I'm sharing this week's Happy Planner layout, although technically it isn't a brand new spread. I shared this Halloween week a few weeks ago, but since this is a weekly Happy Planner Layout post, well, it should be posted still. hehe.
I decorated this spread using Traci Reed's Halloween collection. Almost everything here came from leftover die cuts I made while working on a scrapbook layout. I always love finding ways to use those extra pieces instead of letting them sit in a drawer, and they worked perfectly for this planner spread.
Now for a little life update...
Reading... or maybe watching?
Last week, I finished two books, which I'm really happy about! I was originally thinking of squeezing in one last book before the month ends, but then... The Walking Dead happened.
I'm already on Season 3 and it's the perfect series to watch while I'm ironing clothes. It scares the hell out of me, like when I am playing games and Ton finds it funny, but it's the good kind of scared. hahah. idk if you get what I mean. Although after binge-watching since Sunday, I might need a little break before jumping back in. Maybe I'll pick up another book instead? We'll see!
Lucky update
I was a little worried about Lucky last week because he wasn't quite himself. He still had an appetite, just not his usual enthusiastic one, and he seemed a little quieter than normal.
Thankfully, he's looking much better now and seems to be back to his usual self. If you missed my previous Lucky update, he recently had a dental procedure to remove plaque buildup, which meant he had to be put under anesthesia. I'll probably give him another week before I start brushing his teeth regularly, as I should according to the vet.
Tacoville is back!
One of our favorite restaurants from our Al Ahsa days, Tacoville, closed after only about a year of operation, so we were really excited to discover that their branch here in Al Khobar is still open.
It's located in Al Khobar City Walk, which reminds us so much of Al Ahsa because several of our favorite restaurants are all in one area. It definitely brought back some happy memories.
Balcony dreams
Winter is almost here, so we've officially started shopping for outdoor furniture for our balcony.
I think it'll become such a nice little space to relax in during the cooler months. We're even thinking about getting one of those fire pit tables so we can make s'mores outside. Fingers crossed we can find one that's reasonably priced!
This was only the second time I'd actually stepped onto our outdoor space, the first was when we viewed the apartment, and I forgot just how spacious it is. We just need to clean it then get furnitures!
Salted egg adventures
My homemade salted eggs officially reached Day 40, so last week I finally boiled them!
I've already made salted egg chicken legs (alongside garlic parmesan chicken legs because why choose just one?), plus spaghetti with both red and white sauces... yes... all for just the two of us.
A few days later I made chicken with salted egg sauce and another batch with ala king sauce, and now I'm officially obsessed with salted eggs.
I'm already planning to start another batch this week so we'll have fresh ones again in another 40 days. Hopefully winter also means we'll start seeing bigger shrimp at the grocery!
A friend was curious about my homemade salted eggs too and even asked if she could have a few pieces. hehe!
Dinner with friends
Over the weekend we invited some friends over because I marinated way too many chicken quarters for just Ton and me.
So we ended up hosting a casual dinner with leftover spaghetti, lots of barbecue chicken quarters, Java rice, and buttered corn. It turned into such a fun evening.
A taste of home
We also finally tried the taho someone was selling through Facebook.
I wasn't expecting much, but wow... it was so good! Even the smell instantly reminded us of the taho back home in the Philippines.
We shared it with our friends too and they loved it just as much.
Bazaar upgrade
The husband worked on upgrading my card display stand for future bazaars!
It's now painted pink (which I absolutely love) and he even added a built-in stand at the back. That means we no longer have to prop it up with Bath & Body Works candles like we used to.
It's much sturdier now... and so much cuter!
Sadly, one of our scheduled bazaars was postponed because of the recent happenings here in Saudi. But that's ok. It means more time to prep for me!
Shampoo update
Remember when an Arab lady convinced me to try the 360 Hair Professional line after noticing my shopping cart was full of Fino products?
Well... I gave it a fair chance.
The shampoo and conditioner just didn't leave my hair feeling as smooth as Fino does, so now that I've finished both bottles, I'm officially back to my beloved Fino.
Crafting update
Things have finally slowed down a little on the crafting front.
I officially finished all of my Polkadoodles projects for the rest of the year! I might squeeze in a little extra crafting here and there, but all my scheduled design team work is done.
I can't share any of the projects just yet, but I am sharing a little behind-the-scenes peek. All I'll say is... the upcoming collection is unbelievably cute, and I'm really happy with how my cards turned out.
It also made my day when Nikky shared one of my projects in the Polkadoodles Facebook group and even mentioned it in her announcement. That was incredibly sweet!
Meanwhile, I also finished another set of six cards for the Rosie's Studio Card Making Challenge. I only have three more cards left to make so I can continue posting daily until the challenge wraps up at the end of the month.
Not bad!
Weekly menu & little wins
I'm also sharing this week's menu below, along with a few photos, including the treats our friends brought over for dinner.
You'll also spot my Analog Journaling Bag, which I've already shared in its own blog post. If you haven't seen it yet, you can check it out here.
It feels really nice looking back at that project because it started as one of those little ideas I casually mentioned here on the blog... and I actually followed through with it. Small win, but definitely one that made me smile.
Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope you're having a wonderful week, and I'll see you again soon for more crafty projects and little life updates.
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