Look! No Skirt!

Yep, that's right. I wore pants today.
I do not have some strange aversion to pipe-shaped objects hugging my legs. I just like skirts until it starts getting cooler. It's not cooler yet, but I have been plowing through my skirts. I thought it was time for a change-up.


Today's Outfit

I love the girly little details in this outfit.

What I am Wearing:
Pink ruffle tank: Target - $10
Cardigan: NY&Co - $15
Pants: NY&Co - $15
Belt: Target - $8
Shoes: Gift from Mother in Law (of course...not pictured! As soon as I got home I threw them off. For real threw)
Earrings: F21 - $3

I have found myself being less starving this week and more focused. I haven't even been as thirsty as usual, but I have certainly been bouncing from meeting to meeting to class to cheer practice to lunch/car/break duty.
I'm even cooking tonight.
As in husband isn't grabbing fast food for himself while I chow down a home-made caprese sandwich (my food of choice the past two weeks).
So. I have a hot date with my oven until husband gets home (yes, literally hot -- I'm so witty).

XO,
W

I Love My Job. (and repeat)

Today's Outfit:

Ruffle Tank: Target - $20
Pencil Skirt: Target - $21
Shoes: Plato's Closet - $6
Cardigan - LOFT - $20
Jewelry: C/O InPink - Free from a giveaway!

How awesome is free jewelry? Pretty awesome!
I usually don't wear any jewelry with ruffle shirts or tanks--I think it makes me look too busy or over-accessorized--but I must say that this jewelry was a rather nice touch. I got it in the mail yesterday from Adored Austin's giveaway from InPink. I ripped that package OPEN(despite the super adorable packaging it came in--I did stop briefly to admire it!).
And of course I wore it the next day.

I'm having an outfit regret with this one, guys. (And by  guys, I mean ladies.)
I wish I had worn a belt with it--possibly even my skinny yellow one to add another pop of color and complete a more color-blocking look. And pull in the cardigan from making me look marshmellow-esque.
I will say, however, I think I can get a little crazier with my outfits if I have something like this white cardigan to pull everything down to normal. Not that it's boring. It just tames things a little.

Onto my usual Tuesday routine:

Ten Things Tuesday
I really was not sure what to do my ten things on today. I have seriously been running non-stop (until I actually - stop - ) all week (so far? It's only Tuesday...) and last week (insanity!).
 (See what it's like inside my head?)
I really haven't stopped to come up with a clever Ten Things post.
All I have been thinking about is my job.
Boring, right?
Well...not for me. I do love my job. Despite some interesting things that occurred today with a fun helicopter mother (read: not fun. not not not not fun).
Today was a day where I need a reminder. And a self-mantra-esque repeat of I Love My Job...
Top Ten Reasons I Love My Job:
1. Watching those light-bulbs come on! There is nothing cooler about being a teacher than actually watching your students connect the dots and truly learn something new. I think "teachers" should be called "learning facilitators." Or some other cooler more epic name.
2. Learning. I learn new things almost everyday.
3. Teacher-Student bonding. The almost maternal feelings I have for my students and the respect they have for their teachers is an unmatched phenomenon. I can't describe how awesome I feel about the relationships I have formed with my students.
4. Feedback from parents (as told through students). As I mentioned, students talk about what their parents talk about. I am well informed as to what their parents said about me on our parent-teacher night. I also love hearing (this week!) "Mrs. A, I told my mom what you said about my test. She was so proud of me. She told my whole family." (cue the awwwwwws)
5. Feedback from the students. I actually heard one of my students say "This is kinda fun!" about our activity today analyzing cartograms on consumption. I don't think they'd ever admit to it. But they said it. I heard it. And not just the wishing I did and forcing a memory. Nope. Not this time.
6. Seeing Improvement. Watching a student from the very beginning of the year (or cheer season) and seeing them fight through the "I don't think I cans" to "I did." (corny enough yet?)
7. Relationships formed with parents. I have parents from last year stopping by at games or randomly in the hallways to chat with me. My cheer parents gave me a wedding shower last year and they have been so supportive of everything I do in the classroom.
8. At the end of the school year, I get a whole lotta time off. You know it had to be on the list somewhere. I may not get many days off during the year, but you bet I earned those two months off in the summer! I love my job daily, but I do love having a break from the chaos, as well (I call it letting the students have time to miss me).
9. DO YOU KNOW HOW MANY PERKS COME WITH BEING A TEACHER?! Who knew it was such a respected gig? Either that or stores know we don't make a ton of money--so we get discounts/special deals at a lot of stores. (again, you KNEW this had to be on the list. Don't judge me.)
10. I love it because I am passionate about it. In all seriousness, teaching is what I want to do. It is what I chose to do. I can't point out one specific reason for why I am passionate about it--it's just the whole package.

Passion doesn't require analysis anyway.
Unless you're my engineer husband. He's passionate about analysis.
What can I say? We balance each other.
XO,
W

PS: Don't ever let me do a "Ten Reasons I love husband." It would be even more corny than this one. ;)

Just Another Manic Monday

Gosh, guys. I just looked it up. That song was released two years before I was born. huh.

Today's Outfit:

What I'm Wearing:

Tank: Target - $3

Shoes: Giveaway spoils!

Skirt: NY&Co - $20

Blazer: GAP - $17

Belt: Target - $7

Necklace: F21 - $7

Earrings: Pearls, gift

Someone stopped me this morning to tell me that I look super classy today and another saw me at the copier and said my outfit was cute. I think it's interesting that neither one of them pointed out anything in particular about my outfit--the skirt, blazer, or shoes...they commented on it as a package. I think that's my goal. For people to see my clothes as a package--not just one piece sticks out. I want to look put together...not just a person that buys single pieces.

We have another football game tonight (I think it's strange to have them on Monday, but okay...), so I dressed to be comfortable when I change into my coach shirt. The coach shirt is just a little navy UnderArmor polo with our school logo--I think it will look cute paired with this skirt and belt.

I don't have the pictures from our visit to the Gardens from husband yet, but I will confess that I wore this skirt along with a yellow tank and my wide brown belt. It was cute, but I wish I wore more sunscreen. I got a very VERY bold tan/semi-burn on my shoulders/arms...so no more short sleeves until that goes away!

I didn't do the usual Saturday re-cap, so here it is.

Goals Re-cap, Review and Re-examination:

I am about $400 under my budget for this month. It's not that all of that money goes to shopping every month, I've just been cutting corners on everything--and avoiding spending money where I don't have to do so. 

For September, I am making it my goal to avoid the Target shopping center near my house. This includes a Target, Old Navy, Panera (gasp), a local frozen yogurt bar, and a cupcake shop.

I think it will be hard, given my penchant for Target (and Panera!), but I think it will be great for my wallet and health.

If I continue what I've been doing as far as spending less, and I self-ban myself from that area (emphasis on Target), I imagine I'll be in much better financial shape...and I'll be able to contribute more toward our Vacation Fund. 

Next time I debate buying something, I'll be sure to ask myself "Is this worth taking away from our Mediterranean vacation?" 

Health. Oh, health. 

Let's just say that running really hasn't happened. The soda situation hasn't gotten better.

I have been so exhausted after school--It hasn't been worth having a gym membership this month. I've been doing most of my physical activity outside--Husband and I have been walking in the evenings--and I've really enjoyed it. He's such a cutie--and it's a great way to sneak in some lighter physical activity without overdoing it.

I'm going to make it my health goal for September to stick with my healthy habits more--and get more physical activity in. However, in order to get physical activities into my schedule, I need more energy and determination to do it after school. 

I'm trying to pack more protein-rich foods for lunches--and I've noticed that eating more protein for breakfast seems to help. I've been drinking a lot more soda to try to make up for the lack of energy after 4:00--when I know I need to be drinking more water. Or at least tea.

I know today will be out of the question, but I don't have any excuse for the rest of the week! 

(except for drinking soda. I've got plenty of excuses for that.)

XO,

W

My Weekend (in Amateur Photography)

As I mentioned in my last post, I made GREAT use of my weekend.
Unfortunately, that kept me away from my computer. I practically unplugged myself from everything--and I got to experience some nature.
So...to keep my post from being SUPER long tomorrow, I'll give you a digestible version in two posts.

Friday was a girls' night. We kept it pretty tame with dinner, browsing our little downtown shopping area, and bowling.
(I didn't buy anything this time! I have five weeks left of this no shopping thing--and I'd be lying if I didn't say I already know where September's budget is going...)

Saturday, husband and I went to a local Farmer's Market and the Botanical Gardens.
Here are a few pictures I snapped during our visit:

Super Photographer Paparazzi Husband.

How cute is he?

He's our Matron of Honor/Best Man's son--11 months old.

So beautiful, right?
Nature is so relaxing.
Husband took all of the pictures of me--so hopefully I can get them to show you my outfit.
And how I look when someone is taking my picture instead of how I look when I'm posed in awkward angles with a timer.


Last Sunday, I took another painting class with my mom. Here are the pictures I've been withholding from you...teehee:

Paint class was actually much better with a little wine...

This was our "inspiration piece."

It was supposed to be very "impressionistic"  and the instructor told us to "go crazy!"

"Don't Drink the Paint Water" (cutesy, right?)

My finished result.

So, should I stick with my day job or what? ;)

I hope this explains my brief absence! I really do feel guilty for abandoning my blog for the weekend.

I hope no one missed me too terribly. 

XO,

W

Ten Things

I made it through Monday! :)

Today's Outfit:

Certainly not the most flattering angle. I admit it.

What I'm Wearing:

Skirt: LOFT - $13

Sleeveless Button Down: NY&Co - $4ish

Pink Cardigan: Target - $5ish

Shoes: Target - $10

Necklace: Forever21 - $7

Earrings: Peach Pearls - Gift

This is what I'm wearing for Parent Night. I don't really play into the whole "dress differently for the parents" thing. I'm going to wear my typical attire. I mean, it's not like I look unprofessional. :)

Yesterday's Outfit:

Forgive the crazy eye look--There was a neighbor walking around in the field...I was trying not to get spotted...

(Because staring them down helps, guys)

What I'm Wearing:

Dress: LOFT - $27

Belt: F21 - $8

Shoes: Target - $20

Necklace: Plato's Closet - $8

Amber Earrings: Bought in Tallinn, Estonia: Can't remember the conversion to dollars

You know what's cool about this outfit? I'm dressed like I'm going on a safari and I'm wearing earrings from the time of dinosaurs. Amber is apparently really trendy in the Baltic (either that or a touristy buy). We saw it everywhere we went in Europe this summer (except Germany--we booked it through Germany to get our tour of Berlin). I really wanted to buy some amber from St. Petersburg, but I couldn't find any cheap enough. Then, I discovered these while we were in the medieval part of Tallinn--I bought them from a store that was in (what appeared to be) a former medieval pub or wine cellar.

So, I thought I would go ahead and do my ten things on my ten favorite locations I've visited:

Ten (Favorite) Things I have Visited:

1. Kinkaku-ji in Kyoto, Japan. Kinkaku-ji is by far the most beautiful location I have ever seen. In the middle of a lake, there's a beautiful golden temple surrounded by bonsai trees (that are over 400 years old).

2. Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France. When I was in Paris, we stayed on the opposite end of the Champs Elysee near the Arc d'Triomphe. If you have been to Paris you know how far that is from Notre Dame. I walked to Notre Dame from our hotel at least four times. Just to eat a baguette on the steps. (And pay to use the restroom. Oh, Europe) I loved Paris. I could go back anytime.

3. Yusuprov Palace in St. Petersburg. Made famous as where Rasputin was murdered, this palace was unlike anything I've ever seen. It even rivaled Catherine's Palace.

It looks like nothing on the outside...but the inside had its own movie theater...gold everywhere...It was crazy.

4. Catherine's Palace in St. Petersburg. These two palaces were ridiculous. We saw the Amber Room and shuffled our way through each of the rooms--made for various insignificant activities. Like sitting. Or standing. Or coughing.

5. Ice Bar in Stockholm. It may seem silly to be on the same list as Kinkaku-ji or Notre Dame, but this was really nifty. We visited the ice bar while we were in Stockholm for a drink (made with Absolut Vodka).

I mean, come on, a bar completely made of ice?!

(Whose idea was that?)

6. Vasa Museum in Stockholm. Ever wanted to see a real viking ship? It was housed in a building that was five stories so you could see the ship from each level. The ship was beautiful, but I would have been hardcore freaked out to see it in my harbor.

Pirates who?

7. The Cathedral on Spilled Blood in St. Petersberg. The. Most. Beautiful. Building. I have ever seen. It literally took my breath away.

Floor to ceiling mosaics inside. Insane.

8. The Louvre. I have to admit, seeing the Mona Lisa and countless works by Michaelangelo was worth the visit. (Straight off the plane from the US, by the way...we hit the ground running)

9. Suomenlinna Fortress in Helsinki, Finland. A fortress. In the mouth of the Baltic. Made completely of stone. It was awesome. The walls were HUGE and there was so much history there.

10. Saschenhausen Concentration Camp outside of Berlin. Obviously, Berlin was amazing to see--but what really stood out to me was all of the emotions (and even the non-emotions) I felt while I was inside the concentration camp. I don't even know how to describe what we saw. Or even how I felt. It was an overwhelming experience.

It was really difficult to narrow it down! I love everywhere I have been and I am so grateful and thankful for all of these experiences. Travelling is definitely one of my favorite things.

I have been to all kinds of places in Japan, France, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Mexico (AH! I forgot about the Mayan ruins! That's definitely a favorite!), Estonia, and Russia. 

(Let's not forget all of the amazing things in the US--Outer Banks, anyone?)

Husband and I are planning on taking our next big vacation in 2013. Can you say Mediterranean Cruise?

Italy has been at the top of my list for quite some time.

I want to hear about your travels--tell me where to go next! :)

XO,

W