Hello, wonderful friends! As I settled back home, I was greeted by a breathtaking sunset that compelled me to pause in the driveway and capture the moment through a photograph. Truly, we live in a remarkable world where, despite life’s challenges and unexpected twists, the sunrise and sunset serve as daily reminders of beauty and hope. Each day brings its own set of opportunities and reflections, and it’s essential to appreciate these little moments that make life so vibrant and meaningful.
As I pen down these thoughts, the melodious chirping of birds fills the air outside my window, even before the sun has fully risen. It’s a delightful sensation! This past week has been particularly joyous for our family, as my mother is visiting and my youngest son is participating in his very first school play. Who would have thought that high school theater could be this entertaining and fulfilling? It’s a beautiful blend of creativity and community that enriches our lives.
EXPLORE THIS WEEK’S DELICIOUS RECIPES: This week, I’m excited to share a heartwarming recipe for Crockpot Oatmeal, which is bursting with flavor from creamy oats, sweet bananas, a mix of berries, a hint of brown sugar, and aromatic spices. This delightful breakfast dish is a hit with my entire family and best of all, it can be prepared effortlessly in just one hour without requiring any stirring. It’s the perfect way to start your day!
Another recipe that I’m absolutely thrilled about is the Glazed Salmon paired with Broccoli, which brings together a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and slightly tangy flavors. The simple yet flavorful sauce not only serves as a marinade for the salmon, enhancing its natural taste, but also acts as a flavor booster for the fresh broccoli, making it an ideal dinner option that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
If you’re in the mood for appetizers, you must try the Crab Stuffed Mushrooms. These delightful bites are filled with a creamy mixture of soft cream cheese, fresh green onions, and sweet crab meat, making them incredibly tempting. They are the perfect two-bite treats that will keep you reaching for more, ideal for entertaining guests or simply indulging yourself.
For those with leftover mushrooms in the fridge, I highly recommend trying Garlicky Marinated Mushrooms. This recipe is not only simple but also deliciously versatile. These marinated mushrooms can easily elevate your salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and snacks, adding a burst of flavor to any meal. It’s a fantastic way to keep a jar of these flavorful mushrooms on hand for quick culinary enhancements.
The Apple Grape Salad is another must-try this season! This light and refreshing fruit salad combines the crispness of apples with the sweetness of grapes, all enveloped in a creamy dressing that’s perfect for summer. This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled or roasted meats and can be enjoyed alongside a sandwich for a quick and satisfying meal that is sure to please everyone.
For dessert lovers, the Italian Chocolate Salami is an exciting twist on traditional sweets. Made with crumbled cookies, chopped nuts, and rich chocolate, it’s shaped to resemble salami. This unique dessert is enjoyed in various cultures and provides a delightful ending to any meal, making it a conversation starter at gatherings.
Another treat that will surely please your taste buds is the Banana Pudding Ice Cream. This creamy dessert blends real banana flavor with chunks of vanilla cookies and sweet whipped cream, creating a delightful dessert experience. If you’re a fan of banana pudding, this ice cream version will become your new favorite indulgence!
WHAT I’M CRAVING: Currently, I find myself longing for all kinds of salads! From the vibrant Italian grinder salad to classic cheeseburger salad, and from California spaghetti salad to a hearty cauliflower, bacon, and broccoli salad, my taste buds are ready for a refreshing salad feast!
MY FAVORITE SELF-CARE PRODUCTS THIS WEEK: This week, I’ve been enjoying using a nourishing hand cream and revitalizing cuticle oil. With the dry winter air taking a toll on my hands, incorporating these products into my routine has made a significant difference. My hands feel and look dramatically improved after just a few days of consistent use, making self-care an essential part of my week.
WHAT I’M LISTENING TO: Lately, I’ve been captivated by the song “To The End” by Ghost Ship. This band has been on my playlist for months, and their entire album has been such a joy to listen to. I truly appreciate every track, making it difficult to pick a favorite!
WHAT I’M READING: I’m currently diving into “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor Frankl. This profound book is one that I often recommend to friends, as its insights resonate deeply. I believe everyone deserves to experience its powerful messages. To share the love, I’ll be sending a copy to the first 20 people who email me expressing their interest in reading it!
Viktor Frankl, an accomplished Austrian psychiatrist and neurologist, along with being a Holocaust survivor, teaches the importance of finding meaning in suffering. He argues that while we cannot avoid pain, we can choose our responses to it and move forward with a renewed sense of purpose.
“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” – Viktor Frankl
“Live as if you were living a second time, and as if you had acted wrongly the first time.” – Viktor Frankl
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39 NIV
Wishing you a beautiful week filled with the little things that bring a smile to your face!
Warm regards, Mary
