TTT: Extraordinary Book Titles

My "Top Ten Tuesday" has become "Top Ten Thursday," but I'm gonna roll with it- this month is flying by! This week's prompt was "Extraordinary Book Titles." For some, that may mean the most beautifully exquisite book titles you're read. For me, "extraordinary" means attention-grabbing, snarky, funny, and completely inappropriate. Those are the ones I want to read based solely on the title. But I went overboard (oops). I broke it up into 10 I've read and 5 on my TBR. All links lead to Goodreads. Here we go!

Barbara the Slut and Other People - Laura Holmes
This collection of short stories was hit or miss for me. Mostly I like happy endings, and many of these were not. That said, I read this in one sitting, which is quite a feat for this slow poke reader!

Sorry I'm Late, I Didn't Want to Come: An Introvert's Year of Living Dangerously - Jessica Pan
This had a catchy title, a fun cover, and it started out promising; Ms. Pan, though self-deprecating, came across as very relatable and engaging. Halfway through however, the experiments and feelings related to them (nausea and panic) became repetitive, there were too many character names thrown around, and I didn't find the ability to actually get in touch with the "experts" she was able to either talk to or meet realistic at all. 

We Are Never Meeting in Real Life. - Samantha Irby
I really dislike it when other authors that I like put their review on a book I'm currently reading that say things like "side splittingly funny! A must read!" because I feel like it's a challenge or dare. I'm like "Ok woman, make me laugh." Well, she did. A LOT. Highly recommend, as long as you can stand some graphic sex scenes and more than a few f-bombs. 

My Sister, The Serial Killer - Oyinkan Braithwaite
The original title of this was "Thicker than Water." Can't say I would've picked this up if it had that title, so hooray for great marketers or whoever decided to change it! Quick read that captivated me from the very first sentence. 

Never Have I Ever: My Life (So Far) Without a Date - Katie Heaney
Light and fluffy, but not very good. She says she's okay being single, but I think if you're writing an entire book about how you have never been in a successful relationship, or even on a second date, maybe you're not really okay with that. Strong premise, weak execution. 

Post- Traumatic Brazilian Wax Syndrome - Tamara Lyon
I've never had a Brazilian (tmi?!), but I've heard enough horror stories from my friends. The only thing horrific about this the main character, but the writing wasn't stellar either. The saving graces were the grandma and the love interest.

We're All Damaged - Matthew Norman
I picked this up because it was a freebie (available on Kindle Unlimited) and the description sounded pretty funny. I was literally laughing out loud at the one-liners in this book. 4 stars.

(S)Mothered - Autumn Chiklis
I requested this book because the title sounded relatable with the overbearing mom. The journal-style formatting and the addition of medical reports, texts, and articles made it a quick read, but I literally had to put this down for a bit because the MC was so whiny, self-entitled, and immature. 

Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret - Judy Blume
Had I read this when I was around the same age as Margaret, I would have given this 5 stars. That being said, I read this in one sitting and I remember thinking and feeling some of the exact same things as Margaret when I was her age- that yearning to fit in, grow physically, and feeling like an a-hole at some of my own mean girl moments, but ultimately learning from them. 

Dumped, Actually - Nick Spalding
Oliver Sweet is a journalist who gets very publicly dumped while proposing to his girlfriend. He writes about it in the paper and asks the subscribers for advice. What ensues is the laugh-out-loud adventures of him following their advice. 

Go the Fuck To Sleep - Adam Mansbach
I was about to buy this for my friend's baby shower, but then I figured maybe she wouldn't want to read the title out in front of grandma and everyone else! 

Spending the Holidays With People I Want to Punch in the Throat: Yuletide Yahoos, Ho-Ho-Humblebraggers, and Other Scourges - Jenn Mann
Nervous of this one since it says it's for fans of Lauri Notaro and Jenny Lawson, both of whom's books I greatly disliked/dnf'ed. But that title is great- I went to read all the ones in this series!

The Bromance Book Club - Lyssa Kay Adams
I always associate book clubs with women, so this secret romance book club made up of Nashville's top alpha men sounds like a fun concept.

Why Don't You Write My Eulogy Now So I Can Correct It? A Mother's Suggestions - Patricia Marx
My mom was an English major, so I could totally picture her saying this! This collection of one-line witticisms seems like a great gift as well. 

Stay Sexy and Don't Get Murdered: A Guide - Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstack
I probably won't be reading this because I've seen quite a few negative reviews, but I do appreciate the attention-grabbing title!

Have you read any of these? 

Linking up with Jana!

TTT: Pick a Number, Any Number!

This week's Top Ten Tuesday prompt was "Books I've Read With Numbers In Their Titles." I was surprised by how many participants said they had a hard time coming up with ten books in this category... I had a harder time narrowing it down, so I didn't! I also included those that I DNF'ed, and those that are on my TBR. If nothing else, I hope you're able to find a few that you either haven't read yet, or can provide me with some insight as to which I haven't read yet and are worth reading! So without further ado, here's what I came up with.

Read: 
One of Us is Lying // Two Can Keep a Secret- Karen McManus: 4 stars each
One For the Money- Janet Evanovich: 3 Stars (couldn't get in to it as a series)
Two Across- Jeff Bartsch: 2 Stars (not what I wanted/expected)

Daisy Jones and the Six- Taylor Jenkins Reid: 4 Stars (my first novel by TJR!)
Nine Perfect Strangers- Liane Moriarty: 4 Stars (not her "usual" but great!)
Nine Women, One Dress- Jane L. Rosen: 4 Stars (breezy and sweet)
21 Truths About Love- Matthew Dicks (not a fan of the style)

TBR: 
One Day in December- Josie Silver (on deck for my Winter TBR!)
The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle- Stuart Turton (own but not read yet!) 
From a Buick 8- Stephen King (first Stephen King, but a talking car?!)
November 9- Colleen Hoover (obviously one I want to read on that date!) 
One Hundred Years of Solitude- Gabriel Garcia Marquez (first on GR TBR!)
A Thousand Splendid Suns- Khaled Hosseini (loved Kite Runner, so obvi!)

DNF: 
Fourth Comings- Megan McCafferty (didn't realize it was a series, oops!)
Size 12 Is Not Fat- Meg Cabot (not for me- but will send if you're interested!)
Fahrenheit 451- Ray Bradbury (not a fan of the writing style)

Honorable Mentions (aka ones I forgot I read until I was looking for this prompt):
I'll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman's Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer- Michelle McNamara: 4 Stars (addictive!) 
Eleven- Sandro Cisneros: 4 Stars (this is like 3 pages, just download it for free!) 
The Twelve Days of Dash and Lily- Rachel Cohn and David Levithan: 4 Stars
Heating Cooling: 52 Micro-Memoirs- Beth Ann Fennelly: 2 Stars

If you want to read my review of any of the above (besides the TBR, obvi), you can check out my full reading list here, find me on Goodreads, or just ask me! 

Menu Plan Monday

After months of fast food, delivery, BBQ and meeting leftovers, and microwave meals, I finally found my way into my kitchen to actually prepare food again. This started with a giant trip to the grocery store, because my freezer and pantry were looking pretty bare. I'm not sharing everything I made but if you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen these taco puffs. It was meant to be a snack on Saturday, but was heavy enough to count as a meal (especially with the sour cream "dip"). It only uses 5 ingredients and takes about 20 min start to finish- my kind of meal. Since Steph asked about it, I thought I'd share here as well. 

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef
1 (1-oz) package taco seasoning
1 (10-oz) can diced tomatoes and green chiles, drained
2/3 cup water
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 (17.3-oz) package puff pastry, thawed

Directions: 

1. Preheat oven to 400ºF. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef until no longer pink. Drain. Add taco seasoning, diced tomatoes and green chiles and water. Simmer for 5 minutes. Set aside.
3. Unfold pastry sheets. Cut each sheet into 9 squares.
4. Arrange taco meat down diagonal center of the pastry squares. Sprinkle with some of the shredded cheddar cheese. Fold two opposite corners of each square over the filling and press edges to seal. Place on prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake 15-18 minutes, until golden brown. Serve warm or at room temperature.

I used crescent rolls instead of "puff pastry," so I made 8 instead of 9. Also, if using crescent rolls, feel free to cut this recipe in half as that's about how much filling I had left over. Here's what's on deck for the rest of the week.

Monday: Beef and Cheese Pita Pizza- I'm actually using the leftover beef mixture with some cheddar cheese mixed in for this "pita pizza." (I love how just about anything on top of pita bread is suddenly referred to as a pizza now.) 

Tuesday: Creamy Tuna Pasta with Peas and Parmesan*-  I'm trying to steer clear of overly heavy meals this week, and Blue hates tuna and cheese together (separate is fine), and is not a fan of hot tuna in general, so I'm making this when I know she won't be around. 

Wednesday: This week is Hudson Restaurant Week, so we're heading out for a Cuban pre fixe dinner at Coco Havana. I'm looking forward to my favorite, ropa vieja! 

Thursday: Bowtie Pasta with Broccoli,  Garlic, and Lemon- a light, fresh, simple yet tasty favorite. 

Friday: Date night with Blue- we're going to see John Mayer! 

What do you eat when it's super hot out? 

Sharing with Laura! 

What's New With Me

Hi friends! February seemed to whiz by and while I didn't feel like I did very much, I forgot to link up last month so this includes January fun as well. 

Let's see... 
The first week of January Blue and I celebrated our 4 year anniversary with Pretty Woman the Musical and a FABULOUS dinner at Da Marino NYC. It's the cutest little spot - like, literally it's small inside! and had some of the best Italian food I ever had. (Also, I only heard about it because Chris Noth [Big]  posted it on IG as one of his favorites and I certainly agree!) Also, Blue put together this framed piece with the Playbills from all the shows we've seen together. It currently resides above my couch and I love it! 

We met Lea DeLaria (Boo) from Orange is the New Black at the NY Rangers Pride Night, along with some old school players that I've never heard of but Blue had and was a bit starstruck. Side note, Boo is kinda bitchy and full of herself in person. 

We met up with our buddy Mark for a brewery day. We went to Cricket Hill and Hackensack Brewing Co., which  I've never been to before and an old favorite, Ale-mentary. Then we went home, ate a bunch of pizza, mozzarella sticks, garlic knots and sacked out. It was glorious. 

We checked out a new-to-us restaurant in Hoboken for Hudson Restaurant Week called Court Street. Blue got steak and I got a wild boar ragu because I thought I liked boar. Turns out it's not my favorite, but it was still a yummy meal. I even had dessert which is rare, and the double fudge brownie sundae did not disappoint! 

Valentine's Day found us at our very favorite Italian restaurant. I got her a bouquet of Reese's and NY Ranger tickets (which I bought right before we found out we were going to the Pride Night game- ugh!), and she got us these matching Wanderer bracelets with our initials on them.

Other than that, I've been cooking more at home, planning, and reading. Oh, and working. Do you like my new work space? I don't, but thankfully it's only temporary. They're remodeling our floor so my whole department has been displaced across different buildings and while some get to work remotely, I am not one of those people. Not that I'm bitter or anything... clearly... 

Anywho, what's new with you?

Linking up with Kristen! 

Currently March

Happy March! I'm off to a slow start again this morning, and the winter air is hurting my face. Anyone else over winter yet? I swear that stupid groundhog lied. Work has been kicking my ass since we lost a team member and I don't see it getting any better until next month, but I'm pushing through. I'm still in hibernation mode, mostly going straight home and under fuzzy blankets the minute I get home and honestly I don't see that changing anytime soon. Here's what else is currently going on with me. 

Reading: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan, and 4 others that came in from the library at the same time. (Why does that always happen?!) 

Listening to: LOLO- Wild

Watching: I just started Whiskey Cavalier with Scott Foley (Felicity!) and Lauren Cohan (from TWD) and I'm loving it! Also the usual suspects, Grey's Anatomy, This Is Us, A Million Little Things, Top Chef, Married At First Sight. Super excited that Station 19 is back tomorrow too! 

Scheming: Uhhh... nothing? But looking to my favorite couple showing me around their new hometown of Denver, CO after my work conference later this month! 

Making: my list of March Goals. 

Accomplishing: A few months ago I finally got a savings account, but I, um, forgot to put money in it and it closed. So I went back last night and opened a new one and actually added money, so yay! I also got my taxes done last week, and my return will go directly into the new savings account. 

Buying: I just finished Frugal February where I didn't buy anything for the month. However, here are my purchases from January. 

Glittery Washi Tape- Ok, I may have gone overboard with this one, especially since I don't actually know how to use this stuff, but it was pretty and I figured I could use it for my scrapbooking project and my planner. 60 rolls does seem a bit much though, so this might get returned. 

Rael Acne Healing Patches- I think someone mentioned these in the last linkup, so I decided to check them out. I love them! So easy to use, and they really work! 

3 ColorBlok Design Pads- These were an add-on item for $5/ea and I needed filler paper for the scrapbook I'm working on. 

Party Pong- Purchased this as a housewarming gift (along with a bottle of champagne)for a friend who loooooves her bubbly and games. 

Seasonal Stickers- I love adding stickers to my planner, and I figured I could use the bigger ones included in this pack for the scrapbook. 

Blue Sky Egg Press planner- After a whole month of waiting for Michael's to restock The Happy Planner, the one I wanted was no longer for sale, so I got this one. 

Crystal Flask Bracelet- Purchased 2 for my nieces who love concerts and booze. 

Snowglobe Picture Frame- Purchased 6 of these for the Mountain Mamas for Christmas. They are officially done! 

Zodiac Mug- I couldn't find a pic of my sign (Sagittarius), but this was on super sale so  had to have it. 

Critter Ring Holder (elephant)- Another part of an early Christmas present for my niece who loves all things elephant.

The Red Book of Luck- I bought one of these as part of my mom's birthday present (she loved it), and another one for my neighbor friend but my mom wants to read it together, so looks like I'll be keeping the other one. 

Linking up with Anne and Tanya! 

Prime Purchases

Hey friends! Today I'm linking up my recent purchases with Tanya. These were all Christmas presents for friends and family. They aren't all from Amazon; in most cases I put where I actually purchased them from. *None of these are affiliate links!* Let's see where all of my money has been going lately...

Blue has an extensive Funko Pops! collection already, but she wanted to expand so I got her these: John McClane and Hans Gruber from Die Hard; Lord Varys and Yara Greyjoy from GoT.

I always buy socks and ornaments (and candy!) as stocking stuffers. This year I got Goonies and Star Wars socks from Hot Topic and Han Solo and Princess Leia Star Wars ornaments from Hallmark. I love the "Rebellious Rescue" one because it lights up and has sound! 

I was all about the drinks and drinking accessories for my brother and sister in law. For him, I got an Ommegang beer set and these stainless steel beer chiller sticks that you freeze and then pop right into your beer bottle. My sister in law is big on hosting and cocktails, so I gave her a set of hand dipped Maker's Mark rock glasses and a bottle of Maker's Mark.

The Big Lebowski glass set was for our token male friend. He loved the movie will probably display them rather than actually use them, but they look so cool! The picture shows a shot glass version but we got him the 16 oz ones. Love the etching. 

I wanted to buy blue and new TV, but there were so many types and sizes that I couldn't decide, so I went with a Best Buy gift card. I got her a pre-loaded Super Nintendo Classic (with 2 controllers) that she forgot she even wanted. (She's been playing Super Mario World non-stop lol). She loves all gadgets, so I also got her the new Amazon Echo Dot. She was able to set it up with her Hue lights and stereo and talks to it constantly. 

I had originally ordered this bag from DSW for my niece, but it never came! I was so annoyed, and I still haven't been reimbursed yet. So I got her a rose gold Apple Watch bracelet band.

I had also originally purchased this hydration reminder for my other niece, but I wanted to give it to her with a new water bottle, which I forgot to buy. D'oh! Since she started a new job, I got her an engraved notepad and pen set, and another one for my boss. 

My other brother and sister in law got Rolling Stones concert tickets from their kids, so I bought them matching shirts to wear there. 

What are you purchasing lately? 

Linking up with Tanya! 

Favorite Fall Recipes

When it comes to Fall I tend to think of food. And in keeping with that, I think of three things- football snacks, pumpkin everything, and spices. So today I thought I'd share a few of my favorite Fall recipes! 

Dem Wedges

Grab some potatoes, cut them up, toss them (literally) in a ziplock bag with some spices and olive oil and throw them in the oven for 45 min at 350. BOOM. Easy peasy and super tasty appetizer! Also, I really love the website where I found this recipe. The recipes are given a comic, and everything seems so easy and fun. Check it out! 

Merlot Meatballs (Crockpot)

I first had these at Baiting Hollow Winery in Long Island, NY. They happened to be having a food festival on the day we were touring Long Island North Fork wine country. I swear, these are the best balls I've put in my mouth. They are a little sweet, perfect texture, and though they're called Merlot meatballs, you can't really taste the Merlot. I knew I had to find the recipe as soon as I got home, and of course I found the exact one on the Internets! The best part? You can make them in the crockpot! 

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes (with cream cheese glaze)

Add a little spice and sweetness to your mornings! Basically you make a mix of cinnamon, butter, and light brown sugar, pour the batter on the griddle as normal, then using a baggy with the corner cut off (or a pastry/decoration bag if you fancy) and add the swirl to your batter. You don't need to do a cream cheese glaze, but you might regret it because it is to die for! I'm just sayin'. 

Football Woopie Pies

Gotta have a little dessert at your football gathering, right? These totally hit the spot. And you don't need any fancy tools to make them. You start by using a cake mix, you can shape the footballs using a knife on parchment paper, and I didn't make my own icing- store bought for me. But you can if you want. 

Pumpkin Oreo Cheesecakes

I make these for the office and Halloween parties every year and they are a major hit! I mean, what could be better than pumpkin and Oreos (unless you don't like pumpkin)?! Also, they are festive and super easy- sensing a theme here? The hardest part was melting the chocolate chips for the icing... so I started skipping that part and just buy the icing pens at the store. 

What are some of your favorite fall recipes? 

My Current Makeup Favorites

One of my 101 goals was to find my "holy grail" in make-up products, and by George, I think I've done it! I can't say it's my "daily" makeup, because I don't wear makeup every day. Most days, I'm lucky if I put gloss on, and I'm okay with that. But if I'm going out out, like for a date night or night out where I know there will be lots of photos, this is what I put on.

Face Primer: NYX Studio Prefect Photo-Loving Primer. Honestly, I have 0 experience with trying different ones. This one was recommended somewhere and seems to work when I remember to put it on!

Concealer: Sephora's Bright Future gel-serum concealer in Creme Caramel (13). I literally walked up to a salesperson in Sephora and asked her to help me find a concealer that was easy to apply and actually matched me. Enter this gel-serum. It's like magic; the sponge tip applicator makes it better able to just add a touch, it blends easily and covers extremely well. I can wear this alone when I need to cover up a blemish or with other products. I always carry this with me. 

Foundation: My absolute favorite is Maybelline's Fit Me Collection in Toffee (330). I usually mix some of the liquid concealer with a drop of moisturizer for smoother application. A new-to-me favorite is Maybelline's Super Stay Better Skin powder foundation in Rich Tan (80). I received this in one of my beauty boxes, and though I prefer liquid concealers to powder ones, this one with salicylic acid actually helps with acne while it's on. The sponge applicator that it comes with works great for applying it evenly, and it matches me really well. Win! 

Blush: MAC Blush in Flirt n' Tease. It's discontinued, but I found it on Ebay and bought stock. It's the perfect natural looking flushed cheeks look and I love the slight shimmer it adds too. 

Eye Primer: The coveted Urban Decay Original Eyeshadow Primer Potion, obvi. 

Eyeshadow: For on the go, I like the e.l.f. baked trio in Peach Please. Otherwise, I've been using the Urban Decay Naked palette for years. I love the colors and the slight shimmer. I think it's old or I need to change/wash the brush though because recently when I wear it, my left eyelid gets swollen the next day. Like, Quasimoto-scary puffy. It doesn't hurt, but it's definitely unpleasant. And even though I may love the colors, I certainly don't use half of them. I'm in the market for a smaller palette that's easier to carry around. 

Eyeliner: I like the Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal Eyeliner Pencil in Jet Black, but sometimes it smudges even when I use the primer. Then I tried Blue's eyeliner and WOW. Estee Lauder's Pure Color Intense Kajal Eyeliner in Blacked Black stays put for hours, and the application is smooth and more concise. 

Mascara: I'm not married to any particular mascara. I like Too Faced Better Than Sex because it doesn't clump and makes my lashes look longer. I also like Maybelline's Volum' Express The Falsies Push Up Drama for maximum volume. 

Lips: For everyday, I just wear Smith's Minted Rose Lip Balm, which feels more like a gloss. For nighttime date nights/going out, I love Revlon's Absolutely Fabulous in Temptress. For daytime, I like Maybelline Color Sensational The Buffs in Maple Kiss. 

Setting Spray: Just like with primer, I often forget setting spray altogether, especially since I'm usually in a rush and apply it too soon after I apply my mascara, causing it to leave a lovely bit under my eyes. I own the e.l.f. Makeup Mist and Set and it seems to get the job done. Also the Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater smells lovely and feels refreshing. 

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As you can see, most of my products are drugstore brands. For me, these work great and I don't feel the need to spend a ton on makeup when I hardly ever wear it anyway. The only department store products I've owned or used were purchased for me as gifts (except that eyeliner, though it may be discontinued? Why else would Walmart sell Estee Lauder?!). 

Linking up with The Blended Blog! Also, don't forget that there's still time to grab some deals in Ulta's 21 Days of Beauty sale now through April 4th! 

Hostess Gift Guide and Stocking Stuffers

Last week I shared my personal wish list. This week, I'm back with some gift ideas for the hosts and hostesses of those lovely Christmas parties, as well as some smaller stocking stuffers! (This post does NOT contain affiliate links- I just like sharing!)

For the Host/Hostess

Throw Blankets- I purchased this fox one last year, and it's soooo soft and cozy! (similar) 

Dish/Tea Towel Sets- I always think these sound like a silly gift, and yet I put mine out every year! 

Wine Accessories- stemless glasses and cute stoppers are always appreciated. This set is only $15!

Fancy Coffee/Tea/Hot Chocolate- William Sonoma has a delicious hot chocolate set, and I've never tried merlot-infused coffee, but it sure sounds intriguing! 

Candles- I like these Rewined ones because they re-purpose old wine bottles and smell really great!

Coasters- Another one that seems small, but are practical and can be personalized. 

A Coffee Table Book- "The Year of Cozy" has 125 crafts, recipes, and other homemade adventures.

Reed Diffusers- I never really got into these, but they look nice and smell amazing. 

Gourmet Snacks- Panettone and Italian butter cookies are always popular choices, but what about something a little different like Irish Whiskey Caramels or a farmstead fruit spread set? 

Stocking Stuffers

Pens/Stationary Sets- Perfect for bloggers planners, office drones and list makers- extra props for anything sparkly! Kate Spade- $16.

Gift Cards- An easy one for anyone!

(Small) Make Up Sets- This Benefit "Work It Girl" set has a bunch of their best sellers. (AndI may have gotten the Better Than Sex ornament for myself!)

Candy- Not a basket like this, but I always throw in a few favorites!

Water Bottles- I like these ones because they can fold up when you're done. This canvas one also comes with a carabiner to hook on when you're hiking or outdoors!

Phone Accessories- I like this useful USB keychain, but portable chargers or a new case work too!

Scratch Off Lottery Tickets- Is this just an NJ thing? I always give and get scratch offs!

Fun Socks- Personally these Blue Q ones are my fave, but fuzzy ones are a win too! Blue's family has a tradition for putting $2 in a pair of socks... not sure how or when it started but I like it! Taco socks, Banned Book socks, $10/ea.

Mugs- I don't know anyone who would turn down a funny, sarcastic, or cute mug! (Similar- $11.)

What's are you gifting host(esse)s or stuffing stocking with this year? 

linking up with Owen, Brittany, Erica, and Emily

Add It To My (Wish) List

Anyone else have this problem? Anyone? Bueller?

To be fair, I don't really "need" anything and my TBR is out of control (with a lot of books and e-books I own and haven't read), but I wanted to play along so here we are. I tried to curate my list really carefully this year because some of the things I really had to have last year (like that color printer) have barely been used. Also, I should mention that I've already purchased some of these things for myself. The only reason I have a list is for when Blue and her fam ask me what I want- it's so much easier than getting me stuff I really don't want. And it's easier still to just send along my Amazon wish list (which is currently not updated,... I should do that). Anyway, here are a few things I wouldn't mind finding under the tree if they are not already hanging in my closet or perched on my couch. 


Need

Portable Steamer- I don't iron because I hate it, but I used to love the industrial steamers I found in the laundromat when I didn't have a washer/dryer, and while I do hang clothes up while I'm in the shower to get any wrinkles out, this would be useful. Portable so I can put it away when I'm not using it. 

Boots- I've needed boots since last year. I loved the riding style that I used to have but I rode them into the ground and I still haven't found any that don't look ridiculous on my little chicken legs. I may have to go into an actual brick and mortar store *gasp*

Duvet Cover- I've had a down comforter for about 5 years that I never use for fear of getting it dirty. Then while it was in my basement, the ceiling fell in and almost ruined it. How ridiculous is that?! So I spent a small fortune getting it dry cleaned, and now that it's getting colder, I'm thinking I should probably use it (as soon as I get a cover for it) like this one. P.S. Target is currently having a 40% off bath and bedding sale that ends today! 

Want

Aquis Hair Wrap- My hair is longer now, and I've wanted this for awhile because wearing regular towels makes my hair frizzier. This one claims to dry it faster too which would be quite a feat because my hair is really thick.

Cocktail Set- I have a beautiful wooden bar at home, and one of the goals on my 101 in 1001 list is to have it be fully stocked/functional. The cocktail set I have is missing a few pieces and is old af- I've had it since college. 

Elizabeth and James Nirvana Rollerball- Steph originally recommended this and since I love pretty much everything bourbon, I had to get it. I absolutely love the heavier, spicier scent for the holidays. Actually, I loved all the scents and if they came in a spray, I'd definitely get this gift set from Sephora!

Heated Snuggle Wrap Blanket- Found this one in an email from Brad's Deals and purchased 4 of them at $20 each- everyone's getting a heated snuggle blanket! Including me! 

Bass Headphones (with mic)- "Because I'm all about that bass, 'bout that bass,  no treble..." Just kidding! It's because my headphones are ALWAYS breaking, these look cool, and they were only $10 (now $20). Huzzah! 

Wear

Fleece (or Uniqlo Heattech Extra Warm) Leggings- I wear these every single day under my pants and by themselves at home. 

Black Warm Hat (with visor)- I had one of these a few years ago but lost it. I've been looking for a replacement for some time now. 

Sparkly and/or Chunky Sweaters- I like just a touch of sparkle for the holidays, and I always love chunky sweaters in the winter, even though right now my office is so hot that I'm sweating. Ugh. 

(similar)

Flannel PJ Bottoms- I got my first pair last year and love them, so I want another pair to keep at Blue's house. Also, Old Navy extended their Cyber Monday sale to today, so everything is 50% off! 

Read

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
Voice Acting for Dummies
Surprise Me by Sophie Kinsella (which I just won on Goodreads- finally after 8 years of trying! Yay!) 
Little Women- Louisa May Alcott (never read it, but I own it and it seems appropriate for the holiday season)

What's on your wish list this year? 

Linking up with Lauren, Bre, Andrea, and Emily