6 Favorite Blog Posts

I love blogging and reading and meeting new people.  6 of my favorite posts that I have written are:

My engagement!

My final fling before the ring!

Our honeymoon to Disney!

Our first trip out of the country - Riviera Maya!

Our 3rd wedding anniversary in Puerto Vallarta!

My little seester is married!

Wow that was harder than I thought!  I thought it would be easy to pick but nope!

Have a great Tuesday!

A "tickled pink" weekend

What a weekend!

Friday night was our yearly USO trivia night.  My friend Becky has organized this for the past few years and I always gathered a table together.  We've had the same people the past few years, which is great but I could tell 2 of them are tired of it so I think next year its time to change it up.  We named ourselves the Might Ducks and this was the first year we really didn't come in last, yay!

Saturday I slept in then headed to my parents to sprinkle my stepsister Amy at a baby shower for my newest niece who is arriving in March.  Mackenzie will make the grand total of 13 nieces and nephews that Keith and I have.

That cake is a chocolate chocolate chip cake from Nothing Bundt Cake.  If you have not had a cake from there its a must, they are quite devine!  That night Keith and I ran some errands then ate dinner before I crashed early because I wasn't feeling too hot.

Sunday was a whole lotta nothing!  I ran a few more errands, went to the gym and finished the night off with our volleyball league.

Just like that the weekend is over.  I'm all for 4 day weeks so if that wants to become mandatory, I'd be game.

Did you do anything fun this weekend?

"Luckiest Girl Alive" book review

This week I read:

Goodreads says:
HER PERFECT LIFE IS A PERFECT LIE.

As a teenager at the prestigious Bradley School, Ani FaNelli endured a shocking, public humiliation that left her desperate to reinvent herself. Now, with a glamorous job, expensive wardrobe, and handsome blue blood fiancé, she’s this close to living the perfect life she’s worked so hard to achieve.

But Ani has a secret.

There’s something else buried in her past that still haunts her, something private and painful that threatens to bubble to the surface and destroy everything.

With a singular voice and twists you won’t see coming, Luckiest Girl Alive explores the unbearable pressure that so many women feel to “have it all” and introduces a heroine whose sharp edges and cutthroat ambition have been protecting a scandalous truth, and a heart that's bigger than it first appears.

The question remains: will breaking her silence destroy all that she has worked for—or, will it at long last, set Ani free?

I say:
I'm not going to lie, this was an interesting book.  I picked it up because of all the reviews and good comments about it but I wasn't overly impressed.  It took me quite awhile to get into it then to keep it going.  I'm sure the library got tired of me renewing it.  In the end it all made sense but you will get confused as you make your way through it.

I gave it 3 stars on my Goodreads list.

What are you reading this week?

Stuff and things that make me go hmmm

~*~ This week is going by soooo sloooow!

~*~ My ridiculous allergies made my eyes look like the elephant man last Thursday afternoon/Friday.  I went to the school nurse and she told me to just keep flushing them out and all it was is allergies.  Woke up Saturday morning and had to go to the take care clinic because yep - pink eye!  I've never had it before so didn't even know what I was looking for but one look at me and she said "how did the school nurse not see this?"  Lovely huh!  I've been on steroids for it since then and I look 1000 times better but now got to get into another doctor to make sure its all gone once the meds are gone.

~*~ I spent the rest of Saturday and Sunday disenfecting the house the best that I could.  Yesterday Keith said that someone said his eyes were red.  If he gets it, I'm going to shoot myself because he will milk it like a big baby and not do anything to help get it out of the house again.  I can't get him to go to the darn doctor when he's really sick so fingers crossed it was just his contacts bothering him.

~*~ Tomorrow is our yearly trivia night that my friend organizes for the USO.  We've had the same people at the table the past 2-3 years.  One of the people going texted me the other day and asked "where's the trivia and who is it for?"  Forehead.to.desk.  I guess this means I can just ask her to write me checks and she'll do it, not knowing where the money is going.

~*~ I have a ton of doctor appointments I need to get made and no time to do it!  When you long term, if you take a day off, you may go back to normal pay.  So I have to try to do it on holidays, etc, and apparently every freaking doctor in the greater STL area is booked already for the next 4-5 weeks.  Lovely huh?  I secretly think this is their way of trying to get people to pay ridiculous amounts at the ER.

Have a great Thursday!

7 Acts of Kindness

Kindness goes a long way.  This is how I show kindness in my life:

1) Loving my spouse ~ when I met Keith, I knew we were in it for the long haul.  Sure he gets on my last nerve and does things that still make me go hmm but he's my constant and he's not going anywhere.

2) Support my friends ~ we all are on different boats in life.  I am there no matter what.  The only time I walk away is if my kindness and support is stepped on and I'm treated poorly.  But I'm usually there through thick and thin.

3) Give respect to earn respect ~ this is a big one in my book, especially when it comes to my students.  They want us to respect them, they need to respect us as well.

4) Treat others the way you'd want to be treated ~ if you're going to walk all over someone, be ready for them to walk all over you as well.  We were all taught this growing up.  If you want someone to treat you well, want to do stuff for you, with you, etc, then you need to show that.

5) Compromise ~ not everyone wants to do the same thing over and over again.  Be ready to compromise to make things go smoother.

6) Smile ~ a smile says a lot and goes a long way.  It is a well known fact that if you smile at someone, they are bound to smile back.

7) Remember who you are ~ being someone you are not will not allow one to grow.  Be sure to always be yourself.

What are some ways you show kindness?

Friday 5!

1)  Tonight is girls night at my house.  I have a shoulder roast in the crockpot as we speak to pull apart later for pulled pork.  Should be a fun night!

2)  Tomorrow its supposed to warm up so Keith & I may need to attack the gutters and all the leaves that have finally fell off the trees.  I have a new leaf blower on my spring to buy list because our stinks and we have so many!

3)  My sister is turning 27 on Monday so we are going out Saturday to celebrate.  Dinner at Ballpark Village then a little dancing most likely at PBR bar.  Should be fun!

4)  I've been MIA from the hotel scene lately and I'm not complaining.  The numbers just aren't there to have my area open so it hasn't been and I'm okay with that.  I'm sure its going to pick up at some time but until then, I've enjoyed being "normal" to say the least.  I think I'll be on Sunday AM but we will see.

5)  With the changing of this amazing weather we have in the middle of January in STL (rain and lightning last night) my allergies have picked up big time.  Let's hope its not anything else!

Have a great Friday!

Stuff & things that make me go hmmm

~*~ I'm all for days off of school.  I thoroughly enjoyed my 4 day ice weekend last weekend but this week is going by super sloooow!  I woke up thinking it was Friday...uh no, its only Thursday!

~*~ I'm thinking of going somewhere for a few days over spring break in March.  That's my only break between the this assignment and the next one that I'm supposed to be doing.  For some reason Keith is not on board, grr.  I'm starting to think I may just go without him!

~*~ The first girls night of 2017 is this Friday at my house.  I've had people come to me who attend who are upset that each month hasn't been consistent with us having one.  A lot of the blame was put on me because I packed up/sold a condo, bought a house, unpacked a house, had issues with house, was the MOH in my sister's wedding, had to host bridal and bachelorette parties and actually be in the wedding...just to name some things...and my focus wasn't on the group.  There's 11 of us in the group, not sure how its all put on me but I said fine.  I told the girls GNI is what they put into it so each one of us should be willing to host, no more complaints about driving north south east or west and to have fun.  This is the first time majority of these girls have seen the house in person.  Let's see how this goes.

~*~ One of the girls said she would come as long as there is no political talk.  How old are we?  My reply back is that we all are adults and people can talk about what they want to talk about.  Her reply was its been a rough political year; my response was it always is.  I'm sorry but if you don't want to be my friend because of who I voted for, that puts judgement on YOU, not me!

~*~ Next Friday is our yearly trivia night for the USO.  We've had a table for years and of course what's an organized event without a little drama?  So the theme is Disney and I said why not dress up as Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs since there's 8 at a table.  Everyone was gung ho about it, we weren't buying anything - just wearing solid shirts, jeans, maybe a stocking cap and I had names to pin on.  Well last night when we were FB messaging about snacks to bring, one of the table people said she was too busy to dress as a dwarf so unless we were buying it all for her and coming over to dress her, it wasn't happening.  Chin to floor.  Again how old are we?  So I said fine, we won't do it even though we weren't buying a darn thing...and that's the last I heard.  I'm going to wear my ears and dress in black and red and have fun no matter what!

~*~ You know, sometimes I'm sure people think I'm mean and whatnot but with some of the people in my life you just have to be point blank what you want to get it through their heads.

~*~ We are hosting Super Bowl this year.  How far in advance should I send invites?  I always confuse myself on how much notice people need.

Have a great Thursday!

8 Favorite Characters from books/movies

This week's Tuesday Topic is...8 Favorite Characters from Books/Movies!

1) Reese Witherspoon in Sweet Home Alabama

I honestly don't know anyone who doesn't love her, or this movie:

2) Tom Cruise in Top Gun

I know he's crazy now but back when, I loved him in this classic:

3) Mary Anne from the Babysitter's Club

I own every single one of these books and I related to shy Mary Anne the most growing up.  I can't wait to have a girl one day who I hope loves them just like I did:

4)  Molly, An American Girl

My mom gifted me Molly growing up because I matched her with glasses and love for her school.  She sat on the piano and watched me practice.

5) Belle from Beauty & the Beast

No explanation needed - everyone wants to be a princess!

6) Mary from Mary Poppins

Who doesn't want a Mary in their life?  I'd love one nowadays :)

7) Sister Bear from the Berenstain Bears

I read every single one of these books growing up and I always thought it would be fun to be Sister:

8) Kelly Kapowski from Saved by the Bell

She got to date Zach...enough said!

Who are some of your favorite characters from books or movies?

Ice-apocolypse!

The state of Missouri is in emergency mode for the ice that is currently happening today and this weekend.

My district called off last night, as did majority of them across the region.  I may have to go to the hotel on Sunday, Ill find out today.

Its not good out, so we're staying put until Sunday.  Lots we can do around the house.  I just wonder if our couch will still be delivered on Saturday...guess we will see!

Stay safe and warm!

Cousin got a ring...that means bridal show time!

On Christmas Day, my cousin Jennifer opened up an engagement ring from her now fiance John:

...and once you get a ring, you gotta start planning!

STL always kick off the new year with their biggest wedding show so us 4 cousins braved the cold and headed down to America's Center for a day full of wedding excitement:

We parked at Ballpark Village where we were treated with mimosas for the limo bus ride to the excitement.  Not going to lie...it was fun to go and not be in a wedding (whether bride or bridesmaid) and just see it all from that angle.  She was able to talk to many vendors and we even got on the cover of STL Bride & Groom magazine:

It was a fun day to help her kickstart her wedding planning.  There is no set date yet so we can't wait to see what they pick for everything.

Cheers to the bride and groom...and another wedding!

9 Healthy/Favorite Recipes

I'm very excited to link up with Lauren over at LifeLoveLauren for her Tuesday Topics series.  Not going to lie, Tuesday is usually a hard day for me to post so I'll have a few topics for awhile.

This week's topic...Nine Healthy Recipes!

Now, I love to cook but what I consider healthy may not be what others consider healthy.  So this may be more so a favorites recipes than anything else.

1) Baked Chicken Tacos

This is kind of a staple in our house.  We love any versions of tacos so we change it up on occasion.  I usually pair these with a fruit and corn.

2) Pull Apart Pizza Bread

A friend had made this one time at girls night and we all loved it.  I thought it would be perfect for a meal at home and Keith loved it so much he ate 75% of it.  Its so simple and easy and you can double or cut in half the recipe for whatever the occasion.  I usually serve this with a salad and fruit.

3) Do it yourself Chipotle Chicken Salads

No official website for this, I did this on my own.  You'll need romaine lettuce, grilled chicken pieces, brown rice, salad dressing (we use light ranch), corn, salsa and tortilla chips.  Spread lettuce on plates, top with rice then chicken.  Sprinkle corn over all and ranch as well,  Eat with a fork or with tortilla chips.  This again is one of our favorites.

4) Chicken Burrito Bowls

This recipe has been floating around that Tasty facebook page and I'm dying to try it eventually.  All the grain bowls look fabulous.

5) Homemade pizza

We love pizza, what can we say and when we sometimes make it ourselves, its a bit healthier because we aren't adding everything that the places add.  I have a crust recipe that we just love love love!

6) MorningStar Buffalo Chik Patties

We absolutely love these!  We always have them on and and it makes an easy, fast, healthy sandwich for dinner, pair it with anything or add it to salad.  Just the right kick one needs!

7) Franks Red Hot Buffalo Chicken Dip

So we could eat this everyday, all day but I have to limit it to special occasions.  This is one recipe that I always follow and its just the right amount.  I have been crock potting more lately when I've had to make it because I can make a bigger batch.

8) Shipwreck breakfast

This is my Dad's signature dish that he learned about while active in the Boy Scouts.  He has tweaked it throughout the years but this is a general recipe that makes any camping trip great.  You have to do it in a cast iron skillet to get the correct taste.  We eliminate the syrup and add peppers to it.  Yum!

9) Crockpot beef stew

No direct link for this either, just something I've modified throughout the years.  You'll need a package of stew meat, a can of beef broth, carrots, potatoes cubed, green veggie if you wish and salt/pepper to taste.  Throw it all into a crockpot and cook for 8 hours on low.  We usually make some corn bread to go with it.  Perfect after a long cold day.

All this talk of food is making me hungry...yum!

Eckert's Ice Skating

Last week, we got invited to Eckert's to check out their new ice skating rink:

It was fun!  Instead of the tradition ice, they used a synthetic material so no actual water is used to make the rink.  It was quite different:

This is the perfect place to take kids to learn how to skate because they won't get hurt as much if they fall since its not hard ice.  They do have the helpers that they can push around to help them get around as well - and of course, adults can use them too!

After ice skating, we browsed through the country store then headed over to warm up with dinner at their restaurant.  We usually only get out to Eckert's for apple picking so it was fun to come out for something else.

If you get a chance, check it out.  Ice skating runs through Feb 26th!  What a fun family night!!

35 while 35 update

Its been 3 months since my birthday so time to do an update:

~*~

1)  Complete my 2015 scrapbook
2)  Start/complete my 2016 scrapbook
3)  Get my own classroom or complete a career change
4)  Visit another city for a Blues game - completed Nov 2016

5)  Get a massage
6)  Attend a cooking class
7)  Go back down to SEMO for something - completed Nov 2016

8)  Eat at the Blue Owl Restaurant
9)  Pick something at Eckerts
10)  See the NHL's Winter Classic in person
11)  Have an open house party at our new house
12)  Host a Super Bowl party
13)  Take a vacation to somewhere new
14)  Get our basement where we want it to be
15)  Send out Christmas cards - completed Dec 2016
16)  Create a new craft as much as possible - completed in Oct 2016

October craft

17)  Find a bed frame for the spare bedroom - completed Oct 2016
18)  Get both spare bedrooms finished
19)  Have a neighborhood party with our new neighbors - completed Oct 2016 (no pics though!)
20)  Go to the lake
21)  Plan a vacation for summer 2017
22)  Donate another bag of clothes
23)  Do something new to my hair
24)  Run/walk a race
25)  Visit a winery we haven't been to before - Sugar Creek Winery Oct 2016

26)  Order a "Nothing bundt cake" for a party
27)  Go to a concert
28)  See a college football game - completed Oct 2016 - U of Illinois vs Purdue

29)  Go to Nashville and see a show at the Grand Ole Opry (then I can say I've seen everything there)
30)  Finally see a balloon glow
31)  Go to Branson to see their Christmas spectacular at SDC
32)  Order new glasses
33)  Start a subscription with Groovebook to get my pictures printed for my scrapbooks a lot easier
34)  Organize all my holiday stuff so that each holiday has its own box
35)  Erase as much negativity from my life that I can!

Score: 8/35 = 23%  Not bad for my first month!

Five on Friday

1)  Okay so I know its only been 2 days back but I'm glad its already Friday!  Except I cannot stand the first class I have of the day on Fridays.  Its sad, honestly, and their regular classroom teacher has issues with them too.  Yesterday, within 5 min of being here, the kiddo that causes majority of the people's headaches was already in the hallway because of behavior.  Welcome back!!

2)  Tonight is another surprise party for another family member who is turning the big 6-0!  This one was more last minute than the one Dad planned for Dodie but it should still be fun.

3)  Our basement issues are DONE!!  Finito, over, finished!  We finally got all the problems fixed, got new carpet in and over break got it all set up.  We are now looking to get a few signature pieces but for the most part, our "smart" basement as Keith dubs it is finally done!

4)  My cousin got engaged on Christmas Day and so another year of helping wedding plan begins and the first wedding show of the STL season is tomorrow.  I haven't officially been asked to be in the wedding, and who knows if I will be, but she did ask my sister and I to go to the show.  It will be an interesting day!

5)  I finally joined Groovebook and hope that this will solve my keeping on track of doing scrapbooking.  I'm still waiting for the first one to arrive so we will see but yay!

Have a great weekend!

NHL Winter Classic - Blues vs. Blackhawks

Yesterday, 46,556 people attended the 2017 NHL Winter Classic in St. Louis and I am proud that Keith & I made up 2 of that number:

The threat of severe weather had everyone, including the NHL, unsure of what was going to happen but we got the official go ahead at 7 am that the game would start at 12 noon.  It was raining the entire morning but that didn't stop the city from celebrating:

We participated in the pregame activities the prior day when it was the alumni game, which was great because we could take our time today, get some great pictures and try to stay warm until game time.  It was cold, it was rainy, but it was fun!

It was a bit of a bummer when the Blackhawks scored the first goal because in the history of the Blues, that's an indication that we will lose the game but in the 2nd period they suddenly got life and we scored 3 more points to win 4-1 over Chicago:

Chicago showed some poor sportsmanship when they decided they were too upset over their loss to shake hands with the winners.  The best part about all this was showing the world that STL is still a great sports town, despite what some owners will say, and to have the baseball stadium sold out for this event can only mean good things for the future.

The Blues may not have a Stanley Cup but we did win the one winter classic we have been invited to and that's great!

GO BLUES!

Blues NHL Alumni game

If you're a hockey fan, then you know that this year's Winter Classic is being played in St. Louis.  Being season ticket holders, we got first dibs on seats to the alumni game that was held on New Year's Eve.  Since the classic is against the Chicago Blackhawks, their alumni played the Blues alumni.  It was a fun day:

There was a lot of family fun activities before the game itself that allowed fans the NHL experience.  It all took place in the parking lots of Ballpark Village:

Because the history of the classic has it outside, they converted Busch Stadium (home of the St. Louis Cardinals) into a huge hockey rink:

As you can tell it was a packed house.  In terms of these 2 games, being in low seats is not ideal so our view, as you can see above, it best because we can actually see the puck!  The best part?  It is supposed to rain on Monday for the next game and our seats are covered:

The Blues alumni beat the Chicago alumni 8-7 and it was very fun to watch.  Can't wait until Monday when the puck drops on the big game between Chicago & St. Louis!

GO BLUES!

Happy New Year!

Cheers to 2017!

I hope you and yours had a great time celebrating, however you chose to do so.  We had a low key night with my family playing games.  Loved every minute of it!

Can't wait to see what this year has in store :)