A Birthday Week and Sunday Morning Coffee

It’s birthday week, and I couldn’t be more excited. There’s something about birthdays that always feels a little magical.

Especially when the entire week is filled with love, laughter, and time spent with the people who matter most. This year, I’m especially grateful for every moment. Thanks for joining me for Sunday Morning Coffee. This is a place to share, learn, explain, dream, and have fun.

A woman stands barefoot on a wooden floor, smiling and holding a laughing young child in a casual, well-lit living room.
Season 5 Volume 22
Collage with a cozy interior featuring a dining area, kitchen, and coffee-themed text: "Sunday Morning Coffee.
Order my book, A HOME to SHARE, here!

About Me

My Birthday Week: Family, Friends, and So Much Joy

A woman stands indoors, smiling and holding a young boy who is also smiling. They are in a living room with a white couch and wooden floor.

I kicked off my birthday week with a visit to Northern California to see our kids and, of course, my sweet grandson, Graham.

If you know me, you know how much joy he brings to my life. I could spend hours watching him explore, play, and chat away. His verbal skills have taken off, and it amazes me how well he communicates everything he’s thinking.

He calls me Yaya, which is short for Lala, and it melts my heart every single time.

A man and woman in a swimming pool help a young child wearing a yellow life vest; lounge chairs and umbrellas are visible in the background.

There’s something so special about simply being present with him. Whether we’re stacking blocks, reading books, or playing in the backyard, these are the memories I treasure most. Watching him grow and learn has been the greatest gift, and starting my birthday week with his hugs and giggles felt like the perfect way to begin.

Four people sit around a dining table set with food and drinks in a bright room with large windows and purple tulips in a vase.

We also had a wonderful evening at Matt’s place, where he and Polina hosted us for dinner. They cooked an incredible meal, and we spent the evening enjoying great food, catching up, and laughing around the table.

The meal was incredible, and it makes me so proud to see how much Matt and Polina loved cooking this excellent dinner for us. I love that Matt even cut the lemon garnish in the shape of a heart. How sweet is that?

A plate with a piece of grilled steak, a serving of green salad, and several golden brown roasted potato cubes topped with grated cheese and chopped chives.
A pink cocktail in a glass with a lemon peel garnish on a wooden table, surrounded by cheese cubes and bowls.

Spending time with our grown-up kids in their own spaces is always a treat. It makes me so proud to see the lives they’ve built and how thoughtful they are about making us feel welcome and loved.

And now, the celebrations continue! I’m hosting our girlfriends’ group tonight to celebrate the June birthdays, and I can’t wait. We’ve shared many milestones over the years, and gathering with this fantastic group of women always feels like the best therapy session, mixed with a lot of fun. There will be good food, festive drinks, and much catching up.

Six women standing together in a living room, posing for a photo. They are casually dressed and smiling, with a large painting on the wall behind them and a coffee table in the foreground.

On Friday, our local dinner group is coming over, and I’m already planning the menu and thinking about how to set the table. I love hosting, especially when it means bringing close friends together for a cozy, laughter-filled evening.

Then, on Saturday, we have a special wine dinner club night planned for eight friends. We rotate hosting, and this month, it’s not our turn. I’ can’t wait for the fun evening hosted by a very special couple.

And finally, next Sunday is my actual birthday. After a week of celebration, I’m looking forward to a slower day, maybe a walk on the beach, a relaxing afternoon, and hopefully a fun dinner.

This week is already overflowing with everything I love – family, friends, food, and joy. I feel incredibly blessed to be surrounded by so many wonderful people and to celebrate another year filled with meaningful moments.

Cheers to birthday week and all the little joys it brings!

My Latest Project

My Latest Project

My Handbuilding Pottery Class at Green & Bisque Clayhouse

A clay surface stamped with the words “Pottery by Leslie” around a simple line drawing of two leaves.
A personalized Amazon Stamp for all of my clay Pieces

If you’ve followed along for a while, you know I love trying new creative outlets, and this one has quickly become a favorite. I’m taking a handbuilding pottery class at Green & Bisque Clayhouse in Pasadena, and I am completely in love with the process.

This class is about hand-building with slab clay; no pottery wheel is required. Instead, we roll out slabs of clay and shape them into beautiful, functional pieces by hand. So far, I’ve made trays, mugs, plates, and bowls, and I’m having the best time learning and creating in this new medium.

An oval ceramic plate with an intricate, raised swirl pattern rests on clear plastic wrap atop a light wooden surface.
A rectangular clay tray with embossed floral patterns rests on a sheet of plastic wrap on a light-colored surface.

One of the things I love most is how much room there is for creativity. Every single piece I’ve made has texture, and lots of it! I’ve used textured rolling pins, stencils, patterned stamps, and fabrics to give my clay surfaces depth and personality. It’s so satisfying to roll out the clay and watch it transform with a simple press of a textured tool. The possibilities feel endless.

A round ceramic plate with a raised floral and leaf pattern, placed on a light wood surface.
Eight small, round ceramic plates with floral patterns are arranged in two vertical columns on a wooden surface.
A white ceramic plate shaped and textured like a flower sits on a light wood surface.

The studio environment at Green & Bisque is also excellent. It’s welcoming, supportive, and filled with fellow creatives at all skill levels. Whether you’re just getting started or have some experience, it’s where you can explore, ask questions, and learn at your own pace. I’ve found myself completely immersed in the process each time I go. It’s a few hours where I’m unplugged and focused, and I leave feeling calm, inspired, and proud of what I’ve made.

Many of my pieces are now glazed and waiting for their final kiln firing, and I honestly can’t wait to see how they turn out. If you’ve ever done ceramics, you know the final reveal is always a surprise. The glazes can shift in the kiln, textures come to life, and colors deepen unexpectedly.

I’m eagerly counting down the days until I can pick up my finished work. I promise to share!

A rectangular ceramic tray with ornate, embossed floral patterns is displayed on a light wooden surface.

What I love most about this journey is that it’s not about perfection. Each handmade piece has its quirks and personality, making it so special. The curves aren’t always uniform, and the edges might not be perfectly straight, but that’s part of the charm. Every piece tells a story of where my hands have been and what I’m learning along the way.

If you’re local to Pasadena and have ever considered trying pottery, I can’t recommend Green & Bisque Clayhouse enough. Handbuilding has quickly become my new creative love, and I’m already dreaming about what to make next. Maybe a hand-painted serving platter? A set of bowls? We’ll see!

A table displays rolling pins, textured rollers, wooden boards, clay tools, sponges, a jar, and floral stencils, all set up for a pottery or clay crafting project.
The pottery hand clay area in my Craft Room at home

I enjoy every minute of this process and look forward to sharing more of my creations with you soon.

I may sometimes use affiliate links on this blog, which means a small commission is earned if you purchase via the link. The price will be the same whether you use the affiliate link or go directly to the vendor’s website using a non-affiliate link.

A block of off-white modeling clay with a slightly uneven surface and rough edges.

Deouss Mid High Fire White Stoneware Clay

Embossed rolling pin with floral patterns, accompanied by two round cookies featuring the same intricate designs.

Embossed Wooden Rolling Pin

Person holding a large rectangular brown board by a handle, with only their lower body and hand visible.

Clay Wedging Board with Built in Handle Portable Wooden Mat Clay Board

A set of clay sculpting tools including wooden and metal shaping tools, a round yellow sponge, and a wire clay cutter arranged on a white background.

8 Pieces Wooden Pottery Sculpting Clay

A box of 10 wooden texture rollers with unique patterns; a circle inset shows hands using one roller on clay.

Clay Texture Rollers

Seven sets of unfinished wooden shapes—hexagons, circles, triangles, rectangles, ovals, and squares—are displayed upright on white cylindrical stands against a plain background.

Ceramics Plate Forming Molds

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My Biggest Challenge This Week

The finished beach house kitchen with white cabinets, countertops, appliances, a wood table, and an island.

Hopefully, you saw my new post this week, “The Ultimate Summer Staycation: Fun with Friends, Food, and Festivities at Home.” It’s one of my favorite blog posts. We are hosting our annual staycation at the beach during the week of the 4th of July.

Of course, I want the week to be fantastic, and I have a massive list of projects and ideas I need to get started now.

We do need to fix the oven hood in our kitchen. Since it was installed, it hasn’t quite handled the cooking smoke and usually sets off the smoke alarms. Because the beach house remodel is relatively new, the alarms go off and yell, “Fire, Fire.” It’s so obnoxious, and hopefully, it will finally be fixed in the next few weeks.

I am also excited to explore some fun recipes for my Ninja Creami.

A Ninja coffee maker sits on a kitchen counter next to a glass of milk, a jar with pink liquid, a bowl with ice cream scoops, a measuring cup, and a spoon.

I am creating new recipes for protein shakes, ice cream, refreshing smoothies, and blended cocktails and I promise to share them all.

It’s going to be a busy month getting ready for our Staycation. But I cannot wait.

Ninja CREAMi Deluxe 11-in-1 Ice Cream & Frozen Treat Maker

Ninja ice cream maker with digital control panel, shoot-style ice cream container, and a pitcher under the mixing area—perfect for creating homemade coffee ice cream.

Ninja Swirl by CREAMi Ice Cream and Soft Serve Maker

Two one-quart containers with lids, one pink and one green; the green container is filled with homemade coffee ice cream topped with red syrup. A "1 QT" tag is placed in front.

Starpack ‘Freeze the Day’ Ice Cream Storage Containers

This week's to do list.
  • Get accustomed to the fact that I will officially be a year older in less than a week!
  • Get organized to host two dinner parties this week.
  • Tackle the beach house staycation to-do list.
A hand dips a vanilla wafer into a bowl of creamy dip, garnished with lime zest and coconut, surrounded by crackers, wafers, and lime wedges.

This easy Key Lime Pie Dip is the perfect no-bake dessert for spring and summer gatherings.

A child holds a hand-drawn and colored worksheet titled "My Hero Is My Dad," featuring answers about their dad's favorites, hobbies, and a drawing of them together at the bottom.

How adorable is this Free Father’s Day Questionnaire Printable – A Fun Gift from Kids?

Person wearing a light blue shirt and black pants is lying on a beige carpet and reading an open book. The image is shown three times in a row.

I loved this post – I’ve Read Over 100 Self-Help Books—These Are the Best Lessons I’ve Learned.

A hand pours syrup over a stack of pancakes topped with banana slices. A carafe of milk is in the background on a marble countertop.

This Vegan Banana Pancakes recipe looks amazing!

A mason jar holds red and white striped sticks with rectangular marshmallows decorated as American flags, set on a red polka dot napkin.

These American Flag Marshmallow Pops are adorable!

A sage green Amazon Kindle e-reader, shown from the front and back. The front display shows the Kindle logo and a silhouette of a person reading under a tree.
Amazon Kindle (16 GB)
Six folded cloth napkins with a red, white, and blue checkered pattern are arranged in a fanned-out display, perfect for celebrating Happy Memorial Day gatherings.

DII 4th of July Tabletop Collection, Napkin Set

Six blue-tinted glass mason jars with silver lids are arranged in two rows, three in the back and three in the front, against a white background—perfect for storing homemade coffee ice cream.

6 Pack 32 oz Mason Jars

And what a week it was!

  • A blurred living room with holiday decorations, featuring berry branches and greenery in the foreground and a wreath on French doors in the background.
    Christmas Shopping on a Budget
    There’s something magical about Christmas shopping, finding the perfect gift that you know will make someone’s eyes light up. What about Christmas shopping on a budget? We all love the twinkling lights in every store, the smell of cinnamon drifting through…
  • A woman wearing a light green apron stands in a kitchen with bags of bread rolls on the counter; a window with a holiday wreath is in the background.
    Last Minute Shopping and Sunday Morning Coffee
    Here we are, December 14th, the day after our party, and the moment every year when I suddenly realize Christmas is really around the corner. It’s time for last-minute shopping. I may not be quite as prepared as I hoped. Even…
  • A living room decorated in neutral colors of tan, white, silver, and light green with silver frosted trees, white poinsettias and more holiday decor.
    ‘Tis the Season of Giving Christmas Gifts Under $25
    The holidays are the season of giving. With so many amazing gifts under $25, you might find something for everyone on your list! The good news is the season of giving does not have to break the bank. There are so…
  • A large, detailed gingerbread house with white icing decorations sits on a wooden table, surrounded by small, silver holiday trees.
    How to Make a Cardboard Gingerbread House of Your Home – A Handmade Christmas
    It’s week fifteen of my A Handmade Christmas series, and I decided to take on a project I’ve dreamed about for ages: replicating our actual house in a cardboard gingerbread house. Every year, I try to create at least one handmade Christmas project…
  • Two wrapped gifts with red and gold paper, decorated with large bows and handmade gift tags featuring wax seals and handwritten names from Mom to Matt and Andrew.
    Handmade Christmas Gift Tags – A Thoughtful Touch for the Holidays
    Every year, as the holidays approach, I find myself returning to one of my favorite creative traditions: making handmade Christmas gift tags. There’s something so special about those final details … the thoughtful touches that make a wrapped gift feel personal…
  • A dining room with a wooden table set for a meal, decorated chairs, a frosted Christmas tree with ornaments, and a wreath on the window in the background.
    Christmas Decor in the Dining Room
    There is always that funny in-between moment in early December when the house is decorated with Christmas decor, yet one room is still clinging to fall. This year, that room was the dining room. I decorated the rest of our home…
Two lit lanterns with metal wire frames sit on a patterned surface, casting warm light and shadows across cozy lumbar pillows; a white vase with green leaves is in the background.

Solar Lanterns, KagoLing Solar Lights Outdoor Waterproof

Hand Woven Jute Area Rug

50 small succulents

Two beige throw pillows with fringe edges are placed on a light-colored sofa against a textured white wall—cozy accents that would make thoughtful Mother's Day Gifts from Amazon.

Set of 2 Decorative Linen Fringe Throw Pillow Covers

Square Wine Glasses, 4

Wedgwood Edme Salad Plate

A platter with grilled fish, roasted baby potatoes, olives, cherry tomatoes, leafy greens, grilled bread slices, and a small bowl of herb sauce on the side.

Martha shared Nine Family-Style Sharing Platters That Make Summer Dinners Easy. I love this idea!

We are in full gear for summer, and I have so many fun ideas to share this week! Be sure to join me on my blog.

  • How to Plan a Backyard Dinner Party – Part One
  • How to Host a Dinner Party – Part Two
  • Three Ways to Make the Best Apple Pie
  • Why Creamsicle is the Flavor of the Summer
  • Amazon Father’s Day Gift Ideas
  • Summer Clay Projects
A set of ceramic dishes and bowls featuring a lemon and floral design in yellow, green, and purple tones—perfect as Mother’s Day gifts on Amazon.

Lemon Zest 12-Piece Melamine Dinnerware Set

Two round woven rattan trays with handles, stacked on top of each other, are shown on a white background—perfect for serving treats like homemade coffee ice cream in style.

Rattan Round Serving Tray, Set of 2

A round, gray, metal plate with a textured surface and a ridged edge pattern mimics the subtle elegance of Easter colors.

Galvanized Metal Charger Plates

You Might Also Need…

Round wall mirror with a light-colored, textured wooden frame, reflecting a blank surface—perfect for adding elegance to any space and ideal as one of the thoughtful Mother's Day Gifts on Amazon.

Kate and Laurel Rahfy Boho Round Rattan Mirror

A tall artificial eucalyptus tree in a black pot stands next to an empty woven basket with handles on a white background—perfect for Mother’s Day gifts Amazon recommends.

Artificial Eucalyptus Tree

VASAGLE Bar Cart Gold

Brass Metal Gallery Wall Frame

Creative Co-Op Decorative Rattan Handles & Whitewashed Finish

Rectangular cushion with a cream background, green zigzag pattern, and small yellow embroidered floral accents—perfect for Mother's Day gifts on Amazon.

Creative Co-Op Woven Cotton Blend Printed Lumbar Pillow

Six identical clear glass dessert cups with short stems arranged in two rows on a white background.

binsakao Glass Ice Cream Bowl Set

GE Opal Nugget Ice Maker

200 Striped Paper Straws, 10 Colors

Shop My Home
Amazon Best Sellers

This Week’s Top Sellers

We shared a lot of our favorite home items this week and here are the top sellers!

A portable electric pressure washer with hose, spray gun, detergent bottle, and four interchangeable nozzles displayed on a white background.

Electric Pressure Washer

Stack of colorful, fabric-covered cushions labeled "CUSTOM" and "MADE IN US," perfect for your next pool party, with a swatch panel displaying various vibrant fabric color options on the left.

Royal Shade Custom Size Bench Cushion, 3 inches

Stack of colorful fabric-covered cushions on a wooden table with a color swatch chart on the side—perfect for your next pool party. Text on cushions reads: Custom Sizes/Colors, Made in US, Fast Delivery.

Royal Shade Custom Size Bench Cushion 4 Inches

Two black metal garden trellises, one supporting a climbing rose plant with pink flowers, the other supporting a tomato plant with red tomatoes.

2Pcs Plant Cages and Supports

A rectangular woven straw clutch with a flap closure, featuring a braided texture in a natural beige color.

Straw Clutch Purse

Six decorative burlap flowers in various shapes and designs, arranged on a white background.

Burlap Flowers 6PCS

Three plain, rectangular jute tote bags with white handles, arranged side by side on a white background.

Burlap Totes Bags Bulk

A large brown tote bag with a glossy finish and two handles, featuring the words "TOTE BAG" printed in white on the front.

Coffee Kraft Paper Tote Bags

Three beige jute tote bags with white handles and button closures are arranged in a row against a white background.

Burlap Totes Bags with Buttons

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A woman stands indoors holding a smiling young boy on her hip. Both are looking at the camera. Text below reads, "A Birthday Week and Sunday Morning Coffee.

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2 Comments

  1. Happiest of Birthdays Leslie! What a fun celebration. Having a grandkid is the best and what special birthday memories to have. 🎉🎂

    Reply

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