Hello there — happy Friday!
It’s hard to believe it’s been almost a year since I last wrote a Friday Five. If you’re new here, Friday Five is where I step away from recipes for a bit to share five things happening in real life. These posts let me share moments that don’t always fit between easy weeknight dinners and chocolate desserts. I’ve missed them — and I’ve missed writing like we’re catching up over coffee.
So grab a cup of something good. We have plenty to catch up on.
1. Life Lately – the Gift of Ordinary
The last time I wrote one of these, Miles had just finished chemotherapy. I remember that deep relief and gratitude, and also the awareness that life wouldn’t snap back to normal overnight. Recovery from big, life-changing events takes time, and that’s exactly how it has been.
Over the past year, and especially in the last month, life has slowly settled back into a familiar rhythm — with its usual measure of chaos and comfort.
Here are a few ordinary, joyful highlights from recent months:
- Miles turned 12 and started sixth grade. Sixth grade already! Our mornings now include alarms, reminders, breakfasts, and the ritual of packing everything that might possibly be needed for the school day.
- We attended the Costco Midwest Golf Classic to support Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago — a meaningful day with great people and a wonderful cause.
- Summer brought pool days, time with friends, a trip to Six Flags Great America, and our annual Michigan getaway. Sweet summer routines that feel like a reset.
- I spend as much time as I can on the patio watching hummingbirds at the feeder. They’re a daily delight — one of the best small joys of my day.
- On the TV front, I’ve enjoyed short, comforting series like Ted Lasso and Abbott Elementary — lighthearted and full of warmth. If you have other feel-good show recommendations, I’d love to hear them.
- My go-to comfort meal lately has been a snack plate lunch: cheese, crackers, veggies, turkey, and fruit. Simple, satisfying, and perfect for busy days.
2. Finding My Way Back Here…
CenterCutCook has been part of my life since 2011, and this site will turn 15 in December. Some of you have been here from the start — thank you. When I began sharing recipes online, I couldn’t have imagined how much this little corner of the internet would grow or how much the landscape would change.
For years, readers found recipes through Google searches and social media. Today, search engines and platforms are increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence, and AI-generated content is more prevalent. That shift makes it harder for independent creators to know whether their recipes and stories will reach the people who want them.
I use new technology when it helps, but technology can never replace the real humans behind the recipes or the families cooking from them. That’s why this community matters so much to me.
Thank you for being here!
Your visits, star ratings, comments, shares, and emails remind me there are real people reading these recipes. After 15 years, that connection is still my favorite part of what I do.
One reliable way to stay connected is the CenterCutCook email newsletter. Subscribing is the best way to get new recipes, tips, and ideas directly — without depending on algorithms to decide what you see. If you haven’t subscribed yet, consider signing up on the site.
As I plan future recipes and content, I’d love your input:
- Which older CenterCutCook recipes are you still making and loving?
- What kinds of recipes would make your weeknights easier?
- Have you subscribed to the email newsletter?
3. Learning Something New
After many years attending golf fundraisers, I finally decided to learn to golf. Before my first TopGolf visit, I had never swung a club, and I discovered pretty quickly that golf is a humbling sport. Hitting the ball is only part of the challenge; the etiquette and unwritten rules feel endless at times.
It’s been fun to be a beginner again, slowly building a small secondhand set of clubs. As a left-handed woman, options are limited, but I’m piecing things together and enjoying the process. I just ordered my first golf bag and can’t wait for it to arrive. I’m working on my swing and planning to take a lesson or two — learning something new has been energizing.
4. Love, Life and Adventures…
Life with my partner continues to be one of the richest parts of this chapter. If you read past Friday Five posts, you might remember me writing about dating after 40. After losing my husband and focusing on raising Miles for years, stepping back into dating felt daunting and unfamiliar.
Thankfully, taking that step has been worth it. I’ve loved sharing new adventures, like a recent trip to Nashville, and I value even more the ordinary moments: grocery runs together, quiet conversations on the patio, and the simple companionship of someone who understands the little jokes we share.
Opening my heart again has taught me that love can grow and expand even after loss. It’s been a beautiful lesson.
5. What I’m looking forward to…
- Cooler mornings and hoping the hummingbirds linger a little longer.
- Football season — cheering for the Chicago Bears and the Iowa State Cyclones.
- Comfort food season: chili, soups (especially a favorite creamy chicken noodle), and slow-cooker dinners.
- All things pumpkin, apple, and cinnamon.
- Settling back into a consistent work routine.
- Making room for more fun and small adventures.
I’m excited about several projects for CenterCutCook, including new recipes to simplify weeknight dinners and refreshing older favorites from the archives.
That’s my five for this month. I’d love to hear from you: what has changed in your life over the past year, and what’s bringing you joy right now? Leave a comment or send an email — I truly enjoy hearing from readers.
Have a wonderful weekend.
❤️ Ashley