Best Day Ever

I'm back! You might have noticed that there are a few changes on the blog. For one thing, the title is no longer "Life as a First Year Teacher" since that wouldn't be accurate (I'm still teaching, but I'll be in year two come August). Also, I've decided that it's time to give up the college graduate picture on my profile and replace it...with a wedding photo!

I'm going to be going backwards with some posts, bear with me, because I am dying to share my wedding photos with you, but I'd also like to talk about tips I have for brides, bridal shower gift ideas, and a few other pre-wedding things.

For now though, let's bring on the pictures.

Wardrobe Purge

It's an ugly fact but I need to face it: my spring break is coming to an end. I decided to have one last spring hoorah by attempting to purge my closet. I do closet purges often, but more often than I'd like to admit I end up keeping items that I know I won't actually wear simply because they cost my hard-earned money or look so good on a hanger. That was the case with this dress. Zara, worn once, adorable bird print, all with one little detail I can never overlook enough to wear: a peter pan collar. I hope this doesn't offend anyone, but I never really 'got' the fad, and now that the fad is over (right?) I especially can't take it. The collar always has and always will remind me of a little boy in a propeller beanie. That being said, I love the dress despite the collar and never was able to get rid of it. As I put it on tonight, as I do every purge, I just couldn't throw it out. Then it hit me: destroy the collar, save the dress.

Voila! The following picture is not intended to display what a lively, perky 21 year old I was, or what an exhausted, make-up free 23 year old I've become. Also, the exact same pose and the exact same nail polish were coincidences. Creepy! So instead of looking at those things, enjoy how this once juvenile dress is now just the right amount of not-so-juvenile that I feel okay wearing it out of my closet.

Scissors for the win!

Overall, the purge was a success. My closet is 9 tops, 9 dresses, 5 pairs of pants, and 6 skirts lighter than before.

Until next time,
Stephanie

Wine, Don't Whine.

I became interested in wine cork crafts one evening while Dan and I were out having dinner. We found this tiny, amazing, authentic Italian restaurant near the beach and decided to stop in. In addition to having delicious food, Stefano's has unique decorations. Among those were bulletin boards of various sizes made out of wine corks. What a cute idea! I asked Dan to start bringing corks home from the restaurant he works at and I was soon able to make a bulletin board myself.

Then, one of Dan's coworkers began to catch on and offered Dan a huge bag of corks he had at home. Dan, being the amazing and thoughtful man that he is said yes. And so, my cork crafting began.

I'm not proud of what I'm about to show you. Well, I am, but it's also a little embarrassing. Last Friday night, instead of going out with friends or grading papers or doing something useful, I spent over 3 hours cutting corks in half and hot gluing them to shelf liner to create this kitchen mat. This particular mat is 11 corks (cut in half) by 22 corks (also cut in half.) I went for a basket-weave pattern and I'm very happy with it. So next time you have 242 corks and absolutely nothing to do, I'd encourage you to make a mat. Or pay me a great sum of money and I'll do it for you. Drumroll please...TA-DA!

Keep Crafting!
-Stephanie

Hello, March!

Hello friends,
I have a confession: I went back to using shampoo two days early. I know, I know. The thing is, I've been despising my hair lately so I decided to get highlights. I asked a friend for a recommendation and she told me to check out Euphoria Salon. I am in love! Not only was a greeted with a mimosa almost as soon as I walked in, but the entire staff is welcoming and has gorgeous hair. In addition to my highlights, I got a shampoo and treatment to restore moisture to my hair. Unlike my last hair cut experience when I was lectured on how damaged my hair is, the awesome lady, Caitlin, who lightened and treated my hair was understanding and encouraging about the damage my hair has withstood from over processing and heat. I will definitely be going back!

To wrap up my no-shampoo journey, let me just say that it has its perks. I definitely noticed that my hair didn't need to be washed as often once it adjusted. It was also incredibly soft and full for the last week. However, my hair also suffered a lot of breakage over the past month. If you're thinking about trying the no-shampoo trend, make sure you limit your styling. I kept right on straightening my hair every day and I'm paying for it.

In a complete 180, I'll now be using Redken Extreme for the month of March. Here's to hoping for healthy hair!

Until next time,
Stephanie

T-Shirt Fun

Being engaged is a blast; having friends who are also engaged is even better. A couple weekends ago, my friend and fellow teacher Jordan and I decided to make bridal workout shirts to make working out more fun. And yes, it really does. Everywhere we go leaves a trail of glitter.
All our craft supplies (paint, sponge, glitter, etc.) were purchased at Michael's Craft Store and our cute workout tanks were purchased at Marshall's.

In conclusion, if you need motivation, definitely make some shirts!
-Stephanie

Teacher Fashion

Hey friends!
Dressing the part of a teacher is tough. We live a constant struggle between the desire to look cute and the need to be comfortable. In addition to that, we have to deal with comments such as, "wow you look like a teacher today...no offense." which can only be taken offensively. I know that teachers are not exactly trendsetters for the most part, and I believe that's mainly because teaching kids is exhausting, difficult to do in heels, and often a messy task. Even so, I like to remind myself that looking good makes me feel better about myself which in turn gives me more confidence to teach with authority. That being said, I was really pleased with my outfit today so I figured why not share it?

This weekend I was feeling congested, so instead of going to the gym, I went shopping. I haven't been to Old Navy in years (literally) so I was shocked to find a dress and denim jacket that I loved. I paired those items with some strappy wedges and a statement necklace to create the outfit I wore to work today.
I've provided the links to the dress and jacket, but unfortunately the necklace from Kohl's couldn't be found.

--Dress--Denim Jacket--A Similar Necklace

I hope you like it!
-Stephanie

Week 2.5

I may be the worst blogger ever when it comes to keeping you up to date. Today is Tuesday so I'm almost 2.5 weeks through my no-shampoo month goal. Here's what I've learned for the second-third week:
1. Don't get your hair cut during the greasy period. So. Much. Judgement.
2. Don't wear your hair down. You may start out with thick, luscious hair, but by noon it's flat and tangled.
3. Detangle your hair before you wash it or good luck.

Like I said before, I'm not sure how I feel about this whole thing anymore, but I'll stick with it until March and then let you know what I decide.

Until next time,
Stephanie