The past fifteen weeks of book writing has left me more than melancholy. I realize my writing here has been a bit too. There is something about this message of Fresh Out of Amazing that leaves me all vulnerable and weepy. It has been necessary I think to write from an honest place. But, sometimes you need to just take a deep breath, exhale, and have a few minutes of light. We need to discuss really important things like Netflix, eating faux ice cream from the container, and how I wanted to buy 6 copies of People magazine because of how adorable Carrie Underwood is. So let’s get to that:

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What I’m Watching on Netflix:

Chip and Joanna: Fixer Upper has been of my favorites since it started on HGTV. But there is one tiny problem. We don’t have HGTV at our house. So when I travel to conferences or go to my mom’s house I sit for days watching all the Fixer Upper episodes I can find. So when I found out Fixer Upper was coming to Netflix, finally there was great rejoicing.

I totally grabbed this image off of Joanna’s Instagram. Because how cute are they?

The only problem I see is that HGTV only sent 13 episodes to Netlfix. We have watched them all several times and before long will be talking about all the families like they know us. My girls are also huge fans. They do not fuss when I change the show they are watching (Usually Good Luck Charlie) over to Fixer Upper. Yes, I do that frequently because mothers need to mess with their kids from time to time.

My favorite comment from my kids: “Mom, what is wrong with Chip?” (after the episode in the thrift store where he put on the tool belt.)

Me: “Nothing. Isn’t he great?”

I know you have probably been watching Fixer Upper in real time and can probably quote all the key lines from all the seasons. But having the first 13 episodes is like Christmas over here. “Thank you HGTV. Thank you Netflix. Send more episodes please. Signed, Me.”

When Calls The Heart:

I stumbled across this show this summer when I was in the early days of writing “Fresh Out of Amazing.” I watched the entire first season in two days. I promptly watched them all again with my girls.

Here are a few reasons why I can’t stop watching it:

1. All the Little House on The Prairie feelings: It must be the Michael Landon, Jr effect but it brings me right back to my childhood.
2. Lori Laughlin is flawless. My girls think she is the most beautiful person. They might have said, “Except for you mom.” But I may just be adding that part.
3. I can watch WITH my kids. Come to think of it, both Fixer Upper and this show make Friday night a bit more enjoyable.
4. Seriously, Jack Wagner. How can we not love the 1980’s.
5. Daniel Lissing is from Australia and I keep watching to catch him drop into his accent.
6. Erin Krakow is adorable. And also her hair.

Netflix, again with only one season almost killed me. But I found the season 2 pass on Amazon Prime. I watched all of Season 2 as well this summer. Multiple times. I may also read 3 books based on the series. So, my television watching has encouraged my literature pursuits and this is a good thing.

Books I’ve Speed Read:

When I am in a writing season I devour fiction books. I don’t know why, because other times of the year I don’t read much fiction. There must be something about story that helps me write. Also, when I read fiction I feel like my mind stops trying to create and breathes a bit. Here is a list of books I read recently:

1. The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton – this book took me 7 years to get through. Well written, but slow for me.
2. In the Company of Others by Jan Karon – Delightful Father Tim is my favorite. Loved with big smooshy hearts, this but struggled with translating the  local dialect.
3. When Calls the Heart by Janette Oke – Original book the series is based on. Very different from the series, but a sweet read.
4. When Courage Calls by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan – A newer book in the book series because of the television show. I liked it ok.
5. Where Trust Lies by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan – Book 2 in newer series. Not my favorite. But I need to find out if they got married.
6. Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers – I read this years ago and returned to it this summer. I reread it in 2 days. Stunning.
7. An Unlikely Suitor by Nancy Moser – I saw this on a “Best of” list and read it on my Kindle from my library which is awesome.
8. The Guardian Duke – Jamie Carie – This is an exciting book (part 1 of a series). My only complaint is the leads don’t meet until the last page.

What I Can’t Stop Eating (and who cares):

I have no idea what is in this “Cookie Shake” but it tastes like real ice cream and is only 150 calories for the entire pint. Also the Maple Vanilla is to die for. Trust me. You will love it. And I’m giving you permission to not share this with your kids. Grown up stuff for sure.

That is all for now. Thanks for wading into the shallow end of the pool with me today. Sometimes we need to do that. What are you loving and devouring lately?

Happy Weekend.

xo,

Stacey

P.S. More on Carrie Underwood on People Magazine later. I will grab that when I travel next week.