June 29, 2015

The Thing You Crave the Most


Cravings are strange. I'm sure there's probably lots of scientific research behind them, none of which I'm going to mention here, but if you Google "Science of cravings" you can find approximately 1,280,000 results on the subject. So there's that.

The other night my family went out to a restaurant where we've eaten for years. It's known for its seafood, but for some reason as I read over the menu, I felt like I was craving the vegetable lasagna. Even as I had the thought, another thought came to me that I probably shouldn't order lasagna at a restaurant known for its seafood...as if there were some sort of restaurant police that might not approve my decision.

Oh those darned shoulds and should nots. Why do they always rear their ugly heads? I'm not talking about a feeling in your heart that is leading you in one direction or another. I'm referring to those feelings that come based on nothing more than some abstract idea of "the right thing" to do. Why is it so hard to follow the truest desire of our heart (which seems like the most natural thing to do) and yet so easy to follow someone else's idea of what's right for us (often white knuckling our way through it, by gosh!)?

Math has never been my strong-suit, but one strategy I used as a kid to complete challenging math homework was to first think of the most basic thing I knew to be true and work my way forward from there.

Perhaps that same method could be applied in other areas of life?

When faced with a challenge where the answer doesn't seem clear, why not start at the very beginning and work your way forward from there?

What is the most basic thing you know to be true? That you're loved. That you have value. That how you feel matters. That your life has meaning, significance and purpose.

Brings a certain kind of peace, doesn't it? From this place, it's much easier to listen to your heart rather than force yourself kicking and screaming towards some reality that doesn't really serve you.

Sometimes the thing we think we crave isn't really what we want anyway. When my southern beau and I were engaged and preparing for our wedding, we created a gift registry at a local department store. As I walked around the store with that little scanner gun in my hands, I found myself scanning all sorts of things as he looked on in amusement. Finally, he asked "do we really need that many dishes?"

It wasn't until much later that I realized what I was doing. I was trying to satisfy a craving in the only way I knew how. But what exactly was I craving? Community. Somehow I believed that by having lots of dishes and serving pieces in my kitchen arsenal, I would naturally create a sense of community and a reason to invite others into our home. But all these years leading up to the wedding, I've had other dishes to speak of. And the number of times I've hosted parties or events at my home is disappointingly small. And yet my craving for community is no less great.

So where's the disconnect? Once again, all I can do is start at the beginning and think of the most basic thing I know to be true. I crave community. That place where true connection happens, where we can be our real selves, where burdens are shared and spirits are lifted just by being together.

Now, what can I do to create more of that? It's more of a rhetorical question I guess, but one I'm going to ponder and then act on.

That leaves me with this question for you. What do you crave most? What is the most basic thing you want out of this life? And what steps can you take to move toward that thing, rather than away from it? I don't have the answers, just like with all those math problems that stumped me from seventh grade pre-algebra. But I know what I know. And that's a pretty good place to start.

June 4, 2015

Celebrate National Doughnut Day with these Simple Ideas!

It seems there's a holiday for every occasion under the sun. They run the gamut from those that are sort of silly to others which are definitely worth celebrating. And then there are holidays that perfectly combine a sweet sentiment with something oh so fun. Tomorrow is just such a day....June 5th. Did you know it's National Doughnut Day? You hadn't heard? Oh friend. Have I got news for you.


Doughnut (also spelled donut) Day got its origins during the First World War when workers from the Salvation Army went around passing out coffee and donuts to soldiers (i.e. doughboys) in the trenches. Their service to the troops (which went beyond just the doughnuts) was meant to provide a meaningful connection to home even though they were far from their families and the comforts of daily life. 

So while you're chowing down on your next hot glazed, be reminded of these brave folks and their service.

And if you want to celebrate National Doughnut Day, here are a few simple ideas you might want to try. 

1) Doughnut Hole Topiary Cone
via
I was inspired by another blogger with this project and her step-by-step tutorial is so easy to follow! I used toothpicks instead of frosting to secure my doughnut holes to the foam cone, but otherwise followed her tips and hints to a tee. 

2) Doughnut & Milk Shooters 


I found the cutest tall & skinny vases at the Dollar Tree (of all places). Repurposed as drinking glasses, they make a perfect way to enjoy a shot of milk with a doughnut. You could either serve it on the edge of the glass or place it on the straw. This idea would be so great for a kid's birthday or slumber party, as well as for a fun baby shower treat! 

3) DIY Doughnut Decorating Party 


Another fun way to celebrate National Doughnut Day is by hosting a DIY Doughnut Decorating Party! Being creative is a great way to relieve stress. Creating something pretty and delicious that you get to eat? What's not to love?

Start with your favorite kind of plain doughnuts (store-bought, from a fancy bakery, or even homemade). Then gather all sorts of accouterments to decorate them. I got some different types of sprinkles, small candies, and three different types of frosting. Now go to town decorating some doughnuts!

I also turned a few of those small balsa wood containers into possible party favors by printing images of doughnuts and pasting them to the lids. I think they ended up looking really cute!



Feel like celebrating National Doughnut Day without spending any moolah? Two top doughnut chains are serving up freebies on June 5, 2015. 

If you're a fan of Dunkin' Donuts, you can get a free treat when you buy a beverage this Friday.

However, if the "Hot Doughnuts Now" sign of Krispy Kreme beckons you, enjoy a free doughnut without any purchase (one per guest). More than 100,000 folks enjoyed their free doughnut last year, and I wonder how many will participate tomorrow!