September At a Glance & Work Outfit Recap

Can you believe that September is just about over already?!?  I feel a little worn out to be honest, but at the same time, I feel like I am getting into the groove of working full-time, while also parenting.  We've all transition into back to school relatively well and although all the precautions and safety procedures are exhausting, we've managed them alright for the most part.  The fact that September has been absolutely gorgeous  has been a blessing.  Let's take a peek at the month..

Happy 17th Anniversary!!!!

Logan and I celebrated our 17th wedding anniversary on Aug. 30th.  We always take turns planning a weekend of celebrations and this year my husband was in charge.  We were kid free for one and a half days which we enjoyed and filled with golfing, going on a boat cruise, out for dinner and even splurging on some desert afterwards.  We also enjoyed sleeping in and watching shows without any interruptions.  I love this man and every year we are together seems to get easier and better honestly.  I think we just don't bother sweating the small stuff anymore.  LOL!

Mother - Daughter Date Night
Halie and I had a mother-daughter golf lesson together one evening.  It was a lot of fun and we both learned a lot and got some great tips.  Halie joined her dad in an annual family golf tournament this year and I think it's fair to say that she'll likely be his partner for years to come.  

Exercising and Appreciating the Outdoors
I was doing really well at exercising for a minimum of 30 minutes a day for most of the month.  I am trying to take time to get outdoors, clear my head after work, and have a variety of workouts such as running, biking, weights, cardio and walking with the pups.  That being said, I am also struggling to roll out of bed and do my exercises in the morning like I used to.  Lately I find sitting and blogging and having coffee, calms me and wakes me up in a more relaxing way before starting a busy day at work.  The only issue with that is that if I eat supper, then I don't feel like working out in the later evenings.  I am struggling to figure out my new schedule to be honest.  

     

Dinner Date with my Dad
This was the highlight of September for me.  There was an evening when both my mom was away and Logan was gone to visit his parents with the kids, and I found myself inviting my dad out for a dinner date.  We see each other often enough but it's always all of us together.  This was such a fun, impromptu decision and one I will cherish for years.  You know all the chores that I had waiting for me at home.  Well they eventually got done and I can't even remember what they all were.  But this special evening out with my dad is going to become a lasting and favorite memory for sure.  

Coleman Inflatable Hot Tub

We purchased this inflatable hot tub this summer for the lake but decided to bring it home in August when we returned.  We have been using it probably 3 or 4 times a week as a family.  Sometimes the kids go in with just their friends, but we often all pile in there at the end of the evening and the kids chat away telling us all about their days at school and life in general.  It's honestly been one of our best "family" purchases, that we are contemplating getting a year- round one (well I am but my husband is unconvinced, LOL).

Trying Something New
A couple of weekends ago I cleaned out the freezer.  Oh boy!  So much stuff in there that I didn't even know I had.  It's such a good idea to take inventory every once in a while.  As a result I've  been using all the stuff up before buying more.  I came across two bags of butternut squash and I didn't know what to make with it, the recipe I bought it for wasn't one I wanted to make again.  Insert Butternut Squash soup.  Super easy to make and it tasted like FALL.  I was a huge fan and the kids liked it okay.  I'll definitely be making it again.  I also made fresh bread to go with it, because what could be better than warm, fresh bread.  

Fashion Friday
It wouldn't be a Friday post without fashion.  When the seasons are about to change I like to wear as many summer-ish clothes one last time as I transition into fall.  Here are a few of my favorite work outfits from September.  

How did September treat you all?

Future Planning and Fall Floral

I admit this with a heavy heart, but summer is over for the most part.  Fall is here.  Brisk mornings.  Often chilly and windy days.   Although I love fall fashion and all the layers, it's always bittersweet to say goodbye to summer.  We have officially returned to school and so far so good, but for the kids its only been a couple of days.  Usually I would have my fall magazines, and be browsing the shops both in person and online but this year I am really struggling to be enthused about buying anything.  I am not really sure why the funk, but it's not so bad for the pocket book.  Hahaha.  At this moment I am all about using the pieces in my closet and giving them lots of spotlight.  A simple dark floral top, paired with some jeans or tucked into a pencil skirt, is the perfect way to transition from our carefree summers to a more structured fall.  I love a moody floral print for a top, dress or a blazer.  

I wore this outfit when we decided to make a Dairy Queen visit with the kids a few weeks ago.  You guys, BLIZZARDS are delicious!!!!!  Seriously, it's been years and I had totally forgotten that they were that good.  The DQ is across the street from the University and we decided to take a stroll through the deserted grounds.  It's sad to see it so quite, while I remember the energy and vibes of young people milling around the grounds, especially as we begin a new school year.  Our University grounds are gorgeous and walking them is always a treat.  As we were walking my girls were both asking so many questions about the different buildings, the process for getting into University, where people live, how many classes you take, how long you go, etc.  My oldest is 13 and it was really neat to hear her saying things like "When I come here"and "This is going to be my building."  That kind of talk tells me that she sees herself as a university graduate.  That she feels confident in herself as a learner.  That she has high hopes and expectations of herself.  No, we don't need them to go to university.  But I do want them to know that there are many options available to them.  That they have possibilities and that we will do our best to support them.  Also, like most parents I do want to know that they will be able to support themselves and choose paths that hopefully they are always passionate about, but that we also have to work hard to achieve our goals.  My 13 year old has her sights set on veterinarian school.  She would love to work specifically with horses, but is interested in all the animals from small/pet like, to large farm animals.  Not sure where this will all go, but I am happy that she is having a positive dialogue about her future.  

My youngest, was in awe of all the buildings and even though she doesn't have a clear goal at this time, I mean she is only 10 LOL, she knows that this is a possibility.  I think of so many children that don't know that this is an option, and even more importantly that it doesn't feel like an option.  That go through high school not having that even on a choice board.  So I write this because I am grateful that my girls do.  I am grateful that we will be able to support them, no necessarily pay for their education fully, but still support them emotionally and financially in some ways.  I am grateful that these are the stories they tell themselves.  

Here are my top fall floral picks for you!

Floral Top (RW & Co)

Ruffled Chiffon Dress (H & M)

Floral Blazer (Shein)

What are your weekend plans?

Pretty Pink Pleated Skirt Five Ways & a Link Up

 Hello!!!!!  I am so EXCITED to be guest hosting with the wonderful Carrie from Curly Crafty Mom. Thank you Jill from Doused in Pink for giving me this opportunity this week to step into your shoes.  Jill is helping her daughter move back to university to continue her education and is taking a much deserved break.  Both Jill and Carrie have amazing blogs that feature not only pretty clothes and fashion inspiration, but thoughtfully written posts about their current stage of life.  

In a pandemic I have NOT done a lot of shopping for my closet.  Honestly I just can't seem to find the inspiration or the need for stuff so I have really been digging into my current wardrobe and challenging myself to wear pieces I love but don't wear on a regular basis.  See when I was in an office job as a consultant, I presented a lot, went to meetings and also working in classrooms.  I got dressed up more often and I would be lying if I said I don't miss that.  So many of the clothes now seem too dressy and just sit in my closet.  I am really trying to take some of those pieces and make them more casual or heck just wear them out because they make me feel good.  That's why I started this blog.  To get out of the frump.  To make myself feel good.  To do it for me!  
I absolutely love this metallic, pink, pleated skirt!  The thing is I want to wear it more, so recently I decided to put together three different looks, casual, date night and perfect for transitioning into fall.  I am also bringing back two other outfit formulas that have been featured on the blog in the past, for a total of 5 different looks!

#1 Casual Outfit

Put on some little sneakers and the skirt immediately becomes more casual.  These Keds were purchased recently at Costco for $25 and are a perfect pairing.  I also tied a side knot into my polka dotted shirt and I was ready for our day river boat cruise for our anniversary.  I will totally be wearing this outfit to work or to do some errands around town.

#2 Dinner Date

Same day, I just switched out the top for a lacy detailed blouse which amps up the outfit to classy instantly.  Add some pretty and delicate jewelry and some heels and you have a completely new look! 

 

#3 Transitioning into Fall

I can't wait to wear my snakeskin boots again this season.  I don't feel ready to let them go after only one season, so I paired them up with the skirt which I think also gives the skirt a more casual vibe.  Put on a looser sweater and it's a perfect fall/winter look.  

 

#4 Summer Days & Nights

I wore this shades of pink outfit in Mexico, you know pre-COVID, and I loved it.  Add a little straw bag to stroll the streets by day and heels to party into the night!  For full outfit details go here.

#5 NYE Party Look

The velvet top really is the cherry on top in this outfit.  I just love how the different textures  play together here to create a rich and festive outfit here. 

How else can I style this skirt so it gets more love?

Shop This Post:
Pleated Midi Skirt (sold out):  Shein (cheaper option); Chickwish (more fancy)

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Return to School: Thoughts from a Parent, Teacher and Community Member & 1st Day of School Jumpsuit

 I am sitting here in the early hours what is officially the first day of school for staff and students.  As part of an admin team we've been in schools already looking over the documents, immersed in conversations, planning, re-evaluating our school processes and thinking about our staff and  communities.  This year the traditional  "back to school" looks and feels different.  There is still an excitement in seeing my colleagues, meeting my students, and thinking about all the possibilities.  But there is no denying that it's also laced with worry, angst, trepidation.  People have been asking me how I feel about the return to school.  I've chosen mostly not get into the details on social media because it's hard to be clear and difficult to not be mis-understood, but I'll try to take a stab at it.  

• Grateful  and excited that I am going back.  Honestly, although I think online was a great alternative and I gained a lot of new skills, I love being with my humans.  Big and small, tough and easy, children are just my jam.  If I've discovered anything in the past year it's that I still get so much joy from teaching in the classroom.  

• Keeping judgement at bay and checking myself.  Parents need to make the best decision possible for their own families.  We are all working from a place of some knowledge, limited information, anxiety and fear.  We don't know how it's going to work out and that's scary.  I trust that parents are experts on their own families and they will choose an option that is best for them for the right now.  Thankfully we here have the option to go in person, have a teacher online, or in some cases home school.  The decision  we make right now is not forever and we can all change our minds if need be.

• My kids need school and their friends.  Education is more than academics.  It's connection.  It's social education.  It's citizen education.  It's learning that you have blind spots and biases.  It's looking at the same thing from multiple angles.  My children need this.  Right now our province has relatively low numbers, around five a day for the past few weeks, with outbreaks here and there that have been dealt with in a fairly organized manner.  After weighing the risks vs. alternatives we've decided at this point the risk is worth taking.  Just for the record we do in fact have immune-compromised family that we had to consider in this decision.  My husband and I both work and online schooling just doesn't seem like the right choice for us or the children right now.  This doesn't have to be our choice forever.  It's our choice for now and we feel very confident with the plan schools are putting together.  We will watch and reevaluate as needed.

• Funding.  I can't say that the government doesn't have lots of holes in their plan.  I also don't want to get into a debate about it to be honest.  It's exhaustive and somewhat unproductive.  I'll say this.  I wasn't surprised by the lack of planning and actual input into the education plan.  Our government doesn't put education first and as far as I am concerned that's old news.  We, the public, can fix this with  the way we vote.  We don't necessarily even have to jump ship and change our vote, but we can demand that education, class sizes, supports and optimized learning for our children be part of their platforms with clear deliverables and not wishy-washy language.  We have a right as tax payers to say this is important and this is what we want to see our money invested in.  Honestly, if you don't want them to spend more of our money on education, I am not sure you have a right to complain about the current state of things.  That sounds really harsh but we can't change how classrooms and children are supported without addressing class size and complex classroom needs. 

• Promise.  With 1000% certainty, I know that we at school will do our  absolute best to keep your children safe.  To love them.  To provide them social and educational opportunities in a new way.   To lower their anxiety and yours.  Just because our doors aren't as open physically,  we are still here to support you.  Write us an email.  Send us a note.  Call us.  We still want to hear from you and we still want to work with you for your children.  We will succeed and struggle with them. 

And so on my first day off work, I am excited to see my staff.  I am excited to hear their summer stories.  I am ready to hear their anxieties.  I am ready to be part of the solution.  I am ready to take lean into our current reality. I am ready to gain new skills.  I am going to try to lean into the unknown so that new learning opportunities can come into my view.  

Tell me how you are feeling.  Our feelings might be different.  That's okay.  Tell me your story so I can listen and learn and reflect.  There is no right answer, just the right answer for you and your family.  

On another note, since it is my Friday fashion post, this jumpsuit was a Winners purchase in July and I immediately knew I would be wearing it on the first day of school.  If it's hot, then the sleeveless look is perfect,  and if it's chilly, I have my trusted denim jacket  to throw over.  Some things even COVID can't change, and that's the excitement of picking out the first day of school outfit!  Make sure to follow me on IG to see all my outfits from the first week of school. 

Summer Reading List

I love to read.  In elementary school when we were coming up for alliterations for each of our names my class agreed that "Bookworm Bojana" was the perfect name.  Over the years my reading has evolved and ebbed and flowed.  One of my goals the last few years was to read one book per month that was not teaching related.  I have a book club that meets every second month and I prefer it that was because then I get to choose my own book and also have a book to discuss with other.  We also take the summer months off and this year I had a stack of books waiting for me thanks to wonderful friends who have been exchanging books through our lock-down time.  Here is what I read over the summer.  

★★★★ Untamed by Glennon Dyole
My girlfriend dropped this book off in my mailbox right after we went into lock down.  She left a note saying that she felt this was the book for me!  She was RIGHT!  I found this book insightful, forthcoming, honest, reflective and funny as can be.  Now as I return to work I keep telling myself I can do HARD things.  Glennon explores her emotions, her growth and development and realizations in an honest, insightful and often  funny ways.  Is it self help?  I don't think so.  For me its more affirmations.  Realizations that we all have stories.  We all have discoveries.  We all have truths we can acknowledged or not.  Loved it!

                                                   

★★★★★ Matchmaker by Elin Hilderbrand
I am giving this 5 stars because in terms of a beach read it was exactly what I expect form a beach read.  It was sweet, a little predictable but not in a way that doesn't want to make you keep reading, it had love stories that were complex and yet simple, and it was set on Nantucket.  I found this book in one of those little libraries at our lake while on a walk and it gave me so much joy to read on the beach.

                                                
★★★★★  Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
I had no intention of reading this book.  Honestly the title and the cover seemed borrowing to me.  It looked like a heavy book and summer time is usually for lighter reads in my world.  But this book was brought over by a friend and she highly recommended it!.  READ IT!  It's poetic at times,  it's inspiring, and heart wrenching.  It follows a young girl, abandon to survive in the marsh and to learn how to integrate with society just so she can survive.  There is a a look a how humans judge and these judgments prevent us from getting to know a person or helping them when we know they are in need.  It's also a page turner as a criminal trial unfolds and a side love story unfolds in different and more subtle ways than we are used to as readers.  Also, my husband read it and thought it was also very good!

★★★★ Kids These Days by Jody Carrington
This was a book for work, but it doubled up a book that I  also found insightful as a mom, teacher, administrator and member of society.  Jody is a trained psychologist that helps us understand and implores us to make connections with the children in our lives that are the hardest to love.  She explores how connection and relationship is a key ingredient to not only managing children we have in schools, but getting to know them and helping them when they are struggling to regulate themselves.  Overall good message, nothing extremely new and profound but also an important reminder how not to slip back into some of our old habits that are built on institutions and business model, rather than a human connection.  

★★★1/2  California Girls by Susan Mallery
Okay this book was good.  It was a good, easy, beach read.  It wasn't a book that I had to keep reading.  It followed three sisters and their lives at different intervals, one sisters marriage is falling apart, one is becoming a surrogate, and one is rediscovering her own self-worth and love after a break -up.  The only sister's story I was really into was the last one, although, I liked the way it followed all three.  If you come across it in the library, or a friend has it, or it's free, I would pick it up for an easy read but I wouldn't necessarily spend $$ on it.

What are you reading currently?  What should I add to my my "must read" list?