Thursday Threads- what month is it?

Don't hate, this blog is called we moved to the BEACH. The weather has been crazy right! So we don't have the winter wonderland that many people are experiencing but the temperatures are still fluctuating pretty drastically and trying to teach six year olds that, yes technically it is winter, is pretty comical to say the least.  

Either way this week had been kicking my butt and I'm so glad it's almost Friday. I have so many fun things planned this weekend between a fun girls night I'm hosting, to Superbowl Sunday it's going to be a great one. Hope you enjoy your weekend no matter the weather.

Where we went- Sushi date night

*image via google plus

When my husband and I were dating one of our favorite things to do was sushi date night on Friday. There was a place close to where we lived that had a great happy hour and a patio. Since moving back to the west coast we have been on the hunt for a new Friday date night sushi place and I think we found it last week.

Monday menu: cooking for 1

My husband recently went out of town for his annual snowboarding trip so I was cooking for one for a week. Cooking for one shouldn't seem that much different but after three years of testing, it is. The first few times I was cooking for just me, I made way too much food or ate out with friends all week and had so much left over or wasted food in the end.

Thursday Threads- back to work

Last week I went back to work and all of my good intentions to blog went right out the window when I could barely keep my eyes open on the couch and 8pm.

I am a teacher, which brings a unique set of circumstances when choosing outfits and pieces for my wardrobe. I am constantly kneeling next to a little desk to talk to a student or sitting on the floor in a circle of little ones, and I never know when my principle or a parents will drop by. I need to look professional but in a way that is still comfortable to sit cross-legged on the floor for twenty minutes.

Do you have any unique challenges when it comes to getting dressed or shopping for work clothes?

Where we went- a day in L.A.

For my husband's birthday we decided to spend a day in L.A. It's about a 45 minute drive from Huntington Beach to downtown L.A. so we were able to sleep in and still make it to lunch at a reasonable time.

Monday menu- busy week

I love to cook but some weeks just get so busy that it's hard to find motivation to make healthy choices especially when it comes to dinner. During weeks that I know we will be busy I try to plan menus that make my life easier.

1. I plan meals that are easy to make, quick, simple ingredients little to no prep. 

2. I pick things I know I love so that I look forward to eating them.

3. I try to choose at least 1 crockpot meal because they are ready when I get home and usually provide extra leftovers.

Friday Five

On Fridays I choose five things from my Pinterest page to highlight from the previous week. This is one of the ways I use to make sense of what I have pinned all week. Sometimes I just pin things and forget or just don't end up using them. A weekly check is a good way to clean up my folders and plan for the coming week.

Thursday Threads

I have been such a slacker at taking outfit photos these days, but I managed to get this sunset shot a few night ago.

Where we went: burgers and beers

For my husband's birthday week we kicked things off with dinner and beer tasting at Bottle Logic.

Monday Menu- holiday bloat

Well the holidays are over and it's time to get back to normal. Thanks to food allergies and poor digestion I stay away from most dairy, fried food and fast food on a regular basis but during the holidays it is so hard to say no. We went a little overboard around here with treats and holiday eating and we are both feeling sluggish and swollen.

Where we went: Noodles

My new found love for ramen continues as I discover the myriad of toppings and textures that can be combined in one extra large bowl of hot broth and noodles. One rainy night after a trip to Ikea Blake and I found this little ramen place in Costa Mesa called Yamadaya.

Yamadaya is a small, informal restaurant, perfect for impromptu rainy day date nights, a weekend lunch, take out, or really any reason you can come up with to eat delicious noodles and broth.

Monday Menu- Getting back on track.

Happy Monday! We are home from visiting family and friends but we brought lots of treats with us. If your kitchen is still full of cookies, candy and other temptations that you usually don't keep around I feel your pain.

Friday Five

Hope everyone had a joyful holiday! We spent lots of time with family and friends but mostly we ate. Eating was the theme of December and I think running will be the theme for January who's with me?

On Friday I talk about five things I've Pinned though out the week. This week I've been thinking about 2015 (shocker) along with all the usual DIY, outfits, recipes etc.

Where we went: Home Depot & Lowe's

A few weeks ago I posted this picture. I am happy to report that our big project is finally complete.

Monday Menu- Christmas

It's the week of Christmas! Like many of you I will be spending much of this week eating with family. Most of our meals will be pot luck style so I'll be sharing some of the items I'm making along with some recipes from our regular menu.

Are you making any special recipes with family this week? Do you have any holiday traditions you can't wait for or could live without?

My family always makes Christmas candy. The recipes have been around forever and they are amazing. We always have fudge, English toffee, and peanut brittle. One of my aunts has my great grandmother's pizzelle iron and I will eat more than my fair share over the next week. The anise flavor and smell reminds me of my childhood with great grandma and the light, crunchy texture of the cookies is a perfect complement to a hot cup of coffee.

Friday Five

I hope you all took my advice yesterday and enjoyed this holiday season with things that make you happy. For me that's good smells, holiday sounds and of course coffee. So whatever makes you slow down, smile and look at the blessings around you I hope you find them today as we move into the weekend before Christmas. 

On Fridays I discuss five things I've Pinned throughout the week. Mostly, I pin recipes, DIY projects, outfit ideas and home decor. inspiration. 

Thursday Threads- Holiday staples

So it's one week until Christmas guys! Can you believe it? Are you ready? If you answered no to those questions than you are in good company. If you follow me on Instagram (@carissacrane) you know that we just bought and decorated our tree this week. If my blogging is any indication, I am bad with deadlines, timing, etc.

But I am determined to not let stress get the better of me over the next few days you should stay stress free with me. Just light that holiday candle, put on your favorite holiday Pandora station and drink more coffee!

Currently:
Candle- snowy pine
Music- Charlie Brown Christmas Medley
Coffee- Trader Joe's Costa Rican with Hazelnut lactose free creamer

Monday Menu on Tuesday, naturally.

I'm back! Some what. My apologies again for the long and unexplained silence. As I navigate the world of being a new blogger and the holiday season I am thankful to those of you who still stop by and wait patiently for me to figure this thing out.

A big thank you to my friend Jeff for commenting! As I get this blog going the more feedback the better. It helps to know what you think of me so far and what else, if anything, you would like to hear from me.

Monday menu- Thankgivng edition

We are on the road this week so our regular menu is out the window. If you are like me holidays are a free pass to "eat bad." More specifically all the sweets and carbs. I normally avoid are free game and watching my portion size is laughable. This holiday season I've been thinking more about why this happens and the effect it has on my body.  My thoughts on food and nutrition get more intentional and purposeful as I get older. I don't have it all figured out yet but I hope by being more aware of my choices this holiday season I'll fill my plate a little less and feel a little better the next day.

*image via Pinterest 

Friday Five

On Fridays I talk about five things I've Pinned from the week. I love to cook, shop and DIY. I'm constantly dreaming of what new recipe will wow my husband for dinner or dessert, what item I "need" for my wardrobe this season and what shapes and textures I will put in my dream home some day.