A Day in the Life Of...

Ten days in and I'm finally having a chance to catch my breath and join the {Blogtember} conversation.

If you're new here, hi and welcome!

I'm in the midst of the beginning of the year chaos that always happens when I have three dozen ten year olds in my cozy classroom.  (Okay, there's only thirty five, but close enough!)

I'm also in the middle of wedding planning, so my blog is a combination of education and life experiences.

Today's challenge is a simple one:

Saturday, Sept. 10: A day in your life! Take us through it 

with you by sharing a photo each hour of the day.

 Thank goodness it's a weekend because I need a break!  (The beginning of the year is rough y'all!)

8:18 am:

B's off golfing and the house is quiet.  I have the gentle hum of a fan next to me, the puppy snoozing on the floor, and our two cats are curled up on the bathroom floor, enjoying the sunlight.  

I got to sleep in this morning.  My alarm(s) go off starting around five during the week, so sleeping in until eight was a treat this morning.  I enjoyed the last of the blueberry mini muffins for breakfast and tried to enter grades, but the server is having difficulties.  Darn, I guess that work will have to wait until Monday!

The rest of the day consists of relaxing, most likely a nap, going to finalize wedding flowers with our florist, the grocery store, and a nice dinner date.  My brother and his lovely girlfriend got me a gift card for my birthday to the Cheesecake Factory, so hooray for date night!

Tomorrow we're doing our first painting class (a "design and wine" one with mimosas) where B and I are painting Harry Potter inspired wine glasses:

(At least that's the goal of what they'll look like!)

We're also taking a friend dinner tomorrow because she had major surgery yesterday and feeding herself and her kids should be the last of her concerns during recovery.  The meal train was organized by Sunshine committee at work (where I'm co-chair) and it's just another reason I love where I work.  We look out for one another and it's such a welcoming, caring, and loving environment.

Our weekend will end with me yelling loudly at the refs during Sunday night football when my Cardinals take on the Patriots.  I'm hoping for an injury-free game and a Cardinals win!

How are you spending your day/weekend?

Fall into...well, fall

 

First, I am fully aware that it's still uncomfortably hot here in Nevada.  I know we are still in the middle of summer...

But I decorated for fall anyway!

Second, I'm aware this is not socially appropriate until after Labor Day...if not later.  However, I know that back to school time gets crazy busy and I wanted a jump start on making things cute.

Third, I'm aware we don't truly experience fall like the rest of the country.  There are a few trees that have changing leaves and then lose their leaves...in December.   Perhaps this is why I love fall so much...because I don't get to experience it.  However, the colors look great on both me and in my home, so I cherish this "fall" season as long as possible.

Fourth, I've been stuck at home for a week.  I've left the house twice since surgery (for the doctor and to retrieve my car).  I got bored and wanted to redecorate (because that was free and kept me from online shopping).  I wanted to be surrounded by pretty things and for me, that means fall decor.

Fifth, I picked up some cute things at Kirkland's a few weeks ago and I wanted to display them.

Sixth, I don't fit the stereotypical "white girls love fall" mold. I don't like pumpkin flavored anything, thank you very much. I don't like carving pumpkins. I don't like pumpkin foods. I just like to look at them...preferably fake ones.

Seventh...I was home alone and no one could judge!

I like decorating for seasons and holidays.  I grew up watching my mom decorate and I wanted to be like her.  I have crates in the garage, sorted by event. I'm not ashamed of it.  I like nesting and creating a calm, welcoming, loving home environment.  

After moving to Las Vegas right out of college at 21, I wanted to desperately feel like a grown up.  For me, that meant slowly stocking up on home decor and kitchen appliances.  I wasn't into the partying and club scene, so instead of spending my paychecks on overpriced drinks and shoes, I bought holiday decor (but slowly and on clearance because that's how I roll).  Now?  I'm pretty much set.  (Although that did make registering for our wedding a bit difficult.)

So now, without further ado, here are some home snap shots:

This will adorn our table...

 (Pumpkin from Marshall's, table cloths and table runners from Kohl's)

but I'm still enjoying our new decor from my bridal shower:

Thanks gals! I have the best of friends.

I swapped out a red candle for a white one, but didn't quite love the look.

Until I added a strip of burlap!

(Not wanting to commit, I used a paperclip to hold the burlap around the candle.  The candle is normally displayed with five other white ones on a candelabra, so gluing wasn't an option.) 

I added a few pumpkins around pictures and the bookcase,

 (Of course it's burlap and polka dotted!)

But kept any with faces away until October.  I'm okay with pumpkins, but not Halloween decor.  That's apparently where I draw the line!

I have a small lantern that I decorate (leaves, ornaments, etc):

But switched things up and added a larger lantern as well:

I picked this beauty up for half-off at Target because it's slightly dented at the top.  Normally this sits in our bedroom and is filled with neutral vase fillers, but I wanted to bring a bit of silver into the decorating mix.

I do love our new fall banner (from Kirkland's):

It's glittery, it's polka dotted, it's burlap, it's like it was made just for me!

Plus it goes great with this gem on our pantry door:

(We do love our football!)

I'm hesitant to hang this outside until we get a new security door, but I couldn't pass this up!

As you can tell, I didn't go overboard and crazy with the decor.  I just want subtle fall accents to make our house feel like a home.

Happy fall y'all! 

Favorite Things

For this {Joyous June} post, I thought I'd take a moment to share about some of my favorite things in my favorite place: home.

Yes, home is probably one of my favorite places. After being "on" all day and surrounded by people, I like to come home to a (relatively) quiet space to decompress.

The suitcases

One is currently being used as our wedding card box:

But the rest are stacked in a nook near the guest bathroom.  

Not only are they cute and add a whimsical vibe, but they also are great for storing seasonal napkins and table runners.  I found these at Marshalls (not all at once) and like how they coordinate, but aren't identical.

Batman

Since this is a pencil drawing and in a grown up frame, I'm counting it as art.  I found this years ago at a second hand book store in Arizona and knew it was going to be a staple in my home.  I snagged the frame on clearance at Target and have never looked back.  Batman stands watch over our library/den/future kids' play room.

Rivalries

It's not a secret that B and I have different football teams.  I love him, but that doesn't mean I have to love his team.

So, we compromise:

We also took some of our engagement pictures in our different jerseys,

Incorporated our love of football into the shots,

And will be incorporating it into the wedding. 

Instead of the traditional garter toss, we'll be incorporating the football we used in our engagement shots.  It says our wedding date and "you're next" on it. 

These legacy banners are a constant reminder that while we're on the same team in life, it's okay to still be ourselves during football season.

 Jack Daniels

I can see my mother's face now.  Yes mom, I shared a picture of the booze.  Let me explain why. 

Inside the fancy case are two bottles of Jack Daniel's 75th anniversary bottles.  One is reserved for when B graduates college.  The other is for our wedding night, after the birth of future children, and other big life moments.  Some people have wine or champagne on hand for these things; we have Jack Daniels.  

The And Sign

We picked this up on a weekend trip to Arizona.  We'll be incorporating it into our engagement and wedding shots.  It reminds me of family and makes me smile every time I see it.

The Vase

This truly was one of my better pinterest projects!  It's a little hard to tell from the angle, but this vase was signed by our loved ones at our engagement party last year.  Instead of hiding memories away in a box, it's a unique way to incorporate that special day into our every day landscape.

(Vase and sharpies from Target, flowers from Michaels)

There's lots more I love about my home (and who I share it with), but alas, it's time for the gym.  Here's to working on those summer goals!
 

Currently in January

Sigh...January seems to be kicking my caboose.

Reading... Yes Please! I love her shows and her quotes on feminism, so this was a natural purchase.

Playing... the which {Jamberry wraps} shall I wear next game.  There are too many cute ones!

I think love letters is my favorite!
 

Watching... well, listening to New Girl reruns on Netflix.

Trying... to be positive.  This continues to be a struggle at time.

Being a grown up really stinks sometimes.

Cooking... nothing.  We had left overs for lunch and need to make a grocery list and meal plan for the week.

Eating... nothing. I'm hungry, but that could also be task avoidance (because I'm supposed to be doing laundry and working on a states powerpoint).

Drinking..water.  Lots and lots of water.

Calling... no one. I just got off the phone with my mom a little while ago and am seeing B's family later.

Texting...about dinner plans.

Pinning... teaching ideas, always.

Going... to be insanely productive for an hour, then take a nap. I love naps.

Loving...Etsy.  I found my {bridesmaid earrings}:

The seller was amazingly prompt at answering my questions, gave me a discount because I was ordering more than six, and I love that I'm supporting small businesses (because I love when others support mine).
 
I also treated myself to an adorable new make up bag, tulle for our favors, and a few other wedding surprises.  We also found some thank yous that we love and our cake topper.  I just need to spread out my wedding expenses. 

Hating... the uncertainty game.  Will my masters +32 be honored with a pay raise? Will the classes be released so I can take the last one at UNLV by May? Will I have to jump through hoops? Will I have to appeal the process? Will I have to join the union to have a better chance at it being approved? Is that even legal?

Discovering... Etsy's wedding section. Oh vey. It's amazing.

Thinking... about the lesson plans I should put into curriculum engine.  We have to post our lesson plans...and it's the last thing I want to do.

Feeling... like I can never catch up. 

Hoping (for)...a drama free dinner.

Listening (to)...Neflix...and Waffles snoring.

Celebrating... progress on wedding planning.  Oh, and that the Cardinals play the Panthers tomorrow.  Regardless of the outcome, they've had an amazing season.

Smelling... nothing. Thank you allergies.

Thanking... B for being so patient and picking up dinner.

Considering... trying to find a job that lets me craft things, read books, plan weddings, and drink mimosas while wearing pajamas and/or yoga pants.  Where is that job?

Starting... to realize I have to make wedding decisions, for real, soon.  More immediately though, thinking of ideas to turn our pod into Africa for multicultural week... (#elementaryproblems)

Finishing... Virginia, then West Virginia, then a test, then starting the next (FINAL) region.

Back to Reality

This past week was a blur at work.  I had a surprise IEP meeting due to a date mix up, duty, a counseling lesson, Battle of the Books, a staff meeting, report cards, and teaching.  I rushed to get everything done by Thursday because my mom was coming in for the weekend!

Let's recap:

Thursday

 She had a late flight (after nine pm), so I took a nap after work.  We picked her up, chatted for a few once we got home, and crashed.  I had work the next day and need a full night's rest when dealing with teaching three dozen ten year olds long division with decimals, without the algorithm.  

Friday

Friday morning we walked Waffles, I put dinner in the crockpot, and we headed to work.  A colleague was super chatty that morning, so I wasn't as productive as I would have liked.  It was also my off prep day, but that made for a quick afternoon.  We were able to Skype with my bestie at Yale.  We'd just learned about Connecticut, so it was academically appropriate.  She gave the students a walking tour of Yale and answered their inquisitive questions.  I also gave my students question time to ask my mom what they wanted (I was sure to set a timer!).  We had a pretty standard day with no ridiculous student behavior.  

We headed home and B brought home Redbox movies.  We enjoyed dinner, watching Minions and the newest Mission Impossible movie, looked at bridal magazines, wedding planned, and enjoyed bonding time.

Saturday

Once again, our day started with a walk with Waffles.  Isn't she precious?  (She's 10 months, so she may get a little bigger.  She's from ARP (Adopt a Rescue Pet), so we aren't entirely sure of her breed.  We think collie-shepherd mix, but who knows.  More importantly, who cares?)

She still isn't aware that dogs go to the bathroom while on walks, but wasn't scared by passing vehicles, so progress!

From there, we headed to {Babystacks} and it was amazing.  If you're ever in Vegas, go here.  Plain and simple.  Since it was a cheat day, I devoured an omelet, seasoned potatoes, and two of the most wonderful pancakes I've ever encountered.  They were German chocolate with peppermint and white chocolate chips.  I could have died happy on the spot.  As a silly twist of fate, we were right next to my coworker Mrs. O, her hubby, and their precious two year old, so that was fun to chat over pancakes.  

We headed to Alfred Angelo for our noon dress appointment.  I went in with eight styles picked out from their website, but ended up falling for a brand new one on the mannequin.  

(Read the full dress shopping saga {here}).

We were 99% sure that was the one, but had a 4 pm appointment at another store just to be sure.  The consultants totally understood and wished us luck!

From there, my mom and I parted ways with my future MIL and one of our maids until later.  We picked up some items at Target, hit up a local craft store for ideas, then stopped by the Cannery and Sam's Town so she could get a feel for the locations and report back to my aunts.  We had a little bit of time to kill, so I showed her the super awesome dog park where we take Waffles and she got to admire little dogs in sweaters for a few.

We went to the second appointment and it was simply alright.  I really only liked one dress out of six and it was quite similar to the other one at Alfred Angelo, except more expensive and with a super awkward seam in the middle of the dress.  The store was also filled with lots of teenagers buying their prom dresses and if I have a group with me, sitting in chairs, because I have an appointment, I kind of get first dibs at the podium and the big mirrors.  I shouldn't have to stand to the side, in a wedding dress, waiting for hopeful prom queens to move from my spot.

 
(Seriously girls, move. Wedding trumps prom.)

It also irked me that another bridal party was offered champagne and we weren't.  The sales woman did her best and I left my contact information, but I won't be back.  Going to the second store that day really solidified that the other dress was it.

As soon as we left that appointment, I said the other dress was it.  All of my bridesmaids agreed and well, it's quite the feat if ten women all agree on something!

We headed to my favorite {pizza and pasta joint} for dinner where we met up with B and a few more friends.  Dinner was delicious and afterward, my mom and I headed back to Alfred Angelo to officially say yes to the dress.

I posted on social media that I'd said yes to the dress and I'm floored by how many people are genuinely excited about it.  I have such an amazing tribe. Thanks friends! 

Of course, we also watched the Cardinals defeat the Packers and I had a lot of loud words about that amazing ending.  


Sunday  

Because it's Vegas, we started our day with brunch at {Crepe Expectations}, which is another family owned shop and is amazing. My mom, B, and I each got our own savory crepe and shared a sweet one for dessert.  Because it's brunch, a white peach mimosa was also involved:

We then went to {Popped}, a gourmet specialty popcorn store that's conveniently right next to breakfast.  I've gone there for popcorn for baby showers and other events.  Thank goodness for their loyalty program!

We then headed to Green Valley Ranch for Bingo.  We'd never done it before, it was more expensive than I expected, and we won nothing.  I'd do it again, but not on a weekly basis.  We were the youngest in the room by decades and the woman next to us was loudly praying to the Holy Spirit that her husband would win.  That got old quite quickly.

Afterwards, we headed to Target to complete our wedding registry, then headed to {Cream}, a specialty ice cream parlor where you make your own ice cream sandwiches.  Or in B's case, ice cream taco!

Alas, after enjoying fine foods and wedding gowns, it was time to take my mom back to the airport.  I talk to her almost daily and we'll see her in March when we're down for a close friend's wedding, so the goodbyes aren't that hard when I know it's seven weeks until I see her again.

When we got home, I napped on the couch while B enjoyed his team (the Broncos) defeating the Steelers.  We both play next week and if both teams win, the Super Bowl will be incredibly awkward.  We already decided if it's a Broncos-Cardinals match up, we're watching separately, for the sake of our relationship.

The rest of Sunday was devoted to grading (I set a timer), laundry, and watching a movie.  Today we have off to celebrate Dr. King and my day will be spent grading and working on work stuff.  My bridal glow is dimming, thanks in part to reality.

Naturally, I have helpers for grading essays:

So I'll be heading to Panera soon since I'm clearly not going to be productive at home.  

Bridal Updates

So...my wedding is now officially less than a year away!

Let's zoom in on some updates:

1) Our custom jerseys are here!

We're doing a football themed engagement shoot (for part of it, anyway).  Our wedding date is 11/11, so I ordered a Cardinals jersey for me and a Broncos jersey for him. They have our first names on the back.  And...I got them online on Cyber Monday, so they were 20% off.  Thanks NFL shop!

These jerseys are our Christmas gifts to one another.  However, since I was working late (parent-teacher conferences), he intercepted the box.  Not only did he open it, but he tried on his jersey and sent me selfies.  Thanks B!

2) I made table numbers:

The frames are from Joann's and I've been buying them slowly with coupons.  I made up to #12, but I may need one more set just to be sure.  We haven't decided if we're doing tables of 8 or 10. 

I've also got a plan for reusing the frames after the wedding!
 
3) I went dress shopping.

I didn't find the one.  There were some I liked, but none I absolutely loved.  My future MIL went with me, along with three of my maids and our officiant.  We had lunch first and went to two stores, so we made an afternoon of it.   I've got another appointment next Sunday with my mom, my MOH, and a bridesmaid.  I did make some decisions though:

• I will be wearing ivory, not white.  It was much softer looking on my skin.
• I will not be wearing peep toed shoes.  My feet hurt after just two hours, so that's a no no.
• I liked a sparkly tiara/headband situation.  No one should be surprised that I gravitated toward sparkly items.
• I have a general idea about the shape.  It will most likely be a strapless, sweetheart neckline on an A-line or ball gown shape.  No mermaid cut for me! 

I also decided on the color for the gals at David's Bridal.  They're wearing marine:

It's pretty close to this, except the dresses will be floor length and the flowers will be pale and medium shades of pink.    

I originally wanted pale pink dresses, but my lovely officiant (and life guru) pointed out that the maids would look naked because they all have light skin tones. 

So...navy it is!  I still get the pops of pink with flowers and darker colors tend to be more slimming.

The boys will be in gray with navy and blush ties.  My original idea of suspenders isn't an option because Mens Warehouse only has three (kind of boring) shades.  I didn't think the groomsmen would like suspenders as their gift, so we scrapped that idea. Oh well! They'll still look snazzy.

I will admit, I had to go a little...

on the saleswoman at David's Bridal.   She was insistent that my bridesmaids did not have a lot of time and needed to purchase their dresses that day.  We have almost a year, so she needed to calm down.  She also demanded that I must narrow down the fabric choices to only one option or my pictures will be forever ruined.  I reminded her that I was the bride and that I wanted my girls to be comfortable.  They can pick chiffon or mesh, whichever they'd like.  As long as they're in marine, it's floor length, and they feel gorgeous, I'm happy.   She was not pleased with my answers, but it's my day.  I won't be bullied into making any decisions so quickly.

Four of the gals found their dresses, two of them are matching.  The one shouldered look was gorgeous on both of them, so I'm totally fine if they match.  Another picked a different dress with a pretty neckline.  I'm thinking they'll have matching earrings (from me) and no one will have to worry about a necklace.  

Marlene, our officiant, is going with a pewter dress with a marine sash.  This way, she'll match both sides of the wedding.  She made the suggestion and I'm all for it!

4) We bought his wedding band. 

He picked it out (as he should) and it was a quick and easy decision.  He's more excited about his jersey (see #1) than this band, but that's okay.  He plans to have a wedding band tattooed on, since he works with his hands and outdoors.  He picked out a nice band that he'll wear on special occasions.  We took advantage of a $100 off coupon and opened a card to buy his band.  I've already paid it off and it's sitting nicely in a box in the closet...right next to my wedding band.  Mine is definitely the prettier of the two!

That's it in terms of wedding plans.  Family pictures are happening next month (our Christmas gift to his parents), engagement pictures will happen soon, and we're hoping to send out save the dates around Easter.  

 I think my only true crazy bride moment has been with the pushy sales people. I'm loving this planning period and am thankful I have other type A people who offer practical, sound advice.  Thanks girls!