Happy List Monday

Happy Monday! I hope you are feeling sprightly & rested after your St. Patrick's Day weekend. I know I am! Am I the only one who isn't loving cabbage? I'm thinking not...

56.      spending time with friends

57.      hot chocolate

58.      storybook stuffed animals

59.      putting the garnishing & finishing touches on baked goods to give them that little something extra

60.      the french language

you can see my other Happy Lists here or you can just review the list below.

1.        organization
2.        brand new {Crayola} crayons
3.        forehead kisses
4.        the grainy look of a black & white picture
5.        calligraphy
6.        clean sheets
7.        making a meal that turns out perfectly- the first time you cook it!
8.        rollercoasters
9.        the feel of brand new socks
10.      watching my cats sleep in weird places/positions
11.      the idea of an elephant in a suit
12.      spoonfuls of cream cheese
13.      watching a student go out of his/her way for a classmate
14.      owls
15.      pink & gray
16.      Once Upon a Time
16.5    You fabulous readers
17.      handwritten letters in the mail
18.      teensy weensy, itty-bitty, kissable, nibble-able baby fingers
19.      The winter holiday season allowing me to wear sequins to work.
20.      turbo-speed internet
21.      putting glitter on anything & everything
22.      waking up to an impeccably clean apartment
23.      playing {and winning} a new board game
24.      teaching blogs
25.      spinach pie
26.      finding a perfume sample I like & storing it in my sock drawer
27.      the intial feeling that I might win a contest I've entered
28.      playing on a swing set
29.      big purses
30.      going a whole day without watching TV
31.      getting a strike in bowling
32.      printables
33.      reruns of Golden Girls
34.      50% off sales coupons
35.      unique jewelry
36.      pinterest
                                       5 from the holiday edition
37.      Hood golden eggnog
38.      sequins
39.      wrapping paper
40.      Bing Crosby's rendition of Baby It's Cold Outside
41.      gingerbread houses


42.      getting a great deal on just about anything
43.      BHG Do It Yourself magazine
44.      puzzles 
45.      trips to the craft store
46.      getting a really great deal in my email from Couptopia
47.      taking a long shower when you aren't feeling well
48.      colored denim 
49.      Mountain Dew
50.      smoothies

51.      curling up to watch TV after a long day of work
52.      birchbox 
53.      listening to a funny conversation between two people. 
54.      spray paint. 
55.      home movies

fancy on friday & birchbox reveal

Read Across America day coincides with Theodore Geisel's birthday on March 2nd. Who is Theodore Geisel? You probably know him as Dr. Seuss. Anyway, our school decided to celebrate today and everyone was told they could dress up as a favorite book character {following the dress code, of course}. My choice? Fancy Nancy!

When I got home, I noticed a cute pink box tucked in my mailbox & almost jumped out of the car without putting it in park. My birchbox finally arrived! I've been watching the status for days. Bloggers have been posting their goodies all week, so I was anxious to see what I got. We're talking Kate Spade perfume samples & Essie nailpolish. I built it up so much in my head that I was almost afraid to open it. So I didn't open it right away. I let it taunt me on my kitchen table for an hour or two. I wondered, what color polish did I get? Is it the sequin glitter one that I saw here?

Well friends, I learned a few lessons. The first is that I should have paid more attention to my email and signed up for the Teen Vogue sponsored box. The second lesson is not to let my imagination run wild with the possibilities. The third & most important:
Do not, I repeat NOT, look at what anyone else gets in their Birchbox. It's like watching a sibling open the newest, coolest toy from Santa & all you get are a pair of slippers.

Sorry if I sound like a whiny brat, but I can't hide that I'm a little bummed out.

Anywho-
Are you wondering what all of this is?

-A sample vial of Annick Goutal perfume
                   {It smells good & fruity in the vial. I'll let you know how I like it on me when I try it.}
-Deborah Lippman nail polish remover mitts
                   {I was hoping I would get these.}
-Eye Rock liquid liner
                   {They're liner strips. Huh. I'm not much of an eyeliner wearer, but I'll give them a whirl.}
-Juice Beauty cleanser
                   {It's eco-friendly & organic. I have sensitive skin, so this will probably go in a basket for
                    house guests to try.}
-Orofluido hair oil
-Hollywood Fashion Secrets fashion tape assortment pack

Not all I thought it would be in this overworked, hyper-imaginative brain of mine but not terrible. Sorry about the weird coloring, my living room has the worst lighting in all of the land for photos {it's super cozy in real life though!}.

thursday 13: i wish i wish i wish

Today's Thursday 13 is all about wish lists. What's on your wishlist? Here's mine:

1.      A celebrity wardrobe. Rachel Zoe, are you listening?!?

via

2.      One room for all my clothes & accessories

via

3.      a maid. Mostly just to scrub the tub & do the dishes.
4.      a digital DSLR. I don't even really care what kind.

5.      The hair stylist from Pretty Little Liars to style my hair every morning.

via

6.      Veronica Mars back on the air. I think Rob Thomas needs to make up for the atrocity that was season 3.

via

7.      Beer to taste like cotton candy. Or fried dough. Or anything I enjoy consuming. It would make going out MUCH less expensive. Cocktails are wallet drainers.

8.     Free manicures for life. I'd even settle for free regular manicures.

9.      Flip-Hop Bunny Sandals. They have little cotton tails! Are you kidding?

via

10.      Ikea. I don't want to own it, I'd just like it if there was one closer than an hour away.

11.      lower prices at Anthropologie {BHLDN, too}. I think I've said enough.

12.      the ability to sing. The ability to sing well. Perhaps something like Taylor Swift?

via

13.      HBO to start streaming on netflix instant.

yours truly

Dear Animal Print,

I never used to like animal print of any kind. Whenever I've looked at it, it all just seemed so poorly designed- cheap and tacky. Lately; however, my opinion has been swayed. Cheetah print in particular, you should take this as a compliment because I'm quite staunch in my opinions. It all started with some zebra printed stationery for school. My interests have grown to make room for a thrifted scarf & a ridiculously fabulous pair of flats from Target. I wasn't sure if I was ready to take it to the next level, but you talked me into it with your sweet talk. Now I'm the proud owner of a glorious print skirt. What's next for us? I might be ready to take this relationship to the next level.

Yours,
Patti

Dear Lauren Conrad,

Soooooooo I used to watch you when you were on Laguna Beach and I always rooted for you over Kristin Cavalleri. I've never read your books & I won't lie, I probably never will. But I am a regular Beauty Department reader {okay, I regularly scope out this web page, too} and I've pinned quote a few of your hairstyles as things I wish my hair would do if it were sleek & straight. Recently I've become quite a fan of your entire clothing line and accessories at Kohl's. Seriously, I squealed like Maxwell, the pig from the Geico commercials when I looked at everything available. I'm now the proud owner of several pieces of your fabulous jewelry at a swell discount.

Super Hugs,
Patti


Dear cupcakes & balloons,

I love you. Let's get married. <3

XOXO,
Patti

tuesdays are happy, too

Work is back in full swing & I'm loving it. Last week I spent the majority of my work week sick as a dog {as you may remember me mentioning} and so I came back to a wreck of a classroom. The substitutes I had {3 different people!} were not so delightfully awesome. One even went so far as to not give my class any of information for their reports, homework, or their math assignments. She also went through my stuff. Not awesome, friendo.

Yesterday I stayed late to get things back in order & update my classroom library {new adopted goodies & such} so I didn't get back in time to post a happy list. Fear not! Tuesday is a good time to be happy, too.


51.      curling up to watch TV after a long day of work {or anything, really}
52.      birchbox {surprises in your mailbox EVERY month!? Yes, please}
53.      listening to a funny conversation between two people. Bonus points if those people are little kids. Super bonus points if they're little kids talking about something like Pokemon books. This is apparently serious business.
54.      spray paint. It will change your life... or at least your possessions.
55.      home movies



In other news, my school bowling league came in second place. I assure you that I had nothing to do with it, but I'll reap the benefits of bragging rights anyway.



you can see my other Happy Lists here or you can just review the list below.

1.        organization
2.        brand new {Crayola} crayons
3.        forehead kisses
4.        the grainy look of a black & white picture
5.        calligraphy
6.        clean sheets
7.        making a meal that turns out perfectly- the first time you cook it!
8.        rollercoasters
9.        the feel of brand new socks
10.      watching my cats sleep in weird places/positions
11.      the idea of an elephant in a suit
12.      spoonfuls of cream cheese
13.      watching a student go out of his/her way for a classmate
14.      owls
15.      pink & gray
16.      Once Upon a Time
16.5    You fabulous readers
17.      handwritten letters in the mail
18.      teensy weensy, itty-bitty, kissable, nibble-able baby fingers
19.      The winter holiday season allowing me to wear sequins to work.
20.      turbo-speed internet
21.      putting glitter on anything & everything
22.      waking up to an impeccably clean apartment
23.      playing {and winning} a new board game
24.      teaching blogs
25.      spinach pie
26.      finding a perfume sample I like & storing it in my sock drawer
27.      the intial feeling that I might win a contest I've entered
28.      playing on a swing set
29.      big purses
30.      going a whole day without watching TV
31.      getting a strike in bowling
32.      printables
33.      reruns of Golden Girls
34.      50% off sales coupons
35.      unique jewelry
36.      pinterest
                                       5 from the holiday edition
37.      Hood golden eggnog
38.      sequins
39.      wrapping paper
40.      Bing Crosby's rendition of Baby It's Cold Outside
41.      gingerbread houses


42.      getting a great deal on just about anything
43.      BHG Do It Yourself magazine
44.      puzzles 
45.      trips to the craft store
46.      getting a really great deal in my email from Couptopia
47.      taking a long shower when you aren't feeling well
48.      colored denim {I am LOVING this trend}
49.      Mountain Dew
50.      smoothies

dreams do come true

Oh my goodness, my dear friends. Today I realized a lifelong dream of mine. I am the proud owner of jelly shoes!

I can't even tell you how badly I have wanted some since I was a little kid. My mom would never let me get them for whatever reasons mothers deprive their adorable little tots of fashionable desires. Maybe it was sweaty feet, maybe it was blisters, or maybe it was because I was {am} a clumsy little cat.

I think we all know the next step: crimped hair & legwarmers.

Enjoy your weekend, lovelies!

thursday 13: on a deserted island

I'm back with my second Thursday 13 link up. So what am I listing today? 13 things {realistic or frivolous} I want with me on a deserted island.

1. my ipod
I'll need this for all that dancing that I like to do.

2. a good book
So I actually read pretty quickly & I think I'd need more than one good book.

3. My stack of unread magazines. It's constantly growing & I'd love to spend some time on a deserted island reading them.

4. an ipad {with wifi}
I don't have one, but I would totally Scrabble all day with friends who aren't on the deserted island.

5. sunscreen
While I want sleek & golden legs, I don't want to burn to a crisp. Skin cancer isn't for this girl.

6. Some fabulous, floppy, over-the-top hats.
Am I the only one who has a penchant for things that have no practical use in her everyday life?

7. Amelie {again with wifi}
My computer, not the movie {although I love it}. I need access to photobooth & all my files. What if I fill up my camera and need to transfer everything.

8. My camera
How silly of me not to put this as the very first thing! In my mind, this deserted island is like something out of The Hunger Games except safe & sane.

9. The Devil Wears Prada
I'll need it for those nights when I feel restless. It's my go-to flick and I need it with me all the time.

10. Paul Rudd
Yup. I said it.

11. my tiny taters
If my bitties aren't with me, I'll feel so lonely. They are young & energetic. They are my favorite little people & the bright spot to my day.

12. friends
I know it's a deserted island & I am probably supposed to be alone on it. Let's face it, I'm no Tom Hanks and I can't make friends with Wilson the volleyball. I need some fantastic people with me to frolic in the sand and help me crack open coconuts.

13. Finally, a speedboat so I can return to reality whenever I'm ready.

Oh my goodness, why isn't my list more frivolous?!

Link yourself up over at Aunie Sauce.

girl scouts

This is the first year in at least 10 years that I haven't bought any girl scout cookies. It might be because they cost $3.50 a box and I wolf them down in two minutes {oh samoas, you sexy things you} or that I found recipes to make my own cookies that are just as tasty. Whatever the reason, I'm going to share some girl scout cookie-inspired recipes that I found in my time spent on bed rest.

samoa fudge via somethingswanky

chocolate coconut bars via Martha Stewart

samoas brownies via Six Sisters' Stuff

tagalong peanut butter parfaits via My Baking Addiction

homemade tagalongs via Bakers Royale

Tagalong dip via Something Swanky

thin mint magic cookie bars via SomethingSwanky

thin mint pie via cookie madness

Those are my 3 favorite types of cookies, obviously. I do love a good Do-si-do, too. Are you going to try any of these recipes?

one more time

Nothing has been going on in the world of Patti because I've been sick. Pneumonia sick. This is the last time I want to talk about it, but I feel it needs to be said because I've been trying really hard to stay on top of my blog.

Not only do I have a line up of blog posts to work on, but I have a mile long list of things to get done for school & life in general. Sitting around, trying to sleep and watching TV is starting to get boring.
I'm still working on Daniel's copy of The Magicians so at least that's a break.

Have you seen this article from the Huffington Post?
How Color Affects Our Mood Personally I'm really into orange & pinks.

Dear sickness, you're gross and I demand you be on your way.

mwah ha ha

I have nothing to say today. This is day 4 of what feels like a black plague on my immune system. I actually ventured outside today to clear my car {of filthy, dirty, nasty snow}, pay my rent, & buy laundry detergent.

I leave you with this photo of Igby enjoying some media time.

True story about this pink cover: I ordered it from amazon & got it yesterday. It was on my computer for all of 2 minutes when Igby decided that he wanted it as his toy. So now it's got tears & kitty teeth marks in it. I had to order a new one and I'm a bit disgruntled about it. I suppose this is what I should expect from a cat who steals pacifiers from infants.

Thursday 13- ways i spend my time

Since I'm always excited to take part in bloggy events with other bloggers, I'm happy to be joining up with Annelise from aunie Sauce to take part in Thursday 13. Today's task is to list favorite ways to spend your time on a daily/weekly/monthly/fun basis.

So, friends here they are. 13 of the things I enjoy doing regularly.

1. pinning away on pinterest. So much pinteresting. I just can't get enough of it! I love that I'm not alone in this addiction. I am disappointed when I miss a day of pinteresting, too.

2. Organizing & list writing. I love it so. Whether it's books, cabinets, teaching supplies, makeup, cleaning supplies, DVDs, whatever. If it can be organized or made into a list, I'm on it. I've never met a to-do list I didn't love.

via apartmenttherapy

3. Partaking in some mindless, entertaining television.

just a few of the current shows I enjoy watching whenever I can.

4. visiting Boston. It's my favorite city & I just love it. I don't even need an agenda to have a spectular time <3

5. making/drinking smoothies. This also extends to searching for recipes to make new & delicious smoothies and also, checking to see if Juiced Up is open so I can get a scrumptious green smoothie in my bread basket.

a good source for delicious recipes

6. Reading. Whether it's one of my favorite blogs, a magazine, the subtitles in a foreign film, or a great book {I'm currently reading The Magicians courtesy of the talented Daniel over at Manchester Oblique} I love to read. I wish I could make more time to do it for my own enjoyment each & every day.

7. Dancing. I like to do it alone or with friends. With music or without. In the shower or on dry land. If I can't dance, I'm not going.

8. Listening to music. {See #7}

9. Adding glitz to things. Usually this involves spray paint or a jar of glitter.

10. Eating. After breathing & sleeping it's probably the third thing I do the most in the world & it's oh so enjoyable. In fact, if I haven't eaten stay out of my way. You don't want to get involved in that.

11. Karaoke. I love when I can talk people into coming up to do it with me so I won't just giggle into the mic uncontrollably the whole time. It's so much ridiculous fun.

12. visiting/playing with my favorite little people on earth.

13. Getting dressed up. I don't even mind if my nails are done, my hair is curled & I'm wearing a dress fit for the best party in town only to stay in and eat pizza.

What do you enjoy doing?