It's That Special Time of Year

It's the last day before Winter Break!

(Oh yes people, some lovely person thought it would be beneficial to have students still in school on December 22 and to cut teachers' usual ten school days off to just eight- knowing that if teachers don't get their full ten days off they go a little insane, forget how to teach, and tend to write long, drawn-out run-on sentences!)

Alas, my special day is here, and I am much looking forward to some much needed R&R. Merry Christmas!

The Daybed Hunt

We need a daybed. We also need a new couch, but we're daybed hunting as of right now. Our guests have no where to sleep, and hotel bills are getting expensive.

I grew up on a daybed. Sister and I shared a room with matching pink daybeds covered in hearts. They were awesome. I have found plenty I love on Pinterest, but no good sources. Here are some of my favorites...

Courtesy of Good Life of Design

Courtesy of House Beautiful

Courtesy of Country Living

Of course, my favorite of favorites is this one...

And I found the source! It's Jennifer Delonge's Henry Daybed. And, if you are looking for a last-minute Christmas gift for me in the $2,000-$2,500 price range, please click here. Thanks!

American Ballet's 'The Nutcracker'

I love the ballet. I loved taking ballet lessons when I was in elementary and middle school, and I love to watch it.

It was very much on my to-do list to see The Nutcracker this year, but as usual, life happened, and I missed my chance. That is why I have been swooning over the costumes from the American Ballet's production.

Photos courtesy of fashionista.com

What a fabulous costume director! Makes me even more excited for Christmas!

Motivation Monday

Four More Days of School.

I can do this.

The "I Love You" Cup

DISCLAIMER: First of all, I really like McDonald's. Like, a lot. And I eat it more than I should. I know this. Just thought I would get that off my chest.

I was eating at McDonald's a few weeks ago (okay, it was Monday), and I saw that I could get a Classic Coke glass with the purchase of a combo. I happily ordered a combo (because all of Husband's and my cups are from a hodge-podge of restaurants) only to be disappointed that it had to be a large combo- so no cup :(

Fast forward to more recently. Husband came home with McDonald's. (I know, I eat it a lot.) And there Southern Style chicken sandwich (people, it is amazing) was a Classic Coke glass.

Like I said previously, this holiday season has been a little different for me. My usual long Christmas list has stumped me. And at that very moment, all I wanted was my Classic Coke glass and the joy of knowing that he really does listen. It is going to be a very Merry Christmas. Happy Friday :)

Rant/ Rave

Rant- I reached a breaking point yesterday. I realized I had given a student his "Times Three" test 63 times. He has yet to pass. That's right- same test- twenty questions- three minutes- 63 times. Help. Me.

Rave- On a happier note, I found this idea on Pinterest and had to share.

Photo courtesy of Funky Bear Decor

Mason Jar + Picture + Olive Oil

I love this as a gift idea!

Kate Winslet Glamour Cover Look for Less

I have loved Kate Winslet since I saw her in Titanic in fifth grade. Lately, she has been looking better than ever and made the cover of Glamour Paris.

Photos courtesy of Glamour Paris

But it was this outfit that I knew I had to copy.

1. Sequined Dolman Short Sleeve Sweater- Forever21- $22.80

2. Style&co. Belt, Wide Patent Mix Media Belt- Macy's- $19.98

3. City Knit Luxe Pencil Skirt with Grosgrain Trim- NY&Co.- $18.47

Total: $61.25

I Will Take a Set

I DIED when I saw these...

Trunks Full of Taste Salt and Pepper Shakers- $12.00

Finding elephants in unexpected places fills my heart full of joy. Finding two together, I melt. I like to think of this as Husband and me as we watch the National Championship game. Roll Tide!

(Who am I kidding. I will be a nervous wreck yelling at the television set.)

Hello Monday

After a weekend being sick in bed (yuck), I am ready for Monday.

Yeah right.

I was able to address all those Christmas cards I ordered though. (Only to find out I was about four short. It's cool- I got cut-throat.)

However, my shopping is not complete, nor have I even considered good gifts/presents. (I asked Husband for couch.) I mean, is this really me speaking?! I have not thought of what I want for Christmas?!

Let's just enjoy that you're wedding (or future wedding) was not (or will not be) this weird.

From Green Wedding Shoes

 Happy Monday!

Happy (Belated) Birthday Emma!!

Yesterday was my sister's birthday. Emma and I have a seven and a half year age difference between us. (You can call me "Surprise!") It is probably not many middle school kids' dreams to share a bedroom with their five year old sister, but we did! And survived! (This included delightful comments from me, such as, "Don't worry that Mom won't let you buy that skimpy swimsuit, Mom can make you one!")

(Emma (left) and me. I mean how many sisters do you know that can give you a side braided ponytail....Complete with double ribbons?)

Emma and I are very different. She is a planner and is super organized. She is probably was of the strongest and most confident women I know. Given the opportunity, she could seriously run a small country. She works, is a wife, mom, blogger, and somehow keeps her house (frightening) clean in that "oh, go ahead and photograph me for a magazine way."

I have always looked up to Emma. Our weddings were three months apart, and I was amazed how she planned a perfect wedding while working a full-time job. (I was finishing my last semester of college/ a job-less summer and still needed LOTS of help!)

So HAPPY (DAY LATE) BIRTHDAY EMMA! I love you!

Love,
Your Bratty Younger Sister

PS- Mom will still make you a swimsuit, I asked.

Look for Less- Quilted Boots

While looking through some of my favorite gossip sites (sad, I know), I fell in love with these outfit Reese Witherspoon wore out while antique shopping. Almost everyone adores Reese's laid-back, California style, and I too can really appreciate a more casual ensemble. (Getting on the floor with first graders while in a straight skirt can pose a problem.)

Photo courtesy of Celebrity-Gossip

But what really had me, were her flat, quilted boots.

I found these similar Sperry Top-Sider "Hingham" Rain Boots at Bloomingdale's. I think they are precious and perfect for dreary rainy/snowy weather. Best part, the are under $100. Hello Christmas List!

Deal of the Day

20% off party dresses at Piperline.com! Just use the code DRESS. Perfect for upcoming holiday parties! Hurry though, discount ends tomorrow, 12/7/11.

My favorite? This adorable Michael Kors dress.

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Speaking of percents- I have had a fun time teaching my fifth graders percents. They have calculated all my Christmas savings. 

One student had to calculate 10% of $14.50. When he saw that my savings were only $1.45, he informed me I should ask for 20% off instead.

See kids, that is why you should stay in school.

Exhausted.

Photo courtsey of Bippity Boppity Boo

Lately, I have been exhausted. tired. defeated. I had planned to do so much this weekend. I was going to organize the kitchen, dust the downstairs (a must with dogs), and put up Christmas decorations.

Guess what I got done? Nothing.

And that is okay. If I don't get my Christmas decorations up, I will live. If there is a cup lid in the bowl/plate cabinet, the world will not end.

This weekend feed my soul in a different way. I soaked up the time. I spent quiet time with myself, with Husband, and with some of my best friends (includinglying on the floor while 15 people behind us try to watch the SEC Championship and eating vegan birthday cake.)

So while this weekend didn't go quite as planned, it was a wonderful, well-spent weekend.

Oh, but I do plan to get caught up on my life.

Suri's Burn Book

Hey, it's Friday. You worked hard all week, especially considering it is the week after Thanksgiving. You gave all you could give and now it is time for a laugh.

Suri's Burn Book

People, this maybe the funniest thing I have ever read. Introduced to me by my pal Susannah (who typically can get me hooked on anything that wastes my time), Suri's Burn Book reminds me that the cattiness in girls doesn't start in middle school. No, no, leave it to a five-year old.

Some of my favorites? (All pictures and quotes courtesy of Suri's Burn Book)

"Tom really wants us to start pairs-skating competitively. I told him not until his triple toe loop improves and only if our team name can be The Princess and the Pea."

(In regards to the William/Kate/Baby Rumors)"I’ve been trying to prepare myself for this pregnancy, but I fear I’ll never be ready. Thank goodness I had this panic room built."

"I swear, I was just holding this for a friend."

Don't you want to read more!? Of course you do!

I should feel proud. You are going to get NOTHING done at work today.