVE IT. If you’re ever in Utah, look up @beautybysadie. She is super good at making sure you don’t look like Bert which was one of my big worries too. I did just have them died or henna tattooed first before deciding to fully commit to the micro blading.
Ok wow this got longer. But my husbands family also just lost their grandpa next door. The pic of you and her w a plate of cookies made me cry bc that’s exactly what we’d do with our grandpa next door. He died over Christmas.
And I also can’t handle New Years resolutions. Too much pressure.
Thanks for helping a weary soul feel semi normal. Hang in there Mel. February is almost here!!!!
Eyebrows. Do it. Let them pick the color for you. As long as you have a good recommendation and lots of before and after pics…they will know what they are doing!
My sister picked out a color she thought would be less “stand out.” Against the recommendations of the tech. She ended up with bluish gray eyebrows because she didn’t listen. The tech was able to fix it by putting the color she knew would look good over. I think you’ll love it.
I’m so sorry about the loss of your friend. That is heartbreaking. Praying for all those that feel that loss.
How are things going? Kind of meh. We finally have a bit of sunshine (Kuna) and I’ll take it happily! I didn’t realize I was a person that needed sun in my life more than I am getting it here!
Also, I have hypothyroidism and have for 30+ years… I just thought my eyebrows were thinning because of age!! Thanks for sharing that tidbit, now I can understand another disadvantage that hypothyroidism brings… and there are many.
I am going to make those cookies! They look amazing.
Hang in there, Mel. You are not alone. I hope everything, and I do mean everything, that is going negatively for you will turn out positive. I know that you know that Heavenly Father is watching over you, and that he knows what you are going through, is there for you, and loves you. He knows the thoughts and intents of your heart. You are an amazing woman, with great strength. And if you don’t feel that strong right now, it’s okay. We all have those times in our lives. You are loved and appreciated by so many.
Take care.
PS I made your chicken pot pie with biscuits this week… SO GOOD!!! Thanks!
I’m so sorry Mel. Life has been so heavy for your family for so long. For my wish, I wish I could take away the impossible things people have to go through. It’s probably good I’m not in charge because everything would be fluffy clouds and rainbows and I guess that’s not good for us?
I heard this quote by Dietrich Bonhoeffer at a funeral recently which I thought captured mourning so well.
“There is nothing that can replace the absence of someone dear to us, and one should not even attempt to do so. One must simply hold out and endure it.
“At first that sounds very hard, but at the same time it is also a great comfort. For to the extent the emptiness truly remains unfilled one remains connected to the other person through it.
“It is wrong to say that God fills the emptiness. God in no way fills it but much more leaves it precisely unfilled and thus helps us preserve—even in pain—the authentic relationship.
“Further more, the more beautiful and full the remembrances, the more difficult the separation.
But gratitude transforms the torment of memory into silent joy. One bears what was lovely in the past not as a thorn but as a precious gift deep within, a hidden treasure of which one can always be certain.”
I’m so sorry January has been rough. When difficult things come one after another it feels especially hard. This year I joined an online equestrian group who has an awesome planner. It is helping me focus on good things. Like our blizzard in CT today. I prepared yesterday so today I can enjoy watching my 8 month old puppy play with joyous abandon in snow up to her shoulders and my blind deaf 15 year old lift his head to savor the feel of snow on his face while he plows through paths we plow for him. They remind me to give thanks for the little things in life.
I’ll start with my wish.
I wish this current mood of the US wasn’t so polarized.
-I wonder how we will get back to at the very least being more civil.
Secret Time- I’ve been snoozing anyone on my FB who is doing the wordle. Just for 30 days.
We’ve never met, but I’ve been making your recipes for a decade or so since our mutual cousin, Merianne, introduced me to your blog. So we’re practically related. Anyway, January has been a hard year for me, too. (Ha!) Thanks for the encouragement to hang in there. I really related to the wishes thing. It’s absurd to me as an adult to make birthday wishes when I blow out candles, like I wish that I won’t totally screw up my children or I wish that my baby will sleep through the night tonight. It’s just a repeat of what I’m praying for anyway.
Take care!
I almost did subscription boxes for Christmas this year, but got way to lost in the research so thank you for the recommendations!
If you’re ever up for it, I would love a Friday’s Thoughts post on parenting (teens, man!) and if you (or your readers-best comment section ever!) have any thoughts on preparing children for leaving the nest.
My mom and brother died in an accident when I was young, so leaving my extremely mentally ill dad was easy (that may sound harsh but he became the most self absorbed, abusive person and being out of his path is the single best thing I’ve done for myself). However, not having a mom made me overdo it with my kids and now they are afraid to leave me for even one night. We’re all very attached. I know there are “parenting blogs” but I have so much trust in you as a mom because you are so real.
I read all the way to the end. Still crying about your dear friend.
I wish … I had the strength to be what I need to be.
Micro blading… not sure what it is. Time to Google. I have Hashimotos too. I feel best eating low carb. But I seem to fall off the wagon lately more than I’m on. It’s a struggle. Speaking of that, those cookies look very good!
Have a wonderful day. I enjoy your blog. I’ve followed you a long time. I appreciate your transparency. Life isn’t always perfect or even close.
Basically, I love you. You are wonderful and real and I wish I lived next door so I could glean from your goodness more often. Thank you for sharing and letting me laugh with you. And to finish your final question… I wish that I could just enjoy things more often and stress less about them. It comes to pass, not to stay. I wish I could be in the “come to pass” mindset more and soak in the good before it passes and let the bad, well, pass.
Microblading- 100% yes. I did it 5 years ago. Make sure you research and find someone good who you trust. Look at pictures of work they have done, ask about experiences and references. It really makes such a difference.
Got my boys (9 & 6) a graphic novel subscription box for Christmas and they love it.
Woooof. January. I found out my uncle died in a snowmobile accident yesterday. I’m bleary eyed too. Sorry for your loss.
Have you looked into soft tap for your eyebrows? I did it 3 years ago and I love it! No cutting. Inserting color under your skin. (Like a tattoo) I have since done my eyeliner and lipliner. I LOVE IT. it has taken me to a five minute face…..which this mama needs…who also can’t seem to go to bed before midnight! It’s soft and natural looking.
I love you Mel, and your recipes. Forever.
♥️♥️♥️
Oh, I think what I really wish is that we could fast forward the hard times (so we still experience them because I know they are essential for us) and also slow down the good times (because those slip through our fingers.) And maybe, maybe, could I have a peek down the road from time to time so could understand NOW a little better? Is that too much to ask? And I know other people need this, so maybe I wish this for every one of us.
I’m so sad about Carol. So sad. My heart is heavy for you. I was just getting to know how wonderful she is. 🙁
I think your eyebrows look great! Haven’t noticed! But since you DO notice, do all the research and go for it! Okay, easy for me to say. I am decision challenged.
Amen to New Years goals. Even “one word” stresses me out. I struggle with plenty of anxiety so I don’t need to create more. But I’m not trying not to procrastinate things as much. Or at least address the things I’ve already procrastinated. And that’s my latest goal.
January IS the worst. I’m so sorry this is especially hard. Lots and lots of prayers for you, for sneak peeks of the good to come and for comfort/strength along the way.
Mel, your genuine and real posts are my very favorite and I always come away feeling things like “I’m not alone”. Thanks for sharing what you do. I absolutely love that picture of you with your boys; it makes me excited for my kids to get a little older. (Even though it makes me so sad to move on from this phase when I’m doing it so imperfectly.) Thanks for being you!
I love your Friday thoughts posts! Thank you for sharing all the good and the bad.
I love that all of your boys wrestle. In our family we swim, and it is some of the best times, just like your beautiful picture.
So sorry for your loss, it’s hard. Hugs and prayers.
I’m so very sorry to hear the loss of your dear neighbour and friend Mel. We also lost a dear friend suddenly in early January. Her family is devastated and all her friends are in shock, My deepest condolences to you and your family.
On the subject of micro blading, I had it done on my eyebrows and would say it is the best beauty treatment I ever gave myself.
Mel, I love your Friday Thoughts. So full of life! Some happenings that make us smile and some that bring tears. Prayers for your family and for Carols.
Mel, your Friday thoughts are uplifting to read, genuine stuff happening to real people. At a time when there is so much toxic going around, you write about the good. Thank you
❤ I love the crate idea, if you remember put that on your gift list, in case I forget. I just went through thyroid cancer so now I am thinking about my eyebrows. 🙂 I love your posts and appreciate the snippets of life you share.
Those cookies have been a real problem in my life. I literally had to have a stern talk with my family about not teasing when I make them, as addiction is a serious disease. I said it like I was joking but it did basically take me a 12 step process to quit them.
This year is off to a better start for me. Last year I lost or almost lost everything. I thought my life and relationships were SO solid. I’m still in some shock and disbelief but I just can’t dwell there or the pain will ruin me.
I love wrestling and find it to be the most underrated sport. However after years of watching my brothers matches, I’m so happy my kids have chosen basketball and cheerleading. Yay team sports!
LOVE LOVE LOVE Friday thoughts and all you share. Praying your year gets better. Life is so hard!
My heart is breaking for all the rough you’ve had to experience in a short month— and even past years with other losses. Thanks for being willing to share. It helps keep social media real.
Have you read the Happiness project before? Another favorite is a saying from Ralphie at Simply on Purpose “Focus on the good and the good will get better.” I had it made into a sign to put in the center of our home so we remember how to get through the good, the bad and the ugly.
Also, I’m 12 days into healing from microblading. I am a minimalist for makeup things and enjoy the natural look but desired to take the plunge on this one. Totally worth it. I was scared of looking like Bart as well so I found someone who’s work had natural brush strokes. She (and others should as well) measured my bone structure and drew on the strokes based off of this map. So it was natural to me. But researching what strokes you like so the artist can fill in based off your preference is helpful. My advice is has her start off with minimal strokes and then you can always add more strokes if you want at your touch up. Less risky. It is still art. But I’m so glad I did it. The worst part was not hot tubing for 10 days during this cold winter.
Before you cut your eyebrows have you invested 2 months with a product like babe lash for re growth? I started for my eye lashes as I have patches of no eyelashes at all and it is amazing. The product for eyebrows works equally well. Just a thought. Love your blog and your recipes and most of all your caring heart. We only mourn when we are sensitive and feel deeply. It hurts but it also cleanses and purifies our souls. You are amazing Mel and I am happy you are part of my life.
Pam, can you tell me what eyebrow product you used? I tried one and it basically just made the hairs that are there grown longer. It was like having an eyebrow comb over! Thanks
Yep. Things are rough. I am completely burned out. It feels like we’ve had almost nonstop sickness in our home since school started in the Fall. My kids have missed more school this school year than ever before. I don’t think our family has gone all together to church more than 2 weeks in a row at a time for that reason. So, yep. I get it. But… when we do miss church we can watch from home which wasn’t a thing 2 years ago. I don’t like making New Year’s Resolutions but I’m trying goal setting like the Children and Youth and hoping those goals will help me get my priorities right and help me handle things better. I’m not adding extra to my already full plate but I’m trying to manage things better.
I just said to my family yesterday, how funny that after 16 years of kids at home, my baby finally started kindergarten. And yet few have been the days where I haven’t had at least one home. Gratefully it has not often been due to sickness. Mostly exposures and mental health checks because kids living through this pandemic should get some down days.
I LOVE your last sentence!!! That is now my mantra for the year and I’m going to spend some time today deciding how to make that happen!
Good for you, Allie. I hope you are able to find that balance that we all need. I know it will take time so I say to both of us, “Don’t give up.”
I’m a newer follower and have loved your recipes! This post touched my heart ❤️ We’ve had a similar January and even though most of the difficulties and sadness have not been directly in our house it’s so hard to watch friends and family go through loss and sickness. My wish is the same as yours-to lift the burdens from those I love.
Also, thanks for the great ideas for subscription boxes! I’m going to remember that for next year!
Wonderful post. Wrestling, though. Not my thing. I had a kid in wrestling in junior high & just never got into it. I’m sorry you’ve lost your dear neighbor. That’s tough in this month/year/era, to lose a friend so integral to your family. May her memory forever be a blessing.
I’ve been keeping sane by staying home and spending as much time as possible in my sewing room each day, and (weirdly) bingeing Criminal Minds on Netflix. Just started season 12! Finished a quilt! Whatever it takes, right? I’m also reminding myself often that things will get better eventually. Hang in there.
Mel, I love you, Your posts always bring me joy and laughter. I hope the organ playing goes better tomorrow!, I am so sorry you lost a dear friend,, life is hard but you always make my life happier and better. THANK YOU for your recipes, for sharing about your life and family and for being you! Thank you!
p.s., I too had thyroid cancer, surgery, radiation, I just gave up on eyebrows… but I do take vitamins and use many awesome hair products to keep my hair shiny, healthy and not so thin looking.
I wish going to school didn’t have to mean my daughter had to hurt so much. Why is it so hard for teenage girls to just be nice to each other.
I had no idea you had thyroid problems. I still have my thyroid, no cancer thank goodness, but people really don’t understand what a struggle it is and how junky you feel when your levels are off. It affects everything! If your doctor doesn’t have you taking a T3 medication along with your T4 meds (I take T3 exclusively due to a levothyroxine allergy) you should ask about it. It makes a big difference in how you feel and what is going on with your body. Also, b12 and vitimin d supplements that dissolve under your tongue (from Amazon) are my best friend. Too long of a comment, but I’m passionate Thyroid stuff matters! Lots of love to you Mel!
Hi Sydney! I would love to hear about your experience with thyroid medications. I am currently taking Armour thyroid and feel good on that. My main concerns are my hair loss and weight gain. I am also interested in the dissolving vitamins. Would appreciate any advice you have.
Thank you for sharing with us in the Friday Post. I am so sorry that your friend passed away unexpectedly, she sounds amazing.
And that the year hasn’t had the best start. Why are things so hard sometimes?
I am praying for your family, that things will settle into an amazing better than before that only God could plan.
Sorry for your loss.
Mel, so sorry for the passing of your neighbor and the job loss. Sending prayers and virtual hugs.
Girl, how do you stay up past midnight without coffee??? I sometimes have to have a cup around 3pm just to make it to 8pm. I call it my afternoon cocktail!
As for the cookbook, do some homework to see if that is a project that is a good fit for you. Perhaps talk to other blogger/authors about workload, deadlines, commitments, etc. I recently took on an assignment (by choice) that I am now regretting because it’s exactly what I do not like to work on.
Sorry your year has had a rough start. I say start over on February 1st.
I grew up with the thickest unruly eyebrows. Menopause hit and they virtually went away. Like totally away. Add to that that I am a red head and you end up with nothing at all but sparse grey sprouts. Frustrating. So last fall I had them tattooed on. First attempt faded and just had red skin. Touching up helped and I have one more touch up next month and I think I will again look like I have eyebrows!
Love your blog and recipes. Stay strong. This too will pass.
Aww Mel. Sometimes life is really good and sometimes it just sucks. My husband owns a new construction plumbing company and when the recession in 2008 hit and all the building stopped it was sooooo stressful. He basically lost his job and had to find another income. My brother died that year, as well. It was one of the most stressful times of our marriage. Add unexpected health issues into that too, and you have had a really rough go. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry for the loss of your dear friend, Carol. Good, genuine, sweet neighbor friends don’t come along all the time and they are truly the best. I’m sure you were as much a blessing to her as she was to you. I hope this year turns around quickly for you! Sending my love. ❤️
I can’t see clearly in the pic but your eyebrows look amazing still even if they are all makeup I wish I had your skills. My 8th grader deals with hormone issues and will randomly lose half of each eyebrow COMPLETELY. it is so random and she HATES it. She will need microblading to look normal, but she’s too young now obviously. Go for it girl if you need it!
Also I love how sencire your posts are, I am sorry you have dealt with so much loss lately, it hurts my heart to read your struggles. It makes me think of the conference talk Infuriating Unfairness by Elder Rundland. Keep posting I love all the box gift ideas and real talks!
I feel exactly the same about New Years resolutions. And I had never heard of wordle until today but reading about it on your blog was the third time it came up in the past hour! I’m usually behind the times though so that’s no surprise. I’m sorry it has been a rough month especially as it followed a rough year. If someone had told me how hard life continues to be as you get older I don’t think I would have been able to grasp it. Sending you and your family love. And if you ever write a cookbook I will buy it, but I’m glad you aren’t taking it on when the season isn’t right.
I am so sorry for your January, I hear you. I think the hardest part about challenges is that they usually are unexpected, and personally I struggle a lot with changes I didn’t plan for.
I am so sorry for your losses on all accounts. That is unimaginably hard. Thank you for being willing to share with us, I will be praying for your family for comfort. Hopefully whoever lost their job can find meaningful employment soon
Thank you for bringing realism on this blog. Since so many folks go through tough times in every area of life, it makes me feel like I am not the only one struggling through some days. Most people will not be honest like you and open up that life is not perfect but…..God is good all the time, all the time, God is good. If I could fill in the blank, I would say….I wish more people would be real and honest just like you. Thank you for lifting my spirits on this cold January 29th Saturday morning.
I love your wish. Recently my sister in law was going through an extremely difficult trial. After months of suffering alone, she shared with her family. She said, “I would’ve taken to my grave, but he’s posting it on Facebook, so before you see it there…”. I thought what an utter shame. Why walk through life alone when you don’t have to do so? She suffers from the “toxic perfectionism” and it has made her life so empty. Being real is the only way, for yourself AND to lift others.
Mel, I agree that this has been a tough start to a new year. My heartfelt condolences on the loss of your beloved friend, Carolyn. I wish for your hearts to have that precious peace that passes all understanding in these days ahead.
I live in Minnesota and have hit my “winter wall”: too many days where the sky is the same color as the snow on the ground and the temperatures are stubbornly stuck below zero. I lean into my gratitude practice a lot on those days and remind myself often that there is a bright sun still shining on the other side of the cloud cover. Yes, to everything there is a season and a purpose. 🙂 Best wishes in the new year! PS) I LOVE the picture of you and your boys at wrestling. I think that is one to put in a picture frame!!
Micro blading is awesome! You should do it! My friend does it and she is amazing. She lives in Caldwell and I would recommend her to anyone! Rachelle 208-800-2624
Hi Mel,
Your sharing your thoughts really moved me and I learned something! I, too, have a thyroid condition but not nearly as serious as yours. Mine just quit working on me and I’ve been on Synthyroid for a couple of years now. It certainly messes with you physically and emotionally. I was fascinated to learn that the eyebrows start to disappear! Mine are half of what they were. But at my age, it’s all irrelevant. Just another fact of life.
Your neighbour sounded amazing! She had such a huge family and yet she still had room in her big heart to embrace your beautiful family!
I enjoy your recipes and keep learning from you. Thank you for sharing everything with your avid followers.
Yes, what a year! I think I slid into a bit of SAD this year. Lots of snow &cold ¬ enough sun. But spring is coming!
I’m really sorry for the loss of your friend. It seems like you have had too much of that in the last couple years.
I too have the eye brow thinning but it is a post menopausal thing. I have used the hair growth serum which has helped a lot but am scared to go the micro blading route. Please share photos , etc. if you do decide to do it. Your family is growing fast- love seeing their smiling faces!
Oh Mel I’m so sorry about your neighbor! It made my heart hurt. My friend said of January that it is the armpit of the year and sometimes I would have to agree.
But thIngs always have a way of getting better and life is good even when it’s hard. Don’t be afraid of micro blading! Yes, it hurts a little but it’s the best thing I’ve ever done. Make sure you go to someone who comes highly recommended from several people and don’t be scared when they look dark or bigger (Bert like) than you planned at first. They will calm down in a few days and be wonderful. Live to you and your family ❤️
Mel Your blog was recommended to me and it is amazing!! I have only made a few things so far, but it has turned out yummy!!! You are real and authentic!! Simply the best!!
Losing those closest to you is a whole other topic. So sorry for you. These last few years has been particularly tough as well. All I know is that I just keep getting up and doing the best I/we can and that is enough. You bring so much joy through this blog/website etc., just keep swimming and we are swimming with you!!
Hi Mel, long time follower here. You’re my #1 when it comes to recipes. If it comes from Mel, it will be good. Our daughter was diagnosed with Celiac disease in June so we have had to adapt all of our cooking/baking to GF. I’d love to try those sugar cookies with GF flour…wonder if they would turn out?
Sending you a virtual hug (and lots of dark chocolate) for a real ‘blah’ start to the year. Thanks for being honest and real, like always.
Micro blading. Do it! I had mine done a year ago and just got my yearly touch-up. Right after you will be wondering what the heck you did (bc they are much darker on day 1-3ish)…but the color fades and turns natural and then you will be so thrilled you did it! Report back!
Sorry to hear that you’ve had a difficult start to your year!
You asked, so I will share that mine has been relief yet challenging at the same time. Relief that I finally found an answer to my health issues yet the challenge of treatment. I was recently diagnosed with vestibular Migraines. Symptoms are dizziness/balance issues and less about headaches. The challenge of a new diet and supplement plan. Wanting to see if that will work before having to do medication. All is going well so far. So thankful to “The dizzy cook”. Her blog and cookbook have been extremely helpful!.
I love the idea of the subscription boxes and think my boys would love something like that. Will make a note for next year!
And finally, did you say Cookbook? So excited to hear you are going to write one! Good luck with the process and can’t wait to see how it turns out. I have always thought/hoped you would write one!
Hoping February is a much better month for you and your family!
Mel, I am so sorry for your loss. I am sitting here teary eyed reading it. My start to January 2022 has not been great either, but what jumped out at me is “take deep breaths and also look for blessings.” Thank you for that. I love your posts as much or more that your recipes (they are fabulous). Thank you.
January has been a brutal year (yep – year), for a lot of us. Thank you for the relatability. I have nothing as beautiful or heart-wrenching like you to write…but to just keep going. I am in a fog 24/7, and consider it a good day when I can log off work.
I thought December was tiring, but then January came! We decided about six weeks ago that our house with four pre-teen and soon-to-be teenagers was getting a wee tight, and finding a house in this crazy market would be the next step. Whew! Nonstop prepping and searching for something has worn us out. BUT – finally got one this week and will wait on a renovation/expansion for a year or so (supply chain problems, wood costs, labor shortages here we come). Deep breath…it’s only January! I think 2022 just took a big turn for what the year looks like for us. Regular life to-do’s and work have been sorely neglected.
Haven’t cooked nearly enough meals this month, but took your turkey and wild rice soup two nights ago, adapted it to the ground beef/chorizo sausage from my CSA, made it with slightly Tex-mex flavors and we declared it delicious. Love the flexibility in so many of your recipes!
Mel – if you want to turn your 2022 around go get microblading done right now!!! Run – don’t walk!! I care almost nothing for my appearance and never wear make-up but I did get my brows microbladed and have never looked back. Absolutely do your homework and you will not be sorry. Enhance all that natural beauty you possess. ❤
This whole month has been a challenge Mel. I am so very sorry for you loss.
My family is all the way across Canada and my sister lives in the US. We are hoping to drive to her in February but the plans are fluid. My husband spent last evening in the Emergency Room and does indeed have a blood clots in his leg. He will hopefully be fine and it’s January giving us a last kick in the pants. It is -35C here this morning and I am heading out to get his prescription filled. More test to happen Monday. It has been a pleasure watching your family grow, I have been here since the beginning and make a lot of the recipes that you post
..Hope February is better. Val
I’ve been considering micro blading, I have Hashimoto’s, and my 16 year old daughter was recently diagnosed. Her doctor recommended for her (and me) to be gluten-free. Says it helps with so many things…even eyebrows. I know mine are thinning (almost 44 years old).
I always enjoy that you keep your posts real. Makes it like I’m reading a post from a friend. I’m looking forward to trying the sugar cookies. I’ll try it with GF flour for my daughter and let you know how they turn out.
And to ask how I’m doing…
I’m doing good. I’m trying to soak up each day to the fullest-realizing lately how quickly my kids are growing (my daughter is a junior, and my son is a freshman). My daughter keeps getting college brochures in the mail. Time seems to be flying since high school started.
Mel, I have missed visiting your blog! You are legendary in my family for your recipes. All my 4 kids know and trust your name and recipes! I also have Hashimoto’s and the last year I’ve been eating AIP which has been life changing for my health. But I still make many of the favorites from Mel for my family. It’s a hard line to straddle, eating one way and still cooking favorites for my family. But so much of life can be like that, right? I’m so sorry about the loss of your dear friend, hugs coming your way. You feel like a friend to me, so I’m glad I tuned back in today to read your post. Take care!
I’m so sorry you’ve had a rough start! I hope it only goes up from here! If a cookbook come out, I’d love it! My mom has been a loyal fan for years, my teenage years were filled with Mel recipes. Now my family enjoys them as well!
If you decide to get micro blading I’d love to see the results! Another option is soft tap (sometimes called powder brow) it might be helpful to research the minor difference between the two and decide!
I love your idea for subscription boxes. Definitely putting that In my reminders to get people this Christmas!
Hi Mel, just have a quick second so I’ll get straight to the point. Boise brows in Idaho is amazing with eyebrows. Her name is Cory and I will travel all the way from Tennessee to see her. The first time I got mine done I did a combo of powder/microblading. The next time I just did an ombre powder brow, which is way more natural looking and lasts tons longer if you are fair skin. Go with the powder brow it will be life changing!
So I’ve never done microblading but a friend did and I saw her the next day and was like OMG what did you do?!? However, she said, and it was true, that it fades. I would like to say maybe by the end of the week it looked way more natural and I love them. Just be prepared for maybe an immediate shock.
The subscription boxes!! I love that idea for Christmas gifts. Please include those in your gift guide this coming Christmas! And the comfy too! 2022 has been hard for us too. So sorry it has been hard for your family. Thanks for writing this. Love you and your recipes!
Mel, you are the best. If I had a neighbor like you and your family, I would be in heaven. Thank you keeping it real. Life can be difficult and it can be exhilarating! Parenting isn’t easy but it can bring you such joy that you think your heart will break.
I so look forward to your blogs, your recipes, and your great gifting ideas! Every one of them is a keeper! Thank you, thank you.
2021 was difficult but 2022 has not started any better. Age is catching up so I am preparing for a bumpy ride. Faith and hope sustain me.
May you and yours be blessed with better days ahead. Again, thank you for being a light for the future!
I’m so sorry you’ve had a bad January. I hope the rest of the year will be filled with peace, happiness, and good health for you and your family. You’ve been a blessing to so many of us! You deserve the best.
So sorry to hear of your health issues and loss of a close friend. Wishing for good health to come your way. I love licorice haven’t been able to fine the sweet and sour but now that I know I can order them on Amazon I’ll be trying them soon.
Love reading your posts so, heads up, stay strong, hopefully all be better soon.
My first thought on you asking about the micro blading, “I wonder if I should tell her to get her thyroid checked?!” I have seen excellent results on people I worked closely with and I didn’t know they had no eyebrows. Ask around your close friends. I bet you have no idea how many people do this. We there’s no point in me telling you where to go. (I live in Canada).
It is deeply saddening to lose those whose lives touched our hearts and our families. Those people are always carried within your heart.
Mel, Potatoe soup was outstanding,
So wish I could got to bed before Midnight and fix many things in this world, the U.S. for sure would be my first stop and the southern boarder, the head off to Washington and the whitehouse and kick that guy out ,, So now you know exactly how I feel would like to thank you for all your work in the recipes department, the patotoe soup is wonderful along with many of your other pots of yum yum.
Love the pics you posted, guessing those are you daughters, # 13 & 8 ? dolls , so cute.
Hope you have a wonderful day and 2022 with many good times.
Regards, Douglas
I’m sorry it’s been such a rough start to the year, Mel! I feel like there are seasons in life that feel like one hard thing after another and I wish you and your family weren’t in one of those. I hope you’re able to find peace and rest for your mind and soul and remember that you’re loved regardless of what you do!
….and if you did write a cookbook, I’mean it when I say I would buy it as a gift for everyone for Christmas! But, I genuinely wouldn’t want you to write one if it would be bad for your family or your mental health!
Be well!
So sorry for your loss Mel. You are such a bright light to everyone who reads your blog (and I’m sure for all those who have the privilege of knowing you in person!) January has been hard for us as well and I too find myself counting down the days. Winter blues, husband looking for a new job, stresses of motherhood, etc. I love what Ralphie from Simply on Purpose said the other day, “Today is not forever”. I’m really trying to remember that. I think it will help me get through the hard days AND try to savor the good ones. Love to you and your family.
Sarah, that’s such a good quote to keep in mind!
1.) I’m so sorry for your loss. Your memories and faith will sustain you and help with healing. Still, it hurts.
2.) I’m not sure I know what microblading is. I’ll google it after this post.
3.) I’m so happy to see there’s a cookbook in the works. Count me in!
4.) I love your blog, instagram, posts – all and thank you!
I’m so sorry for the loss of your dear friend and neighbor. I’m sure she’ll be irreplaceable but you are so lucky to have had such a wonderful friend. May her memory be a blessing.
Hugs!
PS love your long post on Friday thoughts. Very thoughtful.
1. I’m so sorry you lost your friend ❤️
2. Just let me know when your cookbook is here and I will buy it in an instant!
3. Micro blading is the best thing ever!!! I did mine 3 1/2 years ago and they still look decent. I do want to do them again though. Life changer….sounds dramatic but it really is.
Just had to comment bc I’m totally thinking about microblading too!! And drawing in my eyebrows seems like way worse of an idea to me than microblading, too!
Also, I am currently living in MN! And I also never go to bed before midnight.
Oh, and I just found out what wordle was earlier this week. Haven’t gotten the app and probly won’t bc although I love word games (and games in general!), I never play games on my phone. ♀️
So my whole fam just got owala water bottles, the 32 oz stainless steel ones on Amazon. We’re big water drinkers here, but from our own water bottles (bc I don’t want to be adding allllll the cups they’d use otherwise to my dirty dishes ). SO if you guys want a water bottle to pour your gurgling water into, seriously, look into these. They’re a hit bc you can either sip through a straw, or chug it. Now this doesn’t sound like that big of a deal…but it somehow is haha! We’re all drinking way more water from these bottles than we used to from our old bottles (that you could *only* chug from).
Hope February is a better month for you, so sorry for you and your family’s loss of your dear friend. ❤️ Thanks for sharing all your ups and downs and thoughts and opinions…and definitely your recipes.
Wordle actually isn’t an app. It’s a website, and only one puzzle per day. I don’t play games on my phone either, but this feels different. I linked the site to my phone like an app, and since it’s one puzzle per day, it’s short and fun. Then my husband and I compete and send the other how many tries it took us. I’d give it a try – it’s fun!
Oh I love this! I get my eyebrows done every year from Cori and boise brows, you should check her out. She is amazing and does a fantastic job! I’m feeding my newborn and this was such a great post to read. Thanks!
I got my eyebrows done about 3 years ago. It is great. It hurts but is tolerable. I agree with Sharon K- Do your research and read reviews.
I wish you wrote authentic blogs like this more often! I wish you wrote them well before midnight so you could get a longer sleep These blogs of yours will be great memories for you as you & your family ages, chronicling your lives.
The thing with micro blading- you’ll love it. But do your research ahead of time. Find the right trained person. Look at the work they do. You’ll notice trends in their work. Which isn’t necessarily bad but you need someone who does what you think you’ll want & love but also listens & is willing to do what you want NOT just what they want. They will predraw them for you so you can get an idea of the shape and size is right. I always suggest going on the smaller size initially. Then it’s not such a drastic change for you or others who see you often. You can always touch up later.
I always love your Friday thoughts posts! Thank you for sharing xo And I leaped and tried ombré powder brows (very similar to microblading, actually she did a couple microblading strokes in one area) this fall and it was the best idea ever. Make sure you ask for recommendations from people you trust! And enjoy!!
I wish I could go back and re- live a day or two when my kids were all little. My youngest turns 8 on Sunday & it’s got me feeling some kind of way. I also wish my house was clean right now but it’s a mess!
I wish everybody would just shut up and take their shots. We lost our BIL who caught COVID in the hospital from a hospital worker who didn’t want to get a shot. How selfish can someone get?
I am sorry for your loss. I am. After experiencing losses of my own this past year I can sympathize. But, Please, don’t judge. I have people in my family that the shot has caused more health problems for-for example chest pains that are not going away. Therefore, many in the family are choosing not to get the shot. Please don’t judge. What is best for one isn’t for another’s. Love. We don’t know what someone is going through. Or why they choose otherwise but instead of judging or condoning please love.
I know God has a plan for each of us-if it is a righteous person, he or she will not be taken before his/her time (despite what we think that persons time is). I have had to come to trust God myself in my own experiences with this. May you find comfort and strength in your loss as you turn to Him, the master Healer.
I am sorry for your loss. Please know that those who choose to not be vaccinated are not necessarily selfish; they are thinking of a wide variety of factors–the fetal matter of babies, for one, and the protection of human rights, for another. God bless you as you are in this season, and, as L says, let us remember to be loving, in imitation of the Great Source of Love.
I’m so sorry for your loss, and I share your wish. I hope you find peace and healing in the days ahead.
Mel, you’re the best. Thanks for giving me some of the best reading material at 1:15 am while I stress over end stage remodel decisions and deadlines to meet before Monday! I gasped when I saw the summary at the beginning of the email and it said cookbook contracts. I yelled at my husband, “Mel is making a cookbook!!!!” I’m so sorry for the challenges 2022 has brought you already. Please know you are an absolute favorite and a household name over here. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Life feels so hard and heavy sometimes. Sending you all my love and so much appreciation for the light and joy you add to my life! ❤️
Microblading was one of the best things I ever did for myself! I had the worst eyebrows and now I cringe when I look back on photos from before I had it done. I don’t know of anyone who has had it done that wishes they didn’t.
The subscription boxes!! I love that idea for Christmas gifts. Please include those in your gift guide this coming Christmas! And the comfy too! 2022 has been hard for us too. So sorry it has been hard for your family. Thanks for writing this. Love you and your recipes!