One Time in Class

Every week, Jimmy Fallon asks Twitter to share stories on a certain topic.  A recent prompt was "one time in class" and you were supposed to share something funny or embarrassing that happened.  I immediately thought of a few things, so I figured I could just write a whole blog post about it.  So here are a few embarrassing things that happened to me way back in the olden days when I was in school.  Pretty much 100% due to my general clumsiness.

• Freshman year of high school, I couldn't get the lid off my white-out pen.  Not one to easily give up when my classwork needed corrected, I pulled really hard and the whole thing broke in half, spraying white out all over me.
• In my college accounting class, I was playing around with one of those clicky pens, that has the spring inside.  Long story short, I accidentally shot my pen at the professor.  
• Same accounting class, during a test, we were sitting in the chairs where the desk thing swings up from the side.  Getting frustrated, I put my elbow up on the desk, and rested my head in my hand.  Desk became a catapult, and rocketed my calculator to the other side of the hall, landing at the feet of one of the well-known basketball players.         

So let this be a warning to you - watch out for school supplies that might break apart and/or fly across the room!

Top: JCF (similar)
Jeans: Jessica Simpson (similar)
Flats: Target (similar)

Blogger vs. Baby: Navy Camo

In the couple of months where people knew I was pregnant, but didn't know we were having a boy, they liked to say things about how if I had a girl, we could dress alike, and how fun that would be.  Well, who says my boy and I can't dress alike?  In my defense, I did not buy him this shirt, but I love it.  

I was going to make a poll for who wore it better, but it wouldn't be fair.  I mean, look at him.  He's cheating with extra cuteness.

Top: Gap
Jeans: Jessica Simpson
Shoes: Sperry

Double Inspiration

 

At some point, I pinned this outfit idea.  I really liked the yellow and turquoise together.  Then Ginny did her own spin on the look, which I liked even better, because stripes are always better!  So, this outfit is doubly inspired!  I brought it into fall with my boyfriend jeans.  I think it would have been cuter with heels, but I was being practical because I wore this on Saturday when my mom and I road-tripped to Grand Island.  It seemed like heels would have been a bit ridiculous for that little adventure. 

Speaking of stripes, don't forget to follow along with me and Kate next week for Stripes Week!  Link up to show your stripes on Friday! 

Today I'm linking up with Pinned It & Did It, What I Wore to Work, Look What I Got, and Tres-Chic.


Top: Loft
Necklace: Charming Charlie
Jeans: Jessica Simpson
Shoes: Payless

Boyfriends

I'm a big fan of boyfriend cardigans and boyfriend jeans, but the names don't really make sense.  I understand that it's supposed to look like I stole this cardigan from my boyfriend.  But let's be honest - I've never known a boy who wears cardigans, much less bright coral ones.  My gray cardigan is a little more masculine, but it looks more like I borrowed it from my grandpa (and I never saw either of my grandpas in a cardigan either).    

Also, I don't currently have a boyfriend.  My last boyfriend was so cool that I decided to marry him, and he was so smart that he decided to marry me.  Sorry - that got a little sappy!

Linking up with  What I Wore and What I Wore to Work.

Tee: Banana Republic
Cardigan: Old Navy
Jeans: Jessica Simpson
Shoes: Payless

Shades of Orange

Happy Labor Day!  I'm so excited to have an extra day off work.  I hope you all are enjoying the day off (unless you have to work, in which case, I'm sorry for mentioning it!).

There's something about pairing a striped top with a similar color cardigan that I really like (Exhibit A and B). I wore this outfit to work, and then changed into my denim shorts and Converse sneakers for a baseball game that evening.  I had to ditch the cardigan because it was pretty warm out that night.  I really should have taken pictures of my more casual outfit and done one of those "work to weekend" type posts.  But then again, boyfriend jeans aren't exactly "business" dress.  It would be like "weekend to even more weekendy."

Top: Loft
Cardigan: J.Crew Factory
Jeans: Jessica Simpson
Sandals: Old Navy

May Goals Review

I'm sorry, but where did May go?  It really flew by, but I think I say that every month.  I'm really starting to resent my 5 months ago self for saying I would do monthly goal review posts.  It's not always fun to confess my failures each month.  Let's get to it, I guess:

1. Do a project, mostly sewing - Yep, I did a sewing project this month!  Memorial Day is the secret of my success.  I even have a post written up about my re-fashion project scheduled for this week! 
2. Work out 3x a week - probably not so much.  The first half of the month was busy with graduation stuff and family in town.  The rest of the month I have just been un-motivated lazy.  I think I've gone to Zumba class every Monday, and maybe gone to the gym a couple more times total this month.  (Ugly truth - I weighed myself for the first time in awhile and it is not good.  I need to get serious about losing some weight!)    
3. Tackle a project around the house - serious sorting and decluttering is happening!  We pulled everything out of the storage closet and took a carload of stuff to Goodwill.  I've sorted through a few more dresser drawers and 2 more bags to donate.  And I finally am getting rid of some of my old formal dresses from high school!  They are being sold at my in-laws garage sale this weekend, so hopefully I get some more shopping money! 
4. Cook a "real" meal at least 3 days each week - this is still my worst one.  In my defense, I didn't need to cook for the first 2 weeks of May, because we were so busy with family stuff and eating out or at John's parents' house.  Then we had leftovers from the graduation party.  I think I've made a few legitimate meals in the last couple weeks, but I honestly don't remember. 
5. Stick to a clothing budget - success! 
6. Read 50 books.  I'm still on track for the year with 20 so far.  I read 4 books in May, which is pretty good considering all the graduation/family stuff we had going on. 

I mean, I succeeded at 4 of 6, but I still feel like a failure this month.  Probably because my top priority should be working out regularly.  I'm hoping to get on track in June, but I'll be honest, the summer is going to be crazy busy!  

It's also the last day of the "We Love Target" party with Whitney and Heidi.  Today's topic is "Favorite Score," which is really hard to pick.  I went with this floral top, because it's one of my recent favorite buys.  Plus I was excited to wear my new Gap blazer!  

Blazer: Gap

Top: Target

Jeans: Von Maur

Shoes: BCBGeneration

Boot-Scootin' Boogie

I am super excited to link up with Bri Marie today for the first ever "Third Thursday Threads" party.  The theme of this month is BOOTS!   I bought these boots almost a year ago, and they were actually featured in my first ever outfit post!  I'm actually wearing the same shirt, too.  But my hair is way longer now!

Now for a story (that is kind of about boots) from my childhood.  The first country songs I really remember loving was "Boot Scootin' Boogie" by Brooks and Dunn.  I have no idea when this happened, but the song came out in 1992, so I'm guessing it was Labor Day weekend of that year.  We were down in Arkansas or Missouri for the annual family reunion.  One of my 2nd or 3rd cousins was a teenager and he had just gotten a new truck with a fancy sound system, so he was showing it off to the rest of the cousins, and he played Boot Scootin' Boogie for us.  I thought it was pretty cool.  Prior to that, I thought I didn't like country music, probably because I only knew Achy Breaky Heart.  Anyway, I was a pretty big country music fan throughout my elementary and middle school years.  My sister and I went to a bunch of really great concerts (wearing some really hideous outfits).  I don't have a lot of patience for current country music, but I will jam out to some 90's country!

What kind of music did you like when you were a kid? 

Blazer: Jones New York
Shirt: Sunny Leigh
Jeans: Jessica Simpson
Boots: BareTraps via DSW

How to Wear a Concert Tee to Work

I wanted to make sure you could see the robot

Since my office has a super casual dress code, I can pretty much wear whatever I want.  For some reason, I still feel like a rebel when I wear jeans and a t-shirt (even though everyone else does it all the time).  This usually happens on the days when I hit snooze a few too many times, and realize I have exactly 15 minutes to get ready for work if I'm going to make it to my first meeting.  We won't talk about what time that first meeting is.  Just pretend it's respectable, like 8am.

As I frantically brush my teeth, take a shower, do my hair and make-up, I think about how I should really pack my lunch the night before, and maybe even decide on an outfit.  Then I have to make a decision for the day.  Jeans are easy.  My new t-shirt from the Weezer concert a few weeks ago looks like a good idea.  I mean, a robot in argyle, playing a drum - what's not to love?  Then I felt too casual and remembered it was kind of cool outside, so I thought it was a good excuse to wear my new cardigan again.  (I'm telling you, this cardi is going to get worn A LOT in the next few months.)  Finally, I threw on my heels (because that makes any outfit feel a little more fancy), and I was out the door.   I didn't even look in the mirror!  And I made it to work with about 10 minutes to read emails before my meeting.  I call that a successful morning.

Cardigan: Old Navy
T-shirt: souvenir from Weezer concert
Jeans: Jessica Simpson via Von Maur
Shoes: Seychelles

Falling for Plaid

This top is one of my favorite new items from the outlet mall trip.  It's from J. Crew, and it has so many great colors in it. I'm already planning to wear it with at least 4 different cardigans!  The weather has finally dipped back down into reasonable temperatures, so I jumped at the chance to wear jeans and a new shirt.  I played off the different colors with my accessories, and I really like the casual vibe.

When I got home from work, John said "Oh, you're wearing a man shirt!  It still looks nice!"  Just the vote of confidence I was looking for!

Speaking of plaid, I tend to shy away from plaid, and pleats, and polos, because I got my fill of those styles back in my school days.  Just in case you are imagining the kind of cute uniforms with the short skirts, here's some evidence to prove it wasn't cute.  (Please excuse the poor quality!  It's a picture of a picture.)

The sombrero was not part of the standard uniform.  This was at the end of my senior year, when we had an assembly to honor students for various things.  I got the award for Spanish student of the year (AKA "Most Likely to Still Speak Spanish in 10 years").  This was "el mistake-o", as I have forgotten almost everything I learned in Spanish classes.

Top: J.Crew
Jeans: Jessica Simpson
Shoes: Gap
Purse:  thrifted and refashioned Liz Claiborne
Sunglasses:  Fossil

Just Another Scarf

Happy Monday!  I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!  Mine was pretty eventful.  Friday night, we went to the hospital to see our friends, and meet their new baby girl!  Have I mentioned how excited I am for them??

On Saturday, we headed to Lincoln for a friend's wedding, and ended up hanging out with friends until pretty late.

Sunday was reserved for church and getting things done around the house.  I could use about 5 more days of weekend.    

So... remember the other day, when I learned it was way too hot to be wearing a scarf?  Well, apparently I forgot it already.  I found this scarf at Old Navy for about $3 and had to buy it.  Of course, I wanted to wear it right away, so I completely ignored the weather forecast and just went with it.   Sometimes, I make poor life choices!

Scarf: Old Navy
Tank top: H&M
Jeans:  Jessica Simpson
Shoes:  Anne Klein

Second Quarter Reflection

Is 2012 really halfway over already!?  Where does the time go?  I can't believe it's time for my quarterly update on how my yearly goals are going.  I actually cringed a little bit because I don't think I've been doing very well!  I'm going to make a few excuses, that we have had more going on, with trips and family visiting, so I haven't had as much freedom in my schedule.  So, here's the quarterly roundup on my goals!

1.  Be more active!  I feel like I am failing in this regard, but maybe I am being too hard on myself.  I finished out my Groupon in April, and then spent a few weeks just doing random stuff at home.  We played tennis a few times, or went on walks.  Since I knew some of the Zumba routines from class pretty well, I was just pulling up the songs on YouTube and rocking out in my basement.  Is that embarrassing?  Probably.  When we got back from vacation in May, I started my 2 month deal with Jazzercise.  I was going pretty consistently for about 2 weeks, and then I went to Phoenix and then my sister was visiting.  So far, I haven't done much organized exercise in June, but I was running around at the park quite a bit with two crazy 7-yr-olds!  That has to count for something.  I recently started Jazzercise classes again, and am going to really try going 3 times a week for the next few weeks until my deal expires.  After that, I don't know what I will get myself into!  I need to find something I can be consistent about, that is for sure!
2. Be a More Discerning Shopper.   This one is difficult to measure.  In the first quarter, I did a shopping ban, so I could say I was successful with that.  I have been shopping quite a bit so far in Apr-Jun, but I think I am making wiser choices.  I'm trying to spend a little more money on quality things that I will wear frequently.  And I'm trying to avoid buying trendy or cheap pieces just because they are 7 dollars!  I think I am doing ok, just ignore the crazy shoes I am wearing in these pictures! (9 dollars!).  I am working on cleaning out my closet, and I want to make a list of items I should be looking for, so I have some plan when I go shopping.  Then I might try another loose shopping ban, where I'm only allowed to buy things on the list.  We will see!
3. Be a better wife!  Mostly in the realm of dinner preparation. This one is similar to goal #1.  I am just really inconsistent.  I'll be really good for a few weeks, but then we have things going on in the evenings, or I don't have time to go to the grocery store, and it is just easier to run to a restaurant.  I think this particular goal is going to be an ongoing struggle for me!
4. Be more creative!  Now this one I am totally winning!  As evidenced by my recent DIY blog posts, I've been having fun trying out all the ideas I have pinned.  On a random Tuesday in April, I finally made this monogram wreath for our front door.   When my sister was visiting, we did several fun projects.  I also got creative for my parents' anniversary present.   Then last weekend, John was gone all day Saturday, so I turned it into a craft extravaganza day.  I'm still working through blog posts, but I made a skirt, dyed some old white clothes, and tried (and maybe failed) turning one of John's old dress shirts into a tank top for me.  Wednesday evening, I got together with some friends for a really fun art project.  My nieces told me I was one of the craftiest people they know.  I asked them if they meant "good at crafts" or "sneaky" and they said both.  I'll take it!
5.  Read 50 books in 2012.  This is a lofty goal for me, but I think I can do it!  At the moment, I have read 23 books, which puts me 2 books behind schedule.  I think this is mostly due to June being so busy.  I think I can get back on track pretty soon.  I just picked up 3 books from my hold-shelf at the library, which should all be pretty quick reads. 

So, maybe I am slacking at working out and cooking dinner, but at least I am good the important stuff, like reading and DIY projects!  Wait... maybe I need to rearrange my priorities. 

How are you doing on your 2012 goals?  Any great advice for how I can be more consistent at exercise and dinner preparation?

Outfit details:
Top and cami: Gap
Jeans: Jessica Simpson
Shoes: Target

Chicken of the Sea

This is a new outfit, except for the shoes.  Like I said before, my sister is either good luck or a bad influence when I am shopping, because I found this top and these jeans when she was here.

The top is from the Dillard's clearance center in Council Bluffs, IA.  We ventured over there and had an awesome time.  We also found some great deals!  If there is a Dillard's clearance center near you, go there!  Make sure to carve out several hours, because it is a warehouse full of things, and there were only about 3 dressing rooms total. If you enjoy hunting for great deals, you will love it!

These jeans are from Von Maur, and they are Jessica Simpson brand.  This is my first Jessica Simpson purchase.  I generally dismiss celebrity clothing lines, because I just think they are grasping at whatever fame and money they can get.  But my sister grabbed these jeans off the clearance rack, and I kind of love them.  They are called "Forever skinny", but I think they fit more like boyfriend jeans.  I thought I'd use a Jessica Simpson song as my title, but I couldn't think of a single one.  I went to Wikipedia to jog my memory, and skimmed through the list of singles, and I don't recognize any of them, so I'm giving up and going with the first thing I remembered about her - Chicken of the Sea!

Top: Sunset Rd.
Jeans: Jessica Simpson
Shoes: Seychelles