Cinco De Mayo

Happy Cinco de Mayo!! As many of you know, it's my ALL TIME FAVORITE holiday!! Any excuse to eat Mexican and drink margaritas!! Below is how I spent this year's holiday. Hope you enjoyed it as well!! Ole!!

Filing Cabinet Friday - Falling

We've got some GREAT artists at school. The following is just another example of their desk-drawing skills! Check it out, and then go conquer the day!! Happy Friday, and have a GREAT weekend!!

File Cabinet Friday

So, when you teach high school, you never know what you will find lying around. Last week, my friend Heather, who is the Media Specialist, found this week's File Cabinet Friday in the garbage can. It's a Barbie-sized GIJoe that's missing it's head...and stabbing itself in the neck. Pretty disturbing for most people, but just another normalcy for an educator. Here he is:

Feeling Lucky

Sorry I've been MIA lately, but things have been really busy! Last week was Spring Break, and I finally got some long awaited rest. My goal was to do basically nothing, and for the most part, I succeeded!!

To top off the break, yesterday was St. Patty's day, and I got to celebrate with some of the BEST people in the world. I truly felt the luck of the Irish smiling down on me! Here's some pics of all the fun!

File Cabinet Friday

Happy Friday!!!

I found this little beauty in a math classroom at school, and although I don't know much about math, I do know that kids will do anything to get out of doing work.

YouTube Tuesday

Happy Tuesday!

Is anyone else excited about THIS??

I cannot wait until March!!

February Birchbox

This month's Birchbox arrived just in time for Valentine's Day, so it was nice to have a fun "present" to open.  However, I do have to say I am a little disappointed in this month's box.....

My box this month included a tinted moisturizer from Jouer (I've grown to really like their products), a daily exfoliant from Dermologica (I LOVE Dermalogica, and I have used this exfoliant before, and it is really nice), some whitenening rinse, a Benta Berry moisturizing face cream, and....wait for it....

THESE Polka Dot Lip Tattoos:

Now, I have never used these before, but I have seen them and wondered about them in the Ulta Store.  However, the whole reason I never bought them was because I couldn't figure out WHERE IN THE WORLD I would EVER wear these!!  I mean, Halloween only comes 1 time a year, and I have THREE of these suckers. 

So, I ask you dear readers.....

Have any of you ever seen these or used these?  Do you have any suggestions?

If I do get brave enough, I'll be sure to post a pic.  In the mean time, did anyone else get something fun in their Birchbox this month??

YouTube Tuesday

Happy Valentine's Day!

I hope love doesn't stink for you today!

XOXO

Random Eleven

In January, through the wonderful world of Pinterest, I discovered a beautiful blogger who just happened to share my name. Shea is amazingly creative, and not only has an adorable blog, but has a super cute store where she sells handmade baby clothes that are very trendy and fun.  She tagged me in a Random Eleven post, so here it goes! 

The Random Eleven

The Rules:

• Post these rules
• You must post 11 random things about yourself
• Answer the questions set for you in their post
• Tag 11 people (can't be the person who tagged you)
• Create 11 new questions for the people you tag
• Go to their blog and tell them you’ve tagged them!

11 Random Facts About Me:

1. I am a third generation native of Tampa, Florida.  This is pretty amazing being that I am surrounded by "snowbirds," tourists, and transplants on a daily basis.  Also, if you ask around, Ohio seems to be where everyone is from originally.  Is there something wrong with Ohio that I don't know about??
2. I am OBSESSED with ghost shows/scary shows.  I grew up watching scary movies, and it has just stuck with me.
3. Being I am obsessed with ghost shows/scary shows, I also like to play/watch my younger brother play survival horror games.  My younger brother Scott has Asperger's and is addicted to video games.  So, playing games is kind of a bonding experience for us.
4. Somewhere out there I have a doppelganger.  I can't tell you how many times I have gone to the mall, only to have people mistake me for someone else.  One time, I walked into Victoria's Secret, and the salesperson ran up to me and asked me if my sister had found what she was looking for.  When I looked at her like she was crazy, she responded, "Your twin??  She was here yesterday looking for something for you.  Did she find it?"  How weird is THAT?
5. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE museums.  At one point in time, I actually thought about becoming a museum curator.  I particularly love historical collections and artifacts, but art is exciting also.  Does anyone else watch that show Mysteries at the Museum???
6. Pour Some Sugar On Me by Def Leopard is one of my all-time favorite songs.  When it comes on, I usually scream, "DUDE!!  That's my SONG!"....and then proceed to dance.  If I've had a margarita, I'm even more enthusiastic.
7. I have an unnatural obsession with stripes.  Especially blue and white or black and white.  Recently, the nautical look has been popping up on Pinterest, and it makes me SUPER excited.
8. My favorite way to relax is sitting by the pool with a book.  My summers are usually spent this way (when I'm not teaching summer school).
9. I have a problem swimming with living creatures.  I know, I know....I live in Florida, and don't like to go in the water.  BUT, you have to understand that the Gulf of Mexico is NOT like the water you see on TV in commercials for the Bahamas.  It is not clear  where you can see everything.  I do not like swimming where you cannot see that there is NOTHING around you.  It just creeps me out if seaweed or a stingray or WHATEVER brushes against me and I can't tell what it is.  YEESH!  It gives me the heebs just thinking about it.
10. I never wanted to be a teacher.  My mom was a teacher for 32 years, and because of that, teaching was the one thing I SWORE I would never do.  However, after years of fighting it, I found myself smack dab in the middle of it.  As much as I fought it, it comes naturally, and feels comfortable.  It's almost like I've done it all my life.....wait.....I HAVE done it all my life.  =-)
11. I am pretty superstitious.  I follow all the new year's superstitions, will do what I can to avoid driving where a black cat has crossed, etc.  I just figure you shouldn't tempt fate.

11 Questions from Shea:

Do you have any tattoos? If so, what? If not, want any? What would it be? 

• I do not have any tattoos, and I'm not sure I will ever get one.  However, if I did, I always said it would have to be TINY and in a place that I would 1. be able to cover easily and 2. would not potentially look horrific when I'm old a wrinkly.  If I were to do it, I think I would do a tiny, ornate "S" on my foot, just above my last two toes.

What is your favorite birthday memory? 

• Currently, my favorite birthday memory is last year's 30th birthday BONANZA.  My girlfriends went through a lot of trouble to plan an amazing day of fun, surprises and excitement for me.  I got to do everything from bowling to pedicures.  They totally surprised me at every stop we made that day, and it made turning the Big 3-0 that much better.

Broken any bones or gotten stitches? If so, how? 

• I have never broken any bones (I am knocking on wood now), and the only stitches I have received are from when I had oral surgery as a child.  I am usually super careful, and try not to get myself into any potentially harmful situations.

What song would you say best describes you? Why? 

• This is a tough question.  I feel like people are so dynamic and are constantly changing.  There are many songs that can describe you depending on where you are in your life.  As of right now, I would say the song that describes me to most is Survivor by Destiny's Child.

What is your go-to candy? 

• Any type of chocolate covered pretzels.  I LOVE the mix of salty and sweet.

What's your favorite job you've ever had? 

• My all-time favorite job was when I worked in the bridal industry.  During my college days (and for a while after) worked at 2 separate bridal salons selling wedding gowns.  Every day was like playing dress-up with life-sized Barbie Dolls!  If I had the money, I would quit teaching and open my own bridal salon.  Although I no longer work in the bridal salon, I still get my wedding fix by coordinating the occasional wedding event (my next one is in September).

When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up? 

• I was a strange child and replied "Corporate Judge" whenever I was asked this.  I actually think it's funny now that I wanted to go into law, and found it even more entertaining when a couple of months back, I went to a psychic who told me I should have been a lawyer.

What is the first thing you would save in a fire? 

• My dogs.  Everything else can be replaced, but my babies are my life.

Where is your dream vacation spot? 

• I love going to New York, but I have always wanted to go to Venice, Italy.

What is your vice? 

• Shopping.  But, not just any shopping - bargain shopping.  There is something about buying a trendy shirt for $7 and then having everyone ask you if you bought it somewhere expensive.  I love it when they go, "J Crew??" and I reply, "Target Clearance!"

Who was your childhood celebrity "crush"? 

• This is soooooo embarrassing......  You know how when you are little, most little girls say they want to marry their dad??  I wanted to marry David Hassellhoff.  Don't judge....Knight Rider was BIG and that car was SO COOL!  Doesn't every girl want a guy with a sweet ride (that talks)???

.
People I’m taggin’ and the random 11 questions I’m asking you! :)
(It's ok if you don't do it....no worries here)

Heather


Jessica


Liz


April

What is your favorite book of all time?

You are stranded on an island and can only bring 3 things.  What three things can you not live without?

Are you a shoe person or a purse person?

What do you order when you go to Starbucks?

If you could go back in time and give your younger self 1 important piece of advice, what would it be and why?

What is your guilty food indulgence?

What is your favorite candle scent?

Do you have a signature recipe or food item that people always ask you to make?  If so, what is it?

Do you have any pets?  If so, names and types?  If not, have you ever had pets?

What is your favorite color?

What made you start blogging?

The Power of Five

Today I am linking up with Jessica from Lovely Little Things.



Last week's task was:

List five things that you love about yourself.

I knew this was going to be hard, and it was!! 
But, after lots of contemplation, here's my list:

1.  I love my sense of humor.  Laughter is always the best medicine.
2.  I love how I can strike up a conversation with just about anyone.  My friend Robin always comments about how strangers LOVE to talk to me.
3.  I love that I make a difference in the lives of 60+ high school students every day....even without trying.
4.  I love the way my eyes change color depending on my mood.  It kind of makes me "mysterious."
5.  I love that I have an amazing brother, and even more amazing parents.  They truly are my strength, and I am blessed to have them in my life.

Thanks Jessica for another FABULOUS task!

Check out Lovely Little Things Blog to see what's in store for next week's "Smell The Roses!"

YouTube Tuesday

Is it only Tuesday??  Do I have to go to work today??

If you are a child of the 80's, how can you not be excited by this???

Bueller......Bueller.....

Have a great Tuesday!

Pinterest Inspiration

So, as you all know, Pinterest is highly addictive....and very inspirational.  I am constantly pinning all sorts of cool ideas, crafts, beauty tricks, etc.  Many people think that Pinterest just inspires you to spend money you don't have on stuff you really didn't know you needed.  But I disagree!!  Pinterest gives me great ideas on how to update things I already have, making my home fun and stylish without spending too much money.  For example, check out my new front door decor:

I've had this wrought iron "S" for over 5 years sitting in my closet.  It was originally purchased at Homegoods for $9 and it was RED.  I bought it, painted it black, and then never found a place to hang it, so stuffed into a closet it went!  Then, enter Pinterest.  Inspired by other wreaths I saw, I painted the "S" yellow, added some cute ribbon I already had, and VOILA!  Now I am set for the spring.  And, the best part is, if I ever get tired of it, I can just re-paint and change the ribbon!

So, if you haven't gotten up and looked around your place for a pinterest make-over item, get to it!  You will be so glad you did.

File Cabinet Friday

Kids Say The Darndest Things

Have you ever stopped and listened to kids?  They really are funny - regardless of age.  As you all know, I teach 9th grade High School Students who are in need of Intensive Reading (Well, some are in need of Intensive Everything).  For this File Cabinet Friday, I thought I would share funny things I've heard in my classroom.  Any student names have been changed, and yes, these are real.  I know, I know....I wouldn't have believed it myself if I wasn't there.  Enjoy!!

Funny #1

Student:  Miss, Miss!! 
Me:  Yes?
Student:  Did JFK die???  I mean, I know he was assassinated....but is he dead?!?!?!?
Me:  Uh....Well...


Funny #2

Me:  Recently, there was an incident at Sea World where a trainer was killed by a whale.  Now, many people are saying that the whale should be killed because of the event.
(STUDENT RAISES HAND ENTHUSIASTICALLY)
Me:  Sally Jo....You have something you'd like to add?
Student:  Yeah Miss!!  They can't kill that whale!  That whale was just doin' it's job!!  I mean, it's called a "Killer Whale!!"
Me:  **Sigh**


Funny #3

Me:  Choose a quote from the book that you are reading that is important to you, and tell me why it means something to you.
Student:  I chose "He committed adultery."
Me:  *Pause*  Umm...Ok.  Why did you choose this quote?  Why is that quote important to you?
Student:  'Cause Miss....I think it's good to try to act like an adult.
Me:  *Remind myself silently to close my mouth so I don't catch any flies*  Uh....Ok...Umm....Billy Bob...is that what you think "adultery" means???
Student:  Yeah.
Me:  *Sigh*  Ok.  See me after class please.

Smell The Roses

So, Today I am linking up with Jessica over at Lovely Little Things.  Jessica  has an amazing blog, that is lots of fun!  But, what I TRULY love about her blog, is that every week, she challenges her readers to "Stop and Smell the Roses"....literally!!  This past week, she issued the challenge to "Buy a stranger a cup of coffee (or lunch) without them knowing it."  As soon as I saw this, I knew I was in!!

One day last year, when I was having a bad day, I went through the Starbucks drive-thru, only to discover, the person in front of me had paid for my coffee!!  That one, simple act of kindness has stayed with me, and I have been looking for the right time to "repay the favor."  So, last Monday, I went through the Starbucks drive-thru line, got my "Free Birthday Coffee" (Hooray Starbucks for acknowledging how great my birth was!!), and paid for the person behind me.  I have to tell you, this was so rewarding!  I felt so good about myself all day, that I decided I am going to try to do this more often.

So, thank you Jessica....for reminding me to "Stop and Smell the Roses," and to remember it is better to GIVE than to RECEIVE!

Are you interested in seeing what's this week's challenge??  Check out Jessica's Blog!

File Cabinet Friday

The other day, I was in the Math TPA (The teacher prep area), and came across this little beauty:

GOOF OFF:  THE ULTIMATE REMOVER

So, my question is this:  If my students are "goofing off" and need to be removed, can I spray this on them to make them disappear??  I mean, it does say "Professional Strength."  :-)

Enjoy your Friday!!

Eggplant Stacks

Here's a little recipe that I whipped up last night.  It's super simple and super yummy!!

Eggplant Stacks

1 Medium to Large Eggplant
1 Small Container of Ricotta Cheese
1 Egg
1 Small Jar of Marinara Sauce
1 cup of Shredded Italian Cheeses
Salt
Pepper
Parsley
Olive Oil
Bread Crumbs

Preheat oven to 375.  Slice the Eggplant into thick sliced rounds, and saute each round in a tiny bit of olive oil on a medium-high heat (You could oven roast the eggplant slices if you prefer), so that each side is lightly browned.

In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese and 1 egg.  Add a little parsley, salt, and pepper (If you have Parmesan cheese, this would be yummy, too!).

On a baking dish lined with parchment or foil, place one cooked eggplant round and sprinkle with salt and pepper.  Then, top with a dollop of the ricotta mixture, a little marinara sauce, and some shredded cheese.  Repeat this process until you have 3 layers.  Sprinkle a bit of bread crumbs on top.

Bake all eggplant stacks at 375 for 30-45 minutes (Or less if your oven cooks faster than mine =-).).

Serve with a side salad.

YUM!!

I didn't have any jarred marinara sauce, so I made my own with a can of Italian tomatoes, some fresh basil, a garlic clove, and some red wine.  This dinner was very easy and tasty!  It made 5 eggplant stacks for me, so I've stuck some in the freezer, hoping they will be good options for my lunches during the week.

Let me know if you try it!

YouTube Tuesday

I gladly present....

Shit Girls Say, Part 2

Happy Tuesday!

January Birchbox

January's Birchbox had impeccable timing, arriving just in time for my birthday!

I learned about Birchbox, a monthly subscription service for premium beauty samples, from Kate over at The Small Things Blog.  It's always so much fun to open, and this month's box was no disappointment!

January's box had a theme of "clarity" and was filled with items to detox and rejuvenate.

Items in my box this month included:

Befine Night Cream

Viva La Juicy Perfume

Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eyeliner

VMV Hypoallergenics Re-Everything Eye Serum

Witchcraft Granola (From Top Chef Judge Tom Colicchio's NY-based chain!!)

Birchbox Magnet



What did you get in your box this month??

Happy Birthday!

Today is my 31st Birthday! 

(Cue excessive clapping)

30 was filled with change, but was surprisingly empowering. 

After all I've experienced, I have high hopes for 31... 

Here's to 31 years, and counting!

File Cabinet Friday

Have you ever heard the phrase "Children should be seen and not heard"??

I do not agree with this statement, but I do have to say, there are days when a teacher needs a little peace and quiet.  However, when you are surrounded by teenagers, the chances of getting that are slim to none.  Enter what I have named, "THE BEST CHRISTMAS PRESENT EVER":

One of my creative, and VERY TALKATIVE students gave me this for Christmas.  (Please note that it says it can only be used my "Mih G" - as he has a little bit of an accent, and that is how he says my name, and that it can only be used 1 time - he was very specific in his disclaimer).  I honestly have to say, it was the best present I received from my students, only going to prove that the best things in life don't always cost money.

Happy Friday!



YouTube Tuesday

Shit Girls Say

My best friend Casey sent me this the other day, and I just about DIED laughing.  I am pretty sure I've said just about ALL of the things in this video.  Enjoy!

12 for 2012

New Years is a time for reflection, as well as a moment to hope and dream the wonderful things that will await us in the coming year.  As we begin our 2012, I thought it would be fun to follow the lead of many bloggers, and do my own 2012 Resolutions List.  This will give me goals to focus on, and a sense of accomplishment when I achieve them.  So, without further ado...Here are my 12 for 2012!!

1. Transition out of the classroom.  I enjoy working with my students, but I don't like being chained to my classroom all day.  I finish my Masters in Educational Leadership in June, so I plan on GETTING OUT!
2. Go to 31 "new" restaurants.  I love going out to eat...and I love experiencing new places.  This year I challenge myself to go to 31 (in honor of my age this coming year) restaurants I've never been to.
3. Say at least 1 nice thing to myself every day.
4. Finish my Masters with a 4.0 GPA.
5. Write my business plan for the bridal salon.  Whether I use it or not, I'm creating it!!
6. Keep a "line a day" journal for the entire year.
7. Post on my blog at least 60 times.  
8. Go on at least 1 trip (preferably out of state).
9. Visit the Ringling Museum and Ca 'd Zan Mansion
10. Improve my portion control at all meals, so I can meet of my goal of becoming more fit and healthy.
11. Allow myself to say "no" more often.  This applies ESPECIALLY at work.
12. Watch LOST with my mom.

What are your resolutions for 2012?

Happy New Year

Happy New Year!

Dear Shea -

You made it girl!!  2011 has been one of the hardest, and yet, most rewarding years of your life.  You have beautiful friends and an amazing family, and now, you have a fresh start!  May 2012 be the year you discover your dreams, your hopes, and mostly, yourself! Cheers!

Love,   

Me