Ice Cream Cakes, BritBox Binges & The Sweetness We Need Most
Hello, my friend.
July was full to the brim with so many good things that we’re exhausted in the best possible way. Between homemade ice cream cake, BritBox binges, carousel rides, and time with family, there were plenty of moments that made me smile.
At the same time, there has been another thread quietly woven through this summer—one that’s been a little heavier. Questions I can’t yet answer. Decisions that feel bigger than I’d like. The kind of things that have a way of following you, even on the happiest days.
I’m reminding myself that both things can be true. Life can be sweet and uncertain all at once. And through it all, God is still in control. Thankfully, He isn’t asking me to have everything figured out—only to trust Him with the next faithful step.
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Around Here
We kicked off the month with a house full of out-of-town family for a full seven days. My brother and sister-in-law came for the weekend, and my local son’s family joined us every evening to swim, visit, and just enjoy being together. It was delightfully chaotic, and I think everyone left with full hearts.
It also happened to be one of those weeks with dangerous heat indexes, so most of our fun revolved around the pool or a few of our favorite local spots. One stop that’s always a hit with the littles and the grown-ups is The Davis Mercantile in Shipshewana. Between JoJo’s soft pretzels, rides on the beautifully restored vintage carousel, and a visit to the old-fashioned candy store, it’s hard to leave without a smile.
We also managed to get in a family wiffle-ball game, and only one person pulled a calf muscle, and it wasn’t me.
A week later, our 13-year-old grandson arrived with two friends for what he called his delayed birthday celebration. His birthday is in February, but this was the party he really wanted. Thankfully, this trio is pretty laid back, so while there was still plenty of pool time, pretzels, and ice cream, the pace felt a little calmer than the week before.
Another grandson kept us busy by winning his district Little League tournament and advancing to the state tourney, hosted right here at our home ballpark. They didn’t win, but we loved watching them, from the shade, of course…
Because, I wrapped up the month by having a little precancerous thingy—that’s the official medical term, of course. 😉—removed from my nose. And just before July came to a close, I reconnected with an old friend over lunch. I have a feeling that conversation deserves a post all its own, so I’ll save that story for another day.
BritBox Binges
After all the chaos, the Mister and I love nothing more than plopping down on the couch in our quiet house and watching a little TV together.
We’re big fans of BritBox crime dramas. You name it, we’ve probably seen it. Have you watched Shetland? So good!
But lately, as we’re walking through a season of change and uncertainty, crime and suspense have started to feel a little too heavy for our evening wind-down. Instead, we’ve been happily devouring Escape to the Country.
I don’t know if it’s the rolling English countryside, the charming house tours, or the dream of escaping a hectic life for something slower and quieter. Whatever it is, it feels like the deep breath we’ve been craving… even if it’s only for an hour.
If you’re looking for something cozy and calming, I highly recommend it.
From My Kitchen
So much food disappeared around here this month! My family-famous Pork Carnitas are always requested, and the Walking Tacos were a huge hit. But, my friend, this homemade ice cream cake stole the show during both weeks of entertaining.
It’s inspired by Dairy Queen’s Peanut Buster Parfait and couldn’t be much easier to make. I used loaf pans so I could slice it into pretty servings later. The recipe called for chocolate graham crackers, but I couldn’t find any, so I simply layered:
- Chocolate graham cookies
- Softened vanilla ice cream
- Hot fudge sauce
- Dry roasted peanuts (or your favorite nuts)
- More vanilla ice cream
- More peanuts
- Chocolate Magic Shell
Then I finished it with a sprinkle of this flaky French sea salt—my little addition—and popped it in the freezer until serving time.
That’s it! Slice, serve, and get ready for the compliments.
The Dress That Wins Every Time
You may remember this dress from my Summer Capsule Wardrobe. It has been my “it” dress of the summer. It’s so versatile, and it also feels amazing on. I even got a compliment from a young woman in Jimmy John’s after church on Sunday. When a 61-year-old hears, “You look so cute,” from a youngin’, you know it’s good.
Closet Confessions
Speaking of my capsule wardrobe, I’m not a minimalist, and I probably never will be. For me, the goal isn’t simply owning fewer things. It’s about creating a little breathing room and being more intentional about what I allow into my closet.
That’s why I approached the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale with a plan. I didn’t want to get swept up in the FOMO that sales are designed to create. Instead, I looked for pieces that filled a genuine need or had been on my wish list for a long time.
As you’ll see in the graphics below, only two items made the cut. One replaced a well-loved bra that had seen better days, and the other was a coat I’d been hoping to find in just the right color for a couple of years.
The hardest item to send back was the pair of Zella pants in the upper right corner. They fit beautifully! But before I paid to have them hemmed, I took another look at the reviews. Too many people mentioned that the fabric snagged easily and pilled over time. Even on sale, they weren’t inexpensive, and I knew I’d always wonder if I’d made the wrong choice.
Sometimes the best purchase is the one you don’t make.
From My Heart
Like the sweet-and-salty ice cream cake, July brought a mingling of flavors. There was so much sweetness, but as I’m still walking through a season of uncertainty and fear, there were days when the balance tipped toward the salty side.
So, what’s a God-loving girl to do when life feels a little over-seasoned?
I’ve been trying to intentionally add more sweetness than saltiness to my days by filling my mind with things that point me back to the goodness of God. Sometimes that’s through digging into Scripture. Other days, when my heart feels especially weary, it’s through a trusted devotional or the wise words of a Christian teacher who’s walked through hard seasons herself.
One of those voices for me right now is Susie Larson. I’ve been slowly making my way through her devotional, Waking Up to the Goodness of God—and by “slowly,” I mean I often camp on a single day’s reading for an entire week because there’s so much to ponder.
Recently, I heard Susie say, “Fear reveals the lies we believe and the truths we need.”
That stopped me in my tracks.
She also reminds us that God will never inform us about our future through a liar. If fear is telling me that God won’t provide, won’t guide, or will somehow leave me to figure life out on my own, then I can recognize that voice for what it is—not truth, but a lie.
That simple perspective shift has been one of God’s sweetest gifts to me this month.
Before You Go
I hope you’ve found something sweet here today—whether it’s a new “wow” dessert, your next favorite bra, or simply the reminder that you’re not alone in feeling all the feels that can come with this stage of life.
It’s okay to feel exhausted after being the host with the most. It’s okay to need an escape from real life for 40 minutes. It’s okay to be a little extra sensitive. And it’s certainly okay not to have everything figured out by now.
Since I’m on a roll with Susie Larson quotes, let me leave you with one more:
“Self-preservation and kingdom life are not compatible.”
We were never meant to carry the heavy things by ourselves. Oh, I know it’s hard because we’re the ones who have always been the “fixers”, the strong ones.
But gather your trusted friends. Pull in a prayer partner. Lean hard on the promises of God.
And if you’re walking through a season of uncertainty like I am, let’s remind ourselves of this truth together:
There is no future scenario that God is not already in.
Until next month, my friend… may you find sweetness in the ordinary, courage for whatever lies ahead, and the quiet assurance that the God who loves you is already there.
