roses, thorns, and buds

and banana bread?

I first did the “rose, thorn, and bud” icebreaker a few years ago, and at first I was confused about the difference between a rose and a bud but then I finally got it and now I love to use it for a little reflection moment. A bud is a new opportunity, something you are looking forward to, something about to blossom. Here are my roses, thorns, and buds from the last little bit.

ROSES

• One of my friends had a baby last month, he is so cute and perfect. Meeting him, getting to spend time with the both of them, and seeing her as a mommy was sweet.

• I ran a 5K for the first time ever. It was at a slow pace but it was a huge challenge for me. WOO!

THORNS

• I stubbed my toe really bad and I can’t wear sandals for a while, haha…

BUDS

• They are literally buds, but I have planted a couple tomato starters and a jalapeño plant. I’m excited for the harvest!

• I have a lot of ideas for good meals I want to make in the coming weeks. Short ribs, clam chowder, cioppino. I know these feel like winter-y dishes but it just feels right.

I am also adding a really good recipe for banana bread that I wrote down from somewhere (maybe from bon appetit?). I don’t really like bananas but this one does it for me. If you try it, let me know what you think. :)

THE BEST BANANA BREAD YOU WILL EVER HAVE:

INGREDIENTS

• 3–4 medium ripe and mashed bananas

• 1/2 cup light brown sugar

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 1 1/3 cup flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1 cup chocolate chips or chunks

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350° and grease and line a 9x5 loaf pan with parchment paper.

2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt, and set aside.

3. Mix together butter and sugars until a paste like consistency.

4. Add in mashed bananas, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla.

5. Fold in the dry mixture, and then add your chocolate chips.

6. Pour into your loaf pan and sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top. Bake for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, then let it cool completely before removing.