my faves
february 2026
Favorite Reads
The Girl in Alfred Hitchcock’s Shower //I got this novel for Christmas from my parents, and after falling in love with the movie Psycho, I was eager to dive in. As soon as I started, I realized I had to start over because this was the type of novel I wanted to treat as a textbook, highlighting all the things. If you’re a fan or just curious about the movie Psycho, Alfred Hitchcock, Old Vegas, Hugh Hefner, The Bouncing Ball Strangler, and all that retro stuff, this is an incredible book of storytelling and fun facts. There is a slight plot twist at the very end that I saw left some readers disappointed, but not me. It has become one of my all-time favorite novels. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
The Pearl // I’m gutted. I know John Steinbeck writes hauntingly sad stories, so I was naive to think this novella would be any different. If you are in need of a cautionary tale with an unhappy ending, this is for you. Next up, Of Mice & Men. I’m a glutton for punishment. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
A Wrinkle in Time // We finished up the Stranger Things series, and I just knew our next novel would be A Wrinkle in Time, since the Duffer Brothers included it as such a strong theme this season. I remember reading it in school, but couldn’t remember the details, so this was a fun re-read for me. We skipped the movie because it does not fit the novel at all. Waste of time, in my opinion. The book, though, is fantastic. A kid-driven adventure where they have to save their father and the universe from IT. It was fun to tie it back to Stranger Things with Camazotz and Holly Wheeler’s character. I’ll be posting a book club unit for free over on happyheartsocial if you’re interested. ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Favorite Films/TV
🚨 SPOILER ALERTS 🚨
The Roses // A dark, unpredictable comedy that has you laughing one minute and gasping the next! It does have an unhappy ending, so if you’re watching it expecting a rom-com, think again. Thing is, I absolutely loved it. I loved not knowing any of what was to come. I loved the cast. I loved the unfortunate ending. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Best in Show // An oldie, but goodie. With the passing of Catherine O’Hara, I decided to show my kids this film. They know O’Hara well from Beetlejuice, Home Alone, & Schitt’s Creek. It’s a mockumentary-style movie that follows several couples as they enter their pampered pooches into the dog show for best breed. It is funny, witty, and naughty. Loved it. Next up, A Mighty Wind. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Eternity // I chose this movie thinking it was a romcom, and after several minutes, I wondered if it was in fact a psychological thriller. Not so much. It does have romance, and it does have a sense of humor, but it is a complete rollercoaster. The conflict is heavy, and you’ll change your mind many times about who you’re rooting for several times throughout. The ending did not disappoint and lingers in your mind long after. It’s an original, and I really enjoyed how it made you think outside the box. ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Solo Mio // I loved every single second of this movie and am so glad I went to the theater to see it. It is the best romcom I have seen in a long time. I am a Jonathan Roumie fan and wondered if I’d be able to see him as anything other than Jesus from The Chosen. Oh yes, I could. He was so funny in this role, and with a wardrobe and accent change, it was easy to see him as this new lovable character. The entire setting is in Italy, and beautiful to watch as they endure silly little conflicts along the way. Highly recommend. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Favorite Jams
P.O.V.: Clipse/Tyler the Creator
Punk Rocky: ASAP Rocky
Temporary: AhnaJoee
Possession: Melanie Martinez
Addicted to Love: Chvrches
Opalite: Taylor Swift (love the music video because Domhnall Gleeson, duh)
What I Made
Candles (pictured above): We created candles using second-hand glass (old ashtrays, crystal dishes, bowls, etc.), melted wax, added scented essential oils (I chose strawberry), and then I ordered a collection of gems and crystals to add in layers to the candle dishes. They all turned out so beautifully & smell delicious! I hope to burn mine when I journal to add some coziness to the task.
I made this delicious frappé & designed some more pages in my journal :)
Posted some of my new sticker designs in the Etsy shop!
I’ve always loved the look of these ribbons & recently learned how to make them myself. I made a few featuring our family’s pets! I’ll be adding some to my Etsy shop soon!
Favorite Foods
(pictured above) Homemade Cookies
Outback wings on Super Bowl Sunday!
This souffle pancake from Tank & Libby’s.
Wawa hoagies!
What Made Me Smile
(pictured above) Indoor Golf Simulator with the family. It’s always so fun to go get a soda & play an unserious round of golf, alien shooting, or puck shooting.
This verse from the Bible.
My thrifting haul.
This cool underground bar turned Speakeasy we went to for brunch. Sadly, I just learned today that it burned down :(
Scoring Noah Kahan tickets!
