Farewell 2013!

I can't believe 2013 is almost over... This year has brought lots of great things my way and I can't wait to see what happens in 2014. In honor of the new year and the farewell of 2013, I thought I'd like up with some blogging buddies for the 13 in '13 linky party! Here's a look back at 2013...

I'm definitely a child of the 1990's. My favorite "new" article of clothing is a plaid flannel shirt I bought from Old Navy. It brings back memories of junior high school. Only now I'm wearing the shirt instead of tying it around my waist. I love the colors and the fact that you can wear it with leggings or jeans! Win, win, win!

I've seen lots of great movies this year from Catching Fire to The Great Gatsby. I love watching movies based on novels. My favorite movie of this year would have to go to Catching Fire! Loved the movie adaptation and portrayal of my favorite character Finnick Odair!

I love TV. Picking a favorite series is very hard because my DVR is always full. But I'd have to give it to the Big Bang for being my favorite TV show of this year. The show is truly an escape that always brings about several laughs!

My favorite restaurant has to be a family owned Italian restaurant called, Betta's Italian Oven. They are known for their wood fired pizzas and I can never get anything else when I go... It's impossible not to get pizza. It's by far the best pizza in the city!

My Erin Codren Teacher Planner! It's the best thing for keeping me organized this year. It's really not a revolutionary concept but having a planner that can keep me organized and makes me feel happy every time I look it, I think that's a sell for a new planner next year. I love it and feel like I won the lottery by finding the video online.

My favorite gift of 2013 would have to be my new iPhone. My boyfriend was tried of hearing me complain about about my very, very old slow iPhone. So, he bought me a new glorious iPhone 5s. I'm in love. I'd be lost without  my phone for sure! My favorite gift from a student in 2013 was my Duck Dynasty band-aids. They know me so well!

My favorite pin of the year.... 3 Key Ideas for Parents about the Common Core. It's perfect for explaining the Common Core to parents & giving them some helpful tips. This was a perfect handout for our Meet the Teacher night! Thanks Jen at Hello Literacy for creating this great resource!

One of my favorite posts was about our Native American Mosaics. I love this post best because I remembered to take pictures of student work! This was a fun activity for my students and I loved displaying their mosaics around the classroom afterward!

Creating my own blog layout! I learned GIMP and did lots of "research" online to try and make my own buttons and cute images for my blog. I didn't have the money to pay for a custom layout so I tried my best to customize my layout just for my little ol' blog.

Celebrating the big 30 with the boyfriend at The Melting Pot! I've never been and it was an amazing night out for sure! The food, company, and conversation was wonderful!

Save money for a real vacation! I want a plane to take me away.... not sure where. But a week long adventure to another part of the country would be great!

I'd like to thank my friend and coworker Holly for the wonderful encouragement to find my everyday happy! Her blog Finding My Everyday Happy is amazing!


May the new year bring you happiness!