The Vintage Modern Wife Giveaway!

I'm participating in a giveaway hosted by Stephanie from the adorable blog The Vintage Modern Wife! The winner gets a pair of sparkly Uggs!! SO cute! Check it out!

This month has been another great one. It's been so busy over here on my end (finals, family ski trip, Mathew getting hurt from that trip, Pearl being a menace, last minute Christmas shopping...the list goes on and on). The one thing keeping me sane? These lovely sponsors. They've really been great and I hope you all visit their blogs and get to know each and every one of them. They're all amazing! My sponsors for this month have been MORE than generous once more and pulled together to get you one great prize- SPARKLE UGG BOOTS! As it finally starts to get cold around here, these boots are the PERFECT accessory for winter. Good luck! a Rafflecopter giveaway
Be sure to check out this month's "Married" Spot Sponsor

Secret Santa Swap

I had so much fun participating in the It's Giving Season swap, hosted by the lovely bloggers Kelly, Tabitha, and Janna! Thanks girls for organizing a fabulous swap!

I got some absolutely adorable gifts from my Secret Santa! Check it out: 

                               

I love everything and the funny thing is I actually almost bought those exact same dish towels myself before I got them in my package! The ornaments are going to look so cute on my tree and I can't wait to try the recipe for Monster Cookies (written on the green card in the upper left corner)! And I LOVE the sparkly nail polish! Can't wait to try it out! Thanks Secret Santa!! :) :)

I had lots of fun buying gifts for MY secret Santa, Andrea from www.glamhungrymom.com! I hope you liked your gifts, Andrea! :)

Gift swaps are always really fun--who doesn't like getting a fun package in the mail??!? :)

A Blogger Day of Silence

Something to Think About...

I read a lot of bloggers who were talking about this yesterday and I know I will be participating with this on Tuesday. It's really hard to think about much else. My heart hurts for the community, the sweet precious little babies who lost their lives, the teachers and administrators who risked and lost their lives for their students, and the families who must be hurting so badly right now. :( 

To the Blog World and Anyone Else who Wants to Help,

Two days ago, tragedy struck so many of us in ways we did not foresee. An elementary school and small town in Connecticut was shattered by a mass shooting. We knew we wanted to help. As a side note, I would like to take this time to thank Neely and Michelle for helping organize and be so quick to come together and think of something that we could do as a blogging community. After some planning, we came up with this:



On Tuesday, December 18th, there will be a blogger day of silence. We will post the button and that's it. Please try to not post anything else that day if possible.

 We are also raising money that will go to an organization in the memory of this tragedy. The organization is called The Newtown Family Youth and Family Services. Here is the official description of the support service we are donating to: 

"Newtown Youth and Family Services, Inc. is a licensed, non-profit, mental health clinic and youth services bureau dedicated to helping children and families achieve their highest potential. NYFS provides programs, services, activities, counseling, support groups and education throughout the Greater Newtown area.

ANY DONATIONS MADE TO NEWTOWN YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES WILL BE DONATED DIRECTLY TO THOSE EFFECTED BY THE SANDY HOOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SHOOTING."

Please visit THIS PAGE to make your donation.

 We can't imagine how they must be feeling, especially this close to the holidays. We would love for you to spread the word on your own blog, Facebook, Twitter, etc. Let's make a difference and use blogging in a positive way. Thank you in advance for participating.

 Love,
The Blog World 

There are no words....

I am absolutely heartbroken about the horrific tragedy in Connecticut today. As an elementary school teacher, my heart hurts for the poor kids, teachers and staff members who lost their lives today. NO one should ever ever have to go through something so horrible and senseless. I feel so bad for their families, the other teachers, and the precious, innocent children who witnessed such horrible things. This is literally every teacher and parent's worst nightmare coming true. Ugh. I can't imagine going through something like that--how scared the kids and teachers must have felt and what horror they must have endured--what a frightening devastating experience that must have been for all involved. 

I really wish I hadn't had to take off the school day today for a medical procedure because I so wanted to be with my students today and have been able to give them each a hug, high-five, pat on the shoulder--something to remind them that I care about them and I'm there for them...kids need as much love as possible during times like these. :( 

I know I will be constantly praying for the families and the community as they deal with the aftermath of this event. Heartbreaking. :( :(

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Pinterest Wednesday!

Ahh!! I just cannot seem to get into a blogging routine these days! There is sooo much going on getting ready for the holidays, grading and interims for school, fun stuff with family and friends.... super craziness right now! I'm determined to get back on track starting right NOW! :)

Linking up with Michelle at The Vintage Apple for Oh How Pinteresting Wednesday! :)

1.) Super cute winter outfit! I love that sweater! :)

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2.) Ooooh, I love this! What a great way of organizing things in the bathroom!

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3.) Pretty color! Perfect for fall and winter.

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4.) Hahaha! Omg...this is scarily true, lol! I can't decide if it's sad or funny how many of these hilarious cards I can relate to! :)

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5.) Umm this is absolutely amazing. I needed to hear this! I'm going to print it out, frame it and hang it in my room so I can see this on a daily basis! :)

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Pinterest Wednesday!

Linking up with Michelle from The Vintage Apple for Oh, How Pinteresting Wednesday! :)

Here are some of my favorite pins from the week!

1.) I LOVE this ring---the colors are so pretty! 

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2.) Oooh, this is a fun and adorable idea! I'm definitely going to try nail ombre sometime soon!

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3.) These are the most precious earrings! Perfect for the holidays! :)

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4.) Still a bit early to be thinking about New Year's, but I am SOOO going to make these cookies! How cute!

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5.) Omg...so true! Hahaha...

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