It’s hot as all get out in North Texas these days. The kind of hot that feels like it’ll burn your skin the second you step outside. I can’t tell if this summer is actually hotter than last summer, or if I have this exact thought every July. Yesterday, my mom wanted to go to the Buddhist temple to make merit before the start of Vassa, the Theravada Buddhist Lent.…
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I’m ready for the quiet
Even though there’s still about a month of summer left—I guess I’m going by the school calendar, even though I don’t have kids—it already feels like summer is winding down. The back-to-school displays are up in every store, and fall clothes have taken over the…
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Come Back Next Summer
In case you somehow missed it—though by now you really should know—the World Cup is in North America this summer. I’m not a huge soccer (football) fan, but I do love watching the World Cup. There’s something special about seeing nations compete against one another…
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Almond Croissant Blondies: Warm, Buttery Perfection
One night, I was binge-watching YouTube as usual when I came across Laura Vitale’s vlog, where she was baking almond croissant blondies. If you haven’t heard of Laura Vitale, I highly recommend checking out her YouTube channel or her blog, Laura in the Kitchen—I really love…
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My Christmas Sugar Cookie Success
Every year, I usually buy a Christmas cookie tray because I always thought I wasn’t much of a baker. This year, however, I decided to make all of the desserts and snacks myself. As it turns out, I’m not a bad baker at all—I actually…
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It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!
Did everyone have a good Christmas? We had a full house! I decorated like mad, and it was so festive around here. My brother, his fiancé, and their two dogs came into town, and my sister and her boyfriend were here as well. Despite all…
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The Cornbread Bake-Off No One Asked For
Hi everyone! I’m back just in time to post for Thanksgiving. This year will be a quiet one for us. My brother and his fiancée usually spend Thanksgiving in North Carolina with her family and join us for Christmas instead. My sister, on the other…
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The Great Kidney Stone of 2025
It’s been a while since I’ve posted—this summer was a whirlwind. Chaotic, busy, and a bit of a blur. I won’t get into all the details, but let’s just say it included ER visits, hospital stays, surgeries, and more doctor appointments than I can count.…
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Flu A, Sushi Regrets, and Plant Guilt
One day you’re feeling fine, and the next, you test positive for the flu. Things start to get a bit blurry after that. Getting sick is always frustrating, but when it’s something more serious than a mild cold, you can’t just push through it. I…