October Children's Book: The Spider and The Fly

Good Day!

Today I wanted to review a fun book for your children/students called The Spider and The Fly by Mary Howitt. This book is about an evil spider and his cunning plan to capture such a sweet lady fly in his web. It starts out with the spider meeting the fly and how he sneakily lets the fly into his home clothed as a sweet spider. The innocent fly is unsure at first, but decides to trust the spider because of her naiveness. This book was a Caldecott award winner and the illustrations are electrifyingly beautiful. You can teach a lesson to your students/children about not to believe everything that a person says, especially people that they don't know. This book is a perfect October read. You won't regret picking it up



!

Fall/Winter Style Colors: Black and Gold

Hello Everyone!

Today I wanted to touch on my inspiration for style. As we are ascending into the colder weeks of Fall and soon to be transitioning into Winter,(it's here!) I no longer reach for my neon colored sweater. I look toward bold neutral colors that make me feel comfortable and are a bit easy on the eyes. When I begin into the colder months, I want to coordinate my wardrobe as to how I'm feeling during the seasons. I feel like a changing colorful leaf! Two colors that look stunning together are black and gold. I really love the contrast of the darkness of black and the gold shimmer of gold. Even in hardware on black bags looks so sharp! I really love wearing gold accessories. I usually only wear one or two at a time again. Too much is overload. I don't want to resemble Flava Flav. The gold chain looks classic when it is worn subtly. Here's a few style inspired photos I found. You can even paint  a pumpkin black and gold! What color  combination suits you for the winter season ahead?

October Book Classic: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

Hello Everyone!

As October slowly winds down, I want to fit as many books as I can into the month of October. There's so many Halloween books to choose from. One of the last book reviews for October is of course the classic: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving. There are so many versions and movies to pick from! I think I remember watching a Disney remake of this book. As the story goes, Ichabod Crane is a lurky young man trying to win over Katrina Van Tassel. Ichabod comes to the small town of Sleepy Hollow, New York to be a teacher at a nearby school. Sleepy Hollow has been known for its supernatural occurrences including the ever famous headless horseman. For those of you that know this story, you know what happens next. I'll leave it under wraps for those who haven't or want to reread it again. So curl up with a blanket by the fire, and read this great classic again!

I'm 30, Now What? New Skincare! Bobbi Brown and Rodan and Fields!

Hello Everyone!

I had such an eventful day yesterday! As I woke up, I settled my eyes onto the bathroom mirror and thought to myself, "Kristen, since your 30, you may want to consider using a better skin care routine." All my life, I have been around my mother who, being in the  skincare and cosmetic industry, has always told me to wear sunscreen! I was never able to even touch makeup before the age of 16. She gave me great confidence that I was beautiful enough without it. If you don't know already, beauty comes from the inside out!

Now that I am 30, the thought of wrinkles is actually starting to sink in. I need to start a major routine! So, low and behold I went to the Bobbi Brown makeup counter at Nordstrom to get some great advice about what I can do to start saving face! I went into my appointment bare faced and clueless about what my first step was. As she sat me down, we began to discuss my combination type skin (dry on he cheeks, a bit oily in the T-Zone). She started talking about the importance of a serum. I liked Bobbi Browns,  I just prefer the one I use now, which is by Rodan and Fields, Night Serum capsules.  My great girlfriend Karrie got me hooked on this and I cannot stop using it!

We then switched the subject to moisturizers. After this we talked about eye creams. I really like what she had to say about women who are hitting that 30 mark and need a good eye cream. She then talked about a great Bobbi Brown foundation stick that gives great coverage and has great all day staying power. That was a go for me! Then she then talked about a few other makeup products that would benefit my everyday look. She then gave me a few ideas on bronzers and blush.

Overall, I really liked the finishing products on my face. I did decide to try out the foundation stick and everyday moisturizer. She was even sweet enough to give me a sample of the eye cream! All in all it was a pretty productive day! Now I feel ready to take on the world! Ladies, 20, 30, or 40, what are your go to skincare products? What are some makeup or skincare products that you cannot live without? Here is a link to Bobbi Brown and my girlfriend Karrie's Rodan and Fields line. Enjoy!

https://freshglowskin.myrandf.com/


http://www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com/index.tmpl

Style: The Chunky Cable Knit Sweater

Hello All!

Bbbbbrrrrrrrr! It was a nippy one yesterday! With the weather like this, I feel like Winter has most definitely come early! Now, all you need is a super comfortable cable knit sweater! Not the scratchy fabric, that's so uncomfortable and yucky! I'm talking your Classic Aran Fisherman Sweater in ivory look. These sweaters last forever and don't need another layer more!  They look super stylish and put together with black leggings, jeans, or cords. Yes, of course, in a budget free, perfect world you could opt for a designer Burberry. But if your on a budget and want that well tailored high quality look, try these low budget stores to get the best bang for your buck. Gap and even Old Navy have some pretty great cable knit sweaters for the money. They surprisingly pass the inspection for myself as not too shabby chic. Even high quality sweaters tend to pill and fall apart at times. I even love the cable knit design on pillows or for your pet! Stay warm!

October Children's Book: Crankenstein

Hello Everyone!

Today I wanted to talk about the book I recently read called Crankenstein by Samantha Berger. This book is a great read for the age groups of Preschool thru Grade 1. This book is all about a little boy who faces challenges during his day. All children at one point or another face temper tantrums. They may even blow an insignificant thing out of proportion! This may even trigger a famous public melt down. This book is great for showing children how to handle emotions and prevent them from acting like a Crankenstein! Many children at this age have trouble communicating their emotions. By reading  and discussing our emotions, we are able to prevent the feeling of helplessness when a child encounters a tough situation. Children can then talk through their feelings in a more subtle way. Great discussion book about how to deal with children's emotional behavior. Talk it out with this book!

October Children's Book: Your Skeleton is Showing

Hello Everyone!


Today I recently so skimmed a book that I thought was a perfect read for Halloween! It's called Your Skeleton is Showing by Kurt Cyrus. This book is actually a book about poems! Poems are a great read aloud to your students. They help them unlock their creativity by using their imaginations to create their own story in their minds. Reading poems can help students become better at writing their own poetry. Great introduction book into the fine world of poetry. I remember having to stand up in class and read my personal poems that we would create on a specific subject. Those activities really got me excited about writing. That was always a great way to get students involved in the writing process. Happy Halloween! 

Of All These Things, Love is the Greatest

Hello Everyone!

Today I wanted to talk about the term with which we call LOVE. Love is what inspires me to get up in the morning and become a better person. The world is created on love. Without it human beings would cease to exist. Love is what makes the world go round on a day to day basis. When I wake up, I am filled with good feelings that I feel loved and have love for my family and friends. Love is what inspires me to become a better teacher and help students do their very best in their work.  Do I sound like a long- haired hippie in the grass yet? Ok, I have just been so intrigued by living my purpose in life and finding my true passions. Now, that I am recently engaged, I feel the need to give the very best of myself
 and what I have to offer the world. I am so lucky to be apart of a new family unit! I can't wait to start my life with him and begin this incredible new time in my life!

I feel like I have definitely  slowly grown into my own person and who I am aspiring to be! When you truly find that person  who inspires you to become a better person independently, I feel that is when you can love and accept another person. 

So today, my words of advice for you are, when you ultimately find what you are meant to set out to do in this world, you have great love for yourself and give out love. This in turn allows you to make another person happy and you help out one another on your individual paths. Well, this is what's working for me to say the least:)

  If you've feel like you've lost that loving feeling, try to bring it back by saying something nice to someone, open a door for a complete stranger, (I'm talking to you my fellow New Yorkers;) or buy a special someone flowers. I promise, when you give love even in simplest of ways, it comes back ten fold!  Ok, I'm going to dance around a camp fire now! Peace, love and harmony my habitual readers!

October Children's Book: Eloise

Hi Everyone!

Today I wanted to introduce you to a spoiled little adventurous girl named Eloise who lives in New York City. Sorry for sounding so blunt, but she does have the world on a string!  I do like her many adventures she resorts to in the city. Eloise lives in The Plaza Hotel and looks like she never brushes her hair. She's the kind of child whom her parents don't have time for, so she creates her own fun! Eloise lives in the penthouse suite in the Plaza! She rooms with her Nanny, a pug named Weenie, and her turtle, Skipperdee. I really love the illustrations throughout the book. This book brings me back when our family stayed at The Plaza Hotel during the holidays! I can't wait to spend Christmas time in Manhattan with my fiancé! I'm getting excited!   Such a great book! 

Fashion Accessory: The Statement Necklace

Hello Everybody!

I am here today to talk about some great accessories I have seen this season in the stores. I don't really wear too many accessories, but one thing that I really like seeing is the jeweled statement necklace. I've seen a couple that look stunning on people. This necklace is so nice for fall! It looks really great with a cozy sweater or a button down. White cotton Tee shirts  can even look pulled together and polished with one of these pieces. I've seen these necklaces in every jewel tone possible. I would prefer just wearing one piece at a time. You don't want to over accessorize with a bracelet or earrings. I go with the one or two rule. Never wear three pieces at a time! I am usually comfortable in studs and a larger necklace, or a necklace and a bracelet. That can even become too much. I always think less is more! When you wear a statement necklace, you want it to be the main focus of attention. Like a fine piece of art. Voila! J.Crew, Bauble bar and Piper lime have these wonderful necklaces. Since I am using my money for wedding plans, and other wedding weekends, this blog is a way of curbing my appetite to buy anything and give all of you my dream wish list. Maybe someday I'll be able to afford these little luxuries:) I'll keep working hard! For now, just writing about it makes me happy. What kind of accessory do you love this season?

Children's Book in October Frankenstein: A Monstrous Parody

Happy October!

Today I wanted to review a book that I recently read to my students. This book is called Frankenstein: A Monstrous Parody by Ludworst Bemonster This book takes a clever outtake from the classic book Madeline! It's a great book for K-2 graders. The creative story rhymes and the pictures are the best! The illustrations take a similar effect from the Madeline series as well. Kids will get a kick out of the funny things that these monsters and ghosts do! Perfect book for the month of October!  Here is a YouTube clip on the book:

http://youtu.be/QLIVaFuQ82o

Photographers, and Flowers and Bands, Oh My!

Good Day Everyone!

Today I had to start writing down the lists that have been dancing inside my head like sugarplum fairies.  If you've ever seen that movie, I Don't Know How She Does It, I feel like I'm Sarah Jessica Parker going through a Wizard of Oz Munchkin Scroll inspired checklist at night before I fall fast asleep. I'm super excited that I found my wedding dress! I actually cried when I put it on! Thank you b. Hughes Bridal in Nashville, TN! Five stars for finding me the perfect dress! Check! 

Now remember, I'm a pretty relaxed and laid back individual, I mean, of course I am:) I'm just making noise right now while I'm trying to iron out the fine details. 
Every time I try to look up live wedding bands, I cringe out of utter fear and nervousness. 

Why must they sound so corny? I'm sure they are better in person, 
right? I think I'd be more comfortable with the band from the movie The Hangover or Old School.   I think they're called The Dan Band.

-Cleveland, I thought you were nicknamed The City of Rock and Roll?

Now, I know there's got to be a good band hiding there somewhere. As The Beatles would say, "Don't Let Me Down!" 


And, what about photographers? Do I always have to find that perfect cheesy pose on my wedding day, or can I just act like myself? Will I get a big pimple on my face before the big day like that lady from My Big Fat Greek Wedding? 

If so, One word. Windex.


What about flowers? Can you really screw up the beauty of a 
natural fresh cut flower? I've heard catastrophic flower stories, seriously? Now that sounds insanely funny to me.

These are the long lists of questions that I ponder on occasion during my lengthy Fall Break. I really don't care, as long as by the end of the day, I'm getting married to the love of my life.

So list, you can chill out for the time being, I'm sure the band I pick can't be any worse than The Dan Band (which makes them entertaining). I hope you remember this funny performance. Here's a clip from The Dan Band. If anyone has any suggestions about any of these three subjects in the Cleveland area, please advise me! 

Remember, Cleveland Rocks!


http://youtu.be/b3Tz5M_gM9I


http://youtu.be/FfUU1wJKXDc