Wanted: a container for excitement

I am super excited about next week! I can just feel the holiday season approaching and I just have to get past Monday. I've been writing a list of things to do which is keeping me trucking forward :) I used to always make a list in college while studying for finals. It helped keep me focused on finishing my work and visualize the fun things in store. 

{one} On Monday I take my final for my microbiology class!! Eeee! I really enjoyed taking the class and like a big science nerd thought it was so so interesting. I’ll walk around saying things like “that’s because of Clostriduim botulism!” and “those are probably coliform bacteria.” Nerdy!!

The way my schedule worked out I had a 4.5 hour break between lecture and lab. So I spent a lot of time in the library. It actually was a blessing in disguise, and I ended up doing tons of quality studying :) Soon I’ll be done with pre-requisite classes for grad school!!

  

{two} Movies and books galore!! A few weeks ago My grandma was testing out netflix and I borrowed her password for the “watch instantly.” Oh goodness, I am hooked and getting my own account. Its going to be so helpful to knock out some of the 100 movies I have on my list :) Hot chocolate, popcorn, cozy blanket, and snuggly doggie… can’t wait!!

I’ve been asking all my co-workers, bloggies, and friends for book recommendations. And I’ve got quite the list going on! So far I’ve got: Twilight series, The Daily Coyote, Percy Jackson series, Great Expectations, The Help, Middlesex, Timetraveler’s Wife, My Life in France, The Hot Zone, The Color Purple… And of course re-reading Harry Potter!
Let me know of any other good reads!! I like fantasy, chick-lit, classic, suspense, mystery.. haha ok, anything!

{three} I am hoping to get a sewing machine for Christmas, but even if I don’t I’m gifting one to myself! Being immersed in books and science for the past 3 months has gotten my creative side antsy! I am so ready to start crossing out some of the crafty things on my list. One crafty thing I did accomplish was creating a Halloween costume.Oh, did I mention it wasn’t for me?
My little ewok.  I love her :)

Although I’m not sure if the sentiment is reciprocated…
 

Is there such a thing as too many desserts?

Hi bloggies!! How's the first week of December treating y'all??

Here in California the weather been looking like this..

Talk about gloomy city!

I'll have to say November was pretty uneventful for me. It went by pretty quickly and I'm reminded how easy it is to get into a routine (rut?) Its been school, work, home, study, sleep, and repeat :)

As for my November update, I discovered that I've mostly been cooking! So this month's 101 update will be a "tasty Tuesday." Party in my mouth!!

Cranberry Scones
Pretty good, not fantastic though. Not as dense or buttery as I would have liked. I substituted for whole wheat flour and honey Greek yogurt. You gotta make do with what's in the kitchen :)

Coconut Macaroons
I was imagining chewy and sweet deliciousness, but these were a little dry. I love love macaroons and wanted to try this "healthier" version. I guess the condensed milk in regular macaroon makes a big difference.

Apple Crisp
This is tastes like fall. I made it with less crumble topping and more Fuji apples. Its so good for breakfast with some yogurt! I’ve already made it twice!

Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies
These did not last long in the house! My GF sister and I devoured them :) They're so easy to make so I can have cookies whenever I want (which could be a bad thing!)

Double Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake
I hate pumpkin pie. And I don't like cheesecake either. But somehow I loved this pie. Odd how tastebuds work..

As you can see my oven got a good workout this month. And I see that I still have to learn to remember to take pictures before I wolf down my food. Hehe whoops :) Guess there are still bloggy lessons to learn!

The only other "list" thing I accomplished was creating an iTunes playlist.
Oh yeah bring on the "Christmas songs!"

What's your favorite Christmas tunes?
Recently I've been keeping Carrie Underwood's country-fied version of "Do You Hear What I Hear?" on repeat. It makes my ears so happy!