Doing My Spiritual Work

There's nothing that makes a teacher run home humbled grateful for life in general faster than a day at work teaching sixth graders-- sixth graders in Brooklyn, sixth graders any where. Teachers work! Whatever a teacher thought was upsetting or an unconscious grudge to hold becomes futile. Seriously. I can attest to this.

I woke up on the wrong side of the bed earlier this week, not accepting the day, literally dragging my feet (thankfully, in my eighth year I can mask this well-- in thoughtfully-accessorized outfits, preparedness, even with a hint of blush). I had to step out of myself to do my job and do it well. I had to put on my smile, rather I chose to put on a pleasant face and genuinely greet the students who greeted me as I walked up the steps to the school building.  Sometimes walking through a crowd of students waiting to enter the building feels like I'm a celebrity on a red carpet. Performance, performance performance. That day, I let the children speak first, because I needed to see the lessons I had already shown by greeting daily, even when a response wasn't given.

That day, I stepped further outside of myself as I  walked up the steps to my third floor classroom and pushed deep breathes out with intention-- today is a good day. I am.. I am... I am. -- the former intention from my core work in therapy and the later from last week's Super Soul Sunday with Eckhart Tolle & Oprah.

By the time I sat down to write the initial draft of this and reflect on that day, I was over whatever had made me upset, and grateful for my life. I am blessed. And I just wanted to hug everyone I love after teaching that day and everyday.

Teaching continues to teach me daily. Teaching re teaches me lessons that I forget or need to improve upon.  And finally, teaching requires that I do my spiritual work; learn my core lessons so that I don't go to work and act out subconsciously. What I see daily is a reflection of what I know about life:  everyone has a collection of experiences that guide their behaviors one way or another.  Either way, people do the best they can, and when they know better, I can only hope that they do better.

For now I'll continue doing my work of monitoring my energy, keeping my voice level, and most importantly, breathing.

Love,
Miss M

Packing Efficiently: Another Trip to San Juan

I've had this blog post in mind for some time now, and my latest trip to San Juan was the perfect opportunity to give it life.  Ever since I went on my first international trip (not that Puerto Rico is international, but stay with me here!) to Kenya at 19 years old, and had to unzip my huge, Samsonite suitcase in the Dulles airport because it was over 70lbs and stuff things into Cooper's suitcase, I have learned to pack efficiently.

That same purple suitcase from my Jamaica trip last August (chronicled here), I traveled for two weeks throughout Mexico with (see my four-part series here), and one week in Spain with.  Just that suitcase and a tote bag.

As a fashionista, I like to be prepared for everything with the right kind of outfit.  I'd rather be over dressed than under, and I love my accessories.  I feel this one week trip was perfectly packed, and I had everything I needed for a beach vacation with some sightseeing and a night or two on the town.

My jewelry, most of it packed in my clutch during travel except for my bracelets which I wore most of my trip.  I had a lot of fun picking out what earrings and rings to take, even making some re-discoveries of old favorites.  I bought a long a few perfume samples-- perfect excuse to wear a new scent and still be able to carry-on my luggage.

My two purse options, J.Crew clutch from last summer and Coach bag, as well as my leopard makeup bag filled with bronzers and bright lipsticks.  I didn't wear much makeup on my trip, most days I didn't want to alter my freshly, sunkissed look.

My crop tops!  My look was definitely crop tops, pencil skirts, short shorts and big earrings.  I bought all the printed ones at the last minute from Marshall's. 

My houndstooth skirt and white high waist pencil skirts from ASOS, and floral romper from Express.

My striped mini dress, nowadays only worn as a beach coverup, from Target, super high-waisted black shorts and high-waist denim shorts from Express, lightweight cardigan from Express.

My bathing suits on the left: black J.Crew top, houndstooth and striped highwaist bottoms from American Apparel and red floral bottom from Victoria's Secret, neon one piece from American Apparel.  Tribal romper from Forever 21.

My three pairs of shoes: each from DSW, including the Croc jellies which double as beach shoes.

My boo and I waiting for our flight at JFK.  Another trip to remember.  Life is good!  These are the moments I return to during especially hard teaching moments.

Up next, what I wore and what I ate in San Juan and around.

<3

Dress as a Jumper

I truly enjoyed this pre-spring break look that I'm just now getting around to posting-- between styling for Kassie's Closet (check out my looks here!), spring break in San Juan, graduate school and life as a teacher, time got away from me.  Regardless, this is definitely one of my teacher-meets-funky-fashionista outfits.  The layers, the navy in both the dress and the tights, brown pumps at the bottom, pink lipstick and pink accents of the brooch.  Definitely, a me type outfit!

This dress is from J.Crew Factory; denim shirt from Gap a few years ago; my favorite tights, navy and black polka dots from J.Crew; and brown leather kitten heel pumps by Frye.

Glasses are Warby Parker.  I had to take them to get adjusts, and the Soho store is fabulous!  Very cool locale that matches the company.  I digress, the colorful beetle brooch is from Forever 21; pave midi ring from Baublebar; and pink lipstick is Girl About Town by MAC.

Up next: vacation outfits!
<3
Miss M

Grateful for Fellow "Teacher Friends"

 Today was definitely a happy hour-enjoy-the-sun-kind-of-day. This year has been a year of growth for me-- personally as well as professionally. I am learning and evolving everyday and it feels amazing. With that said, this has a trying year. I have been challenged in new ways, a nice reminder that there is always something to overcome and there is always a lesson to be learned. 

Spring is finally here and my colors are finally on point with the season. I am loving these Gap moto pants, and enjoyed my subltle, neutral colors with pops of brightness. Olive green tissue blouse, linen blazer & yellow flats from J.Crew. Scarf from market in Mexico City and classic clutch from Coach. 

Arm candy! One of my lunch break selfies while sitting in the sun. This giraffe bangle from Baublebar is my favorite bracelet at the moment. 

Here are my tight, pipe-cleaner curls before I separated them. I am wearing Heroine lipstick by MAC with a Sephora brand gloss over it, and Fever blush also by MAC. 

I continue to be grateful for my "teacher friends," the friends who get the job the most. Today I met up with my guidance counselor friend, Doris who is always dressed and on point. I love love,her boots by Market, and her neutrals with a pop of color. 

With vibrant lipstick, by Stilla, and beautiful hair too. 

One more day until my eleven-day Spring break, seven of which I'll be spending in the sun in Puerto Rico. Yes, I am too blessed to be stressed. 

Until next time,

Miss M

Teacher Tuesday: Time Flies!

Rosie is wearing Rogue in Love by Lacome and I'm wearing Exhibit A blush by NARS

Time has been flying by!  As a teacher looking forward to next week's Spring Break, I'm okay with that.  As usual I've been super busy-- writing lesson plans, gathering my artifacts (those of you teaching in NYC under the new teacher evaluation system know exactly what I'm talking about), being a graduate student, dealing with work drama and maintaining my social life.  On top of everything, I've resumed my exercise routine and am planning a last-minute, awesome spring break get-away. Yup, Puerto Rico here I come, again!

Here's what Rosie and I wore during our latest Teacher Tuesday session:

Rosie is wearing a Promod floral top, her go-to J.Crew Factory pencil skirt in burgundy, navy Hue tights and Saccoo Mary Janes.

I'm wearing a nearly neon yellow J.Crew Jackie cardigan, muted rose blouse from ASOS, GAP wide-leg pants and Fyre pumps.

Rosie's necklace is vintage, my necklace is from J.Crew Fractory

I love the way our colors look here!  I believe these big smiles are the result of our classmates pretending to photo bomb our seemingly random photos.  Yup, I do have a blog.  I forget that sometimes as well.

I like that Rosie mixes metals with her hoops and necklaces.  I love the balance of silver and gold, perfect way to compliment warm and cool tones.  Similarly, my necklace plays off of my grey pants as well as my cool-tone cardigan, and paired with my gold nameplate and rose blouse, my outfit's colors are perfectly balanced.

side-ponytail adds a fun element to this teacherly look

i love Rosie's David Yurman bracelet  Love love!

I don't usually wear pants, but a decent pair of trousers go a long way.

Yes, my blouse has cut-outs under the color. A fun, yet professional detail.

I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend.  Time flies, but it is important to enjoy all aspects of life.  That's something I am thankful to have learned by now.  A lot of teachers engage in countdowns for weekends, breaks and summer vacation at all times.  While I appreciate an occasional countdown, I can't imagine only living for the days off. 

On that note, time to dig deep into my closet and plan outfits for this week without having done laundry and being assured that what I pick out will carry me through what I know will be a trying week.  Warm weather plus an impending break equals off-the-wall sixth graders.  Yet, as I affirmed during my challenging run today, I will teach and the children will learn.

Until next time,
Love.
Miss M