Here’s what this past week looked like- My Everyday Life Week 48
My sunny boy.
Sunny girl, Ella.
It’s gonna be ok.
Magic Eye books after dinner.
Yoga x 2 this week.
Make this viral on Pinterest. Lol.
I love lists
- The lost art of letter writing. Sigh…..
- Food styling tricks for movies
- Illustrations of what goes on inside an introvert’s brain.
- This is much better than email.
- I want to take some fog wave photos! WOW
- Can you guess these puns?
- Art + sheet music (LOVE)
- If you need to track habits in the new year….
- Coping with loneliness.
- My friend Sarah James lives in the most amazing home.
- A very powerful read. Thank you for speaking your truth, Molly!
- Some really good farewell coworker cakes!
- Books for your book club that will get everyone talking.
- Oh my god I can’t believe this is real.
- Twelve Unhealthy Dishes in SF.
- The worst questions flight attendants get asked
- The reality behind National Park photos
- This made me lol.
- Disciplined Free Spirit. I loved listening to this podcast this week.
- I am 16 years old and have red hair based on my Subway Sandwich preferences. LOLz
- These aerial photos make me sooooooo happy!
Recipes I have my eye on:
- Lime Coconut Snowballs
- Iced Eggnog Lattes
- Apple Marionberry Marzipan Crumble
- Bloody Mary Popcorn
- Chocolate Dipped Pretzel Cookies
- Loaded Baked Potato Soup
- Pumpkin Oatmeal with Cream Cheese Glaze
- Black Manhattan
Super Cute Pins for Christmas Stockings:
- Be Brave
- Shine On
- Be Kind Rewind
- Winging It
- Crazy Plant Lady
- Less Whine More Wine
- Squad
- Make it Work
- Slightly Bitter
- Readers Gonna Read
Currently: November 2016
Currently: November 2016.
Currently the last day of November!
For some reason the way I am sitting is making it hard for me to type.
Hold please. Ok, we are good.
NOVEMBER.
Did you realize that there’s a NO in November?
Is there anything you said NO to this month?
I definitely didn’t say NO to Thanksgiving carbs.
Whole30? What Whole30??!
I ate so much during the Thanksgiving break that my body was like SALAAAAAAAD NOW PLEAAAAAAAAAASE. I had my mom’s green salad a few times this week but without avocados cuz they’re all so bad right now. I haven’t had a good avocado in months. The other day I was at the grocery store trying to find an avocado that wasn’t wickedly overripe. They all were so mushy on the inside. YOU KNOW THAT CAN’T TASTE GOOD. I looked at the sign and was like 2 for $1??? Please. They should be free. So yeah, I’m back into eating green things. Just not avocado. Gonna put this reset button salad back in the rotation soon! There’s also a national avocado shortage, right??!
Inspired by:
My yoga classes. I’ve been taking a couple yoga classes weekly since the beginning of November. I really hope that I can keep this routine since it helps me get my bearings in the day. It’s great for stress relief and I’m hoping that I’ll find a good tribe through the process.
Watching:
Casey was gone for a whole week this month and I was in Jamaica so we didn’t see each other a lot 🙁 While he was away, I started watching the show- Casual on Hulu. I really like the writing and the characters intrigue me. My brother is one of my best friends so it’s neat to see the brother/sister dynamic on screen. I think the daughter looks way too old to be in high school and that bugs me but other than that, I’m into it.
We finished the second season of Red Oaks on Amazon this week. Casey was super excited to see that the new season was out, so we had ourselves a nice little binge. It’s one of his favorite shows. It kinda reminds me of Caddyshack but way less goofy. I love the 80s vibe…but sometimes I get distracted by Jennifer Grey’s character. They make her look way too cute to be an 80s mom. Makes me want to watch Dirty Dancing and see what her old nose used to look like.
Started Search Party last night! We are two episodes in. Her friends bug me but I LOOOOOOOOOOVE Alia Shawkat. I’m looking forward to seeing how it develops. It really makes me miss Bored to Death (another one of my favorites).
Reading:
Been reading this book that I found the communal bookstore in Bolinas called Active Dreaming. I should say the book found me. Books have a way of popping out at me….I think the lion on the cover spoke to me first. I’ve had a bunch of things happen recently…signs…synchronicity…really weird coincidences. The book talks about signs and how they’re part of active dreaming…and how we dream while awake. It’s just the right amount of woo-woo for me (thus far).
Also, I’ve been doing some research/reading on Mother Teresa right now. Picked this book up at the bookstore the other day and have been reading it off & on. I remember being really fascinated by her when I was a kid, so reading about her as an adult has been really interesting.
I have this on the wall of my workspace:
Thinking About:
The holidays. This is the last day of November and then WOOOOOP! It’s December. Christmas stuff kicks into full gear. We have our tree up, but there are no ornaments or decorations are on it. I found out that I am not hosting Christmas this year. It makes me kinda bummed that we’re not gonna be sitting around the tree at my house, so I suppose I’m not super motivated to decorate it right now. I also have to order my holiday cards and I’m behind on that. Is this the year we don’t do cards? I can’t break an 8 year streak can I?? Don’t worry. I’ll power through.
Listening to:
Missy Elliot. My instructor in dance class (also another thing I tried this month!!) played this song this week and we did this arm/shoulder/fist pump/squat/booty shake move and I WAS IN THE ZONE.
Cooper and I have been listening to the Stranger Things Original Music soundtrack on the way to school. Sometimes it’s super creepy. We’ve been discussing sound design (did you know I used to work in a recording studio in my 20s?!) and how you can play with emotions through sounds.
I love our conversations in the car. They’re the best.
I’ve already started listening to my Christmas Playlist. It gives me life.
Dream Life:
Takes place mostly in Oregon and sometimes in upstate New York? There’s still a summer camp/hotel vibe to my dreams. Did you know that I want to organize a Summer camp (for adults) one day? That’s one of my dreams. That’s where that book comes into play….cuz I literally have been dreaming about camp life for the past year and a half.
Eating:
We finished the Thanksgiving leftovers. HOORAY! I’ve been on a salami sandwich kick for the past week. It goes something like this:
- toasted sourdough bread
- salami
- yellow mustard
- dill sauerkraut
- potato chips
- lettuce
Maybe I just really want a hot dog.
Drinking:
La Croix– Passionfruit is my new jam. Have you had that one? What are you favorite flavors? I’m mostly a Lime and Grapefruit kinda gal. Honestly though, I’m not drinking enough water. Gotta do something about that. Especially during this DRYYYYYYYY time of year.
How are you? What’s up with you??!!
You know the drill.
Type your stream of consciousness in the comments below!!
Favorite Things Gift Guide 2016
It’s CYBER MONDAY!!! Don’t you just cringe when you hear the word CYBER? I dunno. Maybe it’s just me. So, you’re probably going to see a TON of gift guides today. It’s Monday. We’re headed into December. Take a deep breath. I just took 5.
If you’ve been here for awhile, you know that I do things a little bit differently re: gift guides. I play Oprah and share some of my favorite things that I’m into this year, in the hopes that maybe they’ll be your favorites too! Everything on this list is approved by yours truly.
Now that I am looking at all of this stuff, I could call it
TRACY’S COPING MECHANISMS aka MY FAVORITE THINGS GIFT GUIDE of 2016:
1. Leuchtturm 1917 Dotted Journal– This is my bullet journal. I can’t do anything without it. You’ll always find it near me and I picked orange so I could spot it from far away. I have so many black journals….they all get lost. Take this advice from a 37 year old.
2. Everything is Going to be OK– I have this cute little plate hanging up on my wall. We could all use this reminder, couldn’t we? I love this Work Hard Stay Humble plate too!
3. Tombow Pen – I LOVE THIS PEN. GET YOURSELF 20 of them. 2 for people’s stockings and then the rest for YOU.
4. Big Sur Room Spray – Last year Casey and I went on the most amazing trip to Big Sur. This room spray smells like our vacation. There’s something so magical about that area, and I love that I can remember our trip every time I spritz our room with it. I also really love their collection of incense.
5. Leopard Vans– I love them. They go with everything…at least I think they do. They’re the first shoe I grab when I’m running errands. Definite game changer.
6. Triangle Day Bag– You know I’m always on the search for the perfect bag. I’ve been using this bag since July and I have no intentions of retiring it. It’s the PERFECT size for me for everyday use. If I am traveling or I have more to carry, I throw it in a tote. What I’ve learned about myself is that while I love bags with a LOT of a pockets, I don’t always put things back in the right place when I’m on the go, so one inner pocket is perfect for me. Wearing this purse also has earned me quite a few compliments!
7. Mill Valley Sweater– I’ve been living in this since I bought it in September. It’s soft like a blanket that makes this introvert feel super protected when she’s out in the world. Sometimes I catch Cooper wearing it while he’s snuggled on the couch watching cartoons. I don’t blame him….it smells like his Mama and is COMFORTABLE AS HECK.
8. Amazon Echo Dot– Casey bought one of these for our home last month. I was reluctant and then all I had to do was say, “Alexa play Fiona Apple Pandora Station!” and it started playing one of my favorite Fiona Apple songs immediately. How do I use it most? I set timers while I’m working in the kitchen, I ask her cooking & baking questions like how many tablespoons are in a stick of butter? I’ll have her add stuff grocery list that I can check on my phone. But mostly, I have her put on music in the kitchen. Her name is Alexa by the way.
9. Electronic Typewriter– I’ve been using an typewriter at my desk to type my feelings/thoughts/lists, etc. this past year. It cost me way less than going to therapy and for that I am grateful. There’s something about the sound when hitting the keys that makes me happy.
10. Ultrasonic Essential Oil Diffuser – I think this might have been on one of my old lists, but I have reunited with my diffuser now that I need some extra humidity in our bedroom during the Winter. Some of my favorite scents to use- Lavender, Eucalyptus, Lemon, Douglas Fir, Orange & Mint. This is the perfect time of year to bust out your Thieves oil!
SUBSCRIPTIONS TO GIFT!
Stitch Fix– Get your friend a gift card so they can try the service out!
Get a 3-Month Creativebug Subscription for $1 I love being able to access great tutorials & classes on my computer. Cooper and I have taken a few classes together and it’s SO MUCH FUN.
Curated Music + Food= Turntable Kitchen Subscription Box– For the music & food lover!
Bluebottle Coffee Subscription– We have our beans delivered every other week. The beans are super fresh. We love Bluebottle!
Birchbox Subscription– If you love trying samples of perfume & beauty products, you’ll love this.
If you plan on doing any shopping online, you should sign up with EBATES because you get cash back from your purchases. They also will give you the good promo codes for shops online. All of you have to do is login to your account and go through their website and earn. They’ll send you a “big fat check” quarterly. A lot of big online retailers are on there, so I ALWAYS make sure to see if I can get cash back from a sale. It costs nothing to sign up and you’ll love being surprised in the mail with checks!
Here are some guides from the past if you need additional ideas!
- Gift Guide from 2015
- Gift Guide from 2014
- Gift Guide from 2013
- Casey’s Gift Guide for Dudes
- Cocktail Gift Guide
- I Love Coloring Books
- Inspiring Books to Get You Drawing
- Books to Inspire
Also, if you don’t already know, I have a SHOP category on my blog.
You can check out some of my favorites things there!
HAPPY SHOPPING!
My Everyday Life: Week 47
Here’s what this past week looked like. My Everyday Life – Week 47
Getting my place cards ready.
I spelled Nora Lea wrong. Oooooops. I AM SORRY HELEN JANE!
Making my Pecan Topped Sweet Potatoes for Thanksgiving.
And these rolls too! This time I let them rise a little longer. SO FLUFFY.
Getting the table ready. Our group was pretty small & intimate. We had so much fun.
Thanks for the sign, Cooper!
The MENU:
Right before a fight over fake weapons.
Someone always wants the one that someone else covets.
I love lists
- This made me LOL.
- I always thought that electric cars were waaaaaay too quiet.
- Images of gratitude.
- Dad jokes….just in time for the holidays. I think I like Dad jokes more than my Dad does.
- This cake is perfection.
- Treat Yo Self to pretty jewelry. This one especially!
- I agree, Anthony Bourdain.
- Everyday….elevated.
- Hahahaa. I got my patronizing, more successful sibling.
- These vintage photos turned gifs amuse me.
- Lists Everyone Should Make.
- I don’t know if the dresses are that similar, but it’s interesting to see.
- Photographers freeze waves.
- Oh, COME ON MILLENNIALS
- Current mood: I ate too much
- The Secret Lives of Things.
- Ok so this is what type of coffee each airline serves. But…what water do they use?
- My friends make beautiful things. Yup. They really do.
- Seth Rogen pranks people…. with his fake death.
- Top 100 Most Influential Photos of All Time. Wow.
- When did you go fully grey? I’m trying to figure that out myself.
- My current favorite sweater is on sale right now!
16 Ways to Say Grace
It is a true gift to be able to sit around a table and celebrate all that we are thankful for with good food, friends and family. Grace helps gives us a pause to acknowledge that gift.
Do you say grace before meals? We always do when we’re together with my family.
Here’s what we have in our rotation:
“Bless us oh Lord for these thy gifts that we’re about to receive from thy bounty through Christ our Lord, Amen.”
“Good bread, good meat, thank the lord, LET’S EAT.”
Rub a dub dub, thanks for the grub. (my mom doesn’t like that one)
Grace….I knew her well. (that’s what my grandpa used to say)
And then we end each grace with GOD BLESS THE COOK.
Earlier this year, my friend Helen Jane took the 100 day creative challenge (one of the reasons why I love her) where she created a new pre-meal grace (whether written or illustrated) each day for 100 days to add to her family’s modern-day grace repertoire. Her intention was to find some graces that would be suitable around any table, no matter your religion or non-religion! Helen Jane & family are going to be at our Thanksgiving this year. I wonder which one of these we’ll use….perhaps we’ll come up with a new one on the fly.
If you’re looking for a way to shake up your pre-meal grace, hopefully one of these graces makes its way into your festivities this holiday.
Prepare for giggles at the end of this one.
(this one is a good one for all the moms out there!)
This one is my favorite. Thanks for bringing this Buddhist proverb into the mix!
THANK YOU HELEN JANE!
I am thankful for our friendship and your creative brain!
