Homesteading, Baking, Cooking Deneice Arterburn Homesteading, Baking, Cooking Deneice Arterburn

Bread Life: Giving Sourdough Another Go

This year, I decided to dive back into something I started a few years ago—making homemade bread. Well, to be honest, I’m re-igniting a past attempt. Back in 2020, during the pandemic, I thought I’d become a sourdough and bread-making pro. I had the enthusiasm, but let’s just say my first few loaves didn’t exactly turn out as planned!

This year, I decided to dive back into something I started a few years ago—making homemade bread. Well, to be honest, I’m re-igniting a past attempt. Back in 2020, during the pandemic, I thought I’d become a sourdough and bread-making pro. I had the enthusiasm, but let’s just say my first few loaves didn’t exactly turn out as planned!

But recently, I had the opportunity to take a class with Eden's Roots, and it’s sparked a renewed passion in me. So, here I am, giving it another go—and I’m feeling pretty optimistic about it!

The Latest Loaves…

I’m happy to report that my most recent attempts have turned out not too bad—in fact, they’re both prettier and yummier than before! The taste has been spot-on, and that’s definitely a win in my book. But, of course, there’s still room for improvement. While the flavor is there, I’m still trying to figure out why my loaves aren’t as puffy as I’d like. They have a nice texture, but I’m aiming for that perfect rise and airy crumb.

The class also offered some fantastic tips and great recipes for using the sourdough discard—YAY! No more throwing away that precious starter. The pizza crust recipe is fantastic and has become a new favorite in our household. And, the brownies—oh my goodness, they are to DIE for! Who knew sourdough discard could be turned into such decadent treats?



Stay tuned for more updates as I continue my bread-making journey. I’m excited to experiment, troubleshoot, and hopefully perfect my loaves over time. Who knows, maybe this will turn into a new bread life for me!

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My Weight Loss Journey (this time)

Like so many others, I’ve struggled with my weight for most of my life. It’s been a constant battle, and I’ve tried countless diets, plans, and quick fixes over the years—some successful for a short time, others not so much. But my recent experience with Weight Watchers has been a game-changer, and I’m excited to share my progress!

My Weight Loss Journey: Finding Success with Weight Watchers

Like so many others, I’ve struggled with my weight for most of my life. It’s been a constant battle, and I’ve tried countless diets, plans, and quick fixes over the years—some successful for a short time, others not so much. But my recent experience with **Weight Watchers** has been a game-changer, and I’m excited to share my progress!

I joined **Weight Watchers** during the pandemic, when life was already full of uncertainty and challenges. Honestly, I wasn’t sure if it would work for me, but something about the program felt different. For the first time, I didn’t feel like I was following a “diet.” Instead, I felt like I was gaining the tools to build a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle. And the best part? It hasn’t been about deprivation—it’s been about finding balance, making smarter choices, and being kind to myself throughout the process.

The Journey So Far

As of now, I’ve lost 30 pounds—and I couldn’t be happier with my progress! While I still have more to go, I’m so proud of how far I’ve come. It feels amazing to not only see the physical changes, but to also feel the shift in my mindset. For the first time in a long time, I feel in control of my journey. The support from the Weight Watchers community, combined with the flexibility of the program, has made all the difference.

Same outfit - About a year apart.. My face is so much thinner!

CELBEBRATE the SMALL wins!

The app and the resources provided have been incredibly helpful, allowing me to track what I eat, learn about portion sizes, and make better food choices without feeling restricted. It’s also been empowering to know that I can still enjoy the foods I love, just in moderation. That’s been a big part of the success for me—this isn’t about giving up everything; it’s about finding a healthy balance that works for my body and my lifestyle.

The Road Ahead

While I’m celebrating my 30-pound loss, I know my journey isn’t over. There’s still work to do, and I’m committed to continuing this path toward a healthier, happier me. What’s different this time is that I’m not focused on an end goal or a “finish line.” I’m focused on building habits that will serve me for the long term, and that mindset shift has made all the difference.

I’m so grateful for the support I’ve received and the progress I’ve made so far. This has truly been the best experience I’ve ever had when it comes to weight loss, and I’m excited to keep moving forward, step by step.

If you’re on your own weight loss journey, I encourage you to be patient with yourself and remember that progress, no matter how big or small, is still progress. We’re all on our own paths, and the important thing is that we keep moving forward.

Here’s to more progress, more victories, and continued growth!

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