A Respite

This academic year has been the respite that I've needed for quite some time. While I learned to say "no," I also learned to say "yes" with a backbone.

I can be at practice, but I can only stay until 6.
I can go to the meet, but I will drive myself and come back when I need to do so.

I can't say that I've perfected the quiet moments.  I'm still trying to find the balance between quiet work and quiet rest.  I've found that journaling has been more cathartic to me than blogging.  Although I enjoyed sharing colorful Sephora finds and beautiful Anthropologie pieces that I wanted to own, it was work.  Work that I was not ready to do.  The dream is still a working lifestyle blog.  Not even sponsored.  But my focus is on finishing my master's and teaching my kids right now.  And that's okay with me.

A Pause

In the past few months, I've taken on a lot, but I've also taken a few steps back, just as I promised myself that I would.   And with those steps back, I've been trying to enjoy every possible moment.

I told the cross country team that I was bowing out for graduate school.  And I'm oh so close to finishing! I had a major English course over the summer that had me in DEEP, and I have two English grad courses right now:  Ethnic Literature and Poetry Writing.  And I am STRUGGLING.  Poetry is far from my strong suit.  I've been out of ethnic literature for some time.  But either way, it has felt good to focus on school.  Both schools.

And we got a dog.  Her name is Daisy, and she's the sweetest pup.  And yes, she gets along with the cats, in the only way that two cats and a dog can get along.  Did we need a dog?  No.  Is it easy to have a dog?  No.  But we are happy?  A million times, yes.  So we have added little Daisy to our family, and we are quite snuggly in bed now.

I've spent less weekends attending meets and more weekends on my neighbor's boat.  And I think it has been the very best thing.  I've seen my husband for more than hours at a time, and I think that's the very best thing too.

This blog took a seat on the back burner in order to allow me some clarity and refocus.  And while I've been charging my batteries, to get into the full swing of things has taken more time and way more coffee.  But there's a larger focus and a better quality to my end game.  And I'm extremely grateful for those brief pauses and all that they allowed.

Circle 'Round

Bullet Journaling

Slowly, I'm beginning to learn about Bullet Journaling.  And while I love my planner, and I'm not half as artsy as these people (#bulletjournal), I'm quite tempted to give it a try.

A Poem

My seniors have this poem for their weekly poetry response.  I admit, I'm quite intrigued myself.  It definitely has made for some good discussion.

AirBNB

We booked our first AirBNB place in Gulf Shores for a week at the beach with some family.  I've always been curious about these sorts of places, and as the price was right, we decided to rent out a little apartment by the beach!

Circle 'Round

Saint Germain Clutch

A dream clutch.  At a dream price.  I'm more of a tote girl... Most of my purses can easily be converted to work bags.  I've been looking at clutches for the (few) times that I go out with friends or on a date night.  I bought a beautiful Madewell Clutch that I absolutely love pairing with numerous outfits.  But this Gigi clutch is just gorgeous.  I'm all about investing in a few good pieces, but I feel as if I did that with my Madewell clutch, and this price is just too much.

Moisturizers

I love this website for a lot of reasons, but their beauty sections are totally worth the read.  I've got some crazy skin, and I dread getting older with more pronounced wrinkles and puffy eyes.  I'm really trying to take care of my skin, and the biggest piece of advice I've been getting is to use moisturizer.  Moisturizer with spf, moisturizers for around the eyes, moisturizers for the face at night....it's pretty complicated.  This article was helpful and showcased a lot moisturizers I've tried in sample sizes.

The Tig

I love Rachel Zane in the show "Suits."  And I love that the actress who plays Rachel Zane, Meghan Markle, is brutally honest about the confusion that comes with race, ethnicity, and belonging.

Teacher's Letter

When it comes to education, I try not to complain aloud.  There's a lot going on in the public education realm, so much so, that I feel like complaining doesn't help.  However, this teacher's letter is going viral for a reason.  All the reasons.

Shoot Christians Say

A previous professor had this posted on Facebook.  I'm not sure yet whether I should be offended.  I think I've used some of these phrases.  But it's true....Christians have their own jargon.

Circle 'Round

Here's a few links of articles, videos, websites, stories, purchases, etc. that I've enjoyed this week.

Undeveloped World War II Film Discovered
Because I have a deep love of the mystery in old film and WWII history...

Boston Travel
Because Karl and I will be traveling to Boston for the Fourth of July!!  All travel recommendations are welcome.

Amuse Bouche Lipstick Obsession
Because of all the lipsticks in the world, these are my obsession.  And they're all-natural.

Milk Frother
Because we have no Sheetz.  And we want mint steamers.

Barolo Braised Short Ribs
For when I have tons of time and am feeling inspired...

January Favorites

I never think the schedule can get any busier.  Then I get the professor from...well...let's just say, I've been busier than usual.  Grad school hasn't been terrible because of so many people cheering me on and giving me the help I need.  There's nothing that makes me miss the small, intimate English class like an online grad class.  Winter has just gotten colder, but January, for the most part, switched back and forth between the scary warm and bitter cold.  My skin went a little haywire, but of course, there were a couple things pushing me through winter.

One Line A Day Journal | This five year journal might be fun to look back on.  I journal quite regularly, but this allows me to note the day quickly.

Jergens Wet Skin Moisturizer | The weather is killing me.  Normally, I shed skin (disgusting) in the winter.  My legs are itchy, typically.  But I can slather this on IN THE SHOWER. It's been a lifesaver.

Kate Spade Cedar Street Jensen | The color is "mulled wine."  Need I say more?

L'Occintane Hand Cream | Honestly, I've never been a fan of the "rose" smell.  This is different  And the cream feels so luxurious.  I put it on right before bed, and I've really come to love it in my nightly routine.

Kendra Scott Necklace | I've had this for quite some time.  But in the winter, when I'm wearing a lot of blue and gold (shout out to my J. Crew vest), this necklace is the perfect accessory.

A List of Temptations

...an Anthropologie shop stop along the way to dinner tonight.

....a new package of colorful expo markers for the board.

...a stop at Sephora for items on my wish list.

...books sitting in my Amazon cart.

...locking the door, pulling down the blinds, and sleeping at my desk.

...grabbing a cup of coffee before track practice.

...not trying very hard on my final project for grad class.

...bringing a laptop to our meet this weekend to keep watching "Parenthood" on Netflix.

...asking Husband to pick me up early from the meet on Saturday even though he only just returns from Arkansas tomorrow.

Dinner on the Table

Karl's grandparents are here for the week.  People ask, "Isn't that stressful- teaching, coaching, and being in school yourself, PLUS having company?"

No.  Grandma has had dinner on the table every evening when I get home.  We've had BBQ pork chops, spaghetti/meatballs, meatloaf, roast... Grandpa has helped Karl fix the old car, set up his man cave, and mount a television.  Having them as "company" isn't stressful at all. Having them as family is the best of all.

December Favorites

December finally started to get a little colder.  A mug of hot tea before bed did the trick, but even in the midst of Christmas decorations, I still felt a little less Christmas-y this year.  I didn't want nearly the absurd amount of Christmas movies that I normally do; however, there were still a few items that made December wonderful.

Patagonia Vest | Karl took the lovely Patagonia jacket idea to give me a wonderfully warm Patagonia vest for Christmas.

Alabama Starbucks Mug | Who doesn't want to drink a hot cup of coffee from the Starbucks mug of your state?

Bite Beauty Lipsticks | They're creamy and all-natural.  "Pepper" and "Shiraz" are my favorite colors.

Tory Burch Wedges | Karl for the Christmas win again. Beautiful Tory Burch wedges.  He doesn't know who or what Tory Burch is, but luckily, my sister-in-law clued him in on the fact that they're beautiful and durable.  He was immediately clued in to their high-end price.

Nike Air Max 2016 | I got a new pair of shoes for a little more support.  These have gotten a ton of compliments from the track biddies.

Christmas Break Success

I spent about 70% of my Christmas break in pajamas. A variety of pajamas. A red/white/blue romper, blue flannel pajamas with snowflakes, polka dotted silk pajamas, blue and white training pants...

I drank hot tea, coffee, apple cider, and chai lattes whenever I pleased.  I read books (for fun). I took naps.  I cuddled with kitties.  I slept in late, and on a few occasions, I stayed in bed until early afternoon.

Overall, Christmas Break 2015 was a giant success.  Happy New Year, friends.