Tory Burch SALE!

Lent is over...and I'm kind of having a craving to buy a new handbag!  I have been wanting to buy a Tory Burch handbag for some time now, and this weekend may be the time.  I had to let you all know that Tory Burch is having an online sale of 25% off now through tomorrow.  The coupon code is: friendly.  

I don't know about you, but with spring here, I have a craving for some new pieces for my wardrobe and accessories!  (Don't forget...Mother's Day is right around the corner!)

I think it's so cool that they have an Amanda Collection!

Tonight we are linking up with the Show-Licious Craft & Recipe Party over at 3 Little Greenwoods! Click on over to see more great stuff! 

High Five for Friday: it FINALLY feels like spring!

What an amazing feeling it is to make it to Friday!  The shortest weeks always seem the longest for some reason! Don't you just LOVE how our blog is looking. Some new exciting features have been added! I'm in love!

Here's how my incredible spring week panned out:

1.  Waking up on Easter Morning to the joy and excitement of two little boys
I have to say, the biggest highlight of my week was waking up at Marc's sister's house on Easter morning.  I had gotten up early to take a shower, and heard the rumblings of Marc's nephews, 7 and 3 waking up.  I had hopped in the shower, and all of a sudden there was a loud knock on the door.  Sweet little Macksym was knocking on the door and yelling, "MISS AMANDA, OPEN THE DOOR!"  After I finished in the bathroom, I opened the door to the sweetest little boy saying, "Thank goodness you opened the door! I wanted to show this to you."  He holds up a little action figure, and of course, I was thrilled to see it!

I was then given the pleasure of peeking out the window every so often to watch the boys hunt for Easter Eggs on the front lawn.  It was priceless.  I can't wait for fun times like that with my niece someday!

2. Sleeping late on Monday
I can't help but make this a highlight of my week.  Sleeping in is a favorite thing of mine, and when I can do it on a weekday, it always seems so much  better!

3.  Walking outside with my friends at work
Colleen, Dana and I were finally able to take a walk on the track after work on Thursday.  It was so nice to get some fresh air and exercise in.  I am thinking about signing up for a 5K for some added workout motivation!

4. Dinner with my parents on Wednesday
It's always nice to just stop by, have a good meal, and catch up.

5. Seeing old Neighbors
My mom plays Bunco with a bunch of women from her neighborhood.  They were short a player this month, so I went tonight to play with them as a fill-in.  I had so much fun chatting with everyone and catching up! I even won some money!

I hope you have a fantastic weekend!

Tonight we are linking up with Lauren Elizabeth and the ladies that host 5 for Friday. 

High Five for Friday: My Students Made Me Proud This Morning

The last Friday in April is here! I can't believe it's almost May! Here are a few highlights from my week:

1. Visiting with both families on Easter. We were able to visit with both of our families on our first Easter married. We were exhausted when we came home Sunday night from traveling, but it was so worth it! My husband and I came in 2nd place in the Easter Egg Hunt. Go team BLUE! :-) 

2. Having Easter Monday off from school! This was such a special treat because we normally don't receive this extra day after Spring Break. We had such a busy weekend, so I was able to get a lot of stuff accomplished on Monday. I even made some time for fun with Washi tape... my favorite thing right now!

3. Receiving sweet messages from friends and family. After sending some special things through the mail, we received such sweet feedback from everyone and we smiled all week because of it. 

4. Making changes on the blog. I had a lot of fun making changes to the blog this week. Most are very subtle, but if you follow us often, you'll probably notice them. I love blogging and watching our blog evolve! 

5. My students made me proud this morning. I recently launched a big social studies project with both of my classes. This morning I organized research centers for students to rotate through and to my surprise, my room was eerily quiet as each student researched independently in their small groups. They were so invested in their work.  I was shocked... very pleased... and really proud of them! It was a very Happy Friday, for sure! :-) 

Tonight we are linking up with Lauren Elizabeth and the ladies that host 5 for Friday. 

Make Your Mess Your Message

Thoughts that are resonating with me tonight...

I was cooking dinner the other night and while listening to the TV in the background, I caught a portion of an interview with Robin Roberts discussing her new book released just the other day. Her words have been swirling around inside my head ever since.

 Here is Amazon's description of her new book, Everybody's Got Something:

"Regardless of how much money you have, your race, where you live, what religion you follow, you are going through something. Or you already have or you will. As momma always said, "Everybody's got something."

So begins beloved Good Morning America (GMA) anchor, Robin Roberts', memoir in which she recounts the incredible journey that's been her life so far, and the lessons she's learned along the way. With grace, heart, and humor, she writes about overcoming breast cancer only to learn five years later that she will need a bone marrow transplant to combat a rare blood disorder, the grief and heartbreak she suffered when her mother passed away, her triumphant return to GMA after her medical leave, and the tremendous support and love of her family and friends that saw her through her difficult times.

Following her mother's advice to "make your mess your  message," Robin taught a nation of viewers that while it is true that we've all got something-- a medical crisis to face, aging parents to care for, heartbreak in all its many forms --- we've also got something to give: hope, encouragement, a life-saving transplant or a spirit-saving embrace. As Robin has learned, and what readers of her remarkable story will come to believe as well, it's all about faith, family and friends. And finding out that you are stronger, much stronger, than you think. 

  

"Make Your Mess Your Message" and "You can be fearful or fearless... I chose the latter" are two things that she spoke about. Two bold statements that have resonated with me.  

What a beautiful woman inside and out. A true inspiration. I'm looking forward to reading her story. 

We are linking up with Fry Sauce & Grits for the Be.YOU.Tiful Party! Click on over to find more awesome stuff! 

Foolproof Veggie Garden

Do you love fresh grown veggies?  I sure do!  Two summers ago, I helped my parents plant a vegetable garden right on their deck!  We grew cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, and lettuce.  The cucumbers were the sweetest I've ever tasted!  Every few days I'd take a peek, and the next thing I knew, we'd have more than enough vegetables for the week!

Here are some suggestions to make your garden grow this summer...wherever you live!

Seeds
Start your seeds at home now!  You can get kits at Home Depot, Lowes or Wal*Mart fairly inexpensively!  All you need to do is add water, and you have little pods all ready for planting! The brand I used was "Jiffy" but I'm sure you could use any brand you can find.  The pods I used looked like this:

Plant in the Right Spot

Find a spot on your property that has great sunlight.  It doesn't have to be a spot that you'll be planting in the ground, because I have other suggestions for that!  I'd actually recommend that you choose a spot that's on a patio or a deck.  That way you can control the amount of contact your veggies get with wild animals.  

Choose the Right Planter

I'm going to suggest a specific planter that I used and had great success with.  It's called a City Picker Patio Planter.  It's the easiest planter I've ever used.  It comes as a kit with a watering system.  You can't beat the setup for just about $30 from Home Depot.  I found the listing here: Home Depot

The planter comes with directions for the right mix of soil, as well as directions on how often to water your plants.  The best part about this type of planter is that it's weed free!  You can even plant multiple planters depending on how much you want to grow!

I promise that you will have an incredible summer with this type of gardening. It's seriously maintenance and carefree!  Let me know if it works for you!

Tonight we're participating in The Creative Geekery's THE PIN IT PARTY, as well as Fry Sauce & Grits's Be.YOU.tiful Link Up Party.  Click on over to both blogs for some incredible ideas!

Bringing the Beach Home With Me!

I'm a beach girl. I just love everything about the ocean and would spend most of my days there, if possible. Whenever I visit the beach, my mind, body, and soul are instantly relaxed within seconds. I feel calm. I feel peaceful. The soothing sound of waves crashing and seagulls in the distance do it for me every time.  Nothing beats the salty aromatic sea air in my nose. Ah, Serenity. 

The most memorable moments of my life were experienced near the water. My husband and family know how to steal my heart in that way. I got engaged in a hotel room overlooking the beach, my bridal shower was at a beautiful restaurant on the lake with charming boats and fishermen in the distance, and I got married on Glen Island with sailboats passing by during our ceremony. Absolute perfection. 

I've been known to take the beach home with me since I was a little girl. My sister and I would scour the shoreline, searching for the best shells for hours. We would come home and create crafts, or signature mementos, of our time at the beach. 

I still do that today. I always want the summer beach escape to last long past the dates circled on my calendar. I spent hours on my honeymoon searching for the best shells, driftwood, pebbles, white sand, and shiny rocks to take home. I made a beach vase with these items to savor the fragrance, textures, and summer colors of Turks and Caicos. I also used these items to make Christmas ornaments... anything to give me that little reminder of that gorgeous and tranquil summer escape. 

My next project will involve making a Honeymoon Beach Memory Jar. I'm inspired by this photo from Pinterest, showcasing a few small photos inside. What a beautiful idea! 

Do you take the beach home with you?

We're linking up with seven thirty three blog and A Savory Feast blog tonight! Click on over to both blogs to find more awesome thoughts and ideas! 

Twelve Ways to Unwind

I don't know about you, but I look forward to coming home after a long day to just relax and unwind.  There are a lot of times where the stress of work gets in the way of my relaxation.  It can take a while for me to fall asleep at night, so I've been doing some research on how to unplug after a long day.  They may seem pretty straightforward, sometimes we need a reminder!

Here are some suggestions to help yourself relax.

1. Go for a walk:  I know that getting some fresh air can wake me up after my drive home, and forces me to think about my day.  Call a friend and make it a social time!  Dawn and I have gone for walks together and have been able to discuss our days, which makes going home to relax easier!

2. Try some yoga: Sometimes just relaxing and meditating helps to clear our heads and get things straight.  I think this is helpful when I have something on my mind that I want to sort out.

3. Read a book in a cozy chair: This works only if I'm not tired! Sometimes I end up waking up, realizing I didn't even read a page!

4. Pour yourself a glass of wine: I say just a glass, because you're looking to unwind, not get drunk! Alcohol can make you sleepy, which will make you completely unproductive.  Just have a glass of wine to relax. You don't need a hangover tomorrow!

5. Eat dinner outside: This spring weather has me itching to start eating meals out on my balcony!  I'll be sure to take some pictures when I do.  Don't you love eating al fresco?

6. Have a cup of tea: Recently, I've been drinking a lot of green tea to detox.  I love the calming effect it has on me!

7. Take a long shower or bath: I have always loved long showers.  My dad used to ask me if I did laps while I was in the shower!  Hot showers help me turn my brain off!

8. Make yourself an appointment for a massage: Last week I had the best massage that I've ever had.  It made me realize that taking time for myself is completely necessary.  Massages may become part of my "take care of myself" regimen.

9. Cuddle with your kids and read a book together: I don't have children, but I do know how important it is for families to spend time together.  One of my students keeps sharing updates about a book she has been reading with her mom.  Those are times your kids won't ever forget, and it sounds relaxing!

10. Take up a craft/hobby: I love to draw, and I don't do it nearly enough.  It's so therapeutic to just express my feelings through drawings.  I also really want to learn how to knit! Perhaps I'll learn this summer!

11. Listen to some quiet, classical music: When I can't sleep, I have a sound machine app on my phone that I turn on.  It always relaxes me enough to put me to sleep!

12. Turn off your cell phone: This is so hard for me, but putting the phone away and taking some time for yourself will work wonders and help you unwind.  Just try it!


We're linking up with seven thirty three's link up party, Inspire me Wednesday, as well as A Savory Feast's Hump Day Happenings!  Please click over to both blogs for wonderful Wednesday ideas!

Naturally Flavored Water [SO GOOD!!]

I've been on a water kick lately, especially with trying to stay away from soda. I love ice cold water and I especially love it with lemon. Sometimes old plain water just doesn't cut it. Fruit infused waters are easy to make, nutritious, and simply refreshing! I also like adding fruit to my seltzer water for a fizzy treat!

I love to use these bottles when bringing my flavored water to work. The fruit stays in the container, lookin' all pretty, without it floating around for the entire school day!

I haven't attempted to add herbs to my flavored water yet, however, many people say that herbs are a surprising compliment to fruit flavors. Here are two recipes that I plan on trying this week with basil or mint. 

Strawberry Flavored Water:

4-6 strawberries, hulled and quartered

1/2 lemon, sliced

Small handful of basil, scrunched

Ice and cold filtered water

Watermelon Flavored Water:

2 slices of watermelon, cut into thirds or quarters

Small handful of basil, scrunched

Ice and cold filtered water

I'm dying over these photos of water pitchers that I found from Back to Her Roots Blog and Natasha's Kitchen. I wish this was in my refrigerator right now! I have to make one of these this weekend!

We are linking up to the Do Tell Tuesday Party with Lil Mrs. Tori tonight! Click over to her blog to see many more awesome things! 

Happy Earth Day: My Garden of Gratitude

In honor of Earth Day, I wanted to write about something that I'm thankful for.  The Earth provides us with so many different things.  We're given the gift of life here.  We're able to experience joy, love and excitement on this planet, and we owe it to the Earth to say thank you.  Tonight's post was inspired through this video:

I dedicate this flower to...

My parents.

My parents helped me grow in so many different ways throughout the course of my life.  They let me navigate through each stage of my childhood, teens and young adult years as best I could.  They were the shoulder to cry on, the hand to hold, the cheerleading section, and the ones who said "go for it" when I needed it most.  They stood by my side, holding their breath when they knew that perhaps my choices weren't so great, but were also there when I needed them to catch me as I fell.  They have been there for me during new beginnings, and have been supportive all the way.  They have been my rock, and I'm not sure where I would be today if it weren't for them.  It's because of my parents that I've grown into a successful, independent woman who has achieved more in life than I could have ever imagined.

Thank you, Mom and Dad, for helping me grow.  The flower in my gratitude garden belongs to you.

I love you!

Happy Earth Day!


Tonight we're linking up with Lil' Mrs. Tori for her Link Party, Do Tell Tuesday!  Head over to her site to see more fabulous links!

New Changes on the Blog! [Part One]

I love being a part of the blogging community. I find more and more blogs to follow each day. I'm inspired by so many bloggers and I'm truly motivated to continue on this crazy journey that all started so quickly on a cold, frigid night at Starbucks a few months ago. I'm dedicated to helping our blog blossom over these next few months... we've already seen such a big leap since January! Each month our blog grows more and more and it's really, really exciting!

When Amanda and I met last week, we discussed many changes that we're eager to make on 730 Moments to Share within the next few months. We're heading back to school tomorrow after an amazing spring break, and we'll be whisked back into crazy state testing mode, which eats up a lot of our energy. However, the month of May will carry us to the light at the end of the tunnel, with much more energy to invest in new changes here.

One of the changes that we both discussed making was joining more link parties! As you know, we take part in a few link parties each week and we want to join more! Joining these parties each week helps us connect with and meet new bloggers. The ideas, recipes, crafts, and thoughts shared by other bloggers are fabulous and a lot of fun to read! I've found many new link parties to join and I added a page to our blog to showcase them! Check it out here! We'll continue to add more blogs to this list - check back often!

I'm really excited for these next few months! Be on the lookout for many more changes happening here soon! 

The Power of a 15 Second Kiss

While on Facebook today, I stumbled upon the blog post "the 15 Second Kiss" from the bloggers of Fierce Marriage.  Fierce Marriage is written by a blogging couple who have been married for over ten years.  Their blog is focused on marriage and love, and keeping things healthy. I know, I know...I'm not married, but I hope to be someday.  I also think it's important to know how to keep a good relationship going, and to keep the fire going when you've been together for a long time.

I clicked the link to the 15 Second Kiss.  The concept isn't really all that difficult.  Ryan (the husband of the blogging team) had met a couple who had been married for many years.  When he asked the man what his secret was to staying with his wife for so long, he responded with "a daily kiss that lasts for at least 15 seconds."  What a response!  He claimed that you can't fake a 15 second kiss. You're forced to make a connection with your partner!

When a relationship is new, you can't help but want to be close to your partner.  As time goes by, sometimes we forget how incredible the other person is, because we're just completely consumed with life.  But...if you're forced to kiss your husband/wife/boyfriend/girlfriend for 15 seconds or more, you're forced to be reminded of why you fell in love with him or her in the first place!

I really encourage you to read the Fierce Marriage blog.  They really discuss everything, from a male perspective, female perspective, finances, sex, commitment, and more.  

Do you think you'll try the 15 Second Kiss?   Click over to Fierce Marriage to read Ryan's original post!

GET EXCITED: Orange is the New Black Season 2

I struggle to get into television shows.  Most of the time, I'm sitting on my couch blogging or doing school work.  I never really pay enough attention to what is going on, and I end up missing entire episodes.  Enter Netflix on a Roku.  There's quality television at the touch of a button, whenever you want it. Most  television seasons will play continuously through entire seasons.

A few months ago, Marc and I had an Orange is the New Black marathon binge-watching session.  After one episode, I was hooked.  If you haven't seen it, the story takes place in Litchfield Women's Prison.  The show has been named one of the top 10 Programs of the Year and recently won the Peabody Award.

The video above showcases season two!  I can't wait to see what happens next.  The last episode of Season 1 ended on such a cliffhanger, I may just need to park myself on Marc's couch and watch all of Season 2.  Yes...it's THAT good!

If you haven't seen the first season, you should!  If you subscribe to Netflix, you really have no excuse.  The new season is released on Netflix on June 6, 2014.




Dawn and I are linking up to the following Link Parties tonight!  Click the icons below to check them out!

 

Easy Southern Banana Pudding!

One of the desserts that I made for Easter was Easy Southern Banana Pudding. This has been a family favorite for years now! It's very easy to make and the presentation/overall look is a lot of fun, too! Mine looked just like the photo above! Glamorous! :-)

The recipe calls for Nilla Wafers, banana slices, and instant vanilla pudding -- no baking involved!

Recipe:

-2 pkg. (3.4oz each) vanilla instant pudding

-3 cups cold milk

-30 Nilla Wafers

-3 medium bananas

-1 tub (8oz) whipped topping

-Beat pudding mixes and milk with whisk 2 min. Let stand 5 min. Arrange half the wafers on bottom and up side of 2-qt. serving bowl; top with layers of half each of the banana slices and pudding. Repeat all layers. Cover with Cool Whip. Refrigerate 3 hours.

You'll find a different, more traditional pudding recipe on the box of Nilla Wafers, similar to the one mentioned on Raw in the Middle blog. Click on the link to follow their recipe - that's also where these awesome photos are from, showing the layering process that I used yesterday. Thank you, Raw in the Middle blog! I love these photos!

If you haven't tried this recipe before, please give it a shot! It's so easy, very delicious and certainly won't disappoint your guests! Here's another cute way to serve your banana pudding. Enjoy!!

                     We are linking up to the following parties. Click on the photos to learn more: