The Ultimate Snail Mail

Well, California was amazing (as expected) and never disappointing.  I am literally having withdrawals, my body refused to go back to normal the minute I stepped off that plane.  I have had low energy, a semi-stuffy nose/head, fatigue, loss of apetite, and come and go nausea.

I finally felt well enough to bathe, drink a gatorade, and eat most of my kids meal from Blimpie today.  Oh, and obviously well enough to research these infamous boxes that you can subscribe to monthly or annually.  

I am intrigued...I love snail mail and I love receiving products, especially full-size or partially full-sized products.

The dilemma...Birchbox or Popsugar?

Can I have both?! Here's the thing, my birthday is at the end of the month and ideally I would treat myself to both for at least two months each.    

Birchbox

• $10/month, free shipping
• 4-5 sample sized (sometimes you get full) high-end beauty samples
• All items are customized for you based on your beauty profile
• Review products and earn points towards your account
• You can purchase full-sized items on their website 

Popsugar MUST HAVE

• $35/month, free shipping
• Save more if you subscribe for 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, etc.
• You receive over $100 worth in full-sized products
• Must haves in beauty, fitness, home, fashion, and food

Thoughts? Do you subscribe to either of these services? 

I know, I know, as my friend Liz would say, "First world problems."

Stay Glassy

Today's post is a little different, it's about being chic, stylish, and classy glassy. If unlike me you are not a glassy person don't stop reading, this post is still for you! 

A couple of months back I went to the optometrist and she told me my eyesight was getting worse because of my overuse of contact lenses. Given that I have been wearing contact lenses since I was twelve and rarely take them off it made sense to me. So in March I went on the virtual journey to find the perfect set of glasses that I would feel chic, smart, and stylish in. This is how I encountered Warby Parker and they are the sole reason behind my post today.

Wearing the Sims in Striped Sassafras 

 Warby Parker specializes in eyewear (both prescribed and non-prescribed glasses and sunglasses). Their concept:

"Warby Parker was founded with a rebellious spirit and a lofty objective: to create boutique-quality, classically crafted eyewear at a revolutionary price point." 

Um, hello, this is exactly what I had been searching for! I've always wanted "cool" glasses, but designer frames can cost you up to $400. I want to be able to change my glasses at minimum annually and not feel like I have burnt a hole in my wallet by doing so each time. Warby Parker does just this by providing high quality, custom-fit glasses with anti-reflective, polycarbonate prescriptive (or non) lenses.

Now, let's get to my favorite part...if I haven't convinced you by now to go check out Warby Parker then you need to know that they are all about giving. Worldwide almost one billion people lack access to glasses. This means that 15% of the population cannot effectively learn or work. Warby Parker ensures that for every pair of glasses (sunglasses too!) that is sold, a pair is distributed to someone in need. (Read more here).

Let's sum up why you should give Warby Parker a try:

• Affordable 
• High Quality 
• Glasses and Sunglasses (prescribed or non-prescribed) 
• Free Shipping
• At Home Try-On w/amazing feedback and customer service on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram

I used the Home Try-On Program! 

• Their new Meridian collection! 

The Meridian collection launches today! It's perfect for summer, perfect for traveling. You can get these designer quality frames in time for your next vacation. Who doesn't love a classic aviator?! Oh, and not to mention they look good on both men & women. Prescription or non-prescription, your sunglasses are still going to be a fraction of what you would pay for designer.

The Exley in Polished Gold and Jet Silver on top

The Raskin with a larger lens & wider frame available in Polished Gold and Jet Silver 

The Flannery is a medium fit pair also available in Polished Gold and Jet Silver.  I especially love the tortoise detail on the Jet Silver Flannery! 

Can't decide what pair would look best? Keep in mind that you can choose all three styles in more than one color for your Home Try-On now! 

Happy shopping.

Do you own a pair of Warby Parkers? Do you love them as much as I do? Comment below.

Fashion Friday

Since I slacked on WIWW (What I Wore Wednesday), let's do a Fashion Friday for kicks.

Happy Friday!

Today I spent a lot of time organizing some t-shirts and packing them into a box to mail to Project Repat.  You see I've been wanting a t-shirt blanket for a good while now, and finally the other day a Groupon became available for one! I bought it back in January or February and had to redeem it by July 1st. Being the procrastinator I am, I of course, finally decided it was time to take care of business.  Project Repat is a company that is way more affordable than your typical t-shirt quilt maker and are high-quality and awesome.  I will make sure to post my results once my blanket shows up in 4-6 weeks.  Hopefully before I head out to St. Louis!

Now for today's outfit.  I'm obsessed with skirts--maxi, mid-length, tiered, I love skirts.  I'm not usually a Forever 21 shopper, quite frankly the store is overwhelming and I am too indecisive to spend less than 30 minutes there and get what I want.  Also, I don't like their return policy.  However, when I am having a fashion obsession (ie. skirts) I track down the most affordable location for it. This means FoFo (Forever 21), H&M (doesn't exist back home), or TJ Maxx.  This is just a forewarning as to all the skirts you may be seeing me in.

Second, the necklace I'm wearing in the pictures I scouted from TJ Maxx. I've been looking for a great simple and classic piece of turquoise jewelry that is truly timeless and chic.  I fell in love with this pure turquoise necklace I found at less than $25 (STEAL!).

Before you see the outfit, please excuse the selfies, I usually find someone to take a picture of me, but I lacked a friend today.

Genuine Gemstone Turquoise Necklace - TJ Maxx

Blouse & Skirt - Forever 21
Belt - Stein Mart
Sandals (not visible) - Target circa 2008 

Tiered Skirt 

Hope your weekend is off to a great start ;)

With a BANG

Oh how glorious it is to be home.  First thing on my mind as soon as I landed: a haircut.  Nothing drastic, but definitely overdue for a change.  I have been trying to grow out my hair because I had it short for so long the last two years of college.  I miss my long hair.  I added some layers and some bangs to make a difference.

End result...

Long layers & some bangs

We like? I definitely LOVE.  My hair looks a bit shorter than it actually is in this photograph.  My long layers are perfect and I think my bangs add the perfect change that I needed for the end of 2012.  Best part about being home for the holidays?  Getting to wear real people clothes and not work clothes that make me feel like a teacher.  Saturday's outfit:

Fashion Saturday: Royal Blue Blouse - Marshall's
Skinny black pants - Forever 21
Gold leopard print tuxedo flats - Target

 Also, look at this amazing looking fruit I've had since I've been home.  Tonight, I'm looking forward to a spin class at my local gym.  CAN.  NOT.  WAIT.

Beautiful grapefruit

Fresh Pomegranate! 

 Tomorrow I get to see one of my best friends from high school.  YAY.
Anyone in the RGV for Thanksgiving?

Inversion Number Two: Check

Some exciting news today:

• I wore my Frye Boots for the first time today! I received many compliments at school, even from my boys.  
• I mastered Salamba Sirasana II AKA: Tripod Headstand. Wahoo! I really thought I wasn't going to get it until at least November.  If you're thinking, "what's the big difference going from Salamba Sirasana I to Salamba Sirasana II?" Well, different headstands or inversions are different for everyone.  While one may appear difficult to one person, another may have the right arm strength or core strength to do another type of inversion.  Regardless, I'm proud of myself.  Last May I would not have been able to do this.  
• I'm also getting closer and closer to doing the non-modified version of Koundinyasana I 
• New goal is the forearm stand called Pincha Mayurasana

Obviously I was excited

..smiling and smiling. Focusing on my breathing.

...and finally balancing.

Tuesday Teacher outfit with my Fryes

Have you accomplished a fitness goal lately? Please share! 

"Of my heart to see"

I just paid for something really expensive.  Well, for shoes, okay boots.  When I think of the fact that I have wanted these boots for years and years...(no I am not exaggerating) I can justify how okay it is for me to have purchased them.  I am using birthday money I never used, so it's really okay, right?  That, and I never splurge this much on myself.  Check these babies out:

Frye Paige Tall Riding Boot 

I am utterly excited about my boots for the fall/winter season.  They should be arriving within five to seven days and I ordered purposely from Nordstrom's because of their loyalty and essentially infinite return policy.  First wear for these? Seattle, Washington of course! 

I'm really into the Mumford and Sons Pandora station lately.  I used to not like Mumford about two years ago when I discovered them, but lately I have found that I really connect to their lyrics.  Their new album comes out September 24th.  I am seriously thinking Mumford and Sons are the perfect fall music, and if categorizing music by seasons is wrong I don't want to be right.  

Thoughts about my weekend: 

• I felt accomplished for having my Spanish 1 students writing paragraphs
• I bought a football jersey at the football game Friday night
• I discovered my house's balcony and sat up there Saturday night 
• The roomies and I have been taking run/walks around town 
• Yoga inversions (AKA: Headstands) became possible! Hip, hip, hooray for core strength
• We celebrated Mexican Independence Day by making fish tacos with avocado crema and Mexican beer. 

So proud of my Spanish I students for writing short paragraphs in Spanish a month into school.

Excuse my form

Go Mustangs! 

Fish tacos with avocado crema

Closing thoughts on must-do's in Seattle (not including spontaneous adventures) in October:

• Evolution Fresh
• Visit a Microbrewery
• Picture on a rooftop with the skyline in the background
• The Seattle Great Wheel
• Eat at Row House again...mmmm so good. 

Dub Steppin' to my future

Let's begin with something semi-impulsive I did like...yesterday...

Seattle bound next month! 

Yes. I cannot get enough of the Pacific Northwest and Seattle is on my mind.  I have a couple of things on my list for this visit in late October:

1. Spontaneity

2. Roof climbing 

3. Official visit with graduate admissions at U-Dub (moral support, Lisa?)

4. Zero Dead Nazis

Questions on my mind:

1. Can I handle the lack of sun for the fall/winter season?

2. Can I handle the misty rainy days year round?

3. Will the above affect my mood?

4. Am I being overly pre-cautious?

I really hate to think so far ahead about this U-Dub graduate program, but I am truly floored by this opportunity.  It kills me trying to wrap my brain around it and I'm just simply going to go with it.  I'm excited, but I'm extremely nervous about the application process.  The school is highly selective and more than 25 percent enter the school with a deep commitment to service.  Although I do feel qualified and the mission statement resonates with what I care about, I want this to be evident in my interactions with admissions and in my application.  I promise that I spent about 15 minutes before going to bed each night thinking about getting into U-Dub and where a Masters in Social Work degree can take me.  I also miss learning in the classroom setting, but also doing hands-on service.  Okay, so I am working for social justice every day, but still...JUST SEND ME GOOD VIBES, ALRIGHT?!

On a different note, the girls and I wined and dined on the town Saturday evening.  The evening weather was perfect.  It was crisp outside and I could smell the start of fall.  We got dressed up and walked to the best restaurant in town.  Yes, we walked in our heels and felt beautiful.  

That porch will soon be filled with pumpkins and halloween decor

What I Wore Saturday: Dress - Marshalls
Necklace - Strut in Austin, Texas
Shoes - Nine West
Bag - Antonio Melani 

"Cheers to the Freaking Weekend" 

The eight beautiful corps members that reside across the street from one another in rural central Louisiana 

We had some Bacon Wrapped Dates stuffed with Brie  

The Baked Oyster Trio

Barbecued Shrimp in a heavenly sauce I would gladly bathe in ;)

My beautiful roommate and birthday girl!  

And lastly, if you need an indoor workout, never underestimate the power of Michael Jackson: The Experience. 

Just prepping for Thriller 

Don't doubt it for a minute...

WIWW-What I Wore Wednesday

Late Night!!!

Falling behind on planning, and grading, and I should work on that this weekend before my trip to Seattle.  Seattle is on my mind.  Yes, lovely, dreamy, Seattle.  But not before I plan next week and my sub plans for Labor Day week!

Without further adue:

Cardigan - Ann Taylor
Dress - Jessica Simpson
Shoes - Steve Madden

Without the Cardigan.  Cannot wear to school like this.

How was your Wednesday?  Are you falling behind at work like me? 

AHHH

On the bright side, tomorrow is thirsty Thursday.  

What I Wore Wednesday - WIWW

Hi my dears,

I've been planning for the first days of school like a mad woman, but expect a good post in the near future (probs tonight).

Please excuse the bright light shining above my head in the picture. I asked my mom to take it and we were in a hurry so I didn't ask for retakes.

My outfit for today is as follows:

Gold Earrings are from The Limited

Navy Dress is from TJ Maxx
Belt is from Stein Mart
Mustard Wedges are from Payless 

Please share with me what you're up to on this lovely Wednesday afternoon!

What I Wore Wednesday (WIWW)

Happy hump day!

I'm attempting the messy bun look today, not sure how I feel about it so far.  Last Wednesday I did a terrible job about showing my jewelry. I will be better about that in the future.

Top - JCPenney. It's billowy and lovely, and the backside is my favorite part.
Shorts - JCrew
Sandals - Steve Madden
Earrings - maybe JCPenney back in 2008. Very old.
Sunglasses - Aldo

What are you wearing today?

WIWW - What I Wore Wednesday

(Note: For your convenience, you may want to consider playing the song at the end of this post in the background as you read the entire thing)

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!!! 


Welcome to WIWW or What I Wore Wednesday where I present to you the outfit I wore midweek.

I spent this lovely Independence Day at the beach! Going to the beach is one of my favorite things to do.  I love it so much that I don't like to get the smell out afterward.  The smell in my towel, my arms, my hair, it's heavenly and there's something even therapeutic about it.  Anyone else feel the same way? 


I started my day off like this:

Free Starbucks Tall Blonde Roast coffee & Free Song of the Week! I'll let you know how the song is.

Since I spent the day at the beach you can only imagine what my outfit looked like:

Wind caught me by surprise here.
Reversible Bathing Suit by Tommy Hilfiger from the outlet store
Beach Flip Flops are Reefs
Sunglasses are cheap from Aldo
Floppy sun hat from Ann Taylor outlet 

Showing off my "guns"
This swimsuit is reversible btw.  Stripes & Polka Dots

"En el mar la vida es mas sabrosa"

There was a little of this...

...and a little of that.

And a difficult time getting out of there.

"Oh beautiful, for spacious skies"

I will leave you beautiful people with one last thing.  There is a song I may or may not have admitted to singing at the drop of a hat.  It's not so secretly one of my favorite love ballads.  Gets me every time.