High Five for Friday

Guys, I have been waiting for this day to get here because next week is a 3 day week!!! I am soooo ready for Easter break! Woo hoo! Yeah, the lack of snow days this winter are taking their tole on my… if you can’t tell;)

Here are my 5 highlights from this week.

1. Watching our high school boys soccer team win and remain undefeated for the season!

I finally was able to catch a soccer game last night. I coach the girl’s team and love watching a soccer game without having to be the coach. It’s SO AMAZING to be able to just watch the game and not dissect every little move. Our boys so far are off to a 5-0 start and are looking great this season!

2. Read a Great Book *Spoiler Alert*

I have been on a reading spree the past few weeks and ran across this amazing book about 2 sisters that survived Auschwitz. I have always had an interest WW2. It doesn’t matter what it has to do with WW2 because I’ll read it and enjoy it. This book was so amazing because the main character, Rena, was on the 1st train to Auschwitz and chronicles her journey through the concentration camp. Not only does she survive, but also saves her sister’s life. It was a very moving story but unlike most Holocaust books the end is fairly happy…at least as happy as it can be. It was also so captivating to read a book through the eyes such a strong courageous young woman. Definitely would recommend this book to anyone interested in this point in history.

3. Finished My 6th and FINAL Evaluation!!

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So, if you are a teacher you know what a weight this is lifted off my shoulders. I feel like I can finally breathe easy now and not worry about anyone popping in to my class and pick apart my every little move. I understand the need for evaluations and absolutely agree we need to be evaluated, BUT, and this is a big  huge  GINORMOUS BUT, it is absolutely ridiculous for a group of people sitting in the state capitol, who have never taught a group of 35 students, tell me the best way to do my job and when I don’t meet these expectations then I am inadequate. I welcome ANY law maker to hop in my room any given day and try to teach and hit every expectation while dealing with all the loveliness that comes along with high schoolers. But, I digress… I’ll hop off the soap box.

4. Wearing Sundresses

I bought this dress a few weeks ago at NY & Co and love it! I usually stay away from long dresses, but this one is amazing! I paired it with a blue jean jacket and brown belt at the waist. Wearing sundresses is a sign that summer is just around the corner!

5. Get to spend time with this little man Last weekend we got to help celebrate Lincoln’s, Logan’s little brother, 1st birthday, and this weekend they are coming up for a short trip! He is basically the most adorable one year old in the world…but really do you see that face!? Little babies make the world a happier place:)

Enjoy your Friday!

What I Wore Wednesday

Well, I finally got it together…sort of… and have a short What I Wore Wednesday post.

Wednesday

Top-Target

Tank-Old Navy

Cropped Jeans-Gap Outlet

Flip Flops-Old Navy

I don’t know about you, but I have busted out all my summer sandals and loving it!

Sunday

Top-TJ Maxx

Skirt-NY & Co.

Belt- NY & Co.

Flip Flops- Gap Outlet

Well, when I took this picture I didn’t think it looked this creepy…what can ya do.

I know it is a pretty short WIWW post but at least I was able to get in a few outfits from last week. Make sure to head over to The Pleated Poppy to check out all the other WIWW posts from this week!

Happy Hump Day!!

P.S. 2 months from now I will be sitting on a beach! Yay! Summer is almost here!

Pinteresting Tuesday

Oh man, I have found some great pins this week! Do you ever get on Pinterest and just find a million different things to pin? Well, that’s been me this week! I have found recipes, cute outfits, crafts, and hilarious prints. Needless to say it was a little hard to decide on my Top 5 for this week…but here ya go!

1.This poster

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Oh, how true this is! If only I could eat all the fries and cheesecake I wanted and never tip the scale! Life would be great! And yes, fries and cheesecake sound absolutely amazing right now!

2. This sundress

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I am so loving wearing all my dresses and skirts now that it is Spring! I love the pale pink of this dress with the brown belt.

3. This “Hey Girl…”

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Oh, Ryan Gosling you are just so witty…but for reals you have to split those talkers up!

4. This Library

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I mean Beast was on to something here. If I had a ginormous library to peruse at my leisure, I would be a pretty happy girl.

5. This Living Room

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I absolutely love this white living room, but would be way to scared to actually have this in my house. I would have stains everywhere in a matter of minutes. But, it’s still pretty to look at.

Happy Tuesday!

Make the Most of It Monday

I have run across a super yummy food blog that is all about being healthy! It’s called Dashing Dish, and she focuses on taking unhealthy recipes that we love to eat and revamping them so they are more health conscious. I have been wanting to make this Chicken Enchilada Bake for a while and figured it would be a great way to Make the Most of this oh so crazy Monday:)

Here’s what you will need:

2 chicken breasts, taco sauce, whole wheat tortillas, shredded cheese, salsa, corn, black beans, rotel, taco seasoning, sour cream (not pictured)

What makes this a healthier version of chicken enchiladas is the fact that you only need 4 tortillas for the entire dish, use a smaller amount of cheese, and sour cream.

First, preheat oven to 375. In a skillet, cook the chicken. Sprinkle a little taco seasoning on the chicken while it is cooking.

While the chicken is cooking, mix together 3/4 cup of salsa and taco sauce (or enchilada sauce), 1/2 cup low fat sour cream, and the rotel.

In a separate bowl, mix together the black beans and corn. Make sure you drain these first. I didn’t and it made the dish a little runny.

When the chicken has finished cooking, chop or shred the chicken and add to the salsa mixture.

Now, your are ready to layer everything together. I did corn/black beans, chicken mixture, tortillas. Repeat. The original recipe went backwards tortillas, chicken mixture, corn/black beans. I don’t really think it matters all that much. I just don’t like having tortillas on the bottom because it’s a mess to clean up.

Then top with 2% shredded cheese.

Bake for 20 minutes, and here’s the finished product. Serve with a little salsa, green onions, sour cream, or whatever else you like.

ENJOY and Happy Monday!

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 chicken breasts
• 3/4 cup salsa
• 3/4 cup taco or enchilada sauce
• 3/4 cup 2% shredded cheese
• 1/2 cup low fat sour cream
• 1 can corn
• 1 can black beans
• 1 can rotel
• 4 whole wheat tortillas
• taco seasoning

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 375. Bake chicken in a skillet with a little olive oil. Sprinkle taco seasoning on chicken while cooking. While the chicken is cooking combine salsa, taco sauce, rotel, and sour cream. In a separate bowl, drain corn and black beans then mix together. Once the chicken is cooked, shred or chop chicken and add this to the salsa mixture. Now you are ready to layer the dish together in a 13×9 baking pan, first corn/black beans, chicken/salsa mix, then 2 tortillas. Repeat. Bake for 20 minutes. ENJOY!

High Five for Friday

Oh, it is so crazy how one week flies by and the next drags on FOREVER! I guess part of the reason this week has gone so slow is the weekend is going to be sooooo much fun! Here are the 5 things that have been/will be the highlight of my week!

1. The Hunger Games Movie

Katniss and Gale

Ever since I finished reading these amazing books 2+ years ago, I have been waiting for the movie to come out. And it’s finally here!! Yay! I can’t wait to see the world of Panem come alive on the big screen. If I weren’t a responsible adult that has to be at work bright and early, I would have already been to the midnight show. But, I just can’t pull an all nighter anymore. Does this mean I am getting old?

2. Lincoln’s 1st Birthday Party

Me, Logan, and Lincoln

It is so hard for me to believe that it has already been a year since we were at the hospital meeting little Lincoln for the first time. He is the sweetest and cutest little kid in the world! I can’t wait to eat some birthday cake with him Saturday:) Yay for birthdays!

3. USA vs. Canada Olympic Trials

Landon Donavan Game Winning World Cup Goal

I am so excited to see the US Mens Soccer Team play Canada Saturday in the Olympic Trials. If the Olympics are half as exciting as the last World Cup then I can’t wait for the summer!

4.Enjoying a Lemonberry Slush from Sonic

I have been enjoying the absolute best drink in the world this past week in celebration of the amazing warm weather, a lemonberry slush from Sonic. It is like summer in a drink! The tart lemons and sweet strawberries create the quintessential summer drink. You must go get one immediately otherwise you’re missing out!

5. New Top

I am in love with this new top I bought at Target. It is just so summery and comfy. It is a very flowy top but doesn’t make you look like you’re pregnant. Love it!

Happy Friday!

What I Wore Wednesday-Running Edition

Wow! It has been over a month since I have had a What I Wore Wednesday post! I must admit that I have got a little lazy about taking outfit pictures. The problem is that I wake up and leave the house at 6:30 before my husband/photographer wakes up. Then, I normally go run after school, so I am no longer in my outfit of the day. I plan on getting back on track this week, so check back next week for a normal WIWW post.

Due to the fact that I don’t have any normal outfits to post, I’ve decided to do a WIWW Running Edition. For those of you that might be new to running, thinking about running, or want to look like a runner, here are the things that I love to wear when I go running.

Asics GEL-Nimbus 13

First and most importantly, you have to invest in a good pair of running shoes that you ONLY wear for running. My favorite pair of shoes, and I am currently on my 4th pair, are the Asics GEL-Nimbus series. I had tried some different shoes and kept getting shin splints. Then, my Dad told me to try a pair of Asics that had a lot of support. I have never had an issue with shin splints since. They are a little wider than other shoes I have tried and have lots of cushion which is exactly what I need. These normally run about $100ish but if you are committing to running you have to invest in your shoes. If you can spend this much on a pair of heels, then you can splurge on running shoes.

Cold Running Gear

Shirt-Under Armour Dry Wicking

Shorts-Nike

Tights-Reebok Cold Gear

Head Band-Under Armour

Gloves-??

These are my favorite things to wear if it is below 50 degrees. The most important thing is to be comfortable first and foremost. Some people would never wear a long sleeve shirt or tights to go for a run even if it is below freezing, and that’s great if they are comfy. I personally hate being cold and would rather get a little warm and take gloves/head band off if needed. Which is exactly what I did here. I am handing off my gloves to my lovely husband. I will mention that dry wicking anything is TOTALLY worth it.

Warm Weather Gear

Tank-Nike Dry Wicking

Shorts-Nike

Socks-Puma

If it is above 70 degrees, then I love this tank top I found on clearance at Dick’s last year. Now, I only have a few of the dry wick tops and wear them if they are clean, but if all else fails throw on a cotton tee and you’re good to go! As you can tell, I am not at all brand loyal other than the Nike shorts. I am totally in LOVE with them and won’t buy any other brand shorts.

I haven’t pointed out 2 important things yet that people normally don’t think about when getting ready to run. First, only run in thick socks. These Puma socks came from TJ Maxx and are perfect running socks. Second, you need to invest in a quality sports bra. Make sure you try it on before purchasing, and it needs to be super tight. I’m talking you can just barely get it on tight and may not be able to breathe tight…okay that might be a little carried away you need to breathe.

Okay, are you ready to go for a run yet? What are you’re favorite things to wear when you run?

Happy Hump Day!

Pinteresting Tuesday

Here are my 5 favorite posts from Pinterest this week.

1. This Living Room

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All I want to do when I look at this living room is curl up on the couch and read a book. It looks so cozy!

2. This Bright Skirt

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I am soooo loving all the long dresses and skirts that are in style this spring. I love all the bright colors that come with the Spring and want a skirt just like this one!

3. This Little Guy

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I love French Bulldogs! They are just the sweetest (besides Jack)! I think I need one just like this guy.

4. This Bag

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Oh, this might be the funniest line from Downton Abbey! The Dowager Countess asks the question “What is a weekend?” and is absolutely hilarious! Just go watch the show it’s AMAZING!!

5. This Recipe

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Is your mouth watering looking at this picture? Yeah I thought so. I am craving sweet stuff soooo bad right now! This cinnamon roll cake looks to die for! I must try this recipe soon.

Happy Pinteresting…and Tuesday!

Make the Most of It Monday

Well, don’t really have much to talk about for this Make the Most of It Monday post since it’s been a pretty uneventful Monday. But, I figured I would let everyone know that it is only 3…that’s right 3 days until The Hunger Games comes out in theaters!!!!! I am pretty pumped if you couldn’t tell:)

Go here to buy your ticket, here to watch the trailer, and here to buy the books.

P.S. I suppose I would classify myself as a Team Gale gal:)

Happy Monday!

High Five for Friday

This week has flown by! I got to spend part of the week on Spring Break and only had 3 days of school, not too bad at all. I am so glad that it is warming up and looks like 70+ weather is here to stay! Here are my 5 highlights of the week!

1. Finished my 2nd Half Marathon

I think this was taken at mile 3, so I don’t look like I am about to collapse yet. I was able to take 10 minutes off my 1st half time and finished in 2:28. I hit a wall at about mile 10 and had to walk/run the rest of the way, but otherwise I was pleased with my time.

2. Going to the Zoo

We got to take Logan’s little brother, Lincoln, to the zoo, and we had a blast! This little guy couldn’t be much sweeter. He is about to turn 1 in a few days and seemed to enjoy getting out and seeing the animals. I will also say the Nashville Zoo has super affordable season pass rates. We got a 2 person season pass for only $55. We were able to get a $10 discount since I am a teacher, but it is absolutely worth it if you live close by and enjoy the zoo.

3. Pi Day!

Wednesday was Pi day, 3/14, which is the best day of the year in the math world. We ate oatmeal cream pies and read Sir Cumference and the Dragon of Pi in class that day. Everyone was pretty excited about the oatmeal cream pies anyway.

4. Jeans Day at Work!

Our school, unfortunately, doesn’t participate in casual Friday, so it is absolutely amazing to wear jeans. It just seems to make the day so much better:) I also really love these AE jeans.

5. My Sweet Little Jack

Do you see just how sweet this little man is?! He is so stinking cute! I can’t hardly stand it!

Happy Friday!!

Pinteresting Thursday

I know, I know it’s not Tuesday, but I wasn’t able to have my Pinteresting Tuesday post so here ya go:)

1. Amazing Skirt!

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Oh, I can’t even begin to explain how much I want to be at the beach! This outfit screams VACATION!! I love the bright pink skirt paired with neutrals.

2. Orange Paint

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Man, I love fun paint colors, but it always seems to go awry when I use it. We had our kitchen painted a very similar color to this for a while, and it just didn’t look right. I finally painted over it a few months ago. The orange paint looks amazing in this living room.

3. Shoes with Bows

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These are so stinking cute! I am now on a mission to find shoes just like these! I mean really does it get any better than red shoes with bows? I didn’t think so!

4. Hang in There

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This just made me crack up! Sometimes this is just how you feel, so Hang in There Baby!

5. Cute Little Cottage

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What a cute little cottage!! And the yellow door is so pretty! It just looks like so cozy in the middle of the woods.

Happy Thursday!