this and that no. 5

From time to time, I like to go back to writing these posts which I like to refer to as "this and that" because they are just a jumble of different things happening in my life lately! Sometimes I'll share a new album I'm into, shows that have caught my eye, an embarrassing story, random thoughts that pop up in my mind - all the random things!

I have quite a lot to share today, so go grab a nice cup of coffee and get comfortable on your couch or bed!

1 // Do you use a phone car mount? It's been on my to-do list for over a year, yet it has never become an urgent task for me so I just never got around to ordering it. I finally researched a little on Amazon, and settled on this one from Vano. My criteria for a car mount was extensive, but practical. I wanted one that could slide into my air vent easily but wouldn't block it too much, and that could easily be adjusted but was also sturdy. I also wanted it to be magnetic so I could easily take my phone on and off the mount for efficiency.

This one does the trick. I never realized how convenient mounting your phone was. It's so much safer when I use my GPS or change music, and I love how convenient it is to take on and off. Definitely a game changer for me.

2 // Along the same topic with car-related things, my AUX input in my car stopped working a few months ago. I thought maybe it had something to do with my AUX cord since I've used the same one for as long as I've had my car (8 years). So I started listening to all the CDs in my car everyday, which got pretty tiring after a few months of the same artists going through the listening cycle.

But when I ordered a new AUX cord and tried that one, I still couldn't play music from my phone. I researched online and learned that sometimes you need to change out the AUX input in your car system every so often. I bought the parts I needed on Amazon and watched a Youtube video, and after a few attempts replaced my AUX input with a new one. I felt super useful and handy and just plain proud of myself.

3 // Have you listened to the new Ed Sheeran album? I just got around to giving it a listen, and I love it! I appreciate the Irish influence in his songs this time around, and his storytelling in his songs is always great. Not to mention the songs are just so dang catchy. I'm currently loving Eraser, Castle on the Hill, Galway Girl, Happier, Supermarket Flowers, and Nancy Mulligan (is this song too Irish for you? I love it. Like L O V E it). Sorry, I just realized that is like half the album, but, hey, they are good songs!

This song is especially fun to sing to when driving down the road.



And this song just makes me want to dance!



What are your favorite songs on the album?

4 // I don't watch too many up-to-date Netflix shows, but I am currently in love with The Great British Baking Show. It's kind of an odd choice for a Netflix show, but it's so addicting! I even got my roommate and her boyfriend into it! Think your typical baking show minus the silly drama Americans put into it plus British accents, polite-as-can-be contestants, and scrumptious baked goods. It feels so classy and I appreciate how every week focuses on a new technique or type of baked good. I just finished Season 1, but I'm sure I'll exhaust all of the seasons by the end of my spring break.

Are you into baking shows? If you're not, maybe this one will change your mind ;)

5 // Open House for my school was last week. Oh, did I tell you I was a teacher? I teach Kindergarten and it is quite an adventure every day. I don't remember what it was like attending Open House as a kid, mainly because my parents both worked and I don't know maybe we just got lazy? But now that I'm on the other side as the teacher, I kind of have to laugh at myself because I now refer to these people as oh thoooose parents. Anyways, wow, Open House for 5-year-olds basically looks like the teacher doing 75% of the work - backing projects with construction paper, stapling, cleaning like crazy, laying out all the work. I love my kids and my work, but I am exhausted!

6 // Have you seen Beauty and the Beast yet? I thought it was cast well, music by Alan Menken was beautiful as always, and Emma Watson is perfection (I mean, seriously, is there anything she can't do?). I watched it with some close friends in a beautiful theater in San Francisco called The Alamo, and I couldn't have thought of a better place to watch. The theater is beautiful inside - kind of reminded me of Pantages Theater with its historic feel - and it just fit the movie so well. So fun! My favorite song is Something There :)

And that's all the this and that I have for tonight!