What I Bought in November/December

What I Bought in November/December

With the holidays keeping me completely swamped, I made only a few purchases in November and December. I’ve worked hard over the years to curb my shopping addiction and would consider myself a pretty minimalist purchaser. I’d love to know what you bought in November/December while the holidays were in full swing.

1. Knix Underwear

I originally bought this brand of underwear to wear during my periods, but now I prefer to wear period underwear all month long. They’re comfortable, I never have to worry about spotting, and have limited edition patterns come out fairly often. For my periods I’ll use a heavier option from Knix, but the light ones are perfect for every day. I wanted to cycle out the remaining random pairs of tired underwear, so I bought a few more to round out my collection.

2. Target Pants

A TikTok about capsule wardrobes lead me to purchase these patterned pants. She said getting different styles of pants helps to add more variety to a simple wardrobe. I only really have a couple of pairs of jeans which make a lot of my outfits look the same. So I wanted to mix things up. They’re super comfortable, easy to dress up and down, and are under $30.

3. Spreader Knives

For decades we’ve used basic butter knives to decorate our favorite cut-out cookies. They constantly fall out of the frosting bowls, make messes everywhere, and are generally hard to use. It dawned on me this year after three different cookie decorating sessions to pick up a set of these spreader knives instead. They stayed in the frosting bowls perfectly and made decorating the cookies so much easier. Just took me 25 years to figure it out.

4. WontonInAMillion Stickers

Now I had some of these Wonton in a Million stickers on my Christmas wishlist, but Alex pointed out to me how unlikely it would be that anyone get these for me. So I treated myself to a few sheets. This is my go-to shop for character stickers and I love supporting Cynthia, the owner, and the amazing company she’s built.

5. Kavu Backpack 

Now technically this Kavu backpack was a gift from Alex’s parents, but I picked it out and wanted to share it with you guys. His parents gave us free reign to pick whatever we wanted while we were visiting them in Virginia and I quickly scooped this little cutie up. It’s so handy, surprisingly large, and makes me feel like I could go on a ten mile hike or something.

6. Sign Language Book

Alex and I signed up for a Sign Language class in the new year and this Sign Language Book is the required reading. We’ve talked about wanting to do a class like this for ages and one day I just searched for one near by and signed us up. It’s crazy how easy it sometimes is to do the things you always talk about doing.

7. Sponge Holder 

I’ve had one of those suction sponge holders on my kitchen sink for ages and it always came off. I finally got fed up with it and bought this sponge holder that adheres to the side of the sink. Simple, stays put, and doesn’t take up too much sink space. Problem solved.

8. The Artist’s Way Book

Ironically enough I started the practice of morning pages before ever getting my hands on this book. I first rented it from the library, but it’s the type of book that I need to digest over a longer period of time. I usually never buy books, but this one felt like a good exception to make. I plan on talking about my experience more in a later blog post, so stay tuned.

I weirdly love doing posts like these. I collect links and images as I purchase things throughout the month and it really helps to make me stop and think about what I’m buying. So thanks for holding me accountable!

5 Realistic Goals for 2022

5 Realistic Goals for 2022

I’m not going to kid myself with workout or budget related goals. 2022 is going to be the year to go easy on ourselves and the same goes for goal setting. I picked five realistic goals that you can adapt to fit your lifestyle. 

Read 52 Books

Now this may seem like a lot for some people, but this year without much effort I read nearly 70 books. So 52 seems like a doable number of one book a week. Reading is one of my favorite (and only) ways to wind down after a stressful day of work and is something I take great pleasure in. 

90% Morning Pages Success Rate

I’m nearly a month into daily morning pages and find myself loving the process. I’ll be writing a post about my experience and what the heck morning pages are for, but basically it’s writing a few pages every single morning. The pages can be about anything, but there has to be three pages longhand every day. I know it’s unrealistic to try and not miss a single day, but my goal is 90% success. Set a goal like this for working out, eating healthier, etc. 

8 Concerts or Events

COVID allowing, I’d love to go to eight concerts or events in 2022. I miss live music, basketball games, and just having something to look forward to. I’ll wear a mask and wash my hands religiously. 

Travel 3 Times

There was a time I would travel somewhere nearly every month. I crave it despite it seeming to go against everything about my nature. I love packing for the trip, planning everything out, and getting away from the stresses of work. Three times feels completely doable with one already planned for January and a birthday trip in the works for June.

Bake 6 New Things

Baking is something that often falls to the wayside when my life gets hectic. I would love to try a few recipes in 2022 that I haven’t yet, but I don’t want to put too much pressure on myself by doing one every month. Give yourself a number to strive towards instead of just “bake more.” That way you know when you’re successful.

floral embroidery

The key to successful goals is to make them realistic. Maybe you already have plans in the works that a goal just solidifies. Maybe you’ve started a hobby and just want the motivation to stick with it. I much rather make goals I’m excited about rather than ones I dread that will leave me feeling like a failure when I inevitably fail at them. I also strongly recommend keeping your goals to around 4-6. Too many and they start to just feel like work.

What are your goals for 2022?

I’ve Read Over 60 Books This Year. Here are the Top 10

I’ve Read Over 60 Books This Year. Here are the Top 10

I wanted to read 12 books in 2021. I made a list of to-do items (i.e. a list of goals but named differently to trick myself into thinking of them NOT as goals) with it smack dab at the top of this list. I may have outdone myself with this one. There are just a few days left to the year and I’ve read over 60 books. Welp. I lean towards new fiction, historical fiction, and romance. These are the best books I read in 2021 and ones you HAVE TO READ. I wrote the descriptions shortly after I finished each book to keep everything fresh, so no months old thoughts here. If you end up reading one (or all of them!) definitely let me know what you thought!

From Blood and Ash Series by Jennifer Armentrout

 

This is a series that will live in my head rent free for years. I took BookTok’s recommendation on this one without really knowing what the series was even about. The first book took a bit to pick up, but once the rising action hit its peak, it’s been a roller coaster ride ever since. You have to read these. I won’t even bother telling you what they’re about. You just have to trust me on this one.

A Court of Thorns and Roses Series by Sarah J. Maas

 

I thought for sure this series would make it to the tip-top of this list without a single contender fighting for number one. That is until I read Blood and Ash. Now it’s a toss up on any given day which series I love more. They both are in the fantasy realm, but all of my non-fantasy friends LOVE them. Another book series I didn’t read anything about before diving in. It may just be my favorite form of reading these days. No back cover reading for me. Just diving straight in.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

 

This book follows the life of Evelyn Hugo and her seven husbands. A famous old-time movie star, Evelyn Hugo made quite the stir. With so many twists, turns, and a look at bisexuality that I’ve never experienced in a novel before, this novel will be one I recommend for years to come. Definitely if I cannot convince them to read Blood and Ash or A Court of Thorns and Roses…

One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London

 

This book completely took me by surprise and I had absolutely no idea how much I was going to love it. It follows a plus-size fashion blogger named Bea as she gets starred as basically The Bachelorette. I’ve always found “reality” tv to be a bit silly, but this book somehow managed to get me incredibly invested.

You get to see behind the curtain, what it must be like to actually star in something like The Bachelorette, with a lot of twists and turns thrown in. There’s discussion of body shaming as well as asexuality (something I’ve never seen talked about in a novel before). It’s a 10/10 for me.

The Girl He Used to Know by Tracey Graves

 

A beautiful story about love, growth, and change. A fantastic twist to the girl meets boy story mixed with an honest portrayal of autism. It kept me constantly invested in the characters, their backstory, and how everything is going to pan out for them. Plus there’s a twist that completely threw me for a loop and had me reading faster than ever to find out what happened next. 

in five years by rebecca serle

In Five Years by Rebecca Serle 

This one has been on my reading list for ages and I even checked it out once before and never got around to reading it. Man was I sleeping on this one. It’s a fantastic, clever, thought provoking story with a great twist. I saw my younger self a lot in this novel and found myself turning pages quickly to see what happened next. Definitely one you need to add to your list if you haven’t read it yet.

Untamed by Glennon Doyle

 

This book was a Christmas gift and it came into my life at just the right time. I’ve tried self-help books time and time again without much avail, but this one didn’t seem condescending or obvious. The entire book had fresh, new ideas without beating them over your head constantly. It’s inspiring, honest, and realistic. Definitely a book I’ll reach for once a year for many years to come.

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

 

After a life of seemingly wrong choices and missed opportunities, our protagonist finds herself in the Midnight Library. A place full of books that hold the infinite possibilities of choices not taken. This is such a creative story of hope, second chances, and appreciation. I loved how it tackled such interesting concepts while doing it in a unique way.

It made me want to see what my Midnight Library is like…but trust that I’m not in a hurry to get there anytime soon!

I read this in one sitting. I just couldn’t put it down.

josh and hazel's guide to not dating

Beach Read by Emily Henry

 

Now I tend to roll my eyes at cartoon covered books while secretly devouring them. This one is definitely one of my absolute favorites of the year. It takes place in Michigan (where I live) and is just a charming as ever love story between two writers. It doesn’t get too heavy, doesn’t take itself too seriously, and should be on your must read list.

josh and hazel's guide to not dating

Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren

 

Firmly in the sunshine/grumpy friends to lovers trope, Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating is a light-hearted story about two friends who are trying to set each other up with other people on dates. Hazel is a goofball with no filter, Josh is too serious for his own good. Add a bit of spice and some great dialog and you’ll finish this book in no time.

Now I just need to decide on a reading goal for 2022. I’m thinking maybe 52 for each week of the year? What is your reading goal going to be? This is your friendly reminder to check out your library to rent any of these awesome books rather than spending that hard earned money.

What You Should Plan to Do in January

What You Should Plan to Do in January

With 2022 right around the corner, it’s time to start preparing to start the new year off right. With new planners kicking off, here are a few thing to plan for in January.

Schedule health and wellness appointments for the entire year

Usually the next dentist appointment is scheduled at the end of the last one, but just in case they haven’t been, now is a good time to book appointments. You’ll be ahead of the curve and get more available dates and times. Schedule your yearly physical and any other check-ups you may need in the coming year.

Plan out vacations and time off

After you’ve booked all your health and wellness appointments you’ll be set to plan out upcoming time off and vacations. It’s so important to have something to look forward to throughout the year, so add some time off and trips to keep things exciting. Even if you just have a staycation.

Finish holiday gifts

Make sure you’re wrapping up your gift giving in January to say thanks to anyone you want to acknowledge from the past year. We usually send gifts to our clients and partners who have helped us be successful in the previous year.

Review your financial plan for the year

Have a big trip coming up or renovating your place? Review your financial plans for the upcoming year so your funds will be where you need them just in case you have an unexpected car payment or pet medical bill. Set up an auto deposit into your savings account every month to help you save more this upcoming year.

Plan out benchmarks and smaller items for yearly goals

It’s great to have plans and goals for the upcoming year, but save yourself the heartache by scheduling out benchmarks and break down your goals into actionable steps. Want to read 12 books next year? Write down reminders each month to help keep you on track. That way November doesn’t roll around and you’ve completely forgotten all the goals you made at the start of the year.

floral embroidery

Check expirations dates on passports, licenses, etc.

Nothing is worse than getting ready for a trip to find out your passport is expired. Check all your major documents to see if anything needs to be renewed this year and write it down in your planner. That way you’ll have plenty of time to prepare and won’t be caught off guard.

Schedule meeting for taxes

Now is a good time to get on top of next year’s tax season. I know it sucks, but you’ll thank me later.

Clean out your fridge and pantry

With all the holiday parties over and the leftovers piled up, now is a great time to go through your fridge and pantry to get rid of expired, old food. Check expiration dates, clean the shelves of crumbs and stains, and reorganize.

Make reservations for important holidays and occasions

Book hotels, restaurants, and other important occasions now so they’re all set and out of the way. Alex and I eat at the same restaurant on our anniversary every year, so might as well book the reservation now rather than waiting until the event gets too close and we can’t get a good time. If it’s too far in advance to book at some places, write down a reminder in your planner when you’re able to book.

Doing a few of these things now before the start of the year will help clear your mind and set 2022 up for success.

5 Things I Bought in October

5 Things I Bought in October

Let’s be accountability buddies, shall we? Now I haven’t been a big spender in many, many years. Gone are the days of wandering the mall on a free afternoon and leaving with arm-fulls of currently trendy clothing. I’ve curbed my shopping addiction and would consider myself a pretty minimalist purchaser. When I do decide to purchase something, I try to put a lot of thought behind it, reduce impulse buying, and get things I’ll use for a long time. Here all the five things I purchased in October.

1. Cozy Sweater

I’ve been having a love affair with Amazon fashion and my most recent purchase is this super cozy sweater. I prefer buying clothes online these days because I just can’t be bothered to go to the store and try things on. Plus I find that Amazon prices just can’t be beat. I get a lot of my recommendations from various fashion Tiktoks I follow. 

2. ThirdLove Bras

This girl has some boobs. Like we’re talking in the G sized range and I have had trouble finding good bras for years. I discovered ThirdLove bras about two years ago now and they’re the only place I shop at now. They’re high-quality, comfortable, and have my size in actually somewhat cute designs. I find myself enjoying wearing a bra rather than flinging it off at the first opportunity. A shock to me too. I picked up two simple bras to round out my collection.

3. High Rise Jeans

Screw what the Zennials are saying, I cannot get enough of my high-rise skinny jeans. I’m pretty sure I own every single color option in these and in various sizes depending on what my body feels like doing. I recently dropped down a pant size so it was time to expand my collection with a few new pairs.

4. Kindle Paperwhite

During the last few days of our month-long Hawaii trip we decided to pick up a Kindle Paperwhite since I had been lusting after one for ages. I’ve since read a good 15 books on the thing in October and honestly prefer it over tangible books (*gasp*) because it’s so much easier to read at night without annoying Alex. It’s lightweight, easy to travel with, and has quickly become a must-have in my life.

5. Acrylic Desk Stand 

In an effort to help my neck and posture while working at my desk all day, I picked up this acrylic desk stand. It took a couple days to get used to looking straight at my computer screen, but I am so much happier. I have a fairly small desk so the storage on both sides is super convenient and has helped eliminate a lot of the things I’ve kept on my desk. I haven’t figured out what to put under the stand as my keyboard is about the same width as it, so let me know if you have any suggestions.

What did you pick up in October? My goal is to not purchase anything that’s not essential for the rest of the year since the holidays are right around the corner.

21 Things to Do in 2021 | 6 Month Check-In

21 Things to Do in 2021 | 6 Month Check-In

Six months into 2021 and it felt time to check in on how progress is going on my 21 Things to Do in 2021 List. If you want to see the reasoning behind these 21 things, go check out that post first.

Create an embroidery design from my own pattern

The photo of the embroidery project farther down in this post is in fact my own creation! I still very much love doing kits, but it was fun to try something on my own.

Do a pull-up

So I’m definitely not there yet, but I’m WAY closer than I was at the start of 2021. With rock climbing a couple of times a week I see a lot of progress and I’m hopeful that I’ll be able to do this by the end of the year.

Visit my best friend in Washington or her here

My best friend Lauren came to visit for a number of days in February and it was completely glorious. Days of Stardew Valley, junk food, and staying in our pjs all day.

Create more than five board game videos

I’ve done two board game videos so far and think I can definitely hit five by the end of the year!

Read 12 books

Done and dusted. This one was actually way easier than I expected. I plowed through a ton of books in the first few months of the year. Of course now I’m back to not reading at all…

Go for a hike

Now what exactly counts as a hike? I feel like I’ve been on quite a few walks and adventures, but don’t know if they count as a “hike.”

Housewarming for my sister

My older sister and her husband are building a house that will be hopefully finished sometime in November. I’d love to help them throw a party to celebrate.

Keep up with Powersheets

This one is marked in a different color because I completely abandoned Powersheets just a few short weeks after 2021 started. I just don’t like structuring my goals this way and it put a lot of pressure on me for no reason. So off the 21 things list…

floral embroidery

30 day yoga challenge

With all the rock climbing we’ve been doing I just haven’t felt the urge to do yoga, but with the heat of the summer making rock climbing too hot, this may be my summer activity after all.

Bake macarons

I have legitimately everything I need to make macarons, but the fear of failure and constant warnings from the internet about their difficulty have put me off of the idea. I still haven’t mustered the energy to give them a go.

Climb the hardest wall at the rock climbing gym

Now that I know more about rock climbing, this to do had good intentions, but is a bit off base. I’ve climbed some seriously difficult routes for myself, but the “hardest rock wall” is probably out of the question.

Play all unplayed board games

Alex and I are slowly making our way through our unplayed collection now that we can have a few friends over.

Mulch flower beds

We bought WAY too much mulch and it took ages, but our flowerbeds have never looked better. Plus I added a few new peony bushes this year.

Take a week off work

When Lauren came to town I took a week off work and it was amazing. Alex and I are making an effort to take more time off work this year and I think it’s been hugely beneficial to our mental health.

Finish the master bedroom

Well, there’s a dresser now but no headboard…but I feel like this room makes me content as it is…so does that mean it’s done?

Propagate plants

I tried my hand at propagation this year and I’m loving it. I’ve propagated around five different plants now and it’s way easier that I thought.

Solar system embroidery

I’m still deeply into embroidery, but this is a project I just haven’t felt inspired to do.

Organize pins by theme

One procrastinating day earlier this year found me organizing all of our pins and I love being able to see them based on theme now.

Miniature coffee shop model

Another project I haven’t felt the motivation to do. It seems like it will be a really great winter activity.

Declutter house of unnecessary things

I’m on a lifelong journey of ridding myself of unnecessary fluff in my life. Our house is more decluttered than ever before, but is it ever really DONE?

Celebrate my husband’s 30th birthday

Alex’s 30th birthday wasn’t as big as I had hoped it would be (here’s looking at you COVID), but I still think he had a great time celebrating with our “pod” of friends we hung out with to keep sane.

So overall I’m still really happy with these 21 things and it’s fun to try and accomplish these rather than goals. Even though technically that’s exactly what these are. Just without the pressure…