Hello, wonderful readers! I’m incredibly excited to kick off something truly special and new here at Modern Honey. For a long time, I’ve wanted to pull back the curtain and share more than just recipes and culinary tips. My vision is to create a space where we can connect on a deeper level, offering you a genuine glimpse into what goes on behind the scenes of running Modern Honey, a more personal look into my everyday life, and an opportunity to truly connect with all of you, my incredible community.
While I can’t promise these will be *every* Friday, I’m committed to doing more frequent “check-ins” because, if you know me in real life, you know I absolutely cherish connection! It’s the conversations, the shared experiences, and the human element that truly light me up. So, consider this your invitation to join me in these candid moments. Let’s make this a two-way street. How are all of you doing? What’s been on your mind, or what exciting (or even mundane!) things have filled your days recently?
Just last week, for instance, I found myself sitting in the waiting room of a maxillofacial oral surgeon’s office. The reason? My son was undergoing wisdom teeth removal. If you’ve been through this with your own children, you know there’s nothing quite as amusing as seeing them emerge from surgery, still groggy from anesthesia, uttering the most incredibly hilarious and unfiltered things. It’s a rite of passage for many teenagers, and while the experience itself can be a little nerve-wracking for a parent, the post-op antics often provide much-needed comic relief!
But amidst the laughter, these moments also serve as poignant reminders that my children are growing up at a remarkable pace. It feels like just yesterday they were little, and now we’re down to only two children still at home. Our third child, Carson, is not only graduating from high school next month but will also be embarking on a two-year church mission shortly thereafter. This is a monumental milestone for him and for our family, marking a significant transition into adulthood and service. We’ll definitely delve more into this big chapter in a future post, as it’s something that occupies a lot of our thoughts and preparations right now!
With Carson’s upcoming mission, we’re incredibly focused on soaking up as much family time as possible and creating lasting memories together. Recently, we packed our bags and headed to Lake Havasu City, Arizona, a destination famously known as one of the hottest places in the nation – especially during Spring Break! My husband actually grew up there, and for him, a perfect day is unequivocally spent out on the water. We pictured endless blue skies, abundant sunshine, and that ideal 82-degree warmth on the lake, perfect for all sorts of water activities.
However, as often happens with travel expectations, reality had a slightly different plan in store for us! Let me just insert some photos here to show you exactly what I mean. Despite our idyllic visions, we found ourselves bundled up in hoodies, wrapped in blankets, and donning sweats for a significant portion of our trip. It certainly wasn’t the scorching desert heat we anticipated! Nevertheless, the unexpected chill couldn’t dampen our spirits. It was so much fun being together, laughing at our bundled-up selves, and simply enjoying each other’s company, proving that quality family time trumps perfect weather any day.
The celebrations don’t stop there! My son-in-law, Conner, officially completed his Finance degree from BYU in December 2023, and this week, we’re flying up to Utah to celebrate his official “walk” and diploma ceremony. It’s such a proud moment for our family to witness his hard work and dedication come to fruition. Adding to the joy, my nephew is getting married the very next day, making it the perfect timing for a double celebration. This means we’ll be packing in a ton of valuable family time, catching up with relatives, and making more wonderful memories. These multi-event trips are always chaotic but so incredibly rewarding, reinforcing the bonds that mean so much to us.
Speaking of family, my daughter, Sierra, who is happily married to Conner, graduated from college two years ago and has become an invaluable asset to Modern Honey. She works tirelessly behind the scenes, handling a vast array of tasks that keep everything running smoothly. From managing content to coordinating projects, her dedication and expertise are indispensable. I honestly couldn’t do half of what I do without her unwavering support and incredible work ethic. She truly is a gem, and I’m so grateful to have her by my side, not just as my daughter but as a trusted colleague and partner in this journey.
My Current Obsessions: Things I Am Absolutely Loving Right Now
One core principle that defines me and Modern Honey is an unwavering commitment to honesty and authenticity. When it comes to products I love and use, you can always count on me to be completely transparent. I’m incredibly selective about the partnerships I enter into because any item I recommend absolutely has to be something I am genuinely passionate about and integrate into my own life. Being real, genuine, and authentic isn’t just a marketing strategy for me; it’s one of the most important values I uphold. So, with that in mind, I’m thrilled to share some of my current favorite things that have truly made a positive impact on my daily routine and happiness.
Elevating My Routine with Clean Simple Eats Protein Powder
After hearing countless glowing reviews and seeing so many people rave about it, I finally decided to try CLEAN and SIMPLE EATS PROTEIN POWDER. My daughter, who is a true health nut and incredibly discerning when it comes to supplements, has long declared it her hands-down favorite protein powder on the market. Now, I must confess, I’m a self-proclaimed protein powder snob. Over the years, I’ve tried numerous brands, and frankly, many of them miss the mark for me with their artificial flavors or gritty textures. So, my expectations were set quite high.
But this one… this one completely blew me away. It genuinely tastes like a decadent milkshake, making it an absolute game-changer for my breakfast or post-workout routine. My secret to achieving this creamy, rich consistency is mixing it with Fairlife filtered milk. Fairlife milk isn’t just delicious; it boasts an impressive 13 grams of protein per serving, is completely lactose-free, and contains only 80 calories. It’s a bit pricier than conventional milk, but I always keep an eye out for sales and stock up when I can. Have you tried it? The combination is simply divine.
My go-to indulgence involves mixing the Clean and Simple Eats Brownie Batter Protein Powder with the Fairlife Milk. To truly elevate the experience (because, let’s be honest, I’m a little “extra” like that!), I top it with a light spray of whipped cream and a sprinkle of tiny Callebaut chocolate curls. This concoction truly transforms my daily protein shake into a rich, luxurious treat that tastes like it came straight from a gourmet dessert bar. And the best part? It delivers over 33 grams of protein, keeping me full and energized. If you’re looking for a protein powder that actually tastes amazing, I cannot recommend Clean Simple Eats enough.
To sweeten the deal even further for my amazing readers, I’m happy to share a special DISCOUNT code. You can enjoy 10% off your entire Clean Simple Eats purchase, which is a fantastic saving on these premium products. Simply use the code SIERRA at checkout. I hope you love it as much as my daughter and I do!
The Simple Beauty of Trader Joe’s Spring Flowers
One of the little joys I eagerly anticipate each year is when the vibrant spring flowers begin to grace the aisles of Trader Joe’s. There’s something so uplifting about bringing fresh blooms into the home, a simple act that instantly brightens any space and lifts the spirit. Recently, I picked up this single, elegant bunch of white tulips, and I honestly think they are just simply beautiful in their understated grace. Their clean lines and delicate petals bring such a fresh, serene aesthetic to my kitchen counter.
However, I must admit, they didn’t last quite as long as I would have hoped. This brings me to a question for all of you seasoned flower enthusiasts: do you have any tried-and-true tips for extending the life of cut flowers? I’ve heard so many different suggestions over the years – some people swear by adding a splash of Sprite to the water, others recommend a tiny drop of bleach, or even a pinch of baking soda. Has anything truly worked wonders for you? I’m always looking for ways to keep those beautiful blossoms vibrant for longer!
On a related note, what are your absolute favorite flowers? It’s always fun to hear what blooms resonate most with others. For me, my top picks are unequivocally peonies, with their lush, full petals and incredible fragrance; the delicate, ruffled beauty of ranunculus; the stunning variety and intricate layers of dahlias; the classic elegance of hydrangeas; and, of course, the charming simplicity of tulips. But if I had to pick one all-time favorite, it would undoubtedly be pink peonies. There’s just something magical and utterly captivating about them that makes my heart sing every single time.
The Rich Essence of Casa Bella Vida Vanilla
For any avid baker, the quality of vanilla extract can truly make or break a recipe. I’ve always been a huge fan of the unique, rich flavor profile of Mexican Vanilla, which offers a depth and warmth distinct from its Madagascar counterpart. It has a slightly woody, spicy, and often smoky undertone that adds an incredible dimension to baked goods. And recently, I discovered Casa Bella Vida Vanilla, and it has quickly become a staple in my pantry. Its flavor is simply wonderful, elevating everything from cookies to cakes and custards.
Beyond its exceptional taste, the product itself is beautifully presented in a striking blue glass bottle, which makes it a lovely addition to any kitchen counter. Its aesthetic appeal makes it not only a delightful ingredient but also a thoughtful and delicious Mother’s Day gift idea for any baking enthusiast in your life. It’s the kind of gift that shows you truly appreciate good quality and exquisite taste. I was so impressed that I reached out to them directly, and they graciously offered a 10% discount for my readers. If you’re looking to elevate your baking or find the perfect gift, simply use the code HONEY10 at checkout.
My Beloved “Lap Dog,” Bentley
Finally, one more thing that brings immense joy and endless laughter into my life is my beloved “small” lap dog, Bentley. Haha! He truly believes he’s a tiny lap dog, despite being… well, quite a bit larger than that. No matter what I’m doing, especially when I’m engrossed in work, he has an absolute insistence on being right next to me, or more often than not, perched squarely on my lap! He is my constant shadow, following me from room to room, a furry presence that’s always just a paw’s reach away.
Bentley brings such an incredible amount of happiness and warmth into our home. His personality is larger than life, and he communicates with the most endearing expressions. One of his most hilarious traits is his “smile.” When he sees us, particularly when we return home, he greets us with the most awkward, goofy, and utterly charming smile imaginable. It’s less of a canine grin and more of a full-toothed, almost human-like expression that never fails to make us burst out laughing. He’s just so full of character and love. Maybe I just need to dedicate an entire post to photos of his incredible smile, because it truly has to be seen to be believed!
Okay, here goes, a little sneak peek into Bentley’s world…
Every single time we walk through the door, Bentley’s excitement is palpable. He bounds over, wagging his entire body, and greets us with that signature large, awkward, yet undeniably joyful smile. He truly is the best companion a family could ask for, a furry bundle of unconditional love and endless entertainment. His presence makes our house feel like a home, filled with warmth and a constant reminder of simple, pure happiness.
Well, I’m signing off for now from this personal check-in! Since we’re currently in Utah for Conner’s graduation and the wedding, I have a few essential stops to make. First, I’m planning a quick trip to Orson Gygi, the legendary kitchen store, to grab some specialty baking chocolates – a must-have for any serious baker. And of course, no visit to Utah is complete without a stop at Ruby Snap for their absolutely divine cookies. These are all of life’s essentials, wouldn’t you agree?
I sincerely hope you all have a truly wonderful weekend, filled with joy, connection, and perhaps a few delicious treats of your own. Thank you so much for following along with me on this journey, both culinary and personal. I am genuinely grateful every single day for my amazing readers and friends like you, who make this Modern Honey community so special. Your support and engagement mean the world to me!
— Melissa