Bloggiesta 2015 Update #3

What I did today:

• Prep/draft Sunday Sunset posts through 2015 -- Done
• Prep/draft Fashion Friday posts through 2015 -- Done. Outfits have been created. Drafts are finished, but they are close...
• Blog-Tember post Day 22
• Create Fall into Books Readathon TBR pile, update posts, goal post -- all set for me to start reading next week
• Record/trash/write random drafts (here and at craft blog) -- None at the craft blog (woohoo!), 20 here pared down from 76. I got rid of a ton of old useless drafts, moved some to scheduled posts, and kept only a few that I will probably finish in the next two months.
• Prep/draft Thursday posts through 2015 -- Ready to be completed

Wow! I am so excited to have such a successful Bloggiesta! I accomplished a majority of my goals and fixed some things that have been bothering me. I feel like I am in a much better position for the least few months of 2015. And the leftover goals will be put onto my to-do list for the next month.

Goals List:

1. Finish the rest of my Blog-Tember posts (Day 22, 28, 29, 30)
2. Update reading challenges totals on blog, in notebook, and for RC Update #3 post
3. Update TBR Pile page
4. Fix any gaps in Reviews pages
5. Start 2016 TBR list; prep draft page
6. Start 2016 TBR jar
7. Tweak About Me page – here and at craft blog
8. Update Blogs I Love page — double check Bloglovin’
9. Update Current Book Wish List (forgot that I got rid of this page...)
10. Prep/draft Music Monday posts through 2015
11. Prep/draft Fashion Friday posts through 2015
12. Prep/draft TTT posts through 2015
13. Prep/draft Thursday posts through 2015
14. Prep/draft Sunday Sunset posts through 2015
15. Create Fall into Books Readathon TBR pile, update posts, goal post
16. Record/trash/write random drafts — here and at craft blog
17. Add Holiday Catalog to sidebar
18. Prep/draft SU News posts through 2015
19. Prep/draft Sunday Haul posts through 2015
20. Update Other Crafty People (double check Bloglovin’)
21. Update/layout Day Zero Projects for rest of 2015
22. Update Music Monday spreadsheet
23. Check any broken links
24. Create a watermark for pictures
25. Prep review drafts for rest of 2015 scheduled reading
26. Plan out October SSINK projects
27. Plan out craft projects for rest of 2015
28. Update upcoming classes page
29. Plan out/post craft classes through 2015 (meetup)
30. Update chalkboard calendar for October
31. Update Evernote calendars
32. Create Evernote calendars for 2016
33. Added: Update perpetual spreadsheet

Blog-Tember Day 20: Guilty Pleasures

Prompt: It's guilty pleasure time! Shows, books, songs, foods, whatever it may be.

J knows I have a few guilty pleasures. I am sometimes be a bit embarrassed by them, but I'm going to share today.

Television/movies:

• HGTV home shows -- Million Dollar Property, Buying and Selling, Rehab Addict, Love It or List It, etc
• CW Shows -- The 100, Reign
• Romantic Comedies -- Especially the holiday ones from ABC Family and Hallmark Channel
• Jane Austen adaptations -- Not really a pleasure that I hide, but J doesn't like watching them, so I have to watch when he's not around. I can watch these again and again.

Books:

• Historical Romances -- Yep, I love these. They are my palate cleansers between complicated and/or depressing books.
• YA Fantasy -- Sometimes silly, but I do enjoy these.

Foods:

• Ramen noodles -- Sometimes Arthur and I have these for lunch just because
• Pizza rolls -- So gross, but I really enjoy them
• Mini frosted donuts -- I forgot about my love for these until this past summer when Nick requested them for breakfast. I found myself sneaking one here and there. Yummy!
• Animal crackers -- I buy them for Arthur, but I like snacking on them also.

Music:

• Hits 1 channel on Sirius XM -- All those top pop hits. I find myself singing along all the time in between listening to Alt Nation and Octane.
• Broadway show tunes -- I love belting these out in the house when it's only Arthur and I.

Blog-Tember Day 19: Best Day

Prompt: Tell us about one of the best days of your life.

Again, I'm hit with another really difficult prompt. I thought for a few days about this prompt, but was having a lot of trouble coming up with a specific day. So, instead I will tell you about a general idea of my best days.

My best day would involve doing some activity with the family: Alex, Nick, J, and Arthur. We have had a few of these great days, mostly in the summer. We spend the morning doing an activity like time at the pool. Then lunch out somewhere and back home for Arthur's naptime. Finally everyone participates in making and cleaning up dinner before we snuggle onto the couch for a family movie. Those are definitely the best days.

Bloggiesta 2015 Update #2

What I did today:

• Update chalkboard calendar for October -- easy peasy
• Create Evernote calendars for 2016 -- Took me a few minutes, but I have my 2016 calendar prepped
• Update Evernote calendars -- Synced with blogs and planner
• Prep/draft Sunday Haul posts through 2015
• Prep/draft SU News posts through 2015 -- Another easy but time consuming task
• Prep/draft TTT posts through 2015 -- Not every topic strikes my fancy, but I did prep the topics that I like.
• Prep/draft Music Monday posts through 2015 -- Another day completed!

Goals List:

1. Finish the rest of my Blog-Tember posts (Day 22, 28, 29, 30)
2. Update reading challenges totals on blog, in notebook, and for RC Update #3 post
3. Update TBR Pile page
4. Fix any gaps in Reviews pages
5. Start 2016 TBR list; prep draft page
6. Start 2016 TBR jar
7. Tweak About Me page – here and at craft blog
8. Update Blogs I Love page — double check Bloglovin’
9. Update Current Book Wish List (forgot that I got rid of this page...)
10. Prep/draft Music Monday posts through 2015
11. Prep/draft Fashion Friday posts through 2015
12. Prep/draft TTT posts through 2015
13. Prep/draft Thursday posts through 2015
14. Prep/draft Sunday Sunset posts through 2015
15. Create Fall into Books Readathon TBR pile, update posts, goal post
16. Record/trash/write random drafts — here and at craft blog
17. Add Holiday Catalog to sidebar
18. Prep/draft SU News posts through 2015
19. Prep/draft Sunday Haul posts through 2015
20. Update Other Crafty People (double check Bloglovin’)
21. Update/layout Day Zero Projects for rest of 2015
22. Update Music Monday spreadsheet
23. Check any broken links
24. Create a watermark for pictures
25. Prep review drafts for rest of 2015 scheduled reading
26. Plan out October SSINK projects
27. Plan out craft projects for rest of 2015
28. Update upcoming classes page
29. Plan out/post craft classes through 2015 (meetup)
30. Update chalkboard calendar for October
31. Update Evernote calendars
32. Create Evernote calendars for 2016
33. Added: Update perpetual spreadsheet

Bloggiesta 2015 Update #1

What I did today:

• Fix any gaps in Reviews pages -- Cleaned them up. Looks much nicer now.
• Added: Updated Perpetual spreadsheet
• Update Music Monday spreadsheet -- Somehow I haven't done this for over a year... Holy cow! Took about 15 minutes and got this updated.
• Update TBR Pile page -- So many books on this page, but I did get this updated.
• Update reading challenges totals on blog, in notebook, and for RC Update #3 post
• Start 2016 TBR list; prep draft page -- I didn't start my TBR list, but I did get my reading challenge page drafted with my perpetual challenges and a few that I know I will be doing next year (picture books, new authors, mount tbr)
• Update Blogs I Love page (double check Bloglovin) -- Holy cow that was a big task. So thankful that it is now done. Plus, I weeded out probably 30 nonactive blogs
• Update Other Crafty People (double check Bloglovin’) -- Thankfully I could do this along with the task above
• Update upcoming classes page -- A lot of copy and pasting, but the page is updated through October
• Add Holiday Catalog to sidebar -- Done
• Check any broken links -- Done

Goals List:

1. Finish the rest of my Blog-Tember posts (Day 22, 28, 29, 30)
2. Update reading challenges totals on blog, in notebook, and for RC Update #3 post
3. Update TBR Pile page
4. Fix any gaps in Reviews pages
5. Start 2016 TBR list; prep draft page
6. Start 2016 TBR jar
7. Tweak About Me page – here and at craft blog
8. Update Blogs I Love page — double check Bloglovin’
9. Update Current Book Wish List (forgot that I got rid of this page...)
10. Prep/draft Music Monday posts through 2015
11. Prep/draft Fashion Friday posts through 2015
12. Prep/draft TTT posts through 2015
13. Prep/draft Thursday posts through 2015
14. Prep/draft Sunday Sunset posts through 2015
15. Create Fall into Books Readathon TBR pile, update posts, goal post
16. Record/trash/write random drafts — here and at craft blog
17. Add Holiday Catalog to sidebar
18. Prep/draft SU News posts through 2015
19. Prep/draft Sunday Haul posts through 2015
20. Update Other Crafty People (double check Bloglovin’)
21. Update/layout Day Zero Projects for rest of 2015
22. Update Music Monday spreadsheet
23. Check any broken links
24. Create a watermark for pictures
25. Prep review drafts for rest of 2015 scheduled reading
26. Plan out October SSINK projects
27. Plan out craft projects for rest of 2015
28. Update upcoming classes page
29. Plan out/post craft classes through 2015 (meetup)
30. Update chalkboard calendar for October
31. Update Evernote calendars
32. Create Evernote calendars for 2016
33. Added: Update perpetual spreadsheet

Blog-Tember Day 17: Obsession!

Prompt: Just for fun, your latest obsession. What can you not get enough of these days?

My latest obsessions...

• Hazelnut coffee and/or creamer -- So incredibly yummy. Daily I have hazelnut coffee or regular coffee with hazelnut creamer.
• Scones -- What's better with coffee than scones? I say nothing.
• Gold anything -- I'm very much a silver person when it comes to jewelry, but lately I'm loving gold for everything else, especially in my crafting.
• Flowy tank tops -- I've been gravitating to a more bohemian style lately. And flower printed loose tanks are my jam right now!
• Fleece blankets -- Making a few for some friends, I had to get one for Arthur (it was dinosaur print!). I can't wait until it's a little cooler and we can snuggle with fleece blankets.
• Pasta -- I keep pinning pasta dishes to my recipe boards. I try to make only one a week, but I want to east pasta everyday right now!
• Books -- Always with the books. I'm really diving back into making reading a priority in my day.
• My mambi Happy Planner! -- This was impulse buy from Blitsy in July and I can't  believe how much I love it! This planner is perfect for my needs and it's pretty and it can be customized. And it will last me until December 2016. Perfect score!

Bloggiesta 2015 Goals Post

I'm joining this year to help organize all those nagging blogging tasks. I've been attempting to create my master to-do list. It's a bit long, but I guess that's the point. I need to have a large wish list of tasks to finish out.  Here's what I have so far:

1. Finish the rest of my Blog-Tember posts (Day 18, 22, 28, 29, 30)
2. Update reading challenges totals on blog, in notebook, and for RC Update #3 post
3. Update TBR Pile page
4. Fix any gaps in Reviews pages
5. Start 2016 TBR list; prep draft page
6. Start 2016 TBR jar
7. Tweak About Me page – here and at craft blog
8. Update Blogs I Love page — double check Bloglovin’
9. Update Current Book Wish List
10. Prep/draft Music Monday posts through 2015
11. Prep/draft Fashion Friday posts through 2015
12. Prep/draft TTT posts through 2015
13. Prep/draft Thursday posts through 2015
14. Prep/draft Sunday Sunset posts through 2015
15. Create Fall into Books Readathon TBR pile, update posts, goal post
16. Record/trash/write random drafts — here and at craft blog
17. Add Holiday Catalog to sidebar
18. Prep/draft SU News posts through 2015
19. Prep/draft Sunday Haul posts through 2015
20. Update Other Crafty People — double check Bloglovin’
21. Update/layout Day Zero Projects for rest of 2015
22. Update Music Monday spreadsheet
23. Check any broken links
24. Create a watermark for pictures
25. Prep review drafts for rest of 2014 scheduled reading
26. Plan out October SSINK projects
27. Plan out craft projects for rest of 2015
28. Update upcoming classes page
29. Plan out/post craft classes through 2015 (meetup)
30. Update chalkboard calendar for October
31. Update Evernote calendars
32. Create Evernote calendars for 2016

Blog-Tember Day 16: Real Vs. Online

Prompt:The real you vs. the online you. Are they the same or different?

I have a very short answer to this prompt today. The online me and real me are basically the same. I don't always show the "dirty" or tough parts of life on my blog, but I don't try to make everything look perfect either.

Blog Ahead October

Let’s face it blogging can be stressful, particularly during the holiday season. So we are challenging you to schedule posts ahead and build a cushion to destress blogging, get through the holidays and help you manage your blog time. Join Anna @ herding cats & burning soup and myself Kimberly @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer for the Blog Ahead 2015 Challenge and cut the stress of blogging!

Blog Ahead 2015

• Purpose: Increase the number of scheduled blog posts you have ready to publish by 31 posts during the month of October. All post will be scheduled from November 1st or later.
• Who Can Join: Any blogger or author can join. Brand new, been around for years.Blogger, WordPress or other platform. Any heat level, genre or theme, etc. If you blog…you’re welcome to join!
• Types of Posts that Count: Any finished posts count! Meme, review, guest post, interview, discussion. Top Ten Posts, Favorites posts, Shopping Guide Posts, Cooking posts, pet posts, photo posts, etc. Posts do NOT have to be book related.
• Required: The post must be complete and scheduled from November 1, 2015 onward. (So not just blurb, buy links, etc for a review post. The review needs to be complete for the post to count.)

Accept The Challenge

• Sign-up below!
• Create a blog post to keep track of your goals! Declare your intentions, so that others can cheer you on and help motivate you. Be sure to link back to to this post or our blogs.
• Spread the Word–invite your friends/fellow bloggers!
• Use hashtag #BlogAhead2015 to share your progress, connect with others and uplift. (optional)
• Join the FB group! Need to squee about your progress or get a little moral support? We’re here! We’ll have tips and suggestions to help motivate you. Join: Blog Ahead Group Any problems joining? Email Me (optional)
• Grab the Button and declare your intentions!

I'm am totally joining this challenge! I love to get ahead on my blogging, especially during the holiday season. I'll be doing weekly check-ins throughout the month and posting a progress bar in the right column.  Wish me luck!

Blog-Tember Day 15: In My Bag

Prompt: What's in your bag? Pick up your purse and peruse its contents, then share with us!

My current purse of choice is my newest Thirty-One acquisition: an Everything Crossbody in Palace of Jewells. (I've been a consultant for a few months now and love getting free or discounted products. Their bags are amazing!) I have a toddler, so be prepared for lots of kid related items. That was one full purse! Let's take a closer look at the contents...

• Diaper, wipes, and changing pad -- Necessities
• Backup pacified -- We still in the midst of losing this...
• Kleenex, lotion (hidden under the wipes), chapstick, headband, altoids, compact -- My necessities
• Variety of toys -- Currently I'm carrying two dinosaurs and a police car
• Variety of snacks -- Currently I'm carrying fruit snacks, pretzels, dried cranberries and goldfish. I usually have a water bottle in here also, but it's being washed
• Ear buds
• Business cards and holder -- I always carry Stampin' Up, Thirty-One, and Parent group cards
• Variety of pens -- I always carry 3-4 writing utensils in a variety of colors and types
• mambi Happy Planner -- My current lifeline for all scheduling and planning purposes
• Notebook -- While I love my planner, I also like to jot down ideas or blog entries. The notebook works better for that.
• Current book -- I also have at least one book in purse. This week it's Happier at Home by Gretchen Rubin
• Thirty-One mini catalogs -- Never know when I will meet someone who's interested in buying or hosting a party. I always keep a few catalogs on hand. Usually I have a full size catalog also, but I gave that away this week and haven't replaced it.
• iPhone (not pictured) -- If it's not in my bag, it's on my person somewhere
• Keys on Thirty-One key fob (not pictured) -- I try to always hang them by the door if we're at home. Less likely to lose them there.

Arthur: 23 Months

Only one month until my crazy one turns 2! I've almost finished planning his party. We're so excited to celebrate!

Likes: Baby, pooh, and blankies -- loves his lovies; Daniel Tiger, Sesame Street, and Super Why

Dislikes: Staying in the house, not going anywhere -- He loves to go out and do activitie

Sleeping: We've had a few rough nights in the last month. Thankfully it doesn't happen often, but those nights are killer! And he's not been taking naps at all lately. I'm guessing that the days of two hours of quiet in the afternoon are gone.

Eating: He's been a garbage disposal lately. I'm thinking a growth spurt it on it's way. His favorite foods right now are peanut butter sandwiches and cheese.

Playing: Last week we were at a planning session at a friends house. Arthur had so much fun running around with his friends. Their special game was playing in a plastic bin. Aw the imagination of littles!

Out and About: This past month has been about our favorite places (Oakland Zoo, Happy Hollow, park, library). On Thursday we are going to check a great indoor play place in Berkeley. I bought a Groupon saving 50%. I love when I find those deals. I hope Arthur enjoys it!

Blog-Tember Day 14: Important Books

Prompt: The 5 books that have impacted your life the most.

I love to read! I'm constantly reading new books, but I also go back a few books over and over again.

1. The Awakening by Kate Chopin -- I was assigned this book for sophomore English class and fell in love with it. The book became my entry into Gender Studies. I eventually majored in Women's Studies in college. I reread this book every couple of years.
2. Persuasion by Jane Austen -- My favorite of Austen's works. I connect with the character of Anne Elliot. Plus, I love the story of redemption and rediscovered love. Such a great book!
3. Brace New World by Aldous Huxley -- This book started my love of science fiction. I didn't quite get it the first time I read the book, but it has become one I go back to over and over to explain all the nuances of the story and characters.
4. His Dark Materials series by Philip Pullman -- J practically begged me to read this series a few years ago. Unfortunately I had seen the movie version of The Golden Compass and was turned off of reading the book. Thankfully the series is nothing like the book. Pullman's thoughts on religion and society solidified my atheist stance. I really need to read this series soon!
5. Let's Pretend This Never Happened by Jenny Lawson -- The most recent of the books on this list. I love reading Lawson's blog and her first book is an amazing collection of stories from her life and lessons learned. While I may not have had her life, I still connect with her on so many points.

Honorable Mention: The Art of Asking by Amanda Palmer (fascinating life philosophy), The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin (actually doing my own Happiness Project in 2016)

Blog-Tember Day 13: My Mood This Fall

Prompt: Create a collage or inspiration/mood board for this season in your life.

Fall is such a great time for me. I've recently embraced the idea that September can be another January. I can work on goals and resolutions or launch new projects this month. my board reflects some of my current (and always) interests, current projects, and some fun.

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

Title: Artemis Fowl (Artemis Fowl #1)

Author: Eoin Colfer

Publisher: Scholastic 2001

Genre: YA Fantasy

Pages: 280

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Top 100 YA; TBR Reduction

Twelve-year-old Artemis Fowl is a millionaire, a genius-and, above all, a criminal mastermind. But even Artemis doesn't know what he's taken on when he kidnaps a fairy, Captain Holly Short of the LEPrecon Unit. These aren't the fairies of bedtime stories; these fairies are armed and dangerous.

Artemis thinks he has them right where he wants them but then they stop playing by the rules.

This was our book club selection for September. The funny thing is that this entire series has been sitting on the twins' shelves for years now. So all I had to do was walk in their room to pick up the first in the series.

I gave this book three stars. If I was a 12-year-old boy, I may have absolutely loved this book. It has a fun story, decent characters, and magic! But alas, I am a 33-year-old woman. The book just didn't speak to me at all. It's the same quality at the Harry Potter or Percy Jackson series. For that reason, I am rating it 3 stars. I may end up reading the rest of the series at some point, but it's not high on my list.

Artemis Fowl:

• #1 Artemis Fowl
• #2 The Arctic Incident
• #3 The Eternity Code
• #4 The Opal Deception
• #5 The Lost Colony
• #6 The Time Paradox
• #7 The Atlantis Complex
• #8 The Last Guardian

Blog-Tember Day 12: Currently

Prompt: What are you up to currently? 

I usually do my own Currently posts every couple of weeks, but I'm going to follow Bailey Jean's format this time.

Reading... Happier at Home by Gretchen Rubin; loved The Happiness Project, hoping this one is just as good!

Playing... Trains with Arthur. He loves setting up the tracks and zooming all the trains and cars. I'm thinking another train track set for his upcoming birthday.

Watching... J finally got me to start watching Merlin. We're into the 2nd season and I am hooked. If we don't have a new Mr. Robot or Last Week Tonight, we watch Merlin. We'll blow through this series very soon!

Trying... to schedule all the activities. September is 100% booked and October is about 75% booked. I'm hoping for a lighter November to catch up on some things like reading.

Cooking... New favorites. The past week was my off week for meal planning and groceries. Every few weeks we eat all the random stuff in our fridge which usually translates to simple meals (spaghetti and meatballs, etc). This week is all about my new favorite dishes to make: chicken parmesan, black bean soup, cajun stuffed chicken breast, etc.

Eating... Yummy bagels for breakfast. I go back and forth for breakfast foods, but my current favorite is a bagel with cream cheese, coffee, and piece of fruit. Yum yum!

Drinking... More water. I've been trying to stay away from pop and other sugary drinks (although I'm not cutting them out completely). I bought Arthur and myself new Camelbaks a few weeks back. Trying to always keep that filled with water and within my reach!

Texting... pictures of retreat crafts to my co-organizer. We always make a few little special gifts and this time I really love the crafts!

Pinning... recipes, recipes, and more recipes. I love pinning new recipes. When I go to meal plan the next week, I often look at the pretty pins to find inspiration for our next meal.

Going... to book club tomorrow. I'm in two different book clubs: a personal one and a parents group one. Tomorrow is my personal club. I can't wait to grab some lunch at Black Bear Diner and catch up with friends. Oh yeah, and discuss the book!

Loving... Cranberry scones. So incredibly yummy with my morning coffee.

Hating... Arthur's tendency to not nap now. He's not even 2 and he's all but dropped his nap. I counted on that two hours to get some blog work or cleaning done.

Discovering... new place places around Castro Valley. A few hidden gems to check out soon.

Thinking... about needing to look for Christmas plane tickets to Indiana. It's coming up soon! I need to buy my tickets before the prices go up!

Feeling... stressed but in a good way. I love planning all these projects and activities. I just need to tackle them one at a time.

Hoping (for)... more sleep. I haven't been sleeping very well. Hopefully next week goes better.

Listening (to)... Octane on Sirius XM. Arthur and I haven rocking out to Saint Asonia, Highly Suspect, and Nothing More.

Celebrating... fall. I love fall. Now to get myself a pumpkin spice latte!

Smelling... my coffee brewing.

Ordering... last minute birthday party supplies. Arthur's party is coming up soon. I've been getting all the last little non-perishable items.

Thanking... about my plan for December Daily this year. Should I do three gift albums again? Or change the format to something else? And what form should my December Daily take?

Starting... to plan my October greeting cards and monthly goals.

Finishing... My greeting cards for September. Only one to finish to fulfill my design team responsibilities.

Blog-Tember Day 11: A Night In

Prompt: It's a Friday night and you decide to stay in. What do you do?

This prompt makes me laugh. For years now, my Friday nights have been nights in. With a toddler, most nights are nights in. So here's how my usual night goes:

• Dinner and cleanup
• Give Arthur his bath
• Snuggles and play time
• Book reading and Arthur bed time
• J and I watch an episode or two of something
• I go upstairs and read a chapter or two before going to bed myself
• Lights out around 10:30pm

It may sound a bit boring, but it's my life.

Blog-Tember Day 10: Bucket List

Prompt: 10 items off your bucket list. If you haven't made one, now's a good time to start!

I'm not a huge fan of bucket lists. I much prefer to think in terms of shorter term goals, even if they are sometimes lofty. Instead, I am currently in my second time participating in the Day Zero Project. Basically you make a goal of 101 items to do in 1001 days. I love the shorter time period. I love the ability to add easy goals (e.g. read 50 books) and harder goals (e.g. travel to another country). For today, I'm sharing 10 of my current favorite items from my 101 in 1001 list.

1. Build a snowman -- Obviously not going to happen in California. But I usually spend Christmas in Indiana. Maybe it will snow enough this year to build a snowman.
2. Host a tea party -- I want to have a proper tea party with mini sandwiches and scones with clotted cream. Sounds like so much fun.
3. Give 5 Just Because gifts -- I want to cultivate more deeper friendships. This is a perfect way to get started on that.
4. Give Arthur 25 pictures books in 25 days for December 2015 -- My plan for this year. I saw someone do this on Pinterest and it sounded like a great idea.
5. Attend an opera or musical -- I miss going to the theater. I would love to attend some type of theater performance soon...
6. Ask 20 friends to suggest one book, and read them all -- This is going to be part of my 2016 reading challenges. I am excited with the idea of suggestions from those that I actually know.
7. Listen to every song by The Beatles -- I love The Beatles, but I feel like that there are songs by them that I've never heard. This is a big task. And yet, I'm really looking forward to it.
8. Open a cookbook to a random page and make what ever is on it -- This one is part of my September goals. I'm way too excited to do this one.
9. Get lasik -- It's been on my list for a few years now. Unfortunately pregnancy delayed my plan. We now have a decent HSA account that I can use to get lasik this fall. Just need to make an appointment.
10. Get Arthur’s tattoo -- Another goal on my list for the past few years (2 to be exact). I still haven't decided which design to go with, but I'm leaning towards one very simple silhouette.

Blog-Tember Day 9: My Past Self

Prompt: Write a letter to sixteen-year-old you. Any advice or funny stories?

I never know what to write for these types of prompts, but I'll try...

My advice to 16-year-old Tobe:

• Don't care so much about what other people think of you -- You can't please everyone!
• Be more assertive -- You may get called a bitch a lot, but at least your opinion is heard. Don't let others run over you. Take charge! (Others will stand with you!)
• He's not worth it. -- Yep, the usually high school romance crap. Breakups suck, but you'll eventually find someone great. (And along the way, find better and better)
• Give your mom a break. -- She's trying. I know it feels like she doesn't understand and your life is so hard, but so is hers.
• Never be afraid to share your love of reading. -- Geeks will rule the world one day. Stay with them!
• Travel -- My one big regret.
• Have fun -- Don't always be looking forward or backward, live a little!

Sincerely,

An older, but I don't know if necessarily wiser, 33-year-old Tobe

Blog-Tember Day 8: For the Love of Fall

Prompt: Tell us about your favorite season. Why is it your favorite and what does it say about you?

My favorite season has always been fall. Growing up in Indiana, I longed for the hay rides, bonfires, apple cider, orange leaves, haunted houses, and sweaters of fall. I love the smells of crisp autumn air, burning leaves, and simmering cider. Halloween is the best holiday of the year. Plus, it's back-to-school time. I still love school with the promise of new adventures and new supplies. Summer is always just a tad too hot for me. And of course, winter was always incredibly cold. I love that little in between time. I love being able to sit outside drinking a mocha wearing a light sweater.

Since moving to California, I miss fall even more. We don't really have seasons here. It's hot during the summer and slightly cooler during the winter. If it's a good year, we get rain off and on from December to March. If not, then it's just slightly cooler. People around here sure dress according to the seasons on the calendar, but I'm way too hot to be wearing chunky sweaters in November.

To me fall represents a season of noticeable change. It's the start of another school year. It's a gradual cooling of the temperature. It's gearing up for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Even though I am grown, I still think in terms of the school year. September is my rebirth month. And now I have even more to love about fall... October is Arthur's birth month. So much to celebrate soon!

First Frost by Sarah Addison Allen

Title: First Frost

Author: Sarah Addison Allen

Publisher: St. Martin's Press 2014

Genre: Magical Realism

Pages: 291

Rating:  5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: TBR Reduction; 52 Books - W36; Fairytale

It's October in Bascom, North Carolina, and autumn will not go quietly.  As temperatures drop and leaves begin to turn, the Waverley women are made restless by the whims of their mischievous apple tree...and the magic that swirls around it. But this year, first frost has much more in store.

When a mysterious stranger shows up and challenges the very heart of their family, each of them must make choices they have never confronted before.  And through it all, the Waverley sisters must search for a way to hold their family together through their troublesome season of change, waiting for that extraordinary event that is First Frost.

I love Sarah Addison Allen's books. Every single one of them is a breath of fresh air. I love diving back into her fairy tale world of subtle magic and great characters. First Frost was a sequel of sorts to Garden Spells. I loved checking back in with Claire and Sydney Waverley 10 years on. And we get a story that revolves around Bay. I sped through this novel not wanting to wait to see how the story progressed. Loved it!