Currently #7

Reading: The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan for book club in early May. So far, it’s been nice and light. Just what I needed.

Watching: J and I took a mini break from our Marvel marathon to start Umbrella Academy. I wanted to wait until I read at least the first trade of the comic. Only two episodes in, but really loving the show!

Listening: Lots of NPR Politics, but I might need to take a bit of a break from political news. (Or at least ration it out).

Making: I’m trying a new-to-me recipe of Coconut Lentil Soup. Really hope it’s good!

Feeling: This past weekend the temperature was in the high 80s. Yesterday and today the temperature plummeted into the 50s. I’m so cold!

Planning: Working on finishing out our summer plans.

Loving: While at the Mall of America, we stopped at a fun candy store and I bought a pound of fancy gummi bears. Many of them were cocktail flavored (margarita, bourbon and coke, pina colada, etc).

Next up on the TBR pile:

Currently #6

Reading: The Stone Sky by N.K. Jemisin — Finishing The Broken Earth trilogy and it is amazing!

Watching: We’re right in the middle of the Marvel movies. We finished Phase 2 last night.

Listening: Enjoying the back episodes of the Currently Reading podcast. I’m about half way through the back episodes.

Making: Working through The 100 Day Project and attempting to finish or make big progress on a ton of projects. Specifically working through Quentin’s 2018 Project Life album.

Feeling: This weekend is going to be great!

Planning: Leaving on Friday for the Stampin’ Up! convention. Working out where we’re going to eat and what we’re going to do beyond the convention itself. I can’t wait!

Loving: On a whim I made wacky cake last night. So good and so easy!

Next up on the TBR pile:

Currently #5

Reading: A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness. So so good! I can’t wait to finish and get the next book.

Watching: J and I decided to rewatch all of the Marvel movies in anticipation of Endgame being released soon.

Listening: I started S2 of Slow Burn podcast the other day at the gym. This season focuses on the investigation and impeachment of Bill Clinton. I’ve realized that I know very little of the details in that case.

Making: Diving back into Project Life albums. I started Quentin’s 2018 alum and hope to start the 2019 Family album this week.

Feeling: Traveling with two small kids stresses me out a bit. Thankfully we’re back home and I feel calmer.

Planning:  I can’t wait for the Stampin’ Up! convention in mid-April. I’m busy planning what I’m going to take (craft kit!) and what I want to do with my limited time in Minneapolis.

Loving: We’re continuing our weekly grilled cheese recipe and I really really love this project! We’ve tried some good recipes and I’ve got some good thinking ones on tap for next month.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Currently #4

Reading: Bellman & Black by Diane Setterfield. I loved The Thirteenth Tale, hoping this one is just as good. I’m only a few pages in, but so far, pretty interesting.

Watching: J and I started This Giant Beast that Is the Global Economy with Kal Penn. Depressing, but interesting dive into various aspects of the global economy.

Listening: Lots of podcasts. I’m currently catching up with a few back episodes of Reading Glasses.

Making: The dish of the week is apparently scones. Yesterday I made chocolate chip ones and mango and coconut ones. I want to try out a savory recipe (maybe ham and cheese?) and a new sweet recipe this week.

Feeling: It’s my birthday!!!

Planning:  Putting the finishing touches on our travel plans next week. We’re hitting Legoland Chicago on our way to Indiana.

Loving: My in-laws got me a cozy new library themed blanket. Perfect addition to my reading chair in the playroom. It’s been so cold lately and our house has weird cold (playroom) and hot spots (master bedroom) so we’ve been playing with the thermostat. A blanket helps me stay cozy reading while the kiddos play.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Currently #3

Reading: Eruption by Steve Olson about the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens. So far, so good.

Watching: Slowly making my way through Riverdale S2. Finally got the Christmas break.

Listening: Plugging along with This Podcast Will Kill You about infectious diseases. Next up is Malaria.

Making: Feeling like I need to make some brownies this afternoon. Yum yum.

Feeling: Anxious about some upcoming decisions.

Planning:  Spring Break is just around the corner. So is the twins’s birthday. Busy busy with the logistics of getting there and back and what to do while there.

Loving: We’ve had a ton of snow this January/February. currently there’s about 7 inches of cumulative snow in our yard. But the sun is shining and the reflection has created a glittery wonderland. Arthur thought there was actual glitter in the snow. So cute!

Next up on the TBR pile:

Currently #2

Reading: The Hollow of Fear by Sherry Thomas. Loving the third book in the Lady Sherlock series.

Watching: Slowing working my way through Riverdale S2.

Listening: I dove into the Last Seen Podcast this past week. Fascinating account of the Gardner Museum heist and the ongoing investigation.

Making: I tried to make gluten free wacky cake again. Last time, the results were disastrous. This time, much better although I still think the cake is a bit dry.

Feeling: My stomach has been a bit off for the last few days.

Planning:  Still working on Quentin’s Project Life spreads for 2017. I’m up to November, so my goal to finish that year during this month is definitely doable. Hopefully I can dive into 2018 spreads later this week.

Loving: A few weeks back I bought a log of cranberry goat cheese from Aldis and loved it! This week, I grabbed another log for last night’s book club and another of Blueberry Vanilla to enjoy at home.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Currently #1

Reading: The Fifth Seasonby N.K. Jemisin. Somehow this book kept getting pushed to the bottom of the TBR pile, but so glad I picked it up last week. Oh so good!

Watching: Slowly slowly working my way through Riverdale S2.

Listening: I listen to a ton of podcasts, but the Apocalist Book Club is my current favorite. Such fun!

Making: Working on some card kits for a friend’s craft retreat later this spring.

Feeling: The kids keep waking up in the middle of the night and early in the morning. I’m super run down right now…

Planning:  Why does my family always need to eat? Argh! Back to meal planning…

Loving: My little escape lately has been working on my planner and memory planner. Looking through my planner stickers really makes me happy.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Currently #8

Reading: Finally picked up Little Bee by Chris Cleave. It's been sitting on my shelf for years!

Watching: Loving this season of Bachelor in Paradise. Way better than The Bachelorette.

Listening: Downloaded and working my way through Crooked Media's podcast The Wilderness. In some ways it's very depressing, but in other ways it fascinating and somewhat uplifting. 

Making: My next craft project is prepping birthday thank you cards for the boys's birthday party.

Feeling: J and the boys were all sick this past week. While I've escaped most of the sickness, I've had to deal with three sick people in my house. I am now exhausted. Here's hoping I don't catch it now.

Planning: I've gotten the decor, activities, and goody bags worked out for the party. Now I just need to finalize our menu for the day of. 

Loving: Cooler mornings were made for coffee and couch snuggles. Loving the bit of cooler weather we've had this past week. 

Next up on the TBR pile:

Currently #7

Reading: The Stolen Bride by Jo Beverley. I turned to some fun Regency Romance for this week.

Watching: J and I are getting close to finishing Supernatural S5.

Listening: I completely forgot about listening to Annotated S2 and rediscovered it on my podcast app. Yeah!! I'm four episodes in and I'm loving the collection of topics.

Making: Attempting to finish my Family Project Life spreads so I can pack away the supplies.

Feeling: Calmer this week. Hoping it lasts.

Planning: We're having a Mad Science Party for the boys's birthday party. I'm busy planning the science experiments that we will be featuring.

Loving: Having a to-do list to tackle every couple of days is keeping me on track. Usually I make them on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Currently #6

Reading: Give Up the Ghost  by Juliet Blackwell. Love my cozy mysteries!

Watching: J and I started watching Bounty Hunters and it is a treat.

Listening: I'm behind on all my podcasts but I have been listening to a lot of Alt Nation. 

Making: A week off from to do lists and chores has put me behind. I'm spending some time today making new to do lists to get back on track.

Feeling: A week of vacation activities while still at home was much needed. I'm feeling a bit more steady. 

Planning: I'm getting the birthday party and retreat planning started this week. Both are happening in September, but I like to be prepared early.

Loving: We stopped by the fudge place in the city and I do so adore the fancy flavors. My favorite was Cheesecake Brownie. Yum yum!

Next up on the TBR pile:

Currently #5

Reading: Picked up Symbiont by Mira Grant (Parasitology #2) and am flying through it!

Watching: J turned me on to What Would Diplo Do? and it is glorious. So sad that there was only five episodes. Hope it gets picked up for another season.

Listening: I downloaded and have been binging Nothing More's The Stories We Tell Ourselves. Love love love this album and keep coming back to it.

Making: My online community is obsessed with Smitten Kitchen's Summer Strawberry Cake. We love it so much that it's become #teamcake. I've been making my own and recently experimented with peaches instead of strawberries. So good! 

Feeling: The last few weeks have been difficult. This week has been a bit better. 

Planning: The in-laws are coming next week for a visit. And if you know me at all, you know that I love planning and scheduling. I'm putting the finishing touches on our plans next week. 

Loving: Arthur and Quentin have been spending most afternoons in the backyard running around and playing with their toys. I've been taking a few minutes to sit and watch, play with them, and/or read a chapter in my book.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Currently #4

Reading: Mad Hatters and March Hares edited by Ellen Datlow. Really enjoying this collection of 18 Alice in Wonderland inspired short stories.

Watching: We finished Supernatural S4 this week. Starting S5 soon.

Listening: Currently working through the back catalogue of the Bad Times Good Stories podcast. Some of these stories are hilarious.

Making: Still working through all my retiring stamp sets. And making cards for stamp club for Saturday.

Feeling: I have no idea why, but I've been so worn down the past few days.

Planning: Getting all of May's activities set on the calendar. 

Loving: I took s'mores cookies and popcorn to friend's house for playdate last good. Now I'm stuck on s'mores cookies and popcorn. So good!

Next up on the TBR pile:

Currently #3

Reading: The Radium Girls by Kate Moore -- April's book club selection. I just started, but so far it's really interesting. 

Watching: We finally finished S3, so we are on to S4 of Supernatural. Finally they introduce the angels. I had forgotten when that happened. 

Listening: Arthur is still on a Black Veil Brides kick, so that's what we've been listening to in the car. I'm totally okay with listening to a little metal.

Making: I've seen the new Stampin' Up! catalog (launching June 2nd), and know what stamps sets are retiring. In May, I usually devote most of my craft blog posts to cards featuring the retiring sets. I'm starting to make the cards this week. Two sets down, sixteen to go...

Feeling: A bit stretched... Nothing super crazy happening right now, just feel like the boys have been pulling me this way and that way. It would help if at least one of the them would take consistent naps, but nope.

Planning: Tentatively starting to plan out summer activities. Nothing set in stone yet, but I'm thinking a concert, maybe a comic con, possibly a trip to the aquarium, and a ton of the usual park playdates and arcade trips. 

Loving: A friend brought Butterscotch Oatmeal bars to our cookout last weekend and they are heavenly. Currently eating a little piece Yum yum!

Next up on the TBR pile:

Currently #2

Reading: Demonglass and Spell Bound by Rachel Hawkins. After some more adult reads, I'm taking a bit of a YA break to finish this series. 

Watching: J and I have been on a movie kick lately. I actually made a watch list in my bujo because I keep forgetting the movies I want to watch. Now we can look at the short list, pick something to watch, and cross it off! (I'm a huge lister and completionist over here.)

Listening: I downloaded some albums onto my Apple Music app and one of my selections was the new Black Veil Brides album. I love some metal every once in awhile!

Making: I'm trying to finish a month in our family Project Life album from last year. Currently working on April and May. Plus, I'm documenting Week in the Life this week so I'm mentally planning spreads and stories for the album.

Feeling: Last week, I felt very scattered in my tasks and plans. This week, I'm much much more focused.

Planning: I've got a few new craft classes scheduled for April and May. I need to prep the rest of the card kits. I've also got Spring Bingo scheduled. Now I need to plan out my make n takes and finalize the prizes. Finally, I've still got one project to design for March stamp club and I need to start thinking about April stamp club (last in this round).

Loving: My birthday was yesterday! We don't usually have anything big planned, but I do love commemorating it in some way. The retreat a few weekends back acted as my big present, but I also made sure to have a dessert and a few other little self-care items the day of.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Currently #1

Reading: Nefertiti by Michelle Moran -- one of those books that's been on my shelves for a few years

Watching: Arthur has really gotten into Buster Keaton movies, so we've been watching a few here and there

Listening: Catching up on the Reading Glasses podcast

Making: Jumped right back into card making once I got back home. Only 8 more designs to do before this weekend...

Feeling: After being sick over the weekend with a stomach bug, I'm feeling much better.

Planning: The numbers for the moms' retreat have been finalized. The house has been booked. Now to get to the rest of the planning.

Loving: Being sick meant no real food as we couldn't keep anything down. So excited to eat food again.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Currently #11

Reading: A Trail Through Time by Jodi Taylor. Continuing on with the Chronicles of St. Mary's series. Really loving it so far.

Watching: Arthur loves to watch an episode or two of Pink Panther before bed. I think we've seen them all at least three times.

Listening: Quentin's new favorite thing is blowing raspberries. Cute but now I am covered in baby spit...

Making: Working my way through May's memory planner spreads.

Feeling: After having sick kids start the week, I'm feeling very behind and frazzled about everything else.

Planning: Trying to get our weekend in order.

Loving: In the middle of a heat here in Northern California, but I can't give up coffee. Switched to iced coffee. So much better!

Next up on the TBR pile:

Currently #10

Reading: The Kingdom of Ohio by Matthew Flaming. Finally getting around to reading this one!

Watching: Still watching When Calls the Heart on Netflix. Silly melodramatic period show, but love it!

Listening: Been putting The Lumineers on repeat lately. Loving the mellow sound.

Making: Starting work on May's Memory Planner pages this week.

Feeling: Very excited and looking forward to the next few weeks.

Planning: Getting the rest of June planned out.

Loving: The twins arrive today! So excited to have them here for the summer!

Next up on the TBR pile:

Currently #9

Watching: When Calls the Heart on Netflix. It's such a stupid period drama and yet I'm addicted right now. I guess this is my follow-up to The Paradise.

Reading: The Island at the Center of the World by Russell Shorto. Fascinating look at the settlement of New Amsterdam (now New York City). Reading it has been slow going because I've been so tired. The subject matter is very engaging.

Listening: Lots of NPR Politics episodes.

Making: Getting ready for the Stampin' Up! Annual Catalog launch with a party and open house this weekend. I've been making examples for make n takes and ones to highlight the great new products.

Feeling: All my tasks have deadlines fast approaching. I'm feeling a bit stretched thin at the moment.

Planning: Making plans for summer with all four boys. It's going to get a bit crazy in this house!

Loving: Impulse bought dark chocolate peanut clusters at Sprouts last week and now I am obsessed. So good!

Next up on the TBR pile:

Currently #8

Reading: Anno Dracula by Kim Newman. I bought this one my birthday day in SF, started reading on the train, and never actually finished it. Making it a priority this month.

Watching: Arthur and I are watching the entire Avatar: The Last Airbender series. We're currently in Season 3.

Listening: The 100 Creatives podcast. For her 100 day project, Sally Harris is interviewing 100 creatives. I am really digging these short (~15 minute) interviews.

Making: May cards using retiring products. The new Stampin' Up! catalog comes out June 1st!

Feeling: Stable and neutral. My anxiety has decreased, but I'm still not in a great place.

Planning: Starting to nail down summer plans.

Loving: Our neighborhood is awash with plants and flowers. I love stopping to look on our walks. I'm so excited that my May monthly memory planner spread will be 31 days of flowers/plants.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Currently #7

Reading: Finally snagged Saga Vol. 6 from the library. Ready to dive into a big pile of comics this week.

Watching: The 100 Season 4. This show has gotten more melodramatic with every season. I may be done with this show soon...

Listening: Lots of podcast listening this week. Love to listen while making dinner, baking, general cleaning. Right now I'm listening to NPR Politics. Their weekly round-ups are great to get a lot of news in one go.

Making: Lots of card making this week. I pulled all my retiring products and have started to make cards featuring those products. Plus I have a ton of pattern paper to use up before I can buy more!

Feeling: Anxious about a lot of life events right now. Hoping things get resolved soon.

Planning: Starting to look at summer activities and plans. 

Loving: Tried a new recipe last night for Sweet Potato, Black Bean, and Quinoa Bowls. Surprisingly delicious vegetarian option for dinner. Last week I found a winning scone recipe. . I love when I find new recipes that we actually like! Here's hoping my next new recipe goes over well

Next up on the TBR pile!