Life Lately...the very good day.

Last week I felt like Alexander on Tuesday and the terrible no good very bad day.  It wasn't anything major, but just a few little things that seemed to add up on that day.  In the grand scheme, nothing was "wrong", but we're all entitled a little pity party day from time to time.  Mine are rare, but this last couple of weeks just caught up to me....

Fighting a cold for 10ish days, students turning in sub-par work, grading 55 resumes-twice-both times including extensive edits so my students are equipped with a resume they could really use, 55 cover letters, 41 tests-including short answer response, typing tests and a few daily grades in between. Add onto that trying to stay active and hit Pure Barre classes a few times a week, volunteer commitments and feeling a little overwhelmed by my schedule and realizing the valet must have "borrowed" my sunglasses Sunday night when I valeted my car, since they are no longer in my car.  Having my stuff stolen is a sensitive topic for me, so the week just kind of snowballed. 

Along the way of the week, I was working on my Discipleship Group study book and came to the fruit of the Spirit...love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. All of which were on full display.  On opposite day. I felt like I had no free time, no creative time, no "me" time, but before I camped out to grade at my kitchen table on Wednesday night, I had a snack and made myself a quick reminder...the thing I need the most every morning is Jesus...

What is most frustrating at times to me is I put myself in the bind myself.  I committed to things that take up time, time I don't mind spending, but sometimes I just want some ME time. One of my goals for 2015 was to be intentional with my time, and isn't it just something like this that will lead you to thinking you've already failed the goals/resolutions/intentions while January is ticking away feeling like a hamster on a wheel and just passing myself coming and going with my bag loaded down with Kleenex for a runny nose, cough drops and a LePen + papers for grading whenever I had a few free minutes.

A couple of times during the week I thought...

it would be nice if someone was here to take my dog on an extra walk

because I felt like I was just running in and out....

it would be nice if someone was here to make dinner....

it would be nice if ....

But, Friday came, and my sweet school bestie stopped by with a fun prize.  She is so crafty, and made this cute catch all for me. I love a monogram and this was put to use immediately to catch my daily stack at the end of the day and remind me, not only does a pretty dish from a sweet friend with my monogram catch things at the end of the day, but Jesus, the same one who's there waiting for me when I rise awaits me at the end of the day.  And, all the times in between, He meets me there, sometimes that comes in the form of a kind gesture from a friend. I hope I am that friend to someone on the days they need it most.

After a long Saturday for District competition with club I sponsor, I got to sleep in on Sunday. Not only did I sleep in, but I got to lay in the bed after I did wake up.  I finally got out of bed around 9:30, mainly because I was hungry.  It was a good morning to be lazy. 

I put on my favorite green fleece jacket to make a run to the donut drive thru and while I was out realized I should go ahead and get gas.  In my leopard pj pants that were safe in the drive thru but  very "fancy" at the gas pump. Rewearing an outfit from the school week to to church was easy/lazy {& comfy} choice. Just changed out for tank vs long sleeves under my jacket because it was warmer! And a ponytail because, well, be honest... we all know clean hair doesn't go in a ponytail. Also, kind of how I feel about the Super Bowl: neutral. But, if I had to pick...Seattle.

Then there was this good word at church...reminded about being intentional, just doing something every day. I don't need to be monumental, Jesus has that covered.  I need to be incremental. Advocate, seek opportunities...every day.  The fruit of the Spirit; the character of Christ to the world. Despite the overwhelmed schedule, the grades, the pesky cold, the tired, the stolen...those things are not new, they are not unknown to Jesus. They will pass and a new day dawns, a new week begins, the calendar lets go of January for the fresh pages of February.  I just need to look at each day and do something that day. That matters. 

I took a nap and laid on my couch for the entirety of the Super Bowl evening, only getting up to walk my dog and checked my mail. This note from my Dad was in my mail...snail mail cards and notes are my love language...it was just like a sweet reminder from my Heavenly Father....have a good day.

a very good day. 



What I'm Wearing ~ 01.30.15 {pity party week}

This week was long...fought a cold that I thought was maybe a tease last week all. week. long.  Plus the grading stacks were at an all time high! At the end of the week when I was fussy (the cold) and frustrated (poor work turned in), I did realize I had told a lot of students I was proud of them and a lot had done really great things in class this week!

Disclaimer: What I'm Wearing is in hopes inspiration for your closet, that I can give you some ideas from what I'm wearing. What fits you doesn't always fit me. What fits me, doesn't always fit you. So, we all know the style of jeans that work best for us, the brands of shoes we love, etc. I'm not a "linker" to buy all of these outfits here. Truth be told, a lot of my clothes are many many years old and I pick up things all around the place. I'm don't update my wardrobe every season with the latest and greatest. I don't have signed up for Pinterest, so if there's something you like, you can "pin it" to save. Hopefully you're just inspired, maybe by something you have and didn't think about putting it together or maybe you are just looking for a simple accessory to add in and these posts can give you some ideas.

Monday was a re-wear of Sunday church...and I was lazy enough to to just use the same pic.  Sometimes on down days need a little reminder on where I am rooted and who dwells in my heart. Plaid tunic/dress is from Accessorize in Style that I mentioned last week. We are all well acquainted with the boots by now like old friends and a fuzzy vest just makes everything better!

My Mom always says dress up when you don't feel good and a maxi skirt seemed a good option for dressing up, and comfy.  Jean jacket, little leopard scarf tucked in and call it a day.  The sun was shining so bright this week, but I just felt gray. But, I liked this combo, it will repeat!

 

Wednesday...hump day! We've been talking about advertising and the effectiveness of slogans in one of my business classes, had a student sing out the Hump Daaayyyy song the other day, it is memorable for everyone.  Including you now.  I didn't want to just keep that to myself...

Back to the wearing...little aztec sweater and gray pants.  I've mentioned my height and pants...if you're tall, Banana Republic has great work pants! These are "longs" (from Outlet store) not "Tall" ordered only online and they are long enough for me with heels.  Probably a 36" inseam. Wide leg and a cuff...perfection!

Dear camo, you're my favorite.  This is one of my all time favorite shirts, it's made repeat appearances here and paired with floral jeans/pants (we only wear "jeans" on Friday) is one of my favorite combos.  It seems everywhere you look there are shirts with the hems hanging out with lace or ruffles.  This shirt doesn't have that, but I have a little sheer ruffle tank that goes perfect under and give the effect while it's "trendy" and back to regularly scheduled wear when it's gone. 

 

TGIF! Made it and celebrated with a ponytail.  Or really my hair probably needed to be washed on Wednesday, but I made it work Thursday and Friday had to have a ponytail. But, details, really here nor there. Student told me on Thursday I should have saved my camo for Friday because basketball teams were wearing camo! Have no fear, I have camo to spare.  Looped up a scarf, it's not an infinity,but just tied it together.  Added a little green belt to mix it up too.  The good thing about Crimson and Navy as your school colors is lots of other colors go well with them like my fav camo, leopard, lime-ish green, mint green, etc..  

And, finally, this week was over.  In the grand scheme, it was nothing major, just a little frustrating to me, tired and not feeling 100%, but all things pass and better days come because I have faith and know Christ dwells in my heart. 

 

Blessings,

What I'm Wearing ~ 01.23.2015 {the elastic edition}

Just a 4 day work week, but how do those sometimes seem like a long time...know what helps going back after a long weekend?  Something new to wear!

Disclaimer: What I'm Wearing is in hopes inspiration for your closet, that I can give you some ideas from what I'm wearing. What fits you doesn't always fit me. What fits me, doesn't always fit you. So, we all know the style of jeans that work best for us, the brands of shoes we love, etc. I'm not a "linker" to buy all of these outfits here. Truth be told, a lot of my clothes are many many years old and I pick up things all around the place. I'm don't update my wardrobe every season with the latest and greatest. I don't have signed up for Pinterest, so if there's something you like, you can "pin it" to save. Hopefully you're just inspired, maybe by something you have and didn't think about putting it together or maybe you are just looking for a simple accessory to add in and these posts can give you some ideas.

On my little road trip last weekend I also got to shop with one of my favorite traveling boutiques, Accessorize in Style.  She had a great sale going and I got a couple of fun things, including both this sweater and these palazzo pants.  If you're not on board for palazzo pants (previously mentioned here), I can understand the hesitation.  If you've never tried them on, they are like wearing one step above pajamas, elastic waist, acceptable as "professional", can be worn with heels, cowboy boots and flip flops/sandals in the summer and add bright patterns to your wardrobe too!  I looked all over NYC for a tan/neutral poncho/cape like sweater and could never find one.  I tried on this sweater and loved it, and it is deemed my poncho/cape. If you're in Texas, you can find them at the major Rodeos (Ft. Worth, San Antonio and Houston) as well as Junior League and other markets all year long!

Tuesday, I mean Wednesday, back with the semi neutrals and cow horn hoops, and if you're paying close attention here, same scarf as last week.  Old habits die hard.  This maxi dress is from Nordstrom Rack several years ago and I honestly think I got it for less than $10. Being tall, finding dresses that will graze the ground are not a dime a dozen for me, and certainly not at $10! 

Again with the layers and the cold.  But, today's pants are JOGGERS! I wasn't sure I could get on board, but apparently I buy in at $10...see first maxi dress above and these were on sale around Christmas at Rue 21, have you heard of that store, me neither...but, I'm all in for trends at $10!!  And, joggers are also one step above pajamas, seen as "professional" and include an elastic waist. 

Friday it is!  Jeans and spirit shirts.  It's always good to keep the jeans in regular rotation with the days of dresses and elastic waist pants, just to make sure the jeans still fit. I have several soccer players in my classes, so wore my shirt with good intentions to support them.  However, it hid out under this coat all day long.  First day of what felt like a cold coming on, after sitting out in the cold/damp night for a Rodeo event, though I am in denial I was cold all day.  The coat, a random Canton (East Texas Flea Market of giant proportions) that I picked up long before "Buffalo Check" was such a thing, maybe 5+ years ago?  I've always hung onto it because the sleeves are long enough for me while it fits, because...tall. 

4 days and just like that it's the weekend again!  And, what, no ponytail.  Don't be fooled. If there was a 5th work day there would have been a ponytail. 

 

Here's to hoping the runny nose/sneezy/cold is just a tease....but, you can bet I will be spending some time in real pajamas over the weekend!

 

Blessings,

Hand Lettering on Canvas! Custom designs!

So, I have this little hobby, I love painting on and creating canvases with words. One of my besties ordered a couple from me...finally got my paints out since I was on my way to visit her over the long weekend.  Her favorites are orange, turquoise and purple...so used a couple of those colors for these. 

  Interested in a canvas?  Colors can be customized for background and lettering.  Quotes, names, dates, verses, words...possibilities are endless!  Leave a comment and I will get in touch! 

Step 1 a background...these 2 are bound on wood frame, 12" x 12" and are 1.5" thick.

 

Step 2 starting the lettering...also sent this as a sneak peek....

 

And, here is the first one.  Such a good reminder:  I am enough. I have enough. I do enough.  The world pushes and pulls us in so many directions, oftentimes leaving us feeling like we aren't enough.  At the end of the day, we can only do so many things well, be so much to the people in our lives and have to realize that we are enough. Maybe this is a reminder for you as well? 

 

The second one is a blue-ish turquoise color. 

 

Sneak peek at the metallic lettering...

 

Here is the final:  I exist, I matter, I make sense.  We were all created for unique purpose and plan, no two alike, each given our own "signature" to this thing we call life, and you do matter and make sense. 

 

Here are a few others I've created recently...

This one for my Dad's birthday...all the things I love about home, the 4G. 

This is song lyric, I lettered black & white, a friend did the lettering on piece of pipe organ. Frameable cardstock/paper is also available. I think this one is 18x24" or so...it's pretty large!

 

Alternatively, just a little 4"x4" treat for 2 of my besties...

 

The best part about this, dreaming with my bestie when I delivered these and talking about what words mean, painting words and creating.  I am so thankful for friends who encourage my creativity!

 

Blessings,  

What I'm Wearing ~ 01.16.15

It was a full 5 day week, but it's a long 3 day weekend ahead!  Yes!  Onto this week...

Disclaimer: What I'm Wearing is in hopes inspiration for your closet, that I can give you some ideas from what I'm wearing. What fits you doesn't always fit me. What fits me, doesn't always fit you. So, we all know the style of jeans that work best for us, the brands of shoes we love, etc. I'm not a "linker" to buy all of these outfits here. Truth be told, a lot of my clothes are many many years old and I pick up things all around the place. I'm don't update my wardrobe every season with the latest and greatest. I don't have signed up for Pinterest, so if there's something you like, you can "pin it" to save. Hopefully you're just inspired, maybe by something you have and didn't think about putting it together or maybe you are just looking for a simple accessory to add in and these posts can give you some ideas.

Green + Leopard are two of my favorite things, so naturally I want to wear that combo all the time. cardigan and polka dot shirt are both Target specials. Light green cardigan paired with darker green scarf, I've always been a sucker for monochromatic.  Especially in summer with all white...speaking of summer, it's been long time since the sun has shined in South Texas and I am not well equipped for the dreary days! I need a the sunshine!!

Still chilly and the best way for me to stay warm is layer up! Sweater dress plus {another} scarf. Gray and brown is another favorite combo of mine...gray + chocolate brown and gray + cognac. My little nephew would probably point out a pattern in this outfit...brown, gray, brown, gray, brown....My Noonday Collection cow horn hoops pair perfectly!  And, oh yes I did toss on some little socks with my booties. Cold feet are the worst!

Did I say white a minute ago?  Yep, white jeans in the midst of cold January!  It just happens sometimes.  Denim shirt + aztec cardigan = warm and cozy all day. My classroom is typically very cold on cold days, so if I know I'm in there, I definitely layer up! These booties are a TJMaxx favorite from a couple of years ago...one of those pairs that you know will wear out one day and you wonder how you'll ever replace them. They are about 4" high, but they are surprisingly not miserable to be in all day.

I've had it.  The cold, the dreary.  It was time for a day of favorites!  Bright scarf, military jacket, new fav cognac boots over dress + leggings.  I think this day the sun actually made it's first appearance...I announced it to my class with great excitement, which wasn't really received as excitedly.  Maybe because I followed up with an assignment? 

And, Friday! The sun was shining, I was feeling like I needed to spice up my jeans and it was still cold.  This Gap blazer is from many years ago, but it's perfect for my school colors and under there is a Spirit T-shirt thus making this "Friday legal" according to dress code!  Wide cuffs on skinny jeans...kind of liking them vs. the thinner cuff....you?

The most amazing part about this week...only 1 day with my hair in a pony tail!  :) 

 

Cheers to the long weekend, I'm off for a little roadie to see one of my besties from life on the road!

 

Blessings, 

What I'm Wearing ~ 01.09.15 {Back to School}

It's 2015 already!  The Winter Break was so lazy, this week of getting back to the routine was so hard!! 

Disclaimer: What I'm Wearing is in hopes inspiration for your closet, that I can give you some ideas from what I'm wearing. What fits you doesn't always fit me. What fits me, doesn't always fit you. So, we all know the style of jeans that work best for us, the brands of shoes we love, etc. I'm not a "linker" to buy all of these outfits here. Truth be told, a lot of my clothes are many many years old and I pick up things all around the place. I'm don't update my wardrobe every season with the latest and greatest. I don't have signed up for Pinterest, so if there's something you like, you can "pin it" to save. Hopefully you're just inspired, maybe by something you have and didn't think about putting it together or maybe you are just looking for a simple accessory to add in and these posts can give you some ideas.

Thankfully, Monday was a workday with no students, so I could still sport my leggings, which were pretty much my uniform for 2 weeks.  It's hard to break old habits.  I mentioned these boots and my jacket on Friday favorites. 

Tuesday our Students were back and it was our Community Partner "Take Flight" day.  I do love jeans, so second to leggings, I still felt like it was easing me back into reality.  The weather in Texas has been so cold, I have pulled out a couple of cashmere sweaters from the archives that haven't seen a lot of wear in recent years. This gray cardigan is one of those pieces. 

I have always loved graphic T's and the couple of sweaters I have (that aren't cardigans) have some sort of graphic on them.  I like this gray w/ green heart, mixes well with black, white or navy stripes too!  I wore my navy suede heels, but have also worn this same combo with leopard heels. 

Brrr...seriously cold outside.  Aztec sweater coat for the win!  Paired with gray jeans pants from Loft.  Shhhhhh. 

TGIF! Made it one week back.  A weekend ahead with not much planned.  I mixed up all the patterns today, navy gingham, paisley scarf and barely peeking out polka-dot socks. 

And here it is all together, apparently I also wasn't into fixing my hair much this week...some weeks are just like that, right?

 

Blessings,

Friday Favorites ~ little this, a little that

TGIF!  It was one of those weeks, can I get an AMEN!?  Including packing my lunch and leaving it on the counter this morning.  It's hard to get back to routine after 2 exceptionally lazy holiday weeks! 

Linking up for Friday favs...with Andrea, Erica & Narci

One of my besties gave me these Kate Spade favorite color green studs! I wore them the next day, didn't matter to me if they matched or not! Love them so much and I know I will be wearing them a lot!  I love it when someone picks out a gift for you that you had looked at yourself, never bought, and never even talked about them either! Now that I have a pair of these and know how much I like them, I might end up with more....

 

I mentioned my New Years Resolution was fresh flowers in my house.  One of my college besties brought me these last week at our lunch gathering and they have been so bright and cheery in my house this week! I know fresh flowers are going to a favorite all year long! If you're feeling like you've already failed your resolutions, you might find some encouragement here.

Little things are big things for me and when someone remembers something that you like, and then surprises you with a little treat, it's a favorite for me!  I love this quote...kindness matters.

This year for my nieces' birthday, I took them shopping for a new dress. We had a fun outing, lots of laughs and posing in the dressing room and they each found a dress as part of their birthday present.  This year for Christmas I gave all 3 littles a gift card to Target and told them I would take them and they could pick out whatever they wanted.  So, we headed to Target after church one Sunday with gift cards burning a hole for them!  We labored over Legos for my nephew, finally had a combination picked out, then turned the corner...saw this puppy dog and Max was adopted right off the toy aisle of Target.  I never would have picked this as a gift for him, and he was so very excited about him!  The girls looked at all sorts of things...high heels , office supplies, pens, and toys...then both decided on stick on nails, lip glosses and couple of other little things from the kids cosmetics aisle.  They tapped on all counters, fridge, chairs and tables and were so pleased with their nails.  Shopping with them to pick out (pretty much) whatever they wanted was so fun and what I think will become a favorite tradition for me.  Aunt life is such a gift! 

 

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Bundle up and stay warm this weekend!  With rain and 30 degree temps predicted plus a couple of new books I will most likely be in one of my favorite places...on the couch! 

 

Blessings,