Strawburry Savorings & Life Changes

This weekend was the perfect case study in how life moves: one minute you’re researching 18th-century Scottish lineage, and the next you’re sprinting through Windsor two minutes past closing because a certain daughter found her "Cinderella" moment. It was a full weekend. The kind that leaves your feet tired but your soul documented and accounted for. The Celtic Festival: Heritage & Missed Opportunities We started Saturday at the Celtic Festival. I’ll be honest—we were some of

I have been trying to get this biscuit recipe right for almost thirty years. It started when I was thirteen. I stumbled upon a quick biscuit recipe, and with my grandmother standing over me, helping me work through the steps, I found magic. Back then, I was the girl who could whip up a batch for my friends in an afternoon. I felt like the path was set; I was going to be a chef. But life went left. I didn't become the English major or the chef I envisioned. I became an auditor

I’m not even going to pretend this started off as one of those “perfect meal prep Sundays.” It didn’t. I had every intention of getting everything done the day before, but life had other plans. We ended up in the ER with my husband, arriving at 10 PM and not rolling back into the house until 5:40 AM. 🫠 To say it was a long night is an understatement, but I have to admit—it was entertaining. Hubby was far from comfortable, so I spent the night playing the role of the resident

Yesterday started with a simple flyer and a neighbor’s text. By the end of it, we had covered 8.26 miles of pavement, survived a food truck "investigation," welcomed an over-excited rescue dog, and nearly had a bladder incident. But really, it was a mission. We started in Oxon Hill at the MGM for an event with the Maryland Park Police. When my neighbor sent the flyer that morning, she mentioned her mom was up for taking the kids, and I was like… yeah, I am going too. I wasn’

Today started with me staring at the ceiling for who knows how long. My Husband got up, moved around, and violently talked about his day—which I truly hope is going great, and he has the best time of his life—while I planned to stay happily in my bed with my phone turned off. But I digress. Around 8:38 AM to be exact, my daughter asks if she has a hair appointment. "Yes, darling, 10:30. We need to be ready." Meanwhile, My Husband is getting his life together, getting "fresh t

What a weekend! Between hosting a house full of "silly geese" on Saturday and hopping into service on Sunday, my heart (and my feet!) are so full. This Easter was a beautiful reminder of why we do what we do—it's all about family, faith, and a little bit of chocolate. 🏠 Saturday: The Great "Duck Duck Goose" Scramble We kicked off the weekend on Saturday with a backyard transformation! Our Duck Duck Goose Scavenger Hunt was the main event. Watching the kids patrol the "Encha

Between the forensic accounting Master’s program, leading audits, and keeping up with a 13 and 11-year-old, my life is a lot of things—but "boring" isn't one of them. One thing I’ve learned in my 40s is that when you find a place that serves up great food and even better energy, you hold onto it. I recently shared my personal "hidden gems" list with a mentor at work, and it reminded me why I started this blog. We all need those spaces where we can just be. Whether it’s a date

There is a specific kind of magic that happens in your 40s when you realize that the "subtractions" in your life were actually a divine intervention. Lately, it feels like God has been intentionally pruning the garden, removing the noise and those who only show up for a 'leg-up' or a performance, the kind of hollow, performative energy "The Echo" thrives on. In their place, I’m finding connections that feel like a mirror: soul-deep, grounded, and safe. I had dinner at The Cha

I was recently scrolling through my archives and stumbled upon this draft from December 2020. Reading it now feels like looking at a different world—the masks, the QR code menus as a "new" thing, and the way we lived for those small weekend escapes just to feel a sense of normalcy. Back then, a trip to Philz for a Gingersnap coffee and a spontaneous trek to Navy Yard felt like a grand adventure. Looking back, those moments were more than just brunch; they were a lifeline. Eve

For as long as I can remember, the dream was always Washington, DC. I spent years hunting for that city commute, but the doors always seemed to open in Virginia or Maryland instead. When I finally landed my first role as an auditor in the heart of DC, the excitement was tinted with a bit of relief. My journey through college wasn't a straight line. In the beginning, I’ll be the first to admit I wasn't the most responsible student. Life got in the way, and by the time I took a

There are some days that just feel like a deep, restorative exhale. Today was one of them—a perfect blend of professional community and personal connection that reminded me why I’m exactly where I need to be. Finding "Home" at Work My morning kicked off at 12:00 PM with our company’s Beauty and More Social Club. It’s hard to put into words what this community is like, but the people I work with truly make the office feel like a home. In a season where I’ve dealt with some hea

Some recipes are born from a cookbook, but this one was born from a whirlwind of "mom brain," a Friday night reality check, and a Saturday morning mission. Friday Morning: "Mom Brain" & The Survivor Spuds Friday morning started with a bit of chaos. I took the kids to school, promising them a trip to the deli. But being the creature of habit I am, I drove straight to the school and dropped them off without a second thought. I was halfway down the street when I realized: OMG, I

In the beginning there was me and there was food. At the tender age of young I had the wonderful dream of becoming a chef,...