The Day Before Finals

The day before finals is a special kind of beast.

You've got the one set of kids who are overly concerned...if they don't make an A, then they're not going to college, you've ruined their lives, their parents will kill them.  And so on and so forth.

You've got another set of kids whose study guides are empty.  They're playing Trivia Crack.  They're snapchatting friends.  You ask them how their study guides are coming and if they're ready for your final (which is nothing to stress over), and they give you the ever-standard, "uh-huh."

But you still bring in candy canes.  The Jolly Rancher and Lifesaver kinds, of course.  With one box of Peppermint for the purists.  And you'll spend the rest of the day cleaning up wrappers left by eleventh graders who know better.

And you'll still say you'll miss them.  That may or may not be debatable.  But you're lucky the day is almost done.  Tomorrow is another day.

November Favorites

It has been almost a month since I posted last; it is a testament to busy season.  I attended my first indoor track meet.  We met on Saturday at 6:00 am, and I returned home at 10:00 pm. Then there was lesson-planning to do, and even that is not finished two weeks before final exams.  I doubt that December will be my busiest month, so trekking through November was crucial.  On a happier note, Karl and I finally took that long-awaited trip to Arizona.  If there had to be a favorite November Favorite, it would be sitting around a card table, eating a Thanksgiving meal.  But I don't have a picture of that because I was too busy stuffing my face with corn souffle and the perfect turkey...

Fair Isle Embellished Sweatshirt from The Loft | I'm not sure what struck me when I saw this sweater. I definitely wasn't thinking that it would be comfortable or easy to care for.  I think that I thought, "Hm, this would do for the holidays coming up." I wore it to dinner the other night, and wonderfully enough, it was comfortable, too.

Navy Dot Daily Edition of The Simplified Planner by Emily Ley | After doing some intense research, I finally settled on this gorgeous version of Emily Ley's Simplified Planner. I was/am a huge Erin Condren fan, but I decided to go in another direction this year.  I also highly suggest Emily's blog, as she is a beautiful writer, detailing her pregnancy struggles, her growing business, and her absolute faith in God's plan for her life. I don't mind supporting a small business such as this.

Rosebud Salve | This can be purchased on Amazon, Sephora, or even Anthropologie. I use it to prevent dry lips, but since it is a salve in a beautiful tin pot, this can also be used for cracked skin, dry elbows, or anywhere else that needs a little more care for the winter months.  The smell of roses is an extra bonus.

Nike Flyknits | I wish I had these during cross country, but they are serving me well for track practices.  They are a lightweight, comfortable shoe, and I own them in this particular coloring which means they match.  The kids are all into bright, like extremely bright, shoes that rarely match their clothes and while sometimes I envy their "fun," I simply can't stand the idea of being mismatched.

Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream | Another winter care item that can be purchased almost anywhere.  I received a full-size glass container in my subscription box, and while I haven't had to purchase it on my own yet, I'm loving how it is lightweight and does not make my skin break out.  This also has a rose fragrance which is pretty uplifting when it is so gray and cold outside.

**This post is not sponsored in any way- these are simply products I enjoy using. These photos are not my own.