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I was planning on coming back yesterday to write this post in the afternoon. But after writing yesterday’s post, I just didn’t feel like it. So let’s call this attempt number two and do a little catch up now (while I’m watching the Inauguration!).
Everlane Cardigan c/o (Similar, Similar for $10, Similar)
J.Crew Long Sleeve (Same, Similar, Similar)
Madewell Jeans (Low priced option, similar option, similar option)
Everlane Slippers c/o (Same in another color)
Emylee Williams Earrings
Everlane Blanket c/o (Similar)
Week Whatever of Quarantine, Vol 11
It’s been about two months since our last Week Whatever post, and while you’ve had my currently posts for catch ups, let’s do a quick zoom through of what’s happened since. I’ve safely traveled home and back to visit a sick (not covid) relative, I got completely burned out at work, said relative passed away, my crafts projects have been going very well, and my dog is 95% potty trained (there are plenty of good things in there). I’ve also been able to take plenty of days off of work, read some incredibly good books, and taken some excellent naps. So a lot of lows, but some highs as well.
Now let’s dive into some weird purchases, but isn’t that everyone’s favorite part?
Weird Purchases
Fonts
Yes, you read that correctly, I said fonts. Now that I’ve started actually using my Cricut, I’ve learned how few fun fonts the Cricut design center actually has. So I’ve gone on a spree to find new fonts. The fun thing is that a lot of font websites will offer a weekly font that you can download for free! I’ve basically been collecting those and it’s made life a lot more fun. In case you’re curious, the websites I’ve been going to are:
Massage Gun
I’ve wanted one of these ever since my chiropractor used one on my back. They’re amazing at working out knots and make your back feel amazing. Well, every time I brought it up to my boyfriend, he scoffed at the idea and said it was pointless. BUT then we went over to his sister’s house and she had one! I used it on one of the knots on his back and he was instantly sold. His work had just given him an Amazon gift card, so I used that to pick out the Sonic Massage Gun. It had (real) good reviews, a reasonable price, and wasn’t supposed to be too loud.
Oh my gosh, this purchase was completely worth it. I love it so so much and so does my back. I would definitely suggest checking out one of these for yourself if you haven’t before. The prices can run a bit high, but there are some low priced, good quality ones.
S’Mores Snack Mix
Have I shared my love of Costco with you before? Well, I love Costco. I love browsing the aisles, looking at the food selections, and seeing the deals. I’m also currently in mourning over the loss of food samples, but so happy that Costco cakes are back.
But I’m not hear to talk about Costco cakes (today at least). I don’t remember where I first heard about the S’Mores Snack Mix, but I was immediately intrigued. During one of my more recent trips there, I picked up a bag and now I’m completely hooked. While you can buy a bag for $9 (or $8 something) at Costco, it’s also available on Amazon for various prices.
They’ve become one of my favorite nightly desserts and I think you’ll love them too.
Instant Pot
I already wrote about my instant pot in my Favorite Products of 2020, but I have to put it again here. I’ve been using it so much, it’s become an essential part of dinner meals. It’s even funny how amazed my boyfriend is that we can put frozen chicken into it. It was a bit of an impulse purchase, but it was definitely a good one. I’ll share some the recipes I’ve tried later in the post.
Rifle Paper Co. x Corkcicle Coffee Mug
Do I need another mug? God, no! I have so many mugs, it’s not even funny. But could I resist when I found an insulated mug with a lid? Nope. It would be perfect for stopping me from spilling on my white couch. Which would be good since I tend to drink a lot of black tea.
Well, this mug has done a great job of preventing me from spilling. It’s also kept my drinks SO HOT. Oh my gosh. I knew it would keep my drinks warm, but I wasn’t expecting them to stay hot. It’s crazy, but I love it.
What I’m Reading and Watching
The Women of Chateau Lafayette by Stephanie Dray
Note: I received this novel as an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. The Women of Chateau Lafayette comes out on March 30, 2021.
Going into this novel, I was simply expecting a novel about three women in Paris at different points in time and how Chateau Lafayette effected their lives. On the surface, that was what received. But I also received a novel of three incredibly strong, resilient women who would let nothing hold them back from fighting for what they believed.
The Women of Chateau Lafayette shares the story of Adrienne Lafayette in 1774 as she becomes her husband’s political partner in the fight for America’s independence and then the French Revolution. She also shares the story with Beatrice Astor Chanler, a 1914 American socialite who is inspired by Lafayette to urge America to support France in World War One. Finally, They’re joined by Marthe Simone, a French school teacher, who would rather avoid the war if she could, but ends up defending France in her own way.
While The Women of Chateau Lafayette was a bit long in some spots, it kept me engaged for the majority of the book. I also loved the fact that both Adrienne and Beatrice were in fact real women who fought for what they believed in. And while Marthe was an invention of Dray, she still came alive as a character.
Upcoming reads I’m super excited about:
It’s In His Kiss by Julia Quinn
The Marriage Game by Sara Desai
The Chicken Sisters by KJ Dell’Antonia
The Mystery of Mrs. Christie by Marie Benedict
Watching: Movies and TV
Bridgerton
This is no surprise. If you’ve been reading this blog for a minute or two, you know that I became obsessed with the books, so I obviously had to dive into the Netflix series. Needless to say, I loved it. It was different from the book, but in the best possible way. I also love how they included a few deep cuts to the series that are going to come back in some big ways if they continue with the series.
Now fingers crossed they continue with it!
Poirot
I don’t know how this happened, but my boyfriend and I started watched Poirot one evening and it’s now become almost a nightly ritual to watch an episode. I love how well written the episodes are, how good David Suchet is in the role of Poirot, and how fun the mysteries are. The mysteries definitely become more intricate as the series goes on and I love that aspect as well.
The only thing I don’t love is that it’s not easy to watch. The majority of the episodes are on BritBox, so we had to subscribe to another subscription service to watch them. But since we watch almost every night, I guess it’s worth it.
On Pointe
On Pointe is a docu-series on Disney+ that follows students for one season at the School of American Ballet. It covers everything from the youngest students auditioning to be in the annual Nutcracker show to the high school students who are training to become professional dancers.
I absolutely love it because you get to see beautiful dancing, but you also get to see kids who are so passionate about what they want to do. The high schoolers are working so hard to accomplish their goals and the younger students are just excited to practice ballet.
One of the other things I love about it is that they show the professors at the beginning reminding the students that they don’t tolerate bullying at the school. They’re all there to support one another, become friends, and support one another. And you can truly see that throughout the documentary. These kids not only want to succeed, but they want to see their friends succeed as well.
Cooking and Baking
I’ve been making an effort lately to make more dinners and not be lazy about what I eat. It’s been great because not only have I had some delicious dinners, but I now actually have leftovers. Here are some of the recipes I’ve tried and my favorites:
- Instant Pot Chicken Breasts
- Crock Pot Beef Stew
- Pumpkin Risotto (I made it in my instant pot!)
- Instant Pot Honey Teriyaki Chicken
- Crock Pot Sweet Potato and Quinoa Turkey Chili (a favorite!)
- Italian Stuffed Peppers
Needlepoint
I picked up a number of canvases during December when everything seemed to be going on sale. I thought it might be fun to share some of those canvases, as well as the artists I like looking for. If you like to needlepoint, please share your suggestions with me as well!
Morgan Julia Designs
- Rx Bottle
- Chill Pill (did last summer)
Thorn Alexander
The Plum Stitchery
Patti Mann Rose Hill
There are so many other places I love from Lycette to Jessica Tongel, the list goes on and on! These are just the few canvases that I picked up recently (or finished recently).
Now off to needlepoint more and watch the rest of the Inauguration! Hope you have a great day!
