It’s February, and that means…we made it through January! In this episode I share my thoughts on the grounding joys of giving care. I also explore two beekeeping saints, teas with rose petals, new adventures in sourdough, some cozy reads and PBS shows to watch, and what it means to feel spring in your bones - even before you see it reflected in the temperatures, and read one of my latest essays aloud. Listen on for my February journal episode, and scroll down for links to the books, shows, teas and more!

Featured Teas

This month’s featured teas all contain rose, which is associated with love - and also, heart health. Drink up!

* Love Tea by Mountain Rose Herbals - hearty, earthy rooibos and delicate rose petals complement one another, while cacao nibs add a touch of sweetness.

* Milady Grey by Tealyra - a bright citrus take on Earl Grey, with rose petals to add a bit of delicacy to lemongrass and orange flavors.

* Vanilla Rose Ceylon by Flying Bird Botanicals - sweet vanilla and complex rose in a black ceylon blend.

* Tulsi Sweet Rose by Organic India. Tulsi is one of my absolute favorite herbs for tea, and combined with rose petals and chamomile, it’s just divine.

Reading:

* The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series by Alexander McCall Smith. Note: These books (there are at least 26 of them!) are seriously binge-able, but I’ve been able to find most of them through my local library via the Libby app. Some of the covers are so pretty, I had to own a hard copy!

* Dr Sharon Blackie also has an excellent article about female February saints, where you can learn more about Saints Brigid and Gobnait, in her latest Substack (this one is behind a paywall, but I find the subscription well worthwhile!)

Watching:

* Royal Palace Secrets, Royal Myths & Secrets, and Lucy Worsley Investigates, all hosted by Lucy Worsley. (And a big plug for a PBS Passport membership; as I’m slashing most of my streaming services I’m finding that this one is more than worth the low price.)

Read-Aloud Essay:

Continue the conversation

Join paid subscribers in the private chat to share what you’re making, reading, watching, and sipping this month!

About me:

Hi! I’m Meagan, an author, podcaster, and midlife mom of five (mostly grown) kids. Here at The Kettle, I share my thoughts on how to live wisely and well in a manic modern world, and I look forward to hearing yours. If you want to connect more deeply, the private chat is open to paid members. I’m looking forward to getting to know you!

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