Friday Chitchat

I am starting something NEW.

I want to share more about what goes on behind the scenes of Modern Honey, more about my life, and connect with all of you! So, it may not be EVERY Friday but I am going to do more check-ins because if you know me in real life…I love connection!

So, let’s chat. How are you all doing?!

I am currently (last week) sitting in a maxillofacial oral surgeon office as my son is getting his wisdom teeth removed. There is nothing funnier than seeing your kids come out of wisdom teeth removal surgery and they say the most hilarious things.

But it is another reminder that my kids are growing up. We are only down to two kids at home and our 3rd child, Carson, is graduating from high school next month and then heading off on a two-year church mission. More about that later because that’s a big deal!

We are trying to fit in as much family time as possible and making memories. We recently headed to Lake Havasu City, Arizona, also known as the HOTTEST place in the nation for Spring Break. My husband grew up there and his dream day is on the water.

We were imagining blue skies, full sun, and a perfect 82 degrees on the water. Let me insert some photos of the reality. We were bundled up in hoodies, blankets, and sweats most of the time. Hahaha! But it was so much fun being together!!

My son-in-law, Conner, graduated from BYU in Finance in December 2023 but he is officially walking and receiving his diploma this week so we are flying up to celebrate and attend his graduation ceremony. My nephew is getting married the next day so it is perfect time and we will pack in a ton of family time.

My daughter, Sierra, who is married to Conner, graduated from college two years ago and works for me at Modern Honey. She does a ton of behind the scenes work and I couldn’t do it without her. She’s a gem!

Things I am loving:

One thing about me is that I will always be honest about the things I love and use. I take on very few partnerships because they have to be items that I am so passionate about. Being real, genuine, and authentic is one of the most important things to me.

So I am going to share some of my favorite things…

CLEAN and SIMPLE EATS PROTEIN POWDER — I finally decided to try this protein powder everyone has been talking about and loving for so long. My daughter is a health nut and it is hands down her favorite protein powder on the market.

I am a self-proclaimed protein powder snob. I don’t like a lot of them.

But this one…this one tastes like a milkshake to me. I make it with Fairlife filtered milk, which has 13 grams of protein, is lactose free, and only 80 calories. Have you tried it? It is more pricey but I watch for it to go on sale and then stock up.

I mix the Clean and Simple Eats Brownie Batter Protein Powder with the Fairlife Milk and top with a little spray whipped cream and sprinkled with Callebaut tiny chocolate curls…because I am extra like that.

It tastes like a rich, decadent milkshake to me and it has over 33 grams of protein.

I do have a DISCOUNT code that I can pass on to you. It is for 10% off your purchase, which is nice. The Clean Simple Eats CODE to use is SIERRA.

One thing that I look forward to is when the Spring flowers start to show up at Trader Joe’s. This is just one bunch of white tulips and I think they are just simply beautiful. They didn’t last as long as I would have hoped. Any tips? Some people swear by Sprite, bleach, baking soda, and other things. Has anything worked for you?

What are your favorite flowers? Mine are definitely peonies, ranunculus, dahlias, hydrangeas and tulips. Pink peonies will always be my all-time favorite.

I love the flavor of Mexican Vanilla and this Casa Bella Vida Vanilla is wonderful in baked goods. The blue glass bottle is so beautiful too. A fun and delicious Mother’s Day gift!

I reached out to them and they offered a 10% discount if you use the code — HONEY10.

One more thing that I am loving…is my “small” lap dog, Bentley. Hahaha! When I am working, he always has to be right next to me…or on my lap! He thinks he is smaller than he really is. He is my shadow and follows me everywhere.

He brings so much happiness into our home. He smiles when he sees us with the most awkward smile imaginable. Maybe I just need to share his smile photo because he is just hilarious and full of personality.

Ok here goes…

Every single time we arrive home, he gets so excited and happy and greets us with his large smile. He is just the best!

Well, I am signing off for now. Since we are in Utah, I am running to grab some specialty baking chocolates at Orson Gygi kitchen store and then grabbing cookies at Ruby Snap, of course. All of the essentials!

Hope you have a wonderful weekend and thank you so much for following along! I am grateful every single day for my amazing readers and friends.

— Melissa