Amazon Prime Purchases

Hi friends! So happy to be back to a "normal" schedule, though it was a great holiday break! I was originally going to post some of the things I purchased for friends and family for Christmas, but I just ordered some things in the new year which I'm too excited to share with you today- and they are all *actually* from Amazon! 

At the top of my list was some Christmas decoration storage since I don't own any. The box that my little fake Christmas tree was damaged, so I threw it out as soon as I put the tree up. My tree is only about 5 ft, so this Christmas tree storage bag fit the bill perfectly. 

I made Christmas wreaths for myself and Blue last year and stored it in one of those clear plastic bags you get from the dry cleaners, so needless to say I obviously needed a better storage solution! This 2-pack of wreath storage bags was only $12! 

I also had no organization for my ornaments, just wrapped in old newspapers and placed in a decorative but overflowing cardboard box. This protective organizer zips shuts and has enough room to add more ornaments in the future. 

My most beloved Christmas present from this year was a many-years-wishlist item: a KitchenAid standing mixer! However, I had no room in my kitchen to display use it! So I purchased this 3-shelf rolling cart and it's PERFECT (and wasn't too hard to put together- though it took me several tries, I did it myself)! While I was planning to put Big Red (that's her name, yes, I occasionally name things) on the middle shelf, she didn't fit. However I was able to put my microwave on the top shelf, making room for her on my counter, and filled in the rest with other appliances that were hiding (and taking up space) in my closets/cupboards. I  love the hooks that come with this cart too- perfect for my slightly overflowing mug collection! (Additionally, this was $25 cheaper on Amazon than other places like Walmart.)

Once I'd found a suitable spot for Big Red, I had to fill in the bit of space next to her, so I repurposed (and repurchased) a 3-tier pantry organizer and placed some of my baking essentials on it. I didn't like how the boxes look though, so I purchased some clear airlid-tight jars that I'll label with my new label-maker a'la The Home Edit. 

In the middle bottom is my new planner. I'm a planner girl with no planner- ack! I had some Goldilocks-esque issues with the planners I've purchased for this year, so fingers crossed this one works! It's a dated calendar year horizontal layout weekly/monthly planner from Blue Sky. I think I last used a planner by them in 2019, so hopefully they're still great! 

And on the bottom left is some Mike's Hot Honey. I can't remember why I purchased this or what I'm going to use it with, so if you have any ideas please share them with me! 

What have you purchased recently? 

Linking up with Tanya!

Favorite Reads of 2021

I haven't been the best at blogging in general lately, and probably haven't done a book-related one in 6 months (I'm too lazy to check), but I have still been reading so I wanted to share my favorites from the year and hopefully I'll be better about reviewing next year!


Best Sequel You've Read This Year?
Mind The Gap, Dash and Lily (Dash and Lily #3) - Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

New Release You Haven't Read Yet But Want To?
Apples Never Fall - Liane Moriarty

Most anticipated release for the second half of the year?
Eight Perfect Hours - Lia Louis

Biggest Disappointment?
Outlawed - Anna North

    * This had a lot of hype around it (probably because I think it was a Reese Witherspoon book        club pick) and I thought I would like it because I unexpectedly LOVED Upright Women               Wanted by Sara Gailey last year which seemed like the same genre, but I didn't enjoy this           one.

Biggest Surprise?
One Last Stop - Casey McQuiston

    *This was a surprise because usually I don't like science fiction or time travel, but I                       absolutely loved this one (and don't worry, that's not a spoiler!)

Favorite new author (debut or new to you)?
B.A. Paris. I read Behind Closed Doors earlier this year adn already got The Therapist on deck- can't wait to read that and her backlist! 

New favorite character?
Elle Jones, the free-spirited social media astrologer who stand up for herself (and her profession) to her haters, in Written in the Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur.

Book that made you cry?
All The Ugly and Wonderful Things - Bryn Greenwood

Book that made you happy?
In A Holidaze - Christina Lauren
    *This gave me all the warm and fuzzies! 

Favorite book-to-film adaptation you saw this year?
Bird Box - Josh Malerman (also the only book-movie adaptation I read this year)

Most worthy of all the hoopla?
The Last Thing He Told Me - Laura Dave

Best non-fiction?
The Home Edit Life: The Complete Guide to Everything at Work, at Home, and on the Go - Clea Shearer and Jenna Teplin (I liked The Home Edit better, but the other two non-fiction books I read were memoirs and I didn't love either one of them)

Favorite book you read in 2021 by an author you’ve read previously?
Then She Was Gone - Lisa Jewell
    *This author ALWAYS gets me out of a reading rut! I'm glad I still have her backlist to read!

Book that had a scene in it that had you reeling and dying to talk to somebody about it? (a WTF moment, an epic revelation, a steamy kiss, etc.)
The Push - Ashley Audrain
    *I was asking everyone I know if they had read this one! If you don't know why, you MUST          read it!

Book you can’t BELIEVE you waited until 2021 to read?
Small Great Things - Jodi Picoult
    *If I had to pick a favorite book of the year, it would be this one! 

Favorite relationship from a book you read in 2021?
To Night Owl from Dog Fish - Holly Goldberg Sloan and Meg Wolitzer
    *The friendship between Night Owl and Dogfish was so sweet! 


Book Stats
Total number read: 36
Netgalley: 5
Owned: 7
Non-Fiction: 3
WOC: 4 (wow, terrible)
Given Away: at least 10

What were your favorite reads this year? 

Linking up with Steph and Jana!

Currently: December

It's been a whirlwind month, and I can hardly believe it's December already! I really don't feel like getting into specifics as to *why* it's been such a crazy month, so let's just jup into the prompts and save the drama for your llama (or another day)! 

Watching:

Red Notice (Netflix) - this was SUCH a stupid movie. I figured with the all-star cast it would have been better. And truth be told I only watched it because of that, but WOW. It was pretty bad. 

Love Hard (Netflix) - this was a cute holiday movie. A bit Hallmark-y, but since I don't have cable (and therefore no Hallmark channel) this fit the bill. 

The Shrink Next Door (Apple TV+) - I have never hated Paul Rudd as much as I do in this show. I honestly cannot watch more than 2 episodes in one sitting because he is SO repulsive. And even though it's a trainwreck (not the show but the plot), I can't stop watching. I'm to invested... especially since it's based on a true story! 

Music Box: Jagged (HBO Max) - this was a bit disjointed with the side stories, but I've always loved this album and really enjoyed learning about  Alanis Morissette's rise to fame and some of the struggles she dealt with getting there. I haven't watched any of the other musician specials that have been out recently (Tina Turner, Britney, Janet Jackson, etc) so this was quite eye-opening. 

Ghostbusters: Afterlife (in theaters!) - Honestly, I did this one for Blue. It was a little long, but cute and nostalgic.  I just felt uncomfortable in the movie theater because when we ordered tickets and picked our seats for a 2:30 showing on a Saturday, the theater looked empty, and then right before the movie started 2 girls sat DIRECTLY behind me, so I wound up wearing my mask throughout the movie. Needless to say, I won't be heading to another movie any time soon. 

Listening to: Adele's 30 album. How DEPRESSING! She still sounds great, but man, this one hits ya right in the feels! 

Sending: a Christmas present to my friend in CO, and books! I recently got back into Paperback Swap, so I've been clearing some room on my bookshelves!

Smelling: My Fireside candle by BBW

Wrapping: I haven't wrapped anything yet, but I'm just about finished with CHristmas shopping! I usually shop a little bit throughout the year but I also bought a bunch of stuff on Cyber Monday (won't find my in stores on Black Friday!), so the wrapping process shall commence in 5-7 business days LOL! 

Decorating - Nothing yet.  I took down all my fall decorations the day after Thanksgiving and got all of my Christmas decorations out from storage, but I realized I wasn't quite ready to put everything up yet. I plan on doing it this weekend though. 

Feeling - ambivalent? I'm not a huge Christmas person and things are pretty crappy at work, so I'm just trying to stay chill at this point. 

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

I also wanted to share an update on my Fall Bucket List before it's time to make a new one for Winter! Overall I did pretty well, managing to complete all but 3/12 (and one that I'm not counting since this new variant arose). 

Try 3 new "Fall" recipes - I made Shay's Penne Sausage Bake and although I had to leave it in the oven a little longer than the instructions said, it was delicious! I also made Coconut Curry Lentils with Spinach from one of my favorite food bloggers/authors, Budget Bytes! I love how she almost always has recipes with items I already have on hand, however this was probably my least favorite in terms of flavor- as in it didn't have any! It was so BLAND! I also made carrot cake cupcakes with cream cheese frosting for my Mountain Mama's birthday. They were so moist and delicious- definitely a hit! 

Light fall scented candles - Hmmm.... what are your favorite "fall" scents? I DID light candles, but not so sure they fall (haha) into the "autumn" category. Either way, I'm marking this as a pass. 

Paint nails a fall color - check! I sported "In The Cable Car Lane" by OPI for our bi-annual town hall at work, and am currently wearing an old favorite, Carry On by Essie. 

Decorate for fall - check! I decorated my mantle and porch.

Change over summer to winter clothes and donate the extras - check! One of my mom's friend's family was coming in from South America, so many of my cold-weather accessories went to them, and the rest to the Vets.

Go on a (weekend) getaway - No, but I wasn't mad about it since this new variant surfaced. I'm vaccinated (and already have appt for booster), but still, I'm too nervous.  

Enjoy a hooky spa day - check! Ok, so it wasn't a "hooky" day as I was originally planning, but my mom bought me a gift certificate to a spa and I went last Sunday and treated myself to a Korean body scrub. Though I don't anticipate going again for at least 6 months, I have to admit that my skin feels so smooth! 

Finish Erin's book challenge (deadline 10/31) - check! Getting ready for the next one! 

Check out a new winery or brewery - Nope...

Check out a new restaurant - does ordering in count? If so, then yes! We recently ordered in from a place called 30 Burgers and it was really good! 

Have a pumpkin martini + enjoy pumpkin ice cream - no. I even tried to make a homemade martini and my local liquor store didn't have the ingredients! Harumph! Luckily there's still some time left!

What's new with you?

Linking up with Anne!

Monthly Musings: Holiday Preview Edition

Today (or rather 3 days ago, when I drafted this post) I'm sharing some monthly musings with Patty and Holly! I know it's too late to join the linkup, but I still had fun answering these questions! 

Fave Tradition: Christmas w the Mountain Mommas - we usually have a homemade brunch and Secret Santa a few days before or after Christmas. I also recently started participating in the Icelandic tradition of Jolabokaflod, or the "Christmas Book Flood," where they gift each other books to be read on/around Christmas Eve.

Do you see holiday lights? We usually see some lights. I think my favorite was when my friend planned a party bus for her bday with spiked hot chocolate and a tour of the lights on Dyker Heights, Queens. That was pretty epic. Last year we saw some great ones right in my town. Not sure what the plan is yet this year.

Fave Holiday recipe: Hmmm... I don't believe I have a holiday recipe

Must-Have Holiday Fashion Staple: I've recently become a big fan of the ugly sweater! Last year it was a Taco Bell inspired one, and the year before a holiday llama! 

Any special or extra festive plans this year? Not yet, but it's still early!

Best Holiday Planning Tip: I'm with Jen, I keep a list (and purchase!) gifts for people all year long. As soon as I see something I know someone would love, or a wishlist item on sale, I scoop it up!

Favorite Holiday Movie(s): There is a very specific list (though in no particular order): Elf, Love Actually, The Holiday, It's A Wonderful Life, and Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas. Though we usually see National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation and A Christmas Story by default since they seem to be on every channel the entire season! (For a pretty comprehensive list and where to watch them, check out Kelle Hampton!)

Is Die Hard a Christmas movie? Abso-F'N-lutely! (Even if I just saw it for the first time 3 years ago!)

Do you decorate before or after Thanksgiving? AFTER! I hate when people rush through the holidays! My next door neighbor started playing Christmas music last week (I'm in an apartment building and the one shared wall is pretty thin) and I nearly lost my mind (but ultimately just put headphones in).

Do you celebrate other holidays in December? Other holidays, no, but my birthday is 12/12, and I always celebrate that! Usually with a dinner out with friends, a day off from work (even if it's on a weekend- I'll take fri or Mon before/after), and in past years a vacation, though I'm not quite ready for planes since Covid.

I hope you and your family are stuffed and enjoying a happy and healthy Thanksgiving! 

Fall Bucket List

I have some things on deck for fall, but first let's review how I did on my Summer Bucket List! When I first posted my list, I had already gone to the beach at least once , celebrated the 4th of July with friends and family, signed up for a class, and started reading books for Erin's Book Challenge. What have I done since then? 

Fix/update Mom's tablet  - check! (no pic, sorry!)

Go to the beach - check! We went to Atlantic City, and even had time to visit Lucy the Elephant on our way home! 

Attend a trivia night - check! We lost pretty terribly, but it was still fun! 

Celebrate Blue's birthday - check! We had a great time celebrating in Asbury Park for a long weekend, and then the Mountain Mommas surprised her with cake when we returned!

Enjoy a weekend getaway with mom - check! We spent a weekend in Ct with her church peeps. 

Celebrate the 4th of July - check! (Pic posted earlier, here)

Visit a fair - check! No pics for this one, but we went to a local food festival!

Check out American Dream - check!

Try some new cocktails and/or beer - check! I tried High Noon and Bud Light Selzer- hated both! 

Send care package to friend in Colorado - Check! 

Sign up for/take a class - check! I passed my Women's Leadership course at Yale :)

Read 5 books - Still working on this one! I *should* be able to finish in time!

Unfortunately I didn't get a chance to Go to an aquarium or museum or visit my friend's new apartment, but hopefully I'll get to do both soon! 

Here's what I have on deck for Fall!~

try 3 new "Fall" recipes

light fall scented candles

paint nails a fall color

decorate for fall

change over summer to winter clothes and donate the extras

go on a (weekend) getaway

enjoy a hookie spa day

finish Erin's book challenge (deadline 10/31)

check out a new winery or brewery

check out a new restaurant

have a pumpkin martini

enjoy pumpkin ice cream

12 is actually my favorite number, so I'm going to stop there. 

What do you have on deck for this season? 

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?

Shit Blue Said

It has been well over a year since I've shared some of the ridiculousness that has escaped from Blue's mouth, so I thought it was high time I get on that. That, and she threatened me. Kidding (kind of). Here are some gems I've remembered to write down (or screenshot). (All the blue in the screenshots are me, for reference.) 

Blue: Siri, what are the lyrics to "Home on the Range?" 

Siri: I could not find the lyrics on Apple Music.

Blue: Alexa would have found the lyrics. 

Me: Surprised we got early dismissal, it's really not that bad out.
Blue: Yeah, they are making too much out of weather these days. When I was a kid we were like "Yeah, it snows in winter."
Me: Exactly! Coddlers.
Blue: Ducking coddlers. Getting a participation trophy for "surviving the winter." 

Blue: Following Funko [Pop!] on Twitter was a poor life decision.

Me: You’re not very suave.

Blue: I’ve always been more of a Pantene girl.

Me:  Thor and dr. Jones...

Blue: Why? How?

Me: Dr. Ford in news- Harrison Ford- Indiana Jones. I’m not proud 

 

Blue: I feel like I've found religion. A constant stream of "Jesus Christ's" have been coming out of my mouth throughout the work day. 

Me: Oh, that's official then? They're not together?

Blue: I believe so. She said she can't find anything she likes.

Me: Huh

Blue: In terms of it being official? I was like well they didn't get anything notarized but it sure sounded official lol

Me: No like huh, interesting

Blue: More of a hmm than a huh... to both relationship status and "not finding anything"

so maybe a hmm and a huh

Me: Hmm means I'm thinking about it, which I'm not. I'm judging silently from the sidelines.

Me: Gmorning pumpkin

Blue: Gmorning sessy squash. May the gourd open. 

One liner of the month:  "I can’t hear so I have to read your lips, and I don’t have my readers, so stand back."

All read and approved by Blue before posting.

You can find other Shit Blue Said here: Vol. 1, Vol. 2, Vol.3, Vol. 4, Vol. 5, Vol. 6, Vol. 7, Vol. 8, Vol. 9, Vol. 10