Currently: December

Reading: Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi. Still. 500+ page books are not for me! 

Watching: I just binged Married at First Sight: Happily Ever After last weekend, and looking forward to Dumplin' on Friday and Bruce Springsteen on the 15th, both coming to Netflix!

Looking forward to: my birthday next week and our trip to Nashville!

Annoyed by/at: Barnes and Noble. They've cancelled my last two orders for NO reason. Has this been happening to anyone else? UPDATE: 4 times now. They've cancelled 4 orders.

Starting: To worry about if I passed my training certification for work. I took the classes back on November 1, and checked in right before Thanksgiving, how is it taking so long to get feedback?!

Appreciating: The little things, always.

Baking: Not a thing. Blue made some baked ziti last weekend though- it was delicious! 

Decorating: My apartment! The tree is up and little touches are everywhere. I'm still trying to figure out if I want to put garland around my back patio railings though.

Singing: More like belting out some of these songs on a mix CD my friend made for me back in college.

Mailing: I used to send Christmas cards, but not anymore. 

Gifting: Alllthethings!

For our youngest Mountain Mama Candy Color Festive Fun Kit 

For a friend's birthday December Birthstone Bracelet 

For a coworker (and one for me!) Wool Lined Touchscreen Gloves 

For another coworker Plaid Blanket Scarf

For a friend Ridley's Movie Quiz Game

For my niece T Work Backpack and Glittery Mace Bag Accessory

For my niece K Teeth Whitening Kit and Utensil Key Chain

For my niece KT Hydration Reminder (that fits over any water bottle) and Guitar String Elephant Charm Bracelet

Not pictured because I forgot and I'm too lazy to go back and redo the collage, I got oversized wine glasses for my friends, The Mountain Mamas, which will be paired with a bottle of wine :) 

What are you currently up to?

Linking up with Anne and Tanya!

TBB Asks and December Goals

1. Do you like candy canes? Sure! 

2. Do you rise early or sleep in on Christmas morning? Sleep in! One of the perks of not having kids!

3. Did you shop on Black Friday? I sure did... from my laptop!

4. When do you put your Christmas tree up? AFTER Thanksgiving! I just put mine up last weekend. 

5. Christmas glam or ugly sweater? Christmas glam! 

6. Do you wrap your stocking stuffers? Sometimes I wrap ornament stocking stuffers in some tissue paper, but that's more so that they don't break. 

7. Traditional or modern Christmas songs? Besides Mariah Carey's All I Want for Christmas, Dominic the Donkey, and the Bob Rivers' Christmas parody The 12 Pains of Christmas, I like this old Christmas Rock mix cd one of my friends made me back in college. 

8. Is you Christmas shopping finished? Mostly. Just need something for my hard-to-shop-for Brother in Law! 

9. Is there snow in December where you live? Sometimes! Here in NJ we usually get more in January and February though. 

10. Classic show: A Charlie Brown Christmas or Rudolph? 

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Before getting into some new goals for December, let's see how I did with November goals: 

November Goals

• Finish Christmas shopping- see above! 
• Create wish list- yes, you can see it here!
• buy glasses- nope
• weatherize windows- yes! And I put up my thermal-backed drapes :)
• finish bonus round of Jenn's Film Challenge (18/25)- I gave up towards the end of last month when I realized that 2 people had already finished and were working on extra credit- there was no catching up for the prize after that! 

December Goals

• purchase a new planner

• finish decorating

• re-assess budget

• create a new 101 in 1001

• eye appointment and purchase new glasses or contacts

What are your goals for this month?

Linking up with The Blended Blog and The Peaceful Posse!

Wish List 2018

Hey friends! Today I'm sharing my wish list because not only is it Christmas season, but my birthday is coming up too! Plus, I like it when other people give me their wish lists, because let's face it- it's just easier to know exactly what they want. So really, I'm just being considerate! Here's what I wouldn't mind finding under the tree this year. 

Clarisonic Mia- I've been really trying to step up my face game lately, and I feel like this is a *must have* for that! I don't really see the difference between the original and the Mia 2, so whichever one would be fine with me!

Programmable Crock Pot- I got my first crock pot like 7 years ago and while it still works and serves me well, I know I'd use it much more if I could program it to auto- shut off or set to warm after it's done cooking. Most slow cooking takes 8 hours, but if I set it in the morning before work, I wouldn't get back for 10 hours. Plus, I just like the idea that it would shut off as opposed to still cooking when I am away. 

Boots- Purchasing new riding boots has been on my "to do" list for a few months now (since last year, I think?) because I wore my old ones into the ground. Buying shoes for someone else is hard, but a gift card to some place like DSW would work!

4 Things Tote- I think I first saw these last January, and I started a running list of 4 words I'd want on my tote. I love how personal these can be, and in my experience you can never have too many totes!

Decorative Throw Pillow Case- I specify "case" because I like that you can change them out with the season, or whenever the whim hits to redecorate without throwing out a whole pillow. I love the message and the colors on this one!

Funko Pops!- My collection is growing! It will never be as big as Blue's (serious, she must have over 100 now), and I don't want it to be, but they are so cute and they just make me smile. At the top of my list are an Ewok with Speeder Bike, The Friends characters (especially Monica with a turkey head) and Beca and Fat Amy from Pitch Perfect.

Wool Socks- A weird wish list item perhaps, but I reaaaaally love thick wool socks in winter and they can be pricey! This 3 pack from Amazon is only $20!

Cute tees, snarky mugs, and fuzzy blankets are always a win too!

What's on your wish list this year? 

Linking up with TBB! 

Thankful Thursday- Thanksgiving Edition

I know Thanksgiving is early this year but I still can't believe November is nearly over. It's been a whirlwind month for me and I'm grateful for a 4-day weekend off from work and the time and ability to relax, slow down, and reflect. Here are 22 other things I'm grateful for: 

1. My mom
2. People who love and support me
3. My health
4. The means to purchase and the accessibility of medicine when I'm not well
5. My job, which affords me the ability to pay my bills, save, and live a comfortable life
6. My education
7. Living in a place that (usually) has 4 seasons
8. Fleece leggings and fuzzy blankets
9. An apartment I always want to come home to (agreeing with Michael)
10. A fridge and cabinets full of food
11. A washer and dryer
12. (Most) modern technology, especially those which allow me to meet new people and reconnect with old friends
13. Ebates and Amazon Prime
14. Holiday time off work (agreeing with Steph)
15. Vacations
16. My experiences (good and bad)
17. Being close to mass transit and NYC
18. Books and libraries, and the ability to entertain myself/never be bored
19. Carbs
20. Clean water, and a hot water heater
21. Coffee
22. Cold beer

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

What are you grateful for today and everyday? 

Show Us Your Books: October

It's that time of the month again- the one where my TBR grows 3 sizes! I had a hard time finishing books towards the end of the month. I'd put a few on my holds list at the library, and they all came in around the same time. Couple that with one that was longer than what I usually read (500 pages as opposed to like 350), and I started to get anxious and read even less than what I usually read. Does that happen to anyone else? I had to get physical copies from the library because the e-books expired before I'd finished, so now I have 3 sitting on my dining room table. At least the expiration dates are longer! Here's what I did get through this month. 

The Woman in the Window- A.J. Finn: 4.5 Stars
library e-book

I'm always wary of reading super-hyped books, but even Blue raved about it (and had already borrowed it on my library card) so I read it immediately. It was a super quick, enthralling read and I'm so glad I jumped on it! I didn't see any of the twists coming, especially not the last one, and it kept me up late because I had to know what happened in those last 50 pages, which is always a good sign. I'm also super excited that this will be made into a movie featuring Amy Adams! 


Puddin' (Dumplin' #2)- Julie Murphy: 4 Stars
library e-book

I will be one of the few to admit that I didn't love Dumplin', like, at all. I told you guys that in September. I was interested enough to give this one a shot though, and I'm so glad I did! I loved getting to know Millie, and she reminded me of one of my best friends from high school. I loved that Callie didn't get her way, and had to work hard physically and emotionally, and I loved the girl friendships and supporting one another. "Riots not diets!"


You- Caroline Kepnes: 3 Stars
library e-book

Finishing this was a struggle. I didn’t think Joe had enough self confidence to be perceived as an actual threat, but maybe that helped him? Also Beck was self indulgent and whiny AF. I also didn’t like the stream of consciousness, present tense second person narrative format throughout. Not terrible, but not my favorite. That being said, I’ll still probably read the next one.

Evidence of the Affair- Taylor Jenkins Reid: 4.5 Stars
Kindle Unlimited
115 pages

Finally my first Taylor Jenkins Reid, and I get the hype now! I also really enjoyed the format, told only through letters. Though this was super short, I still felt connected to the characters and that ending certainly packed a punch! 

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.- Judy Blume: 3 Stars
library e-book

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. My friend had been pushing me to read this for the last year, especially since now it's being made into a movie, and I'm glad I finally did.  



Currently Reading: One of Us is Lying- Karen M. McManus
Children of Blood and Bone- Tomi Adeyemi
The Haunting of Hill House- Shirley Jackson

What are you reading lately? 

Linking up with Steph and Jana!

November Goals and TBB Asks

1. Have you ever kept a gratitude journal? Not officially, but I'm thinking I might start adding that to my journal soon. I think about at least 3 before bed though.

2. Hosting Thanksgiving at your house? I did it once like 3 years ago, for just me and my mom. It was disastrous, since the turkey wasn't fully defrosted by Thanksgiving morning. I think we ate it around 10pm. 

3. Favorite food from Thanksgiving? Mashed potatoes! I really like yams too, but not with that marshmallow stuff on top- I'm a purist. 

4. What one thing in nature are you most grateful for? Seasons. I know I always complain when it's cold, but I do appreciate the trees changing and snow (since I don't have to shovel it!) 

5. Pumpkin pie? YES! And one of the few things I can make easily! 

6. Traditional cookbook- yes or no? I've never had a traditional cookbook, but I do need to follow a recipe in order to cook just about anything. I've created my own "cookbook" from recipes I've printed out from Pinterest or around the web. 

7. Oven baked or deep fried turkey? I've never had deep fried turkey but I do love oven baked! 

8. Do you like Thanksgiving leftovers? YES! Not cold though. I like almost all leftovers but I've found some recipes to make with the leftovers, my favorite being "Thanksgiving" empanadas! 

9. What is one household product you are most grateful for? Oooh this one is tough. Probably my coffee maker since I *need* my coffee and use it every day. 

10. Are you most thankful for home cooked meals or restaurant meals? Home cooked! Restaurant meals are good, but there's nothing like the smells and comfort of a good home cooked meal. 

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Before getting into some new goals for November, let's see how I did with October goals: 

Try 3 new recipes- not a one. *hangs head in shame*
Buy boots- didn't even look...
Change out summer to fall wardrobe- Yes!
Decorate- Yes!

A wreath I made/front door/dining table/bar cart

File paperwork- Yes!
Cement down Nashville itinerary- Not yet- work in progress!
Finish (or make sure I finished) booking work trip later this month- Yes!
Cancel Apple Music/Kindle Unlimited- I cancelled Apple Music but decided to keep Kindle Unlimited since Blue and I both use it.
Close out PO Box- Yes!
Create list and start the bonus round of Jenn's Fall Film Challenge- Yes (see below)

November Goals

• Finish Christmas shopping
• Create wish list
• buy glasses
• weatherize windows
• finish bonus round of Jenn's Film Challenge (10/25)

For the bonus round of Jenn's Film Challenge, the last names of the actors sort of have something in common: Bacon, Bean, Berry, Brie, Candy, Hamm --kind of like something edible. Here are my picks (ones in Italics I've already watched- ends Nov. 31):

1. Kevin Bacon - Beauty Shop
2. Sean Bean – Pixels
3. Halle Berry - Kingsman: The Golden Circle
4. Emily Blunt - A Quiet Place
5. Alison Brie - Sleeping With Other People
6. John Candy - The Great Outdoors (1988)
7. James Fox - The Prince and Me
8. Megan Fox - Friends with Kids
9. Jamie Foxx – Annie (2014)
10. Ryan Gosling – Drive
11. Heather Graham - My Dead Boyfriend
12. Kat Graham - The Roommate
13. Jon Hamm - Kissing Jessica Stein
14. Jimmy Hart - A Million Ways To Die In The West
15. Kevin Hart - Central Intelligence
16. Lindsey Kraft – The Accidental Husband
17. Larry Lamb - Superman III
18. Alyssa Milano – My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend
19. Rosamund Pike – Return to Sender
20. Brett Rice – Super 8
21. Isabella Kai Rice- Unfortgettable
22. Ellis Rubin - The Greatest Showman
23. Paul Rudd - Admission
24. Halston Sage – Paper Towns
25. Collette Wolfe – Young Adult
26. Tracie Wolfe – Lethal Weapon

What are your goals for this month?

Linking up with The Blended Blog and The Peaceful Posse!

Currently: November

I'm back from Cali and I could not be more grateful! The work certification training I attended was INTENSE, and I still don't even know if I passed. I have not been more uncomfortable and anxious in a very long time. Not only was I the only one attending from my whole region, but a large majority of the class (about 15 out of 20) were from the same school and knew each other. They are also at a different level than I currently am, as in they're already managers and I'm not. After 1 1/2 days of training, there was a 7 page exam and a 1-3 min video recording of us explaining our projects. So yes, very nerve-wracking for an introvert like myself. I'm glad I did it, but could not be happier to come home! Anyway, here's what else is currently going on with me!

Reading: What If It's Us by Beck Albertalli and Adam Silvera and Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi.

Watching: You on Lifetime (based on the novel from Caroline Kepnes) and movies for the bonus round of Jenn's Fall Film Challenge. 

Working on: Christmas shopping. I have some smaller stuff that I've picked up throughout the year but definitely would like to finish by the end of this month. 

Looking forward to: Meeting Lauren and Charlotte for dinner in NYC later this month! 

Annoyed by/at: Barnes and Noble. They've cancelled my last two orders for NO reason. Has this been happening to anyone else?

Starting: My birthday and Christmas wish lists!

Appreciating: A relaxing weekend and a wonderful home-cooked meal after returning from my week-long training on Sunday. 

yes, sometimes laundry is relaxing! And music while the beef stew cooks!

Researching: Things to do in Nashville! Have you been? Send any ideas or must-see/do's my way please! 

Posting: Fall/November Goals and TBB Asks tomorrow, Show Us your Books next Tuesday, and probably some Three on Thursday recommendations and a wish list some time later this month.  

Getting: Ready for a weekend Women's Retreat with my mom this weekend.

Cooking: Umm... nothing? I haven't been home for a full weekend in awhile, which is usually when I meal plan. I'm hoping to make a pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving though! 

Buying:

Galaxy Backdrop - every year for our Halloween party we try to have a photo wall, and this is the backdrop I purchased for our Star Wars themed party this year. 

Foot hammock- this was a recommendation from Memphis Bridges, who bought it to prevent blood clots in her legs when sitting at a desk for long periods of time. I purchased it as a Christmas gift for my coworker who currently uses an old box to prop his feet. 

Fleece adjustable earmuffs- I buy these just about every year because I'm always losing them, but they're so soft and warm that I sometimes buy them as stocking stuffers too, because they have an adjustable Velcro closure and they're only $8! 

Cotton pajama pants- I bought these in a lightning deal because I can never have too many PJ bottoms! They're lightweight and super comfy. 

Philips Norelco hair trimmer- Ok I was skeptical to admit buying this, but an ex once pointed out some unwanted hair I had, so I bought it. I haven't used all the attachments (and may have broken one trying to connect it), but it works really well! 

Cinnabon K-cups- I buy these for work because I don't like the selection available; they're all dark roasts and a bit harsh/burnt tasting. Plus, these are delicious! 

Schick Multipurpose Dermaplaning Tool- Crystal mentioned this last month and I immediately checked it out. And then I recommended them. You guys- these are GREAT! Perfect for touching up my eyebrows between waxing, and safe for removing facial hair in general. (I'm sensing a theme here...lol)

6ft iPhone chargers- Another recommendation from Crystal! I was so tired of being basically strapped to the wall because of short charging cords. This was a 4 pk which I got in a lightning deal for like $6... definitely a steal! 

Han Solo in Carbonite Door Movie Poster- Another purchase for the Halloween party, just because we loved it. It now resides in Blue's home office. And still makes us smile every time we look at it :) 

What are you currently up to?

Linking up with Anne and Tanya!