Author: lacrease

After a Sunday spent in pure bliss—feet up, heart full, and eyes glued to the Detroit Lions—I let the chores “relax” right along with me. No mopping, no dishes, no laundry. Just me, my peace, and the roar of the game. And honestly? I loved every minute of it.

But tomorrow, it’s go-time.

My #1 priority isn’t just cleaning—it’s preparing my space for someone special. My sister ** in the red** ((all of my siblings)) is coming over. She’s always on the move, always juggling a million things, so for her to slow down and sit with me? That’s a moment worth getting ready for.

I’ll start the day with my favorite routine: mopping the floors, washing dishes, and maybe even sneaking in a load of laundry (because yes, I genuinely love it). There’s something special about preparing your space for someone you love. It’s not just about tidying up—it’s about creating an atmosphere that says, “You’re welcome here. You’re cherished.”

Her visit means more than just catching up. It’s a pause in the whirlwind of life. A chance to sit, talk, laugh, and just be.

So, while the Lions gave me joy on Sunday, tomorrow’s joy will come from a different kind of victory: the kind that happens when two sisters sit down, slow down, and share life together.

I’ve never been one to chase labels or obsess over logos. You could call me a plain Jane—and I wear that badge with pride. When it comes to fashion, I keep it simple. My go-to gym shoes? New Balance. That’s non-negotiable. Comfort is king, and New Balance has never let me down. I’m picky about my gym shoes because they carry me through the grind, and I need that support.

But outside of that? Name brands don’t move me. I’m not the type to get caught up in trends or designer hype. I wear what feels good, what works for me. No fuss, no frills.

Now, when it comes to cooking and groceries, that’s a different story. I’ve got my staples, and I don’t play around with off-brand substitutes. Prego for pasta sauce. Lays for chips. Pepsi for soda. Heinz for ketchup. Period. These are the flavors I grew up with, the ones that feel like home. I don’t need to think deep about it—it’s just what I know and love.

Brands don’t define me, but some have earned their place in my life. Not because they’re flashy, but because they’re consistent. Reliable. Familiar.

Let me just say this loud and proud: I cannot bake a cake to save my life. Nope. Not even a little. Since I was a young girl, cake baking has been my culinary kryptonite. I’ve tried—oh, how I’ve tried—but it always ends in disaster.

It all started with egg shells. For some reason, when I crack eggs for anything else, they behave. But when I’m baking a cake? Crunch. Eggshells in the batter like they’re invited to the party. And that’s just the beginning.

My biggest issue? The cake is never done. I follow the instructions. I preheat the oven. I set the timer. I even poke it with a toothpick like the pros say. But somehow, I’ll frost it, slice it open, and boom—raw in the middle. Every. Single. Time.

People ask me, “What temperature do you set your oven to?” “How long do you bake it?” “Are you watching the time?” Yes, yes, and yes. Still, it never works. I’ve officially waved the white flag.

Now, I leave the cake baking to the experts. My favorite cakes come from Meijer, my niece Nell, and I’ve got my cupcake lady and my cake lady—two queens who’ve been baking for me for over 20 years. Their numbers are sacred. I’m never letting them go.

I’ve made peace with my cake-baking curse. Every now and then, I’ll whip up some cupcakes (because they’re a little more forgiving), but when it comes to full-on cakes? I’m out.

So here’s to knowing your strengths—and outsourcing your weaknesses to women who know how to work magic with flour and sugar.

“Your gift will make room for you and bring you before great men.” — Proverbs 18:16

If I could rewind the clock, I’d tell my younger self: Focus on your God-given gifts. Not just because they’re special, but because they were meant to sustain me—spiritually, emotionally, and yes, financially.

For years, I poured myself into making sure everyone else was okay. I was the helper, the fixer, the one who showed up. But somewhere along the way, I forgot to show up for myself. I didn’t nurture the talents God placed in me. I didn’t prioritize the work that lit me up inside.

It wasn’t until my 50s that I realized: everyone else had moved forward in their calling. And I was just catching up. That was a hard truth to swallow. But it was also the beginning of something beautiful.

Now, I’m walking in purpose. I’ve cut off the habit of putting myself last. And while I wish I’d learned this lesson earlier, I’m grateful I learned it at all.

Because catching up isn’t the same as being left behind. It’s choosing to run your race—finally—with your eyes on your own lane.