The Little Things.

This last week has been eye-opening + reflective. I started student teaching in a school for students with  severe [multiple] disabilities, my mother graduated from the business school she attended + I turned down the promotion I was offered at work. 

I knew my placement would be eye-opening, but I didn't realize how hard it would pull on my heartstrings. The staff is phenomenal - they get paid next to nothing to take care of these students. A Barista at Starbucks makes more per hour than these folks to - this bothers me so much, you have no idea. These folks aren't in it for the money, they do it because they want to make sure these children are safe + taken care of. This week has made me so much more grateful for everything. Driving in traffic doesn't bother me - its the perfect time to call my mom + chat. Waiting in line? Hey, I can walk. Not spending enough time with Erich? We are getting our education + working to make a better life for ourselves. Believe it or not, I have been less stressed about, well, everything, because of this experience. 

This week, my mom graduated from her program to become a medical assistant. This year was her first time going back to school in twenty-seven years. She spent hours studying, making flashcards + putting her all into this program. She never missed a day of classes + graduated with a 3.9 GPA. I am so proud of her - this was a totally foreign program for her + she passed with flying colors. My aunt + I attended her graduation + stopped at a local diner after the ceremony. It was a really nice evening. 

Last weekend, I was offered a job. I would receive a 35%+ pay increase, 40 hours [no weekends] + more responsibility. After my first two days in the classroom, I decided to turn the offer down. Why? Well, if I take the job, it would be impossible to go on teaching interviews, substitute, intern at the magazine, or even do work on the blog. If I want to spend a weekday afternoon off with some of the littles, I can. If I want to take a drive out east + take pictures of the leaves changing, its possible. I know I could use the money, but to be honest, I want to enjoy my life + those around me. I've said it before, but after Dom died, it was like a reality check. Money isn't everything. I'll eventually snag a killer job + pay my bills off. I'm not going to settle for something that isn't what I've worked for. 

Every night, I've been relaxing with a cup of tea + enjoying life, not stressing out about things I can't control. Even when I got sick in the middle of the week, I didn't worry about what I could + couldn't get done. I couldn't get to the gym, but I ate healthy + know that I will get back in a routine after the first week of student teaching. Usually, I would have freaked out about not being productive, but I have been productive, just in different areas. 

I hope that all of you have enjoyed your week. I am looking forward to apple + pumpkin picking next week with Erich. We have been attempting to go for the last three years, but I think it'll actually happen this year! 

I Know The New Face Of Girl Scout Cookies!

Over the summer, I took my cousins to the city on a mission. Marissa is a Girl Scout, + she had an audition to be in a Public Service Announcement for the new Girl Scout Cookies campaign. Her younger brother came along for the ride as well. We read the script on the train, goofed off, + had a fun afternoon. The evening concluded with pizza for dinner back home + the wait for a call from the producers. After what seemed like days, Marissa's mom finally got the call, saying that they had chosen her + three other young ladies for the commercials. She eventually reported back for filming + then, it began another waiting game - waiting for the PSA to finally appear.

Tonight, I got a text from my cousin. Marissa is up on the Girl Scouts of the USA website + the PSA has gone live! Here is the video via YouTube, so you can see my awesome cousin in action.

I am SO proud of her. She is such an awesome kid + she has an equally awesome family. I can't wait to give her a big hug + do a happy dance around her. Either she will dance with me, or run away, telling me that I've lost it. :)

As a former member of the Girls Scouts, this is an organization I believe in. I got to experience a lot of awesome things [special camps, activities, volunteering], plus learn responsibility by selling those delicious cookies. So when you buy cookies from your local Girl Scout, don't just ask for a box + walk away, ask them what they're learning in Girl Scouts. They might talk your ear off, but listen to what they have to say. You'll be surprised to hear how much the organization does for the children + the community. It might even inspire you to volunteer.

Image via

Teach Me Something Thursday, Volume Five.

The fifth installment of TMST is from Ashley Brooke, the creative force behind Ashley Brooke Designs. Seeing as we are getting ready for Halloween, this is a great idea for those who are planning Halloween parties - these glittery pumpkins are a nice touch, especially if you're someone who prefers to keep your gala less gruesome.

Make sure to swing by Ashley Brook Designs, her blog [which has a ton of fun projects, recipes + ideas, + the online shop.

Oh Hi, October.

October has finally arrived. It greeted us with a chill in the air, which I welcomed with open arms. We had the windows open last night + I tossed on socks for the first time in the evening. Once I am home for the evening, I remain barefoot until the morning, except in the colder months. This is going to sound so strange, but I feel like I become far more fashionable once the cooler months arrive. In the summer heat, I try to dress as cool + comfy as possible [truth be told, it usually consists of a cotton tee paired with Nike gym shorts + Havaianas], but once the temperature drops, I seem to regain my fashion sense!

I have been selling a bunch of old clothes I don't wear on Instagram [ClosetShopaholic is the store name], so I decided to treat myself to a dress from my pal Kiley's amazing new shop, Kouture. She recently offered 20% off everything in stock for 24 hours, so I snagged the Binger dress, from Shown To Scale. Kiley was actually featured on Nasty Gal's blog, wearing the same dress. She just added so many amazing sweaters from the Wildfox White Label - I know where I'm telling everyone to go shopping for my birthday now!

I have been meaning to do my nails for weeks, but finally sat down last night to take care of them. I dug through my collection of Sally Hansen Salon Effects nail polish strips + decided on Skinny Jeans. The packet has enough to cover my fingers + toes, which is awesome, because sometimes a gal just wants uniformity on her nails.

 Today I started student teaching for my masters. I nervously sat in the waiting room of the school for thirty minutes, waiting for my cooperating teacher to arrive. I looked down + noticed this would be a cute picture, showing off a bit of what I wore today. I also had on my Frye Veronica Slouch Boots today [which are insanely comfortable] + a cream colored cardigan I picked up a couple years back from Old Navy. Not only did I have a good outfit day, but I also had a good day in the classroom! My cooperating teacher is really great, the aides in the room are helpful + one of my classmates is also subbing in the room, which is cool too! I am so glad that I was able to land this placement. I was a bundle of nerves last night + couldn't fall asleep until after 2a. Tonight I will rest easy, after I get some work done, of course.

I am really excited about the rest of my week. I haven't hit the gym in a few days, because of a pretty hectic schedule [I know, there is no excuse], but I want to go for a couple hours after student teaching tomorrow. It looks like things are heading in an excellent direction.