I typically don’t do “link ups” because I don’t have a regular posting schedule, or its that a lot of the link ups on blogs that I read don’t really have themes that apply to me.
I also thought this would be a fun post to look back on. Many of the ones that I glanced at in the link up were mom’s, so their descriptions revolved around lazy days with their families. I am sure someday my description will read much like that, so I think it’s fun to capture where I am at now.
To be honest this post will basically read like a “get to know me” because my “best day ever” mostly revolves around my favorite food and places. It is also a bit unrealistic, because I would actually need to time travel (preferably in a blue police box, because #closetwhovian) to make it happen…
My “Best Day Ever” would start at sunrise up at my family’s cabin “The Diggins” in the Blue Mountains near Sumpter, OR. I’m a fan of sleeping in, but not at the cabin, so ideally I would feel well-rested and refreshed to start the day early. I’d begin with an easy walk/hike, maybe just by myself with my dog Jack and enjoy a beautiful sunrise. When I returned my chatty family would be up and ready for breakfast which would include a dirty chai latte, my great-grandma’s sour dough cinnamon rolls and bacon. (Definitely not our typical breakfast up there, but hey this is MY best day ever.)
After breakfast, I might take a nap because I woke up so early or relax on the porch with a favorite book. Then I would leave and…
…magically arrive in no-time in Manhattan, KS! My best day is a warm, golden fall day by the way, because obviously that can only mean one thing…
K-State Gameday!
Before the game my friends and I would head to So Long Saloon in Aggieville (and wouldn’t have to wait forever to be seated) for raspberry chipotle bean dip to share and then I would order a Nancy and a bleu cheese bacon burger.
We’d then head to the stadium for some tailgating, and while I’ll always be fond of my “tailgating out of the back of someone’s truck in college days,” I think by now I will have upgraded to the asphalt lot with an obnoxiously decked out RV.
K-State would be playing Oklahoma or Texas, because I LOVE beating them. And the K-State team would be circa 2012…
Because, #nostalgia and #BIG12CHAMPS!
After the game, I would magically travel BACK to the cabin where my Dad would be cooking tri-tip in his big BBQ for all of my favorite people. The sides would include grilled asparagus, sweet potato fries, watermelon and rolls. Oh, and tiramisu for dessert.
We’d spend the evening (which is now somehow mid-summer, instead of fall) around the campfire, drinking summer shandy and listening to Logan Mize. We’ll probably end up two-stepping a bit and definitely stay up too late.
So, in conclusion, you basically now know all of my favorite foods.
Though I don’t blog much about specific agriculture topics, I still label myself as an ag blogger to some degree, because it is the industry that I work in and am passionate about. Last year, I joined a Secret Santa exchange for ag bloggers and really enjoyed it, so I decided that it was something I wanted to participate in again. It is a great way to get to know more people in the industry, and obviously it’s fun!
I was given Gracie Weinzierl who blogs at A Farm Kid’s Guide to Agriculture. Gracie is also in ag communications, working at an agency in St. Louis, where she works with a variety of clients in agriculture. She is originally from Central Illinois where she grew up on a small corn and soybean farm. Right away I saw that Gracie had some things in common, like our love for coffee and DIY. She wrote all about the gifts I sent her over on her own blog post, which you can read here. I did have to laugh though. Gracie is a HUGE cat lover, something that I don’t understand AT ALL. I mean don’t hate them, but I’m not really a fan. My sister is the complete opposite though, so I am used to buying gifts for “those kinds of people,” and buy the sound of it, the quirky little cat pen that I gave Gracie was a hit.
A snapshot of the things I sent Gracie.
My secret blogger was Hannah Neuenschwander who blogs over at Texan Meets Midwest. Hannah is a Texan who relocated to Illinois for her job as a entry-level manager at a Monsanto soybean production facility. My first thought when I was looking through her blog was how much I appreciate that there are other young professionals in agriculture that make big moves like I did for my career, and those like Hannah are willing to share about it on a blog.
I was a bit late to open my gift (not Hannah’s fault) because I wasn’t able to get it from my apartment office before I went home on a long holiday vacation. Which is quite all right because who doesn’t like opening gift on a random day! When I picked it up from the office, the manager was very enthusiastic and said, “Oh Amanda, it looks like your new TV came in, you must be really excited.” Instead of trying to explain to her that I was positive that it definitely was not a TV, I just went along with it. But it definitely made me really curious and excited to get back to my apartment to open it!
Now I wish I could have had someone taking a video of me when I opened my gift from Hannah, because I literally shrieked out loud. Hannah did a great job “stalking” my social media and blog to learn that I love decorating my home in styles that I love and personal touches that reflect who I am, and also that I LOVE a good quote. So she had a local friend and small business woman (Tina Gonnerman at TMG Designs in Ashton, IL) make this sign specially for me. I have a few of my favorite quotes and verses on the left sidebar of my blog, but Exodus 14:14 is my FAVORITE VERSE. Up until now I have kept it written on the white board in my kitchen. Plus, the colors and style go perfectly with my decor in my living room! Really Hannah, you could not have sent me a more PERFECT gift than this. Right now I have it propped up on a book shelf in my living room, until I decide whether or not I am going to hang somewhere else or just leave it there.
Isn’t it great!?
Thank you to Darleen and Jenny for being this year’s hosts for the blogger exchange. I really enjoyed participating again!
Friends, I know I am not the only one who struggled a bit with the first full week back to work after the holidays.
I knew that the Christmas in the Country Gift Reveal blog posts were going live this week but everyday after work I just couldn’t bring myself to look at a computer screen again.
So my slacker plan was to write the post on the plane this morning on my trip to the West coast and post it during my layover.
And then I missed my flight this morning.
So now I’m back in my living room, with a re-booked flight for this evening.
Such is life.
Anyhow, I excited to finally share about my first Christmas in the Country exchange!
I particularly love that this exchange brings together bloggers in agriculture.
I had SO MUCH fun “getting to know” Myla at “The Purple Front Door” and going shopping for her. Read her post on my gift HERE.
I received my fun box from Chelsea at BoilermakerAg, and she did a fabulous job! Everything was so personalized and well-thought out. Chelsea is a newlywed from Indiana, a proud Purdue Boilermaker and like me, an agriculture communications grad! I have read Chelsea’s blog before and I’m guessing that we have a lot in common. I am looking forward staying in touch.
First I want to share about that little lump of coal you see above on the red bag. This lump of coal (which is really a colored and scented piece of soap), has been passed along through the exchange since 2013 as a little reminder of the true reason for the season. The white tag says” A lighthearted reminder coal deserving sins places us on Santa’s naughty list. Thankfully naughty boy and girls are offered the gift of Jesus.” On the back of the tag it has the history of where this coal has traveled each year so my job now is to keep it and pass it on to someone next year!
If you know me or have read my blog before you know that I love to be creative and tap into my artistic side, and paints are probably my favorite to use. Chelsea sent me a jar of turquoise custom chalk paint and a few brushes. I haven’t done as many projects since my move to DC and my mind is spinning with all of the ideas that I could use this for! Plus you can never have too many brushes.
In my mind coffee is a love language all on its own. Chelsea sent me this adorable mug, a few K Cups and homemade chocolate spoon stirrers. They were SO GOOD — now I feel like I need one for every cup of coffee I have.
Everything in the gift was great, but this last part really hit it out of the ballpark. I love saving different wine corks (and the wine itself of course) and stealing them out of my stash from time to time for a craft. But I’m not sure Chelsea understands just how PERFECT this particular holder is for me. Yes, I used to work for the Kansas Pork Association, but my love for pigs runs far deeper than that. Everyone has a few things that they find hard to explain their love for without seeming a bit loony, and for me, pigs go on the top of that list. This is SO CUTE, and will go perfectly in my home.
Chelsea, thank you so much for taking the time to get to know me and for each of the fun gifts. I hope you had a wonderful season with your family and I wish you the best in 2016.
I have always been interested in doing a blogger swap of some sort, and the #CCBeautySwap, hosted by a fellow K-State alum Crystal Cattle, looked especially fun. Up until now I either wasn’t very active on my blog or had some other excuse. Needless to say, I was very excited to participate.
My interest in makeup and beauty products has always been on a roller coaster. Growing up I was a dancer so I had a bit of an earlier introduction to it and I couldn’t wait until I was old enough to wear makeup outside of dance. Hair products were a different story. My hair was thick, curly and usually really frizzy, so I started teaching myself to style and take care of it fairly early. But I also started to get psoriasis on my skin and scalp when I turned 14, so most of high school was a struggle just trying to figure out what products worked for me. Through college, I cared less and less, unless I was going out on the weekend #teamnosleep. Now that I live in DC though, my interest has jumped again because being fully “put together” is a bit more of a standard. I enjoy it though, because I really believe in the mantra that looking and feeling your best helps you perform better.
Anyway, for my first swap I was paired with Lacey, a farm girl and high school teacher from Arizona. Lacey blogs over at Calamity Lace, (LOVE her blog name) and just based on our few conversations and scrolling through her posts, I could definitely see us being friends outside of the blogger world! I shared with Lacey that I have mostly worn Mary Kay because my Mom sells it, and that even though I still really like it, I wanted to venture out and try some new brands.
1. Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer – The main thing I told Lacey I was interested in trying was a concealer. We chatted about the fact that we both have (and like) our freckles but that we need something that conceals, yet blends in well with our natural skin. To quote Lacey’s email, this concealer “Is Everything!”…and though I don’t have anything to compare it to, I TOTALLY AGREE, and already know that I will be buying it again. I received it in the “Light Warm” tone and it was a perfect match for this time of year.
2. Josie Maran Argan Black Oil Mascara – I laughed when I opened the box and saw two mascaras (other below.) I am pretty married to the mascara I use from Mary Kay but since I am going home to Oregon soon I didn’t want my Mom to have to send me a box and I was struggling to make my current tube last. Perfect timing! Both came in black, which is a bit outside my comfort zone ( I wear black/brown) but I was surprised that I did like the change. Overall, I’m torn on which brand I liked better. This one applied better a bit better, but I thought they both were great for volume and lasting throughout the day.
4. Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Shampoo and Conditioner – I am OBSESSED with the surf spray from this brand, so I was really excited when I saw these in the box. Gals, I just used this last night, and my hair SMELLS SO GOOD! I currently use the DevaCurl brand and only wash my hair about twice a week because of its dry texture, but like that brand, I liked that this shampoo doesn’t have a lather and is more of a cleanser. On Day 1 of “new hair” it is particular soft, but I’ll have to wait and see what it is like on Day 3 to make a better judgement.
5. First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads – I regularly exfoliate and have always liked the idea of using a toner in my routine, but my psoriasis has always made both of those a constant battle. I already love this radiance pads. I’ve had a psoriasis breakout along my hairline all week but continued to use these around those areas with no irritation, and I did think that my face was a bit more balanced and definitely refreshed.
6. Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer – I’ve never used a face primer and I don’t know if I have used this long enough to notice what it is doing, but I love that it is light and has a light coconut scent. Based on the name, maybe I should have had this in college for both studying hangovers and real ones…
7. Too Faced Shadow Insurance – I’ve never used an actual eyelid primer. In the summer when its humid is the only time I find that my makeup really struggles to stay on the way I applied it, so in the past I always just used a bit of foundation, which never really worked great and it was heavy. So far I love this stuff and I feel like my eye shadow goes on more smoothly. Excited to see how it holds up in the summer.
9. Too Faced Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick – I told Lacey that I always love a good lip color and love trying out new kinds. This ones name is definitely true to form. It goes on more like a gloss but definitely has the finish of a lipstick. She sent me the “Fig” color, which is a bit out of my wheelhouse of tones, but again, she knew best and I really like it!
10. Too Faced Soleil Matte Bronzer – I’m pretty sure that the bronzer/blush pack that I got Lacey, also had this kind in it. Since I don’t like to wear a lot of heavy makeup on my face, bronzer tends to be my jam. I loved how light this was and how well it finished. AND it faintly smells like chocolate, which weirded me out first but I surprisingly liked it.
Ugh. Selfies. I don’t wear my hair straight often but it was just so soft when I woke up that it sounded like a great idea. I’m also wearing the “Fig” lipstick, but the picture doesn’t quite capture the tone as well.
Lacey, you did a fabulous job with my gift, thank you! I know you are much more knowledgeable about makeup than I am and it definitely showed by your choices and pushing me out of my comfort zone a bit. Teach me your ways!
Check out others’ posts from the swap using the hashtag #CCBeautySwap.
This month went by quick and though I kept up with cooking more and more original things, I didn’t really take pictures. It is the start of the holidays and I love to share with people so I when a made a few things ahead of time for Thanksgiving I also made a few things to share at work and give away to a few people including my great grandma’s nutty sour cream cinnamon rolls and Dad’s smoked salmon dip.
What I’m Reminiscing About…
Last year I surprised my whole family by coming home for Thanksgiving for the first time since I was in high school. It was great fun, but I’m not sure I could ever go that long without spilling the beans. I was super proud of myself.
My suprise trip home for Thanksgiving 2014.
What I’m Loving…
All of the social media Thanksgiving posts throughout the month. Listen, I know lots of people think it can be superficial (or annoying) and that “we should be thankful everyday of the year,” but that attitude makes me so mad. Quit trying to find a way to be a gloomy hipster. So what if its really cheesy? I think the world needs a little bit more of that, especially lately, and I enjoy reading those tweets and statuses much more than your well-crafted, bandwagon political opinion.
My Spoo grandparents, who I haven’t been able to see in a few years, live a few hours north of Lake Tahoe. Because of the time difference my flight got in mid-morning, so they made the trip to spend the afternoon with me. Being back in Nevada and visiting with them brought back so many childhood memories of the summer I would spend there with my sister and our cousins. These two are such an important part of who I am and I just love them so much.
What I’m Dreading… I’m pretty sure I’ve said winter for the last 3 months…
So, ummm holiday travel? That’s different, right?
What I’m Working On… Finishing buying and making Christmas gifts… DUH. I am DETERMINED to be done when I leave to go home for my week off.
What I’m Excited About… 2016.
Really though, 2015 was incredibly unexpected, exciting, challenging and rewarding… and all in ways that I couldn’t have imagined when I rang in the New Year. But looking ahead as I start to fill in my calendar, set some goals and continue to explore my new home (which will probably always feel new to me), I am so incredibly excited for 2016.
What I’m Watching… As I expected, shows are starting to lose my interest. I LOVED the first season of How to Get Away With Murder, but there is just way too much going on this season and some of the characters are really starting to annoy me. I just don’t see where the show can continue to go from here and not have those problems. I am about 3 episodes behind, and at some point I will probably binge watch and catch up to the Fall Finale because I “HAVE TO” know a few things in the plot, but after that, who knows. I also dropped Blood and Oil. I really liked the idea of it and the acting is pretty good but its too slow and considering I watch way too much TV, it was easy for me to forget about it.
I’m still kind of keeping up with the Voice but that’s primarily because I just turn the TV up really loud so I can go off and do other things around the house. I still regularly watch Gotham, Criminal Minds and Scandal, though sometimes its later on my computer. The two new shows that I am loving are Blindspot and Quantico.
What I’m Reading… Except for re-reading Mockingjay before the movie came out (which I haven’t seen yet) I haven’t found the time or haven’t as interested in reading the last two months. It probably doesn’t help that I’ve been indecisive and picky, so I’ve legitimately started 5 different books in the last month and a half and haven’t finished one. I typically don’t have this problem and I’m sure with the cold weather that it will go away soon.
What I’m Listening To… As always, check out my Friday Jam Session series for what I’m listening to every week (or so). Lately I’ve been enjoying albums from Adele, Eric Church, Sia and Ellie Goulding. There are always a number of new singles that I’m into, and I’ve joined the bandwagon and am STILL obsessing over Chris Stapleton’s (check out his whole album) and Justin Timberlake’s performances at the CMA’s
What I’m Wearing…
ALL THE WARM THINGS
…and November here is not nearly as bad as January and February.
(I also failed at taking pictures.)
I’ve had to refrain from buying every flannel I see because they don’t really fit into my work wardrobe, so I just got one new one that is seen in the picture above with my grandparents. My tall/skinny jean boots are also at their two-year mark and probably wouldn’t make it through another winter just on their own, so I recently got these Steve Madden boots from Off Broadway (I LOVE THAT STORE!) I’m so picky about shoes so I was happy when I finally a pair that worked for me.
What I’m Doing This Weekend…
Friendsgiving!!!
I am headed down to Raleigh, NC, which will be a little over a 4 hour drive, to spend Thanksgiving with my friends Jake and Nicole. These are two Oregon kids that I helped recruit to K-State and became good friends with along the way. They are now out in North Carolina and I am so excited to see some famiilar faces from home (Oregon AND Kansas!) Based on the chatter from the past few days I think we are going to have plenty to eat (and drink) over the next few days! It should be a fabulous time!
What I’m Looking Forward to Next Month… One word.
HOME.
This Month’s Bonus Question: What’s your favorite Christmas tradition?
– I’m not sure how early it started, but my sister and I have always had this rule or understanding that we DO NOT under any circumstances go look at or go through our stockings until the other one is awake. When we were younger that meant one of us shaking the other awake at 6 am. Last year at ages 20 and 24, I got a mean text message from my sister at 9:28 am (as I could also hear her all the way up the stairs) that she was starting without me at 9:30 and that in the future, if I wasn’t out of bed by that time, she was taking my stuff.
– Pancakes for dinner on Christmas Eve.
– My family is usually pretty tired from our store being busy during the holidays, so Christmas Day is pretty laid back. Someone always gets a movie of some kind so we usually end up watching it and pulled out a board or card game.
– Uncle Jay’s unique gift wrapping. Trashbags are the most repeated, but past years have included newspapers.
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Well, that’s what’s up this Wednesday!
Cheers, and Happy Thanksgiving Friends!
I love music. My taste is very diverse — continually being shaped by an unique combination of people, places and experiences. I never try to pawn myself off as someone who “knows music,” because I have too much respect for those who do. I did dance and took piano lessons growing up, but trust me, you do NOT want to hear me sing. But music is a topic that I never tire of and I love swapping recommendations. Please join in and share your own picks! View past posts HERE. ********
I had another busy week of travel and meetings, and Megan did such a great job on her first music guest post that it just made sense to ask her to help me out again. And considering it’s Sunday and not Friday, I should probably add that she definitely sent her post to me on time… I just didn’t get it posted in a timely manner.
Also… how awesome was her candy corn Halloween costume? Thanks for helping out again Megan!
1.Favorite New(ish) Album So There – Ben Folds
I’ve always been a big Ben Folds and Ben Folds Five fan. But this album is different. The first 8 songs of the album he recorded with the classical sextet yMusic. He also has a three part “Concerto for Piano and Orchestra” that is recorded with the Nashville Symphony that is just wonderful. My favorite from the album is “So There” (above) as well as “Capable of Anything”.
2. Favorite New(ish) Collaboration Whip It! – Lunchmoney Lewis ft. Chloe Angelides
Catchy? Check. Dance-y? Check. Fun to listen to? Check. Yup, I’d call this one good.
3. Favorite New (to me) Artist or Band Saint Motel Listen HERE
The soundtrack for the movie Paper Towns introduced me to this band with the song “My Type” which I absolutely love. And because once I find a new band I like I must hear ALL THE THINGS by them, turns out I love all their other stuff too. My second favorite is “Puzzle Pieces”.
4. Jam I Have On Repeat Electric Love – BØRNS Listen HERE
This band is a little weird…this song is a little weird. I’m not actually sure why I like it, but I keep hitting replay.
5. Favorite Cover Hotline Bling – Justin Moore
Ok, disclaimer #1: there is technically no actual singing in this cover…so it probably can’t even be called a cover. Disclaimer #2: I don’t love this “cover” because I love the song. I love it because I hate this song. What do you get when you have a country singer from Arkansas with a heavy twang read an obnoxious popular rap song? Gold. You get pure Gold! He’s sarcastic and adorable and this whole thing is hilarious. I’ve probably watched it like 6 times. Not even exaggerating.
6. Favorite Spotify List Rise and Shine – Spotify
A little Vance Joy, a little Of Monsters and Men and a little of other random chill music that makes my heart happy. Perfection.
7. #Soulmusic I’m obsessing Over Blue Moon – Beck Listen HERE
For whatever reason, this week I became obsessed with Beck and this is one of the songs that I keep coming back to.
8. I’m not sure what genre this even is but I love it 2 Heads – Coleman Hell
Obviously this isn’t a normal category, but I struggle with the Oldie but Goodie category. This song is hard to even describe. The words don’t make a whole lot of sense and then there’s a random banjo playing for a while and the video is reeeeally weird, but somehow it all goes together and just makes an awesome song.
9. Current Beat That Makes Me Want To Dance Stand by You by Rachel Platten
While I am sick of hearing Fight Song on the radio, I am hooked on Rachel Platten’s new one.
10. Taking Me Down Memory Lane Soul Meets Body – Death Cab for Cutie Listen HERE
This was one of those songs that was always on my homework playlist in college. Death Cab always makes me think of coffee shops and textbooks and takes me back to those happy and stress-filled school days.
Apparently I am in a weird band kind of mood this week, because this one is a little out there too. But it’s got a great beat and is awesome to run to and I love it.
12. Making Me Want To Fall In Love Head over Boots – Jon Pardi
This isn’t a typical slow, fall in love kind of song for me. But Jon Pardi is just so adorable you can’t help but love him while he’s singing. Plus the song is cute and the play on words of “head over boots” makes me smile.
13. Guilty Listen of The Week Cake by the Ocean – DNCE Listen HERE
This actually isn’t even a good song. DNCE is Joe Jonas’ band. So maybe the only reason I like it is because I really do still like the Jonas Brothers. Either way, it cracks me up and I always turn it up.
14. Song I Originally Loved But Now Is Overplayed Exes and Ohs – Elle King Listen HERE
It actually makes me a little sad that this song is now slightly annoying to me. When it first started playing on the radio I really liked it. She’s got a great voice and the song is fun and clever, but the radio has just beat it to death and now I’m very done with it.
15. Popular Song Making My Ears Bleed Trap Queen – Fetty Wap Listen HERE
I know everyone loves this song because of the Royals or for some other reason that I don’t quite understand, but I think it’s extremely obnoxious. I don’t think I’ve even listened to more than the first 30 seconds of it because it makes me want to shove my head through a wall. I have very strong feelings.
16. Country Pick Headphones – Jackie Lee
This song is pretty much describing me when I listen to music. You can’t listen to music sitting still! You have to move with it! I’m the person you will see at the red light completely jamming regardless if you’re staring at me laughing. I dance when I’m shopping and the store radio plays my jam. I even dance and sing when I walk my dog and I’ve got headphones in. I’m not even embarrassed about it either.
October is National Pasta Month and the 25th was World Pasta Day. In addition to some editorial and social media coverage at work, I organized two “Pasta Day” potluck lunches at my office. I made my Grammy’s stack salad and modified it to go better with a pasta base. Everyone in the office seemed to enjoy the lunches and there were so many yummy dishes!
What I’m Reminiscing About…
Turning 25 is, as the hipsters say, “giving me all the feels.”
For the most part, everything in my life can be addressed with “How did I get here?”
Not funny? Hmm inside jokes are complicated.
Anyways, I thought this Buzzfeed article, 19 Signs You’re Finally Becoming An Adult, pretty much sums up life right now.
What I’m Loving… Kansas City Royals!!!! #TakeTheCrown Trader Joe’s Almond Nut Butter
The wonderful reception and feedback I am getting on my new “The Road I Traveled Series”
My new discovery… dirty chai!!!
It might be awhile before I make it back there again, so I crammed as much in as I possible could and left with a full heart.
What I’m Dreading… My always long, and always random to-do list. That’s the problem with being an obsessive list maker. I also finally got around to applying for TSA pre-check (not in time for my next trip) and got my appointment scheduled.
And as ALWAYS, I’m dreading winter.
What I’m Working On… I finally finished my fall burlap wreath (L) for my new office at work (which I wrote about here) and then my co-worker loved it so much that he asked me to make another one (R) for his entry way at home. I was pretty happy with how they turned out!
What I’m Excited About… As much as I hate winter, it does mean the holidays. Ever since I left for college, my birthday has always roughly marked two months before I go home for the holidays and when I officially start my countdown — and that had remained the same in post grad. During those two months I tend to get homesick a bit more often than usual. So… today marks 50 days until home sweet home again!
What I’m Watching… As I mentioned in last month’s “What’s Up Wednesday” post, I was watching Friends for the first time from start to finish on Netflix and had been avoiding the last few episodes of the series because I didn’t want it to end. Well, I finally accepted it and faced the end. I sent a SnapChat of the scene where Rachel is individually saying goodbye to each of the friends to my bestie Megan in Kansas because she just finished the series as well and the scene hit a little too close to home for me…aka I cried. Seriously, every 20-something needs the friends in their lives.
As I’m writing this I am also mastering my multi-channel TV watching skills with the Republican debate, Game 2 of the World Series (GO ROYALS) and the Trailblazers NBA season opener.
I couldn’t decide on just one.
This week, I also enjoyed this blog post that has been floating around titled, “Screw Finding Your Passion.” It’s a little blunt and definitely has some unnecessary language, but it really breaks down a topic that I have talked in circles about with different people and gives it a refreshing (minus the language) message that really resonated with me.
What I’m Listening To…
I haven’t posted a Friday Jam Session in a few weeks. I just haven’t been all that motivated to work on them throughout the week and when I would get to Thursday, they just didn’t happen at all. But my lists and comments are getting a bit long, so I’ll definitely be back at it this week.
In the meantime, like the rest of the world, I can’t stop listening to Adele’s new single “Hello”
And I’m loving this stripped down version “Out of the Woods” from T-Swift. I think I like it better than the original.
What I’m Wearing…
Like always, I never remember to take pictures of the (very) few outfits that I deem shareable. I did throw on my new blanket scarf this morning that I AM OBSESSED with. I mentioned last month that I spent all of last winter not being able to decide what print and colors I wanted so I never got one. Back in August, I decided that it was a must-have item this season and finally chose this one. It is so warm and soft, and mixes and matches well with quite a bit of my wardrobe. I wore it once over dress as a shawl with a thin belt over the top… and the jury is still out on that style. But I am completely convinced that everyone needs a blanket scarf in their life.
What I’m Doing This Weekend…
Watching the World Series and packing for my next work trip…
What I’m Looking Forward to Next Month… Early next week I head out to Lake Tahoe for a fall board meeting for my job. Since my Spoo grandparents live nearby, they are going to pick me up from the airport and spend the rest of the day with me. I haven’t seen them in over 3 years, so I’m REALLY excited!
And of course, Thanksgiving!! This year I’m headed down to Raleigh, NC for a little Friendsgiving action with some fellow Oregonian/K-State/East Coast transplants.
This Month’s Bonus Question: What’s your favorite Thanksgiving recipe…
Ugh. Talking holiday food traditions makes me homesick.
Dad’s tri-tip and pork loin. Grammy’s mashed potatoes. Cousin Lisa’s pretzel salad. The Jorgensen family’s sweet rolls and more… Good thing all of those things are usually at the Christmas dinner table as well.
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Well, that’s what’s up this Wednesday!
Cheers!
I spent the first six months at my new job sharing an office with one of my colleagues.
Don’t get me wrong, I actually didn’t mind that much and in many ways, since she had only started 4 months ahead of me, it was a great way to learn the job and get to know her.
But a few weeks ago we were able to shuffle around and now I have my own office, and I have to admit, I really missed having my own space. I’m a true believer that creating a space that supports your habits, personality and creativity is important for balance and staying motivated.
I’m not quite done hanging things up and getting my office in order, but the first thing I did was add a few touches of fall décor, and I couldn’t wait to share.
The silks, wooden pumpkin and tin vase are from Michaels and the other pumpkins are all from Target. Everything is new this year. I’m really disappointed that the closest Hobby Lobby is over an hour away from me, but Michaels’ always has things super marked down, which is great because I have trouble staying away.
This is my other fall display sitting on top of my bookshelf. The pumpkin container I’ve had for a few years from a birthday flower arrangement my parents sent and the small wire pumpkins I found in the $3 bins that sit in the front of the store at Target. The DIY wreath is my favorite though! I have wanted to make one for quite a while now and was planning on it this past winter, until my big move happened.
To make it I used this tutorial:
The tutorial is pretty thorough, but I did have to re-watch a couple of times and re-did my first section a few times before I got the pattern of it down. The video said to use wire to first attach the burlap and that is what I had planned on using…until I forgot it in the shopping cart at the store. Even though I was going back the next day, I was impatient to get started and used safety pins to secure it instead and that seemed to work fine.
I made mine on a 24-inch frame and used 4, 10-yard rolls of burlap that was 4 inches wide.
For decorations I used a fall garland, a few of the small pumpkins from Target and fall silk bouquet. This is also the part where I share, for people who don’t know me, that my family owns a flower shop and home décor store, so I have an arsenal of random talents that only result in the constant itch to decorate things and spend way too much at Hobby Lobby and Michaels. I will say though, my school projects growing up were always pretty awesome because I essentially lived in a craft store and have a LOT of really creative people in my family.
I wanted everything to be attached to the wreath with wire because I want to option of changing the décor out with the season. So for the pumpkins, I hot-glued a few pieces of wire to them.
One of my friends back in Oregon already has plans for me to make her one when I visit for Christmas and one of my co-workers wants to pay me to make one for his home’s entry way. He then proceeded to make sure that everyone in our office had stopped by my office to see it.
In my family’s group text the conversation went like this:
Grampy: “Where did you buy that?”
Me: “I made it.”
Grampy: “Really? Outstanding… you must have grown up in a flower shop.”
Me: “Yeah, I guess I learned a thing or two.”
Cheers!
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I LOVE looking at other people’s décor ideas, so I’m excited to link up with Rachel and Astleigh for their Halloween/Fall décor link-up!
The Good Stuff 