Why I Do This...

Recently, I was all flustered and embarrassed when talking to a friend about this little ole blog of mine and asked myself the question... Why do I blog? And not so much why do I blog? But why do I blog about my clothes?

Top: NY&Co

Pants: Kohls

Sandals: Shoedazzle

Note to self... Find another pose. This looking down thing is making your hair look rather poofy.

There are several reasons, I guess. Initially, I started blogging because I was bored at work. Yes, I did the majority of my blogging at work during my lunch break or when the workload was slow. Now, I can guarantee you there is never a dull moment in my line of work! Teaching third graders keeps me constantly on my toes... quite literally. It's incredibly fun, rewarding . . . and exhausting! So, yeah, no time for blogging on the clock.

I also first started blogging about my clothes because I needed something to pull me out of my wardrobe slump. I was about 9-ish months post-partum with my youngest daughter and was feeling like a frumpy mom of two. Knowing that I'd be snapping pics of my frumpyness helped me to see the clothes hanging in my closet (or more often than not, on the floor of my closet) in a new light. And it helped me to put a bit of effort into my outfits even though I was sleep deprived from one or the other of my kids getting up constantly throughout the night.

Then I really got into it. I mean, how much fun is it to meet people not just all over the country, but all over the world?!? And I liked sharing a little bit of my creativity with the world.

Necklace: Jackie's eBoutique

Bracelet & Ring: No idea...

But let me tell you... do I enjoy preening in front of the camera? Um, no. I'm especially uncomfortable when someone walks past right as I'm posing all prettily.  Can we say... AWKward! But it's fun to put my outfits out there on the world wide web and be critiqued.  I don't think it's vanity or being self absorbed... I certainly hope it isn't!  I tried blogging about a few things that are close to my heart, but that isn't my talent. Laughing at myself I can do. Talking about something serious and important... I just don't have the ability to make it sound as important as it really is.  So, instead of trying to talk about important things, I keep my posts about the superficial and hope that maybe some flustered mom out there will look at my blog and think... Well, if she can get dressed in an ensemble that is somewhat put together and stylish on 4.5 hours of sleep, then maybe I can too.

Okay, in reality, I'm getting more like 7-ish hours of sleep these days. But trust me, there are times when I get much less.  Ear infections, sore throats, nightmares, early morning runs... they all interfere with the perfect 8-hour night of sleep.  You know how it is!

Finally, my last reason for blogging is to ask for advice. There's often something that I wear over and over again . . . in the same way! So, I ask you how you would wear it and get all kinds of outfit inspiration.  Which brings me to my question of the day...

How else would you style these sandals? I'm stuck!

I'm linking up today with Monday Mingle, Still Being Molly, Sunday Style, Passion for Fashion and Watch What I'm Wearing.

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While you're here, don't forget to swing by and enter to win your own personalized Road ID bracelet! You only have until Wednesday!

Beat the Heat Series & A Giveaway

Today, I'm joining other bloggers in Florida to talk about our beauty tips to beat the heat.  I am most certainly no beauty expert, so I'm not going to pretend that my tips are something new that you've never heard of.  Rather, they are just a few things that I do (you might even do them too) during the hottest months to look pretty while beating the heat!
 

Skirt & Cardigan: NY&Co

Leopard Print Shirt: c/o Oasap

Shoes: rsvp via 6pm

My first beauty tip to beat the heat is to go easy on the makeup.  I wear a light powder foundation by MicaBella, rather than caking on liquid foundation.  In Florida, even if the heat isn't too bad, the humidity is suffocating! The minute you walk outside, before you even lock the door behind you, you break into a sweat.  A light powder foundation allows your face to breathe. You can cover up any splotchy areas and still look fresh, even though you might be perspiring a bit!
 

Secondly, I like to wear a lip balm instead of lipstick or lip gloss. My favorite is carmex.  Don't get me wrong. I love the way I look when I'm wearing a pretty lip liner and gloss. However, when it's really hot outside, lip glosses can make my face feel sticky. Is that weird? It is, isn't it?  It's just that the heat and humidity make me all sweaty and then my lipgloss feels super sticky and it makes me want to rub and itch at my face. Please someone, tell me I'm not the only weirdo who gets Itchy Face Syndrome when I wear lip gloss during the hot months! Instead, I put on a bit of carmex and voila, I have soft, shiny lips without the stickiness. =)
 

Topaz Earrings: c/o Anjolee

Dangly Hoops, Bracelets & Rings: Premier Designs

Watch & Big Silver Ring: Target

Finally, I stay hydrated and I wear sunscreen! Seriously, I drink gallons of water every day, which when combined with the constant use of sunscreen will keep my skin looking young.  That's the plan anyways. ;) I didn't always use sunscreen. In fact, I used to religiously visit the tanning bed. *gasp* I know, it's terrible! But I had a little epiphany right around the time I turned 30. I realized that I didn't want to look like a wrinkly 60 year old by the time I was 40, so I started trying to repair the damage I had already done to my skin.  Now, I wear a moisturizer that has sunscreen in it every single day and I lather on sunscreen every time I plan to spend any length of time outdoors.  

 

So, those are my summer beauty tips to beat the heat.  What are yours?

 

I'm linking up today with Real Girl Glam, J9Style and Iris Focused on Fashion for their Florida Bloggers Beat the Heat event.

 

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Now, for the giveaway!!

Oasap is currently giving away 152 items!! It's incredibly simple to enter, too. 

First, go here and sign up for an account.

Then, pick your three favorite items that are on the giveaway page, choose your size and vote for each of those items!

I will be able to personally choose a winner out of every 100 entries that come through my blog! =) So, go enter and maybe you'll be the winner of one of their super cute dresses!

Diamonds are Forever - Anjolee Review

When Anjolee contacted me about reviewing their product, I emphatically said that I would love to!  I've seen a few reviews for various rings, earrings and tennis bracelets from Anjolee and was very impressed with what I read. 

Anjolee is a high-end jewelry manufacturer that is based in San Diego, California.  Their jewelry can be found in retail stores all across the United States and Canada, as well as on many websites.  They recently launched their own website so that they could offer their product directly to the consumer!  This allows you customize your order to get exactly what you want!

You know that I am a very frugal mom, who likes to scour the clearance racks and thrift stores for the best deals possible.  Well, I also understand the importance of having a few pieces of high-quality jewelry.  There are occasions when cute and trendy costume jewelry simply won't do. That's where Anjolee comes in!

When I was browsing their site, these diamond earrings jumped out at me.  When I saw that I could have them created in blue topaz, I was sold! 

Anjolee obviously only offers the best diamonds and gemstones to their customers, however the earrings I received were created especially for me in silver with high quality cubic zirconias.  I love them! Every time I got a glimpse of them sparkling in my ear, I smiled. 

Red Gingham Shirt: Old Navy

Tank: NY&Co

Skirt & Wedges: Target

Anjolee also offers a wide selection of beautiful engagement rings that can be customized to your specifications! What more could you ask for in an engagement ring?!? 

Y'all know how much I love to stack my bracelets, right?  Well, Anjolee creates an absolutely stunning bangle bracelet.  I would love to have an arm party with a few of those!

All in all, I really loved the earrings that I chose and would definitely let the Hubs use their site to customize something special for me. (Oooh, we did just celebrate an anniversary!) I loved them so much, in fact, that I re-pierced the second hole in my ears so that I could wear them again today. ;)

Have you ever purchased high-end jewelry online?  Would you consider it, if you knew you could customize your order to your specifications?

I'm linking up today with Monday Mingle, The Pleated Poppy and Transatlantic Blonde. 

Also, if you have a minute, could you swing by Monroe & Main's facebook page and vote for my shoe haiku? It's #44 on Page 3! You can vote once a day until June 30th and I'd appreciate every vote I can get!! =)

**Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post.  I received free earrings in exchange for a review.  However, the opinions are totally honest and 100% mine!

Beat the Heat!

Well, hello summer! Although yesterday was officially the first day of summer, in Florida it's been feeling like summer since March.  One thing Florida girls know how to do, it's work with the heat, not against it.  A few Florida bloggers have gotten together and are sharing with you their favorite "go-to outfits" to beat the heat. 

I love a little sundress and sandals. I really do, but their necklines are usually so low on me that I have to wear a cardigan over it.  Layering on sweaters does not beat the heat!  This spring and summer, I've been gravitating towards the same thing on the weekends, either a swishy little skirt and a t-shirt, or my favorite jorts. =)

Neon Tank & Teal Tank: NY&Co

Jean shorts: American Eagle

Belt, Sandals, Neon Bangle & Earrings: Target

Sunglasses: Kohls

These denim shorts are actually very thin, so thin in fact that they're getting kind of bare on my bum. lol I don't know what I'll do when I wear them out! I guess, since they've served their purpose for the last four years, I'll just head back to American Eagle and get me another pair!

When it's boiling hot outside, you really can't go wrong with a breezy tank, a pair of shorts and some sandals! Wearing something bright like this neon shirt, just helps me to embrace the season, instead of hiding from it. =)

What do you like to wear to beat the heat?

I'm linking up today with Real Girl Glam, J9Style and Iris Focused on Fashion for their Florida Girls Beat the Heat.  Check out how other Florida girls beat the heat here!  I'm also linking up with Two Thirty Five Designs for her Casual Friday linkup and All Things Chic for Fashion Friday!

While you're here, would you please swing by Monroe & Main's facebook page and vote for my shoe haiku? It's #44 on Page 3! =)

Sugar Rush

Have you ever had a sugar rush?  I'm about to have one because I'm drinking a white chocolate mocha while eating on some powdered doughnuts. That's sure to bring on a sugar rush!

I'm also having a bit of sugar rush over this adorably sweet clutch from Sugar Rush Creative that I won in Sharon's giveaway!

Bracelet & Necklace: mark. via Jackie's eBoutique

Rings: Target & Premier Designs

Clutch: Sugar Rush Creative

All of the products by Sugar Rush Creative are so sweet, like the Bluebird Reversible Hobo Bag, the perfect bag to give you a sugar rush all summer long! =)

This clutch is the perfect size to carry my keys, my lipgloss, my wallet and few other necessities. It's small enough that I could toss it into my everyday purse, but roomy enough that I could carry it on its own! And how pretty is the navy and lime green pattern?!?

Trusty Chambray Shirt: Gap, Thrifted

Neon Jeans: NY&Co

Belt: Target

Flats: No idea, they're sooo old. ;)

Do you like a bit of a sugar rush? =)

I'm linking up today with The Pleated Poppy and Transatlantic Blonde for What I Wore Wednesday!

While you're here, if you don't mind, could you swing by Monroe & Main's facebook page and vote for my shoe haiku? It's #44 on Page 3! The winner gets a $250 gift card and if I win, I'll definitely be sharing the love with you! =) Thank you so much!!

OTI - My Pick!

We're finally to the end of Open to Interpretation week and today, each of us participating picks our own photo to inspire us!  Well, I had pinned a polyvore set a while back and I decided to finally let it inspire me. =)

I decided to work with these colors and turn it into something I could wear to work!

Cardigan & Tank: NY&Co

Skirt, Necklace & Silver Ring: Target

Shoes: rsvp via 6pm.com

Beach Party Rock Ring

Turquoise Delmont Bracelet

Do you see that gorgeous ring and bracelet I'm wearing?? I recently won a shopping spree to Mimi Boutique and these are a few of the pieces I got! Have you ever visited Mimi Boutique? They have a fabulous selection of gorgeous handbags, clutches, jewelry and sunglasses! I had a tough time choosing my pieces, but I'm so happy with what I chose and I can't wait to show the rest of them to you!

Don't forget to drop by Freckles in April and see how the other participants are getting inspired today!

I'm also linking up with Two Thirty-Five Designs for her Casual Friday Link Up! I'm not causal, but it is Friday, so maybe she'll let me hang out. =)

Finally, I wanted to tell you guys that I entered a haiku contest and I need your votes!! =) It's over at the  Monroe and Main facebook page.  My haiku is #44 on Page 3 - Yellow turquoise red, these colors make my toes smile, sitting on my feet.  Please drop by their page and vote for me!! The winner gets a $250 gift card and if I win, I can pretty much guarantee that I'll be spreading the love around and offering a giveaway with part of the gift card or something that I purchase on their site! =)

OTI - Erica's Pick

I'm participating in Open to Interpretation this week! OTI is a fun little event that Kayla dreamed up where she and a few other bloggers choose a picture from around the interwebs and use it to inspire their own looks.  Today's look was chosen by Erica .  

You can hop over to Erica's blog to see the look she chose and to see how other bloggers around the world are making it their own!

Shirt: Thrifted

Tennies: TJMaxx

Neon Jeans: NY&Co

I'm not  very creative, I guess. I basically just copied the look exactly, with the exception of a hat.  In my Little Guy's own words, "Momma, you look like a boy when you wear a hat!" So, no hats for me. =)

Belt, Bracelets, Necklace & Ring: Take a guess.... Target! ;)

One thing that this event did challenge me to do is wear some cute tennis shoes! I have a few pair that simply never get any use.  I felt very much like a tomboy all day. =)

Do you use photos you see around the internet or in fashion magazines to inspire your own looks?

I'm also participating this week in the Trends Fashion Challenge hosted by Keely and Megan. Today's prompt was to wear solid brights or bold print.  Obviously, I went with the solid brights. =)

Finally, I'm linking up with the lovely ladies at Monday Mingle!

How to Dress for a Teaching Interview

I am by no means an expert, but I have been to three interviews in the past two days so I wanted to share what I've learned!

1.  Wear your power color, whatever it may be.  My power color is the color that I feel confident in and that I know looks good with my hair and complexion.  I have two of them actually: turquoise and pink. Figure out what yours is and wear it confidently!

Cardigan & Dress: NY&Co

Belt & Shoes: Target

2.  Keep your jewelry simple.  If you know me, you know I like to stack my bracelets and wear big ole blingin' rings and dangly earrings.  Well, I toned it down a bit for my interviews. ;) I wore a simple bracelet watch, one silver ring and small earrings.  When you're interviewing, you want your personality and abilities to shine.  You don't want your interviewers distracted by by the sparkly ring that keeps waving through the air. Or the clinking of bangle bracelets as they slide up and down your arm. 

Watch & Ring: Target

3.  Wear simple heels. I love a bright heel. And I love a high heel.  But for an interview, especially for a teaching interview, you should wear flats or simple heels.  You don't want the interviewers to think that you're too insensible to handle standing in a classroom all day!

Cardi, Shirt & Skirt: NY&Co

Shoes: 6pm.com

4.  Pay attention to the details.  I rarely paint my nails these days, but I knew I wanted them painted for my interviews. So, I swiped on a pretty nude coat called Satin Doll by deborah lippman on Sunday night.  As I was pointing to my portfolio, the color helped to transform my nails from the haggard chipped nails of a mom to a classy lady. ;)  Also, those toes!! You really should be polished from head to toe for an interview. Ha, pun intended. Nobody likes to glance down and see big unpainted toes ruining a cute sandal! While I'm sure it wouldn't cost you the job, it could cause the interviewer to wonder if you forego the minor details in your personal appearance, would you forego minor details in your classroom as well?

5.  Last of all, have fun with your outfit! When I was choosing what I was going to wear, my main goal was to wear something that was totally me.  I wanted to portray my fun personality by wearing fun colors or patterns.  On day one, I wore my skinny belt knotted over my dress.  On day two, I didn't want to be too risky, but I did mix it up a bit by pairing colors in an unexpected way.  Those little things are the things that will allow the interviewers a glimpse into who you are and how you'll engage and entertain your students.

Now, we won't know if these tips actually work until next week when I (fingers crossed, please, pretty please, please, please!) get an offer. ;)

Do you have any other tips or suggestions for dressing for an interview?

I'm linking up today with The Pleated Poppy and Transatlantic Blonde.

Ketchup

Because I'm catching up! Get it?  Cheesy? Yes, yes, it is. I know, but that's what you get with me. Sometimes cheesy, sometimes corny, but always 100% me.  =)

I'm going to share three different outfits with you that I wore over the past few weeks.  One was worn the first day of my week of student-teaching.  The second was worn to the office and the third was worn another day when I was teaching.

Chambray Shirt: Thrifted

Dress, Belt, Sandals & Bracelets: Target

Funny story about that dress?  During my lunch break, the strap snapped and I had to teach the rest of the day with my dress falling lower and lower and eventually dragging the ground. =)  Thank goodness I was wearing a belt to help keep it up!

Shirt: NY&Co

Tank: Halftee

Skirt: Target

Shoes: 6pm.com

No funny story to go with this one. =) Just my pretty little shirt that feels like pajama and my nude studded heels. Check it out... I wear them a lot!

Dress: NY&Co

Bracelets: Target

Ha, see?  Here are the nude studded heels again. And who knew I liked this sleeveless chambray top so much??  I wonder why the first owner decided to get rid of it... It really is the perfect piece for layering over a dress!

Of these three, I think I like Outfits 2 and 3 best. If I owned a bright red skinny belt, I think Outfit 2 would be just about perfect!

Do you tend to have favorite pieces in your closet that you wear over and over again?  If you've been following me lately, then you know my current faves are my chambray shirts, my turquoise jeans and my nude studded heels. =)

I'm linking up today with Monday Mingle!

I'm back, baby!

Well, I'm back... for the moment, anyways. I literally have 22 messages waiting for me on my voicemail and a massive stack of files in my inbox, so I'll be brief. =)

Chambray Shirt: Gap, Thrifted ($4)

Turquoise Jeans: NY&Co ($30)

Purple Shoes: Shoedazzle ($20)



I had such fun teaching last week!  I can't wait to start interviewing, land a job and spend time with those cute kids every single day.  It's like my own little dream job. =)

All accessories: Target

What's your dream job?  If you could do anything in the world, what would it be?

I'm linking up today with the lovely ladies behind Monday Mingle!

Don't forget... you have until Thursday to enter my eShakti giveaway!!

Almost Never Happened

Today, I bring you a few outfits that almost never happened. Because if you don't blog about them, they didn't happen, right? ;) One of them almost didn't happen because I didn't snap a picture until the end of the day when I was literally dead on my feet.  One of them almost didn't happen because I only got one picture before my camera died. And the third one almost didn't happen because it just wasn't all that cute. 

Dead on My Feet

Grey Tie-Dye Shirt: NY&Co

Cropped Pants, Tank & Wedges: Target

Box Underneath Our Entry Table... who knows?

I happened to wear the gray and black ensemble above one day last week and I was in a rotten mood all day! I think the real reason I was cranky had to do with a certain monthly visitor, but I like to blame my moods on clothes. You know, happy colors equal happy moods. Therefore, dreary colors equal rotten moods. =)

Dead Camera

Dress & Wedges: Target

Belt: TJMaxx

Cute Little Necklace that I didn't get a good shot of: Ellis & Wiles Boutique

I really wanted to show you guys this necklace that I got! It's so cute and since it's in a hot color for spring, I can wear it with almost anything. So, I was incredibly disappointed that my camera died before I could get a close-up shot of it... Maybe next time.

Simply Shouldn't Have Happened

Scarf: Gift

T-Shirt & Sandals: Target

Skirt: Cato

And this one?  Well, let's just say that I should have taken my four-year old's advice with this one.  I walked into the room, ready to head out the door and he said, "Momma, is it snowing outside?" 

I said, "Ummm... no, why?" 

"Well, your wearing a scarf. Scarfs are for snow."

"Sometimes scarves are just for looking cute," I responded.

"No, mom, not this time. If it's not snowing, take it off," he adametly declared.

Well, I didn't listen...  After seeing the pictures, I realized I probably should have. =)

And after seeing all of these pictures taken on different days, I realize something else... I should probably come up with a new pose. =)

I'm linking up today with The Pleated Poppy and Transatlantic Blonde!

Color Me Skinny

Ha, don't you wish it were that easy?  You wake up in the morning with a bit too much pinchable chub around the middle, look in the mirror and say, "Color me skinny!" And voila, you're a bit thinner than you were before. ;)

Nope, it doesn't quite work that way, as nice as it would be. Instead, we have to forego all of the deliciousness that I personally LOVE... chocolate, potato chips, cookies, chocolate, cheesy quesadillas, did I mention chocolate? Yep, and then after all of that self-deprivation, you also have to fit in hours of running, crunches, lunges, etc., each week.  At least that's how it works once you hit 30. ;) 

One thing that does instantly transform these legs of mine into fun candy-colored stems, however, are my brightly colored skinny jeans! Even if they don't make me appear any thinner, they do make me feel good about how I look.  And THAT is where you get my catchy title. ;)

Shirt w/ cardi attached: Bealls ($10)

Skinny Jeans: NY&Co ($30)

Shoes: Nine West, TJMaxx ($15)

Necklace: Charming Charlie's (Gift)

Arm Candy: Various Stores that I regularly frequent like Target, Bealls, Maurices...

There's just something about these turquoise skinny jeans that makes me happy.

Speaking of turquoise, yesterday, I did an experiment with my third graders.  We were testing how light filters through different materials and the way the color changes.  According to one of my bright students, when the blue and green lights blend, we get turquoise!  To me, it looked like a light blue, but hey, maybe turquoise is her happy color too, so I'm not faulting her for saying that it looks turquoise.  In fact, I was actually quite proud of her for coming up with a more descriptive word that "light blue." =)

I tried various poses today to show of my little arm party...

They look more ridiculous than creative. ;)

Do you have a trick for instantly feeling a little bit thinner? Maybe "thinner" isn't the best word... but you know what I mean. Do you have something you wear or do that instantly makes you feel a little bit more confident? Or something that cheers you up when you put it on?

Linking up today with the lovely ladies behind Monday Mingle!

Beboppin' & Skattin'

Have you ever seen that episode of Seinfeld where George gets irate because that guy who's going through AA skips Step 9 and doesn't apologize to him?  Well, that's the episode the Hubs was watching last night as I dozed off to sleep.  Just as I was falling asleep, the episode was ending and I heard George yelling, "He's beboppin' and skattin'! Beboppin' and skattin'!"  Thanks to George that little phrase and George's crazy facial expressions have been running through my mind all morning.

Dress, Belt & Sandals: Target (similar, similar and sandals)

Shirt: NY&Co

Halftee: Halftee

That little story about George really has nothing to do with my outfit, except that when I was thinking about mixing stripes and flowers, it somehow equaled some form of bebopping and skatting in the world of fashion-ish bloggers. 

This blouse is made of a very sheer material, so you really can see right through it.  Wearing it over the dress worked perfectly.  You could see the faint stripes through the top.  What I really love about the blouse is that the front is a floral pattern and is a silky material and the back is solid yellow and a t-shirt material.  It's incredibly soft and so comfortable that you could just throw it on and laze about the house all day if you wanted to!

I remember when I first started blogging a little over a year ago, I had never in my life mixed patterns and it was still something that was considered risky.  Many of the bloggers I met were just starting to mix patterns themselves, although some of them were like professional pattern mixers.  Now, though, only a year or so later, pattern mixing is everywhere!  I don't think people even give you a second look when you do it. You see them in store displays, on blogs, in fashion magazines and even on normal people!

Have you mixed patterns yet?  If so, what's your favorite combination?

I'm linking up today with The Pleated Poppy and Transatlantic Blonde!

New Jeans!

If you don't actually jump onto a particular trend right away, are you still cool when you finally do it? ;) I finally joined everyone else in the world and got myself a pair of cute turquoise jeans!

Shirt: NY&Co ($10, similar here)

Jeans: NY&Co ($30, similar here and here)

Tank, Wrist Wrap & Necklace: Target

Shoes: 6pm.com (similar here and here)

Of course, the first thing I wanted to do with it was pair it with an equally bright color.  If you combine fuschia and turquoise on a Friday (when I wore this outfit), you are bound to have an endless supply of chipperness! And I did. I was like the epitome of bubbly all day long. ;)

Maybe I should have saved this outfit for today... Monday is always in need of some extra chipperness, wouldn't you say?  I guess an extra cup or two of coffee will have to suffice. ;)

Guess what, you guys?!?  My week of teaching (where I spend the week in charge of and teaching the classroom I've been doing my practicum in) is coming up so fast! Do y'all remember when I made the decision to change careers and start the process to get certified to teach not all that long ago??  I honestly can't believe that I'm so close to the end!

Turquoise Ring: c/o Blue Vanilla

Pink Flower Ring: Pink Lemonade

I hope you're all having a happy Monday! I'm linking up today with Monday Mingle!