Summer Style: Bright Shorts & A Black Tank

One day last week, I kept it uber simple for a Norwex party by pairing my bright coral shorts with this little black tank.

Shorts:Target

Tank: My Sister's

Wedges: TJMaxx

Sunglasses: Wal-mart

Bag: Aldo

Have you ever heard of Norwex? It's a company that sells these special cloths with silver woven throughout them that allows them to clean surfaces without any cleaning products. Something about silver is antibacterial so you swipe your counter and voila! It's clean. I'd have bought a cloth or two, but you know how it is. I'm a teacher and it's the end of summer . . . so yeah, I'm broke. Hit me up in September and maybe I'll a little to spare. ;)

I'm linking up this evening with Passion for Fashion, Casual Friday, Long Distance Loving, Mix & Match Fashion & Three-fer Thursday with Perfectly Coutured and Everyday Fashion and Finance. 

Excitement is in the air...

Or at least around me and any other newish teacher, it is. It's that time of year when we start spending more time in our classrooms and start getting all kinds of excited about the upcoming school year! Or, if you wish summer lasted just a bit longer, then I guess it's that time of year when you are trying to deny that school starts in a few weeks and the only thing in the air around you is the sound of your sobs as you come to grips with the end of summer.

Okay, all that being said to say that I've been spending the week in my classroom . . . with my kids. And you know what? They've actually been quite the little helpers. Yep, they've distributed textbooks, held open doors and just generally entertained anyone who was in a 300-yard radius of their lovely voices.  And my classroom is shaping up, if I must say so myself.

Thanks to Third Grade Thoughts, I have a behavior management plan that I think will be successful, 7 habits of happy kids that I plan to implement on Day One, some excellent classroom rules, formative assessment bookmarks... Yeah, pretty much, this teacher and her cute blog are going to make me successful this year. ;)

Now while I've been busy hanging up posters, printing signs, distributing textbooks and organizing my classroom... this is what I wore. Or something similar. No fancy pants going on over here these days...

Jean Bermuda Shorts: Target (Ooooold)

Shirt: maurices (Newish)

Sneakers: TJMaxx (Oldish)

When my hair starts to get to this length, I think it looks so much better at an angle. Maybe I should just walk around looking down at my feet until it grows enough that I can cut it like this.

Cute mismatched socks: Target

I have to spend a bit more time at the school tomorrow morning, but I plan to spend the entire afternoon and all day on Friday simply enjoying my last few days of summer break. While I'm incredibly excited to begin my second year teaching, I also want to soak up these special days with my babies!

Linking up today with The Pleated Poppy, Transatlantic Blonde, Rolled Up Pretty, Wardrobe Wednesday, Because Shanna Said So, Mix & Match Fashion, and Three-fer Thursday with Perfectly Coutured and Everyday Fashion and Finance. Go check 'em out for all kinds of inspiration. =)

Patterns Abound

Hey, do you see what's happened here?  It seems that I've fallen right back into my "mom uniform." T-shirt and shorts just do it for me during the summer. At least, I'm keeping it visually stimulating with my multiple patterns. I'm going minimal on the jewelry these days because I've been working in my classroom and setting up for the new school year!

T-shirt & Shoes: Target

Shorts: maurices

This morning, as I was stepping into the shower, my Little Miss and I had this conversation.

Little Miss: I gotta go, momma. Gimme kiss.
Me: Muah! Where are you going?
Little Miss: Towget... Bye!
Me: What are you going to buy at Target?
Little Miss: Ummm... dog food... <pause> And I'm not gonna tell you what else.

I swear that I haven't been teaching her that out Target purchases are secret purchases!  Honestly, I haven't!

I'm linking up today with The Pleated Poppy, Transatlantic Blonde, Wardrobe Wednesday, Because Shanna Said So, Mix & Match Fashion, Three-fer Thursday with Perfectly Coutured and Everyday Fashion and Finance, Life of the Party, Passion for Fashion and Two Thirty-Five Designs. If you have a few minutes or hours to kill, check 'em out. =)

Myyyy Fedora!

In my head, I'm kind of singing that to the tune of Myyyy Sharona. Only don't go google that song because I did and then was a little bit disturbed by the lyrics. =/

I styled the heck out of my fedora this weekend. I don't really have the perfect hat head, but I'm going for it. You know how you see girls with tiny little pixie faces wearing gorgeous floppy hats or cute little fedoras and they just look amazing? That's not me. But I'm okay with that. =)

Shirt: maurices

Shorts, Fedora & Belt: Target

Sneakers: TJMaxx

Excuse the wrinkles... the photos were taken after 4 very long hours in the car!

Saturday night, we celebrated my husband's parents' 40th anniversary. Forty years is a long time, especially these days when it seems like couples young and old are getting divorces left and right. Nate's parents are such a great example of what a loving, godly couple should be. They have a strong marriage and have successfully raised three great children (one of them is really great and he's all mine!). We celebrated with them by going out to dinner at a cute little 50's style diner.

I decided to denim it up by wearing not only a pair of cut-off shorts, but also a denim shirt. Mixing denims is cool now, don't ya know?

Denim Shirt: maurices

Shorts, Fedora & Sandals: Target

Tank: TJMaxx

We had a great time in Alabama! My Little Guy caught his first fish, we met a few Egyptian Arabian show horses, played frisbee golf on my inlaws' land and I even drove a golf cart like a pro. My brother kindly reminded me that driving a golf cart isn't really "country," but there were no four-wheelers in sight, so that's as close to county as I was getting! You can see it all on Instagram!

I'm linking up today with Let the Light Shine, Funday Monday, Peacoats and Plaid, Plane Pretty, Monday Bloom and Monday Mingle.

Nesting

I think that teachers experience something similar to nesting as summer begins to wind down. This nesting sensation has hit me hard and I'm ready to get my classroom organized, my classroom management plan improved, my plans set up and start teaching third graders!

I spent a good bit of time this afternoon on pinterest (because how else do teacher's get ideas these days?!?) and stumbled across the most helpful blog. I think I downloaded and printed almost every one of her freebies this afternoon.

I have so many fantastic ideas running through my head... Now I just have to get in the classroom and hash them out.

Despite being ready to get back in the classroom, I'm trying to make the most of the last few weeks of summer with my kids. We've visited family in New Orleans, we're heading to Alabama to spend a few days in the country with more family.  And we've been spending every moment that isn't raining at the pool or the beach! If you hate that you're missing out on all that excitement, you can tag along via Instagram. ;)

Yesterday was one of those days where we managed to squeeze in an hour or so of rain-free beach time, then we got cleaned up and went to Sweet Frog for frozen yogurt. There's not a thing in the world that makes my kids happier than frozen yogurt, topped with an odd assortment of strawberries, gummy worms, m&ms and fluffy whip.

Dress: c/o Oasap

Denim Shirt: maurices

Sandals: Target

Bracelets: Gift

Ring: Alyssa's Antique Depot

How are you spending your summer?

I'm linking up today with Mix & Match Fashion and Three-fer Thursday with Perfectly Coutured and Everyday Fashion and Finance.

Growing Up

Apparently, the thought of growing up can be painful, even to a three-year old.  Saturday morning, we read the story of Peter Pan to the kids.  I didn't think anything of it.  Then yesterday afternoon, out of the blue, my Little Miss began to ponder the growing up problem.

Momma, whenna Iuh gow up?
Oh, baby, you won't grow up for a long, long time.
But when?
Oh, not until you're 18 and that's a long, long time away.
But I might, momma! I might gow up soonuh.
No, sweetheart, you won't.
Then she began to cry, But I might, momma, I might!

Poor thing.  I have no idea why growing up is such a scary thought to my three-year old, but I thought it was just adorable.

I also thought these shorts from maurices were adorable... in a totally different way.

Shirt, Shorts & Necklace: maurices

Shoes & Bracelet: Target

Bag: Aldo

maurices is currently having their Final Clearance sale that they have about twice a year. I always look forward to this sale and go a little bit crazy in there.  Hence, the shorts and shirt... And dress and blazer and denim shirt that I'm sure you'll be seeing a lot of in the next few weeks. 

Here are just a few more photos for your viewing pleasure. ;)

I'm linking up today with The Pleated Poppy, Transatlantic Blonde and Wardrobe Wednesday, Because Shanna Said So and Mix & Match Fashion.

If you haven't heard about my triathlon yet and you're eager to read all about it, you can check it out here! =)

Seven for Seven

As I finished my first 30 for 30, I thought to myself, "Aaah, this feels nice. I have no desire to get dressed and I don't have to!" So, I spent two whole days in my gym shorts, swimsuit and grubby clothes. Then I took a trip to New Orleans for my sister's shower.  Just before I began packing, I was reading one of my favorite style blogs and noticed that she was hosting a 7 for 7 link up.  Say what?  Make 7 different outfits out of 7 different pieces of clothing?  I mean, I know I just finished something similar, but this was the perfect solution to my packing dilemma!

coral shorts, black maxi skirt, coral hi-low skirt, striped shirt, turquoise shirt, red striped tank, bird print shirt

So, I threw these pieces into my bag, along with several pairs of shoes, lots of jewelry, and two tank tops, and called it finished.

These are my outfits in the order I wore them.

Outfit Number One: Coral Shorts & Striped Shirt

Worn while Cooking & Doing Crafty Stuff for the Shower (Friday)

Shorts: Target (Yeah, I'm stuck on these coral shorts.)

Top: Liz Claiborne (Thrifted)

The Little Miss is wearing a romper and leopard print ballet flats from Target, as well. I don't know how we'd manage to get dressed without Target.

Shoes: Target (Old)

My shoes were hidden in the grass, so I wanted to give you a close-up. =)

Outfit Number Two: Coral Shorts & Bird Print Shirt

Worn to Target & Baskin Robbins (Saturday)

Bird Print Shirt: H&M (Thrifted)

Sandals: Jackie's eBoutique

Wrap Bracelet: Premier Designs Jewelry

Outfit Number Three: Coral Hi-Low Skirt & Bird Print Shirt

Worn to my Sister's Shower (Saturday Evening)

Hi-Low Skirt: Target

Wedges: Zulily

Outfit Number Four: Black Maxi Skirt & Red Striped Tank

Worn to Church (Sunday)

Skirt: Target

Tank: TJMaxx

Necklace: Rue 21

Neon Bangle: Target

Outfit Number Five: Coral Shorts & Turquoise Shirt

Worn Playing Outside & Visiting Family (Sunday Afternoon)

Shirt: Banana Republic (Thrifted)

Flip Flops: JCPenney (My Sister)

Silver Ring & Belt: Target

Stacked Ring: Premier Designs Jewelry

Outfit Number Six: Hi-Low Skirt & Turquoise Shirt

Worn Traveling Home (Monday)

Rings: Target

Wrap Bracelet: Premier Designs Jewelry

Stacked Bracelets: Gift

Nail Polish: Maybelline Color Show, Polka Dots

Outfit Number Seven: Black Maxi Skirt & Turquoise Shirt

Worn to Church (Wednesday Night)

Wedges: Zulily

Belt: maurices

Bracelets: Gift, Premier Designs Jewelry, Bealls

Turquoise Ring: Ellis and Wiles

I think we can safely say that coral and turquoise dominated this challenge. The coral skirt, coral shorts, the turquoise top... During this challenge, it felt a bit like I was wearing the same thing over and over again.  To keep my outfits feeling fresh, I rotated between gold and silver jewelry.  But that only helped a little bit.  If I were to do something like this again, I think I'd include seven very different pieces, so that I felt like I was wearing very different outfits every time I got dressed.

I'm linking up all over the place today. If you want to see pretty little outfits all over the blogosphere, click on these links: I Feel Pretty, The Pleated Poppy, Transatlantic Blonde, Dear Abby Leigh, Wardrobe Wednesday, Monday Mingle, Funday Monday and Monday Bloom. 

Church Style: Red Stripes, Black Maxi & A Dash of Neon

Happy Sunday!

I'm in New Orleans spending some QT with my very pregnant sister, so this will be short and sweet.

Tank: TJMaxx

Halftee: Halftee.com

Skirt: Target

Wedges: Zulily

The cute toddler in the background with the messy hair was supposed to be napping... we see how well that worked out.

My sister currently lives in Ohio and almost didn't make it in town for her shower because of delayed flights. *sigh* But she made it and the shower was a success! Photos are on Instagram at the moment, but I'll do a special post later highlighting the various DIY's that I attempted and to show the amazing candy bar that my sis-in-law set up.

Necklace: Rue 21

Neon Bangle: Target

I'm linking up today with Watch What I'm Wearing, Fine Linen & Purple and Plane Pretty.

Summer (Mom) Style: Coral & Floral

Well, I made it! I finished up my first 30 for 30 and only cheated once by adding this red striped tank on the 4th of July.

Blouse: NY&Co

Shorts: Target

Sandals: Jackie's eBoutique

This is one of my favorite dressed down outfits of the challenge. I love the feminine floral top paired with the bright coral shorts. Actually though, I really like anything paired with these particular bright coral shorts. =)

Necklace & Wrap Bracelet: Premier Designs Jewelry

I have a feeling these shorts (and maybe the mint ones if I pick them up on my next Target trip) will be my go-to piece this summer.

Now that my 30 for 30 is completed, I have a feeling my posts may be a bit more sporadic. =)

I'm leaving this afternoon for New Orleans to co-host a baby shower along with my sis-in-law and aunt for my favorite sister in the world.  It's her first baby and we are beyond thrilled to have this weekend to celebrate the little munchkin that's in her belly. I'm a bit of a procrastinator (which has probably driven my co-hosts crazy the past few months), so I have quite a bit to do tomorrow, but it should be a lot of fun!

I hope you all have a fabulous weekend!

Linking up today with Mix & Match Fashion and All Things Pretty. Check out the other looks to get inspired how to get dressed this summer!

Summer (Mom) Style: Two for One

I'm so eager to wrap up this 30 for 30 that I'm presenting both outfits that I wore yesterday, which brings us to Outfit Numbers 28 and 29!

Team Tank: F21

Skirt: Le Lapin D'or

Sandals: Target

I wore the incredibly mismatched outfit above for about an hour while I was cleaning the house. Then I changed into my swimsuit and went to the beach. This is the most I've stretched my creativity in the challenge. I typically wouldn't pair purple with blue gingham... and I'm not sure it actually works, per se. But I think it would pass if worn confidently. Now, if I had a cute coral printed tank or green printed tank, I think it would look much better with the gingham skirt!

Dress: Kohls

Blouse: NY&Co

Wedges: Zulily

Last night, we had another Family Conference meeting, so when I got home from the beach, I whipped up some dinner, grabbed a quick shower and changed for church.

Necklace: Charming Charlie's

Leather Wrap Bracelet: Premier Design Jewelry

Speaking of the beach, I swam for the first time in open water. You guys, I swam with the fishes. Literally. And I didn't freak out. Something even touched my nose at one point and that time, I actually did freak out, but I recovered and didn't drown. It probably helped that the water I was swimming in wasn't over my head. =)  I have to admit, it's going to be a tough swim on the 18th. But I've decided I'm just going to finish this triathlon, whether I have to back float, free style or side stroke my way through it.  When I train for my next triathlon, I'll really try to spend more time doing kicking drills, spend more time swimming laps, etc., so that I can really figure out the swim.

I'm linking up today with The Pleated Poppy, Transatlantic Blonde, Dear Abby Leigh, Wardrobe Wednesday, I Feel Pretty and Suburbs Mama.

Summer (Mom) Style: More Sneakers

As in, I need more sneakers. I'm getting quite bored with this pair.

Skirt: Loft, Thrifted

Shirt: Thrifted

Tank: Target

Sneakers: TJMaxx

Yesterday, I wore these sneakers and this same shirt with my plaid shorts, so when it came time to change for Family Conference, I went for a quick change. This skirt was the only thing in my 30 for 30 that I haven't worn that is somewhat appropriate for church. It's actually a little bit shorter than I like to wear to church, but when I cover my knees up with my Bible, we're all good. ;)

This little miss was quite the photographer yesterday.  In the above photo, she's telling me, "No. Back all da way to dis." As she points to the fence.

So I did. And she said, "Yeah, momma. Dat better."

I have a feeling it's going to be a beautiful day today! We actually only have a 20% chance of rain for the first day in weeks, so we're driving out to the beach!

Summer (Mom) Style: Sneakers & Shorts

Outfit Number 26 and it's more of the same... That's right. It's another look in my mom uniform of sneakers and shorts.

Shirt: Thrifted

Shorts: Gap Outlet

Shoes: TJMaxx

Socks: Target

This morning, my little princess slept till 8:30. Let me tell you, she should have! Last night, she was up until about 9:30 (2 hours past her bedtime), with excuse after excuse for getting out of bed. Well, I can't stand to hear her crying, "My mommy! My mommy!" for longer than 5 or so minutes before I crack. Yeah, I know. I'm quite the pushover. So, I went into her room, held her hand for a while, sang her a few songs, even rocked her for a bit.

So, this morning when she woke up, she smiled up at me and said, "I fell aseep, momma!" Like she had dome something that I would be so proud of. I said, "That's great, baby. Momma prayed and prayed last night that you'd fall asleep."

Then she said, "Yeah! And Jesus hold my hand and wocked me till I fell aseep" And because I wasn't going to contradict her, I said, "Yeah, he did."

Then she thought about it for a second and said, "Momma, you Jesus?"

Well, even though I hope to portray Jesus to those around me, I most certainly am not Him. =)

Linking up today with Monday Mingle, Funday Monday and Monday Bloom.

Summer (Mom) Style: Churchy Attire

Today is the first day of our Family Conference! I am excited to see how the Lord will speak to me specifically during this time. 

Skirt: New York & Company

Tee & Blazer: Target

Shoes: Zulily

Necklace & Earrings: Rue 21

Family is so important.  These days, family seems to be undermined everywhere we turn. I hope that I can keep my heart open the next few days and when it is all over, I hope I'll be a better wife and mom. A mom that teaches her kids to fear the Lord and choose right; and a wife that honors the Lord and supports her husband.

I heard something on KLOVE this weekend. I'm not sure who said it, but some sports guy said, "I want people to hear what I say and see how I live and think, 'Yeah, they match up.'" That's exactly what I want people to think of me and my life. I want them to see Jesus and not be offended, but be drawn to Him.

I certainly rattled on quite a bit today about things that actually matter to me, but hey, it's Sunday. And if you can't talk about the Lord on Sundays, when can you? Ammiright? ;)

I'm linking up today with Plane Pretty, Fine Linen & Purple, Watch What I'm Wearing and What She Wears.

Summer (Mom) Style: Rainy Day Blues

It has rained nearly every day since summer break began, but those scattered thunderstorms have nothing on the monsoon that has drenched us for the past three days. Seriously. I'm over it.  I put on a happy face for the kids and tell them that the rain is oh so wonderful for the grass and the trees, but I want just a teeny bit of sunshine.

Not only would I relish a day spent lounging on the beach, but I also need some pretty weather so I can practice open water swimming!

Outfit #23

Shorts, Belt, Sandals: Target

Top: Loft (Thrifted)

Necklace & Earrings: Rue 21

Not only am I over this rain, I'm over this 30 for 30. I mean, I'm still able to mix and match these pieces and I'm not really struggling too badly coming up with outfits. But I'm bored with them! I want to wear my new bird shirt and I'm pretty sure my church friends are beginning to think that I only own the blue sheath dress and green maxi skirt, since those were the only church appropriate skirts that I included in the mix. Next time, I might throw in a few more knee-length or longer skirts.

Outfit #24

Six more outfits to go . . . that's what I keep telling myself.

I hope you're all having a wonderful holiday weekend! My fingers are crossed that the weather clears up soon(ish) so that we can get out and do something other than make tents in the living room and watch movies.