Hello, hello! How’s everyone doing? I feel like the internet has been a bit quiet the past couple of days and that’s awesome. Most likely, it means that people are out and about doing things besides sitting at the computer. Don’t get me wrong, I’m (admittedly) an internet and social media junkie, and I LOVE when you all come to visit! But I think it’s just so important to take some time to step away from a bit and remember to live off the grid for a bit.
That said…I’m clearly not taking my advice, and I’m hanging out with all of you here today, so take that with a grain of salt. Bahaha.
So, believe it or not, we are actually 100% de-Christmased in our home. We all spent a quiet day at home on Sunday and since we had the time (and really needed to clear up some space) I just decided to pack it all up for the season.
Until next year, Christmas décor!
Thankfully, now that the corner of our living room is cleared of our tree, that means that Lucas has the entire corner to play (aka, mom and dad have the whole corner to somewhat hide and stash all of his new toys).
Want to know what else we started doing this past weekend?
I think the best way to describe it would be to say that we’ve been completely binge watching Orange is the New Black. We got a gift card for Netflix for Christmas, and after I asked you guys on Instagram what our “must watch” shows should be, this one was clearly one of the winners.
So far we’re up to episode 8 of season 1 and I just can’t get enough! We’ve watched 2-3 episodes a night for the past three nights, and I’m sure there will be at least another episode watched tonight (it’s Monday night as I’m typing, but I’m sure Tuesday will include more, too). I’m telling you. Ob-sessed. Gahhh!
Once we’re done with this series (which I’m sure isn’t going to be long) I think we’ve got House of Cards up next. Everyone’s telling me it’s a must-watch! Any others you guys recommend??
Yesterday was also back to work for the first time in almost a week. It was fairly quiet, which was a nice way to ease back in to working, and of course, a little Starbucks breakfast never hurts either.
Blonde roast w/ 2 pumps caramel brulee syrup + nonfat milk & a spinach feta wrap.
Christmas gift cards, for the win!
It was nice to have a somewhat normal day of eating again too, which included a delicious salad filled with some leftover chicken, steak, Havarti dill cheese(!!!), and veggies from the weekend
And one of these Yoplait Cinnamon Roll greek yogurts which, I just have to say, are freakin’ DELICIOUS.
The company sent me some to try about a week ago and I can’t get over just how much they taste like a cinnamon roll. Absolutely incredible (plus I love that they’re 2% – so much creamier!), especially with some granola sprinkled on top. Yum!
Not much to share on dinner, since I ended up grabbing some random leftovers out of our freezer to heat up quickly. It was my attempt at avoiding the call to Jay to ask him to pick up a pizza on his way home from work, and hey, it worked. Although the pizza would have been so much better.
Mr. Lucas skipped his afternoon nap (they’re hit or miss these days) and was a little crabby in the evening before bed, so it called for a little iPad time.
Hey, don’t judge…sometimes, a few minutes of TV time saves the sanity of everyone in the family. Except for poor Cody. He looks totally un-amused, doesn’t he? Thank goodness he’s so good with the little human that came and invaded his space.
So the super news is that this work week should be a fairly easy one. I have tomorrow off, working from home Wednesday, off Thursday, and then just need to make it through Friday. I think I can, I think I can!
I’m hoping I’ll be able to get up early for a workout tomorrow, too. I had planned on it yesterday morning, but Lucas had other plans during the night (damn that pacifier, we need to get rid of it! Any tips?! It never, ever used to be an issue…) and wound up waking us up twice…making a 5:15am wake up time a bit ol’ hellllllz noooo. Fingers crossed for today.
Alright my friends, I’m off! Hoping I’ll be able to check back in with you all tomorrow, but if not, have a fabulous New Years Eve!
Brynn says
When we got Netflix the first show was OITNB followed by Friday Night Lights, and Gilmore Girls. Next is House of Cards!
Jessica Schwartz says
Netflix has been well worth the $8 a month – so much better than tv these days! I loved Dexter, Breaking Bad, The Killing (cop murder mystery), and Sons of Anarchy. The first season of Breaking Bad is a little slow while it’s establishing the foundation of the series, but then it picks up. Let us know if you try any!
Julie says
I totally agree about the screen time! I was so against it until I had kids! They aren’t interested in the tv, but give them a cell phone or iPad and they’re all over it! Sometimes during dinner prep if my hubby isn’t home yet. It’s impossible to get anything done with 2, almost two year old running around! They get to watch for a bit :) They are obsessed with music videos. (Uptown Funk, specifically! Lol)
You have to watch Homeland if you haven’t seen it yet! And House of Cards! Both amazing!
Courtney says
I’m going to have to look into that Uptown Funk! Lucas looooooves music!
Kaitlyn says
Ohhh Orange is the New Black is AMAZING! I was skeptical at first, but once you get into it, you just can’t stop!
If you really like OITNB, I’d highly recommend Breaking Bad. That’s another one that I was super skeptical about, and the first episode has some gore in it that I was not a fan of, but thankfully I was convinced to watch at least 3 episodes because I became hooked! SO good!
Marielle says
Ah, I’ve heard that Orange is the new black is so good…we just started watching Sons of Anarchy, but that one will be next on your list! Good job on getting all the Christmas stuff down….I’ll save that task for New Year’s Day :)
Linz @ Itz Linz says
i’ve heard so many good things about that orange is the new black but i don’t have netflix!
Shel@PeachyPalate says
I must give it a watch! I watched one episode n didn’t give it a fair chance!
Jenna says
Try cutting a small hole in the pacifier (it will likely be frustrating for him that he can’t really suck it and hopefully it will deter him from wanting it). Hope this helps!
Courtney says
I’ve never heard of that! Good tip! Thanks, Jenna :)
Brianne says
Scandal is my favorite Netflix watch!! The series is so good!!
As far as a pacifier when my daughter had her 2 year check up at the dentist she told me it was time to get rid of the binky :( it was a rough few days bc we went cold turkey on it. Looking back we should have just taken it alot sooner since we were up ALOT at night putting the binky back and calming our daughter down. She sleeps so much better now that we don’t have a falling binky! Good luck with it! Take the plunge on a weekend so you can nap with Lucas bc the first few nights are rough.
Courtney says
Ugh…yeah, I am really not looking forward to that. But glad things are better for you! :)
Monica says
OITNB is a great show! Depending on what you like, we were completely addicted to Sons of Anarchy, and love The Walking Dead. Also just finished Californication. If you can make it through the second season, it is a pretty good show.
I’m dreading putting my Christmas decorations away. The house is so pretty with them up!
julie says
We enjoyed the 1st season of Orange is the New Black as well, but couldn’t get into the 2nd season. Perhaps we have short attention spans… ?
Recently, i started re-watching Gilmore Girls. I vaguely remember seeing it when the series originally aired, but i’ve forgotten enough of it that i find it fun to watch (and now that i’m a mom, i’m seeing it with a totally different perspective).
My husband is a big sci-fi fan and i’m not so much, however, i did get into Lost Girl (Canadian) and Wolf Blood (British). They were sort of our compromise shows :)
Stacie @ SimplySouthernStacie says
Netflix is the best/worst thing that has ever happened to me! I’m currently rewatching Gilmore Girls at the moment since they just released all the episodes earlier this year.
Bethany says
<3 Netflix!!
Chantel says
Love Netflix and Orange is the New Black! Another show that we totally binged on is The Killing. SO good!
It’s amazing how a little breakfast from Starbucks makes a good start to the day! :)
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says
We cleared out our Christmas stuff this weekend too for the same reason… It was getting too cluttery, and we had to make room for Hunter’s toys. It was bittersweet, but now that it’s all down, it’s like a breath of fresh air!
How fun that you got Netflix! We are total Netflix junkies because we don’t have cable. I had mixed feelings about Orange is the New Black. I liked the storyline, but some of the naked/crude stuff rubbed me the wrong way. We’ve loved Parenthood, Scandal, Friday Night Lights, Prison Break (especially the first couple seasons)… and I know there’s more, but I can’t think of them right now.
Holy cow, that cinnamon roll yogurt!!! I totally need that… I’m going to have my eyes peeled for it now!
Courtney says
I hear you on some of the scenes in OITNB…sometimes Jay and I just kinda look at each other like, WOAH lol
Sara @ Lake Shore Runner says
I have been nine watching Parenthood. Have you watched it? I started Friday and am already on episode 8. If you haven’t seen it I highly suggest it.
Also, I never would have picked up the cinnamon roll greek yogurt but now that you speak highly of it I am going to try it out.
Happy Tuesday!
Courtney says
I’ve seen a couple of episodes here and there and they’ve always been really good! Maybe some day I’ll watch the whole series… :)
Alaina says
So glad I am not the only parent who believes a measely few minutes of media here or there ain’t gonna hurt the kid! It’s not like my 10 month old watches TV daily, but during those tough times, a quick episode of The Mickey Mouse Clubhouse is absolutely necessary!
Courtney says
Amen! ;)
Melissa @ Freeing Imperfections says
I NEED that yogurt! I’ve concluded that our yogurt tastes are the same after you recommended Siggi’s and I loved that one!
Natalie @ The Ravenous Mommy says
Orange is the New Black is awesome! So is house of cards. I’m going to start watching Marco Polo too, I heard it was really good.
Koryn @ High Heels & Healthy Alternatives says
I know I’m probably Uber Late with this addition, but I MUST recommend the “Walking Dead” series on Netflix! Talk about addicted!!! Me and the hubby got through seasons 1 through 4 in a matter of a month and a half (if that)! …and that’s no easy task with a very active 11 month old crawling about, let me tell you. But it was SO WORTH it! The new season starts in Feb. and we can’t wait! :-) Perhaps we’ll check out “Orange is the New Black” while we wait. Hmmm…. :-)
Courtney says
I’ve heard great things about Walking Dead and I think I’d really like it (I’m always game for some scarier stuff!) ;)
Kaella (KaellaOnTheRun) says
I LOVE OITNB! Suits is also REALLY REALLY good!!
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West says
Hi! I loved OTNB, as well as House of Cards. I’d also recommend Weeds, Breaking Bad and Friday Night Lights — all very different but enjoyable.
Tiff @ Love, Sweat, & Beers says
Hubs and I devoured that show! It was so unique and different from anything else on TV. I guess we finished it about a month or two ago, but I’m still wishing there were more seasons to watch!
Liz @ Tip Top Shape says
I love Orange Is the New Black! So good!! When you guys finish the seasons on Netflix, you should give Breaking Bad a try! That’s what I’m watching with my family!
Courtney says
I hear so many good things about that one, too!
Stephanie @ My Freckled Life says
I have obsessed with rewatching Gilmore Girls now that it is on Netflix. It’s like reliving all of my favorite teenage memories! haha. If you like scary(ish) things, I would recommend The Walking Dead (I’m a total wimp when it comes to scary and even I love it).
Courtney says
You’re not the first person to say that about Gilmore Girls…now I’m intrigued!
Heather says
With my 2nd son he had a cold around a year old and couldn’t suck on the paci, so we just never gave it back to him. One benefit of being sick!
Courtney says
Ohhh, interesting! Haha!
Chrissy @ Pink Polish and Running Shoes says
LOVE Orange is the New Black! I binge watched it too. House of Cards is a must. That show is completely addicting so you’ll be just as sucked in lol. We also watched Marco Polo, which I thought was pretty good. My boyfriend loved it.
Sanaz E. says
I was hooked to OTNB immediately! Love, love, love that show! I’ve been holding off on beginning House of Cards because I really don’t need another TV show addiction, haha! Right now, I’m also hooked on that Serial podcast- so entertaining!
Courtney says
I hear so many people talking about that podcast!
carrie says
De-Christmased. Hehe. Love your new word.
Courtney says
LOL, thanks ;)
Holly says
Orange is the new black is sooooo good! My husband and I love Netflix! We’ve been binge watching shows for the last couple of months! My parents are hooked too! Breaking Bad is an awesome show, you must watch it….along with The Walking Dead, House of Cards, Mad Men. My brother got us Chromecast for Christmas…you plug it into your tv and then you can use your phone or Ipad to cast your favorite apps like Netflix, HBO Go, etc onto your tv!! Love it!!
Chelsea @ Chelsea Eats Treats says
OITNB is great! House of Cards is a must too. I think Breaking Bad is also on Netflix, which is probably my favorite of all of those. I also just finished binge watching the first season of Marco Polo and it was really good!