My Version of the Twisted Side Pony

Honestly and truly (I use that phrase way too much.. ask Ty), I should be the last person to do a hair tutorial or hair post of any kind. I read all kinds of hair blogs and try tutorial after tutorial.. it never, ever works.  Am I the only one sick and tired of seeing "easy" hair posts and getting excited only to find out it is NOT easy.  In fact, it's incredibly complex and no way could you ever, ever do it.  Yea, story of my life when it comes to hair tutorials.

I was browsing through the blogs I like to read this evening and noticed there was an update from a super interesting blog I follow.  You should check it out.  Girlfriend straight up went one whole year without coloring her hair, using any heat or product on her hair, etc.  ONE YEAR.  That is definitely inspiring.. kind of makes me wonder what my hair would be like with a one year break from damaging things. I don't think I could do that though... I was blessed with some thick, thick course stuff for hair.  I wake up in the morning and wonder what my hair will decide to do that day.  It really has a mind of its own.

Anyways, I saw this hair tutorial on that girl's page and wanted to give it a shot.  It really didn't seem too hard and I decided to give it a whirl.  For the first time in history I was able to create something similar to the tutorial.  Now, I use the word similar lightly.  It's a little different than hers, but I am pleased with my outcome and excited to have a perfect hair style for when I'm on day 2, 3 or maybe even 4... don't judge.

Go to the link above for directions and to see pictures of her version! Give it a try, I promise if I can do it.. it's super, super easy! Enjoy, loves!

My Version of the Twisted Side Pony

Christmas Moments

I've pretty much listened to Christmas music all. day long.  One of my sweet students said to me this morning, "Mrs. Blair, can we listen to some Christmas music or something?" I replied, "That is a wonderful idea." I quickly found a Pandora station for kids Christmas music and the rest of our morning was filled with holiday tunes (my kids usually love to listen to classical music during their work time).  Each time the kids leave my classroom throughout the day, the holiday music gets cranked up and the minute I get home.. it's always playing.  So, now that I know my kiddies enjoy it as much as me.. It can literally play almost all day. Totally love it!  I put up a precious, silver tree in our class today.. I'll share pictures tomorrow.  I forgot to take one this afternoon when I finished decorating it. 

But, for now, here are some Christmas moments happening around the Blair Abode tonight...  We put our decor up early in this house, but now that Turkey Day is over.. it's time to share pictures.

Enjoy, snuggle up and drink Hot Cocoa.. It's a cold one here in NWA today!

My Christmas baby... Melts my heart!

love, the Blair Abode

A Perfect Thanksgiving

We really had the most perfect Thanksgiving.  It's incredibly hard to believe that the break is already over and tomorrow is Monday morning.  Seriously, how does that happen so fast?  It feels like we literally just finished loading the car and are heading to Hot Springs.  Our break was spent surrounded by family and delicious food.  My family definitely knows how to cook and we had the most heavenly Thanksgiving meal together.

As usual, I did not take many pictures at all.  Most of the pictures I have are pictures that my family has sent me from our time together.  There are so many that I do not have pictures of, but that is okay.   We had a blast together and got to catch up on happenings as of late.

Our Thanksgiving table.  My mom is the best hostess you have ever seen. She knows how to throw a party.. My mom and I love getting ready for family events together!

Please check out these bloomers that my precious baby cousin had on for Thanksgiving! They say, "I'm stuffed."  So cute!

My gorgeous Mom. Please look at her - She is the definition of classy!  She's holding my most precious nephew, her grandson, in this picture.

Hope you all had a great holiday and have a fabulous week ahead.

love, the Blair Abode

Turkey Day Preparation

This is my favorite time of the year.. by far.  I love the hustle and bustle, cooking for Thanksgiving and just looking forward to being with family.  Not to mention.. a five day break from school is totally needed and much appreciated.  This week at school we were in total survival mode.. just do whatever it takes to make it through the day sane.  

My Christmas shopping is in full swing and I love it.  Tomorrow before we head to Hot Springs, I am making a run to Fayetteville to visit all of my favorite local shops.  I'm looking so forward to it because I can rarely make it down to those stores.  

Tonight I made the dishes that I am responsible for this Thanksgiving.  It is kind of becoming a tradition that I make our most favorite potato dish ever.  I made them last year too and these babies are always a must.  My Nana originally made these and I can remember loving and eating these when I was little... a true family favorite.  

In case you're in the market for a potato dish this Thanksgiving, here's the recipe:

Irish Potato Casserole

8 to 10 medium potatoes, peeled (I use a 5lb. bag of gold potatoes)

1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened

1 (8 oz.) container of sour cream

1/2 cup butter or margarine melted

1/4 cup chopped chives

1 clove garlic, minced (I double this or use garlic powder instead)

2 teaspoons salt

Paprika

Cook potatoes in boiling water about 30 minutes or until tender.  Drain potatoes and mash.

Beat cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth.  Add potatoes and remaining ingredients except paprika; beat just until combined.  Spoon mixture into a lightly buttered casserole dish (I use 9 X 13); sprinkle with paprika.  Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Remove from refrigerator 15 minutes before baking.  Uncover and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until thoroughly heated.  This can also be baked immediately upon assembling dish.

Yield: 8 to 10 servings

I promise you will not be disappointed in these potatoes.. they are delish!

This little guy, Buddy, our classroom elf, made his appearance this week.  Needless to say, we are beyond excited about Buddy's arrival and he is watching us very closely to make sure we are all making good choices.  Seriously, could Buddy be any cuter? No way.

I hope you all have a blessed Thanksgiving and spend it with the ones you love.

love, the Blair Abode

Loft really does love teachers...

...and this has become quite a problem.  I mean, I think every waking moment Loft's clothes get more and more cute.  I cannot even tell you how many things I have found at Loft this season.  The best part is everything I have found is perfect for work, but also great for weekends. Trendy, yet professional.

The best part is they have THE best deals/sales of anywhere I've ever shopped.  They do 40% off everything all the time, send coupons in the mail and teachers get 15% off regularly priced items everyday of the week.  Thank you, Loft.  Really, from the bottom of my heart.

Without further adieu, here is some Loft eye candy.  My favorite pieces that I have gotten from Loft this season...

These pants.  Oh my gracious. You cannot really tell on this picture, but these pants have the cutest seams and detail on them.  I got mine in black that way I could wear them more often and with more tops.  I wore them today for the first time - I felt like I was in pajamas all day. So comfy and they did not stretch out, hallelujah (am I the only one who can rarely fine pants these days that still fit after wearing them for a few hours?).

Confession: I usually wear pants with the tags on them for the first day (only if I can tuck the tags in or my shirt covers them.  This way, if my pants stretch way out - those babies go right on back to the store.  You best believe I wore these pants today with the tags on them - don't judge me.

I love this sweater.  It is a really cute fit and the fabric is super cozy and wonderful.

This sweatshirt type sweater is one of my favorite sweaters I've ever had.  You feel like you are wearing the most comfortable sweatshirt all day, but it looks much nicer.  I wear mine with leggings or the pants I mentioned above and boots. 

Going to use this photo for outfit inspiration using the sweatshirt listed above.

I really, really love the moto look. 

I got a LOFT coupon in the mail today and a lot of new arrivals were featured.  Get to your LOFT and get some treasures before they are all gone.  Promise you won't be upset.

Have a happy Wednesday, everyone!

love, the Blair Abode

Autumn

Today is the perfect day for lounging around and relaxing.  Hubs and I have been putting up Christmas decorations, listening to Christmas music, making chili and cheese dip and enjoying each other's company.  It's cold and stormy here in NWA and we are loving it.  We fell in love with our house all over again today after putting up our Christmas decorations..

Here's a recap of our life lately via pictures

The day I got the new iPhone 5.. Mozart insisted we try the camera out and that I kiss him.

My precious class did this artwork for our fall fest.  It went into a silent auction to raise money for PTO.  I was so proud of them and had to restrain myself from buying the artwork...

 Sleepy baby

 Hubs and I carved a jack-o-lantern the week of Halloween

 I dressed up as a cat for school

 Our BEAUTIFUL screened in porch -- thank you, Nanny and Pa. Seriously, my Hubby could be a carpenter. Good job, honey!

 Weekend date night at one of our favorite restaurants, Houlihan's! Seriously delicious.  We highly recommend the artichoke and goat cheese poppers! Fantastic drinks and apps.

 Christmas decorations are up in the Blair house... You best believe it.

Enjoy this rainy Sunday and have a fantastic week. Only 5 days until Friday...

love, the Blair Abode

Life as of late...

I've been having the urge to get on this blog of mine and update it for a few days now.  I decided to go ahead and update.. Why not? Writing has always been therapeutic for me and I've actually been practicing my cursive handwriting lately.  I guess that's what you do in your spare time when you're a second grade teacher.

Life has been so much more peaceful this week now that parent/teacher conferences are over.  Halloween is one of my favorite little holidays.  We got to dress up at school and it was a total blast.  I dressed up as a cat and all of my sweet baby 2nd graders dressed up.  I so so wish I could share a picture of the class and myself on here, but I cannot. So... just imagine the sweetest little kids in precious costumes! 

A lot has been happening around the abode lately.  We screened in our porch the same week as parent/teacher conferences.  Yeah, you're probably thinking I should have a scan done of my brain to see if I'm cray (and I probably should).  BUT, we had the most best helpers ever!  My Nana and Pa spent the majority of the past week/weekend with us and helped us SO much.  We are so so pleased with the porch and find ourselves staring at it quite often.  It's hard to believe that we screened it in DIY style! Thank you, Nana and Pa! There's no way in the world we could have done the porch without you -- all of our love!

I'm loving the fall weather lately and have so enjoyed wearing winter clothes. AHH, my favorite time of the year is finally here! I love love love Winter!  Today was a little hot for my liking, but I'm hoping chilly weather will come back a.s.a.p. 

In honor of the glorious weather, I'm going to share with you my most favorite pair of wedge heels ever.. in the whole universe!

These shoes are the most comfortable heels I've ever had.  Not to mention... totally adorbs! They are perfect with skinnies and casual tops! If I can wear them all day long and control guide 22 seven year olds.. they MUST be comfy.  

Have a wonderful weekend, readers.

Why I don't blog anymore...

Wow...it has been over a good two months since I have even thought about blogging.  I still follow/read my favorite few blogs almost daily, but I have had no desire to post on my own blog.  This is usually how blogs go for me.  They seem fun at first but I quickly regress into never posting.  I wonder why?

Well, maybe because I am so totally consumed with my job right now.  Oh, how I never knew what mental exhaustion was until now.  I really have the best class ever.  They are the sweetest little group of babies that I am so thankful for.  I have the best teammates I could have ever asked for.  I just love everything about it.  Even though we are overwhelmed with so many new, exciting things.. we just do the very best we can with the knowledge we have at the moment.

Bless all of the teachers I had throughout my school years.. you never realize how hard a teacher works until you are one.

Reason #2 for not blogging anymore.. I began reading/following a lot of organizational/cleaning blogs.  I found some awesome inspiration, but I also compared my home to those homes.  Of course those homes were perfectly organized.. they were HUGE!  I realized the hours I spent researching organization tips took up so much time that could have been spent on more productive things.  

I don't need to know how someone organizes their soup cans, socks and paperclips to have an organized, happy home.   Not to seem rude, but I just don't.

 So... goodbye blogging world..for now.

love, the Blair Abode

Homeowners + Crazy Life

I feel like all I ever say {on the blog} anymore is that we are busy packing and life is crazy.
But, it's totally the truth. And, I totally love it. The fast-paced craziness is just fun, and just life for us right now.  We closed on our house today.. such a crazy feeling.  Hasn't really sunk in yet.  This house is ours. If something breaks/needs repairs,  it's up to us. Sort of scary, yet such a proud and happy moment for Hubs and I.  

I'm so ready to show you all this cozy, slice of heaven that we are about to call home.  It's 'the perfect' starter home.. well, not really starter home.. just a perfect home in general. We love it! Our baby boy, Mozart, will finally have a back yard.  Thank goodness! His latest trend is to ask out 245484543 times a day. No. Joke. 

And when he gets out there. It's only to play. 

I got to see my classroom for the first time today.  I was so happy and surprised to find a lot of stuff in there already! Tons of books, math and science tools and a lot more goodies!  We have our first team meeting tomorrow and I am anxious to begin learning!

Hope you all are having a wonderful week and hopefully I'll be able to check in once we move and share a few pictures! 

love, the Blair Abode

Sunday Social

Happy Sunday, readers! I haven't been blogging much this week at all. We've been doing a lot of packing and other things around the house to get ready for our move.  Close to one week left before our move and we are so ready.

I have been doing a lot of wardrobe thinking lately.  I'm searching the stores and the web deciding what pieces I want to add to my wardrobe for work.  I didn't add tons to my wardrobe for Internship because I knew I would want to do that when I was actually hired.  I'm trying to find some key, transitional pieces that are trendy and professional.

I have purchased a few items lately, and I will continue to add a few pieces at a time.  I do not want to add too much 'summery' clothes (because I always go crazy for fall clothes), but I do need some!  This heat has got to go.  I mean, really! It is so bad.

This week, we took the kiddies on a field trip to the Train Depot.  It was neat to tour, but all outdoors and partly on train cars that are not air-conditioned.  No. Thank. You.

Because of many incidents like this and profusely sweating all summer, I decided to add skirts to my wardrobe.  Best decision ever.

Skirts seem to be really big right now.   Not that they are ever out, but I'm seeing them everywhere! I've added three basic skirts to my closet.   

The three skirts I chose were a black pencil, a white skirt and a color blocking skirt with black and tan.  I'd still like to add a colored pencil or a pleated skirt. The black pencil is from Banana Republic and is a great length.  The white and color block skirt are from Loft, and are perfect length for work too.


I also ordered this skirt from Old Navy this week online.. They didn't have it in the stores! After 25% off it was only $13.  Yes, please!  {You can use the code ONSAVE25 until 7/30 for 25% off at Old Navy}.


I am so in love with Chevron!

This will be so cute with a black or white tee and nude wedges!

Today, I'm going to link up for Sunday Social...

1. What is your dream job?
A teacher.  I have said I wanted to be a teacher since I was in Kindergarten.  It's like I just knew from the beginning that's what I would do.  I loved watching my teachers in school.. totally loved it.  I couldn't wait for the day when I was the teacher.  Dream. Accomplished.


2. If you had just won the lottery and didn't need to work for money, what would you do with your time?
Well, like I said in #1 I've always wanted to a teacher.  So, I would still be a teacher.  But, you better believe I'd shop, shop and shop!  Hubs and I would also travel every chance we got!

3. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A teacher. Read more in my #1 answer above.


4. What piece of career advice would you give to someone just starting out in your field?
I'm about to begin my first year as a teacher.  I just graduated college this past May 2012.  So, technically I am the one just starting out in the field.  But, what has definitely paid off so far during college and interviewing is hard-work and dedication. Follow your dreams.


Well, that's all I'm answering today, folks! Have a happy Sunday and a wonderful week ahead.   We are closing on our house Wednesday and I have my first team meeting this week.. Exciting!


love, the Blair Abode

I am officially...

A second grade teacher.

I could stare at that sentence all. day. long.

Words cannot even begin to describe my excitement, joy and utter thankfulness.  

What an answered prayer. A dream come true.    

I feel so blessed to have a teaching job. 

I'm so ready to begin getting my classroom ready, and for the school year to begin! 

Here's to an excellent year in the 2nd grade. Cannot wait to meet those precious babies!

Thank you to all of the people who prayed for and encouraged me.

love, the Blair Abode

What I'm Loving Wednesday!

Happy Wednesday!
I hope you all enjoyed reading my Blogger 411! If you missed it, check it out and go link up with Becky at From Mrs. to Mama! The link up is still going on for another seven days!

 Today's post is... What I'm Loving Wednesday!
Jamie over at LittleDaisyMay created this link-up.  It's a fun way to share things and do a weekly re-cap. So, head on over there and let's share what we have been loving!

I'm loving.... my two new dresses that I got at Old Navy this past weekend.  Do those not look like the best dresses for this heat?  I'm so sick of sweating and being grody everyday.  Fall, please hurry up! These are so light-weight and I love the patterns.

I'm loving... How close we are to moving into our new house.  We are already at mid-July.  Only a few more weeks until closing time and then move-in day. Which reminds me... I desperately need to schedule with the movie company...

I'm loving... these pieces of artwork from Pier 1 Imports.  Pier 1 has some of the cutest artwork for such reasonable prices.  

I'm loving... This BBQ chicken recipe I tried for dinner last night.  It was delicious.  And so easy.  It's a crock-pot recipe.  I cannot even put into words how much I love my crock-pot.  There is nothing better than coming home from work with dinner already finished...

recipe found here!

I'm loving... This entry-way nook.  We have a perfect sized coat closet in our new house.  We've already started planning this and found our guy who's going to help build it.. 

inspiration found here! Check out the House of Smiths blog.  Prepare to read all. day. long.

I'm loving... A pretty laundry room.  Because let's face it. Who likes to do laundry? If you're like me you not only dislike it, you loathe it.  BUT. The thought of a pretty laundry room.. Makes the idea of doing laundry just a tiny bit better. 

Isn't this wonderful?

Even if you do not want to paint your laundry room, grab some reasonably priced accessories/shelving and get that place lookin' cute.  Add a neat piece of artwork or a cool mirror like she has done.  She even added bead-board... swoon.  

I'm loving... That I have a few more interviews.  A few more shimmers of hope.  I'm thankful for these opportunities and honesty, I'm honored to be given the chance for interviews in such a competitive area.

I hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday! What are you loving this week? I'd love to hear from you!

love, the Blair Abode

Blogger 411!

Happy Tuesday! Today, I'm linking up with my new favorite blogger, From Mrs. to Mama.  Not that I know her or anything, but seriously, go read her blog.  You will be hooked.  Every time I log onto blogger and I see that she has a new post, I get way excited!  She is really down-to-earth and has the cutest little girl!

The link up she created is all about getting to know fellow bloggers.  What a good idea.  I'm so nosy, and I cannot wait to dig through everyone's 411.  Go link up and share all about yourself...

So, here we go.

Questions:

1. How long have you been blogging? And what got you started on blogging? Has your blog changed?

I have been blogging since April 2012.  Only three short months.  I found a few blogs on Pinterest and all of these blogs were organizing, DIY, decorating, life-style blogs.  I LOVED reading them, still do. Everyday.  I couldn't get enough of all of these awesome ideas.  I was inspired.  I began organizing our town-house even more, and I wanted to share this awesome life of mine with others.  Others that were just like me.  Because who doesn't love an organized life?  I have learned so much by reading blogs.  My blog has shifted to more daily happenings posts, but we are in the process of moving.  So, not much going on around the Abode.  But, I promise, once we move.. we have some fun ideas I will be sharing. :)

2. Did you go to college? If so where, and what did you study?

Yes, I went to Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, Arkansas.  I graduated May 2012. I know, I'm a baby.  I majored in Early Childhood Education, and I am Arkansas Certified to teach Pre-K through 4th grade.  Lucky me, I live in the most competitive part of Arkansas for teaching positions.  I have shed thousands of tears over not having a job yet.  But, I refuse to be knocked down... I will have a successful career. I just don't know when that will start... Pray with me that it is soon.

3. Where have you traveled? 

I have been to the Gulf coast countless of times: Rosemary Beach, Santa Rosa, Destin, etc! Disney World, Chicago, D.C., Hawaii, Cancun, Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, Carlsbad Caverns, San Antonio, St. Louis, Colorado, Kansas City and other places in the U.S. 

Mexico is the only other country I have been to outside of the U.S.

4. If you won the lottery, what would be the first thing you would buy?

I would pay off the house that Ty and I are in the process of buying.  Because we all dream of not having a mortgage, right? 

5. What are your 3 biggest pet peeves?

1. I cannot. stand. the feel. of cotton balls. It gives me chills.  Cotton in my mouth, seriously I might die thinking about it.  2. People who are in customer service jobs that are rude. I mean, get a different job if you do not like interacting with people.  3. Not getting out of the box.

6. What is your favorite movie?

That one is really hard for me.  I'm not the biggest movie person in the world.  Sure, I love watching a good movie, but a movie isn't my activity of choice.  I love romantic comedies.  But, I don't think I have an all-time favorite movie...

7. What is your drink of choice; wine, beer, or liquor. Or Water, Soda, Tea?

I am totally addicted to sodas.  My choice sodas are Coke and Dr. Pepper.  I love them. so. much.  Tea is next.. I am crazy about tea. Ty's parents make the best sweet tea.  At restaurants, I either get coke or tea.

8. What is something you enjoy to do when you have me time?

Shopping.  Shopping is so therapeutic for me.  If I'm having a bad day or upset about something, shopping will seriously put me in a good mood.  I love reading, cooking (only if I can do so leisurely- I hate rushed nights in the kitchen trying to come up with something for dinner) and eating out with my family/hubs!

9. If you could have a $10,000 shopping spree to one store, which store would it be?

Wow.  You're asking someone who loves to shop to only pick one store? Torture.  Because we are in the process of buying a house.. I think I will pick Nell Hill's.  

10. Share with us an embarrassing moment of your past? Or present.

I'm so bad when I try to think of embarrassing moments.  I know that I have had embarrassing moments, but they are so hard for me to think of.   I can never think of any.. I try to not get embarrassed easily, but I know I have some.  Ok, I thought of one.  Not the most embarrassing in the world, but embarrassing nonetheless.  I was working at Pier 1 Imports one night, several years back.  Well, I don't know how I did this, but I ripped the back of the pants.  Not a little rip.  A huge rip.  Like, so bad that you need to immediately go home or change pants because everyone is about to see your butt.  Well, you cannot exactly just leave work because you ripped your pants? So, we had to wear these little blue aprons while working.  I had to take my apron off and tie it around myself backwards so that no one would see my ripped pants.  I'm literally laughing as I type this.  That was hilarious.   Can you imagine seeing someone working at Pier 1 with their apron on backwards??

11. What day would you love to relive again?

Our wedding.  Our wedding and wedding day was a total blast.  I loved every minute of it.  I'd love to be able to just do it all over again.  Of course, getting to relive Cancun again would be nice too.

12. If your life was turned into a movie... what actor would play you?

That is a hard one. I think I'll just talk about my favorite two actresses. I love Rachel McAdams.  She is truly beautiful and I love every movie she is in.  I don't resemble her in any way, but I just love her.  I also love Jennifer Lawrence.  I mean, how tough is she? I'm not that tough.  But, she is so frickin gorgeous and humble.. I just cannot help but love her!

13. What are the jobs you had in high school/college/the early years?

I worked several summers in high school babysitting.  I would find a job where I was able to babysit the same kids everyday, all summer.  It was a great first job.  I worked at Perkins Restaurant as a waitress, Pier 1 Imports as a Sales Associate, and now as I'm waiting on that teaching job I work at a daycare/pre-school.

14. Show us a picture from high school or college.

These questions are making me feel really young.  I just graduated college two months ago. But, here is a picture of Hubby and I on graduation... 

...Who invented the graduation hats? Seriously? Who?

15. If you could travel anywhere in the world, all expenses paid, where would you go?

Please take me to Fiji, Bora Bora, Tahiti, etc.  I have always wanted to go somewhere like that.  Somewhere so tropical. I've been to Hawaii and I'd LOVE to go back.. So I might pick Hawaii too.  There are so many places in Hawaii that I didn't get to see the first time that I'm dying to see.

16. Show us the most current picture of you or you, or your family, or anything of meaning to you. 

Here's a picture of my Hubby and I on vacation in Rosemary Beach, FL. last month...

I love this man.  I'm blessed to spend my days with him.  He knows me so. well. He is selfless, loving and calm.  Is he real? Because he's perfect.  And, so funny.   I cannot wait to see this guy as a Dad.  It will probably be more than my heart can take.  

17. Where do you see your life 5 years from now?

I see myself being a Teacher.  I see myself having completed a Master's degree in Education- something to do with administration.  I see Hubby and I being new parents.  With a precious baby Blair.  Oh, I cannot wait for that Baby Blair.  I already love our future kids, and I already think of them.  What will they be like?  What will they look like?  Cute as I don't know what, that's for sure!

love, the Blair Abode