a new addition

We have a new member that joined our family on Saturday. Meet Hudson. He was given this name by the pet rescue organization and we thought he should keep it. He was rescued from a puppy mill in Nashville where the had cut his vocal cords. We saw his profile on petfinder.com and his story broke our hearts. We had to make him part of our family.

He is very shy and timid of humans but he loves other dogs. If anyone has any suggestions on training him, we desperately need it. He is not trained to go outside. Actually he goes wherever he wants. He won't let us near him to try to pick him up or put a leash on him to take him outside. The only time he will let us pet him is when he is on the bed with us and even then he is very shy. Anyone have any suggestions?

saving time and money!

Due to the holidays, I have been spending a lot of time avoiding the traffic and hustle and bustle by purchasing my gifts online. It saves me so much time plus I am getting money back because I have been using ebates. If you haven't used it, you need to! Alll you have to do is go to ebates and click on a store that you want to shop at. It starts a tracking ticket and you get a certain percentage back when you make a purchase. It is that easy!

Some stores give back more than others, but I love that Target.com is on here!

So check it out if you haven't already!!! - Ebates!

wants vs. needs

This is just a wish list. Some of these are pricey and I do not ever expect to get them, but I would love to have any of these items.

This is the Tory Burch Ella Tote - so darling!

A DLSR Camera to take nice pictures. This Nikon is a nice one!

I just adore this David Yurman bracelet!

But I do not need any of these items. As my husband says, "Wants vs. Needs."

But a girl can always wish!

week 1 ww weigh in

I wasn't sure if I would lose any weight because of Thanksgiving. Actually thought I would gain some. but I lost!!! I am down 3 pounds! Woop! Woop! Very excited! I just saved all of my weekly points for Thursday so that helped. I have been looking through the points book just becoming aware of the points for foods and beverages I commonly eat. Hopefully I will have another successful week this week!

to decorate or not?

I am going to be honest. I have no desire to decorate the house this year for the Holidays. We barely get to celebrate them anyway because we work so much. I will barely see my husband this month because when I am going to work he will be home. And when I come home he will be at work. Especially in December - that is the busiest part of the year for him at work.
And it's not like anyone will come over and see the decorations because we will be working so much. Last year I took the Christmas Tree down on Christmas day. yes - the same day. The only ones who might enjoy the tree is the dog who can lift his leg on it and the presents and the cat who tries to grab at the ornaments at the bottom. So as of now - I am going to say no tree this year.

I came home Friday night to open up a gift box consisting of this -

I received this beautiful frame and gift card from Merry the gift fairy!

It totally made my day!

On to another note, Saturday I started Weight Watchers. I paid for 11 weeks so I couldn'y use having no money as an excuse for not going to meetings. I did find out that Weight Watchers is changing their program on Dec.4 so I will be getting all new materials then and relearning how to use the system. I plan on documenting my successes and challenges with WW every saturday aftet the meeting. I do need suggestions for easy recipes. any suggestions?

Paybox anyone?

Paybox is the newest form of payment processing. They are in the early stages of developing it, and if you sign up now and help them build their website you benefit by making extra money. To become an EarlyBird user of Paybox - sign up here. You will find out more information at their website here.

so behind!

I have worked so much in the past week that I am behind on my giveaway. So Sorry! The winner of the Kirkand's plush throw is...

Robin!

Please email me your address so Kirkland's can send you your throw!

Review and Giveaway time...

I was contacted by Leigh Anne from Kirkland's about doing a possible review and giveaway during the month of October. I just love Kirkland's stores and couldn't say no.The great thing about this store is that you can get some beautiful and unique home decor items for not a large price.

I was sent the beautiful Perfectly Plush Throw in Ivory and it is super soft! The cream color was perfect for my house because it matches everything. I am actually cuddled up with it now. It comes in five colors - red, pink, ivory, gold, and chocolate. It makes a perfect gift!

So now I get to give one away!

To enter -

You must go to the Kirkland's website here, and then leave a comment on this post of what your favorite item is that you found.

You will receive an extra entry if you are a follower of the blog.

The giveaway will end on Friday October 15, 2010 at midnight. Good luck!

For official Kirkland's Blogger Giveaway Rules click here.

How inspiring....

I just saw this today. I cried. I need his motivation and will power!

Ebates, anyone?

If you purchase any items online, I hope you are using Ebates! If you are not, you need to sign up here.
Here's how it works- go to Ebates, click on type of product you are buying or search for a store. Let's say you want to purchase something from Target. Go to search and type in Target. Ebates will bring up all of Target's special coupons and when you purchase items you get a certain percentage of cash back! WHO DOESN'T WANT CASH BACK? The rebate will go to your ebates account and then Ebates will deposit the cash into your paypal account on a certain day. That is it! It is too easy! I purchased a flight by going to ebates and then clicking on orbitz and purchasing a ticket. Ebates has tons of websites that offer cash back and some free shipping. Check it out!

To sign up for ebates, click here!

Have you tried a Shellac manicure?

I just went to The Nail and Skin Bar in Memphis on Cooper and Peabody to try out my first shellac manicure. Joslyn used CND's Shellac polish on my nails. What is shellac? How does it work? Check out CND's fact sheet here.

Usually when I get my nails done they chip very quickly (maybe after a couple of days), so I was very interested when Joslyn told me about shellac. It is supposed to last 14 days! I definitely had to try this out. I got a base coat, 2 coats of polish , and a top coat. After each coat, your hand is cured by a UV light. My nails were completely dry by the time she was finished and they are so shiny!

I love the color too!

My favorite baby gift to give...

Anytime I need a baby gift, I call on my mom. She makes the cutest stork basket and I add in things to put in it. I finally learned how to make one! Here is a close up of the basket.

I added some baby bath gel, baby wipes, baby powder,a onesie, a rattle, and a couple of toys for the bath. Here is the finished product all wrapped up.

Isn't it darling? If you are interested in purchasing a stork basket, please send me a message at mylifeasmrsm@gmail.com and I will get back to you about a price. You can pick an empty basket or I can do some shopping for you and fill it like I did here.

It is that time again...

Summer vacation is officially over....for teachers. We reported back for inservice last Monday while here in Memphis the temperature got to 106 degrees with a heat index of 124 (and not all classrooms had their ac working). Special Ed. Teachers had to report to Whitehaven High School on Thursday and for the first 2 hours the ac was not working. I almost left but then realized they do not give the attendance tickets til the very end of the day so my presence wouldn't have been counted. I was not a happy lady.

As some of you know I teach Deaf and Hard of Hearing children. I have taught preschool, first grade, and second grade age children. This year I was assigned to teach third and fourth grade age deaf children. We are the busy bees every year. I always have bee stuff left over so it is easier to stay the same every year. Here are a few pics of my classroom. One thing you won't notice is that all of my teaching materials from previous years are stuffed in those lockers!

It is Saturday and it did not look like this at 8am this morning. Yes I woke up and went to school and worked for another 3 hours. Total of time setting up room = 15 hours

Now I have to go and write lesson plans!

willow house...

Callie at Willowhousemom is having a great giveaway! She must acquire 200 followers in a few days to give away some new willow house product. I checked out the catalog and everything is beautiful! Go visit her site and click on follow!

back from beantown

I just recently came back from Boston to visit one of my best friends who I had met in graduate school. She had twins last year and I was finally able to come up and meet them. They are just precious! We hung out and played with the babies, drank wine, and I ate lots of this -

While I was on a short vacation, Martini went for a doggie vacation to Grandma's house. She said he was a little helper by pulling out all of the toys from the toy basket and pulling out all the garbage of the bathroom cans. He is just like a kid.

New hair!

Since I have moved back to Memphis from Knoxville, I have gone to a different salon every time I get my hair done. I found a place I liked, but it soon became too expensive for me. Last year before my wedding I found ....Daniel Shay's Hair Studio. and Casey, who does the most amazing things to my hair. For me to come home and my husband to notice my hair and just tell me how great it looks, I knew I had found a winner. They are located on Germantown Pkwy in Memphis between Germantown and Cordova.

Casey does the most amazing job! I always feel so sassy when I leave because I know my hair looks hot! The only thing I wish is that she could do my hair everyday!

Here is a before pic and and after pic (sorry, no makeup today)

Before

After

Big difference, right?! Love my new hair!

update

Sunner school is officially over! I taught 3 year old deaf children and we spend most of June in the restroom potty training. I have one more month til I report back to work and have a few fun things planned for the month. I have been reading a lot, but I need to be doing some work on the house. Unfun things like caulking my bathtub and scrubbing the outside of the house need to be done. Now I just have to motivate myself to do it. Maybe tomorrow...

I am in love...

Jamie from CSN Stores asked if I would be interested in doing a product review for them. I had done a giveaway with them and loved the variety of items they carry. So of course I had to say yes! I mean the carry everything from wall sconces to kitchenware, furniture to wallpaper! They really do carry almost everything - they have over 200 websites to look through!

I was sent a gift certificate to pick out what I wanted to review. It took me 5 days to decide and I couldn't decide on one item so I picked 2 very different items out.

First thing I picked out is this Hadaki Lunch pod. I just adore it! I have gotten so many compliments on it and three of my coworkers have already went online to purchase one for themselves. It is insulated and there is a magnetic handle so it closes itself. I just love the design too!

Second item I chose was something I needed! I chose the Pixie Sewing Machine by Singer.

It is the perfect size and not overwhelming to use. My husband is excited for me to learn how to fix his torn pants!

I love CSN Stores!

upcoming review

Have you heard of CSN STORES? I hosted a giveaway along with them a while back, and I was amazed at all of their products. They have 200+ stores! Everything from wall sconces to patio furniture, home decor to kitchenware! I will be doing an upcoming product review for CSN stores, and I can't wait to share it with you. I just love this wall art!

It is June already?

I just got back from Vegas with my mom. We had a great time, but I am so happy to be home! We saw The Lion King, Viva Elvis, and Phantom of the Opera - all great shows! But Vegas is not the same without my husband. I missed him so much!

So now I am back home and we have been doing a Sopranos marathon. We started at season 1 episode 1 and are almost finished with season 2. I report back to Summer school on Thursday. I am not ready to go back already.

I have been going to a free running clinic on Tuesday nights to get back into running again. I had a great workout and ran and walked about 2 and a half miles today. By the end my face matched hot pink shorts. It is extremely hot and humid here in Memphis. Let's hope I can walk tomorrow!

We have a winner....

I did a random drawing for the Mark bag and had one of my students draw the winning name. And the winner is................................................................

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Andrea!
Congrats!

An Award

Mrs. Grits awarded me with this fun little award. Thank you!

So I am supposed to tell you 7 things about myself that you might not now already.

Let's see...

1. I love being creative and starting new projects - embroidery, sewing,...etc except I never find time to complete those projects. :(

2. I think I truly bleed orange. Tennessee is my alma mater - received my bachelor's degree and master's degree there. My eyes are glued to the tv when there is a UT football or basketball game on. I even sing rocky top during the game when my boys are struggling thinking that they will hear me thru the tv.

3.I am fluent in sign language due to my job - a teacher of the deaf.

4. I work hard for my money - seriously! 1 fulltime job and like 4 part time gigs.

5. I am addicted to my tivo. One of the best purchases I ever made!

6. I don't wear makeup to my job (teaching). My hands are so active and when I get frustrated I tend to rub at my face and all the makeup would streak or come off so I just go with lipstick.

7. My favorite food of all time is chocolate chip pancackes. It is just heaven to me but I limit myself to it maybe once a year.

I tag everyone to do this!

A giveaway!!

In honor of my new look from KrizzyDesigns, I wanted to have a special giveaway!


The winner of this giveaway will receive this adorable new bag by Mark!

Isn't it just darling?

To enter, click to my website and tell me what your favorite mark product is in a comment on this post.
For extra entries, become a follower of this blog, tweet about this giveaway, or write a blog post about this gieaway.

Deadline is Thursday May 20, 2010 at 12pm.

a new look

Doesn't it look fabulous?!!! I just adore it! If you are looking for a new blog or twitter design, please go check out the work done by KrizzysDesigns! Her work is wonderful!

Getting ready for tomorrow at Memphis in May's World Championship Barbeque Cooking Contest! It is so much fun! You should see some of the booths that the teams build. Some are two story that all over look the Mississippi River. It is quite fun! I will definitely get pics this year up on the site.

Well it is time for bed, but be sure to check out my blog this weekend for a special giveaway in honor of my new look!

coming soon

So it has been a while since I did the blogging thing on a consistent basis. I am determined to changed that. To get me going again, I am having some design help from KrizzyDesigns. I am looking forward to something different!



Well I have approximately 15 more school days until the end of the year and I am thrilled! I will then jump on a plane and fly to Vegas with my mom. We have already gotten tickets for -


and

THE LION KING!

I am so excited! I love Las Vegas! This is my third time and I even got married and had my honeymoon there. I love the cirque shows! I have seen KA, LOVE, Zumanity, Cirque Believe by Criss Angel, and Barry Manilow.

I may not be going with a lot of money to shop but that is okay. I just love being in the Vegas atmosphere!

Mrs. M

Talbots

Grits at Puttin' on the Grits recently wrote a post about the clothes at Talbots. I was shocked! Everything is so cute and stylish! I found this to wear to a UT Football game -

or this to a day wedding -

Go to Talbots to check it out!

Decluttering my life

I am on spring break from work and said to myself I would do some spring cleaning. It is now Friday and I just accomplished something - My craft closet. I love trying new things, and wanted to have a craft closet to do these new fun things. My house is so small so all my stuff get stuffed in the closet. I decided to empty the whole closet out and start fresh!

Here is the before pic -

and this is 2 hours later -

Go me! Quite proud of myself for this! I shocked my husband! He thinks it is amazing! Thanks Hubsy!

Swagbucks!!

If you haven't heard of or joined Swagbucks, you must try it out! All you have to do is start earning swagbucks is do a search, shop, trade in, or do their special offers. It is so easy and you can win great prizes! All I do is go on the website everyday and do a couple of searches and I earn swagbucks! Go try it out! Click on the links or the banner to get to the website!

anniversary recap

Recently my husband and I celebrated our first wedding anniversary. I can't believe how time flies. We decided to celebrate my going out of town with some friends. We went to Hot Springs, Arkansas and stayed at The Arlington Hotel. It is a very old hotel that was a favorite of Al Capone's. We ate well, drank well, and even watched some horse racing at Oaklawn Park. We finished the trip with much needed massages in the bathhouse. We really had such a good time!

Now I am on spring break from school and plan on doing some spring cleaning, reading, running, and spending time with the husband. This is a much needed break from work!

Hubsy time and kindle

I feel like it has been a crazy few weeks, but looking back nothing really changed. Just a lot of work and a lot of stress caused from work. My husband and I have tried to spend as much time together as we can even though it really isn't that much. We have such different work schedules. I even took a day off today to spend the day with him. And I loved sleeping in late!

Anyway I just downloaded Kindle on my blackberry for free last week! Who needs to spend the money on a real kindle? I just put it on my phone and just finished my first free book - Daring Chloe - which I did enjoy! I realized that the free books change so I need to check every week to see what is free! Anyone recommend any good books I can try?

I disappeared for 12 hours..

Last night I had deleted this blog. This morning I undeleted it. I will be making some changes, I guess I am just unsure about what direction I want this blog to go to. So unsure about everything now. I want to make sure I am doing things the right way for me and my family.

Giveaway Winner!

And we have a winner.........................................................................................................


The
winner
is

Mrs. Jones

Congrats! I need your information so the items can be shipped to you!

What a Great Giveaway!

I am so excited about this latest giveaway! Jamie from CSN stores contacted me about hostinga giveaway and after going through their websites, I couldn't wait to go ahead with it. CSN sells everything from home bars and bar accessories to bedroom sets to bedding. One website that I had a blast perusing was All Modern. There was everything from wall art to furniture to design accessories.

The lucky winner of this giveaway will receive all four of these items! I am so jealous because they would look great in my house!

Blomus Wires Tall Basket

Blomus Wires Fruit Basket

Blomus Wires Wine Holder

Blomus Wires Paper Towel Holder.

Yes, one lucky person will win all of these items!

The rules for this giveaway -

1. You must be a follower of this blog

2. You must visit one of CSN stores and comment back here on your most favorite item or items.

For an extra entry each -

Blog about this post

and

Tweet about this post and add @MyLifeasMrsM to the tweet

You can enter this giveaway anytime starting now til Sunday Feb. 21, 2010 at 6pm. I will randomly choose one winner at 6pm on Sunday!

Good Luck!

Stay Tuned For a Giveaway!

You HAVE to come back and visit tomorrrow when I will announce an AWESOME giveaway I am hosting by AllModern.com! If you haven't visited please do so! I have had so much fun browsing their website! I found so many thing that I want to order for my home! All Modern is part of CSN stores which had items such as home bars to bedding to furniture! They have everything!

P.S. I will be posting around 6pm tomorrow!

Lucky Chic invite

I just found this new website and I love it! You have to go and visit it! You can bid on items and gift cards! Who wouldn't want a Tory Burch gift card or a Kindle? When you click on this link you will receive 3 chips to go ahead and start bidding! Just click on this link and it will take you straight to the website and give you 3 chips!

Is is nap time yet?

I don't know if it is the weather, but lately I have been feeling so blah. I have been so tired lately and have almost fallen asleep at work. My eyes hurt when they are open and when I close them it feels so good. All I want is a nice four hour nap or to sleep in late one morning, but I know that won't happen anytime soon...

The Organization Train

My house is a mess! It has always been a mess. My craft closet is the worst! I have decided to hop on the organization train and CLEAN UP! Natalie from The Brocks Rock recommended this website - FLYLADY.COM I signed up yesterday and have already received some "assignments" on how to get started.

I traveled over to The Container Store website and found some items that I need to purchase. There is not a store in Memphis, but I have been to one and it is the best! If there was one I would be there every week. I am one of those people that loves to purchase things to get organized. Now keeping it up is another story!

These are things I need -

Acrylic Shelving



Stacking Baskets

Lined Baskets

This would definitely be a good start to organizing my craft closet!

I have been slacking...

So I haven't posted in a month. I know that is pretty pathetic especially since I had 2 weeks off. But I have been so busy working! My husband and I have been trying to get out of debt and save up for a new roof and some flooring for the upstairs. I have bartended quite a few times during this month including NYE where I end up with alcohol all over my clothes. I could barely move by the time I got home (5am).
I have read a few books over this time which I have really enjoyed.It is just so hard to find an hour or two for myself to sit down and read.
Anyway I have a dilemma. Valentine's Day, my husband's birthday, and our 1st wedding anniversary is coming up soon and is all within one month. I need some ideas on what to get him - especially for the anniversary. Any suggestions?