November Goals Update // December Goals

Hi friends, and happy Friday! American friends, how was your Thanksgiving? Are you off today? Did you battle the crowds and go shopping today, or planning on it? I'm not... in fact, I don't remember the last time I did. I do holiday/Christmas shopping all year round (my favorite time is actually right after Christmas so I get all the super sales!), but for everything else I'm more of a shop-from-my-couch (or desk...shhh!)-Cyber-Monday girl. My sanity is worth way more than any discount! 

Anyway, I wanted to check in before vacation to say that I did it! I finally remembered to publish my monthly goals at the beginning of the month- huzzah! Before I get in to December's goals though, I have to recap how I did in November! Let's jump right in, shall we?

November Goals:

• Clean-out coat closet- Yes! 
• List 5 things on Poshmark- No, I ran out of time and energy. 
• Go through my gift station and see what/who I still need to buy gifts for- Yes! 
• Call the landlord to fix my heater- Unnecessary, it started working again after I jacked it up to like 100 degrees. It works *almost* normal now. 
• Finish Christmas shopping- I'd love to mark this one as a "yes," and totally would have been able to if I received this wish lists from Blue's sister and her 2 nieces *grumble*
• Post my wish list! - Yes! You can check it out here! 
• Cook one new recipe- This didn't even blip on my radar. Oops. 
• Keep using the cream I got for my eczema- Yes! And who knew... it actually helps (gasp!)
• Read Colleen Hoover's November 9 (on that date!) - Yes! You can see my review on Tuesday for Show Us Your Books! 
• Get a pre-vacation mani/pedi- No. I was meaning to do this on the Tuesday when I was scheduled to leave work early, but I wound up working even later than normal! I painted them at home though. Can't have "naked" toesies on vacation! 

Exactly half. That's actually not terrible considering I didn't really start until mid-month! 
I'm doing something a little different for December goals. Last year (and the year before) Alexandra and Shea did this fun link-up called Living Your Best (Holiday) Life for Less. Basically, it was a list of ways to enjoy the holiday season on a budget, and it was broken up into three categories: budget-friendly, festive ideas, and self-care. There are some 25-30 ideas on each list, but I'm going to pick 10 from each. I actually forgot that their version started in November and had daily prompts as well- oops! Below are the daily prompts for December if you want to play along, and the broken down lists of ideas. 

What are your goals for December? 

Linking up with The Peaceful Posse! 

Top Ten Tuesday: Wish List Edition

Ahh, remember the good 'ole days when your biggest "problem" was what to put on your wish list for Santa?! Those were the days! Truth be told though, I still make wish lists, especially since my birthday and Christmas are so close together. I also ask for my friends and family's wish lists (or link to an Amazon one)- it just makes life easier. And why not help out the person who wants to get you something? Better to get you something you actually want as opposed to just "stuff" that's going to sit in a corner gathering dust (or being regifted...gasp!). As I've gotten older, a lot of my wish list contains things that would be really useful in my everyday life, as opposed to just fun... though there's definitely have a few of those items on here as well! Here's my 2019 Wishlist.

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Duvet cover- I've had a queen size down comforter for nearly 7 years, and it's been naked the whole time! I tried buying a cover for it last year but I didn't read the online description well enough and it was turned out to be just that- a cover to place on top of my comforter, not one that zipped around it. I love the plain teal one below, but I know it's hard to pick out a duvet design someone would like so a gift card from Bed, Bath, and Beyond or Kohl's would work just as well if not better! 

Wool Socks- I'm pretty sure I ask for these every year, and sometimes just buy them for myself. For some reason, my toesies like to escape their home in my socks, and nobody likes hole-y socks! My favorite brand is Darn Tough, since they are thick, warm, and "darn tough" for my toes to break through! 

Cordless Mini Vac- I have hard wood floors, but I also have 2-3 small rugs and no vaccuum! I love this cordless mini option to clean up little messes and random dust/hairballs. 

Personal Paper Shredder- An odd request for sure, but I have two metal cabinet drawers full of paperwork that has my name and other somewhat important or personal information that I no longer need and would like to get rid of. I would also use it to shred mail on the regular and not just throw it out. I was looking for a smaller/cheaper one, but in the meantime this one would also get the job done! 

Cognac Crossbody Purse- My old one broke, as in it had two snap closures to connect the two pockets and the one snap broke off. I already have one in black, but I like switching between black and brown to match outfits better (and I mostly go with browns in the spring/fall). I like really simple styles, just a rectangle shape with a top zipper- no extra zippers, flap, tassles. This classic one from Lauren Conrad is just perfect, as is this one from Amazon! 

Graphic Sweatshirt/Long Sleeve- Just like graphic tees I love graphic sweatshirts, hoodies, and long sleeves, and realized I don't own a single one! All of my hoodies are solid, and most of my long sleeve tees are solid as well since I mostly only wear them for layering. I like this Easy Tiger one, and of course Chewbaccca! 

Insulated Lunch Tote- Another replacement item! I had one of these but it got messy/dirty, and so I haven't been using one for the last year, opting instead to carry my usually warm lunch in a plastic bag. No bueno! I like this one because it zips and looks like a great size, and hello, how cute is that sloth?! 

A Caldero Pot with Lid-  Earlier this year my friend Michele showed me how to make Spanish rice and beans. Since then, I promised Blue I'd make it for her, but first I'll need the traditional pot with the lid! 

Funko Pops: Phillies Phanatic- I love me some Funko Pops! I don't collect them nearly as much as Blue, and as such I'm very particular about the ones I want. I just picked up this Rocket Raccoon holiday one, but I really have my eye on the Pretty Woman Vivian Chase since it's one of my favorite movies, and the Phillies Phanatic! And how cute is Baby Groot?! 

Scrabble- Blue and I were talking about games since the whole puzzle thing didn't work out (she would get frustrated and leave!). We like Words with Friends, but I like the original better. (Note: would have to come with a dictionary!) 

Other: Anything that screams warm and cozy (think candles, fuzzy socks, punny oversized mugs, throw blankets), anything book-related, anything for my "collections" (funko pops, ornaments, magnets), anything drink or beer related, stickers!, Heart and Brain "stuff" from the comic The Awkward Yeti since Blue and I always joke that we are definitely them!  

So yeah, some grown up stuff, and some just for fun! 

What's on your wishlist? I'm always curious! 

Fall Bucket List Check In // Nov Goals

I can't believe how fast November flew by! And now here we are at nearly the end! Even though technically fall continues until Dec. 21, this will be the last fall bucket list update. I only managed to complete 5/10, but I think some of my bucket list items were a bit lofty. I'm going to try to manage my expectations better in the future. Anyway, here's the latest update.

Fall Bucket List

Host Annual Halloween Party

Check out a new winery or brewery

Make pumpkin pie or a new dessert

Have an NYC Tourist Day OR weekend getaway

Complete 5 things from my 101 list

Host a game night

Try deep sea fishing

Shop at the Meadowlands Flea Market

Decorate apartment for Fall

Attend NY Comic-Con

Complete 5 Things from 101 List: completed the last 2- finally got renter's insurance (only took me 5 years- ack) and cleaned out my kitchen cabinets! Woot! 

Decorate apartment for Fall: complete!

Host Annual Halloween Party: Success! More about that here.

Happy Halloween from Forrest Gump and Lt. Dan!

As for the rest, well, it's clearly not happening. When I originally put deep sea fishing on the summer bucket list, there seemed to be a lot of time to plan getting together with our friends to do this, but as the months roll by, schedules not matching up, and the temps dropping, this seems less feasible (and desirable, if I'm being honest!). We had a game night scheduled, but again, schedules couldn't align and we didn't really make it a priority, especially with the Halloween party looming. We shall see if we make it to the flea market and winery/brewery. It would be fun, but hibernation season is near! 

Next month I'm going to do a separate post with goals vs. bucket list, but here's how I did on my goals this month, and what I've done and hoping to accomplish in November- keeping the list light since we're more than halfway through the month!

October Goals:

• *private goal*: This was to get renter's insurance, because I was too ashamed to write it out AGAIN for the many months/years I've been adding it to my goals, but I'm happy to FINALLY report that this is done! 
• Fall cleaning: Done! 
• Change over clothes: Done!
• List 10 items on Poshmark: No. Womp...
• Replace boots: Done! I bought black and brown riding boots from Nordstrom Rack and I LOVE them!
• Actually use the cream I got for my eczema: I started, so marking this complete! 
• Schedule Vietnam Veterans donation pick-up: Done! 11/5

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November Goals:

• Clean-out coat closet
• List 5 things on Poshmark
• Go through my gift station and see what/who I still need to buy gifts for
• Call the landlord to fix my heater
• Finish Christmas shopping
• Post my wish list! 
• Cook one new recipe
• Keep using the cream I got for my eczema
• Read Colleen Hoover's November 9 (on that date!) 
• Get a pre-vacation mani/pedi (vacation starts Nov 30!)

And that's a wrap! 

What are/were some of your November goals?

Linking up the bucket list with Leslie! 

TTT: 10 Reading Habits

I didn't think my reading habits had changed much, but as I started writing this post, I've come to realize that that's not true at all. Many of my habits have changed in the last 5 years or so years. Here are a few of them. 

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I've made more time for reading. As evident from my reading list and from 2014 to now. Of course some years I read more than others due to life things, but for the most part it has been on the uprise since then. 

I talk about books in my everyday life. I never used to do this. Not that I read in secret or that there was any shame in it, it just wasn't as much of a hobby of mine until more recently. Now I will bring up books that I've read or struck a chord with me all the time, with any and everyone, and I've found that friends who I've known for years that are big readers as well, which has brought us even closer. And I've encouraged others who had pushed it aside as adults to become readers too! 

I read WAY more on my Kindle app. I still don't own a Kindle, for no other reason than I don't know which one I want, but I use the Kindle app on my phone and laptop. This way I can read ALL the e-books! Most of the e-ARCs I receive also come in this format, which is very helpful! 

I always have at least one book on me at all times. Since I always have my phone on me, I always have a book available! (Actually I have closer to 50 books there, but that's a post for another day!) 

I started participating in reading challenges, which has pushed me to read books outside of my comfort zone. I think I may have been a bit overzealous this year, attempting to complete 5 of them, but overall I really enjoy participating and the reading communities that come with it! 

I've embraced the DNF idea. I used to struggle through books I didn't love because I thought I had to finish what I started, but why? There are too many good books out there than to struggle through something I'm not loving. Occasionally it turns out to be a timing issue and I wind up picking it up again later and loving it, but I'm okay with never trying it again either! 

I'm always scouring Goodreads. It's probably my second most used app, next to Instagram. I also really love updated my current reads on there, and it's a great place to keep track of books I've read and want to read. I started making separate bookshelves for DNFs, holiday reads, and reading challenges books too. If we're not already, let's be friends! 

Though I still love physical books, I've broken up with Paperback Swap and buying new books (unless it's as a gift). Now I mostly buy used books from my library since they have a revolving bookcase and sell their overstock all the time. 10 cents for paperbacks, and 50 cents for hardcovers- it's great! 

My bookshelf is currently overflowing. I used to be able to split a 3 shelf bookcase with my ex... now I have a 3 shelves with 2 rows each, a full book cart, AND a stack on the floor... what can I say, I love a great deal! And I'm a mood reader, so I like having a variety to choose from! 

I finally started utilizing my school library. I have no idea what took me so long, but I work at a college and just realized over the summer that they offer fiction, and some of the latest new releases! If I want something else, I can request an inter-collegiate library loan. Not only that, but the return dates are much longer- usually a whole month! 

One thing that hasn't changed is that I still don't listen to audiobooks! At least now I can say I've tried... I just can't stay focused. 

What are some reading habits that have changed for you in the last couple of years?

Linking up with Jana!

10 Favorite Gifts To Give

*This post does NOT contain affiliate links.

As much as I dislike Christmas (I know, total Grinch over here), I love buying presents. One of the things I pride myself on is being a good gift giver. I used to be a last minute shopper, like, the day before Christmas- eek! but it was so stressful. Now I listen and take notes... waaaaay before the holiday season. Not only does this save money and time before December, but also it saves my sanity! I try to buy presents that the person will really enjoy, or that follows one of these categories: Want, Need, Wear, or Read. Here are some other things I like to gift:

My favorite thing to give (and receive, tbh) are experiences. Gift cards to things like the movies, a nice restaurant, or something else I think you'll enjoy, I will try to give you that or take you there. 

Emergency kits. How cute are these? There are a bunch of different varieties too- for him, for her, the bride, the teacher, the student, tech lover, traveler, etc. I bought the fitness kit and the college survival kit last year for my nieces and they loved them.

Outerwear accessories. It's winter. Everyone gets cold right? So what person wouldn't want a cozy scarf, touch gloves, or even fuzzy socks?

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Hot Toddy or Cocktail gift sets. Usually I put these together myself- all you need is a mini bottle of alcohol ($1), a few tea bags (I usually get a spiced variety), maybe some honey, and a cute mug and boom! Perfect, not to mention inexpensive, present! If you prefer to buy one, Nordstrom has a variety of different cocktail kits. Not a drinker? How about the hot toddy for the body sets?

Books. I don't buy books for myself, but if I know you fancy a certain author that has a new release or a famous person you love has a memoir (because everyone seems to have one these days), I'd purchase it. I also always get books for kids (and a toy, obviously, because kids).

Glassware/mugs. I love funny or sarcastic mugs and wine glasses. And everyone I know drinks either coffee, tea, or wine, so it's a useful, fun present for anyone!

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Ornaments/collectibles. I like giving personalized ornaments, or ones with a picture in them- memories forever! And if I know you have a collection or love of a TV or movie, I'll try to add to it in some way. Those Funko Pops are fun to give, and they seem to have one for everybody!

Hobby-related. I may not share your hobby, but I will try to find a gift to support it! Runner? Happy feet pedicure set or medal/bib display rack. Hiker or yogi? Daypack or yoga mat bag. Photographer? Lens mug. Musician or music lover? A cool retro-style speaker or record coasters... it's not hard. Think outside of the box!

Pet care/related. Can't forget about your furry family members! I've never met a pet parent who didn't like something relating to or for their pets. 1 month subscription to KitNip Box or Barkbox, homemade dog treats, or just toys in general are always welcome!

Grooming/beauty. I don't know any women who don't like a little something beauty related, whether it be makeup palettes, nail polish, or maybe something to help them relax like lavender oil and an eye mask. Got a metro guy in your life? There's a grooming set for him too!

Bonus: snacks. I don't like showing up to a dinner or party empty handed, so if I'm not bringing wine or a dessert I usually bring snacks like this Bourbon Almond Brittle.

What are some of your favorite gifts to give?
Linking up with Whitney!

October Reads

To say I had a rough reading month in October would be an understatement. I got anxious. With upcoming events in my personal life, work, and the looming Erin Book Challenge bonus round deadline pending, nothing was really grabbing my attention. I picked up and ultimately put down at least 4 novels, some without even cracking the spine before tossing them aside. I'm happy to report that I'm finally out of my reading slump (thank you Kimberly Jones!),  but that just happened over the past weekend. Here's what I got through in October. 

Never Have I Ever- Joshilyn Jackson: 4 Stars
library e-book

My first Joshilyn Jackson book will certainly not be my last! Solid suspense with lots of twists and turns that kept on going until the very last pages.
The Lightning Thief- Rick Riordan: 3 Stars
library e-book

It seemed much more middle grade than YA, which is a pet peeve of mine, but it was a good story overall and pretty fast-paced, and I liked being reminded of the Greek mythology. Not sure I'll continue with the series, but I enjoyed this one.
Flowers in the Attic- V. C. Andrews: 4 Stars
library e-book

Not gonna lie, the first two thirds were pretty boring, but the last third definitely made up for it! I can't say much much without giving anything away (even though I'm pretty sure everyone else has read this by now!). It had me thinking of it for days after I finished it, which is always a sign of a great book in my opinion. Again, not sure if I'll continue with the series, but I definitely need to watch the movies now! 

What are you reading lately? 

Linking up with Steph and Jana! 

What's New With Me

Yesterday I woke up an hour and a half EARLY and today I was actually late to work?! This time change is definitely messing with me more than usual! I don't even remember the last time I missed my train (minus that one time last week when I was running late, but lucky for me my train was cancelled that day so I had to take a later one anyway!). Hopefully I'll be better tomorrow. I mentioned earlier last month that every weekend was booked up, and it was! Here's why: 



Blue and I attended NYC Comic-Con on Friday, Oct. 4. This was our 3rd year attending, and I will NEVER make the mistake that we made the first year, going on a Saturday! Holy over-crowding! Neither one of us were cool with that. On Fridays, we're able to avoid some of the heavy foot traffic. This year we bought a lot less than in previous years, because we realized that vendors overprice their merchandise because it's been sold at NY Comic-Con, even if it's not "exclusive" to the event. We didn't win any tickets to the panels we wanted to see, so we just walked the main selling areas and scoped out some of the awesome costumes people were wearing- they really go all out, and it's one of my personal favorite part of the event! 

The next day, we attended a 50th birthday party for one of our camping friends, Tracey. It was... okay I guess. She's very "country"- in terms of decor and general attitude and we looked like the "city folk" rolled in, all over-dressed and expecting more than there was, but we didn't know any better! And it was a surprise party, so it's not like we could ask anyone what would be appropriate! Her birthday isn't until January so we thought for sure we had her fooled, but NOPE, she totally knew! "These guys can't plan anything without me" is what she said, and how true she was. The homemade food was banging though, especially the fried chicken!  

The following weekend saw us in NYC brunching with out friend from Cleveland, Ohio and her new girlfriend at Alfie's. I think I was a bit wary because the menu looked a bit boughie. but the food was really good!

The following weekend we met up with Blue's brother and wife for dinner at another new-to-me restaurant, Ariane's Kitchen and Bar. Apparently the she was Top Chef or something. I didn't love the menu, and the food was meh, tbh. (Sorry, no pics of this outing!)

The next week one of my former coworkers/bff was in town from California for a wedding. It was so great to see her, and she and Blue finally met! Unfortunately we only got to have dinner with her and her hubs because the rest of us had work the next day, but we have a girl's weekend in the works so hopefully I'll get to see her again soon! 

And two days later we had our 5th Annual Halloween Party! This year Blue and I hosted a 90's themed party, and we were dressed as Forrest Gump and Lieutenant Dan...my favorite costume yet! Granted I didn't have a wheelchair (Blue thought it would be insensitive to her relatives since her mom was literally an amputee, and also she didn't want me messing up her new rugs), but I took all pics on a rolling chair and "danced" on my knees all night- I really like to "own" my character on Halloween! 

The party was great. I feel like we've finally gotten into a bit of a groove (thank G, after 5 years I would sure hope so!). We had food (baked ziti and apps), decor, ring pops, slap bracelets, and glowsticks in an original Caboodle (yes, I still have one!) to commemorate this one. I would only say that this one seemed a bit lower energy than others- everyone was gone by 10:30, when normally it's closer to 12:30A when the last guests stumble out! Even we were fine the next day!

So that's what's up with me! What's up with you?

Linking up with Kristen! 

Currently November

You guys... I am all out of whack with this time change! Usually I don't feel like it affects me much, but this morning I woke up a whole 90 minutes before my alarm and couldn't go back to sleep! I considered going in to work early, but since I'm salaried, it doesn't mean any extra money, and I already know I have to work a little later to be able to ride the train back with Blue tonight since she has a  late meeting, so instead I enjoyed an early morning coffee in silence without my usual go, go, go morning routine, and it was lovely! I may have to make this a habit! So that's how I'm feeling, here's what else I'm currently up to. 

Reading: The Girl With All The Gifts- M.R. Carey

Listening To: This acoustic Prince cover of Chaka Khan's "I Feel For You."

Watching: all my regulars, but hoping to check out The Morning Show with Reese Witherspoon and Jenifer Aniston this weekend! It's on Apple TV+ but there are already a few other shows I'd like to see on this new streaming service, so I think I'll give it a try. 

Procrastinating: getting out all of my fall/winter gear. Don't get me wrong, I've definitely started. I was smart last year when packing things away- I separated fall vs. super cold weather clothes, and I've unpacked the fall stuff so far. I might do a post taking stock of all the winter clothes I have so I can't complain "I have nothing to wear!" all winter long. 

Looking forward to: Friendsgiving this weekend with my Mountain Mamas. I feel like it's been an eternity since we've all gotten together! I'm making my classic pumpkin pie straight from the Libby's pumpkin puree recipe on the can.

Picking/choosing: to be more mindful of my spending. I feel like I spent a lot in October, though part of it was paying off another student loan (woot!). I'm not going for a No Spend November as I have gifts to buy and social outings already planned, but maybe I will actually track my spending this month to see where I can stand to save a bit more. 

Preparing: for Jamaica! T-24 days (not that I'm counting or anything...)! I started packing while I was putting away my other summer clothes, but now I want to look into excursions and things to see or do. Dunn's River Falls is definitely on the list, along with visiting a rum distillery. 

Trying: an updated fall/cooler weather skincare routine. My skin is pretty calm in summer but dries out quickly in the winter months and becomes flaky and gross. I have a ton of creams and moisturizers and need to start making time in the morning and/or before bed to utilize them and all the other skincare "stuff" I've accumulated.

Following: Since noticing that a few of my old favorites have stopped blogging besides one or two posts a month, I found a few new-to-me bloggers such as What Karly Said and Our Unschooling Journey. I also started actively following a few others that I previously only semi-followed, such as Not In Jersey, Anne in Residence, and Once Upon A Time Happily Ever After. Send me some of your favorites so I can check them out! 

Purchasing: Halloween goodies! Candy, slap bracelets, ring pops for my 90's themed Halloween party. More on that tomorrow! 

Also I didn't personally buy it, but Blue got me a Papa Elf Funko Pop, and this awesome cardboard Scratch and Play cat house that has a scratching pad on the bottom- Keebler LOVES it!

Have you been to Jamaica? 
Please send recommendations if you have! 

Linking up with Anne and Tanya!