Mimi Takes Five - #298

ONE // Diamond Painting

I'm mesmerized every time I see diamond painting posts on social media. It always stuck me like a craft I'd like. For a long time, I was half-heartedly looking around to see if I could find a kit to try it out. I had almost but given up when I found this kit at Dollarama of all places last fall. I had a lot going at the time, so I had tucked it away for a rainy day. Fast forward a few months and I decided to finally sit down and give it a go. Well, I'm hooked! It's everything I thought it would be! It's very therapeutic. It actually makes me feel the way puzzling does. Like a good, creative challenge ahead of me without too much thinking. I get to keep my hands busy while my mind can focus on something else like a podcast. I did this entire kit in one day. I'll admit, once I got into the groove, I couldn't stop. It's definitely addictive, but seeing your progress in real time is also very motivating. I could have paced myself and stretched it out a few days, and I probably should have because my wrist was sore afterwards... Now I want to get more of these kits. New crafting hobby unlocked!

TWO // Anne of Green Gables

Anne was the first heroine I loved as a kid. I was obsessed with all things Anne of Green Gables. I loved the French cartoon version whenever it played, I participated in a public speaking contest dressed as Anne and proceeded to monologue as she's known to do, we visited L.M. Montgomery's house and got some raspberry cordial when we visited P.E.I., and I've always wanted to have red hair like Anne. To this day, Anne is the book character I associate with the most. In my mind, we are kindred spirits! For as long as I can remember, I had this tradition of watching the entire box set of the Sullivan 1985 movies every summer. These tape box sets were my prized possessions and I kept them safely in my room, alongside my Anne and Diana porcelain dolls. I would spend hours in our cool basement watching my comfort show. I've watched and enjoyed every iteration of Anne since, but no one comes close to Megan Follows - she IS Anne. I recently decided to rewatch the series and the comfort and nostalgia it brings me is indescribable. Anne has always been a part of me and I'm always happy to reconnect with that side of me. I mean, my love of fall, puffed sleeves, books, straw hats and cherry blossoms come from somewhere...

THREE // Pyjamas

Being the homebody that I am, I live in either leggings/sweaters or pyjamas. I love to cocoon and be as cozy as can be, so I require the proper attire. I usually hang onto my pyjamas until they get ratty and I noticed a few years ago that I had to learn to let go of the old ones and invest in some fresher pieces. I've got a decent selection of flannel and polar fleece sets for the colder months so am now turning my attention to the other seasons. I love a matching set and this pink floral and butterfly print was calling my name. I got it at Giant Tiger and it is more than I could have imagined. The fit is excellent, the pant legs are actually long enough for me (which is a rarity), the top has the sweetest pipping details and the fabric is the softest and lightest I've ever worn. I was speechless when I first put it on, this piece is top tier! I can't wait to get home at the end of the day to put them on. 

FOUR // Focaccia

I got the sudden urge to make focaccia the other day, so I did. I've made this recipe countless times at this point and it's always turned out great! I wanted to give it a little lemon flavour this time around, so I flavoured some coarse salt with lemon rind that I used to sprinkle on the top. I also added everything bagel spice as well. I'd been wanting to try this out for a long time and happy I finally got around to it. While the bread turned out amazingly and is absolutely delicious, I have to admit that the everything bagel spice sort of misses the mark. I don't know why, I thought it would be perfect, but it falls a little flat. Maybe if I smeared some herb and garlic cream cheese on it, it might hit the spot. Will try for breakfast tomorrow!

FIVE // Pet Care

We've had an emotional week over here. Last week, our beloved dog was scheduled for surgery. It was a maintenance teeth cleaning and removal of a tiny mass on her eyelid. Nothing too serious, but still requiring anesthesia. It's always risky to go ahead with such procedures and our pup is definitely in her retirement years, so to speak. She's in relatively good health, barring a few signs of aging. We knew the risks but decided, with the recommendation of our vet and the vet who performed the surgery, to go ahead as the risks would simply get greater with time. We're used to the dental cleaning procedure as this was our fourth time going through it with our dogs. We know the benefits far outweigh the risks and this proved to be the case this time around as well. The surgery went well and the dog has been recuperating this past week, which meant constant supervision as she had to wear a cone. We were also on a busy medication and eye-drop schedule, so my week has been revolving around dog care. It's always heart-wrenching having to hand over your sweet pet pre-surgery and just as difficult seeing them post-op. My anxiety was very high last week but I am so relieved it went as smoothly as possible and puppy is more herself with every passing day.