Circle 'Round

Here's a few links of articles, videos, websites, stories, purchases, etc. that I've enjoyed this week.

Undeveloped World War II Film Discovered
Because I have a deep love of the mystery in old film and WWII history...

Boston Travel
Because Karl and I will be traveling to Boston for the Fourth of July!!  All travel recommendations are welcome.

Amuse Bouche Lipstick Obsession
Because of all the lipsticks in the world, these are my obsession.  And they're all-natural.

Milk Frother
Because we have no Sheetz.  And we want mint steamers.

Barolo Braised Short Ribs
For when I have tons of time and am feeling inspired...

January Favorites

I never think the schedule can get any busier.  Then I get the professor from...well...let's just say, I've been busier than usual.  Grad school hasn't been terrible because of so many people cheering me on and giving me the help I need.  There's nothing that makes me miss the small, intimate English class like an online grad class.  Winter has just gotten colder, but January, for the most part, switched back and forth between the scary warm and bitter cold.  My skin went a little haywire, but of course, there were a couple things pushing me through winter.

One Line A Day Journal | This five year journal might be fun to look back on.  I journal quite regularly, but this allows me to note the day quickly.

Jergens Wet Skin Moisturizer | The weather is killing me.  Normally, I shed skin (disgusting) in the winter.  My legs are itchy, typically.  But I can slather this on IN THE SHOWER. It's been a lifesaver.

Kate Spade Cedar Street Jensen | The color is "mulled wine."  Need I say more?

L'Occintane Hand Cream | Honestly, I've never been a fan of the "rose" smell.  This is different  And the cream feels so luxurious.  I put it on right before bed, and I've really come to love it in my nightly routine.

Kendra Scott Necklace | I've had this for quite some time.  But in the winter, when I'm wearing a lot of blue and gold (shout out to my J. Crew vest), this necklace is the perfect accessory.

A List of Temptations

...an Anthropologie shop stop along the way to dinner tonight.

....a new package of colorful expo markers for the board.

...a stop at Sephora for items on my wish list.

...books sitting in my Amazon cart.

...locking the door, pulling down the blinds, and sleeping at my desk.

...grabbing a cup of coffee before track practice.

...not trying very hard on my final project for grad class.

...bringing a laptop to our meet this weekend to keep watching "Parenthood" on Netflix.

...asking Husband to pick me up early from the meet on Saturday even though he only just returns from Arkansas tomorrow.

Dinner on the Table

Karl's grandparents are here for the week.  People ask, "Isn't that stressful- teaching, coaching, and being in school yourself, PLUS having company?"

No.  Grandma has had dinner on the table every evening when I get home.  We've had BBQ pork chops, spaghetti/meatballs, meatloaf, roast... Grandpa has helped Karl fix the old car, set up his man cave, and mount a television.  Having them as "company" isn't stressful at all. Having them as family is the best of all.

December Favorites

December finally started to get a little colder.  A mug of hot tea before bed did the trick, but even in the midst of Christmas decorations, I still felt a little less Christmas-y this year.  I didn't want nearly the absurd amount of Christmas movies that I normally do; however, there were still a few items that made December wonderful.

Patagonia Vest | Karl took the lovely Patagonia jacket idea to give me a wonderfully warm Patagonia vest for Christmas.

Alabama Starbucks Mug | Who doesn't want to drink a hot cup of coffee from the Starbucks mug of your state?

Bite Beauty Lipsticks | They're creamy and all-natural.  "Pepper" and "Shiraz" are my favorite colors.

Tory Burch Wedges | Karl for the Christmas win again. Beautiful Tory Burch wedges.  He doesn't know who or what Tory Burch is, but luckily, my sister-in-law clued him in on the fact that they're beautiful and durable.  He was immediately clued in to their high-end price.

Nike Air Max 2016 | I got a new pair of shoes for a little more support.  These have gotten a ton of compliments from the track biddies.

Christmas Break Success

I spent about 70% of my Christmas break in pajamas. A variety of pajamas. A red/white/blue romper, blue flannel pajamas with snowflakes, polka dotted silk pajamas, blue and white training pants...

I drank hot tea, coffee, apple cider, and chai lattes whenever I pleased.  I read books (for fun). I took naps.  I cuddled with kitties.  I slept in late, and on a few occasions, I stayed in bed until early afternoon.

Overall, Christmas Break 2015 was a giant success.  Happy New Year, friends.

The End of a Semester

I remember college finals.  I remember shutting myself in the library with a cup of hot coffee in the morning and then coming out of the library in darkness.  I remember the stress, but I also remember the peace.

There is no peace during the end of semester in high school.  As I end this semester, I'm already trying to plan next semester.  The semester where I have SENIORS.  You know, the kids ready to check out in February/March instead of the May...I'm already terrified.  And then I'm teaching Mythology!  Again, excitement and fear.

So here I am, thinking about next semester before this one has even finished.  A time where students try to turn in work from months ago.  Where they ask every day, "So what are we doing today?"  Where administration visits our classrooms before the end of the semester, and they check our finals to make sure they're challenging enough.  I tell you, it's been craziness.  I'm not even sure I've had time to collect November Favorites because really, the only favorite I have has been sleep.  Bedtime is literally my favorite.

I'm ready for some more peace and quiet.  I'm ready for the peace of Christmas Eve and joy of Christmas morning.  I'm ready for the end of the semester!