The sun in setting on the month of February. And as I watch the last of the burnished light fade to dark, I can’t help but be thankful. It has been a hard month, but a good one in many ways, too.
So I’d love to end the month on a delightful note by talking about what I learned these past twenty something days. Here we go!
What I Learned in February:
1. I live next to Gwyneth Paltrow. Or rather, Gwenyth’s twin. Or rather, one who could be Gwyneth’s twin. The lovely lady in the picture on the left is my sweet neighbor Lauren with her daughter Katelyn. I never saw her resemblance to Gwenyth until Sunday night when the kids and I were watching the Oscars. As Gwyneth glided onto stage to present an award, all 3 of my kids shouted “WHOA! WHOA! WHOA! It’s Lauren our neighbor!” And now I’m all OF COURSE. Why didn’t I see it sooner?
2. Staring outside the window isn’t a waste of time but a necessary work.
3. It is possible for stitch fix to redeem itself. In spite of having credits, I almost quit stitch fix because I had 2 or 3 fixes that had nothing I liked. At all. As in, it seemed like my stylist looked at my style profile and picked items that were the opposite of what I listed as a preference.
So I skipped it a couple months but then decided it would be silly to give up the credits. I plunged back in. And while I still return more than I keep, I am now finding some things in each fix that I really like. Below are some examples:
Left: Kut from the Kloth Diana Skinny Pant They’re ultra comfy and I love the rich green color.
Middle: Asymmetrical Zip Cardigan from Market and Spruce Perfect arm length and very flattering.
Right: Honey Punch Myra Plaid and Lace Button-Up Light and feminine–it has a pretty lace panel in the back that runs horizontal along the shoulders. (Side note: In spite of all appearances, I didn’t wear this ensemble to the rodeo. I wore it to church. Ha!)
If you’re curious about stitch fix, you can find more information here.
4. My husband is an extremely thoughtful cook. Given when we were first married he knew how to cook wonderful meals while I could barely boil water, I have always known he is a good cook. But it wasn’t until this month I realized how much time and effort he puts into dinners that he cooks. Since those early days of marriage I’ve learned a lot about cooking and by and large I enjoy it. But with my increasing work schedule, I’ve been doing more and more “let’s see what I can find in the pantry, fridge, and freezer to throw together in the crockpot for dinner” quick meal planning.
If David cooks, it’s an event. When I returned from a week home in Oklahoma to help care for my daddy, David had the most incredible meal waiting for me as well as the next several planned out. One was lettuce wraps that tasted just like P.F. Chang’s. They’re so good, I dream about them.
5. You can purchase bookmarks made from pages of Jane Austen novels. Aren’t they lovely? You can buy them in groups of 6 for $8.50. I am using mine as party favors for an upcoming tea I’m hosting this weekend for some new church friends. Yeehaw!
6. Faith is not believing with just my head or heart but my whole self. I read this in the book Bread and Wine: Readings for Lent and Easter, and it has stuck with me. Here it is in context:
“This is what faith really is: believing, not with the head or the lips or out of habit, but believing with one’s whole life. It means seeking community with the human Christ in every situation in life. . .” Jürgen Moltmann
May it be so.
That about sums up what I’ve learned this month. How about you? What silly and serious things have you learned this month?
You’re adorable! And your neighbor totally looks like Gwenyth! xoxo
Doesn’t she?! She says she’s gotten that since high school, too. I can’t believe I never saw it ’til this week.
Love you Kristin!
LOVE that middle sweater on you. I’m digging that zipper.
Thank ya kindly, friend! xo
Oh my goodness! What is this stitch fix you speak of? I need to check that out. Also, totally wishing my husband could cook like that…Not in a coveting way, but just in a “of wishes and dreams” kind of way. Have a great weekend!
Lisa, it’s a company that ships clothes to your front doorstep! Check out the highlighted “stitch fix” link to read more. 🙂
So lovely to see you here! Much love!
Wow when I first looked at those two pics at the top, I thought they were BOTH Gwenyth Paltrow. Uncanny!
I love your #2 – it is definitely necessary for me. And those bookmarks – what a thoughtful gift! Love the idea. Visiting from chatting at the sky today.
I love finding celebrity doppelgangers! So fun that you found one in your neighbor! Also, great choice on the Stitch Fix!! LOVE that sweater!
Bread and Wine is my favorite devotional, I love going through it during Lent, I’m glad you’re enjoying it too!
Thanks for sharing!! 🙂
#2 So glad that someone else gets staring out a window. I must remedy my desk situation so I can do more staring.
#4 My husband is helpful so I can’t complain, but it sure would be nice if he did more cooking. You are blessed.
#5 I love this idea – what a wonderful gift to give or receive.
#6 Truth.
On a totally unrelated, to your post, note I think I have those same curtains in a storage bin. We used them in our apartment when we lived in Louisville. Mine are from the BH&G collection.
Also, were you at the Writer’s Barn Event last September?
Loved your post on staring out the window. I’m glad you added that as things you learned in February.
Kristen,
This has been a hard month for me. Again dealing with aging dad. Love #2. That for me is a must. although kinda hard looking at a ton of snow these past two weeks.
I must say I’m blessed. My hubby helps out all around the house. He will cook, help with laundry, sweep floor, etc. No complaints here.
#6 is such truth. We must believe whole heartedly and with our whole being.
Blessings 🙂
Oh my goodness, those bookmarks. You just made my day! 🙂
Great Lessons! I have come to look forward to reading your blog all the time, but especially these end of month ones, as well as writing my own wrap up each month. It’s so fun to always be learning, be it silly or powerful. Loved hearing what God showed you and what fun discoveries you made. Thanks for sharing!
Love, love, love the bookmarks. And that your husband cooks! Thanks!
I absolutely love those book marks and what a fabulous idea to use them for little party favors! Okay, I have recently been very intrigued to give stitch fix a try – I am a mom of four and they are all under 5 (our youngest are 2 months and 5 months old); I have zero desire to spend any time shopping for clothes these days, but the thought of them coming to my door sounds lovely 🙂 Thanks for sharing!