Imagine my astonishment this morning when I looked at the calendar and saw that tomorrow is July.

What?!

I may have had a mini-meltdown before breakfast, "But I haven't even been to the pool yet! School practically starts tomorrow!"

When I finally calmed down I remembered that the Fourth of July is coming up and I should probably decorate.

After browsing Pinterest for ideas and saying 'Merica for a half hour I decided to get all patriotic with a simple chevron flag design. Is the chevron craze over yet? Hope not, cuz I'm still digging it!



I didn't want to spend all afternoon creating something so using supplies I had on hand - red,white, and blue scrapbook paper, scissors, a ruler, tape, and a spare frame I put this together.

The easiest way for me to cut the zig zag shape was following this tutorial from A Simple Kind of Life. I didn't think I would need instructions on such an easy task but sometimes my brain likes to make simple things difficult. In about 10 minutes I had my lines drawn and ready to cut.

Then I just arranged the chevron strips of paper in lines that resembled Old Glory, taped them down, and there you go!

Anyone else have a lady love for Sabrina Soto? I could watch the High Low Project all day long!

I debated on whether or not to add stars but figured that would have to be cut pretty small and wouldn't make much of an impact.

So in about 25 minutes of drawing and cutting I have a simple, patriotic frame to add to my tiny window ledge.

Did you decorate for Independence Day? I love celebrating the Fourth with a good BBQ and watching fireworks. Hopefully we will head to the river front this year to see some pretty ones!

The lazy days of summer are here. I can finally catch up on the blog posts I've missed, start and hopefully finish some Pinterest projects, go to my favorite, non-crowded fitness classes at the gym, and definitely SLEEP!

The boyfriend and I have always been night owls - something about late night TV and the surfing the interwebs keeps us going into the wee hours most nights. But during the school year staying up late plus early mornings average me only about 5 hours of sleep a night. Plus, my arthritis and my boyfriend's recently diagnosed Fibromyalgia, makes it difficult for us to get comfortable and stay asleep the whole night. Did I mention that we share a FULL size bed? It was a hand-me-down from my parents and though we were grateful to not have to purchase a new mattress when we moved out of our parents' homes, it had definitely seen better days...when I would lie down, I rolled to the center.

So when Sleep Number contacted me about reviewing one of their beds it didn't take long for us to decide that we needed to give a new bed a chance. It was hard not to throw out the old mattress right then and there in a fit of celebration, but we calmed down and started talking which Sleep Number bed would be the perfect fit for us.

Like most couples, the boyfriend and I have differing sleep styles. I prefer to sleep on my side in the plushest environment possible, while Chris is a stomach sleeper that enjoys a firmer mattress. It was surprising to learn how great the Sleep Number bed is for couples because of the DualAir technology. Each side of the bed has its own air chamber that can be adjusted  by wireless remote to fit our comfort level. After doing a bit of research on the Sleep Number website we were torn between a plush top mattress or memory foam. Luckily, Sleep Number has more than 400 retail locations nation-wide so we were able to schedule an appointment to determine our Sleep Number and test out our potential new mattress options.

We were a little nervous to actually try out the Sleep Number bed at the store because lying on a bed in a middle of a retail environment isn't something we normally do on the daily. But once we arrived, our sales associate, Denny, quickly put us at ease, helping us find our Sleep Number and explaining the differences between the types of Sleep Number beds. It was also an easy going experience, we didn't feel pressured to make a decision on the spot.

"Really, Sara?"

We discovered that both of our Sleep Numbers are relatively low, initially we both found comfort at the same setting of 35 (more on what our Sleep Number is after actually sleeping on the bed later). And while I had to do a little bit of persuasive talking to the boyfriend, we decided on memory foam, the Sleep Number m7 bed. He was apprehensive about choosing memory foam because he had heard from friends that memory foam mattresses are hot to sleep on and can break down over time. His qualms were eased when we learned that the m7 has a layer of CoolFit foam that offers a cooler sleeping surface than other memory foam products and a 25-Year Limited Warranty.

After we ordered our bed, it was about two weeks before delivery. Sleep Number customer service was fantastic about keeping us in the loop concerning the delivery of our new bed, calling us twice to confirm details.

Finally, delivery day came!



I couldn't believe that the bed actually came in boxes and was carried in piece by piece. The bed frame is light weight but heavy-duty molded plastic. I like that I will still be able to move the bed on my own if I need to.



The delivery team had everything setup in about 30 minutes and then gave me a brief tutorial.


I've never been so excited to go to sleep in my entire life!


Something I was a little worried about was whether or not our brand new bedding set would still fit the bed. They do, however, it did take some tugging and pulling to get the fitted sheet in place and I kind of wish I had a king size comforter now just so it had more coverage but overall I was happy that I didn't have to spend any money to replace our bedding or buy special bedding from Sleep Number.

So what was the first night like?

It. Was. Awesome.

I awoke with minimal back and joint pain and felt so refreshed. And the great thing is that I have woke up the past three weeks feeling just as great.

Both Chris and I have adjusted our Sleep Number (using the wireless remote seen below) over the last three weeks, both starting around 30 which is pretty soft, then I went lower and he went higher. It is recommended that you sleep at each setting for about 3 nights so your body can fully adjust to each setting. As of today, my Sleep Number is 35 (just like in the store) and Chris's is 45 - which the average Sleep Number for most users.

I've also noticed that I fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer than before. More sleep is always a good thing in my book!

I really can't say enough great things about this bed and it has been great to get some restful and rejuvenating sleep this summer.

If you are looking to improve your sleep experience, definitely give Sleep Number a try. You can shop online or at Sleep Number store near you. Also, if you have any questions I'd be happy to answer them as best I can, just leave a comment below or e-mail me.


Disclaimer: I received a Sleep Number  m7 bed for my review. All opinions expressed are my own honest personal feedback..

Happy Friday!

I would say this is a great week because:

1. Today is the last day of summer school.
2.  It is finally "summer" weather. 90 degrees and sweltering is kind of my favorite.
3.  I've eaten fast food and drank beer this week without gaining any weight.
4. Chris and I celebrated 7 years as the most awesome couple ever

5. I'm playing in my high school's alumni softball game tomorrow. Excited to have fun and see old friends but I'm not sure if this is great or depressing...out of high school 10 years...yikes.

I'm really a little miffed right now....I went to the Cardinal's game with my mom, dad, and youngest sister last night. Probably my 10th game of the season. Never in my life have I felt more picked on being a girl at the game. Two different instances of men sitting near me chose to comment on either something I said or did during the game.

I assure you I'm an intelligent woman and can hold my own when discussing the Cardinals.

However, the old man in front of me found my question about why people were cheering during a Cubs home run to be the most asinine thing he'd ever heard and had to turn around and glare at me. Like you would have thought I just clubbed a baby seal right in our seats the way he looked at me.

Now to be fair - should I have realized it was the Cards/Cubs - a long standing rivalry and there are quite a few Cubs fans in attendance? Sure. However I was already a few beers  in and the common sense wasn't as quick as I would have liked.

Sue me. I did not deserve a public stinkeye.

A second guy behind me in the 7th decided to tap me on the shoulder and address my phone use during the game - I had texted Chris about the assface in front of me and also used the new video feature on Instagram. I'd also browsed FB between innings. Nothing excessive. Maybe he was trying to be funny but it was the wrong time after the stinkeye incident.

Newsflash dude. I'm capable of doing more than one thing at a time. I don't have ADD like the rest of America and can successfully pay attention to a baseball game and send a text message at the same time. Oh, and I can also listen in on your conversation about how sad your life is.

And plus...it's none of yo' business. (He even said he had been reading my text messages.....uuuuhhhhhh CREEPER ALERT!)

Needless to say, that guy apologized.

I think if I would have been sitting with Chris, no one would have said a word to me. Such BS.

UGH. Whatever.

I don't think I've ever bitched about something this much on the ol' blog but sometimes you just gotta let it out!

Hope you're having a much better day, have a great weekend!


  Linking up with Lauren Elizabeth

Monday was the big 7 year anniversary for Chris and I.

7 years dating.


We sometimes feel like such a fuddy-duddy couple - many nights spent on the couch, watching movies, or just hanging out. However, when I put together the collage above with only pictures from this past year, we look like we have blast all the time - float trips, Cardinal's games, rocking out at concerts, ice skating, wedding celebrations, and more. It was a nice little realization.

We don't do gifts anymore, although he did bring me home roses which was a surprise. Always nice. We had dinner at Cheesecake Factory. While that may seem like a lame choice because it's a chain and not exactly super fancy, it was our second choice. One of our favorite steak restaurants that we wanted to go to is closed on Mondays, as are almost all of the other fancy Italian restaurants near our house. So really Cheesecake Factory you were like our 50th choice, buuuuuuuttt you were delicious. And since it was our anniversary, we went all out. Beer/Wine. Fried Calamari. Filet Mignon. Fettuccine. Raspberry and White Chocolate Truffle Cheesecake. Cherry Cheesecake. After the feast, we were pretty much in a food coma so we went home for couch time.

I always get nostalgic this time of year, thinking about how we first met and how long we've been together. We've accomplished quite a bit - I've finished college, got my first and second teaching positions, bought a car, , got a Master's Degree. We've bought a house. We've quit smoking and actually work out regularly. Chris has worked for three different companies now, had three different cars. When we met, both of our youngest siblings were in grade school - now they're sophomores in college. I've spent almost all of my twenties with Chris. Crazy!

We've grown up. It was bound to happen at some point.

I know one day (hopefully by 30) we will make it all official but for now we will just keep on, keepin' on...figuring out life together. Love that guy.

I'm back to celebrate another glorious summer Friday. So excited!



I say I'm back like I went somewhere when in reality I've just been a busy little bee. I've thought a lot about blogging and things to write, however, I just haven't had the time to sit down and write like I want to.

But let's talk about what has been awesome this past week:

1. Two weeks of summer school in the book. Only one more to go, thank goodness!

2. My sleep number is money! I've been sleeping on air, literally. And I love it!



3. While I say I've been a busy little bee, I did find time to read Divergent and Insurgent. They were excellent and I can't wait for Allegiant to come out in October.


4. A gorgeous Saturday spent in the back yard with good food, games, and friends.


5. THIS happened.


Funnel. Cake. Cupcakes. There were as good as they look. Thank goodness for my friend Natalie and her baking skills.

Tonight, the boyfriend and I are headed out to see Luke Bryan and Florida Georgia Line. The weather is going to be perfect for this outdoor concert and a few beverages of course.

How was your week? Read anything good lately that I should add to my reading list? Or did I make you want to bake some cupcakes this weekend? Hopefully you're not drooling on your keyboard right now, haha!

Have a great weekend!