Sick again

I hate calling sick. It's the worse. Mostly because when I am in sick, I can't just call work and be like "Yo, I feel like I'm going to hurl and faint at the same time, see you peeps tomorrow!" Well I'd never talk like that to my boss, but you get the drift.

Source
I laughed at this one. 

Nope it's because I have to call in a sub. I have to have sub plans. Can't leave kids to their own devices. Like yesterday, my teammate actually left sub plans and her little "darlings" went CRAZY. Literally crazy. Could hear them through my walls. Something about having a substitute that just sets kids off.

So this morning when I woke up with the worst headache and stomachache ever (despite having gotten a lot more sleep than usual) I sucked it up and went into work. Despite having done my makeup, I apparently still looked like death because my VP took one look at me and told me I should go home.

So I called the sub, wrote sub plans, and left. I crashed at J's place, mostly because I did not need my dad asking me why I was already home. I just woke up and I feel a bit better, so obviously coming home was the right choice.

Not going to lie though, I feel SO guilty being home instead of at my job. Does anyone else ever feel that way? I know if I was at work at this moment I'd be snapping at one my Three Amigos (my term for my trio of kiddos who just like to push buttons) for something that wouldn't annoy me on a regular day. I just wouldn't be very nice and that's not fair to my students.

So off I go to make some soup and see if I can make it to the Curriculum Writing interviews without looking like death. How do you handle sick days?

Linking up with Shanna

Feeling accomplished!

Lately I've been feeling very proud of myself? Why? I've been accomplishing a  whole lot of things lately! Check it out:

Wedding

• bought J's ring. He chose a white gold band. Very classic, very him. 
• chose suits for the bridal party. Taupe suits with brown vests. Love!
• I have a tutoring job. I cashed my first check and immediately put it into the HONEYMOON envelope. J had the idea to put extra cash in this envelope for various cruise expenses. Felt good to actually contribute!
• approved the proofs for the invitations. Now just have to order them!
• Completed the DIY part of my bridesmaids' gifts: 

Aren't they pretty? Probably going to make myself one!

Pinterest
I've also attempted quite a few of my pins. I totally stink as a blogger, because I forget to take pictures of my versions, but I promise you, they turned out great!

Source: feedproxy.google.com via Nilda on Pinterest

These were SO simple to make and SO tasty. I love anything with Alfredo sauce.

Source: roomag.com via Nilda on Pinterest

J really loved these. Since we had left over chicken from the pizzas, these were also very easy AND cheap to make.

Source: pinterestbest.tk via ~₡ღηηiᏋ on Pinterest

I did this yesterday, and they look FABULOUS last night. After a day of work, I need to touch them up, but I recevied a lot of ompliments on it!

Source: mrsliretteslearningdetectives.blogspot.com via Christina on Pinterest

Dr. Seuss's birthday was Saturday. My class celebrated today, and I made this yummy dessert for them. Their faces were PRICELESS when they came in and saw the treats on their desk.

So while none of these are life0changing accomplishments, you have to celebrate the little things right??

Linking up with Molly and Carly for YOLOMondays!

Hello, March!

Seriously, it's MARCH you guys. I don't understand where the last two months went! I have spring break in three weeks! My wedding is in FIVE months. Eek!

This weekend seems longer than usual because I was out of work on Friday. I woke up in the middle of the night completely congested and ended up going to the doctor. Boo sinus infection. Apparently it wasn't TOO severe, because I woke up yesterday being able to slightly breathe.

J and I went ring shopping yesterday. We found him a really nice ring. Plus we also found him new shoes and new clothes. I love shopping for him, mostly because he doesn't like shopping for himself. While indulging in a Great American Cookie Pecan Supreme (um, I lived off those when I walked into Delia's) I heard a small voice say: "Ms. A??" I looked up and saw one of my old students with her mother and sister. She was a member of my absolute favorite class and she's as tall as me now! I think my favorite part was seeing how excited her mom was to see me too! Moments like that are the ones that tell I am making a difference. :)

Source: pics-searcher.appspot.com via Kate on Pinterest

I want to make a list of goals for the week. I did go to the gym twice last week, so I met my goal! Here are this week's:

• Not repeat gossip. I find myself still in that horrible cycle of jealousy and annoyance. I need to stop. 
• Try my best at my curriculum writer interview. Part of me wants the opportunity; the other part just wants to go out and say I tried. 
• Go to dinner with a friend. Been awhile since I've had some girl time!
• Order invitations. Not sure why I keep putting this one off! Worried I'll make a mistake or something. :)

Off I go to enjoy the rest of my weekend. What are your goals this week?

Simple Sweet Treat- Skinny Strawberry Shortcakes

I'm writing this post in a hurry. Why?? I completely FORGOT that Friday is Dr. Seuss day. It's one of my favorite school days, because it's fun to kick back and just work with Dr. Seuss books. I tutor later tonight and tomorrow, so I need to get my materials ready for Friday ASAP.

But not before I share with you this sweet treat I made yesterday. I have the world's biggest sweet tooth. I can't have dinner without dessert of some kind (you can thank my dear old Abuelo for that!) The problem is that desserts are usually jammed full of sugar and generally unhealthy for you. Which isn't fair, but I digress.

I went shopping for the ingredients for this awesome flatbread pizza from the Six Sisters' site. I wanted to make some dessert, but I know J is really trying hard to get in better shape and I want to help him. I found some strawberries and thought to myself "How can I get the taste of shortbread without the bajillion calories?" Then I looked over and saw a huge display of Honey Maid graham crackers and it hit! Make 'em with graham crackers instead!

These were RIDICULOSLY easy to make. All you need is:

• 2 sheets of honey graham crackers
• 6 strawberries, diced up
• 1 can of Fat Free Reddi-Whip

Break apart the graham crackers into squares. Squirt a dollop of whipped cream on each square, and top with strawberries. 2 sheets of graham crackers will equal four strawberry shortcakes. J and I ended up having three a piece, but I can definitely say my sweet tooth was satisfied after that. J said it's one of the best dessert ideas I've ever come up with! If that's not a shining endorsement, then I don't know what else would be!

Do you have any simple dessert recipes? Off I go!

Sharing the knowledge... of skin care

A few of my favorite bloggers have posted their own skin tips and it made me realize "Hey, I know a little bit about that, why don't I do one too?" Love inspiration right?

I've had acne for as long as I can remember. In fact, my answer to the question When did you first get acne?" is fairly simple and to the point: I don't remember NOT having acne. Seriously, I don't remember having a smooth face with no scars. Sad but true.

My acne has evolved over the years (yay) but this last year, my face issues stayed fairly the same. Little bumps here and there plus scarring. So I went to a new dermatologist and she helped me come up with my regimen. She even wrote it down for me!

Even though part of my regimen is the use of prescription acne medication, a friend of mine started following my routine too (without the prescriptions) and noticed a huge difference in her face as well. In fact, I don't even use the prescriptions daily because following this routine has really helped.

I have separate routine for the morning and one for the evening. Here's what I use in the morning:

• Cerave Hydrating Cleanser: My dermatologist recommended this cleanser. It's a bit pricey but definitely worth it. Full of good ingredients for your face and perfect for sensitive skin. 
• Clarisonic Mia: J bought me this a year ago for Christmas. I use the acne brush, but all the brushes are great. My skin feels cleaner when I use this instead of just my hands. 
• Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturizer: This line is amazing for sensitive skin. They have a light moisturizer but I prefer this one. It definitely helps my dry skin. 
• Washcloth: One of the best tips I've ever received is to use a different washcloth for drying your face. I stock up on these whenever they are on sale at Target and I wash them in free detergent. 

I start with the cleanser. I dampen my face, pump a bit onto my fingers and spread the cleanser on my face. I use my Clarisonic until it shuts off. I rinse off my face and dry it off with the washcloth. Now here's the kicker: I wait 30 minutes before I apply moisturizer. Yep, that's right 30 MINUTES. 

Now when my derm first gave me that instruction, I looked at her like she was NUTS. Did she not understand how much I enjoy sleep? But I followed her instructions and it definitely helps my skin absorb my moisturizer better. My skin feels better when I wait. 

Onto the evening!

Here's what I use in the evening: 

• Pond's Evening Soothe Wet Cleansing Towlettes: I love the smell of chamomile on these. They are really relaxing to use!
• Simple Eye Makeup Remover: I just started using this, but it does a fantastic job of getting my eye make up off. 
• CeraVe Moisturizing Cream: This one is a little thicker than my morning moisturizer. It also has similar ingredients to my cleanser. 
• Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector: Another pricey item, but I have noticed a difference in my scarring. It helps to fade them. 
• cleanser
• Clarisonic
• Washcloth

I start with the wipe and it helps to get off my makeup. My dermatologist recommended I do this first to really get my makeup off. I use the eye makeup remover as well. Just squirt some on a cotton ball and go!

After I take my face off, I repeat the morning cleansing routine. The big difference here is that I wait an hour before I put my moisturizer on. My derm explained that you want to give your face time to breathe before applying anything else. After the hour is up, I apply a pea size amount of the correcting cream and then my moisturizer. 

Twice a week, I use my Pond's Luminous Clean Daily Exfoliating Cleanser. I use this without the Clarisonic and it really helps my face to feel smooth. 

So I hope you learned something today! I've used so many different products and practiced so many different routines over the years, that it's been SO nice to have one that's actually working for me. I hope it helps you too!

I have not been compensated for this post by ANY of the products listed. All opinions are my own and I really just wanted to share my knowledge! All of these products can be found in stores such as Target, Ulta and CVS.

Together (Carabox)

J and I have been trying to find cheap ways to have fun. We are trying to save for our wedding and not waste money on frivolous things. So when I saw that the theme for this month's Carabox was ClubSexy I was excited.

Now get your minds out of the gutter! Clubsexy is Kaitlyn's term for a fabulous at home date. Kaitlyn's the blogger over at Wifessionals and I love her Carabox swap. It's a chance to really get to know two other bloggers and send them a box of fun and friendship.

This month, I was paired with Krystal and Amy. I had to send Krystal a package, so head over to her blog to see the goodies in her box.

Amy immediately contacted me and got to know me. I shared with her how J and I have been spending time at home. Amy's caring and thoughtful nature definitely came through her emails and her box.

The box arrived on a day where J happened to be over at my house. He and I had a meeting with our church ceremony coordinator and we decided to eat dinner at my house with my family. I think he was more eager to open the box than I was!

I smiled upon opening the box. Yellow is my absolute favorite color! I knew something fun was going to be under this bright yellow tissue and I was right!

J immediately said "Awesome! I love this movie!" Amy included Wedding Crashers and The Wedding Singer. I told her we love comedies and I loved that she picked wedding themed ones.

J also got extremely excited when we pulled these goodies out of the box. He thinks the only good popcorn is butter popcorn and he loves anything with peanut butter. Can't wait to watch movies and mix the popcorn with the M &M's. :)

More yellow! Amy included some fun things for our future kitchen  She must have been stalking me, because I saw these same glasses and napkins at Target and almost bought them myself. I love the apple shaped ice cubes, and I'm guessing it's in honor of me being a teacher!

Amy also sent the SWEETEST note. It definitely put a smile on my face. This is my third Carabox and it's  one of my favorites. Thanks again Amy for sending such a fantastic box. I don't know who was more amped about it...me or J!

If it's in writing...

 I really enjoy simple Sundays. I think it helps me start my work week better when I'm not running around stressed about work. Helps me to focus on my upcoming week in a more positive fashion. I think by writing down my goal for the week, I may actually accomplish it. :)

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Source: letsmakeahealthiertomorrow.tumblr.com via Nilda on Pinterest

Gym is my main goal this week. I went yesterday for the first time in ages. I ran/walked on the treadmill for 35 minutes and I felt energized the rest of the day. I want to try and make it at least twice this week. I feel better about myself when I go. It's a stress relievier, which is definitely needed in my life right now!

Happy Sunday everyone! Does anyone else come up with goals for their week?