Let's Look: Pet Peeves

I usually don't participate in this  linkup but I couldn't resist when I saw that the topic was pet peeves! I've got sooo many! Here are the top 10 that came to mind (in no particular order):

• Texting/Being on your phone when we're hanging out, particularly during a meal at a restaurant (agree with Jennifer!)

• SLOW WALKERS. Especially when they're on the phone.

• GROUP TEXTS. OMG. (agree with Shay!) It's like, the individuals may be silent for a month, then all of a sudden says one small thing, and a flurry of texts from everyone in the group start pouring in... I can't take it! (This is why many of my group texts are on mute!)

• Voicemail. I am not going to listen to your 25 min voicemail. Just text me. (Apparently I have a LOT of phone-related pet peeves!)

• Work-Related: Pre-Meetings (those meetings before the actual meeting...why???), email chains (I do not want to spend 20 min scrolling through a whole chain just to get to the point!), and having to explain simple things to people who should know and make 3x my salary (like my boss).

• Probably a pretty common one but one that annoys the hell out of me nonetheless - loud and/or open mouth chewing, and talking while you have food in your mouth (especially, again, when your on the phone or a conference call). 

• Leaving the tp on the counter instead of putting it on the roll, but much worse...Not refilling the TP at all. SAVAGES!

• THIS. Please don't make me do math just to figure out how old your kid is:

What are some of your pet peeves? 

Do we have any in common?

10 on the 10...errr 20th: Playing Dress Up

I was trying to participate in Leslie's 10 on the 10th linkup, but I was away on vacation and she was having technical difficulties with getting the linkup live. Like her I was also having technical difficulties due to a terrible wifi signal. All that aside I still wanted to play along, so onward to the prompts!

When do you most often dress up?
Weddings. Our date nights are usually fairly low-key unless we're celebrating something, but we always do it up for weddings, BIG birthdays (like a friend's 50th),... things like that. Here I'm wearing a LOFT halter dress a sit was hot AF at our friend's wedding in Key West, Fl. a few years ago. You gotta be pretty damn special for me to put on a strapless bra! 

What makes you feel fancy and dressed up?

Heels and makeup. Changing out my purse to match my outfit. 

What does getting dressed for the day mean to you? 

Wearing clothes that are clean and not too wrinkled! I'm back in the office 5 days a week and I work in IT, so usually black or gray slacks, flats (or boots in winter), and a weather appropriate top (sleeveless with a cardigan in summer or a sweater in winter). I usually don't wear makeup, especially now with the mask mandates, and my hair is usually pulled back in a ponytail or clip because I hate having hair in my face when I'm trying to work. 

Do you wear make up every day? Do you do anything different for special or dress up occasions? 

Absolutely not! I was never big into make up, but even less so (if that's even possible) now that I have to wear a mask at work/most public spaces. For special occasions, I'll do everything but foundation (my face doesn't agree with it, usually breaking out the next day).

Eye shadow: Urban Decay Naked palette (and Urban Decay eyeshadow Primer Potion)

Eye liner: NYX slim eye pencil in black (though I also like the Rimmel Kohl pencil)

Mascara: CG Lashblast Volume or  Too Faced Better than Sex 

Blush: MAC Sheertone Shimmer in Flirt & Tease for REALLY special occasions since it's no longer available, other MAC Mineralize Blush in Love Thing

Lipstick depends on the outfit, but my two faves are Revlon's Absolutely Fabulous lipstick in Temptress (a deep red that's also no longer available) and Burt's Bees Wine Wave.

What is your skin care regimen? What issues do you address with your routine and choice of products?

I actually need to re-evaluate my skin care regimen as it switches between summer and winter to heavier creams and moisturizers. Usually I just wash with Olay (water-activated) Daily Facials cloths and moisturize with Aveeno Positively Radiant daily moisturizer. If I remember and have time, I'll add Shea Moisture Problem Skin toner. Once a week I like to use either Formula 10.0.6 Draw It All Out peel mask or kick it old-school with St. Ives Apricot facial scrub.

Describe any vintage or heirloom pieces you have. 

I have a favorite "fancy" necklace, but it only goes with one dress I own (first pic). As for heirloom pieces, I have my high school class ring (does that count? It's personalized with my signature on the inside, birthstone, tennis rackets on one side and grad year on the other), and my  grandmother's pearl necklace which I've never actually worn.  

                                            

Do you have pierced ears? If so, what age were your ears pierced? 

I do! That's basically the only jewelry I change out almost daily. I was too young to remember when they were pierced though. But I also have my nose and belly button pierced, which I got done on the same day when I was 20. 

 
Did you dress up for Halloween as a child? As an adult? Describe a favorite costume you or your children wore for Halloween. Will you be giving out candy this year?

Yes and YES! When I was a kid, I remember I was Jasmine from Aladdin for several (maybe 3?) years in a row because I loved it. As an adult I'm more into homemade costumes. Picking a favorite is hard, but I really got into Lt. Dan from Forrest Gump in 2019. I didn't have a wheelchair (thought that would be a bit much, especially for a house party), but I didn't stand at all, instead getting around on my knees if I needed to, and drew on my beard. It was also one of the most comfortable costumes ever! 

Do you have a favorite Halloween costume?

Monthly Musings About Spring

 

1. Do you celebrate Easter or Passover? What are your traditions?

My mom and I celebrate Easter by going to church and then out for brunch. This year it will be virtual, and brunch at home. 

Me, circa 1987-ish?

2. Favorite Spring tradition?

Spring cleaning! Opening windows and airing the place out! And of course, changing out the wardrobe to add more vibrant colors! 

3. What Spring activities are you and your family involved in?

I can't think of any Spring-specific activities other than going to baseball games and a Spring Break getaway that we usually take in March, all of which is cancelled this year. Does drinking deck beers count?! 

4. What are you most looking forward to this Spring?

A newborn! My niece is due in April so very excited to meet her! Also every other year or so I chop off and donate my hair but I skipped it last ear so looking forward to doing that this year.

5. Do you plant a garden or flowers?

LOL not if I want them to live! I leave the planting to my mom :)

6. Do you decorate your house for Spring?

Not really. I put out one or two potted plants and change out the fleece throw blankets for lighter material ones, but that's about it. My patio furniture stays out all year so it just gets a little refresh. 

7. Do you have a favorite Spring meal?

Again, I can't say one meal scream Spring to me. Though I did learn on St. Patty's Day that I actually like corned beef (still not into cabbage), so I'll say that one! I also tend to eat more seafood in Spring, but that's more because I participate in Lent and don't eat meat on Fridays. 

fried scallops and fries- yum!

8. Does it feel like Spring where you live?

It does! The temps are rising (60's-70's most days), some rain, and flowers and trees are starting to blossom. And more sunshine! I love coming home from work and there still being some daylight left! 

9. Will your Spring look different this year due to Covid?

Yes. In the past Blue and I would go to baseball games and outdoor festivals, but I'm still not ready to be around crowds yet, even with the vaccine!

10. Have you dined outside yet this Spring? 

Yes! We took a ride down the shore to a seafood shack and ate on the waterfront. It was great!

Day trip to Keyport, NJ

What are some of your favorite things about Spring?

Linking up with Patti and Holly!

10 on the 12th: Thanksgiving

Today I'm linking up (late) with Leslie and answering 10 questions about Thanksgiving. My family is still trying to figure out just how we're going to celebrate this year, amid a recent rise in Covid cases in our area. My mom hasn't even been inside my apartment since March, let alone eat inside a restaurant, so this will be interesting. Some of these may be repeats from the Monthly Musings post, but I still wanted to answer all the questions! 

Will you watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade? Football? 

Usually I do watch the Macy's Day Parade. For the last few years I've wanted to go watch the balloons being blown up the night before, but that hasn't happened yet and certainly won't be happening this year either. The NYC Mayor said that, 

"It will not be the same parade we're used to. It will be a different kind of event. They're reinventing the event for this moment in history," said de Blasio. "You will be able to feel the spirit and the joy of that day on television. Online. Not a live parade but something that will really give us that warmth and that great feeling that we have on Thanksgiving Day." {via}

I'm not sure exactly what that means, but I guess I'll find out on Thanksgiving! Sometimes I'll watch football, depending on how's playing. Usually there are movies at night, like The Family Stone. 

Who does the cooking? Fix anything ahead of time? 

If we don't eat at a restaurant, we order in. I've made Thanksgiving exactly once, and it was terrible! I didn't take the turkey out in time so it was still frozen on Thanksgiving Day and I didn't know that they were insides and long story short, we didn't wind up eating until 9pm! So now we go out or order in!

What time do you eat the big meal?

Whenever it arrives?! Usually late afternoon, around 4pm.

Do you set a formal table or keep things more casual? 

We keep things very casual since it's only me and my mom.

Is the food placed on the table or served buffet style?

Regardless or where we eat, it's usually placed on the table. 

Ham or turkey? What’s for dessert? Who carves the meat? 

TURKEY! Since it's takeout or restaurant, some chef somewhere cuts the meat lol, and there isn't a wishbone but if there was I would most certainly wish on it! I love pumpkin pie for dessert.

Does your family have a Thanksgiving tradition? 

We say grace before eating on Thanksgiving, and list some things we're grateful for that year. We don't stay up or go out for Black Friday- I'm more of an online or Cyber Monday shopper! 

Yay or nay to leftovers? Favorite leftover recipe? 

I love leftovers on any day, but ESPECIALLY Thanksgiving! Usually I just make a sandwich with all the fixins', but I would love to try this Turkey Empanada recipe one day- maybe this will be the year! 

What will everyone wear? Dress up or comfy? 

Jeans and sweaters for us! 

For what are you most thankful this year?

My health, my family, and my friends. And having a job, especially one that allows me to work remote at least part of the time. 

How are you celebrating Thanksgiving this year?

Linking up with Leslie! 

October Reads

I have been having a really hard time focusing on reading lately. I mean, I had 2 DNFs, and I don't think that has happened to me all year. November doesn't seem to be going much better either. Also, October just seemed to fly by. Here is what I managed to get through. 

Upright Women Wanted - Sarah Gailey: 4 Stars

library e-book

I don't even remember requesting this Western novella, but it was great! Set in the near-future America, Esther is a stowaway who has "hidden herself away in the Librarian’s book wagon in an attempt to escape the marriage her father has arranged for her—a marriage to the man who was previously engaged to her best friend," whom she was also in love with. She joins them to try to "fix" herself but finds that they are not at all what they seem. I don't think I've ever read a Western before, but I loved the character and world-building, the action shoot-em-up scenes (done by women), and the touch of romance. I also thought it was the perfect length. 

"Keep fighting. It will be hard, and it will be awful, and it will be worth it. Don’t give up, even when it feels like dying. Don’t give up. This is only the beginning."

The Rule Of One - Ashley and Lauren Saunders: 3.5 Stars

Kindle Unlimited

This dystopian story was well written, but a little too realistic. In a not too distant future, the U.S. starts microchipping its inhabitants, building walls around the country (huh...) and enforcing the "Rule of One"- meaning one child per family. The Director of this initiative has twin girls, so he has developed an elaborate system: the one non-microchipped one follow the micro-chipped one's daily activities and they switch off daily until one day someone in an authoritative position finds out. The girls take off with their father's directions to safe houses all the way to Canada, where they will be safe. But will they make it? 

This fast paced novel kept me interested throughout, and I'll continue reading the series. This came recommended to me by Blue, and I agree with her when she said that the alternate narratives between the twins was superfluous- it added absolutely nothing to the story until the very end. 

Head Over Heels - Hannah Orenstein: 3 Stars

Netgalley

Once I started skimming the overly-technical gymnastics terminology, this got much easier for me to get into. I wanted a bit more from Jasmine and her relationship with Dmitri once they married. I hated how Ryan refused to listen to Avery about how she was treated as a young gymnast by this "superstar" trainer until he saw the one he treated his current gymnasts. I also didn't like how Avery yoy-yoed Ryan around during their budding relationship. While this gave a nod to a serious topic, I think it just barely skimmed the surface rather than fully delving into it head-on which seemed lame. All that aside I will admit that the relationship between Dimitri and Avery felt icy and completely realistic on all fronts. 

DNF:

Woman Last Seen In her Thirties - Camille Pagan: I couldn't connect, but this may have been a timing issue on my part vs. the actual story. I put it down for now, but may pick it back up. 

Solutions and Other Problems - Allie Brosh: The latest from the author of Hyperbole and a Half (which I enjoyed), I just didn't find this graphic novel to be as funny as the first, and I was looking for funny. This just seemed a bit absurd and nonsensical. But again, may try giving it another shot. I placed it back on my holds list. 

Book Stats (previously /now)
Total number read: 47
Netgalley: 13 / 14
Owned: 5 /7 - no change
Non-Fiction: 6 / 7 - no change
WOC: 10 / 11 - no change
Given Away: 29 / 37
 

Currently Reading: The Flight Attendant - Chris Bohjalian

On Deck: Cracked Up To Be by Courtney Summers and We Have Always Lived in the 
Castle by Shirley Jackson
What are you reading?
Linking up with Steph and Jana!

Fall 2020 Bucket List

Before I "Fall" into my Autumn Bucket List, here's how I did with my Summer one!

I didn't quite... 

Try a new food.
Go on a day trip.
Get a pedicure.
Learn how to make a new cocktail or sangria.

But I did...

More deck reading
Check out a new brewery or winery and Go to the beach, which I wrote about here!
Eat a fresh lobster roll and Go glamping - Yes, and I wrote about it here!

And now we're on to Fall! While Summer is my favorite season, there are some things I like about Fall- mostly hoodies/flannel, comfort foods, and the return of football season! I tried to be a bit more realistic about my Fall Bucket List since I'm still not too keen on going to any crowded places, and I'm disappointed that this will be the first time in 6 years that we've decided to cancel our annual Halloween Party, but I'd rather be safe than sorry! Here are some fun things I hope to do this season. 

{via}

Drink allthepumpkinales (or 5 new ones)

Put up fall decor

Go on a Fall mini-getaway

Check out a new brewery or winery

Enjoy apple cider and donuts

Have a Chili and Fall movie night (Here are some ideas!)

Bake Oreo pumpkin cheesecakes~ an annual tradition!

Change over wardrobe and donate clothes

Donate food at a shelter or food bank

Try a new-to-me food (rollover from Summer!)

Light some fall-scented candles

Bust out the dark polish and give myself an at-home mani/pedi

"Fall" into a new binge-worthy series

Create new skincare routine (more moisturizer, please!)

Get cozy and read from my Fall TBR List!

What are some things you hope to do this fall? 

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Fall 2020 TBR

Before I jump into my Fall TBR I usually review how I did on my Summer TBR, but I only read 2/10 - Wow, No Thank You. - Samantha Irby and The Summer I Turned Pretty (Summer #1) - Jenny Han - and that's it! In fact, I only read 10 books all season. I had some trouble concentrating on anything last season. 

Even though I know Fall doesn't officially start until next week, it's never too soon to start planning what I'm hoping to read, right?! Plus, I love making lists! Instead of focusing on only BIPOC authors this time around though, I'm just going to read what I want. Hopefully that will help me get through more than 2 from this list this season! 

{via}

Beartown - Fredrik Backman

Such A Fun Age - Kiley Reid

Queenie - Candice Carty-Williams

Wayward Son (Simon Snow #2) - Rainbow Rowell

Behind Closed Doors - B.A. Paris

The Family Upstairs - Lisa Jewell

Mayhem - Estelle Laure

Sula - Toni Morrison

George - Alex Gino (For Banned Books Week - Sept 20)

A Long Way Home - Saroo Riley (For my non-fiction goal)

What's on your Fall TBR list? 

10 on the 10th: School Days

I had a lot of fun putting this together, though I couldn't find all the pics I wanted to share. Won't you join me in a trip down memory lane?!

What does back to school look like in your home or community this year?

I'm not sure what my town is doing, but I work at a college in NJ and we are doing hybrid learning. In fact, the only students allowed on campus are freshmen and first year graduate students. Everyone on campus (staff, faculty, students) must be tested weekly. Most of the faculty and staff are on a rotating schedule, coming in 2-3 days/week. This is "where I be" when I'm working from home:

Does your state or city offer a back to school tax free weekend? If so, do you plan your back to school shopping around it? What kinds of things do you buy?

I'm not sure? The only supplies I bought this year were Lysol spray and wipes, extra masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer! 

Do your children wear school uniforms? If so, what do they look like? If not, is there a strict dress code in place? What are your thoughts on school uniforms? Did you wear a uniform?

I never wore a uniform but I think if I had kids I wouldn't be against it. 

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Did you plan to go to college?

Up until I found out how much math was involved in it, I wanted to be an architect! (This still boggles my mind because I was never much of an artist either.) Then after a friend had some family trouble, it was between a school psychologist and school counselor. That stuck through college, when I realized I'd need a Master's (and then most likely a Doctorate) before I'd be able to become either one. College was a non-negotiable. I was accepted Early Decision and attended Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA. 

What sports did you play, what clubs were you in? Were you a cheerleader?

Through 8th grade I played all the sports- basketball, softball, soccer (my favorite was soccer). I was a Girl Scout from Daisy to Cadette level (grades K-8). In high school, I was a member of Key Club, Drama Club, Amnesty International, Choir, Jazz Band and Marching Band. And YES, I was a cheerleader! I was actually cheer captain and participated in competitive cheerleading until high school! 

Did you buy lunch or take lunch? If you took lunch from home, who made your lunch? What was your favorite school lunch?

I think I brought lunch until high school. Mom made my lunches, usually a cold-cut sandwich, snack, and fruit drink. Dunkaroos were a favorite snack, along with Devil Dogs :)

In high school I started buying lunch, and besides Pizza Day my favorite was called a "PV" (For Passaic Valley, my high school)- it was a bagel with cream cheese and Doritos on it! 

To what group or click did you belong? At my school we had the jocks, the parking lot gang, popular kids. Where did you fit in? Were you in a sorority? If so, which one?

I was never popular, though I also never wanted to be. The pop kids were the smokers and partiers and that was never my thing. I was a nerd until high school, when I became a "Band Geek" because I was in concert, jazz, and marching band. 

Did you spend much time in the library? What was your favorite class?

I was always an avid reader so yes, I spent a lot of time in the library and I loved it. My favorite class varied by year and teacher. I always liked English though. 

What are some of your favorite high school memories? Homecoming? Prom? Have you returned for any class reunions?

I haven't returned for any reunions and have no intention of doing so. Anyone I want to keep in touch with I do via FB. Prom was ok, but I wore the same dress as one of the popular kids so that soured it a little. One of my fave high school memories was when I got a car and got to drive my friends around :) 

How old were you when you started school? Did you have a favorite teacher?

I think I was 5? I was always one of the older kids in my class which only served me well when I turned 17 and could drive before a lot of my peers! My favorite teacher was Miss Weber- she was my grade school music teacher. We still keep in touch :) 

Do you have a favorite high school memory?

Linking up with Leslie! 

August Reads

Last month I mentioned hitting a few bumps with my reading, but this month I can say I've officially hit a slump. I haven't even picked up a book in over 2 weeks. I know the issue- it's the reading challenge. I want to read certain books but feel guilty picking them up when I haven't finished the challenge yet. After making a few changes though, I think I'm finally hitting my groove again (thank goodness!). Here's what I read in August. 

The Chalk Man - C. J. Tudor: 4 Stars

own, hardback

An unreliable narrator and dual timelines added to the creepiness of this thriller. The cliffhanger chapter endings had me staying up too late, which is always a good sign in my book (ha)! I did think it was weird that we knew nothing abut the murder victim except for the body found in the woods throughout the majority of the novel. And not that it matters but for some reason the whole time I was thinking this was written by a man but it wasn't. Anyway, great debut novel! 

Some Girls Are - Courtney Summers: 4 Stars

own, paperback - if you would like my copy, please let me know!

I've had this book on my bookshelf for years, but only felt truly compelled to pick it up after I finished (and loved) Sadie by the same author. This one pulled on my heartstrings too. Teenagers in high school are assholes, and this reminded me of that so much. It was just so realistic- I could totally picture this girl (and her "old" posse) walking by me in high school, and that realism made it 4 stars in my book. Regina was also completely relatable, and there was so much more emotional torment than there was physical which that almost made it harder to read. This just proves that you know what you're getting with Summers- beware! 

Dominicana - Angie Cruz: 3 Stars
library e-book

I wanted to like this one way more than I did. The story was like so many I've heard before which made it seem so... pedestrian? I was surprised when I saw so many of my fellow GR friends rated it so highly, and I can only imagine that this "story" was new to them. Read the GR synopsis if you want to know what it was about, but honestly this was like SO MANY immigrant stories. There was nothing special or new in this book. 

Dear Dwayne, With Love - Eliza Gordon: 2 Stars

Netgalley

My biggest issue with this book was that I found it really hard to believe that a 28 year old woman would  have "The Rock" posters covering her cubicle and calls their mom "Mommy." Also the "steamy" romance with Marco felt clunky. I did like her relationship with Howie- I thought that was really sweet. But overall, a bit over the top and highly predictable.

Book Stats (previously /now)
Total number read: 38
Netgalley: 11 / 12
Owned: 5 /7
Non-Fiction: 8 / 9 - no change
WOC: 9 / 10
Given Away: 28 / 29 - no change

Currently Reading: The Whole Town's Talking - Fannie Flagg

What are you reading?

Linking up with Steph and Jana!

What's New With Me: August

I thought I hadn't done much in August but after writing this I realized I has quite an active month! Here's what I was up to: 

One of our Mountain Mamas left the nest (or mountain rather), so we had a goodbye "party" for her.

Covid Test on August 5... followed immediately by getting stung by a bee for the first time EVER! I put ice on it, but the swelling took a full week to go down, and then it was so itchy! 

Checked out a new local brewery followed by a late night swim with a few friends- so much fun! (Summer Bucket List- check!)

"Sand Flu" aka beach day in mid-August with another couple (Summer Bucket List- check!)

Dinner with Blue's sister and BIL at a new-to-us restaurant. 

Back to working in the office on August 27. Luckily I only have to go in 2 days a week for the next month. 

Closed out the month with another al fresco late lunch at one of our old favorites. 

Other than that, my reading took a  bit of a backseat this month as I continued to binge on all of the Sopranos, and then found Wentworth on Netflix. How have I never heard of this show? It's like a better, Australian version of Orange is the New Black, and there are 7 seasons! I'm already on S4... and S8 comes out Sept 30! Since I'm watching that with Blue, I may have to also start Cobra Kai- have you guys seen that one yet? It's supposed to be a continuation of The Karate Kid, and I've heard it's really good! 

What's new with you this month?

Linking up with Lauren, Dara, and Kristen!