Teacher Style

School started this week and overall...it's been pretty good.  Of course, I've been a little stressed getting all my ducks in a row and making sure that I've covered all my bases for six different classes.  BUT.  I get to work at 7:45 and leave by 4:45.  Every single day.  This fact alone makes up for the fact that I now have to worry about Special Ed accommodations, preparing students for a state standardized test and having to manage the grades for over 150 students.  

Not once this week (even with volleyball try-outs going on) did I ever regret or second-guess my decision.  Nope.  There is no doubt in my mind or heart that I made the right decision, not just for my family but for ME.  

I love being in the classroom.  I love having my own space.  I love being a teacher.

But I also love wearing "real" clothes to work....and that's the most important thing, obviously.  So without further ado, let the teacher fashion show commence.

My teaser Instagram picture of my accessories for the first day of school.

Shoes: $40 at DSW

Bracelet: birthday gift

Earrings: birthday gift (from Francesca's boutique)

Necklace: surprise vacation gift from Craig

Here is my super professional outfit for the first day of school.

Deep royal blue dress from New York & Company for $15!  

(It was such a great deal that I bought it in black, naturally.)

Wednesday's outfit

Black dress capris from New York & Company - another great sale, they were two for one so I also have them in gray!

Shirt from The Limited

Necklace from Charming Charlie's

Heels....rescued from the depths of my closet and brought out of retirement.

Full disclaimer: No.  The heels did not last all day at school.  Here is the trick - heels in the hallway and slippers in the classroom.

All week long I got comments from students and teachers alike, all exclaiming how strange (but nice) it was to see me in "real" clothes and not athletic shorts and t-shirts.  And let's be honest - I still totally love my comfy clothes, but it's nice to pull out all my fabulous dresses, heels and jewelry from my closet and show them off.

Online Shopping

I'm not that big of a clothes shopper to begin with, honestly.  I'm a shop-by-necessity kind of girl which is pretty much in line with my personality.  I like to see things in person and know that if I'm going to spend money on something that it's going to be a good, solid buy.  Since I've got a kind of unique body with such my long torso, small bust and athletic hips & thighs, I'm really hesitant to buy clothing items online that might not fit real great in person.  

In order for my to purchase an item of clothing, it has to be the right fit, the right price AND be totally versatile in my wardrobe.  By that standard, I don't have a TON of clothes in my closet but what I do have easily transitions from dress to casual wear and can be worn with a variety of layerable clothes and jewelry.  

But at the prodding of many of my friends AND the lure of great deals on fabulous products, I downloaded both Groupon and Zulily apps to my phone and began shopping.  At first I just perused the offers without ever really purchasing anything - it was more or less the excitement of window shopping without having to leave my house.  

But today I took a leap of faith and made not one, but THREE online purchases!

I'm still super leery of buying clothes for me through Zulily just because they don't have a return policy and I'm so particular about the fit of clothes on my long torso but you can't really go wrong with shoes...especially when they're only $15 each!  I'm going to need some basic and comfortable shoes for teaching that will go with a multitude of outfits from fall to winter and all the way into spring.

Bucco - Taupe Toe-Cap Deedra Flats

Tan flats go with everything and I really like the gold detail on the toe.

Bucco - Pewter and Silver Spike Cap Toe Betty Flats

At first glance just another pair of plain silver flats, but I really like the spikes on the end that will add some umph when they stick out from under my dress pants.

The only thing that bugs me a little bit about Zulily is that they place their arrival time of products at around two weeks.  I know, I know...first world problems, right?

One of the perks about being a teacher and having the summers off is that I get to take advantage of weekday prices AND smaller crowds when going to do fun things with Natalie.  A few days ago I received an email from a friend inviting a large group of ladies and their littles to a variety of fun stuff she is doing with her sweet nieces.  Some of the stuff was a bit too "old" for Natalie (pedicures, Jonas Brothers concert) but a big room full of trampolines?!  Absolutely perfect for an active little gymnast like Natalie.  A mass email was sent out about a Groupon for 50% admission for two hours of jumping at Urban Air in Southlake and I figured this was the best time for me to bite the bullet and make a purchase through the app that I scan through every day.

Urban Air image via Trip Advisor

It took me a little long to get things situated with purchasing the tickets and then making sure we were signed up through the Urban Air website for the correct time and date with our friends.  Trampolines is definitely Natalie's favorite time during gymnastics class so I know that she will be totally excited to have a room full of trampolines and tons of new friends to play with.

But I'll admit, I'm almost a little afraid of how much I'm going to enjoy these Zulily shoes because it will only empower me to do MORE online shopping!

Accessories

With Craig's condition (more on that later) keeping us home this weekend, I took it upon myself to use my time wisely and get more work done in our living room. 

The biggest item we purchased was this rug which was $150 at Garden Ridge.   I know.  I KNOW.  A lot of money, right?  But the texture is perfect and the colors are just the right muted shade of orange and turquoise that it really compliments the room while not being distracting.  I just knew that there wouldn't be any other rug that was going to capture my heart the way this one did so Craig gave me the go ahead to get it....with the promise that we wait to purchase curtains until the next paycheck.

But to make up for the expensive rug, I've been doing LOTS of vintage and second-hand store shopping for the little odds and ends. 

Vintage milk glass style bowl - $7.00, Goodwill and fake oranges - $4.00, Garden Ridge

Gorgeous milk glass decorative bowl - $14.00, antique store

Sorry for the foggy iPhone picture!

Three milk glass vases - $5.00 each, antique store with fake orange flowers - one bundle for $5.00

And then there was my naptime project......well, not MY naptime but during Natalie's naptime.  I bought this cool, chunky octagonal end table at a parking lot sale a few weeks ago with my mother for twenty bucks.  Add a package of sandpaper and a quart of turquoise paint and voila!  I got a good start on my most ambitious living room project to date.  Now that the first coat of paint is completely dry, the color isn't so BOLD and is much more muted (which is exactly what I wanted).  Just a few more coats, a LOT of glossy sealer.....put a bright white bowl or decor item down below with a tray holding coasters and remotes on top! 

I'm still on the hunt for a long and skinny sideboard style table to go against the wall in the living room but I am definitely NOT paying more than $75 for it so this makes my search a little more difficult. 

I'm pretty happy with the way it's all coming together.  It's just fun to have a solid vision of what I want and then be able to see it come to fruition.  I was a little nervous before we started this whole thing - would my turquoise and orange idea be terrible or amazing?!  But so far....so good.  I'm just excited to be able to put it all together into one fabulous room!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Water Babies

Swimsuit shopping.

Ugh.  It's not pretty.  It's not fun.  And most of the time, it's left me in tears.

Now add in having some extra squishiness from carrying an eight pound baby girl?  

A million times worse.

I made the official switch this summer from bikinis to one piece swimsuits for a multitude of reasons, the first being that squishiness mentioned above.  I've also gotten a wee bit more modest in my older age and not everyone needs to be seeing me parading around in teeny tiny pieces of fabric.  And then there's the practicality of the situation - Natalie is bigger and more active in the water and I have to be comfortable to move quickly and easily when playing with her.

So one pieces it is.  Once I had made my decision the hard work began - finding a swimsuit that flattered my figure and wasn't a gazillion dollars.  

As with everything else in life, when in doubt.....GO TO TARGET.

I was pleasantly surprised at the selection and quality of the swimsuits.  I honestly thought that I would be quickly going down the one-piece swimsuit rabbit hole and would wind up spending my summer sitting by the pool in a swimsuit a la the Duggars.

But instead I found lots of great fashionable styles that fit my body well and still made me feel "cute" but covered up as well.  Without further ado, here is what I'll be sporting in the sun this summer.

Mossimo separates "mix and match"

  I have the top (which also comes with a attachable halter style strap) but not these bottoms.  I bought bikini style bottoms in the same horizontal black and white stripe.  I mostly wear this swimsuit around our pool in the backyard and I rarely use the strap so that I can get a nice even tan on my shoulders and neck area.

Merona halter top in pink with gold details

This swimsuit kind of caught me off guard because it's totally out of my fashion comfort zone with all the hot pinkness and blingity bling.  BUT...it looks and fits fabulous and again, I can lay out in the backyard with the neck straps down and not get any tan lines.

Alright.  You're going to need to use your imagination on this one.  I found this swimsuit HERE but this is not the swimsuit I actually own.  Picture this style but with a turquoise top and black bottom - keep the ruching though.  Got it?  Okay.  The reason I couldn't find the link on the Target website is because I actually bought this particular swimsuit LAST summer and therefore any sort of link to it has disappeared into internet oblivion.  This is probably the most flattering swimsuit on me because it sucks in my belly the most and then the ruching covers up any remaining jiggle.

And the wee one?  It's much easier finding a swimsuit for an adorable toddler.  Never mind the fact that she has absolutely no clue that she can't swim.  We have certainly evolved past the cruise around in the baby float stage and she is squirming all over the place - learning to kick, stroke and blow bubbles in the water.  The best part of having a daughter that just might be part fish?  The water WEARS.  HER.  OUT.  And the second best thing.......she's inherited my Italian-olive-easy-to-tan skin and there's nothing more adorable than tan lines on a little baby butt.  

Circo Toddler Girls Long Sleeve Cover-Up

Natalie hates being dried off with towels so I can throw this over her body and get her dry without the tears and fighting.

Circo Toddler Girls Pink Hawaiian Suit

Circo Girls Toddler Ruffled Suit in Blue

Here are Natalie's two main swimsuits - one serious swimming suit up above in the pink and then a fun and frivolous girly suit complete with ruffles.  I'm not big on two piece bikinis on little girls; I'd like to hold off on that battle as long as possible and plus, with all the running around and hard core PLAYING that she does in the water, she needs something that will stay on her body and not interfere with her activity.  

Circo Toddler Sunglasses

I know.  Toddler sunglasses.  But they're turquoise and they match her ruffly swimsuit.  And she's only little once.  And they were really only $5.99.  And believe it or not - she does wear and keep them on her face about 65% of the time.  

Speedo Toddler Mary Jane Swim Shoes

Best swimming purchase ever.  The concrete is hot and the pool deck is rough.  By putting these on Natalie's feet, she can confidently play in and around the pool without fear of burning or scraping her precious little feet and toes.

So that's what we're sporting this summer.  I love that my girl loves the water and shows absolutely NO fear when it comes to getting in and splashing around.  Swimming has always been a summer staple with my grandma, my mother and myself and I've been loving watching Natalie find the same enjoyment in water as I do.

Addiction

I absolutely adore Vera Bradley.  Here are a few of my favorites AND what I'm hoping might be wrapped up for me as an anniversary present in March.

Compact Wallet in Sittin' in a Tree

My first Vera Bradley purchase at the store in Southlake Town Center a few years ago.  It was the perfect wallet size for the amount of stuff I carry in my purse (which is not much).

Hipster in Rhythm and Blues

I received this purse for Christmas from my mother-in-law and I use it almost everyday.  I really like it because it holds all my stuff but keeps my hands free for when I'm lugging Natalie in and out of the car.  Plus........all the middle school girls at work LOVE that I have a Hipster just like the ones they wear.

Travel Wallet in Lemon Parfait

Craig bought me this for Mother's Day last year - it is perfect for when we travel because I can easily hold onto all our boarding passes, trip information and drivers licenses.

Villager in Lemon Parfait

This was probably my costliest Vera Bradley purchase and it is by far the largest bag I own.  It is great for overnight trips to grandparent's houses for Natalie or a carry-on bag for the airplane.  I also used it all during volleyball season to lug my game clothes to and from the school on Mondays and Thursdays.

Zip ID Case in Lemon Parfait

This was the cheapest thing I've ever bought from Vera Bradley ($12.00) and it is the thing I use the most.  I don't carry a lot of STUFF in my wallet - my license and a few debit cards is about it.  If I was to recommend one VB purchase for a new mom it would be this little lovely darling.  I put my keys on the keychain, my stuff in the zipper pouch and I can fit the whole thing in my back pocket of my jeans when cruising through Target with Natalie.  I HATE having to lug around a bunch of stuff so I try to keep it minimal.  For example - when we went to the town center in Southlake on Monday, I stuffed her diaper bag in the bottom of the stroller and put this wallet and my phone in the back zipper pouch of the stroller.  It is really a lifesaver for me.  And the added bonus?  Natalie loves to chew on it while relaxing in the cart at the store and it keeps her quiet and focused without having to bring along a different toy for her.

Messenger bag in Pucci

I actually don't think they make this style of bag anymore - we had to search on Ebay to find this particular style.  This pattern is one of the older ones and I like it because it's not too terribly girly.  This bag is Natalie's "diaper" bag, although that was not the original purpose for this style.  VB actually makes a baby bag but after looking at one in the store, I decided that it was a little too big and bulky for me to carry around.  I also like this bag because it fits everything that Natalie needs without allowing me to over pack and carry TOO much.  (Yes, there is such a thing as having too much stuff for your baby)  And when she's done with needing a diaper bag it will be a great school bag for her someday or a bag to pack and take with us on trips!  And it also goes over one shoulder and across the body for hands free carrying which is important to me when taking Natalie out and about.

Small Cosmetic in Island Blooms

One of my cute sixth grade girls came into the coaching office this morning super proud of the new Hipster she got yesterday in this pattern.  Let me tell you - this picture (and the ones through the VB website) do not do this pattern justice.  It is bright aqua and lime green - two of my favorite colors.  I am in love.  It might actually be my all time favorite pattern.  So of course, after this child left the office I had to get online to see what types of products I could try and talk Craig into getting me for either Valentine's Day or our anniversary.  Maybe a cosmetics bag?  Hmm.  I'm a pretty practical shopper - I really try to shop based on NEEDS versus WANTS because when I get too many of the "NEEDS" I tend to have a super cluttered house and we all know that's one of my pet peeves.  I just don't like buying things that I don't see myself using on a regular basis so I'm really going to have to think about what I would need to own in this particular pattern.

Christmas List

Craig and I have really cut down on our spending in the last few months and because of it I have been able to really put together a good Christmas list for my family that is full of things that I actually want and am excited about unwrapping.  Here are just a few things I'm hoping Santa is leaving underneath the tree for me.

This year I have found that music has become pivotal in the journey through pregnancy, PPD and the ongoing recovery.  These are just a few of the albums that have inspired me and somehow filled my soul and put my feelings into beautiful words.

Adele - 21

Did anyone see that SNL skit where the office workers would turn on "Someone Like You" secretly and cry and then a person would come in and join them and then the whole office was crying together?  It was on a few weeks ago when Emma Stone hosted.  Absolutely brilliant and so true.  This song was playing on the radio when I pulled into school on the morning of the anniversary of Craig's father's death.  I was just so filled with sadness and anger for Craig and Natalie and the loss of a father and grandfather that they both will have to live with for the rest of their lives.

Florence + the Machine - Lungs

It's no secret that I did not enjoy the first four months of pregnancy - maybe that's where the seeds for PPD were sown.  The reality of my pregnancy did NOT match up with the image that I had in my head - I didn't expect to be throwing up twice a day for four months straight!  "The Dog Days are Over" was a song that became popular around the time that I was emerging from the pregnancy nausea and I was beginning to become excited about being pregnant and having a baby girl.  When I hear this song it just brings me back to those moments of joy and excitement about where my life was heading and sometimes I still need that reminder.

Florence + the Machine - Ceremonials

This is their newer CD and the first release off of it is "Shake It Off" which is definitely a message I need to hear over and over and over.  I've been listening to a Florence + the Machine station on Pandora and I've heard a few more songs off of this album and I'm super excited about what I've heard so far.

Mumford & Sons - Sigh No More

This band is from Britain and their songs remind me of sitting in a bar in London a few years ago when I went to Europe with my friend Kristin.  Craig and I have decided that our next trip to Europe will be to tour England, Scotland and Ireland and when I hear this band I just picture the two of us sitting in a local pub in Dublin drinking and laughing just like we used to when we were dating.  Sometimes I miss those nights spent at Buffalo Wild Wings watching sports, drinking beer and playing poker....and of course the flirting between us.

The Black Keys - Brothers

I don't have as much of an emotional attachment to this band and album, but it's just full of good, funky rock music - almost reminds me of the Kings of Leon (my personal fave).

Clothing: I hardly buy fun clothes for myself - especially winter clothes since I'm usually running around in windpants and a hoodie but I do need a few cute pieces for Stars games or holiday parties.....or just because I want to look nice.  Here are a few things that I have my eye on:

Old Navy Sweetheart bootcut jeans

I have always had the hardest time finding jeans that fit my long legs in length but don't gap at the waist.  Back when I was single and had a more expendable income I didn't mind plunking down $100 for a pair of jeans, but with a baby and Christmas coming up that just isn't feasible on our budget.  Craig and I went to Old Navy on Monday to look for some jeans for me and I was pretty nervous - most of my jeans shopping growing up ended with me (and my mother) in tears.  I was so excited to find that the Sweetheart bootcut fit me perfectly in the waist and rear AND were long enough that I have to cuff them when I wear the jeans with Converse!  Perfect!  We went ahead and bought me one pair but Craig took a picture of the tag so I'm hoping that he might run back there and get me a pair in maybe a different wash.

Target cable knit and toggle sweater

I love the chunky coziness of this sweater - and in Texas during the winter this would be perfect to throw over a cute top and jeans and still be warm!

Studio Paolo Vienna boot

Craig and I found these at JC Penney on Monday and I tried them on and they fit absolutely perfectly!  I love the "riding" boot look and I definitely need a low heel.  I took a look at the price on the bottom of the boot - $130.  Ugh.  Out of the budget for Christmas boots this year.....until Craig asked the lady if there were any sales this week on boots.  And HURRAY!!!  These boots were on sale for $59.99 with an additional $10 coupon at the register for a grand total of $49.99!  That's MUCH better.  Craig put these on hold and I think a member of his family was going to swing by the store later and purchase them for me.

HARRY POTTER: My absolute favorite book series....EVER.  Words cannot express how much I love these books and even the movies are almost as good as the books!  I have HP4, 6 and 7 in hardback and so I'm looking to complete my collection with HP 1, 2, 3 and 5 in hardback as well.

And then....the final movie with one of the most terrifying battle scenes ever.  No.  I'm not joking - I had so much anxiety and fear when Voldemort and the Death Eaters were waiting outside Hogwarts.  I also can't wait to share these movies and books with Natalie someday.

Natalie's Bath Renovation: Right now in the spare bathroom it's pretty basic - a leftover turquoise and beige shower curtain from my apartment, a tan rug and white and chrome accessories.  Since this is going to be Natalie's bathroom as a little girl and then into her teenage years (given we stay in this house) I wanted to update it to be a little bit more girly.  Her bedroom is definitely NOT the typical "girly" room - it's decorated in turquoise, lime green and chocolate polka dot so I figured the bathroom could be a little bit more frilly.  I really love the Shabby Chic collection at Target for bathroom stuff....this is the stuff I've put on my list!

Pink and white rose petal bath towels

Pink and white washrags

Glass shower curtain hangers

Light pink and white rose shower curtain

Fluffy white bathroom rug

I tried to choose stuff that would match the bathroom accessories I already have as well as a beautiful pink and white "baby girl" picture frame that I received at one of my baby showers.

Okay....so now that I look at my WHOLE list....I feel a bit greedy!!  BUT - none of the items are terribly expensive and most of it is stuff that is more or less necessary to my life (at least that's what I'm telling myself!)  The good news is that for once in a very long time, I'm really EXCITED about what might be under the tree for me because I've held off buying myself the things that I want.  

What are YOU hoping is under your Christmas tree?!

New Shoes Make Me Happy

What I am lusting over right now...Nike Air Max+ in gray and baby blue.

Registry Fun

Somehow, I got Craig to go register at Target on Thursday night. I was a bit nervous just because it seems that every new experience makes me nervous these days. I had a list printed out from the Target website about all the things that I needed to buy for the house. We're in a tough spot with registering in general - I lived on my own for three years before we bought this house and since buying the house, we've been blessed financially to be able to fill the house with furniture and decorations. There aren't too many things in the stores that we really NEED. Now there is plenty stuff that we could WANT, but I have a hard time justifying asking people to buy me things that aren't absolutely necessary for us to survive. I could have registered for a bread maker, a vegetable steamer or a electric vegetable chopper...but I don't really anticipate any need for those in the future. My mother somehow managed to cook delicious and healthy meals for the 18 years that I lived at home without the help of any of these items. And also - I don't have any idea where I'm going to STORE all the stuff that I'm not going to use!

Having said that...there are a few things that we really do need like new silverware, serving platters, plates, towels and outdoor equipment. And there is one thing on my list that I have absolutely NO idea how I'm going to use it but I want to have it on display in my kitchen: I really don't know what one does with a mixer like this, but it's in ice blue...and I love it.

Our general colors in the house go as follows:

Formal Dining room: green walls with darn iron and glass table, chairs and hutch

Living Room: Dark brown furniture with cream couches and brown and light green accents

Kitchen: Dark brown cabinets with dishes, towels and accessories in chocolate brown and baby blue

Master Bedroom: Dark brown furniture with green bedding

Hmm...I'm starting to see a pattern. I guess the green is just really relaxing for me and that's what I want most out of my house. Craig was surprisingly a great help in choosing items such as curtains for the bedroom and living room. My first thought was chocolate brown in the living room, because that's what I had at my apartment. Craig said that since all our furniture is dark brown, maybe we should go for a coordinating color like the light green. And he was totally right. I just appreciated the fact that he understood that picking out things such as curtains is important to me and he was very supportive.

Our next step is to register at Crate and Barrel for items such as glasses, serving ware, fun decorative items, silverware and kitchen towels, napkins and placemats.