B+ GOALS: SEPTEMBER 2016

It's been a good summer, ya'll. Swimming pools and ice cream and camping and friends and movies in the afternoon - it really was just fantastic.  We had no scheduled activities , as usual for us in the summer, and we embraced all our glorious free time. Next week, the kids head back to school and I head back to work. And we're ready for that September schedule. That's why I love a lazy summer- it makes the hustle and bustle that September brings something to welcome instead of dread. 

Let's check in with my August B+ Goals, shall we?

1. Apply for passports. I finally managed to remember to pick up our applications-yesterday. Like, the last day of the August. But if it weren't for making it a B+ goal for the month, it wouldn't have happened at all! C

2. Figure out what clothes/shoes I want for work, and get them. I made a list-but haven't bought anything. This weekend we're back to school/back to work shopping. Better late than never, am I right? C

3. Fix my watch(es) or get a new one. Did it! I ended up buying a new one from Amazon and I really like it. It's smaller than my previous two and it's water proof. Plus, under $20! A

4. Make a weekly blog post plan. Work in progress, see below. C

5. Start getting back on our sleep schedule. We are definitely not up to school standards, but the kids have been getting in bed mostly on time and getting up at a regular, if not exactly school early, time. Next week might be hard times, guys. For mama, too. C

Now, on to September! I have big plans. September to me is like a second new year, and that means I'm motivated. Be sure to check out the B+ Goals of E at Teaching Sam and Scout and Sarah at Sarah R Bagley!

1. Focus on health. I'm doing another round of Whole 30 starting on September 6 AND I also plan on working out 4-5 days a week (I do a mixture of yoga, running, and Tone It Up routines).

2. Blog 3+ times a week. I'm bringing back Scenes from a Weekend and adding a new series: For the Love of Friday. It will be similar to the old Pins and Links posts I used to do, but with out the pins. For the Love of Friday will include links that I like, things that I love-sort of a favorites of the week recap. I also want to produce at least one additional blog post each week-most of which will be food related. Fingers crossed that I can manage it.

3. Have a celebration Back to School Dinner. I always let the kids chose what we eat on the night before they head back to school and we have a little celebration. It usually involves cake as well. (Which is why Whole 30 is not starting until the 6th. Real talk.)

4. Read together in the evening. Since they came home from the hospital, I've always read aloud to the kids before they go sleep. But I've gotten out of the habit with Dylan because he reads to himself before bed, and I end up just reading to Ava most nights. I'd like to sit down before bed with both kids and read aloud in the evening. I picked up The Penderwicks at the library to start us off this month.

5. Clear out all the fabric and etsy shop things from our closet. We have a gigantic storage closet in our home. I stored all of my fabric and shop stuff there, and since I closed the shop , it's time to clear it all out and put that space to another use.

September, we're ready for you.

(Free Printable from Life on Sutton Place here.)

READING LIST: WHAT I'M READING IN MAY

Inspired by my B+ Goals, I went to the library on Saturday and picked out some books for the month. It's a random assortment. I usually try to mix up non-fiction/fiction to balance my month, and May is no exception.

Here's what I'm reading:

Lilac Girls, Martha Hall Kelly. I read a lot of World War II fiction and non-fiction. I find the stories to be fascinating, and am especially drawn to Resistance accounts. Lilac Girls tells the story of the war from three different perspectives that eventually all overlap. I'm currently reading this one and I can't put it down. Well researched, well written, good character development.

Lincoln at Gettysburg, Garry Wills. We've headed to Gettysburg later this month, so I wanted to read this before we went. (I'm an overachiever and I like to do my homework and know all the things.)

The Silkworm, Robert Galbraith. Number 2 in the Cormoran Strike mystery series! I loved number one last month so I snatched this right up when I saw it on my library's shelf.

Habitat: The Field Guide to Decorating, Lauren Liess. I love home decorating books. I especially love them this time of year when I'm spring cleaning and adding things here and there. We move a lot, which has helped me to really only have things in our house that we love. This is then reflected into our (okay, let's be real, my) decorating style and I love having extra inspiration.

Bookmark by Ava.

What are you reading this month?

READING LIST: WHAT I'M READING IN APRIL

Here's what's on my night stand this month. I went to the book store and...came out with all these and a few dollars lighter (except Jane Eyre, that's a reread).

I finished my Reading Challenge and was considering doing a Part 2. But you know what? I had to force myself to get through Great Expectations. And since I find reading to be one of my life's greatest pleasures, I'm just not going to force myself to read books I truly despise. (You may be thinking, "Michelle, why didn't you just take Great Expectations off your list??" and that would be a valid and intelligent question. However, I am a Upholder and I couldn't bring myself to do that.) So instead, I'm choosing to read books that sound lovely and that I want to read for readings sake, not to fulfill certain categories that I have conceived. And give myself the chance to put down books that I truly hate and call it done. And not feel bad about it.

Currently, I am rereading  my beloved copy of Jane Eyre.

Jane is one of my all time favorite characters. And considering that this story is COMPELETLY wackadoo in the abstract, but reads beautifully and convincingly in context just goes to show that Charlotte Bronte was a master writer.

"I need not sell my soul to buy bliss." Or to read Charles Dickens ever again.

Next on my list:

-When Breath Becomes Air, Paul Kalanithi Everyone is talking about this book-it's all over Instagram and blog reviews and in book clubs.

-The Buddha in the Attic, Julie Otsuka I've been looking for more Japanese stories/authors to read and this one caught my eye. The premise is: Japanese, mail order brides in 1920's California. It sounds fascinating.

-For the Love, Jen Hatmaker I don't talk about religion (or politics, that saying is 10000% true) in public if I can avoid it. To me, and this is totally a personal thing, faith is very private. I, personally, get more from it that way. But I do like to continue to be inspired in my faith and I adore Jen Hatmaker on social media, so I'm excited to read this book with her perspectives on grace in our everyday lives.

-The Cuckoo's Calling, Robert Galbraith (aka J.K. Rowling) This has been on my to read list since it was released, but I never got around to it. But come on, it can't be anything but good. J. K. Rowling? British detective story? Hard cover book on sale for $5.99?? YES.

What are you reading this month?

FAVORITE THINGS: MARCH 2016

Guys, March pretty much kicked my butt. I had pneumonia, it was still snowing, I ate like crap, and...just...blah. But! I also tried new recipes, worked in my bullet journal, and slept a lot. Let's look at my favorite things for March, shall we?

Favorite Thing I Read: Masterminds & Wingmen, by Rosalind Wisemen Being sick this month, I read A LOT of books, but this was the stand out. It was part of my Reading Challenge, and it's a book that I've been meaning to read for years. I learned so much about raising boys, the challenges they face, and the ways we can help them succeed. I highly suggest this book if you have boys or teach them. Eye opening and soundly written.

Favorite Beauty Thing: Maybelline Ruby Star red lipstick Perfect shade of red

Favorite Thing For Learning New Things: the Duolingo App. I'm bushing up on my Spainish (I haven't worked on it since high school) and this language app is FREE, and totally helpful! It provided quick, 5 minute, practical lessons that you can just do right on your phone. After I drop the kids at school and before I head to work, I just sit down with a cup of coffee and do my lesson. I love it.

Favorite Thing I'm Drinking: Tazo teas. There was a lot of tea this month.

Favorite Recipe: Cooking Light's one pot pasta. EVERYONE loved it. I'm so glad I subscribed to this magazine again; they've really stepped up their game.

Favorite Thing For an Organized Life: Dave Ramsey Budgeting Sheets We've followed the Dave Ramsey Plan for years, but had started slacking on sitting down and doing out actual budget plan every month. We've gotten back into the habit this year and these budget sheets are what we use.

Favorite Thing I'm Wearing: J. Crew Factory Chambray Button Down Perfection AND it's on sale.

That's all I got this month! Check back Friday for a B+ Goals recap and see my new ones for April!

FAVORITE THINGS: FEBRUARY 2016

I'm not sure how this happens, but despite the fact that February is the shortest month of the year, it always feels like about 5 months. I mean, guys, IT'S STILL FEBRUARY. Things were sluggish this month for me. But I read good books, drank nice wine, the husband came home after a month away, and I heard great things about both kids at parent teacher conferences. So, February, you will not defeat me. 

But, buh bye. See you on the flip side, February.

Favorite Thing I'm Wearing: Seamed Blouse from Loft  I love this top. It wears gorgeously, washes up great, and is ON SALE, It looks great with jeans and dressed up. You should get one!

Favorite Beauty Thing: Clinique Redness Solutions Daily Relief Cream I've always had sensitive skin, and the past couple years have really brought out redness in my face. I picked up this cream after reading raving reviews about it and I have to say that the reviews are correct. It really evens out my redness, and isn't heavy. I put it on twice a day and it hasn't irritated my skin at all.

Favorite Thing I'm Eating: Harvest Snaps Snap Crisps (lightly salted picture, but cracked black pepper is soooo good that I have already eaten them all) These things are delicious and addictive, That is all.

Favorite Thing For an Organized Life: Bullet Journal Have you heard of bullet journaling? I just started it a couple weeks ago and let me tell you, THIS IS MY THING. All your lists, thoughts, to-do's in one places with a symbol system. Yes, yes, YES.

Favorite Thing For a Healthy Life: Water Bottle with a Straw I had been slacking on my water intake, which I'm normally really good about. I realized that I had changed what kind of water bottle I was using, that my previous one had had a straw. So I just picked this new one up at Target. And that little straw helps me drink more water. Random, but it works.

Favorite Things I Read:

Books:
Brooklyn, Colm Toibin (Reading Challenge Book, loved it)
Smart Money Smart Kids, Dave Ramsey and Rachel Cruze (Reading Challenge Book)
All The Light We Cannot See, Anthony Doerr (reread for pure pleasure, one of the best books I have ever read)

Websites:
Go Fug Yourself

Goodreads 

Coffee + Crumbs

Favorite Things I Listened To:

Sarah R. Bagley Podcast

No Doubt Pandora Station (90's girl lead singer groups for the win)

Favorite Things I Watched:

Misty Copeland: A Ballerina's Tale

Downton Abbey (there's only ONE left and I don' know what I'm going to do)

Hope you're February was lovely. Check back in tomorrow for B+ Goals!

FAVORITE THINGS: JANUARY 2016

 

This January has been a good one! After our crazy busy holiday season, this has been a month of getting back on track, working on goals for the year, and settling into our routines.  I've been  working hard, reading good things, and loving more.

But let's be real, I'm ready for spring and don't need any more snow ever again this season.

 

 

 

 Here is a round up of my favorite things this month:

 

Favorite Things For An Organized Life:

 

 

This day planner was a stocking stuffer from the husband. I love that it has a year, monthly, and daily squares to fill in. // And this Moleskin cashier journal is perfect for keeping track of orders and inventory for the shop. // Ink Joy pens are my favorites and I love these pencils for pattern work.

 

Favorite Beauty Things:

 

 

I got the Urban Decay Naked Smoky eye palette for my birthday and it is the best ever, the end. // I've been oil cleansing for awhile now and I love this cleansing oil. It's by CoCo Lavish and it's amazing.//  I first heard about hair primers from The Small Things Blog and picked up this one on a whim while I was at the drug store one day. It's a total game changer. It cuts my dry time, it keeps my hair smooth, and it acts as a barrier to hair products so my hair doesn't feel heavy or sticky. Love it.

 

Favorite Thing I'm Wearing:

 

 

When we were in New York for my birthday, I went to J. Crew to browse and the husband bought me this coat as an extra birthday gift (He's a keeper, guys). This coat is beautiful and warm and maybe the most grown up thing I own. This cut is no longer available (online at least) but J. Crew has lots of beautiful wool coats here.

 

Favorite Things I Read:

 

Books:

At the Water's Edge by Sara Gruen

Circling the Sun by Paula McLain (reading challenge book)

Better Than Before by Gretchen Rubin (reading challenge book)

 

Websites:

Sarah R Bagley 

Putting Me Together

 

Favorite Things I'm Listening To:

Podcast: What Should I Read Next? by Anne Bogel

Adele 25 (When We Were Young, especially)

 

Favorite Things I'm Watching:

Downton Abbey (Of course.)

Making A Murderer (CRAZY PANTS.)

 

 

It's snowing-AGAIN-so we'll be snuggling, watching movies, and baking these last few days of the month.  Hope you had a lovely January!

 



READING LIST: WHAT WE'VE BEEN READING IN JANUARY

Kids: Home by Carson Ellis

 

 

Carson Ellis is one of my favorite illustrators and I immediately snatched this book up when I saw it on a shelf at our local bookstore. The story about different homes is sweet and funny and the illustrations are lovely.

 

 

Me: Humans of New York Stories, Brandon Stanton

 

 

 Do you follow Humans of New York? You should. Brandon Stanton is a photographer and story teller who photographs individuals and then tells a story from their lives. Stories is a completion of the webpage. I finished this in one lazy afternoon; the stories and photographs are equally beautiful, tragic, funny, and touching.

 

Better Than Before, Gretchen Rubin

 

I finished Better Than Before (check off one of the B+ Goals for this month!) and I absolutely loved it. It totally resonated with me-figure out your personality tendency and build your goals from there. Reading about people's tendencies was fascinating; I could immediately see not only myself but my husband and best friends crystal clear in the descriptions (I'm an upholder-by FAR, the husband is a questioner.). By knowing my tendency, I've been applying a lot of her other ideas to my life and it's a game changer. I highly suggest this book if your looking for a way to figure out better habits and how to stick to them!

 

I've started the next book in my Reading Challenge and will probably be finished with it soon; it's a good one!

 

What are you reading?

2016 READING CHALLENGE // PART 1

 

Welcome to the first annual June November 2016 Reading Challenge! As I mentioned in my B+ Goals for January, reading is an important part of my well being. It's one of the things that truly brings me enjoyment. And while I have always taken time to read, I'm feeling a little stale. I reread a lot (I may know Anne of Green Gables by heart), but I need to branch out and read more new books. I also want to add more non fiction to my reading list this year and really try to enjoy it.

 

I'm setting up a reading challenge for myself by choosing a theme for each month of this year, here are the first six themes:

 

-A book to inspire me

-A book given to me by someone else

-A book about finances

-A book I've been wanting to read but haven't

-A book that I've started but haven't finished

-A book that's a classic

 

And here are my choices:

 

 

To Inspire: Better Than Before, Gretchen Rubin

This book about habits is, so far, amazing. I loved the The Happiness Project and this follow up book by Rubin isn't disappointing. It feels like a real game changer.

 

Given To Me: Circling the Sun, Paula McLain

My husband gave this to me for Christmas and I can't wait to read it. I loved The Paris Wife (also by McLain) and am looking forward to this story. Plus, Downton Abbey is getting ready to end this season (NOOOOOO!) and I'll need a 1920's lifestyle story to replace it.

 

Finances: Smart Money Smart Kids, Dave Ramsey and Rachel Cruze

The husband and I have taken Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace course and it was a big eye opener. We've followed his practices since. I've been eyeing this book written by him and his daughter for some time and am looking forward to reading it and applying the lessons to our kids in money management.

 

Wanting but Haven't: Brooklyn, Colm Toibin

I want to read this before I see the movie, which looks lovely.

 

Haven't Finished: Masterminds and Wingmen, Rosalind Wiseman

I've mentioned before that I've been reading this on and off. Well, I've been reading it on and off for over year :/. Time to buckle down and finish it!

 

A Classic: Great Expectations, Charles Dickens

Confession: I've never read any Dickens (except A Christmas Carol). It's time!

 

I'd love for you to join me in the 2016 Reading Challenge! I'll be posting updates throughout the year and would love to see what you're reading too.

 

READING LIST: MISS RUMPHIUS

 

Just what do we want out of our lives? For Alice Rumphius, she wants to travel the world and then live by the sea. As she explains this as a child, sitting on her grandfather's knee, he tells her that there is one more thing that she must do. She must make the world more beautiful. She agrees.

 

But how?

 

 

 

The book, by Barbara Cooney, is beautifully illustrated, of course. But the story- the simple story of choosing your course and following it, of fulfilling promises made, of leaving the world a little more lovely then when you came in to it, is just as beautiful.

 

Because of course, Miss Rumphius finds a way.

And passes it on.

 



 

 

Because shouldn't all great things be passed on? Like this book, that was my childhood favorite and is now my daughter's. A little thing perhaps. But I've maybe made her world more beautiful by sharing this book.

 

 

Buy Here.

READING LIST: CALL THE MIDWIFE

 

 

Have you heard of Call the Midwife? It's a television show on PBS about midwives in postwar London in the East End. It's a fascinating show with a great cast. It is inspired by the memoirs of Jennifer Worth, which are even more fascinating then the television show.

 

Jennifer Worth (formally Lee) was a nurse and midwife in the 1950's who went to work in London's East End after the war with a small Anglican nunnery. She herself was not part of the religious order, but worked and lived at the convent with both the nuns and other young nurse/midwives like herself. There she recorded not just the work she was doing on a day to day basis, but the history of midwifery, medical care, and the people of the East End in England.

 

This trilogy is honest and beautifully written, and shows not only the great work these women were doing but the hardships that the people were facing. It is detailed and unsentimental (the television show can get a bit sentimental), and shows the deep honor these women took in providing the medical care that people so desperately needed.

 

From the dark alleys of prostitution, to the notorious work houses, to the family that gladly anticipates their 25th child, these books are simply wonderful.



READING LIST: FIRST THOUSAND WORDS IN FRENCH

 

 

First Thousand Words in French is well loved in our house.
We bought it last year when my son expressed an interest in learning French. The book is not only a helpful resource for teaching simple, everyday French vocabulary words, but also as a beautiful picture book for the children to pour over.

Each page spread introduces a new theme: the grocery store, a farm, the beach, school. Colorful illustrations show how all the words come together. In the borders, certain objects are highlighted, with the French word clearly labeling it.

 

 

The pictures are fantastically detailed and the book is worth buying for this alone. My two year old loves to poor over the pages looking for the pictures from the borders.

The book includes a full glossary of all the words and a pronunciation guide. There is also a link for an internet pronunciation guide where children (and adults!) can listen to the words be pronounce properly.

The children can, literally, look at this book all day. A constant question from my daughter is, "Where is my French book!?". They choose to read it and look at the pictures even when we are not practicing French. And that they are truly learning vocabulary form it? Win/win.

 

BOOKS FOR BOYS

 

 

My son started reading his year. Really reading. Sit down with a book and read the whole thing himself reading. And I was so joyful, bursting with happiness really, because reading is such a gift that I have wanted so much for him.  Watching him read, sounding out words, knowing that he can do it, is not only a gift for him, but a gift for me to watch.

We've spent a lot of time lately looking for not only books at his reading level, but books for boys at his reading level. Here are some of our favorites.*

Here's what my son's reading right now.

 

1. Pete the Cat Rocking in My School Shoes, Eric Litwin.  Pete the Cat was a BIG DEAL on the kindergarten circuit. We love all the Pete books, but right now with school approaching, we're rereading School Shoes. These are great books about not letting the little things get to you.

 

2. How Rocket Learned to Read, Tad Hills. Rocket is a dog that is learning to read. Dylan likes this book especially because it encourages the reader to sound out the words (D-O-G, R-E-D) and it was one of the first books he was reading words in on his own.

 

3. Race Team (Step into Reading), I'm not a huge fan of character books personally, but my son loves reading about familiar characters. The Step into Reading books are great for him, because he can read them completely himself, and the characters make the books fun for him.

 

4. Bernstein Bears Series, Stan and Jan Bernstein. Classics. These books are slightly challenging for an early reader (which is good).

 

5. Close Up Sharks, This book focuses on facts about sharks in an easy to read format. It was a set of three about marine life. Dylan loves books about facts, so these are a perfect fit.

 

6. I Can Read! Biscuit Books, Dylan is a big fan of books about animals, and finds the Biscuit stories funny.

 

7. The Big Green Book of Beginner Books, Dr. Seuss. These classic stories come in one big book. Dylan loves this because there are several to chose from, and there is something about reading from a "big" book that makes kids feel smarter and more accomplished. These stories are also funny and familiar to him.

 

*I'll be writing more about the challenges we face with reading and boys in the next coming weeks.

10 GREAT BOARD BOOKS FOR TODDLERS

1. My Little Animal Book, Roger Priddy. We've had this book since my son was a toddler (he's 6 now) and it is one of our best loved books (hence the duct taped spine). Full of photographs of all type of animals, it's a book that can be looked at for an hour, over and over again.

2. Moo Baa La La La, Sandra Boynton. A big favorite. The simple, silly words and animal sounds are a hit.

3. Planting a Rainbow, Lois Ehlert. I love Lois Ehlert illustrations. This story is a beautiful one, full of flowers and colors.

4. Baby Signs For Bedtime, Linda Acredolo & Susan Goodwyn. While we don't do baby signs much, my daughter loves to look at this book with pictures of babies getting ready for bed.

5. Goodnight Moon, Margaret Wise Brown. The ultimate soothing classic.

6. Goodnight Gorilla, Peggy Rathman. This picture book has few words, but always makes my little girl laugh.

7. We're Going On a Bear Hunt, Helen Oxenbury. My husband's favorite book to read to the kids.

8. Click, Clack, Moo Cows That Type, Doreen Cronin, Betsy Lewin. This one is funny enough for both kids (and their parents).

9. Pantone Colors. This book is full of gorgeous Pantone color swatches, and really shows color learners all the different shades.

10. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, Bill Martin Jr., Eric Carle. Of course.

FOR THE LOVE OF CHILDREN'S LITERATURE

"I've never quite figured out what I get from children's literature that I don't get from adult literature, but there's something." -Gretchen Rubin, The Happiness Project

 

 

I love books. Everything about them. I will read anything. If I get caught somewhere, say at the doctor's office, with no book or magazine in my bag, I will read pamphlets about heart disease or old issues of Highlights magazine. It might be a bit obsessive. But there are worse habits.

 

And while I love books written for adults, I have a great love of reading children's and young adult literature. There is something there that is lacking in many adult books. Perhaps it's the fact that many children's books have the theme of good vs. evil, and the good will prevail, even in the darkest of stories. So many adult books seem to be focused on the flaws of the characters, showing us how evil does win and doesn't change and there is no hope, ever.  Children's literature shows the characters' flaws, but shows us how they come to terms with those flaws and what they must do to prevail despite of them.

 

I mean, is there a better character then Anne Shirley Blythe from the Anne of Green Gables series? (The answer is no.) This is a girl who inspires those around her to be better, who makes mistakes but readily admits to them and tries to fix them, who loves gossip but never speaks ill of anyone, who does her best to lead a good life and raises children willing to go out and try to make the world better. Can you think of any character in an adult book that that can be said about?

 

The Hunger Games trilogy might be the best thing out there written about PTSD and the effects of war. The heroine, Katniss, is flawed, and the books are insanely violent, but in the end, good prevails. It has similar themes to The Giver, another children's book that simply tells a story of what trying to achieve a "perfect" society can do to the real people living in it. The Harry Potter books also showcase a war against evil, and taking a stand for your beliefs. The characters are complex; those that seem completely perfect have faults, and those that seem to be horrible bad have some good in them. Even the most evil of them is given a human side in his background story. And Number the Stars (written by the same author as The Giver), is a fictional account of a true good vs evil story, where a young Danish girl and her family risk their lives to help their Jewish neighbors escape the Nazi round up of Copenhagen.

 

The Little House books are true American stories. Not just the stories of pioneers, but the simple life lessons in them: honesty, hard work, listening to your parents, not complaining or giving up when things go wrong. Farmer Boy especially provides such a good male role model, which many children's books seem to be lacking.

 

"Where is Papa going with that ax?" might hands down be the best opening line of a book, ever. And the story of Charlotte's Web is such a beautiful portrait of friendship, it is near perfection.

 

And yes, even the Twilight books. Which, I know. They are not the most profound books out there. But it's such fun. This was a series I got caught up in, and couldn't wait to see how it all ended. People complain about how ridiculous they are how, how backwards for woman. But a girl choosing what she wants, at any age, and knowing that it's what's right for her? Well, there's nothing backwards about that, no matter what those choices are. And that's what the character Bella does. She knows what she wants and goes after it in every one of the books.

 

There are so many more, with such wonderful stories. So read adult books, of course. But remember the children's books. They have so much to offer.