Jen, In Real Life. Seriously: January 2018

Currently | January

Currently 6:00 AM

Watching: Dark on Netflix. (Side note: I read the subtitles through most of the episodes then realized they dubbed it in English. Tried it and was so thrown off because I'd gotten used to each character's real voice that I ended up switching it back to German. At least a learned a bit of the language in the process.)

Listening: Him & I by G-Eazy featuring Halsey

Reading: Sleeping Beauties (finished), A List of Cages, Truly Madly Guilty

Eating: sweet potato hash for days!

Thinking: the PNW this summer sounds like a great idea

Planning: A new venture :)

Wishing: the USPS would quit screwing around with my mail

Working: on a FODMAP diet plan (insert meh face here)

Buying: Fresh tulips for the coffee table

Loving: Primal Kitchen's dressings. *drools* Greek is my fave!

Goals print found here.

Share |

Book List | January

Book List 6:00 AM

I've been wanting to do a monthly book review for a while and since it's the new year, I figured now would be a good time to start. I managed 3 books this month, which if a fair amount for me. I can add them to my Day Zero list. Here's what I read this month:

Sleeping Beauties: A Novel by Stephen King

This is my first Stephen King novel. I know, I know. I'm late to the game. I could not put this book down. To the point where I may have ignored Rick a teensy tiny bit a few times while he was trying to talk to me while I was reading. Sorry, honey! Anyway, Sleeping Beauties centers around a women's prison and is about this weird phenomenon that causes a weird cotton like substance to start cocooning itself around women all around the world once they fall asleep. Oh yeah, and they don't wake up. If you enjoy sci-fi/mystery, you'll like this one.

A List of Cages by Robin Roe

Oh man, this book. It look me a bit to get into it because it jumps characters a bit but once I was in, I was in. It's about two teenage boys, Adam & Julian and it's just heartbreaking and heartwarming all in one. I definitely might have cried a few times. (Plus Robin liked one of my posts on Instagram so I'm kinda famous now.)

Paris for One and Other Stories by Jojo Moyes

This book is actually a collection of short stories, the longest being Paris For One. I love all of Jojo's books so it was no surprise I liked this one as well. It's about a girl who gets stood up by her boyfriend on their trip to Paris so she hangs out for the weekend and meets a dashing young French waiter. Que the romance. A good quick read.

Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty

For the life of me, I just couldn't get into this book. I don't know why. This is the second attempt at reading it and I manage a few chapters and just put it down. Maybe I'll give it another go next month.

Next up:

Starting The Glass Castle: A Memoir by Walls, Jeannette (March 1, 2005) Hardcover and The Whistler: A Novel by John Grisham this week.

What books have you guys been reading lately that you couldn't put down?

Share |

Commit | Week 4

Commit 6:00 AM

Last week wasn't so bad as far as getting shit done. I did go through my clothes and I have two bags to launder and decide what's going to consignment and what's getting donated. I have a large flat rate box FULL of scrapbooking supplies that I don't want anymore. However, I still have more stuff to go through. I'll probably list some small flat rate boxes soon. They'll be filled with Studio Calico kit accouterments, alphas, chipboard, wood veneer items and more so keep an eye out if you're interested. As for Lilly's birthday quilt, the fabric is still sitting in a pile. I need to break out the ironing board and get all of the creases out so I can start cutting strips. I'm off tomorrow so maybe I'll get a good chunk of it done then.

Here's my list for this week:

1. Go through walk-in closet. Get rid of anything I haven't worn the past year. Take to consignment/donate.

2. Start sewing Lilly's quilt together.

3. Stick to meal plan. NO cheating!

Hope you guys have a great week. Can't believe it's almost February!

o__O

Share |

Friday Five | Week 4

Friday Five 6:00 AM

1. Every taco deserves a good Triceratops. Seriously, I need one.

2. Hollywood Reporter sat down with Ellen Pompeo. This is the article that resulted. Yaaaaaas Queen! She slays, she slays.

3. Have you guys checked out @theboywhobakes on Instagram? Edd is killing my get fit vibes.

4. I want to rent this Airbnb house in Jackson Bay, New Zealand. Mmmkay?

5. And because everyone can relate to spam emails, I leave you this.

Pixies poster found here.

Share |

Commit | Week 3

Commit 6:00 AM

Hope everyone had a great weekend! I did so-so last week. While I didn't get any of my cruise album done, I did get to work on my Project Life album, so a win there. Sugar was a bust as it was my boss's birthday and we had cake (I only had a small slice.) And while I technically didn't make a list of log ins and passwords, I did download the Keeper app and started importing my stuff there.

Here's my list for this week:

1. Go through my dresser and get rid of anything I haven't worn in the past year. Bring it to consignment/donate.

2. Go through scrapbooking stuff I don't use and create small stuffed flat-rate boxes for sale. Cheap!

3. Cut strips of fabric for Lilly's quilt.

Hope you guys have a great week!

Share |

Friday Five | Week 3

Friday Five 6:00 AM

Johnny Ninos does it again with his gorgeous gold and diamond barnacle ring stack. I've been not-so-secretly coveting his pieces FOREVER.

Hey Potterheads, have you seen what's coming soon?

I've been devouring books lately and this printed quote pretty much sums up my relationship with books.

Valentine's Day is right around there corner! Astel posted a FREE Puppy Love Valentine's Day clipart set. It's perfect for those of you who are creating your own Valentines!

I'm absolutely blown away by these transformations by The Power of Makeup. (Probably because I'm crap at doing it - gimme some mascara and chapstick and I'm good.) One day I'd love to have my hair and makeup professionally done. Hmmm, my birthday is right around the corner...

Florence + The Machine poster found here.

Share |

Unboxing | Studio Calico Mega Sale Haul

Scrapbooking 6:00 PM

Back in December I received an email from Studio Calico about a huge sale they were having. Usually I just stick with my monthly kits but figured I'd head over to see what was on sale. Super glad I did, as most items were 90% off. Yes, NINETY percent! My UPS guy delivered my haul today and before I ripped into it, I set up my tripod and phone to document that craziness that is about to be unboxed. You guys, I got SO MUCH STUFF. I'm seriously drooling over everything! I've always heard that if you're in a creative rut to go through your stash of supplies. Apparently ordering new stuff works as well!

I have two birthdays this week and have already put two of the birthday cards to good use. I won't have to buy another card all year. For any occasion.

Seriously, look at all of them!

And the kits! So glad I was able to snag some older kits as well.

Totally handing out that award ribbon to Rick tonight. Hoarding the Heck Yeah patch!

So much goodness.

Grr, rounded corners! Those will get fixed soon.

Most of these will get framed and hung above my desk.

Here's a breakdown of everything I ordered:

Fearless Art Print

Gold Scribble Folded Card

Brushed Dots Card

Coffee Cups Print

Explore Chipboard Cover x 2

Details Letter Pressed Chipboard Cover x 2

Explore Badges

5x8 Transparency Page

Been & Gone Reminder Ring Die Cuts

Story Board 4x6 Kraft Alpha Stickers

Fitzgerald Quote Card

Howdy Partner Postcard

Hello Forever Planner 1 Year Blank Vertical Refill Pack x 2

February Happy Mail (2016)

July Happy Mail (2016)

October Messy Box (2015)

September Messy Box (2015)

January Happy Mail (2016)

June Happy Mail (2017)

July Happy Mail (2017)

52 Weeks Photo Course Kit

Brimfield Stationary Kit - September 2015

Brimfield Documenter Kit - September 2015

Jolly Holiday Stationary Kit - May 2016

Story Board Stationary Main

4x6 Paper Pad- Vintage

Inspirational 8x10 Art Print

Subtotal: $378.31

Savings: $341.86

Total: $36.45 + $10 for flat rate shipping

Check out the unboxing!

So here's a big YES! to more Studio Calico Mega Sales!

Share |

Commit | Week 2

Commit 6:00 AM

Happy Monday, folks!

I failed spectacularly last week! And I'm ok with that because I got a shit ton of other stuff from my master To Do list completed. Like taking down the tree. And cleaning off/reorganizing the kitchen counters. So I'm turning my frown upside down and adding the things I didn't get done back onto my list for another time. I'm totally ok with it.

Once again, it's Monday and here's my list for this week:

1. Get two ~~more~~ days completed on my travel album

2. No extra sugar intake all week (this is gonna be tough!)

3. Make a master list of log-in/passwords (I'm forever forgetting)

Hope you guys have been crushing your goals! Have a great week!

Share |

Found: Target

Found 6:00 AM

Target is my go to place for household stuff, along with TJ Maxx & Home Goods. I guess we can call this month the home edition. :)

Archaeology Matte Metro Candle - 12 oz. - Grapefruit & Sea Salt // $14.99

I have one of their Merlot & Black Rose candles and it is to die for! Would love to try their other scented candles.

Threshold Organic Cotton Sheet Set - 300 count - Silver Frette // $34.49

Threshold makes some pretty decent sheets and I always keep my eye out for when they're on sale, like now!

Threshold Tall Textured Clear Glass // $2.99 each

Somehow my set of 8 glasses has been reduced down to 2 so I'm definitely in need of some new glassware. Love these textured ones.

Delavan Tripod Table Lamp // $37.99

This would go perfect on the table I have next to my bed.

Instant Pot 7-in-1 Pressure Cooker - 6 qt // $99.99

Think I'm finally wanting to jump on the bandwagon. Bring on the Instapot!

Oneida Reyna 20 Piece Flatware Set // $39.99

I purchased a set of flatware when I first moved in. Just your standard 20 piece set. I didn't entertain or have anyone over much so I never risked the chance of running out. Now, if we have the kids or the kids + guests there's a good chance someone is going to have to revert back to caveman days and eat with their hands. Just kidding. Sorta. This set is pretty close to what I have now and I'm ok with it not being a complete match.

What have you found recently at Target?

Share |

Friday Five | Week 2

Friday Five 6:00 AM

1. I love these clear sassy quote planner stickers from Charlotte's Minis. Might have to snag a few.

2. While they haven't posted in a few months, Mr. & Mrs. Globe Trot has become one of my favorite travel blogs. I can't wait to get out on the road again.

3. And speaking of travel, this year I'd like to go here, here and here.

4. It's been super cold here and I'm dying to try this recipe for chicken stew and biscuits from Ina Garten.

5. It's only January and still a little too cold for hiking so I'll just leave this here for you guys. Can't wait for warmer weather as we're actively making camping/hiking a priority this year. You can find the complete movie on Netflix. Give it a watch!

My Morning Jacket print found here. (Fun tip: I went to high school with their bass player, Tom.)

Share |

Project Life 2018 | Week 01

Project Life 6:00 AM

Yay! Week One is in the books! I love this month's Studio Calico kit so much. The colors are so gorgeous.

And I'm crushing hard on those bright yellow alpha stickers.

Apparently there will be a monthly cork piece this year. I love the gold glitter throughout this one.

I didn't take a whole lot of photo for this week. But I have been reading a lot so I printed out some book covers and used those instead. (Side note: Sleeping Beauties was AWESOME!) I'm also still using the journal cards from In A Creative Bubble.

Can I seriously buy wallpaper in this print? *drools*

Another great book I recommend.

Gold detail for days!

I love seeing all the first week posts on Instagram. You guys keep on inspiring me!

Happy Wednesday!

Share |

Commit | Week 1

Commit 6:00 AM

As part of making my OLW more visible, I figured I start a weekly series called (what else?), Commit. Each Monday I'll be curating a list of things I'd like to accomplish or work on during that week. Sounds super simple but it'll help keep me on track and committed (see what I did there?) to my word.

Here's my Commit list this week:

1. Get two days done on my travel album (from our cruise in September)

2. Exercise 30 minutes every day

3. Update my digital file book

That's it! Just three little things for this week. I don't want to bog myself down with a huge list of stuff I know I'll never get done so I'm going to just stick with three (maybe four) goals a week.

I'll be back next Monday with all new goals, and an update on how I did this week.

Happy Monday!

Share |

Friday Five | Week 1

Friday Five 6:00 AM

Happy Friday! This is the first of many (hopefully) weekly posts where I share some cool/interesting/fun stuff that I've found online lately.

This blog post from forever ago by Tara Whitney. I now want to kidnap my mom and cousins and take a trip to Bali.

And speaking of Bali, this Nat Geo photo from last year of some rice terraces is one of my favorites. You can actually sign up and have all of Nat Geo's Photo of the Day sent right to your inbox.

I just started following Tara (@radandhappy) last month on IG. She is so freaking talented. And she has some super cute babes. Go check her out and give her some love.

I've been using essential oils a lot more and have been eyeing this gorgeous diffuser. Think it might make a move to my wish list! Also thinking about signing up for Young Living. I used their oils when I was doing massage and they are heavenly!

It doesn't come out until late next year but I cannot. wait. for this movie! Ever since I was little I've been obsessed with The Nutcracker. Just hearing Dance of The Sugarplum Fairy makes me want to do twirls. Plus, it stars Helen Mirren, who is bad ass and my spirit animal.

Gogol Bordello print found here.

Share |

One Little Word 2018 | Commit

One Little Word 6:00 AM

Commit. It's my One Little Word for 2018 and it brings some lofty goals and makes me a little nervous. For those of you who aren't familiar with One Little Word, hop on over to Ali's blog where she explains it WAY better than I ever could. I have a few things I definitely want to commit to this year, and I plan on using it in conjunction with my Day Zero Project as well. When it comes to goals and projects, I kick ass in planning and executing but suck as far as follow through goes. Plus I get bored super easily, which makes it extra difficult. The above are just a few things I'd like to commit to this year and I'm actively planning on getting them done. Here's to 2018 and getting shit done.

Anyone else playing along? What's your 2018 OLW?

Share |