Outstanding October? Nuzzle November?

I forgot about Outstanding October! I did this post last month detailing a few of the things I wanted to achieve over the 31 days. How did I do?

1. Embrace Halloween in more ways than candy corn. I wasn't as festive but I did participate in an office competition to make the best most "scary" treat. I won second place even! Very exciting.

 The 2nd place winner? Punkin' Gut Cups (aka Pumpkin Pie Cups). Mmmmm......They turned out wonderfully and were really easy to make. I might make them for the November birthday celebration, too!

2. Volunteer. I wanted to attend the volunteer workshop at Pawmetto Lifeline but missed the cut-off. I still want to though! I might try and make time during the holidays for smaller opportunities, possibly helping local families and children.

3. Shake up the wardrobe. I bought a coat and some cute bright blue skinny jeans from Forever 21. This was a splurge! Haven't worn them yet but I swear, soon! I also finally wore this tight, black jersey skirt (they only have striped ones now apparently?) and it is not only comfortable but incredibly flattering and comfortable. And it was only $8 at Old Navy on clearance!

Oh, and I dyed my hair a vibrant red color. Love it! I was inspired by the lovely Gretchen.


4. Participate in a blogger recipe challenge. I blame this on the sickness. I made yummy oatmeal raising breakfast cookies (posting the recipe and pictures soon) but then was so exhausted that I never did the post in the alloted time. Oh well, this month perhaps.

5. Read five books. BOOM.


And what about November? Nuzzle was the only word that made sense in the most abstract of ways.

The definition of nuzzle: 
Verb:

1. Rub or push against gently with the nose and mouth
2. Lean or snuggle against.

This might be a stretch but with the holidays and colder weather, this is totally doable!

1. Spend time around animals. I am going to cat-sit for my friend while she and her boyfriend are out of town. Honestly, how could I turn down two black and white kittens and cable television? Best Thanksgiving plans.

2. Embrace the holidays slowly but surely. I find the holidays difficult for a few reasons but I always try and make the best out of them. I will make a lovely Thanksgiving meal (leftovers!) and a dessert or two, we have a Pinterest potluck at work that I am super excited about and I want to start the holiday shopping so that I can spread it out over the next month. I rarely ever have money this time of year but I LOVE, LOVE buying presents for people. Little gifts full of love.  I also plan to go to some of the local festivities!

3. Keep in close contact with friends and family. I need to stay on top of emails a lot better but also make time for phone dates. 

4. Take great care of myself. Sounds easy, right? I wrote up a list of 10 things I want to make habit (remember, it takes 21 days to make something a habit!) and these are all very simple, achievable things but things that are easy to forget when I am curled up on the couch all comfy or have a ridiculous craving for warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies at 11pm.

What will you do to make the most of November?

Book-O-Rama: Reviews

I swear my co-worker must think I'm a little off my rocker. I will randomly vent about ridiculous boys in my life out of nowhere then be like, "Okay, thanks, sorry!" since I feel like I sound crazy. It's clearly my own fault; my horrible taste in the mens and my lack of social life doesn't make the best of combos. Ladies and gents, don't ever be single, especially in your 30's--it is TOUGH. And on that note....my lack of social life has given way to a flourishing book addiction!

The library seems to be a forgotten resource these days with the availability of cheap books online and now the electronic readers out there. I'm old fashioned though; I love the feel and ritual of turning the pages in a book and seeing them on my bookshelf. True, the electronic version is much easier on the back when moving but still, I love a full bookshelf full of stories and adventures; love and woes, friendship and nightmares.

I wanted to do a quick summary of some of the books I have read recently. Some of have been AMAZING and some where a bit of a let down. And away we go...

Ellen DeGeneres

 So, I really, really wanted to like this book. I was all ready to start and...I barely made it through the first chapter. It didn't really appeal to me and although I love her humor, personality, and her television show, she writes the book like she speaks and it can be difficult for the reader to follow. There were a lot of tangents and stories within stories.




Jonathan Tropper: How to Talk to a Widower & One Last Thing Before I Go

I've said it before many, many times but I am in love with Jonathan Tropper's writing. He uses such interesting descriptions and narratives that you can't help but become invested in not only the characters but the entire story itself. I have now read all but two (I think?) of his books and each time I get just as excited to dive in to a new story.

Long Week, Hello Friday

It feels like it has really been a long week. The days seem to go by pretty quickly but I swear the week added in extra days just for kicks. As the weekend approaches, I have been more ambitious with events and things I want to complete. In all honesty, I just want to put some art up on the walls and continue with my sugar detox. I read that it takes 21 days to make an action a habit so I plan to actively and consciously implement some healthy habits up through Thanksgiving. Good goal date, right? I'll make another post of said healthy habits.

And now for the showcase showdown:

1.  Something I swore I'd never do, but have ended up doing anyway is complaining about "the kids these days." I know that every generation has its pros and cons but damn, kids these days!

2.  Something I've always wanted to do is travel. I think about how big the world is and how much there is to see. My drive from Oregon to Michigan was just the tip of the iceberg. 

3.  Something I have absolutely no desire to ever do is have a big house. I don't get the point of it nor do I want to clean it. I'd be happy with a condo or a nice little house with character.

4. The best thing I ever did was move to Michigan for grad school. It was so much more beneficial and eye-opening that I had imagined and I really came into my own---at the late, great age of 30. 

5. When it comes to trying new things, I am open to pretty much everything but if it is just me doing it, I tend to get shy and don't always follow through. If friends want to do something, I am always up for it though. 

6. One thing I've never done is fly an airplane. Not that I want to but I haven't done it!

7.  My favorite thing do is curl up in bed, open all the windows, and read a really good book. Same goes for watching movies with the windows open while it is raining. So relaxing! (I have a window obsession; a big reason I chose my current apartment is windows in every room)

Everyone have a GREAT weekend!