Watch all the movies
I discovered a list of Halloween movies filled with titles that I hadn’t seen yet. So you can guess what I’m going to do! I’ve already watched The Blair Witch Project and The Shining… I know, I know, but I was super sheltered as a child. Ask me about most of the movies and TV shows from the 1990s. I can promise you that I haven’t seen them. My mom was worried about showing me violence and gore, as any mother might be… But she kept that up even when I was in high school! Sorry mom, but I’m watching all the things I missed out on!

Plan a dinner spread
I got the idea for a dinner spread from another Halloween magazine and thought it was amazing. It basically took a lot of finger foods and combined them for a dinner party. Instead I’m going to do the same for us on Halloween. We rarely do something out of the ordinary when it comes to dinner so I can’t wait to start planning for this! The last time we had a Halloween party, I made so much food that I had to finish myself… And I don’t want a repeat!

Enjoy Holiday snacks
I placed an order with My American Market and bought some of their Halloween goodies. Most of them were chocolate but I came away with some good finds! You can bet I’ll be sure to share that haul when it arrives!

Read Halloween books
I’ve finally jumped back into reading after months of a reading depression. I just couldn’t read anything without my mind wandering 1000s of miles away. I finally finished The Living by Isaac Marion, author of the famous Warm Bodies series. This book was the last of the series but it left me wanting more. So I grabbed a few titles from the Goodreads Horror List to look into. I’ll share what I’ve decided to read in an upcoming post!

Selfcare
It wouldn’t be one of my posts without the mention of selfcare. I splurged a bit and bought some Halloween 2020 nail polishes. Now I’m a huge sucker for limited edition items but the two I bought really sunk their teeth in deep. I can’t wait to share them with you!

I hope you guys have wonderful plans for October. Even if you don’t celebrate Halloween, this month is a beautiful time of the year. The change of the seasons captivates me each year and 2020 is no different. Even if we’re stuck inside, it’s the perfect time to get cozy with a hot cup of tea (or coffee!) and a good book or show. Please stay safe during this season!

The post October and Halloween 2020 Plans appeared first on A Daily Lee.

Finish with my Dutch integration
I have 2/5 tests done! It’s a shame I have to wait for a few weeks before my results come in. But I have the next 3 exams planned and paid for. Once I’m finished, I’ll be writing a huge post about my experiences. They’ve changed a few policies since I’ve come to live here. So my experience may be different for people who came to The Netherlands after 2016. Finishing my integration process is the most important goal of my summer to do list.

Take more walks
With better weather comes more time spent outside! I’ve been taking the dogs on longer walks. It feels so nice to come home and have those two rascals smelling like the sun. Of course with warmer weather comes more bugs. We’ve already seen a sudden explosion of the summer insect population! Still, I’m excited to spend some time outside and in the park!

Continue with reading
I’ve been doing well with one book a week. It’s been tough because I’ve been spending a lot of time doing other things. What’s helped is that I have a ton of books to choose from. When I’m strapped for time I reach for a shorter book. I’ll be able to jump into longer books soon enough! I wrote a letter to all my favorite authors because reading is so important to me… Reading so much in one year has opened my eyes to some great new names!

Get back into writing
Now is the best time for me to start planning for this year’s Nanowrimo. I’ve got a story that’s been brewing for a while now but I never had a direction for it. The characters were there but without a concrete idea of what I wanted to do, I pushed them aside for now. I’ve finally got an idea of what I’d like to do and I want to spend my summer fleshing out the details! There are summer camps for Nanowrimo but I like sticking to the November one. There’s a clear goal of 50k works. The summer edition allows the writer to set personal goals and I usually run out of steam in the middle.

Embrace color
This one has been so tough for me. I used to wear a lot of blues and grays but when my father passed away my wardrobe became almost entirely black. Its a bit of mourning and a bit of coming to terms of my mortality. I also didn’t want to stand out anymore (not that navy was a bright color to behind with). It felt safer for me to blend into the background where I could simmer in my thoughts and feelings. This year I’ve bought a color that I never thought I would wear… Yellow! Rich shades of yellow are in this year and I’ve jumped head first in! I already have three yellow hoodies (that are all different, of course!) and I’m looking forward to wearing more white as well!

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Take part in Figuary
I’ve been wanting to draw more and grow my skills. I’ve taken on the Figuary challenge where Youtube Channels Love Life Drawing and CroquisCafe share tips and techniques. Most of these tips will be about figure study and development. It’s where I need a lot of help. It’s wonderful to see that self doubt isn’t only my problem. I’m a terrible perfectionist and give up on things to fast. This is a chance for me to turn that around. I want to stop expecting perfection and embrace my flaws!

Continue with Dedicate
Dedicate – A 30 Day Yoga Journey, has been my obsession in January. It’s been so good to get back into Yoga and I intend to continue on. With doing Yoga, I’m more inclined to eat healthier too so there are benefits all the way around. I get to stretch and move, and my diet cleans itself up! It’s something I want to keep on my to do list because it’s important to me.

Add more books
I’ve been so good at reading one book a week and I want to keep at it! Some weeks I have a super short novel and other times it’s a book with an audio time of 30 hours. Either way I need to keep at it because it’s good for my brain! It’s a sort of self care method that I enjoy and it’s better than browsing Reddit for hours each day.

Get my shit together
I got in a huge order for Bullet Journal supplies (post coming soon!) and I’ve yet to organize them. There are a few other tasks I need to get back on. I started January off strong but something happened I dropped a lot of things all at once. For now I’m going to blame it on hormonal problems but that’s not a good excuse. I need to keep myself motivated to do things!

Plan a test
I’m getting close to scheduling my first Immigration test. I’m thinking that the best will be the Dutch cultural knowledge since I love history and culture. The hardest will be grammar and writing because I still have troubles with “au” “ui” “ou”! I have until November to complete all these “heroic trials” so right now I’m doing my best not to panic. When I was in college I would go to the library two hours before a test and cram as much as I could. I doubt I can do that now. I’ve always been a nervous test taker but I need to remind myself there’s no shame in repeating a test if I fail.

The post Spring to do list appeared first on A Daily Lee.

Put up decorations
Everything is sitting in a big box waiting to be unpacked. But since it’s been raining outside we want to be cosy on the couch. It also doesn’t help that Sander picked up Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. He’s been glued to the TV and I’ve been catching up on some reading. I swear our decorations will go up before the 25th!

Start baking
I was too busy last year with a tiny puppy last December. This year I want to get back to baking my holiday Rum Raisin Cake. I love giving some to the neighbors since I never stop to chat. The only times I leave the house to walk the dogs so it’s difficult to keep a conversation. It’s ok though, they usually like to complain about the weather!

Prepare a menu
Sander and I have the 25th alone. I couldn’t be more excited! I would to prepare a meal for the two of us. Maybe similar to what we did for Thanksgiving but on a much smaller scale. I’ve been searching around for traditional Christmas meals but I don’t have anything solid yet.

Wrap up on blog tasks
I still have a handful of things I need to do with this space before the new year. I won’t bore you with the details but a lot of it is behind the scenes work. This also involves cleaning up older posts and updating information.

Finish off my A2 book
I’m almost done with my 2nd Dutch textbook and I couldn’t be more excited! From here I have to learn cultural norms and prepare paperwork needed to apply for a job. This all falls under the 2nd half of my studies so I should buckle down and review what I’ve learned. That includes extra vocabulary, proper grammar rules and worst of all – holding a conversation in Dutch (I’m joking)!

Konmari everything
This is what I’m looking forward to. It’s time to go through everything and toss what we couldn’t use. This includes old clothing items, old food in the pantry and general junk that piles around the house. Not to say that we’re messy but I do know my wallet needs a good cleaning out. I follow the The KonMari Method. I read both of her books before I moved. It’s time for a refresher.

Finish the Goodreads 2018 Book Challenge
I’ve been slacking on reading this year. I only wanted to read 30 books but it’s been a slog to get anything done. Maybe I might be leaning more towards Nonfiction. With those I can sit down to read without getting distracted. I’ll branch out a bit in the new year and search for more that capture my interest. Currently I’m in the middle of Smoke Gets in Your Eyes.

The post December to do list appeared first on A Daily Lee.

Chvrches
This will probably be the last concert of the year. We went to see a ton of them (I still haven’t found the time to write about the last one) and we have a few lined up for 2019. We’re excited to see Chvrches on the 3rd.

Lots of Pokémon
Pokémon Let’s Go and a new community day are coming up for this month. It’s going to be busy! I also want to complete my Pokédex before a new generation comes out next year. I believe this task will take a few months. The first step is taking the time to play again.

Thanksgiving
Of course, no American citizen can forget about Thanksgiving. Even if it’s not celebrated, its hard to forget about the people that mean the most to us. We should be thankful for every day and for the people we meet along the way. Life is short and something to treasure. This year I want to make a few extra dishes so wish me luck!

Snotgirl
Volume 12 of this comic book series is hitting the shelves at the end of the month. We haven’t decided if we want to make the trek down to Amsterdam for it. If we do, you’ll be sure to hear about it.

Bonus: Completing Nanowrimo
I’m not too confident on this task since it’s been years since I wrote anything. I think it would be fun to dive back into the hobby. Along with writing about 1,700 words a day, I can pick up a few of my favorite books about writing. I have a ton of those lined but up but couldn’t justify reading them. It would be like learning a language and never using it. So we shall see if I can do it this year.

The post November to do list appeared first on A Daily Lee.

Inktober
I love drawing. However, I never make time for drawing. Inktober was started by Jake Parker in 2009 and only has a few rules. One ink drawing a day for the whole month. While my drawings will be doodles, it will help me grow at least a little!

Prepare for sweater weather
I have to go in and take out all the warm weather things. Jackets, coats, scarves, and boots to name a few! This also includes accessories like nail polish. The hype is so real! I can finally bring out my sparkly blacks, deep greens, and glittery oranges. I can’t express how much I love October!

Movie Marathons
I spend a majority of the day at home with music on. When I lived in California, I would have the TV turned to a few channels that have movie marathons. Those channels don’t exist here in The Netherlands so it’s up to me to round up my favorite titles! All I have to do is load them onto my computer and press play! When one movie ends, I switch it out for another one and keep the good times rolling!

Finish a few ghost stories
My reading career has its humble roots in the Goosebumps series by R. L. Stine. While I do agree with the fact that there are better books for children to read, I had a great time with them. It’s why I enjoy reading the horror genre. Either way, I have a few ghost stories that need completing and now is the best time for that.

Mini Party
I’m not having company over this year but that doesn’t mean I can’t party! Sander will be busy on the 31st due to work activities so I have the house to myself. On the menu will be delicious Halloween themed cupcakes. I also want to see if I can find a live stream of people in ghostly places to watch!  Ghost Hunters Live what I loved to watch when I lived in California but I don’t think I’ll be able to see them here. Worst case scenario I’ll see if I can find old episodes to watch!

DIY
And last but not least, finish and share my Halloween project for this year. It’s pretty simple and won’t take a lot of time but I have to first make the time! I’m excited about it too, so prepare yourselves!

The post October to do list appeared first on A Daily Lee.

Go through my wardrobe
Now is the best time to see what I wore and what I didn’t. If I didn’t wear something last summer, chances are I might not wear them again. Anything unworn will be considered and donated. I’m thankful that I have enough warm clothing to take me into winter so I don’t need to buy more. Now it’s downsizing what I have to what I love to wear. This is a major step in keeping and maintaining a minimalist wardrobe.

Organize the pantry
Sander loves winter snacks but often forgets we have them. I still haven’t made the time to clean out the pantry and I should do it before he buys more! He loves eating taaitaais during the holidays and I think we might have a bag or two left!

Create a blog planner
I’ve been obsessed with bullet journals for their creativity. But I never had a need to make and maintain one. I don’t have many appointments to make and keep. I use my phone to keep track of the few things I do have. Yet I’ve decided I might like to have a blog planner. This will help me plan future posts, take the time to make more content for more posting days. Not to mention it will help with my obsession over bullet journals!

Search for a few Halloween DYI’s
I had such a great time making those Nightmare Before Christmas jars and I want to make a few more things this month. I know I’ve already said this but I love Halloween and planning for it! I’d like to make a small decorated space this year. I want to be able to keep Halloween decor and have it be timeless and easy to store. We don’t have a lot of room for storage so every square foot counts!

September will be as busy as previous months. I still have a lot of Dutch homework to keep up and maintain. For me, September will be a time for going back to school and getting organized. I’d like to keep that theme because it makes me feel so good!

The post September to do list appeared first on A Daily Lee.

Eevee event
A new Pokémon GO community day is coming up on August 11th-12th. Unlike previous community days, this one is the whole weekend! It’s going to be busy for us but I’m sure we’ll manage.

Book Festival
Another reason we’ll be busy this coming weekend, is because it seems like there’s going to be a Book Festival from August 9th-12th. We’re going to try and make it out on Sunday but if the day is too packed we might just skip it. I’d love to go because there seems to be a lot more than just books to browse through.

Amsterdam day trip
We’re going to have to head back into Amsterdam to pick up a few books. I know the next volume of Snotgirl will be available soon so I that’s one of the titles I need to grab. Otherwise, Sander and I will be visiting our favorite ramen place and paying a visit to the Asian shopping district. The groceries stores there have a little of every Asian culture so it’s always a wild ride.

Artis
Another thing I’m not sure we’ll be able to do is to return to Artis. Sharon from Ronna’s Eternal Journey recently made the time to go. Her post was delightful and brought back memories of our trip. Sander also often suggests we visit so I’m sure we’ll make it there eventually.

Travel journal
I know it’s hard to believe but this was on my to do list months ago. I’ve finally been able to gather all the supplies I need. Now is the time to sit down and put the whole thing together!

Catch up with reading
I know I actively promote reading quite often here but recently I’ve had too much Dutch homework. By the time I’m done for the day, I’m too drained to open another book. I don’t want to listen to audiobooks in bed because I know I’ll fall asleep while listening to them. I’m going to try and squeeze in some time to finish at least one book.

The post August to do list appeared first on A Daily Lee.

Pokémon GO Community day / Articuno Day
If you’ve been a long time reader, you know we take part in all of the Pokémon GO community days. This month we have Squirtle to hunt and find! Also during the last community event, a special Articuno event was unlocked. We’re doing both of these exciting happenings.

Haru’s surgery
Haru is scheduled to be spayed this month. Her first check up will be this coming Wednesday. Booker’s surgery went without any issues so I hope Haru will be healthy as well. Booker’s recovery was super fast so I’ll bet that Haru will be on her feet in no time.

Finish reading a few titles
I’ve started a few new books over the past few weeks but I have yet to finish them! Time to get sit down and get to business.

Visit Artis
Artis Zoo was such a fantastic trip last year. I’m hoping that we can make the time to go again this year. I enjoy learning more about animals and visiting a zoo is a decent way to help support the community as well. I was so tickled to find that racoons are housed at Artis when in America they’re everywhere!

Buy a new printer
Our printer isn’t working anymore and I’ve been slowly convincing Sander we need a new one. He might budge this month!

The rest of the month will be spend updating this space and photos too! I’m revisiting my oldest posts and updating all of the content. Sometimes this tasks takes a few hours and gets boring quickly so it’s nice to pace myself. I hope everyone else will have a wonderful July!

The post July to do list appeared first on A Daily Lee.

Other than that, we’re a bit busier time around so here is June’s to do list!

Sushi with Pokémon GO
Our local Pokémon GO group is a but unusual. We started off as a select team of “cool kid” blue members. Lately we’ve been playing with a few good yellow members. We’ve now dubbed this unique mix the “groene groep” (green group). To celebrate this team of players, we get together at least once a month to have dinner together. Of course not everyone can make it but this month’s meal will be sushi! I cannot wait!

Buy more books
Hitting the bookshelves this month are not one but two titles I’m excited for. My obsession with this series has been a long one. The books were Japanese but now have English counterparts. So far there are 24 Japanese titles so I’ve got a long way to go. Even though the translations are way behind, I can’t wait to own them all!

Birthdays & Father’s Day
Sander’s dad has two celebrations coming this month! I’ve been meaning to make an entry about birthday parties so this might be the best time to do so! They tend to get busy so it might be difficult but a challenge is always something to look forward to.

Anime Con
This will be the 2nd time we head down to the World Forum located in The Hague. I made a post about our attendance last year and I hope this year will be as good! I’ve had my eye on a few figures and I may just get them this time around. Still debating about it because it’s more of a I like this stuff but I don’t need this stuff. More of a snuisterijen buy!

Moshi Moshi Market
This market has been compared to Japanese summer festivals. How could we say no? It’s going to take place in Amsterdam so we can make a whole day out of the trip. I’m looking forward to the snacks and interesting things to look at. We’ve always admired Japanese culture and it’s nice to see it’s accepted here.

As you can see, we have a busy month ahead of us! What do you have planned for June?

The post June to do list appeared first on A Daily Lee.