1. Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. This book doesn’t need any more accolades as it’s already an international best seller, but you can also take my word for it that it’s very much worth reading. Here’s the plot summary: “Ifemelu and Obinze are young and in love when they depart military-ruled Nigeria for the West. Beautiful, self-assured Ifemelu heads for America, where despite her academic success, she is forced to grapple with what it means to be black for the first time. Quiet, thoughtful Obinze had hoped to join her, but with post-9/11 America closed to him, he instead plunges into a dangerous, undocumented life in London. Fifteen years later, they reunite in a newly democratic Nigeria, and reignite their passion—for each other and for their homeland.”
2. This zucchini bread recipe is fantastic.

1. Wow. This is a powerful article. It’s short, please take the time to read it! I’m a Christian mom of four, & I considered abortion.
2. Did you know that you can check out books from the library on your kindle? This is probably old news for most people- but a revelation for me! It was a little tricky to get it figured out. First, go to your library website and sign in. See if they have a link specifically for kindle books. It may be really easy to do straight from there. For me, not so much. I downloaded an app on my phone called Overdrive which is compatible with kindle. From there, I entered my library information and signed in. I looked up the book I wanted to check out (many were checked out but you can hold to get in line), then it sent me to the amazon site to log on, then sent the book to my kindle to download! This saves a lot of money for avid readers 🙂
3. I found this passage of scripture to be really encouraging today: 7, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows. … 24 Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! 25 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 26 If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? 27 Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! 29 And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. 30 For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them.32“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. From Luke 12
4. Getting antsy during the (forever) cold weather? If you’re like me, simple wood working projects can be stress relieving & satisfying. Check out: 31 Indoor Woodworking Projects To Do This Winter
5. Check out this amazingly simple & cheap way to making hangers for potted plants here.
6. Have you ever heard of Joybird? It’s an online site for furniture. We’re looking at getting a sleeper sofa from there. They offer free shipping & returns & a 365 day trial period! I’d love to hear what your experience was if you’ve tried it.

That’s all for today! Enjoy some images that have inspired me lately:

1. I’ve been wanting to share this for a while. For years (literally) I have struggled with extremely dry skin. The skin on my face has been a particularly difficult challenge. An hour after moisturizing my skin, it was visibly cracked and peeling. Wearing make up (which I like to do) only made things worse/more visible. What I finally learned is that I need a chemical exfoliant to help keep my dry skin at bay. At first this felt really counter intuitive as it seems like that kind of product might make my skin more dry, but actually it does the work of removing all that flaky business to make way for moisturizers to get in and work. I had tried physical exfoliants in the past but these seemed to really irritate my skin. I ended up seeking out advice from Reddit (which has an endless skin care forum) & heard about a little skin care line out of California called Stratia. Very reasonable cost wise and has worked amazing for me. Here is my current routine: at night I use Beauty Counter eye make up remover to take off my mascara and concealer on a cotton round, next use Stratia facial cleanser all over, then Stratia chemical exfoliant and let dry completely, then use a heavy moisturizer by Cerave. In the morning I just wash my face with warm water, then use Cerave again, then use this oil by Stratia on cheeks and forehead before applying make up. If you struggle with dry skin, I highly recommend trying out this routine for a couple of weeks consistently. Start slow with the exfoliant (2-3 times a week) & work your way up to daily use.
2. Speaking of skin issues, I’ve always had really sensitive skin. This has only been amplified since having Trip. Earrings have been a challenging thing in the last two years because I’ve become allergic to most metals. I’m talking full out red, nasty scabs after wearing “nicer” earrings. But recently I discovered that surgical stainless steel does not bother my skin one bit. Check out these very affordable and cute pairs on Amazon: here & here.
3. Every night I have cold feet when I get into bed! Even with socks on. So I recently bought myself a heating pad. I turn it on a few mins before I get in bed, like when brushing my teeth, and it’s so cozy! It’s the little things like this that get me through this long winter.

Hope you all have a great rest of your weekend. ❤️

1. Check out these cute, new, eco friendly bathing suits from Athleta. Athleta remains to be one of my favorite stores. Their clothes are well-made, practical, neutral enough to mix/match, and stylish.
2. I’m reallllly enjoying a new book. I haven’t finished it yet so I can’t say 100% that I love it, but so far it’s fantastic. An easy fiction read based on the mythological character, Circe. I’m not that into mythology, but the story is so good. Check out Circe by Madeline Miller.
3. It’s Super Bowl Sunday of course & to me all that means is an excuse to make food & have a few people over. Tonight I’m trying this pulled pork recipe with this slaw. I’ll get back to you on the results. So far it’s smelling great coming from the instant pot. What are your favorite instant pot recipes?
4. Have you seen the movie A Star is Born? Will & I watched it over Thanksgiving and thought it was really well done. Sad, but moving. Lady Gaga has to be one of the most talented people alive! Anyway, the soundtrack is also great! Give it a listen.
5. Last night I went to my first comedy show. We saw Nate Bargatze here in the twin cities and it.was.hilarious. Not a single crude joke or curse word, but the whole place was laughing for a solid hour and a half. He has a special on Netflix that you should watch for a good chuckle.
6. This a short Facebook post that is so life giving. What a beautiful story of resilience & hope!

That’s all for today! Hoping these things make today closer to your best. Cheers!