January 27, 2017

I love lists

Welcome to I love lists. It’s Friday!! Let’s surf the internet together:

Tsh gives a little tour of her bullet journal pages. LOVE
Gimme these chicken pineapple skewers. Please/thank you.
Deb! On the Food Network! YAAAAS.
Whhaaaaaat am I looking at?
You can make your own junior mints? whoa.
This excites me. But it also makes me sad.
Legos turned into food things.
Dan Aykroyd writes about Carrie Fisher <3
I want to go out and photograph at night soon.
What the world looks like if you have different types of color blindness.
If you saw La La Land, you’ll probably enjoy this.
How Restaurants Prep for a VIP.
Have you ever stopped to think how technology is being designed for you?
All of this is incredibly beautiful.
Mindy Kaling. Interesting. I was hoping Jennifer Lawrence, cuz she’s a Leo.
I really enjoyed watching this- Darjeeling Limited- How Brothers Communicate
How to make an avocado rose.
I can’t tell if these shoes are cute. I’m sure they’re comfortable, though.
How Louis CK tells a joke. Loved this.
This place is unreal.
What you should do after paying off your debt.
Practical Uses for Cats totally #5
Something I want to make soon and this too!

January 26, 2017

Current Favorite Podcasts

We all listen to podcasts in different ways. Some people like to listen while working out. Other people rely on a podcast to get through a tough commute. I’m a person who listens to podcasts while I’m out hiking or doing something productive like folding laundry or cleaning up the kitchen. Lately, I’ve been taking notes in my journal while podcasting and have found it to quite relaxing. Maybe part of me just misses note taking at school. #lovespens

I like to tie my podcast listening to an activity because it can become an enjoyable part of a routine.

When I fall off the podcast train, some of my routines suffer!

Or is it the other way around?!?

Since some of you have asked, here are my Current Favorite Podcasts if you’re looking for something to listen to while you:

work in the kitchen
fold laundry
clean up the kitchen
commute on a train
are stuck in traffic
run your ass off on a treadmill
hike up a mountain
balance your bank account
craft it up
do whatever you do when you listen to podcasts

my podcast requirements:

not too long
something that will make me think
something that will keep my attention
something that will add value to my life
humor is not required but thoroughly appreciated!
can be something I pick up easily after missing a few episodes

The Minimalists

Right now, I am currently spending most of my chore time listening to the Minimalists Podcasts.

One of the mantras I’m working with is:

Work smarter, not harder.

This podcast is starting to remind me of the small things I can do to change my life…mostly mindset changes. I’m starting to put the pieces together on crafting a life that doesn’t involve me wasting time doing unnecessary/limiting maintenance.

Right now I’m new to this podcast, so I’m picking an episode at random. I keep listening because the way Joshua & Ryan simplify complex ideas draws me in. Sometimes their self-promotion annoys me (but also, RESPECT!!!), but I always leave with ideas/concepts to focus on as I declutter my life/house/brain. And while I’m sitting there folding laundry, it makes me evaluate the things we have and how much they end up owning us. Getting rid of stuff that clutters my house and my mind means that I have more time to do things that I couldn’t do before…like easily manage the things I have.

Some of my favorite episodes so far are:

Stress / Impulses / Essential / Noise / Mental Clutter

Invisibilia

One of my favorites! Storytelling + scientific research= Invisibilia.

Lulu Miller, Hanna Rosin and Alix Spiegel explain the invisible forces that control human behavior. THIS IS THE STUFF THAT I LOOOOOOOVE. Science is presented in story form. That’s how my brain can digest it! I listen to this one mostly in the car for some reason. Not sure why, but my brain processes what they say better when I’m in motion. Cooper has even listened/enjoyed a few.

Some of my favorite episodes:

The Secret Emotional Life of Clothes / Our Computers, Ourselves / The Secret History of Thoughts

Radiolab

Radiolab is one of those podcasts where if you don’t choose the RIGHT episode to start with, you might lose out on the whole show. The first episode I listened to was a live show with an audience while I was on a plane once (IT WAS LOUD!) and it was DEFINITELY not my jam. I am grateful that I gave it a second try because it’s one of my faves. I go back and forth between listening to this podcast & Invisibilia because I get the same, WHOA that’s cool! I had noooooo idea— feeling. (that is one of my favorite feelings)

Some of my favorite episodes:

The Fix / Debatable / On the Edge

Art for Your Ear

Danielle of The Jealous Curator started a podcast called Art for Your Ear. She interviews artists on their work/process/creative work lives. I find it totally inspirational and love being introduced to new/cool artwork in the process. It’s a good podcast to listen to while you’re working on something creative.

this episode really spoke to me:

A Disciplined Free Spirit

The Jess Lively Show

I mostly listen to T he Jess Lively Show because I am in awe of her drive. She was meant to podcast. I can clearly feel it and I love her dedication to the craft. To be honest with you, I haven’t been keeping up-to-date with her podcasts, but she still remains in my reader. She is my go-to when I need encouragement/uplifting advice. Some of her shows are quite empowering and her lineup of guests is pretty choice too!

Elise Gets Crafty

If you also love hearing about other artists’ business owners processes, you’ll love Elise Gets Crafty. There is a thoughtful exchange between Elise and whoever she is interviewing. (She interviewed me once!) She asks such helpful questions about how people do things and why they do them. I really appreciate the honesty both Elise and her guests offer up. If you’re someone who makes things and runs a small business, I definitely recommend.

Uhh Yeah Dude

America through the eyes of two American Americans. This one is a bit of an acquired taste. Seth Romatelli & Jonathan Larroquette (son of John Larroquette!) have been podcasting for YEARS, so their body of work is quite massive. I think I started listening to them when they were on their 200th episode and now they are currently at 557! They go off on tangents and are at times, wildly inappropriate. Every few episodes, I find myself CACKLING. I like to think that Uhh Yeah Dude is like a male version of The Joy the Baker podcast….but without any filters / if we didn’t give AF / if my mom didn’t listen.

Uhh Yeah Dude makes me feel like I’m hanging out with my bros. They’re just dudes…talking…reading headlines and making commentary. Seth gets wound up. Jah is a cool cat, until he’s not. They are a Libra/Leo combination, so I like seeing how they compliment each other. (Cooper is a Libra & I’m a Leo).

They even do live podcasts that are funnier in person. Seatbelts!

***def not for kids. language!***

This American Life

Doesn’t everyone love This American Life? Not all of the episodes resonate with me, but when they do, THEY DO! When I’m on a hike and I need a good brain reset, I get sucked into one of the stories on This American Life.

My all time favorite episode was: Notes on Camp

Story Pirates Radio

Cooper and I listen to Story Pirates Radio when we have a good drive ahead of us. The premise is that a child submits a story, they read the story and then they adapt the story/embellish it and turn it into a performance. I think it’s probably really close to the radio programs my mom & dad grew up on. I like that they interview the readers afterward and talk about their process/motivation behind the story. It gives Cooper and me a lot to talk about since he also loves reading and writing.

Brains On!

Another podcast for our mother/son driving time that we enjoy is Brains On! Again, it gives us something to talk about and it keeps our attention! They’re so creative in the way they deal with each topic. It kind of reminds me of Mythbusters in some weird way.

ALSO:

I also really enjoyed listening to the first season of Serial. I tried to listen to the first two episodes of the second season and I just couldn’t get into it. Did you finish it? Do I NEEEEED to listen to it?

To answer your questions, and I’m sure they’ll come up…..like…

What happened to the Joy the Baker Podcast that you used to record with your maj, Joy the Baker??!!

We have taken an unexpectedly LONG break! What happened? Life events/work/growth happened and the energy we put into producing quality podcasts wasn’t sustainable for our schedules. We stopped for a bit and then we were like….how did we ever do this??! And…. how did we ever do this thing (real talk: for free + shelling out money for site/podcast hosting) when our time is limited and we’re putting everything we can into our family/book/blogs? We really miss the connection we had with our listeners, so we’re dreaming up a way to do it again! If you’re interested in listening to us in the future, thank you for your patience. Hopefully, when we record again, it will be worth the wait.

Soooooooooo- What are you listening to?

I’m sure you’re gonna say, My Favorite Murderer, right? I listened to the first episode and thought—-oh my god, I am going to have a panic attack and never leave my house again. Will that always be the case? Do I want to subject myself to that?

Tell me what has your ear these days.

recipes

January 24, 2017

Spinach Artichoke Calzone

You’re either a fan of calzone or you’re not.

I waffle back and forth….because sometimes I’m just not in the mood for ricotta.

Too much ricotta in a calzone ruins it for me. Ricotta can sometimes make the calzone soggy and WHO WANTS SOGGY CALZONE?

We were out to eat a few weeks ago and I saw calzone on the menu that didn’t have the obligatory HEAPING PILE of ricotta in it. Nope. None.

It was one of the best calzones I’ve ever had and here my recreation.

When I watched the guy in the back baste the top with garlic infused oil, I knew it was a match made in heaven.

What we have here is a Spinach Artichoke Calzone that’s stuffed with a mix of mozzarella, feta, spinach, marinated artichokes, pesto and red pepper flakes. It’s topped with garlic infused oil and a sprinkle of cheese to crisp up in the oven. I served it with a side of marinara for light dipping action.

This has turned me back into a calzone lover. Maybe it will do the same for you? Or maybe it will help remind you that calzone would make a good addition to your meal rotation soon?

my everyday life, Photography

January 22, 2017

My Everyday Life: Week 3

Here’s what the past week looked like on My Everyday Life – Week 3

I wrote this on an index card last year and tucked it into a notebook.

It fell out and landed on my lap while I was cleaning this week.

Yes, universe. YES.

Spent a lot of time in the kitchen this week….cleaning…organizing…testing….

Impromptu trip to the nursery after school brought sunshine.

We are a team in the mornings. We hustle. We try to talk to each other nicely while we are scurrying about. We need each other’s cooperation to start the day off right.

He leaves me notes on my windshield when I get into the car. The morning chats and the afternoon chats in the car are my favorite.

Put this leopard situation back into the rotation. RAWR.

Rice cakes are also back on my radar.

Surrounded by joy.

Is this a pussy willow? I cringed just typing that.

Collecting ideas for my front yard.

6:45 AM.

9:00 AM.

11:00 AM

2:30PM with Helen Jane.

3:00 pm Paper Source inspiration.

I wrote this a few months ago.

I’ve had a much better relationship with technology since.

Mostly because I’ve been giving myself better boundaries and I’ve been making technology work for me.

This week after Cooper was asleep, I listened to this podcast about stress and wrote notes.

Time well spent!

Sunny morning.

This salad turned into this sandwich.

Testing.

Snoozing.

Made some flatbread pizzas.

Treasure hunting at an estate sale. This corner of a painting caught my eye.

This was actually a sculpture but I made it look like a painting with my phone.

Reminded me of when you can see a little blue sky between clouds.

And then I looked up.

It’s been raining. It makes me miss working outside on my succulent garden.

Crossing the street can look like modern art.

I always love seeing the black and whites.

Day date at Sushi Ran.

Uni lover.

I need more sushi in my life.

And then we went to a day movie!!

Have you seen La La Land? What did you think?

The colors were pretty amazing.

This cloud had a silver lining.

Friday night His & Hers.

Followed by Indian food delivery.

Alone time.

Bed time.

Organizing my brain time.

Let’s dip into the past:

Week 3 in 2016

Week 3 in 2015

Week 3 in 2014

Week 3 in 2013

Week 3 in 2012

Week 3 in 2011

Thanks for reading Shutterbean! If you’d like to check out more of my everyday life, follow me on Instagram and be sure keep in touch via Facebook, Twitter, Bloglovin, Pinterest, or subscribe via email to get new posts delivered to your inbox.

January 20, 2017

I love lists

Art collab above with Helen Jane!

Welcome to I love Lists. Let’s see what’s up with the internet this week:

Making friends is a lifelong process.
Whoaaaa
Some facts about Betty White.
For when you need a good laugh.
Printable calendars are my love language.
Printing this out for sure.
Outdoor patio dreams.
This is where we are at. This is weird.
More life lessons from Anthony Bourdain.
I cut off a whole pigtail when I was in 1st grade….
More of this in 2017 please.
Dude. Ummmm. OMG. YUM.
Popcorn….popping. This is rad.
Hey there, Portland. This is unbelievable!
I love a good closet tour.
Mmmmm.ramen.MMMMMM
The beauty of ice.
They’re not wrong
What dinner time looks like in other places.
I’d like to make this buddha bowl soon.
Weekend reading/inspiration.
Thinking about making chili. What are you gonna make this weekend?

Videos I’ve been watching:

Hard Work & Patience

This song/video is on repeat at my house.

this episode of 30 for 30 was awesome.

recipes

January 18, 2017

Vegetable Tempura

I have two problems to solve and low and behold, Vegetable Tempura comes to the rescue.

Problem 1:

My child doesn’t like a variety of vegetables.

Problem 2:

I have random vegetables in my fridge I need to get rid of.

I’ve never made my own tempura before. Not sure why….but we DO love ordering it when we’re out. It’s a way to get Cooper to eat things he wouldn’t have eaten because he can see the color and know THIS IS A SWEET POTATO and he has a rule about eating sweet potatoes.

Tempura batter is the perfect camouflage.

It’s also not as intimidating and I thought it was. Silly me.

It’s also a fabulous way to get rid of whatever random vegetables you have in the fridge after a week (or two!) of meal chaos. Random definitely vegetables have a place in Vegetable Tempura. They’re BUILT for this situation completely!

This batter is fluffy and light. It’s super simple to pull together. Next round, we’re adding some shrimp….and maybe a banana because we’re gonna need dessert. What would happen if I dropped a cookie in the batter….. there goes the neighborhood.

Inspiration

January 16, 2017

30 Healthy Recipes for a Good Reset

It’s January!!!!! Everyone seems to be cutting things out of their diet and rebooting. The holidays will do that to you!

I’ve been spending the past two weeks of the new year organizing/decluttering our house and I haven’t been on track with eating right. Now that the clutter is (mostly) out, I can focus my brain on making good/healthy eating choices.

I put together a list of the 30 Healthy Recipes I like to put back into my meal prep when I am ready to eat/feel lighter.

Hope this inspires you to do the same!