I've Injured Myself Yawning...

Well, not really.  

But this picture I came across while surfing the net {do people even say that anymore?} pretty much sums up my two-week Christmas vacation in a nutshell.

...And I'm lovin' every minute of it.

Here's to a relaxing end of 2011!

Breaking Dawn! Breaking Dawn!

Remember how big of a Twitard I am?  Well...the time has come.  Breaking Dawn is in theaters tonight - or should I say this morning? 

I rounded up some of the ladies in my office, and we're heading to the 12:02 am showing. 
{Starbucks will be included}

Is anyone else as excited as I am???

 

EEEEEEEEKKK!!! 

In honor of Breaking Dawn making its debut tonight ~ here are some photos to get us in the Twilight spirit...

Check out this party via Hostess With The Mostess:

And I can never forget this gorgeous faux Cullen wedding featured on My Sweet & Saucy last year:

I mean.....come on.

GORGEOUS!

Feeling Thankful...{a belated Veteran's Day weekend post}

I'm feeling quite thankful this Veteran's Day weekend.  Here is a list of a few of the things I'm thankful for {in no particular order}:

1.  Sleeping in on Friday morning

2.  Getting all of my grocery shopping done by 10 a.m. on Saturday

3.  Cold, "Fall" {for California} weather

4.  Wearing my Enzos all weekend:

5.  Sipping on a hot chai tea latte while catching up with friends at a local Starbucks {and getting a good seat ~ the big leather sofa}

6.  Making a yummy Pinterest-inspired paleo breakfast:

7.  ...Also completing a Pinterest-inspired home project {post coming soon!}

8.  Curling up on our chaise lounge with the Cardinals blanket that I made for my boyfriend eight years ago {he's now my husband = )}

9.  Finding the perfect gift for my Mother-in-law at Nordstrom, and treating myself to quite a few things at Forever 21

10.  Enjoying the scent of my favorite fall candle just about 24/7:

 {Seriously - behind my favorite Anthropologie candle, it's the best scent.  Ever.  Available at Bath & Body Works}

I hope you all had an awesome long weekend ~ and took some time to count your blessings as well!

Latest Obsession...

It's no secret that I love having my nails painted.  I don't really know why - I've loved it ever since I was a kid.  There's something very feminine about a shiny coat of nail polish.  My husband wonders why I take the time to paint my nails myself.   I am a big fan of pedicures, but when it comes to my fingernails...I always paint them myself.  I suppose it reminds me of my grandma and my mom...it's a bit of a nostalgic feeling for me.

I've tried just about every brand of nail polish out there - from dirt cheep to really pricey.   And I dare say I've found the PERFECT brand - ESSIE.  At $7.79, it's a bit more expensive than a brand like Sally Hansen's, but it's much more reasonable than OPI nail polish - which can cost anywhere between $9 and $14.  I do love OPI, don't get me wrong (I'm a big fan of the color Miami Beet thanks to a kind friend who lent it to me at the Nail Salon).  But I have found Essie polish to work just as well for nearly half the price.  SCORE!

This color, Carry On, is my latest obsession.  It's the perfect Fall color - on the nail it's not too red, not too black.  And available at TARGET!  The Good To Go topcoat is also a must-buy.  It literally dries in seconds!  LOVE!

I'm Alive!!!

Not that I think any of you have been losing sleep wondering where I am, but I felt the need to post SOMETHING about my still being alive and well. 

Things have been crazy, and my husband and I have gone through some "stuff".  Nothing to be alarmed about, just riding the roller-coaster that is life.  I just felt like with certain things going on, I was uninspired to blog.  And to be honest, taking a break to deal with LIFE has been good for the soul.

I am in a good place right now - started my new job as an Admissions Event Coordinator at a local High School and am loving it!  My husband and I started eating Paleo, and we are feeling great!  (I will post on that separately...I'm borderline obsessed).  The Summer was a whirlwind - but I am already starting to see the many blessings God has given us through some of the trials we have faced.  He is so GOOD!

I have missed browsing all of YOUR blogs - there will definitely be more of that going on.  Hopefully more blogging is in my future - I have a wedding coming up this weekend with Yours Truly and a Fall Bridal Shower to get ready for in October!  I will try to be better about posting.  

I hope all of you are doing more than well!

XOXO

Ashley

I'm Still Alive!

I have not dropped off the face of the earth!

However, with the school year winding down, I've had more than too much on my plate!  It's always stressful for teachers at this time of year, but this year is a little more overwhelming because I'm packing up my entire classroom! 

I have a new career opportunity working as the Admissions Event Coordinator at an awesome high school in Orange County!  I'm currently experiencing a TON of different emotions.  Sadness thinking of the kids I won't be working with anymore each day.  And joy for what seems like a really awesome opportunity for me. 

Lots of new things to come ~ stay tuned!

A Lovely Saturday in Laguna Beach

After a week at Outdoor Ed with 120 5th and 6th graders, my husband and I needed a little get-a-way!

Yesterday was a gorgeous day in Orange County, so we decided to try our luck and head to Laguna Beach.  Laguna holds a special place in our hearts; it was where my husband popped the question four years ago {almost to the date!}.

Laguna Beach is not the "easiest" beach to get to.  I was praying for clear skies on our drive, and we were not disappointed when we arrived!

First, we walked around the little streets of Laguna, searching for a new place to eat.  We walked by Hennessey's - the food looked great and the soccer game was playing - so it was a win/win.

I got the tomato bisque soup, and my husband got the grilled cheese.  DELICIOUS!

One thing that I really loved about Hennessy's?  Their $4 bloody mary's {get there before noon on weekends}.

After our food frenzy, we were in for some pure R&R.  We spent a few hours on the beach relaxing in the sun.  It was even warm enough for my husband to ride some waves!

After all of our time in the sun, we were in the mood for a cold treat.  We popped into the Starbucks on Pacific Coast Highway before heading home to order these bad boys...

Double Chocolate Chip Frappuccino

Coconut Creme' Frappuccino

You know those days that occasionally come by where all you can do is be utterly THANKFUL when you go to bed at night?  This was one of those days.

I hope you all had at least one GREAT day this weekend!



Catching up at the Champagne French Bakery

If you've never eaten at Champagne French Bakery, you must!

My best friend from college and I always get together here a few times a year to chat and catch up.  It never fails to satisfy us!  Plus, chatting outside eating a panini, crepe, or tart really makes you feel like you are dining in Europe {a place we both love}!

Their pastries and desserts are just as good as their food.  Taking one {or two} home is a must!

 I've gotten the spinach and goat cheese quiche a few times - delicious!

 This is our "go-to"....The Chicken Florentine Panini.  YUM!

 A strawberry and cream cheese danish never hurt anybody, either.

Get out there and try your local Champagnes.  Click here to find a little taste of Europe near you!



OC Greek Food Festival!

We're so excited for the Greek Festival this weekend!

If you're in the Orange County area and in the mood for some good food, fun, and dancing...check it out!

Admission is a mere $3 - or FREE - when you print yourself an e-ticket...yes, please! 

{Click "Print Tickets" on the right hand side of the website}

Look at the deliciousness that will be going on here!

Visit the OC Greek Food Festival website for more info!



On Hiatus

Have I really been M.I.A. for  a week now ~ where did the week go?  I have been beyond busy with work, family...the usual. 

I am coming back strong later this week with cute ideas for my niece Ella's You are my Sunshine Party and some possible good news to share.  Stay tuned!

Blessings on your week ~ see you soon!

The Bachelor...Who Will it Be???

Emily....

...or Chantal???

MY FINGERS ARE CROSSED FOR EMILY!!!

We will see.....

Who's your favorite?

Happy Friday!

I teach at a private, Lutheran school in Orange, California.  I love teaching, and I especially love teaching at a Christian school.  This week we celebrated National Lutheran Schools Week.  It was packed with fun events for the kids.  Let me give you a brief synopsis of our week.

Monday: 

Pre-K Play Day

{preschoolers visit my 6th grade class - my "big kids" love it!}

Tuesday: 

 Denim for Disciples Day

{kids get to wear jeans when they typically wear school uniforms.}

Teacher Switch Day

{the 5th graders come our my classroom and get a preview of 6th grade}

Wednesday: 

Ash Wednesday

{special Chapel service}

National Honor Society Induction Ceremony

Faculty vs. Student Volleyball Game

{We won; woo-hoo!  And my body's still paying for it.}

Thursday:  

PJ Day

{Students wear PJs to school...teachers, too!}

Faculty vs. Student Basketball Game

Open House/Curriculum Fair at night

Friday: 

Special Friends Day

{What used to be "Grandparents Day" has turned into Special Friends Day.  Adults from ages 18 up come to the classroom on this day.}

Such a fun week...but I am one EXHAUSTED teacher. 

Off to Happy-Hour with some of my teacher friends at Islands...we need it!

{image via Hip Hostess}

CHEERS!

Happy Friday!

My husband and I made it through our rough week and we are SO ready for the weekend!  We have a busy, but fun one in store.

We kick it off tonight at Angelo's & Vinci's in Downtown Fullerton to celebrate my aunt's 50th Birthday.  I've loved this place ever since I was a kid - amazing Italian food and a super fun ambiance!



Have a great weekend, everyone!

Wisdom Teeth...An Oxymoron

{WARNING:  RANDOM POST HAVING NOTHING TO DO WITH ANYTHING SWEET OR INSPIRING}

It's a four-day-weekend....and my husband got all his wisdom teeth pulled yesterday.  Poor guy ~ works so hard and has to do THIS on his long weekend off!  He also had a fainting spell last night when we got home ~ luckily he fainted on my {and not backwards in the kitchen}.  It was quite a scare ~ and one of the most traumatic things we've been through together.  He is doing fine now under the circumstances...enjoying lots of liquids, soft foods...and vicodin.

WISDOM TEETH

I don't know if this is just God's sense of humor, but I don't see anything smart about them.

Ehh well.  This experience has brough new meaning to our vows, "For better or for worse.  In sickness and in heallth." 

Glad we're in this...together!

It's My Half Birthday?!

My sweet 6th grade students surprised me by celebrating my half birthday today! 

All throughout my childhood I longed to be one of those kids who got to bring in cupcakes for the class, or who got a "free homework pass" on their birthday.  But, my birthday is August 16 - right smack at the end of Summer vacation.  Usually when I tried to have pool or beach party, many of my friends were on vacation. 

My job is definitely not always a cake walk~ but I am continuously amazed by the little lives I'm blessed to teach every day.  And my students are sixth graders...so for them to do something so sweet is a pretty big deal. = )

I was greeted at my classroom door this morning by smiling Ally who had a skinny vanilla latte in hand...

\

Later in the day, I came into my classroom to see that my desk had been decorated with lime green streamers (it is COOL - kind of like a fort made out of streamers) and balloons.  I was also given this...

...with explicit instructions that, "Yes, you HAVE to wear it ALL day!"

Lunch time rolled around and in walks another student with this...

Love my Chicken Strips Salad from Chik-fil-A!

As if the day couldn't get any sweeter, my Room Mom popped in at 2:00 with all the goodies to make these adorable cupcakes...

{from Hello, Cupcake!}

What a fun day with my students!  I'm beginning to wonder why I've never celebrated my half birthday before!

Happy Wednesday!