Life Lately // August 2019

I used to join this linkup with my monthly goal recaps every single month.. but haven't in much too long! Today I'll just share what I've been up to!

Watching:

Earlier this year we watched Pushing Daisies, I never got to share that... but it was strange and adorable, and I loved it! We finished season 3 of Stranger Things (really good, a few qualms, but really good), and started The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (the first season had a rough patch, but has since then has been good, this is not as spooky/scary as I had expected based on what everyone had said... LOL). I enjoyed both Aladdin and Toy Story 4 more than I expected to. Otherwise we have started and stopped watching a bunch of shows.

Listening To:

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Lots of Disney music. Kacey Musgraves. Camilla Cabello collabs. New T-swift.

Reading:

my comically large summer reading list. Not including ARCs or the many impulse reads. So far I have read 4 of these... not bad?

I've not read quite as much in the last few months, and most of my reads have just been ok. :( However, I am in the middle of A Curse So Dark and Lonely and so far am loving it! Crossing my fingers that it stays super good! :) However, I'm doing ok on my reading goal!

Wearing:

I've been having so much fun with clothing again. I put this in my IG stories, but I used to have such a toxic relationship with shopping to where I wouldn't buy anything thinking shopping was really bad (even when I needed something/had money) and then I would binge, and then I would return a bunch of stuff. It's sort of how I grew up and and I have been fighting it for years. I also struggled for a while to find clothes that I liked as a curvy woman. I'm so happy to be in a place where shopping and dressing is fun again. I still have to talk myself down... but I'm having fun and it makes me feel good and confident to enjoy my clothes. :) I just made Modcloth and Unique Vintage orders which I am super excited to try on and then I bought a very cute headband via an Etsy seller. Ready for fall fashion!!

Home Stuff:

We are finally more "settled" in our home. We are starting to organize, and to get rid of things we realize we're not using/don't want/don't have a place in our home. We are figuring out where we need to work on more. We did do a DIY chalkboard for our kitchen, and set up a glass door bookcase which I spent the day organizing one day. That was in my IG stories, and you can watch that highlight here. We bought some garden tools and planted some flowers in pots and little starbucks cups to start the seeds. Most have survived, but I haven't put any in the ground yet. I am finding lawn care/gardening to be a challenge and not something that I so far really enjoy doing... we'll see how it goes. A lot of this stems from my heat intolerance and it has been very hot here this summer. I get heat sick so easily and so I tend to avoid any outside activities.

Planning:

Disney! We are excited to head to Disney World in December. We love Christmas, and we love Disney so we are super jazzed about it! Have recommendations?! I'd love to know!

Halloween! I loooove Halloween and the sort of fall-ish things that come with it. I ordered some fall/Halloween clothes but now I've been thinking about our annual party and costumes. :)

Cooking/Baking:

For my birthday I bought a cookie decorating kit and taught myself to ice cookies with the flooding method. It has been super fun to try (and eat). I think I have figured out the dough/baking times and icing consistencies. It's been so hot that I haven't baked any this week, but am excited to make more cookies soon. We also tried this steak and potatoes salad recipe and it was so good. You could definitely just do the potatoes if you are veggie, or add chicken, etc. instead depending on your diet/tastes. KC approved.

So, yeah, that's what I've been up to! What's new with you?!

Linking up with Kristen!

XO,

Alexandra

March 2018 // Currently

Happy Monday Friends, I hope that you had a great weekend! Here's a look at what we've been up to currently!

Reading:

I read a fun coming-of-age story about a girl who loves cosplay and starts playing D&D with some boys in her new town. I read an infuriating historical romance.. read that rant (spoiler-y) during SUYB if you want. I finished Milk & Honey, and started The Raven Boys series. I'm enjoying them, but I'm not super attached. Hoping to get in a 1930's read or two before Audrey and I's next Roaring, Swinging, Fabulous, Groovy Collaboration. :) Which I plan to post on time for... not accidentally back dating my post! Oy.

Listening To:

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The Greatest Showman soundtrack on repeat. It's not that long you guys... but we've listened to it at least six times in two days. What's your favorite song?! I love them all but it is either: A Million Dreams or Never Enough for me. So ready for that movie to come out so I can buy it! :)

Watching:

We've been getting tons of movies from the library. Some are movies that we had forgotten we wanted to see, others are period dramas for my 2018 goal and for my collaboration with Audrey! We saw Colossal which was not enjoyable. Ugh. We watched Mrs. Henderson Presents - which was ok. Florence Foster Jenkins - which was HILARIOUS and also sad. The Big Sick - which was really cute, funny, and relevant. Sweet Land - was a lovely slow period drama. I really enjoyed it, and find it relevant to issues in the US/Midwest still today (yikes).

image via google.

We finished Stranger Things 2 - much more stressful than season 1, but we loved it. Who is your favorite character? Mine is Lucas. :)

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We went to see Love, Simon and it was great! I LOVE the book, and the movie was cute too. The movie was a little less quirky and realistic, but it was really well done. I loved seeing a gay protagonist in a main steam movie! It's also the kind of movie that will give you the feels, but leave you happy. :) Definitely recommend! :)

Creating:

Still off and on struggling to get going on creative projects, but I did get another section of my NYC album pages done AND I made some more DIY PL cards. This time I did a lot of mixed media and it was super fun. Can't wait for those videos to go up soon! :) Plus tons of excuses to use my typewriter! YAY!

Planning:

All of our vacation plans/times have fallen through so far this year... BUT we are headed to Arkansas really soon and I am super excited to get away for a few days! We're also planning something for September! :) We also booked our cruise excursions, woohoo! Cub and Mexico here we come! :)

Celebrating:

KC's bday week is in March! This year we were also having a staycation, and ended up watching Olivia, while my mom was in AZ for her divorce trail. So it was a little tricky to have a true bday week, but we did our best. We watched a few movies, had a game night with friends, spent his bday at the mall, and had dinner and games with his family. Maybe I can spoil him at Christmas?!

Speaking of hanging out with Olivia, she's a really cool kid. We had fun watching movies, crafting, and going out to dinner. But she was in school too, so there wasn't a ton of time for fun. KC is extra good at helping with her flute practice because he can actually read music. #winning

We also celebrated St. Patrick's Day. It's one of our favorites! We went to the whole parade (it was cold!), made Julia Child's potato leek soup, and watched Leap Year. :)

On the evening of St. Patrick's Day Kira & Joe drove through! We stayed with them when we drove through Dallas in 2016, so it was fun to see them here! We met up for dinner, walked around our favorite bookstore, and grabbed some coffees. :) It was so great to see them! We're so excited that they are  moving back to the Midwest!

Last, but not least, little boo is walking!! :) - yayyyyy!

What have you guys been up to lately?

What are you really into or planning?!

XO,

Alexandra

January & February 2018 Currently

I don't do "currently" posts very often, but since I'm getting back into the swing of blogging, I thought I'd do a catch up post. :)

Reading: 

Really really liking this! ❤️ What are you reading? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #read #reading #bookstagram #book #booksofinstagram #bookworm #simplyalexandrareads #thechaperone #historicalfiction #instadaily #flashesofdelight #liveauthentic #hygge #winter #cuddleup #thatsdarling #weekend #weekendvibes

A post shared by Alexandra Consolver (@simplyalexandra12) on Feb 19, 2018 at 7:24pm PST

I've been reading quite a bit since I've been better! I read 3 things from Netgalley, a few that have been on my kindle shelf forever, and generally am keeping my reading pretty diverse. I've got a few things on hold at the library, and some of them I have gotten before without time to read/finish! SO I will be dropping EVERYTHING in order to read those this time around! I have a book ban update coming soon! :) I am ahead on my reading goal for the year, so I am feeling really good about it!

Watching: 

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I know I'm the LATEST TO THE PARTY, but we saw The Greatest Showman for Valentine's Day and it was so great. Totally made for dreamers. The catchiest music. Visually stunning. I loved it. Loved, loved, loved it! I loved all of the actors, Zendaya is gorgeous, this renewed my High School Musical crush on Zac Efron, and Michelle Williams and Hugh Jackman were both fantastic too. :)

Lots of period dramas! I'm loving Audrey and I's "Roaring, Swinging, Fabulous, Groovy Blog Collaboration", and trying to watch a few more things so that I have more to recommend in the coming months. :) Also, I just kinda forget to watch movies, taking advantage of the library... because it's super lame to search on netflix struggle to find what you want. Have any good recommendations?! - leave 'em in the comments!

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+ the Olympics. I was really hot and heavy into the Olympics when they started. I LOVE FIGURE SKATING, and I love all of the athletes. Learning about their stories and seeing them overcome obstacles is fantastic! I've got a little bit tired of it after about a week though. I can only do the same thing so many nights in a row before I need a change of pace, really badly! hehe The Knierims were my favorites. So in love, so happy to be there, such a great story. "Come What May" was the perfect song choice, and it meant more for their skate than the other (several!) Moulin Rouge skates. I was very happy for the German team that won though! They were definitely my other favorites! :)

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We've also been watching a few Marvel movies that we hadn't seen so we (kind of) know what's going on before seeing Black Panther. I'm so excited about Black Panther, the movies we caught up on were "meh"... I think we'll see it sometime this week or weekend!

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Another time we are LATEST TO THE PARTY... we FINALLY watched (season 1) of Stranger Things! It was great, I knew I would likely enjoy it once we started. We just started season 2! NO SPOILERS PLEASE!

Creating:

Struggling to figure out what I want to do with this book exactly... but I’m sure I’ll get there eventually! Does anyone do an art journal or goals based scrapbook?! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #goals #resolutions #newyear #newyearsresolution #invest #onelittleword #adventures #travelersnotebook #artjournal #scrapbooking #documentyourdays #simplyalexandraminialbum #youtube #youtuber #watercolor #paint #art #journal

A post shared by Alexandra Consolver (@simplyalexandra12) on Feb 25, 2018 at 2:42pm PST

Working on a fun goals/journal type of Traveler's Notebook this year. I'm having so much fun playing with it. Check out the video, here.

Planning:



NOLA - AHHHH! Soon! :)

Bentonville, AR - sounds weird, but museums + cute shops = the perfect weekend trip!

Havana + Cozumel! - is it summer yet?!

Celebrating:

Happy birthday little boo! One year of knowing you has been the best! 💕💕 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #nephew #babyboy #auntiea #gratitude #thankful #blessed #thankfulthursday #stressfree #goals #selfcare #instdaily #liveauthentic #thatsdarling #notentirelyperfect #baby #1stbirthday #birthday

A post shared by Alexandra Consolver (@simplyalexandra12) on Feb 17, 2018 at 8:33pm PST

My nephew just turned 1 on the 17th! Happy bday little boo! I love you so!

Trying:

Today we tried a new (to us) restaurant for lunch. KC suggested it and I was like, “for lunch? Wouldn’t dinner be better...?” Clearly hesitant to be spontaneous... And it was absolutely delicious! An adventurous life is made up of small choices: a new book, a new restaurant, a new walk though your city. My friend @jesmil13 shared this quote of Viola Davis’s from Berne Brown’s book today and I could definitely relate it to this situation and life in general: “Braving the Wilderness” - “There’s an unspoken message that the only stories worth telling are the stories that end up in history books. This is not true. Every story matters. My father’s story matters. We are all worthy of telling our stories and having them heard. We all need to be seen and honored in the same way that we all need to breathe.” Yes, yes, yes! 💕💕💕 Thanks for sharing Jessica! #everydayadventure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #ramen #ramenbowlslawrence #lfk #lunch #foodie #adventure #tellyourstory #inspiration #insprationalquotes #quote #bernebrown #violadavis #instadaily #liveauthentic #flashesofdelight #seekadventuredaily

A post shared by Alexandra Consolver (@simplyalexandra12) on Feb 5, 2018 at 8:12pm PST

We FINALLY tried the ramen place in town. It was legit. YUM. I want to go there every day until it gets warm. I know I will not want soup once its warm.

We are also on the hunt for the best takeout in the city. So far, findings are not great. Though we did find some good food near my sister! LOL

Linking up with Kristen & Gretch for What's New With You!

What have you guys been up to lately? 

Did you get into the Olympics?

Have you seen Black Panther?

Any good period dramas to add to my TBW?

XO,

Alexandra

August 2017 // Currently

I hope that you all are having a great week so far! Ours has been super relaxed. We've had time to get groceries AND do some chores, which is how you know things aren't too busy for us! I spent my day off being more mindful of my time, I finished up some audio for YouTube, read, did some cleaning, and made dinner. Calling that pretty good, but not quite sticking to my schedule. 

Drinking: Trying to stop drinking coffee. It has been absolutely demolishing my stomach. It's the worst. But I don't like tea, and I need caffeine. Anyone take caffeine pills? Still trying hard to drink a lot less soda recently. I think it's going well overall. I've had quite a lot of days marked "no soda" in my planner. Mostly drinking water! :) 

Eating: We've been trying to keep many things simple right now to reduce stress. Keeping our menus down to mostly sandwiches, pasta, rotisserie chicken, baked potatoes and breakfasts at home. It's not very exciting, but it's working well enough to reduce our eating out. We keep making this breakfast casserole, and it was great and has made lots of leftovers for us! We made our favorite fruit cobbler/crisp the other day and it was fabulous! LINK. 

Watching: We took Olivia (my 10 year old sister) to see Spider-Man last weekend, and it was really pretty good. I didn't like it as much as Wonder Woman, or Guardians I, but I liked it about as much as I *can* like a super hero movie. haha We've been watching a lot of Disney movies, most receently: Robin Hood, Frozen, Atlantis, Lilo & Stitch, and Cinderella (live action). Otherwise we've just been re-watching things like New Girl and Gilmore Girls. Wanting to be interested in a new show... considering continuing with Stranger Things, or starting The 100. Or possibly something else.

Reading: I spent so much time doing Project Life in the past few months, which has been great! I have tons of videos upcoming, etc. but it hasn't left me wanting to read very much! I read just a few books in July, you can read about those here. And I finished Fangirl last night, which was really really fun, but WOAH pretty long! Next I'm starting in on a combo of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Mr. Penumbra's 24 Hour Bookstore. I think reading both at once will help me get through any slow parts that come (for me) with reading classics. :) Working hard on Erin's 7.0! I had been missing reading, and am enjoying getting back to it! 

Organizing: I spent some time getting my closet under control yesterday, as well as my documenting supplies. I also cleaned up my desk a few weeks ago which was a feat. It's in a corner... so hello piles! LOL. I recently went through my bookshelves and sorted books in the following way: books to read soon, books for Erin's challenge, books that I can probably sell to the bookstore after completing. It's giving me a bit of focus with my reading. :) & also motivation! Woot! :)

Listening To: hmm not that much. Mostly just Hilary Duff's most recent album. I still love it. It's great for getting through slow work afternoons. I've also been craving a bit of classical music. So I'll have to queue up some Celtic Woman this week!

Feeling (physically): Alright. Still a lot of stress with family things, which equals an angry stomach. But I'm feeling good about having so much dental work done, and I also got a hair cut last week. Still taking walks at work when we can, but KC has been busy.

Feeling (emotionally): On and off drained. Things with my parents divorce have hit an all-time most stressful level. I've spent late nights on the phone with each of them... it's just a mess. Like, I can't even talk about what a mess it is. So I'm trying to keep the stress at bay with projects and goals when I can.

As a 2nd attempt not to vagueblog... KC lost his job in late March. But a few weeks later we found out that they needed someone on a different team that had his position. So luckily he is transitioning to that position right now. No gap in employment. However, I'm still a bit nervous. Working in funding dependent jobs is not really very stable. Trying to be grateful and optimistic right now, rather than worry too much. It's also keeping him a lot busier, which is usually good... but sometimes results in a need for wind-down time at the end of the day that wasn't there before. Trying to roll with the punches.

Looking Forward To: Honestly? Just more normal days with normal things like cooking and chores, and then time to read and work on projects or hang out together. After that? Really looking forward to fall, Halloween, and Christmas. I know it's too early, but I'm ready. LOL.

Wearing: Some fun "newish" things I've picked up over the last few months with older staples. I've got a new method for choosing outfits and it is working pretty well! Anyone interested in a post? Lots of stripes. SO many stripes.

Buying: So many Amazon purchases. We got a good portable charger (finally) which will be great for our NYC trip! We bought some gifts for Kyle's cousin's son's birthday, it's just the cutest thing! Then a few scrapbook items... and then a lot more because #sale. I'm cutting myself off unless it's for my December album or something that I run out of for as long as possible. I can definitely keep using up what I have (like my mini gift albums!). 

Loving: Keeping up with all of my bloggy friends. Even if that's in a once-per-week spurs on my part! :P Also love love loving some new Disney ipad apps I got! There's a Disney puzzle app that I'm losing my mind over, as well as a b&tb perfect match game, and Frozen Icy Shot. I don't usually play a lot of screen games... but I'm enjoying these. They fill random pockets of time well, and were great when I didn't have the energy to read or work on PL.

Working on: Lots of reading (hoping to update my Book Ban info and share it with you guys!), more Project Life (I'm almost caught up for 2017!), a cleaning schedule, bullet journalling, and goal tracking! Also collaboration ideas with Shea! Also, working super hard on budgeting better, and overall spending less and saving more! I think we are crushing it, but I want to keep working! :)

What have you guys been up to lately?!

XO,

Alexandra

Currently // April 2017

I hope that you all had a great weekend. Ours was super relaxed. We had a bridal shower for my SIL and I think it went really well. Plus we got to take home tons of extra salad... yum. So I've been eating that with every meal! We spent the rest of our time watching TV, doing chores, reading, doing Project Life (me) and D&D prep (KC). It was a little boring off and on, I think I just have the itch to hit the road! 

Drinking: iced non fat no whip mocha from Starbucks and iced water. Still trying hard to drink a lot less soda recently. I think it's going well overall. I had lots of yummy cocktails in NOLA. :)

Eating: around vacation time we obviously ate out a lot. This week we are trying some mini taco cups and Asian lettuce wraps. We'll see how it goes! I want to get my hands on the Skinny Taste cookbook, but maybe I'll start with more of their online recipes.

Watching: iZombie (from the beginning) with KC's parents, they're loving it and I am enjoying the second watch. You know how much I like izombie, and I'll tell y'all for the 40th time to just watch it even though it sounds/looks stupid... it's not! :) We've also been re-watching Hart of Dixie, New Girl, and Gilmore Girls off and on. I want to start a new show or a new season of something, but we haven't decided yet.

Reading: In Cold Blood by Truman Capote. Ick. It's pretty interesting, but hella long (I feel). We'll see how it continues, I think Capote is a fabulous writer, so that really helps. Next up is my 6 word title, the last one, for Erin's 6.0. I only have a few days... so we'll see how it goes! Down to the wire. (What I'd Like to be Reading: Big Little Lies, Fan Girl, Everything, Everything, We Are Okay, ... anything fun and quick, basically!)

Listening To: we have mostly been using blue tooth in the car for our music, so lots from our itunes libraries. I made a good playlist for the dentist, it's just Broods and James Bay right now. Considering adding Ellie Goulding and Vance Joy... because that's how I roll.

Feeling (physically): bleh. I don't know if it was post-travel, or whatever.. but I've had an off and on angry stomach for about a week. It's gotten progressively better, but it's still a pain.

Feeling (emotionally): Alright. A tad bored I think.

Looking Forward To: my friend Juliet's lingerie shower is Friday night, which should be lots of girly fun. The first weekend in May is the 4th annual Kansas Food Truck Festival (eeeep!) (see year 1, year 2, and year 3) and Jess's bday! (woot!) Other than that it's a lot of graduation related things and then Juliet's wedding. Such a busy set of months! 

Wearing: I went thrifting with Jess, hadn't been in FOREVER, and picked up two cute navy dresses. the one pictured above, and a 3/4 sleeved navy and white striped dress. I also got a flannel button up dress for winter (also navy, lol), and a crazy '90's teacher dress... we'll see when/if I wear that. hahahah I have been wearing my utility jacket everywhere (also pictured above), and I broke down and bought some basic tennis shoes. They worked pretty well for travel. I also got these booties (in putty suede) for Christmas and I love them so much. I want them in EVERY COLOR.

Buying: I've bought tons of fun new sandals, I can't wait to wear them all! Also, new bras, shorts, and a strapless bra for my bridesmaids dress. Lots of graduation presents too!

Wishing: that we could take another trip soon... maybe we can... we shall see! We've been talking about a summer road trip. Though, you know my mind... it's become several road trips. I'd love to get back to The Great Lakes. :) 

What have you guys been up to lately?!

XO,

Alexandra

Currently // No More Vagueblogging

Well, I have no post prepared for today... so here's what I'm up to currently... / an explanation behind all that vagueblogging.

Drinking: iced non fat no whip mocha from Starbucks and iced water. Trying hard to drink a lot less soda recently. I think it's going well overall. Also picked up chambord this year, have you guys had this...?! Delicious.

Eating: KC has been making bacon, eggs, and toast some mornings. #spoiled We were making a lot of Irish-y meals last week... and last night we made Chicken Bruschetta Pasta... which is the bomb dot com. (that is from back when KC and I first got married, I had the crazy idea to try 100 new recipes that year... yikes... glad we have revisited this one!)

Watching: Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries (in season 3, I don't want it to end!!), and New Girl for the bazzilionth time.

Reading: Outlander. *all the blushing emojis* Also reading The Bone Witch. I recently finished Saga (a graphic novel) and I LOVED it. 5 Stars, go pick it up!!! (rated Mature...) Also, I'm not someone who reads a lot of graphic novels yet... so ... I think this is saying something... :)

Listening To: hmm not much. I'm still obsessed with the Chainsmokers X Coldplay song. 1989 has been in the car... but listening to music has been low priority recently.

Feeling (physically): sick. I've got bad allergies or a cold. I can't tell which, but it's not really letting up. :( Currently at that stage where my nose starts running spontaneously. Boo.

Feeling (emotionally): drained.

It's been a doozy of a year so far you guys. I know I vagueblogged you guys forever... so I'll just get it out here quickly...

On the 2nd of January my mom announced that she was leaving AZ and heading back to KS with my younger sister. We weren't given a lot of explanation as to what was going on, or was wrong, or anything like that, she just left. They moved in with my grandma who lives here, and not too long after that my grandma had a serious accident. I mean like, a week after them moving in. She is mostly recovered now, but it's been a lot of care and therapy, etc. Then my uncle (who has some health issues) was admitted to the hospital... and it wasn't looking good for a week or two... but he is also recovering now. (thank goodness to both of those!) All of this was happening while my sister Jess was you know, 9 months pregnant. So we tried our hardest to support who we could, but to prioritize taking care of each other and our own families. That baby being born is the brightest spot in our year, and I hope that things keep looking up now that he's here. So anyhow, my dad came in to town to see the baby a few weeks ago (right before KC's bday week), and he and my mom started working out the details of their divorce. It wasn't a fun weekend for anyone to say the least. It's been a long and complicated few months, but I'm to the point where I just want them to do what they need to do. I'm not sad about it or anything like that, but I'm tired of the stress. Jess and I both want to be there for our parents, but we're their children too. So we're doing our best to step out of it (over and over) and keep taking care of ourselves and each other. The main thing I'm worried about right now is our sister OE, who's going to turn 10 next month. I know this is fairly succinct (no one needs all of the details), it's not meant to be unfeeling, just informational. Believe me... I've had #allthefeels .

So yeah... here's to abolishing major anxiety in 2017, right?

In all seriousness, I'm trying to work through it and take care of myself as much as possible. My anxiety is a big issue without all of these things, so I'm trying to be pretty direct with everyone about my needs right now. It feels selfish sometimes, but I also need to remember that taking care of myself isn't selfish. It's necessary.

This should also be a pretty good indicator of why most of my goals were about stress, self care, making less plans, staying home more, etc. rather than making more and more plans. And yes, this is also why KC and I decided to move and save money so last minute at the beginning of the year.

What have you guys been up to lately?

Anyone been through something like this? 

Always open to more self care ideas...

XO,

Alexandra

September & October Currently // Rare

I normally have  a lovely travel post up on Wednesday mornings... alas, not today.

Instead I'll share what I've been up to recently. :)

Seeing: Fall colors - finally! Though... it was 88 degrees on Monday. What. Kansas. - oy with the temps already!

Feeling: A little bit grumpy about the lack of free time recently... but I'll deal. - I think.

Drinking: Campfire Mochas from Caribou Coffee - help!!

Eating: Lots of soup. We made a full batch of PW's minestrone... instead of a half. - whoops! SO MUCH SOUP. Then we made a potato chowder that did not turn out (for my SIL's engagment party) - bummer. And then we made chili for our game night.... so... #allthesoup The silver lining is that our friend Lee makes some really amazing wood fired oven bread... and we've been buying tiny loaves to accompany said soup. YUM. - Also The Waffle Iron has been popping up in town again, YAY! So we've been grabbing waffles! SO GOOD!

Watching: Everything. We've been really busy with social stuff recently, and at work, so we've been trying to decompress with Netflix. We are catching up on all of our CW shows: Reign, The Originals, TVD (the final season starts soon!), Jane the Virgin (end of season 2 broke my heart!), etc. We are now completely caught up on some, and only one season behind on others. We are also still making it through Parks and Rec, which is super fun. The epitome of small town Midwestern government. :)

Also went to see: Bridget Jones's Baby (laughed so hard I had eye SHADOW all down my face!), Magnificent 7 (not bad, Chris Pratt). Got Beauty & the Beast on Bluray... so fun, cannot wait for the live action one! :)

Reading: Lots of things... I am working through a lot of my Netgalley books right now. I am really enjoying Certain Dark Things at the moment. It's very imaginative and nice and dark for October. I really like the setting and the way the society is set up. Very interesting. I have too many things I want to read, but I may try to get through Girl On The Train next. :)

Planning: Halloween costumes for KC and I... I need to focus, it's coming right up! Parties: my SIL's engagement party is over. I think it went pretty well, though it was kind of hot and humid. : /  WE have had a few game nights, one with a baked potato bar, YUM! We are planning a Halloween one, and several baby showers for my sister among other things. Lastly some travel for 2017! Looks like it might be a few big trips for us! :) It's a little overwhelming to think about... and start planning... but I am sure it will be worth it in the long run! More on all that later!

Making: Invitations for my sister's showers, and making a list of what all needs done for the showers... feeling a bit overwhelmed by it at the moment.. but I am sure it will work out just fine! Putting the project life travel mini album on hold for right now, but I am still so happy with how it's looking! :)

Best Time this Month (so far!): The James Bay concert. Oh my goodness, what a dream!! :) It was the best show we have been to in A WHILE. He even played "Clocks Go Forward" and he hadn't all tour. What a great show!!

Buying: ... lots of things ... In September I definitely splurged on a few new things... but I am not sad about any of them. I got a really lovely necklace from 31 Bits's "refined" collection - I have worn it so much already! Rifle had a sale on their bags, so I finally got the Le Sportsac tote bag that I've been eyeing since we visited their studio/shop in Orlando. I even got a fall pallet from Honest Beauty and it's so pretty!

bathroom selfie game: on. point. - LOL

I bought a few sweaters and tops too.

And.... TWO moto jackets... (this is not a great picture of the jacket... it's an OK picture of the necklace though... ) but... I have been looking for one for at least 5 years and FINALLY found some. I bought the same jacket in two colors... :) A lot of my winter wardrobe needs a re-haul... so I'm not regretting any of these purchases. We also bought some really fun tickets that I can't tell you about yet! :)

So, I suppose that's mostly what I have been up to. Otherwise just really feeling the urge to de-clutter and be healthy. It's like a "new year" vibe or a "spring fever" but in October. Weird...

What have you been up to?!

XO,

Alexandra

Currently // February 2016

Reading: Scarlet, Bridget Jones's Diary, and The Heir. 

All very good!! Scarlet was riveting, so much more invested in Cinder etc. now! Bridget Jones's Diary was just hilarious and delightful! Tore through The Heir and liked it more than expected based on what I had heard about it! :) (Look for full February reading recaps coming in early March). Up Next: Dumplin', Cress, and Me Before You.


Watching: iZombie, Jane the Virgin, and Gilmore Girls.

KC and I finished season 1 of iZombie on Netflix. I will maintain that while the name is awful, and the plot sounds kinda lame... THIS SHOW IS ACTUALLY REALLY GOOD! It's by the same writer as Veronica Mars. It's SO clever, and quite a bit darker than I expected... I LOVE it! I really wish I could start season 2 now... but alas... I must wait... I do promise in all of this... that I am not typically "into zombies" as well.

We are currently working to finishing season 1 of Jane the Virgin on Netflix as well. It's so funny. This show is so AMAZINGLY funny. We're very close to the end, and yet I kind of want to start over when we finish! It really makes me want to visit Miami! :) 

We are also having Gilmore Girls nights every other week with some good friends. The host/hostess make dinner, we bring a cake from the "Cake Magic" book I reviewed recently. Then we watch Gilmore Girls. We're still in season 1... but the nights are quite successful so far, and it's great to see friends more! :)


Listening to: Vance Joy & Elle King

We went to Vance Joy's Fire and the Flood tour in KCMO the other night. Elle King opened (how could we even pass those tickets up right?!). Both of them were INCREDIBLE! Finally seeing Vance Joy for a full set was great, Elle King knocked it out of the park. She is delightful and mega talented. I was blown away by her voice! Jamie Lawson was a notable opener, he is the first artist under Ed Sheeran's label. :)


Working On: Lots of fun things for Simply Alexandra Stationery!

1 set of wedding invitations + RSVP cards, 3 sets of save the dates, 3 custom stamps, 1 set of business labels, substitute teacher sheets, and some hand addressed envelopes! + a few very fun quote prints! Playing around with my watercolor skills! Follow along with my stationery page, here.


Headed to: Houston + Galveston! A much needed getaway!

Our last few trips (Alaska, Florida, Arizona) were work or family based more-so than for the sake of traveling. They had their fun parts, but we are really looking forward to a "just for fun, just for travel" trip for just the two of us. :) Still in the early-ish planning stages for this trip... but I'm super excited to getaway and see something new. Houston has a great Museum of Fine Arts, a cool food truck scene, and lots of new things to see. Galveston is warm and beachy. All of the above will be a great change of pace for us! :)

Have you been? I would love your recommendations!


Buying: .... #allthethings .... 

I've been purchasing bras, as goal for the year. And I LOVE some of the ones I've found!! Also, some new pairs of Hanky Pankies. 

I also made two trips to TJMaxx. I bought some L.L. Bean-style lace up winter boots (debating returning... it's so warm.... but next winter they would be great... and were not expensive....?) and a great navy jacket on my first trip. My second trip, I got two pairs of black 7 Jeans skinnies in my size on clearance for $20 each(!), A striped boatneck tee, a new utility vest (mine has always been a little smaller than I'd like), A navy tee with flowy panel on the back, some ADORABLE brown sandals with fringe. Very excited for consistent warm weather so I can wear these all. the. time.

I also bought a lot of little things this month.... for example.... St. Patrick's Day cocktail napkins, LOTS of magazines, a copy of The Siren by Kiera Cass, two pairs of LuLaRoe leggings, a candle with my Honest bundle, a "Good Vibes Only" banner for my office, a used copy of an American Girl book I didn't have.... you get the picture... lots of spending. (but pretty darn conscious spending all things considered!) - okay, maybe not the magazines....


Around the House: MAJOR DECLUTTERING!

Thank you to Lisa, for sharing her decluttering progress this month! Last weekend I finally had time to make some progress in this area as well! I bagged up my donate pile, sorted through my "I thrifted too much" cabinet and re-evaluated it's contents, cleaned out a few bags and boxes of miscellany, sorted through some piles of paperwork, got the Xmas stuff back into storage, and tried on EVERY shirt/jacket/sweater in my closet!!! That's really pretty good progress!! I also dug through my PJs, workout clothes, camisoles, tights, socks, bras, undies, etc. Up next: I need to try on my dresses, skirts, and jeans this week, as well as sort through the kitchen cupboards, and coat closet! (we'll see how much we can fit in before we leave on our trip! This may be a March task as well! - which is totally fine with me!) :) 


Planning: San Francisco, Budgeting, KC's Bday, and Date Nights

March is always a pretty busy time. KC's bday is at the beginning of the month. I always try to stretch it out into a continual week-long sort of celebration. I've got some thoughts on this year, I'm pretty excited! We aren't technically traveling in March, but we are planning a trip to San Francisco in April! So we need to get on that... :P In addition to travel budgeting, we are trying to bolster our (previously-non-existent) savings account. Good for emergencies and future larger purchases. We've been trying to do a better job at saving, and I think we are still on track (despite magazines, see above). I also hope to plan some date nights... but they may be in conjunction with travel and/or KC's bday. :) We'll see!

Surprised By: KC Bought me a Gift!

KC is just about as thoughtful as they come, but this fella doesn't typically show his love via material gifts. It's just not his thing. He's much more of an "acts of service" and "quality time" type of guy. (which I love!) Well, recently he decided he wanted to get me a material gift, these pretty floral Kate Spade keds. You could have knocked me over with a feather. I've worn them a few times already, and I keep putting them back into the box to avoid any unfortunate cat situations. The best thing perhaps, is that they came on a day when I was feeling really crummy. It was a very good reminder to choose joy, and that when things seems kinda off, everything will turn just fine! Plus, the best thing of all, I've still got KC. :) 

What are you guys up to? 

What have you been loving lately?

XO,

Alexandra