Dear Easter Candy

I mean, this week flew by... I am sitting here in my pj's asking myself what happened to the whole week....oh wait I know. I did my civic duty and was on a jury panel for a felony case. It was interesting to see the process but I hope to have a long rest before I have to do that again.... MOVING ON

Dear Friday: I'm glad you are there and I'm so glad that I have today off. Hello a little cleaning, getting my life back in order, and then heading home to see my little family! Dear little friends: I can't thank you enough for being so wonderful while I was out ALL week long. The sub told everyone on campus that you were the best class she has EVER had.... I mean I knew that since day one but thank you for making smart choices and just being the wonderful little people you are. You make my heart so proud and happy. Dear Easter: I'm so excited for you. Although all the grandkids are too old to "hunt" Easter eggs, I'm looking forward to lots of family time and just celebrating the reason for us all being together. Oh and so I can eat lots of candy too!! woohoo! 

Dear Family: It has been entirely too long since I've gotten to come home to see you all! I'm excited for shopping, pedicures, and of course Grandmom's cooking. I love family time. Dear Fellow Jurors: Thank you for making my first experience as juror the best it possibly could be. From lots of laughing, to our debates, and giving each other nicknames. I still think we should have taken a picture in front of the court house. Dear Haircut: BRING IT ON. hello summer hair. Dear Sponsors: Thank you for baring with me this week and just being such wonderful, amazing people. I feel very lucky to promote your blogs and be a part of your blog life. Y'all make my job easy with your sweet hearts and awesome posts. Meighan, Alexa, Mandy, Brandi, Autumn, Mandy, Sara, and MissManthaG you ladies rock! 

I hope you all have a great Easter weekend and get to spend time with the people you love the very most! Have a great one friends. 

Blog friend turned best friend

So if you have been around my blog for a while, you know that I love making friends with all you beautiful ladies that come visit this crazy, random, mess of a space I class my blog. When I started this blog, I did it to write; to share my randomness with....well no one. I didn't have very many followers, in fact I'm pretty sure the only people following my blog were my family and myself (Guilty). I never in 10000000 years would think that the ladies that I met through emails and their blogs would become such big parts of my life. 

You may have seen me talk about Alexa, who blogs over at Southern Living, Our Way and how much I adore her...I mean we have bestie blog mugs, she sent me the most precious box for Valentine's day when she knew it would be a little rough for me, and already have a trip planned for me to go and visit her and Glenn who I basically feel are like family to me, as crazy as some people may think that is....but you bloggers understand. ANYWAYS.... I could talk about blog friendships all day, but then I'd get all sappy and deep and emotional and I just don't want to go there. So instead, I'm letting my lover Alexa take over and entertain you. I have no doubt after reading her post that you will want to follow her blog and meet her too. I just love the mess outta this girl. 
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Hi there, beautiful It Is What You Make It readers! Let's start off by finding some common ground, OK? Basically we all think Ashley is amazing, right? And that she's the sweetest blogger in the whole blogiverse? And that's it's just ridiculously depressing that she and I live 17 hours apart so we can't have bestie time every weekend? 

Alright, good, great. Glad we cleared that up! Moving right along  :)

My name's Alexa and I'm the {Britney Spears obsessed} not-a-girl, not-yet-a-woman behind the blog Southern Living, Our Way! 

I kid, I kid; I'm pretty much a grown-up, except when bills come in the mail, and then I act like I'm a responsibility-less teen who has more important things to do, like study for the SAT and such. {Plus, I love to drink wine ^, and the government tends to be pretty strict on that being an "adults only" hobby.}

But being grown up does mean the people at the pound let me adopt this preshy-faced little nugget, Holly, five years ago. They didn't know I'd become that crazy dog lady who calls her my "daughter" and feeds her her favorite people foods just because she looks at me with pitiful rescue-pup eyes.

This would not be those eyes. I call this "Crazy, party of one!"

Getting married is one of the more recent "grown up" things I've done, with this handsome grown-up man at my side! My husband, Glenn, {or Glenn Coco as he's more commonly know in blogland} and I got married on May 12, 2012 and I truly believe it'll always be the biggest and best party I've ever attended. We now live in Charlotte, NC and are just figuring out the joys of newlywedhood one day at a time. See above: He doesn't really love when I act teenager-ish when the bills come...

I hope y'all will hop on over to my little slice of blog and say hello!

I'm a little off the radar this week friends. Thank you for baring with me and just being a part of my life, whether that be through comments, emails, or just twitter interactions. You guys make my heart smile! Happy Wednesday!

Baby why don't we go down to Co-zu-mel

After cruising for a full day and night, we arrived in Cozumel, Mexico. The storm had pretty much caught up with us and as soon as we got off the boat it began to rain. Cozumel was the only place we had booked an excursion so we went to talk to the person in charge of our excursion about what to do.

When we got up there, Miguel was waiting for us with a choice. Either we could get our money back and just hang out around Cozumel or we could still go on the excursion where we would do some snorkeling and then head over the private beach where there was pretty much any water activity you could imagine. We figured that even though it was raining, we didn't really know what else to do in Cozumel so we went on the trip....best decision ever.

Most people didn't think our idea was the brightest, so we got on the boat and literally 4 other couples/families came with us. Everyone else had decided to get a refund...which meant we had the catamaran practically to ourselves. We met another couple that was on their honeymoon and then the sweetest family that we ended up meeting up with later on that night. I so wish I had their information because they were the funnest couple we met. 

The boat took us out to these reefs and we got there just as it started to rain. The guide told us that this was actually a better time to go because all the fish would be moving around and holy moly he was right. I was in heaven. I wasn't good at the snorkeling part but after all my years on the swim team I can hold my breath for a ridiculous amount of time so I would dive down to the bottom and look through the caves. I got the most beautiful pictures that are still sitting at Walmart in the photo center. oops. That will have to be another post another day. 

My favorite pictures

On the way to the island, there was unlimited amounts of drinks and we had a dance party on the top deck of the catamaran. With all like 10 people that were on the big boat. We weren't really sure what to expect out of the beach but were very pleasantly surprised to see that it really was a PRIVATE beaching meaning we had the whole thing to our selves. There were canoes, water slides, a trampoline other fun things. And you better bet your bottom dollar I tried out each of them. hehe 

The beach had lawn chairs, hammocks, beds you could lay out on, a grill, gift shop, and unlimited amount of free drinks available. Michael and I enjoyed just sitting under the canopy tables, took one of the canoes for a row around the water toys, and just relaxed. I seriously think we will go back with this company if/when we go back and hopefully the next time it will be extra sunny. 

When we got back from our little excursion, we decided to be complete tourists and took a taxi to a place to eat that the taxi lady recommended.... scary but also soooo good. We definitely enjoyed it and liked being in the heart of everything. 

Sadly, our rainy day in Cozumel came to an end and we headed back to the ship. Up next, I'll fill ya in on all the fun we had on the ship. 

WWAD on the weekend?

Weekends just make my heart happy. There is nothing like knowing you have a few days off to just get things done, or not get things done...either way. 

Friday I came home from school pretty early because I had to take Miss High Maintenance to the vet. Someone (MICHAEL) was playing with...they have this game where she runs full speed in and out of all the rooms in our house like a maniac and it's pretty hilarious. Well luckily for her, our floors are extra slipper for her no traction paws so she slid into a door and broke her toenail. I freaked out, researched what to do online and of course it says "needs major surgery, will be put down with medicine, must stay off it for weeks, yadda yadda yadda". She wasn't favoring it, was playing with all her toys and continued running crazily through the house so I figured she could wait until the morning. Soooo at the vet, they gave her a toenail clipping and we were good to go. Way to fail me Internet.

After our fun at the vet office

After all that drama, we decided to go out on our friends boat with them and their son. It made me ever more excited for summer and spending long days laying out on the front while the boys fish on the back. It was just what I needed to end a long week.

Saturday was the most exciting day ever. Let me explain. I woke up early on my day off, went to my work, on my day off, and got things ready for the sub on Monday...on my day off. Then to top it off, I helped with Saturday academy on my day off....and loved every minute of it. I don't know why I get more done on my days off SOMETIMES, but I just do. After hanging out, teaching place value and counting money, I came home did lots of laundry and watched every movie on TV that I could. I also decided that it is time for Michael and I to get new master bedroom furniture. We are living out of plastic bins and it's not OK for my OCD. So furniture update coming soon!!! I need some of you crafty DIYers to send me some links for headboards....and go! :) 

Sorry...no picture of my semi productive day!

Sunday was even better because I had already done almost everything on my "weekend todo list". Go me. So I slept in, got in a good run, and did some fun online shopping. Michael is heading out on a fishing adventure with his dad all week long so we got him all stocked up and the boat ready for their fun week. The rest of the day was catching up on some sex in the city, blogging, and couch time! YAY weekend! 

And since I've probably bored you guys to tears with my super fun weekend, I have to introduce you to my fun, fabulous large Ad sponsors Autumn and Samantha

Autumn 

Hello! I'm Autumn and I blog over at The Unreal Life. I'm a 20 something trying to learn how to stop dating assholes, be philanthropic on a budget and otherwise "make it" in this big ol' "real world." I like: flat pop, big books, live tweeting awards shows and playing with kids. I never met an adventure I didn't like, and I often don't realize until well after it's over that it probably wasn't the most rational, safe choice (i.e.: taking a complete cross-country road trip all by my lonesome). I've got a big heart and a lot of sass. One of my best friends once described me as the following: "You're just embarrassing enough that anyone can feel comfortable around you, without being embarrassed to know you." 

My blog title comes from my friend Ellen, who after hearing many of my stories would let out a long, drawn-out "Unrrrreal" or, if she really liked my story, a "Your life is unreal. Seriously." I like it because it captures the spirit of two options--both the "your life is so awesome unreal" and "your life is so awkward this-would-only-happen-to-you unreal." Because let's be real, isn't life in general a lot like that?

Miss Mantha G

I seriously can't even call her Samantha anymore because her twitter name is so catchy. She blogs over at It's all in the details and is just the sweetest person on the planet. Yes I went there! hehe Just recently she went to visit Charlotte and celebrated St. Patrick's Day with my other lover Alexa. I am keeping my fingers crossed for a possible trip to Texas? MAYBE?! She blogs about everything from delicious recipes to traveling to places like VEGAS!!! Head over, visit her, and tell her Hi from one of her biggest fans would ya?! 

Have a great start to your week friends. 

I'm off to jury duty! Wish me luck! 

Dear little friends: I'm not pregnant

Hellllllllloooooo Friday: This week has been an interesting one. I loved getting back into the routine with my little friends and at home, but I am so glad that you decided to visit today. Please sit and stay awhile wouldya?! 

Dear Partner: thank you for taking my worries and throwing them out the door. I loved getting to spend some time with you and love you even more for cooking my favorite meal this week. You make my heart smile (except when you're watching American Idol and talk during the whole show). Dear 22 little friends: I'm so happy we are reunited although after this busy week, we all deserve this weekend. But we have an issue...I'm going to need y'all to quit rubbing on my belly and talking to my nonexistent baby.... You are making Mrs. H worry because they say kids have a six sense about that. P.S- I will now be the newest member of the local gym.... Dear Dr. Pepper: thank you for saving my butt all week. I wouldn't have survived this first week back without you. Dear Brandi: thanks for me sweet wine tumbler. I've been wanting one for so long. Love you friend.

Dear blog: you are in for a special treat. Erin is fixing you up and I'm sooo excited. Get ready for a little changes to your figure. Yay. Dear Jury Duty: I'm looking forward to you because you just never know who is going to show up and what case it will be. But please dear lawyers, don't choose me. I can barely pick out my clothes in the morning, much less decide if someone is guilty or innocent with each side confusing me even more. Thanks but no thanks. Dear Sponsors: you make my promoting of your fun blogs easy. So thankful that you found my blog and are letting me shout out your fun, awesome posts. 

And for a little throw back...I bring you Whitney's fun link up...needing some motivation or just want to jam out to your favorite 7th grade dance songs? Go check out the link ups. 

I hope you all have an awesome weekend friends. Be happy! 

St-St-Storia time

To all you mommies, future mommies, and teachers out there, I have to share my newest obsession. So you know the book order forms we all use to "oooohhh" and "ahhh" over when we were little? The same ones that you had pretty much every girl book circled and would literally shed tears if mom didn't send it back to school on time? Well I have the 2013 version of it in my classroom and it is  AMAZING.

Insert Storia. Storia is like the kindle app for ipads, iphones, and androids. No this is not a paid post, but rather a 1st grade teacher sharing some fun tips with y'all. You can go online to scholastic.com and click the Storia link. You can download it as an app on your phone or your computer and buy books for your bookshelf. There are all kinds of books and you can even make different themed bookshelves.

Here are some examples of mine (I'm still collecting):

Anyways, for the lower level books and even some higher levels, the books will read to the students, stop and ask them questions, and have little comprehension games that they can play to help them remember important parts of the story or gain comprehension, letter knowledge, character insight, etc. 

There are even free books you can download every month that I have stocked up on. Go check it out. I'm not sure how it works for kids whose teachers don't order from book clubs so if you need a code, here is mine GRNP7. Let me know if it works and what you think about it. My students BEG me to let them "play" on it during center time and the parents have said it's awesome for road trips.

Read more about Storia

And since I have bored you with my teacher talk, I figured I would let my awesome in post sponsor Meighan take over for the day. Enjoy friends.

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Hi!  I'm Meighan from Heavens to Meighan.

I'm so excited to be doing a guest post today with the fabulous Ashley Robyn.

Today, to give you a little insight to my crazy life, I'm going to tell you all about the time I broke my nose at P.F. Changs.

So I'm 20 years old and I've just decided to stop doing hair.

I was a little bummed because now my life was thrown off track.

I was no longer going to be the fabulous hair stylist for the stars in New York or L.A.

My friend at the time, Jen, decided to take me out for dinner and drinks.
We got to P.F. Changs a little late and we had to wait on some other friends outside the restaurant. 

Jen turned around to see if she could spot them, and that's when it happened.

My right pointy toe heel got caught in my left jean flare bottom.

And I was screwed.  I fell FLAT on my face. 

And when I sat flat, I mean my face hit the ground first.

Hands above head and legs all tangled, I bled profusely in front of the entrance to a chain restaurant.

Two managers who were outside smoking RAN over and said (and I quote):

"OH MY GOD.  ARE YOU OKAY.  DON'T BE EMBARASSED, JUST ARE YOU OKAY?????"

Are you kidding?  No I'm not okay.  I just broke my nose, like bad.  Like, black and blue and instantly swollen.  AND I was still hungry!

I learned two lessons from this incident.

#1.  Don't wear pointy toe heels and flare jeans if you don't know how to walk in pointy toe heels and flare jeans.

#2.  Don't go to P.F. Changs too late at night because they won't let you eat.  Even if you just busted your face on their concrete.

(don't think I didn't clean my nose up as much as I could and then go across the street to Cheesecake Factory all swollen and blue.  because I so did.)

And that my friends, is how my deviated septum was born.

Thank you for letting me do a little post on your blog Ashley!

And for more nonsense Meighan stories, head over to my blog Heavens to Meighan.

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I love anyone who can share a fun story like that with awesome friends of mine! Go visit her and say hello from me! :) Have a great Wednesday friends. 

We Cay-man we saw....

Hello Travel Tuesday's with my favorite Dallas love Helene. I love getting to write these posts because it helps me remember all the fun that was had and then I get sad because I wish I was back there. We're talking about stop 2 of our 3 stop honeymoon cruise today! 

Our cruise for our honeymoon was 7 days long. We spent the first 3 days heading to our first destination where we spent a day at Montego Bay, Jamaica. It was seriously the best way to start off our beach hop and we so loved it.. You can read about the Jamaica adventures here! After a fun day at Montego Bay, we cruised all night to the Grand Cayman Islands. Well the Captain drove the ship, we ate, danced at Club Vibe (that's right), hung out on the deck, and did some sleeping.

To get to the island, we had to take a boat from our boat. The islands was beautiful... everything we first saw was very different from Jamaica. Everything that you get there has to be shipped to it by way of boat so it is much more expensive than the other beaches we visited. But that's not important right now.  We took our water taxi to the shore and ended up in this little caged in area with the Grand Caymans surrounding you. We again didn't book any tours because we're messes adventurous like that. We walked around the shore for a while so I could take some pictures. 

We then decided to take a taxi to what they call the seven mile beach...aka the most ridiculously longest beach ever. The taxi man dropped us off at this resort type place but there wasn't even room for us to sit so we got our walk on. I swear we walked 2 miles on the beach (hello calf workout) and finally found a cute little spot where we rented beach chairs, and enjoyed some sun time and some rain.

Yes I said rain. We got all settled in, took some cute pictures, and just relaxed for a good while, but there was this crazy thing called a hurricane chasing our cruise ship the whole time we were out there and it caught up with us in the Caymans. So we did what any people stuck on a beach with rain pouring down would do...we ran to the closest bar and ordered us a few drinks. 

The rain let up and we got to enjoy the beach a little more and then decided to head back towards the cruise ship. They are very insistent that you not be late for boarding our they will promptly leave you and I just didn't want that to happen. We found this cute restaurant right on the beach that we enjoyed amazing hamburgers and some cold brewskies at. Like I said earlier, everything and I mean EVERYTHING is shipped to that island so the two burgers ended up costing us about $60. Helpful hint: If you go to the Cayman Islands, take lots of money. :)  

I spy Dallas, Texas....this is for you Helene! 

We ended up heading back to the cruise ship early which made for a great big surprise. There were empty chairs right by the pool and no lines at the food places, so I got some nachos and salsa and we nibbled and then took a nap by the pool. 

seriously best salsa and fries ever...I was in heaven! 

Thanks Grand Cayman. It was a blast. I'll be back next week to tell you about our favorite stop on the cruise Cozumel....yes... Cozumel Mexico was our favorite. Just wait for the reasoning and you will understand!