1. I carry a notebook with me everywhere I go, and it’s pretty much attached to my hip when I’m at home. Sometimes a good idea, or a particular way of wording something, will pop into my head, and if I don’t jot it down in 2.2 there’s a good chance I’ll lose it.
2. Yesterday’s plans to get my place back in order were a huge success. I probably spent about three hours cleaning, organizing, and de-cluttering, but it felt so good to get rid of some clutter and finally get things back to normal.
3. Speaking of normal, when’s a good time to take down the Christmas decorations?
4. … because Starbucks definitely got rid of their holiday cups a little too early. I took a coffee break during my trip to the mall the other day and had to settle for drinking my daily capp out of a plain white cup. I was lucky enough to come across a Starbucks yesterday that still had their holiday cups in stock, and I swear it makes things taste better (see my notebook in the back? Told you it goes everywhere).
5. Speaking of yesterday… January 2nd’s memory in a jar? Scoring some sweet deals on board games.
6. And speaking of board games, I came across this little gem as well. I have no idea how you’d play it, but I imagine it would be a good laugh.
7. Happiness is a lazy afternoon spent reading. Loving these books – and yes, I read more than one book at a time.
8. Also loving this song. Newest repeat-obsession for sure.
9. Something I’m not loving? Pink Lady applesauce. I love Pink Lady apples, but they do not make good applesauce – way too tart. Live and learn.
10. Tomorrow is my birthday. Squee!
. – . – . – .
What’s your favorite kind of apple?
What are you reading right now?
What’s your favorite board game?
{ 64 comments… read them below or add one }
I hope you have some pretty epic birthday plans! Aren’t productive days just the best? You feel SO accomplished afterwards. Oh, and our Christmas decorations came down on New Years Day. My mom can’t stand keeping the tree up much longer than that beacause of all the pine needles. I think anytime is a good time after the holidays are over!
Sarah @PickyRunner recently posted..I’m proud of my…
Oh, so I’m not the only one who reads a few books in the same time… I find it quite good because when I’m not in mood for one book I always may open the second one.
Now I’m reading “Lalka” by Bolesław Prus and also “The Bell Jar” by Sylvia Plath. The second one is much more interesting, to be honest. I’m just quite sad because I don’t have enough time to finish reading – too much homework!
Bleh… I need some coffee… I’m addicted to Starbucks
whiness recently posted..172. Wednesday / kokosowe płatki ryżowe
You and me both! What’s your favorite drink to order from there?
Well, it’s quite hard to choose one… But I loved Toffee Nut Latte and White Cranberry Chocolate Moccha
Anter “Christmas time” my favourite one is probably Caramel Macchiato 
What about you?
whiness recently posted..172. Thursday / kokosowe płatki ryżowe
My go-to drink is usually a cappuccino, but when I feel like something flavored then I usually go for a cinnamon dolce latte or a chai tea latte.
Oh God I am sure that Damn Autocorrect is fun. I had belly laughs when I checked out the website. I took my xmas decor down yesterday
I put up a new pretty one to cheer me up 
I read the Wildrose from Jennifer Donelly the last part of the trilogy. I LOVE it. Yay for your birthday tomorrow!!! I hope you get spoiled massivly and get a to-die-for-birthday-cake!!
I always am reading two books at once too! They have to be completely different though or else I get confused. I went to Starbucks yesterday and saw they were using both red and the normal white cups. Naturally, I requested a red cup. I don’t want them to go away! YOUR BIRTHDAY!!!! Can’t wait to hear about whatever you do to celebrate or what you treat yourself too. You deserve it <3
I totally need to put my Christmas decorations up, too. My favorite apples are Jazz apples! So sweet and crisp.
Haley @ The Saucy Apple recently posted..Free Printable Blog Planner
Yay for board games! I’ve been meaning to ask for some as birthday gifts – not long anymore! – but then again my family doesn’t like playing them.
Speaking of birthdays and yours being tomorrow: Which cake did you decide on
?
My current favourite apple is Boskoop though I’m not sure it’s available worldwide. I ate way too many of the ones from my parents’ tree while being at home. Sigh, one more thing I’m missing already …
I’m currently reading “Olive Kitteridge” by Elizabeth Strout which I just recently picked up.
Oooh, in other news I finally (!) tried your idea of Greek yogurt + cereal bowls and have just one word: Delish! Thanks for the idea. Carrying around a notebook seems like another great idea to steal because I’m usually using loose papers for those thoughts and … well, they don’t make for organized notes to say the least.
Miss Polkadot recently posted..Happy New Year and setting [realistic] goals
I’m not 100% decided on my cake yet – I’m still choosing between a couple, but I’ll be sure to share which one I picked tomorrow
Glad to hear that you enjoyed the cereal bowls! I’m so stuck on them that they often end up being breakfast and dinner.
Happy birthday for tomorrow lovie!!! I hope you have a fun day planned
OH and I love your taste in music by the way 
My parents were taking down our decorations on NEW YEARS DAY…I was like wtf?!!
My fave apple contrary to the blogging world who seems to prefer Pink Ladys, Honeycrisp and whatever else, is the good old common Royal Gala. They’re just perfect..sweet and crunchy but not too crunchy. I think people definitely overlook them for the more expensive varieties personally…
Nicky recently posted..Happy New Year!
Happy early birthday!! I love that you found so many boardgames at a decent price…the game of Life is actually my favourite! A close runner up would have to be Scrabble, that’s a fun one too.
I took down my decorations on the first…it always depresses me a little!
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles recently posted..Six Months and Goal Talk–January.
Happy early Birthday! Can’t wait to hear what you have planned for it! I want to find that autocorrect game now. It has to be awesome. I totally agree on the red cups. I was just reading on Lisa Lately’s blog that they should have different cups for every season. How awesome would that be?!
Danielle @ Clean Food Creative Fitness recently posted..Another Year…A look back
That jar of memories is such a great idea! Writing things down is such a good idea. I have never been one to keep a journal, but on my trip to India last year I wrote in one every day for 5 months and it is amazing to go back and read my entries now!
Devon @ Health in Equilibrium recently posted..Goal Time!
Yay it’s almost your birthday!! I love pink lady and honey crisp… the best!
Brittany @ GOtheXtraMile recently posted..2012 Highlights and Ringing in the New Year
Happy early birthday, Amanda! You best be doing something amazing for it:)
well that song is amazing, never heard it before but immediately plugged in my earphones to listen to it at work. I can tell that we have very similar music tastes, one day I will attack your itunes and steal some of your jams. I just love your taste. how did i not know we were so close in birthdays? where have I been? i am like you except mine is sticky notes, not notebooks. but i always jot down various things throughout my day. I want to play all those board games. have you ever played sequence? one of my favorite board games. although damn you autocorrect sounds like one I would and should try…
Alex @ therunwithin recently posted..Take Two.
I tried going the sticky note route at first but they ended up everywhere. Even now, after having cut back a bit, they’re still all over the place. Crazy. And I’ve never played Sequence, but if you like it then I’m going to have to look it up because 1) yes, we definitely have similar tastes, and 2) I’m a sucker for board games
Holiday decorations should come down immediately after New Years(or a couple days early in my case) in my opinion. I like to start the year fresh with a clean house free of decorative clutter!
Happy early birthday!!!
As far as apples there are only a few types I will eat: Pink Lady, Honey Crisp and Jazz. All firm!!
Suzanne @ Fit Minded Mom recently posted..Twelve Hours
I always carry a pen, but a notebook is a little too ambitious for me. haha. And seeing as our Christmas decorations have been down since 2006 … no advice on that one.
Knowing you, you’d probably want to keep them up until the thaw, and you live in AB so… Canada Day? 
(just teasing).
I used to read two books at once, but I find that I’m better able to fall in love with the characters when I’ve only got one on the go. And seeing as I usually couldn’t care less about the plot but need to love the characters to love the book, gotta go with one.
Yayyyy for your birthday!! Can’t wait to hear what kind of surprises come your way!!!!!
Canada Day?! That’s a fantastic idea! I’m going to leave them up just for you
<3 <3
I ALWAYS read at least 2-3 books at the same time, although I just finiahed both yesterday so now need to figure out what to read! I think my favorite apples are honey crisp and gala, although sometimes a red delicious really hits the spot! And my favorite board game is a tie between apples to apples and catchphrase, although I hear that cards against humanity is quite entertaining, so I really want to try that
Happy Day Before Your Birthday!! I hope you’re starting the celebration today (or last week, really)!!
Caitlin recently posted..Thankful Thursday
I was this close to picking up Apples to Apples. I’ve never played it, so I’m assuming it’s a good one?
I do the notebook thing too
Happy early birthday!
debbie recently posted..monthly goals; january.
SETTLERS OF CATAN!!! aaaah omg I love that game so much. Takes all friggin day but I guess that’s part of what makes it so epic?
And omg agreed on the Starbucks cups….I do feel like coffee, tea etc just taste better out of them….and I mean at least wait till New Years to get rid of them? 
I wish they had cups for all the holidays….Halloween, Valentine’s Day, Easter….it would just make the year so much better. Or at least design winter cups to make the long dark snowy cold months a little easier. Hmm Maybe I should work for Starbucks haha.
Have a great birthday. I actually thought I was one of the only ones who carries a notebook around. I jot down a lot and if I don’t it’s like instaforget!
Hollie recently posted..PMB
Yahoooo happy birthday eve, Amanda! What do you have planned? Hope it involves a red cup at some point of your day! Funny enough Mumbai is still stocking the red cups- I was pleasantly surprised when my cappuccino yesterday came in the red cup! Love those board games, especially Sorry! Did you ever play Candy Land? Best game ever! Speaking of sweet things, Pink Lady apples are my favorite variety although for super sweet applesauce, stick with Galas!
Khushboo recently posted..Back on track
I’m actually not entirely sure what I have planned yet. All I know is that different people are busy at different times so I’ll probably be celebrating the whole weekend… no complaints
And I used to loooove Candy Land, but it’s been years since I’ve played it! I really need to pick that one up as well…
First of all, happy birthday tomorrow AManda! How are you going to be? And one way you can finish your applesauce without throwing it away would be to add a tinge of maple syrup. It makes everything better, seriously~! And omgshhh I love Jenga! It’s so therapeutic and a great way to thummp your friends on the forehead. We Koreans hit each other or thump people’s foreheads when they lose a game.
Ellie@Fit for the Soul recently posted..A Quick Look at 2012 and Baci di Firenze Trattoria
I’ll be 28 going on 12
Happy early birthday!!! I hope it’s amazing! That game looks awesome, I must find it! And I agree, decluttering feels wonderful.
Elizabeth@myneonrunningshoes recently posted..Learning from children
Happy early birthday!!! Hope you enjoy a nice big slice of cake!
after an excruciating term at school I have been too burnt out to pick up a damn book. It doesn’t help that I’m so indecisive…I just need to pick a book and commit already!
I LOVE apples. My favorites are honeycrisp, gala, pink lady, cripps pink, and lately I’ve been digging red delicious and granny smith (oddly enough, those were the two I hated as a child). I don’t love the bland flavors – fuji, golden delicious, mcintosh…but I usually just choose whichever looks the most fresh at the store that week!
I’m not reading anything right now
wanna come tackle my house next?
p.s. I dominated sorry!
Happy Early Birthday!!! How are you celebrating?
Favorite board game: Monopoly. Imma buy all your hotels.
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table recently posted..Turkey Beer Chili
Still not entirely sure about what people are going to put me through this weekend, but I’ll be happy as long as there’s cake
Happy Birthday for tomorrow! Hope you have a fab day
honey crisps are my favourite apples- sweet and sour and crunchy, mmmm :3 pink ladies are definitely second though!
and omg, I do #1 too! notebooks are my life. I have like 6 different ones for different purposes.
Zia recently posted..it’s smaller on the outside
Happy early birthday, my favorite apple is a honey crisp, but they are so huge they fill me right up!!
Sara @ fitcupcaker recently posted..Thoughts On Taking Supplements?
Happy early birthday! I love that you carry around a notebook, I just use the notes part of my iPhone if a good idea pops into my head. Also, I’m a huge honey crisp and fugi apple fan. Nom, nom.
Olivia @ Life As Liv recently posted..Adios, 2012.
Eee….Happy early birthday!! I always carry around a notebook too!! I have for about the past 2 years or so…you never know when idea will come to mind! Yep, I found a starbucks with the holiday cups, and I’m totally going there until they go away, which I’ll be very, very sad when that happens.
I agree with you about the Starbucks cup thing. When I first see them out during the holiday’s, it’s like my cue to go there 3 times a week until they’re gone. The rest of the year, Starbucks just isn’t that exciting. Just found your blog, btw! Very nice
Melissa @ Freeing Imperfections recently posted..Zippy Elliptical Workout
Hi Birthday Girl,
Funny you asked the “when to take down the decs” question because I just wrote about how I never take mine down until after January 6 as I celebrate the day of Epiphany, Well, most of the decorations go but my manger scene and my tree.
And also because I love sitting in the glow of the twinkle lights longer. And trust me…by the 6th? You are DONE. It’s borderline tacky to leave them up that long in my mind so when the 6th or 7th roll out I am ready to part.
Missy recently posted..Epiphany
We usually leave ours up until after the 6th too. I feel like such a Scrooge this year for wanting to take them down so early
Happy early birthday!
Molly@This Life Is Sparkling recently posted..New Year’s Happenings
I carry a notebook with me too as my memory kinda (read: really) sucks. It definitely helps me keep things straight and remember things I normally would not have. I guess technically I could input it into my phone, but I just love a good old fashioned journal + pen or markers. And seeing my messy handwriting.
I’m so sad to read that the starbucks holiday cups have already all disappeared. Guess the holidays are truly over. But there is also so much to look forward to in a brand new year. hello 2013
Happy Early Birthday Amanda! I hope it’ll be the best one yet!!
kris recently posted..goodbye 2012
Doesn’t it feel so great to de-clutter and organize everything? It is such a calming and relaxing feeling for me after I get in there and tackle a mess…I’m a nerd!
Yay for it almost being your birthday!!
Have a great day tomorrow!
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl recently posted..WIAW: January 2, 2013
If you’re a nerd then so am I – de-cluttering feels so good!
Happy almost birthday Amanda!!
Mmmmm favorite apple?? I love any tart crisp apple – some of my favs are Macoun, Mitsu and Fuji.
Funny though the only time I really eat apples is during apple picking months!!
Right now I’m reading the Hunger Games – great exciting read!
Favorite board games – I’m kind of boring but love a good game of family scrabble!!
Happy birthday to you if I don’t get to say it tomorrow! I see you have carcassone which I love but don’t have much chance to play…also have two expansion sets.
Oh I swear I have the same bed as you…the one with the padded headboard and drawers underneath…from Mobler? I bought mine this summer. Good for my tiny bedroom.
Thanks Dione! And yup! Bed is from Mobler
I really need to clean/organize my place!
Matt @ The Athlete’s Plate recently posted..P&G eStore
After I saw this post, I just HAD to comment. I’ve been a long time reader from waaay back when, but have never commented before. But, I have to chime in with my itty bitty two cents since it seems that we have very similar tastes in books. First off The Name of the Wind is and will forever be my most favorite book! I have literally read it upwards of 10 times and love it even more after each read through. The sequel called The Wise Mans Fear is equally as good. I like you also love the Game of Thrones series and have been quickly making my way through them all (currently on book 4). I would also like to suggest any book by Gillian Flynn and Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke. Ok so i just outed myself as freaky book nerd but I just love hearing others get into the books that I have loved for so long. And to wrap up this unwarranted rant, I just want to say its so encouraging and hopeful to see bloggers like you who seem to be in a healthy place and have come so far in the recovery process…and Happy early Birthday!
10 times?! Love it! And I can definitely see myself re-reading this one… I can’t seem to put it down. I’ve read Gone Girl by Flynn, and just picked up Dark Places, which I’ll be reading after I finish my current two. Thanks for chiming in, Lindsey!
I love the holiday cups at Starbucks. They really should do more theme cups during the year. I know I’d drink more if they did! That damn you autocorrect game looks hilarious, but I have a problem with funny board games because I don’t actually play the game, I just read the funny stuff to get a good laugh
Alex @ Raw Recovery recently posted..Look Who’s Running
That’s such a good idea to carry around a notebook with you – I need to start doing that! I have a terrible memory so if I don’t write down ideas right away, I’m likely to forget them.
What kind of apple do you usually use for applesauce? My favourite for applesauce is Golden Delicious. But for eating plain I love Royal Gala, Pink Lady, and Honeycrisp.
Right now I’m reading On Rue Tatin, about a cookbook author who moves to France with her family. I’m obsessed with culinary and travel memoirs lately!
Happy almost birthday!!
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin recently posted..The dinner that almost wasn’t
I usually use Ambrosia apples for my applesauce, but Gala are pretty good too. I’ve never tried Golden Delicious before, so I might have to give that a shot.
Happy early birthday! I’ve always wondered this, but does it feel weird to have your birthday soon after Christmas and New Years? I’ve never known if it would be even more festive and fun, or if it would feel overshadowed by the holidays.
Quelf is a really fun game! It can get really weird though too but that’s what makes it great. I have a lot of board games I love but I’ve gotta go with the classic Uno as my favorite.
The Christmas decorations are still up at my house which makes it still feel like the holidays, but I think we’ll probably end up having to take them down this weekend. That’s always the saddest part of the Christmas season because then it’s really over.
Ashley @ AlmostVegGirlie recently posted..WIAW: Ringing in the New Year
It feels a little strange to have my birthday so close to Christmas, but I guess I’ve just gotten used to it… plus it makes the holiday season feel a little bit longer
The only thing I wish is that it would be a little warmer…
I used to carry a moleskin notebook around with me everywhere too but I got out of the habit once I started writing less. It is definitely something I would like to start doing again though! I haven’t been back to my apartment too many times since I got to my parent’s house for the holidays so my little tree and decorations are still up there which will be depressing to take down when I get back after this weekend. Boo.
Gina @ Health, Love, and Chocolate recently posted..New Year’s Eve Dinner at Lark Creek Blue
How had I forgotten about LIFE – my favorite board game ever?! Actually, that may be a lie; I was a huge Candyland fan (all because of Queen Frostine, whom I idolized) when I was really young, however once my parents bought LIFE, I quickly became obsessed with acquiring the best job, house and salary. Oh, and kids! I had to have my car full of blue and pink knobby things.
It’s been years since I’ve played, but this post has definitely re-ignited that desire! 
I think you already know how I feel about Starbucks red cups. *Tear* I think they should incorporate a few other seasonal colors into the mix, too. Maybe a spring green? Or pink for Valentine’s Day?
Sara @ Nourish and Flourish recently posted..WIAW: My Bulking Diet
ITS YOUR BIRTHDAY!!!!! I hope you have the most kick a$$ & epic day EVER! You should totally put sprinkles on every meal ((well maybe not your dinner)) =) =)
Jessie recently posted..How Many Challenges are you up for?
im taking down my xmas decorations this weekend. something bittersweet about the process. sad that another holiday has passed, but it always feels good to ‘start fresh’ after the holiday madness…
Sara @my less serious life recently posted..Christmas Day & New Years Eve recap
First, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! I saw that you wrote this yesterday so yes, today is the big day! Enjoy it so so much girl and I wish you the very best
Second, loving the board game throw back… I still play LIFE (seriously), Sorry, Candy Land, Chutes and Ladders when I babysit… they love em all too
Tessa @ Amazing Asset recently posted..Practicing What I Preach
I’ve become that girl that always jots things down as soon as they come to mind, otherwise the thought is gone into the black hole of my mind in less than 5 seconds! I need to invest in a notebook because I “jot” things down in my phone! Convenient
You should keep your Christmas decorations up through the old Russian (orthodox?) Christmas (Jan. 7th) and New Year (Jan. 14th)…hey it’s a goo excuse to keep them around no? And pink lady apples are by far my favorite! Although I can only guess how the applesauce turned out with them…
Irina @ Chocolatea Time recently posted..2013! 2013!! 2013!!!
{ 1 trackback }