Hey there! It’s time once again for my monthly Bits & Pieces – A collection of random things I’ve been meaning to share with you that I think you need to know about, and probably some you don’t.
1. I have been enjoying our monsoons so much this season. In Arizona, you feel like you just eek your way by every summer. Then August comes around and we get these amazing evening storms that come out of nowhere with lightning, thunder, wind and sometimes actual rain. It won’t really even start to cool down until October, but as long as we have these storms to break up the monotony of HOT and DRY, I think we’ll make it another year.
2. We had a big women’s conference at church this weekend, and I got to lead one of the workshops with a group of ladies. We discussed authenticity and how it relates to social media. It was so good to talk about how harmful it really is to try to project the image of perfection as we share things on social media and how we are really craving something REAL! Perfection doesn’t exist on this side of eternity, so we are just chasing the wind and setting unrealistic standards for others to strive for. What are your thoughts????
3. JJ Heller was also at the conference and she is just so darn good. She’s one of those people who doesn’t even sound like they have to make an effort to sing, and you could just listen all day. Loving her new album that was just released!
4. So excited to go visit my sister who just went away to college in Southern California last month this weekend! I also get to hold my new little foster nephew for the first time. Can’t wait to smell his little head.
5. I’ve been getting a lot of asks about these sandals when I wear them. They are my new favorite brand of shoes and I have very picky feet. The fact that I can wear them ALL DAY without regret says a lot!
6. In an effort to challenge and mature my palate I made myself eat steamed broccoli this weekend. It was…. okay. I didn’t gag. Now if I could only like wine, I’d feel so grown up. I don’t think I’ll ever get over my disappointment that it doesn’t taste anything like grape juice.
7. Little Boy #1 and #2 are back to school so Little Boy #3 and I have been spending lots of time together. He misses his brothers and asks everyday how many more hours, minutes, and seconds until we go pick them up. I always try to distract him and say, “Well, let’s do something fun while we are waiting!” and he always replies, “We could make chocolate cookies?” Like I’m going to say no!
What Matters Most
Every month I am overwhelmed by the kindness and support of those who visit Lovely Little Kitchen. Without you, there would be no LLK! Each month, a portion of the monthly income from LLK is set aside to support those in need.
This month a portion of the income from LLK will be donated to Feed My Starving Children. Feed My Starving Children is a non-profit Christian organization committed to feeding God’s children hungry in body and spirit. The approach is simple: children and adults hand-pack meals specifically formulated for malnourished children, and they ship the meals to nearly 70 countries around the world.
The Clever Carrot says
Julie social media can be such a quandary. ON the one hand, you want to give your followers what you think they want. On the other hand, you want to be authentic. Not always easy. When I was at the Saveur awards, this is one of the things they spoke of. If you’re a food blog, only post food related content. That just doesn’t feel right to me, so I try and go with my gut. It may not be favored in social media, but ‘oh well’. Win some, lose some, ya know? Thanks for sharing all your wonderful goodies and enjoy your nephew! My kids start school after labor day. Getting ready!
Maralyn Woods says
I subscribe to a lot of food blogs and the ones that I click on first are the blogs where I know the writer is going to share personal life stuff – even if I have no interest in the recipe (like if it’s veggies or low cal or “healthy”). The blogs that go straight to recipes are the ones that I find myself unsubscribing from pronto.
Julie says
Maralyn, that is so encouraging to me! Thank you. I love knowing the stories behind the recipes when I read other blogs as well. I think we all like to find connection and common ground, and know that given the chance, we would enjoy each other’s company in real life too.
Maralyn Woods says
Your last sentence sums it up perfectly. After all, it is social media. I find it strange that Saveur would be giving that kind of advice when the award nominee’s blogs were for the most part very personal.
Julie says
That is so interesting! I’m glad you post little bits of life too every now and then. Honestly that’s what makes me feel connected to you – I love knowing the stories that are behind the girl making all the crazy amazing recipes on The Clever Carrot. Let’s just keep doing what we love right!?!
Nova says
I hear you about broccoli; have you ever tried to roast it? Sometimes I sautee it with olive oil, s&p, and dash or two of McCormmick Steak seasoning and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. And one time I had leftover tempura batter and yep I dipped some broccoli and deep fried it. It was delicious but defeated the purpose of healthy green veggies. So I like to roast it best. Weelicious blog has broccoli cheddar patties my family likes, too.
As for wine, maybe a wine tasting would help if you wanted to find some you like. Some places offer it in a small setting which for me is nice. I personally feel there are too many rules for how you should like it and drink it and pair it. I do think some wines do pair well with certain foods but I don’t drink a lot. I’ve find a few I like and that works for me. I keep a few on hand for drinking and guest but especially for cooking.
PS, just filled out a survey for King Arthur Flour and they asked if I had a blog I’d like to see and I mentioned yours. Hope they contact you!
Julie says
Hi Nova, I will definitely try roasting the broccoli! We just had roasted asparagus, red peppers, and zucchini last night with dinner and loved it so I think that is a great idea. How sweet of you to mention LLK on the survey for King Arthur Flour! Hope you have a great week!