Vol. 1

Listening To:

Drive by Oh Wonder

Maybe it is the simple piano in the background at the beginning.
Maybe it is the male and female duet. 
Maybe it is the strings in the chorus.
Maybe it is the ohhh-woooah-a-woooah.

Whatever it is, it is catchy and makes me feel like I am 24 again and feeling the breakup feels.

Red (Taylor’s Version) by Taylor Swift

I know that it is nine years after the original release date of this song, but it is only a few days after the release of the re-record. Here I am, happy to report that I am just as obsessed as ever. 
1. The lyrics could easily be a case study in the use of similes.
2. Listeners are invited to travel through a spectrum of both emotions and colors during the 3 minutes and 43 seconds.
So while the opening notes strike a chord of nostalgia in the hearts of Swifties across the world, I am convinced that even newer connoisseurs of Swift’s music will fall in love with this classic.




Eating:

Saucy Tahini Noodles with Honey’d Sweet Potatoes

It is not abnormal for me to get some of my best recipe inspiration from my friend Lauren. She introduced me to this gem a few months ago and it has become a go-to ever since. The recipe is naturally dairy and gluten free but can also easily be made soy free as well by using coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. The tang of cilantro and tahini serve as a welcome complement to staple autumn flavors like sweet potatoes and maple syrup. Plus, once you make the sauce, you’ll find it can be used on a multitude of vegetables! Might as well start planning the pre-Thanksgiving dinner party now.

Watching: 

Locke and Key Season 2

It is important to note that I normally don’t gravitate towards anything remotely scary. However, I think Locke and Key won me over with its similarities to Stranger Things (teen ensemble cast + mysterious powers) and the gorgeous setting of Key House. Since it is based on a comic book with other keys that haven’t been introduced, I think it is safe to say that the Locke kids have adventure ahead of them for quite awhile. 




Learning:

Journo Portfolio

I don't think I'm the only millennial who dabbled in HTML coding during the 2000s, but it is definitely one of those skills that doesn't stick unless you are using it regular. Thankfully, I haven’t needed any coding knowledge to use Journo Portfolio to run my website. In just one night I was able to create a few main pages and the rest (or at least this post) is history. I still have a lot to learn about website structure, SEO, and some of the more advanced features, but the templates and Help articles available are wonderful resources. Plus, it has been good for my soul to have a relatively new hobby now that the days are getting shorter and colder again. What’s the takeaway? Designing your own website just got a lot easier.




Exploring:

Peoria Parks

As much as I dislike the aforementioned cold days, I do love to carve out some time for a walk or hike each weekend if possible. And this fall I am even more motivated than normal since I am in the midst of the 100-mile challenge through Forest Park Nature Center. You may think those miles have to be completed at just Forest Park, but they can actually be done at any Peoria Park. I was on board as soon as I heard there was a logging system (my inner ISTJ was elated) plus a t-shirt upon completion (I love a good prize). But then I heard participants can keep going all the way up to 1,000 miles to get their name on a plaque. Um, yes.

Thanks for joining along for the first Currently post! I hope your interest was peaked towards one of the featured elements or you thought of something to share from your own November - feel free to do so in the comments! 

Until next time, 
Kelsie