Sunday Social

1. What is the best New Years Eve you've ever had?

The only one that sticks out  is when Joe and I watched King Kong. We were at the theater on New Year's Eve and I got upset with him because he didn't tell me Happy New Year right when it turned midnight. I'm a nutball. 

2. Are you doing anything for NYE this year and if so what?

No plans at this time, although there's a local concert/benefit I'm considering. It's just easy to stay home and watch Dick Clark's Rockin' New Year's.

  

3. Name a book we should all read come January?   

Wrecked by Jeff Goins or Star Girl by Jerry Spinelli

4. What are your new year's resolutions?

I'm terrible at keeping resolutions.  Reoccurring resolutions have included: "Read my Bible More", "Eat healthier", "Be more organized", "Exercise consistently", etc. This year, I want to get clutter under control in our home. Instead of waiting until the New Year begins, I've already begun clearing small spaces and I hope to make better habits that will stay with me throughout the year. If you have any helpful hints regarding clutter control, feel free to share. I'm always open for new ideas!

Linking up with Ashley and Neely for Sunday Social this week.

Cry baby... it's MORE than okay to cry.

For the one who reads this and needs it...

 

I cry when my heart is full to the brim and the only way to possibly contain what's inside is to let some out my eyes.

I cry when I have reached my frustration level and I can't go on without a good cry.

I bought What Dreams May Come for days when I need a good cry. (Let it be noted I've never watched it for that purpose but should the need arise, I have the movie.)

I cry when all the children and teachers in our little school, my home away from home, come together for a teachers versus students volleyball game.

I cry when my feelings get hurt.

I cry when I am singing praises to Jesus.

Sometimes, I cry tears of gratitude and thankfulness when I look over and realize I get to spend life with my husband.

I even cry when I hear Pink sing Just Give me a Reason or Miley sing Wrecking Ball. (But let's face it, who doesn't cry when they think of Miley these days!?)

From the time I have memories, my amazing momma has told me, "It's okay to cry. Get the cry over with and then move on." 

Piano lessons, dance class, Mrs. Rowland's math class, 9th grade Geometry, staff meetings, hurt feelings and more... if you've known me for any length of time- whether as a child or an adult - you've probably seen me cry. It's part of who I am and that's okay. I've always continued after a good cry. Usually, I cry because I care. I'm not a cry baby. I'm tenderhearted. Crying does not make me weak.

When tears are cried and left behind in a healthy way, they're cathartic. They can give the release you need to be strong or they can escape as a symbol of immense joy. 

"Record my misery; list my tears on your scroll- are they not in your record?" Psalm 56:8

Jesus sees our tears and He rejoices with us when they are joyful and mourns with us when they are sorrowful.

It's more than okay to cry...

I felt like a Pinterest lady...

Every once in a while...

an outfit comes together so easily...

 And I felt like a Pinterest Lady.


 Outfit Details
 Shoes- Instagram shop- FawnandFeather @ohemmadeer's closet
Jeans - Thrifted
Chambray Shirt- Thrifted
Scarf- Jane
Purse- forever ago Target

People Pleaser

Hello, my name is Jana and I'm a people pleaser.


Whew. Now that I've gotten that off my chest... it's exhausting trying to make everyone like me. The older I get and the longer I live the more people I come across who decide I'm not their cup of tea. It's exhausting keeping a mental tally of people who said they a) don't like me b) think I'm too nice c) too perky d) phony e) fill in the blank.

This has been a lifelong habit. In elementary school I had people threaten to beat me up. In high school someone outright told me they didn't like me. In each instance, I tried my darnedest to make these people like me. As an adult I've come across more people who don't click with me and I usually want to "fix" it, somehow change their opinion...

I have something to say to myself and other people pleasers....
STOP IT!

In all the self defeat and nonacceptance ... we're only causing ourselves frustration, anxiety, and pain. Stop questioning who you are and wondering what's wrong with you. You have been uniquely designed and the way you are is good.  "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." Jeremiah 1:5

Not only did God set you and me apart, he took the time to do this...."And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered." Matthew 10:30  I've got a LOT of hairs. Why am I worried about what anyone thinks of them? God already counted them and set me apart to do great and mighty things.


So who are you trying to please? Who am I trying to please? This, my thirtieth year, I've realized I need to stop. I need to stop being self conscious about whether people like me. I need to stop doubting my abilities and apologizing for being a "bossy pants." I'm not bossy. In fact, I'm probably one of the least "bossy" people you'll ever come across. I need to take ownership of the gifts and talents I've been given. I need to stand firm on God's promises that his gifts and call are irrevocable and stop apologizing and trying to please humans.


 "Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10 NIV 

Meet the Teacher: What I Wore & What I learned

Tonight marked my 8th (!!!) Meet the Teacher night. I simply cannot believe I'm no longer the 'new kid on the block'... what a weird feeling.

Highlights include:

- I got a few of my "wish list" kids.
- Kids who wished to have me for their teacher got me.
- Some of my former darlings came back to see me. This is one of my FAVORITE things.

- I got a handmade bracelet from one of my sweeties.

- I saw some excellent Hello Kitty earrings.

- One friend taught me how to snap and point properly. Took me a few times, but I think I've got it.
(To clarify, when I say friend or talk about accessories, these are obvi first grade sweeties.)

Outfit
Pearls: Gifted from Daddy
Shirt: Thrifted Nine West
Skirt: Thrifted
Shoes: Crocs
(Did you read about my new Crocs?)

Things I've learned:

- As much as I want to... I can't spend time with everyone like I'd like.

- Having kids and parents sort supplies is bombtastic. Do that every year.

- Directions on the SmartBoard- I'm a genius.

- Kids always get added at the last minute.

What I would have done differently: 

- Helped the rookie down the hall a little more. I forget what it's like to be in her shoes.
 

Um.... teacher face???

Here's hoping to my best year in first grade, always remembering what it's like to be the newbie, and never letting go of First Grade Jitters. Pretty sure my nerves mean I care.

Never Ever Ever

Never Ever Ever...

•  will I get my legs straight when doing a cartwheel.
• will I feel fully prepared to begin a new school year.
• will I feel comfortable shimmying.
• will I figure out how to twerk. I've been working on it. My body doesn't move that way.
• will I be NOT NERVOUS about meeting parents of my students. (p.s. that is TODAY!)

This week I'm linking up with Stephanie , Neely , and Shelley for Never Ever Ever.

Don't revoke my fashionista license... I bought Crocs

I know what you're thinking. I thought it too. Gone are the days that Crocs look like gnome shoes.

At my teacher-friend's request, I went with her to exchange a pair of Crocs. She said not to make fun of her shoes because they were Crocs. I truly had to bite my tongue. Once I saw the shoes I couldn't believe they weren't hideous. As a matter of fact, they were cute, kind of like jellies. And when I slipped them on... whoa momma. They were comfy! Perfect for teaching first graders. Within three days I had two pairs of my own: one black and one brown.






Standard Fit Audrina


Please ignore price tags. The reason they're pictured is so you can get the information you want in case you decide to get your own. When I bought mine they were buy one get one half off so the price was fair, especially for a pair of comfortable shoes I'll wear often.






Women's Huarache Flat


For warm weather shoes, these are practical and supportive. As far as cold weather options, Crocs still have a way to go.

After seeing some of the more fashion forward options...

Would YOU buy a pair of Crocs?

This post was in no way sponsored. All opinions are my own.

How putting on a "costume" changed my attitude

As of today, school officially starts in seven sleeps. And without fail, my back-to-school jitters are kicking in. By nature I'm a bit of a worrier and this year is no exception. Each year I get jitters just like my first grade darlings and it's to be expected after a summer of carefree fun and fashion. The way I dress in summer and the way I dress during the school year... I feel like I'm not the same lady and the clothes come from a costume closet. 



Here's an interesting tidbit about me...Some days I have to put on a teacher 'costume'.  My college professors were worried I wouldn't speak loudly enough and I would struggle with management. But I found a trick... if I dress like a teacher, I act like a teacher.

My first year of teaching was less than ideal. In fact, I struggled with classroom management (aka student behavior).  One little tweak in my wardrobe helped change my attitude. Instead of wearing whatever fun clothes I wanted, I began dressing professionally. I immediately noticed a positive change in my behavior and my students' behavior. Although many early childhood teachers advise against dressing up my philosophy is: clothes are washable.

(Also, do not judge the clothes on the floor behind me. I like to keep it real, people)

I usually start the year off strong and always dress professionally for conferences, meet the teacher, and anything dealing with parents. Throughout the year, I integrate my fun clothes but much like Miss Nelson from Miss Nelson is Missing... I have my alter-ego for when my darlings get out of hand. Shhhhh.... help me keep it a secret. Otherwise this trick may lose its magic.


For now, my teacher clothes are still in the closet... So enjoy some summertime Jana. I like her wardrobe more than Mrs. C's.

What to do if you signed a contract too quickly

So... a fast talking salesman knocked on your door and you made the mistake of letting them inside your home. What they're saying sounds really good. In fact too good. I once had a wise man tell me, "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is." I REALLY should have listened to him, especially last Wednesday when I could hear his voice in my head as the salesman was reeling me in hook, line, and sinker.

Short version: a door-to-door salesman came to our house, told me about an amazing deal on an amazing product. We waited for my husband to get home and within a 3 hour period of him knocking on our door, we had this amazing product installed.

After the seller and installer left... my husband and I did a quick Google search of the company and found numerous horror stories on the company. The more I read, the more freaked out I became. I slept terribly. By 5 a.m. Thursday morning, less than twelve hours after installation, I was on the phone with my daddy and we got this situation under control.



Plan of Action

1. Act quickly
   Obviously, we immediately checked out the company online. We then read the contract to find we had three business days to write a handwritten letter of cancellation as stated. Any contract will have cancellation procedures.
   
   
2. Put a Stop Payment on the amount to be drafted at your bank.
   The following morning I was at our bank when it opened and we did something called a stop payment on the amount the company was supposed to draft. At my bank the stop payment cost $30.  It may vary but in the long run, it's better to spend the money now than end up paying the contract in full if you want out.
   
   
3. Write a letter of cancellation
   Our contract paperwork specified a handwritten letter of cancellation. If you're uncertain what that should look like here's the template I used.
   
   
4. Mail the letter of cancellation via 24 hour delivery guaranteed certified mail.
   We took the letter to the USPS and payed to have it shipped overnight. This was $19.95. After leaving the post office, I entered the tracking number on the USPS website and began receiving notifications via email regarding the location of my letter (very helpful for peace of mind).
   
5. Call the company to verify cancellation.
   By Friday, I got an email saying my letter arrived. I called the company to verify I'd completed the cancellation procedure. I documented, documented, documented. Make sure you document each procedure you do.
   
   
   After this experience I was angry and repeatedly apologizing to my husband for "getting us into this mess".  I felt like a cliche of a helpless, naive woman. Fortunately, I was reassured lots of people have made similar mistakes. I am so thankful someone wiser than me helped me through. I hope this is a helpful resource for someone else. Know you're not alone.
   
   In case you're curious... these steps insured prompt cancellation. The company called today (August 6, 2013) and tried to get me to change my mind.
   
   Moral of the story is - if it's a door-to-door salesperson... keep the door shut!
   
   UPDATE: 10:37 p.m. August 7, 2013 a representative from the above company knocked on our door to "uninstall". These people SCHEDULED an appointment to come tomorrow between the hours of 4 and 7. I am livid. Beyond rude to do any type of "customer service" after 9 p.m.
   

Sponsored Post - GlassesUSA

(This is a sponsored post.)

Glasses became a part of my life in 5th grade.
 
1996                            1997
Fortunately, styles have changed and glasses no longer take up half a gal's face, ifyaknowwhati'msayin amiright?! *wink wink nudge nudge* Amen from the 90s girls!

Over the years I've had many different clothing styles and my glasses have always been the finishing touch.
There are SO MANY fashionable, trendy, and classic eyeglasses looks available though GlassesUSA.com!


Left to Right:
Muse Kelsey Tortoise
Stepper Black
Reece Jakob 6027 Black w/ Yellow
Muse College Shiny Black

I got to use their Virtual Mirror feature to try on all different styles. I used the camera on my laptop to upload a quick picture, centered the targets for where my eyes are, and voila! I was able to get a good idea of what I would look like with each style.  I love this feature because as a near sighted person, I always have a hard time getting a good idea of what I might look like with different frames.  With the Virtual Mirror I can still wear my glasses or contacts from the comfort of my living room while "trying on" glasses.


Go on- give it a try. It's so easy and convenient!

Bad news is: glasses can be expensive.
Good news is: you can buy eyeglasses online  AND if you buy glasses through GlassesUSA they have stylish frames at discounted prices.

Every Day is Your Runway blog readers get a special  STOREWIDE OFFER.
Take 15% off + get free shipping on your entire order
(orders over $50). Code: FS15
Take 10% off any order of prescription glasses. Code: Blog10

Lucky you! Try it out and from one frugal fashionista to another...

 

DIY T-Shirt Upcycle

One time I bought the wrong kind of shirt for an iron on and then had a shirt that was 'useless'. Until now!

Inspired by the world of Pinterest

(source)

(source)

First, I used a white opaque paint pen (available at your local craft store or Walmart). Then, I used a regular needle and thread to embroider around the pocket of the shirt. I used lots of different colors because that seems more appropriate for my own little Pocket Full of Sunshine.

Then I used 3 different sizes of paint brush and multiple bottles of acrylic paint to do a random, layered design at the bottom corner to balance out the pocket. I sort of drippled the yellow on to finish it off. Easy peasy!

Also noteworthy: I washed the shirt on the gentle cycle before I wore it and I didn't use any type of setting agent.




Outfit Details
Shirt: DIY
Skirt: Walmart 2013
Moccasins: Gifted
Necklace: eBay (for less than $10) You can find one similar by clicking the link.








"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16

Never Ever Ever

This summer has been the summer of my Native American Hippie side. Seriously... blame it on my long hair...blame it on summer...blame it on the moccasins. I've been feeling a hippie vibe all summer and since I'm Cherokee and Oklahoman, I'm allowed to do that.

Outfit Details:
Headband: somewhere in the mall but probably an easy DIY
Earrings: The Purple Penguin in Bristow
T Shirt: Dwelling Spaces OKC
Shorts: Garage Sale for a quarter!
Moccasins : Gifted
Bracelet: Anniversary present from Husband




I am Never Ever Ever

• Going to be a non-cluttery person. After many attempts and many overwhelmed moments, I think I need to embrace the clutter. I'm annoyed with this revelation.
• (probably) going to be okay with the above revelation.
• going to stop laughing when my husband "points" foot. For some reason it makes me laugh every time. I'm 5 years old.
• going to stop procrastinating. After 30 years on Earth, I still haven't learned my lesson.
• going to understand why Avril Lavigne stayed at 16. I feel like I've grown up. C'mon friend, join me in adulthood?
  
  (source)
  
• going to be able to keep from shakin' it when "Baby Got Back" or "The Thong Song" come on and while we're talking about booty.... this song either: