The November Obsession List

Posted on December 2, 2010 by Nora

So I would have posted this list yesterday except I totally forgot that December started this week (seriously, it feels like 2010 *just* started) and I’m a bit behind this week…

* Baking.

I tend to get all cozy, homey and interested in all things related to the kitchen again around this time of year. For the last three or four weekends I’ve baked up a storm: chocolate & peanut butter fudge, chocolate cake cookies, cupcakes, vanilla pudding cookies and then cupcakes again by request. Fortunately I have a lot of people around me who are up to eat it all, otherwise we’d have a real problem (read: Nora’s pants wouldn’t be fitting).

* Family.

Again, I think it’s a season thing. I mean, I love my family all the time but lately nothing is more fun to me than sitting and enjoying time with the parents after a meal, relaxing, chatting, just being. I’m blessed to have awesome parents and even more blessed that they enjoy spending time with me, too.

* Christmas Shopping.

I tend to start my Christmas lists for friends/family in early November, just because there are always things I don’t want to forget. I’ve had the shopping bug since before Thanksgiving. It’s so fun. So addicting. So expensive….!

* Feeling Good.

About life. About work. About the direction I’m headed in. About my heart and the ability to love.
I smile and laugh much more than before; my heart and head is lighter.
I’ve been working towards being the original version of myself for quite some time and it’s so lovely to really feel like I’m “back.” I don’t if it’s the season, that time really does heal all wounds, the fact that I have fabulous friends and family, or what it is, but I love it.

Other than that, friends, I’m sorry to report there is nothing I’m really obsessing over this month. I’m sure I’ll have loads of new things to love this month as it’s early and I’m already loving it.

What caught your attention this past month!?

1. The October Obsession List

Posted on November 1, 2010 by Nora

Can we just talk for a second about how today is November 1st? As in Thanksgiving is soon? And then Christmas? I can’t even believe how fast this year is flying by. Now that I’ve got that out of my system, we can talk obsessions. I’ve got quite a few, particularly in the music department.

* “Monster Trail Mix,” from Target. So addictive. So delicious. So bad for the waistline.

* My new phone, a Samsung Galaxy. I love the Droid platform, the touch screen, the speed, the quality of both sound and camera. I don’t know why it took me so long to make the switch; I finally feel like part of the “in crowd,” with a touch screen and the endless amount of apps that are available to me.

* I was gifted a Microsoft Zune for my birthday in September and seriously, it’s amazing. I know a lot of people love iPods but I’m a strictly PC house, so the Zune it is. The Marketplace (aka where I can download as much as I want for free a month) is fabulous and amazing. I’ve been introduced to new artists, rediscovered some of my old favorites and rather than watch tv each night I’ve started listening to music each night before bed. The result? Blissful sleep each evening. (And no, they didn’t pay me to talk about this, I just love it that much. It goes every where with me.)

* My journaling. As a result of the creative journaling class I am taking I’ve started to hone in on my journaling skills. I’m sure to most people it’s probably rather boring but it’s nice to have another outlet to privately sort out thoughts, feelings and etc. I haven’t really started in on the “creative” aspect of the journal but I’m working up to it.

* Neon Trees, Animal. I hear this song on a daily basis and can’t help but sing to it at the top of my lungs.

* Zac Brown Band, Free. I’m sure I’m late to the game on this band but I’m in love (and quickly become a huge fan of all things country-esque. It was bound to happen.)

Any obsessions to share this month?

The September Obsession List

Posted on September 30, 2010 by Nora

A huge thank you to everyone for all the lovely texts, cards, emails, tweets, phone calls and flowers yesterday! Each and every one of you made my birthday an incredibly special day and I thank you for that! I will be answering the questions I received from yesterday’s post early next week, so stay tuned. Back to regularly scheduled programming, and again, THANK YOU!!!!

I think I need to work on finding more obsessions because lately the monthly lists have been a little dull. (Also, how is it possible that October starts tomorrow!?)

The rundown for this past month:

* Cleaning Sprees. I know, so totally Donna Reed of me, but so true. Lately nothing gives me a greater sense of accomplishment on a Sunday afternoon than a thorough room once over: dusting, decluttering, picking up, putting away, re-organizing. Everything feels a lot lighter for a few days after I clean.

* Brownies. I found a great recipe for fabulous, made-from-scratch chewy brownies. They don’t make much (an 8×8 pan) but they are so delicious and have that great homemade taste. I’ll dig out the recipe and share it with anyone who wants it. They don’t take long to whip up either so I’ve been making them every other week.

* Accessorizing. I am fortunate to have a fair amount of jewelry and lately I’ve done a piss-poor job of accessorizing my outfits. That all changed earlier this month. I’m actually putting thought into my rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets. Now that fall is settling in I can add scarves to that list too.

* Running Outside. My Physical Therapist wanted me to ease into outdoor runs, which I did. Since it’s been going well I’m running outside twice a week, soaking up the fall air, kicking the leaves up as I run, taking in the sunset and nodding to other runners and bikers as they go past. I don’t love the hills that surround my suburb but they are making me stronger with each run. Feels so good to have that part of me back.

* Playing with Fashion. I’m learning to be a bit more “me” in the fashion area of my life and it feels damn good. I’m playing with my look a little bit, mixing and matching “genres” of clothes if you will, and the result has been not only fun, but I feel more confident and comfortable.

* My friends. Over the past few weeks in an effort to get acclimated to what my life will be like post-grad school, I’ve started going out more, making plans, trying new things with different groups of people. It has reminded me I have some great friends both near and far (especially far as of late!) and gives me lots of hope for all the things yet to come.

Anything that has really caught your fancy in the last monght? Any suggestions for me to check out in the next month?

The August Obsession List

Posted on August 30, 2010 by Nora

It’s been a slower month in the obsession-arena of my life; I attribute most of this to the fact that I spent two weeks of the month relaxing in between classes.

Here’s the short list for this month:

* Mineral Foundation. I know I’m incredibly late to jump on this bandwagon but I just bought some Mineral Foundation and I love it. I have a more finished look and it lasts all day. In short, I feel more like a grown-up woman when I wear it.

* 10K Training. I’m on my fourth week of training and though I had to take a few days off due to that pesky sickness last week, so far, so good. My knees are doing well but maybe that’s because I’m babying them a little bit: lots of stretching and ice after runs. It feels so great to be back at the gym six days a week, working towards a goal and seeing positive changes in my body. I forgot how addictive it is.

* Leverage. As in, the TV show. I caught a few episodes over year ago and just now decided to Netflix them. I never get bored with the plot, one of the cast members is particularly easy on the eyes and it’s just kind of fun. And while we are on the subject of TV, I can’t forget Drop Dead Diva, Rescue Me (which I’m wildly behind on), and True Blood. I may have a slight summer-tv addiction. Just a little one…

* Walks with Jack. In an effort to help him lose weight and also to spend quality time with my furry best friend, we have been going on more walks. The weather has been cooler the last week, Jack is so happy to be outside, and listening to the quiet stillness of the neighborhood is relaxing.

That’s all I have this month! Anything that you couldn’t get enough of this past month? Anything that I must try out?

The July Obsessions

Posted on July 30, 2010 by Nora

I’m sure I sound a bit like a broken record by now but it seems like just the other day that I posted about my June Obsessions. I can’t believe that there are only six weeks left of summer (we mark the end of summer as Labor Day, the product of having parents who were born & raised on the East Coast).

* Black Cherry Soda. I haven’t had Black Cherry Soda since I was six and lived in Charlotte. There was this great little deli not far from where we lived then and on the weekends it was a treat to get a hot dog and black cherry soda. I’m trying really hard to kick the carbonation habit, but when I saw that this soda (I found it at Whole Foods) has no high fructose corn syrup, is made with 100% cane sugar, no additives or food coloring, I had to try it. It is amazing.

* Watching my comfort shows: Friends, Gilmore Girls, Sex and the City. I know, I know, these are old shows but they don’t make TV quite like this anymore (funny, a little bit touching, a little bit serious, entertaining). (I’m not big on reality TV or competition TV.) I find myself laughing out loud at Joey in Friends, falling in love with Mr. Big all over again, and coveting nearly all of Rory’s outfits season 5-7.

* Downtime. Normally I come home from work, take Jack for a walk and immediately dive into helping with dinner and/or doing my homework. The last few weeks I’ve allowed myself an hour of downtime post-walk with Jack. I read, sort through the mail, or just stare out the window (aka, take a snooze) for a little while. It’s a bit rejuvenating and a lot calming. I hope to incorporate it into my normal routine going forward.

* Reaching out. It’s no secret that a lot of my friends have been going in different directions lately (marriage, babies, job changes) so we have been kind of hit-or-miss on when we catch up. Even if we can’t get together, I’m reaching out more. A “just because” email there, a phone call here, making plans for a few weeks out. Sometimes just knowing that your friends are there, even if you can’t see them much is incredibly comforting.

*Shine On, by The Kooks. I find this dude’s accent so swoonworthy and love everything about this song.

The June Obsession List

Posted on June 30, 2010 by Nora

In no particular order, my must-haves (or must-dos) for the last 30 days:

* Ignore life at least one day a week. I’m talking a poolside chaise lounge, Beach Boys on the stereo, ice cold drinks, strong SPF, books, trashy magazines, and relaxation. Leave the phone inside, stash the computer, and just breathe in the smells of summer.

* Reconnect with friends. It’s probably due to the weather, but the social scene heats up for me big time during the summer months. Between phone calls, happy hours, dinners, breakfasts, parties and etc, now through Labor Day will be a blur of swapping stories with friends, catching up over Mexican and enjoying every second of it.

* My bed. With the way I run myself ragged during the day, it’s a pure joy to be able to slip into a comfortable bed each night. Bonus points for hugging the pillow and extra hour or two on the weekend.

* Rescue Me. If you haven’t watched it yet, do it. I promise boys and girls alike will love this show. The writing is amazing, the cast does a stellar job every single show and the plot twists keep you guessing each week. Season Six premiered last night and in true Leary form it was intense.

* Nintendo Wii Games. I think I’m slowly but surely becoming an addict. I recently started playing Super Mario Galaxy 2 and I love it mostly because it’s a game I can easily play.

* Biodegradable doggie waste bags. I bought a mini clip-on waste bag carrier to take on my walks with Jack thus ensuring I never run over bags. Sounds totally silly but I love that they are eco-friendly and from a local company: two birds, one stone.

* Ann Taylor Loft. How I ever lived without this store, I’ll never know. 100% of my clothing fund goes straight into their pockets. Bless them for their cute dresses, summery tops, need-to-have jewelry and a staff that is so kind every single time, there’s no shopping experience that rivals it for me.

* Purusing the housing options in StL. I can’t wait to really start looking at condos in the next few months. The fact that I could have a house that is mine, all mine, to paint, to decorate, to do as I please? Makes me giddy with excitement.

* Eminem. His bad boy charms still appeal to me, even to this day. Oh, and Charlie Bewley from Twilight. Just. Plain. YUM.

What were your must-haves/must-do’s for the last 30 days?

The May Obsessions

Posted on May 27, 2010 by Nora

I can’t believe that I’m already posting my May Obsessions. MAY. This year is flying by in a blink of an eye. The last month has been incredible in many ways, leaving me with several new obsessions….

* Liberty of London. I’m pretty much a Target-holic: I can’t help but shop there. I recently purchased a new comforter by Liberty of London and now my bed is not only summerized (my other comforter was much too heavy) it’s also newly stylized. I love coming home after work and melting onto my bed for a few minutes to unwind, read a few pages of my book, or cuddle with Jack. Plus the look is chic and a little bit hippie at the same time. (And no, I wasn’t paid or compensated in anyway to write about Liberty of London. I just love their prints and fabrics.)

* Old Friendships. In the last few weeks I’ve been hanging out with friends from college, immediate post-college, my fellow “internuts” and even high school friends. There’s something to be said about a friendship if you can pick up right where you left off after not seeing each other for awhile. These are the people who truly understand me. These are the people who don’t judge me. It’s incredibly refreshing and makes me glad for keeping in touch with these people throughout the years.

* Leaving the house without my Blackberry. Shocking, isn’t it? Lately if I know I won’t need my cell phone, I leave it at home. Going out with friends and family, or even myself, sans Crackberry is so liberating. No blinking red light, no emails that need to be checked. I find myself more in the moment, less worried about what’s going on in the various social media sites, embracing the experiences and conversation around me. Try it sometime. It’s really fantastic.

* The Sex and the City 2 Soundtrack. Well, I don’t own it yet but I will. This show has always been more than just pop culture to me; it was a show my mom introduced me to, a show we watched together, talked about the fashion, the universality of love, dating, relationships, friendships and much more. I’ll soon post about the movie-going experience but suffice to say the songs in the movie are just as awesome as the first.

* Family Time. I’m sure I’ve said it before but my family rocks. Between a luxurious Mother’s Day, my brother coming home for a few weeks in between spring and summer semesters, celebrating my dad’s 60th birthday, and all the fun moments interspersed throughout the month, it’s just too fun. More often than not we wind up laughing hysterically, bonding over a healthy debate, or just relaxing. My brother heads back to school after Memorial Day and it’s going to be a tough adjustment. Kind of love having him around.

* This Picture. I know it just happened last week but I freakin’ love this picture that the talented EP took. When we first got in the elevator, the first thing she said was “we need an elevator picture before the weekend is over.” She was right!

Did you discover any new obsessions in the last month? Any musicians/movies/product I must try? Or perhaps you did something in May that you vow not to repeat in June? Either way, do tell!

The April Obsession List

Posted on April 28, 2010 by Nora

Another month in 2010 has flown by and so it’s time for another installment of my monthly obsessions.

* Yard work. Yes, that’s right, I said yard work. I love mowing the lawn, seeing the neat little rows, the instant gratification of a job well done and having the satisfaction of having one of the prettiest lawns on the cul-de-sac if only for a few days before the rains causes it to grow an inch over night. I’ve also become a fan of pulling weeds, trimming trees and general sprucing up around my parents yard. Results you can see are fabulous and it’s a bit of a cardio/arm workout too.

* Sundays. You’d think that I’d love Fridays but lately, Sundays are my favorite. They mean a day without any school work (I work like a maniac all week to ensure my Sundays are free), leisurely naps, watching a movie, family dinner and 24 hours to let my brain detox from the incessant finance quizzes, problems, econ case studies and charts.

* Being Single. Yup, I said it. It rocks. I don’t have to shave my legs if I don’t want to. No one asks me where I’m going or what I’m doing. I don’t have to worry about wearing make-up or dressing up; instead I dress to make me happy and in the process I like to think I’m finding my own (new) style. I have my family all to myself on holidays and don’t have to dash off early to get to another family celebration. I’m refocusing on my goals: school, work, health, buying a house and couldn’t be a happier about it. I’m taking time to just be me, no boys added.

* Not Reading. I know, such a change for me, right? School sadly infiltrates all areas of my life so sometimes the last thing I want to do is read a book for fun. Instead I’ve been listening to the radio (indie station, usually), popping in new CDs on my way to work, and getting my daily dose of reading through my mom who shares tidbits of things from Vogue & the New Yorker, while my dad shares our daily horoscopes and the big news with us at the dinner table.

* Planning mini-vacations. Working for a small company makes it challenging to take off a week at a time so I’m learning to plan around vacations we already get. Memorial Day weekend, assuming the knee news is good, I’ll be in Chicago for four days. In July, I’m spending an extra weekend in Washington DC before my mandatory work conference. August will be a trip up north just for fun and then hopefully a trip to see my faux-niece this Labor Day weekend.

Giveaways. I have a few ideas for a giveaway or two coming up in May, so in the meantime, go check out Lauren’s awesome giveaway to celebrate her blogaversary!

Any new current obsessions for you this month?

(all photos courtesy of weheartit; click on photo to view source)

The March Obsession List

Posted on March 31, 2010 by Nora

* InItToGymIt. An awesome new group started by the fabulous Livit, Luvit. It’s designed to keep us motivated, give us a place to whine, moan, encourage one another and above all, stay strong. I debuted on the blog today with my “Why I Workout,” list (check it out here) and am loving the other contributors so far! Hope you’ll join us for the journey. I have a feeling the best is yet to come with this group!

* Sadly and occasionally to the detriment of my workout efforts, Easter Candy. Who can say no to a Reese’s Peanut Butter cup when it’s in the shape of an egg!? Not I.

{via}

* Parenthood. Darling and I decided to watch the pilot because it has Lauren Graham in it, who is one of our favorites thanks to her role in Gilmore Girls. (Darling = is Lorelai, I’m Rory, even though we look nothing like them. We sometimes talk that fast and collapse into a heap of laughter for no apparent reason. If you want proof as to how Gilmore we can be, read Darling’s post about our Saturday morning escapade.) Anyway, I knew I loved the show when I missed one espiode and promptly watched it on Hulu, something I rarely do.

* My Wireless Mouse (for my computer, of course). Gifted to me at Christmas time, it’s become my new best friend. Makes using a laptop oodles easier. Not sure how I survived without it for the last five years.

* Books, but I suppose this is nothing new. Confession: I went through the books I own but have not yet read and it’s a lot higher than I thought. I’m officially on a book spending freeze until further notice. The *only* books I can purchase will be those for a book club. Everything else will have to wait or be borrowed from the library.

* Twist Ice Cream, in a cup, with sprinkles. It’s a comfort food. It’s a guilty pleasure. It’s a bit of an obsession.

{via}

What about you? Any new finds or obsessions?

You are an (February) Obsession

Posted on February 24, 2010 by Nora

The Olympics. It’s probably the first year I’ve really watched the Olympics, followed personal stories and medal counts and I have to say, I love it. (I do not love, however, commentators such as Bob Costas and Scott Hamilton… I don’t think they know the Golden Rule.) As a result of the Olympics, I’ve found my future husband. Tiny Detail: He has no idea I exist.

Cleaning Up & Cleaning Out. While Spring is probably another month (or two!?) away from my part of the world, it’s never too early for me to start cleaning out the clutter that I’ve amassed over the last few months. Along with that I tend to get really into cleaning (deep cleaning), leaving me with a sparkly, dust-free residence. Rather lovely if you ask me.

Glee Station on Pandora. I have no idea how or why it took me this long to find it but it has significantly improved my workdays. Whether it be a song from Little Mermaid or Glee, Michael Buble or Jason Mraz, I can’t get too stressed when these happy songs are streaming through the speakers.

Ingrid Michaelson. Her songs pop up on the Glee Station on Pandora and the combination of the music, her voice and lyrics stick with me. Specifically love this song:

Boston Legal. I know, I’m several years late on this one, but I happened to catch a few episodes on TVLand of all channels and as a result Season One has been added to the Netflix Queue. Can’t wait to start from the beginning! Side Note: James Spader is oddly… intriguing. And maybe a little cute in some sort of weird way.

What’s caught your eye in the past month? Anything I must check out?