Thursday Thoughts

One more day away from the holiday weekend! Are you ready for it?

In the meantime, here are some of the random thoughts and confessions swirling around in my brain:

~How is today the last day of June? Seriously, where is time going??? #slowdown

~Mid-day massages are the bomb  #treatyoself

~I thought it was interesting the difference in my social media feeds following the bombing in Istanbul's airport, and after what happened in Brussels and Paris. Literally saw two posts about Istanbul, when my feed was flooded following the Paris and Brussels attacks. It's a shame because Istanbul is a gorgeous city and it's awful that they're dealing with so much turmoil and terrorism. #prayforIstanbul #prayforourworld

~On that note, my anxiety was slightly amped up about ending our trip in Istanbul and flying out of the airport that just got bombed. Our cruise line rerouted our final port yesterday which brought with it all kinds of annoyances with rebooking our flights back...causing us to extend our trip two extra days in Greece to get cheaper flights back instead of spending $2800 PER TICKET (one-way I might add) to get back home. #extendedvacay

~MG was in London for the last couple of days and got to do all kinds of things, including a private tour of the Tower of London, and getting to see the Tower be locked up at night (a tradition that's occurred for more than 700 years).  Super envious that he got to experience it. Also happy to have him back home with me! #globetrottinghubs

~The weather was SO nice yesterday (low 80, no humidity) that I read my Kindle outside for more than an hour....and then took a catnap in my zero gravity chair because it was so comfortable out there #teachersummerlife

~I went to HH with friends and ordered an iced tea, and after my first sip, proceeded to have it slip out of my hand and dump all over the bar. Hilarious and embarrassing. The bartender had a nice time ribbing me about how he wouldn't serve me Long Islands if I couldn't handle regular iced tea #clutz

~My friend Maria proved her loyalty to me as friend when this iced tea debacle occurred by using her hand as a shield for my lap, and then continued to push the iced tea away from me until the bartender sopped it up. #thatswhatfriendsarefor

~Since the month of rain we had (or what seemed like a straight month), Cooper has had issues going out before bed time. As in he refuses to go out. I started taking him out earlier, when it's not dark out, and he still freaks out (never in the morning or the afternoon walk). I don't know how to get him over this "fear"....I have a feeling the thunder from those storms freaked him out and now we have to undo some psychological damage to him #puppyshrinkneeded

~I can't believe that in 7 days we'll be off to explore some of my dream vacation destinations. I've wanted to make my way to Greece for years, and the fact that my husband and I were finally able to make this trip happen (in hopes that it would be a baby moon) makes me so excited! #bringonGreece

~The Purge movies and even the previews make me sick. I can't even watch the previews when they come on because of the disgusting behavior portrayed. Why do movies need to be SO violent? And portraying killing just for killing's sake? What sicko came up with these movies? No thank you. #illgoseefindingdoryinstead #gimmeallthepixarmovies

~I went to Loft yesterday to return a top that didn't work out--got $35 bucks back. They were having a 50% off sale, and I ended up charging $66 back to my credit card. Oops. #loveloftsales

(Only $35, and soft like pajamas!)

~I have a fun blate planned for this afternoon!!! #blatesarethebest

That's it for me today--do you have any random thoughts or confessions to share?

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a FREE Rodan+Fields Sunless Tanner if you haven't already! Winner will be picked next Tuesday!

What's Hap-"Pinning" Wednesday? {#47}

Happy Wednesday friends! Since it's hump day, you know what that means! Time to link up with Jessi and I to share what's hap-"pinning" :)

Since it's 4th of July this weekend, I thought it would be fun to show you some of the cute food ideas, clothes, and decor I've been finding on Pinterest (as I'm sure you all are seeing, too)!
Some of these yummy drinks/alcohol inspired items piqued my interest:

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These decor ideas have me totally wanting to get my crafty hat on and get to work! (Ideas for another year when we're hosting a 4th of July party)

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And I just LOVE this outfit for 4th of July. It's not over the top, still looks put together but comfy:

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Love those sandals too!

What are some of your favorite foods and decor for the 4th? Do you like the more subtle look or would you do something else?

Before you link up, don't forget to enter the giveaway for a FREE Rodan+Fields Sunless Tanner!!

Now it's your turn to link up and share what's hap-"pinning" with you!

A Sunny Giveaway

I've got an awesome giveaway for you today!

I'm teaming up with Traci, who is a Rodan+Fields consultant, and we're offering you one of my most favorite products from this season:

The Rodan+Fields Sunless Tanner!

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You've heard me talk about my love of this tanner since I tried it (after winning it myself in another giveaway), and I've used it ever since! This stuff is SO easy to put on, gives a natural color and doesn't stink. A triple win!

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I've gotten multiple compliments on my tan, and to be honest, I haven't been out in the sun much at all this season, so that tells you all you need to know!

Given, this does not compete with Tan Mom (but ew, who wants to look like that anyway), but it's not bad for no time in the sun right? These are after one coat (you can do more than one coat if you want it darker), and comes out very natural looking.
I've used this on my arms, legs, chest, stomach, and even my face and neck! I haven't had any breakouts or reactions from it being on my face, either. It dries in seconds, and it doesn't rub off on your clothes or sheets.

In order to enter, you need to visit Traci's page, take a look at the products, and then comment with which one you're most interested in (details below).

Traci's also offering free sunless tanner or body moisturizer with the purchase of a regimen and waived enrollment fee for all new PCs (free shipping and 10% discount) to anyone interested, so even if you don't win this giveaway, you can still get a chance to try out the R+F products at a discount!

So link up below, and get your tan on--without sun or tanning beds required!

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Weekending: First of Summer

Happy Monday friends! How was your first official weekend of Summer? 

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I'll tell you about my highlights this weekend!

~Said good bye to another school year

~Had our appointment at the fertility doctor and things went well! Thank you to everyone for your kind words, prayers, texts, emails, and comments!

~Took it easy on Friday afternoon with some reading, napping, and tv watching

~MG and I dropped off his car to be serviced the next morning and then went out for a pizza date night at our favorite pizza spot

~Took Cooper for an after-dinner walk and then watched some OITNB. Not sure this season is that great. Definitely thinking they turned the show into more of a "comedy" instead of a drama.

~Started Saturday morning off by sleeping in and then some omelettes made by MG

~Ran some errands including the tile store (still undecided on what to do with our basement bathroom), Old Navy, Michaels and then dropped MG off to get his car

~Had lunch and then went for a 3.5 mile walk along the Potomac River since the weather was really good out (not too hot, and not too humid!)

~Stopped for some iced coffee in old town, then got in some reading time on the deck and I finished my book

~Showered and got ready for a date night out with MG--wore my dress from Old Navy along with my Kendra Scott drop earrings and Kate Spade watch

~Tried out a new-to-us restaurant called Sea Pearl in the Mosaic District. Oh my word was the food good! We started off with the firecracker roll, then duck dumplings, and then the most delicious lobster mac and cheese I've ever had! 

We went out on a limb and tried the Forbidden Black Rice for dessert which sounded weird, but was delicious! 

~Walked around the Mosaic District and discovered a bunch of new places that we want to try!

And played with some Snapchat filters on the drive back home :)

~Came back to the house and watched a movie while snuggling with Cooper

~Sunday involved errands, laundry and diving into another book

~Caught The Notebook on tv and had to watch it--love that movie

~Cooper got another good, long walk in, where he fell prey to stereotypes:

And then looked like this once we got home:

~Picked up Chipotle for dinner to  appease my Mexican craving and then settled in for the night to watch all of my Sunday night shows. P.S. did anyone else notice in the RHOC opening Tamra looks like she doesn't have a belly button? I noticed the same thing in an Us Weekly a while back:

And that was pretty much my weekend! My plans today include dropping off some paperwork and materials to my supervisor, a spin around Target, a potential coffee date with Christy, and then watching The Bachelorette at my friends' place tonight with our other friend.

Come back tomorrow--I have a fun giveaway of one of my favorite products this season, and you're not going to want to miss it!

Hope your weekend was awesome and your Monday is easy!!

Friday Five

Happy Friday! After check out at work, I'm officially on summer vacation!
As if that wasn't a favorite enough, I've got a couple more highlights up my sleeve for you!

Friday Favorites // Friday Favorites // Oh Hey Friday// 5 on Friday

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{1} Thank You
Thank you to everyone who sent such sweet, supportive messages on Wednesday about our fertility appointment that's happening this morning. We are really hoping that today goes smoothly, and that this is finally our time to get to become a mom and dad. If you have any extra room for us in your prayers this morning, send them our way! 

{2} Girls Nights
Monday I had a girls night with 3 other friends to watch the Bachelorette, and last night we had a girls night/bridal shower get together with a Mexican theme for another friend from work. This week has been packed with friend time with my girls and I can't say that I hate it.

 #lovemygirls

{3}Video Clip
Did you guys see the kid who did his 8th grade graduation commencement speech with all of the impersonations of politicians? If not, find it here.
Then Jimmy Fallon did a clip with him the other night and it was hilarious:

{4} Summer Read
I just got an email from Goodreads yesterday announcing Lianne Moriarty's new book coming out this July and I'm super pumped. She's one of my favorite authors--I always enjoy reading her books! I'm hoping that this one lives up to all of her others and I'll definitely be getting this one once it comes out!

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{5} Funnies

How getting to Friday feels some weeks

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When someone unexpectedly gives you a compliment

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When you're a teacher, it's the last day of school and you see a fellow teacher:

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When your plans for Monday morning look a lot like this:

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Hoping your Friday and weekend are fabulous!

Thursday Thoughts

Happy Thursday friends! It's almost the end of the week, but today is a super special day!

THE LAST DAY OF SCHOOOOOOOOOL!!!!!!

In addition to that exciting note, I've got a few other thoughts and confessions swirling around in my head!

~The Kindergarten classes have had Camp-Learn-A-Lot all week at work complete with a HUGE tent in each classroom, tie-dyed shirts, and when the kids walk through the hallways they chant little campy type of chants about the things they learned this year. It's beyond cute!

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~I can't believe that this is my 9th year of working in the schools and today it's complete. Next year will be the big 10! How in the world did that happen? #imold

~Speaking of being old, on Monday I moved my neck a certain way and felt like it was the equivalent of throwing my back out but with my neck. It hurt to shrug my shoulders or move my head side to side or back. Not sure what the heck happened there, but I used a heating pad on it that night when I got home from work in addition to taking Ibuprofen. Like seriously, why am I getting old? #stopit

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~I have a one hour massage scheduled for Tuesday in the middle of the day. Because I can. I might schedule a facial too! #pamperme

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~Not to get too political here, but I can't hold it in. Why the EFF did  the Senate veto banning people who are on terror or no-fly lists the right to buy guns? Uhh hello...if we don't want them flying, why in the freaking world would we want them to be able to purchase guns? I'm so sick of politicians being all talk and then when it comes down to it, no action! #noflynobuy

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~My boss complimented me in front of the entire group of SLP's at our meeting on Monday, for how I dealt with the tough parent at my school, and for the tremendous progress the kid had made in the past year (going from only grunting, to being able to use clear words and phrases). Everyone gave me a round of applause and it was definitely a proud moment for me as a school SLP #communicationforlife

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~Travelocity STILL has not resolved our issue with them cancelling our flight and not telling us. Despite many promises via Twitter messages that they will call us to work it out, it's been radio silence. I'm about to go to the Better Business Bureau and report them for holding $1300 of our money hostage because they're stupid. NEVER book with them for ANYTHING!!!! #travelocitysucks@$$

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~MG and I have had almost opposite schedules all week. Monday night I got together with friends, Tuesday night he had a late work dinner, and tonight I'll be at a friend's house for a bridal shower. Looking forward to some time to catch up since it's been like two ships passing in the night (or the morning in our case) this week. 

That's it for me today. I need to go finish up last minute packing in my office, and then get ready to send the kids off to Summer! Hope your Thursday is smooth and easy!

What's Hap-"Pinning" Wednesday? {#46}

It's Wednesday and you know what that means! Time to share what's hap-"pinning" with you!

It's been a bit since I did a Currently post, so here goes!

Reading ...
I'm happy to say I'm back on the reading train! I just finished a book called A House for Happy Mothers last weekend (I really liked it), and then immediately started Jennifer Weiner's book Goodnight Nobody which my mom gave me a couple of weeks ago. I'm only about 20 pages in so far, so the jury's still out. 

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Listening to...
Not much. But I can tell you that I'm luckily NOT listening to the band practice next to my office. After FIVE WEEKS of the torture for 3+ hours every morning, it's finally stopped. Of course I'm no longer seeing kids this week, so I get silence while I pack up my office. 
I'm sure those of you who were watching on Snapchat are thankful for me not to be sharing the torture anymore also! haha

Watching ...
The Bachelorette, Southern Charm finale (wahhh why is it over?), RHOC is back!! and I had recently gotten into the series on TLC called Single Dad Seeking. Anyone else watch that one? And also, Teresa's baaaaaaaaack, at least in promos (shows airing in July)!

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Cooking...
Yesterday I shared my chicken cakes recipe that I made a couple of weeks ago. And tonight I'll be making those Crab and Salsa stuffed Avocados that I shared a bit ago. So easy and SO tasty!!

Looking forward to ... 

our Greece/Turkey trip! it's 2 weeks away and I can't believe it's so close!

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Wishing...
that our next fertility procedure goes well on Friday. Please send us good vibes and prayers that day. This is our last attempt before we move on to IVF, so please please please send us some baby dust and pregnant vibes!

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Enjoying ...
spending time with friends. On Monday, two of my friends and I went to our friend's house who had recently been diagnosed with breast cancer. She'd gotten her MRI results that day, and she had asked us if we wanted to come over that night to watch the Bachelorette together. On a tough day, it was nice to be able to spend time together, focusing on light hearted things, which is what our friend said that she had needed most. 

Loving....
that tomorrow is the last day of the school year!!!!!!! Bring on Summer!!!!

Wanting ...

to see the movie The Secret Life of Pets once it comes out. And I'm waiting to see Finding Dory as well! #gimmeallthePixarmovies

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that reminds me...I need to schedule a massage! ;)

Wearing ...
does sunless tanner count? I can't sing the praises of the Rodan +Fields Sunless tanner enough! I need to get myself another bottle STAT!

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Grateful For...
all of my friends who reached out to me on Father's Day to make sure that I was ok, and let me know they were thinking of me. When it comes to my dad, sometimes I just don't talk about it because it happened a few months ago, so sometimes I just deal with it quietly myself, or with MG and my mom. So it was nice to have people reach out and check on me without me initiating it.
It was a really hard day, emotionally, and knowing that so many people were there for me was honestly pretty magical. 

Now it's your turn to link up and share what's hap-"pinning" with you!

{Recipe Files}: Chicken Cakes w/ Chipotle Mayo Sauce

I have a super tasty treat for you! If you like crab cakes, you'll love this one. And if you aren't a seafood lover, you'll STILL love this one!

This is like a traditional crab cakes, except you're using chicken instead! It takes a bit of prep work (cutting all the veggies, etc) but they come together super easily and they are mega tasty! I adapted this recipe a bit, and changed the sauce that the original site had recommended to a less complicated one.

What You Need:

For the Cakes

~Olive Oil

~1/4 C red pepper, finely chopped

~1/4 C yellow pepper, finely chopped

~1 tsp minced garlic (or 2 fresh cloves, minced)

~2 12-oz cans chicken breast, drained well

~2 large eggs, slightly beaten

~1/3 C mayo (I used low fat)

~1 Tbsp lemon juice

~1 Tbsp Italian parsley, chopped

~1 Tbsp Dijon mustard

~ 1.5 tsp Old Bay or Creole seasoning

~1 tsp dried tarragon

~2 C Panko bread crumbs, divided

For The Sauce:

~1/4 C light mayo

~1-2 tsp chili powder (depending on the heat you like; start with less, and add more)

~1 tsp lime juice

What You Do:

1.Using a pan, add in 2 Tbsp olive oil and let it heat up. Then add in the red and yellow peppers, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Saute until tender, and then add in the minced garlic and cook for another minute or so. Remove and let cool.

2. Add the chicken to a large bowl. Then add in the lemon juice, Dijon, mayo, tarragon, parsley, old bay seasoning and 1 Cup of Panko breadcrumbs. Add in the sauteed peppers and mix until well combined. Add in the beaten eggs at the end and mix to combine.

3. Add the remaining Panko bread crumbs (1 Cup) to a bowl. Picking up about a handful of the chicken mixture, shape into a ball and coat each side with the Panko. Flatten to desired thickness and place on a pan. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.

4. Using a non-stick skillet, heat olive oil and then cook cakes evenly on both sides until browned on the outside.

5. Top each cake with the sauce mixture and enjoy!