Sunday Social

                                                                  Source: akadesign.ca via Jenn on Pinterest

Happy Easter! 

I hope you are enjoying your weekend.

Favorite type of work out to do? 

Uh, does lifting a spoonful of ice cream to my mouth count?

I'm really not a workout kind of girl, so when I do actually do something, I want something that doesn't feel like working out. I like to do Just Dance on the Wii. Sometimes I feel like doing Yoga and I have a DVD for that. Occasionally, I feel like punishing myself and do the 30 Day Shred. I might get inspired and join in on doing the 30 Day Shred everyday in April.

Favorite guilty pleasure candy or sweet? 

Just about anything chocolate is good. I've been on a Kit Kat kick lately.

What is one thing you continuously forget to do? 

A lot of things! Unless it's in front of my face, I often forget to do things. I constantly forget about my laundry and it sits in the washer for a couple hours. 

Posts its or phone reminders? Why? 

Post-Its all the way. Again, they have to be in my face for me to remember things and I can stick Post-Its where I'm sure to see them.

Favorite picture currently on your phone that always makes you smile

I don't have kids, so I'm the crazy cat lady who is constantly taking pictures of her cats doing cute things. But when it's these two cuties, how can I resist? Their love of boxes is pretty amusing.


 

Vera Bradley and Tiny Prints

If you're a regular reader of my blog, you know how much I love Vera Bradley and their products. I especially love when Vera Bradley teams up with other companies I love to make awesome products. It was announced earlier this month that Vera Bradley and Disney are teaming up and now Vera Bradley is teaming up with Tiny Prints.

I love Tiny Prints products. I used them for the baby invitations for my best friend Tricia's baby shower and I used them for our Christmas cards last year. In honor of Vera Bradley's new baby collection, Vera Bradley and Tiny Prints have teamed up with a collection of baby shower invitations, birth announcements, thank you cards, and address labels.



Of course, I love the collection. The invitations are adorable, the birth announcements are pretty, and I love the way the thank you cards and address labels match the rest of the collections.

Take a look at some of my favorites...








Can you tell Lilli Bell is my favorite new pattern?

I hope my girlfriends don't mind, but I've already picked out the invitations I want for my future baby shower.

Vera Bradley's Go Wild in yellow & gray will make such a cute shower. I just hope I have a reason to need these soon!

  
 Disclosure: In exchange for this post, I've been given a chance to win a Vera Bradley bag. All opinions are my own.

Sherlock - Favorite Ship

Today's Sherlock topic is favorite ship. I'm not usually a big shipper, but I totally love Sherlock and Irene together.

I like the way they try to outsmart each other and their chemistry was pretty good too. This scene in particular was exceptional in my book.



I love that Irene is not intimidated by Sherlock I like that she's brave and bold. And of course, I love that she "beats" Sherlock even if only for a little while. If I had to be a character on Sherlock, I'd want to be Irene.

Who is your favorite Sherlock ship?

 

Week in Review

Monday

Monday was so awesome I can't remember anything about it. I didn't work and my eye hurt.

Tuesday

Tuesday was the day my eye decided to unleash the full force of its hatred for me. At least, that's how it felt. I went into to work and it was cloudy and trying to snow. I came out of work and the sun was out and super bright. My eye decided that it hated sunlight and I was in a lot of pain and trying to drive and keep both eyes open. It was less than fun. I ended up coming home and making an appointment with the eye doctor because I knew I couldn't keep going like this.

Wednesday

It was the first day of spring and it snowed. I'm going to find that groundhog and hurt it.

Thursday

I had to teach second grade. I showed up in the morning and started looking over the plans for the day and saw that we were taking a trip over to the high school in the afternoon to see the spring variety show. Surprise! I just love being responsible for making sure 23 kids I don't know get to and from a place safely. Luckily, it was just the high school and my class was the best class I've had this year. They were awesome. And I got to reminisce about my high school years doing the variety show every spring.

Friday.

 I went to the eye doctor and she confirmed that my eye is back where it was. My cornea is scratched and swollen. Fun! She recommended how to treat it for the time-being and then referred me to a cornea specialist. I'm going to see him today.

Saturday

Since my eye was less than great, my only plans were to stay home all weekend and do my eye drops. I mostly just played The Sims and watched TV.

Sunday

Another lazy day. My eye was improved, but a swollen cornea means you can' t see very well out of that eye. M had to work, so I stayed home and did laundry. Fun stuff!

How was your week?

 

Sunday Social - Spring

Before I answer the questions, I have to apologize for my lack of posting this week It was not a great week health-wise and blogging just wasn't high on my list of things to accomplish. If you follow me on Twitter, you know that I that I had to go to the eye doctor again this week because my cornea is scratched again. She referred me to a cornea specialist and I see him tomorrow. Cross your fingers that he can figure out why this keeps happening and how to fix it (preferably without surgery!)

Now, on to Sunday Social!

What is your favorite thing about Spring?

 The warmer weather (if it every gets here!) I love not having to wear a coat and getting the short sleeves back out.

Favorite kind of flowers to grow or receive? 

Peonies are my favorite. I love them so much, I insisted on having my wedding during peony season.

Photo by Amanda Fales Photography

I love my bouquet and it smelled amazing! We have a couple peony bushes in our backyard, but I have yet to see them bloom. Maybe this year.

What is your favorite nail polish color?

I am a nail polish junkie. I have to stop myself from buying every color I like. I tend to like pinks and reds, but I also like some funky colors.

Essie's Fun in the Gondola is currently my favorite color.

Source: google.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

What is your favorite outdoor activity? 

Hmm, I not really much of an outdoor girl. I like to go shopping at the flea market. That's outdoors. And I love to go to Disney World, that's outdoors. ;)

Do you have any fun Spring plans? Details

Spring Break is next week, but my plans are to organize some things around the house and work on teaching job applications.

My biggest excitement is in 2 weeks when I attend the Vera Bradley Outlet Sale. Not only that, but my bestie, Tricia will be here and I'll get to hang out with her. Plus, hopefully see that adorable baby of hers. 

 

Week in Review

 Monday

I taught third grade in the afternoon and then since I was right there, I went to the grocery store. That was a bad idea as it was Monday and snow was in the forecast, so it was idiot day at the store. I could feel my blood pressure rising as I tried to do my shopping.  

Tuesday

I taught fourth grade in the morning and was told by a student that I looked mean. If that was supposed to hurt my feelings, he missed. I take pride in being the "mean" teacher when it's a rowdy class. I am not the sub you walk all over.

 I got home in time to watch the Vatican TV for the afternoon in hopes of seeing the results of the conclave's first vote. I knew it wouldn't be white, but it was still exciting to see live. It was my first conclave since becoming Catholic 4 years ago.  
Wednesday

 It snowed overnight, so I was woken by a text alerting me that we had a 2-hour delay. Since I was supposed to work all day, that meant I got to sleep in an extra 2 hours. Finally, the evil snow was good for something!

Sadly, I was at work when the Vatican announced the new Pope, but my husband texted me the details so I got them when I got off work.

Thursday

I taught first grade in the morning and since it was Pi day, I had thought about using my afternoon off to make a pie. It didn't happen. It might happen for Easter instead.

Friday

I taught third grade in the afternoon and then rushed to the library for what was advertised as a "gigantic" book sale. Whoever wrote that flier must be new because that book sale was the usual size. They also advertised a special sale on children's books, which I took mean they had a ton of children's books, but it was the usual amount. It was pretty heavy on the nonfiction, but that's alright with me. The prices were very good though. Children's hardback books were 25 cents each. Sadly, I only found a few books I wanted.

Saturday

After a lazy day at home, M and I attended a dinner with employees from one of his former jobs. Nothing very exciting and I wish they'd pick a better restaurant, but hey, we got out of the house.

That night I got nostalgic and started playing some computer games from my childhood like The Oregon Trail and Super Munchers. Then I got nostalgic for college and put The Sims 2 on the laptop, so I could play it again.

Sunday

We had a lazy day at home. I played The Sims 2 a lot.

How was your week?

 

Sunday Social - Favorites

Favorite thing to do on a rainy day?

Snuggle under a blanket on the couch and either watch a movie or read a book.

Favorite thing to do on a Summer weekend? 

We are homebodies, so we don't do much on the weekends, no matter the season. But, the summer does mean more festivals and such, so hopefully this year we can do more active things in the summer. We do like to go to the zoo, but avoid weekends when it's crowded.

Favorite Spring accessory? 

 Not having to wear a coat? Probably finally being able to wear flip-flops again!

Favorite way to spend a Winter day? 

Inside! I don't do cold well and I hate snow. I like to be on the couch, under my heated blanket, watching TV or reading.

What is your favorite season and why?

Spring! The weather is a good temperature, all the flowers come back and everything gets green again.

Best birthday you ever had?

I don't have a favorite. I just love birthdays. (Although I'm not a fan of getting older.)


 

Sherlock: Favorite Quote

Today's Sherlock topic is favorite quote. I love this show so much, it is impossible for me to pick just one quote, so I'll share some of my favorites. Really you just need to watch the show if you haven't!

Source: tshirtroundup.com via Jenn on Pinterest

Source: sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net via Jenn on Pinterest

This whole scene is amazing.

I also love "Brainy is the new sexy," said by Irene Adler and pretty much everything Moriarty says.

What's your favorite Sherlock quote?

 

Week in Review

Before I review my week, can I just say that this feels like the longest Lent ever?I've only been drinking water and milk and the occasional juice and it is killing me. It's not that I want a pop, it's that I want some variety. I think I need to stock up on some juice at the grocery store this week.

Monday

Last Monday feels like it was a million years ago. I taught first grade and it was not a great day. It was one of those days where I was really happy to just be the sub and be able to walk away at the end of the day.

Tuesday

I taught third grade in the afternoon. When I went into the school, the weather was fine. When I came out 4 hours later, I had to clean at least  an inch of snow off my car. Yep, we finally got a winter storm.

Wednesday

I was supposed to teach 1st grade, but instead we had a snow day. I stayed home because I do not mess around with snow. The main roads were actually clear, but all the county roads and side streets were a mess.

Thursday

I taught third grade for one of my fourth grade teachers. It's always a little weird to be a colleague with them instead of the student.

Friday

I taught kindergarten. I love teaching kindergarten. It was my first time in this classroom, so I was a little surprised to walk in and find these guys

They just hung out in a kiddie pool all day. I was sure they'd try to make a break for it and I'd have to search the school for them, but apparently they are content in there.

Saturday

I went shopping with my mom. We actually took some old clothes to sell at the Clothes Mentor. We'd never done it before. I only got $10 and still have old clothes to find something to do with now. We managaed to go to a bunch of stores and I didn't buy a single thing. Good for the budget, I guess. I watched SNL later because Justin Timberlake was the host and he's always hilarious. The show was pretty good until the last half hour.

Sunday

Since I had to lose an hour because Indiana stupidly went to Daylight Savings Time a few years ago, I declared it to be a lazy Sunday. I mostly just sat around in my PJs all day. I did manage to do a load of laundry and use a homemade remedy to unclog my shower drain, so I wasn't completely lazy.

How was your week?

Sunday Social - I have never...

What is one movie you are terrified to watch?

I'm a wuss, so pretty much any horror movie. I don't do scary movies, so the thought of something like Saw just creeps me out.

What is one TV show you have always wanted to get into but haven’t yet?

 There always seems to be a show I'm interested in starting. Currently, I'm looking forward to trying Big Bang Theory and Mad Men.

What is one daring activity on your bucket list?

 I really want to do a zip-line!

Would you ever travel alone? 

 Maybe if it was to Disney World, where I'm familiar with things and comfortable. I wouldn't like to travel someplace unfamiliar alone. Plus, I like to travel with my husband, family, and friends.

What activities do you like to do alone?

I like to go to the grocery store alone. My husband tends to make me spend more money there!

 

What I Love Wednesday: Disney and Vera Bradley

I was ecstatic yesterday to learn that two things I love dearly are combining forces. Disney and Vera Bradley are partnering to bring special Disney inspired Vera Bradley bags to the parks.

Source: disneyparks.disney.go.com viaJenn on Pinterest

They will be releasing two patterns in the fall, Midnight with Mickey and Just Mousing Around.

Source: disneyparks.disney.go.com viaJenn on Pinterest

I LOVE these patterns! I think they're better than most of the patterns Vera Bradley is releasing for their regular fall line this year. Sadly, I don't have a trip to Disney planned this year. Lucky for me though, they will be selling the bags online eventually. I definitely need a Hipster in Just Mousing Around for future trips to Disney World. I can't wait to see what this partnership brings in the future!

For more info, check out the Disney Parks Blog.

Sherlock: Favorite Minor Character

This week's Sherlock topic is favorite minor character. There is much debate over who is considered a main character and who is a minor character. But since I only consider Sherlock, Watson, and Moriarty to be main characters, I have lots of minor characters to choose from.

But ultimately, I had to go with this guy...
 

Source: Uploaded by user via Tiffany on Pinterest

Detective Inspector Greg Lestrade

I like Lestrade because he's funny, he's Sherlock's friend even if Sherlock doesn't think so, and he believes in Sherlock Holmes. He puts up with a lot of crap from Sherlock, but he does it with patience (most of the time) because he needs Sherlock.

Plus, he's played by Rupert Graves and everybody knows that Rupert Graves is good at football and has five kids.

Who is your favorite minor character?

 

Week In Review

Once again, another weekend is over and it's time to start the week. And now we're in a new month. 2013 is flying by!

Monday

I wasn't scheduled to work which was good because my eye was still red from being scratched again and my car had been acting weird. M took my car to a local garage, but ended up bringing it right back because it drove perfectly fine. And it's been fine ever since. Weird!

Tuesday

I taught first grade for a class I've been subbing for a lot lately. In fact, I'm teaching them again today. I like doing that because I get to know the kids and their personalities. Plus, I get to know the classroom routines and the day just seems to go much smoother.

Wednesday

After work, M and I took a weekly trip to the library. I love going to the library, but we may have to stop going to the downtown location. It gets a little overrun with some odd characters especially in the winter since it's a warm place that doesn't require you to purchase some thing to hang out there, if you get what I'm saying. While we were there, I discovered that inexplicably, the library does not have the fourth book in a new series I started. The first three books? Sure. The fifth book and the others that follow? Yes. The fourth book? Not a single copy. WTF? So it looks like I'm sucking it up and ordering it from Amazon since I really love this series and it's not exactly possible to skip one. Annoying.

Thursday

I taught kindergarten. It was fun and the kids were pretty good, but man, does that take a lot of energy. I was exhausted by the time I got home.

Friday 

I taught the first grade class again. The big state standardize test starts today for the third and fourth grades, so we had a pep rally for them. It was really cute with the younger kids singing songs and cheering for the 3rd and 4th graders. The best part was the end when the principal announced that this week will be spontaneous jeans week. I think the teachers cheered even louder than the kids had been. We love being able to wear jeans to work.

Saturday

M and I went on a book hunt expedition. We started by going to an estate sale. We haven't been going to them much lately and I forgot how fun they are. It was 50% off every since it was the last day. The house was full of books. We ended up buying a couple kids books and a paperback novel, all for $4.50.

Can you tell this was M's pick?

Then, we went to the local used bookstore. I haven't been there in years and still have credit to use. It's a great place to pick up books for cheap, but since I was on the hunt for specific books, I didn't get any. After that, we went to the bargain book store, but I didn't find the books I was looking for. Instead, I got another paperback book.

Sunday

After church, we went over to my mother-in-law's house to pick up some stuff and to go with her to Sam's Club. As we were walking to the house from the car, we smelled natural gas. My mother-in-law called the gas company and they sent somebody to check it out. Turns out, there was a gas leak in the area and they ended up having to close the street and do some digging. Good thing we called!

We did go to Sam's Club and stocked up on a bunch of stuff. I also had some food samples as we shopped. I love all the samples on Sundays.

How was your week?
 

Sunday Social - 5s

5 songs you’ll listen to the rest of your life

Hmm, I don't know if I could name 5 specific songs...
1. Any song by Kelly Clarkson
2. The Way I Am by Ingrid Michaelson - It's our song.
3. Love Me Tender by Elvis - It's one of my favorite songs
4. Defying Gravity from Wicked
5.Any song by Abba - They make me happy

5 things on your bucket list

1. Go on a cruise to Alaska
2. Have a baby (or 2 or 3 or 4)
3. Go to London
4. Get a Corgi
5. Pet a red panda

5 celebs you’d love to hang out with for a day

1. Duchess of Cambridge
2. Jennifer Lawrence
3. Benedict Cumberbatch
4. Tina Fey
5. Amy Poehler

5 things you always carry on your purse

1. Wallet
2. Planner
3. Coupon file
4. Lip Gloss
5. Phone

5 books on your reading list

1. Bossypants by Tina Fey
2. My Life in France by Julia Child
3. Timeless by Gail Carriger
4. Mansfield Park and Mummies
5. Suri's Burn Book

Share the last 5 pictures on your phone

This is what happens when I take my husband to estate sales

I spotted this onesie at Target & had to take a picture. My grandma loves otters. I hope to have a reason to buy this soon.

Fat cat insisted on being on my lap.

Pay attention to me, not Pinterest!

Sunday Brunch

Travel Bucket List

Yesterday, as I watched kindergarteners play on snow piles while bundled against the cold, I started dreaming of the warm places I'd like to be during these cold Midwestern winters.

Inspired by Katie at Ruffles & Truffles, I decided to make a list of places I'd really like to see and experience. Some them are places I've been before, but like to go again or take my husband along. Unfortunately, I don't think we'll be crossing too many of these off any time soon and some I may never get to, but a girl can dream, right?

Within the United States

• New York City
• Hawaii
• Alaska - We really want to take a cruise to Alaska
• California - Disneyland and the San Diego Zoo
• Las Vegas
• Arizona - The Grand Canyon
• New Orleans
• Georgia - Atlanta for The World of Coca-Cola and the Aquarium. I've driven through, but never seen the sights. I'd also like to go to Savannah
• South Carolina - I did spring break in high school on Folly Beach outside Charleston. I'd love to take M there and explore the historical side of Charleston.
• North Carolina - The Outer Banks

International

• The UK - I am dying to go to London and then Cardiff to see place where Doctor Who & Sherlock are filmed.
• France - I've been to Paris and various cities around the country thanks to a high school French Club trip, but I want to go back and see Paris and Nice again. They were my two favorite cities. And of course, Disneyland Paris. (Even though I haven't heard many good things about it.)
• Italy - Rome, The Vatican, and Venice. I really want to ride in a gondola!
• Austrailia
• The Seychelles (most likely a dream!)
• Japan - for Tokyo Disney
• Egypt - I'd love to see the Pyramids and cruise down the Nile
• Canada - Of course, since my dad is a citizen and we have family there, I've been to Saskatchewan numerous times. M has never been to Canada. I'd like to see Vancouver, Quebec, and Niagara Falls and also go back to see where my family came from again.

What places are on your travel bucket list?