Teacher Talk :: About Me

I am so excited to be joining Teacher Talk with Jamie and Nicole!      Today's post is all about me -- teacher style :)   What I Teach: I am here as a future teacher. I will graduate with my Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education from Mary Baldwin College in 2015 - which seems like a long way away! Although I will be happy and lucky to teach anywhere, when I have my teaching license I would love to find a 1st grade teaching position.  I'm definitely more comfortable in K-2. I recently did a year-long internship in kindergarten and am preparing for a semester-long internship in 4th grade.  In the spring semester I have two internships I need to do and need to choose different grades! You'll have to let me know your favorite grade to help me decide :)

  Why I Teach: I've wanted to be a teacher ever since I was a little girl. I played "school" with my younger brother and would teach him everything I learned from my own teacher that day.  When I went to college, I was a little lost.  I was in a science based major and felt unmotivated and overwhelmed.  I decided to switch majors during my second semester and have been happy ever since. I want to teach because I want to "give back" in a sense to the amazing teachers I had growing up.  There are a couple in particular that were more like family to me and they made coming to school fun.  Learning was fun. I hate to see kids who dread coming to school and think it's pointless. I want to be a teacher so that I can be the change for someone.  I want to show them that learning can be fun and that having an education is one of the most important things in life. I want the challenge.  I want the constant change.  I want the surprises of each new day.  I want to grow and learn with my students, because I know they will teach me more than I will teach them.  I want to create a safe, fun and engaging environment for them. For the kid who has no support at home, I'll be their support.  For the kid who has never been told "You're smart", I will be there to tell them.  For the kid who needs a hug, I will give them one. I want to teach so that I can celebrate reading achievements with a struggling reader...so that I can share joyful moments with parents...so that I can rave to everyone about my awesome, inspiring students. It's like they say -- it's not about the income, it's about the outcome.  

Where I Live: I currently live in Blacksburg, Virginia which is a small town in Southwest Virginia. Home of Virginia Tech, where I went to school for undergrad. I graduated last May and approximately five days later started classes with Mary Baldwin.  I commute about 45 minutes to Roanoke for classes at MBC's satellite campus. When I teach, I have no idea where I will live! When it comes time to apply for jobs, in about a year and a half, I will probably be looking all over Virginia. I really love Virginia and would love to teach here, especially since I will have a VA license. However, if life takes a turn and I end up somewhere else I will be just as happy. You just never know...!   So happy you stopped by! Say hi in the comments so I can check out your blog! I would love to hear from and meet other future teachers AND current teachers!   Hope y'all have a great week!  

Five on Friday!

Happy Friday!

{one} On Monday morning I set the alarm, had my computer charging overnight, and woke up to tackle the Lilly Pulitzer Endless Summer Sale. You might be asking, "Why did you even bother to wake up early?!" and that is exactly what I'm asking myself too since I could barely see anything on the site until 1:00 pm! I, like other Lilly lovers, wish the Pink Palace would find some other way to put on the ESS that wouldn't crash the website each year but in the end, I am just thankful to have the opportunity to buy new Lilly at such awesome prices! This is what I ended up getting:

Murfee Scarf in You Gotta Regatta

Boardwalk Bikini Top in Bright Navy Swim Party Polkadot The picture is of a different top but the same print! The boardwalk top has a cute ruffle that I love! I didn't get bottoms to match because the site was being so crazy so I'm just going to mix-n-match with a solid bottom.   {two} About a week ago we had our family dinner at work to celebrate the end of summer! I pulled off a Pinterest-inspired cupcake that the kids LOVED. There was almost a fight for the last one. (#1 teacher right here...)

  {three}  Yesterday was my last full day of summer with Steven before he heads back up to school! Bittersweet for sure as he only has one more semester and is excited to be graduating and moving on to grad school. I'm just ready to have him back in Virginia! I'll take a 3 hour drive over a 6 hour drive any day :)

We went out to Beliveau Estate, which is a local winery/bed & breakfast, for a wine tasting and lunch! We were the only ones there, which isn't so weird on a Thursday afternoon, but it was nice to have the space to ourselves! We did a tasting of six wines and then chose Discovery to have with lunch.

  {four} I hope that my fellow teacher/future teacher bloggers are going to be participating in Teacher Talk with Nicole and Jamie!
Although I'm not in my own classroom quite yet, I'm excited to read and connect with other teachers - or future teachers like me. I'm going to tweak the posts a little bit to fit me, so if you're a future teacher don't be afraid to join in! :) Monday's post is "about you - where, what and why you teach"!   {five}  I finally caved and bought a chalkboard yesterday at TJMaxx! I had a gift card that was burning a hole in my pocket and have been wanting a chalkboard for some time.  I was tempted to make my own, but I found one for a good price and couldn't pass it up! I think I'm going to put it in my room. Now I'm looking for inspiration for what to write on it!

This is cute!     Have a great weekend!

Joining the Fun & Spilling about L-O-V-E!

Two posts in one day. Double the fun! My earlier post is all about summer nails & this one is about my L-O-V-E life! I want to join in on the fun with A. Liz Adventures and some other blog gals.

Junior Prom   {1} Describe your dating life prior to finding your husband/boyfriend/fiance. Nothing serious at all! Steven & I started dating our junior year of high school and before that I didn't really date. The occasional "two-week-long-let's-walk-close-in-the-hall" sort of thing but nothing official. Steven was my first real boyfriend. First date. First kiss.  

Summer before college!
{2} Describe your husband/boyfriend/fiance in one word. How would he describe you in one word? My word for Steven: kind. {I often tell him he's too nice ;)} Steven's word for me: Indecisive and sassy (ha!)

August 2012
{3} You had a really silly fight. Embarrassing silly. What was it about? Probably about where to eat! We'll start driving and I always have to choose. Sometimes we end up sitting in the middle of the road because I can't decide and we both get frustrated. (probably because we're both really hungry! I guess he's right about me being indecisive...)

Summer 2012
{4} In three sentences (and only three!), describe where you both hope to be in 5 years. I hope for us to have good jobs. I hope for us to be engaged or married. I hope for us to be happy and living life with no regrets.  

Easter 2013

  {5} Tell us something about your husband/boyfriend/fiance we wouldn't know from reading your blog.  He's one of the kindest people in the world. He can (and will) literally talk to anyone. And he can talk about anything. He's always talking! He can't stand to see someone in public and just give a quick "hey!", it's always a stop and chat moment. He's extremely smart and knows so much about so many things. He always knows what's going on in the world and knows so much history. He's a huge sports guy and knows so many sports statistics...it amazes me! I try and test him and ask about football players and he can tell me their position and their team. Same with baseball. At the drop of a hat he would do anything for anyone, even if it were at his cost.  I could go on and on...!

May 2013
{6} What's one thing you never thought you'd do in front of your husband/boyfriend/fiance, but you did? Looking back, at the beginning of our relationship I would have never been my goofy self in front of him...and I can get very goofy! But now, he's seen the worst of it. Burps, creepy laughs, sweet dance moves, hillbilly impressions, unattractive selfies...and he still loves me.

May 2013

Going on six years now. I'd say I'm a pretty lucky girl! ;)

Cross Your T's, Dot Your I's // Thankful

Happy Wednesday, everyone!

I found this fun link up on Faison's blog and wanted to join in! I'm a couple days late linking up, but better late than never!

Joelle at Something Charming is hosting -- love her blog!

I love handwriting! Whether I'm taking notes, writing a list or composing a letter, I like to take my time and make my writing neat and legible! Messy handwriting just makes me anxious.

It's so interesting to see how different people write -- uppercase v. lowercase letters, different forms of 'a', small/large letters, cursive or non, etc. It's one of those things I find myself identifying people by -- it's so unique!

Be sure to link up to show off your style!

My handwriting, today:

It's not perfect, but that's what it is! I'm trying to improve my handwriting before I become a teacher. Being in kindergarten is helping with that since we practice handwriting & the proper ways to write our letters and numbers!

Today, I am thankful for the opportunity to go to one of the greatest universities in the country.  Each day I feel blessed that I was able to go to college following my graduation from high school and I am looking forward to May when I will receive my degree! I'm thankful for all of the professors, faculty and staff members, teaching assistants, bus drivers, volunteers, and the entire student body for making Virginia Tech the special place that it is today.

Hope y'all have a wonderful day!

Friday's Fancies: Gingham Gorg!

Gingham has really grown on me. At first I didn't like it, but now I want one of everything gingham!   This week's Friday's Fancies with {long distance loving} has me going gaga for gingham!   Here is my girly gingham outfit of choice:

  I love the gingham choices that J. Crew has! (And their chinos that go with everything.) This pink button down is too cute!  The mini mongram and flower pearl studs from Baublebar and Fossil wrap watch and clutch are the perfect accessories - making a statement, but in a neutral way. Of course, Jack Rogers Hamptons Navajo sandals complete any summer outfit! Incorporate some gingham into your outfit today!
--------------------------------------   I've been so busy the last couple of days moving into my new apartment! It is going to take some getting used to...very different than my townhouse from the past two years! I'll be posting pictures at some point :) Until then...send some "small closet organization" magic my way!   Have a wonderful weekend!

Sunday Social

Happy Sunday! I hope everyone has had a wonderful weekend so far.Mine has been full of changed plans, surprises and...a new addition to our family!If you follow me on instagram, you have already seen her, but if not be sure to see my post tomorrow!
This week, I'm back with linking up for Sunday Social!

1. What is your dream job?My dream job is to come up with polish names for Essie....kidding (kind of.)My real dream job is to work with animals! Whether it be an aquarium or a zoo...I love animals and I just think it would be so much fun to play with them and feed them all day! For example, I want to be the girl who does dolphin shows...it would be so much fun!However, the dream job I am pursuing is teaching :) My dream teaching job would be teaching K, 1 or 2.
2. If you had just won the lottery and didn't need to work for money, what would you do with your time?Spend time with friends, family, perfect my cooking, read!, be a lot more organized, travel and (let's be honest) go to Target a lot.
3. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?I wanted to be a teacher. I used to play 'school' with my younger brother all the time. Of course I was the teacher and he was my one and only student - he would go by the alias "Jake"...and what do you know, it came full circle and now that's what I'm studying!
4. What piece of career advice would you give to someone just starting out in your field?For those going to college for teaching, I would recommend finding a school that has a 5 year program! I would also recommend getting experience in different classrooms - different schools, different grades, different teachers. It could surprise you!
5. What are your biggest pet peeves in life, blogging, or at work?Life: Annoying attention seekers and bad drivers.Blogging: Asking me to follow your blog in a comment.At work: Laziness!
6. What are your biggest fears?Not knowing what direction my life is going to go, lightning and heights.

Hope y'all have a wonderful day!

Blogger 411!

I've seen this post on so many blogs today! I am just loving reading everyone's answers, so I figured I'd share mine! :)

It's being hosted by From Mrs. to Mama! Y'all should link up sometime this week!

1. How long have you been blogging? And what got you started on blogging? Has your blog changed?I've been blogging since May of 2011, I believe! My roommate and I made blogs just for fun. I had no idea I'd still be blogging today. At first my blog was kind of boring...it's definitely changed more into who I am and what I like! I don't always blog about my life - I'll throw in posts about things/outfits/stores/trends that I like!
2. Did you go to college? If so where, and what did you study?I am proud to say that I attend Virginia Tech! I'm a SENIOR! I'm studying Human Development/Elementary Education. Prepping for grad school next year...

trekking to my 8 am last semester

 I love my school SO much!
3. Where have you traveled?I've never been outside of the country, but the most memorable trips within the USA for me have been to New Mexico (to Philmont for a 2 week backpacking trip), New York City, Chicago, West Palm Beach, HHI, Charleston, etc.

New Mexico

4. If you won the lottery, what would be the first thing you would buy?A new car! I love my car, but I would love one with better gas mileage. I would then buy a vacation.
 5. What are your 3 biggest pet peeves?1. Smoking. Absolutely disgusting.2. Chewing with an open mouth.3. Wild children in restaurants...jumping in booths, screaming, walking around eating food...it's so annoying! Once a girl literally came up and stood over my shoulder chewing in my ear. Her parents didn't even look/care!!
6. What is your favorite movie?The Notebook or The Sandlot. Or Dumb and Dumber.I like to fall in love, and laugh.
7. What is your drink of choice; wine, beer, or liquor. Or Water, Soda, Tea?I like beer out of the first three and Water or Sweet Tea out of the second! However, my favorite soda is Coca Cola classic with Dr. Pepper coming in at a close, close second. (And no, Mr. Pibb will never do...)
8. What is something you enjoy to do when you have me time?Go shopping :) I love to shop by myself. I also like watching shows online and going on runs!
9. If you could have a $10,000 shopping spree to one store, which store would it be?Target! Lots of people are saying this, but it's perfect! They have everything!
10. Share with us an embarrassing moment of your past? Or present.I can't think of a really embarrassing one, but the one that comes to mind is going ALL day with the price tag hanging out the back of my dress. I walked across campus and to my classes with it hanging out until finally a nice girl in Comm told me and I ripped it out!I have a bad habit of trying things on before I take off the tag (in case i don't like it) and then deciding I'll wear it for the day! :/
11. What day would you love to relive again?My day at Disney with Steven :) 

12. If your life was turned into a movie... what actor would play you?I have no clue! Perhaps Jennifer Garner? She is a good balance of sweet/fun/sass/bad ass...which is what I hope for my life, haha
13. What are the jobs you had in high school/college/the early years?I worked at "Party Central" which is a small party supplies store. I am a master balloon bouquet maker. I also worked at a daycare which I LOVED for about a year until it closed. I also worked at the VT bookstore for a couple of months! Then it was to my current job :) 
14. Show us a picture from high school or college.

Some of my XC girls in high school!

15. If you could travel anywhere in the world, all expenses paid, where would you go?Either a tropical island, Ireland or Italy!
16. Show us the most current picture of you or you, or your family, or anything of meaning to you. 

 A recent picture of Sadie. I think she approves of our new rug from IKEA!
17. Where do you see your life 5 years from now?Graduated, teaching, living in my own house, puppy (or two) and hopefully planning a wedding or married!  That was fun! Hope y'all learned a bit about me :)

Koozie Swap Link Up & Sunday Social

Hey y'all! I know it seems like we talked about the Koozie Swap so long ago, but it's time to link up! If you have received your koozie, you can blog about it and link up here!

If you haven't received it yet, that's okay! Just link up throughout July whenever you get it :)
I had SUCH a wonderful time at the baseball games this weekend and in Charlotte! I will recap tomorrow and show you all of my fun, new things! For now, I will do a quick Sunday Social! 

 Topic: TV
1. What is your favorite TV show of the past?I love any 90's Nickelodeon show and Fresh Prince of Bel-Air!

 2. What is your current favorite TV show?I still love Grey's Anatomy, but I also love Friday Night Lights (finishing on Netflix) and Modern Family!

 3. Which reality show would you NEVER do?I would never do anything like Real World...I would get way too angry with those crazy people! I'm sure I'd get kicked off or I'd run away!

 4. Which reality show would you LOVE to do?Does Wipeout count? I don't know if that's reality, but I would love to go on that show. Basically just run until you get knocked off! I wonder if it's as difficult as they make it seem on TV. Plus John & John are too funny!

5. What is the TV personality/character that you feel is most like you?I have noooo idea! This is a tough question - I'll have to come back to it if I can think of something. 6. Which TV character would you want to date?Matt Saracen. Except not when he up and left for Chicago. The Matt Saracen before that! He's such a cutie and is so sweet.     

Happy Sunday!

sunday social // sunday verse

Happy Sunday!Tomorrow I'll update y'all on my weekend - a lot of fun! - but today I am going to link up for Sunday Social again! I thought these music questions were fun! 

1. What is your all-time favorite song?This is SO tough! I have so many favorite songs for different reasons, i.e. meaning, the tune, memory that goes with it, etc. One of my favorites is Crash Into Me by Dave Matthews Band. 2. Who is your favorite singer/band?Right now my favorites are Miranda Lambert, Jason Aldean and Mumford & Sons.(I love allll sorts of music...favorites are country & alternative!) 3. What is your theme song/song that best describes your life?Again, I can think of so many, but right now my theme song is Here For a Good Time by George Strait! 4. What songs put you in a good mood?Any country music, any 90's music!  5. What is your favorite roadtrip music?Any country music, Shania Twain's #1 hits, whatever the current "pop" songs are that I can jam/sing along to and Baby Got Back. 6. What song are you embarrassed to admit you love?I would have saved Baby Got Back for this question, but let's be honest...I am not embarrassed that I know every word to that. However, I'm embarrassed to admit that every time Give Your Heart a Break by Demi Lovato comes on Pandora, I jam outttttttt. Don't judge.  
Lastly, a Sunday Verse.I love this one.

1 Peter 3:3-4

Off to the lake today!

Sunday Social + New Blog Design!

First off - what do y'all think of my new blog design!? I have been going back and forth for so long on what design I wanted. Let me know what you think! :) It's from Designer Blogs! Today I'm switching things up and linking up with Ashley and Neely for Sunday Social!

Here are this week's questions!
1. Favorite movie of all time?This is a tough one! I lovvvvve movies. I have a lot of favorite movies, all for different reasons.It's probably a tie between:

could watch this over and over

i know every line

favorite love story

 2. Favorite movie quote?Again, we have a tie!"But for now, let me say — without hope or agenda, just because it’s Christmas and at Christmas you tell the truth — to me, you are perfect." - Love Actually"I'll see you soon then." - Dear John"Ohana means family, and family means no one gets left behind." - Lilo & Stitch
3. Best movie to watch for a girls night in?Legally Blonde :)  4. Best breakup movie?Thankfully never needed one, but I think a Disney movie marathon would fix any troubles :)  5. Favorite celeb eye candy?Okay, another tie!

Yes they are both married & one has four kids, but whatever.LOVE.
6. Which movie star's closet would you want to raid?I agree with Ashley on this one! Reese Witherspoon!

Hope everyone had a great weekend!