Sunday Currently {22}

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Reading
Stacks of magazines (seriously just about caught up) and flipping through Martha Stewart’s Handmade Holiday Crafts book. Every year I say I’m going to do some homemade gifts…..and every year, the time gets away from me and a never follow through. Maybe this year will be the year.
Writing
Notes and lists to prep for this weekends travels to Maryland. It’s been a month since we’ve been up and we need a family visit.
Listening
After a tip from a friend on Twitter, I downloaded Bel Biv Devoe’s Poison…very early 90’s but very good.
Thinking
We need to carve our pumpkin by Tuesday night.
Smelling
Target’s Perfect Night (soy candle). I picked it up on clearance last week and it smells wonderful. I have some great Bath and Body Works Pumpkin candles that I’m planning on using next.
Wishing
That a cold winter wasn’t in front of us. Yesterday morning it was 25 degrees out…a little too cold for October.
Hoping
The kids have a nice Halloween this year and the temperatures are mild enough that we can go to more than 5 houses. It was cold and windy last year.
Wearing
Lululemon Skinny Will pants and and Old Navy hoodie….pretty much my lazy weekend clothes.
Loving
That Thanksgiving and Christmas are around the corner….hands down my favorite Holidays.
Wanting
Some new sweaters and shoes
Needing
Cold weather accessories – for everyone in the house. We got through last year ok, but with the predictions that it will be a super cold winter, I need to step it up this year.
Feeling
Better than I did after Mass this morning. I was driving back and felt a migraine coming on, so I came home and relaxed as much as I could. It usually wears me out so I didn’t get all the things I wanted to get done today.
Clicking
A lot of Pinterest lately.
Are you linking up with Lauren?

Sunday Currently {21}

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This picture was taken last Friday when we were leaving the Soccer field. Haven’t the skylines been amazing lately?
Reading
I haven’t started yet, but I have 2 books on my desk right now that I plan to get into this week:
1. Small Steps for Catholic Moms
2. The 7 Experiment (this is a book club / Facebook group that I joined).
I will keep you posted on my progress with both.
Writing
In my planner and getting the next 2 months planned out. We are planning to go to MD sometime soon, but with everyone’s schedule it’s becoming a bit harder to do as much as we’d like to.
Listening
Three times this week I heard Elvis Presley’s, “I Cant Help Falling in Love With You” and all thee times I was a ball of mush. It’s funny how certain songs can do that to you.
Thinking
I’m starting to get a handle on some of the home organizing, although I’d like to purge more. It’s highly unlikely that we will be in Blacksburg another year after August 2014, so some of the things we brought that we still haven’t used need to go. I find myself on an occasion getting rid of things but then you come back to the house and the stuff seems to multiply.
Smelling
The gym….nothing great
Wishing
The buys would start listening better. It’s at the point where their favorite things are being taken away to make a point and that more often, tortures Tim and I more than them (whining).
Hoping
That things are going well in our house back in Maryland. We have new renters and we haven’t heard anything regarding move in, etc. I have contacted our property manager and she’s been responsive. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that no news is good news.
Wearing
Work out clothes….currently I’m on the elliptical at the gym.
Loving
Also, the fact that Tim and I were able to get a babysitter last week and make it to a Virginia Tech football game. It’s funny that when we lived in Maryland, we drove here every weekend in the fall for games (club seat season ticket holders). We moved 2 miles from campus thinking we would go every game. Tim goes, but it’s been since the 2010 season that I’ve been to a game….crazy, right?
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Wanting
New clothes….I have a very sad closet right now. This isn’t like me to not do just a little shopping, although Tim is not complaining that I’m not spending money.
Needing
To start planning for Thanksgiving. I’m so happy that my parents decided to come down this year and spend the Holiday with us. Last year was the first time (EVER) for both Tim and I where we didn’t spend the Holiday with family.
Feeling
So much better than I did the last two days. I’ve noticed in the last year that when rain is coming that my back and arms get so sore. Friday and Saturday were pretty brutal for me all day. Once is rains, the pain goes away…..so I’m just popping Ibuprofren (which I don’t like to do unless I need to) until the rain comes.
Clicking
Lots of clothing sites…ordering nothing….not that I don’t want to.
Are you linking up with Lauren?

Sunday Currently {20}

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HAPPY FALL!!!!!
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Reading
I should just start ignoring this one, because my stack of magazines is getting bigger and I’m not getting much time to sit down and read lately. I actually was able to sit and read the September Lucky Magazine with Blake Lively…gosh she is so pretty – want her hair…want her clothes!
Writing
Meals and menu planning. I’m getting better at this but working to improve
Listening
Coldplay (Atlas). Download it….your welcome!
Thinking
It’s getting darker way earlier in mid-late September than I ever remember. I don’t hate it..just an observation. It’s also the first day of Fall and if you have never been to Blacksburg, VA, it sure is beautiful this time of year!
Smelling
Chesapeake Bay Candle Cinnamon Roll candle. I’m ready to take advantage of Bath and Body Works sales and get some of their fall scented candles. I like them so much better than Yankee Candles.
Wishing
I was better at decorating a home. I’m so terrible. I have typically stuck to basic pieces and neutral colors, but it’s getting pretty boring. Does anyone have a house that looks like a Pinterest house?
Hoping
The renters we just signed a lease with for our house in MD work out great. It’s such a relief to finally get someone in.
Wearing
Gap Skinnies, my Steve Madden brown boots and a grey sweater. It was cold enough this morning for this, but has since warmed up outside.
Loving
Trader Joes Pumpkin Spice Tea. They sold out quick last year, but I’ve had my mom on top of it and they just stocked in the stores this week. You bet she picked up 4 cans for me!
Wanting
A new grey crew neck sweater and brown handbag. I will spend way too much time looking for the perfect and most affordable versions
Needing
To find some new books for Graham. He’s in kindergarten and reading by himself so well. Major proud mom!
Feeling
Productive…need to keep this feeling going
Clicking
On some of my favorite stores online shops (All the Gap Inc. stores & J Crew). I want to get a few new pieces and staple items for fall / winter. Plus everyone seems to be having great sales right now.
Be sure to head over to Lauren’s blog and see what other bloggers are up to this Sunday!

Sunday Currently {19}

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Reading – Magazines still, but looking for new recipe inspiration for the family. I’m on a “make everything yourself” kick and buying less and less processed foods. I’ve been getting better about making things homemade instead of popping something frozen into the oven/microwave. My husband and kids are big pizza fans, so I’m looking for a great fresh pizza dough recipe. Anyone have one they’d like to share?

Writing – Lots of lists (To Do, Grocery, Meal Planning)

Listening – Depeche Mode (Policy of Truth) & Coldplay- Atlas. This is in addition to some of the random downloads from this week (Digital Underground (Humpty Dance), The Outfield (Your Love) and Chicago (If you Leave me Now).

Thinking – We made a great decision putting Graham in soccer. He loves it, the league is fantastic and I think it will be some fun, Friday night fun for our family. It was so nice to see so many young families (our age) and some of the kids classmates from school.

Smelling – Chesapeake Bay Candle- Cinnamon Roll. I think I’m pretty much over Yankee Candle’s and have a love for Chesapeake Bay Candles & Bath and Body Works Candles. I feel they burn cleaner and smell awesome!

Wishing – Tim can get though the next 2 weeks and get some adequate sleep. He’s tremendously busy with school and getting little to no sleep. You can guess how fun it is at our house-he’s usually a grump when he’s tired. I’ve been trying to be a good wife (keeping hot water in the tea pot all the time for hot tea and making sure there is something in the fridge that he can heat up quickly when he has time to break).

Hoping – My parents came make the trip here soon. Would love for a long weekend too….that way they can be here for Friday night soccer. I just talked with them a bit ago and they made reservations to come down for Thanksgiving which makes me SO HAPPY!!!!!

Wearing – Lululemon Skinny Will Pants (my favorite) and an Old Navy Long sleeve. It’s a high of 67 and it was 50 degrees this morning.

Loving – That the temperatures were 47 yesterday morning. Fall weather is my favorite

Wanting – To be better about following through. I make plans, sign up for things or commit myself to something and I continually back out. Like the Hokie 5K I signed up to run today…and didn’t go to.

Needing – To try some new recipes for myself. I was thinking of following a vegetarian lifestyle, but after doing some research the last few days and knowing how I’ve been feeling the last few months, I think it may not be the best for me. Being Anemic, and not having enough Iron in my Diet from no meat isn’t really good. Plus, I don’t want to take tons and tons of vitamins and supplements. I’d rather get my vital nutrients from food (good & healthy foods, of course).

Feeling – Happy! I’m ready for the changing of the seasons and the Fall / Winter holidays.

Clicking – On Target.com this morning and snagging a Phillip Lim for Target bag.

Be sure to head over to Lauren’s blog and see what other bloggers are up to this Sunday!

Sunday Currently {18}

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What a busy week it is been. School started this past Wednesday (9/4) for both kids and I must say I’m happy to be back into the routine of car lines, drop off’s and getting lunches made.

Reading: Magazines. That seems to be the trend lately, right? Week after week I’m reading the same thing. I’m so behind and I cannot wait for all the fall issues to be coming out. This is my favorite season!

Writing: lists, lists, lists. School started this week and there seems to be something else the kids need.

Listening: music playlists that I made last year when we first got to Blacksburg (Imagine Dragons, Lumineers). Don’t laugh but I was enjoying the soundtracks for
the first two Twilight movies – great music!

Thinking: I need to get out more and be 31…not 61. One of my friends that I have met here in Blacksburg invites me out all the time and I make it out about 50% of the time.

Smelling: gym sweat….gross, I know. I’m at the gym right now so it’s to be expected.

Wishing: Soccer is successful for Graham this year. We signed him up when he was 3 and he was not ready. He did t ball this spring and loved it. He’s 5now so I think soccer will be good.
While we are on the subject, do any of you remember playing organized sports at 3? What’s the push to make our kids grow up so fast?

Hoping: We get our morning routine down to a science this week. I am a perpetual planner and ready for the morning the night before. Those last 20
minutes before getting everyone in the car are insane.

Wearing: Gapfit Gfast leggings, Lululemon cool racerback and Nikes….gym attire.

Loving: that fall lineups are starting soon. I have to admit, I find myself turning into my dad and watching less network tv and more news. Movies
never happen anymore. I have the time for 1/2 hr shows….I can’t sit still and I’m constantly pausing.

Also that Tim took graham to the Virginia Tech vs. Western Carolina football game yesterday and they stayed the entire time. Graham had a blast,
decided he liked being in the club (season club ticket holders) and loved the experience. I’ve been waiting years for them to have something they enjoy doing together.

Wanting: a new brown satchel….something I can use for years-not for just this season.

Needing: some new meal ideas for lunches (kids). I have one kid who will eat anything and all the good things (fruits/veggies) that I give him. My
oldest, is a challenge.

Feeling: awake and alert-ready to start my Sunday.

Clicking: Pinterest a lot for some new recipe inspiration.

Be sure to head over to Lauren’s blog and see what other bloggers are up to this Sunday!

The Old Line State

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Born and raised, I hail from Maryland. If you haven’t been or already know, the food, the culture, the history, the sites and the scenery are like no other. We have all 4 seasons (sometimes to the extreme and sometimes average) and we have a mix of coastal towns, mountains, farmland and city living (Baltimore and DC Suburbs).

Both sides of our family are in Maryland, while we are presently living in Virginia. While this situation is only temporary, it’s still unsure if we will go back (and put our house up for sale) or if we will move on somewhere else (wherever husband gets a job teaching at a 4 year University – keeping my fingers crossed for the South 🙂 ).

Are you linking up with Jenni from Story of My Life and her Blogtember Challenge?



Sunday Currently {17}

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The weather has been phenomenal the last few days and I can’t help but get SO excited for the upcoming Fall season. Back to school, pumpkin spiced/flavored everything, change of color in nature and the cool weather just makes me so happy. I hope you all have been enjoying this weather as well. Before we know it, Instagram will be flooded with pumpkin patch pictures and Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte’s.

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Reading – Still catching up on magazines. I seriously have a pile of magazines (Aug / Sept) that is about 6 inches thick to catch up on. I’m normally better about it, but with traveling and trying to get ready for school for everyone, there hasn’t been a lot of down time.

Writing – Some handwritten notes (catching up with some friends) , grocery and to-do lists. If I don’t write it down, it will be forgotten. I always tell Tim to NOT tell me his schedule for a given week (month) but to write it down.

Listening – To the sounds of the kids playing with their trains. I was starting to think they were outgrowing their train fascination, but it’s still here and they love them. Train sounds (from the kids) are heard in this house often.

Thinking – about school and/or work. I decided to not take classes this semester – mostly because I’m not mentally prepared to start a class tomorrow after not being home and not having the time to read up ahead of time. Also, I’d like to see if I can find something very part time around here that is suitable for a stay at home mom who has mornings free (both kids in school – 1 all day, the other everyday in the mornings).

Smelling – bleach – did some cleaning today.

Wishing – My husband a great start to the new school year. This is a very important year for him and hoping to achieve his goal of having his PhD by August 2014. He is also going to be doing some teaching and has a graduate assistantship this semester so he’s going to be on campus often as well as his office downstairs.

Hoping – To enjoy the last week of summer vacation with the kids before the craziness of the school year begins. Believe me….going back to school is my favorite time of year – I think I love it more than summer.

Wearing – Gap Skinny crops and a navy boatneck from Ann Taylor. Pretty standard.

Loving – That Fall is around the corner!!!! I wish it could be Fall year round. Blacksburg is a pretty impressive place for the Fall too – absolutely gorgeous.

Wanting – to get some new jeans and leggings for fall / winter. Also thinking I need a few new staple solid pieces. I think “some” trendy things are cute, but I stick with Classic looks. Always have, always will.

Needing – To keep the grocery bill within a budget this month. I HAVE to be better with this.

Feeling – a little achy in my arms as I was doing some scrubbing this morning.

Clicking – on some new healthy living, healthy recipe and fitness blogs.

Be sure to head over to Lauren’s blog and see what other bloggers are up to this Sunday!

Six Things

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I was tagged by Sarah, The Quixotic Chica, to complete 6 Questions. Doing most of this in the car and in the middle of traveling, I wasn’t able to give it my full attention, but wanted to make sure to keep up with the post.

What book or movie best describes how you view life?

I don’t think my life resembles any such thing, but I’ve always dreamed of living the life of Kathleen Kelley (Meg Ryan) in You’ve Got Mail. I always loved the apartment, her business, her clothes and her cuteness.

Lets talk brunch, what would you order from one of DC finest?
It’s been years since I’ve been to DC for anything. I used to like this quaint little cafe in H
Georgetown called News Cafe. They had the most amazing salads. For some reason, I feel like it is not there anymore.
Tell us about a time you surprised yourself (good or bad).
I ran my 1st 5k last April (2012) and I completed it in 27:29 which was a little more than a 7 minute mile for each of the 3. I didn’t realize I had pushed and aim hat quick. I came in 3rd in my age group of 30-39 which I had just entered after turning 30 a few weeks earlier.
If you could live in a different time period, what would it be and why?
The 50’s and 60’s were always fascinating time periods I feel (culturally, musically, socially).
What gives you inspiration?
When I have so e quiet, alone time. I can get the most done without any distractions.
Quick, what is the last thing you googled?
Thesis kind of funny….Kristin Cavaleri hairstyles. I was showing Tim a few ways I wanted my hair to look when it gets to a certain length and I recently saw a few pinned photos on Pinterest.

http://thequixoticchica.blogspot.com/2013/08/six-things.html

Sunday Currently {16}

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Hope everyone is having a great week. We are just getting back into VA and ready to start the week.

Reading- stacks of magazines. With all the traveling we’ve been doing back and forth between Maryland in July and August I haven’t had much time to sit down and enjoy.

Writing- lists for back to school. All the main stuff has been purchased (school supplies), but still need to get some clothes for the kids and for Tim (he will be a TA this semester).

Listening- to Keane (hopes and dreams)…our favorite album. Also we’ve been listening to a Michael Jackson greatest hits CD. Graham’s favorite song is Rock With You.

Thinking- I like these quick trips back home (Friday-Sunday) rather than week to two week trips. Much easier to pack.

Smelling- McDonald’s food in the car (gross)….Tim and the kids were hungry.

Wishing- my folks come Into town in the next few weeks. I haven’t been to a Virginia Tech game in 2 years (crazy) and I would love to go to one this year.

Hoping- for continued progress with my mother in law. She suffered a stroke a few weeks ago and she is making remarkable improvement everyday.

Wearing- jeans, tank and a North Face jacket (lightweight)

Loving- that I got to spend some time with my parents this weekend. It was nice to treat them to lunch.

Needing- for the school year and our busy school routine to begin again.

Feeling- awake and alert. I had a great workout this morning and it just set the tone for the day.

Clicking- as soon as I get home, the Gap online sale.

Don’t forget to visit Lauren’s blog and catch up on Sunday Currently from other bloggers. Hope you all have a great week!