Currently: February 2026 Edition

It's the first Wednesday of the month and time for the Currently link up with Amy.  This month we're sharing what we're loving, baking/cooking, watching/reading, planning, and savoring. 

Loving: Our weather has been less cold this week so I've been making a point of going for short, brisk walks and getting outside. I am loving the fresh air. 

I love how my latest painting turned out and had a fabulous Saturday morning working on Valentine cards. This one is my favorite:


 

Baking/cooking:

oatmeal scotchie cookies

Korean beef bowl in the crock pot with veggies and rice 
 

Chicken with basil and tomato slices, wild rice, broccoli, & acorn squash

 
crustless quiche with broccoli & clementine

garlic beef and potatoes in the crock pot with green beans and rolls

chicken with couscous broccoli & salad

Watching/Reading: I'll be sharing all the books I read in early January tomorrow but in the last week I've started 7 more books. 

We just started watching Once Upon a Time (Disney+) & Devious Maids (Hulu), we're watching the latest season of The Pitt (HBO), The Rookie (Hulu), Abbott Elementary (Hulu), & High Potential (Hulu) as they drop, I've been rewatching Hot in Cleveland & Schitt's Creek.


Planning: This weekend found me meal planning most of our month out. I find filling in as many different dinner ideas as I can at one go much easier than planning each week at a time. Now I might not always cook what is planned for that night but at least I have enough ideas to make it a few weeks before thinking about it again. 

Savoring: I'm trying to savor this season with so much time spent at home indoors and focusing on my creative pursuits as well as good books and shows. I know once the night weather hits more of my time will be taken up by outdoor pursuits. 

Linking Up With: Fine/Whatever, 

 



Comments

  1. Maria RineerFebruary 4, 2026 at 6:24 AM

    Your cards are so pretty! I'm also savoring time at home. It's been a great time to slow down and do indoorsy kind of things. Bonus, I think I'll actually have a book post for tomorrow. I dedicated some time yesterday to writing (those posts take me a long time!). I'll be curious to see what you read :). Your sweet treats look good. I'm back to eating healthy from my weekend away (it's only been two days but it seems like weeks eating healthy wise!!) and am looking longingly at treats (I'll have some this weekend but am trying to avoid them during the week).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne February 4, 2026 at 1:20 PM

      Thank you! I try to avoid them during the week too; luckily with 4 guys in the house sweet treats don't last long so I usually only get 1 or 2!

      Delete
  2. Amy ScottFebruary 4, 2026 at 6:51 AM

    Yes to temps in the 30s making a big difference! I bet you feel so good getting out and walking. I'm at the tail end of my cold so just having more energy has been nice. I think timing my cold and being stuck inside with the storm together was pretty good. I am trying to have healthy meals but I still need a little sweet treat.
    The V Day cards are so cute. I thought about sending cards to some extended family.

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    Replies
    1. Joanne February 4, 2026 at 1:21 PM

      Sadly it will be back in the negatives this weekend. I did rather like that my cold struck the day of the snowstorm too; I didn't feel so bad lazing on the couch more than usual for a few days.

      Delete
  3. LyshaFebruary 4, 2026 at 7:27 AM

    Love your card designs. So pretty. Lots of good shows on right now. The Pitt is just so addictive for some reason.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Jenn LloydFebruary 4, 2026 at 7:40 AM

    All of your food pictures made my mouth water! I need to make a quiche soon; it's been ages since I've made one, and I used to make them all the time!

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  5. Tamar SBFebruary 4, 2026 at 8:53 AM

    The meals look tasty!

    ReplyDelete
  6. HollyFebruary 4, 2026 at 8:58 AM

    Your meals look fabulous as always and thanks for sharing your books- going to add a couple to my list!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Dara @ Not In JerseyFebruary 4, 2026 at 10:02 AM

    That card is so cute! I love the Pitt and I enjoy High Potential as well.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne February 4, 2026 at 1:22 PM

      Aw, thanks! I thought that image was just too cute to resist.

      Delete
  8. Julie's Creative LifestyleFebruary 4, 2026 at 10:41 AM

    Wow Joanne, your meals look so good and I'd love the recipe for the beef bowl and garlic beef and potatoes. I love that winter scene painting! You are so talented. I hope you enjoy the rest of the week and stay warm.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne February 4, 2026 at 1:28 PM

      Thank you! The garlic beef & potatoes is this one: https://sweetsbyaria.com/recipes/slow-cooker-garlic-beef-potatoes (I did add an onion and some mushrooms between the potatoes and beef), the Koren beef bowls is one I made up myself that I have set to go live on the 18th.

      Delete
  9. Kari February 4, 2026 at 10:53 AM

    Our weather isn't as cold this week, so I've been loving that as well. And clementines are my favorite this time of year! So yummy.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Kim CarberryFebruary 4, 2026 at 11:36 AM

    That is good about the less cold weather and the Valentine card is so cute! Those cookies look yummy and the Korean beef bowl! Good job with your meal planning!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Chrissy TFebruary 4, 2026 at 11:37 AM

    Good day, friend! I loved this post. First, you are so amazingly creative!!! Second, your food looks fantastic! That Korean Beef Bowl!!!! That Quiche!!! YUMMO!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Jodie's Touch of StyleFebruary 4, 2026 at 12:53 PM

    I always love seeing your cards and creativity. Your definition of "less cold" is probably much different than mine, LOL
    XOXO
    Jodie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne February 4, 2026 at 1:29 PM

      Ha! I bet... it was 31 today and that has felt incredibly warm.

      Delete
  13. CatFebruary 4, 2026 at 1:01 PM

    The card is so cute!
    Now can I please have some of that quiche and the oatmeal scotchies (I don't wait raisins in mine, either)?

    ReplyDelete
  14. NatashaFebruary 4, 2026 at 4:33 PM

    I really want to make time to watch Schitt's Creek and figure out how to watch The Pitt. I've heard such great things about The Pitt.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne February 5, 2026 at 4:51 AM

      I fully admit I tend to play games on my cell phone while watching The Pitt; I love the story lines but since it takes place in an ER it's often far too bloody for me to actually watch.

      Delete
  15. JeanieFebruary 4, 2026 at 5:11 PM

    Your painting is terrific and your Valentine super cute! Good books and videos too. Winter is good for that!

    ReplyDelete
  16. MariamaFebruary 4, 2026 at 7:43 PM

    The dishes look amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Lyssy inthe CityFebruary 4, 2026 at 8:25 PM

    My dad always makes oatmeal butterscotch cookies and they are addicting! It's crazy it's been so cold that 30 doesn't seem so bad.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne February 5, 2026 at 4:52 AM

      I know! I never thought I'd be grateful for 30 degree temps but it definitely is all about that perspective I guess.

      Delete
  18. MarshaFebruary 4, 2026 at 11:03 PM

    I haven't done any baking in so long. I think I might have everything for oatmeal scotchies! Your Korean beef bowl looks delicious! I like the idea of meal planning, but I just never do it. A month sounds like a really good idea. Then, you know what to buy and have on hand. We are waiting for the entire season of The Pitt before watching it as we like to binge them. I should watch Schitt's Creek again. That show could have gone on for several more seasons, and I would have been happy!

    https://marshainthemiddle.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne February 5, 2026 at 4:53 AM

      I definitely feel the same way! It took me a few tries to get into Schitt's Creek but it has quickly become a favorite.

      Delete
  19. Lisa R Howeler of Boondock RamblingsFebruary 4, 2026 at 11:09 PM

    That painting really did come out nice!! I love the card too.

    The food all looks so good. Why did I have to read this before bed?! Ha!

    I am reading that Kristin Perrin book soon from Netgalley but might read book two first. Do you think I need to?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne February 5, 2026 at 4:55 AM

      I never read the first 2 in the series and I didn't feel lost in the story line at all; I could tell it was part of a series as there were vague references to past events but nothing that made me feel like I needed to sop and go back and read the previous ones. That said I did enjoy it so I do plan to go back and read the others.

      Delete
  20. Handmade in IsraelFebruary 5, 2026 at 3:51 AM

    The Valentine card is so cute and I love your painting! You certainly read a LOT in January.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Tanya February 5, 2026 at 8:08 PM

    I love your painting and the card too! I'm glad it has warmed up a little there. When the kids were home (high school), we watched the whole Once Upon a Time series. So fun!

    ReplyDelete
  22. MarilynFebruary 5, 2026 at 11:27 PM

    I love High Potential and Schitt's Creek is so funny!

    ReplyDelete
  23. nicole orriensFebruary 6, 2026 at 3:16 AM

    When you go for a brisk walk, how long do you want to be outside? Do you aim for a particular number of steps for example?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne February 6, 2026 at 5:20 AM

      Typically in winter when it's cold and snowy I can only motivate myself to walk down the road to our main road where our mailbox is; round trip it's about a 30 minute walk.

      Delete
  24. Kathrine EldridgeFebruary 6, 2026 at 6:54 AM

    I love your art! I might have to recreate the branch design in my art journal.

    https://www.kathrineeldridge.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne February 6, 2026 at 12:02 PM

      Feel free! It was much easier than I thought it would be.

      Delete
  25. KristinFebruary 6, 2026 at 11:28 AM

    The cards are beautiful!
    I went through a phase where I'd plan out a month of meals and then just do the shopping every weekend. Now, if I can get 4 solid days of meals out of a grocery trip, I'm happy lol.

    We're watching The Pitt right now too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne February 6, 2026 at 12:03 PM

      Oh I definitely go through spurts like that too! I tend to de best with meal planning in winter but it definitely falls apart come summer.

      Delete
  26. Amy JohnsonFebruary 7, 2026 at 11:48 AM

    All your dishes look incredible. I heard so much about "The Pitt" and would love to see it. Have you seen the new show "Best Medicine"? I just LOVE it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne February 8, 2026 at 4:57 AM

      I haven't seen that one yet but I did read the synopsis and thought it sounded great so I added it to my watch list.

      Delete
  27. JayneFebruary 8, 2026 at 8:39 AM

    Your painting turned out beautifully, and the Valentine's card is so sweet. All the meals sound yummy, too!
    Enjoy these cosy indoor days, I love to make the most of them by crafting and reading. It's currently pouring down with rain here, and I've just turned on my Cricut. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne February 8, 2026 at 6:42 PM

      Aw, thank you so much! It was in the single and negative digits today so I spent the whole day making cards.

      Delete
  28. Laura @ Our Grand LivesFebruary 8, 2026 at 9:39 PM

    Last month found you enjoying lots of yummy food and reading several good books! Your painting and favorite Valentine card were beautiful, too! All of these sound like great ways to spend January!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Jennifer WiseFebruary 10, 2026 at 9:00 PM

    Love your darling card! Haven't had an oatmeal scotchie in forever! Once Upon a Time is a fun one. Thank you for sharing this post with us at the Will Blog for Comments #77 linkup. :)

    ReplyDelete
  30. PaulaShort February 13, 2026 at 9:46 AM

    Your card is beautiful! And that painting great job. It's so pretty. Your meals sound awesome! Can I virtually invite myself to dinner? Lol. You've been busy.
    Thanks bunches for sharing with Sweet Tea & Friends this month sweet friend.

    ReplyDelete

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