July 21

Fuddrucker's Hot Dogzilla is the tastiest hot dog I've had in a long time!

July 22

I'm going to try to force myself to make time to be crafty, even if it's just for a little while each week.  Here's a project I've been trying to get around to for a few months now:

July 23

I spent the evening with Joe in the emergency room/hospital after his stomach issue flared up again.   He was in a lot of pain, but is doing much better.  I love it when he reaches for my hand. . .

♥♥♥

July 24

The classroom is all set up and ready to go for some new first graders. (I did make sure to straighten out the letter 'y' card after I saw this pic closely, ha!)

July 25

The first day of school went really well.  I was happy and really tired by the end of the day.  I'll have to get used to being in work-mode after being on vacation for a couple of weeks.

July 26

Lunch this year is at 10:45 a.m.  It definitely feels more like brunch since I feel like I'm starving by the end of the school day.  The doggies aren't the only ones that really look forward to a snack right after school ;)

July 27

My weekend got kicked off with a really relaxing, beautiful view of some roses (from Joe's patio):

July 28

The London 2012 Summer Olympics have begun.  Go Team USA and Mexico!!

July 16

Our mini-getaway continued at a resort/spa in Temecula.  We had a great view from our villa and enjoyed the view of the vineyard while having our breakfast. . .

July 17

We checked out of our villa today, but not without another outdoor breakfast followed by a morning swim.  Thanks, Groupon, for a good deal!

July 18

I missed cooking while I was away and was craving some fried rice.  I love that it's super fast and so good!  Eating it out of a cute bowl only makes it taste better ;)

 July 19

I decided to go back to my classroom to set up and was greeted by boxes of new math materials.  My unofficial first day back at work was much more pleasant thanks to lunch with a dear friend/colleague, and some Starbucks love from my sister and nephew.

July 20

Today was my first furlough day.  It gave me a chance to work on some projects at home and spend time with my doggies.  We started and ended our summer vacation on the patio together.  Love them!!

July 11

I was pleased to learn that there's a special day for my favorite kind of muffin :)

July 12

I don't send out very much snail mail, but am hoping to change that. . .

July 13

I'm loving adding berries to my breakfast meals.  Strawberries taste yummy on cereal, and raspberries are delicious on creamy oatmeal.

July 14

Wicked was a blast!  It makes me want to sing instead of speak to people ;)

July 15

My best friend and I kicked off a mini-getaway with a day at the spa. . .

July 8

Weekends are for taking a break from cooking...sometimes ;)  I'm trying to be good, so I only ordered appetizers:

July 9

A refreshing drink on a nice summery day. . .

July 10

My favorite time of the day to walk the dogs is around sunset.  This was today's view as we walked around our neighborhood:

July 1

I love it when  DIY projects are super easy and fast.  I was able to re-purpose some jeans that were too baggy by turning them into comfy shorts.  Score!

July 2

I baked some Strawberry Nutella Poptarts this morning so I could share with my sister and some girlfriends from college.  You just can't go wrong with Nutella ;)

July 3

Being on vacation means that I actually have some free time to do something fun with my nails.  I tried out some patriotic colors in honor of the Fourth of July. :)

July 4

Joe and I got to witness the Big Bay Boom tonight, along with tons of disappointed people who were expecting a fireworks show.  It turned out that the fireworks all went off at the same time.  It was pretty cool while it lasted, which unfortunately was not very long.  Oh well!

July 5

I've been toting around the mini-Tajin bottle that my friend Drina gave me.  I love how it just fits in my pool bag easily and really complements watermelon.  It's sooooooo goooooood!!!!

July 6

I was able to spend some time being crafty this week and ended up making some cards.  I finally got to use some of my Close To My Heart stamps and am really happy with the results...

July 7

I got to spend time on the other side of the camera today inside of a photo booth at my best friend's sister's wedding.  I loved having a good laugh at our expense as we enjoyed being silly.  My best friend and boyfriend crack me up!!!

June 27

I-Love-Being-On-Vacation!  I actually have to time to plan a weekly menu, enjoy grocery shopping and cook without being stressed.  This living life in slow mode is where it's at ;)

June 28

My doggies and I had a nice time at the park with my mom, sister, sister-in-law and two of my nephews.  Fresh air and some sunshine are good stress relievers.  If only my dogs wouldn't get so excited about other people and dogs and just be able to relax at the park!

June 29

I spotted these lovely owls and aprons at Anthropologie today.  Such pretty, swoon-worthy knick-knacks to look at there. . . and buy every once in a while. ;)

June 30

Mike and Roxy are still getting used to a double leash.  I love it, but they don't feel the same way.  It slows Roxy down and pushes Mike to keep up.  It cracks me up how Roxy is thinking: "Let's GO, Mike!" while Mike periodically puts on the brakes when he's had enough of her hurrying him up.  I think their sibling rivalry is funny and pretty darn cute.