Life Right Now #17

As I look outside my window: Bright and sunny with some large birds circling the sky. The perfect California morning.

Right now I am: Drinking coffee and lounging in the sunbeam. I love quiet mornings with breakfast and the toddler.

Thinking and pondering: What should we buy at Costco? With the twins here now, I'm trying to be more strategic with our grocery buying. I want them to have their favorite foods, but we need to be mindful of the cost. I think the grocery budget is my number one stressor right now...

On my bedside table: The Passion of the Purple Plumeria by Lauren Willig; The Magician's Land by Lev Grossman

On my tv this week: I started rewatching Outlander so I can finally catch up. J and I have been watching Archer, Plebs, and Horizons (the usual). Last night, we introduced the twins to Ant Man. They requested an action comedy. I think it works. And it's the only Marvel movie they haven't seen (besides Deadpool which will not be shown to them yet).

Listening to: I'm still working on catching up with Elisa Gets Crafty. Only like 30 episodes behind...

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Chicken and Noodles
• Tuesday - Pizza Night
• Wednesday - Frozen meal (probably chicken and rice)
• Thursday - Balsamic Pork Roast
• Friday - Leftovers
• Saturday - Bacon Cheese Peach Paninis
• Sunday - Spicy Thai Noodles

On my to do list: Still working on prepping my big crafting open house on June 11th. I also have a few random house projects to complete. And of course, we've got summer activities in full swing.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Nothing at all... we'll probably hit the pool
• Tuesday - $1.31 Scoop Day at Baskin Robbins! Errand day: Target, Sprouts, Costco?
• Wednesday - Hiller Aviation Museum with food trucks!
• Thursday - Pancake making at a friend's house
• Friday - Nothing
• Saturday - Parent Group Potluck
• Sunday - Nothing yet...

What I am creating: Been working on some cards using new and carrying over items. I've knocked out 5 In Color cards and 3 Design Team Cards this past weekend. Hoping to get at least 2 more Design Team cards done this coming week.

My simple pleasures: Fruit ice pops. I grabbed a recipe book from the library. Can't wait to make them all!

Looking around the house: I got the dining room cleaned up just in time to destroy the craft area. Yep, that's about normal.

From the camera: The twins as they left Indiana to fly here.

Life Right Now #16

As I look outside my window: Partly cloudy and chilly... It's only supposed to be 64 degrees today! Brrr... That's after almost 90 degrees days last week.

Right now I am: Finishing a pop tart, drinking coffee, checking FB, and getting ready to head off to book club.

Thinking and pondering: How do I find the time or concentration to take on work-from-home type jobs with a toddler running around and no childcare? Ugh, I hate finances.

On my bedside table: Childhood's End by Arthur C. Clarke,  Voyager by Diana Gabaldon,  In the Shadow of the Banyan by Vaddey Ratner

On my tv this week: We're been watching a ton of Plebs and Portlandia. Plus we watched a decent episode of NOVA about the Vikings.

Listening to: One day Arthur and I listened to a ton of The Beatles. Another day, we chose The Gorillaz. He was really digging The Gorillaz.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Leftovers
• Tuesday - Texas Cheese Fries
• Wednesday - Chicken and Noodles
• Thursday - Kale and White Bean Soup
• Friday - Leftovers
• Saturday - Chicken Parmesan (Nick requested)
• Sunday - Tacos, Black Bean Soup

On my to do list: Lots and lots of things to do this coming week

• Finished prepping social committee, holiday bazaar, and retreat info meetings
• Get started on my book club book
• Finish pulling out retired stuff, organize the craft area
• Finish researching our summer bucket list
• Start planning mom and great aunt's visit in July
• Grocery run
• Lots of laundry
• Clean twins' room before Saturday
• Finish twins' PL album (up to date for summer)
• Update May, June, and July calendars
• Catch up on some blog posts, make a plan for summer

Happening this week:

• Monday - Rest day with probably some errands
• Tuesday - Social Committee Planning Meeting
• Wednesday - Holiday Bazaar Planning Meeting; Finance Committee Meeting
• Thursday - Retreat Info Meeting
• Friday - Nothing planned so far
• Saturday - The twins arrive!!!
• Sunday - Probably a lazy day at the house

What I am creating: Not really creating, but I am cleaning out my craft area. I'm pulling all the retiring items for my crop day sale, making card kits to sell, collecting my current SU items, and getting sprucing up my area. Once I finish the list, I can get back to crafting using my new products.

My simple pleasures: Welch's Peach Mango juice -- my new obsession

Looking around the house: Our downstairs toilet is still not working right. J bought a part, but it hasn't been installed yet. I hate having to go upstairs to pee...

From the camera: Someone is obsessed with brushing his teeth right now...

Life Right Now #15

On my bedside table: Voyager by Diana Gabaldon,  In the Shadow of the Banyan by Vaddey Ratner

On my tv this week: I caught up with Reign and almost caught up with Once Upon a time. I also restarted Outlander so I can eventually catch up. J and I have been finished Atlantis, continuing with Turn, and starting to catch up with Shield.

Listening to: More Elise Gets Crafty podcast episodes. I've also been switching between AltNation and Octane a lot lately.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Italian Beef Sandwiches, Chips, Veggies
• Tuesday - BBQ Chicken, Potatoes, Veggies, Rolls
• Wednesday - Mediterranean Orzo Salad
• Thursday - Texas Cheese Fries
• Friday - Leftovers
• Saturday - Chicken and Noodles
• Sunday - Black Bean Soup

On my to do list: Prep for Retreat info, Summer Social, and Holiday Bazaar planning meetings; Cleaning; Shopping for twins for summer; Costco run for twin food and some basics; Stamp club examples; Start on June design team cards

Happening this week: I'm documenting our Week in the Life this week. Hoping to tell some great stories in our family album.

• Monday - Kids' Table: Pizza Making; Park Playdate (if Arthur isn't too tired)
• Tuesday - Prenatal appointment; Errands
• Wednesday - Seven Seas Park Playdate
• Thursday - Retreat Info Meeting; Stamp Club
• Friday - Rest and chore day at home
• Saturday - Maker Faire!!!
• Sunday - Book club

What I am creating:  June design team cards with some new Stampin' Up products. I only bought a few things for preorder, but I am looking forward to playing with them before my big June order.

My simple pleasures: Sparkling water, chocolate pudding, croissants

Looking around the house: We need to switch Arthur from the crib to a twin sized bed, but first we need to buy a mattress and rearranged his room...

From the camera: Little boy in a rocket...

Life Right Now #14

As I look outside my window: It's a bit overcast out there...

Right now I am: Finishing my coffee and curling up on the couch to read a bit before the toddler gets crazy again.

Thinking and pondering: Mother's Day is just an all around disappointment. Would love to feel appreciated at least one day of the year.

On my bedside table: And Only to Deceive by Tasha Alexander; The Magician King by Lev Grossman

On my tv this week: J had me watch Krod Mandoon. So very very ridiculous. We caught up with Houdini and Doyle. Damn that got dark, but I love it! I finally caught up with Reign. And last night, I finally got to see Deadpool. So very very adult and good.

Listening to: One Bad Mother! I was three episodes behind but now I've caught up.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Black Bean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
• Tuesday - Leftovers
• Wednesday - Taquitos
• Thursday - Toasted Sandwiches
• Friday - Frozen Meal (possibly chicken and rice)
• Saturday - Italian Beef Sandwiches
• Sunday - Leftovers

On my to do list: Finish prepping for the sprinkle on Saturday. Definitely some house chores. Finish The Blood of Olympus. Return some library books.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Day at home...
• Tuesday - Library and errands
• Wednesday - Beach day!
• Thursday - Day at home..
• Friday - Visit to Chabot Space and Science Center
• Saturday - Sprinkle
• Sunday - Sprinkle; Park meetup

What I am creating: Finishing catching up with the twins' PL albums. Hoping to prep the new baby's PL album. And prepping for Week in the Life.

My simple pleasures: Brownies warm out of the oven, bullet journaling

Looking around the house: The downstairs is relatively clean right now... Wonder how long it will last.

From the camera: He makes a cute flying monkey.

Life Right Now #13

As I look outside my window: Dark and stormy... just kidding. It's sunny and beautiful outside.

Right now I am: Getting ready to leave for book club.

Thinking and pondering: What should be on the menu plan for next week?

On my bedside table: A big stack of graphic novels, Blood of Olympus by Rick Riordan, Breathe by Sarah Crossan, and And Only to Deceive by Tasha Alexander.

On my tv this week: I finally watched Pitch Perfect 2 and promptly cried during the ending... J and I finally watched Spectre. And we caught up with some Full Frontal, Children's Hospital, Shield, and Plebs.

Listening to: Not much this week. Although I get squeeze in a few episodes of Elise Gets Crafty.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Black bean stuffed sweet potatoes
• Tuesday - Frozen meals or leftovers
• Wednesday - Pressed Picnic Sandwiches
• Thursday - Beef Stew
• Friday - Leftovers
• Saturday - Burgers on the grill
• Sunday - Nothing planned; hopefully I do't have to cook

On my to do list: Drop off charity books, prep for board meeting, clean the house, finish at least one book, prep for Bout of Books, prep Week in the Life album

Happening this week:

• Monday - Big anatomy scan!
• Tuesday - Oakland Zoo, Charity Drop-off, and Board Meeting
• Wednesday - Potentially park playdate
• Thursday - Children's Fairyland
• Friday - Probably errands
• Saturday - MVPA potluck
• Sunday - Mother's Day which probably means nothing exciting for me

What I am creating: May design team cards. I knocked out five in one day. I have at least four more finish for this month.

My simple pleasures: Ice cream (although it doesn't quite agree with me now), nice pens, comfy clothes, ice water

Looking around the house: The house is constantly in disarray. Ugh.

From the camera:  Looking cute while playing

Life Right Now #12

As I look outside my window: Bright and sunny. Actual the sun is causing a huge glare on my laptop. I would move but this is my couch spot for morning!

Right now I am: Drinking coffee and prepping to leave for my morning meeting. A few hours away from the toddler = precious!

Thinking and pondering: Trying to decide our meal plan and activity plans for May. So many choices...

On my bedside table: Me After You by Jojo Moyes, The Magician King by Lev Grossman, The Garden Intrigue by Lauren Willig

On my tv this week: We finished season 1 of The Magicians. Holy cow that was intense! We've also been catching up on Elementary, Turn, Archer, and Last Week Tonight. And we started Houdini and Doyle. I love Stephen Mangan and Michael Weston. Definitely a keeper!

Listening to: A giant mix from my iPod. Ive got a bit of everything on there but I've really been digging some Florence + the Machine, Mumford & Sons, and Arctic Monkeys.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Garlic Ranch Pizza
• Tuesday - Tater Tot Casserole
• Wednesday - Leftovers
• Thursday - Baked Potato Soup and Molasses Rolls
• Friday - Frozen meal
• Saturday - Cookout at our house! We're making Ring of Fire Chicken, Kale Caesar Pasta Salad, Apple Crisp with Caramel Sauce, and a Blueberry Pie. I'm sure others will bring things.
• Sunday - Leftovers

On my to do list: I'm in charge of buying books for our spring charity. I want to make sure to get books for a variety of ages and books that are cheap. We need to stretch our money! I also need to figure out my Stampin' Up plan for the next few months. The retiring list comes out tomorrow. The new catalog launches June 1st. I want to reevaluate my current supplies, strategically plan my purchases for April and May, and prep for a possibly catalog launch in June!

Happening this week:

• Monday - Nothing activity wise, but Stampin' Up's retiring list will be up. I'll be spending some time looking at that. And I'll have a ton of errands to do: grocery, Target, and Half Price Books (for our spring charity donation)
• Tuesday - Children's Fairyland
• Wednesday - Seven Seas Park
• Thursday - Probably errands; Stamp Club
• Friday - Possibly a walk at Shoreline
• Saturday - Cookout at our house
• Sunday - Book club over Let's Pretend This Never Happened by Jenny Lawson

What I am creating: Nothing at the moment although I am starting to lay out my card designs for May's SSINK Design Team cards.

My simple pleasures: Cucumber Mint Unsweetened Sparkling Water from Target. I found a case on clearance and it's been just the thing to help keep my nausea down. I don't want to drink pop, but I find the carbonation helpful. Sparkling water is perfect but I like a bit of flavor. These little cans are perfect for right now. I'm hoping they have more when I go back tomorrow.

Looking around the house: I'm participating in our parent group garage in May and I need to start the process of setting the sale stuff aside. I think I'll start in the master bedroom and work myself downstairs. I have my big anatomy ultrasound on May 2nd. If it's a boy, we'll be keeping all of Arthur's old clothes of course. If it's a girl, I will be keeping some clothes and selling others. Guess that means that Arthur's room will have to wait until after that scan...

From the camera: From the spring social yesterday.

Life Right Now #11

As I look outside my window: Grey and rainy. It's been raining for three days now. As much as I love falling asleep to the rain, I think I'm ready for the sunshine to reappear.

Right now I am: Drinking some coffee and eating some breakfast while Arthur watches Mighty Machines.

Thinking and pondering: I need a better plan for this week. The lack of activities could result in too much tv and couch time. Time to pull out my daily pages...

On my bedside table: Almost finished with A Dance with Dragons. From there, I'm planning to read Ready Player One by Ernest Cline, Failure is Impossible by Lynn Sherr, and Let’s Pretend This Never Happened by Jenny Lawson (reread for book club in April)

On my tv this week: J and I caught up with Limitless and The Magicians. Holy cow! Those two shows are killing me (in a good way). I also started watching The Property Brothers S3 during the day.

Listening to: Nothing much this week. A few podcasts here and there, but nothing that exciting.

On the menu for this week: A light menu as we are trying to cut the grocery budget and use the food already in the kitchen.

• Monday - Sausage Crescent Roll, Eggs, Muffins, Oatmeal
• Tuesday - Dijon Brown Sugar Flank Steak, Veggies, Rolls
• Wednesday - Leftovers
• Thursday - Fish, probably Parmesan Tilapia
• Friday - Frozen meal, probably Tex Mex Chicken
• Saturday - Garlic Ranch Chicken Pizza
• Sunday - Pulled Pork Sandwiches

On my to do list: Buy and construct the photo booth frame. Finish a few blog posts. Send out April birthday cards. Send out sprinkle invites. Meal plan for the rest of April.

Happening this week: Super light week. After last week's crazy activities, it will be nice to step back and get a handle on house stuff and future planning.

• Monday - Maybe the park and errands
• Tuesday - Maybe the library
• Wednesday - Spring Social Prep Meeting
• Thursday - Maybe San Francisco Walk with Fremont ladies
• Friday - Nothing, probably house chores
• Saturday - Spring Social!!!!
• Sunday - Happiness Project Check-in

What I am creating: A few design team cards, prepping for Week in the Life in May, Catching up Arthur and twins' PL albums, Sprinkle cards and banners (for May)

My simple pleasures: Rainy nights to fall asleep, granola, grocery deals, snuggly toddlers

Looking around the house: How can Arthur trash the playroom and living room in under 10 minutes? This place is a disaster.

From the camera: Playing with the frogs.

Life Right Now #10

As I look outside my window: Foggy in the canyon

Right now I am: Getting ready to head out to two different book clubs today. So excited for a bit of me time.

Thinking and pondering: Lots of home organization questions...

On my bedside table: Ready Player One by Ernest Cline; Failure is Impossible by Lynn Sherr; Let’s Pretend This Never Happened by Jenny Lawson (reread for book club in April)

On my tv this week: J and I jumped right back into The Magicians, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and Limitless. Plus Archer started back up again! Woohoo! Arthur and I finally watched The Good Dinosaur. I enjoyed that one.

Listening to: I caught up with One Bad Mother and What Should I Read Next while traveling home.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Apple Orchard Panini and Chips
• Tuesday - BBQ Chicken (double batch to save some for a friend's meal train)
• Wednesday - Spicy Thai Noodles (new recipe for me!)
• Thursday - Sausage Crescent Rolls, Eggs, and Muffins
• Friday - Leftovers
• Saturday - Out possibly...
• Sunday - Chili and Cornbread

On my to do list: Buy PVC for photo booth frame, gets twins reenrolled, pay for the social, finish A Dance with Dragons

Happening this week:

• Monday - Oakland Zoo!
• Tuesday - Doctor's appointment in the morning. Board meeting in the evening.
• Wednesday - Seven Seas Park Playdate
• Thursday - Bay Area Discovery Museum
• Friday - Cleaning, chore catch up
• Saturday - Nothing so far
• Sunday - Crop day

What I am creating: PL pages for March. Getting my printed pics today!

My simple pleasures: Chocolate donuts, my own bed, stretchy clothes

Looking around the house: We need to do some serious spring cleaning around here!

Life Right Now #9

As I look outside my window: Darkness (okay so I'm writing this on Saturday night because I know I'll forgot to on Sunday morning)

Right now I am: Sitting on the couch while the twins play video games, my mom reads, and the toddler is actually sleeping.

Thinking and pondering: When will I start to feel better? Having a bit of a week...

On my bedside table: Let's Pretend This Never Happened by Jenny Lawson (reread for book club in April), The Orchid Affair by Lauren Willig (love the Pink Carnation series!), and possibly Ready Player One by Ernest Cline (one my TBR short list).

On my tv this week: Mom had me watch Gotham while I was here. Not too bad, although I'm not jumping up to watch it. Other than that, we just haven't been watching much tv while here in Indiana.

Listening to: Catching up on podcasts including the end of this season's Here to Make Friends. I love their snark about The Bachelor series. Can't wait until May when The Bachelorette starts. I've also been trying to catch up with One Bad Mother (only 1 episode behind now) and What Should I Read Next (5 episodes behind).

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Dinner out with mom and great aunt
• Tuesday - Dinner out with mom
• Wednesday - I imagine carry-out as Arthur and I will have been traveling all day
• Thursday - ??? Maybe a freezer meal
• Friday - Mongolian Beef with rice and veggies
• Saturday - Black Bean Soup and Quesadillas
• Sunday - Sausage Crescent Roll with Eggs

On my to do list: Travel home! Write a few blog posts. Finish my current book before I leave for California (Indiana library book). Follow-up emails for the spring social. Probably laundry and cleaning...

Happening this week:

• Monday - Lunch and catching up time with an Indiana friend; Dinner with mom and great aunt
• Tuesday - Packing to go home
• Wednesday - Travel Day
• Thursday - Travel decompress day (probably laundry and cleaning house also)
• Friday - ???
• Saturday - A One Bad Mother area meetup! I can't wait to meet some of the OBPs in real life!
• Sunday - Two books clubs! Busy busy...

What I am creating: Nothing. Can't wait to get back into my craft area when I get home.

My simple pleasures: Lemon pound cake, iced tea, Hershey nuggets, snuggles from the toddler, dinner with an old friend.

Looking around the house: Arthur has seriously strewn toys everywhere. Guess what i'm doing on Monday.

From the camera: Arthur and his Easter egg. So excited about dyeing them. It was his first time...

Life Right Now #8

As I look outside my window: Sunny but I know it's cold out there. We are in Indiana in March...

Right now I am: Enjoying a bit of late brunch before the in-laws come to pick up Arthur and I.

Thinking and pondering: Our game plan for this week. The twins are off for spring break and we have a whole week to fill with activities...

On my bedside table: Fables Vol. 22; The Orchid Affair by Lauren Willig; Dead Mr. You by Mary Louise Parker

On my tv this week: I finally finished The Bachelor. So upset with his choice, but super glad that my choice gets to be the new Bachelorette. Otherwise, we haven't really watched tv while in Indiana.

Listening to: The twins babble on about their games...

On the menu for this week: No idea. Mom keeps a lid on her dinners, but I do know that she wants me to make Chicken Parmesan sometime this week.

On my to do list: Take the boys shopping. Make sure to buy them shoes...

Happening this week:

• Monday - Shopping day with the twins
• Tuesday - Probably the library and maybe visit to grandma and grandpa.
• Wednesday - Nick has a doctor's appointment for his broken arm. We have to drive all the way down to Anderson. Blech!
• Thursday - No idea...
• Friday - Mom's off so we might do something together
• Saturday - No idea...
• Sunday - Easter. No idea about our actual plans yet.

What I am creating: Lots of lists. I didn't bring my craft supplies as we are only here 2 weeks, but I did plan on working on my blog and other to-do lists and plans.

My simple pleasures: Lemon cake, iced tea, snuggling with the toddler.

Looking around the house: This isn't even our house and Arthur has a ton of toys here.

From the camera:

Life Right Now #7

As I look outside my window: Gray and a bit foggy. The usual weather for my birthday weekend.

Right now I am: Eating breakfast. I know pretty boring...

Thinking and pondering: I got a free coffee from Starbucks for my birthday. The trick is that it expires today... Ugh Starbucks! I get 48 hours to use my birthday reward? I really want my free latte, but that requires packing up the toddler, driving to Starbucks, and getting out of the car because the closest Starbuck's drive through is all the way at Bay Fair. Should I go???

On my bedside table: Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan; I, Robot by Isaac Asimov; The Manhattan Projects Vo. 3-5

On my tv this week: Lots of Turn S2. I so love that show!

Listening to: Arthur babbles. He's nonstop talking lately.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Bacon, Cheese, Peach Paninis
• Tuesday - Bacon and Spinach Pasta
• Wednesday - Leftovers
• Thursday-Saturday - Retreat!!!!
• Sunday - ??? I'll probably pick up something easy on the way back from the retreat.

On my to do list: Pack for the retreat!!!!

Happening this week:

• Monday - Cleaning day
• Tuesday - Possibly a trip to Mel's Play Place for Arthur
• Wednesday - Quick shopping trip for the retreat; MVPA Board meeting
• Thursday-Sunday - MVPA Retreat!!!!

What I am creating: Stamp Club cards -- One down, I have two cards to go

My simple pleasures: Yummy food -- We had German potato salad, pickle wraps, Ring of Fire chicken, brats, chips and dip, pasta salad, and delicious chocolate cake for my birthday cookout yesterday. Today, we get leftovers!

Looking around the house: I'm really needing to do a deep clean on the bathrooms this week...

From the camera: My first attempt at making scones. The consistency was a bit off, but they were oh so yummy!

Life Right Now #6

As I look outside my window: A bit of fog out there this morning. I'm sure it will burn off in a few hours.

Right now I am: Eating breakfast (PB toast and coffee) before heading out to Redwood City for book club

Thinking and pondering:  How can I stretch our grocery budget even more than we already do? Of course, we want to save money. But I also don't want to go to eating mac n cheese and ramen a few times a week.

On my bedside table: Stack of graphic novels (three volumes of Morning Glories and three volumes of The Manhattan Projects), Mr Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore, and I, Robot

On my tv this week:Catching up with our currently airing shows -- The Muppets, Limitless, Teachers, Telenovela, The Magicians

Listening to: Lots of The Beatles and Hamilton Soundtrack

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Cashew Chicken in the crockpot, first time trying this recipe
• Tuesday - Bacon and Spinach Pasta
• Wednesday - Apple Cheddar Stuffed Chicken
• Thursday - Leftovers
• Friday - Cheese Stuffed Meatball Sliders
• Saturday - Cookout, haven't decided the menu yet
• Sunday - No idea

On my to do list: Grocery list, send out March cards, clean clean clean

Happening this week:

• Monday - Ummm... nothing
• Tuesday - Oakland Zoo day
• Wednesday - Ardenwood Farm for toddler storytime; love Ardenwood and it's only $3 to get in
• Thursday - Possibly Tots on Wheels @ Las Palmas Park
• Friday - Nothing so far
• Saturday - My Birthday!!!! We're having a cookout to celebrate a friend and mine
• Sunday - Recovering from the cookout?

What I am creating: Retreat crafts and March and April design team cards

My simple pleasures: Strawberry fruit bars -- so incredibly yummy!

Looking around the house: Once again, our house is trashed. Ugh. It's a never ending struggle.

From the camera: Finally had a great day at the park. Lots of friends, great temps, and a happy toddler.

Life Right Now #5

As I look outside my window: Watching the hawks fly around the backyard. I will miss them when we move back to the peninsula (hoping that happens fairly soon).

Right now I am: Sitting on the couch enjoying breakfast with the bug.

Thinking and pondering: How are we going to handle another move? I just don't have it in me to pack up the entire house basically by myself and deal with a two-year-old. This is going to take some extra planning.

On my bedside table: Stack of comics that a picked up from the library. I've got a few volumes of The Manhattan Projects and a few volumes of Morning Glories.

On my tv this week: Lots more Limitless (with J) and Reign (without J). Arthur and I have been watching the second season of Gravity Falls.

Listening to: Elise Gets Crafty podcast. I'm about a year behind on her episodes and slowly working my way through. Just listened to episode 44 Building Creative Routines with Tracy Benjamin. Very interest conversation! And I already follow Tracy's blog so it was nice to hear more from her.

On the menu for this week: Usually I have my meals planned out super well. This coming week is a bit of a free for all. I'm just not into cooking lately and it's taking a toll on my meal planning.

• Monday - Frozen chinese with crab rangoon
• Tuesday - Leftovers
• Wednesday - Pizza Sticks
• Thursday - Some kind of chicken dish...
• Friday - Corndogs and mac and cheese
• Saturday - Pizza, maybe
• Sunday - No idea

On my to do list: Finish cleaning out the craft area; meal plan until Arthur and I leave for Indiana; probably a ton more that I'm forgetting...

Happening this week: Super light week coming up. I just haven't committed to a ton lately. We'll see how the week progresses.

• Monday - Nothing so far... maybe a park morning
• Tuesday - Doctor's appointment in the morning
• Wednesday - Seven Seas Park playdate
• Thursday - Nothing
• Friday - Nothing
• Saturday - Crop day
• Sunday - Book club in the morning

What I am creating: Finishing off the retreat crafts...

My simple pleasures: Lots and lots of iced tea; apples; ginger beer

Looking around the house: Once again, this place is a disaster. Really need to get the 2 year old to pick up his toys on a more consistent basis.

From the camera: Puzzle making first thing in the morning.

Life Right Now #4

As I look outside my window: Looking at the beautiful pink flowers on our trees out front. They only stay for a few weeks so we're enjoying them while they last.

Right now I am: Sitting on the couch, drinking some coffee while Arthur watches an episode of Chuggington.

Thinking and pondering: Wrapping my brain around some big news. Will share in a few weeks.

On my bedside table: ??? I have no idea what I'm going to read next. I could start March's book club books (Zeitoun by Dave Eggers and Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan) or I could pick another random choice from the TBR jar. Decisions decisions...

On my tv this week: Still a week behind on The Bachelor. I hope Olivia goes home in the one I'm still waiting to watch... J and I have been on a bit of a Limitless kick watching about 6 episodes this week. And we continued our absurd Fantastic Four movie marathon with the sequel. Up next, the reboot that gets 10% on Rotten Tomatoes. This should be interesting.

Listening to: Hamilton soundtrack. J finally picked it up and it's been on repeat in this house for days.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Apple Bacon Sweet Potatoes and Salad
• Tuesday - Egg, Bacon, and Cheese rollups and Oatmeal
• Wednesday - Chicken Tortilla Soup
• Thursday - BBQ Chicken Pizza
• Friday - Potato, Barley, Ham Soup
• Saturday - Leftovers
• Sunday - BBQ Ribs, Baked Potato

On my to do list: Working on decluttering Arthur's room this coming week. And making a pass at the hallway (where all the board games are). Beyond that I need to complete a few regular cleaning tasks (wipe down bathrooms, laundry, etc)

Happening this week:

• Monday - Probably staying in due to President's Day and no school
• Tuesday - Social Committee Brainstorming Meeting; As Social Director I'm hosting this one to get some good ideas going forward.
• Wednesday - Bay Area Discovery Museum; So far, no one else has signed up, but Arthur and I are planning on going no matter what.
• Thursday - Possible park visit during the morning and Stamp Club in the evening.
• Friday - ??? Probably house cleaning.
• Saturday - Happiness Project check-in meeting
• Sunday - Book Club (The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom) and Paint Nite

What I am creating: Still have a few February design team cards to finish up. Need to complete examples for stamp club on Thursday. And I'm hoping to make some real progress on the retreat crafts.

My simple pleasures: Fill-it-in puzzles, love curling up with a puzzle book and a pen at night.

Looking around the house: The downstairs is in pretty good condition after cleaning for the cookout on Saturday. Now I need to look to the upstairs.

From the camera: Showing off his Monster Box we made at the Valentines Exchange last week.

Life Right Now #3

As I look outside my window: The sun is back after a hiatus for most of January. Arthur and I have been busy watching all the birds (hawks mostly) circle around the backyard and nature preserve beyond the fence.

Thinking and pondering: What I am willing to settle for house wise? We're looking to move closer to Palo Alto, but pickings are slim for our price and square footage requirements. I can sacrifice some things (big backyard), but am unwilling on others (large living room/kitchen/dining areas). It's hard! Real estate is insane in the Bay Area...

On my bedside table: I cleaned and dusted it, so nice and clean! I'm currently reading A Brief History of Time and The Seduction of the Crimson Rose which rounds out my chosen books for February. I'm sure I'll finish those two with days in the month to spare. I'm thinking about adding Coffee Nerd and You Did What to the table... Need another nonfiction to round out February.

On my tv this week: We finished Galavant (not as good as 1st season), watched multiple episodes of Limitless (really good now), and I enjoyed a few episodes of Anthony Bourdain's Parts Unknown (Tokyo was crazy!, Copenhagen was great!) and Week 4 of The Bachelor (watching it on free Hulu so a week behind)

Listening to:  More podcasts (One Bad Mother, Here to Make Friends [The Bachelor podcast] and The Beatles (all the songs!)

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Parmesan Crusted Tilapia, Rice side, Veggie
• Tuesday - Buffalo Chicken Sliders, Fries
• Wednesday - Tater Tot Casserole
• Thursday - BBQ Chicken Pizza
• Friday - PF Chang's Freezer Meal
• Saturday - Cookout! Brats and Hot Dogs on the Grill!
• Sunday - Leftovers

On my to do list: I'm slowly working my way through decluttering the house. This next week, I want to finish the upstairs and get a jump on the downstairs. The hardest area is definitely going to be the kitchen and craft areas. Saving those until last...

Happening this week:

• Monday - ??? Probably grocery/errands, maybe some park time.
• Tuesday - Possible card class. If no one has signed up by tonight, it's getting cancelled.
• Wednesday - Parent group Valentine's Day Party! We've got our Valentines ready to go. And we get to make Monster Valentine boxes at the party. I'm excited.
• Thursday - Charity drop-off. The president and I are dropping off the charity donations from the Winter Social.
• Friday - Coffee and playdate at my house. We'll see if anyone actually signs up...
• Saturday - Cookout at our house! Invited the parent group. So far, two other families are driving up.
• Sunday - Possible toddler birthday party. Hoping everyone stays healthy so we can go. It's being held at our local in door play space.

What I am creating: Trying to finish up some retreat crafts (one is almost done, the other I haven't even started), two more design team cards for February, January Project Life pages, and one more card (shaving cream technique!) and one 3D project for stamp club (Feb. 18th). Wrapping up those projects to focus on March!

My simple pleasures: Green tea with honey (only thing that helped me survive my nasty cold); Tagalong and Thin Mint Girl Scout cookies (a neighborhood girl takes orders online and delivers to my door, this may become a problem...); good books (always!)

Looking around the house: Crap is everywhere! Being sick really takes a toll on the general cleanliness of the house. Need to get back into the cleaning habit this week...

From the camera: Arthur and his early Valentine's Day present from Grandma Heidi and Papa Bill!

Life Right Now #2

As I look outside my window: Still overcast and rainy. I'll take it over snow and ice any day, but I am missing the sunshine.

Thinking and pondering: I've been struggling with my goals for this year. What big projects do I want to take on? (ex. launching a third blog, learning some new skills like coding) Right this moment, I feel very stretched thin. I think that feeling is due to January just being a crap month. We've been sick almost the entire time. Getting healthy should help alleviate some of that stress.

On my bedside table: A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking; The Angel's Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafon; Hollow City by Ransom Riggs

On my tv this week: Galavant (love the buddy comedy portions and Vinnie Jones is a treat), Revenge (only three episodes left, I'm almost done!), Limitless the tv show (J had me watch the pilot last night, has potential), The Magicians (J and I both love the book series, tv series has potential)

Listening to: Lots of podcasts! I completely caught up with One Bad Mother (love the podcast and the closed FB community, so supportive and funny!). I started The Simple Show with Tsh Oxenreider. I'm not a fan of the faith discussions, but I do enjoy the discussions about simple living. I'll keep with it. Getting caught up with Happier with Gretchen Rubin. Hoping to dive back into Elise Gets Crafty this coming week.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Asian glazed shrimp
• Tuesday - Mini quiches
• Wednesday - Pulled pork sandwiches
• Thursday - Leftovers
• Friday - Baked potato soup
• Saturday - Black bean and guacamole wraps
• Sunday - Dijon brown sugar steak

On my to do list:

• Sort out Social Committee -- sickness pushed this meeting to next Tuesday
• Finish my book club book (Jan. 31st) -- so close!
• Clean Bathrooms -- sickness took all my energy this past week
• Make 4 design team cards -- never got around to it...
• Grocery shopping
• Start looking into plane tickets for March
• Brainstorm some long term goals
• Finish my stamp club cards for the absent ladies
• Pick up the playroom!
• Mail out Craftmas Swap Project

Happening this week:

• Monday - Grocery and errand day
• Tuesday - Possible park day if nice
• Wednesday - Playdate at Seven Seas Park, dropping off meal to mom friend with newborn, possible card classes (if people RSVP by Monday)
• Thursday - Library day
• Friday - Coffee and playdate at my house
• Saturday - Winter Social!!!!
• Sunday - Nothing so far... will be nice to have a break after the insanity of the Winter Social

What I am creating: February design team cards. Hoping to get 4 done this week. And maybe start working on February stamp club cards...

My simple pleasures:  A healthy toddler. Thank goodness!

Looking around the house: It is a disaster after multiple sick days. Hoping to get some things cleaned up this week.

From the camera: My favorite card I designed for January stamp club. Love watercolor emboss resist!

Life Right Now #1

With the start of the new year, I'm changing up my usual Sunday wrap-up posts. I've grown tired of my format. I found this one somewhere on the internet and love it!

As I look outside my window: Overcast and rainy. Starting to miss the sunshine...

Thinking and pondering: What to do with the social committee and upcoming winter social? Long story short, I'm taking over as Social Director of my nonprofit parent group earlier than I had planned. Things are a bit in disarray and we have a social planned for Jan. 30th. Time to get my butt in gear and sort it all out...

On my bedside table: The Deception of the Emerald Ring by Lauren Willig; A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking

On my tv this week: Ash vs. Evil Dead; Telenovela (surprisingly funny); Revenge (I will finish this series sometime soon)

Listening to: David Bowie tribute channel on Sirius XM, it's been a hard week

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Vegetable Beef Soup and Baguette
• Tuesday - Lemon Chicken Skillet with Brussel Sprouts
• Wednesday - Chicken Parmesan Wraps
• Thursday - Tuscan Kale and White Bean Soup
• Friday -  Pot Roast
• Saturday - Cookout
• Sunday - Leftovers

On my to do list: 

• Sort out Social Committee
• Brainstorm for Cares Committee
• Finish my stamp club cards for Thursday
• Figure out my stamp club order for Thursday
• Finish my craftmas swap
• Finish my book club book (Jan. 31st)
• Laundry
• Clean Bathrooms (oh fun...)
• Make 4 design team cards
• Send out first retreat email
• Lots more I'm sure I'm forgetting right now...

Happening this week:

• Monday - Errands probably
• Tuesday - Cares Committee brainstorming meeting
• Wednesday - Visit to the parking lot sized sand box in Berkeley; it's only open this week so we have to take advantage of it!
• Thursday - Social Committee prep meeting
• Friday - Trip to the Bay Area Discovery Museum
• Saturday - Crop Day and Thirty-One Open House and dinner BBQ
• Sunday - Book club meeting (Chocolat by Joanne Harris)

What I am creating: Working on crafts for my Craftmas Secret Swap buddy. Can't tell you what I'm working on, but I'll be sure to share once I've sent it off.

My simple pleasures: Arthur going to bed at 8pm (he didn't while we were in Indiana...), cup of tea before bed, time to read, my couch

Looking around the house: The bathrooms haven't been cleaned since I left for Indiana in early December. J's not big on the cleaning. And I need to do another closet cleanout.

From the camera: Arthur really loves his baby (panda Care Bear)

Sunday Sunset #29

Listening To: Christmas music! The car radio has been set on the Christmas music station. Loving it!

Book finished: Soulbound; Body and Soul; Fables Vol. 20

Reading: Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon (yep, still)

On the Nightstand: Fairest Vol. 5; American Vampire Vol. 4-7

Making Lists: Meals, blog ideas, craft class ideas, 2016 projects, etc. It's time for my big blog break. I usually take the break to plan ahead for the next year and take time to brainstorm. This week I've been working on meal planning for January through March and craft classes.

From the kitchen: Nothing as my mom has been cooking or we've been going out. I am looking through my Pinterest board for a good bog batch Christmas cocktail...

Crafting: I received my SU preorder this past week and can't wait to dive in. I'm playing around with some designs for my swap cards. Nothing definite yet, but I'm hoping to do some crafting soon. And I have a few holiday albums to complete before we leave.

Watching: PBS cartoons. Arthur's been enjoying a bit more television while we're here in Indiana. As for me, I've been starting Season 3 of Sleepy Hollow. Hoping to get caught up before I go back to California.

From Nature: Flew from California to Indiana and didn't change temperatures. So weird! We've had temps in the 50s for the first part of this week and then it dropped to the mid-30s. Mid-30s this normal for December. Hopefully it doesn't get super cold while we're still here.

Project: So many projects! I'm working on a ton of new projects and ideas for 2016.

Picture: The twins and Arthur hanging out at one of our Christmas get-togethers last weekend.

Sunday Sunset #28

Listening To: One Bad Mother. I'm about 5 episodes behind (horror!) and trying to catch up. I'm hoping to be able to listen to some during the plane ride. Here's hoping Arthur cooperates and plays and/or sleeps for part of the long flight.

Book finished: The Secret History of the Pink Carnation; The Happiness Project (reread); The Mask of the Black Tulip

Reading: Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon (still)

On the Nightstand: Chocolat by Joanne Harris; Heart of Christmas

MakingLists: Ideas of 2016. I've got a blog ideas list, a craft ideas list, a general household list, a kid-related list, and many more... Yeah I love making lists!

From the kitchen: Nothing exciting at all...

Crafting: I finished all my Christmas cards last week, so this week was all about clean-up!I wanted my craft are to be clean before I left. But before I got to that, I knocked out November's PL pages. Now my area is clean and tidy. All ready for me to get back in January and dive back into crafting!

Watching: Lots of Atlantis, it got super serious and good. Catching up on Shield, Elementary, and The League.

From Nature: The weather has gone from chilly to warm and sunny to raining. My favorite has been the rainy days. I love listening to the sound of the rain.

Project: Prepping for travel. Arthur and I leave for Indiana on Wednesday. I've gotten most of our stuff packed, but have a list of last minute things to put in (you know, toothbrush, phone and charger, etc). I managed to pack everything in one large suitcase, my new Take Two Tote as a carry-on, and a small backpack for Arthur. My suitcase is mostly full of presents. Thankfully those will be gone coming back, but just in case I need an extra carry-on, I packed my Fold-Over Weekender in the bottom. It lays completely flat in the suitcase and can be made bigger or smaller depending on my needs.

Picture: After bath time, I was laying on the bed reading while Arthur ran around. He grabbed a book off my shelves, climbed up on the bed, laid down next to me, and starting "reading." He's definitely my kid!

Sunday Sunset #27

Listening To: Christmas music! It's after Thanksgiving, right?

Book finished: Some Enchanted Evening; The Barefoot Princess; The Prince Kidnaps a Bride

Reading: Warrior Women by Jeannine Davis-Kimball; The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin (reread); Dargonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon

On the Nightstand: ????? Trying to decide what to take with me to Indiana on Christmas vacation.

MakingLists: Packing list for Indiana!

From the kitchen: I hosted my first Thanksgiving dinner and it went amazingly well. J made a loaf of fresh bread, ring of fire chicken, and a lemon-blueberry-blackberry pie. I made twice baked sweet potatoes, corn casserole, apple crisp with homemade caramel sauce, and four different cocktails. Other attendees rounded out our meal. Everything was delicious and everyone seemed like they had a good time. We ended the night with dessert while watching The Usual Suspects.

Crafting: I finished up my Christmas cards this past week and put most of those supplies away. Pam and Sara came over yesterday for crop day. We each worked on some projects and chatted about the upcoming Occasions and SAB catalogs and the craft fair. I sorted out my December Daily supplies and started prepping the holiday albums...

Watching: J and I are moving through the released Marvel movies. Last night we watched Captain America and on Friday we watched Thor. We'll probably continue the trend until I leave for Indiana. Alone I caught up with Once Upon a Time. Birth was a great episode and The Bear King was a complete snooze. Oh well. I'll keep watching I'm sure. I also finished Star Trek: The Original Series this past week. Third season was a struggled, but I made it through. Now I just have Voyager, Enterprise, DS9, the animated series, and Star Trek Continued to finish...

From Nature: Some rain this week. Some wind this week. And temperatures all over the place. Typical for November in the Bay Area.

Project: Prepping for holiday crafting. I'm getting my December Daily supplies ready. I'm prepping the Holiday albums. I'm picking my preorder items to be sent to my mom's house so I can play. I'm cleaning up my craft area for when I'm gone (I love to return to a nice clean space). I'm working on at least the first half of November for my Project Life albums. And I'm thinking about classes to teach for January. A focus on crafting this week.

Picture: What I wore for Thanksgiving. Loving these new faux leather panel pants I got in my last Dia & Co. box. So comfy and fashionable!