It's time for Season 2....FALL!!!!

It's time for Season 2.....
       FALL!!!!

Since our last post, just about an entire year has gone by. I decided "why post when the season is already done"? AKA I got lazy, procrastinated, realized it was February, and I still hadn't written up fall. Plus my computer was and still is having issues importing photos. But enough excuses! Let's get on to it, try to remember everything I did last year, and have some suggestions on how to spend your BEST FALL EVER!

Refresher on the rules:
1. 86 fun fall tasks listed on my phone at the beginning on the season.
2. I have to accomplish at least one of these activities every day.
3. Only one item can be counted for each day (not a race to the finish line).
4. Once the day is done, enter the date next to the task completed.
5. Dates are locked in and cannot be rearranged once entered.
6. Rules will constantly be bent and cheating allowed because life happens and we don't want to set ourselves up for failure, right?

So let's get to it....

"Fall is here, fall is here, it's a wonderful time of year!" -Angelica Pickles

September 22, 2018- Take a Day Off From Lists
Well.....that's no fun. Even listers need a day off. Plus I needed a chance to write my summer blog! Check it out next time you're in the mood for tropical summer fun.

September 23, 2018- Watch Football on TV
Yay NFL Season! Yes I like sports. Yes I will make a list of my favorite teams. 1. Rams! 2. Packers! 3. Seahawks. And yes I was a Rams fan before they moved back to California. I even have some St. Louis Rams gear around the apartment. It's just a perk that they happened to move with me. Sunday Football Funday is a quality day. Both Sushi and Eric (dog and boyfriend. Keep up!!) fell asleep on the couch and refused to wake up. You'll have to trust me that they were both very cute because I'd probably get in trouble for posting the evidence. Just a cute picture of the pug sleeping after the games. Packers lost, but Rams and Seattle both won! Even the Dolphins won. What a different time 2018 was.

September 24, 2018- Blog about Summer List

Ok really....let's get to the good stuff. Blogging kept me very busy. I'm hoping for a more efficient posting time this year. 

September 25, 2018- Eat Poutine

Finally! Something fun and fall related. Also Happy Birthday Amanda Johnson. This delicious poutine was consumed at "The Kroft" at the Anaheim Packing House for Amanda's bday dinner. For those who haven't heard of Poutine it's a delicious Canadian delicacy of French fries topped with cheese curds and brown gravy. For those who haven't heard of The Packing House....do yourself a favor by just going there and discovering it for yourself. Hipster food court heaven. Today's featured poutine is a Loco Moco style with a hamburger patty and fried egg along with our typical poutine heavenliness.

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September 26, 2018- Eat Tofu

Ok not specifically fall, but still delicious and a year round treat. I personally love tofu. I pan fry it, scramble it, bake it, deep fry it. Pretty much anything you can do with it. No pictures were taken to document this day, but I trust it was delicious and worth trying. Message me for some of my favorite tofu recipes!

September 27, 2018- Brush Teeth for Two Minutes 

So.... yeah this is surprisingly harder than it sounds. Maybe you are all teeth brushing pros and have the worlds best oral hygiene, but I dare you to set the timer for 2 minutes and brush away. My super fancy (jk it was like $20 from Amazon) electric tooth brush vibrates at the end of the 2 minute timer and tells me it's done. I'm sure I usually make it close to the 2 minute mark. At least I floss every day! If you don't, no shame, but really please pick up the flossing habit. There is nothing more attractive than a clean mouth. And no I did not take pictures of this either. You're welcome.

September 28, 2018- Get Ethiopian Food

I had to take a break and come back the next day to have the energy to explain this one. I personally love Ethiopian food. I first had it during college with my dad per a recommendation from a random man in an elevator in Seattle. Got all that? We ended up loving it and have tried to convince everyone else we know to love it as well. Some have succeeded, such as my bellydance students at Gonzaga. Others.... well...the rest of the family and friends haven't loved it quite as much. In the least appetizing way I can think to describe it, it is a big pile of wonderfully seasoned mushy veggies and meats that you eat with your hands with the help of a sour, spongey, holey pancake called injera (like injury without the ee, add an uh). So it's not for someone with trypophobia: fear of irregular holes. I made Eric take me for my pre-birthday dinner. He was less than enthusiastic about it, but I had a great time. The waiter was very kind and I left him probably the largest % tip I've ever left (which still isn't saying much). Just look at the pictures and try it for yourself sometime. 

September 29, 2018- Get a Pedicure

I love getting my toe nails done. Everything about it is enjoyable for me: the massage chair, the new color, the scraping, the scrubbing, the soaking. I love it all. When I can afford it I go and get my nails done as a birthday treat. I choose whatever cheap $20 and under nail place is nearby and go to town. My usual stop has a very friendly man who owns the place and wears sparkly jeans every day. He always asks if I'm sisters with whichever poor unfortunate white girl got drug along with me. Here I am with Sister Madison hehe.

                                                     

September 30, 2018- Birthday Party

Well this one only makes sense if you happen to have the same or similar birthday as me. Any other fellow Libras out there? A Sunday birthday called for brunch and game night. I guess you could always throw and unbirthday party but that's getting a bit too Disney of me. I'll leave it at that. Being tall is awkward and good thing Sushi is a lady pug.

 

October 1, 2018- Eat a Cheesecake

For not being a huge fan of sweets I really do enjoy cheesecake. Can you tell that fall has a lot of food themed tasks yet? As a pre birthday celebration for Sheree and I (we actually do share the same bday. The last task would be appropriate for her!) Eric's group of friends took us out for all you can eat sushi! After stuffing myself with fish the last thing I wanted to do was eat my delicious little cake, but it made a great treat a few days later! Plus it helped me accomplish a task. Thanks @winnieeeb for capturing this moment! 

                                                         

October 2, 2018- Eat an Apple

Another food themed task! This was supposed to be an easy throw away task for later in the season, but sometimes you just need those easy day. Plus baby Evelyn (childhood best friend's baby) was born which is which was way more exciting than any apple. If you're really still stuck on the apple I personally like green apples especially Granny Smith. Go find yourself one of those.

October 3, 2018- Finish Freezer Soup

I love to crockpot soup throughout the year and then freeze it for a later date. Some of my favorites include potato chowder and my Thanksgiving turkey and rice soup. In this case it was the latter. I figured with Thanksgiving coming around the corner I better finish up the soup for a new batch. If you ever want the recipes, let me know!

October 4, 2018- Decorate for Halloween

I have made the rule that my house cannot be decorated for Halloween before my birthday. September=birthday month. October=Halloween. For not being my favorite holiday I have a surprising amount of decorations. Most of them are from the college dorm days that have lasted quite well. I always come across a few college surprises that I've left in the decoration box. Ask me about it sometime if you want a weird and not blog worthy story! No photo evidence was taken of the decorating process, but we do have a #TBT (since it was actually Thursday) with the decorations. Featured as follows: 19 year old Hannah, Dillon Room 303, Emily's shirt, and bat hat. Enjoy

                                               

October 5, 2018- Get In-N-Out

Did I mention I live within walking distance of an In-N-Out? But who actually walks places around here. Double-double no onions, fries well done, and extra spread. Sorry non California friends. Or Oregon/Nevada/Arizona. Did I get them all?

October 6, 2018- Drink Hot Cocoa

It's finally time to bust out the warm drinks. Tea, Cocoa, Cider, Chai, Matcha, etc. Out of all of my fun mugs I chose the plainest one possible. However, it does a very good job of showing off the chocolate. For someone who doesn't like chocolate, I do somehow have a fondness for hot chocolate and chocolate milk. It doesn't make sense to me either.

October 7, 2018- Eat Clam Chowder
We will move away from food and drink eventually. I promise! However, clam chowder is a delicious cold weather food that can't be ignored. This occasion it was of the pre-made store bought variety, but still better than nothing. I have made up for it plenty of times with my Mo's Clam Chowder every time I fly through Portland airport.

October 8, 2018- Go to a Haunted House

Oh finally! Look how fall of me! This was a pop up event up in L.A. to celebrate the anniversaries for both "Nightmare Before Christmas" and "Hocus Pocus". Who am I right? Venturing into the depths of LA late night? It was well worth it and many more pictures are featured on my IG. 

 

October 9, 2018- Pumpkin Pancakes

Yay for Trader Joe's and all things pumpkin! They have a delicious pumpkin pancake mix that I highly recommend. It is easy and tasty. They are a little sweet for the morning time for me, but make an excellent breakfast for dinner.

October 10, 2018- Drink Sleepytime Tea

I love all types of tea, especially tea before bed. Did you know there is specific Sleepytime tea? Did you know it comes in multiple flavors and varieties? My favorite is the jasmine green Sleepytime tea. I also have lavender, honey, peach, detox, and extra sleepy. It is very calming and relaxing after a long day.

October 11, 2018- Wear a Flannel

This is a very easy and non food related fall activity. I had to wait for the weather to stop feeling like summer. I have an entire section in my closet dedicated to different colored flannels. Yes my closet is style and color organized. Are you surprised? Apparently I'm never photographed in any of my flannels except for my 2017 Christmas Card and again the same flannel in my 2013 Seattle road trip. Enjoy some throw backs.

October 12, 2018- Use a Candle

It appears I was having a very lazy week. This again is another easy fall activity, but requires the weather not being absolutely scorching. I have a lot of candles, mostly from Bath and Body Works, and mostly Christmas scented. I do have a nice pumpkin candle or two that are perfect for a brisk fall day. Here is my entire collection to pick from. Which should I light next?

October 13, 2018- Pugtoberfest

It looks like I was gearing up for a big one with all those lazy days. This was THE event of the fall. It was a gross rainy day but Sushi, Madison, and I still ventured out to OC Pugtoberfest. There were games, booths, contests, races, and pugs galore. We met several pugs who we follow on Instagram. We also partook in a costume contest where we did not place, but still had a lot of fun. This day is better told in pictures, so I will include quite a few. 

October 14, 2018- Use Holiday Meal Coupon?
Here is one that had a bit of cheating involved. The coupons were used the previous night, which was the same day as Pugtoberfest. But I'm getting ahead of myself. Let's go back to the beginning and explain even what these coupons are. Every Christmas season Disney gives us employees some coupons to use to get a % off of dinning at one of their on property restaurants. So if you are already planning to eat there this is a great gift. For me it always ends up being a last minute squeeze into whichever restaurant has openings and spending more money than I would have on a normal dinner. These coupons last until about mid-October of the following year and you guessed it. The 13th was the expiration day. However, I was probably still full on the 14th. Madison and I went to the Paradise Pier Hotel Grill and Buffet and I ate way too much. Honestly I don't think I have ever been more full. It hurt to be alive when we were done eating. Waddling back to the car involved several stops to sit down. I could have died. But I still plan to do it again this year. Guess who still has all 3 coupons left expiring in like 2 weeks. Let's go get food!

October 15, 2018- Eat Squash
Another fun fall flavored food festive activity. I just got started with the Fs there and couldn't stop. I only have 2 squash recipes that I'm attached to (one for spaghetti squash and one for mashed butternut squash) so if you have any others please send them my way. I've tried putting it in grain bowls and pastas, but never love it. It's such a commitment to prepare and eat!

                                                  

October 16, 2018- Wear a Beanie
Another easy fall throw away. I enjoy my $5 slouchy beanies from Target. I have them in several fall colors. I easily look bald if my hair is pulled back, but as long as I have a few strands hanging out they seem ok. What are your go to hair styles with beanies? Please teach me your ways! And enjoy the only picture I could find of me wearing the beanie.... with the eggplant as big as my head!



October 17, 2018- Use Tea Kettle
I love my tea kettle. It's for the stove top and it is bright green. I use it on days when I have company or know I will need a lot of hot water for tea. It whistles and steams and does everything a good tea kettle should.





















October 18, 2018- Pumpkin Jamba Juice
I've always been a bit too scared to look up the ingredients of this one, but I allow it as a once a year treat. I remember first seeing pumpkin smoothies advertised when I was in school in Spokane, but every time I went to the one Jamba Juice, they were always out. These California Jambas are much better stocked. I even had a birthday reward that I used to get a free smoothie and had it ordered for pick up. So all I had to do after work was walk over to Downtown Disney and grab my treat. It honestly tastes more like a pumpkin shake.

                                                         

October 19, 2018- Try a Restaurant from List
Shocker I have another category of lists, I know. Any time someone mentions or I drive by an interesting looking restaurant I add it to my list of places to try. This time it was Mr. Katsu sandwiches which I actually have been back to a couple of times since. They have a large variety of katsu chicken sandwiches. Eric and I were so hungry that we ate our sandwiches before our phones had time to take a bite, but I do have a screenshot from the website. Close enough.

                                                             

















October 20, 2018- Make Cajun Food
If you couldn't tell it is rare to find a type of cuisine I don't love. Cajun is just another on of my favorites. It isn't necessarily just for fall, but my two times in New Orleans have been in the fall, so it sort of associates in my mind. My jambalaya obviously looks suuuuppppeeerrr appetizing before stirring it up. I really need to pick up my photography skills. Or just go out to eat.



October 21, 2018- Pumpkin Patch
Yay I love a good pumpkin patch. There were always such cute ones growing up in Oregon and I finally found one that I like here in Orange County. It's somehow in the middle of Irvine but still feels like farm land. Tanaka Farms is the cutest little pumpkin patch equipped with food stalls, corn mazes, vegetables, and Hello Kitty galore. We even got a free wagon ride from a couple leaving who didn't use theirs. Plenty of pictures to follow.

October 22, 2018- Celebrate Adopt-ivesary (10/21.5)

Ok another cheat day. I obviously have to celebrate Sushi's adopt-aversary. However, it was the day before and there was no postponing the pumpkin patch. So again we had to double up. She was only 2 though so I don't think she noticed. Another year of putting up with the squishy monster. I have learned that she is also very food motivated as well. To get her to leave me alone while blogging I have her with a big nasty bone making all sorts of crumbs on the carpet by my feet. At least I'm not getting chewed on. She celebrated by napping in the shoe tray. 

                                                                  

October 23, 2018- Watch Paint the Night

If you don't live by Disneyland this one obviously won't make sense for you. Also if Paint the Night isn't the current parade than this task will be a bit harder. However, Paint the Night was recently back to Disney and I still hadn't gone to see it in its new home: Disney California Adventure. I also enjoy watching the parades more when I know my friends will be performing. This worked for my advantage back in the day when Eric was still performing in parades, but I digress. Back to Paint the Night. I survived going into the park when I didn't have to. If only Cinderella would have turned around!

October 24, 2018- Dress Sushi up for Halloween

Obviously your furry friend instead of Sushi for you. But Sushi was the cutest little Pug-u-saurous Rex there ever was.  She even won our apartment Halloween party costume contest. This was partially because she was well behaved for the photo. I guess Park Ranger Mama trained her well. Extra points for a hand me down costume. This one was from our old neighbor Chub who rightfully got too chubby to wear it.

October 25, 2018- Watch Hocus Pocus

I remember thinking this movie was really weird the bits and pieces I saw as a child. Somehow it has become a classic for everyone and I'm about it. I even own it on DVD now. This year I had fun looking up the actors and found some interesting facts! Maybe you'll enjoy them too. 

October 26, 2018- Drink Angry Orchard

Cider is such a yummy fall treat! College drinker hack- drink enough off the top to pour in a shot of fireball whisky. You're welcome.

October 27, 2018- Dress up for Halloween

Disney social event of the season! Amy throws the best parties and this one was a quality one. Great location in Newport Beach. Chance to show off cute couples contest. Angelica quotes inspired the Phil and Lil couple's costume which is only creepy if you think about it too hard. My costume came from the children's sections of a sketch store going bankrupt. The felt pieces were sewn on about 5 minutes before our Uber arrived. Many adventures were had. Oysters were lost. Pirates escorted me across busy streets. Twins were lost. Ubers were canceled. But am I ready to do it again this year? Uhhh we will see.

                                          

October 28, 2018- Go to a Football Game

Go teams!!! It's hard to pick when it's a Rams vs. Packers game. I let the weather choose for me. I had a Packers jersey and a Rams sweatshirt. It was a hot day so I guess Go Packers! But Rams won so.... Go Rams! My dad flew in and his buddy Ray drove down from Oregon. They treated Eric and I to a day of fun!!

October 29, 2018- Wear Villain Shirt

Bring on the cheese. Not only am I 99.9% sure I am a Disney Villain, but some of the girls and I were confident enough last year that we ordered the 100% shirts! Crazy right? When working a Disney Halloween Party I remained 100% confident. 

                                                          

October 30, 2018- Watch a Scary Movie

Here's the first task that writing a year afterwards has completely stumped me. Could I tell you which scary movie it was? Nope. But I'm sure it was terrifying and satisfying. 

October 31, 2018- Take a Picture with The Pumpkin

Happy Halloween! One of the few things I still find magical at Disneyland is the giant Halloween pumpkin. Every year I have to get a picture with it and I saved this year for the last minute. 

                               

November 1, 2018- Drink Red Wine

Another very fall treat. Wine makes a brief appearance in my picture with the weird purple Brussel sprouts. My wine aerator also makes an appearance in the back. My favorite reds include the 14 Hands Red Blend and the Dearly Beloved "I Thee Red". Both are a good price at Trader Joes.

                                                       

November 2, 2018- Go to Trader Joe's

Speak of the devil. Drank to much wine and had to restock I suppose. What isn't to love about Trader Joe's? The cheese sections, the freezer Trader Jose's Mexican food, the polenta, the $3 decent wine. I could eat Trader Joe's everyday. Unfortunately it's a bit of a trek so when I go I really stock up. And look! They even have kringles now! Even my computer autocorrected Kringle. I thought it was a midwest thing. I guess even this one came from Wisconsin!!

November 3, 2018- Drink Chai

If you can't tell by now I'm more of a tea drinker than a coffee drinker. I love chai. Unpopular opinion: I don't like Starbucks chai. The Tazo chai has a weird spiced flavor to me. I love my Oregon Chai in the yellow and purple carton. Hot order is either plain, pumpkin, gingerbread, or eggnog with nonfat milk. Cold is always with peppermint, light ice, non fat. Thank me later. 

November 4, 2018- Wear Cute Felt Hat

My grandpa says he "always likes a lady in a hat" so I always try to wear hats when I know I'm going to see him. Hats are also great for hair that never seems to cooperate. I found this cute felt hat at Target, that felt like all you stylish Insta-girls, so I decided to give it a try. This is the one time it has ventured out, for Kristen's birthday, though it will probably make an appearance for my fall trip to see my grandparents next month. Watch out!

November 5, 2018- Make a Cheese Plate

So much food for fall! Trader Joe's earlier in the week helped prepare this one. I got a variety of cheeses, crackers, bread, meats, fish, hummus, avocado, etc. Maybe I'll get more fruits and sauces next time. There was a bit of berry on the chèvre. 

November 6, 2018- Make Applesauce

Homemade applesauce is another delicious fall treat. It pretty much consists of boiling apples in water, smashing them, and adding spices and such. I decided to try with the peels still on for the nutritional value and the ease. Next time I plan to peal. It wasn't bad, but it took a lot longer and was a bit chunkier than planned. 

                                       

November 7, 2018- Watch a Jane Austen Movie

I am obsessed with Pride and Prejudice. I will watch it and read it over and over again. However, I decided to branch out and at least watch a spin off. This one was a post P&P timeline Murder Mystery! I highly recommend to you and whoever this Snapchat was sent to. And yes I still get Netflix DVDs. It's a thing.

                                                                    

November 8, 2018-Eat KBBQ

I love Korean BBQ, but have to be in the mood for it. For those of you who haven't eaten KBBQ it is meat after meat after meat that is brought out and you cook it yourself at a grill on your table. There are also sides and my favorite spicy tofu soup. This time was for Karen's birthday and we had a great time. The more people the better because they can eat more meat so you can try more kinds. Wear clothes that are easily washed though. Meat smell everywhere for days. Also avoid splatting oil. It got my eye.

November 9, 2018- Crunch Leaves

The most fall of all fall activities! Go out and crunch all of the fallen, colorful, crunchy leaves! Bonus points if your dog helps. Also avoid the Santa Ana winds. Thanks shuttle drivers for my cool new glasses to avoid allergies.

   

                                                      

November 10, 2018- Read a Mary Higgins Clark 

On the theme of murder mysteries, my favorite author seems very fall. I am currently obsessed with MHC and trying to make my way through her entire collection. These were books that my mom enjoyed when I was little and I was never allowed to read them. That caused even more intrigue than they were probably worth. Now that I am a mostly functioning adult I can read them as much as I want and I do. If you are just starting out with MHC try some of her older works like "Where Are The Children" and "Weep No More, My Lady". Her writing style takes a few tries to get used to with all of her characters, but once you do and you can begin to solve the mystery before the twist, it becomes quite fun! I can usually predict who the killer is going to be!

November 11, 2018- Use Tevana Tea Maker

So I am completely devastated that Tevana stand alone stores are gone. Every time I went to the mall I would stop and try samples and occasionally even buy a specialty mixed tea. How dare Starbucks come and ruin it all. Before they closed I stocked up on tons of closing sale loose leaf teas. Now I'll have to go out and search for it when I run out. But the steepers are so cool. Tea, water, steep, cup.

November 12, 2018-  See Chelsea and Matt

Ok...go find random Chelsea's and Matt's in your life and go hang out. Mine happen to be my college sophomore suite mate and her husband. They are some of very few college friends who live down here in OC and we hardly ever see each other! That's why I put them on the list so I knew I would have to reach out and make the effort. They brought their adorable toddler along and we all got breakfast at Blue Bowls, which is my new favorite acai bowl place. So fun and fancy! Just watch out for parking at the Orange location. 

                                               

November 13, 2018- Cook an Online Saved Recipe

I am awful at going and pinning delicious looking recipes online and then never doing anything with them. I decided to try a frittata (aka crustless quiche) with butternut squash, kale, and goat cheese. Crustless quiche was fun but next time I will switch up the veggies inside. The kale was a big chewy and the squash a bit large. But I'll include the recipe for you. I recommend peppers, mushrooms, ham, zucchini, and/or shredded cheese.

Frittata link

                                           

                                                      

November 14, 2018- Decorate for Xmas

Wow I was in the Xmas mood real early this year. Usually the day after Thanksgiving is dedicated for Christmas decorations, but sometimes you just need that holiday cheer a bit early. I have a small 5 ft-ish tree and an smaller tree. One is usually Disney themed. My favorite it to hang sparkly ornament balls from my ceiling at different lengths. It makes the entire room festive and only occasionally do you have to duck the falling ball. (No pictures were to be found so keep an eye out for this years included in the winter blog!) I also like the set up a nativity set (if you don't know what this is, either move on or we can talk religion elsewhere, not over the internet. Let google be your friend.). My little wooden one from when I was a child still brings me much joy. I like to start Mary/Joseph/Donkey on one side of my apartment and Three Kings on another. Slowly (as I remember to move them) they make their way through to maze of my apartment to their stable. I will include some picture of their favorite stopping points.

November 15, 2018- Use Heating Bag

Heating bags are wonderful. Mine is special and unique in its own special way. It has an umm...odor, that is impossible to describe. Pretty much it smells like pee. In elementary school we went to Sunriver, OR (look it up!) and I won a heating bag at a silent auction at the lodge. It is infused with some sort of herbal beads or what not because to this day after being in the microwave it always smells like pee. I even thought my dog had peed on it at some point, but nope. Always smelt that way. But it feels nice. Hopefully you can find a nice lavender one or something.

November 16, 2018- Movie Night?

Question mark was included in my list. What this was supposed to be was a fun friend gathering with snacks and drinks and movies and face masks and whatever else happens on movie nights. What it turned into was watching a movie with I think Madison and calling it a night. Woohoo take example from my words, not my actions on this one. 

November 17, 2018- Hot Tub

I love to hot tub. It was actually one of my requirements for moving into an apartment. My complex has 2 hot tubs and I don't use them nearly as often as I should. I convinced Madison to go with me and it was a great time. No one ever uses the far one (don't start now apartment people) so it's always super relaxing. I'm always down to have friends come over and come use it with me. Just let me know when!

                                         

November 18, 2018- Eat Pumpkin Pie

It's never too early for pumpkin pie. I personally like almost all kinds of pie (except chocolate ones) so pumpkin is no exception. I even had a pumpkin pie instead of a birthday cake once. I think that was for 16 or 17. What a smart teen I was. Most of my pies these days come from Costco because they are massive, cheap, and easy. But someday I will make my own again, when I stop being so tired. This year however I got a delicious slice at Friendsgiving! It was made by our very own @shereesweetthang (check her out on insta)!! She makes pretty much anything and she is amazing!!

              

November 19, 2018- Get Pho

A new pho (Vietnamese soup) place opened up my house! It is called Pho Kingdom. Pho is pronounced fuhh. Read the restaurant name out loud. You're welcome again. It wasn't bad. Service was a bit slow for being empty, but the food tasted ok. I am slightly allergic to something in pho and my tongue gets all fuzzy and heavy, but yet I keep eating it. Does this happen to anyone else?

November 20, 2018- Wear Boots

It was finally cold enough to wear boots! This is a special occasion in California. Rain boots, ugg boots, fake ugg boots, tiny booties. All are perfect for fall! And an easy list item to accomplish and forget to photo document.

November 21, 2018- Write a Thankful List

I thought it was important during Thanksgiving season to remember all the things I needed to be thankful for. It doesn't need to be any longer than a quick 5 minutes in your phone notes, but it still is important to do every once in awhile. It's easy to get caught up in the stress of the season, but there really is so much to be thankful for. <3

November 22, 2018- Thanksgiving Feast

FOOD TIME!! For those who don't know, Thanksgiving is one of my top 3 holidays along with 4th of July and St. Patricks. I love Thanksgiving. Here's my ideal day. I wake up early and get the oven started for the bird. I have prepped the bread for the stuffing the night before. I turn on the Macy's parade while I peel potatoes (all 10 lbs). Sushi has photoshoot with the bird. Once the potatoes are boiling and the bird is in I am good to start my bread stuffing and my cheesy butternut squash. Those go in on the rack above the bird. Santa has paraded by and the dog show begins. The pug never wins, but one of these years it will. Bird comes out. It begins to cool in its turkey bag. Potatoes are put into 2 or 3 pots and mashed to perfection. Juice from bird is drained and made into gravy. Carving begins. Cranberries are heated up and sparkling cider is popped. Bird is carved. Pieces are fed to pug. Potatoes are munched on and turkey remains are transferred back in to original potato pot to soak for soup. Stuffing and squash come out. Tiny feast in consumed because I am already so full from picking at it all while it was prepared. Pie from Costco is eaten. We food coma. Soup is finished far too late and I am up til all hours transferring it into Tupperware and trying to cool it down enough to fit into the fridge. Leftovers are consumed by me and only me for the next week, including all of the above plus turkey soup, turkey sandwiches, and potato pancakes. Life is good. A holiday just for me, my introverted side, and my pug. 

                     

                          

November 23, 2018- Buy a New Candle

I did so good on Black Friday until it came to Bath and Body Works. Then I spent like $80 on candles. But I totally have one of them burning right now! Sweater Weather is the hot candle of the season. I also enjoy Merry Mistletoe, Winter, Hot Buttered Rum, Spiced Gingerbread, Merry Mistletoe, and may others. The body sprays are nice too, but that's not what this day is about!

November 24, 2018- Wear a Scarf

Another quick easy fall clothing day. I have an entire drawer that is half dedicated to scarves! I have warm and cold weather ones. In this case my scarf traveled with me to the clubs in downtown L.A. I bet scarves don't do that everyday.

   

November 25, 2018- Make Potato Pancakes
My favorite Thanksgiving tradition! My potato pancakes include mashed potatoes, egg, bisquick, garlic salt, parmesan, and a griddle. This year they weren't as pretty as some, but they were equally tasty. My dad is the expert. Maybe someday mine will be on his level. Or I can just have him cook for me. :)

                                                    

November 26, 2018- Go Gift Shopping
Let the Christmas shopping begin! Thanks Cyber Monday. And thanks 1 day shipping. Can't tell you what I got you though. You have to wait for Christmas.

November 27, 2018- Read Baddass Book
"You are a Badass" by Jen Sincero is a wonderful book full of motivation and life lessons. I am assuming because I actually haven't finished it yet. Not because it isn't good though! I read self help books slowly, chapter by chapter, to really let the message sink in and implement it in my life. This I'll admit I took a several month break from, but I'm back and better than ever. It looks pretty on a desk too.

November 28, 2018- Use Bath Bomb
I am so glad to finally have a bath I can use. It is a shower/tub, but it's better than nothing. I love Lush bath bombs (hint if you're stuck on my Christmas present). This was a Big Blue ocean seaweed bath bomb. It was squishy and amazing. I highly recommend it.

November 29, 2018- Use an Umbrella        
It finally rained so I was able to use an umbrella. I love the rain, but prefer it when it's a bit warmer and I don't need my hair to look nice. I go with the mindset that who ever said feeling wet was a bad feeling? In this case I even doubled up with a hood and an umbrella.



November 30, 2018- Christmas Card Photos
I love sending out Christmas cards. It makes me feel like a real adult. It's also an excuse to get super cute pictures with Sushi and Eric. This year we all wore sweaters and took pictures around my living room thanks to Karen and her iPhone skills. Since they have already been sent and enjoyed I will share some of my favorites with you, including some that didn't make the card (like when Sushi tried to sneak kisses)!



December 1, 2018- Buy a New Candle
It's December!!! I got so excited that I duplicated an old task and bought more candles! Can't stop won't stop. Bath and Body Works had a big sale.

December 2, 2018- Make Fall Sangria
I love a good Sangria. Or a bad Sangria. Pretty much all. Fall screams red wine for me and a bit of spiced rum and citrus. Yum.
             



















December 3, 2018- Make Pulled Meat
Another fall snack. This time was pulled pork in the crock pot. I let it simmer for a few hours in salt and then shredded it apart with my forks. I made a small batch this time and it was perfect for sandwiches, tacos, and over rice for the week. (This also totally counts for Use the Crock Pot which got skipped this season.)



December 4, 2018- Drink Cider
Finally my favorite fall beverage. (Did I say that about all of the beverages so far?) After a long day of screaming at people at Disneyland it was much needed. I personally love the Trader Joe's Spiced Cider. It's a decent price and tastes delicious all warmed up. I think this is my last of the fall beverages.




















December 5, 2018- Random Netflix
This was a super fun and random challenge for me. As you saw earlier I still receive Netflix DVDs in the mail. The max number of DVDs you can have in your queue to rent is 500, which I have sitting waiting. I asked a friend to pick a random number 1-500 for me and I moved that DVD to the top of the list. The result was "Letters from Iwo Jima" which is a great film, but wasn't the feel good I was imagining. I also really like doing jigsaw puzzles while I watch movies. This is very difficult when the movie isn't in English and I am relying on the use of subtitles to understand the plot. But overall a fun challenge. I plan to try it again this season. Who wants to pick a number?

December 6, 2018- Tranquil Tea
Tranquil Tea is my favorite loose leaf tea shop near me in Downtown Fullerton. It has tons and tons and tons of teas, pastries, soups, salads, and sandwiches. I have a list (of course I do) on my phone of which tea I try every time so I can make sure to try new ones. If you get it hot in the cute little tea pot, they will even re-steep is several times for you. I like to go with Madison to sit and play games while we enjoy our tea and snacks. Today was Happiness tea with half margarita sandwich and creamy soup.



December 7, 2018- Take a Trip
This was a very broad task. My "trip" ended up being to Korea-Town in L.A. to celebrate one of Eric's friend's birthdays! Parking was awful and my pictures in the restaurant were minimal, but I felt super cute in my pre-trip selfies!



December 8, 2018- My first fail!
Meaning it was getting near the end of fall and there weren't enough hours in the day. Though I do have a nighttime selfie of me realizing nothing was accomplished and feeling sad about it. I will post the missing tasks at the end and hopefully you will have better luck finishing everything.

                                                   

December 9, 2018- Fall Photo Shoot
Every season I have wanted to have a big photo shoot with fancy outfits and poses and friends. They somehow never got planned. This was the next best thing.... Sushi had a photoshoot! And Santa was involved. Have you ever seen such a happy pug?

December 10, 2018- Take Pug on Long Hike

Sushi loves to go out and try new walks. She tends to get hot quite easily, so its important to go on a nice cool day. If she does get hot and overheated then I end up carrying her. I'll tell you that is only a treat for one of us. Good thing it was a nice brisk day and we were able to try the extended Juanita Cook Trail off the Fullerton Loop. We start back behind the courthouse and walked all the way to Euclid and back for those familiar with the area and wanting to try it. It also helps that someone loves car rides!

December 11, 2018- Build Your Own Pizza

Do you have a Pizza Press/Blaze/Pieology in your area? They are like the subway of pizza! One price and you can make whatever you want. I like Pizza Press and I start with just oil and spinach for the base, cover it with every cheese imaginable, and then top with ham, pineapple, green pepper, cherry tomato, and pesto. I recommend it. It always tastes super fresh. This time I had a buy one get on free coupon so I experimented and got 2! I still stick with my original recipe. 

                                                     

December 12, 2018- Another fail.... move right along. 

Unless you want to see the day I became a Reddit meme. And how dare they insult my geography knowledge. Please ask me about the differences between Ireland and Northern Ireland. I would love to enlighten you. And ask me about this ironic photoshoot that resurfaced. Also google "Girl in Uggs and Leggings" and see what photo result I'm at. Last I checked I was #1!!! So much for a boring day!!!

December 13, 2018- It was a busy week.... good thing I had all that leftover pizza

December 14, 2018- Fancy Date Night

I love date night! Every Friday Eric and I usually go out to eat and watch a movie at my house. Well this week wasn't much different except I chose where we were going to eat and ate there instead of taking our food to go. I even wore my date outfit (pretty sure I wore it on an awkward date once in college. Bonus points if any of you Zags can remember who with hehe). So fancy I know. I chose Tazon in Downtown Fullerton. It was a bit pricy for what you got but atmosphere was nice. I would consider going back for a splurge.

      

                                             


December 15, 2018- Last fail I promise!
But Jordyn had a birthday, so we can totally use this for my summer fail of not going on a real boat. Duffy boat and dueling pianos for the win!

December 16, 2018- Make Fondue

I love making a good cheese fondue. The only "Melting Pot" near me closed, so now it's up to me to make my own. I usually have some sort of white wine, seasoning, and as much cheese as I can find melt up. Maybe a bit of flour or broth or honestly whatever I've got. Then for dippies I have potatoes, bread, apples, carrots, tortilla chips, pretty much whatever is laying around there too.

December 17, 2018- Go to Ikea

I love Ikea. I'm not really sure how it fits into fall, but it totally works. If you check out my Instagram bio, it is 100% about Ikea. "I drove the hour to get the meatballs". The Orange County Ikea, in traffic, is about an hour away and sometimes I don't even buy anything other than the Swedish meatballs. I bought a few things this time, but most importantly, meatballs.

December 18, 2018- Make Lasagna

I go through phases where I really like lasagna, or I am really sick of lasagna. It usually depends on how much tomato sauce is used (I don't like a ton) and how crispy and slightly burnt the cheese is (I do like a ton). I try to get away with using only one can of sauce which means I normally run out by the last layer and end up really crisping the top layer of noodles. That's why it looks a bit funny, but I assure you that the rest is quite normal and good. I added zucchini to this one instead of meat.

December 19, 2018- Go to Panera Bread

A new Panera Bread opened up near my house! I love Panera, but think it is overpriced for what you get. That means I only go there rarely. However, when the list calls, well I simply have to obey. I went through the drive thru so a sleepy little pug could join me. She likes the bright lights of drive thru's very much. The pick two- sandwich and soup were quite tasty. 

                   

December 20, 2018- Delivery Food

With the abundance of delivery apps now, I figured I should download and try one to celebrate my last day of fall. I decided to get Thai food delivered from Doordash. They messed up my order slightly, but I was able to get a refund which led to more delivery tastiness! I am always sad to see fall go, but it meant the start of a brand new list! Stay tuned for my full winter blog of seasonal activities to try!

We made it!!! You're still with me?? I hope this gave you some fun ideas of fall activities to try. Thanks for sharing mine with me and supporting my list obsession.

I'll leave you with one last list. Here are the fall tasks long forgotten and failed to complete:

• Use the Crock Pot (technically did for pulled pork, but had to count just one)
• Make a Soup of the Day (from my super fun 365 days of soup recipes. never happened)
• Cook a Pumpkin Dessert (making sweets is hard. I never had time to bake)
• Winery By Packing House (we tried this in a later season. more info to come)
• Make a Pot Roast (cooking with meat is all expensive and hard. send me your pot roast recipe and change my mind)
• Make Martinis (still waiting on Jess to come over for our throwback Szechuan Citizen restaurant, Chinese basil martinis)
• Real fall photo shoot (let's make it happen this season!! hit me up)

Keep an eye out for winter to do coming soon, hopefully on time and more festive than ever. You all know what winter means (or you will soon).....cue tears.