Happiness is...

Just for smiles

2012-02-26T04:10:00.000-07:00

Saturday Funnies

2012-02-25T13:51:00.000-07:00

How can you NOT smile when you see this picture!?

Enjoy the weekend lovelies!

Update with the Wedding Weight!

2012-02-24T04:10:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd let y'all know how I was doing with my wedding weight loss! :)

Start Weight was: 131

Current Weight:

This was my weight when I first met and moved in with my Fiance' almost 2 years ago.

And now I weigh myself this morning and this is what the scale said! At least I'm back to where I started!

Ignore my toes please! LOL

My toe nails grow so fast! seriously 2 weeks and I need a new pedi STAT!

Goal weight:

126

I've got a little more to go and then maintain

How have I shed the pounds thus far?

I'd like to introduce you to my little friend

LOSE IT!

It's a free app I've been using on my Iphone.

basically I "scan" the barcodes of everything I eat

No bar code, then I manually enter in the calories.

I've been able to lose what I have just by consuming less calories.

Portion control has been HUGE.

I've given up eating buns with burgers for 2 years now. I don't miss them one bit!

How it works

You enter in your age, your weight, how many lbs you want to lose, and it will tell you how many calories you can consume in one day.

This app has been a life saver.

Anyone else use this app?

Just Because...

2012-02-23T04:10:00.018-07:00

I haven't bought myself anything in quite a while. It's been really hard with the fiance' and I both urging each other to save our pennies for our wedding!

But, I need to stay sane so I decided to treat myself to a few things I had been eyeing.

I contacted the owner of this etsy shop to see if she could make these 2 necklaces as "One" and which she did!

I wore it out last night to our dinner date and our waitress complimented me that she had never seen "sideways" crosses LOL

***************

I caved and bought my first pair of Tory Burch Reva Ballet flats.

LOVE.

Did NOT love the 195 dollar price tag.

THANK YOU Ebay for helping me save some money on these bad boys.

Bought from a seller that was selling them for around 150 bucks. They were the store display pair (NOT A MARK ON THEM WHEW!)

Reality is, I knew that if I wanted "real" ones and not knock offs I would have to fork over a little more.

*********

And remember my fiasco with my 55 buck cell phone case--how after one time of dropping it, the ONE place that wasn't covered, it slightly dinged the edge?

I finally got a case that goes ALL the way around the dang phone.

I've had some co workers ask me about the quote. It's probably one of my favorite parts of Robert's poem that really hits home with me, my life, and what I have gone through.

This also came from an Etsy seller

here

I also found a dress to wear on our honeymoon in Hawaii this August. I have been trying really hard to expand my dress wardrobe..I seriously owned TWO at the beginning of the year.

Finding dresses that are long enough are a BEAST. I'm 5'8" and a lot of time cutesy dresses are WAY to short someone my height.

Dress is from Francesca's Collections

And I have to update this post and say as soon as work is over today I am returning this dress

If you look at the pictures, it just doesn't quite fit right. I have a very long torso. (I'm 5'8") and if you look at the waist part see how high up it falls on me? Not at my natural waist. So thus, I've decided since I'm not 100% cray cray about it, it must go back!

Sweet Home Alabama Season Thus Far

2012-02-22T04:10:00.001-07:00

I haven't been updating much on Sweet Home Alabama Season 3, but I have definitely been watching!

These are the remaining contestants:

Bubba, is still my top choice that I would hope Paige picks. He really isn't a part of all the other contestant's drama and has even been nice to the city boys!

There seems to be a real spark between Joey and Paige, so that definitely peaks my interest to see if she does indeed pick a city boy in the end!

I still think she won't pick the 21 yr old, and Landon is probably going to be the next guy she sends home.

Who do y'all think she'll pick?

On the Bachelor front, I've stopped watching. I said from day one I thought Ben was the worst bachelor pick of all time. I've had no interest in him or crazy Courtney who he supposedly picks in the end.

ABC has really done a bang up job of picking good contestants :(

Dress Reveal

2012-02-21T04:10:00.002-07:00

I am going to do something I don't think many bride to be girls do on blogger.

I am actually going to reveal my wedding dress before me actually wearing it! LOL

How many bloggers have done that BEFORE the wedding?

The reason? I want YOUR HELP! You see, I still have not found "THEE" necklace and earrings to go with my dress. I know that I can describe it as much as I want, but odds are if I asked y'all for ideas without seeing it, I'd get random ideas left and right that probably wouldn't be ideal to match the dress!

So without further adieu, here's MY WEDDING DRESS

So fellow bloggers, can anyone please give me some great referrals to some jewelry sites that may have jewelry to match the detailing of my dress?

If so, PLEASE leave in the comments below the link of where to go or if you have spied something on a site somewhere.

YES, I have generically searched etsy but there are thousands and thousands of pages to search through, I need a specific seller to check!

Book Reviews!

2012-02-20T04:10:00.004-07:00

This was my first time reading a book by this author.

"With rumors of infidelity straining Greg and Tess MacAvoy's marriage, the couple head out on their sailboat one early-summer day to celebrate their wedding anniversay, hoping the roughest waters are behind them. But in an accident off Nantucket, they mysteriously drown, leaving behind two small children as well as the three couples who have long been their closest friends.

Tragedy brings to the surface long-simmering conflicts and emotions, and the MacAvoys' six grieving friends find themselves unprepared for the revelation of secret upon secret as they struggle to answer the question: What happened to Greg and Tess?

The Castaways probes the boundaries of friendship and forgiveness as it tells a page-turning story of passion, betrayal, and suspense, filled with the perfect details of summer island life that have made Elin Hilderbrand's novels beloved bestsellers."
Blurb taken from Amazon summary

I usually have a hard time reading books that jump from different point of views all the time. This one was easy to follow thankfully, and thus I was able to read the book in just under a week's time.

I think I will look into other books by this author!

**********************************

Holy Moses.

Seriously y'all. I haven't read a book that I couldn't put down since I read "Water for Elephants".

I finally found a book that I absolutely loved. It wasn't my usual romance novel that's for sure.

A little blurb...

On the day she was abducted, Annie O’Sullivan, a thirty-two-year-old Realtor, had three goals: sell a house, forget about a recent argument with her mother, and be on time for dinner with her ever-patient boyfriend. The open house is slow, but when her last visitor pulls up in a van as she’s about to leave, Annie thinks it just might be her lucky day after all. Interwoven with the story of the year Annie spent captive in a remote mountain cabin — which unfolds through sessions with her psychiatrist — is a second narrative recounting the nightmare that follows her escape: her struggle to piece her shattered life back together, the ongoing police investigation into the identity of her captor, and the disturbing sense that things are far from over. The truth doesn’t always set you free. Still Missing is a shocking, visceral, brutal, and beautifully crafted debut novel about surviving the unsurvivable — and living to bear witness.

If you haven't read "STILL MISSING" by Chevy Stevens I HIGHLY recommend you pick up a copy asap!

I could not tear my self from the book. Every page had me turning and reading feverishly trying to figure out what was going to happen.

Sunday Tune

2012-02-19T00:23:00.001-07:00

[Flash 9 is required to listen to audio.]

(Source: funkeymunkey)

Clarification Regarding "the trash can"

2012-02-18T11:14:00.001-07:00

We tread the line between opinion and judgment a lot in social media. Some are quick to call out others as being "too judgmental" when their OWN beliefs or opinions are being challenged. There's no point in getting all bent out of shape over something as seemingly mundane as TEXT on a screen, especially when we are putting our thoughts out there to be judged in the first place. The problem arises when we judge others in an aggressive tone.

Some of you expressed in my trash post, that you thought it was absurd that I deleted a friend on FB over our Trash can argument.

What you didn't know was I left a lot out about this so called "friend". How she verbally always had something negative to say on EVERY post I would update on FB. I was beginning to think/ask myself, why are we friends? She never had anything nice to say to me anymore. So for me, that was the last straw.

Some of you also said you have a hard time basically judging me as if I am judgmental or not because you are unsure of my "Tone" in my posts/texts.

I wrote my FB post for "Friends" to see. 95% of my friends who KNOW ME and know my sarcasm and my "tone" know I was not "naming" each and everyone of them "Idiots" if they have a trash can in their car. I was making a general statement to all on FB that I thought it was gross about the trash can. I'm sorry, I guess I am one the few people that doesn't WANT to post all fluff to keep others happy. I have a mind. I express what's on it regardless of how people take it. I don't think my choice of word "idiot" is mean, harsh or demeaning. That's just me. I could of done way worse or said way worse had I wanted to belittle my friends on FB.

So, in my opinion, the line between opinion and judgment is when we use an aggressive, absolute tone while expressing one’s thoughts. I personally don’t have a problem with judgments because I can see them for what they are … opinions expressed as facts.

Saturday Funnies

2012-02-18T09:41:00.003-07:00

Product Review

2012-02-17T05:52:00.002-07:00

This has been pinned a lot on pinterest, and so I went to Sephora's website to read what others had to say about it.

Dior Addict Lip Glow What it is: A color-awakening lip balm with SPF 10. What it does: Dior Addict Lip Glow responds to the color chemistry of your lips to create a shade that is uniquely yours. Smooth it on to moisturize, add sun protection, and enhance your natural lip color.

Majority of people gave it a great review claiming how much they loved it.

My thoughts:

Wasn't worth the $30 bucks.

I really don't like it.

My tinted softlips lip balm are by far way better tinted color than this stuff.

I'm not even sure why I thought I needed to "up" or replace it in the first place since I do like it so much.

Thus, a lose lose for me from Pinners on pinterest.

Book Review!

2012-02-16T04:10:00.000-07:00

I finished "Before I go to Sleep" by S.J. Watson

Not my usual read, but a recommendation by a fellow blogger friend so I went with it.

If you've seen the movie "50 First Dates" then you may like this book. The story line about every morning a woman wakes up and doesn't know who she is.

Who do you trust when you have no recollection of what people are telling you? Despite being nearly incapacitated with her amnesia, somehow Christine painstakingly pieces together a fragmented picture of what happened and what is being kept from her by those she's supposed to trust - her husband and her doctor - both of whom are telling her different versions of her life. To make things even more complicated, what they're telling her also contradict the few puzzling memories that eventually resurface.

I never guessed the ending and I never figured out what was really going on till I finished the book. I'd say it was a good read!

Engagement Pictures--they're here!

2012-02-15T04:10:00.001-07:00

We took 256 Photos. I am never shocked though (from all my photography in college) that you only end up liking 12-20 out of the 256! :)

For any of you that want to know, these were all taken in Scottsdale, AZ where we live. Mostly downtown at the Civic Center.

We started at 3pm and ended at Sunset (as if you couldn't tell by the last photo)

Tail Wagging Tuesday: Valentines Edition!

2012-02-14T04:10:00.006-07:00

Tail Wagging Tuesday!

Share your best SMOOCH-A-ROO photos with your fur babies! :)

I came home and got these a night early! Now I feel like a bad fiancee' since I didn't get Mister Wonderful anything whoops!

Enter your fur babies below!

The time I bought TOMS and returned them...

2012-02-13T04:10:00.002-07:00

True Story.

After seeing "The Vow" on Saturday, I walked around the mall (the movie theater was inside the mall that I met my friend at)

So I ended up in Nordstroms and there was a HERD of women hovering over the TOMS table. Lord have mercy, the BALLET FLATS had arrived!

I was eager to try them on, lucky me, a fellow helped me out right away and Bam!! I was walking up to the counter all happy to buy those TOMS that everyone goes nuts over.

Funny thing happened. I ended up returning within a few minutes.

They are cute, sure, but not the most comfortable flat I've ever tried on, and to me, that's the whole point of a shoe. TO BE COMFORTABLE. I am NOT one of those girls that wears ridiculous shoes that cost a fortune that are cute but not comfy in the least!

I just had a gut check and asked my self, am I buying these because I MUST have them?

Or...

Am I buying these because everyone wants them and they are the "Craze"?

Am I buying these because I need them or want them?

Can I live without them?

And thus I returned them. Honestly they aren't practical. I like things that are practical not just because they are hip for the moment.

I made my way down to the Tory Burch store, where I had been meaning to try on the all so famous Revas.

They were heaven from the moment I slipped them on.

THOSE are comfortable.

THOSE are practical.

THEY WILL BE a someday purchase for me that I think are WORTH the money!

Why didn't I buy them right then and there?

Um Hello...they are like 200 dollars. FOR A SHOE. I am a teacher not a doctor. Dropping that much on a shoe is a LOT from my teacher crap paycheck.

:(
sad but true.

Has anyone ever bought anything but only to turn right around and return it the same day?

Do tell.

I am hosting Tail Wagging Tuesday for the big V DAY TOMORROW!

The theme:

Share your fur babies and you spreading the love!

aka

cuddle pictures

kiss pictures

you get the idea :)

Don't forget to link up!

Another Great one Gone..

2012-02-12T00:01:00.002-07:00

There are hardly words in hearing last night about Whitney Houston dying.

I grew up listening to her music, I definitely am reminded of my mother when I hear her music. It makes me happy and now sad.

48 years young. First Michael Jackson. Then Amy Winehouse. Now Whitney.

What is WRONG with these great ones? Are they that miserable with their success that they turn to drugs? I am befuddled by this stupidity such amazing musicians display.

Can't forget all these talented musicians either.

Oh Whitney...you will be missed.

The Vow Movie Review

2012-02-11T17:11:00.001-07:00

First and foremost let me tell you I was MOVED when I saw the REAL couple known at Kim and Krickett Carpenter on Oprah (when Oprah was still on doing the Oprah show) and then I found out they had a book which the lovely Jessica aka The Kentucky Priss sent to me.

I read the book in one day. It was a quick read. I got teary eyed from the book.

BUY THIS BOOK That is PICTURED NOT THE ONE WITH Channing Tatum and Rachel McAdams on the cover!!

This movie DOES NOT do the real Couple any justice.

Here are the differences and there are tons :(

The Movie Versus Reality

Differences between the movie and real life events.

Movie	Real Life
Leo & Paige	Kim & Krickitt
Husband = musician /owner of recording studio	Husband = baseball coach/San Juan County CEO
Wife = fun-loving, artist, vegetarian.	Wife = fun-loving, gymnist, devout Christian
Wife dislikes her family before the accident.	Wife always loved her family.
Leo never met wife's dad.	Kim asks for the dad's approval before he proposes.
Wife did not keep a journal or diary.	Wife kept a diary.
Husband signs divorce papers.	Husband would not consider divorce, only separation.
Leo asks Paige to move in (prior to marriage)	Kim never asked Krickitt to move in.
Pre-marital sex	They waited until marriage.
Ex fiance tries to re-date wife after the accident	No ex gets involved, although she remembers one.
Husband is the one driving when accident happens.	Wife was the one driving.
Accident happens on a city street	Accident happened on the highway
Wife does not appear too banged up after accident.	Wife was bruised & bloody, unrecognizable in hospital.
Wife wakes up very soon after accident.	Wife is in coma for weeks before waking up.
Coma was medically induced.	Coma was a direct result of the accident.
Couple = non-religious	Couple = Christian faith plays key role in relationship.

I was let down because the book, THE TRUE STORY was so moving. The movie changed so much I spent half the time going "Wait that wasn't in the book ---that didn't happen" and I only did this because it was suppose to be based on a TRUE STORY!!!

I get that film makers often EDIT content out for time allotted purposes. But they went overboard with all the switch ups in this movie.

If you are expecting to see the NOTEBOOK type love story--skip it. Wait to rent. Didn't have the same "spark" that Rachel and Ryan had in The Notebook.

A Wise Man...

2012-02-11T05:46:00.002-07:00

A Youth of the Nation

2012-02-10T04:10:00.001-07:00

I've had such a heavy heart this week. (nothing to do with me or Mister Wonderful)

It has to do with Today's Youth.

Without saying a lot, I had an incident happen with 2 of my students (ages 5 & 6) that really was eye opening for me.

I couldn't help on my drive home today and think about all the things I wanted to address/talk about on blogger about this.

I am extremely concerned that kids act like adults at an alarmingly early age.

Which renders the reasons WHY?

Movie themes.....

TV situations.....
Song lyrics.....
Conversations at school.....
PARENTS/home life....

Are all robbing our children of their innocence.

Our children's minds are saturated with immorality and thoughts of intimacy that should only be experienced in marriage. They're being robbed of innocence. Their hormones are awakening and society is throwing fuel on the fire, enticing them to explore things they are not mature enough for.

With television and the internet playing a bigger and bigger role in their lives, children are being introduced to ideas and issues which used to be kept away from them. Rather than having fun for the sake of it, and going out to play, they're receiving the adult world in a largely unfiltered form.

Which makes me scared all over at how much my students especially my sixth graders act/say things/ behave as high school seniors would do.

I am sad. Sad because when my parents were kids, the misbehavior that happened was spit wads and chitty chatty kids.

My youth was just kids that thought using swear words was "cool".

Today's youth: I can't even list it all on here how different they are from when I was a kid. And different not in a good way.

Case in Point where I really noticed this?

The Super bowl commercials

"Give---and you shall receive"

Holy Sex in a commercial.

HOW DOES ONE EXPLAIN this to a child who sees it?

"Give what daddy?" What will you "Get?"

Oh wait that's right. Today's parents "don't" explain. They just dodge the subject. Or the parents pretend that they don't have to explain because their kid is to young to understand.

Oh what a bubble the many who think this live in!

SEXY AND I KNOW IT

Great song. FOR ADULTS

This week alone I have had to correct more 6 and 7 yr olds with using this word that I could of ever imagined.

I ask "Do you know what sexy means?"

Most say, No.

So then I reprimand them for using a word that could mean something bad without actually knowing what it means. Then I have to go over "proper" vocab as to what other words you can use instead of sexy. Sexy is a GROWN UP word.

But you can say:

Pretty

Beautiful

Handsome

Cute

Etc etc etc...

This is why I am a CONSERVATIVE.

THERE NEEDS TO BE RULES!

THERE NEEDS TO BE PEOPLE TO TELL YOU NO!

THERE NEEDS TO BE SOMEONE TO RUN THIS COUNTRY with MORALS AND VALUES and GOD!

I cannot take this. It breaks my heart.

I actually smiled when I overheard a sixth grader tell me she wasn't allowed to see anything higher than a PG movie.

Yeah here I am screaming silently "YOUR PARENTS ROCK!!!"

Today's children are being invited to engage with ideas that they simply don't have the maturity to deal with.

Am I way off on this?

I say no.

Thoughts?

And the winners are...

2012-02-10T03:01:00.004-07:00

And the winner is.....

Lauren

of the Boscia Black Mask

Winner #2

is the lovely Leslie!

Ladies please email me/tweet me your info so I can get these items mailed out to you this weekend!

Randoms

2012-02-09T16:21:00.000-07:00

Our Wedding Announcements came! I mailed all 20 of them out in today's mail.

In case you are wondering what the "fine print" says

It just basically says the where and when

and that it will be a PRIVATE ceremony

and that we look forward to celebrating our marriage with friends & family in the near future!

***********

Art Room Happenings

***********

My Second graders have been working on these Hot Air Balloons now for a few weeks! I have laid down the law with my expectations of coloring with "No white showing"

Thus not a rapid breeze through project!

Kindergarten Polar Bears!

I read them "the three snow bears" by Jan Brett

White Paint, Oil Pastels, sharpies.

What I don't like about this lesson is that my sharpies some how run out of ink from the paint. I swear the second you take a sharpie over tempera paint to outline, it like kills the marker.

I've been working hard on "Organizing" my students C R E A T I O N S T A T I O N

So basically what this shelf is --is for my students to come over and keep them selves busy should they finish a project early.

They have their option of stencils, plain white paper, How to draw cards, word searches, or coloring pages.

Every year I throw my old markers that still work, into this marker bin that the students are allowed to use to during their extra free draw time.

The color pencils where randomly there in my room when I over took it, so I have those (my junky mis-matched ones) and then a completely "complete" set that my older kids use on more in depth projects.

The biggest challenge for my students is that they keep grabbing our "GOOD" project markers and crayons for "free draw" which they aren't suppose to do.

Our Good markers I try to keep in color coded containers for each of my tables.

I keep all "MISC" craft stuff in Mason Jars. It makes it WAY easy to see what I am low on!

This poster is a new addition to my room (thank you Pinterest!)

It REALLY benefits ALL grades as a reminder of how color the "right" way!

Madonna + Super bowl

2012-02-07T04:10:00.002-07:00

There were tons of comments on twitter last night all love/hate comments about Madonna and the super bowl.

My stance?

I loved every single min of her performance UNTIL she sang her new song.

Madonna is a PERFORMER. She did not disappoint!

First of all--KUDOS to a woman who is 53 yrs old and can still dance and sing (even if she lip synced) We all know she can sing!

She killed it.

The only thing I have a hard time with is her pom pom cheer leading song. All I could think of was

"Alright Madonna, you are a legend. But this new song is terrible. 53 year olds can not rock Pom poms #superbow" (I posted this on FB and twitter)

When I hear the chant "L U V MADONNA!!!" I think of "Oh Mickey your so fine you're so fine you blow my mind hey Mickey" Yeah that 80's song!

I think Madonna still makes great music. Just NOT loving her new song.

In fact one of the last songs that she recently came out with, that I listen to a lot on my IPOD is "Miles Away" off her Hard Candy Album.

In case you've never heard it, watch/listen here

This has to be hands down one of my favorite of her "newer" old songs :) (if that makes sense!)

Mister Wonderful even heard it on the way to work yesterday (I drove him) and he said he liked it!!!

Oh! And did anyone else think when they saw her outfit how it was reminisce of Michael Jackson's "remember the time" music video costumes!?!

I will always think of Madonna as my generations "Lady Ga Ga" and we all know lady ga ga has done her best to separate her self from the whole "madonna reinvention bit, but we all know that's totally her inspiration--the Queen--Madonna.

She may have a big head, loads of money, but I love her! ;)

Teaser!

2012-02-06T04:10:00.000-07:00

My great friend, our photographer teased Mister Wonderful & I with these photos of us on Facebook.

Thirsty for more??

Stay tuned!

Photo Scavenger Hunt Sunday

2012-02-05T11:21:00.000-07:00

I haven't done one of these in a while! Figured it would force me to bust out my camera today and take some pictures!

Hosted by the lovely Ashley

Today's assignment:

Strike A Pose

Footwear

Hobby

Shiny

Color Me Green

Here are my entries. All new pictures taken within the last 2 days!

Think. Think. Think.

My Vans. I think I'm the only 29 yr old that wears these. My students think I'm the "coolest" when I do wear them! These are my Cubs shoes. I wear them to every Chicago Cubs game I go to!

My hobby. A 2 in one shot. When I am not teaching, I am reading, and spending time with my baby, fur baby that is--Aspen! As you can see, she had just about had enough of me reading and not paying attention to her!

My shiny huge bracelet that I never wear. It's getting old.

I wear this hat once a year. For St. Patricks Day. Keeps my students from pinching me from not wearing green!

Giveaway---Who's In???

2012-02-04T18:29:00.001-07:00

I am hosting my very own giveaway.

Not because I gained a certain amount of followers. Whether I have 1000+ or 200 does not interest me.

I am hosting a giveaway because I have received a few things as duplicates and they are way to expensive to give away to good will or my students.

So I thought who better to ask than my followers to see if they would want to enter and win, right?

First up:

Boscia

What it is:A groundbreaking, mineral-rich mask that peels off to deliver powerful detoxifying, purifying, and brightening effects.What it is formulated to do:This jet-black, mineral-rich mask creates a unique peel-off effect that delivers powerful detoxifying, purifying, and brightening results. Made with a premiere-quality clay, its deep-cleansing properties draw out dirt and oil. Other natural ingredients go to work exfoliating skin and refining pores. Powerful antioxidants shrink pores, firm skin, and reduce inflammation. Once dried, the mask strips away dead skin, impurities and excess oil to reveal immediate and visible results.What it is formulated WITHOUT:- Parabens- Sulfates- Synthetic Fragrances- Synthetic Dyes- Petrochemicals- Phthalates- GMOs- TriclosanWhat else you need to know:Apply an even layer to clean, dry skin. Avoid eyebrows, hairline and lips. Avoid eye area by applying below orbital bone. Leave on 15-20 minutes or until completely dry. Gently peel off mask from outer edges. Rinse off any residue with warm water. Follow with moisturizer. Use once or twice a week.

I use two other Boscia brands and am pretty pleased with their line (a wee bit pricy over your normal -over-the-counter type beauty products if you ask me)

So I only have good things to say about this product!

Next on the Giveaway roll...

Moroccan Oil Shampoo & Conditioner

Overview:
Moisture Repair Shampoo and Conditioner are for hair that has been weakened or damaged by color, chemical processing or heat styling. They restore hair by bathing it in a highly concentrated formula rich in antioxidant argan oil, reconstructive keratin and fatty acids. Both products restore elasticity, moisture and manageability. The formulas are free of sulfates, phosphates and parabens, so they’re safer for the environment and won’t dry, fade or strip color-treated hair. They’re even free of sodium chloride, making them safe to use after keratin treatments.

Here's how to enter:

You Don't have to follow me on twitter. You don't have to "Like" me on facebook because my blog does not have a facebook page!

All you have to do is leave me a comment on here as to why you would benefit/like the products above; (YOU MUST BE A FOLLOWER of my blog)
if you have a twitter, as a separate entry, tweet about the giveaway and leave me a second comment saying you tweeted about it ( make sure you tweet @MyohMy so I know you did!)

A Winner will be chosen this Friday, February 10th!

PS I did tweet and ask a few peeps about would it be weird for me to add to my giveaway something I tried but didn't like...

it was Pureology Shampoo & Conditioner in case any of you were wondering, but I decided not to since well it's hard to give away something you don't like!

Announcing our Announcement!

2012-02-03T18:16:00.000-07:00

We ordered our Announcements yesterday!

I shared the final photo on Instagram today, so some of you got a sneak peak!

The only change that was made, was to the front--Our formal names will be shown on the front instead of our names that are short for our "real" legal names.

We chose Wedding Paper Divas for the whole layout printing etc etc.

I looked at TONS of sites for "customizable" announcements and this company gave the most layout options with the most text editing options as well. Since we aren't sending out a "save the date" finding a layout WITHOUT those words on it was a little difficult!

So far, they have been SUPER fast with edits and proofs. I am liking their speedy customer service!

This That and the Other

2012-02-02T06:28:00.000-07:00

I've got summer and Hawaii on the brain. Only 76 days of school left. Time is truly flying!

Wedding update:

My dress I was told, is being or planning on arriving in JUNE. Eeek. Depending if it's early or late June that leaves ONE MONTH to nip and tuck the sucker and then we are off!!! :)

We have our wedding annoucement (sorta kinda Save the date cards) all ready to go, just patiently waiting for payday to arrive so we can order those bad boys!

Oh and incase you don't follow me on Twitter, Pinterest or FB,

Can I just blog about how BADLY I want these???

Gee Thanks TOMS for finally making a shoe I LOVE but cannot for the life of me order at the moment!

Tag 11 11 11 Facts

2012-02-01T04:10:00.018-07:00

Here are the questions Natasha @ Hello Happiness posted:

1. What is your profession?

Art Educator (aka Art Teacher. Seven Years now!)

2. How would you describe your style? Ha. I have none. I'm totally the girl that asks bloggers, friends, random strangers that walk by me where they buy/get things that I see on them that I like!

3. What one make-up product can you not live without? eeek. Only one? Not sure! I'd go beneath the surface and say I can't live without my Clean and Clear Acne little gel pen zaps all those zits!
4. If you could be besties with one celebrity, who would it be? Reese Witherspoon..us southern gals need to stick together, and just because she seems to have a very balanced life. (sorry Natasha--She's totally my girl too! heheh)
5. What is your dream vacation? Hopefully it will be Hawaii here in August, check back after that time and I'll let you know if Hawaii didn't live up to expectations!
6. What magazines do you subscribe to? None. Haven't had any in years. I buy them randomly at the grocery store though.
7. If you could have a special talent {that you don't currently have}, what would it be? I wish I could sing. I damaged my vocal chords teaching my second yr of teaching and my speaking voice let alone singing voice hasn't been the same.
8. What is your favorite breakfast food? I actually never ate breakfast until the past 3 years. I eat Special K pretty much every day.
9. If you could do anything, what is your dream job? I am doing my dream job, I just wish they paid me more. Teachers make squat and it's hard to have ANY spending money on a teaching salary below 40 grand a year. Yep. How about them apples.
10. What is your guilty pleasure? A sausage biscuit from McDonalds. (FYI they are 430 calories!!) I only allow my self to eat them when traveling/on the road.
11. What is the best piece of advice you've ever received, and who gave it to you? Best advice? Probably all the times I was told, say nothing, don't respond--silence is the best method. This is so true. If you don't respond to people that are trying to get a rise out of you, then you WIN!

With that, the 11 ladies I am tagging are...and yes, I am using the same 11 questions ;)

And no, you won't hurt my feelings if you don't play along lol.

Molly @ Midwestern Touch
Danielle @ Butler, Party of 2
Ashleigh @ Waking Up in Vegas
Ruthie @ The Chronicles of Ruthie Hart
Julie @ The Girl In The Red Shoes
Magan @ A Touch of Class
Amanda @ For Love of A Cupcake
Amanda @ Marshall's Abroad
Emily @ My Heart Shaped Life
Brit @ Life of Charmings
Jax @ The Roaring Twenties (and thirties)

In case you don't already follow these, blogs, THESE ladies are some of my top reads! :)

If I was President...

2012-01-31T04:10:00.002-07:00

Erin over at Living in Yellow had thee best/cutest post on her list of "if she was president" and is hosting a link up of lists!

So I decided to participate. I will admit, her list is pretty dang good, and I am going to put a star/asterisk by ones on her list that I completely would put on my list if I was the President!

If I was President....

I would raise the driving age to 18. Yep you read that right. I didn't get my license till I was 17, and I felt that was even a wee to young. Driving is such a HUGE responsibility and I think kids should just be a little older to take on such tasks in life.

Smoking would be illegal. Like if you got caught by a cop, or a neighbor and they reported it, you would get some serious fines billed to you!

*-If you are under 18?
No Facebook for you.

*-Under 16?

No cell phones either.

*-Teachers would be allowed to both pray over their students AND smack their booties with a paddle.
Raise Hell now children and see what happens.
God AND paddles are looking over you.

Diet soda would be BANNED. Bad stuff people. I am so anti soda it's not even funny. Keep living in your bubble soda drinkers, we shall see who lives longer and healthier! Just sayin--don't hate appreciate health!

Men would not be allowed to walk around in public with their boxers (Asses) hanging out of their pants--I mean really what women find watching men waddle sexy? Gross!

Video games would have a switch in them to only work for ONE hour a day thats it! Once the hour was up, the video gaming system could not turn on for the rest of the day!

Any Animal cruelty charges against a person would equal life in prison. And I am so serious about this.

Teachers would not be at the bottom of the list when it comes to salary. I'd say they'd earn as much as doctors and lawyers. They are after all, just as important! Let's pay them like they are!

Everyone would have to own a hybrid car. This would mean, no more gas guzzlers would be manufactured from this day, and any remaining on the road would be allowed to drive them until the they keel over. Thus, eventually all junkers and cars that blow nasty black smoke (out their clearly not tested exhaust systems) would eventually in time disappear.

Junk food would cost more money at the store and or restaurants. PERIOD. It's all about choices.

It would be required that all High School graduates MUST attend college.

I have no idea about the financial part of that law lol but it's a great thought right? haha

Pizza and Mac and cheese would NOT ever be served at elementary school lunches! (Oh yes, this happens EVERY week monday equals pizza at my school)

Seriously? Yep.

NOT HEALTHY!

Kids would go to school YEAR ROUND. ( the opposing school district down in Yuma AZ known as Crane School District does this) What this means is that kids go to school a few months in a row, then get three weeks off etc etc. Attendance would be so much better. Teachers would be well rested and able to take time off for vacations or go to the doctor or dentist during the week without taking a sick day.

It's proven that kids that go to year round schools are smarter y'all! They don't forget knowledge like most kids who get three months off for summer do!

Everyone gets to sleep in till 8 everyday, because no one's work day starts till 9am!

What would you enforce as President?

Link up with Erin!

Photo Inspiration

2012-01-30T04:38:00.007-07:00

I had thee most exciting weekend---

We shot our engagement pictures!!!!

Although I have none to show you right this second, I figured I could share some of our inspiration that both my friend, our photographer (professional I might add she owns her own photography business and is booked solid till June!)

Here blog and website you can check out HERE

Or her business' facebook page is HERE

Kim Garcia is a former art teacher like myself. We met in 2005, my first year of teaching. She quit teaching to pursue her dream of her photography business. Many art lessons I share on here came from her, and many photo things I have learned today have been taught to me by her as well. I am so lucky to have her as such a close friend!

Here were shots I shared she shared with me/ each other for inspiration.

That slim brick wall shot?

Yeah we totally took that picture today. That famous wall is right here in Arizona.

Score!

I had 3 outfits, one casual, semi dressy, then a dress with heels. I was happy I finally got to wear my New Years Eve dress for SOMETHING (we didn't end up going out to our big party on new years so the dress had been untouched in my closet till the photo shoot)

* All photo inspiration came from GOOGLE searches and Pinterest!

Sunday Tune

2012-01-29T05:44:00.001-07:00

[Flash 9 is required to listen to audio.]

GFC Update

2012-01-28T08:09:00.000-07:00

I've been getting a few comments saying that the Google Friend Connect won't hurt people that are currently using it now IF you have a blogger/blogspot domain.

True for those of us that use it now, but I know I can't be the only one that follows blogs that don't have that widget or the follow option at the top of their blogs.

So in a way, it will affect us.

"With this change, the biggest hurdle bloggers will have to face is the potential loss of followers. Google has not announced whether, for other other platforms that can use the feature, if they will migrate the feed for Google Friend Connect followers straight in to Google Reader. For bloggers, this could result in a staggering decrease in their traffic."

They are talking about how all those blogs we/us currently follow that DONT have a friend connect on their page will/may or may not continue to show up in your dashboard/feeder.

Does that make sense?

So in a way, it's still best to add the Google Plus widget because how else are you going to follow those lost blogs that don't use GFC? Blogger has had so many issues over this last year, I'd rather be safe than sorry. Who knows what other "changes" they will make.

The rest of the article is HERE

Google Friend Connect is in fact going Bub-bye

2012-01-27T16:52:00.000-07:00

Not sure if everyone has caught wind of the "news" and Google, but the Google friend connect widget IS going away as of March 1st.

Yep. That's right. That awesome little thing that displays all our followers of our blog won't be there anymore.

Part of me is GLAD.

I think MANY bloggers have gotten caught up in whole numbers thing and it really bums me out. Blogging IS NOT about how many people you have following your blog. Pretty much anyone that tweets things like, "YES!!!! I'm almost to 1,000" or 50 whatever the desired number is, I stop following on twitter. That really annoys me. That's NOT what blogging is about. This isn't high school! Who gives a bleep how many do or don't follow you? so you reach a 1,000? Then what?

***************************

The other part of me is sad, but event though it shows "how many" follow one's blog, it is something that I use to see other bloggers-esp the ones that are shy and don't comment all the time. Gives me the chance to see who they are.

**************************

What google wants people to do is to add their Google Plus onto blogger and use google more as of the follower tool.

I have gone ahead and added my Google Plus account on my page, so I highly encourage you all to do this NOW rather than later (march 1st) when you really will LOSE all those followers!

Where did I get the widget from? click HERE to set yours up.

To those of you who "google me" or search me. I have two profiles. ADD THIS ONE.

The one that says C MAE

I can't delete my first account because it's linked with my yahoo email which totally displays my first and last name (so much for privacy)

So if you do happen to find me on my "real" formal name lol remember that's not an account I log onto--stick with this one!

You are more than welcome to GOOGLE about Google friend connect going away, it's all there in plain english. Sorry if I rained on anyones parade, just better to get adding all those followers now rather than later! :)

Happy Weekend Friends!

Kirigami Art

2012-01-26T04:10:00.001-07:00

My 5th grade students just learned all about the differences between Kirigami & Origami

This was a lesson I found on another art blog I follow. I really like how they turned out. I think my big kiddos enjoyed the fact that I busted out the glitter just for them! :)

DIY-Valentine Gift Crayons

2012-01-25T04:10:00.001-07:00

I have been waiting MONTHS to try this pin out--

a pin I saw on Pinterest during the summer!

I am a huge advocate of RECYLCING esp. when it comes to art. My school loves me for it, and I have taught my students to view things in a different light. They are constantly bringing me things they think they can make art stuff out of!

I had been saving crayons that were getting down to the nubs, and this is what I did with them!

The original pin said to bake them at 230 Degrees for 15 minutes. I baked mine at 240 degrees and for 20 minutes. I think the time will vary on your stove and such!

I plan on giving these to the staff at my school in their mail boxes as a V day Gift--a way of saying thanks for all the donations they have given me to help keep making our art project better and better!

Helpful word of advice:

DON'T use your one and only good butcher knife on cutting your crayons up! It WILL DULL the blade! just a heads up! Our knife was dull as it was, so it wasn't a loss for me!

Don't forget to link up with the lovely Michelle over at Vintage Apple!

Current Stats

2012-01-24T04:10:00.000-07:00

A blogger a week or two ago asked me how many "hits" my ring link up got (page views)

I decided to check out my stats page to see if my Ring Bling linkup beat out my all time page views on other former posts.

Eh. Not even close.

What are your surprise top hits for posts you have written on your blog? Were you as shocked as I was?

Artsy Fartsy Artwork

2012-01-23T04:10:00.001-07:00

It's been a busy 2 weeks since returning from X mas break! I've had my students buried in finishing up their art projects!

This is my Valentines Day Box! First grade teachers asked me if I would help their little ones create a box for their big Valentine exchange. SWOON. One of my favorite holidays as a child! Who didn't LOVE getting those paper valentines with a message from all your classmates!?!?!

First grade also recently learned about Laurel Burch. She's a great artist and a lot of art teachers more and more seem to be resorting to her for ideas/lessons about CATS!!!

4th Grade

My 4th graders I am so proud of! I haven't taught this lesson since I taught it 6 years ago in Yuma, AZ!

Students (esp the boys) really enjoy this lesson. It's very hands on and of course made out of RECYCLED soda cans!!!

We also used: Brads, Colored Sharpies, Tin Foil (Aluminum Foil) and Hot glue

3rd grade finally finished their Babushka Dolls! They turned out SO CUTE! They all can recite to you if asked what it means, what country they learned about, and how many dolls (true nesting dolls) are suppose to have!

This last project is from my After School Art kiddos. It's their first week back for the second art semester. I lost eight kids and gained eight new ones, so we did a getting to know you project! :)

My Castle example for 6th grade--completed!

Some of the finished castles!

It was surprisingly a hit for both the boys and the girls. Most were happy to even touch clay, as they have told me over and over that when they were in 5th grade (last year) their art teacher last year didn't let them make anything in clay since they were really naughty.

Clay castles

Water color paints

Skewers for Flags

Glitter

Hot Glue

Sunday Tune

2012-01-22T07:26:00.000-07:00

[Flash 9 is required to listen to audio.]

“Silence is the loudest parting word you’ll never say.”
-Ben Harper
Amen Omen

This song is actually NOT new, but I just heard it for the first time via a commercial on TV yesterday.
I've heard many songs by Ben Harper, but never heard this one.
Swoon!

Picnik is Closing!

2012-01-21T09:03:00.001-07:00

I opened my email this morning and got to read this:

Official Announcement: Picnik is closing

Since joining Google in 2010, we have been creating editing magic in Google products while continuing to keep Picnik awesome. But now we get to focus on even awesomer things. Picnik will be closing on April 19, 2012.
Your photos liberated
Amazing photos are created in Picnik, so we have launched a new feature, Picnik Takeout, that easily downloads your photos to your desktop in convenient zip files. You may also elect to copy your photos to Google+ where you can store and share your creations. You may request your photos at any time and use this handy tool as many times as you like until our closing date of April 19, 2012. Learn more.
Premium Refunds
To our primo Picnik Premium members, we'll begin processing a full refund of your current membership fee within a week of this announcement. By "in full" we mean the whole darn thing. Yep, this means even if you are on your very last day of an annual membership, we will refund you the entire $24.95. Just because we want to say thanks.
Now the Good News - Free Premium for ALL!
To express our gratitude for your support over the past 5 years, Picnik Premium is free for everyone! Use Picnik in all of its premium glory, for free, from now until our actual closing day. Touch-up, Textures, Advanced, and more are all free for you to use!
We have been incredibly proud of building a product that is used and beloved by so many of you. We continue to be amazed and humbled by the photos you create and we are immensely grateful for all of your support, creativity, and passion.
We are excited by the photo-editing fun we have already brought to Google products, like Google+, where you can find many of your favorite Picnik effects in Creative Kit. We encourage you to visit Google+ and give it a whirl.
Please visit the Help Hub for more information on our wind down, and check the Picnik blog for updated information on our April closure.
It's been awesome,
Team Picnik

There was also an annoucement on Picnik's homepage as well.

Thoughts on this?

Is blogger next to be taken over?

Instagram pictures--where to print them!

2012-01-20T04:10:00.000-07:00

So a few weeks back I was on a mission to find a place/company that actually prints SQUARE prints. I mean how can local photo places not with Instagram being such a huge success with the Iphone!!!?

Right?

Heh.

Target, walgreens, Walmart, CVS etc are all photo places that ~~DO NOT~~ print SQUARE photos..

So that led me to do some digging into what places do? Are there any?

Answer:

YES!

Download the App (FOR FREE) Postal Pix

I took a screen shot of the above app so you would know what it looks like. Has a mailbox on the icon.

It connects with your pictures and you can order from the app ON YOUR PHONE. Talk about SWEET!!!!!

Today My 4 trial photos came in the mail

I promised I'd share and review once I actually ordered from the company.

It's worth it!

There are 3 other websites/companies that say they offer printing of Instagram pictures. Why I didn't choose them was because all 3 were collage or magnets companies, and neither of those were what I was wanting/looking for!

Here's the links to the companies I chose NOT to go with

Printstagram

Instamaker

They may fit your needs so by all means feel free to check them out! (obviously I wouldn't of linked them if I didn't want you to decide for yourself!)

Happy friday Bloggies!

Movie Review

2012-01-19T04:10:00.001-07:00

I watched this Saturday night and give it a thumbs down. What is it with chick flicks lately? They are all SO stupid! I feel like I have not seen a good chick flick since "He's just not that into you".

Okay I take that back. I really liked Friends with Benefits and No Strings Attached. I think those were the last 2 movies I really liked in the theater!

I haven't really liked any movies with Anna Faris. To me she's like a Will Ferrel. Blech. I just don't get that stupid funny humor. I find it more dumb and annoying than entertaining I suppose.

Also watched MONEYBALL.

YUCK.

Brad Pitt you have fallen off my favorite actor list when you make movies like these.

SUPER BORING.

Not your fun entertaining sports movie by any means.

Skip this one as well. You'll thank me.

I'm NOT thanking the Golden Globes for making this sound like it was a good movie.

FAIL!

FAQ- Frequently Asked Questions

2012-01-18T17:03:00.001-07:00

I am home from work and have read-- so far, the 30 responses to my post today!

Thank you all so much for you kind words!

Here's the thing--I think a lot of you must have way nicer friends and family than I, because I really do NOT anticipate receiving anything from anyone since we are, as of right now, NOT planning on having a reception, party, gathering of any kind, anytime soon after our marriage. :( Sad face.

Money. Money. Money. Oh how I loathe thee.

All of Mister Wonderful's family lives in Cleveland. All of my family lives in Columbus, Toledo, Bowling Green area ( with the exception of my parents in Colorado, and my brother in Montana.)

Thus, with everyone so spread out, getting everyone together for a "gathering" is like pulling teeth in my family.

I wish I was having a bridal shower or wedding shower, but nothing like that is in the works. Like I mentioned before, I think a lot of you have much more involved "Friends" in your life/lives than I do! I hate saying it like that, but the majority of my friends live everywhere, and they hardly talk to me as it is. And admitting that on blogger to blog friends really really sucks. Makes me feel really bad about myself. BUT, the upside I can say is that IT ISNT ME!!!!!

I am ALWAYS doing my best to stay in touch. I am on FB constantly talking to friends, emailing, etc etc. It's the whole don't return texts or VOICE MAILS that I really loathe about my so called "Friends". I've thrown in the towel on a few. The ones that magically let their new husbands, kids whatever consume their lives and they forget the people that were once an important part of their lives in the beginning. You know this kind am I right? the ones that call when it's CONVENIENT for them or when they have a crisis or need a prayer. NOT to see how you are doing.

Yeah those kind.

I'm the brave one that moved away first, (SEVEN YEARS IN AZ) and well, has yet to return to Ohio/Illinois (and I don't plan on it anytime soon) thus making me the odd one out from all my little townie friends that never left home so to speak.

I just am afraid to register and look really stupid like we are "asking" for things when we are not inviting anyone to the wedding (due to costs and such) and we are not throwing ourselves a party once married either.

We are sending out Wedding Announcements, kind of like save the dates but different.
The difference is the wording, which won't be inviting friends and family so to speak to the big day, but letting them know that we are having a private ceremony, and that their presence will be very much thought of and missed on our big day...

Something like that anyway! Those are in the works as we speak, waiting on getting our engagement pictures taken not this weekend but next weekend!

Make sense?

Thoughts on this?

This really, thus far, has really been the only downer and "bummer" of the whole wedding adventure.

Etiquette-to register or not to register?

2012-01-18T04:10:00.000-07:00

So here's the deal.

Mister Wonderful & I are having a destination wedding, with the only people attending will be our parents, brothers and sisters. No one else.

Why?

All of our families live in Ohio, and with the economy being the way it is, it's pretty much a given that no one will pay $800 dollars to fly to Hawaii to see us get married. (Yes tickets are really that high, that's what we are paying PER PERSON for us to fly out there in August!)

So rather than pay all the money in invitations knowing our families and their reputations, and receive all the "NO"s replies in wedding invites, we just decided to make it a private ceremony.

With that being said, are we, I, suppose to register for gifts? I am not sure what the proper "Etiquette" is for this part in the wedding process?

Please, if you have been in my shoes or know the answer, share some advice/light on the situation--I'm all ears!

Did you know... The Holiday Edition

2012-01-17T04:10:00.000-07:00

Well, the Holidays have come and gone, but that doesn't mean I can't blog about one movie that everyone loves to watch around the holiday's right?

You know, this movie:

For those of you who haven't seen it, I highly recommend it! All 4 main lead characters in it are terrific!

Ok back to the Did you know part.

Did you know that...

Pretty much one of my favorite things bout this movie is all the amazing details that are shown in Iris' quaint cottage.

This picture is hilarious. Obviously this tub is not all that quaint for someone as tall as Cameron Diaz!

Producers chose the picturesque streets of Shere (in Surrey) for the village scenes.

Okay are you ready for the part where I bust your bubble about this awesome house???

It's NOT real!!!!! :( sad face

A fake exterior was built within 2 weeks in the middle of an empty field (photos via the DVD’s Special Features):

They did extensive landscaping around the cottage, even though little of it is shown in the film, and most of what you do see is covered in (fake) snow:

The film crew created everything that you see in the movie, down to the stone wall that seems to have been there forever.

And that's my 411 on the amazing house in The Holiday! :)

Ga-Ga GORGEOUS! Golden Globes Dresses!

2012-01-16T08:10:00.000-07:00

I don't usually post twice on one day, but My Martin Luther King Post was already scheduled, and then I totally forgot the Golden Globes were on last night!

Did y'all watch?

My favorite TOP dresses of the night were:

Reese. Girl can do (wear) no wrong!!!

Didn't she rock this?! Girl looks fabulous!

We haven't seen Sarah Michelle Gellar at any awards for a long while now

Thankfully her new show RINGER is doing so well! I don't care what anyone says, I thought she rocked this dress.

Another lady that can do no wrong. Kate is PERFECT!

Best dressed couple:

Channing Tatum & Jenna Dewan Tatum

ooh la la!!!

seriously I drool!

WORST DRESSED was definitely Jessica Biel. Seriously girl??? You just got engaged and this is what you make your grand appearance in?!?! EEEK #FAIL!!!

of course there were many more to chose from, but these were my top picks.
I thought Angelina Jolie was all skin and bones and I was pretty grossed out seeing her boney back when she was up on stage presenting an award.

Betcha didn't know...

2012-01-16T04:10:00.002-07:00

I posted this exact picture last year, and thought it was only fitting to do so again this year.

As a teacher I found a few things out about him, that I didn't know, so I turn and ask you,

Did you know...

He skipped 9th and 12th grade, entering Morehouse college when he was fifteen years old. He received his B. A. degree in 1948 from Morehouse College, then studied theology at Crozer Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania where he was elected president of a predominantly white senior class. After he was awarded a B.D. in 1951, he enrolled in graduate studies at Boston University, completing his residence for the doctorate in 1953 and receiving the degree in 1955.

He was the youngest man to receive the Nobel Peace Prize at age 35.

More than 730 U.S. cities have a street named after Martin Luther King, Jr.

It took 15 years for Dr. King's birthday to become a national holiday and it wasn't easy. There was fierce opposition from several sources, not the least of which was Senator Jesse Helms (Republican, North Carolina), he accused Martin of being a communist.

On November 2, 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed the law into being that made Martin Luther King, Jr's birthday a national holiday. On January 20, 1986, we celebrated for the first time a national day of reverence to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Enjoy the holiday off friends.

Lots to be thankful for.

Thank you, MLK Jr!

Sweet Home Alabama Season 3 Review!

2012-01-15T15:32:00.000-07:00

Have y'all been keeping up with the new season of Sweet Home Alabama!?

This season's cast of Country guys my oh my they are going to send those city boys packing!

Paige Duke, from Lancaster, S.C., is a Clemson University graduate that now works as a national representative for Kruger Farms, an outdoors retailer in Minnesota. Paige is also a part time model and veterinary technician. In her free time, she loves to spend time on the lake or at the beach and enjoys rodeos, hunting, fishing and watching sports. Paige owns two dogs that she adores and is hoping to find the perfect man to add to the mix.

Right now, my top 2 pics for Paige are these guys:

Austin

(Preacher's kid aka firefighter) what's not to love!?!

Bubba

(Yes that's really his first name)

Cattle driver. Real. Southern. cowboy!

Who I don't think she'll pick:

The hip virgin.

Fist Pump Jersey boy who shaves his hairline on his forehead!

The guy with a kid who was almost married 2 weeks before his fiance' walked away from their wedding!

The Straight? hairdresser...um yeah........

The Youngin. He's 21. I think that says it all!

What do y'all think!?!

Sunday Tune

2012-01-15T04:10:00.001-07:00

[Flash 9 is required to listen to audio.]

“I won’t give up” - Jason Mraz

I've had this song on REPEAT every morning on my drive to work.

Jason Mraz has been the only artist I've ever seen at a concert (only because in 2003-2004 he came to BGSU to perform for us college kids) If this even counts as attending a concert! :)

You'll be hooked--give it a listen!

Art Projects as of lately...

2012-01-13T06:16:00.001-07:00

We've only been back to school for a week now, but here's what my students have been up to:

4th Grade

My students have been creating RECYCLED SODA CAN rockets.

These aren't quite done yet so stay tuned for the finished product!

3rd Grade

My 3rd graders are feverishly working on their Babushka dolls (aka matryoshka)

We read the story called "The Littlest Matryoshka" and looked at tons of printed pictures of these nesting dolls.

This is a wrap up of a project we started right before X mas break for 1st graders.

I also taught this lesson last year too.

Lesson on winter faces

Complementary colors.

I am in LOVE with my 6th graders Clay castles!!

They were fired and now being painted with water color paint.

They still have to add flags made out of skewers.

More to come on those.

HAPPY FRIDAY Bloggies!!!

DIY-Glitter Identifying Keys

2012-01-12T04:10:00.003-07:00

So this idea as been on pinterest since before X mas, and I had to wait till school resumed because I had NO GLUE to apply the glitter to my key except in my classroom!

Pretty great y'all. I LOVE the final product.

Step 1 was to apply good ole Elmers Glue to the key.

Step 2

Shake glitter onto key.

Let dry for a hour.

Repeat steps 1 &2 for the back side of the key

One might ask, how do you keep the glitter from coming off the key?

SEAL it with nail polish top coat sealer!

Works like a champ!

Martha Stewart's glitter is fantastic! There were so many color choices!

Speaking of nails, in case y'all were noticing them, I actually did them myself!

Couldn't show up to school with my ring bling and let my fellow teachers see my never painted nails! hehe

WILW Etsy Wedding Edition

2012-01-11T04:10:00.001-07:00

Here are all the things that I am in LOVE with on etsy and all bookmarked to hopefully buy sometime before the wedding!

Here

Potential hair decor for the big day

here

personalized hanger for THE DRESS!

there are tons of Etsy sellers that make these!

As mentioned in Monday's post, I won't be wearing shoes on my big day, so what better than barefoot sandals!

here

The sign not needed for the wedding of course, but something to have afterwards!

Be Sure to link up with Jamie for What I'm Loving Wednesday!