No words...

No words can ever take the pain of losing your child away. 

As many of you have heard by now, an elementary school in Connecticut was physically and emotionally attacked at gunpoint.  The fact that 27 people are dead today, because of a selfish act of violence is horrifying my every thought.  I have been crying and thinking about those that have to suffer tonight at the loss of their five, six, and seven year old.  

I believe this happened for a reason, even if the answer is not clear at the moment.  I can honestly say that even though I have no idea who any of these people are, I will always remember and keep these people in my thoughts.  

No one should ever have to have the end of their life chosen for them, especially at such an innocent and vulnerable age.  I pray for peace to those students who will see another day, but have to live with the burden of this chaos at their school.  I work with children every day, and I can't imagine anything like this happening at my school.  The truth is though, anything can happen.

Stay true, stay real.

H.  

If I could be a kid again...

I would probably pee my pants.  

But only because I was a kid.  

Not that today was difficult or anything--actually, it was really good--but mostly that childhood is so simple and easy.  It would be a refreshing change of scenery to see things from a shorter stance again, and go through life knowing what I know now.  

While looking at this picture I took from a few weeks back, all I think about is being carefree. 

I'd like to take this opportunity to invite you to join me in taking this lifestyle to action.  I want to have a carefree, absolutely amazing, loving, hilarYous life.  I don't want to look back and say "coulda, shoulda, woulda," and I'm not.  Taking things in from the eye view of a dreamer, much like children are, sounds like the perfect remedy for this chaotic world. 

Let me know how you plan to make your life better.  

Stay true, stay real.

H.

This weekend in photos...

People are fo sho jealous of my shirt and vest combo I got from Goodwill.  

Almost fell.

My sparkly gold shirt was a steal of a deal at Marshall's for $7!

P.S. I found the world's cutest couple while we were skating. 

Stay true, stay real.

H. 

Weekends are for the birds...

....and you know what they say, "if you're a bird, I'm a bird."


This weekend was absolutely fabulous.  
I slept.

and slept.


AND SLEPT.
It was glorious.

 
I am got so close to finishing up my Christmas shopping this weekend, and I also snagged me some great deals.
Make sure to check in this week when I show you the one piece of clothing I'm most excited about :)



Stay true, stay real.
H.

This past weekend...

Throw-back Tuesday-- I may or may not have been given the nickname Poop Stain Lane when I was in the fourth grade.  

I know, right?

I was unable to devour the good deals at Goodwill this weekend, BUT I'm hoping some of you did.  

What did you get?

Is it fabulous? 

Instead, I went to Oklahoma City and made peanut brittle with my family.

Love my family and peanut brittle.  

Stay true, stay real.

H.

Just now...

My mom walked up to me and said, "Kate is pregnant."  

BFF> <BFF

Apparently, my family and the Duchess of Cambridge are BFF's.  

Happy Tuesday everyone.  Hope it's as personal and weird as mine has already been. 

Stay true, stay real.

H.

It's been a week...

Going back to school after a nice, relaxing break is hard.  Harder than I thought it would be.  And I feel that no matter what time I go to sleep at night, when my alarm clock buzzes, it's still too soon.  This weekend is going to be a much needed catch-me-up from this long exhausting week.  

Today's outfit was mediocre and non-deserving of a picture post.

you can check out previous posts from this week here, here, here, and here.

BUT, I do have an awesome pick-me-up line...

If I were a stop light, I'd turn red every time, just so I could stop and stare at you longer.

And that's the key to every girl's heart, boys. 

Say this and all your lonely nights will turn into galavanting awesomeness around the town with your girl.  

Girls in the movies make flipping their hair much more glamorous. 

Stay true, stay real. 

H.

I need a filter...

...for my mouth.  I went out with girlfriends tonight and realized I needed to purchase one as soon as possible.  Does anyone have suggestions as to where I can find one?  

thankful thursday--I am thankful for beautiful Christmas lights and new friends.  

My back isn't hunched, my sweater was pretending to be a hot air balloon.

It's the most wonderful time of the year!  Christmas lights make everything feel magical and happy.  

Today's outfit isn't fancy or exciting.  But, I did manage to get both pieces from Ross or Goodwill. 

The shirt is from Ross for $11 and the jeans were from Goodwill for a mere $3--(it was customer appreciation day).  Like I said, nothing special, but a bargain at its best!  

P.S. Isn't my camera incredible?  

Best purchase I've made, AND I got it on sale--of course! 

Stay true, stay real.

H.

It's a good thing I took that CPR class....

...because I had to do the heimlich on a kiddo today.

It nearly scared me to death, but the good news is the kid was laughing when he came back into the cafeteria.  At least someone got a good laugh out of it, right?!

WITTY WEDNESDAY-- What do Eskimos get from sitting on the ice too long?  

POLAROIDS. 

say what?!?

SO HERE'S THE DEAL...

I GOT A NEW CAMERA!  

It's a beaut, and I'm going to show some pictures off of it today...here ya go, my thrifters!

I know this makes me look puffy, but side angles just aren't my thing.

I'm sporting my new boots, yay!
Forgive the blurriness.

Ok, so I love, love, love all these pieces within this outfit individually, which is why I added them all together!

I found the cardigan at Goodwill, along with the plaid shirt (in the men's section--try things on).  I also scored these super thick tights at Ross; they're a good addition to any wardrobe and great for winter!  And of course, my new boots from Ross.

All in all, this outfit cost me $40--only because the boots were $25!

The thing I love about this outfit, is that I can wear this cardigan with so many other things!
It's a great fall/winter color and can accentuate anything by adding that pop of uniqueness!  

Our little snowman! 

We read The First Day of Winter at school today, and had the kids create their own snowman!  

3 scarves

2 blue gloves

and a red cap with a gold snap

I shot this with my new camera, and thought this was too cute of a picture to not show you!

Stay true, stay real. 

H.

From Work to WOAH...

THROWBACK TUESDAY-- I never smiled like a normal child in pictures.  Demented is the proper word to describe it.  

Here, take a look. 

I was a gem.


So, today's outfit show you how you can go from work to out on the town by substituting and added minor details.

WORK

I bought this shirt at Ross for $11.  It's comfortable and fashionable at the same time.  It's also work appropriate, which is a nice find when you can wear things to work as well as out on the town.  

These jeans are a basic skinny jean, which go well with almost any top.  

I added black flats.  It says basic, yet chic. 

PARTAYYYY

The only thing different in this picture is the way I'm standing...AND, of course, my shoes.

(I bought these at a garage sale for $2--HELLO STEAL OF THE CENTURY)

By adding a simple black heel, it allows you to strut your stuff.  

I also applied more make-up to bring some drama to my eyes.  

{As you can see, I got rid of the watch.  It screamed business and structure, and when you're dancing... ain't nobody got time for dat}

These two simple steps can transform your look dramatically.  

The next time you're looking for something to wear, head over to the work side of your closet and give those heels you've been neglecting a chance to dance; you'll find a whole new wardrobe has arrived and you didn't even have to spend a dime! 

Stay true, stay real.

H.

The First Day...

Manifesto Monday-- When I'm in my car, I envision I'm a famous singer and I belt out whatever song comes to my head.  

I get asked for an encore every time.  

Heeeerrree’s

Outfit number one

I'm actually super proud of this outfit, because 1) it's cute 2) it's super comfy!  

(a great idea for when you're feeling a bit fat because of all the food you stuffed in your face on Thanksgiving day--hint, hint; wink, wink)

NEWS ALERT: My boots were my big Black Friday deal.  They were originally $70 and I got them for $35 from Rack Room Shoes.  They run a bit small, but they zip up on the side, which allows for jeans to fit in easily.

I got the sweater from Goodwill (in the men's section), and my "jeans" are from Charlotte Rousse a few years back.

THRIFTY TIP:  I use capris as pants when I wear long boots.  I'm actually wearing them in this picture, and you had no clue, did ya?  This helps add a pair of jeans into rotation during the winter season; and makes you not have to buy so many pairs of jeans.  

The thing I love about this outfit is that every piece I have can go great with many other things.  

+The boots can make any outfit pop

+The sweater can go great with work out pants and tennis shoes, for a cute on-the-go look

+And the capris are great for spring and summer

Tomorrow's outfit will show how you can go from work to play with only one small change.

Stay true, stay real.

H.