Make Me Happy...

This has been one of those weeks... not any major crises to deal with, just a lot of little inconveniences and stressful moments that combined to make me very, very tired. I had several blog posts in mind, all of which were jolly and entertaining, but by the time I got home last night, I was feeling neither jolly nor entertaining. What should have been a night of cleaning, grading papers, and actually being productive became a "pour a huge mountain dew, crawl in bed with a magazine, crawl out of bed to eat dinner, engage in some retail therapy, and watch endless episodes of Reba and Psych" kind of night. Of course by the time I did all of those things I had dragged myself away from my pity party (which was quite a shindig) and decided that there WERE some happy things from this week... I just needed to be reminded of them. So... here they are, in no particular order. =)

Lily Kate  is our youth pastor's SO CUTE and hilarious daughter. She and I usually get to hang out a little bit before Awanas starts on Wednesday nights. She likes to scribble on my papers... although this week we actually had an educational experience and I helped her write her name. =) 


We got to go to the Mum Fest on Saturday and it was absolutely gorgeous outside. (I am a little disillusioned since there was nary a mum in sight.) Perfect weather for walking around downtown with several thousand of our closest friends. =) 


Did I mention there was funnel cake involved? Or that I may have possibly inhaled it? Sooo good.



Jonathan and I shared a Chick-fil-A cookie (my favorite) the other night and it was excellent, as always.


This beau-ti-ful necklace was a gift from my bff Sara and I looove it. The grey, brown, and coral-pink colors are so pretty.


This was the retail therapy (from Target... obviously) that I indulged in after my stressful week... I have pinned lots of outfits with leopard scarves lately and I can't wait to wear it! (By the way... may I just say that I die a little every time someone pins a pictures of "scarfs"? It's scarvvvves.... change the f to v, people! Third graders know this. Wooh. I feel better now.)

Anyway, now you know what makes me happy... food, food, jewelry, clothes, oh... and hanging out with el husband. Fatty, fatty, materialistic...  aaand a good wife. Yep, sounds like me. 

Happy weekend, everyone!!! 

Ash

 P.S. I'm linking up with Lauren's High Five for Friday party at From My Grey Desk!
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My Fall Wreath...

I don't know about y'all, but (thanks to Pinterest) I have been seeing tons of pretty fall wreaths and after pricing a few ($$$!!!)  I decided making my own would be the way to go. Plus, who doesn't want to spend four hours on a Monday night wrapping yarn around a wreath? Yes, it's as fun as it sounds. (Not very.)

I got the stuff (flowers, leaves, yarn, wreath, and wooden letter) at Michaels. With a 50% off coupon, I got everything I used for about $12... but if I had only bought what I needed, I could have spent about $5 fewer. I wasn't sure about how much I wanted to put on it, so I had some flowers and leaves left over but I've added those to my teeny-tiny collection of craft supplies. =) I already had the red paint I used for the letter.



Getting started!



I'm sure there is some fancy crafter out there who could explain to you how to wrap the yarn without stopping (and having to tie knots all the way around the wreath.) But I am not that person, so when you find a good yarn-wrapping tutorial let me know!


The finished product! I used straight pins for the leaves and flowers and painted the M a pretty red (that $1 bottle of red paint has come in handy more times than I can count since I bought it!) And, you guys... I am a legit "crafty" person now... I actually bought a hot glue gun and used it without melting off a finger! Woohoo! 

I really love how it turned out... my favorite part is the mustard yarn. Mustard is my FAVORITE fall color and I had to scour the yarn section at Michaels (something I thought I'd EVER say, ha!) but finally found one lonely little ball of this color, which was all I needed. Hooray! I loved making this and it just makes me smile every time I see it on the door! If I can make a decent-looking wreath, anyone can! And this one was made for cheaper than even the simplest Walmart wreath, plus it's personalized. Try one for your own door! =)

Happy yarn-wrapping, hot glue-ing, and fall wreath-ing! 


Ash

P.S. I'm linking up with Janssen, Merrick, and Landen for their Halloween DIY posts! I know this isn't exactly Halloween exclusively, but it's fall, so close enough, right? =)

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A Few Fall Favorites...

I know I've already said this (multiple times),  but I absolutely love fall. It's so nice to be back in my "uniform" of a cardigan over whatever else I happen to be wearing, to feel a nip in the air every morning, and to be able to wear a scarf all day without sweating (tmi? Sorry.) My favorite part about fall is the clothes... more layers than summer, but not the need to bundle up like an Eskimo like the winter. Over the last several months I have added a few new purchases to my fall wardrobe, and while I have a problem with repeating clothes (by that I mean that I usually don't, which is dumb, I know), these pieces are already getting a workout in my closet. 

This chambray button-down shirt from Target is one of the best purchases I've made all year. I knew I wanted one back in the spring (really, all the way back to last fall), but couldn't find "the one." (Who knew finding the perfect chambray shirt was so difficult?) Anyway, I finally came across this one from Target back in May and knew it was exactly what I was looking for. It's the first thing I've paid full price for in years, but since I had a gift card it was "free" for me. (Yay for Teacher Appreciation Week!) This shirt is perfect for layering! I like wearing it with bright skirts, too. I couldn't find it online anymore, but you can find similar options at Old Navy, H&M, and Ann Taylor. 



I bought these Nine West loafers at Macy's about a month ago, and they have been quite a worthy investment. They were a little more than I like to spend but still a steal on clearance! I couldn't find them on Macy's site, but you can find them here at a ridiculously expensive price. =( Anyway, the metallic color goes with everything, they're comfortable, and they add just a little "prep" to my outfits. Win all the way around.
I just bought these boots from Belk, on sale of course! Wait until the weekend to go and make sure you check online for a coupon! There were 40% off and an additional 15% with a coupon...even more if you have a Belk card (which I don't, per orders of the family treasurer. I wonder why? =) I've only worn these a couple of times, since the weather is still not really cold enough for them, but the wedge is super comfortable and of course I love the cognac color. 


Mossimo Boyfriend Cardigan in Cinnamon Cake from Target. This is a great fall-ish, burnt-orange color and it's very cozy. They run big, though- even with a shirt layered underneath the arms were very roomy. I bought a medium since Mossimo usually runs small, but going up a size really isn't necessary because of the "boyfriend" fit. This is a great fall cardigan!


After a long and fruitless search for a denim jacket (the only ones I could find were not on sale and I didn't care for the fit), I decided instead on a "military style" jacket for my lightweight outerwear. For some reason, Old Navy wouldn't let me save the color I actually bought, but I got the olive green color of this khaki jacket. It is really comfortable, matches almost everything, and I like the length (cropped jackets usually don't flatter me.) I also like the green because it can be worn with denim (unlike a denim jacket, which is not a good look. =) It was 50% at Old Navy just this week! 


Here are a few of the pieces (the shirt and cardigan) in a wonderfully "fall" outfit I wore last week! Sadly, the boots only lasted a couple hours before it was too warm for them.

So there you have it... a few fall purchases that have really been worth the price! All of these pieces were on sale, but not "dirt cheap" like most of what I buy. However, my criteria for spending a little more was met with each one- durable, lots of uses, mixes well with other items, can be dressy or casual, etc. What are some of your fall favorites? I would love to know (and I won't tell Jonathan you told me about where to find more clothes. :) Happy shopping! 


Ash

P.S. I'm linking up with Lindsey at The Pleated Poppy for my first time on What I Wore Wednesday!






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Celebrity...

Today I had a doctor's appointment in Goldsboro. (Not interesting or the topic of the post.) BUT, while over there, I got to swing by the school I taught at last year and visit my class for a few minutes. I tried to slip in quietly, but someone caught me outside the door and yelled "MRS. MCNEESE IS HERE!" at which point utter pandemonium broke out for the next five minutes.

 "Mrs. McNeese, come see my desk!" (Still messy as ever, dear.)

 "Mrs. McNeese, I've been in trouble all day!" (Congratulations. I'm not surprised!)

 "Mrs. McNeese, do you remember my name?" (Yes, Hayden. I was your teacher four months ago.)

 "Mrs. McNeese, can't you drive back and teach here?" (As much as I would love a 60-mile commute, no dear.)

 "Mrs. McNeese, do you miss us?" (So much!) 

Crazy kids! I miss them!


I love them all so much!


Got to catch up with Miles and Meghan at Rudy's!


Love these kiddos!

Let me just be selfish for a minute and say that walking into a room and being treated like a celebrity is pretty cool, even if it is with a group of nine-year-olds. I love my "big kids," but let's face it... teenagers just don't get as excited about their teacher as little kids do. So, while I'm sure they won't feel the same way forever, it's nice to know they still love me. And I love them! Now if they still erupt into cheers when I come visit them in high school, I'll know I'm the real deal. =) 

Ash
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Little Things...

Just a little picture montage of things that have made me happy lately...


After looking longingly at the Caramel Apple Cider at Starbucks the other day (but refusing to give in to my rule that I will only go there if I have a gift card... which I break only for the Peppermint Mocha Frappucino), Jonathan and I bought a few ingredients and he made me some at home using this recipe. And it was sooo yummy.


One of the great tragedies of my life (other than no Krispy Kreme) is that there is not a Sam's Club anywhere near us. (The closest one is about 40 minutes away.) I didn't realize how much we relied on their extremely cheap but almost always delicious little cafe until we moved here. Both of us could eat for under $5 (less if we shared!). Yes, I know... I am supremely cheap. Anyway, I was in Goldsboro a few days ago and treated myself to a pretzel and large Coke. The amount of excitement I felt was slightly ridiculous... but that was a goood pretzel.



These are two pictures of my class in action- on Tuesday, I started using a method called "whole brain teaching." If you teach and you aren't using it, you HAVE to at least try it. For the first time, my entire class was completely engaged, having fun, and learning... all at the same time! I'll probably write a little more about once I've spent more time doing it, but just know that it is awesome. To find out more, go here... there are lots of videos and more information.



I have been out sick (sniffle sniffle) for a couple days this week, and a few of my favorite students were sweet enough to send me get well notes. Notice the top left- they aren't exaggerating my lips, are they? Also, that says "THE GREATEST ENGLISH TEACHER ALIVE," in case you were wondering. =) Also, the dollar in the corner was labeled "George Washington always wants you to get well soon." That actually pulled me out of my snotty fog long enough to laugh really hard. Sixth graders are hilarious!



Also, since my seester and bruther-in-law got an iPad, we get to FaceTime now, meaning I get to see a lot more of this crazy little person. She is so grown up these days, which makes me sad, but her hilarious little statements and songs are so fun.

That's all for now, folks... just a few little slices of sunshine in my days this week. Here's to a great weekend- did I mention that we have Monday off? Hooray for Columbus Day! Maybe I'll celebrate by claiming someone else's home as my own.... I choose Kate Middleton. Actually, just her closet. She can keep the castle. =)


Ash


P.S. Linking up with Lauren at From My Grey Desk for H54F!
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Back to School...

This past week, we got to take off school for a few days and head down to one of my favorite events of the year- the Southeast Christian School Convention. This three-day conference for teachers, pastors, and administrators is sponsored by the Christian school associations of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia and it is something I look forward to every year because obviously it's time out of school it's so fun to be with other teachers, get classroom ideas, oh... and did I mention it's held in Myrtle Beach? Home of some really great shopping? Yes, it is... and yes, the shopping is my favorite part of the trip.



Maxi skirts really are the best for traveling. It's like carrying a blanket with you! (Oh, and I got this one for $6 at Belk... yay!)

Goofing around during our first session. It was actually really interesting, but I felt the need to document the moment. =)

All our NBCA teachers at Fuddrucker's! I love working with these people!


We waited in line for-ever for Krispy Kreme.... 


...but it was totally worth it! (One of those chocolate ones was alll mine.)

Would you believe there's not a Krispy Kreme in New Bern? I know... tragic.

All ready for a day of sessions! 

I went to three of this lady's sessions and they were awesome! She gave some really great tips/ideas for English classes. 

Taking notes, old-school-style. Why I have to write stuff down when I had my iPad right next to me is a little crazy. I guess the only explanation is that I like to doodle. =)


One of the best parts of the trip was getting to see my bff Sara... we didn't really go to many sessions together (since she teaches leetle children) but we did have some lovely late-night chats! Love her!

This was such a nice, much-needed trip. The sessions and keynote speakers were AWESOME this year. Even though there wasn't time to really kick back and relax, I learned a LOT (which I won't bore you with, even though I'm sure you'd find essay writing and literature games simply fascinating) and it really is encouraging to go to a conference with 1,800 other teachers and realize you're not the only person in the world struggling to pull middle school students out of their funk or stressing out over the implications of test scores. Plus hanging out/bonding with all my teacher friends was great, as always! (By the way, those who think teachers are "boring" have never seen us play... or react to winning an iPad, for that matter.)

Sorry this post isn't really that exciting, unless you are just keenly interested in what goes on at a convention full of educators. (No worries... the sensible shoes and red pens were kept to a bare minimum.) Thanks to those who put on this fantastic conference (and to the malls in Myrtle Beach for their sales. I am grateful.)

Ash




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Very Easy Chili...

The title of this post is a little misleading... as in, it suggests that I'm capable of making "hard" chili (aka, a complicated recipe) which, as everyone knows, I am certainly not. Perhaps a good subtitle would be "because that is the only type of chili that I can make." Now that we've wasted an entire paragraph talking about the title, I guess now would be a good time to move on to the actual recipe. 

I looove this stuff... again, it's my mom's recipe (shouldn't she just start her own blog?) and it is seriously so good. I made it Saturday night and we ate it for lunch on Sunday and will eat it again for lunch this week. (You know how lazy economical I am.) With cheese sprinkled on top and LOTS of crackers, this is the perfect cold weather meal. (Or warm weather, since it's still a balmy 76 degrees around these parts.)


Easy Yummy Chili (I should write a book of recipe titles, no?)

1 pound ground beef
1/2 onion, finely chopped (maybe more if you really like onions)
4 cans chili ready tomatoes 
4 cans chili beans
3-4 teaspoons chili powder
salt




First, brown the ground beef with the onions. Drain the grease (this part grosses me out), then add the chili powder to this mixture, along with some salt. This way, the meat actually gets seasoned well. (My mom told me that... Don't feel like I'm bossing you around!)


Set your kitchen help to work by handing over the can opener and ginormous stack of cans. While the meat is cooking, add JUST the tomatoes to your big pot and let them get nice and bubbly. Then, add the beans and meat.


I added a little more chili powder just so there would be plenty of it throughout the pot. I also added some more salt and a couple of generous shakes of garlic salt. It's up to you.

"Stir it up and let it stew; let it bubble, let it brew." Sorry... had a Stone Soup moment. (That's a children's book, for you uncultured readers out there.)


Sprinkle cheese on top and EAT IT.


Fritos for Jonathan, crackers for me. Nom nom nom. Also, cheese toast (not pictured =).

That's it, everybody! This couldn't be easier (or yummier) If you want to be make it hotter, add some Texas Pete or something. I'm not big on spicy stuff, so I think it's perfect as is. Yes, I know there are many varied and adventurous chili recipes out there, but this one is perfect. It frees up my time for much more important things... like blogging about my saved time. =) Pretend it's cold outside and enjoy!

Ash

P.S. I'm linking up with Janssen, Merrick, and Landen, who are all featuring their favorite fall recipes!
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