Just call me "Professor"

Just call me "Professor"....on second though maybe not. How about "Instructor", or perhaps just "teacher". It is so very odd considering my soon to be title, as I never in a million years imagined that I would ever teach a college undergrad course?! Much less, a college course of any kind. What?! Yep, that's right. I am soon to be an instructor for an undergraduate preschool development course for the summer term at UA. It will be my job to cover quite an expanse of preschool aged development in just a mere 4 1/2 week course. Normally, students are told to buckle up! However, that advice applies to me this time as well. (deep breath)

I mean...I don't even really know what to say about it. I'm excited. I'm honored to have been recommended for the position! I am, frankly, somewhat frightened and intimated. However, this opportunity is not one that I feel I should pass up. What more of a reason than because it will be a challenge, and hopefully a fun one at that! I'm looking forward to looking over the course curriculum and seeing what little personal touches I can add to it here and there. I mean it's preschool development we're talking about here. Could there be a better topic for me to discuss? 

While I fully intend to review and teach the course content, I hope to infuse a little fun and creativity into the course as well. That's only natural. The preschool years don't happen without fun and creativity! 

Wish me luck! I'm off to find a briefcase and some #2 pencils. 

Ha. Ha. Just kidding! Would I be caught with a briefcase? It's not really my style. Now a Vera Bradley work tote I might could handle! :)

Paris Chic: Bedroom Mood Board

Vintage. Paris. Chic.

I love great design, and because of that...I can't seem to sit on one room arrangement for more than a few years. I have had my current room set up for about the last 3 or 4 years. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely adore it, but...my creative juices have been flowing and I've been brainstorming some new ideas! I feel like maybe, it's just about a perfect time to be doing such a project. The college years are finally almost over and life will be moving in a new direction. So, maybe my bedroom should do the same! Let's just imagine it turning into something like this...

Duvet Cover: West Elm
*Chandelier Pendant: Ikea
Curtains: Kirkland's
Pillow Shams: Urban Outfitters
*Rug: Urban Outfitters
*Pillow: Pier 1 (I own a similar one from Target)
Nightstand: Kirkland's
Headboard: Pier 1
Table Lamp: Target
*Eiffel Tower: Hobby Lobby

*Already owned items

A Sweet Escape

"If I could escape, and recreate a place that's my own world..."

Now that you have that lovely little melody in your head, let me expound. Sometimes when I have the time to think, I like to imagine what I would like to do, where I would like to be, etc. One could say that dreaming can be quite enjoyable. What's even better, is when a "dream" becomes a REALITY! One of my dreams- work at a cupcake shop!

As some of you may know, I am obsessed in love with a cupcake bakery here in the area! Dreamcakes! I've talked about it multiple times already...and will probably end up mentioning a few times more. One of it's greatest attractions is its location in an area of downtown Homewood. Did I mention it is just a few doors down from my favorite antique store?! Eep! On any given weekend, especially now that it's Spring, one would think they were walking through Mayberry. It is just precious and darling, I tell you! And the store, it's just so southern in its vintage and collected feel. In addition, there are two Dreamcakes cupcake trucks that travel around town! The news just keeps getting better! 

The biggest announcement of late, I now get to work there! You read that right! I work at Dreamcakes! (That will continue to be exciting everytime I say it!) Y'all, it's literally like a dream come true! (no pun, intended.) So what do I do there? I work in the front of the store. I get to interact with customers and talk about a bazillion different cupcakes, and flavors, and toppings....and yes, I am just in my element! You could say the perks are the icing on top of an already wonderful cake! I currently finished my 3rd weekend at the store and am having a great time! Baking for the shop? Who knows...it may be in the future, but for now I'm just going to enjoy this bliss!

It's so awesome to see the excitement on the faces that walk in and out of the shop every weekend! I mean their slogan "Cupcakes make people happy!" is so very true! If someone were to ask me what and where my favorite cupcake shop is, Dreamcakes would win every time! (It will probably continue to win for the rest of forever!) Y'all with flavors like Over the Moon, Peanut Butter Cup, Paparazzi, Caramel Sea Salt Mocha, Strawberry Fields Forever, Chocolate High, Curious George, Beatrix Potter, Lunch Lady, Southern Belle, Banana Pudding, Peanut Butter Pie, Lemon Love....I could go on forever, you can't help but find something you like! 

Recently we've had visitors who have driven from Georgia and Florida to come to the shop. People from out of state who are vacationing, even stop in frequently saying they have to stop in before they leave town again. Y'all it's not just my favorite place...it holds that title for many people! Believe it or not, they are giddy with excitement when they come in! It's great. We've also been told that Dreamcakes cupcakes are not even comparable to places like Gigi's (just say NO) or even a shop you may know of as Georgetown Cupcakes (yep, you've seen them on TLC)! And for the record, I know what some of you are thinking....what about Sprinkles? I'd pick a Dreamcake! (I promise no one pays me to say this!)

I don't know if it's obvious, but cupcakes & I are pretty fond of each other! Having this opportunity has just been a blast! A definite sweet escape from the crazy and stressful the rest of life has...that thesis stuff is not always so much fun. 

If you're ever in my neck of the woods on a lovely weekend come visit me (and the rest of the awesome staff) here. I'll be waiting for you....with more cupcakes than you know what to do with! 

Prepare for Take-off

Today came much faster than expected. Today... I sent roomie to Atlanta via tears, prayers and well wishes! She will be starting 7 weeks of flight attendant training this week! I'll be attempting to hold down the fort at home with the animals...and trying to finish a thesis and master's program. These next 2 months will guarantee challenges, but the Lord is faithful in his purpose and his timing. Every ounce of me is confident that we will both grow in him and as individuals...and even friends during this time!

So thankful for the Lord's provision over this past year and his faithfulness in her journey! Also, I am so blessed to be a part of it. :) Bri, I am so very proud of you and have every bit of faith in you! Good Luck! There's a season for everything, and this is most definitely a season you'll remember! 

(Now that that is said....Hurry up and graduate and come home to see us!)

(To follow along with her journey check out her blog)

Essie Love

It all began with admiring a friend's manicure about a year ago. I was struck by the color! When I asked what the name of the color was, she said "Essie: Turquoise and Caicos". I was sold. I had to have one, and thus began the trek to find one of my own. I was successful! And....that one beautiful color may have started what is now a love and maybe a slight obsession with all things Essie!  Even more of a reason to love them...they have super saturated colors and a just right formula that makes any manicure look awesome!

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As a fun way to kick off what will be a monthly feature, I wanted to highlight my collection thus far!

Row 1: Recessionista, Ole Caliente, Watermelon, Tart Deco
Row 2: Ballet Slippers, Marshmallow, Pure Pearlfection, Bobbing for Baubles
Row 3: Butler Please, Turquoise and Caicos, Mojito Madness, Navigate Her
Row 4: Mint Candy Apple, Beyond Cozy, 3 Way Glaze, Matte About You
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I also recently acquired these lovely watercolor prints from Laura Trevey's shop on Etsy. (One of my very first Etsy purchases! That's exciting in itself!) 

I can't wait to frame them for a future bathroom...or that gigantic room-size closet that I've dreamt of having for years! We'll see which one comes first. My guess is the bathroom. Ha!

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Now it's your turn! Have any favorite nail polish colors?

Any other Essie fans out there? Let me know! 

I'm going to go paint my nails now. :)