date night and b.a.i.t shoes

After a really draining week that was less than enjoyable, Marcus and I got to have a date night! Clearly, he was very excited to be wearing the Game of Thrones shirt I surprised him with a couple weeks ago. He also convinced me to wear my new dress and shoes even though we weren't going anywhere fancy--all right, he didn't exactly have to twist my arm about it. I was really psyched to try out my new B.A.I.T Ida's, since I'd heard tons about how great they were but was curious about all the hype. (He just likes them because of the clicking sound they make when I walk.)

It might not sound like anything too crazy, but one of our favorite things to do is go to Port of Subs, order our sandwiches, sit at our designated "high table" and talk for awhile. I obviously see him every day, but it doesn't always feel like there's time to just discuss arbitrary things that are on our minds on weeknights. Partly, I think work sort of tires everyone out to the point where they aren't always up for long conversations. I can relate, but I'm also grateful that we make the time at least once a week.

When we finished, we left to go walk around the outdoor mall for a bit while the weather was still nice. This time of year is perfect at night, but towards May and June, even the evenings get a little too hot and sticky for most people. (That mall always has so much more business in the wintertime!) Marcus's favorite place to check out is the puppy store, because they always have little bulldogs hanging around. Personally, I like seeing the darker Shih Tzus and the Scotties. Both of us also like to stop at Barnes and Noble when we go to that mall--I think almost everyone does, though. The atmosphere in there is so calming and enjoyable, especially when there aren't a lot of people in at once. I got to look at some fun cookbooks (but, sadly, I had to resist the urge to take any with me). We were going to go for gelato, but the shop that opened at the mall awhile ago is so popular, the line is usually out the door and down the street a little bit. We decided to go try some frozen yogurt instead, which turned out to be an excellent decision because this particular place had creamy pineapple and a hot fudge dispenser. Suffice it to say we'll be returning soon.

We ended the evening with some Coffee Rush, then headed home to continue watching one of our latest TV shows. (We like to pick shows to marathon while we wait for our favorites, like Game of Thrones and Orange is the New Black. Right now, we're doing one called Sword Art Online. I'm not sure what I think of it yet.) Not necessarily the craziest night on the town, but I enjoyed it immensely!

Right, and before I forget--the verdict on the Ida shoes seems to be a good one. We did a lot of walking around, and I only felt any real rubbing after a few hours. Since the shoes are sort of stiff, I imagine they'll take a bit of breaking in to be completely comfortable, but I don't get the impression that they'll be chafing forever or anything. They make me very happy to wear, and I definitely feel like they aren't too fussy for a night out. They're still on sale on the B.A.I.T site here--I'm not sure what sizes will be left, since I imagine they sell out of these pretty quickly! I debated on these for quite awhile, since I was worried they'd look sort of frumpy in person, but I was very wrong. In person, they're some of the cutest shoes I've ever seen. I'm officially sold. I may or may not have a couple other colors on their way. (Marcus says he is excited because they make me happy and I will be clicking a lot when I walk.)

Great shoes and better company--not a bad way to have started the weekend! :)

thoughts : "what is this?"

A lot of times, I have to actively check myself before I talk about anything relating to work. I have sixteen kids that I see all week--a lot of things they do are cute or (in my eyes) noteworthy. I try to make sure that whatever I want to say might be interesting to someone besides me, but that can be hard. Watching each child's individual progress gives you more insight about them than most others typically get, so naturally more occurrences that would otherwise seem mundane and pointless are world-changing to me. (I imagine being a parent is that feeling times about six thousand, so no wonder all anyone can ever talk about is their own kid. They're fascinating!)

One direct result of working with preschoolers is having a lot to think about. It's amazing to watch children literally discover the world around them and learn about things that you've taken for granted for years. The term "childlike wonder" is generally thrown around as being pretty cliche, but it's aptly named. Have you ever seen a kid react to the first time sprinklers come on? They all think it's raining and they can't comprehend why the sun is still out and there are no clouds. Everyone forgets about their Goldfish crackers and goes nuts trying to investigate this new development.

At the age I work with, the question I hear most is "what is this?" It sounds fairly simple--three short words, I guess--but this query suddenly has so much to it when you're talking to a child.

It occurred to me the other day and it hasn't really left me since--when a kid asks me, "Miss Katie, what is this?", the answer I give them will literally be the first impression they ever get about the subject in question. Maybe they won't necessarily remember it word for word, but the thought that I could impact how a child comes to view something for the rest of their life--even in the smallest possible way--is sort of mind-blowing. Because of that, you also have to be really careful how you word your answer. It usually generates more questions, and you want to make sure you give them fair responses without overstepping your bounds. One of my girls noticed my tragus piercing awhile ago and asked what it was. When I explained that it was just an earring, she immediately wanted to know why it was in that part of my ear and why I only had it on one side.  A lot of the questions kids come up with would never really occur to an adult on a regular day, so I don't always have immediate answers for them. Other questions they ask don't have apparent answers to me, but they're still expecting something, so I have to make one up--and that's the living worst, because I'm 99% sure they can tell when you have no idea what you're talking about. For being among the world's most innocent, young children have the best skeptical expressions.

The other thing I run into a lot is when I get asked something that's out of their depth. Kids are so curious by nature, it makes sense that they want to know about some of the more complicated things--of course, keeping those subjects clearly off limits just makes them want to know more. For that reason, I've always been sort of for the mentality that if a child is old enough to ask a question, they're old enough to get a straight answer (albeit an age-appropriate one). That, however, is thin ice in the educational field. Not every parent wants you to answer their kid truthfully when they ask about things like death or why walking around with your pants around your ankles isn't really acceptable in most social settings. Now, personally, I don't have an issue with a lot of those topics--I feel like the concept of sheltering kids to protect them from harsher realities is only a temporary fix and can be more harmful in the long run than just being straight with them. I, however, am not a parent, so I'm sure my views on that count for exactly negative two points. (And that's okay.) It does force me to get a little bit creative with the way I do my job, though. A lot of things we're supposed to tell them are "wrong" aren't really, it's just simpler for now to let them think they are.

I'll illustrate:

Child: So-and-so kissed me!
Me: (Oh, Jesus. My job is to tell these kids that's not okay to do, but I don't want them growing up thinking there's some stigma to being affectionate.) Oh, well...we don't do that at school.
Other Child: Well, why not? Is there something wrong with it? I just wanted to show Child she was my friend!
Me: (I mean, no, not if both parties are consenting and there aren't any misunderstandings going on...these kids are three years old, I can't explain the mechanics of consent to them yet. I'd be so fired. How do I get out of this one?) Well--no, not really, but we usually just save kissing for with our moms and dads. (Good one, Katie.)
Child: (skeptical) Then how come moms and dads kiss each other?
Me: (Whatever you do, don't feed them that bullhockey about only married people getting to kiss each other, Katie. Figure out something else, but for God's sake, don't perpetuate those oppressive social norms.) Well...uhm. You know what? We don't kiss each other at school because we can give each other our germs without meaning to, and that would make us very sad if one of you got sick. But moms and dads don't get sick very easily, do they?
Child: Hmm...no, I guess they don't.
Me: But kids do, because your bodies are still learning to fight off germs. So you see? Let's just stick to giving hugs at school if you want to be friends.

Now, that's an example of a conversation I actually have to have a lot. It's not really the strongest answer you can give a kid on that subject (and believe you me, the matter of personal space comes up daily), but that's just what I mean. It'd be so much easier if you could be open with them, but it's definitely not an option without infringing on the privacy and comfort of individual family values.

In that sense, I both enjoy and am made slightly nervous by the questions children come up with. On  one hand, I love hearing what observations they make in their attempts to discover the world around them. I especially enjoy being able to help clear up some of those mysteries for them. However, not every question has an easy answer, and they can sense it when you don't want to give them the whole story. I remember being a child and knowing that somebody was watering something down for me because I'd broached a "grown-up" topic. It used to drive me nuts wondering what about what I'd asked was so taboo that even an adult wouldn't answer me! I always try to look like nothing surprises me (those knee-jerk reactions really catch their attention) but sometimes, kids get the jump on you!

If nothing else, my job makes me very pensive. I muse a lot at home about some of the deeper things that stem from simple situations like a child asking "what is this?" or "why?"

Things like this make me think that child care is a field worth pursuing for me. Of course, I'm never sure, but no other job has ever made me think so much about things that would otherwise never occur to me.

Whoever said that kids would teach me more than I could ever teach them was absolutely right.

milkshakes and cherry red

Spring and summer always seem to come along with a ton of cute new hairstyles! This time last year, I had recently gotten a pixie cut, so I wasn't really able to participate in too many (though I did acquire a wide array of hair accessories!)

This year, I've heard a lot about something called a "milkmaid braid". Now, I'm not even positive that what I put into my hair today could be called a milkmaid braid, but I was still very excited to try it out. It took seven thousand bobby pins, but it stayed put all day! I sometimes have to remember to experiment more with different hairstyles, because when I find one I enjoy, I tend to stick with it most days. Of course, there's certainly nothing wrong with that, but once in awhile it's fun to try something new! As my hair grows, I'm sure it will be easier to make this particular style happen without using my entire artillery of pins. Oh, who cares about that--I enjoyed myself!

This is one of my favorite dresses in the entire world. I bought it a little over a year ago with a gift card to Modcloth that my brother got me for my birthday. I've had a love affair going on with the color mint for awhile now, and when I saw a garment that combined it with milkshakes, I was sold. (Never mind how that eventually led me to discover--and begin collecting--all the other cute patterns Sugarhill Boutique is famous for putting on their clothing...) It was one of the first times I'd ever seen mint paired with bright red before, and I loved the combination! Prior to that, I actually used to think pastels could only ever go with other pastels. That's part of what I enjoy about clothes--they can definitely challenge you to step outside your comfort zone and experiment.

Following that topic to this one last thought, something occurred to me today while I was taking pictures of my outfit. Personally, when I'm browsing pictures on blogs, Pinterest or style galleries, I can definitely appreciate complicated looks. By that, I mean that even if I see something that looks sort of impractical for daily life, I still very much enjoy seeing how it looks modeled in a photo. However, when I'm looking for things that I would wear myself, I tend to favor more relatable styles. I have insane respect for anyone who can work a five-inch heel, but I do admit that I lack the necessary grace to wear them with any sort of frequency. For that reason, I have very much come to love low heels! Chelsea Crew is one brand that comes to mind that makes a ton of styles, and I actually own quite a few pairs because of their versatility and comfort. I also recently ordered my first pair of B.A.I.T heels, which should be getting here soon--I'm excited to share those, too!

Anyway, the point of all that was to put in my two cents: I think lower heels are a perfect way to add a little something extra to your outfit while not sacrificing comfort. They're also convenient because they can be dressed up or down: I've worn my little heels to fancy events, like dances and conferences, but I don't feel overdressed if I wear them out with friends or on a date. For the most part, I don't go out of my way to take pictures of something I wouldn't actually keep on all day long. I've taken this particular set of heels to the mall and the grocery store, and they do a fine job of keeping me comfortable while enabling me to feel a little dressed up.

Dress: Milkshake, Rattle and Roll (sold out, can still be found on eBay!)

Shoes: Chelsea Crew Malibu Pump in Red (they have other colors here)
Belt: Forever 21

Try the complicated hairstyle. Try those colors you don't think will go together, and definitely try those shoes with that outfit. Fashion is such a wonderful way to play around and see what you like. It's been said over and over by so many people, but there's merit to it: your style is one of the greatest forms of expression! I've become a lot more confident since embracing the mentality that I should quit worrying or feeling self-conscious and just try it. Worst case scenario, it doesn't work and you get to do something different. 

My only advice is that you keep extra bobby pins at the ready! ;)

to infinity and beyond

Do you know that feeling where you're looking for something specific--in your mind, you know exactly what it's supposed to look like--but nobody else knows what you're talking about when you describe it? If you're lucky, you also know the feeling that comes with walking into a store and unexpectedly seeing the item in question hanging on the rack in front of you. Bonus points if the one you find is your size. (If it's also on sale, you should probably consider purchasing a lottery ticket, because the stars are most assuredly lined up for you today.)

I recently experienced this when I found my special black top! 

I originally saw this one on Pinup Girl Clothing, but it was out of stock in my size and has been ever since. Some of the reviews mentioned sizing down for a better fit, but I wasn't really up for chancing it. I tried describing the general style and fit of the top to associates at other stores ("It's kind of...like, a bustier? Except with thick straps and it's not really lingerie. And it's got a sweetheart neckline. Kind of like all those crop tops over there except it's...you know...the whole shirt. Do you have anything like that?") but the search was largely fruitless.

A couple of weeks ago, I went into a Hot Topic with my mom on a whim while we were scoping out an outlet mall we'd never been to (unfortunately, the one by my house closed a while ago) and this top was hanging out right on the shelf near some dresses! I was floored, because I'd actually sort of given up on finding it anytime soon. I was even more excited when there turned out to be one left in my size--and thrilled with how comfortable it turned out to be! I was a little bit apprehensive, because I wasn't sure if I should just wait for the restock on Pinup Girl, but then I found out this one was on sale. I only wish it came in more solid colors! I'd definitely buy this top in red or mint. They currently sell a few polka dot styles on the Hot Topic website (I didn't see any at the store I was at, but they might be available in person at other ones!), but I have a lot of loud patterned skirts that needed a solid top. :) 

Also--can we talk about the print on this skirt for just a minute? It makes me really happy. I got the last one in my size from Modcloth on sale last week, but they also sell this and a red version on the Steady Clothing site. There's also a dress, which I may or may not own in red as well.

When in doubt, buy the printed skirt, guys!

fleet collection review!

A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to be one of two winners of an Instagram contest hosted by Fleet Collection! I won a $50 gift card, and I used it to buy the dress I'm going to talk about! Fleet Collection is a great brand that specializes in simple, elegant clothing. A lot of their dresses come in a huge range of colors, which is perfect for someone like me who can't get enough of pastels. Ordinarily, I would have immediately bought something mint (they had about four dresses that I was seriously debating on getting). However, this time around, I decided to go with something a little bit different. Their Etiquette dress had just come back into stock when I received my gift card, and I couldn't say no to the gorgeous lace collar. 

I love the detail on the lace--it has kind of a Victorian feel to it, which is one of my favorite things to find in a piece of clothing. It's not something you encounter very much, especially now that festival styles are coming in for the summertime.

My dress arrived pretty quickly. When I took it out of the package, I was pleasantly surprised by the weight of the fabric. It's heavy enough to give it a nice drape while still being pleasant in the Arizona heat, and the inside is lined with some adorable, silky red polka-dot fabric. It was true to size and very comfortable! I couldn't wait to wear it, so I put it on after work and went to the grocery store. It would definitely work for more formal occasions, however. ;)

I especially love that this dress is fit and flare, because the definition on the waist is very nice without being constricting and the skirt fluffs out just right. Another bonus--it wasn't too long for me! At 5'3, sometimes I hit that awkward territory between the cute longer vintage-y length that works for me with some skirts and actually just too long. Thankfully, I didn't have to worry about it!

It's basically an elegant dress that can be dressed up or down, which is something I personally feel like everyone should own at least one of. The collar isn't sewn down, so you can flip it up and tuck any color cardigan under it for an instant pop while still getting the full effect of the lace.

Of course, now I am tempted to go back for some of those other dresses I saw. They have silhouettes and fabrics to suit almost any taste, and as I said before, I can't resist anything that comes in mint or lavender.

I was personally very impressed with my experience. Thank you again, Fleet Collection, for the chance to own one of the cutest black dresses I've ever seen.

Shoes: Chelsea Crew 

Necklace: Thrifted

Headband: Forever 21

passports and printed blouses

My passport arrived a day after my birthday--talk about some serious lucky timing. I wasn't expecting it for at least a couple more weeks!

Marcus and I went to Phoenix together to get them done awhile back. We have plans to travel in the near future, and I was long overdue for an updated passport (this was his first one!) so we decided to get it over with. I was excited that they let us smile for the pictures, since I'd heard that wasn't necessarily allowed. The contrast in the photos they ended up using was really high, so we both came out looking sunburned. Oh, well! I'm beyond excited to finally have my current passport.

Semi-related: how cute is this blouse? I saw it on Modcloth awhile ago, but somehow I missed it and it ended up selling out. I actually originally bought the dress in the same pattern, but unfortunately it didn't work for me and I sent it back. When I saw the top on eBay a few months later, I was really excited--more so when I won the auction for twelve dollars. I have a penchant for printed clothing, so I take all the deals I can find!

In other news, my hair is finally getting longer, which excites me in many ways but is also becoming inconvenient. Arizona weather is not really conducive to long hair past the month of March. Most days, I wear it up, especially because we spend a lot of time outside at work while the kids play. It's sort of nice, though--once in awhile, I wear it down and am pleasantly surprised by the growth. I can finally do a sock bun without having to put a thousand bobby pins in the back for support! Summer also seems to be a time when all sorts of cute hair tutorials come out, so I'm looking forward to being able to participate in some. I have not yet found a flower crown to wear (evidently those are all the rage), so for now I will settle for working on pin curls and twisted updos. I'll let you know how those work out! 

Top: Wanders of the World Top (sold out!)

High-waisted shorts: Forever 21

Flats: Gap 

birthday post I : cake!

One of the girls in our class told her parents that both her teachers had celebrated birthdays this week. They surprised us by coming to school at snack time today with a cake! It was such a sweet gesture, and it was a huge bonus that this thing was loaded with fruit. I mean...look at it!

It was from a bakery in a city not too far from here, and the box it came in was written partially in Chinese (I'm almost positive it was from an Asian market I frequent some weekends, but I could be wrong!). Her parents explained that, being from such a bakery, this was much lighter and less sweet than traditional American cakes. As a result, our students seemed a little unimpressed with it. I, however, could probably eat this entire dessert. It was fluffy and refreshing, plus there was actually another layer of fruit inside the cake! The frosting actually appeared to be whipped cream, which is the best if you're eating strawberries, pineapples or grapes.

In short, I was extremely touched and even more excited at the prospect of an entire cake made out of my favorite fruits.

Her parents stayed for snack, and it was really cute--her dad tried to get everyone to go around and thank us for something special we did for them (for example, he told them that thanking us for putting their backpacks away was a good answer)--but, given that they're all three, their answers were the same: "Thanks for bringing us a cake!" They wanted to get right down to the sweets! I couldn't really blame them--I had to hand out slices to everyone before I enjoyed one myself, which was harder than it sounded when I saw that second layer of fruit in the middle. ;)

On days like this, I have to say, child care has some definite perks over other fields. On top of that, you literally get to be as excited about your birthday as you want and know that your kids will be just as happy. Well...the sugar high that follows isn't exactly ideal, but the general enthusiasm makes up for it!

I'll post soon about my actual birthday--it was great!