Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

So, I'm a tad late on the whole Christmas thing - but from the bottom of my heart - Happy New Year to you and yours! I hope you had a lovely Christmas season with family, friends, and loved ones.

I'm happy as a clam with how far my little blog has come. It started over three years ago but I didn't get serious about it until May of this year. Thanks for reading. Thanks for supporting. Thanks for encouraging. I've always known I entertained myself... but now...well, it just makes my heart happy to have so many faithful readers who care what I write about. 

I love you all....
(p.s. hold me to that whole closet/laundry situation I talked about here.)

Welcome to Midnight- aka New Year's Resolutions...

Hello, I'm Jana and I'm an addict. 

 

Say whaaaaat?! 

Yeah. I am. I have a secret that's not so secret. I'm addicted to clothing. I have too many freaking clothes and it's running my life. I'm so over feeling overwhelmed with clothing clutter. I'm tired of resenting my clothing. Yes, I'm sort of a fashion blogger.... but this chaos is. not. worth. it! 

Earlier today I thought about doing a video tour of my home so you could see...and then I thought, "That's more embarrassment than I can handle!" Truth be told, all this mess is not my husband's doing. Actually, most of it's mine. All mine. So.....

I'm on Christmas Break. Winter Break. Whatever you wanna call it. I have one week to get this ridiculousness under control. It's Saturday and I've done laundry literally from the time I got out of bed at 10 until now 8:17 p.m. and there is still laundry in the washer, dryer, and on the floor of my bedroom. DUUUUUUUMB! That's not normal. I don't have children so what is my excuse?!

Here are things I said today that are weird:
- I have five pairs of "sick socks". 

- I've had this shirt since I was 12.

- I have to keep these shorts from Color Guard (aka when I was 14)

-  This drawer won't shut

- I know these pants are ugly but they're so comfortable

 Boo. On all of this.

If the drawer it belongs in won't close: re-evaluate. That includes the undergarments drawer, the t-shirt drawer, the pj pants drawer, the miscellaneous drawer and then don't stop!

Seriously... That grandma sweater?! Hideous, Jana Faith. What. Were. You. Thinking?! The camo green skirt that makes you look like you have an elephant rear? No. Get rid of that monstrosity. The random Berkeley sweatshirt your mom got you from a flea market.... you never wear that. Your mom does not live in a sweatshirt. Your sentimental stuff is not clothing! STOP THE INSANITY! 

(Plus, I'm supposed to go thrifting with my niece this week and I can't justify getting new stuff if the old stuff is making me cranky)

My Basic Clothing Purge Rules:

1.  The drawer must be able to close. If it can't: re-evaluate
2. How do you feel when you look at it? Do you feel happy?
   Do you feel like you should get rid of it?
   Does the item make you feel confident?
3. How long has it been since you wore it last?
4. Do you have several items you can wear it with?
5. Are there multiples of this?
   I mean, do you have 6 pairs of black pants?
   Do you have 4 v-neck white t shirts?
6. Be honest with yourself.
   You might have been a t-shirt an jeans gal once upon a time ago, but are you still that lady?

Lastly, the best part about cleaning out this clothing situation is: I MAKE MOOLAH! Say it again: MONEY! When I take my clothes to the consignment store I most enjoy frequenting, I get money back. That makes me a happy camper. Who doesn't love making money from their old stuff?! Just the other day I had $41.33 on my account and THAT makes me smile.... *grinning now* 

This too shall pass. I'm making new habits in 2013. I'm making better habits. I am going to de-clutter. De-stress. And my closet  and laundry pile will no longer be a source of resentment.There won't be a mountain of laundry.

Get your fashion on! 

p.s. "Sick Socks" are the socks I wear when I'm sick. Maybe it's gross, but sometimes I put Vick's vaporub on my feet and wear my "sick socks" to bed. It HELPS! Try it some time. ;o) 

Everything and Nothing - Nothing and Everything

No words feel appropriate or adequate regarding Friday's tragedy...

My heart hurts for the families. My heart hurts as a teacher....but it's not about me.

People ask: "Where is God in all of this?" 

"The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed". Psalm 34:18 NLT

"He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds." Psalm 147:3 NLT

Nothing I say sounds wise enough. As much as my heart breaks over this horrific event, my Jesus, my Heavenly Father, his heart is broken too.

I can only pray  "the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Psalm 4:7 NIV

(source)

Silence and Support for Sandy Hook

To the Blog World and Anyone Else who Wants to Help,
Yesterday, tragedy struck so many of us in ways we did not foresee. An elementary school and small town in Connecticut was shattered by a mass shooting. We knew we wanted to help and we came up with this:

On Tuesday, December 18th, there will be a blogger day of silence. We will post the button and that’s it. Please try to not post anything else that day if possible.
We are also raising money that will go to an organization in the memory of this tragedy. The organization is called The Newtown Family Youth and Family Services.
Here is the official description of the support service we are donating to:
“Newtown Youth and Family Services, Inc. is a licensed, non-profit, mental health clinic
and youth services bureau dedicated to helping children and families achieve their
highest potential. NYFS provides programs, services, activities, counseling, support
groups and education throughout the Greater Newtown area.

ANY DONATIONS MADE TO NEWTOWN YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES WILL BE DONATED DIRECTLY TO THOSE EFFECTED BY THE SANDY HOOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SHOOTING.”

Please visit THIS PAGE to make your donation.

We can’t imagine how they must be feeling, especially this close to the holidays. We would love for you to spread the word on your own blog, Facebook, Twitter, etc. Let’s make a difference and use blogging in a positive way.
Thank you in advance for participating.
Love,
The Blog World

Special Thanks to Michelle and Meg for helping with this.

Friday I'm in Love - # 2

Last Friday, I began a series about our Love Story. If you need to catch up click here. Part two isn't as 'happy' and sweet as part one. I'm having a hard time keeping motivation to write it. It's easier to write about happy things...The things you read today can only be explained in hindsight by this post.

Last you read, we'd gone on a date and it went well. We began talking on the phone often. He has a highly recognizable vehicle and I looked for it while driving around town. One day, I saw him and we both pulled over in a neighborhood, decided to go to the park and talk and walked around the track. Swung on the swings. Built a friendship. 

 21st Birthday 2004 - Sporting Pink Hair - I drank Dr. Pepper.

After a few months of talking, we had "the talk". The "What are we doing? Where is this going? How do we feel about one another? Are we a couple?" talk. You know that one... so, we're both pretty precious because we were quite shocked to find, after all the time we spent together, we both liked each other. WHAT?! How is it possible?!

We spent several months dating. Hanging out. Enjoying each others' company. Although I was happy and I knew I liked him, I had an unshakable feeling something wasn't right. I worried a lot and I did a decent job of pushing the worries to the back of my mind. I kept having a feeling, "we need to break up". 2012, he's my husband but at that time, I couldn't explain it. This feeling ate away at my happiness and made it hard to enjoy my time with Joe.... And finally, in June 2004, I broke up with him. :o( I didn't really feel any better. It didn't make life better. It didn't take away the anxiety. I continually worried AND I was stuck with the sadness of missing my best friend. I was stuck in the middle of "I like this guy" and "I can't be with him". 

I prayed constantly. I poured out my heart to Jesus. Constant requests to make things work for the best with Joe and I. Telling my Jesus I wanted to be with Joe and didn't understand my uneasiness. Begging, pleading, and feeling no better... Didn't understand why I needed to break up with Joe. 

July I went to Kids Kamp as a sponsor. I was gone a week and talked to Joe once a day in the evenings. I updated him on all the things that were going on in my heart. I updated him on how God was working in me. Somehow, Joe knew anyway.... he still knew my heart. But I still didn't feel the peace I wanted to be with Joe... this lasted too long....too long. Praise the Lord Joe is a patient man who knows what he wants. If you want to find out what happens next.... come back next Friday!

Get your fashion on and tune in next Friday for part 3

P.S. Did you enter the Giveaway for this necklace?

Throwback Thursday - Remember Xanga?

Seriously, does anyone remember the good ol' days of Xanga? If you don't, it's okay. It was pre MySpace. It was pre Facebook. It was pre Twitter. It. Is. Ancient. For reals. 

Well - I had a Xanga and I updated that dude frequently. It was an online journal. A diary of sorts. More open than my blog - let's pretend it's 2010 - and life was just beginning .... (twinkly time-machine music because we're going back....)

WARNING: word heavy, deep though, sad heart post comin' atcha.

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Tuesday, March 30, 2010

• We don't want to no drama.
  Life 101
  I managed to escape all the drama of high school. Thank goodness... but as I've gotten older, drama has increased. All those little sayings my parents used to say are starting to make sense.
  - I've been doing mental gymnastics.
  - Life 101
  - Gettin' old ain't for sissies
  These are a few of the gems... but seriously, why does life get more complicated as we get older? Sometimes I wish I could escape the reality of adulthood and head back to being a child. I've proclaimed I have the female version of  the"Peter Pan Complex". I'm okay with that. Growing up causes growing pains. Geez.
  
  Some people will always hold a place in our hearts and memories but no longer fit in our lives. Friendships die. I have been having a hard time sleeping tonight. I miss when my friends and I used to call each other and have "dress-up" days at school. We'd all wear our black pants and we knew we were hot stuff. I miss when my brain didn't feel cluttered with nonsense. I miss the joy of picking honeysuckle on the way to Aunt Betty's house. I miss the innocence of when someone asking me if I was gay I REALLY thought they were asking me if I was happy. *sigh* There are only a handful of people I feel like I am really myself with... I miss being a kid. I like that I am 'mature with childlike qualities'. I've been dealing with this maturity business for a long time.... years, in fact. I miss when my best friend was my best friend instead of a girl I don't know anymore. Sometimes, the effort is takes to maintain a friendship is more draining than it's worth and you have to cut ties. Everyone keeps telling me to pray about it.... Growing pains. I am experiencing growing pains.
  
  I told my parents my friends are getting their drama all over me. It's wearing me out. It makes me want to shake some people and say, "What are you doing?!" Life gets messy. I want to tell some people what I really think but as my dad says, 'It wouldn't be prudent'. Thanks Dad, for sharing your wisdom. I'm going to be prudent and be a friend....
  
  Wasn't trying to be a "Debbie Downer" here but I needed to get this out. Growing up is hard to do.
  
  Still to this day... Joe is constant, stable. I am thankful for that. Even moreso, God is faithful. I've been telling Him my heart tonight...
  
  

   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

   Whoa... life moves. I'm happy I've dealt with my female Peter Pan complex and moved on to an Alice and Wonderland Merry Un-birthday complex. Ha! Did you know, I have a Pinterest Board about Alice in Wonderland? I STILL think she should be an honorary Disney Princess.  I digress, either way, to update you, the friendship mentioned above was lost. The memories stay in my heart. My other friends are making better life choices. And I'm happy. Joe is still a constant. Did you read our Love Story beginning? I'm mentally preparing for the second chapter.... 

  
  

  Lastly, did you enter the Statement Necklace Giveaway Heather is hosting for me? 

  

  
  

  
  

Whatchu wearin' girrrl? - aka What I Wore Wednesday

Hey, mah people, new and old. I'm so glad you're here today! If you know me in real life, sometimes I do voices. I do a mean cockney Brit accent. I also do, "white girl ghetto". Please don't be offended. It's all for silliness sake and politically correctness isn't my forte. It's been said, "I missed my calling" and I should have gone into acting. But really, isn't that what teachers do every day? Anyway, I know you're dying to see what this trend-setting gal wore to teach .... so let's get to it.

Oh, and for those of you who enjoy my "bloopers" stick with me to the end.... it's a big payoff. ;o) 

 

 

 

Vintage 80s  Sweater - Thrifted

Black Skirt- Thrifted

Leggings - Wal-Mart

Pixie Boots - Thrifted

 And now.... This face.

You're glad you stuck around, right? That face is priceless and golden. And in case you're wondering, yes, that is a playground in the background. I have good friends who are willing to do a fashion shoot after school.

MAJOR p.s. Have you entered my Statement Necklace Giveaway on Heather's Cookies for Breakfast? You totally should!

Get your fashion on...

I'm a Copycat

I'm an exceptionally talented copycat. I'm also fairly shameless. Earlier this week, I realized, I get inspired by Pinterest outifts often. And so... I present to you a piece called: I'm a Copycat.

Disclaimer: I was sharing my brilliant idea with my parents at lunch and came home to a real bummer-bomb. My brilliant idea was already thought of by some other bloggers. I'm not stealing their idea though. Just so you know - - I was all jazzied up thinking I'm a super creative person for thinking up a blog post about how I copy people's fashion choices. Dang. Nothing new under the sun... *sigh* Don't leave?

 

Source: fashionbybridgette.blogspot.com via Jana on Pinterest

Source: tumblr.com via Jana on Pinterest

Source: lorna-harriman.polyvore.com via Jana on Pinterest

Source: thistimetomorrow-krystal.blogspot.com via Jana on Pinterest

Grey  Long Sleeve Shirt - Forever 21
Plaid Shirt- Thrift Store
Faux Fur Vest - Ross Dress for Less
Black Jeggings - Ross Dress for Less
Black Biker Boots- BCBG Generation -gifted

Conversation that occurred before church Sunday:
Me: Do I look like an alpaca or an abominable snow woman?
Husband: *laughing* No, you look cute.
Me: Okay, just checking. I always feel weird with this vest. 

So - did I nail it? Or did I nail it? I mean, all things considered, I do a pretty good Copycat, eh?


Get your fashion on!
p.s. Did you remember to enter my giveaway?

Good Golly, there's a Giveaway!

Only two more Mondays until Christmas Break for this fashionista teacherista! And.... in other exciting news, there's a GIVEAWAY happening. I know all you gals in blogland love giveaways.... Oh, and how could I possibly have forgotten! I'm guesting over at Tea Tree Vintage today!

My sweet and hilarious blog friend Heather at Cookies for Breakfast is hosting a giveaway for this sah-weet necklace, pictured above. But seriously, if you don't already follow this chick you're missing out. She blogs about Benjamin (her adorable son), life, does product reviews, gets crafty, and she does it all with hilarity and snarky wit. Go check her out!

While you're there, enter my giveaway and then when you've got that wrapped up... head over to see my Pinterest-project at Tea Tree Vintage! I know you'll love Emily, too. She's so sweet and into vintage goodness. She's got a fun Etsy store, a pretty kitty, and recently graduated college! Holla!

To enter: Visit Cookies for Breakfast and enter!
Also - Read my guest post at Tea Tree Vintage

Get your fashion on and GOOD LUCK!

Friday I'm In Love - #1

I'm going to start a series about how my husband and I met and fell in love.... it's a love built for the ages. It took me nearly 5 years to 'get it' that he was awesome. I'm not daft.  Some people would consider our love story better than the Twilight Story. I dunno.... I kinda like Bella and Edward. I digress....

p.s. Hubbalicious, please don't massacre me for these photos. I still think you're the hottest guy on the planet.

Once upon a time, I looked like crap and decided to go to the most "ghetto" grocery store in town. "No one will see me", I thought to myself.  Little did I know...

I'm leaving the grocery store and I see literally the. MOST. attractive. man. EVER! Walking out of the store. Holy Crap on a Cracker! What do I do?! Nothing. I'm super lame and suck at flirting. So. Hawt! Black hair. Punk Rock clothes. So edgy. Pale Skin. Pink Cheeks. Hubba hubba. I call my best friend at the time and gush on the phone. "What do I do?! What do I do?" She naturally tells me to go talk to him. Uh. Not gonna happen. I look like crap today. Bad hair. Bad face. Horrible acne situation. Nope.

THIS is what we were working with, people. Thankfully, this fashionista has come a long way.What is with those arm socks?! (Confession: I still have those. Maybe they'll come back?)

*whew* Glad that's over. 

Fast forward 6 months later and in comes The Hottest Guy on Earth to our youth group service on Thursday night.

 

(Sneaky photo taken unbeknownst to him - by my bestie. What are besties for?)

 
(Sneaky photo #2)
 

I start the hyperventilation. The heart palpitation. I discreetly nudge viciously elbow my friend- whisper screaming, "THAT'S HIM! THAT'S HIM! That's the hot guy from a few months ago!" 

Turned out he worked with one of our youth leaders at the chicken restaurant catty-corner from our church. Oddly enough, that's where we had Sunday School. Our first official meeting was in a chicken restaurant. It must be kismet. I love chicken. 

Another fabulous memory: we were scrubbing potatoes to get ready for a church fundraiser. Apparently, I said something about how I didn't enjoy having "potato poop" on my hands and that's what sold him on me. Seriously. Potato poop. What is wrong with me?! Why am I talking about poop in front of this hot guy? 

This is one of my clearer memories of the beginning of us - Thursday Night. Spring Break 2004. I'm walking with some of the youth girls, gushing about hot boy. And they keep telling me they think he's into me. I, of course, being as awkward as I am, don't believe them. He runs out of one the church trailers when I'm getting ready to leave and says, "Um, hey...can I get your number?" EEEEE! Squeal with me, ladies, hot boy just asked for my number! I couldn't find a piece of paper fast enough. So, I used the back of one of my deposit slips for my checking account. (Hot boy who is now hubbalicious still has that piece of paper.) 

That Saturday - he called me. YES! For coffee at Java Dave's. I literally ran laps around my parents' house. It's a big deal, people. I don't run. I didn't run, but for hot boy, I ran around the house.

 

 

I still have the shirt I wore on our first date packed away in a box of memories. We sat for hours. Drank coffee. Talked. He laughed at everything I said. I felt like a comedienne and I liked it....

Stay tuned - - - these will continue on Fridays until- well- until they're over. :o) 

Get your fashion on...

Pin me something good...

So... I know, you're saying, "Seriously Jana?! Again with the Pinterest?" Well, yeah. Pretty much.

Source: modcloth.tumblr.com via Jana on Pinterest

Elsha at When Mine Became Ours posted a fabulous recipe the other day. Looks simple enough that even I could make it! I'm all about the carbs. For realsies. 

Source: whenminebecameours.blogspot.com via Jana on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Jana on Pinterest

I've got a blazer and a similar hat - I am fabu at copying people. Hmmm--- copy has a negative connotation. Let's go with being "inspired by" her outfit. Yeah. Let's go with that.

Source: thesartorialist.com via Jana on Pinterest

How could anyone not love this little cutie?!

Source: sheepbear.com via Jana on Pinterest

Usually - I'm not a fan of chevron. It is just zigzag masquerading as something fancier. But this outfit -well, it's the exception to the rule. I can dig it. 

Source: shophopes.com via Jana on Pinterest

Wanna know a cool secret? I've learned I can find great Christmas present ideas for people on Pinterest. Just about EVERYONE has a board with things they wish they could have. It's true! Try it out and I bet you'll find Pinterest is very helpful. ;o) 

Get your fashion on

I don't get it...

Every once and I while - I get a case of the snark. Snark can be snippy commentary. Generally, it's rare, but people who know me well get to see it. Today,  I'm sharing with my bloggy friends. Ya know I love ya, baby.

Mustaches- Why are they trendy? They are on everything. Socks. Straws. Wine Glass decals. Mugs. Shirts. Christmas ornaments. Cupcakes. For the love! Help a sistah out? I'm a girl. The last thing I want is a mustache. Really. The facial hair my husband has is enough to hold me over. 

 

Channing Tatum- I know I'm about to catch some flack for my distaste, but it's true. He's mediocre at best alright I guess, but it all seems so gratuitous. He's stinkin' everywhere on Pinterest. And people who know me in real life know I all but picketed the movie Magic Mike. Yucko. For those of you who disagree-

(insert gratuitous photo here)

Source: fuckyeahsexyhotmen.tumblr.com via Chandler on Pinterest

This face that all females under 20 are making on Facebook:

Tell me ladies, who is being unimpressive? You? Or the World? Not cute. (snark snark) Just a heads up on that - when you get to be 29, like this ol' gal... you'll get wrinkles from making that face. I'm living proof.

Oh, and speaking of Facebook - - - are you following Every Day is Your Runway?
p.s. Can you see my pink-eye. Hooray for quarantine. *snark snark* 

When people don't like Taylor Swift. She is a nice girl. Admit it, her songs are catchy. We are never, ever getting back together? You know you've sung it. She wears short skirts I wear t-shirts? I am HER! Taylor, I love you. Even if you're more pop than country. Plus, you're constantly wearing sequins and glitter. How can people not like that? 

Source: zimbio.com via Jana on Pinterest

Chalkboard Paint - It's cute. It's purposeful. The texture makes my teeth hurt. Something about that grit goes all through me and makes me feel sick. Strange as it may seem, this teacher does NOT do chalkboards. 

People's Chevron obsession - it's cute. Really. And like mustaches, it's on everything. Wall Art. Dresses. Tunics. Shoes. Scrapbook paper. Even blog backgrounds. But  if it's gonna stay around, let's call it what it is: Zig-Zag.

p.p.s. Just being silly. When you're quarantined due to pink eye - - you write stuff. Take it with a grain of salt.

Every Day is Your Runway ...