It's a little late but it's still Friday and I miss my weekly dose of positivity so I'm back to countdown the 5 things that rocked this week (and the past few).

1. Well looky what came for me about two weeks ago.  BOOYAH!


2. Last year, Chris and I wanted to go to the Forest Park Balloon Race and we tried to go but got lost in the park (it is 50% larger than NYC's Central Park dontchaknow). You'd think we'd be able to find a bunch of hot air balloons but no dice. Imagine our surprise last weekend when driving down Highway 40 and seeing this sight. Pretty neat!

3. I happen to hear numerous times at Parent - Teacher Conferences that my students are loving my class. Good to know that they're enjoying this year while I feel like I'm being pulled in 55 directions at once. I swear I can't keep up.

4. Indulged in a little retail therapy last week with work friends. I picked up a new eyeshadow quad from Bare Minerals and some other goodies.

5. My grandma is officially moved into my parents and we emptied her storage unit last weekend. We had a little party inside of it to celebrate unloading it.  BTW Raspberry Wheat Shock Top is heavenly.



This weekend I have a wedding and a baptism to celebrate so it should be lots of fun. Have a great weekend!

Oh my, it's been awhile! I've been meaning to blog for the past two weeks and it has just been crazy town at work and home with early morning meetings, moving my Grandma to my parents house, and trying to pretend like I'm 20 again going out Friday AND Saturday nights with various social engagements (let's be real, if I was really trying to pretend I was 20 I would be going out every night of the week).

God. I'm. Old.

In between all that I've been busy in the kitchen. My Pinboard is bursting with new recipes to try. I don't know what it is about fall but it makes me wanna cook.


First up, I tried the Baked Potato Grilled Cheese.

Say hello to what's been missing in your life. It's pretty much everything I love on a sandwich. Potatoes, cheese, bacon, sour cream, green onions, and butter.

Please stop what you're doing right now and go make this sandwich.

And don't skimp on the bread - make sure it is a nice crusty French bread. Trust.

Next, a chicken dish known as Chicken Kiev.


Pretty tasty but labor intensive and too much handling of raw chicken. The inside is stuffed with green onions, parsley, butter, and garlic.

Lastly, Garlic Pesto Chicken with Tomato Cream Sauce.



This was very reminiscent of the Pioneer Woman's Penne a la Betsy I tried a while back. This recipe was easier to make and still packed a flavor punch. Plus, the recipe made a ton so there are leftovers for lunch this week. Score!

So what have you been up to, any good recipes I need to try? Leave 'em for me in the comments!

Oh heavens, Friday, thank goodness we finally made it! What is it about four day work weeks that make them take FOR-EV-ER! (I hope you read that in the voice of Squints Palladoris from The Sandlot. If you didn't, you're killing me Smalls!)

I'm linking up as usual with Lauren over at From My Grey Desk for her High Five for Friday party.

5 things that rocked my week:

1. Finally exchanged the bedding I got for my birthday almost three weeks ago. I love it! And yes I'm 27 and still have my childhood stuffed animal - Webby from the Ducktales. Don't judge!



2. I love that I have students who travel. I also love when they bring me presents. A student visited her relatives over Labor Day weekend in Canada and brought me back some candy. My favorite was the Mr. Big.



3. Creating something original.


As I was cleaning the house on Sunday, I was putting out some Fall decorations and came up with this "owl under glass" look. At first I thought it was kind of silly but it has grown on me. Hopefully I'll be able to find something a little more substantial to put in there as the season goes on.

4. A relaxing day at school today thanks to our librarian giving an assessment during my class. Thanks Kristin! It was much needed!


5. My family. We rock. The picture below was taken on Saturday as we moved my 70 year old grandma from the home she's shared with her fiance for the past 10 years and been together with for over 15 years.

Long story short, they aren't together anymore and she had to get everything out of "his" house and quick.

And this was a surprise move, too. All put together in less than a week. While this is tough for my grandma, it felt good that we were all there to support her and we are able to help her. She also let me have a few of her things for my house which I just love but it sucks that I got to have them because of this situation.

My grandma and her grandchildren with our Great Uncle Walter

It's currently raining cats and dogs here in St. Louis but the weather people are claiming it is supposed to be a gorgeous weekend. Here's hoping! Have a great weekend!

Ah, the first official holiday of the school year. I'm going to spend it  grocery shopping, cleaning house, and painting my nails. Thank goodness I already graded papers - so no school today, woohoo!

One of my favorite thing about days off is reading all of my favorite blogs while eating my breakfast. And wouldn't you know Danavee at This Vintage Grove has a great Shabby Apple giveaway going on. Go check out her blog and enter to win!

And have a wonderful and relaxing day off!