Here's What...

Seriously...it's September 30th already.  It seems like the month flew by, but the weeks dragged for me.  Anyone else feeling similar!?!  It's time for another edition of What Up Wednesday with Mel at The Larson Lingo, Sheaffer from Pinterest Told Me To and Shay at Mix and Match Family!

Here's What...

What I'm eating this week...
Pretty much this...just this.  Cooked The Larson Lingo's 3 ingredient tacos in the crock pot on Sunday and have been eating it in a variety of ways ever since!

What I'm reminiscing about...

On September 11th  I posted a story about my sister and I being tourists in NYC just three short weeks before the towers fell.  I have been thinking about that day a lot lately.  That was the last time (14 years ago!) that I was a "tourist" in the city.  I've been to the city probably more than a hundred times since then, but it's always with a purpose.  I've gone to shows and concerts and lunches and dinners...and then just hopped right back on a train home.  I need to go in for an day and just explore.  My sister could hardly believe it when I told her I have never stepped foot in Central Park!  HA!!  There's so much there I want to do!  I need to make that a priority...and soon.  The city is gorgeous in the fall!

What I'm loving....

This month, hands down, it's been my Chromecast!!  I just love it.  I have been binge-watching series like crazy!!

What I've been up to...

Honestly, just trying to get my ass back into school mode!!  And it has been soooo hard!!  I don't know what it is, I just can't seem to get into this year yet...a schedule that isn't quite working for me may be to blame!  And it's already week five people!  #thestruggleisREAL

What I'm dreading...

TESTING next week for the kids brings lots of changes to the schedule.  Kids come into the library and take their tests with me.  I'll likely miss my preps next week.  Boooooo.....that's always dreadful!!

What I'm working on...

I've decided that I want to implement centers into library.  This is my fourth year in the library and for 4 years I've been saying I would do it and it never got off the ground.  But starting in October, we're doing centers.  For the last two weeks, I have been working on finding them, cutting the components out and laminating.  And figuring out how I want to work it all with my K-4 students.  It's a lot to consider and so much to do when working with so many classes.

What I'm excited about...

Another round of Create28 starts tomorrow!{Check out A Lovely Little Wardrobe for more info and to join!} AND the 5 day Clean Eating Crock Pot challenge begins on October 5th! {Head on over to A Little Bit of Cheer for more!} Super excited for both.

What I'm watching/reading...

I still haven't started The Diary of Ann Frank like I said I was going too, but it's on the to-do list! Maybe because between my ChromeCast and all the shows premiering, I've been watching way too much TV!  Loving that all my faves have returned!  I've only tried one new show so far....Quantico....and I freaking LOVED it!!

What I'm listening to...

The Voice Blind Auditions!  There are so many great artists this season.  I am seriously considering making myself and itunes playlist of all the songs.  I also really like this group of coaches together!

What I'm wearing....

Back to my usual work clothes! So it's been a mix of slacks and tops in different combos!  Still warm here most days, so I can still wear my ankle pants and sandals.  Case in point...yesterday's look!

What I'm doing this weekend...

No plans yet actually....but I envision a little wine drinking, a little book reading and a little binge watching!! #solitarylifeatitsfinest

What I'm looking forward to next month...

My town's Fall Festival!  I had such a great time last year...I can't wait to go back again.  Fingers crossed it's a beautiful day!!  I am also looking forward to posting my first individual piece as a contributor to The Blended Blog!  Be on the look out for it!!

What else is new...

Not much!  I feel like I've been in a rut this month.  I didn't blog much and wasn't out as often as I have been.  Hoping I can snap out of it for October!!

Can't wait to see what ya'll have been up to this month!!

Have a great Wednesday!!  Whooo hooo...Friday's getting closer!

What's up...

Well after a great week blogging last week, this is my first blog this week!  I was without a computer a while and I pulled something in my neck, so really I've been resting!

But I am back at it for What's up Wednesday today! Linking up with Mel at The Larson Lingo, Shay at Mix and Match Family and Sheaffer at Pinterest Told Me To

What I'm eating... OUT!!  I haven't cooked here in awhile!  But it's all been super yum!

What I'm reminiscing about... SUMMER!!  I know it's technically not over yet, but I've already started my 2015 Summer in an Insta project on Shutterfly so I've been going back over all my pics and thinking about the summer!  This was last summer's!  I only got it in May.  I am more on the ball this year! (but am waiting for a good sale, too!)  So this is also what I've been working on!

What I'm dreading... School Starting!  #SummerForever...

What I'm loving...these last few lazy days before it's back to the old routine!

via

What I've been up to...enjoying these last few days but preparing for the new school year!  

What I'm excited about...The launch of The Blended Blog!!!! Find out more here!  

What I'm watching/reading...Watching Public Morals that just premiered last night! {I think it has to grow on me} but this guy is nice to look at!

Austin Stowell

And I am in the middle of reading The Nightingale.  It's my first Kristin Hannah novel and I am enjoying it.  My cousin recommended it to me and said it was one of the best books she ever read.  Those are not exactly my thoughts but maybe it will take a turn soon!

What I'm listening to... Carrie Underwood's new song, Smoke Break.  The video was just released and I've watched it a few times already.  After a few listens, I'm really liking this song!!

What I'm wearing...Lately I've been spending lots of time in yoga pants and tank tops with my hair pulled back and on top of my head!  And my bathing suit!

What I'm doing this weekend...After a full weekend last weekend (that I never got around to recapping!) I have no set plans this weekend!  But I do know that with this being the last weekend before I head back to school for good, it's definitely going to involve time in the SUN!!!  And hopefully I can finish my book! And maybe another!!

What I am looking forward to next month...Is it bad that I dread but am still looking forward to the start of school?  I love summer, but I think once I'm back into the routine I'll enjoy it! I am looking forward to seeing the kids, reading new books with them and trying out new lessons!!  The new school year begins September 1st!

What else is new...in a few days, I will have been in my house two years!  Wow!  Where does the time go??  Last year I posted on that day!  I plan on doing the same.  Just not sure what spin I'm gonna put on it yet!

Bonus Question of the Month: What's your favorite Back to School Tradition?
I used to have them, but not so much anymore.  I don't have kids to take pictures of on their first day (Or a mom here to take my picture on the first days of teaching every year! HA!) If I did have a tradition these days, I suppose it's be buying myself a new outfit to wear on the first day and treating myself to a drink after the day is done!!

What's up with you? Let me know in the comments below!

What's Up!?!

Decided to join Mel, Shay and Sheaffer today for What's up Wednesday!

What I'm eating this week:

I got a Hello Fresh Delivery!  So pork chops, pasta and black bean tacos are on the menu!  Also loving the way the food came packaged this week.  So cute...and keeps my fridge organized too!!

What I'm reminiscing about:

Last night was the annual luau that my mom's work put on at the beach.  And my family used to go every year but since mom retired, this is no longer a family tradition. LOL  Mom and Dad went as guests though and had a great time!!

2014

What I'm loving:

Even though I in no way want to get back to school any time soon, I'm really excited about my new work bag...my new, FREE work bag!!  Thanks M+Co for the bag and all my other swag!!

What I've been up to:

Typical summer stuff...reading, sunning, eating, drinking...

What I'm dreading:

Back to School!!  I am deleting all Back to School emails and fast forwarding those dreaded back to School commercials!!  I'm not checking my school email as frantically as I did when school had just let out and avoiding thinking about it all!!

What I'm working on:

Summer gives me lots of time to work on the blog...planning, thinking of posts, etc.  So that's what I've been doing!!

What I'm excited about/What I'm looking forward to next month:

KENNY CHESNEY in concert on August 15th.  He's my fave! And it's another summer tradish...The Kenny concert IS SUMMER for me!I just love KENNY!!

Excited for Jason Aldean too!!

What I'm Watching/Reading:

Just started watching the ABC New docuseries Save My Life...I really enjoy these types of shows.

And I've been reading a lot lately.  Just yesterday I read Eight Hundred Grapes.  Like, seriously, read the whole book!  On tap next...The Perfect Letter by Chris Harrison #nojudgementpkease.

I got both books out of the library.

What I'm listening to:

I've actually been listening to music via the Google Play Music app lately.  They have fun playlists and like maybe one ad.  I'm enjoying it!!

What'm wearing:

I've been living in these swing tanks I got from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.  I loved the tank so much I got it in two colors.  Wish I had a picture of the back too, but you can check it out here!

What I'm doing this weekend:

Headed to a shower this weekend!!

What else is new:

Nothing too much...enjoying the summer!

Question of the month: What will you miss most about Summer?
That's easy...the long, lazy days...No time schedule!!  The warmth and sunshine!  And my tan!!  LOL  

Have a great Wednesday!!

What's up!

Today I've decided to join Mel, Shay and Sheaffer for their new monthly link-up, What's up Wednesday.  They used to host Pinspired, which I often joined and loved.  What's up Wednesday is less fashion-centric and more about me!  I hope you'll stick around to find out What's Up!

What I'M eating this week...Chicken!
This week because of the Memorial Day holiday I decided to skip my Hello Fresh delivery!  It actually worked out good though because I am staying late most nights this week and the last thing I'm going to want to do is spend an hour in the kitchen after that.  My chicken meals are quick and easy!  Salsa Chicken is my favorite!

What I'm reminiscing about... not too much these days...looking ahead!!  

What I'm loving... The collage I made from my Instagram photos from last summer!  I scored a great deal on it on Shutterfly...50%, so I thought I was a great time to finally do it.  Hopefully it won't take me almost a year to put together a frame from this summer!

What I've been up to... it was a fun Memorial Day Weekend.  Check out what I did {HERE}!

What I'm dreading...GRADES!!
Now that the end of the year is sooo close, report card grades are due in our system soon.  As the Librarian and Tech Teacher for students in grades Pre-K thru 8, I give everyone a grade. This is not what I'm dreading. What I dread is storing the grades and running the report cards for all students in my school.  As my school's tech person this is my job.  And there's almost ALWAYS some sort of an issue! Ugh!!

What I'm Working on...transitioning to a new school website.
Next year my school is getting a new hosting site for our website.  So for the past few days I have been working on the checklist we have to complete to make the transition smooth.  In order for me to do this, my principal was kind enough to get me sub.  But between you and me, I'd rather be teaching.  I don't like being in the building when I have a sub, because the kids still see me and wonder why I'm not with them.  Everything I've been doing is online, so I probably should have asked to do it from home!!  Home's where the wine is...HA!!!  Just kidding...

What I'm excited about... SUMMER VACATION!!  That.is.ALL.

What I'm Watching...The NY Rangers in the Stanley Cup Playoffs!!  Game 7 here we come!!!  #LGR

What I'm reading...The Girl on the Train.  I had hoped to finish it this weekend, but wasn't able to.  This weekend, I WILL!!

What I'm Listening to...Break Up with Him - Old Dominion
 Just loving this song these days!!  Heard it a bunch of times this weekend!  Super catchy and I love the music.  And I love my country!!


What I'm Wearing...My new Camo Hat!!
I bought this camo baseball cap after seeing it on my bestie.  She is participating in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer this coming October...39 miles over 2 days!!!  This is her 4th time walking. She walks for her mom, who is a breast cancer survivor and in memory of her walk partner, who sadly lost her battle!  The baseball cap was so cute on her, I thought I needed one too!!  I figure if anyone compliments me on it, it's a good segway into talking about the walk and raising awareness for breast cancer!!  And it's great hat to help block the sun this summer!!
If you'd like to support my best friend in her walk  you can do so here.  THANKS!!

What I'm up to this weekend....Girls' Night with my Bestie!  Not sure what we are gonna do, but I'm certain it will involve food and drink! LOL

What I'm looking forward to next month...the start of the GYPO Summer Challenge!!  There's still time to sign up! It's so much fun and you'll meet a great group of women. See some of last summer's challenge looks here!

What else is new...
Nothing really!  I'm loving that it's only a four day week, but for me it's a long one!  Looking forward to maybe seeing my sister on Thursday and a fun weekend ahead! Fingers crossed the weather is nice!

The Question of the month is...What's your favorite thing to grill in the month of June?  Since I don't grill much myself, (or at all really!!) I'll tell you what my favorite thing to EAT for the grill is.  And that's a big juicy cheeseburger!!  I never have them, unless it's summer.  And a yummy cheeseburger, right of the grill totally hits the spot during the summer!!  Ya can't go wrong with a burger and a beer...

That was a lot of fun!!  What have you been up to lately?  Let me know in the comments below!!

Check back in with me on Friday, when the Style Me Bloggers and I link up to show you around our neck of the woods!  See you then!!


Katie