This past month, my husband and I celebrated our very first wedding anniversary with a trip to beautiful Charleston, South Carolina. It was such a special time to pause, reflect on our first year of marriage, and simply enjoy being together in a new place.
Hi friends! I’m so excited to share this easy and delicious pizza recipe with you. It’s the kind of meal that fits every season—light enough for warm summer nights, yet cozy and comforting for crisp fall evenings. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a quiet night in, this pizza is always a good idea!
Pizza dough:
90g active sourdough starter (feed starter 2-3 hours before mixing)
320g warm water
400g bread flour
12g salt
Tomato sauce:
1 qt fresh summer tomatoes (rough chopped)
2-3 tsp kosher salt
0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tsp dried oregano
3 cloves garlic, minced
Optional* 2-3 small pieces of Parmesan rind
Toppings:
8 oz shredded mozzarella
Fresh Parmesan (to grate after baking)
To make the sauce: Add all ingredients to a large pot, bring to a simmer and cook on medium-low heat for 20-30 minutes. Blend with immersion blender and let cool.
To Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine the water and starter, mixing gently with a fork or dough whisk. Add the flour and salt, then stir until just combined. Let the dough rest for 30 minutes. After this initial rest, perform a coil fold, then let it rest for another 30 minutes. Repeat the coil folds 4 to 6 times—I usually do at least 4. Be sure to keep your dough in a warm spot during this process!
Once your dough feels strong and has nearly doubled in size, transfer it to a 12″ pizza pan generously coated with olive oil—don’t skimp on the oil, or your pizza might stick! Gently stretch and press the dough to fit the pan. If it resists stretching, cover it with plastic wrap and let it rest for another 30 minutes. When the dough fits the pan, drizzle more olive oil on top and gently press (stipple) the surface with your fingers. Then add your tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and any toppings you love! I love to add homemade bacon and Parmesan!
Bake the pizza at 425°F (220°C) for about 30 minutes. Be sure to check the bottom of the crust—once it’s a beautiful golden brown, your pizza is ready to come out of the oven! Enjoy!
Taking care of your health doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Small, intentional choices each day can lead to big changes over time. Here are three simple health and wellness tips to help you feel your best, mind, body, and spirit.
1. Start Your Day with Water
Before you grab your coffee or tea, drink a full glass of water. This helps wake up your body, jumpstart your metabolism, and support healthy digestion. You can even add a slice of lemon and add lemon juice for a refreshing boost.
2. Move Your Body Daily
You don’t need a gym membership to stay active. A walk around your neighborhood, stretching in your living room or jumping jacks can do wonders. Movement helps improve your mood, energy, and overall health.
3. Protect Your Peace
Wellness isn’t just physical—mental and emotional health matters, too. Set boundaries, take breaks from your phone, and spend time in prayer, journaling, or quiet reflection. A peaceful mind helps support a healthy body.
Remember, consistency matters more than perfection. Start small, stay faithful, and give yourself grace along the way.
“Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many”. Matt. 20:28
“Each of you should use whatever gifts you have received to serve others, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” 1 Peter 4:10
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others.” Phillipians 2:3-4
As Christians, we are called to serve others and to consider them more important than ourselves, following the humility of Christ. Serving is not just a duty, but a reflection of God’s grace toward us—a way to extend His love in tangible ways. Often, what feels like a small act of kindness on our part may be the very answer to someone else’s prayer, reminding us that God works through willing hearts and simple obedience.
When we’re hurt by others, it’s natural to want to respond in the same way—to give back what we’ve received. But as followers of Christ, we’re called to a higher standard. The Bible tells us, “To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods, do not ask them back. And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise. (Luke 6:29-31)” Even when it’s difficult, we’re invited to reflect Christ’s grace, not the world’s reactions.
Since moving back home this summer, one way I’ve been able to serve my family is by cooking dinners, baking sweet treats, and helping out with a few extra chores. It brings me so much joy to care for them in these small ways and to see them enjoy the fruits of my labor. It’s a simple reminder that serving doesn’t have to be grand to be meaningful—sometimes love is shown best through quiet, everyday acts.
Serving others with joy—especially our own families—can be one of the most meaningful (and difficult!) ways we live out our faith. It’s often in the unseen, everyday moments that love speaks the loudest. Whether it’s preparing a meal, lending a hand, or simply showing up with a willing heart, these small acts matter. When we serve with joy, we reflect the heart of Christ—who came not to be served, but to serve—and we turn ordinary moments into something sacred.
