Life Right Now #30

Right now I am: Finally watching S2 of Stranger Things!

Thinking and pondering: What other activites did we want to accomplish before Christmas? Making a list and checking it twice!

On my bedside table: the Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman; Hexes and Hemlines by Juliet Blackwell

On my tv this week: Some old episodes of Q.I. and The Great British Bake-Off. Arthur and I finally finished watching Avatar. Kinda lackluster finale, but still good. We also watched a few movies this week.

Listening to: Of Monsters and Men, Nina Simone, Hamilton Cast Recording, Bastille

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Chicken n Dumplings
Tuesday - I have no idea...
Wednesday - Sloppy Joes
Thursday - Kale and White Bean Soup
Friday - Pot Roast
Saturday - Monterrey Chicken
Sunday - Lefftovers

On my to do list: I have a ton of cleaning to do this week plus getting through Halloween and moving on to Thanksgiving projects. I should also do a clothing sort for the boys (and myself) and create a clothing needs lists for winter and Christmas.

Happening this week:

Monday - Probably errands
Tuesday - Nothing during the day, but at night... Halloween!
Wednesday - Lindsay Wildlife Experience
Thursday - Grocery store, Target, Sprouts
Friday - Half Moon Bay Beach Day
Saturday - Christmas Card Classes Day
Sunday - ???

What I am creating: I'm finishing up my 30 Days of Christmas Cards from Sketches. This will be appearing on the craft blog throughout the month of November. I also started pulling supplies for this year's December Daily kits.

My simple pleasures: Cooler temperatures, a mug of hot tea, a good book.

Looking around the house: There are cheerios absolutely everywhere in the living room...

From the camera: Admiring the view at the zoo

Next up on the TBR pile:

Life Right Now #29

As I look outside my window: It's so dark outside...

Right now I am: Relaxing a bit after the big parent group Halloween party. Lots of fun, but man, lots of work.

Thinking and pondering: What do I need to do next? So many things on my big to-do list, but I need to do some prioritizing.

On my bedside table: A Cast Off Coven by Juliet Blackwell; The Devil in the Shape of a Woman by Carol Karlsen

On my tv this week: I watched a few more episodes of Reign S4 -- getting super close to finishing the series. J and I watched both versions of The Haunting for comparison.

Listening to: Not much really. I did listen to a few episodes of m y podcasts, but not that many.

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Peanut Chicken Bowls
Tuesday - Prosciutto and Fig Pizza
Wednesday - Spinach and Artichoke Melts
Thursday - Leftovers
Friday - Waffle Crab Cakes
Saturday - Chicken and Dumblings
Sunday - Smoke Sausage

On my to do list: After being sick last week, I need to catch up on a variety of chores and little tasks.

Happening this week:

Monday - Errand day
Tuesday - Santana Row Trick-or-Treating
Wednesday - Pumpkin Patch?
Thursday - Children's Creativity Museum
Friday - Probably a doctor visit for vaccinations
Saturday - Boo at the Oakland Zoo
Sunday - Friend's birthday party

What I am creating: Working on more Christmas cards.

My simple pleasures: Wacky cake and sleep

Looking around the house: Lots of house chores to be finished.

From the camera: Our first Halloween event of the season.

Life Right Now #28

As I look outside my window: Sun is shining, the leaves are a fun mix of colors even here in the relatively season-less Bay Area.

Right now I am: Attempting to blog while Quentin climbs all over me... it's a challenge.

Thinking and pondering: What activities/projects do I need to prioritize next? There's always something coming up, just ned to decide on an order that makes sense.

On my bedside table: Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly; The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

On my tv this week: J and I watched a few movies (Why Him?; The Little Hours; Spiderman Homecoming). Arthur and I watched a few episodes of Avatar. We only have four episodes left in the series!

Listening to: Yesterday's pirate music mix J created. I was really getting into the pirate shanties. And it even included all the songs from The Pirates of Penzance.

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Southwest Beef and Cabbage
Tuesday - Chicken Tortilla Soup
Wednesday - Lemon and Caper Fish
Thursday - Beef Stew; Rosemary Flat Bread
Friday - Leftovers
Saturday - Coffee Rubbed Pork Loin
Sunday - Meatball Sliders

On my to do list: I need to buy some plane tickets, make eye appointments, finish cleaning from the party, redo our big to do lists (birthday party was a big event cluttering my list), do a playroom cleanout (thinking of getting rid of the baby toys), schedule retreat info meetings, craft a ton, and read!

Happening this week:

Monday - Errand day
Tuesday - Oakland Zoo!
Wednesday - Pumpkin patch?
Thursday - Arthur's doctor appointment
Friday - Probably a home day
Saturday - Stamp Club
Sunday - Train ride for Arthur's actual birthday

What I am creating: Now that the birthday party is over, I need to focus on creating Christmas cards for my Christmas card classes and personal use.

My simple pleasures: Rum punch and cupcakes!

Looking around the house: The kitchen needs a good wipe down after yesterday's big birthday party and the playroom is a disaster. No huge tasks, but i would like to get to them today.

From the camera:

Next up on the TBR pile:

Life Right Now #27

As I look outside my window: The sun is setting on this Saturday night...

Right now I am: Enjoying a bit of quiet before the craziness of bedtime.

On my bedside table: The Last Stand by Nathaniel Philbrick; Ash and Quill by Rachel Caine

On my tv this week: J and I were super excited to start S2 of The Good Place. Can't wait to see where this goes... We also watched a few movies (The Island of Lost Souls; Sausage Party; The Lost City of Z).

Listening to: Andrew Bird's Are You Serious. I'm loving the eclectic sound of this album and his song with Fiona Apple is just amazing!

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Tuesday - Chili and Cornbread
Wednesday - Chicken Ranch Tacos; Black Bean Soup
Thursday - Leftovers
Friday - Ravioli
Saturday - Beef Tips
Sunday - Appetizer Night

On my to do list: I have some random bigger tasks to make sure and take care of this week including making eye appointments and buying plane tickets for Christmas. I also have a few lingering tasks to prep for the birthday party (making shark fins, picking up chocolate coins, etc).

Happening this week:

Monday - Errand day (this is becoming the routine)
Tuesday - Quentin's 1st birthday!!!! We're celebrating by having cupcakes at our park playdate.
Wednesday - Home day probably
Thursday - Q's doctor appointment
Friday - Visit to Deer Hollow Farm at Rancho San Antonio
Saturday - Arthur's friend's birthday party
Sunday - Probably another home day

What I am creating: With the completion of these three birthday cards, I am ready to dive into Christmas card making. I'm doing 30 Days of Christmas Cards from Sketches in November on my blog, so I need to start now! I'm starting with the new stamp sets, creating cards for my Christmas card classes and stamp club. And then I'll dive into the older supplies and scraps of paper to make some of the sketches. Super excited!

My simple pleasures: Good movies, break-n-bake cookies (for those lazy nights), snuggling under the covers, pretty cookbooks, chai tea

Looking around the house: The downstairs is fairly clean, but the upstairs is a bit of a mess. And the big birthday party is coming soon! I need to make a master to clean list to make sure I work it all in.

From the camera: Saturday morning shenanigans

Next up on the TBR pile:

Life Right Now #26

As I look outside my window: It's dark this Saturday night.

Right now I am: Watching the last episode of Ken Burns's The National Parks with J. I've really enjoyed this series. Even with the struggles and turmoil, I found the series to be very calming and up-lifting. Now we need to plan some trips to some of the nearby national parks.

Thinking and pondering: Christmas card designs. I usually start making my cards in September or October. It's been on my mind lately, but I need to finish my Halloween and Thanksgiving cards firsts.

On my bedside table: The Lost City of Z by David Grann; The Last Stand by Nathaniel Philbrick; The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton

On my tv this week: Ken Burns's The National Parks (we finished Saturday night!), Supernatural S2, and a few movies.

Listening to: Lots of political podcasts including Pod Save America's interview with Hillary Clinton. Fascinating!

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Tilapia
Tuesday - Buffalo Chicken Nachoes
Wednesday - Broccoli Beef
Thursday - Apple Bacon Stuffed Sweet Potatos
Friday - Leftovers
Saturday - Cajun Stuffed Chicken
Sunday - Appetizer night

On my to do list: I still need to buy plane tickets, make eye appointments, and finish some craft projects.

Happening this week:

Monday - Errand day (Safeway, Target, Sprouts)
Tuesday - Possible pool party here
Wednesday - Playdate at our house
Thursday - ???
Friday - ???
Saturday - Coffee and Cards Craft Event
Sunday - Book Club (Fates and Furies)

What I am creating: I'm finishing up the birthday party crafts this week. I need to complete the big letters and a few signs. After that, I want to finish out my Halloween and Thanksgiving cards. I also have a few random card ideas rolling around my head right now. I'm thinking about using up a few scrap pieces I have laying around.

My simple pleasures: Reese's Peanut Butter Cup cookies; Tazo Passion tea concentrate (keeps me away from Starbucks); Open windows allowing the breeze and nature sounds inside

Looking around the house: Decent shape around here although I really need to move out the baby stuff. I was hoping someone in my parent group would want some stuff, but no such luck yet.

From the camera: Arthur and Quentin at the zoo on Tuesday.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Life Right Now #25

As I look outside my window: The sun is setting on this Saturday...

Right now I am: Relaxing on the couch with a glass of Gunlach Bunschu's Gewurtztraminer. Oh so yummy! Perfect for a late summer day.

Thinking and pondering: Which craft project should I start next? I have some autumn and Halloween cards, birthday party crafts, and Christmas cards all on the brain. I should knock out the birthday party crafts first seeing as the party is on Oct. 7th.

On my bedside table: Paper and Fire by Rachel Caine; The Last Stand by Nathaniel Philbrick

On my tv this week: J and I watched a few episodes of Supernatural S2. I also got back into S4 of Reign. I have about 8 episodes left in the series. And I started rewatching The Great British Bake-Off S4.

Listening to: Lots more podcasts.

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Munchery (probably the tuna dish, can't remember the exact recipe)
Tuesday - Ranch Cheddar Chicken
Wednesday - Black Bean Soup
Thursday - Leftovers
Friday - Tilapia
Saturday - Spicy Thai Noodles
Sunday - Pizza Day (Craft Crop Day)

On my to do list: Some random weird tasks on my list such as make eye appointments for myself and Arthur, fix the library books (which ones go back soon, which ones to renew, which ones to read now), start the birthday party goody bags, and schedule my October and November craft classes.

Happening this week:

Monday - Errand day
Tuesday - Oakland Zoo!
Wednesday - Home day?
Thursday - Children's Creativity Museum in San Francisco
Friday - ???
Saturday - ???
Sunday - Craft Crop Day

What I am creating: Crazy last minute, I finished our stamp club projects for yesterday...

My simple pleasures: A good bottle of wine, slightly cooler temperatures, checking items off my to-do list

Looking around the house: Oh! The living room is constantly in a state of disorder. Some days I just want to burn it all down!

From the camera: My two littles at the beach this past week... (Photos curtesy of my friend Amanda)

Next up on the TBR pile:

Life Right Now #24

As I look outside my window: The last of the sun's rays are sinking below the hills. I love this time of day...

Right now I am: J and I are watching the ridiculous that is xXX: Return of Xander Cage. Haha! Some nights was just want a ridiculous movie.

Thinking and pondering: What dates will give me the best deal for Christmas-time plane tickets? We really should buy them soon...

On my bedside table: Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff (October book club selection), The Wicked + The Divine Vol. 5, The Last Stand by Nathaniel Philbrick

On my tv this week: A decent amount of old episodes of Q.I., the end of S1 of Supernatural, and the start of S2 of Supernatural.

Listening to: Lots of politics themed podcasts including NPR Politics, It's Been a Minute, and Pod Save America.

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Leftovers
Tuesday - Bacon and Egg Hash with Scones
Wednesday - Savory Chicken and Veggies
Thursday - Sesame Chicken
Friday - Smothered Pork Chops
Saturday - Avocado, Bruschetta Chicken
Sunday - Mexican Street Corn Soup

On my to do list: I'm so close to finishing my blog fix, I only have 2 months to go. Hoping to get this done this week. I also have some random tasks like making eye appointments for myself and Arthur. Plus I need to start buying supplies for the birthday party.

Happening this week:

Monday - Errand day
Tuesday - Possibly a park?
Wednesday - Children's Discovery Museum
Thursday - Bay Area Discovery Museum
Friday - Home Day
Saturday - Arthur's friend's birthday party; SU Bingo party
Sunday - ???

What I am creating: Working on my 30 Days of Lists cards. I'm also finalizing my designs for the Bingo make n takes.

My simple pleasures: Tea with lemon and honey to soothe a sore throat,

Looking around the house: I cleaned up the living room and vacuum yesterday and yet it looks atrocious again...

From the camera: Sick all week. Very few pictures to hightlight.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Life Right Now #23

Right now I am: Listening to J sharpen our knives. They needed a good sharpening, but my goodness I hate that sound!

Thinking and pondering: What should we eat next week? It's the constant question in my mind...

On my bedside table: Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff; Simply Love by Mary Balogh

On my tv this week: We caught up with Last Week Tonight, started Ken Burns's The National Parks, and watched a few movies.

Listening to: I've been catching all the podcasts dealing with Charlottesville and the aftermath. Pod Save America's one was good, but I really enjoyed Sam Sanders on It's Been a Minute. Very interesting dissection of the events and what people should be doing.

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Sweet Potato Nachoes
Tuesday - Fish and Chips
Wednesday - Lemony Goat Cheese Pasta
Thursday - ???
Friday - ???
Saturday - ???
Sunday - ???

On my to do list: Some craft projects, more blog fixing, making eye appointments, creating shopping lists for the upcoming birthday party and Halloween, plus some other small tasks.

Happening this week:

Monday - Errands probably
Tuesday - No idea
Wednesday - Bay Area Discovery Museum
Thursday - Die Cuts Class
Friday - ???
Saturday - Hoping to get to a craft sale
Sunday - Book Club

What I am creating: I'm prepping for September's 30 Days of Lists, Fall Bingo Party, and Holiday Catalog Classes.

My simple pleasures: Wacky cake, silence, snuggling up in blankets

Looking around the house: Eh. We're good I think...

From the camera: Play time!

Next up on the TBR pile:

Life Right Now #22

As I look outside my window: The sun is coming up over the hill. Loving the light this morning.

Right now I am: Enjoying my coffee attempting to plan our activities today.

On my bedside table: Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine (random library pick); Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff

On my tv this week: More Supernatural S1 for J and I. I finished Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell and it was great. We also watched a few movies throughout the week.

Listening to: Lots of podcasts including Sorta Awesome, NPR Politics, NPR Up First, and NPR It's Been a Minute.

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Maple Bourbon Pecan Chicken
Tuesday - Leftovers
Wednesday - Fish and Chips
Thursday - Sweet Potato Nachoes
Friday - Tacos
Saturday - Pizza Day
Sunday - Cookout

On my to do list: Plugging away at my ridiculously long to do list. I really want to knock off a few more months of my blog fix this coming week.

Happening this week:

Monday - Nothing right now
Tuesday - Maybe a family activity
Wednesday - OBM Playdate at our house
Thursday - Chabot Space and Science Center
Friday - Pool Party
Saturday - Stamp Club
Sunday - Cookout

What I am creating: I still need to finish the rest of stamp club's projects before Saturday. I also want to work on July's memory planner pages.

My simple pleasures: Pie, corn on the cob, iced tea, coffee -- yeah I've really got food on the brain right now.

Looking around the house: After a big clean on Friday, the house is looking pretty good. Time for maintenance.

From the camera: Arthur's new game is fighting tiger attack. Q loves loves loves it!

Next up on the TBR pile:

Life Right Now #21

As I look outside my window: It's dark... I'm writing this on Saturday night.

Right now I am: J and I are watching the remake of True Grit. I've never seen either. Very good.

On my bedside table: Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine, lots of comics...

On my tv this week: J and I have been watching old episodes of Q.I. and Supernatural, plus more current episodes of Full Frontal.

Listening to: Lots and lots of podcasts. I'm also caught up with the backlog of Sorta Awesome episodes, plus my usual NPR Politics and NPR Up First.

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Beef and Guinesss Hand Pies (new to me recipe!)
Tuesday - Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Wednesday - Maple Bourbon Pecan Chicken (new to me recipe!)
Thursday - Italian Noodle Soup
Friday - Leftovers
Saturday - Blackened Salmon
Sunday - Pizza Day

On my to do list: Earlier this week I did another brain dump. Every couple of weeks, i need to do a brain dump to get all the crazy tasks out of my head so I can focus on one or two at a time. Pic is just the first page. I'm up to four pages so far...

Happening this week:

Monday - Errands probably...
Tuesday - Oakland Zoo Visit
Wednesday - Pool day?
Thursday - Seven Seas Playdate
Friday - Home day
Saturday - Arthur's friends' birthday party
Sunday - Crop Day!

What I am creating: Working on my cards for August. I've got only a few done, but at least two of those are for August's stamp club.

My simple pleasures: Oreo ice cream, cooler nights, decorating my Happy Planner, fun fluffy historical romances.

Looking around the house: The upstairs is looking really good after my crazy cleaning from this week. The downstairs is just constantly in a state of upheaval. To be fair, we spend 90% of our waking hours downstairs, so it just gets used more. I am feeling like another toy purge is needed soon...

From the camera: Homemade French Bread and Sausage, Potato, and Spinach Soup from Friday's dinner. Ignore my messy stovetop.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Life Right Now #20

Totally forgot about this post today! I was so excited to go to book club and get away from the kids for a few hours that it slipped my mind...

As I look outside my window: Sun's starting to go down. Thankfully it's getting cooler. It was warm in our house today.

Right now I am: Relaxing after putting the boys to bed. I think we are going to watch a movie soon...

On my bedside table: We are Never Meeting in Real Life by Samantha Irby; Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

On my tv this week: J and I watched some Supernatural. I caught a few episodes of Big Little Lies. And we had a few movie nights with the twins (Escape from New York being the fun one).

Listening to: Randomly I heard the theme from Big Little Lies on The Spectrum and made a note. I downloaded the album (Michael Kiwanuka's Love & Hate). Really digging his soul sound. I have also been listening to Fitz & the Tantrums newest self-titled album. Lots of fun!

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Waffles, Sausage and Potatoes, Eggs
Tuesday - Chicken Parmesan
Wednesday - Grilled Cheese and Soup
Thursday - Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Friday - Smothered Pork Chops
Saturday - Leftovers
Sunday - Pizza night

On my to do list: Happening this week:

Monday - Home day (lots of cleaning and chores)
Tuesday - Great America
Wednesday - Arcade for the teens; park playdate for the littles
Thursday - No idea, maybe library and park
Friday - Probably a home day
Saturday - ???
Sunday - ???

What I am creating: Absolutely nothing at the moment. I am not really inspired this week.

My simple pleasures: Dark chocolate covered walnuts. I grab a piece of two mid-afternoon. Oh so yummy!

Looking around the house: The downstairs is trashed. Good thing Monday is cleaning day.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Life Right Now #19

As I look outside my window: Admiring the different shades of green on the trees out back.

Right now I am: Taking a moment before crop day starts. Hoping to knock out a few leftovers projects today.

Thinking and pondering: What's the best way to get the twins' stuff home? Their clothes plus back to school supplies and general shopping to limiting the space in their luggage. We need to contemplate our packing options.

On my bedside table: Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty (book club selection); Yellow Brick War by Danielle Paige

On my tv this week: I knocked out a few episodes of Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell while J was busy working one night. It's been on my to watch list for awhile now. So very good! On the movie front J and I finally watched Cockneys vs. Zombies (so so funny) and Empire Records (love that one). We introduced the twins to Oh Brother Where Art Thou. I'm not sure they really appreciated its awesomeness.

Listening to: Not much besides NPR Up First and Politics podcasts.

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Black Bean Soup; Taquitos
Tuesday - Salisbury Steak Meatballs
Wednesday - Vegetable Beef Soup
Thursday - Tater Tot Casserole
Friday - Lasagna
Saturday - Leftovers?
Sunday - Apple Cheddar Stuffed Chicken

On my to do list: I have a few random crafty projects to finish. I also need to start gathering our Back to School supplies. I've already gotten my list of clothes to buy for the twins. Now I need to get my list for their other supplies. Plus I'm hoping to knock off a few more months of my blog fix. Oh yeah, and read my book club book and be able to watch the mini series before the 23rd...

Happening this week:

Monday - Car Oil Change Appointment; Grocery, Errands
Tuesday - Oakland Zoo
Wednesday - Golfland Arcade (twins); Seven Seas Parks (littles and me)
Thursday - Stinson Beach Visit
Friday - Mission San Jose; Krispy Kreme; Sonic for lunch?
Saturday - Stamp Club
Sunday - ???

What I am creating: I need to catch up with our Project Life albums. I also want to start my June memory planner pages. And I have a stack of old card kits that I want to finish for my Thank You and Happy Birthday stashes.

My simple pleasures: Ice water and hats on a hot day; playing card games with the twins

Looking around the house: After getting home yesterday from the Pinball Museum, we did a crazy clean up of the downstairs. Sweeping, wiping, and vacuuming. It's looking good down here!

From the camera: The twins enjoying some pinball yesterday.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Life Right Now #18

As I look outside my window: Watching the sun go down reflected off of the hills.

Right now I am: Having a bit of piece and quiet after the littles ones have gone to sleep. SO nice to get a little time to myself.

On my bedside table: The Wicked Will Rise by Danielle Paige; Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

On my tv this week: Not much really. I caught up with The Bachelorette and watched a few episodes of Reign. J and I watched a few episodes of Supernatural S1. Not much else at all.

Listening to: My usual podcasts of One Bad Mother, NPR Politics, and NPR Up First.

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Monterrey Chicken
Tuesday - Balsamic Pork Roast
Wednesday - Broccoli Beef
Thursday - Texas Cheese Fries
Friday - Kielbasa Skillet
Saturday - Grilled Sandwiches
Sunday - Leftovers

On my to do list: I still need to finish my blog fix. I took a break for a few weeks but now I'm back at it. There are lots of other little things, but the blog fix is the big thing.

Happening this week:

Monday - Great America; Crafty Meetup
Tuesday - Library and Grocery visit
Wednesday - South Bay Day (Seven Seas, Sunnyvale Golfland, Chick-fil-a, Rocket Fizz)
Thursday - San Francisco Day (Musee Mechanique, Wharf, ???)
Friday - Home day
Saturday - Possibly Rosicrucian Museum
Sunday - ???

What I am creating: I finally got back into crafting and finished off my May Memory Planner pages. Next up is finished my April Project Life pages.

My simple pleasures: A bit of quiet after the babies go to bed, a firm pillow, some pool time

Looking around the house: I really need to vacuum and clean the playroom. It's getting a bit ridiculous.

From the camera: Someone learned how to climb. We're in trouble! Time to put up the start gate.

Next up on the TBR Pile:

Life Right Now #17

Today is not my day... Q woke up puking. Like Exorcist style puking. We had plans to drive to Vallejo to go to the Pirate Festival. After taking a monster 4 hour nap, Q is doing much better. But it's still 100 degrees here and he's recovering, so we decided to not go to the festival. Sad, but that's how it goes somedays. Consequently, I completely forgot to finish this post.

As I look outside my window: As it's now 3:30pm, it's super bright and sunny (and ridiculously hot!) out there.

Right now I am: Sitting on the couch, catching up on One Bad Mother podcast episodes.

Thinking and pondering: Should I give the baby food or no? I'm so scared of more projectile vomit.

On my bedside table: A Trail with Time by Jodi Taylor, Dead Feminists, um... others I am forgetting.

On my tv this week: Lots of episodes of When Calls the Heart, a few episodes of Supernatural, and some movies with the twins including Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels and John Wick Chapter 2.

Listening to: One Bad Mother podcasts. I'm three episodes behind! OH no!

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Sesame Chicken
Tuesday - Beef Tips
Wednesday - Chicken n Noodles
Thursday - Broccoli Beef
Friday - Pizza
Saturday - Ranch Cheddar Chicken
Sunday - Leftover

On my to do list: Ugh. I need to make my to do list. I'm sure there are a ton of little things to do. Time to get to my previously not completed tasks.

Happening this week:

Monday - Probably library visit. I also need to go buy stamps.
Tuesday - Great America visit!
Wednesday - Chabot Space and Science Center
Thursday - Oakland Museum of California
Friday - Pool Party here!
Saturday - Possibly the Pinball Museum
Sunday - Book club for me

From the camera:

Next up on the TBR Pile:

Life Right Now #16

As I look outside my window: The sun is going down (it's Saturday night) on a beautiful but windy day.

Right now I am: Watching the latest episode of Doctor Who while skimming some blog posts.

Thinking and pondering: Hoping that Arthur feels better tomorrow. He's had a rumbly tummy and a fever all day. Poor baby. It's probably just a virus, but it still sucks that he's sick.

On my bedside table: I need to start Born a Crime by Trevor Noah for this month's book club. I also have the next book in the Dorothy Must Die series to read.

On my tv this week: We've been watching some movies with the twins at night (John Wick Chapter 2; Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels). I also snuck in a few episodes of When Calls the Heart.

Listening to: Lots and lots of podcasts. I caught up with One Bad Mother, The Simple Show, and Elise Gets Crafty.

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Chicken Parmesan
Tuesday - Tacos
Wednesday - Italian Beef Sandwiches
Thursday - Pizza
Friday - Sesame Chicken
Saturday - Spaghetti
Sunday - Leftovers

On my to do list: I need to get another crafting project or two completed this week. Ideally I would like to finish my May memory planner pages.

Happening this week:

Monday - Mini golf and arcade time; Grocery
Tuesday - Beach day at Half Moon Bay
Wednesday - OBM Playdate at our house
Thursday - Stamp Club
Friday - Possibly Fremont Eats for dinner
Saturday - Possibly Asian Art Museum
Sunday - Pirate Festival in Vallejo

What I am creating: June's SSINK cards. I have two more to finish.

My simple pleasures: Chocolate mug cakes; planner pages; crafting time with friends

From the camera: All you need is a box!

Next up on the TBR Pile:

Life Right Now #15

As I look outside my window: Sunny and clear. The usual here...

Right now I am: Getting ready to leave for book club. We're discussing And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie. Such a great little mystery.

Thinking and pondering: I know I'm forgetting some items from my twins' arrival prep list, but I can't remember what they were. This will be bugging me all day...

On my bedside table: Dorothy Must Die Stories Vol. 2 and 3; The Kingdom of Ohio by Matthew Flaming; Born a Crime by Trevor Noah

On my tv this week: Not much. We finally started Supernatural. I watched the first four seasons, but J never watched. I'm still watching When the Heart Calls on Netflix. Finished S1 this week. And I finally watched the first two weeks of The Bachelorette.

Listening to: Catching up on some of my podcasts.

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Rotisserie Chicken, fruit, cheese
Tuesday - Spinach and Artichoke Melts
Wednesday - BBQ Chicken
Thursday - Smothered Pork Chops
Friday - Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Rice
Saturday - Sloppy Joe's
Sunday - Leftovers

On my to do list: Never-ending list. I'm hoping to finish the craft blog fix this week (only three months to go). I also need to finish some blog drafts and get my lists around.

Happening this week:

Monday - Oakland Zoo visit!
Tuesday - Last minute Safeway, Costco, Sprouts, Target runs
Wednesday - The twins arrive!!! The littles are going to hang out with a mom friend while I get the twins from the airport. Then we are going have a picnic lunch.
Thursday - Library, random errands, pool day?
Friday - ???
Saturday - Stamp club
Sunday - ???

What I am creating: April's memory planner pages. Just about finished with those. Hoping to start May's pages this week.

My simple pleasures: Sunshine, park playdates where Arthur can roam, ice water

Looking around the house: We finally got Quentin bunked with Arthur. I need to do a quick clean of the twins' room and thinking of switching around a furniture pieces.

From the camera: Such a ham!

Next up on the TBR Pile:

Life Right Now #12

As I look outside my window: Sun is out. Flowers are in bloom. It's a great season here.

Right now I am: Drinking a cup of coffee and enjoying the relative quiet of the morning.

Thinking and pondering: How to accomplish all the big tasks before June 1st? The list is getting more complicated.

On my bedside table: Hoping to knock out a fluffy romance in just a few days after spending two weeks on Anno Dracula. I've also got some YA Fantasy out from the library that has been calling to me.

On my tv this week: J and I sped through Brooklyn 99 as our silly show. We also caught up on Last Week Tonight and Full Frontal. Still need to finish The Magicians S2. Arthur and I continued S3 of Avatar.

Listening to: Podcasts such as Pocket Talk and One Bad Mother. Apple Music channels such as The Mixtape (awesome 70s-90s music) and Alt Hits.

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Chili
Tuesday - Lemon Chicken and Brussel Sprouts
Wednesday - Loaded Sweet Potato Nachos
Thursday - Chicken Pot Pie
Friday - Leftovers
Saturday - Salisbury Steak Meatballs and Mashed Potatoes
Sunday - Sausage Crescent Rolls; Omelet

On my to do list: Ugh. I do not even want to look right now. It's a long and complicated list.

Happening this week: A few events for this coming week...

Monday - Grocery and errands
Tuesday - Home day
Wednesday - Playdate at our house!
Thursday - Possibly a park day; Stamp club!
Friday - Home day
Saturday - Coffee and Cards Crafting
Sunday - Book club!

What I am creating: Hopefully I get a bit of time to work on my January - March Project Life pages and my April Memory Planner pages.

My simple pleasures: Cold brew coffee for those warm mornings

Looking around the house: The craft room is in better shape than last week, but it is still a mess. I want to finish getting it squared away before club on Thursday night.

From the camera: Not quite kid, not quite...

Next up on the TBR Pile:

Life Right Now #11

As I look outside my window: It's super dark... Writing this late Saturday night after watching the newest Star Trek movie.

Right now I am: Thinking about getting a cookie...

Thinking and pondering: So much to do and so little time. Which task to tackle first?

On my bedside table: I went a little crazy at the library again and checked out the entire Dorothy Must Die series plus some comics (21st Century Tank Girl; Doctor Who).

On my tv this week: Arthur and I have continued our watching of Avatar. We made it into Season 3.

Listening to: Lots of podcast as I craft and clean. Plus, I've made it a point to listen to NPR's Up First while drinking my morning coffee.

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Leftovers
Tuesday - Sesame Tofu
Wednesday - Potato Bacon Casserole
Thursday - ???
Friday - ???
Saturday - ???
Sunday - ???

On my to do list: So so much... Too much to actually list out here.

Happening this week: We are planning on heading to Children's Fairyland in Oakland on Thursday. And stamp club is on Saturday morning. Otherwise we don't have any definite plans.

What I am creating: I need to finish out my retiring product cards and the May SSINK cards so I can play with the new stuff!

My simple pleasures: Cold brew coffee. I'm too lazy to make my own, but I bought some at the grocery store and it was delicious when the temps were high this past week.

Looking around the house: The playroom and crafting areas are due for a serious cleaning and organizing.

From the camera: Silly lounging baby

Life Right Now #10

Right now I am: Sitting on the couch before leaving for book club...

Thinking and pondering: I really need to schedule some regular self-care. Finding a few minutes here and there for some quiet time is just not cutting anymore. Being the default parent sucks some days.

On my bedside table: I've got a few more library reads hanging out and then I think I might pick Voyager by Diana Gabaldon back up. I also need to get back to Pratchett's Discworld series. Next up is The Light Fantastic.

On my tv this week: We finished S1 of Legion (oh so amazing!) and have come close to finishing S2 of The Magicians. J also got me hooked on Rick and Morty and we've made it to S2. Arthur and I working our way through Avatar S2.

Listening to: So many podcasts this week! I caught up with The Simple Show and Elise Gets Crafty. I also started listening to the NPR Politics podcast and their new Up First podcast. Excited to get news and political news without a ton of bias and extra commentary.

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Texas Cheese Fries
Tuesday - Balsamic Pork Roast
Wednesday - Peanut Sauce Chicken and Broccoli Bowls
Thursday - Ham and Cheese Sandwiches
Friday - Leftovers
Saturday - Broccoli Beef
Sunday - Possible Cookout

On my to do list: There's so much to do to prepare for summer and the arrival of the twins'. Most importantly, I need to buy plane tickets and resolve this car issue.

Happening this week:

Monday - Park Playdate and then Lunch with a friend from out of town
Tuesday - Jury Duty possibly. I got a summons; have to call on Monday night to see if I have to go in. If not, Tuesday is a home day full of house chores.
Wednesday - (Possible jury duty) Home day
Thursday - (Possible jury duty) Bay Area Discovery Museum visit
Friday - (Possible jury duty) Home day
Saturday - Crazy busy day! Stampin' Up Bingo Event (my first one ever!) and then OBM Live in San Francisco.
Sunday - Possible cookout and baby playdate with J's friends

What I am creating: Still plugging along with The 100 Day Project and my focus on crafting. I've been focusing on making cards with my Stampin' Up! retiring products especially all the paper I have left! I also need to print pictures of April's memory planning pages.

My simple pleasures: These chocolate covered honey candies J brought me from a friend at work. So amazing! I need to find them...

Looking around the house: Was doing really well at keeping the living and playroom clean, but things have started to slide. Need to do a thorough clean today...

From the camera: Arthur dancing while Quentin watched and rolled around. They are finally starting to play together. It's so nice!

Next up on the TBR pile!

Life Right Now #9

As I look outside my window: The sun isn't quite up all the way. Still hanging out behind the hill.

Right now I am: Eating breakfast, monitoring a playing baby before the toddler wakes up.

On my bedside table: Lots and lots of comics including East of West and The Walking Dead. I hit the jackpot at the library this week.

On my tv this week: We're slowly making our way through The Magicians S2 and Legion S1. Both so good, but we don't want them to end so only one episode per night and not both shows in one night. Arthur and I started Avatar S2. He's really getting into that show.

Listening to: Podcasts. I'm trying to catch up on some podcasts that I've fallen behind on. I caught up with One Bad Mother and Best Friend Banter. Working on The Simple Show and Elise Gets Crafty next.

On the menu for this week:

Monday - Coffee Cake, Sausage Potato Egg Hash
Tuesday - Chicken Tortilla Soup
Wednesday - Honey Lime Tilapia
Thursday - Pork and Green Chili Stew
Friday - Leftovers
Saturday - Apple Cheddar Stuffed Chicken
Sunday - Brats on the grill

On my to do list: I've got my short list of random tasks to take care of this coming week. Mostly boring but necessary things like buying Q a new carseat.

Happening this week:

Monday - Walk with some potential new friends
Tuesday - Home day to clean
Wednesday - OBM Playdate at our house
Thursday - Errands; Stamp Club
Friday - ???
Saturday - MVPA Spring Social
Sunday - Possible BBQ at our house

What I am creating: I need to work on the two Bingo make n take cards. Also I want to finish March's memory planner pages and start January's PL pages.

My simple pleasures: Baby snuggles, grapes, planner time.

Looking around the house: The playroom needs a big clean before Wednesday. And I should vacuum and sweep also.

From the camera: Action shot! Arthur finally played in the obstacle course at Mel's.