In The Fashionista's Closet: The Color of Gratitude

So....school has started. And I am exhausted. I feel as though I've been in a fight. AND I lost. 

(I know that's hard to believe but bear with me.)

But I am so grateful.

This past week I have made sure to take a moment out of my day and say a prayer of gratitude for all that I have gone through to get me here.

 

I have had to learn (and use) patience, endurance, and rely on strength I didn't know I had over this past year and a half. To be still and listen to that voice in my head. And to be grateful....

Even in the midst of things.
 

Dress: Thrifted and gifted by Reiko

Earrings: Forever 21

Shoes: Guess

I want to thank everyone who has been there for me, encouraged me and been a listening ear when I have needed it.

And in other news:

I had to go over some parts of the student handbook with my students and in the electronic devices section it said no pagers were allowed. I read it and had to explain what pagers were to the kids and one of them said they saw one on a movie that they watched, lol. Then someone asked, "Well how did you know people's phone numbers?" I laughed really hard at having to explain that yes there was a time when people actually MEMORIZED phone numbers and people didn't have cell phones. They were stunned...

In The Fashionista's Closet: Classroom Cutup

I debated about doing a post, nothing too inspiring going on with my outfit and location but I figured something was better than nothing.

Trying to get everything ready for school has left me time for little else but decorating my room and lesson plans.

I never thought about how much work goes into decorating to create an inviting learning environment but I'll never look at a classroom the same way again. My co-workers laugh as they see me put up something and stand back an inspect my work. I must admit that I am anal in my execution but I approach this in the same way that I decorate my home.

I have been watching the first two seasons of Mad Men in between cutting out items for my room. I started watching last season and fell in love with the fashions as well as the storylines. Who knew that they were doing so much back in the 60's and that scoundrel Don Draper is SO dashing!

Now I have to go. I've been dreaming of butcher paper, wall border and stenciled letters all night....

Shirt: Zara

Nceklace: Aldo

Jeans: 7 For All Mankind

Bag: Marshalls

Shoes: Michael Kors

In The Fashionista's Closet: Friends With Benefits

I am finally able to enjoy my weekends since I've quit my part time job and it has been such a blessing at the right time. I want to be able to concentrate on getting ready for the school year and this is just what I need, TIME! I have to say that this has been a wonderful weekend filled with lots of laughs, sangria and late nights.

I have been able to hang out with lots of my friends lately and I have a hearty laugh when I think about the types of friends that I have...

The Hype Man - Your "hype man" is the friend that no matter the situation they are gonna hype you up and get your adrenaline pumping. "Girl, YES you look hot in that dress!" even when you've gained a few pounds. But be wary of the hype man, because sometimes they are so busy hyping you up, they aren't telling you the truth. "You SHOULD wear those leggings as pants with a short top, everybody's doing it!" I know one girl whose hype man goaded her into getting into a fight while at a club and when she turned around, the hype man was nowhere to be found. Ummm hmmmm.....

The Cheerleader -The cheerleader is different from the hype man because they really want what's in your best interest. They will show up to cheer you on as you run the marathon and hold you up when you get a cramp and have to stop.They will pick you up from the airport with flowers in hand after a failed attempt to join the circus or pick you up when your car's been towed (that really happened) and never say "I told you so."

The Angel - The angel is the friend who holds you accountable. They will tell you when you are wrong in no uncertain terms and you can't seem to be able to keep "the dirt" from them because you forgot you didn't tell them the whole story of your weekend ratchetness. The Angel will normally tell you to pray for the person who is giving you the biggest headache because they are damaged and you do and you feel better. Angels are definitely good to keep around to keep you in check. 

 The Comedian - The comedian might not be able to bail you out of jail but will make you laugh when you call them collect and then you'll chuckle afterward as they remind you about the episode of The Boondocks when Tom was afraid of going to jail. (I was going to link it but I just can't, you'll have to look it up on your own but I wwwwaaarrrrnnneeeeddd you.) Comedians remind us not to take life too seriously and will usually do anything for a laugh.

Sunglasses: Forever 21

Dress: Gifted by Reiko

Belt: Thrifted

Bangles: Assorted

Sandals: Target

The Loyalist - The Loyalist is your friend since 3rd grade, your road dog you met in college, or your Sister From Another Mister who will swear on a stack of Bibles that you were together when the robbery took place and that is NOT you on the surveillance tape, it's just someone who looks like you who got into a car that looks just like yours with your specific license plate. Loyalists are truly your ride or die friends, who will sneak out of bed to hear your latest escapade instead of waiting til morning for the whole story. Please get a Loyalist if you don't already have one.

Which friend are you?

Babies and Weddings *Not necessarily in that order!*

Just a quick update from the weekend and week so far....

Reiko's wedding was so...her. Non-traditional, ultra-chic, and lots of fun!

 I did not take not one single outfit pic but was told that I looked stunning (his word not mine) so I'm hoping to snag and post a couple of pics with me and Reiko once they're ready. In the meantime, here are a couple of candid shots:

The bride and groom. He in custom Chuck Taylors and her in leopard print of course!

I swooned over this custom made artwork by Shanda Ferguson, isn't it gorgeous? She is SOOOO talented, her work has also been seen on the show "Single Ladies" on VH1.  

Reiko and I getting our dance on, unsure why I was laughing so hard but there were many moments like this.

I drove in from Houston on Monday morning, came in to work and then drove to my mom's that night (a two hour drive) to get ready for my sister's delivery. I am exhausted but it was all worth it!

Meet my niece Aiyana, she made her appearance yesterday and has melted all hearts that have laid eyes on her (kinda lke her aunt.)

I'm hoping to do a quick outfit post tomorrow but I'm not making any promises!

Check out a couple of fabulous ladies blogs that I met at Reiko's wedding, they gave me a shoutout so I wanted to return the favor.  They are both super funny and we're planning a girl's nite on my next trip to H-Town! *Hear that Reiko??*

Ro Gets Fit

Ah...Me So Hongry - I photobombed her pic with Reiko!