What the Teacher Wore

Now that we're in a routine again...and I'm not wearing the same white cotton shorts and tank tops every.single.day....it's time to get a little more intentional about my outfits.  It's been a while, so today I'm linking up with The Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday.

Lots of fun Target finds in this week's post which means LOTS of great deals!!!  And who doesn't love a great deal?!  I found this sleeveless number at the beginning of the summer for about $10.  I thought it would be perfect for church and conferences and for $10, you can't beat it!  I paired it with these black Ralph Lauren Deirdre wedges I picked up at Dillard's a few years ago for under $40 after season. Topped it all off with my Kendra Scott Alexandra drop earrings.

The dress fit perfectly for being under $10!  And with no end to the heat in sight, I think I'll get lots more wear out of this in the next few weeks.

A night out called for a little something dressier.  I bought this jumper a year & a half ago  from a cute little boutique in Nashville.  For the life of me, I can't remember what the boutique is called.  But I love it!  And I paired it with these Sam Edelman Delilah D'Orsay heels I recently bought at Marshall's for $40!!!!!! 

Probably would've been really cute with a belt, but since I didn't have one I liked, I wore this Courtney Bib Necklace instead and paired that with my Tory Burch Double Wrap Bangle & Rustic Cuff.

Now let's get back to Target.  This was one of my favorite finds this summer!  I got this top for less than $10, too!  It's from the Knox Rose line they have in-store...I really love so many of the Knox Rose pieces I've found there!  

These jeans are a staple.  I've worn them for the last three years and they still fit like new.  It seems like I always try out a lot of different jeans, but I keep coming back to these.  Great quality, great fit, and if you can get them on sale you can usually find them 2-for-1.  LOVE that! 

When I was in Vegas this past summer, I found these Steve Madden Callvin peep toes for less than $70.  They were on clearance and I couldn't grab them fast enough.  I can't find them anymore, but they carry an identical shoe in a different color you can find HERE.  Honestly, I LOVE these shoes and wear them so much more than I thought I would.  They're so comfortable and they go with almost everything I own.

Last up, a Target romper for the win.  I found this one in the Spring and I *think* I paid full price which may have been $20?  I liked it because the shorts are a bit longer than most romper shorts and I love the way they fall.  It's just a good fit!  I found the shoes at Target, too!  I found them on clearance and they're a perfect fit.  I have them in sand, too and wear these all the time. 

Even though I'm tired of the heat, I'm not sure I'm quite ready for full on booties and scarves just yet.  That will come all too soon and I'll be wishing on the warm weather once again :)  

What I Wore Wednesday: The One with The Rompers and Dresses

It's been a while since I've linked up with The Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday.   That's large in part because of my inability to actually get dressed during the week.  My norm is yoga pants and forgiving tees.  Okay...so that's a lie.  Ripped jeans and forgiving tees is my uniform.  I need  a new pair of yoga pants before I can claim that as part of my daily attire. 

Anywho, I've been out and about these last few weeks and actually documented a few of my outfits so I thought I'd share here. As you can see, my go-to these days are dresses and rompers.  Can you see the theme?!  Comfortable and FORGIVING.  Bless.  

Running errands calls for comfy, casual dresses and my favorite pair of Converse.  I'm laughing at how white they look in this pic because ohmiword...they are anything but white IRL.  They need a good wash.  Or maybe just abandon ship and go for a new pair!?  SCARY.  And let me just tell y'all one little thing. That necklace?!  A "push present" from my husband. It holds a couple of charms with the boys names as well as a Waxing Poetic charm with Mr. Spouse's initial.  As you can see...trendy isn't always priority.  I like sentimental...A LOT.

Dress:  Target 3-4 years ago (SIMILAR HERE,  AND HERE , AND HERE)

Shoes:  Shoreline Converse Slip-Ons

One of my favorite local boutiques had this precious romper marked down to $20 during winter and I had to snag it before it sold out.  I am in LOVE. The color and fit are perfect!  I like that the shorts are a little on the longer side because no one needs me walking around in anything much shorter.  Lawd.  I will definitely get my $20 worth out of this one!!!  And I love that it can be dressed up or down.  Great impulse buy if I do say so myself ;)

Romper:  Anjouil's Boutique  (KIND OF SIMILAR, ALSO SIMILAR)

Sandals: Sam Edelman Genette Sandal (all sold out)

Purse: bought it at a boutique last year...but THIS ONE is ADORABLE and very similar!!!!

Necklace:  Stella & Dot (Here's ANOTHER ALTERNATIVE;  And THIS ONE, )

Forever 21 for the win.  Y'all..I know I'm thirty-something, but I don't care.  I still love Forever 21.  I typically buy my staple, classic pieces at places like Nordstrom or Dillard's...but everything else is inexpensive because my taste changes like the trends :)   I can alway count on Forever XXI...even if it shrinks after the first wash ;)

Dress:  Forever 21, but it's sold out. EXACT SAME DRESS, minus the stripes, HERE

Shoes:  Steve Madden Comma Sandals, Black (several years old...this is the only link I could find)

Necklace:  Sam Moon (several months ago)

And here's what I'm pretty sure is my favorite romper of the season...so far, anyway.  Good gracious, I love it!  Love the length of the shorts and the "give" of the blouse.  And it hits my short torso in just the right spot.  PLUS, it's comfy as all get out.  Always a bonus!

Romper:  Old Navy

Shoes:  4 years old, Steve Madden (KIND of  similar; KIND OF similar as well

Necklace:  Kendra Scott Rayne Necklace in White Pearl

What the Teacher Wore Wednesday

Happy Ash Wednesday! The start of the Lenten season.

Growing up I remember I was always nervous when Lent approached because it meant I had to give something up.  What would it be? Candy?  Soda?  That was a pretty typical sacrifice.  Well into adulthood, too.  Always soda.  Always fast food (and just in case you're wondering, every year my husband and I would argue what qualifies as fast food.  Taco Cabana and Subway, in my opinion, don't.  Mr. Spouse does NOT agree ;))  Why was I giving something up anyway?  Going through the motions because it's what's expected...not because I understood.  

As an adult, I learned that the silly sacrifices we make during Lent are actually part of a much bigger picture.  I mean, if Jesus could sacrifice everything He did for us, we certainly can sacrifice for Him for 40 days...whatever that might look like.  Lent is a time to cut out the distractions that take our focus off living a life with Christ.  A perfect time to repent  and refocus our attention to the one who abundantly provides for us.  As we sacrifice, we fill the void with prayer and sincere reflection on His word. 

I no longer drink soda and rarely eat fast food, so those aren't much of a sacrifice to me.  I do plan on being more intentional with my time. Less time spent on social media, more time spent with the Lord.  It will be a challenge for sure...why is social media so addicting?!  And it's such a HUGE distraction!!!  Nothing but a time suck!!!  I'm also going to be more intentional about the time I spend with the Lord.  I usually start my bible study after I drop off the boys at school, but I've committed myself to waking up an hour earlier than everyone else so that I can be present in God's word and start my day with Him first.  

I'm also committing myself to be more intentional about serving others.  I read this article this morning and it struck such a chord with me.  What a perfect reminder of what being Christian is all about.  Loving and serving others.

"No act of virtue can be great if it is not followed by advantage for others. So, no matter how much time you spend fasting, no matter how much you sleep on a hard floor and eat ashes and sigh continually, if you do no good to others, you do nothing great.” - Pope Francis

While the sacrifices I'm making are minimal compared to the  sacrifices that were made for me, I'm anxious to see how Jesus works in my heart the next 40 days.  There's always room to grow and learn...especially when it comes to the Lord.  I am so far from perfect and I fail Him every.single.day.  I'm so thankful for his abundant gift of grace and mercy!  

Today I'm linking up with The Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday :)

Easy like Sunday morning.  Wait.  Saturday.  A little something perfect for a day full of basketball games.  I don't wear my wedges as much as I should...those are some of the comfiest shoes I own and I always wonder why I don't wear them more often when I put them on.    

Top:  Target (no longer available) - Here's a cute black and white plaid and here's a black on white windowpane top (I have this one also and LOVE it!)

Jeans - Vigoss Distressed Skinny Jeans

Shoes:  Toms Desert Wedge, black

Necklace:  Kendra Scott Oliver Gold Necklace in Iridescent Drusy

I was in Oklahoma for a conference for a couple of days last week and had to bust out the work clothes.  I try to pack as light as possible and this time that meant packing one pair of shoes.  I went with these boots and planned the outfits around them.  My cousin wore this exact outfit on Thanksgiving day (it looked MUCH cuter on her!!!) and I loved it so much I had to copy.  Lucky for me, I found the dress for $15 the next day (Black Friday) and the boots were marked down to $60!  Steal! They're really versatile and I find myself wearing them a lot more than I thought I would!!

Dress:  Old Navy (they don't carry it anymore, but here's the exact same dress in a couple of different prints.  I have this one, too!)

Boots:  Sole Society Rumer Boots

Necklace: Kendra Scott Rayne Necklace in White Pearl

Conference Day 2. I always travel the second day after presenting so I try and make sure I'm wearing some sort of leggings/pants because I always get cold on the plane.  This fit the bill.  SO simple.  Black on black with an oatmeal vest and boots.  Simple and cute.  

Top:  Plain black top

Bottoms:  Plain black leggings

Vest:  Sam Moon (last year)

Boots:  Sole Society Rumer Boots

Necklace:  Kendra Scott Rayne Necklace in White Pearl

I've been living in this sweater since I bought it this past weekend at a little boutique in Dallas.  Not only is it the comfiest sweater I own, but it's really cute, too!  And I absolutely LOVE the way it fits.  It drapes perfectly and the sleeves are a little loose and long.  It can be dressed up, but I mostly prefer to wear it with my most favorite slouchy tee and leggings.  Speaking of my favorite tee, this one is it!!  And I wear it way more often than I should.  I was wearing it the other day and accidentally zipped up the bottom in jeans and now there's a little hole in it.  Sad!  

Shirt: Lush Knit Tee, Nordstrom

Sweater:  Dear Hannah Boutique, Dallas

Bottoms:  Plain black leggings

Shoes: Ugg Cardy Knit Boots

Necklace:  Sam Moon

HAPPY WEDNESDAY!

What the Teacher Wore Wednesday

My long breaks seem to be more frequent these days.  And I don't mind that at all.  When life gets busy, everything else takes priority.  This has always just been a fun little place where I come to relax and mindlessly share things that aren't really that important, so it tends to take a backseat more often than not.  After all, when is life not busy?!  Especially with two little boys who tend to consume my time when they're home...and I wouldn't want it any other way :)

I just got back from a conference in Austin which means I got to take a little road trip.  Since I was going to be on the road (round trip about 7 1/2 hours-ish), I decided to listen to an audiobook I bought last year and just haven't had the time to get into...Luckiest Girl Alive.   I'm all up-to-date on this season's episodes of Serial, so audiobook it was.  It's an 11 hour book and I have a few more hours left and I can't stop listening!  It is SO good!!!  

Excellent writing and I'm absolutely loving the way the story is laid out.  The chapters alternate between the main character's narration of the present time and her past in high school.  Just a couple of more hours to see how it all ends.  I love audiobooks :)

I recently started bible journaling after reading a lot of different blogs trying to research pens, paints, bibles, etc.  I follow lots of bible journalers on IG and their posts & pictures are always a bright spot in my feed.  I really wanted to start sooner, but I was nervous to "draw" in my Bible : )  The ESV Single Column Journaling Bible was recommended on several blogs, so I decided on that one and it's just perfect.  I use this one specifically for journaling.  I have two others for studying and reading.   Right now I'm using my journaling bible along with my She Reads Truth Bible Study (In Everything, Give Thanks).  I'm a really visual person and this has been such a great way for me to internalize scripture, deeply reflect on it's meaning, and commit it to memory.  My plan is to eventually have several of these that I can pass onto the boys.  And I'd really love to have a few for teachers as well that I can use for journaling scripture I use to pray for them throughout the school year.  That way they can visually see how they were covered in prayer and then add to it on their own after the school year is over.  

Here are a few things I've been wearing the last few weeks.  If the weather could make up it's mind, I'd probably make more of an effort to get dressed more often.

Now let's get back into the swing of things with  The Pleated Poppy and link up for What I Wore Wednesday.

Dad's birthday party called for a flowy top because I knew I'd be consuming an obscene amount of food, cake, and ice cream.  And I did.  And it was delicious and so very worth it.  I got these boots after Christmas and on sale and they are the comfiest!!  

Cardigan: Hazel & Olive

Top:  Lush Swing Tee

Jeans:  Vigoss Tomboy Destroyed Jeans

Boots:  Sole Society Rumer Boots

Necklaces:  Gold Bar;  Anthropologie Antiquary Pendant Necklace 

Speaking of boots, these are definitely some of the comfiest.  I've had these forever and they hold up so well...and they get worn much more than they need to be when it's the slightest bit cold outside. I absolutely love this sweater and seem to wear this one all the time, too! 

Cardigan:  Gin-O Boutique, a couple of years ago

Shirt:  White Tee

Jeans:  Express Skinny Jean Leggings

Boots:  Ugg Cardy Boots

Necklace:  local boutique

After a December hiatus from traveling, I'm back on the road...errrr, in the sky....and heading to conferences.  I went to Ohio at the beginning of  the month and luckily missed their big snowstorm and freezing temps by just a couple of days.  I completely forgot my coat at home, but thankfully didn't leave the hotel once :)  Dresses, tunics, and leggings are my favorite to wear when I'm "teaching".  The rooms tend to go back and forth between being hot and cold so layers are always important! 

Sweater:  Old Navy, a couple of years ago

Tunic Dress:  Anjouils Boutique

Boots:  Jessica Simpson Ference Boots

Necklaces:  Gold Bar;  Anthropologie Antiquary Pendant Necklace 

This was what I wore to my latest conference in Austin and thank goodness I forgot the extra layer because ohmiword...it was SO hot in our conference room!!!  I know I looked like a sweaty, hot mess!!  Shoo!!!  I will definitely be wearing this dress well into Spring.  I had to pair it with a random pair of leggings because it was just a little too short to wear alone.  No one needs to see these legs this time of the year...or any other time for that matter.  This is one of my most FAVORITE dresses and right now my most favorite boutique is carrying it in three different colors.  They have matching shirts, too.  

Dress:  Hazel & Olive

Leggings:  Sam Moon

Boots:  Sole Society Rumer Boots

Necklaces:  Gold Bar;  Anthropologie Antiquary Pendant Necklace 

It's been awhile since I've linked up with The Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday, so why not jump back in and link up again?!  These are just a few random things I've been wearing the last 4 weeks or so.   I'm loving that I can cover the extra fluff I've added to the thighs and midsection with layers...this truly is the most wonderful time of the year, lol.

Found this plaid flannel at Old Navy for $15 on Black Friday, so naturally I had to wear it the very next day.  Ha. I love that it's cool enough to finally wear sweaters!  At least, it was cool enough that particular day (hello 73 degrees yesterday!!!)  Okay, so back in August I found those booties for a whopping $20 at DSW!!!  I texted my sister to see if she thought I could pull them off and she said for $20 I could ;)  I'm still not 100% sure I know how to wear them, but I absolutely LOVE them.  It looks like they're not discounted online, but it's worth a visit to DSW to see if you can find them in store!  I love a good discount!!!

Shirt:  Old Navy Plaid Flannel

Sweater:  Forever 21 about 2 years ago

Jeans:  Vigoss Tomboy Distressed Skinny Jeans

Shoes:  Crown Vintage Beauty Western Bootie

 One of my favorite fashion bloggers on IG (@kateireneblue) posted a pic of her wearing this sweater a few months ago and because I'm so very basic, I had to have it.  She was wearing the navy blue and white and I could've sworn that's what I ordered too, but my chubby fingers must have been selecting things too quickly because this green and white sweater is what showed up.  Fortunate mistake because I LOVE this thing and love the green.  It's one of those sweaters that "grows" as you wear it which makes it extra comfy.  This was my Black Friday shopping outfit. Perfectly comfy!!!  

Sweater:  bought back in October...no longer available

Jeans:   Vigoss Tomboy Distressed Skinny Jeans

Shoes:  Lucky Brand Emmie Flats

My sweet baby niece was born the week before Thanksgiving and I wore this little outfit to go meet her in the hospital. Mom and I took our annual trip to the Nutcracker Market and that's where I found this vest.  I absolutely love it and I was excited to put one of my impulse purchases to good use :)  And y'all...my Toms wedges are the comfiest pair of shoes I own...for real.  Mr. Spouse bought these for me (surprise!!!) last year and I wasn't expecting to love them as much as I do, but ohmiword.  I ADORE them.  And I kind of want them in another color because I'm basic like that. And in all seriousness, they're perfect for standing on my feet all day when I'm at conferences.  Okay..lies.  I sit on a throne of lies.  NO SHOES are perfect for standing on my feet for 7 hours a day, but these do come pretty close ;)

Shirt:  Old Navy (this one is kind of similar)

Vest: bought it at Nutcracker Market & can't remember the vendor, but this one is similar)

Jeans: Vigoss Tomboy Distressed Skinny Jeans

Shoes:  Toms Desert Wedge Booties

Speaking of Mr. Spouse, he gave me a Visa gift card for my birthday because I told him not to get me anything.  I asked him to just pay it forward instead because that's really the best kind of gift, but I think he thought I was trying to trick him.  To err on the side of caution, he hit me with a gift card and instructed me to spend it on something I really loved.  Darn that precious man. I held onto it for about 3 months because I seriously couldn't find anything I just "had to have".  I had to make a trip to the mall to grab a gift for a friend and passed this gorgeous coatigan in the Francesca's window display.  I detoured inside to find it for myself and they were totally sold out.  The only one left was the one on the mannequin and lo and behold, it was my size.  Needless to say, I put Mr. Spouse's gift card to good use and snatched it up for myself because I LOVED it like crazy.  Warm, cozy, and so very cute!  Definitely one of my favorite purchases of the year!

Shirt:  Old Navy 

Coatigan:  Francesca's (no longer available)

Jeans:  Express Jean Leggings

Booties:  Vince Camuto Hillsy Booties (bought these from Nordstrom back in September and it doesn't look like they carry them anymore, but these Franell booties are kind of similar)

Necklace:  Kendra Scott Rayne Necklace in White Pearl

Lunch with the boys called for something more on the casual side, so I busted out another impulse Nutcracker Market purchase (my deer tee) with one of my favorite cardigans.  Y'all...Target's selections this season are on point...or should I say, on fleek?!?!?! (Seriously though...WHAT DOES THAT EVEN MEAN?!?!?!?!)  I kind of love this combo.  Those booties are pretty fantastic, too.  Nordstrom Rack delivers once again....with an additional 30% off, thankyouverymuch.  See...I'm saving money! - said no husband about his wife ever.

Shirt: bought it at Nutcracker Market, but can't remember the vendor :(

Cardigan:  Target, Merona Plaid Open Cardigan

Jeans: Express Jean Leggings

Booties:  Carlos Santana Tempe Ankle Boot

And that's about all I've got! HA!!!

Since I failed so miserably at Christmas Week last week thanks to pneumonia and doctor's visits, I'll be back tomorrow with some holiday decor!!  Can I please keep it up 'til February?!?!

#justkidding  #notkidding  #itwillbeupuntilMarch #lazylikethat

What the Teacher Wore Wednesday

I had to pull a little disappearing act this past week because conference season has started. When I'm prepping for travel I have to scale back on everything else so that I can focus on my presentations and packing all.this.STUFF!!!!

 Last week was especially crazy because I was also getting ready to host a baby shower for my sister. We had the shower on Saturday and then I left for Indiana on Sunday.  Whirlwind!!!

I'll be traveling again next week so I may go underground again, but I'm a lot less stressed now that the first one is over.  Speaking of stressed, I had my very first anxiety attack last week.  I'm a pretty laid back person...probably too laid back...and I don't get stressed easily.  I guess I was more stressed than I thought!  That was the scariest thing!  Bless those of you who suffer from anxiety/panic attacks...I wouldn't wish that on anyone!

I'm linking up today with The Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday.  Nothing special, but now that conference season has started I'm actually getting dressed :)  

I hosted my sister's baby shower last Saturday and it was really warm outside, so I threw on my favorite dress and some wedges.  Halfway through the shower the rain blew in and it cooled off considerably outside, so I ran in the room and changed into boots and threw on a sweater.  Wedges were clearly a bad choice.  In other news, I'm SO excited to welcome my new niece in a few short weeks.  #allthepink

This dress couldn't be more comfortable...and cute.  It's great paired with wedges, but I thought it was perfect with boots, too.  Some of the reviews on the dress say that it sits in an awkward place on the torso and it's too loose on the top, but I don't think so at all.  I have a really short torso, so maybe that's why it works for me?!  

Military Shirt Dress:  American Eagle

Cardigan:  Hazel & Olive (I can't find this color, but here it is in burgundy and here it is in teal)

Boots:  Steve Madden Intyce

We headed over to mom & dad's for Sunday Funday the next afternoon.  She made my favorite...shrimp scampi over pasta.  The boys insisted on bringing Bean Boozled so the whole family could play.  Let me just say that lawn clippings aren't terrible, but Adam almost passed out from the skunk spray.  Never laughed harder!!!!   It was a little chilly on Sunday...and by chilly I mean 70 degrees...so it made sense for my Texas blood to wear a cardigan and jeans.  PLUS, I was going to be traveling that night and I didn't want to change.  I'm always cold when I fly and I knew I'd need a sweater!  

When I travel for conferences I always carry 1-2 big suitcases full of presentation materials and check those, then I like to carry on my laptop and projector.  I'm too scared to pack those away.  I take my favorite laptop crossbody which nicely fits my 15.5 in" laptop, several cords, and my notebooks and I also carry on an oversized purse that holds my projector and makeup bag.  I carry on my makeup in case my luggage gets lost...presenting with no makeup would most definitely scare away all of the participants :)  These bags are the perfect size and really easy to carry and they both fit underneath the seat without being squished!!!

If you're looking for another cardigan to add to your collection, this one is cute and comfy.  Target's outerwear is on point this season!!!  This really was the perfect traveling outfit.  So comfy!

Cardigan:  Target  

White tee: Target

Jeans: Express Jean Leggings

Shoes: Tory Burch Reva Ballet Flats

Laptop Bag: Kayond 15.5 in", Amazon

Purse: Neiman Marcus Last Call (here it is in black)

When I present I like to be comfy, but still professional and cute.  I have my go-to presentation outfits and because I was racing around like a mad woman on Sunday, I just grabbed what was easy without having to give it too much thought.  This is an outfit I wear quite frequently.  I'm standing on my feet and talking for 5 hours out of the day, so I don't want anything too crazy...and the rooms start out warm and end up pretty chilly by the end of the day, so I need coziness and comfort.  Plus, it was pretty darn cold in Indiana the last couple of days (cold for this Texas girl, anyway).

Tunic: local boutique a few years ago

Leggings: Hazel & Olive

Boots: Steve Madden Intyce

Jewelry:  Kendra Scott Jackie Tassel Necklace /// Kendra Scott Sophee Drop Earrings - gold /// Black Matte Nixon Time Teller Watch /// Tory Burch Double Wrap Stud Bracelet

On my second day of sessions, I'm all about what's easy and comfortable.  I fly back home as soon as my last session is over, so I don't want to wear dresses those days since I'll be on a plane...I get too cold!  I typically change into flats so I can scoot through security without falling down as I try to remove my boots (speaking from experience.  #noshame)  An oversized piko, leggings, and poncho fits the bill perfectly.  It was like wearing pajamas and a blanket to work ;)  And let me just tell you that I think my Walmart poncho is my favorite find of the season!  I LOVE this thing!!!

Top:  Hazel & Olive Black Piko

Poncho: WalMart - Ruana Oversized Poncho in Red Pomegranate Print

Leggings: Target

Boots:  Steve Madden Intyce

Jewelry: Kendra Scott Rayne Necklace- white /// Kendra Scott Sophee Drop Earrings - gold /// Black Matte Nixon Time Teller Watch /// Tory Burch Double Wrap Stud Bracelet

As much as I hate being away from the kids, I have to say that I love spending time with adults.  Not to mention the time I get to spend alone for just a few short hours.  I don't make the time to read when I'm home because there's so much around here that needs to be done and I suffer from serious self-inflicted guilt.  If I'm home, I feel like I should either be working or cleaning/cooking.  When the boys are home, I'm spending time with them.  I was SO excited to dive into this book on my trip.  This has been on my reading list since it was released and I'm SO happy I finally had the time to read it!  I've loved Jen Hatmaker and her writing since forever and this book was probably the best thing I've read in a long time!  The flight from Houston to Indy is about 2 hours & 40 minutes either way...I started it on the way there and finished it on the way back.  Quick read and so entertaining and uplifting.  I was sitting on the plane and laughing/snorting out loud and then 5 seconds later I'd be in tears.  #allthefeels  

When I fly out on Sunday, I'll start reading this book.  Several of the girls in my bible study suggested it and couldn't say enough good things about it.  Can't wait!!!  

I'll be back tomorrow with some baby "sprinkle" ideas!  We had so much fun at my sister's :)  

What the Teacher Wore Wednesday: The Floral Edition

It's Wednesday, so I'm linking up with The Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday :)  

I actually got dressed this week.  Shocking considering I've been glued to the computer trying to knock out a couple of presentations.  I always wait 'til the last minute to work on them.  Between that and planning our little Halloween party this weekend and my sister's baby sprinkle next weekend, I haven't really gotten out of the house very much. 

I went to a baby shower for my sister this past weekend at the cutest little Italian restaurant.  It was raining  like crazy.  I should've worn a poncho and some rain boots and called it a day.  Instead, I threw on this fun little floral blazer and some jeans.  Perfect for celebrating my sister and soon-to-arrive niece :)  I really loved the white tee paired with the blazer.  The high school girl in me still loves American Eagle and they carry a brand called Don't Ask Why that makes the softest tees.  LOVE this one.  

In other news, isn't my sister just the cutest thing?!  She looks ridiculously amazing at 35 weeks!!  I was as big as a whale.  Like gained 58 pounds big.  The most amazing 58 pounds ever.  Cheese fries and ice cream ALL.DAY.LONG.  My sister, however, has so much more restraint than I do.  And she's the most amazing mom already.  I can't wait to see her with a little girl :)

Blazer:  Sugar Lips Matisse Floral Open Blazer

Statement Necklace:  Walmart (last year)

White Shirt:  American Eagle (THIS is the shirt, but it looks sold out in white;  THIS ONE is the same tee in a dolman version)

Jeans:  Lauren Conrad skinny jeans

Heels:  Jessica Simpson Callie nude patent heels

I'm completely in love with this floral crew neck I scored from Flaunt Boutique.  I'm pretty sure this will be my go-to travel top.  It can be dressed up a little with boots/booties, but it looks really cute with my converse shorelines, too :)  And it's really, really comfy.  I was worried the colors would be dull and faded, but I was happily surprised when I opened my package.  It really is just perfect!  And I love those colors paired with the gray.  

Top:  Flaunt Boutique

Jeans:  Express Legging Jeans

Boots:  Steve Madden Intyce Riding Boots

I guess I had a thing for florals last week.  I know this is more of a "spring" top, but it's still warm(ish) here so I wasn't too concerned throwing it on.  The weather has started to cool down just a bit and I'm looking forward to long sleeves and boots...because that's what basic girls like me enjoy wearing :)  

Top:  Forever 21, a couple of years ago

Jeans:  Express legging jeans

Boots:  Minnetonka Calf Hi 3 layer fringe boots (similar HERE)

Earrings:  Kendra Scott Danielle in Coral Magnesite

In other news, I'm currently doing the most amazing bible study.  It's called "He Is" and it's written by Carrie Rogers.  I did one of her studies with my girlfriends when I lived in Dallas...The Wardrobe of Christ...and knew this one would be just as good.  And let me tell you...it does NOT disappoint!  I'm in my 3rd week of the study right now and loving every little bit of it.  This study is all about knowing God by name...ALL of them :)  I'm doing this study with a great group of girls and loving our weekly discussions and reflections.  If you're looking for a bible study I'd love to recommend this one!!!  

Happy Wednesday!

What the Teacher Wore Wednesday

I'm linking up with The Pleated Poppy today for a little What I Wore Wednesday :)

I figured I'd share a few things I wore in Colorado this past weekend because honestly that was the only time I got dressed this last week :)  Plus, it was the first time I could actually wear Fall outfits.  Score!

Since it was pretty HOT here in Houston on Friday and the weather was mild in CO Friday afternoon, I didn't want to wear anything too heavy.  I also wanted to be comfy on the plane, but warm.  I'm always freezing when I fly!  AND, I didn't want to pack a lot.  I only took one carry on.  My friends call it my "Mary Poppins bag" :)  LOL.  I only took two pairs of shoes...the pair I wore to the airport and then a pair that I packed...oh wait....a pair of sandals, too... so I wanted to make sure that what I wore would compliment the shoes.  Easy enough.

I was scrolling through a few of my boards on Pinterest and found this darling outfit I wanted to recreate and figured this was the perfect occasion to do it :)  I think this will be my go-to Fall uniform as the weather starts to cool off!!!  And seriously...what did we do before Pinterest?!

Jeans: Express legging jeans

Chambray top: Target - no longer available (I absolutely LOVE THIS ONE ; THIS ONE is similar.  THIS SHIRT is similar, too)

White tank:  Marshall's (THIS ONE is similar)

Booties:  Anne Klein Torny Wedge - all sold out ( THESE are similar;  THESE are cute)

It was a little chillier Friday night and because I knew we'd be walking all over the place I switched out my chambray shirt for a cozy sweater.  I LOVE this sweater.  I bought it last year from the cutest little boutique, Gin-O, in downtown Franklin, TN.  By the end of the night my feet were on fire.  These booties might be cute, but they're definitely not meant for long distance walking :)  

Sweater:  Candy Rose Brand, last year (THIS ONE is darling;  I like THIS ONE, too)

White tank:  Marshall's (THIS ONE is similar)

Jeans: Express legging jeans 

Booties:  Anne Klein Torny Wedge - all sold out ( THESE are similar;  THESE are cute)

Necklace:  local boutique

We woke up Saturday and drove to Breckenridge.  Since I knew we'd be spending most of the day outside, I wanted comfort and coziness.  Because I packed light, I wore the same white tank from the day before and switched out everything else.  Don't judge.  Let me just tell you that I couldn't have been more comfy.  While I know that the duck boots aren't hiking boots, I'm so glad I wore them. Not only were they comfy and warm, but we ended up with our feet in the water for a little part of our mountain adventure and I was happy to have them with me :)  Once we got into Breck it was a smidge warmer and I was able to take off the vest and be perfectly comfortable.  Everyone said it was going to be hot last weekend and I have to laugh because my definition of hot and the Colorado definition of hot are two completely different things!!!  I felt so out of place with what I was wearing compared to the locals who were in shorts and sandals!!!  I was cold!!!  #Texasblood

White tank:  Marshall's (THIS ONE is similar)

Plaid shirt:  Old Navy, last year

Vest:  Hazel & Olive Boutique

Jeans:  Express legging jeans 

Duck Boots:  Sperry Saltwater Duck Boot, tan & brown 

Socks:  J Crew Factory Camp Socks

I needed to be comfy on Sunday for the plane ride back home.  I knew it would be cold (to me) in Breckenridge, so I wore this outfit with my duck boots while we walked around town that morning.  It was SO much warmer in Denver, so I changed into sandals on the drive to the airport.  PLUS, I didn't want to hassle with the boot removal at the security checkpoint.  By the time we got to Houston I was hot.  Still too warm for layers!!!  All that to be said,   I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this burgundy trapeze top. It's perfect with jeans OR leggings.  Looks great paired with a sweater or by itself.  Love it with a scarf. Perfect with booties/boots or flats.  And comfy as all get out.  And it covers all the unmentionables you don't want on display :)  

And these are my new favorite jeans.  I had to run into Kohl's the other day to grab a gift card and walked by the Lauren Conrad display.  HELLO.  Why didn't I know about this sooner?!  I never shop at Kohl's (for no reason, really...I just never think to go in because of where it's located).  I tried on a few pair and fell in love.  They were on sale for $36 and I couldn't pass them up!!!  I absolutely LOVE them!

Sweater:  Marshall's

Trapeze top:  Drapey Trapeze Tee, Forever 21

Jeans:  Lauren Conrad Skinny Jeans

Sandals: Tory Burch Miller Sandals, Sand

Conference season is about to start for me so I'll be dressing up a lot more, but until then I see days full of leggings and long tees :)  Sounds just perfect for working from home!!!