Hello 2026
Y’all, can you believe it’s 2026? I’m sitting here feeling so grateful for this fresh start. When 2025 rolled in, I had this gut feeling it was going to be a great year. And in some ways, it tried..but man, it really put me through the wringer. That pedestrian vs car accident in March? It crushed more than just my leg; it derailed so much. Still, here we are, moving forward, and I’m genuinely excited to see what 2026 has in store. (Hopefully no more crush injuries LOL, fingers crossed!)
My Resolution: Getting Healthy (Again!)
Like last year, my New Year’s resolution is centered on weight loss and getting healthy again. Anyone else out there with the same goal? I know how tough it is, life loves to throw curveballs. Last year I started strong… until that accident hit. Then came the food train that NEVER stopped, and the scale kept climbing. It’s a raw, honest reality check.
But fast forward to today: January 19, and I’m still in the game. I’m excited, y’all. This feels like it could finally be my year to reclaim my health.
Diving Deep into Real Food (and Discovering Yuka)
Lately, I’ve fallen down a huge rabbit hole researching food ingredients. It’s honestly frightening how many additives and questionable things are in everyday products. You walk into the grocery store expecting nourishment, not cancer causing junk. With two little boys now, it hits different I want them safe, healthy, and growing strong. I want a long, vibrant life for them, my sweet husband, and all of us.
I started venting to my friend, Gwen about my health kick, and she turned me on to this amazing app called **YUKA**. If you haven’t tried it, download it right now! DO IT! You scan products, and it breaks down the ingredients, flags the bad stuff, and suggests better options. It’s been a game changer for me. Maybe this doesn’t resonate with everyone, but as a mama, protecting my family’s health has become non negotiable.
Back to Work & Keeping Carolina Cupboard Going
On top of that, I’m back to full-time work, which I love. The grind feels good, but it definitely makes keeping up with the house and the blog a little trickier. Still, I’m committed, no slowing down here. Carolina Cupboard is staying alive!
Christmas Memories: The Magic of Years Past
Now, let’s talk about Christmas. Ever since losing my daddy and my grandparents, the holidays haven’t felt the same. I always play Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers Christmas Without you bailing thinking of my loved ones lost. There’s this quiet ache, this deep huge hole, missing them. Growing up, my mom especially made Christmas pure magic. We didn’t always have a ton of gifts year round, but she’d pour her heart into making every moment special. Santa however, always came through with a huge over load of magical gifts.
Our Traditions
Our farmhouse Christmas Eves were the best. My absolute favorite person in the entire universe (and my daddy’s too), Dr. Glen, would come over with his family. His son Frank and I were bosom buddies, always getting into harmless (ok maybe sometimes not so harmless lol) mischief and laughing until our bellies hurt. We’d spend the day dreaming about what Santa might bring, putting out cookies (sometimes red velvet cake!) and milk, then heading to bed with Mom’s strict “no getting up until sunrise” rule.
Of course, we never made it that long. I’d sneak into my brother’s room (or he’d come to mine) whispering, “Santa came!” Our big farmhouse staircase overlooked the living room perfectly, we’d grab flashlights and shine them down from the top, spying on our gifts. My brother would sometimes talk me into creeping downstairs to scout his presents and report back. We knew every creaky spot in the floor to stay silent. Pure adrenaline and joy.
When my little sister came along (8 years younger), it only got more magical. Seeing her wide eyed excitement made everything brighter.
At daybreak, we’d burst into my parents’ room yelling, “Santa came! Santa came!” We’d drag them out of bed, dump stockings, show off gifts…it was incredible. Mom would start Christmas lunch while my grandparents, great aunt, great uncle, and Granny arrived. We’d open more presents under the tree, feast on her amazing spread, and soak in every second.
After a little downtime, we’d pile into the car for the 30 minute drive to my grandparents’ house. There, we’d meet Mom’s brothers, cousins, and more family for another huge meal, games, gifts, and fireworks. It was endless joy.
As a kid, no one warns you those days won’t last forever. My dad used to say, “All good things must come to an end,” but I never really believed it would feel this different.
Bringing the Magic Back with My Boys
This year, though, something shifted. Having my own boys brought the magic roaring back. It was their first Christmas where they really understood the birth of Jesus, Santa, the whole wonder of it. My MIL, SIL, and nieces came to visit, and y’all… I cried happy tears the whole time. Just having them here, filling our home with love and laughter, made it so special.
Santa came for my boys, of course. They were ecstatic couldn’t stop talking about the magic that happened right here in our little corner of Illinois.
Here are a few photos and videos from our Christmas proof that the joy is still alive, just in a new shape.
I’m already looking forward to more Christmases, more magic, more memories. I pray that one day our whole family those here and those in heaven, will be together again to celebrate the One who makes it all possible: Jesus.
Here’s to 2026 health, family, and keeping the magic alive.
Love your girl,
Carolina Cupboard!!
Ps. This is my mom’s famous red velvet cake recipe. That the kids decorated! I think they did an incredible job and boy did they have fun! Anyway, I asked my mom for her permission to share it, and she said yes (which kinda surprised me 😅).Growing up, it felt sacred, like only she could make it perfect. But I’ve realized: if we don’t pass these recipes on, they can disappear when the person’s gone. Memories and all.So I’m nervous but excited. What do y’all think—should I share the full recipe? ❤️🍰(Especially curious if you’ve ever shared or kept a family recipe close!)
Check out my last post here: https://carolinacupboard.com/2025/12/20/how-we-went-from-two-under-one-was-going-to-kill-us-to-actually-enjoying-flying-with-kids/
Product Recommendation:
Okay, real talk: I’m done with sketchy plastic containers. 😅 Those old Tupperware vibes? The ones that stain, warp, and make you wonder what chemicals are sneaking into your leftovers? Yeah, no thanks.
I’ve been switching to truly non-toxic options, mostly glass with solid lids (like Pyrex or similar sets), or ones with food grade silicone seals that actually stay put. No BPA, no PFAS, no weird leaching into your food. They’re microwave-safe, oven-safe, dishwasher-proof, and they stack like a dream without taking over the fridge.
Perfect for meal prep, packing lunches (especially for the kids), or just keeping salads fresh all week. Bonus: they last forever, so you’re not constantly replacing junky plastic ones. Feels good knowing you’re cutting down on waste and keeping things safer for the family.
If you’re ready to make the swap, check out some solid recs here (this link has great travel-friendly ideas too, which is clutch if you’ve got little ones): https://carolinacupboard.com/2025/12/20/how-we-went-from-two-under-one-was-going-to-kill-us-to-actually-enjoying-flying-with-kids/
Who else is over the plastic Tupperware drama? Let’s upgrade and breathe easier! 🥗♻️
Upgrade your kitchen the healthy way! 🍳 Say goodbye to toxic nonstick coatings and hello to safe, non-toxic cooking.
These PFAS-free, PFOA-free, PTFE-free ceramic-coated pans are made for worry-free meals. Crafted with food-grade materials, they’re completely non-toxic, scratch-resistant, and deliver that smooth nonstick performance without any harmful chemicals leaching into your food.
Perfect for everyday cooking—fry, sauté, sear, or bake with ease. Most sets are induction-compatible, oven-safe, and dishwasher-friendly for effortless cleanup. Durable, eco-conscious, and built to last, they help you cook cleaner while ditching single-use concerns for good.
Your body (and the planet) will thank you! 🌱
Grab yours here: https://amzn.to/4jOKTXO
Ditch the single-use plastic! 🌿 These non-toxic, reusable silicone “wannabe” Ziploc bags are a game-changer for eco-conscious kitchens.
Made from 100% food-grade silicone, they’re completely BPA-free, odorless, and safe for your family. Leakproof zip seals, super durable, and endlessly reusable—perfect for snacks, leftovers, marinating, travel, or meal prep.
Dishwasher-safe, microwave-safe, freezer-safe (and often oven-safe too), they help cut down on waste while keeping food fresh. One set replaces hundreds of disposable bags over time—saving money and the planet!
Check them out here: https://amzn.to/4b9sO4w
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