The Adventures of Julie and Bella 2025

Happy Crockpot Sunday! Though for the second week in a row, my crockpot is on a little break. 😔 Instead, Bella and I spent the afternoon at my parents’ house celebrating my baby brother’s birthday. It was a nice change of pace, and dinner with family always makes the heart a little lighter.

I did still get some cooking in today—Tuscan Chicken using a Pampered Chef mix for my lunches this week. So, even without my crockpot, I’m set up for success in the kitchen!

This weekend has been a mix of emotions. It started with a gain on the scale at my weekly weigh-in—not exactly the result I wanted. Then, my car finally passed inspection (thank goodness!). But later in the day, while cleaning out my purse and wallet, I came across a picture I had forgotten was there. It brought back a flood of emotions, reopening a wound that never fully seems to heal. Grief and loss are complicated like that—just when you think you’ve moved forward, a small moment pulls you right back.

I spent last night sitting with those feelings, letting the sadness run its course. And now, as Bella and I settle in for the evening, I can’t help but feel that familiar Sunday night blues creeping in. The weekend flew by, and tomorrow it’s back to work. Doesn’t it always seem like the weekdays drag on forever while the weekends disappear in a blink?

But here’s what I’m holding onto: life is made up of these little moments—good ones, tough ones, unexpected ones. Even when the hard days come, there are still bright spots, like celebrating my brother, making a home-cooked meal, or curling up with Bella and a book. And sometimes, that’s enough.

If your weekend was busy, emotional, or just not long enough (because really, when is it ever?), I hope you still found a little time to rest and recharge. And if not, remember—there’s always next weekend. 💙