Second Chances and Other Homemade Things
When we think of second chances, failure often shows up with its suitcase, uninvited but impossible to ignore. For the longest time, I believed that needing a second chance meant I’d messed up the first one. And I really didn’t like messing up. So I hustled for perfection. I twisted myself into knots trying to get everything “right,” and when I inevitably failed (as humans do), I could barely stand myself.
But time has a funny way of softening edges and shifting perspectives. These days, I see second chances for what they really are: brave, beautiful, and deeply necessary. I know this because I’m living mine.
I don’t usually lift the curtain too far here. Most days, I’m sharing quick snapshots of AG, family movie nights, flour-dusted counters, the little bits of magic tucked into everyday moments. But today feels different.
Four years ago, I stood at a very scary, very emotional crossroads. One path meant staying in a marriage that left me drained, mentally, emotionally, financially. The other? Leaving everything I knew behind and starting over. From literal scratch. With a small child. In a rented apartment. With a bank account that had more hope than money.
Walking away meant letting go of the picture I had clung to so tightly: the warm, happy house full of love and light. The kind I grew up in. The kind I wanted to give my daughter. And for a while, it felt like failure. Like everything I had worked so hard to build had slipped through my fingers.
And let me tell you, I stumbled. A lot. But I kept going. I held onto the tiniest thread of belief that maybe, somehow, I could build something better.
Bit by bit, we did.
AG and I carved out a little life in a space that smelled like cinnamon and lavender, and occasionally, chocolate chip cookies. We filled it with music and belly laughs, movie nights on the couch, and breakfasts that turned into brunches because we danced too long in the kitchen (or just slept in because we could).
It wasn’t perfect. But it was ours. It was healing. And it was real.
It’s been over a year since I launched Things Made From Scratch. And as I sit here now, on the couch, Home Alone (we watch this every year on this day) playing in the background, probably wearing something that looks like pajamas but I definitely called it an “outfit” when I ran errands earlier. And I’m just...grateful.
Grateful for the second chance. Grateful for the dance parties covered in flour. Grateful for a partner who doesn’t just tolerate my “extra,” but celebrates it. Who walks beside me, sees all of me, and says, “More of that, please.” And who loves AG like she hung the moon, reminding her every day that she’s worthy of love, laughter, and big, wild dreams.
We’ve made a home that’s soft around the edges. There’s always flour in the air and music playing somewhere. There are long hugs, last-minute grilled cheeses, and meals made with too much garlic and even more laughter. And I get to raise my daughter in a home where she sees love that is kind, fun, and deeply respectful.
This isn’t the life I planned. But it’s the one we made from scratch. With love. With grace. And with second chances that feel a lot like first loves.
So here’s to trying again and making it from scratch, with a little more seasoning.
Teoshia's Favorite Blueberry Muffins
Some recipes remind us of places. Others remind us of people.
These blueberry muffins remind me of one of my childhood and closest friends, Teoshia.
When I was rebuilding my life from scratch, she was one of the people who showed up. The kind of friend who listens without judgment, celebrates every small victory, and reminds you who you are when you've forgotten. Through some of the hardest seasons of my life, she offered encouragement, laughter, and friendship when I needed it most.
These muffins happen to be one of her favorites, so it felt fitting to share them on my "freedom date". The anniversary of a second chance that changed everything.
These muffins are simple, comforting, and topped with a sweet cinnamon streusel that makes them feel bakery worthy. Best made with frozen blueberries for those beautiful bursts in every bite. Whether you're baking them for a dear friend or simply enjoying a quiet morning at home, I hope they bring a little sweetness to your day.
Teoshia’s Favorite Blueberry Muffins
Ingredients
Muffins
1¾ cups all-purpose flour + 1 tablespoon, divided
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup milk
¼ cup butter, melted
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1¾ cups frozen blueberries
Streusel Topping
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup butter, softened
¾ teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch of salt
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease.
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1¾ cups flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, melted butter, egg, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir just until combined. Do not overmix.
Toss in 1 ¼ cups frozen blueberries with the remaining 1 tablespoon of flour, then gently fold them into the batter.
In a small bowl, combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
Cut in the softened butter using a fork or your fingers until the mixture becomes crumbly.
Top the muffins with remaining ½ cup of blueberries and sprinkle streusel over the top.
Turn down the oven to 375°F and bake the muffins for 16-18 mins or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
I actually prefer frozen blueberries for this recipe. As they bake, they create little bursts of juicy blueberry goodness throughout the muffin that you just don't get the same way with fresh berries.
Do not thaw the blueberries before adding them to the batter.
Fresh blueberries can be substituted when they're in season.
Storage
Store completely cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
If they last that long.
