WE’RE BACK WITH OUR LATEST OUT OF THE KITCHEN POST – A DEEP DIVE INTO MAY’S ADVENTURES!
Welcome back to our beloved “Out of the Kitchen” series, where we pull back the curtain on our daily lives, share our latest home projects, personal discoveries, and the candid moments that make up our month. May was a whirlwind of activity, offering everything from unexpected natural challenges to rewarding DIY endeavors and heartwarming pet antics. We’re excited to share all the behind-the-scenes stories and reflections from a truly memorable month. From tackling ambitious outdoor transformations to savoring quiet moments of self-care and discovering new favorites, this recap is packed with the essence of our home and lifestyle journey.
May certainly started with a bang, or rather, a huge crash! Our backyard backs onto a beautiful, protected forest, a feature we absolutely adore. However, nature sometimes has its own plans. One afternoon, we heard an enormous crack, and to our dismay, a colossal tree had fallen directly into our yard. The sheer size of it was astounding, and the relief was palpable when we realized it had just barely missed our deck. It was a close call that truly reminded us of the power of nature and the importance of good fortune. Dealing with such a large tree required more than just our efforts; thankfully, we have an incredible network of friends who generously came to our rescue, equipped with chainsaws and plenty of helping hands. While the men bravely tackled the monumental task of sectioning and clearing the tree, us women enjoyed some much-needed indoor time, catching up with friends and cuddling with a precious new baby – a perfect balance to the outdoor chaos! On a much lighter note, and a personal favorite moment of mine, our dog Salsa continues to be the most photogenic subject for iPhone portrait mode. Seriously, his poses are just too good; he’s a natural! It’s these little pockets of joy and community that truly make life special, even amidst unexpected challenges like a giant fallen tree.
One of our biggest and most rewarding projects in May was transforming our front garden. What was once a neglected “weed garden” became our primary focus, and we poured a significant amount of effort into revamping it into a beautifully landscaped space. This was our inaugural foray into serious landscaping, and like any first-time endeavor, it came with its share of learning curves. We diligently dug out all the existing dirt, clearing the way for new plants and a fresh aesthetic. It was only later, through the wisdom of hindsight, that we realized we could have likely reused much of that dirt, saving ourselves some backache and a trip to the disposal site! But, as they say, you live and learn, especially when you’re first-time landscapers. Despite the minor misstep, the satisfaction of seeing our vision come to life was immense. The transformation was dramatic; the “after” photo truly captures the lush, inviting landscape we managed to create. It’s amazing what a bit of dedication and elbow grease can achieve, not just for curb appeal, but also for our own sense of accomplishment. We’re incredibly proud of the hard work and the beautiful results, making our home’s entrance much more welcoming.
After one particularly long and arduous day battling the stubborn weeds and digging in the garden, we decided to reward ourselves with a feast from our favorite local Mexican restaurant. There’s nothing quite like authentic Mexican cuisine to soothe tired muscles and lift spirits, and we certainly didn’t hold back. We ordered an absolutely ridiculous amount of salsa, guacamole, and chips – enough to satisfy an army, or at least two very hungry landscapers! It was the perfect end to a productive day, filled with delicious flavors and good company. Speaking of eventful days, May also brought us some unexpected home maintenance drama, punctuated by a hilariously memorable moment. We’d noticed some shingles had begun to fly off our roof, a concerning sign that needed immediate attention. In true Ryan fashion, ever resourceful and always up for an adventure, he climbed out of the bathroom window and onto the roof to inspect the damage firsthand. What happened next was pure comedy gold. As he attempted to re-enter the house, he went head-first, leaving his legs comically flailing outside the window. You truly had to be there to appreciate the sight; it was absolutely hysterical to watch! A blend of concern for our roof and uncontrollable laughter made for a uniquely unforgettable afternoon.
May was also a month of small, personal discoveries and self-care moments. I finally decided to try a face mask for the first time, and I must say, I’m officially a convert! The charcoal mask I used left my skin feeling incredibly refreshed and deeply cleansed, a truly revitalizing experience. I’m now on the hunt for more charcoal-based masks, always keeping an eye out for those fantastic clearance deals at Target or Walmart. It’s such a treat to indulge in a little self-pampering, especially after a busy week. These little moments of self-care are essential for maintaining balance and feeling rejuvenated. And speaking of delightful moments, our furry family member, Salsa, never fails to bring joy and comfort into our lives. One particularly sweet day, while I was engrossed in work at my desk, I looked down to find Salsa curled up perfectly under my desk chair, sound asleep. His presence is always so comforting and his quiet companionship is truly precious. It’s these simple, everyday moments with him that truly warm my heart and remind me to appreciate the little things in life.
As a blogger, I’m always keen to try out new products and share my honest reviews with you all. In May, I decided to test out some bras from ThirdLove, an online company that’s garnered a lot of buzz for its specialized bra fitting and diverse range. Unfortunately, my experience was quite disappointing. Despite their significant hype and promises of comfort and perfect fit, I found the bras to be incredibly uncomfortable and certainly didn’t live up to the high expectations. It was a definite miss for me, proving that sometimes even the most popular brands don’t quite hit the mark for everyone. However, not all my online shopping ventures in May were a letdown! I also discovered some truly stunning faux tulips from Amazon. Let me tell you, these aren’t your average fake flowers; they are incredibly realistic and add such a beautiful pop of color and freshness to our home without any of the maintenance. It’s no secret that all the plants in my house are faux – it’s simply the most practical solution for maintaining a vibrant and green aesthetic without the stress of watering and upkeep. These tulips were a fantastic find and a testament to how far artificial flora has come!
My passion for baking and creating unique recipes led me down a very specific and somewhat tedious path in May – sorting marshmallows! For a super cute watermelon marshmallow slice recipe, I needed only the pink marshmallows. This meant meticulously sifting through four entire bags of colored marshmallows, separating out every single pink one. It was a commitment, to say the least, but the end result was absolutely adorable and totally worth every minute spent on the task. The vibrant pink slices looked exactly like tiny watermelon wedges, making them perfect for a summer treat or a festive gathering. It’s these creative challenges and the joy of seeing a recipe come to life that truly fuels my love for food blogging. But let’s be honest, even seasoned food bloggers have their kitchen mishaps! In a moment of distraction or perhaps a lapse in judgment, I managed to burn white chocolate. It happens to the best of us, proving that no matter how much experience you have in the kitchen, there’s always room for a little humor and humility. It’s all part of the culinary journey, learning from every mistake and celebrating every success.
Salsa, our ever-curious companion, has a unique fascination with my felt letter board. Every time I set out to change the message, he’s instantly captivated. He absolutely loves trying to scratch the board and playfully bite at the felt letters, making it a bit challenging to get the perfect quote up! To manage his adorable mischief, I’ve found that the only way to get the job done is to have him sit in my lap while I painstakingly arrange the letters. It’s pretty much the only time I can guarantee his cooperation and get him to do exactly what I want – a rare feat with such an independent little personality! These little daily interactions are a testament to his unique character and our special bond. On a personal note, May marked a significant change in my breakfast routine: I started eating eggs for breakfast! This might not sound like a big deal to many, but for someone who used to not care for them at all, it’s a huge culinary breakthrough. It’s been incredibly fun experimenting with different preparations and making “fancy” breakfasts on the weekends, transforming a once-overlooked meal into a delightful and nutritious ritual. From fluffy scrambles to perfectly poached creations, I’m embracing this new breakfast journey with gusto!
One of my absolute favorite pastimes is hunting for unique treasures, and May certainly delivered on that front! I stumbled upon an incredible deal at a local garage sale that truly made my day. I found not one, but two charming chairs and a lovely coffee table – all three items for an astonishing $40! Initially, I thought I’d only buy one chair, but I simply couldn’t decide which one I loved more. Luckily, the seller offered me an irresistible deal for purchasing both, and I absolutely couldn’t pass it up. It’s moments like these that make thrifting so exciting and rewarding. Our house, while slowly filling up, still has plenty of empty spaces crying out for character and charm, so we’re always on the lookout for unique furniture pieces. These finds are perfect for adding personality and function, and I can already envision them beautifully integrated into our living space, providing cozy spots for reading or entertaining. They’re not just furniture; they’re future stories waiting to unfold in our home.
May was also filled with thoughtful gestures and exciting preparations. One weekend, Ryan surprised me with a beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers. For me, flowers are truly one of my love languages; their beauty, fragrance, and the sentiment behind them always bring a smile to my face and a warmth to my heart. It was a simple yet incredibly meaningful gesture that brightened my entire week and served as a lovely reminder of our connection. Besides these sweet moments, a significant portion of May was dedicated to the initial stages of a very special undertaking. I spent considerable time loading up on wood and various supplies for a new surprise project that I’ve been diligently working on behind the scenes. It’s something I’m incredibly excited about, and I can’t wait to share all the details, the process, and the final reveal on the blog very soon. The anticipation is building, and I think you all will really enjoy this one!
OPENING UP: REFLECTIONS ON MAY & THE BLOGGING JOURNEY
Well, here we are, a little later than usual, getting May’s “Out of the Kitchen” post up! It genuinely bothers me when I don’t manage to publish these posts within the first few days of the following month. As the days stretch further into the new month, a nagging thought often creeps in: “Should I just skip it this time?” But then I remember why I started this series in the first place, and why it remains one of my absolute favorite parts of the blog.
Admittedly, sometimes I dread the process of putting it together. It’s not that it consumes a huge amount of time, but there’s a unique challenge in stepping back, reflecting on an entire month, and then translating those moments and emotions into coherent, engaging words. It requires a certain vulnerability and intentionality to truly capture the essence of what we’ve been up to, beyond just the photos. However, the effort is always worth it, as it creates a wonderful archive of our life’s journey.
Looking back over May, it was undeniably a fantastic month! It was filled with so many fun and enriching moments, particularly those spent with our incredible friends. Our life group truly makes our days brighter, and the shared experiences, laughter, and support we exchange are invaluable. It’s a joy to reflect on these connections and the memories we’re building together.
In an effort to incorporate more lifestyle content and offer a broader glimpse into our daily lives, I started integrating outfit photos into my Instagram feed. It’s been a surprisingly fun venture, and I’ve been thrilled to see that you all seem to genuinely enjoy those posts! I’m still brainstorming the best way to weave this new content seamlessly into the blog itself, but rest assured, I’m working on it and will get there eventually. Your feedback and engagement are always a great motivator.
May also saw me embark on an exciting secret project, one that I’ve hinted at and will be revealing on the blog very soon! This endeavor is truly unique and different from my usual creative pursuits, which has challenged me to step well beyond my comfort zone and try something entirely new. Embracing new challenges is actually my personal motto for 2018, and this project perfectly embodies that spirit. It’s been an incredibly invigorating experience, pushing my boundaries and fostering growth in unexpected ways. I cannot wait to share the fruits of this labor with you all!
Beyond our daily updates, in May, I also shared a separate, more introspective post reflecting on our first year of living in Michigan. It’s a heartfelt read, brimming with reflections about our journey, where God brought us from, and where we are now. It delves into the adjustments, the joys, and the lessons learned during this significant transition. If you haven’t had a chance yet, I highly encourage you to read it here!
Keeping this reflection relatively concise for now – overall, I am absolutely loving these long, bright summer days that have officially arrived. There’s a wonderful energy in the air, a sense of possibility and relaxation that’s truly infectious. May truly set the stage for an incredible summer ahead.
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For more glimpses into our life beyond the kitchen, be sure to explore our previous “Out of the Kitchen” posts.