Odds and Ends

Here's my randomness for the week:

Two solo BART rides with the toddler and we survived!
Almost 40 Christmas cards done, shooting for 100... by the 14th of November. I think I can, I think I can...
Two DNF books in a row. This week has not been a good reading week. Hoping the next book is a winner.
My house is a disaster. Guess tomorrow just became cleaning day.
Thirty-One's Take Two Tote is frigging amazing! (And I'm not saying this just because I'm a Thirty-One consultant) I used it today on the excursion to Berkeley. It has so much room and pockets! Perfect!
I need some holiday themed Jamberrys. Good thing the Bazaar is almost here. I can order some from Amanda.
Really craving some sushi.

Monthly Life Goals November 2015

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

30 Day Challenge: 30 Things Class by Ali Edwards—Fail. Just never seemed to find time to finish these.
30 Day Challenge: Blog Ahead October — Success. I didn't quite get to my goal, but I finished 25 posts for November and December. I'm taking the win.
Finalize holiday travel plans — Success! I finally bought out plane tickets for Christmas. I even managed to get seats next to each other on all four flights.
Get at least one more Thirty-One party booked for Oct-Dec — Fail. Although I'm hoping that I can get some good sales from my bazaar on the 14th.
Plan out Holiday Bazaar and upcoming Craft Fairs — Success. I'm calling it a success, but I'm not quite finished with this yet.

This month's goals:

30 Day Challenge: Craft a day -- It may not be very big, but I want to be crafty every day in November.
Finish at least 15 blog posts for December -- I'm taking my customary two weeks off for Christmas, but I want to make sure I have other posts done beforehand.
Make a Christmas present list -- I like to plan early.
Pick my reads for December and plan for 2016's TBR -- Again I like to plan early.
Clean out my craft area for vacation -- I like to come back from vacation to a clean area. Right now, it's a giant pile of mess.

Five Thanks on Thursday

This past week has been a tough one. Probably makes this the perfect week to engage in some thanks.

Sleep -- For helping me combat this horrendous migraine. I'm going on day 6...
Dark Chocolate Pomegranate Seeds -- For helping me combat this horrendous migraine. (Yes also)
Crafty friend -- For sharing a table with me at our upcoming Holiday Bazaar. I hope we can make some money.
Barnes and Noble -- For carrying some interesting alcohol related magazines to use as research for my new blog.
Fluffy Romances -- For giving me a break from more serious books.

Currently #16

Watching: J and I waited until the second half of the two parter had aired before we watched Doctor Who. Really enjoying this season much more than last season.

Reading: After some nonfiction and more serious books, I took a breather with a few fluffy romances.

Listening: Arthur and I have been jamming out to Florence + the Machine this morning.

Making: I'm super behind, but I finally started September's Project Life pages. And Arthur's album is two months behind.

Feeling: Going on five days of a massive migraine. I am so over this! A new acquaintance told me to try acupuncture. Maybe I'll attempt to find someone...

Planning: The bazaar is only two and a half weeks away. And we've got a lot to be done before then. Plus, I'm selling my Thirty-One and cards.

Loving: I randomly grabbed some dark chocolate pomegranate seeds from Trader Joe's last week. So incredibly yummy!

Currently #15

Watching: J and I only have 3 more episodes of Merlin! What are we going to do when it's over? I suppose just pick another show to binge watch, but it's still sad...

Reading: Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke. It's been on my list for years now. I finally got around to reading it. Good, but my goodness it is long...

Listening: I started at the beginning of Elise Blaha Cripe's podcast Elise Gets Crafty. I'm enjoying her discussion of small business and creativity. I'm about halfway through all of them and really enjoying these podcasts.

Making: I'm doing the last of my Halloween cards. I wanted to make one for each kid coming to the fall social on Saturday. I need about five more cards. Plus, it gives me a chance to use up some of my Halloween paper.

Feeling: The past two weeks have been insane. Now that the retreat and Arthur's birthday party is finished, I'm feeling much calmer.

Planning: I'm coordinating and participating in one and participating in another craft fair. I need to reevaluate my inventory for them and decide my game plan. I also have a ton of tasks for the one I'm coordinating.

Loving: Arthur's being supper snuggly lately. I love it!

Odds and Ends

Here's my randomness for the week:

I love going to the zoo, especially watching the elephants
Birthday party planning is no joke. Arthur's party is on Saturday and holy cow I have a ton of stuff to do!
My child is the grumpy child and I'm okay with that
Purple and green is a great color combination made horrible through an association with Barney -- random epiphany of the week
Slightly cooler weather would be nice
Plane tickets are so fucking expensive, ugh!
I need more Thirty-One bags...
My TBR pile is out of control. I need to schedule out more time to read

Monthly Life Goals October 2015

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

30 Day Challenge: 30 Days of Lists — Success! I love this low pressure challenge.
30 Day Challenge: 30 Things class by Ali Edwards — Fail. I think this is going to turn into a fall/winter challenge instead of something I do in one month.
30 Days Challenge: Blog-Tember — Success! I posed all days except for one (didn't make a vlog).
Get a haircut (possibly dye my hair) — Fail.
Open a cookbook to a random page, make that recipe — Fail. Life got in the way.
Reevaluate my Thirty-One wish list —Success! I think I know what I want to buy between now and the end of the year. And I have a wishlist for my benefits.
Get a pedicure —Fail. Really hoping this would happen.

This month's goals:

I'm taking it easy in October. September was crazy and we have a ton of already planned activities for October (Arthur's birthday, fall social, etc). I'm pulling back on some of my goals to regroup for November and December.

30 Day Challenge: 30 Things Class by Ali Edwards-- Never really focused on this last month, maybe this month I can make some headway...
30 Day Challenge: Blog Ahead October -- Finish at least 30 blog posts for Nov-Jan in October.
Finalize holiday travel plans -- I think I've decided the when, just need to actually buy tickets and secure any other things (i.e. car rental).
Get at least one more Thirty-One party booked for Oct-Dec -- Pushing to end the year in a decent spot!
Plan out Holiday Bazaar and upcoming Craft Fairs -- I'm coordinating one bazaar and participating in at least one other one... Need to get my plan together!

Monthly Life Goals September 2015

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

30 Day Challenge: 30 Days of New Movies — Fail. Such a fail... I watched only about 8 movies throughout the month.
Watch and review 10 TED Talks — Fail. Ugh! How can I never remember this goal?
Plan and start the special surprises for the October retreat — Success! Not everything is settled, but I've made big progress this month.
Plan activities for Arthur’s birthday party — Success! Most of his party is planned, most of the favors and decor has been bought. Woohoo!
Finish a Soduku puzzle — Fail.
Buy a vase and fill with fresh flowers — Success! I bought a very simple vase. Now I need to remember to fill it at least biweekly.

This month's goals:

30 Day Challenge: 30 Days of Lists -- I do love this no pressure challenge.
30 Day Challenge: 30 Things class by Ali Edwards -- I bought class, really need to get moving on it. I want to keep up my writing.
30 Days Challenge: Blog-Tember -- Utterly crazy to take this on, but I'm doing it!
Get a haircut (possibly dye my hair) -- My last haircut was in January, I need another one. And I've been wanting to die my hair for awhile now. This may be the month...
Open a cookbook to a random page, make that recipe -- Random challenge, but want to do it.
Reevaluate my Thirty-One wish list -- Need to get ready for the holiday season.
Get a pedicure -- Random item off my list, but I really want this one. Last pedicure was in April. Yeah April...

Lots of Thanks

1. My customers -- Both of my businesses (Stampin' Up and Thirty-One) are doing well and it's all because of my amazing customers!

2. Niles Canyon Railway volunteers -- For keeping the railway running to the delight of Arthur and tons of other children. Plus, I had fun riding the rails!

3. The internet -- For always having the exact thing I'm looking for. Just need to use the right search words.

4. My crafty friends -- For providing support and inspiration.

5. Papermate Flair -- For being the perfect journaling pen for me. Yep, some days it's the little things...

Currently #14

Watching: Buying and Selling. I'm a sucker for real estate shows. This one is nice to have on in the background during lunch.

Reading: I'm trying to catch up with my blog roll.

Listening: Arthur has been watching Thomas and Friends lately. I hear it in my sleep.

Making: Trying to figure out our weekend plans so I can get to actually crafting something.

Feeling: The inside temperature is set at 73, but I am still hot. And this migraine is making my whole body sore.

Planning: All the parties! So many coming up to either help plan or do it all by myself.

Loving: Caffeine in the form of pop is the only thing getting me through the day.

Odds and Ends

Here's my randomness for the week:

Super excited and scared about the upcoming Week in the Life project. I've never done one before, but have been wanting to. I bought the kit, we'll see what happens...
Arthur was sick and passed it to me. Sucks being sick with a crazy toddler in the house.
Been trying a lot of new recipes lately. Cooking isn't as horrible as I once thought, although I'm far from loving it.
I love the library!
My new planner is amazing. See my post here.
Arthur's been talking a lot more lately. Very adorable!
The rest of August is crazy busy... I hope everything goes well.

Gracias

I haven't done these posts in months... It's been a bit of a rough go for the last few months, but things are looking up. So here's my thank yous for the week:

1. The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin -- Weird to thank a book, but this one has inspired me to make some big changes in day-to-day life. Excited to move forward.

2. Arthur -- For being so adorable and lovable even when he's stressing me out with toddler tantrums.

3. SU's holiday catalog -- For lots of great new crafting inspiration. Ready to dive in.

4. MVPA -- For continuing to support me even from afar. I've had a ton of trouble adjusting to life in East Bay, so it's great to still be able to go down and spend time with them.

5. Sprouts -- For low cost but great produce. Arthur and i are making it our biweekly grocery trip.

Currently #13

Watching: Another Period. Hilarious! I am in love with this show.

Reading: Leaving a Trace by Alexandra Johnson. A beautiful book about keeping a journal. I may not be doing all her exercises, but I am very into this book right now.

Listening: iTunes has some new radio channels. Arthur and I have been dancing around to the 80s hits.

Making: A ton of my friends have a birthday this month. I am prepping a ton of pretty cards.

Feeling: I am constantly hot and sweaty. That is all...

Planning: The October retreat will be upon us before I know it. I need to get to planning. Thank goodness that I have a planning session on the books for next Monday.

Loving: Arthur has been giving the best full body hugs. Love them!

Monthly Life Goals August 2015

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

30 Day Challenge: Read 100 pages a day -- Success! Although 100 pages was a pretty low goal. Maybe next time I'll challenge myself to 150 pages a day.
Stick with my capsule wardrobe with update -- Success! I'm getting sick of a few things, but overall I'm doing well with this project.
Watch and review at least 10 TED talks -- Fail. This just slipped right past me.
Do a winery visit -- Success! My mother and I did a whole day in Sonoma complete with winery tour and tasting.
Get a pedicure -- Fail. Really wanted to do this for myself but it just didn't happen.
Go on a date night with J -- Fail.

This month's goals:

30 Day Challenge: 30 Days of New Movies -- I haven't done one of these for awhile. Traditionally I do new movie month in September, but this year I'm feeling the need for recharging in August.
Watch and review 10 TED Talks -- Trying this again...
Plan and start the special surprises for the October retreat -- I love to have things done early.
Plan activities for Arthur's birthday party -- Again, I love to have things done early.
Finish a Soduku puzzle -- A simple goal, but I haven't engaged in a puzzle in far too long. Want to get back into occassionally doing a puzzle of some kind.
Buy a vase and fill with fresh flowers -- I love the look of flowers on the dining room table, but I just don't do it very often.

Currently #12

Watching: J and I are finally on the last season of Newsroom. We'll probably finish it this week.

Reading: This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Not expecting it to be as amazing as The Great Gatsby but hoping it's a good read.

Listening: Brandi Carlile's newest album The Firewatcher's Daughter has been on repeat. Love her voice!

Making: I'm right in the middle of the Find Your Voice 6 week course. Along with contemplating the weekly questions, I'm completing a traditional scrapbook page with thoughts, actions, and reflections. I'll be sharing the first half of my pages this week on the craft blog.

Feeling: The twins and my mom left on Sunday. It's been very quiet in the house the past few days.

Planning: I'm trying to wrap my brain around all the big projects I want to accomplish in the second half of 2015. I'm thinking a brain dump day may be in order to get all the random thoughts and ideas down on paper.

Loving: Arthur woke up vomiting on Sunday. It was not a good day. I think he was/has a sinus infection as most of the throw up was mucus. Monday he's doing a lot better, but we're not out of the woods yet. Overall, sick toddlers are miserable. Glad he's feeling better quickly.

OLW Catch-up

Let's take a look at what I did the past few months for my OLW. This year's focus is HOME. I got a bit behind and needed to catch-up and focus again.

My monthly intentions:

1. Twins' Room (May) -- I finished putting their room together before they arrived in early June. Done!

2. Twins' Scrapbooks (May) -- I started tackling their scrapbooks in late May and completely caught them up by the end of June. Such a huge task and it's now finished!

3. Summer Bucket List (May) -- Completed and things have been checked off already.

4. Library (June) -- My goal was to update my physical library both physically and digitally. I took a bag of books to HPB and started another one. I also made a spreadsheet of all my in progress and owned series complete with notations as to which volumes I need, which ones have been read, and other info. There's not a ton of picture proof, but I finished a few tasks from my list.

5. Catch Up PL Albums (June) -- I caught up all of our albums in June, but of course now we're not all done. That's okay, I've printed my pictures for June and am planning on finishing those pages next week.

6. Revisit Craft Area (July) -- This goal is next on my list for July. I especially need to organize the kids' crafts cabinet, paper cabinet, and random office supplies cabinet.

7. Closets (July) -- I tackled the black hole of a downstairs hall closet. I guess it's the coat closet, but considering we live in California, we don't use it for that. It's become a giant catch-all place that was out of control. I pulled everything out, filled an entire trash bag for garbage and one for Goodwill, and placed the things were were keeping back. And I even found space for my large Thirty-One box that holds all my party supplies. I call that a success!

Extras:

— I fed my creative side and joined a Design Team in July. Plus, I've been challenging myself with new card techniques, layouts, color combos, and designs. I've really gotten back into my card making this season. So excited!

My OLW Pages:

May - The prompt was "I Am." I chose to explain who I am in nine cards. Pretty simple prompt, but it was still fairly difficult. For the art element, I wanted to make my cards colorful. I inked up my brayer and covered the cards in a variety of ink colors. I added some washi tape as a little embellishment. I had fun making my "I am" cards. They helped to focus me for the coming months.

June - The prompt included a variety of questions. It was sort of a check-in with my word. It took me longer to fill out than I thought it would. The questions helped me recenter my intentions for the second half of the year. I definitely have things to work on...

July - The prompt was focused on music. I adore music and always find that songs speak to me. For this month, I combed through my iTunes library (and a bit of Spotify) to pinpoint nine songs that speak to my work of "Home." I added a small tag and some washi tape to compliment the song lyrics. This prompt was the most fun one yet. Loved it!

Odds and Ends

Here's my randomness for the week:

My mom is coming in 2 days! I'm so excited! Can't wait, can't wait!
Inclusive playgrounds are amazing. Why aren't all playgrounds inclusive?
I have a hankering for watching some crazy big epic action film...
Cool breezy but still sunny weather is great
On a roll with my card making. Just lined up 8 more challenges for my design team. So excited!
Really going to miss John Stewart on The Daily Show.
Feeling energized from my recent encounters with friends.

Currently #11

Watching: After finishing all of Farscape, J and I are back to Star Trek. Currently we've been watching Voyager. I love Captain Janeway! Reading: Highlander Unbound by Julia London. Needed a bit of fluff after the wonderful, but consuming The Night Circus.

Listening: I recently picked up a few albums I've been eyeing for awhile. Currently enjoying Brandi Carlile's The Firewatcher's Daughter.

Making: Baby cards! We have four babies arriving in the next few months. Getting a jump on the planning and making some baby cards now.

Feeling: Excited because my mom is coming in 4 days! The twins are extra excited. Can't wait to do some fun stuff with all the boys and my mom next week.

Planning: Now that the twins' summer is almost over, I'm starting to shift gears and get into the nitty-gritty planning of the October retreat. Need to book the house next week and meet with my co-planner to start on the details.

Loving: We had a lovely park playdate at the (relatively) new inclusive playground in Palo Alto. We loved that space! Great variety of structures and activities. As an added bonus, there was a jazz trio playing today for another child's birthday. We had a nice musical accompaniment to our playdate.

Monthly Life Goals July 2015

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

30 Day Challenge: 30 Miles in 30 Days — Success! I've been trying to be more mindful of walking more and getting my steps in.
Stick with my capsule wardrobe with update —Success! I'm doing really well. It's starting to help me define what I really want to wear on a daily basis.
Start my Beatles song library goal — Fail. Completely forgot about this goal. Annoying...
Visit San Francisco with all three boys — Fail. Between camp and swim class, we just didn't have many open days in June to head into the city.
Start my TED talks goal — Fail. Never started this month.
Institute reading hour — Success! 90% of the days we have reading hour. It works well to give me some quiet time and the twins time away from their devices.
Do a twins and mom date — Fail. Schedules just didn't line up for this one.

This month's goals:

30 Day Challenge: Read 100 pages a day -- Instead of a time, I'm aiming for 100 pages from my current book a day.
Stick with my capsule wardrobe with update -- Doing well so far, but need constant reminders to stick with it.
Watch and review at least 10 TED talks -- Somehow I want to carve out some time to start going on this goal.
Do a winery visit -- I'm planning on going with my mom when she's here. Excited to spend a day with my mom at some adult's only places.
Get a pedicure -- Feeling the need for some me time this month.
Go on a date night with J -- Going to take advantage of my mom being here for a week and spend a night out with my special one.

Currently #10

Watching: Waiting to leave for twins' swim club, currently watching Arthur play with his many trucks and cars. He loves his vehicles!

Reading: Just started Barbara Ehrenreich's Bait and Switch last night. Sort of a sequel to Nickel and Dimed.

Listening: Alex is sitting at the breakfast bar narrating the game he is playing. I don't understand a word he is saying.

Making: I just got accepted to a card design team and signed up for my July projects this week. Getting them started today. Always like to be ahead of the schedule.

Feeling: Even though I'm not, I feel like I'm behind on every project and task. Such a weird feeling.

Planning: My mom is officially coming in three weeks! As such, we've started planning our activities and excursions. So excited!

Loving: UPS is set to deliver my new Stampin' Up goodies today. Can't wait to play with them! May have to rethink a few of design team cards to include the new products...