Budgeting Bloggers ~ August

Hey everyone!  It's time for Budgeting Bloggers!  Sorry I've been MIA most of this month...  School starting and a(nother not my fault) car accident have been a huge time suck.  I've still been working part-time on the weekends on top of that all, so I've had very little down time to blog.  That said, I'm super happy to be back, though, and share this month's purchases.  I feel like I got a little bit of everything this month, but I've already gotten some good use out of a lot of my purchases!  I apologize for not having as many links / pics as usual...  I just didn't have the time and wanted to go on and get my post up!

J.Crew Factory Tiny Dot Tee - $16

One thing I love about the J.Crew Factory store is that they bring back patterns that have previously been in their retail stores.  Does anyone remember the sweater and scarf in this last year?  I was super excited to find it in a tee and even more super excited when they ran a half price tee sale!

Groop Dealz Rosette Necklace - $8

These necklaces have definitely been growing on me, so when Groop Dealz ran a special for $7.99 I decided I needed to just go for it and get one.  I also bought a turquoise one for my mom, which I plan to steal borrow.  

Target Sandals - $8

The brown version of these have been all over the blogs and Instagram this summer and I've been wearing mine a ton.  My other (non-Nike) black sandals have seen better days, so these were a great addition to my summer sandal wardrobe!

Abercrombie Tee - $13

Sometimes a girl just needs some casual clothes...  And gets sucked in by promos.  Even though this was kind of an impulse buy (I went in for the baseball cap and to look for stuff for the 'lil bro), I do really like this tee for those days when I want to be dressed down, but not wear a schlumpy t-shirt.

Abercrombie Baseball Caps - $10 & $5

I've found myself wearing baseball caps a lot on weekends and to the gym and decided that I wanted another cute baseball cap that *gasp* wasn't a K-State hat.  With the coupons and promos that Abercrombie was running a few weeks back I decided this was a good opportunity to grab a few cute ones!

Gap Shirt Dress - $20

Image via Gap

After staying out of Gap during July in anticipation for their Friends & Family sale, I'd had my eye on a few items.  You might remember that I bought a bright pink version of this dress back in the Spring.  This was my first day of school dress and I felt very cute and teacher-y in it!

Gap Scarf - $13

Image via Gao

I have a serious scarf hoarding problem.  I will probably need rehab soon.  I may need to make a goal not to buy scarves for a month.

Gap Skirt - $26

I really enjoy wearing dresses and skirts to school when the weather is warm enough.  Remember how I posted about how I don't do pencil skirts? I was super happy to find this skirt, but then crushed (and surprised) when it was too short for work.  I went up a size, but to be honest, it's too big in the waist (perfect length, though) and I may take it back.  It's so darn cute, so I may explore some options in getting it altered to actually fit.

Monogram Necklace - $10

I've been really wanting to jump onto the monogram bandwagon lately, but most that I saw online were a little more than I wanted to pay.  I found some initial necklaces at our awesome accessory store, Versona, and thought this would be a cheap and easy way to see if I like this trend and if a more expensive version might be worth it someday.

Old Navy Diva Skinny Ankle Pants - $35

I very very VERY rarely pay full price for anything at Old Navy, but when I found these super dark "denim" trouser skinnies I decided they weren't worth the risk waiting for a sale.  I have a really hard time finding pants for work, so I was super happy that these fit and are a nice alternative to black pants.  I'm tempted to go back for some more colors!

Total = $164

Not too bad!  The dress pants were kind of a last minute purchase, but still fit within my budget for the most part.  While I did get some items that are more on the casual side, I also managed to get some good items for school.

***
September Budget Plan

I have my 10 year (!) high school reunion and a wedding on the same day this month, so I decided that would probably be a good reason to buy a new dress.  I've had some extra income recently and am thinking I will allow myself a splurge or two during the Labor Day weekend sales.  I tend to be an emotional shopper and also a person that rewards myself through shopping.  Other than that, I am going to try to save a good chunk of this month's budget for a trip out of town with my mom that I am planning on in early October.  I hope to hit some outlets (J.Crew, Banana, Gap, Michael Kors maybe?) as well as a few other stores (J.Crew & Loft) that we don't have here.  Speaking of Loft, we're getting one here in October!  I'm so happy that I'll have that store 5 minutes away and not 2 1/2 hours away!  Loft can be hit or miss for me, but having one nearby excites me a lot because I know that they can have some amazing in-store sales!

To Do Tuesday

Has anyone else started feeling super duper busy with the beginning of school coming up?  I somehow ended up skipping last week's post, so I won't really go over my previous goals.  I spent much of last week working on my classroom and was scheduled for A LOT of hours at my part-time job.  

School starts exactly a week from today.  I'm going in for a meeting and to work on my classroom today, but I "officially" go back tomorrow.  My classroom is 90% done, but what's left to do now is the less visible stuff...  Labeling my new storage tubs, reorganizing my classroom library, and trying to figure out how the heck I'm going to make room for 6 more desks!  (This will be my biggest class ever!)

• Tackle my school to do list.  This list is literally 3 pages long!  It's a lot of little things that I need to get done by next Tuesday when school starts.  This will be the biggest time suck in the next week,
• Complete 10 miles in my workouts.  I set another 50 mile goal for August and as of right now I am only 5 miles in.  It's going to be more of a challenge this month with school starting, but once school actually starts next week and I get on a regular schedule, it should be easier to get in the rest of my miles.

I'll leave you today with some random You Tube goodness.  Two wonderful videos I've recently fallen in love with.

"Blurred Lines" by Robin Thicke with Jimmy Fallon and The Roots

"Hopeless Wanderer" by Mumford & Sons

(Watch for my celeb crush!)

What's on your back to school to do list?

HAPPY TUESDAY!!!

9 Desk Essentials

As I prepare for the upcoming school year, one thing on my to do list is to make sure that I have my own personal desk essentials in order.  Now, we're not talking staples and markers here...  I like to have a couple small bags of necessities for everyday needs or when I pull a long night with conferences or whatever!  

9 Desk Essentials 

1. Lip Balm / Lip Color - This is probably my most used essential.  I like to keep something moisturizing, but with a little bit of neutral color on hand to use throughout the day.  
2. Powder - My skin tends to get kind of gross and oily especially on hot school days.  I've found keeping an extra powder at school is great for easy touch-ups to keep me from looking completely disgusting.
3. Deodorant - This is just a good one to have on hand. 'Nuff said.
4. Body Spray - There are times when I just feel gross after being outside or whatever and a few spritzes of body spray are just what I need to not feel quite so stinky!
5. Hand Lotion - This one is especially necessary during winter!  I also recommend getting the anti-bac lotion from Bath & Body Works to help you fight germs and stay moisturized.
6. Toothbrush & Toothpaste - Sometimes I just feel the need to take a moment to brush my teeth...  This is a total essential during conference week when I wolf down a quick dinner and then have to sit down and talk to parents afterwards!
7. Mascara - Mascara is one makeup item (other than foundation) that I feel like I have to have to look awake and like "me."  I always end up with tons of minis, so these are perfect for stashing away on those days I'm running late or need a little makeup pick-me-up.
8. Nail File - ...Because sometimes you have a nail emergency.
9. Feminine Products - I think this one is pretty obvious, but having a stash on hand has saved me when I forget to refill what I normally try to keep in my purse.  (I keep these in a separate bag in case I need to make a trip to the restroom...  That way I don't have to take everything with me!)

I seem to have an abundance of cosmetic bags around (mostly freebies), but if you're looking for cute bags I recommend checking out Thirty-One or Target for great buys!

What are your desk essentials?

Fashion Friday: First Week

School starts in less than 2 weeks! I really have a hard time coming to terms with the fact that my summer vacation is pretty much over.  Wednesday starts 3 straight days of meetings, which is probably one of my least favorite parts of going back to school.  *sigh*

First Week of School 

I've been trying to come up with some outfit ideas for the beginning of the year.  Outfit planning really speeds up the getting ready process, so I try to lay out my clothes or have a close idea for what I am going to wear ready the night before.  When I feel stuck in a style rut, I turn to my Pinterest boards or Polyvore and look for ideas on how to combine items I already have in my closet.

Our first week of school is only 4 days and Friday is a jeans and t-shirt day.  Monday night is Open House, though, so I need to have a nicer outfit ready that I can change into at school since I don't want to drive home in between.  

I came up with these outfits almost all of which are items I own (or dupes of what I own).  Comfy is pretty much the trend here since I'll be pretty active and will have to be outside for recess and busy duties.  I don't know if I'll actually wear these exact outfits, but they're a starting point!  (The striped dress is one that I tried on last weekend at Target, but didn't purchase...  I'm thinking I'll go back for it, though, because it's perfect for school!)

What will you be wearing back to school?  
Do you style and plan outfits ahead of time?

3 things to get excited about in the month of August...

A new month is upon us! 

August is always an interesting month filled with lots of activity.  It's that month were I go from my lazy summer days back to regularly scheduled teaching.  

I may have squealed when I saw this!

1. College Football - There's a reason this is #1 on my list!  I love love LOVE college football season!  I love watching my wonderful K-State Wildcats play (and kick butt), but I also just love turning on ESPN on Saturdays and having it on all day long.  Even if I'm not watching the games, I just love hearing that as background noise.  It's probably my favorite sign that fall is on the way!  Let's get another BIG XII Championship, Wildcats!
2. Back to School Shopping - Sometimes I wonder if I part of the reason I became a teacher was so that I could further justify back to school shopping into my adult life.  I got seriously excited when I saw Target's school supply department a few weeks ago.  And, of course, I have to have a new outfit (or 10) for the first day(s) of school.  
3. Meeting My New Students - Don't get me wrong, I loved my kiddos from last year, but I have been reassured that this new group of students coming up into 3rd grade will be a much easier bunch.  I know that my class will be a bit larger this year, but I've been told by the 2nd grade teachers that they're a nice group of kids.  I'm excited to meet them and start new adventures with them!

What are you excited about this month?

Seven Year Itch

I have to admit, I think I'm going through a "seven year itch" thing with my job right now...  I've been in the same classroom, teaching the same grade level going on seven years now!  I really don't think that if you'd asked me back in August of 2007 if I'd still be here in August of 2013 I would have said yes.  My school is on the complete opposite side of town from where I live and as a youngster fresh out of college I was eager to just get offered a job, let alone a job in my ideal grade level.  I told myself I'd give it a year or 2 and then maybe look for something closer.  Then, I told myself I'd wait until my principal retired and give it another year...  And now I'm on year 3 with our "new" principal (who is a former 3rd grade teacher colleague) and I'm still around.  

Part of me is starting to feel a bit restless...  I blame this on the fact that several close teacher friends are making school and grade level moves this year and are all excited about these new opportunities.  New schools, new grade levels, new people...  There's part of me that loves the idea of new adventures and opportunities, but another (stronger) part of me that loves consistency and the comfort of what's familiar.  I do truly love the people I work with and the families at my school and the sense of familiarity that comes with being a part of our school "family."  

One of my favorite parts of my job is that even if I am in the same grade level and the same classroom, I do get a fresh start each year.  I get to meet and teach a brand new group of students and I have the freedom to change things from year to year.  I don't have the same boring ongoing job each day and I'm not obligated to do everything exactly the same as I've done in the past.  

So, will this itch go away?  We'll see...  I'm not saying I'm ready for a big change, but I'm ready for some new, little changes along the way this school year.  Who knows what the future will bring?!?  I guess I'll just have to wait and see! :)

Budgeting Bloggers ~ July

Gap Essential Star Tee - $11

Image via Gap

How stinkin' cute is this tee!?!  My friend and I popped into Gap after lunch one day and both loved these tees.  I found myself thinking about it over the next few days.  For me, that's a sign that something is probably worth buying.  Of course this tee was perfect for the 4th, but it's just a fun tee for anytime and will of course come in handy for some of those patriotic dress up days at school.

J.Crew Factory Textured Charley Sweater - $27

Image via J.Crew Factory

I really like my other 2 sweaters like this and so I took advantage of the awesome 50% off sale to pick up this minty one.  It's sold out now, so I'm glad I grabbed it when I did.  It's more neon in person, but of course, that's totally fine with this girl!

J.Crew Vintage Cotton Tank - $12

Image via J.Crew

I haven't ordered from the regular J.Crew site in a while, but when they marked down their "Final Sale" section an extra 40% off I thought it was worth a look.  I bought one of these tanks last year and really liked the fit, especially for layering, so I decided to get a hot pink one!

J.Crew Linen V-Neck Pocket Tee - $16

Image via J.Crew

I'd seen a few bloggers post about linen tees and then saw Fran post about her adorable striped tee...  That was it.  I had to try one for myself.  I contemplated getting a fun color, but decided to stick with this better than basic gray tee for a little added versatility.  How awesome is it that I got both shirts, plus tax and shipping for less than the original price of this tee!?!

Target Infinity Scarf - $3

I'm always excited when Target puts out new items in their bargain bins.  It used to be everything was $1, but now they add in some $3 as well.  I spotted this lone infinity scarf chillin' on the bottom rack and decided it needed to be mine!  It's super cute and a super bargain!

Express Necklace - $20

I used to shop at Express all the time, but I rarely go in there these days.  I spotted this necklace a while back and it stayed on my mind for several weeks.  At that point I decided to find a coupon and make it mine!  The silver and mint is so glam, but still works with a lot of outfits.  (PS--  Never shop at Express without a coupon...  They always have ones posted on FB or their website!)

Coach Poppy "Perri" Hippie Bag - $159 (before gift card)

Image via Coach / Dillards

I'd seen this bag in passing at Dillards and Von Maur and really liked it, but wasn't sure if I could justify purchasing a $228 bag right now.  I had time to kill before working one afternoon and happened to see that the ones at Dillards had been marked down to $159.  I've got a few black Coach bags, but I love the size of my other Hippie bag from Coach and I've also been on the hunt for a good cross-body for quite a while.  The next day I decided to go for it...  I had a $100 Visa gift card from when I switched cable companies and I bargained with my aunt to buy one of my older Coach purses for $40.  So, out of my pocket this baby only cost me about 20 bucks!

Vans "Authentic Skate Shoe" - $45

Image via Journeys

A few months ago I stumbled upon some pins of these shoes on Pinterest and instantly fell in love.  I think I checked 1 or 2 stores and didn't have any success, so I kinda gave up the hunt.  After going through my pins again, I decided to give it another go and found them immediately at Journeys!  I haven't been this excited about shoes in a long time!

Total = $293
Minus $140 in gift cards and sold items.

FINAL TOTAL = $153

I have to say that I'm quite proud of everything I purchased this month for the amount of money I actually spent... 4 shirts, a scarf, a necklace, a pair of shoes, and a leather Coach purse all for $153?!?  I think July was a definite win for the budget!  I made an effort to stay away from Gap this month and even popped in during their extra 40% off sale and walked out empty handed.  (My star tee was actually purchased in June, but after my last budget post.)

August Budget Plan

Back to school sales are in full force right now, so this time of year it gets to be difficult to resist some of the good deals out there.  I need to make an effort to find some good work pants for the school year and I will probably treat myself to a new first day of school and / or open house outfit.  I think Gap should be having a Friends & Family sale sometime soon (last year it was the week before school started), so I am excited to check that out since I've tried to stay out of there recently.

How did you do with your budget this month?  Check out Fran and the other Budgeting Bloggers to see how they did this month!