February Favorites

and a Delicious Doable Dinner made better with a Whole Lemon Vinaigrette

Happy Monday, friends! If you’re here for the chicken dinner with whole lemon vinaigrette, that’s bonus content for paid subscribers. Scroll to the bottom!

As we wrap up February, I wanted to share a few things I’ve been loving this month—from books and TV shows to little discoveries that are making my days better. Let’s get into it!

"Apple Cider Vinegar" on Netflix

I am captivated by "Apple Cider Vinegar", a compelling new series on Netflix. The show delves into the true-ish story of Australian wellness influencer Belle Gibson, portrayed by Kaitlyn Dever. Gibson gained a massive following by claiming she cured her terminal brain cancer through natural remedies, only for it to be revealed that she never had cancer and had fabricated her story. The series offers a thought-provoking look into the rise and fall of her wellness empire, exploring themes of deception, the power of social media, and the impact of misinformation in the health industry. It's a fascinating watch that raises important questions about the wellness culture and the responsibility that comes with influence. If you've seen it, I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Heating Pads

There’s a heating pad in every bedroom of my house, and I’m not exaggerating when I say it’s one of my winter essentials. I love using mine to preheat my bed before I slip under the covers at night—so cozy! I also find it incredibly soothing on my abdomen after a big meal or if my stomach just needs a little comfort. Sometimes, the simplest things make the biggest difference. My husband has always preferred this simple heating pad.

Hot Water Bottles

Another option is a hot water bottle. My friend just came back from a trip and she mentioned the hotel had hot water bottles in the beds to warm them up in the evening. Same idea as the heating pad but hot water bottles are smaller and obviously don’t require electricity. If you want quick, long-lasting heat with adjustable settings, go for a heating pad. If you prefer a portable, natural, and cozy warmth, a hot water bottle is a great choice.

Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle

I’m a big fan of Rebecca Serle’s storytelling, and this new book is no exception. She always manages to weave emotionally charged, thought-provoking narratives that make you think about life in a new way. This one explores the idea of knowing the exact day you’ll meet your soulmate—would you want to know?

A Beautiful Rival by Gill Paul

I’ve heard amazing things about this book, and I can’t wait to dive in. It’s about the rivalry between beauty moguls Helena Rubinstein and Elizabeth Arden—a historical fiction take on the early beauty industry, full of ambition, glamour, and drama. If you’ve read it, tell me what you thought!

The White Lotus on MAX

The new season of The White Lotus is here! This show has been one of my favorites—sharp, satirical, and completely addictive. This season is set in Thailand, and I can’t wait to see what kind of chaos unfolds. My only complaint so far is that they changed the theme song! Why? Why? Whyyyyyyyy???????

Pizza from Redwood in Hermosa: half veggie/half plain 100% delish

Half-Baked Pizza—Who Knew?!

This was news to me! Apparently, you can order your pizza from your local pizzeria “half-baked”, which means it’s par-baked just enough so that when you finish it in your oven at home, it tastes exactly like a fresh-out-of-the-oven pizza. You can refrigerate it when you get home or leave it out for up to 2 hours. Bake it at 450 degrees F directly on the oven rack. Ask your pizzeria how many minutes they recommend since all pizzas will be different. This is a game-changer for takeout nights or stocking up for the weekend! BTW, if you live near me, there’s a new pizza place called Redwood in Hermosa Beach. Sourdough crust - delicious!

Gym Germs Are… Disturbing

A recent study revealed that free weights in gyms carry 362 times more bacteria than a toilet seat. 🤯 Excuse me while I go buy more sanitizing wipes. I always knew gym equipment wasn’t exactly the cleanest, but this stat might make me think twice before touching those dumbbells without a good wipe-down first. It's worth noting that while this study provides insight into the bacterial load on gym equipment, the mere presence of bacteria doesn't necessarily equate to a high risk of infection. However, maintaining good hygiene practices can help minimize potential health risks associated with bacterial exposure in shared spaces.

Home Tour with Schoolhouse & Food52

I did a little home tour recently with Schoolhouse and Food52, and it was so much fun! If you love a peek inside other people’s kitchens and homes (same), you can check it out here.

A Simple, Yet Perfect Dinner

The other night, I made a delicious and easy dinner for a friend and me, and instead of plating everything separately, I put it all on this big platter—and it was so much easier! It felt casual but elegant, and I’ll definitely be doing this more often.

Here’s what I made:

• Roasted bone-in chicken breasts with Sadaf Mediterranean seasoning (new obsession) I like to debone after cooking and slice it up to serve. Video for paid subscribers below.

• Smashed potatoes (crispy, buttery perfection)

• Roasted asparagus drizzled with whole lemon vinaigrette (where has this been all my life?? Recipe for paid subscribers below)

• Fresh berries for dessert

  Even More Musings is an extension of my weekly newsletter, Monday Musings. My newsletter is a sponsor-free zone and is fully supported by readers like you. Consider becoming a paid subscriber to get Even More Musings! Each week, I share my tips and tricks along with a new recipe. For only $5/month or $50/year (less than $1 a newsletter), you'll also gain access to the entire archive, featuring favorites like My New Hyper-fixation High-Protein Fluffy Breakfast Bowl  and the Hillstone Copycat Emerald Kale Salad.  This week I am sharing the details of the above menu including the recipe for a whole lemon vinaigrette - I want to slather it on everything!