August Via Instagram

Is it September already?  I can't believe how fast August flew by.  August was a good month for me and I thought it would be great to share!

I was hoping August would bring me joy, and she didn't disappoint!  I wasn't sure what to expect, so I simply asked that she surprise me.

It's the first day of August! This is a busy month for me. The start of school and also a month of #celebration! It's my #birthmonth and I couldn't be more excited! So we'll have to see how true #August is to me. Hello August! Surprise me! Smooches!! 😘😘 #birthday #blogiversary #Leo #leoseason #surprise #surprises #surpriseme #celebrations #helloaugust #firstdayofaugust #endofsummer #backtoschool #surprisesinstore #newbeginnings #freshstart

A photo posted by sunshineandelephants (@sunshine.and.elephants) on Jul 31, 2016 at 9:14pm PDT

This summer I had an opportunity to try out some Mayfield Ice Cream and what a treat it was.  Influenster sent me 2 coupons to use towards 2 FREE cartons!  My boys and I enjoyed the treat! Are you an Influenster?  If not, you are missing out!  Want to join and get free stuff?  Join here :)

In the summertime when the weather is HOT, grab some #Mayfield ice cream it will hit the spot! Are you enjoying your #MayfieldSummer? Are you an ice-cream lover like me? Well I want to invite you to the Instagram party of the summer! Go to the following link to join in on the fun!!! bit.ly/2ajEMGS. The party is in full effect until midnight and admission is free! Sponsored by @Mayfielddairy and @Influenster. #contest @onlysavon #icecream #summerfun #beattheheat #bloggersconnect #BloggersGetSocial

A video posted by sunshineandelephants (@sunshine.and.elephants) on Aug 2, 2016 at 3:02pm PDT

How many of you have a YouTube page and still haven't created your own videos? I was guilty of this until recently.  I decided to record a wine box unveiling and I'm pretty proud of myself.  What do you think? Click this link to view video.

Sharing my first video with you today on my YouTube channel. Go check it out! Enter this link, http://bit.ly/2aOdOwp ... and tell me what you think! It's unedited and raw just like this picture. #HappyAugust #video #firstvideo #checkitout #unedited #unfiltered #untouched #beginner #novice #bloggersconnect #bloggersgetsocial #YouTube

A photo posted by sunshineandelephants (@sunshine.and.elephants) on Aug 2, 2016 at 5:03pm PDT

Interested in some free wine?   Join me and you can have fine wine delivered to your doorstep in days!

Happy Birthday to Me!  Happy Birthday to Me! :) :) :)

I am 45 years old! Man, that's a mouthful. Thanking God for allowing me to be here to celebrate another year of life. Thank you all my friends and family for your love and support. ITS MY BIRTHDAY!! 😄😄😄🎈🎈🎈🎂🍨🎉 #happybirthdaytome #HappyBirthday #itsmybirthday #cheers #anotheryearoflife #letscelebrate #imexcited #Augustbaby #Leoseason #Leo #bloggersconnect #BloggersGetSocial #birthdaygirl

A photo posted by sunshineandelephants (@sunshine.and.elephants) on Aug 10, 2016 at 4:37am PDT

Mickey Mouse and some ice cream sprinkles helped to make my evening, after a long, HOT day at work, more enjoyable!  Who doesn't love receiving #happymail!  I can't think of anything better than a friend spreading some love and kindness!

Good friends sprinkling #kindness! After a long, tiring, HOT school day it was so nice to come home and find some #snailmail in my box! What could be better than ice cream and #Mickey? This really brightened my day! Everyday is a good day for #happymail! #cards #thankyounotes #goodfriends

A photo posted by sunshineandelephants (@sunshine.and.elephants) on Aug 16, 2016 at 4:08pm PDT

Well of course summer couldn't end without a few thunderstorms.  I snapped this picture right as the storm clouds were rolling in to show the split in the sky.  For a slight second, it was clear and sunny in my neighbors' front yard while it was pouring in their back.

I wanted to show the split in the sky. Storm clouds rolling in pushing away our sunny #sky. It looks bad out there you guys. #clouds #cloudy #cloudysky #stormclouds #badweather #stormyweather #beforetherain #beforethestorm #bloggersconnect

A photo posted by sunshineandelephants (@sunshine.and.elephants) on Aug 18, 2016 at 3:43pm PDT

Some back to school #goodies I scored at Marshall's. I love the unique items they sell.
I know my student's will be happy to use these!

Look at all the #goodies I scored in my #backtoschool haul from Marshalls! A doodle pad, game pad, coloring markers, and this cute #elephant designed storage container. The kids are going to love these at school. A great way to keep the calm while counseling. Yay me! #doodlepad #onthegogames #coloring #doodling #markers #schoolcounselor #backtoschoolsupplies #counselingtools #schoolcounselorsofinstagram

A photo posted by sunshineandelephants (@sunshine.and.elephants) on Aug 21, 2016 at 5:04pm PDT

Sometimes you just need a little wine to take the edge off.

 Wine down Wednesday is always a good time.

Alchymist Noir! Want a glass? Smooth and delicious! #winedownwednesday #winowednesday #wine #vino #redwine #redwineblend #Winc #alchymistnoir #drinkwinc #winelover #winesofinstagram #winenot

A photo posted by sunshineandelephants (@sunshine.and.elephants) on Aug 24, 2016 at 5:13pm PDT

I ended the month by celebrating my 2nd Blogiversary!  What an amazing 
24 months it has been. My last post speaks all about it.  Cheers to 2 Years!!! :)

Singing, "Its My #Blogiversary" in my Tony Toni Tone' voice! Two years went by fast. New #ontheblog #itsmyblogiversary #2ndblogiversary #twoyears #bloggersconnect #BloggersGetSocial

A photo posted by sunshineandelephants (@sunshine.and.elephants) on Aug 26, 2016 at 9:24pm PDT

How did you spend your last month of summer?  Was August good to you, as well? 

See where I am Linking Up with others.

October Via Instagram

An eventful month of celebrations. Check out my Instagram page for details on each picture.

September Via Instagram

When I began to write this post, I realized the lack of variety in the pictures I posted on Instagram this month.  I usually have more pictures to choose from or a variety of events displayed.   Many of these have been used in post that I have recently posted. Oh well, just goes to show, you can never get enough of a good thing.  :)

Starting My day with @Starbucks! My first #psl of the year! That's pumpkin spice latte for those who don't know. #yummygoodness  #pumpkinspicelatte  

September 11th will always be plastered in my mind. I can remember the news report that took over our screens. I remember one of my students running to me to check on his uncle who worked there. He didn't go in that day. I can remember my cousin being frantic about one of the planes which her best friend was suppose to be on. She too didn't go into work that day. But to all the men and women who did...today we pay homage. #neverforgotten #September11  #alwaysinourhearts  #BloggersGetSocial

Charleston Strong! Tribute to the #charlestonemanuel9 on September 11 when we pay homage to those who lost their lives 14 years ago. God bless!!  #Charleston   #charlestonliving  #emanuelamechurch  #charlestonlife  #charlestonstrong    #charlestonunited  #BloggersGetSocial  #neverforget  #chs  #sweetsummerville

At 7:55 this morning, #theweatherchannel presented me with this lovely picture. Some nice iced coffee on the verge of a brisk fall like day. Just thought I would share it with you. Can't believe it's reporting a high of 76 today for#Charleston.   Great #weather!  #fallisnear #BloggersGetSocial

            

  A beautiful day today.  Took time for myself and enjoyed the outdoors.   #Charleston #chs #charlestonliving #thebattery #awayoflife #sunnyday 

Celebrated with this little one.  Ari is one.  #HappyBirthday #firstbirthday

How did you spend your September?

See where I'll be Linking Up this week.

embergrey.com

August Via Instagram

The month of August was a busy one filled with celebrations and joy!  It was also a signal that summer was coming to an end.  Join me as I share with you all that I had to celebrate.

Be sure you follow @sunshine.and.elephants on Instagram to catch every moment.

1.  August arrived hot as ever, but that's what you expect this time of year.

2.  Local goodies I supplied as a Secret Santa to Kristen of Ready, Set Parenthood.  Loved this swap and loved representing Charleston!

3.  It was #NationalTwinDay and I couldn't pass up on showing my sons some love.  Read about them here and here.  They are the joys of my life!

4.  I met this beautifully, spirited lady first online through her blog and had the pleasure of meeting her in person a few weeks ago.  I'm so happy to be able to call Michelle of Grammie Time a friend. 

5.  This is actually a picture of me on the coast of Morocco back in 2009.  This picture was used by Michelle to feature me in one of her many posts.  To learn more about me, you can read about it here from Michelle's Connect With Me series.  

6.  Happy Birthday to Me!!  On August 10th, I celebrated my 44th birthday.  

7 and 8: Celebrated my birthday at Irvin-House Vineyards and Firefly Distillery on Wadmalaw Island.  One of the twins was home to celebrate with me.  His brother was in NYC completing an internship.  Check out the post I shared here.

9.  A shout out to Google for celebrating with me! Thanks Google! :)

10. Back to school, and back to decorating my office.  This little space is my Be Yourself area where I display some of my personal paintings.  I added a little piece from Scripted Simplicity that fit right in with my space.  If you have never heard of them, please be sure to check out the link to see all of their beautiful pieces.  

11.  Back to work convocation for Dorchester District 2.  This is how we begin each school year.

12.  After two weeks with over 1000 students, a few of us relaxed at our favorite Mexican restaurant for some happy hour specials!  Thanks Jose for the shots!

13 and 14:  The Angel Oak Tree is a beautiful sight to see.  Nestled on Johns Island, 30 minutes from downtown Charleston, this should be added to everyone's bucket list.  Free of charge and worth the visit.  You can read about my visit here.  

15 and 16:  This month, I celebrated my 1st Blogiversary and I also hosted a giveaway!  The lucky winner was a college student who blogs over at  Serisblog.com.  Blogging has allowed me to share with you pieces of my quirky life.  Glad you have joined me and hope you are enjoying the ride.  

July Via Instagram

For me, summer has come to an end.  This is my last weekend before I am completely consumed with work.  On Monday, the doors will open to close to 1000 middle school students.  Before they take over my life, take a look at how I spent my last month of summer.   

Be sure you follow @sunshine.and.elephants on Instagram to catch every moment.

1. What's summer without a beach trip.  Spending time with friends at Kiawah Island.

2.  This lovely couple are coworkers of mine that tied the knot early in July.

3.  Reggae Nights at James Island County Park.

4.  A great wine recommendation from World Market.  Sweet Shiraz made in South Africa.
5. With happiness there is sadness.  Laying to rest a friend's mom, but knowing she's in a better place.
6.  Christmas in July gift swap.  Read about it all here and here.
7.  Nothing like a Girl's Night In to cleanse the soul.  Facials, feet soak, good food and drinks. 
8.  That wedding was so nice, I had to rep it twice!  I work with a great group of people!
9.  I will miss this young lady as she ventures to new horizons.  From teacher to ITS, to Operations Manager at a coding school.  She also helped me to develop a taste for beer.  Go figure! J

What have you been up to this summer?  I would love to hear!

June Via Instagram

What hallways look like at the end of a school year. #summerishere #lastdayblues #crowdedhallways #fullofjunk #emptyclassrooms #summerhasbegun

Someone was thinking about me and was thoughtful enough to get me a card. Snail mail is the best mail to get...thanks @mrs_aok for this wonderful surprise! #myloveforelephantsrunsdeep #snailmail #thinkingofyoucard #happyfriday #happygram

Here's to Summerville making it into the Guinness Book of World Records! #sweetsummerville #birthplaceofsweettea #worldlargestsweettea #guinnessbookofworldrecords #sweettea #summervillesc #summervillejournalscene

Cheers! #tequilashots #dailysummergram

I truly believe SC has up and moved closer to the equator.  Check out that heat index/real feel. It’s ridiculously HOT!!!!! #stayoutoftheheat#stayindoors #babyitshotoutside 

                                                                                                                                                               
  I love the tree in this one  tonight at Tanger. #dailysummergram #sunsets

You're looking at close to 26 years of friendship here. Love you Angie! #dailysummergram #lastingfriendships #bff #wegowayback #winthroproomies #truefriendshipslastforever

Celebrated the union of these two yesterday. May God continue to bless their union. #weddingreception #maritalbliss #whatablessing #marriageisabeautifulthing #CapturingLifeLaughterLove

#Charlestonunited #CharlestonStrong #MotherEmanuel #PrayersForCharleston

#PrayersForCharleston #MotherEmanuel

#downtownCharleston #Charlestonunited #chs

 

Enjoyed spending time with my cousin @jamonsita we must do this again soon. #latergram #dailysummergram #chs #CapturingLifeLaughterLove #charleston #cousins #BloggersGetSocial

Rough day today. Paid my respects to my sister in Christ, Rev. DePayne Middleton Doctor.  May your songs continue to be sung in heaven. God bless. I drove to #thebattery to gather my thoughts. #charlestonemanuel9 #prayersforcharleston #chs #downtowncharleston #charlestonunited #charlestonstrong