Black Beans & Brunch

January is slow outside, so I seem to buzz inside. I have been following the “Clutter Free January” series on YouTube and find GREAT inspiration within these four walls.

Our dishwasher broke the day after Christmas, so instead of running out to buy a new one, I embrace the evening dishes with a podcast playing and a candle burning. We did not have the luxury of a dishwasher until 3 years ago and before then, we did just fine. 🙂 No need to stress over something like this. On the bright side, the dishwasher still makes a GREAT drying rack with it cracked open just enough for airflow. No need to pile the dishes to air dry on the counter. 🙂
I also tried my hand at black bean brownies. This is one of those novelties in the “gluten free world” of baking that I have not been brave enough to try until now. They turned out VERY good. I did add a splash of vanilla, a pinch of salt, and more cocoa powder than it called for and they turned out yummy. It was difficult to let them cool completely before diving in, but they will crumble if patience is not exercised. A cakey brownie to enjoy in the evenings after the dishes are washed.

Books I have been enjoying this month:

I went to visit a friend from college who has been going through a hard time. AJ had to go into work for a few hours, so it worked out to drop him off, drive the 2 hours to Dallas, have brunch, and turn around and drive home. I don’t have a lot of girlfriends here in Oklahoma, so “girl time” is rare for me. It was such a time of encouragement. We sat just outside of the indoor atrium and got to enjoy the ferns with our coffee. 🙂 A kindred spirit is a precious gift. Someone who knows you for who you are, someone you have history with. Someone you don’t have to explain yourself to, someone who gets you. That is her. 🙂 I am so grateful for her friendship and was so thankful we could connect after a year of being apart.

This place was packed and loud on a Sunday, but so cute and definitely a Dallas favorite. She was so excited to take me here. Their food was delicious and reasonably priced. The cinnamon rolls are the size of your head, but we resisted. I did buy one for AJ to enjoy later. Still hot as they placed it in a cardboard container for us to take back out into the cold.

Who are those people in your life that you find to be a kindred spirit? When was the last time your expressed your appreciation for them. Maybe you need to write them a letter. Give them a call. Maybe meet up with them to safely enjoy a brunch together. Friendships are an incredible gift.

Published by homewithhope

One thought on “Black Beans & Brunch”

  1. I am lucky to have a person like that in my life. She’s wonderful. We are now getting our group back together on zoom. I’ve heard of the dear kitchen saints book…maybe from Coffee with Kate on YouTube? I tried the Clutter free January but didn’t get past the first week. It was a good idea to give a week for each area. How’s it coming along for you?

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