Friday...YAY!!

It's Friday, YA'LL!!  Whoop!!  Whoop!!

All in all, not a terribly long week!!  I'm glad I had those three days last week at work to ease into to the New Year with the students.  This week they were back to their old tricks!!  HA!!  I'm trying my best to keep up with my Friday Fives and embracing my word of the year...POSITIVITY by finding the good in each day!!  Here's a bit of what I loved this week!


{ONE}
I was so happy to find the #52TeacherSnaps Challenge with @mrsedgarsclass on Instagram. I was a bit behind, but can easily catch up since it just a pic a week!  Instagram is my favorite social media platform these days.  I'm finding Facebook is getting way to political for me and since I've never really been all that into twitter...I've let it go!!  Insta is a much more positive community (for me!) and I love connecting with teachers on there and getting great ideas!

{TWO}
Another thing I'm loving this week....I'm not longer spending 13 hours a day at school.  I've officially gave up two WHOLE days of After Care!! #happydance!  To celebrate I went for margaritas with a friend!  Because I can do that now!!  Margarita Mondays...I'm gonna make it a thing!! But maybe kidding because I'm not making as much money now!  LOL

{THREE}
I'm going to try my best to document all the books I read this year on the blog!  I am on book two of 2019.  The first, It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover was recommended to be by Christy.  I loved it.  I stared it at the end of December and finished it late last week.  So It counts for this year.  I am currently reading The Address by Fiona Davis and enjyoing it very much!!  I am close to finishing it!  I have so many books on my TBR list, thanks to this weeks TBB Asks.  Check out all the links {here}to add to your list too!  And head {here} to read my post!!

{FOUR}
This past weekend a cool new brewery opened up in my town, so naturally I had to go check it out.  You guys it was so cool.  Everything is exposed see you can see them brewing and the vibe was just really chill.  And best part of all...it only takes three minutes to walk there!  HA!!  To be open one day and already have eleven beers on the board is pretty awesome!  Will be returning for sure!! Future Regular!!!

{FIVE}
Last but not least, I'm over at The Blended Blog today!  I'm so grateful that I can contribute to our community.  I just love those girls so much.  We have fun, we empower one another and we have dance parties and drink wine together?  Is there anything better??  I think not  We have some fun stuff planned for the blog, so head on over there and give us a follow so you don't miss a thing!

Linking up with Erika and Tif today, too!!

Bringing Back the Throwbacks...for the Holidays!

I'm so excited for the holidays!  I thought I'd resurrect the Throwback Thursday posts to share some of my favorite holiday posts.  They might be new to some and a first time read for others.  To me, there faves.  I hope you enjoy!!

Usually I post something on the blog on the anniversary of moving into my home, but I didn't this year.  This past August was actually my 5th year here!!  Crazy scary how fast time flies!!

So in the spirit of the Holidays, this Throwback Thursday, I am sharing the first Christmas Home Tour I ever did on the blog.  It's the first time readers got a peek inside my home at Christmas.

I am all decorated for Christmas already this year, but plan on posting this years home tour later on in December...stay tuned!  For now, let's turn back time!

Holiday Looks!

Wednesday!  Woo Hoo!!  This week has seemed like the longest, huh?  Or maybe that's just me!!  Ugh!

It's been forever and a day since I've posted anything fashion related to the blog, but today I'm giving it another shot!!
As I sit down to write this post, I'm realizing Holiday Looks probably means Christmas.  But Me being Me is going to save all those for the December Prompts!  So today I'm showing showing my love for Small Business and sharing my Friendsgiving and Thanksgiving looks that show off tops I purchased at a local boutique.

This Saturday I was on the couch sick with a sore throat and cold, so I unfortunately I didn't shop Small Business Saturday like I usually do.  Then my mom reminded me of something, I very rarely leave my town so...I Shop Small all the Time!!  I gathered she was right, so I felt a bit better!

I love this little shop in town called Say More Boutique, and when they recently had a Sip and Shop Sale event at the store, I attended.

If you read my post yesterday you may remember that I don't really shop without a purpose.  If I get something, I have a specific place or event I'm going to wear it too. I went shopping that night wanting to find something to wear for both my Friendsgiving celebration and Thanksgiving day with my family.   I succeeded!

I shopped and shopped...and shopped some more!  I may have shopped way more than I thought I was going to, but the store has such cute stuff and who doesn't like snacks and drinks while you shop!?!?  I've gotten pretty friendly with the owner too, so I like supporting her and women in business doing great things in my town!  You can shop her boutique online too, here!

This first look I wore for the Friendsgiving that I hosted here at my house!  Loved the colors of this easy, breezy top and thought it was really a different spin on the animal print top. While it's not really heavy or wintery at all, it worked because with the turkey baking for hours in my small house, I was still comfy.  And to be honest, I'm thinking this could really be an "every season" kinda top!

Animal Print Ruffle Sleeve Smocked Top

I really like that the animal print is subtle!

Stella and Dot Fringe Necklace

Here I paired the top with the Express Faux Leather Leggings!

Since I really wasn't the one cooking or hosting for Thanksgiving, I went bold with this top.  It's huge sleeves were super fun and I loved the high neck of it.  I have a lot of mock neck tops these days.  The Fall color was perfect too. I thought this whole look was very Thanksgiving worthy actually!!  (Even though our temps were in the low 20's and I could've been wearing a winter parka!!)  We just did not get enough of a Fall in my opinion, so I'll squeak out every last bit of it, even if it's in my outfits...lol

The ruffle sleeves are big! But I really liked that they're different...and pretty damn fabulous!!

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!  And looks forward to the upcoming craziness that December brings!!  There's hope for me yet, posting on Wednesdays thanks to my bestie and blog photog, Mel!

Link up with The Blended Blog every Wednesday in December too, with these fun and festive prompts!! 

Now head on over to TBB to check out Vanessa's  holiday looks! Link up your own post too! 

 No Blog? No Problem!  Share your OOTD and your Holiday Looks with us using #theblendedblogstyle!

Currently Reading....

It's Tuesday!!  One more day closer to the weekend!  HA!

I used to be that person who couldn't read more than one book at a time.  This summer, I found out that indeed I can!  I read a lot this summer.  Summer is the only time I can really just read and read and read.  Once back to school hits, I read less. Or so I thought.

Today I'm sharing the books I'm currently reading!  Because there are actually quite a few!!

I said that I don't really read during the school year, but since it just began, I am.  Partly to finish up books I started while I was on vacation and partly because our principal assigned us a book to read!  HA!  And I am reading a book for book club too!  So I guess I'm starting the year off with a bang!





The book that I am reading and will hopefully finish for book club by next week is The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood.  I never read it in high school (and honestly, I'm a bit shocked it was ever even assigned to anyone is high school!).  I was really excited when I found out this was the September pick because I'm a big fan of the series on Hulu.  If this was not the pick, I'd most likely had taken this month off!  Wish me luck!









A book that my principal gave us as a sort of back to school gift/school book club read is FOCUS by Mike Schmoker. And in all honesty, I'm liking it a lot.  I'm not too, too far into it because I'm not sure what he's going to do with it with us, but it's all about scaling back and actually teaching less things, just "the essentials", with a more positive impact. I'm on board!

I'm getting more and more into the audio books these days as well.  I found myself up in the middle of the night a crazy amount this summer. So while I was awake  I'd listen to audio books.  When I found myself getting sleepy, I'd bookmark that that part of the book and set the sleep timer on my Libby app. Right now I'm listening to the YA novel, The Cheerleaders by Kara Thomas. I like it a lot.  It's a mystery thriller. I always go into reading YA with the intentions that I can add the book to our school's library.  It's so hard to get the 7th and 8th graders to actually want to take out books.  This is NOT one that I can add, but I'm definitely enjoying it.








And last but not least I'm sharing a new daily devotional. If you've followed the blog for awhile, you may remember that I wrote a post with my best friend, Melanie about the qualities of a best friend after reading Nobody's Cuter than You by Melanie Shankle.  Last week she posted a photo on Instagram of Melanie's new book Everyday Holy and her 100 Day reading challenge. After reading my Mel's thoughts on the book I bought it and was about to catch up this weekend.  It is so good you guys!!  As a religion teacher, there are so many get points and nuggets of wisdom that I can share with my students.  After having to catch up, I'm sad now that I only read one day at a time!

Whew...this seems like  a lot all at once!  But I'm totally doing it!  

What books are you reading now?  I'm always looking for recommendations.  

Let me know!

Have a great Tuesday!  Hug your loved ones this September 11th and send a little prayer up for all those we lost on that day!

Read about the time my sister and I visited the World Trade Center here!

And calling all fashionistas!!  Tomorrow on The Blended Blog it's all about the CAMO!!  Link up your camo lovin' with us or share your look across your socials and ours.


Do you have a closet full of clothes and yet think you can't find anything to wear?  Or maybe your just looking for engagement and encouragement of a diverse group of woman who are all in the same boat!  If so, join our Facebook group!  Check it out here!

10 things you probably didn't know about me!

I love these kinds of posts! So much so that I've done something similar for the last few years on my birthday!  You can find those posts here, here, and here!  So when I saw this was the theme for today's TBB Link up I got excited all over again!  Because in all honesty, each year...each day really...brings out some new, random quirks as I get older!

So today I'm gonna share 10 things you probably really don't know about me!


1- I spend more time at my school than I do at home!

2- I'll admit it...have an unhealthy attachment to my iphone!  And I use it for anything but calls!

3- I have more clothes than any one person could need in three lifetimes. And usually when I let something go, that's the one thing I really wanna wear a few days or weeks later!!

4- I sometimes don't empty my dishwasher, I just grab things out if it as needed.  Lazy?!? Nah...I think practical!

5- I bought I new queen bed a few months ago...I can't say that I love it!

6- I buy flowers...for myself!

7- I take a lot of selfies!  Wait...if you follow me on Instagram, you might know what already! (If you don't, you can here!!) But a lot of times they're for the blog... and like the title says, t's a solitary life, so there's no one else to take pics for me!

8- Somedays "Girl Wash Your Face!" is on a constant loop in my head.

9-I truly believe in people being in your life for seasons, and I understand when it's time to let them go.

10- This Summer I went to my 10th Kenny Chesney Concert!!  You can read all about my love for Kenny here!!

Thanks so much for stopping by the blog today!  Now head on over to The Blended Blog and link up your own post of 10 things...I'd love to get to know you better! 

No blog? No problem...share something with me in the comments below or on your social media.  Tag me (@solitarylife101 and @tbblog!)and use the hashtag #TBBallaboutme!

May your coffee be strong and your Monday be fabulous friends!

5 things I've Learned in my Thirties...

Today’s my birthday! And there seem to be a lot of people more excited about it than me!!  I think I’m indifferent! But I am looking forward to a fun weekend of celebrations with family and friends!

For the past two years on the blog, I’ve shared a birthday post with random facts about me.  36 was not too bad, 37 was a little bit harder! Rather than beat a dead horse (and damn 38 is a lotta random!) I thought since this year since the big day’s fallen on a Friday, when we typical share a Friday Fives, Friday faves and loves, I thought I’d switch things up a bit and share a five for Friday...

5 things I’ve learned in my thirties!!  

1-FRIENDSHIP has no AGE LIMIT!

One of the things I love about being part of The Blended Blog Collab is that even though we all span different ages-30’s, 40’s, 50’s, we still have much in common.  It shows that friendships have no age limit.  This is true in my daily life as well.  I have great friends who are in every stage of life... and every time we hang, it’s always a blast.  On any given Friday, our Happy Hour crew can span from 20-somethings to 60-somethings!  For me, it’s more about the person, their personality, values and beliefs (and fun factor!) rather than closing myself off to them because they are perceived as too young or too old.  

2-How to say NO
Ya know, I’ve spent too much life doing things I didn’t want to do!  So now if there is something I’d rather not do...I simply say no to it!  And I have no guilt or regret about it!  

3-I Don’t need a Man to Define Me!

Who I am is entirely up to me.  At this stage of the game, being single and in my thirties...some people think, I’m an old maid, some think other, not-so-nice thoughts about my singeleness... and I just think, I don’t need a man to make me happy.  Would it be nice to have someone to talk to once in awhile, to get sweet texts from on the daily, or  maybe to zip up my dress???  (LOL) Sure!  But I don’t need a man to make me happy.  I’m 38 today and right now, I’d say I’m pretty damn happy with where I’m at!

4-I’m gonna do whatever I want, when I want, because I can!!

Lately this has been my mantra. And I’m gonna stick with it. It's not to be meant to sound bitchy. It's just that, in this Solitary Life, I can. If I want to go out and have fun, I'll do it. If I wanna spend the day in my undies, vegging on my couch binging on Netflix and wine, I can do that too! Because no one's around to see me!! It's pretty much the best of both worlds!

5-You’re only as OLD as you Feel!

When I was younger, 38 seemed so old to me!  But now, NO WAY!!  How in the hell am I 38??  How in the world did that happen?  Am I getting carded at bars anymore? Nope!  But those AARP mailers??  They are a-comin’!!  I guess I can no longer say today I’m 29 for the 10th time!!  

I know it’s silly, but every time I see those Facebook quizzes that say things like “How old are you REALLY?”, “How old do you feel”, or “Can we guess your age?” I always take them...for shits and giggles!  I took one recently and it came back with the age of 24. I’ll take it!  Do I sometimes feel 75 though too...some days!!  But I have more days where I feel young , so I’m just gonna live it up and take each  day as it comes!!

Linking up today with The Blended Blog for Friday Loves, Erika for Friday Favorites, Tif for H54F

V-Day! Me Day!

Happy Valentine's Day!

 It's a day of love, candy, and flowers!  Not a normal single gal's favorite day of the year, that's for sure.  But I've been single so long...it's just another day! So instead of a romantic dinner with a hot guy, I'm celebrating ME DAY, instead of V-DAY  Ha!!

I put this list together last Valentine's Day, and I kinda LOVE it so I thought I'd share it again (with an update or two)! And it's not just for the Single Gals!! Hope you'll find something fun in it too!

1- Buy yourself some flowers!

2- Indulge in all the chocolate...Valentine's Day's a great excuse! (There might be a pint of Ben & Jerry's waiting for me in the freezer!!)

3- Open one of the "good" bottles of wine tonight, even if you are alone!  YOU ARE WORTH IT!!

4- Wear a red bra and panties...even if you're the only one who sees 'em!

5- Plan a Galentine's Celebration with your best girls tonight or this weekend!

6- Watch all the romantic movies...

7- Be someone's secret admirer today!

8- Share a book you love with someone you love...big or little!

9- Listen to your favorite cheesy love songs all day.

Who remembers this one!  I had to include because it's totally making a comeback!  LOL

10- Dress for the day...heart socks, red shirt, fun graphic tee, red shoes, etc.

11- Write a love letter...to yourself... and tuck it away for days when you need a little pick me up!

12- Have a good, long soak in the tub...

13- Tell someone you love WHY you love them.

14- Most of all today and everyday....

In the words of Justin Bieber, You should go and love yourself!  Have a great day!!

Resolutions?!? Not so much...

Happy Monday!  Happy to be home today!!   Linking up with the ladies of TBB today to share resolutions...or not!

In my last post of the year I mentioned that I'm not really one to make resolutions.  I've tried and tried in the past, but by week two I always falter.  So this year instead of resolutions I'm tackling a goal.

2018 marks five years in my little house!  It's been a fun five years. So I'm making 2018 the year of the HOUSE.  I've spent to much money on fashion and clothes.  I need to get my priorities in order.   So it's the house...

 When I moved in five years ago, the place was brand spanking new.  Now five years later it's showing signs of wear.  It's in desperate need of a fresh coat of paint.  I've been wanting to do it forever so that's one of my big goals.  By the end of the year, I'd love the whole place to be painted.  And now that I've painted an accent wall in the living room, I'm even that more excited about it!!  So sooner rather than later, it'll get done.

The next two goals go hand in hand and the house!  I need a new bed.  I have not been sleeping well, and I thought changing up my mattress pad would help but it hasn't. So I need to invest in a bed. And I know it's another big expense, but it's deserved. My sister and I calculated that the bed I have now is from 1994...lol!! So clearly it's happening!!

After I get the new bed I can finally set up my old bed in my guest room and figure that whole debacle out!  Like it been FIVE YEARS!!  And then maybe after five years I can have some guests!!

Really these are a few goals under the whole umbrella of the house!  I'm confident, just saying it's one BIG goal that I have all year to complete, I know I can accomplish them!!

Fingers Crossed!!  Have a wonderful week and thanks for stopping by today!!

10 on the 10th

I’ve decided to try my hand at some new link ups this year as a way to help me get reinvigorated and reimbursed in the blogging world.  I’ve seen a few blogger friends join Erin at The Perfectly Port Family’s Blog for her 10 on the 10th.  I always enjoy finding new, fun blogs!  And after looking at this year’s posts, I’d love to jump on in.

Today’s post is 10 random facts about me!  This I can do!  LOL  I’ve shared fun facts about myself many times on the blog! {Here, Here, and Here!}

Here are a few more you might not know!

1- Sushi is always the answer!

I could live on sushi alone.  It’s my favorite!!

2- If I didn’t have to leave my house in the winter, I wouldn’t!  

I am NOT a winter girl.  I HATE the cold.  Sure there are upsides to the winter like bundling up in cute accessories, but I’d rather not.  When I tell people I hibernate in the winter, I’m not kidding.  I’m in bed every night at 8 with a book, and asleep by 9, because quite simply there’s is nothing else to do.  It’s dark and cold...and I just want to end the day!!

3- I get more “house chores” done in 20 minutes in the mornings than any other time of day!  

Laundry, dishes, toilets and sinks, tidying up, etc. I think it’s because when I get home, I’m just too tired from the day!

4-  I’m not a phone person...like AT ALL!  

I prefer to text and I think it’s because I hate my phone voice.  Just like I hate my voice in a microphone!  Maybe I just hate my voice in general.  

5.  I don’t do doctors!

Unless absolutely necessary.  I know this is not a great way to be , but it’s the truth.  

6-I love to travel but I am not a great “solo” traveler.

It’s true!  I must have a drink before and can’t forget my essential oils for the flight!!  I’ve decided though that the best flights for solo travelers are the Red Eyes!  When  I went to Vegas with a few ladies of The Blended Blog  back in November, Nicole and I had separate red eye flights.  Nicole, god bless her, spent 4 hours in the airport before hers to hang with me, and while we waited we split a bottle of wine.  I got on that flight, two glasses in (maybe more!), sat down in my seat, put on my Lavender and Stress Away oils, and fell asleep before we left the ground. I woke up when I heard the pilot say “prepare for landing!”  Score!  He also seemed to haul ass in the air to get us home a whole extra hour early!

7- Married at First Sight is my guilty pleasure.

Have you seen it.  It’s just crazy!!  But it really works.  The show have indeed matched happy couples.  Highly recommend!!  

8- I’m a teacher who looks forward to days off and vacations more than my students do.

9- I consider myself someone who has a lot of friends, but I compartmentalize them...  

I know this is a little weird but I do.  I’m not like my mom who has big parties and invites everyone she knows.  HA!  I feel like I have work friends, forever friends, friends I do Girls' Nights with, and town friends. There have been a few times when these friends have mixed, and I'm never comfortable with it.

10- I talk to myself!

I know what you are thinking... this is not so random, lots of people talk to themselves.  But the way I do it is... so I’ve saved the most random for last.   Living alone, it’s even worse!  I have legit conversations with myself.  Things I say to people, or wish I’d said to people.  And I imagine what they would say to me.  This is done in my kitchen, sometimes shower, sometimes at night when I can’t sleep!  Sometimes I am able to get the words out in actually conversations when I talk to that person, but a lone talking to myself, I’m more bold!!

That was fun!! I'd love to get to know more about you too! Leave me a comment with a random fact about you below! Thanks for stopping by today!

Summer's for Showing Off My Shoulders

Happy Wednesday Friends

The SUMMER is FLYING by!!  Boo!  

Some days I've done nothing, and other days I've gotten dressed up and gone out with friends!  Today's tops are perfect for these increasingly hot days and give me a chance to show off my shoulders...with some fun details, too!

I got this top at a local shop, Say More Boutique,  that is quickly becoming a fave!  I like the blushy/peachy color, cold shoulder style, and ruffle deets!!  I've worn this with white jeans and jean shorts too!

Necklace

This next top I found on a whim (and on sale) at Macy's.  I like the gingham for summer and cute bow detail...that needs to be tied.

Last but not least, an off the shoulder....I thought I'd try the trend!

This is a Gray Monroe top.  It's no longer available but there are so many more cute things!  And so much is on sale!  Shop now here!

Are you showing off your shoulders this summer??  I'd love to hear about it in the comments!  Have a wonderful day!  Stay cool and look fashionable!  And link up with me and the rest of The Blended Blog to show us what you're wearing BELOW!  No blog?  No Problem!  Show us your looks on social Media!  #TheBlendedBlogStyle #tbbstyle

An InLinkz Link-up