Summer reading list

Now that I actually have time to read something other than textbooks, I've made myself a summer reading list and fully intend to get through all of these books before summer is over.

Before I show you all of the books I'm excited to dig into, I have to tell you about the book I am currently reading- It's called "Two Kisses for Maddy" by Matthew Logelin. This is one of  the best books I've read in a really long time; I can't put it down. I was reading "Water For Elephants" and then picked up "Two Kisses for Maddy" and it was a done deal. In this memoir, Matt shares his story of experiencing the most exciting time of his life-the birth of his first child and then the most horrific- the death of his wife; all of which occurred within a 27 hour period. This book is heartbreaking, moving, honest, full of emotion, hope and even some humor. More than anything, though, this book is truly inspirational with it's overall message of being grateful for what you have. This is a MUST-READ!

Here are the books on my reading list:

I can't wait to get through these! Happy reading!

What I'm loving Wednesday

I'm loving the new top I got today at Drama in Uptown! I can't wait to wear it. This store is going to be bad news for my wallet...

I am loving Celebutante by Tarte. It's an organic dry oil shimmer spray that makes your skin glow and sparkle like nobody's business! It also smells like coconut so it's perfect for summer. This is what Carrie Underwood uses on her ridiculously toned legs to make them shine...

I am loving Essie Fiji. It's such a soft and pretty color!

 

Speaking of soft and pretty- I love, love, love MAC's Lipglass in Underage. This is my favorite lipgloss ever!

I am really loving EOS lip balm. It's also organic and not only is it super cute, it makes your lips super-duper smooth! I have the Summer Fruit and it smells delicious! Love.It.

I am loving that it's a beautiful summer day! And despite the fact that I've killed every plant I've ever owned, my dahlia's bloomed and are gorgeous! It's a miracle.

And, because it's just that kind of day, I am loving Peanut Butter M&M's. They never disappoint...

Monday, Monday

 Happy Monday! I started the week out with a 2 hour massage this morning. At first, I was a little afraid that this would be too long or that I would fall asleep on the table. I was wrong, and it was heavenly! Every morning should start out like this. Ahh...

The weekend was pretty uneventful, and I wrapped it up last night with the Real Housewives of New Jersey, which was a fabulous hour and 15 minutes, might I add! Those women never cease to amaze me- did you love all of the guns, pink zebra print and TMI last night? I hate that I watch it (along with Real Housewives of New York, Real Housewives of Orange County and Real Housewives of Beverly Hills) but I am addicted with a capital "A".  And can we talk about Teresa's Pocahontas/Eskimo coat? Where on earth would you find such a thing?

 

Anyways, I started this blog back in January and then got too busy with work and school to keep up with it. I started back up this summer as a creative outlet and because it's been something that I've wanted to do for a while. This is a tad late, but here is a little bit about me...

1. I was born and raised in the beautiful state of Minnesota. The winters really are as bad as you would imagine, but the summer and fall make it worth living here. I forget all about the horrendous season that is winter once summer rolls around.
2. I went to college at the University of Wisconsin-Superior.The city of Superior may be referred to as "The armpit of the country" (no, seriously!) but I think it's glorious. There was a Super Wal-mart (Eww, I know), an Erbert and Gerbert's and Tower Ave- an entire street lined with townie bars. What more do you need in college? My dreams of living in a small town came true when I moved there and it was the most fun I've ever had- I really miss those days...
3. I'm currently in grad school getting my teaching license and Master of Arts in Teaching. Best. Decision. EVER. I had a great job at a fortune 500 company right out of college, and would have gone on to make more money than I ever will as a teacher. The only thing was that I was completely miserable. No amount of money is worth being unhappy for- it took me a long time to realize this.
4. I love to dance! I took lessons for15 years and miss it like crazy!
5. I am a pop culture junkie. I devour celebrity news/magazines/websites like they're candy-I can't get enough.
6. I have been with my boyfriend for almost 4 years now, and boy do people love to make us uncomfortable with the, "So when is the wedding?" question. It gets a little old having people ask to see your left hand before they even say hello. No, we're not engaged yet, but it will happen. I promise. And thankyouverymuch for pointing out that it's "Been 4 years!"- I am well aware.
7. I spend what little money I have on clothes and accessories. I own more scarves and handbags than anyone should...
8. I love to do crafts and crafty things! I'm no Martha Stewart, but I can use a staple gun and mod podge with the best of them!
9. I am also a cosmetics junkie and currently have three make-up bags on my bathroom counter that are FULL of products. I am basically keeping MAC in business. How nice.
10. I am new to the blog world and don't know quite what I'm doing yet, so please forgive me!

What I'm Loving Wednesday

What I'm loving is a little store in South Minneapolis called The Cottage House. This is truly one of the best finds for me in the city! The Cottage House is a charming two story home turned boutique that offers redesigned shabby chic furniture, along with many other unique pieces to decorate your home with. It is an occasional market, so it is only open one weekend a month. One of the coolest things about The Cottage House is that they feature a new theme each month, meaning that they completely redecorate and repaint the store to offer a new exciting experience each time you visit! Their prices are unbelievably reasonable which makes this place a true gem! Here are the items I have purchased thus far:

Cute shabby chic little nightstand:

Cute little reupholstered chair:

The cutest red cabinet ever:

Aren't they cute??? The place is packed with items just like these. If you live in the Minneapolis area or are visiting, you MUST check this place out! I promise-you'll love it as much as I do.

I heart Kate Middleton

...and kind of want to be her. When I was in 7th grade, I had the hugest obsession with crush on Prince William; I was convinced that all I had to do was get to London, and fate would lead me to the man I was destined to marry and I would live out my fairytail life.  Ok, so maybe I was a bit delusional. As it turns out, Wills and I were not meant to be, but I absolutely adore his new wife!

Her fashion sense is amazing

She wears and pulls off fantastic hats

Her hair is fabulous

She and Pippa are the cutest sisters ever

 But more than anything I love that she seems so down to earth! I love that she's modernizing the royal family by rejecting live-in staff. As if I didn't  have enough reasons to love her, I just read that she doesn't take freebies from designers like most celebrities do. My mom, sisters and I had a Royal Wedding party at a hotel in which we decorated the room with wedding decor, made food, slept for like 2.5 hours and then woke up at 4:00 to watch the wedding. My mom surprised us with tiaras and scepters to wear for the occasion. Crazy? Maybe. But it was a lot of fun, and in my opinion, there aren't enough reasons in life to celebrate- so why not? Here is my best "It should have been me" pose...

A girl can dream.

~A

"L" stands for Lazy

So, among the many pleasures of working in education is having summers off! Sure, I'm getting my teaching license because I love Social Studies and want to shape and inspire young minds, I want to feel like I am doing something to make this world a better place, etc... But I'd be lying if I said that one of the biggest draws to the profession isn't summer vacation- it is pure bliss and not to mention well deserved! I feel like I have to play the "I need to find a part time job" card when people what I'll be doing for work this summer when I really have no intention to. The truth is I DO NOT feel bad in the slightest! Is that bad??? I have worked full time while being in grad school full time for over a year now- I feel like I deserve a little R&R and dang it, I'm going to take it! I have been enjoying sleeping in until 9:00, watching all of the lovely morning talk shows while drinking obscene amounts of coffee, spending ridiculous amounts of time on my computer, workin' on my fitness, reading and doing a whole lot of nothing and not feeling guilty about any of it. I do miss my students a lot, however! The students gave all of the teachers appreciation books at the end of the year in which they signed and wrote precious little messages. I nearly cried when I read mine; never did I think I'd be so lucky to have a job that I would love so much. It really is a blessing and if there was ever any doubt in my mind that I'm doing the right thing with my life, that wiped it all away. Here are a few that made my eyes well up and my heart smile...

~A