the facebook movie.

The next date night Chad and I have, we will be going to this. All the movie reviewers are going gaga over the social network.

Have you seen it?

Chad said that when he sees it, he will update his facebook status while watching the facebook movie...:)


For your viewing pleasure, here's a clip about Mark Z. featuring my favorite SNL star:

to do.

Oh, how about a mini to-do list today.

01. Eat some of this yummy candy corn + dry roasted peanuts combo that I made today in 10 seconds. Thanks to reading my best friend's mom's Facebook post this morning, I now have my candy dish full.

02. Wait for my CSN store package to get here. I won a $50 giftcard from the giveaway that Melanie hosted. Chad and I scoured the website last night and settling on this, this, and this.

02. Decide on a simple cheap Halloween costume for Chad and I. I think we've narrowed it down to Salt + Pepper. 

03. Watch the season finale of Mad Men.

04. Find an illustrated children's book to write a paper on. (I love my major. What other major would you be able to write an entire paper on a children's book. I feel very connected to C.S. Lewis right now...).

05. Memorize/Write this down and give it to every woman in my life: “The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.”--Anonymous

Autumn Look: Sunday Night Football

Waitin' all day for Sunday Night.

You better believe I'll be supporting my team on Sunday night. Chad and I will be camping out in front of the TV, having a mini-date. And yes, we will be missing the Mad Men season finale, but that's what dvr is for, right? And if I was wearing this outfit, I'd be supporting them in style {instead of the pajama pants I'll most likely be wearing}.

It's all about skinny jeans on bottom and comfort on top. Isn't that Colts sweatshirt the cutest? And since I'll be watching the game at home, slippers are a must. I'll probably be sipping some Woodchuck Fall Cider. It's the simple events like hanging out and watching the game when I truly enjoy being married to a football fan {and being one myself}. Are you a fan of the NFL?

All in the details:
Old Navy Slippers.
Colts Sweatshirt.
American Eagle skinny jeans.

write about love

Let me talk to you about Belle and Sebastian for a minute.

I have recently become infatuated with them. It's all about the love on their latest {and greatest} album.

It's all because of this:

Belle and Sebastian Write About Love

Allow me to sing their praises--

I listened to this album on first listen via npr.org and I was hooked. Yes, I'm about 10 years late to the B + S party, but I'm so glad I own this cd. It's always nice to discover new-to-me music, is it not?  When a band pairs catchy beats with great vocals, I'm completely sold. It's like a cross between some She and Him and some Camera Obscura with a little Norah Jones thrown in there.  

I haven't even been able to get through the whole album yet because I've been stuck on this song:

I know. Feel free to play it two or three more times.

Happy Listening. 

television.

Staring outside is Karma's form of television. When I'm sitting on the couch watching The Real Housewives, she's at the patio door like so, staring at the squirrels and birds that hop around our patio.

She's one of those cats that will stare outside, but will never actually go outside. Such a scaredy cat when we put her on the grass. What a baby...

Cat owners: Are your cats indoor or outdoor lovers? 

P.S. On Friday, my sister's coming into town! It'll be the first time that we've seen her since she told us about baby number 2.

hits from 2006.

source

I was a senior in high school in 2006. Now, 2006 probably doesn't seem like a long time ago, but if you think about the music we were listening to five years ago, then I think you'll be quite surprised at some of the songs that were popular that year.

If I made a mixed cd of all the popular songs at my high school when I was a senior.

{I got these songs from Billboard Year-End Hot 100 chart. They are listed in order of popularity. check it out.}

For a random sampling of 29 of the most popular songs in 2006: listen here.

In case you're wondering:

01. Bad Day:Daniel Powter
02. You're Beautiful:James Blunt
03. Hips Don't Lie: Shakira Featuring Wyclef Jean
04. Unwritten: Natasha Bedingfield
05. Crazy: Gnarls Barkley
06. SexyBack: Justin Timberlake
07. Check On It: Beyonce Featuring Slim Thug
08. Buttons: The Pussycat Dolls Featuring Snoop Dogg
09. SOS: Rihanna
10. Move Along: The All-American Rejects
11. London Bridge: Fergie
12. Dani California: Red Hot Chili Peppers
13. What Hurts the Most: Rascal Flatts
14. Chasing Cars: Snow Patrol
15. Ain't No Other Man: Christina Aguilera
16. Dance, Dance: Fall Out Boy
17. Gold Digger: Kanye West Featuring Jamie Foxx
18. Because of You: Kelly Clarkson
19. My Humps: The Black Eyed Peas
20. What's Left of Me: Nick Lachey
21. Black Horse and the Cherry Tree: KT Tunstall
22. My Love: Justin Timberlake Featuring T.I.
23. Too Little Too Late: JoJo
24. Deja Vu: Beyonce Featuring Jay-Z
25. Jesus, Take the Wheel: Carrie Underwood
26. You and Me: Lifehouse
27. Waiting On the World to Change: John Mayer
28. Stupid Girls: Pink
29. Feel Good Inc: Gorillaz

I think the next playlist I'll do will be from Chad's graduation year. Wouldn't it be fun to hear what was popular in 2001?!

P.S. Want to go back in time to your senior year--feel free to do a post! It would be so fun to see all the different songs that were popular when each of us graduated. If you do a post, let me know in the comments!

ode to Friday.

Do you know why I love this Friday in particular? Because after tonight's shift, I get the whole weekend off. I can't remember the last time I've been able to spend a whole weekend on myself, my house, and my husband. It's going to be such a treat. Onto the questions...

1. What do you listen to while driving?

I have a routine: on the way to Stout, I listen to the Current (a Minneapolis-based radio show) and on the way from Stout, I listen to the Jim Rome show. I mix it up here and there with a few mixed cds and my iPod, but that's typically what you'll find in my car.

My Jim Rome obsession has gotten so bad, that Chad and I will often talk about the day's show over dinner. I know all the commercials and some of the inside jokes that he says, so I often feel like I have to tell Chad so that he'll think I'm a cool wife who listens to sports radio. :)

2. What is your least favorite thing about Fall?

Good question!  I never think about the bad things about fall, just the good. But I know that in about a month, I'm going to start thinking about the fact that winter is close. Autumn is such a short season here in Wisconsin, that I try to jam-pack every weekend with Autumn-related activities. That's my answer: it's too short. Don't you agree?

3. What does your dream house look like, inside and out?

I have a picture in my mind of my dream home that I often fantasize when I think about Chad and my future. I think about the open floor plan, the hardwood floors, the big windows, the master bathroom (and the master closet), the entertainment room. (I'm there right now...). If I was an architect, I would seriously consider drawing out the floor plan from my thoughts that's how clear it is to me.

Onto some pretty pictures that I have saved--everyone needs a little inspiration, right?

via dwellinggawker.com

4. Would you ever own a minivan?

Yes and I'm not ashamed to admit it. From age 0 to age 20 of my life, my parents have owned a minivan. I never thought that I would not buy a minivan. What's wrong with them? I'd ask myself. That was until I met and married Chad a.k.a. mr.-you'll-never-ever-see-me-driving-around-in-a-minivan. He is so anti-minivan that I don't even bring up the subject anymore (sorry for this post, babe). We'll have to revisit the subject in about 10 years when me, Chad, our three kids, and all our luggage doesn't fit in the SUV when we want to go visit Grandma and Grandpa. We'll see who wants a minivan then.

Married couples: Are either of you vehemently against minivans like my husband? Please--assure him he's not the only one.

P.S. Read my letter to Bertha here.

5. Do you wash new clothes before wearing them? 

No--do other people do that? I guess I do it when I buy something from a thrift store or it's like a bathing suit or something. But, now I'm all weirded out. I don't think I can see myself being excited to wear something the night after I buy it, and then I can't since I have to go home and wash it and let it dry. Should I start?

If you'd like--play along with me.

Oh, and check out what Google did for John Lennon's 70th Birthday.

photo credit: first saw it here, it's really from here.

simple pleasures.

The "little" things in life:  {the unexhaustive version}

magazines. warm coffee + creamer. eyedrops. honey roasted peanuts. glee. foodgawker.com. mashed potatoes. netflix instant queue. real housewives. cute flats. muffins. curled ribbons. big sunglasses. jim rome show. fine tip sharpies. spider solitare. camera obscura. dark nail polish. lauren conrad braids. google reader. fresh-out-of-the-dryer clothes. dlisted.com. buttered toast + brown sugar. scarves. slippers. dangling earrings. long necklaces. fiestaware. plaid shirts. chapstick. sparkly rings. karma's meow. mascara. minty gum. black + white pictures. colorful bowls. online shopping. blogging. cookbook photos. sales at tj maxx. a big bouquet of flowers. mason jars. celebrity fashion at award shows. writing down ideas from magazines. browsing the library. pink + orange. browsing facebook {especially looking at wedding/baby pictures}. writing my new last name. eating apples while driving home. the current. sunset blush wine. calendars. bulletin boards. chad's laugh. ice cubes in my water. getting a random text message. cardigans. victoria's secret tees. blush on my cheeks. long fingernails. watching tv in bed. scrubby face wash. buying fresh produce. writing chad a love note on the white board.




P.S. If you have ever felt the need to contact me via email--now you can! Any questions or ideas or tips... Please write to me at: projectsimplelife@gmail.com

original blog post idea from miss marta.

happy ears.

source

 Hi Monday! With the weather getting colder and the leaves changing color, my music preference changes too. My daily drive is quite long, so here's what I am choosing to listen to this week.

Listen to my Autumn Playlist: right here.

In case you are interested--

01. Harvest Moon: Neil Young
02. Grapevine Fires: Death Cab For Cutie
03. Cinder and Smoke: Iron & Wine
04. Long Time Traveler: The Wailin' Jennys
05. re: Stacks: Bon Iver
06. Kaleidoscope Heart: Sara Bareilles
07. Now at Last: Feist
08. Different Names For The Same Thing: Death Cab For Cutie
09. Autumn Leaves: Nat King Cole
10. Brand New Shoes: She & Him
11. Two Weeks: Grizzly Bear
12. Train Song: Feist + Ben Gibbard

P.S. Want to win some beautiful postcards? Enter Jess's giveaway! Seriously...

fallin', yes I am fallin'

Apple Trees. Corn Fields. Colorful Trees. Bright Blue Skies.

I am officially ready for fall. Earlier this week, I was thinking about what Sheena said about summer. Now I'm ready to welcome beautiful autumn and all the comes with it.

The first apple pie. {Am baking it this week!}
The apple picking at Bushel & Peck-see above photo. {isn't that the cutest name?}
The new wardrobe I have to get out of storage. {must buy new work pants}
The pumpkin spice latte.
The butternut squash soup...I guess I just can't wait for the first fall in my own kitchen.

I'm also thinking about this post I wrote last fall: Autumn Leaves by Nat King Cole.

P.S. Happy news to report--my sister, Laura, is having another baby! We'll welcome him/her in late April or early May next year!

I never knew.

Something about this photo grabbed my attention today.

I never knew:

:how much Chad would love and honor his role of being my husband. He does not cease to amaze and surprise me with how much of a partner he is being, especially since I started school. Example: yesterday morning, I got out of the shower and he had a breakfast of eggs + toast waiting for me. He is taking care of the dishes, cleaning, and housekeeping while giving me a chance to study guilt & worry-free.

:how much different learning at a university level would be. I was having a conversation with my dad {a college professor} about this very subject and he told me that the teachers expect more from the students since we're all adults. It's a no-slacking zone for me and I have to come up with the patience and motivation to study every night. I am reading more about children's book illustrators, the Age of Enlightenment, the Information Revolution and the six categories of nutrients...than I ever thought I would. Some of the students that I have class with are on another level. True Story: when discussing society's views of children from the 14th century to the 20th century, one student made a comment that included the word "antequated". {I know that might not seem like a big word to you, but it completely blew me away.} I even wrote it down in my notes so that I would remember to share the story with you. :)

:just how quickly autumn is approaching. {I like the word "autumn" so much more than "fall", don't you? It's such a melodic word.} Note: It's exactly 7 days away from today. It's becoming evident to me that I need to start dressing for the season because my outfit today is a long-sleeve tee under a t-shirt, sans jacket. With the temperature in the mid-50s, my hands were little icicles when walking the two blocks from my car to my first class.

I think I'm really going to enjoy the drive from Eau Claire to Stout for the next month or so. The interstate is surrounding by colorful changing leaves. It's like a get a whole new view day after day.

I can't wait to eat like you should in autumn: cozy, filling meals. I've already been browsing joy the baker and food gawker bookmarking some meals & desserts I want to try. This year, I'm giong to attempt to make my first apple pie ever. From scratch. {Experienced pie-makers: any tricks of the trade you've discovered? Would love some advice for this pie-making beginner.} I'm not going to attempt the fall leaves pie a`la Martha--I just want it to turn out tasty.

I'm also eager to make my first homemade chicken noodle soup. I watched the America's Test Kitchen episode featuring their version, and now it's saved in my recipe folder. I have to wait until I have a free Saturday afternoon though, since it's going to take a while, but all the good things in life do, don't they?

:just how much I'm looking forward to next week. It's the beginning of all the major television shows. After a summer of Real Housewives and Project Runway, I'm ready for the new season. The ones I'm most excited for? How I Met Your Mother {see my love for it's brilliance here}. House. Glee! 30 Rock. The Office. Dexter. Hopefully my DVR can handle the workout...

:that you could get back issues of magazines at my local library. And...there's no limit to the number of issues you can check out. So, that's why there are now 2 Marthas, 3 InStyles, 3 Oprahs, and 1 People sitting on my kitchen counter. I made sure to get some Thanksgiving and Christmas issues--it's not to early to start take notes and save recipe ideas. Hey, I've gotta fill my time somehow when Chad is gone this weekend. It's turning out to be eerily similar to this weekend. Oh well. :)

the many faces of a 16-month-old.

Wanna spend 3 minutes looking at some serious cuteness?

Well, good thing I was able to spend 4 whole days this past week/weekend seeing my nephew so that I could capture a little for your viewing pleasure.The last time I posted about UJ, he was only this big. Look at him now...

He is so the active little monkey right now. His life is all about being fascinated by light switches, dancing in the car seat, adding new words like "ba" (ball) "Mo?" (more) and "up", trying to understand life's little mysteries like how to snap a car seat latch and what makes a fan spin. He is the best nephew in our lives--not to mention completely adorable. :)

speaking of school....

Fall is here
Hear the yell

Back to school

Ring the bell
Brand new shoes
Walking blues
Climb the fence
Books and pens
I can tell that we're going to be friends
--The White Stripes

Feel like watching the music video for "We're Going to Be Friends" by The White Stripes? I've got it right here.

links:
woodblock school bus print
notebook paper-style zipper cases
vintage crayons with cardboard canister
be patient print

P.S. Up next I'll be sharing my first-day-of-school wishlist.

off on an adventure.

source

Originally, this was going to the title of a post sharing my weekend plans. I even had the above picture all picked out. And yes, there will be a post about my weekend on my out-of-town adventure coming up soon. But when I was thinking about the off on an adventure title, another idea starting to take form.

An idea all about this:

Stout. The beginning of my new adventure. On Friday, I had to go there for orientation, getting my books, finding my classrooms, etc. Alone. Without knowing anyone. It was unchartered territory for me. It still is unchartered territory for me since I haven't really started school yet, but at least now, I know where the library is. I got a tip on where to park without getting a parking ticket. I have a stack of books waiting to be opened, waiting for me to copy down important phrases.

I am the kind of person that doesn't handle the unknown very well. When I was driving to school I thought about all the things that could go wrong--not finding the orientation place, not being able to figure out where I need to go.

But then, I spent 3 hours there. I found the orientation meeting. I found the place to get my ID picture taken. I got my school books. I walked out of school at the end of the day feeling like I had accomplished something. And yes, I do still have a long way to go before I'm done there. But I feel like I'm ready for the beginning. So much is waiting for me at my new place. My place to learn and my place to find how to be the best teacher I can.  I am ready to learn.

Here I go...