A Resounding Return: Fresh Looks, Kitchen Chronicles, and Thanksgiving Blessings

My dearest readers, I am thrilled to be back! It feels like an eternity since I last penned my thoughts and shared a slice of my life here on my online diary. Indeed, I took what has been the longest blogging break in quite some time, and the past week has been an absolute whirlwind of experiences, laughter, learning, and delicious food. Stepping away allowed for moments of reflection, but now I’m buzzing with stories to share, eager to catch you up on all the happenings.

Embracing a Fresh Look: The New Hairstyle Saga

As you might have noticed from the welcoming picture above, one of my first adventures during this hiatus involved a significant hair transformation! I decided it was time for a fresh look, a new hairdo to usher in the festive season. However, the initial reveal wasn’t quite what I envisioned. There was a moment of mild disappointment with how the stylist arranged the weave at the front.

It brought back vivid memories of certain stylists from years past who seemed to possess a remarkable talent for making artificial hair look, well, undeniably artificial. We know it’s a weave, but the goal is always a seamless, natural look, not a stark reminder of its origins! After leaving the salon, I found myself constantly checking my reflection, wishing for a different outcome. I even contemplated the drastic step of uninstalling it, but then the practical side of me intervened.

The investment was not insignificant – a hefty $40 for the labor and $25 for the hair itself. In many parts of the world, including my beloved Cameroon, that’s a considerable sum, often equivalent to someone’s weekly or even monthly income. This thought quickly solidified my resolve: I would keep this hairstyle, embracing it for at least a month. And to my delightful surprise, what began as a slight reservation has blossomed into genuine affection for the style. I’ve received an abundance of compliments, some even from non-Africans who, in their charming enthusiasm, exclaim how “so cute!” my hair looks. It’s a wonderful reminder that beauty often lies in how we choose to wear and perceive ourselves, irrespective of initial expectations.

Tiny Chefs in Training: A Thanksgiving Culinary Adventure Gone Wild

A few weeks ago, I shared our joyous kitchen escapades where my girls and I engaged in much cooking together. Those sessions clearly ignited a passionate spark within them, as their interest in culinary arts has since grown exponentially! Last week brought the national holiday of Thanksgiving here in the United States, a time traditionally centered around family, gratitude, and, of course, bountiful food.

On Thanksgiving morning, my daughters woke up with an extraordinary burst of energy and a determined mission: they wanted to make “co slush” (their adorable rendition of Cole Slaw). I gently told them to wait for me to finish attending to a guest, promising to join them in the kitchen shortly. However, the enthusiasm of budding chefs knows no patience!

While I was still occupied, they ventured into the kitchen on their own. Their interpretation of “co slush” involved a creative (and somewhat chaotic) mix of milk, mayonnaise, and haphazardly chopped carrots. The result was certainly… unique! A testament to their independent spirit, if not their culinary precision. This is what they proudly presented:

Initially, I admit, a wave of exasperation washed over me, especially seeing my last large carrot sacrificed to their experimental culinary endeavors. But as any parent knows, raising children comes with its fair share of such memorable scenes. It quickly dawned on me that their enthusiasm was truly heartwarming. They had the core idea of Cole Slaw, even if the execution was far from perfect. More importantly, they watched with intense focus as I eventually prepared the actual dish. I know they absorbed invaluable lessons from both their attempt and my demonstration, reinforcing their love for cooking in the process.

A Thanksgiving Feast to Remember: Culinary Creations

Beyond the delightful chaos of the kids’ kitchen, my own Thanksgiving cooking adventures were incredibly rewarding. I experimented with a few new recipes and perfected some old favorites, ensuring our table was laden with comfort and flavor. One of the undisputed stars of the meal was my baked Mac and Cheese with Sausage and chopped potatoes. It was a rich, creamy, and savory delight that vanished almost as quickly as it appeared – truly a hit!

My baked Mac n Cheese. I don’t have a casserole pan yet so I baked it in a cake pan. Yum!

Another exciting first for me was venturing into baking Challah Bread. This traditional Jewish bread, known for its beautiful braided appearance, is wonderfully enriched with eggs and sweetened with honey, resulting in a soft, slightly sweet, and incredibly aromatic loaf. The process of braiding the dough was therapeutic, and the golden-brown results were incredibly satisfying. It made for a perfect accompaniment to our Thanksgiving spread, adding a touch of artisanal elegance.

Despite the culinary richness, our Thanksgiving celebration was intimate and cozy, graced by a beautifully arranged yet quaint table. It perfectly captured the essence of gratitude and togetherness, proving that grand gestures are not always necessary for profound joy.

A Week of Diverse Delights: From Cameroonian Comfort to Sweet Treats

The feasting didn’t stop with Thanksgiving! The rest of the week was a delightful exploration of flavors, blending traditional comfort foods with some sweet experiments. I took great pleasure in preparing Tukuni, a beloved Cameroonian dish featuring mashed potatoes and beans. This hearty and satisfying meal brings a piece of home to my kitchen, a taste of my roots that always warms the soul.

Next on the menu was some delicious Cornchaff, another staple from Cameroon. To achieve that fresh, vibrant corn flavor and texture, I opted to use canned corn, which worked wonderfully. The dish was incredibly flavorful and a true testament to the versatility of simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary.

With a considerable amount of overripe bananas on hand, I seized the opportunity to indulge my baking cravings. This led to a huge batch of Accra Banana, a delightful fried banana snack that’s popular in West Africa, alongside a wonderfully moist and fragrant Banana Bread. Nothing quite beats the aroma of freshly baked banana bread filling the house!

And to round off the baking spree, I whipped up a batch of delicious Corn Muffins. These golden, fluffy muffins are perfect for breakfast, a snack, or alongside a hearty meal.

Moments of Joy and Spiritual Reflection

Amidst all the cooking and daily life, there are always precious moments that stand out. Even if a bit blurry, I simply can’t get enough of this sweet picture of me and my little love bug. These candid snapshots capture the essence of joy and connection that truly make life beautiful.

Beyond the tangible experiences of food and family, my spiritual journey continues to be a cornerstone of my life. In church recently, we were powerfully reminded of a fundamental truth: everyone, regardless of background or circumstance, needs Jesus. While many religions offer paths, we believe that Jesus is the singular way to profound spiritual fulfillment. This message resonated deeply, inspiring us to invest our time and energy in sharing this hope with others.

The sermon encouraged us to “do for one what you wish you could do for all.” It’s a powerful call to action, recognizing that while an individual cannot save the entire world, each one of us has the capacity to touch and transform a single life. It’s about personal impact, extending kindness, and sharing faith one heart at a time. This simple yet profound truth invigorates my spirit and guides my interactions.

Hello, December! An End-of-Year Reflection

And just like that, December is upon us! Whew! Where did 2015 go? It feels like only yesterday we were making New Year’s resolutions, and now we’re standing at the threshold of a new year. This month is always a special time for reflection, gratitude, and looking forward with anticipation. I sincerely wish each and every one of you an exceptional December and a truly blessed end to the year. May you find joy in every moment, cherish your loved ones, and create lasting memories.

“Here’s What’s Up” will be back with more stories and insights on Monday. Until then, take good care, make every moment count, and have a truly wonderful time! Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I look forward to connecting with you all again very soon.