A Sweet Message to Moms

It's the little things that make a Mom feel appreciated. I am much too hard on myself. Sometimes I deserve the ridicule, but sometimes, I don't. So today, when I received the sweetest message from a sweet friend, it happened to be just what I needed. And I thought that maybe someone else might need it too! Have a wonderful day and don't be too hard on yourself! You are needed and you are appreciated!

A mother's touch can heal the worst wound

A mother's words can make a child strive to move mountains

A mother's love can melt the sun

You don't have to be the world's best mother,

Just continue to be the great mother that you are.

Happy Mother's Day!

Feel-Good Friday: Because I can't make this stuff up...

Okay, before you start asking questions, let me fill in the blanks...

Yes, this is Tamia sitting in her dresser drawer watching TV. 

Yes, it is dangerous.

Yes, I was in the house with her while this was happening.

When I asked her why she was sitting in her drawer, this is what she had to say...

"Because it's the perfect spot for me to watch TV, Mommy."

A night on the town... what's that?

When was the last time you got all dolled/ dressed up to enjoy a night on the town? If you are like me moments like these have to be in perfect alignment with the universe, which for me means two things: 1. my husband can take off from work and 2. we have a babysitter. So I am happy to report that universe agreed that I needed some joie de vivre (vocab. word) because I had a fabulous weekend. So here's how it went down! A big S/O to my SIL for babysitting the little one!

My Look!

Shop My Look for the Night!
Collarless Blazer Target (similar)| Jumpsuit #Lillyfortarget (similar)| Clutch Charming Charlie|
Antonio Melani Dress Sandal Dillards
Jewelry was added for effect.
Shop the look.

The Event

Friday night, my husband and I went to see the Seriously Funny Kevin Hart, and he really is funny. I laughed so much that my side and my stomach hurt. Kevin really is talented, and his passion for making people is apparent. From the time Kevin "jumped" on stage until he left, he gave the audience a show. The show was so good, I found myself thinking I hope this show isn't going to be short (no pun intended, ha), but Kevin took his time and gave every one there what they paid for- a night full of laughter. I must say that if you ever get the chance to see Kevin, go! He is well worth it!

The After Party

After the show was the after party, but not just any party. It was an AKA party at 1705 Prime, a wonderful venue, and it was just what we needed. I love to dance (hubby- not so much), but because we never get the chance to go out and have a good time (appropriate fun) with other people our age, the timing was perfect, and plus it was for a good cause- supporting the communities of Eastern Wake. Needless to say, we had a ball, and yes, I did dance (hubby too). We went there intending to just "check it out", but what ended up happening was us staying long enough to "shut the place down"! It was a good night. By the way, if you are looking for a place to have an event, try 1705 Prime, it's perfect!

The Matinee

On Saturday, we were up and at it again, but this time it was to see our favorite group of people, The Avengers. I have to tell you that waiting for a new Marvel movie: The Avengers, Captain America, Iron Man, or Thor is torture. I love these heroes separately, but when they are together, it is all I can do to contain my excitement, The Avengers: The Age of Ultron was worth the wait. Plus, I got to see it in 3-D (my 1st 3-D experience), which is the only way I plan to see any of these super heroes in action in the future. So if you haven't seen The Age of Ultron yet, get off your caboose and go check it out. You will not be disappointed! 

We had an amazing weekend. I hope the next one is not going to be a long time coming 'cause I could get used to actually enjoying life!

The Couple

Mr+Mrs

Teachers are the Real Avengers

May 4- May 8, 2015, is Teacher Appreciation Week #thankateacher, and all this week I plan to celebrate the Real Avengers: the Teachers!

I have been teaching for 15 years now, and I must say that as each year comes to a close, I begin to think that I have done all that I can do. But just when I start to think that it is time for me to move on to another career, it happens. Some bright-eyed 15 year old says to me, "You're amazing!", and because I look both astonished and confused, she goes on to explain, "I sat in the back of your classroom to take my test last week, and I have to tell you that I thought you were truly amazing!" And just like that, I decide to stay for one more year. You see teaching really is a thankless job. People don't want to hear that, but it is. Someone once told me, that if you give it, education will take it, and I have learned that that is one of the truest statements I have ever heard. Luckily, teachers know that we are needed, and that even if there are people in the world who feel otherwise, we continue to change the world, one student at a time. 

So this week, I bring to you the Avengers in my life. Their super power is teaching and being there for all kids in an ever-changing world, and in a world of takers, they are the givers. (Be sure to follow their "click here" links to see why they to teach.

Meet my Day-1 Avenger:James Aldridge (UNC Chapel Hill)

James is my friend, and for years, he was my voice of reason. Now, if you really know me, you know that I can be quite emotional, but James knew just what to say to get me focused on the real issue at hand. I had worked with James a couple of years before we became classroom neighbors and friends. The first year we were neighbors, I would interrupt his planning period if not everyday, every other, with my "unscheduled visits and daily rants" until I finally wore him down and my visits became a norm. Sorry, James, lol, but I have to say, that I'm glad I did it! I appreciate you!

Click here to find out why James chose to become an educator. It's real, and I'm sure you'll love him as much as I do! And oh yeah, doesn't he remind you of Bradley Cooper, I'm just saying!

  

Thank you for sharing, James! 

Meet my Day 2 Avenger: Daria Johnson (UNC Greensboro)

Daria is an amazing friend, and a natural nurturer. Over the past two years, we have come to rely on one another and I have to say that she and I work well together because she is the yin to my yang. Daria sees the glass as half full when I tend to see no water at all. She has a way of making me realize that things really aren't as bad as I they are in this busy brain of mine.  Daria has a calm voice and demeanor. She is my voice of serenity, and I love her. Thank you for sharing, Daria. You are appreciated!

Click here to find out why Daria chose to be an educator. You'll see what I mean by her being a natural nurturer. 

Meet My Day 3 Avenger: Tracey Wooten (UNC Chapel Hill)

I'd like to think that Tracey and I are kindred spirits and that is why she is "my sister from a different mister." I love this lady. Tracey is as real as they come, and that is a quality I appreciate and admire in a person especially today when the world is filled with so many fake people. I also have to say that while Tracey has a tough exterior, she really is a cream puff (and did I mention how much I love doughnuts); she will do anything in her power to help the people she loves. She is honest, she is real, she is sassy, and I love her. She is my voice of understanding, and to simply say that the students are lucky to have her is a  freakin' understatement, and that's #facts. 

Just click here to discover why Tracey chose to become an educator, and you will see what I mean about her being a caring woman. Thank you for sharing, Tracey! You are appreciated!  

Meet My Day 4 Avenger: Karen Oviatt (Indiana University of PA)

Karen is one of the most empathetic people I know, and I love that about her. She literally does try to walk a mile in another person's shoes. She seeks first to understand in a world full of judgment and that is a quality many lack. Karen also challenges me. Sometimes I don't like it, but I always recognize that the challenge is necessary. She helps me grow. She too is "my sister from a different mister", and we help each other see the varying perspectives that exist in life. She is patient with me when no else is, and I love her for that. 

Click here to discover why Karen became an educator, and I promise you will recognize the empathy and patience that I have alluded to. Karen, thanks for sharing! You are appreciated! 

Day 5 Avenger #1: Sarah Sammit 

Sarah is one of the most creative and giving people I know. She is genuinely a good person, and you would be hard pressed to find someone to say otherwise. Sarah listens and she understands, and what's more, she "reaches for your hand and touches your heart." She changes the lives she touches because she makes people feel important, and that's what I love about her.

So please click here to see why Sarah chose to become an educator. You too will discover just how special she is, and how blessed we are to have her. Thank you for sharing, Sarah! You are appreciated!

Day 6 Avenger #5: Carla Tuttle (Appalachian State University)

Carla is hands down one of my favorite people, and it goes without saying that I admire her as a person and as a teacher. What I admire most about Carla is that she always gives her best, and because that's who she is, that's also what she expects of others. Carla is a "go getter" and she rarely takes no for an answer. She is relentless, and it is contagious. She pushes anybody she comes in contact with to give his/her best and to never give up because that's not what she would do. Carla demonstrates for me what it means to set goals and see to it that they are met, and I am a better person for having her in my life. 

Carla is my friend, and she is one of the best teachers I have ever worked with. Her belief that all kids can learn is contagious, so click here to see why Carla chose to become a teacher. You too will be inspired. Thank you for sharing, Carla! You are appreciated.

Carla asked that I use a sunflower for her image, and so I did.  However, I chose a pink one because this month marks a year since Carla's victory over breast cancer (yay), and I didn't mind using the sunflower because it truly represents who she is. (What can I say, I'm an English teacher after all). 

The sunflower, according to Proflowers, is a "gift of radiant warmth, sunflowers are the happiest of flowers, and their meanings include loyalty and longevity. They are unique in their ability to provide energy in the form of nourishment and vibrance, an attribute which mirrors the sun and the energy provided by its heat and light", and so does Carla. 

Please take the time to #thankateacher this week! 

It's May? What happened to April?

First of all let me say that I hope May will be good to me. Not that April wasn't, it's just that I wasn't as productive as I could have been in April. I procrastinated too much, and I took a lot of naps. I think the showers made me tired. Well, whatever the case may have been, I am so looking forward to May. So here's all I have to say is,

Moms are VIWs (Very Important Women)

Mother's Day is exactly one week from today, eek, and I know that there are some husbands (namely mine), and some kids (also mine) who still haven't figured out what to buy the VIW in their lives. So I'm here to tell you that if you start today, like right now, you can still make her a very happy lady, 

and that of course is the point of it all.

What the VIW in Your Life Wants:

Jewelry, Jewelry and More Jewelry! Treat your VIW like a jewel, and buy her a subscription to Rocks Box. If she loves jewelry, she'll love Rocks Box. I don't have a subscription yet, but I am thinking about it because I like jewelry, but I don't like to buy it. "Really?" Tamara, you might say. But it's true. I have a hard time making a decision because really I want it all, and with Rocks Box, I can have it all, now your VIW can have it all too! Click here to see how it works, and to give the gift the keeps on giving! 

Caldrea Pattern Glass Orchid Violet

A"gorgeously scented candle" because who doesn't love a candle? This sweet scented glass of wax is located at Target. Get your VIW one or two. 

She'll be de-lighted, get it?   

Smart Phone or iPad- Get her the right gear for her busy life or for her enjoyment! Don't be stingy now; women like gadgets too!  Oh, and by the way, we like to accessorize our gadgets so pick up a nice case for whatever device you plan to buy! Trust me; she'll love it!

Samsung Wireless Charger

If you are planning to buy her that new Smart Phone for Mother's Day, Best Buy is giving away the Samsung Wireless Charger for free with your purchase of the Samsung S6. I already have the S6 Edge (and I love, love, love it, btw, post coming soon)! Now all I need is the wireless charger (hint, hint). 

They retail for $49.99.

Get the VIW in your life a colorful tote bag, and before you reply with "another bag", the answer is a vehement Yes! The right tote bag, whether it's Merona from Target or Smythson Panama Tote (top) or Cole Haan or Merona from Target (bottom), a tote bag will not only get her summer ready, it will make her very very happy. So go get her one now! Go to Target now and you can buy 2 tote bags for the VIWs in your life BOGO!

These must have accessories are really necessities, and you cannot go wrong with any of the above!

So get her the Lilly Pulitzer scarf, a pair of Tom Ford Miranda sunglasses, or a Michael Kors watch, or get her all three! Take it from me, I she really need(s) them!

  

And because she will decide to get fit and stay that way, support her by getting her the latest and greatest gear. Fabletics by Kate Hudson and these too cute Nike Free 5.0 running shoes! Let your VIW know you care about the whole woman!

Making sure that the VIW in your life is appreciated is very important everyday of the year, but it goes without saying, that on Mother's Day, you should do all you can to make her feel like she is the best thing that ever happened to you because really, she is.