Feel Good Friday 63
It seems these last few weeks, all I can manage to share with you is one post a week, and I save it for these Friday posts because I love ’em so much. But, good news! Next month, I’ll have two spring tours coming at ya, a seasonal mantel, and maybe we’ll finally pull the trigger on our kitchen ceiling. If you’ve got anything you’d like to see here or that you’re curious about (and think I know the answers), let me know! Can you believe we’re already into February? I spent my January with the three Rs: reading, running, writing. I powered through 5 books and took a beat this week, but will be cracking open a new one this weekend. Today I’ll be sharing one of those books with you plus a super easy and healthy recipe and a podcast episode that spoke to me. Check it all out below. (This post contains affiliate links; I am an Amazon Associate. I earn a small commission on purchases made through my links.)
A Kitchen Happy
One of my very best friends and I always exchange Christmas gifts, and I was thrilled to open up a package via Anthropologie from her. Clearly, she’s well versed in gifts for the girlfriends. With Galentine’s Day approaching, I thought I’d show you the adorable dish towel she got me which reads “Positivity Please” and is so very me. Sadly, that one is no longer available, but she also gifted me this “Made with Love” towel. When I opened the boxe from her, a calming scent wafted out and filled the room as well because it included a sage bundle that smells amazing. It sits on the lowest shelf above my computer so I can smell it and feel refreshed all day.
While we’re on the topic of the kitchen, I wanted to share this image with you and get your opinion . . . As I mentioned, we’re planning to finally get this ceiling painted, for once and for all. I am considering a buttery soft terra cotta color. I’d love to hear your thoughts? This ceiling flows right into the dining nook as well, so it will need to fit that space. Here’s a Christmas photo to jog your memory of its most current rendition.
Oh So Yammy Recipe
I don’t know about you, but I could live off of sweet potatoes and butternut squash. When I came across this super simple recipe for roasting sweet potatoes and then caramelizing the top, I had to try! I will say, mine backed a lot quicker than the recipe called for, so may have been smaller. These were super easy and delicious. I topped mine with a vegan cheddar cheese and served with a side salad.
Fabulous Podcast Episode
I know I mentioned Amy Porterfield’s new podcast, Talking Body, before it even started. Well, I’ve been tuning in weekly and this week’s episode, titled “At the Intersection of Body Image and Race,” was SOOOOOO good. She had fantastic, intelligent guests on and I especially loved hearing from Pia Schiavo-Campos. One of the comments made in this episode that really hit me was something to the effect of “perfectionism is rooted in white supremacy.” WOW, that just blew my mind and made so much sense. I highly suggest listening to this episode, but there’s some great reading material around that subject here and here. As someone who has struggled with body image, it’s important to look at the reasons why I am striving to improve myself, and this episode made me not only think, but want to break down that need for perfection. One of the questions that Amy keeps pondering throughout this series is, “Can you love your body as it is, but still be working to improve it?”
Moving Historical Fiction
My mom loaned me this book, and I finally took the time to read it. I’ve been putting it off, knowing it would be somewhat hard to swallow at times. After the attack on the Capitol, I felt it was a perfect time to read it and remind myself of what’s possible when there’s so much hate in this world, but also what’s possible when we constantly look for beauty in the darkest of times. This novel is based on a true story as one man, dubbed the tattooist, told it to the author before he passed away. There were moments that I cried, moments that I smiled and moments that chills ran down my spine. I would recommend this book to everyone as it’s a true testament to the human spirit and the power of finding something to live for.
A Great Workout
Two and a half years ago, after I had Wilder, I was looking for a quick workout that I could easily fit in my day. A friend suggested I check out Betty Rocker, so I did her 30 day challenge. Her website is chock full of workouts, often only 15-30 minutes each. Without a gym for so long, I lost motivation when it came to strength-training. It’s always easy to toss on some running shoes and head outside for some much needed quiet time in the dark mornings, but working out at home wasn’t happening. As the new year hit, I decided to take control of the situation and add in just a couple workouts a week, knowing I could manage that. I’ve now been going strong (pun intended) for a few weeks and, while I don’t think I look any different, I just feel better about myself and that’s what matters. Maybe one day I’ll see my abs, but at this point, maybe not and that’s OK. 😉
Fantastic Shop to Support
One of the perks of my job is working on the newsletter and gathering events and happenings in the area. I got wind of a very talented local creator who was one of ten selected artists to be chosen for a nationwide collaborative event with Target, and I was able to feature her in this week’s newsletter. She’s so good that I wanted to give her a little shout out here as well. Brandi Silver of Pin & Proper is witty, creative, talented, all the things! You must check out her etsy shop. That photo above is one of my favorite cards of hers – so good!
Toddler Rock & Roll Shirts
Thanks to the influence of teenage siblings, Wilder’s musical tastes range from AC⚡️DC to White Stripes to Harry Styles. His current favorite jam is Thunderstruck by AC⚡️DC. He has a rolling push toy on a stick that he transforms into his guitar as he rocks out, watching his reflection in the microwave to see how cool he looks. He even puts a tough expression on his face. When I saw that Target had rock tees for toddlers, and that one of those was from his jam, I had to order it. (I will say though, I really wish they had chosen another graphic besides a cannon . . . I mean, come on, this is for kids!) You can find it here, and be sure to check out others they have like Rolling Stones and Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Inspiring Sportsish Podcast
Much to Chris’ chagrin, I am not into sports unless one of my own kids is playing. However, I tuned in to a recent episode of Oprah’s Supersoul Sunday podcast featuring Tom Brady, and I am into Tom. He’s a mega-talented and driven football player and he’ll be going to his tenth Super Bowl this coming Sunday with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His interview was really inspiring. I especially loved hearing the story of how he was the 199th draft pick out of just over 200 available. That means his football career almost never happened – and just look at how far he’s come due to his ability and drive! He’s also very into spirituality and seems very open-minded and down to earth. I really enjoyed this interview. You can watch it here or listen here.
New Issue of O.Henry
Lastly, I just want to share the latest issue of O.Henry with you as it just was released. I know I’ve shared a bit about the magazine with you, but it’s truly a work of art between the writing and the photography. This month’s issue features the historic T. Austin Finch House, which this lovely couple on the cover lovingly restored and made into a beautiful wedding venue. I just pinch myself that I get to work there. Also, very exciting for me, my name was in this issue in the credits section as Digital Content. I was pretty excited to take a photo and send it to my mom, “Hey, look, Ma, I made it!”
Look at that! I am not even buried at the bottom in teeny tiny print. I am in the middle! And bold!
Well, friend, I hope wherever you are that you stay warm and cozy this weekend. Wishing you a restful weekend!
