What I’m Crushing on in February 2022: Books, Food, Podcast

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Don't Be Trashy by Tara McKenna
Don't Be Trashy by Tara McKenna

Well, I am suffering from Olympics withdrawal this morning. I loved watching the closing ceremonies last night! The 2022 Winter Olympics were extremely welcome entertainment for me, but I watch them for more than their entertainment value. I find the athletes’ accomplishments so inspiring that it spurs me to achieve some of my own goals that I have put on the back burner. For example, watching the last event of the games – the Women’s 30 km Mass Start Cross Country Skiing, which was reduced from 50 km to due to extremely cold temperatures – has inspired me to go cross country skiing again. We used to do this as a family when I was a teenager and I went several times in my 20s and a few times in my 30s. The last time I went cross country skiing was 15 years ago! I definitely have to do some work to improve the strength in my knees before I strap on the skis, but my goal is to strengthen my knees during this spring and summer and then go cross country skiing next winter.

The month of February was not completely about the 2022 Olympics! We had so much snow in February and of course, with COVID-19 restrictions still in place for the first few weeks of February, it was difficult to go anywhere so that meant staying indoors and doing a lot of cooking and reading. Read further to find out what I’m crushing on in February 2022:

I served the Air Fryer Chicken tenders with some roasted Brussels sprouts.
I served the Air Fryer Chicken tenders with some roasted Brussels sprouts.



Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Almond Flour Recipe

I recently got a Ninja Foodi XL Pro Grill & Griddle so I’m still learning how to use it to its full capacity. I wanted to try making chicken tenders in the air fryer, but because I’m following the Keto diet, I didn’t want to make traditional fried chicken. I substituted the typical wheat-flour-based coating for an almond flour coating. The almond flour coating was really delicious and added some extra flavour to the chicken. This recipe is really easy to make and it takes only 12 minutes to cook. It was a great recipe to make while watching the Olympics since I could prepare it so quickly!

Me with Caseco Mountain Sun by Divisha phone case
Me with Caseco Mountain Sun by Divisha phone case

Caseco Samsung Galaxy S21 Phone Case

I received some money for Christmas and was in desperate need of a phone upgrade so I treated myself to a Samsung Galaxy S21. Within about a week, I dropped my phone on the floor lol. Fortunately, it still worked, but I realized that I better get a phone case for my phone asap! I received a gorgeous phone case in the design called Mountain Sun by Divisha from Caseco and I absolutely love it. The colours in the design are colours that I often wear. The design is also beautiful, calm and serene. Caseco phone cases are made in Canada and have been drop tested up to 10 feet so I don’t have to panic if I have the occasional drop. The phone case has a matching wireless charging pad, which I also received. If you are looking for a new phone case, get 10% sitewide at Caseco by using my code: LORI

Don't Be Trashy by Tara McKenna
Don’t Be Trashy by Tara McKenna

Don’t Be Trashy by Tara McKenna

I received a copy of Don’t Be Trashy: A Practical Guide to Living with Less Waste and More Joy by Tara McKenna to review on my blog. I consider myself somewhat eco-conscious, but after reading this book, I realized there was so much more I could do to live in a more environmentally friendly way. McKenna offers great tips for really thinking about what you are purchasing and for finding alternative, green-friendly products. One idea I found interesting was to initiate a No Buy Month, just like many people experiment with a Dry January. Of course you would still buy groceries, gas and other necessities, but buying clothes, makeup, home decor or other luxuries would be off limits. (If your kiddo needs a new snowsuit or winter boots, however, that would be considered a necessity.) I follow this “no buy” pattern during Mercury retrograde periods (it’s astrology-based), which last a little longer than three weeks. My reason for not buying during Mercury retrograde is we are under a cloud of confusion during that time and we may strongly regret buying or signing contracts when Mercury later turns direct.


A Cuppa Grace and Lori Podcast

I have a new podcast with my friend Grace. Grace asked me a few months ago if I would be interested in doing a podcast with her. The idea excited me and we launched our podcast a few weeks ago. We discuss current events, what is motivating us, as well as our current challenges. I was a bit afraid about jumping into the podcast world because it means being vulnerable, especially when you are discussing personal issues, although I guess appearing on any social media platform involves being vulnerable. I shouldn’t have been afraid because it’s been so much fun and we’ve received positive feedback! Our conversations are real and listeners have told us that it’s like sitting in on a conversation with friends!

I hope you enjoyed reading about what I’m crushing on in February 2022. What are some of your current favourite books, movies, recipes or products? Please let me know in the comment section.

 

25 COMMENTS

  1. I will have to add that book to my reading list. It sounds like a good one.

    I didn’t get into the Olympics this year. I’m glad my shows will be back on honestly! I missed This Is Us!

    • Hi Amber, I do recommend that book, especially if you are trying to live a more green lifestyle! It’s true that the Olympics pre-empted many of our favourite TV shows! Well, those shows have returned now! Cheers, Lori

  2. I am loving the sound of those chicken tenders and love that you used Almond flour 😉 I will ahve to try that and love that its air fried too!

    • Hi Terri, I love watching the Olympics too (Winter and Summer)! We decided to start the podcast because my friend Grace and I usually have interesting conversations and we thought others might enjoy and maybe even benefit from them. Our goal is to be as authentic as possible. I also wanted to do a podcast because some people are more interested in watching videos than reading blogs. And yes, we’re having a lot of fun! Cheers, Lori

    • Hi Beth, Thank you. My friend suggested it and in the back of my mind, I knew I wanted to do it. We did discuss what the purpose of our podcast was and what topics we would want to cover, but other than that, we just jumped right in. Of course, we will refine our podcast as we go along. I find if I procrastinate too much about something, I never get it done! Good luck with your own podcast! Cheers, Lori

  3. It sounds like you have had a great February. Between the chicken tenders, a great book to read, enjoying the Olympics…all great things. I am excited for you on your podcast! I hope your upcoming March is even better for you!

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