It's Almost Valentine's Day

Hello, friends! It's almost Valentine's Day! I've always loved this holiday. What's not to love about pretty flowers, sweet things, yummy food, and chocolate! We always stay in on Valentine's Day and make dinner at home. I'm making lasagna along with a Caesar salad this year, as I have for the past several years, and something chocolate, of course. I likely make a chocolate cake! Do you have plans for Valentine's Day? If so, please share what you might be doing.

Recent glimmers from the past few weeks...

Freshly painted nails! I treated myself to a manicure last Friday, and I'm so glad I did. I haven't had a manicure in way too long. It was so relaxing, and I have to say I feel really put together when my nails are done. I'll be doing this much more often. 

I also treated myself to a sweet treat and a cappuccino after my manicure!

 The cutest Valentine note cards and stickers from Emily Lex Studio.

A sweet bunch of daffodils from Trader Joe's! Seriously, the best $3.95 I've spent in a very long time! They continued to bloom and bring me joy for several weeks. Just to say, January was a very blah month for me. Early February, too, if I'm being honest. The weather was very cold and gray, along with some snow and ice. Years ago, I didn't mind winter so much, but now, at fifty years old, I'm definitely not a fan. I'm a true summer girl now! Who would have thought?! I keep reminding myself that spring is getting closer each day.

I made two baked ziti recipes lately. The first one was Baked Ziti with Meatballs from Smitten Kitchen, and it was delicious. The second one (which I forgot to photograph after baking) was also from Smitten Kitchen. I've been making this Old-School Baked Ziti recipe for years. It's one of our favorites.

Freshly chopped veggies for oven-baked beef stew.

 Little Rosie was not a fan of the snow, and neither was I! 

And a cute watercolor painting I've been working on, also from Emily Lex Studio. I still need to finish the flowers, but it's coming along nicely. Something I'm trying to do more of this year since it's such a relaxing hobby. 

The sun is shining today, it's supposed to be 65 degrees, a taste of spring, and you better believe I'm going to take full advantage of it and go for a walk this afternoon! Have a great week, dear friends! 🩷

 

Weekly Glimmers

 

Hello, Friends! Just a quick pop in with a few things that have brought me joy this week.

My favorite go-to frothy matcha. There is something so special and relaxing about taking the time to make a cup of tea and also to sit and enjoy it!

I baked a delicious Chocolate Beet Snack Cake. And you have no idea the cake contains beets! It's very good and very chocolaty.

We ordered a cozy new bed from LL Bean for Rosie, and as you can see, she loves it!

And a beautiful winter sunset. 

I hope you have a cozy weekend! It's been so cold here. Hopefully, a warmup isn't too far away!

Happy New Year!

 Happy New Year, friends! I wish each of you a healthy, happy, and peaceful 2026. I'm going through my pictures from Florida, where we were a week ago, and desperately missing the sunshine and blue skies. It's dark and rainy today, and I'm so unmotivated. I know I've said it before, but I'm a sunny day girl. For anyone else who's missing the sunshine, I hope these pictures help brighten your day.

I don't usually choose a word for the year for myself, but I sure did this year! My word is Relax - something I need to do much more of. I'm always rushing around and in a hurry to do things and get things done, and there's absolutely no reason for it. Here's to more relaxed days ahead! Do you choose a word for yourself each year? If so, I'd love to hear what it is.

Now that we are back home, I'm enjoying slow days filled with pretty tulips and lots of tea!

How are you spending these January days?

I hope you have a lovely weekend, whatever it is you might be doing. Ours will be quiet for the most part. Our daughter is recovering from being sick and catching up on schoolwork, and we are planning to clean the house, wash our sofa slipcover, and give the dog a bath! Hopefully, the sun returns on Sunday, and we can get outside for a nice walk.