Arts and Crafts

The other social studies teacher and I at work basically planned a whole unit in one big workbook. So I now have way more free time than I'm used to during the school year. I'm starting to plan the next unit (which is in 3 weeks), but I still have time that I don't know what to do with!

It's been a mixture of getting more sleep, starting to work out again, becoming addicted to Pinterest, and most of all, getting all crafty with decorating in my apartment!!

I rearranged my living room, made some new floral bouqets for my dining room, and got a little festive for Halloween!! I decided to make a wreath for my front door. I used a foam ring, halloween themed fabric from JoAnn fabrics, wood cut-outs, and green sparkly paint.

It's no masterpiece, but for my first wreath-making attempt, I'm pretty happy with it! I just tied the strips of fabric around the foam ring, used two coats of glittery paint on the letters, and tied them on with fishing line. (They look a little crooked, maybe I should hot glue them on??)

Off to carve pumpkins! Happy fall!! :)

xoxo

Fall Break R&R :)

What I love about teaching in AZ is that the schools get a week off in October for a fall break. Yes, you read that right: a WHOLE WEEK OFF! In the middle of fall! And it comes at the perfect time. A break was much much needed after several full 5-day weeks with the kiddos. Don't get me wrong, I love them, I have hope in them, but I do not trust them. They are so sneaky! I always have to be on my toes, ready for anything they throw my way (or try to throw the other way when I'm not looking...such as gum. gross!)

I also love Arizona, I really do. It's beautiful here, always sunny, palm trees AND mountains. But I miss weather changes. More than I thought I would. I miss waking up to thunder and pouring rain, and becoming grumpy that I need to remember an umbrella for the day. I miss sitting and looking out the window at snow quietly falling, feeling peaceful and warm and cozy. I miss the crisp fall air and the sound of leaves crunching under my feet.

Well, thanks to fall break, I got a little taste of a season change. I flew back home to Illinois and got to see some BEAUTIFUL fall weather. It was in the 70s! In October! That is insane for the midwest! It rained when I was home too. I was so happy!

I slept in every day, got out of my pajamas ONE day out of the six I was home, and did absolutely no work. None. It was heaven. I ventured out of the house only a couple of times (yes, several of them in pajamas - I have no shame when it comes to just wanting to be comfortable/lazy), and on one of my ventures out of the house, I actually stopped in the middle of the road while driving to snap this picture (don't worry, there were no cars around when I stopped)

The trees are starting to change colors, and it was just too pretty to not stop and take a picture. Thank you, Illinois for a great week of rest and relaxation...and a season change!!

xoxo

The New Digs

It's about time I post some pictures of my new home! My little apartment is definitely still a work in progress, and I have a laundry list of things I want to do in each room (first thing that comes to mind: PAINT!), but it's a slow work in progress.

I love my new little home. It fits me perfectly. The floor layout is different, 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, big walk-in closet, washer and dryer in unit, mini patio over looking an equestrian park and sand volleyball courts, big bath tub, big walk-in closet...oh, did I say big walk-in closet already? Yes, I'm in love with my closet. Surprisingly, its even bigger than the one I had at my parents house. There are even bare spots on the racks and shelfs...which makes me feel like I need to shop more :)

Here are some pictures of my place now, and I'm sure I'll have more pictures once I accomplish a few projects (such as PAINTING! ugh!).

Home Sweet Home :)

xoxo