I'm Back!

I'm baaaack, but at a different spot, with a different twist!  Come check out The Ginger and the Blonde!

Happy First Day!

Year three of teaching is here!  Today was the first day of school, and it was a success!  Although it is exhausting and crazy getting back into the swing, I'm thankful to be back in a routine and working with my favorite people… fourth graders!  This year I have a motto that I want to focus on everyday as an educator…

"There are four steps to accomplishment: plan purposefully, prepare prayerfully, proceed positively, pursue persistently."

I found this quote from a cheesy teacher inspiration book, but I love it!  With new challenges thrown at teachers each year, I don't know how I can possibly get through the school year without purposeful planning, strength from the Lord, positivity, and persistence!  Oh, and I have one more step to add to the quote: Peruse Pinterest!  Haha, I've gotten so many great ideas for the classroom on there!

Spicy Salmon & Brown Sugar Blondies

Last night I was feeling extremely domesticate and tried a new recipe for dinner and then a new recipe for dessert!  They were both so tasty, I just had to recommend them to you!  The first one was Spicy Baked Salmon with asparagus. (Warning: This is very spicy, so be prepared!)  Then for dessert,  we had Brown Sugar Blondies from the Williams-Sonoma cookbook, The Weeknight Cook.  This was a subtle and different dessert that Rob and I both would love to have again!  My favorite part of the blondies was the fact that I finally had a chance to use my new KitchenAid mixer!!!  I should also add, both of these recipes are very simple to make with minimal ingredients!

Thanks to Instagram, here a few photos of our cuisine…

Tied the Knot!

I'm baaaaaack… as a married woman!  Mr. R and I tied the knot on July 7th, the hottest day of the year.  Despite the excruciating 106 degree temp, it was an amazing day!  As cliche as it may sound, it was the best day of my life.  Rob and I also had an wonderful honeymoon in Hawaii.  It was glorious to have nothing to do (but relax) for a week in Maui!  I'm so excited for so many more special memories with my sweet husband!  From what I can gather so far, being married is pretty fabulous! :)

Here are a few of my favorite wedding photos and a honeymoon pic too.

18 More Days!

Where do I even begin?!  I think part of the reason I have been absent from blogging is because I found myself wanting to blog only about two things: my wedding and school-related topics, and I didn't want to over-do those topics!  But ya know what, it's my blog, so I suppose I will just blog about what I want...  After our wedding and honeymoon, I will try to make a strong effort to start blogging regularly again!  By the way, our big day is only 18 days away!!!!  Rob and I could not be more excited for our wedding, honeymoon, and marriage!  Throughout our engagement our friends have thrown several thoughtful showers for us and because I've been a lazy blogger, I'd thought I'd do a re-cap of our wedding events in pics!

My first shower was in my hometown thrown by some dear family friends.  It was adorable and matched our wedding colors perfectly!

Our couples shower was a Mexican Fiesta thrown by Rob's best man's mother!  The Mexican food and margarita machine were out of this world!

My bridesmaids threw my Bachelorette Party in Lawrence, Kansas.  I had a blast with my girlfriends romping around our old college stomping grounds!

The other 3rd and 4th grade teachers at my school threw a wonderful school shower.  I received an amazing red Kitchen-Aid mixer…. Time to do some baking!

Rob's sister-in-law and his mom's friend threw a fun shower.  They had a fruit pizza bar, super cute Pinterest idea come to life!

Maggie and her mom threw a lovely brunch shower at a fun French restaurant with the most amazing quiche on the planet!

The highlights from all of our wedding showers have been the fun people, fabulous gifts, and phenomenal food!  Thank you to all who have hosted and attended.  We have been spoiled silly lately.  You have truly made this time special and unforgettable!

And So It Begins...

Happy Wedding Season!  Being 25 (me) and 26 (Rob) and having had different groups of friends in college, this time of year (for the past 2 years and many to come) is the start to a busy wedding season!  For the next couple of months, my life will revolve around showers and weddings (others and mine!)  Last week was a friend of mine's wedding and next weekend is one of Rob's best bud's wedding!  And you don't want to know how many showers I am attending this weekend…  Ha!  Sooo fun! :)

 In honor of the start to this fun time of year, 

here is a pic of Rob and I last weekend 

gearing up for Meg and Jeff's fabulous wedding!

Bridal Party

In honor of today being our 3 month mark, I thought I'd do a wedding post!  I feel like 3 months is the mark of "IT'S ACTUALLY REALLY CLOSE!"  Woohoo!  


Back in the fall, I asked four special friends to stand with me on my wedding day.  Here is how I asked them…

How could I not include a lemon cupcake to seal the deal?!

I'm so excited for my big day, and these four girls have been so supportive and have made wedding planning so fun.

  Here is my fabulous bridal party…

Courtney, maid of honor

Little sister.  Baby girl.  Hard-working.  Hilarious.  Quirky.

Emily, matron of honor

Older sister.  Best mother ever.  Bleeding heart.  Persevering.  Faithful. 

Maggie, bridesmaid

College bestie.  World's most amazing nurse.  Thoughtful.  Fun.  Feisty. 

Ally, bridesmaid

Lifelong friend.  Humble.  Adventurous.  Down-to-earth.  Intelligent.