Welcome to A Cup for the Next Chapter

Hello ladies, and welcome to A Cup for the Next Chapter. I’m SO excited to be here! But please, someone pinch me…like, am I actually dreaming? The funny thing is, I’ve been working on bringing this blog to life for a few years, and here we are…LIVE! And what better way to kick off a chapter than on my 60th birthday!

So, how did I get here? Well, that’s a great question! I always dreamed of becoming a mom, and when I finally became one, being there for my family was exactly where I wanted to be. For more than twenty years, I was blessed to be home with my kids, to be present for the everyday moments, the big milestones, and everything in between. And I truly wouldn’t trade those years for anything in this world.

Then, as you can imagine, as my kids got older and started needing me less, things began to change. The house got a little quieter, and I found myself wondering what this next chapter of my life was going to look like. I loved being a mom, but I knew I was entering a new era and needed to figure out what came next for me. Because no matter how much life changes, I’ll ALWAYS be Mom, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

What would this next chapter actually look like? Well, I had to really put my thinking cap on. I’ve always loved to write, but I wasn’t really sure what I would write about. My family suggested that I make a list of the things I’m passionate about, so I went right to work on my assignment. At the very top of my list, my family! I am passionate about spending time with them. I especially love family traditions and all of the memories we’ve made along the way.

Now let’s see…some of the other things on my list. Oh yes, I love to go shopping!!! Not necessarily food shopping, but I really enjoy cruising the aisles looking for home decorating deals. I especially love curtains, that’s right, curtains! Don’t ask me why, because I really don’t have any explanation. For every season, I enjoy going through the house (except for the messy basement-you know that saying, “out of sight, out of mind!”) and recreating a new space for that particular time of year. Moving furniture around, swapping out the curtains, and just making things look and feel a little more homey. For some strange reason, that brings me joy! I also love decorating for the holidays, especially at Christmastime! My kids even have a nickname for me ~ “Mrs. Claus” ~ because I love Christmas so much!

To continue on with my joy of shopping, I love shopping for clothes! Now, let me clear up something right away, I don’t always like what I see staring back at me in that fitting room mirror. Ah, isn’t menopause fun? But there’s some kind of happiness I get from putting together an outfit that makes me feel good, especially when my weight seems to fluctuate from day to day! Oh, and did I happen to mention that I rarely pay full price for any of my clothes? My mother always said I was a “coupon queen!” I often think she was spot on with that title!

And then there’s cooking and baking! Although, I would consider myself a baker at heart! One thing is for sure, I am definitely a “chocoholic.” If I had to chose between a sugar cookie or a chocolate chip cookie, that chocolate chip cookie will win every time! Once in a while, I think about some of the things I would do if I won the lottery (which would never happen since I don’t play it), but I would love to open my own little cozy bakery with a Christmas shoppe in the back. (I mean, C’mon now, my favorite holiday just has to fit in somewhere! lol)

Okay, I think I’ve rambled on long enough, but before I wrap things up, let me tell you a little bit about what I have planned for my blog. We will be sharing delicious recipes, creative and affordable home decorating tips, and flattering outfits that you’ll feel confident wearing. We will talk about all things related to this “fun” journey called menopause that we are on together!!! And so much more!!

Oh wait, I forgot to tell you about the giveaways!!! I’ll be randomly sending out special coffee mugs, and you do not want to miss your chance to win one of them!!

So, I would love for you to come along with me as I embark on this new adventure! I’m excited to share it with you!

WELCOME ~ to A Cup for the Next Chapter! I am SO happy that you are here!