Three Things...

1. The 100 Day Project begins February 23rd - hurrah! Once again, I'm joining in on the fun. The only thing is that I currently have not clue what my project will be. Last year I focused on writing by blogging every day and succeeded. This year I want to do something a bit more arty - use my paint supplies, sketchbooks, art books, etc.. I could just art journal every day - whether that be collaging or painting. I'm not great at either, but that could be the fun of it, right? Let me know if you have any suggestions.

2. Planners. Yes, I'm still talking about planners. Ugh. Mainly because I got swept up in all the planner craziness - buying way too many planners, stressing over the paper quality, trying all sorts of configurations, using different stickers, etc.. And now I am over it. I just want simple. So I went to TJ Max and bought a $7 planner. I am going to use that one planner for all the basics, along with book blogging and my 100 Day project progress. The only other planner I will be using is for finances. I already feel better. I am disappointed that I did get caught up in the planner frenzy and spent way too much money that I didn't have on planners that I did not like - ack! Lessons learned - always go back to basics and keep it simple. 

3. Decluttering. I was watching YouTube and they were talking about people buying things, because they think they should have those types of things in their home and life. Kind of like buying something for the life you want to have. It reminded me of my cousin - when I have a pile of books to donate, he chooses which ones he wants - not to read them, but to put on his shelves so he looks well-read. That's like me buying tons of art supplies and art books, because I want to be artistic, but I'm not. I haven't even used my watercolors or read the art books. Ugh. So, they were saying that those are the types of things to declutter, because they are just negative reminders of things we bought but never used. I'm going to apply that idea to my declutter - Is this something I will use right now, or is this something I think I should be using? Like, is this book something I would normally read, or did I buy it because everyone is talking about it? I mentioned that last one, because I sometimes buy the popular read and typically wind up disappointed by it - so I need to stop buying those books. 

And now, I'm off to tackle some of my to-dos. Wishing you a lovely Thursday. Happy reading!

My Friday Five

1.  Mental health. Depression and anxiety overwhelmed me the last few months of last year, which is why I barely posted. I felt really disconnected for awhile and didn't enjoy the holiday season like I usually do. Fortunately, towards the end of December my mood shifted and I was able to have a bit of fun - time with family, chatting with old friends, baking sweet treats, wrapping gifts, and admiring the Christmas tree. The fog lifted and I could delight in the holiday merriment. And now, I'm feeling better. It's a new year and my frame of mind is set to tackle all the things I didn't get to last year, along with a host of new things for this new year. 

2. Declutter. Yeah, every time I mentioned decluttering I really did try to declutter. Except, mentally, I just couldn't. I would see the piles of things getting ready to topple over and felt overwhelmed. So, I would just avoid it. My mind couldn't handle dealing with any of it. Fortunately, I am in a better place mentally and I have actually started to declutter. Like, I've already filled three bags with journals and journal covers. Yeah, that's how many I had. And, I'm not even done yet. Yikes! 

3. Overspending. So, when I get depressed I tend to make purchases of things that I believe will get me out of my funk. Of course these things don't help. How could they? I have to help myself get out of the rut, not a notebook or fancy fountain pen. Seeing all the things I bought while depressed just makes me sad and I am getting rid of it all. I have to. I also have to be more mindful of my sending. I don't have the funds and I don't have the space, so no more!

4.  Books. I need to pick a book and just tuck right in. Which one to pick? Hmm...

5. Planners. Why, oh why, did I think I needed ten planners? Where did I get the idea that every little thing had to have a separate planner? Too much YouTube planning videos? I'm in the middle of trying to figure out how many planners I actually use/need. I'm thinking 4, but in reality 2 should work. I could consolidate my general, gratitude, book blogging into 1 planner and use the 2nd planner for finances (that one has to be separate) - what do you think? How many planners do you use? Or do you not use a planner? Yikes!

And now, I'm off to tackle some more decluttering. Wish me luck! 

My Friday Five...

1.  Books. I'm currently reading two books and I'm not sure that I'm enjoying either one of them all that much. So, I'm debating starting an old familiar read to get my reading back on track. The only thing is that I'm not sure which book to reread...hmm...

2.  The 100 Days Project. It's a month in and I'm still going strong - hurrah! 

3. TV shows. I started rewatching The Walking Dead because of The Ones Who Live, but I have stopped rewatching and I'm not sure I'm in the mood for the new show. So, I've been rewatching Grey's Anatomy. When I used to watch the show way back in the day, I stopped watching after Derek died. I think it's on season 20 now, so I'm going to try and catch up to the new season. We'll see. 

4.  Music. I've been listening to a Phil Collins mix on Amazon music and really enjoying it. 

5. Decluttering. The struggle is real. Ha ha. Seriously, I am making progress. I just wish I were making a lot of progress. I think once I get into a groove I will. Wish me luck!

Hope you have a great weekend! Happy reading!

My Friday Five

1. Books. I'm currently reading something a bit more lighthearted...

I love his No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series (which has a new book coming out in October - woo hoo!). So, I thought it would be fun to give his latest book a read. It's about a matchmaking company in Edinburgh - should be a treat to read. 

2.  TV shows. I watched the last reunion episode for The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and it was a bust. Nothing major was revealed. The only surprise was that Sutton and Garcelle left early - this was due to Sutton almost fainting (how scary!) and needing to get checked out at the hospital. I feel like they need to revamp the show - new cast members are needed and some of the current cast should be put on pause. 

3. Decluttering. It's not going well. I need to just force myself to do it. Why is it so hard? If I'm not using it or haven't used it in years, why am I convinced I need to keep it? Ugh!

4. Music. Listening to Mazzy Star, The Cranberries, and Smashing Pumpkins lately. I'm feeling nostalgic and music from my college years is hitting the spot. 

5. Anxiety and depression. They're back and settled in. I'm hating it. I'm working hard to fight them. Wish me luck.

And now, I'm off to read for a bit. Hope you have a wonderful weekend. Happy reading!

My Friday Five...

1. Blogging. I am excited to be blogging again. However, I have noticed that I am feeling stressed out over it. I think it's due to the fact that I have so many ideas on posts and I'm feeling motivated, but my anxiety holds me back. Plus, a part of me is still trying to figure out how to get this blog back to the way it was - books with a smattering of personal tidbits. Sounds easy enough, but when anxiety hits, well, it's not easy. So, I think I'm going to just post when the mood strikes and take it from there. Hopefully, by posting more often, I'll get my blogging mojo back. 

2. Books. Freida McFadden. I am addicted! Her books! Oh, my! They are fun, thrilling, and always keep me guessing - all of which I love! I've just finished The Coworker, The Housemaid, and The Housemaid's Secret. I can't wait to get my hands on more of her work! Have you read any McFadden? What do you think of her books? Are there any you recommend? Let me know. 

3. TV shows. I'm still watching The Real Housewives on Bravo. I just finished Salt Lake City and watched Beverly Hills and Miami last night. Those women are beyond ridiculous - esophagus drama! What the what? I think Bravo has dropped the ball - Monica! And, Andy is just not a good moderator for the reunions - he's so biased, it makes for such a boring show. I really need to stop watching these shows. I tried rewatching Northern Exposure, but I just couldn't get into it. To be honest, I'm wondering why I ever watched it in the first place all those years ago. I tried rewatching Six Feet Under, but I barely finished the first season this time round. However, I did LOVE Derry Girls. OMG! That show is hilarious, smart, and sweet. And, the acting is top notch. Such a fun show! What about you? Any good shows you've been watching and can recommend? 

4. Decluttering. Yes, my decluttering journey continues. It feels never-ending. Yikes! I really need to give it a serious go this time round, because my office is feeling overwhelmed with all the piles of books, notebooks, stationery, etc. Ugh! Wish me luck!

5. Music. Sarah Jarosz. Her new album, Polaroid Lovers is out today and I'm stoked. I love her voice and her music, so I can't wait play the album on repeat all weekend. 

And now, I'm off to read through some magazines I picked up at the grocery store the other day. I'm in the mood for some light reading. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Happy reading!