Lucky To Be In First

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Teacher Stamps!

Okay, I’m here with my latest teaching obsession – teacher stamps! You guys…seriously, I don’t know what it is about a lil’ rubber stamp {and, of course, a silly pun} that gets my kiddos so motivated to do their best!

But these self-inking teacher stamps are a game changer!

You may have seen over on Instagram that I am growing a BIG collection of stamps! It honestly started with just one…and then another…and finally, I had to clear out a drawer of {unused!} art supplies to make room for the collection.

I allow my Class President of the Day to select a stamp for me to use throughout the day. {I’m too lazy/forgetful to switch out jobs daily or weekly, so each morning after attendance, I pull a popsicle stick with a name out of a jar.  That person is IT for the day! They are my sidekick all day and help me pass papers, run errands, be the line leader, etc.}

Customized Self-Inking Teacher Stamps | Lucky to Be in First

There are TONS of options to choose from in my store! Here are a few of my favorites people have selected

 

Want to start building up your own teacher stamp collection? Check out Lucky Stamps!

For just $14.95 each month {including shipping!}, you’ll be able to select one of three new stamps to add to your collection! Plus, you’ll get a 15% off coupon to use in my Etsy store so you can add even more at savings!

Take a peek at some of the recent choices included in Lucky Stamps!

I can’t promise that this will make all of your grading go away, but I can promise it’ll make it more fun to do with Lucky Stamps! Go sign up for Lucky Stamps or check out everything available in my Etsy shop!!

 

Freshen up your grading this year with CUSTOM self-inking teacher stamps! Personalized stamps make great presents for teachers + co-workers! Lots of helpful stamps &

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Summer Reading List {2018}

This post contains affiliate links.  By purchasing an item on these sites using these links, I will receive a small commission on your purchase {which helps me buy even more books!}  For more information about my Disclosure Policy, please visit this link.

Okay, everyone, I’m back with this year’s MUST READ list for Summer 2018! My Kindle is charged up and I am absolutely ready to burn through my list of books!

First things first…are you a Kindle/E-Reader reader or an actual book person? I’m a HUGE fan of the Kindle.  It is on me at all times so I’m never without a book. I have the Kindle Paperwhite…because I like to read in bed using the illuminated screen.  It really is worth the extra bucks!

However, since I signed up for Book of the Month last year, I DO love getting books in the mail.  {If you use the code USESPF you’ll get a free book over on BoTM!} Plus, JB is a huge proponent of books everywhere in the house! So, the pretty covers are a plus and you lose that for sure when you’re holding an e-reader. My only drawback is that I can’t really lay in bed and read!

For the past few years {2015, 2016, and 2017}, I’ve created a list of books that I was reading and books that you should read!

I’m back with another list for 2018!

As I mentioned last year, I signed up for Kindle Unlimited.  For just $9.99 a month, you get unlimited access to millions of books and unlimited audible files, too! The best part – the first month is FREE! I discovered some fun “summer read authors” last year {all of the Lauren Layne and R.S. Grey books are my favorite finds this year!}! You can cancel anytime, so it’s definitely worth a try – even if just for the summer.

Over the past year, I’ve read close to 90 books, so it was very hard to pick for this list! But, here are my MUST reads for the summer of 2018!

Books You Should Read…

I’ve realized that I kinda like suspense {but not nightmare-scary!} You MUST read The Woman in Cabin 10 {I’m a few years late on this one!} and Then She Was Gone.  You guys…you will not be able to put these books down!!!

If you can only stomach one {okay two!} kinda suspenseful books…definitely start with The Wife Between Us. It’s not scary, more like…”OMG did that just happen?” I remember reading it on the couch next to JB and I gasped at one key plot point. He looked over at me like I was nuts! Also, you MUST read The Last Mrs. Parrish. This is not scary at all – it’s more of a thriller!

An American Marriage is an excellent book. It is very well-written and brought up a lot of really interesting things for me to think about. As I turned the pages, I found myself going from angry to frustrated to laughing. This book really got me thinking.

Still Me is another sequel in the Me Before You Series.  This book follows the main character Louisa to NY a few years after we left her in After You. I love reading well-written sequels. It’s like I’m catching up with my old friends!

On the first sunny day of June, I read How to Walk Away. I did not think I would enjoy it as much as I did! Basically, the best day of the main character Margaret’s life {yay…she get’s engaged} happens on the same day as the worst day {uh oh…plane crash} I couldn’t put it down and was so sad when it was over.

I read Beartown in one lazy afternoon laying in bed in the rain. It is a very interesting story {written by the same author as A Man Called Ove} about a small-town that centers around a winning hockey team. One event sends shockwaves through the community.

I have been a HUGE Rachel Hollis fan for years {probably an unhealthy crush level} You may recall that I shared her fiction books a few years ago on my list and you can’t help but grin as you read them.  Well this year, I’m adding Girl, Wash Your Face.  I feel like Rach and I were meant to be besties {I told you…unhealthy girl crush}  I rarely read non-fiction books, but this one is SO worth it! It’s basically a guide to be a better you.  It covers 20 lies that Rachel told herself..and how to knock it off! If you do not follow her on Instagram, go do it. She’s inspiring, witty, and definitely keeps it real!

Before We Were Yours.  You guys…allllll the feels and emotions.  I don’t know if getting older has made me sappier or what, but some books just really get to me! This was probably one of the top books I’ve read in the past year.

And my final book suggestion is the Not Quite series.  They are all free on Kindle Unlimited. I read all six in about as many days this Spring. It was like hanging out with old friends each time I started a new one!

Books I want to Read…

Emily Giffin has been one of my absolute favorite authors forever. I mean, she wrote Something Borrowed {which introduced me to Shake Shack, hello!} and all the fun sequels. This summer she’s releasing All We Ever Wanted and I’m so excited to read it!

Colleen Hoover’s latest, All Your Perfects, comes out mid-summer.  Can’t wait! I didn’t love her last release {Without Merit} but I’m hopeful this one goes back to the style that she is amazing at {super emotional books with strong characters!}

It wouldn’t be summer with an Elin Hildebrand book, right? I can’t wait to read The Perfect Couple!

Lauren Weisberger is a very hit or miss author for me. Loved Devil Wears Prada and Last Night At Chataeu Marmont so I can’t wait to read When Life Gives You Lululemons!

Since Crazy Rich Asians is coming out as a movie soon, I’m adding it to my list! The movie preview looks fun so I’m sure the book is even better!

Something in the Water is my thriller of the summer! Can’t wait to read it.

The Queen of Hearts just sounds like a good {juicy} book about friendship.

Have a book you think I MUST read? Leave the title in the comments and I’ll check it out!

I put all of these book links over in one handy list on Amazon. You can check ’em all out HERE!

If you like some of these suggestions, make sure to follow me on Instagram. I often share the books I read using the hashtag #luckyreads.  Are you on Goodreads? Let’s be friends! I also put all of my “bookshelf” above over on Amazon!

Slainte!

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Digital Phonics Practice!

In today’s world, you need to keep the learning exciting, engaging, and entertaining if you want kids to join in, right?! That’s why I created Sound Tappers to help students master their phonics skills using digital resources!

Practice Phonics skills with PowerPoint games! These interactive, NO PREP digital task cards can be used on computers and iPads! They are self-checking and cover tons of phonics skills!

I am always searching for ways to sneak phonics instruction into our day. Sound Tappers are PowerPoint presentations that can be used on any computer with PowerPoint installed and on iPads {when the free PowerPoint app is installed!}

Students simply tap the sound buttons, listen for the sounds and tap on the matching picture.

The activity is self-checking, too! So when they tap on the correct picture, they’re rewarded with a happy chime. When they tap the wrong picture, they hear an “uh-oh” sound.

Phonics Sound Tappers | Digital Phonics Task Cards

Sound Tappers are no-prep and waste no paper resources!

Phonics Sound Tappers | Digital Phonics Task Cards | Lucky to Be in First

Grab the growing bundle of Sound Tappers!

Here’s what’s included:

Beginning Sounds
Ending Sounds
Same Beginning Sounds
Same Ending Sound
Rhyming Words
Short Vowels
Short A
Short E
Short I
Short O
Short U
Long Vowels
Beginning Digraphs
Ending Digraphs
R-Controlled Vowels
L Blends
R Blends
S Blends
Ending R Blends
Ending S Blends
Ending T Blends
Trigraphs {August 23rd}
Synonyms {August 30th}
Antonyms {September 6th}

Please note: Sound Tappers will NOT work on Google Classroom or within the Google Docs suite. 

Practice Phonics skills with PowerPoint games! These interactive, NO PREP digital task cards can be used on computers and iPads! They are self-checking and cover tons of phonics skills!

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Sound & Light Science Experiments

Teaching Science has definitely not been my favorite subject to teach…even in first grade! It always seemed so challenging to explain such difficult concepts to kids!

Next Generation Science Standards in 1st Grade - Teaching Light & Sound

I’m not gonna lie…I often pushed Science off in my plan book because I wouldn’t want to face the questions from first graders {lame, I know!} When my school district decided to move over to the Next Generation Science Standards, I knew I had to get ahead of this curve and dive in deep. I set out to create easy to understand and do science lessons!

I am SO excited for my first unit in the 1st Grade Standards, Sound & Light! You guys, this labor of love was created so that ALL of us can easily teach the NGSS and actually understand it!

This unit is chock-full of step-by-step lessons, experiments, anchor charts, book suggestions, YouTube videos, response sheets and more to make sure your students understand Sound & Light through hands-on experiments and investigations.

Each lesson includes a learning target, background information, talking points, a book suggestion, and

Background Info for the Teacher

When I taught from our Science curriculum, I was always so overwhelmed by how much background info was provided! Was I going to be tested at the end? Eeeek!

In this Sound & Light Investigations unit, I’ve shared just the right amount of information to totally “get” what you’re teaching! There are also easy-to-understand vocabulary posters to help your students understand these big ideas!

Each of the investigations uses super simple materials that you have around your classroom or can easily get from parents.  I’ve included a Materials List to make gathering these goodies easy!

I’ve also included a Family Letter to inform your students’ families what they’re learning about!

What is a Scientist?

Kick off the unit by chatting about what being a scientist actually means!

Kids L•O•V•E science! Get them thinking about just what a Scientist does! It’s fun to gauge their thinking and start meaningful conversations about science.  The bonus is that your students will start to see themselves as scientists!

I had SO much fun doing these experiments when I was making this unit, so I am certain you will, too! The best part – your students will definitely have fun and learn about light & sound along the way!

You’ll start this set of sound explorations by taking your kiddos outside for a sound hunt.  Give them a while to explore and record the sounds they hear using their senses.  They’ll fill out a mini book and add their sounds to a poster.

Once your students have an awareness that sound is everywhere, you’ll move into lessons to get them making sounds and understanding sound waves.

This kazoo is SURE to be a hit in that exploration!

In the following lessons, students will continue to explore how sound moves and how they can change the sound things make.  Simple supplies from around your classroom will give students a chance to make their very own instruments!

Thankfully I had this cutie to help me test out this hanger instrument! This lesson helps students see how sound moves through different materials.

The final lesson in the sound exploration gives students a chance to see how sound moves through solids, liquids & gases.

By the end of these experiments, students will have a good understanding of sound! I’ve included book suggestions, YouTube links, and additional ways to extend the lessons!

Here’s a peek at all the lessons for sound.

To start, your students will explore why light is needed! Without light, we can’t see anything!

Then, you’ll move into a discussion about Natural vs. Artificial light.

The students will follow up the discussion with this PowerPoint game.  Check out a sneak peek below!

After understanding that light is necessary to see and that there are various ways to see light, you’ll move into a bit meatier ideas.  In the next lesson, kids will investigate different materials to see how light reacts.

Grab some cheap flashlights from the dollar store and a few different cups and you’re all set to go!

Through exploration, the students will see that light affects transparent, opaque, and translucent materials differently!

By far, my favorite lesson is #4 – Eye Tricks!

Students will do an experiment to see just how refraction works! I bet this will be a crowd pleaser in your classroom!

Check it out in action!

Have you ever met a kid who doesn’t love a mirror? Well, turn that fun and curiosity into some learning with these explorations. 

Students will explore with mirrors, toys, and lights to see what happens with light!

To wrap up your light study, you’ll give students a chance to head outside and explore shadows

To show their learning, students will wrap up the unit combining their knowledge of sound and light!

First up, they’ll create a telephone using string and cups. Don’t you remember doing this when you were a kid? Now, you can do it again…and share the science behind it!

And the final project will be creating a way to communicate with a friend…without speaking! Your students are sure to get creative with this activity!

I promise this entire Sound & Light Investigations unit is TEACHER friendly! The kids will have so much fun learning and exploring that they won’t even realize they’re learning those new Next Generation Science Standards!

Want to check out some Sound & Light books for teaching this unit?
Check out this post!

Slainte!

Teaching Light & Sound from the Next Generation Science Standards CAN be fun and easy! Find out how!

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Sound & Light

Do you teach the Next Generation Science Standards? I recently created a Sound & Light unit to use with my first graders this year! For the first time, I’m actually excited to teach Science!

{You can read more about the Sound & Light here!}

Of course, it helps to have great books to go along with the unit, right?

Here’s a peek at the perfect books for Sound & Light that are just perfect for first graders!!
Click on any of the pictures and it’ll take you right to the book.

This post contains affiliate links.  By purchasing an item on these sites using these links, I will receive a small commission on your purchase…which I’ll use to buy even more books! For more information about my Disclosure Policy, please visit this link.

It’s important that every child understands that they are a Scientist! This book is a great way to kick start your classroom learning!

This is a great book to review the five senses! and kick off your discussions on Light and Sound!
I learned A TON while creating this unit and this books were just right for kids {and teachers!}
This is a very comprehensive book on Sound! Kid friendly illustrations, too!

This just may be my favorite book {along with the Light one!} It is absolutely perfect for young learners and it includes experiments for kids to take their learning even further!

 

Can you ever go wrong with a Rookie Reader? Simple language for complex ideas! Love the picture dictionary in the back, too!

This is a fabulous book for learning all you need to know about light waves! 

I am so grateful for the authors out there who can make really challenging concepts so simple to understand through words and illustrations! I love both of Wendy Pfeffer’s books for this unit!  

This book on light is just right for first graders!Every child loves their shadow! And I’ve recently discovered that I love Oscar! Oscar is a very curious cat who helps students understand scientific concepts! 
As you start to learn more about sound and light, students soon discover that the two ideas are related…and they can communicate using what they know! This is a perfect book to help with that idea!
And it wouldn’t be a Science unit if we didn’t have the Frizz helping us, right?

I purchased the entire Magic School Bus DVD set because they are just perfect for Indoor Recess!

 

But the two episodes that are just right for Sound and Light are Magic School Bus: Inside the Haunted House and Magic School Bus: Gets a Bright Idea.

Wrapping up the unit is the perfect time for these videos because students will have a strong idea of what’s happening after they’ve had a chance to explore on their own! 

Want to read more about Sound and Light? Check out this blog post!

Slainte!

 

Do you teach the Next Generation Science Standards? Check the BEST books for teaching Sound & Light to your first grade students!

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Summer Lovin’ – Summer Must Have List

Oh Summer…how I love you so!
I’ve spent my summer reading books, relaxing, working out from time to time, and relaxing some more.
Isn’t it the dreamiest of all the seasons?

This post contains affiliate links.  By purchasing an item on these sites using these links, I will receive a small commission on your purchase. For more information about my Disclosure Policy, please visit this link.

Amazon Music

I’ve told you before how much I love my Amazon Echo! Well, recently, I upgraded to Amazon Prime Music Unlimited and it’s THE best money I’ve spent! It gives you access to more songs than you can ever listen to! And what I love most about Prime Music is that you can type in a song…and that song plays!! Not something like that song – the ACTUAL song! Totally worth the money!

Native Deodorant

So I mentioned on Instagram a few months ago that I have a serious fragrance allergy and it’s horrendous! I can hardly use any products found at CVS or Sephora…and it’s a huge bummer!

I switched to using stuff that truly has no smell and now I have no smell! I’ve had ups & downs finding products that I love {very few and far between} and products that are terrible {too many to list!}

One product that my dermatologist gave me the go-ahead on is Native Deodorant.  I LOVE it! I use the unscented because that’s just how I roll these days, but my niece & sister have used the Coconut & Vanilla {AMAZING!} and Lavender & Rose {not my favorite scent in life!}

Do yourself a favor and ditch the drugstore deodorant that is filled with horrible stuff! I promise this will keep you just as protected!

#bookstagram

You already know I’m a huge book nerd, so it’s no surprise that I love to follow along with fellow readers over on Instagram! Here are a few of my favorite accounts to follow!

 

For the record, The Light We Lost is a FABULOUS book. You can totally read it in one sitting!

How gorgeous is this photo? Her entire feed is this beautiful! Want to know what I’m reading these days? Find me on Goodreads {and I’ll follow you back!}

Quip Toothbrush

I’ll be honest, I was a bit skeptical when I first came across the Quip Toothbrush. It’s just so pretty that I figured it couldn’t brush my teeth very well!

I am a big Sonicare fan and have been for ages.  But, I got tired of lugging that giant toothbrush with me on vacation and then always having that charger out on the counter to charge it! So, I figured I’d give Quip a try.

You guys…it’s perfect! It’s slim, sticks to the mirror and has a cover to protect it from bathroom nastiness! The best part? They send you refills every three months, so you’re guaranteed to change out your toothbrush {something I bet we’re all guilty of forgetting!} I opted to skip their toothpaste because I’m #crestforlife.

Give it a try – they have a 30-day money back guarantee if you don’t love it!

Stapler Remover

So this is a random thing to add to a summer list, but since I’ve started to slowwwwwly work my way back into the school year, I’ve had to remove a few staples here and there from the classroom. I had a great stapler remover – and it got up and walked away from my classroom this past year.

I splurged on this Bostitch bad boy this summer and it’s awesome! {Man, you know you’re getting old when a stapler remover brings you joy!}

Frank Sommerville’s Facebook Page

And I’ll leave you with one more kinda random one here. I live in the Bay Area and Frank Sommerville is a local newscaster.  He always posts THE BEST content on his Facebook page! It ranges from uplifting to insightful to hilarious.  Even if you’re not a Bay Area local, you should follow it!

Slainte!

Summer Lovin' - My Summer Must Haves

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9 Podcasts Worth Listening To

Recently, I was chatting with my sister and I referenced something I had heard on a Podcast.  She immediately said, “Oh my gosh – you are SUCH a nerd! Why can’t you just listen to the radio like a normal person!”

I kinda chuckled but then thought about it.  My mind & body are always going. I never stop thinking, dreaming, moving, creating, or talking.  As an extension, I never stop learning either. ADD much?

I turn to podcasts as a way to sorta multitask. I can listen to a podcast while I’m working out, tinkering with a product or even just sitting on the couch {which actually rarely happens}.  I cannot sit still to watch TV or just be in silence ever. So, podcasts are a win-win! I am doing something!

Here’s a list of my current favorite Podcasts!

Dais by Rachel Hollis

Okay, you may know that I have a HUGE crush on Rachel Hollis.  Seriously, everything she does is inspiring! From writing books to sharing her adoption story, to hosting her own RISE conference this past year – she’s amazing!

Now, she’s started a podcast, called Dais, featuring women who are pretty rad and have done amazing things! It’s awesome and you should definitely check it out!

Sawbones

I’m curious by nature.  When I go to the dentist or the doctor, I’m always asking questions about the tests, procedures, equipment, etc.  Not like I’m ever going to do it myself, but I just like to know how behind things!

Sawbones is a podcast created by Dr. Sydnee and her husband Justin.  They explore random medical ailments and how they’ve been treated throughout the years.  It’s entertaining {and informative!} for sure!

Bill Burr’s Monday Morning Podcast

I am a HUGE Bill Burr fan.  If you don’t know him, he’s a Boston comedian who is absolutely brilliant and hysterical.  I’ve seen him live and he’s every bit as good as the stuff you can pull up on YouTub {his bit on needing a Plague is ridiculous}

He is not for the faint of heart – he cusses a lot and tells it like it is! This podcast is him rambling about things he’s interested in that week. It’s definitely worth a listen!

Making Oprah

Who doesn’t love Oprah?! Making Oprah shares how she started as a “nobody” and became a beloved cultural icon. It’s a super fun listen!

The Daily

Do you ever feel like you’re kinda lost when it comes to the news? We’re all busy and sometimes it’s hard to sit down and read a newspaper or watch the evening news.  The Daily is all of the important news is just 20 minutes!

Another quick way to grab the news is by reading The Skimm.  Each morning, a {free} email is delivered with the top stories and a short blurb.  Between the podcast and The Skimm, you’ll feel super smart and like you could join in a convo about latest events around the world!

Tiny Leaps – Big Changes

Greg Clunnis {admittedly a “no one”} has a great podcast, Tiny Leaps Big Changes. The goal of this short weekly podcast is to motivate you into make small changes…that will make a big impact.  He shares little bits of wisdom, advice, and motivation to help you make big changes. It’s all research based – super informative!

How I Built This

I am obsessed with the How I Built This podcast!! Guy Raz from NPR interviews well-known entrepreneurs {Mark Cuban, Kate Spade, Richard Branson} where they share their stories or failures and triumphs on building a business. It’s so interesting!

Up And Vanished

 

So Up and Vanished is along the same lines of Serial from a few years ago {Season One was AWESOME if you haven’t listened yet!} A podcaster finds an unsolved case about a Georgia beautify queen and high school teacher and follows the leads. I’m not completely through with the episodes, but it is riveting!

Brains On Science

Okay, so this last podcast, Brains On! Science Podcast is really meant for children {and can be kinda silly at times!}.  But, I love it! It’s hosted by curious kids and reporters. The topics range from  “The Gas We Pass” to “Mystery Sounds” to “Why is the Ocean Salty” It would be great to incorporate into your school day!

Do you have any Podcasts you love? Let me know – I’m always on the hunt for more!

Slainte!

 

9 Podcasts Worth Listening To! These podcasts are definitely worth tuning in to!

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Unique Back to School Bulletin Boards

It’s that time of year to start thinking about Back to School Bulletin Boards!

I’ve got a few options for you that will definitely perk up your room & make you smile when you look at it!

Most sets include posters for grades Kindergarten – 5th grade!

I love seeing all of those fun quotes on Pinterest, so I thought it would be fun to turn ’em into a welcome display for a class!

Find it on TpT HERE!

I am currently obsessed with flamingos, so it’s only fitting to welcome my new flock with these cuties!

Find it on TpT HERE!

The BEST kind of donuts are those that are sweet, but have no calories!
These mini donuts are sure to make your class feel sweet!

Find it over on TpT!

I’m lovin’ all the Cactus cuteness!

Welcome your “sharp” class with this variety of cacti!

Find it on TpT HERE!

Make your students feel like they’re one in a “melon” with this fun display!


Find it on TpT HERE!

Everyone loves a little magic, right?
This unicorn display is just plain fun! 

Find it on TpT HERE!

🍀Slainte!

Welcome your class Back to School with these fun Back to School Bulletin Boards!

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10 Binge-Worthy Shows

Now that it’s summer, I finally have time to catch up on all the shows that I never get a chance to watch during the school year!

This post contains affiliate links for Amazon.  By purchasing an item on these sites using these links, I will receive a small commission on your purchase {which helps me buy even more books!}  For more information about my Disclosure Policy, please visit this link.

Below is a list of what JB and I just couldn’t watch quick enough!

Catastrophe

You guys, this show is HYSTERICAL!! It’s available on Amazon Video. The premise is that Rob {from Boston} & Sharon {from London} have a one-week stand…and she accidentally gets pregnant.  They try to make a go of a relationship – and they realize that they’re thrown into a brand new relationship without even knowing one another.  You can easily finish the three seasons in a weekend!

Jane the Virgin

I started watching Jane the Virgin on Netflix a few years ago on Winter break.  You will laugh out loud at this telenovela.  Jane is accidentally artificially inseminated by her boss and the plot is the fallout from that craziness!

The Fall


The Fall is also on Netflix. It’s a dark mystery that follows a serial killer and his victims. It’s absolutely brilliant. I am not a fan of creepy stuff, so I can assure you this will not give you nightmares or anything!

Orange is the New Black

I’m sure you guys already know about this one, but it’s always worth mentioning.  JB and I even rewatched last season before binging on this season!

Mozart in the Jungle

I had no idea the New York Symphony could be so entertaining {no offense!} Mozart in the Jungle follows an aspiring oboist, Hailey, as she enters the world of the New York Symphony. It’s highly addicting!

Rizzoli & Isles


I love Law & Order SVU, so I was excited to try out Rizzoli & Isles. You guys, I had NO idea how great this show is!  It follows a detective and medical examiner who are best friends…and complete opposites.  You can catch up on this show over on Hulu.

Parenthood


This is an oldie, but goody. I came to the Parenthood party well after the show was going. I can promise you that you will cry every.single.episode.  I’m not even an emotional person and I balled!! And the finale?? Forget it! JB was actually worried about me! Just love those Bravermans! All seasons stream on Netflix.

Grace & Frankie

Okay, this may be the best show I’ve watched this year.  It’s absolutely hysterical and has a fabulous cast! Grace & Frankie are stunned when their husbands want to divorce them…and why! You will honestly laugh out loud! It’s a Netflix original.

One Mississippi

You may know that I am a huge stand-up fan {Jim Gaffigan, Bill Burr, and Louis C.K. are my faves!} But Tig Notaro is up there! This is a dark comedy inspired by Tig’s life, but it’s SO good! It’s an Amazon Original {included with an Amazon Prime membership!} You will burn through Season 1 in no time.

Better Call Saul

JB was a huge Breaking Bad binge-er {is that a word!?} a few years ago. I’ll be honest, I just couldn’t get into it. However, when he started watching Better Call Saul, I was hooked! It’s a prequel to Breaking Bad, focusing on Jimmy, a character who later shows up in Breaking Bad!

I have an Amazon FireStick and I travel with it! You just plug it into the HDMI port on the TV and sign it.  It’ll give you access to Amazon, Netflix and Hulu {if you have subscriptions}! Totally worth the money!

I have many more suggestions {Scandal, Revenger, How to Get Away with Murder, Fuller House, etc.} but I don’t want you to think that all I do is spend my days in front of the TV {ha!}

Do you have any must-watch suggestions? Leave a comment and let me know!

🍀Slainte!

Check out these 10 MUST watch shows to binge on!

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Summer Reading List 2017

Okay everyone, I’m back with this year’s MUST READ list! My Kindle is charged up and I am absolutely ready to burn through my list of books!

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For the past two years {2015 and 2016}, I’ve created a list of books that I was reading and books that you should read! I’m back with another list for 2017!

Last summer, I signed up for Kindle Unlimited.  For just $9.99 a month, you get unlimited access to millions of books and unlimited audible files, too! The best part – the first month is FREE! I’ve discovered some fun “summer reads” last year {Everything We Keep by Kerry Longsdale was my fave!}! You can cancel anytime, so it’s definitely worth a try – even if just for the summer!

Over the past year, I’ve read close to 80 books, so it was very hard to pick for this list! But, here are my MUST reads for the summer of 2017!

Books You Should Read…

The Total Package is a super fun read. I absolutely love Stephanie Evanovich’s books!

The Light We Lost is so much like One Day {which I cried my eyes out over a few years ago!}

Hollywood Dirt is such a juicy, guilty pleasure beach read. ALL of Alessandra Torre’s books are fantastic. Start reading them and you will fill up your summer with some fun reads! Bonus: this book is being turned into a movie!

Lauren Layne is another go-to author these days for some light reading! Everything is so happy in her books! She has a bunch of series that make it fun to follow the characters throughout the book. You should totally start with From This Day Forward. It’s the first in the Wedding Belles series and it’s guaranteed to make you smile!

Do you like suspense {but not terrifyingly-scary?}? You MUST read The Marriage Lie,Behind Closed Doors, The Couple Next Door. You guys…you will not be able to put these two books down!!!  {Read this book in a day – couldn’t put it down!}

A few of years ago, I read Colleen Hoover’s Maybe Someday and it was such a sweet story. This past year, I discovered even more of her books and they are simply fabulous. You honestly feel every single emotion the characters go through. You should definitely pick up November 9 and It Ends with Us. Make sure to grab your tissues, you guys.

Have you ever picked up anything from Taylor Jenkins Reid? She is definitely in my Top 5 authors these days! This past year, I read everything she has and simply loved it all! Pick up any of her books and you’ll fall in love! I started with One True Loves and it was perfect! You’ll see her latest book, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, on my To Be Read list below.

Another fun beach read is The Hating Game.

I love some good ‘ol Southern’ books {I feel like if it weren’t for the heat, I could totally live there!} Southernmost is a perfect book for a lazy summer day.

And my final pick for the “must read” list is Swear on This Life. It’s a wonderful story about friendship.

Books I want to Read…

 I love everything from Mary Alice Monroe, so I can’t wait to dig into The Beach House!

Same Beach, Next Year. I love a good beach read, can you tell?

The Identicals by Elin Hildebrand {Nantucket – swoon!}

Secrets in Summer by Nancy Thayer {another fabulous Nantucket author!}

The Party {Takes place in San Francisco, so I love a book set where I live!}

According to a Source – this just looks juicy!I definitely have more on my list, but I’m trying to be realistic since we just moved and I am too exhausted to read three pages of a book these days!

Want to share what you’re reading or what we must read? Link up!

Grab the images below, add the book covers and link up! I’m always looking for some great books to read & can’t wait to hear more suggestions!

Have a book you think I MUST read? Leave the title in the comments and I’ll check it out!

If you like some of these suggestions, make sure to follow me on Instagram. I often share the books I read using the hashtag #luckyreads.  Are you on Goodreads? Let’s be friends!

Slainte!

Summer Reading List! What you should be reading this summer! | Lucky to Be in First

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