March Musings: Our Adventures and Discoveries Out of the Kitchen

Welcome back to our “Out of the Kitchen” series, where we pull back the curtain on the everyday happenings, projects, and personal moments that fill our lives beyond the recipes and culinary creations. This month, March, was a whirlwind of activity, marked by exciting discoveries, a few minor mishaps, and meaningful reflections. We’re thrilled to share all the details of what we’ve been up to, from capturing content in unexpected places to embarking on new home improvement endeavors and strengthening our bonds.

Behind the Scenes: The Quest for Perfect Light

One of the recurring themes of my creative work lately has been the constant pursuit of ideal lighting for my videos. My kitchen, particularly the spot right next to the patio door, offers the most beautiful, consistent natural light – a videographer’s dream! However, achieving that perfect shot comes with its own set of challenges. Every time I need to film, I find myself dragging all my heavy equipment into the kitchen, setting up lights, cameras, and props, only to have to meticulously tear it all down once the shoot is complete. It’s a bit of a dance, and while the results are always worth it, I often wish for a dedicated, permanent setup. Imagine the time saved if I could just leave everything in place! The second photo, taken during one of these setups, perfectly captures a sweet, unexpected moment. Look closely – do you see my furry companion, Salsa, peeking into the frame? He’s always curious about the commotion!

Pancake Adventures and Mini Cheesecake Magic

Our weekends in March often started with ambitious culinary experiments. One Saturday, Ryan, with a glint of determination in his eye, set out on a mission to create the fluffiest pancakes imaginable. And to his credit, they truly were incredibly fluffy straight off the griddle! We watched in awe as they rose to impressive heights. However, a moment of truth awaited with the flip. Despite their initial grandeur, they had a tendency to deflate almost instantly after being turned. While the taste was good, the texture didn’t quite hold up to our expectations. So, the following weekend, we opted for our tried-and-true regular pancake recipe, and honestly, we enjoyed those classic, reliably delicious pancakes much, much more! Sometimes, simplicity wins.

In another snapshot from a busy Saturday, you can catch a glimpse behind the scenes of one of my photoshoots. It was a happy coincidence that Ryan was home, allowing him to capture me in action, creating content for the blog. That particular day, I was working on a delightful recipe for mini funfetti cheesecakes, which are as fun to make as they are to eat. It’s always fun to have a peek into the creative process, and Ryan’s impromptu photo perfectly illustrates the dedication that goes into bringing these sweet treats to life.

Charming Encounters: Pet Cuddles and Antique Treasures

Life with pets is never dull, and our cat, Salsa, certainly keeps us entertained. Ryan has a habit of trying to cuddle up to Salsa, often to the cat’s mild annoyance. Salsa is quite the independent spirit and usually makes a quick getaway whenever his personal space is invaded. However, every now and then, we’re treated to a truly heartwarming moment, like the one captured in the first photo. It was a rare and sweet instance where Salsa allowed Ryan to snuggle beside him, creating a precious memory that reminded us of the unique bond we share with our feline friend.

Another highlight of March was a delightful excursion to an antique mall. These places are treasure troves, brimming with history and unique finds, and I absolutely love wandering through the aisles, discovering forgotten gems. On this particular visit, I stumbled upon a stunning pewter tray that immediately caught my eye. It was elegant, with intricate details, and I could already envision it adorning a coffee table or serving drinks. The price was incredibly reasonable – less than $10 – making it an irresistible find. However, a small logistical hurdle turned into a genuine disappointment: the vendor didn’t accept credit cards for amounts under $10. And, as is often the case, I never carry cash. Reluctantly, I had to leave that beautiful tray behind, a bittersweet reminder of the one that got away. It’s a common plight for antique lovers, but it doesn’t make it any less frustrating!

Home Improvement Chronicles: The Shiplap Project Unfolds

Our home improvement journey continued its momentum in March with significant progress on our shiplap project. This undertaking has been a labor of love, transforming a plain wall into a feature of rustic charm and architectural interest. Ryan, with his keen eye for detail and steady hands, was instrumental in tackling the trickier aspects of the installation. Specifically, he managed the challenging process of cutting and fitting the shiplap boards around the unusual angles at the top of the walls, ensuring a seamless and professional finish. His precision with these tricky cuts truly made a difference.

Once the difficult angles were conquered, I took over the task of nailing up the remaining boards. It’s a satisfying process, seeing the wall come together piece by piece, and watching our vision take shape. While the shiplap boards are now securely in place, the project isn’t entirely complete. The next crucial steps involve meticulous sanding to ensure a smooth surface and then applying a fresh coat of paint. We’re still debating the perfect shade, but we’re confident that once these finishing touches are applied, the room will feel completely transformed and imbued with a cozy, inviting atmosphere.

Daily Delights: Salsa’s Chair Obsession and More Filming

Some of the most endearing moments of our days often involve our beloved cat, Salsa. There was one particular day in March when he seemed to have made it his personal mission to steal my office chair every single time I stepped away. It didn’t matter if I was gone for a minute or an hour; the moment the chair was vacated, Salsa would gracefully (or perhaps dramatically) claim it as his own. He absolutely adores that chair, and his persistent efforts to occupy it became a running joke throughout the day. His dedication to comfort is truly admirable! The second photo captures another instance of my busy schedule: yet another video shoot in full swing. It seems March was a month for both creative endeavors and delightful feline antics!

Minor Mishaps and Feline Comfort

Life in March also featured its fair share of minor, yet memorable, incidents. One morning, while driving, I had a small catastrophe involving my granola. It toppled over, sending oats and nuts cascading everywhere. Luckily, by some stroke of fortune, almost all of it managed to fall neatly into the car’s console. My immediate, rather resourceful, reaction was to continue eating it directly from the console! After all, waste not, want not. Of course, once I reached my destination, I made sure to thoroughly vacuum up every last crumb, ensuring the car was spotless once again. The second photo is a much calmer scene, capturing my absolute favorite cat, Salsa, peacefully hanging out with me in my office. His quiet presence is always a comforting companion during my workday.

DIY Hurdles and Hidden Messages

The shiplap project, while rewarding, wasn’t without its small setbacks. We eventually ran out of wood, prompting a necessary trip to Home Depot for more supplies. I carefully selected what I thought was the correct type, only to arrive home and realize, with a sinking feeling, that I had purchased the wrong kind entirely. It’s a classic DIY blunder, and a reminder that even with the best intentions, mistakes happen! A second trip back to the store was required, where I not only exchanged the incorrect wood but also had the correct planks custom-ripped down to the precise dimensions needed for our project. It added an unexpected delay, but eventually, we were back on track.

During the shiplap installation, before the final boards went up and forever concealed the wall beneath, I seized the opportunity to leave a secret message. It’s a small tradition, a way to imprint a piece of ourselves into the home. While I could have been more elaborate or poetic, I opted for a simple, heartfelt declaration: “Ryan & Beth 2018.” It’s a humble timestamp, a quiet reminder of our journey and the year we poured our energy into transforming this space, sealed away behind the beautiful shiplap for future discovery.

Exploring Grand Rapids: A Day Trip Full of Flavors and Finds

One delightful weekend in March, Ryan and I embarked on a spontaneous day trip to Grand Rapids. It was a perfect escape, filled with culinary delights and intriguing discoveries. Our adventure began with indulging in a variety of delicious foods, paying special attention to the city’s impressive array of gluten-free options. We savored everything from delectable gluten-free muffins and donuts to mouth-watering gluten-free pizza, proving that dietary restrictions don’t have to limit a gourmet experience. Our culinary tour continued at the vibrant downtown market, a bustling hub of local vendors and artisans. It was there that I spotted these mesmerizing rainbow-colored bottles, an instant burst of joy and color that perfectly captured the market’s lively spirit.

Beyond the food, Grand Rapids proved to be a fantastic destination for vintage hunting. We explored several truly unique vintage stores, each overflowing with character and history. We unearthed fascinating pieces, imagining the stories behind them, and appreciating the craftsmanship of times past. To round off our day, we embarked on an informative and enjoyable brewery tour at Founders. It was fascinating to learn about the brewing process, the history of the company, and, of course, to sample some of their renowned craft beers. The entire day was a wonderful blend of good food, charming finds, and memorable experiences, making Grand Rapids a destination we’re eager to revisit.

The “$585” Vintage Revelation

Our vintage store explorations in Grand Rapids led to one particularly memorable (and humorous) encounter. I spotted an absolutely gorgeous piece of furniture – perhaps a dresser or a cabinet – that had an incredible presence and undeniable charm. It was exactly the kind of unique item that could transform a room. My eyes immediately went to the price tag, which I enthusiastically read as “$58.” My mind started racing; I began trying to convince Ryan that we absolutely needed to take it home. I passionately argued how perfectly it would fit in our car, and how it was an incredible deal we couldn’t pass up. The mental calculations were already made, and the piece was practically ours.

However, my persuasive pitch came to an abrupt halt when I took a closer look at the tag. To my astonishment and mild embarrassment, I realized that the dollar sign I had perceived was actually a poorly written “5.” The true price was not $58, but a staggering $585! The revelation was immediate and brought a burst of laughter, both from Ryan and myself. It was an instant realization that this magnificent piece, while still beautiful, was decidedly “WAY out of my price range.” It just goes to show how quickly enthusiasm can shift when confronted with reality, especially in the world of vintage finds!

Personal Pampering and Gluten-Free Delights

March also brought a small venture into personal pampering. I popped into Ulta with the simple intention of restocking my concealer, but as often happens in beauty stores, I found myself persuaded to try something new. The staff convinced me to get my eyebrows waxed – something I had never done before! I must admit, I was incredibly nervous about the whole experience. The thought of waxing near my eyes felt a bit daunting, but I decided to be brave and go for it. I’m so glad I did! The aesthetician did a fantastic job, and I was genuinely pleased with the clean, defined shape of my eyebrows. It was a small but satisfying step out of my comfort zone.

On the culinary front, we continued our gluten-free experiments with a successful attempt at homemade gluten-free chicken tenders. We were so excited to try this, aiming for a healthier, yet equally delicious, alternative to store-bought versions. And they turned out really, truly good! The flavor was fantastic, and the chicken was perfectly tender. The only minor critique was that the breading didn’t quite achieve that perfectly golden-brown hue we typically associate with fried chicken tenders. Despite this small aesthetic detail, the taste was undeniably delicious, making them a definite win in our gluten-free recipe rotation!

Opening Up: Reflections on Growth, Community, and Future Paths

Finding Our Place: Faith and Community in Michigan

March has proven to be a truly significant and deeply good month, especially concerning our journey here in Michigan. Before Ryan and I made the big move from Illinois, I spent a lot of time in prayer, specifically asking for blessings upon our future neighbors, friends, church community, small group, and Ryan’s new co-workers. It was a heartfelt plea for connection and belonging in an unfamiliar place. This month, in particular, I’ve had the profound privilege of witnessing how God has been orchestrating things “behind the scenes,” answering those very prayers in subtle yet powerful ways. So many of those hopes and desires I held for our new city have begun to manifest, brought beautifully into the open.

Often, these moments are quiet, unassuming, and could easily pass me by if I wasn’t paying attention. But then, I’ll leave a small group meeting, a Bible study, or a simple interaction with our neighbors, feeling utterly filled with joy and an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Gratitude for the people we are doing life with, for the genuine connections forming around us. In those moments, I pause, take a deep breath, and in my heart, I whisper, “Thank you, Lord, for bringing us here. Thank you for the incredible people you’ve placed in our lives.” It’s an incredibly validating and comforting feeling to see these small, tangible answers to prayer. It serves as a powerful reminder that Jesus truly has us exactly where he wants us to be, especially because starting over in a new place, while full of potential, doesn’t always feel easy.

Embracing Spring and New Projects

As March unfolded, a palpable sense of “spring fever” swept through our home, much like it does for many across the Midwest. The lengthening days and the promise of warmer weather fill us with anticipation. Ryan and I both cherish our long walks, and we’re eagerly looking forward to more opportunities to explore our new neighborhood and enjoy the burgeoning greenery. Beyond leisurely strolls, we’re also gearing up to tackle a more ambitious outdoor project: what we affectionately refer to as “the weed garden,” a legacy left by the previous homeowners. It’s time to transform that unruly space into something beautiful and intentional.

Indoors, a shared spark for wood-related projects has ignited between us. I’m still diligently working towards completing the shiplap project, seeing it through to its polished finish. Meanwhile, Ryan has channeled his enthusiasm into building a fence for the table saw we cleverly snagged at a garage sale last fall. This addition will make the saw much safer and more efficient to use. Our discussions have also ventured into the realm of future projects, including crafting some small wooden shelves to add functional and aesthetic touches to various rooms. We’re also actively brainstorming ideas for what we want to do with our front room, dreaming up ways to make it truly ours and reflect our style. The creative energy is definitely flowing!

Strengthening Our Marriage: Communication and Growth

On a deeply personal level, March was a month where Ryan and I intentionally focused on nurturing our marriage, specifically by addressing some communication issues we had identified. We approached this with a collaborative spirit, each of us picking two specific goals to concentrate on, each goal involving and benefiting the other person. It’s a dedicated effort to grow together and deepen our understanding.

I know that sometimes, when I hear about other couples openly discussing their work on marriage issues, a part of me can feel a pang of jealousy, thinking we’re not doing enough in our own relationship. So, in the spirit of honesty and transparency, I want to share our reality: we are absolutely not making lightning-speed progress. Growth takes time, and these things are complex. However, what truly feels good is the recognition of these areas for improvement and the commitment to working on them, even in small, consistent ways. The intentionality itself is a victory. In addition to our personal efforts, I discovered a podcast called “One Extraordinary Marriage,” which has been incredibly encouraging and insightful to listen to. I wholeheartedly recommend it to any married couples looking for relatable content and practical advice.

Looking Ahead: Embracing New Beginnings

Beyond our current projects and personal growth, Ryan and I have also been engaging in deeper conversations about what the future may hold. These discussions have included the potential of moving to Texas for a six-month rotation for his work. The idea, admittedly, sounds a bit scary, bringing with it the uncertainty of a new place and a temporary shift in our lives. However, we’ve declared 2018 as our year of trying new things and being brave. This potential move, while daunting, perfectly aligns with that theme. It’s an opportunity for new experiences, new challenges, and continued growth, both individually and as a couple. We’re facing it with open hearts and a readiness to embrace whatever adventures lie ahead.

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For more glimpses into our daily lives and behind-the-scenes moments, be sure to see our previous Out of the Kitchen posts.