What's Up Wednesday

Today, I am linking up with The Larson Lingo, Mix and Match Family, and Pinterest Told Me To for What's Up Wednesday! 

1. What We're Eating This Week....

It has been extremely warm this week, so Jim and I have resorted to grilling food (chicken sausages for example) and including fresh fruits to our menu. 

2. What I Am Reminiscing About 

After visiting UNH on Saturday, I have really started to think back to my Freshman year of college (which was about 10 years ago!). I loved college- and not for the typical reasons! I loved school; I loved learning. I miss taking notes, I miss my chemistry labs, and I miss the dining hall :) I spent just under 6 years at UNH (for undergrad and grad), and I wouldn't trade those years at all. 

3. What I Am Loving 

I am LOVING the beautiful sunsets the past couple of nights. 

4. What We've Been Up To 

Jim has been working so hard on our yard this spring, and I have planted quite a few annuals and perennials in our flower bed. We have been trying to make the outside look presentable :) 

5. What I'm Dreading 

Organizing the end of the year...lesson plans...study guides and reviews...finals...it's all coming! 

6. What I'm Working On:

This blog....it is still a work in progress....

7. What I'm Excited About 

My "wedding" photo shoot Saturday! I will keep you posted :) 

8. What I'm Watching/Reading

Married at First Sight....if you haven't started watching it, you need to! You can catch up pretty easily since there are always old episodes on during the day. 

9. What I'm Listening To

Michael Buble/Frank Sinatra Pandora and Disney Movie Pandora (yes I have very interesting/eclectic taste) 

10. What I'm Wearing 

Dresses! When the weather is hot (for New England mind you haha), I love to wear dresses at school. The dresses I have are light, airy, and extremely comfortable. Most of my dresses either come from Old Navy or Kohls, and I typically look for them during the Fall/Winter-- they have great Spring/Summer sales during those times! 

11. What I'm Doing This Weekend 

Relaxing, photo shoot, more relaxing, oh and probably grading....

12. What I Am Looking Forward to Next Month 

The end of school! 

13. What Else is New:

I will have some news to share-- potentially next week if all goes as planned :) stay tuned! 

14. What Is Your Favorite Thing To Grill in June:

Honestly, either chicken or chicken sausages. I am a huge fan of simple, but tasty meals! 

I can't wait to read everyone else's posts! Have a great Wednesday everyone :)

Friday Favorites and 5 on Friday!

Happy Friday everyone! We made it! And  I am so thankful it is Friday-- my vacation starts today! We leave for Florida on Sunday, and to say am I am excited would be an understatement. We (staff and students) all need this vacation! When we come back from vacation, we will only have about 7 weeks left in the school year. I cannot believe how quickly this year has gone.

Today, I am linking up with Andrea from Momfessionals for Friday Favorites and April from A. Liz Adventures for 5 on Friday.

{FAVORITE ONE: Chino Shorts from J. Crew}

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I am absolutely in love with these shorts from J. Crew. They come in a variety of colors, and there is not only a great deal going on right now on their website, but if you have an outlet store near you, they are also on sale! Go now! 

{FAVORITE TWO: Time to Read and Relax!}

During my vacation in Florida, I am allowing myself to relax. I am bringing minimal school work, and instead I am taking with me books that I have been unable to read the last few months. I am giving myself the time to not think about anything, or worry about responsibilities (which is huge for me!) 

{FAVORITE THREE: Spring Breakfast Recipe}

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As I was searching through Pinterest (while I was supposed to be lesson planning haha), I came across this amazing Spring recipe from Five Heart Home. I cannot wait to try this! 

{FAVORITE FOUR: Sea-Band Wristbands}

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Aside from the fact that I am petrified of flying-- like seriously afraid-- I get motion sickness. These Sea-Band wristbands work like magic! Thank goodness for them :) 

{FAVORITE FIVE: Trees and Flowers Starting to Bud}

We FINALLY are starting to see our cherry trees, crabapple trees and flowers starting to bud. I love the fresh, clean, pretty look of new buds and growing flowers. It really is starting to look like Sprign around here :) 

Well, I hope you all have enjoyed your week! Now-- onto the weekend and vacation! :) 

Friday Favorites and 5 on Friday.....and I'm sorry!

Hello everyone! Long time no see, huh? First, I want to apologize to you all. This week has been CRAZY! From still being sick, to getting pretty good news (I will share soon!), to being overwhelmed by grading and quarter 3 grades, to lots of family time, to complete exhaustion, lets just say I am ready for this week to end. I had fully intended to complete posts all this week, but I just didn't have the energy or the stamina. Which really stinks, since I absolutely love blogging. Side note: How do you all fit it in every day each week?! What's your advice? HOW DO YOU ALL DO THIS?! You all are amazing btw :) 

Putting all of that aside, I am so excited to be linking up with Andrea from Momfessionals for Friday Favorites and April from A. Liz Adventures for 5 on Friday! Let's end this week on a great note, shall we?!


{FAVORITE ONE}
I have to give someone very special to me, some much deserved credit. This week has been....interesting...haha and I have to thank my husband Jim for being there for me every step of the way. I am so lucky to have someone love me so unconditionally, and it is such a comforting feeling knowing he will always be there for me. He gets major props this week. He also hand-washed my car-- so there's that as well :) 

{FAVORITE TWO}
A little more than a week and we will be on our way to DISNEY!!! This much anticipated trip is such a welcomed break for both my husband and I. I can't wait to just step away from responsibilities for a week and enjoy the magic of Disney :) 

{FAVORITE THREE} 
 I am so excited to see Spring colors in clothing stores! It has been way too long-- I need to see some bright colors out there!While I honestly don't think I could pull them off (nor am I brave enough), I am loving these pant options from Old Navy: 

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{FAVORITE FOUR}
Softball season has officially started :) I don't play anymore, but sister number four (Jocelyn) plays softball for her high school team. I absolutely love watching softball-- it is such a fun, springtime sport. It's active, intense (most of the time), and most of all I love supporting my sister :)


{FAVORITE FIVE}
This week, I was actually able to wear capris, roll my windows down, and feel the warmth of the sun. I have to remember the simple things in life, and being able to enjoy Spring is something to celebrate. 

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I hope you all had a great week! Don't worry! I will be up and running next week :) 

A Little Late...but Friday Favorites!

I am going to be honest-- this week was long and tough to get through! I was really sick Monday, which I think threw me off the rest of the week haha. My fellow teachers will know what I mean!

Even though I'm a little late, I am linking up with Andrea from Momfessionals for Friday Favorites and April from A. Liz Adventures for 5 on Friday.

{ONE} 

IT'S FRIDAY!!! Need I say more?! 

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{TWO} 

It's finally Spring :) I love seeing this favorite on everyone else's blog! I love how there are different seasons that we celebrate, and I feel especially lucky that I get to experience the different weather and climate from each one! (Well we are supposed to at least-- as I type this it is snowing outside.....haha...think Spring, think Spring).

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{THREE} 

Today is International Day of Happiness, and I love this idea :) and although everyone should strive to be happy each and everyday, sometimes we don't allow ourselves to appreciate the good in our lives. This year's campaign is to focus on the interactions and connections we have with other people. What a great reminder for us to appreciate and acknowledge the happiness we feel in the presence of others.

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{FOUR}

This weekend, my husband and I are finalizing our Disney vacation. We have mapped out which parks we will visit each day, and we will "attempt" to sign up for fast passes haha. Wish us luck!

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{FIVE}

The last of my Friday Favorites and 5 on Friday is my husband. It's been a very busy week for us, and I am just ready to relax with him tonight and tomorrow :) oh and maybe spend some quality time cleaning......:) 

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Happy Friday everyone! Enjoy your weekend :)

Weekending...

Happy Monday morning everyone :) While I would love one more weekend day, I know that with each passing week, I am closer and closer to my April vacation. Can we also just realize that it is already mid-March? I honestly feel as though this month just started! We did have snow last night, thankfully only a dusting, and I see mid 40s in the forecast, which I will definitely take.

I am linking up with Champagne and Suburbs and B Loved Boston for Weekending......

{FRIDAY NIGHT}

• Jim and I met up with a co-worker of mine and her husband for dinner at a new restaurant. It was so nice to not only try a new restaurant in a cute little town, but also spend quality time with my friend. We have wanted to get together for a few months now, but no matter the weekend, one of us was always busy! I'm not always the best at making time for friends, but I am so glad I did this weekend! 

{SATURDAY}

• The early part of Saturday was spent doing laundry and grading. I tried to be very efficient, so that I could enjoy the rest of my day--- and I was! I got everything done just in time to relax a little in the afternoon. 
• My mom's birthday was Friday, but because we had gone out with my friends, we weren't able to go out for my mom's birthday dinner. I decided that it might be nice for her to have an afternoon celebration, so my mom, my husband, my sister Sarah (who worked Friday night and also missed the dinner) and I went to the Bedford Village Inn (where my wedding was held) to have drinks and an early dinner. We had so much fun! We love the BVI tavern. It has the perfect atmosphere, and delicious food and drinks. We laughed so much during the meal, I am afraid some people may have been annoyed with us (honestly I didn't care haha)! But if you can't laugh, what kind of life is that?!
• Saturday night, Jim and I relaxed with a movie at home. It was just what I needed. Jim and I are very simple-- we don't need anything extravagant, and I think that's part of why we compliment each other so well. Our needs are simple. 

{SUNDAY} 

• Sunday was spent with my extended family celebrating my mom and Jim's birthday (both in March). 
• Sunday night, I graded and finished planning for the school week. 

All in all, not a bad weekend at all! The next few weeks, Jim and I are really busy, so I am glad we had a fairly relaxing weekend . And, I don't know about the rest of you, but I am definitely ready for spring........

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Hope you all had a great weekend as well! 

My Favorite Spring Items on Etsy (for now!)

Hello everyone! Sorry about skipping out yesterday-- we had a teacher workshop day that got the best of me!  As many of you fellow teachers know, these kinds of days are not relaxing! By the end of the day, we are ready to get our students back! :) But no worries! I am refreshed and ready for the rest of the week :)

Even though I have given myself strict orders to spend wisely these next few months (my husband and I are taking our honeymoon in April), I still love to "window shop." One of my favorite online "window shopping" stores is Etsy. I love that many of these items are homemade, and that I get to support small businesses. I bought many items for my wedding on Etsy, as well as, many Christmas and birthday gifts. I have tried to narrow down my favorite Spring items and gifts (both for myself and others haha) below, but trust me, there are so many other amazing products on Etsy. If you haven't checked out Etsy (that is probably a silly statement-- I am probably the last to get on this bandwagon), take a few minutes (or days) to just peruse the shops. I promise you won't be disappointed!

{ONE: Spring Wreaths}-- I am so ready for Spring to get here! I am also ready to trade my winter wreath (which I love very much) for a colorful and green wreath. These are the options I am loving right now:

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{TWO: Personalized Jewelry}-- I am a sentimental person. I love anything that has dates, initials, or special notes on it. I am very much into monogrammed jewelry (I gave all my bridesmaids monogrammed necklaces). Usually these pieces are simple, but have a personal and meaningful touch. These pieces would be a perfect gift for any female in your life-- even if it is a simple "Thank you for being you" gift. 

 

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{THREE: Country Chic/ Pallet Headboard}-- I am absolutely in love with this rustic headboard. It is definitely on my favorites list-- and no not just because my cousins make it!). This headboard is has clean lines and provides a refreshing transition.

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{FOUR: Canvas Decor}-- I have bought so many canvases from the Randy's Designs Shop! I am so sorry for keeping you crazy busy Randy! Randy has so many different canvas pieces to choose from-- I probably would buy all of them and put them all in one room if I could. The canvases are personalized, and are of amazing quality. They make the perfect housewarming gift, birthday gift, or Christmas gift. If you know someone who has to move from their beloved home, you can give them the canvas so they can be reminded of all of the great memories that took place at that house. Most of my family members (and my husband's family) have the following canvas hanging up (in all different colors): 

I also have (and love) this quote canvas (I went with a tan background and grey with red lettering):

 

I am loving these two canvases right now: 

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{FIVE: Spring Outdoor Decor}: With Spring (hopefully-- fingers crossed!) right around the corner, I am starting to plan how I will decorate outside. I love rustic decor, flowers, herbs, and I would really love to start a garden. These pieces certainly provide excellent inspiration and would be great gifts: 

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What are your favorite Etsy shops/items? Where are you finding your Spring inspirations? I would love to hear from you guys! 

Two Posts Friday!

            
                                                             Friday Favorites//Five on Friday

I am very excited to be linking up with some great bloggers today for my first Friday Favorites and Five on Friday!

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{1} The book I am reading for book club, "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe," is an amazing book! I am part of a staff/teacher/student book club at my school, and it is one of my favorite clubs to participate in. Beyond the fact that I love reading, I love discussing books. What makes this club even more unique is the fact that teachers, staff members and students all have conversations with each other about the books. I love hearing what the students think about the books, and it is a great way to interact with students outside the classroom. The reason I love this book so much is that it really makes you think about what love really means. Does it just have to be physical? Is it just emotional? Is it mental? Can you resist love? Are there rules in love? Should there be? It is also a great coming of age story that I think many teenagers can relate to.



{2} One of my other favorites this week: my husband. He has been nothing but supportive while I try to figure out this whole blogging thing! While he might not admit it, I also think he has enjoyed reading my blog ;) especially when it comes to our story.



{3} Another one of my favorites this week: my sisters. Although our ages vary greatly, the bond that we have is incredible. We call ourselves the "Fab Five." Although we can drive each other crazy, we are there for each no matter the circumstance. I am so lucky to have them!

{4} For something fun (and to get my mind off of all of the snow), I have been preparing for our honeymoon to Disney World in April. I CANNOT WAIT!! We already booked our resort and planned all of our meals  (thanks to our great travel agent). All we have left to do is book our flight, and get our FastPasses and MagicBands all straightened out! One of the events I am most excited for? The Hoop-De-Doo Review. If you are planning a trip to Disney World, you have to check out this great dinner show! Every time I went to Disney with my family, we went to this show and had a blast! No matter what age you are, I promise you will love it!

{5} And just because I am looking forward to spring, I am pinning some amazing spring outfits! Easy, basic pieces that you can mix and match to make multiple outfits.

                                        

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Happy Friday everyone!