Reviews, Opinions, and Other Things

Hello, friends! I have a couple of ideas for the blog, and I really want your opinions! I'll have a couple little blurbs about each, and then you please tell me what you think in the comments? Be honest! Femmena Mala is mostly my space to get out my words, but also a little your space to read about something you like, so I'm really interested in what you've got to say!

1. Book reviews? 

source

You know I love to read, and I find a lot of really awesome, fun books via my Kindle and Amazon's suggestions, as well as by reading other blogs that offer awesome reading suggestions. I have seen book reviews done on other blogs and I always end up adding a book or two to my list of "to-reads". Would this interest you guys? I know that all of you aren't readers, and this probably wouldn't even turn out to be a weekly feature by any means, but I think it could be really fun! 

In addition to that, if anyone has read a really awesome book that you think I might enjoy, or want to see reviewed on the blog, I would be MORE than happy to look into it and see if it's something I might want to read from beginning to end! 

2. Product reviews?

source

This is something that would really require your help/collaboration. I know that a lot of you have etsy/big cartel shops that you might be trying to promote, and while Femmena Mala is far too small to begin sponsorships, if there is anyone who has a product/shop that they would love to have some exposure for, I am throwing the idea around of doing product reviews! I think it would be fun to help you guys gain some exposure and some customers through Femmena Mala, and if you're interested, please leave a comment with your feedback! 

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In other news, I found these the other evening and am excited to learn that two of them still mostly work! Being an Apple fan, I could never get rid of my old iPods, and hopefully I can get them back into complete working order! I love my pretty red one, from the second newest generation of nanos, but The oldest iPod (with a click-wheel!) is my all time favorite. The only problem is that it freezes frequently. Any ideas? (p.s. I'm totally a Verizon customer and cannot wait to get an iPhone. eeee!!!)

Nick and I are finally going to see HP #7 today with Lynzie and Brandon. I finished the series, and while I am really sad to be done (again) I really feel like it was the perfect ending of the series. Seriously, J.K. Rowling is my fave. If you were wondering, in the fall, when we can move into a bigger apartment, we plan on getting Guillermo a brother and last night we spent the car ride home from dinner (Indian food!) throwing around all of the Harry Potter inspired names (Remus, Rubeus, Sirius, Fenrir, Grindelwald, Bilius) we might consider for our future puppy son #2! 

Happy Sunday!

<3

It's FINALLY Saturday.

I just need to take a second to acknowledge the huge sigh of relief I had at the thought of this week finally being over. For some reason, it just seemed like everything that could possibly go wrong this week, did. I am so happy it's Saturday and that I get to spend the weekend with my boys!

Yesterday, my best friend, Lauren, brought her puppy, Penny, over to have a play date with Guillermo. Lately, Guillermo has been really lethargic and depressed, and when he's not, he's shredding tissues or chewing socks, or stealing the unopened box of toothpaste that was not-so-safely stowed on the bottom shelf in the bathroom... and I really think this all comes down to being lonely! He's really not alone too terribly much, most of the time between 6-8 hours a day, and that's even in pieces. He needs constant attention and does whatever he can (see above) to get our hands and eyes on him! So, I decided to start getting him out more + around Penny to get some of that energy out. Here are some pictures from yesterday :)

I think they spent a good three hours tumbling around the living room, chasing each other, and wrestling. And when Penny went home? Guillermo STILL wanted to play tug... At least he's cute :) 

In other news, I FINALLY began Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and I am most excited about this one because the first time I read it, I was borrowing the book from my mom, so I SPED through it, and hardly remember anything that happened. [spoiler alert] And let me just say that I shed tears when Hedwig died..... tears. 

Unfortunately, and although I am trying my hardest to savor the HP books while I am still in the mood to re-read them, I am itching to read the many books I got for Christmas. I have so many sitting on my bookshelf just waiting to be opened, and about 10+ more that I have planned for my Kindle. I honestly cannot WAIT to read some of them, and I plan on putting a post together sometime soon about my Kindle plans :) 

Also, remember this boy? 

Well, he's amazing. Last night was pretty much a culmination of a pretty crappy week for both of us, and when I got home from work at midnight, of course all we could think to do was have a stupid argument. Then, he woke up with me at 7:30 AM and drove me to work, and then went and got brand new tires for my car without even telling me. Seriously. What did I do to get so lucky? And his birthday is coming soon! I have big plans :) shhh...!*

Happy Saturday! 

Wednesday Wonders v.9

These are just a few things that [mostly] have made me really excited the past week.5....

1. this pretty piece of art reminiscent of the ones i showed you here. 

lynzie posted this on my facebook and i think it's awesome. of course, neither

of us can take credit for this, but i am unsure of the site it came from! 

2. got this from Nick's dad for Christmas, and we have basically 

been playing it non stop since the 25th... we've already beat 2 years

and are well on our way to beating the third!

3. this pretty picture of candles that i took a long time ago. i recently 

found this on my computer and liked it!

4. NEW jeans. i love getting new jeans.

5. screen cap of my Google homepage. I love that you can change the skins, now.

This one is so pretty!

6. don't forget about the giveaway! only three more days to get your entries in :)

7. almost 100 readers... just ONE away! this makes me really happy + thankful!

8. lastly, this is Guillermo. you all know him, right? i talk about him enough.

anyways, yesterday we took him to the vet to get his leg checked out before we begin

physical therapy. well. it turns out that they found something peculiar in his

belly when they did the xray.... a twisty tie. this is actually pretty serious, after considering

the ridiculous fact that he decided it was a delicious snack... it has potential for puncturing his

intestine, and if we aren't careful (this means giving him the correct foods to make it safe

to travel through his system) then he may have to have another surgery. 

please say some prayers/send us good thoughts! 

*silly guillermo...*

KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON.

In commemoration of making it to my final week of student teaching [!!!]..... You guys know that famous war poster?

Well, lately I have become obsessed, and these are the ones I am in love with:

Not to mention, these: 

Our (Nick and I) personal favorite is the "KEEP CALM AND CARRY A WAND." This is just keeping in line with my recent obsession with HP. [Speaking of which, I have just started Book 6, The Half-Blood Prince, and it rules. Nick and I made a late night trip to Kroger for some Cuties and Red Bull and stayed up until 3am watching the film version of the Order of the Phoenix and omg. I think this is the best movie of the series so far!]

Back to the topic at hand. Want to make your own? Here's a template:

There are more where that came from! (click here for different colored templates)

Here's what I came up with:

Credit for this idea goes to Susanne :)

Does anyone...

sometimes have trouble thinking of a title for blogposts? I look back at my archive on occasion, and it makes me feel very redundant!

Firstly, I have only ten more school days left of student teaching. I am so close to feeling relieved, I can't wait! I am going to have so much extra time on my hands after it's over, and a lot less stress in my life. It's going to be the best Christmas present, ever, to be able to spend more time with my family!

Secondly: Hello, again, to my new readers! I am gaining more, each day via Blogger, Google Reader, and Blog Lovin', and it's so exciting! I am really, really eager to do an awesome giveaway when I reach 100 followers, so, please tell your friends! <3 <3

Nick and I have been spending the entire weekend watching Man vs. Food, various documentaries, and Inception. First of all. Have you guys seen Inception? I was totally enamored. I loved it, and I am still thinking about it. (Which, if you don't already know, means that a movie was really, really good.) Leo was fantastic in it, and it was just the right amount of eerie, mind game-y, and Ellen Page-y for me. I want to watch it again, which I have head is what you must do with this specific movie, in order to really understand what you just watched! Hell-OH. Going on my Christmas list, fosho.

Also, as you know, I am re-reading HP for about the 10th time in my life, and I am on book 5 right now. I remember, when this book first came out, it was totally my favorite (as was each one, as they came out, haha!). But really, this one was my favorite. And the more I read it again, now, the more I don't understand why! Don't get me wrong, I am still in love with HP, but Order of the Phoenix is when HP really starts getting dark, and it's just a tad depressing. (I still love you, J.K.)

Also - do you know how I was doing Sunday Letters for the past however-many weeks? I think I am going to stop. Much like Wednesday Wonders, they just aren't striking my fancy anymore. At least for now. I might bring them back! Maybe I will, maybe I won't. ;) Speaking of which. If anyone has any

suggestions for what you want to see at Femmena Mala, please email me at smazzella.uc@gmail.com OR leave it in the comments! Thanks!

I ordered some AWESOME handmade things this week for Christmas presents, and I can't wait to get them, wrap them, and give them away. I also have a really fantastic idea for my dad for Christmas, but we'll have to see how that one pans out. And since he so faithfully reads my blog (love you, dad!) I can't go into any detail, but I think he's really going to love it!! 

What did you do this weekend?

Did you get any Christmas shopping done?

Happy Sunday! <3

It's hump day!

Only 12 more days until Christmas break, and until I can call it quits with student teaching. My patience is wearing thin, and I am SO ready to be off school for two weeks, and to celebrate Christmas. Christmas is my favorite holiday. I love love love shopping for OTHER people, I love wrapping, and I love taunting the people I have special, exciting gifts for (especially Nick, who gets so annoyed by it) ;) Nick is NOT a huge fan of Christmas for some bizarre reason, so I am mostly on my own in that department. I got him something REALLY good this year, and I can't wait to give it to him!!

Also, the other night, Nick and I watched both Harry Potter and the Prizoner of Azkaban and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. I love love love PoA, and I love the movie, also. On the other hand, I was not a huge fan of GoF on film. Many silly things were changed, and it just felt way too fast.

Along the same lines, do any of you read Elsie's blog, A Beautiful Mess? Do any of you read her blog AND love HP? Because the other day she posted this photo and it made me think immediately of Ron's owl, Pigwidgeon. Complete with matching Gryffindor hat. :)

Happy Wednesday!

<3 S

Sunday Letters [on Tuesday] and other things.

REPOST!!** Duh, guys. I totally forgot to add the Sunday Letter part.... Scroll to the bottom to see that ;)

So. I am sorry that I haven't been much of a presence, here, lately. But I have been so busy!

Before I continue, I want to make sure everyone checks out the interview/feature for Bloggin' Ladies that I posted earlier today here. The post is on Ilene from much love, illy. She is the best, and I think you will all find it very inspirational!

Anyhoo. I am feeling really sleepy today because last night I worked until midnight, and couldn't sleep until about three a.m. You can believe that I am exhausted, and after I take my puppy for a walk and get in a little HP time, I am going to take a loooooong nap. Followed by a trip home to see the fam, and then meeting Nick back at his place to do some grocery shopping. His work is having a potluck tomorrow so I am going to help him make some of that guacamole I told you all about to share with his work buddies!

Later, we're going to cuddle up and watch this week's Dexter. If you've already watched it, don't leave any spoilers in the comments, please! I love this season. I can't wait to see how it plays out. 

Yesterday, my supervisor from UC came to observe me, and it went really, really well! The kids were very well behaved. Granted, they knew he was coming, and I maaaaay have bribed them with candy. Bob seemed to really like my lesson, and kept going on and on about how engaged they were. He said it was really nice to see me smiling so much (which is probably because I am always so nervous for his visits, that I can't manage to smile!)

Also, side note? I am LOVING GoF. I know I have read it before, but I am remembering so many awesome things about these books, and have become slightly obsessed. 

I really want to blog about my plans for Nick's Christmas present, because I am so, SO excited about it, but at the risk of him reading this post, I better leave it out. But, just so you know, he is going to be one HAPPY boyfriend on Christmas morning. Eee!! 

Also? I made it to 30 days with no soda. Yesterday was the official day, and I am really excited! It was the perfect way to stop altogether considering if I started drinking it again, now, the last thirty days would have been pretty silly. So, go me! :) 

Sunday Letters....*

This week's letter goes to "someone I wish I could meet.."

Dear Grandma, via 1953,

Grandma, you are 18 years old, and probably about to start nursing school. You're about to meet Grandpa, and a lot of things in your life are going to change. Are you excited to become a nurse? It would be incredible to be friends with the 18 year old version of you; I know we would have so much in common. Thank you for all of the things you do for me, 30 years from now. You are amazing, and an incredible role model. I love you.

Stephanie

[my week in words + photos]

1. Snuggling with Guillermo while Nick was at work. 2. The amazing package I got in the mail from Russty, a fellow blogger! 3. Harry Potter obsession, Chamber of Secrets. 4. Starting Goblet of Fire! Favorite part so far: portkeys! 5. Parent teacher conferences on Thursday. FOUR showed up, so HP obsession ensued. 6. Peppermint Mocha Latte (and the awesome parking spot I got, right in front of SBUX). 7. Lesson planning like MAD. 8. Preparing to send off the package to my CH,WH partner! 9.Guillermo wearing his new sweater, handmade by Russty :) 10. Downloading AWESOME HP desktops for Wednesday Wonders!

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SHEW. Just so you know? This post is long. And wordy. You have been warned. 

It has been a looooong week. And by long? I mean LONG. I can't qualify this statement by saying anything other than.... I am eagerly awaiting Thanksgiving. Not mostly for the time spent with family. Not mostly for the yummy food I will get to consume (mostly carefree-ly). But for the glorious spectacular miserable five days away from West High. The kids really, really, really tried my patience this week.

Monday my supervisor from UC is coming to observe me, and after warning the bell he'll be sitting in on, they told me, in so many words, that they were going to make me look like a complete idiot. I kid you not. These stories I tell you are real. In order to combat this threat, and being that this bell (5th) is my worst as far as behavior, Holly and I devised a plan to get the students out of the room that are incredibly, unabashedly, shamelessly disrespectful and disruptive. Luckily, two of the worst ones will be out of town. SHEW [again].

My main time wasters occupiers this week when I wasn't concerning myself with planning a super awesome lesson that occupies + engages (while making me look awesome) these kids has been one of three things:

1. Guillermo
2. Harry Potter
3. Sleep

Basically? I have had an incredibly long week and have had no energy to do anything awesome [including the sweet HP themed Wednesday Wonders post I had planned]. Sad, I know.

HOWEVER. I am up to Year 4 in the HP series, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. This is when the series really starts to get good for me, because in grade school + high school, I read the first three books 10-12 times, but once the fourth book came out, I was only reading them about 3-4 times. This means that I remember much less from the second half-ish of the series, making re-reading them far more awesome.

That's all  I have for tonight. Guillermo, Nick, and I love you all. <3 S

Maybe I am a little weird...

but typing is a whole more fun when your finger nails are freshly painted.

I didn't get to share on Thursday, but I had a DELICIOUS veg lunch from the culinary department of Dater, the adjoining school to the one I am teaching. It was a salad bar and vegetarian minestrone for only $6. 

Don't mind that the salad is half eaten - I was already diggin' in before I thought to snap a picture. The chef and students in the culinary arts class are seriously so talented. Everything I have eaten from there is so delicious, and they ALWAYS offer a vegetarian option. A couple weeks ago they had a portabella soup and omg. It was delicious. 

Today, Nick and I took Guillermo to the vet to get his little stitches removed. Other than being so so scared, he did really well! Everyone said he looked pretty chubby (from laying around so much!) but other than that, he is healing up nicely and they vet said it will take a whole month before he starts getting comfortable using his leg completely. Poor little guy.

Before the vet, Nick and I traveled to St. Bernard to have a consultation about getting dreads in his hair. Then we went to Kroger for some Starbucks - I had a Peppermint Mocha Latte and Nick had a Gingerbread Latte. They were both so delicious, in part because of the pretty red holiday cups! 

After Starbucks, we walked over to WaldenBooks and picked up the second Harry Potter in paperback so that I could keep reading! I have all of the books in hardcover, but after reading some of them them 8-10 times (during gradeschool/high school), there are a few that are completely falling apart and utterly non usable. SO! Perfect excuse to gift myself the paperback collection, too! 

P.S. Those glasses I am wearing? New! I can't find a great picture, or really take one of myself because of the light in this apartment, but I love them! They are two shades of purple, and so so pretty.

Happy Saturday, friends! 

I heart Harry Potter.

It is FINALLY Friday. Well, pseudo-Friday!

It's been a long week this week, and we are off school tomorrow for Veteran's Day. I am so excited to sleep in tomorrow with Nick and the puppy son. I really, REALLY can't wait! AND! Even better: Nick is off work today for the holiday, so even though I have orientation for Petsmart tonight until 7:30, we will get to spend a few more hours together than usual :) Speaking of Petsmart, I am really excited tonight to start orientation. I can't wait to learn about what I'll be doing in the groom shop. I'll definitely be sure to update later or tomorrow what I find out!

I posted a little while ago a book list. In that post, I talked about how we are reading the book Night in my AA class for their long independent portfolio piece. The first few pages were really hard to get interested in, but after I got past that, the book is SO good. It's very said and graphic, but very interesting and I don't want to stop reading at all. So that I don't get too far ahead of the class, I started re reading (for about the 10th time..) the Harry Potter series. Hello? Why haven't I done this since high school??

Seriously? HP is intoxicating. It was in high school, and it still is now. It totally makes me want to buy some cloaks, a wand, and a pretty, pretty white Owl and name it Hedwig. Doesn't Hogwarts truly exist? Seriously, I would even live in a cupboard under the stairs for a while if it meant I could someday end up at the School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I'm only halfway through Year 1, and my favorite part, so far, is when Harry gets to go shopping for all of his school supplies, and is discovering all things magic for the first time. 

What is your favorite part of the Harry Potter series?

I am really, really hungry, so I can't wait for lunch today! (Vegetarian Minestrone and a salad, yum!!) Hope you all have a great Thursday/pseudo-Friday :) xoxo stephanie