Kid President // A Pep Talk for Teachers

We watched this video at the faculty meeting this morning.
Whether you're a teacher or a student or once were a teacher or a student, you will appreciate this. You will also probably laugh out loud like me!

Anyone else want that kid in their class?
Let's be more awesome.

Sunday Social: 5's!

Switching things up this Sunday to share a bit more about myself with Sunday Social! Thanks to Ashley & Neely for hosting this linkup every week.    
1. 5 songs you'll listen to the rest of your life 1. Spice Up Your Life - Spice Girls 2. Wagon Wheel - Old Crow Medicine Show 3. Baby Got Back - Sir Mix-A-Lot 4. Crash Into Me - Dave Matthews Band 5. Bless The Broken Road - Rascal Flatts

2. 5 things on your bucket list 1. Travel to another country 2. Run a full marathon 3. Visit something/somewhere significant in every U.S. state 4. Have my picture taken with a celebrity 5. Take a ballpark tour

3. 5 celebs you'd like to hang out with for the day 1. Miranda Lambert 2. Reese Witherspoon 3. Jimmy Fallon 4. Paula Deen 5. Sandra Bullock

4. 5 things you always carry in your purse 1. Wallet 2. Planner 3. Pens 4. Hand Sanitizer 5. Snack bar

5. 5 books on your reading list 1. The Best of Me - Nicholas Sparks 2. Divergent - Veronica Roth 3. Firefly Lane - Kristin Hannah 4. First Year Teacher: Wit and Wisdom from Teachers Who've Been There - Randy Howe 5. The Light Between Oceans - M.L. Steadman

6. Last 5 photos on your phone

Lazy!

Birthday cookie with pb icing!

Yummmmmmmm!

How cute are there vanilla bean cupcakes!?

Received my Erin Condren notepads in the mail!

Happy Sunday!

Tuesday Tunes: Mumford

If you haven't checked out Mumford & Sons' new CD...you're missing out.   I've been a fan since their first CD and was highly anticipating the release of Babel. It's so good and definitely lived up to my expectations. I recommend the deluxe edition with 3 bonus songs.
I Will Wait

Also check out "Lover of the Light" -- a favorite.

Have a wonderful Tuesday!

Five Songs I Can't Get Enough Of & Monogram Wallpapers

For your listening pleasure on this Wednesday...

Obsessed with him. Obsessed with the meaning of this song. I think I will always love his music.

My current summer jam. Everything about this song/video makes me want to spend ALL of my time at the lake.

My "it" girl band. LOVE THEM.

This song has me parading around the room. Literally.

My workout/running jam right now! I love songs like this for when I run - they need to be fast and upbeat or else I feel like I slow down to keep up with a beat.

Also, thanks to Andrea's tutorial here, I made these monogrammed Lilly wallpapers! Check out her post for a super easy way to do it! Thanks, girl!

Hope y'all have a wonderful Wednesday!

Girl Crush on Carrie Underwood

Am I alone on this?Not only is she the most successful American Idol winner (at least in my opinion), but she has awesome legs, awesome hair, an awesome voice, and an awesome hockey player husband.Every time she comes on my iPod I bump the volume upppppp!
Here are some faves...in case you need some tunes while you read blogs! Good Girl

  Mama's Song

Remind Me, feat. Brad Paisley (another crush)

 I'll Stand By You(cue tears)

Last Name

Okay, I really want to post them all.Must stop now.
Happy Thursday!

What Would You Do With 1 More Day?

Happy Leap Day!

Today we get an extra day.

Extra time.

What are you going to do with it?

With 1 more day I would tell my grandparents that I love them and appreciate them.

I would take a walk with them after dinner.

I would send them flowers, just because.

I would ask them to tell me a story from their childhood.

With this extra day, I am asking my followers to donate $1 to Relay For Life if you can.

$1 multiplied by my 182 followers...that's $182 that goes towards getting RID of cancer and having a world with MORE birthdays.

If you are able to donate, it would mean absolutely everything to me.

 HERE is my personal page where you can donate safely online.

$1 doesn't seem like very much when I think of all the things I would do with 1 more day.

Thank you in advance for your consideration & generosity!

Happy Leap Day!

love you ALL!

xoxo,

Top 5 Tuesday: PUMP UP SONGS!

This is a great topic, Rachel! It's going to be hard to pick only 5 though...this seems to happen with every topic! :)

Anyway, I am always looking for new songs to add to my Workout/Party/In the Car playlists. I think I'll make a "Blogger Inspired" playlist :)

Top 5 Pump Up Songs

1. Alexandra Stan - Mr. Saxobeat

I can't get the video to post on here, but I have the extended version on my playlist...every time it comes on I want to start dancing! This is my jammmmmmm!

2. David Guetta feat Rhianna - Who's That Chick?

Good workout song! I love David Guetta & Rhianna...together, they make magic.

3. David Guetta feat Nicki Minaj - Turn Me On

If I could, I would probably fill this list with David Guetta songs. He is such a strange, nerdy looking guy but I love these songs!

This is such a great party/workout song. Love, love, love it.

4. David Guetta feat Flo-Rida, Nicki Minaj - Where Them Girls At

Okay, seriously this is the last Guetta one. I'm sorry this video is SO weird...but the song is fun and that's why I only listen during my workouts/car rides! I think Flo-Rida has a cool voice...his songs are all over my workout playlist.

5. Spice Girls - Spice Up Your Life

You cannot tell me that when and if this song comes on you aren't out of your seat shakin' it.

I am so glad I could find the clip from Spice World!

What songs pump you up??

Happy Tuesday!

xoxo,

Sunday Verse & Super Bowl Fun

Happy Sunday :)

Are y'all ready for some football?

Commericals? Madonna?

I'm ready for all of the above. I love football, but of course the commercials are really what I look forward to, let's be honest.

Here are two of my favorites from the past:

Doritos:

Volkswagen Passat:

I am particularly excited for this Ferris Bueller commercial:

The only question is...Giants or Patriots?!

xoxo,

It's Ok Thursday :)

Linking up with Neely & Amber for It's Ok Thursday!

 It's Ok...

...that if I get a phone call from a number not in my contacts, I never answer it. If it's important, they'll leave a message!

...that I missed yesterday's WILW because that means next week's will be great!

...that for the second day this week, I really just want to snuggle up & watch movies! The rain will do that to you.

...to LOVE this Taylor Swift video for "Ours", not only because of the song itself but MATT SARACEN IS IN IT. Am I right Friday Night Lights lovers?

...that I want the semester to start because the sooner it starts, the sooner it's over and the sooner it's SUMMER.

...to decide between two classes based on how many books they require you to buy.

...to love Cupcake Wars but think cupcakes with pepperoni, hot sauce or cayenne pepper sounds dis-gus-ting.

...to indulge in a slice of pizza this size every once in a while:

Pizza at Benny Marzano's

...to talk about getting a new blog design for months...and still not do it...

...that I'm more excited about one of my Mom's Christmas gifts than my own...she got a Magic Bullet...hello smoothies every day for breakfast!

...to actually go through with trying a blog recipe! I saw a recipe on Steph @ The Sweet Life's blog for Taco Soup and thought it looked sooooooooooo good...so I went and made it! I didn't include the cilantro or sour cream (forgot to buy it!)

YUM

...to never be satisfied with your Twitter background & computer wallpaper.

...to be so obsessed with Pinterest that you consider giving it up for Lent. Kidding, but not kididng.

...that sometimes the biggest dilemma I face in a day is what puppy-dog-eyed kindergartener to give my coloring page to.

Enjoy your day!

xoxo,

Top 5 Tuesday: 2011

Woohoo! I have time to blog :) Linking up with Rachel to share my Top 5 from this past year!

1) Movie

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Pt. 2

I remember sitting in the line for the midnight showing, in Norfolk, with my little brother who was dressed as Draco. I haven't read the HP books, but I love the movies.

Runner Up:
 The Help

Again, haven't read the book (bad, I know) but I loved the movie!

2) TV Show

Modern Family

By far the one show I cannot stand to miss!  I laugh so hard!

Runner Up:
 The Bachelorette

I love The Bachelorette & The Bachelor. Personally, I was glad Ashley chose J.P. and I think Ben was a dumbo for jumping the gun.  However, I can't wait for the new season!

3) Song

Dirt Road Anthem - Jason Aldean

This was my ringtone FOR-EV-ER. It never got old. I also love the version with Ludacris. I love me some Jason Aldean.

Runner Up:
Give Me Everything - Pitbull ft. Ne-Yo, Afrojack, Nayer

I LOVE THIS SONG. You can't listen to this song and not dance. "For all we know, we might not get tomorrow..." How true!?

4) Thing that happened

James (big brother) went on deployment & returned home safely!
He left in January for a six month deployment on the USS Enterprise and returned home safely in July. It was sad to see him leave but I was excited for him that he would get to see so many different parts of the world and have the opportunity to serve our country, as well.  He brought us all back things from different countries.  It was so overwhelming to be there for the Homecoming. I cried tears of joy!

Runner Up:
Steven spent the summer in Martinsville
So by now I'm used to Steven being gone for school, but I was also used to having him here for the summer.  He used to work on campus and we'd get lunch together almost every day.  This past summer was a little different when he played summer baseball in Martinsville, a small town about 1.5 hours from home.  It was tough but I knew that there were some teams that were even farther, so I am thankful he is at least a short drive away.  Still, it was hard to have to spend yet another two months apart - we would go down for games but of course he was on the field and we were in the stands - but I know that playing baseball is what he loves so I was happy for him too! He has already signed a contract to play there again next summer.

He's the pitcher

Excuse the green-only. I was playing around with my camera.

5) Christmas Present

iPhone 4S

Obsessed.


Runner Up:
I think they were ALL runner ups...but I'll give it to my new Vera Bradley pieces

Grand Traveler in Floral Nightingale, Betsy in Carnaby and 2011 Ornament in Mocha Rouge

What are your Top 5 for 2011? This is the last link up for this year!

Can't wait to share with y'all the rest of my Christmas day! I'll be on that probably tomorrow :) Steven's birthday is on Friday and then New Year's on Saturday! Such a fun week ahead. I can't wait!

xoxo,

I'm a cool kid!

Christmas is almost here! So happy that my brothers are both able to be here, even if only for a short time!

Tonight we are going to have dinner with my cousins, watch some Christmas movies and then go to midnight mass.

Now for the fun news: I got an early Christmas present today...I have finally joined the iPhone world! YAY! My mom walked into my room this morning with a little bag that said Merry Christmas Eve! It was a great way to wake up!

Now I just need Steven to come home so he can show me all the tricks!

I'm also on the search for a case...a store near my house has Lilly cases and I think those are super cute, but I'm going to shop around a bit.  Any recommendations?

I got another early gift from my brother, but I'll save that for the gift post!

Quick sidenote: I love this version of Winter Wonderland by Jason Mraz:

Hope everyone has a lovely evening wherever you are! Don't forget to count your blessings!

Merry Christmas Eve!

xoxo,

What I'm Loving Wednesday!

Happy Wednesday! Happy last day of finals! Happy eleven days until Christmas!

Linking up with Jamie for What I'm Loving Wednesday!

I'm loving being done with my exams (as of 5:30 today) and officially on Winter Break! Ready to do some of this:

I'm loving all the cute Etsy shops I was introduced to by recent giveaways! I'll definitely be doing some Etsy shopping...

I'm loving that I rediscovered my Hoku CD. Did anyone else listen to Hoku? If not, this is awkward. Back elementary/middle school in my Britney Spears phase, I was obsessed!

I'm loving that on Friday morning the kids are performing their How The Grinch Stole Christmas play! They've worked really hard and had to memorize all their lines! I will be sure and share pictures of us all decked out in Christmas gear!

I'm [still] loving the wonderful weekend I had! I went to Northern VA/MD to go to the Army Navy game with Steven & his parents! NAVY won! :)

FedEx Field

I only got out from under our blanket to take this picture! It was very cold!

I'm loving these pins...

I'm loving my Hokies

I'm loving the smells of Christmas! Ahhh there is nothing better...baking, cinnamon, warm fires, and evergreen! We are going to get our tree today, too! The house will smell lovely.

I'm loving my Pandora bracelet from Steven & my watch from my mom! They were both birthday gifts & I've worn them every day since I received them!

What are you loving today?

xoxo,

Top 5 Tuesday: Christmas Songs

Linking up with Rachel!

This is the toughest one so far to only pick FIVE! I know I could sneak in a few (lots) more but I have to run, soon!

Here are five completely random favorites!

All I Want For Christmas is You

Mariah Carey

Will always be my #1!

The Christmas Song

Nat King Cole

A classic!

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays

NSYNC

What girl doesn't have this on their list? #90sgirlproblems

Also, this video is weird. 

Carol of the Bells

Mannheim Steamroller

Try to not rock out when you listen to this. *Sorry couldn't find a normal video, but the lights are kind of cool!

Do You Hear What I Hear?

Carrie Underwood

Lovvvve Carrie and I love this song. Glad I could find the two together!

What are your Top 5?

Warning: I'll be back to post later!

xoxo,

Tech, Tech, VPI!

Today is the ACC Championship in Charlotte, NC.

{for those that asked - no, I'm not going. I was on the road coming back from Thanksgiving when tickets went on sale and they sold out within an hour! There were re-sellers but were expensive! I went last year and it was SO MUCH FUN so I'm disappointed that I'm not there but still will be just as loud cheering from my couch!}

Virginia Tech vs Clemson

8:00 pm

LET'S GO HOKIES!

Ready for a rematch with the Tigers. As always, win or lose, I'm so proud of the team for making it to the Championship & winning the Commonwealth Cup yet again!

 

Just for fun:

** Also, don't forget to check out Ashley's 3rd giveaway! You also still have time to enter for the first two!

xoxo,

A Christmas Favorite

It's officially Christmas season! No, I did not go Black Friday shopping...I like sleeping in! Like I said earlier this week, I have before (it's not like I'm against it), but not this year. If any of you did - I would love to hear what deals you got!

It's now okay with me for everyone to go Christmas crazy! Lights, trees, decorations, music, apparel...bring it on. I already went semi-Christmas crazy on Pinterest. Whoops.

To get us all in the Christmas spirit, here is my favorite Christmas jam...

Anyone else like to rock out to Mariah? Anytime this song comes on, I stop everything and sing/dance. Not afraid to admit it!


Hope everyone had a great turkey day! Love y'all!
xoxo,

What I'm Loving Wednesday!

Happy Wednesday! Only a couple more days until the weekend! :)

Here's what I'm loving on this chilly, November day!

I'm loving...all the fall countdowns I have going on. Countdowns, just like to-do lists, really motivate me to keep truckin' along!

I'm loving...this YouTube find. I actually saw it on Facebook after one of my friends posted it, but then I proceeded to go onto their channel and watch all the videos. I just love acoustic versions of songs.  This particular video also includes adorable puppies which tend to steal the spotlight. These guys can sing! (I also LOVE this Blake Shelton song...so much)

I'm loving...road trips! This weekend will be the third straight weekend I traveled somewhere...oops.  Good thing I love to travel and don't mind being in the car :)

I only wish I looked this fashionable when I went places!

I'm loving...May Books!  I saw these referenced on College Prep and after looking into them...I love them! They are eco-friendly notebooks and you can customized the inside pages! First you pick the outside design, then what inside pages you want (wedding planner, baby planner, meal planner, blank, lines, etc) and then...most importantly and most recently added...add your monogram :) HOT DEAL:: Any orders placed before November 6 at midnight receive free monogramming - normally $5 :) I'm definitely going to get one or two for myself and maybe some as gifts, too!

I'm loving...Halloween candy. If you watched my vlog, I think I showed the little bag I had from my Mom.  I think my favorite Halloween candy is...

...anything Reese's. Peanut Butter Cups, Pieces, Fast Break...anything! Plus now all the Halloween candy is on sale!

I'm loving...these recent Pinterest finds:

Sorry for the short post, but it's an early release today so I'm headed on in to work already!

When I get back, though, I am dying to know what you are loving on this Wednesday!

Link up with Jamie :)

xoxo,