Currently…[November Edition]

Back in August, I started a new feature called “Currently…” which is inspired by a feature of the same name from Sometimes Sweet blog. I think it’s just a fun snap shot of what life is like at any given moment. 

Please feel free to do your own “Currently…” post. If you do write one, please leave a comment for me linking back to your page, so I can check it out. :) It’s a great way to get to know fellow bloggers.

Here are my other two “Currently…” posts: August + September 

Dreaming About: moving to New York City – even if it’s just for a year.

Reading: Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult. Now this is an interesting book. It’s not a book I would have chosen myself, but I’m reading it for a new book club I’ve joined with Destini at The Healthy Wife. And to be honest, I’m having trouble putting it down. It’s been extremely interesting. It’s about a student that is bullied and decides to shoot up his high school. It’s a story about the trial and about what led him to make the decision to bring a gun to school. It’s quite an intense book with a delicate subject matter. But it’s well written and you really start to care about all of the main characters. I’m almost done reading the book and am anxious to see how everything plays out. I highly recommend the book. 

As a side note, I just love how books can take you to another place + time. I love getting lost in a book and feeling connected to the characters. I love being drawn into the story. I have a huge long reading list of books I want to read during the winter (when I will likely be in hibernation from the cold). I think the next book I’ll read is The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce.

Oh, also! The new cookbook by Terry Hope Romero “Vegan Eats World” is awesome. I highly recommend picking it up for awesome vegan recipes that are globally inspired.

Watching: Modern Family. Each week, I can count on Modern Family to make me laugh and not take life so seriously. Love it! Do you watch Modern Family? If so, do you have a favourite character? 

Jesse and I have also been trying to do a few movie dates a month, as we love checking out new movies together. We saw Lincoln on the weekend and loved it. The week before that, we checked out Skyfall – the new James Bond movie. It was also a great film. Next up, I’m hoping to check out Life of Pi. Have you seen it? Would you recommend it?

Listening To: Jeremy Fisher. I saw him perform last week (for about the 12th time) and was blown again yet again. He is an incredible singer-songwriter from Ontario. He has a number of albums out now. My favourite will always be Let It Shine because it always brings back great memories. I’ve also been listening to Michael Buble’s Christmas album. Do you have a favourite Christmas album?

Craving: Christmas baking! In particular, shortbread cookies and my mom’s poppycock (caramel corn). Yum!

Looking Forward To: putting together a list of New Year’s resolutions. I know it’s cliche, but I enjoy starting the new year with some goals. I always have a ton of goals, but I use the beginning of a new year to choose a few to focus on. Do you have any resolutions for the New Year?

I’ve also been looking forward to the Christmas season. I’m excited to attend Jesse’s work Christmas party next week and to celebrate the Holidays with some friends. I’m looking forward to picking out a tree with Jesse in the next week and decorate our condo. I’m very excited to do some Christmas baking with my mom and my sister. And I cannot wait for “Vegetarian Christmas” which is a dinner I host for my family a few days before Christmas every year. It’s always so much fun! 

Working On: Some changes to The Fig Tree blog! They should be up online very soon! :)

Planning On: Watching many of my favourite Christmas movies over the next month. First up, Elf. It always makes me giggle. I’ll also be watching Christmas Vacation (” the shitter was full!” ), The Holiday, Love Actually, The Santa Claus (with Tim Allen), The Santa Claus (with Dudley Moore) Home Alone, Frosty the Snowman, The Grinch, Shrek Christmas, Christmas on 34th Street and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. On Christmas Eve, my dad and I always watch It’s A Wonderful Life. My favourite Christmas tradition <3 

I’ve also been planning on what I’ll be making for Vegetarian Christmas dinner on December 23rd. I love planning the menu (cocktails, appetizers, main dishes, salads, side dishes and desserts). I always go overboard, but that’s half the fun! :) Any ideas or suggestions on what to make?

Wishing: I could go somewhere warm this winter! It’s already hitting -30’C here in Canada which is COLD. We’ve also been getting a lot of snow too. I love snow, but I think I’ll be ready for a beach somewhere by mid-January. Sadly, I used up all of my vacation this year, so I’ll have to wait until April before I can travel. Jesse and I have been tossing the idea around of finally getting to Iceland in May. Fingers crossed we can work something out! :) 

Pondering: What to do for New Year’s Eve. Last year we attended a wedding on New Year’s Eve and it was a wonderful time. This year, we’ll have to figure out what to do and I cannot think of anything! *hah* I’d love to dress up and spend time with friends. And have a delicious glass of champagne at midnight. 

Reflecting On: Our trip to NYC in October. What a fantastic adventure. I loved NYC and would love to find a way to move there! So much energy. So many places to explore. 

Loving: Picking out Christmas presents for my family. It’s fun to think of things they will love. I especially love being able to shop for most items online now! I hate going to malls at Christmas! *hah* It turns me into a Scrooge! I’ve also been trying to think of Christmas presents that support local stores + businesses. I think it’s really important to support local businesses year around whether it be restaurants, shops, or local products.