the Weekender

Hello from a cool, rainy day here in Rogersville. Let’s jump in and catch up on all my random thoughts and more, shall we?

Miscellany:

1. Happy Valentine’s Day! I hope you feel loved today. Steve and I went out to dinner on Thursday night at The Ozark Mill Restaurant. It was our first time eating there, and it did not disappoint.

The atmosphere was rustic, the food was delicious, and our server (Nate) was fabulous. We both got filets, and they melted in our mouths. And my dessert was insanely amazing. We’ll be heading back to try their pizza at some point, since we heard it’s very good.

I can now say I’ve eaten at The Ozark Mill and enjoyed coffee at The Workshop (the coffee shop) on several occasions. Finley Farms is an amazing and historical destination.

So today we’ll be hanging out at home, and tonight I’ll be cooking dinner. I’m actually going to try a new recipe. YAY! I hope you have something fun planned.

2. Earlier in the week, I saw Solo Mio with my parents. I love Kevin James, and they mentioned they were going several weeks ago — so I invited myself. It was so good!

I’m afraid that it made me want to go back to Rome, Italy, for another visit. I can’t believe it’s been 11 years since we were there.

3. I can feel the anticipation of spring quietly settling in. Don’t get me wrong, I love the colder months; it’s always been my jam — especially the clothing selections of sweatshirts and cardigans. As a matter of fact, winter has always been my favorite season.

This winter, however, I’ve found myself reflecting on how I’ve felt throughout the season, and it’s safe to say that while I still enjoy the cooler/colder months, winter is not the season where I thrive. Seasonal depression is REAL, and if I could, I would hibernate. Haha.

What is your favorite season? Do you suffer from seasonal depression? I’m happy to report that the first day of Spring this year is Friday, March 20th. Woo-hoo.

4. Have you heard of scent stacking? Apparently, it’s all about mixing and matching scents—like your favorite perfume, a body oil, or a scented lotion—to create a custom fragrance that’s uniquely you and has a little extra staying power.

5. I’m slightly obsessed with this Nancy Guthrie kidnapping. None of it makes sense to me, and I’m terrified that she won’t be found alive at this point. Is anyone else following this case?

I’m so confused as to why they kidnapped her, and we’re now two weeks out — with no ransom paid, no proof of life, etc. I can’t imagine what the family is going through. It’s all so bizarre.

Any thoughts or theories?

6. Food trends… I’m usually always late to the trending scene, but I am very curious about the Two-Ingredient Japanese Cheesecake. Have you tried it?

It’s made with yogurt and Biscoff cookies (or other cookies of choice). A week or so ago, I stopped by Walmart and thought I would pick up some Biscoff cookies. Would you believe they were out of stock? I couldn’t help but laugh. Of course, they were out of stock.

Anywho, I picked some up at Target yesterday, so I’ll be trying it this week. It looks and sounds delicious. I’ll be trying it with vanilla Greek yogurt.

7. I went back to the Golden Physiques class this week at the gym. I had to make myself go because the gym had fallen off my radar for several weeks.

I’m so discouraged. I haven’t been as active with this whole back thing, and I’ve put some weight back on. I’m trying to embrace grace during this season, but I am very hard on myself right now. We are our worst critics, ya know?

8. What I’ve watched and/or am currently watching:

• I finished the fourth season of The Lincoln Lawyer (Netflix). It was another great season. I’m a sucker for a lawyer series, but this one is really good and, overall, pretty clean.
• House of Guinness S1 (Netflix): Steven Knight is the creator of this show and happens to be the same creator of the popular series Peaky Blinders. We finished the season and are disappointed that it hasn’t been renewed, because it leaves you hanging. We’ll see. There is a lot of language and an occasional sex scene, but we enjoyed it.
• The Investigation of Lucy Letby (Netflix): It showed up as recently added, and we all know I love a good documentary or true crime story. This one blew my mind and left me wondering if she’s really guilty. I highly recommend watching this.
• Tell Me Lies S3 (Hulu): I’ve been watching this show, which releases an episode every Tuesday. This season premiered on January 13th. Honestly, it’s a little cray-cray and a bit raunchy, but I’m too invested to not finish the series. Rumor is this is the final season.

Around the Web:

This Orange Honey Glazed Salmon.

This Sheet Pan Mini Meatloaf Dinner.

OMG! These Apple Fritter Bites.

This Lemon Bundt Cake.

These Faux Tulips are perfect for Spring.

This scalloped vase for the above tulips (green or white).

This lippy that smells like coffee.

This DIY Spring Wreath.

These DIY Bobbin Frames are on my To-Do list.

Adorable Wooden Flowers.

One Last Hoorah:

I want to be sure you know that you’re loved… and I’m so glad you’re here and a part of my little corner of the world wide web. I’m sending a virtual hug (and valentine) your way.