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.