Friday Favorites 1 & Link Up On the Edge #178
I have never written a Friday Favorites post before. But since I am kind of exhausted from all the self reflection that I have been engaged in recently, I figured taking a break from such intensity and sharing some fun stuff instead was in order. Frankly, I am also just kind of tired from feeling all dredged down in the icky side of life and you may be sick of hearing about it. So let’s keep it light to kick off the weekend!
I am sure you are all tired of reading about everyone’s new year’s resolutions, intentions, and goals or lack thereof. I shared some of my intentions last week, but one thing that I didn’t mention, mostly because it is irrelevant in the grand scheme of things, are some minor changes that I have been keeping in the back of my mind.
One thing that I recently alerted myself to is the fact that I have spent an incredible amount of time doing brainless things like playing stupid games on my phone. It is how I unwind and shut things down in the chaos of my mind at the end of the day. By the conclusion of 2019, the end of my days were starting earlier and earlier as I found myself zoning out on phone games from just after dinner straight up until I fell asleep. I am afraid to calculate all the hours I have wasted that I could have spent doing something a bit more productive. That is one thing that I am trying to change going forward.
So instead of brainless games, I have been reading more, watching more television shows that engage me in deeper thought processes, listening to and watching more podcasts, and playing more board games with my family. So here are some of my favorites.
Reading
I am currently reading Stephen King’s The Dark Tower Series. I have finished the first two books, The Gunslinger and The Drawing of the Three and I have just started the third book, The Waste Lands. I am so intrigued by this story that takes us on an apocalyptic journey through space and time. It really is an epic tale that makes one consider the very nature of our existence. You all know how I love deeper thinking and Stephen King is most definitely prompting that in me. I have gotten so intensely involved in the story that I frequently dream that I am a character in it. Have you ever had that happen?
When I am finished with this 8 book series, I really want to read Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. I recently watched the movie starring Julia Roberts and I was moved to tears. I watched it years ago right when it was released but it didn’t have quite the same impact on me as it does now.
Watching
Jeff and I just finished Season 2 of You. It is so freaking creepy. I can’t get enough! We blasted through the second season in two sittings. Now I have a really long wait until Season 3 is released. If you love a good psychological thriller, I highly recommend this show. I should warn you that there is some gore just in case you can’t stomach it. You can stream all episodes from Seasons 1 and 2 on Netflix.
We also just started watching Season 1 of You Me Her about a couple who begins the journey into polyamory. This show is right up our alley and we have already had some pretty good laughs and we are only 4 episodes in.
My favorite shows to watch over and over again when there is nothing else on are Gilmore Girls, of course, as well as Friends, The Big Bang Theory, and Sex and the City. We are also currently watching The Goldbergs and Schooled.
Listening
I am totally hooked on Your Mom’s House Podcast with Tom Segura and Christina Pazsitzky. They are so freaking hilarious. I am going to call them the funniest married couple on the planet. They can get pretty raunchy and off color so if you are sensitive to that type of content, it may not be a podcast for you. They also interview some fascinating guests. So far, my favorite interview was with Steve O. of Jackass fame. For real, he is a hell of a smart dude with a crazy life story.
I am also really into The Joe Rogan Experience. He is another compelling guy who speaks my language on some engaging topics. I am currently watching his interview with Malcolm Gladwell and my head is nearly exploding.
Playing
My kids are really into board games and had asked for some new ones for Christmas this year. Archie had been asking for easier word related games because he was getting a little frustrated playing Scrabble with me. It is a difficult game for an 8 year old to play when considering the different vocabulary levels between himself and his mom. We got Boggle and I am not going to lie, I think that is even harder than Scrabble. So we don’t play it much.
We also got Trouble and all of us are hooked, adults included. We play it dozens of times every night and it can get pretty brutal sometimes. But the more brutal the attacks are on other players, the harder we laugh.
The kids also received Blokus from their cousins for Christmas. I had never heard of this game before, but it is freaking fantastic. It is sort of like Tetris on a game board. We play that nearly every night as well.
I guess gone are the days of Connect 4, Chutes and Ladders, and Candy Land. I can’t say that it makes me all that sad though! My kids also went through a phase where they loved Chess and Checkers. I am sure they will get back to those when these new ones start to bore them. They also love Battleship but I don’t play that with them. I don’t like it.
So tell me…what are some of your favorite things? What are you reading, watching, listening to, and playing?
And now your featured favorites from last week.
Reader Favorite (Most Clicked)
Ellie of Ellibelle’s Corner captured the most reader interest with her look back on the past year in Fashion Over Forty: My 5 Most Viewed Blog Posts of 2019 & My Personal Favorite. I just love Ellie’s easy casual style for every day wear. She always has the cutest sweaters that leave me wanting to add more to my own ever expanding sweater collection!
My Favorite Fashion Post
Johanna of Johanna Grange shared a gorgeous winter white outfit with the most amazing plaid shoes in her post, Fresh starts. I am just sitting over here drooling on my sweatpants. Plus she is also sharing some pretty inspirational intentions for 2020.
My Favorite Non-Fashion Post
Michele of Living Our Days totally captured my writer’s heart with her post, How Do You Know if You Are Called to Be a Writer? Are you also called to write? Have you found your calling? This post is absolutely worth a read for anyone who feels a sense of calling to pursue a certain passion, especially writing.
Keeping it on the edge,
Shelbee
Linking up with these Fabulous Link Parties.
Shop my look…
Outfit Details: Tee Shirt-Target / Jeans and Scarf-Torrid / Cardigan-LulaRoe (Thrifted) / Boots-Ariat / Belt-BedStu / Earrings-c/o Anjolee
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.
51 Comments
Laurie
I’m a huge Sex And The City fan! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve watch them all! Have a great weekend Shelbee xx
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Laurie! It is such a iconic show! I hope your enjoy your weekend as well, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Deborah Stinedurf
I have to be very mindful of how I spend my evenings. I’m incredibly exhausted by the time I get home from work every day so if I don’t make a conscious effort to do something productive I will lose the hours after work in a mindless void on my corner of the couch. That was one of the reasons that I decided last year to be more intentional and it really helped although recently I started slipping again so I need to start pushing myself a little harder to get my ass off of the couch! xo
Debbie
http://www.fashionfairydust.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Debbie, I can totally relate to that! While that mindless void is really nice sometimes, it can leave me feeling so unproductive and regretful for so much time lost. I am trying really hard to be much more intentional about how I use my leisure time as well. The struggle is real though when you are exhausted at the end of the day. Sending you lots of positive energy, my friend! Have a great weekend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Nancy
I am watching Gold Digger now and this Saturday on the Dutch channel starts a game series that we follow. It’s once a year and you can join with a App. It’s so much fun! Not reading anything at the moment. Still need to read the latest Nicci French!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Nancy, thanks so much for sharing what you are reading (or wanting to read) and watching! With Jeff leaving for 3 weeks, I may check out some shows that he is not so into. Have a great weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Patrick Weseman
I spent a couple of days of my Christmas break zoning out binge watching on Adam-12 and Dragnet. Just trying not to think. The problem is that I feel more depressed if I zone out too much because I get into my head more and more. I guess it is just me.
Looking so very cool. Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful weekend.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Patrick, thanks for sharing what you have been up to in your down time. Sometimes I find it difficult to read when my mind starts get all depressed and over analytical. Television and podcasts are better for me then. I can totally relate to getting stuck inside my own head…that is where the marijuana comes in handy! Ha. Have a great weekend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Michele Morin
Thanks for the feature, Shelbee! It’s so great to be able to connect over our writing.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you, Michele! I always love how thought provoking your posts are! I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Donna Reidland
What a nice casual look. I love the old house in the background. What a great setting!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you so much, Donna! We spotted this place during our travels over Thanksgiving. I wasn’t even really planning to photograph this outfit, but we liked the location so we pulled off the road and snapped a few pictures!
xoxo
Shelbee
mireille
We played marbles on my carpet last night! Got the boys little pouches for their marbles for Christmas. We like playing clue and yatzee. The problem is that every game we play, my oldest wins! Another favorite is playing speed.
Been a while since we played Scrabble.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, Mireille, I love that you played marbles! I don’t know how to play, but we do have bags of marbles around here somewhere. We were into Yahtzee for a while, but we seem to have misplaced the game! I think the kids took it gramma’s at one point and it was left there. Clue is a good one! We don’t have it, but I bet my boys would enjoy it. And I never win at any of the games. It is usually one of the boys who wins. Have a great weekend, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Jill
It’s so easy to get sucked into mindless activities on our phones! I have a productivity checklist in my planner this year and have reading, watching something interesting on TV and playing one game of soduko on the list! I really enjoyed reading Eat, Pray, Love but haven’t seen the movie yet. Just added You to our Netflix que! Have a wonderful weekend!
Jill – Doused in Pink
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Jill, thanks so much for stopping by and sharing some of your activities with me. I used to love doing crossword puzzles, but have gotten away from them lately. I should maybe start doing one a day like you do soduko. Those games definitely keep your mind acute! I definitely need to read Eat, Pray, Love! And you definitely need to start watching You! OMG, so freaking good! Have a wonderful weekend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Melissa
There is nothing wrong with finding new ways in get settled in for the evening, specially if you are one that the mind doesn’t simply stop. I haven’t read in a bit, I tend to do that more when on vacation. I have though been listening to a lot of podcast lately that help with my business. I can officially say, I am loving the podcast world.
Its funny you mentioned board games, we started doing this about 1 year or so ago. And I literally forgot how much I have missed it since being a child. As you said there are a ton of new ones my littles ones love, but happy they are willing to play with the ones I played when younger. And YOU, omg girl… so good! Haven’t watched season 2 yet, but on my list
xo
Mel
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Mel, thanks so much for stopping by and sharing some of your extracurricular activities. I have really been making a strong effort to read more. It is where I always found my solace and peaceful escape from the struggle of life and I got away from it for so long. I am so glad that I am getting back into it. And I agree, the podcast world is so great! I will say nothing about season 2 of You except be prepared to have your mind blown…episode after episode! Have a great weekend, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Jennifer
I have that tee!!!
Jennifer
Effortlessly Sophisticated
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
It is such a great tee, Jennifer! I found it on the clearance rack at Target and it was the only one there with no price tag. They let me have it for $2! And I seriously wear it about once a week. But this is the first time I shared it on the blog. Thanks for stopping by. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Ellibelle
Wow, can’t believe my link was the most clicked! Many thanks to your readers!
This is such a great look on you and loving that long cardigan!
I LOVE Blokus and it’s so weird that I almost always win playing it 🙂 although I usually am the one losing at games.
I don’t have much time for TV but when I do watch it’s Glee reruns on Netflix with my daughter (Loved that show and she is now old enough to watch it & she’s hooked!) Then we’ve also been watching Project Runway reruns on Hulu. I’m sad to say I haven’t read a novel in soooo long. I used to love reading but somehow I just don’t have time anymore.
Thanks for hosting the linkup!
Ellibelle’s Corner
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Ellie, thanks so much for sharing some of your favorites! I always lose at all the games, too! On the very rare occasions when I do win one out of fifty games, I get all excited and start screaming and cheering and dancing around! The kids think I am crazy. But they seriously always beat me at every game.
I only ever watched a few episodes of Glee and I really liked it. I am not sure why I didn’t continue with it. Probably because my husband wasn’t a big fan and we usually watch tv together. But he will be gone for 3 weeks, so maybe I will go for that while he’s gone.
I used to read way more than I do, but I making it a point to read at least a little bit every day. Like Stephen King said, “Read and write four to six hours a day. If you cannot find the time for that, you can’t expect to become a good writer.” I take those words to heart and make a true effort to do just that.
I hope you have a great weekend ahead, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
jess jannenga
This was fun to read Shelbee! I enjoy tv and want to read more this Winter. I tend to like thrillers and mysteries, a good story. I saw season 1 of YOu, which was entertaining.. didn’t see much of season 2 but the girls name is Love?
We watch the Goldbergs and it makes us laugh as hubby grew up around Philly and since its 1980 something, we both crack up at the references! I love it!
We used to love playing board games as kids with the family. My dad was very smart and would always win at Trivial Pursuit. I bought Scrabble to play with us and my niece as she has a great vocab. I used to play Monopoly alot with my cousins when I babysat. Great family time!
Have a wonderful weekend!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Jess, thanks so much for sharing some your favorite activities! We used to play board games all the time when I was a kid, too. Oh, Trivial Pursuit was so much fun. We would have huge parties to play it! I think my kids are still a bit too young to really play that game, but hopefully someday we can. One of my dear friends from college went to school with Adam Goldberg so I really feel connected to that show especially since she passed away right around the time that show began airing. And yes, the girl’s name is Love in the second season of You. It’s cool that they did that because it kind of adds to the creepiness factor! So you like thrillers and mysteries…have you read any Stephen King?
xoxo
Shelbee
jess jannenga
I meant to add love the combat boots with the cute tee!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much! I have had these boots forever. They are so comfortable!
Have a great weekend.
xoxo
Shelbee
jodie filogomo
It’s funny because when you talk about these things, I wonder what I do with my time. We don’t watch tv, I’ve hardly been reading and I don’t listen to podcasts. Gosh, I’m so boring.
XOOX
Jodie
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
You are not boring, Jodie! You are always out exploring and doing really fun things which create amazing content for your blog! I am the boring one, rarely leaving my house and engaging in solitary activities.
xoxo
Shelbee
Lizzie
Such a great post! More of this, please 😀 Absolutely loved YOU and adore Steve O! And I totally know how you feel about all the reflecting. Sometimes you just need something to take your mind off of everything. I love a good Netflix show (or re-runs of The Office) and more recently, YouTube binges! Lately, I’ve been watching tons of fashion and beauty videos about trends over the span of the last 100 years.
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Lizzie! I am so happy that you enjoyed this post! Clearly, this is out of the ordinary for me. But I guess I should just go with it! Jeff leaves on Sunday for three weeks so I will need to fill my time in the evenings when he and I would normally watch tv shows together. I guess that is a great opportunity for me to watch some things that he wouldn’t really enjoy…like these YouTube videos you speak of! They sound fascinating! I hope you have the best weekend, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Shannon
What a fun outfit Shelbee! I love the graphic tee. Need to get me another one. The one I have has a hole in it so I wear it running or to bed. LOL. The backdrop of the house you posted is SO COOL. Love it. Also, crushing on the winter white outfit you picked out from Johanna’s blog. So classy and fun. Have a wonderful weekend!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Shannon! We spotted this location on our Thanksgiving travels. I wasn’t even going to photograph this outfit, but we couldn’t pass up the background! And yes, you definitely need more graphic tees. I have so many!
xoxo
Shelbee
Cheryl Shops
I love the show YOU—binge-watched the first season in a couple days and am two episodes into the second season. So freaking good!
Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks for stopping by, Cheryl! OMG, the rest of season 2 just get better and better and creepier and creepier!
xoxo
Shelbee
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midlifeandbeyond
I’ve heard some great reports about “You” and quite fancy giving it a go. We watch a lot of box sets – going between “The Crown” and the new one “Succession” at the moment which I’m really enjoying. I used to love “Sex in the city” so may revisit for nostalgia’s sake – thank you for the reminder. Have a lovely weekend
Alison xx
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Alison, for sharing your current watch list! I started watching The Crown with my sister a while back. It was really fascinating, but I never continued on with it. I may have to revisit that one!
xoxo
Shelbee
Tamar A Strauss-Benjamin
I’ve been trying to put the phone down at night more too! Have you played Doodle Dice, I bet your boys would love it!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I fell asleep last night listening to Joe Rogan in my earbuds. So much better than playing a game on my phone. I have not heard of Doodle Dice, but I will definitely check it out! Thanks for the suggestion, Tamar. I totally trust your opinions when it comes to what kids enjoy!
xoxo
Shelbee
Laura Bambrick
My daughter has Scrabble Junior and really likes it! Fill or Bust and Skipbo are 2 other of our family’s favorites if you are looking at expanding your game collection! This was a fun post! I love reading all the Friday Favorites posts!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much for the suggestions, Laura! We have Skipbo but my kids haven’t really gotten into that yet. Scrabble Junior might be a really good idea though! I am not familiar with Fill or Bust but will check it out.
xoxo
Shelbee
The Exclusive Beauty Diary
I like your outfit and location. They are perfectly match. Also I notice that we love same series because Gilmour Girls, BBT, Sex&City and Friends are my favorite of all time.
New Post – http://www.exclusivebeautydiary.com/2020/01/dear-2020-beauty-of-hope_9.html
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much! They are such iconic shows, aren’t they? This location was totally unplanned. We spotted it during our Thanksgiving travels and couldn’t resist.
xoxo
Shelbee
Michelle
I can relate to using video games to unwind. Or to give my mind a rest in between projects.
I used to read Stephen King ALL THE TIME! Lately, my reading interests lean toward non-fiction. I never got to the Dark Tower series. My favorite was The Stand, but I enjoyed most of his books.
At night, we often drift off to a podcast or an Audible book.
Fun post!
Michelle
http://mybijoulifeonline.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Michelle! I am glad that this post is being well received. I suppose I should share more of this stuff! I never read Stephen King before because I was afraid it would scare me! But then a few people were telling me The Dark Tower is not scary like some of his other stuff. And it isn’t, but it is so intense that I often have dreams that I am in the story. I drifted off the other night to a Joe Rogan podcast and I actually slept better than when I drift off playing mindless games.
xoxo
Shelbee
Sherry
I know I say it all the time but you just find the coolest places ever for photoshoots! GREAT look too!
xo Sherry
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Sherry! We spotted this place during our Thanksgiving travels in Pennsylvania. I wasn’t even planning on shooting this outfit, but it was what I was wearing and we couldn’t pass up the location!
xoxo
Shelbee
Nikki | The Ginger Diaries
I’ve powered through You at record speed too! I just love that show and it doesn’t hurt that Penn Badgley is playing the lead hehe.
Also, Can I just say how much I love the saying on your shirt. Fellow Coffee gal over here!
xo Nikki
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Nikki! I seriously exist on coffee so any tee shirt with a coffee slogan is right up my alley. Plus I scored this one for $2 on the Target clearance rack. I am so sad that I am finished with You. I can’t wait until season 3 is released but that is a long way off, I am sure. And yes, Penn Badgley…delicious even in his creepy character!
xoxo
Shelbee
Mica
That purple cardi is so cute and I like your tee, even if I don’t watch the Gilmore girls or drink coffee, haha! 🙂
I try to get some blog stuff done in the evenings while the boys sleep but sometimes I can be too tired out and so I tidy the house then binge on netflix, haha! i should try be more productive though!
Thanks so much for joining the #WeekdayWearLinkup!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Mica! I am usually completely exhausted mentally by the time the boys get home from school so I can’t be productive with blog or writing stuff. But I have been much better with putting the silly phone games away!
xoxo
Shelbee