Hi, how are you?

It's been 2 weeks since I last emailed you, but it feels like so much longer! Do you subscribe to any other newsletters that you enjoy? I subscribe to one other, Amber Clark (she's @amberfillerup on IG), and her format is short and sweet. Every week, she sends a list of 12 random things about her life. I like it because it only takes a few minutes to read and also there's usually at least one thing I can take away for myself (a show to check out, song to listen to, brand to discover, etc).

All that to say, I'm long winded and I don't think I can condense my email down to 12-ish sentences! I think it's nice to have all types of all the things. Short and long emails. Dressy and casual shoes. Quiet and loud friends. TikTok videos that are just funny and videos that are just interesting. Songs that make me dance and songs that make me feel teary-eyed. It would be a boring world if we were all the same, you know?

Before I forget, here's a picture of me from 2011 in one of the wedding dresses I tried on but did NOT buy! I haven't seen it since my mom took that picture!

Okay moving along now...

A few things I've tried recently

I tried Hello Fresh. I had heard about it a lot. On some of the podcasts I enjoy, they promote it. It says it's cheaper than eating out and also cheaper than grocery shopping. I'm not totally sure how that second part is the case, but I do see how it can be cheaper than eating out. Verdict? I really loved both of the meals we got (Turkey Pot Pie and Pork Bulgogi Bowls). But I'm more of a "wing it" kind of gal, so all of the little steps and pictures to follow in the recipe were overwhelming for me. It also took me a long time to prep the veggies. I would have loved if those veggie prep steps were done - THAT would be convenient for me.

All that said, I can see why it is really nice for some people. If you have a hard time figuring out what to cook and/or hate to grocery shop, then it would be a really nice service to have! Have you ever tried a meal kit box like Hello Fresh? There are so many of them, so I'm sure there are pros and cons to them all!

Another thing I've tried recently is the Barista Blend Almond Milk. It's meant to froth just like whole milk. Honestly, I didn't notice much difference in texture at all. I've heard that the Barista Blend Oat Milk is excellent, so I may give that a try! I've been watching videos from this guy on Instagram (he's on TikTok too), and they've been very helpful. I've come to the conclusion that I just have a mental block at this point. For years, I've been trying to make latte art, and I've basically not improved at all. In 8 years. My milk is fine; it's my technique that needs to be evaluated.

Cam had a good question: Is there a service that sends a barista to your home to help you, in person, on your home machine, with latte art? Like an in-home masseuse or something, but for fancy coffee. I'll figure it out and get back to you. :)

What's your favorite scary movie?

Scary movies have always been my favorite but lately, as I've gotten older, I'm more spooked by them than I used to be! I am not scared by the type that are unrealistic, like Chucky or Megan. A doll that comes to life? That isn't believable to me. But something that feels possible? An actual scenario that could happen? Those are the scary ones to me. I'm thinking of Scream and Final Destination. I'd even include the paranormal and sci-fi type, like Paranormal Activity and Cabin in the Woods.

I've seen SO many of them, but there are so many others out there! Do you have a favorite?

A nice little snack

Fun fact: The Hebrew meaning of the name Bethany is "house of dates." I never tried a date until I was an adult (they don't look very appetizing!), but MAN, they're like nature's candy. They're so sweet and chewy, almost like a caramel. I'm a big fan. Here's a quick and easy snack using dates:

Open a date (I buy Medjool, with the pits), remove the pit, put a small spoonful of almond or cashew butter, sprinkle a little cinnamon, and then sprinkle a little shredded coconut.

Another option is to pit the date, put a whole almond inside and then top with a few chocolate chips!

One more idea that I've not tried but really want to is this one from Kevin over at Fit Men Cook! It uses goat cheese, fresh herbs, honey, and walnuts. And the kicker? You ROAST them. He said it makes the insides even more caramel-y and the outside crispy. Oh my!

Creamy Brussels sprouts

I know they've got a bad reputation, and if you're one of those people who does not like Brussels sprouts (or you're afraid to give them a try), this is the recipe to try!

I'll link it at the end. It takes quite a while, so we usually make a big batch because we all really like it! You can do the same recipe using broccoli too.

1. Cut your sprouts in half or quarter. Cook them in oil or butter for 10-15 minutes.

2. Add some garlic, salt, and pepper, along with heavy cream.

3. Bring that to a simmer.

4. Add in some shredded mozzarella cheese and cooked bacon. Top with more cheese.

5. Stick in the oven until it's nice and golden and bubbly and the sprouts are to your liking!

Here's a link with more details. Enjoy!

Some of my favorite TikTok videos lately

• These two guys mash up songs, and they're sooo satisfying! Here's a recent one.

• I've never seen a sandwich done like this. They just chop all the meats, cheese, and toppings and mix it together with the sauces, then scoop it into a hoagie! I want to try!

• I love a good silly pun. Is this a pun? I think it's a pun.

• Umm I'm definitely here for the question-comma!

• This guy dances to that Dirty Dancing scene, you know the one... with a twist. 😄

Here are 5 random other things

1. This weekend we are picking up the seeds and trellises and everything we need to start our spring garden. For the first time (in 5 years) I'll be helping Cameron with the garden. He's done it himself every time and, while we have some fresh veggies each year, we really want to have a big harvest this time!

2. On that same note, I want to learn how to can, dehydrate, and freeze dry food. I want to learn how to make even more things from scratch. I'd like to learn how to live more sustainably!

3. Did I tell you I'm learning Chinese? The kids and I have been learning German and Spanish since August. I wanted a bigger challenge for myself. Chinese is definitely a challenge. The second reason for it is just that it's one of the most spoken languages in the world!

4. If you could, say a little prayer for Charlie. He's got a small dental issue that's really stressing me out. We've seen one pediatric dentist and are seeing another one, for a second opinion. Once I know more, I'll let you guys know the details!

5. We're expecting one more freeze for this time of year, and I'm so ready for the warm weather!

Well, that's it for the week! ❤️Bethany

As always, just hit reply to this email to send me a question, comment, prayer request, suggestion, anything at all. Have a good week!