Natalie’s Notebook- February Recap
Ireland, a great tote, and an exciting change
Hi there and welcome! This monthly newsletter contains recommendations, interesting articles, recipes, and fun finds. Get cozy, settle in for a bit, and let’s get caught up. ☺️
February Chit Chat ❤️
Happy March! We are sliding out of the winter season, and slipping into spring. Hooray! February was a busy, busy month full of travel, an exciting change, lots of soup, and a persistent cough, thanks to Long Covid.
Here are the highlights from last month:
Tony and I spent a wonderful long weekend in Newport Beach, CA. We walked along the beach, watched movies, ate fabulous dinners, and rested.
Big news: The exciting change is that Tony has retired. While still some years from the average retirement age, he decided to step away from the corporate world. We are beyond thrilled about this new phase and what’s to come! He’s happy to begin some projects on our property, and we have some fun travel plans.
Speaking of travel, I spent nine days in Ireland and had the best time! I flew into Dublin and headed up to N. Ireland for the first half of the trip. I stayed with my dear friend in her home, and we had a grand time taking walks beside the water, listening to traditional Irish music in pubs, eating lots of fish and chips, and spending time with her family. We then traveled to Dublin for five days and enjoyed afternoon tea, whiskey tasting, a few museums, a castle, exploring Trinity College, and shopping along Grafton Street.
I belong to a book club that meets every six weeks or so, and we have such great discussions. We are excited for March’s read: How to Walk into a Room- The Art of Knowing When to Stay and When to Walk Away by Emily P. Freeman. This book releases soon-on March 12! There are Pre-Order Bonuses here if you are interested.
Everyday Loves
Apple launched a new app, Journal, that “helps users reflect on everyday moments and life’s special events.” I used this app to journal the details of my Ireland trip. I can foresee myself using this new app often.
This light-blocking eye mask was handy for my long flight and jet lag. I’ve actually been using it nightly since I returned home. I love that the mask doesn’t sit right on the eyes and that it completely blocks all light.
I’ve been using the Pray as You Go app for a number of years now, and I still love it. The daily sessions are short- maybe 10 minutes- and each has a Scripture, prayer, and reflection question. Because I’m a visual learner, I use the button to read along with the audio.
I purchased this quilted nylon tote last summer to use as my carry-on item for a trip, and I now use it as a work bag. It’s lightweight, easy to clean, and holds so much. I love that it has many pockets and a shoulder strap.
Noteworthy Links
A helpful laundry tip- How to Brighten Yellowed Whites. Have you ever tried this?
This article reminded me of the importance of reaching out to friends I haven’t spoken to in a while and how vital connection is: The Case for Inviting Everyone to Everything.
From the Kitchen
The easiest chicken soup that’s dairy-free, gluten-free, and grain-free. This recipe makes a lot of soup, so it’s great for sharing or freezing. I added extra garlic and a few handfuls of kale to the recipe, and I think the soup tasted even better on day two.
This recipe for bolognese sauce is so flavorful and hearty! The longer it simmers, the better. I’ve made this with ground turkey, ground beef, and as the recipe reads- all are delicious! P.S. Don’t skip the secret ingredient.
A favorite all year long: Change Your Life Shawarma.
What were the best parts of last month? What do you look forward to in March?
"Stop paying so much attention to what everyone else is doing and run your own race. How much time is spent reading other people's posts on social media, watching other people's exploits in the news, listening to other people's ideas on podcasts? Go have coffee with a friend. Go make something. Go outside. All those hours spent looking at someone else's life on a screen could be used to take action in your own life." James Clear
With love, Natalie xx
Ooo this post made me hungry!!! Lol Fantastic recipes! And the almighty “best chocolate chip cookie” race?? I would have loved to have been in her kitchen that day! So very glad for all your news and that you had a great time in Ireland, I am rather fond of it, too. Congratulations to Tony!! Well deserved!! We are still dragging out of winter here, snow on the ground in the west! Love you xx
Congratulations to Tony! I’m excited to follow your upcoming adventures!