Happy Summer!

My very first year of teaching is coming to a close. It's a bittersweet time. I'll be sad to say goodbye to this little batch of students that have caused me so much laughter, a few headaches and the occasional tear. Watching them grow this year has been amazing! While I'm a bit sad to see this school year come to an end, I'm also incredibly excited to spend my first summer home with my own kids!

I envision a summer full of trips to the beach, library visits, watching rainy days from the couch. It'll be so much fun!

That being said, I've decided to begin my summer starting June 1st with a spending freeze. That word is like a bad word to me. Spending and freeze in the same sentence?!? *gasp* It's like a torture method or something! But if I'm not going to break the bank (or make my husband crazy), then I have to determine that I'm not spending money. I figure the best way to do it is to go into the summer without spending any money at all. Then I can start increasing my spending from there.

I really have been somewhat of an awful spender lately. I mean, okay, every single thing I've purchased has been on clearance, but still! When you buy 10 things on clearance, it adds up, ya know?  Which brings us to this little dress.

Dress: Target ($13)

Belt: Kohls (Came with a dress)

Sandals: A random little shop in New Orleans ($10)

Target also had this little dress in pink! I wish (especially since June begins tomorrow!) that I had picked it up.

Jewelry: Premier Designs Jewelry

Have you ever gone on a spending freeze? I've done them before but it's been a while! Wish me luck. =) Maybe I should run out and do a little shopping today, right? ;)

I'm linking up today with Passion for Fashion, Long Distance Loving and Two Thirty-Five Designs. 

Fashion Friday - Summer Lunch

Happy Friday, friends! I'm enjoying this incredibly hot weather we've been having here in Florida.  It's making dream of swishy skirts, sandals and weekend lunch dates with friends... Or better yet, a date with the hubs! =)

This is a fun little ensemble I put together that makes me think of a carefree afternoon lunching with the girls.

And this is a look I put together for a lunch date with my guy. It's cute, flirty and fun with all of the bright colors. I've seen girls wearing cute little denim vests all over the place lately. I really need to get myself one!
 

I'm joining Mom 2 Memphis And Ruby and All Things Chic for Fashion Friday.

I hope you all have a great weekend!

It's a cruel, cruel summer...

I love summertime and everything about it! The sizzling sidewalks, the glorious sunshine, the bustling beaches. There is nothing cruel about summer in my little corner of the world. 

via

This summer, especially, I'm determined to fill it up with fun activities for the hubs and I to enjoy with the kids!  It seems like time is passing more and more quickly.   As each Christmas, Easter and summer vacation passes, I look back and wish we had taken the time to make more memories with the kids.  Before I know it, they'll be 18, driving off to college and my house will be quiet again.  I know when that happens I'll be longing for the endless chatter of the little ones.  Well, that's not for years yet, so right now, I'm just going to enjoy my little ones being little and make some memories!

I recently read Lindsey's summer bucket list and immediately knew I wanted to do something similar!  So, here are the things I want to do this summer.  If you're in the area, feel free to copy it. =)

1.  Take the kids to Big Kahuna's. 
2.  Pick blueberries.  I have some wonderful memories of picking blueberries and strawberries with my mom. I know my Little Guy would love it!
3.  Go to a splash park.
4.  Go exploring at Fort Pickens. 
5.  Visit the Children's Museum. 
6.  Visit the Naval Aviation Museum. 
7.  Admire the butterflies at the Panhandle Butterfly House. 
8.  Get in touch with your artistic side and paint pottery.
9.  Have a dinnertime picnic at the beach and watch the sun set.
10. Check out the Gulfarium. 

I only have 9 weekends until teachers report to work in August, so I may not get around to all of these... but you never know! Maybe I'll take a day or two off in the name of making memories with my children. =)

What are you planning to do this summer?