I’m practicing a new motto for things going on in my life these days and it’s… “cause I can“…. simple… no excuses, no explanations, no discussions… just…. Cause I Can.

I recently saw an article where Sam Smith talks about hating his body and the article includes a shirtless photo of him by the beach…. he is so talented and what struck me was that in this article he felt he needed to make excuses and justify taking this picture…. because of course, he’s not wrong…. there will always be some folks that judge and make comments on why he’s taking and showing off this photo… to Sam I say….. Cause YOU can…..

It’s funny how when things are going badly or you’re struggling people are always happy to hear about what’s going on and like to feel for you. But when things actually are going well and there are no issues somehow there are always those who can’t handle it. You hear the whispers… Why is she spending money on that…. I can’t believe she’s leaving that job… blah blah blah… It’s crazy when you think about it. I’m sure I’m not the only one. For a while I’ve been feeling kinda guilty that things in my life have actually been going really well. Somehow it’s easier to see it in someone else; enter Sam Smith article, cause you can SAM… and CAUSE I CAN too.

I’m embarking on wedding planning with my first child. She is a bright amazing young woman whom I not only love because she’s my child but I also adore as a person…. I like having her around. She’s funny and smart and all the things you hope your child will be… I worked really hard doing my best raising her and also got really really lucky… just because she’s truly amazing. And now I get to plan a wedding with her…. and we can do what we want…. CAUSE I can. We have the venue nailed down… 😉 and we just bought a beautiful wedding dress… so it’s starting to feel real…. And I’m so looking forward to this with her and the ‘Cause I Can’ is very loaded full of gratitude for so many reasons… It’s going to be a fabulous party!

Why am I making crunchie bars at home when I’m trying to get back into shape and shouldn’t really have these around the house much less eat them… Cause I can. And so can you… so so easy!

Sponge Toffee

• 1 Cup Sugar
• 1 Cup Light Corn Syrup
• 1 Tablespoon Baking Soda (I sift and set aside)
• Several squares of melted chocolate for drizzling or dipping

Mix the sugar and corn syrup in a saucepan before putting on the stove. Cook, on medium heat… do NOT touch it just allow it to cook and come to a light golden brown color…about 3 minutes of simmering time …. about 300 degrees F with a candy thermometer. I take it off just a smidge before it reaches that temperature and quickly stir in the baking soda. If you leave it even 30 seconds too long it will be too dark and taste burnt.

The mixture will bubble and you need to make sure you give a good mix to break up any of the baking soda. (Any clumps left behind taste awful!) Then pour onto a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Allow to cool. Then drizzle with chocolate or break apart and dip in chocolate. Either way … add chocolate and eat… YUMMY.