Let’s Chill #6

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Another life update coming at you live! From afternoons on the lake to a fun photography workshop, Let’s Chill and talk about what’s been happening lately!

Let’s Chill #6

Hey there! Boy, it’s been a while since I wrote one of these posts! Just over a year, in fact. Given the craziness of the past year, it kind of makes sense. It’s only been recently that I have finally started to chill again, so a chill post makes perfect sense. 🙂 Plus I figure it’s Friday and there’s some things to catch up on, so why not?

My Cookbook

That, my friends, is the reason for all the craziness of the past year. It has been one heck of an undertaking, but I am thrilled to report that it’s in it’s final stages of editing. We are also working on finalizing a cover.

It’s hard to sum up the experience of writing a cookbook. I knew it was going to be a lot of work – and likely even more work than I could’ve known – and I was right. It basically dominated life for the last year and just over the last several weeks have things started to calm down. It has truly been wonderful to have moments where I can just relax again – to be able to spend time with the hubs or friends and family and not have a nagging feeling at the back of my mind that there’s more cakes to be baked.

After many long nights spent drinking coffee and snacking on popcorn and Walkers Shortbread (it’s so good!) while baking and writing, I’m super excited that it’s almost done and available for you all! I can’t believe we have to wait until October for it to be out, but it’s getting close! I love everything in it and I’m so excited to share some sneak peeks with you – hopefully soon.

I know a while back I asked for volunteers to help with the testing process and I was honestly so surprised at the number of people who volunteered. You have no idea how much it means to me that so many of you wanted to help and are excited for the book to come out. The unfortunate thing was that so many people signed up that not everyone was able to actually test a recipe. By the time I cut off the sign ups, there were already too many. I really I had no idea so many would want to help! You guys are THE BEST!!! Thank you to everyone who volunteered and everyone who took the time to test a recipe. You 100% helped make this book even better!

My New Favorite Show to Binge

Speaking of relaxing and having a little free time – I mentioned a couple months ago that I soon wanted to start watching Outlander. My mom has been telling me for forever how good it is so this past weekend, I finally signed up for Starz through Amazon Prime to be able to watch it. I figured I’d watch an episode here and there – no big deal.

I was SO WRONG! I COULD NOT stop watching!

I binge watched the crap out of that show. In 2 1/2 days I watched all of season 1 and am completely caught up on season 2. I can’t wait for tomorrow’s episode! IT IS SOOOOOOO GOOOOOOD! I can’t even deal. It took a solid couple of days to remove myself from the Scottish haze I was in. I officially love all things Scottish – especially Jamie. There are apparently books and I’m afraid I just might have to get them. Problem is, I got nothing done last weekend and if I get the books, I may never put them down.

Of course my mom is thrilled with herself for getting me hooked. She couldn’t WAIT to talk to me about it. I have now made it my goal to get my friends hooked so we can all talk Outlander all the time. 🙂 You totally need to join us!

Photography Workshop

A few weeks ago I went to a photography workshop that was just down the road, hosted by some local photographers and a local lifestyle blogger. The focus was on taking photos of people (as opposed to food) and it was really nice to change things up a bit. I learned a few new things about my camera and felt re-inspired, which was nice.

An Image on Lindsay's Camera Screen of a Girl with Flowers in Her Hair

Another inspiring place for me this summer – the lake. We’ve spent many afternoons enjoying it already and I look forward to make more relaxing days in the sun.

The Sun Shining Over a Sparkling Lake Lined with Trees

Fertility Acupuncture

It’s been a bit since I’ve mentioned the acupuncture that I was doing for [in]fertility purposes. The truth is I actually stopped going to acupuncture a little over month ago now. As the stress of finishing the book piled up at the end, it was taking several hours of my day each week to go to the appointments and it was time that I needed to have to be able to get things done.

We had considered going back after a month or so, when things calmed down, but I think now I am just in the mode of enjoying the fact that things have slowed down. We are taking a bit of a break. I’m no longer worried about weekly appointments, drinking the herbs three times a day and waking up every morning to take my temperature – and it’s been a relief. We aren’t sure what’s in store for us in this area of our lives, but for now we are giving it some time and looking for God’s guidance on next steps – both what and when.

Cocktails

One of the great things about not worrying about acupuncture anymore is that I don’t need to worry about having cocktails!! This week I attended a seminar on Appleton Rum, made in Jamaica. It was hosted by Master Blender Joy Spence – she’s the first female master blender in the world. Pretty cool!

I got a chance to taste their different rums side by side and learn about the process of making it, aging it, etc. It was actually pretty interesting and when putting the various aged rums side by side and tasting them, the difference was obvious. I’d never done that before and it gave me a whole new appreciation for an aged alcohol. And a bonus – they said this is one of the few rums that actually doesn’t have any added sugar or carbs. I am TOTALLY digging that!

Plus, I got to mix my own blend of rum using the various rums they gave us! I haven’t made anything with it yet, but I feel a cocktail coming this weekend. I must say, my blend smells quite nice. 🙂

A Bottle of Appleton Estate Rum in Front of a Crowded Table

7. Some of my favorite posts from this time last year:

Watermelon Elderflower Cocktail – If you haven’t tried Elderflower yet, you need to get on it. So good!
Three Watermelon Elderflower Cocktails Garnished with Watermelon Slices

Oreo Brookie Tiramsiu – Layers of brownie, oreos and chocolate chip cookies with classic tiramisu filling a coffee and kahlua. Need I say more?
A Piece of Oreo Brookie Tiramisu on White Plate with a Fork

Peanut Butter Truffle Chocolate Cake – For all the chocolate and peanut butter lovers out there. 🙂
A Slice of Peanut Butter Truffle Chocolate Cake on a Gold Plate

Fresh Berry Vanilla Layered Cake – The strawberries in our grocery store are INSANE right now! They smell and taste AMAZING! They need to go in this cake – again.
A Fresh Berry Vanilla Layered Cake on a White Cake Stand

This Mint Chocolate Oreo Pie is  the perfect frozen summer pie. I love all of her stuff.

These Banana Nut Crunch Cupcakes are beautiful! And hello banana!

The chocolatey amazingness of this Chocolate Mudslide Cake!

Pure genius. I NEED this Rainbow Candy Cake.

Pineapple Party Punch – another great way to drink ourselves through the summer.

Any strawberry lovers out there? You need this Perfect Strawberry Shortcake recipe.

I’m a sucker for an amazing cake like this Smores Cake. I can’t even.

So much to love about these Blackberry Limeade Cupcakes.

Oh, and did I mention you need to start watching Outlander? Because you do. 🙂

Happy Friday!

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7 Comments
  1. Courtney

    I just finished reading Outlander a couple weeks ago and I’m on the wait list at the library for the second book in the series. I’m afraid to watch the series on TV for fear it will ruin the reading experience but now I’m inspired to go for it. Can’t wait for your cookbook!

    1. Lindsay

      Eek! I’m the opposite! I so want to read the books, but I’m afraid it will ruin the show, hah!

      Thanks Courtney!

  2. Erin R.

    Ah, the produce section smell cloud. I walked through at the grocery store this morning and had the nearly uncontrollable urge to eat a cold bowl of salsa. Not with chips, just with a spoon. Produce is SO AMAZING in the summer. I feel like I need to go walk through a strawberry cloud now.

    Glad to hear you’re getting a break and enjoying yourself right now!

  3. Tonia

    Wow, you have been busy! I’m looking forward to spending some time at the lake this summer too. Thanks for sharing my cake!

  4. Angelica Costa

    There should be a warning next to Outlander’s title: “highly addictive”. I love Jamie, but sorry, #TeamFrank here. lol

    Can’t wait for the book!!

    1. Lindsay

      Yes! It absolutely should come with a warning! I had no idea there was even a Team Frank, since my mom and I love Jamie so much. 🙂 I can’t help but only see Blackjack Randall when I see Frank. 🙁

      Thank you, Angelica!

Lindsay
About Lindsay

I'm a wife and a mom to twin boys and a baby girl! And I've got a serious sweets addiction! Bring on the treats!

Scripture I’m Loving

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29