Five on Friday!!

Is it Friday, really!? Thank you, weekend, for coming. You are much needed and much appreciated!! Its been a crazy week- off on Tuesday for -30 wind chills and they are expecting temps in the 40-50 range tomorrow. So we'll all have pneumonia next week- but I'm not going to complain about a little warm up!

Linking up with Darci to share some of the things I've been totally loving lately.

 

 

 

1. Fitness.  The diet contest at work is in full swing.  We take this thing uber serious, we draft teams, set goals, have public weigh ins and basically shame each other into a smaller jeans size or two. It is fabulous.  I really do work with the best people on the planet, so I cant think of better people to be miserable with for nine weeks of dieting in attempts to meet the goals we set.  I'm only trying for seven pounds, but trust me I've got more to lose.  I just don't want to set my goal too high and then not make it, that would be bad.  There is a newsletter and I made the front page a few years ago for getting knocked up to avoid dieting, I will not make front page news again!  This year I do have a few fun gadgets helping me out- the fitbit force and the Fitbit Aria wi-fi scale. I love the Fitbit because it really does help me stick to my goals.  If I see that I only have 3,000 steps in I jump on the treadmill to get the steps up.  If I'm at 4.8 miles, Ill go for a quick run to meet my goal.  It keeps me mindful of how much I am exercising, while also tracking my food intake, calories burned and sleep. If you have a competitive side at all, this is great because it motivates you to hit those goals in black and white.  The scale links wirelessly to the app on my phone, tracking my weight every morning to keep me honest and on track.  If you're thinking about either product, give them a try you will not be disappointed!

2.  Have you guys tried the Mrs. Meyers Clean Day products? I totally wouldn't clean my house as much as I do without this stuff. I'm obsessed with the lavender scent, but I hear the basil is also amazing.  We have the counter spray, hand soap, cleaning concentrate and dish soap.  It smells fantastic in my house. I get mine at Target, and each time I go I add another product to my cleaning bucket.  If Im going to be obsessively buying things, I guess cleaning products aren't a bad way to go?

 

3. My fleece lined leggings from Kiki La'Rue.  If you have not heard of Kiki La Rue, then you must check them out- and this isn't sponsored or anything- I just adore them.  They have the cutest stuff for the most reasonable prices, and they always have sales and specials going on.  I bought my first pair of leggings from them, the vertical twist leggings and I could LIVE in these suckers. They don't ride up, they don't sag down, they are perfect.  I own them in four colors and have been known to put them under my dress pants on cold days.  You cant see through them and the pattern is a fun little add on to boring black leggings.  If you need help with sizes check out the reviews and comments, there is usually tons of info there to help you out.

 

4. Green Smoothies.  I completed a 31 day green smoothie challenge and I feel amazing.  I am not a veggie eater, so I was surprised at this.  I started drinking one a day for breakfast blending up spinach, greek yogurt, ice, strawberries, bananas and blueberries. Its green in color for sure, but the banana hides the taste of the spinach.  So I'm getting all of the benefits of veggies without the nasty taste, win! The best part, they keep me full from 6:30 till I get to eat lunch at 1:00. If you have any good smoothie recipes send them my way, because I'm not about to stop now!

 

5. EOS Lip Balm. seriously? How did I just discover this stuff?  Its awesome, organic AND it actually makes my lips soft.  Plus, you feel like you're getting your moneys worth with the amount you get in each tube. If you haven't tried it, you should. Esp in sweet mint and summer fruit, they're my favorites!

 

 

What new products are you guys loving?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Five on Friday!

Linking up with Darci for Five on Friday!

1. I bought my first expensive pair of running shoes yesterday. Holy crap was that painful. I've never spent that much on a pair of shoes in my life. Clearance rack shopper for life, yo.

I was teasing the hubs that I have no choice but to run a marathon in these suckers to get my money's worth- I think he may still be laughing at my reasoning.

2. Midterms start next week and so I will be spending this weekend writing two midterms and cursing the fact that I didn't get it done sooner. I always have the best intentions to get them written and together early, but it never works out. Plus, if you are a teacher or know a teacher you know how crazy the end of any grading period can be. Throw in writing and double/triple/quadruple checking not one but two 200 point exams and it seriously makes me hate life for a few days.

3. Today it was 43 degrees. I'm pretty sure that the last time it was 43 I was bundled in my old lady parka with a scarf and my hood up.  The thing is, it was down to -30 with the wind chill on Monday. Today I wore a dress to work and you know what, it felt kind of balmy.  Mother nature gave us a bit of cold weather perspective, I suppose. Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy the little break with school being closed on Tuesday AND a two hour delay on Wednesday due to extreame cold. However, I am over being cold so spring can hurry its sweet self along at any time now. 


4. Speaking of our impromptu "cold" day, Grayson and I certainly made the most of it.  We stayed in our jammies and watched cartoons, ate breakfast in bed, opened some new toys that I had stashed away from Christmas and had a living room dance party.  The older that kid gets the harder he makes it to leave him to go to work in the mornings, because staying home is just a heck of a lot of fun. 

5. Its been 10 days and I haven't missed a day yet of drinking a smoothie for breakfast. Usually I eat a waffle and wash it down with a Coke, so this is by far a vast improvement.  I start with a banana and some spinach, toss in some berries and greek yogurt and blend away.  I'm not a big veggie eater, so sneaking in some this way seems like a pretty legit idea.  A friend at work told me you can blend in some broccoli and kale and not taste a thing. I don't know if I'm brave enough to try that yet, but if anyone has any good smoothie recipes I'm willing to give them a shot (just be honest, don't tell me they taste great and they really taste like dirt!).

 

Five on Friday!

Linking up with Darci, April, Christina, and Natasha for a little Five on Friday!
 

 

 1) You know that moment when the man child throws your iPhone into the bath because he wants the phone to see the bubbles? That's the moment you silently thank your husband for making you buy the Lifeproof case even when you really wanted the cute one from Coach instead.  Because had that thing been ruined I would have probably cried right there in the bathroom.

 

 

2) I'm totally obsessed with a nail polish from OPI called Princesses Rule. Its a pale pink with sparkles that when it chips, you cant really tell. Oh yeah, its also called Princesses Rule. Duh, no brainer there.

Trying to convince the hubs that it is this sole color alone that makes me need a mani/pedi every two weeks. Think he's going to fall for it?

 

3) We're currently attempting to design/frame in a first floor bathroom. True statement, I live in a house of six bedrooms and one bath. We need a first floor bath before potty training hits, and I want it before Christmas when the next round of houseguests arrive. While we haven't started the actual building portion I have designed the space and I know I want it to be gray and yellow. The problem? Finding tile that I like for under $20 a square foot. Seriously tile, why are you so hard to find for a reasonable price? Its a small shower that we wont use every day, so I hate to whip out the big bucks for it.

 

4) I'm all things Halloween right now, and I'm on the hunt for long sleeved yellow t-shirts to complete mine and Grayson's costumes.  Each year we attend a Halloween party and since his birth have always had a family themed costume. Last year we were a Princess, a Knight and a Dragon. This year, our costumes are a little more animated.  Need a hint? They say banana a lot.

 

5) ITS FINALLY FRIDAYYYY! I love my job as much as the next guy (and in reality probably more) but I am oh so ready for the weekend to be here.  Mainly because I had minor surgery on my leg after work on Wednesday and I am so looking forward to Saturday when I can just rest instead of racing around my classroom checking to see if my kids get where the D-P Bonds are in DNA. *Nerd Alert!*.  At least at home I can sit on my couch and have the toddler destroy the house around me. He should think its a blast. 

 

Happy Weekend, Lovelies!

 

 

Five on Friday!

Its Friday- the eve of The K Family Beach Trip- WOO HOO!  Tonight at midnight we set off for the Outer Banks for a glorious week in the sun (hear that weather, I said SUN- NOT RAIN!). Any who since my brain is literally a ball of mush today as I attempt to pack for me and the tiny human, get various animals off to their respective pet sitters for the week and clean my house so that it doesn't look a wreck when we come home next Saturday, I decided that joining up with Darci, April, Christina and Natasha for Five on Friday would be just perfect!

 

1. I recently chopped off my hair, and when I got it done in a little of an asymmetrical cut, she sprinkled some of this volume powder on, and now I'm obsessed. Its called Beyond the Zone Rock On Volumizing Powder and its a whopping $5 bucks at Sally's. A little sprinkle and you can jack your hair up to high heaven. For fine haired girls like me, it's a godsend.



2. I'm a sucker for a fresh baked baby, and this weeks birth of the newest Royal Prince George was no exception.  Seriously? How cute was that kid?! Also, how refreshing was it to see the world news outlets go crazy over something good like the birth of a baby, rather than the usual crap that's all over the tv?  I thought Kate looked amazeballs for having given birth 24 hours before she appeared on those steps. To all of the people who thought she should hide her post-baby belly- shut it. When I left the hospital after having the Grayson Boy I did it in yoga pants and a pony tail-and my jiggly belly was there in full force making me still appear five months pregnant. I applaud her for being brave enough to show that off, it was a great change from the celebrities who leave the hospital 20 pounds lighter than when they got pregnant and attribute it to good genes. We all know they're liars, but Kate kept it real. I totally think the Duchess and I should be Mommy friends- I'm just waiting for the right time to send her an invite for a play date.

3. I have less than one month before I have to go back to work. Wah. I'm excited to get back into the swing of things, but Im sad to leave my little man. I also don't want that alarm to go off at 5am...after a summer of 7-9 AM wakeups, that's always the hardest part.

4. Im currently planning Grayson's second birthday. How the eff is my kid almost two?? He was very adamant this year that he wanted a Thomas/Curious George themed party, and I had no idea how to pull that off. So we decided that we would do a Thomas party for his friends and then a Curious George party for the family on his actual birthday. Problem solved, right? Except now I have two parties to plan. Fail. If you've been following me on Pinterest, you've seen the pins. (If you're not following me, why the heck not?  While you're at it, find me on twitter and instagram too- we can be friends!) I cant wait to share the birthday crazy plans with you next month- Momma has one month to DIY her way through TWO parties. Next year, its back to one party for sure.

5. In roughly 15 hours we will be loading into the car and headed for one of my favorite places on earth, the Outer Banks!

I grew up going there for weeks in the summer with my grandparents and our extended family, and I just adored it. Two years into dating and I took my beach hating boyfriend there for a week and he fell in love as well. If you've never been, its a place you simply must go at least once. Depending on your vacation "preference" you can pick a village that is either more laid back and family friendly or more populated and trendy. I'm in desperate need of a beach as I really haven't been to one since our honeymoon in 2010. My only bummer for this trip is my luggage Nazi husband- who is insistent I not over pack. He really tried to talk me out of taking a stroller and more than one pair of shoes. I'm not sure if he is aware of who he married or not, but this is not a battle he will win. If you'll be in the OBX next week, hope to see you there! Ill be the one laying on the beach while my in-laws wrangle my toddler. Life is beautiful!

 

Linking Up with The Sunday Social!

Im back on this wonderful Sunday Funday to link up with Neely and Ashley for the Sunday Social!

  1. What is your shopping weakness? If I'm shopping for myself I love Ann Taylor Loft and New York and Company. Clothes that I can wear to work and get on the sale rack for reasonable prices- score!  Now, its rare that I even shop for myself. Usually if I see a SALE email pop up I'm going to spend my cash on the kid at either Gymboree, Children's Place, Old Navy or Carters.  He is most def the best dressed person in our house these days.  If we're not necessarily talking clothes but just shopping weaknesses I have to say its Target. Please tell me I'm not the only one who goes in for one thing and comes out with a cart full of things?! Its like they hypnotize you when you cruise the dollar spot or something...     2. What is your food weakness? I'm a sucker for a good crispy french fry and some mac n cheese.     3. What is your go to movie to watch when nothing else is on? Sweet Home Alabama. Pretty sure I play it in my head when I'm bored and I can't watch TV.     4. What is your go to breakfast food? During the week, an Eggo and a can of Coca Cola. Don't judge. On the weekends, Grayson and I usually split cereal or if I'm feeling really motivated Ill make us some pancakes to share.   5. Do you drink coffee, if so how do you take it? I don't.  That's why I start my day with a can of the red caffeine.  My students can vouch for the fact that every day there is a can on my desk and I tell them frequently that's what keeps me sane.    

Secrets from the Hubs- uh oh!

The other day I saw a link up I couldnt wait to partake in from the fabulous Becky from over at Mrs. to Mama.

Letting our loved ones say some things about us- seems harmless right? Well, thats what I thought until I sent a quick email to the hubs asking him to partake in the fun...then I thought, "Oh crap, what did I just do?!"

 

 

 

Lets see what the hubs had to say about me, shall we?  All of this is in his own words-

Hi guys and girls. Its the 'hubs' here to hijack Bethany's blog for the day to tell you all of her dirty little secrets. Just kidding, I still have to live with her and all.  Okay, here goes nothing.

Honestly to describe my wife.... She is perfect. She gave me a beautiful family I am grateful for everyday.

 

She is grateful. We may not live in the shiniest and newest house on the block but she knows we have worked hard for what we have.

 

She is an overachiever. She goes above and beyond for everything.

 

Don't scrape the bottom of the bowl with your spoon to try to get out the last of that ice cream or the last of the spaghetti sauce. The noise irks her and she yells at you for it. Then she eats your last bite of ice cream.

 

Don't park in her parking spot, or mine either for that matter. Its a city living thing. She wants a driveway with our next house but for now just don't park in her spot. The McKeesport comes out in her every time.

 

She loves to plan a good party. She can plan a party like no one I have ever met. All the details are perfect all the way down to the forks matching the balloons. Before I met her I didn't know forks could match balloons, but apparently its a big deal.

 

She is humble. She doesn't need praise from everyone for every little thing she does. In fact, she would probably go crazy if she had to listen to that all day.

 

She will wash and fold laundry, but putting it away is a battle for the ages.

 

If you want to see her pass out, show her a cut or wound. Shes horrible with blood and needles. Like pass out cold on the floor when she saw someone get an IV. Im still amazed she agreed to a c-section.

 

Don't let her watch Kleenex commercials or sappy movies. She cries every single time, even if she's already seen the movie. Sometimes that makes it worse, because she starts crying knowing the sad stuff is coming. I think it is cute though.

 

She loves a good challenge. Don't tell her she cant do it because you will usually lose that bet.

 

She loves Ralphie May. In my opinion it doesn't get much better than that.

 

She has a thing for Kenny Chesney. I tell her all the time that if he would walk by she would leave me in the dust, and I only think I'm half kidding on that one.

 

She loves telling corny jokes. The cornier the better. Under normal conditions I wouldn't admit this, but since its a special occasion Ill let it slip, I usually retell her jokes even though I claim they are horrible.

 

She loves to laugh. The more smiles the better.

 

She loves life.

 

 She is always looking for a new adventure.

 

She would die happy if she could go to all of the  restaurants featured on Diners, Drive Ins and Dives. Shes not a fancy eater- in fact shes actually super picky, so no french restaurants or overpriced steaks here. Just give her a cheeseburger and the perfect onion ring and as long as she can pull the actual onion out, shes good to go.

 

Honestly, I couldn't ask for more in a wife.

 

Well thats all I got for now, maybe Ill stop back in again sometime and spill some more details.

The Ultimate Blog Party 2013

One of my favorite things about blogging is getting to meet and know some fantastic ladies that live all over the place.  Even though we cant be in each others lives physically day to day, I love that I can sit down after the Bean goes to bed and visit with each of you and hear about your days.  Of course to be present you have to comment- after all you can't form friendships silently! That's called stalking, and its technically illegal in all 50 states- I kid, I kid! :)

 

So in an effort to get to know even more wonderful bloggers, I've decided to join up with the Ultimate Blog Party.  Its all about reaching out, meeting new people, COMMENTING, and forging new relationships.

 

So if you're new to these parts, welcome! I'm Bethany, the voice behind this little chunk of the blogosphere.

I'm a wife to the Hubs and Momma to my sweet baby boy, Grayson. By day I'm a professional teenage wrangler/high school science teacher who loves nothing more than a good laugh, cozy yoga pants and a really good caffeine buzz. 

This blog is filled with all of the crazy that is my life. Here you'll find everything from my parenting wins and fails, food I can actually cook, DIY projects, tips and tricks to make life easy and various other random things. I type it all up with a bit of humor and the occasional touch of sarcasm and hope you laugh along with me.

So stop on over and visit, I'd love to meet you!