Crown for a day

People always ask questions like would you rather have the power to see the future or go back to the past- rather be burned alive or drown.. Or if you were king or queen for a day what would you do?

Well.. if I had the crown for a day, these are the 10 things I'd make happen.  I'll warn you some are a bit more far fetched than others!  (like extremely far fetched)  And yes, if I really had such power, I'd let go of some of the menial things and think more big picture. 

1. The little nine at the end of every gas price

 Please, stop making me feel good about buying gas for $1.99 when really I'm paying $2.00 since that stupid little tiny 9 next to it for nine tenths of a cent.  It's just so ridiculous that I'll drive the extra half mile because I want it to be under $2.00 or I want to beat that gas station even by a measly cent or two.  I'd just love to get rid of that tiny stupid 9.



2. Giving birth.. seeking storks for employment  
I know, I know.. what an experience, it's unforgettable, the mother/ child bond.. I'm not doubting that!  I've heard it from a ton of women.  I'm just saying I'm not the biggest fan of the actual act of giving birth.  So on this day where I have the "crown" I'd be sure I was 9 months pregnant and the stork would kindly and carefully deliver my baby to my house.  Unrealistic I know, but where I am in life right now, totally happy with being an aunt to many so I'd pass on the labor part.

3. Merging on the highway
If you find merging fun, I am envious. I wouldn't say the act of merging is that bad.. it's the being on the highway and people that BRAKE when they are supposed to merge!!  I just think there's got to be a better way to do this.  Merging either makes me scream out of the jeep or makes me ditch into the fast lane so I just don't have to deal with it.  Then you have the people that pretty much refuse to let you merge in, when you're trying to do it right.

4. the "isms"  
How it would go down.. people reapplying for their jobs in a sense..no names, no face to face interviews, no identifying information available when hiring.  Why?  Therefore, that guy that got the job because of who he knows or the woman that gets hired because she's a woman.. won't be the case.  People will be hired based on merit, recommendation, achievement, etc. Who can blame me, that if I'm in the operating room, I want the BEST of the BEST working on me.. not someone who is the cousin of the chief or wishing I had someone who wasn't hired because of their race or gender.  And maybe everyone goes on a couple different dates.. therefore, we don't see any of the "stuff" that we judge people on right away.  No color, no too skinny, too fat, wrong hair color, weird accent.. just what's inside.



 5. Drivers have to retake the actual driving test at the age of 70
I'm not exactly set on the age of 70.. maybe 75, maybe 65, or 90.. and it's not necessarily because I think that old people can't drive.  I'm just looking out for their safety and our safety.  If they pass, then great!

6.  A Mute Button
Just a little flick of the wrist and the person or persons you desire.. would just kind of go on "mute".  And I know if you're a parent, a teacher, or you have coworkers (there's always that one).. then you're agreeing with me and thinking YASSS!

7. A machine or robot to fold or iron laundry 
What a waste of time!  Let's invent a machine or robot that could literally fold the clothes and iron any that needed it right after they are dried.  Our time could be much better spent and getting wrinkled clothes out of the dryer two days later is not a solution.

8. Mandatory snuggles or hugging
Not in a weird, creeper, predator type of way but I'd be sure everyone had a good dose of hugging or cuddling.  Why? Research shows that hugging is extremely effective at healing sickness, disease, loneliness, depression, anxiety, and stress.  Imagine how much healthier and happier we'd people if people gave and received more genuine hugs or cuddles!  Maybe that's why I don't get sick often.. hmm..

9. End hunger and poverty
Yes, I'll put a genuine one in here.  And I know there always has to be people that are richer than others and those that are not quite as well off.. but it's the kids I see without heat, without dinner, without clean clothes- none of which they deserve.  Yeah, I'd get rid of that.

10. Time
Everyone complains there is not enough time in the day.. I get that.  So I'd mandate no more than 8 hours at work and at least 2 hours of "choice time" each day. (But if you do the math hopefully you have more than 2 hours, but I understand we've got other responsibilities.) 8 hours of sleep, 8 hours of work, 1 hour commute, and then hopefully a little food, a little exercise, something of enjoyment, family time, etc. We only live once and I think some of us just really need to enjoy our time on earth a bit more and not get caught up in the boring day to day stuff.

If you had the crown for a day, what would you do?  

leave the "eh" behind

hugs,

abi

Spring Ribbon Wreath

Try it on your own! Or just contact me and I'd be happy to do it for you! 

Materials needed: foam wreath form, ribbon, flowers, wire, hot glue gun and glue sticks, wire cutter




1.  START!  

You need your foam wreath form and your ribbon.  I bought 2 spools of ribbon that were both 3yd long and I had the perfect amount.  To be safe, error on the side of having extra.. but 2 or 3 wide ribbon spools should be fine depending on the yardage.

I used hot glue to attach the end and then go ahead start wrapping it tight around the foam form.

2.  Layout
Gather all your flowers and other materials and start playing with the layout.  The flowers come off pretty easily from the stem so just carefully pluck them off.  If you're having trouble- grab some wire cutters!  I lay my wreath on the floor and just start playing around with where I want the flowers.





  3. Start hot gluing!
Once you have a layout that you like, start hot gluing.  Be sure to lift it up every once in a while to check how things are going.








4. Extra!

I could stop at this point and love it or now you could add house numbers, a bow, or an initial to the wreath.  I chose the letter "c" and am so happy with the end product!

Here it is-the spring ribbon wreath on our door!

Give it a try- and you'll want to walk in your front door all the time!

Or contact me about purchasing one that I will make especially for you!

leave the "eh" behind

hugs,

abi 

You know you're a young teacher when..

Tell tale signs that you're a young teacher 
(you've been one or maybe this never ends!)

1. When there's free food in the faculty room you RUN. 

• Whether you have a decent salary or not, as teachers we run when we hear there's free food.  Drop the grading, the emails, whatever.. and you're off to feast.  I think that's how most of us probably put on some pounds our first year teaching.  It doesn't happen often but when it does, you'll break a sweat to make sure you get to the food!

2.  You've got the 18 minute lunch down pat

• 18 minutes either while walking around doing lunch duty, when having to heat up your food for 4 minutes, or having to grade, plan, and chat with kids in your room at the same time.  Who am I kidding, 18 minutes to eat in peace.. that's a teacher's dream!  

3.  You ask yourself daily why politicians are in charge of education 

• While planning, completing, and crying over every assessment, showing growth, and endless paperwork you ask yourself daily why politicians are in charge of education.  Why are people that have never taught making these dumb regulations?  I'd love to see them in my inclusive room of 31 kids with clay, lots of sharp objects, and lots of "personalities".  

4.  You've had a wardrobe malfunction

• You either fell up the stairs, causing your skirt slit to go all the way up your back end, your button popped off, or your zipper just won't stay up on your pants.  You either had to find a hideous cover up, you pray no kid notices, or you teach from your desk.  

5.  You have to double check you don't look too much like a teacher when going out

• Going out with your group of guys or gals, put on some clothes and you have to think to yourself do I look like "Miss Elementary" or "Mr. Middle School".  No one wants to walk up to the bar, order a round of shots, and the guy next to you asks where you teach.  Sometimes we want to be sure we can leave our "teacher identity" behind.  

6.  You ask yourself daily if you get paid enough  

• You wonder if you get paid enough to break up fights, to do other people's work, to counsel kids on top of teaching, to be a part of multiple clubs or organizations, to take home work (both mental and physical), and to be this exhausted. 

7.  You are ten times more excited about a snow day

• The kids think they're excited to have a day off school... nope!  Their excitement is nothing compared to a teacher's excitement.  Not having to brush your hair, put on a bra, or real pants are just the beginning of the awesome things!  You can feel like a stay at home wife, stay at home dad, or a college student all over again.. the amount of productivity is insane!  But it's all up to you whether you want to be productive or not, and that's the glory of it. 

8.  You'd rather have snot running down your nose than make sub plans 

• But seriously though, there's a reason I've never taken a sick day.  No one wants to write detailed sub plans, with seating charts, etc.  It's harder than writing the actual lesson plan itself.  And forget about your room making it.. it always seems to look like a tornado came through when you return.  So we tough it out and just come, feeling like crap, just to avoid the horrible dark cloud of sub plans.  

9.  You've walked into a meeting, store, or gym in ridiculous clothes because of a spirit/theme day

• Between wacky tacky, a halloween costume, or throwback day you've walked into a public establishment in a ridiculous outfit, hoping that people assume you're a teacher and not insane.  And yes, maybe even a bar in a onesie for an after school happy hour.  

10.  You were asked to prom or to dance more times then you were back in your day

• So you were chaperoning a middle school dance, who would've thought you'd be asked to dance more times at this one, than at your own middle school dance.  Or you teach at the high school level and you've been asked to prom multiple times.  Lookin' good folks!  (but no thanks!)  

11.  When you have a teacher happy hour planned, you get out of school faster than the kids  

• You've ran, or walked extremely fast out to your car because all you want is that cold draft beer, shark tank, or that fresh margarita after a long day.  And yes, we've all had a countdown until you were sitting at the table, drink in hand, surrounded by your favorite coworkers complaining about all things under the school roof.  

12.  You love the dollar spot at Target

• Target in general sucks ya in.. but that dollar spot is amazing!  There's always something there you can find between chalkboards, planners, clips, worksheets, and more.  It's so easy to drop an easy $30 at the target dollar spot alone.  And it just makes your room so cute!

13.  The copy machine always seems to be down when you have serious last minute copying to do

• It's Monday morning and you've got some last minute copies to make, crucial to your lesson, and of course the copy machine is down.  Big ol' sign just putting your day to a major halt.  And that's when your power of winging it comes into play!  

14.  You learn the apple doesn't fall far from the tree

• Whether you coached a team, had a parent teacher conference, or attended a school function we learn very quickly that normally the apple does not fall far from the tree- normally that crazy apple kind. (or even the super sweet, normal apple)

15. You believe in some superstitions

• You're driving into work and notice how beautiful the moon looks.  Beautiful, big- holy cow it's a full moon!  Then you check the date, and it's Friday the 13th.  On the same day... get ready because the animals inside your students are comin' out.  The full moon and Friday the 13th are bad enough but when they land on the same day.. you're in for a day you'll never forget.  Maybe those sub plans don't sound so bad right now...  

I wish you the best in the last few months of the school year.  Let's just remember to laugh- whether at ourselves, the kids, or laugh because you don't want to cry!

leave the"eh" behind

hugs,

abi

Microderm-Amazing!

"Touch my face, touch it, it feels like heaven!" These were my exact words to Dave the last 3 weeks.  I'd just beg him to touch my face because the results of this micro-dermabrasion paste are AMAZING! I've never really been one to "treat" my face or skin.. between face masks, toner, exfoliation.. I was just too lazy.  Face wash and makeup were my go-to if anything. Well that's not the case anymore!

I could feel the difference and start to see the difference after just one use!  It's so simple too!  I'm always a skeptic of products; as humans it's in our nature.  So let me tell you, if you've been thinking about solutions to any skin issues or just want to improve what you've got going on, Rodan and Fields is for you!  My friend Jenn, has absolutely incredibly results with their products and her acne.  No ache? No sun spots or aging?  It's never too early to be preventative and everyone can use softer, even skin tone or longer lashes, am I right?!

How easy?  You simply massage the paste onto clean skin for 30-60 seconds.  Then wash it off and pat dry.  I can seriously do it in under 4 minutes!! And then you'll hear me running through the house finding Dave to touch my face.  Not only is the result amazing to touch but amazing to see.  Just after 3 or 4 times I noticed a difference in the tone of my face.  Foundation what?!  Some small, rough patches are no longer something I hide.  My face looks and feels so much better!  Forget about those masks that almost have you crying or having to keep something on for 20 minutes. 

Check it out!  Whether you're interested in the micro-dermabrasion paste or interested in another product, my friend Jenn would love to help you out.  She's extremely knowledgeable, not pushy, and has amazing results herself!  And I wouldn't trust just anyone with my face.. I've known Jenn for over 9 years.  This is us in 2008, she's second row center left and I'm right next to her.  (Everyday I'm thankful for the friendships my sports helped have!)

She'd love to help you fall back in love with your skin again!

Feel free to just check out her Rodan and Fields Website and if you're interested, she'd be happy to help you out! 

leave the "eh" behind 

hugs,

abi 

Your Dash

Bucket list? psssh well for this girl, that's obsessed with lists and goals and not knowing when my day will be to pass on, a bucket list just seems too undefined.  And they say if you make a goal it needs to be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Timely.  

HA!  a bucket list is not cutting it as a "smart" goal.  I'm not hating on a bucket list.. it's great to have thoughts on what you want to do and where you want to go.. but I like having a "finish line".   (even if some days I'm crawling or stumbling my way there)  So 30 before 30 seemed just right for me. So you're 40.. oh well!  Even though you're over the hill, you can still make an awesome set of goals for yourself. Make your own set up.. 45 before 45 or 20 before 2020.. whatever suits you!

So here's what my 30 before 30 looks like.. I have it framed, sitting on my dresser so that I see it as a constant reminder.  (It's also nice to be reminded daily, I'm not 30 yet!)

  

If we don't have any goals or dreams.. then are we just aimlessly walking through life?  Driving to work, eating the same lunch every day, checking emails, feeding the dog, checking social media, and going to bed to do it all over again.  WHAT?!? We're only on this amazing earth once, I don't want to be the one that went to work everyday, got married, had kids, and died. I want to make a difference in my community, see places, grow as an individual, and truly live out my dash. Who knows what number will come after my dash.. it could be 2017 for all I know. 


I'm not necessarily saying we should take life advice from middle schoolers and 'YOLO' our rear ends off.. but they're onto something there.  No I don't encourage you to go rob a bank since 'You Only Live Once', but I do encourage you to write down those things you want to do, see, and the person you're aiming to be.  We can hold ourselves accountable and know if we're on pace if it's written down and like every educator knows, if you physically write it down, it's more likely to stick.  So go!  Dream, write, go big, go cheap, donate 20% of your salary, go hard, or go home with not much to say for in your dash.  

leave the "eh" behind

hugs,

abi

Now that's what I call a closet!

Do you have anything in your closet that you've had for years?
Like too many years to count...

Either your closet looks like my moms (she hasn't changed in size since she got married, probably actually lost some lbs) and she has clothes from the 80's, 90's, 2000's and today.. it's like looking into "Now That's What I Call Music" if cds had a closet.  I'm not hating on her though.. she's got some pieces that have definitely come back!  If your closet doesn't look like hers, then you probably have a couple (or more if you're me) pieces that you haven't parted with from years ago for whatever reason.

It makes sense. We do this because fashion trends are cyclical (or because we stink at going through things).  Last week I wore a denim jacket to school.  The girls were going on and on with complements, asking where I got it. HA! I've had this thing since I was in junior high.  It's been in the back of my closet since then, but it's baaaaaack. ☺ It's back in easy reach in my closet and it's back in my life.

Well how do we know if something will come back in style?
First and foremost.. you don't have to rely on trends.  If you absolutely love the piece- wear it!  Fashion is what makes you feel confident and completes your "you" look.  Which can very well change day to day.  If you have the space, and the fit is just perfect, or the shoes are in good shape- keep it!

We go through phases in our lives just as our style and the current style sees phases.  There are some outfits I wore in high school, someone would literally have to pay me to wear today.  Not because they were skimpy or cheap.. but because they just aren't a representative of who I am today.  My assumption is most of us have a phase in our life that we'd rather not have to "re-wear".  One for me from junior high would be to wear two polo shirts.. so that I'd have two different collars.  WHY oh WHY would I do that?

So what about now?  Denim.. you have it.  Whether you knew it was in style right now or not.  If you have anything denim other than the basic jean such as denim button up, denim jacket, and it is a great fit- KEEP IT!  It's, and there's a very good chance it'll be in again.  Just like my denim jacket from junior high.  It took up some space in my closet but it's money I didn't have to spend.

Do you have a great pair of duck boots?
Trust me, they took some time to grow on me.  Because all I could see is the image of my dad wearing them 20 years ago, and for some reason in my mind he was wearing shorts with them!  (I'm not even sure that ever happened, but it's scorched in my brain for some reason)  But seriously, if you spend the money on a good pair, or they are just a great fit and you have the closet space.. keep them because 1. they're great if you live in Cincinnati (15 straight days of rain in January) and 2. because there's a great chance they'll quack back right into style again!

Colors, we tend to love them or hate them.  Well if you haven't noticed army green, it's everywhere.  Not just on tanks or army paraphernalia, but dresses, leggings, shirts, blouses, scarves, and more!  And not just the army green color is in but camo is making a come back. And no not just coveralls for the field.  I've always been one to sport camo- attempting to be cute, a bass pro hoodie, or hitting the woods in Frankfort, OH.. but it is back.  In the time machine of my closet, you'll also find a camo jacket.  I haven't worn it since probably 8th grade (other than "theme days in HS or parties in college).  But now, it's making an appearance.  And IF I was a betting woman.. (since I am way too much of a penny pincher to gamble) I'd say camo will also be back after it falls out again.

Now I'm not saying you should keep your entire closet for the rest of your life!  Some people would still have go-go boots and leisure suits in the back collecting dust.  But if you love it and it fits, keep it!

leave the "eh' behind
hugs,
abi

Veggetti or Spaghetti?

Carbs!  We all love them, especially a good bowl of pasta.  But who wants to give up a favorite dish to loose a couple inches!  From a girl that swam over her half her life, between the pasta parties and my own personal "carbo loading"  I was not ready to give up pasta.  Not only do I love a bowl of pasta but the great things that go with it-- bread, salad, and wine.. my favorite things!

And not only do I love pasta but I HATE veggies.. my parents tried everything and David tries everyday.. I'm the girl that eats a lot of salad, corn, and some celery with my peanut butter.  So call me a major skeptic.. but how in the world would I want to pick this over a good ol' fettucini or penne noodle? (I figured if anything, David could use the Veggetti when I was out of town)

Dave and I received the Veggetti for Christmas and it's probably (don't tell) one of our favorite gifts!  We use it now at least once a week and I couldn't tell you the last time I bought pasta.

Check out the Veggett pro infomercial- Veggetti Ad Not the best commercial I've ever seen but they make their point.


Ignore the chicken, the messy kitchen, and my attire.  We've been using zucchini squash.. depending on how hungry we are we either use 2 or 3 to put through the Veggetti and we don't have to feel guilty about it!  You just cut off the ends, insert the handle into the end and start turning it once it's on the blade.

What's even better.. the "yuck" stuff (whatever it is) just simply comes out the left side, separated from your veggie noodles.

Once you have your pile of noodles, simply add them to boiling water.  4 minutes seems to be the trick for us.  Anything more and they get a bit soggy.  While the noodles are in the boiling water you can be sure to have your sauce ready, or cut up chicken and any other ingredients.  Of course you can cut more "bad" things if you make your own sauce!  Once 4 minutes is up, drain your Veggetti and go from there.  We choose to put it back in the pot and add our sauce and protein into the pot to heat those up and give it some time to thicken.

So we tried it.. and let me tell you... I LOVE IT!  Who knew cutting over 500 calories, cutting a bit of carbs, and adding veggies to your lifestyle was so easy!  I choose this over pasta every week now.  (And remember major veggie hater over here)  You really don't need to get the pro.. we love this little thing since it's easy to store.  And either way you go, don't forget to snag a Bed, Bath, and Beyond coupon for 20% off and go get your Veggetti! Don't forget to sprinkle some fresh Parmesan on top!

So according to abi- the Veggetti is "Must Have"!

leave the "eh" behind

I'm a firm believer of the earth without art is just 'eh'.


Art?  What does that have to do with me?  Well if we really think about it, we're technically all art.  God created us as unique individuals in his image and likeness. Literally created, how cool is that?!   It's like we were a masterpiece being worked on for 9 months, and even light years prior.  

So I encourage you, to be the best version of you, the art, that you are.  Leave the "eh" feeling out of your earth, your atmosphere, and the people around you.  I know we all have the thoughts of "I don't want to go to this staff meeting where no one listens, the gym that's too crowded, or do the laundry that is piling up."  But our attitude is something we have complete control of, so don't let things creep in and turn you into an "eh" person.


 I understand bad things happen to good people, but it's how we bounce back from a bad moment, a bad day, or rough patch.  We can be what's going around.  Not the gossip, the swine flu, or hate, but ones' attitude is contagious.  And we should ask ourselves if ours is worth catching.

If you're a great piece of art to be around then there will be no "eh" surrounding you.  Your attitude will catch on and those around you will also be the best version of themselves.  Wouldn't that be awesome?  To be surrounded by positive people, that support you and bounce back from missteps with an attitude of change.

We can get stuck in a rut if we get caught in a wave of negativity through ourselves or through people around us.  Trust me, I know it's hard especially if you're a Negative Nick or a Realistic Rachel... I can be both.  But it's amazing what will happen if we just make the choice to see things differently in our lives.  When we change, when we start to be the art we were meant to be.. our world around us will look more like art.  

leave the "eh" behind
hugs,
abi