“May” didn’t begin how I hoped. Life got messy, emotions ran high, and burnout knocked louder than usual. But somewhere in the chaos, I found a gentle reminder…

Sometimes, growth looks like showing up a little late—but still showing up.

Okay, I’ll admit it—I blinked, and May was already halfway over.

April was packed with all the things I had to do. Then May came and swept me up in even more. Yes, I work from home—but that doesn’t make it any less stressful or demanding.

At first, I panicked. I thought I’d missed the rhythm I’d been building this year—those monthly reflections that ground me, shape my seasons, and help me pause. I stared at my planner like it had betrayed me.

Then I laughed—

Because maybe I didn’t miss May at all. Maybe I just needed to meet her a little late.

And honestly? That feels kind of perfect.

To me, May has always felt like a soft pause. A breath between spring’s bloom and summer’s rush. Warm days, breezy evenings, school endings, garden beginnings, halfway-met goals, and to-do lists still rubbing the sleep from their eyes.

My youngest just graduated from high school. Ans I’m so proud, we are so proud of him—but I am also overwhelmed. The nest is about to quiet down. One is getting married probably soon. My daughter dreams of seeing the world and traveling. And my youngest? He’s college-bound.

Meanwhile, I’m rebuilding my main website—one recipe at a time.

I’m in round three of editing my book (‘cause… perfectionist! 🙈)

My perimenopausal emotions? Well, sometimes they’re a lot to handle.

And wifehood? I married the kindest soul—but I’m person who likes her “me time,” and he’s a full-on social butterfly. I crave stillness; he thrives in motion around people.

😳 Oh—and let’s not forget the AC unit that decided to quit on us. I was stressed beyond stressed.

I found myself asking:

Can I please catch a break?

Can this girl take a breath?

I’m tired of being tired. And if I keep pushing—I’ll pop.

But…

There’s a gentle strength to May. Not bold. Not loud. Just… present.

I’ve been trying to stay positive—slap on a smile, keep moving, pretend it’s all fine. And in many ways, it is. I have healthy kids. A roof over my head. Food on the table. I run a small business. I have a beautiful support system around me.

Someone might say, “How dare you complain?”

And yet… here I am.

Because gratitude and exhaustion can coexist. Because joy doesn’t cancel out the overwhelm.

This past month, I’ve moved like a hurricane—not by choice, but because life demanded it. Burnout crept in like a slow leak. I didn’t get the pause I needed. I cooked more. Edited more. Worked more. And I kept wishing I had time to walk under blooming trees—to remind myself that movement doesn’t always have to look like productivity.

Sometimes, momentum is simply continuing. Sometimes, it’s just not quitting.

So if you’ve been feeling behind—on your goals, your dreams, your routines—this is your reminder:

• You’re not too late.
• You didn’t mess it up.
• You didn’t miss the window.
• You’re still in it.

The chapter isn’t closed. You’re just on a different page.

Let this summer be your season of soft starts. We can do it together!

Water the seeds you forgot. Pick up the project you set aside. Or just… rest. That counts, too.

Because not everything blooms in March. Not every transformation begins on the first. Not every fire needs to roar—some glow quietly, building heat.

Here’s your gentle permission slip:

⏳ To start again, even late.

🌱 To take a breath and begin small.

✨ To honor the quiet shifts no one sees.

As for me? I’m here. I made it.

May might’ve caught me off guard, but I’m not missing it now.

Let’s move gently, love fiercely, and trust that even soft momentum can carry us far.

Your turn:

• What’s one small intention you’re carrying into the rest of May?

Drop it in the comments or whisper it to yourself. Either way—it matters.

Here’s to showing up, even late.

— Sanna

All my Journal ramblings are HERE.

You can follow me on

FaceBook: @MugOfReality

Instagram: @mugofreality

Pinterest: @MugOfReality 

And tag me if you make any of my recipes, or if you read any books that I recommended. Or if I helped you in anyway get through. I am always here to help!

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Morning Glow Juice. One glass. A whole mood shift.

Lately, I’ve been craving more than just something to sip in the morning—I’ve been craving a reset. A gentle ritual. A little act of care that helps me feel clear, grounded, and ready before the day takes over.

That’s how this Morning Glow Juice came to be. But I’ve always preferred juice over smoothie even though I do drinks smoothies too just because they’re packed with nutrition.

It’s not just a vibrant blend of fruits and veggies—it’s my way of telling my body, “I’ve got you.” On the days when my energy dips, when brain fog rolls in, or when my gut feels off—this juice helps bring me back to myself. It’s a simple ritual that feels healing. And honestly? That matters.

🧡 What’s Inside:

• 3 carrots
• 1 small beetroot
• 2 celery stalks
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 1 clementine
• A small knob of fresh ginger
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• A pinch of black pepper
• 1 tsp honey (optional)
• ½ cup filtered water

Juice everything using a juicer, stir in the turmeric, black pepper, and honey. Sip slowly. If you’re using a blender, strain if you prefer a smoother texture.

I always make enough for two—my husband loves it too. He’s really into alternative medicine and believes in using food as a tool for healing.

🌿 Why I Love Morning Glow Juice:

• Carrots and beets support liver function and gut health.
• Ginger and turmeric help reduce inflammation and aid digestion.
• Citrus brings that bright burst of immune-boosting vitamin C.
• Black pepper helps the body absorb the goodness of turmeric.
• And honey? Just a touch for balance—but even that’s optional.
• This juice is more than a health boost—it’s a moment. A pause. A reminder that I can start my day with something nourishing and intentional.

🌞 A Gentle Morning Ritual

Making this juice is just one part of my slow morning routine. I’ve started treating my mornings as sacred—my time, before the world rushes in.

Even though I work from home, I try to make my mornings meaningful. Not perfect, just present. And if some days don’t go as planned? That’s okay. What matters is that I tried.

Here’s what my morning usually looks like:

• Opening a window or stepping outside for fresh air
• Drinking lemon + apple cider vinegar water and taking my vitamins
• Stretching or walking barefoot in the grass (when the weather allows)
  If I can’t, I use a grounding mat while I meditate or even while working.
• Sometimes I follow up with yoga or just a few minutes of stillness
• Then—coffee time. That’s when I check social, email, and my to-do list

And right before all that, I take a moment to say:

“I may not have it all figured out, but I’m doing something kind for myself today—and that matters.”

Then I sip this juice. In silence or with soft music in the background.
Not a perfect morning. But one that helps me show up with more grace, clarity, and care.

If you’ve been feeling sluggish, bloated, or mentally foggy, maybe give this juice—or any part of this routine—a try. Sometimes your body is just asking for a pause. A reset. A little glow from the inside out.

And if you do? I’d love to hear how it feels for you.

You can follow me on FaceBook: @MugOfReality Instagram: @mugofreality Pinterest: @MugOfReality 

And tag me if you make any of my recipes, or if you read any books that I recommended. Or if I helped you in anyway get through. I am always here to help!

Sanna

Latest Recipes:

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Happy Juicing!

Sanna

Yield: 2 Servings

Morning Glow Juice

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

If you’ve been feeling sluggish, bloated, or mentally foggy, maybe give this Morning Glow Juice a try. It might be exactly what your body’s been asking for, not just in the morning but in the after noon.

Print

Ingredients

• 3 carrots
• 1 small beet
• 2 celery stalks
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1 clementine
• A small knob of fresh ginger
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• A pinch of black pepper
• 1 tsp honey (optional)
• 1/2 cup water

Instructions

1. Prep the produce:
 Wash and peel the carrots, beet, and ginger. Trim the celery. Peel the clementine and remove seeds if necessary.
2. Juice: 
Run the carrots, beet, celery, lemon, ginger, and clementine through your juicer, one by one. Collect the juice in a clean container or jar.
3. Add finishing touches:
 Stir in turmeric powder, black pepper, and honey (if using). Add a bit of water and mix well until fully combined.
4. Serve:
 Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately for the best flavor and nutritional value. Add ice if desired.

Blender Version:

1. Blend: Add the chopped carrots, beet, celery, lemon, clementine, and ginger into a high-speed blender. Pour in the water and blend until smooth.
2. Strain (optional): For a smoother juice, pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or nut milk bag into a bowl or large glass. Use a spoon to press out all the liquid.
3. Add flavor: Stir in the turmeric, black pepper, and honey (if using). Mix well.
4. Serve: Pour the juice into a glass and enjoy immediately for the best nutrient absorption. Serve over ice if you like it chilled.

Notes

I would not drink this before bed or in the evening. This will wake you up and keep you enegertic. Also, some people feel more alert or even a bit stimulated after consuming beets, especially in juice form. This is due to increased circulation and nitric oxide production.

If Knockemout were a real town, I’d pack my bags and move there tomorrow. No questions asked. I think most of us felt that way afer watching Gilmore Girls too. There something special about small towns. Lucy Score’s fictional Virginia setting stole my heart—and the characters 100% sealed the deal. 

The Knockemout series, which includes three books: Things We Never Got Over, Things We Hide from the Light, and Things We Left Behind. They are steamy, emotional, and drama-filled ride I didn’t want to get off of.

Each book follows a different couple, but they’re all deeply connected, building on each other while unraveling a mystery that ties everything together. These stories are bingeable, detailed, emotional, long (in the best way), and a total experience. They’re not for every reader, but if you’re into steam, swoony slow-burns, small-town drama, and characters who feel like real people—you might just fall in love like I did.

Let’s break down each book!

Knockemout #1 Things We Never Got Over

Rating: ★★★★★

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Length: 572 pages

Release Date: January 13, 2022

Tropes:

• Grumpy/Sunshine
• Fake Dating
• Age Gap
• Slow Burn
• Small Town Romance
• Dual POV
• Bad boy x Good girl

Trigger Warnings:

Gun violence, physical altercations, loss of loved ones, substance abuse, parental abandonment, child abuse/neglect, abduction, domestic abuse (recounted), attempted murder

Favorite Quote:

There’s a difference between taking care of someone because you love them and taking care of someone because you want them to love you.

Things We Never Got Over had me HOOKED. Yes, the beginning was just a bit slow, but once it picks up—it really picks up. The grumpy barber Knox and sunshine Naomi, a runaway bride, have sizzling chemistry. Watching their relationship unfold was pure JOY. I loved the sibling drama, the arguments between brothers of who will get the girl, I mean Nash didn’t have a chance. Also, I loved the found family element, and even the chaos of evil twin Tina.

Waylon (the dog!) and Naomi’s niece Waylay added heart and humor, and while I really wanted Knox and Naomi to end up with twins (don’t ask why, I just did), the story wrapped up perfectly. Epilogue was everything!!! This was my favorite in the series. Grumpy Knox forever!

Knockemout #2 Things We Hide from the Light

Rating: ★★★★½

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Length: 600 pages

Release Date: February 1, 2023

Tropes:

• Opposites Attract
• Forced Proximity
• Next-Door Neighbors
• Brother’s Longtime Friend, Ex
• Romantic Suspense
• Found Family
• Dual POV

Trigger Warnings:

Gun violence, panic attacks, murder, childhood illness, near-death experiences, memory loss

Favorite Quote:

Being vulnerable doesn’t mean you’re weak. It means you trust yourself to be strong enough to handle the hurt. It’s actually the purest form of strength.

This story shifts to Nash—the police chief and Knox’s brother—who’s recovering from a traumatic shooting. Enter Lina, a badass insurance investigator who shakes up his world. She’s tough, witty, and absolutely not here for his grumpy, closed-off energy… but of course, sparks fly.

The slow burn was real, and although this book was a bit too long, I appreciated how it explored emotional healing and vulnerability. Nash and Lina’s chemistry was electric, and the way they broke down each other’s walls felt real and earned. Things We Hide From The Light is a solid 4.5 stars from me!

Knockemout #3 Things We Left Behind

Rating: ★★★★

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Length: 650 pages

Release Date: September 5, 2023

Tropes:

• Friends-to-Enemies-to-Lovers
• Childhood Friends
• Next-Door Neighbors
• Billionaire Hero
• Librarian MFC
• Dual POV
• Second Chance
• Dual Timeline

Trigger Warnings:

Domestic violence/abuse, alcoholism, cancer death, fire, gun violence, murder, attempted murder

Favorite Quote:

You love me, you idiot. You’ve loved me since we were kids. You loved me even when I broke your trust. You loved me after I fixed it. You still love me.

Ahhh, finally! Lucian and Sloane’s story. Things We Left Behind was the one I was most excited for, and while I loved it… the first 40% dragged. Like, really dragged. I DID NOT want to DNF but I was so close.  Anyway, once the story picked up—WOW. The tension, the pining, the history between these two—chef’s kiss.

Lucian is the broody billionaire helping the FBI take down the town’s criminal network (yes, really), and Sloane is a firecracker librarian with a sharp tongue and big heart. Their friends-to-enemies-to-lovers arc was SO satisfying, and the flashbacks to their younger years gave the story so much depth. I loved that Nash and Knox played protective big brother roles here too.

Out of the three female leads, Sloane might be my favorite—she’s witty, strong, and emotionally intelligent. And Lucian? Under all that cold CEO armor, he’s just a man who would burn the world down for her… and he does! Like their story was beautiful, but we didn’t need it to be this big.

To wrap up this review— 

This series is a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with messy characters, found family, and a captivating blend of romance and danger. If you’re a fan of layered characters and intricate relationships, Knockemout will quickly become your new obsession. Just be prepared to lose sleep and your heart to these enchanting books.

Let me know your favorite couple if you’ve read them! Mine? Definitely Knox and Naomi… no contest.

About the Author:

Lucy Score is an instant #1 New York Times bestselling author of contemporary romance. She grew up in a literary family who insisted that the dinner table was for reading and earned a degree in journalism. Her books have been translated into thirty languages and her international bestseller Things We Never Got Over has been optioned for television.She writes full-time from the Pennsylvania home she and Mr. Lucy share with their opinionated cat, Cleo. When not spending hours crafting unforgettable characters, Lucy can be found reading books other people wrote, snacking, and sometimes even working out.

★ You can follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook

My Latest Romance Book Reviews:

• The Rose Hill Series by Elsie Silver

•  The Favorites by Layne Fargo

Happy Reading!

S A N N A

P.S.

I’ve taken individual images from Pinterest that were used to create a “poster” image in this post. If you’re the owner of any of the individual pics on the poster, please let me know so I can credit you. These were used solely for creative purposes and entertainment.