work/life balance
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How our Family Celebrates Valentine’s Day
Our family truly loves Valentine’s Day. Over the years we’ve created meaningful traditions that feel like a natural fit and celebrate who we are as a family. We do all of this without spending a ton of money, and right now that feels like something to celebrate. So what does a frugal family Valentine’s Day look like? One of our favorite parts of any holiday is baking for others. Cookies have become a favorite gift to make because we get to use our talents and time to show others that we care. Making and decorating holiday cookies is something that I always loved doing with my mom, and now my…
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The Best Organization Products
We spend a lot of time on the go, which often means working in random places, lots of snacks, and doing homework in the car. There are definitely some products that make life easier when we’re especially busy. Here are all of the things that I use to make sure we have everything when and where we need it. All links are affiliates. Zipper Pouches – These have to be one of my favorite Amazon purchases of all time. I use them for everything from travel to toy organization. Happy Planner – My Happy Planner has truly made life easier. It’s so simple to keep all of my plans and…
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Getting – and Staying – Organized in the Classroom
I consider myself to be a very organized person, so these resources are things that I’ve created to make my planning process a little more streamlined and to help save time. These are all available in my TPT store, so make sure to click the links to see even more about them! Preschool Teacher Organization and Planning Pages – These are the pages that I keep within reach, either on my desk or my clipboard so that I can always make a note when something pops in my mind. Then I make sure to have them with me when I sit down to plan so that I can easily remember what…
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Organization Hacks for Busy Days
Usually January is a bit of a relief – a slower pace after the holiday bustle. I’m not sure what happened this year, but for some reason our calendar is EXPLODING with events, practices, meetings, and rehearsals. Managing all of this is a challenge. We’re running from one event to another, squeezing in work and homework where we can. I’ve definitely been leaning into my tried and true organization hacks to help things run a little more smoothly. Here’s what works for me. Goodness knows that every trick doesn’t work perfectly, and I’m always trying new strategies. These are helpful at the moment, but if I find others that make…
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Surviving Winter in the Classroom
These winter months are always the most difficult for me, and I know I’m not alone in that. They come with all of the cold and challenging weather that makes it so hard to get outside, which means children have tons of energy and way less opportunity to use it. That energy often comes out in unanticipated ways. Winter also brings us shorter, cloudier days which has a major impact on moods. Finally these months at the beginning of the year follow the excitement of the holidays and can feel like a bit of a let down after the lead up and excitement that is the rush of Halloween, Thanksgiving,…
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Plaid Christmas Style
Tartan plaid is always an excellent choice for holiday events. This year that’s especially true because plaid is very on trend at the moment. I’ve rounded up a traditional Christmas outfit that can be worn for everything from a fancy Christmas party to a family dinner or evening at the theater. All links are affiliates Navy Collared Sweater Patent Leather Mary Janes Wreath Pearl Earrings Plaid Maxi Skirt Velvet Hair Bow Pearl Drop Necklace Coach Bucket Bag
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Thanksgiving outfit 2025
Thanksgiving can be a tricky holiday to dress for. Ultimately, I always want to look nice, but comfort is the top priority. The outfit I have in mind for this year definitely fits that bill. Focusing on a cozy fall color palette, along with the best plush knits and a touch of velvet make the look quintessentially autumn. All links are affiliates. Gold bow-shaped claw clip Burgundy Crossbody Kendra Scott Ellie Earrings Sweater Dress Burgundy Velvet Mary Janes Pavoi Gold Statement Ring
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Casual Halloween Outfit Inspiration
I love love love a holiday outfit. I generally lean towards anything that can be paired with jeans. This tee and cardigan combo is pretty casual, but the velvet shoes and bow kick it up a notch! Another bonus, the pumpkins on the cardigan are just pumpkins, not jack-o-lanterns, so you could definitely use it for Thanksgiving too. All links are affiliates. Pumpkin Cardigan Orange dot bow earrings Black woven crossbody Velvet hair bow Floral ghost graphic tee Black velvet Mary janes
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Fall Fashion 2025
Fall is my favorite season, and fashion is definitely one of the reasons! This year denim is high on my list – but in ways that we don’t always expect, like dresses. Here are my picks for 2025 fall fashion. All links are affiliates. Beaully Women’s Flannel Plaid Shacket 2025 Fall Outfits Long Sleeve Button Down Shirts Jacket Coats with Side Pockets GRAPENT Denim Dress for Women Babydoll Tiered Short Sleeve Button Down Jean Shirt Dresses SHEWIN Womens Sweatshirt Casual Long Sleeve Lightweight Sweatshirts Button Loose Pullover Tops adidas Women’s Breaknet Sleek Sneaker LILLUSORY Womens Striped Soft Knit Pullover Sweater Loose Fit Shirts with Chest Pocket loveimgs Women’s Classic Collared…
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It’s ok to do NOTHING
Have you ever tried to do absolutely nothing? If you’re anything like me, it isn’t long before the voice starts – you know, that one that says “you should be doing something.” There’s always going to be a task that can be checked off of a to-do list, and errand that needs run, or something that needs cleaned. That’s just life. It’s ok to ignore that voice. In fact, sometimes its necessary to ignore that voice. Sit on the couch and watch terrible tv shows, go take a nap, sit outside and enjoy a sunset, take a slow walk. These are good for our spirits, and a valid form of…
