I’m so happy it’s the last week of February. I consider March the first day of spring here despite what the calendar says. It will be in the high sixties this week, and I’m so ready to get out and put the bulbs into the ground! Make sure to follow my @cottagestory account on Instagram for all the gardening and home updates. We are going to be working on a front porch project on Saturday! I’m excited about its makeover. 😊 After editing blogs and filming a few recipe videos on Monday, I made a delicious chicken pad thai for dinner. I always forget the peanuts at the grocery store, though! 😆 I used the potato peeler on the carrots this time, and it made all the difference. They cooked so much faster, and I didn’t have to spend extra time slicing the carrots. On Tuesday, I had a fun shopping day with my mom. We headed to Southpark to look for some wedding accessories and gifts. I loved the idea that some of you gave me about finding a perfume that I only wear on my wedding day to bring a bit of nostalgia back to that day every time I put it on or wear it. I definitely found the one I love! I would never have thought to do something like that. All of your tips and ideas have been so useful.
We were so hungry by the time 4:30 pm rolled around, so I took my mom to Restoration Hardware rooftop for an early dinner. She had never been there, so it was so fun experiencing it with her. Not only is the furniture store designed like a palace, but the food at the restaurant is also amazing! We treated ourselves to delicious chicken Caesar salads, grilled broccolini, wine, sparkling water, and dessert! I definitely broke my lower carb diet for this one.
They had vanilla bean gelato with a chocolate-salted cookie. It was hands down the BEST gelato I’ve ever had, and it was even better when mixed with the warm chocolate chip cookie. You also have to order an espresso with it to make it even better. I think this is what I’m going to eat next year for my birthday. But next time, I’m not sharing. 😆 I started Wednesday off with a long walk with my neighbor. I always love starting my day off with a walk or something active. Unfortunately, it’s pouring right now, so I’ll have to wait until the afternoon to walk. Speaking of walking, I’m going to be starting a 100-day challenge on Friday! Let me know if you want me to blog about it. It’ll involve daily walking, drinking more water, and cutting sugar. I made a chart for my office to hold me accountable. When I see things in and write things out, I usually stick to them better. While I was out walking, Kyle surprised me by organizing the pan madness under our stovetop. He purchased the organizer from Amazon, and it is a gamechanger. He also organized all the utensil drawers, and I’ll share that soon! He’s been on an organization streak the past few weeks, and I love it. On Thursday, the Dutch letters from the Jaarsma Bakery I ordered arrived! I was so excited for Kyle to try these. He loves anything with almond flavor, and we never got the chance to stop at the Jaarsma bakery when we visited Iowa. Plus, our next-door neighbors are also from Iowa (what are the odds of that?), and I dropped off some for them! They were just as good as I remember, and it was like instant nostalgia. Kyle LOVED them!! I’m excited to actually get to visit Pella with him next time we visit Iowa (hopefully soon 🤞 )When I got home from my eye appointment on Thursday evening, I made some shrimp go with leftover Pad Thai. We finished watching Truth Be Told and started Watching Tell Me Your Secrets. We love thrillers. The sun finally came out on Friday!
I spent the day blogging, cleaning the house, catching up on laundry, baking, and grocery shopping. I finally felt motivated on Friday, and I think the sun had something to do with that! Does anyone else finish a cleaning session by lighting a candle? I always do that! My dad was coming over on Sunday, so I made him some of my healthy carrot cake! I actually used my go-to recipe but subbed the flour for almond flour, and it worked perfectly. I’m the type of person that completely skips over St Patrick’s day. I’ve never cared for that holiday, so my mind goes straight to Easter after Valentine’s day. When I saw these Easter bunny jars at Homegoods, I had to get them! I’m not a big fan of colorful knick nacks, so these black and white ones fit the aesthetic perfectly. Even Kyle liked them.
I made Kyle’s favorite on Friday night (ok, my favorite, too) Turkey meatloaf! We make this recipe at least once a month! Usually once a week in the summer. Oh my goodness. It was freezing on Saturday morning! I’m hoping that was the last day for frost. I was just happy it didn’t rain. I started my morning with yogurt, blueberries, banana, creamy peanut butter, and decaf. I started with decaf because I was saving my caffeine for a Starbucks drink. I’m still on that one cup of coffee a day kick! It’s going really well, and it’s been almost three months now. Kyle had to go to Lowes to get some things for the house. I decided to tag along so I could get my pistachio latte and some bulbs for the garden.
On the way, we stopped at Starbucks, and I ordered a tall almond milk pistachio latte. I was so sad that it tasted nothing like pistachio. It just tasted like a vanilla latte. It was still drinkable but disappointing for someone who LOVES anything pistachio flavored. This has inspired me to try to make a pistachio latte at home! I’ll be testing it out this week. My gladiolus from Lowes was just a little experiment last year, but they ended up growing so tall and beautiful. I decided to pick up more and plant them in the same area for summer. I had so much fun browsing plants and getting ideas on what to add to the garden this year. I will be adding shrubs along the walkway up to the porch and drift roses along the sides of my driveway. Those will be my two big projects. Lowes had the tulips and hyacinths for $2, so I picked some up to plant tomorrow! I still have them in my garage since it’s going to drop down tonight, but it’s going to be warm for them the rest of the week. I grabbed blue hosta to plant near my back porch since it’s shady most of the day. I usually stop at Wilson’s nursery atleast once a week in the spring/summer. I cannot wait until they have all the flowers out. I wanted to grab a few border plants, so I headed there in the afternoon! I’m going to put the border plants along the walkway. I have everything laid out perfectly and ready to go for tomorrow! I will do my porch pots in mid-march. Let me know if you want me to start sharing those daily gardening projects on the blog. My goal for next year is to get a little white greenhouse in the backyard. I’ve seen some adorable ones online, and my dad and I have been planning it out for the build. Our privacy fence trees are getting installed on Friday, so I’d put the greenhouse right next to them. On Saturday evening, we stopped over at a neighbor’s house, and I brought raspberry peach frose! 😋 I was up bright and early on Sunday morning for a quick walk with my neighbor! We did a 4-mile route to start the day. I stopped at Homegoods on my way to pick up Chopt salads and couldn’t say no to this bench. I thought it would look perfect in the entryway since we don’t have anything there, but it still looked a bit off. I think we are going to use it in our loft or at the end of our bed! I love it too much to take it back. I was so excited on Sunday afternoon when my mom brought me over her rose bushes. She has the most amazing white sally holmes and iceberg roses she’s been growing for four years. Unfortunately, she doesn’t get enough sun for them, so she gave them to me since my house is sun central. I cannot wait to see them climb all over the fence! Stay tuned for that. Kyle and I ended our evening with roasted teriyaki salmon, pesto parm cavatelli, and leftover chopt salad as an aside.
If you’re looking for a cozy drink, I just made a healthy hot chocolate. It has 1/2 cup of hot almond milk, 1/4 cup hot water, 1 1/2 teaspoons of cocoa powder, and a few stevia drops. It’s so delicious! ♥️
Even though the week was low-key and I had the worst cramps ever (hence why I dove for more carbs than normal this week!), it was a great week. More gardening posts to come!! I can’t wait to see all of my flowers come back this spring.
Questions for you!
- How are you getting ready for spring?
- Would you be interested in a new clean with me video?
- Are you reading any books currently?
Just in case you missed it! Check out my blog post on my latest skincare update using PROVEN Skincare! I’m still loving my personalized products and have definitely seen changes. I have had many you ask how I’m still doing with the products that were created just for my skin, and I still love it!
sarah says
I’m so so ready for spring! I’m in Kentucky and it has been horribly cold and snowy/icy lately, so I’m very ready for a change! I’m so excited this year because my boyfriend (and me by extension) just got a goldendoodle puppy! he reminds me of yours a bit, he’s a medium gold/red color and born on Christmas, so all he knows is the cold! i’m excited for him to experience some warm weather and more time outdoors.
I finished reading War and Peace recently and i’m convinved it’s a book everyone should read! but just for fun I’ve been reading the first Outlander book (because i love the show too!)
Taralynn says
Hi, Sarah!
I bet. The weather has been wild the past few days.
How fun! awww So many exciting outdoor walks to come with the pup! They are the best!
I will look into that book!!
Shelby says
I love all your posts so I would never say no to gardening posts too or a new cleaning video! ♡ have the best week!
Taralynn says
Thanks, Shelby!!
Shawnee Saunders says
Hi! I would love to get more motivation for getting back to walking everyday and drinking more water. It would be great if you shared your 100 day challenge. I would love to follow along with you! 😁 It would be great to see your gardening too! I’m going to be getting into that this year.
Taralynn says
That’s good to know!! I’ll start putting it together!
Doraly Jacobo says
Yes to the cleaning video! I always love those 🙂
Taralynn says
They’re fun to do!!
Jenny says
YES to the 100 day challenge. It would be especially helpful since I am trying to lose some weight due to quarantine. Love your blog.
Taralynn says
Thanks, Jenny!
Nicci says
I’m not in a rush to get ready for spring this year. I’m trying to enjoy the seasons as they are and experience them as fully as possible.
I would definitely be interested in a new clean with me video, I find them incredibly motivating.
I’m reading Dwelling by Melissa Michaels at the moment and it’s great! It’s about how taking care of your surroundings can impact your wellbeing.
Taralynn says
♥️ I love filming and editing those! I may have to do a spring cleaning special! 😊
I’ll look into that book! Thank you for sharing.
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Your food always looks so good! Thank you for sharing! ❤️✨
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Taralynn says
Thanks for stopping by to read! ♥️
Manda says
Hi Taralynn!
I am planning my garden online right now! I’m up in Boston and we still have about 3 ft. of snow on the ground..with more on the way. I can’t wait for Spring and it all to melt!
Manda
Taralynn says
I don’t know how you do it! so cold 😭 Hope you get some warmth soon! But you have time to plan away~
Pamela says
Amazing food photos!! I am SOOO ready for Spring! It is supposed to hit 40 here today…heatwave in the Midwest. LOL! Your skin looks incredible! I am starting to see results with my Proven skincare too…less and less dryness and more glowing. I love that you get the 4th set free. I wonder if that starts over again?? 🙂 Have an amazing week!
Taralynn says
Thanks, Pamela!!!
Alix says
I’m obsessed with pistachio and was also so bummed about the Starbucks latte. I would LOVE if you share what you create at home!
Taralynn says
I definitely will!
Kelly says
Hi Taralynn!
First of all, your house is absolutely beautiful and adorable! I cannot wait to see your gardening adventures this year! Pease keep the gardening blogs coming! I was inspired by your posts last year and finally planted tulip bulbs in our front yard in the fall. Hopefully they bloom! I guess you could say that’s how I’m getting ready for spring… I am SO READY for spring to get here!!
Second of all… please share your 100 day challenge with us! I’d love to join you!
Finally… I just started “The One” (one of your book club picks 😉 I’m already hooked!
I hope you have a wonderful week!
Kelly