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December 30, 2017

My Everyday Life: Week 52

Here’s what this past week looked like- My Everyday Life Week 52

When we were going through my mom’s car we found the Christmas crackers she bought for Christmas. I brought them down and we added them to the table.  She is still helping us create good memories!  My sister in law set such a beautiful table.

My Everyday Life: Week 52 on Shutterbean.com

Place card duty is one of my favorite duties.

My Everyday Life: Week 52 on Shutterbean.com

We had negronis! My brother got our parents into them a few months ago 🙂

My Everyday Life: Week 52 on Shutterbean.com

My dad gives the best hugs.

My Everyday Life: Week 52 on Shutterbean.com

Found this at the deli while picking up bagels for Christmas day.

It brightened my day.

My Everyday Life: Week 52 on Shutterbean.com

Bagel brunch with Maj! 

My Everyday Life: Week 52 on Shutterbean.com

Coffee date with Riley.

My Everyday Life: Week 52 on Shutterbean.com

CONTINUE READING

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December 29, 2017

I LOVE LISTS

I LOVE LISTS // a collection of links from the 'net on Shutterbean.com Welcome to I LOVE LISTS! It’s Friday. Let’s surf the internet together!

  1. Worst Life Hacks of 2017
  2. How to saber a bottle of champagne— if you’re into that sorta thing
  3. Old-timey spy camera!
  4. When you ask a stranger to take your photo….
  5. Selfitis is a thing.
  6. The Best Food Art of 2017
  7. Etch-A -Sketch artistry
  8. We could all use this – The Internet Pledge
  9. The Anxiety Matrix <—- tech anxieties ranked
  10. Looking people in the eye.
  11. My brain wants: a superfood salad or a reset button salad
  12. If you want to travel through time here are some videos
  13. Jack in the Box is creating munchie meals…
  14. We gotta stop controlling how our kids play.
  15. Retro games & consoles are more popular than high tech stuff!
  16. Can you achieve Inbox zero? I’m not sure I will ever get there.
  17. We were in Los Angeles when this happened! 
  18. Proof that people are still doing good things.
  19. The fastest grilled cheese by Mark Bittman
  20. Really cute rompers: one / two / three / four
  21. One of my favorite things to do- send myself random email for the future

Currently reading: 

have a great weekend!

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December 28, 2017

Top 20 Posts of 2017

Top 20 Posts of 2017 on Shutterbean.com!We’re a few days away from a NEW YEAR, so I’m in review mode. I also want to throw everything out in my house and start over. Maybe I just need to put away all of our Christmas decorations and I’ll feel better?

Maybe I just need to hibernate?

Yes. That’s it.

A lot has happened this year, hasn’t it?  Let’s look at what your favorite posts were from 2017, shall we?  I always love doing this because I like to see how much my photography has changed over the years. I should have started doing this in 2007 when I started my blog! Oh well. You live/you learn.

pssssst! you can check out the past ones–2016 2015 / 2014 / 2013 )

Shutterbean Top 20 Posts of 2017:

Hippy Banana Bread Shutterbean

Hippy Banana Bread

Tracy from Shutterbean.com shares her favorite Bullet Journal Supplies!

Bullet Journal Supplies

 

For an easy appetizer, try Herbed Goat Cheese. Recipe on Shutterbean.com

Herbed Goat Cheese

For entertaining? For weeknight snack dinners? For sandwiches, for FUN!

vegetabletempura-10

Vegetable Tempura

This is the best way to use up leftover vegetables. Promise.

If you're looking for a good reset, check out this Coconut Quinoa Salad from Naturally Nourished. Recipe is on Shutterbean.com!

Coconut Quinoa Coleslaw

This one is a texture party. You’ll love the dressing.

How to Make an Epic Cheeseboard with items from Trader Joe's! See more on Shutterbean.com

Trader Joes Epic Cheese Plate

A real crowd cheeser!

Getting Organized in the New Year. See how Tracy from Shutterbean does it!

Getting Organized in the New Year

If you need a reset in your house…..here’s some inspiration.

Baked Ziti with Creme Fraiche & Spinach- perfect for a crowd /weeknight dinners. Find the recipe on Shutterbean.com!

Baked Ziti 

Quite a few of you one dinner with this Baked Ziti dish. It’s the creme fraiche & spinach that does it!

Bullet Journal Layout Ideas - see more on Shutterbean.com!

Bullet Journal Layout Ideas

I shared some of the pages in my bullet journal. The internet liked it.

Creating Healthy Habits

To get yourself back on track, create some healthy eating habits. I shared mine!

Dinner is just a few minutes away with this Mushroom Ramen recipe made with Imagine Broths & Soups. Find the recipe on Shutterbean.com!

Mushroom Ramen

Goodness in a bowl.

Soothe your throat & relax with this Lemon Ginger Elixir. Find the recipe on Shutterbean.com!

Lemon Ginger Elixir

Perfect for cold/flu season! Oh and cocktails too!

Breakfast Sausage Pretzel Rolls are perfect for a weekend brunch! Find the recipe on Shutterbean.com

Breakfast Sausage Pretzel Rolls

The first recipe made from the Over Easy Brunch book by Maj!

Meatballs Marsala with Buttered Egg Noodles & Chives. Recipe from the new Smitten Kitchen Everyday Cookbook. Find the recipe on Shutterbean.com

Meatballs Marsala with Egg Noodles

I mean….does it get any better?

smallbatchcupcakesshutterbean-17

Small Batch Chocolate Cupcakes

Because we can’t be trusted with a whole batch of cupcakes….

If you're looking for a great vegetarian weeknight meal, check out this Spinach Artichoke Calzone recipe on Shutterbean.com!

Spinach Artichoke Calzone

One of the ways I use Trader Joe’s pizza dough!

Looking for a good Chicken Teriyaki recipe? Look no further! Check out this recipe on Shutterbean.com!

Chicken Teriyaki

A family favorite!

If you're looking to add some fun into your creative routine check out Tracy's Current Favorite Art Supplies on Shutterbean.

Current Favorite Art Supplies 

Everything I’m loving this year art supply wise!  I love that it’s inspired so many of you to color and PLAY!

Everyday Pancakes are simple enough to make EVERYDAY. Find the recipe on Shutterbean.com!

Everyday Pancakes

These are life changing! I make them all the time for Cooper.

Combine the flavors of Chicken Parmesan with meatballs with this Chicken Parmesan Meatball dish! Find the recipe on Shutterbean.com

Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

Hummina Hummina Hummina. WE ARE SO LUCKY THIS RECIPE EXISTS.

There you go, that’s just a slice of your favorites from 2017.  Thank you so much for all your love and support. I appreciate you!!!

I wonder what 2018 will bring…..

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December 24, 2017

My Everyday Life: Week 51

Here’s what this past week looked like- My Everyday Life: Week 51

Well, at least we had a tree up this year!

My Everyday Life: Week 51 on Shutterbean.com

Cats are terrible gift wrappers.

My Everyday Life: Week 51 on Shutterbean.com

I got most of my holiday cards sent out this year. We ordered ours from Minted as per usual!

My Everyday Life: Week 51 on Shutterbean.com

In a daze while Christmas shopping…

My Everyday Life: Week 51 on Shutterbean.com

Feeling sometimes like I am possessed by my mom.

My Everyday Life: Week 51 on Shutterbean.com

Benjamin boys putting together a lego Porsche.

My Everyday Life: Week 51 on Shutterbean.com

Spacing out in a rose.

My Everyday Life: Week 51 on Shutterbean.com

CONTINUE READING

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December 22, 2017

I LOVE LISTS

Welcome to I LOVE LISTS! It’s Friday. Here’s a list for you:

  1. Christmas morning would be better with these.
  2. Life changing habits for 2018
  3. What a beautiful kitchen remodel!
  4. Funny kid letters to Santa
  5. Tiny worlds, big imagination
  6. The word of 2017: Youthquake (lord help us)
  7. Most expensive photographs sold at auction in 2017
  8. This church in Copenhagen is something else!
  9. How to organize your day to set you up for success.
  10. The world is beautiful.
  11. Dream: shoesromperdress
  12. DIY Melted Crayon Art <— we did this this week!
  13. Funny animal photos of 2017
  14. The most popular recipes on Pinterest this year.
  15. The Instant Pot has invaded our kitchens! 
  16. Wear it proud.
  17. The best places to travel alone.
  18. Apparently, in Japan, KFC sells low odor chicken so you can eat it in public…
  19. For David Sedaris & Miranda July fans  also this!
  20. A quick holiday pep talk!
  21. Pantry organizing tips. I gotta re-organize mine.

Last Minute Treats to Make for the Holidays:

tropicalbark 1199

Tropical Bark

Cookies & Cream Peppermint Bark // shutterbean

Cookies & Cream Peppermint Bark

Crunchy Peppermint Bark // shutterbean

Crunchy Peppermint Bark

Jasmine Tea Infused Vodka to up your spirit game. Find the recipe on Shutterbean.com!

Jasmine Tea Infused Vodka

 

Bourbon Salted Caramels // shutterbean

Bourbon Salted Caramels

Apple Cinnamon Infused Bourbon // shutterbean

Apple Cinnamon Infused Bourbon

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December 18, 2017

Intentions for the Week

 

 

Looking to get your head in the game? Tracy from Shutterbean makes a weekly TO DO LIST called her Intentions for the Week. Here's what this week looks like:

Hello! Hello! Happy Monday. I had a weekend with family and I’ve got to put the house back together. We’ve got lots to do before Christmas Eve/Day. I’d like to get some baking done somewhere in this week for teachers and friends. Oh and there’s a Christmas pageant and all kinds of other things we have coming up. My brain is still in a fog but I’m somehow making it through and managing.

Intentions for the Week:

  • start/finish Christmas shopping/white elephant gifts
  • ship packages/presents
  • sweat it out in dance class
  • stay on top of the laundry
  • remember to eat (I’ve been forgetting…#grief)
  • make some chocolate chunk blondies for family
  • try to make peppermint bark for teachers
  • make sausage soup
  • check in at parent’s house
  • catch up on work
  • catch up on social media
  • find khaki pants for Cooper
  • wrap presents
  • get outside
  • go for a hike
  • work on art
  • write thank you notes
  • drink more water
  • start holiday cards (if they arrive soon!)
  • take good care of myself

Mantra for the Week:

I LOVE LISTS // a collection of links from the 'net on Shutterbean.com

What about you? What are you up to? Leave your intentions in the comments if you wanna get your head in the game.

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December 17, 2017

My Everyday Life: Week 50

Here’s what this past week looked like- My Everyday Life Week 50

This week I took a pause on helping my Dad clean out/organize the house and I tried to focus a little more on getting my life back together. My house is a mess! This week I took a break and drove around Marin County and dropped off some of my mom’s unused crossword puzzle books at some mini free libraries.  I plan on doing this with some of her other books.

I know she would have thought that was neat.

My Everyday Life: Week 51 on Shutterbean.com

 

Trip into the city for an office party.

My Everyday Life: Week 51 on Shutterbean.com

This place feels like another world.

My Everyday Life: Week 51 on Shutterbean.com

 

I’ve forgotten what city life is like.

My Everyday Life: Week 51 on Shutterbean.com

 

One of the weird thoughts you can have when you are grieving is…

WHY IS SHE ALIVE AND MY MOM IS NOT?

It’s really a weird feeling to have. I never thought it before

 

My Everyday Life: Week 51 on Shutterbean.com

 

We were able to have cousin time!!!

COOPER HAS BEEN LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS FOREVER.

He loves his cousins Henry & Eleanor who live in Idaho.

My Everyday Life: Week 51 on Shutterbean.com

 

I love Casey’s smile the most.

We had a lot of fun at Benihana.

 

My Everyday Life: Week 51 on Shutterbean.com

 

Getting lost in Japan Town.

 

My Everyday Life: Week 51 on Shutterbean.com

 

Aunt Tracy ended up buying everyone cat ears later on…

 

 

My Everyday Life: Week 51 on Shutterbean.com

 

Gifts that keep on giving.

 

 

My Everyday Life: Week 51 on Shutterbean.com

 

The highlight of the week was seeing this picture of my grandparent’s smiling.

So many things to look at while going through closets.

My Everyday Life: Week 51 on Shutterbean.com

I’ve run into my friend Kris twice this week. We walked to a labyrinth.

It was just what I needed.

My Everyday Life: Week 51 on Shutterbean.com

The sun was so warm.

My Everyday Life: Week 51 on Shutterbean.com

Frosty mornings.

My Everyday Life: Week 51 on Shutterbean.com

 

 

When you can’t decide, you have both.

My Everyday Life: Week 51 on Shutterbean.com

 

Snugs.

My Everyday Life: Week 51 on Shutterbean.com 

 

Pineapple Rum!!

My Everyday Life: Week 51 on Shutterbean.com

I took a detour and found this lovely van.

My Everyday Life: Week 51 on Shutterbean.com

 

And this colorful yard!

My Everyday Life: Week 51 on Shutterbean.com

 

This caught my eye while thrifting.

My Everyday Life: Week 51 on Shutterbean.com

 

Sent out some packages this week 🙂

My Everyday Life: Week 51 on Shutterbean.com

 

Made some chicken soup. Gave some to my dad 🙂

My Everyday Life: Week 51 on Shutterbean.com

 

Thinking about visiting NOLA soon.

My Everyday Life: Week 51 on Shutterbean.com

 

When your friend calls you to hang out and brings her baby you say YES.

My Everyday Life: Week 51 on Shutterbean.com

 

Babies are a gift.

My Everyday Life: Week 51 on Shutterbean.com

 

A corner in my house that I like right now.

My Everyday Life: Week 51 on Shutterbean.com

I wore a blazer!!

My Everyday Life: Week 51 on Shutterbean.com

Hot lips!

 

 

My Everyday Life: Week 51 on Shutterbean.com

 

My mother taught me how to grocery shop.

When I go to the store we went to as a kid I feel her. It’s full of so many memories.

My Everyday Life: Week 51 on Shutterbean.com

 

If there’s calamari steak on the menu, I will order it.

My Everyday Life: Week 51 on Shutterbean.com

 

 

 

Hot chocolate mornings for Cooper.

My Everyday Life: Week 51 on Shutterbean.com

My curtains are up now!!!

My Everyday Life: Week 51 on Shutterbean.com

Last night we hosted a sleepover- my Dad, brother-in-law, and nephew spent the night.

5 guys and me.  I really missed having my Mom in the kitchen with me.

It felt very weird and sometimes sad, but I was happy that my Dad spent the night! 🙂

My Everyday Life: Week 51 on Shutterbean.com

Life is so odd/ silly at times.  Make it more silly if you can.

My Everyday Life: Week 51 on Shutterbean.com

 

HERE'S MORE OF MY EVERYDAY LIFE ON SHUTTERBEAN.COM

Week 50 in 2016

Week 50 in 2015

Week 50 in 2014

Week 50 in 2013

Week 50 in 2012

Week 50 in 2011