Hello and happy Friday!
If you’ve been a long-time follower here (we’ve been at it for 8 years!) you’ve heard mention of my Smudge. Along with me, you’ve watched her change and grow with each parental request (threat) to be the modeling hands and cute little happy freckled face in some of our favorite blog posts like this, this, and this post with her favorite birthday cake pie.
We christened her with the nickname Smudge while in utero, where she was just a little smudge of love we didn’t know we’d been waiting for all our lives. Her arrival was a game changer, and not the easiest of transitions for a happily-married-and-perfectly-content-to-be-twosome. But she pulled us out of groundhog day and rocked our world in the best of ways. Naturally, she is the center of our universe.
This weekend is our baby’s 15th birthday. Like I was, she’s probably far more excited for her 16th birthday and her driver’s license than for this one. But for me, 15 is a real hallmark, and why it’s making this birthday so hard.
For some reason I look at the marvels of life in 5 year increments. Reflecting on where we are, 15 years after Smudge’s birth on that warm California morning, is mind blowing. I believe this is why we have children and pets. If we didn’t, as we grow older and our own milestones become fewer and farther between, we’d just roll through the middle of life without any new mile markers.
It’s bittersweet. I look at how quickly she’s grown and changed, and how freaking fast 15 years have flown by. Not just for her, but for me. It’s a gut check to look at where I am personally and professionally and to look at what I have or haven’t accomplished in these 15 years.
With all the progress I’ve made in this life of mine, why is it I only see the things I haven’t done? I suppose it’s human nature, but it’s also a reminder to be kinder to myself, to be mindful of my goals, to live and think more healthfully, and to take life one day at a time. Like Grandma said, “Inch by inch life’s a cinch, yard by yard life is hard, but mile by mile it’s a trial.”
Happy birthday my Smudge. You deserve the world, and it’s waiting for you.
Do you have any tips or advice you follow I can reap from? I’d love to hear, so please share in the comments below.
But enough about me and my little fam, let’s dig into this week’s Friday Faves.
An 80 year Harvard study shows this is the one habit we should all be doing to make us happier.
What? Bye bye DEET. This popular perfume repels mosquitos!
Why you should make your own PERSONAL bucket list.
Wake up! 8 morning habits that will change your day.
Listen to how food is affecting your mood.
Is skipping breakfast better for you?
Great idea! How to host a modern dinner party.
I had not idea this is who is shopping for your Instacart orders and how similar it is to Uber for groceries.
Over on my IG stories I asked you guys about silicone food wraps but ya’ll urged me to try beeswax wraps instead. Here’s another DIY to try too.
Move over celery juice, there’s a new healthy juiced tonic in town.
These cantaloupe caprese skewers are summer’s everything.
Love this idea for mini German pancakes. So smart!
These baguette sandwiches have me longing for France—or heading to the beach.
My favorite creamsicle from the mall now made healthier!
and…
This copycat Wendy’s frosty recipe will have you passing by the drive thru.
This BLT salad is packed with healthy.
Instant Pot recipe alert: Chicken parm.
An Asian spin on everyones favorite broccoli salad.
Dan dan noodles that are looking da*n good!
and…
I am a huge fan of crispy tofu so naturally, this dish looks divine.
Grilled haloumi is my FAVORITE and this tomato salad proves it.
Yes it’s true. Homemade popsicle season is here and this popsicle packs a punch.
A few beauty faves to crush on.
“I had been getting in my own way for so long by only working on one or a few blog posts at a time.” This is why my goal for summer is to batch work my work days.
Here’s what to do if you can’t sleep.
Proof for your boss: Shorter work weeks will save the planet.
Well this is refreshing: A beautiful kitchen remodel that came in under budget.
15 fun balcony decorating ideas.
and…
10 modern firepits. So cool.
Take me to this lovely little beach house NOW.
The best celebrity haircuts to copy this summer.
I’m still loving the jumpsuit.
And this sweet little sundress is 30% off.
Okay, I may need to order one of these for my my Smudge’s birthday present. It wouldn’t be hard to spot!
That’s it for this week. Happy clicking and here’s to both getting outside and more time cooking your favorites.
Craving more life balance, less stress, and better health? Check out my Nourished Planner, the daily planner to help create simplicity and under-schedule your life.
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Rebecca | Let's Eat Cake
Thank you for including our beeswax wraps article in your roundup!
Lori H
Always love the Friday faves! FYI the sundress link takes me to the jumpsuit.
Phi - SweetPhi blog
Such a beautiful birthday message! I’ve been following for many years so I’ve definitely loved seeing her grow up and have enjoyed all your recipe sharing over the years! Sending lots of love and positive thoughts for her birthday!
James Goacher
She looks like your little sister