A most unusual (and really cold) day in South Louisiana.

Made gingerbread cookies (my favorite!) last night

Reading: Just finished reading “The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe” to my son. We’re 4 chapters in on “Prince Caspian” now. I found this whole 1970s Chronicles of Narnia set at a thrift store for either $4 or $5!

Watching: @mtt and I just finished watching “A Gentleman in Moscow.” I liked it.

Researching: Countertop grain mills. I think it would be so amazing to mill our own flour.

Purchasing: Lots of Christmas gifts. ‘‘Tis the season. 🎄 My grandfather graciously gives me money to purchase my own gifts. So more specifically, I just purchased myself a Masienda tortilla press and masa. Something I’ve wanted for a while, but just couldn’t justify. But that’s what makes it a good gift!

Wearing: I got a new pair of classic Vans. Sized up half a size for some toe wiggle room (because I wear barefoot shoes a lot of the time and can’t do a tight toe box anymore), and they are so comfortable.

Enjoying: Took my kiddos to the zoo here recently. It’s not very big, but they’re making some improvements as of late. My kids have visited with their grandparents a lot in the last few months, and they were so excited to show me around because it had been years since I’d been. We had the best morning there.

Eating: I’m making gingerbread cookies this week. This is my favorite recipe! In the past, I’ve just mixed powdered sugar and milk until I get a consistency for icing I like. But I think I’ll try a royal icing this year.

Drinking: Bone broth hot chocolate. The recipe calls for chicken bone broth, but I actually prefer beef. It’s really good either way, though! My kids have actually had the opportunity to have packaged hot chocolate several time recently, and they wouldn’t drink it because they said it wasn’t good.

LEGO-ing: I got 3 Christmas Polar Bears sets for 70% off after Christmas last year. Saved them and got them out this week to do with B and Ro. Fun times.

A glimpse at a large portion of today’s entertainment for these two

Kids are in second day of swimming lessons this year. So, of course, we’re all dreaming of a pool.

We’ve also been discussing getting new bikes as a family. None of us currently have one.

First thing this morning at lessons, Ro said, “Instead of bikes, can we get a pool?”

Even trade, for sure. 🤪

Organized our “imagination” Lego pieces by color a few days ago. Wasn’t positive they’d stay that way. But so far, the kids have played with them more AND put them back in the right trays. ✨

Used these clear trays from Target and tried not to overfill them so that they can easily search for the piece they want.

Spring is starting to show up, which immediately makes me think of sunshine and water. 😊🌊 So, I guess that’s why I was drawn to a bunch of pretty blue things recently. Here they are:

Blue Velvet Round Floor Pillow

Jumbo Two-Tone Claw Hair Clip

Habit Cosmetics “Blue Jean Baby” Nail Polish

Blue/Pink Beach Tote Handbag

Women’s Ombre Paper Straw Panama Hat

Women’s Oversized Retro Rectangle Sunglasses

Space Dyed Woven Throw Blanket

Textured Tufted Square Throw Pillow

MINNIDIP Resort Collection Inflatable Pool

Check Printed Bath Towel

45oz Gingham Bamboo-Melamine Bento Box

15oz Stoneware Mug

Ceramic Figural Vase

Large Blue Tinted Glass Vase

Polka Dot Bath Rug

11’ x 14’ Floral Arrangement Framed Canvas

I recently realized that I have a lot of small (and some bigger) collections of things. So, I’m on a totally unnecessary mission to discover and photograph (appreciate) all the little collections I have around the house.

First up, these old candlesticks.

I thrifted a few here and there, then found a big old box of them one time at Goodwill. I like the impact they make all together. On a shelf. As a table centerpiece. Etcetera. But I also occasionally like to pull one and place solo with a candle as a little statement. Speaking of candles, I’m in the process of switching over to non-toxic and fragrant free options. So if you have any good recommendations, send them my way.