What I'm Loving Wednesday

Hey y'all!   Here's what I'm loving on this last Wednesday of March :)   I'm loving...more substituting experience! Today I'm subbing in 3rd grade at my school for the afternoon. I've never been in 3rd grade so this will be exciting! I definitely think I'm partial to K-2 (love first grade) but I would love more classroom experience in 3-5. As of today, I have about 7 other sub days already planned! So far I am loving the experience - it can get a little nerve wracking, especially if I get confused about something or am in a new classroom, but overall I think this will really pay off when I am looking for a job! Note to teachers: simple, clear, concise sub plans that out in plain view ready to go = SO NICE :) I always return the favor with a friendly note about how the day went.
I'm loving...this self-tanning how-to from The Kinch Life!

A bronze body is a happy body - for me at least. This late March snow has me DYINGGGG for a summer glow. I've never been to a tanning bed and probably won't ever but I may try this Fake Bake that worked so well for Aubrey! I'll at least try it before graduation so I have a little color.
I'm loving...The Croods (previews)! I cannot see this movie soon enough! I am hoping to go to PA this weekend to see Steven and if I do, hopefully we can go see this. I absolutely love animated movies & this one looks SO cute! Anyone seen it yet?
I'm loving...books about allergies.

 This book, The Princess and the Peanut Allergy, looks too precious. These days it isn't rare at all to have children with food allergies (especially nut) in your classroom & I think this book would make them feel special! Do y'all know of any other cute food allergy books?
I'm loving...that I'm on my second Spring Break! Yes, that's right. The public schools' spring break has FINALLY rolled around which means I'm off from kindergarten & work duties until Tuesday! Yippee! This makes it possible for me to (hopefully) go to PA this weekend for Easter :)
I'm loving...these dresses I got from francesca's!

I may wear the one on the left - seersucker - for Easter -- if it's warm enough! :/ The one on the right is for a wedding I'm going to on April 13th!
I'm loving...the Carrie Underwood concert!

AH! It was AMAZING! I've only been to a handful of concerts but it was by far the best one I've been to. She sounds perfect live, puts on a great show (floating stage! confetti! giant beach balls!), has great outfit changes, sang ALL of her great songs - fit so much into just 2 hours. The last picture is her singing with Hunter Hayes who was the opening act and ALSO AMAZING. Swoon. I love him. If you ever get the chance to see her in concert - you definitely should!

I'm lovin' lots today. I think I could keep on going and going :) Instead - tell me something YOU are loving today!

Race & Movie Recap!

On Saturday I ran my first race of 2013! The Blacksburg Classic, right here in town.

 The race had two distance options - 5K and 10 mile. I chose to run the 10 mile as training race for my half-marathon. The weather was chillllyyyyy and there were flurries falling during race time. However, I had my new Target capri tights on, ready to go, and was overall happy with my performance! I wanted to finish around 1:30 and I ended up (my watch said) 1:30:41 which was about a 9:03 average mile. I'm not sure what time my chip recorded, but I'm sure it was slower than that since I started behind the technical start line. I didn't want to "race" this race, but rather take it as a training run. I think I definitely accomplished what I wanted to. Mom was there walking the 5K and was at the finish line to cheer me in! That is definitely one thing I miss about racing - the finish line is the best.
On Sunday, Mom and I went to see Safe Haven.

 Now, I am a huge Nicholas Sparks fan so I was really excited to see this movie - especially because this book was one of my FAVORITES! For me, the movie did not disappoint.  I think the actors were perfect for their roles - especially creepy Kevin - and it stuck to the book pretty well. If you haven't read the book or seen the movie, I suggest reading the book first, of course :) However, I am interested in hearing a review from someone who did NOT read the book and saw the movie first.  There is somewhat of a twist at the end that I wonder if people saw coming or not! Obviously I did since I read the book, but I'm not sure it would be clear if you hadn't. Either way, I definitely recommend this movie!
Have you seen Safe Haven yet? What did you think?
Hope y'all have a great week - and if you're lucky enough to have today off, have a great 3rd day of your weekend!

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 :)

that's what i call a storm

The other day, my boss and I were talking about how lucky we are to live where we do. We have distinct seasons - cold & snowy winters, rainy springs, hot summers and brisk falls - but nothing severe. We don't typically have to worry about hurricanes, tsunamis, tornados, earthquakes, etc. We're nestled in the mountains of Virginia and I feel very lucky. Well, I think it's safe to say we jinxed it a little bit!  What started as a nice dinner at Bouderaux's...

 ...turned into a quick-pay-and-run and get home asap!

 Hurricane-like winds, topping 80 mph, came rumbling through Virginia on Friday night.On our way home, the wind picked up like I've never seen before. There were leaves and sticks covering the road and a tree had already fallen and landed across our road!I did not like this storm one bit.  We lost power almost as soon as we got home and it was out for about 24 hours.

 I consider myself very lucky that our power is back on. There is still about 1/4 of the town or so with no power but thousands more across VA and other states still without.Steven lives outside of the town limits and they don't have town water, so they are still without power and without water. I'm really hoping for them that it's back on soon! Right now they are saying it won't be until Wednesday! There were trees down everywhere, on cars, the road, fences, etc and thankfully only a few houses. I didn't get too many pictures of those because I was usually driving! Here is one, from Roanoke Times, in downtown!
Then, last night, we got another storm! This time it was strong winds, again, plus freaky lightning. No lie, you could not count to 3 without seeing a bolt of lightning. I was freaking out!This storm produced even more damage.  Since Martinsville was without power, the game on Saturday was cancelled and Steven was able to come home, so there were some positives to my weekend! 

 Lots of swimming & movies. I think you can probably guess who chose to go to which movie! ;)

I will never take electricity, air conditioning or a gentle rain shower for granted again!
I hope everyone else in OH/VA/DC/NC, etc stayed safe in the storm!Thankful to everyone who is working to restore power!
Happy Monday, and Happy July!!

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!

Safe Haven

Y'all i am PUMPED for this film.Gotta wait until 2013, of course!I have loved each of his books & movies.My summer will be filled with finishing The Best of Me and a few earlier ones I skipped.

Happy Thursday!
--sign up for the koozie swap here :)

Baseball Weekend Recap

This past weekend I had the opportunity to go to Pennsylvania to watch Lehigh take on Binghamton. Although we left super early Saturday morning and came back super late Sunday evening, making for a very tired me, I was thrilled to see Steven. Plus I was due for some baseball watching! I hadn't seen any games sine California.

On Saturday the weather for the double-header was so-so (definitely not as nice as the spring weather we had been having all week in Virginia) but at least we brought some blankets to bundle up with!

That night Steven and I went to see The Hunger Games! We had both read the book and I'm glad we did. Overall, I was very pleased with the movie - even though the book is definitely better. It was almost 2.5 hours long but I still feel like it flew by!

I loved the look of the Capitol, everyone's costumes were amazing (although I think the actors looked a little plump for being starved in the book), and the action scenes were really neat.

I love that Stanley Tucci played Caesar...I think he was perfect! Effie's character was so cute/funny, however we argue that Peeta and Gale's actors should have been switched. Liam Hemsworth is way more buff/attractive which is what I think Peeta should be. I thought his actor was a little too wimpy.

I also think they should have ended it with more suspense! I like the last chapters of the book better than the ending of the movie.

Overall though, I loved it! I can't wait for the second and third ones.

Sunday was filled with another double-header and dinner at a diner.  I wish we could have had more "chill" time, but a quick trip is better than no trip in my opinion!

We got home super late, but I was able to sleep in the car so it wasn't a problem :)

Currently I am trying to stay awake through my classes, planning my courses for course request which is due tomorrow, already planning my room in my apartment for next year (SO obsessed and thankful for Etsy!), downloading music, making a grocery shopping list and trying to figure out when I can get in a run!

A little bit ADD this Monday!

I hope everyone has a great start to the week!

xoxo,

Top 5 Tuesday: Romantic Movies

Happy Valentine's Day!

Even though I'm not doing anything special today, I still love Valentine's Day! Maybe it's because I love red and pink...candy...hugs...doodling hearts...etc.

I'm excited to go to work, too, because any holiday is 10x better once you step into an elementary school.

Here are the valentines I chose to give to the kids!

Super Valentine!

Valentine Lollipop Lillies!

I think they turned out pretty darn cute!

Now, for Top 5 Tuesday!

Romantic Movies

*LOVE this topic! It's so hard to pick only 5*

1. The Notebook

This is probably my favorite movie. I will watch it anywhere, anytime!

The book is very good, too!

2. Titanic

Even though Jack could have totally fit on that humongous door, this is another one of my favorite movies!

I love the mixture of drama/humor/romance.

I'm REALLY excited for when it's re-released in theaters in 3D!

3. Dirty Dancing

Nobody puts Baby in the corner.

boom.

I love this movie! And parts of it were filmed at Mountain Lake right by Blacksburg!

4. A Walk to Remember

LOVE this movie. Books turned movies are my favorite, especially Nicholas Sparks'.

Grab the Kleenex, though!

5. Sweet Home Alabama

This movie will never get old! I think this is one of Reese Witherspoon's best.

Plus, I love this part..

"Why would you wanna marry me for, anyhow?"

"So I can kiss you anytime I want."

What are your favorite romantic movies?

Even though those are my Top 5, today I'll probably be watching...

LOVE to all my followers and blog friends!

xoxo,

It's Ok Thursday :)

Time for It's Ok Thursday!

It's Ok...

...to start envisioning spring outfits. It got to 60 degrees today! :) :)

...to wake up early to iron three shirts, and then not end up wearing any of them.

...to come home to find out the maintenance inspection people came and your room looks like a hurricane!

...to pretend like you didn't see Beauty and the Beast when a third-grader wants to share all the previews/highlights with you. Just play along :)

...to take a moment and freak out because the real world is just around the corner.

...to scream at your roommate under your breath because everything she does annoys you. Or just blog about it.

...to want to cry every time Pinterest pops up with that 502 error message.

...to sit and cringe for an hour at the thought of reading for homework because you really just want to be reading The Hunger Games.

...to like kid movies more than grown up movies AND be really excited about this:

Anyone else?

Happy Thursday!

xoxo,

Two Reviews & Upcoming Movies!

One of my favorite things to do is go to the movie theater! Where I live, we have one big movie theater and one local, smaller movie theater downtown called The Lyric. The Lyric shows movies a couple of weeks after they leave the big theater - and for only $5 :) Although it's a smaller theater, I love to see movies there!

This weekend I saw two movies that I want to share with you!

Extremely Loud & Incredible Close

I saw this on Saturday at the big theater with Mom. It was a really good movie! It was quite sad, but very good and worth the watch. The story is about a little boy who loses his father on 9/11. He then embarks on a journey to find something that his Dad left him - he just doesn't know what he's looking for. All he has is a key. It's a wonderful story and based off a book by Jonathon Safran Foer.

The little boy is an incredible actor especially for this being his first big movie. Also starring is Tom Hank and Sandra Bullock! Faves!

I would recommend this movie! It does have some funny parts, but I'd still bring your Kleenex ;)

The Muppets

I went to see The Muppets yesterday with Mom, my Aunt and cousins at The Lyric! At first I didn't want to go, but I'm glad I did! I don't remember ever watching the Muppets before (in fact, I didn't know many of their names...just the really popular ones like Kermit and Miss Piggy) but I figured I'd go ahead and give it a shot. I'm a movie lover - I like to see a variety of films! Overall, this movie was much better than I thought it would be! It was really funny in a way I can't explain...you just have to see it!

The cast was great, too! Jason Segel and Amy Adams are the main stars, but there are appearances by Jack Black, Neil Patrick Harris, Emily Blunt, Whoopi Goldberg, Selena Gomez, Sarah Silverman & more. Lots of cameos!

Even if you don't think you're a Muppet fan like I did, I would definitely recommend seeing this when it hits the Redbox :)

Are there any Muppet fans out there? Have you seen this movie and did you like it?

Two movies in one weekend was quite the treat :)

Now here are some upcoming movies I'm excited to see!

(the first two pictures are so similar!)

February 10

April 20

February 3

March 2

March 16

April 6

April 27

May 11

Among many, many more! (Ice Age 4...MIB 3...Snow White and the Huntsman...Finding Nemo in 3-D...)

Don't want to overload this post too much!

Are you excited to see any of those? Which will be your favorite?

I hope everyone has a wonderful Monday!

xoxo,