This week I made an impulse trip to HomeGoods and a not so impulse visit to the Caroline’s Cookies Pop Up. Had I had any idea, my spur of the moment, reaction video to a “designer” turkey decoration was going to get any more than 200 views on the Tok, I would’ve bothered with more make-up. It drew quite the few comments and some were absolutely hilarious. I cackled and read them all aloud to my husband. Even funnier, the views blew well past the duet I did, sharing our love story. We are just not as popular or interesting as the overpriced, bespectacled, table turkey and honestly that’s fair.

For weeks now I’ve been hearing about Caroline’s Cookies and the lines they generate and how fast they sell out. This week, I couldn’t take it anymore and decided to take my chances. Fifteen minutes before start, the line was already snaked around the parking lot. I had my oldest with me to keep me company and despite the heat, it felt like the line moved pretty fast. By the time we got up there, 2 flavors had sold out but I was grateful for what I got! We met Caroline’s and she graciously took a picture with us. She’s super personable and outgoing in a way that makes my introverted self jealous. The cookies were hands down, some of the best I’ve had in my life. The cookie my husband and I were least excited to try, the Oatmeal Cream Pie (he’s just not a fan, and I like them okay) wound up being our favorite! The hype is worth it and the success well-deserved. I can’t wait to see what she does in the future. And yes, I will probably be at every single pop-up until the store opens.

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I was my birthday this past week. It was just the best day. My boys made me homemade cards (the very best kind), they called me birthday girl all day, my mom and husband sent me to the spa for a deep tissue massage, and we finished the day off with one of my most favorite meals, cake, and birthday champagne. I couldn’t have asked for more. It was calm and relaxing, just my immediate family. The birthdays with the big parties, surprises, trips, and all the people are wonderful but so are the quiet ones. The ones that allow introspection and gratitude in a way that flash and crowds can’t. I live to see another year. What an absolute gift.