Target Treats

Sorry I didn't blog yesterday, but I just didn't feel like anything exciting happened. I went to work for the morning to prepare for summer school and then had a Junior League board meeting in the evening.

Today I got the chance to have lunch with a great friend and meet her baby girl for the first time. Sarah and I went to elementary school together and kind of lost touch for middle school, reconnected in high school, lost touch in college, and then reconnected again. Isn't it crazy how you can leave and enter each other's lives and still remain friends?! Anyhoo, Sarah had sweet Caroline in April and I finally got to meet her today. I didn't get a picture, but trust me when I say she is ADORABLE! And has a FULL head of dark hair.

Then I moved on to Target. Ah, Target....my frenemy. I love Target and I'm pretty sure Target loves me if for no other reason than I seem to put a giant dent in my bank account every time I go there. I was on a mission to find a dress Joi had posted on her blog, but when I found it, it didn't fit me right.

However, I managed to find this cute dress instead:

Not completely sold on the dress yet, but we'll see. It comes in several different colors/patterns.

Also, I couldn't pass up this nail polish either.

(Sally Hanson Insta Dri in Jade Jump)

Insta Dri and in a cute color? In my basket it went. I just got a mani/pedi the other day, so I'll have to wait a few more days until the polish I have on starts to chip. I'll definitely take a picture when I paint them and let you know how I like it.

Enjoy your weekend!

Why Reading is Important

I've been holding off on this post since Saturday night, mostly because it upsets me so much.

The Wall Street Journal recently posted an article entitled "Darkness Too Visible: Contemporary fiction for teens is rife with abuse, violence, and depravity. Why is this considered a good idea?" Basically, it is saying that YA fiction is too dark and depressing.

And to that I say: Isn't being a teen often dark and depressing?

As a voracious reader, mostly of YA fiction because of my job, I find this a difficult article to swallow. Yes, a lot of YA fiction is darker than I remember reading as a teen. Heck, I loved the Babysitters Club books, Anne of Green Gables, and the like. However, controversial books were also my cup of tea. I remember the first time a book made me cry (A Taste of Blackberries, which has a similar kid dies of bee sting allergic reaction a la My Girl) and Are You There God? It's Me Margaret (still counted as one of my all time favorite books).

(We must, we must, increase our bust!)

For me and many teens reading is a form of escape. I can lose myself in a book and enter a world completely different than mine. And for even more teens, it is a way to seek help or understand that other people are going through the same things.

After listening to Jay Asher talk about how many students, parents, and teachers thank him for writing 13 Reasons Why, I can't believe people don't understand the power of YA fiction.

This realistic, showing the real world for what it often is, fiction is what my students beg to read. Every day I get asked where my "drama" section is located. What they really mean is where are the books I can relate to, help me understand my life, or escape into someone else's problem.

So, WSJ, next time you want to post an article about the dark side of teen fiction, why don't you actually bother to talk to teens. Find out why they are reading this stuff. Because I guarantee that if you did, you'd find out life is dark, not the YA fiction .

House Hunters

I've lived in my house for almost 6 years and it still isn't decorated. I may be able to put together a decent outfit, but when it comes to my house I've got nothin'.

Enter Joi. Joi and I went to college together and while she spends most of her time working as a high school teacher, she moonlights in decorating. In short, she is amazing. So, after begging her to help with my house for some time, we finally met up for some thrift shopping and brainstorming. (There may or may not have been some french toast involved as well.)

We had a great time chatting, shopping, and people watching. Let's just say that Goodwill and Salvation Army are a great place to see Snooki poofs, horrible clothing, and no teeth.

Here are the fruits of our scouting trip:

We found all three items, the little brass container, floral tin, and elephant, at the Edwardsville Flea Market.

Oh, and I got a pair of brand new shoes from the Edwardsville Goodwill.

All in all a good haul for my first time out!

Summertime

Ahhhh, summer break is here! Oh, how I have longed for summer and now that it is 90+ degrees outside I'm not quite sure why I was so excited. Sweating as soon as you walk out of the door isn't exactly my idea of fun, however not having to get up before Mr. Sun and going to work is definitely worth it. I think. Unfortunately, I am working summer school so my vacation is a little shorter but half days are better than nothing!

Summer is also a lovely reminder that I am single. I'd like to go on vacation but a solo vacation is not my cup of tea. And trying to coordinate get togethers with married or coupled friends is like trying to have an audience with the Queen.

So, I will be reading A LOT this summer, hopefully turning myself back into a runner, and losing a lot of weight. Summer of improvement has begun!

31

A long time since I last blogged. I'd like to say it is because I've been so busy I haven't had time. But that would be a lie. It is, in fact, because a) I haven't gotten the hang of blogging every day, or week, or even month apparently and b) my life is super boring.

I've written this post several times but here are the basics of what's happened since I last blogged:

I had a lovely relaxing Spring Break.
I found out I have a job for next year (hopefully longer).
I turned 31...not really depressing but I am totally having a why is my life nowhere near what I thought it would be moment.
I ran a GOTR 5K.
School's almost over. 71/2 work days left. I can't wait.

Fashion Passion

This weekend I was lucky enough to see one of my very best friends (and AH-MAZING decorator) Joi present at the Working Women's Survival Show. As if that wasn't exciting enough, I later got to see Clinton Kelly from What Not to Wear!! Several of my friends, including Joi, her husband David, and my high school friends Julie and Amy, and Amy's sister Sara, walked around after Joi's presentation and then stuck around to see CK. He is just as adorable as he is on the show. I've always loved clothes and knowing what is in fashion, but I've recently fallen back in love with it all over again. It was so fun to see him and hear what he had to say. My new obsession will most likely be tailoring.

My outfit for CK was a repeat of a previous outfit. Here is today's gem:

(cardi-NY&Co., shirt and skirt-H&M, tights-Vera Wang via Kohl's, shoes-Worthington via JCPenneys)

Please disregard the terrible hair...not the best hair day and it was windy outside.

Monday Finds and Family Visits

Yesterday and today I had the opportunity to visit both of my grandmas. They are incredible women and I love being able to spend time with them.

I also took advantage of my day off and went to Kohl's. I've had a gift card for a while and it was burning a hole in my pocket. So, I picked up this cute pencil skirt. While I'm attempting to not buy a bunch of new stuff, I really think this will be a versatile addition to my wardrobe!

Here's hoping that this will be a truly short week. I've got lots of plans for this weekend so I need to rest up and be ready to have some fun!