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Happy Sunday,
As I reflect on this past year, one word keeps gently rising to the surface... restored.
This year brought me to my knees.
I don’t say that lightly - and I don’t say it easily. Those of you who have been with me for a long time know that I tend to share so much of my life with you. The joy, the chaos, the family moments, the meals that tell a story. But this year was different. It was heavy in a way I’m still finding the words for.
While I’m not emotionally ready to share all of it yet - which is very unlike me - I think that alone speaks to just how hard this year truly was. I’m giving myself the grace of time. I will get there. I will share. I’m just not there yet.
What I can share is this:
This year challenged me in ways I never expected. It tested my body, my patience, my faith, and at times, my confidence. There were moments when I felt shaken, uncertain, and forced to slow down far more than I wanted to.
But somewhere in the midst of it all, something beautiful happened.
I didn’t just heal - I was restored.
Restored doesn’t mean going back to who I was before. It means being rebuilt with more wisdom, more compassion, and a deeper appreciation for the simple things. It means learning to listen to my body, honoring rest without guilt, and choosing peace over pressure.
This year reminded me how precious our health truly is. How important it is to advocate for ourselves. And how powerful it can be to lean on the people we love - and to let ourselves be carried when we need it most.
I feel restored in the quiet moments around the table.
Restored in laughter with my family.
Restored in the joy of cooking a meal meant to nourish more than just our bodies.
If this year taught me anything, it’s that strength doesn’t always look like pushing through. Sometimes, strength looks like slowing down, trusting the process, and allowing ourselves the grace to heal.
As I step into this new year, I’m carrying this word with intention. I’m more determined than ever. I’m choosing to honor my health, protect my peace, and continue creating meaningful moments - especially around the family table.
If you’re choosing a word for the year, I hope it’s one that meets you where you are and supports where you’re going. And if this past year was heavy for you too, please know this - restoration is possible. One step, one meal, one moment at a time.
Thank you for being part of my journey. This community restores my heart more than you will ever know.
With love and determination,
Isabel
Weeknight Meals That Support Your Goals
- Stuffed Peppers - A classic family favorite that’s easy to prep and packed with flavor.
- Creamy Chicken and Leeks - Comforting, creamy, and ready in about 30 minutes.
- Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli - Takeout‑style dinner done fast, with no fuss.
- Greek Chicken and Potatoes - Sheet pan simplicity with all the flavor of the Mediterranean.
- Crockpot Vegetable Soup - Throw it together in the morning and come home to warmth and goodness.
- Korean Ground Beef - Sweet, savory, and perfect over rice or wrapped in lettuce.
- Cheeseburger Casserole - All the flavor of a cheeseburger without the drive‑thru.
- Eye of Round Roast - Low‑and‑slow for tender, melt‑in‑your‑mouth beef.
- Stuffed Cabbage Casserole - Everything you love about stuffed cabbage, easier than ever.
- Fiesta Chicken - A zesty one‑pot dinner your family will ask for again and again.
Missed a week? Check out my last blog post, too!
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