New week. New month.
It’s the first Monday in February, and that means it’s time for me to . . .
Ah . . . February! One of my least favorite months. (Right alongside January.) (What a pair. . . ) In fact, this quote from children’s book author Shannon Wiersbitzky pretty much sums things up for me . . .
“When God was making the months I think February was a mistake, like a burp. There it was, small, dark, and prickly. It had absolutely no redeeming qualities.”
― Shannon Wiersbitzky
Yep. That’s February, alright.
Still dark, still dreary, still cold. And spring feels a very long way off.
I’ve decided that when it comes to February, my best way forward (actually, my only way forward) . . . is through. So I put together . . . A Plan To Get Through February!
I came up with a list of things to do . . . that will help distract me from the tediousness of February. I’ve planned some quick and easy activities designed to bring me comfort and joy throughout the entire month. My list is part fun, part treats, and 100% distraction!
What’s on tap? Oh, I’ll be heading out for a few little local field trips, making sure I always have blooming flowers in my house, treating myself with a massage, and doing a little home mani-pedi. I’m scheduling a few coffee dates, making brownies, and I’ll be replacing my cinnamon and spruce candles for some fresh and lively citrus scents. I’ve also got a fun knitting project in mind that will cheer me through these gloomy February days, and I’m creating a special get-through-it playlist of upbeat music to listen to.
Why don’t you join me! Create a list of comfort and joy and fun. . . to get YOURSELF through February!
What will you include on your list?
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February is here.
Let’s get through it together!
Start Your Engines!
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Here’s my Get Through February playlist (just over 2 hours of songs to help counter the tedium of February). I’ll be adding to it throughout the month. What songs might help you get through February?
That is a GREAT list! Over the weekend my little African Violet bloomed! I will take that as a HUGE February win! No brownies here, but I think a delightful batch of chewy oatmeal cookies would be perfect (maybe with chocolate chips! lol) And I have been knitting away on my handspun sweater… and those temperature wheels….so much fun, but so quickly done! Maybe a fun little stitch project is just what I need too!
That’s a terrific playlist and also a great list for February. I think I will make a list of my own and it will include a massage (I get one monthly now) and hopefully my very first facial since the place that I go for my lashes is going to start offering facials soon. Flowers in the house – yes! And I’m very grateful to be driving home in daylight now, that’s a huge plus for me. I’d add Do You Wanna Dance (the Bobby Freeman version) to a February playlist, that song always makes me want to move.
Good idea! The first thing on my list is to treat myself to some good body lotion. I’m so itchy due to dry skin. I’m making comfort food for dinner (macaroni & cheese, grilled cheese meatloaf, beef stew) and trying to get outside every day. That’s difficult to do, but it has warmed up. I’m wondering if this will be the winter we don’t get any measurable snow?
What a great list. My list will include a massage for sure…and getting outside if it is not frigid. Most likely more baking (I seem to be on a roll) and trying some new recipes. Honestly February doesn’t really bother me. I love to hibernate and sink down under some blankets with a book. Definitely some naps!! I also noticed the last flowers I bought at TJs are finally on their last legs, so more fresh blooms are a definite too.
I like your list. February never bothers me, I think because of Valentine’s Day, which in our house is a chance to have treats, and to celebrate Pip’s birthday. But I think the things on your list are good for any time that you need to cheer yourself up.
Your list closely resembles my ‘winter list’…actually! (I love my seasonal lists, year-round.) Like you, I have ‘get outside every day.’ (That makes the biggest difference of all, for me–esp. after moving to a less-sunny region.) I just took a delightful field trip and bought a new candle… I also have ‘plan our spring trip’ on my list–because travel planning, for me, brings just as much joy as taking the trip!
Upbeat music–doesn’t that make all the difference?! Upbeat music, candles, brownies…your list sounds like the makings of a great February!!!
I find I don’t mind February as much as January; perhaps it’s the post-holiday let-down that makes the first month of the year worse (and February brings chocolate!). I like the idea of switching out scents for something that brings to mind warm weather. Perhaps I’ll get out the pink grapefruit candle! I am always up for baking yummy things and have brownie and cake mix in the house. Next weekend, kiddo and I will be making chocolate-covered pretzels for a school bake sale, and I think we’ll have some fun decorating them with Valentine’s Day-appropriate sprinkles.
Great ideas here! I’ll have to think but it will involve baking!
At least the days are longer in February! I made a comfort food dinner for my family last night: meatloaf, scalloped potatoes, asparagus, and brownies for dessert! Getting outside everyday is saving my life this winter!
At least the days are longer in February! I made a comfort meal for my family last night: meatloaf, scalloped potatoes, asparagus, and brownies for dessert. We were all very satisfied.
Getting outside everyday is saving my life this winter!
I know how you can tick of TWO in one. Come visit Bonny, Vera, and me. We’ll take you to a coffee shop ……………………………….field trip and coffee shop all in one.
Music:
Maybe I’m Amazed – Paul McCartney
Strengthen What Remains – Tedeschi Trucks
One Day At A Time – Joe Walsh
Getting outside every day for sure! I’m going to have some nice lunches out, bring bright flowers in and heck I’ve had a hankering for brownies so why not! That play list is top notch!
I like your idea of a February list. Although I like winter, I do feel like February drags a bit. Getting outdoors every day, soup and bread (all homemade of course), keeping the spinning wheel in motion, and a massage. Adjacent to your candle suggestion, I’ll plan to diffuse some citrus essential oil. I have some Grapefruit to try. If I could find a pretty mug with hearts that would be a plus too.
So the phrase Adjacent to your candle suggestion is quite the improper grammatical phrase. Technically, I am not adjacent to your candle suggestion but I’m sure you get the general idea. Oy. Also, my daughter gave me a box of individual shower steamers for Christmas and they are delightful. I’m using them sparingly trying to make them last through February. Ok, this is may more than enough commenting from me.
Nothing is a s bad as January. I don’t mine February as the days are so much longer (but the mornings are still dark) and while we still get snow (plenty of it this year) we have warming temps. I also get the main/pedi thing going (in anticipation of spring) and start buying flowers for the house. I like Debbie’s idea of comfort foods, too. We’re one step closer to spring!
I’m in the VERY SMALL minority who wish February were just a little longer (I’m sure it helps that we’re seeing daffodils and cherry blossoms … I know … don’t hate me!) Thank you for the playlist(s!!) … I can’t wait to listen!