What a week. Happy and sad; full of love and despair. I’ll be honest, I have a hard time sharing on here after a tragedy. It feels wrong and ignorant like I don’t recognize that such a monumental loss just occurred and I’m over here talking about donuts or whatever. And the saddest part is that these tragedies seem to happen more and more often, and I’m lost for words more and more frequently. I hope my silence does not translate as apathy. Please know I am as broken hearted as you and desperate for change. I’ve included a few links below that I found important and insightful. I am someone who believes you can send thoughts and prayers for victims and want policy change at the same time. I do not have answers, but I know something needs to change. I have signed up for updates from Everytown for Gun Safety and will continue to look for representatives who will fight for what is right. I will also continue to preach kindness. A smile to a stranger may not be the answer to the end of mass shootings, but if we all were kinder to the people we encountered every day, don’t you think that could make a difference?
Otherwise, my week was honestly full of too much food after I told you I was trying to lay low after vacation. Dave and I cooked steaks for Valentine’s Day and he surprised me with chocolate covered strawberries from Chocolate Holler. I had lunch with my parents at Sahara Friday afternoon then office happy hour at OBC Kitchen Friday night, then went out with friends to West Main Crafting Co. Saturday night, THEN did brunch at Local Taco this morning. Oooooops. At least I spent today meal-prepping, went on two walks and am ready for a healthy week!
Highs & Lows
High: Is falafel allowed to be a high? I’ve seriously been craving it for months.
Low: On top of the shooting in Florida, I learned of the passing of a fellow blogger and friend, Morgan. I was shocked to hear the news and just so sad for her family and friends. Sending love to anyone who knew Morgan.
Links I Love
Because they should be honored, these are the victims of the Stoneman Douglas shooting. I also found this blog post by an Army Veteran very enlightening. If you’re looking to give, this fund will be used to provide relief and financial support to the victims and families of the horrific shooting.
This piece on productivity was an interesting read. Plays with the idea that your life is represented by the four burners on a stove, each representing something different, and to be successful you have to cut one off.
My mom made this chocolate torte for Valentine’s Day and it was AMAZING.
Proud that I think I knew most of these; five food myths you should stop believing.
Self care does not have to mean paying for a massage; here are 25 free ideas.
Has anyone else been wondering why Olympians are being given stuffed tigers?
For everyone obsessed with Joanna Gaines; here’s a sneak peak at their new restaurant’s menu.
Apparently this $15 frying pan is better than Le Creuset.
Quote of the Week
“Let your smile change the world. Don’t let the world change your smile.” source from Pinterest. Keep on smiling, my friends. All my love.
Biscuits & blessings,
Leels
Love that you said we can send thoughts and prayers and also work for change!
Thank you Sara! I certainly don’t know answers but know we need a change.
I so agree with the focus on KINDNESS! It can seem cliche, but I believe this is the single most important way anyone can make a difference. It’s not too hard to be kind when life is easy, but putting forth kindness to others during times of struggle is a challenge. If kindness motivates our actions, we can be compassionate AND promote change! ♥️♥️
Thank you so much Rebecca! I’m so glad you agree, sometimes I worry that people think I try and simplify the problem or that I’m not an advocate of policy change, but I think this world needs a combination of both!
I completely agree with you about sharing after tragedies. I just don’t know what to say… you know? Was also so sad to hear about Morgan. I hadn’t met her but followed her online; she seemed like a sweetheart! I had a similar food week last week and over the weekend. Really yesterday wasn’t great, either! One day at a time, right?
I love the quote! So true that we need to use our smiles to change the world! I am checking out the 25 self-care post!
So glad you enjoyed it, Lacee!