Back To School Shopping

I'm not going to lie.  It feels strange not teaching...but also good. Knowing that I don't have to deal with the stresses of teaching (paperwork, common core, parents that you cannot please no matter what you do, evaluation, mean co-workers....). I could go on and on. It also makes me sad in a way. I love teaching and its sad for me not doing the same thing that I have done for the past 9 years. I know I will teach again though so right now I am going to enjoy my time with sweet Sally. I will be subbing a little but this year at a super nice private school and Sally is going to the sweetest preschool 2 days a week. I am excited about having 2 days a week to shop, clean, cook, nap..... :)

I had to get myself a few new pretties. I didn't want to be left out of all the back to school shopping. 

I got this planner at Target and the pink/white chevron spiral at 

Wal-Mart (of all places!). Anyone who knows me well knows that I live by my planner. It has to be carefully selected and then I usually spend a few days writing down all kinds of important dates in it.

Im so excited because at Sally's new school, she needs a lunchbox. You know this girl cant just go get one at Target like a normal person. I got this adorable aqua chevron one at a local store and had it monogrammed by a wonderful lady in my neighborhood. She has been pulling it out of her drawer on a daily basis and carrying it around the house like a purse...so cute!!

I decided to jump on the "Bento Box" trend,

 so I picked up some cheap Ziplock containers at Kroger. I think its really going to help me pack cute and colorful lunches for Sally. I even have a Pinterest board devoted to all things Bento :) 

I also found these online from Amazon that I may order.

Silicone Baking Cups

Easy Lunchboxes

Lunchbox Divided Container


I have decided to not let myself go overboard with Fall clothes for Sally...who are we kidding, Target hasn't put out their stuff yet. 

I have picked up a few things from Zulily, Macys and Carters. Here are some pictures. She is going to look so cute!!

Social Sunday

1. When you were little what did you want to be when you grew up?

When I was little I always wanted to be a talent agent. I think I got that idea from watching "Life With Mikey" too many times. Do you all remember that movie? 

2. What was your favorite way to kill time as a kid?

  I loved to play with my barbies and build things with my blocks.

  

3. When did you get your first cell phone?

When I was a senior in high school and it was straight up a "Zach Morris" phone. It was also for emergencies only! Even in college my cell was only for emergencies. I look back now and wonder how in the world we got in touch with each other or knew where everyone was. I guess we just made plans and kept them. We also have voice mail and dry erase boards on our doors of our dorm rooms.

4. What is your favorite magazine to read?

If I'm feeling lazy...US Weekly. If I am feeling ready to tackle projects and be domestic...either Southern Living or Country Living.

5. What is the one random object people would be surprised to find in your purse?

Probably a bag of weird veggie chips that I got Sally at Fresh Market.

Eat Here: Russo's New York Pizza

Last week we went to an early dinner at Russo's Pizza. We have been here several times before and it is always good.

Sally has just started taking an interest in crayons and coloring....she still sometimes likes to eat the crayons though..yuck!

Russo's is one of our go to places. The food is good, they have live music on the patio and there is hardly ever a wait.

The garlic knots that they bring you for free are so yummy!

On this visit, I chose to just stick with free bread and a salad...I know...boring. The salad is really good though!

Go got a slice of pizza....look how big it is!!

Check out Russo's if you are ever in the Germantown/Collierville area....its really good!

Five On Friday: A Link Up

{one}

We had a play date with Kelly and Anniston this week. The girls were so cute together! Sorry Kelly, I stole your picture :) Being at Anniston's made me realize that poor Sally needs new toys....off to Target I go today!

{two}

I LOVE my TV nights with Joe. Our favorites are True Blood and Dexter.

{three}

Seriously, how cute are these checks?! I think I may need to order some since I am almost out of my old ones (and they have our old address on them).

{four}

I am super excited about going to Nashville nest weekend. I am co-hosting a shower for Abigail...an old sorority sister and room mate. She does not know what she is having (ugh!) so we are doing a gender neutral shower....yellow and gray "You Are My Sunshine" theme. I have been working hard on all the crafty stuff this week. I know its going to be super cute!

{five}

We have dinner plans for both Friday and Saturday night with friends. On Friday we are going to Aldo's Pizza downtown and on Saturday to our favorite Chinese place, Lee Kan's. On Saturday morning I am heading to the Farmer's Market and to my Dance Fusion class. It's going to be a great weekend!

Funny Picture Friday

These pictures are making me laugh today and I wanted to share :)

Thoughtful Thursday

Recipes: Blueberry Buckle Muffins

This is my go-to blueberry muffin recipe.

Blueberry Buckle Muffins
Family Fun Magazine

Ingredients:

Batter –

• 1/4 cup butter, room temperature
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 t vanilla extract
• 2 cups flour
• 2 t baking powder
• 1/4 t salt
• 2 cups blueberries, stemmed and rinsed

Topping-

• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 1/2 t cinnamon
• 1/4 cup butter, room temperature

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a 12 cup muffin tin with baking cups. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter and sugar. Beat in the eggs, then the milk and vanilla.
2. Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium sized bowl. Pour the dry ingredients over the wet ingredients and stir well, being careful not to overmix. Use a spatula to fold in the berries. Spoon the batter into the muffin tin filling each cup about three quarters full.
3. Make the crumb topping by stirring together the sugar, flour and cinnamon in a small bowl. Using your fingers, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture is crumbly. Divide crumbly goodness over the muffins.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes (or 15 minutes for mini muffins) or until they are lightly brown and a knife inserted in the middle of one comes out clean. Cool in tin for 15 to 30 minutes before serving. If you don’t, you risk some of the delicious buckle topping coming off. Then simply pretend it’s breakfast time, despite the hour, and enjoy with juice or coffee.

Sally LOVED them!