Monday, February 26, 2018

February Book Reviews

Happy Monday y'all! I am so happy I have decided to share monthly book recaps because I enjoy reliving each story and sharing my favs with you! I can't believe that February is almost over. It is already close to 90 degrees here though, so it almost feels like July! This month was kind of hectic and I only read two books but I had completely different thoughts about each of them so I couldn't wait to share.

 I was REALLY looking forward to reading this one after several bloggers I follow said it was one of their favorite books ever. To be honest, it was far too slow moving for me. I lost interest. I wanted to like the book so bad, but just couldn't get all that into it. I also saw that some very adult scenes were coming and after I decided to stop reading, I read some spoiler reviews and it sounds very inappropriate and dark. I wouldn't recommend this book.

Rating: 1 Star




I haven't heard very many people talk about this book but it was AMAZING! It was intense straight from the beginning which is always awesome. I wouldn't say it is an "easy read" but it is still very enjoyable. Props to the author for including some awesome and challenging vocabulary in there!

This story is about a woman whos son goes missing during their walk in the woods shortly after her divorce and throughout the book you follow the police detectives and the mother has they try to decide who kidnapped or killed her son... but everyone isn't quite who you think they are. UGH. SO GOOD!!!!! I never saw the ending coming and I am pretty good about guessing the end of thrillers ahead of time. READ IT!!

Rating: 5 Stars!


What book(s) have y'all read this month? I would love to hear your favorites down below!

xoxo
Friday, February 16, 2018

Florida School Shooting

Hi everyone. I am sorry for the absence on my blog and social media since Wednesday. As you can imagine, myself, like many others, were deeply distraught at the news of the 17 high school students shot and killed by a former student in a Parkland Florida Public School. As a future teacher and someone who values the privilege we have to acquire an education in what should be a safe environment, I was very sad to see the videos and articles of students recalling the events of the horrific day.

Regardless of if you want to blame this tragedy on mental health or gun control, and regardless of which side of the political isle you fall, we can agree there needs to be a change. 18 school shootings in 24 days is NOT okay. Do we need to get strict on gun control? Do we need to be better about recognizing mental health concerns? Does the media need to stop portraying violent acts in video games and TV shows that desensitize people and lower our value of human life? Maybe a great start would be the FBI taking tips about individuals with potential to do this harm seriously. 

I don't know the exact answer but if doing one or all of those things would keep SEVENTEEN innocent children from being killed, don't you think it is worth considering. Take your political values out of it and throw away your pride people, we need a change. 


I love the way Megyn Kelly on the TODAY show spoke about the shooting. 



More than anything, this country needs love. The greatest love I have ever known is the love of Jesus. Prayer results in change. Don't say you will pray. PRAY.

I will resume with regular blog posts next week but I wanted those of you who maybe haven't researched this event or seen much news coverage to get a real sense of what these victims are experiencing and spend time in prayer for them and their families. 

God Bless
Friday, February 9, 2018

Spontaneous Miscellaneous

Happy Friday y'all! I am spending my day knocking out some school work so that I can enjoy my weekend! What are y'all up to? The opening ceremony of the winter Olympics is on tonight and I am so excited. This even brings so many countries together and it is so interesting to watch.
I have so many great random things to share with you from my week. Let's dive in!

One // Target Shoes... again!!
https://www.target.com/p/women-s-dv-desirae-espadrilles-mules-blue-6/-/A-52745551?sid=2032S&ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&CPNG=PLA_Shoes+Shopping_Brand&adgroup=SC_Shoes&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=c&location=9011767&gclid=CjwKCAiAqvXTBRBuEiwAE54dcFFviEYWUCl6yoDN9hG9-u-hI0YRPay6bH-hRnLyyMUISp7CSeRoqRoCsrIQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
https://www.target.com/p/women-s-meghan-wide-width-kitten-heel-pumps-a-new-day-153-blue-9-5w/-/A-52891321?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&CPNG=PLA_Shoes+Shopping_Brand&adgroup=SC_Shoes&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=c&location=9011767&gclid=CjwKCAiAqvXTBRBuEiwAE54dcBIU-f-lVg0DPLIE4vbFd65ZhHpVEuq0uJm9rECzchFPp21rJHz5OhoCcy4QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
I feel like every time there is a change in season, Target kills it with the shoe game. I mean seriously, they have the cutest shoes for so cheap. Those are the two pairs I bought yesterday at Target, but I also love these and these.


I am totally letting my freak flag fly here, because I found this video SO interesting. Everyone should watch it because I think many people speak on this topic without really knowing the facts and the visuals in the video make it really easy to understand. My mind was BLOWN! Watch the video here.


Three // Disney in the Rain
My sister and I had a great Sunday skipping around Magic Kingdom in the rain. Y'all, Disney World is the BEST in the rain. Everyone leaves, the lines are short, and it isn't blasting hot for a change. We were SOAKED and couldn't be happier. Love my sister!


Four // Nikes
Coming back to shoes, I love my new Nikes y'all. I got them for 20$ at a Style Encore so keep your eyes peeled at your local Style Encore and Platos Closet because I sometimes find the BEST deals there!


Five // Books, Books, Books
I shared in this blog post on Wednesday about how I find great books for cheap but I hit jackpot on Saturday with the sale going on at my library. I daydream about my classroom library y'all.... again with the freak flag. (:  


Six // Dry Shampoo
You need this dry shampoo people. I have tried several different brands and this one is the best. I would make sure the get the non-scented because their scented ones can be kind of strong. I was at first terrified because when I sprayed it in my hair it turned gray, LOL. However, after brushing it and massaging it in with my fingers you couldn't even tell, and my hair had no oil at all. I have always struggled with oily hair so this is a real jackpot find!


Seven // Gerber Baby
I saved the best for last. Meet Lucas, the first Gerber baby with down syndrome. How amazing is that? It makes my special education heart SO happy.

I love what Heather Avis said about this, "We are in a history making, narrative shifting, bar raising time. I am convinced the day will come when a mom getting a new diagnosis feels the need to high-five her doctor rather than cry in despair." 

I absolutely love the way she worded that. Yes there are countries still aborting babies with down syndrome and to many this may not seem like a huge deal, but for years the Gerber baby represented the "perfect ideal" baby and I think it is only fitting that a down syndrome baby be included. They are just as perfect and ideal as every other baby.


I hope y'all have a fantastic weekend. I will talk to you again on Monday!

xoxo
Wednesday, February 7, 2018

5 Ways to Get Books for Cheap

Happy Wednesday everyone! I am very excited for this post because so many of you answered my poll on Instagram stories that you wanted to know how I get so many books both for myself to read and for the classroom for cheap. 

I am a total book nerd and never regret spending money on books. I do however only work a part time job and am in college so I don't have unlimited funds to spend on anything, including books. I am also studying Special Education and am working on collecting picture books for my classroom. I consider myself a pro now at getting books for a good price!


I posted this photo on Instagram stories over the weekend and many of y'all wanted to know how I got so many picture books for so cheap! I have 5 tips to share.


I talk about this to everyone because it really is worth the $25 a year. With a membership you save 10% on every purchase and 40% off bestselling hardcover books. You also get free shipping on EVERY purchase online. The best part I have found however, is the coupons they send to you via email. It is crazy how what feels like every week I am getting awesome coupons like, 25% off one item, or $10 off a $30 purchase, etc.. Those coupons, plus the discount is just too good. Totally worth it!

I love this sight!! This is a website that has used books for sometimes only a few dollars and offers free shipping on any order over 10$ which is easy to do. I have gotten several picture books for $3 on this site in great condition when they were selling for $17 at a regular book store. This site is a gem!


3. Used Book Stores
Each of you will have to search and find the used book stores near you. Those of you who also live in the Central Florida area should make a trip to Bright Light Books in Casselberry. This place is organized and easy to find books in. I bring every book in after I read it, get store credit, and then use that store credit to often times get more books without having to pay a dime, not that anything there is very expensive anyways. I can find brand new YA Fiction books for $5 and brand new picture books for $3 both in brand new condition. There is also a Bright Light Overstock Warehouse that is also stocked full of books for usually $1. Again, if you don't live in the Central Florida area, look for used book stores near you and you will thank me! :)



4. Library Sales
I know different counties have different sales with their libraries but the library near me (also in Casselberry) has a store in the library where you can buy books for $.50 or $1. They were doing a 50% off sale this past weekend so I got a TON of children's books for $.25. Isn't that CRAZY?! Check your local library and keep an eye peeled for sales they have on books there also!


5. Garage Sales & Goodwill
Taking a look around garage sales or your local Goodwill can sometimes be a hit or miss but are both good ways to get books for CHEAP!!! 



There you have it! A variety of ways to save money on books! Happy reading friends!

xoxo
Monday, February 5, 2018

Why I Changed My Major | Special Education

Happy Monday y'all! I am so excited to finally get a post up sharing some big news and life changes!
A few weeks ago you saw on my Instagram stories that I had changed my major to Exceptional Student Education (also known as Special Education) and I was so excited. I have been meaning to write an entire post about it, but have been struggling with how to put it into words.

To a lot of people this change seemed out of the blue. Friends of mine were rather shocked and surprised at how quick I changed my whole life around, but it was something that was stirring in my heart for a long time. 

I will admit that about a year ago, I (sadly) didn't give much thought at all to kids or individuals with special needs. It simply wasn't a part of my daily life and didn't concern me at the moment. As selfish as that seems, I had a lot going on and it simply wasn't my passion at the time. However, the summer after I graduated high school, I read the book "The Lucky Few" by Heather Avis after my mom recommended it to me. It was a quick read about her families Down Syndrome adoptions. Her dedication to shouting the worth of her kids struck a chord and I found myself watching videos of her sweet kids on Instagram in my spare time. I believe this was when God started softening my heart towards kids with special needs.

I started following other families who adopted kids with special needs and I became so passionate about standing up for them. Suddenly, these kids were all I could think about. I work with a few individuals at my part time job who have special needs and I realized how much they really brighten my day (even if they do comment on the fact that I need to wash my hair.. LOL).

One day I was at work when a customer came in with his daughter who had autism, I looked her in the eye and asked her how she was, like I would every customer. She grabbed me by the hand and smiled and in that moment, I knew God was working on my heart and big changes were coming, whether I liked them or not.

I started really enjoying my psychology class and units in my education courses on students with exceptionalities. My professor even spoke to me individually about being a special education teacher and suggested I do some of my intern hours in a special ed class.

I set up about three different dates with three different special ed teachers and was planning on visiting all three before making any big changes. I was at the time an Elementary Education major and although I definitely had developed a soft spot for kids with special needs, it still slightly terrified me. Some of them are loud or have medical issues and I honestly didn't know if I was capable to handle it. Frankly, I was annoyed that God had placed this on my heart, because I was perfectly content with my major and life plan prior. Ah, isn't it funny how we plan our lives and think we are in control?

Well, y'all, it was about 10 minutes into interning in that first special education class that I knew I needed to change my major. The day was chaotic, loud, funny, and so full of love. These kids worked double as hard as any other kid I had seen and were so full of joy. They had their bad moments too, but their personalities were all so different and they came by everything honestly.

I left that classroom that day and went straight to my college to change my major to Exceptional Student Education. I still sometimes wonder what I have gotten myself into, but let me just say this. When God has called you to something, you will not be happy doing anything else. Change is flippin scary y'all, but it can also be kind of amazing.

I now have full faith that God has equipped me to handle the situations that will be thrown at me in the future with his help and I am so stinkin' excited. I mean what other career do you get to stop in the middle of your day and have a full on dance party to GoNoodle videos? I think this is the only one! :)

I pray each of you find what God has called you to do and have passion towards it. Thanks for your support!

xoxo