Things I'm Loving Lately

It's been a while since I've done one of these so I thought I'd share little things I've been loving lately!

First up: Annie Sloan chalk paint. I've been painting up a storm and sharing my projects with the new house and it's been so fun thanks to chalk paint! No sanding or priming. Just two coats and some wax and there you go. I love it. Here are some of my favorite projects:

 And what am I doing while I am painting? Or driving in the car? Podcasts! I'm late to the game, I know. But ever since we moved down here and I find myself being in the car for longer stretches than before just doing regular things, I have discovered podcasts and I love them. My all time favorite is Oprah, of course. She has had some incredible interviews and she talks about beautiful, spiritual things: most of the time I end up in tears. Favorites: Tracy Morgan, Nate Berkus, and Joe Biden.

Other podcasts I alternate with Oprah are the Young House Love podcast for some more lighthearted content, and the LDS Perspectives. LOVE the one with Fiona Givens, which brings me to my next love:

The God Who Weeps. Started it and never finished, so I am starting again and really loving it. A great read, but it's rich, so it takes time.

Next up are some food items I am loving. If you haven't tried these oreos, get thee to a walmart! They sure are yum. And for a girl who is trying to cut back on sugar but still craves soda badly, cherry coke zero is a win.

Next: Taylor Swift's new cd. I had open expectations for this album since I did not like the first single she released. But you guys, it's good! Also loving Miley's new cd too.

And lastly, for some good period drama, I finally have watched Victoria on amazon prime and LOVED it. Can't wait for season 2. I am a long time lover of period drama. Part of this favorites list includes the instagram account "period_dramas." Love the girl that runs this account. If you are a fan, you should follow. She has given some great recommendations!

Last on my list are Oceanside sunsets: they have been so gorgeous lately.

 These were taken on the same night! So beautiful.

Anyway, let me know little things you're loving so I can try!!

Halloween with the Von Castros

 Guten tag! Hope you had a good Halloween last week. It's safe to say we had a much better Halloween than last year. J was so into it. I asked him about a month before what he wanted to be and he replied "the Muffin Man!" (not from Shrek. From the actual nursery song haha) Anyway Victor bought these adorable liederhosen for the boys in Austria this summer, so I may have told him that's how a muffin man dresses. Good thing he loved it too.

And since I can't resist it seems, I made it a family affair with my Captain. We have the sons and the gazebo...just are missing the 4 daughters ha. Oh well! Our backyard is alive, with the Sound of Music!

I got my skirt from Germany last summer, and I made this vest. For Victor's costume, I got the jacket from goodwill and pinned some Soviet pins I had. Shhhh don't say anything ha. His hat is just from amazon. The only way I will keep doing family costumes is if it's easy and cheap. 

 ^^the Captain trying to keep them in line with his whistle^^

 There were sooo many Halloween festivities this year. Too much candy. First the ward trunk or treat. J and Lucy here look like their costume is Hansel and Gretel. So cute.

 Then we had a trunk or treat for Victor's work. That was pretty fun. And then of course, actual Halloween trick or treating with our friends, which started with such a gorgeous sunset. There have been a lot of them lately!

 Happy Halloween! So long, farewell, auf wiedersen, good night!