The Little Things

High Five for Friday

2013-01-04T23:06:00.001-07:00

Here are a few things that have made my top five

this past week....or weeks :

1. Had a wonderful time in Hawaii with my family.

We enjoyed reading by the pool, taking walks to Whaler's Village, and

laughing....a lot!

2. Introduced Terry the Tattle Turtle yesterday.

Tattling is a constant occurrence in my classroom and it gets old......fast.

While in Hawaii I found this turtle and thought of a solution

to end the tattling.

Unless they are hurt or someone is in trouble, they can only tell Terry.

Brillant!

3. I got an Iphone.

Don't know how I went so long with that free Sprint phone :)

4. Only had a 2-day work week this week.

It. Was. Awesome!

It was fun to see my students and feel rejuvenated for the next few months!

I can't believe my first year of teaching is almost over....

5. Planning a trip to the OC next month.

Disneyland

Irvine Spectrum

Sunny Weather

Friends

Pretty excited to escape this 5* weather......

Hope you are having a wonderful and warm weekend!

High Five for Friday

2012-12-14T18:39:00.001-07:00

In middle school, my Spanish teacher would also say the same phrase each Friday.

She said:

"Hoy es viernes.

Un aplauso para el Viernes!"

Translated as:

Today is Friday!

An applause for Friday!!

That is how I feel today!

Here are few things that made my top 5:

1. Getting to do a Google Hangout with my niece for her 1st birthday!!!!

2. Some friends and I are going to see The Hobbit tonight.

My movie coupon is for buy a popcorn, get a drink for free.

Ohhhh ohhhh!!

(cue baby mama!)

3. We made some awesome ornaments in class this week for the

kids to take home as gifts.

They'll look something like this...

4. Seeing Si dressed up like an Elf on Duck Dynasty....
hahahahah

5. My school gave out these AWESOME coupon books.

You bet they have coupons on movie popcorn

and Brick Oven.

Best. School. Ever!

Counting my blessing during the holidays.

Really looking forward to some RR this next week with

my family.

It is much needed :)

Have a good weekend!

Lately

2012-12-12T21:37:00.001-07:00

It is about time for an update!

This week has been so fun!

We have started to explore how different countries and

cultures celebrate Christmas.

I love to travel, so I told my kids that each day this week,

we would be "going" to a new country.

We made Passports...

They get a stamp after each country visit.

Discussed traditions...

Las Posadas

Yule Log

St. Lucy's Day

Father Christmas

etc, etc, etc

Sampled some treats...

Swiss Rolls as Yule Logs

Cinnamon Rolls for St. Lucia
(store bought of course!)

Gingerbread Men for Germany

and made some crafts.

I really enjoying hearing them say things like:

"Remember when we went to France and saw the Eiffel Tower?"

"When we were in Mexico, I think I lost my easer."

Their imaginations and excitement for Christmas is contagious.

It has definitely made this time of year a little more special for me :)

Oh by the way...

T minus 8 days until I will be sitting riiiiiight about here.

Can't come soon enough :)

Happy Holidays, everybody!

High Five for Friday

2012-11-30T16:22:00.003-07:00

REALLY glad it is Friday!

Here are a few things that made my top 5 this week:

1. Got this really cute Tiffany's bracelet while home....

.....for FREE.

Long story :)

2. Went to a really awesome training yesterday.

We were trained on Prevention Dimensions.

We were instructed on how to implement various activities in our classrooms to

help kids not only succeed academically, but socially and emotionally.

As we do this, statistics found a decrease in drug/alcohol use and

various other risk factors in their lives.

It really left me loving my job and the difference teachers can make!

3. There is basically 2 1/2 weeks until Christmas break!

I'm just a little excited!

December will be such a fun month.

We will be exploring how different countries and cultures celebrate winter holidays,

having a Polar Express Day, and so much more.

I've decided that since we celebrate all of their birthdays, we will celebrate mine, too :)

4. Anyone catch last night's Vampire Diaries?

Ohhh ohh!!!!

I'd like one of these for Christmas.

You can totally combine Christmas and Birthday on this one, Mom ;)

5. I am such a proud teacher when my kids nonchalantly

throw up words like "fiction," "nonfiction,"

"sphere," "main idea," and "punctuation" like its no big deal.

Smart, smart kids :)

Enjoy...

Have a nice weekend :)

Cardi Obsession

2012-11-21T12:16:00.001-07:00

I ~~like~~ love cardigans.

I probably wear one everyday.

No joke.

This obsession all started when I worked at JCrew in high school.

We got 50-60% off of basically anything we wanted.

I started buying classic pieces for my college wardrobe.

A sweater here...a sweater there.

I guess I never really stopped.

Here is a peek into my closet.

This is maybe a third of my collection.

Embarrassing...

My all time favorite sweater is the Jackie Cardigan at JCrew.

It is 3/4 sleeve and is a cotton/nylon/spandex blend

so it keeps it's shape easily.

I've got a few I still wear from 2007....they last!

They run around $62, but don't forget your student/teacher discounts!

You can get a version of it at the JCrew Outlet, but there is a difference in quality.

Maybe only I notice it......

Do you have a favorite??

Fleetwood

2012-11-17T10:21:00.001-07:00

Sitting in the theater last night, a commercial for a new

Nicholas Sparks movie previewed (Safe Haven).

I know what I'm doing for Valentines 2013.

I instantly loved it.

Not because Josh Dumahel is the leading man.

Not because I happen to love every Nicholas Sparks book.
I'm a sucker for his stuff....

But because of this...

I'm a big Fleetwood Mac fan.

My dad bought their Greatest Hits disc set back when I was in high school.

He let me listen to it.

Needless to say, I am pretty sure he has never gotten it back.

Actually I know he hasn't because its still in my car :)

Whoops.

Really love this cover.

Hope you do, too :)

High Five for Friday

2012-11-16T17:41:00.000-07:00

Really excited it's Friday.

I am that much closer to going home for Thanksgiving.

I am ready for some fun!

Here are a few things that made my top 5 this week:

1. Made this pretty cool door decoration for my classroom.

We have been learning about verbs lately.

With how the new Core is arranged, we basically spend a few weeks on each topic.

The kids get tired of some of the topics, so I needed to spice things up.

So, I give you Angry Verbs.

I had the kids color an Angry Bird and then write 8-10 verbs that the birds would do.

They loved it!

2. Hate to say it, but I am a Twilight fan.

Circa 2008.

I loved the books and find the movies quite entertaining.

Really excited to see the last movie this evening with some girlfriends.

Glad I found some other fans ;)

3. Totally got teary eyed in class today.

One of my little kids that has really struggled with reading has been making

BIG strides lately. He came into 1st grade about 3 levels below grade level.

As of today... I almost have him on grade level.

We do little reading groups and I kept him back for a few minutes to try him

at a higher level today. He read it like a pro!

I told him I would be moving him up to a new group.

He got the biggest grin on his face!!

Those moments make all the crazy days worthwhile :)

4. Park City....this weekend :)

Here's to no icy roads and tolerable weather!!

5. Come next Wednesday, I will be hanging out in San Fran

with my parents and brother. REALLY excited.

I am excited to spend some time at home with family.

Word on the street is mom is making some of my favorite potatoes.

#winning

5.5 Saw this outfit....really like it and want it!
Have the purse...so where can I find that sweater???

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Remember to find some time to relax and unwind :)

High Five for Friday

2012-11-09T17:06:00.000-07:00

It's been a week...

....really ready for the weekend!

Here are a few things that made my top 5 this week:

1. My first round of report cards are due next weekend and

I've almost gotten them all done.

#boom

2. ~~Going to Park City for the weekend.~~

Hmmm...scratch that.
It began dumping snow around 10 am this morning and hasn't let up since.
Rather not test the Provo Canyon in this weather.

3. No Park City means movie night.
Movie night means popcorn and a drink.
I'll take that :)

Looks like Mom and Pops had the same idea.
Received this picture during my lunch break....

4. I love my annual Thursday girls nights!
A handful of girls and I get together every Thursday night and watch Vampire Diaries
and Grey's Anatomy.

Did I mention we also eat dinner.

It's great :)

Good friends, food, and nice looking men.

5. Remember how it was Halloween?
Remember how all the teachers at my school are awesome and get creative?

Love my job and those I work with.

Have a lovely weekend!

Stay safe and warm :)

Reactions

2012-11-07T17:13:00.004-07:00

I woke up this morning in such a somber mood.

The result of yesterday's election was just not sitting well with me.

I sat at work and tried to sift through it all and realized

it all stemmed from how I really thought change would be coming.

I really thought a different man would be elected.

I hadn't really prepared for another outcome.

Yes, I support Romney.

Not just because he is Mormon and I am too.

Not because "our church told us to." (very far from the truth)

I support him because I share the same opinions and hopes for our country.

I believe in the vision he has for our country.

I love being an American and being apart of a country that values and listens to the

voices of it's people. It is such a blessing.

The Election did not play out like I had hoped, but I am

grateful for the opportunity TO vote and TO have a voice.

TO enjoy my freedom.

TO have rights and privileges.

TO be who I want to be.

TO take part of altering and changing this country.

Although I do not support Obama's stance on many issues and policies,

I do support America.

I believe in change.

I really hope Obama can make it happen....

Lately...

2012-11-06T20:20:00.000-07:00

Wow....it has been over a month since I last posted.

Yikes.

Please forgive me for pulling the "busy" card.

I promise... I really have been.

Anyway, let's catch up.

Here are a few things I have been doing and thinking of lately.....

Music

"The Head I Hold" Electric Guest

"Never Let Me Go" Florence + The Machine

Job

I have been an actual teacher for nearly 3 whole months.
Sometimes it feels like I just have done this always.
Then some days I remembered this is my first year and to cut myself some slack.

It has been really rewarding to see the strides some of my students have been making.
I look at their reading levels from the first weeks of school and compare them with where they are at now and it is so thrilling!

I sit back and just think... I helped do that!

...one of the reason I love coming to work everyday...

Family
I have had the opportunity to see my family a lot this past month!
My grandparents celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary and it was fun to all get together.

I was spoiled with not only having my parents visit, but also my brothers, sister-in-law, and niece.

I can't wait to spend Christmas with them all in paradise :)

Friends

I have had so many fun weekends! Last weekend, my roommate, Chels, and I went to Salt Lake
to go see Quidam at the Maverick Center. Both of us have been wanting to see a Cirque du Soiel show and jumped on tickets to see it close to home.

We made a day of shopping, lunch, and the show. We both loved it.
It was so clever and fantastic.
We both are dying to see one in Vegas after see their "on the road" show!

Here is a clip of an act that left us flabbergasted!
They have clothes on....promise :)

This weekend I will be enjoying a weekend in Park City and a BYU Football game.

Pretty excited :)

Other

So excited for the results of the 2012 Election!

I have had fun discussing the Election and the process of voting with my students.

You'd be surprised what you hear about each contender from 6-year-olds.

And parents think their kids aren't listening.....

My school was a voting location and it was overwhelming (in a good way) to see how many people

came out this morning to have their voice heard.

From 7 am to 2 pm...there was a constant line out our gym door.

#excited

#Romney2012

Have a great week!

I hope our country is in for some big changes!!!

High Five for Friday

2012-10-05T17:11:00.000-06:00

Better late than never, right?

I really miss blogging.

I miss thinking of new things to write about and share.

Teaching is kicking my trash in the "free time" area.

I'll get better.

I promise.

Here are a few things that made my top 5 this week:

1. I made it through my first round of Parent-Teacher Conferences.
Two back-to-back 13 hour work days was grrrreat...

It was really fun to meet with parents and talk about their students.
It was also a little confidence booster to hear how many felt safe, loved, and enjoyed school.
I am doing something right :]

2. I got another round of my book orders.
My kids were so excited that a stuffed animal of Pete the Cat was in this one.

I still don't get why they love the little guy,
but they get crazy for Pete.

The books teach some great concepts (colors, counting, first day of school) and
the kids LOVE to sing with him.

Do you get it???

3. I have one little boy in my class that is my little buddy.
He had a few behavior problems in the beginning of the year and he has made leaps
and bounds and has really mastered controlling his behavior.

He has gotten in the habit of sitting back at my Guided Reading table to do his work.
Lately...he has progressed to moving his chair to sit RIGHT next to me.

This was a little problematic and made it hard for me to maneuver so I told him
I loved having him there, but I needed to move quickly in and out.
Plus, kids saw I was playing favorites.....
Opps.

He solved this problem by moving his desk right next to mine.
Pretty much melted my heart :)

Yeah...let's ignore the mess, please :]

4. Um, found out I will be spending my birthday AND Christmas here this year...

Kaanapali Beach, Maui

Rough, rough life.

Hey, someone's got to do it :]

5. Conference is this weekend!

Really excited for the messages that will be shared and

for an increased understanding.

For more information, visit lds.org.

I promise you won't be disappointed!

I've made it to another weekend.

Now it's time for a night with friends.

We are off to see Pitch Perfect.

Pretty sure it will be epic :]

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

High Five for Friday

2012-09-28T07:15:00.000-06:00

Happy Friday.

Another work week down and

I am totally ready for the weekend :]

Here are a few things that made my top 5 this week:

1. We had a really fun church activity that my friend Meagan helped put on.

We went classic skating and it was great.

Let's face it, how often do we get to strap on some roller skates and fist pump to the sounds of the 80s??

Photo courtesy of Kelli Fleming

2. My dad is really sweet to me.

He always asks me about school and my kids.

While he was in Utah last week, he brought me a book.

It was a children's nonfiction book about animals and their life in the desert.

This was perfect because we were just talking about Fiction and Nonfiction.

The best part was when I fabricated a story saying my dad didn't know what nonfiction texts were
and asked the kids to tell me what I should tell him they are (a teaching moment, ya know?)

Now they all think he really "silly."

3. My friends and I are learning Psy's sweet dance moves and practicing

"Gangnum Style" every chance we get.

Did I mention we requested it at the roller rink and did it IN skates?

3.5 Found this on Pinterest......
Loved it.

4. I got called some variation of Mom/Mommy at least 15 this week.
I really find it very cute ;]

5. Totally got paid yesterday!
It felt so rewarding to finally see a paycheck and realize I worked hard for all that money.
Really hard.

Guess I'll go shopping...
San Francisco in 2 weeks???
Yes, please :]

Happy weekend and end to your work/school week!
Don't forget to take some time for yourself :]

High Five for Friday

2012-09-21T17:45:00.000-06:00

So I missed last week's post.

Apologies.

It was a little crazy and it just wasn't, sadly, a priority.

But here we meet again!

Here are a few things that made my top 5 this week:

1. Yet again, my mom and I made out like bandits at The Loft.
Like seriously......
.....how are they making money with these deals??

We had all these bounce back cards, so when you spend $50 dollars, you save $25.
We couldn't pass this up!

oodles of sweaters, coats, tanks, skirts, etc, etc....for less than $120!

2. My first box of Scholastic Book orders came today!

Not going to lie, it felt so awesome seeing that box in the office and knowing it was mine!

It was so fun to unpack it and make little piles of each child's orders.

One of my favorites was the books and cd package.

We listened to Skippy Jon Jones Class Action today....we loved it :]

Haven't heard of him? He's a Siamese Cat who thinks he's a Chihuahua....

3. Just purchased a ticket home to SFO for my Fall Break.

Hey October 11, you can hurry up and get here :]

Really excited to get back to the city by the bay and get spoiled by

Mom and Pops for a week!

4. We wrote little narratives about what would we do if we had super powers in class this week.

I wanted the kids to tell me what their super power would be and

what they would do with them.

Some wanted to have webs to swing to the bowling ally, others wanted to be the flash

and run really fast places.

One little girl wrote about being Wonder Woman and drew this picture...

She is very detail oriented....

5. Hasn't happened yet....but I am super excited to get paid next week!!!

After almost a month and a half of working, I need that paycheck :]

Shopping spree??

Happy Friday!

I hope you have a great weekend!

High Five for Friday

2012-09-07T07:26:00.002-06:00

Pretty sad that I am only blogging about once a week now....

....at least I have my Fridays :)

Here is another link-up with Lauren for another HF4F post.

Here are a few things that made my top 5:

1. We send home books each night with the kids at our school.
When unloading the book bags into my kids' cubbies, I noticed this little gem in one bag.

This, my friends, was the very first book I ever remember reading all by myself.
It was very fitting, too. I was a total pack rat!

2. Fall is just around the corner!

I leave for work around 6:50 a.m. each morning.

The weather is getting progressively crisper and the mornings are progressively darker.

Here was a shot of the sunrise one morning this week!

3. Chels and I finally got around to decorate our living room a little bit.

We wanted clean and simple.

We really enjoy our planning sessions in here from about 7-9 every night ;]

4. Had a fun Labor Day with friends.
A small group of us went and hiked around Sundance for a few hours then had Five Guys for lunch.

Later, another group of friends headed to Mona to hit up the rope swing.
It was packed, but had some really great people watching :]

5. Netflix e-mails me sometimes with new releases they think I'd like.

I received one of those e-mails Wednesday.

Guess what I will be doing this weekend???

Grey's Anatomy Season 8

I hope you've had a great week!

Have an even better weekend :]

High Five for Friday

2012-08-31T07:38:00.001-06:00

We did it!

We made it through another work week :]

I'm linking up with Lauren over at From My Grey Desk.

Here are a few things that made my top 5 this week:

1. I went shopping over the weekend with 3 of my favorite gal pals.
We went to City Creek.
And to Cheesecake Factory.
And to Ikea.

Picture courtesy of Meagan

I got a return and shop at The Loft in which I will save $25 bucks on a purchase of $50 or more.
And that is prrrretty easy for me to do there.....

I will be going back next weekend :]

Really loving this look...

2. Finally got my Hay Fever under control.
Allergies control my life this time of the year.......

3. Really excited for our Apple activity today.
We will be reading our weekly reader, which is all about apples.
Then I am bringing three different kinds of apples for the kids to try.

We will get to put an apple picture on this graph of which was our favorite!

4. I got my August BirchBox a few weeks ago.
Between the move and school, I've neglected to tell you all about it.
I will soon....promise :]

I did find one product I really like, however!!

Miss Jessie's Quick Curls.

It smells like lemons, it's light, it gives a soft curl, and it doesn't clump.

I've used it on dry and wet hair.

I've liked it with both :]

I'd like to give the Pillow Soft Curls a try, too!!

5. It's a three day weekend!!!
I plan on sleeping, going to movies, and catching up on my planning.
Do you have any fun plans??

Add a teacher's plan book in there and that's about right.....

I hope you've have a really great week.
Enjoy your loooooong weekend :]

High Five for Friday

2012-08-24T06:38:00.000-06:00

Hi everybody!

First of all, I have really missed blogging this week.

Glad to be back for a "real" post!

Now, let's get down to business :]

Linking up with Lauren for another High Five for Friday post!

Here are a few things that made the top 5-ish of my week:

1. By the end of today, I will have completed my first week of being a first grade teacher.
Whoop whoop!

2. Finally got my school laptop!
It is making the classroom preparation and printing situation a lot easier :]

Not to mention... I can double task at home...
...watching Bachelor Pad WHILE creating lesson plans :]

3. My mom and dad sent me flowers during my school's Open House.
Not going to lie... I teared up.

4. My students are so creative and smart.
We did a really fun text-to-self activity this week with the book Wemberly Worried.
We talked about what Wemberly worried about and then what we worry about.

They made the cutest creations :]
And now we have art for our hallway!!

4.5. To help motivate my students to behave, I have told them that one of my classroom owl stuffed animals watches the classroom as they work. As soon as we leave the classroom, he flies down
to the desk of the student he thought was showing self control and working hard.

The kids eat this up!

The best part is....they try to have staring contests with "Snowy"...
They are amazed when he wins every time......
Such sweet things ;]

5. A few weeks ago I was telling my mom how I wanted a chevron bedspread.

I was having THE hardest time finding something I liked and that

wasn't too expensive.

Mom to the rescue. She bought the cutest fabric (gray chevron on one side and yellow polka dots on the other)

and made me the perfect quilt. Thanks, Mom!

Needless to say, my week was fantastic.

I love what I do and the people I work with.

Blessed :]

I hope some really exciting things made your top 5 this week!

Have a great weekend!

Is this real life???

2012-08-22T15:45:00.003-06:00

I've almost completed my first whole week as a 1st grade teacher!

I can't believe it!

I love every minute of it and it

is slowly getting easier and easier :]

Probably because I crack a can of my best friend each morning....

I just wanted to stop by and say hello :]

Hope your week is going great.

I'll be back Friday..... so stop on by!

High Five for Friday

2012-08-17T06:56:00.000-06:00

Last Friday before school starts up, folks!
I can't believe it :]

Here are a few things that made my top 5 this week :

1. Made these cute gifts for my students to take home at Open House next week.

2. Went to an Orem Owlz game with some fun girls :]

3. Picked up some new towels from T.J. Maxx!

4. Continued to work in my classroom!
cubbies, desks, backpacks, etc etc etc.....

4.5 Remember how I dyed my hair this week?
And remember how it was my first time ever coloring my hair??

I was "Platinum Barbie" for a few days....
or at least iI felt that way ;]

But I had her put more brown in it.

I really love it :]

Wanna know the best part?
My cousin Chelsey was also there getting her hair done.
She shared her hair dresser with me :] So grateful!

I loved getting to catch up with her and share our thoughts
on some of our favorite TV shows. We need to do that more often, Chels!

5. Super excited for my school's activity today!
We are heading up to Utah Lake to learn how to row.
Our school's theme this year is "Pulling Together," so we get to learn just that!

Awesome t-shirts, huh?? :]

It was a pretty darn good week.
Not going to lie, however, I am a little nervous for what
the next few days hold!
I move apartments, have to be ready for school on Monday, my daddy comes in town, etc...

Fingers crossed :]

Product Review: Aquage Uplifting Foam

2012-08-15T17:09:00.001-06:00

So remember how I went back to Virginia a few weeks ago?

Well my sister-in-law and I both follow a blog where she talks a lot about hair care

and shares various product information.

She shared her favorite volumizing product....

Aquage Uplifting Foam.

I tried it while back East and my hair loved it.

It worked well with the humidity, giving me some serious volume.

I wondered how it would do back in Utah in a dry climate, so I ordered a bottle.

I am happy to report it worked just as well.

So here's how I use it:

1. After showering, I let my hair towel dry for roughly 10 mins.

2. With my blowdryer on "warm," I start drying my hair, paying extra attention to the roots.

You want your hair to just be damp.

If it is too wet, I have found the product doesn't work as well.

3. Shake the Aquage Uplifting Foam bottle well.

4. I begin lifting up sections of my hair I want to add volume to

and squirt the foam right on the roots.

You will want to concentrate on the crown of your head.

Here's how I do it. I lift up areas with my fingers and then spray the foam.

I add some in my bangs, too. I like a little flip :]

5. Once I've applied the foam, I gently massage the product into

my hair, concentrating on the roots.

6. Finish blow drying my hair and style as desired.

One day I will remember to take a with Aquage and without Aquage picture for ya'll!

I was surprised how much lift I had after using this product,

especially after I had taken a flat iron to it.

Give it a try :]

Weekend Wrap-Up

2012-08-13T09:33:00.000-06:00

I had a pretty great weekend :)

How was yours?

Here's a little about mine:

1. Worked a little more in my classroom.

homework folders
notes to parents
clips for the hall
laminating
open house treats
etc etc etc :]

2. Finally floated the Provo River.

After nearly 5 years in Utah, I am glad it happened :]

I basically know every rock and branch on that river.

Why you ask? Oh because I ran into almost all of them :]

3. Saw The Bourne Legacy.

It was pretty awesome.

I really liked the motocycle scene. Mmmmmhmmm ;]

4. Went to my first demolition derby.
I'm pretty sure I stuck out like a sore thumb in my cardigan and wedges....

5. Found some new concealer.

I usually wear Bobbie Brown, but I recently tried Bare Minerals.

I already wear their foundation and eye shadows.

I really liked it.

It has a more powdery finish, which I like.

Sometimes concealer can be a little too creamy for my liking.

Give it a try :]

6. I have some really sweet and thoughtful friends.

I was feeling really sick Saturday night, which carried over to Sunday.

I didn't make it to church.

Not only did I get some texts letting me know I was missed,

but I was also delivered cookies to wish me well.

Thanks, girls :]

I have lots of training this week, so forgive me if I disappear again.

You can always count on me on Fridays, however :]

High Five for Friday

2012-08-10T08:29:00.000-06:00

Before we get to the nitty gritty, I have to apologize.

I've been M.I.A. this week.

Like the new glasses?

I realized this when I got a text from my mom saying,

"Awesome Travel Tuesday this week ;)"

She was kidding, of course, as there wasn't one :)

I had 3 trainings over the past few days and am just being a little selfish.

Forgive me :)

Annnnnyyywaaaay,

It's Friday, so I am linking up with Lauren for

High Five for Friday!

Here is what made my top 5 this week:

1. Like I mentioned I had lots of "first year teacher" trainings this week.

It was fun to get with other girls who were in my same boat

and express our concerns and excitement for the year!

The best part....we always get free stuff!!

2. Put some finishing touches in my room :]

Job chart!

Aren't these little owls cute??

Birthday board.

I'm going to take a picture of all the kids with birthdays in each month

and post the picture under the month :]

3. Had a really epic night with some of my favorite girls.

It involved making a music video, lots of pictures, Bucca di Beppo, photo bombing, etc etc....

4. Sent out letters to all of my future students welcoming them to first grade :]

It's hitting me....school starts in less than 2 weeks!

5. Bowled a 160 this week at Bowling Thursday (expect we did it on Tuesday!)

It was a pretty great week!

I have every intention of enjoying one of my last

weekends of summer :]

Hope some great things made your list this week!

High Five for Friday

2012-08-03T09:48:00.000-06:00

It's Friday :)

That means I am linking up with Lauren over

at From My Grey Desk for another edition of

High Five for Friday!

Here are my top 5:

1. I've been wanting to make some updates to my room. While at a bridal shower this week,

a friend made an adorable gift for the bride! I had remembered pinning something

like it on Pinterest, so I gave it a try :]

I used an editing program to add various layers and

there you have it! I love it :)

2. Bowled a "turkey" in the 10th frame while bowling Monday night :)
We are starting up Bowling Thursdays, again.
I'm pretty excited!
( I didn't get a picture, but I promise I did...)

3. Along with updates, I'm going to be updating my bedding.
Really excited for this.
It may include some things like this.....

My mom is making me a quilt....

I can't wait :]

4. I think this would be a great addition to my desk :)

4.5 (Yes, I did that again!) I thought so :]

5. Getting more and more done in my classroom.
I have some training next week that I am excited about. I love learning.
Oh, and school starts in about 19 days.......
Bring it :]

6. (why not?!) Loving this all week! Oldie, but such a goodie!

Hope your week was great!

Feel free to tell me about it :]

Travel Tuesday: Stanford Mall

2012-07-31T10:20:00.000-06:00

This week I am taking you to Palo Alto, California

to Stanford Mall.
(I promise I do more than just shop, people!)

I love Stanford Mall.

I graduated from high school a semester early and took a

job a JCrew to start saving money for college and build up my wardrobe. Win, win :]

Needless to say, I've spent a lot of time here.

The mall is adjacent from the Stanford University campus and is all outdoors.
It makes for a really nice afternoon.

Stop 1: La Baguette
I frequented this spot at least once a week while I worked there.
Now, I just look forward to a baguette with each visit home!

We get the Parisian Sandwich, which is simply a ham and
cheese sandwich with a spread on a baguette.

I am sure I could easily recreate it,
but I know it wouldn't be as good :]

Grab a table under one of the umbrellas and enjoy lunch.
Don't forget your Diet Coke!

Stop 2: Shopping
This mall is packed with stores.
Do some serious shopping!

Some of the stores include:
Macys
Nordstroms
Coach
Macy's Mens
Banana Republic
BCBG
Bloomingdales
Kate Spade
JCrew
Louis Vitton
Sephora
Gap
Burberry
etc, etc, etc

It really has a little bit of everything for basically
any shopper with any sort of budget.

I sometimes find high end stores to be intimidating....
.... but I don't find that at Stanford.

It's a very classy, yet relaxed atmosphere!
Women walk around in their workout gear and sweats.
I find that oddly comforting :]

Stop 3: Stop and smell the roses.

But seriously...do it :)

Stanford Mall always has beautiful planter boxes.
Since the climate stays pretty consistant year-round, something is always in bloom.
It's gorgeous.

Whether you are wanting a shopping day
or just somewhere to grab a bite and enjoy the outdoors,
Stanford Mall is wonderful.

Cake Mix Cookies

2012-07-30T13:38:00.000-06:00

I wanted to make a quick treat this week to give to a friend.

I wanted something tasty, yet easy.

I remembered this recipe I had written in my cookbook a few years ago

that matched my criteria.

I really wish I could give credit to it's author, but I snatched this from an old roommate.

You can find similar recipes here, here, and here .

You'll need:

1 box Yellow Cake Mix

2 eggs

1 teaspoon Vanilla

1/4 cup brown sugar (not packed)

1/2 cup butter (softened)

2 cups chocolate chips

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

While the oven is preheating, mix the cake mix, eggs, vanilla,

brown sugar, and butter together in large mixing bowl.

Once mixed well, add chocolate chips (about 2 cups).

Place dough on greased cookie sheet.

Cook for 9-12 minutes.

(or until golden brown)

Seriously super easy and a pretty darn good cookie :)

Give it a try and let me know what you think!

High Five for Friday

2012-07-27T10:21:00.000-06:00

Can you believe it is already Friday??

The school year will be here before I know it!!

Linking up with Lauren over at From My Grey Desk

for another H54F link-up!

Here are my top 5:

1. Received a box I shipped to myself from my brother's house

in D.C., only to open it to find a present they snuck in!

It was wrapped up really cute with a sweet note :]

I love it :]

I also put in a box my sister-in-law bought for me! She had it waiting for me in their

guest room stuffed full with Diet Coke, M&Ms, and

Goldfish crackers when I arrived !

They know me well!

2. While I was home, my mom gave me two little owls she saw while

she and my Pops were in Canada. They are for my classroom :]

Best and most thoughtful family ever, right??

Cutest part is what is on one of their feet!

3. Saw The Dark Knight Rises.

I really enjoyed it.....and my large Diet Coke!

4. Went to the Days of 47 Rodeo on the 24th of July

with some of my girlfriends!

4.5 (Yes I just did that) I saw Nie Nie (from NieNie dialogues) at Target yesterday.

I didn't want to be a creep and take a picture of her.

So I took a picture of her baby in the cart instead.....

because that's not creepy......

5. The Olympics start today!!

I was on a study abroad in London during the 2008 Summer Olympics in China.

I remember sitting and watching when they announced the 2012 Summer Olympics would be in London. It was pretty special :]

Go USA!

Hope some exciting things made your top 5 this week!