Friday Thoughts: Favorite Things + Follow Up
Hey, hey! It’s April already. WOW.
I won’t go into why that’s hard to wrap my brain around (like, school’s out for the summer in less than seven weeks, wut), but…here we are. Time marches on and all that.
I wanted to check in today to share a few favorite things with you and blab about some random life notes. I also have a microblading update, but this post got long in a hurry, so I’ll save that for next time!
Here we go!
Some Favorite Things
I shared a few random, favorite things on Instagram the other week, and didn’t want those of you not on Instagram (good for you) to miss out! So, here they are plus a few more! (None of these are sponsored, just stuff I’m l.o.v.i.n.g.)
- Yasso bars. My goodness. Amazing. My friend, Deb, dropped these frozen yogurt bars off to me last week and I ate two, immediately became obsessed, and the next day drove around to find them (thank you, Albertsons – several of you alerted me they are at Target and Walmart, too). I bought every flavor I could find. All delicious; the sea salt caramel chocolate crunch are my fave.
- S’mores maker. I got this fun little s’mores maker for the kids for Valentine’s day, and it’s been a hit. The premise is super simple, and we love it. You could argue that you don’t really need another small appliance to make a s’mores, but we’d have to agree to disagree on this one. 😉
- My new favorite jeans. Listen, I’m no fashion blogger, but I’m in love with these jeans and thought you should know. This is saying a lot, since I generally avoid wearing hard pants at all costs. #joggersforlife These jeans are flattering and comfy (and I don’t look like I’m a 40+ mom trying to fit into a 19-year old’s fashion closet). I bought them from one of my favorite online clothing boutiques, Piper and Scoot – the jeans are a top seller and I think there are only a few sizes left. But good news, I did a quick google search and found the exact same ones here. They run a bit big. I’d size down one waist size (I’m normally a 27-28-ish and I wear a size 26). And yes, that is a carpenter loop, and yes, it does beg the question of why I didn’t hang on to the pair I had in high school. K, bye.
- Queen Bee Chocolates. This family-owned company is in Wyoming, a few hours from where my parents live in Montana. My dad makes the drive to this small town just for these amazing chocolates. And after every trip, he usually sends me a small box stuffed with my favorites (thanks, dad!). I love the story behind this small copmany: honey farmers turned simultaneous candy makers. All the chocolate/candy is made with honey, and it is incredibly delicious. My favorites: the dark chocolate haystacks, the Bee Energy Bars, and the honey caramels.
- Crazy amazing granola. My sister gave me a few flavors of this Safe + Fair granola for my birthday, and I became an instant fan. So much so that I ended up buying one (ahem, ok, two) of every flavor from their website. The birthday cake granola is unparalleled. But I just dipped into the honeycrisp apple and ohmygoodness.
- Sassy bites. Random grocery store find, and now I can’t eat lunch without them. I’m a pickle fanatic, and these sweet + spicy pickles might be in the land of best pickles I’ve ever had (yes, I’ve had Famous Daves, and I think they’re even better, please don’t hate me). Word has it that the pickled carrots from this company are UNREAL.
- White balsamic vinegar. The same friend who blessed my life with the fro-yo bars also gave me some of this white balsamic vinegar from Baker + Olive, and I have never had anything like it in my life. I went through a bottle of the mango white balsamic in no time (best vinegar ever), so I decided to order more flavors of vinegar than one human should ever need. JUSTIFICATION: I’m planning to keep them in my pantry for gifts. Buuuuut I’m worried I’m going to end up dipping into every flavor just so I can sample. I have personally tried the mango, cranberry pear, and jalapeno – all of them outrageously delicious. I also have bought and used the olive oil from this same company and a few of the spice blends.
As for what I do with the vinegar: I use it in recipes that call for vinegar (salad dressings, marinades), but it’s also so flavorful and tasty on it’s own that I regularly whisk equal parts vinegar and olive oil and toss it with a simple salad. Divine.
How Did This Happen?
Unbelievably, I started this blog just a few weeks after this picture was taken, almost 15 years ago.
Even more unbelievable is that some of you have been around for almost that entire time. 💗
Earlier this week that cute little boy in the blue PJ’s up there turned 18.
Me: WHO AM I AND HOW DID I GET HERE?
Also me: DON’T GET ATTACHED, THEY GROW UP AND LEAVE YOU.
Finally me: 😭💗😭💗😭💗😭💗😭💗😭💗😭💗😭💗😭💗
Millions of kids throughout history have grown up, graduated high school, and launched into the big, wide world. I’m certainly no pioneer. And yet, I feel like the first mom who has ever experienced the lump-in-my-throat, bittersweet emotions watching her oldest son go through this phase of life. My heart is full of love…and also ripping to shreds.
I just honestly don’t feel old enough for this. Can we pause life for about 10 years (but only if it can be done exactly when all the teenagers in my house are in a good mood)? Pretty please?
Sourdough (Don’t Roll Your Eyes)
I haven’t personally gotten into making rustic, gorgeous loaves of rustic sourdough bread. You know the ones: the bread with incredible sourdough flavor and also crust so sharp it bleeds the top of your mouth dry. Yeah, those ones.
But I have become mildly obsessed with sourdough discard recipes.
Now is just a gentle reminder and nudge to get your hands on a sourdough starter (or make your own so it has time to grow and get ready to use), because I’m posting an easy sourdough discard recipe next week that is going to knock your socks off.
And I’m also working on the softest, fluffiest sourdough sandwich bread and a perfected sourdough waffle recipe.
If you are cringing at the thought of the sourdough recipes to come, don’t worry. I promise my blog isn’t turning into Sourdough Central…there are just a few recipes I’m super excited to share before I lose interest. 🙂
My Brother’s Wedding
My favorite younger brother, Nate, got married last month, and I was very, very honored (and also very, very nervous) to take the photos and make the cake for his wedding.
Because I had to drive six hours to the wedding, I baked the cake layers ahead of time and then made the frosting and assembled and decorated the cake at the AirBnb in Portland, Oregon.
After perusing the Pinterest boards Nate and Tim sent me for inspiration, I went with a rustic/woodsy vibe. I used this chocolate cake recipe for two 9-inch layers topped with two 7-inch layers.
In between the layers I spread dark chocolate ganache sprinkled with dark chocolate crispy chocolate pearls aff. link (sidenote: those crispy pearls are the best thing to happen to life – I decorate cakes/cupcakes/cookies with them, but mostly, I eat them by the handful; so delightfully yummy)
Tim prefers less-sweet frosting (as do I!), so I made this buttery magical frosting to frost the outside of the cake layers.
(I bought the engraved cake knife and server from Etsy, as well as the cake topper. The acacia cake board is from Amazon aff. link)
The cake ended up tasting quite delicious…but mostly, I was just happy it didn’t collapse while driving an hour through Portland traffic to the venue. Special shoutout to my amazing mom who held the assembled cake on her lap the entire drive.
I love my brother, Nate, more than I can express in a blog post. He’s not just my brother, he is one of my closest friends.
His life story is not mine to tell, but I will say that if you’ve been blessed to know Nate in the 40 years he’s been on this earth, you’ll know how lucky you are. He’s warm and genuine. Authentic and kind. He’s a phenomenal father. He’s wickedly smart. And he is also very, very funny.
I am so incredibly grateful for the man he is, the life he is living, and the fact that he’s now blessed me with an amazing brother-in-law, Tim, who patiently listens to me talk about sourdough starters and pigs. (Bless you, Tim, bless you.)
This is me probably giving Nate the side eye at some joke he made. He and I are always arguing about who is funnier. I mean, Nate is SUPER funny, but is this still even a debate?? You guys, please believe me: I am older, wiser, and definitely funnier. 😉
Tummy Troubles
I have had increasing stomach issues for months. I know it’s a combination of stress/anxiety, family history of IBS, and some inflammatory foods on my particular tummy.
I recently did an elimination diet where most of my meals consisted of things like this:
Which looks yummy for half a second until you eat it every dang day for weeks on end and realize that there is no true joy without chocolate, cheese and carbs.
The upside is that I’ve been able to identify some foods that are causing me stomach issues. Along with that, I’ve also been taking these digestive enzymes + probiotics (aff. link) and have noticed a huge difference for the better when I take them.
Some News Resources I Like
I, like many of you, feel the heaviness of world events right now, particularly the war in Ukraine. If you are like me and want to stay informed without feeling overwhelmed by all the loud voices and huge amount of misinformation, here are the sites/resources I check.
- @sharonsaysso (she posts most of her information on her Instagram stories)
- @mosheh (he posts most of his info in Instagram stories as well, but he also has a very helpful email bulletin you can subscribe to)
- The Donut daily email (I love this quick synopsis of world events + other information + random tidbits)
- @smarthernews and @theamericanmoms and @ridethenews have also been great informational resources for me
- @wiserworldpodcast (here’s the website) is a new-to-me podcast (and a fairly new podcast altogether) that is incredibly helpful with short-ish episodes about countries and historical events (the four episodes on the last 100 years in Russia and Ukraine were so, so informative and interesting)
Additionally, I’ve been following the work of World Central Kitchen in Ukraine right now, and the amount of meals this organization makes to feed the hungry is absolutely mind-blowing. I’ve personally donated to World Central Kitchen and to Save The Children for their efforts in Ukraine right now. These are just two of many, many worthy and reputable organizations needing donations right now. 💗
Y’all. WHY DO I ALWAYS HAVE SO MUCH TO SAY.
Thanks for being here and for sticking with me and my randomness (for those of you that make it to the end every time). I love your guts. Just so much.
Let me know how you’re doing in the comments? Yes, please do.
136 Comments on “Friday Thoughts: Favorite Things + Follow Up”
Im a little late to the party but had to chime in… must look up those jeans! So cute. We just enrolled our oldest in high school and am feeling the beginnings of the letting go pain, can’t believe it’s going by so fast. Another news source you might like is the Epoch Times, comes online or in an actual newspaper. Love the cake you made for your brother. Thank you for all the work you do on your blog, I’ve been following for ten years and I’ve learned so much about cooking from you.
I basically just lurk around your blog pretty regularly, and I’m not here to point fingers… but if I may, it is entirely your fault that I have a sourdough start brewing in the back of my fridge. Those pumpkin muffins were/are worth it… but I need more. You feel free to post allllllllll the sour dough things! I love what I’ve learned from you!
Congrats to Nate and Tim… they are lovely, and the setting in the few pictures you posted is EVERYTHING! I love the PNW! Such a beautiful area!
The cake looks amazing and PLEASE give me ALL the sourdough recipes!! LOVE it so much and don’t understand how to do it and never feel like I get anything that actually tastes really sourdough-y!
I just got the pants you recommend and tried them on (they fit and feel lovely). My 7 year old saw them, pointed to the hole in the right knee and said “are those the new pants you just got? Are they from the DI?” Fashion is hard!
Hi! First time commenting. Congrats on your eldest’s mission call! You can pat yourself on the back knowing you have raised a righteous man! I only have one son and it was soooooo hard for me to say good-bye. Hoooo-boy! Lots and lots of tears! But!! The days may go by slowly but the years go by quickly. And the man that comes back? Changed. Changed in so many good ways! My guy went to the Philippines and came back with an accent (!), a love for the humble people of the islands, and, of course, a love of righteous service. I love your recipes – they’re easy! and I adore your faux farm! Keep up the great work and know that I’m sending you a hug now for that upcoming day in August.
I have made lots of your recipes over the years but was hesitant to subscribe until I read this post. Thank you for sharing your love for your brother and his husband. As I celebrate my anniversary today with my husband, I truly connect with the power of love and commitment. And Yasso bars? Where have these been my whole life?
My oldest is only 2 and I still get worked up thinking she will actually leave our house one day! Which is why I’m taking advantage of this sick day to get in lots of snuggles.
Would you mind telling us how you went about the elimination diet? IBS sufferer here too!
I finally took time to sit down and read this, and now I have so many things to look up, I’m eyeing those jeans especially! The cake turned out so amazing, love it. So happy for your brother and his new husband. ❤️
Big hugs, Mel. You’re an amazing blogger, friend, mom, sister, daughter, and wife. You’re basically just amazing. 🙂
Mel, thank you for a great post! I almost got teary-eyed reading about your son. Our families are very similar, I also have 4 boys and a girl and my oldest turned 18, 2 months ago and will graduate from high school this spring and is planning on an LDS mission in the fall. I have to constantly keep myself in check to not start crying everytime he says things like, “my last Christmas at home, my last general conference st home!” I really had no idea it would be like this! But i’m sure, like you said, if others have done it and survived, i’m sure we will, too! Hang in there, my friend! Pray for me and I’ll pray for you ❤
This post is beautiful! Time marches on, and I feel as young as I ever did but my babes are evidence of aging
My friends and I talk about your recipes as if we were your dear friends, which we are not but we love talking about dear Mel and the latest recipe of yours we have enjoyed.
I love me a wedding, the beauty of family and supporting each other through life. Ordering the chocolate crisps you put in the cake are now on my priority.
Your blog delights me, your recipes feed my family, and am grateful you are here.
Beautiful cake you made there! Also, I live in Wyoming and fortunately I get to live by Queen Bee chocolates and please do yourself a favor and buy the chocolate covered mint honey drops. AMAZING. Also, my little brother is gay as well and just got married a couple years ago. I’m happy he’s happy for now but I worry about him in the future. And…your kids are just beautiful
My little mountain grocery store had Safe and Fair granola- even the birthday cake flavor. I snatched some up after your post and I am so glad I did- delicious! Thanks for all of your thoughts, recipes and sharing a bit of your wonderful family with us.
I used your website for recipes on a weekly basis. I love so many recipes and feel we have similar ideas on home cooked family meals. I’ve felt very grateful for your time and effort into each post. I wanted to comment on a post for the first time because I was touched of the way you talked about your brother and new brother-in-law. The care into the cake and sharing your love warmed my heart. Best of wishes to you and your family and thank you.
I’m not sure I’ve ever posted before but I’ve been following you for well over 10 years. I loved the wedding cake and congratulations to Tim and Nate! I also have a son who is in Grade 12 and was looking forward to graduating and starting university in September and 3 weeks ago we were shocked to find out he has acute myeloid leukaemia (he has rarely had even a cold in 17 years). Now graduation and university are on hold while he is undergoing 6 months of chemo and then will need a bone marrow transplant. We are all beyond devastated to say the least. I used to get very anxious and sad about him leaving home for university but now I would give absolutely anything to see him going off to school happy and healthy. So hug your boy tight. Life can change in a heartbeat. If you have a prayer to spare we could sure use it.
Kim, I will pray for you and your son! My brother had a bone marrow transplant about 6 years ago, it was a very scary time for our family, especially for my brother’s wife and 3 small children. But 6 years later, my brother has been given a clean bill of health and is thriving! I hope and pray for a bright future for your son as well!
My daughter was diagnosed a few months ago with Leukemia as well (ALL). Hoping his treatments go well! It is a hard battle.
Beautiful post my friend!!! Love your long hair and cool shoes and AMAZING cake! How are our kids graduating and leaving home??? Ugh!
My favorite post yet!
I’ve never met your brother Nate, but I feel like I have. We moved into his ward in Connecticut shortly after he moved out in 2011 and everyone always had such great things to say about him. We have MANY mutual FB friends of people I dearly love. Congratulations to him. I also can totally relate to your stage of life. When my oldest left on his mission 4 years ago, it truly felt like the end of an era. Now he’s returned and thriving at BYU and we’re awaiting the return of our second oldest in six short months. There are days you just want to turn back time, but it’s so fun to embrace the next stage too. Love & Hugs.
Love your Friday thoughts posts. You are amazing! That wedding cake looks so beautiful! Please share more sourdough recipes, I have been obsessed with making sourdough bread lately.
Speaking on sourdough I have loved this resource and think this is the best sourdough sandwich bread EVER!
https://melissaknorris.com/best-beginner-sourdough-sandwich-bread-no-yeast/
I enjoy the recipes you share and always look forward to new ones. Will be looking forward to your recipes for using the sourdough discard.
Thanks for your blog!
Perfect post is perfect, love every word of it. Congrats on your blog anniversary, and especially big congrats to Nate and Tim!
Mel, I still remember in early 2009 when we invited new friends over for dinner and they brought your divine breadsticks. Life has changed so much since then—five moved across two different states, career changes, another baby, ups and downs, triumph and heartache. With so much change very little stays the same, but even through all the chaos and ups and downs—those divine breadsticks still make an appearance for every birthday and holiday . Your recipes have followed us through life’s twists and turns. I’m just a bit behind you, my daughter is almost done with Junior year. Crazy times indeed.
Thanks for everything! The food, the gift ideas, and probably most importantly for your prodding us all to get checked for skin cancer! You’ve made quite an impact on us ❤️.
Hold up there hot mama- it was just a little while ago you brought that darling little firstborn over to visit just after I had been married! What the what? 18 years?! I’m kinda in disbelief myself that my oldest is coming up on her Junior year. You’re family is just beautiful. And those jeans? You looks amazing. Ya right you eat crispy chocolate pearl thinger schnockers by the handful! Love your guts!!
Congratulations to Nate & Tim! Thank you for sharing. Beautiful cake. It looks amazing.
No such thing as too many sourdough recipes! I’m obsessed!
Love your Friday Thoughts as well as all your posts. Meals in our house are so much better thanks to you!
Your jeans are adorable! So impressed you did a wedding cake. That is my nightmare and you did a fab job! Happy for your cute 18-year-old and your cute brother!
Thank you for sharing and God Bless Nate and Tim and you for being the kind caring person you are not only to your brother but to your entire blog! Love your recipes and your real life attitude!
Love these chats! Good luck with it all. Empty nester here. Wow, what an adjustment! Thank you for sharing you, your fam and delicious recipes. My husband will ask “is this one of Mel’s recipes?” and he isn’t talking about me. . ❤️Mel
Congratulations to your brother and brother-in-law. Awesome cake – beautiful and sounds totally delicious. Yum…..
Sourdough – best thing ever. No such thing as too many sourdough recipes.
Yasso bars – I confess I hide them and never share.
Thank you for your amazing blog. The best …
Hooray for Nate & Tim! Your cake looks absolutely gorgeous Congratulations on adding a brother/son in-law to the family. Thank you for sharing your joy!
I’ve not found a time when you have too much to say. Rather you do a great job of getting the point over in a succinct and organized manner.
Being a retired chemist with time available, I’ve taken up kitchen chemistry as a pastime… Of all the blogs available i must say i find yours among the most enjoyable… I also have noticed that the recipes you publish tend to work out the best… Perhaps it is that we are at about the same elevation with the same weather conditions, as my family recipes require some modifications to achieve the familiar taste and texture from my childhood…
At any rate, please keep it up as you can, without causing yourself undue hardship. Remember your health and happiness is worth more than any job!
Karl, I just have to say I loved your comments! That is all.
Mel, you are a delight! I love your blog and your yummy recipes. Your twisted orange rolls are what I’ve baked most recently. Wow! So delicious, beautiful and easy to make. Thank you! Everything you share is appreciated. Big hugs!
I love your Friday thoughts! And I can’t believe it’s been 15 years you’ve been doing your blog!! I was one of your early followers and have loved the journey and all you share! Thank you!!
I love these Friday Thoughts and it’s always over so quick because it’s so engaging! Congrats to your brother and BIL!
For your gut issues, try taking a guy microbiome test. We have done the gut intelligence and health intelligence tests from viome and can’t speak highly enough of the digestive peace and good health that we enjoy when we follow the personalised test result guidelines. They are affordable and backed by the most progressive and reliable science available (in a market that is crowded with fad diets and non Science based information) the founder Naveen Jain is a very inspirational man to follow. https://www.viome.com/
Mel, can we still be friends if I don’t know what sourdough discard is?
I’ve been around since a friend shared “Summer Garden Vegetable Soup” with me about 11 years ago. I thought Mel was some man chef when she told me to check out your website.
I appreciate you so much!
I live 25 miles from the original Queen Bee Honey store, and we have one in our town. I feel like I owe you a lot of yummy Queen Bee treats for all the amazing recipes you share for free! You spend so much time making my life easier! People always ask where I get my delicious recipes, and I tell them about my best friend Mel who I have never met in real life but feel like I know through your awesome blog!
Been here forever, it’s been good. Best wishes to your brother and brother in law. The cake was beautiful.
You are definitely funnier than Nate !
What a wonderful post and that wedding cake is amazing. Congratulations to the happy couple, they look very happy. Mel, what an honor being the loving sister, photographer and baker. As for your son turning 18, I get it. My husband and I only have one child, well, she’s an adult now, but if I could get those years back, my heart would soar.
I love you Mel, you are the sweetest, cutest little mom. So refreshing and so inspiring. You make me want to be a better person, better mom and grandma. Love all your recipes, everything I’ve tried has been delicious. You are a wonderful sister, congratulations to your brother and BIL! Family is the best!
I always make it to the end, for several reasons. You are talented, generous, funny, and lived by so many. Including Nate and Tim.
And I’m too chicken to make sourdough. It feels like such a commitment.
I love all the random thoughts! I think in waves like that and it makes sense to me to have all sorts of things going on!
That lumpy throat over your son being 18 and graduating is a lump of love. So hard to let them go. When my oldest was leaving for college, people used to give me the, “he’s a good kid”, “you raised him right”, “he won’t be too far away” and it meant zero to me. I knew all those things, it was that he was leaving and the normal I had known with him for 18 years was ending. We were going to have to figure out a new normal…my husband, me, his younger siblings. It took some adjusting, that is for sure. It is okay to be sad, it is a sadness that is wrapped up and based in love. <3
You were recommended by a great friend of mine that had me to lunch and fixed one of your recipes. She was gracious enough to give me the recipe which motivated me to join. I am looking forward to enjoying receiving your posts.
Thanks
Congratulations to your brother and his husband! Beautiful pictures!
My oldest son graduated 2 years ago, and left home to be a missionary. It’s not easy! My heart still hasn’t recovered from the loss of my cute little boy, even though I’m so excited to see him grow and move on, as he should. My oldest daughter is graduating in May, and leaving for college, and it still isn’t easy the second time around!!!
Thank you for years and years of delicious food, and entertaining commentary. I’ve been around since the early days. My family’s favorite recipe is your Chicken Corn Chowder. After 13 years we still have it regularly.
These kind of posts are my absolute favorite!! It feels like a chat with a friend.
I love this!!! Thank you so much for sharing all the “feels” of your life experiences (of late) that most of us will or have gone through at some point.
I was BEYOND THRILLED to read about your stomach issues. JK! I of course would never wish stomach problems on anyone but I am currently trying to figure out my own gastric issues. Knowing that you are a phenom in the kitchen, you have given me hope that I might figure ME out AND still be able to eat good food!
I love sourdough bread, but way too much work for me. My sister and I just spent 3 weeks in Arizona and she makes awesome sourdough bread, so we had that every day we were there and sourdough pancakes form her discards, very delicious.
I’m form north central Montana, where do your folks live?
Love this post, use your recipes daily and all of your favorite things become mine! Thank you for sharing it all!
Beautiful cake! Congratulations to your brother and your new brother in law, they look so happy!
Where did you get the cute shoes you are wearing in the photo with your even cuter brother & bro in law? Congrats to them!! And to you for that GORGEOUS cake!
I had to comment about that cake: you did amazing! I’ve dived into the world of cake decorating and did my first wedding cake a year ago; isn’t it fun and so nerve racking?!
Your kids are all so good lookin’ and grown up, and I will be there with you crying ugly tears in 8 short years.
I’ve always wanted to try those pickles; now I will! And sourdough has me curious, so keep it coming.
Congrats to your old and new brother: many blessings on their life together! They radiate happiness.
Love your posts and you!
I’ve been around this blog from nearly the beginning, and I love your guts, Mel! I can’t get over how grown up your kids are! I did a 6-week elimination diet last fall (over Thanksgiving!). No soy, dairy (including eggs), gluten, beef or pork. I am now gluten free and I’ve cut back on dairy, and boy does my gut feel better! I’m also taking high-quality probiotics. I wish you all the best on your healing. Thanks for sharing your life with us; you are a rockstar!
Hi Mel! I always love reading your blog and tasting your delicious recipes. I’ve commented on this before, but your website is the one my husband and I always go to first. Though we’ve never met, we talk about you as if you’re family and we’re on a first name basis!! You’ll hear “This (recipe) is from Mel,” several times a week.
I don’t know your brother so I can’t compare, but I definitely think you’re funny.! The pictures are gorgeous, and Nate and Tim make a handsome couple! How lucky they are to have such a talented sister who can make the cake AND do the photography for their wedding! Congratulations to them!
As always, thanks for your entertaining blog. I’m definitely going to check out some of your recommendations. I think it’s time to buy me some new jeans!
Thank you for all of your fun posts and all of the delicious recipes! I’m one of those that has been with you since the beginning, and I’m still coming back and always excited to try a new recipe or repeat our favorites. Thank you!!!
You are one of my top favorite food bloggers, for recipe variety, ease of replicating, deliciousness, and being a sheer joy to read. And you aren’t propped up by sponsorships! I look forward to each post. This one, covering your love of family and deep compassion for Ukrainians, was truly eloquent.
Please don’t apologize for sending out sourdough recipes….discard or 100%. I started into sourdough last fall by making a starter and am having a blast making bread and other delicious sourdough discard recipes! Keep ’em comin’!! Thanks so much!
I have been following your blog for years. as I was scrolling through it today I realized I know your brother Nate! He used to live here in Sandy, OR. I don’t recall him saying his sister was the world famous Mel. What a small world. I agree, he is a great guy. I wish him all the best.
I just love these Friday thoughts posts! After following you for more than a decade, I weirdly feel like I am getting an update from an old friend : ) I can’t believe your oldest is 18?! I mean I saw your post about it on Instagram, but 18 just feels so different than any other year. My oldest is 15 and about to start high school, and I know these last few years with him home are going to fly! Thanks for the recommendation for the supplements. I have huge tummy troubles (also some genetic) and I know my next step is an elimination diet and I keep postponing…I mean what can I eat? That’s a bit dramatic but it sounds like you had similar thoughts. I appreciated you talking about that. Your brother Nate sounds like an awesome brother, and your BIL sounds awesome too! Family is just the best! And that cake was absolutely beautiful and sounds so delicious!
I think I have been with you for the last 14 years and it has been awesome! Your brother’s wedding looks amazing and so does the cake! It is a divine cake with your divine chocolate buttercream frosting. I made it last week. So good! I will have to try that granola. I love granola! Hope you feel better with your tummy issues! I have 4 kids, and my oldest 3 are in grad school/college and I have one boy at home still who is a junior in HS. It is a gut wrenching experience when they leave, but honestly the joy you feel when you see them succeed and spread their wings and make their own mistakes and soar is pretty amazing! I honestly hate senior year of high school and am not looking forward to next year, but it is my last one, so I need to appreciate that, but know you are not alone in your mom feelings! You are completely normal! It is a normal and natural thing! Bless you and love you Mel! Thanks for all you do!!!
That cake was beautiful. Congrats to your brother and BIL! I’m with your BIL…less sugar in frosting is best. I am so curious on what you decided to do regarding microblading…I guess I will wait! Love your Friday thoughts. I was thinking this morning I wished you had one (that makes me sound lame…promise I have friends). Then I looked up your buttermilk waffle recipe and my wish came true! I’m going to check out those pants. I’ve lived in joggers since my last baby and now he’s not a baby…it’s time to branch out. Thanks for all the recommendations, your recipes and for being a friend to all of us!
I love random, probably because my mind jumps likes frogs on a hot tin lid. here’s a thought about children leaving-this is something we liked to teach our grandchildren as they begin flying– AS missionaries tasked with creating a history of this project, we take hundreds of pictures to help tell the story of the project. Taking photographs is a skill that use to take years to master and was an expensive hobby. Now with modern digital cameras, one can take a really nice picture by putting the camera on the automatic setting and letting the camera decide the focus length, the apertures setting, even what in the view finder to focus on. And most of the time you will get a good photograph. Consider however that by always using ‘auto’ you give up the opportunity to be creative and do the unexpected. There is a lesson we can apply to our lives. Each day we can choose to live our lives on ‘automatic’ and let the world around us decide what we think, say, and do or we can choose ‘manual’ and dare to be original, creative, and flexible. If we do, we may find that our life is filled with greater joy, understanding and beauty. As Dr. Suess says, “you have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose”.
Thanks for sharing! My baby boy will be 18 this June and graduating. Moms love their boys (and girls too) Your recipes and blog/website is my favorite and I’ve been a follower for many, many years. I like that what you post is real life. Blessings to you and the family as they grow!
Thanks for sharing a whole lot of love, and a whole lot of laughter. They are in short supply right now. The wedding looks just beautiful. And the pickles. Thank u for sharing the pickles.
Love, love, love your blog!! I’ve followed for AZ almost 14 years and visit it daily! That wedding cake looks so elegant, and I know it tastes divine if you made it
Okay, I never comment. But this post made me cry. Big ugly alligator tears. I’m so happy your brother found someone to love ❤️. And the cake is gorgeous!
I’ve only been following your blog for maybe 7 years, but your recipes have saved my sanity many times. When I just don’t know what to make for dinner I know I can choose pretty much anything you post and the family will be happy.
I’ve always paid attention when you recommend something and these recommendations are spot on for me. Queen Bee Gardens is based in my hometown and we have loved their candy for many years. My mom always brings some when she visits or sends a box of truffles for birthdays. Great stuff! Also plan on trying the granola and the vinegar! I found sharonsaysso through your recommendations and her Instagram account has become one of my favorites—a quiet voice of education and sanity amidst the raging tribalism we seem to be stuck in right now.
Thanks for your courage in sharing a bit of yourself and your life with others. It is a hard thing to manage the the complaints, criticisms, and judgments that invariably come when you open yourself up to strangers.
Thanks for sharing Mel! I love your Friday posts, there the best.
Thank you for sharing your life with all of us! You are an incredible lady. Thank you for your warm loving example. I LOVE Friday thoughts! You’ve taught this grandma many things. Yes, children grow up way to fast! You do wonder wheee the time went. Congratulations on 15 years!
I love you Mel! Thanks for making us all a part of your life! The wedding cake is gorgeous! Congrats to your brother and his lucky man. What a handsome pair!
I jumped on the sourdough bandwagon later, but as soon as I did, a lot of my stomach problems cleared up. Yahoo! It also coincided with my cutting a lot of sugar out of my diet, so that helped too. Thank goodness dark chocolate is low(er) on sugar so I can still be happy!
Looking forward to more awesome Mel recipes.
Is your son going away? I’m so mad at mankind right now. Everyone warns you about a baby, but then when they’re ready to leave home-it’s just way way harder and nobody talks about that transition and you’re not supposed to TELL your kid you can’t survive it because then THEY’LL have doubts but I CAN’T SURVIVE IT.
Ok your brother is SO blessed to have a sis who steps in as photographer and cake maker! And I love picturing your mom assembling it on her lap
Dearest Mel.
How lucky we all are to know you! I love a Friday thoughts post, and rarely make it through one without giggling AND tearing up. Congratulations to your darling brother and his husband. And kudos to your mom, for keeping that incredible cake in one piece!
Right there with you on proud/crying/heart-overflowing love/total bewilderment of having a (nearly) grown baby! Deep breaths, hugs, lots of dark chocolate
All best wishes for the beautiful couple! (Confession: this is the first “naked” frosted cake I’ve seen that I thought- wow, that’s gorgeous, now I get it. :)) Thank you for sharing the photos of family love and joy (esp side-eye laughing). I’m sure there is a lot of struggle and growth there, too, so all the sweeter to be able to celebrate truth, commitment, and love. <3
Mel,
I love your blog! I have fed my family with recipes for the past 10 years! I’m pretty excited about these sourdough recipes you have coming. Thank you for being who you are and letting me be a part of your journey in life!
I’ve been following you since before I started my own recipe blog, and that was 11 years ago. We’ve been through kids and cancer together. Love your tribute to your brother and BIL. Love is love, and the world certainly needs more of it. I have to tell you that I laugh whenever you say one of your recipes freezes well. How can you possibly have any food left over to freeze when you have all those teenage boys in the house!
I just ran to Target and picked up the Birthday Cake granola. I am dyyyying. I can’t stop eating it right from the bag!!
I’ve been around this blog for a long time, Mel! I love your guts :] I recently did an elimination diet – 6 weeks with no gluten, dairy (including butter & eggs), soy, beef, and pork. And I’m now gluten free and have cut way back on dairy. And I’m bummed out that soy sauce has gluten! But I’m subbing coconut aminos, so that’s not so bad. I have also been taking some heavy-duty probiotics. My gut is sooooo much better! Wishing you luck in your healing journey! Thanks for sharing your life; you are a rockstar 🙂
All. The. Feels. about the kiddos growing up. My recently flew the coop as well, and it seemed to me that everyone around me was fine while I was ugly crying at every “last” event. But here is what I will tell you – it gets better. Having high school kids at home was an absolutely dream, but having college kids is EVEN BETTER! You get all the highs and lows without having that referred stress of every homework assignment, paper due date, etc. You just get the highlight reel and it is amazing. Your house rarely needs to be clean, you get FABULOUS time with your husband, and you get to absolutely shower them with attention when they are home. I promise, you are not alone – it is so super hard. But getting to watch your kids grow into adults and see what they do with everything you have taught them is truly one of God’s biggest blessings. And someday we will have grandbabies to spoil. 🙂
I enjoyed reading all your Friday thoughts Mel (yes, I always read to the end!)!! This is such a fun and positive thing to read on my lunch break! Thanks for sharing, and I’m going to be checking out several of your recommendations later today! Thanks for being a great person!!
Mel, I love your blog. I’ve made your recipes probably hundreds of times and I appreciate you so much.
I love that you honored your brother by baking a cake for him on his wedding day. I love that your mom held it carefully on her lap the whole way. Powerful image, powerful example.
Ohhh the blogspot days!! Lol! Can’t believe it’s been that long since the beginning of this awesome food adventure. Glad I stuck around because you’ve saved dinner for me more than once. Also, I like bragging that I’ve known you since before the blog haha!! Also, I hate to say it, but once the first one turns 18, it seems like the rest follow even quicker. You’ll be less teary until the last one turns, which I am only two years away from
Love reading your posts, watching your family grow up, all your randomness. Without the recipes you share, my family would like me a whole lot less. 😉 Thanks for YOU!!!!
Every time you’ve write a Friday post, I . . . love you more. 🙂 Congratulations to your brother & BIL. The cake looks awesome! (And I know it tasted awesome, because I’ve made your chocolate cake like, a billion times. It’s our most-requested cake and I’ll be making it for 3 birthdays in the span of a month this spring. Most recently I used your chocolate cake + Cake by Courtney’s fillings for her Salted Caramel Turtle Pie Pecan recipe. Yummy)
I have 3 boys and they are growing so fast, I can definitely relate to this sense of fleeting motherhood. You’ve got a lovely family, and I am blown away by your thoughtful and loving approach to parenting 5 kiddos! Thank you for always being yourself and sharing so much of your life with us, your lucky readers.
I’ve been around about 12 years. I love your recipes! I know I’m going to love them and always come back! Thanks for sharing yummy food and authenticity!
I don’t know exactly how long I have been following you but I know it is at least 12-13 years I believe. Maybe longer. My youngest is 18 and graduating high school and although part of me is happy to be done with our lives revolving around school schedules for the past 18 years, I also feel like you. After two that are married already, I was not ready for this stage of life to come so quickly. So as your teenagers are mouthing off to you and giving you a “tone” in their voice, just remember that it will be over soon and you will someday miss even the hard moments because it means that they are still around. Now I will go off and cry!
That ended up sounding more dramatic than I wanted it to. 🙂 I typed in emojis but I always forget that they don’t translate into the comments. 🙂
I loved this blog post so much. I ordered both supplements from your affiliate link. Also, the cake that you made your brother and BIL is so beautiful and “cottage-core”, I love it. My own doctor ordered me to dramatically cut back on carbs to control blood sugar, so I must live vicariously through pics. Also, I love the brief commentary and beautiful photos of Nate & Tim – thank you for being one of the first openly religious figures who is also so purely kind (based on my personal experiences, the two are almost always seemingly mutually exclusive. Virtual hugs and best wishes to them!
I’m adding my voice of love and appreciation for the job, positivity, authenticity and humor these posts bring. Like for so many others, you are a one-name reference for countless things in our home (“Mel said we should make this cake,” or “Let’s see what Mel says about what bowls to get.”). Thank you, thank you, and congrats to your brother and his lovely husband!
I sure appreciate the laughs and yummy recipes you’ve provided for me and my family over the years. I’m totally feeling many of the same things as you right now. I’m also the mother of five, and my oldest is about to graduate and tears are often close to the surface when I think about it. It’s a weird combination of being so proud of her, and sadness that she won’t be living in our house next year. Good thing I’ve got four more kiddos to keep me busy so I don’t think too much about it. .
I am pretty sure I have been here the entire 15 years. Thanks for teaching me how to be a rockstar in the kitchen. My sister went to your beloved neighbors funeral and snuck a picture of you playing the organ since I consider you my virtual bestie. Ha.
Good luck as your kids start leaving the nest. When my oldest left for college I cried for 2 weeks straight. So many feels. Good luck!!
❤️ Congratulations to your Nate and the groom Tim! The cake and pics are …You are amazing Mel
I’m curious to hear what you’ve discovered with your food elimination run. I feel like so many are experiencing this right now, myself included. Is it pesticides in food, GMO? I have no idea but I like to hear what’s causing your stomach grief and how you’re coping. Thanks!
Was there another cake that you shared in your stories last week? I thought I saw a cookies and cream cake linked from another source that looked amazing. Our family loves on your recipes! Thanks for the hard work you put into bringing delicious meals to our home.
It is the cookies and cream cake from http://www.cakebycourtney.com, I believe Mel said she did her own chocolate cake recipe, and did Courtney’s filling. Either way, it’s such a yummy cake!
Thank you! I could not remember who she referenced but already made the mistake of say cookies and cream cake out loud to my family.
I love your Friday thoughts!! My jaw dropped when you featured Queen Bee! Say WHAT?!?! We moved to Northern Wyoming 3 years ago and have fallen in love with them… as in a big box of chocolates and caramels for Valentines and birthdays and any time we’re just needing a candy fix! They really are so great
I love your Friday thoughts! Thanks for taking the time to do them.
Always love these posts, random thoughts are my favorite kind of thoughts. And watching your kids leave home is the worst. And I love my adult girls so much, but parenting from far away is a new territory I don’t much enjoy either. This isn’t very encouraging, is it?! Sorry. It’s the truth.
And I gotta try all those yummy things! The pantry got a bit boring while we moved and I stopped making interesting food!
Congratulations to your bro! What great pics and a beautiful cake! I wish them nothing but good wishes! My oldest is also 18, graduating soon and going to college 15!!!! hours away. My heart hurts too. I will miss him so much, but it’s his turn to fly away from the nest. Great post as usual! Making your greek chicken salad today.
Wow! 15 years. I’ve been reading since Cam was a baby and I have wondered since then how you do it all! Congratulations!
The cake you made for your brother and brother-in-law is exceptional! Congratulations to them as well. It’s so nice to find someone to share your life with; everything is more fun; the sun seems to shine brighter and dark days aren’t as dark.
Please don’t ever stop, you are always my first “go to” when I need a recipe.
I tried the granola you mentioned and it is spectacular! I guess I will have to try the vinegar too! But I am dubious about the carpenter jeans-if I wore them as a teen can I wear them now?
I love Sharon Says So too.
Congratulations to your brother and his husband!
I need the details on the micro blading ASAP, my eyebrows are a little sparse.
One last thing, my oldest is almost 20 and it is just fun now that he is older, different too. It is great.
You made me laugh and cry. I don’t usually do that for recipe blogs!
Congrats on 15 years and to your brother. Beautiful pictures and cake. Thanks for the info on the jeans.
I just LOVE your Friday posts! I haven’t been here from the very beginning, but pretty close. Kids growing up on us is so hard as a Mom. I mean, it IS what we’ve been working toward their whole life, but it is still hard when they launch out into the world. I’m happy to hear you’re finding some answers on stomach issues. We haven’t had much luck figuring out what is causing my daughter’s.
Way to go on that wedding cake and being the photographer too! You are a woman of many talents. Thanks for sharing your talents with us! Now excuse me while I go find that vinegar and granola and jeans…I’m not influenced by many “influencers” online, but if you say its good I’m trying it! 😉 Have a great day!
First, congratulations to your brother and his new husband! Thank you for sharing about them and their wedding. Second, I found wiser world through you and find it very helpful (as someone who learned and left it!). Third – I’m ordering those probiotics!!! Hopeful they’ll help me too.
I love these updates! It makes me feel like we’re real friends instead of me just stalk/ following you for years. I’ve been here for forever (the bourbon chicken was my first Mel recipe. How long ago was that?) And just can’t get enough.
Your brother’s wedding cake sounds delicious and looks great! So happy for them and love all the cute happy wedding pics.
I’m also feeling that teenager in the house, please-don’t-grow-up-so-fast anxiousness lately. Like I just want all the good memories with them before they get too old and leave forever. My oldest is a girl and that ABBA/ Mamma Mia song, Slipping through My Fingers, has been hitting close lately. It’s wonderful and amazing to see my little people become big people, but yes, a pause would be nice.
Anyway, thanks for all the great recs and the lift.
Hi, Mel! I’ve followed you from the beginning and through your cancer journey. And your beautiful children growing up!
Unfortunately, it’s time in my life for me to unsubscribe. Thank you for your recipes and for sharing your heart!
I just wanted to say Goodbye, and may God bless you and your family!
Jo, Your comment was very encouraging to me. I recently found AGtv which has uncompromising biblical content. I’m not an advertiser, just another Christian mom trying to exercise discernment. God bless.
Holly,
Your comment was encouraging to me, as was Jo’s.
I can’t believe how time flies; I think I’ve been following you almost for your whole time blogging. And I totally get all of the emotions with your oldest turning 18. When my oldest did, I seriously cried over every event. And milestone. A friend described it to me as mourning that the period of your life you’ve known and loved as a mom to kids at home is coming to an end. I think there is truth to that. The blessing is that I can tell you there is happiness and joy on the other side as well. As well as extra appreciation for the times your kids are all home visiting or for holidays. <3
On a different note, YAY for sourdough discard recipes! I love baking sourdough but haven't yet tried any discard recipes I like enough to retry. Granted, I have only tried a few but they were fails. So I've been dumping discard into my trash weekly only to refeed my starter to keep her happy.
Have you been tested for H. piLori?? It’s part of the stomach bacteria in the lining of your stomach but it can get between the layers and cause much stomach upset. I had it years ago and went through much the same.. elimination diet etc. finally decided to do a biopsy and scope to see what was happening and that’s how they found it. I had previously had a blood test for h. PiLori but it showed negative.
I’m starting some sourdough starter soon and so will definitely try your recipes!!
Try the vinegar over ice cream. I know, sounds crazy, but you will thank me, so good!!
Love you Mel….and I have been around your blog for almost the whole time!!! The kids are getting so big and it does go by fast…..How am I a mother of a college graduate already??? I don’t know either!!! But that lump in your throat will always be there, even though they “fly”, they will always be your babies!!
Have a most wonderful Easter!! And I’m ready for any sour dough recipe you want to throw out there……
As someone who comes from a very conservative background — I think it’s absolutely AMAZING to see the love and support you all have for your brother, while also knowing that you’ve posted religion-based posts before on your blog. It’s wonderful to see that LOVE is what truly matters.
I’m anxiously awaiting your update re: microblading. I’m super pale and have basically translucent eyebrows and eyelashes. Microblading was a GODSEND for me and it has saved me soooooooo much time from filling in my brows everyyyyyyy day. Now, with my brows on point DAILY , sometimes all I do is swipe on some mascara and a little eyeshadow and call it a day. It’s AMAZING what a good brow can do!
You are the best and funniest… sorry Nate.
Love the wedding cake you made for your brother! So beautiful! Looks like it was a wonderful day!
Fifteen years! Wow! Thanks so much for all of the delicious recipes, insightful thoughts, and and sage advice! So looking forward to many more years of the same! Hugs to you, Mel!
Congrats to your brother and his husband! They look so good and happy. I loved how the cake turned out, too! Good job. Thanks for your Friday thoughts ❤️
I love your posts like this. They’re my fave.
Yes, you’re older, wiser and funnier. And gosh darn, Jesus loves you. Buuuut, Jed is still king of hilarity. Sorry, gotta stay true. 😉 But “second is the best!” still reigns in my house, so it’s all good. I loved the photo of you with babies! Look at them now! Mind. Blown. I feel the same- “WHERE HAS THE TIME GONE?!!! No, don’t leave meeeeeee!”
LOVE the cake. It is so lovely. What a nice wedding. Great job. Might have to buy that cake board one day. You sound like the best sister. Now, I need to make a trip to see those Wyoming chocolates.
Thank you for your update today! I appreciate your ability to talk about all things, including the hard, with actions I can take. It is always good to remember we are a community and not alone. Your recipes are my go to; so many favorites with my family! I’m sorry I haven’t thanked you before.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Congratulations to Nate and Tim! You made a beautiful cake and I am sure it was delicious.
I also began having stomach issues and was sick for two years before I was diagnosed with a tick borne disease. Unfortunately, they are becoming more common with climate change. Just thought I would throw that out there because I know you like the outdoors:)
Thank you for continuing to share your life.
I’ll second this. Not me, but my friend suffered with lots of stomach and food issues, and then found out it was a tick borne disease.
I just fed my sourdough starter and am looking forward to your recipes. I have made 2 things using sourdough discard – a loaf of sandwich bread which is excellent and sourdough discard pancakes which called for baking powder and left a baking powder aftertaste. The pancakes were edible but I won’t make them again.
Thank you so much for the links! I am not on instagram, so this is great. Also, your cake is beautiful.
Congratulations to your brother! Wishing him a lifetime of happiness. Thank you for sharing the pictures of his day. The setting is amazing. Love the photo of them on the bridge. <3.
Hunting down granola and pickles now…
Your brother and his husband look too handsome in those suspenders. They look so happy, too!
Thanks for sharing all the things with us. That’s one reason we all love you so. You share YOU with us!
I have a senior boy, too. He will turn 18 in a few weeks. We went to an event last night that he was getting honored at. I cried the whole time. How am I going to get through the next few months? I am just so proud of him and when I look at him, I see the past 18 years flash by like a movie reel. Bittersweet!
Thank you for all of this!!!! Which enzyme supplement do you take? I see the Amazon link featured two. Both?
Can’t believe you’ve been blogging this long! Love your posts! Looking forward to the sourdough posts even though I have yet to be successful making one. My kitchen runs cold w/no good hotspots. I’m going to try again tho. Thanks for all you do Mel!
I gave up Instagram for lent so this is so wonderful! I love all the favorite things and seeing a snippet of your life. It’s like old school instastories.
I love your Friday thoughts entries. Congratulations to your handsome brother, and that was one pretty cake! Thank you for all the links to various sites, especially the World Central Kitchen and Save the Children. I’ve been wanting to safely donate to help Ukraine and now I know two good ways. Have a great weekend with your wonderful family. Family is everything.
That cakes looks amazing and sounds delicious! I want to make it and eat it myself, yum. Well done on the photos as well. What a beautiful wedding, congratulations to them and you!
Our local gourmet olive oil shop closed so thank you for providing the Baker and Olive link. And that cake is gorgeous and it makes the wedding even more special because you made it. You really are the best and bring so much love and positivity to this blog. I don’t know what stresses you have but I wish you calmness.
Mel
I love your recipes and blog. You are amazing! I made your small batch wheat bread and soft sugar cookies last weekend. Both are gone – my husband ate the majority of the cookies without sharing. I couldn’t find Saf instant yeast anywhere until I visited County Lane Market in Barron, WI. They have everything you could ever need for baking and everything is in bulk. I’m originally from Bemidji. Curious to know where in northern MN you lived at one time.
Thanks for the great recipes!