Wednesday, October 30

I'm back from my conference.  I'm curious to see how the last two days went with my student teacher.  Tomorrow will be interesting.  I hope my nerves aren't tested, because I'm still sick and you do not poke the (sickly) bear.

And before you say anything, yes that is the same shirt I wore on Monday.  Don't judge me please, but I just couldn't figure out a better outfit and I am sick.  That's all I've got in terms of excuses.  The sweater I brought to wear for today just didn't look right.  I felt too sloppy.

Top: Gap
Skinny Pants: Old Navy
Scarf: Forever 21
Flats: Target

Monday, October 28

I'm sick.  Again.  With a nasty cold.  Such is life.  Here's my outfit.

Top: Gap
Blazer: Kohl's
Skirt: LOFT
Tights: WalMart
Shoes: TOMS
Necklace: J.Crew Factory
Bracelet: Victoria's Secret

Tuesday, October 29

I wanted to post yesterday afternoon, but the internet connection at my hotel was spotty.  Also, I was still sick and felt like crap, so I didn't have the patience for anything.

I was at a conference on the Common Core.  It pretty much sucked.  I heard every freaking research book rehashed in the last two days.  At one point, I think I was tempted to use the table leg to knock myself out.  Many of the presenters' PowerPoints had so many typos in them I wanted to scream; they talked about some learning strategies as if they were brand-new.  For example, they acted like no one had any idea what a KWL chart was.  Seriously?!?  I think if my district had known, they would not have paid money for that.  And if I had to hear a variation of Hattie, Daggett, or Marzano again....well you know what I wanted to do with the table leg.

The one awesome thing was my hotel room.  It was HUGE.  It had a kitchenette and the shower was one of those two-sided showers where the water comes out of both walls.  YES!

Dress: Kohl's
Cardigan: Banana Republic Outlet
Necklace: Kohl's
Boots: Lane Bryant

My kind of hotel room: wine glasses provided :)

I was so ill that as soon as the sessions let out that afternoon, I crashed in my room.  I was ready for some Nyquil and a good night's sleep!

Saturday, October 26

In between bouts of illness--first a stomach bug and then a really bad cold--I ended up being able to go to a high school reunion of sorts.  It was fun, but it was a LOT of driving for such a short amount of time hanging out.

Dress: Kohl's
Tights: WalMart
Boots: Lane Bryant
Necklace: LOFT
Scarf: Forever 21
Jacket: Guess from Marshall's

Thursday, October 24

I didn't get a chance to post this due to Parent Teacher Conferences Round #2 and a bout of illnesses.

Top: Marshall's
Skirt: Marshall's
Blazer: JcPenney
Tights: WalMart
Booties: Ariat
Necklace: from Irish Festival

Monogram bracelet: Altar'd State
Sparkle bracelet: Target

I will have to wear this outfit again; I got hit on twice while wearing it.  Thank goodness, neither time was during parent teacher conferences.  THAT would have been awkward!

Wednesday, October 23

The last full day of the week.  And thank goodness too!

Want the run-down of parent teacher conferences?  They went so very well!  I go in with lots of student work and data.  That way, the students' work really speaks for itself.

Navy and White Top: Ann Taylor
Emerald Pants: Express
Mustard Cardigan: Charlotte Russe
Gray Loafers: Aerosoles from Marshall's
Leaf Necklace: Irish Festival in KC

The colors in this picture turned out really weird.  Those are emerald green pants, a navy and white top, and a mustard cardigan.  The pants look teal though.  And the top looks like it matches the pants in this picture.

Tuesday, October 22

Parent Teacher Conferences Round #1 happens tonight.  I'm hoping all goes smoothly.  I don't really have any issues with students and any grade issues have been dealt with ahead of time, so fingers crossed that I don't have any doozies.  If my student teacher can not butt in, I think it will go well.

I dressed to (hopefully) impress today for the conferences.  I want to look professional, but I also wanted to be comfortable for teaching all day.

Top: from Goodwill
Blazer: JcPenney
Skirt: Marshall's
Leaf Necklace: from Irish Festival in KC
Kitten Heels: Union Bay

I love this skirt.  It is stretchy and feels like pajamas.  You know, if I wore skirts as pajamas.

Three-Day Weekend Packing

I packed for a three-day weekend trip to my high school stomping grounds.  Some high school buddies are having a reunion.  I worked/trained for the fire department in high school--it was my sport--and they are planning a get-together.  I haven't seen any of them in nearly 15 years!  As luck would have it, I have Friday off due to parent/teacher conferences being two nights this week.

In the past, a trip like this would require a HUGE suitcase AND a carry-on.  I've learned a lot from my online friends, and this time I've packed light.

This is everything I plan on taking with me :)

Inside my computer bag: laptop; Kindle; magazine
(Not Pictured: phone and computer chargers)
Ignore my ugly feet in this picture...

Inside my small bag (Shoes, toiletries)

Everything all laid out from my small bag
From Left to Right: Shampoo, Conditioner Bag; Make-up Bag; Toothbrush Carrier
Lotion, Body Spray; Leopard Flats; Dry Shampoo; Hair Products
Hair Iron; Hairbrush; Deodorant; Q-Tips; Brown Boots

Everything from my bigger bag all laid out:
From Left to Right starting out from the Top:
Maroon Striped Top; Yellow Bow Top; White Tee; Skinny Jeans
Grey Sweater; Green Dress; Leopard Belt; Black Hoodie; Grey Hoodie
Black Tights; Black Socks; Brown Tights; Green Scarf; Aztec Scarf; Striped Scarf; Undies; Necklaces

This is my traveling outfit.  I went for comfort since it's a six hour drive.

white Cardigan; striped top; black leggings; black boots; silver pendant necklace

Pajamas

Pajamas turned into a casual outfit.  I could also pair this with jeans and/or either pair of boots.
In fact, any of the accessories would go with this outfit.  Trade out a scarf or wear a necklace instead,
and it's a different outfit.

Again, I could wear this many different ways if I chose.  I will probably wear it with jeans and boots

I liked this outfit the way it is, but again I could trade out accessories and shoes for something
different.

Another casual outfit.  Many other ways to style it.

I will probably wear this sweater with jeans if I choose to wear it.

I will probably actually wear the brown tights and brown boots with this dress.
And I will probably add a scarf.

I think I could technically get two weeks' worth of outfits from the few items I packed.  I didn't even show you the black hoodie or jeans. I figured everyone could get the idea without me changing a bajillion times.  I am excited to have options when I get there and I like how everything I picked can be mixed and matched.  This way, depending on how I feel and what activities we end up doing, I will be prepared. 

I am planning a trip to Las Vegas in a month, and I plan to pack in a very similar fashion for that trip as well.  Except I will add a few club-appropriate items for going out.  What do you guys think of my packing?

Monday, October 21

I didn't post this weekend.  Sorry about that.  I had a 5k on Saturday and my running outfits are just not all that cute.  Sunday I was sick and didn't leave the couch all day.  I think I must have had a reaction to my flu shot.  It was 24 hours of feeling sick with the flu without ever running a fever.  Weird.

I really liked the feeling of power I got from today's outfit.  It must have been the red.  And the wedges.  Being taller always makes me feel more powerful!

Red Top: MNG by Mango from JcPenney
Striped Skirt: Kohl's
Black Cardigan: Gap
Red Wedges: Payless
Gold Arrow Necklace: Wet Seal

In other news, I started WW last week and I've already lost almost five pounds.  Woohoo!

Friday, October 18

Today was...interesting.  I have a student teacher.  I make no bones about the fact that having a student teacher is TOUGH.  If you love your job (like I do) then it's hard to have someone else in there teaching YOUR kids.  Am I right?  Plus, I want to help this person learn the ropes, which means more work on the front end for me.

But let me tell you, it's been HARD.  I get along with almost everybody.  But there's something about having to share my classroom that is making this really tough.  The students don't get along with this person very well.  Other teachers complain about this person to me.  Plus, this particular person  1) tries to boss me around 2) talks nonstop during every ever-loving quiet moment in the day 3) doesn't take constructive feedback very well and tends to get argumentative when I try to say anything and 4) can't follow a series of steps/directions even if I write them down in triplicate.

It's been a long two months.  And there's still more to go.  Hand me the chocolate, please.


I actually wore the middle outfit to school today, but I thought I would take pictures so you could see the different ways I could have worn my outfit today.

1)  Plain and Simple

No cardigan or jewelry here.  I could have added a dangle necklace and headed out.

2)  Long Scarf

I liked this look the best.  Casual and laid-back.  It had a Friday vibe to it.

3) Short Scarf

This look was okay, but I've done the short scarf thing before.  I wanted something different.

Shirt: Forever 21
Pants: Kohl's
Scarf: Forever 21
Boots: Unknown (these are the same pair I wore yesterday)

Thursday, October 17

It's Friday Eve!  I'm so happy for tomorrow, even though it means grading rough drafts all weekend.  GAH.

Today, the weather was chilly.  I'd seen an outfit kind of like this on Pinterest or GCOGH; honestly, I couldn't remember exactly where I'd seen it, but I liked the button-down over a button-down look.

Dotted Chambray: Kohl's
Plaid Button Down: Old Navy
Pink Tank: Eddie Bauer
Corduroy Skirt: Gap
Navy Tights: Walmart
Brown Boots: Target (I think--a gift from my mom)
Leaf Necklace: unknown--bought at the Irish Festival

Wednesday, October 16

I had a difficult day.  Nothing seemed to be going right.  Ever have one of those days?  Plus, all I want to do is eat, eat, eat.  I guess I'm wanting to eat my feelings, my exhaustion, my stress.

Green Tank: Kohl's
Gray Skirt: Kohl's
Gray Cardigan: Unknown--Honestly, I can't remember
Gray Tights: Walmart
Gray Loafers: Aerosoles from Marshall's
Necklace: LOFT

Tuesday, October 15

I left work "on time" and went to town with a friend.  It was nice to get away for a while.

I loved this sweater so much when I saw it on the rack.  I had to have it even though it was $30.

Sweater: Dillard's
Pants: Marshall's
Striped Tank: Gap
Booties: Ariat

Monday, October 14

Today just flew by.  I was so busy working, working, working that before I knew it, it was 5pm.  GAH.  There are never enough hours in the day.

I liked this outfit because of the fall colors and the cottony, stretchy softness of the dress.

Dress: given to me by a friend
Scarves: made by art students at my school--didn't they match the dress so well?
Belt: Target
Boots: Lane Bryant

Shopping Today

I bought a few items today and I just had to share the cuteness.

Hubby and I were walking around the mall together to waste time until his flight left.  I wanted to buy a few loose-style tops for the fall/winter.  You know, to hide the food baby that comes to reside for the holidays.  This year, food baby came a little early (thanks to genetics and my love for food).  On a related note, I decided to join WW again to help me stay on track.

We walked into Dillard's, which is not a store I typically go into because of the high prices, the snootiness, and (not to embarrass myself or anything) for some reason I always seem to get lost in there and have a hard time finding my way back out.  I'm so glad we did go in there, because I found the cutest tops ever!  I spent more than I intended (considering I didn't intend to spend any money, really).  They will definitely be in rotation all fall/winter, though!

 


 

The mustard shirt is almost a tunic and I LOVE the blue and white chevron bow on the back.  I think it's my favorite!  This one was $29.99

The printed t-shirt is striped, which I just realized now for some reason.  This is only important because I was trying NOT to buy a striped shirt today.  Oh well.  I thought the butterfly tail at the back was super cute.  I would have to wear this over a tee or tank, but what a fun, relaxed top. With the clearance discount, this top was $4.99.  SCORE!

The last top is another bow top, but this one has the bow in the front.  It's a minty-blue color and is dressier than the other tops.  I wasn't going to get it; I even tried it on, took it off, and tried it on again to see if I really liked it.  I was worried I'd want to come back and get it later only to find it was gone, so I went ahead and bought it.  If I don't wear it in a few weeks, I'll take it back.  This was the most expensive top at $39.99.

All in all, a pretty good trip.  I am looking forward to wearing my tops soon!  Between my upcoming trips to KY and Las Vegas, I should find some reasons to wear these :)

Sunday, October 13

Hubby has to leave today.  I'm so sad.  But I have a few more hours to hang out with him.  Since I have to drive him to the airport and we don't have much time together, we stayed home this morning.  I dressed comfortably.

Blue Flower Top: Kohl's
Cardigan: Altar'd State
Skinny Crops: Old Navy
Shoes: Target

Saturday, October 12

Hanging out with the hubby today.  He is home for one day only.  Then it's back to working from far away.  He will be gone from home a total of six months.  UGH.  It's tough.

Mint Top: J.Crew
Plaid Top: Old Navy
Black Leggings: Kohl's
Black Boots: Payless
Cross Necklace: Wet Seal

First off, I swore a few years ago that I would never wear leggings as pants.  I'm now eating my words.  Dang it.  The shirt did cover my bum in the back though, which is one major thing I hate about teens wearing leggings as pants: they don't cover their bums and sometimes you can see their underwear showing through.  Yuck.  I just couldn't bring myself to wear anything with a restrictive waistband.  It's the weekend; I want to be comfortable!

Another thing, I went to the grocery store with my husband for lunch items and ran into the assistant principal, an old student who had dropped out and who had "become a rapper" according to him, and an old student who had graduated and is now pregnant.  The woes of being a teacher; sometimes you see your former students and your heart breaks for the choices they have made.  My husband says he doesn't like going to the store with me because it's like I'm a minor celebrity in our small town.  LOL!

Friday, October 11

I was so glad for Friday.  Bring on the weekend!

While my students enjoyed my silly costumes, they were relieved to see me dressing like myself today.

Blue dress: Kohl's
Beige Cardigan: Kohl's
Necklace: Francesca's
Nude Flats: Vince Camuto from Dillard's

I took a picture from the side since the silhouette looked big from the front.
It didn't look that way in person, which is why I went without a belt.

Thursday, October 10

The last of the crazy outfits!  My seventh hour exceeded their goals and the reward was for me to dress up as a caveman/clown/Batman.  Weird.  I know.

Crazy outfit.  Because I am awesome.  And you can't see it,
but I painted my nose and cheeks red.

Wednesday, October 9

Today I had to dress as a rapper.  It was the reward my 6th hour chose for passing their tests.  So I did; to make them happy, I even threw in some phrases like "Yo, yo, yo," and "What it is?"  Bwahahaha!

I would have preferred to find a big, gold chain with a dollar sign on it or something, but the local Walmart was surprisingly missing this item in its Halloween section.  I couldn't even find a grill!

Track Suit: old cheer warm up
Tank: Charlotte Russe
"Underwear" that is showing: Actually cheer shorts
Tennis Shoes: Asics
Necklace: a chain with an alarm clock on it from Walmart
Sunglasses: Halloween prop from Walmart

I am really leaving many of the teachers confused and the kids are in stitches over me dressing up.  Many of the teachers are so down about me getting my students rewards for passing their goals for their tests.  I have heard things like: "I would NEVER do that."  "Don't you think that's a little much?"  "You are too nice."  Umm, no.  1) My job is to motivate my students, and if dressing up in silly costumes is a motivator to get them to do well on their tests, then gosh darn it, I'm going to do it.  2) It's a FREE way to motivate my students.  That doesn't come along very often!  3) It's "too nice" to give my students a reward for going above and beyond their goals?  Even I like to get rewards for doing the right thing.  (This comment, by the way, was made by a former PBIS coach, for crying out loud.  This person should know, of all people, about POSITIVE BEHAVIOR SUPPORT.  UGH. )

Okay, off my soapbox now.  It's like I've been getting all this negativity.  I am hoping it's because people are jealous that I came up with the idea first.  If they weren't so snippy, I'd shout from the rooftops that they can ALL take my ideas.

Tuesday, October 8

My students surpassed the goal they set for themselves on their first unit test.  As a reward, I will have to dress in some ridiculous awesome costumes that the students themselves chose for me to wear.

Today, one of my classes chose for me to dress like a caveman.  Did I take it too far?  :)

The top is actually a blanket I cut up to look like a caveman costume.  I'm all about the cheap costuming.  The tights I got at Walmart for less than $7.  The boots are from Payless (I have owned them a long time).  And yes, those are dog bones around my neck and in my hair.  ...I may never get the rats' nests out of my hair after all the teasing I had to do...

Also, I was told today by a student that I was her fashion hero.  This would have been a super-awesome comment if she hadn't told me TODAY when I was wearing a BLANKET as a top for goodness sake!

Monday, October 7

I totally forgot to post yesterday.  Sorry everyone!

Red top: Ann Taylor
Grey Pants: Kohl's
Denim Jacket: Old Navy
Red Flats: Kohl's