Hey Reader
Okay… Christmas is over. The house is a mess. You’re still eating Chex Mix for breakfast. The fridge is full of random bits of leftovers.
Welcome to the in-between week.
It’s that weird time where no one knows what day it is, and if someone says “new year, new you” one more time, you might actually scream.
Let’s skip the pressure. Let’s start here...
Why I Don’t Do Resolutions...
I let go of New Year’s resolutions a few years ago.
Not because I don’t want growth—but because resolutions feel like pressure. And pressure isn’t what this season of my life needs.
I'm already stocked up with that LOL!
Instead, I ask myself one simple question:
“How do I want to feel when the year is over?”
That’s it.
No timeline. No tracker. Just one grounding question. And it works.
The result?
I've accomplished more in the years that I started this "resolution free" tradition than in all the years I made those resolutions combined.
Business, YES. Parenting, YES. Health & Wellness, YES. Relationships, YES. Travel, YES. Skills, YES.
All year long, when I feel like there's something I want to accomplish that's scary, or when I need a break and feel out of steam -- I just ask myself, "How do I want to feel when the year is wrapping up?"
Do I want to feel like I was kind to myself? Do I want to feel like I did scary things? Do I want to feel like I did more than just berated myself for not losing those 10lbs?
YES.
That's why I'll be sticking with a resolution free NYE. And, I'll just keep asking that same question in 2026. What about you?
❤️ What Freaking Delish Is Really About
If you're new here—or just need a reminder—everything I build at Freaking Delish is designed to help you nourish your family without the stress.
We’ve personally lived through more curveballs than I can count (two cancer diagnoses in your life partner will teach you a thing or two about what matters). And if I’ve learned anything, it’s this:
Homemade doesn’t have to mean hard.
Dinner doesn’t have to be a daily crisis.
And shortcuts can still come with love.
If sitting down to a meal with your people—even something simple—sounds like the kind of life you want more of, you’re in the right place.
NYE Idea: Stay Home. Fondue It.
This year, we’re skipping the fancy plans and doing fondue at home. And you should too.😁
It’s simple, cozy, and a little bit special.
Here’s the lineup:
- Crusty bread, torn into big chunks
- Broccoli & green apple slices
- Sharp cheddar, garlic, paprika, & a bottle of beer
- Grab a thrift store fondue pot (or a $15 one from Target)
Melt it. Dip it. Call it dinner.
It’s the easiest kind of celebration—and honestly, it’s gonna be just what the doctor ordered.
✨ What’s Coming (But Not Just Yet)
The Quick & Cozy Fall Capsule was such a hit, so I'm building our New Year Capsule. It's a focused way to make dinner seasonal, repeatable, and stress-free.
It’s not about jumping into the new year with a million goals. It’s about building something that actually lasts all season long.
The full details will land in your inbox soon—but for now, know that I’m still here, still cooking, and still working on the things that make everyday life feel easier and more nourishing.
My advice as we wrap the season up.......
Take your time. Wear the stretchy pants. Start slow. Let dinner be simple. And just ask yourself:
“How do I want to feel when the year is over?”
That’s your starting point, and honestly--that's more than enough.
🏵️Oh—and one more thing…
If you’re already itching to start something fresh but feeling a little scattered, just know this:
I’m not a homesteader. I don’t play one on TV.
My chicken count has gone from 9 to 3....🙊
My garden? Unruly...and mostly dead, and I kind of love it like that.
But learning some of these old-school skills—slowly, imperfectly—has made me feel more grounded these last few years. That's just the truth of it--I even gave herbal teas (that I grew in my own little garden) as part of my Christmas Gift Baskets this year!
Next week, I’ll share all the details about my friend Carolyn’s free 5-day challenge: How to Homestead Anywhere Crash Course (even if your backyard is a sidewalk and your pantry is full of Goldfish).
But if you’re chomping at the bit to start something good for you this year and want a peek at what the Homesteading Family is doing (and who Carolyn is), you can take a look here:
She’s the real deal (11 kids + still freaking adorable...don't know how she does it!!). And I think you’ll love her as much as I do.❤️
Cheers to you & yours on NYE!🥂
Brett
I hope you enjoy getting these emails as much as I enjoy sending them! I put my ❤️into each one & try and stack it full of info that'll be useful, helpful or just keep you going🤗
