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Greetings from frigid Louisville! I don\u2019t know about you, but this week I\u2019m in the strange (and not altogether unfamiliar) position of dreaming of spring while the temps outside sit in the single digits. This weekend I\u2019m seeking to make the most of it by embracing reading, baking, and endless cups of tea. <\/p>\n
I hope you have something to look forward to this weekend, and that this collection of interesting reads and favorite things helps ease you into that weekend state of mind.<\/p>\n
I offer gift links for articles whenever possible (you may still need to create an account with the publication); if there\u2019s no gift link and you\u2019re not a subscriber, check to see if your library carries the publication or use a service like Pocket.<\/em><\/p>\n \u2018Demon Copperhead\u2019 Explored Addiction. Its Profits Built a Recovery House.<\/a><\/strong> (New York Times<\/em> gift link) Incredible. (Related: I loved this book.)<\/p>\n I just finished working this Michael Storrings Springtime at The Library<\/strong> puzzle<\/strong><\/a>, a lovely gift from a bookish friend. I worked the spring side, and kind of loved that it was only 500 pieces. (Just me?)<\/p>\n Jane Austen\u2019s Many Literary Afterlives: A Reading List.<\/a><\/strong> (Literary Hub<\/em>) \u201cReading Austen\u2019s favorite authors didn\u2019t dim my appreciation for her. Austen\u2019s greatness lies not in her originality, but in her skill. Her style speaks of discipline and confidence. It is refined yet, at times, cynical. It was in her execution that Austen became immortal.\u201d<\/p>\n A visit to dog college.<\/a><\/strong> (Popular Science<\/em>) \u201cEach puppy who bounds through the doors is given the chance to shine. \u2018We assume that all dogs will be superstars.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n What we\u2019ve been reading lately: the new and the notable.<\/a><\/strong> (MMD<\/em>) Such a fun team<\/em> edition of this monthly post.<\/p>\n Last night a book saved my life.<\/a><\/strong> (Not Too Busy To Write<\/em>) Lovely essay.<\/p>\n So, You Want to Get Rid of the Penny. Do You Have a Plan for the Nickel?<\/a><\/strong> (New York Times<\/em> gift link) \u201cSince pennies are a clear money-loser, it seems straightforward to think that getting rid of the penny would save taxpayers money. But it\u2019s not that simple.\u201d This has been a hot topic at my house!<\/p>\n I just scooped up this cheerful and elegant Blue Floral Somerset Maxi Dress<\/a><\/strong> from Anthro on sale\u2014and this style never goes on sale. (XXS\u2013XL) It\u2019s ten degrees outside but can you tell I\u2019m dreaming of spring? (As a similar but less-expensive option, I also love the Quince Cotton Poplin Tiered Maxi Dress<\/a><\/strong> (XS\u2013XL) and Washable Stretch Silk Tiered Maxi Dress<\/a><\/strong> (XS\u2013XL).) I\u2019m 5\u2032 9\u2032\u201d and wear a small in these styles from both brands but a medium would also have worked. <\/p>\n Another great dress for those dreaming of spring, available XS\u20134X! I love my Old Navy Fit & Flare Linen-Blend Midi Dress<\/a><\/strong>, now freshly restocked in all colors and sizes, including my favorite blue and white stripe. (I wear a medium in this dress.)<\/p>\n Amazon\u2019s killing a feature that let you download and backup Kindle books.<\/a><\/strong> (The Verge<\/em>) You have until February 26.<\/p>\n New stamps for your literary passport.<\/a><\/strong> (What Should I Read Next?<\/em>) Mel and Dave of Strong Sense of Place<\/em> join me to recommend books set in New Orleans, Spain, Maine, Japan, and more destinations I can\u2019t wait to visit (or revisit). <\/p>\n How To Actually Make A Gallery Wall: Our No-Fail Formula We Use Every Time (+ Our Favorite Original Art Resources).<\/a><\/strong> (Style by Emily Henderson<\/em>) I referenced this old post last weekend before Will and I knocked off a picture-hanging project we\u2019ve been meaning to tackle for actual years. The tips on using \u201clarge and in charge\u201d pieces and mixing horizontals and verticals were most helpful. We\u2019re very happy with the results!<\/p>\n The Joys and Pains of Adult Ballet.<\/a><\/strong> (Glamour<\/em>) \u201cAt the Washington School of Ballet, there is no room for judgement or competition\u2014two things that are so often associated with ballet. \u2018None of us want to be famous. None of us are going to perform at the Kennedy Center. We\u2019re doing this for fun.’\u201d<\/p>\n Now and Then: 12 Black Designers Who Have Shaped Fashion History.<\/a><\/strong> (InStyle<\/em>) Stunning photos plus historical tidbits I didn\u2019t know.<\/p>\n The Right Way to Clean an Electric Kettle (and How Often You Should Do It).<\/a><\/strong> (Martha Stewart<\/em>) Good tips. (Also: oops!)<\/p>\n The books I reach for during SAD season.<\/a><\/strong> Books\u2014and helpful tips\u2014for dealing with the winter blues.<\/p>\n Buy the flowers.<\/a><\/strong> There\u2019s never been a better time.<\/p>\nDon\u2019t miss these posts:<\/h3>\n