My Favorite: Podcasts

It took me awhile to get on the podcast bandwagon but I did about 15 months ago. Now I am always on the search for something new for my listening pleasure! I am a picky podcast listener though. I don't like the political, opinion, or talk show type podcasts. I've tried and they just aren't my thing.

What I do LOVE are true crime, history and/or storytelling podcasts! Serial? Yep! Undisclosed? Of course! I wanted to share some of these past and current favorites. I thought about listing them all but it would be too overwhelming so I will break this into a few posts over the next few months. 

If you are into podcasts or not, I am sure you you've heard of Serial. This is a great series to start. It was the first podcast I listened to and was instantly hooked. The first season was Adnan's Story about a high school student convicted of murdering his girlfriend. But, did he? The story telling is so good and really makes you think. 

I finished Season 3 this fall and could not get enough! It was a little different from the usual and was all about the justice system in Cuyhahoga County (Cleveland) in Ohio. Being a resident of Ohio, this was even more intriguing. Some of the episodes were jaw-dropping. A must listen to! 

After listening to Adnan's Story, I was really interested in learning more about this story. I was a couple years past the release of Serial so I was able to quickly find Undisclosed. Three hosts, including Adnan's cousin (I think?), research and share information about possible wrongful conviction cases. My husband was part of the first Innocence Project cohort at his law school and I've been interested in the type of work since then. Most of the cases featured on Undisclosed are done in close collaboration with Innocence Projects across the country. Always interesting and always keep me excited for the next episode. I am listening to the current season titled The State vs. Dennis Perry. It is a long season and I am glad because there is so much information to hear! 

Another podcast on my recommend list is Up and Vanished. A cold case about a murder in rural Georgia that ends up reopened and solved. The story telling is a little long and repetitive but it is good nonetheless. 

I hope you will find something new and will share some of your favorites! 

My Word of the Year!

The kiddos are back to school after a two week winter break! It was much needed and fun break but we are all glad to be back to our routine. To be honest, I feel like I am finally getting a break as they head out the door! 

I am so ready to get back to the grind and excited for a new year and new opportunities! I've been planning my year for awhile and looking ahead to what 2019 will bring. One word kept popping into my head as I was thinking about all I want to do, what I want to change, how I want to live: NOW! 

It really is simple for me! Do all those things I want to do NOW! Stop putting it off until another day. Realize goals are reached by starting now. Enjoy the now. So, that's what my 2019 will be about - the now! 

I am a planner at heart so my now will take plenty of planning and goal setting. I know I will often need to remind myself to embrace the now no matter how chaotic, challenging, or exhausting it may seem. I look forward to 2019 and sharing my now! 

I would love to hear what you have planned for the new year - resolutions, goals or a word! 

New Year's Day Menu

One of the things I love most about a holiday is the menu that goes along with the celebration. The perfect menu for many holidays is still a work in progress but I think my New Year's Day menu is set! 

Every year, we make sauerkraut balls to ring in the new year. It isn't the healthiest start but everything in moderation, right? So, that is what I always serve as an appetizer. You can find the recipe here. It's a little time consuming but so worth it! They are so darn good. I don't know why I don't make them more often. 

Dinner is traditional and, mostly, what I grew up with and a few of my favorites added in. 

New Year's Day Dinner

Roast Pork Loin

Mashed Potatoes

Sauerkraut

(Vlasic is my favorite)

Bacon Bourbon Greens

(recipe courtesy of Dixie Delights Blog)

Black Eyed Peas

That's it! I love adding in new favorites to old family traditions. This meal is our perfect way of starting off a new year! 

New Year's Day 2019!

Welcome, 2019! I always enjoy the start of a new year. I love the idea of something fresh, setting goals, and the energy that goes along with it. 

I spent the past few weeks reflecting on 2018. It was a good year but a challenging one. I grew more as a person than I expected or have in a single year to date. I struggled with loss, overcame obstacles, and learned a great deal about myself. But, I left 2018 a better, stronger person with a clearer vision for what I want out of life and my next steps! 

I look forward to sharing my journey, ideas, thoughts and capturing life through my blog and social media in 2019! 

Our first day of 2019 was a laid back day for the most part. I got in a brisk walk and stopped to enjoy the beauty of where we live. It was overcast but there is something I love about being near the water. Most of the Christmas decor is put away. I did some organizing. We had my in-laws over for dinner with the luckiest foods for a happy, healthy and prosperous new year! 

I wish you all the very best in 2019! 

Make It Happen: 90 Days Remaining

I woke up this morning ready to tackle the day, the week and the last 90 days of 2018! I thought what better day to set some goals I've been thinking about and make things happen. 

Randomly, my day started at 12:30 PM to register Ceci for a summer camp that opened at midnight. I know, right! We just made it through a fun filled summer to even begin thinking about next year. But, she is registered and set for her first overnight camp. We are all so excited! 

After the kiddos headed off to school, I headed out for a morning run on a crisp, sunny fall morning! I knew it was going to get hot so I wanted to get it over with. I stopped by the park instead of running by to grab this photo. The lake was like glass this morning. So calm and peaceful and simply beautiful. 

It was the perfect way to start these final 90 days. I hope your final 90 days are your best yet! 

Stephanie

My Beach Reads

We just wrapped up a much needed family vacation to the beach. It was our first beach trip without cousins, aunts/uncles and grandparents but we survived! Dan and I were a little nervous about being on our own - we are always outnumbered - but we had a great time. We did miss the adult conversations and having cousins around to play with the kids. 

I thought for sure this would be the year that I could spend hours reading on the beach. It wasn't exactly that way but I did manage to finish two books over the 10 days we were away. I stopped at the library before we left to pick up various options but two digital loans I've been waiting for became available right before we left. So, I ended up reading on an iPad at the beach. I don't love doing that for a number of reasons but it worked out fine. 

Elin Hilderbrand is one of my favorites, especially, for a good beach read so I was thrilled when The Perfect Couple came available just in time for vacation. Besides her writing style, I love the recipes, menus and food descriptions she works into every book. 

 

Five on Friday!

Trying something new - besides blogging! - and linking up with A. Liz Advenutures and others to share five of my favorite things today. 

- ONE - 
We just got back from another beautiful trip to Hilton Head Island, SC. One of my favorite things is planning a vacation! At this point, we know the places we want to dine in HHI but this year we decided to try some new activities. I am hoping to share some of our favorites restaurants, activities and more next week! 

Harbour Town Lighthouse

- TWO - 

In case you weren't aware, it is a presidential election year. Who knew, right? Regardless of your politics, you have to admit that these Jack Rogers Patriotic Sandals are amazing! These are perfect for the conventions. 

- THREE - 

If you know me, then you know I love to cook! I am so excited to try these new-to-me spices. I could not find in my local grocer so I ordered from Amazon. First up, I am thinking a fattoush salad with fresh produce from the farmer's market! 

- FOUR - 

It wouldn't be a blog post this time of the year without a mention of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! It really is a great sale although this year I am disappointed in the shoe selection. I do see some jeans I love though! I am far from ready for fall but I love a good sale. 

- FIVE - 

Anyone else using snapchat? I started using it last fall to keep up with a few of my favorite bloggers I follow in insta. I am trying to share more myself but sometimes my days fly by and it is post-bedtime for the kiddos before I get a chance to catch up. If you want to follow along, you can find me at stephanieldodd! 

Check our more blogger favorites on Friday here! 

Hope everyone has a great weekend!