Happy Tuesday Friday, friends! 😀
I don’t know about you guys, but having a holiday in the middle of the week has totally thrown me off. Wednesday felt like a Sunday, yesterday felt like a Monday, and today should technically be a Tuesday. Friday is tonnes better, though, so let’s just roll with that 😉
I’m still kind of trying to fall back into a blogging groove after the holidays, so we’re going to keep things on the lighter side today with a “Currently” survey. I love filing these out because it let’s me look back at where I was at during different months of the year. Actually, I published my first currently post in January of 2013, and it’s been fun to go back and look at what’s changed/stayed the same. Gotta love blogging for that 😀
. – . – . – .
Current book: The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle. I’m pretty much finished with it and looking for something new, but it was definitely good while it lasted (TWSS). I especially love that I recognized so many lines from the movie, and that one of my favourite authors (Patrick Rothfuss — Name of the Wind) gave it a shoutout as one of his favourite books.
Current music: Taking a trip down memory lane with Closing Time by Semisonic.
[youtube=”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGytDsqkQY8&w=560&h=315″]
Current guilty pleasure: Listening to 90’s pop music ^^ I stumbled across this link to the 18 Best 90’s Pop Songs You Forgot Existed a couple of weeks ago, and it sparked a craving for the cheesy wonderfulness that I used to listen to when I was younger. Well, listen to while singing along at the top of my lungs and trying to learn all the dance moves. Oh gosh… how embarrassing.
Current nail colour: Garnet from RGB Cosmetics. I know I already mentioned this in my December favourites post, but this polish is amazing. I’m sportin’ 5 day nails in the pic below, and aside from a couple of tiny chips, they still basically look good as new. And I haven’t been easy on them, either — they’ve managed to survive plenty of dishwashing, vacuuming, scrubbing, and showering without looking any worse for wear. So.much.love.
Current drink: Still showing some serious love to kombucha and ginger tea. My stomach’s been giving me a lot of grief lately and I have no idea why, so I might have to take a look at what I’m eating if it doesn’t start clearing up soon. It’s a lot better than it was around the holidays, but dang… go away, bloat!
Current food: Crispbreads, specifically the ones from Doctor Kracker. I’ve been craving more savoury/salty snacks after The Great Christmas Cookie Coma of ’13, and these have been a definite favourite. So crunchy. So good.
Current obsession: Birthday cakes. I’ve pretty much decided on the kind of I want for the big day, but I can’t help but keep browsing to see if I can’t find something better. Dratted perfectionism! At the end of the day, any cake is good cake… Well, maybe except for that weird red and green fruit cake they sell around here during the holidays. What.the.heck…
Current wish: Warmer weather for my birthday! It’s -4C (25F) today, and going down to -22C (-7F) tomorrow. Why?! Why can’t it be warm just.one.year? My birthday always falls on a ridiculously frigid day, which makes it especially annoying when I had plans to go to the mountains. Oh poop…
Current need: A chalkboard for my food photos. Actually… more food props in general. I really hate the idea of cluttering my condo, but I also really want to work on my photography this year, especially since I plan on posting more recipes. And let’s face it… a little more variety wouldn’t hurt…
Almond Fudge Protein Bars — Chocolate-filled Pumpkin Spice Muffins
Current triumph: I got hit with a huge boost of motivation yesterday and ended up cleaning pretty much my entire condo. Laundry (x2), vacuuming, dusting, tidying… all squeaky clean. I blame the new year.
Current bane of my existence: A lack of sleep. I have no idea what it is, but my sleep has been completely whacko lately. Some nights I can’t fall asleep; some nights I can’t stay asleep. Stress? An overactive mind? Whatever it is, I really need to work on getting more shut eye — the zombie look isn’t good for anyone.
Current indulgence: Not quite ready for this one yet — still recovering from the holidays. Besides, I’m gearing up for birthday cake.
Current procrastination: Answering the overwhelming amount of e-mails in my inbox. Gulp. This is actually something I really need to work on (as anyone who’s ever tried to keep in contact with me can attest to)… I always try to respond to each one, buuuuuuuut it might take me a while. Ideally I’d like to answer within 24-hours, especially since I start stressing when they start adding up.
Current blessing: Absolutely amazing blends (blog friends). I woke up this morning to a Bloglovin feed full of the sweetest happy birthday posts from Davida, Arman, Sam, Lucie, Miss Polkadot, Heather, and Becky. Oh.em.gee. I started blubbering like a baby.
Current excitement: I think I may have mentioned on more than one occasion that it’s my birthday tomorrow? (Sorry!) Yeaaaaaaah, kind of happy dancing about that one.
Current mood: Reflective, content, happy…
Current link: The local weather… hoping against hope that it’ll miraculously show warmer temperatures for tomorrow!
Am I the only one who’s garbage at answering e-mails in a timely fashion?!?
Give me your current:
1) … book.
2) … guilty pleasure.
3) … obsession.
4) … bane of existence.
5) … procrastination.
Happy early birthday love!! I am very excited to see what bday cake you chose 😀
Current book: lady catherine, the earl and the real downton abbey (think that’s the full title)
Guilty pleasure: massive amounts of chocolate and slipper socks…can’t and won’t stop
Obsession: see above
Bane of existence: snow, cold, and my car
Procrastination: cleaning the house…no desire to do that
Have a great weekend lady
Holy cow it’s COLD there!!! I thought it was cold here! Brrr!! I think my current guilty pleasure is the bag of mint Hershey kisses sitting next to me in my desk drawer 🙂 They might be almost gone!
Book: General Tommy Franks, Commander in Chief
Guilty Pleasure: hmmmmm, sitting in my pjs all morning! (cmas breaaaaak!!)
Obsession: Reading and (still) baking yummy foods!
Bane of Existence: me. outside. BRR!
Procrastination: probably going to bed around my scheduled time! my books just too hard to put down!
Love that nail color! And curious to see what you’re planning on doing with the chalkboard for your photography. I JUST went to Cost Plus Wordl Market (not sure if you guys have that) which is a store that has a ton of great props for killer prices. Going to another similar store today! Let me know if I can pick anything up for you- they have plenty of chalkboards and anything else a food blogger could want ;). Early birthday present haha!
Since you normally skip Saturday posts, I want to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! today.
Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday, Amanda who runs with spoooooons; Happy Birthday to you!
Have a great one gorgeous girl!
Awwr thanks love <3 Thinking of you!
Happy [almost] birthday Amanda!! Glad to see the weather is just as nice where you are 😉 hhaa. I also go through phases where I become re-obsessed with 90s pop. It is so good. Uhmmmm what is wrong with that red and green cake? Like wtf. I’m anxious to see what kind of cake you DID decide on 🙂 Enjoy your weekend, lady!
I used a quote from Closing Time in my high school yearbook! “Every new beginning comes from some other beginnings end.” So deep. But you gotta love the 90’s music. I’ve been needing a chalkboard for photos as well…where does one find a chalkboard?
My current bane of my existence is the weather…it’s 15 degrees F outside right now and I’m “working from home” due to the snow! Thinking about making your pumpkin pie oatmeal bars for a little treat!
I’m pretty sure you can get them in any office supply store. Do you guys have Staples down in the States? I saw some there.
I need to do a major clean sweep of my house; especially since I still have my Christmas decorations up! Happy early birthday, pretty girl! I hope it is the best one yet!
Well happy birthday!!
My current obsession: Reading. I’ve just realized I’m on break, and have been using it to good use with a book in my hang almost everyday!
My current indulgence: Cookie butter. I put it on everything!
Happy (early) birthday!! I understand some of your frustration with the cold–it’s been like that here, too! And the snow is up to my knees. And all I really want to do is run outside… sigh. Freshman year of college, my friends and I had Closing Time on repeat CONSTANTLY. Looking back, I have no idea why, but it was what it was, hah.
!! You don’t like it?! Sad face! Brings back so many good memories…
Happy, Happy Birthday to you!!! I hope its the start of an amazing year. And that you do enjoy a little indulgence. 😉
Happy birthday Lady!
I so love 90’s and 80’s music!
Current book is Allegiant
Current guilty pleasure is Kemps Moose Tracks fro yo
Current obsession is weather
Current bane of existence is weather – though yours at -7 and 25 are pretty bad and I shouldn’t complaint bout 28 degree weather, I am a big time cold wimp and adore the heat always!
Current procrastination Bejeweled Blitz!
Happy early bday! I’m so glad I’ve stumbled upon your blog – I really, really love it! And I also love that we share a love of 90s music. It’s the reason I haven’t cancelled my Sirius XM subscription yet – 90s music any time of the day!
And I’m just as happy to have stumbled upon yours!! 😀 Also… I may have mentioned that you have the most gorgeously infectious smile 😉
Ahh I wish you a very happy birthday, girl! I hope your cake, whatever it may be, is good enough to make your eyes roll and that you get to spend the day with loved ones ♥
I also hope you are able to get some quality rest this weekend!
Current guilty pleasure: chips and salsa
Current obsession/procrastination: I’ve been reading blogs like it’s my job lately. I keep forgetting that thing…homework? I blame winter break.
Have a fabulous weekend, Amanda!! 🙂
1) Allegiant – for the second time. I can’t finish it knowing what happens 🙁
2) Coconut gelato
3) Divergent Series, Running, The Gym
4) School/finals
5) School
I hope you do get some warmth on your birthday. That would be nice. New Jersey was hit with some heavy snow sadly so I’m, pretty much snowed in. My guilty pleasure is probably about 8 hours of trashy TV if we are being honest.
Happy birthday girl! Eat lots and lots of cake (or in your case, nut butter covered oatmeal). I am currently making my way through the last Hunger Games book, and also reading George HW Bush’s memoirs (the first Bush). I hope you get some warmer weather for your birthday, too, but since that probably won’t happen, here’s to hoping that you enjoy it anyway!
Ah I love that song!! The bar I used to go to on a regular basis when I was younger would always play this song at last call. Such a good one.
And I’m glad we were able to surprise you today. You know how much I adore you, so it was a lot of fun…and hard to keep a secret the last couple of days :-p
1. book: just started reading A Clash of Kings again last night.
2. guilty pleasure: making everyday pajama day.
3) obsession: the No Limits tank I bought last week.
4) bane of existence: the weather. If I could punch snow and cold in the face, I would.
5) procrastination: I’m allowed to procrastinate right now because school doesn’t start again until Monday 😉
I still can’t believe you managed to keep it a secret! I’m horrible at things like that. And I love the No Limits tank. I would wear mine more often, but it’s way too darn cold. -35 with the wind chill? Yeah, no…
Ha! I always thought your outside temperature updates were in F! I used to think- wow, that is cold! It finally clicked that it’s C. 😉 Still cold, but not quite has cold as I was imagining!
We have an “arctic blast” coming through on Monday- high of 3F! (yes, F!)
Stay warm!
LOVE Dr. Kracker flatbreads!!! I used to have multiple a day… I need to buy those again!
Totally feel you on the bloaty belly. Mine seems to appear toward the end of every single day..not noticeable to the eye but very uncomfortable. I’ve been thinking that I could be overdoing it with drinking water, but I haven’t come so far to cutting down yet. Current book(s) are Archie Comics LOL..it’s been so busy at the office all I want when I’m chilling is a very light read :p .
Gosh I wish I could send you some of our heat as a birthday gift. It’s basically too hot to wear pants over here!
I’m sure you will still have an awesome day nevermind the weather..Happy Birthday 😀
Can’t wait to see your cake!
Happy almost birthday! I saw the adorable link up from the blogging buddies… love it, you deserve it 🙂
Current book:Fault In Our Stars 😉
I -just- picked that up yesterday! Better be better than Allegiant… 😡
HAPPY ALMOST BIRTHDAY!!!!!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂
1) … book. – I’m in between right now. I need to pick out something good.
2) … guilty pleasure. – hitting the snooze button for ‘just a few more minutes’
3) … obsession. – Justin’s maple almond butter. Which is your fault for posting a picture of it. 🙂
4) … bane of existence. – the.weather. – negative 30 degree (Fahrenheit) wind chill right now. My weather app has pictures of igloos on it. Really weather app? That’s not funny.
5) … procrastination.- getting dressed and going to work. It’s.just.so.cold.
AGAIN. HAAAAAAAAAAAPPY almost BIRTHDAY! I hope it is FABULOUS!
OMG I haven’t listened to SemiSonic in years!! Hellooo flashback!
Current bane of my existence…this 4 degree weather, and digging my car out of the snow at 5:30 this morning.
Current book is girl, interrupted . Current obsession is my easiest morning muesli (I posted the ‘recipe’ today. Seriously I’ve had it everyday for a week!) Current obsession: tea as always. Current bane of existence is his winter weather. Gah! It’s neg 22 in Toronto! Current procrastination is nothing since school doesn’t start til Monday; I’m still a. Free bird tweeeeeeeeeeet
Happy birthday to you girl! Davs’ post was sooooooo sweet 🙂
Hope it warms up for you soon! It’s -21 here tonight, but with the wind chill it feels like -35. Gotta love Canadian winters…
Happy Birthday, friend! Hope it’s an amazing one!
And that nail color is exactly what I’ve been looking for. Must buy soon!
Hey, at least it’s not 4 degrees (F) like it is here! Regardless of the weather, I’m sure your birthday will be sweet (pun intended!). Happy birthday early, since I don’t know if you’re posting tomorrow. Have an amazing weekend!
I totally did a throwback for my #current music also!
Your posts ALWAYS make me so hungry. That cake looks delish!
What did you end up picking for your birthday cake!! Happy birthday love 🙂
happy one day early birthday!! so sweet all the posts I saw, I mean who doesn’t love Spoons? haha. Your weather is insane, I couldn’t deal with it.
I am so excited that your birthday is tomorrow! I may even enjoy a slice of cake in celebration for you. I can’t wait to see your cake selection! I love that we both take this so seriously- some people just don’t get it….I am pretty good at responding to emails but as they pile up, I have to be careful to not open them and not respond because then I may forget…I really need to read a book, I haven’t been reading and once I fall off the reading wagon, it is hard to get back on.
I’m seriously tempted to make that fudge cake you posted! It looked amazing and I love the simple ingredients list.
Happy Birthday to you one day early 🙂 I have loved reading the posts by those girls! So awesome 🙂 I will be here to wish you a happy birthday tomorrow, though 😉 Current obsession- getting my house clean by making ridiculous to do lists haha current procrastination- menu planning for next week since I have to go in the cold to go shopping 🙁
Hope you have a FABULOUS birthday coming up, Amanda!!!
1) Melissa Explains It All
2) Big Bang Theory
3) The newest Panic! At The Disco album
4) Insanely cold, snowy weather
5) Getting through a stack of magazines
Happy birthday (almost)!!
Guilty pleasure: sweatpants all day, all night.
Procrastination: an inbox that needs some major updating!
Obsession: smoothies—yes even in the cold!
Have an awesome day and birthday weekend!!
Emails… Glad we can relate on that one 😉 I cannot wait to see which birthday cake you select… There better be lots if chocolate is all I gotta say… And have the most wonderful birthday tomorrow!!!
Oh girl, you KNOW there’s going to be chocolate
And thank you again for your sweet post <3
Happy birthday!!, I’m sorry it’s going to be so cold for your birthday (mines in march so it’s hit or miss) but I hope that cake warms you right up- it certainly LOOKS delicious so I bet it tastes even better 😉 I feel you on the sleep thing. I’ve been ready for bed around 7:30 most nights and then I can’t sleep until midnight! Maybe it means I need to do something.. Like leave my house lol
Book- I am re-reading a Sweet Valley High book I used to love!
Guilty Pleasure- I started DVR’ing Dr. Phil again!
Obsession- Eastbound and Down. A hilarious TV show not for the faint of heart.
Bane of my existence- My knee. Still trying to figure out the cause of the problem so I can FIX the problem that has been plaguing me since July!
Procrastination- Studying for my personal training test. I have only studied once in the past several weeks. It’s just so harrrrrrd to focus after working all day! Complain. Complain. Complain.
Happy Birthday! I hope you survive the cold!
I feel you on the email issue, though I always schedule some time on the weekend to reply to all of them. I once completely missed 1-2 cause they dropped down too far and I felt so bad.
Yay!! I was so waiting for you to see all out posts!!
I think I’m going to have to start scheduling in e-mail time. Thanks again for the love, hun! You’re amazing <3
Happy Birthday, hope it magically gets warmer! Who knows 😉
Book: “Banquete Total: cuando la corrupción dejó de ser ilegal” It’s a book from a political analyst
Guilty pleasure: frozen yogurt!
Obsession: cereals! I eat them everyday!
Bane of existence: a lack of exercise motivation! I need a partner, working out alone isn’t so fun :/
Procrastination: Pinterest
Oh I waste time there 🙂
Thanks for sharing! Again HAppy Birthday!!
Current blessing is YOU my dear friend! And you know my untimeliness with email answering…Also I swear I’m not ignoring your texts, my phone is broken again! Grrrr
A very happy birthday to you babe! You deserve only the best. Lots of love!
Thank you AGAIN for being the absolute sweetest. Giving you the BIGGEST hug when we meet this year. When… not if.