Life & Teaching

If there's one thing I'm learning as I get older, it's that nothing goes according to the plan. Unfortunately, I wasn't selected to become a teacher this year. Sigh. I'm trying to look at this in the most positive way I can... I get to press the reset button on my career. At the same time, it is hard to let go of the dream that I worked so hard for. Thank you for all your continued support. It means the world to me! If all else fails, I'm moving to Paris :)

Little Monsters

Amount of money for "rear view" tickets: too much

Parking downtown: ten dollars

Hours spent on making a not so perfect Gaga hair bow: three

Weeks of listening to her set list on repeat: two

Number of bandaids used to repair blistered dancing feet: four

Seeing Lady Gaga in concert...priceless

Epic. Enough said.

You're Going Places Baby

I've been such a bad blogger and I'll update you guys soon about my crazy life right now! In the meantime Alycia & Gracey both gave me an award. Thanks ladies!!

All I have to do is describe where I'll be in 10 years and pass it on...

Let's see 10 years..that's a long time.

Hopefully I'll be teaching second grade in a great district..maybe teacher of the year :)

Definitely married with a few kiddos. Hopefully we have a nice house and lots of fun together.

I'll be doing lots of traveling and seeing the world.

Oh and let's hope I have a nice camera by then.

Sounds pretty good to me!

You know I'm just going to pass it on to whoever wants to play. Join in!

Happy Day!

Today is a happy day because:

1. The weather is amazing!

2. I got a job at a Montessori School teaching 3-6 year olds (which I could continue in the fall if I don't get a teaching position)

3. I've officially lost 10 pounds and I'm inching closer to my goal weight each day!

4. I get to see my niece again!

5. Grey's season finale tonight.

Hope you are all having a happy day too!

image via weheartit.com

Aunt Lindsay!

Meet Miss Elizabeth Paige, the newest member of the M clan.

My dad, first time grandpa, with my older brother, and first time daddy.

I'm so excited to be an aunt and I can't wait to spoil her silly!

Yes, we'll definitely be keeping her.

p90x

After I graduated college, I decided it was time to shed those extra pounds for good. Whenever I work out, motivation is my biggest obstacle. They say getting to the gym is half the battle, and that is definitely true for me. So when my mom got P90x for Christmas I thought it was perfect for me. I did about four weeks of it by myself, then my sister moved home so I started it over with her. We are currently in phase 2, and still holding strong. We also walk an hour a day outside. We just started the Abs Diet to help shed a couple more pounds before bikini season.

You are probably wondering why I'm telling you this. Well I'm sure you've all seen the P90x infomercial, but I want to tell you that it works. I've lost 7 pounds so far, and I've seen great results in my flexibility, energy levels, and increase in muscle sizes. I've learned to love yoga, and can actually touch my toes again! If you are looking to lose weight, give it a try. You don't have to leave your house, but you are still getting an awesome workout. No matter what work out I do, I'm ALWAYS sore. Let me know if you have any more questions, or feel free to share what works for you!

2010: New Year, New Goals

Goals for 2010:

1. Find a good job
2. Begin to pay of student loans
3. Read two or three books per month
4. Grow out my fingernails and maintain them
5. Simplify and eliminate clutter in my life (I would like to eliminate the number of clothes in my closet by half)
6. Make/maintain healthy habits
7. Continue my 90 day workout with Tony Horton
8. Travel somewhere new..perhaps New York City or San Francisco
9. Watch any of the AFI's top 100 films that I haven't seen yet
10. Learn how to cook more advanced meals

I think that's a good start..what are your goals for this year?

We did it!

It feels so good to be an alumni! For four years we had to avoid the seal (you know, for fear of failing your next exam), so the first thing we did after graduation was to take a giant leap on the seal. I can't believe I'm done, I'll miss this place so much!

This is the Upham Arch, where you kiss your sweetie at midnight and then are destined to become a Miami Merger..

Love and honor to Miami!

My Maga

Last year on this day my beloved Maga (grandma) passed away from breast cancer. She was only 64 and she was one of my best friends. I still think about her everyday, and miss her so much. Today I'm trying not to think about sad things, but remember all of our good memories and things that she taught me.

Here are just a few things I learned from Maga:

How to make an entrance.
How to have a good smelling home (lots of candles, flowers, and perfume)
That it is ok to be yourself.
How to be a good friend.
There is no such thing as too much holiday decorations.
How to shop.
That it is a good thing to enjoy reading.
That maybe sometimes it's ok to keep your opinion to yourself.
The importance of a good makeup mirror, and good makeup.
How to make pretty bows.
How to throw a good party.
How to be an amazing person.
How to make the best chocolate chip cookies.
How to love someone.
How to take care of flowers.
How to organize.
How to decorate.

I hope I am making Maga proud.

Before..

Before I met Andy..

I hated hockey.
I had no idea what an F-22 was.
I had never been to Boston (his hometown).
I couldn't name any Red Sox players.
I had no idea what a frappe or jimmies were.
I didn't care about the weather forecast.
I only went to warm beaches.
I didn't swear like a hockey player!
I never had so many nicknames for myself.
I never thought about the future.
I never knew what love was.

Amazing how things change in 5 years! Love you bubs! Happy Anniversary!

First month of dating..

Now..

Through the years..

Just Call Me The Cookie Monster

Cookies are one of my favorite foods in the world. Why do I love cookies so much?
1. cookie dough (yum)
2. they smell delicious
3. they taste delicious
4. there are so many possibilities and variations
5. who doesn't love cookies?

I could seriously eat them for every meal. I usually stick to chocolate chip cookies because they are my favorite, but I want to branch out a bit because I've seen so many great recipes on different food blogs. So I need some help. What are your favorite cookies? Do you have a famous recipe you would be willing to share?

Fashionista Questionnaire

Coutoure Carrie adapted this fun survey from Elle and tagged all her reader's to do it too so I thought I'd join in! I adapted it a bit further to shorten it up a bit.

Who is your favorite designer?

Diane von Furstenberg, Michael Kors, Balmain (Christophe Decarnin)

If you could come back as a dress, what would it be?
Taraji's Oscar dress by Roberto Cavalli.

If you could come back as a model, who would it be?
Gisele Bundchen or Chanel Iman.

Junk food?
Ice cream and chocolate.

What are you most shy about?

Singing in front of people.

If you could come back with someone else’s body, whose would it be?
Gisele Bundchen.

Who are your fantasy dinner-party guests?
Jake Gyllenhaal, The Veronicas, Rob Pattinson, Barack Obama, Perez Hilton, J.K. Rowling, the cast of Friends, Scott Schuman, Diane von Furstenberg, Mary Kate and Ashley, Christian Siriano, Ellen Degeneres, JFK and Jackie O, and Matt Damon...is that too many?

Fantasy celebrity one-night stand?
It's a toss up between Jake Gyllenhaal and Rob Pattinson.


Favorite place to have a drink?
At a low-key bar, sitting outside at a table with friends.

What can’t you travel without?
A good book, magazines, gum, i-pod, computer, some DVD's, socks for the airplane, camera, snacks, chapstick, and someone else!

Last book you read?
I'm currently rereading the Harry Potter series. I am on the third, so I just finished the Chamber of Secrets.


At age seven, you wanted to be . . .
A teacher and a singer.

Biggest self-indulgence?
Shopping.

Favorite place to shop [brick and mortar]?
TJ Maxx, J.Crew, Urban Outfitters, Forever 21, H&M.

Favorite place to shop online?
I don't do much shopping online, because I need to try things on but I do love looking! Usually I go to J.Crew, Anthro, or Nordstrom.

Whose diary would you most like to read?
Jennifer Aniston's!
Least favorite food?
Oh geez it's hard to pick one. Probably red meat.

If you were an inventor, what would you invent?
A time traveler.

Who are your favorite furniture designers?
Eh, don't really care. I like eclectic vintage pieces.

Car?
Currently drive a Toyota Solara. I'm not really into cars. I'd rather spend the money on clothes. But I do like Hyundai Santa Fe's or I'd like to have something hybrid.
What was your childhood nickname?
Linny Binny, Bingy, Bing, Bingo Jingo, Linds, Blondie, Blue eyes..don't even ask me how they got started..except that I have blue eyes and my hair was pretty blonde when I was younger. I think the bingy stuff evolved from Linny Binny.

When and where are you happiest?
Whenever I am on vacation, relaxing at home, or hanging with friends and family.

What piece of art would you most like to own?
A Glimpse of Notre-Dame in the Late Afternoon, by Henri Matisse

What are your favorite vacation spots?
Provence, Nice, Paris, Boston, Maine, Marco Island..anywhere beachy or romantic.

Most treasured possession?
My pictures and memories.

Favorite fictional character?
Harry Potter

If you had another profession beside your own, what would it be?
I would love to be a pastry chef, or work as a fashion editor.

What current trends would you like to see disappear?
Leggings as pants! I'm also so sick of the Forever 21 band dresses that every girl owns (which I might add are the least flattering dresses that exists).


Favorite trend of all time?
Skinny jeans.

Always...
Be your own person, love life, and act classy.

Never...
Compromise yourself for someone else (or try to be someone you are not).

8 Things Tag

Belle at It's All Make Believe, Isn't It? tagged me, for these fun lists! Thanks Belle!

8 Things I'm Looking Forward To:1. Summer
2. Student Teaching (starts in August..yikes!)
3. Moving into my/our new apartment with Andy..big step for us!
4. Finding a summer job/earning money
5. New Moon movie
6. Decorating and shopping for the new apartment
7. Being done with school (next week!)
8. The Veronica's concert in July!

8 Things I Did Yesterday:1. Went to class
2. Had a student teaching meeting/met my co-operating teacher
3. Had a cultural fair in social studies (yes it's fun being an ed major)
4. Finished reading Breaking Dawn (for the fourth time)
5. Made a grilled peanut butter..it was yummy
6. Made chocolate frappes
7. Watched Friends
8. Slept!

8 Things I Wish I Could Do: 1. Spend the summer traveling Europe
2. Go to New York City
3. Design clothes..I can't even draw people let alone clothes
4. Play guitar and piano
5. Speak as many languages as possible
6. Cut my hair really short..I'm too afraid!
7. Lead a movement for educational reform
8. Have fresh flowers in my house everyday

8 Shows I Watch:

1. Friends
2. Dexter
3. Gossip Girl
4. Grey's Anatomy
5. Project Runway
6. Top Chef
7. Food Network (anything..but especially love Everyday Italian and Barefoot Contessa)
8. anything on HGTV

Tag 8 people:
*I tag anyone who wants to participate!

Feeling Nostalgic

My sister and I were talking about some videos we used to watch as kids, and I found them on youtube! Well one of these videos happened to be Where the Wild Things Are..and we only thought of it because I posted the trailer the other day. I thought I'd never see the light of day of these videos! Seriously I love technology, you can find anything! I think this video was a collection of Maurice Sendak books. Does anyone else remember these? If not, they are good for a laugh!





Then I got to thinking of our other memories..when we used to have our ice cream before bed we would stir our ice cream into a soup, then re-enact this medicine scene from Mary Poppins.. I was Jane, my brother was Michael, and my sister was Mary (but only because she could roll her R's!) ohh the good ol' days! And I totally thought Jane said lime quarter delicious instead of lime CORDIAL!

Picky, Picky

As most of you know I am a picky eater and I hate it! I really do try to eat new foods but I'm freaked out by the texture or consistency, or I just plain old hate it. There are foods that I think look delicious but I absolutely despise..for instance onion rings, mac and cheese, and hamburgers. I envy people who can eat these delicious looking foods while I'm stuck with my plain old chicken breast. Please tell me I'm not alone in this! Do you hate some foods that you think look really yummy?

Fun Weekend!

This weekend was a blast! I ended up going to the bars Friday night which was a lot of fun. Last night we went skiing from 9pm-1am...it was freeezing! I haven't skied in years but I thought I did pretty well. However, my boyfriend convinced me to go down a terrifying, steep hill which I preceded to tumble down at full speed. It didn't actually hurt but was quite scary! I was expecting to be sore today but I guess my spring break workout plan is helping because I wasn't sore at all (I'll post my workout routine soon for those who asked!) Today I was a lazy lump! I slept in late, made muffins, watched Friends, read some of Eclipse (3rd Twilight book), cleaned my room, and am currently procrastinating homework! Hope you all enjoyed your weekend!

Me and Andy before hitting the slopes

10 Honest Facts About Me!

I've been tagged by Newbie New Yorker to be honest. Here's how it goes:

#1. You have to chose a minimum of 7 fabulous blogs to pass this goodie onto.

#2. Post the fabulous blogs of your choice as a link on your blog.

AND #3. List at least 10 honest things about yourself.

So here's my list...

1. My favorite meal is breakfast. Each weekend I make muffins, waffles, or eggs and after I eat I love to lay around and watch Friends reruns.

2. My room cannot stay clean for more than a day. Although it's clean..it's messy (books, clothes, shoes, papers etc. strewn everywhere!) It's very frustrating and I'm currently in the process of getting rid of junk, because I have too much.

3. My favorite foods include ice cream, pizza, spaghetti, rolls, cookies, etc..basically I'm a junk food junkie. My least favorite foods include cheese, red meat, and fish.

4. I met my boyfriend in France almost five and a half years ago. We started dating long distance a year later (he's from Boston) and now we go to college together and have been dating for four and a half years..and I love him..a lot!

5. I'm a hopeless romantic..if movies or books don't have happy endings I get sad..and I also want all tv couples to date in real life (Ross and Rachel!).

6. I love to sing but have serious stage fright and only my close friends/family have heard me sing..and I sing a lot to de-stress.

7. I'm 5'8 and tower over most of my friends but I won't give up my heels!

8. After I graduate in December I want to travel everywhere I can.

9. I have an older sister Katie who is 23, a younger brother Chris who is 19, and a half-brother Sean who is 29. We all go to different colleges (except Sean because he works). I have twenty-three cousins on my dad's side (he has 5 sisters and 1 brother) and none on my mom's side (she has 1 sister).

10. I can't wait to be a teacher and I really hate when people put down my future career when they do not fully understand the hard work, dedication, and responsibility it takes.

I'm going to break the rules and tag who ever wants do to this!

New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve was a blast. I went to a local party center with a big group of friends. We danced the night away and it was the perfect way to ring in the new year!

I didn't take too many full outfit pics so here is a decent one. I got my dress at Forever 21 and luckily saw no one else wearing it!

Tag!

Here are the Rules:

1. Link to the person who tagged you
2. Post the rules on your blog
3. Share six non-important things/habits/quirks about yourself
4. Tag six random people at the end of your post by linking to their blogs
5. Let each random person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their website.


Link to the person who tagged you : J'adore Fashion

Share six non-important things/habits/quirks about yourself
1. I don't like coffee but I like cappuccinos (but not the real kind--gas station style)

2. I've acquired a borderline scary amount of items with an Eiffel tower on them

3. I rarely wash my face

4. If I could shop anywhere but the mall it would be Hobby Lobby

5. I have an obsession with Perez Hilton..and Jake Gyllenhaal

6. I could eat Taco Bell everyday...soft taco supreme no lettuce or tomatoes..yum!

I tag anyone who wants to do it!

Tag

I was tagged by La Petite Fashionista!

4 Things I Did Today:

1. Tutored my cute second grader
   
2. Went to class
   
3. Wore my new berry tights!
4. Had a literature circle for class (we read Baby Proof..so good!)
   

4 Things On My To-Do List:

1. Clean my room (that really never leaves the to-do list)
2. Go grocery shopping
   
3. Homework (lots of it)
   
4. relax
   

4 Guilty Pleasures:

1. Ice Cream
   
2. Forever 21
   
3. Friends reruns (yes I own every season)
   
4. Singing my heart out when my roommates are gone
5. Had to add one more: Chick lit..I'd rather read sappy love stories than famous literature pieces
   

4 Random Facts About Me:

1. I met my boyfriend in France (he's American)
   
2. I walk fast and get annoyed when people walk slow
3. I love children's books and have a growing collection for my future classroom
4. I'm a very picky eater and would be a vegetarian if only I liked more veggies
   

4 Bloggers that I'm Tagging:

whoever wants to!