Mid February can feel a bit dreary. Here in Texas we’re experiencing some record winter weather which means it has been less than twenty degrees (ten as I type) and snowing for days. For anyone thinking, “what do you expect, it’s winter” let me just remind you the majority of the past couple months have been in the fifties and sunny. I didn’t mean to talk about weather this long but here we are. If you need a little pick me up for this mid-month slump, I’ve got you covered.

Videos I’ve Found Entertaining:
This former CIA Chief of Disguise breaking down their disguises during the Cold War was absolutely fascinating. Fellow rodent fearers-there is a segment on hiding things inside dead rats and it was horrifying so don’t be caught off guard. Just look away.
I’m a bit obsessed with 1950’s housewife culture. It amazes me how much women were able to accomplish in a day and makes me grateful for the freedom here in 2021 for wives and mothers. I’m eternally inspired by the work ethic of homemakers and this video on someone following the routine of a 1950’s housewife for a whole week was so enjoyable. I went down a rabbit hole for sure.
Black Moms Rate other Black Moms’ Banana Pudding, Black Moms Rate other Black Moms’ Soul Food and Black Grandmas Try Other Black Grandmas’ Sweet Potato Pie. I felt these in my soul and they need no introduction. I won’t tell you how many of these I’ve watched.
2021 Reads So Far:
I said last week that this Polar Vortex sweeping the country means if you haven’t read Kristin Hannah’s Winter Garden, now is the time. The mood is just right and I can guarantee it’s the best thing you’ll read on a cold day in January. Just have tissues and tea nearby.
The Great Alone was over 500 pages long and I finished in in two days. A cancelled trip and cleared long weekend does that to a girl. Trigger warning: the story revolves around domestic abuse and pulls at heartstrings in a way only Kristin Hannah can do. It didn’t top The Nightingale or Winter Garden for me but was still breathtaking and perspective shifting.
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine is a book I also read quickly and thoroughly enjoyed. It was unlike any book I’ve ever read before and was challenging but hilarious simultaneously.
The Vanishing Half. I started this late February and paused to read the Great Alone so I’ll report back, but everyone has told me just how fantastic it is so I’ll leave it here.

You know typically my height of joy is making a cup of stovetop hot chocolate, turning on a podcast and soaking it in but for times like these, the list above has taken the cake. What have you been loving lately?