recently // may 2014

Making // time for more walks with the kiddo.

Cooking // this pasta dish for dinner.
Drinking // too many energy drinks.
Reading // blogs but would like to get back to reading novels again sometime soon.
Wanting // to try a Fitbit bracelet but not sure if it is worth the investment?!
Looking // into alternatives to cow's milk for when the babe turns 1.
Playing // soccer again and it feels SO GOOD!
Watching // too much Real Housewives drama.
Wishing // that I didn't have to go back to work in 5 months. Yikes!
Enjoying // Charlotte - all day, every day.
Liking // that I am making money by selling our used items on Facebook. Genius!
Wondering // why I didn't start selling things on Facebook sooner?
Loving // our little family of 3.
Hoping // that we are going to have more sunny days than rainy ones soon.
Marvelling // at the fact that Charlotte has her first tooth.
Needing // sunshine. It makes such a big difference to my day.
Smelling // flowers on our walks.
Wearing // my new fluorescent orange hoody and loving that the hot hues are back in stores.
Following // the Stanley Cup play-offs. My husband doesn't really give me a choice.
Noticing // that Charlotte desperately wants to crawl but I am okay if she waits a while longer.
Knowing // that my life is amazing.
Thinking // about what I want to do with this blog.
Feeling // happy.
Giggling // at Charlotte's new trick - scrunching up her nose when she is frustrated.

recently // april 2014

Making // changes to my blog and feeling refreshed and inspired.

Cooking // soup for dinner for days.
Drinking // lots of green tea.
Reading // yes and yes.
Wanting // to dye my hair blonde again.
Looking // forward to celebrating my mom's birthday this weekend.
Playing // with Project Life. So excited to start!
Watching // The Good Wife and Mad Men.
Wishing // that we win the lottery soon.
Enjoying // long walks with Charlotte in her stroller.
Liking // spring cleaning.
Wondering // how I have an almost 6 month old!!?
Loving // my husband more every day.
Hoping // that my grandmother leaves the hospital soon.
Marvelling // at how Charlotte knows exactly how to eat solid foods.
Needing // to move my body more.
Smelling // Scentsy Washer Whiffs in my daughter's diaper pail. Makes it smell amazing!
Wearing // my PJ's longer than I should today.
Following // Elise's podcasts.
Noticing // that Charlotte is going to be a blonde haired, blue eyed beauty.
Knowing // that I am lucky.
Thinking // about what it will be like when I have to go back to work.
Feeling // grateful.
Giggling // at the evolution of Charlotte trying a lime for the first time.

 

 

recently // march 2014

Making // plans with friends and family members. I am 5 months into my maternity leave so want to make sure I spend as much time with loved ones as I can with the time I have left.

Cooking // quick and easy meals. The quicker and easier the better these days.
Drinking // Gatorade.
Reading // the goldfinch. Still - sure takes me a lot longer to get through a book these days. :)
Wanting // summer to come. Or at least spring.
Looking // out the window at the breaking clouds. It was pouring this morning but it looks like the sun is trying to come out. Come on sunshine!
Playing // with Project Life. So excited to start!
Watching // 90201.
Wishing // that time would slow down. But I know that is impossible so I just wish for more sunshine please and thank you.
Enjoying // every minute at home with little Ms. Charlotte.
Liking // writing again.
Wondering // how I have an almost 5 month old!!?
Loving // my stay-at-home mom life.
Hoping // that my grandmother starts feeling better soon.
Marvelling // at how chatty Charlotte is these days.
Needing // to exercise.
Smelling // my Scentsy Sugar Cookie wax. Yum!
Wearing // my new shirt from Target.
Following // Charlotte's new physio routine everyday and it's helping!
Noticing // that Charlotte has much more control over her hands and can hold things.
Knowing // that I have everything I need.
Thinking // about what the rest of this year has to offer.
Giggling // at Charlotte when she says, "Da da da" and my husband thinks she is calling him.
Feeling // so much love for my little girl.

recently // february 2014

Making // nothing right now. I am actually in a bit of a creative funk.

Cooking // haystack dinner as a casserole.
Drinking // lots of water with lemon juice.
Reading // the goldfinch.
Wanting // this white heart garland.
Looking // to feeling 100% healthy again.
Playing // not yet but looking forward to playing soccer again.
Wasting // days watching United States of Tara on Netflix.
Wishing // that Charlotte would take a bottle on the odd occasion here or there. (Same wish as last month.)
Enjoying // every minute at home with little Ms. Charlotte.
Liking // that Spring is coming soon.
Wondering // what Charlotte's new, four month old schedule is going to turn out to be.
Loving // my husband.
Hoping // that I can continue to keep my anxiety in check.
Marvelling // at how active Charlotte is getting by the day.
Needing // to exercise.
Smelling // my Calm body spray.
Wearing // too many yoga clothes. Momma needs a new wardrobe. Stat!
Following // NieNie Dialogues - she has a Charlotte too!
Noticing // that Charlotte has almost figured out that she has feet.
Knowing // that I am blessed.
Thinking // about our potential road trip at the end of the month.
Giggling // at Charlotte's facial expressions.
Feeling // loved.

recently // january 2014

Watching ...

 

Reading ...

Listening ...

taking stock // january 2014

Charlotte Monroe ~ 4 Days Young

Making // plans for the rest of the year.
Cooking // more and more crockpot meals.
Drinking // as many liquids as I can during the day - breastfeeding sure makes a girl thirsty!
Reading // blogs I follow on bloglovin - don't have much time for reading these days.
Wanting // Charlotte to stop being so fussy at bedtime.
Looking // forward to my husband's birthday on Friday.
Playing // lots of Bejeweled on my iPad.
Wasting // days watching Friday Night Lights on Netflix.
Wishing // that Charlotte would take a bottle on the odd occasion here or there. (Same wish as last month.)
Enjoying // our happy baby girl.
Liking // that I am clearing away as much clutter as I can to make our house more of a home.
Wondering // when Charlotte will sleep through the night.
Loving // weekends when my husband is home for 2 whole days!
Hoping // to be able to get to see my grandmother this month for her 91st birthday.
Marvelling // at the fact that we have a 3 month old.
Needing // more movement in my daily routine.
Smelling // my morning coffee. Delicious!
Wearing // yoga pants and hoodie all the live long day. (Same as last month - ha ha.)
Following // my calendar so I don't lose track of any appointments.
Noticing // that Charlotte likes to hold her hands all the time. Wonder when she will clap?
Knowing // that life is good.
Thinking // about how fast 3 months have flown by but also how perfectly on track the time seems to be.
Giggling // at the fact that I am pretty sure our 3 month old says, "I love you" and "Hi".
Feeling // grateful. Always.

recently ...

Reading ...

Spelling It Like It Is by Tori Spelling

Watching ...

Gilmore Girls: The Complete Series Collection

Gossip Girl on Netflix

Downton Abbey

The Happiest Baby on the Block

What are you currently reading or watching that isn't related to the holidays?

taking stock

Idea stolen from A Pretty Penny. Thank you! Follow her blog - it's awesome!

Making // time to write.
Cooking // a ton of dinners in the good old crockpot.
Drinking // coffee with vanilla almond milk and a bit of sugar.
Reading // Poser: My Life in Twenty-three Yoga Poses by Claire Dederer
Wanting // Charlotte to sleep through the night sooner than later.
Looking // at products that will make my momma duties easier. this and this.
Playing // with a few of Charlotte's toys but she just isn't into them that much yet.
Wasting // days watching Gossip Girl on Netflix.
Wishing // that Charlotte would take a bottle on the odd occasion here or there.
Enjoying // maternity leave - I am so grateful!
Liking // December.
Wondering // what the New Year will bring.
Loving // my little family of 3 so much.
Hoping // santa is good to me - tee hee! :)
Marvelling // at home much Charlotte has changed in a few short 8 weeks - "they" say time flies and they weren't kidding!
Needing // to incorporate exercise (or at least a walk) into our daily schedule.
Smelling // calm.
Wearing // yoga pants and hoodie all the live long day.
Following // the weather report closely - love snow at Christmas but if it snows too much, my husband will have to take the truck and I will be stuck at home.
Noticing // baby Charlotte is figuring out what her hands are for as she pulls my earrings out.
Knowing // this too shall pass.
Thinking // about a makeover.
Bookmarking // 2014 Blog Planner - getting ready!
Opening // bins of Christmas decorations.
Giggling // at Charlotte's smile - she is the prettiest little creature ever.
Feeling // grateful.

recently // a book review

I just finished reading Surfacing by Natasha Jones and Jim McGregor. I actually work with Jim so I was super excited when he and his writing partner put the finishing touches on their first novel. I was one of the first to buy a book at their book launch and am proud to have my signed copy on my shelf.

I love Jim but even if I didn't, this book would be a great end-of-summer/hello-fall read. It is a page turner - you won't want to put it down. Buy your Kindle Edition here or your paperback copy here.

Help support two very talented artists and enjoy a special and thrilling read at the same time. Win/win!

Surfacing

Courtesy of Amazon.ca: Jeremy knows about the accident but when his mother, Debbie, finally reveals the truth, he has no idea that he will find his once strong firefighter father still unconscious in an extended care facility. The discovery that, after three years, his father suddenly begins regaining consciousness sets in motion a series of events that will rock many lives. The family ventures into the rundown Franklin Center, the final destination for all of its patients, where Jeremy's youthful optimism for his father's recovery triggers emotions long-buried in the nursing staff, the family and their friends. Drawing on energy from the spirit of a grandfather he can scarcely remember, Jeremy inspires his father's medical team to question their conventional medical approach to what is possible. While the family confronts the ramifications of Don’s return to consciousness they discover that more sinister forces are at work. Bent on the destruction of the family’s hope and fueled by maniacal jealousy, one staff member will do anything to sabotage the firefighter's valiant efforts to recover. Natasha Jones was born in Paraguay and educated in England. As a newspaper journalist, she has won numerous awards, including the Canadian Community Newspaper Association's Dulcie Wenger Memorial Trophy for feature writing, as well as journalism awards with the B.C. and Yukon Community Newspapers Association and The Vancouver Press Club Foundation. Jim McGregor is a thirty-six year veteran of the fire service, including Fire Chief for the City of Langley, British Columbia. His work has been published in articles, magazines and competitions. Jim has also co-authored successful poetry and children's books. He currently writes a weekly column for the Langley Times newspaper. Jim draws on his firefighting background for characters in the story. Both authors reside in Langley B.C.

Read any good books lately?

recently // dvd series

Since my husband and I moved in our first home 3 years ago, we have never subscribed to cable. We do have Netflix and it is definitely worth the $8 a month. We don't want to get into the habit of wasting time on TV and I love waiting for new arrivals from the library and going to pick them up. There is something so ... community about it all. There are a few series that we purchase (Sons of Anarchy is by far my favourite) and we are always a season behind everyone else but it is worth the wait for us.

We just finished watching the 5th season of True Blood. I love this show because it makes me laugh. And I could watch Jason Stackhouse. All. Day. Long. Plus, my husband and I have this weird obsession with all things - well, for lack of a better term - death related. And vampires, shifters and wearwolves just seem to fit the bill! Do you watch True Blood? Is it just me or is Bill Compton getting just a bit more than ridiculous? 

And last night we watched the 1st episode of the 7th season of Dexter. OMG. If we watch the 2nd episode tonight and the last scene of the 1st episode was all a dream, I am going to be super annoyed. If it wasn't a dream, this is gearing up to the best season ever! 

What's your favourite TV series?

We are also watching (randomly) on Netflix:

recently on netflix

For some reason the hubby and I have been blowing through shows on Netflix like there is no tomorrow. We don't watch a lot of TV at all because we only have Netflix and we only have an hour or so in the evening when we have time to watch them but I must admit that I do tend to have an episode playing in the background on my iPhone while I'm cooking or cleaning after dinner. 

These are the shows we have been watching recently. Do you have any suggestion of a good Netflix (Canadian) series for us to get into next?

Kevin Spacey is THE MAN. There is no denying that. This one took a little while for the husband to enjoy but anything about American politics and scandals tend to interest me. I have no interest in Canadian politics whatsoever but the American system intrigues me to know end. Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright were amazing (except I must admit I was a little distracted by Kevin's double chin in some scenes). I actually thought that this would wrap up in 1 season but it left a huge cliff-hanger in the last scene so I look forward to watching the next season.

I started watching Life on my own and was instantly hooked. Aside from the fact that I could not take my eyes off of Sarah Shahi (stunning), I really enjoyed the characters and the storyline - cop framed for family friends murders and spends 12 years in prison to later be given a $50 million settlement for his troubles. Cop becomes a cop again to fight crime and figure out who framed him. I always seem to enjoy a crime show where they solve a murder each episode but there is a larger storyline that intertwines through the whole season. I was sad that this was cancelled after only 2 seasons.

Similar to Life, The Glades is about a detective who solves a crime each episode but his life story mixes in throughout the entire season. Very similar concept and hey, the leading man isn't too hard on the eyes!

We are part way through the 4th season of Arrested Development. We were so excited when they brought this show back to Netflix and could not wait for it to begin. I am a bit disappointed. Although super clever and the way they are connecting all the characters is absolutely genius, I am just not finding it that funny. Except for Gob and Tobias - they always make me laugh.

I just started this series and am thoroughly enjoying it. Half hour episodes filled with a witty cast of characters who basically poke fun at the American development industry. More money is the name of the game - at any cost. And I do enjoy a show that makes a mockery for any office situation - oddly I relate to a lot of the jokes but I think anyone who has worked in an office for more than a few years can see the similarities. And Portia de Rossi is one of the main characters so you can't really go wrong!

recently

My hubby and I went out for a date night recently. This is the first in a while because I haven't been feeling 100% lately (hence - the lack of posts on my blog). I was hesitant but sucked it up - he has been a trooper and supportive (as much as his male genes will allow him - ha ha) so I wanted to make sure we got up to something fun ... and got out of the house.

We had dinner at Viva Mexico in Langley on the Fraser Highway one-way. Husband has been craving Mexican lately so went there. So much better in the summer because they have their big front windows open to their patio but anytime is usually a good time - good food and a good atmosphere. I have read a lot of reviews about poor service but I think it is a family that runs the restaurant and we have always had awesome service - super attentive and answered all of our questions. Chad always wants the biggest meal on the menu and the waiter gave him a few options. Yes - he was full and yes - he brought some home with him :)

I hate it when places don't have a website but here's some information.

We started with Jalepeno Poppers. Husband LOVES these so I had 2 and he gobbled up the rest of the plate.

Not the actual poppers but they looked very similar to these. Photo via.

Chad and I both ordered burritos.

I had a burrito dish that looked very similar to this but with one burrito. It was delicious! 

Photo via.

After a couple of Duseci beers for Chad, we went to Colossus Movie Theater in Walnut Grove and watched "Oz: The Great and Powerful".

We purchased the best seats in the house ahead of time in the UltraAVX theater. We hadn't seen a movie in this theater before and were really excited about more room, the lean back chairs and being able to pre-select our seats - no having to get there an hour before just to get a decent seat. Would I pay extra for the Ultra AVX? The only luxury I really enjoyed was being able to pre-select our seats. I enjoyed the tilting back of my chair but I needed a footstool because when I went all the way back, I couldn't touch the ground so I just swung back to the regular seated position -and I am far from a shorty. :)

The movie was awesome. I had heard mixed reviews going into it but it had great effects, the ladies (witches) were amazing and I was a huge fan of the porcelain girl - amazing effects with that one. The only downfall (and I hate to agree with everyone else) was James Franco. He didn't fit. The role was MADE for Johnny Depp and every time they showed Franco and his "super-wide-hollywood-makes-zero-sense-in-the-role" grin, I couldn't help but feel a bit sad that it wasn't Johnny's talent that was taking up the big screen.

All in all a night filled with yummy food + great company + an entertaining flick = a good night out with my man. Two thumbs up! :)

a list

I borrowed this idea from ann-marie loves paper.

Tag - you're it! Mommy Bird and Vancity Voicebox - I would love to see your lists! xo

PS - Anyone who reads this should follow all three of the blogs listed above. Ann-Marie Loves Paper has no idea I exist but she is an inspiration, Mommy Bird gives amazing new mom, organizational and cooking tips, and Vancity Voicebox is an old friend who is fabulous - and so is her blog!

photo courtesy of

Digging: My life right now. I am in a really great place and hope to stay here as long as possible.
Drinking: Caramel Drizzle coffee. My favourite if I need a caffeine kick.
Eating: Anything gluten free these days.
Listening: To this audiobook in the car: Sisterhood Everlasting.
Wearing: New sweaters. I'm always cold so I wear sweaters even in the summer months (especially at work).
Reading: The Slap by Christos Tsiolkas and the Wheat Belly Cookbook. Just joined a new book club so will have some new reads shortly.
Feeling: Amazing.
Weather: Cold, sunny, foggy and/or rainy - depending on the minute it seems.
Wanting: Absolutely nothing.
Needing: Absolutely nothing.
Wishing: That my California family didn't have to go home earlier than planned.
Thinking: About my future and the wonderful things that are going to happen to me and my husband.
Enjoying: Life.
Loving: Little kid and doggy cuddles and kisses. 

currently

Reading ... I really enjoyed the first two books by Mr. Larsson but they do take me a while to get through so it will be a bit before I get to reading on my new Kobo that I got for Christmas. Having a few glitches with it so that will give me time to fix it without freaking out :) Started reading a "Beginner's Bible" on the weekend too. Not sure my feelings around it but it has always been on my "to do" list so I guess 2012 is the year!

Listening to ... Tara and I decided that our "buddy goal" for 2012 is to LIVE IN THE MOMENT and I think Eckhart Tolle is going to be my buddy to keep me on task with this one! I will be listening to him to and from work so hopefully he will keep me grounded on a daily basis.

Watching ... We are going to start the first season of "Six Feet Under" when I pick it up from the library. I used to watch this show with my mom and it was so good so I am pretty sure Chad will enjoy it. We are Dexter fans afterall :) We watched "Never Let Me Go" last night (well - Chad left half-way through because he was super sized bored) and I think this is one of those movies that is probably an excellent book but it just translated into a long, boring drawn out movie. Too slow. Oh well - that is what the library is for - checking out things you might not if you had to pay for them!

currently

Right now I am in the process of listening to this audiobook to help me get into the Christmas spirit (this feels like dejavu as this is not my first Christmas book of the year but without snow, it takes a while for it to sink in for me). This is a cute listen - super predictable but gives you warm fuzzy feelings from the relationships that develop throughout the chapters. I have all of my Christmas shopping done and am "THIS" close to having all of the wrapping done too so I have to do something to keep that Christmas vibe going in my life. 

This morning I went to the dentist first thing before work and got an "all good" on my teeth. Love that - have not had any issues with them in FOREVER (touch wood) except for teeth grinding and gum erosion which are both works in progress.

I started using a Bible Study app on my iPhone. This will come as a shock to some but reading the bible (regardless of what I believe) is something I have wanted to do for a long time and what better way then in day-by-day chunks using modern technology? Mind you - I am only at the very beginning and already a bit confused and questioning everything so we will see where this process goes in the New Year.

currently

I am currently listening to this audiobook in my car and it is so good! Can't wait to find out how they catch the real killer.

On a recent visit to Target I saw this movie for $5.00. I have never seen or heard of this before but I cannot wait to watch it soon. I LOVE Cousin Eddie.

Chad and I are currently watching Season 5 of Dexter. Only 3 episodes in and it is so good! 

recently

Just finished listening to this audiobook. So simple and predictable but it was like a hot cup of tea on a cold fall day - it just made me feel cozy listening to it on the way to work.

My niece Sidney and her twin bro Chance enjoying the pumpkin patch. These kids are too adorable not too share and they have huge personalities to go along with their cuteness too. Love them!

I don't remember where I got this photo from so I apologize for not giving credit but seriously - if you are ever having a bad day just look at this and I know you will be smiling and enjoying life once again!

Hope you all are having a wonderful start to your week!

right now

Keeping close to home today. Sick again with a cold and ear infection. Hopefully I will be better for this year's holiday season if I get all the sickies out of the way now!

Snacking on left-over Halloween mini chocolate bars. Each cold and flu seems to come with a different food craving and this one definitely wants to be fed sweet things. Weird.

Sipping on Mountain Dew. I believe in fluids, fluids and more fluids when I'm sick but right now this is the closest thing we have in the house to Ginger Ale.

Remembering all of the things I have to do at work but that just makes me even more tired and I just want to crawl back in to bed.

Hoping that I feel 100% better tomorrow.

Wishing that I was feeling 100% better right now.

Waiting for this stupid cold to go away! :)

Hating that it hurts to even type this.

Looking forward to the weekend but more importantly to the next few long weekends and Christmas holidays.

Admiring all of the successful events I have organized over the last little while.

Searching for Christmas gifts. I feel like I am already behind! 

Pretending we have the money to buy gifts for everyone under the sun.

Taking a break from life today. And maybe tomorrow.

Reading The Girl Who Played with Fire.

Listening to new episodes of Sarah's House on HGTV. Man she is a snob but I do enjoy it. Twisted - I know.

Grateful for my career, home, family, Lexxus, friends and always ... and most of all ... Chad.

Thanks for the template and inspiration Narrating Life! LOVE your blog!

catching up and currents

I have had a lot on my plate lately - both with projects at work and in my persona life so I haven't had much time to write things down. I am keeping a daily journal on my iPhone and loving that process but now I need to take the time to make sure that info gets from there onto here!

Currently we have been watching ...

Heart is still doing her job well making me smile on a daily basis ...

And Charles is still filling my heart up full from Cali ...

Time to get back to work but I do miss it around here. Must be back soon! Happy Monday friends - enjoy your sunny week!