Odds and Ends

Here's my randomness for the week:

• Last week I was wanting warmer temperatures as it just didn't feel like summer. And now that the temps are much higher, I'm regretting that wish...
• I've been dragging the boys to all kinds of hidden gems around the Bay Area. Tomorrow's adventure is the Ruth Bancroft Garden specializing in succulents. 
• Feel like I've been reading my current book (Clockwork Angel) for forever! I seriously need to sit down for an hour or so and knock out the rest. I'm interested, I just am failing to find the time.
• Trying to use up my retired DSP scraps. Doing pretty good this week!
• My library hold is ready! Unfortunately I will have to wait until Saturday as the library is closed on Fridays.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Happy Fourth of July!

I hope everyone is having a great day celebrating! We'e hoping to head to the Berkeley Marina for a festival and fireworks. 

July 2017 Life Goals

Let’s check in on June’s goals and my progress:

• Check off 10 items from our summer bucket list -- Success! We've checked off 12 items: 
  • Great America
  • Half Moon Bay Beach
  • Golfland (CV and Sunnyvale)
  • Chabot Space and Science Center
  • Asian Art Museum
  • Fremont Eats
  • Oakland Museum of California
  • Rocket Fizz
  • Its-It
  • Baskin Robbins
  • Dairy Queen
  • Pool Party
• Update our clothing wish lists -- 50% success. I've gotten the twins a fair amount for summer and fall, but need to update Arthur and Quentin's lists.
• Knock out at least six months of the blog fix -- Success! 
• Meal plan for June and July -- Success!

July's Goals:

• Check off 10 more items from our summer bucket list -- We want to finish off the summer strong!
• Back to school shopping for twins -- Always a necessity!
• 6 months of blog fix (July - January 2016) -- I really want to make some progress on this...
• Read 3000 pages -- Hoping to get a little more reading in during July.
• Weekly self-care -- Seriously I need to schedule self-care as it never seems to happen naturally...
• Big plan August - December -- We need to look at the family calendar big picture.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Currently #11

Reading: A Trail Through Time by Jodi Taylor. Continuing on with the Chronicles of St. Mary's series. Really loving it so far.

Watching: Arthur loves to watch an episode or two of Pink Panther before bed. I think we've seen them all at least three times.

Listening: Quentin's new favorite thing is blowing raspberries. Cute but now I am covered in baby spit...

Making: Working my way through May's memory planner spreads.

Feeling: After having sick kids start the week, I'm feeling very behind and frazzled about everything else.

Planning: Trying to get our weekend in order.

Loving: In the middle of a heat here in Northern California, but I can't give up coffee. Switched to iced coffee. So much better!

Next up on the TBR pile:

Spring 2017 Clothing Summary

My goal is to keep my quarterly clothes budget to $200. I've still got some weight loss goals to achieve, but I need to do a bit of fill-in in the meantime.

Target $13.74

I spotted this cute lightweight top on the clearance rack. Usually the shirts I find are too short, but I think this one is just right. I'm a sucker for stripes and the lace detailing is great.

Marshall's $32.77

Popped into Marshall's on the hunt for sleeveless tops to wear for summer. My summer wardrobe is lacking... After combing through the racks, I found two that work great. This first one covers all my trouble areas, is perfectly lightweight but not see-through cotton, and has a great boho design.

I like the pattern of the second top even more, although I wish it was about 2 inches longer. I love the lace detailing and how flowy it is. Very comfortable top! As a bonus, it's not see-through!

2017 Total: $163.43

Next up on the TBR pile:

Odds and Ends

Here's my randomness for the week:

• Summer is running at full steam, but man it is exhausting!
• The twins have been at least trying dinner every night. Huge improvement over their usual "I don't like that" even though they've never had it. Now if only I could get Arthur to eat dinner...
• It looks like a tornado ripped through my house, but we had a successful playdate yesterday so I call it a win.
• No motivation to craft this week. So sad. Maybe I will get it back next week. 
• Book club this month is going to be interesting. We're reading Trevor Noah's Born a Crime. Hevy duty stuff. Plus we have a few more people coming that don't usually. Hoping for some great discussions! But first, I need to finish the book.
• Caught the declutter bug this week. Already filled on garbage bag with donations, another with trash, and a box of freebies for an upcoming crafting event.
• Snotty babies are no fun.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Currently #10

Reading: The Kingdom of Ohio by Matthew Flaming. Finally getting around to reading this one!

Watching: Still watching When Calls the Heart on Netflix. Silly melodramatic period show, but love it!

Listening: Been putting The Lumineers on repeat lately. Loving the mellow sound.

Making: Starting work on May's Memory Planner pages this week.

Feeling: Very excited and looking forward to the next few weeks.

Planning: Getting the rest of June planned out.

Loving: The twins arrive today! So excited to have them here for the summer!

Next up on the TBR pile:

June 2017 Life Goals

Let’s check in on May’s goals and my progress.

• Read 3000 pages -- Fail. I fell short with only 2886 pages read. 
• Move Quentin to Arthur's room -- Fail. Obviously this has to happen this weekend as the twins come on Wednesday.
• Buy a car -- Success! I finally have a car that can fit all 6 of us. 
• Plan out summer -- Success! We have a tentative plan for weekly activities and trips around the Bay Area.
• Get a haircut -- Success! I stopped in after stamp club and chopped at good 5 inches off. Q still pulls my hair sometimes, but it's not at easily accessible now.
• Renew Costco membership -- Success! Just in time for the twins to arrive.

June's Goals: Keeping the list light as we are going to be so busy with all the kiddos in the house.

• Check off 10 items from our summer bucket list -- I have a huge list with some tentative dates. Now to get to the fun!
• Update our clothing wish lists -- Arthur is definitely going to be needing some bigger clothes soon. I need to reevaluate Quentin's situation. And the twins need stuff for summer and the fall.
• Knock out at least six months of the blog fix -- I'm almost finish with the craft blog but still have like 6 months to go. Then I need to start on this blog.
• Meal plan for June and July -- Have a start of this list, but I want to get it all planned out soon...

Next up on the TBR pile:

Life Right Now #14

As I look outside my window: Slightly foggy and definitely overcast. But the builds are singing.

Right now I am: Scrambling to write this as I completely forgot last night. My migraine this weekend may have something to do with that forgetfulness....

Thinking and pondering: When do I schedule all these summer activities?

On my bedside table: The Wicked Will Rise by Danielle Paige (Dorothy Must Die #2); The Kingdom of Ohio by Matthew Flaming; Roman Holiday by Jodi Taylor -- So many books, not enough time!

On my tv this week: We finished out S2 of The Magicians and S5 of Elementary. Otherwise we've been keeping up with the current season of Doctor Who.

Listening to: Not much this week. I listened to a few podcasts (daily NPR news, OBM), but not really any music this week. It was a weird week...

On the menu for this week: No idea! Clearly I need to meal plan today...

On my to do list: Finished scheduling classes for June and July, finalize our summer bucket list, list out my twins' related to-buys (snacks, clothes, etc), more blog fixing, read!!!, library drop, buy a car, move Q to Arthur's room, clean twins' room and bathroom, lots of other things I am sure.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Probably a few errands; I kept forgetting that it was Memorial Day. We have no special plans and I'm sure J will be working.
• Tuesday - Home day; cleaning
• Wednesday - Home day; crafting
• Thursday - Visit to Bay Area Discovery Museum, last one before the twins' arrive. Arthur's excited about the special Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood exhibit!
• Friday - Possibly playdate on the peninsula
• Saturday - A kid friend's birthday party
• Sunday - Book club!

What I am creating: Working on catching up my Project Life albums. So far behind! I have been putting it off in favor of my memory planner and cards.

My simple pleasures: Baby snuggles, chocolate cake, a good book

Looking around the house: Toys are invading every room of the house. We need to do another toy round-up. Plus the twins' room and bathroom needs a once over clean before they arrive.

From the camera: Brothers playing

 Next up on the TBR Pile:

Odds and Ends

Here's my randomness for the week:

• I'm really looking forward to summer with the twins, but there's so much to do before they get here! Not to mention planning activities and meals.
• Health insurance is way too complicated. Even with insurance, why is it so hard to find care?
• Started a new-to-me YA Fantasy series (Dorothy Must Die) and it's just what I needed after a very good, but very detailed nonfiction book.
• I hate cooking... seriously I'm so sick of making meals for everyone in the household. Just needed to get that out there. I'll still make food, because I like good food, but I won't enjoy the process.
• The temperature went from 90 to low 60s. My body is very confused by all this!
• Can't wait for our first beach day of the season (June 13th!)
• I'm think I should get a new bathing suit. The three I have all fit strangely (granted one is a maternity suit). I would just like something that covers all my bits and doesn't require me to adjust every two seconds.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Currently #9

Watching: When Calls the Heart on Netflix. It's such a stupid period drama and yet I'm addicted right now. I guess this is my follow-up to The Paradise.

Reading: The Island at the Center of the World by Russell Shorto. Fascinating look at the settlement of New Amsterdam (now New York City). Reading it has been slow going because I've been so tired. The subject matter is very engaging.

Listening: Lots of NPR Politics episodes.

Making: Getting ready for the Stampin' Up! Annual Catalog launch with a party and open house this weekend. I've been making examples for make n takes and ones to highlight the great new products.

Feeling: All my tasks have deadlines fast approaching. I'm feeling a bit stretched thin at the moment.

Planning: Making plans for summer with all four boys. It's going to get a bit crazy in this house!

Loving: Impulse bought dark chocolate peanut clusters at Sprouts last week and now I am obsessed. So good!

Next up on the TBR pile:

Life Right Now #13

As I look outside my window: Sun is coming up. I'm tired.

Right now I am: Up way too early and dreading the rest of the day. J has been working in North Bay almost all week meaning I'm alone with the boys from sunup until way after sundown. Super freaking tired over here...

On my bedside table: So many books to choose from. My reading has been super slow lately leading to an ever-growing pile on the nightstand. I'm hoping to get to some comics next (21st Century Tank Girl; iZombie) and then the Dorothy Must Die series. 

On my tv this week: Not a ton of TV watched this past week. Arthur and I have been watching Escape to the Country on Netflix (think House Hunters but in English countryside). J and I are slowing getting through The Magicians S2 (two more episodes to go) and Elementary.

Listening to: Lots of NPR politics, although somedays it's not the greatest thing for my mental health.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Sausage Crescent Rolls; Eggs
• Tuesday - Green Chile Pepper Jack Enchiladas
• Wednesday - Chili
• Thursday - Leftovers
• Friday - Salisbury Steak Meatballs; Mashed Potatoes; Broccoli
• Saturday - Pizza (crop event)
• Sunday - ???

Happening this week:

• Monday - Errands I imagine...
• Tuesday - Home day; hopefully some crafting
• Wednesday - Home day; Last Chance Card Class possibly
• Thursday - Chabot Space and Science Center (our membership expires on May 31st)
• Friday - Home day
• Saturday - Spring Catalog Launch Party!
• Sunday - Possible Open House Crafting 

Next up on the TBR Pile:

Blog Delay...

Due to some of the ongoing background issues with the transfer, I'm going to take this week off from blogging. I should be back on Sunday for the weekly wrap-up post.

Odds and Ends

Here's my randomness for the week:

• Q still can't crawl forwards and he gets so frustrated. It's adorable!
• Navigating health care is so ridiculously complicated. Trying to clear something up and nothing is giving me answers.
• Heat headaches are the worst.
• I miss card making, haven't touched anything since last week (too busy). Hoping to get back in there today.
• Seriously need to buy plane tickets this week. I hate all the indecision over dates. 
• I need to schedule a haircut pronto. I'm sick of this long hair that just gets constantly pulled. I wear it up almost every day due to the baby and the heat. I need a short fun cut to help me out this summer.
• Somehow I've only read 60 pages over the past 5 days. Need to work in some reading time!

Next up on the TBR pile:

Currently #8

Reading: Anno Dracula by Kim Newman. I bought this one my birthday day in SF, started reading on the train, and never actually finished it. Making it a priority this month.

Watching: Arthur and I are watching the entire Avatar: The Last Airbender series. We're currently in Season 3.

Listening: The 100 Creatives podcast. For her 100 day project, Sally Harris is interviewing 100 creatives. I am really digging these short (~15 minute) interviews.

Making: May cards using retiring products. The new Stampin' Up! catalog comes out June 1st!

Feeling: Stable and neutral. My anxiety has decreased, but I'm still not in a great place.

Planning: Starting to nail down summer plans.

Loving: Our neighborhood is awash with plants and flowers. I love stopping to look on our walks. I'm so excited that my May monthly memory planner spread will be 31 days of flowers/plants.

Next up on the TBR pile:

May 2017 Life Goals

Let’s check in on April’s goals and my progress.

• Read 3000 pages -- Success! I actually read 3888 pages this month. Woot!
• Figure out the little boys' room situation -- Fail. Just didn't get around to it.
• Buy Quentin a convertibly carseat -- Success! I bought it, but it's still in the box in the house, because...
• Revisit car situation -- Fail! We have yet to make a decision here. 
• Take care of twin's stuff -- 50% success... I still need to finalize summer dates and buy plane tickets.

May's Goals:

• Read 3000 pages -- This continues to seem like a good goal for me.
• Move Quentin to Arthur's room -- Has to happen before the twins come.
• Buy a car -- Another must do before the end of the month.
• Plan out summer -- I asked the twins to send me their bucket list. Once I have at least something, I can start planning out our summer weeks. 
• Get a haircut -- It's been awhile and I'm sick of the tangles and Q ripping it out. I need something short and easy.
• Renew Costco membership -- Our ended in April and I forgot to renew. Need to do that so we can stock up for summer.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Odds and Ends

Here is my randomness for the week:

• Blog transitions are hard! Still working out the bugs on this one. And getting used to the UI. 
• Excited to get out of the house today and feel some sunshine. I think my body's been craving the Vitamin D.
• Being away from family is really hard when it's their birthday. My mom is turning 60 this weekend and I wish I was there to celebrate with her. 
• So behind on my blogroll, like two weeks behind. How will I ever catch up?
• Loving the stack of comics sitting on my nightstand. I was craving some quick. yet satisfying reads.
• Excited about my crafty plan for the rest of the month. Now to find the time to actually craft...

Next up on the TBR pile!

Currently #7

Reading: Finally snagged Saga Vol. 6 from the library. Ready to dive into a big pile of comics this week.

Watching: The 100 Season 4. This show has gotten more melodramatic with every season. I may be done with this show soon...

Listening: Lots of podcast listening this week. Love to listen while making dinner, baking, general cleaning. Right now I'm listening to NPR Politics. Their weekly round-ups are great to get a lot of news in one go.

Making: Lots of card making this week. I pulled all my retiring products and have started to make cards featuring those products. Plus I have a ton of pattern paper to use up before I can buy more!

Feeling: Anxious about a lot of life events right now. Hoping things get resolved soon.

Planning: Starting to look at summer activities and plans. 

Loving: Tried a new recipe last night for Sweet Potato, Black Bean, and Quinoa Bowls. Surprisingly delicious vegetarian option for dinner. Last week I found a winning scone recipe. . I love when I find new recipes that we actually like! Here's hoping my next new recipe goes over well

Next up on the TBR pile!

Odds and Ends

Here's my randomness for the week:

• I'm just so incredibly tired...
• Obsessed with my memory planner. Really want to finish march, but I need a bit of uninterrupted time.
• Cookies are my kryptonite right now.
• I'm in desperate need of some good walking sandals.
• The stack of Us and People magazines are calling to me right now.
• Baby toes are way too adorable.
• Speaking of baby, I need to do another clothing resort. Q is growing out of more clothes.
• I need to drink more water...

Currently #6

Watching: Planet Dinosaur -- Arthur choice of documentary currently. Even I have enjoyed watching the 6 episode mini series.

Reading: Tuscany for Beginners by Imogen Edwards-Jones. Part of my Read Your Book Shelf challenge as it's been sitting on my shelves for at least two years. Super disappointed in this one...

Listening: One Bad Mother podcasts. I was two weeks behind, but don't worry, I'm catching up!

Making: Lots of crafty projects! I joined the #The100DayProject starting yesterday. I'm going to attempt 100 days of crafts. I'll be documenting on my Instagram account.

Feeling: Still under the weather. These colds are still lingering...

Planning: SU Bingo make n takes. Getting super excited for my big event at the end of the month.

Loving: I went a little crazy at Sprouts this week and got so much fresh fruit! I could seriously eat it all day although I know I shouldn't.