How to have a good Thanksgiving

1. Don't waste any time taking an outfit picture.  Consider a family picture even better.

dress: old navy   necklace: carolineg  boots: dsw 

2. Chase your niece and nephew around to try to get a picture with them. 

3. Once you catch them don't give up.  Even if they cover their eyes or don't look at the camera.

4. Count your self very lucky when you finally get a good one.

5. And even luckier when they jump into your pictures without being forced.

6. Take at least one picture of your meal.



7.  Do lots of sitting around, watching episode after episode of Friends or admiring a fire and Christmas decorations.

8. Be so thankful that Christmas is four weeks away and you get to do it all over again!

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

$1,000

skirt: marshalls (similar)  top: jcpenny  necklace: ebay

Don't you wish I was talking about a $1,000 giveaway?
Me too.

Instead I'm asking you this:
Want to know a fun way to spend $1,000?

Don't buy a refrigerator.

Because it is not fun. 

What I would have rather spent my money on:

Buying many many more statement necklaces.

A long weekend away in Lake Geneva.

A shopping spree, purchasing these items and many more.

Many sushi dinners:


Plane tickets to visit my favorite little boy and girl.

Sometimes being an adult and owning a house is a bummer.

On a more exciting note I'm doing a giveaway on Much Love Illy's blog.  Check it out!

So long summer . . .

tee: old navy  short& sandals: old navy  bracelets: chloe vs. tank  necklace: groopdealz

I'm thinking this will be my last time wearing shorts this year.

 Whether the weather agrees with me or not, now that it is September I want to put my shorts away and move onto Fall clothes. 

Even though school has started and I feel like summer is already over, 

this weekend seems to make it more official.  

Here are some of my summer highlights:

camping with my family

taking my niece to Medieval Times for her birthday

spending a day in Lake Gevena with Lauren

spending time (and even making a craft) with Lauren and Lauren 

getting an extra week with some alone time with my nephew and niece

trying to be more adventurous

accomplishing some successful projects (sailboat tee, maxi dress, statement necklace)

I hope you had a great summer and are ready for Fall!

Now when is it an appropriate time to put up Fall decorations?  

because I am ready. 

sunday funday
YOLO Monday

High Five for Friday

hat: shop in Lake Geneva, WI  shirt: banana republic outlet  shorts: old navy

1. I am definitely not a hat person but had wanted a fedora for a long time. 

I felt pretty comfortable wearing it on a boat (okay, I actually felt really cool wearing it on a boat). 

But am still not so confident about wearing it out. 

2. I made this fabric bracelet a few weeks ago, following this tutorial. 

I love it and want to make more in other colors. 

3.  I have been busy with lots of sock monkey orders! 

I am temporarily not using my etsy shop, but still want to do orders through paypal for now. 

If you are interested in a sock monkey or any of my other items please send me an email!

katiejvale@yahoo.com

4.  With only 2 weeks before school starts (YIKES!) I am determined to do some fun things next week, along with being in my HOT classroom setting up for the new year. 

Hopefully another day or two laying out somewhere will be included.

5.  We just got back from camping tonight!
While I did miss my shower, bathroom, internet and air conditioning, I had such a good time.
I'm sure I'll share lots of pictures next week, but for now here's one of my favorites:

And I certainly missed reading all of your blogs - I have a lot of catching up to do!

Have a great weekend!

High Five for Friday    Casual Friday

Happy List

shirt: Rue 21  skirt & shoes: target

Today I'm working on rejoicing in the little things that can easily improve my day, like . . .

wearing a $3 shirt like this one

an iced coffee

a handful (or two or three) of jellybeans

an episode of the bachlorette

watermelon on a hot day

a random text from a friend

a funny story about my nephew

yogurt covered raisins

a good sweaty run

finishing a craft project

face time with my sister, niece and nephew

What little things are making you happy today?

pleated poppy    rolled up pretty
what I love wednesday   rae gun ramblings

Birthday Girl

dress & scarf: old navy  shoes: target

Wearing leopard flats and a polka dot scarf is about as far as I've come with the whole pattern mixing trend.  I have a long way to go but you have to start somewhere, right?  

May is a full month of important dates and celebrating for us!
Friday was my niece's first birthday.   

Lena Jane -

You are the sweetest, cutest, happiest, most precious little girl I know.  I feel honored that we share a middle name, and get beyond excited when people tell me you look like me.  I can't wait to be the aunt that you can call to tell your secrets to and hopefully that I can give you advice.  I look forward to shopping trips, sleepovers and celebrating you and all the things you will accomplish.  You are more loved than any little girl I know and I am proud to be your aunt. 

Happy first birthday! I wish you didn't live so far away so I could celebrate you in person. 

I love you!  

Love,