March 7, 2026 – Game night! I made my world-famous oatmeal chocolate chip cookies (recipe here!) and we played Life, Racko, and 5 Second Rule. 

March 8, 2026 – A low-key Sunday. Eloise was looking particularly cute this morning, as she got solar-powered for the day.

March 9, 2026 – My friend Lynn and I have a new tradition of gifting each other a book event for our birthday, so I was finally able to cash in on my birthday present! Lisa Unger is a local author who is also a renowned thriller writer, and she just released a new book this month! It was great to hear about her writing process and how this book came to be. I can’t wait to read it!

March 10, 2026 – Mmmm, pizza date! Bri and I went to our favorite local spot in Safety Harbor and then went back to her house to record two podcast episodes. We didn’t start recording until after 8 p.m., so I wasn’t sure if we’d have enough time to record both episodes, but luckily, they were on the shorter side.

March 11, 2026 – Sweet Lila Bear! I was making breakfast in the morning and saw her lying on the couch with her belly exposed. I very politely asked if I could pet her belly, and she said yes. 

March 12, 2026 – I took a risk and went for a walk right before a big rainstorm threatened. It started sprinkling when I was halfway done, but didn’t start come down harder until I was steps away from my apartment. Whew!

March 13, 2026 – There are so many pictures I could have taken from today, since it was a busy one, but I did not take any pictures until I was at home, curled up in my reading chair and settling down with a sweet romance. So that’s what you get! 

What’s the last photo you took?

It’s been a busy week for me. Let’s review:

• Monday: A friend and I met up for a book talk downtown with Lisa Unger
• Tuesday: Pizza and podcasting with Bri (we recorded two episodes! On a weeknight!)
• Wednesday: Trivia night with mom

My weekend is going to be equally busy, so I’m seeing all of my napping hours slip away. Wahhh!

Not to mention, I started my period on Monday, so I’ve been in a bit of a hormonal state and dealing with terrible cramps. And it’s been a very meeting-heavy week at work, so I’ve been so busy during the day that I can’t find time for any of my hobbies. I didn’t even open my laptop for two days, so I am insanely behind on reading and commenting on blogs.

Thankfully, next week is a three-day workweek for me, since I gave myself a four-day weekend. I have no real plans for this long weekend, aside from a scheduled massage. I was hoping to spend some time at the pool, but the highs are in the low 70s. I can probably sit by the pool, but the water may still be too cold to enjoy. Oh, well. This time off will allow me to relax and get some stuff done around the apartment, at least!

2) Tax SZN

I did my taxes. I have been putting it off, even though I had all the documents I needed, because I just didn’t want to see the damage. I used to get a nice lil refund check from the government, but then I started making an actual livable wage, and for the past two years, I’ve owed money. I also got a bonus in 2025, and I was concerned that it was going to affect my tax return. However, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I am getting a refund this year! Once I paid all the appropriate fees to TurboTax, it only wound up being $80, but hey, money is money. And I will not complain about that!

3) No news isn’t always good news

There’s not much to report about my PsA progress, or lack thereof. Yesterday, I started my fourth week of methotrexate, and this could be the week I start seeing some symptom improvement… or it could take another month. I’m still dealing with a swollen ring finger and left shoulder pain. My hips are also a bit stiff every morning, but that gradually gets better as the day goes on. And every now and then, I’ll wake up with a random joint flaring. One day, it was the side of my left knee, the other day, it was my right elbow. Sometimes, both shoulder joints are so stiff and painful that I have to wait to take a shower because there’s just no way I can lift my arms high enough to wash my hair.

I’m still on prednisone and haven’t even thought about the tapering process. (My rheum said I could start tapering if I was feeling good enough, but nope!) I’ve been on prednisone for six weeks now, but thankfully, the dose I’m on does keep the more miserable PsA symptoms away.

I’ll get bloodwork next week to see how my inflammation markers are looking, and then I have a rheumatology follow-up the following week!

4) Canceled plans

My mom and I have decided to postpone our trip to Boston (we planned to go at the end of March). Instead, we’re going to plan an epic New England road trip in the fall. !!! We’ll get to enjoy all the fall foliage and check off a bunch of states we’ve never visited. The loose itinerary I have in my head is flying into Boston and spending a few days in the city, then road tripping through New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont, before driving back to Boston to come home. I am so ready to plan an incredible itinerary for this trip!

5) Weekend plans

It’s going to be a busy weekend, on top of my busy week. Ahhh! Today, I have a colleague’s going-away party and dinner with my mom. Tomorrow, my mom and I will take the dogs to get baths, have lunch while they get pampered, and then drive over to Dunedin to visit our favorite ice cream shop that serves dog-friendly ice cream! (It’s Chip’s birthday on Monday, and one of our traditions is taking the dogs to get ice cream on their birthday weekend!) There’s a really cute, tiny bookstore nearby, so we’ll see if I can sneak away for a few minutes (or 30) to peruse the shelves. And Sunday will be a low-key day, as my only plan is my writing date with Mikaela. The goal is to finish up the character study for one of my main characters!

What are your weekend plans? Have you done your taxes?

The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen by K.J. Charles (★★★★☆)

Print • Owned (romance bookstore) • Historical Romance • 2023

Short synopsis: A prickly new baronet and the smuggler he once had a secret affair with become unwilling allies on the dangerous Romney Marsh when blackmail, family loyalty, and lingering desire force them back into each other’s lives.

I loved this queer historical romance! I picked it up as a “Blind Date with a Book” from a local romance bookstore, which is always risky, but this one was a wonderful surprise. The writing was sharp, the characters felt fully realized, and the story pulled me in right away. Gareth and Joss were so easy to root for, and I especially loved the tenderness between them. The way they cared for and protected each other was so beautiful! While this book was not a light, breezy historical romance (it could be quite tense at times), that made it feel fresh and compelling. I’m excited to read more from this author!

After I Do by Taylor Jenkins Reid (★★★★★)

Print • Owned (Amazon) • Contemporary Fiction • 2014

Short synopsis: When their marriage reaches a breaking point, Lauren and Ryan agree to spend a year apart with no contact—an experiment that forces Lauren to confront her beliefs about love, commitment, and what it truly means to stay married.

As a longtime fan of Taylor Jenkins Reid, After I Do is the last of her books I hadn’t read. Stories about marriages in peril aren’t usually my favorite, but I should have trusted that TJR would make me deeply care about these characters. Lauren and Ryan are wonderfully complex: likable and frustrating, flawed yet charming, and so fully realized that I genuinely didn’t know what I was hoping for by the end—reconciliation or a clean break. I especially appreciated that Lauren’s year of separation isn’t some dramatic, Eat, Pray, Love-style reinvention; instead, she continues living her ordinary life—going to work, spending time with friends and family, and slowly untangling what she believes about marriage, sex, and commitment. It’s a thoughtful, emotionally honest story about love after the spark fades, and it reminded me once again why Taylor Jenkins Reid is such an exceptional storyteller.

The Death of Bees by Lisa O’Donnell (★★★★☆)

Audiobook • Hoopla • Contemporary Fiction • 2013

Synopsis: Two sisters secretly bury their parents in the backyard and spend the next year desperately maintaining the lie — until the questions start closing in.

What a strange little book! It’s not the sort of story I would normally pick up, but something about it pulled me in. Maybe it was the narrator’s terrific Scottish accent, which gave the audiobook such a strong voice and sense of place, or maybe it was simply Marnie and Nelly—two young girls trying to survive on their own after their parents die. The novel balances a surprising amount of dark humor (I laughed out loud several times) with some very heavy themes, including sexual abuse, teenage girls being preyed upon by much older men, hard drug use, and negligent parenting. Because of that, it’s a difficult book to recommend. You have to be willing to sit with some very dark material. But for me, it was a fascinating, unsettling, and ultimately very satisfying listening experience. (Recommendation source: Sarah’s Bookshelves Live.)

What are you reading?

Saturday, February 28 – I found Dr. Pepper lounge pants. Do I need anything else in my life?!

Today’s FIG: I’m grateful for a really fun day with my mom and I love spending time with her.

Sunday, March 1 – It was one of those days when I almost forgot to take a photo. Thankfully, Eloise was happy to pose with me. Yes, this is her happy face.

Monday, March 2 – This book brings back so many memories for me! I owned a copy of this book when I was younger and read it so much that the back cover (which opens to a map of Stoneybrook) fell off. My mom bought me a second copy when that happened, which was a big deal because buying new books wasn’t a thing in my family. (We were heavy library users!) I was talking to a friend about this book and, on a whim, decided to see how much it would cost to get a copy. It was on Thriftbooks for less than $10! Sold.

Tuesday, March 3 – I took this picture of Lila and then squealed so much about how cute she was that Lila jumped off the table. Sometimes, my love is a bit overwhelming.

Wednesday, March 4 – Our trivia team name is the Last-Place Besties, and guess what? We came in last place! Self-aware queens.

Thursday, March 5 – I was sitting on the couch watching TV, and Eloise came to snuggle up right next to me. It was the sweetest thing! I love her so much, if it isn’t obvious.

Friday, March 6 – OMGGGGGGG. You guys! My bestie Bri is in a play at our local community theater and yesterday was the opening night. The play was so good, and the kicker is that Bri’s husband Sean is also in the play. (I knew this fun tidbit, but they’re keeping it a secret from other people.) I laughed a lot, and my heart swelled with pride to see Bri up on stage. She was a star. (And Sean was, too! You’d never know this was his first-ever play!)

Well, I’m going back to my roots because as much as I enjoyed that exercise, I find it much more helpful to look at my spending habits this way to get a more detailed picture of where my money is going. So, we’re back! I’ll list out all of my different spending categories and show you how they compare to January. As a quick reminder, this is a spending report so I’m only talking about money I spent after it hit my bank account. Don’t expect to see anything about my 401k, FSA, health insurance, etc.

Here’s the breakdown:

Bills (45.8% | ↑ 29.7% from January): This increase looks scary, but it’s really only because I didn’t have to pay rent in January. This category comprises all of my bills, including rent, utilities, Internet, phone, gym, electric, my school loan, and my car payment.

Food (13.9% | ↓ 4.7% from January): I made some improvements with my food budget from January, hooray! My biggest improvement was spending $100 less in Ubereats orders. My total is still much higher than I would like it to be ($174), but slow and steady progress, right?

Shopping (10.1% | ↑ .5% from January): I actually spent less money shopping in February than I did in January ($480 vs $636), but it shook out differently with the way my budget shifted due to rent. My goal was to get my shopping budget under $500 so I’m happy to see this progress. Let’s see if I can get it even lower in March! Highest-spend categories: home ($199), books ($124), and miscellaneous ($73).

Travel (9.1% | ↑ 9.1% from January): I didn’t spend any money on travel in January, so this is my first travel expense of 2026! I reserved an Airbnb for a few days in April.

Savings (5.7% | ↑ 2.9% from January): I always love when my savings percentage increases! I continue to put $25/week into my emergency savings, set aside money in a Christmas savings fund, and I’ve been adding money to the savings account tied to my bank. I’d like to have around $2,000 in that savings account (separate from emergency savings) since that can be more quickly moved over to my checking account. It would just feel really satisfying to have a buffer like that in my savings!

Pets (4.0% | ↓ 2.4% from January): I spent less on the cats in February, so hooray for that. This came in just under $200. This includes Eloise’s wellness plan, new collars, food, and treats.

Entertainment (3.3% | ↑ 1.7% from January): There were a handful of very fun things in February, and some of them were a little on the pricey side. Still, I kept my entertainment spending under $200, and I’m happy about that!

Gifts/Donations (2.9% | ↑ 1.1% from January): February has Galentine’s Day and my younger nephew’s birthday. I also bought Girl Scout cookies from a friend and donated to the ASPCA.

Subscriptions (1.9% | ↑ 1.1% from January): I think this increase has more to do with the way the percentages shook out than anything else, since I didn’t add any new subscriptions in February. Same old, same old. Things like Patreon, Spotify, Canva, Paramount+, Book of the Month, etc.

Medical (1.2% | ↑ 1.2% from January): Most of my medical expenses are paid for by my FSA card, and I don’t include those in this spending report. But I did spend about $55 on some medical-related expenses like replacing a few of my supplements that had run out.

Household Supplies (.8% | ↓ 2.3% from January): Last month was an expensive one for household supplies, as a lot of things needed to be replenished. This month, not so much! Just random things like aluminum foil and Ziploc bags.

Car (.7% | ↓ 0.3% from January): An easy month for car expenses in February. I only needed to fill up my car with gas once.

Beauty (.6% | ↓ 4.3% from January): An easy month for beauty expenses. I replenished some skincare supplies and bought a foot mask for my rough heels, but that was it!

Overall Thoughts

As a whole, February was a much more realistic picture of my monthly spending patterns than January. Adding in an $1,800 rent bill really skewed some of my percentages—for example, my shopping percentage should have gone down since I spent less money.

What went well?

• I met my shopping budget! I wanted to spend less than $500 and I did. I’m really glad to see that!
• I kept my entertainment budget under $200, which is a realistic place for me to be.
• I booked my Airbnb on my debit card. I realize many of you would book something like that on a credit card to get points, but typically, I would book something like that on my credit card to pay for later (sometimes… much later). I’m really happy the Airbnb is fully paid for right off the bat.

Where can I improve?

• Say it with me, you guys: Ubereats! While I’m happy I spent $100 less than I did in January, my total in January was embarrassingly high. The incentive I’m giving myself to lower this number is this: If I can keep my Ubereats budget under $100 in any month, then I can treat myself to a bougie pedicure.
• I spent beyond my means in February by almost $300. However, since I have built a nice little buffer in my checking account, it just meant that buffer reduced a bit. This was the first month I had to pay rent, so hopefully, I can adjust my spending a bit to keep it in line with my income.

What’s something fun you’ve bought recently?

Books Read

(2/7) Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-Reum (★★★★☆ – print, indie bookstore, 2024) – a sweet, heartwarming book about a bookstore owner and the people who visit her shop

(2/8) Most Ardently by Gabe Cole Novoa (★★★★☆ – e-book, Libby, 2024) – a Pride and Prejudice retelling, except in this story Elizabeth Bennet is trans and Darcy is a closeted gay man

(2/9) The Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Brammer (★★★★★ – audiobook, Libby, 2023) – a beautiful story about grief, dying, and what it means to live a good life

(2/11) Heart the Lover by Lily King (★★★★★ – print, indie bookstore, 2025) – a companion to Writers & Lovers with beautiful writing and a story I can’t stop thinking about

(2/17) Wild Eyes by Elsie Silver (★★★★★ – print, indie bookstore, 2024) – the trope of the celebrity falling in love with a regular person will never get old to me, and this one was excellent

(2/18) A Most Agreeable Murder by Julia Seales (★★★☆☆ 1/2 – audiobook, Libby, 2023) – a locked-room mystery involving a strange murder and a woman teaming up with her nemesis to find the killer

(2/19) Wayward Girls by Susan Wiggs (★★★☆☆ 1/2 – e-book, Libby, 2025) – this historical novel about the real Magdelene laundries was harrowing, and I really wish the last 100 pages had been edited down

(2/25) You Are Not a Before Picture by Alex Light (★★★☆☆ – audiobook, Spotify, 2022) – a great primer on diet culture and body acceptance

(2/27) The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen by K.J. Charles (★★★★☆ – print, indie bookstore, 2023) – one of those unexpectedly great romances involving two men from different walks of life 

(2/28) After I Do by Taylor Jenkins Reid (★★★★★ – print, Amazon, 2013) – marriage-in-peril books are not typically my jam, but I should have never doubted that TJR would make this story compelling and difficult to put down

Book Stats

• # of books read: 10
• # of pages read: 3,327 pages
• Genre breakdown: romance (3), fiction (5), mystery/thriller (1), nonfiction (1)
• Format breakdown: print (5), audiobook (3), and ebook (2)
• Fastest read: Heart the Lover (3 days)
• Slowest read: Most Ardently, Wild Eyes, The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen, and After I Do (9 days)
• Star average: 4.1

Superlatives

• The best book I read in February: The Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Brammer
• My favorite romance in February: Wild Eyes by Elsie Silver
• The book I didn’t expect to love as much as I did: The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen by KJ Charles
• The book that lived up to the hype: Heart the Lover by Lily King
• The book with the strongest sense of place: Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-Reum

Reading Miscellaneous

Unread Shelf Project | February prompt: A book by an author you’ve never read before: I chose Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop for this prompt, a book I bought in London. It’s not often that I pick up a book on a whim based on the synopsis alone, but this one called to me and had the most adorable cover. (Books it beat out: Homeseeking by Karissa Chen, Umissing by Minka Kent, and The Compound by Aisling Rawle.)

Where I traveled this month: In the United States, I visited California, New York, and Montana. I also traveled to the cutest bookstore in South Korea, a rugged mountain town in British Columbia, and many places throughout England.

DNFs: I had three DNFs in February, but one of those DNFs I will be returning to soon.

• Algospeak: How Social Media Is Transforming the Future of Language by Adam Aleksic: I only listened to about 1.5 hours of this audiobook. I couldn’t stand the author and didn’t love his very obvious “tips” on how to be a better influencer. Not what I came to the book for!
• The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton: I applaud everyone who kept reading this book for Engie’s CBBC, even though they hated it. I just could not do it.
• A Ruse of Shadows by Sherry Thomas: This is the 8th book in the Lady Sherlock series, and I’ve listened to all but one of these books on audio. This time, the audio wasn’t working for me. I was getting very confused by the plot and all the characters, so I set this one aside, and I’ll pick it up again in print.

Something I learned from my reading: All about the U.S. Magdalene laundries (fashioned after the Irish Magdalene laundries), thanks to Wayward Girls. I had no idea these places even existed, and wowwwww.

What’s Coming Up in February

Here are some of the books on my upcoming TBR for this month:

• Inhale Exhale by Nicole MacPherson – I am so very excited to sit down and read this novel, since it’s, of course, written by our very own Nicole!
• Homeseeking by Karissa Chen – This is the book I’ve chosen for March’s prompt for the Unread Shelf Challenge. Both Sam and Lisa have raved about this book, so I have high hopes!
• Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro – I’m currently in the middle of this book! I wanted to abandon it after 30 pages, but I told myself to keep going, and I’m really glad I did.
• Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston – This will be a reread for me, and it’s about damn time I did.
• What Happens in Amsterdam by Rachel Lynn Solomon – I picked up this romance on a whim at a romance bookstore because I’ve loved this author’s books in the past. I hope this one is just as sweet!

What was the best book you read in February? What about your least favorite book?!

I’m very pleased with how I’m knocking out my monthly goals so far in 2026. I didn’t have a 100% success rate in February, but 80% ain’t bad either!

February Goals

1) Book my Airbnb for my reading retreat. Complete! I booked the cutest little house in North Port for mid-April.

2) Visit a thrift shop. Complete! I left with three books and one cat-shaped sign. I’m nothing if not predictable.

3) Buy the girls new collars. Complete! Lila now has the cutest pink book-themed collar, and Eloise has a set of pearls because she’s fancy.

4) Spend five hours working on my novel idea. Complete! It has been such a joy to spend time brainstorming about these characters and the town I’m creating.

5) Figure out my 401K situation. Not complete. I didn’t even start this process.

March Goals

1) Schedule an eye appointment. I had LASIK surgery in 2023, and my last follow-up was sometime in early 2024. I’ve been having some weird blurriness only when I’m looking at the TV or when I’m trying to look at the time on my oven/microwave. I’ve been doing eye drops to see if it’s dry eye related, but not seeing much difference. So, I figure I should do my due diligence and schedule an eye appointment. Hopefully, all is well!

2) Make two new recipes. I’m not exactly in a food rut, but I haven’t made a new recipe in months.

3) Get Lila set up at the new vet. I’ve been waiting to get Lila set up with my new vet since she wasn’t due for an exam/vaccinations until March. I need to schedule an appointment and set up her wellness plan.

4) Complete two character studies for my two main characters and start working on my plot. Last month was all about nurturing this tiny flame of a novel idea, and now that I feel like it has potential, I am all in.

5) Figure out my 401K situation. Rollover goal.

What are your March goals? Any go-to recipe ideas for me?

WATCHED

• Survivor: Cook Islands, season 13 – I’m slowly working my way through past seasons of Survivor (I only started watching with season 41!), and this one had an insane premise: they separated the contestants into four tribes based on their ethnic groups (white, Asian, Black, and Hispanic). This season was released in the fall of 2006. A different time, to be sure!
• The Traitors US, season 4 – What a satisfying season of The Traitors! This is why I watch and love this show so much.
• The Amazing Race, season 8 – I’m also slowly working my way through past seasons of The Amazing Race, so I decided it was time to watch season 8. BJ + Tyler 4 ever!

In progress: Survivor 50, The Traitors UK (season 4)

LISTENED TO

• The Man in the Window (podcast) – This podcast is about the Golden State Killer, and it is creepy. I have not read I’ll Be Gone in the Dark, which is a true-crime book based on this serial killer, but the podcast was a great listen. (I could only listen during the daytime, though, ha. I’m such a wimp!)
• Shelf Respect (podcast) – I’m so happy that this show is no longer fully behind a paywall. While I believe in paying creators for their work, things get a little dicey for one’s finances when it seems like every podcast now has a Patreon subscription. I already subscribe to a handful of podcast Patreons, and couldn’t justify adding another one to my list at the time. But now, they’re releasing two free episodes every month, and I couldn’t be happier!

BOUGHT

• Office chair – This office chair was a long time coming, and I am so happy with it! I love that it’s pink, it glides so easily, and it’s comfortable. Eloise is less pleased with this office chair because there isn’t enough room for her to sit when I’m in it. Parenting fail, I guess.
• End table – Sometime in February, I became obsessed with the idea that I needed an end table for my living room. I couldn’t stop thinking about how nice it would really tie my living room together, and so I found this end table, and I love it. It was super easy to put together, too!
• Lamp – I love this lamp! I found it at Target. It’s so cute!

LOVED

• Our Super Bowl party – While the game itself was a snoozefest, we had a great Super Bowl party! It’s a small event – just my mom, my brother, my nephews, and me – but we had plenty of food to keep us busy! I thought the halftime show was incredible, and it was especially sweet to watch it with my nephews, who are half-Puerto Rican.
• Trivia nights – My mom and I started attending trivia on Wednesday nights. It’s just the two of us and our general knowledge is, ahem, not as thorough as it should be to win at trivia, but mostly, we’re there to have fun and laugh at ourselves.
• Galentine’s Day – I had the best Galentine’s Day! My mom, Bri, and I went out for dinner, and then we saw & Juliet at the Straz. It was an amazing show. I didn’t expect to be so moved by it!

LOATHED

• Joint pain – While I started on long-term medication for psoriatic arthritis in February, it’s going to take some time to see any sort of improvement. And even then, it might not be a strong enough dose to provide the relief I need! So I am in this trial period of figuring out the right meds and the right dose for my PsA, and I need to be patient. I’m still having joint pain (my left shoulder, my left ring finger, and my hips from time to time), and I’m still taking prednisone, which keeps the intense symptoms at bay. This is a slow process, though, and I’m trying to accept that.
• Other medical ailments – After getting bloodwork and X-rays done, my rheumatologist noted a few “extra” ailments I need to speak to my primary doc about (enlarged heart, possible Hashimoto’s diagnosis, and high thyroid levels). I don’t have the energy to deal with anything else, so I haven’t made an appointment yet.
• My eating habits – I first wrote “bad eating habits” and then realized I had just read a book about body image and not moralizing our food choices! See? My mind can still slip into fatphobia, even though I’ve been on an anti-diet culture/fat acceptance journey for a decade. What I want to say here is that I haven’t been nourishing myself in a way that makes me feel good. I really want to focus on hydration and getting more fruits and veggies into my days.

SUPERLATIVES

• This month’s chapter title: Let’s Make This House a Home
• Weather notes: It was pretty nice around here! We had some super cold (for Florida) days where my car even had a snowflake next to the temperature! And then we had some really nice, warm days in the 70s. It makes me excited for spring and wanting to spend some time at my pool!
• Favorite meal/snack: Girl Scout cookies!
• Something I learned: I was curious why Chip (my fur-brother) seems to delight in chewing holes in blankets. Is this anxiety or a nervous tic? According to ChatGPT, it’s a self-soothing behavior. It makes him feel calm, and it’s part of his relaxation routine. I told my mom that it’s a great business idea, though. Ever felt too hot while under a blanket, but then when you remove the blanket, you’re cold again? INTRODUCING… The Chip Blanket! With strategically placed holes, you’ll never be too hot OR too cold!
• An unexpected delight: A wonderful present from Kim out of the blue! It was so thoughtful!

What chapter title would you give to February? What’s something you loved this month?

I didn’t quite have the same level of success with these books as I did in last week’s What I’m Reading post (three 5-star reads!), but this one was a recommendation trifecta, as I read each one based on the recommendation of others!

A Most Agreeable Murder by Julia Seales (★★★☆☆ 1/2)

Audiobook • Libby • Mystery • 2023

Short synopsis: When a wealthy bachelor drops dead at a ball, a young lady takes on the decidedly improper role of detective in this action-packed debut comedy of manners and murder.

This historical mystery had so much potential, and, while it didn’t fully deliver, it still worked as a fun palate cleanser. One of my favorite mystery tropes is the locked-room mystery. In this novel, that location was a ball that took place during a snowstorm, effectively trapping everyone inside while they tried to figure out the “whodunit.” The satirical tone, feisty heroine, and roguish detective give the story plenty of charm, and I loved the chemistry between Beatrice and Drake. That said, the large cast was difficult to track (especially on audio), and the mystery became a bit convoluted by the end. It definitely read like a debut in that respect. Still, I had a great time listening and was excited to find out there’s a sequel. (Recommendation source: Meredith from Currently Reading)

Wayward Girls by Susan Wiggs (★★★☆☆ 1/2)

E-Book • Libby • Historical Fiction • 2025

Short synopsis: Amid the turmoil of 1968 Buffalo, six teenage girls—condemned for being gay, pregnant, rebellious, or simply inconvenient—are confined to the secretive Good Shepherd institution, where forced labor, abuse, and moral hypocrisy test their endurance, loyalty, and will to survive.

This could have been a five-star read if not for the final 100 pages. The first 75% is absolutely gripping—visceral, heartbreaking, and rooted in an important history that deserved to be told.  It was hard to read about the abuses the girls suffered, of course, but their resilience and the bonds they forged feel raw, powerful, and unforgettable. Unfortunately, the extended present-day storyline didn’t land the same way. While I appreciate the idea of these women reconnecting and reclaiming their power in their seventies, it went on far too long and began to feel overly tidy and sentimental, smoothing over the complexity that made the earlier chapters so compelling. (I was also kinda annoyed that the only girl from their cohort who did not end up married or in a serious relationship is the one who died tragically. Tell us how you really feel about single people, Susan Wiggs!) I still wholeheartedly recommend it for the historical narrative alone, but I don’t think there’s any reason to keep reading once the present-day timeline starts. (Recommendation source: Kyria)

You Are Not a Before Picture by Alex Light (★★★☆☆)

Audiobook • Spotify • Nonfiction • 2022

Short synopsis: An empowering guide to disavowing diet culture and learning to make peace with our bodies, from body confidence and anti-diet advocate, Alex Light.

This book has earned so many rave reviews, and while it didn’t hit me in a groundbreaking way, I can absolutely see why it resonates. I suspect that if I had picked it up earlier in my own diet culture unlearning, it might have been life-changing. For me, much of the content wasn’t new, as I’ve been reading and listening to many of the experts Light references for nearly a decade now, but that doesn’t diminish its value. What I appreciated most is that Light doesn’t position herself as having all the answers. She’s honest about how hard it is to unlearn diet culture and how imperfect that process can be. Her writing is engaging and accessible, and I’d recommend this to anyone at the beginning of their journey who’s looking for a thoughtful, compassionate place to start. (Recommendation source: Elisabeth)

What are you reading?

February 21, 2026 – My youngest nephew is 11! That’s so wild. Why do these kids keep getting big? Also, why does everyone in my family want cookie cake for their birthdays? COOKIE CAKE IS NOT GOOD.

Today’s FIG: I’m so thankful that Saturday night game night is back AND that D specifically requested that we start back on his birthday. We had a great time!

February 22, 2026 – I had book club today but we forgot to take a picture! What is wrong with us?! In place of that, you get Eloise in her favorite spot. Sometimes she lets me use her napping chair as a reading chair.

Today’s FIG: It was nice to see all my friends (minus one!) at book club today, although I felt like I was a bit crabby to my friends. Prednisone side effect?!

February 23, 2026 – My lovely walking path. I’m excited to see what blooms on those naked trees!

Today’s FIG: It was so nice to wake up to a cold front this morning! It’s probably our last one until November or December, so I enjoyed turning off my AC and bundling up! 

February 24, 2026 – I couldn’t find Lila this morning… until I peeked over the side of my bed to see her stretched out on the rug in a sunbeam. Look how round and perfect she is!

Today’s FIG: I’m thankful for homemade nachos. Such a simple, delicious (albeit not-very-healthy) meal!

February 25, 2026 – I can’t believe it’s finally here! Survivor 50! My mom came over to watch the premiere episode with me, and Lila even emerged from her hiding place for some pets later in the night. (Eloise was hanging out with us, but Lila keeps her distance when I have people over.)

Today’s FIG: I’m thankful that I did not have a heart attack this morning! I kept imagining rushing myself to the ER and having to stay overnight at the hospital and deal with all sorts of unpleasant things. Hooray for heartburn?

February 26, 2027 – Lucy snuggles! I went over to my mom’s house so we could watch The Traitors finale together, and Lucy didn’t want me to put her down. I tried at one point and she climbed back up into my arms. Such a sweetheart!

Today’s FIG: I’m thankful for my fur-siblings. They make me so happy! I don’t know what I would do without them.

February 27, 2026 – Sometimes you have back-to-back meetings in the middle of lunch hour, and suddenly, it’s 3 pm, and you haven’t had lunch, so you make popcorn in the air popper. (My eating habits are fantastic and so super healthy, why do you ask?!)

Today’s FIG: I am thankful that I have a whole season of The Traitors UK to watch! Finishing season 4 of The Traitors US was immensely satisfying, and I am ready for more treachery and murder!

What was the last TV show you watched?