weekly gems

Source: ladybirdln.com via Kelly on Pinterest

• Recipes I want to try: Sally's rum french toast with maple syrup rum, cinnamon biscuits, avocado apple and arugula salad, banana birthday cake, Lucky Charms treats, all of these recipes with blood oranges
• Great article on the new buildings on campus at my alma mater, BGSU, and what it means for the state of Ohio.
• Awesome apps for book lovers.
• Interesting post about Irish wedding traditions.
• I might need to try some of these Hunger Games-inspired nail polishes.
• Happy 100th Birthday to the Girl Scouts of America! (well, it was Monday. But still!)
• I'm in love with this series on Carrots 'n' Cake called Blog Dogs. Similarly, tips for photographing your pet!
• The best 35 cameos in movie history.
• Encyclopaedia Britanica is no longer releasing print books.
• The ten funniest comedic lady tweets of the week.
• I'll definitely be checking out this jewelry company, 31 bits, that works with women in Northern Uganda.
• Interesting article on earning money through blogging.
• I definitely want to try out some of these trainer-favorited abs exercises, as well as these leg and arms workouts!
• Favorite Hello Giggles posts of the week: 1, 2, 3, 4
• Favorite weddings of the week: 1, 2, 3

P.S. Happy St. Patrick's Day : )

my life: happy birthday daniel

Today is my fiance Dan's birthday! I am so lucky, blessed, and grateful that I not only have him in my life, but that I get to marry him! : ) Dan is from Columbus, OH, and we met in college as members of the same teaching program. We worked together as peer facilitators for that program, shared a group of mutual friends, and took the same classes due to having the same major (social studies education). Over time, we became close friends, then best friends, then boyfriend and girlfriend. This past fall, we got engaged and have since began planning a summer 2013 wedding. I am so proud of all Dan does and who he is, and hope he has the best year yet! In celebration of his day and our shared love of history, here's a list of other great things that happened on March 1st. Happy Birthday, Daniel! I love you! : )

• 1692: The Salem Witch Hunt began
• 1781: Articles of Confederation were ratified
• 1790: Congress authorized the first U.S. Census
• 1803: Ohio became the 17th U.S. state (History of Ohio was the first class Dan and I took together!)
• 1845: U.S. President Tyler signed the congressional resolution to annex the Republic of Texas
• 1867: Nebraska became the 37th U.S. state
• 1869: Postage stamps with scenes were issued for the first time
• 1872: Yellowstone National Park was established and became the world's first national park
• 1917: The Zimmerman Note was published in the U.S. (WWI is Dan's favorite topic to research and teach about!)
• 1928: Paul Whitman and his orchestra recorded "Ol' Man River"
• 1936: Hoover Dam completed and turned over to U.S. government
• 1941: FM radio began in Nashville, TN
• 1949: Joe Louis retired
• 1961: Kennedy established the Peach Corps
• 1966: Soviet probe crashed into Venus, becoming the first unmanned spacecraft to land on another planet (Dan loves to learn more about space and the world's space programs!)
• 1968: Johnny Cash and June Carter were married; Elton John's first single was released in England
• 1969: Mickey Mantle retired (Dan proposed to me by writing "Will You Marry Me?" on a baseball we played catch with!)
• 1974: Queen began their first headlining tour in England
• 1987: The Boston Celtics defeated the Detroit Pistons for the 2,235th win (Dan is a big basketball fan!)
• 1995: Yahoo! was incorporated
• 2002: Announced there is a possibility of water on the planet Mars
• 2005: Honda unveiled its new Civic (which is the type of car Dan drives!)
• 2008: The naming of the U.S.S. New York occurred

Some famous birthdays on this day: Glenn Miller, bandleader (1904); "Deke" Donald Slayton, astronaut (1924); Robert Clary, actor known for Hogan's Heroes - a show Dan & I love to quote! (1926); Robert Daltry, musician in The Who (1944); Alan Thicke, actor known for Growing Pains (1947); Bryan Winters, basketball player (1952); Ron Howard, producer and actor known for Happy Days (1954); Javier Bardem, actor (1969)

Sources for information: 1, 2, 3

Photo above of Dan & Madison, summer 2011

use it: favorite teas

Happy November, everyone! : ) It seems like fall is finally underway here in Ohio, with the all the trees' leaves changed or fallen and the temperatures in the 50s. Since it's officially "jacket weather," I'm pretty much craving huge cups of hot tea all the time. That being said, I do have some favorites:

Source: celestialseasonings.com via Kelly on Pinterest

Celestial Seasonings is my go-to tea when I am craving a hot fruity drink. It's yummy, low in price, and can be found in almost every grocery store. I love all the (caffeine free) flavors in the fruit tea sampler: Raspberry Zinger, Country Peach Passion, Wild Berry Zinger, True Blueberry, and Wild Cherry Berry.

Source: twiningsusa.com via Kelly on Pinterest

Twinings of London is my "everyday" tea. I adore the English Breakfast tea for the rare mornings when I don't want coffee or in many afternoons that I need a pick-me-up. I even have decaffeinated English Breakfast tea at night before bed when I'm stressed out or sick. I also love Twinings' black tea fruit fusions: mixed berry, blackcurrant breeze, and pomegranate delight are my favorites.

Source: starbucks.com via Kelly on Pinterest

Tazo teas can be found at the grocery store or at Starbucks. My alma mater has a Starbucks in its student union that is on meal plan, and I would grab cups of tea before class or studying. Tazo Awake tea probably the best tea alternative to coffee that I have found. Tazo's Passion tea is delicious, as is its Wild Orange tea (At Starbucks, you get two tea bags with a venti tea, so sometimes I combine one Passion and one Wild Orange. Yummy!).

Source: stashtea.com via Kelly on Pinterest

Stash tea is my favorite hard-to-find tea (at least in Ohio!). Some varieties are available in some grocery stores, but your best bet is to order them online. My absolute favorite flavor is Licorice Spice. It takes a bit of time to get used to, but once you've gained a taste for it, you're obsessed. I also love Lemon Blossom, Wild Raspberry, Mango Passionfruit, Blueberry, and Strawberry Pomegranate, Peppermint, and Chamomile.

What about you - Do you drink tea? What are your favorites?

bucket list: fitness edition

Hello, everyone! I hope you're doing well. Sorry for my absence - I was working and visiting Dan in Columbus, where we drank a lot of coffee, ate yummy meals followed up with ice cream, watched movies, read books, went for walks, and just generally relaxed. It was a wonderful mini-vacation with one of my very favorite people : )

Source: ffffound.com via Kelly on Pinterest

I'm a month into my fitness journey, so I've decided to stop with the weekly summaries and just to blog about health and fitness in general on Mondays (though I will give updates still from time to time, and will of course be tweeting). Today I want to share with you my "Fitness Bucket List," or my list of exercises and physical challenges I hope to complete someday:

- Kettlebell workout

- P90X

- Zumba

- Biggest Loser DVDs (Cardio Max and Power Sculpt)

- Ripped In 30 DVD

- Yoga class

- Spinning class

- 5K

- 10K

- half marathon

- pilates

- hiking (legitimately)

- rock climbing

- kayaking

- horseback riding

- cycling race

- Masters swim meet

- triathlon

- Warrior Dash

- Crossfit

- Insanity

- BodyPump or similar class

Have you done any of the activities on the list? What did you think? What would make your own fitness bucket list?

(twenty-two) things that are making me happy

Hello everyone! Today is my 22nd birthday! : ) My 21st year was filled with wonderful times with the people I love, lots of hard work, plenty of reflection, and tons of the "little things" that brighten life. I hope my 22nd year is just as blessed and adventuresome! To start it off right, here are 22 things that are making me happy as of late:

1. Iced black coffee
2. Comic book movies
3. Presto Pink nail polish
4. Quality time with family
5. Starting my summer job as a lifeguard
6. Visits with Dan and his family
7. Long walks with the dogs
8. Going to Indians games
9. Apple slices dipped in peanut butter
10. Reading favorite books
11. Naps on the porch swing
12. Trips to Bowling Green to see friends and visit favorite places
13. Cheers marathons via Netflix Instant
14. Pub trivia with friends
15. Morning workouts
16. Days filled with sunshine
17. The treats I can make with my birthday present (thanks, Elizabeth!)
18. Catching up on favorite magazines
19. Striped sundresses
20. Chocolate-covered bananas
21. Picking out picture books for little kids
22. The flowers my dad picked for me for my birthday, pictured above : )

What things are making you happy as of late?

weekly gems

Hello, everyone! How was your week? Mine has been great! I spent it visiting Dan and his family in Columbus. We drank coffee and ate ice cream from our favorite places, made chocolate covered bananas, played catch, kicked around a soccer ball, ate out at an awesome fish and chips place, went for walks, and just generally relaxed around the house. One of the highlights of the week was when Dan got me an early birthday present - Martin the Monkey, featured up above. We made him together at Build-A-Bear Workshop before seeing a movie (the review of which will be posted next week). Please note Martin's Indians uniform in honor of my favorite Cleveland sports team (who are doing AWESOME this season - knock on wood!).

Do you have big plans for this weekend? I'll be getting certified in CPR and moving more things from my apartment to my parents' home. I hope your weekend is not as busy and a bit more entertainment-oriented! Or that you at least have time to browse some of the awesome links below. See you next week! : )

• NBC has announced its fall schedule for the 2011-2012 TV season. ABC has announced its fall schedule as well.
• I would totally live-in this L.A. condo - seriously love everything about it!
• Excellent news for coffee drinkers! And even more reasons to love & cherish your friends.
• Check out this slideshow of the best movie love triangles.
• Great tips for constant worriers.
• This video of Gwyneth Paltrow rapping is too funny!
• How-to thrift effectively!
• Movie casting news: Armie Hammer in The Lone Ranger and Michelle Williams in the Oz prequel.
• Where to find the love in photographs.
• Can't wait to try pomegranate-champagne punch, chopped broccoli salad, and chocolate lava cake.
• Love this beautiful, yellow and gray wedding and this elaborate, pink and gray proposal

things that are making me happy

Source: imgfave.com via Kelly on Pinterest

1. The adorable photo above
2. The Indians' win over Kansas City Monday night
3. Reading awesome new books
4. Visiting Dan in Columbus and having fun at our favorite places
5. Pinterest's iPhone app
6. Yummy pasta dishes made by my sister
7. Watching Cheers on Netflix
8. Meeting new people who are friendly and have a great sense of humor
9. People's issue that's all about Pippa Middleton
10. Summer fun with friends

What things are making you happy as of late?

my life: 21 things I learned in college

1. You are much stronger than you think you are.
2. It is possible to be young and have fun while also making healthy choices.
3. The best way to re-energize during study sessions is to drink a cup of coffee and then take a 20-minute nap.
4. My parents are smarter and more generous than I ever realized (and I really did think they were smart and generous before!), and my grandma is my biggest inspiration.
5. What you learn from your educational experience cannot always be measured in a grade.
6. Binders, Post-It notes, a planner, highlighters, and file folders are all essential organizational tools.
7. The ability to truly forgive is rare and important.
8. Eating decently, getting enough sleep, exercise, going to church, having a pet, calling home often, drinking plenty of tea, practicing gratitude, and having a fully loaded and charged iPod are all key to staying emotionally balanced.
9. Downtown Bowling Green is west of campus, not north of it.
10. Nothing is more important than family.
11. Most people are doing the best that they can, and if they aren't, they need your faith in them more than ever.
12. Do not wear flip flops on a rainy day.
13. I have amazing friends who are truly incredible people.
14. Living with integrity means treating others the way you want to be treated.
15. Whoever invented pizza is a genius.
16. Love should not be the sole basis of a relationship.
17. The Greater Cleveland area is an awesome place to grow up and live.
18. Breakfast food is an acceptable meal choice at any time of the day.
19. Things will only go as you planned about 50% of the time, and the other 50% of the time, will work out okay in the end anyway.
20. You never know how much of an impact you have had on someone's life or how much someone will come to mean to you.
21. I was meant to be a teacher.

weekly gems

Tomorrow I graduate from BGSU with my bachelor's degree. I can't believe four years has gone by so fast, especially this year! I have learned so much and met so many fantastic people. I will miss being near the "family" I created here, and I will miss the city of Bowling Green, but I am ready and excited to begin a new chapter in my life. I think that's a positive attitude to have around graduation, don't you? ; ) What are you up to this weekend?

• Love this stationery!
• Casting news on Disney's Oz prequel - super excited for this movie!
• Some excellent exercise inspiration.
• An amazingly written post about following your dreams.
• Definitely looking forward to Tina Fey on SNL this weekend!
• Glad that cities are taking action for justice!
• This pie was instantly added to my "To Bake Someday" list.
• Some weddings I love: one, two, & three.
• Adore everything about this outfit!
• According to this, I apparently need to go to Canada in June or California in July.
• Some key tips about sunscreen! Also, why you should go to bed earlier.

(belated) weekly gems

Hello, everyone! How was your week? Mine was crazily busy - my last day of student teaching was Friday! So bittersweet. I'm going to miss it a lot, but I sure am excited to be done and graduating! My amazing boyfriend Dan sent roses to my school on my last day : ) a wonderful surprise, followed by dinner at one of our favorite local restaurants, El Zarape. It was a great way to kick off this weekend, which is being spent working and relaxing. What are you doing this weekend?

• I adore the couches and coordinated throw pillows in this post!
• Inspired by Taylor's excellent attitude.
• Need to try this chocolate rum cake.
• Loving this assortment of ideas for a rainy day.
• I cannot read enough about the royal wedding, and People definitely has the best coverage. My favorite features? The official wedding photos, the photos of the two public kisses, the best hats slideshow, and the photos of the new Duchess's wedding look.
• I still need to try Sally Hansen's nail strips, and these new patterns only motivate me more!
• Enjoyed Refinery 29's interview with Matchbook Magazine's Katie Armour! And speaking of Katie Armour, love these bags she posted about!
• The Lord of the Rings trilogy is returning to theaters this summer - extended editions! Are you going? I will be!
• Some quick and cheap ways to chill out.

weekly gems

Today is my mom's birthday. My mom is wonderful and an inspiration to me. I have no idea what I would do without her, even though we don't always get along (probably because we are so much alike...right down to our looks!) My mom has always put family before everything else, but has still managed to earn a bachelor's degree, an associate degree, and a masters degree. She is compassionate, motivated, funny, and creative. I love you, Mom! Happy Birthday!

• Love this spring/summer outfit! And these Reese Witherspoon photos.
• The drawings of these gargoyles totally portray how I feel when I'm grumpy!
• Ways to get toned without formal workouts and ways to exercise outside.
• Movie news: a Monsters, Inc. prequel, a first look at Pixar's Brave, details on the new Muppets movie, and 2011 being the year of the mermaids?
• This bread looks so good.
• I want to move into this Lake Michigan cottage. A gorgeous cottage one of the Great Lakes? Seriously can't get any better.
• Love advice from 9 year olds and 99 year olds...so sweet and wise!
• Definitely want this special issue of Better Homes and Gardens! It would go well with any of the gadgets in this cupcake-making slideshow.
• The friends everyone should have.

my life: happy birthday...

On March 1st, to the following loves of my life:

My amazing boyfriend Dan. We've had our ups and downs, but we've always been there for each other and have learned a lot about life and relationships. We share the same values and have so many of the same goals. He always makes me laugh and puts others first, and is an incredible teacher and "puppy daddy." I love you sweetie, happy birthday! : )

The great state of Ohio. It was admitted to the Union as a state on March 1st, 1803. Ohio is an extremely underrated state. It has awesome cities full of attractions. It has fertile farmlands. It has beautiful state parks and a national park. It has Cedar Point! It has rivers and Lake Erie. It has four distinct seasons. It has hard workers full of laughter and hope. I love Ohio.

An on March 2nd, to one of the closest friends I've made at college:

My wonderful friend Courtney! We met through our fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega. We always have classic, epic fun times, whether it be out to coffee, at Kalahari, in one of our apartments, or at baseball games. She's always there to take some sense into me or to make me laugh when I'm down. Thanks for being awesome, Court!

Photos all author own except

Ohio photo, found here

my life: seven things

The "seven things about me" post has been circulating the blogosphere as of late, so I decided to take a cue from Mackenzie of Design Darling and do my own edition of it. Here we go!

1. I attend Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio. I am studying AYA Integrated Social Studies Education (grades 7-12). I am currently student teaching and I love it!

2. Nothing is more important to me than my family. We are a crazy bunch, and we might get on each other's nerves, but we are always there for each other. I am proud of the fact that in addition to an amazing immediate family, I have a huge, close extended family. I wouldn't trade a big family for anything!

3. I love Ohio, and more specifically, Cleveland. Both get a bad rap and are totally underrated. I am incredibly grateful I got to grow up where I did and will always, always love it.

4. I adore holidays - any holiday. I'm a big fan of traditions and holidays are chock full of them (as well as family get togethers)!

5. Music plays a central role in my life. I don't think I go a day without listening to music and I have playlists for every occasion. I actually played alto saxophone for seven years before I started college and didn't have time to anymore with my schedule. (I would love to get back into, but I'm a little stumped as to how when I live in an apartment. Any tips?)

6. In addition to my family, my life would not be complete without my friends. College has definitely taught me a lot about friendship, and I'm so grateful for the caring and fun people I have in my life. Similarly, my life today would not be the same without my own little family, my boyfriend and our dog Madison. I love any time we get to spend together.

7. I love movies and TV. Before I realized I was meant to be a teacher, I planned entering the entertainment industry or becoming a film critic. I love watching both old and new movies and shows, and totally get into trivia, behind-the-scenes material, and award shows.

Photos:

1. Bowling Green campus, fall 2009

2. Family, summer 2009

3. Cleveland skyline as seen from the Flats, summer 2009

4. My dad as Santa Claus, winter 2010

5. My friends Kaylyn and Sarah, along with myself, summer 2007 (at our last marching band event!)

6. Dan and Madison, fall 2010; Elizabeth, Courtney, Katie, Sarah, and myself at Alpha Phi Omega semi-formal, fall 2009

7. Netflix DVD and movie tickets, spring 2011

What are seven things about you? Leave a comment listing them or with a link to your seven things post!

things that are making me happy

having a third snow day in a row!

being all caught up on grading and planning

having plenty of time to bake

trying a new type of wine

watching episodes of Arrested Development

reading the new People magazine with Reese Witherspoon on the cover

my sweet boyfriend cleaning off my car for me

fun cards from my parents

endless cups of hot tea

watching Madison play in the snow

gaining a fresh perspective on a problem

What things are making you happy this week?

winter survival guide

In honor of today being the first day of February, and today being a snow day (yay!) due to the almost-blizzard hitting Ohio, I put together a winter survival guide for you all. Enjoy!

• Cherry Chapstick to keep your lips soft and healthy
• Faux fur-lined mittens to keep your fingers toasty
• Scarf to protect your neck and face (and look stylish)
• Boots to adequately navigate the snow
• Hot tea to wake you up and warm you up
• Fluffy robe to lounge around in
• Cozy blankets to snuggle under
• Fitness DVDs to stay in shape and have fun indoors
• Campbell's Chicken and Rice soup for the perfect winter meal
• Netflix subscription with a Roku player to relax and laugh with
• Brightly colored pillows to cheer up your mood and cuddle against
• Reading material to fuel your imagination
• PLUS: tips for avoiding a winter cold

What items make your winter survival guide?

weekend wrap-up

Hi! How are you all on this fine Monday morning? How was your weekend?

Mine was pretty darn good. Friday night I worked, and then went to go see a movie with the boyfriend. We saw No Strings Attached, a new romantic comedy with Ashton Kutcher and Natalie Portman. It was very enjoyable! It was definitely funny and somewhat touching. I thought Portman and Kutcher had great chemistry, and I loved the supporting cast (especially Kevin Kline, Mindy Kaling, and Jake Johnson). If you plan on seeing it in theaters, make sure you are on time because the first 10-15 minutes of the movie reveal important background information about the dynamic of Emma (Portman) and Adam (Kutcher)'s friendship. Overall: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Saturday I worked, and I spent the afternoon with my wonderful friend Elizabeth! We decided to go on a mini-road trip to a coffee shop called Red Rambler, but it turned out we got the hours wrong and it was closed when we got there (meaning another mini-road trip will have to occur in the future). We had fun chatting anyway and ended up getting coffee at Panera instead.

On Sunday, the boyfriend and I went to church and treated ourselves to Starbucks and catching up on episodes of our favorite shows. I worked, and I had one of the most productive afternoons/evenings that I've had in a long time.

This week should be pretty busy for me - teaching every day and something going on every evening - but 'm feeling pretty optimistic about it. What's going on with you this week?

Photo 1, Photos 2 - 4 author original

things that are making me happy

source

Two-hour weather delay this morning (AKA an extra 1 1/2 hours of sleep!)

A good hair day

Comfy & colorful sweaters

Hilarious morning radio shows

Listening to the Beatles on snowy afternoons

Best friends who send you encouraging texts and Picnik photos of you two

Two for $5 special on Double Stuff Golden Oreos

Getting organized and planning units for student teaching (I take over classes on Tuesday!)

Treating myself to this month's Shape

Buying other people cards and treats, just because

The sweetest boyfriend ever

My horoscope being weirdly accurate as of late

Looking forward to a three-and-a-half day weekend : )

What things are making you happy this week?

indians snow days

source

Happy December, everybody!! : )

This past fall was/has been especially warm this year in Northern Ohio. As a lifelong Ohioan, I really dislike it when the seasons aren't distinctive. I need four, specific seasons and I need them to occur when they're supposed to. That being said, it hadn't snowed at all in Ohio yet this fall/winter, which isn't super unusual but isn't super normal, either.

So, you can imagine my excitement when it SNOWED today! And it was fluffy, pretty snow that didn't even make the roads difficult to drive on. I think it's so neat that on December 1st the first real snow of the year happened : )

Speaking of snow and excitement, I'm really excited about the Cleveland Indians' Snow Days event that is going on this winter! I used to work at Progressive Field (it will always be called Jacobs Field in my heart!) and I am a big Indians and city of Cleveland fan. I'm also a big winter fun fan, and Snow Days combines all three of those fantastic things. The event features a mile-long ice skating track, a tubing slide/chute, walking trail decorated with lights, a snow maze, a fire pit and concessions, and heaters in the Indians home dugout (as well as plenty of just-for-kids activities). Doesn't this event sound awesome?! I can't wait to go!

Check out this artist's rendering of Snow Days:

source

If you're within driving distance of the Cleveland area and want to check it out, see all the info here. What do you think about the ideas for Snow Days? Has it snowed near you yet? What kinds of winter events are happening near you?

things that are making me happy

pretty decorations outside a restaurant, fall 2010

My neighbor's Christmas lights on his balcony (and the fact that they've been up for a couple weeks now)
Katy Perry's Teenage Dream album
Starbucks' peppermint mocha & caramel brulee latte
Laughing with my family
New magazines to read - especially Marie Claire with Emma Watson!
Christmas music on the radio
OPI's "Pink of Hearts" polish
Tank tops and sweaters paired with comfy scarves
Say Yes to the Dress marathons
Great Lakes Brewing Company's Christmas Ale



What things are making you happy?

weekly gems

highway in Northwest Ohio, spring 2010

It's been a long week that wrapped up in a long day today. It makes me in the mood to go on a road trip somewhere and have a mini-vacation...of all the destinations I can think of, I'm craving my parents' home the most! Makes me nervous about possibly being more than two hours away from them next year, but I'm sure wherever I end up it will be a great adventure! Overall, I'm just excited it's the weekend. I'm ready to drink coffee, cuddle with the dog, read magazines, and knock a lot of things off my to-list!

Moving on to...Weekly Gems! Weekly Gems will be my Friday post about my favorite Internet findings of the week.

• I adore all of these vintage little black dresses. Especially the one with the white trim.
• I love everything in this holiday gift guide - especially the coasters, mug, nail polish, & Emily's goals for the holiday season.
• Can't wait to read this book.
• I love people who love their pets, and even more I love people who blog about that love.
• Lately, I haven't been able to get enough of Kate Spade - so you must understand why this book is now on my Christmas wish list.
• I always enjoy reading Makeunder Your Life, but I especially enjoy its Design Your Life series. This week's edition really spoke to me - just wonderful : )
• Love this wedding & the story behind it. This one, too.
• Every weekend I long to be a Mrs. Sunday.

What are some of your favorites finds from this week?