Fall Favorites and the Easiest DIY pillow ever

skirt: old navy  jacket: old navy  booties: target

Things I'm loving about Fall:

1. Maxi Dresses

I think maxi dresses are one of the most comfortable pieces of clothing there is. 

I acquired quite a few maxi dresses and skirts this last year and this purple skirt was one of them. 

In the past once the weather got cooler I thought it was time to put them away with my summer clothes. 

This Fall and Winter I'm excited because I know that maxi dresses are a great option for me now!

2. Boots
I'm pretty excited to start wearing some of my favorite pair of boots, like these ones.

3. Candy Corn
I'm not quite sure how long I can resist buying some of this:




4. My New Pillows

I'm sure this is nothing new to any of you real sewers out there but I can't believe I haven't made all my pillows like this!

A pillow was the first thing I learned to sew and while it was easy, this method is way better!

If you have never sewn anything, you should start with this.  

Lay your pillow on top of your fabric.  Make sure there is space on both sides to fold it and overlap it and then an inch or so on top and bottom.  

No need to measure!

Iron down both short ends and sew. 

Turn your fabric inside out and overlap the edges.  

Cut off any extra fabric you may have on the sides.  

Slide the pillow out and then sew straight up both sides. 

Turn inside out and put on your pillow!

Doesn't that sound easy?

Unlike many projects I've done that claim to be fast, this one really is. 

I made two pillows in about 40 minutes.  

Linking up to:
Fall Favorites

craft-o-maniac   the girl creative
sunday funday  CRAFT
mingle monday

High 5 for Friday

As I get farther into the school year, I'm becoming more and more grateful for weekends. 

Here's to a big high five for Friday!

pants: NY &Co  shirt: old navy  necklace: DIY  watch: target (similar)

1. I know I just posted an outfit with these red pants, but here they are again.

They are just too comfortable to not wear often!

(And I'm well aware I should hem these pants.)

2. A student saw this picture on the bulletin board by my desk at school and asked me,

"Is that black and white because that's all they had back then?" 

Yep. Back in May. When I was 100 years old. 

3.  I used to never be a fan of spending money on jewelry, but lately that is all I want! 

First I got my mini bubble necklace, and last week I bought a tear drop statement necklace.

Next I want some kind of key necklace and I am loving this one. 

Fresh Trends

4.  I made these cookies this week and they were delicious. 

Pretzel cookies with Chocolate and Peanut Butter Chips

5.  I am beyond excited that new shows have started this week.
Parenthood tops the list as one of my favorites.

I'm also looking forward to Survivor, Parks and Recreation, and New Girl.
What show are you most excited about?

Happy Weekend!

Thankful

jeans: kohls (similar)  sweater: jcpenny (similar)  flats: kohls (similar)

I'm thankful for cooler weather this last weekend so I could wear this outfit.  

I'm thankful for a thoughtful friend who gave me a big bag of jelly belly's this week. 

I'm thankful for easy meals like this meatball sub casserole. 

I'm thankful for another amazing friend who sent me flowers this week.  

I'm thankful for a husband who cleaned up our yard and vacuumed our house. 

And I'm so thankful for these girls.  

These girls who I've become friends with and feel blessed by them weekly. 

First up, I'm thankful for Jennifer from Delightfully Noted

Jennifer has truly become one of my closest blogging friends.  I feel quite blessed to have "met" her.  And I do actually plan on meeting her in person someday as she also lives in Illinois.  Besides being a good friend, Jennifer is beyond talented and shares a million amazing DIY projects on her blog.  Like her adorable coasters,  coffee table makeover or her cute cards in her shop.   Jennifer is one of those people that can find something that appears ugly at a thrift shop and turn it into something awesome.  

blog//facebook//twitter

Next is Christina from My Life, Laughs and Love

Like me, Christina started her blog for her sister and also like me didn't realize how much she would enjoy blogging!  I love Christina's blog because it is a mix of everything and you can tell right away she's someone you'd want to be friends with!  

Besides being a total inspiration as she shares her journey during her life makeover to get healthy, she writes posts that make you laugh, and reminds you to appreciate the things you have in life.  

blog//twitter//facebook

Finally, I'm so thankful for Amanda from for Love of a Cupcake.

Amanda is one of the first friends I made when I started blogging.  She is sweet, beautiful, generous and funny.  Plus she has the best clothes.  If only she lived closer so we could share! 

She's going through some major life changes as she will have a new job, new house and new husband this month! I can't even wait to see pictures as she will be a gorgeous bride!  Remember these cute bracelets I wore.  Yeah, she makes those too - so add talented to the list.

blog//twitter//facebook

You'll definitely be thankful if you got to know these ladies too! 

Husband's Disapproval

vest: Old Navy (similar)  dress: Old Navy (old) (similar) belt: Target  shoes: dsw

I put this vest on the other day and Chris' first response was "What is that?"

(cue disgusted tone)

"Ummm, a vest."

"You look like you're ready to lead a safari trip." 

I then proceeded to tell him that it was a military vest and was actually very trendy right now.

He didn't believe me.

So I told him I'd be able to look up military vest on pinterest and find hundreds of pictures of stylish ladies wearing a similar vest.

I then decided that probably wasn't worth it. 

I've actually had this vest for a long time and got it on clearance last year at Old Navy. 

I've yet to wear it in warmer weather but have seen so many cute outfits with it I am finally trying it. 

And despite Chris' disapproval I will continue to wear it.  

Happy Wednesday! 

Sometimes . . . .

 dress: Target   wedges: shoe outlet store

Sometimes I forget about things in my closet, like this dress I found on the Target clearance rack years ago and maybe wore once.

Sometimes I feel like my job is too much pressure. 

Being responsible for 22 students to teach them, encourage them and make them each feel important is a hard job.  

Sometimes I have a really hard time looking at pictures of people's babies and not getting a sick feeling of jealousy in my heart. 

Sometimes I wish I was training for a marathon.  That is one of the proudest I've ever been of myself.

Sometimes I feel guilty for being sad about not having a baby, when I know there are so many blessings in my life. 

Sometimes I so strongly hate the dentist and my teeth that I wish I had a mouth full of veneers so I never have to worry about the dentist.  

Sometimes I feel like blogging, sponsoring, advertising is like a big game.  And sometimes I want to be a part of it and other times I'm leery of it.  

Sometimes I still feel embarrassed that I have a blog and post pictures of my outfits. 

Trying Something New

  sweater: jcpenny (similar)  leggings: jcpenny

I've mentioned before that I am not good at being adventurous or trying new things. 

This weekend I went to my first yoga class.  

I have always wanted to try it and am proud of myself for doing it!  

My mom and I went together, and I honestly was afraid that I would start laughing during part of it.

Especially if there was any type of chanting. 

Thankfully neither of those things happened. 

flats: $15 Target   necklace: gift  watch: Target

I actually really enjoyed it and we plan on going again. 

Only negative - there was this loud breathing, bear man across from me and if you know me even the occasional sniffle is annoying. 

So I'm hoping next time I'm surrounded by quiet breathers.  

After, my mom and I walked to Starbucks to get coffee and I have to admit, taking a yoga class and then going out to coffee raised my self cool bar a little higher. 

Admitting that and documenting it in pictures, should probably lower it again. 

Hope your weekend was as adventurous as mine!

If you haven't entered Kerrie's giveaway from last week you should!



Linking up to: YOLO Mondays  Steppin' Out Saturday

High Five for Friday

dress: kohls (years old)  vest: kohls (similar)  wedges: old navy $4  (similar)

1.  Taking pictures of yourself is awkward.
Taking pictures of your backside is extra awkward.
But I really like the back of this vest, so I did it just for you.

2. I almost wrote, "I'm not complaining . . . " but then I realized that is exactly what I am doing.
I'm complaining because by the end of the school day I am sweaty, exhausted and often crabby and am dealing with 22 kids that feel the same way.
Looking forward to hopefully cooler weather so my classroom isn't so hot!


(Just in case you can't tell - it says 85 degrees.)

3.  This really made me laugh.
If only I had all the outfits I pinned.

source


4. I think I deserve some major credit for making this tub of jelly beans last from May until this week. 

I think I should be rewarded with another tin. 

5.   If I had actually been cooking dinner the last two weeks I'd share a recipe with you.
But I haven't.
So I've got nothing.
Let's hope that this coming week is better.  Maybe I'll make this:

buffalo chicken pasta salad

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!  I'm looking forward to some much needed time spent with Chris this weekend!

Happy Friday!

Friday Favorites