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.
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!