January Monthly Slice: A Fresh Start, Home Adventures, and Delicious Discoveries

Hello, wonderful friends! Can you believe we’ve finally completed our move and are truly settling into our new home? It feels like an eternity since I last shared a “Monthly Slice” update with you all – in fact, the last one was way back in August! So much has unfolded since then, and if you’ve been following my journey on Instagram, you’re likely familiar with the extensive trials and tribulations that filled the last few months of 2022.

The journey began with the sale of our first beloved home, a significant milestone that occurred in October after what felt like endless months of meticulous preparation, diligent packing, and concerted efforts to get ahead before transitioning to an Airbnb. What we initially anticipated would be a brief stay of just a month or two at the most, stretched into a full three-month relocation saga. It was a true test of patience and resilience, culminating in the joyous occasion of spending our very first night in our brand-new home on Christmas Eve – a truly memorable start to the holiday season and a new chapter.

While I won’t delve into every intricate detail of the moving drama, the temporary rental arrangements, and the inevitable new home issues that cropped up, suffice it to say, it was an all-consuming experience. Finding the time to even post recipes regularly became a genuine challenge. However, now that we’ve been in this house for over a month, I’m thrilled to report that I’m slowly, but surely, beginning to feel more at home and truly settled. Don’t worry, the unpacking adventure isn’t entirely over – there are still a few boxes waiting patiently! We’re deliberately taking our time, making each room uniquely our own, and systematically clearing out the empty boxes from the garage, transforming the house into a comfortable and personalized sanctuary.

A huge relief and a point of immense gratitude is how wonderfully Babycakes navigated the entire moving process! He was seemingly at just the right age for all the surrounding chaos to simply roll right off his back, demonstrating an impressive adaptability that surprised and delighted us. THANK GOODNESS for his cheerful disposition and resilience!

Now, here we are, fully immersed in 2023 (which still feels a bit strange to say; I often find myself accidentally slipping into “2022”). A brand new year lies spread out before us, brimming with exciting possibilities and fresh starts. This year, I’m especially looking forward to incorporating more travel, something I haven’t been able to do in over two years. We’re also eager to embrace new experiences within our charming new neighborhood, exploring all it has to offer. Most importantly, I’m keen to dedicate more focused time and energy to CREATING fresh, innovative content for you, rather than just scrambling to meet the bare minimum requirements. The goal is to reignite my passion and share even more with this incredible community.

I’m genuinely thrilled to be back in the rhythm of these “Monthly Slices,” and my hope is that this will pave the way for a return to “Weekly Slices” once again, bringing more frequent updates and inspirations your way. How have you been? What exciting plans or transitions are shaping your 2023 so far? I’d love to hear from you!

Song of the Week

This week’s musical obsession is You Were by Field Guide. I’ve found myself deeply drawn into the indie and indie folk genres lately, and this track, along with this particular playlist, has been on constant repeat. It creates such a wonderfully happy and mellow zone for me to sink into, making it the perfect backdrop for busting out work and tackling my to-do list. I highly recommend giving that linked playlist a listen if you’re looking for some calming yet engaging tunes to enhance your productivity or simply unwind.

Foodie Things to Savor

As we settle into the new year, my culinary curiosity is always piqued, and I’ve stumbled upon some absolutely mouth-watering recipes that I simply have to share. These are the dishes that have caught my eye and are definitely on my list to try in the coming weeks!

Seriously, who wouldn’t want to wake up to a glorious stack of these Pecan Pancakes? The thought of crunchy pecans nestled in fluffy pancakes, drizzled with warm syrup, sounds like the ultimate weekend breakfast indulgence. Pure bliss!

I am practically obsessed with the ingenious idea of Taco Smashed Potatoes. This recipe combines everything I adore – crispy potatoes, savory taco flavors, and all the delicious toppings. It’s a brilliant twist on two comfort food favorites, perfect for a casual dinner or a fun appetizer.

Here’s another compelling reason to finally invest in that pizza oven I’ve been eyeing for the patio: this incredible Calabrian Chili Roasted Red Pepper Pizza. Just imagining the smoky, spicy, and sweet flavors melding on a perfect crust makes my taste buds tingle. YUM!

Truth be told, I could easily eat this Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta every single night. It sounds like the quintessential comforting meal – rich, savory, and utterly satisfying. A staple for any pasta lover, I’m sure.

This Blueberry Pancake Cobbler is nothing short of pure genius! Whether you serve it for a decadent brunch or as a comforting dessert, the combination of fluffy pancakes and warm, juicy blueberries in a cobbler form is simply irresistible. It’s a sweet treat that works perfectly for any time of day.

I’m pretty sure the Man would absolutely lose his mind (in the best way possible!) if I whipped up a batch of these Cornbread Chili Pies. A hearty, flavorful chili baked under a golden cornbread crust? That’s pure comfort food perfection, ideal for a chilly evening.

A Single Serve Fudgy Brownie? Oh, I know exactly what I’ll be making for my next relaxing bath night! This little indulgence would have been an absolute lifesaver during the stress of moving – a quick, personal treat to melt away the day’s worries. Lol, definitely adding this to my regular rotation!

Fun Things to Explore and Enjoy

Beyond the kitchen, I’ve found some entertaining distractions and interesting reads that I think you’ll enjoy as much as I did. Let’s dive into some lighthearted fun!

First up, it’s quiz time! Because you all know I’m a total sucker for these. There’s a fun one asking: What role would you play in a TV sitcom? I took it and apparently, I got the “lovable idiot.” I’m still not entirely sure how I feel about that assessment, but it certainly gave me a chuckle!

And because we all collectively adore Brendan Fraser (seriously, how can you NOT?!), here’s another delightful quiz: Which 90s-era Brendan Fraser character would be your ultimate sidekick? For me, there’s no contest – it has to be Rick O’Connell, BABYYYYYY! His charm, wit, and adventurous spirit would make him the perfect companion for any escapade.

For all you binge-watchers out there, here’s what’s coming and leaving on Netflix in February! I absolutely CANNOT WAIT TO DIVE INTO YOU SEASON 4; the suspense is killing me. I’m also very intrigued by Perfect Match – it sounds like the kind of reality TV guilty pleasure I can get behind! Get your popcorn ready.

This next one really tested my knowledge: Food fromThe Great British Bake Offor Song by The Cure? This quiz made me seriously question just how much I actually know about baking terminology versus my obscure music knowledge. It’s harder than you think!

Finally, for a dose of dark humor and relatable absurdity, check out Instructions for patients: vasectomy vs. giving birth. I was genuinely laughing out loud to stop myself from crying over here – it’s a brilliant, poignant, and incredibly funny comparison that many parents will appreciate.

Inspirational Things for a Positive Mindset

Life can throw curveballs, and sometimes we all need a little boost to keep going. These resources have been particularly helpful for me lately, offering comfort and motivation during challenging times.

I truly wish I had stumbled upon How to make things better when it seems like everything is going wrong right in the tumultuous middle of our insane move. However, even now, as I navigate the delightful (and often chaotic) toddler season of insanity, this article offers a significant amount of comfort and practical advice. It’s a wonderful reminder that there are always steps you can take to improve your situation, no matter how overwhelming it feels.

And for those moments when you need a powerful jolt of motivation, these quotes to supercharge your motivation are absolutely fantastic. Every single one of them is a solid hit, offering concise yet impactful wisdom to inspire resilience, drive, and a positive outlook. Bookmark this page for those days when you need an extra push!

Most Popular Recipes in January

It’s always fascinating to see what recipes capture your attention each month! January clearly had a theme of comfort, flavor, and perhaps a little bit of party planning in anticipation of upcoming events. Here are the top five recipes that garnered the most love from you all this past month:

The ever-popular Korean BBQ Wings continue to be a fan favorite, perfect for game days or a flavorful weeknight treat.

My zesty Pepperoncini Relish proves its versatility, adding a bright, tangy kick to sandwiches, hot dogs, or as a vibrant side.

For those looking for a refreshing sip, the Vodka Cherry Limeade remains a go-to cocktail, bringing a taste of summer to any season.

Adding a little spice, the Chili Lime Margarita offers a unique and exciting twist on a classic, perfect for happy hour at home.

And for ultimate crowd-pleasing comfort, the Crab Rangoon Dip with Crispy Won Ton Chips is always a hit, a rich and creamy appetizer that disappears quickly!

New Adds to My Wishlist: Home & Travel Inspirations

With a new home comes new aspirations for making it truly functional and comfortable, and as we plan for future travels, a few items have definitely made their way onto my wishlist. Here’s what I’m currently dreaming about:

I’m going to kick things off with a delightfully nerdy item because I just discovered that this incredible Harry Potter: The Blueprints book exists. As a huge fan, the idea of exploring the architectural and magical details of the wizarding world in blueprint form is simply GORGEOUS. It’s a must-have for any true Potterhead!

A BIG dream item that sits proudly at the top of my list is this stunning high-end espresso machine. Imagine waking up to the perfect, barista-quality coffee every morning right in my own kitchen. Maybe one day soon, this dream will become a reality!

I absolutely LOVE candles, and unfortunately, I’ve developed a fondness for the more expensive ones. To truly prolong the life and maximize the scent throw of my favorite candles, I’m keen to get one of these chic candle warmers. It’s a smart investment that makes every candle last longer and smell even better.

I’m currently focused on transforming our guest bathroom into a spa-like experience (mostly for myself, haha!). I keep seeing all these influencers raving about their towel warmers, and I must confess, I’m thoroughly influenced. The thought of stepping out of the shower into a warm, toasty towel sounds like pure luxury.

A vacuum sealer has been on my list for FOREVER, and I think I am finally ready to commit and buy one. This would be incredibly nice for preserving leftovers, meal prepping, and especially for maximizing freshness when shopping in bulk at places like Costco!

We recently got an electric rechargeable soap dispenser for the kitchen, and I am absolutely obsessed with its convenience and sleek design. Now, I’m determined to get these rechargeable wall soap dispensers for every single bathroom in the house – they’re a game-changer for hygiene and aesthetics.

Looking ahead to the exciting trips we’ll be taking with Babycakes this year, I really want to invest in this JetKids Travel Bundle. I’ve heard so many glowing reviews about its functionality and how it makes traveling with little ones so much easier. Pairing it with the JetKids inflatable mattress promises to transform economy seats into a comfortable bed for toddlers, which sounds like a parenting dream come true.

Getting Ready for the Super Bowl? Game Day Food Essentials!

The Super Bowl is just around the corner, and let’s be honest, for many of us, the most exciting part (aside from the commercials, perhaps!) is undeniably the FOOD! At this point, we might not even know which teams will be battling it out, but if you’re anything like me, you’re already meticulously planning your menu for the big game to avoid any last-minute scrambling. Here are my top 5 absolute favorite, tried-and-true recipes that are guaranteed crowd-pleasers whenever I host people on game day. These dishes are easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for sharing!

My vibrant Chunky Salsa is always a hit! Fresh, flavorful, and incredibly easy to whip up, it’s the perfect companion for a mountain of tortilla chips. You can customize the spice level to your liking, making it a versatile appetizer for everyone.

You absolutely cannot go wrong with this rich and smoky Chipotle Chili Cheese Dip. It’s warm, gooey, and features just the right amount of spicy kick from the chipotles. Serve it hot with sturdy tortilla chips, and watch it disappear faster than a touchdown!

For a delicious vegetarian option that even meat-eaters will adore, my Baked Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower is a winner. These florets are perfectly crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, coated in a spicy buffalo sauce. It’s a healthier twist on classic buffalo wings but with all the crave-worthy flavor.

Elevate your dip game with this exquisite Spinach and Artichoke Goat Cheese Dip. It takes a classic combination and adds a sophisticated tangy twist with creamy goat cheese. It’s warm, bubbly, and utterly irresistible, served best with crusty bread or sturdy crackers.

And finally, for a hearty and satisfying bite, my Cheesy BBQ Chicken French Bread is pure comfort food magic. This recipe transforms a simple loaf of French bread into a loaded, cheesy, and savory delight, perfect for tearing and sharing among hungry football fans. It’s a handheld meal that’s bursting with flavor!

Don’t forget to check out my last Monthly Slice for more inspiration and updates from a few months back! As always, thank you for being a part of this journey. Your support and engagement mean the world to me, and I can’t wait to share more with you in the weeks and months to come. Here’s to a fantastic and fulfilling 2023!