February 2021: Recap + On My Shelves
February was a pretty busy month for our family – we celebrated three birthdays, had a few shopping adventures, and spent time with my parents while Nick traveled. And now I'm getting excited about the hints of spring weather!
1. My 32nd Birthday – My birthday is on the first, and my mom gave the gift of time at home alone. She took my boys, and I got to spend the day drinking coffee, reading in bed, going to the library, and having a lunch date with Nick. It was heavenly! I got some lovely gifts, too: books, bath stuff, makeup, and an Archer & Olive notebook.
2. Our Baby Turns 1 – Our sweet baby turned one on the seventh. We celebrated with Nick's family a few weeks early, and then got together with my family the day before. My mom decorated with a Valentine's theme, and it was so adorable! I can't believe it's already been a year, and I'm so thankful for the joy he brought us in 2020.
3. Shopping Days – My sister and I had a few bookstore dates, as well as an incredibly fun Saturday shopping with my mom. Clothes, antiques, and plants, oh my! And one Friday, Nick finished work early so that I could go return some jeans and enjoy being out by myself. It was a treat, and I bought some prizes! Sorry, no-spend challenge.
4. Staying with My Parents – Nick had another work trip in February, so the boys and I decided to go stay with my parents. I think the addition of a second child + almost a year of no travel has made me a little soft, so I love being spoiled with the extra help at my parents. And not having to cook might be the biggest perk of all!
Read 16 Books | Favorites:
Send for Me by Lauren Fox
The Next Right Thing by Emily P. Freeman
A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas
One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London
“A mother teaches her daughter to perpetuate the tedious rituals of her own imperfect life.
And by instilling in her child the virtues of order, she shows her how to keep the chaos at bay.”
Send for Me by Lauren Fox
“He’s all the things that can go wrong with men if you leave them to their own devices.”
The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
“And maybe there is no nation or citizenry; they're just territories mapped in place of family,
in place of love, the infinite country.”
Infinite Country by Patricia Engel
“A warrior believes in an end she can’t see and fights for it. A warrior never gives up.
A warrior fights for those weaker than herself. It sounds like motherhood to me.”
The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah
“Making a living is nothing if you're not also making a life.”
The Next Right Thing by Emily P. Freeman
“There is power in naming the unnamed things. This is an important part
of our decision-making practice and key to taking our next right step in love.
Remember today is a plot point. See it honestly for what it is,
but don't confuse the moment for the whole story.”
The Next Right Thing by Emily P. Freeman
“Let’s remember that though we may have to wait and see, we never have to wait to be.”
The Next Right Thing by Emily P. Freeman
“I wish for us to have the courage to go out into the world when we are ready,
but to always be able to find our way back to each other. No matter what.”
The Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas
Gwyn whispered, “I am the rock against which the surf crashes.”
Nesta straightened at the words, as if they were a prayer and a summons.
Gwyn lifted the blade. “Nothing can break me.”
The Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas
“Keep reaching out your hand.”
The Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas
“People have many motivations to follow someone,
but a soldier will only ever follow a man for two reasons:
his competency, and his integrity.”
Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore
“I'm afraid that you're looking for your next chapter,
and I'm looking for the whole rest of the book.”
One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London
“You can live a long life never being hurt—and never quite being happy.
If that’s what you want.”
One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London
February was a solid blogging month! I kicked off the month with a post in honor of my 32nd birthday: 32 Facts About Me. Then, as usual, I had my January 2021 recap and February 2021 goals. For reviews, I shared my sister's January favorites and my January 2021 mini reviews. But my favorite posts this month were the fun ones: my favorite fictional female friendships in honor of Kelly's birthday, my big boy and baby's favorite things in 2020, our family's 2021 bucket list, and a winter 2021 Currently update.
Favorite Song #1: "Glad You Exist" by Dan + Shay
Kelly sent me this song because it reminded her of our friendship,
and I felt the same way! I loved listening to this and being emo about my bestie.
I don't really listen to HAIM, but I loved their song on Swift's evermore
so I couldn't resist listening to her collaboration on their album.
Favorite Song #3: "Cry" by Alison Wonderland feat. Buddy
My sister played this song for me, and I'm obsessed!
It reminds me of Nesta from A Court of Silver Flames.
To All the Boys: Always & Forever (2021) starring Lana Condor and Noah Centineo – On the night this premiered, I made a big bowl of popcorn, grabbed my coziest blanket, and settled in to watch this final installment of Lara Jean's story. Although I enjoyed the experience, I wasn't a fan of this movie overall. There were several changes made from book-to-screen that I found very annoying. The second and third don't have the magic of the first, but it's still fun to see these books adapted for the screen with such great casting.
Book of the Month: Infinite Country by Patricia Engel
Birthday Money: That Sounds Fun by Annie F. Downs, Share Your Stuff. I'll Go First. by Laura Tremaine, The Power of Writing It Down by Allison Fallon, Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano, Send for Me by Lauren Fox, Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason, The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah, and A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas
Gifted: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (Nick) and Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery (Kelly)
Kindle & Audible: A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas (not pictured)
Review: The Invisible Husband of Frick Island by Colleen Oakley (not pictured)
Always & Forever was charming as a film, but I still prefer the book for this particular installment! It doesn't mean I didn't sob like a baby at certain moments though ;)
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