Thankful: SOLSC 31 of 31

As always, I’m here at the end of the month full of gratitude for the slice of life community. It’s been wonderful writing and reading. Capturing moments each day is so important. 

This year, I started capturing one second using the app that allows you to record a second per day. It then puts all your moments together. Each month, no matter how challenging it’s been, I’ve smiled at the moments I’ve captured. 

This month was no different. 

On this rainy, windy, cold, and dreary day in Michigan, I can still look over the past 31 days and smile. I can even smile at the weather because we just had snow not too long ago, according to my video! I hope everyone is filled with happiness after another SOSLC! 

Sweet Treats: SOLSC 30 of 31

Tonight's dinner was a choose your own adventure. There were a few leftover options and pantry items for anyone to make their dinner dreams come true. I opted for some ramen with fresh spinach. I wanted something warm and soupy. It fit the bill. 

Then I found myself craving something sweet. Growing up, we rarely had sweet treats. My snacking as a kid was primarily chips with salsa and veggies. I liked sweet things; we just didn't have them in the house. 

As an adult and a mom, this is mostly still true. We usually have some sweet snacks for school lunches and an occasional bag of licorice hanging out in the pantry. We also almost always have fresh fruit, probably the most consistent sweet treat. 

I did that thing where you stand, staring at the fridge, waiting for things to change. Contemplating--I wanted something with chocolate, but I also wanted fruit. 

With that, I grabbed my vanilla almond yogurt, blackberries, strawberries, and some chocolate chips. That little cup of delightfulness was better than expected and better than the handful of licorice I did consider eating instead. 

Tea Time: SOLSC 29 of 31

It's early evening, and the air has me feeling worn down. My throat is dry. The air is cold and indecisive. It felt like a good time for tea. Not quite dinner time, too late for coffee. I ate a few strawberries while deciding what tea I would drink. I went with the mango passionfruit blend. 

My tea cupboard is a point of pride. I love having an organized cabinet.  

While the water warmed, I looked for a mug. This one seemed about right. It's cute but with the right amount of sass to encourage me to write a slice, read some more, and avoid taking a nap before dinner prep begins. 

Cute.

A bit of sass. 

Tea time is a quiet time. 

Joy: SOLSC 28 of 31

Some things in life are a recipe for joy. For me, it is when I see members of my family at their most joyful. Today was one of those days. My youngest turned 15 today and all day long was a celebration. From top to bottom, the day was filled with smiles. 

Looking at them so happy made me feel like I might burst. Some days are just that good. 

Happiest birthday, Arie!

Making Plans: SOLSC 27 of 31

We started our day with a little family Zoom to do a mini celebration. Tomorrow, Arie will be 15! I sure do appreciate technology for this purpose. It gives us the chance to celebrate a little bit and connect even when we can't all be together, no matter the reason.

Then the major planning had to get taken care of. Shopping for the dessert and birthday meal celebration. Arie had requested a turtle cheesecake and a crab boil. So I got to work on my list. 

• sausage
• corn
• onions
• crab legs
• seasoning
• lemons
• potatoes
• butter 
• garlic
• dessert

Sometimes an almost 15-year-old gets lucky and all the things desired are acquired. I think I'm ready to celebrate my youngest tomorrow. What is your favorite birthday meal?

Gift Wrap: SOLSC 26 of 31

Today I was wrapping birthday presents for my 14 soon to 15-year-old. I got to work organizing the gifts, wrapping, and taping. I found this pretty paper with a plant design and it sent me into a memory. 

When I was little, we shopped at this store called Milliken's. It was in downtown Traverse City, and at the time, it was a large department store. It had a basement where you could get things gift-wrapped. I LOVED going downstairs to watch the gift wrapping process. The sound of the paper swishing off the roll, the scrape of the scissors searing through the paper. The rolling of the tape and snapping sound of it being pulled from finger to paper. My favorite part though, the ribbon. Often the gift wrappers would double bow and double wrap with ribbon in a layering design. The craft of this whole process was mesmerizing and beautiful. 

I recall I would later find empty boxes and wrap them, perfecting my bow and ribbon designs. It was so rewarding and fun. They would become little decorations in my room until I decided I wanted to try a different style or color. One of those oddly amusing activities I found myself doing as a child. 

A Food Post: SOLSC 25 of 31

I love a good comfort food. Categorizing a food as "comfort" isn't an exact science for me. Sometimes it's about the creaminess, other times the flavor profile. Comfort also often comes from a memory, a long-loved food that reminds me of home or celebrations. 

Last night I was in the mood for something creamy and satisfying, so I made this simple and delicious Coconut Chickpeas with rice. It was dreamy, and there were leftovers, which will be even better in this case. 

Coconut Chickpeas
Credit: @themodernnonna via TikTok

Since I had some leftover rice (I always make way more rice than I need), I asked Arie if they felt like having fried rice for lunch. It was a yes, so I got started. Fried rice comes together so quickly and is so delightfully umami-full. For some crunch on the side, I air-fried some breaded cauliflower. 

Lunch was magical with a touch of Thai chili sauce and oh-so sticky sweet and sour on top. Yum!