Top 10 of 2013

Greetings!  

This post has taken me a little while to put together.  Obviously, since it's already January 3rd and I'm just posting!  Anyway, I thought I would compile a list of my top 10 events of the past year.  Here goes...

10) Remodeling the laundry room (see pics below).  I can't even tell you how many hours I spend washing laundry and ironing, ridiculous since there are only 2 of us living here!  I absolutely love the cork floors and my front loaders and the addition of the laundry sink (can't believe the house didn't already have one!).  Combine those changes with the  homemade laundry detergent I made this year (and it lasted THE ENTIRE YEAR) and doing laundry is now almost a dream.  

9) Taking a vacation.  H and I do staycations VERY well, maybe the best of anyone I know.  We don't answer the phone (although we do that normally, we elevate it to a completely different level on vacation!), we try to "lose track" of the days, go for long drives, etc. However,  we actually took our first real vacation in several years and could not have had more fun together.

8) Starting this blog.  I'm just getting started and still don't even know if anyone will ever really read it, but I'm doing this for me.  I like having the outlet and it's cool to be able to go back and reflect.

7) Spirit Week 2013 - see the pics below, they speak for themselves!

6) Finally learning to say, "no".  I stressed myself out trying to work in several areas of the church, so much so, that on Sundays where I had to "work" in one of those areas (yes, I called it "work"), I was almost in tears with the thought of the stress (some real, some imagined) that came along with the "job". Although I'm sure there are still those who don't understand or think I should have just pushed on, I "quit" my post and cutback on many of my other commitments.  Now, my primary areas are choir and discipleship.  Isn't that what it's all about anyway?

5) Joining a hot yoga studio.  Making yoga a regular practice has helped me physically and mentally.

4) Losing weight.  H and I started South Beach in January and I lost 20 pounds and he lost about 30...and biggest news, we've kept it off even though we aren't officially following SB anymore!  Having said that, we still want to lose a little more, so we'll be back on the Beach for the new year.

3) Reconnecting with family.  My cousins just moved to Dayton this summer and I have loved spending time with them and inserting myself into their lives.

2) Finishing the Bible.  I was on the 3 year plan provided in the front of my Bible, so yes, I actually started it in January, 2011.  I struggled with it at times, but now that I've finished, I like that I have read the Word for myself.  I don't have to depend on other people to tell me what it says because I've read it.  Now I'm getting ready to start another version!

1) Learning to find a work-life balance.  I mentioned in my previous post that I have been struggling with giving my all at work and still having a personal life (without guilt).  I am honestly still working on this, but am closer to where I want to be.  I sometimes leave my "teacher bag" in the car at night so I don't have to look at all the work I'm not going to do (cuts the guilt) and some nights (especially Fridays), I stop answering my school cell phone after 5.  Most importantly, I have given myself permission to not think about work every waking hour and instead give H and RC my undivided attention.  Small changes, but any teacher will tell you, those can make a huge difference in your emotional wellbeing.  

Spirit Week 2013

Mismatch Day

Favorite Sports Team Day (Go UD Flyers!)

Prep for the next day...

...Baby and Old Person Day

Like, it's totally Decades Day!

Nerd Day 

Laundry Room Remodel

The sink has been so helpful so I can soak clothes or quickly clean up any spills.

H suggested we install a ceiling fan...brilliant idea!  Helps keep any potential-front-loader-mildew-issues at bay.  After every load, I leave the washer door open and turn the fan on high. 

Homemade detergent - this was for Christmas gifts (receipe here)

What were your top events for 2013?

keisha

Feeling like my old self...

Where do I even begin?  I have been on hiatus since October...honestly, I've been working on getting back into my mojo and getting back to my regular self.  It has NOT been an easy road.  See, I know and fully believe the purpose God has for me, but why does fulfilling my purpose have to be so daggone stressful?  A little work-life balance, anyone?  So I took the past couple of months to woooosah and a few great people helped me realize, 1) I have to honor where God has placed me, 2) people actually NEED me to be myself, and 3) I am the light and should set the tone of any group I'm in.  So, thanks be to God (and those people He sent to talk to me), now I'm back and better than ever.

Anyway...so I was still taking pics of my outfits during my time away, so I'll post a few highlights below.

OOTD (October)

Sweater - The Limited (similar)
Skirt - The Limited (navy...hard to tell from this pic - similar)
Scarf - Charlotte Russe
Boots - Bandolino 

OOTD (October)

Jacket - Express (snagged from a Discount Fashion Warehouse sale for $12! - similar)
Skirt - Express (from the same DFW sale!)...I've been dying to try the skater skirt trend.  I absolutely love this skirt! Something different from the usual black pencil - similar)
Top - Express (DFW! Similar, similar)

OOTD (last October shot!)

Jacket - The Limited (I've had this for YEARS - similar)
Dress - Ann Taylor (I found this ponte dress at a consignment shop this summer for just $15!  Brand new, with tags! similar, similar)
Necklace - Macy's (similar)
Shoes - Anne Klein (My absolute favorite black pumps because I LOVE d'orsay pumps.)

OOTD (November)

Sweater - The Limited (similar, similar)
Pants - The Limited (These Exact Stretch Skinny Pants are my new obsession.  I have them in black, chocolate, red and navy and will buy them in every color they make!  They are super flattering, whenever I wear them, people ask if I've lost weight. #winning)
Necklace - Express (DFWH!)
Shoes - Anne Klein

OOTD (December)

On our way to see The Nutcracker...here is the dress I've been hanging onto for months, waiting for the perfect event...
Dress - The Limited (similar, similar)
Shoes - Jessica Simpson

Look for new posts in the next couple days.  Have an awesome weekend!

Fall Obsessions

Hey fellow shoppers!

So, I really shouldn't be shopping, not via window, daydreams, Pinterest, and definitely not in real life.  However, once a shopaholic, always a shopaholic!  Here are a few items I'd love to get my hands on.

Nine West Gillyan pumps 

I never got into the giant platform, weird color, studded shoe craze...and thank goodness, because according to Stacy London, regular pumps are back in so I won't have to look at those shoes anymore!  Call me crazy, but if I'm paying a substantial amount of money for something, I plan to be able to wear it for several seasons.  These Gillyan pumps are gorgeous, with a wider heel (maybe wide enough for me to wear while standing on my feet teaching all day?) and rounded toe.  I've been stalking them for a couple months, so it's just a matter of time.  I think they'll look amazing with wide-leg trousers.

Victoria's Secret After Hours Pajamas 

Ladies, I am a firm believer in sleeping in pjs.  Not sweats or t-shirts...whether you're married or not, because we deserve to feel special sometimes.  Vickie's After Hours Pajamas are supple satin and will help you to channel your inner diva.  I somehow convinced H to order a pair for me for Sweetest Day, so I'm anxiously awaiting their arrival.  I'm certain this will not be my only pair!

Burberry trench coat

I know, I know.  I'm a teacher, so it's ridiculous for me to own a $700 raincoat.  Let me explain.  I take very good care of my clothes and will keep them forever, as long as they are 1) classic pieces (which are almost all I buy), and 2) good quality, well-made items.  A trench coat is the type of item a woman will need her entire life.  Doesn't it make more sense to spend money on one quality item rather than buying a cheaper one, only to have to replace it year after year?  Well, it does to me!  

Hunter Welly Socks 

Finally found the boots, now I would like the socks.  I especially like the cable knit socks to wear my Hunters with jeans tucked inside or with tights and skirts.  The socks are not only cute, but definitely functional since rubber boots are not known for their warmth. SN - Target carries VERY cute boot socks for just $5.  I bought a pair of cable-knit, charcoal socks and they are amazing.  I might forego the Hunter socks for a few pair of the Target socks!

Navy ballet flats - I wear a lot of navy, almost daily, so navy shoes would be a perfect addition to my wardrobe.  I've been making due with nude or tan, but sometimes, you just need navy.  I'm not married to a specific brand (although I do like Tory Burch!), I just need a nice pair.

Tory Burch Chelsea flats

Rocketdog Navy flats...much less expensive than the TB flats

Sparkly Wristlet

I just ran across this while shopping today and didn't even know I needed it, but I do.  As one of my kids pointed out, glitter is my favorite color.  'Nuf said!

What are your shopping obsessions this season?

keisha

Birthday Dinner + Date Night

Happy Friday, ya'll!

Friday is our regular date night, heavily guarded, and highly protected.  However, this Friday also happened to be Che'Aunna's birthday dinner...so of course, we opted for celebrating her birthday!  A little background, Che'Aunna is the younger sister of my mini me, ShayLynn.  I had ShayLynn as a student 4 years ago (!) when she was in 8th grade and now I have Che'Aunna.  They have become a fixture in our home (and us in theirs!) over the past 4 years, and will no doubt continue as the years pass.  

At DECA, it really isn't unusual for teachers to grow close to students and families...in fact, it's one of the things that makes our school successful.  We host advisory parties at our homes, pick students up for school, and are affectionately called, "Mom" by many students.  I don't know if I could survive or even fit in at any other school!  

People ask when Hashim and I are planning to have children.  A few years ago, I would have said, "We're trying!"  Today, we aren't "trying" because we know God has blessed us not only with Essence, but with loads of other kids who look to us for advice, support, and love.  We feel their successes and failures and care for them as though they were our own.  Che'Aunna is one of those kids and she has worked her way into our hearts and we were so glad to be able to celebrate with her.

So tonight was Che'Aunna's night.  Happy 13th birthday, CA!

Che'Aunna & Reese's Cup

WIWT

Sweater - The Limited
Jeans - Levi's Mid-Rise Skinny (seriously, if I'm wearing jeans, it will probably be these.  I own several pair, they really are amazing.)
Boots - Bandolino (I mentioned this earlier, but I have 16in calves, making it very difficult to find boots that zip all the way up.  These Bandolino boots come in wide-calf and they work over jeans, tights, and on bare legs.  They also seem to be retaining their shape and structure.  I highly recommend!)

Enjoy the weekend!

keisha

Fall Break!

Hey ya'll!

The end of the quarter was Tuesday, so I'm officially on Fall Break.  We didn't have Fall Break when I was in school, so to whoever came up with this...you're a genius.  This is the perfect time to take a step back, breathe, and rejuvenate for the second quarter.  I have next to nothing planned because I take my breaks very seriously.  I just want to plant myself on the couch with my fuzzy wrap sweater and quilted throw, a never-ending supply of white chocolate mocha coffee, cable and Netflix, and a couple of books.  I'm pretty sure it's just what the doctor ordered.  I'd like to catch up with my Esther bible study and switch the house over to fall (LOVE IT!), and knock out a few Pinterest projects.  Here's hoping!

Oh, and in other news, I finally broke out my Hunter's yesterday when I headed out to the dentist and then lunch with Hashim.  Thank you, rain! :)  Happy Fall Break to me!  I haven't updated for a few days, so I'm including a picture of my outfit from last week's date night.

Last Friday

Sweater - H&M (similar, similar)
Jeans - Levi's Mid Rise Skinny
Shoes - Rocketdog (same style...mine are purple, similar)

WIWT

Sweater - Victoria's Secret catalog
Jeans - The Limited
Boots - Hunter's Huntress Boots in Merlot (for us gals without skinny calves!) I got a great deal on the Hunter USA website a couple months back...so do your research!

Enjoy your week!

keisha

Today was a good day!

Heyyyy!

This week is going pretty well, even though I stayed at school late both days.  I have felt very productive and seriously, I feel so blessed to be part of such an awesome group of women on the 8th grade team.  We stayed late together making phone calls and helping kids, and I think it shows the kids that we're all in this together (yes, I am singing the High School Musical song in my head as I type this).  It makes even the most stressful of days less so.  So shout out to the dream team!

WIWT

Sweater - Limited (This one is also from The Limited, but mine has ruching down the side)
Pants - Marshall's (similar, similar)

Enjoy your evening!

keisha

Saturday = work day!

Good morning!

Saturdays are an awesome day for me to catch up on my life.  I like to get up early, make a cup of coffee and pile in on the couch with my teacher bag and MacBook -- usually for several hours.  Today, I have far less to do because I was very productive this week (that rarely happens!).  But honestly, planning is one of the things I love about teaching.  Hunting for innovative ideas or pulling together an engaging lesson is challenging, but so rewarding when the kids finally "get it".  

Last night was date night and we saw Gravity...I really enjoyed it, although it is sticking with me.  I'm a little turned off from space travel (please stop calling me, NASA!).  When we got home, although I was totally worn out, I couldn't go to sleep yet because...well, let me just say, the LAST thing I want to do at midnight is clean poop out of Reese's crate AND give her a bath!  I'll just leave it at that.  ;)

Anyway, here are a few shots from yesterday, please excuse the Michigan colors!  We took these outside of my classroom...look at all the awesome student work in the background.  :) Enjoy your Saturday!

WIWT - Friday 

Lightweight sweater - Lacoste (similar, similar)
Jeans - Levi's Mid Rise Skinny (night storm wash)
Scarf - Forever 21 (similar)
Shoes - BCBG Max Azaria (similar)
Bag - Longchamp le Pliage medium

My mini me making a guest appearance.  She was the director of my "photo shoot".  She was in my class 3 years ago and since then,  I've become close to her family...and she reminds me of myself.  Her younger sister is my other director. 

Wardrobe change!  I wanted to try out a different scarf, because the MI colors were burning my retina.  Unfortunately, this one didn't pop as much.
Scarf - Walmart, $6.97! (similar)

Back to the first scarf!