Mimi Takes Five - #406

ONE // Bridgerton : Book 2

Just finished the second book of the Bridgerton series, Anthony's story. I have to say, I enjoyed this read much more than the first book of the series. The characters were more developed and the love story of Anthony and Kate felt more believable. I was overall much more invested in this story. Seeing as I've watched the show, it's hard not to compare the books and the series. However, I'm noticing the show, while mostly true to the books (at least so far), has added characters and made it their own adaptation. For instance, the Queen Charlotte, Lady Danbury and Mrs. Featherington characters are more fleshed out and play more prominent roles in the series. I love that both can stand on their own, but are complementary to one another. I've already got the third book lined up (Benedict's story as opposed to Colin's, like the show's order) and I can't wait to delve in. I love a good Cinderella story!

TWO // Caramels

I have this obsession with Pickle and Myrrh caramels. They are the best soft caramels I've ever had and I keep going back to the store every time we are in Merrickville to scope out the new flavours and stock up on the favourites. I think the Pecan Butter Tart flavour launched in the fall but I finally got my hands on a bag this past weekend. They are as delicious as expected. I tend to lean towards preferring the sweet and salty flavours more. This one is all sweetness, but the pecans break it up a bit. That being said, it's delicious and a real treat! We decided to get a bag of the original salted caramels and test out one new flavour. It was between this one and the Peanut Butter Cup Caramels. I was also hoping to try the new Pawfeet Pack which includes four new flavours - Cookies and Cream, Salted Toffee, M&M Potato Chip and Milk Chocolate. I mean, these sound so delicious! Sadly for me, they only launch at the end of the month... Guess we'll have to go back!

THREE // Patio Refresh

We've got big plans for the backyard this year. Well, really, we started last year. My husband transformed an entire area of our yard by laying down patio stones, making an unused section usable. We also planted our little maple tree. Those were the big changes last year, but that meant that some regular maintenance things were overlooked. One of those things was resurfacing our stamped concrete patio. We tend to do it every two years or so and it was due last year. Needless to say, it was in dire need this spring. Unfortunately, the product we'd been using for years was discontinued so we pivoted and got a different one. This is such a big job. We have to pressure wash the concrete the day before, let it dry completely, paint at least two layers and let everything cure. There are multiple steps requiring a few sunny days in a row to get it all done. We did it last weekend - took us a solid 10 hours with the two of us working. It's not perfect, but it's so much better than it was and I'm just glad it's done! Now we can move on to more fun yard projects!

FOUR // Denim Dress

Finding a good denim dress had been on my wishlist for a few years now. I wasn't in any kind of rush to add this item to my closet, but it was simply an item I knew I'd like to add. Well, denim dresses are everywhere this year and I got to scour the shops until I found just the right one. I knew I wanted a midi length and a fit and flare silhouette as that's what works best on me. I also love a square neckline and wanted thick enough straps. Well, this one hit all the right notes for me! That waistline with gathered bustline is a dream! It's really giving me 90s vibes and, honestly, I think that's what I was looking for deep down. It's also giving a little western and a little  frontier. Either way, I love it! I've already worn it a few times and find it an easy piece to layer. Versatility really makes me love a garment so much more. When I love something, I want to wear it often, so being able to style it multiple ways makes that less boring over time. 

FIVE // The Drought is Over

I was dreading this last episode. When something's been part of your life for so many years, it's hard to think of it ever ending. Usually, the end of a season would mark the start of yet another droughtlander, but not this time. I'll admit, I was an emotional wreck throughout this entire episode. The voice-over of the will, each character farewell, the intensity of the battle and the thing we never saw coming - it was heavy from start to finish. While I do appreciate that some story lines were wrapped up and the loop closed on some theories, we are still left with lots to interpret. I really wondered how the show would be wrapped knowing there is still a book to be published. This is not how the story ends, not really. However, it's a good ending for the show. It provides much-needed closure while also leaving the door open. I suspect that was done intentionally to allow for a ninth season or possibly a movie after the final book is published. Also, what makes this ending a bit easier to accept is that we still have a season 2 of Blood of my Blood to look forward to. We won't have to let go of the world of Outlander just yet!