MCB

fall picks>>>>clogs

2010-07-26T09:13:00.000-07:00

sorry for the lack of posts...

I have been enjoying my summer vacation and haven't thought about blogging at all..

I have picked some favorite things for fall.. some of which i already own... some of which will be coming to my house soon(hopefully).Clogs are really great (have always thought so) here are a few pairs i am hoping to own.

Tory Burch Brayden clogGee Wa Wa Shimmer clog

Picture Perfect clogs via Anthropologie.

That is all for today. More tomorrow.

Is it bad that I still really love Lilly?

2010-05-26T06:41:00.000-07:00

My mother is an avid Lilly Pulitzer wearer... and hence i have always loved and appreciated its vintage feel. It has been years since I have owned anything lilly,but this past weekend my love for all things Lilly was reignited. I have since purchased two new lilly pieces and have to say they are pretty darn cute... So here is the question... Am I past the point of making Lilly look Cute? Can I pull it off?... When are you too old to sport Lilly Pulitzer?

Still here.. sort of

2010-05-25T11:17:00.000-07:00

I am still here... school is winding down this week... which for a title I, federally funded school, means crap tons of paperwork.

My 10 kids that have shown up for school have been real troopers.. organizing books, cleaning out cabinets, filing papers, and doing seat work(if someone can't control themselves)

I feel like they should each be holding a sign that says.... will work, for candy.

That is truthfully how we will make it through the rest of the week. Candy Candy and more Candy!

3 more days.

I do have lots of fun things to look forward to this summer... which starts Friday!

1. Two wonderful friends getting married on Saturday

2. My wonderful birthday party planned by the world's greatest BFF.

3. Spending times with my two little cuddle bugs! ( who btw love their Aunt May May more than anyone else)

4. Fun time with friends who are in town for the summer

5. A visit from these clowns in a few weeks

6. Going to visit these clowns a few weeks after that!

7. Time in NOLA

8. Time with the Fam

9.Time at the Lake

10. TIME.......

Happy almost summer to everyone!!!

I can't believe I have made it another year!

fizzy

2010-05-03T10:58:00.000-07:00

This is my favorite spring/summer nail polish... go buy some.. its awesome... it will make you smile every time you look down. Thank goodness the rain has stopped. Now its time to work on my tan.

MCB

Accessories- I am in love with...

2010-04-26T12:12:00.000-07:00

These are few accessories that i have been loving lately. Some of these things i have had a while and some are new additions. This watch is awesome! It goes with everything and makes your arms look tanner because of its light color.

Don't you just love this little boat tote. I keep finding reasons to use it because it just makes me so darn happy!

I couldn't actually find the color that i have in these shoes(coral),but i wear these almost every day to school. They are comfortable and trendy. I have been wanting a fun big ring and this is just the ticket. It has not actually arrived yet, so lets hope it lives up to the pictures.

My initial necklace i bought back around christmas. I wear it all the time. Lauren Conrad "LC" has one also. So by default i am cool. Right?

Just a few fun things i have been sporting lately! Hope everyone is having a marvelous monday!

MCB

Birthday Presents....

2010-04-18T15:01:00.000-07:00

My wonderful amazing do-gooder sister's birthday is in a couple of weeks. She is in her residency in New Orleans and so by default does not have a lot of free time. She graced us with her presence for a couple of days last week and we had a spectacular time spending my parents money..... We shopped..... we ate...... we laughed..... and by the end of our couple of days together we fought( isn't that what sisters do?). I have been racking my brain trying to think of a creative birthday present for Katie and it finally dawned on me..... I would redecorate her bedroom for her birthday. Katie has had the same bedding since she started medical school 5 years ago and to say that it has seen its better days would be an understatement. I poured through my online fabric resources and assembled a sophisticated, calming, peaceful bedroom., just what the doctor ordered(ha!). The following pictures are of the fabric samples and such. She will have take a picture so we can all see the final product.

Bed skirt and Euro Shams made from this....

With this trim....

And this quilt in White.....

And this Duvet with a porcelain blue dot trim.

And these lamps....

Spring obsessions

2010-04-15T08:41:00.000-07:00

Due to some body changes and such.. i am having to buy a whole new spring wardrobe... which is well really fun for the most part ( especially when the p-units are funding it). I tried to stay on the cheap for most things.
Here are my steals from oldnavy. These pants are awesome.. i own them in pink, gray, white, and dark denim... I think they are like $15.00 this week. Can't beat that.

This dress is like $12.00 right now and i own it gray, pink, and teal. It is so comfortable and looks really awesome belted.

The following images are my recent purchases from Mecca( anthropologie). They are all awesome as per usual.

Ok so not all on the cheap... but aren't they fun! It makes going in your closet so much better.

I will be back with my shoes/ accessory finds for spring... I am sure you will be waiting with baited breath.

LOVE>>>

2010-04-15T08:30:00.000-07:00

I am completely OBSESSED

I honestly have never been one to take that great care of my skin. I usually have always been on some sort of Acne regimen from my dermatologists. I am known to go to sleep with a full face of makeup and often times do not thoroughly wash my face. Hence probably why i needed to be on Breakout prone skin care. The picture above is of the Clarisonic pro and when i tell you this is the most amazing thing ever invented, you need to take my word for it. I use this twice daily with my regular face wash. It makes your skin fresh and dewy. It clears up and minimizes breakouts. And pretty much makes you look like you have had a facial everyday. I have been using mine for about 3 weeks now and I probably get a compliment on my skin everyday! The highest compliment paid was by my bff Lacey who works in a dermatologists office and more importantly has the most flawless skin in the world. She noticed the minute she saw me. So here is my shameless plug. This is the best thing for your skin in the entire world. period. It is pricey, but worth the investment. Just say yes to a facial every day.

MCB

Spring break came and went....

2010-03-22T12:00:00.001-07:00

Today might be the nastiest day that has ever happened..... ( both mentally and physically) I returned to work today after 10 days of spring break... It came and went too fast... but i was able to be productive...
Here is my list of things that I accomplished during my week off:
1. deck/ house/ driveway and sidewalk pressure washed..... by a proffessional not me.
2. flower beds cleaned out... new mulch put out
3. monkey grass transplanted from mom's yard to my yard to line the edge of my flower bed
4. stone placed around other flower beds
5. shrubs and trees cut back
6. pine straw spread
7. deck stained
Whew... it was quite a week at the little homewood house.... but at least maybe now i can actually enjoy the outdoors this spring.. instead of working in the yard every weekend!
Happy Spring!
P.S.- my nephews have arrived and are the most adorable things i have ever laid eyes on.... there mother(my sister in law) doesn't want them on the internet for everyone to see , so you will have to take my word for it.

MCB

It's all in the name.

2010-03-04T07:07:00.000-08:00

My kids at school have known about the twins since the very beginning and with it getting closer to the time they are to come, I have gotten more and more questions about what their names are going to be. So today for our morning activity i let them think up names for the boys. I am going to put them on a ring with a bow and take them to my brother and sister in law. Before i left school with them i passed them around to the other teachers( for entertainment purposes). We have never laughed so hard before in our entire lives.

Here is a list :

CJ and DJ

Obama

Tadarrius

Candarrius

Ladarrius

Derrick

Sam

speedie

Jefferson

Levert

Peter

Christian

Jason

Luther

Jackie

Johnny

Justin

Joe

Randarius

Shane

mike

Sek

Plice

Michael and Jackson

Omiar

Dumpkin

Jake

Steven

Da"Man

Toby and Coby

Jacoby and Tacoby

Tamal and Hamal

Zeek

Kein

Kevin

Zack

Which ones do you think they should name the boys?

I am loved.

2010-02-10T09:07:00.001-08:00

So what if i don't have an actual valentine this year. I am lucky enough to have 16 people that would love more than anything to be my valentine. This is what makes all the crappy things about my job totally worth it.

Happy early Valentine's Day!

Mardi Gras Fashion

2010-02-08T18:38:00.000-08:00

My week is going to be crazy... between taking off two days for Mardi Gras and having a proffessional development workshop half a day, I am going to be lucky to see my students at all. They are so understanding and are easily bribed with Little Debbie valentine's cakes(who isn't?)

So because my week is semi-hectic i have decide to pack for the weekend tonight. As i thought about what attire would be appropriate for the weekend i took into account the following things- 1. new orleans street funk

2. small children

3. lots of walking

4. lots of drinking

So i have decided i am going to try to look stylish without ruining all my "good" clothes.

So without further adu... Here is what is going in my suitcase. I know some of the shoes are ugly, but I have to dress for comfort.

This is obviously not everything going in my suitcase, but i couldn't list it all as my computer was running slow!

MCB

Dat's Who!

2010-02-08T08:08:00.001-08:00

So the Saints completely rock right? I know all of you were sporting black and gold all day yesterday right? And if you are as die hard as my mom you might be sporting your "who dat" shirt tucked into a pencil skirt with a cardigan on today to the Junior League luncheon. She is seriously wearing that.
Anyways last night was incredible! I know having a new orleans native as a mother and a family that's roots run deep helps, but i felt like kid on Christmas yesterday. It was an amazing day. I loved calling my sister( who lives in NOLA) after every play and hearing the sounds of what seemed like hundreds screaming coming through the phone. I loved texting my cousin Julie to make sure her kids were awake to see this amazing victory( which of course they were)! I loved the way the perseverance of this team made me feel and who I thought of first when they finally won. Julie summed it up best on her blog," her heart was full" and so was mine. As the saints game ended last night, I swear I saw the glistening of tear on my mom's face. See it's not just about a football game...... It is about so much more.... It is about a city! And to end I will leave you with my mom's quote of the night, " I just never thought i would live to see the day the saints would win a Superbowl"
Who dat? We Dat!
MCB
BTW- I am headed to NOLA on thursday for Mardi Gras and can't wait to take part in the Saint's pandemonium it is going to be incredible!

finished product

2010-02-04T11:53:00.000-08:00

Here is my finished product... i know the angle is a little funny.... I think it turned out pretty good, except for the overnight death of one of the hydrangeas... but i guess that is par for the course.

Coming soon...

2010-01-28T12:41:00.001-08:00

If i haven't said it yet... my little doublemint twins are BOYS!

Which i know most of us in my family are extremely excited about ,but kind of nervous at the same time.

But back to the point at hand, this weekend is one of my sister in laws baby showers and i am doing the flowers for the party. I combed through books, magazines, and websites looking for just the right inspiration to make this winter baby shower really special. So coming soon.... the flower arrangement that i have created for the party . It will include all of these things....

Wish me luck !

Whot Dat? Who Dat say they gonna be them saints? !

2010-01-25T12:30:00.001-08:00

I mean seriously... Who saw that game last night! It was the most nerve racking 4 hours of my life. As an Auburn grad i usually only feel this way about the iron bowl, but seriously it was Awesome. I have grown up being a Saints fan simply because that was all i knew. I heard stories of Archie Manning and losing seasons( nicknamed the Aint's) , but never once have I been able to cheer for the Saints in a SuperBowl. So Febuary 7 you better believe i will be decked out in black and gold... Screaming Who Dat! at the top of my lungs!

This saints season has been such a boost for the city.. Not only has it helped the economy, but it has yet again give the citizens of New Orleans a reason to pull together and support something so wonderful. So when it comes to choosing you Superbowl pick! Root for the Underdog! Pull for th Saints!

You know Peyton Manning secretly wants the Saints to win... afterall they taught him everything her knows!

Things i am loving for Winter!

2010-01-10T17:24:00.000-08:00

Birmingham has been boasting some pretty cold temperatures lately.... so with that comes my favorite things for winter/ new purchases I have made.

A Leather Jacket.... Now i have tried to be cool and do the bomber style jacket but it just doesn't work for me. I look kind of wannabe in it. So i settled on this lovely option. I love the color and am looking for any reason to wear it.

I have been sporting this little number a lot when dressing up! I absolutley love it and have had many people ask if they can borrow it. I think it is pretty awesome

With cold weather comes my need to layer... Mom picked this up for me the day after christmas and it has become a regular accessory during these past cold weeks.

I have also been sporting lots of solids with different fun accessories including these two anthropologie favorites.

Lastly Santa( mom) slipped these cuties under the tree and i have been loving them as a my POP of color in the drab winter. ( they are purple if you can't tell)

Stay Warm!

MCB

Here's my question?

2010-01-02T20:41:00.000-08:00

Why is it that you have to get married to take a really awesome tropical VaCay?
I think in 2010 I am going to change this. I am going to take a really awesome tropical Vacay with friends... JUST BECAUSE. If you are game let me know?

Taylor Swift...

2009-12-09T09:12:00.001-08:00

Lately i have been really obsessed with Taylor Swift.... If you didn't already know that about my personality i am a bit obsessive and get stuck on kicks quite easily. I have been really into her music.. it just makes me smile... But more importantly i have been really into her Hair accessories... So yesterday i bought myself a very early Christmas Present... Merry Christmas to me and to T Swift.

The first pick is of T Swift wearing the headband... The second is of the headband up close.... Don't worry i am not going to wrap it around my head like that

What have you bought yourself for Christmas?

So continues my love of QVC...

2009-12-09T09:03:00.000-08:00

I know i admitted my love of QVC early this year when i purchased my faux fur Rachel Zoe Vest. Well it continues. I have been wanting something in a tartan or christmas plaid to wear for the holidays. I loved the J crew Wrap dress a couple of years ago in Tartan plaid tafetta and well to be quite honest have be searching for it substitute ever since. I was watching the New Issac Mizrahi collection for QVC on Sunday night ( don't judge)... When it appeared. A tafettta Plaid Party skirt... Perfect for Christmas Eve. What do you think... with Black tights, and a black silk top and cute jewelry... Don't you think i will be a hit.

Thankful.....

2009-11-23T14:01:00.000-08:00

I have so many things to be thankful for this thanksgiving.......

1. My amazing completely dysfunctional family

New Orleans Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins

Birmingham Cousins and Siblings

2. Wonderful Friends

3. The cutest dog in the whole world.... James Brown

4. A whole week off from school.... Jealous

5. Going to New Orleans to see these stinkers....

6. Going to New Orleans to see my best Friend ( seen below at her Med School Graduation)

Oh yeah she's my sister too!

7. My two little monster's that will arrive in the new year!!! I can't wait to be an Aunt and I am definitely thankful for the opportunity! Thanks Kitty and Tucker

Confession

2009-11-18T09:43:00.000-08:00

I need to confess something..... and i would like to not be judged for it......

I am completely obsessed with these..........................

Not to mention him

and i also have a small Girl crush on her.....

So that all to say.... I am pretty pumped for Friday..... I bought my tickets weeks ago!!!!

Bring it on .... New Moon!

Auburn Football......

2009-11-13T10:58:00.000-08:00

The Wall Street Journal recently did an article on how Fraternities are fighting to keep their seats at Auburn Football games. If you are an Auburn Alum you know that the Fratters always had the best seats and the pledges to save them for them. I find this story very entertaining. I know it has caused an uproar that fraternities get preferential seating at football games. But to be quite honest it always always nice to know you had somewhere to sit.... even if you happened to get covered in Bourbon after an exciting play.

and also .... its not just fraternities that get block seating at games.... Any University organization is illegible for block seats.... They are handed out based on the amount of spirit points each organization accrues over the year.

Here is the article.......

BTW... The boy they are talking about most of the article is my sorority advisers son

War Eagle............ Beat those Dawgs

Who Dat ?

2009-11-03T08:52:00.000-08:00

Let's Hear it for the Saints.....

I am not really into professsional sports, but you've got to cheer for the saints!!!
Check out my cousin Julie's Blog! It sounds like the city was really alive yesterday!!!

Double the Fun

2009-10-28T15:45:00.000-07:00

So it has gone facebook and blogworld as of yesterday.... so i know i won't be spoiling the surprise but my sister in law is pregnant with twins!!! We are beside ourselves with excitment. These two wonderful babies will be the first grandchildren on our side and I know my parents are both incredibly excited to become a grandparent. I have no doubt that i will easily be these two's favorite aunt, because well i am SOOOO much fun and my sister does not live in town. So I will get more time to brainwash them. Prayers are much appreciated as things with twins can always be tricky. It is crazy how much i love these two little tadpoles and don't even know them. Heres to Double the fun come March or April!!!

MCB

Bribery...... the trick to my sanity.

2009-10-27T15:25:00.000-07:00

For all those non- teachers out there. I want to let you in on all elementary teachers personal hell... October thru December. We celebrate and talk about holidays from no till we get out for Christmas. The kids are on one big sugar high until Januray. The holiday season has officially kicked off and while we are not able to actually celebrate Halloween, I do have some tricks up my sleeve to ensure that i make it out of this week alive.

First off Let me introduce you to my classroom rules.

Pretty easy right?...... Wrong!

Here is my behavior managment system......( take notice of where the clothespins all are) If they break a rule they move their clip. Easy right? Wrong!

In order to earn this.........

You must keep your clip on Green all week.

This doesn't seem that hard, but considering the defiant personalities i have ... it has proved to be quite difficult for a few. I have had melt downs over these mini pumpkins by a few, but overall my children are behaving like sweet angels this week, at the chance to decorate and take home there very own baby pumpkin. Here's hoping they still care tomorrow! Happy Halloween!

**** You would not believe how many of my students had never touched a real pumpkin... SAD

garage sales

2009-10-25T09:24:00.000-07:00

So one of my absolute favorite things to do on Saturday mornings is to go to Garage sales. My mother has an excellent eye and is known to find the best deals. If you come in my house I can probably point out at least 100 things i have bought at a garage sale. This saturday was not a dissappointment. I found a corner cabinet for $70. I love the cabinet, and seems to fit perfectly in the corner of my dining room? What do you think?

Carving pumpkins

2009-10-16T12:14:00.000-07:00

On a scale of 1 to 10 how hard do you think it would be to carve pumpkins like these????

I really love them , but do not know if I have the time/ patience to figure this out!

Today is the first day it has felt like fall. I am happily sporting a sweater , jeans, and cowboy boots and do not look at all ridiculous. Happy Weekend!

Did i tell you my bff's hubs is a Celebrity?

2009-10-16T12:10:00.000-07:00

Meet Mac Russell..... The new Executive Chef at Standard Bistro. I feel so cool knowing him. So if you are in the area and looking for a great meal. This is your place!!!! Take a look at the menu here it looks fabulous and like he said in a recent article... he is trying to " spank your taste buds".

Jambalaya, crawfish pie, filet gumbo

2009-10-12T16:25:00.000-07:00

So it is a miserably soggy night here in Birmingham.... So i thought i would make some Jambalaya. Nothing is so comforting as a big pot of rice, seasoning, chicken, and sausage. My Aunt Cathie recently shared recipe with me that is so good and so easy! It is literally a dump everything in the pot and bake recipe( my favorite kind). So if you are looking for something easy and yummy to cook as the weather turns chilly, this is sure to satisfy!

JAMBALAYA for 25

4 cups Uncle Ben's white rice

2 cans consomme or bouillon

2 cans French onion soup16 oz. can tomato sauce

1/2 stick of butter

2 lbs. sausage

4-5 boneless chicken breasts, uncooked, cubed

Tony Chachere or Louisiana spice seasoning
Mix all the ingredients together.

Cover and bake for 2 hrs. in 350 degree oven.

What is on my bedside table......

2009-10-01T09:48:00.000-07:00

This is a list of books on my bedside table. I hope that by writing these down i might be more inclined to actually read them .

HA! we will see! Have a great Thursday!

Big Plans...

2009-09-30T06:47:00.000-07:00

Well not really, but Aunt and Uncle are stopping through on their way to North Carolina tonight. So we are having an impromptu family gathering! I love when they come to visit, because it usually means that I will get a good meal out of it. Tonight will not disappoint. We are heading to Chez Fon Fon one of my all time favorite Birmingham hot spots. Not to mention they have my favorite drink ever.

Behold the Orange Thing

It is amazing! And i suggest that you all go have one immediately! Happy Wednesday!

Things for Fall Part 2

2009-09-28T12:10:00.000-07:00

Here are a few more things that I have recently purchased for fall!!!!

Neckalace--Anthropologie ( of course) Bangle( Anthropolgie Again)

Perfect fall dress!!!!

Happy Monday!

I know it's not halloween, but.....

2009-09-25T09:16:00.000-07:00

My kids have been off the chain crazy this week. They have been running around like crazy people for the last few days. So yesterday i informed them i would not be at school tomorrow.... Viola Swamp would be coming in my place. Viola Swamp is a literary character that is known to children as the meanest substiute in all the world. You would have thought I had cussed at them, because they looked at me with mouths wide open. This morning i showed up in a full witch outfit and have been acting very STRICT with them. They have not spoken a word in 2 hours. HA HA HA

Happy Halloween

****For those of you who do not know who viola swamp is. She is a character from the book :Miss Nelson is Missing

I also have a child in tears any time i look at her. It is so funny.... I am definitley going to have to call her mom today and let her know what is going on! I don't want her to get the wrong idea.

B-A-N-A-N-A-S

2009-09-23T09:43:00.000-07:00

So my favorite bravo celebrity( minus NENE from the RHOA) has started a small fashion line devoted to her favorite thing! Don't Worry it isn't real fur! Rachel Zoe welcome to the runway.... Can't wait for my fur vest to arrive! You know i pre-ordered it! Don't Judge.

"I Die"

Things I have purchased for fall part 1

2009-09-22T09:40:00.000-07:00

Ok So i have a bit of a shopping addiction. This comes as NO surprise to anyone who has even only briefly met me. So i have compiled a list of things i have purchased for fall. This is Part I, I am doing this to primarily to hold myself accountable. So all of you know what i have bought and you also know i don't need anything else. OK ... Understand.... Got it.
First up we have this lovely sweater from Antrhopologie. It was on sale! Perfect fall color!

This sweater is also another Anthro find... not on sale... but by the time it goes on sale they won't have it anymore. That's how i justify it! Isn't great!
I have been wanting some gladiator heels, but not wanting to spend a fortune. I found these at kohl's they are simply vera wang brand and they are surprisingly comfortable.

Another Anthro purchase. It looks great layered and is an awesome color for year round wear.

And finally my minnie pants. Mine are not J Crew they are Michael Kors. They are seriously the most comfortable pants i have ever worn. I own them in brown, black ,and gray!

So this is part1, i hope you think i made good purchases. I will be back with part 2 later this week! Happy shopping! oh and officially Happy Fall ! Let's go buy some Pumpkins!

If he goes missing.....

2009-09-21T12:25:00.000-07:00

You Know where he is Julie?

I mean how can you not smile looking at this child.

(this pic is stolen from my cousing julie's blog and this is her precious 8 month old)

So here's what we came up with?

2009-09-20T18:39:00.000-07:00

Ok, so this pic was taken from a phone because i forgot my camera. I had high hopes of documenting all steps to making this arrrangement, but then i decided to take a nap and had to throw this together in a matter of minutes. The arrangment is done in a copper pot. I used sunflowers, zinnias, lemon basil ( all bought at pepper place) and caladiums and rosemary cut out of my yard. The look i was going was for a casual table with hints of summer. This is my farewell to summer arrangement!!! I hope you like it! I think its a little different from my usual style!!! Hope you had a great weekend! WAR EAGLE
MCB

My Passion

2009-09-18T12:30:00.000-07:00

So I am not in Charleston this weekend do to the death of my bestie's sweet Mimi! So instead i will be in attendance of a lovely dinner party tomorrow night at the home of my sweet friends Ellie and Charles. I love to entertain..... It is such a high to come up with a design plan and execute it. I love to have people in my house, but here is a secret. I rarely cook? I will spend hours arranging flowers and picking out the perfect table linens, but when it comes to cooking the meal well i just don't have what it takes. That's why Ellie and I are the perfect team. She is an amazing chef. She whips up the most fabulous, gourmet meals and she makes it look so easy.
So as i was asking Ellie what i could bring tomorrow night, I immediately thought, I will bring something I can do to the party. So tomorrow night I am bringing the centerpiece. Now I am in no way skilled or trained in flower arranging, it really is just a hobby that i pull out at showers, holidays, and birthdays. I started going though my pictures to decide what i should do for my arrangement tomorrow night and i started to realize something. I definitely have a certain style. Almost all of my arrangements look the same. So i am going to try something new tomorrow night and I will be back on Sunday with the details! Wish me luck! I am also going to try to use only flowers i have growing in my yard or that i can buy at the farmer's market. So that should be interesting.

Working for the Weekend!

2009-09-14T08:57:00.000-07:00

Substitute Hired (check)

Lesson Plans Typed (check)

Copies Made( check)

Guess what i am looking forward to.......

A long weekend with great friends in an equally great city.

Oh Yeah and we are celebrating one of my oldest friends and childhood next door neighbor's 25th Birthday!

Happy Birthday Ash!

Charleston here we come!!!!

If anyone has great suggestions for places to eat or go I would love to know! We are always up for something new !

MCB

Falling

2009-09-10T12:26:00.000-07:00

To kick off Fall here are some of my favorite things for fall... some are not all that new or trendy! But i think they are MUST Haves!

Red shoes! I mean everyone should have a pair!

A statement necklace! Go to Forever 21 to find a great one for under $10

The pixie pant! It looks great with flats and heels and in Alabama it can be worn well into winter!

Linconln Park aftter Dark! My favorite fall nail polish!

Alright, I need to admit something to you. One of my tragic flaws is that i " rush the season". I have a huge problem waiting to wear a great new sweater or wonderful sundress( depending on the season) . So if you see me wandering around Birmingham in a wool sweater you will know why. Goodbye summer! HELLO Fall!

It's no secret....

2009-09-09T09:53:00.000-07:00

That I love Barack Obama( well all the Obama's)! I know a lot of people disagree with me,but hey it's my choice! Anyways! I am in love with his back to school speech from yesterday! Seeing as I work in the public school sector, I was asked to show the speech! I loved watching my kids hang on every word he said. It is amazing how much they listen to him. They really do believe what he says and they really to do want to make him proud. I just think it was an inspiring speech that really had the potential to change mindsets of children in poverty and what they are capable of. And you know i am always a fan of that! So to all of you who aren't so sure of him , I tell you to go listen to his speech! It might even inspire you!

I will quote one of my second graders who said " There is no excuse for not trying, remember Barack said that"

MCB

You know you love me.....

2009-09-08T12:32:00.001-07:00

Well next monday is the premeire of my official FAVORITE SHOW on Television! I get caught up in all the drama of chuck and blair. If i could I would come back as blair waldorf! So just for y'all i give you some of my favorite Blair Waldorf Fashion

Don't you just want to be covered in ruffles, flowers, and fabulous headbands?

xoxo

Gossip Girl

Excuses Excuses.......

2009-09-04T05:37:00.000-07:00

Well this is a real excuse one of my collegues recieved the other day

" Please excuse Amiyah from school this week, her grandmother died six months ago and i just found out"

My assistant principal read this note and her response was" Well i hope she wansn't living with them"

Happy Friday!

War Eagle
MCB

In my next life i want to come back as.....

2009-08-31T07:10:00.000-07:00

Julia Childs! I know everyone has been reviewing this movie, but i have to be honest I absolutley adored it. I took my Mama to see it with me and she and i had the dumbest smiles after watching it. I seriously went to Barnes and Nobel and purchased these three books that night. I have not yet cracked the cover of Mastering the Art of French Cooking. But I Will! You never know i might be cooking Boeuf Bourguignon before you know it!

Sidenote: Funny thing is now my mom and I now are going to Paris for 8 days in March! I must finish My life in france before our little escapade! Maybe i will just stay forever and go to Le Cordon Bleu Cooking school! That would be the life for sure!

Have a great Monday!

MCB

This will keep me going all day!!!

2009-08-28T06:08:00.001-07:00

Jedrek just asked me and I quote " Is red riding hood a mix cause she looks funny". I asked him what a mix was( i already knew) and proceeded to tell me " You know when your mom is white and your daddy is black you know a mix". That will keep me laughing All Day and into the weekend! Hope that starts you day off well!

Project Runway

2009-08-27T11:00:00.000-07:00

Tonight I am having a few lucky (ha!) people over to watch Project Runway! I am obsessed with Project Runway and on many a day I think that Tim Gunn and I would be real life friends. I feel like he would really like my personal style? Don't you! Everyone needs a friend like Tim Gunn. But Anyways tonight I am making Refrigerator Roll cake for my guests. It is one of my favorites that i stole from Darby( who i also think would be my real life friend and who i shamelessly blog stalk). I hope that you will try this recipe it always proves to be a crowd pleaser! Oh yeah and i don't have Swine flu, false alarm! Anyway here is the recipe Bon Appetite

Refrigerator Roll

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups heavy cream, whipped, or 8-ounce container frozen whipped topping, thawed

9-ounce package Nabisco Famous Chocolate Wafers

Chocolate curls, for garnish

Stir vanilla into whipped cream or topping. Spread 1/2 tablespoon whipped cream or topping on each wafer. Begin stacking wafers together and stand on edge on serving platter to make a 14-inch log. Frost with remaining whipped cream or topping. Chill for 4 to 6 hours. To serve, garnish with chocolate curls; slice roll at 45-degree angle.
Serves 12
Source: The recipe for this simple but impressive-looking dessert has appeared on the Nabisco Famous Chocolate Wafers box for more than 50 years.

Reason numero uno i hate teaching.....

2009-08-25T07:01:00.001-07:00

I most likely have SWINE FLU

Really

Thanks Sequoia! You are obviously going to be my fav student this year

Going to Doc this afternoon so i will have an update soon!

Trying to regain my Sanity

2009-08-20T09:45:00.000-07:00

This weekend in an attempt to not go completley mental I am being whisked away to Lake Martin for our second annual girl's weekend. I am one of the most blessed people when it comes to friends. I have best friends from my family, high school, college, post college, and even work. I count myself extremley lucky to be surrounded by such amazing women. One of my subgroups of best friends( college) are taking a quick weekend get away to the lake. This is much needed considering I have now been back in school teaching for 8 days. These girls are my sanity. They are funny, loyal, compassionate, and godly. They know the importance of a good beer or glass of wine ,but more importantly the importance of a good conversation. So I am so looking forward to a weekend filled with good conversation and sweet smiles. Now I ask for your prayers. See last year we went to visit Lacey for such said weekend, and well WE ALMOST DIED. So if you would please pray that we would not get stuck on a boat during a thunderstorm and hurricane force winds I know we would all appreciate it!( Yes that really did happen) I hope every one has as good of a weekend as I know I will!

MCB

First Days of School

2009-08-19T18:48:00.000-07:00

This is my actual classroom FYI

Well... If you know me at all you know that I complain on a daily basis about my job. Lately I have been really convicted about this, because well the truth is I really do love my job. These first few days of school can be rather well ummmmm....... trying .......with a new bunch of second graders. I am constantly teaching rules and procedures.... how to put you backpack away,how to throw away trash, how to sharpen your pencil, how to walk in the hall, how to use the bathroom etc. This can be rather boring and kind of repetetive, but I thougth about how exciting it is for my kids to learn. They love every minute of the first days of school. New pencils, New crayons, New classroom. They absolutley eat up every word I say. I could tell them they had to do 15 jumping jacks before they could use the bathroom and they would probably do it. Anyways, as of today I am changing my attitude and going to make 2nd grade for these little ones their best year ever! I am going to make every activity exciting and try to introduce these somewhat limited children to new experiences and new people. So if you have any thing fun you want to share with my class bring it on!

Impact Alabama

2009-08-18T12:41:00.000-07:00

I have a sweet child that is in desperate need of some glasses and I have been researching places that give discounts or free glasses to under privelged children. My dad pointed me in the direction of Stephen Black ( an attorney at his office) who founded a program called Impact Alabama. He along with others developed a thing called focus first, which puts glasses on the faces of young children who are from poverty that are missing out of learning because of their vision issues. It is an awesome organization that I so excited about working with. If you get a chance swing over to their website and see what they are all about!

MCB

Twas the day before school starting.....

2009-08-10T14:01:00.000-07:00

Well its actually two days before school actually starts, but i have been preparing all day for the meet the teacher night. I am really looking forward to my class this year , I hear mostly great things about them from the first grade teachers. Most everyone who reads this knows that i teach in a low socio-economic area and that most of my children come from poverty. Although I complain a lot about situations with my job, I find that helping each of these children conquer reading, math,science, and social studies to be truly rewarding. I know that this bunch of kids will be very precocious and will inevitably leave me with some great material for my blog. So to let you know a little about my kids I am going to give you the top 5 names on my roll for this year.
1.Levert
2. Cortarius
3. Moriba
4.Sequoia
5. Jedrek
What do you think? I bet they are going to give me a run for my money!

Happy Birthday to

2009-08-05T06:29:00.000-07:00

MY MOM!!!!!!

Today is my mother's sixtieth birthday and i know she will probably kill me for letting everyone know, but I feel the need to celebrate her! My mom is one of the most wonderful people i know! I hope that she has a wonderful day! Here's to many more wonderful birthdays with her!

Love You Mom

P.S. - Can you believe she is really sixty?????

Kat's Birthday Party

2009-08-01T08:17:00.000-07:00

Last night I had the pleasure of hosting one of my best friend's birthday get togethers. We wanted to do something casual but really girly! Katherine loves all things pink!

I am a bit of a flower nut! I love to arrange flowers and try new things. I bought this hanging vase in New Orleans a while back and have love using it and trying different things in it. It is so great but also requires very few flowers to make a statement. We had a great time last night celebrating Katherine and what a good friend she is to us all. I look forward to many more girly birthdays with her.

Happy Birthday Katherine!

Welcome to the world Baby Boy!

2009-07-29T19:01:00.001-07:00

All the Visitors with Mom, Dad and Baby Becker

Momma and Baby Becker
I am so excited to show you who i met on Sunday. Baby Becker! He is the sweetest little baby i have ever seen and we had such a fun time getting to meet him! Momma Em looks great and seems to be settling in to motherhood well! Thanks Em and Matt for letting us stop by!!! Can't wait to watch this little babe grow up.

the joys of home ownership????

2009-07-21T07:12:00.000-07:00

****************************Not my actual front yard**************************
So i bought my house about a year and half ago and it has been a wonderful little spot for me. It is in a great location, has a lot of charm and there was very little (cosmetically) that i needed to do to it! Well a year and a half later and a waud of money later I am the proud new owner of a new sewer and water line!!! Woo-Hoo it is what i always dreamed I never knew i wanted. Needless to say I have watched my semi landscaped front yard go to a pile of dirt in about 30 minutes. I had about 15 mature azealas that are now sitting by the street for the garbage to pick up and I am now forced to landscape my front yard. That being said I need some ideas on things to plant in my front yard. So if any of you have great ideas of things that will do well year round in Alabama weather LET ME KNOW!.

Birthday Party

2009-07-20T07:32:00.000-07:00

Should I go fun and girly? OR
Casual and Cute????
So I have great friend that turn 25 next week! She has always gone above and beyond for my own birthday even organizing a trip to New Orleans for my 25th birthday a couple of months ago. So i want to make her birthday really special this year! I have been browsing the web for images of garden parties because this stylish gal is deserving a very wonderfully fabulous birthday party!

Help me decide which direction I should go in?

What I have learned during my trip!

2009-07-16T09:44:00.000-07:00

While in N.O. this week I have decided to treat myself so I went to Bella Donna to get a facial on Tuesday. I had the sweetest woman Tyra do my facial. About 25 minutes into my facial she politely said, " I am going to go out on a limb and say you have a cell phone acne". I immediatley responded with a "WHAT". She informed me that I only break out on one side of my face and and really just in one spot. Who knew????? So moral of the story everyone needs to clorox wipe your phone every day so that you don't become a victim of Cell Phone Acne. You learn something new every day.

MCB

I have arrived

2009-07-12T20:48:00.000-07:00

So I have pulled into the crescent city and after an hour or so of babysitting prepartion() a.k.a. installing car seats into my car), we are now ready to begin the adventure. Tomorrow my day will be mostly spent with this little guy who has recently developed the biggest smile ever!!!! I can't wait to spend time with him and get to know his little personality. Wish me Luck!!!
MCB

Favorite things in New orleans

2009-07-10T07:31:00.000-07:00

In no particular order I am going to list a few of my favorite things to do in New Orleans. I know that everyone has not been to New Orleans, but i think it is a MUST!
1. Brennans---- It is wonderful for brunch and completely decadent! I also love the fact that it is completely old school. Men are "supposed" to wear a jacket and the waiters wear tuxedos! It is so good and really who would pass up some eggs with andouille sausage REALLY???
2. Bon Ton Cafe-- I was lucky enough to have my 25th Birthday party here. I enjoyed wonderful craw fish tails, fried oysters and onion rings. I also continued my debauchery by "drinking" their bourbon bread pudding which is sure to knock you off your feet!

3. The St. Charles Ave. Street car--- This is one of my favorite activities--- it is so fun to ride the line all the way down to Canal street and back up to Camellia Grill. It is so peaceful and fun,but it is most fun to ride it with my mom. She will tell you stories of how she would ride the street car to school when she younger.

4. Camellia Grill- Best hamburger you will eat as well as a scrumptious little treat called an Orange freeze( think creamsicle) which consists of orange juice and vanilla ice cream! Yummm

5. Magazine Street-- This is a place where most anyone can do some damage. I enjoy this little stretch right across from whole foods. I almost always find something I can't seem to live without when i am there.

6. Franky and Johnny's-- Best Crawfish 'nough said--

**** Important Fact******

This is where my dad made me kiss an old man for a dollar. Yep that's right this place is KLASSY

7. Hansen's Sno balls---- Think Sno Biz but about 100 times better. They are only open for about 4 hours every day, but it is worth the line that goes around the block( on a usual summer day) to taste a nectar cream sno ball!

I will be back with some other favorites just as soon as I eat some breakfast. All this talk of food has made me very hungry!

MCB

NOLA here I come!

2009-07-09T15:46:00.001-07:00

Seeing as I am no where close to being a mother, it is really confusing to me why my cousin Julie would ask me to come help her keep her children for 10 days. But her lack of judgement will be my fun! I am so excited about spending time with my favorite 4 year old(Lucy) and my favorite 6 month old( James). They are two of the cutest little ones you have ever met! For my first week as Nanny I will mostly only have James during the day( Lucy is going to Day camp). So James and I are going to take the city by storm. I am going to make it to all the fun places and hole in the walls that i never seem to make it to on my usual trips! I am feeling there is going to be lots of stroller pushing afternoons on Magazine with a cute baby in tow. I am feeling some lesiurley lunches with my Aunts. And hopefully some fun dinners with my Sister. I will be in attendence of my Aunt Lucy and Uncle David's weekly redbeans dinner on Wednesday night which always proves to be quite the show! If you can't tell i am totally pumped about spending 10 days in NOLA! I am focusing on the positives of this trip, because if i think of the one person i will not see when I am there i am bound to be depressed. See, my Uncle Richie lost his battle with cancer on May 31 and i have not been back to NOLA since his funeral! I know that a piece of my happiness in that city is now gone! He was a beer drinking, peanut eating, sausage loving man who made every thing fun and easy. Spending time with him watching what not to wear and say yes to the dress, was just like being with one of your best friends! I am having a hard time realizing that when i walk into the Audubon Street house on Sunday that he won't be there. So this trip will be fun but bittersweet. I am focusing on the positive because that is what he would want me to do.
Les Bon Temps Roule
MCB

I Really Don't Know What I Was Thinking???????

2009-07-09T05:51:00.000-07:00

Ok-- So i have been secretly working on my blog for a couple of weeks now. I have been trying to come up with a creative name( I gave up on that task) I have been trying to find a cute background(still working on that). So here it goes! I don't really know how much i have to write about, but I sure am going to try! Once the school year starts maybe I will have some funnier things to tell you about, but for now i will stick to my daily adventures!

MCB