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This post has been in my head for weeks, but I kept working on other things instead – to be honest, I’ve been suffering from writer’s block. Call it a summer recap slash life update?
Lindsay at Pinch of Yum, one of my favorite (non-THM) food blogs, has been writing monthly “coffee date” posts for a year or so, and they’re some of my favorite posts to read because I like reading about people, and their stories, and what’s inspiring them. In case you’re like me, I’m going to start doing the same. I’m kind of scared to start a monthly series considering how (in)consistent my blogging has been lately, but maybe this will help me turn over a new leaf?
Since I don’t really like coffee, I’ll be drinking hot tea while we chat instead. Current favorite: vanilla chai with a rounded doonk of THM stevia. What are you drinking? I want these “tea chats” to be interactive so drop a comment below and tell me what drink you’re into right now. *Do not say, “Pumpkin spice latte.”
It’s still quite hot here in Louisiana, so this iced coffee might be more your speed. Seriously, we have a Real Feel of 114* in the afternoons more often than not and I’m getting a little perturbed at all the people posting about pumpkin spice lattes and all that nonsense AND IT’S NOT EVEN SEPTEMBER YET. I’m just jealous of those of you who can feel fall in the air already…. HOWEVER, yesterday morning was unseasonably cool and rainy for the first time, so maybe summer’s grip is loosening? We can only hope.
When life plants you in a tropical climate, plant a palm tree.
OUR SUMMER
Our summer has been busy. (Yeah, me and everyone else, I know.) I took a trip to South Carolina for a wedding mid July and spent almost a week there with my family, then my sister flew back to Louisiana with me and spent almost a week here with us (fun!). The next two weeks brought two more sets of company, which was awesome because we’ve barely gotten any overnight company since getting married.
Aside from the traveling and hosting company and keeping up with social events, we have been consumed with the whole fellowship application process basically since the beginning of June. My husband Ryan is in his 3rd and last year of Internal Medicine residency and would like to do an additional 3-year fellowship of more specialized training. This training will become his career path, so it’s kind of a big deal and has been taking up a lot of my mental energy for the last few months even though I’m not the one sending out applications and interviewing. 😛 I think that’s part of the cause of my writer’s block. There are a lot of unknowns right now. Will we be moving somewhere next summer? If so, where? Will there be a good church there? We could be staying right where we are now. There will be pros and cons to any scenario, so we’ll take whatever comes and work with it, but the not knowing can be wearing. Amid the questions, we rest in God and His leading. He’s been faithful until now, and He does not change!
I don’t want to go into a lot of detail about the fellowship process to protect my husband’s professional privacy, but if you have questions about how the fellowship match works, this video explains it well.
So Ryan has a lot of traveling coming up for interviews and medical conferences (and I’m taking a trip in September as well). That combined with his “normal” schedule that changes every two weeks makes for a pretty interesting life, a calendar with stuff marked on nearly every single day, and a crash course in flexibility. Briana has become more spontaneous than she ever thought she’d be and she still has a long way to go. Funny how God gives us exactly what we need…. 🙂
WORK LIFE BALANCE
Earlier this summer I was really getting burned out. I used to LOVE blogging, but I can’t put as much time into it as I used to, and that shows. My pride and identity were smarting because I couldn’t post regularly and my traffic was going down…and I was just getting tired of keeping up with it all. I didn’t know what to do with that because I’ve always really enjoyed what I do. But now, now I enjoy being a wife and a homemaker and a friend as much as or more than being a blogger, and I’m not sure how to juggle all the hats! And when we have children I know the equation will change even more drastically! Being an all or nothing person, I thought about throwing in the towel completely. “If I can’t do it like I used to do it, I don’t want to do it at all.” I spent so much time going through my social media notifications that I didn’t have time to do what really fires me up: creating. I love creating recipes and photographing them and writing, but all the busywork and the knowledge of the big projects I wanted to tackle but didn’t have time for were weighing me down.
So when I went to South Carolina and then came home and hosted a bunch of company all in a row, I took a break. I didn’t really intend to stay off of Facebook for five weeks, but it felt so good. Seriously, if you’re toying with the idea of a social media break, DO IT. Or delete your accounts entirely. So worth it. I would totally do that if I didn’t have this blog, and maybe someday I will anyway…. *muahahaha* More and more I’m gravitating toward a quieter, more old-fashioned life. Less screen time. More reading. More people interaction. My phone is always on vibrate with no social media notification alerts, and my favorite thing to do with it is put it in another room for a few hours. 😛 (Although I’m not so good at remembering to do so and I still need to work on that.) I’m still figuring out how I feel about my role on social media. That’s where a lot of my blog traffic comes from, but do I really want to be tempting people to spend more time there? Maybe someday I’ll switch entirely to email newsletters and ditch the social media. (You can sign up to get my posts via email HERE.) It feels more authentic.
The library is a great place to work uninterrupted without taking breaks to put laundry in the washer.
After a long break, and then a week of slogging through the pile in my email inbox and a month of Facebook notifications and blog comments, I’m ready to roll again. With modifications:
- Social media notifications twice a week. Not every day.
- Don’t write so many things down on to-do lists. My sister was reading a book (can’t remember the name of it) that advocated only giving yourself 5 main tasks to do in a day. That was a mind-blowing concept for me.
- Don’t schedule so many social media posts, if any. (Share more in real time as I want to instead.) And let things go completely quiet on social media when I’m on trips!
- Just do the next right thing. Whatever doesn’t get done at the end of the day can wait. Remember that you can only do your best – nothing more.
- Work really hard in solid blocks of uninterrupted time, then close the computer and be done for the day. (Those of you who work from home can probably identify with the constant temptation to blur the lines between work and personal life. I.e. computer always open on the kitchen table.)
- Little to no computer work after supper. Maybe a little bit of social media sharing, but no more than 15 minutes’ worth. That’s the goal. I feel much calmer and sleep much better if I’m not staring at a screen right before I go to bed. My doctor husband keeps harping at me about this and I’m finally starting to take his advice. 😛
I want to hear from y’all! Do you work from home? If so, what’s your strategy to make it work without getting burned out and letting it detract from being present with your family and enjoying home life?
Visiting the most beautiful beach I’ve ever seen for a glorious 20 minutes on a quick weekend trip to Pensacola, Florida, for a wedding…
First time ever kayaking. I went with some friends and loved it. I also took way too much stuff and ended up having to shove it down the front of my life jacket to keep it dry. #rookie
WHAT I’M MAKING
Been working on an amazing banana bread recipe. It’s a THM Crossover because the texture is just perfect that way and it’s SO GOOD.
I’m also enjoying messing around with sourdough recipes! I’m into cinnamon raisin bread right now (not too many raisins, Trim Healthy Mamas, just a few for the “experience”), and my most recent concoction was a chocolate cardamom loaf. I’m not sure how I feel about that one; maybe I’ll try a chocolate chili version next. I’ve also had good luck with waffles, and I’ve dabbled in cinnamon rolls but haven’t perfected those yet. Maybe sometime next year after I have more experience under my belt I’ll do a sourdough series of some sort. I LOVE being able to get my hands into some real bread dough that actually smells and feels and tastes like bread but still fits into the Trim Healthy Mama plan, and it’s much less finicky than I thought it would be!
CURRENTLY LISTENING TO…
- the dramatized King James Version on the Bible Gateway app (great way to get more Scripture into your day!),
- Majesty Music’s CD “Stay the Course” (click here to see music videos of some of the songs on YouTube),
- and “The Oak and the Ash” by the newest generation of The King’s Singers.
CURRENTLY READING…
The Psalms. They were on my list to read and God sent them at a time when they could not be more applicable. With all we have going on with fellowship applications and unknowns, I needed the unceasing reminders to rest in God!
Our Father Abraham (Marvin Wilson)
“The person of faith was one who was so committed to God that, like Abraham, he ventured into the unknown with the full expectation that God would meet him there. Thus, in the biblical sense, to have faith was to move out in life and know God would be there waiting. It was ‘the call to step boldly into tomorrow, to embrace the new – with confidence that every new day would prove to be a meeting place with the holy and eternal God. The opposite of faith was to cling desperately to yesterday, fearing that if one ever left it, one would leave God.'” Our Father Abraham (Wilson), pg. 184
I highly recommend this book! I haven’t finished it yet but I’ve learned so much from it already. The writing is a bit ponderous in places but it’s well-researched and deep and rich. The book explores the way Christianity began as an evolution of Judaism, what caused the branch to separate from its root, and what we’ve lost by forgetting where we came from in the first place. The book also gives insights into elements of eastern thought found in Scripture that we Westerners often misinterpret or just miss altogether.
CURRENT HABIT:
Writing a few blessings a day in a “gratitude notebook.” (Inspired by Voskamp’s book One Thousand Gifts, which is another great read.) This has become my new journal of sorts. It’s a great exercise in seeing the day’s happenings from a perspective of gratefulness and good instead of negativity.
Experiencing boiled crawfish for the first time…
(photo creds to my friend Rose!)
OK, I’M DONE.
As I said above, I want these posts to be interactive, so leave a comment and tell me what’s in your cup these days – and leave your new favorite quotes, books, music, Scripture verses, stories, life experiences, etc. as well! I love hearing what is impacting other people!
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Donna Almanza says
Just realized that you were missing for a while. So good to catch up with you and your life and Congratulations on your beautiful daughter. I so love when you talk about God and your devotion to Him is so inspirational.
Joyce says
Briana, I’m so excited for you and Ryan and the Ohio fellowship program. I would so love to meet you and to have tea with my son and I. We are like minded Christians who would love to host a boat ride and lunch or dinner to welcome you if you are in the southern part of Ohio!!!!!!
Angela L. Garlington says
I have always loved reading your recipes and visiting your website. Right now I am trying very hard to drink Tumeric/ginger herbal tea every day. I get it at Trader Joe’s. I admit I use one tea bag of the herbal tea and another teabag of decaff Constant Comment. The combination is palatable. I am currently working from home. Transitioning from teaching for 31 years to running small hands on science classes with a lab experience for home-schooler’s. It is in the planning and preparation stage right now and I am struggling to get things done, especially setting up a website! The home life work balance struggle is very real.
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Yes! I hear ya!
Laura says
I love your blog! So happy for you and your husband and your upcoming move to your first choice. God is so good!!!
Stephanie says
I have lately been listening to (audiobooks) and reading a lot of Brene Brown. I recommend “The gifts of imperfection” to you if you have not already read it. I think it would speak to you,
Just finished Dare to Lead and realized I need to first work on some of my own issues before working on the leadership aspect so I decided to go through The gifts of imperfection and it has so far been amazing.
Mary says
Drinking: almond milk lattes
Reading: Gracewalk by Steve McVey (so good I woke up naturally around 2am, grabbed it and read some more
Is your vanilla chai recipe here anywhere!
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
I just buy vanilla chai teabags at Walmart. 😉 And add a doonk of THM stevia. If you’re looking for hot drink recipes, you can check mine out here. There are lots of tea options! https://www.briana-thomas.com/indexes/fuel-type-allergy-info-theme/hot-drink/
Jennifer says
I have recently discovered coconut milk. I’m in the miserably hot state of Louisiana right along with you, and although I love both coffee and tea, I have been enjoying iced lattes with coconut milk! It’s too hot for anything else! 🙂🙂
Also, I volunteer at my church’s coffee shop “The Well,” where I’ve been working with our manager to develop on plan frappe style drinks. So much fun! I wish I had the time to develop that hobby into a career as you have, but I will enjoy your journey instead. The Lord has obviously blessed you in it!
I so enjoy reading your posts! Thank you for sharing all that you do. Keep up the good work!!
Oh! I also have to recommend Joanna Davidson Politano as an author. I just recently discovered her. She writes Christian fiction and her books are so refreshingly unpredictable with scripture woven throughout.
Blessings!!!
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
On plan frappes? Way to go! That’s great!
Melody Sargent says
I love this style of blog post! As a busy mom with 2 little ones both under 2, this style of post makes it a lot easier to keep up!
I’ve been reading through Psalms as well! This morning I read chapters 141-145 and I was reminded again of just how gracious and compassionate a God we have! I also recently read through “The Wilderness Within” by Benneth Peter’s Jones… soooo good.
Are you familiar with Forever Be Sure music ministry? I love the music they produce! “King of the Night” is one of my favorite songs from them.
By the way, my family loves your eggroll stirfry from your first book!! Even our 7 month old likes it (mashed up of course)!
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Thank you for the book and music recommendations; I’ll have to check those out! I grew up 30 minutes from Bob Jones University and have lots of connections there so I find it interesting that you mentioned Benneth Peters Jones. 🙂
ElenaClaire Lundquist says
Loved hearing some updates! Sounds like some fun adventures! I’m also a newlywed (6 months this month!) and have been implementing the same type of social media and screen diligence. It is easier with my husband – he’s never owned a smart phone, he has always had a flip phone and still does! He was raised on a farm in Kansas with minimal screens. I am a pastor’s daughter too and my family was also not screen focused, but I noticed my parents do have more screen time with their smart phones and tablets than my new family-in-law. When my husband and I courted, I was working a higher-stakes, travel-heavy position in the city of Chicago and was constantly connected through devices. I noticed that when I spent time with my now-husband, he never was distracted by anything or any screen – he simply focused on me and us being together! The Holy Spirit did a lot of work in my heart in that time, and also led me to throw down holy stakes around our relationship. Our time together was sacred and I wouldn’t let anything interfere with our precious few days together while courting, and that helped break the urge to be on a screen. I moved across the U.S. to be with my husband and just recently got myself situated in the library in my new town. That has helped a lot with finding new and fun reads! I’ve gotten so mindful of the Blue light that at night when my husband reads us scripture before bed, sometimes he reaches for his e-reader which has the Bible versus his printed copy. I immediately remind him “turn the blue shade on!” even though he’s the one reading it because I’m trying very hard to protect my poor circadian rhythm! 🙂 Newlywed life and ‘new state living’ has sure been a growing adventure for me, so I’m grateful to know that I’m not the only one in it! Praying for you and yours! 🙂 (PS -as a former Texan as well, I totally get avoiding PSL until the real-feel actually drops to autumn temperatures!!!)
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Great to hear from you! Thanks for sharing what you’ve been learning. Blessings to you and your husband as you set a good foundation in Christ for your marriage!
Denise Jensen says
Hi
Just a note of encouragement: life is is changing, but God does not. He still loves!
I made the Blueberry Custard Bar— pie, mm
Tried piña colada : same base & custard mix. Sliced a banana onto baked base. Then custard made with 20 oz, drained crushed pineapple – mmmmm
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Thank you, Denise! You’re so right! Your pina colada custard bake sounds amazing! Great THM crossover option! Thanks for sharing!
Marcella Maurer says
My husband and I are loving listening to the Bible in a year plan on the You Version app. Currently I’m reading Her Mother’s Hope by Francine Rivers. I’ll be turning 60 on the 20th and celebrating one year off diabetes meds!!! Praise the Lord!
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Yay! Praise the Lord indeed – and happy early birthday!
Chrysti says
Wow! Thats a lot of comments for you to read! I’ll try to keep it short. My favorite tea is rooibus chai and I like to mix up my own loose leaf but I drink it so much I’m trying to take a break from it until it really gets cold. I live in North Dakota and its cold already but not really considering how low it will drop later. 😀 since I lost 40 lbs I’m cold most of the time though. So I’ve been drinking Peach tea, green tea, Yerba mate toasted peach, and my rise and shine tea blend.
I love sourdough bread and have made it for years but don’t know if it is thm approved. It certainly is soured long enough. I’ve let it go for four days before, although in cooler weather it takes longer to sour. Most of my family likes it the really sour way. The last batch soured too long and wouldn’t rise so we used it to make pizza crust. 😀. It uses potato flakes and sugar to feed the starter so I don’t know if it is on plan for thm with the potatoes in it. 😕. I bought rye to try Serene’s rye sourdough but haven’t tried it yet. I love rye bread but my husband doesn’t.
Thanks for your blog, it’s the only thing I do online besides email and occasional ordering. And I love the tea idea and the what you eat idea!
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
It took me quite awhile to get through them all, but I was delighted with the response and getting to “know” more of y’all! I love hearing about people’s lives. Sounds like we have a similar love of hot tea. 😉 I just bought a cinnamon/black tea variety today…looking forward to trying it in the morning!
As for sourdough, I believe the type that’s considered “on plan” is the kind that’s made with just flour, water, salt, and starter (and any other on plan ingredients you wish to add!). Whole grain flours need to make up most of the flour volume, although it’s OK to add a little white flour for a better texture, as per Pearl. Maybe you’ll want to give that kind a try someday! If you’re used to the whole sourdough process I’m sure it would be an easy switch for you.
Bekah says
I have been drinking coffee lately but chai tea sounds fantastical! It has been disgustingly hot here as well. I can’t wait for fall! But I am NOT a PSL girl! Gross! I don’t mind pumpkin pie or pumpkin bread. But I don’t care too much for that stuff. My fall/winter drink of choice would have to be hot apple cider. When i drink it, it makes me feel all the nostalgia of childhood in the fall. Its memories in a cup for me.
I have been roasting Hatch green chile recently. I spent 4 years of my life in Albuquerque, New Mexico where I learned that Hatch green chile is a staple! I love it! It makes me quite happy. You can imagine my joy when I found my chiles here-in an east texas grocery store.
I have been reading a lot of medical books lately.
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Oooh…your chiles sound amazing! And a good book of medical stories is always a favorite choice for me as well. 🙂 If you find any good ones, let me know! (Or maybe you mean actual medical info books?)
Jill Kawala says
I work outside the home and have a 5 & 6 year old. Meal planning saves me, knowing exactly what to make when we all get home. Also, I carry a notebook everywhere for my “brain dump” of random things I need to remember. At 5:00 on Sunday I go through my “dumps” and make organized lists for the grocery store, Walmart, things my husband needs to do (I email him the list so he can do his errands on his lunch) and my errand list for my lunch breaks. We also have a “no technology til the kids are in bed” rule and we stick to it! This means we’re focusing on the people in our lives except for the last few hours of the day. P.S. I’m driinking a bottled Sparking Ice, kiwi-strawberry flavor and sugar free.
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
I love your strategies Jill – and your policy on technology!
Diane Kosel says
This sounds like it is going to be fun! Currently my favorite iced drink is Earl Gray with heavy cream. No sweetener. Very refreshing!
Stephanie K says
Wow! You have certainly been busy. I am a homeschool mom of two, and we started back to school last week. We have a community day on Wednesday, where we meet other homeschool families and reconnect for the week, learn new material and have lunch. It’s nice to be a part of a community for homeschool rather than completely on our own. I tutor in that community as well, so I teach the oldest class, 11-12 year olds.
I have been drinking hazelnut/French vanilla iced coffee. I didn’t realize french vanilla was hazelnut and vanilla flavorings! So I make my coffee, (I love eight o’clock brand hazelnut flavored), add collagen powder and super sweet blend, whipping cream and sugar free french vanilla creamer. I even had a small amount of hazelnut extract. It’s so yummy!
My husband and I celebrated my 40th bday and 17 year anniversary by visiting friends in Florida. They are near Ft Myers. I have some beautiful sunset photos, (they asked ahead of time for ideas of what I wanted to do while there and one was to eat dinner at sunset on the beach. It was perfect and one of the most beautiful nights of my life).
I worked part time at my church for the past 6 years as Children’s Coordinator, but resigned this summer to focus on family. God has been whispering to slow down and be with my kids. It’s allowed more time to read and study. I’ve been eating a small group in Bible studies for just under a year and our current study has been helping time through some tough times. God knew what was ahead and knowing He directs my path alleviates the burden of having to know everything in my future, (although that’s often the complaint, that we don’t know what’s up ahead, therefore we don’t know what decision to make). I find it easier to follow.
Well-thats about it. I have been taking more breaks from social media as well. It really does help the mind to reset on what’s important.
Enjoy your oncoming new temps, cooler nights, and wherever He is leading your family in the near future.
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Thank you for that, Stephanie! I love hearing about other people’s lives. Blessings as you follow God’s whispers about slowing down!
Shannon says
Well, we’re going to start homeschool again tomorrow. I’m planning on going back to school for my Masters in Accounting.
I must say, I’m slightly jealous of the fact that you went to Pensacola. We were stationed there when I was a child and I miss it.
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
It’s a beautiful place! Wow – blessings to you as you homeschool and do your own schooling!
Terry says
I do enjoy reading your blogs. Not always have time for them but when I can…yes! One of my weaknesses is putting my thoughts down in writing (or even speaking). But some how I get some words out and hope for the best.
You mentioned about moving and not knowing. You are not alone in that area. We’ve been wanting to move make east (we are in Wyoming) for fellowship for a long time. It almost happened this year but I believe God closed that door temporarily. One of these days.
Work is downstairs in an office. We live in the apartment above the office. I can stay down there or come up stairs. We have RING on the office cell phone so I just tote that are with me. I do get most of my housework done before I go to work. If I come upstairs I do book work for my husband’s business, fix lunch, and do needle work. Throw some exercises in there too now and then. Walk every morning for my job (my paid exercise) About 20 minutes worth.
I guess that’s it for now or I won’t have anything to write the next time around. HUGS
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Aw, thanks for taking time to write, Terry! I enjoyed hearing about your life! That’s neat that you can have a separate office for work. Hugs back to you!
Amy says
Hi Briana, I really enjoy reading your posts. I was wondering if you have an suggestions on what to do when your husband doesn’t like stevia at all. He says it gives a metallic taste in his mouth. He doesn’t mind the main dish recipes I try, but baked goods/desserts aren’t very popular. And I don’t always want to have to eat the whole thing myself.:)
Thanks for any tips.
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Maybe try a sweetener like monkfruit instead? I’ve heard a lot of good reviews about that from people who couldn’t tolerate stevia for one reason or another. Also, I’ve personally found that I prefer less sweetener in recipes than most people do; maybe try backing down on the amount of sweetener and see if that helps? Salt can help round out the taste. And less concentrated sweeteners often taste better to people who don’t like alternative sweeteners (so something like Gentle Sweet over Super Sweet Blend or pure stevia). Cheesecake and fruity things often go over better than baked goods like a chocolate cake for people who are still getting used to alternative flours and sweeteners.
Linda A. says
I look forward to seeing more of your photography and book recommendations. If you like history books, I read them often and can give you some ideas.
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
I do enjoy history! Would love to hear about your favorites!
Michelle says
‘Tis the season for fellowship stress. We’re currently doing our interview rounds for the 3 slots that we have open. Good luck to your husband.
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Same to y’all! I wish I could give you a hug and commiserate over a real cup of tea/coffee! I anticipate and dread match day in December at the same time….
Hannah Markley says
Hello. I am thankful for your cookbooks! Our oldest son just moved to another state and I got him your first cookbook to use! He really enjoys eating the THM way but likes to come up with his own concoctions also! Some of our favorites are the single serve muffins and your shakes. My favorite drink right now is the Good girl moonshine with a couple of drops of orange or grapefruit oil!! Our family just started back to school and are doing a mix of homeschool, public school and vocational school plus speech therapy for our youngest. Canning fruit is also mixed in there! I am happy to be able to can applesauce with stevia!! It tastes soo yummy! May God bless you and your husband!
Hannah
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Well isn’t that neat! I’d like to try some of his concoctions!
Jeanne Anderson says
As I sat down to read your blog with my tall cup of your Refrigerator Iced Coffee, I realized this is going to be a game changer for me! Although I love oatmeal for breakfast especially in the cooler months, and pumpkin mug muffins for breakfast also, I have avoided them, because I also love my coffee, but only with cream and sweetener. Argh- not compatible for those of us needing to lose a lot of weight! I have tried all the “trimmy coffee creamers” but they don’t cut it for me. Not until this morning, when I realized I could use your FP Refrigerator Iced Coffee, and just warm it up when I want a nice hot cup to go with my energizing breakfasts! Not only that, but I love the fact that I am no longer tossing that expensive leftover brew from breakfast! THANK YOU! I also want to say that I purchased both of your cookbooks last May, and they have been my favorite go-to cookbooks ever since. You go, girl! And as a PS, I live in CA, and we are just now in the middle of our hottest times, anticipating the fall full of HOT east winds and fire season, while everyone else talks about their pumpkin spice lattes & etc. How about Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte for those of us who don’t live in the colder climes?
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Hey, your iced pumpkin spice latte idea is a good one. Thanks for sharing about the Refrigerator Iced Coffee! I never thought of heating it up!
Beth Lamicela says
So good to virtually catch up on what’s been going on in your life lately! Many blessings on you and Dr. Ryan.
P.S. I’m drinking chai in hopes of coaxing fall to come a bit sooner.
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
If only it could be in person, Bethey!
HEIDI JORDAN says
My cup is still just real good German coffee with a splash of heavy cream. I’m excited for the sourdough recipes. Now I am adding to your screen time.
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Haha…that’s OK. 😉 Talking to people is one of the better things to do online, I would say.
Shirley Moore says
I’m working hard on learning to like GGMS. I’ve been trying different types of herbal teas. I find that loose teas have much more flavor than bags. I’ve seriously been drinking your Mock Lemonade and Mocha shakes almost every day.
I do understand about the burnout, but I’m going to advocate creating a proper place for social media. Because it is how our society interacts nowadays. We are much more of a global community, and I am thankful for that. I’ve always loved reading blog posts, but I do know how much time they can take. I kept one for about 5 years, then it went by the wayside.
I understand the uncertainty of what the future will hold. Mine is a bit more immediate…my youngest is a senior in high school this year, and driving himself. So now I have to figure out who I’m going to be! My role as primary taxi driver and organizer of all events is mostly in the past now, and that is as it should be.
I’m excited to start a Precepts study next week in Galatians. I took a break from the depth of Precepts, and I’m feeling motivated to start back!
Keeping you in prayer as you seek God’s wisdom on your decisions.
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Thank you for sharing, Shirley! Blessings as you find your new role…I think that stage of life would be about as much of a change as getting married!
Famie says
No coffee for me either! Can’t stand the smell of it. I like good old fashioned black or black/orange Pekoe. Just water and tea, nothing in it. I drink it hot for breakfast with a teaspoon of THM collagen and iced all day long. I work 11+ hours a day so not much time for anything else but I have been enjoying your emails and your ice cream recipes. I’m ready to try some of your other recipes so I order both cookbooks today!
Susan says
Hi! My cup is full of tea, too – green with jasmine and orange blossoms or something like that. I’ve been off social media too and am thinking about quitting altogether- it can be such a burden. Always enjoy your life check in posts and recipes- I’ve wanted to try sour dough but am afraid I’ll forget about it and find a gross blob one day, lol. But yours does look amazing. Best to you and yours – Susan
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
“A gross blob” – that made me laugh…haha.
Diana says
Actually, I really did have pumpkin spice yesterday. (The shame!) I made a shake out of it, using your cauliflower technique, and it was superb!!
I love this life-update post – thank you for sharing!
I used to blog (on a minor basis) but it eventually died under the time crunch of motherhood. I still love to write, but it just didn’t work out – at least for now.
Facebook was different – I deleted my account about five years ago as a conscious choice as I saw how incredibly negative an effect it had on me (depressing, addictive, etc.). I haven’t regretted the choice.
So glad to hear that you’re doing well and are having such wonderful adventures!
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
As long as it was cold, I’ll forgive you. 😛 It’s great to hear from people who have made the dive away from social media and lived to tell the tale. Thank you!
Linda Dumes says
I am so happy you offered your blog posts via email. God gave me a brain injury 10 years ago and it turned my life and my 3 young adult children’s life upside-down. Through the entire process we’ve all been granted amazing gifts, growth and opportunities. My daily world has gone very small as a result of only being able to focus upon recovery. I have a gift for empathy and intuitiveness which served me in caring for my shiatsu clients. (Shiatsu is a Japanese natural healing technique, similar to acupuncture, only with hands-on. The word, shiatsu means “finger pressure” in Japanese.) I loved the work, and was full of gratitude and appreciation for my gifts, as I loved helping others in that manner. I reached a point where I couldn’t see the next steps, and couldn’t feel what was the next “right” thing to do and even started getting a little confused about priorities. It took an act of divine intervention to give us all the “nudge” we needed to move forward in our lives. When life is good, it’s so difficult to imagine letting of of some of the “wonderfulness”, but sometimes that’s exactly what needs to happen. The intervention of God and the changes we were forced to make landed us all in situations quite different than anything we could have imagined, but for 2 of the 4 of us, we’re in precisely the place we’d always hoped to be. I’ve one child (age 35) who is still not where he’d like to be, but there’s a journey he needs to take to find his way to God, spirit and his own fulfillment. I am still “in progress” in my own personal journey and sometimes get disheartened. Like my 3rd son, my own commitment and spiritual self fluctuates. You have been one of the people I’ve discovered along the way of my recovery who has always reminded me of God’s love and greatness and renewed my faith when it faltered. I had a brain injury which left me with only 20% short term memory, and 60% long term memory. I’ve got 2 points from telling you all of this. The first is that you being an intermittent presence in my world really helps me get back on track with connecting with my spirit, since daily living and “getting through each day” takes all my focus and effort. Your posts always reminded me of the greater part of myself and the constant presence of spirit. So, reading your latest blog post, I just wanted to reach out to let you know my story and this mysterious way God worked to help me and my grown children. We never know what the picture will look like exactly, but keeping in mind our “vision” will always lead us to the right place for us. I know you know that. I can sense it through your posts. Your new life of wife and partner and possible future as mother will bring all sorts of unknown circumstances. Sometimes something’s got to “give” in order to make way for something even more wonderful. Reading about your own thoughts and feelings, interspersed with your fantastic recipes , helps keep this wisdom I’ve learned through life reoccurring in my short term memory. Now, I’ve forgotten my second point – ah, that’s the life as a brain injured individual – lol – but let me end with this. I’m 64 and we use to say back in the hippy days, “keep the faith”. The twists and turns which life brought since becoming a wife and mother were Nothing that I could have ever predicted or expected. The most difficult thing I recall is my own struggles with trying to “hold on” to good things in my life. That only created difficulties in my life. Saying “goodbye” to something which you have loved doing in the past in order to bring your best to what’s in your present is difficult, but necessary. Writing this has reminded me of what worked for me: keeping a list of my top 3 priorities ever present in my mind. (now I’ll have to post them on the wall, front door and bathroom mirror). As long as you keep those priorities in order, and let the other things grow less of a priority as new things emerge, you’ll be fine. Thank you for everything you’ve given to me throughout these years. You’ve helped me, through this very process of being moved by the changes in your life, to find my own way back to this “3 priority list” solution which is simple and has worked for me in the past. God has blessed us with you, and I’m so deeply grateful. Lastly, I thank you for offering your blog posts via email. (Maybe that was my 2nd point – ?) I’ll always be excited to receive a notice from you. I do appreciate your posts as they reconnect my peculiarly functioning mind to things I have not been able to access myself. Thanks for the “nudge, girl”. Love you dearly, and wish a loving and peaceful journey for you. — Linda
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Hi Linda! Thank you for sharing all that. You have a unique story and I praise God that my blog has been able to play a small part in that. Isn’t it neat how God intersects the paths of various people to let us give and receive what we need in the moment?
Patricia R says
Briana,
Loved this post!!! What a wonderful idea! Reminds me of Susan Branch posts!! One of my all time favorites. I highly recommend her!!
It is such fun to get to know you through this post. I have both of your books and love them. I have to tell you a really neat story…….
My husband and I were on a trip this summer to Canada and we were on our way home. I wanted to bypass NYC somehow so we drove to the west of NYC and down through PA. We stopped at a very small store called Salanco Market in Peach Bottom PA and I could not believe my eyes when on a shelf in the very small, but nice book area was a copy of your Necessary Food!!!!!! I was SO excited!!!! Small world!!
One of the things that I picked up at that store was Dandy Blend. It is an herbal blend with Dandelions. Really delicious and interesting. Although it tastes more like coffee then tea. Generally my drink of choice is black unsweetened tea…hot or cold (drinking hot right now…just woke up). LOVE strong tea so I love Assam tea and have recently found Builders tea from England.
Also, very interested in your interest in Sourdough bread. I am going to be trying to start that very soon. I have never made real bread before, but have sent off for some starter. Is this something that would be THM compliant?? Or is there a way to make it so? I also need to make it Vegan!!!
OK, I have rambled on long enough……thank you for coming up with this idea and sharing it with us!!!! Looking forward to your next issue. And God bless you and your husband as you continue on your life path!!!
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
That’s such a neat story, Patricia! Thanks for sharing! Yes, sourdough bread can be made THM compliant, but it needs to be made with mostly whole grain flour and rise for at least 7 or 8 hours, I believe. 🙂
MaryAnn Nigh says
My tea is Ginger tea or a Peppermint tea. I look forward to drinking it with you. I enjoy reading about your life and activities. I am 81 but will have a birthday soon. I live in southern FL and we are going to have a hurricane hit here in about 4 days. We have our water and food and are prepared for it the best we know how. We’re hoping the electricity doesn’t go out so we can keep the air conditioning going. Our heat and humidity probably rivals Louisiana’s. Tomorrow it is expected to be about 104 and I have to go outside (early while it’s hopefully cool) and bring in the flower pots, chairs and everything else out there that can act like a missile in heavy winds. I look forward to your writings and hope you don’t stop. What a creative idea to have tea with all these people who love your blog. I look forward to your next one.
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
It was great having tea with you, MaryAnn! I would love to sit down and have a real tea with you and hear your life stories (and help you prepare for the hurricane). I hope it bypasses you!
Leighanne says
You always bring a smile to my face and encouragement to my heart. I’m a coffee drinker in the morning and I drink organic, black coffee with a scoop of collagen protein powder. I do love tea… all sorts of tea which I prefer to enjoy after my morning coffee. I love warm drinks mostly because I live in Alaska, but I also enjoy cool, unsweetened herbal teas full of healthy yumminess. I have often considered blogging just to share all the amazing things God has done for our family in moving us to Alaska and how He continues to shower us with his grace and mercy in all walk of life. Still thinking about it… I have so many amazing pictures to share of this glorious place.
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Yes, you should! I would love to see it! My husband talks about doing a short stint of medical work in Alaska after he’s done with training. I think it would be an amazing experience!
Katye says
Briana! I am so excited about your blog…I never read blogs…well, ocasionally Ann Voskamps but for some reason I am drawn to yours. You seem to be such an interesting person. I cant tell you how many times a day I say, “Alexa, play Laudate Mennonite Ensemble” lol. But really, other than the Vienna Boys Choir…I listen to that all the time. I will have to check out the above mentioned music recs. A few months ago, I got an email about your cookbooks and decided to give one a try (the newest one). It was seriously one of the best decisions I’ve made since starting THM. My husband has been my guinea pig through many of the THM cookbook recipes and never really been a huge fan…HOWEVER, when I started making yours he was like, “WOW, Briana is the winner”! So far I’ve made zucchini lasagna, sweet potato chana dal (had to order the chana dal from amazon), Creamy eggs and spinach, Greek chicken bake, breakfast burritos and right now I have enchilades verdes in the oven. I just ordered some oat fiber and pure stevia from THM website so I can try some of your baked goods now 🙂 Ok, so this is a long post but I just had a lot to tell you. In response to your actual post…I also, found myself wanting a simpler life free of social media so a couple years ago I deleted facebook. It was HARD at first but felt good at the same time. I really felt like I went through some kind of withdrawal. I sometimes want to post a picture of my kids or something I’m proud of but then I ask myself, ” Why? What is my motive?” and usually the answer is…I want people to notice me. I want to be praised and affirmed…then I realize that God sees me and I don’t need the approval of others. That was my own personal conviction anyway…everyone has different reasons (PLEASE dont ever stop blogging!). Also, yes, children will definitely change your schedule and priorities but of course they will be worth every minute of it. I love the C.S. Lewis quote, “Children are not a distraction to the greatest work, they are the greatest work.” Gives me perspective when I feel so unnoticed in the day to day busyness of motherhood. Alrighty…I’m going to go read God’s word now (thanks for the inspiration) and also check out some of those music links you posted (happy to get some recommendations). Until next time!
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Wow, I loved your comment on so many levels! The fact that you mentioned me in the same sentence as Ann Voskamp, for one thing. 😉 I really, really admire her heart. And the fact that you love choral music! And I’m so happy that you enjoy the recipes. And that you deleted Facebook and were aware enough to question your motives behind posting to it. I would really like to be able to sit down over a real cup of tea with you someday. 🙂
Becky Lawrence says
Hi Briana,
I really enjoyed reading what you have been up to. I hope you plan to share more about that banana bread recipe and your sourdough experiments!
I tried sourdough last winter and loved it, but had some difficulty making the loaves THM approved according to other blogs I read. The bread still tasted good, but I couldn’t get as good of a rise when I used all whole wheat flour. I haven’t touched my starter in a few months, so I might need to start from scratch this fall. (it’s been too hot in my apartment to bake much!)
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
I do plan to share them eventually – just not sure when! My definition of “soon” has changed since getting married and taking on more responsibilities. 😛
Kim says
It’s like this already and look forward to more… I’m currently drinking the *unmentionable* latte.. but I do year round😊. We are busy preparing to start our school year (homeschool). 3rd, 5th, 10th, and 12th grades. (12th grader works 30 hours a week + enrolled at local tech school automotive program) so we are busy, busy.. we’ve always homeschooled so we know what to expect. Except for the 12th grader makes for a worrying momma.. 🙏 praying we taught him to have discernment in his life and allows God to guide his decisions.
Plus im preparing for my 3rd major back surgery in November.
That being said there is nothing better than being a wife, mom, and homemaker and thankful the Lord allowed for me to be a stay at home mom.
I look forward to having tea with you.
May God richly bless you.
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
You certainly do have a lot on your plate, Kim! Blessings to you and your family! I hope the back surgery goes well with a quick recovery. I’d say you deserve a few of those “unmentionable lattes.” (that made me laugh)
Kristy K. James says
I love your ‘let’s have tea’ idea! I also love your social media plan. I wish I could say I’ve got mine nailed down as well as you do but it’s a work in progress as I work to rid myself from burnout. I like the idea of two days a week because most social media platforms (these days) are filled with far too much negativity. So, I need to get to a place where it ‘works’ for me because I do work from, and have done so for eight years. And like you, I rely on social media for a lot of my traffic.
Moving on, to your sourdough bread. Making that is high on my goal list, along with your Greek yogurt, and finding a crunchy granola recipe (because yogurt is always better with crunchy granola 😀 ).
Currently drinking water, which is my beverage of choice. Currently listening to the air conditioner (even though it’s a lot cooler in Michigan than down south) but have been trying to listen to a sermon/sermon excerpt every day. Currently reading a couple of Jessie Gussman books, and bopping back and forth between a few related to my career. Currently watching (or will be in about five minutes) – the last half of an Earl Nightengale video titled The Strangest Secret in the World. It’s interesting both in what he has to say, but it’s also fascinating to listen to what people were like in the 1950s.
I forgot two more thing… For the past few years, my favorite quote has been: Every morning, you have two choices. Continue to sleep with your dreams – or wake up and chase them. And my favorite tongue twister is ‘unique New York.’ 🙂
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Mine is definitely a work in progress as well. Sounds like we deal with a lot of the same things! Thank you for sharing all those interesting tidbits from your life. Mucho interesante. 😉
Robin says
Hi Brianna, I enjoy reading the conversational style of your posts whenever you find time. Thank you for sharing what is on your heart. Like Erica, I also got one of your cookbooks for my birthday – yay for wishlists! – and am ordering Our Father Abraham from your link above. Thank you for that book review.
I became a grandma for the third time this morning to our first grandson. We waited in the waiting room for 7 hours, but left at 2:45 AM when my daughter was okay and in recovery from the unplanned C-section. I will get to meet my sweet grandson this morning!
My favorite tea right now is Organic Peach Oolong tea in Good Girl Moonshine.
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Congratulations!! Enjoy that grandson of yours!
Nichole Woodard says
My drink of choice is one cup of coffee in the morning, and water the rest of the day.
Social Media; I deactivated my Facebook for a few months, and then when school started I reactivated it, but deleted all my friends except family. I need FB for school updates, and that is about all I want to do in it. Too time consuming.
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
That’s a great idea to make it work for you!
Kylee says
I’m drinking my collagen coffee as i read your post… And it’s still wqrm enough in Nebraska that I’m sweating as I drink it 🤣. I’m a stay at home mom and I STRUGGLE with feeling so overwhelmed by my to do list that I don’t really get anything done at all. I love your suggestion to just do 5 things, so today my goals are: unload/reload dishwasher, complete one load of laundry, pick up clutter in the living room/dining room (planning to recruit my two year old to help with that), run to Walmart, and take my son to the library to check out more books! I have Mommy’s meatloaf planned for supper and I’m so excited… It’s one of our favorites!
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
That’s great, Kylee! I love that you’re sticking with the 5 things rule! I have a ways to go before I’m at the point but you’re inspiring me. 😉
Vanessa says
What a fun season you’re in! We just found out we’re expecting our 7th baby & while fun I’m going to try to stay off baby/mom related SM, it’s a time suck. 60 degrees this morning & I had some coconut flavored coffee from Aldi left for just 1 pot. Bengal Spice (I call it Spicy Tiger) is my current favorite tea, I drink 2 qts of tea a day a day though the other qt tends to be decaf Earl Gray. Currently listening to a 5 day seminar on the dangers & implications of 5G Wireless & its health impacts. They just concluded the safety test (10 years long, cancers are up) on 4G & 5G is already in some cities & rolling out by 2020.
Liz Cassin says
Good Morning Briana from Upstate New York.
We have had a blessed Summer here. I love growing fresh veggies and my flower gardens. I love oolong tea and THM Trimmy’s. I have your Necessary Food cookbook and appreciate it very much. I am thankful God gave you the desire and wisdom to produce that cookbook. It is very easy to understand, (which is what I need) I am a visual person. I will be purchasing your newest cookbook soon.
My husband and I are retired and spend time together in devotion. We just finished the book of Matthew this morning. Being able to read together has blessed both of us as a couple and individually. We love Jesus so much and want to honor and glorify Him in everything. Thanks again for sharing your life with us. We will be in prayer for Dr. Ryan and yourself.
Under His Wings,
Liz Cassin
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Thank you so much, Liz! What a blessing to be able to read the Bible together with your spouse.
Elizabeth Bastian says
So good to hear from you Briana, but love that you are working on weaving your life together in a fashion that gives you the time and flexibility you want for the things that you deem important! I loved this chat over tea – although I am drinking coffee, as I much prefer that 🙂 Also loved getting a general update of your summer. As a long time follower, it’s been fun to watch you grow and your life change. I myself just returned from a trip to Ireland (live in the US) where I got engaged, so I know the feel of so much happening that life is passing you by and you just don’t know how to squeeze everything in. I’m also trying to figure out how to eliminate distractions and make time for those things that are meaningful and important, while still planning a wedding! Always learning and growing, right? Enjoy the rest of your summer, and we will see you when you feel that the time is right!
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Congratulations, Elizabeth! Engaged in Ireland? That sounds like a story that needs to be told. 😉 Blessings to you as you plan a wedding – and a marriage – and transition to a new phase of life!
Michelle L. says
Good morning Briana! I love this monthly chat idea! I am looking forward to the cool weather and all the pumpkin drinks but I agree – it’s still too hot and too soon! I’m drinking iced coffee in the mornings. Kudos to you for taking a social media break. I work from home and have done so off and on for the past 18 years. The way I manage is to have a set time for my work hours. I will not work after 5 when my husband gets home. Occasionally I will work an hour or 2 on the weekends but it is only if hubby is taking a class online and needs me quiet. Evenings are for fellowship, conversation and reading a book (Currently reading the Sensible Shoes series). You seem to be prioritizing your husband and your relationship and that’s a wonderful way to start! I’ve been married 37 years and found that it is super important to get your priorities in line. Prayers for the fellowship process.
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Thank you for sharing your strategy, Michelle! That is a great idea.
Judith Dancer says
Briana, I too am trying to step away from so much interaction on social media and TV.
Trying to learn to live without my husband at my side since his death two months ago.
I’m reading daily…..nothing complicated, still have “squirrels “in my brain as I come to grips with things.
I no longer make “to do” lists, I have made a “done” list. It actually helps me gauge my healing process as my energy begins to return and is not stress inducing.
Returning to THM lifestyle is also a work in progress….learning to take care of myself again. Reading your blogs are very helpful and encouraging.
Caring for my husband was my life for so many years and I was blessed to care for him. A new season in life begins.
God Bless
Judy Dancer
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Oh, Judy, blessings to you as you adapt to a new season. <3 I really like your idea of having a "done" list.
Brooke says
I love The King’s Singers! Thanks for a rabbit trail that brightened my morning on what will be a very busy day!
Karen Fincher says
Well most days its just a cup of coffee, then water the rest of the day. But speaking of tea i have been think of having 2-3 ladies over once a month for a tea party and some Christian interaction. Maybe you can suggest a few recipes for a tea party? Love hearing what is going on in your life, but also understand the need to live life also. So i just enjoy when you do have time to share with us. Bible reading right now is Hosea. Not reading anything at the moment but did just go see the movie Overcomer! It was great and i suggest it to anyone who has a chance to go! Until next time, God Bless, Karen
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
That sounds like a neat idea, Karen! I would probably put some mini cheesecakes on the menu. 😉 And ganache-dipped strawberries. I’ve got recipes for both of those in the Dessert section of my recipe index here on my website!
Renee says
Hi Briana, I’m enjoying in my cup, decaf coffee with a spoonful of MCT oil and fat-free 1/2 and 1/2. When I have breakfast then I have apple cinnamon tea. In Wisconsin, it definitely has that fall feeling. Been really cool in the mornings. I went back to work this week. I teach nursing assistant classes at a local community college. I am also waiting patiently for grandchild number 6 to be born later this fall. Our second girl. So excited. I look forward to your recipes and enjoy them very much. Good luck with your husband’s fellowship opportunities.
Lisa says
Briana!! It’s so good to hear from you but I totally get taking a break from all things in cyber space. My favorite morning beverage is just a steaming cup of coffee … just black. Afternoons I enjoy a cup of oolong with one packet of Truvia. We just dropped our first born at college so I’m having a tough week. But God is faithful. Looking forward to more chats from you – but don’t sweat it. We’ll take what we can get! 😘
Steph Mullinax says
I really enjoyed this post! Drinking hot lemon water.
I would love for you to do a series on sourdough! I have two goals for this winter (I live on the IN/MI boarder – our winters are LONG) – learn to make my own sour dough and find the “perfect” Chicken Noodle Soup recipe and master it;)
I do some work from home – I’m an administrative assistant for a church. Just 12 hours in the office which is so nice but managing my time at home is hard. I’ve started setting a timer and when it goes off – I need to just be done for the day.
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Love the timer idea! Maybe I should try that…
Jeanie says
This morning it was 60 degrees here (east TN) as I drove to work & because I work as a lifeguard, I only had on shorts & sleeveless T. I actually turned on the heat in my car! I feel your pain with the overwhelming heat where you live for I too have lived in some very hot & humid places.
I’m glad you were able to visit Pensacola! I lived there for 5 years & enjoyed it so much. Hopefully one day you can go a bit further east to Destin. You HAVE to experience that beach. It’s so white it reminds one of snow.
Blessings on your new venture Briana and thanks for so many wonderful THM recipes!
Karen says
I enjoy reading your blogs, even if they are sporadic! Please don’t throw in the towel!! Also, I’m scared to do sourdough. Do you have any tips?
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Yeah, look up some YouTube tutorials about making a starter and just start. 😛 I was nervous at the beginning too but it’s really quite easy and there are tutorials on the web for pretty much anything! It’s really a lot of fun!
Janet says
The book I am reading is The Circle Maker it is about praying boldly and praying big prayers because we have a mighty God and nothing is too big for him. Sometimes I have tears rolling down my face just in awww of our God and his power and love for us.
I’m really boring on what I drink because most days it is just a cup of coffee never ever would I drink pumpkin latte. I love pumpkin but like to chew it. Hahaha! I love coconut coffee and find it at TJ Max very refreshing over ice and a little Stevia.
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
“I love pumpkin but like to chew it.” Bahaha…you’re awesome. Thanks for the book recommendation!
Beth says
Love the post, especially the modifications you brought up.
Chelly says
Hi. Great idea. What’s in my cup? Decaf coffee because my baby is too little for me to have caffeine. And I’m really loving an iced red raspberry leaf tea blend. So good for me and tasty. I understand the battle with social media. I finally won that battle about a year and a half ago. I gave it up. I miss the THM page and all the new DTS items but I’m very glad I gave it up. What’s happening in my life? I’m sewing, sewing and sewing. I have five daughters. Only two are in school. I can’t inagine how busy my machine will be when there are even more school dresses to make. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel though.
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Good for you, Chelly! And wow – I bet you are busy sewing! That’s a full time job!
Llynn says
I can certainly understand wanting to simplify your life but I hope you don’t decide to leave your blog for a long time. I enjoy reading your posts and I absolutely love your recipes. I have both your books. I requested them as a birthday and a Christmas present and my son bought them for me. Your recipes have changed my life.
Rebecca says
I love reading your blog posts. However many you can comfortably write I’m happy! I’m a stay at home, homeschooling mom with 7 children. I completely understand priorities that don’t involve social media. I just recently got back on Facebook after taking a 2 year break! It was glorious. I keep my involvement to a minimum. Also, I grew up in Pensacola, then moved back for 9 years as an adult. I’ve been gone for a couple years now, but am actually heading there tomorrow to see my son! It definitely has the best beaches. Thanks for sharing with us and allowing us to share with you. I look forward to more Tea Times 😊
Michelle says
I’ve been enjoying the Iced Skinny Toffee Coffee recipe I saw on Instagram by a THM, I can’t remember her name. I’ve recently made the switch from night shift to day shift at the hospital where I work as a nurse. I’m enjoying having more time with my family and friends and less need to sleep all the time.
Just a tad bit of advice. Do what you need to do to stay true to the woman God created you to be. If you need to not have so much social media in your life so you can focus on and cherish each moment then that’s ok. I love reading your blog and seeing your posts but I’m loving and enjoying my life unencumbered by social media and I expect you and anyone else that wants to be able to do it also. Enjoy and love the life God has given you, live your life without regrets. I’m having my daughter paint a sign for me that says “Love the life you live”. I kept seeing other signs that said “live the life you love” but felt those didn’t have enough gratitude in them then I felt God’s Spirit whisper to my heart to love the life I live. It’s not perfect but it’s where I am and I want to be right where He wants me and can use me.
Blessings to you Briana. 😊
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Thank you, Michelle! I appreciate that advice. And I love the quote. I agree – yours seems a lot less humanistic!
Shelly says
I love spiced chai tea with a splash of almond/coconut milk. I too am in a place in my life where I have so many unknowns that it makes me have anxiety. I am trying to follow my favorite quote “Give it to God and go to sleep”.
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
I love that!
Maria Strange says
My favorite cup of tea is apple cinnamon with collagen and thm stevia. I am working on building a Life Coaching business for military spouses and am in school full time. I started school on the 19th of Aug and my children do not start until Sept 5th. Life has been crazy busy but I wouldn’t change it for anything. With God all things work together for our good. My mantra lately is that I’m the perfect Mom for my children and I can do hard.
Laura L says
Love the crawfish picture! I grew up in Southern Maryland near the Chesapeake Bay, so we usually had crabs at some point during the summer. Definitely another one of those “fellowship-enhancing” meals! 😉
I’ve mostly been busy at home with my kids. Kiddos #1 and #2 are in 3rd grade and K5 (homeschooling). #3 (19 months old) currently loves getting into All.The.Things. And we’re preparing for #4 to arrive in about two months! Busy days, but the Lord gives grace and joy for it all 🙂
I’ll be praying for you and Ryan as you seek the Lord’s will for your next step!
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Thank you, Laura!
Chelsie says
Love your idea!
Black coffee or some green tea is normally in my cup. Walmart has a raspberry, strawberry, pomegranate blend of green tea that I love. 😍 I just got your cookbooks about a month ago and have been making some of your recipes, which I’ve enjoyed by the way! I’m fairly new to THM but trying to do it while having two young kids in the house has been a challenge. I feel like I can’t take the time to cook like I used to. I’m a young mom (23) and know I want to get them eating healthy from a young age cause I didn’t grow up eating vegetables and I’m trying to do things differently. Currently learning to make sour dough, just got my starter yesterday and going to attempt a loaf of bread this weekend. I hope you find your love for blogging again or some contentment about taking a break from it. I’ve been married for 5 years and the first year I just enjoyed being a wife and getting used to my new life. 🙂
Janelle Grove says
Hey Brianna..so good to hear from you. Definitely been missing you. But I understand the busyness. Presently I’m thinking about sending my oldest 2 back to school. I’m trying to prepare for that schedule.. life seems to be going so fast the older I get. I’m trying really hard to make each day count , find joy in the journey, count my blessings, because there is ALWAYS SOMETHING TO BE THANKFUL FOR.
Blessings as you seek Gods will.
Janelle Grove
Erica Kennedy says
I ordered your cookbooks as a part of my “birthday present” this year. (My husband doesn’t shop for anyone. It works for us. This way I always get what I want!) Anyway, I am loving the books, especially your second. Thank you for helping this 69 year old grandma get more serious about my THM commitment! I have ordered the “Abraham” book as it appeals to me. My husband and I have always felt strongly grounded in our Hebrew roots, as Christians, and wonder that others don’t. We take joy in seeing our 15 (so far) grandchildren coming to the Lord, one by one, but consistently, as we watch their parents pass on the Holy Words to them at every opportunity. We are prayer warriors for the younger folk in this world who have a more difficult world to live in, than we did. Stay strong and on your knees!
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Praise the Lord! Thank you for the encouragement! I completely agree.
Jill Melton says
I am a stay at home mom of two and we really just spent time being together this summer. Long days and lots of playing. I love to have my cup of coffee in the morning. Getting into a new routine since school has started. Honestly I am taking a THM break. I love to cook but started feeling overwhelmed with massive amounts of ingredients and paying attention to everything I eat and when. I am not a writer, but in a sense feel what you are talking about. I just need a break from cooking complex meals and letting food become an idol. After all THM is all about food freedom and that is not what I am feeling in the moment. After my break I plan on getting back to the THM lifestyle. I love reading your posts and would be very sad if you chose to take a permanent step away. You inspire me. My favorite thing to do is cook. I hate meal planning and grocery shopping unless it’s a specialty grocery store. I am looking forward to what your let’s have tea is all about.
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
That sounds like the perfect summer, Jill. Way to go – prioritizing the truly important things. I don’t think you’ll ever regret that!
Ashley says
Briana, I respect your dedication to life over social media. Your recipes are incredible and worth waiting for! I agree about the PSL; I’m drinking your iced chais almost every day 🙂
Thank you for the reading recommendations. The book regarding Christianity’s origin sounds very interesting!
Thank you for your transparency! I’m looking forward to your next tea update!
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Thank you for stopping by, Ashley!
Melissa says
The Gulf Coast beaches are the best!! I grew up in Pensacola but now live in SC. I do miss the beaches!
Tammy Cliff says
I deleted my Facebook account as it was taking up too much time every day and really did not enrich my life in any way! I don’t even miss it. Now I need to cut back on Instagram 😁
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Yes! Yes! Yes! I love to hear that – go you!
Cari says
I’ve been drinking the nitro cold brewed coffees at Starbucks lately. 😳 kinda obsessed. Thank you for sharing your life with us!
Heather Easton says
I had a kidney transplant in April. Life has been a roller coaster since. I’m currently reading “Its Not Suppose To Be This Way.” It’s been good for my soul but it’s brought a lot of tears! It’s easy to have faith and trust in God when all is going well. When it’s not, we want to take the reigns and do as WE see fit. I struggle with this so much because of my independent nature.
Like you, I’ve also had to take a break from my business and I’ve wrestle with that daily. More recently I’ve decided it’s okay to take care of myself and put things on hold if I need to. Right now, I need to!
I also unfollowed all of the big social media groups I was in (THM Included 🙈) and it’s been a HUGE relief! I spend much less time scrolling and more time doing things I love with the free time I have.
Looking forward to more tea time! What a great idea ❤️
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
I loved that, Heather. Thank you for sharing.
Krystle says
So I’m going to say it…in my cup this morning was the most delicious PSL I’ve ever had. I really love them and I woke up super early so the house was extra cool and I’m melting next door in Houston Texas! Around here you have to invite fall and pray it comes for an overnighter then leave the key under the doormat so perhaps just maybe there will be a surprise return. Pretend Fall. Our leaves are falling, bc the trees are dying.
I made your peanut butter pie to celebrate my sons baptism last Sunday and today is my husbands birthday so I used that delicious vanilla pudding, threw in some pineapples, sliced THM Butterfly Wing cake in half, put down a thick layer and will put the rest on top of the bundt beauty with a little more pineapple.
Its looking gorgeous.
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Bahaha…well, each to her own, I suppose. You may be right about having to “pretend” fall is here. It’s currently 98* outside! I can’t wait for winter, even if we never have a proper “fall.” Your dessert idea sounds SO good.
Lynnette says
My current drink these days is coffee but I really need to switch it up. We recently moved for my husband to change careers. He is now technical director for a small Bible college in central Alberta. Basically he oversees the audio, visual, lighting, and broadcasting for the school and runs sound for chapels and some events, as well as streaming home games for the athletics department. Technical director is a passion God has given him to pursue within the church and parachurch ministries. It was a huge step and we moved over 7 hours from the town we had lived in for the past 10 years, basically my whole adulthood. We are getting settled, but I haven’t had much luck finding a part time job yet that works for our family. I am currently reading a book called The Promise is His Presence, by Glenna Marshall. This is a quote from the book that I posted on FB, “Whatever plagues your heart with longing cannot be answered satisfactorily outside God’s faithful presence. He might give you every tangible desire you could ever dream up, but if your heart is not satisfied in Him, you will never stop yearning for more.” I’ve been trying my best to eat healthier since moving as I have not been for over a year and my size and health show it. This next months meal plan uses a couple of your baked oatmeal recipes and I’m looking forward to them.
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
“If your heart is not satisfied in Him, you will never stop yearning for more.” I love that!
Larissa says
Heating up THM’s Matcha Ninny as I fold laundry/read your post! That excerpt was very interesting, I’m considering reading that book as my husband and I are hoping to move across country and are therefore in a season of expected transition. Books I’m currently enjoying are “Placemaker” by Christie Purifoy and “Memory Making Mom” by Jessica Smartt. I loved what you said about social media and needing a break! I’ve felt the same way and have started leaving my phone on Do Not Disturb during my Childrens waking hours (it’s nap time right now). I don’t want my loved ones to remember me being glued to a screen! Thanks for sharing a “cup of tea” with us!!
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Thanks for YOUR suggestions! Love your phone idea.
Cevy says
Switchel! I made a recipe from traditional cooking school and loved it. Reminds me of a GGMS. Listening to “Loving Him Well” by Gary Thomas for the second time. Love that book and felt like I need a reality check/marriage advice.
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
I had to look up what “switchel” was. Never heard of it! Sounds good!
Julie says
Glad to have you back but also glad you are balancing your priorities!
I’m drinking double fermented kefir every day…yum!
I’m reading Israel, My Beloved by Kay Arthur. It’s a sweeping history of the Jewish people, personified in the character of Sarah. Fascinating!
Also loving the James Bible study I am doing by Jen Wilkin. 🙂
Cindy says
Julie, that’s one of my all time favorite books. I read it cover to cover every few years and have lent it out from time to time. As I learn things via Bible studies, sermons etc, I appreciate the book more on the next reading. God’s LOVE is mercifully everlasting and ever reaching.
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Hey, thanks for the recommendations!
Melissa says
I am loving a chocolate matcha tea and also healing trimmy hot chocolate.
I just received Becoming Us in the mail. It’s using you and your spouse’s enneagram numbers and seeing how it all lines up/works spiritually. I can’t wait to read it.
I’m glad you enjoyed your break, but I’ve definitely missed your regular content since you got married. I totally get it and that is definitely way more important ❤️
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Chocolate matcha? That sounds unique enough to be good. 😉 Thanks for the book suggestion!
Olivia says
I feel your pain with this awful heat! We’re just north of Houston, and I keep checking the weather hoping we’ll dip below 90 here in the next week or so. Water and sweet tea for now, but pumpkin everything and hot chocolate once it cools down 😉
Cheryl Crouse says
Have you heard of chaffles?
Kristy K. James says
I don’t know if anyone else has, but I’m hoping to find a Dash waffle maker locally (if not, I’m ordering one!). I’ve been watching OKketOH’s videos on YouTube for the past couple of weeks. She calls them ‘chwaffles.’ IF they’re not eggy textured/flavored, I might have found my go-to bread, sandwich ‘buns,’ and desserts on days when I’m not into cooking. 🙂
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Yes I have – I think they’re the next big thing! Haven’t tried ’em yet though, but I’m sure they’re great (albeit calorie dense).
Cheryl says
Chai tea for me. I found my favorite brand in double spice and I love it. Just a bit of better stevia.
God moved my husband and I from nebraska to north carolina 6 years ago. I did not realize what a culture shock it would be. New doctors, dentist, hair cutter, grocery, and the hardest, church. We will retire in 2 years, moving back to nebraska. We need to be closer to our son and grandchildren and both of our elderly mothers. God provided an 1890 victorian house in a small town with all of the amenities needed for retirement. We’ve spent the last 15 months making that house livable so that we can rent it out until we retire. But it is such a relief to have plans for our future. And our granddaughter is so excited.
Yes, the south is hot. We make a version of your ice creams twice a week. One favorite was chocolate with chocolate chunks and bi ng cherries. Another, I dumped in some defaced peanut flour and stirred stirred in dark chocolate chunks. Yesterday I found a recipe for keto salted caramel sauce to put on the vanilla ice cream I took to pot luck. I saw the pastor more than once with spoonfuls of just that sauce. And he doesn’t even do keto or thm. It’s still 90 most afternoons here but sept 1 the boots, scarves and sweaters make their appearance. Crazy. We are married 45 years next week. Still learning and loving.
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Thank you for sharing, Cheryl! I praise God for providing that house for you; it sounds so neat! And those ice creams sound incredible.
Lora Gibbs says
Hi my name is Lora and i wanted to let you know that you are very special to me and bring me a lot of comfort. I really admire how you live for God and seeing how he has blessed you with marriage and wonderful talent and so much more. I love that you like to be old fashioned, i dont think our fast paced and high tech world is any fun and it causes so much stress. You are a breath of fresh air! Thank you so much for all the delicious recipes and pretty pictures of the food. I cant put the cookbooks down i just dream of making it all!
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Well praise the Lord! Thanks for stopping by!
Beth Dix says
Hi Breanna; so good to hear from you again! I truly understand your absence from social media. I find I go on it less often as well. I will be drinking a glass of water as we chat today. I hope you enjoy your tea.
I think this summer has been crazy for all of us. I also work from home since I am a quilt designer (PrimroseLane.com) and we travel to quilt shows to sell my patterns. (18 on our schedule this year.) That doesn’t give me a lot of time at home. To complicate things, I have had 2 surgeries this summer (gall bladder and appendectomy) plus a couple of other minor health issues. I feel as if the year has passed me by and now I am a year behind. But in January, the Lord gave me the word FOCUS – my acronym for “First of all Christ”. Focusing on Him and putting Him first has been such a blessing! I don’t think I could have dealt with everything as well as I have, if I had not kept my eyes on Him. He knew in advance that I would need to keep my focus on our Lord Jesus.
Through the stress of it all I have mostly gone off THM. Yes, I put on weight, but I refuse to beat myself up about it. Instead I am giving myself grace. In time I will get back on the THM wagon. Meanwhile, I will keep focusing on Christ and do the best that I can do with my family, church, and business.
Have a blessed day, Sweet Girl!
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
I completely understand where you’re coming from with feeling a year behind! That’s been me ever since publishing Convenient Food last year. 😛 Thanks for what you shared, about keeping Christ the #1 priority. Spot on.
Emily says
I enjoy your recipes and I also enjoy your candid sharing of your life! I liked your thought, to just do the next right thing. I tend to get bogged down by the big picture so I just go read a book or pick up my phone. My drink this afternoon is chai spice tea with a splash of almond milk. Blessings.
Leann says
As a reformed “I like a little coffee with my creamer” lover I have discovered flavored coffee with my morning Trimmy! My current obsessions are hazelnut and caramel though I might be leaning ever so slightly toward hazelnut being my favorite!
Jennifer says
Hello! I’m wanting to start dabbling in sourdough, and am looking for a good way to obtain a starter! Is it better to “catch your own” as in the THM cookbook, or purchase a starter online?
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
I really don’t know! The easiest thing would probably be to get some from a friend. I don’t have any experience with purchasing one online so I can’t speak to that, but I caught my own and it was pretty easy! It took about 10 days. There are lots of helpful YouTube tutorials about it! I thought the experience was kind of neat, if nothing else. 🙂
Charlotte says
I just made your French Toast in a Bowl for the first time in a few months and it reminded me of how much I love it. My sister and I love your recipes, so as life allows, please keep sharing! Thank you for sharing!! Also, do you have any preference on special cookie recipes that you can recommend that would be great with tea?
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
YES! I haven’t made that in ages but it used to be my go-to! Thanks for the reminder! And thanks for your sweet comment; I sure do intend to keep posting recipes as I have time. I have quite a few piling up over here…just need to find a few days to sit down and whip them into blog posts. 😛 As far as cookie recipes go, there are some good ones in Necessary Food! Jam Thumbprints, whoopee pies (chocolate and pumpkin), Everything Cookies, Snickerdoodles, and my favorite chocolate chip cookies! (You can find the chocolate chip cookie recipe here on my website too: https://www.briana-thomas.com/brianas-house-low-carb-chocolate-chip-cookies/)
Here’s the French Toast in a Bowl recipe if anyone is interested: https://www.briana-thomas.com/french-toast-in-a-bowl/
Katy says
I can’t get enough of good old collagen coffee and cream. I’ve been reading a lot of easy/early readers with my kindergartener but have been enjoying Christian fiction whenever I can sneak in a few quiet minutes. I always enjoy your writing but can’t blame you for wanting to simplify!
Kristen says
We just got both your cookbooks the other week and made one of your strawberry ice cream recipes. I made a shake using some ice cream, almond milk, and bake believe chocolate chips. It’s so yummy on this warm NM night! I’m having to share with my 3 year old son, he keeps drinking it 😀. Next time I’ll have to make him his own!
Briana Thomas Burkholder says
Oooh…that shake sounds a-maz-ing!