Taxing

*Image by Pics Crafted by Cathy

Yesterday we had to sit down and file our taxes. I knew that this would be the year I finally ended up paying more to the government than they took out of my pay check. I was not looking forward to this one bit. After we filed and found out that we were definitely owing more money my husband quipped that he finally understood what all of the Republicans have been talking about. How do you deal with tax season?

Heat

*Image & print by tastesorangey

It is already warm enough that I have my second sunburn of the season. Not even April and a long talk with a friend outside lead to pink cheeks and thighs. I even have traces of sleeves on my arms in what I think could be my first farmer's tan ever. Do you have any tips for treating sunburns?

Sunshine

*Image & print by Parada Creations

Yesterday I sat outside and chatted with a friend for longer than I expected. Even with the cloud cover I got a mild sunburn on my face. The weather here is warm and summery and my evening walk with the bulldog and my husband was refreshing. I have a new skirt to wear to school today, and even with some sun on my cheeks I know it's going to be a good Monday.

Bronco

*Images & blouse via Anthropologie

I tried this top on the other day while drooling over clothes at Anthropologie. The vintage print is perfect and I can just see myself wearing this top representing my new Texan image... Oh, the irony. I do have to admit that I'll be watching for this top to go on sale not only for the print, but also for the fit. I don't think I'll ever be a true cowgirl, but this is something I can run with. Have you ever worn something that could be considered ridiculous or awesome in the same glance?

Deep Dish

*Image by Food Floozie

After three games in a water polo tournament I have Chicago-Style deep dish pizza to look forward to. I am so lucky to have a husband who is creative in the kitchen. This morning he sent me to my tournament with spiced yogurt applesauce muffins for me and the team. I know I'll have burned some serious calories today and I can't wait to indulge (the recipe calls for a pound of mozzarella cheese!). What are you having for dinner?

Purr

*Image & shoes via Piper Lime

Today I got paid and these shoes are mine! I have a 20% discount coupon for Piper Lime that I received in the mail and have been waiting to use. I plan on pairing these with some cute sundresses, wearing them to a few weddings this summer and on my vacation to Barbados. These shoes are going to see their fair share of wear. I'm also really digging the neutral color, which means that they go with everything. What will adorn your feet this summer?

Teen Lit.

*Novel by Ned Vizzini

Normally people who see the movie are skipping the book. I did it backward this time. Last night I watched the movie It's Kind of a Funny Story with my husband. When the credits were rolling and I read, based on the novel by Ned Vizzini I got online and started looking for the book. Immediately this has become the next book I want to read. From the medical perspective, my husband assured me that the psych ward was portrayed pretty accurately and I think that the voice of the main character was authentic and something students could connect with. Don't get me wrong, I love reading young adult/teen literature and being a teacher is a great excuse. It wasn't a rolling in the aisles funny movie (as some would expect from Zach Galifinakis) but it resonated with me and I enjoyed it. I felt myself just liking the film. Have you seen any good movies lately?

Snoozing

*Image & print by Catherine Ann Decor

Can I hit the snooze just one more time? I am having the hardest time waking up this week. It must be the fact that I just got to laze around last week and wake up slowly. My brain has been resisting my alarm clock's attempts to be ready for the day. This week I am not a morning person. When are you at your best?

Springy

*Image & print by Erin Reynold's Photography

I didn't really notice spring in the same way this year. It kind of snuck up on me and all of a sudden I'm walking in my neighborhood in shorts and sandals and it's 80 degrees. I don't have any flowers planted in my yard yet, but have noticed my allergies are definitely affected. I need to open my eyes to this Texas spring, something that feels like summer to me already. How warm is your neck of the woods?

Stiletto

*Image by tysamson

I had a long and fabulous last weekend of spring break. Saturday night I went to a stiletto dance class for a batchelorette party, and it was a riot. Now I know a small routine, and felt a little extra burn in my calves after dancing around in heels for an hour. I worked out copiously this weekend and now will be back to the grindstone. I don't know if I am ready to work that hard, not quite yet. I am glad spring is here, it's shorts weather outside in TX. Now, I have to keep my students motivated to perform until June. Maybe I should spice it up and try a day at work in heels?

Cheers!

*Image & tea towels by NestaHome

For most people celebrating today it's all about the beer. Yes, Ireland and St. Patrick are great reasons to drink beer, but no one is thinking about snakes right now... not anyone I know. Hopefully you get to celebrate today or have something tasty for dinner, maybe with a pint on the side. Cheers to you today! I'll be toasting the end of day 1 of boards. What are you raising a glass to?

Boards

*Image & bubble sheet by PaperGemini

Today my husband will sit for the next step in his boards. Testing for 8 hours does not sound like a good way to start a Thursday, or any day for that matter. I wanted to make it a better day for him so when he asked me if I would make him lunch I enthusiastically agreed. Now, I'm awake at a far-too-early hour, but I feel good having completed my task. Luckily, I get to go back to bed and not to a test. Maybe I'll greet him with some green beer when he gets home. How are you celebrating this St. Pat's Day?

Scrubbed

*Image & print by The Twitterpated Toad

So, my dirty house is a sign I've been enjoying my spring break right? After a quick survey of my kitchen floors, I think I'll waste a little bit more of my life/vacation to get that mess cleaned up. The bulldog makes sure that there are no large bits of leftover food laying about, but that doesn't do much for the accumulating dust and dirt. I know I'll feel better when I'm a little sweaty and the house is clean. I even have a microfiber dusting cloth to make it easier and more novel. Those floors are only the first on my list today, I'm going to make the calorie burn worth it today. What are you up to on Wednesday?

Missing

*Image by EdBob

Today I slept in and am now cuddling with the bulldog after a nice leisurely breakfast. I do have to go into work for a dreadful meeting but then I get to go have my hair cut. Spring break at home just isn't the same when your home is in Texas... at least it isn't the same for me. I can console myself with the fact that all of my Seattle friends are still in school and working because they haven't glimpsed spring yet, but I miss them. I'm not sure when my next jaunt to the Pacific Northwest will be, hopefully sooner rather than later. I miss you Seattle, I miss you friends, I miss you family.

Wedge

*Image & shoes via Piper Lime

I'm living in a climate where it is already sandal weather. I've got my eyes peeled for a nice wedge that would be stylish and comfortable - hopefully something I can break in and pack to wear out on the town when I'm on vacation. Shopping with a fancy tropical destination is so much fun. I do however, have to keep a budget in mind. Have you found the new spring sandal? Do tell.

Tote

*Image & bag by byanhippo

This looks like it would make the cutest spring accessory and the perfect beach bag. I can imagine myself parading around with this tote full of towels, a novel and some sunscreen on a white sandy beach. The rope handle is truly nautical and just the perfect touch. I might have to add this onto my spring shopping list. Spring break, here I come.

Mine

*Image via Gilt Group dress by Geren Ford

This cute little number is on the way to me as I type this (or at least the order is being processed). I've had my eye out for a cute little spring dress for a while now. It helps that spring is really finally here, and hence the dress. I hope that it isn't so short that I can't wear it to school. I know this will be packed in my bag and headed to Barbados with me. Now I just need to work on some awesome accessories. What do you suggest?

Succulent

*Image & planter by Plaid Pigeon via Oh Joy!

Woah! Dinosaur planters! I think these are great. Not only do I want one for myself, I have a few friends I know who would totally dig having a dinosaur planter greeting them every day. Succulents might just be the perfect plants for Texas, now I just have to wait patiently to get my hands on one of these babies because they always seem to be sold out. How awesome is that?

Trim

*Image & print by Lesly Sisco

How do girls manage with such a simple wardrobe? Is it all in the accessories? I know that I only wear about 1/3 of the clothes in my closet because I'm boring like that and seasonal. I wish I had the creative closet flair of many of my friends. What is your trick to spicing up your outfits?

Closet

*Image by Marc Pinter

I did it, I've organized a clothing swap and have already begun cleaning out my closet. When my husband went through his entire wardrobe and got rid of everything that he didn't fit into anymore I have to admit it kind of made me jealous. It's not every day that your spouse gets a whole new wardrobe (he totally deserves it - being down over 60 lbs. since August). Now I want to refresh my wardrobe and have my fingers crossed for a good turn out this weekend. What should I keep a look out for?

Smile

*Image by Heartfish Press

Happy Monday everyone! Hopefully your week is off to a great start.

Suit

*Image & swim suit via Piper Lime

Heading to a tropical isle makes me want a fabulous swim suit. I have a few nice suits in my drawer, but I'm evaluating the tan lines I'll have with those suits as well, something I'm not a huge fan of is a nice dress paired with swim suit lines. I wonder how a bandeau top would do in the waves? If we do get out into the surf I'll end up wearing a rash guard, so I won't worry so much about function at the moment and will focus on fashion. My only gripe is the price. Who decided that women's swim suits should be so expensive?!

Strength

*Image by Philippe Halsman via True Artworks

I've started getting into lifting weights. I really like the way it makes me look and feel. I mentioned the weight loss kick in our house, but this is just a fun new exercise for me. My husband and I have been attending body pump classes at our gym and the guided routine to music covers all of the major muscle groups in just an hour. I am excited to shop for a new swim suit this year! What is your favorite way to exercise?

Yogurt

*Image & dessert styling by Trevor Jorgensen

In an effort to lose weight in our household we have been trying new things in the kitchen. This dessert was one of my husband's concoctions late one night. He came out and presented me this plate and I have to admit that I cleaned it. This delicious dessert was only 140 calories and tasted like something I could have purchased. What you see on the plate is some vanilla yogurt drizzled with a balsamic vinegar reduction containing fresh sliced strawberries and blueberries over part of a toasted Nutri-Grain waffle. At first I was skeptical about balsamic vinegar for dessert, then I tasted it - sweet and syrupy and the perfect companion to smooth creamy frozen yogurt. What has made your mouth water lately?

Feast

*Image & cake by Trevor Jorgensen

Feast your eyes on this cake! This is the birthday cake my husband baked for himself, and I finally got him to give me the photo so I could brag. His replica of our wedding cake with a twist (a walnut buttercream twist to be exact) was a huge hit and absolutely beautiful to top it off. Do you or your significant other have a special talent or skill?

Fallen

*Image & greeting by ArtMind

Yesterday I thought I felt good enough to go to work. I thought wrong. In the middle of writing on the board during my first period I started to get the fuzzy vision and knew that I needed to sit down. Sitting didn't do much for me, so I looked at my co-teacher and told her I had to go. After walking out of the classroom I promptly fainted, fell, whatever. The next thing I knew I was laying on the floor outside of my classroom with my co-teacher fanning my face with a notebook. Scary. My Dr. husband said that I was overly dehydrated and therefore my blood pressure dropped and I lost it. I'm just glad I didn't go down in the classroom. I didn't want my kids to see that. Being put in a wheelchair and taken to the nurse's office is rough enough. Today I feel fine again, but will be sure to let everyone know if I feel woozy again. Back on my feet (even with a minor sprain in my foot from how I landed). Happy Tuesday?