Hi Ramblers!
It sure has been a minute, hasn’t it? I apologize for yet another hiatus. I was just busy livin’ life. I’m happy to report that my fear of the “mack truck” hitting me when I return to work after a summer of leisure still has not come to fruition. I’m enjoying the routine of work while trying my best to balance it with the duties of motherhood.
I take having a middle-schooler seriously—probably TOO seriously. But as a former 7th-grade teacher for about 13 years, I know how important middle school is for growing, making mistakes, developing independence, failing, and rising back up. I’ve been working hard with my son to teach him how to study, with hopes that one day this will translate into a system he can master on his own. But for now, it’s a lot of frontloading and guiding.
In other news, I didn’t expect the weather to shift this cold this fast in New York. I thought I had a few more weeks of summer dresses before jackets entered the chat, but here we are on the eve of a nor’easter, as I sit in my room praying my neighbor’s tree doesn’t blow right into my bedroom window. Fingers crossed. I’ve been taking advice from Rowan Henchy and telling everyone in my orbit, “I’m sorry, I can’t…there’s a nor’easter coming” for the past week and moving forward until further notice. I low-key love that in the video she so proudly calls it a “northeaster.”
I have a bit of a hodgepodge of a post for you. I have some great outfits I wore to teach high school, and then 10 great things that serve as both personal recs and a super fun life updates.
As I say before I teach every lesson—let’s get this party started (insert Gen-Z eye rolls).
LOOK 1
Loved this fit! The plaid long-sleeve is doing all the heavy lifting, but NOTHING is lifting heavier than my new leather pouch with my initials monogrammed on it!
LOOK 2
I really love this crinkle skirt for all four seasons. Dressed it up with the vest and headed off to teach about the American Revolution—because educating the youth about overthrowing a monarchy 1000% calls for a good fit.
LOOK 3
I am obsessed with this blazer—it received so many compliments! I look forward to the day I can wear it out and about without a tank underneath. These jeans are literally perfect, and the snakeskin shoes added the perfect finishing touch.
LOOK 4
What does one wear to teach on a Friday after a late night of parent conferences? Look no further than this!
LOOK 5
I felt really great about this fit, but then two different people told me I was giving Spring vibes, and that was NOT my intention. However, upon further reflection, I do think it was a bit too springy, even with the brown suede ballet flats.
Here are ten really great things I’ve been loving lately, because life is too short not to share the things that make you weirdly happy.
I snagged these new croc-embossed boots from the Madewell sale. I knew they were a Substack fan fave, but seeing them in real life—with that croc flair (!!!)—was even better than I expected.
I found this really fun artwork on Etsy to put in our new living room. The goal is to add more character throughout our home.
My daughter is in her graphic-novel era. We love getting our books from the local library, but when the books won’t be back for months and we have no chill, using ThriftBooks has been really fun. (PS- Please read El Deafo with your kiddos and then watch the series on Apple TV)
I don’t know why, but these are the most perfect pumpkin English muffins I’ve ever tasted.
Two of my friends have started businesses, and I could not be more proud! I love seeing these two amazing women bring their creativity and heart to life.
My friend Xan, literally one of the most creative, stylish, and interesting humans I know, has started Sweetpea Florals (check out her IG!). Her tablescapes, florals, and curated decor are seriously jaw-dropping, and if you’re in the South Jersey/Philly area and need a statement floral piece, she is your gal!
My other friend Jenny has started Unity Road (here is the IG), making the comfiest, coolest socks from sustainable materials (I can personally vouch—they are incredible, I bought this pair. Even better, 10% of every pair purchased benefits Hug It Forward, a nonprofit that turns plastic waste into classrooms in Guatemala.
I’m obsessed with these really great denim shirts. They are perfectly oversized and sooooo soft.
I decided to get the Shark hair dryer on sale at Costco (ballin’ on a budget), and I have no regrets.
My daughter and I had our lemonade stand and raised over $200 to add to our donation to the Galapagos Whale Shark Project!
Recent Zara finds that I love: this fringe jacket (GASP!) and this suede jacket.
I have been in-serious-love with this Moka Pot, and I fear coffee bought outside my home will never compare.
More RaMbLiNg you may enjoy…
Until next time, Ramblers! I’m off to make coffee, check the weather, help with some studying, and probably buy something I absolutely do not need. You know, all about balance around here.
Love ya, mean it!
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Wow this week went HARD in the lewk department. That blazer! Those boots!!!
Also this sentence perfectly captures why we love you: “educating the youth about overthrowing a monarchy 1000% calls for a good fit.” NEVER CHANGE
Thanks for including budget friendly options!! So tired of $800 skirts…