This is 39.

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This is 39. 🎉 I’ve learned that:
•Life only feels short when we waste it.
•A full life is one that involves risk and adventure, not always playing it safe.
•Each day is a fresh new shot at being deeply intentional.
•This is the time to make good choices that support the future.
•This is also a time to realize that even though we may never see the future we imagine, it’s still worth pursuing.
•Life is fragile and beautiful, and while there are bad moments sprinkled in, overall, life is so very good.

Friends, let TODAY be the day that you begin to #celebrateabsolutelyeverything.  Every little interaction and small gesture is all a part of the bigger picture.

God cares deeply about the details of our lives, and we should too. 💕

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bundt Closet Cake

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Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bundt Closet Cake. What a name, right?

I came up with this cake for my oldest daughter’s half birthday this year.  She is the baker of our family, so I wanted to give her a break and try whipping something special for her to enjoy. I originally planned on carrot cake, but since we always keep pumpkin in the pantry, I figured if I could nail a pumpkin version, we’d have a go-to cake recipe with ingredients we always have on hand.

Well, everyone RAVED about it—I’m talking crumb-scraping-the-board kind of good. That’s a total mom win! 🙌

The kids and Mr. Awesome didn’t believe I made it from scratch (I’m not the baker in this house), and those who actually saw me make it couldn’t believe how good it turned out. Thanks, I think? 😂

They loved it so much that we’ve made it several times over the last two weeks. I even had others test it out to make sure it wasn’t just beginner’s luck, and now I feel confident enough to share the recipe.

Why “Closet Cake”?

My oldest son came up with the name because I literally hid the cake in our closet until the big half-birthday dinner reveal. The clothes in there smelled like sweet fall spice for a few days!

I did use a store-bought frosting because we found one with minimal ingredients and had it on hand. There is no sense in over-complicating things.

Also, I used my mixing bowl and a kitchen scale to measure everything in grams. I’ve really come to love baking this way—it’s consistent, makes fewer dishes, and everything I’ve baked by weight turns out better. Do you use a scale when you bake? I’ve included standard measurements after each ingredient, for your convivence.

Here are a few handy affiliate/referral links, like to my favorite flour, bundt pan, kitchen scale, and frosting.

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bundt Closet Cake

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Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Can Pumpkin puree 425g
  • 200 grams Granulated sugar 1 cup
  • 100 grams Brown sugar light or dark 1/2 cup
  • 180 grams Neutral oil I like avocado 3/4 cup
  • 4 Eggs
  • 260 grams King Arthur Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour 2 cups
  • 5 grams Baking soda 1 teaspoon
  • 6 grams Baking powder 1½ teaspoons
  • 3 grams Salt ½ teaspoon
  • 9 grams Cinnamon 1 tablespoon
  • 60 grams OPTIONAL: Water Âź cup

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a bundt pan thoroughly.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, sugars, oil, and eggs, until smooth.
  3. Next, add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
  4. Stir well. Add water if the batter seems very thick.
  5. Pour batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top.
  6. Bake for 50 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean.
  7. Let cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

We have enjoyed this with and without cream cheese frosting (If you don’t make your own, I like the Miss Jones brand from Wal-Mart). The general consensus from everyone we have served it to is that it really does not need the frosting, and the flavor pops better without it.

A Slightly Better Pea Salad – 7 Ingredients or Less

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As a homemaker and momma of five, I’m always looking for simple, nourishing recipes that my family will enjoy. Over the years, I’ve learned to tweak old favorites into healthier, slightly better versions. This pea salad is one of those recipes—a fresh and flavorful alternative to the mayo-heavy pea salads I grew up with (and have fond memories of, but my body doesn’t agree with now).

Instead of mayonnaise and cheap oils, I use avocado oil for a lighter, healthier touch. The sweet crunch of peas, the smoky saltiness of bacon, and the zing from red onions all come together beautifully in this dish. I like to add just a drizzle of maple syrup for a subtle sweetness that takes it over the top!

The best part? This recipe is flexible. I don’t measure anything, and it always turns out delicious. Here’s how I make it: 

Ingredients
– Frozen peas: I use 4 pounds for our family, which gives us plenty for dinner and leftovers. 
– Bacon: Cooked and diced into bite-sized pieces.
– Red onion: Diced small for just the right amount of zing. 
– Avocado oil: Drizzled for a creamy texture without the heaviness of mayo. 
– Salt and pepper: To taste. 
– Maple syrup: A little drizzle to sweeten things up. 

Instructions
1. Thaw and rinse the frozen peas, then drain well.
2. Cook and dice the bacon. (Tip: Cook extra for snacking—it’s impossible not to!) 
3. Dice the red onion into small pieces. 
4. In a large bowl, combine the peas, bacon, and onion.
5. Drizzle with avocado oil, season with salt and pepper, and add just a touch of maple syrup.
6. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.

Why I Love This Recipe:
This pea salad is quick to make, kid-friendly, and perfect for potlucks or family dinners. It’s also versatile—feel free to add shredded cheese, nuts, or even fresh herbs if you like. 

It’s a slightly better choice for those looking to avoid processed ingredients while still enjoying a creamy, delicious side dish. I hope your family loves it as much as mine does!

If you give this recipe a try, let me know how it turns out in the comments, or tag me if you share a picture online. I’d love to hear about any tweaks or additions you make!

With love, 
Quincey
A Slightly Better Wife

Gluten & Dairy Free Pea Salad – 7 Ingredients or Less

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Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • – Frozen peas: I use 4 pounds for our family which gives us plenty for dinner and leftovers.
  • – Bacon: Cooked and diced into bite-sized pieces.
  • – Red onion: Diced small for just the right amount of zing.
  • – Avocado oil: Drizzled for a creamy texture without the heaviness of mayo.
  • – Salt and pepper: To taste.
  • – Maple syrup: A little drizzle to sweeten things up.

Method
 

  1. Thaw and rinse the frozen peas, then drain well.
  2. Cook and dice the bacon. (Tip: Cook extra for snacking—it’s impossible not to!)
  3. Dice the red onion into small pieces.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the peas, bacon, and onion.
  5. Drizzle with avocado oil, season with salt and pepper, and add just a touch of maple syrup.
  6. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.

How to Make a Slightly Better Gluten-Free Loaf of Bread in a Zojirushi PDC20BA

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After much research and consideration, and listing a few unused items on Facebook Marketplace, I bought the best bread machine for our family a few years ago. I have been making a few loaves a week ever since.

This post will contain affiliate links.


It’s the Zojirushi PDC20BA->

I learned early on that to get the most consistent loaves each time I needed to ditch the measuring cups and use a kitchen scale.


I started with the recipe from Zojirushi and tweaked it for our family based on our intolerances and preferences.

I use:
400 g water

3 duck eggs (as a few of us are intolerant to chicken eggs)

15 g Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar (Aldi)

36g Olive or Avocado Oil (Aldi)

40g Honey, local when possible

320 g Potato or Corn Starch –> https://www.vitacost.com/vitacost-potato-starch-flour-non-gmo-and-gluten-free-32-oz-2-lbs-907-g-2

228g Rice Flour –> https://www.vitacost.com/bobs-red-mill-white-rice-flour-24-oz-resealable-pouch

8g Xanthan Gum –> https://www.vitacost.com/now-foods-xanthan-gum

8g Salt –> https://www.vitacost.com/redmond-real-salt-ancient-sea-salt-fine

9g Yeast –> https://www.walmart.com/ip/Fleischmann-s-Active-Dry-Yeast-4-Oz/10306743?athbdg=L1600



Loaf yield for each store-bought ingredient

(I wish I had known this when I started before I bought a massive supply of some items and only a few of others):
1 33.8oz bottle ACV=66 loaves
1 16.9oz bottle Olive Oil= 13.88 loaves
1 32oz box of Potato Starch =2.83 loaves
1 24ox bag of Rice Flour =2.98 loaves
1 6oz bottle of Xanthan Gum= 21.25 loaves
1 26oz bag of Salt= 98.26 loaves
1 jar of Yeast= 12.55 loaves

I bought a big supply of Xanthan Gum before I realized one bottle could make 21 loaves. Lesson learned!


I like that this machine makes substantial-sized loaves of bread that can often serve our large family for at least 2 meals. Cutting the bread slices in half makes a sandwich that is just right for the little ones.

I have not figured out the cost per loaf for 2024 (many items have increased in price, so I’ll do this soon and update here), but for 2022:
A loaf with potato starch, olive oil, & duck eggs=$5.14
A loaf with corn starch, olive oil, and duck eggs=$5.63

Happy Baking! If you have any questions please send me a DM over on Instagram.

Gluten Free Bread

Print Recipe
Ingredients

Ingredients
  

  • 400 g water
  • 3 duck eggs as a few of us are intolerant to chicken eggs
  • 15 g Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar Aldi
  • 36 g Olive or Avocado Oil Aldi
  • 40 g Honey local when possible
  • 320 g Potato or Corn Starch –> https://www.vitacost.com/vitacost-potato-starch-flour-non-gmo-and-gluten-free-32-oz-2-lbs-907-g-2
  • 228 g Rice Flour –> https://www.vitacost.com/bobs-red-mill-white-rice-flour-24-oz-resealable-pouch
  • 8 g Xanthan Gum –> https://www.vitacost.com/now-foods-xanthan-gum
  • 8 g Salt –> https://www.vitacost.com/redmond-real-salt-ancient-sea-salt-fine
  • 9 g Yeast –> https://www.walmart.com/ip/Fleischmann-s-Active-Dry-Yeast-4-Oz/10306743?athbdg=L1600

Gluten Free Big Batch Scotcheroo Bars

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2 C. Sugar
1 Bottle Corn Syrup (16oz)
1 Jar Peanut Butter (16-18oz)
12 C. Crispy Rice Cereal (Malt-0-Meal brand is gluten-free)
1 bag of Dairy-Free chocolate chips for a rich layer of chocolate on the tĂžp. Use slightly less for a thinner layer

1. Oil a 10×15 pan I like this non-toxic one from CasaWare that my mom gifted me years ago:
2. In a large saucepan, combine sugar and corn syrup over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves,
3. Quickly take it off the heat and mix in peanut butter. I love that you don’t need to measure this sticky deliciousness, just scoop it all in,
4. Once it’s all combined add in the crispy rice cereal until it’s well coated.
5. Next push the mixture into the oiled pan. The firmer you pack it in the better your bars will stay together.
6. Melt Chocolate over a double boiler and pour it over the bars and spread it evenly with a rubber scraper
7. To help the chocolate set put the pan in the fridge to cool for 30-45 minutes. Set a timer, because if they stay in too long the bars will get hard.

Yummy Big Batch Scotcheroo Bars

Print Recipe
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 C. Sugar
  • 1 Bottle Corn Syrup 16oz
  • 1 Jar Peanut Butter 16-18oz
  • 12 C. Crispy Rice Cereal Malt-0-Meal brand is gluten-free
  • 1 bag of Dairy-Free chocolate chips for a rich layer of chocolate on the tĂžp. Use slightly less for a thinner layer

Method
 

  1. Oil a 10×15 pan I like this non-toxic one from CasaWare that my mom gifted me years ago:
  2. In a large saucepan, combine sugar and corn syrup over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves,
  3. Quickly take it off the heat and mix in peanut butter. I love that you don’t need to measure this sticky deliciousness, just scoop it all in,
  4. Once it’s all combined add in the crispy rice cereal until it’s well coated.
  5. Next push the mixture into the oiled pan. The firmer you pack it in the better your bars will stay together.
  6. Melt Chocolate over a double boiler and pour it over the bars and spread it evenly with a rubber scraper
  7. To help the chocolate set put the pan in the fridge to cool for 30-45 minutes. Set a timer, because if they stay in too long the bars will get hard.

Friday Night Family Dinner Ideas (Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free)

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Coconut Curry Shrimp with Veggie Noodles
Taco Bowls with Almond Flour Tortillas
Steak Fajitas with Gluten-Free Wraps and Guacamole
Baked Salmon with Roasted Vegetables and Quinoa
Chicken Stir-Fry with Brown Rice
Turkey Burgers on Gluten-Free Buns with Sweet Potato Fries
Black Bean Burgers with Fresh Cut Veggies
Gluten-Free Pasta with Marinara Sauce and Grilled Chicken
Tuna Salad with Lettuce Wraps
Soup and Salad Night (Using gluten-free and dairy-free options)

This post contains affiliate links.

My favorite kitchen items can be found HERE.

Time-Saving Homeschool Planner | Skylight Calendar Review W/ Discount Code

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I published a video on YouTube where I shared our family’s approach to organization and homeschool planning using the Skylight Frame Calendar.

I wanted to be sure to put a link to that video here too, because you guys, it has just been THAT good for our family. I had always been a good homemaker and felt pretty on top of housework…until we had baby #5 in 2023. That sweet boy has blessed our socks off, and I have spent the last year just enjoying having him in my arms. As a result, the house, and homeschool planning, had kind of gone by the wayside.

That’s okay, friends, these seasons of life come and go. I do not at all regret that time, but I do wish I had put a better system in place earlier so we could’ve at least kept the house a little more company-ready.

If you watch the video you will discover how this sleek modern device has become an integral part of our daily routine, enhancing communication, coordinating scheduling between family members, and bringing a touch of user-friendly technology to our home.

From coordinating lessons to creating a shared family calendar, I want you to find out how the Skylight Frame has transformed our homeschool scheduling experience, fostering a more connected and efficient household.

If you too think that a Skylight Calendar Frame may benefit your home, I would love to pass along my referral code to you, where you save $20 on your order, and I get $20 as well. You can find those links below.

With Love, Quincey

Skylight Referral Link: https://skylight.refr.cc/quinceyb Discount Code: FRIEND-8CQSGN7 Their shipping is pretty quick!

Or, you can purchase through Amazon if you would rather. There is no discount code there and the price does fluctuate some there, but the shipping is extra quick. This is my affiliate link, which does not cost you any extra to use, and clicking this will take you directly to Amazon: https://amzn.to/3TmctA3

April 14th, 2024

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Our youngest turned one last weekend.

Here I am, just reflecting on how the amount of energy poured into the first year of nurturing a sweet little babe can feel so isolating. Even the 5th time around!

Friendships have been hard for me the past year and a half-ish, and especially more so the last 4 months after someone pointed out many things they didn’t like about me, and I decided to work on it. Growth can be good, but also hard!

Feelings of being pitied, used, unloved, and disconnected can creep in easily if I’m not careful to keep them in check.

I’m holding onto the love for my husband and kids like a lifeline. These are the relationships that matter above all else.

I know that my heart is at home, where it belongs. These days of cooking, baking, cleaning, and teaching a big family are the good days that I prayed for. 

I hadn’t thought to pray that I could maintain friendships at the same time! Oh, how I miss the days before social media when friends and I gathered often and talked about things that mattered deeply in our hearts, and things that didn’t, like home decor and celebrity news.

Friends, it’s okay to admit when relationships feel strained or distant.
It’s a journey, not a destination, right? Ongoing improvement and some deep self-reflection are valuable and necessary.

I have learned that I cannot be everything to everyone, and that’s okay. I don’t thing we were made to be, despite what social media can make us feel. I have intentionally curated a more simple lifestyle that doesn’t involve calendar clutter and faux relationships.

I encourage you to cut the crap, zero in on your dreams, and start living the life you long for, the life God planned for you.

Pray for clarity in where you belong.

There is a tribe for you.

Meanwhile, let’s embrace the bumps and work towards deeper connections. ❤️

#NavigatingLove #FamilyFirst #EmbraceTheJourney

I’m sending *virtual hugs* to all the mommas out there pouring their hearts out to care for their families and homes. We’re not alone! #solidarity

Slightly Better Granola Cereal

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This Homemaker made Homemade Granola this afternoon. Anyone else doing this?
We had occasionally been buying #glutenfree granola cereal at $3 a bag, but when the price went to almost $4 for just 12 oz, I knew it was time to make my own.

This is a basic beginner level recipe. You can add things to it like raisins, nuts, or other dried foods that you like.

Recipe:

4 C. Rolled Oats (make sure they’re gluten free)
1/2 C. Melted Coconut Oil
1/2 C. Honey
A few shakes of Cinnamon (for flavor)

Bake at 350° for 20 minutes

If you’re adding dried fruit, do that after it’s cooked, so you don’t dry them out too much.

After it’s good and cool I store this in the fridge in a Mason jar that I’ve removed the air from. It would be fine on a shelf for the week.

Adjust baking times as needed to your desired doneness, stir half way through if you’d like (I don’t).

Banana Peanut Butter Cacao Treat

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Look, I’m not applying to be a food photographer anytime soon, but as someone with a fierce sweet tooth AND a desire to do SLIGHTLY BETTER in the nutrition department- this is a golden ticket snack idea that I needed to share with you! Put the kids to bed and every once in a while feast on this simple treat.
————
1 Banana
1 loaded spoonful of good peanut butter
A sprinkle of organic cacao nibs

Smile. Eat slowly and mindfully, chewing well through each bite. Hand wash, dry, and put away your dish, and then carry on with your evening.
————
#intentionalliving #aslightlybetterlife #slightlybetter #asbwkitchen
#celebrateabsolutelyeverything

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