Hello everyone! Happy Wednesday! We made it to the end of February! I donāt know about you, but this month moved a lot faster than January, which I was very happy about. I feel like we are getting closer to the end of a very long winter. Some months are more eventful than others, but Iām afraid this month is not as exciting as past months, but it was still good nonetheless and filled with some travel, lots of VERY good books, and catching up on shows. Hereās what the past 28 days looked like.
What Iām Up To: This month involved some time outside for walks when I could, but February was an icy month.
I got away for a long weekend which was so fun and much needed.
I also got to celebrate Valentineās Day leading up to and on the day.
I also got a haircut and switched up my hair style
What Iām Reading: I had such a good reading month! I canāt wait to share some of my favorite reads
The Secret Book of Flora Lea- The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patt Callahan is all about two sisters in World War II who get sent to live with another family during the war. One of the sisters goes missing and years later the other sister reads a book that contains all the made-up stories she told her sister growing up. After all these years, is her sister still alive and where has she been? This was a great historical mystery. Mix and Match Mama picked it for her January Book Club and I devoured it!
From Here to the Great Unknown– Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough wrote this memoir about their lives and Elvisā. I learned so much about the Presley family and life behind the camera. It was so fascinating and led me to listen to some Elvis music because of it. Such a good read!
Leading Women– Leading Women by Nancy O’ Reilly is a compilation of essays written by women for women. They highlight the struggles and victories women encounter in life, businesses, and in careers. I read it over the course of a few days, but I think it would be better read a little bit every day and not all at one time.
The Lazy Genius Kitchen– Kendra Adachiās second book, The Lazy Genius Kitchen is all about the best way to use your kitchen. She goes through ways to organize and essentialize your kitchen that works for you. She also breaks down different kitchen terms and phrases. If you are a kitchen pro or you have never had your own space, I highly recommend this book.
Half Marathon: You Can Do It– Jeff Gallowayās Half Marathon: You Can Do It is a beginnerās guide to running and running a half marathon. I am planning to run a half marathon this summer and learned so much from this book especially when it comes to training and preparing. He talks about his run-walk method and proper ways to train and prepare for a race. I found myself taking notes and photos as I was reading.
The Art of Stillness- As someone who is always on the go, this book really forced me to slow down. I read it when I was traveling and I found it fascinating to learn the importance of slowing down. The Art of Stillness by Pico Iyer
Young and Restless– Young and Restless by Mattie Kahn was a book I had on my shelves for ages and I just got around to it. It’s all about different girls who made their mark on history in different ways. I loved learning about these women’s stories and the impact they had on society. A great topic as we enter Women’s Empowerment month.
What Iām Watching: A lot of my favorite shows came back for new seasons, so I spent time catching up on several shows.
Night Agent- Season 2 of The Night Agent on Netflix brought new characters, a new mission, and lots of edge on your seat moments. The first half of the season was a bit confusing and slow with lots of new characters, but the end of the season tied all the storylines together. The finale opened the door for new questions and a new mission.
Sweet Magnolias– After an intense show like The Night Agent, I needed a pallet cleanser and Sweet Magnolias on Netflix provided that for me. This season had lots of sweet and unexpected moments and even some drama. I liked seeing how some of the relationships unfolded and how the characters grew from different situations. Overall, a good season.
Scamanda– I listened to the podcast about Scamanda in 2023 and was excited to learn a documentary would be made about it through ABC. I really enjoyed the four part series. It was interesting to put names with faces and I think the creators did a great job at covering everything the podcast did and more.
American Manhunt- O.J. Simpson– My boyfriend and I watched this four part series about O.J. Simpson. I have always known about the O.J. case and I liked the light this series shined on Simpson and his case. I really liked how they interviewed some of the key people for this series on Netflix.
Masked Singer– The Masked Singer is back for season 13. This hour-long show always provides a good laugh and keeps me guessing who’s under the mask. There have been some pretty good reveals so far this season and Iām excited to see who wins it all!
What Iām Cooking/Baking: This month has been filled with a mix of baking and cooking!
Homemade Brownies– I made Ina Gartnerās outrageous brownies. They were good but not great. Iāve tried a few different homemade brownie recipes and have yet to land a winner. Until then, Iāll keep trying different recipes.
Grilled Cheese and Homemade Tomato soup- We have had a stretch of cold weather and soup and grilled cheese is a perfect go-to. I tried Emily Leyās homemade grilled cheese and tomato soup and it was so easy and hit. I canāt wait until her cookbook comes out!
Roasted Shrimp and Orzo– Another Ina Garten recipe for the win. I made her Roasted Shrimp and Orzo and really liked it. It was healthy and filling and very easy and can be made in any season.
Cheese and Spinach Bake– I made the bake as a side dish one night and it was so filling and healthy too. The recipe is from Brunch with Babs. Itās spinach, cheddar cheese, and cottage cheese with some egg. This would be great for a brunch or a dip!
Baked Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Salad-A filling Sunday night dinner with lots of nutrients.
French Silk Pie was a new recipe for me and it was a hit!
Margarita Chicken Soup is always a good call on a cold day!
Homemade Hummus and Chicken Gyros- It was Greek night with lots of tasty and savory bites!
Chicken Caesar Club Sanwichs– This was such a hearty and tasty meal that was a hit!
What Iām Wearing:
Since February is the month of love. I tried my best to wear as much red, pink, purple, and white as possible.
What Inspires Me:
After such a gloomy and gray winter, any day with sunshine is good day! I also have been inspired by putting more of an emphasis on my health by going on more walks and making healthier choices too!
What I Accomplished– I am still making my way through my Winter Bucket List, but I still have things that need crossed off over the next few weeks.
Goals from Last Month– I was able to see all my friends for some one-on-one dates, virtual, and in-person. I also got to celebrate Valentineās Day and do some traveling too!
Goals for Next Month– I am READY for warmer weather, getting ready for spring and to see my brothers who will be home for Spring Break!
Thatās a look into life as of late. A lot of time indoors, self care, and some socializing. Iām looking forward to brighter days ahead. What about you?! How was your February!? What were some highlights for you? Let me know in the comments below! Happy Wednesday!
