I can’t believe we’re into February already.

I think last year I mentioned that I have a lot of hobbies, but I want to try to focus on being good at them instead of just okay.

And yes, that is my daughter in a unicorn hat wearing a Moana dress, pushing a stroller. That’s how we roll.

Books Books Books (and cooking/baking books)

I did pretty well! I bought two books for the month and they were both gift cards so that was a success, including pre-ordering The Bride Test and Darkdawn by Jay Kristoff. I finished Nevernight and Godsgrave in January and couldn’t stop myself from pre-ordering Darkdawn. I MUST KNOW WHAT HAPPENS!

I also gave away some books to a local free little library on my street. My friend T from Nite Lite scored some almost new romance books from the same place so we were happy and satisfied.

I made some tasty things in January. Here are some pics of the Pear Crostata. I also learned how to make homemade pie dough. It’s not that hard!

I also made homemade broccoli soup with stilton cheese, homemade Ramen with chicken and poached egg, Grumpkins pie, banana bread with chocolate chips and attempted a Chess pie, which sadly did not work out. (Undercooked)

I got the two Ashley English cookbooks from the local library and I have to admit, I’m in love with them. I ended up buying A Year of Pies on Amazon because I have used it so frequently. I also have made a few recipes out of the Soup cookbook. They’re good and interesting and easy enough for a beginner. (cough cough) I haven’t made anything from the Tasting Paris book yet, but I will. I fell in love with it as soon as I opened it.

Knit Knit Purl Purl

Sad to say I didn’t do as much knitting as I would have liked. I managed to get a little done, including finally finishing the first ball on the tale As Old As Time cowl I’m working on. But overall, it was a slow knitting month. That’s going to change though.

I mentioned last month that I’m trying to get better at some of my crafts. Knitting is no exception. I broke down and bought some solid fingering weight wool (Cascade 220) to start my color work knitting project with. I haven’t decided which pattern yet but it will be out of the Mittens from Norway book.

I also broke down and bought a beautiful book called Within. I am so in love with it. A co-worker mentioned she was making a sweater from it and once I looked into it, I realized we had the same taste in knitwear! I bought this as soon as I could and I’m anxious to dive into one of the cardigan patterns. I want to make this some time this year.

I finally finished and bought buttons for my daughter’s cardigan.

Hygge

I did really well actually. Considering it was the holiday season, I managed to limit the amount of clutter in my house. Just the other day, I got another bag ready for goodwill. Honestly, it was mostly old bowls and kitchen stuff I don’t need or haven’t used. Now that I’m actively cooking and baking, I have a better idea on what I need and what I don’t so I was happy to pas along some items to people who may need them.

Health

Hmmm, well, yeah. I mean, the baking can’t really be helping can it? 😉

I surprised myself and tried a boxing class with my friend. It was a lot of fun and I went back a couple of times already. I also managed to go to a cycling class. The trick for me is not to get bored. I’m going to focus more on classes this year.

While I haven’t lost weight, I honestly do feel better. I haven’t had as many anxiety attacks or heart palpitations so I think I’m doing something that is working. I’m also trying to spend more time with myself. I’ve scheduled one lunch a week with just me in the hopes I can knit, read or write in peace. This is sometimes the only time a day I have to myself so I have to keep it sacred.

And that brings me to my passion which is writing. I reached out to an old friend and we’ll be motivating each other and writing together more. I’m really excited about this because writing can be very solitary. Doing a little writing exercises with friends really has motivated me to make it a priority.

Speaking of… I better get back to it.

Enjoy your Feb.!