Pick Your Plum

I came across Pick Your Plum tonight while browsing some blogs.  I love browsing flash sale sites, and this one seems pretty interesting!  This site currently has 9 flash sales going on.  I fell in love with a few things, and am very tempted to buy some things!

These canvas bags are only $7.99!

This tunic is $14.99...I would love this for my trip to Europe this summer!

These knobs are $2.49 each!  

They would be perfect to add to an old piece of furniture for a face lift!

Elastic band 12 Pack for $2.99

Head over to Pick Your Plum to get deals like this in your email box every day!

We are linking up with the Show-Licious Craft & Recipe Link Party tonight! Click on over for more great stuff! 

High Five for Friday: I'm going to be an AUNT!

Wow! This week really flew by and I can't believe it's officially May. That means there's only 40 more days left of school... but who's counting?! ;-) This is going to be one of my most favorite High Five For Fridays... keep reading and you'll understand why!

1. I'm going to be an AUNT! This was the hardest secret to keep for almost 2 weeks, especially since I love sharing exciting stuff on our blog. My sister surprised us on Easter and announced that she's pregnant! Of course, she told us in the most cutest way ever. Remember that big Easter Egg Hunt I was telling you about? (Go Team Blue!) After our hunt was over, my sister gave each of us a GIANT egg to open and inside was a pacifier attached to a ribbon saying that Baby D would be born in November, along with a sonogram picture. We squealed with excitement and it was one of the best moments ever. We are SO EXCITED! This is the first grandchild for my parents! Expect to see A LOT of baby shower plans rolling around on the blog soon!

2. Lunch with my mom and sister. I love our lunch dates and this one was super special because it was our first girls lunch with baby...and all baby talk! My mom bought special gifts for Rosie- and she couldn't leave me out, so she shared some special gifts with me too! I'll be blogging about them soon!

I love these lunch box notes from Etsy!

3. I completed my 30 Day April Photo Challenge. It was A LOT of fun, but... sometimes it was tricky (what should I take a photo of today?!), sometimes I'd forget until I was nice and cozy in bed, and sometimes I felt like I wasn't capturing the best photo ever, even though I tried hard. Check out my photos by clicking our Instagram icon in the top right corner! I would totally do the challenge again and I will! I'm thinking this summer would be fun - July or August. Take part in it with me! Search #fmsphotoaday for more information!

4. The best exercise weather happened on May 1st. May has blessed us with gorgeous weather so far. It was 70 degrees on May 1st! I couldn't wait to get home on Thursday to spend an afternoon outside exercising. It was unbelievably gorgeous... a beautiful Spring breeze, blue skies with big puffy clouds, the smell of blooming trees and flowers. Ah, just amazing. I wanted to stay outside all night long. I can't wait for summer.

5. Finally seeing green on the trees.  I love living in the tri-state area, simply because of the season changes. We're finally beginning to see the subtle changes of Spring. The northeast experienced a brutal winter and it still hasn't left us completely. We had many cold days in April and many that were rainy. The month of April ended on a very rainy note. As I travel up and down the highway on my commute to work, I always look out for signs of Spring. Lately, I've been noticing the change in leaves on the trees. They're slowly starting to bloom up here. Just one of the small things that I'm enjoying lately. :-)

Tonight we are linking up with Lauren Elizabeth and the ladies that host 5 for Friday. 
Click over to see more awesome stuff! 

High Five for Friday: What a week!!

I can't help but look forward to the weekends!  They allow me to stop and reflect on the week that has just passed, give me time to relax and anticipate the week that is coming up.  I've been thinking a lot about how time has gone by so quickly!  This month marks the 5th month straight that Dawn and I have been blogging.  It's been a huge success, and we are so thankful for all of you who have been following us!

1. Achieving $1,500 PV with Origami Owl for the Month of April

I have been so busy this month with Origami Owl Jewelry Bars.  Mother's Day brings in a huge rush for our company, and after inputting all of my orders, I learned that I had $1,500 in personal volume (total merchandise sold) this month.  I never would have thought that this would be such a successful endeavor, but it has been truly a blessing.  I love meeting new people, hearing their stories, and putting together beautiful lockets they can treasure for a long, long time. 

2. Sitting outside for dinner on Thursday Night

I came home on Thursday and saw that it was beautiful out.  I had the first chance to eat out on my beautiful porch.  I sat outside, enjoyed the quiet, and was able to enjoy my meal with the sun shining. I love spring!

3. Getting an invitation to Monday night's PTA meeting

Today, one of the PTA parents handed me an invitation to Monday night's PTA meeting at my school. Students were asked to think of a teacher who has been a positive influence in their lives, and to write an essay about them.  A student, who I am not yet aware of, has written an essay about me.  I'm honored to be invited, and I can't wait to give the student a hug who wrote about me.  I've had many students over the past few years, and I am blown away and humbled by their kindness.  I'm sure you'll be hearing more about this on Monday!

4. Completing ALL state assessments for this year

On Friday morning, at around 10:30, I was able to give my students the best news they've heard all year: you'll never have to take another third grade state assessment ever again!  They were relieved and so was I.  It's always a favorite announcement I get to make around this time of year.  The spring has so many exciting thing in store for us, including seeing caterpillars change into butterflies.  I can't wait!

5. Running two days this week!

This week I ran for two days, once on my own at the gym and once with friends on the track.  It's so nice to complete workouts that I never thought I'd be able to achieve. Dawn and I are thinking about taking a few classes a week together, and I'm sure we'll be telling you more about that soon!

Have a great weekend!


Tonight we are linking up with Lauren Elizabeth and the ladies that host 5 for Friday. 
Click over to see more awesome stuff! 

What's on your bucket list?

Bucket lists don't have to necessarily be lists of things we need to complete before we die.  Since Pinterest has become popular, I've seen more and more bucket list images.  Things that people want to do during their lifetime, or during a specific period of time.  People make bucket lists of things they'd like to do in a season, before they reach a significant milestone birthday, or things that pertain to a certain topic, like traveling.

After browsing Pinterest, I couldn't help but start to gather some ideas of my own to start to create a bucket list.  I suggest you start to create a bucket list of your own.  You can get started by creating a list the old-fashioned way in a journal, or create a Pinterest board with all of your ideas gathered in one spot.  Whatever you choose, I think it's important to think about what we want out of life, and go for it!

In the meantime, I started to create a list of some ideas.  Here are a few that I'm adding to my own bucket list!

We are linking up with Creative Geekery tonight, as we take part in the Pin It Party! Head on over to find more great stuff! 

25 Things I Love About You!

I received an email from Pinterest the other day and was intrigued. Then, I landed on this page tonight and became even more intrigued. Create a board with your favorite mom memories. Who wouldn't want to do that!? I'd really like to participate, but I think I'd cry through every pin/post/memory. I've written about my mom on this blog quite a few times and I love doing so. This challenge just might be calling my name. 

Will you be taking on this Pinterest challenge for Mother's Day? Think about your favorite mom memories and pin them... her famous recipes, best quotes, magic home remedies... things that make mom mom. Submit your board by Wednesday, May 7th and if your board gets picked by Pinterest, you'll receive a gift card from Teleflora so you can treat mom to a bouquet! 

Of course, I'll keep you updated and let you know if I decide to take on the challenge! 

We are linking up with Creative Geekery tonight, as we take part in the Pin It Party! Head on over to find more great stuff! 

A New MUST HAVE App! 5K Runner Pro!

I found an amazing app called "5K Runner Pro" in the app store last week.  I'm determined to run a 5K this spring, and I need to get into shape.  I decided to go with this app because of the reviews.  I downloaded the free version first, and quickly upgraded to the $2.99 version soon after.  

One of the things I love about this app is that it breaks down the warmup, workout, and cool down into separate sections.  I also love that during the walk/run part of the workout, it tells you when to switch to walking and running.  I am one of those people who needs to know that the running section doesn't last forever.  I'm hoping that once I get into the program, I won't mind the running so much.  

This was my first workout.  You can see how the workout is broken down.  I think if you're looking to run a 5K, you should check this app out now!

We are linking up with Hump Day Happenings at A Savory Feast Blog and Inspire Me Wednesday at 733 Blog! Click on over for more awesome stuff! 

Photo Gallery Wall Project [Part ONE!]

For a while now, I've been dreaming about creating a photo gallery wall in my apartment. I finally took the plunge and it's certainly been a work in progress for more than a few months. I'm almost ready to start hanging the frames... and what a process it's been!

A few reflections on my process so far:

It was really hard deciding on the types of frames to use. At first, I wanted them all to be different - different sizes and styles, including antique frames, like these: 

Then I became overwhelmed with that idea and decided to stick with only squares and rectangles, but still wanted to vary the sizes. So then this became my inspiration:

I should have chosen the photos before deciding on frames, because it was difficult trying to decide exactly what I needed and wanted. I guess I was more interested in the design at first. I bought different frames over the course of a few months. I tried to snag great deals on each frame. Yes, it took me a while. And yes, I was very indecisive!

I played around with the arrangement of frames MANY times. I'm still undecided. At first, I arranged the frames on the floor even before putting photos inside. Then, I put photos inside the frames and continued to move things around on the floor. And now I'm to the point where I'm tracing the frames onto wrapping paper, so that I can play around with the squares and rectangles on the wall. Here's what my wall will look like soon:

I'll keep you updated over the next few weeks... yes, weeks. Can you tell I'm nervous about the next BIG step?! Do you have a photo gallery wall at home? Do you have any advice for me? Please share!

We are linking up with Hump Day Happenings at A Savory Feast Blog and Inspire Me Wednesday at 733 Blog! Click on over for more awesome stuff! 

Overcoming Fitness Challenges

When Dawn and I started this blog in January, I would have never thought that we'd make it as far as we have.  As time goes on, I love looking back at where we've been...where we are...and where we are going.  I've been really open with you about my workout routines, including Squat Challenges, my Slow Carb Diet, and my healthy eating habits.

After I had my wisdom teeth out, I fell off my squat challenge wagon.  I was doing T-25 with my coworkers on an inconsistent basis, and once spring break arrived, I took a break from working out. (Worst. Idea. Ever.) I indulged on the three trips I took during that break with my boyfriend, and the next thing I new, I came back from a fantastic vacation with all the weight I had lost. And then some.

This was a bummer.  I was angry at myself for letting things go after I was on such a good track.  Instead of me beating myself up (which I will admit, I'm still doing), I've decided I need to make a new commitment to myself to stick to a good routine.  I need to keep up with workouts and healthy eating so I achieve the goals that I've been setting all this time.

Yesterday, I walked at the track again with my friend, Dana.  We walked the curves, but ran the straight lengths of the track.  Today, we weren't able to workout together, so I went to the gym in my complex and ran on the treadmill.  I started using a 5K app to get myself into shape for a 5K, because I'm determined to run in at least one 5K before the summer.  I loved the fact that it told me what to do...like a friend in my ear!  The visuals on the app were great, too, because I need to know how much time I have left until a break.  

I'm going to make a promise to you all that I'm going to stick with things this time.  You may hear from me at times about my frustrations, but I'd rather get healthy and stay healthy with some accountability.  Do you want to start fresh again with me?

We are linking up with the Do Tell Tuesday Party tonight! Click on over for more awesome stuff! 

Ladies... this is a MUST SEE!!

A few weeks ago I shared my a new favorite clothing store, American Threads, here. And now I'm back to share another fabulous find... Milk & Honey Boutique! How SUPER CUTE is their storefront?!?

 I found this adorable shop through followers on Instagram and immediately became fascinated with their concept. Milk & Honey has a storefront in Dallas, Texas, but they also have an online shop which features WEEKLY Inspiration Looks for simple shopping. You'll land on those looks as soon as you visit their website and once you find a look you love... click on the photo and it will bring you to those items! The looks are trendy, have an Anthropologie feel, and are very budget friendly!

You have to click over to their website to see how awesome that weekly feature is... but here's a few of my favorite looks in the meantime:

Their store is just too cute! I wish I lived in Dallas, Texas to check it out! 

Be sure to check out the Milk & Honey Boutique website and follow them on Facebook or Instagram! 

And in honor of the Derby...Talk Derby to Me! Love it!

We are linking up with the Do Tell Tuesday Party tonight! Click on over for more awesome stuff! 

Education is the miracle. I'm just the worker. I'm a teacher.

A few years ago, I heard a poem on YouTube by the poet Taylor Mali.  He writes poetry that teachers can relate to, and I couldn't help but compile a few and share it with you.  This week, we have the New York State Common Core Mathematics Assessments, and I figured we could all use a little inspiration to start the week!  Enjoy!

Tonight we're participating in Memories by the Mile Treasure Box Tuesday link party!  

Our Favorite Books!

One of the most favorite things about my friendship with Amanda is our common interests in books. She's recommended so many amazing authors to me over the years and has introduced me to books that have become absolute favorites. Almost every time we see each other, a good read comes up in our discussion... new or old. We squeal with excitement over the possibility of sequels or movie adaptations. 

This time around, we're both really excited about new releases from Ann Brashares and Emily Giffin... two of our most favorite authors! Amanda blogged about Emily Giffin's new book a few weeks ago. We both love chick lit, the genre that explores modern womanhood through humor and romance.

Ann Brashares, The Here and Now, was released a few weeks ago and I can't wait to dive into it. Amanda and I fell in love with her Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants books when they were released during our college years. Her other books don't compare to that series... I think it's just because I fell in love with the Sisterhood characters and couldn't let go. With that being said though, I'm still really eager to dig into this captivating story. Click on the book to read more about it! By the way, we're both so excited that there will be another Sisterhood movie being filmed soon!

I can't wait to purchase Emily Giffin's new book, The One and Only, on May 20th! Her last book, Where We Belong, left such an impression on me, especially since we met Emily in person at her book signing! Emily's books never disappoint and I'm really hoping that Amanda and I can see her in NYC for The One and Only book signing! Even though Amanda gave a great introduction to the book, click on the cover below for more details!

I was inspired to write this post because I cleaned up my bookshelf the other day and decided to display only these books (top photo) on my new bookcase. Although I've read from e-readers, nothing compares to holding an actual book in my hands. I love the smell of new books, I love turning the pages, and I love passing by a bookshelf, seeing its cover, and remembering the characters long afterwards. Do you feel the same way?

We are participating in the Treasure Box Tuesday link party! Click on over to find more awesome stuff!