If Payless Ever Morphed Into a Human Being... We'd Be Besties, I'm Sure

Shoes. Who doesn't love them, right? That's why I was STOKED when I came across the Payless '$7 $9 $11' Sale. Upon entering the store I was skeptical if I was going to be able to find anything I'd actually like and be able to wear while teaching. Uh, let me tell you I left a happy little camper.

SUCH good selection! They had lots of bright comfy flats that will be awesome for the fall as well as some cute summer sandals for a date night on the town with your huz or bf. Since I am on a tight budget I narrowed my choices between a pair of mustard yellow flats and these red peep toe sling backs. After trying both pairs on, I calibrated the comfort level, then deliberated for like a solid 7 minutes on which pair to purchase. I'm proud to say I am a owner of some hot red shoes! And the best part? They only cost me a cool $9.

So what do you think of my purchase? Yey or ne people? Would you wear these to work? Is the peep toe too much? I want to know what you think, so leave a comment! I hope you have a fabulous fashion day! I know I am with my new shoes.

People... I MADE THE CUT.

So I really didn't want this blog to be like a shrine to myself- but I have a freakin' huge annoucement... I chopped off my hair. Let me tell you just how this went down:

It was a casual Friday night and my man and I decided to go to the movies.

"Two tickets please," I said happily as I handed over some cash to the woman.

"I'll need to see your I.D.", the woman responded glancing scathingly at my boyfriend like he was a child molester.

"Uh, excuse me?" I responded kind of confused.

"Miss, rated R movies are for patrons 17 years of age and over," she said again looking at my boyfriend like he was a super perv.

"Mam, I am straight up 22 years old with my degree and my teaching credential!!" I shrieked basically causing a scene. "And quit looking at my boyfriend like you've seen him on To Catch a Predator!" I added for theatrics.

Needless to say, we didn't end up going to the movies that night.

It was at that kinda psycho moment in my life that I realized I needed a change in a big way. I needed people, especially colleagues and potential employers, to take me seriously. I made the executive decision not too long after that- my long hair had to go. And while I thought I was going to pass out when the hairdresser was chopping off my locks, I gotta say I feel pretty darn chic with the end result.

So what kinds of other personal decisions have you made to help your career? Have you cut your hair, changed your wardrobe around, curbed your sarcasm?

Who knew a random ticket lady at the movie theatre would inspire a makeover!? And the best part you ask? I feel FABULOUS.

If This Isn't the Cutest Teacher Gift...

Okay, teachers get a bunch of personalized paper, gift cards, and coffee mugs which is amazing... but check THIS out!

As I was surfing the net I discovered this super cute, relatively easy to make gift that elementary teachers are sure to go nuts over. Using a knife (carefully) chop up some crayons in order to make the letter of your choice, super glue them into a shadow box and voila! You have a unique, adorable, personalized sign for outside the door of the classroom or on the teacher's desk.

You could make this for yourself, or better yet, wait till the holidays and surprise your grade level team with a great gift! How fab is THAT I ask you!?

Thank you. No... thank YOU.

I think it's safe to say that it really takes a village to raise... a classroom. Either a village or a bunch of super helpful room moms and dads! Parent involvement is so important and what's also mega important is saying THANK YOU to these individuals who volunteer their time to make our lives way easier.

As a teacher, or a sub, it is very important to always keep thank you notes on hand at all times. I keep mine in a folder or in my book bag so if ever I meet someone and want to thank them for their kindness, or make a bomb first impression, I have my cards right there to bust out a quick GRACIAS note.

Another one of my tre interesting hobbies is making cards. (I swear I'm not a grandma.) You can do the same! It will add a wonderful personal touch to your 'thank you' and the individual receiving the card will most likely be very touched you went out of your way to actually create a card. Just go to Target, Wal Mart, or Hallmark with your phone and/or camera and click away at card designs you like. Obviously you shouldn't attempt to recreate a professional Hallmark card, but for me, having a starting off point sure helps when making your own cards.

This is a picture of some of my favorite cards I've ever purchased. I got them at my other home: Target. These bright cards come in 4 different designs and make me smile just by looking at them. I'm sure room moms, dads, and grandparents will think the same.

So what are you waiting for!? Life is short. Say thank you to someone. Or better yet, say it THEN write it in a thank you note! You'll look fabulous doing it.

Everybody's Doing the Twist!

Whether your hair is long or short, curly or straight, it's always paramount to make sure your 'do is looking professional when it comes to your teaching. How will parents, staff, and even your students take you seriously if you looked like you just rolled out of bed?

Enter the French Twist. It's a classic look that with a little bit of practice and patience, most individuals can create and pull off. Check out this you-tube clip. This woman creates the French Twist in like 2 minutes! All you'll need are some bobby pins (hefty ones if you have thick hair), a brush, and some hairspray.

Am I recommending the twist for every day teaching? If you find it comfortable and easy to create then go for it! Otherwise, keep this elegant hairstyle in your back pocket for major events such as Back to School Night or parent-teacher conferences.

It must be said: when you look sharp, you feel fabulous. Who doesn't want that?

It's A Sticky Situation

Ah, coffee. Who doesn't love the aroma, the taste, the caffeine!? But something we could all live without... coffee breath. One can be very tempted to pop in a piece of gum throughout the day whether it's to freshen your breath, stave off mid-morning hunger, or simply stay focused until 3:00 pm.



However, most districts say this is a big no-no. Many times when students chew gum it ends up everywhere: the floor, under desks, in books, even on the wall. Additionally, critics of gum chewing say that the chewing, popping, and blowing bubbles is very distracting to students.



It must be said that there is a growing group of gum chewing supporters. These individuals maintain that gum helps to activate the brain resulting in increased focus and retention of information. Check out this crazy article by H. Bernard Wechsler, author of Speed Reading for Professionals for an in depth explanation to the phenomenon.


So what do you think? Should teachers be able to chew gum in class? Is this an ancient rule that still belongs in today's schools? Is gum a gross, annoying distraction? Take the poll to the left. I want to know what you fabulous teachers think!

I Love Lunch...bags!

Unfortunately, as teachers, we do not have the luxury of a lengthy lunch break. How does 40 minutes go by so fast, anyway? With that said, every teacher knows the ins and outs of bringing her lunch to the staff lounge. Why not do it in style?

While reading the August edition of Good House Keeping, I came across an awesome lunch sack that will keep your food and your wallet chilled. At $15, Ore Originals Sugar-Booger Lunch Sack, shown here in Vintage Alphabet, is a cute addition to any teacher’s ensemble. Check out the ORE website to see more of their lunch sacks and other cute swag.

Colleagues, room moms, and maybe even students will ask where you got this adorable lunch box. And the coolest part about it? You and I both know you’ll look fabulous!

Nail It! Manicures on the Cheap

As an individual who has never really had good luck, in a surprising series of totally unlikely events, I found $15 in the last two days! Wooo!

With this new found cash, I took it as a sign from the beauty gods to get my nails done. I decided to make an appointment at my local beauty academy, Bellus Academy (http://sandiegobeautyacademy.com/), to save a few bucks and see what a manicure from this locale would get me.

For ten smackers I got a full-blown manicure complete with cuticle trim, massage, and some juicy gossip. I decided on an orangish-red color that popped against my black romper and summer tan.

Not only does Bellus offer manicures, it has an impressive array of services. I'm sure your beauty academy offers these same luxeries. I haven't quite decided yet if next time I'll get a facial, massage, or my makeup done. Oh the relaxing possibilities!

Overall, it was a great experience. Who knew that saving a few bucks would be so fun? Try out your local beauty academy- you'll look fabulous (and wallet-friendly) doing it.

How Can You Not Love This?

Hey guys! This was one of the pieces I found while cruising the shopping scene. How awesome is the super cool detail on this forever21 tee? If you haven't already, you NEED to go to http://forever21.com and check out their affordable, chic stuff. Try the embellished tee look! I know you'll look fab.

Hooray! Fall Fashion is Among Us!

Hello to all you fabulous teachers out there and welcome to my blog!

I have been scoping out the shopping scene as of late, attempting to nail down exactly what’s going to be the super presh looks for the fall. I am happy to report there are some totally teacher friendly trends out there that I am happy to share with you!

Probably my personal fav for the autumn season would be… nautical stripes. When done correctly, these stripes make any boring shirt look classy but casual. Pair a boat neck shirt with a pair of dark washed jeans and some cute flats and you’ll have everyone in the teacher’s lounge copying your look!

Another trend that I adore- ruffles. This look is ultra-feminine and super easy to pull off because ruffles come in many different variations. Try a neutral colored shirt with ruffles and pair it with a bright cardigan. The kids and the staff will have to smile just because you’ll look so darn cheerful.

As a personal lover of textures in fashion, I am pleased to inform you that embellished tanks and tees are totally in! Look for pieces with built in “necklaces” or other embellishments such as sequins, gems, grommets, or pretty embroidery. These pieces will look killer alone, or paired with a jacket to add a little more structure.

You’ll be seeing lots of earth colors like olive greens, deep purples, browns, and grays. Check out http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Feature_Assortment/fall2010womenslookbook.jsp to see their fall "look book" to get an idea of even more mind blowing fashion for this upcoming fall.

Okay, hope that helped to focus your next shopping trip. Get that fall shopping done early ladies! I know you'll look fabulous.