Hi all,

As I manage this season of my life wherein I have a toddler, 3 older kids and a big day job, I’m not, ahem, doing much posting on the blog. This won’t, I hope, be an “always” kind of thing as I love Penelope Loves Lists more than ever. But, I have benefited from taking a break while I pay attention to this other stuff and will continue to do so for a while.

In the interim, if you’ve stumbled across the website and want to get some Penelope goodness, here’s what I recommend:

1) Find out if you’re a Penelope by clicking here and finding more about the site.

2) If you are, or are just interested in what Penelopes obsess over, read some of the archived posts.

3) I do a MUCH better job of keeping up my Organization P*rn board on Pinterest. Follow me!

4) And I do a pretty good job of regularly posting to the Penelope Facebook page. Like me! (I love saying that in that commanding sort of way.)

Until I can get back to more regular posts, please do feel free to direct message me on Facebook – I love hearing from Penelopes.

Related posts:

1. Penelope’s on Pinterest: get your daily dose of organization p*rn
2. Finally getting Penelope Loves Lists on Facebook
3. Update from the trenches

Looking for the perfect book for your good friend? Or, a unique hostess gift for that holiday party you’re attending?

You can cross that item off your list because I’ve got the answer: Happier at Home: Kiss More, Jump More, Abandon a Project, Read Samuel Johnson, and My Other Experiments in the Practice of Everyday Life by Gretchen Rubin.

You all know how much I loved her first book, the break out hit “The Happiness Project”. I was totally surprised, then, when I liked her new book even more. That so rarely happens, right?

But I did. I think that’s because her books, and Happier at Home especially, are so darn applicable. They’re chock full of things you can do now to improve your home or mood in minutes. Every time I’d read a chapter, I’d walk away thinking “why didn’t I think of that?” or “I’m going to try that.”

And how I love Gretchen’s writing style. She’s so approachable. Nothing preachy here. Just an account of different strategies she’s tried to improve her level of happiness. She’s someone I feel I know and a total Penelope. When I read her books or her blog, I like to imagine if we met in person we might be friends.

So, there you go: my one gift recommendation for the women in your life who you adore this holiday season. I promise it’ll make them happy.

And, because I know you want to WIN A COPY FOR YOURSELF, Gretchen has graciously offered not one, but TWO copies to the winning Penelopes.

Just comment below with “I love Gretchen Rubin!” and you’ll be entered to win. I’ll select two random winners by Thursday, December 6th at 4pm PST.

UPDATE: And the winners are...ShannonS and MB. I have emailed both the lucky people directly so I can get them their books. Thanks to everyone who entered. If you didn’t win, I still highly recommend you get the book. Totally worth the (small) price, and a great gift, too.

Related posts:

1. An Exceedingly “Happy” Giveaway
2. The Winner of the Julie Morgenstern Giveaway and a few more book recommendations
3. Why I Keep a Book Journal: hint, it’s because I’m a fraidy cat

You know how you have both a practical side and a slightly ridiculous side? Isn’t it great when one product pleases both?

Like, when you find a great notebook with a gorgeous cover. Sure, the notebook helps you do your work. Practical. But that cover. It’s so pretty! Slightly ridiculous how much I care.

I’ve found a cleaning product that does both. Cue grateful tears.

I’ve been obsessed with Orla Kiely for a while (I have this notebook and it’s one of those that I love the cover as much as the usefulness inside) but I just discovered that she has designed some pretty Method cleaning products, too.

My favorite is this one. It’s Method’s All Purpose Spray in Pear Ginger.

See? The bottle? It’s so pretty! Why aren’t all cleaning products pretty? It makes me want to clean my counters.

But the best part is that the stuff inside both works well on several surfaces (you know, to do the job it’s intended to do) AND smells great – like Pear Ginger. It makes my new granite countertops (and even my ceramic cooktop) gleam and my kitchen feel fresh.

Bonus. Happy dance.

And yes, I just posted about a bottle of cleaning product. OMG. I’m so glad this blog enables my Penelope Geek Moments.

Related posts:

1. How I (barely) survived finding a slug in my shower : an ode to Anxiety Cleaning
2. Penelope Product Review: two simply smart office products
3. A Really Juicy Giveaway of Knock Knock Organization Products

It’s been a while since I’ve posted a recipe. Mostly because I try to only do that when I’m really loving something. I figure there are pleeeeenty of other places to get recipe ideas, right?

But, I love this dish so much I had to share it with you. My sister recommended this Chicken Curry recipe to me and it’s become one of my family’s favorites.

And, because I’m mostly a lazy cook, I love it because it’s easy. It’s basically dumping several ingredients together, stirring and covering.  I like to take 20 minutes to prepare it mid-day and let it simmer on low in my Le Creuset dutch oven all afternoon, filling the house with yumminess. And, because it’s made with yogurt instead of coconut milk or cream, it’s not as tough on the waistline as it could be.

I like to serve it with rice and a tangy salad. If I’m feeling especially decadent, I’ll add some Trader Joe’s naan to soak up the sauce. Also, I’m thinking next time I make it, I may add sweet potatoes, too. I love that combo.

The recipe is from Epicurious, but I’ll include it here with a few of my notes for convenience. Do check out their site for all manner of amazing recipes.

• 1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
• 2 medium onions, finely chopped (2 cups)
• 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped peeled fresh ginger
• 3 tablespoons curry powder
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
• 1 (3 1/2- to 4-pound) chicken breasts or thighs (they recommend cutting up a whole chicken, but who’s going to do that?)
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 3/4 cup cashews (1/4 pound)
• 3/4 cup plain whole-milk yogurt

• Accompaniment: cooked rice
• Garnish: chopped fresh cilantro

Preparation:

Heat butter in a 5- to 6-quart wide heavy pot over moderately low heat until foam subsides, then cook onions, garlic, and ginger, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add curry powder, salt, cumin, and cayenne and cook, stirring, 2 minutes. Add chicken and cook, stirring to coat, 3 minutes. Add tomatoes, including juice, and cilantro and bring to a simmer, then cover and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through, about 40 minutes. (If making ahead, see cooks’ note, below.)

Just before serving:
Pulse cashews in a food processor or electric coffee/spice grinder until very finely ground, then add to curry along with yogurt and simmer gently, uncovered, stirring, until sauce is thickened, about 5 minutes.

Cooks’ note: Curry, without yogurt and cashews, can be made 5 days ahead and cooled completely, uncovered, then chilled, covered. Reheat over low heat before stirring in yogurt and ground cashews.

Related posts:

1. Penelope Loves Her Crock Pot: or closest thing to a clone I’m gonna get
2. Chic Recipe Organization
3. Assignment: send some love- right now, super fast

My makeup drawer is one I use about 10 times a day, it’s my main bathroom drawer. And every time, 10 times a day, it bugged me. It was so crowded and had things in it I didn’t need that got in the way of what I did need.

Before: crowded and irritating

Today, thinking of good, old, Spencer Pratt, I decided to take 5 minutes and get this thing into better shape.

Nothing special here. Nothing “organizey”.

I just threw out all the stuff I’d accumulated but didn’t need. And I moved a few things (the Q-tips, the baby’s toothbrush) into spaces that made more sense.

And then I rinsed out the tray and put back the remaining items. That’s it. But boy, did I feel better! I kept opening the drawer just to admire it.

After: emptier and aaaaah

Took 5 minutes.

What can you do in 5 minutes?

PS: Are you following Penelope on Facebook? Don’t miss out on the fun. Just this week, we had a rousing discussion of the pros and…well…pros of vacuum lines. Important stuff, Penelopes.

Related posts:

1. Finally. Introducing… Jackson
2. How I Learned to Love My Spencer Pratt Chores
3. Assignment: 10 minute cleanup of your front porch

I’ve been waiting for this all my Penelope life: it’s the cutting board for the OCD chef.

Finally, an end to veggies cut all willy nilly.

I don’t have to tell you guys I’m not joking, right?

Related posts:

1. I love a tool that does it all
2. It’s the little things: a scarf organization tool that makes me smile
3. Fox Splitter: a useful Firefox browsing tool

There are some things in this world that I dearly love: M&Ms, The Indianapolis Colts, the pop-y deliciousness of the musical stylings of Carly Rae Jepsen.

But, even more, I love brand new organizing and office supply websites. And today, I get to tell you about a great one: The Urban Office.

I love this site’s simple, clean design and their varied inventory. Yes, they’ve got the familiar Bob’s Your Uncle and Knock Knock products, but they also have some items I’ve not seen before.

I especially love this Thomas Paul Bazaar desktop notebook, which the owner of The Urban Office was kind enough to send to me.

Unlike other desktop notepads, this one has a lot of pages (it’s nice and thick!) and a great amount of writing space. I’ve been able to use a single page to plan whole week’s of my To Do List items. And the “don’t forget” implication of the elephant graphic makes me smile.

Here are a few more items from the Urban Office that have caught my eye:

I could design an entire desktop around these pretty file folders.

These pencil cups would zotch up even the most boring cubicle:Vintage typewriter planner? In a pocket size? Sign me and my yellow handbag up.

And we all know I have a page flag obsession. I love this quartet, especially the French Chateau collection on the top left.

Excited? I knew you would be.

Luckily, the Urban Office has made it easier for all of us to give their website a try. They are offering 25% off your first order when you enter the product code “PENELOPE”. Gotta love it.

Give them a try and let me know what you think. What are your new favorite office supply finds?

Related posts:

1. A Really Juicy Giveaway of Knock Knock Organization Products
2. Focus on: Bob’s Your Uncle
3. Penelope Product Review: two simply smart office products

I’ve been wondering lately, apropos of nothing, whether or not I’m successful enough. And not getting any clear answers. In some ways, yes. Very. In others, my life is pretty damn pedestrian.

And then I thought of my (sadly late) Aunt Susan and how she defined success.

To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you lived. This is to have succeeded.
– Ralph Waldo Emerson

And I was clear again.

Related posts:

1. Learning to Be More Present in Each Moment: How I’m Saving My Sanity One Minute at a Time
2. Penelope Poll: What would you do?
3. When Penelope Gets Sick: there must be a lesson here

I’m not a scrapbooker or journal-writer by nature. I have so many friends who are great at it, but I suuuuuuck. Same thing with baby books. Just didn’t get the gene.

I realized that part of my problem with the baby book was that it was a book. In a different room. While I am in my office almost all day at my computer. I just never could justify stopping my work and spending time entering thoughts into his baby book. But, I did very much want to chronicle the details of Jackson’s first year.

So, I simply started sending emails to a group of friends and family who wanted to get regular updates on how Jackson was doing. It turned out to be a hit with them, but, even more, it gave me an excuse to keep track of Jackson’s first year in a format that was easy for me.

Here’s how I do it:

1) At the beginning of each new month of Jackson’s life (his birthday is on the 16th, so his new month begins on the 17th), I start a “note” in my Apple Mail called, for example, 13 Things at 13 Months.

2) Over the course of that month, I just make quick notes about things that are on my mind regarding Jackson. Takes but a few seconds because the note is in my email program, which I’m in most hours of most days.

In addition, I also give myself a few categories of things I know I want to fill out every month. For me, that’s “favorite toys”, “firsts this month” and “how many teeth”, along with some notes on his vital stats and schedules, etc. I make notes on these items as the month progresses, too.

3) At the end of the month, I go through the “things” and edit them a bit for clarity, then I fill in the section at the bottom with his end-of-month details.

4) Finally, I go into iPhoto and grab a few photos from that month that I especially want to remember and add a comment or two about them. I make sure to include his “official” monthly photo. That’s the photo I take in the same chair I’ve photographed him in since month one. Just for perspective. You’ll notice that these are just iPhone camera photos. I’m not a professional photographer, I’m a mom with a phone in her pocket 99% of the time. You get what you get, right? Point is, I have lots of photos that document this first year.

5) I put that all together and then send it to the group. Sometimes the update ends up being kinda lengthy, but my audience knows that I don’t expect that they read all the text. That’s more for me. They just mostly look at the photos are get the general gist of things.

6) I print out a copy of the email and put it in a folder I’ve put in Jackson’s Baby Box, where I’ve also tucked the hat he wore home from the hospital and other special things.

Easy. Now, I have both a paper and digital (read: backed up) memory of his first year.

Here’s my full entry for his 12 Month email:

PS: You’ve “liked” Penelope on Facebook, right? It’s such a great way for us to be in touch more regularly.

Whew! A year old! No wonder they say “the days are long, but the years are short.” This year flew by. Here are a few highlights and photos from this month.

1) Jackson is finally starting to be a more engaged reader. He is looking at the pictures and pointing at things. He also has an easier time sitting still for the whole book.

2) I think it’s funny that I wrote that last item early in the month bc later in the month, reading became a real challenge. He just didn’t want to hold still enough to read a book.

3) And then, in another turnaround, as we end this month, he’s back to being an engaged reader. I think the “Mama Take Home” here is: whatever is currently happening is likely to change.

4) Jackson’s current favorite books include: Goodnight Moon, Brown Bear Brown Bear, What Do you See?, Tuck Me In, Where is Baby’s Belly Button, Ten Little Ladybugs and a book on tractors.

5) He really doesn’t like Sandra Boynton books. Devon and Paxton loved them, so this surprises me.

6) Still not hearing “Mama” as much, though last month he was saying it regularly. He’s a “DaDa” pro, though. Also says “ball”, “door”, “ba ba” “voom voom” for motorcycle and some word for Cooper that may be “dog”. He also mimics words when you say them like “shoe”, “up” and “water”.

7) The overall volume of food he’s eating has really increased as we’ve weaned his bottles down. He eats like a real person now.

Our biggest challenge at mealtimes is to keep him from tossing food on the floor to feed Cooper.

9) Jack’s hunger is inversely proportional to mine. The hungrier I am, the more he wants to be done.

10) You can’t get this kid to wave or throw kisses on command (though he is more than capable), but he’ll always show you a cute “around” motion for the fan. He loves the fan.

11) Johnnie does a great beat box. Jackson loves it. He really gets his groove on when daddy lays down a beat.

12) His biggest discovery of the month? His penis! He thinks its absolutely the most hilarious thing.

Bonus thing: **For the purposes of this being a real documentation of Jackson’s first months and not just some “curated”, ever-rosy version of our lives, I want to add something that’s a challenge for me. Jackson really, really loves his Daddy, which is awesome. I’m so glad they are so bonded. But, lately I’ve been really feeling like “chopped liver”. When Johnnie drops him off at daycare, Jackson cries. When I do, which is most every day, he blithely goes to his caregiver with nary a look back. He really, honestly prefers Johnnie over me 99% of the time. And, to be honest, I’m struggling with that. Devon was very clingy to me, so this is a change. I know it’s normal, and to be expected, especially for boys, but I’m looking forward to a time where I hear “Mama” a bit more often.**

Firsts this month:
Puts shapes in his shape sorter
Took one step on 8/3/12. Not ready to call this “walking” yet, just a “step” in that direction.
By 8/15, I’d seen him take 1 step a few times, but still not more than that.
And then, on his actual birthday (8/16), just like his sister, he walked!! Devon and I both got to see him take 2+ steps. He did it when we were engaged with talking to each other, but we saw it happen. So exciting!

Favorite toys:
His new set of musical toys from his Aunt Missy. He loves to play them, but mostly to take them in and out of the drum they come in.
The shape sorter has been a big one this month, and he can even get a few shapes in himself.
His Little People Noah’s Ark, which he likes to empty of all the animals and fill up again
The V-Tech push toy. This one is great! He’s walking all over the living room with it and loves to play the music and push the buttons.

How many teeth?
As of 8/16, he has 10 fully in, with at least 1 more molar coming now. Kid’s got teeth!
Missing? That fourth tooth in the bottom front. I mention this bc Devon never got that tooth. It just didn’t exist in her mouth. Her orthodontist had to really adjust her braces treatment around that issue. It’ll be interesting to see if Jackson was born without that tooth, too. (Can we say “evolution”?)

:: 12 month stats ::
weight: approx 22 pounds (wild guess, he has a doc appt on 8/28, so we’ll know more then)
height: approx 30 inches
eating: a bottle of whole milk at 7:30a and 6:15p. Meals at 9, 12:30, 3 (snack), 6:30.
naps: 10-11:30a, 2-3p, 5:30-6p
clothes: some size 12, but mostly 18 month sizes. Shoe size 3.
diaper: size 3

Working with his shape sorter. I loved how hard he was concentrating.

At the store with Mom:

This is his “I see dead people” look.

Naptime-on-a-warm-day hair.

Enjoying some warm weather fun in the buff. Again, notice the shape sorter in the pool.

The official 12 month photo. We had to take the photo early in the morning, so the light is even worse than normal. He was in a great mood, though. And this is the most still I can get him for a photo at this point. At some point, his official monthly photo is just going to be a blurry flash of light.

PS: You’ve “liked” Penelope on Facebook, right? It’s such a great way for us to be in touch more regularly.

Related posts:

1. Genius Idea for the new mom: Sticky Bellies
2. Finally. Introducing… Jackson
3. Why I Keep a Book Journal: hint, it’s because I’m a fraidy cat

Alright, Penelopes. We are going to make MINCEMEAT of our day today. We are going to eat fricking Monday for breakfast.

As we lay our pretty little heads on our pillows tonight, we are going to sigh happily. Why? Because we have more on our “Done” list than on our “To Do” list.

Please note that this plan applies to the Penelopes who work so hard at home with their kiddos and to those of us who work outside the home. (Or, in our home, but with outside work. You know what I mean.)

Here’s how we roll:

1) I want you to walk or work out for at least 10 minutes before you begin your work day. Get your juices flowing. This is a must.
2) Make a plan. Put just 3 items on your To Do list and no more.
3) Choose your “pump up” theme song. Listen to the Rocky theme song or Danielle LaPorte’s credo or whatever really makes you feel like you’re starring in your own music video. My own theme song? “One Girl Revolution” by SuperChick.
4) Simply insist on starting with the most important work. See item #2. Do NOT let anything get in way of your Three Things.
5) Be tyrannical about keeping your calendar sacred. For example, if I schedule a morning to work on a project I don’t let anything else get in the way of that. If I do, then my entire schedule is a slippery slope and I’m no longer in charge of my own day. And I don’t like not being in charge.
6) During the day, the Distraction Monster will rear his ugly head. Banish him by re-reading your To Do List for today. Do not let distractions get in your way. Want even more info on how I handle my daily to do list? Read about it here.

I’ll just bet you that, if you follow this plan, you will end your day with a major feeling of accomplishment. Did you get every single task in your life done today? No. That’s NEVER gonna happen. But you got your Top Three Things done, right?

Now go have some ice cream. You deserve it.

PS: Are you following me on Facebook? I’m so much more apt to post there daily. Join the neurotic party!

Related posts:

1. My To Do List Hates Me or, why your daily task list is defeating you
2. An Interview with Julie Morgenstern: Part 2 – How Julie Stays Organized – plus a GIVEAWAY
3. When Eight is not Enough…