Holiday Wish List 2018

It's that time of year where I share my holiday wish list because I have given up the pretense of a gift guide - I love looking at holiday lists for MYSELF. If you love them, too, check it! And here's 2014, 2015 and 2017 for more listy goodness. Pictures are via the websites linked below and some Amazon affiliate links are included. 

We found this gem of a chocolate shop on our trip to San Diego and I can't recommend Nibble chocolate enough. So, so, delicious. I have been craving some ever since.
This year, one of my 'to-do' items was get a little more art in my life and that never happened. Paint this Book: Watercolor for the Artistically Undiscovered might be just the impetus I need.
We put up the tree every year the day after Thanksgiving and I noted that we have ZERO Harry Potter ornaments. This Harry Potter ornament trio from Boxlunch is tempting me...
I love unique studs that can go with pretty much anything and these opal studs from Amour Vert fit the bill.
I've contemplated wireless headphones for a long time, but I just can't stand the rubber ones that go IN your ear. I love my iPhone earbuds and am now coveting Apple AirPods.
This Rifle Paper Co Chicago print from Pottery Barn is too cute for words.
I actually already picked up 300 Writing Prompts during a recent trip to Half Price Books, but it's too fun of a gift idea and I had to share. Debating whether I'd put some of those writings here or keep them in the book!
The running section of my sock drawer is so sad. I am terrible about replacing them and may actually ASK FOR SOCKS this Christmas. But when it comes to the awesome Feetures socks, they are rather indulgently priced and gift-worthy.

Happy holidays y'all!

Holiday Wish List 2017

As holiday shopping starts up, I like to compile a little gift guide (here's 2015 and 2014). It's really been just a guise for putting my wish list together, so I'm calling it like it is this year. Since I didn't get around to it in 2016 (I wasn't in the best of moods last November) I thought I'd resurrect this rather fun exercise. Pictures are via the websites linked and Amazon affiliate links are included, as well as a couple others I've noted. Without further ado...

If you, too, are an avid What Should I Read Next listener, this should come as no surprise: I want ALL THE THINGS from CW Pencil Enterprise! So many fun pencil items that I should probably buy for my kids (erasers, pencil caps, cases, travel size colored pencils) and that I want to keep for myself. This vintage Viarco set of pencils is calling to me...

Usually I get the Harry Potter illustrated editions at Christmastime. However, my husband gifted me The Prisoner of Azkaban early this year. Instead, I shall request Pete Souza's Obama: An Intimate Portrait! If you are not following Pete on Instagram, you should rectify that situation.

These jammies from Nordstrom are already in my rotation, but I love them so much that I needed to share the info as such a great gift!

Our short cocktail glasses are flared and I've been wanting to get some straight sided glasses for whiskey drinks. There are so many fun options out there, and I'm leaning towards these ones with a PNW vibe.

Sephora gift sets are always a hit with me, and this year I'm eyeing the nude lip set or really just a gift card in general!

Emily McDowell studio is a fantastic site for gift giving. I sent my mom the Kicked Cancer's Ass pin last year, and I'm thinking I need to get some of her wisecracking in my life. I keep coming back to this pouch...

OK, here's another thing I already have, or rather, I caved to the Fab Fit Fun box. I saw that the winter edition has the Kate Sommerville ExfoliKate and decided it was worth the whole box! If you want to gift yourself this subscription box every season (it comes four times a year, and makes the price tag easier to bear) here's my referral link.

And, speaking of referral links, I must end on a book note! Here's one for Book of the Month and it's $10 for your first book and a free tote, which also makes an excellent gift. I always think that I should just give it up, but then they have the most excellent selections and I can skip as many months as I want. I mean, five of the top ten Amazon editors picks for 2017 were BOTM offerings, including the #1 and #2 spot - the best nonfiction and the best fiction of the year, respectively. 

OK, I should reign it in now. I hope everyone has a safe, healthy and happy Thanksgiving!

A Few of my Favorite Things (...that are saving my life right now)

It's been a loooong time since I did a favorite things post and Anne Bogel (aka Modern Mrs Darcy and What Should I Read Next Podcast) gave me a nice excuse to pull one together. (Funny enough, Anne's podcast was on my most recent list of favorite things!) I regularly link up with her monthly reading and thought it would be a fun (and helpful) exercise to join her in thinking about what is 'saving my life' right now, as we hit the dead of winter.

Books are an obvious answer, so I'll take it a step further with my new reading material! In my endeavor to severely limit Facebook, the New York Times and Vanity Fair have been filling that time with much more worthwhile material. 

Who doesn't love Chris Pratt? I mean... Seriously?

Buying fun and inexpensive beauty items always cheers me up! I'm partial to all sorts of colored lip balms and gloss that I can score at Target (especially the Chapstick Total Hydration ones) and I also love Zoya nail polish. Once or twice a year they do a 4 polishes for $15 (shipped!) promotion. 

These just came last week and I'm looking forward to trying some new colors.

Am I the only one who thinks the Smoked Butterscotch flavor needs to be a permanent addition to the Starbucks menu? It is definitely giving me life right now. And also this magnificent elixir:

This Lemon Ginger Echinacea juice from Trader Joe's is SO GOOD. It's fantastic right out of the fridge - like a kicked up lemonade, or hot - like lemon ginger tea. And some days, hot or cold, it's necessary to throw in a shot or two of bourbon.

My husband and I are devotees of The Crown and are almost done with the first season.

I was sad about this fact, but then I realized that the final season of Girls starts soon and the adaptation of Big Little Lies which looks AMAZING. But! I'd advocate for reading the book first.

In addition to the What Should I Read Next and Pantsuit Politics podcasts, Pod Save America (formerly Keeping it 1600) is keeping me sane these days - HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

On a sappier note, my little family and my kiddos save my life on a daily basis. They are more joy than pain-in-the-rear, for the most part. They're doing great in school and the stuff they bring home can make my week: 

(Very nice use of vocabulary words and spelling of coffee! She knows me well.) And now, more than ever, I don't know what I'd do without my weekly Saturday date night dinner chat sessions with my husband. 

Lastly, being a part of so many wonderful groups of conscientious people gives me life. Y'all know who you are: if I've seen you're face in recent months, know that you are giving me light and life these days. Much love!

Oh, and I usually include a song in my Favorite Things, so I must admit that specifically this version, the Lost Frequencies Remix of Cold Water by the Biebs is LYFE. I mean, it's implied in the lyrics: I'll be your life liiiine tonight... Just take a deep breath and let it goooooo.

Happy Thanksgiving! (Thankful Tag)

Happy Thanksgiving y'all! I thought it'd be nice to take some time out from laying around, watching parades, watching football, reading and (of course) eating, to flex my gratitude muscles. Thanks to Megan and Wendy for the prompts!

1. Name a color you are thankful for.
I love the Oiselle 'Burgen' version of burgundy - it's really rather versatile and just a cool color.

I especially love pairing it with the Oiselle 'fresh green' color.

2. Something your spouse does that you are thankful for.
This is hard to narrow down! Hmmm. Well, other than the fact that he's an equal contributor to this household (cleans, does laundry, cooks, has all the kid routines down), he makes me laugh, challenges me and we have the best conversations - for fourteen years and counting. 

3. Something your kids do that you are thankful for.
They also make me laugh and we have great conversations! I love that we created this family of humans that we like to HANG OUT WITH. How cool is that?

4. A food you are thankful for.
Would I be a total cliche for saying avocados? But... avocados. I eat avocado almost every day (in leftover tex mex, on toast, sandwiches, in soup...) and life would be pretty bleak without guacamole.

5. What recent good news are you thankful for?
I don't have a good answer for this one... The Cubs winning the World Series! Really, everyone in our family is healthy, so I am thankful that there is NO NEWS.

6. Name a drink you are thankful for.
Another 'basic' answer, but COFFEE.

7. Name a restaurant you are thankful for.
Surprising absolutely no one who knows us, I am thankful Daniel's Broiler. Just thinking about our next date night makes me happy.

8. Talk about an animal you are thankful for.
Um, pugs!

9. Name a beauty product you are thankful for.
My flat iron.

10. Name a cleaning product you are thankful for.
Really?? I guess I'm thankful for the pet hair attachment to my vacuum hose..

11. What social media platform are you thankful for?
Instagram, hands down. It's just such a happy place to be and I think we should all have to give up everything else and be forced to go hang out there.

12. Tell us why you are thankful for the last person who texted you.
Group texts from the BESTEST friends are the best. I'll be able to talk to these three about everything, always.

13. Name a candy you are thankful for.
I'm thankful that it's time for HOLIDAY BARK!

14. Name an app on your phone that you are thankful for.
Besides Instagram, I'm gonna have to agree with Megan and Wendy on the Starbucks app. The roll out of the mobile order feature happened here in the Seattle area a LONG time ago and I became addicted to immediately. The convenience of being able to order on the go is HUGE. No waiting in line! Also, no worry about getting tongue tied with indulgently specific orders! 

15. What are you looking forward to that you are thankful for?
We just bought tickets for our first family outing to Cirque du Soleil and I cannot wait to introduce our kids to one of the things in life that my husband and I love, and brings me SUCH JOY. The latest tour is coming to our neck of the woods this spring!

Well this was an uplifting exercise and I think I should incorporate some thankful on a more regular basis... All the best to you and yours!

“‘Thank you’ is the best prayer that anyone could say. I say that one a lot. Thank you expresses extreme gratitude, humility, understanding.” Alice Walker

Holiday Gift Guide (aka my 2015 Wish List)

Last year I rather enjoyed putting together a visual holiday wish list together, so I just had to it again.  I'm thinking this would also be a good gift guide for the mother, sister, best friend, etc., in your life.  And if you're looking for something for the book lover in your life, you should check out my gift list over at Born and Read in Chicago! 

Brooks Heritage Kicks 

I am a Brooks girl, and I feel as if I need to round out my collection with a casual shoe - especially since they are on SALE.

Diffuser

I have yet to get on the essential oils train, but one of my friends always has hers goin' and it's just so LOVELY smelling.  I really like the idea of it, but spending the cash on one for myself (plus a starter set of oils) seems overwhelming.  I need someone to gift it to me.  Please, and thank you.

Mario Badescu Anti-Aging Kit

My skincare routine is really uncomplicated, even though I did add this fabulous Paula's Choice product last year.  At 41, I'm thinking maybe I should search out a good eye cream, or toner, or...  I don't know, but this kit looked like a good place to start!

Mantra Bands All I Need is Within Me or Enjoy the Journey in gold

I've had Mantra Bands on my wish list items for awhile now, and hope to get one this Christmas!  I'm an Enjoy the Journey kind of gal, but I also love the All I need is Within Me sentiment.

We Belong in Seattle mug

Even though my heart is in Chicago, I believe in this adorable Seattle mug.

Baleen Necklace
I can never resist a chic long necklace.  There are so many cool ones to choose from at Baleen, a very cool local Seattle business.

Birchbox
This is another on of those things to file under: don't want to spend the money on myself, but a subscription would make an EXCELLENT gift!  Or even a Popsugar Must Have box, which is a tad more extravagant. 

Sephora Meet Your Match gift set
Or if a subscription is not your cup of tea, there are SO MANY amazing gift sets at Sephora this time of year.  Lots of opportunities to try a plethora of products at a fraction of the cost.  I will probably gift myself this one, or two...

Harry Potter Book
I know I already did the book lovers gift guide, but I was remiss in not including the Harry Potter illustrated edition of The Sorcerer's Stone.  I'm debating whether to ask for it, or get it for the kids...

Well, that was fun!  Happy Thanksgiving and happy shopping!

A Few of My Favorite Things

It's been awhile (over two months!) and this list is somewhat long, so I'll just jump right in: I finally succumbed to the allure of Baublebar.  I've been on their email list for the longest time and decided to get a couple of cute little pieces during a sale recently.

I got the Parallel Bar Ring and the Mini Cone Stretch Bracelet in gold.  I've always liked that Stella and Dot Renegade bracelet, but thought it's was just a bit too much for my everyday wear.  This little cone bracelet has a similar but more understated effect, I think.

Can I like something before I've even used it?  I'm counting down the days until it's time to bring this tote to the beach!

I've been using an old straw tote for the last few years and it only has two shoulder straps.  My go-to everyday bags all have a cross body strap, so I was SUPER delighted to get this in a beach bag.  It's Baggu for West Elm and it's on SALE now for only $29.99!

Last month I joined This is My Fave, a sort of monthly secret Santa/pen pal group and we exchanged our favorite stationery!  I sent my favorite, which is anything that suits your fancy from Shutterfly.  I have a number of personalized notecard styles from Shutterfly, but I went with a set of these whimsical, all occasion, cards to send to my 'pen pal.' 

They always have great deals, and usually ones for 10 free cards when you pay for shipping.  Whenever I see this deal, I snatch it up and get some stationery.

Then I received these!

How amazing are these cards from Elum Designs??  I think I might actually frame one...  Next month is our favorite kitchen item - a utensil, cleaner, towel, anything!  

I suppose this is really one of the kids' favorite things, but I love it because ZOMG it makes them excited to get in the bath!  All hail the Matchbox Mission: Marine Rescue Shark Ship.

My son spied it on a trip to Fred Meyer before the holidays and put it on his Christmas list.  We weren't sure if he'd really use it in the tub, as it has wheels on the bottom so it can be played with on land as well as sea.  But it has taken up residence in the bathroom and is the perfect thing to lure BOTH kids into the tub!  It has all sorts of little hidey holes and secret escape hatches and such.  I would have loved this toy at their ages, too.  No fights about getting in the bath: the gift that keeps on giving.  If you're looking for a big gift for a boy or girl aged 3 to at least 8, I HIGHLY recommend it.

Speaking of the kids, we've had our fair share of illness around these parts this year.  I received the Braun No Touch+ thermometer as a Klout perk a few months ago and MAN, it is truly awesome.  We had a forehead thermometer already, but you had to do some elaborate swipe from the forehead to the temple and I was never sure if I was doing it right.  This one is suuuuper easy - you just aim at the center of the forehead and push the button.  It will tell you if you need to get closer and even lights up green/yellow/red depending upon the severity of the temperature. 

Not the most fun, but one of the best Klout perks EVER.

It has been such a long time since I've shared what I've been adding to my running playlist!  (And, to be clear, I most certainly own 1989 and listen to it REPEATEDLY in my spare time.  All You Had to Do Was Stay is kind of my favorite - it reminds me of Abba.)  So, here's a big 'workout' song dump to make up for lost time.  My absolute favorite right now is Outside by Calvin Harris with Ellie Goulding.  It's got the perfect buildup to awesome crescendos, syncopated beats, dramatic strings - I just LOVE it.  Also loving: 

Praise You by Fatboy Slim (goin' retro)

Reflections by MisterWives

Leaving You by Audien

Push Play by Zedd

Break the Rules by Charli XCX, remixed by Tiesto

Never Been in Love by Cobra Starship, featuring Icona Pop

Heroes by Alesso

Videos embedded below for immediate ear gratification, enjoy!

Outside:

Praise You:

Reflections:

Leaving You:

Push Play:

Break the Rules:

Never Been in Love:

Heroes:

This Weeks Eats 2.8.15 (and some Pike Place food obsessions)

I happened to get a chance to meander Pike Place Market a few weeks ago and hit up my favorite places including the Daily Dozen doughnut stall and my favorite flavored oil ever from Sotto Voce.

And then I happened upon Ellenos Greek Yogurt for the first time.  

Remember when I thought Noosa was the most amazing discovery?  Well, I have now been ruined for all other yogurt, including Noosa.  Ellenos is so awesome, it's almost indescribable.  It's like a completely different product than Greek yogurt: thick, rich, creamy, not overly tangy or sweet...  Thankfully they have an outpost at our local Uwajimaya.  Since that day in the market, I have yet to go without this stuff in my fridge.  It looks as if they ship, so non-Seattleites can taste the goodness!  I'm partial to the plain Greek (honey) flavor, as well as the one with museli mixed in.

Lastly, this Taylor Farms salad mix is not from Pike Place, but it's super easy to find at my local Safeway.

I've tried several kale salad blends, but they have so many stems cut into the mix.  Blech.  This blend is awesome with nary a stem to be found.  Highly recommend!  

• Monday - Pizza
• Tuesday - Satay Chicken with Roasted Broccoli and Brown Rice
• Wednesday - Buffalo Chicken Burgers (yummy and easy weeknight meal from Will Cook for Smiles)
• Thursday - Pesto Pasta with Sun Dried Tomatoes and Roasted Asparagus (a favorite from Damn Delicious)
• Friday - Baked Creamy Chicken Taquitos (from Our Best Bites)
• Saturday - Appetizer Night for Valentine's Day! (definitely making Salami Stacks)
• Sunday - Chicken Chili in the Crockpot (my adaptation of an awesome Pioneer Woman recipe)

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!

A Few of My Favorite Things

I started up a Twitter conversation the other week about Paula's Choice skin care, and realized that I needed to do a new Favorite Things post, just so I could talk about it in even more detail.

I happened to come across a magazine ad for this product while at the gym the other day! It is not false advertising: can't live without, even for one day. Yep.

I want to shout about this stuff from rooftops, seriously.  For much of my life I've had pretty good skin.  There were bouts of acne in the teen years, and stress related stuff in my 20s, but on the whole I've only used two things on my face for the better part of 25 years with reliably good results: Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash and Cetaphil moisturizer.  I've never been into lots of products and if it ain't broke...  Yet, in my great approach to age 40 (and now beyond) I've suffered from more monthly breakouts, more redness, more irritated skin and the beginning of the dreaded wrinkles.  Womp, womp.  I noticed a number of my favorite people in the Twitterverse singing the praises of Paula's Choice, and specifically the BHA products.  I hated the idea of spending $20 on something that might not work, and could possibly make my skin freak out even more.  But!  They have little $5 sample packs of their products! Plus more samples of your choosing with each order, so I got this kit and a few samples of the 2% BHA liquid which I stretched out for a week.  I could tell the difference in my skin within a few days, and ordered this stuff up right away.  I have not seen a single blemish on my skin in TWO MONTHS PEOPLE.  Plus my skin seems less greasy, less irritated, there's less redness and my pores seem smaller.  It is pure gold.  Seriously, sometimes I'll just start touching my face because it feels so good.  Even better, they are local to Seattle, so I get my orders practically next day!

Speaking of some of my favorite people in the Twitterverse (and in real life, too!), I have to share the deets on these awesome REC Shirts from Beth Baker.  Beth is one of the coolest people in the Seattle running community, and beyond.  If you are in the area and are new to running, or are even just thinking about running, you must check out her coaching services at Running Evolution.  Actually, you can be anywhere in the WORLD, as she has some virtual options!  She has expanded her talents into Running Evolution Contract shirts and swag.  Contract?  Yes, you get a contract with the item you buy:

I think all runners need this for their fridge, and it doesn't hurt that the shirts are super cool and soooooooft.  I'm pretty sure that they will be for sale soon on the website, so keep an eye out.  Meanwhile, you can buy them at trunk shows she's hosting at running stores 'round Seattle.  There will be some at Super Jock n' Jill Green Lake for ladies night TOMORROW, the 14th and keep an eye on her Twitter for more trunk shows!

If you've actually been reading along with my Favorite Things posts, you might be wondering how I've filled that enormous Julep sized hole in my heart since I gave up my subscription.  I have the perfect answer and an awesome deal to share!  Shortly after I quit Julep, someone re-tweeted a screaming deal from Zoya.  (Again, the greatness of Twitter is hard to deny.)  Well, that offer of $15 for THREE polishes (including shipping) is back!  And they're sending a mini set of 'mystery' shades this time - exciting.  I really love that they are vegan friendly and free of toxins, because my four year old inevitably wants to paint her nails the same as mom.  

a favorite color: Dana

The polish goes on well and seems to have the same amount of staying power as OPI and the like.  This is a great was to get my nail polish fix for cheaper than Julep and I can pick any combination of three from 300 colors.  The deal goes through tomorrow (the 14th at midnight), just use NYNH at checkout.  

OK, lastly, we watched A Million Ways to Die in the West the other weekend and OH MY GOD it exceeded my very low expectations.  I really liked Ted.  Yes, I admit it.  But I was hesitant about the super talented Seth MacFarlane's latest as it didn't get nearly as much buzz.  It was HILARIOUS, and I thought it even better than Ted.  My husband still holds the fuzzy bear in slightly higher regard, but we were both crying with laughter over this one - great movie night entertainment. 

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!

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...