September Favorites

For years I've enjoyed watching monthly favorite videos on YouTube. It's where I get the majority of my recommendations from. So I thought I'd start compiling a list of items that I'm loving every month.

Food and Drink

- Apple Cider: the one fall craze I jump on board with. Forget PSL; give me a cold glass of apple cider and I'm a happy camper. Random fact: 99% of the time I prefer cold drinks. The 1% is hot chocolate.

- Trader Joe's Balsamic Glaze: run, do not walk, to Trader Joe's and buy this stuff! It is worth way more than the $2.99 price tag and I put it on everything. Pizza, caprese salad, chicken, etc. Psst- you can even buy it on Amazon if you click that link ;)

- No Thai: our local Thai food joint is awesome. We've been there twice already since we moved to Ann Arbor and I have a feeling it'll be one of our favorites. Their chicken curry fried rice is bomb!

Beauty

- Essie Gel Couture: I've mentioned my love for this before, but every time I paint my nails I'm blown away. I'm currently on day 9 and my nails are just now starting to show wear on the tips. I picked up The It Factor (a fall-ish pink color) at Meijer while grocery shopping this past weekend, meaning I now have five colors.

- Moroccan Oil Treatment: A few months ago my hair stylist used this after styling my hair and I've been hooked ever since. Mainly due to the scent, it smells divine! 

- Moroccan Oil Dry Shampoo: Again, I purchased this after hearing that it smells just like the oil treatment (it does!) and I've been impressed so far. I was using Batise for Brunettes and while it worked well I couldn't stand the scent.

- Bite Beauty Lipstick: I'm not really a lipstick kind of girl, but when I got my make-up done at Sephora for our anniversary pictures the make-up artist used Fig and I was impressed with how comfortable and long wearing it was. So I bought it #duh I've since purchased a lighter shade, Sugarcane, and I like them both. 

Home

- Command Strips: Every renters dream. An easy way to decorate walls without the hassle of making holes and then having to patch said holes. Oh and we use them to keep our cabinets closed, because we have a certain dog that likes to open them.

- Oxo Shower Caddy: When we moved into our apartment (and went from having one shower to two..) we got this shower caddy. The thing I love the most about it is that I can fit my jumbo bottles of shampoo and conditioner and that it holds a lot of products in general.

Work

- Post-its: I've have never used as many Post-its in my life as I have this first month as a SLP. They're all over my desk, in my planner, and in my bag. They're great for writing down quick notes or reminders and then tossing once they've served their purpose.

- PaperMate X-Tend pens: My favorite pens e-v-e-r. The only place I can find them is Amazon so I've stock piled them. I keep a handful at my desk, in my work bag, in my purse, and in our home office. Ordering in bulk is the best!

- Erin Condren Teacher Planner: This planner has been a lifesaver this past month. I use it to schedule all of my meetings and to lesson plan. My district uses a different form for attendance and data recording so I don't have to worry about those. I plan to write a full review/how I use it soon.

- TeachersPayTeachers: I discovered this goldmine last year while I was in grad school and I can't even express how much it has helped a new speechie like me. I've found fun activities my students love, no-prep activities that have saved my butt countless of times, and I like supporting SLPs.

Entertainment

- Shameless: T started watching Shameless on Netflix a few weeks ago and then I got sucked in. It features a crazy dysfunctional family that makes you feel grateful for your dysfunctional family :)

- Football: When we're home during the weekend football is on our TV. College or NFL, it doesn't matter. I've been super impressed with my Patriots still kicking butt even without Tom Brady (or their second string QB)!

- Pinterest: Am I the only one that goes in waves with using this site? I can go months without visiting the site once and then other times I stay up way past my bedtime pinning. I think booking three trips for next year is to blame ;)

Clothing/Accessories

- Hunter Tour Boots: My in-laws got me these for my birthday and I love them! I've had the Original Hunter boots for years, but they always felt so heavy and stiff. The Tour version is the complete opposite, light and flexible. I also love that they can be folded and therefore are travel friendly. I recommend Tour over Original any day!

- Tieks: Now that I've had these for a month and worn them excessively I can say they are worth the price tag 100%. I plan on writing a full review soon, but let me just say this- they're so good that I'm already saving up to buy my next pair! Treat yo'self and get a pair ;)

- Kendra Scott: KS jewelry is really the only jewelry I ever wear anymore. The quality is great and they're classic pieces. My most worn pieces are the Dani earrings, Elisa necklace, and Rae necklace.

- Detroit Tigers Hat: Lately, I've become a fan of baseball caps again. They're perfect for weekend errands when I don't want to do anything with my hair. Or when it's rainy. While the white version is a nightmare to keep clean, it matches everything.

So there you have it; a few things that I'm loving this month! I'd love to know what has been on your favorites list this month?

Scenes from the Week | Vol. One

I recently came across Emily's blog and loved her version of a weekend recap, Scenes from the Week, so I've decided to give it a whirl! Sometimes our weekdays are more eventful than our weekends or something happens on a non-weekend day that I want to document here on le blog.

1. T, Duke, and I went for a 4 mile hike here in Ann Arbor called Bird Hill. It was quite hilly and by the end of it Duke was so tired we were able to take his leash off. Adventures are even better when Duke can tag along!

2. My Kendra Scott loot. I definitely took advantage of the promo last week where if you spent $100 you received a free Rae necklace. Ya'll, I've been waiting for over a year to get a silver Rae necklace. So I ordered two rose gold pieces and got my free Rae :) 

3. Stuck in rush hour traffic. I got stuck at work a little later than normal and had to pick Thomas up from an interview. I'm grateful that I don't have to deal with it often, because I can't handle it.

4. "I don't know how it happened... I just woke up like this" - Duke. Forever laying in silly positions and making me laugh!

1. Oooh Sephora packages are some of my favorites. I am OBSESSED with the Moroccan Oil dry shampoo. I typically only use dry shampoo twice a week, so I don't mind spending a little more on it. The scent just can't be beat and it does it's job! I'm also excited to try the feet masks.

2. I spent a couple hours this weekend catching up on recorded shows from the week. I'm a grandma and can't stay up past 10pm so half of my shows end up recorded.
3. I know it looks terrible but chili dip is so delicious and a fall weekend staple, especially when you're curled up on the couch watching football. I also love Buffalo Chicken Dip and can't wait to make it.
4. Target $1 candy for the win. I love candy corn, but only a small amount of it. The personal sized bag was perfect and I've had my fix for the year.

I excited for the week ahead; low-key nights at home and a weekend trip to Grand Rapids! We can't wait to be back in our city. I hope you all have a great week :) Linking up with Bianca here.

Currently | September 2016

Enjoying: The weather we've had this month, which has been in the low 80s and sunny. Unlike the majority, I'm not ready to let go of summer just yet. To me fall = winter is coming and I strongly dislike winter here in Michigan.

Feeling: Sore. We went for a impromptu 4 mile hike in Ann Arbor yesterday, so today my glutes and shins are a little sore. The hike was hilly with a lot of large rocks and branches. Of course my husband had us run up (and then down) all of said hills.

Loving: That after weeks of searching online I finally found the Michigan State Spartans zip-up I've been looking for. At a mom and pop college apparel store in a mall forty-five minutes away from me.. but the drive was worth it! I would've been really bummed if I ended up empty handed.

Reading: Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty. I'm having a hard time getting into this book, which is unlike any of the other books I've read by Liane. Maybe it's because reading hasn't been a priority lately? Either way I'm hoping to change that soon. 

Watching: Fall Premiers! Gotham, Law & Order: SVU, Chicago PD, How to Get Away with Murder, Quantico, etc. Who else is stoked fall TV is back?! The only show missing is Scandal. I need some Olivia Pope back in my life. We've also been watching Shameless on Netflix, which has been a great show as well.

Wishing: For T to receive a job offer. He's been applying relentlessly since we moved to Ann Arbor and I know that he's starting to get a little stir crazy. So if you have some good vibes or juju to send our way we'd appreciate it! I have to say that he's been an awesome SAHH (Stay at Home Husband) this past month though ;) 

Needing: To hang photos/decor on the walls. We've been in the apartment for 6 weeks now and I'm embarrassed to say that the walls are still completely bare. We have the frames and command strips, but we just haven't gotten them put up yet.
Wearing: This striped dress from Target. Yes, it's maternity. No, I am not pregnant. After seeing Audrey's post I knew that I had to give it a try! I originally ordered it in a S, but thought it was a little too big so I exchanged it for X-Small and it's wonderful. The length is perfect to wear while working with little kiddos, the material is beyond soft and comfy, and you can never go wrong with a simple stripped dress.
Planning: All of the trips! I've been bitten hard by the travel bug. I'm working on three trips for next year and I wouldn't be opposed to adding more :) The best part of working for a public school district is all of the paid time off, a travelers dream!

Friday Five

Phew what a week! I don't think I've look forward to a Friday this much in a very long time. I am ready for the weekend.

Linking up here

One. First Full Week
The main reason why I'm ready for the weekend is because this week was my first full week of the school year and it has been exhausting. I'm certainly getting a taste of what being a "real" speech-language pathologist feels like. Constantly running around, asking 50 questions a day, going into the wrong classroom, arriving late (... and early), changing the schedule every other day, and the list goes on. That doesn't mean I don't love it though, because I do. I still have to pinch myself that I'm finally here.
Two. New Kings of Leon Music
We've been waiting so long (three years to be exact..) for this! They released their new single, Waste A Moment, last week and the full album comes out October 14th. KOL is one of the few bands that Thomas and I both really enjoy. I am not a huge fan of the trippy theme they have going on though...

Three. Great Weekend... That I Didn't Blog About
I never had time to write the post, but I don't want it to go undocumented so here's a short and sweet recap :) Saturday we went to a fall festival hosted by T's Catholic grade school with his friends from grade school. Over priced beer and mediocre food, but the company couldn't be beat. Half of the group then headed to Ann Arbor to see the final midnight movie of the year at the State Theatre, Mad Max. It was definitely a unique experience. I'm not a huge fan of the movie to begin with, Thomas slept through the entire thing, and the chairs were the most uncomfortable chairs I've ever (voluntarily) watched a movie in. Sunday we headed over to Detroit to see the Tigers play. It was the most perfect day for a baseball game and despite the loss, we had a great time! After the game we decided to stop at Cheli's Chili Bar and look who was hanging out outside... Chris Chelios himself.

Four. Essie Gel Polish
It's been all the rage lately, but for me, it's lived up to it's hype! I'm currently on day 8 and my nails don't look awful. So far I've purchased four colors (Fairy Tailor, Take Me to Thread, Model Clicks, and Caviar Bar) and have a couple more on my shopping list.
Five. Fall Candles
I'm not a "OMG IT'S FALL" type of gal, but I do love some Leaves and Black Cherry Merlot candles from Bath & Body works :)

Traverse City Ale Trail | Jolly Pumpkin

Our next stop on the Traverse City Ale Trail was Jolly Pumpkin. This brewery was the most difficult one to get to as it is 25 minutes up the Peninsula and far away from all of the other trail stops. This would be extremely difficult if you were doing the trail by bicycle. We didn't have time to enjoy the outdoor seating area/patio, but we plan to go back one day to check it out. Thomas said that their beers are typically very sour, but he enjoyed the one he had this time. I was a fan of how they stored their mug club mugs :) The food menu looked awesome too. Jolly Pumpkin actually started in Dexter/Ann Arbor and that location is on our brewery list to check out one day as well.

Weekend Recap | Labor Day Weekend

Why can't every weekend be a holiday weekend? I wanted to take full advantage of my four day weekend and we did just that!

Friday | T and I headed towards Grand River Brewery in Jackson, but first stopped at my work so that I could show him the town, buildings, and where I go everyday. The brewery was nice and the weather was beautiful. Our next stop was the oldest Cider Mill in Michigan, Dexter Cider Mill. We each got a spiced donut and shared some cider. Both were delicious! We headed back to our apartment, took a little nap, and then headed to the gym. Leg day was a killer so we spent a few minutes in the sauna afterwards. The rest of the evening we watched the Michigan State football game.

Ann Arbor Bucket List

With my love of lists, it should be no surprise that I made one for our new city. Here are 20 things I'd like to do/eat/see in the next year while living in the city!

• Attend a football game at The Big House
• See a midnight movie at The State Theater
• Eat cider and donuts at Dexter Cider Mill
• See a movie/show at The Michigan Theater
• Date night at Room Breakout
• See a comedy show at Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase
• Eat at Mark's Carts
• Walk the Diag/around U of M's campus
• Eat at Zingerman's Deli
• Ice skate at Yost Arena
• Attend a U of M hockey game
• Visit the Kerrytown Farmers Market
• Eat pizza at the original Cottage Inn
• Visit Zingerman's Bakehouse
• Eat Hippie Hash at Fleetwood Diner
• Order Insomnia cookies
• Eat crab legs at Weber's
• Visit all AA area breweries (6 of them as of 09/16)
• Attend the Ann Arbor Art Fair
• Kayak on the Huron River

What's New With You | August

Linking up here

August was a big month for us and since I slacked on Weekend Recaps/posting in general I figured this would be a good place to dump it all :)

We spent the first week of the month in Grand Rapids. Spending as much time as we could with friends and visiting all of our favorite places. It's been almost a month now and we still miss it...

We moved to Ann Arbor on the 6th. We spent the next two weeks unpacking, purging, and setting up the apartment. It was not easy going from a huge house (even if we did have roommates) to a small two bedroom apartment. UGH!

I celebrated my 26th birthday on August 7th! We went out to lunch at Mongolian BBQ with friends and then my family came in town to visit and we had dinner at Zingerman's Roadhouse. My grandparents also brought an ice cream cake from Baskin Robbins and it was delicious!

We explored our new city a few times and even enjoyed a bar crawl with our friends' family.

And the biggest event of all; I started my first job as a SLP! It has been exciting, overwhelming, exhausting, and nerve-wracking. I met my middle school and high school students this week and next week I'll meet my preschoolers and elementary students.

Traverse City Ale Trail | Brewery Terra Firma

The next stop on the TC Ale Trail was Brewery Terra Firma, which is Michigan's first agricultural brewery. The boys ordered a flight of 8 beers here and were blown away. They couldn't stop talking about these beers for days! They said that the beers tasted so fresh and you could really taste the different ingredients. When you pull up you can see the hops growing behind the building and then for the rest of their ingredients they use local. This brewery also hosts Vinyl nights and has an entire room floor to ceiling with vinyl records, which would be awesome.