The Unexpected.

I don't deal well with change or unplanned events.  There is something about the unknown that makes me feel extremely vulnerable.  I struggle with fear and wanting to be in control of everything.

Events like the tornadoes in Oklahoma tear at my heart.  I empathize so strongly with other people that I feel the pain, sadness, fear, and turmoil they are going through as if it is my own.  My heart weighs heavy with the burdens of the world and sometimes I truly struggle with coping with it all.

The fact is, we aren't in control of most things in our lives.  And even the things we are in control of can be affected by outside elements that are uncontrollable.  The unexpected should always be expected because it is always inevitable.  That is hard for me.

For many reasons, I have difficulty understanding what has happened in Oklahoma.  The pictures are devastating and the images of parents searching for children, teachers protecting students, and families huddling for safety are too much to bear.  I put myself in the shoes of parents being held back from the fallen school while their children are slowly, one by one, pulled out of the wreckage.  The horror, fear, and then overwhelming sense of urgency they must have felt...

I'm praying for Oklahoma.  I'm praying for America.  I know bad things happen and I understand that to some degree, there is purpose in them, but it seems like our country has been taking a lot of hits lately.  It is a long road to rebuilding and recover, and I hope that we band together during this time.

God bless the USA.

Classics with a Statement

Tee: GAP, Jeans: GAP Outlet (similar), Bracelet: JCrew, Necklace: eBay, Shoes: Target (sold out online)

Fridays are dress down days at work, but I still try to look reasonable.  I've never been a t-shirt girl; one to wear just a graphic tee and jeans.  Many of my students are bigger than me and wear more make up than I do so its important to me that I still look the role of teacher even on a Friday.

Last Thursday, I was sitting in the recliner after my run and my husband threw an envelope on my lap.  I was so excited because I had been anxiously checking the mailbox each day to find my necklace I had ordered from eBay!  Silly husband, he had been driving around with it in his car for a few days!

I knew I had to wear it Friday because, I mean, look at it.  It rocks.  So I decided to pair it with some American classics: a white tee and boyfriend jeans.  To me, the necklace makes all the statement necessary.  What do you think?

Linking up with Shanna & ThePleatedPoppy

Modest is Hottest: Shorts

I am a firm believer in less is more.  By less I don't mean less clothing.

I mean less revealing.  It is so hard these days to go shopping for clothing that is not super revealing!

Shorts have a 1 inch inseam, skirts are minis, and even dresses have wide open backs.

In my world, modest is hottest, simple is elegant, and classic is timeless.

So, I've accumulated a list of items that I have or want to add in my closet that would be hot, elegant, and timeless.  I've done my research and put together some pieces at different price points in case any of you are running into the same problem as me.

First up: SHORTS

I have to admit that until this year, I owned one pair of nice shorts!  One!!  I have a soccer body and runner's legs.  Shorts just don't look good on me or at least the wrong ones don't look good on me.

After searching and shopping around and coming to peace with the fact that its okay to spend money on shorts if I'm actually going to wear them, I have found some favorites and added them to my closet!

Disclaimer: You will not see bermuda shorts in my post.  I think they look adorable on some people, but they definitely don't work for me or my body type.  I find that they are only truly flattering on very select body types so I chose not to include them.  However, they would definitely fit the code.

modest shorts by coachgaines featuring chino shorts

1. JCrew: These shorts are going to cost a little more, but they are worth every penny!  Trust me, I was skeptical, but they are definitely worth it.  If you wait until the store does one of its 50% off campaigns, its not so bad.  They are made of quality fabric, fit well, and last.  Not to mention there are tons of cute colors and patterns.  Another plus: you can decide how long you want the inseam to be ranging from 3"-5"! (I bought the 3" and since they hang on my hip they are definitely modest and appropriate without bunching.  You can see how I styled them here.)

2.  JCrew Factory: These are high quality just like the regular store, but slightly different fabric.  They fit about the same and you still have the option of what length you want the inseam to be.    Because they are factory the price point is a bit lower, but they are not lacking in how long they will last in your wardrobe.  The nice thing about both styles is they are classics!

3.  Old Navy: In years past, Old Navy shorts have been notoriously too short on me.  This year they have come out with a few versions ranging in style from 3"-5" as well.  I love that they came out with classic prints this year, too, as opposed to just plaids and colors.

4.  Ann Taylor Loft: I bought my pair from the outlet, but I know that the store will be just as great if not better in quality.  Loft has super cute prints this year and their inseam is anywhere between 3"- 4 1/2" which is a good length for booty coverage.

5.  Old Navy: I included 2 pair of ON shorts because they are so affordable.  At under $35 a pair (and all the crazy sales that are always happening), anyone can get their hands on these.  Not to mention, ON stepped up their game this year and really came out with some nice shorts.

Which are you loving?

Crazy Dog Lady

I'm the crazy cat lady of the dog world.  I own it.  I've embraced it.  I understand that I talk about my dogs as if they are children (and in my head it's not "as if they were children," they are actually children) and I'm sure I infuriate mothers everywhere when discussing the equality of love for them with babies and my celebration of Mother's Day for all crazy reasons.

The truth is, these two dogs have my heart.  They are so unconditionally loving.  The way Football's tail wags and Irie groans to be petted just make my heart melt each morning, noon, and night!

They are so quirky.  Which is probably why they both fit exactly into our home and family.  See, we rescued both (one on purpose, one on accident) and I guess there is a reason why we found them they found us.  We were meant for each other! (cue crazy cat lady music now)

We adopted Irie (big black dog) shortly after getting married.  I wanted a running companion and hubby wanted a big dog so we settled on her.  We were told she is a black lab, great dane mix.  However, she is smaller than most black labs.  That worked out to our advantage though because just a few short months after bringing Irie home, my husband found Football stuck in the drain pipe in front of our house.  A few fire trucks, policemen, and belly crawls later, we had another addition to our family!  We named him Football as a joke really...thinking all along that we would find him a home and send him on his way because truly we only had room in our hearts and home for one dog.  Long story short, after 6 weeks, 1 bad night of worms, several baths, and 2 attached companions, we found him a home and I couldn't let him go.  He was one of us.  So, his name is still Football, he no longer has worms, and he and Irie (and I) are inseparable.

It's not shocking that I eat with one on each side of me.  I have plans for their future as big brother and big sister whenever a little human baby joins the fam.  The fun things are their little quirks:

• Irie carries a blanket around the house like Linus from Peanuts.  She just drags it by the corner and the rest of it trails out of her mouth and behind her.  
• Football can't stand an empty bowl.  If its empty, he continuously goes to it and knocks it all around the kitchen until someone finally fills it up - he doesn't eat what we put in it, just looks at us with gratefulness in his eyes for finally making it not-empty.
• Irie has 3 different barks: 1. I will eat your face off if you come one step closer, 2. Mommy, please, pay attention to me, and 3. Hey I'm over here in case you didn't notice!
• Football likes to sit on your chest.  He also enjoys putting his face right in yours, making eye contact and holding it for minutes on end.
• Irie stands guard at the bathroom door whenever I'm in there.
• Football saves the world one squirrel at a time each day when we go for our walk.

 

Running >>>>

I have been sick this week and it has be so hard to not run.  Does that make sense?  Yesterday, I still wasn't feeling very well, but decided there was just no way I could sit there and go one more day not running.  People who aren't runners might think that's crazy, but

When you get into a routine, its really hard to break it.  

Just like when you break it, it's really hard to get back in it.

Here is what I got for the week:

Sunday: Hiked 2 miles with the dogs and hubby

Monday: Walked the dogs 1 miles

Tuesday: Nothing (Felt miserable)

Wednesday: Nothing (Had company)

Thursday: Walked 2 miles with the dogs, Ran 2 miles

Total: 5 miles or a total of 25 for the month!

Also, I saw this picture on Instagram this morning and literally laughed out loud.

Thought I would share it.

What have you done on your fitness journey this week?

Link up below!

<center> <a href="http://sweettea-lemonade.blogspot.com"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aIv8kbAwnUU/UMDUOF6SFfI/AAAAAAAACXg/wcQwoBS2TNI/s320/running3.jpg" /></a></center>
<center> <a href="http://sweettea-lemonade.blogspot.com"><img border="0" src="http://i1320.photobucket.com/albums/u539/kelly_ann2/734181_10101165715438801_2009838143_n-002_zps4b7bcb27.jpg" /></a></center>

Coffee Date

If we were to sit down for a cup of coffee right now to catch up on life...

I would probably be drinking tea since I made the switch while doing Whole 30.

I would tap my mug against yours in celebration of the fact that I've completed my National Boards.  And I would thank you for your words of encouragement, understanding ear, and support through the whole process.  I would ask you to pray for me on May 31st because I test that day.

I would talk about my desires for this blog.  My idea for a monthly link-up and the fact that I'm so nervous to even share it with anyone because I'm afraid it won't fly in Blogland.  So nervous, in fact, that I can't even imagine who to share it with first to help me launch/host it!

I would get excited when you ask how many days are left of school.  Something about being home all day with my pups and having the freedom to sew, work out, and take care of my man excites me.

I would ask you what's on your mind and if you've cleared your head lately?

I would talk about my dogs and the beautiful park we visited on Mother's Day.  I would tell you about the trails and the water fall and invite you to come with us some time.

I would ask for advice on what to wear to my 10 year reunion this summer.

I would probably pick your mind about the JawboneUP, the Polar FT4, and any DSLR you've ever experienced.  I want one of each, but can't figure out which one is top priority.

I would share my ridiculous amount of excitement over the fact that finally Jess and Nick are together on New Girl.  And then I would probably confess that I wish I could be her friend in real life.

I would realize that when I am surrounded by people I love, I tend to overshare.  I would take a deep breath, smile at you, and genuinely ask...

How are you doing?

The color that does me no justice.

Tee: JCrew, Skirt: Goodwill ($3.99, option), Shoes: BassOutlet (option),
Necklace: Boutique (similar), Bag: Coach (option)

Bracelet: local shop, Bangle: Kate Spade

When I was in high school, I was a total tomboy.  If I showed you a picture from then, you would seriously laugh at me.  I had no idea how to work a blow dryer leaving my hair to dry however which way it liked and that turned into my hair "style" each day.  I experimented with makeup, but my mom didn't wear it so I had no clue what I was doing.  She didn't need it (and if we're being honest no highschooler does either) so I would go to school with maroon lipstick or foundation with no powder.  Terrible.  One day I would wear wind pants the color of snow and the next I would wear jeans and a button up.  My favorite color was yellow.  I wore it all. the. time.

And it looked and still looks terrible on me!  Yellow washes me out.  Strawberry blonde hair and pale skin do not look good against any shade of yellow.  Trust me.  I've tried them all.  My love for yellow has never faded so I've found other ways to wear it that are more flattering and less "washy outty."

It's important to remember when shopping that even though a particular color might not look good on you, you can incorporate it into your wardrobe by accessorizing.  For example, this yellow handbag.  It gives me that pop of color I'm wanting in a way that is flattering to me and my outfit.  I'm so glad that I 1. figured out yellow wasn't my color and 2. figured out ways to continue rocking it since I love it so much!  It's tragic to think you can't wear your favorite color.

Some ways I'm looking to incorporate more sunshiney goodness into my wardrobe:

yellow by coachgaines featuring floral hair accessories

Linking up with Shanna, Marion, and ThePleatedPoppy 

What I Wore to Work LinkUp