Friday Favorites {What I've been...}

Well March certainly came and went super fast. I can't believe it's already April and we only have two months left of school. AHH so crazy! Anyways, Happy Friday everyone! I love Fridays even more when we get to wear jeans to school and I have time to stop and get a coffee! It's going to be a good day. Today I thought I would do something a little bit different. I'm going to share what I've been reading, watching, etc. Let's jump in!

What I've been reading... 

The Milliner's Secret by Natalie Meg Evans- I need to do a Book Over-review on this soon because it was SO GOOD! I actually bought the audiobook and I don't know if I would recommend that method for listening/ reading the book. It was18 hours, so man oh man it was long. It's set in World War II... I know none of you are shocked. My next book will have nothing to do with that time period, I promise lol.

Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter- This was a super disturbing book but also very good. I couldn't put it down and I HAD to know how it ended as soon as possible. I've recommended it to several people who had a hard time sleeping afterwards because it's that creepy. I also couldn't read it when I was home alone lol. Daytime read only! If you don't scare easily you'll love it.


What I've been watching...

I haven't really watched anything on TV lately but I am finishing up season two of House of Cards. I'm super behind so I need to get a move on. I also need to catch up on Scandal because I only watched the first few episodes of this season. Whoops! I am still loving Fixer Upper and the Pioneer Woman. You can't go wrong with either of those shows.

What I've been eating...

I did the Whole30 last month so I was eating pretty boring food. I had a LOT of salads, a lot of grilled chicken and steak, and fruit. I have been on such a fruit kick, especially with more tropical fruit like pineapple. I can't get enough, YUM! I also made the Simple Oat & Pecan Blueberry Crisp that Karli from September Farm posted about. It was super yummy and would be even better over ice cream! :) *I didn't make the coconut cream sauce but I should have because it looks amazing.

What I've been wearing...

It's been so stinkin' warm so I've been wearing a ton of tanks, t-shirts, and jeans. I bought a new pair of skinnies from B.P. a few weeks back but I can't find them online any where. Ugh! I really need to go shopping and get a couple new summery things but I just haven't had time. First world problems, right??? I did just order these gladiator sandals from the Gap and I'm super excited about them. I am a flip flop girl all the way but it will be nice to have another option. Let's just hope they fit! I also really like these shorts and these too. 

What I'm planning...

The next two months are kind of crazy for us. Mark is gone a bunch for work with back to back trips. I have three bridal showers, a bachelorette weekend in Palm Springs for my cousin Tracy, a NSW fundraiser fancy-schmancy dinner, and two weddings. Busy, busy... but it should be fun. Since this is my only free weekend, I'm heading to Disneyland with some girls from work. I can't wait! You know how I love Disney!

What I am craving....

June, when I can sleep-in, take lots of beach walks, and read for hours on end. Maybe with an ice cold beer too, that sound nice :) That's my idea of perfect!

Five on Friday {Monthly Mash-up} February

Happy Friday everyone! This is going to be a crazy busy day so I'm mentally preparing myself with black iced coffee... yum lol. I actually don't mind black iced coffee but it's not as good as my vanilla lattes. Is this Whole30 over yet??? Anyways, I hope you have a great day!!

What I've Been Wearing

This month has been on the warmer side but I've still managed to wear my Columbia vest a ton. I LOVE this thing and I feel like it goes with everything. I've also been loving long-sleeve flowy tops. This one from Nordstrom is a current fave. Thanks for the awesome b-day gift Dina!! Since the weather has been so warm I've already started wearing sandals. I just got a new pair of Sam Edelman's and I love how they don't stretch out like other sandals do. They are perfect! 

What I've Been Eating

I've really ramped up my cooking in the past two months. I've tried a bunch of the Pioneer Woman's recipes and some of our faves have been the Pawhuska Cheesesteaks, Chicken Milanese, and grilled chicken. The recipe for the chicken marinade is SOOO delicious. Some of our other favorites from last month were Mississippi roast and crockpot buffalo chicken. I was even able to repurpose the chicken the next day and made enchiladas. YUM! I love when it works out that way. I started the Whole30 on Tuesday so my weekly menu will look a little different for the next month.

What I've Been Craving

Chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate. I don't know what my problem is but I have had such a sweet tooth. I can normally restrain myself but not this month. I blame my birthday and Valentine's day but I know I really need to get it under control. I'm hoping the Whole30 helps, even though it's no fun right now. :(

I'm also looking forward to Spring weather. I can't wait to wear tank tops, jeans, and sandals. I'm not ready for summer though. Summer= bathing suits and this girl isn't ready for that. Yesterday, I posted some things I've been eyeing from Old Navy that really puts me in the spring mood.

What I've Been Planning

My parents and my mother-in-law are coming in town over their spring break. Mark and I will be working for most of the week but we have a couple things planned. We are actually going to see Vince Gill which is a bucket list item for me. Can't wait!

We are also planning a trip to Vegas over Spring Break to see my brother-in-law play baseball. The Cubs and Mets are playing at the 51's stadium for Big League Weekend. I've seen him play in that stadium several times but it's even more exciting that it's with the Bigs this time. It should be a fun time!

What I've Been Reading

I've read some really great books in the last few weeks. One was the sequel to Me Before You by Jojo Moyes called After You. Oh man it was so stinking good. I love when I can't predict what will happen in the book and the Moyes sure threw a lot of curve balls in this one.

I also finished Secrets of a Charmed Life. Every time I type or say that name it makes me think of the song Semi-Charmed Life by Third Eye Blind and I can't help but belt it out lol. Does this ever happen to you? No.. just me, okay! :) I wrote a book over-review about it so check it out here.

Monthly Mash-Up: October

What I am wearing:

This month I mostly wore jeans and tanks. It finally cooled down but only for a few days. I took advantage and wore every plaid I own and my most comfy sweater. I got the sweater above at TJ Maxx and I love it! It's comfy and just the right amount of over-sized. I had a hard time finding it online but I did find one on Poshmark. I've also been wearing my ripped jeans from Old Navy a ton. They are technically boyfriend jeans but aren't too baggy to where they look sloppy. I can't wait until I can pull out my boots and throw a scarf!

What I am reading:

I read several books over the last few weeks but Summer Secrets by Jane Green was my favorite. It was set (mostly) in Nantucket and was about an alcoholic who completely turned her life upside down because of her reckless drinking. The story centered around redemption and forgiveness and will make you fall in love with the main characters' heart. It's a must read this fall, even though it is set in the summer time. The other two books I read were pretty good as well. The Good Neighbor is about a blogger who starts with a little white lie and spirals into "living" another life online. It was an easy read but it wasn't one of my favorite books I've read this year. As for Winter Stroll, I just posted a book review yesterday if you want to hear a little more about the book.

What I am planning:

The past month was jam packed with traveling and busy busy weekends. I'm excited that the next month will mostly be spent in town with the exception of Thanksgiving weekend. I am beyond excited for Thanksgiving. It's my favorite holiday and I look forward to the yummy food and family time every year. Sadly, I won't get to spend actual Thanksgiving with my family but the good news is that we will be with the Wooster fam. We will be joining my family in Palm Springs for the weekend to watch my brother's lacrosse tournament. It should be a nice little weekend getaway. Also, Mark's birthday is coming up so I'm working on a birthday gift and a little get-together with friends. 

What I am watching:

I am obsessed with Homeland. I've loved this show since the very first season and it's taken a crazy turn this year. I'm currently watching this past Sunday's episode and I am so distracted lol. It's just so dang good! I've also been watching the Affair and Scandal but I am a couple weeks behind. I'm hoping to catch up this weekend.

What I am craving:

Oh Halloween candy, how I despise you so! I was doing so good until Mark and I bought a bag just in case we got trick-or-treaters. We bought the bag of different flavored tootsie rolls and I can't stay away from them! They are so yummy! In Orange Theory this past weekend they talked about how long/ much you have to workout to burn off a single piece of candy. Holy moly, I will have to workout everyday for the next month to burn it all off haha. Oh a slightly healthier note, I've been craving acai bowls. I just started making them at my house and they make such a delicious breakfast. I shared the super simple recipe here.

What I am eating:

I've been cooking a ton and I'm loving my new Paleo cookbook by Juli Bauer. When I'm not eating candy I try to cook somewhat reasonably. :) Her Sticky Lemon Chicken is delicious and I've made it a couple time now. We also tried the Jalapeño Popper Chili and it's so freaking good. I've also been making breakfast for dinner, carne asada bowls, red thai beef curry, chicken tacos, etc. I'm hoping to try some new recipes this week too. 

My Monthly Mash-up: September

What I am wearing:

I've been loving bright colored and patterned shorts. They just add a fun element to my typically very neutral outfits. The shirt from above is also a beloved Old Navy favorite from this summer. It's very swingy and comfy while also giving you some sort of shape. Sometimes those baggier tops can make me look larger than I am, but I think this one does a good job of still making me look like I have curves. Unfortunately, they don't have it on their website any more. I FINALLY got to wear a plaid shirt this weekend so I figured that's enough to call it a favorite right lol?? I LOVE  plaid shirts and I plan on living in them this fall. This plaid is also from Old Navy, shocker! 

What I am reading:

I finished three more books this month. WOOT WOOT! I finished Circling the Sun by Paula McClain earlier in the month and I posted a review on it here. Such a great book but a little slow in the beginning. I also finished Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll, which was a serious struggle for me. I've had this book for months but it was also put on the back burner for some reason. I'm glad I finally finished it but I'm unsure if I loved it or not. Once I got into it I couldn't put it down but it was also super disturbing. I like happy books and the ending to this one was just so strange. I have been recommending it to people though so I guess I liked it haha.
 The Idea of Love by Patti Callahan Henry was a super easy read. It was a sweet love story set in the south. What's not to love?? I am currently reading Astronaut Wives Club, Summer Secrets by Jane Green and A Praying Life. I'm really liking all three books even though they are completely different. I know it probably sounds so strange that I read more than one book at a time but sometimes I crave one type or book over the others.

What I am planning:

We have had the CRAZIEST month so I'm happy to say that I only have one planned (okay maybe two) out-of-town weekend(s) this month. YAY! I'll be heading to Tahoe in October for a wedding and then to Vegas the following night for another wedding. It will be kind of a crazy weekend but I'm happy I get to celebrate such special days with my friends. Mark will be out of town for a few weeks but I'm hoping we will have time to go up to Julian for some apple pie and to see the leaves changing. 

What I am watching:

Big Brother is finally over. I loved watching it but kind of got bored of it by the end of the summer. Mark and I have both been loving Fixer Upper on HGTV. Chip and Joanna (the hosts) are seriously the cutest couple ever and we pretty much want to be them lol. They are goofy and fun and just love each other so dang much. Plus their home and the work they do on other homes is incredible! You have to go check out the show if you haven't already. Also, I LOVE Joanna's style... it makes me want to live somewhere cold so I can layer in cute clothes too. 

What I am craving:

I am craving cooler weather. This heat wave just won't stop! I was loving life in Half Moon Bay last weekend because of the perfect weather. It was overcast and brisk in the mornings (just like it usually is here) and the air was cool for the rest of the day.
I am also craving sweets. I've had such a sweet tooth lately and I am in the mood to bake. Since I will have some down time this weekend I plan on making english muffins and some pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. YUM!

What I am eating:

This month has not been the healthiest for me. We have eaten out SO MUCH and I feel like I've barely cooked. I am definitely not one of those girls who chooses a salad when I go to a restaurant. I usually go for a juicy burger and fries. I have no will power lol. We've eaten some delicious food this month though, from sushi and steak on our nights out to Mexican brunch bowls and tacos at home. I'm hoping to be able to cook a lot more this month {cross my fingers}. With Mark gone I usually eat breakfast for dinner several times a week but hopefully I will be able to try some new recipes too. Also, I have still been loving the La Croix sparkling waters and this month my favorite is the passionfruit. So delicious!!!

My Monthly Mash-Up- August

I read this fun post on Hello! Happiness called the Monthly Lineup and I thought I would "borrow" the idea. Since I'm a teacher I know that the best ideas are stolen ones hehe :) I think it's another fun way to share things that I have been loving and what we have coming up!

What I am wearing:

I have lived in my cuffed shorts all summer. They are technically the boyfriend style but not too baggy where they look unflattering. They are lived-in and comfy...perfect! With my boyfriend shorts I'm normally in a relaxed fit tank or off the shoulder shirt from Old Navy. I swear I shop at other places but everything I've talked about lately is from Old Navy lol. In the summer time it's all about comfort and staying cool, so my outfits always reflect that mindset. 

What I am reading:

I have several books started right now and I need to focus on one so I can actually finish them! I am reading Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll, Astronaut Wives Club by Lily Koppel, and The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman. I am hoping that I can finish all three this month since I am behind my 50 book goal. I talked about my goal a little more in depth in a previous post and you can check it out here. I am also listening to Circling the Sun by Paula McLain which is the same author who wrote The Paris Wife. I'm having a hard time getting into the book but hopefully something will grab my attention soon! 

What I am cooking:

I have been cooking a TON this month. I've made the Honey Lime Enchiladas several times, which is always a hit. I've also been loving grilling. It's just too dang hot inside the house with the oven on. We've grilled teriyaki salmon a few times, a BBQ rub trip-tip, greek chicken kabobs, burgers, and steaks pretty much every Sunday. We love some big juicy ribeyes, with baked potatoes, steamed asparagus, and sautéed mushrooms. Mmm my mouth is watering just thinking about it! I've also done several crock-pot meals because it just makes me nights so much easier. I've made my mom's friend Paula's shredded pork and OH MY GOODNESS it's so good. We use it to make tacos, salads, and then tortilla soup throughout the week. It's a super versatile meal! I've also made a roast lately which is always a staple in our house. 

What I am planning:

We have two weddings in one weekend and they happen to be on opposite sides of Nevada. I will be heading up Reno/Tahoe on a Thursday (in October) and going to my good friend Liz's wedding on Friday. Then I'll fly to Vegas on Saturday morning to attend the Moss Wedding. Mark won't be able to come to Liz's wedding because of a work trip but he will be able to go to the Moss wedding. Woot woot! 

What I am watching:

I currently have 55 episodes of the Pioneer Woman recorded on our DVR. Yikes, maybe I should go in and delete some??? I love watching her cooking show and I always get some fresh ideas on things to cook. Mark and I were stuck on True Detective this season. It wasn't nearly as good as the first season but it sucked us in anyways. We've also been watching Ballerz on HBO, which is so random for me because that's not normally my jam. It's pretty good though! As I mentioned last week, we are Big Brother fans. Now that we are getting down to the last few weeks it's getting really exciting. I can't wait to see who won the HOH comp and who is coming back in the house from the Jury! To be honest none of the summer shows have been super exciting to me and I think it's because I'm holding out for Game of Thrones to come back! 

What I am craving:

Fall beer. Mmm! I love Octoberfest and other pumpkin-y beers that come out in the fall. My friend Breyen and I always send each other pictures of new fall beers that we have tried. He beat me this year and sent me the first one. Hopefully I will get my first 6-pack of Octoberfest soon! Update: I found Not Your Father's Root Beer at Trader Joe's today. My cousin from the east coast told me about it so I'm excited to try it!