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     This has been possibly the longest week ever!  I kept meaning to drop in and let you know how things are going for me…but sleep just kept calling my name.  Everything should be slowing down pretty soon, and I plan to be back with a vengeance.  I’ve got a ton on my mind these days, so I’m just going to make a little list for you:
     1.  I am 98% sure that I will have a job when I graduate!  I don’t want to count my chickens, but it seems like a pretty sure thing, and it has been the  highlight of the week.  Having even one halfway-concrete plan has given me such a peace!  Once I know for sure where all of this is going, it will mean that Keith and I can start to make real plans for after he graduates.
     2.  Being young does not make you invincible.  I got some crazy news about a friend this week, and I am asking all of you as my friends to lift  her up in prayer.  This is not my story to share, so I’m not going to get into tons of details, but just know that she has a pretty rough road ahead.
     3.  This is my last week of teaching at my first placement.  I have two weeks left, but my last week will mostly be observations and interviews.  I can’t believe that I’m halfway through my last semester!  This first placement has been so wonderful, and I am really going to miss my kindergarteners. 
     4.  Also, I joined Groupon today…and I already can’t control myself.  I almost bought a mattress within the first five minutes of being a member!  I’ll definitely be stalking it for more good deals.
     5.  I bought two Christmas ornaments today!  I can’t wait!

Thrifting Zhu-Zhu

     Let’s just chat for minute about the Thrift Sale (…yes it does deserve those capital letters).  Saturday morning I woke up at 5:45 – 5:45! – to prove just how much I love a good bargain.  In spite of the early hour, standing in line, and the lady who pushed in front of me not once, but twice, I had the best thrifting zhu-zhu I’ve had in years!
     I didn’t take everything back to school with me, but I though I would give you a little preview of the things I did bring back with me.  Here we go:

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I’m calling this a tunic.  Some people might wear it as a very short, very low-cut dress…but I would not be one of those people.  With a camisole underneath and some leggings, this will be so cute for church or teaching…or just being cute if the occasion calls for it!

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A trench shirt!  I guess technically I could wear this as a jacket, but it’s so thin that I’ll probably use it as an over shirt with a fitted tee or tank top underneath.  It has a belt that goes with it too.

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This one is not quite long enough for leggings, but will be perfect for fall with my skinny jeans and some cute boots…maybe a scarf.

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These leggings still had the tags on…the $47 price tag.  That’s a negative.  These are pretty thick as far as leggings go, so I’ll be getting a lot of wear out of them come late fall and winter.

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I was not so sure about crochet-backed tops when I first saw them, but for $2, I think I can afford to experiment.  This on is 3/4 sleeved so I can still wear it for awhile with more fall colored tank tops underneath.

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This one is just a plain Old Navy scoop neck t-shirt thing.  I can wear it for teaching or with jeans.

     Alrighty…that’s all for pictures this time, but I can tell you a little more about my other goodies.  I also came out with a 100% silk, ivory colored blouse from Talbots with cute little ruffles at the top; it’s being dry-cleaned or I would have it.  Two Banana Republic dresses (one black, one gray) also being dry cleaned, but so cute and only $5 apiece!  I got the cutest red open sweater with flower applique around the neck and lapel…but it’s also at the cleaner.  An Old Navy tank top blouse type thing – green with little white polka dots – will have to wait until next year to be worn.  A Liz Claiborne tank top blouse type thing – also green with white polka dots – which will be perfect for teaching or regular life will also have to wait until next year.  I did get get a pink Ann Taylor Loft dress, but it fit sort of awkwardly…so it’s going to the Goodwill.
     All in all, I think that is an incredible deal for only $49!  I cannot wait to start incorporating all of this into my wardrobe.  I carried on the bargaining zhu-zhu at Kohl’s later in the day when I got the most perfect shirt for engagement pictures for 30% off the clearance price!  I’m not showing it yet, because I want y’all to be surprised when you see the pictures.  Hint: think jewel tones with some fun flats.
     Wait, did she say engagement pictures?  Why yes, yes I did.  I know I mentioned pictures here, but we’ve had a slight change of plans.  We’re moving the pictures up to the 13th, and we’ll be taking them in the Collierville Town Square.  I’ve been looking at pictures of it, and I think it’s going to be the perfect place.  Can’t wait!

Switching gears entirely.  I have three weeks (actually two weeks and four days) left at my first student teaching placement!  This is so crazy.
Also, I have some really exciting things coming up…not just engagement pictures, so I hope y’all will stick around for awhile.
P.S.  It’s practically the end of September…I mean really?  That being said, if you’re looking to sponsor for October, I would love to help you out.  Shoot me an email for more info!

Show Us Your Singles

      Hey ladies! I'm Allyson's sister and biggest fan, Natalie! She was so sweet to let me hijack her blog today for Kelly's Korner Show Us Your Singles link up. I have read Kelly's blog for a while now and always thought this link up was such a good idea. Now that my sweet little sister has a blog (because I'm strictly a lurker and too lazy to have my own) it's the perfect time to tell y'all about my single friend, Ben!

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      I have known Ben for 7 years. We met when we were both working at my church's after school program. We got along really well and he made me laugh and my boyfriend (now husband) hated him. That only lasted for a little while until the very first time they hung out and realized they are basically the same person. Now they're best friends.
Ben is seriously one of my favorite people in the world. He is a part of our family. My little girl calls him Uncle Ben, and he's one of her favorite people in the world too. 

     Here are the basics. He's 28 years old, is a Christian, and has a good job. He has great parents that raised him really well. He was born and raised in Jackson, TN, moved to Nashville for a few years for work, and about a year ago took a transfer to Memphis, TN. He graduated from Lambuth University, where he also played football, with a degree in history. He is really laid back and funny and a little bit sarcastic. He's a little shy at first, but he's one of those people that is just easy to be around. He loves watching football (Tennessee Titans, Tennessee Volunteers) and basketball (Memphis Grizzlies), playing golf, listening to music (blues, rock, country), and being outside.

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      If anybody's interested, the guy is a catch! Leave a comment or if it's more your style to send an email, you can email Allyson at cupcakescandycanes@hotmail.com and she'll put us in touch!

A Day in the Life


 Hello lovelies, I'm Kristen from A Day in the LIFE of Me!



Why do you care?  Because I'm awesome. That's why!

 Just kidding.  I'm really not that awesome.
And I'm really not conceded.
But what you should care about is my blog over here.


My blog has something for everyone.
Every week there's a new Jam of the Week to check out.


I talk about my date nights with my man, which I've been dating since I was 13.
Let me do the math for you, that's 12 years!

Did I mention we still live with our parents?

We're too broke for our own place, to get married, the whole shabang.


I also cover all the family parties.  You'll learn quickly we LOVEEE to party!

I mean what's life without a PARTY?

 Lastly, I try to throw a little fashion, crafts, and cooking in there.


I've recently been promoted to Co-Lead of my school's Infant Program.
I spent my summer in Chicago pursuing my Infant/Toddler Montessori certification.
And in the life of Ms. Kristen there is never a dull moment.

In lieu of Allyson student teaching, I thought I'd share some crazy, silly, and hectic things that can occur on any given day while working with children.
  •  a child using his tongue to press the button on a sound book
  • a little girl singing a song about poop
  • a child projectile vomiting not once, not twice, but three times
  •  a child washing the window in only a t-shirt
  • a child's #2 coming out of her diaper and not only is it all over her but the floor too

With whatever age you're working with, you never know what you'll get.

All you can do is be prepared for anything to happen!

It'll be a crazy, beautiful ride!!!!

xoxo,



Thanks, Allyson for letting me take over today.  
I hope you enjoy your student teaching and take all that you can from it!
Being a teacher can be a very fulfilling passion!

Back in the Saddle

     I feel like it’s been forever since I’ve done a link-up!  This one is so fun, and probably doesn’t even require than much of an introduction.  Danielle at Framed Frosting is hosting “Me, Myself, and I” as a fun getting to know you – y’all know how I love those!
1. When you're feeling down, what do you do to pick yourself up?
   After my fit I usually drink a Coke and watch some mindless TV.  Then I call my sister and my mother.  I know that sounds boring, but it’s what I do…every time.
2. If you had to live in a different time period, which would you prefer?
     Um…all of them.  Could I just hop around for awhile?  I am such a history nerd that I would want to see everything
3. What is the most creative Halloween costume you've ever worn?
     Oh I don’t know!  I never did anything really out there.  I was a duck once, and I wore a yellow bathrobe with a hood, but that’s about all I’ve got.
4. Five weird things about you we wouldn't know without being told?
     a. I have to have my ears covered up before I can fall asleep.
     b. I I have a Christmas Notebook…similar to the Beach Notebook.
     c. I check my email about 583658 times a day…in a row.
     d. I eat mayonnaise on my French fries…not cold like from the refrigerator but when I’m at a fast food place (especially Chik-fil-A).
     e. I don’t ever walk through dark rooms if I can help it.  I try to reach in and turn the light on, but I have been known to walk through the house, turning on every light as I go and then go back to the front and walk through turning them off on my way.
5. What would you tell your 16-year-old self?
     High school is overrated.  You will keep up with less than 10 of these people, and that’s okay…but be extra nice anyway.

     Short and sweet…that’s how I like my link-ups!  I hope all of you will come back tomorrow for a fun guest post from my sweet sponsor Kristen – she’s fabulous.  Also on the agenda for this week: THRIFT SALE!  I hope already putting out the good thrifting zhu-zhu hoping for some fabulous things.  I will definitely fill you in on that next week.  Also, I will probably be shopping like a madwoman this weekend trying to find something to wear for engagement pictures.  Cannot. Wait.

Big Steps

     I’m just popping in to give you sweeties an update!  I have been going nonstop for the past week (hence the nonposting) with student teaching, lesson planning, my first observation, helping Keith with Rush, and realizing that it’s the middle of September – woah.
     First things first, my observation was wonderful I scored right where I should have, and I couldn’t be more pleased!  One down, one to go for this placement.  Lesson plans are totally done for next week, and I can rest for just a minute. 
     Aaaaaand the most exciting thing going on right now?  We have a date for engagement photos!  On October 14th, the same photographer who took my niece’s two-year-old pictures will be doing our engagement pictures.  Look how great these are:

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     We don’t know exactly where yet, but I am so excited for this next (huge/fun) step!  Also…I have no idea what I’m going to wear.  I’ll have to get on that soon!
     We’re also looking into a time to talk with a florist – which I am so excited about.  I am sort of flower stupid, but I am ready to throw some ideas out there.

Okay…
I know this has been sort of all over the place, but that’s me these days…oh well.
I have a few fun new things coming up soon, and I hope y’all will stick around.
First on the list?  A fun guest post from my sweet sponsor Kristen!

Life Gets in the Way

     Yesterday marked the start of my third week of student teaching!  First of all, I cannot believe that (after this week) I only have four weeks left with my little kindergarten sweeties.  Honestly, I was terrified about this whole experience and almost sure that I was not ready at all.  Wrong-o!  I know that this is what I was meant to do.  I know that because I have now had four kids throw up in the classroom, and I didn’t totally lose it.  I mean…there are other reasons I know, but I think that’s a biggie.
     Secondly, I am so sad that I left my camera at home.  We went to the Soybean Festival this weekend, and I have not one single (decent) picture to show for it.  Y’all know I love those sorts of things, and I all I have is this…

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that blurry spot in the middle is Travis Tritt.

    Even if you don’t like country music, you would have been totally won over by the combination of show, funnel cake, and fried pickles – incredible. 
     In other news, I have my first formal observation on Thursday.  Kind of scary/fun.  Wish me luck!  How crazy that I’ll only have one more for this placement.  It seriously is just flying past me.  I’m hoping that I’ll get some time soon to just stop and take a breath and enjoy all this! 
     Once again, I apologize for being such a lame blogger lately!  Life gets in the way.  If you haven’t already please check out my new sidebar sponsors!  These ladies will be hanging out for the next few months, and I can’t wait to spend some bloggy time with them!

My Catchphrase

     I know I say this all too often, but this year is speeding by.  It’s ridiculous!  I finished my second week of student teaching today – I only have five weeks left at my first placement.  I have my first formal observation next week…are we sure I’m old enough to be playing teacher?  We’re introducing the letter B, and my lesson is about bubbles – it’s adorable!
     New topic, the Soybean Festival (yes…you read that right) is in town this week, and Keith and I are going tomorrow night to see Travis Tritt (you read that right too…).  I’m excited for three reasons: 1.  Travis Tritt.  2.  Festival/Carnival/Fair food – hello funnel cake and cheese fries.  3.  It’s actually supposed to be nice weather!  I could wear blue jeans and not melt!
     Downside…I left my camera at home.  I’ll try to work something out, but you know how I am when it comes to pictures.
     New topic, in T minus two weeks it’s THRIFT SALE TIME!  I don’t know if I told y’all about the thrift, but it’s put on by an organization in town, and it has the best deals.  My mother, sister, aunt, and Nana are all going.  I cannot wait.  Seriously.  Even though it means getting up early and standing in line and battling the crazies (I’m putting us in that category too…).  I may have to do a whole post about it.
     New topic, I emailed a photographer today about engagement photos!  I’m hoping she emails back soon saying that one of the dates I gave her will work.  My wedding fever is getting out of hand.  I need a little something to hold me over until I meet with the florist – hopefully soon.
     New topic, I am 175% over my hair.  I need to learn how to do it…but I can’t!  Believe me I’ve tried.  Lame.

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Let’s go back to the beach…where it doesn’t matter if my hair looks good (but it magically always does).

I Caught the Bug

     So you know how all summer long we’ve been seeing some of our favorite  bloggers take a step back?  Well, for me it was pretty much the exact opposite.  I kept seeing all of these “I need a break” posts (sad), but I felt this huge surge of blogging creativity and zest!  To be honest, this summer has been one of the best times for my blog and one of my most prolific as a blogger.

Until this week.

     Yep…I caught the bug.  I have been totally drained this past week, and I know that my blog is not the only one that’s taken a hit.  I’m not going to go so far as to say I’ve been having anxiety, but if you know me in real life (…so pretty much just my sister), you know that I’ve always tended toward the hysterics…usually unnecessarily.
     The past week or so I have been sleepy and cranky and just generally bleh.  In case you were wondering: it’s not working out so well! 
     That being said, I am doing to do better.  Starting right now.

No more cranky.
No more lazy.
No more not commenting on all of your sweet blogs…because I’m lazy.
No more non posting for no good reason.
No more nonsense hysterics.

     Before you say that I should blog for me and not to feel like I have to blah blah blah…I am blogging for me, and I feel like a total lame-o for not doing it.  I know in my heart that I am being absurd, and I’m promising myself first and you cuties second not to do all that.  We are coming up on one of my favorite seasons (I call it the slide into Christmas); every little thing for the next few months is going to be so great, and I can’t wait to share all of it with you!

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More of the “crazy, happy smile,” less of the scrunched up nose pouty face.