February at a glance...
You were good to me, February…
WHAT I/WE DID
February was a good mix of home-bound and fun. Among some of the things we did:
This month gave us a weekend full of rain, which, in turn, gave me the chance to stay home without any desire to get out in that weather and do something I’ve been wanting to do for years. Aka, a DIY!
I’ve been wanting to create a decorative box with shells I’ve collected over the years but never got around to actually doing it until this past month. It’s still a work in progress — it’s a round box so the sides are a bit tricky, but it’s coming along and I’m so happy! Almost done with it!
We also got around to doing something else we’ve been wanting to do — (re)visit the Dali Museum. Our two big wants were to see the Dalí & the Impressionists: Monet, Renoir, Degas & More, and, of course, experience the Dalí Alive 360° in The Dalí Dome. We loved them both and left the museum inspired and impressed!
Note: The Impressionists exhibit ends on April 28, 2024, while The Dome is here to stay. As you can imagine, the museum gets busy, and the Dome tickets sell out (space is limited and yes, there’s an additional cost; you can’t purchase Dome tickets without general admission). I would definitely recommend getting your tickets in advance. When we arrived, the line to get in was massive, but we were able to bypass it as we bought them weeks before our visit.
We got to explore other new-to-us areas and parks in Saint Petersburg/Largo/Clearwater (yup, we visit those much more than Tampa), and enjoy time outside.
Oh, and how could I forget? We watched Taylor Swift win the Super Bowl 😉 — it feels so long ago now…
FEBRUARY BLOG POSTS ROUNDUP
Per usual, this month brought a mix of things on the blog, while I also updated a few previously published posts. Here’s what went on on BloomingMagnoliasBlog.com in February:
Must-read books. I updated my list of the best books I’ve read so far; these novels have stirred up many emotions and remain my favorite reads.
Must-see places in Florida. Updated the list of places we visited and loved for various reasons. Definitely check it out if you’re coming to Florida (or even live here!).
Fun summer earrings. Yes, I know, summer is far away for many, but it feels like it’s making its way to Florida quickly. Either way, I know you’re looking for cute styles for the upcoming warm season, and since accessories are a big part of a good outfit, I wanted to share a roundup of gorgeous earrings I love. I hope you find something that sparks joy! 😉
How to style a black dress. It seems that I’m in my black dress era as I decided to add some drama to my style by incorporating a color I’ve been avoiding for years. Nope, this does not mean that I’m giving up on color, and this blog post supports my statement.
Our favorite Tampa Bay parks to visit. Nope, I don’t mean Busch Gardens (though, by all means, do visit it if you wish). This post shares places where you won’t have to fight crowds. You’re welcome!
Retinol & Swertiamarin Contour Cream for Face and Neck. An update on this face cream I shared about a while ago; Spoiler — I still love it!
Spring style wish list. Yes, this list includes items that I really want to add to my closet, and it’s a good one!
5 things that bring me joy this week. Yep, still publishing this weekly series, because I’m realizing more and more that it’s the little things and moments that make the bigger picture.
WHAT I BOUGHT
I keep thinking, and nothing jumps at me, so that means that I have not made any significant or important purchases this month. But hey, I saw that this shirtdress is back in stock!
This day moisturizer with SPF 30.
This rebalancing shampoo as listed here.
So, just basics…
MY MOST WORN ITEM IN FEBRUARY
This dress. I have it in Burgundy#1 and Green-1, and no joke, they are my most complimented dresses. Go figure!
WHAT WE WATCHED
Mr. & Mrs. Smith. I did not love the show, but I didn’t hate it either. My main complaint about it is the lack of chemistry between our two main characters — for the most part, they seemed dull and boring. And for the record - I am not comparing it to the movie — I think this show should be approached as its own entity, even if it has some similarities. I did love the last episode which had everything it lacked throughout.
Death and Other Details. This show is giving strong Detective Hercule Poirot vibes with a good mix of drama. I’m not blown away by it, but the show isn’t bad either — it’s worth watching. Plus, Imogen’s style is impeccable and a delight to see.
True Detective. The expectations were high, and the show fell a bit short, but I loved the acting, of course. And the fact that it all made sense in the end.
Resident Alien. Something had to give! This is my new favorite show now (along with Ghosts). I can’t believe I didn’t know about it sooner, and that we only got to watch it now (it’s been around for a few years). Better late than never, because I absolutely love it! This comedy-drama has it all — love the characters, the acting, the storylines, relationships… in short, I love it all. I am dreading the day when we get caught up and the show ends…
Also, I finally finished all the Twilight movies that I started watching one dreary evening out of having nothing else to watch and seeing that it was available on Hulu. It’s a comfort series, and I don’t care about the hate it gets, or how bad they may be.
WHAT I READ
In the Shelter of Hollythorne House by Sarah E. Ladd. “A young widow faces an uncertain future . . . until an unexpected encounter with her first love gives her heart a second chance in this Regency romance set on the Yorkshire Moors.”.
Book two of The Houses of Yorkshire Series I read in December (apparently book three is on the way). As with the first book, I enjoyed this one greatly.
Note: I dislike the fact that this novel is categorized as “Christian” as it has nothing to do with religion. I believe it’s so because it’s a “clean” novel. Don’t let that keep you away from it if you enjoy historical fiction.
The President's Wife by Tracey Enerson Wood. “Socialite Edith Bolling has been in no hurry to find a new husband since she was widowed, preferring to fill her days with good friends and travel. But the enchanting courting of President Woodrow Wilson wins Edith over and she becomes the First Lady of the United States. The position is uncomfortable for the fiercely independent Edith, but she's determined to rise to the challenges of her new marriage—from the bloodthirsty press to the shadows of the First World War.”
Strangely enough, this book came as a pop-up recommendation once I was done with the previous one, so I decided to read it. They couldn’t be more different so I don’t understand the recommendation but that’s okay. In truth, I’m still reading this book and I’m enjoying it overall. Based on real facts and characters, it’s nice to learn about history and details, that perhaps, not many are familiar with as it offers a glimpse into the role of the First Lady of the United States.
SONG OF THE MONTH
This song got under my skin after watching A Murder at the End of the World in January.
WHAT CAUGHT MY EYE ON THE INTERNET
10 Unlikely Cherry Blossom Destinations in the U.S. The cherry-blossom clock is ticking and as eyes turn to the ultra-busy Washington D.C., maybe it’s time to remember that there are other, maybe not as spectacular, but still worth seeing cherry-blossoming locations across the country? Just saying…
Best TV Shows of 2024: Best New Series to Watch Now. In case you’ve already watched this and this list we’ve seen and loved.
'The Regime' Review: Kate Winslet Shows Off Her Comic Powers. Definitely curious about this show!
Well Intentioned: Maria Sharapova on the Importance of Discipline, the Best Athlete’s Sunblock and Her 80/20 Rule. Advice that’s easy/realistic to follow. I’m actually loving this entire series.
Hello March! No matter what astronomy is saying, spring is here if you ask me…