My New Business Story...

I love fashion, some even say I am obsessed, I always thought I would go into a career in the fashion world. Growing up and going to school I worked in retail, everywhere from J. Crew to the Gap to She She. However, I also love kids, I have all my life and I love teaching them and making them better everyday, so I chose to teach, I knew it would be a stable job with great benefits and perfect for a family someday. And...I am happy, I still love it today. I still embrace fashion though, there is nothing I love more than going shopping for my "teacher clothes." I actually use it as an opportunity to dress up almost every single day and it feels good! So, you can imagine how excited I am to share this news with you...I have found something that I can do part time, while teaching full time, that is fashion based, sell Stella and Dot jewelry! I have decided to become a stylist for Stella and Dot. Stella and Dot is a celebrity coveted boutique style jewelry and accessory line designed by top New York designers. It is a line of jewelry that fits every occasion and can be seen in many popular magazines as well as on the necks and arms of many well-known celebrities. The best part about this is that I get to accent all my "teacher outfits" with this amazing jewelry and when other teachers and parents compliment me on my jewelry I can tell them, I am selling it, here is a catalog! I am the first to admit, this is not the first thing I saw myself doing, I can sell in a clothing store when people are coming in with the objective to buy but having to chase down people didn't sound as fun. But when I saw Jason's cousin and my dear friend, Lisa, selling it and loving it, I had to see what all the buzz was about. After meeting with her, looking through the jewelry line and watching numerous videos I was sold, bought in 100%. I realized that I won't have to be breaking down anyone's doors, chasing after anyone, I realized that this stuff sells itself, the jewelry is amazing, all I have to do is be a body, help people accessorize, give my opinions, all the things I love about retail. I get to host parties and throw trunk shows for people who love the jewelry as much as I do, we get to chat, munch on appetizers and shop together. The best part is I get to do this and teach, bring in a little fun money on the side by working an extra 5 hours a week, do able? I think so! I wanted to share my excitement and story with you, those that I care about the most. My launch party is Tuesday September 27, at 6:30 pm at my house. I would love to have you stop by and support my new business venture just by saying hi! All are welcome, bring your friends! If you are interested in doing a trunk show and earning free jewelry please let me know, I would love nothing more than to do one for you! If this is something that interests you I would love to sit down over coffee and talk. Below is the link to my website, shop around, if you can't make the trunk show you can order right off the website! Happy shopping!

www.stelladot.com/anniepapi

Sneak peek at one of their bold necklaces...click the link above to browse and shop it all!

Hugs, Annie

Beat LA!

Last weekend we headed to San Francisco with Jason's family to watch the Giants host the Dodgers! We didn't want to miss the opportunity to get back there beacuse this was their last home weekend series. We headed up north on Saturday and spent the night at Pier 39. We ate at Bubba Gumps and enjoyed escaping the Fresno heat for some nice, cool weather, it was cool enough for a hot chocolate after dinner, yummy! We had some very entertaining taxi rides to and from our hotel, lets just say we were lucky to make it back alive! On Sunday morning we woke up and headed to the ballpark early to watch batting practice and stalk the locker room...of course! My goal is to get a picture a game, so after Brandon Belt came over, took a picture and signed an autograph for me I was happy and content! Our seats were once again amazing, thanks to Ken and Peg, we were right behind home plate about 7 rows up! The weather was gorgeous, food was amazing, company better. Not to mention the fact that they did BEAT LA! It was also Spetember 11th, they did an amazing 10 year anniversary ceremony before the game, it was beautiful. I couldn't think of a better place to be on September 11th, than sitting at a baseball game, America's sport. What a wonderful way to spend the weekend, so blessed!

Bubba Gumps

All the names of the lives lost September 11, 2001So blessedBrandon Belt...the giraffe!
Bochy placing the ball on the mound for those who have their lives Sept. 11, 2001We were all given flags with a name of a victim of Sept. 11 to hold up before the game September 11th celebration...it was amazing!
My In-Laws, the best ever!

Hugs, Annie & Jason

Fall, Football, & Pumpkin Spice Lattes...

So fall is my favorite time of the year, I love it. I love all the sweet smells of pumpkin, caramels, and fresh baked goods. I think the love of fall has traveled with me from Washington. In Washington fall is a real season...it is perfect weather, leaves are lying on the ground everywhere, the wind blows, I would come home to fresh baked cookies and apple cider. If you walk into my house today, you will smell fall...despite the 100 degree temperature outside, I still light my candles so I can close my blinds and imagine leaves being picked up and falling to the ground in the wind. I don't just do this in my house, I also do this in my classroom. When you walk through my classroom door you will be greeted with the smell of pumpkin spice! There are so many wonderful activities that come with fall: football, pumpkin spice lattes, the pumpkin patch, corn mazes, carving pumpkins, candy, tailgating, scarves and boots and so much more. Is it sad that one of my best days this month was when Starbucks began selling their pumpkin spice latte? I love it, I think it is because it tastes like fall. There is nothing I love more than throwing on a cute scarf, getting a Starbucks pumpkin spice latte and heading to a football game with Jason. Which leads me to my new adventure this fall...a girls' fantasy football leaugue! My friend Katie did this last year and was doing it again this year, she was so sweet to include me. She knows how much my husband (just like hers) loves to watch football on Sundays, so our motto, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em! I was so excited to draft the one player I actually know, Aaron Rodgers, just having him on my team makes this fantasy league a success. Although, winning the league and the spa gift certificate would make it that much better!

Fresno State football plays at home tomorrow, let the tailgates begin! So much to love about fall, just thought I would share why I love my favorite season!

My favorite fall treats I had to fill my jars with!

Hugs, Annie

Introducing Mr. & Mrs. Bernhoft!

Beautiful people, beautiful wedding. It was such an amazing day to watch one of my greatest friends marry a fantastic guy. She is so deserving. He is so deserving. It was a day of celebration because everyone knew that these two deserved each other. They got married at a beautiful winery in Paso Robles. The wedding suited Kirsten perfectly, which is amazing because all she told her friends and family members was that she loved peacock feathers and they got to work. It just went to show how well they knew Kirtie! I am so happy for these two lovebirds, I pray for a long, and lasting love! The pictures can do that talking...

Handsome Brady...ring bearer

About to walk down the aisle... The flower girls wanted to pick up all the petals they threw out!
Kirtie's dad walking her down the aisle
Exchanging Vows...Mr. & Mrs. Brady Bernhoft!
Love these ladies, Ashley and Amy

Love

First Dance

Eric, Jenn, Me and Jason
Kris and I...roomies! Miss this girl!
Love at first sight!
Kenzie girl dancing
The beautiful bride and me
Friends Forever! Love you all!Tara and I
Danielle...Maple Creek Husky for life!

Hugs, Annie & Jason