Oh, the glorious arrival of Friday! What a week it has been—a whirlwind of activity, laughter, and cherished moments, as is often the case. This past week held a particularly special highlight: we celebrated my sweet baby girl’s ninth birthday! Can you believe she’s already nine? It truly feels like just yesterday I was cradling her as a one-year-old, around the same time I embarked on this blogging adventure. Witnessing the rapid passage of time through the eyes of our growing children is a phenomenon I don’t think any parent ever truly gets used to. It’s a bittersweet reminder of how precious each fleeting moment is, and I often find myself looking back at old posts, like those chronicling her second and fifth birthdays, with a nostalgic sigh. The years truly do fly by, making every milestone an opportunity to pause, reflect, and appreciate the incredible journey of parenthood.
When it came to choosing how she wanted to celebrate her special day, my little girl had a very clear and delightful request: “I want to go to Paris!” And so, with a sprinkle of Disney magic, we whisked her away to Epcot. As annual passholders to Walt Disney World, we spend a considerable amount of time exploring its enchanting parks, and Epcot holds a special place in our hearts. We adore the opportunity to “travel the world” through its diverse pavilions, and the France pavilion has recently become a firm family favorite. Despite our many visits, we hadn’t spent extensive time immersing ourselves in the charm of Epcot’s Paris, making this birthday celebration feel wonderfully fresh and new.
Our Parisian adventure was nothing short of heavenly. We savored flaky, buttery croissants, indulged in delectable baguette sandwiches, and capped off our culinary journey with exquisite desserts – a delicate napoleon and a rich, velvety chocolate mousse. Each bite transported us to the romantic streets of France, right here in the heart of Florida. The joy of watching my daughter explore, taste, and experience a slice of her dream destination made the day truly unforgettable. It’s these shared family moments, blending adventure with simple pleasures, that create the most lasting memories.
Adding to the magic, we were incredibly fortunate to catch a sneak peek of the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, which officially began today. Last week, we got to see some of the incredible topiaries being put into place, a testament to the festival’s meticulous planning and artistic brilliance. This festival, with its breathtaking floral displays, innovative garden designs, and vibrant spring atmosphere, is hands down my absolute favorite event at Epcot. Yes, I love it even more than the renowned Food & Wine Festival! There’s something uniquely serene and inspiring about strolling through the meticulously crafted gardens and marveling at the whimsical character topiaries.
Over the years, the festival has beautifully evolved, incorporating an increasing number of tantalizing food and beverage booths. This delightful addition has truly transformed it into the perfect fusion of all the things I cherish: natural beauty, creative artistry, and delicious culinary experiences. I’m already eagerly anticipating my next visit, picturing a sunny day spent wandering among the blossoms, savoring delectable treats, and soaking in the vibrant energy that only the Flower & Garden Festival can provide. It’s an event that truly celebrates the awakening of spring and offers a feast for all the senses.
Pooh, greeting us with a smile!
My daughter’s birthday also marked the conclusion of what I affectionately call “the first wave of birthdays” in our family. January and February are always bustling with a joyous flurry of birthday and anniversary celebrations, which, while wonderful, often come with an abundance of delicious, calorie-rich foods. Consequently, I’ve found myself with a few extra pounds that I’m now diligently working to shed. Those celebratory calories certainly accumulate faster than one might expect!
To combat these unwelcome additions and get back on track, I’ve recommitted to my trusted wellness routine. I’m actively tracking my intake on My Fitness Pal (feel free to connect with me there – my username is aggiegoodman!), hitting the gym regularly for invigorating workouts, and consistently wearing my Fitbit to monitor my activity levels and sleep patterns. This powerful trifecta is my go-to strategy for shedding those uncomfortable pounds, especially now that the weather is warm enough to embrace shorts season once more. It’s all about finding that balance and feeling confident and energized as we head into spring.
To further bolster my accountability and share my journey, I’ve made a concerted effort to post more photos of my meals on my Instagram account. It’s a great way to stay mindful of my food choices and connect with a supportive community. Here’s a peek at a couple of my favorite wholesome and satisfying meals from this past week:
Enjoying leftover Chipotle Chicken Chili, a freezer staple, served with perfectly toasted corn tortillas for a delightful crunch. This meal is not only hearty and flavorful but also incredibly easy to reheat and enjoy on a busy day, proving that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated.
A truly delicious and surprisingly low-calorie breakfast: sprouted toast from Trader Joe’s, topped with whipped chive cream cheese, fresh spinach, savory chicken breakfast sausage, and a perfectly cooked egg. This power-packed combination offers a burst of flavor and sustained energy for only about 250 calories!
Beyond physical wellness, I’ve also been focusing on spiritual nourishment. If you’re seeking a meaningful pick-me-up and a way to cultivate a deeper sense of peace, I wholeheartedly recommend two books I recently acquired and have begun integrating into my daily routine: The Simple Abundance Daybook of Comfort and Joy and The Simple Abundance Journal of Gratitude. For Lent this year, I made a conscious decision to actively weave more gratitude into the fabric of my everyday life.
It’s one thing to acknowledge that you have gratitude in your life, but it’s an entirely different and transformative experience to *live* with gratitude on a daily basis. By that, I mean intentionally recognizing and appreciating the small blessings, the quiet moments, and the simple joys that often go unnoticed in the rush of life. You certainly don’t need a fancy journal to embark on this journey; a simple notebook will suffice. The practice itself is powerful: try consistently writing down five things you are grateful for each day, and observe the profound shift it brings to your perspective and overall well-being. It’s a powerful reminder of the abundance surrounding us, and it’s a practice I sincerely hope to continue long after Lent concludes, making it a permanent fixture in my life.
For those of you who might be wondering about my recent quieter presence here on the blog, I want to be open and honest. Friends, I’m currently navigating a significant challenge in balancing all the things I genuinely love to do. I’ve intentionally stepped back from blogging a bit as I strive to carve out more dedicated time for my studies, which are demanding and require a great deal of focus. Additionally, my cooking frequency has decreased considerably from my usual pace, which naturally makes it harder to generate the fresh, new recipes you’ve come to expect here. While I do have a backlog of photographed dishes ready to be shared, I often find myself lacking the energy or mental bandwidth to sit down and craft the accompanying stories and instructions.
This morning, however, I woke up with a profound sense of missing my blog, missing the creative outlet it provides, and most importantly, missing the act of writing. So, here I am, pouring out these thoughts quickly and spontaneously, and it feels absolutely wonderful – exactly the way I love to connect with you all. This blog has always been a space for authentic sharing, and I deeply appreciate your understanding as I navigate this current season of life. I hope you’ll bear with me patiently as I push through the remainder of my first semester and continue to figure out this elusive concept of “balance.” Does anyone ever truly master it? It often feels like a moving target, but the journey of seeking it is always enriching. Your support means the world as I strive to harmonize my passions, responsibilities, and personal growth.
Before I bid you farewell for the weekend, let me leave you with a burst of sunshine and freshness. These vibrant, healthy recipes have recently caught my eye and are perfect for brightening any plate:
This refreshing Citrus Salad with Orange Poppyseed Dressing, from my talented friend A Farmgirl Dabbles, is a burst of tangy-sweet flavors. It’s perfect for a light lunch or a vibrant side dish, celebrating the best of seasonal citrus.
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For a unique and earthy flavor combination, try this stunning Orange Beet Fennel Salad from my friend Reluctant Entertainer. The vibrant colors and distinct flavors of beets, fennel, and orange create a truly gourmet experience that’s as healthy as it is beautiful.
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And finally, this Kale, Toasted Almond and Orange Salad from my friend Cookin’ Canuck offers a wonderful blend of textures and nutrients. The crunch of toasted almonds, the freshness of kale, and the zing of orange make it an invigorating and satisfying dish.
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