• Home
  • About
  • Archives - Wading Through
  • Archives - The Craft Sea

Wading Through...

  • Home
  • About
  • Archives - Wading Through
  • Archives - The Craft Sea

Fall Bucket List Update #1

Fall Bucket List.png

My current completion 10/35 28.6%

  1. Enjoy a PSL -- Always have to indulge a few times.
  2. Go to a pumpkin patch
  3. Buy some proper cider  -- I bought some cider at Target. Unfortunately, I bought spiced cider and it's a little too orange-y for my tastes. I'll have to pick up some more at another store.
  4. Bake pumpkin bread -- One loaf down, I imagine I will make a few more before Christmas.
  5. Make stuffed acorn squash -- Always love this recipe, but can only make it in the fall when the acorn squash is ripe.
  6. Carve a pumpkin
  7. Make a fall craft with Arthur
  8. Read some scary books -- I'm participating in Seasons of Reading's FrightFall Readathon. I've read:
    1. 8.4 by Peter Hernon (earthquake thriller)
    2. Secondhand Spirits by Juliet Blackwell (supernatural cozy mystery)
  9. Pick up some fall themed tea: Apple spiced or pumpkin flavor
  10. Take pictures of the changing leaf colors
  11. Make chili and cornbread -- It will be back on the meal plan soon.
  12. Find two new fall soup recipes
  13. Watch Shaun of the Dead for Halloween
  14. Visit a corn maze
  15. Bake fall cookies
  16. Make leaf art
  17. Pick up some fall nail polish (and actually do my nails!)
  18. Go apple picking
  19. Bake an apple pie
  20. Make mulled wine
  21. Plan and cook Thanksgiving
  22. Read Kids Books
    1. Fall
      1. The Autumn Equinox by Ellen Jackson
      2. My Leaf Book by Monica Wellington
      3. WonderFall by Michael Hall
      4. Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn by Kenard Pak
      5. Fall by Kay Barnham
      6. An Apple's Life by Nancy Dickman
      7. Autumn by Stephanie Hedlund
      8. Leaves Fall Down by Lisa Bullard
      9. Kitten's Autumn by Eugenie Fernandes
      10. The Autumn Leaf by Carl Emerson
      11. Who Loves the Fall? by Bob Raczka
      12. Autumn Leaves by Ken Robbins
      13. Little Elliot Fall Friends by Mike Curato
    2. Halloween
      1. Countdown to Halloween by Patricia Reeder Eubank
      2. Click, Clack, Boo! by Doreen Cronin
    3. Thanksgiving
  23. Decorate the front porch
  24. Buy some pumpkin ale -- I grabbed Leinenkugel's Autumn Shandy. Decent, but I will have to find something else.
  25. Go on a hayride
  26. Celebrate Halloween with costumes and trick-or-treating
  27. Pick up a fall candle -- I grabbed a yummy smelling Orchard candle from Glade. It reminds me of pumpkin and bonfires.
  28. Read a cozy mystery -- I finished Secondhand Spirits by Juliet Blackwell this week. I loved it! Will have to pick up the next book in the series.
  29. Make a scarecrow
  30. Make homemade sauerkraut
  31. Toast pumpkin seeds
  32. Have a Monster Mash dance party
  33. Create Halloween and Thanksgiving cocktails
  34. Watch It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown
  35. Have a Resident Evil marathon

Next up on the TBR pile:

geographer's.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg antidote.jpg
tags: Fall Bucket List
categories: Life
Wednesday 10.11.17
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Arthur and Quentin's Pirate Birthday Party!!!

As the boys' birthday are fairly close together (Sept. 26th and Oct. 15th), we opted for a joint birthday party. If you want to see the crafts I made up close, check them out over at the craft blog this week. For today, I'm posting mostly party pictures.

IMG_2753.jpg
IMG_2621.jpg
IMG_2670.jpg
IMG_2688.jpg
IMG_2697.jpg
IMG_2704.jpg
IMG_2708.jpg
IMG_2723.jpg
IMG_2735.jpg
IMG_2743.jpg
IMG_2780.jpg
IMG_2784.jpg
IMG_2803.jpg
IMG_2817.jpg
IMG_2824.jpg
IMG_2859.jpg

Next up on the TBR pile:

geographer's.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg antidote.jpg
tags: birthdays
categories: Kids, Life
Tuesday 10.10.17
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

October 2017 Life Goals

Let’s check in on September's goals and my progress.

  • Read 2500 pages -- Fail! I only read 2320 pages in September. Hoping to do better in October.
  • Finish planning the birthday party -- Success! The planning has been finished. I need to hit the grocery store and decorate. 
  • Finish buying/prepping our costumes -- Partial fail. I still need to pick up some accessories, but we all have our basic uniform bought.
  • Finish my blog fix -- Success! I finally fixed all my back posts. Some aren't perfect but they at least have the big issues fixed.
  • Buy plane tickets for Christmas -- Fail. Still need to do this, but I do have a plan.

October's Goals:

  • Pull off the birthday party! -- The party's Saturday. Gotta get on this!
  • Buy treats for the MVPA social -- We look forward to the MVPA Fall Costume Social every year. Now we need to decide on the treats for trick-or-treating.
  • Participate in The Mummy Readalong -- I haven't read this one for years. Very excited!
  • Make 4 New Recipes -- I haven't tried anything new lately. 
  • Complete 6 Fall Bucket List items -- I've gotten a start on the list, but looking forward to some itneresting activities in October.

Next up on the TBR pile:

geographer's.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg antidote.jpg
tags: Monthly Life Goals
categories: Life
Sunday 10.01.17
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Odds and Ends

Here's my randomness for the week:

  • Q loves his zoo train, but if I have to take it away from Arthur one more time...
  • Toyed with cutting processed sugar from my diet. But after hearing the ultimate failure of a friend, I think I should aim for decreasing my amount instead of cutting it out completely.
  • My October TBR pile is calling my name, but it's still September! 
  • Can't wait to pull out my Halloween themed planner kits.
  • I want to bake all the things! Unfortunately it's 90 degrees here this week. Darn.
  • Despite the arguments, Q and Arthur have started playing together and it's oh so cute!
  • I finally got a PSL on Tuesday. Oh my! I missed these...

Next up on the TBR pile:

geographer's.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg antidote.jpg
tags: Odds and Ends
categories: Life
Thursday 09.28.17
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Fall Bucket List

Fall Bucket List.png

Alright, I'm getting on board with the seasonal bucket lists. As autumn begins on September 22nd, I thought it would be a great starting line. I know that fall lasts until the winter solstice, but as soon as December 1st hits, I'm all about Christmas. So I'm going to run my fall bucket list until November 30th. I've thought about the things that scream fall to me and created my list.

  1. Enjoy a PSL
  2. Go to a pumpkin patch
  3. Buy some proper cider 
  4. Bake pumpkin bread
  5. Make stuffed acorn squash
  6. Carve a pumpkin
  7. Make a fall craft with Arthur
  8. Read some scary books -- I'm participating in Seasons of Reading's FrighFall Readathon the entire month of October.
  9. Pick up some fall themed tea: Apple spiced or pumpkin flavor
  10. Take pictures of the changing leaf colors -- Rare here in northern California, but we do have some trees whose leaves change colors and drop
  11. Make chili and cornbread
  12. Find two new fall soup recipes
  13. Watch Shaun of the Dead for Halloween
  14. Visit a corn maze
  15. Bake fall cookies
  16. Make leaf art
  17. Pick up some fall nail polish (and actually do my nails!)
  18. Go apple picking
  19. Bake an apple pie
  20. Make mulled wine
  21. Plan and cook Thanksgiving
  22. Read Fall, Halloween, and Thanksgiving library books (kids)
  23. Decorate the front porch
  24. Buy some pumpkin ale
  25. Go on a hayride
  26. Celebrate Halloween with costume and trick-or-treating
  27. Pick up a fall candle
  28. Read a cozy mystery
  29. Make a scarecrow
  30. Make homemade sauerkraut
  31. Toast pumpkin seeds
  32. Have a Monster Mash dance party
  33. Create Halloween and Thanksgiving cocktails
  34. Watch It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown
  35. Have a Resident Evil marathon

And now to dive in!

Next up on the TBR pile:

geographer's.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg antidote.jpg
tags: Fall Bucket List
categories: Life
Thursday 09.21.17
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Summer 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.

Amazon $45.86

I desperately needed a new swimsuit for this season. One was maternity and big in weird places. One was pre-baby and small in weird places. Thankfully my online parent group had suggested some great swimsuits. I went with the Cocoship Vintage Sailor Pin Up Swimsuit. Very flattering and comfy!

IMG_7899.jpg
 

A friend was wearing this great tunic length sleeveless top and I just had to get my own! I grabbed the Urbancleo Tunic Tank Top in dark gray. Great for throwing on over leggings and nice and cool. Perfect for summer wear. They have a variety of sleeve and neckline styles. I will probably grab a few more pieces this fall. 

IMG_8238.jpg
 

Target $65.50

I needed a new pair of yoga pants (old ones are stretched out and covered with bleach spots). Thank goodness they had these great Mossimo ones in stock the day I was looking.

IMG_9660.jpg
 

As Target is doing away with it's old brands and brining in some new collections, they have been offering discounts on the old brands throughout the summer. I snapped up this cute short sleeve plaid shirt during one of those sales. 

 

Total impulse buy! I saw these cute lightweight shorts on the clearance rack. I'll never wear them in public (not that confident), but they are perfect for around the house. 

IMG_1629.jpg
 

Loving the late 90s vibe going on at Target right now... I grabbed a couple of pieces to try on at home. Unfortunately all but one didn't fit. I did get this cute little sheath dress out of the ordeal. I imagine I'll be wearing it with tights or leggings this fall and winter. This may just be my plane outfit for flying back to Indiana at Christmastime.

IMG_2025.jpg
 

2017 Total: $274.79

Next up on the TBR pile:

geographer's.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg antidote.jpg
tags: Clothing Summary
categories: Life
Wednesday 09.20.17
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Odds and Ends

Here's my randomness for the week:

  • I have the urge bake daily but it's way too hot to do so right now...
  • I can't believe I've gotten to Sept. 7th and haven't had a Pumpkin Spice Latte yet
  • The downstairs closet is bursting at the seams. Need to declutter!
  • Also, the fridge needs a cleanout...
  • Not really enjoying my current read, but I should give it another 100 pages (it's the book club selection)

Next up on the TBR pile:

geographer's.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg antidote.jpg
tags: Odds and Ends
categories: Life
Thursday 09.07.17
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

September 2017 Life Goals

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

  • Read 3000 pages -- Success! In fact, I read 3861 pages in August. Being sick did wonders for my reading life.
  • Fix all of 2014 -- Success! I only have to months to finish my entire blog fix. Woohoo!
  • Goodwill donation round-up -- Success! J took care of the drop-off while he was off work. A few bags less clutter in the house!
  • Plan Arthur and Quentin's birthday party --  50% success. I have started this task, but not finished yet. 
  • Plan our Halloween costumes -- 50% success. We know what we want to do. I ordered Q's costume. I still need to buy Arthur and my costumes. J is taking care of his own costume.
  • Plan weekly kid activities -- Fail. This one totally just fell by the wayside.

September's Goals:

  • Read 2500 pages -- I can't imagine that my reading will be as good as August's totals, so I'm going to decrease my goal again.
  • Finish planning the birthday party -- We holding it on October 7th, so this is the month.
  • Finish buying/prepping our costumes -- I have a bit more time, but I need to get on this goal.
  • Finish my blog fix -- Only two months to go!
  • Buy plane tickets for Christmas -- Need to get on this one.

Next up on the TBR pile:

geographer's.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg antidote.jpg
tags: Monthly Life Goals
categories: Life
Sunday 09.03.17
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Odds and Ends

Here is my randomness for the week:

  • So many books to read and so little time! Sometimes I get so overwhelmed about the height of my TBR pile. I really need to not look at the big pile. Just take it one book at a time...
  • Feeling the itch to read some nonfiction. Maybe some history...
  • Q is so snuggly lately. I'm loving the baby snuggles. 
  • Looking at Christmas plans. Ugh! I love Christmas, but the planning is daunting to me.
  • The cooler temperatures have been lovely, but I'm not ready for summer to leave us completely.
  • My last few new-to-me recipes have turned out great. I'm on a roll!
  • Although I feel like we need more vegetarian dinners in our rotation. 
  • Decluttering feels so good!

Next up on the TBR pile:

geographer's.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg antidote.jpg
tags: Odds and Ends
categories: Life
Thursday 08.17.17
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Odds and Ends

Here is my randomness for the week:

  • The house feels very empty this week...
  • Feeling the itch to deep clean and declutter the house. I at least need to clean the downstairs before Saturday morning's brunch.
  • Not feeling the collection of essays I'm reading. I'm thinking a fluffy romance might be just the thing.
  • Need to make wacky cake this week
  • I went a little crazy with the graphic novels at the library. Now I need to find time to read them.

Next up on the TBR pile:

geographer's.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg antidote.jpg
tags: Odds and Ends
categories: Life
Thursday 08.03.17
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

August 2017 Life Goals

Let’s check in on July's goals and my progress.

  • Check off 10 more items from our summer bucket list -- Success! We ended the summer strong with some more fun activities. The twins' favorite was our trip into San Francisco and visit to the Musee Mechanique. 
  • Back to school shopping for twins -- Done! We got clothes and school supplies. All done!
  • 6 months of blog fix (July - January 2016) --Over-achiever success! I finished the 6 months plus some.
  • Read 3000 pages -- So close. I ended up reading 2944 pages for July. 
  • Weekly self-care -- Big fat fail! This is so incredibly hard to schedule with the current work and kid situations.
  • Big plan August - December -- Another fail. Instead I focused on July...

August's Goals:

  • Read 3000 pages -- Hoping for another good reading month
  • Fix all of 2014 -- I'm really hoping to get the entire blog fixed by the end of September, so I need to finish all of 2014 this month.
  • Goodwill donation round-up -- Feeling the clutter is starting to take over the house. Need to do a purge.
  • Plan Arthur and Quentin's birthday party -- It's not until October 7th, but I'm a huge overachiever and planner. I want to have my basic plan ready by the end of August.
  • Plan our Halloween costumes -- We've decided on Star Trek, so now we have to work out the details. I think I've found my costume, but all the boys need to be outfitted.
  • Plan weekly kid activities -- My goal is two big outings (not in CV), one local outing, and one craft/home activity. (Possibly carry this idea into September)

Next up on the TBR pile:

geographer's.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg antidote.jpg
tags: Monthly Life Goals
categories: Life
Wednesday 08.02.17
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

Odds and Ends

Here's my randomness for the week:

  • Meal planning for 6 different palates is ridiculously difficult. Can I just say F it?
  • So looking forward to a little time away from all my kiddos for book club on Sunday. It's been forever since I had at least one with me.
  • I love back to school shopping. It's like a new beginning. Must resist buying all the pretty supplies for myself. 
  • Laundry is piling up. Happens when I don't do a load for three days...
  • Looking forward to a day in San Francisco today. It's been awhile since I've been there.
  • Hoping to stop at the fudge shop in North Beach later today...

Next up on the TBR pile:

geographer's.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg antidote.jpg
tags: Odds and Ends
categories: Life
Thursday 07.20.17
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

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:

geographer's.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg antidote.jpg
tags: Odds and Ends
categories: Life
Thursday 07.06.17
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

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. 

categories: Life
Tuesday 07.04.17
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

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:

geographer's.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg antidote.jpg
tags: Monthly Life Goals
categories: Life
Sunday 07.02.17
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

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:

geographer's.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg antidote.jpg
tags: Currently
categories: Life
Wednesday 06.21.17
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

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:

geographer's.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg antidote.jpg
tags: Clothing Summary
categories: Life
Friday 06.16.17
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

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:

geographer's.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg antidote.jpg
tags: Odds and Ends
categories: Life
Thursday 06.15.17
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

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:

geographer's.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg antidote.jpg
tags: Currently
categories: Life
Wednesday 06.07.17
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 

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:

geographer's.jpg black butler.jpg jujutsu26.jpg jujutsu27.jpg antidote.jpg
tags: Monthly Life Goals
categories: Life
Friday 06.02.17
Posted by Tobe Buffenbarger
 
Newer / Older

Powered by Squarespace.