This life lately February 2026 recap feels full in the best way. From finishing up swim season and squeezing in a much-needed date night to reading my way through the Smythe-Smith series and testing cozy soup recipes, February was busy but good. Here’s a little snapshot of what we’ve been reading, cooking, watching, and working toward lately.
Books I’ve Read
- Just Like Heaven by Julia Quinn– The relationship between lifelong friends Honoria Smythe-Smith and Marcus Holroyd, whose relationship shifts into love when illness forces them to confront feelings they’ve long ignored. It was cute and entertaining. 3.5/5
- A Night like This by Julia Quinn– Governess Anne Wynter and the rakish Daniel Smythe-Smith are drawn to each other even as as secrets from her past resurface, forcing them to risk scandal—and their hearts—for a chance at love. The villains are always so overdone it makes me laugh! 3/5
- The Sum of All Kisses by Julia Quinn- Sharp-tongued Hugh Prentice and spirited Sarah Pleinsworth’s mutual dislike slowly turns into unexpected love after they’re thrown together during the Smythe-Smith musical chaos. I like their spirit! 4/5
- The Secrets of Sir Richard Kenworthy by Julia Quinn– Sir Richard hastily proposes to the unconventional Iris Smythe-Smith to solve a pressing problem—only to discover that secrets and stubborn hearts make love far more complicated than he planned. Exactly the way a man would try to solve a problem- haha! 4/5
Recipes I’ve Made
- Spicy Pumpkin Chorizo Soup– I made this Friday on a cold windy day. It took less than 30 minutes and we liked the savory flavors! Next time I will likely add noodles or potatoes to make it heartier.
- Rice Krispie cookies- I added M&Ms with extra rice krispies instead of coconut. Yum!
- Sweet Chili ChickenWraps– We loved these. They were pretty easy to prep, too. I ended up making a salad from the cucumber and carrots to add some flavor.
- BLT soup– This was so good! We skipped the romaine and used spinach instead. I couldn’t wrap my head around cooking lettuce. I would recommend saving the bacon as a topper for the soup so it stays crispy.
Products I’ve Used
- Aquaphor stick– This stick has so many uses. Personally, I like to put it under my eyes at night overtop my eye cream. I feel that it gives extra moisture and helps seal in the cream. I do feel that it has made a difference. It’s great on chapped hands and other areas, too. For $10, it isn’t a bad investment.
- Faux magnolia branches- I got these for my coffee table and my mother-in-law thought they were real! They are so pretty!
Currently
Valentine’s Day hair
Here’s a little snapshot of our life lately in February 2026, from what we’re watching and cooking to what’s been keeping us busy as a family
- Saving your life right now- Not literally, but I’ve been having a hard time sleeping so over-the-counter sleep aid has been so helpful! I’d be dead on my feet without it.
- Cleaning/purging- I’ve been trying to go through our cabinets in the laundry room, kitchen, and butler’s pantry to purge things we no longer use or need. It’s very cathartic.
- Loving– Netflix is coming out with so many new seasons of shows I like. I’m absolutely loving Lincoln Lawyer, The Night Agent, Bridgerton, and Virgin River.
- Planning (trip wise)- All of our planning is done! Our spring break is planned and summer vacation as well. We do need to get flights booked for summer though.
- Taking a break from- We have a small break from swimming before long course begins. That should give me about an extra hour each night because of all the driving back and forth. Yay!
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Family Update
- Avie- Avie finished her second short course swim season and rocked it! She placed 1st overall in the 25 backstroke at one meet. Avie also had her 2nd grade musical where they celebrated grandparents! It was so special both sets of grandparents were able to come.
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- Claire- Claire struggled a bit towards the end of swim season trying to get time drops. I wonder if her plateau is due to a growth spurt? Long course will be her season! She is currently in the middle school musical and plans to join the track team this spring, too. She also enjoyed her second trip to Eagle Cave with her Girl Scout Cadette troop to sleep in a cave!
Claire’s Girl Scout troop made their second trip to Eagle Cave to camp
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- Me- Matt and I actually had a date night this month and it was definitely needed. Weekends have been jam-packed with Girl Scout activities and swim meets. I’m looking forward to a bit of down time in March.
- Matt- Matt had quite a few work trips including one to Arizona to meet with Monster on a project. He’s also been busy volunteering as a swim official for swim meets.
February Goals Recap
- Blogging upkeep- Somewhat. I fixed the issue I was having and another one arose. Not my idea of fun.
- Do 1 Valentine craft– Done! It turned out really cute.
- List items on poshmark– Done!
- Register for summer camps– Done!
March Goals
- Work on Iceland photo album – I’d like to try putting together a digital book and having it printed. It makes sense to start with our Iceland trip.
- Finish a felted coaster- I made one in February and loved it! I’d like to finish another.
- Hang shelves in Claire’s room- I got a trio of shelves for some of her knickknacks.
- Get shelf for laundry room cabinet- We have a lower cabinet that could use some organizing and part of that is adding a shelf in there.
Felt leaf coaster I made
Favorite February Posts
- The Spring Corduroy Edit– 6 Outfit Ideas
That’s a wrap on life lately February 2026 — busy, full, and just a little sleep-deprived.
LINKING UP WITH WHAT’S UP WEDNESDAY, Currently
