Surprise! It's Christmas in July

It's always so much fun when the ladies of The Blended Blog do gift exchanges!!  This summer Whitney spearheaded our Christmas in July exchange.  We always use Elfster for our picks and it's a lot of fun anticipating who I'll get each time.  Today we're sharing the gifts we received from our Secret Santa!  I was super excited when I received my gift from Sheila who blogs over at Making the Most of Everyday!  She's one of the few TBB ladies I have yet to meet in person, but with her gift, it's clear she knows me regardless!!

Sheila sent my a fun summer cover-up, fabulous sun hat and some sunscreen so I stay safe.  I laughed when I opened the package because just a few days before I commented on how much I always loved seeing Sheila in her sun hat, and wished I had one too!! Now I do!  Sheila said she was waiting on pins and needles for me to get my package because she had already sent me the hat before I commented in her blog!

There's even a hood and POCKETS!!  Love it!!  

I've worn this cover up at least a half dozen times already!  

Thanks so much Sheila for helping me do this summer thing...and doing it fashionably at that!!  

Head on over to Shaunacey's blog now to see what I sent her!  Fingers Crossed she liked it!!

New summer favorite!

This top's from Canada, Eh!

Love, love, love this white top!  It's on heavy repeat!  I bought it back in May on my trip to Toronto with the ladies of The Blended Blog.  When we shopped, I picked things up from stores we don't have here in the States.  This one's from R.W. and Co.  It's so super cute, and I get so many compliments every single  time I wear it!!

 Love the lace sleeves and even the back detailing is cute...wish I had a pic!

I paired it here with my orange go-to's from JCrew Factory {similar here}, but it looks great with any color really, prints, etc...I'd even do white on white!

Now that I'm looking at it, I realized why I paired it with orange...maybe to match the glasses?!?  I've have been reaching for the color orange so much this summer...now I think I know why!!  LOL

What are you wearing that you just love this week?  Let me know in the comments below!  And link up your style posts with us over at The Blended Blog!

Show and Tell Tuesday: What's on My Phone!

It's been forever since I've hopped on board with Andrea at Momfessionals for her Show and Tell Tuesday Link-ups!  But I thought today was a fun one so I'm back.  Today we're sharing what's' on our phones!

Some of my most used apps are the social media ones.  I am totally that person that checks Facebook and Instagram a thousand times a day.  Instagram is hands down my favorite.  And I am a pinner...but I can go for weeks without pinning anything on Pinterest, then spend an hour early on a Saturday morning pinning a hundred random things!

And since I've just (re)discovered SnapChat for serious this summer...

I've been using SnapChat more than Bitmoji lately, but that still a favorite!














I really like using the Rhonna Apps...Rhonna Designs and
Rhonna Magic, especially for blogging.  I can text over pics and photos, add to photos and create banners...right from my phone.

Here's an example:

Some apps make my life easier when going from my phone and computer and vice versa, between home and school.  My school and I are big fans of google, so I have google apps downloaded.  Dropbox also makes file sharing super easy as well.  I don't have a printer at home, so I can drop files in there at home at night or on the fly and print them at school.

Another app I am always using that many people probably don't, is the Follett Destiny App.  It makes my life as a teacher-librarian so easy.  I can quickly check in and check out books for the students, and they love it as well.


I like to consider myself a reader.  During the summer I can read more for pleasure.  Most of the time I like reading books...real books but sometimes I'll download a free or cheap e-book to the kindle app or an audiobook to my library's overdrive app.  I have been reading audiobooks like a madwoman this summer!

My phone's home screen...because I don't like scrolling/swiping, I group the apps!  I can easily find everything in one place!  

Probably my most used app is the calculator!

  #isuckatmath

Other Apps I Love:
Shutterfly for all my photos
Hello Fresh makes ordering my meals (or skipping weeks) a breeze
I order my groceries online through Stop and Shop's Peapod.  This app is a life saver.  If I think of something I need, right at that moment I can drop it in my cart.
Ebates: If you're not using Ebates...it'd be a great idea. It gives you cash back on purchases.  And  because I shop a lot...it's a total win for me.  My cash back total is over a thousand dollars!

What are some apps on your phone that you just love?  I'd love to hear about them in the comments below!  Have a great Tuesday!  And if you're looking for something yummy, don't forget to head over to The Blended Blog to see what's cooking on Tasty Tuesday!

Summer's for Showing Off My Shoulders

Happy Wednesday Friends

The SUMMER is FLYING by!!  Boo!  

Some days I've done nothing, and other days I've gotten dressed up and gone out with friends!  Today's tops are perfect for these increasingly hot days and give me a chance to show off my shoulders...with some fun details, too!

I got this top at a local shop, Say More Boutique,  that is quickly becoming a fave!  I like the blushy/peachy color, cold shoulder style, and ruffle deets!!  I've worn this with white jeans and jean shorts too!

Necklace

This next top I found on a whim (and on sale) at Macy's.  I like the gingham for summer and cute bow detail...that needs to be tied.

Last but not least, an off the shoulder....I thought I'd try the trend!

This is a Gray Monroe top.  It's no longer available but there are so many more cute things!  And so much is on sale!  Shop now here!

Are you showing off your shoulders this summer??  I'd love to hear about it in the comments!  Have a wonderful day!  Stay cool and look fashionable!  And link up with me and the rest of The Blended Blog to show us what you're wearing BELOW!  No blog?  No Problem!  Show us your looks on social Media!  #TheBlendedBlogStyle #tbbstyle

An InLinkz Link-up

Friday Favorites

Some weeks I don't share my favorites because not every week is the best!!  That was the case last week!  I did however, pop up to share my favorite things among the interwebs last week, which you can find here!  It's always fun to spend a Friday over at TBB!  After reading this post head to The Blended Blog to find out what Sarah loved this week and link up with us!!

This week was a pretty typical summer week but I still managed to find a few favorites along the way!

With the exception of today, the week turned out pretty beautiful.  So me being me, that means I spent lots of time out in the sun and with my books!  I have been reading like a madwoman!  And I am so excited about it!  Books in print, Ebooks, audiobooks, you name it, I've read it.  I'm am currently reading my 6th book of the month!  I've visited my library three times already too....

These are some of the books I've read, and some I still have to read.  Hello, Sunshine just came out on Tuesday, and I'm the first one to get it out of the library!  WOO HOO!!

Another favorite of the week was my blog photoshoot with my bestie.  On Saturday, she came over and we had a fun time.  Check out the first pictures and my post here!

I tried something new on the blog this week!  I saw three things on Andrea's blog on Monday so I tried it on Thursday.  Which is kinda funny because I myself did three things on Thursday.  My busiest day of the week!  Check out my Three Things here.


Happy Mail.  I was excited to receive these prints that I ordered on Jane this week. I got two. I  have one framed so far and I really like the way it came out...even if it took me 20 minutes to get it right in the damn frame!  Another frame is on it's way to me for the other one.

How could I let the week pass without mentioning the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale?  It started yesterday and since I was up at 4a.m., I figured why not shop?

 I  placed three orders! I read many of the blogs with bloggers' favorites, only using that as a guide...some picks are too steep for my wallet. I think I did a good job on my own.  I am shopping on a budget, so I try to scope out deals that are under $50.  I'll splurge on shoes and blardigans!  HA!   Check out Lisa's blog for some great affordable picks!! I'll be sharing what I bought and keep on the blog later this month.  Stay tuned!


What did you love this week??  Let me know in the comments below!  Have a great weekend!!

Linking up today with The Blended Blog for Friday Loves, Erika for Friday Favorites, Tif for H54F

Three things...Thursday!!

I saw Andrea do this in her post on Monday and thought it'd be fun and so I'm trying it today!!  It's called three things and a bunch of bloggers to it too...I've adapted it to...ME!!

Three things I'd never give up

coffee

wine

books

Three favorite vegetables
Avocado 

Sweet Potatoes

peppers (any color!)

Three shows I watched faithfully from beginning to end
Parenthood

One Tree Hill

Alias

Sex and the City

Blue Bloods 

(I know that's more than three!)  

Three places I want to visit inside the US
Seattle 

Indiana/Notre Dame
The Fly Over States 

Three places I want to visit outside the USIreland

Bora Bora

Cabo

Three things I always have with me
Phone

Hair Tie

Lipstick/gloss

Three most recent calls were from / to
My Mom

My Mom

My Mom

(She's the ONLY ONE who calls me...I'm a total texter...I hate my phone voice!)

Three most often used makeup products
Foundation

Bronzer

Mascara

Three things that make me laugh Friends

Jimmy Fallon

TV comedies

Three things that make me cry

movies

Zillow Commercials

Books

Three of my greatest blessings

Family

Friends 

A home of my own

That was so much fun...and really hard!  Join in on the fun, just copy and paste and add your own answers!!

Have a great Thursday!

Summer in Full Bloom!

You Guys!!!  I am so excited about today's post!!  Because my blog pics are so good!!  They're like finally like REAL blog pics!!  It's all thanks to my photographer bestie, Mel!  Mel's big hobby is photography and she is GREAT at it!  So I was really excited, when, on a whim, I asked her to take some blog photos for me, and she agreed.  And did she ever...I think she was more excited about it than I was at the time!! She was super prepared, had great ideas and, obsessed over flatlays!! THANKS MEL!!

Today I'm sharing two looks that I keep grabbing out of my closet this summer. (It's about who you see, right?!?) I'm on a floral kick right now...

Tasty Tuesday: Easy Summer Side Salad

I know you're shocked to see me here on a Tasty Tuesday!  Not being much of a cook, it's rare that you'll find a recipe on the blog.  I am so that person that pins thousands of recipes... that I'll likely never make!!

Yesterday's summer fun food post, had me contemplating this as one of my fave summer foods!  It's my sister Meghan's go-to for our summer barbecues!!  So today, I'm gonna share it with you!  She adapted it from a recipe she found online...adding/deleting some to meet her family's flavor palette .  The following recipe is hers and it's super yummy!!

Black Bean and Corn Summer Salad with Lime Vinaigrette  (Serves 6 to 8/can easily be doubled for big BBQ's) 

Ingredients: 

2-15 oz cans of black beans- drained and rinsed
2 15 oz cans of corn- drained
2 red bell peppers diced
2 cloves of garlic...minced
2 tablespoons minced shallots
2 teaspoons SALT
2 Tablespoons SUGAR
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
juice from 5/6 limes
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 large avocados, diced


Combine all ingredients EXCEPT the avocado in a large bowl and mix well. 
Cover and Chill at least 30 mins to overnight (best!)
Before serving dice the avocado and add to salad.  Still being careful not to mash avocado. 

Serve at room temperature or chilled . Adding more cilantro for garnish if desired!

This is seriously so easy and so yummy!!  Enjoy!!


Enjoy your Tuesday!!

Summertime Fun with TBB: Favorite Summertime Food

Good Monday Morning All!

I hope this weekend found you all relaxing and enjoying these summer days!  I had a fun weekend myself filled with friends, family, and barbecues.  A typical summer weekend for many I suppose!
Which leads me to today's post!


I'm joining the gals of The Blended Blog for our Summertime Fun Series today, that focuses on our favorite summer foods! If you're hopping on over from Shelly's blog, thank you so much and welcome!!

If I'm being honest, I COULD devote a whole post to Ralph's Italian Ice, that's only available here in the summer!  But I won't do that!  HA! (Do you have Ralph's??)

Ralph's Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Cream Ice will always have a little piece of my heart!

Actually, my favorite summer food is a good ol' home cooked cheeseburger....
1- because it's not something I ever make/have myself  (I don't own a grill!)
2- I only seem to eat them in the summer at BBQ's...but ironically, not at every one, so for me they are a rarity!
3- Nothing beats the perfect burger! Medium rare...hot and juicy with lots of melty cheese!!

Although this is not the best photograph of a burger, it will have to do!!  It satisfies my three criteria...

A close second in terms of my favorite food is my sister's black bean salad.  It's too, screams summer to me!  Fresh, yummy and just fabulous!!  Tomorrow I'll be sharing the recipe for Tasty Tuesday, so come on back for that!

What your favorite summer food?  I'd love to hear all about it in the comments below! And head on back to The Blended Blog to link up your summer fun posts with us here!

Throwback Thursday!

It's been forever since I've shared a Throwback Thursday post on the blog.  But yesterday, as I was scoping out old posts for an upcoming post, I found I few fun ones that I had totally forgotten about!!  Earlier this week I posted for The Blended Blog asks... and realized that in my first years of blogging I had done much the same thing, after seeing a post on Instagram!  I thought it'd be fun to share that again on this Throwback Thursday!

20 Random Facts about Me!

So I saw this floating around Instagram among fellow Insta-teachers!  You had to be tagged to do it, but since I'm not really in that network, I thought it would just be a fun thing to do on the blog.  It'll maybe help my readers (all 12 of you...who probably already know me!) get to know me better!

So here goes:

20 Random Facts About Me!

1.  I snooze no less than 10 times in the mornings...and I have three alarms!
2.  Not a day goes by that I don't laugh (mostly at myself!)
3.  I talk to myself...like a lot!
4.  I don't really like it loud, but I'm a loud person! (If that makes any sense at all!)
5. I'm not a fan of Mondays.
6.  I like that I kinda coined the term "friends" at my school and now others call the students "friends" as well!
7.  My daily staples are coffee and some sort of alcoholic beverage!  And I'm not ashamed to admit that!
8.  I'm a total summer girl.
9.  I love Country Music!  Kenny Chesney is my fave!
10. YES, I'm a Red Sox Fan.
11.  If I could, I'd go teach Mexicans in Cozumel.
12. I wish I traveled more.
13. I will admit it...I shop too much!
14.  SUSHI is my fave...and I credit one person for that! (Even if they'll never know!)
15.  I LOVE kids...I just don't think any of my own are in the cards for me!  And I am totally ok with that.  And if that keeps me single for the rest of my life, I'm ok with that too!  Actually the way things have been going lately, I am completely ok with that! HA!
16.  I shower at night.  I love getting into bed clean...and I HATE changing the sheets!
17.  I don't drive.  I know this is awful, but I don't!
18.  I think the Oster Automatic Wine Opener and the Kuerig are two of the greatest things ever invented!
19.  I should clean the house more!
20.  I spend more time with my family then is probably considered normal!  But hey... when there's 20 of us, there's always something to celebrate!


Hope you enjoyed getting to know a little bit more about me!

__________

This post was originally published on March 24, 2014...three years!!  Wow...and still all true!!

4th of July Fashion

Happy Fashion Wednesday!!  It's another beautiful day here where I live...so far this summer has been totally fabulous!!  Can't wait to get outside and get me some Vitamin D.  Before I head out though, I'm linking up with The Blended Blog for our Blended Blog Style Linkup!


Yesterday was the 4th of July here in the states.  It's the quintessential summer holiday filled with trips to the beach, barbecues, fireworks and family.  Everyone is happy and excited and undoubtedly shows off their patriotic side.  And I love it!  As someone who likes to dress for all holidays, I feel like I'm joined ten-fold in this on the 4th.  From patriotic teas, to bathing suits and everything in between...

This year I decided to kick it old school and go back to my roots...with the Old Navy Flag tee.  When I was little (and maybe not so little) my family would all get the matching Old Navy tee for a family photo...either on the 4th or during our annual family vacations to the the beach in North Carolina.  Somewhere a long the line that fizzled out.  But I can say with certainty that my mom and dad still have a few of those flag tees from back in the day!  Anyway...they've been around since 1994 and I think there was a good ten years in my life that they were a staple.  After scoping out Old Navy only not too long ago, I decided it would be fun to get the shirt again.  This time in a tank!  and for $5 and on sale to boot, I couldn't pass it up!

I threw a super old, but still fabulous,  pair of AE denim cutoffs  on with it! 

Totally 4th of July BBQ ready!!

I liked this years Live Free moto added to the tank!

And just for fun, I'm throwing in this picture of me at the end of the night! Because...outfit changes and BUGS!!

  I got this super fun sweatshirt from Old Navy too!!  And of course everyone commented that I looked like the Rocket Pop!  But hey, I was covered and didn't get the mosquito bites the rest of 'em did!!  I paired it with my Vigoss Destroyed jeans {similar}

My 4th was a beautiful day spent with family...hope you're was too!!   

Head to The Blended Blog to link up  your post!!

June...in Numbers!

I thought the 4th of July was as good a day as any to share a numbers post! So on the 241st  July 4th celebration in America, I give you my June...in numbers!

I have no freaking idea where the month of June went!  It was a blur of busy due to the end of school. But the first of June began the countdown to the end!!  The last day of school came on the 23rd!  So the countdown was on for 17 days!! (minus the weekends!!)

June found me attending 3 Graduations (all for school), 1 Wedding and 2 birthday celebrations...my nephew turned 13 and my sister turned the big 4-0!!  To celebrate we spent one epic night in the city...Recap coming soon!

This is 40

To get there my oldest sister and I traveled 4.5 hours!! #thumbsdown


I entered grades onto more then 200 report cards and ran all the cards for my school... 256!

Randomly, even though it was such a busy month, I was able to finish  four books...three I listened to!

Behind Closed Doors, I Let You Go, Garvey's Choice and We Need to Talk About Kevin

Find my review of We Need to Talk About Kevin here!











I also (re)discovered Snapchat in June....what a super fun time waster.  I snapped 50 times...none of which I shared to a story, but a few I sent to my sister and the rest I just saved as pics for myself!

The rest of the month was filled with nights out with friends, fun in the sun and time at the pool with family.  Here's to hoping much of the same this July and August!  It's summertime and the livin' is easy!!


When I wasn't eating out, I mostly consumed homemade Peanut Butter and Jelly on Ritz....probably close to 100!  HA!

Because I was busy with school, I didn't blog much in June!  Only 8 posts... but I'm already on track to beat that in July, so there's that!

I also think it's also worth mentioning I got sided tracked and distracted 87 times while writing this post!!  HA!!   Maybe I'm thinking too much about all the food and drink I'm going to consume later...

I hope everyone has a great day!  And don't forget to head on over to The Blended Blog for today's Tasty Tuesday linkup to find something DELICIOUS to eat!!

Check out his fun recipe for the 4th here!

Linking up with Deena today for all this numbers goodness!!