July Recap: Our Michigan Home Journey, DIY Projects & Pet Adventures
This past month of July has been incredibly productive and transformational, particularly for my home office space. A significant part of that involved a delightful, albeit extensive, furniture assembly marathon! I was absolutely thrilled to finally get three large shelving units, which are perfectly designed to store all my various photography props, essential bakeware, and an ever-growing collection of cookbooks. This addition was long overdue, and I couldn’t be happier with the immediate impact it has had on organization. A huge thank you goes to my amazing husband, who genuinely enjoys the challenge of flat-pack furniture assembly – his expertise made light work of what could have been a daunting task, turning a pile of boxes into functional, stylish storage.
Beyond the office upgrades, July also brought a joyous shopping excursion to Hobby Lobby. It felt like a true treasure hunt because, serendipitously, everything I loved was on sale! I’ve developed a personal rule of trying not to buy anything unless it’s at least 50% off, and luckily for me, I picked an exceptionally good week to visit. From charming decorative pieces to practical crafting supplies, I managed to snag some fantastic deals. The thrill of finding beautiful items at such significant discounts made the entire experience even more rewarding. It’s always satisfying to bring new elements into our home that add character and style, especially when they come with a great story of a savvy find. These new additions are already beginning to infuse our Michigan home with a more personalized and cozy feel.
Our resident feline superstar, Salsa, continues to bless our lives with his charming personality and endless antics. He truly is the cutest Salsa cat ever, greeting us with his distinctive “meow” and curious gaze throughout the day. His playful presence adds so much joy and warmth to our home, making every moment a little brighter. He has a way of finding himself in the most amusing situations, and his expressions never fail to make us smile.
A major milestone we achieved this month was the acquisition of brand new patio furniture! You might recall from a previous post that we had undertaken the substantial project of repainting our deck. After weeks of hard work and dedication, seeing that project finally completed was incredibly satisfying. To celebrate, and to truly make our outdoor space habitable, we decided it was time to invest in some comfortable seating. We hit the jackpot at Home Depot, which was having a massive clearance sale on all their patio furniture as they were making way for new seasonal inventory. This allowed us to purchase a beautiful set at an unbeatable price, instantly transforming our newly painted deck into a welcoming oasis perfect for outdoor dining and relaxation. It’s such a pleasure to finally enjoy our outdoor living area, having seen it through from a renovation project to a fully furnished extension of our home.
Our little explorer, Salsa, certainly made himself at home amidst the post-move chaos. He found the most elevated and commanding spot to observe our activities: his very own “mountain of boxes.” It’s quite amusing how cats can turn any everyday object into their personal perch or plaything, and a stack of cardboard boxes proved to be the perfect throne for our curious kitty. He loves being involved in whatever we’re doing, always seeking the best vantage point to supervise the ongoing projects.
That supervision was particularly evident on a relaxed Sunday night when we dedicated our evening to putting the patio furniture together. It was a classic weekend endeavor, complete with instruction manuals and a few minor head-scratching moments. Of course, no major assembly project in our house would be complete without Salsa’s “help.” He was right there in the thick of it, batting at stray screws, exploring the empty boxes, and occasionally walking across the partially built frames. His playful interference and constant companionship made the task much more enjoyable, turning what could have been a tedious chore into a memorable family activity. These moments of shared effort, even with our feline friend, are what truly make our new house feel like a vibrant and lively home.
A truly delightful first for us this July was embarking on a blueberry picking adventure! Despite living just about 20 minutes away from a cluster of charming local farms, we had never experienced the simple pleasure of picking our own fresh blueberries until now. We chose a perfect sunny weekend for our excursion, and to our pleasant surprise, the farm was wonderfully quiet, with only one other couple sharing the rows of lush bushes with us. This allowed for a peaceful and immersive experience as we carefully navigated the rows, selecting the plumpest, most vibrant blueberries directly from the plant. The air was fresh, the sun was warm, and the act of gathering our own food was incredibly satisfying.
Our efforts paid off handsomely – we managed to pick an impressive eight pounds of these tiny blue gems! The bounty was absolutely incredible, and we immediately had plans for how to enjoy them. A significant portion of our harvest went into baking a batch of deliciously moist blueberry muffins, filling our home with their sweet, comforting aroma. The rest of the fresh blueberries, incredibly flavorful and naturally sweet, were savored and eaten within a week, proving just how irresistible they were straight from the bush. The entire experience, from the serene farm setting to the delicious rewards, was so fulfilling that we’ve already decided it’s a new annual tradition we’ll definitely be repeating. There’s something incredibly special about connecting with nature and the source of your food, and this blueberry adventure was a wonderful reminder of life’s simple, abundant pleasures.
Our new patio furniture has only graced our deck for a short while, but one piece, in particular, has already been unequivocally claimed by Salsa. The soft, blue outdoor cushion, originally intended for human comfort, has officially become his personal, plush cat bed. It’s truly endearing to see him curled up, completely at ease and enjoying a peaceful nap, especially during moments when I’m engrossed in a photo shoot. Before he elegantly awoke and stretched, that was precisely where he was sleeping, oblivious to the careful styling and culinary creations unfolding around him.
The second photograph offers a glimpse from a different angle of that very same bustling photo shoot. I was diligently working on capturing the perfect shots for an upcoming recipe that I am incredibly excited about: a delectable brown sugar pound cake. The process of food photography is always a meticulous dance of light, composition, and styling, ensuring that the final images truly convey the deliciousness of the dessert. It’s a fun and creative challenge to translate flavors and textures into appealing visuals that entice and inspire. I’m absolutely thrilled for you all to see the recipe and the final photos when they’re published on the blog very soon. This pound cake promises to be a new favorite, and I can’t wait to share all the details of its creation!
Salsa has a fascinating, almost ritualistic, involvement in my morning routine, especially when it comes to breakfast. He absolutely loves to join me, and he harbors a remarkably peculiar obsession with Cheerios. The moment he hears the rustle of the cereal box or the gentle pour of flakes into my bowl, he comes dashing into the kitchen, his tail held high with anticipation. His next move is equally predictable and charming: he’ll often plop himself down directly on my calendar or computer keyboard, effectively ensuring that I can’t engage in any productive work until he’s had his fill of attention, or perhaps, a stray Cheerio. It’s his own special way of ensuring he’s the star of the morning show and gets his morning cuddles!
Beyond our indoor cat antics, the past weekend was largely dedicated to tackling outdoor projects. We spent a significant amount of time immersed in yard work, a task that has become a constant companion since moving into our new home. The second photo captured a crucial “before” moment of a particularly challenging section of our yard. We inherited what could only be described as a wild jungle of weeds and an excessive amount of overgrown foliage. While we haven’t yet embarked on the full transformation of this specific area as we prioritize other zones, it serves as a stark reminder of the extensive landscaping efforts ahead. It’s a long-term project, envisioning a beautifully manicured space, but we’re slowly chipping away at the dense growth, one section at a time.
One area of the yard that did receive a much-needed and dramatic overhaul was the space directly around our mailbox. Unfortunately, in the flurry of work and the excitement of tackling a new project, I completely forgot to snap a “before” picture. However, trust me when I say it was quite the wilderness! The existing plants had grown incredibly tall, reaching almost mid-leg height, and the area was thoroughly infested with a stubborn collection of weeds that had taken over. Our weekend mission involved a complete clearing: we painstakingly pulled out every single plant and weed, leaving no trace of the previous chaos, making sure to extract roots to prevent immediate regrowth.
Once the area was completely cleared and meticulously tidied, we proceeded to remove the old, faded mulch and replenish it with a fresh, dark layer. The transformation was instant and dramatic, giving the entire entryway a clean, crisp, and inviting appearance that significantly boosted our home’s curb appeal. We consulted with a knowledgeable staff member at Lowe’s regarding new plantings, and he wisely advised that it was a bit too late in the season to introduce new flora with the best chance of thriving. So, for this year, we’ve decided to let the fresh mulch speak for itself, creating a minimalist yet polished look. However, we’re already brimming with ideas for what vibrant plants, flowers, or shrubs to introduce next spring, envisioning a truly welcoming and personalized display.
After what felt like an eternity since our big move, Ryan and I finally embarked on our first proper dinner date in Michigan! It was a much-anticipated evening out, a chance to reconnect and enjoy some quality time together away from home projects and daily routines. We had heard good things about a local restaurant and decided to give it a try for a special treat. To our delightful surprise, and a little bit of humorous shock, the establishment turned out to be incredibly fancy – far more upscale and elegant than our usual casual dining preferences! We arrived in our typical, comfortable attire, only to find ourselves in a rather swanky setting.
The menu itself was an adventure; filled with intricate descriptions, exotic ingredients, and culinary terms we had absolutely no clue about. We found ourselves quietly Googling unfamiliar dishes and exchanging amused glances, often breaking into soft laughter at our own delightful lack of sophistication in such an elegant setting. Despite the unexpected swankiness and the mystery of certain menu items, the evening was filled with laughter, great conversation, and the sheer joy of creating new memories together in our new state. It was a wonderful reminder that even when things aren’t exactly as expected, embracing the moment and each other’s company can turn any experience into a special one. It reinforced our belief that life is about the shared journey and the stories we collect along the way, fancy menus or not.
Opening Up: Reflections on Our Michigan Journey
July truly marked a significant turning point, standing out as the best month we’ve experienced since our big move to Michigan. There’s a profound sense of relief and contentment that comes with finally feeling settled, establishing a comfortable rhythm and a pretty solid routine in our new environment. While our house is still very much a work in progress – a beautiful canvas awaiting more personal touches and, let’s be honest, more furniture – it’s slowly but surely beginning to feel like home. Each new piece we acquire, each project we complete, brings us closer to that cherished 100% “home” feeling. High on my current wish list, and probably the next big acquisition, is a proper kitchen table. It’s not just about a place to eat; it’s about having a central hub for family gatherings, morning coffees, and endless conversations, truly grounding us in our new space.
Beyond nesting, Ryan and I have also embraced a fantastic new fitness routine. We’ve committed to hitting the gym twice a week after work, focusing on strength training and “pumping iron.” It’s been incredibly rewarding to witness our progress. When we first started, I honestly couldn’t even bench press the bare bar, struggling with the weight, but now, with consistent effort and a good deal of determination, I can confidently lift it! It’s a truly neat and motivating experience to see tangible improvements in our strength, endurance, and overall physical capabilities. This renewed focus on physical well-being has naturally extended to our dietary habits as well. We’re generally eating much healthier these days, making more conscious and nutritious choices, though I do occasionally miss the nightly ritual of indulging in ice cream! This holistic approach to health has infused our lives with more energy, better sleep, and a greater sense of accomplishment.
On a deeper, more spiritual level, I feel incredibly present and aware of God’s profound goodness and purposeful plan for us in Michigan. It feels like we are gently transitioning out of an intensely hard and long season, characterized by the demanding rigors and stresses of grad school, and into a vibrant new chapter filled with abundance and rejuvenation. The contrast is palpable, and the peace we’ve found here is truly a blessing, an answer to many prayers and hopes.
One of the most remarkable aspects of this new season has been the people we’ve met. There have been several encounters that can only be described as divine appointments – moments where you think, ‘this can’t possibly be a coincidence,’ as connections form effortlessly. When our initial plans for how things would unfold after the move didn’t materialize exactly as I had envisioned (for example, I had prayed earnestly and expected to find our church community right away, but it took time), I felt God’s gentle whisper in my heart. He seemed to be saying, “It might not happen precisely the way you prayed for, but trust me, it’s going to be good.” And indeed, He has been slowly but surely revealing His intricate plan for us, step by step, in His perfect timing. Through this journey of faith, patience, and surrender, we are discovering an immense amount of peace, purpose, and genuine joy. I can honestly say I feel truly, genuinely happy in this new phase of our lives, embracing the unfolding story with an open and grateful heart.
A rather exciting and equally daunting topic that has entered our conversations is the distinct possibility of getting a puppy! We have always dreamed of having a dog, and now that we’re more settled into our new home, the idea feels increasingly tangible and real. To prepare ourselves for such a significant life change, we embarked on a serious research mission, checking out tons of books from the local library. We devoured everything from “how to prepare for a puppy” to comprehensive guides on “how to train and ‘drain’ your puppy,” covering housebreaking, obedience, and socialization. Honestly, delving into these incredibly detailed guides has been a real eye-opener, making us question if we’re truly ready for such a significant, 24/7 commitment.
On one hand, this thorough introspection and research are incredibly beneficial. It’s absolutely crucial to understand the immense responsibility, the time commitment, and the significant lifestyle changes that come with adopting a dog, ensuring we are fully prepared for what we’re getting into. We want to be responsible pet owners and provide the best possible home. On the other hand, this intense reality check has also brought a tinge of sadness. I simply long for the unconditional love and companionship of a dog in my life, and I hadn’t quite realized the extent to which so many aspects of our current routines would need to adapt, or how incredibly time-intensive and demanding that first year with a puppy can be. The thought of the major adjustments, from interrupted sleep to constant supervision, feels both incredibly exciting and undeniably overwhelming.
The prospect of getting a dog also brings up a fundamental truth that many pet owners understand: life, once we bring a furry friend home, will never quite go back to the way it was before. Please, tell me I’m not alone in these thoughts! I’m sure these are very similar sentiments to what many people experience before having children. I have a wise friend who often reminds me that you will never feel 100% ready to have kids, but when that baby is born, you inherently find yourself eager and willing to let go of your former lifestyle and wholeheartedly embrace the new one, adapting in ways you never thought possible. I wonder, is it the same with dogs? If we are analyzing the decision to get a dog with such meticulous detail, conducting extensive research and experiencing this level of apprehension, do you think we’ll ever be truly convinced we can tackle the monumental responsibility and life-altering journey of raising kids? It’s a fascinating parallel, and one we ponder often as we navigate these big life decisions and the excitement of our future.
Looking ahead, beyond the potential pitter-patter of puppy paws in the not-too-distant future, I’m absolutely bubbling with excitement about decorating our new house for the upcoming holidays! Yes, I’m already thinking about Halloween and Christmas, even though they are still a good three to five months away. There’s something inherently joyful and deeply satisfying about transforming your living space with festive decorations, infusing it with seasonal cheer, and having a new home to do it in makes it even more special and inspiring. I’m already envisioning cozy autumn themes with pumpkins and warm colors for Fall, spooky fun and creative costumes for Halloween, and then the magical sparkle of Christmas lights, ornaments, and festive greenery. It’s a wonderful way to truly make this house feel like our own, celebrating each season with enthusiasm, creativity, and a sense of belonging.
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For more insights into our life outside the kitchen, explore our previous “Out of the Kitchen” posts.