Post-Isolation Challenge

I found this over on Hazel's blog, and followed it back to Kezzie's blog, and wanted to play along, because it's fun to dream, right?! Also, the original post had 13 questions but I prefer a nice round number like 10, so I left some out. Head over to one of those to see the whole list! 

1. Restaurant you would go out to?
It's a draw - either my all-time favorite local Italian restaurant Casa Guiseppe, or Blue's all-time favorite local pizza/Italian place, Patsy's.

2. Friend you would meet up with first?
Probably Raven. She's been having a hard time during this time because her mom is sick. 

3. Place you would go?
A park or the beach.

4. Shop you would go to?
TJ Maxx! Especially since it's right around the corner from me haha! 

5. Food item you would buy/eat?
This is a tough one because a lot of the dishes I normally eat are offering home delivery, but for the sake of this questionnaire I'll choose something that doesn't travel well, like... oooh a beef gyro platter from The Halal Guys! 

6. Show you would/will go to see?
I have tickets to see comedian Whitney Cummings the last week in May, and though I have 0 expectations of the isolation being lifted by then, this is the one I'd go to. 

7. Concert you will go to watch?
Like above, I have tickets to see Alanis Morisette (with Garbage and Liz Phair) at an outdoor venue the first week of June, so that one! 

8. Holiday you would go on?
We were originally planning to go to Iceland in October to see the Northern Lights but travel bans or not, this will not be happening this year. 

9. Thing you would do at work?
Grab our favorite drinks for me and my team from the local cafe and set up in the break-room to catch up with everyone! 

10. Item you would buy?

TP! ALL THE TP! Haha, jk... mostly ;)

How would you answer some of these? 

How I Do: Planning

Hi Friends! Today I'm super excited to be joining Alexandra and Lauren to talk about how I organize my planner! I will be the first to admit that I'm not a "#plannergirl" by any means. I don't buy a shit-ton of stickers, I've never used washi tape, and though I love looking at pretty, creative planners, I've found that simple works best for me. I've been using some sort of paper planner for the last 10-ish years, and I always get a Jan-Dec yearly planner. I've tried electronic planners but they don't work for me; writing things down has always helped me to remember them better. I prefer horizontal to vertical layouts, and I like having both a monthly and weekly view. I keep a paperclip between the monthly view and whatever week I'm currently in for easier access for the most up-to-date info. I also use White-Out A LOT. But that's just me. I'm a huge supporter of the "do what works for you" method. Here is how I organize my planner in 3 steps. 

via here

Step 1: Selecting and Purchasing Your Planner

I started with the "New York" planner that an ex bought me because I was/am directionally challenged and it included a NYC subway map (which I'll admit I referred back to MANY times). But then it was discontinued (around the same time we broke up). Around the same time I got more into blogging, and heard about Plum Paper Planners. I was in loooove. They were so big and pretty and personalized and all the other bloggers were using them! What's not to love?! The size and the $45 price tag, that's what. At the time I was commuting 4 hours a day, and it got heavy (and expensive!). And then I found the mini Happy Planner and I was SOLD. It's smaller and lighter but still had enough room to write everything I wanted, had sections for goals and inspirational quotes, was ring-bound but I could detach/re-attach  the pages (for smoother writing- I hate writing next to the edge/bounds), and had the hard plastic cover on top of the regular cover that I needed due to how rough I am with my stuff (especially when commuting). 

Usually, I buy my planner around November. Unfortunately I procrastinated this year and my mini Happy Planner of choice was no longer available. But I needed something, so I went to Staples and picked up a Blue Sky planner. It doesn't have as much space for writing as the Happy Planner (and inspirational quotes or cute covers for each month), but it does have the protective cover, it's small and light and has the horizontal (vs. vertical) layout that I prefer. 

Step 2: Filling In Your Planner
You purchased your planner, but now what? 

(A) Monthly view: Personally, I start by going back to last year's planner and fill in all of the important dates/birthdays. (First time using a planner? Write down anything you remember, like anniversaries or bill due dates, and then go to Facebook and write down all of your friend/family birthdays). These are things you KNOW will happen. I update this throughout the year as new events pop up. I have also started writing my goals in the "Notes" sidebar of my monthly calendar. 

Planner 1: Last year
Planner 2: This Year

(B) Weekly View: I don't write a lot in my weekly view because I don't reference it half as much as I reference my monthly view. Basically I write my meal plan on the second line (whether it's "tuna noodle casserole" or "Date Night!"), and whatever blog linkup/post on the 2nd to last line. Meals denoted with an asterisks are new. Occasionally I'll write what ingredients I don't have that I'll need to do the recipe in this section as well.

Step 3: Decorating Your Planner

I don't think anyone should tell you how to decorate your planner! This year I purchased these seasonal stickers from Amazon and though I used some of them, most of them are literally too big and probably meant for scrap-booking. That's okay, I'll probably use them for that purpose in the future, but I'm much more a fan of the productivity stickers like "dentist appointment" or "big meeting." Do what makes you happy! 

I'm curious- do you use a planner? 

If so, how do you organize it? 

The Nectar List

Have you ever heard of a Nectar List? It's a lot like a Bucket List, but instead of listing things you want to do, it's a list of things you've already done, or crossed off your bucket list. I have no idea why it's called that, but I kinda dig it. Anyway, here are a few of mine:

Traveled to 11 different countries
Attempted scuba-diving
Swam with sharks, sting rays, and sea turtles

Biked down the side of a volcano
Went sky-diving, ziplining, caving, white water rafting, tubing, rockclimbing, ocean- kayaking, jetskiing, and snorkeling

I've been on 3 cruises- Disney Big Red Boat, Carnival, and Norwegian
Seen MLB, NFL, NHL, NBA games, and the U.S. Open
Eaten somewhere featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives
Been on TV
NYC Things: MET, MOMA, 10 (Cats, Rent, Lion King, Alladin, Carole King, Chicago, Cirque, Wicked, Les Miserables, Phantom) Broadway shows, Lincoln Center, Coney Island, Central Park, Ellis Island, Statue of Liberty, Tavern on the Green and Central Park

I've swam in the Pacific, Atlantic, Carribean, and Indian Oceans, and the Gulf of Mexico
Held an alligator and a boa constrictor
Lived on my own for 7? years
Rescued a puppy
Donated my hair to Locks of Love

Spent a semester of college studying abroad
Earned a degree in something I love
Visited London: shopped at Dr. Marten and saw the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace

Been published
Rode an elephant and a camel

Learned how to operate a cotton candy machine
Jumped on stage with Matisyahu
Swam in a bioluminescent bay
Toured a tea and spice plantation

Acted in a play
Visited a castle in Europe
Fell in love
Saw my name in the credits of a movie
Went on a whiskey distillery tour (or 10) 

Got my belly button and nose pierced

Went tent camping
Took a pole dancing class
Gone to a luau in Hawaii

Gone horseback riding
Smoked a cigar
Volunteered at Habitat for Humanity

Rented a jeep and drove around Hawaii (Road to Hana)

Photographed the sunrise and sunset on the same day
Taken a ride on a glass bottom boat
Watched a meteor shower
Taken a ride on a steamboat
Attended a hot air balloon festival

I’ve watched the fireworks over the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City

Ate dim sum in Chinatown
Spent an entire day by myself

Became instant friends with complete strangers at a music festival (Global Citizens Festival)

Visited all three North American countries (Canada, Mexico, and the USA)
Voted in presidential and local elections
Got a professional massage
Got a professional manicure and pedicure

Performed in a marching band competition in (the stadium formerly known as) Giants Stadium

I’ve high-fived Nelly Furtado
I’ve very publicly taken a nap during a rave at a music festival
Visited Paris: went to the top of the Eiffel Tower and saw (and have been disappointed by) the Mona Lisa in person

I’ve watched the sunset over the ocean while riding a ferry boat
I’ve taken the perfect "jumping on the beach" photograph

I’ve been to a stereotypical frat party

Celebrateed Christmas in Spain

Hosted a game night

I’ve jumped off a cliff into a lake
I’ve taken a selfie with a giraffe/goat

I’ve been picked up by a random, but hot, Puerto Rican bouncer from Senor Frog's named Juan
I’ve learned how to ski at Mont Tremblant - and didn’t fall on my ass
I’ve been skinny dipping at 3 a.m.
I’ve attended a New York City black tie wedding
I've attended band camp

I’ve been hit in the face with a soccerball and did NOT cry
I’ve been to Mystic Pizza in Mystic, Connecticut
Started a book club
Started a business
Met online friends in real life

Tackled my debt
Saw one of the 7 wonders of the world
Gone geocashing
Threw a surprise party
Attended Pinot Palette paint night

Taken part in a talent show

I’ve competed in a canoe regatta and won
I’ve puked out the window of a moving vehicle. Not exactly proud of that, but seems like an accomplishment
I’ve chased roosters around the streets of Key West in Florida
Shot a gun

Waited in line for a movie (at midnight on opening day)- The Hobbit
Participated in a food fight
Learned and instrument and perform a jazz solo in front of an audience

Sang karaoke

Went to the movies by myself
Ate at a restaurant by myself

I’ve been stranded for three days with my best friends in a snowpocalypse
Started a blog (duh) 

Won a grape stomping competition

Attended an all-white party

Participated in a beauty pageant

Rode on an overnight train

Watched a Star Wars marathon of all 6 movies,  and a LOTR marathon with all 3 movies.

Found Philly Jesus

What are some things you've crossed of your bucket list? 

See some other ones over at Andrea's blog!

TBB Asks: Summer Edition

I just spotted this on Marie's blog and wanted to play along! I actually had a "summer favorites" type post in drafts, but this was even easier, which is perfect for a Monday. Here are some of my favorite things with questions courtesy of The Blended Blog. 

1) Pool, lake, or ocean?
Pool. I like going to the beach, but not going in the ocean, unless I'm on an island with crystal clear waters and I can actually see what's going on underneath!

2) Camping, cottage, or hotel?

Hotel.

3) Favorite ice cream flavor?
Chocolate chip mint... or pumpkin in the fall. 

4) PJ's, Nightgown, T-Shirt/Shorts or Birthday Suit?
T-shirt and shorts


5) Fave Summer Beverage?
Iced tea


6) Would you rather be hot or cold?
Hot! I can't stand being cold!


7) Sandals with heels or flats?
Flats


8) Shorts or skirts?
Shorts. These firework shorts that I got from Old Navy last year are my favorite!

9) Sit in the sun or the shade?
Sun until I overheat, and then some shade.


10) Water, Tea, or Soda?
(Iced) Tea


11) Fave Summer fruit or vegetable?
Tomatoes or roasted bell peppers

12) Sunrise or sunset?
Sunset

13) Winery or Brewery?
Oooh... both! Though I've been leaning towards breweries/brew fests more this year!

14) Big summer concert or music in the park?
Big summer concert


15) Fave cookout food?
Potato salad or shrimp kabobs


16) Dine indoors or outdoors?
Indoors. I'm a slow eater so my food always gets colder faster when I eat outside. Also, I overheat easily when I'm eating. I know it's weird.


17) Fave summer destination?
DTS (Down the shore aka at the beach for all those not from NJ)! Especially Asbury Park and Pt. Pleasant

18) Big theme park or local carnival?
Local carnival


19) Drinks blended or on the rocks?
Blended. 

20) Hot Dog or Hamburger?
Hot dog, preferably with chili and cheese. 

What are some of your favorite summer things? 

Three on Thursday

Stealing a page from Steph's blog, here are three things I'm loving/recommendations I'm making this week: 

1. Team Adidas Originals Men's Adi Racer Low Goodyear Sz 6 Driving Black Shoes (Rare). Yes, you read that correctly; technically, they're men's sneakers. But they are awesome. I bought these bad boys on Ebay *as new* for $40 after my old faves crapped out on me and they no longer make them. (Similar here.) I may get these for summer, but since they're on Amazon there's no rush.

 

2.  Town House Flatbread Crisps in Tomato, Basil, and Mozzerella. Purchased these on a whim, could not stop eating them. Typically I'm not a snacker, so that's definitely saying something. Also, I just figured out that I'm more into savory than sweets. 

3. Create 365's Happy Planner Mini. Several years ago, I had a planner that I loved and bought it every year for about 5 years, at which point they unceremoniously discontinued them. I loved them because they came in every color imaginable, had a faux leather cover, and included a subway map which was super helpful since I was working in NYC at the time and am directionally challenged. (Edit: Ok, apparently they started selling them again, but now they're goatskin and come in only 2 colors. Lame.) Then I went the full-blogger route and purchased the Paper Plum Design Planners for two years. Though I liked it the sturdy cover, personalization, pockets, and allthespace, I found it was too big and heavy to carry around on my commute, so I often just left it at work. Not so helpful. I think I first heard of these on Donna's blog, and upon seeing it in person, purchased it immediately. I love it. It's small enough to carry with me everywhere and has enough space to jot down everything I need (including meal plans/food diary, post ideas and some financial stuff). I chose the horizontal layout but they have vertical one as well if that's more your style. The best part? You can add to it as needed! Want to add a finance or fitness tracker? They have inserts for them, and online tutorials for how to make your own! Also, right now they're only $10 (and there's a 40% off coupon on the Michael's website.) Double win! 

What are some things you're loving lately? 
Linking up with Kristin! 

Blate-versary// Weekending

Last July some fellow NJ (and one DE!) bloggers decided that it was time to meet up and planned a beach day blate. Since then, we've met up two other times (for pumpkin picking and pottery painting... apparently we really like alliteration!) and are already planning our next adventure. We wanted to keep the beach day blate as a tradition though, so almost a year to the day, off we went! This year we chose Surf City in Long Beach Island, and luckily did not get thrown off the beach by security (though we did get whistled at for not swimming between the green flags- oops!). We had a gorgeous day, and even I got in the water (I didn't last year- I like beaches, but not a huge fan of going in the ocean, but it was so hot!). We split a pizza pie and had other snacks, lounged, swam, and of course, talked about life stuff and blog stuff. It was the perfect day and I'm so happy we are keeping this as a tradition!

From left: Jenn, me, Michael, and Alyssa

There's this game on a radio station around here where there are four hosts and each Monday, they give you four things they did over the weekend, and you have to match the "thing" to the co-host who did it. So I thought it would be fun to see if you guys can guess "Who Dun It?" 

One of us...

Joined tinder for shits and giggles
Learned her dosha type

Brought and swam with an inflatable tube
Got stage fright trying to pee in the ocean

--------------------------------------------------------

On Sunday, Blue's cousins were in town from Charleston, so we took them to see the Great Falls in Paterson, NJ. Fun fact: they are the 2nd largest falls on the East Coast, second only to Niagara Falls! 

Great Falls

Afterwards, we headed to Blue's aunt's house for lunch. Since these girls haven't been back in 10 years, a lot of other cousins came out to see them. Aunt G made a huge feast as she always does when the family comes over, but I forgot to take pics. There were two trays of baked ziti, spaghetti and meatballs, sausages, mashed potatoes, veggies,... and then like 4 different types of cakes and pies. Aunt G doesn't mess around! 

Obligatory family photo
The guests of honor are the one with the crown and her sister on her left

One thing that we consider a "must" in NJ is having a Taylor ham/pork roll egg and cheese sandwich. It's also a huge debate mostly between north and south Jersey as to which is the proper name for it. On the way home we picked some up to make for breakfast so the girls could try it. We concluded the night with Cards Against Humanity and  Cinnamon Toast Crunch shots, both of which the girls had never tried/done! 

How was your weekend? 

Can you guess "Who Dun It?"

Glamping Weekend 2016

First thing's first- don't forget to link-up TOMORROW for Read My Books! There are two Amazon gift cards up for grabs if you participated! 

Now to our regularly scheduled programming... 

Last weekend was our annual glamping trip at Indian Head Campgrounds in Barryville, NY. This was my second time joining (you can read about my first time here- more pics!), but the group I went with has been going together for about 10 years. This time, there were 12 of us total. 

driving/arriving/ our cat friend Cat Stevens who happened to be playing when he arrived

I always say "glamping" because that's exactly what it is. As you can see below, we had a full cabin, with cable, microwave, fridge, and stove (not pictured: AC and running water). Each cabin fit 8 people: 2 bedrooms with a queen size bed and twin bunk, and a futon. Blue and I were the first to arrive- we wanted to make sure we got the best room, and then we helped as everyone arrived. Since we had two cabins next to each other, we picked one to be the "gathering" one. We moved the picnic table from the other one over to make one Last Supper style table, set up our grill next to the one supplied (yes, someone brings their huge grill from home... and a full size amp for music. These folks don't play), and set up the double tents in case of rain. And thank goodness too, we got them up right before it down-poured. 

kitchen/bunk beds/ queen size bed/ living area

After everything was set up, our Grillmaster put on a poncho and made us hot dogs and cheeseburgers- he's such a good sport. Meanwhile our Shot Girl was busy making margaritas (did I mention we also bring a blender and fully stocked bar?!) to go along with our 4-5 giant coolers filled with sodas, iced teas, water, and of course beer. Round 2 of food included ribs, 2 kinds of pasta salad, and... I forget what else. We ate, drank, sang loudly and terribly, and celebrated with our Bachelorette- he's getting married next month in Greece! Then a few of us took shots around the campgrounds to share and make friends, but mostly everyone was asleep by that point! 

Grillmaster working both grills/ umbrellas under tents/ hanging out-
and yes, those are rope lights around the tent!

The next day we were up and eating early (eggs, sausages, hashbrowns, toast, OJ, coffee) before trying to figure out if our rafting trip was going to be cancelled due to the rain/predicted thunderstorms. Usually we do a 9-miler down the Delaware with 3 rafts, stopping along the way to string up and have happy hours and a mid-day break for lunch. We took off from our campgrounds, and then down 9 mi where we got off and took a school bus back to our camp. Last year we had perfect weather and the river was high and moving swiftly, and with breaks it took about 5-ish hours. By then we were exhausted from rowing and drinking, so it was shower and nap time. 

Not so much this time. We had to wait until 12 for the campgrounds to call it, and then they said that due to the (very low) water and weather reports, we'd only be able to do 3 miles on a higher portion of the river that ended at our campground. Since we had already paid (no refunds unless the campgrounds cancel), we went. It was cold and rainy, we only got 2 rafts and with 6 people in each, we were a bit heavy, and the river was LOW- we kept getting stuck on rocks. We didn't bother bringing coolers or our sandwiches because it was only supposed to take 2 hours. Good thing too, because the rain started again soon after we got back. We had our sandwiches, relaxed by the campfire, some people went to take naps or on a walk, and then it was time to eat again! This time- ribs, flank steak, shrimp skewers and 3 lbs of baked ziti- half with meat and half without. I honestly don't think I've ever eaten so much meat in my life. 

hot dogs and shot o'clock/ campfire/ The Bachelorette/ poker

After we had our fill, one of the guys taught a bunch of us how to play Texas Hold 'Em, and then we played a few rounds with almost all of us. I wasn't half bad, but our Shot Girl couldn't be beat. I realized I'm just not that risky (especially when I barely know how to play- ha!). 

hanging around the campfire/ poker winner/ rafts/ walking crew

Sunday morning was more food (steak and 2 kinds of eggs, sausage and hash browns, anyone?!) and then packing up. Even though most of the weekend was cold and rainy and spent under the tents, we had a great time with these guys and I can't wait until next time! 

obligatory group shot

Have you been camping or glamping?

How was your weekend?