Little Boy

February 28, 2015

Pleading with tears streaming down your little face.
"YOU PROMISED!"
My heart aches because someone broke their promise...
I know it wasn't me. I wish I could repair the chinks in your armor
you've put on too soon.

Pure snow flakes streaming - you caught a glimpse at the door.
"Oh! It's just snow!" you said brightly and you were innocent again.
Your childlike outburst won me over.

Little friend- streaming down the hall with your fast legs.
You shined with "ten more---ten less."
Let's uncover your strengths, treasures.
I promised I'd love you no matter what choices you make.

I'll keep my promise.

Day 7: Ten Favorite Foods

Day 7 of 31 - Ten Favorite Foods

I always joke there are two things Janas are good at: eating and sleeping. Mostly I say it to be funny but also, I enjoy both things. Like many people, I associate food with happiness and making memories.When I get together with friends, we get a bite to eat. Birthdays, Easter, family cookouts, there's always something delicious to eat.  Although I come from a family of good cooks, my favorites are simple. So without further adieu, my ten favorite foods...

1. Chicken
2. Steak
3. Sushi
4. Peanut Butter and Jelly with Cheetos
5.Cheeseburgers
6. Greek Salad/Caesar Salad/Mixed Green Salad
7. Pizza
8. Bread - rolls, baguettes, waffles, biscuits, etc.
9. Beef Fajitas, nachos, burritos
10. Grapes, Bananas, Peaches

See? Nothing revolutionary. Probably even a lot like a kid's list of favorite foods. What are some of your favorites?

Day 6: 3 Personality Traits I am Proud of...

Day 6: 3 Personality Traits I am Proud of...

 There's really no way to complete this challenge without feeling like a fathead. I guess I'll jump right in and tell you 3 personality traits that make me great.

1. Honest reactions and Honest Answers
I cannot lie nor do I want to lie. If you want the truth, ask me a question then look at my facial expression. It always says what I'm thinking before my mouth does.

2. I have good manners.
Whether at QuikTrip (local gas station), at work, at church, or at school, good manners are important. Manners matter when holding doors. Yes ma'am and no sir aren't reserved for elderly only. It applies from the youngest pre-k students at school to anyone you see out and about. Manners help my communication with students and parents. They help with coworkers. And that old saying, "You catch more bees with honey than with vinegar" is true. If you're polite, people are a lot more willing to help you or just plain be around you. So YAY manners!

3. I have a big heart.
People are important. Friends are important. Family is important. Students are important. I rarely come across a person I don't like and when I've decided you're my friend, you are. I feel things deeply and wish I could fix problems. I worry about my students a lot. I know I was made for teaching. I think people are fascinating and there's almost always room for another friend.

Seriously, no way to write any of that without feeling super gloat-y. What are your favorite personality traits?

Day 5: My guilty pleasure

Day 5: My guilty pleasure

I asked my husband what he thought my guilty pleasure was. "Oh, you have a lot of them. You like booty music. Any songs about booties, but I feel like they're not really guilty pleasures because you don't mind talking about it."

True story, ya'll. I do love a good song about booties. First of all, it's funny. Call me juvenile, but it's plain hilarious and I don't know how anyone can be serious when they're singing about booties. So funny! Second of all, booty songs usually have a good beat. The truth about me is there's no way I can dance inappropriately so booty songs are just silly in my book.

May I present to you.... my "guilty pleasure"

Jana's Top 5 Songs with Booty References

1. Baby Got Back - Sir Mix-A-Lot

       2. Bootylicious - Destiny's Child





       3.  B Double O T Y - Tone the Chiefrocca on America's Got Talent




       4. Country Girl Shake it for Me - Luke Bryan


      5. Cutie Patootie - Eden Wood



What's your guilty pleasure? If you don't understand my love for booty songs... well, I'm gonna be like Taylor and ...

Day 4: My Earliest Memory

Day 4- My Earliest Memory

As an early childhood educator, I know research shows the first two years are the most critical in development and growth. That being said, most people don't remember anything from their first two years of life. I know I was dearly loved and my mom spent lots of time talking to me and took me everywhere. I know when she complained about her back hurting, my daddy fussed, "Well, wiiiiife, if you'd put her down your back would feel better." I know I never lacked for quality time with a loving adult.

My earliest memories must be between 3 and 4  years old. I remember standing on my bed looking in a mirror to cut my bangs. I had a sense of foreboding, a quickening in my chest, knowing it was something I shouldn't be doing. I remember going to the zoo with my parents and my big brother. My brother and I were really good pals. I remember wearing my swimsuit outside to play with tubs and buckets of water in the driveway. The obvious thing to do when swimsuits get wet is take them off. (I jest because that's what I did.) I remember being flogged by a rooster.

There's an abundance of pictures from my childhood, so I can never tell where the picture end and the memories begin. One thing is certain; my earliest memory is love.

Day 3 of 31- Meaning of my business name: FearlessFaithVintage

Day 3- Meaning of my business name - FearlessFaithVintage

I love "rescuing" vintage. I have loved vintage from the time I was a child. My elementary school yearbook has proof!

 

That shirt I'm wearing was delightful. The colors were incredibly UNFLATTERING on me...but neither here nor there at this point. Proof is in the pudding, vintage is and always has been my jam.
(I was obviously concerned that "me" wouldn't suffice, hence me also adding "Jana".)

2 Timothy 1:7 "For God did not give us a spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control" (English Standard Version)   I have a tendency to overthink things and I knew God would not allow me to love vintage so much without a purpose. So I stepped out fearlessly and began selling vintage on Etsy and Instagram. I've made some diverse virtual friendships and learned running a business is harder than it looks.

And finally, Faith is two fold; it's my middle name but it also means I have faith in Jesus and know my Heavenly Father always provides what I need and more than enough.

Have you ever shopped an Instagram store? It's super easy if you have PayPal! Feel free to follow @fearlessfaithvintage on Instagram to see what its about.

Blogging Challenge Day 2 of 31

Day 2: 20 Facts About Me

1.  Vintage is supreme in my wardrobe. 
2. I love a good "teacher bag"
3. I love cheesy, predictable television/movies.
4. I'm a sucker for sequins, glitter, sparkle. 
5. I used to be scared to go in Hot Topic in the mall. 
6. My mom told me the birthmark on my leg was from a grasshopper spitting on my leg and I believed it. 
7. Clueless makes me feel like I'm in middle school again every time. 
8. I don't have not one single pair of plain white socks. 
9. Gwen Stefani, Betsey Johnson, the ladies of Advanced Style, and Kandee Johnson are my style-fashion icons.
10. If I had to eat one food for the rest of my life, it'd probably be chicken.
    
    
    
11. My arms and knees hyper-extend.
12. I have had red hair, pink hair, and purple hair. 
13. I believed in Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, and the Easter Bunny until I was 10. Thanks, Ashley.
14. I talk to the television a lot. Way too much. 
15. I'm probably never gonna dress like a teacher. It's not quite on purpose but it is what it is. 
16.  I have anxiety.
17. I like Cheetos in my chicken noodle soup.
18. I can touch my nose with my tongue. 
19. Barbies were my absolute favorite toy growing up. Pretty sure I made my mom nuts by asking her to make them talk all the time. 
20. I asked Jesus into my heart when I was 11 years old after a Bishops Southern Gospel concert. 

31 Day Blog Challenge - Making time...

Day 1: Introduction


Many regular readers of Every Day is Your Runway already know me in real life, so an "introduction" may be redundant. But... after months of silence and a good talk with a friend, I'm making time.

Hi! I'm my daddy's baby and my momma's only. This is why I'm rotten, not spoiled rotten with things, but spoiled rotten with love. I'm a perfect mix of my mom and my dad. I love people and I really love children. I wanted to be a country singer when I was six years old but now I hardly listen to country music. My favorite songs as a child were "All my exes live in Texas" and "Boot Scootin' Boogie".

I started dance lessons when I was three. I took karate for a month because I thought the gi was cute. I used to eat chapstick and made "blush" from ground up sandstones. I love the purple flowers most people call weeds. I call them horsey-head flowers because they look like horses heads.

I have two sisters and a brother. My momma is one of my best friends. I was the apple of my Grannaw's eye and my Grandma Jessie thought I had perfect eyebrows. People used to say I looked like Aunt Martha, but I say I look like me.

I'm theatrical and dramatic and never give the short answer. I have the "G-Gene" and I'm proud of it. I'm married to Joe. He's still the cutest guy I've ever seen.

I teach first graders and kids are my favorite kind of people. I watch way too much television. I'm a perfectionist who's too hard on herself but kind of like Joan of Arc, "I'm not afraid. I was born to do this," teach, that is.

I love Jesus. I like glitter. Three things I'm good at: sleeping, eating, and reading. Kids wave at me in random places like the movie theater. I cry easily, when I'm happy, sad, frustrated, or angry. I love with my whole heart.

I miss my Color Guard days of high school but still enjoy dance class with my favorite Miss Patti. I identify with being artsy even though I don't make lots of art. I consider my artistic outlet my outfits. Thrifting is my favorite hobby, today, anyway.

I still chew my nails, even though my big brother told me not to. I love all things vintage and there's not a lot of fashion styles I dislike. I wish I would have taken that extra six hours of Spanish so I could have minored in it.

I guess that about sums me up.... Hi. I'm Jana Faith and I think I'm pretty great. Most of the time.

*tap tap* Ahem. Is this thing on? Sunday Social with Neely & Ashley

1. Favorite Genre of Music?
Generally, I like poppy music with a good beat for dancing. I especially love songs about booties and shaking them e.g. Jason Derulo's Wiggle Wiggle, Baby Got Back, Country Girl Shake it for Me, and the like.  This is hysterical because in spite of nearly three decades of dance instruction under my belt, my club dancing is atrocious and I dance shamelessly.

2. Favorite Genre of movies?
When watching at home, the cheesier the acting, the better I like them. Late 90s-Early 2000s movies, 80s Brat Pack movies, Disney Channel movies and ABC Family have some of the best. When watching in theaters, I enjoy superhero movies, romantic comedies, family movies, but not anything that is stereotypically "boy" movies.

3. Do you watch Reality TV? If so what was the first show you remember watching: 
I remember the first season of American Idol. It was my freshman year of college and I remember laughing so hard my sides hurt with my parents. I watch America's Got Talent, So You Think You Can Dance, and I like a lot of what's on TLC.

 4. Actress you’d want to be BFF’s with? 
This feels like a cliche answer right now because she's gotten really popular but I like Jennifer Lawrence. She seems like a normal person.  I also really like Mariska Hargitay from Law & Order SVU.

 5. Actor you’d be happy to be stuck on an island with? 
I'd choose Tom Hanks because he's got prior experience with being stuck on an island. Maybe he'd have pointers on how to get home quicker. (Cast Away, 2000)

I cut 11 inches off my hair today.

I cut my hair today. 11 inches of it. I thought I would cry. Turns out, I just got the giggles.









As you can see by the expression on my face, I LOVE MY NEW HAIR SO MUCH! Shout out to my amazing hair lady, Miranda at Aallura. Madam, you always do a phenomenal job on my hair.

 I've been hinting around at a hair cut for a while. I actually scheduled the appointment a month ago and nearly kept the secret from everyone... For a long time I've said, "When I cut it, I'm going big. At least ten inches". I knew it was DEFINITELY time to cut my hair for several reasons:

• My hair grossed me out. I know that sounds crazy but I'm kind of hair phobic. 
• When my husband (or anyone) hugged me, it pulled my hair
• 75% of the time my hair was in a ponytail. 
• It took for.ev.er to dry this horse tail -aka my hair
• The more I thought about shorter hair, the more I was READY!

Donating my hair to Locks of Love has been on my Bucket List for some time now and knowing it goes to a child who needs it.... that makes it even more special.

The Bachelor- Live Blogged Recap- Spoiler Alert?

Alright, it's happened. I'm joining THE bandwagon. I watched Desiree Hartsock's entire season of The Bachelorette and was glued. I loathed myself for becoming addicted. The damage has been down and now, I'm live blogging (live typing???) and posting once it's done.

(Also, I hope I'm not committing blogging suicide with this rigamaro...)

The Bachelor 17

1. (Roll season previews) These crybabies. Why are they surprised at the things that happen on this show?! Frustrating!
2. I am having so much fun repeating what Juan Pablo says in my own imitation of him. 
3. Sean just said he knew he'd picked the right girl when he was scrubbing his dog with tomato juice and baking soda with his fiance. To which I exclaimed, "Now, THAT'S a show I'd watch!" Seriously, what if they put couples in real life scenarios like a) steam cleaning carpets b) plunging toilets c) scrubbing skunk stench? Alert the media, I have an idea! 
4.  I may be the ONLY woman in America who does NOT want a hug from Juan Pablo. Maybe there's something wrong with me??? I may give descent side hugs, but please, keep your hugs to yourself, sir.
5. Your Spanish is terrible, Chelsea.
6. Amy J. Massage Therapist. One word, two syllables.  Awk-ward
7. Lauren from Edmond, please make Oklahoma proud. I dig your tragus piercing so I have high hopes. Wait! A man broke you heart a year ago?  I'm sorry for that. Really, I am. Is this the best time for you to be pursuing a serious commitment?
8. Girl whose family is of Mexican descent whose name I missed (32), your Spanish is going to kick Chelsea's Spanish in the booty! 
9. Oh, help him. More than 25?! 27...... nevermind... must not have been THAT overwhelming....
10. Awkward Pause City, here we come!
11. Awww, she brought her a bracelet! That's so sweet! Genuinely thoughtful and probably memorable.
12. How are you supposed to react to a bunch of women fan-girling in the back of a limo? 
13. I notice everyone using any Spanish phrases they know. Heck! Hola will do.
14. Lucy's job is "free spirit"? Where do I apply for that job?
15. These women's gowns are all lovely. I'd wear every single one.
16. Lauren S. - you are a talented pianist. It's okay you made a mistake. "If you can't make a mistake, you can't make anything!"
17. I like you Chelsie, Earth Science teacher lady. Corny pick up line and all! 
18.  Ashley, first grade teacher, gold star. Mayyyyyybe I'm partial, but....teacher ladies have the corny factor on lock-down. Represent!
19. For. the. love. Why is Clare pretend pregnant?
20. Amy J., I super dig your hair. I may need to find a picture of you to take to a stylist....
21. My favorites always have sincere, non-showy first impressions. 
22. Maggie! You're little accent is so endearing! I hope you get to stay so I can hear you some more. 
23. OH WHAT A CUTE DOGGY! Kelly, you look like Jessica Rabbit. That is a compliment because she's a hot tamale. She's also not bad. She's just drawn that way. 
24. Juan Pablo, you get points for complimenting Sharleen's dress.  
25. Andi tells the Bachelor, "You're pretty cute." *raises eyebrow* Right. 
26. Anyone else ever noticed how a bunch of women talking really do sound like a hen house? Just me? 
27. "It feels like you're meat. That they wanna eat you." BAHAHAHA!!!
28. Lipstick on your potential boyfriend's cheek that is not the same color as yours....
29. Lucy, I like your flower crown, your dress, your style, you free spirit..... I'm not sure Juan Pablo gets your schtick. 
30. Stop it. Stopitstopitstopit! Massage therapist lady, QUIT! You're making us ALL uncomfortable. No. Oh dear. No. Ick. You make me need to throw up. Juan Pablo even thinks you're awkward. Don't.
31.  How many times do you think we'll hear, "If I don't get a rose, I will be absolutely devastated?" If I were a drinking gal, that could be a game in itself. 
32. Fangirling. Fangirling. Fangirling *insert dramatic eye roll here*
33. Sitting. On the couch. With a cranky facial expression. Will not get any positive attention. Stop that.
    Sidenote: Dear Lauren H., sweet girl, I wish I could give you a hug. You need more healing time. This may not be the right spot for you. I won't be sad if you be honest with yourself and come back to Oklahoma. Also, a man/husband/relationship will not be the place to find your worth.
34. Yep, he likes Sharleen. He admires that she's classy and covered. Modest is hottest y'all. He looks at her differently than the ones who bore more skin. Watch it. You'll see it, too.  I bet he gives her the rose. Betcha. OHHHHHH BABAM! Why does she keep calling him "sir"?
35. Catty women being catty. I see you cutting your eyes every time someone that's not you gets a rose.  
36. Oh dear Oh dear Oh dear.  Cat, Kylie - ..... sounds the same, right? Awkward doesn't begin to describe it.
37. Lucy hugged Chris Harrison more emphatically when he told her she was going to be on the show than she did Juan Pablo who just gave her a rose. 
38. I can't ignore it. I can't. I can't let it sit... but when Amy J. (massage lady) said "Sometimes people don't feel you the way you feel them." Well.... that's all I have to say about that. 
39. Juan Pablo seems genuinely concerned for these women's feelings. He let the First Impression recipient know he's been in her shoes. He even mentioned the Rose Ceremony is his least favorite part. I sincerely hope he finds his mate...mostly because that's why we're all watching. Because we like the drama and everyone loves a good love story.
40. I predict Sharleen excuses herself from this season before he's ready for her to go. 

Do you have any favorites? Who are you pulling for? Let's dish!

As always, this season promises LOTS of drama! Can't wait to figure out who screams, "I HATE YOU JUAN PABLO! I HOPE YOU DIIIIIIIIIE!"

Lastly, The Bachelor thinks American females are all about gratuitous shirtless scenes. You're welcome, ladies. Sincerely, ABC. 

Currently... in January

Feeling: Restless. Trapped. Winter does this every time. The cold, the lack of sunshine, too many layers...ugh. I've had almost two weeks off school and I think I need a schedule to exist peacefully. So there's that...

 

Watching: Desperate Housewives on Netflix has been the most commonly played thing lately. Tonight I watched my FAVORITE show: Parenthood. Seriously, don't we all wish we could be part of the Braverman family? If you're not watching Parenthood, you're doing it wrong. 

Reading: This school year, I've only read to help me get to sleep at night. I usually reread things again and again and I'm currently reading The Confession by John Grisham. He's definitely a familiar favorite.

Thinking About: We go back to school Monday for a professional development day and although I theoretically could live a life of eternal homebodiness... realistically I need structure.

Eating: There is a 6 pack of Wholly Guacamole in the produce section at Walmart that is bombtastic. That and homemade bread have been my sustenance the last 3 days. If you follow me on Instagram (everydayisyourrunway or FearlessFaithVintage) you can see the bread I made. 

 

Looking Forward to:
- Continuing to pursue my word/phrase/goal for 2014: Clutter-Free

- Learning embroidery 

Making me Happy: Grace

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.