The past week has been crazy, hasn’t it? I’ll be honest, when I first scheduled this “Crumbs” chat on my calendar life looked nothing like it does right now. Toilet paper wasn’t scarce, Zach and I (and everyone else) could still go out to eat at any restaurant we wanted whenever we wanted, and school was still in session. Jobs weren’t on the line, or gone.
I went back and forth about whether I should even publish this post or just cancel it, but with all the social distancing currently going on right now, maybe it’s not such a bad idea to pause and connect a little bit. Safely, through our computer screens. And if you are strictly here for the recipes, no worries, you can check out my double chocolate chip cookies. I just published a new video for them today.
Barring current events (we’ll touch on those in a minute), life here has been pretty sweet. Luke will be 4 months old tomorrow and it both feels like he’s been here forever and like it’s barely been seconds since he was born.
Watching him grow is the best, and as cliche as it sounds I feel so heart-burstingly grateful and blessed to be his mom! I’m obsessed with this kid and his silly sense of humor. He laughs a lot, sleeps well through the night (I’ve heard sleep regression is a thing so I’m just grateful while it lasts) and is just a joy.
Also, does his hair look red in that photo up there? Some days it’s unmistakably blonde and other days it looks a little red! Strawberry blonde? Whatever color it is I love his baby hair!
With everything that’s been happening in the world I’ve actually been busier than ever.
Lots of people are looking for recipes right now, and basics like my homemade biscuits and homemade pizza dough are popular. While I’d planned most of my recipes for the next few weeks in advance, I’m trying to shift gears now and share more of the types of recipes that people are looking for. I have a pantry-friendly cake recipe coming up later this week and am putting the final touches on a sandwich bread recipe! Tell me, what would you like to see?
I’m also planning more baking competitions in my Facebook group. Last week we did a bake-off with a $100 Amazon gift card prize and I’d like to do more of those in the future, it was fun seeing what everyone baked and makes for a nice distraction!
Self-isolating, are you doing it? You should be (if you can, I’m very grateful for all of those who have to be on the front line!).
Zach and I work from home already so that hasn’t changed for us and we don’t plan on going out at all until we run out of food. My sister is also staying with us and self-isolating here. Her fiance is a police officer at high risk of being exposed to the virus himself, so before everything began she checked into our house and is camped out here until everything finally blows over. She’s been a great help with Luke (she can get him to nap so easily while I would struggle with him for hours) as I work on perfecting new recipes for the blog.
I don’t have to tell you that life is definitely stressful right now. I’m resolving to read less news and more fiction, though somehow they are seeming more and more alike recently. Currently accepting any recommendations for good books, good movies, fun multi-player video games or good Netflix series (ones that aren’t depressing!) to get us through this time.
What are you doing to keep your sanity and remain calm right now?
Stay safe, stay home (if you can), and wash your hands! 💜
Vicki says
Luke is so precious!
Love your recipes and your site. Always a treat to see what you are baking/cooking.
Sugar Spun Run says
Thank you so much, Vicki! I appreciate it! 🙂
Joanne says
Baby Luke is adorable!! Thanks for all your wonderful recipes and stay safe too!
Sugar Spun Run says
Thank you so much, Joanne! 🙂
jR says
I see some red in the little man’s hair! Too cute! Been slacking on the baking here due to the events of the world right now. My Husband & I still have to work (law enforcement). Definitely a scary time! Hopefully we can all get through this!!!! Thank you for still posting recipes for when my cookie motivation returns!!!!
Sam says
You’re very welcome, thank you for following along with the blog! And thank you for the work you and your husband are doing! <3
Corrin says
That is a beautiful picture of you and baby Luke! Yeah, his hair does look really red! XD Not a problem though. Readheaded babies are adorable. 😉
Some good books to read, (I don’t know if fantasy is your kind of fiction, but These ones aren’t depressing!) The Hobbit or A Wizard of Earthsea are great reads.
Stuff I’ve been doing to keep myself from getting bored are knitting, drawing, writing, and listening to my favorite music.
Glad to hear you guys are doing well, and I hope you all stay safe and healthy!
Lots of love,
-Corrin <3
Sam says
I do love fantasy books! I read The Hobbit years ago but should re-visit it, and I’ll check out the other book you recommended! Thank you so much for following along with the blog, Corrin! 🙂
Cheryl Hood says
Two good movie recommendations on Netflix 1. Change in the Air and 2. All the Bright Places. Really good movies. Hope you get to watch them. Stay safe.
Sam says
Definitely checking those out! Thanks, Cheryl!
Karen Dixon says
Ohh.. the baby is so cute! I was hoping you would bring him to the kitchen with you at some point! My son’s hair looked blonde and light red in photos too. I hope we can see him again from time to time.💗👶
Yes..having your recipes right now is most appreciated! Home stocked up with flour ..I did just run out of butter and t.p. but have several Kleenex boxes and oils..veg and olive. Will venture out to the store this week. Stay safe. God Bless you and your family. 👍💗👍💗
Sam says
Thank you, Karen! I’m sure I’ll be sharing more life updates periodically 🙂
I’m glad you have been enjoying the recipes, thank you for following along with the blog! You stay safe as well, and God Bless! 🙂
Elaine says
Your little guy is so handsome! Thanks for the recipes. Everything I’ve tried has been a hit. If you like historical fiction I highly recommend The Paris Wife and Love and Ruin, both by Paula McClain. Both books are about the relationship between Ernest Hemingway and one of his wives. The women are strong, interesting characters. Stay safe!
Sam says
Oh I actually read and loved The Paris Wife, I will look into Love and Ruin next! Thank you so much, Elaine! <3
Sue says
I love your posts! Your recipes are spot on.
I had every intention of baking myself into a frenzy but unfortunately decided to have a brain aneurysm instead. I’m in the hospital but still enjoying your posts.
Seeing your baby made my day! Thanks for all the great recipes!
Sam says
Oh my goodness, Sue! I’m so sorry to hear about the aneurysm and hope you are feeling better soon! I’m glad you enjoyed the picture of Luke and I really appreciate you following along with the blog! <3
Lisa says
Hi Sam! I didn’t realize our babies are that close in age- my daughter is four months old today. I’m with you- time has flown but it also seems like she’s always been here with us. I wish I could say Sophia slept through the night too, but um, no. Lol. We’re still sleep deprived here.
It’s definitely a weird time right now since my husband usually works outside the home and our three older kids are in school. Now they’re all home with us and our house is LOUD. 😜
Depending on what you like our family enjoyed The worst witch on Netflix and I love reruns of I love Lucy on amazon prime.
Luke is an absolute angel and yes his hair looks like it may go red, it looks strawberry blonde to me now. Take care of yourself and that cute squishy baby!
Sam says
Oh that’s so cool they’re so close! Luke is 4 months old today! Thanksgiving babies 🙂 I’m going to check out the Netflix recommendations (I do love I Love Lucy, too!), thank you! You take care too, Lisa! <3
Laura says
Do you have a recipe for pretzel bread rolls? I have been looking for a good one. Love your blog.
Sam says
Hi Laura! I don’t currently but it is something I will add to my list to work on!
Amanda Villarreal says
My husband is in the construction industry, so he is still working. I am a private tutor, so I am isolating at home for now with our two girls.
Your baby is adorable! My oldest is about to turn 3, and my youngest is just 2 months old (almost 3 months). Babies make life so much fun, even when the world is going crazy.
I’ve been reading The Restorer by Sharon Hinck, and I like to play puzzle games to keep my brain active. Your biscuit recipe is my new obsession! I made some honey butter and started topping the biscuits with it before baking, and they are absolutely delicious on their own, with extra honey butter, with jam, or pretty much any way we have tried them! I will never buy biscuits out of a can again thanks to you. 🤩
I plan on using your birthday cake recipe next month for when my oldest turns 3, assuming I can find what I need at the store. I did a practice run of it before all of this virus craziness, and it came out really dense, but I figured out that my baking powder and baking soda were expired, so fingers crossed for the next try now that I’ve replaced those.
Thanks for such awesome recipes! I discovered you through your sugar cookies recipe, and I come to you first anytime I need a recipe now. Stay safe and healthy!
Sam says
Thank you so much, Amanda! I’m glad you’ve been enjoying the recipes (that honey butter sounds AMAZING!) I’m going to look into The Restorer, thank you for recommending it! I hope the birthday cake turns out perfectly for you! Another reason cakes sometimes come out dense is if they are over-mixed or if they are baked a bit too long or if the flour is over-measured, just thought I’d mention that in case it might be helpful. I also have recently been making that recipe with the reverse creaming method that I use in my caramel cake, it’s hard to over-mix it that way. Thanks again for following along with the blog, it means a lot to me! 🙂
Amanda Villarreal says
I also got the idea for honey butter from you! You mentioned using 2 parts salted butter and 1 part honey to make honey butter for your yeast rolls. I just decided to put it on your biscuits. Soooooooo good!!!
I am pretty sure that I didn’t overmix the cake batter, but anything is possible. I will keep your tips in mind for the second try though! Hopefully it turns out just perfect for my little Princess.
I hope you enjoy The Restorer! I also recommend just about anything by Gail Carriger. We are all bibliophiles in this house, so we never run shy on book recommendations. 😁
Thank you for running such an awesome blog. I’ve shared you with a few friends of mine who like to bake, so here is to your continued success! ♡♡♡
Sugar Spun Run says
That is awesome, Amanda! Thank you so much for sharing and for the recommendation. 🙂
Renee says
Thanks so much for all the yummy recipes!!!😋😋😋😋 Your little guy is adorable!!!
Sam says
Thank you so much, Renee! I appreciate you following along with the blog! 🙂
Mark Lincoln says
100 humans on Netflix is a fun thing to watch! And bert kreischer is hilarious, 3 standups….. Sooooo i been using your recipes since i had a whole life change over a year and a half ago (stopped drinking) and decided, at 32, i wanted to learn how to bake stuff, cuz i didn’t wanna spend money on buying it… Lol… Everything I’ve tried has been awesome, you’re definitely my go-to, and i wonder what else i can learn to make, I’ve done cheesecakes,cookies, cakes, pies… Now what?? I imagine we all will be baking a lot more since we’re all inside more, just wanted to (finally) say thank you for putting your knowledge out there for others to learn and enjoy with you! Seriously amazing stuff
Sam says
Thank you so much, Mark! Congratulations on your life change, it certainly sounds like it was a good choice! Baking from scratch is so rewarding, plus it just tastes better. Have you ventured into bread recipes yet? They can be a lot of fun to make. I was looking at the 100 humans series, I think I will definitely check it out! 🙂
Hannah K says
That little guys is sooo cute!! I am a RED head, and when I was his age I swiched from blonde to strawberry redish blonde. I love your resipes Sam! I have been baking so much lately and allof the resipes you make are so GOOD!
-Hannah k 🙂
Sam says
Thank you so much, Hannah! I am so glad you enjoy everything. I really appreciate the support. 🙂 He’s the cutest little guy and just a wonderful addition to our family.
JosieR says
Good morning, Sam–What a nice post! The pictures of your beautiful Luke are so nice to see. They brightened my morning.
You asked what we are doing in these trying times to keep our spirits up–other than texting/calling friends and family, to keep connected, I am wearing my collection of fancy earrings every day! I have jeans and tennis shoes on but I have dazzling earlobes! It’s just something fun to do and my husband thinks it’s entertaining.
Thank you for your blog and for sharing photos. Take good care of yourself and your family.
JosieR
Sam says
Thank you so much, Josie! I am so glad you enjoyed the post. I love the earring idea! Stay safe. 🙂