A TO Z Challenge: H is for Home

Some like to call me a hermit crab minus the concept of me searching for a new home. I can't help it. I actually enjoy staying at home relaxing and spending time with my cat. Although, he prefers to spend his time sleeping in a shoe box. I love being at home and doing the things that make me happy.  

Yes, I know there are so many things happening outside but the same can be said about your home. You just have to make it happen! Sitting on the couch and watching television isn't the only answer. Try something new, like reading a book, marching in place during each commercial if your preference is to stay at home and watch television, write a letter to someone nearest and dearest to your heart, look out the window (just don't be creeping about it) or if you have cans of beans in your pantry take two out and do arm lifts. Who said you need gym materials to do exercise? Stay active as you would outside. 

 Now you have a little understanding of  why I prefer to just stay at home in my Captain Planet pajamas to do what makes me happy. You should do the same every once and awhile. After all, your home is your kingdom.  

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A TO Z Challenge: G is for Guilty…Guilty Pleasures

 Shhh!!! We all have them. We all secretly love them. Why else would we call them guilty pleasures? From eating chocolate chip cookies in bed while watching the Real Housewives of Orange County to reading Young Adult novels when you're CLEARLY not a teenager any longer, guilty pleasures  are something we all have. The term "guilty pleasure" is defined as things we should not  like but like anyway. In basic words, a guilty pleasure is something that you actually enjoy but are ashamed to tell others. 

Now it's time to throw the dark shade sunglasses away because I am about to indulged in my top ten guilty pleasures!

"My Guilty Pleasures" 

1. The Spice Girls (Yes! They are still in heavy rotation on my iPod)

2. The Real Housewives franchise 

3. Wendy Williams (you really shouldn't judge )

5. Gossip Magazines 

6. Vampire Diaries ( I am very aware of my age and the difference of the age group that watches this series)

7. Dance Moms 

8. Writing To-Do lists for everything

9. Richard Simmons work out videos ( I always have a great sweat following along to his moves and motivation)

10. Watching Cat Videos on YouTube

There, I say it! Please don't judge. I'm pretty sure you have a little list of your own that you're a little ashamed of telling others. :)  

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A TO Z Challenge: F is for Flying

We all have done it at least once. Some of us might even fear the thought of it at times. If you're like me, you always feel like your  in a mist of marshmallows while experiencing it. That is why flying is one of the best experiences to feel. Many feelings are captured on one ride through the clouds while flying. Although, it can be expensive at times I love booking a trip that requires time spent on an airplane. One can see so much just by sitting at the window seat instead of the aisle seat. Take a look at  Observing Your Surroundings for examples of how flying lets us take glimpses of our beautiful world. 

What was your best flying experience? Worst? Leave a comment. Did you enjoy this post? If so, please consider sharing on Facebook, Twitter, or via Email. Also, I'd love to keep sending you updates about my journey of maintaining inner happiness, so please subscribe to Staircase to Life.

April Challenge #ATOZCHALLENGE

Hello world! It's so good to be back! I have been on a hiatus for quite some time now thanks to teaching full time, finishing my last year of grad school, traveling and enjoying the people I love. However, after  debating and reading blogs from others' I have decided to come back. Not only am I coming back refreshed and ready to write about my adventures but I am re-entering the blog world by participating in the Blogging from A TO Z Challenge. During the month of April, each post on Staircase to Life will begin with a letter from the alphabet, which means there will be 26 posts starting with 26 letters and posting everyday…well…everyday except for Sundays. Sit back, grab a cup of coffee and let the challenge begin!

A TO Z Challenge: E is for Earth

We live on planet Earth. Therefore, it's only right that she gets a shout out. Our Earth has gone through many changes from the Ice Ages where most of our planet was covered in ice to her current status in which it's either too hot or too cold. Nevertheless, we should treat our planet as we would like to be treated ourselves. Let's make an effort to pick up our trash and place it in the trashcan instead of on the floor. Our Earth deserves this and so much more! Without her where would be…hopefully not Venus!

What is your favorite thing about our earth? Do you do any thing special to save it each day? Leave a comment. Did you enjoy this post? If so, please consider sharing on Facebook, Twitter, or via Email. Also, I'd love to keep sending you updates about my journey of maintaining inner happiness, so please subscribe to Staircase to Life.

A TO Z Challenge: D is for Determination

 

Never give up, show determination! Take a look around. Each form of architecture you walk passed, movies you watched, and even the furniture you sit on was developed by a person that probably faced several "no's" but still remained determined until one day their idea was officially brought to life. The same applies to you, don't give up, show determination! You can do it! Keep believing.

I have just started this challenge. It's my first time but I am determine to complete it to my best ability!

What are you determine to achieve? Leave a comment. Did you enjoy this post? If so, please consider sharing on Facebook, Twitter, or via Email. Also, I'd love to keep sending you updates about my journey of maintaining inner happiness, so please subscribe to Staircase to Life.

A TO Z Challenge: C is for Create

Creating isn't just for those with autistic eyes and minds. Creating can be done by everyone. You don't have to share your creations. In fact, you don't have to let anyone know what you had created. It can be your little secret. Did you know that even your Sunday's dinner can be a creation? Yes! Sunday's dinner! Try whipping up something new in the kitchen that will have your family wondering, "what brought forth this change?" Just remember it's your little secret creation. ;)

Ever created something shockingly excellent? Did you show it off or keep it yourself? Leave a comment. Did you enjoy this post? If so, please consider sharing on Facebook, Twitter, or via Email. Also, I'd love to keep sending you updates about my journey of maintaining inner happiness, so please subscribe to Staircase to Life.

A TO Z Challenge: B is for Boring

Boring!?! Yes indeed! Think back. Most of your most interesting, fun, adventurous memories were created from boredom. Heck, even this blog was created from boredom! Bored? Make a list of things you always wanted to do and as Nike says, "Just do it!" You can even write a list of things to do at home. Hey, home is your first and best playground, no one knows it better than you!

Ever had a boring day? What did you do to end the boredom? Leave a comment. Did you enjoy this post? If so, please consider sharing on Facebook, Twitter, or via Email. Also, I'd love to keep sending you updates about my journey of maintaining inner happiness, so please subscribe to Staircase to Life.

A TO Z Challenge: A is for Attitude

Every hour in our day a new attitude arrives. Although, at times it hard to stay positive and look at the bright side, we should! The attitudes we display have consequences. Our attitude effects everything from our relationships, businesses, failures and success in life. Just think about it. When you look back at past situations you had faced the first thing that comes to your mind is "Oh, I wished I had reacted like _____ instead of like _____." Stop playing the movie in your head. It's over. Every minute leads to a new start of you redirecting your attitude. Start making changes now!

                                                     

This is my first time participating in this challenge. I started late but  I am ready for the challenge

Do you remember a time in which your attitude had gotten the best of you? What was the aftermath of your attitude's action? Leave a comment. Did you enjoy this post? If so, please consider sharing on Facebook, Twitter, or via Email. Also, I'd love to keep sending you updates about my journey of maintaining inner happiness, so please subscribe to Staircase to Life.

Top 10 Reasons to be a Kindergarten Teacher

August is here! Unfortunately, for me the beginning of August means the beginning of a new school year. I know what you are thinking, August!?! Yes, my school has a longer school year than most. It is great for the students but for me, not so much. There will be a decrease in the amount of days in which I wake up passed 8am and an increase in the amount of days in which I wake up at 5am. Let's have a moment of silent for the hours of sleep that I will be losing...Thanks! Now with every negative there's always three positives, in this situation there will be ten positives. August marks my third year of teaching and also my second year teaching Kindergarten, the one grade that is different from all the other grades. Kindergarten is the grade that begins the lifetime of learning for children. It is the one grade that determines if they like or dislike learning. Sharpen your pencils...here are my top ten reasons to love teaching Kindergarten!

1.   There will never be a day in which your students will look at you like a fool. In fact, you are considered as the smartest person on earth in their eyes!

2.   You have a secret joy inside when your students realize you changed the room around beyond switching their seats

3.   Your students enter your classroom barely able to hold a pencil or read a sentence, yet they leave your classroom knowing how and so much more!

4.   You become a master of “potty training” (there are always “accidents” in Kindergarten)

5.   You know way too many Sesame Street songs for your own good

6.   If you are having a bad day, you will receive at least one, “ you look so beautiful today” from a student

7.   Your students are excited about everything you introduce to them.

8.   Your students will always tell you that you are the BEST teacher they ever had which is clearly a lie because you are probably the only teacher they ever had.

9.   Your students love to see you dance.

10.     You are the one that starts their academic successful life, which is the most rewarding opportunity to have as a teacher!

Do you remember your kindergarten teacher? What was your Kindergarten experience like? Leave a comment. Did you enjoy this post? If so, please consider sharing on Facebook, Twitter, or via Email. Also, I'd love to keep sending you updates about my journey of maintaining inner happiness, so please subscribe to Staircase to Life.

Cupcake Tour through Photos

Walking through a Cupcake Wonderland

I love, love, love sweets! I have a pretty intense sweet tooth. You don't want to know how many packs of sugar go into my cup of coffee...you might have a sugar rush if you knew :/ Well, when I found out that New York City provides a walking tour around the city to its most popular/famous bakeries to showcase some of its best cupcakes, I swiped my credit card and announced, "count me in!" There was was no way I was going to missed out of the action. I went on the Great New York City Cupcake tour with a friend and dove right into a frosting coated experience. I was able to not only taste some of the world's delicious cupcakes, gelato, and cookies (they are just as important as cupcakes) but I also learned information about cupcakes and their famous locations. I decided to share with you, I can't keep all the good stuff to myself! The Great New York City Cupcake Tour was a 1.5 mile cake-walk. We went to six famous locations in which we were allowed to sample and build our own cupcakes. Since we passed famous locations for gelato and cookies we sampled from those locations as well. Have a napkin in hand because your mouth might start watering from here on...and you might understand why for me having one cupcake is never enough!

First Stop: Baked by Melissa

This bakery was founded in 2008. They make custom made cupcakes for special occasions.


The Tye Dye cupcake is their signature.

Every month there is a mini cupcake of the month. This month is Picnic Watermelon.

There are 11 locations throughout the city. They
may seem tiny but one bite can work wonders for that sweet tooth of yours!

Second Stop: Amorino

This Italian serving ice cream shop was created by two best friends from Paris in 2002. 

Their famous gelato has no artificial flavors or colorings. The gelatos also have natural ingredients such as organic eggs, fresh whole milk and selected seasonal fruits. There is no additional sugar.

You must come to New York City to tried Amorino Gelato
because this is the only one in the United States!

I tried the Mango Sorbet. WOOWWW!! It tasted just as if I had bitten into an actual mango. 

The mangoes that were used to make this gelato were imported from India.

Third Stop: Crumbs

In March 2003 the world's LARGEST cupcake chain was opened...and forever cupcake's lovers lives were changed!!

Just 6 months Starbucks started selling coffee in Crumbs. Which is the perfect mix for ME!











Fourth Stop: Molly's Cupcakes

Winner of Cupcake Wars

Founded by a man named John that was inspired by his third grade teacher. His teacher name was Molly.


All sales are donated to education.


The bakery has a school theme with swing seats, school classroom table and chart board.

Don't like the cupcake choice at Molly's then build your own cupcake.

I built a vanilla, brown butter cupcake with cookies and cream sprinkles.













Fifth Stop: Milk and Cookies

 

Opened in 2006. Inside you can buy a recipe book of 80 different types of cookies written by the founder and owner.


Inside not only can you buy cookies but homemade ice cream sandwiches as well.


Have a dog? Have a puppy? You can buy bake  dog treats in the shape of bones.

Salted Oat Cookies

I was so full from the previous stops that I struggled to complete this cookie. You can truly taste the sea salt in the middle of the cookies...yummy!












Sixth and Final Stop: The Magnolia Bakery
 The oldest bakery on the tour which became popular due to an episode on Sex and the City. When the bakery first opened in 1996 there were only three employees: one baker, one washer and one seller. Today, The Magnolia Bakery is known for its red velvet cupcake.

Last Facts: Cupcakes recently became popular in the last decade. The first cupcake was mention in the late 1700 in a cookbook in which it was
referred to as, "a cake to bake in a small cup."

What is your favorite cupcake? What is your favorite bakery? Leave a comment. Did you enjoy this post? If so, please consider sharing on Facebook, Twitter, or via Email. Also, I'd love to keep sending you updates about my journey of maintaining inner happiness, so please subscribe to Staircase to Life.

Highlighting Washington D.C. through Photos

I just returned from Washington D.C. with my younger, teenage brother. I can't believe I had such a fabulous time in my country's capital. My visit was arranged with the thought of educating my brother with further knowledge of our country's history. I was blown away with shock when I realized I was learning just as much as him. The saying, "everyday you learn a new lesson" held its true value throughout our stay. Although, I enjoyed my one on one time with my brother, seeing and experiencing Washington D.C. as an adult was just as much a feeling of enjoyment. Therefore, I thought it would be fun to share some photos that remind me of my wonderful time in Washington D.C. with you!


My highlights of Washington D.C. through Photos:

Being able to see the United States' Capital Building from my hotel's rooftop pool. While congress was in session I was doing doggy paddles.

"If I studied all my life, I couldn't think up half the number of funny things passed in one session of congress."
-Will Rogers

Standing on the platform that 50 years ago, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his "I Have a Dream" speech.

"The difference between a dreamer and a visionary is that a dreamer has his eyes closed and a  visionary has his eyes open."
 -Martin Luther King, I Have a Dream

 Seeing previous and current first ladies' inauguration gowns. Too bad I couldn't try the gowns on.

"...there is no formal job description for the first lady of the United States, so we have the good fortune of being able to to decide what we want to do"
-Michelle Obama, April 28,2011

Working like a true "Rosie the Riveter" installing riveters into an aircraft.

"While other girls attend their favorite cocktail bar. Sipping Martinis, munching caviar, there's a girl who's really putting them to shame.
Rosie is her name!"

Eating Ben's Famous Chili Dogs with chips from Ben's Chili Bowl 

Walking through the National Mall at night. It was an breathe taking experience. You should take the DC Tour by Foot to experience and learn about the monuments and memorials...did I mentioned it is FREE!

Tasting Ted's Bulletin famous homemade Pop Tarts...I need to take this baking class ASAP!

At the Smithsonian Museum of American History, saluting my fellow Americans like a future president...we never know!

What was your favorite experience in Washington D.C.? Leave a comment! Did you enjoy this post? If so, please consider sharing on Facebook, Twitter, or via Email. Also, I'd love to keep sending you updates about my journey of maintaining inner happiness, so please subscribe to Staircase to Life.

The Positives of Riding Washington D.C.'s Metro

Why I love riding Washington D.C.'s Metro!

Being from New York City, I always take public transportation. It's one of the cheapest ways to get around my huge city. I figured while I was in Washington DC I should take a stab at the Metro Rail system. To my discovery, I was amazed at this means of public transportation. I noticed after my commutes I didn’t find myself annoyed, frustrated or sweating from the subway station's heat. Therefore, I knew I had to add the Metrorail into my toolkit box of happiness. Sorry, NYC but it now appears that you have been replaced. L Wondering how the city that never sleeps was left with its head hanging down by our country's capital? Here are my reasons as to why I prefer DC's Metro to NYC MTA system...

1.  The stations have wifi as well as the trains while moving in the tunnels

2.  The stations have platforms with air conditions

3.  There are no rodents which is due to the fact that foods and drinks are not allow on the platforms

4.  The trains system is quite easy to understand. Once you traveled twice using the Metrorail you will understand the whole system

5.  There’s carpet (appears to be vacuumed daily) within each train cart.

6.  The trains move at a quick pace

7.  It is silent in the trains (don’t expect performances to happen like in New York)

8.  There are no stairs, only escalators

9.    There are LCD screens listing the next trains arrival time and destination

10.  The trains’ seats are cushioned which makes your ride even more comfortable. 

My brother and I taking a picture near the comfortable Metro train seats

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