HOPPY Easter- A Sneak Peek at my week!

First of all Hoppy Easter Everyone!! I hope everyone is enjoying time with family and loved ones :)

Beautiful spring flowers and colored Easter Eggs that were in my Grandma's Apartment. 

I celebrated Easter yesterday instead of today. I am the only one home at my parents... (with my puppies). My parents get home from Florida today and my brother and sister don't live in town. 

So Yesterday, I went over to my Grandma's and colored Easter eggs..as exciting as it can be!

 

Then my cousin and I went with her to play Bingo haha. Bingo was quite an experience. There were probably 20 or so older ladies and gentlemen with their nickels all ready win! So for each round, you had to put in a nickel and the last round is worth a dime! Haha it's amazing.

So everyone gets a board to play about 24 different Bingo rounds! It is regular bingo, but you can also win on 4 corners! Each seat even had a little Easter candy to celebrate the holiday :) When someone calls Bingo..the whole rest of the room gets upset. It's funny because the other people at my table would whisper under their breaths. Each one of them had a ritual for playing, whether it was a specific seat, a specific bingo board with a number on it or how they passed in their nickel. I loved watching it!

My Grandma and cousin both won...and I didn't think I was going to until probably half way through! For all the other rounds there was only one winner...except when I won. Of course there were three! THREE--which means we had to split the winnings....remember the winnings are nickels. So I won 40 cents!! wooo

My winning board...

Then I spent the day at work (LOFT from 12-7) It was busy! Then I went back over to my grandma's and my aunt had made an Easter meal (ham, corn, scalloped potatoes etc)...and so I had leftovers! Yes..I like ketchup with every meat! My family always makes fun of me...but it just tastes better with ketchup! lol

 

Then more family came over (my other aunt, uncle and cousin and his wife!) and we spent the evening laughing and reminiscing! It was a wonderful evening.

Okay so the second part of my post is that I am linking up with Mrs.Laffin's Laughings for A Peek at my Week!

 Check out her blog and link up with a peek at my week!

Yes it is Sunday...but my district as off tomorrow!!  It is an extended vacation :) 

Monday when I get home to my apartment...my STITCH FIX will be waiting!! Ahh I cannot wait..I will be blogging about that this week!

So on I go back to school on Tuesday....that will be rough! 

In my ELA classes we are starting new units.

5th grade we are going to read: Number the Stars

6th grade we are going to read: Hannah's Suitcase

I think the kids are going to really enjoy both of these picks! My co-teachers are amazing and have these units planned already from previous years!

We also will be getting ready for the Math state test...yuck! ELA is over...but Math is at the end of the month...so a lot of preparation for that (and I don't even teach math this year!) Yikes! 

I am "borrowing" this picture from my blogging buddy over at Tales and Teacherisms 

When I read her post today she also mentioned the state tests....so I thought it was fitting for my post as well! Everyone should check out her blog...it is amazing and I have known her for years so it's wonderful to have another blogging buddy from WNY!!!

 

Wednesday I will be out of the building for ELA Scoring-- I will be scoring the 6th grade state tests through BOCES. We do not grade in house and we go with a bunch of other districts to score. I only enjoy scoring because I get to see what students write from other districts as well and really look at what the state sees as acceptable..since we can't even see or keep the tests, it is the only opportunity to look at the questions!

Friday-- Luke Bryan tickets go on sale!!! My friends and I have split this year who buys the tickets for each concert for when they go on sale. We are going to 6 or so concerts this summer! I am responsible for Luke Bryan so I will keep an eye out for pre-sale codes and hopefully seats! Fingers crossed!! He is coming to Darien Lake in upstate NY this summer and I cannot wait! 

(Maybe the week will fly by!?!?!)

Saturday-- I will be celebrating one of my best friend's birthday in Buffalo! woo I cannot wait..it has been too long since I have seen everyone!

Now a little shout out to the birthday girl, Colleen McNamara, a wonderful best friend and her AMAZING business!

It is the ONE YEAR Anniversary of her business (this upcoming weekend)! YAYAY! 

Now all you teacher blogger friends out there will absolutely LOVE this. If you live anywhere in WNY (Buffalo) you need to check it out (Even if you don't...check it out and maybe you know someone who does!!)..whether you are a teacher or not, whether you have children or not, this is a must see for anyone and anything you are looking for!

 Her business is called Stutelage Innovations.  

Stutelage provides tutoring services as well as educational programs (think summer camps!) There are so many varieties for different interests and ages!! From summer camps such as Frozen (based off the movie) and Magic School (learn magic with a real magician!)....to Zumba! and Ladies Wine Night.....there are so many opportunities to learn for all ages! Stutelage also offers birthday parties and other events too! What could be better than that?!? Please go on over and check them out and Like them on Facebook 

You will find the latest programs and summer camps there as well...just in time for summer and hurry the programs are filling up fastl!!!

Okay that is all for this Easter Sunday...

I will post more throughout the week..hopefully I will be able to keep up with blogging now that I will be back at school! Positive Thinking :)

Enjoy the beautiful weather today and if you are going back to school tomorrow!! We can get through it :)

Five for Friday!

 TGIF...wow I feel like this week flew by!!! I don't know if that is a good or bad thing...considering this weekend is Easter and then it is back to school! At least it's almost MAY right?!?! Today is the perfect day for Five for FRIDAY!

I am linking up with Doodle Bugs Teaching make sure you check on their page and link up!! I have had a wonderful week back into the blogging world. I could not be happier...I seem to be addicted! Either writing a post or reading other blogs...it is all I have been doing this break..but I am really okay with it!

So after blogging all week...and finding so many more things I want to do and try from all these other bloggers...I decided to start an OOTD page..I know that many other bloggers have this as well, but if you don't know what it is is Outfit Of The Day. You can check it out soon on my page bar at the top of my blog and everyday you will see a new outfit combo. Hopefully you will see it as a place to get ideas on what to pair together and how to wear certain trend items! You might even see a link up on Wednesday for OOTD...stay tuned!
 Here is a sneak peak....Enjoy!

April 16, 2014

lace pants- LOFT

grey mini ikat sunwashed tee- LOFT

grey TOMs

jean jacket- Kohls

Love the mix of patterns, textures and colors together

 

    April 17, 2014

          black maxi dress- LOFT

           chambray top- LOFT

           sandals- Jack Rogers 

            watch- Michael Kors

I can't even begin to explain how excited I am to be getting my first Stitch Fix next week. I will be blogging about it as soon as the shipment arrives. I know I am behind on this whole fix...but I can't help but think how PERFECT it is to incorporate into my blog for Style Closet. I feel like it is all I have been researching and talking about this week. Get ready for a post soon!

 April 21...3 days! Yes I am totally counting down...

These are two pictures from this week..Riley was not too happy with me at the beginning of the week..and then Charley. I have been blogging everyday instead of "dog sitting"... Apparently I haven't been paying much attention to them (even though I have!). So the other night..Riley and Charley climbed right into my lap to snuggle and pushed the computer right out of the way!! I didn't mind at alll... :)

 Time for some change....Ombre Hair....what do you all think!?!

I wish I could talk more about my classroom...but since I haven't blogged in awhile, I don't even have pictures of anything recent! That will change as soon as I get back to school on Tuesday!!! But in the meantime...I can talk about BOOK CLUB (which kinda has to do with my classroom/school...) There are about 12 teachers that get together once a month to eat, drink, gossip and discuss a book! I joined last year as a first year teacher and I am SO happy that I did! I have become close with many wonderful teachers! I look forward to it every month! Last month ( I didn't read the book in time but I am reading it now and LOVE it) we read Me Before You by JoJo Moyes. It is a definitely a must read! For the month of April we are reading Serena by Ron Rash. I will be starting that this week as well! I have it downloaded to my iPad already! 

 

I enjoyed linking up with Doodle Bugs Teaching and sharing with you my 5 for Friday! I hope that you will link up as well! Don't forget to comment!

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Positive Thinking Thursday

Today I am linking up with Mrs. Laffin's Laughings for Positive Thinking Thursday!!

This is an ideal link up for me this week as I am on a "staycation" and even had to endure some snow..in APRIL. Yuck! I know..it was not good...but Positive Thinking Thursday...and today the sun is shining!!! So I thought this quote was perfect :) Hope it makes you smile through those ugly days. This will also be nice throughout the work week... if things get too stressful!

I also wanted to mention that tomorrow is my Grandma's 89th Birthday!! Woo. She is so special and I am excited to be spending part of the day with her and then again this weekend for Easter:) My aunt had a cake made for her to enjoy at dinner tonight where she lives. Everyone at her table ( I think are are 6 or 8 of them) will get to enjoy it! The staff comes out and sings to them like a restaurant haha.

It says "Mom"...obviously because she is my aunt's mom1 What beautiful spring colors and it's yellow cake! Yummy yummy

Hope everyone has a wonderful end to the work week if you were at school this week!!

Don't forget to follow me please!! Bloglovin, Instagram, Pinterest or Facebook

Wordless Wednesday

Today I am linking up with Christina (Miss DeCarbo at Sugar and Spice!!) I love this idea of Wordless Wednesday. See her post from today and link up here!

A picture is worth a thousand words.

These are similar to Brag Tags...which I am looking into for next year. So my question is....
What positive rewards system do you use with your students? 
If you use Brag Tags--let me know what you think! :)

Don't forget to follow me on bloglovin!
I would really appreciate it :) 

Tried it Tuesday- nails for days

I am lovinggg the fact that this is post number 3 since I started back in the blogging community! It's the little things in life....

Okay so today...I am obviously linking up  with my blogging buddy Fourth Grade Flipper for Tried It Tuesday!! Thankfully Holly left this open for two weeks! Thank you thank you! This is going to be an easy post....and it is more for the Style Closet portion of my blog....But I LOVE that I tried this many months ago...

Do you hate to wait for your nails to dry...or as soon as you think they are dry and you go to do something, they smudge. How about gelish...Yes it is fast...but the UV rays and afterwards it can ruin your nails?! Okay I have the solution...Jamberry?!?! Has anyone every heard of it?!?! It is absolutely amazing. I have to admit..I was hesitant to try it..and I was like why would I spend money on stickers for my nails...that doesn't make sense! Except for the fact that it makes total sense...it is easy...doesn't ruin my nails....the designs are fabulous...the price is right ($15 for a pack that you can at least get 2 sets of manicure/pedicure out of) and it lasts for TWO WEEKS...just like the gelish (but better). You can do it right in the comfort of your own home with a hairdryer to heat up the sticky part. They also can be applied over nailpolish, acrylic or gelish nails. There are sooo many different designs and colors to choose from. I first heard about it at one of the consultant parties like (marykay, lia sophia, pampered chef, thirtyone etc) 
Well now I have added Jamberry to my list of must haves and you should too!! I ordered it through the consultant that was at the party...but I think you can just order it without being in a party.

This was my second order of Jamberry...spring colors. Clearly had to get the purple/orchid (far left) since it is the color of the season. Shamrocks for St. Patricks Day. The Blue Robbins egg color for Easter (I will post that later) and chevron chevron chevron!! Fantastic 

This was my first set....snowmen HOW CUTE are those?! My students LOVED them and thought I actually designed it myself. Ha! Perfect for the winter holiday.

 

Then my friend/teaching buddy Morgan...who introduced me to these wonderful nail designs....had these sent to her for hosting a party. I was SOO obsessed with them (seriously who wouldn't be)...she let me take some of hers! Obviously she was able to get a full set out of them too. :) How perfectly well they matched my snowflake pajamas for pajama day at school AND Christmas morning! Thanks Morgan..you are the best!!

I also had a wonderful black and silver set for New Years Eve...no picture though :(

Next holiday of course...Valentines Day....LOVE these little hearts!

The other thing I REALLY LOVE about Jamberry....you can mix and match the designs. I chose a matte grey with mint green chevron. So chic. Ignore the awful cuticles...I didn't say Jamberry gave you a manicure haha. 

 Clearly you have to try these and I promise you will love them as much as I do! Did I mention they also have Jamberry for kids!?! Also--the ultimate gift of all...it is always buy 3 get 1 free!!! Gotta love a deal.

As I was typing all about Jamberry... I realized my other Tried It Tuesday that I can mention..is the Post Settings on the blog where I can write posts ahead of time and schedule them to post on certain days/times. This is so helpful for when I am busy...now there are no excuses for not posting!! Love to learn something new everyday :)

Also--does anyone know how to fix under layout...my "add gadget" is not working and there are more I want to add! HELP! Thanks :) 

I am also looking into creating my own linky party...who wants to help me create a button!? THANKS!

Please don't forget to follow me on Bloglovin...I would really appreciate it!! 
Follow me/ Like me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest too!

See you all tomorrow!

xo

It's Monday--but I shouldn't complain.

So I guess I shouldn't complain...

It's Monday and I don't have school. I didn't go anywhere "south" or "warm" over Spring Break..

BUT...I did get to go to Florida last weekend for my sister's bachelorette party!! It was so much fun..12 of her friends...Disney world...bachelorette. What could get better than that?!?! I know what you are thinking...Disney World..for a bachelorette?! Yup!! 

Now here is why....

 First of all..my parents own a time share in Disney..so we were able to stay using their points! Thanks Mom and Dad. Disney world is in Florida where there is warm weather! (So much better than upstate NY). And even though we are all in our mid to late 20s--- We can still go to the Disney parks as well as Downtown Disney for night time fun! Get ready for a fun-filled long post today :)

 

 Plane leaving cloudy cold weather in Buffalo, NY...arriving in Orlando, FL with sunny warm weather...magical :)

 It wouldn't be a Disney Vacation without taking the Magical Express from the airport straight to your hotel!! (They also take you back at the end of your trip) So easy and convenient!

We checked into the hotel...staying at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa...walking distance to Downtown Disney. Boat ride to Downtown Disney and bus routes to all other parks!

Here I am on the left with my sister!-- The picture on the right .....Disney World Button...obviously going to Disney you need a "Just Engaged" button...

I forgot to take a picture of the new Magic Bands--they are AWESOME..I will upload a picture soon to show you. These bands are quite magical...they are your room key, your park pass, and your credit card (if you add it). Bonus..they are waterproof and therefore don't have to worry about taking them off! 

Thursday I got there in the morning and it was 80 degrees..laying by the pool all afternoon, soaking up the sun, getting a tan..it was heaven. Dinner we went to Downtown Disney to Fulton's Crab House..so delicious!

 These pictures above are on our way over to Downtown Disney for dinner! We took a boat ride and made Megan take a picture with the Captain..who took us directly to our stop, even though his boat route didn't go over there...the perks of being a bachelorette!

 This picture below is of all the girls that came Thursday (about half of the crew--you'll see the other half later) Take a look at the outfits....#stripesfordays....we didn't plan on all matching with stripes! But hey...gotta love a good striped outfit!

  Fulton's Crab House!! We had a table right on the water...I wish I took a picture! 





Here are Meg and her girlfriends Ali, Lindsay, Gina and Kate. Gorgeous ladies :)

 Okay..I most certainly have to show a picture of my meal. This picture does not do it justice..it was delicious! I recommend going here if you ever go to Downtown Disney!

I chose to have the Fish Tacos and a small cesar salad and a glass of Pinot Grigio, 

Friday--another pool day, I know right!? Friday night we went to The Boardwalk...Big River Grille and then to Jelly Rolls ..the dueling piano bar! So much fun. My sister even had Whitney Houston "I wanna dance with somebody" played in her honor as being a bachelorette. 

What is not to love about the sun shining and laying out by the pool!

Saturday--we went to Magic Kingdom and Epcot! My sister had to wear the bridal mickey ears! (She was not a happy camper once we got out in public) HaHa.  She also had a fantastic character signature book..that she had to get signed by the Disney characters! This was definitely harder than it looks..especially when the lines are a mile long or as soon as you get up to the front of the line...the character has to leave! But it was fun watching her try!! 

 

 All smiles while waiting in the lobby.....not so happy that she has to wear the signature book around her neck! Haha

 Here is a picture in front of the castle with all the girls!! Such a great group :)

  Fun times on Buzz Lightyear with my sister and Splash Mountain! Notice...I am not a fan of roller coaster rides!! But I'd like to think I was a good sport!

Magic Kingdom was a blast--but off to Epcot. Some of us did the "Around the World" where we got to try the signature drink from each country. We went to Mexico (margarita), Germany (Beer), France (Bellini), Italy (champagne and orange slushi) ..there are many more countries but we ran out of time! 

 Epcot! I love the Garden Festival they have every year...Only took a few pictures of it though!

 Donald Duck and Goofy made completely out of grass and flowers!

Here are just a few pictures of the signature drinks from different countries! Margaritas from Mexico and Bellini from France.  

The picture below is everyone in ITALY--this is where my sister and her soon to be husband will be spending their honeymoon!

For dinner we went to Portebello back at Downtown Disney and then went to Raglan Road..the Irish pub and listened to live music the whole time! What a fun time had by all. 

 Below are two more boat pictures...again with our Captain. These ones have all 12 of us!

 This is a good picture to end the trip...Dinner at Portobello! My sister, Gina and I with our Champagne (courtesy of Will...Megan's Finace) and Wine. 

I could not have asked for a better mini spring break vacation! No complaints! I am so excited for my sister to get married in May. Stay tuned for a post about that as well :). I hope everyone is enjoying their spring breaks!! Where did you travel to?