Another month has come and gone already in 2022. While some days it felt like the month was dragging on, it also felt like we blinked and we’re into March already! We are both ready to say goodbye to winter and welcome spring. But we have a few favorites that we kept coming back to in February. So, we want to share them with you in our monthly series!
Ellyn
I mentioned in my January favorites that one of my goals for 2022 was to read more. So, Ellyn, how’s that goal going? Not well. Ha! I’ve finished one book so far this year, and my goal was to read three a month. Oops. Hopefully I can get my butt in gear and make more time to read in March – especially so I can share more book reviews with you all! While I haven’t been good about reading novels, there is one thing I read every morning in my lineup of devotionals during my quiet time with our good Lord. I have had my Jesus Calling – 365 Day Devotional by Sarah Young since I was confirmed. I received it as a gift those 13 (?) years ago, but I have brought it with me as I (figuratively and literally) moved through high school, college, and my young adult life. No matter what I am going through, my daily devotions help me find peace in His presence and this devotional always seems to apply to whatever I am going through or experiencing. Every year I read it; it somehow applies. I love that it has carried me through different seasons of life, and I want to share it with those that are maybe looking for a new devotional or if you just need a little extra peace or encouragement. If you click on the picture below, you can purchase one for yourself.
My next February favorite is my latest go-to coffee. I am definitely not one to drink coffee black. As Jacob says, “You like that fancy fluff stuff”. I love a good latte or mocha but spending $5 on a “fancy” coffee every day is definitely not budget friendly. So, I figured out how to make my own at home and have been drinking it on repeat! Morning or afternoon, it is the perfect pick-me-up. I start with whatever coffee I have in the house – sometimes it’s Folgers, Kirkland, or Caribou Coffee and then I pour in just a splash of Chobani Sweet Cream creamer. In a separate small cup, I put a couple of tablespoons of heavy whipping cream and then use my milk frother to create that latte consistency. And if I am really feeling fancy, I may just drizzle over a little caramel sauce. 😉 The milk frother has saved me so much money by helping me create at-home lattes! A similar one is linked below for your convenience!
Something I found myself buying more than I should have this month was Red Aspen nail dashes. Shhhhhh don’t tell my husband! 😉 I shared these before in my “15-minute manicure? Yes, please!” post and I’m sharing them again because they are quite possibly one of my favorite products. I am a Brand Ambassador for Red Aspen because I love these dashes that much, and this last week we launched an entire list of new products! Two of which are mani + pedi prep masks! I am SO excited about these. They include ingredients that treat your skin to an at-home spa experience, for a fraction of the cost. They would make a great gift to a friend, too! Feeling like treating yourself? Click this link. 🙂
My last February favorite is something I have been listening to on repeat. I tend to ebb and flow when it comes to music – I listen to the same album for weeks on end and then discover something new. However, this album has been in my rotation since it was released in 2021. Carrie Underwood’s “My Savior” album is something I listen to when I am feeling both contentment and gratitude, but also when I feel down and yearn for comfort. “The Old Rugged Cross” is near and dear to me as it was one of my Grandpa Dennis’ favorite hymns. “How Great Thou Art” is another favorite of mine – it was actually played at our wedding by a very talented saxophonist who is also a member of our church. Both will always have a special place in my heart! Checkout my Spotify here to listen.
Jess
February came and went, but not without giving us a couple cold spells, inches of snow, some cold & flu bugs going through our household, and hope for warmer days to come! That’s why when reflecting on the past month and some of my February Favorites, I am leaning towards sharing a few things that made life just a little bit easier for me when it comes to saving time, playing with my kids, and just being comfortable!
In our household, I am the main parent that grocery shops and prepares the meals for our family. It’s just the way mine and Ben’s dynamic works and (most of the time) I’m okay with that because I enjoy cooking! On the weekends, Ben does chip in with dinner and supper ideas – which is super helpful. However, in my opinion, during the week meals tend to be the most stressful. For me, cooking supper when you’ve had a long day and entertaining kids that are tired, hungry, and just want to tell you about their day can feel like a lot. This meal has been a hit with the whole family – even Bryce who can sometimes err to the picky eater side. It uses a time-saver ingredient… Priano Spinach & Cheese Manicotti from Aldi. I shop Aldi ALL the time and hope to start sharing more time-saving meals from ingredients purchased there. Below I have a picture of the ingredients I used. I’ll be honest, I also added mozzarella cheese (because, of course!), but forgot to include it in the photo. Oops! Layer all the ingredients in a casserole dish, follow the directions on the back of the manicotti for baking time and oven temperature and enjoy!
Next up is a kid-specific share, but it is seriously so awesome! One of Savannah’s favorite things to do when my mom, Mimi, comes over is to play card games. We’re currently still stuck on Go-Fish and Old Maid (classics, am I right?), but I’m hoping to dive into Uno soon, too. When we first started playing, she would get bothered and frustrated that her hands couldn’t hold all of the cards. Then I came across these one day on Amazon and thought they were genius. Our little card player is now obsessed!
Grab the Little Hands Card Holder for yourself by clicking the picture below!
My last February Favorite is a total gem. I live for comfy/casual looks and these are perfect for that. I’ve even managed to dress them up a bit for work at school. They aren’t really wide in the legs like many joggers are (which I like), they have pockets, super soft material, a wider waistband, and are priced well. I have them in a couple colors, but my favorite colors are green and black & gray leopard. Check them out here!
We hope you enjoyed our best of February! Comment on this post if you have a February favorite of your own to share with us! Make sure to enter your email below in order to subscribe and get our monthly favorites series sent right to your inbox. Looking forward to warm, sunny days coming soon. Thank you for being here, friends!
Rooted in ag and led by faith,
Ellyn & Jess
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