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     

Lucky Me

I don't know about you guys, but I am looking forward to 2012 and all of the excitement it may bring.  Of course, after the year I had in 2011, I could use any help I can get!  In an attempt to ensure that 2012 will be better, I will be following the usual tradition of eating black-eyed peas on new years for luck.  Recently, I read about the tradition of eating black-eyed peas on New Years, and discovered, that you are actually supposed to eat 365 peas....one for each day of the year!!  Did you know this??  All these years, I've only had a spoonful (simply because I'm not a big fan of black-eyed peas), and that probably only gave me enough luck to last a week...TOPS!  Now, I'm not sure I can eat 365 black-eyed peas, but one thing is for certain - If I'm going to try, I have to come up with a recipe that will make them tasty.  After searching the web to no avail, it dawned on me....I already have one thanks to a friend of mine who makes a FABULOUS salsa using black-eyed peas!  It's super easy, and super yummy.  So, for all of you who are looking for a little luck in 2012, here's how I plan on eating my black-eyed peas this year - Try it out!

White Trash Caviar

2 cans of Black-eyed Peas (drained)

1 1/2 cups of Frozen Corn (thawed)

1 can of Diced Tomatoes (drained)

1/2 medium Red Onion (diced)

1/2 Jalapeno (small dice)

1 small Green Pepper (diced)

1/4 cup of Cilantro

1/2 teaspoon Garlic Salt

1 cup Zesty Italian Dressing

Mix all above ingredients and let sit in fridge for at least 2 hours to "blend."  Before serving, top with small dollops of sour cream and serve with Fritos Scoops (or a chip of your choice).  Try not to devour all in one sitting! (UNLESS you are trying to reach the goal of eating 365 black-eyed peas on New Years Day)

I made mine today, so it could sit overnight in the fridge, and be ready for the snacking tomorrow!! 

YUM!

Here's to an AMAZING 2012!  Enjoy!

Craftmas

As a teacher, one of the few perks you get are wonderful holiday breaks.  This year, I decided that I was going to spend that free time exploring some of the amazing crafts I constantly see on Pinterest.

I know you've seen them.

One such craft, I turned into a gift for my dad.....

Reinbeers.

Once I got that out of my system, I started on the craft I had been DYING to try....T-Shirt Necklaces.  These little babies are SO MUCH FUN and SO EASY TO MAKE.  All you have to do is take a look at this tutorial from Connie at This Old Dress, and get to makin'!!

Check out my "crafty-ness" below!!



 It began with this simple yellow, grey, and white...

Then came a braided "school-colors"....



And then the REAL FUN BEGAN!! 

This beautiful long teal....

The lovely pink.  Isn't that stone to die for???

And the braided turquoise!!

Doesn't it look sassy on???

So much fun!!
 I am sorry to see my "craftmas" come to an end...but I am kind of excited about this new "holiday tradition"
I've created for myself!!  I wonder what I am going to make next year????

December Birchbox

I learned about Birchbox from Kate over at The Small Things Blog, and it truly is the BEST $10 I spend each month.  In fact, I've had such fun with my Birchbox, I bought my best friend Casey a three month subscription for Christmas.  I can't wait for her to get her first box! 

If you don't know about Birchbox, it's a monthly subscription service where you receive deluxe beauty samples.  These samples are fabulous if you've been dying to try something new, or if you need tiny packages for travel.  This month's box was super exciting:

Of my samples, I'm most excited about trying the Jouer Moisturizing Lip Gloss in Birchbox Pink (I got a Jouer Lip Enhancer last month and LOVED IT), and the POREfessional pore minimizing primer from Benefit.

Does Birchbox sound fun to you?  Check them out here!

File Cabinet Friday - Teacher of the Year

As a teacher, you are constantly bombarded with children who think they know EVERYTHING. 

Those darling children turn into adults who think they know EVERYTHING.

The following is one of those children, turned adult......who officially got SCHOOLED by his teacher. 

ENJOY!

File Cabinet Friday - Bubble Carefully

Some File Cabinet Fridays need an explanation.....This one, speaks for itself:

(Actual Test by Actual Student)