Mimi Takes Five - #345

ONE // Winning Loaf

I finally made a successful sourdough bread using my own starter! It only took five and a half months and lots of trial and error, but I did it! I'm so pleased and proud of myself for sticking with it. It was not easy. I had so many let-down moments when cutting into a bread. I'd gotten close a few times, but mostly my loaves have been flat, dense and gummy... I did lots of troubleshooting but I mostly didn't give up, and I think that was the trick. When my starter finally more than doubled when I fed it last week, I started getting a good feeling. I then mixed my dough and things were always looking promising at every step. It baked beautifully and then I had to let it cool to slice it open and confirm if my gut feeling was right. Well, it was and we got to enjoy our first real sourdough! What a thrill!

TWO // March Ipsy

Honestly, the bag design is what sold me on getting this month's Ipsy. Anyone who's been following for a while will know just how obsessed I am with straw bags of all sorts. It must therefore not be surprising in the slightest that I wanted the red straw glam bag with strawberry pull charm. I mean, it screams springtime! It has got to be the cutest bag I've seen in a while and I plan on tucking it into my larger straw totes this summer. The excitement is real! Not only is the bag the most adorable thing, but its content was also fruitful. I love pretty much everything except the highlighter. The product seems fine, I just don't use the stuff. But that's the worst of it. The rest of the bag was amazing! I love the eye cream, the serum and the exfoliating concentrate. The two masks are great - I do a weekly mask and like to switch around my options. My most favourite products are by far the brow laminating gel and Elemis face cream. This lotion is beyond luxurious! Overall thrilled with my March glam bag!

THREE // First Run

We got a pretty good mild spell recently and the spring meltdown is well and truly on its way. I had a random thought that the pavement is just about dry enough to start running again. Well, the sun was shinning Saturday and I decided to just go for it! It was a beautifully mild day at 10°C. I only had on a long sleeve running top and it was perfect. I did have to navigate some large puddles on the roads, but it was dry for the most part. That first run of the season always feels so good and energizing (even though I do feel a bit sore the next day). I made sure to stretch very well post-run and am totally fine now. Not sure if I'm back to a regular running schedule. That will all depend on the weather. Not sure we're quite done with the snow just yet... Either way, I'm happy I seized the moment!

FOUR // Lilac Manicure

I got through phases of painting my nails. However, the feeling of spring in the air has inspired me to paint my nails in a seasonal pastel shade. I decided to dig through my polish options and settled on this muted lilac. I'm really happy with it! I smile every time I look down on my hands these days. It's especially nice since I've been reading a lot more lately, so I get to enjoy my nails the entire time I have my nose in a book. It's the small things that bring the most joy! Now that spring is around the corner, and I won't be wearing mittens on the daily, I just might lean into painting my nails more regularly again.

FIVE // Mad Men Rewatch

I saw that Mad Men was on Netflix, so I started a rewatch. I remember watching this series when it came out years ago and both my husband and I had loved it! Not only are the cast and storylines great, but the fashion and set dressing are spot on and really help create that iconic 60s setting. The entire show harks to a bygone time and there is something comforting and nostalgic in watching it. I didn't live through the 60s by any means but I think the comfort I get from this show is similar to that I get from shows set during my own childhood. I'm also loving diving back into Mad Men because I already know how it ends, so I get to rewatch from a different perspective, which is always a great way to rediscover a much-loved show. Historically speaking, a lot happened during the 60s and the current climate can sometimes feel like we are somewhat going back in time. Again, rewatching a familiar show with a different perspective can help you see things differently. All that to say, if you've never seen Mad Men, I recommend it!