Aaaaand cue Monday #happydance!
No? Awwwr come on… it’s not that bad! Monday is a chance to get back in the game, kick some butt, and get things done. Sure it usually involves work/school, but have you honestly ever thought about what life would be like without those things? School allows us to pursue our passions, work allows us to contribute… Really, it’s all about your perspective and how you look at things.
And speaking of looking at things, today feels like a good day to take a look at life as I currently know it…
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Current books: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare.
I picked up this book to see what all the hype was about, and so far I really can’t figure it out… I’m normally a fan of YA fantasy books, but this one just isn’t doing anything for me. The writing is mind-numbingly poor, the dialogue is just painful, and the characters aren’t exactly likeable. I’m only about a 1/4 way through so I’ll give it a few more chapters before closing it for good, but I have a feeling this is going to be one of those books I won’t end up finishing. Bugger.
Current music: Monster by Imagine Dragons. So.much.swooooooon.
[youtube=”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4Y7IUByBkU&w=560&h=315″]
Current guilty pleasure: I would say curling up on the couch with a mug of hot chocolate and a good book, buuuuuut thanks to the fact that it now gets cooler and darker a whole lot earlier, I no longer have to feel guilty about staying inside and not taking advantage of gorgeous weather. So… all pleasure, no guilt 😉
Current nail colour: The brights are put away and I’ve officially switched over to fall colours.
Butter London’s Wallis.
Current drink: Silk vanilla almond milk. I’ve always been an Almond Breeze kind of girl, but after the whole carrageenan controversy, I decided to make the switch over to Silk since it doesn’t contain the potentially harmful ingredient. I’m not a huge milk drinker in general, but I’ll use it in my homemade cappuccinos and lattes from time to time.
Current food: This probably won’t surprise anyone, but… I’ve been eating ALL the kabocha!!
There’s a reason that some things tend to become an obsession around the blog world, and that reason is because they’re just freaking DELICIOUS.
Current favorite show: Last month, I admitted to not having turned on my TV in a loooooong while, and I’m pretty sure it hasn’t been on since then. I feel a little out of the loop since everyone seems to be talking about the latest fall lineup, but I honestly can’t find the motivation to sit down and commit to a show. Am I missing out?
Current wish list: A pair of burgundy skinny jeans! It took me a while to warm up to the coloured denim trend, but the more burgundy jeans I see, the more I want a pair of my own. Did I just indadvertedly admit to checking out other girls? Maaaaaybe. But admit it… you do it too.
Current needs: Some fun fall flavours for my new Keurig. After going back and forth on the idea of getting one for a couple of months, I finally came to the conclusion that I needed one back in my life (I had one a few years ago, but it broke down on me 🙁 ). I ended up grabbing one this weekend, but couldn’t find any of the seasonal flavours that I’ve been seeing around on the blog world. Canada… it’s seriously time to get with the program!!
Current triumphs: Kicking butt and taking names in school. I had my first exam last week, and I rocked the socks off that sucker.
Current bane of my existence: Squash cutting. The fact that I’m willing to risk losing my digits every time I slice one of those bad boys open is a true testament to how much I love ’em. I’ve managed to make it this far without incurring any serious injuries (knock on wood), but I have a feeling it’s just a matter of time before I… yeah… I probably shouldn’t finish that sentence.
Current celebrity crush: Again, I don’t really have one. Apparently I’m just no good at this pop culture thing.
Current indulgence: Butter London nail polish. The price tag is a little steep but the quality is undeniable. I don’t think I’ve ever come across a formula that’s easier to work with, and it lasts for a good amount of time without chipping as well.
Current slang: All, all, ALL. As in: “eat ALL the squash!” “do ALL the things!” “drink ALL the coffee…”
Current blessing: ALL the things 😉
Current outfit: Boots, skinnies, and oversized sweaters; aka: my favourite style of all time.
Current excitement: The fact that, at this time next week, I’ll be stuffing myself with turkey, roasted potatoes, cranberry sauce, and all the pumpkin flavoured desserts. Canadian Thanksgiving is happening next Monday, and I can.not.wait. I’ll be in charge of the dessert, so I’m going to have to start doing some serious brainstorming and experimenting this week. Any volunteers for the position of taste tester?
Current mood: Peaceful and reflective. Fall tends to have that effect on me.
Current link: Bloglovin.com. Monday means my reader is exploding with posts. Time to catch up.
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Happy, happy Monday, friends! Kick some a** 😀
Coloured denim: yay or nay?
If you have a Keurig, what’s your favourite K-cup flavour?
What are you currently (in general)…
1) … reading?
2) … doing?
3) … eating/drinking?
I love that polish but I always have the hardest time taking sparkle-y polish off 🙁
Orange is The New Black is a great Netflix show!!!
kabocha is DA BOMB.
i’m currently hooked on parsnip too!
So I am also really bad at pop culture. People talk about celebrities they like all the time, and I usually have no idea, especially if it gets into celebrity gossip…I never have a clue. Love your nail polish and so jealous that you get Thanksgiving already! It’s one of my favorite holidays!
I love Imagine Dragons!! I think half of my last running playlist was their music 🙂
I read the city of bones series but I was 15 at the time so I think that’s probably why I enjoyed it at the time because it was an easy read with an okay story!, But if your willing to give Cassandra Clare another chance she has another series the infernal devices which I enjoyed more because it’s set in the Victorian era I believe.. and the character are so much better!
A few people have said that about Clare, so I think I’ll look into that other series of hers. Thanks, Anne Marie.
I LOVE that Green Mountain Pumpkin Spice coffee. It’s really the best pumpkin coffee ever. I just got Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spice Tea as well. Not too shabby….(I’m a new tea drinker though, coffee will always have my heart)
As for the colored demin, I can’t personally pull it off, but some people look really great in it. I’m usually in fall colors year round. I just love the navy blues, burgandy, greys, blacks, etc.
Haha eat ALL the is one of my favorites! Eats ALL the food, drinks ALL the coffee,…my life.
A place right down the street from me just opened up where you go in and choose 24 kcups from an entires WALL of them. It’s a “mix and match” sort of place. I tried Martinson’s Pumpkin Pie flavor yesterday and needless to say it was BETTER than the Green Mountain one! I still have about 12 flavored ones to try out (the rest of them aren’t flavored..or aren’t coffee [ie tea, hot chocolate…or my pumpkin spice cappuccino!]) but currently I’m sipping on “Winterfest” by Martinson’s brand as well. Still not sure what flavor I’m drinking…but I have to say…incredible!
Colored denim is definitely a yay in my opinion, especially the bright neon colors in the spring and summer 🙂 I don’t have any subdued fall tones… Guess it’s a good reason to go shopping soon – my new Frye boots need a pair of equally fun pants!
Frye boots? Eeee those are gorgeous. I’ve been eyeing those for a while now and bet they’d look great with -subdued- coloured denim 😉
Haha, that’s so cool! I’ve been secretly loving and eyeing, ahem, burgundy pants too!!!!! Hopefully we’ll both come across a pair that’s inexpensive? 😀 And omgness….as much as I love squash and all, I usually end up eating the skin because cutting it is so dangerous, time consuming, and next to impossible. Especially with Selah needing my attention, hehehe. Have a marvelous Tuesday, my dear!
Hey Amanda! I just finished divergent but I would say don’t bother with it! I found it hard to get through and felt the whole concept was a little too far fetched (it’s no hunger games ;)) it was also really violent in a needless way. Anyways just dropping by to say hello and to tell you I love your balanced approach to life 🙂 hope you have a great week lovely Amanda 😉
I hear you about bloglovin. When you think you can take a day off …
Love the nail polish! Green’s a favorite.
Ahh! Why did I not pick up a kobucha squash? I came home from the store with butternut instead. “Last blog year called; it wants it’s squash back. And it’s catch phrase.”
As the resident YA-obsessed bookseller at my shop, I’ve heard lots of people say that they were disappointed with City of Bones. Supposedly, her other series (starting with Clockwork Angel) is much, much better. I haven’t read any of her stuff, but she’s great friends with Holly Black, who I adore. As it’s October and all, and if you’re still in the mood for YA fantasy with both gritty humor and suspense, I’d recommend Holly Black’s Modern Faerie series or her new book The Coldest Girl in Coldtown. Or, have you read Stiefvater’s newest series The Raven Cycle? I think you posted about The Scorpio Races sometime in the past, but The Raven Boys and its new sequel The Dream Thieves are by far her best books. (Ok, done nerding out now!)
Loving your outfit and nail polish! I lived across the street from an H&M for two years in Scotland, and burgundy jeans were freakin’ everywhere! They look so good as the sole colour in an otherwise dark ensemble for Fall. I bet you’d look great in them.
Thanks for the book recs, Sarah! You actually reminded me that I picked up The Raven Boys a while ago and stashed it in my drawers — time to pull that sucker out. I’ll be sure to check out Holly Black as well 🙂
I’m jealous of your Canadian Thanksgiving! Yum! I love that nail color and need to go get some Butter as I hear such great things!
I’m absolutely IN LOVE with that nail color. Yeah…I’m gonna be buying that. Swoon.
I bought a pair of burgundy skinny jeans a month or so ago and I absolutely love them! Definitely pick up a pair of you find some. And awesome job kicking butt in school! That’s one of the best feelings in the world. (:
i looooooove your nails!
I have some serious respect for the time you take to peel the skin off your kabocha. Major props. Luckily, my squash belly doesn’t seem to be worse when I leave the skin on, so I just chop it right up. Still a hazard of course, but I am perhaps a little less likely to lose a finger. Although considering my past kitchen accident history you never know…
I have heard amazing things about Butter London, I may just have to splurge on it soon. I need to add some fall colors to my polish collection!
And the whole carrageenan craziness has me a bit nervous as well, which is why I love making my own almond milk, but I have found a few favorite brands that don’t contain. (On a side note, have you noticed that some almond milks are much less “frothable” than others?)
Butter London is definitely worth the splurge — and nail polish bottles last forever, so it’s a good investment 😉 And I haven’t really noticed that with the almond milks, but then again I don’t have a lot of experience with a lot of different brands.
I love coloured denim! I have royal blue, light pink, and red jeans, and I’m still on the hunt for some emerald and burgundy pairs. I’m hooked!
Kabocha? What is this mystery food? I’ve never heard of it before! 😉
I’m so flipping excited for Thanksgiving too. I’m going to eat ALL the pumpkin pie!
I love the skinnies!! I need a pair in that color, so perfect for this time of year!
You peel your kabocha? I eat it skin and all!! But I get you on the cutting, always say a prayer beforehand. 😉
I’ve only tried eating the skin once and my stomach just wasn’t a fan. I suppose I could just bake it in the skin and eat around it, but I have no idea if that would affect the cooking time or not…
Love that nail polish! As much as I love summery brights, I equally love fall shades.
I’m also a bit jealous of all the kabocha photos, since I can never find it in my local groceries (might have to try the Asian markets).
Currently I’m drinking…a glass of red wine while my dinner cooks. I just can’t justify a Keurig for myself, since both the husband and I enjoy plain (strong) coffee with just a splash of milk. Maybe one day I’ll change my mind, though, because there are so many flavors that intrigue me. Happy Monday!
I love your answer to “Currebt Guilty Pleasure”- great logic :-)! I loooove colored denim although I am yet to brave a pair myself- burgundy sounds like a great shade to wean myself into the trend. I might have to take your advice to eat ALL the squash. Especially as it’s not locally available in Mumbai, I got to make up for lost time ;)! My current drink is a cup of chamomile tea- I am feeling so wired from coffee & jet lag so hopefully this helps knock me out!
My favorite kcups are the Green Mountain French Toast, Caramel Vanilla Cream and Cinnamon Roll…Lately I have been using the individual kcup insert thing where I can brew any coffee I want. It saves me some money and gives me a bit more variety although I am ready to switch back to the convenience of the kcups! lol
Oh no. You don’t like City of Bones? I adored the first three books and struggled with the fourth (probably more due to trying to read some others at the same time but… 😛 ). I thought Clare’s writing was pretty great and it’s one of my favorite series. So interesting how people can view books differently! 🙂
How long does it take you to paint your nails… On average? I feel like with all of your changing colors and perfect-looking nails it must be pretty quick. If I want a non-sloppy job it takes me FOREVER.
My bloglovin be exploding too.
Have you ever tried delicata squash? I think I may love it even more than kabocha!
Different strokes for different folks 😀 I think it takes me something like 5 or 10 minute to paint my nails, depending on how many coats I have to put on — it definitely gets easier with practice. And I’ve never tried delicata, but I keep hearing people mention it so I may just have to pick one up and see what all the fuss is about.
Love your currently posts! I’m currently eating lots of pumpkin and dark chocolate covered cherries and almonds! I can’t seem to get enough. I’m currently looking for another good book to read. Any suggestions? Lastly, I’m currently enjoying the Fall like weather we are finally having. I love that it gets darker earlier and our evenings warrant a nice cup of hot chocolate!
If you’ve never read the Divergent series, then I definitely recommend picking that up. The Delirium series is also really good. For something not YA/dystopian, I really love The Alchemist, The Art of Racing in the Rain, The Name of the Wind, and the Game of Thrones series.
Thanks for the suggestions! I’m going to look them up tonight!
So that is where all the kabocha in Canada has gone? It has been impossible to find in my parts…everyone only cells buttercup squash! And kabocha is actually one of those blogging fads that I love!I hadn’t heard about that whole Almond Breeze thing, however I am going to read more into it. I currently just buy whatever brand is on sale! That is a fantastic nail colour. I just painted my nails lilac purple…probably not very fitting for fall…but I love it anyways 🙂
If Alberta is good for one thing, it’s squash. We have -tonnes- of it around this time of the year, which makes up for the fact that pretty much nothing will grow here but root vegetables and lettuce. And lilac is one of my favourite colours for the spring… It makes me think of Easter <3
Gah LOVE Imagine Dragons. I also really want to get me some kabocha!!
Currently thankful for: my mom’s home-cooked meals.
Currently excited for: homecoming week next week and a four day weekend!! 🙂
Have an awesome week, Amanda!
I hope your kabocha cutting knife is strong- I finally got my bone strength knife from Ikea- so worth it. I bought a Keurig machine (the smallest one) when I was over in America, stocked up on all these random flavoured K cups and dragged the entire thing back to Australia stoked to have a decent instant coffee dispenser. Plug it into the socket- the biggest spark and instant death. My own fault for forgetting Australia + America have different circuits.
I am happy to volunteer (as tribute) and cannot wait to see what you come up with!
Currently- reading this (instead of studying..oops) Current- eating eggs and muffins a la tupperware. Hope your week is off to a good start buddy!
I love how you spend so much time procrastinating in school with blogging 😛 That was the story of my life in the latter part of college. But I have to give you a subtle stank eye for killing a Keurig. I almost made that mistake in Europe with my laptop, but thankfully the sockets were different so I couldn’t even plug it in.
bloglovin monday….craziness!!! Also obsessed with your nails. On my current wishlist 🙂
still haven’t bought a squash yet. don’t sue me a big part is because I hate having to lug them back a full two miles from the store with my other stuff so I just don’t buy it. my dad is here this weekend though with a car so … ALL THE SQUASH. And adore the song. I actually heard a song by Lorde that I will share on my blog tomorrow but I was like, gah Amanda would love this
I love colored denim. I have a pair of red skinny jeans, and a pair of both blue and mint-colored ankle-length denim. I wear all three of them constantly, even more so than regular jeans these days! They’re just fun. I’d love a burgundy pair for the fall, too. Oh, and I TOTALLY check girls out all the time, sometimes even more than dudes 😉 I love to see other girls fashion choices.
I’m planning on roasting up some kabocha tonight after buying a crap-ton of it the other day. Yay.
Gah! Enjoy your kabocha for me! I ran out yesterday and haven’t had a change to pick up any more yet 🙁
I love love love oversized sweaters – and I really need to start drinking more hot chocolate/tea and reading books. Seriously, that has to be one of the best ways to spend a day ever!
I can’t believe Thanksgiving is already next week for you guys!! That is crazy, but I may be slightly jealous I still have to wait a whole month and a half or so 😉
All I drink is Almond Breeze…hmmm. I might have to turn to silk, just dont like the flavor as much. I also love the nail color, I need to buy some fall colors, All i have right now is bright orange pink and yellow!
I’m of the mindset that Mondays and other weekly responsibilities just make the weekends more fun…you know because it’s not something you can enjoy on a daily basis! And honestly, I kinda like getting back into my weekly routine after a couple of days of flying by the seat of my pants…or just on my ass on the couch like I did this weekend! 😉
I was thinking about checking out Mortal Instruments after I saw the movie a couple of weeks ago but you’re the second person I’ve heard had negative thoughts on it…have you seen the movie? I thought it was pretty good!
Coloured denim: Definite Yay! I was hesitant at first too but after I caved and bought some real skinnies last year, I was in love! They go great with my black boots!
As far as the Keurig goes, I don’t have one but I’ve tried a few of the Green Mountain Coffee flavors…the pumpkin spice wasn’t my fave (very spicy), but they have a flavor that’s like toffee or caramel (or both? I any remember) that I tried at Blend and it was amazing! And for the record, I’m all about the “ALL THE THINGS” lately too! As in “eat all the berries, roast all the squash, eat all the leftovers, and pack all the snacks!” 😉
Currently reading blog posts in the car on my way to Cleveland…oh and trying to drive at the same time…kidding! Currently gearing up for fall…ready for sweaters and falling leaves and well, looks like I’m making a trip up to Canadand next Monday to eat all the Thanksgiving dishes! 😉
I haven’t seen the movie, but from what I’ve heard of the books, people either love em or hate em — it’s probably still worth checking out to see which camp you fall in. And I’m pretty sure you just managed to twist my arm and convince me to get some coloured skinnies. Safe trip, lady!!
I totally had the same thing happen recently book wise. I read ‘beautiful creatures’ and it was meh. I’m normally a huge fan of the genre as well.
Love the polish color! I have a similar color. Great halloween-ish shade.
I’m loving cinnamon roll kcup as well (had it this morn). good stuff!
So I know you have a lot of passions, aspirations, and miles upon miles of TALENT, and are destined for a fabulous career. Truth.
But I think you should definitely NOT lose a finger to squash (delicious as it may be), and be a hand model.
Dude , those are some pretty hands you got!
Mine are ugly & stumpy :/.
Xxx
Yes to the colored denim!!! Loving the burgundy color! And soooo jealous you get to have Thanksgiving next week!!! I love this time of year when you get to get all geared up for the holiday season to arrive!!! Yay for all things fall 🙂
Colored demin – yay, all the way! Especially in the spring months 🙂 And you are much too chipper for this Monday! I think I would be a happier person if I had a 3-day weekend every week 😉
But you’ve got COOKIES! Come on! That would make anyone smile! 😛
I would LOVE some colored denim, especially the deep colors. I’ll have to watch for some the next time I’m shopping. I am currently reading up on my Bloglovin’ feed (Mondays are crazy!), doing the whole school thing until later tonight and eating (more so, drinking) a Bolthouse Farms “green goodness” juice – real lunch needs to happen soon! Congrats on your triumph with school; I think I’m finally at that point with this semester. It definitely took me awhile to get into the swing of things. My planner now makes sense (yay!). And….I need some of that guilty pleasure in my life, like this weekend.
Gosh, I always write a novel when I read your posts, but they almost feel like a part of me as well. Monster = LOVE. Best song I bought this weekend.
I love colored denim… wearing burgendy jeggings today actually!
I’m currently reading Steve Jobs biography… not necessarily light reading but I’m trying to get inspired!