Last Blog for a While...

So, I discovered after I started blogging that I am not very good at this whole thing. I mean during the summer I am okay (let's be honest) about posting little blurbs about trips, gatherings, Wardrobe Wednesday's, meals and that is about it. During the school I am just horrible at blogging. I am so overwhelmed with my job that I really have no time, and when I do have a second to breathe I either grab a quick workout, clean the house, run errands, spend time with the hubby or see the girls for a bit. I never realized how time consuming this blogging thing can be. However, I do love sharing bits and pieces of my life and adventures with family and friends. As I mentioned in the post title it is time for me to move aside from the keyboard and start focusing on my classroom again. I am heading on to teach a new grade and besides learning a new curriculum and working with a new team and partner, I need to be ready to move all my things and start over again. I am going to try to be better at posting things sporadically during the school year and maybe I will even catch a Wednesday to post an outfit here and there, but for now I am throwing in the towel. Summer has been great and relaxing but ready or not here comes school!

Wardrobe Wednesday 8/1/12

Lately, I have been loving my accessories. The more bracelets and sparkles you have on wrists the better! I love wearing "arm candy" no matter what the occasion. I took a few shots of some of my favorite pieces right now. Sometimes I go silver or gold depending on the outfit and I just throw on a bunch of fun bangles, bracelets and watches. The more the merrier!!

Gold Watch: Michael Kors (Nordstrom)

Brown and Gold Bracelet: Standard Style (http://standardstyle.com/)

Yellow Bracelet: Target

Hamsa Bracelet: Miami International Merchandise Mart

Gold Watch: Michael Kors (Nordstrom)

Rose gold Bracelet: Stella & Dot

Gold and White Bracelets: Gift

(Yikes!! Excuse the veins in the hand)

Silver Watch: Michael Kors (Nordstrom)

Silver Bracelet with Hearts: Gift

Silver and Gold Bracelet: David Yurman

Silver and Pink Bracelet: Greece

Thin Silver Beaded Bracelets: Gift



Wardrobe Wednesday 7/25/12

Orange you glad to see me?!?! Okay, so maybe a little cheesy, but this outfit was inspired by my bag. Color is all the rage lately and I recently picked up an orange Kate Spade bag that really seems to go with everything. I chose blue pants and decided to keep the top white as to not overdue the use of color with the outfit.

(you can't see the shoes in the photos but I added them in below)

Shirt: Forever twenty-one

Pants: Victoria's Secret

Shoes: Tory Burch- white flip flops

Bag: Kate Spade

Necklace's: Shira Melody and Miami Mart

Family Time

I took a quick  trip and I mean quick!  I met my mom and brother in Chicago on Friday mid-morning and then we rented a car and drove 2 hours to South Bend, Indiana. South Bend is such a special little town. Both my parents grew up in this little city and they still have really good friends and lots of memories there. My grandfather went to college at Notre Dame and we continually have family reunions on the college campus. The reason for this visit was to spend some time with my grandmother who is now almost 86 years old. She lives in an assisted living arrangement and we all felt it was important to pay her visit. She was so excited to see all of us. We went out to lunch, dinner and dessert. We met up with other extended family too. It was fun to drive around the little town and see my parent's childhood homes, local grocery stores, buildings my great grandfather owned and all the local hangouts. As always we walked a bit of the Notre Dame campus and visited the cemetery where my grandpa and other relatives are buried. It was emotionally hard to see my grandma's condition but it was also heartwarming to see how happy she was around family. We left South Bend and drove back to Chicago where my brother flew back to Portland. My mom and I stayed an extra night in Chicago and we did a lot of walking, eating and shopping or I guess I shouldn't say a lot but the most you could do in less than 24 hours. Altogether it was a successful trip full of laughs, tears and fun!

Relaxing at the home theatre in the hotel

Lunch

Bonnie Doon's Ice Cream Drive-in

Ordering

Walking Chicago

Night time

Purple Pig

Salmon dinner

Nutella, marshmallow, banana panini

Popcorn before the airport

Wardrobe Wednesday 7/18/12

One of my favorite trends this summer is the statement necklace. I love that you can add it to any plain outfit to spruce it up a bit. You can go into any store at the mall or online and find inexpensive statement necklaces. I realized that many of the photos I take are in the car...lol. I guess I'm always on the go.

 Here are a favorite statement necklaces I have picked up this summer.

Macy's INC Necklace

Fannie's Finds Necklace

Anthropologie Necklace

Etsy Necklace (just like JCrew)

Wardrobe Wednesday 7/11/12

It was hot and sunny outside and I felt like I wanted some color to celebrate the summer day! I was really excited to wear these pants that I picked up at Old Navy. I think I swept them up for maybe $20 a few weeks ago - loved that deal. I love the hot pink color and the fit. I rolled them up, but they are ankle length and look cute with heels too. Hope your summer is bright and sunny too!

Shirt: Forever Twenty-One

Pants: Old Navy

Shoes: Steve Madden- Nordstrom

Necklace: Forever Twenty-One

Purse: Marc Jacobs- Bloomingdales

Cookin' In the Kitchen

My husband always says that I barely cook; now I know that this is not true. I mean, maybe during the school year when I am consumed with my little kiddos, tutoring and trying to fit in workout I might not make a fresh dinner every night. So, thank goodness for summer because I've been cookin' up a storm. Here are a few dishes I have made over the last couple weeks! If you want any of the recipes just email me and I would be happy to send them over.



Fourth of July 2012

I can't believe it is already July 4th! My Mom has always told me when the Fourth of July rolls around it means summer is half-way over...boo hoo! This year since July 4th fell on a Wednesday we decided to stay in town and do some local things. We got together with friends and decided to have a picnic on the beach. We had fruit kabobs, pasta salad, chips, fried chicken, sugar cookies and sangria. It was the perfect low-key Fourth of July!

Wardrobe Wednesday 7/4/12

I know that neon colors, prints, color blocking are all in style so I decided to do a little mix of everything. It was a bit out of my comfort zone, but I am always up for a challenge.

Cardigan: Stein Mart

Blouse: Macy's

Shorts: Target

Shoes: Old Navy

Belt: Zara

Wardrobe Wednesday 6/27/12

I was going for a nautical look out on the town for a dinner date with Dave!

Navy Tank: Target

White Linen Pants: Alene Too (http://www.alenetoo.com/)

Shoes: Steve Madden wedges from Nordstrom

Necklace: Fannie's Finds (http://www.fanniesfinds.com/Content/17.htm)

Watch: Michael Kors

What to do on a rainy day?

Tropical Depression Debby totally messed up our weekend! We were supposed to have a BBQ Saturday afternoon/evening with friends we hadn't seen in months and that got cancelled, plus all the other fun outdoor activities that typically happen on the weekends got washed away too. So, I ask myself what to do on a rainy weekend?

 Well, we finally had an excuse to stay in the house and catch up on Mad Men. We had heard all the buzz, but never had found the time to download the first season and start watching. Wow! It is good and sure is addicting. As the rain continues to pour, I am going to try out some new recipes in the kitchen. I have pinned so many delicious treats on Pinterest and I haven't given myself anytime to try them out. I am thinking a good rainy day in the kitchen will be perfect. I will blast some music on i-tunes put on my apron and get to work! :) Mizner Park put in an ipic theatre a few months ago and it is seriously the ultimate movie going experience. It is the best way to see a movie; you have a waitress, reclining seat, blanket, pillow and popcorn. It is great for a rainy night out with another couple or just a date night.

In order to stay dry in this rainy Florida weather you must carry an umbrella at all times, own a raincoat and rain boots is must as well! I have attached a few photos of some "rain wear" because although your hair might frizz and your make-up might run, you can still look cute in rain gear.

Rain Boots with Hunter "Fleece Welly" Socks :)

Rain Boots with Rain Coat

Rain Boots with Red Pants

iPic Theatre

Stay Dry,

Wardrobe Wednesday 6/20/12

This Wednesday snuck up on me pretty quick. I guess with all the tutoring, working out and cleaning these summer days go by very quick. I took the easy way out and I picked an outfit from a few weeks ago. It is super practical and affordable, so I thought it might be a good post.

Dress: Anthropologie

Clutch: Target

Shoes: CottonOn (Australian store)

Jewelry: Gifts