BOO!!!

I was BOO'd at school! And fortunately my fellow teacher was not scaring or insulting me! She (even though it is a secret we have an all female faculty so it is safe to assume it is a she)left a wonderful Halloween bag filled with lots of treats for my students and my own little girls!

Have you heard of this tradition? I had never heard of this until my parents moved into their Retirement Community four years ago.

It is Secret Santa but for Halloween. You BOO someone in secret, leaving them a bag of treats. Once you have been BOO'd, you hang a BOO sign on your door and BOO someone else!

Morrocccan Inspiration

Ok, I am not ashamed to admit it. I am an HGTV junkie. It is the ONLY station I watch. And my favorite show is House Hunters. I have even convinced myself that it is educational. Aside from gathering great creative ideas and inspiration, I have learned so much about other cultures when House Hunters goes International.

One episode in particular features Maryam Montague, a human rights advocate who moved her family from the United States to Marrakech, Morroco. She and her husband have built a gorgeous guest retreat, Peacock Pavilions and developed an online shopping store, Red Thread Souk filled with beautiful Morroccan items for the home.

I hope everyone had a wonderful long weekend!

Farmgirl Paints

I have spent part of this Sunday catching up on my favorite blogs today. (I sort of like when I have to do that because I feel like a child at Christmas getting to open lots of gifts!)


I was inspired by Simple Thoughts today with her post today featuring inspirational jewelry by Waxed Poetic. I definitely have a few bracelets I would like to put on my Christmas list.

I also got to catch up today with Becky from Farmgirl Paints. As I was reading her post today, I noticed she had some new pretties in her Etsy shop.

It was definitely a sign. My birthday is a month away and I am loving the necklaces I have picured. Becky is such a talented artist and I love how her jewelry is inpired by God. Becky's work is a reminder of who we are and who we have been called to be!

Since returning to teaching this year after being home with my girls for the last two years, I truly seek to live God's word and to be a missionary to others. Part of this journey has led me back to a Catholic school after being in public school for many years.

A Retreat

Photo by Ron Nebrugge

Last week I went back to teaching after being home for two years with my girls.

It is a bittersweet time for me, but I know God has chosen me to continue my ministry for Him.

Our first day was filled with administrative tasks for the faculty.

And our second day of school was a faculty retreat, which I fully embraced.

The retreat opened with Christ be our Light, which happens to be the theme for this school year.

And the retreat closed with City of God, which happens to be a favorite of mine!

It is amazing how we can feel so moved but words!

I will leave you with a small part of the song and it's uplifitng words:

Awake from your slumber! Awake from your sleep!
A new day is dawning for all those who weep
The people in darkness have seen a great light
The Lord of our longing has conquered the night.

Let us build the City of God
May our tears be turned into dancing.
For the Lord our light and our love has turned the night into day.

Last Summer Outing, God's Word and Hurricane Irene

It is hard to believe it is the end of the summer and I am going back to teaching next week after being home with my girls for two years!

I have mixed emotions but I know financially I need to do this. I prayed to God and He answered. I am going to be teaching in a Catholic Elementary School which is new for me. I previously taught high school for over thirteen years!

The first two days of school are for teachers only and we have one whole day dedicated to a retreat. What better way to start the school year than a whole day talking to God?

My husband and I decided to take the girls for our last outing of the summer to Kittery, Maine. It was a gorgeous day and we never felt the Earthquake like our friends and family did back home in Boston. Funny what an hour and half distance can do!

It so beautiful there. And across the bridge from Kittery is Portsmouth, NH where my husband proposed to me!

After a little shopping at the Kittery Trading post for some back to school shoes for me, we had a lovely lunch at Robert's Maine Grill and Market. It has a gorgeous view of the marsh.

And now I am making preparations as Hurricane Irene makes its way to New England!

FALLing for Pottery Barn

I have been so excited to start decorating for the fall. Yet, I have not been thrilled with what I have seen in the stores.

SO I started looking at Pottery Barn's fall decor on their website and have decided there are a few things I can easily make on my own!

I have a wreath I found for free on the side of the road. It has twig branches and it is in great condition. However, I just don't like the fake flowers on it. It is a little outdated. So I am going to remove the flowers and add fake fall leaves from the Dollar Store.

I also saw some cobwebs and fake black spiders at the Dollar Store and after seeing how Pottery Barn decorated with it I am going back to buy some and put in a glass vase I have!

Ruffled Linens Giveaway at French Farmhouse 425

I was changing my sheets and making my bed a little while ago and thinking that I my bed linens need a little makeover. Then I headed over to French Farmhouse 425 to catch up and was pleasantly surprised to find out she is having an amazing giveaway! Ruffled Linens is giving away th emost gorgeous pillow shams!

Of course I am in love with everything in this Etsy shop! How perfect are these tablecloths for the fall and Thanksgiving dinner?

Have a great weekend!