Sorry. Moving on.

I think this is going to shape up to be a pretty sad-looking day, here, since most of this batch of goals didn’t happen. Eh.

5. Finish the front room: replace the papasan cushion (Done!)
You might remember the story of Jasper and the papasan. If not, let me refresh your memory: I took in a stray kitten for about a week, and my two-year old Disaster Cat was not having it. He took his terror and indignation out on my papasan cushion. Several times. The smell was never coming out. So I found another clearance-priced cushion and felt my job was done. I happily crossed this off my list…

…and then, Jas decided that a papasan cushion was not a papasan cushion without his unique mark on it, and again came The Smell. I’m relatively certain that he only did it once, but still — EW. Ew. I scrubbed and scrubbed, and it’s barely noticeable, but I still can’t sit on the thing. I’m in the process of deciding whether or not I want to try one more time and buy another cushion, or if it’s just time to chuck the cushion and sell the frame. Oh, kitten. How lucky you are that you’re ridiculously cute. To the moon, Alice.

6. Finish the front room: spray paint my desk and update the work station!
7. Finish the front room: create a craft area
I can group these because I did neither of them. Shaaaaame. But, in my own defense, I’ve been toying with the idea of moving my bed into my lovely front room (which currently houses my desk and crafting supplies), because it has this gorgeous window, and I don’t spend enough time in there. I’m also getting tired of being woken up at 5:30am every morning by my neighbor banging pots and pans and cabinet doors (Rage. Raaaaaaage.), and I wouldn’t hear it from that room.

And LISTEN. I get up at like 6am most mornings, right? So if I’ve got 25 minutes left until my alarm goes off? And you’re waking me up? I might actually march down there with my Bride of Chucky hair and my wrinkled PJs and my typical morning lack-of-wherewithal, and I might give you a piece of my mind. Or I’ll just sit in my bed and wail with raaaaaaaaaaage. You know. Whatever.

Also, I want to move. So! Big ideas. Not a lot of action. The us’.

8. Write 3 poems (Done!)
I did this! I totally did this! And I’m too shy to share it with you. Maybe someday.

So. Tune in tomorrow, when there will be photos of kittens. KITTENS.

I’m not above bribing you.

Uh, yeah, WHATEVER, LIAR.

So it’s (again) been about a month. Another busy one, but really? Who cares? THEMS ARE EXCUSES, FRIENDS. So let’s just move on, shall we? Okay.

Back at the end of December, I stumbled upon a couple of blogs where folks had made lists of goals to complete by their next birthday. They were all in the age-you-are-now-by-the-age-you’re-going-to-be style. And so I jumped on the bandwagon. Because I’m good at that. And when you have a talent, you should honor it.

I went ahead and made my list, and actually? I didn’t do too badly! Since I discovered this project idea on December 31st, and my birthday was on March 25th, I didn’t have a ton of time, so I tried to choose goals that seemed doable from the start. For the next seven days, I’m going to recap my successes from my list as well as my, uh, opportunities for improvement.

At the very least, I’ll have seven days of posts here. And that’s something, right? Right.

So! Onto the first batch:

1. Make going to yoga a habit again! At least once per week. (Done! …ish.)
Okay, so… This didn’t happen. I actually haven’t gone to yoga once since December 31st. …Really, I haven’t been to a yoga class in upwards of a year. At first glance, this would seem like an utter failure. (Really, it IS an utter failure.) However, I switched it up a little bit: I joined a gym, and I made going there a habit. And I really did! I went at least twice a week (usually three times) for about six weeks leading up to my birthday. A nasty virus knocked me off the wagon, but I have high hopes that I will see the inside of Club 24 again this week. I know my elliptical misses me.

2. Learn 6 new healthy recipes (Done!)
For the past two years, I’ve really been making an effort to get my eating habits back to what they used to be (healthy and conscious, for the most part) — you know, before I started working insane hours in the nonprofit sector and being paid in pennies. (And pennies don’t translate well to organic foods, friends, let’s be honest about that one). I also don’t particularly like to cook, and while my work life is as organized as can be, my home life can be a bit of a mess. The combination? Disastrous to my waist line. And my energy levels. So when I read about the Go Feed Yourself program, I knew I had to splurge and download it. I’m so glad that I did — the recipes are super-simple and so satisfying. It’s helped me cut a lot of gluten and dairy out of my diet, and I’ve barely even noticed. So — a big fat WIN! for #2.

3. Subscribe to Whole Living magazine – finally. (Done!)
I love this magazine… When I worked at a bookstore, I used to hound our newsstand lead every month until it came in. When it finally did, he would set aside a copy for me (loved him!) and bury myself in it on my breaks. (YES, I bought it. I am no thief.) I haven’t worked at the store even part time in almost two years, and I miss that magazine… So I finally subscribed! I did it, I swear. On the very first day of this project, according to my notes. …I have yet to receive it. Which is a huge let-down. WAY TO GO, WHOLE LIVING. Bums.

4. Ask the landlord if I can paint. It’s been long enough! (Done!)
I totally left a note with my rent check. He totally never responded. I guess that’s a no? Whatever, at least I asked.

So that first batch doesn’t look too bad! Wait’ll we get to the end…

There is a ton I’d love to share, but I’ve been gone so long that it feels weird to just jump back in… Here are some (Instagram’d) highlights of the past four weeks. I promise to talk about lots of them in the coming week.

From top left:
1.) I’ve been re-reading favorite books from my childhood — so fun! 2.) Lots of cuddle time with the silly pumpkin. 3.) It’s been cold when I’ve been riding. I’ve had to bundle. I’m done with winter. Hear that, Mother Nature?! DONE. 4.) I downloaded a new menu-planning program, and I love it. Lots of smoothies in my mornings. 5.) My lovely, crabby Shadey-lady. 6.) Rain and a new umbrella. I’ve only cut my finger twice. I’m doing well. 7.) I permed my hair… It was fun for 24 hours. Now it’s just like my regular hair, but it takes longer to get to. Fantastic. 8.) The BluePrint Cleanse is AMAZING. 9.) Cupcakes and Wine, Valentine’s-Style was a blast! 10.) Valentine’s Day in general? Fun.

I’ll be back, friends. In way less than a month.

But. Until that lovely day…

Chambray blouse: Forever 21; Sweater: Kohl’s (about 100 years ago); Pants: GAP 1969 Lightweight Stretch jeans; Wedges: Dexter Kylie Wedge Pump, via Payless

Small stuffed animal at my feet? Medium Me, one of Jasper’s several look-a-like toys, gifted to him from his Auntie when the toy was bigger than he was.

Clearly, I need to clean my house. And that mirror. Ghastly. I’m almost embarrassed. …Almost.

Anyway.

I browsed the ‘Net this weekend for some V-Day inspiration, and OH, Internet. You have not failed me. Check out some of these gorgeous ideas for all things glitzy and glamorous:

1.) Leopard, Lace & Love for Valentine’s Day, courtesy of Hostess with the Mostess

2.) Glam Valentine’s Day Wedding Shoot, via Pizzazzerie

3.) Valentine’s Day Goodie Bags, from Twig & Thistle (And can I just say? HOLY GORGEOUSNESS, this website.)

4.) Valentine’s Day Cookie Pop Tutorial, also from Pizzazzerie

You can find the motherload of gorgeous table spreads here, at Pizzazzerie. Of course. Because isn’t everything on Pizzazzerie amazing? Good. Ness.

Food-wise, I’m kind of drooling over these Cherry Chocolate Kisses and Chocolate-Covered Cherry Cupcakes.

I have added so many new websites to my feed reader tonight… It’s kind of a mess. But oh so much fun.

Also, since this post is sheer girliness right now, let me just man it up a little by adding:

Dear Giants: Since the 49′ers beat my Saints last weekend in a heartbreaking (and somewhat dirty) game (LISTEN. You can’t just win by injuring the other team. SAN FRANCISCO. I’M LOOKING AT YOU.) — I really need you to kick their behinds tonight. Also, if you could then go on to cream the Patriots in the Super Bowl? That’d be swell. Because it’s really almost unbearable to live in New England during football season when you hate the Pats as much as I do, and a Super Bowl win definitely does not make that any better. Love, Melissa

Annnnnd scene. Happy Sunday, all!

…I kind of feel like it’s been a year. It’s been a long week. There’s been good and bad (mostly good), but there’s also been a whole stupid-ton of insomnia. I want to stab all insomnia. Over and over again. Forgive my dullness. I am useless and totally without sparkle when I don’t sleep.

Except on my fingernails. There is sparkle on my fingernails. …GOSH WHAT AM I TALKING ABOUT.

Oh, friends! Let me share with you a special piece of snark I found hanging in my office building today:

I giggled. I giggled a lot. I also thought it was a little bit epic that the memo was apparently brought to us by not only the rag-tag management company that ignores clogged toilets and stairs with loose carpeting, but also by Homeland Security.

Oh, OR&L. You so wish.

Anyhow, it looks like we’re getting some snow here in CT tomorrow, and I can’t say I’m not a little bit relieved. I’m looking forward to the excuse to sleep in and tackle a few ’round-the-house things on my 28 Before 29 list… Including checking out some of the music recommended to me by my awesome swap partner, Bri.

Stay warm & toasty, all. Drink lots of tea!

BUT, it’s on my list of short-term goals to host a themed party. Parties are so hard. There’s all this planning, and then you never know who’s actually going to show up, because don’t act like you’ve never clicked “Attending” on a Facebook invite and then changed it and wrote some lame comment about, “Oh, something came up, I’m totally SO BUMMED” on the day of the party. You know you have. We ALL have. And you always forget how aggravating it is until you’re the host. And then, suddenly, it’s rude! and disrespectful! and unforgivable! (Which… It kinda is, anyway, right?)

So. Parties. And I mean. I’m an introvert. Big groups kind of make me twitch. But — it’s on the list. I have to do it. By March. Hear that sound? That’s the clock ticking. Also, DEATH IS COMING. …Yeah. I totally link those. Clocks suck.

Anyhow, I decided to put my big-girl panties on and have a Valentine’s Day party for some of my favorite girls. (I see you rolling your eyes at me.) (Yes I do.) (YES I DO.) (Also, I’ve explained my feelings on this holiday here.)

I gathered email addresses and wrote a letter preparing my potential guests, and then I created an online invitation. LEAVE NO STONE UNTURNED, I say. So far, everyone who’s seen the invite has RSVP’d “yes.” Several are pretty excited. Already.

And since I’m obviously now a pro at the invitation process, let me show you, friends, how it’s done.

Ahem…

Hi, ladies.

So, as promised, here’s your invitation — to a party. With cupcakes and wine. Valentine’s Day-style. (Seriously, I can hear you groaning from here. Keep it down, woman.)

Anyway, there are several reasons why I am determined to make this evening happen, and why I will haunt you until you agree to attend:
1. There will be CUPCAKES. And WINE. Like… What’s bad about that?? Come on.
2. I have a list of 28 goals to complete before I turn 29. Hosting a themed party is one of them. My birthday is in March. I’m in a time-crunch, friends. Help a girl out.
3. I very recently broke up with my boyfriend, and I refuse to let Valentine’s Day remind me of that. (Didn’t know? Want to hear that story? See you on the 11th!)
4. Most importantly, I love you all, and I miss you all, and we don’t spend enough time together anymore. Let’s fix that. With alcohol. Oh, and CUPCAKES.

It goes on from there and includes such gems as:

So find a babysitter for your children or your boyfriend…

and…

Also, no cancelling the day-of, Facebook generation! (Be honest, we totally all do it.)

Use these techniques, ladies, and you will be POPULAR. And have ATTENDANCE at your PARTIES. …At least until the day-of, when everyone sends you a text message that says, “Oh, I”m totally SO BUMMED…”

Threats and guilt only really get you so far.

That’s a total lie. That’s not what the 10-Pound Challenge is at all. I’m sorry. Sometimes, I’m just 11 years old again. I can’t help it. I’m sorry.

Anyway! So the REAL 10-Pound Challenge is hosted by Erika at Newlyweds On A Budget, and is a far better idea than eating 10 pounds of butter in 10 minutes. Or, like, 100 minutes, because ew. Really. Ew.

I know, I know — losing weight?? LAME. I’m totally with you. Only thing is? I’ve been suffering from such silly and ridiculous stomach issues over the past couple of years that my previously-very-well-managed weight has been a little. Well. NOT really “a little,” if you know what I’m saying.

I don’t have a ton to lose, and I’m not crying “woe is me.” Don’t get me wrong. But I could stand to be paying more attention to my meal composition, and what better motivator than declaring it loudly and publicly, via the Internet? I AM GOING TO LOSE WEIGHT. …The threat of shame is simply extremely effective, friends.

Plus, there’s a really cute button. I’m a total sucker for a really cute button:

So the goal is to lose 10 pounds in 12 weeks. We’ll see how it goes!

Also, again? I’m TOTALLY CHEATING. This goal is on my 28 Before 29 list, AND my list of New Year’s resolutions. I am a MASTER goal-setter. And a Master cheater. WHAT UP. (A little Barney Stinson there for you.)

But there’s this one sweatshirt… It lives in my closet (or, more frequently, on the chair in my bedroom), and it says “Hollister,” all loud and proud. My coworker gave me this sweatshirt about five years ago. Her daughter had grown out of it. …Her 12 year old daughter.

So yes, friends. When I’m feeling particularly lazy about getting dressed and looking presentable, I, a 28 year-old woman, consistently rock a sweatshirt with an obnoxious brand name across the chest, in bright teal letters, that was a hand-me-down from a 12 year old girl.

I have no shame.

(I also still take bathroom mirror shots. Don’t judge.)

…Though I will say that walking over wet grass in heels, with an open box full of cupcakes and a lot of drunk people saying, “Oh, HEY, you’re walking by my table, why don’t you put those cupcakes right down HERE.” is apparently something that tests the edges of my patience. Or, if nothing else, my balance.

Mocha Cupcakes with Oreo Cookie Frosting

Mocha Cupcakes (adapted from BrownEyedBaker.com)

Makes 12 cupcakes

Ingredients:

• 18 Oreo cookies
• chocolate chips!
• 1 1/3 c all-purpose flour
• 1/3 c unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 c milk
• 1/2 c strong brewed coffee
• 1 1/2 tsp espresso powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 c unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 c granulated sugar
• 1/2 c light brown sugar
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 & fill a cupcake pan with your cupcake liners
2. Mix the espresso powder into the brewed coffee until dissolved; set aside to cool
3. Twist apart 6 of the Oreos. Resist dipping into milk and eating. Place one half of each cookie at the base of your cupcake liner. (Any cream should be facing up, toward you!)
4. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda & powder, and salt
5. In a larger bowl, using an electric mixer (or a really strong arm with a spoon), beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy; add egg and beat until combined.
6. In a tiny bowl, combine milk, coffee mixture and vanilla.
7. Gradually add flour mixture and coffee mixture to butter/sugar/egg, alternating until all have been combined.
8. Dump in chocolate chips. Don’t measure. Just pour. I mean, it’s chocolate, after all.
9. Fill cupcake liners halfway.
10. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.

The delicious Oreo Cookie Frosting was taken from this recipe at BuddingBaketress.

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 c plus 2 tbsp whipping cream
• 3 tbsp powdered (confectioner’s) sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 6 tbsp Oreo cookies, finely crushed
• One Oreo for the top of each cupcake

Instructions:

1. Using an electric mixer, combine the whipping cream, powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the whipping cream forms stiff peaks.
2. Gently fold in the cookie crumbs with a spatula. (Or a spoon if, like me, you are constantly misplacing kitchen utensils.)
3. Scoop the mixture into a pastry bag and pipe on top of the cupcakes.
4. Stick an Oreo on top of each cupcake!

I think the cupcakes were a hit… What about you?