Blog-Tember Day 11: Instagram Love

Prompt: Round up of your favorite Instagrammers! Who should we follow?

Currently I follow 116 different Instagram accounts. A majority of those are friends and/or family. Of the rest, I have a variety of crafty people, Bay Area centric accounts, lifestyle, and music. Here are my current favorites:

@amandapalmer -- Musician, activist, wife, mother, all around badass. I've loved her for years.
@abeautifulmess -- I love Elsie and Emma's lifestyle brand. Plus they regram lots of other pretty pictures in addition to their own projects.
@the_happy_planner -- I'm so in love with my MAMBI Happy Planners! And I love to get some great inspiration from their official feed.
@boho.berry -- Amazing bullet journaler! I love following Kara's adventures and pretty drawings.
@tinyrayofsunshine -- Another great follower of the bullet journal technique. I love her clean style.
@heidiswapp -- One of my favorite crafty people. Love seeing a mix of life pics and crafty pics.
@karlthefog -- Official account of Karl, the San Francisco fog. Love these beautiful shots of the city.
@bayarea_buzz -- Highlights all the great attractions around the Bay Area. Love learning about new places to check out.

Blog-Tember Day 10: My Day (Friday)

Prompt: A day in your life! Take us through it with you by sharing a photo each hour of the day.

Friday started at 7:30am for me. I got up, took a shower, and got Arthur up and dressed. No pictures before showering I am afraid. I started taking my pictures when my presentable day started at 8am.

8pm: No picture, but Arthur went to bed. After, I curled up on the couch, put on Penny Dreadful and relaxed for a bit before going to bed at 10pm. I had an early morning today meeting some crafty friends for breakfast and craft time before heading to a toddler birthday party.

Blog-Tember Day 9: Dream Vacation

Prompt: If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be? Why?

I have always wanted to travel to Europe, specifically Italy and Greece. In fact, I've never left North America. I've done a decent amount of travel in the U.S. especially the East Coast and have been to Toronto, but that's it. I've never crossed a sea. I would love to be able to see Roman and Greek ruins and eat all the unbelievable food. That would be a dream vacation.

Blog-Tember Day 8: House Tour

Prompt: A house/apartment/room tour! Give us a glimpse of your space.

Instead of a whole house tour, I'm going to highlight my favorite part of the house: my craft pantry! When we looked at the house, I was amazed to see a butler's pantry between the kitchen and dining room. This house isn't big enough for a butler's pantry, so what to use it for. J jokingly said it could be my craft room and it turns out that the space is perfect for that. I am primarily a paper crafter (cards and scrapbooking), but occasionally do other crafts. I need a lot of storage area for my supplies and a nice counter or table to work at. This space is perfect suited for my needs. Please excuse the mess. Although I try to clean up after projects, the room tends to look this way during my big crafting days. I thought it would be more honest to leave the mess in the photos. If you look hard enough, you can spy supply items for Arthur's 3rd birthday party next week. Part of my counter always becomes a catch-all for random projects.

Looking in from the kitchen.

Looking in from the dining room.

My main counter/workspace (before cleaning anything up).

Ink and stamps cabinets (my favorites).

Depending on the week, projects can spill over into the dining room. If the twins are not here, there are only three of us eating at a table meant for six. So I use it sometimes. Here I am prepping for new card buffet class.

Not highlighted: general office supply cabinets, paper cabinets (although you can see a ton of cardstock in magazine files on the floor), Project Life cabinets, kid's crafts cabinet, tools drawers, and a few others.

Blog-Tember Day 7: Joyful Things

Prompt: Five things that bring you joy.

Toddler snuggles -- Arthur's not always the most physically affectionate kid, but I love when he wants to give me a hug or kiss or just snuggle on the couch.
Coffee -- Am I a cliche? I'm a suburban mom who loves her coffee. It's right. I can't start my day off without it. Getting a good cup of coffee makes me all tingly inside (and not just because of the caffeine.
Paper crafting -- I love making cards and scrapbooking. This activity helps to recharge me. Plus, I've made some great crafty friends along the way.
Reading -- Oh the world for a good book. I try to fit in some reading time each day to give myself a little boost. I've managed to not lose my commitment to reading.
Quiet time -- Being a SAHM to a typical toddler means that there's just noise all the time. It doesn't help that Arthur stopped taking naps over a year ago. I cherish the small chunks of quiet time we get during the day. Sometimes I can convince him to play quietly or read a book to himself to give me a few minutes to recharge. I treasure those moments.

Blog-Tember Day 6: Playlist

Prompt: Create a playlist. What you're listening to now, what encourages you, holiday favorites, etc.

I have two different playlists for today. On the music side, the playlist is just the Hamilton Soundtrack. Holy cow! It's been on repeat for months in our house. I can't get enough of it. Even Arthur loves the music and dances to the songs.

My other playlist is full of the podcasts I love to listen to. I don't spend a ton in the car lately, but often I listen to podcasts while crafting, cooking, and cleaning. Here are my current favorites. I love a mix of pop culture (The Scot and Sassenach), lifestyle (One Bad Mother, The Simple Show), and special interests (Elise Gets Crafty, What Should I Read Next).

Blog-Tember Day 5: Birthday

Prompt: What was your most memorable birthday?

My favorite birthday had to be my 29th birthday party. At the time I was still living in Indiana about 750 miles away from my then bf (now husband). I assumed that my party would be super low-key and boring. Instead, I had a fun night visiting some of my favorite places. The twins were with their father, so I had the night to myself. Woot! The night started with drinks and dessert at a local restaurant. I love that particular place because of their wide selection of beers. I love a good beer (oh my goodness I am craving a beer right now, darn pregnancy) and this place offers so many different ones. Along with my fancy beers, we grabbed some fun and chocolate desserts. Yum yum! After dessert, we moved to a local bar to see my favorite local cover band. They do covers of 80s hair-band complete with alter egos and spandex. So much fun! At the time, I had been following them around town for a few years. Definitely a memorable night!

The Residence by Kate Andersen Brower

Title: The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House

Author: Kate Andersen Brower

Publisher: HarperCollins 2015

Genre: History

Pages: 310

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Popsugar - Political Memoir (sorta); 52 Books - W36

Combining incredible first-person anecdotes from extensive interviews with scores of White House staff members—many speaking for the first time—with archival research, Kate Andersen Brower tells their story. She reveals the intimacy between the First Family and the people who serve them, as well as tension that has shaken the staff over the decades. From the housekeeper and engineer who fell in love while serving President Reagan to Jackie Kennedy’s private moment of grief with a beloved staffer after her husband’s assassination to the tumultuous days surrounding President Nixon’s resignation and President Clinton’s impeachment battle, The Residence is full of surprising and moving details that illuminate day-to-day life at the White House.

My lovely One Bad Mother gift exchange partner sent me this book last month. I finally got a chance to pick it up a few days ago and I couldn't put it back down. I love this behind the scenes look at the White House. I loved all the little stories and peeks at the personalities and personal lives of the presidents. It was fascinating to hear about all the work that no one ever acknowledges. Definitely a very interesting read.

Blog-Tember Day 4: Currently

Prompt: What are you up to currently? I have examples here and here.

I'm using Bailey's template to highlight my currents

Reading...The Residence by Kate Andersen Brower. My lovely gift exchange partner sent me this book about a month ago. Excited that it's finally come up on my TBR pile.

Playing... trains and cars with the toddler. Shooting for daily play while I can still fit it in.

Watching... The 100 Season 3. As J is out of town for the next two weeks, I've been indulging in shows I know he wouldn't want to watch. Along with The 100, I'm trying to catch up on Outlander and random movies.

Trying... to keep Arthur occupied and stimulated in these few weeks before his life really changes.

Cooking... freezer meals for October and November. I'm trying to fill the freezer before Quentin arrives next month.

Eating... whatever I want. As J is gone, I only have to make food for myself and the toddler. I'm thinking stuffed mushrooms for tomorrow.

Drinking... lots of flavored sparkling water. I'm constantly drinking plain water, but often need a bit more something. The carbonation and slight flavor help me stay hydrated throughout the day.

Texting... a fellow pregnant mom friend as she waits for her baby to be born.

Pinning... a whole collection of topics including card designs, bullet journal ideas, and recipes. My goal is to constantly curate and try out the pins I put on my boards.

Going... to the zoo on Tuesday. Hope I can survive the hills while this pregnant.

Loving... quiet evenings after Arthur goes to sleep. Sometimes I watch tv, sometimes I read.

Hating... how hot I am constantly. Seriously I'm always hot. Hopefully my temperature goes back down after the baby's born.

Discovering... I'm needing even more sleep right now. Must go to bed tonight before 11...

Thinking... about the best way to introduce Arthur to his new little brother. Should he come to the hospital or wait until we come home? Hmmm... still deciding.

Feeling... a bit overwhelmed right now. My due date was changed and the c-section has been scheduled. Plans have been moved up almost two weeks.

Hoping (for)... a comfortable few weeks as Quentin finishes his time in utero.

Listening (to)... the Hamilton soundtrack constantly. Arthur even loves it!

Celebrating... almost reaching full term with this, my last, pregnancy. We're getting so close.

Smelling... the stinky trash in the cans. Thank goodness tomorrow is garbage day.

Ordering... nothing at the moment, although I will need to get Arthur some new shoes. May end up buying them online.

Considering... my long to-do list before the baby arrives. I may end up moving some things around.

Starting... my October design team cards. Wait to get them finished way before baby comes.

Finishing... a yummy apple pie. Not J's favorite, so I'm indulging while he's out of the country.

Blog-Tember Day 3: Summer Favorites

Prompt: Now that summer's at an end, share a list of favorites from the season!

Living in the Bay Area means that summer is far from over around here. But according to the calendar, we are in fall. So, going off of the calendar and not the weather outside, here are my favorites from the season.

Watching Arthur "swim independently" with his new floaty in the pool
Lots of iced tea and sparkling water
Days at the park
Trips to the candy store with the boys
Movie nights with the twins
Crafting days with new friends
Skirts and dresses in attempting to keep myself cool
Watching this growing belly; only one month left until Quentin arrives!
New recipes making their way into my rotation

Now I'm ready for pumpkin everything and fun cocktails (only one month)!

The Secret Mistress by Mary Balogh

Title: The Secret Mistress (Dudley #3)

Author: Mary Balogh

Publisher: Dell 2011

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: 406

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Read My Own Damn Books; 52 Books - W35

While Lady Angeline Dudley’s pedigree dictates that she must land a titled gentleman, the irrepressible beauty longs for a simple, ordinary suitor. So when Edward Ailsbury, the new Earl of Heyward, defends her honor with unmatched civility, Angeline thinks that she has found true love. Persuading the earl is another matter entirely. From her unconventional fashion sense to her hoydenish antics, Angeline is the last woman on earth for Edward. And yet a stolen kiss awakens something primal within him. Naturally, being a gentleman, he does the right thing after compromising a lady: He offers marriage. The proposal is born of duty, but will Angeline cause Edward to forget about decorum behind closed doors, where sensuality and seduction play wicked games? For a proper wife by day can become a husband’s secret mistress by night, when delicious desire rules.

A fitting conclusion to the trilogy. I wasn't overly fond of Angeline or Heyward in the first two books, but I did enjoy reading their story in this volume. A very cute couple doing the will they or won't they dance for almost 350 pages. Finally we get to see them both surrender to their true feelings. Definitely an enjoyable read for this week.

Mistress (Dudley)

Blog-Tember Day 2: Goals Time

Prompt: Share a list of your current goals.

I always have a list of to-dos a mile long, but for this post, I tried to narrow it down into a few bigger goals I have.

Make it through the next few weeks -- J is out of the country on a work trip so I'm solo parenting until he comes back on the 16th. Arthur's 3rd birthday party is being held on the 17th. So along with the usual house things, I have a big event coming up to deal with. On top of everything, I'm nearing the end of this pregnancy. Focusing on getting through the next few weeks.
Finish prepping for the baby -- Baby Quentin will be arriving within the next month. I still have a few things that need to be done to prep. I need to pack my hospital bag, finish organizing the clothes, buy some more diapers, fill the rest of the freezer with prepped meals, and finish up some nursery odds and ends.
Finish prepping for crafting events through September -- I'll be taking a bit of leave from my crafting business during the month of October, but first I have a few events to finish. I need to prep for a crop day on the 11th, finish the stamp club projects for the 15th, prep the card buffet for the 11th and 20th, and make the rest of the October design team cards. I also want to put all the leftover garage sale items away in the garage until November or so.
Knock out a few more books before baby comes -- While I have relatively unemcumbered time, I want to make September's reading count. My Happiness Project focus for September is Passion and my passion is reading. I'm hoping for at least 3000 pages and at least 6 books read for the month. I also want to have my TBR piles organized for the rest of the year. I hate having to spend time figuring out what I'm reading next. I want a ready to go pile for when the baby comes.
Buy all the food and finish prepping for Arthur's birthday party -- I have all the decor and favor bag items purchased. Obviously I will need to decorate the week before the party and clean up the house in preparation, but more importantly I need to finalize the groceyr list and buy the food. I can do this!
Clean the house -- I plan to do a big downstairs clean before Arthur's party, but I also just want to do a big total house clean before the baby comes. I know I won't be able to do much housework after my c-section, so I need to take advantage of time and energy now.
Organize Arthur's clothes for the fall/winter -- As part of my house cleaning, I need to take another pass at Arthur's wardrobe for fall/winter. I know he will need new sneakers (his currents are getting small and torn up), but I'm sure he will need a few more pieces before it gets chilly again. I also know there are some current items that need to be retired to the hand-me-down bins.
Focus on using my planner more to document daily notes and activities -- I love my Happy Planner, but I've been slacking lately. I need to spend some time using it more effectively, but also making small notes in it (a la memory keeping). This will come in handy have the baby comes and I'm trying to recall when he first smiled or laughed or such things.

Take Back Your Shelves Readathon

J is gone for business. And Arthur and I have no plans until next Tuesday. So I decided to join in on the fun this weekend.

From JMill Wanders:

Are you tired of your to-be-read shelves making you their bitch? There’s a readathon for that! Read the books you’ve put off for too long, or read something new to prevent it from becoming a forgotten book. The choice is yours!
Readathon Dates: September 2-5 (Saturday-Monday). I know not everyone has Labor Day off from work, but this is an informal readathon so read whenever you have time. Thirty minutes? Cool. Thirty hours? Rebel.
To sign up, leave a comment on this post. Please include your blog link or a social media link so I know where you’ll be posting.
Make sure to use the hashtag #TBYSreadathon throughout the event so other readers can follow along with your updates and shenanigans.
Next weekend, make those shelves your bitch!

Pregnancy Update at 36 Weeks

This post got pushed a day to accommodate my 36 week appointment this morning. Instead of seeing my usual midwife, I met with an OB to do my pre-op appointment. Things did not turn out as expected.

Due Date: October 1st. Apparently the office had changed my due date after my 20 week ultrasound but never told me. The OB doesn't let repeat c-sections go past 39 weeks, but we've had a drastic change in estimated time of arrival for the little one. Tentatively the c-section is scheduled for Sept. 25th (need confirmation from the hospital master scheduler). The little one will be coming much sooner than I had expected...

Weight Gain: 24 lbs

Symptoms: Very uncomfortable just about all the time. The scare tissue pain is constant with big spikes here and there. Thankfully this hasn't impacted the baby at all. I've also been having numb hands during the day and I always have to pee. So mostly all normal symptoms.

What's different this time: This is my last baby. I officially signed the paper to proceed with a tubal ligation during my scheduled c-section. We are 100% done.

Cravings/Aversions: Desperately want some wine (and a gin and tonic on the side). So trying to hold off until after the baby comes.

Sleep: A bit of a joke as this point. I'm constantly waking up at night time and not just to pee. I just wake up and then have to convince myself to go back to sleep. No fun at all.

I am loving: How loving Arthur is being with myself and the belly. He loves to give boops (tiny pats) to baby "kinkin" (his name for Quentin). Hopefully this love will continue after the baby actually arrives.

I miss: Being able to get up off the couch without groaning...

I am looking forward to: J coming back from his three week work trip. I'll feel much better when he's back in the country. And it will make me feel better when the c-section date is confirmed.

I'm spazzing about: Feeling the need to get our freezer stocked with meals before the baby comes. So far, I've only made some baked ziti. I have a list of about 7 different dishes make multiples of. Hopefully I can find the time and energy to get them all prepped.

Milestones: My surgery has been scheduled. Barring any craziness, I now know when this baby will arrive.

Movement: According to the pregnancy app, movement should slightly decrease at this point. Apparently no one told the baby. He's as active as ever. His favorite activity is to burrow into my pelvic bone nightly, usually around 8 or 9pm. Oh so much fun.

Preparation: We finally picked a name! Quentin Deckard will be joining our family soon.

Quentin's Stuff: My parent group held a small sprinkle for myself and another at the end of August. Our group tradition is to make a fleece blanket and painted onesies. We received an adorable firetruck themed blanket and some onesies of all sizes. Arthur even got a "big brother" shirt to wear.

Blog-Tember Day 1: Hello all!

Prompt: Introduce yourself however you like! Pics, vlog, collage, your choice :)

Hello all! I'm Tobe and I currently live in California with my hubs and children (13, 13, almost 3). I'm also currently 35 weeks pregnant with my fourth boy! This blog started as a way for me to document all the books I read, but has grown into a place for me to write about anything everyone. I still review the books I read, but have focused more and more on what I want to read instead of the newest hottest book out there. In the intervening years, I've also started another blog, The Craft Sea, to document all my paper crafting efforts. Other than the blogs, I run paper crafting classes and events as an Independent Stampin' Up demonstrator and I serve on our local parent group's board as the Director of Social and Charitable Relations. Between those two activities and taking care of the kids and household, I always make time for a bit of reading.