XOXO!

Hello lovebugs!

Today is Valentine's Day & yet another snow day here in Virginia!  Since we won't be in school and we are already off on Monday for President's Day, I won't get to hand out my valentines until Tuesday! Better late than never, I guess?
Here is what I made for the kiddos:

  Inspired by Pinterest, of course! I made the little label on my computer with a border I got on TPT & the image of the gumball machine is just from Google :)

I hope y'all have a fun, sunny & love-filled day!  

Valentine's Day & Grad School

I hope y'all have a wonderful Valentine's Day! It's important to realize this holiday isn't just about being lovey dovey with a significant other. To me, it's about celebrating anything in your life that you love or that represents love in your life. Yes, that very well could be a significant other. I sure do love mine -- even if we aren't able to spend this day together.
But for me, love is a lot of other things. Love is: -pink & red m&ms -puppy snuggles -finding time to call your family -snagging the last of your size in a beautiful shirt -hugs from five-year-olds -finishing a good book -remembering birthdays -father-daughter dances -the smell of rain -reading to a child -cuddly kittens -sending snail mail -a homemade gift -a wordless hug -singing at the top of your lungs in the car -a strand of pearls -a vanilla scented candle -taking a walk together -telling someone they are appreciated -adopting a rescue animal -a random act of kindness

  What does love mean to you?
 I certainly wish I could spend today with my valentine, but instead I'm going to celebrate in kindergarten! I am very excited :)
I'm alsooooo excited because I finally heard back about graduate school! I was accepted to Mary Baldwin College in Virginia into their Graduate Teacher Education program!! I am thrilled to have this opportunity. I'll start the program this summer and be done in 2 year - with my masters degree & teaching license! AH!
It's definitely been a good week on my end!
Have a sweet, loving day! Happy Valentine's Day from me to you!

My Valentines & Other Fun Ideas

This past weekend I spent some time putting together my valentines to hand out to the kids at my school! I made 20 for my precious kindergarteners & about 50 for the kids who come to E2 which is the program I work with! I got my inspiration from Pinterest (didn't see that one coming, did ya) but made the labels myself just using Microsoft Word - print, fold, staple.  

They say, "Will you o"fish"ally be my Valentine?" with Sweedish Fish & "I'm "bursting" with happiness that you're my friend!" with Starburst (Fave Reds, of course)
I got the bags from Target in the gift wrap aisle -- all in all it was easy to do & I think they turned out cute! Although I'm sure the kids will blow by the labels & gobble up the candy ;)

Here are some other cute ideas via Pinterest:

It's times like these I just adore working in an elementary school :)
Happy Tuesday, y'all!

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,

Friday's Fancies: Red & Pink & What I Wore!

Linking up with {av] of long distance loving for Friday's Fancies!

The theme, in honor of Valentine's Day, is red & pink!

I'm definitely feeling the love with this red & pink combo :)

I approve of wearing it year round -- but especially this Tuesday.

Dress: Nordstrom

Jewelry: Kate Spade

Shoes: Steve Madden

Polish: OPI Feelin' Hot, Hot, Hot (one of my favorites)

and OPI Gettin' Miss Piggy With It (from the Muppets collection)

Anyone else feeling the love?

Here are a couple of outfits from the week!

Monday:

Tunic: Target
Jeggings: Kohl's
Flats: Old Navy

Tuesday:

Dress: Target
Tights: LOFT
Jean Jacket: Old Navy
Boots: Rack Room

Wednesday:

Shirt: LOFT
Cardigan: Target
Jeggings: Kohl's
Scarf: Kohl's
Boots: Rack Room

Thursday:

Shirt: Target
Cardigan: Old Navy
Jeans: American Eagle
Boots: Target

Friday:
(no mirror = no picture...too awkward without one)
I have on jeggings, a white 3/4 sleeve white shirt from Old Navy, a pink scarf from Target and an open sleeveless sweater from Old Navy!

Not a very exciting week...it got chilly & I really just want to wear leggings, a pullover and a scarf every day!
Is that allowed?

Hope y'all have a wonderful weekend!

xoxo,

Valentine's Challenge: Day 9

Today's topic is Love My Family :)

Here we are:

Brothers, summer 2011

Dad, Jan 2011

Mom, Dec 2011

Sadie, Dec 2011

 I have a wonderful family! I would include my extended family but then we'd have a serious case of photo overload. I could have always done some oldies but goodies...then we're talking about a novel-length post. I'll save that for later!

I'm on my way to Pennsylvania today to see Steven!

Yippeeeee! Hopefully I won't freeze!

And hopefully I won't be too tempted by the no tax on clothing...fingers crossed.

Hope y'all have a wonderful day!

xoxo,

What's Your Love Story?

Today's Day 8 topic for the Fabulous Valentine's Challenge is Love Myself.

I've decided to combine this with another link up, Our Love Story, with From Mrs. to Mama.

One of my favorite things about myself is my relationship with Steven, so I'll share that by answering these link up questions!

I hope some of you decide to join in, too! Don't worry - there are questions for the single ladies, too!

1. How long have you and your significant other been together?

4 years! We started dating in high school. Seems like forever ago.

2. How did you meet? [What's your "love" story?]

We technically first met in the 8th grade after Steven moved with his family to Virginia from Austin, TX where he grew up. We were on the same "team" (same set of four teachers) that year.  We started to "like each other" in high school and he asked me out on my birthday junior year. I (stupidly) said no - mostly because I was so nervous & not expecting it at all! I regretted it so much and we had a bit of a rough patch, but I made up for it by saying yes when he asked me to junior prom (he used an Up Words game...it was adorable). The rest is history :)

3. If married, how long have you been married? If not, is this the guy you hope to marry? [Do tell]

No, I am not married and yes, he is. I'm not sure I'd date the same guy for this long for nothing...

4. If you are married, where did you get married? Big or small wedding? If not, where would you like to get married? And will it be big or small?

I'm not, but when I do, I would like to get married in my church in my hometown.  It will probably be small-medium! You gotta keep your expenses in check!

5. Do you have any nicknames that you call one another?

Not really. The only ones that come to mind are I occasionally call him SB or Stebee Joe and he in turn calls me Sarah Lou.

6. Name 3 things you love most about your honey.

First of all, I don't like "honey"...maybe if I was 60 years old. Anyway, the top 3 things I love most are

1) People skills. He can hold a conversation with anyone...he'd probably talk to a tree if it would talk back!

2) His athleticism. There is nothing I love more than watching him pitch! I'm very proud of him.

3) He would do anything for anyone, no matter what. At the drop of a hat he is always willing to help out in any way he can and likes to make sure others are happy.

7. Tell us how he proposed? Or your ideal proposal?

He has not, but I have no idea what my ideal proposal would be! I've haven't really thought a whole lot about it, to be honest. I guess my "ideal" proposal would be a complete surprise. I love surprises!

8. Is he a flowers and teddy bear kind of guy for V-day or strawberries, champagne and rose petals?

Flowers and teddy bear. In fact, he actually got me a teddy bear our freshman year of college. I still have him on my bed!

9. Are you a sunset dinner on the beach kind of girl or pop a movie in and relax on the couch?

I might be the first if we lived at the beach, but I am definitely the movie on the couch kind of girl! I would much rather do that (for the most part) than go out to something fancy. However, to be honest, I usually end up falling asleep if we start a movie after 7 pm! Correction: I always fall asleep.

10. Tell us one thing you'd like to do with your significant other one day, if you could do anything? Go anywhere?

If I could go anywhere with Steven, I would choose a cruise! He's not so much into laying on the beach like I like to do, so I think a cruise would be a good mix because there would be lots of other things to do!

11. Tell us what you plan on doing this Valentine's Day.

I'm going to visit Steven this weekend (on Thursday) so we'll celebrate Valentine's Day a little early! We plan on going to the movies - either The Vow or Star Wars in 3D - going out to dinner and on Saturday we're going to a Philadelphia Flyers game!

12. Are you asking for anything for Valentine's Day?

To be in the same town as Steven. That is all.

13. Give us one piece of advice of keeping a relationship strong and full of love.

Stay silly. Life is too short to be serious all the time and fight over ridiculous things.

Be silly, be open with communication and never go to bed mad!

14. Show us a picture of what love means to you.

Okay, so as usual I can't pick just one! So here are my top 3:

high school

senior prom

an Edible Arrangement he sent me last year for my birthday :)

What's your love story?


Be sure to check out Crystal's blog and enter her Erin Condren giveaway!!

Lastly, I added a mini blog sale. Nothing too special and therefore nothing too expensive.
I'm just trying to clear out some things that aren't getting much use in my closet.
In the end, they're headed to Plato's Closet so I figured I'd throw it out there.

Happy Wednesday!

xoxo,

Valentine's Challenge: Day 7 & Top 5 Tuesday!

Today's topic is: Love Blogging! And why!

I really do love blogging. I started this little 'ol blog back in May almost completely as a joke. My roommates and I were bumming around and we decided to all start one.

No way did I ever think I would still be blogging today!

I think I've kept it up because it has become so routine...plus I like to meet new people & find new inspirations!

I get so anxious when I think I'm going to miss a daily post...I get so excited to get new comments...I get even more excited to gain new followers...I very much look forward to reading my favorite blogs and catch up with how everyone is doing...I am always eager to find new fashion ideas, recipes or crafts...

I am thankful to have something that is 100% me. No one else is writing this for me. Yes, I get ideas (from fun link ups!) but what you see here is me! I am glad to have something that I will be able to look back on in a couple of years when I think to myself, "Hmmm...what was I like as a junior in college?"

Lastly, I am thankful for all of my blog friends! I talk about blog friends to my IRL friends (and family) as if you were all my neighbors. Some people think I'm crazy, but I think they're just jealous.

Y'all seriously know how to make my day with your sweet comments and with your own posts.

This blog would be nothing without you.

Now, speaking of great ideas and inspiration, it's time for Top 5 Tuesday with my blog friend, Rachel!

Top 5 Most Worn Items

1. Norts - the most comfortable things ever! My favorite pair is my Hokie colored pair :)
2. Leggings - For the past couple of months I have lived in these. I wear them to bed, to school, under my jeans, under dresses, etc. So comfy.
3. Brown boots - I love these boots! I got mine at Rack Room and they look just like the real ones. In fact, when I got them, I didn't know they were look-a-likes. I just thought the were cute! They're really worn in now.
4. Pearl studs - Classic, go-to earrings for the day. The only problem is I can't find anything to compliment them to put in my second hole.
5. Rainbow flip-flops - During the summer, I live in these! They're so comfy and I can even wear them to work. I had to get a new pair last year because the ones before were SO worn in. I like that they form to your feet, but these were getting thin!

Hope everyone is having a great day! I'm anxious to get some things done after work so I can go enjoy my weekend with Steven! Not leaving until Thursday but still so excited.

I'm staying at home this week to help out my Mom and loving it. I've been able to catch up on shows via the DVR which I miss! Plus I get extra puppy time with Sadie. Always a plus.

Happy Tuesday!
xoxo,

Valentine's Challenge: Day 6 (A favorite!)

First of all, what did you think of the Superbowl? I was pretty happy that the Giants won. They seemed to deserve it...?

For the record, when I'm with my Dad I'm a Steelers fan, when I'm with Steven I'm an Eagles fan and when I'm with my Mom I'm a Redskins fan :)

I aim to please everyone!

Today is the start of the second week of the Fabulous Valentine's Challenge with Neely, Amber and Casey!

Today's topic is: Love to be Creative! (Recipes, Crafts, Gifts, etc)

Of course I'm headed to Pinterest to help with me today's topic.

Here are my top 3ish favorites!

Paper Rose Wreath

Tutorial

I think this is adorable! It seems time consuming, but worth it. I love the big ribbon!

Valentine Chocolate Covered Pretzels

Tutorial

Chocolate covered pretzels are one of my favorite things. So yummy! These are so easy to make and so cute to look at! You could easily use these for different holidays just by changing the colors of the sprinkles :)

Valentines for Kids

Remember back in elementary school when Valentine's Day was even more awesome than it is today? You had class parties & got to go to the store and pick out valentines to hand out to your classmates?

Well, that is one of the perks of working with kids! For 3 hours next Tuesday I'll get to share in the excitement with the kids at GLE. I'm pumped.

Here are some adorable valentines I'm thinking would be great to bring to them!

Super Valentine

Printable Here

Tootsie Roll Pop Flower

Printable Here

Goldfish Pack

Supplies and Printable Here

M&M Baggies with Shovel

Instructions & Printable Here

I'll let you know which I decide to make later on!

Planing on making any Valentine's Day treats or crafts?

I'd love to see what you create or you can join in on the link up to share!

Happy Monday!

xoxo,

Valentine's Challenge: Day 5

Are y'all loving this link up? I think it's so much fun! I love Valentine's Day - the colors, the love, the sweets, everything. I'm enjoying sharing what I "love" through these posts! You should link up with Neely one day during these two weeks! FYI, there aren't posts on the weekends!

Today's topic is: Love My Girlfriends

*I'm a terrible picture taker these days! I don't have really any from this year...so I'll share my oldies but goodies :) Some towards the end are newer!

Me and "the other" Sarah - senior year of H.S.

Sarah Squared - Senior year

My 18th SURPRISE Birthday party!! Whitney, Jessi, Marissa, Amy, Sarah, Whitney. The best birthday ever!

My favorite girls!!! Whitney & Jessi!

Me and Jessi freshman year surprising Whitney for her birthday!

My suitemates freshman year! Sam, Katie, Maggie, Astleigh, Lauryn - BTW, this was Halloween...not how they are normally dressed.

Me and Katie at the 4/16 run freshman year

Me and Brittany at Relay last year! I love this girl so much!

High school reunion at our Christmas Party in 2010. Marissa, Amy, Sarah and Ella

Me and Katie at a Hokie game last year! Love you KJ!

Sorry for the cropped pic - long story! My girls! Sophomore year roomies :) Sarah and Brittany

Roomies at Zac Brown Band concert in Roanoke last May!

Sarah Squared & American flag....and some porta-potties (awkward)

Me and Brittany at Elderberry's! Our favorite!

Me, Sarah and Brittany at a Hokie game this past Fall! Wearing 2013 shades!

Sorry for the photo overload! It's hard to pick a few...

I'm so thankful for all of my friends - the new, the old, the ones I haven't met yet - and my blog friends! There are girls in my life that have been there through thick and thin and I wouldn't trade 'em for the world!

Even though I don't have a trillion friends, I'd rather have a handful that I know I'll have for life :)

I'm incredibly blessed!

Go check out Laura's first giveaway on her blog, Life of Lu! Here's a hint to what's in it...CUPCAKES. :) I love this blog!

Happy Friday!

xoxo,