The Sunday Currently

It's officially Christmas week! It's also day two of my two week vacation from work!

Double win, in my book.

I haven't had this much time off since college, and part of me has no idea what to do with myself. Another part of me has a list of all the little things I should do {ahem dusting}. And yet another part of me has zero desire to do anything but crash my parents' house and cuddle with Pepper Monster.

I'm currently listening to the latter part of myself, but can you blame me? Look at that face.

Speaking of currently, it's time for The Sunday Currently.

Reading...through Christmas cards. My parents receive so many cards each year, and I love seeing pictures of families growing, new babies, and catching up with lifelong family friends every year.

Writing...down a few drafts for blog posts. I've had a few things I've wanted to discuss/share here, but haven't quite found the right words.

Listening...to some Frank Sinatra Christmas tunes. It makes me sad that the day after Christmas all the musical goodness disappears. I'm soaking in as much Christmas music as I can.

Thinking...that my mother is an incredibly hard person to shop for at Christmas. Anyone else have a few remaining gifts to figure out? Just me? Awesome.

Smelling...evergreen and fir from the Christmas tree. One of my favorite smells of all time.

Wishing...my brother could be home for Christmas this year. I miss him terribly.

Hoping...there might be a slight dusting of snow for Christmas morning. The rain over the last few days has melted the foot of snow we had last week! I'm a true believer that white Christmases are the best kind of Christmases.

Wearing..yoga pants and a tee shirt. My mom and I just went for an early morning walk while we had the chance. The temperature in Massachusetts is 60{!} right now, albeit grey and rainy. Have to take advantage of heat waves like this! We'll be back to highs in the 20s in a few days. 

Loving...this roasted chicken and veggie recipe from Amanda at Marhalls Abroad. I made it for my parents last night and it was SO delish. Amanda has the most beautiful, healthy recipes.

Wanting...a vanilla cinnamon latte from the local coffee shop. And maybe a bagel with cranberry cream cheese. Yes, definitely a bagel.

Needing...to paint my nails in a glittery polish. Sparkly nails always puts me in a festive mood.

Feeling...like a nap will be in order this afternoon.

Clicking...through pictures from this past year. It truly was a wonderful time for me.

The Sunday Currently

Oh, Sunday. Why must you come to an end?

I'm coming at you straight from my couch, in my jammies {7:30 is PJ time in this house lately}, surrounded by my attempt at Christmas decorating...you will kindly note the Christmas lights and that beautiful/wild wreath that was created by yours truly.

Impressive, I know.

Now, moving on to more important things...like the Sunday Currently.

Reading...through an embarrassing pile of mail. I didn't change my address for mail that I didn't consider "essential" when I moved last summer, so my sweet parents have been getting magazines, credit card offers, and jury duty notices by the boatload. Bless them.

Writing...Christmas cards to friends and family. This is the one time of the year that my secret desire for us all to communicate via snail mail is semi-fulfilled. What's better than getting a Christmas card in the mail? Nothing. Exactly.

Listening...to the Michael Buble Holiday Radio on Pandora. This station has been the soundtrack to my Decembers for the last six or so years. Some classic Christmas hits, jazzy tunes, and of course, my boy, Michael, is in all his Christmas glory. Let the tradition continue.

Thinking...I should keep the Christmas lights in my living room up all year. I like the ambiance. Just add a glass of wine and a few candles, and I can have a romantic night in with my TV.

Smelling...my gingerbread candle that makes it smell like there is some yummy goodness baking away in my oven. 

Wishing...the weather forecast for this coming Friday and Saturday would change from rainy to sunny. It's my birthday weekend, so I'd like nothing better than a beautiful December day that can be spent getting some fresh air and vitamin D. Maybe mother nature can make that birthday wish come true :)

Hoping...that the next three weeks of work fly by. I'm ready for my two week break!

Wearing...leggings, a big sweater, and slippers...I'm trying not to keep my apartment too warm because I'm already dreading my first oil bill. New England antique houses are charming and full of character, but also tough on your piggy bank with their drafty windows.

Loving...that I finally got the horn on my car fixed after four months without it. Sometimes, you just need to beep at someone. It's a Massachusetts thing. I promise I'm not a crazy driver.

Wanting...this Zara scarf to add to my collection. It looks positively gorgeous. Maybe worth a birthday splurge this week?

Needing...a little bit of energy. Even with five days off, I still feel like I'm recovering from Thanksgiving.

Feeling...like I'll be in bed by 8:30 tonight. I had a tough day of hanging my two strands of Christmas lights.

Clicking...through spaghetti squash recipes. I always do the same thing with my spaghetti squash...tomatoes/garlic/olive oil, but want something with a little more flavor. Any suggestions?

Sunday Currently

I keep saying it, but really, where does the time go? I keep thinking things that happened last month were just last weekend. And the last two weeks have been a complete blur. People often say that time passes much faster as you get older. I couldn't agree more with that sentiment. 

As I catch up on life {and time zones}, I thought I'd join in the Sunday Currently fun with Lauren.

{Sunset over Greenvale Vineyards a few weeks ago}

Reading...through about two tons of mail that is still delivered to my parents house. Sorry, Mom and Dad.

Writing...addresses on postcards I forgot to send from the Grand Canyon last weekend. Oops. 

Listening...to The Holiday in the background. Hands down, this is one of my all time favorite movies. I will probably watch it at least twice a week until the end of January. I wish this was a joke. 

Thinking...I need to unpack the massive suitcase and two large duffle bags that I have been living out of for the last few weeks.

Smelling...pine needles and evergreen. I took a wreath making class with my Mom today, and now my whole apartment smells like Christmas. I don't hate it.

Wishing...that my brother could be home for the holidays. Having him overseas this time of year straight-up sucks. The end.

Hoping...that work goes by quietly and quickly tomorrow and Tuesday. I'm ready to get back to Massachusetts for some darn good food and laughs with my crazy family.

Wearing...PJs. Another pair of turquoise and black fair isle leggings found their way into my bureau, and they have been keeping me warm since my return from the Arizona desert on Thursday. The high today was 26 F with a steady windchill of 5 F. I love New England, but I'm not cut out for the cold weather.

Loving...my glass(es) of Rhode Island Red from Carolyn's Sakonnet Vineyards. There's something about a glass of red that warms up the soul on cold nights, don't you think?

Wanting...to go somewhere warm over the Christmas holiday. I have almost three weeks off, and I can't help but feel somewhere tropical is calling my name.

Needing...more sleep. I've slept at least twelve hours for the last three nights (unheard of in these parts!) with multiple naps thrown in for good measure. I've slept more in the last three days than I had in the last three weeks combined...yet somehow, my body is still craving more shut eye. Perhaps it's a good thing that I'm already in my PJs at 7:45 PM. 

Feeling...incredibly thankful. The last few months have been insane/amazing with only a few minutes to pause here and there. But the craziness has been so full of love, friends, family, and new experiences. I wouldn't have it any other way. How I am blessed enough to have this life, I will never know. 

Clicking...through my Pinterest boards. Finally sorting through all my pins to make sure they are properly linked.

The Sunday Currently

Oh, weekend, why must you come to an end. An extra hour of sleep, yet I still feel like I could spend a solid day curled up under the covers reading and drinking peppermint mochas. The fact that there were stray snowflakes both in Rhode Island and Massachusetts today does not help my desire to retreat under a pile of blankets.

I thought I'd join in on The Sunday Currently fun with Lauren :)

Reading...about the Grand Canyon. I will be making a little trek there in two weeks. Another item to knock off my bucket list!

Writing...snail mail to some long-lost friends. Not really long-lost, just I-haven't-seen-them-in-a-looooooong-time friends.

Listening...to the Patriots/Steelers game. I look up to watch when the commentators start getting excited voices. 

Thinking...whoever said a bottle of wine yields four glasses is a big, fat liar. Three. Tops.

Smelling...veggies roasting in the oven. After visiting the farmers' market again yesterday morning, I stocked up on veggies for the week. I wanted to try cooking them in a new way, so I'm trying three different recipes for roasting. So far, I think I have made the best roasted carrots in the history of ever and some damn good spicy broccoli. We'll see how the garlic roasted potatoes come out. 

Wishing...that time would simultaneously slow down and speed up. I have so much I'm looking forward to in the next few months, but I've been SO enjoying life as it is right now. I wish there was more time to soak in the happy things in life.

Hoping...the weather stays as perfect as it has been for the next few weeks. Temps in the high 50s and gloriously sunny...how is this not everyone's favorite time of year?

Wearing...Fair Isle leggings and an oversized chambray shirt. Leggings and oversized sweaters/shirts have been my weekend uniform of late. I don't hate it. Stretchy waistbands for the win.

Loving...my OSU snuggie. One of the best Christmas presents ever {thanks, Santa}. It is singlehandedly preventing me from turning on my heat. I have a goal that I won't turn it on until November 1st - we'll see if I can make it through the week. Oil bills {heating a 100+ year old house} are for the birds.

Wanting...a red flannel shirt. Cozy. Slightly oversized. Soft. Finding a woman's flannel shirt for the fall/winter months is proving the be much harder than I ever expected. I think L.L.Bean may have saved the day, as I just ordered this bad boy. Hopefully it will fulfill my flannel dreams.

Needing...more sleep. I bounce between weeks of insomnia to a few days where I can't get enough sleep, which means I can be found in bed before 9 PM and sleeping until the last possible second {i.e. this weekend. I was shamelessly in bed watching Pride and Prejudice on Friday night at 8:30}.

Feeling...positively content and happy. The crisp fall air has me all sorts of giddy. Plus I've had four of the last five weekends spent with my darling friends in four lovely places. Since we all live across the country from each other, I'm on cloud nine in the friend-time department. And another dear friend will visit in two weeks. Heaven!

Clicking...Love and Lemons. They have the most delicious, colorful recipes. After browsing their page for a few minutes, I always feel so inspired to my my own healthy, beautiful meals.

The Sunday Currently

Hello, dear friends. Thanks for bearing with me for the last few weeks. I'm coming to you from the sweetest little tea and coffee shop in my new city: Newport, RI. Newport has been a frequent retreat and day trip for me every summer for most of my life, so when I had the opportunity to move here for a year, I leaped at it. Literally.

{Newport this past Easter. Note, the dreary skies pictured here are currently filled with sunshine and a few clouds}.

So now the moving is finished, and most of my things are unpacked. I'm still trying to get organized and settled into my new space, but it's slowly coming together. There are a few loose ends that I need to tie up {more precisely, I need more space for my shamefully large collection of clothes}.

Another Sunday, and my second link up with Lauren for The Sunday Currently:

Reading...all the blogs I haven't had time to catch up on over the last few weeks.

 Writing...little things to myself about what I've learned in life so far. Little lessons that have been eye-opening. Things that my parents always told me but I didn't believe until I discovered or experienced it for myself. I plan to share some of these on this little space soon.

Listening...to some very relaxing acoustic music playing in the background. My kind of music. Also, just bought Sara Bareilles' new album, which I can't wait to hear.

Thinking...Life is good. God is good. This is exactly where I'm supposed to be right now{figuratively and literally}.

Smelling...delicious tea leaves brewing. Seriously, I'm going to do a post on this place in the very near future. I'm already in love. 

Wishing...that there was one more day in the weekend. I'd love to soak up this beautiful weather just a little longer.

Hoping...for some rain to put me to sleep tonight. The sound of rainfall is like a lullaby to me. It's beautiful and familiar sound can always send me off to a peaceful slumber.

Wearing...a worn-in, comfy dress that I've had for a few years. Blue leopard print. I'm wild like that.

Loving...my new apartment. The second I walked in, I knew it was the place for me. Huge bay windows, hardwood floors, and a beautiful kitchen {in which I hope to teach myself to cook}. It is perfect. 

Wanting...to go to the farmer's market this week to load up on fresh goodness.

Needing...a pedicure. After moving and being on the go for the last three weeks, my tootsies are in desperate need of some TLC.

Feeling...nervous and anxious and excited to begin my new job tomorrow morning. I've been waiting for this day for the last six months, so it's a little surreal that I won't be going to my old office in Massachusetts. I am so eager to learn something new, though. 

Clicking...through websites of armoires that would be a good fit for my little place. I wanted something with a little character, and I'm beginning to think that consignment shops and antique stores might be my best bet.

The Sunday Currently 1

Holy Sunday, Batman! How is this weekend mostly over? This weekend has be wonderful, albeit oppressively hot and humid. That means hours spent at the beach with my beautiful little cousins and a few bowls scoops of ice cream here and there. 

I've been reading The Sunday Currently on Lauren's blog for a while now. It always seems like an appropriate way to end a weekend and begin a new week. To me, it's a recap of a specific moment{s} in time. A reflection of your current mood and actions. Bottom line, I think this idea is genius, and it's about time I joined the fun. So here is my first Sunday Currently.

Reading...

...Seating Arrangements by Maggie Shipstead. I'm only a chapter into it, but the writing is beautifully descriptive.

Writing...

...lists upon lists. To do lists. Grocery lists. Target lists. Packing Lists. You name it, I probably have a list for it at the moment.

Listening...

...to the sound of many fans trying to cool down our little cottage. The humidity and heat at the Cape this weekend have been unusually high. I do like the fans though because they give perfect white noise, which makes for a sound night's sleep. Who needs air conditioning anyway? {What you can't see is me raising my hand right now.}

Thinking...

...very few thoughts. There's something about heat and catching up on sleep that deprives the brain from any kind of profound breakthroughs and deep thinking.

Smelling...
Bagels and coffee from JoMama's. My brother and I have been making it a Sunday tradition to grab iced coffee and their "Feel Good" breakfast sandwiches. Their bagels are straight from Brooklyn and are baked fresh all morning. Mouthwatering.

Wishing...
...that the weekend wouldn't end. All weekends should be 3 day weekends. Right? Right.

Hoping...

...for a stunning sunset tonight.

Wearing...

...the thinest, coolest sundress I could find in my closet. 

Loving...

...the amount of time I've been spending with my family lately. Between my brother's college graduation and ceremonies and our family trip last week, we've had more quality time in the last three weeks than we've had together in the last six months.

Wanting...

...to try out hundreds of recipes from Love & Lemons in my new kitchen. Their recipes are so fresh and healthy, it makes me want to skip all the way to the farmers' market. 

Needing...

...to paint an old bureau that will be serving as my TV stand in my new apartment. Sadly, due to the heat and potent fumes, this project is constantly moved to the bottom of my to-do list. I can't procrastinate much longer though - only a week until my furniture will be moved!

Feeling...

...excited for the new changes that will really hit home in the next few weeks. 

Clicking...

...thorough furniture websites. It's time for a new couch, and it's been a little harder than expected to find the right one. I've found several designs that I really love, but after seeing them in the stores, I discovered their quality is not particularly high. I'm going to see a few more today, so maybe I will find the couch of my dreams? Fingers crossed!