My 4th of July--courtesy of Pinterest

Happy Monday! Just a few, hopefully short days until the 4th of July, and I couldn't be more excited! Kyle and I are heading home for the long weekend, and we have lots to look forward to!

With a little help from Pinterest, I am SO ready for the 4th in which I plan on...

Wearing 4th-Inspired Apparel Like This...

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/199917670928250515/

While Hanging Out Here...

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/441704675926110287/

Just Sipping on This...

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/297800594082413504/

And Munching on This...

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/247205467016498386/

Maybe Watching a Little of These...

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/245727723389025119/

While Hanging with These Lovely Peeps 

(and a few additions-- Edith, Kristen, & Hanna!)

Ok, I promise I didn't steal this one from Pinterest! This really is my family ;)

Obviously, my 4th won't be quite as picture-perfect as Pinterest, but I guarantee the fun with my family and memories made will be beyond-Pinterest worthy!

I hope that everyone has a Happy 4th of July! 

T-minus 3 days!

Summer Reads

I was totally that kid who showed up at the library at least once a week and did all of those little summer "reading challenges" or read all of the books on the "list" for the next grade level. Put a book in my hand, and I was a happy camper.

Not much has changed other than I don't always feel like I have enough time to read during the school year while I'm teaching, so I always cherish my summer reading time--at the beach, the pool, on my couch, or in the car!

Well, and I guess I should add that I've broadened my horizons a little as far as what I read--no longer just chick lit. I've been trying to add in some books that are helping me with some of the lifestyle changes that I'm in the process of making!

Here are some of the books I was most excited about diving into this summer.

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From top left:

Cave Women Don't Get Fat by Esther Blum

*almost finished; all about the Paleo diet; super informative with a sassy edge

The Little Lady Agency by Hester Browne

*read it, loved it, would definitely recommend!

Woman Code by Alisa Vitti

*read it in a day; SO informative; a must-read for anyone preparing to get preggo, anyone with any hormone or thyroid issues, or anyone who just wants to better understand their body!

Wedding Night by Sophie Kinsella

*just picked it up today; love all of her books!

Miracles Now by Gabrielle Bernstein

*I just started following her on instagram--she's a total yogi, free-spirit and wrote this supposedly great book on how to best live a stress-free life; was recommended by the same person who recommended Woman Code

The One & Only by Emily Giffin

*haven't read yet, but when has Emily Giffin ever failed us!?

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So, that's my list! What's on yours? 

Happy Reading!

Hey, hey, Summatime

Praise be, I am officially on Summer break! It has been a roller coaster of a school year, and I have earned my "toes in the sand, drink in hand" vacation from teaching.

I saw this floating around Facebook and Pinterest and got a good chuckle:

There's definitely truth to the pic, but I also without fail become all weepy on the last day having to say good-bye to my kiddos! You can't spend 180 days together and not get attached.  But that doesn't mean that I didn't sing the Hallelujah chorus after sleeping in to the glorious hour of 9am on my first day of summer!

My first days of summer have been quite lazy blissful, and I intend to keep it that way.

Mandatory Summer Kickoff Drinks!

One of the major reasons for my absence from the blogging world is that I've been dealing with some health issues this past year that require a lot of money lifestyle changes. My #1 goal this summer is to focus on my health and learn as much as  I can about my auto-immune disease and ways to heal.

So, this summer, you'll find me...

Reading, meditating, lunching with friends, trying not to fall over in yoga class, swimming & walking, cooking super clean (or meal planning for Kyle to cook super clean because let's be honest, a cook I am not), soaking up some sun (fully slathered in sun-screen), spending lots of QT with the hubs, and doing other things that I know will be good for my soul and stress levels!

Happy Summer!