Hosting Finale, 3 of 3

Yesterday's brunch went off without a hitch. 

Food was perfect -- everyone ate and ate. Don't sleep on Trader Joe's chocolate filled croissants. Proof overnight on the counter and bake in the morning. They make the house smell amazing and are just like what you find in the local bakery. I'd bake them just for the smell. Perfect if you had someone over for coffee.

Pro-tip from my local bakery. Slice and freeze sourdough bread (this I knew), crisp in the air frier (this I didn't know). Perfect slices and fast.

Rock painting was fun. I don't have a picture yet -- oops. I'm spraying them this morning and some are now upside down. Everyone did something different. That's one reason I wanted lots of people to paint. I'll have the "snake" ready for release soon.

This is mine.

We did a taste test of chocolate mint since Andes mints were a part of our rehearsal dinner hosting (got personalized paper to cover from Etsy). The only one missing was After 8 -- couldn't find them anywhere.

#1 -- Andes

#2 -- York (close second)

#3 -- Junior Mints -- distant third. Center too soft.

#4 -- Ghirardelli -- awful, liquid center and gross. Tossed them in the trash. AND the most expensive. 

Tried Trader Joe's new Carmel white chocolate bar and this was delicious.

Our family loves a taste off. Couldn't do it blind because it was obvious which was which. I'll have to add more of these to our family gatherings. This was super easy because nothing was homemade. I usually do cakes and such from different recipes. 

Today is the last of the hosting and the easiest. Friends coming over to chat all-things-garden, lunch, and paint a rock. I'll bully a bit if they change their minds on the rocks hah (I think they might)! This'll be a wrap on group rock painting for a minute, but always open to more down the road.

I did some light soul searching (didn't take much) and decided EVERYTHING is a no for tomorrow. 

Reminded myself to make SPACE. 

I had a heavy social weekend and another one coming up. 

And, I really don't want to be with the group this week. The hike and lunch will be political rage talk and no action. I can't with that right now. Space for me AND space from rage talk. Thinking about going felt like dread for a number of reasons and that's enough to listen to my gut.

What's my Tuesday instead? All things plants and garden. Stay tuned. 

First up today is a hike with my dog. He LOVES to go. I sort of love having him hah. It can be a bit annoying with his frequent stopping to mark, and his leash with my hiking poles, and avoiding other dogs, etc. But I love seeing him so happy on the trails. The weather will soon be too hot to take him on longer hikes so I'm taking one for the team while the weather is cool. 

Have a good start to the week. Later gators.