Currently: January

Reading: One for the Money- Janet Evanovich for Erin's Reading Challenge 6.0! I really want to read my books this year, so 5 of them for the challenge are ones I already own.

Watching: I finished The OA on Netflix over the holidays. I have SO MANY QUESTIONS! Has anyone watched it? Please share your thoughts!

Listening to: a lot of Spotify. I caved and purchased Premium (99 cents for 3 months- how could I not?!). Really digging Fitz and the Tantrums Radio, which updates weekly with upbeat tunes. Two recent faves: Fresh Eyes- Andy Grammar and Fingertips- Leo Kaylan

Burning: Mahogany Teakwood from BBW. It's a heavier scent that I can best describe as smelling like men's cologne.

Eating: leftover spaghetti with meatballs (last night). Coincided nicely with National Spaghetti Day. 

Gathering: recipes! One of my goals for this year is to get back into cooking (something I've just stopped doing around,... mid-October maybe?). I got the Budget Bytes Cookbook for Christmas and I'm revisiting my food-related Pinterest boards in an attempt to find some enticing dinner ideas. So far I've only eaten leftovers (uh, cleaning out my freezer?), but I did finally go grocery shopping and made a meal plan for next week! Baby steps.

Writing: to do lists, a revised weekly schedule of what I want to do at home each day, and posts! Expect to see a 2016 Recap, Favorite Make-up/Beauty of 2016, and a New Orleans recap soon! 

Making: space. I did a lot of organizing/cleaning/purging over the break, but I'd like to do some more, particularly in my closet. I was able to create this little reading nook in my bedroom though, which has become one of my new favorite spots.

imagine a fluffy throw blanket over one side

Sipping: red wine, as I do in the winter.

Following: not a whole lot lately. I took a break from social media last month (except IG and a couple of random posts here),  but I'm trying to get back in the swing of things. I started following a few new-to-me blogs in the last week though. Shooting Stars Mag, Nesting Nomad, My Pixie Blog (another NJ native!), and Write Like a Girl to name a few.

Resolving: I don't really like the term "resolutions." I make quarterly goals (more like a seasonal bucket list) and 101 in 1001 goals. There are a few key goals I'd like to reach this year though, like overhaul my finances in general and track my spending this month, save more money, pay off a student loan, and get rid of excessive "stuff" in my apt.

What's currently new with you?

Linking up with Anne, Kristen, Gretch, and Kristin!

December Stuff and Things

I haven't done weekend updates in awhile, but the last two weeks have been a bit of a whirlwind. Here's what's been happening in my world.

Last week my good friend M treated me to a wine glass painting class for my birthday. I was thrilled because it was different than the usual canvas style and, ya know, wine. It was awesome to have some one-on-one girl time and catch up. Fun fact: I used to have an Etsy store where I sold my own painted wine glasses before it became a "thing."

Over the weekend M and her hubs invited us over for Christmas tree decorating and dinner followed by Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Blue and I got spoiled with a syrup set, decorative night lights (2, one for each apt), plug-ins, and dish towels which is apparently a tradition for them. 

You know what NOT to get vegans for Christmas? Cashmere scarves, which I realized were animal-based while en route to their apartment for tree decorating and dinner. I'm scrambling to find something to deliver now. And because I just found this list last night, I'm sharing this last minute gift guide. Procrastinators can still get Christmas presents online in time for Christmas! Yay for technology (and Amazon Prime).

I thought the movie was awesome, particularly the last third. The ending was perfect. M disagreed. If you're considering seeing it, just know that you don't need to have seen any of the other Star Wars to understand this one. 

On Monday we had our office Christmas party. I was super excited because in my last department, all we ever did were potlucks in the conference room (if anything). I was super excited because this dept rented out a bar for several hours complete with catered food/drinks, games and giveaways- and I won a Chromecast! Woot! Now I just need to figure out how to use it and what to do with my Roku. 

The morning back from my vacation, my boss told me that I would be filling in for our telecommunications person as she was going to be out on medical leave for 3 months. I moved from the basement to her office. The view is much better here- I forgot how nice it is to have windows again. And it's my first time in my own office, even if it is temporary. It's a lot of trouble shooting and my brain hurts by the end of the day but I like being back in the main office where all the action happens (for the most part).

Friday night goals: 

For now, I'm sitting by the yule log YouTube video with my Spotify Christmas playlist and praying this day goes quickly and smoothly.

How are you celebrating the holiday?

Christmas Wishlist 2016

Happy Wednesday friends! I've been falling off the wagon with blogging lately, and even though my birthday was two weeks ago and Christmas is in only 6 days (!!!), I'd figure I'd share some of the things that are on my wish list.  Of course, any and all gifts are welcome, but "I'll tell ya what I want, what I really, really want!" 

Big Ticket Item: Photo Printer. 

One that connects to my phone, so I can just plug my phone in and boom! Full color photos come out. My mom is forever complaining that I "never have any pictures" which is entirely true since I don't use a "regular" camera anymore; I take photos with my phone. Also, I kind of miss the whole idea of looking through photo albums/scrapbooks. And I always say "Oh, I'll just make one online" but I never do. 

Other Big Ticket Item: iLife vaccuum. 

I don't have a pet, but I hate doing chores, such as sweeping. This would be more of a "nice to have." It's also $150 less than the Roomba.

Team/Fan Wear: I just became a recent NY Rangers fan, and was so sad when I went to a game and had no gear. This sweatshirt is awesome, but a hat would be just fine too. 

Cold Weather Accessories: I can never have too many hats/scarves/touchscreen gloves/fuzzy socks. This year I really want this awesome double duty hat that could also be used as a scarf! And some comfy flannel lounge pants. 

Throw Blankets: I love my fuzzy throw blankets and use them year round. Unfortunately, this fox one that I found in late summer is no longer available. :( 

Mugs: Another item you can never have too many of. 

Stocking Stuffers: desk accessories, ear buds (mine break constantly), magnets, ornaments, gift cards, scratch-offs. 

Other: Next year I want/need to get back into cooking. I've been following Budget Bytes on IG and have tried several of her recipes with much success, so I'd get a lot of use out of her cookbook. I'm out of my favorite perfume, so adding that to the list. I've been wanting a flask for years, and how cute is this one?! Love desk accessories, especially sticky note sets and a daily funny calendar. And an iphone compatible tripod would come in so handy. This one is only $12 and comes with a remote control. 

What's on your wishlist this year? 

Seasonal Goals//Bucket List Check-In

Back in September I made a list of all the fall things I wanted to accomplish. 9/15... not too shabby! Scroll down to see what's on the deck for Winter. 

Fall Bucket List

drink allthepumpkinales: Check! We actually attended a pumpkin beer event called the Great Pumpkin Road Show and even though it closed down early (some city code violation) we got to sample at least 5 new pumpkin beers. Unfortunately, I forgot to check them in so I don't remember what they were. Womp.  But I purchased some new ones for home too. My fave? Schlafly Pumpkin Ale.

craft something: Fail. 

put up fall decor: Check! (even if it was the day before Thanksgiving)

go to the Central Park or Bronx Zoo: Fail. 

attend another concert: Check check! Stevie Nicks with the Pretenders! Kevin Griffin from Better than Ezra! Cirque du Soleil: Kurios! 

Stevie Nicks with Chrissie Hynde

enjoy a PSL or 5: Check!

bake Oreo pumpkin cheesecakes~ an annual tradition!: Fail. 

dress up and host our annual Halloween party: Done son! 

attend an Oktoberfest event: Fail. 

complete the Fall Film Challenge: I DID watch 25 movies, but they weren't all from my original list because I couldn't get them all. And then Jenn announced a bonus round, so I watched the reamining 5 from that list, which I carefully curated from Netflix/Hulu/Amazon Video. 

attend a football game//tailgate//or throw a Football themed party: Fail. 

visit a new city: TRIPLE CHECK YAIS! Jim Thorpe, PA and New Orleans! 

Steamboat Natchez in New Orleans

go pumpkin and/or apple picking: Semi-check? We went to pick pumpkins and apples, but all the pumpkins were already picked just chillin in a patch which was lame, and we were cold so skipped out on the orchard part. 
check out the Highline: Fail. 

attend a fall festival or winery: Check! 

Winter Bucket List

Go see the tree in Rockefeller Center

Union Square Holiday Market
See a play/musical on Broadway

Frozen Hot Chocolate at Serendipity

deck the halls

craft some stuff

Go see Rogue One: A Star Wars Story: tickets purchased for tomorrow!

have a holiday movie night- complete with hot cocoa and footie pajamas

Attend a hockey game: tickets purchased! 

Attend a holiday party

Go to a concert

try a new noodle house

Wanderlust Wednesday: Top 10 New Orleans

I've mentioned that I'm heading to New Orleans tomorrow for my birthday. I've been wanting to go to NoLa for several years now, and I am BEYOND excited! I am one of those people who plan vacations down to the hour not because I have to, but because I love doing it. Also because it's rare that I visit the same place twice, so I want to make sure I see everything I want to in case I never make it back there. Also, I'm a planner. I'm a list maker. I used to be more spontaneous but as I've gotten older I like to know what I'm doing and when. (This also makes packing easier.) I also like to ask friends who have been to the area to send me recommendations- unfortunately for this particular location, a lot of my friends visited in conjunction with a bachelor/ette party and honestly didn't remember where they went! But thanks to you bloggy friends who shared their trip high and lows with me! I'm not sharing my itinerary because stalkers, but here's what I plan to see/eat while I'm there!

New Orleans Top 10 List

Cafe Du Monde- a New Orleans institution!

steamboat ride down the Great Mississippi!

dinner at Chef Job Besh's "Luke"

live jazz at Preservation Hall

hurricanes at Pat O'Brien's

The "Twirl" Tour

no caption needed

hot toddy and food competition!

classic Reveillon holiday dinner

lights and train ride through Celebrate the Oaks

Other stops not pictured include The Gumbo Shop, Jackson Square, a jazzy brunch, and Central Grocery- home of the muffaletta! (I've never had a muffaletta. I don't even know if I like them, but I'll find out this week!)

Hijacking, Hitchhiking, and other Hijinx: A Thanksgiving Tale

Sooooo... how was everyone's holiday/Thanksgiving?! I've noticed it's been mighty quiet around Blog Land (myself included). I suppose everyone is getting back into the swing of things after having a few days off (hopefully!). My Thanksgiving weekend was quite...eventful to say the least. I wanted a quiet Thanksgiving at home or at least local, but that didn't happen. I wanted turkey with all the fixins, but that didn't happen either,... until Sunday night. So what happened? Well what had happened was...

Hijacking

My mom had (unbeknownst to me) offered us up to her church to serve a Thanksgiving meal to the homeless. Minus the fact that we didn't get to eat any of it, that was pretty heartwarming, and I was happy to have been a part of their Thanksgiving. Afterwards, we went to Long Island to visit my grandmother's grave. (We do this on holidays because there's a little bus that takes us directly from the train to the site for free.) Except you have to be in the right train car to get off at that stop, and we weren't, and we couldn't GET to the right car because the train was jam-packed with Thanksgiving parade visitors. We got off at the next stop and planned to cab it back, but for some reason my Uber and Lyft apps refused to work. The we saw a nice family of 3 who DID get an Uber... an finagled our way into their car. With them. And proceeded to take them 15 minutes out of their way to the cemetery. 

setting up for Thanksgiving at the church

Hitchhiking

We only needed a few minutes to pay our respects, so we asked the nice Uber driver to come back for us after he dropped off the family. Except we forgot to take his number and my app still wasn't working. After waiting for about 15 minutes, my mom decided that he had abandoned us so we started hitchhiking back to the train station (about a 45 minutes walk/7 min drive away). Literal thumbs up on a (small) highway. We stopped several cars, but everyone refused (so much for the kindness of strangers). Luckily our driver did eventually come back for us so we made it back to the station just as the train arrived. 

Other Hijinx

We were so anxious to start our trek back that we hopped right on that train... in the wrong direction. We wound up right back at the station where we stole the family's Uber. It's a desolate station with a lot of derelicts around, so we raced to the nearest restaurant/bar/cafe for safety and to wait for the next train back to NYC. Except it was also filled with shady men, and loud salsa music. (I had a video, but it's really shaky so I'll save you.) We stayed because it seemed safer than being outside, and got a 6 pack and drank out of paper bags in the restaurant and on the train. Because getting drunk with family is part of the tradition, right? Happy Thanksgiving! 

At home, we unpacked our leftovers from that morning and I opened a bottle of cranberry wine that I had been saving just for that day. We polished off the food and drinks while watching some movies. 

obligatory family photo

I guess I can file this holiday away as "the one where I tried new things." 

So, how was your Thanksgiving? 

Currently: December

Enjoying: Keebler cuddles when he's not being a nudge

Hai friends haaaii! I'm back! After an unintentional mini-hiatus, I'm refreshed and filled with new ideas for posts, and excited again. I was in a bit of a slump, and was given an "out" with thinking of stuff to post with Alyssa's prompts (thanks girl!).

Doing/Counting: down the days til my birthday vacation in New Orleans! I've outlined our itinerary, bought tickets to a jazz concert at Preservation Hall and a cocktail walking tour, and made reservations at almost all of the restaurants we'll be dining at. Now I just need to pack and find a suitable carry-on bag. I am so psyched! 

Buying: one for them, one for me- my Christmas buying philosophy :) I just got these foxy fleece shorts on Black Friday and they are soooo woobie. I've actually never owned fleece shorts before but they're perfect because my legs get really hot under blankets. Plus, foxes. Can't go wrong with foxes!

foxy shorts

Cheers-ing: So I didn't know it, but apparently my job was going to let me go at the end of December due to lack of funds. However I was just recently informed that they worked out the budget to keep me, and will hire me full time July 1st! YAY! My mom and I celebrated the news last weekend. 

my fave champagne

Wrapping: Christmas presents, duh! I'm putting together a sort of gift guide/what I bought so be on the look out for that next week! 

Eating: Piecaken! I had no idea what this was, but Blue's niece (currently in culinary school) made it for us last weekend- it's vanilla cake with a creamy pumpkin pie center. I'm not a huge dessert person normally, but I do like both is those things, and together- well all I can say is WOW. It was sooo good! 

*nomnomnom*

Drinking: I've recently become obsessed with Keurig' s Cinnabon Classic Cinnamon Roll coffee. So much so that I bought a box of pods for work! 

Burning: BBW Cozy Cabin, which I just found out is no longer available :( Good thing I bought it during their Autumn sale! 

Watching: This Is Us, Westworld, The Walking Dead (only 2 more episodes- gah!!!), and of course Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life. Have we all caught up now? Thoughts???! 

Me and Blue's GG binge tees :)

Listening to: John Mayer's "Love on the Weekend" on repeat. 

Planning: what to read for Erin's Book Challenge! Categories listed here! Starts January 1st! Also, a December wardrobe capsule. You know, where you pre-select several pieces to wear for a period of time and only wear those things. I feel like I have a lot of holiday-type clothes that I've forgotten about so I want to make sure I actually wear it this year. I'm also trying to incorporate more skirts/dresses starting today, because I honestly don't remember the last time I wore one. Maybe I'll document it. I think I may try to wear makeup for the month too. Baby steps though. 

What's currently new with you lately?