After another super busy week of everything Google with distance learning, I am ready for another Self-Care Saturday.
Some of my favorite self-care strategies:
*read a book
*go for a walk
*get some exercise
*drink more water
*drink a cup of really good coffee
*light a candle
*wear something new or something that makes me feel good
*getting my hair done
*cooking or baking something
This post is going to focus on coffee, candles, clothes, hair, and cooking!
This is my new favorite coffeemaker from Cuisinart. I just got it for Christmas and I love it!
I have this cute little Keurig coffeemaker at school.
Peet’s is one of my favorite coffee brands and Major Dickason’s Blend is my go-to.
*This mug is so me!
A student’s family left a gift bag on my porch. It included this candle, which I love!
I love a lavender candle and I especially love the name “serenity and calm”. I could use more of that, how about you?
On to the clothes!
I’m still living and working in joggers most of the day. My very favorite ones are Lululemon (they were a gift), but I also love these joggers from Target and this pair from Amazon.
Occasionally I mix it up and wear a dress!
*I love this shift dress from Loft and just wish they made it in other colors.
LOFT Textured V-Neck Shift Dress
*This colorful tier dress is so cute for spring. It’s also from Loft.
*Another cute shift dress option from Loft.
LOFT Floral Ruched Sleeve Shift Dress
*This dotted flare dress is cute and comfortable.
LOFT Dotted Tie Back Pocket Flare Dress
*Lightweight sweaters are great for this time of year, whether worn on their own or underneath a cardigan or denim jacket.
I love the colors in this sweater.
*This cardigan would dress up a plain white t-shirt!
*These colorful everyday sweaters from Loft are so cute! It also comes in green and a soft gray.
*This striped everyday sweater is also super cute.
Kendra Scott makes some of my favorite jewelry pieces.
*The Rae pendant is simple and pretty, if you like a long pendant necklace.
*The Elisa pendant necklace is also really pretty and is a shorter option.
*The Lee drop earrings are some of my favorites.
My hair is suffering the effects of the quarantine. How about yours? Here’s my favorite root boost from R & Co, but I also love this one from L’Oreal. I am keeping both of them in business these days.
Now – on to cooking and baking. We may be saving money on gasoline and entertainment, but my grocery bills are skyrocketing. We are doing all we can to support our local restaurants with curbside take-out, but we are also cooking at home a lot more.
I am slowly decluttering different areas around my house and the kitchen cookbook shelves were next on the list. I do not know why I kept accumulating cookbooks over the years, so I have a big pile of books to donate to Goodwill. However, I do have several “go-to” cookbooks and the following ones are some of my favorites.
*Barefoot Contessa – Family Style
I love her Oven-Fried Chicken, Challah French Toast, and Arugula with Parmesan salad. She gives great tips in her cookbooks on planning meals, making a schedule, and presentation of food.
*Barefoot Contessa – At Home
Some of my favorites are Chicken Piccata, Honey White Bread, and Peach & Blueberry Crumbles.
*Barefoot Contessa – Back to Basics
Baked Sweet Potato Fries, Marinated Pork Loin, and Indonesian Grilled Swordfish.
Just like Barefoot Contessa, Pioneer Woman cookbooks are great for all kinds of recipes.
*Pioneer Woman Cooks: Recipes from an Accidental Country Girl
French Breakfast Puffs, Roasted Beef Tenderloin, and Flat Apple Pie are favorites.
*Pioneer Woman Cooks: Food from My Frontier
Crash Hot Potatoes, Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce, and Summer Stir-Fry are my go-to recipes.
*Love Welcome Serve
I love everything I’ve tried in this cookbook but her Cinnamon Rolls are my absolute favorite in all my years of trying various cinnamon roll recipes. (My goal in life is to make the best cinnamon rolls in the world by the time I have grandchildren. This recipe is helping me achieve that goal. My kids are not helping on the grandchildren front, however.)
*What Can I Bring? is another cookbook that never disappoints. Her chicken enchiladas are the very best.
With all the extra cooking and baking going on, I have a feeling that my next favorite cookbook is going to be the Instant Loss cookbook!
Thanks for reading, friends! Have a relaxing weekend and make sure to take time for yourself, doing something that makes you happy. Stay healthy and safe!