Hot Pants

Looking for some new skinnies for Spring? Check out Gap's Legging Jean. I recently purchased three pairs (black, ink, vintage loren). I am loving the fit, look, and stretch (low rise, skinny in the hip and thigh, skinny leg opening). The cropped style is perfect with some super high pumps or rolled up for a more laid back style with some cute flats. They have some pretty pastel/bold colors, as well.

How are we feeling about colorful denim by the way? I'm all for it. My only hesitation at times is the material. Some of the bold pants I've tried are way too thin and well, way too revealing. Gap's Legging Jean is the perfect texture and thickness for work or play. 

Oh wait, what's that I hear... I think Miss Lilac Skinny is calling my name... ;)

Grade 1 LOVES to read!

My school has been studying the author Kate DiCamillo as part of our author study/reading incentive program for the month of March. My grade 1 class was assigned the book Bink & Gollie. Saying that they have greatly enjoyed it is an understatement...they have LOVED each and every minute spent with this charming story. I highly recommend it to any teacher out there ranging from grades K-2. I used it along with my Inferring Unit in Readers Workshop and it worked out perfectly.

We have celebrated this author with many fun events around our school...a kick off pep rally, advisory meetings with different grade levels, a movie night, dress like your favorite character day, a door/bulletin board decorating contest (still waiting for the results...cross your fingers and toes for us) AND get this...we even danced and sang "Gotta Keep Reading" AKA The Black Eyed Peas...I Gotta Feeling ;) Guess who was in charge of teaching the entire school and staff the moves...uh huh, this girl right here! So so fun and also a great opportunity for me to share my love of theater and dance with my teacher friends! Being new to the school this year, I am happy to have the chance to share a bit of myself with them. We will be video taping our school jammin' out at some point this week! Hopefully I'll be able to share it on here with all of you!

Above are a couple of the pictures of our decorated door and bulletin board. The board is divided up by each chapter in the book. Each child researched pictures in magazines, old books, and/or the internet to make one GIANT Bink & Gollie picture research collage! I am still blown away by the amazing images they found and the personal connections they have made along the way. 

I am so pleased with the hard work and effort that the students have put in! Proud of them BIG time!

Hullooo luvvaaa

I snatched up these bad girls yesterday. I have to say...best purchase in a long time! While we've only been acquainted for a little over a day, I'm so in love! I've been in search for a comfy Spring shoe for a while now. I've tried ballet flats, flat sandals, and flip flops (flops...not quite appropriate for a business casual work environment) but have found that they do not have enough support for boppin' around all day with my littles' in grade one! Comfort and cuteness? Come on now, you can't have it all, right? Wrong! YOU CAN! Sperry Top-Sider Boat Shoes! Bingo.

Sport these cuties with a pair of skinny cropped jeans/pants, a collared shirt, trench coat, and a pair of stylish sunnies and you are good to go! Your feet will thank you. 

Go ahead...check them out here!

Here are some of the others I took for a test drive around the mall...(may go back and purchase...I mean...)

Style Spotlight...

Sienna Miller. Wow. What a style icon. I love her carefree, confident attitude...not to mention her gorgeous hair, body, and smile! What a babe, seriously. I will be channeling my inner Sienna this week with some laid back waves, neutrals, braids, and some skinnies.
I hope everyone had a fantastic & restful weekend! Best wishes for a great week. xo

A well balanced life

Thinking of starting early morning yoga...suggestions?

This week was a busy, jam-packed school week. Meetings and professional development classes took over all after/before school prep and down time. I am happy to say that it is finally the weekend. As I got through each day, I was reminded just how important it is to be a balanced individual. In this busy life, it is of utmost importance that we stay well-rounded and focused. Focused on the most important things. Those aspects of life for me are my family, my work, and my health.

Family will always come first. No matter what. My husband, my sister, mom and dad...and Brookie, of course, are the most important people in my everyday life. They are there for me and I in turn, want/need to be my best self in order to be there for them. Family. My number one. Always.

My work is also a major aspect of who I am. It is what challenges me and gives me importance in this ever changing, busy world. The work that I embark upon each day with young children, makes me who I am. I strive to be the best teacher and role-model that I can be for the good of those I am guiding and teaching day in and day out.

My health and well-being is also important to me. I feel that it is so necessary to take the time to develop a routine; a time to walk away from the stresses, in order to take part in activities that are enjoyable and rejuvenating. For me, a date night with the Mr., a quick coffee run, visit with Mom, dinner/night out with friends, and/or family gatherings are all things that bring me back. Back to my happy place. I guess you can call it my state of harmony. A state of mind and body that enables me to be full and prepared to give to those I love most.

This weekend I am taking the time to come back, to let go, and to balance. I challenge you to do the same. Keep smiling. xo

Decorating Dreams

Tearing through the pages of Restoration Hardware's Spring 2012 catalogue with my morning cup. I am especially loving the BIG STYLE/Small Spaces Special Issue. So chic, classy, and warm. Hoping to make a couple purchases here so soon! Have a fantastic weekend. xo

Pictures via Restoration Hardware

just the two of us

And by 'the two of us' I mean me and my love (husband, not the drink) ;)
Date night. Last minute plan. So, so needed it. Weekend...where are youuuu!!??

The time has come...

Sights of Spring around our little town

Ahh! This weather! Seventy degrees...in MARCH! What!? New England has been hit with an incredible week of beautiful Spring temperatures. Although I love ALL seasons (especially Fall), I am quite enjoying this quick change from Winter to Spring. The sunshine helps me to smile a bit more, wake up a bit earlier, and enjoy my evenings to the fullest with my pup and my babe.

I have also enjoyed pulling out all of my Spring clothes! I have to admit, I was getting kind of bored with my same old, same old winter staples. Excited for flowy skirts, lace tops, and peek-a-boo shoes!

I hope everyone is having a great week! It's almost the weekend...we can do it!
Keep smiling xo

Currently snacking on...

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Time for a semi-healthy snack before celebrating the night away! Sliced granny smith apple, creamy peanut butter, chocolate chips and drizzled honey...deeee-lish! Enjoy & have a fabulous weekend!

a new favorite

I recently fell upon the blog Roost. Thank goodness I did. The recipes, the photos, the videos...oh my! I am in love with all it has to offer. If you are a foodie like me, you will most definitely appreciate the yummy goodness.

All photos via Roost: A Simple Life

Candy Nails

Essie Mint Candy Apple

Essie Marshmallow

Essie Tart Deco

Essie Chinchilly 

Essie French Affair

Essie Lapiz of Luxury

Candy nails? Yes. Candy nails. I started calling manicures/nail polish 'getting candy nails' because I just love how a fresh manicure looks....so shiny and colorful, just like sweet candy!

Recently,  I have been way into nail polish. I have started painting my nails 3-4 times a week. Yup. I know, I'm a nut. Obsessive, yes. Fun, of course... especially now that the seasons are changing and all the new, fun colors are coming out! Above are a couple that I have been loving lately.

Colors via Essie.