Friday Favorites-Sunday edition

I am not sure why but this didn't post on Friday....so welcome to Friday Favorites...Sunday edition! :-)

I'm linking up with Erica, Narci and Andrea for Friday favorites. I have been reading these posts for quite a while and am so happy to finally be apart of the link up. :-) #fridayfavorites

1) I am so excited to go home this weekend and get my Nordstrom packages. My mom has a Nordstrom card so I did all my purchase through her. I promise to post pics of my fun new outfits once I have them. What has been your favorite purchase from the Nordstrom sale? #nsale I am super excited about some fun new Fall pieces.

2) Tonight my hubby and I are going to see Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood in Bossier. I am so excited. The last time I saw Garth was 3 years ago in Vegas. It hands down is the best concert I have ever been to. #grewuplisteningtotheirmusic #country

3) Lately I have been loving Pinterest and pinning so many fun Fall things from recipes to crafts and fun new recipes to try. I love my crockpot in the Fall and all things pumpkin. I can't wait for pumpkin spice everything.

 

4) I am looking forward to this weekend because we are taking a mini road trip to Dallas and then going to see my family for a full week. But first I must do laundry and clean house. :-( To me the worst part is folding tshirts and socks.

 

5) Whew what a week...I am glad it is Friday... now to get my to do list done and then out of town!!

  

Travel Talk Thursday

Travel Talk Thursday is here....once a month I  plan to talk about a trip I have taken either with my family or husband. It can be a staycation, a cruise, a road trip or something aboard.

Today...I am talking about Alaska.

In June, we went to Alaska on a cruise. My in-laws, brother-in-law and husband had all gone to Alaska 19 years earlier for my father-in-law's Dad's retirement.

This to me was a once in a lifetime experience, so the husband and I decided to do shore excursions in both ports of Juneau and Skagway.

In Juneau, we went on a extreme glacier hike with just 5 people (2 of them being us, and one the guide). We took a helicopter to the Mendenhall glacier and hiked. We even got to hike up part of the glacier and repel down. It was truly a breathtaking experience.

 

In Skagway, we went on a dog sledding adventure. I suggest doing an excursion in this port if you ever go because it is a one-horse town. Literally one street with shops and restaurants.

 

After two days of ports...we were at sea. We went to the inside passage and got to see another glacier, from our boat up close and personal. We saw lots of seals and sea lions also on this particular day.

 

On last stop on our trip was in Victoria, Canada. On this particular morning, I got up and went for a run and then we went out exploring. Canada is truly beautiful and I want to go back soon to see more of it.

 

 

 What has been your favorite trip you have ever taken? Have you been to Alaska or Canada?

What's Up Wednesday

Today I am linking up with Sheaffer, Shay and Mel for What's up Wednesday. to answer a series of questions.

1) What we're eating this week...

 

I am preparing for my 30th birthday so my husband and I have been sticking to a meal plan provided by my trainer. I am learning to love cooking at home and am excited by the results I have been seeing. I can have so many things. I have had Cherrios, greek yogurt, eggs, rice cakes, lots of yummy salad and fish, ground turkey, talipia, shrimp and chicken. #yummy #mealprep

The best part is I get a cheat night once a week.

 

2) What I'm reminiscing about...

 

In June we took a cruise to Alaska and Canada...I loved the cooler weather and time with my inlaws and husband. We went hiking on a glacier, dog sledding and enjoyed a day walking around Canada.

 

 

3) What I'm loving...

 

Netflix...we just got a subscription about 2 months ago finally. I binge watched Scandal and am now watching Parent Hood if anyone has any suggestions on TV shows to binge watch I would love to add them to my every growing list.

 

 

 

4) What we've been up to...

 

It has been a crazy week here in Shreveport. My brother in law had back surgery Monday. Last night my husband and father-in-law flew to Alabama because my husbands' grandfather was having emergency surgery. Prayers are very much needed and appreciated. Since, my brother in law had back surgery, I am getting to run his puppy. She is soo sweet! I also got a much needed hair cut yesterday. Excuse the picture of no makeup....I am loving all the layers though.

 

 

 5) What I am dreading...

 

Summer coming to an end. I will not miss the heat, however, I enjoy my quiet mornings at home reading, being able to do errands and just not having a set in stone schedule for day to day. I am excited about my new Erin Condren planner because I know it will keep me organized this Fall.

6) What I'm working on...

 

I always have a to-do list a pile long. This week it has been grocery shopping, birthday shopping for my hubby and getting ready for my upcoming birthday and trip home to see my family. I found the cutest drinking glasses for him. He loves CO especially Vail so I am hoping he likes this drinking glass.

 

7) What I'm excited about...

 

Fall...I have been pinning all things Fall lately. From recipes to crafts to home ideas. I am ready for pumpkin everything. #isittooearly

 

 

8) What I'm watching/reading....

 

Yesterday, I blogged about books. I am currently reading Maestra and loving it. I would love some new book suggestions. I love all genres of literature.

 

 

9) What I have been listening to....

 

I love Pandora and have been listening to Garth Brooks because I am going to see him Friday night!!!

 

 



10) What I'm wearing...

 

Workout clothes mostly...It is summer and I like to get in cardio 5 times a week, plus strength/resistance training 3 times a week. I am waiting for all my Nordstorm sale items to come in. I have bought a few dresses here and there for date nights and such but I truly am living in workout clothes most days. What are your favorite workout clothes brands. I love Zella! I love the details on this particular pair and wear them on repeat!!!

 

 

11) What I'm doing this weekend...

 

Friday night we are going to see Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood. Saturday we are heading down to see my family.

 

 

12) What I'm looking forward to next month...

 

Celebrating my 30th birthday and my husbands' birthday a week later!! #bornaweekapart #heisolder #yeswearebothleos

 

13) What else is new...

 

This BLOG...I am so excited to be blogging now and hope you will follow along with me on this journey. :-)

 

BONUS

What was your favorite part about summer...

My trip to Alaska...I would go back tomorrow!

 

 

Book Talk Tuesday

Let's talk books!!! What is sitting  on your nightstand right now? I love reading and any and all recommendations. I enjoy all genres but mostly fun, light, quick reads.

Hands down my favorite Young Adult novel right now is Wonder!  I think everyone should read this book with their young children. It talks about acceptance and the golden rule of treat others the way you want to be treated. Love that message and this whole story.

 

One of my favorite authors right now is Elin Hilderbrand. Her stories take place on Nantucket Island primarily in the summer time. Nantucket is on my #bucketlist and I just love how these books are a fun and fast read. I follow Mix and Match Mama's book review monthly and that is how I first found out about these wonderful books. I think in the last year I have read 11 or 12 of them.

 

 

 

A friend recommended to me Maestra last night...saying it was like 50 Shades of Grey mixed with Gone Girl. I read both of those series and loved them. I started last night and so far it is good. I know this type book isn't for everyone though.

 

 

 

I also have been reading Heist Society. I babysit a girl going into 6th grade and this was part of her summer reading. It is about stolen art and how a group of kids work together to get it back to the rightful owner (or is he?). I think for a kids' summer reading book it is pretty good.

 

What have you been reading this month? Any suggestions I should add to my night stand? Would love to hear from you.

 

 

 

Let's Talk.....Chit Chat

Happy MONDAY!!! I love everything about school.....the smell, the fresh markers, crayons, pencils, etc.

For 7 years I was an elementary school teacher. I taught 3rd grade for 3 years and then worked in the library with K5-5th for 4 years. I love everything about the start of a new school year.

I remember taking first day of school pictures every year and it is such a fun memory to look back on.

I am going to talk from a teacher perspective...since I don't have children yet.  What does a teacher need/want. I love Ticonderoga pencils...they come pre-sharpened, don't mess up a pencil sharpener and don't break easily.

I recently just ordered my first Erin Condren planner and know this would have kept me organized as a teacher. I can't wait to get my planner and start filling it in. Most teachers have planners so it would be cute to get them some stickers or accessories. These are a few I love.

 

 

 

Everyone has to have the perfect first day of school uniform. I used to teach in a private school but you can personalize your outfit with a fun hair bow (matching school colors of course, or a cute back to school one). I love a monogram...I say if it isn't moving stick a monogram on it.

Everyone needs a new backpack...I used to always have a new Jansport every year...however I found that they don't hold up very well. My husband has a North Face backpack for work and I love everything about it.

My favorite places to shop for a new back to school outfit are Banana Republic, Anthropologie , Lilly Pulitzer and boutiques. You have to feel great on your first day of school!

Hope you and your children have a great first day of school! #backtoschool