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.

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.
















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

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

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.

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.

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