Exciting news!

Hey everyone!

So I have some awesome news that I've been waiting for the perfect moment to share with the world, and the time has finally arrived!

(and no, it's not a baby).


Drum roll, please...



After 18 months of confusion, frustration, and lots of prayer, I am thrilled to announce that I have accepted my very first teaching job! I'm going to be an inclusive special ed teacher for a group of precious 7th graders, and I could not be more excited to take this next step in my teaching journey.

The road to this point hasn't always been easy, and I regularly found myself questioning what God's purpose was for my life. After a few months of going back and forth about what I was meant to do and getting absolutely no where, I gave in completely. Instead, I chose to trust that God would put me precisely where I was meant to be; worrying would do nothing to change that fate. People would ask me what my plans were for the following school year, and I would simply respond, "I'm waiting for God to tell me!" And he did. He is so faithful.

I could not be more excited for this next adventure. 

My Lip Stain Obsession

Have I mentioned that I'm addicted to lip stains? Because I am. I really am.


I'm usually low key when it comes to make up, partially because I am terrible at putting it on. Ask me to do a winged liner, and prepare to fall on the floor from laughing so hard. Yes, it's that bad. When it comes to lip color, however, I tend to gravitate toward bold colors. I love to make my lips pop with a deep red or a bright pink, and with my go to lip stain brand, I can rely on it to be extra pigmented, creamy and long lasting. What's not to love?

What is this brand, you ask? Meet Jordana Twist & Shine Moisturizing Balm Stain!

Price: $2.99 at Walgreens



In the past, lip stains have always dried my lips out. Thankfully, I stumbled across the Jordana brand, and it does the exact opposite. It works as both a lip balm AND a stain, so you get that super pigmented color without the flakiness that dry lips usually bring. I've bought just about every color, but my go to color is honey love. It's the perfect neutral to throw on when you don't have time to dig for a certain color in your purse. ;) Check out the different color choices in the picture below:

What favorite lip stains do you have? I'd love to hear!

Black & Creme

Hello, pretty people!


Is it just me, or is this week going by exceptionally slow? We basically had a two week vacation here in Atlanta due to snow, so maybe I'm acting a bit spoiled, but if today gets any longer I may start growing gray hair (yes, I tend to be dramatic).  To break away from the mundane day-to-day activities that a work week can bring, I chose to style one of my favorite tops:

I have a major love affair with anything flowy and feminine, and this sweater is all of the above! The multicolored ruffles add the perfect touch to make this top a real eye catcher. I've worn it a few times now, and I get compliments every single time. This is a great transitional sweater for winter to spring - it's warm enough to keep you cozy in the winter months, yet light enough to wear on a cool spring day. Add a statement necklace, and you're out the door with an easy, comfy, and stylish look. What's not to love? For more cute clothes at an affordable price, check out www.Brooklyn's.com!


Hope you have a {speedy} week!

Cruise Recap

Happy Wednesday, everyone!

I apologize for being MIA this week, but I've been so busy relishing these past few {nearly snow-less} snow days! Seriously, y'all, Atlanta got 5/8 of an inch of snow, and school has been cancelled the past two days! It's crazy how the south reacts to this kind of weather, but I'm not complaining. :)

Anyways, on Sunday, Kyle and I got back from a seven day cruise on the Carnival Dream. In short, it was an amazing ship! If you're considering taking a cruise in the near future, I absolutely recommend this one. The rates are fairly inexpensive, it's the biggest ship in the fleet, and you leave out of an amazing port, New Orleans. For our cruise, we traveled to Costa Maya, Mexico, Cozumel, Mexico, and Roatan, Honduras. All ports were lovely and the locals even lovelier. Here are a few of my favorite parts of the trip:

The Entertainment

As y'all know, I've been on my fair share of cruises (11 or 12 at this point). Despite that number, I can say with complete confidence that this ship had the best entertainment I have ever seen with Carnival. The dance team was top notch, the comedians were hilarious, and they even had a break dancing team, The Fun Force. It is completely evident that this team takes a LOT of pride in their work, and it's reflected in their enthusiasm during every show. They even had a Motown singer flown to the ship who performed all of my favorite classics. I danced in my seat and sang as loud as I could; Kyle looked at me like I was a nut!

Some people weren't quite as entertained! Haha

The Food

It's sad at this point, but one of my favorite parts of cruising is the limitless food. I've always joked that getting off a cruise after a week of gorging yourself is basically the equivalent of detoxing. I wake up in the morning, groggy-eyed and confused, wondering why a waiter hasn't hand delivered me waffles, fruit, assorted bread, and a cup of coffee. During our time on the Dream, we had lobster, prime rib, escargot, sushi, assorted soups and salads, pastas,crab cakes, etc. Oh, and don't get me started on the dessert selection. Here are a few dinner menu choices:

The Ports

I loved most of the ports. Cozumel has the bluest water I have EVER seen and plenty of things to keep you occupied if you didn't book an excursion. Roatan, Honduras, however, was easily my favorite port. What I love most about Roatan is the scenery. When you go to a typical beach town, the scenery, though beautiful, is limited. There's an ocean, a few palm trees, and that's about it. In Roatan, they have not only a beach right by the cruise port, but also lush greenery and stunning mountain views. If I could sum up paradise in a single place, it would take the cake for sure. We also went to Costa Maya, which is largely a cruise port and nothing more, and I wasn't a big fan. Aside from souvenir shops and overpriced bars, there wasn't much to see, although I have heard there is a quaint fishing town a short drive down the road with beaches and much more affordable prices if you're wanting to drink a few daiquiris.

Overall, we had a wonderful time and can't wait to book our next cruise. What can I say - We're obsessed! 

Thoughtful Valentine's Day Gifts

Let's get real, people. 

Valentine's Day is known as the most cliché holiday of the year. Most cynics (I prefer to call us "realists") think V-day is a socially constructed holiday to push people to spend money they don't have on gifts they don't actually want - think teddy bears or heart shaped balloons. To be honest, I kind of agree with them. Chocolate covered strawberries, though delicious, do not scream "I love you." A bouquet of roses, though kind, do not say "I put a lot of thought into your gift."  Thankfully, it doesn't have to be this way! Maybe my expectations are a tad too high, but if you're going to celebrate a holiday about love, let's tailor it solely to the one you're celebrating, shall we?

If you really want your significant other to know just how much they mean to you, get creative and try one of these ideas instead: 

Write a Heartfelt Letter: I think love letters are the kindest, most romantic thing you can do for another person. It's easy to throw an "I love you" at the end of a Hallmark card and call it a day, but taking the time to truly express what you love about your significant other has incredible value. Let me assure you, putting your heart and soul into a love letter will not soon be forgotten.

Make a Soundtrack: Think back to all the wonderful times you've had together. What songs remind you of those times? Maybe there was a tune playing in the background when you first met, or perhaps you two had a favorite song that completely defined a portion of your relationship. Whatever the case may be, take a stroll down memory lane and put these songs into a playlist for your significant other. Earn bonus points if you write down why each song represents the relationship!

Cook their favorite dessert from scratch: Cooking anything from scratch is a tough mission - everyone knows that. However, there is something incredibly admirable about taking on a difficult, time consuming task to show how much you love a person. Kyle could attempt to make me a homemade butterscotch pie and fail completely, and I would still think it was the sweetest thing ever because he did it knowing it would make me happy. Sure, it would be easy to go out and buy the pie at Publix, but that act isn't nearly as sincere. If you really want to "woo" your loved one, you gotta put in some effort.

Take care of all the chores that week: As a newlywed, I cannot even begin to tell you how happy I am when Kyle takes care of the dishes or vacuums without being prompted to do so. It's very thoughtful to take that burden off your loved one, even if it's only for a few days. It takes a little effort on your end, but it will really reflect how much you care for them! Light their favorite candle for added effect.

A "I listened" gift: This is one of the few "buyable" gifts that I actually support. Spend some time listening to your significant other; I mean really listening. Did they mention a book they had been eyeing? What about a shirt he/she pointed out while you were out shopping last weekend? In my opinion, there is nothing more thoughtful than showing your girl/guy that you listen to everything they tell you - even stuff that may initially strike you as insignificant. Opening a gift that you were sure your husband wouldn't remember is the best feeling.

Coupon Book: If you're looking for something not quite as serious but still thoughtful, try making your own coupon book. The coupons can range from anything such as "You can pick where we eat," "I'll give the dog a bath," or "One free massage." I made one of these for Kyle last year, and he had the best time looking at all the coupons I made especially for him. It's an easy craft project that your significant other will enjoy for the next year (yes, only a year, because I put an expiration date on my coupon book - HA!).


Love you forever. and ever. and ever. and ever.

Spring Wish List

So I realize it's still winter, and the north is dealing with an INSANE snow storm right now, but I can't help but daydream about warmer weather! I'm leaving on a cruise to Mexico and Honduras in less than two weeks, so I am definitely on the lookout for spring outfits and accessories to accompany me on the trip. Here are a few pieces that I'd love to add to my closet:

1. High-Neck Halter Bikini

Get it here!

2. Floral, Flowy Romper

Get it here!

3.  Boho Off the Shoulder dress

Get it here!

4. Sheer Lace Maxi

Get it here!

5. Diamond Print Joggers

Get them here!

6. Baby Doll Dress

Get it here!

7. Ankle Strap Sandals

Get them here!

Believe me, y'all, this list could go on for days. There are SO many cute things I want to get my hands on for this spring, but we will just have to wait and see...


XOXO,

Timeless in Plaid

Happy Wednesday! Wait...it's only Tuesday. YOU GUYS - IT'S ONLY TUESDAY (WAH!).

Anyway...

On Sunday, Kyle and I went out to eat at a local brunch restaurant downtown. The restaurant is a pretty nice place, so I decided to wear a new skirt I found at one of my favorite boutiques, Brooklynn's, in Woodstock. My favorite part of this look is the skirt - which, by the way, I snagged for only $12 bucks on the clearance rack! I can't recommend this store enough;they have the latest styles for a fashionable gal, and you can pretty much always find choices for 40 bucks and under (I usually stick to the sale racks, but I'm a bargainista through and through!)

I also adored the vintage blouse I stole..errr, I mean "borrowed" from my grandmother's closet. I believe that the latest styles are usually just modifications of something that was "in" decades ago, so I always take inspiration from my gran's vintage pieces. She owned her very own boutique back in the day called "Jody's Junction" and has always had a knack for knowing what flatters a woman and what doesn't.  The store closed its doors decades ago, but Gran's looks continue to be timeless and lovely. I adored the outfit I wore that day because it pieced together the old and the new - a brand new skirt and my grandmother's worn yet timeless blouse.

  Plaid Skirt - Available in store only - Similar style here

Tan Double-breasted Peacoat - Similar style here

Vintage Cream Blouse - Similar style here

Tights - TJ Maxx

Rampage Boots - Similar style here (MAJOR CLEARANCE!)





What did you do this weekend?

Living with Less

On MLK day, I watched a documentary on Netflix called Living on One Dollar. In the hour long film, four college students ventured off to a small village in Guatemala to truly find out what it's like to live in extreme poverty. They allotted themselves a dollar a day per person for an entire summer, attempted to start their own business growing vegetables, and spent every night sleeping in a hut, surrounded by bugs, filth, and sickness. By the end of the trip, they had each lost around 20 pounds, been eaten away by bugs, and ingested parasites from unclean water, but they were thrilled with their newfound knowledge of what it's like to live with less.

 

 

 

Things that we take for granted on a daily basis, these young men learned to value. When they were able to eat a  banana, which was a rare treat, they savored it as if it was the most wonderful thing they had ever tasted. I'm not like that. I don't truly appreciate and savor the things I've been given. Do you? 

While most would assume their neighbors, who also lived in extreme poverty, would be regularly unhappy and selfish with their own goods (because they had so little so begin with), the exact opposite was true. Most people in the village couldn't find steady work. They didn't know if they could afford to send their kids to school, treat serious illnesses that were bound to occur, or even feed their family that day. Despite this, they were always friendly, selfless, and giving.

How ironic is it that in the US we are given so many opportunities, have access to clean water, reliable healthcare, nice clothing, and fancy cars, yet we often don't possess the same godly characteristics?

 

I am senseless with my money. Most of us are. This morning, for instance, I rationalized spending 7 dollars at Starbucks for a latte and pumpkin bread, when that seven dollars could have fed an entire family in a third world country for a week. Every morning, I wake up in a 2500 square foot home, step into my walk in closet filled with clothes I hardly wear, and spend 20 minutes in a nice, heated shower. I need none of this to survive or find true happiness. 

 

Because we're raised in such privilege, we've convinced ourselves that we need unneccessary items to be content. I need that new shirt. I need to have a nice car, or a car at all. I need to have the newest Iphone. I need to spend money on things so people will percieve me a certain way. Meanwhile, in countless places across the world and even in our own country, people are just attempting to survive. It's a horrible reality that most of us have been trained to ignore. We're so wrapped up in our own wants and selfishness, we have become numb to the genuine needs of others. I am 110% guilty of this.

 

I'm not trying to make anyone feel bad about living well or occasionally buying a new outfit, because there's nothing wrong with that in moderation; this is me admitting my own struggle with trying to find contentment in the items that are stocked at my local clothing store. But the truth is, this stuff...is just stuff. It gives me no added value. When I'm dead and gone, the last thing I want is for people to look at my legacy and say, "she had really nice things." Nobody will care about my possessions because they didn't help anyone. What did you do while you were here to better our world?

 

Simply put, I don't want to live this way. I can't anymore, because I've realized that no amount of material possessions will bring me happiness. Rather, experiences, loving on others, loving God, and giving selflessly will only bring true, unshakeable joy.

 

 

Thanks for reading,  

 



Anniversary Recap

Happy hump day!


This past weekend, Kyle and I celebrated our one year wedding anniversary. We've planned an anniversary cruise for next month (WHOOP WHOOP!), so we decided to keep our weekend celebrations pretty low key. We drove down to Atlantic Station (a trendy little outlet mall in the heart of Atlanta) and spent the day there. We browsed through stores we could never afford, played in Ikea, and enjoyed the scenery/weather.

 

Ruffled Cream Top - Vintage

Old Navy Olive Skinnies- Similar style here (SALE!)

Leopard Loafers - Similar style here

Coach Plaid Bag - Ridiculously old!

For dinner, we went to our absolute favorite burger joint, The Vortex. Guys, if you haven't been there and you don't have to cross the ocean to get to Atlanta, get in your car and go - NOW. Seriously, it's that good. One of the things I love most about The Vortex is their interesting menu choices. For our appetizer, we ordered a Mac 'N' Cheesy-Changa. Basically, it was a chimichanga filled with pork, mac and cheese, and "cheesy-cheese goo." Oh, the deliciousness (aka, holy calories). But hey, it was our anniversary. We're allowed to indulge every once in a while, right? I had the Yokohama-Mama burger for my entree (a teriyaki glazed burger with a pineapple on top) and it was just as amazing. Far warning though - It is a BAR, and you have to be 21 to get in. Oh, and the menu is rife with hilarious but wildly inappropriate commentary. You've been warned.

Our celebration was simple, but it fit our personalities to a "T" and we had a great time! 


How was your weekend?

Love you forever,