Welcome, dear readers, and a very Happy Friday to you all! It’s time once again for our cherished “Friday Five” segment. This is my dedicated space to momentarily step away from the kitchen and the delicious recipes to share a more personal glimpse into the everyday happenings of life – the moments that make us smile, reflect, and sometimes, even shed a tear.
Today’s edition is particularly close to my heart, as I’ll be sharing reflections on saying a bittersweet goodbye to our beloved dog, Lila. We’ll also celebrate a significant milestone for this website, a thrilling escapade to New York City with my wonderful boyfriend, and a roundup of some of my current favorite things that have been bringing joy into my life.
1. Saying Goodbye to Our Sweet Lila
This past November brought with it a profound sadness as we had to bid farewell to our sweet Lila girl. This heartbreak came almost exactly six months after we had to say goodbye to her sister, Mali. If you’ve ever experienced the profound loss of a furry family member, you understand the depth of this pain. Losing both of our precious Biewer Terriers, Lila and Mali, in the same year has been an incredibly difficult and challenging journey for our family, especially for Miles, who grew up knowing them as his “sissies.” Their absence leaves a palpable void in our home and our hearts.
Lila was truly a unique and spirited little girl. She was known for her sassy demeanor, which was always balanced by an overwhelming desire for cuddles. Her playful antics and affectionate nature never failed to make us laugh and fill our days with warmth and joy. From her expressive eyes to her happy wiggles, every moment with her was a gift. She taught us so much about unconditional love and the simple pleasures of life.
The grieving process is a deeply personal one, and while Miles is already eagerly asking for another canine companion, I believe it will take a considerable amount of time before I can even begin to consider welcoming another dog into our lives. Lila and Mali were the first dogs I had ever owned, and they truly were the sweetest, most perfect additions to our family. Their personalities complemented each other beautifully, and they enriched our lives in countless ways. The memories of their happy barks, playful chases, and comforting presence will forever be etched in our minds. We miss them beyond words, and the love we shared will always be a cherished part of our family story. Our home feels quieter without their pitter-patter, but their legacy of love continues to resonate deeply within us, reminding us of the immense joy they brought into our lives.
2. Celebrating 13 Years of CenterCutCook.com!
Just a few weeks ago, we celebrated an incredible milestone: the 13th anniversary of CenterCutCook.com! It’s genuinely hard to fathom that my humble corner of the Internet, which began as a simple passion project, has now officially entered its teenage years. Thirteen years! It feels like just yesterday I was hesitantly pressing “publish” on my very first recipe, unsure of what the future held for this culinary adventure.
The journey of building CenterCutCook into the vibrant community it is today has been nothing short of extraordinary. From those early days of experimenting in my kitchen to sharing countless beloved recipes, every step has been fueled by a deep passion for food and a desire to connect with fellow home cooks. Over the past 13 years, this platform has evolved significantly, growing alongside my own culinary explorations and life experiences. It has transformed from a personal blog into a thriving online destination where food enthusiasts gather to find inspiration, share tips, and celebrate the joy of cooking.
I cannot possibly thank you enough for your unwavering loyalty, your insightful comments, heartfelt emails, supportive messages, enthusiastic shares, and the incredible way you have championed me and CenterCutCook throughout all these years. Your engagement is the lifeblood of this website, inspiring me to continue creating and sharing. Especially through all of life’s unpredictable ups and downs, the unexpected curveballs, and personal challenges that have come my way, your consistent support has been a constant source of strength and motivation.
It is because of each and every one of you that I have been able to transform this passion into a full-time endeavor, earning a living that supports my little family. This fact truly means the world to me, and it’s a testament to the power of community and shared interests. Your trust in my recipes and your willingness to try them out, sharing them with your loved ones, brings me immense joy. Every photo you send, every comment about a successful dish, reaffirms why I started this journey. Thank you, thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for making CenterCutCook a part of your culinary life and for being such an integral part of my story. I appreciate you more than words can express, and I look forward to many more years of sharing delicious food and life’s adventures with you.
3. An Unforgettable Trip to New York City
I’ve just returned from an absolutely incredible and invigorating trip to New York City with my boyfriend (more on him in a moment!), and it was an experience I’ll treasure forever. Our visit was packed with cultural delights, delicious culinary adventures, and the iconic energy that only NYC can offer. A major highlight was undoubtedly seeing two spectacular shows on Broadway, a quintessential New York experience.
Our first theatrical immersion was The Outsiders, which deservedly won a Tony Award for Best Musical last year. The raw emotion, powerful storytelling, and incredible performances captivated us from start to finish. The production design and the moving score were truly outstanding, leaving a lasting impression. The very next night, we followed it up with the famously witty and irreverent Book of Mormon. This show was a fantastic contrast, providing endless laughter and a truly unique theatrical experience. Both productions were simply phenomenal, showcasing the unparalleled talent and magic of live Broadway theatre.
Seeing musicals on Broadway is an experience that transcends mere entertainment; it’s a sensory feast unlike any other. The palpable energy that fills the theatre, the dazzling lights, the captivating music, the breathtaking dancing, and the simple, undeniable fact that you are experiencing it all on a legendary Broadway stage – it all coalesces into something truly iconic. For me, this experience held an even deeper significance, as music has been a fundamental part of my life since I began piano and organ lessons at the tender age of four. To witness such artistic mastery unfold live, set against the backdrop of the world’s theatre capital, was profoundly special and deeply moving.
Of course, no trip to New York City would be complete without indulging in its renowned culinary scene, and our journey was no exception. We savored many delicious meals and enjoyed some delightful drinks. Bocca di Bacco in the bustling Theater District stood out as particularly memorable. Its warm and inviting ambiance instantly put us at ease, and the highlight was when the entire restaurant staff and diners joined in singing “Happy Birthday” to my boyfriend – a truly heartwarming moment. For a classic steakhouse experience, Gallagher’s was unforgettable, especially for its incredibly creamy New York Style cheesecake, which was the perfect indulgent ending to our meal. And for a sophisticated yet cozy spot for an after-dinner drink, Rosevale Cocktail Room offered the perfect intimate setting, with expertly crafted cocktails in a beautifully designed space.
While most of our culinary experiences were stellar, our quest for the quintessential New York-style pizza was a bit “meh.” Perhaps it was our choice to stop at a random pizza joint just around the corner from the famed Joe’s Pizza on Broadway, where we ultimately decided against waiting in what was a *very* long line for a slice of their infamous pie. It was a good slice, but perhaps not the legendary experience we had hoped for.
Beyond the shows and meals, our mornings were perfectly spent simply wandering the vibrant streets of New York, taking in all the iconic sights. From the towering skyscrapers to the bustling avenues, every corner offered something new to admire. While New York City was *insanely* busy during this time of year, primarily due to the holiday season, the city was absolutely beautifully decorated. Twinkling lights, festive window displays, and joyous crowds created an enchanting atmosphere that added an extra layer of magic to our adventure. It was truly such a fun and memorable trip that I will cherish forever, a perfect blend of culture, cuisine, and romantic exploration.
(A special thank you to my most wonderful parents and grandparents who took such good care of Miles while I was away! Their support allowed us to fully enjoy this incredible getaway.).
4. An Unexpected Journey: Finding a Boyfriend
Yes, the aforementioned adventures in online dating, which I previously touched upon in past “Friday Five” posts (here and here), have indeed led me to an incredible man. I am thrilled to share that I now have a boyfriend for the first time in my adult life! This is a significant personal milestone for me. I got married at the age of 20 and then, tragically, became a widow at 34, nearly seven years ago. The thought of re-entering the dating world, particularly online dating, felt overwhelmingly daunting, intimidating, and frankly, quite scary. It was a leap of faith into uncharted territory, filled with uncertainties and emotional challenges.
I would be lying if I said it wasn’t incredibly hard to put myself out there again. The process involved vulnerability, moments of doubt, and navigating a landscape that had changed dramatically since my last dating experience. However, I can now confidently say that every single moment of effort, every awkward first date, and every conversation was absolutely worth it. Dating required immense patience, a multitude of surface-level conversations to sift through, and a fair number of one-and-done dates that simply didn’t click. It was a journey of discernment, learning what I truly valued and what I didn’t.
Through it all, I remained focused on what I was genuinely looking for in a partner. I approached dating intentionally, refusing to settle for anything less than a genuine connection, yet still striving to have fun and enjoy the process of getting to know new people. This balance of intentionality and openness ultimately proved to be the key. And now, I’m incredibly grateful and happy to report that it all worked out beautifully. I found someone truly special who brings so much joy and happiness into my life, making the entire challenging journey worthwhile.
All of that to say, for anyone else out there contemplating or currently navigating the world of online dating: yes, it can undeniably be an adventure, and it can certainly be hard and disheartening at times. But it also holds the profound potential to lead to something truly great, to a connection that can enrich your life in ways you might not expect. I feel incredibly lucky to have found such a wonderful person and to be embarking on this new chapter. It’s a reminder that even after significant loss and long periods of being single, finding love and happiness again is absolutely possible. Never give up on the possibility of a truly fulfilling connection. 🙂
5. My Current Favorites & Latest Discoveries
Here are a few of the things that have been bringing me joy, inspiration, and comfort lately:
- What I am reading: I’m absolutely engrossed in this captivating memoir! I’m about 70 pages in, and the author’s voice and storytelling are incredibly powerful and engaging. It’s one of those books you can’t put down. I’m also simultaneously reading and loving this thought-provoking book, which is offering me such a fresh and insightful perspective on America and its often unsung heroes. It’s both educational and deeply inspiring.
- Favorite Fragrance: My love affair with Valentino Born in Roma continues! This fragrance remains a consistent favorite for its elegant, modern, and captivating scent profile. It’s sophisticated yet playful, making it perfect for both everyday wear and special occasions.
- What I am listening to: Not Gonna Lie with Kylie Kelce has quickly become my absolute favorite podcast over the last few weeks! Kylie’s candid conversations and genuine insights on various topics are incredibly refreshing and entertaining. It’s a fantastic listen that always leaves me feeling uplifted and informed.
- Fashion Find: This was such a fun and chic date-night dress that I wore during my trip to NYC! It was comfortable yet stylish, perfect for a night out in the city that never sleeps. It strikes the ideal balance between elegance and modern flair, making it a wardrobe staple.
- Comfort & Travel Essential: You’ll absolutely adore this matching two-piece set from Amazon! It’s incredibly versatile, perfect for ultimate lounging at home, yet stylish enough to wear for travel. The fabric is wonderfully soft, and the relaxed fit makes it a go-to for comfort without sacrificing a polished look.
- Concert Experience: I had the incredible opportunity to take Miles to a Pentatonix concert before Christmas, and it was truly spectacular! Their vocal talent is absolutely unparalleled, and their stage presence is mesmerizing. Miles loved every moment, and so did I – it was an unforgettable musical experience for both of us (a photo of us at the concert together is below!).
That’s everything for this week’s edition of “Friday Five”! I always cherish hearing from you, so please feel free to leave a comment on Facebook or send me an email directly. Your thoughts and messages mean the world to me!
Wishing you all a wonderful and relaxing weekend ahead.
❤️Ashley