Building a Teacher Wardrobe: Target Find

I'm picking up some cute new pieces to get me excited about going back to school.  I honestly feel like if I take some time to make look as best as I can, I have a better day at school.  And being over fifty, it is not always easy. Jen Jones says if you dress up, you'll teach up!

But I do make some effort. Can anyone else relate? 

So I snagged this cute embroidered top from Target and it so comfortable and will go with so many bottoms that I already have. 

The details are SO pretty!

Here is is with white capri pants and simple black sandals. 

Denim looks great with it!

Are you back to school clothes shopping for yourself? 

Feeling Fit After Fifty

I recently went to my doctor for a yearly check up. All was well and I checked out pretty good.   I was SO thankful that my50+++  body hasn't given up on me yet.  I left feeling so blessed. I know I am lucky and that many people out there are suffering with medical issues.  I want to keep on keeping on and down deep inside I know I could do a better job taking care of this bod.  

Truth is, I've gotten lazy lately with workouts and less than disciplined with my eating habits.  I do a pretty good job of controlling my eating during the day, but when I get home it is another story.  I end of binging on whatever is around while I am cooking dinner.  Recipe for disaster!  So one thing my doctor did say was that I am up five pounds from last year and 15 points over on my cholesterol reading.  Yup....just taught cause and effect to my little second graders so I know I am reaping the result of my 

What's a girl to do?  Maybe be a bit more disciplined?  I'm bound and determined (at least at this minute) to get this turned around.  I went digging in my picture feed for what I looked like five pounds lighter. 

Check it out...I was even wearing workout clothes....

Time to get those back on!  

So I'm posting here on a regular basis as a way to be accountable for my actions, namely my exercising and eating.  

I've got a month until my son's college graduation and I want to be feeling and looking slimmer by then.  

So here is what I ate today: 

I had one Kashi blueberry waffle for breakfast with coffee. 

For lunch I had a hard boiled egg, cucumbers and a handful of almonds. 

Dinner will be a hamburger from the grill....no bun and salad. 

I will have some sleepy time tea before bedtime instead of a sweet snack. 

I have the plan...now I just need the discipline!

What I Wore this Week

I'm posting teacher outfits for myself and much as for inspiration for others.  I'm getting to the point where it is nice to keep track of how I've put clothing together.  My brain doesn't always remember!

Living in between seasons is tricky stuff! I typically dress in layers so I can take on and off clothing due to the fluctuation temperatures. I did break out the open toes shoes this week and it felt good!

The green jacket was a JC Penny find, cute striped blue and white shirt from Loft, jeans from Loft and blue and white Soludos from Nordstrom...my third spring and summer season with them. 

This is a the perfect little spring dress in my favorite blue color. 
The pops of flowers make it easy to layer with any color cardigan or little jacket. 
I wore it to work with this light, white cardigan from Kohls.
Dress was from Marshalls and shoes from Target (many years old). 

I got to wear something new this week!
This is a no sleeve shell from Loft.  It has the prettiest colors so this one is easy to match too!
I wore it with a light pink cardigan from Old Navy.  The pants are also a fairly new purchase from Dress Barn and they are the most comfortable pants ever.  Totally slip ons and they have a great weight and feel to them....LOVE!
Shoes from Target (many years old).  They are getting a bit worn and I keep thinking it is time to donate them, but then I keep reaching for them.  

I guess there was a theme to the week...floral, stripes and green!
We got to wear jeans twice this week....you know that's a big YAY!
I chose this stripes light weight sweater from Loft, a green vest from Target, long necklace from Loft, jeans from Loft and nude flats from Target.

Be back next week! Hopefully with some more springy items!

Warm and Cozy School Outfit

It might snow this week and I am SO excited to see some of the white stuff!

It is certainly cold enough!

Today's outfit was all about cozy. 

I picked up this super thick and warm sweater from Target. 

Both the sweater shell and green pants were from Loft. 

Have you tried Loft's skinny leggings.   They are so soft and comfortable. Perfect for the classroom!

Boots were from Target.  Keep your eyes out at the clearance.  These boots were a return from an online purchase and I scored, getting them for eight dollars and change!

Necklace was also from Target.  Their jewelry is so reasonably priced!

No Work Weekend....Fall Decorating

One of my favorite ways to destress from a long school week is to just spend a low key weekend at home. I love just puttering around my house. This weekend was extra fun because I got to break out the Halloween decorations. Now that my kids are older, we have certainly pared down but fall decor just makes me happy!

I got these fun pumpkins from Target last year.  I just set them on my table on this gold platter.

This garland is a new purchase from Kirklands.  I just love how it drapes over the fireplace. 

I'm so into this buffalo check vibe!

This BOO pumpkin is so fun....I love the white on black. 

Target. of course!

I grabbed these golden acorns from Pier Imports in the clearance section. 

I love the look of them against this white candle. 

This is why it is so necessary to get the school work done at school, ya'll!

Spend your weekends on things other than school work and you'll be recharged by Monday!

Reclaiming My Teacher Life

It's June 25.  The summer stretches before me.  What will it  bring? Is it going to be like all the other ones...the ones before it. I am starting this blog as a way to record my summer journey and to make myself accountable. I've had summers before start and end seemingly as quick as the ocean's tide going in and out.  Days go by like a blur and I am left shaking my head wondering where the time went. I want to live my life with more intention than that. And my intention is to reclaim my life. As a teacher, most of  my energy, time and efforts are focused on school, kids, work. I've lost myself in it all. I've gone through the motions of waking and working as if on autopilot. 

It's time for me. Goal number one is to take back my health with exercise and nutritious eating. I am currently following Danette May and spending time reading through her blog and watching her youtube videos. She is a fitness expert and has been a huge source of inspiration for me. She has had her share of trials but has endured and has gone on to help so many others. 

http://danettemay.com/

I'm going to regain my energy, vitality and drive. I'm going to do it by feeding my body what it needs and by staying active. 

Exactly.
With a little coffee and determination nothing is impossible.