Life Updates

Long time no chat... it has literally been four months since I last sat down to publish a post. Definitely not my proudest blogging realization.  While the hiatus is not something I am proud of, I do have to say that sometimes something has to give in the height of a busy schedule.  While I have missed writing posts and interacting with each of you regularly, I honestly don't think my posts would have been the quality that I strive for.  Furthermore, I have realized the importance of taking a step back to give yourself some time to breathe. As you will soon read, life has been a little bit crazy lately.  Lots of life has happened since August, so today I wanted to hop on to share some life updates with you. 

Teaching Career
I'm still plugging away with grad school.  This past semester I decided to slow down to one class.  I knew that between the chaos of the start of the school year and coaching I wouldn't have enough time to dedicate to two classes. Taking one class was refreshing because I was able to really focus on applying what I was learning to my daily teaching practice. I also felt like I was able to be more engaged with the content because I wasn't balancing as big of a work load as I had the semester before. While slowing down means that I won't graduate as soon as I had hoped to, I'm realizing the importance of balance. I'm pretty sure I would be part of the new teacher burn out if I continued on the accelerate path I started with.

Speaking of teaching... this year I finally have a contract, which has brought me more confidence, stability, and freedom. While I am only in my second year, I have already learned so much. The first (almost) half of the year has taught me how to manage my time, speak up more, get creative, take the time to truly get to know my students, and has bettered my classroom management. I have also been lucky enough to enjoy some incredible professional development that has inspired me to change some things in my room as we embark on the new year. I'm thinking of sharing more teaching related posts in the new year to provide you with a more wholesome view of life.

December was a crazy month at school.  This year there was an extra week between Thanksgiving Break and Winter Break, which definitely put my classroom management strategies to the test.  It was a fun-filled month with lots of energy and excitement from the kids.  I think the only way I survived was with lots of coffee, a little medicine ball tea, advice from my mom, and my wonderful coworkers.

Coaching
One of the biggest reasons behind my blogging  hiatus was probably the time I spent coaching field hockey. I have been coaching for the past few years, but this season I stepped up from volunteering to an actual position.  I was fortunate enough to take a chance on a (new to me) program working with someone who I barely knew. As it turns out I traded in my alma mater team, but I have gained a new mentor that I love working with, an even better understanding of what it means to be a coach, and athletes who have restored my love of the game.This change came from a series of unexpected events, but looking back I can say with confidence that everything truly does happen for a reason. As I look ahead to 2019, I am excited for the growth we have planned for our team.

Wedding Planning
This week we officially hit the one year mark until our big day. Wedding planning has been one of the fun parts of life for me! The past month or so I was able to check off a few things from the list, but these will be shared in a post to come! Here's a sneak peak of a little something my mom and I have been working on.



New year, new home
The biggest update of all is that Todd and I have purchased our first home together.  We have been living in our hometown with our parents since we each graduated college. It was great to be able to establish ourselves professionally with the support and cushion of our parents being so close.  We are now both working in places we envision ourselves staying at for awhile. We were both making long commutes to and from work, so we began toying with the idea of buying a place this summer. One of the perks to spending time at home post college was that we were able to save up a good chunk of money. We figured we would move out within the next year, but we did not think it would happen this soon. We found a place online that was much closer to where we work and I coach. Back in October we went to look at it thinking nothing would come out of it... 24 hours later we put an offer in and it was accepted! Two weeks ago we made settlement, and we are still working to get everything organized and decorated. With the holidays, we have spent more nights not home than we have enjoying our new place. I am excited to share more about our new adventure in the future.




I'm looking forward to taking the day to finalize my reflections and set my intentions as we begin a new year.  I am thankful for the support and love from friends, family, and readers that I have had this year. I'm very much so looking forward to the fresh start to revive my blogging habits and get back to better routines.

See y'all next year!
XOXO

Adulting Update: Perspective

It's about to get real today! Last year I created an adulting series that narrated the chronicles of my entrance into adulting. I haven't shared anything like that recently, and I thought that today's post couldn't be more fitting to add to the series. So here it goes! I feel like I can say pretty confidently that life is filled with many ups and downs: good times and those you wish you didn't have to experience. Let's be honest, not everyday is a good day but you have to find the good in every day. Sometimes it takes a little perspective to do just that. Perspective is something that can be hard to find, and sometimes we don't find it until much later. This is a concept that I have truly just began to understand.  It's something that can be hard to grasp as it requires us to change how we think about life's events. 

A year ago life was pretty uncertain for me.  I had just completed a year filled with transitions: student teaching, graduating college, dealing with family issues, and completing my first teaching experiences. The transition from college to job hunting definitely was not as bad as others have it, but it wasn't necessarily a flawless transition either. I graduate college, took a month off, did some day to day substitute teaching, became a building substitute, and landed an eight week long term substitute position. However, once the school year ended I had no idea what was next for me. Last summer, I was jobless watching, what felt like, everyone move on with their life while I was stuck in a place that I had little to no control over.  If you know me, then you know that I'm a little bit Type A (control freak-esque). I had applied to 50+ teaching and coaching positions in the area, and I did not hear anything from any of the postings until late July. Many friends had been getting interviews, but it felt like radio silence for me. 

Towards the end of July, the interviews started rushing in. At one point in the matter of ten work days I had over fifteen interviews. It was a pretty intense time for me.  Stress levels were at an all time high, and the level of uncertainty increased. Some interviews lead to a dead end after round one while others continued for what felt like endless rounds. Each interview I left with a different vibe. Some places I knew I was not interested in and others I thought would be a great fit for me. For one position I had six rounds of interviews, and after all that I was offered a position that was less than appealing. At the time, I was pretty disappointed but continued to keep pursing other opportunities. The week before I left for my family's vacation, I had my final round of interviews at two schools. I left them feeling pretty confident, but the doubt was still there in the back of my head. 

On the first day of my family's vacation, I woke to a phone call with a job offer. It was the highlight of my summer and such a great way to kick off our trip.  I was able to finally relax for the first time in awhile.  

The day I found out I was hired!

Upon coming back from vacation, I signed my contract and was in total prep for school mode. I was hired as a year long substitute position with the possibility of a contract at the end. Essentially, this past school year I  had a year long interview. The pressure was a lot at first, but eventually I forgot about it.  It was a great motivator to push me to constantly become a better teacher, co-worker, and role model for my students. 

So here I am a year later... I have a full contract at a wonderful school, I am a field hockey coach, and I'm in the midst of obtaining my masters degree. f you would have told me I would be where I am now this time last year, then I probably would have laughed at you.  I feel so lucky to have a job working with people who are inspiring, wonderful collaborators, and who help me be the best version of myself on a daily basis. 

(Here's a little shout out because I know some of you are kind enough to read my blog posts- Thanks for being so great!)

Heading into the upcoming school year I am fortunate enough to hold a leadership position that will allow me to continue to grow in my school community. Not  only do I have a full time teaching position, but I have also found a paid field hockey coaching position as well. This Fall I will certainly be juggling quite the schedule: teaching, coaching, being a grad student, and maintaining some sort of sanity. 

Long story short, the purpose of this post is to shed light on the fact that things truly do happen for a reason.  Sometimes when life gives you lemons, you have to make lemonade and that's much easier said than done. However, after awhile you come across of a sign for why things played out the way that they did. It is so important to always maintain a positive attitude and have a little faith in life.  The past year has been such a whirlwind for me, but there is not one single thing I would have changed because each little thing has helped shape me into the person I am today. A little time and space can help  you learn a few things about yourself and life. 

Check out some posts from my Adulting Series:

Adulting Month 1

Adulting Month 4

Adulting Month 5

Adulting Months 6-8

XOXO

Staying Productive During the Summer Months

The summer is a time of year that most people love. While everyone's reasons are a little different, we all share this common enjoyment. The season is usually filled with a little fun in the sun, but there has to be some productivity in the midst of all the memories being made. As a teacher, I had the privilege of having the majority of the summer months off from school. Although, if you took a peep at my calendar I'm not too sure you would call all my time off a summer vacation. On my days off it can be easy to let the day slip away.  However, I try to balance these days with equal parts relaxation and productivity.  The other day somebody asked me how I am so productive in the summer, which is what gave me the inspiration to share my tips with each of you! 

The summer can be filled with vacation, a little bit of work, making time for friends and family, and lots of spontaneity.  Despite all the fun, there are things that must get done. So how can you possibly balance the things you want to do with those that you have to do?

Wake up at a decent hour

Do not let the day get away from you by spending all morning sleeping. It is important to get out of bed and start functioning at a reasonable hour.  Waking up at the same time every day provides you with a normal sleep schedule, which can increase your productivity. 

Establish Routines

Routines are crucial to success. This summer I have been working on waking up earlier to get more done. I wake up, take care of my puppy, and then workout before heading off to work.  Running in the mornings gives me a great jumpstart to the day.  I also create a mental to do list during my workout. It's the time I take to organize what my day will look like.  Another routine I have is eating breakfast each morning. I am most productive during the morning hours, so I try to get most of my tasks done then. Find the time that your work best and schedule your tasks to be completed during this timeframe. 

Don't procrastinate

This is kind of obvious, but I think it is an important reminder.  Get your least favorite tasks done first. This will keep you from spending too much time thinking about how much you don't want to do them. When you get the harder stuff over with earlier on, then it makes it easier to complete the less daunting tasks. Plus it is important to get things done when you have free time, so that if something better pops up you do not have anything holding you back. 

Timed Tasks

Don't let these boring tasks take you all day. Giving yourself a time allotment to get something done ensures that you are using your time efficiently and not wasting the day on something you don't actually want to be doing. 

What gets measured gets managed

Start each day by making yourself a to do list. I'm not talking about one of those to do lists that are impossible to complete. I am talking about a to do list filled with tasks that you can realistically complete in one day's time. When you can cross something off a list, you are more likely to do it. 

Do something meaningful

If your summer months are filled with free time, then look for something to add to your calendar that gives you a purpose. Look into getting an internship, learning a new skill, take a class, get a part time job, etc. Giving yourself a purpose can also lead to productivity. 

Take a vacation

It is so important to recharge your batteries. It is okay to treat yourself to a little rest and relaxation to jump start a new period of productivity. Seriously, everyone needs a little time off each year. 

What are your productivity tips for the summer?

XOXO

Daily Makeup Routine

Happy Monday! Today I thought it would be share my daily makeup routine with you all! For starters, I'm not a makeup guru. I prefer a more natural look that requires minimal time in front of the mirror. When it comes to makeup, my motto is less is more.  I don't use a ton of different products, and overall my routine is pretty simple.  It takes me about five minutes max to do my makeup each day.

Step one

I begin with a pomegranate primer by Korres. I put a large drop on my pointer finger and then blend it onto my face.  This primer provides a matte finish, keeps the makeup from melting off during the day, and decreases the visible size of my pores.  It's very light and prevents my face from looking and feeling greasy. You can find this product at Sephora or Amazon for about $30. 

Step two

Time to apply some BB Cream. I like to use BB Cream because it is light, but provides me with just enough coverage to even out the little bit of red blotchy skin I have.  Plus a nice bonus is that it has SPF 35 in it. Every little bit of protection against the sun helps the skin! I like to use a large soft brush to apply this.  The brush helps me apply it evenly without wasting too much of it. I use Bobbi Brown's BB Cream in the shade of fair. You can find it on their website for about $46. One tube usually lasts me a little over a year or so. 

Step three

A layer of finishing powder. This is an illuminating powder, so it provides a little bit of color. This usually gives my skin a bit of a glittery glow.  I use the nude palette. Some days I will skip the BB Cream and solely use this. It makes for a great natural weekend look. You can find this palette on the Bobbi Brown website here. It sells for about $52, but I was able to score mine for $30 at the cosmetic store at the outlets. 

Step four

Now for the eye(lids). I begin by applying a beige color to the majority of the lid. Next, I apply a shiny nude color just below my brows. I typically stick to shades of tan and brown for my eyes. Occasionally I will layer the colors in the Naked Palette for a heavier look. 

Step six

Recently I've been into the look of defined brows.  After cleaning up the brows with a pair of tweezers, I like to fill them in a little. I use the brown color (faint) in the Naked Palette. It matches the color of my brows perfectly. If you don't fill in your brows, then I highly recommend adding it to your daily routine. It can take a pair or brows to the next level. Also, it can clean them up if you're in between waxings. 

Step six

Time to add a little color. My next step is to apply a little blush to my cheek bones. I like to use a light pink color to achieve a lightly rosy cheek look. I use Bobbi Brown's desert pink. I apply this with and angled brush. 

Step seven

The final step in my daily makeup routine. I usually spend a few seconds using the eyelash curler on each eye.  Next, I generously apply some black mascara. I have naturally long lashes, so I like to use the mascara to increase their definition. I usually don't use water proof mascara because it's so hard to remove.  I generally use Bobbi Brown's mascara. You can find it on their website here. 

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XOXO

Work Week Breakfasts

We all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but yet it's the meal most likely to be skipped by most of us.  During the work week, most of us would rather spend a few extra minutes sleeping rather than making time to eat the first meal of the day.  I used to be really guilty about this, but over the past year or so I've changed my habits and it's made a big difference. Eating breakfast each morning has given me more energy and a less chaotic launch to my day.

Here are a few tips that might make eating breakfast easier:

Make it ahead of time
When you do meal prepping in advance, then you don't have to waste anytime in the morning deciding what to eat or cooking.  Try to plan out your breakfasts on Sunday night, so that you don't have to think about it during the week. On Sunday night you could even prepare a few breakfasts ahead of time.  Preparing breakfast ahead of time could be simply placing yogurt and fruit in a container as well as placing your granola in a zip lock bag, preparing overnight oats, pre-cutting the bagel you will eat. slicing fruit, or even putting all the ingredients in the bullet blender cup for your morning smoothie.

Establish a morning routine
Establishing a morning routine will schedule you time to eat breakfast regularly. Like I said earlier, most of us don't eat because we don't have time. If you allow yourself time, then you can definitely indulge on the most important meal of the day. Play around a little bit to figure out what works best for you. I personally have found that showering the night before gives me extra time in the morning to eat breakfast.

Make one morning special
Try to pick out one morning a week to treat yourself to a special breakfast. This might be stopping at Starbucks for your favorite latte, eating leftovers for breakfast, something that might not be as healthy, or taking extra time to make your favorite breakfast (waffles, pancakes, etc.).

On the go options
Stock up on a few items that you can always bring to eat while you're en route to your morning activity.  Some items to keep around might be fruit, granola bars, or dry cereal.

So now that I've shared some strategies that help me, let's chat about some things you could eat for breakfast.
 

Toast recipes// Bagel toppings// Instant Oatmeal
Yogurt ideas// Breakfast cookies// Smoothie recipes
Quiche recipe// Overnight oat recipes// Wraps

What are your go to breakfasts for a busy morning?

XOXO

A Day In My Life: Summer Schedule

Happy Monday! 

I've been getting a lot of requests to see some behind the scenes posts and inquires about what my average day looks like.  I thought the beginning of the week would be the perfect time to share this type of post with you guys.  I think we are always trying to figure out what the best routines in life are and what better way to figure it out than to read what works for others. My summer schedule varies from day to day, but for the most part I have a Monday/Wednesday/Friday schedule and Tuesday/Thursday one. This is due to my work schedules.  

(Pictures by Evelyn Henson)

6:00 Wakeup

I try to wakeup early enough to get everything done that I need to before leaving for nannying. If I don't get up early enough I'll push my workout to the night time. 

6:15 Lemon Water + To Do List

I am the biggest list maker. This helps me get my day organized and helps me vision what I'll be doing. I like to start my day with lemon water. It has so many great health benefits and it hydrates me before my workout. 

6:30 Workout

If I'm up early enough I'll go for a 2-3 mile run. If I don't wake up early enough I'll workout at night or run 1 mile and do a quick ab rotation. 

7:00 Prep for the day

When I nanny, it doesn't take me long to get ready because I just throw on athletic clothing. I take the time to make a quick breakfast that I can eat once I get to the family's house, and then I pack my lunch to eat later in the day. 

7:35 Drive to Work

I'm blessed to work close to home on these days. The short commute is wonderful!

7:45- 5:00 Nanny

The children I care for are older, so I don't have to do as much as I used to. During the day we usually play games, go outside, and swim.

5:15 Get Home + Relax

After spending the day with the kids, I like to take some time to unwind. I usually take a 20 minute power nap or watch an episode of something on Netflix.

5:30-7:00 Time to Blog

I usually spend some time reading and commenting on my favorite blogs and then try to schedule some posts.  Lately this time has been used to work on the re-design of my blog. 

7:00-10:30 Dinner +More

What I do during this time definitely changes each day. I like to use the time to grab dinner and then hangout with my friends and family. On Monday nights this time is used to watch The Bachelorette. 

10:30 Get Ready For Bed

I usually brush my teeth, wash my face, shower, and then get ready for the next day. 

11:00 Lights Out

I'm usually ready to fall asleep at this point in the day. 

(Pictures by Evelyn Henson)

7:30 Wakeup

When I wakeup in the morning I like to lay in bed for a little before I wash my face and brush my teeth. Tuesdays and Thursdays are usually my days to sleep in a little bit. 

7:30-7:45 Lemon Water + To Do List

I am the biggest list maker. This helps me get my day organized and helps me vision what I'll be doing. On these days my to do list is incredibly important because I plan out what errands I need to do, appoints that need to be made, or what studying I need to do. I like to start my day with lemon water. It has so many great health benefits and it hydrates me before my workout. 

7:45-8:15

Lately I have been doing Yoga on these mornings. The stretching has been great since I have been running more frequently. 

8:15-9:15 Blogging Things

I don't usually write content on these days, but if my posts aren't pre-written I will draft a post. I then like to spend this time to plan out posts for the future and comment on other blogs. 

9:15-9:45 Shower + Get Dressed

I haven't been taking the time to straighten or curl my hair, so it doesn't take me too long to get ready. The longest part is picking out my outfit for the day. 

9:45-10:30 Miscellaneous Items

This is the time I take to study, prep for student teaching, make appointments, hangout with my mom and brother, do laundry, clean my room, etc. 

10:30-11:15 Brunch 

I like to wait to eat later on these days since I work through lunch without a break. I usually eat a heartier meal.  I then pack my snacks to eat later in the day. 

11:15 Off to Work

My commute is longer on these days.  I usually listen to the radio as I head to work. 

12:00-5:00

Work, work, work.

5:00-6:00 Run Errands

I usually change into workout clothes for my game and then run errands. 

6:00-7:15 Field Hockey

I play in a summer field hockey league. We have games twice a week. This is a great way to workout while having fun and doing something that I love. 

8:15- 10:30 Shower + Dinner

I shower as soon as I get home unless I'm starving. After my shower, I like to eat dinner. I then use the rest of the time to hangout or get anything done that I haven't done already in the day. 

10:30 Get Ready for Bed

I do my usual nightly routine that I talked about earlier

11:00 Lights out!

I hope you enjoyed the walk through my average summer day!

XOXO