Reading, Watching, Listening, Cooking, and Doing

Reading: 

 

I think I talked about this book before - but if you haven't read it - put it on your list immediately!  One of my book clubs read it, and everyone really, really enjoyed it. If there was any complaint, it was that it was a tiny bit slow (and sometimes predictable) at parts, but overall, I couldn't put it down and enjoyed it from start to end. 

For the same book club - our book for next month is The Woman in the Window. It is not my typical type of book, and I'm actually a little scared to start it, so if you've read it, please tell me if its worth reading! 

I'm also doing my first Audible book for The Woman Who Smashed Codes. A neighborhood book club is doing this book for the month of October, and while also not my typical genre, it has been really interesting - especially since its based in Illinois.

 

Watching:  

Such a fun, bright, extravagant rom-com. I saw it 1.5x because the first time I went, the power in the theater went out, so I went back this past week with my mom to watch it again.

 

 

 

Listening: 

Age three is going to rock us around here. 

Leo has been seriously pushing boundaries, sassy, talk-backy, and FIERCELY independent. There are so many times during the day that I want to just rip my hair out of my head because it becomes so frustrating when you find yourself fighting with your toddler.

I've been listening to this podcast lately, and I really enjoy her perspective on things. The podcasts are short, smart, and make me feel quite a bit better about things.

Cooking: 

I've been bringing back a lot of my fall staples, but this is the only new dish that I've cooked in the last few weeks - and it's super simple and healthy. 

I used this recipe from Damn Delicious for her Sesame Ginger Salmon, and it was SO good. Served over brown rice and asparagus that I broiled on high with olive oil, balsamic glaze, and grated Parmesan.

Doing:  

I've really enjoyed our fall schedule. MWF - Leo is at school in the mornings for 2.5 hours. 

After school on Monday, the kids have a music class at the library with a bunch of our friends, so we scoot over there to fill our Monday.

On Tuesday afternoons, I have a sitter come from 3-6. 

Normally I run errands or schedule appointments, but last week, I treated myself to a beer and movie all on my own and it was heaven!

 

It was a jam packed week actually, because then on Thursday, I met Joel downtown for a Cubs game. The Cubs held on for as long as they could, and we were excited to be there for a win, but their season is officially over. 

 

I'm also doing a little fall shopping. I went yesterday to Nordstrom Rack and Old Navy and tomorrow I'm going to head to Gap and Janie and Jack. Those are pretty much the only stores I shop at for the kids with the occasional find at Tj.Maxx.

 

And that's the latest and the greatest around here! Please tell me when you've been RWLCDing too :)

Five on Friday

 

::: 1 :::

First of all - thank you so much for all of the sweet emails and comments in regards to our new addition! I think putting our news on social media made it that much more real, and it has been a fun week sharing in the excitement with all of you. 

::: 2 :::

At a local theater here, they have "Summer Wednesday" kids movies where tickets are $1 and they have games and characters before the show. A few new mom friends and I have been talking about getting to the movies for weeks, and finally, when we realized that this past Wednesday was the last option for summer, we went for it. All of our kids are 18months-3years and for the most part, they all lasted 1 hour. As soon as the majority started to break out in wiggles and just couldn't sit still anymore, we packed up a left. A nice perk for a $1 movie!

::: 3 ::: 

This past weekend I had a mini-college reunion (we started living together 10 years ago!). All of my college roomies came in from Chicago, Iowa, and Denver and spent the weekend together. I had to sit out of Friday's activities, but they all came to our house on Saturday and we had the absolute best time.

We started the day with lunch at Duke's, and then we packed a cooler full of drinks and snacks, and made our way to the beach to spend the entire afternoon. Leo was in Heaven, we took the paddle boards out, listened to country music, and just had the best time.

We ordered pizzas, tried to sit at the fire pit before we were attacked by mosquitoes, and then played a game before we went to bed before 11pm. Things sure have changed in the last ten years, but we picked up like nothing had, and honestly had the best time ever.

::: 4 :::

Do you follow House of Harper? I really don't like huge, professional blogs, but I follow this cutie on Instagram and think she is just darling. She has a great sense of style, both in fashion and decor, two darling boys, and did a really cute Instagram Live video that had me hooked (even over RHONY!).

::: 5 ::: 

 I am in desperate need of a new summer read. Any recommendations? I like summer reads to be pretty easy and fun - but please share if you have any goodies!

Do Tell

I was catching up on blogs last night when I stumbled upon Cupcakes and Cashmere and her list of  top ten favorite movies. Since this weekend is Joel's bachelor party and I have the entire house - and weekend - to myself my plan is to indulge in long workouts, long movies, Thai food, and wine.








When it comes to movies, and books, and tv, I like it light and enjoyable. I spend those two hours of my time to be entertained and I want to leave a movie happier than when it started. Yes, it's a fluffy way to live, maybe a bit naive, and most likely ignorant, but it is what it is and it's what I like. #donthate

Which leaves me to my all time, top ten MOST favorite movies ever (tonight) ((in no particular order))

1. Father of the Bride
2. Pretty in Pink
3. You've Got Mail
4. Nine Months
5. How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days
6. The Breakfast Club
7. Pretty Woman
8. The American President
9. The Devil Wears Prada
10.Mean Girls

I'm pretty sure none of these movies were nominated for Academy Awards, but I still love them, and they always, always, make me feel good so they will stay on my short list forever. I sometimes think about sitting my future daughter down and watching these movies with her - just the way my mom did with Pretty in Pink, The Breakfast Club, and The American President. In fact, I still remember the car trip to Florida (all 16 hours of it)  when my mom bought VHS videos of  Pretty in Pink and The Breakfast Club for my sisters and I to watch on the drive. At first we thought they were "old", "vintage" movies, but after the first ten minutes, I quickly realized that I loved Ducky and would forever love these movies.

What are your favorites? Any that I should add to my weekend viewing party?