February has always been one of my favorite months and Valentine’s Day has been one of my favorite holidays. Its days are full of love and kindness, oh and hearts. My favorite symbol year round! š
Here are three ways you can show your love to those around you throughout this month, and always, for that matter. š
Make a Special Card For Someone You Love
I love, love making cards and writing silly poems or sayings to go along with them. Thanks to my family and friends for putting up with them. š
I’ve been turning photos into sketches with Photoshop. (You will see some of those in my next book.) Some people are made up and some are not. I love including those I love, or a reference to them, in my books.
You may remember this one I made from a few years ago.
If you’d rather just color a page, I’ve included that, as well.
(To save this coloring page, right click “save as” to your device.)
Share a Special Meal for Someone You Love
Here’s a recipe which has a story behind it. š
When I was in college, studying Early Childhood Education, we were instructed to plan a party for kids. I didn’t have any little ones around at that time so I created a Valentine’s Dinner party for my family and friends. The decorations were for kids, but the meal was for more for adults. We all dressed up in red and white outfits and had a great time.
Since I was not much of a cook back then, this one was a big deal for me to make. When my husband and I married, it was my go-to dinner since I was familiar with cooking it. This meal still holds special memories to us and always will. <3
Here’s the original recipe from the late 70s. Don’t worry, I wrote it out for you below. š
Texas Beef Casserole
1 pound of ground beef
3/4 cup onion, chopped sautƩed until tender
1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1 – 16 ounce can of tomato wedges
1 – 15 ounce can kidney beans, undrained
3/4 cup uncooked Minute Rice
3/4 cup water
1 1/2 tablespoons of fresh green pepper (SautƩ those with the onions.)
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups of corn chips, slightly crushed
Brown ground beef, onion, and green peppers in a skillet. Drain grease.
Stir in chili powder, salt, garlic, salt, tomatoes, beans, rice and water.
Cover and reduce heat to medium low and let simmer 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Top with cheese cover and heat until cheese melts.
Sprinkle corn chips around. Serves six. This meal goes great with garlic bread and a tossed salad.
Do Something Unexpected For Someone
Think of unusual and random things you can do for someone you care about.
*Pick up someone’s favorite item at the store.
Next time your out and about, look for something out of the ordinary to gift someone. For example, my husband loves the little fried cherry pies. He would never expect those as they are different than a box of chocolates or any cake I would make him.
*Any Good Deed Brings Smiles to Those We Care About
This one is endless from leaving special notes, retrieving someone’s mail to simply calling someone just to say hello. How about sending a card with a note to say hello?
Now on to…
My Goodreads Challenge 2025 – My Books in January
The following books received 5 stars from me.
If you’re a fan of The Golden Girls, brace yourself for a culinary treat that beautifully brings fun with innovative cooking. The Golden Girls Cookbook is a tribute to the popular 1980s series, crafted by the talented chef and author Christopher Styler. Stunning photography is provided by NYT food photographer Andrew Scrivani.
From the opening pages, the cookbook draws you in with its laughable quotes and fun anecdotes that fans of the show will instantly recognize. Each chapter is thoughtfully organized around the beloved charactersāDorothy, Sophia, Blanche, and Roseāwith recipes that reflect their unique personalities and culinary preferences.
Dorothy starts off with her recipes which are so her personality. Blancheās Southern will showcase lots yummy recipes offering a touch of warmth and sweetness. Don’t forget to check out her Fried Chicken recipe. On to Rose. Her chapter introduces us to Scandinavian delights like the St. Olaf Friendship Cakeāa simple, buttery treat that is sounds delicious. In Sophiaās chapter, expect to do lots of reading with some intense recipes which is the essence of her fiery spirit.
You’ll enjoy and appreciate the small sections called, “Golden Wisdom.”
“The Golden Girls Cookbook” is more than just a collection of recipes; it’s a celebration of friendship, food, and the timeless humor adults will enjoy. I understand there are more of their cookbooks out there so I’ll have to check those out, too. š
Murder Among Friends: A Miss Markham Mystery, by Juliet Sidonie
In this delightful historical mystery series, Deloris Markhum signs up for many jobs, one which she’s not completely hired for, but it will lead her to many adventures.
She’s a spirited and fearless recent high school graduate who takes on the bustling streets of Kansas City in the 1930s. As she leaves her small farming community behind, Deloris is eager to embrace the excitement of city life, but she quickly finds herself in a whirlwind of intrigue, danger, and unexpected thrills.
The author masterfully blends fact with fiction, drawing from the real Doris Markhamās vibrant life to create an engaging narrative filled with authentic historical Kansas City, MO details. Her determination to solve crimesārobberies, hoodlums, and even murderāadds a suspenseful layer to the story, making readers cheer for her every step of the way.
The dialogue is witty, fun and the characters are vividly drawn, each contributing to the backdrop of Deloris’s adventures. Her audacity and quick wit shine through, showcasing her as an extraordinary protagonist who refuses to be sidelined.
I’m looking forward to reading more of this series.
“Watercolor Painting at Home: Easy-to-follow painting projects inspired by the comforts of home and the colors of the garden (Volume 1,)” by Bley Hack
Watercolor Painting at Home: Easy-to-follow Painting Projects Inspired by the Comforts of Home and the Colors of the Garden (Volume 1) is a delightful guide that invites both beginners and seasoned artists into the world of watercolor painting. This book offers a refreshing perspective on how to find inspiration in everyday surroundings.
The authorās approach makes it easy for anyone to try, regardless of their artistic experience. Each project is thoughtfully laid out with clear instructions and step-by-step guidance. The photography showcases not only the finished artworks but also the process, which I enjoyed.
“Sticky Notes: Memorable Lessons from Ordinary Moments,” by Matthew Eicheldinger
I loved reading these sweet stories and could picture the situations as they unfolded in Matthew Eicheldinger’s book.
This heartfelt and insightful collection of stories captures the essence of middle-grade students through the lens of everyday experiences. Eicheldinger has a remarkable ability to transform simple moments into profound lessons, making the reader reflect on the significance of childhood and the innocence of growing up.
Follow this author and teacher on Instagram as he relays some of these wonderful stories.
“The Turtle House,” by Amanda Churchill
This book does have chapters which switch back and forth, so if that is a issue with your reading style, this one may not be for you. I happen to enjoy books like this.
The novel opens in Curtain, Texas, where 25-year-old Lia Cope returns home. Lia’s estrangement from her grandmother Mineko, a Japanese war bride, becomes a path toward healing as they share a bedroom and late-night conversations that reveal decades of untold stories. Mineko’s tales of her life in Japan, filled with romance, sacrifice, and the haunting memory of a lost home called The Turtle House.
Mineko emerges as a symbol of resilience, reflecting the pain and strength that comes with her life experiences. Her stories of love and loss are deeply rooted in the historical context of her youth, showcasing the weight of heritage and the impact of war on personal lives. Lia, on the other hand, grapples with her own uncertainties and the pressures of modern life and her co-workers.
The Turtle House is a beautifully crafted story that invites readers to explore the intricacies of family, identity, and the hidden lives we live.
I’m looking forward to reading more Amanda Churchill’s as this is her first novel.
“The Little Lost Library,” by Ellery Adams
This is the first book I’ve read of author Ellery Adams, The Little Lost Library (Secret, Book, and Scone Society, #7.) I listened to the audiobook, but like always, would have preferred the actual book instead.
Elderly Lucille Wynter is a resident of Miracle Springs and requests Nora Pennington to deliver a selection of books to her ominous, decaying Southern mansion. After delivering books one day, Nora realizes Lucille, who struggles with agoraphobia, rarely allows anyone to enter the Wynter House and notices she never ventures out.
One day, things quickly take a turn when Lucille fails to answer the door to retrieve her books, Nora becomes increasingly anxious. Determined to check on Lucille, she pushes her way into the rundown home to discover rooms overflowing with items from wall to wall. At the bottom of the stairs she finds an unresponsive Lucille. After sorting though piles of debris, she finds a note left behind.
After Lucilleās children deal with the passing of their mother, they are certain something valuable is concealed in the mansion. They insist Nora help them delve into the mountain of books scattered throughout the home. Nora agrees and begins to question if it was truly an accident from a fall or was she pushed?
Nora enlist her friends from the Secret Book and Scone Society and discovers something unexpected hidden within the depths of Wynter House.
Some Fun January News….
I joined what is called, “Storystorm.”
I signed up with many other children’s authors to brainstorm 31 title ideas for 31 days.
We checked in each day and read empowering posts on how authors come up with ideas and how they write their stories. It was so interesting and I learned so much from them.
Will I use all 31 titles in the future? I don’t know but it sure gave me a great start and I’ll never be without future ideas for awhile. Keep watching.
Tell Us About You!
How will you spend this month? It only holds 28 days and it will go so fast.
Let us know what projects or events you might be working on in the comment section below.
Have a wonderful February, everyone!
As always,
Happy Reading,
Rosie
PS. In case you missed my January 2025 post, you can check it out here.
āŗ January 2025
I love your valentine suggestions, they can be suitable for any ages. You still amaze me with how many books you get through in a month. Where do you get the time? I would have loved to have done Storystorm. Care to share a few ideas?
Thank you so much for your note, Sandra.
Reading books, some months are easy to get through, some not so much. I try hard to stay on top of them for the challenge in Goodreads. It really helps me be accountable to my reading time. Since I can listen to audiobooks easier now, I hope I won’t have trouble keeping my goal.
Storystorm: This is the first year I’ve done this. Basically, you read the posts sent to your email and reply for a chance to won various prizes. That was not my goal, though. I popped in each day to learn. Various posts were made about how authors arrive on their book subjects, how to use poetry and some of the different styles and so much more. I hope you will be able to catch it next year. It was lots of fun and I enjoyed coming up with my “31 Title” ideas. We’ll see what happens. š
Happy February, Sandra.
I love handmade cards and I love your hand heart tree!
The Little Lost Library sounds like a very interesting book!
Thanks for stopping by with your note, Jessica.
Cards are so fun and glad you liked the heart tree. Coming up with sayings and special poems are fun.
“The Little Lost Library” was a page turner, for sure. š
Have a wonderful February and a Happy Valentine’s Day.
Crafts, recipes, book recommendations – what more can we ask for! This is so funny, but we must have the same recipe card/book. It was a gift from my bridal shower and I still have it – handwritten recipes included. Yet another thing we have in common!
Hi Julie, thanks for your note.
Ha, I’m not a bit surprised you have those recipes cards. Remember the wedding colors we both chose back in the 70s? My sweet sister-in-law gave me the “Betsy’s Clark Recipe Album” filled with simple recipes for me to make as a young bride. I thought that was the most thoughtful gift ever and it saved me many evenings planning our meals. š
Have a wonderful February and let me know if you try out the, “Texas Beef Casserole” recipe.
January is so long , dark, and coldāFebruary flies by! Thanks for for the tips and recipe.
Hi Cat, yes, January was a long, snowy and cold month here, too! At least February might bring us some spring like days, it has before. š
Enjoy the recipe and let me know if you end up making it. It’s a nice warm meal and brings extra servings with leftovers, too.
Happy February!