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My Valentine
Scott and I share a deeply special bond. He is not just my partner; he is my everything. While some speak of finding their soul mates, I believe Scott is my soul embodied. I cannot fathom drawing a breath without him by my side. He serves as my steadfast anchor in life, and each day I am filled with gratitude for his presence. On this Valentine’s Day, I want to express my heartfelt wishes to my soul, my best friend, my anchor, my source of strength and courage, and my entire world.
Tonight, we enjoyed a delightful evening at a charming restaurant, or rather, I should say, a hidden gem that exuded rustic romance in an old-world village setting. Nestled in Hiram, The Olive Tree sits amidst a quaint strip with captivating shops. Among them, are a charming coffee house and a classic barber shop, with The Olive Tree anchoring the strip. The restaurant boasts a tantalizing Italian/Greek menu, brimming with fresh and flavorful dishes.
The ambiance was enchanting, with soft lighting and delightful music enveloping us in a cozy Mediterranean atmosphere. Our taste buds were treated to the most exquisite falafels I’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting. Moist and crispy, with a perfect outer coating, they paired harmoniously with the roasted red pepper hummus. While I may explore other items on the menu in the future, those falafels hold a special place in my heart. They were sheer perfection. Scott’s meal was a Chicken Caprese with fresh basil which was amazing and I tickled my taste buds with Chicken Piccata. You guys gotta try this place. A perfect date night restaurant!
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Essence of Love
Happy Valentine’s Day! As we celebrate this annual occasion with customary gestures of affection like gifting chocolates and flowers, it prompts reflection on the essence of love itself. Love transcends mere emotions; it’s a fundamental aspect of our being, shaping us from the moment we enter the world. Unlike fleeting emotions, love is enduring, woven into the fabric of our hearts and minds, connecting us all.
Amidst the joyous festivities of Valentine’s Day, it’s crucial to delve deeper into the concept of love. Beyond romantic partnerships, love encompasses all relationships that enrich our lives. It’s about cherishing the presence of those who make our world brighter, from family members to cherished friends. Contemplating a life without them evokes a profound sense of loss, underscoring the depth of our affection.
True love isn’t defined solely by fleeting moments of happiness but by the enduring connection we share with others. It’s about embracing both the joys and challenges of relationships, and understanding that love transcends transient feelings of anger or hurt. This understanding underscores the significance of love as a constant presence in our lives, not confined to a single day of celebration.
As we navigate a world often marred by hate and strife, it’s essential to recognize and nurture the essence of love within ourselves and others. Regardless of geographical boundaries or cultural differences, love unites us as a global community, offering hope for a brighter future. This Valentine’s Day, let’s not only celebrate romantic love but also embrace the universal essence of love that binds us all together.
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Finding passion and purpose in the kitchen
Some of you may not know this about me, but I’m the proud owner of a cozy little bakery, right from the heart of my home kitchen. It’s where the magic happens, where every delicious treat is crafted with love and passion. My kitchen is always buzzing with activity, filled with the delightful aromas of freshly baked goods and the sound of laughter and chatter.
They say the kitchen is the heart of the home, and for me, that couldn’t be more true. It’s not just a room; it’s the very essence of my life. It’s where I find my joy, where I connect with people on a deeper level, and where my creativity knows no bounds.
Today was an especially exciting day in my kitchen. I spent hours experimenting and refining my skills, like an artist with a canvas or a musician composing a symphony. It was like channeling my inner Bob Ross as I finally unearthed the palette knives I had tucked away for this very purpose.
My mission for the day? Mastering the art of buttercream flowers. Armed with determination and a touch of nervous excitement, I dove into the task at hand. With each stroke of the knife, I could feel my confidence growing, and my skills evolving. It was a journey of discovery, of trial and error, but most importantly, of pure joy.
Sure, there were moments of frustration and uncertainty, but isn’t that all part of the learning process? After all, every masterpiece starts with a single brushstroke, every symphony with a single note. And so, I persevered, embracing the challenge with an open heart and a determined spirit.
After hours of practice, and countless twists and turns of the palette knives, I finally produced something that resembled delicate buttercream flowers. They may not have been perfect, but they were mine, a testament to my perseverance and passion.
As I cleaned up the kitchen, wiping away the remnants of flour and frosting, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment wash over me. Today was not just about mastering a new technique; it was about pushing myself beyond my comfort zone and embracing the journey of growth and self-discovery.
And so, as I bid farewell to another day in my bustling kitchen, I do so with a heart full of gratitude and anticipation for the adventures that lie ahead. For in this kitchen, amidst the flour and frosting, I find not only my passion but also my purpose. And that, my friends, is truly something worth celebrating.
I think these flowers turned out great. I’m going to use this daisy technique on an upcoming cake order this week.
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February Love
This month has been a total whirlwind of baking fun! It all started with prepping for a chill neighborhood hangout before Valentine’s Day and ended with me whipping up some seriously cute custom cookies for little Edwin’s “2 at the Zoo” birthday bash.
You know what I love? Making sugar cookies! They’re like a blank canvas for creativity. The Valentine’s cookies were a hit—I mean, seriously sweet. Everyone loved them, and the compliments were like icing on the cake. I even printed some adorable Parisian Love Letter cookies using my edible ink printer. Sure, that printer can be a pain sometimes, but when it behaves, it’s magic. The sugar paper it prints on just melts onto the cookie, making them perfect for cakes too.
Oh, and speaking of love, I made these LOVE cookies too. They were just too cute for words! Same deal as the Parisian ones, with the printer drama and all, but totally worth it in the end.
After all that baking, I got busy making custom cookies for my grandson’s big day. “2 at the Zoo” called for something special, so I went hunting online for cool zoo animal shapes, which I turned into cookie cutters. The result? A wild success! These cookies were the life of the party, delighting kids and grown-ups alike.
You can find my sugar cookie recipe here.
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This Little Life of Mine
Hello, lovely readers! I’m Becky Edwards, a proud Cleveland, Ohio native now calling the beautiful Dallas, Georgia, home. Nestled in a modern farmhouse with my husband, Scott, we find joy in the simple things – like our mischievous rescue poodle, Olive, and the laughter of our grandson, the adorable little Edwin with golden hair.
By day, I’m a baker extraordinaire, crafting delightful treats from the heart of my home kitchen. But my passions extend far beyond the kitchen. I’m a devoted creator, finding joy in sewing, quilting, embroidery, soap making, paper crafting, and everything handmade.
In this corner of the internet, I hope to share the warmth and joy that fills my home. From handy tips and tricks to the latest happenings in town, arts, entertainment, and family activities – I’m here to make your day a little brighter.
So, join me on this adventure! Let’s explore the world of handmade wonders, discover the sweetness of life, and find inspiration in the everyday moments. I promise a blog that’s not just helpful but also interesting, fun, and engaging. Welcome to my world!