Classroom Setup (from the couch)

Well it is that time of year again: Almost time to get ready for school!

Students return in 3.5 weeks:

I don't usually look like such a scrub at work, I swear...
This was a casual Friday during my student teaching!

Teachers return in.... well anytime, depending on if we want to spend the entire month of August decorating our classroom or not...


I thought I'd kick start the whole classroom set up process from the comfort of my own home.

On my laptop.

On my couch.

Doing what I do best.

Online shopping.

Here are just a couple items I ordered today:

1. )  Personalized "Mrs. Lindsay" pencils.  I have no problem sharing pencils with my students.  In fact, I want them to use every single pencil I ever bring in to the classroom.  But, I also want them to return the pencils at the end of class so I can sharpen them and put them out for the next day.  Hopefully, by personalizing the pencils, this should help.

Pencils: $18 for 72 at Oriental Trading Co.

2.)  Personalized "Welcome to Mrs. Lindsay's Classroom" sign.  This decal is made to be stuck to the floor, but I will be putting it on the door of my classroom instead.  It's too nice looking to get stepped on!

Welcome sign, $16 at Oriental Trading Co.
I think the owls are cute.
I hope my fourth graders don't think they're too baby-ish!

3.) All-Purpose Teacher's Organizer

This looks like a perfect way to organize the papers and assignments for each day.

I didn't purchase this one, but am planning on making it myself possibly..

$36.95 

Now, to figure out how to do more classroom set up from the comfort of my couch....

How To...

I thought I'd do a "How-To" post today.  As I posted about earlier, I've been in a few weddings this year.  With weddings comes bachelorette parties, hence today's post:

How to Have a Fun Bachelorette Party

1.) Get sequins:  Make sure each girl is wearing some type of sequin!  Skirt, top, headband, or dress.  Sequins are very rarely appropriate to wear as adult women, so when the chance arises, take it!

If you're the bride - this is your turn to wear white, so go for it!

2.) Get boas!  These are super fun to bring to any bar, even though they might annoy other people there by dropping tiny feathers everywhere you go.  Make sure to get some pics before you bring out the boas, though.  They kind of cover up the cute dresses...

3.) Don't forget the embarrassing accessories for the bride.

Bachelorette Items: Ebay, $19.98

Heaven knows my girls put enough ridiculous accessories on me when it was my turn:

4.) A beverage of your choice.

Drink found here

5.) Of course, add in some awesome girlfriends and lots of dancing, and you're all set!

What to Wear: College Football Tailgating

College Football season is quickly approaching.  If you live in a college town, or just happen to like to tailgate for college football, then inevitably you will need proper fan attire.

Up here in the north, unfortunately our weather is not conducive to the sweet dresses and skirts that southern ladies wear while tailgating.  Girls up here dress pretty casual for tailgating, and layers are key.

I've selected a few of my favorite Michigan and Michigan State ladies' clothing options for this season.

Tee: $24.00

Hoodie: $34.95

Tee: $34.95

Half-Zip: $54.95

My polo: Adidas

My hoodie: TJMaxx, Brian's Jacket: Adidas

On another note, Ladies -please don't wear super-athletic looking shoes for tailgating or attending the game.  You won't be the one on the field, so don't wear shoes as if you are.

Try some Toms or other such canvas casual footwear.

Toms, ~$54

Tuesday's Look for Less

Today's Look for Less once again features Burberry as the expensive option.

This Burberry jacket is completely a classic, so for those with the $, it is probably worth it!

Jacket: Burberry, $495

For me, though, if I'm spending $500 on a jacket, it will be the warmest winter jacket possible (something like this).  Not a lightweight fall jacket.

So, L.L.Bean offers a great alternative at a more reasonable price:

Jacket: LL.Bean, $129.

You get the same quilted look, minus the signature Burberry check on the cuffs.  L.L.Bean has snuck in some check on their cuffs and lining, but it is clearly not the Burberry check.  No need, though, it is still quite a cute jacket.

L.L. Bean is probably not big on the latest trends... but if you're looking for a classic jacket that will wear well and not look out of style in the future, then this is it!

High School Reunion - Dress (part 2)

I (finally) found a dress to wear to my high school reunion.

After ordering a dress online, only to have it fit all wrong when it arrived, I decided that the good old-fashioned mall is where I needed to go.

I started at Ann Taylor Loft, where they were having a $30 off dresses sale.

I tried on this cute dress, but it was just okay.

Dress: Loft, $89.50

I headed over to try Ann Taylor instead.  Some girls think Ann Taylor is for middle aged women, but I swear it is not.
As I walked in, the saleswoman (not lying) said "Hello, welcome to Ann - wow, haven't seen you here in a really long time!"
I wasn't sure what to say.  "Umm I used to have a bit of a clothing shopping compulsion (I was seriously at the mall 3X a week), but now I'm married and I have a grocery shopping compulsion (I'm seriously at the grocery store 3X per week).

All I said was, "I look a lot online now," which unfortunately seemed to disappoint her.  Well, I made up for lost time by purchasing a dress from her.

In fact, the dress that I will be wearing to my high school reunion!
Note, the print is definitely more wild than I ever wear, but the fit was so comfortable and easy.

Looking forward to wearing it Saturday!

Dress: Ann Taylor, $89.99

 Kate Hudson in a similar dress for the Ann Taylor Fall 2012 campaign

Athletic Wear

Unfortunately, no one has ever (or will ever) call me "athletic".  I cannot throw a ball very far, and I definitely can't catch one.

I worked as a camp counselor one summer, and ended up with a huge blue/black bruise on my face for about a month due to a mishap in dodgeball.

No matter where I am on the fitness spectrum, there is nothing I enjoy wearing more around the house and running errands than athletic apparel.  Basically, if I'm not at work, not out to dinner or somewhere that requires looking nice, then I am in "yoga wear".

Unfortunately, it's not exactly cheap.  Here are some faves I am craving right now:

Tank: Lole from Zappos: on sale for $39.99

Pants: Athleta: on sale for $49.99

These just look so comfy for working out in or running errands in.

Lululemon Astro Pant: $98

I know, this price seems outrageous for simple yoga pants.  But these pants are not just simple.  They can be worn anywhere and everywhere.  They stay put during workouts, they withstand plenty of washings and still look new.  Lulu is definitely a rare treat for me because of it's high price, it's so worth it.
"I'm wearing sweats while cooking dinner, but my husband doesn't realize it because these pants look so good." -Me

Hoodie: Athleta on sale for $54.99

Love this hoodie, it would be perfect for putting on when fall gets here (someday).

Now, back to watching those actual athletes in the Olympics, while I'm comfy on the couch in my athletic gear...

Tuesday's Look for Less

As I was (once again), browsing dresses online, I came across a beautiful "bandage" style dress and a much cheaper but equally beautiful version.
I love the beige color and the simple look.

Dress: Herve Leger at Neiman Marcus: $1350.

Dress: French Connection at Zappos: $188 

If you still like the look, but aren't in to spending over $100, then here's a one-shoulder option as well:

Dress: Forever 21: $29.80

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