Photo of the Week #5

Look at the joy on his face! Someone really loves the slide.

Odds and Ends

Here is my randomness for the week:

Sleep deprivation due to toddler sleep strike is the worst!
Loving the new Stampin' Up products. Can't wait to play with them more.
Finally got back into Farscape. Really want to finish the series now.
I really really need this child to nap!
Steel cut oatmeal with dried cranberries is amazing. I need to make this more often.
My reading has been great this month. Making it a daily goal of reading 60 minutes has really helped.
I seriously need a few hours off from the baby. He is draining me...
Really excited about the twins coming.

Currently #7

Watching: We have been catching up with Last Week Tonight. The latest episode was on family leave (or lack thereof...). Ugh! It always makes me a bit angry, but I do love John Oliver's style.

Reading: I finished the first volume of The Manhattan Projects last night and started reading Geek Mom. I feel like I really need to take some notes. There are such great activities packed into those pages.

Listening: Arthur has been Mr. Grumpypants this past week. So I've been listening to to a lot of toddler crying lately.

Making: I spent part of the day making dinner for a friend who just had a baby. A group of us are using Take Them a Meal to schedule out our drop-offs. Such a great idea! Instead of constantly asking the new mom what she needs, we sign up and drop off. Or you can even buy and send them a meal.

Feeling: Missing sleep this week... See the "Listening" category for reasons.

Planning: June is filling up fast with activities, classes, and kid fun. And I just agreed to help run the Thirty-One table at a Farmer's Market in Martinez a few times during the month.

Loving: Strong coffee. I bought Italian dark roast because of the "listening" category...

Monthly Life Goals May 2015

Before I get to this month’s goals, let’s check in on April's goals and my progress.

30 Day Challenge: Meditate Daily– Success! I only took a few minutes each day, but I did it!
Put up the kitchen curtains – Fail. Still haven't gotten these done yet.
Plan a Favorite Things for Kids Party for May – Fail. Completely forgot about this one.
Clean out Arthur and my closets for spring – Fail. I finished Arthur's closet, but didn't even look at mine at all!
Finish at least one series – Success! I finished the entirety of Y The Last Man. And I caught up on The Walking Dead, Fables, and Fairest.

This month's goals: May is going to be about catching up on some things.

30 Day Challenge: 60 minutes of reading -- I love to read, but sometimes it just gets put on hold while I do other things. For May, I am committing to reading my current book at least 60 minutes a day. This time does not include blog posts, articles, etc.
Put up kitchen curtains -- Carry over from last month.
Clean out my closet for spring -- Carry over from last month.
Plan a Favorite Things party for late May/early June -- Still wanted to do one of these but thinking June may be a better month for it.
Stay ahead of meal planning -- So far so good, but I need to make sure my nonperishable grocery list is up to date.
Fill out our summer bucket list notebook -- I loved this idea from last year and we still have a ton of room in our notebook. I just need to update it with more East Bay places and activities.
Take books to HPB and clothes to Goodwill -- I have at least one bag to take to each. Hopefully I will have at least two Goodwill bound bags by the time I go. Really need to clean out my closet!
Make a Lasik appointment -- Really been meaning to do this for awhile. I want to get it done soon!
Document a Day in the Life -- Trying to do this once every 3 months...

Currently #6

Watching: I Redboxed Mockingjay yesterday. Finally! I wanted to see it in theaters, but getting there is a challenge with a little one. Instead I watched it during his nap time. Very good although I would have liked to see more from Cressida and company. Maybe in the next one.

Reading: At Last Comes Love by Mary Balogh. It's the third in the Huxtable Quintet. Not enjoying the characters as much as the first two, but it's holding my interest.

Listening: Red's new album Of Beauty and Rage. So glad I picked this one up on iTunes. I've loved Red since their first album. Can't wait to really learn these songs.

Making: Working on finishing my card examples for my May classes: Using Your Scraps and Fancy Folds. I have one card left for the scraps class but haven't even started the folds class. At least I know what I want to make, just need to sit down again and make them.

Feeling: Sore. I have no idea why, but my entire body is sore this week. I desperately need a massage.

Planning: We're having a cookout on Saturday, but I have no idea what we're doing for food yet. Have to get J to confirm with his coworkers about what they are bringing, etc. I don't like being without a plan.

Loving: Even with the slight disappointment of characters in my current book, I love going back to the fluffy romances when I've been reading pretty serious books. Fluffy historical romances is my comfort genre!

Odds and Ends

Here is my randomness for the week:

Bubbles are the best thing to an 18-month-old
Trying a new business opportunity is scary but exciting
My reading stats are off the chart this month. No way I'm going to top this in May.
Already excited about the October retreat
Couldn't resist buying three new books at Barnes and Noble the other day... oh well at least it was only three
The flowers in our neighborhood are gorgeous

Photo of the Week #5

My cute lunch date this week. And yes, that is cheese on his cheek.

Monthly Life Goals April 2015

Before I get to this month’s goals, let’s check in on March's goals and my progress.

30 Day Challenge: Meditate Daily– Fail. Totally forgot about this one.
Put up the kitchen curtains – Fail. Never did get around to this one.
Curate at least one Pinterest board – Success! I've cleaned out a few boards since being in Indiana.
Have pie on Pi Day – Success! J ended up being in town and bought us pie at an Oakland bakery. Chocolate cream with a pretzel crust. The filling was great, but the crust was a bit chewy. We'll have to try their other pies sometime soon.
Plan a Favorite Things for Kids Party for May – Fail... Never got around to this one. It's on my list for next month.

This month's goals:

30 Day Challenge: Meditate Daily– Trying it again for April.
Put up the kitchen curtains – Still really want to get this one done.
Plan a Favorite Things for Kids Party for May – Since I didn't get to this one in March, it's on the list again.
Clean out Arthur and my closets for spring -- Weather's nice and warm in California, I need to do a closet clean out especially Arthur's too small clothing.
Finish at least one series -- I have a stack of Walking Dead and Y The Last Man comics. My goal is to finish at least one before going back to Indiana.

Odds and Ends

Here's my randomness for the week:

The weather is finally starting to turn warmer. Thank goodness!
Excited to read the rest of Y: The Last Man series.
Feeling less stressed now that the Bridal Shower and Bachelorette Party are over.
Going through tv withdrawal for my favorite shows
A certain toddler not napping at all is really getting to me. Although I must say he is adorable.
Looking forward to Easter with the family
April's days are quickly filling up. Really need to get my monthly plan ready.
Hope my hair cooperates on Sarah's wedding day. This dry air is killing it right now.
Had so much fun hanging with Sarah and Cait at the bachelorette party after-party.

Photo of the Week #3

Just two of the 40 decorated berry baskets I made for tomorrow's bridal shower. It was a lot, but they are all so cute!

Currently #5

Arthur and I arrived in Indiana yesterday, so my Currently list may look a little odd.

Watching: Dinosaur Train. Okay, I'm not really watching it, but the baby is. Not my favorite but mom only has like five channels so it's this or Judge Judy crap.

Reading: Yes, Please by Amy Poehler. Finally starting this one for book club.

Listening: Doing a load of laundry...

Making: Working on the bridal shower center pieces/favors today. Need them all done by Saturday for the shower on Sunday.

Feeling: Cold... It was nice and warm at home in California. It's a high of 40 degrees today in Indiana. Ugh!

Planning: Getting all our weekend plans around. We've got the twin's party on Saturday and the bridal shower on Sunday.

Loving: The twins are on spring break this week so lots of fun crazy antics for them to get up to.Their birthday is tomorrow, but we're planning on going shopping later today.

Photo of the Week #2

Sneaky photo through the "window" at San Jose Children's Museum. He was "cooking" with a few friends and older kids. So adorable even if it is blurry.

Odds and Ends

Here's my random thoughts for the week:

Packing for Indiana in March and April is incredibly hard. Throw in a bridal shower, a bachelorette party, and Easter, and I'm at a lost as to what to bring...
Having so many Project Life cards means that I "discover" new kits occasionally. Makes it kind a fun, although I should probably sell some partials.
Arthur will only eat the breakfast I am eating. Makes it really hard to enjoy a chocolate croissant.
I love berries of all kinds... and apparently so does Arthur.
Unexpected rainy days create claustrophobic toddlers.
Here's hoping I fit into my bridesmaid dress in a one. So stressful!
And I need a LBD that actually fits for the bachelorette party. Turns out my trusty stand-by is way to tight in odd areas.
My feet are cold

OLW February

Let's take a look at what I did this past month for my OLW. This year's focus is HOME.

My monthly intentions:

1. Arthur's room and play area -- Finally they are finished! I added a reading corner complete with Ikea spice racks for shelves. They are the perfect design for Arthur it get the books in and out himself. I hung the nice navy blue blackout curtains. I put up his new solar system decals and the rest of the framed pictures. Part of his birthday banner went over his book shelves along with his finger painted A. The closet is organized at least for now. Finally I hung some of his preschool artwork above the bookshelf. I plan on changing them out as he makes new projects.

As for his playroom, I mainly wanted containers for the toys. I bought one of the toys organization systems from Ikea to hold the bulk of the toys. Arthur can actually take them in and out by himself. This left room for the tent and tunnel to be permanently set up. I went with back ivory curtain panels to add some privacy. Nothing fancy, but they help the room look finished. The only thing not done is to hang something about the alphabet decals. We will probably just hang something that we already have.

2. Co-op home inspection -- Nope. Didn't get to it. February was so busy with activities and things like the retreat that this just never happened. I'm hoping to get this checked out during our hosting of preschool next week.

3. Alameda parent's group -- After looking at my parent group options up here in East Bay, I've decided to start my own. Most charge ~$20 a year for membership for not much benefit. Others just don't do anything. I want my South Bay group in East Bay!

4. Email clean out -- Success! I got my emails under control. Deleted a ton of emails, archived some others, unsubscribed from a ton of newsletters and coupons. Next step is to officially close my Hotmail account.

Extras:

-- I didn't do much else for my word this month.

My OLW Pages:

This month's prompt was to create a vision board. Initially I was very hesitant to the idea. Vision boards just aren't my thing... But after some thought I decided to attempt it. I went into Target, grabbed three magazines, and started cutting them up. I had a few 8x10 canvases left over from preschool. This seemed the perfect size for me to try.

And this is my completed project. I think it turned out well. I decided to use patterns and colors for my base layer. I stayed away from any recognizable image. On top, I added words and phrases that spoke to me. Most of my words relate directly to my word: Home. I've propped this up in my craft area to kept me focused.

Currently #4

Watching: Arthur and I have been watching Rehab Addict after he wakes up from his nap.

Reading: Finally getting around to reading Living History by Hillary Rodham Clinton

Listening: Right now it is quiet in the house. I am loving it.

Making: I need to start making Sarah's Bridal Shower invitations. I've got a few ideas, but I need to play around to determine which one I like the most.

Feeling: I had a horrendous migraine for about four days last week. It seems to be gone thankfully.

Planning: Always planning out our weekly dinners. It's a never-ending process.

Loving: I don't know why but I am constantly turning to iced tea as my drink of choice.

Monthly Life Goals March 2015

Before I get to this month’s goals, let’s check in on February’s goals and my progress.

30 Days Challenge: 30 Days to an Organized Life (Pinterest) – Fail... Yeah I didn't follow this at all.
Work on Arthur’s bedroom and playroom — Success! I have almost every piece done.
Sort through at least 2 garage boxes – Success! I actually sorted through all six boxes.
Finish my craft projects before the retreat – Success! I finished everything a week before the retreat.
Book my plane tickets for spring break — Success!

This month's goals:

30 Day Challenge: Meditate Daily-- This challenge has been on my list for awhile now.
Put up the kitchen curtains -- Yeah they've been sitting there for almost a month. I really need to just hang them.
Curate at least one Pinterest board -- I really need to fix these boards.
Have pie on Pi Day -- J may not be around, but Arthur and I are having pie.
Plan a Favorite Things for Kids Party for May -- We had so much fun doing it at retreat that I want to host one for the kids.

Thank You!

My thanks for this week:

1. Arthur: For getting sick, but being such a trooper through everything. As long as I gave him entertainment, he bravely got through it.

2. Amazon: For quick shipping on a new swim suit just in time for the retreat. I may have actually found one that fits, is flattering, and looks cute.

3. Alameda County Library: For making getting a library card quick and painless. We can't wait to check out all the branches.

4. Our vacuum: For cleaning up all the little pieces of crap that Arthur drops. It's an ongoing fight, but mostly we're winning it.

5. All my amazing mom friends: For an amazing retreat weekend. It was so relaxing and fun. I can't wait to do it again, (Maybe in 6 months?)

Photo of the Week #1

The sorry state of the baby this week. Green marker under the nose and a scrap on his forehead. Somehow he's still adorable...

Odds and Ends

Here's my randomness this week:

So incredibly excited about the retreat tomorrow! I don't think I'm going to make it!
Think I'm getting my reading groove back. Finished a book in two days. Hope to finish another by Sunday.
I love browsing at book stores even if I don't buy anything. And Arthur loves playing t the train table at Barnes and Noble. Win win!
The weather has been very Midwestern in May: 50s to 70s with no clear pattern, light rain, and some fog. Very weird! I'm missing my sunshine.
Dark chocolate coconut bark is so addictive... having a hard time not eating the entire bag in one sitting
Watched a movie the other night, Netflix shelved it as romantic, but it was clearly just a drama. Not really any romance in it. I was disappointed as I was wanting to watch a romance... Oh well.
Feeling like my crafting business may actually lead to something monetary soon

Currently #3

One of my new features. Every other week, I'll be filling out a Currently card for my Project Life album. It's a quick snapshot of life...

Watching: Since finishing reading Outlander earlier this week, I've been binge watching the television series. Oh my goodness! I am hooked!

Reading: Remarkable Creatures by Tracy Chevalier. It's our book club selection for this month. I'm not completely enthralled with the writing style, but I do like the story.

Listening: Arthur loves to grab the remote and turn on the stereo. This morning he grabbed it from the couch and happened to turn on the Gorillaz Pandora channel. Good choice baby!

Making: Doing my early prep for March's 30 Days of Lists. I picked my cards (rainbow design), added day numbers, and decorated the three filler cards.

Feeling: Tired... I think I got a total of about 4 hours of sleep last night. Arthur's not feeling well and was having a lot of trouble sleeping last night. Hopefully tonight goes better.

Planning: I'm trying to finish booking out all my March events. I've got my card classes listed out, but I need to finalize parent's group events and family events. Plus, I need to start planning out my March-April trip to Indiana. I've bought my plane ticket, but now need to think about everything else.

Loving: I impulse bought some dark chocolate coconut bark from Target and am not regretting it at all. It is beyond yummy! I'm attempting to ration it out to take some to retreat on Friday. We'll see...