Notes for February

Ok Spring, where are you? While this winter has been pleasantly dry and sunny, I’m ready for Spring and a fresh season. I think I can speak for most that January and February are the worst months of the year. It’s cold, it’s grey and there isn’t a whole lot going on. That being said, my (almost!) 6-month old has kept me busy and we’ve been lucky to have such a dry and sunny winter. Stroller walks are what keep me sane (and Emma napping) these days and I’m so grateful I’ve been able to get out every day (even on those couple snow days we had!) As I mentioned in my last post, I’ve been really trying to carve out space for myself these days and layer back in those little things that fill my cup. I’m bringing this style of blog post back where I share what I’m reading, watching, making, etc and it’s the perfect way to share those things that I’m doing for myself these days :)

Reading: I just finished Ina’s book and it was a fun read. It definitely read a little (okay, maybe a lot) privileged, but I enjoyed learning about her story and how she came to be The Barefoot Contessa. I felt it was a little “poor me” at times and while I have no doubt she worked hard, she had a lot of support from Jeffrey and her parents (even if she talked about her rocky relationship with them). I did love all of the food talk and of course her adventures in Paris. What a dream to have an apartment there! 

I love a mystery novel and just started this one. I haven’t read any of Lisa Jewel’s books but they’ve been on my list. 

I’m also making my way through Rick Rubin’s book. An easy one to pick up and read a chapter here and there. I do find it a little eye-rolly at times. For example, when he decided not to get his burst appendix removed when he received a sign not to from a book?? lolol. 

On the topic of books on creativity, I’m waiting on this one from the library that I’m looking forward to diving into. If Rick’s book doesn’t end up doing it for me, I’m hoping this one does.

Watching: Aaahh, so many good shows have returned! I’m so happy season 2 of Severance is finally here. Melon party anyone? Also eagerly awaiting White Lotus next week. We just finished watching Bad Sisters and I enjoyed it so much. The perfect mix of mystery, (dark) comedy and sisterhood. 

Making: One of the other things I liked about Ina’s book was the recipes she included along with their backstory. I knew I needed to try her Outrageous Brownies (a customer favourite from The Barefoot Contessa shop) and they did not disappoint. Super fudgey and loaded with chocolate chips and walnuts. Will be making them again!

I’ve also been really into making cottage cheese pancakes for a high protein breakfast. I top them with greek yogurt, a bit of maple syrup and a sprinkle of cinnamon and they’re just so good. 

Buying: After clearing out a bunch of stuff after the holidays and officially converting our second bedroom to Emma’s room, I’m being much more intentional about what I buy and bring into our home. So my purchases are very intentional these days. I’ve been looking for a long quilted jacket for a while and recently bought this one from Everlane. I was hesitant because it was final sale but at 70% off I couldn’t resist. It fit perfectly and it’s such a nice weight and length! It defintely fits on the larger size. According to the size chart I was a large but I got the medium after reading reviews and it fits perfectly. It’s perfect for running around doing errands when a super puff is too, well, puffy and it will be even more perfect for Spring. 

I recently went back to this clean mascara after using the Tower 28 one for a couple years. While I love the Tower 28 one, I do find it flakes a bit and the Elate one never did. They’ve changed the brush and so it’s not as volumizing as it once was (more lengthening) but the stay power is great. It’s also refillable which is a bonus.

I’m slowly finishing up Emma’s room and one of the last things to buy is a rug. Right now I’m between this one and this one. I have a sample of the first one and it looks great (plus it’s on sale) so think I will go with that one.

Practicing: Like I mentioned, I’m trying to layer back in self-care practices, which requires me asking for help (with Emma) when I need it. I recently went for a massage and it was soul-reviving. Even just taking a bath after Emma goes to bed or reading before I tuck in, fills my cup in ways I’ve really needed. 

One of the things I’ve struggled with postpartum is the need to feel productive during a time that is challenging to be so. And when I do have some time to myself (like right now, for example), I get overwhelmed by all of the possible things I could do with my free time. Read a book? Clean? Write a blog post? Run errands? Reply to texts? I find I end up making a long to-do list that I rarely make a dent in. So I’ve been practicing choosing “just one”. Choosing just one thing to do during my free time. Reading just one chapter of a book. Replying to just one text. Writing just one blog post. It makes everything feel more manageable.