Wanted to share a quick update as we prepare for baby #2.
I’m 36 weeks pregnant and our lives are rapidly about to change. We’re excited for Noelle to become a big sister, but know that comes with its own unique set of challenges. She understands there’s a baby coming and seems very excited, but I know the reality will be an adjustment. You’ve given me some wonderful advice for this big change, so we definitely feel better prepared.
An update on our dog, Jude. He has come off chemotherapy. While his bloodwork has been normal and he’s been eating/sleeping/smiling like usual, we made the decision with our vet this week to take him off any more medication that helps stop his cancer from spreading. It’s hit his lymph nodes and is enlarging, so we understand the medication is no longer working.
Nothing but snuggles for our big guy moving forward.
It’s been a heavy few months. In addition to our world tragically losing hundreds of thousands to the pandemic, there’s also immense grief and sadness following the death of George Floyd, among others. This isn’t a news or lifestyle website; it’s a food blog and I know you come here for joyful recipes. But these Coffee Break posts are where I can share a piece of my life and heart. I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting and self education and want to share my heartfelt thoughts with you today. I shared some of this on Instagram, too.
We ALL Love to Bake.
You’re probably here because you love to bake. And isn’t it so beautiful that no matter what we look like, where we live, who we love, and what we do– that we are all united in this delicious hobby?
Sally’s Baking Addiction is a brand and business owned by me, a woman who has a strong commitment to inclusivity and practicing kindness. This is how I was raised. I’m also learning about ways to help disrupt the unjust cycle of racism in our world and country. I’m disappointed and sorry that I’ve never touched on anything like this before, but given the past couple of weeks we’ve seen, it would be wrong not to use my platform to share my thoughts. I stand with you, all of my Black followers and readers. I see you, I support you, I’m listening, I’m learning, and I thank you for being here. I’ve written and rewritten this post 100x this week because I don’t have the perfect words. I don’t know if what I’m saying is helpful or not helpful or seen as artificial. My hope is that my words and actions show my genuine intent. I’m committed to bettering myself both online and offline and am looking into concrete ways on how to make a change for both right now and future generations. I want to help be the change and I know many others here do as well. All lives can’t matter until Black Lives Matter.
- Here is an extensive list (a google doc) of anti-racism resources. Books, films, organizations, podcasts, causes, articles, and so much more.
- This video is beautiful, eye-opening, and powerful. Though there are many resources we can use to self-educate, Emmanuel gives his time and speaks so eloquently, yet directly, about how we can actively help. And that begins by listening.
- If you have children, consider checking out Here We Read (thank you to a reader, Cathy, who shared this with me on Instagram). There is also The Conscious Kid book club. Here is their Instagram account. Available to us are many resources for how to teach children (of any age) about anti-racism. I’m looking forward to going through it when I take time off in a few weeks.
But no matter who you are, you’re here because you love food. Here are some wonderful food bloggers who have so much inspiring content. Some of these blogs/sites are new to me and I’m looking forward to supporting them in this business. Follow, comment, like, and engage with these talents. Their passion shows!!
- Sweet Tea & Thyme – follow on Instagram
- Big Delicious Life – follow on Instagram
- A Little Food – follow on Instagram
- Jessica in the Kitchen – follow on Instagram
- First & Full – follow on Instagram
- A Classic Twist – follow on Instagram
- Grand Baby Cakes – follow on Instagram
- My Forking Life – follow on Instagram
- Orchids & Sweet Tea – follow on Instagram
- Butter Be Ready – follow on Instagram
- Cooks With Soul – follow on Instagram
- Brown Sugar Food Blogger – follow on Instagram
- Tried and Tasty – follow on Instagram
- The Hungry Hutch – follow on Instagram
- Peaches to Peaches – follow on Instagram
- Sweet Potato Soul – follow on Instagram
- Artisan Bryan – follow on Instagram
- All the Healthy Things – follow on Instagram
And I know you love cookbooks. Cherry Bombe has an extensive list of Black authored cookbooks. I only own 2 of these! I’m looking forward to expanding my collection. I found Sweetie Pie’s Cookbook while searching yesterday, too. Do you have this one? The list on Cherry Bombe’s website also includes chefs, creatives, restaurants, and initiatives.
Thank you for giving me the space and courage to speak up.
PS: I’m taking time off after our baby is born. While you’ll continue to see Sally’s Baking Addiction in action on social media, in your inbox, and here on the website, the new recipes won’t be as frequent. I’ll be checking in periodically! Sally’s Baking Challenge will continue, of course. Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches this month.
I have read many blogs on cooking and baking, but somehow you spoke to me. I’m so sorry you will be losing Jude…they give so much to us and ask so little in return. How wonderful you will soon be blessed with a new member of your family! It will be joyous,exhausting and the best time of your life! Thank you for your wonderful recipes! At 70 I’m still learning so much and look forward to your blogposts and stretching my baking muscles! ♥️
I appreciate your shared thoughts and sentiments, Sally. There is always a time to share our hearts, and take a stand for what is right. Thank you for doing that, so openly. My heart goes out to you for Jude – what a heartbreaking time, but you have and will continue to give him a full and loved filled life What could be better?Thank you for your recipes and videos, and sharing my favorite hobby. Prayers for your new addition – blessings! ❤
These are truly trying times, then add a pregnancy with a toddler in tow and a very sick pup! Just breathe once in a while (and a prayer certainly can’t hurt ). Also check out Southern Plate for yummy recipes and wonderful inspirational quotes. Love your site and recipes and the fact that you share a glimpse of your life to us. Wishing you all the very best in future days!
Congratulations on the new baby, you’re at the home stretch now. I wish you and your family all the best. I have a 3 year old and 1 year old and the only advice I can offer you is as the baby will require your attention most of the time, make sure you allocate lots of time to Noelle as she’s going to suddenly want more and more attention from you because she sees you’re giving it to the new baby.
Best of luck
Hola Sally, te sigo desde mi email y es la primera vez que te escribo, siento mucho lo que está pasando en este momento en el mundo, lo de la pandemia es nuevo para el planeta y lo de Jude, créeme que lo siento forman parte de nuestra familia. Bendiciones y que todo vaya bien con la llegada del nuevo integrante de la familia
. Saludos desde Perú
So excited to look at these sites. Thanks again, Sally!
Thank you for opening your heart to us, for speaking up, and for your recommendations of social media accounts and books to support and help be the change: that is so thoughtful of you!
Thank you. Important stuff.
I LOVE your website, blog, emails, etc. Whenever I want a no-fail, delicious, easy to read and follow recipe, I go straight to you! Thank you so much. How do I get to your Instagram page? I’m still trying to navigate the hashtag thing!
Thank you for this post! And thanks for the new accounts to follow!
Thank you for speaking out on racism! It is deplorable that in 2020 we have not reached better relations between human beings. We are interested in baking and food. But sometimes food for the mind has to step forward. I applaud your coffee break. You are about to bring a new life into the world. Let’s make it a better world!!! God bless
Thank you for your post. I wanted to let you know how sorry I am about Jude. Our dogs/pets are as important in our families as anyone else. Praying for you all – enjoy your last month before your new baby comes – it will be an exciting, busy time! Be well!
I’m so sorry about your dog Jude. I pray for his highest and best!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings with us. I’m so glad you feel the way you do about the need for systemic change and fighting racism. Congratulations on the new baby! I hope older sister doesn’t have trouble adjusting, but if she does, it may be because the age difference between the two is too great. That happened when my brother was born (we are 5 years apart). It may seem facile to say that I’m so sorry about Jude, but I really mean it. When our dear doggie’s organs (RIP) began to fail, it was heartbreaking. He was 16 when passed away in 2010, but we still talk about him all the time! He was the child we never had.
You’re beautiful Sally, give your baby a ton of love for me❤❤❤
Thank you so very much for posting this Sally ❤
My heart goes out to your family and Jude – I’m sending him hugs. Thanks for all of the inspiration today with the resources….your piece of the internet is always a delight to visit.
If anyone can connect with people via the World Wide Web, it’s YOU. I love your recipes your passion and your heart…good luck with new baby and all that it entails…heartfelt sympathies for Jude and his journey. …positive vibes , good wishes, and prayers are with you at this most exciting chapter… ❤️Willa
I may not be your biggest fan But I think so , but dollars to donuts, I must be the oldest !
Sally, congratulations on the new baby soon! So sorry about your fur baby. It is very difficult losing part of your family. We love your recipes! Don’t always check in as often as I’d like, but always find what I need when looking. Thank You!
Hey Sally, you are a amazing talented baker and very kind. I am so sorry about your dog but congrats on your soon to come baby. I am the oldest of 4 kids and I love being one. I know Noelle will love her baby sister and will be a great one. God is in control and I know that he will bless you. Thank you for posting this on your blog.
Dear sally
Thank you very much for your recipes, my family is delighted that I found you because now they eat very tasty dishes, send you a big hug
How wonderful, a new addition to your family. I remember what it was like to have 2. It was more like having lots. You will do well I know.
I am so very sorry about Jude. Sick animals are always difficult, especially when you can’t fix it. I have been through it many times and it doesn’t get any better.
Stay safe.
I am so sad you will be losing your dog, it is a wrenching loss for any dog lover but we know if we’ve had other dogs that this is the price we pay for loving them. They don’t live nearly long enough but I tend to love the supposed quote from a child who said God gives us the length of life we need to learn lessons, dogs don’t live as long as we do because they learn the lessons more quickly. I am pretty sure there is some real truth to that. I have lost so many dogs over my 66 years, and yet I can’t imagine not having another. Currently we have 3, we had 4 but lost our oldest awhile ago. I do believe I will see them again, it is a knowledge that always gives me peace and brings a smile. I will be buried under a pile of happy dogs when I reach my final destination.
This is such a beautiful thought, being buried under a lot of happy dogs! I will have one dog but lots of cats. My beautiful Scooter passed away last Dec and I miss him so much. He is resting on my bedroom side table along with all his brothers.
My husband and I have urns with the ashes of all the dogs we’ve had in our 31 years of marriage so far. He plans to have them buried with us which will take sneaking. All the animals I’ve had all my life will make one hell of a pig pile on the other side. I think my human family will have to wait. We had one dog who could tell us when our dogs spirits came back for visits, until she passed, no others have had that ability. But I think they still visit. Love always survives.
Thank you Sally, thank you!
Brown Betty’s is a great cookbook too. I have not unpacked my cookbooks since my move but for those who love bundt cakes there is a really good one from a black women owned bakery…just on bundt cakes…My first love.
I am so sorry for what you are going through with you pup…its hard having to adult in a situation like this…nothing but good thoughts going your way.
You’ve given us so much in the way of happiness through baking…take care…xoxo
I was already a patron, but now you have gained a lifelong patron and friend. May God continue to bless you and your family.
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful recipes and always inspiring words, Sally! Wishing you all the best with your upcoming new little bundle of joy and many happy, healthy years ahead! A BIG CONGRATULATIONS!
I follow several of these blog/ websites I am thrilled that you posted some I didn’t know. I will be checking them out soon
Yes, we all love to bake and cook and through that medium have a way to connect to everyone of any color/ race or ethnicity.
Thank you for today’s coffee break
Thank you so much for this coffee break post. With my dog Rascal he has a few problem he has ear and skin problem. Almost every time he scratches his ear they start to bleed. But we still love our dog . I can’t wait till your baby is born I’m so excited for you!!!!
Thank you for posting this.