Little bit of sunshine...

Let's face it... the school year comes and my blogging goes out the window. I don't like it, but that's how it happens. Which stinks, because I really do have some fun things to blog about.... like the time J and I couldn't decide what to do for dinner so we decided to each get our own take-out meal! (Everyone wins, right??!) Or how awesomely hilarious (yes I know that's not right but I do not care) my class is this year.

So when I saw I got nominated for the Sunshine Award by Lourdes over at Love is Life, I knew I had to do it. So even though I am a bit late, and even though I'm not going to nominate other people (at least not at the moment) here are my answers to her questions!

1. Growing up, which parent were you the closest to? Did this change at any time?
My mom. And no that hasn't changed. My dad and I are the EXACT same person so we tended to butt heads a lot growing up. Took me a while to learn how to accept and interact with him. But my mom and I have always been close. Which is why I don't always get it when people are not close to their moms. 

2. Do you believe in "Love at first sight?" Do you think it happens?
No. I believe in attraction at first sight. I used to believe in love at first sight but J changed all that. Love and affection is something that definitely has to grow and be tended to. And it's amazing what happens when that moment finally hits and love starts to bloom. That reasoning is one of the reasons that J and I chose "I See the Light" for our first dance. 

Seriously, tears everytime!

3. What period of history is your favorite? Why?
WWII. It just encompasses so many different aspects of history and it was SUCH a pivotal moment in history. Doesn't really matter which part of it, I love reading about all of it. So many of my papers in high school revolved around World War 2. I just loved learning about it. 

4. If you could change one thing about your appearance what would it be? 
I'm kinda over my acne and acne scars. I just finished reading a book that has an intriguing plan so I'm gonna give that a shot. It's just annoying to still be dealing with it!

5. What is your favorite fast food place?
Chick Fil A. I barely eat it anymore but it's still my favorite! Mmmm chicken nuggets, waffle fries and a fruit punch! YUM!

6. If you could live in any country, where would you live? If it isn't the country you currently live in, why did you choose another country?
England. Or anywhere in Europe really. Just to have a different experience. 

7. How many kids do you want to have? Boys? Girls? 
No more than 2. A boy and a girl preferably. 

8. Can you do a push up?***
 Yes I can. I worked out with a trainer off and on for about a year and he really helped my upper body strength. I used to be able to do a few in a row...now I'd probably die. 

9. Who is the most influential person in your life? How have they influenced you?
My mom. She's just the most amazing person, and I've never met anyone who didn't like her. She always has a positive caring spirit no matter who she is around or what she has gone through. I try as much as possible to be like her. 

10. I nominated you because I love your blog. Why did you start blogging? Has your motivation for blogging changed as time goes on?
Last summer I was bored and decided I used to have a Livejournal so why not try another blog. Never knew I'd find this world! My motivation has died since then, but I still like to maintain it. I need to stop reading blogs on my iPhone so that way I can actually comment!

What would your answers to these questions be? Anything like mine???

Cara Box Reveal

I know this is a bit late, but it's been such a fast zooming week! I've been meaning to share what I received in my Cara Box.  For those of you that do not know, Cara Box is an exchange created by the wonderful Kaitlyn over at Wifessionals. You get to know two other bloggers and send one of them a fun box.

This time around, the swap lasted three months. I loved that, because it really gave me more time to get to know my partners! I was partnered with Raewyn, who blogs at Warrior Queen, and Melissa, who blogs over at Honeysweetbee. Both are awesome girls, so definitely go and check them out! You can go  see what I put in Melissa's box.

The theme for the swap was falling into fall! Raewyn sent me a box that smelled instantly of fall the second that I opened it! Unfortunately, there are no pictures at the moment because my camera went caput and my phone is being a bit silly and not wanting to email my pictures, so I Googled for different images to match the items I received! I'll try to update this post if I am able to use J's iPad to take pictures. :)

Source

Source

Source

She sent me a mini candle, yummy cranberry hand soap (love the jar!), pumpkin lotion (even though I'm not the biggest fan of pumpkin scents, I loved how this one is so light and the lotion is super creamy!) and a cute little fall gift bag. Raewyn also sent me a box of Cinnamon Apple Tea, which J promptly opened up and made himself some!

Being that I am a teacher, she also threw in a note pad (seriously, can NEVER have too much of those!), cute pens (once again, I'm ALWAYS losing my pens), and cute little orange and brown leaf table decorations. At first, the table decorations had me confused, but when I read my note, Raewyn explained that she thought they'd be good for math. I can't wait to add them to my fall counting centers, my kiddos are going to flip!

So thanks Raewyn! It's been a lot of fun getting to know you. If you want to get in on the next Carabox, it's not too late! The next sign up opens up December 2! Click on the button to find out more.

Friends...

I've been seeing everyone on my bloglovin' feed do this blog everyday in May challenge and I really wanted to participate. But life keeps happening. Like Friday, I went out with one of my girlfriends. She had a super tough day and needed a mega-girls night out! And yesterday, I hung out with the little bro for the first time in AGES and went and watched the Mayweather-Guerrero fight (which was so anti-climatic!)

But when I saw the theme for today, I knew I had to attempt to write something! Today's theme is blogger friends. When I started this whole bloggy adventure, I had no idea I'd make friends out of it. I just thought it would be a way to get my thoughts out there, ya know? But I do consider these two ladies friends:

Caitlin from A Day in the Life



If you have never read any of Caitlin's blog posts, you are missing out! Girl is HILARIOUS and I absolutely love the way her personality shines through her posts. We have a ridiculous amount of stuff in common, including a shared obsession with all things Loft, and she's honestly one of the sweetest people I've ever "met". She and her husband are expecting their first child AND closing on their first house and I feel just as excited for them as I do any of my friends here in Florida. Only bummer is that Houston is uber far away from Jacksonville. So go check her out.

Lourdes from Love is Life.

Love is Life

Lourdes was the very first person I chose to follow in this blog world and she was my very first follower. She used to live in Gainesville but moved out to Arizona with her boyfriend. Lourdes is someone else whose genuineness shines through her posts. I always enjoy when her posts appear on my feed and when an email from her appears in my inbox. Many, many times reading her blog posts I think " Wow, I totally agree with that!" If you've never read her blog, go! Like now!

So thanks blog world. Without you I would have never meet these two cool chicks! 

FINALLY!

Finally.

Thought I was going to have to burn all my Jaguars shirts. Sell my season tickets. Deny ever being a Jaguar fan. But then...

After two horrible games, my Jaguars did it. WE WON A GAME! No, I am not going to focus on the fact that we were thisclose to losing it. I'm going to focus on the fact that Gabbert and Shorts teamed up at a clutch moment and that my boy Posluszny had an interception:

Source

 

 

I know most of you out there could care less about football, but I've grown up with the Jaguars. I remember the glory season of 1999 like it was yesterday. I just want them to win. Especially against the Colts. :) (Especially since I spent a decent chunk of change on season tickets this year. Ahem)

On top of that awesome win, I finished my plans and printed off my materials for the week. Which means I can spend the rest of my Sunday night relaxing.

What will I do? Read a book or watch the Emmys? Paint my nails? Or maybe go to bed early so that I don't feel like a zombie when I wake up? Decisions, decisions.  I'll keep y'all posted.

Hope everyone had a good weekend!

PS. I'm debating changing the name of my blog to Entirely My Own. It came to me yesterday when I was brainstorming new names. I'll keep y'all posted on that too!

So here's more about me...

I hope you get a good idea of who I am by reading this lovely little blog of mine. I try my best to be as real as possible.

So when I saw the Sunday Social this week was all about me an my blog questions, I knew I had to go with it!

1. What is the name of your blog and how did you come up with it??

Laughter, Love, and Necklaces. I played around with names for a bit and this one stuck. It's completely cheestastic to say, but laughter and love are important things to me. I threw in necklaces, because it's something I'm known for. My little girls in my class always love to see what necklace I am wearing next. I realize now it makes it seem like I'm a fashion blog, but I like the name so I think I'll keep it awhile. 

2. What do you love the most about blogging??

I love the connections that you make with people. I have found so many people who share my interests and who I now consider friends. I worry about them when they post something sad and I celebrate when they post something great. My blog friends are definitely my favorite part of this!

3. What are your 2 favorite posts you've written?

Definitely my types of teachers at trainings (which could be applied to any class) and  this random one about my day. My random posts really show my personality I think!

4. What is something you'd want to tell someone just starting out in blog world?

Don't be afraid to reach out. Comment on the blogs you like, retweet the bloggers you read, and share about yourself. The blog world is a pretty welcoming place!

5. Biggest blogging learning experience you've had?

No reply commenter! I didn't realize I was a no reply commenter. I wondered why no one would reply to me and then one day I checked it and changed it.  

6. Give us three blogs we NEED to be following that you love.

Gosh, SUCH a tough question. There are so many blogs I love.

Caitlin over at A Day in the Life She's definitely a kindred spirit and so funny! Absolutely love her. 

Jessica over at Lovely Little Things She just writes from the heart and she has a great attitude towards life. 

Paige over at The Eloping Stethoscope She's so smart and one of the nicest people you'll ever meet! She also designs beautiful jewelry. 

Hope this let you know more about me! Now can't wait to chow down on some dip, wings and potato salad while I cheer on my JAGS!

An Award!

Yesterday, Caitlin from A Day in The Life nominated me for the Liebster Award! The award is given to upcoming bloggers with less than 200 followers. Liebster is German and means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing, and welcome! Thanks Caitlin!!

Here's How It Works:

Each person must post 11 things about themselves.
Answer the questions that the tagger set for you and create 11 questions for bloggers you've tagged.
Choose up to 11 bloggers and link them in your post.
Go to their page and tell them.
No tag backs

Caitlin's questions are so fun. Here goes:



1. What do you do to relax?

I go to the library or a Barnes and Noble. Simply browsing through all the books definitely takes my stress away.


2. What are some of your hobbies?

My hobbies are reading and cooking. See the answer above. I love taking cooking classes and finding new recipes to make. Oh! I suppose blogging's a hobby too!


3. If you were stranded on a desert island and could only take 3 things with you, what would you take?
I'd take Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, a journal and a pen. :) (And pray that there is a river with fresh water on the island!)


4. What is your greatest accomplishment thus far?

Teaching for five years. Research has shown that most new teachers "drop out" before their fifth year. Last year was ROUGH, but I survived it and cannot wait to see what my sixth year has in store.


5. What was your favorite subject in school and why?

History. I particularly loved learning about World War II.


6. How would you describe your style?

Classic with a bit of whimsy. I took a quiz once and that's what it came up. I wear classic pieces but in bright colors. I also love fun jewelery.


7. If you could have any special talent (that you don't already have), what would it be?

I would love to be able to sing well. Something about having a good singing voice is special to me.


8. If you won the lottery, what would you spend the money on?

I'd pay off all my credit card debt (not that it's major but it would help!), my student loans and car. I'd then buy a house for myself and pay off my parents' house.


9. Name three people who have influenced you the most and why.

My mother: She's one of the strongest people I know. She raised me on her own the first four years of my life. After she got married, she moved to Florida, which was far away from all of her family. She's just an absolutely amazing person.

My dad: The man I call "Dad" is technically my stepdad. But he's just Dad to me. He married my mom and has taken care of us both since that moment. He's gruff and loud and doesn't always show how he cares. But he's loyal and protective and would do anything for my family.

JP: My younger brother has taught me a lot. He's taught me that there are plenty of times in your life where you just need to go with the flow. I've always felt a need to set a good example for him. He's also taught me a lot about loyalty.


10. What got you started in blogging?

I kept a Livejournal all through out college. Now it's neat to go back and read those entries. So I figured, why not do that now? Record things that are important in my life at this moment.


11. What is your favorite holiday & why?

That's easy: CHRISTMAS! I love the feeling I get when I hear a Christmas song for the first time during the season. I love seeing the decorations go up and spending time with family. It's just the best!

Here are my nominees:

Britt @ Yellow Umbrella

Holly @ Sunshine State of Mind

Rikki @ A Woman, Her Cat(s) and Some Books

Teresa @ Blonde Curlss

Ari @ Apples and Glue

Each blog is completely different from the others. I love to read them all! Here are my questions:

1.What is the best dessert you've ever had?

2. If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where it would be and why?

3. Who was your favorite teacher? Why was she/he your favorite?

4. What is your favorite color?

5. What is the one thing you couldn't live without?

6. What's the longest road trip you've ever been on?

7. How would you describe your style?

8. Who are you closest to in your family?

9.  Do you have any weird talents?

10. Do you prefer, flip-flops, flats, or heels?

11. Do you prefer cats or dogs? Why?

Can't wait to read your answers!

Versatile Blogger Award

Rachel over at LaLaLists was really sweet and nominated me for the Versatile Blogger Award. Thanks Rachel! So since she nominated me, I have to do the following:

Thank the nominating blogger and link to their site. Give 7 random facts about yourself. Nominate 15 other bloggers, link to their sites and let them know!

 

So here are my seven random facts:

1. I'm an avid reader (I'm currently reading THREE different books) but do not own a Nook. Go figure.
2. My two absolute favorite places in the world are St. Augustine, FL and Puerto Rico. 
3. I will always double click a clicky pen before I write with it.
4. My favorite flavor of ice cream is Strawberry Cheesecake. 
5. Speaking of ice cream, my very first job was an ice cream maker at Bruster's.
6. Even though I was HORRIBLE at it in school, my favorite subject to teach is math. 
7. If I wasn't teaching, I would want to be a Visual Merchandiser for a retail clothing store. Two totally different things!

The lovely ladies below are some of my favorite bloggers. They all are great writers and are such great reads!

1. Carly @ Lipgloss and Crayons 
2. Tiff @ The Coffeehouse 
3. Caitlin @ The Teacher Box 
4. Torie @ Lattes and Love 
5. Nicole @ Me and The Moon 
6. Bonnie @ Life of Bon 
7. Alison @ Life of Two Sokools 
8. Danielle @  The life of an "ordinary" housewife
9. Jessica @ Lovely Little Things
10. Lourdes @ Love is Life
11. Kodi @ Leaving My Mark
12. Paige @ Eloping Stethoscope
13. Niki @ Gumdrops and Gloss
14. Erica @ Inspired By Above
15. Brittany @ Buckeye Belle

Go check 'em out!