Currently Crushing: Skirt and Pumps

DOWNTOWN RALEIGH, AUGUST 15, 2015

Photos by Sarah of Sarah Michelle Photos - a lovely young lady 

who is making a difference in the lives of everyone she photographs. 

Outfit Details: 

Old Navy Linen Blend Tank (sold out, similar here), Old Navy Boyfriend Chambray Shirt (here), Forever 21 Skirt (here), Steve Madden Pumps (sold out, similar here and here)

It's been a while since I have had someone take my picture. I meant to have it done for my 40th b-day, but you and I both know what they say about "the best laid plans...". At any rate, I thought it was time for me to have someone else capture me feeling really good about myself, so Sarah (my photographer) and I hit the streets of Raleigh one beautiful Saturday morning, and I'll let the 

pictures tell the story! 

 

I love the contrast of the blue stairs with the burnt orange skirt.  

Gorgeous pops of color!

I love to pop my collar just as much as I love this chambray shirt.

Outfit Details: 

Old Navy Linen Blend Tank (sold out), Old Navy Boyfriend Chambray Shirt (here), Forever 21 Skirt (here), Steve Madden Pumps (sold out, similar here and here).

Teacher Tuesday: Back to School (bts)

#backtoschool #bts

School Year 2015-16 is underway, and all I can think about is how I plan to make this year one of the best ones yet. I do have a few habits that I need to create in order to make this school year as successful as it can be. These blogs have given me some ideas for home and the classroom.

Graceful Order, one of the blogs I follow, has some ideas 

about how to get organized this school year. 

The Organized Home is the go to blog for all things back to school. From budgets to lunch plans and free printables, getting ready to head back to school will be a breeze. Take your time with this blogpost; it's replete with BTS ideas and inspirations.

The people over at Huffington Post know how important it is for parents and teachers alike to get back-to-school ready. They have a few ideas up their sleeve about creating a system to ease into the school year plus some ideas for the classroom that will "knock  teachers  much more! 

WRAL Smartshopper has put together a pretty good 

list of BTS deals happening this week. Check them out!

In the meantime, I wish everyone a wonderful school year, and please look forward to more Teacher Tuesday posts!

thoughtfully,

Motivation Monday (All Good Things...)

Yes the saying "All Good Things Must Come to an End" is correct, but I refuse to let the validity of that notion define how I end my summer and begin the school year. Instead, I will let the wise words of Dr. Seuss motivate me because after all, it is more important to count your blessings than your regrets! 

Have a wonderful school year!

thoughtfully, 

Media Monday: "Straight Outta Compton"

Straight Outta Compton in Theaters Friday, 8.14.15

When I was growing up my mama was strict, and maybe a little over the top, but when it came to art and self-expression she was usually pretty cool. That's why when I bought the N.W.A cassette tape and my sister bought the Eazy E cassette tape, I could not for the life of me understand what the big deal was. I thought, "it's just music; what harm can it do?" To prove her point, she sat down with us and listened to the tapes with us, and they were, to hear my sister retell the event, "cussin' like hell." But it didn't matter to us, we were in Chapel Hill jammin' like we were "Straight Outta Compton". 

Now their story is coming to the big screen, and it is long overdue. Considered to be one of the 100 greatest artists, N.W.A is still relevant. These men changed the rap game completely. They had a different kind of swag; that Jheri Curl swag. Before (Ice Cube) N.W.A, I was in love with Big Daddy Kane and LL Cool J, the pretty boys of rap. I didn't know anything about West Coast rap, but when they stepped on the scene, music was no longer the same. They showed the world how important it was to "Express Yourself" about the many problems Black Americans face, especially when it comes to law enforcement. To be completely honest before N.W.A much of America was unaware of the West Coast lifestyle: the poverty, the police brutality, the gang life.  However, their message, then controversial, seems prophetic now as Black America is still being unjustly targeted by law enforcement.

Stereotyped as angry black men, they simply were products of their environment, and through their music, they found an escape. I am so hype to see their movie, and if you ever doubted who these men were then or even now, you have to see how their struggle was a necessary one for everybody! 

Currently Crushing: Express Jeans

  

When I was growing up, back to school shopping meant getting new jeans. A fresh pair of jeans for the new school year was the must have item, just as important as notebook paper and pencils. While even though the paper and pencils are necessities, my clothing necessities have changed. As a teacher, any new article of clothing has to be teacher-appropriate, which I admit can be a little boring. So this year when I go shopping, I am going to be sure to add items that can take me from Teacher to Diva with ease, so I am looking to purchase some jeans that fit the bill, and Express was the first store that came to my mind. They claim to have the best jeans in America, so why not check them out to see if there is any truth to their claim. My only dilemma going in is finding the right fit of jeans to complement my body shape. Express offers so many styles, so finding the perfect jeans for me should be easy right? Let's see...
I called my best friend in to assist me with my hunt, and we met up at Express to explore their jeans. Here are the ones I tried. First of all every pair I tried, had awesome stretch-ability which means if you have curves, these jeans will find them and hug them! See for yourself.

The Bell Flare 

+I love the sailor detail jeans, they feel great on 

-They are too long for the petite diva. I am 5'3, and I am wearing at least a 4 inch heel here. My shoe is completely covered under the bell flare. So Nah to these, but perfect for the 5'6 diva!

                      

The Mid Rise Legging

+These jeans feel great on, they offer great coverage (no tummy issues or gap in the back), hug the hips

-They are too long therefore they gather at the knee and ankle

*length can be remedied with a visit to a tailor

                  

The High Rise Legging

+Wow, look at my butt! These jeans really cover my not so flattering area, and hug all of my curves, they make me feel like a woman

-same as the mid-rise legging, they are too long for the petite diva, but again that is an easy fix 

                   

The Slim Flare

+These jeans are PERFECT! They hit my heel perfectly and my shoe is not hidden underneath the flare. They hug the hips, and cover the dips.

- NONE

                    

None of the jeans restrict your movement in any way. They really feel like you have nothing on- free! Check out how much stretch the jeans have! 
You can move with ease, not discomfort or fear of showing too much!

                           

                                     Lift up your legs 
                                 when you dance, lol!

   Bend down to pick something up,
 or drop it low on the dance floor!

Express jeans really are great (and I received nothing for saying that), they are true to size (because of the stretch factor), and they are nicely priced at the mid point for denim these days. But don't let price come between you and the perfect pair of jeans. Get yours here! 

what teachers are thinking

August means Back to School, and while the beginning of the school year is exciting and filled with new goals and better ideas, the reality of being a teacher means having random thoughts that non educators would not understand. Here are just a few, enjoy!

I have been busy pinning classroom ideas! Check 'em out here, and if you like what you see, follow my board. I'm always pinning!

Follow Tamara//while i was busy thinking's board I'm a Teacher on Pinterest.

Media Monday: Bloodline

Bloodline: A Netflix Original

I generally spend my summers marathoning anything dramatic and thriller like that I can find on Netflix or Hulu, and I think I have found a keeper. Netflix has. Done. It. Again. This time the drama takes place in the beautiful Florida Keys, a place I'd love to visit, but in the meantime, I'll let Bloodline take me there.

Bloodline, created by the same people who brought us Damages (another one of my favorite series) is one of those shows that draws you in from the start. If it is not the always captivating Sissy Spacek, who plays Sally Rayburn the family matriarch who catches your attention, then it has to be her dreamy-eyed son John Rayburn, played by Kyle Chandler whom I have had a soft spot for ever since Friday Night Lights.   

Bloodline features the Rayburns, a well-to-do family who owns and runs a quaint island inn in Islamorada. The Rayburns have made it; they have a beautiful family, a successful business, and they are well loved and respected, but there is more to the family, and that more is the sketchy older son and brother Danny Rayburn, played by Ben Mendelsohn. Danny is the "black sheep" of the family, and very quickly the audience becomes intrigued as to why this is the case.

The Rayburns, one by one, let you into their lives and their homes, and for some odd reason, you want to be there. As each chapter of their lives unfolds, you are there, feeling what they feel, and wanting what they want. You will find yourself thinking that you are a part of the Rayburn Clan, and you will take a side. The question is, will you choose the right side? 

After meeting the Rayburns, I have to say that I have not watched a show this intense in a long time. If you are looking for that next drama to carry you away, choose one with as many secrets as it has beautiful scenery, and you'll be hooked. Bloodline is a well-thought out thriller, and lucky for us, it's only getting started. Netflix envisions 6 seasons, and I say bring them on, Netflix, bring them on. 

Meet the Rayburns