Lately

There are some things that I’ve really enjoyed lately– from reading, to eating, to using, and I thought I’d share some of them with you this week in case you are looking for things to read, plate up, or use.  Here we go…

READING  

I typically have three books going at once: an audiobook for the car (my sweet old ride demands that I go with books on CD), a non-fiction book, and a fiction book.  I am enjoying all three of the books that I am wrapping up this week so thought I would share them:

Luckiest Girl Alive- I really love to listen to suspense books while I drive, and this one hasn’t disappointed.  In fact, it makes me wish I had more places to go and for longer times.  As a teenager at a prestigious school, Ani FaNelli endured multiple humiliations and abuses and then the unthinkable.  As an adult, she’s worked hard to craft the perfect life to get her as far away from where she’s been as possible.  As her wedding approaches, her past and future crash into each other.  Who will Ani be on the other side?

The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up- I know that I am totally behind on this one.  A client recommended this to me last New Year’s and I finally picked it up and have started mildly working my way through the house with the Konmari method of eliminating excess and organizing what’s left.  I say mildly because I am not going at gangbuster speed and also because some of the tips just aren’t my style (emptying my whole handbag every night and then reloading it in the morning).  But what I’ve done I have really benefited from already– I reduced a fair amount of my fall/ winter/ everyday clothing and like the idea of having all of my clothes in my closet rather than just seasonal clothes (now just to go up in the attic and get the spring clothes down to weed through and then hang), I like her folding tip for t-shirts and have been wearing a lot of things I hadn’t worn in forever because of it, and the cabinet under my sink is now practically empty.  With the master bedroom, my next stops are the laundry room, kitchen, and dining room with my plan to get those done this month.

The Book of You- This is my before bed read– another thriller/suspense novel that tells the story of a woman being stalked who sees her life in front of her eyes as she serves on the jury for a terrifying crime.

Toys Meet Snow- Happy picked this book out at the our local bookshop before Christmas and it so delighted us (seriously, it is incredibly delightful.  Think toys coming to life when their owners are a way and exploring and trying to make sense of the winter world in their own little way) that I looked for other books by the author.  We’ve checked out three collections of stories (including Toy Dance Party) featuring the same stuffed animals (as well as talking towels and washing machines) and have love each of them.  A great read for children in your life that you will enjoy just as much.

EATING

I typically make a big pot of soup on Sunday that serves as my lunch for the week.  I love this Minestrone so much; I practically make it every other week.

Brussels Sprouts and avocado salad with lemon dressing was last week’s lunch star.

I am allergic to wheat (not Celiac’s; just a food allergy that contributes to my once constant sinus infections) so we’re doing zoodles (zucchini noodles) at our house instead of pasta and we really like this Zoodle Shrimp Scampi.

Gouda Cauliflower Au Gratin was another recent hit.

ENJOYING

The Desire Map Journal.  I’ve enjoyed getting back to journaling in the last five months.  I’ve got a blank journal for freewriting and brainstorming but I am also really liking the prompts in the Desire Map journal by Danielle LaPorte (and it’s efficiency).

Banana Republic Slit Side Open Cardigan.  If you see me on a cold day where I am working in the Sugar Shack, chances are you will see me in this sweater.  It is the coziest.

Maika Crossbody Bag.  I’ve been wanting a cross body bag for running errands and day-to-day living for awhile.  I found this one at a local shop and now have given it as a gift to several beloved ladies in my life.

So what are you reading, eating, and enjoying these days?