11.30.2014

This Weeks Eats 11.30.14

Ah, last post of NaBloPoMo!  We had a lovely Thanksgiving dinner and weekend.  So lovely, in fact, I just now realized that I took zero pictures of our table or food.  We were way too busy eating.  So, now we're on to leftovers.  Although, the only leftover that lasts more than a day in our house is the turkey.  The stuffing and potatoes don't even hang around for a full 24 hours.  But that's okay, I love making Turkey Cranberry Salad Sandwiches...


Now we kick things up into high gear this week, starting with my husband's birthday and going right through until Christmas.  I shall set my scale back 10 pounds, as they say.  
As always, I'm linking up with Org Junkie, Mommy Run Fast and Jill Conyers - be sure to check out all the great weekly menus!

11.29.2014

Things I Learned During NaBloPoMo

NaBloPoMo November 2014

Part of me is ASTOUNDED that I wrote something every single day in November.  Well, I will have by tomorrow, as This Weeks Eats is pretty much written.  Yet, another part of me has realized that I make time for stuff I love to do.  Running, reading, cooking - all stuff I make time for every day.  One of my favorite classes in high school, and one that I got consistent A's in, was rhetoric.  So, yeah, I enjoy writing.  

One thing I learned was that if you have the time and the inclination, and the words are flowing, write a BUNCH of posts.  I think there have been nights when I've banged out up to three in one sitting.  Then I'll just go re-read and tweak them the day I publish.  This is basic blogging for dummies.  But, it's come in handy for someone who only writes two to three times a week.  I find it similar to when I get a bug to clean and then end up cleaning the whole house when I meant to do one bathroom.

And if I didn't have the inclination, I just gave myself a set time to write - even a few minutes.  Some nights I'd sit with a topic, look at the clock and say, "OK.  Write for the next fifteen minutes and then you can shut it down."  More often than not, I'd get in a groove and be able to finish what I started and go beyond that fifteen minutes.  Much like exercise - just get out the door and give it fifteen minutes and usually you want to keep going.

I also learned that even the weirdest of topics can be expounded upon and resonate with others.  I mean, who would've thought a post about LAUNDRY would spark conversation?  But it did!  Maybe in the future, I'll try to post a little more and just run with it even if it seems like a small or random topic.  (Not for awhile, though - I'm gonna take a little breather in December!)

Hopefully it wasn't all total filler.  I did have the opportunity to try Class Pass and a few new workouts to talk about, which was timely.  And it was cool to utilize a few fun prompts, which definitely got some writing cobwebs out of my brain and some entertaining interaction with my family and friends.  That right there is the best part of blogging, the connections I make with family and friends, new and old.

Thanks for putting up with me over the last month!

11.28.2014

A Post Thanksgiving Friday Things

I thought it would be fun to resurrect my old 'Friday Things' post with cool stuff I've found around the internet.  Lots of good food for thought here, if you're still full like I am from real food.

This speech given by Monica Lewinsky is just phenomenal.  Truly.  It's long as far as videos go.  But I urge everyone to watch it in it's entirety.  SHE IS AN INSPIRATION.  Yes.  The FAQ below the video is a good primer, I love #7.

THIS: Why I want to delete half my Facebook friends during a national crisis. I'm really trying to be informed on both sides of the Ferguson crisis (and it IS a crisis), but man, everyone makes that hard to do. 

But I suppose we can thank Facebook for Benjamin Watson's words that seem to be the most true and heartfelt I've seen since the indictment.

This video on common core math quickly sums up why it's not a bad thing.  It's a wonderful thing!  I'm still on the fence with my feelings towards common core, having some reservations about our kids being the guinea pigs while it's being implemented and tested.  But, on the whole, it seems like a good thing.

This video on things that kids do that adults can't do made my week.  I can very much relate to the "I wanted the BLUE cup" and "Just look, looooook at it!"

Catching Kayla has probably been viewed by most every runner I know.  So, if you aren't a runner (or haven't seen it yet), this story about a super fast high school track runner with MS is a such an inspiration.

What food banks need most.  A friend shared this on Facebook and it's a handy list for the many ways to donate this time of year.  I also love how our local Safeway has prepared bags for $10 you can just throw on the register when you checkout.

photo via abcnews.com
I leave you with this, a dog dressed as a bear on a treadmill.  You're welcome.

11.27.2014

Thankful

As we're nearing the end of NaBloPoMo, it seems a no-brainer to do a post on things I'm thankful for on Thanksgiving.  More than anything, I'm so grateful for the current state of my mom's health and that she was able to visit us at long last for the most fitting holiday.

Yes, all visitors must learn about Minecraft.
Other things I'm thankful for, off the top of my head, in no particular order...


I'm thankful for my health - in the broader sense, for sure.  But, I'm just so glad I'm over whatever virus I had the other week.

I'm thankful for the break from homework, and sleeping in.

I'm thankful for my fitness - I feel like my running has been on a nice upswing lately and I'm so grateful to be injury free.

I'm so thankful for my weekly play date swaps with my daughter's best bud, giving me a few extra hours of time to myself once a week.

I'm thankful for food on our table, especially our traditional foods and yummy stuff from Trader Joe's.

I'm thankful to live in a place that I love.  
Yes, I talk about and miss Chicago a lot.  But there's a reason we've lived in Seattle for more than ten years.
I'm thankful for my favorite stretchy corduroy pants and cozy sweatshirts for lounging and eating all. the. things.

I'm thankful for wine.

I'm thankful for yoga!

I'm thankful for leftovers.

I'm thankful for friends near and far.

I'm thankful for my husband and my crazy punks.  

Happy Thanksgiving!

11.26.2014

Crosstraining with Barre3

After getting out of my comfort zone to try Flywheel, I was excited to use my month of Class Pass to try out Barre3.  So, here's my rundown on the experience.

First off, I thought going on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving might be a bit quiet.  I was wrong.  This place is BUZZING with activity and every. single. spot. in the class was being utilized!  There were a handful of other newbies, so I'm thinking that people might have brought family or friends along who were on vacation for the holiday.  At the location nearest to me, they also offer childcare in the lobby area that has a few toys and a play kitchen.  So there was also the craziness of kids and moms getting situated.  It's great that they offer it, but my kids are a bit too old, I think.

Once I checked in and signed the waiver, they instructed me to grab a ball, small hand weights, a strap and to choose a space between two brackets along the barre.  And like I said, after I chose my spot, the class filled up quickly.  

from the Barre3 website
We got started right on time with some dynamic stretching and into an arm workout at the barre.  We moved on to a series squats, planks, a long series of 'donkey-kick' exercises, some more arm work, finishing up with ab work.  Everything was easy to follow as none of the instruction is in any weird terminology like an all Sanskrit yoga class.  Also, there were a couple of other instructors taking the class along with us to refer to during the workout.  Additionally, Barre3 has a Youtube channel where you can check out the workouts, and even do them on your own. Per the website, here's how they move through each of these exercises:

Our signature 3-step sequence delivers a balanced, total-body workout that you can do anytime, anywhere. All movements are low-impact and designed to burn fat, build muscle and break through plateaus.

1. Isometric holds work your muscles to their deepest point and increase strength and endurance. Holding still strengthens your muscles continuously; it also gives you time to make sure your alignment and posture are perfect before you move.

2. Next, we add controlled 1-inch movements. These create just enough relief in the muscles to maintain the integrity of the hold for maximum benefit. By layering on one inch, you heat the body, increase your core strength, and rev your metabolism.

3. After completely taxing the muscles, we flush out the body with functional, large, dynamic moves. This cardio blast lifts the heart rate, improves circulation, and energizes the body.

My body was definitely shaking during some of these moves, and I'm already feeling that donkey-kick series on my glutes.  Tomorrow's DOMS should be interesting...


All in all, it was a good workout, but there are a lot of things that we do in my bootcamp class that are similar.  And, well, bootcamp includes way more cardio and is included in my monthly Y membership.  Additionally, the Y offers a ballet barre class, as well as a yoga pilates class.  HOWEVER, if I didn't already have a gym I love, I'd definitely recommend it for a way to get some strength training in and switch up your routine!


11.25.2014

A Trip to Trader Joe's for Thanksgiving

I just realized that it's about time for my yearly Trader Joe's picks.  (Here's 2012 and 2013.)  Although, since much of what I get remains the same, I thought it'd be fun to share a bit of what I picked up on my pre-Thanksgiving shopping trip!


  • Candy Cane Joe Joe's - These are irresistible.  Did you know they make an ice cream?  And, as in previous years, the dark chocolate covered ones are a MUST at this time of year.
  • Walnut Baking Pieces - I pretty much have these on hand all the time, but they come in extra handy for all the holiday baking - like Cranberry Orange Bread.
  • Cranberry Sauce - giving TJ's a go, since I'm trying to save time this year and stove space.
  • Salted Caramel Gelato - I'm thinking this will be good with pumpkin pie - or aaaaaanytime.

  • Turkey Gravy - When making a fresh turkey breast, you just don't get the drippings that you would when cooking a whole turkey.  I usually add what little bit of fat is rendered to the pre-made stuff.
  • Canned Pumpkin - For more Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Muffins and of course Bridesmaid Pumpkin Soup.
  • Broth - I buy my boxes of broth from TJ's year 'round, and we need lots for our turkey brine and stuffing.
  • Sweet and Spicy Pecans - These are the BEST THINGS EVER, especially for holiday salads or snacking.  

  • Chestnuts - You would think this are easy to find during the holidays.  You would be wrong!  Before our local TJ's opened, we'd start scouring different stores for cooked and peeled chestnuts as soon as November 1st.  Now I can count on finding them easily every year.
  • Dark Chocolate Stars - These chocolate covered shortbread cookies are just as much of a holiday staple as the Joe Joe's - simple and delicious.
  • Cranberry and Pumpkin Seed Pita Crisps - A little on the sweet side, but great with savory cheese spreads and dips.
  • Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies - This was a total impulse buy and O.M.G.  I have hidden them from my children and have one with my afternoon coffee.  They are just insanely good - hazelnut spread sandwiched between two hazelnut shortbread cookies.  Yeah, my house is overflowing with cookies...


11.24.2014

Discovering the Right Yoga for Me

Given that I did a post on Flywheel, I thought it only seemed right to designate some internet space for how much I love my yoga studio's hot hatha class!  

my studio and trusty striped mat that stands out in a crowd
My take on yoga over the years has been lukewarm, at best.  I used to try and do videos from time to time in my 20s, to get some 'zen' and maybe some strength work.  Alas, I found it frustrating and BORING.  Plus, I feel like I need to sweat in order to get my endorphins.  I slowly came around to liking yoga a couple years ago when I was introduced to Jasyoga.  Their yoga for runners is not sweat-inducing, but very much 'zen' and not boring yoga.  I always feel like I'm floating on a cloud after a nice and calm stretching session.  They are all about ease and bringing it into every facet of your life.  
first Jasyoga class almost two years ago!
Since it's kinda hard to get to Seattle for Jasyoga sessions, and I found that the traffic negated my cloud-floaty feeling, I started seeking out some yoga in my neck of the woods.  One of my mom friends (who's daughter is my daughter's best bud) had eventually left the Y for a monthly membership at a local hot yoga studio and could not stop singing it's praises.  I was dubious, as there's no way I'd ever leave the Y, but was intrigued enough to seek out the ubiquitous Groupon 10 pass class.  Seriously, I think every yoga studio has a standing deal for new members on Groupon.  Always look into that first before trying a new studio!

I went with her to a warm Vinyasa class and it was a good workout, but I didn't feel that 'ease' afterwards.  I felt like I was at a fast-paced dance class and has zero clue about the moves.  Luckily, the instructors are fantastic at the studio and the teacher that day is almost a legend around these parts (Brian!) and helped me through each pose.  I didn't hate it, but I didn't LOVE it.  

I then did a complete 180 and tried the 'yin' yoga class that's offered, which is all about stretching and relaxation - yay!  But, sitting in some of the stretching poses for several minutes felt like an eternity and I got antsy.  Holding a pose for nearly five minutes doesn't sound like a long time, especially if it's just a nice easy stretch like pigeon pose, but no. Just not for me.

Finally, I tried a straight up Hatha class.  Which I think I avoided because it's the type of yoga I tried to do when I was younger and didn't like at the time, but I LOVE it now.  Maybe it's the hot class, and those sweaty endorphins, and the fact that I appreciate what it brings to my fitness.  It's just the right ratio of strength, stretching and relaxation.  The poses are challenging, but easy to follow and modify if necessary.  I really feel that all of the poses, mainly incorporating balance and core, make my back less achy and help my running form - hopefully keeping me free from injury.  

I encourage everyone to give yoga a try - each type of class to see what floats your boat.  Never in a million years did I think I'd start doing yoga regularly, but it's been almost a year now and I've moved on from the Groupon and thrown down for 10 class punch cards.  At the very least, I go about every other week, now that I'm not feeling any running niggles.   Also, they hand out cool, damp, lavender scented towels at the end of class and it's THE BEST THING EVER.  I definitely feel like I'm walking on a cloud when I leave.  

11.23.2014

This Week's Eats 11.23.14 Thanksgiving Time!

Writing up the menu every year for Thanksgiving is pretty easy for me now, I just cut and paste from previous years!  I don't have much new to add this year, although I might try and make these Linzer Muffins I saw in the most recent Cooking Light issue for a weekend treat, along with our Cranberry Orange Bread.  I just love hitting the store this time of year, with all the end caps filled with yummy, festive and traditional foods.  The Ferrero Rocher boxes and cases of sparkling cider are things I NEVER buy.  But it makes me happy to see them, ya know? 

A nearly $150 trip and I was still able to use what I like to call the 'single lady' cart: as in, I am a free and breezy lady, shopping without kids!


roast turkey breast (we buy a 5lb breast and have used Alton Brown's brine recipe for about the last six years - DELICIOUS) 
classing New England style stuffing with sausage and chestnuts, I also add granny smith apples to this recipe we've been using from Cooking Light for about ten years 
hash brown potato casserole - this Cooking Light version has also been a staple of ours for many years 
crescent rolls - trying my aunt's recipe this year, wish me luck - I HATE cooking with yeast...
mixed greens salad I use the bones of this recipe, omitting chicken/bacon and add Trader Joes spicy/sweet pecans and apples
cranberry sauce - bought jarred stuff from Trader Joes this year
pumpkin pie - I just pick one up from the store as the kids are really the ones who eat it and they're not very particular about their pie
As always, I'm linking up with Org Junkie, Mommy Run Fast and Jill Conyers - be sure to check out all the great weekly menus!

11.22.2014

Riff on a Deserted Island Theme

Okay, writing on a Saturday is HARD.  Plus I spent a good deal of my free time going out for a run since I've been feeling better.  So!  I'm pulling up one of Miss Zoot's easy peasy blog prompts from last week:

Someone's paying you to move into one of those tiny house everyone is talking about. If you can survive a whole year in that house with just the things on this list, you get a bajillion dollars. Tell us how you fill in this List Of Things You Can Take With You:


5 books: The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley (so awesome and LONG) The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet (do you see a theme here?  Long? Yes. Awesome? Yes.) Harry Potter Anthology by J.K. Rowling (I'm making a ruling that one day there will be a Norton Anthology of Harry) A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving (meets criteria) and something brand new and notable - maybe something by Rainbow Rowell, Jojo Moyes or John Green.

3 outfits: A Little Day Dress and my Zella Leggings
so comfortable and easy!
Oiselle Long Rogas and a Winona/Gwen Tank (a running outfit), and um, really that's all I'd need.  But I suppose I'd add my pair of Gap moto khakis, that are great all year 'round, and a simple black top.

You have a fridge/stove/oven - but you can only take 1 counter-top appliance.
a microwave, that's easy!

1 DVD collection of a TV show (your budget doesn't allow for Netflix)
ahhhh! so HARD. I think I'd go with Friends, but Battlestar Galactica would be a close 2nd

1 childhood artifact
I don't even have a childhood artifact on me NOW.  So, a photo album? Or yearbook?

They will give you ONE subscription to a magazine - what is it?
Hmmm, this is tough...  I think I'll go with Self, since it has a little bit of everything.

11.21.2014

What the Kids Are Reading Lately

It's been quite awhile since I did one of these posts, so here's some great stuff the kids have enjoyed reading lately!

Hits for the four year old:


That is NOT a Good Idea! by Mo Willems - we never go wrong with his books and this little twist on a Red Riding Hood theme is hilarious.
Chu's Day by Neil Gaiman - yep, that Neil Gaiman.  Chu has a special talent and following along on his day is filled with suspense and humor.
Good-Night, Owl by Pat Hutchins - super cute story of an owl who just wants to get some sleep.
Zorro Gets and Outfit by Carter Goodrich - ohhh my gosh we are ALL loving this discovery of a book about a pug named Zorro!  In this installment, Zorro gets an embarrassing outfit, but learns that being different can be a good thing.

What the seven year old is enjoying, in addition to mind-numbing books about Minecraft:

The Mouse and The Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary - oh, I'm so glad we've started reading Cleary books!  
The Magic Tree House by Mary Pope Osborne - the Dinosaurs Before Dark is great, or really any that happen to strike his fancy at the library.
Stink Solar System Superhero by Peter H. Reynolds - Stink, who happens to be Judy Moody's brother, never fails to make my kid laugh.
Dinosaur Cove by Rex Stone - time travel, adventure, excitement and stories about dinosaurs - what's not to like?



11.20.2014

A Day in the Life (With One Photo an Hour)

It really worked out well that Miss Zoot's daily prompt for NaBloPoMo was about routines, since I had planned a 'photo an hour/day in the life' kind of post for today.  Our weekday routine is pretty consistent, and it's all about... 

  • getting the big kid to school (and the little one to preschool three days a week)
  • going to exercise on my own or at the Y
  • showering and lunch
  • some type of activity for the little one (soccer, swimming, playdate, etc. - she has something planned for every day but Tuesday, when we go to the library or just laze about) 
  • some quiet time before the big one gets home and a little bit afterward, so he can decompress before...
  • the dreaded homework hour, which I have whittled down to two nights a week, so it's not too terrible
  • dinnertime
  • a TV show for each kid 
  • bedtime routine
  • mom and dad relax time

The weekends involve much more sleeping, TV and much less homework!  Saturdays are my favorite days because for one, that's my sleep in day (my husband gets Sundays).  We take about an hour to clean the downstairs after lunch, errands, whatever.  I know, cleaning isn't fun, but a clean house is!  And we have our weekly date night dinner (in our nice clean house) after the kids go to bed.  Afterward, we make cocktails and watch new or old favorite movies.  Saturdays are like a carrot dangling at the end of every week.  

So, here's a typical-ish weekday in pictures!

7AM hour: everyone gets up, dressed, I make breakfasts and my son's lunch.
8AM hour: get everything packed up for the day: school stuff, running/gym stuff and head out the door and get kids to school.
9AM hour: exercise and shower.  Normally if I go to the Y, it's more like a two hour outing.  But, on this day, it was a 'rest' day so I just did my mile to keep the streak going.  Every other Wednesday, though, I try to go to yoga.
10AM hour: if I didn't exercise for more than an hour, time to run errands.
11AM hour: Since I didn't do yoga, I had time for a Starbucks outing on this day!
12PM hour: get the littlest, and on this day her buddy for a playdate, from preschool.  Also, instead of going straight home for lunch, I took advantage of the weather and took them to the park to play.
1PM hour: lunchtime and some time spent in my least favorite spot of the kitchen while the kids play, cleaning up after the morning and afternoon mess.  Sometimes I'll do dinner prep during this time, too - especially if it's a crock pot meal.
2PM hour: more playtime for the girls and it's time to get big brother for some of his downtime, as it's early release day.
3PM hour: homework wasn't too bad, just a few writing exercises and alphabetizing words.  As I said before, I whittle the homework down to two nights a week.  He does his daily math sheets while on the bus home, so that takes a load off.  I give him a pass on the weekly 'word work' packet he gets on Monday and we split the rest between Tuesday and Wednesday, leaving Thursday for another day off or for anything we missed.  He doesn't get to play Minecraft until he's done his work, so he's usually pretty motivated.  
4PM hour: on this day I'm packing both kids up for swim lessons.
5PM hour: the dreaded showering and changing of two kids in a very small shower space after lessons, stuffing them in the car and braving rush hour traffic to get home.
6PM hour: dinner time.  My husband finished everything up while we were out, yay!
7PM hour: each kiddo picks a Netflix show to watch before bed (they're really into Wildkrats right now) and my husband and I take turns taking them upstairs to do the nightly routine, books, etc.
8PM hour: adult TV time!  
9PM hour: more couch time, usually writing and reading with this little nugget.
And we head off to bed at 10PM, maybe 10:15 if we want to watch a bit of the news.  Exciting life we lead, eh?  I wouldn't trade it for the world.


11.19.2014

On Living the Puppy Life, Again

I think there are a few of my friends that will be grateful for this post with more pictures of our dog Chewie.  It seems about time that I give him a little spotlight here, and what better time than NaBloPoMo.  


When we had to say goodbye to Peeps, we had no real concrete plan as to when we'd get another dog.  Well, we knew that we would have a dog again and that it would be another Pug.  That's about it.  After a month or so we still weren't feeling ready, but knew that if we wanted another purebred baby, we'd have to start putting feelers out if we were hoping to have one by the time we were ready.  

It was around March that we sent out emails to breeders we found online and began working with one.  We decided that we wanted to get two dogs this time around, since we weren't living in a two bedroom condo on the third floor. Pugs are great in multiples, and we wanted one black and one fawn (Vader and Chewie) however we could get them.  Since the breeder's litters (and most litters) were mostly fawn, we were able to put in a deposit and get our Chewie first.  

This was probably meant to be, as I have since learned that it's not the best idea to get two puppies at the same time for various reasons: they can tend to bond with each other rather than you, follow each other's naughty behavior, and puppy TIMES TWO.  GAH.  So, we got our little guy and are aiming to get a black pup as soon as this spring, and hopefully by this summer.  But, they are rare, so we shall see.  I might have to look for other breeders, but I definitely liked working with this one.

The startling contrast between personalities of our first puppy and this one has definitely thrown us for a loop!  All Pugs are the same, right??  We're pretty certain the main reason for this contrast is lifestyle.  Peeps chillaxed at home most of the day in our condo, and had a dog walker come and play with him/walk him every day.  Then we'd all cuddle on the couch in the evenings.  Chewie gets attention from us pretty much 24/7 aaaaand has come to kind of demand it.  The kids run him in circles, literally, at least once a day and he acts like a crazy kid.  We have our hands full.  Some of the differences are fun, though, for sure.  Like his ticklish nature and his perfectly robust and curly tail.  He has the BEST Pug tail.

Then there are the startling similarities, just little things that catch us unawares like a head tilt, a snuffle, the way he tucks his tail when he runs fast...  and, of course, the way Pugs can sense an empty lap from a mile away.  Well, these things make us a little sad sometimes and nostalgic.  But, mostly, they make us so glad we got another Pug.  They really are pretty awesome.  SO! Now for a BIG PHOTO DUMP.  You're welcome, I'm sorry.  At least I made an effort to only post new pics that I haven't posted to Facebook/Twitter/Instagram.




















11.18.2014

Holiday Gift Guide (aka, My Wish List)

A 'gift-guide' is the perfect blog tool to put your own gift wish list together.  I find that I buy a lot more stuff for myself during this time of year, while I'm shopping for others.  The sales, the festive 'treat yo self' atmosphere of the holidays just makes me cave.  So, without further ado, here's my Christmas wish list not really disguised as a gift guide!  Maybe I'll just forward this along to my husband...

photo via Kohls.com
Yoga Towel/Mat I really could use a yoga towel.  For now, when I go to hot yoga, I line my mat with a beach towel.  It works just fine, but it'd be lovely to have a spiffy little number that fits my mat.

photo via Jaybirdsport.com 
Jaybird Headphones My husband just gifted himself a pair of these Bluetooth headphones and now I'm kinda jealous.  See, this is why we never get anything to put under the tree - we buy ourselves gifts all the time!

wazelle long sleeve
photo via Oiselle.com
Oiselle Gift Card  Speaking of buying ourselves gifts all the time...  Having a gift card would make giving myself gifts much easier.  The Wazelle long sleeve, pictured above, has been on my list of 'gifts to buy myself' for awhile.

photo via Nordstrom.com
Toms Sunglasses My cheap blue Target wayfarers will always be my go-to for running.  But, I've had my current pair of 'nice' sunglasses for at least five years and would love to update them with these super awesome Toms.  When I'm not running, I'm a fan of aviators, and I love the idea of plastic framed ones.

Clarisonic Mia 2 Sonic Skin Cleansing System, Lavender
photo via Amazon.com
Clarisonic Mia This thing has been around forever, and I have always kind of wanted one.  But, I just can't bring myself to spend my own money on it.  Will someone buy it for me?  


photo via Nordstrom.com
Cable Knit Pillows Our couch pillows are boring/match the cushions and I think these pillows look so cozy.  The Paprika color would totally punch up our couch and be festive for the holidays.

photo via Victoriassecret.com
Long 'Jane' PJs This is another item I can't bring to buy for myself, 'I have enough serviceable pajamas, etc.'  But they're so cuuuuuute!  I'll take a size small in the dark grey, please and thank you.
photo via Amazon.com
Elago iPhone Case I took a spill on a recent run and totally scuffed up my favorite iPhone case.  This one held up nicely and I will most likely gift myself another soon, as it's not terribly expensive.  Maybe I'll even change up the gold/turquoise one for indigo or rose this time...

photo via Amazon.com
Cards Against Humanity Games are such a fun gift for the holidays, and I've yet to play this one.  I'm thinking it'd be good for when we're all camping out for Ragnar Trail...

12998061
photo via Amazon.com
One Line a Day, Five Year Memory Book If you are new here, you might not know how this book speaks to me.  I'm a big fan of daily tasks and routine.  What a cool way to keep a journal.

photo via Tastesofchicago.com
Tastes of Chicago Ohhhhh yeah.  Getting a package from any of the vendors through this service would be heavenly.  *cough* We like the Lou's pizza packs and Portillos hot dogs the best. *cough*

AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker with Bonus 350 Micro Filters
photo via Amazon.com
Aeropress I do love my cheap Target espresso machine.  But, since it was cheap, I'd be willing to cheat on it and try the latest craze in coffee.

gold-base
photo via Stellaanddot.com
Gold Pyramid Studded Cuff Bracelet It's the time of year again for Dot Dollars and I'm tempted to get this for myself...

'Elle' Drop Earrings
photo via Nordstrom.com
Kendra Scott Earrings So cute, right?  I've yet to cave to my own pair of Kendra Scott earrings.  

small square stud earrings
photo via Nordstrom.com
Kate Spade Small Stud Earrings However, I DO have a pair of these babies - and I want MORE.  I have them in yellow (which is a deceptively neutral color that goes with almost everything) and I wear them all. the. time.  I think I need to get them in turquoise...

photo via Tieks.com
Tieks in Lemon Patent Speaking of neutral yellow...  One day I would like to see what all the fuss is about with Tieks.  And I would love them in this lovely, sunshine-y, happy yellow.  

Had to go out with a bang, eh? Happy shopping holidays to you - I hope you get everything on YOUR list!