Friday Faves

Well hello there, guys!

And a very happy TGIF to ya!

It is a dreary, icky, gloomy, rainy/snowy mess here in Denver today, but that’s not going to put a damper on the fact that a) IT’S FRIDAY!!!, b) I’m wearing my good-butt jeans, c) it’s my birthday tomorrow, and d) IT’S FRIDAY!!!

Channeling my inner-Gossip Girl on the steps of the MET with my favoritest Jenna! 🙂

This time last year I was in NYC, ringing in my 27th year with one of my best friends, and while I may be missing her and the city like crazy sauce, I think that I’ve got some things up my sleeve this year that will be just as much fun. I’m meeting up with some dear friends of mine tonight for some celebratory dinner and hijinks fun, tomorrow I’m hanging with the sister–getting our retail therapy on and possibly checking out my another one of my friends’ band play, and then on Sunday, a family cookout. It’s going to be a jam-packed couple of days and I am so super excited!

After all, a girl only turns the big 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 once, right?!

What about you?! Have anything scandalous planned for this weekend? And by scandalous I mean eating Chunky Monkey from the carton, with a fork, on the newly cleaned couch, in your underwear.

Actually, that sounds like my kind of Saturday night. 😉

Before you get your ice cream on, be sure to check out my finds from around the web and more in the week’s Friday Faves!

Favorite Comeback Kid: Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Okay. I will admit that I am not nor have I ever been the biggest fan of Star Wars. I know. I KNOW, okay?! But, watching this trailer gave me chills. CHILLS! And when Han Solo and Chewy graced the screen. I maybe choked up just a little bit. I may or may not have to re-evaluate my stance on all things George Lucas and have a massive Star Wars movie binge.

Favorite Library Love: This week was National Library Week, seven whole days celebrating the absolute awesomeness that is libraries and librarians. I am so very proud to be considered a part of this amazing group, opening the doors to discovery, creativity, and magic to people everyday. This post did a wonderful job of highlighting the importance of and wonderful power that libraries have.

Favorite Breakfast of Champions: It’s my birthday week, and I will cry eat cupcakes for breakfast if I want to. And boy do I want to.

Favorite Ball Boy: I shouldn’t laugh, but it’s just. too. darn. funny! I have watched this meme probably close to a hundred times and each time, it just even more hilarious. But I’d totally tush-bump anyone in my way for a game ball.

Favorite Meme Maker: Speaking of memes, if you are a fan of baseball, and watching ridiculously awesome and perfect baseball memes, do yourself a flavor and start following @MLBGIFS on the tweet machine. You may end up wasting 16 hours of your day, but they will be 16 hours well spent, my friends.

Favorite BESTNEWSEVER: Staying with the baseball theme for a quick hot second, it just so happens that my Brewers are coming to Denver this summer once again for a three-game series against the Rockies. And it just so happens that I scored tickets right behind the Brewers’ dugout. And it also just so happens that my brother from another mother and Brewers bestie for life, Chris is coming out to visit me and take in all three games. WHAT!?! Like I said, BESTNEWSEVER!

Favorite funny: 32 Pictures That Will Give You Intense Elementary School Flashbacks. DYING over this roundup! Seriously shouted YES to every single one. Especially these stamp markers and especially #14. #2 is gave me instant anxiety.

Favorite fashion: Nellore Blouse. Love this sweet and flowy blouse, right? Can I please look as cool as this girl does when I wear it too?

Favorite DIY: Personal S’mores Roasters. Start with a patio project, end with one, too! I think these personal s’more roasters made out of mini terra cotta pots are so adorable – plus, no bon fire required!

Favorite pooch: Dapper Dog. What a gentleman!

Favorite place: Edinburgh Castle, Scotland. Seriously the coolest.

Favorite indulge: 7 Layer Cookies a la Mode. Are you KIDDING me! I think one bite of this luscious, indulgent dessert would send me straight into a blissful sugar coma!

Friday Favs

Well hey there, guys!

I hope you all are having a smashing Friday so far! It has been such a long week on my end. Winter has officially arrived here in Denver (I knew those 70 degree days would come back to bite us in the keester) and I don’t like it one bit. I know I shouldn’t be complaining as it is winter after all, and it’s supposed to snow and get colder than a well-digger’s hinny every once in a while, but good gracious…I want me some summer.

Anywhoo, other than the royal beating Mother Nature surprised us with this past week, things have been good. Like, really good. I’m kicking butt and taking names at the library and while it has only been two weeks since I started, I really feel like I am becoming a part of the campus community. I’ve gotten to know the amazing and inspiring students and the faculty/staff are the bee’s knees. I can honestly and for the first time say that I love my job. That is a pretty amazing feeling and I am so incredibly lucky and grateful.

This weekend it’s supposed to be cold and snowy out, perfect weather to stay in and snuggle up with your favorite person, have a ravenous Netflix marathon and eat all of the pizza. At least that’s what’s on the docket for me. 😉

Whatever your plans are, I hope you have a splendiferious Saturday and Sunday but before you head off to Fun Town, be sure to check out my finds from around the web and more in this week’s edition of Friday Favs.

Favorite What the What???: Say yes to the #dressgate. This had me, as well as everyone’s second cousin’s twice removed husband’s grandmother’s uncle’s wife going completely crazy last night. But this tweet from Jaden Smith might have been the thing to put me over the edge. So the question is: Are you team white/gold or blue/black? Just in case you were wondering, the dress is TOTALLY WHITE AND GOLD!!!

Favorite Wild Goose Llama Chase: I’m not gonna lie; I was captivated by this yesterday. CAPTIVATED! Who knew llamas were so bad-ass?! Speaking of llamas…my friend Chris introduced me to this amazingness and  I haven’t stopped thanking him yet. So ridiculously ridiculous. CARRRRRLLLLL!

Favorite Jam: I love me some Ed Sheeran and this tune is currently on repeat! P.S. He obviously learned his dance moves from me. Obviously. Or not.

Favorite bite: Cookies & Cream Popcorn. One of my best friends and I used to hoard Hershey’s Cookies & Cream mini chocolate bars in our lockers, which were right next to each other, freshman year of high school. It was all fun and games until the boys on either side of us discovered our locker combinations and stole our entire stash. ‘Twas a sad day indeed. I would keep this stuff under lock and KEY!

Favorite vantage point. I don’t think I’ve ever seen this super-cool wedding shot before. Ladies – keep this one in mind for any impending nuptials!

Favorite indulge: Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt. So simple. So divine. So want dozens and dozens of them right now…

Favorite pooch. Rawr. 😉

Favorite view: Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy. I. want. to. go. to. there.

Favorite sweet: Slutty Blondies. If craving promiscuous blondies is wrong, I don’t want to be right!

Favorite Funny: Just a normal, everyday text convo with the sis. Sometimes we are too much even for me! #ImActuallyJesus

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friday Fav’s

Happy Friday, all! 😀

Wow, I kind of thought today would never come. Maybe it was the fact that Mother Nature decided to go all renegade on us, dropping the temps and the snow, full-force. I am definitely not a morning person. Couple that with having to crawl out of my comfy and cozy blanket fort/bed to face the bitter cold to go to work and you’ve got one grouchy McGrouchster. On the plus side of things, all of this winter weather business has definitely gotten me into the Christmas mood.

There. I said it.

Usually I try to ward off all carols, candy canes, gifts and decorating until at least the day after Thanksgiving, but this year, I’m struggling guys. We decorated our office yesterday afternoon and with the tree right outside of my office door and Frosty the snowman looking spying at me through my window, how can I not get all festive?! Plus, Turkey day is so late this year that if I wait until after to get all Christma-fied, there won’t be a heck of a lot of time to soak it all in.

And I’m a gal who needs a lot of Christmas soakage.

That is why, I here by declare it to be fully okay to drink eggnog, put up your tinsel and get on with your bad-gift wrapping self!

Or at least that’s what I’m planning on doing this weekend.

Okay, maybe not so much the decorating part…yet…but I am definitely getting a jumpstart on my Christmas gift making. Yes, I said making. Every year I try to find some funky and cool thing to make all of my friends and this Christmas is no different. I’m kind of anal when it comes to what I make (and don’t even get me started on the whole Christmas Card process!) and it takes me a good while to make sure everything is perfect, right down to the very last bow and ribbon. You can see why I like to get started ASAP! I’ve got something really cool this year that I’m doing (all I can say is that as far as gifts go, it will definitely be my friends’ “cup of tea.” 🙂

I hope you have a fantabulous (and warm) weekend ahead of you, and in the meantime, feel free to check out my favorite finds from the web and more in this week’s Friday Fav’s!

Favorite truth. Ummm, yeah. Like, every Saturday and Sunday…

Favorite seasonal treat: Hot Cocoa Cookies. Now that we’ve finally got some snow on the ground, these hot cocoa-inspired sweet treats sound sooo yummy. Pair these babies with a giant cup of whipped cream, I mean hot cocoa, and you’re all set!

Favorite geek need: Cable Clips. This sounds ridiculous, but nothing annoys me more than when I unplug a cord from my laptop and it falls off the table and onto the floor. Just one of those things!

Favorite wow: Thorn Crown Chapel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. You have to checkout these pictures. What an amazing place!

Favorite picture: 6-Layer Rich Chocolate Malted & Toasted-Marshmallow Cake. Per-fec-tion!

Favorite pooch. CAN I HAVE HIM?!

Favorite view: Streets of Najac, France. I wonder if these people wake up everyday thinking, “I get to LIVE here!”

Favorite reading nook: Book Nook Tents!! I mean, I’d never want to leave. Like, ever. How cool!!!

Favorite cookie crave: Chocolate Chip Cookie Mousse Bomb. This recipe makes me sublimely happy. Cookies on top of cookies topped with chocolate. ‘Nuff said. 😉

Favorite funny: 20 Puns That TOTALLY Nailed it! I am nothing if not a pun-connoisseur and these my friends are ALL of the best! They’re a lot like Cheetos Puffs; so bad, they’re absolutely delicious! 😉

Friday Fav’s

Well hello there.

I can’t believe it’s already Friday (but I’m not complaining). I’m not sure what it’s like where you are, but we’re supposed to see record high temps both today, tomorrow and Sunday here in Denver and I am LOVING it! Yes, I love my fall to Reece’s Pieces, but I also love not having to turn on my heat, going for runs in the mornings before work without the extra padding of puffy coats getting in the way, and being able to sneak in one last final “Hurrah!” as far as my summer wardrobe is concerned. Call me a hopeless summer romantic, but I’m not quite ready to give up on you yet, especially when I know that the “s” word–which shall remain nameless–is just around the corner, along with its buddies ice, frost, and cold.

Ick.

But in the meantime, you better believe your shorts I am going to soak up every minute of this wonderful weather! I’ve got a hike planned for tomorrow and may even try to get in a bike ride (I have yet to get my own set of wheels but you can rent them pretty much everywhere for the day which is really pretty neat if you ask me). I also have some last minute Halloween decorating to do. The kids in my neighborhood will be on the hunt for candy come this time next week and I want to make sure my pad is decked out.

Whatever your weekend plans are, I hope you have a bunch-a-crunch of fun! And to help get you started, please take a gander at my fav finds this week from the web and beyond! (said in Buzz Lightyear’s voice) 🙂

Favorite must-have: Simple Chocolate Birthday Cake with Whipped Chocolate Buttercream. I have never wished to turn another year older until this very moment. I NEED this cake in my life!!

Favorite find: Corso Como Sussex Boots. I’ve been looking for black boots that don’t look like serial killer boots for years, and think these might be it. So sleek!

Favorite gift: Gift in a Cup. As we get older it’s more difficult to figure out what to give friends for their birthdays. I love this idea for putting a bunch of fun little things in a reusable cup. Let’s someone know you’re thinking of them, but is also quick and easy to put together.

Favorite flashback: Iced Oatmeal Cookies. These gorgeous cookies reminded me of the sweet and crispy packaged cookies I used to eat as a kid. I bet these homemade ones are so much better!

Favorite take-me-there: Havasu Falls, AZ. This picture is equal parts barf-inducing (don’t look down!) and exhilarating. Havasu Falls inside the Grand Canyon has been on my must-see list for a few years now, and this is by far the coolest view I’ve seen of it.

Favorite upgrade: Mini Pretzel Dogs. Like pigs in a blanket except way, way better. Bravo. I’m even thinking you could turn these bad boys into mini mummies for your Halloween party. Your guests’ eyes, imaginations, and most importantly, stomachs will thank you!

Favorite truth. Own your weirdness. Rock your weirdness. Love your weirdness.

Favorite tips: 10 Ways to Declutter Your Day. Wonderful ideas on how to stay focused throughout the day. I especially love the one about the laptop – if my work didn’t involve the computer/internet so much I’d be all over it!

Favorite must have/do: DIY Book Headboard. I mean. WHAT?! How amazingly amazing is this?! Would go perfect in my room and it’s so easy to do!! Double score!

Favorite Pooch: Pardon me, do you have any Milk Bones? Or Grey Poupon?

Favorite thing ever: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwiches. DYING over this creation. Sheer brilliance!

Friday Favs

Hey guys!

Happy Friday (more like FriYAY amiright?!)

I’ve got some exciting news to share with all of you. This morning I became a great aunt again (actually, it’s more like second cousin. I think?) My cousin Rachel just had her second bambino, a beautiful and healthy baby girl named Cora and I couldn’t be more happy for her and her growing family!! It’s times like these that really put things into perspective. The world can be a pretty hard place; I sometimes feel that everything is so negative, one of the reasons why I actually don’t like watching the news. But seeing these little blessings, these miracles that happen everyday all around us–whether it be a kind act from a stranger, laughs shared between good friends, and the first smile and snuggle from a newborn being introduced into this crazy thing we call life–it makes me appreciate the little things and be grateful for what I have. The world can be a pretty hard place, but it can also be pretty fantastic.

Between my cousin and the recent influx of high school and college pals who are preggers or who just welcomed their little ones into this world (how is that possible, by the way?! I’m not old enough to have friends having babies!! Or at least I don’t feel old enough. After all, we were just babies ourselves, not too long ago), I will admit. I’ve become a bit baby-feverish.  I know I’m not even close to being ready to have kids of my own, but I definitely would love to start a family, have a bunch of mini-me’s running around with their noses in books (or cookie jar).

All in good time, I suppose. But until then, I am more than happy having children of the four-legged and furry variety. Speaking of hairy children…I’m hoping to pick up my pup this weekend!!!! The animal shelter still has him on medical hold and is not quite ready to adopted yet, but the nice people at the Dumb Friend’s League here in Denver told me that it could be any day now.

Just a fair warning: You WILL be inundated with pictures. Pictures of him eating. Pictures of him sleeping. Pictures of him walking and pooping (and I’m not going to rule out pictures of him pooping WHILE walking. If he takes anything after his owner, he will be skilled in many an area). 😉

So that’s what’s a happening in my neck of the woods. How about you? Any exciting weekend plans?

Whatever you’ve got going on, I hope your Saturday and Sunday is filled with lots of fun, laughs, and endless amount of this amazingness! But in the meantime, feel free to check out my finds from around the web and more in this week’s edition of Friday Favs!

Favorite Read: My buddy Jim Gaffigan did it again, my friends. He is definitely one of my top five favorite comedians and in his latest book, Food: A Love Story, he doesn’t disappoint. I had to put the book down at times simply because I was afraid I was going to pee my pants from laughing so hard (which, as you can imagine, can get kind of awkward when you’re at work. Or at the corner Starbucks.) Do yourself a flavor and order this delicious page-turner!

Favorite treat: Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookie. I can’t think of much more I want to do than sink my teeth into one of these chewy cookies studded with chocolate and peanut butter right now. O.M.G.

Favorite place. Lake? Check. Lounge chairs? Check. Fire? Check. BEER? CHECK! I’ll be here if ya’ need me. 🙂

Favorite quote. A. Men.

Favorite slurp: Crock Pot Minestrone Soup. Hearty, flavorful, AND made in a crock pot. What’s not to love?

Favorite pooch. I CANNOT even handle the cuteness. Cannot even. Looking forward to bringing this meatball home with me!

Favorite vantage point. Fantastic wedding day photo opp!

Favorite funny. Story of my life. Consider this my CrossFit Workout. No bag left behind!

Favorite sweet: White Chocolate Brownies. Cannot get over the gooey factor. These look like they’d melt in your mouth!

Favorite find: Unzipped Candy Dish. How freaking cute is this candy dish?! It’s a glass dish in the shape of an open plastic bag!

Favorite decor: Unique Fall Decorating Ideas for 2014. Must check these adorable ideas out – I particularly love the globe basket.

Favorite Nummmm: Brownie Batter Parfait. You have GOT to see this recipe – it is off the chain!!!

Friday Fav’s

Well hello there, dudes and dudets!

And just like that, it’s October and the end of another week!

On Tuesday I begged my co-worker to tell me it was Friday already. He panicked, telling me there was way too much left to do this week in order for it to be Friday, to which I responded, um, relax, I can’t actually bend the space-time continuum. Anyway, after a blink of an eye, here we are!

After a crazy week (and a stressful interview–which, btw’s, I haven’t heard anything YET!!! Grrrr….) I’m ready to relax this weekend, get some stuff done around the apartment, and put away my summer clothes for good. The 80s we’ve been experiencing are officially gone until next year (*sigh) so it’s time to bust out my fall wardrobe, aka five long sleeved shirts and two sweaters. Isn’t that kind of fun though? Pulling out old tops you forget about always feels like going shopping except you already know everything fits (well, hopefully!) and you don’t have to deal with trying anything on in those dreadful dressing rooms. Please tell me I’m not the only one who feels like a troll in mall lighting?

Glad we’re on the same page.

Anyway, wherever you are and whatever you do have a wonderful weekend, and in the meantime please enjoy my Friday Fav’s from around the web and beyond!

Favorite photo: Pumpkin Crumb Muffins. I’m totally lusting over these muffins, but am even crazier for this shot. Fantastic!

Favorite nook: Anthropologie Inspired XOXO Pillow. The pillow this post is centered around is absolutely fabulous but I’m obsessed with this nook as a whole. Would make a perfect little reading/snuggle spot for a kid or adult.

Favorite funny: What News Anchors Do During Commercial Breaks. This is the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen. ‘Nuf said. HIGH-larious!

Favorite twist: Quinoa. Cranberry, Almond Grilled Chicken Salad. Great fall twist on the classic chicken salad. Would be good between two slices of bread, stuffed inside a pita, or scooped over a pile of lettuce.

Favorite furballs. BEST FWENDS FOREVER?!?! Right.

Favorite treat: Butterscotch White Chocolate Wonderful Krispie Treats. Everybody’s favorite sweet treat, on ‘roids! Plus there’s only 3 ingredients!

Favorite travel: 21 Roads to Drive Before You Die. Some harrowing, some breathtaking, all awesome. Really worth a look (and a drive!)

Favorite sip: Pumpkin and Apple Cider Fizz. I’ll take 47, thanks. Shaken, not stirred.

Favorite lounge: Skinny Sweatpants. For some reason I can’t quite put my finger on these skinny sweatpants really appeal to me. I just think they’re too cute!

Favorite DIY: Outdoor Fall Lanterns. Aren’t these cute? They’re not-so-cute craft store lanterns spray painted then filled with– well, I’ll let you click over to read the rest of the instructions. I think they’d look adorable on the front porch or fireplace mantel.

Favorite indulge: Skillet Brownies. DYING! Love the fact that this recipe can be made from start to finish in a cast iron skillet. Totally trying this sooner rather than later.

Friday Fav’s and a Special Prayer Request

Hey guys!

Everybody say it with me now…..

“YIPPY SKIPPY!!! IT’S FRIDAYYYYYY!!!” When I was in middle school, my principal would start his morning announcements with this exciting sentiment, sending all of the 1200 pubescent students in the building into a frenzy, yours truly included. It was just a nice way to start off the day and put everyone in a yippy skippy kind of mood heading into the weekend.

Before I get into my Friday Favs for this week, I’d like to share some news with you all.

First off, my little sister who has been battling endometriosis for a few years now had surgery this morning. She had this same surgery two years ago and while it seemed to help for a while, the symptoms just seemed to get worse over time. She’s a fighter and I know that she will do great, but I am hoping that the doctors can figure out what is causing this chronic and debilitating pain she’s been having and will be able to do something for her. It hurts my heart to see people who I love going through something so hard, knowing that there isn’t anything I can do but give them all of my support and love (and in all cases, my beast-mode bear hugs). Plus, being so far away from home, not being able to be there for her in person is really, REALLY hard. But small fry, if you’re reading this, you got this girl! You got this!

Secondly (and less on the important scale), I have my final interview for the Adult Librarian position this coming Monday morning!!!! I’m weirdly enough not that nervous (although I say that now. When I’m walking into the library come 10:30 next Monday I know my stomach will be filled with butterflies pterodactyls). I think it’s partly because I am so confident in what I can bring to this position, partly because I know how passionate I am about it, and partly because I have done these interviews for what seems to be forever and a day now. I know what to expect going it which definitely helps a bit. In addition to the standard interview spiel, I have to give a brief 5-10 minute presentation on an adult program that I would like to implement in the library. I chose to do a take on a Pinterest Party where patrons can not only learn how to use this amazingly amazing–and addictive–social media site, but also make projects inspired by ideas found on Pinterest. At the end of the five-week Pinterest Party program, there will be a Pinterest Party Bash where all of the projects made in previous sessions will be on display for everyone to see. Patrons will also be invited to bring a dish/dessert they found through Pinterest to share with the group.

Oh. The theme of the projects during these five weeks will be “Getting Crafty with Books”–projects that incorporate old and used books, repurposing them into things like lamps, storage containers and clocks. SO BOOKING COOL, RIGHT?!

I think it sounds like it would be a great way to not only get older library patrons tuned into their technology side (using the actual Pinterest site) but also their creative, tactile and social side (creating awesome projects while at the same time meeting new people). I really hope they like it!

Of course I can’t give this presentation without props, right? I’m planning on baking these babies to hand out after my presentation, just to give them an example of some of the things that could be incorporated into future Pinterest Party programs 😉

With everything that’s been going on lately, I’ve been having some seriously long but amazing talks with the Big Guy upstairs. It’s a good thing I have unlimited minutes and full data coverage. I would however so greatly appreciate any additional prayers, especially for my sister. God truly does work in the most mysterious of ways and while the methods to his madness don’t always  make the most of sense (at least at the time), there is a reason for everything. You just have to have faith.

Speaking of, I have the utmost faith that you all have an amazing weekend but until then, please be sure to check out my finds from around the web and more in this week’s addition of Friday Favs!

Favorite Feel Good: Because sometimes, you just really need a high-five, no? This just makes me so, so, sososososo happy!

Favorite proposal: I Want to Marry You Cookies. Two kinds of chocolate (TWO!) and pecans?! I do, I do, I doooo-ooooh!

Favorite drool: Hanging Library. Pretty much? This is EXACTLY what I want in my future house.

Favorite place: Emerald Lake. Just 20 miles or so west of Lake Louise in Alberta, Canada, this lake is absolutely breathtaking. I would rent a house here for a week in the summertime in a heartbeat!

Favorite treat: Easy Homemade Funfetti Cupcakes. Normally I’m a 4:1 ratio of cupcake to icing kind of gal, but holy buckets I would totally reverse the rule for these babies. Mouthwatering, and adorable!

Favorite furball. Temptation…

Favorite snuggle. This WILL become my winter weekend uniform. Just need that vest!

Favorite cozy: Cinnamon Bun White Hot Chocolate. This is soooo happening as soon as the s*&# starts flying. And when I say s*&#, I mean the white, cold and fluffy stuff that shall remain nameless.

Favorite truth: Sometimes…

Favorite funny: We’ve all been there. Some of us more than others (*cough my dad’s whole side of the family cough*)

Friday Fav’s

Happy Friday, guys!

I hope your (short) week was great and went by extra fast for you! For some reason, short weeks always seem to drag on and on for me, maybe because I have this expectation that they’re going to be super easy or that Friday will be there in a blink of an eye just because one day was tacked off the “to-do, to-worry, to-go-to-work” list. Either way, I am so glad that the weekend has made it’s appearance once more. I don’t have anything too major planned, with the exception of hopefully, hopefully, HOPEFULLY celebrating my new job!!!!!

As most of you know, I had a huge interview yesterday for a librarian position at the Colorado Academy, a private prep school here in the Denver area. Thank you all for your well-wishes and for keeping all appendages crossed for me. It truly means the world!

The interview went amazing from start to finish and I can easily say that I have never felt more confident going in and coming out. The library staff as well as the principle were wonderful, so welcoming and kind. They also shared my love of learning and books, which made me like them even more. The culture and teaching focus of CA was pretty spectacular, something I haven’t seen or worked with before as I come from a public school background; all of the students that attend have very high aptitudes and are eager to learn. Because it is a private school, they don’t have to adhere to the standard ways of teaching (i.e. putting so much emphasis on standardized testing, curriculum limits, etc.). This gives the teachers, as well as the librarians ample flexibility and creativity to develop fun and engaging activities, lessons and projects for the students, getting them better prepared for higher education and more importantly, getting them excited about learning!

I can’t even tell you how much I wanted to do a happy dance right then and there when I was learning about this school’s philosophies and goals.

I mean, that’s SO ME!!

During the interview, I not only was able to tour the school campus (I’m telling you, this school was nicer and bigger than most of the colleges I have seen) and meet with and talk to the library team as well as  the principle of the school but I was also able to sit in on a classroom storytime visit (I instantly fell in love with the students!) and was invited to lunch with the head librarian of the Lower School library with whom I would be working with.

Have you ever wanted anything so bad, you couldn’t see straight?

For the past 24 hours, I have been in a constant state of haze, my vision most certainly not 20/20.

I haven’t heard anything yet but am hoping, hoping, HOPING that they let me know by the end of the day today. I don’ think, actually, I KNOW I won’t be able to make it through the weekend without knowing either way.

Hurry up and wait is not one of my favorite pastimes.

But in the meantime, to keep myself distracted, I’m going to check out these favorite finds ‘o mine from around the web and more in this week’s edition of Friday Fav’s.

And you should too!

Have a great weekend, everybody!

Favorite fall: White Chocolate Pumpkin Snickerdoodles. The folks at Trader Joe’s recently told me that all their pumpkin products are coming in next week – whee! In the meantime, I’ll be over here drooling over these chewy pumpkin-spiced snickerdoodles. 🙂

Favorite fashion. Ok, if fall food isn’t getting you excited for the next couple of months, maybe this charming fall outfit will. LOVE me some fall boots, scarves and sweaters!

Favorite breakfast: Cinnamon-Pumpkin Waffles with a Caramel Syrup. I saw this photo on my Instagram feed a few days ago and my mouth instantly began to water. I want to take a swim in that caramel syrup!

Favorite funny: 21 Actual Analogies Used by High School Students in English Essays. I found this floating around Facebook the other day and was dyying. #14…I can’t even.

Favorite “take me there”: 19 Truly Charming Places To See Before You Die. Good grief this roundup just gave me the travel bug.

Favorite jam remix: Because Jimmy Fallon, The Roots and I both know that it’s All About That Bass. LOVE this song!!! And the message is frogging amazing!

Favorite crave: Chicken and Dumplings. Ok I promise I’ll stop with the cold weather posts after this recipe, but how perfect do these dumplings look? Chewy and dense. Will definitely be giving them a go this fall.

Favorite tip: How to Print Your Instagram Pictures Anywhere. This is an awesome tip – especially if you want to make an Instagram wall!

Favorite find. BaHA – so true. I think it would make more sense to say, “Home is where the pants aren’t ON” (that’s just the grammar nerd in me), but I think you get it 😉

Favorite pooch: Dapper Dog. What a gentleman!

Favorite flip: Rice Krispie Treat Frosting. Rice Krispie Treats in my frosting? Genius!

 

Friday Fav’s

Helllloooooo!

Happy TGIF! I’m so excited that it’s the frickin weekend! Work has been ca-razy the past few days and I am definitely in need of a few days to let my brain de-mushify. Plus, the next few weekends for me are going to be strawberry jam-packed with activities. My parents and sister are coming to Denver for a few weeks to visit and I have planned/crammed everything and anything I could into those two weeks. I am super excited!

I don’t have too much planned with the exception of possibly hitting the Netflix hard and heavy and binge-watching my new favorite show Pretty Little Liars. There are very few shows that I get excited about and this? This my friends is one of those shows. I was looking for something new to add the ‘ol queue and my sister suggested I started watching PPL (nothing like being oh, 6 years behind the crowd, right?) Oh my stars…it’s amazing! I mean, it’s like, I-can’t-wait-to-get-home-from-work, stay-up-till-midnight-just-to-see-what-happens-next good!

I really think I have a problem guys.

Whatever your plans are for this weekend, I hope you have fun and are able to spend some high-quality R&R time.

I think even “A” would agree to that, whoever she (or he? It’s totally Ian, isn’t it?!)

But in the meantime, I hope you enjoy my favorite finds from around the web and more in this week’s edition of Friday Fav’s!

Favorite travel: Havasu Falls, AZ. This picture is equal parts barf-inducing (don’t look down!) and exhilarating. Havasu Falls inside the Grand Canyon has been on my must-see list for a few years now, and this is by far the coolest view I’ve seen of it.

Favorite sip: Berry Pineapple Cooler. Speaking of perfect for summer… Why yes, yes I DO want a pitcher!

Favorite new jam: I CANNOT get enough of this song Love Runs Out by One Republic. If you don’t believe me, just ask my poor co-worker who has had to listen to my terrible, rotten, no-good karaoke renditions of it all week. “And I feel alright, and I feel alright, cuz I worked it out. Yeah I worked it out…”

Favorite fashion. This stylish Instagramer’s style is exactly what my style would be if I had style. Right.

Favorite woah and photo: Birthday Cake Chocolate Chip Cookies. You MUST click through to see the secret ingredient included in these unbelievable cookies. Hint: I’ve been wanting to try them for months. Side note: I about licked my computer screen at the sight of that cookie dough!

Favorite funny: Grandparent’s Wedding Toast. You have to watch this video of grandparents who have been married for 72 years give wedding advice to their grandson, who’s about to tie the knot. HIGH-larious!

Favorite flashback: Cassette iPhone Cover. Goll, I can’t even tell you how many cassette tapes I have in boxes at my parent’s house. I used to dub like a pro!

Favorite sweet: Cookie Butter Cookie Dough. Make edible raw cookie dough with Trader Joe’s Cookie Butter, or Biscoff Spread, then stud it with white chocolate chips. YES PLEASE! (Locals: FYI Trader Joe’s just got a new shipment of cookie butter in!)

Favorite home accent: Giraffe Bookends. Just the feel of this makes me want to go on safari. 🙂

Favorite pooch. AWWWWW!

Favorite why not: Death by Snickers Bars. What a way to go, right?! 😉