Hi guys!
I hope you've been well! Is everyone back to the grind today or do you have an extra day off? I once again didn't make it until midnight on New Year's. To be honest, I didn't event try! I'm quite fond of my 10PM bedtime these days.
Has everyone entered my $100 giveaway? Check out this post and then come back here. I'll wait :-).
On a side note did you see this picture of my wild pups on Christmas day? AWWWWW!!! It took all sorts of puppy treat bribes to get this photo.
I also some more exciting news. My Brother got engaged to his girlfriend Erica over the Christmas holiday. I love these two so much and could not be happier for them. Looks like 2017 is going to be a wedding year!
I thought I'd catch you up with some of the other behind the scenes stuff going on in my life with January's currently post! Here we goooo...
Currently I’m…
Reading…
I just finished reading Lady on the Hill. It's a fascinating look at how the Biltmore Estate when from private residence to one of the regions biggest tourist attractions.
I bought it when my friend Sarah was in town a few weeks ago and we went to see the house decorated for Christmas. At lunch I was talking about how I was intrigued to learn what happened to the property after the tour ends and then I saw this book on the same subject in their gift shop. It must have been fate.
If you are a history, Asheville or Biltmore House fan I highly recommend it. It really opened my eyes to how intertwined the history of Asheville and the Biltmore Estate are.
Next up I'm considering reading Tim Tebow's book. Anyone else read that one?
Listening…
I've been obsessed the Kenny Chesney's new album. I know... so predictable :-).
This is one of my favorites... Trip Around the Sun. It doesn't have a video yet, but it kind of feels fitting for the New Year. The entire album makes me long for a trip to the tropics :-).
Watching…
Gilmore Girls AND Fuller House! Woop!
I finished the Gilmore Girls revival and all I can say is wow. I don't want to spoil it for anyone, so I'll leave it at that and to say I thought it was really well done.
I'm in the middle of season 2 of Fuller House now. It's so silly, but it makes me laugh which is always a good thing.
Wearing…
New sweaters! I got several new sweaters for Christmas and I've been enjoying putting them in rotation. I'll feature them in upcoming Fashion Fridays.
Eating…
Vegetarian Crock Pot Taco Soup! I made a big batch for dinner last week and the Hubs and I ate this several times last week. It's one of my favorite easy winter meals.
If you are looking for fast, plant based meals for this year... add this to your menu!
Drinking…
All the smoothies. Green Blender sent me a box of smoothies for the week in between Christmas and New Years. I thought it would be great to get that week as a guarantee that I'd get some good stuff in my system even with all the sweets in the house. The box was Christmas themed with fun smoothies like these! Look at all that color.
I really enjoyed it so much. If you are looking for a healthy way to start 2017 I highly suggest getting a box! Their smoothies are so unique and inspiring.
Indulging…
On the total flip side of health I have been LOVING my pint of Peppermint Stick Ice Cream. My Grandparents always had peppermint ice cream in their house when we went to visit them at Christmas. It feels so nostalgic to enjoy a mug in the evening.
I don't buy a lot of ice cream because it's one of those things I have a hard time not eating if it's in the house, but I enjoyed every bite of this and it was totally worth it! It's probably a good thing it's gone though. haha!
Praying…
I hate to be negative but as a whole 2016 felt like a very hard year for me. I had some good times, but it was also filled with a lot of struggle and loss.
I've been praying for a fresh start and better attitude for 2017! And on that note, here's to all of us having a wonderful 2017!
Thank you so much for reading today and for your kind comments.
I’m linking up with Marvelous Monday!
Your turn!
Answer one of the Currently… prompts above
kimmythevegan says
"I once again didn’t make it until midnight on New Year’s. To be honest, I didn’t event try! I’m quite fond of my 10PM bedtime these days." I'm with you, girl! I somehow managed to make it to 11pm though 😉
Oh your pups are SO CUTE! I love Makenna Rose's expression - I can tell she has a hunger in her eyes waiting for some treats.
Oh yay to Gilmore Girls and Fuller House! I was slightly disappointed with Gilmore Girls, but still enjoyed it. I am totally loving Fuller House =)
Here's hoping 2017 is gentler to you <3
JulieWunder says
Fuller House is just the right amount of cheesy for me! Love it!
Farrah says
That is the cutest Christmas photo ever! <3!!!
I definitely binge-watched the Gilmore Girls revival as well! 😛
Those sweaters look super cozy! I got a couple new ones over the break as well so I've been breaking em' in at the clinic! 😛 I really need to make that taco soup this weekend! *-*
JulieWunder says
Glad you had a good holiday and got some time to binge watch!
Kristy from Southern In Law says
It sounds like lots of lovely things have been happening in your world lately! That photo of the pups is tooooo cute! <3
I am currently indulging in ice cream too! Coconut milk ice cream, to be precise! We can't get enough - it's so rich and creamy!
JulieWunder says
Oh coconut milk ice cream is so tasty! Love the flavor!
Mary Ellen @ VNutrition says
Wishing you a wonderful 2017!
Loved the picture of your pups on Christmas. Can you believe I've never watched Gilmore Girls before? I wonder if I can get into it soon.
JulieWunder says
Ohhh! It's pretty good! I watched it way back when it first came out.
Edye says
KC's new song is so good! Now I need to go get me some mint ice cream before it's all gone!! 😀
JulieWunder says
Yes you do! It's soooooo good. Totally addictive!
Melissa says
I love those sweaters! Something I am definitely missing about living in the mainland is seasons!
Those smoothies look so good. An unofficial goal of mine for January is to have a smoothie every day. They're just such a good wholesome snack or breakfast.
I feel the same about 2016. It was a decent year with lots of good for me but also a very trying year mentally and emotionally. I pray that 2017 will be better for you!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Melissa! I wish the same for you too. How about we trade for the month of Jan and you can get your seasons fix and I'll get my Hawaii fix? 🙂
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
I have to try to watch Gilmore girls again I did not get into when I tried. I know you love it! Happy new year
JulieWunder says
I love it! Try again maybe 🙂
Susanna @Zealous Mom says
Can I just tell you yet again how much I love these posts! First of all, the picture of the pups is the cutest thing ever. And yay for the engagement! Weddings are always such a fun and inspiring time for everyone involved. It's so funny that you highlighted your smoothies. I dusted off my juicer and blender the other day and have been on a rampage. In fact, soon I'm going to high jack your site and pin every single smoothie recipe I can find. I hope all is well. Happy New Year, friend! Let's get together very soon.
JulieWunder says
Thanks Susanna! They are always fun to put together. Pin away!
Mary Beth Jackson says
The pics of the dog are FANTASTIC! Great family news with an upcoming wedding 🙂 Cheers to a great start for 2017 Julie!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Mary Beth! Should be a fun year!
Blane Sherer says
Congratulations to your brother.
I hope you have a Wunderful 2017 Julie !
JulieWunder says
Thanks Blane! I'll pass that along to him!
Lacey@fairytalesandfitness says
That picture of your fur babies is just adorable! Congrats to your brother on getting engaged.....so exciting! I have not read near as may books as I'd hope to last year so I think that is my resolution to read more. My sister and I decided to start a book club and we plan to read the same books that we can discuss them.
JulieWunder says
What a fun idea! I've always wanted to be a part of local book club. Guess I'd have to start my own- haha!
Debbie@debbiethisandthat.com says
Wishing a great 2017 for you, Jullie! I've been indulging in sweets over the holidays, so those healthy smoothies and plant based crock pot meals look like a good idea for me in the coming weeks!! Absolutely loved the sweet pic of your pups under the Christmas tree!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Debbie! Me too! It's time to get back to regular eating.
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says
I love the picture of your pups. As soon as I get out the phone to take a pic, Cocoa runs away. It's like she knows! What a goofball...
Happy New Year, Julie! I hope 2017 is a better year for both of us!
JulieWunder says
haha! I bribe them with treats! That usually works. Thanks Wendy-- I hope so!
heather @Lunging Through Life says
Oh my gosh those pups! Love it! Congrats to your brother. What a fun year it will be! I am loving the new song by Luke Bryan, Fast. I keep listening to it on repeat, haha. You reminded me I got quite a few sweaters for Christmas! I will wear one today. Sadly, it's a work day over here 🙁 Aaron's been off for like 3 weeks, with a work trip thrown in, but still. I'm jealous, ha.
JulieWunder says
Love that song too! I feel like we have similar music taste :-).
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
You just killed me.. Goodness I miss Publix Ice cream, and their peppermint ice cream in particularly. gaaaaaaaaaar. So excited for your brother and his fiance! Congratulations to them! I will definitely need to look into that book. You know I am an architecture nerd, and I ADORE Biltmore. ooooo. We can't travel much, but maybe that can be one of our upcoming trips!!!! Happy New Year, my dear!
JulieWunder says
Yes! You'd love it! Such a cool place!
Emily says
So thankful for you Julie. God has shown His glorious grace and power through you this year, and I can't wait to see you blossom and grow more this year.
<3 That crockpot soup looks DELICIOUS.
JulieWunder says
Thanks so much Emily! xoxo