DIY · Fashion · Teaching · Uncategorized

Spirit Week Outfits

Last week was Spirit Week at the high school where I teach. My goal was to participate (as I always do) without spending ANY money on my outfits. It was so much fun to coordinate with the themes chosen by the Student Council.

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Below is a look at what I came up with each day.

Monday: Superhero Day

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My husband had an old Superman shirt that he bought years ago at Walmart. I found it in his closet (it was an XL–which is even too big for him) and I tied it up to make it look less massive and more “cute.” I also wore cropped jeans paired with converse Sperrys in navy blue.

Tuesday: Tacky Tourist Day

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I wore a loud floral print shirt with khakis. I borrowed a floppy beach hat from my cousin and the Michael Kors fanny pack was bummed from a former student. To complete the look I wore strappy sandals that didn’t really match the colors in the rest of my outfit. This was probably my favorite of the outfits for the week.

Wednesday: Grease/College Day

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Our school’s annual college fair was scheduled for Wednesday night and so while the students were dressing like characters from Grease the staff was to wear college gear to promote the event. My sister recently moved to Canada to study at Brock University and she sent me this t-shirt so I could talk to my students about her school. I paired the college tee with army green pants and a cardigan with fall hues.

Thursday: Disney Day

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I joined a gaggle of teachers who dressed as dalmatians from 101 Dalmatians. I used my Cricut to cut out the spots and safety-pinned them to my white t-shirt. I put my hair in two high buns to make dog-ears. For my bottoms, I wore black leggings with shorts over top and black Toms.

Friday: Blue and Gold Day

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To show school spirit I wore a crew neck sweatshirt, blue and gold earrings, cropped jeans, and my navy converse Sperrys.

Which outfit is your favorite?

Go Vikings!

The Ameri Brit Mom

 

Fashion · Uncategorized

Indigo Roads

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This is my friend Heather.

She is one beautiful woman that I am thankful for having crossed paths with in life. The first time I met her was in a Small Group that we visited years ago, and then we’ve continued to develop our friendship on the sidelines of soccer fields and basketball courts. Our kiddos are all close and we now attend church together as well. Heather is a beautiful soul who gives her ALL in everything she does. Her love for the Lord is also evident in the way she raises her boys and serves the children and families of our community.

I could go on and on about how much I admire her. She’s pretty fantastic.

Today, I want to give some love to her newest venture. Heather is the creative mind behind Indigo Roads Boutique.

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Heather designs and creates earrings using genuine leather and a Cricut machine. Her designs are beautiful and fun and I just cannot get enough of them. Browsing her website has become one of my favorite pastimes. The things she can do with a little bit of leather and a blade blow my mind! When I think I’ve seen it all she comes out with a new design.

Over the past few months I’ve built up a collection for my daughter and I…

All of her earrings are lightweight, comfortable, versatile, and gorgeous. Whenever I wear them I get so many compliments. Of course, I carry around her business cards and hand them out whenever someone brings them up. I’m all about helping a friend in her small business and Heather makes that so easy with her awesome products.

Some of my favorites currently in her albums…

How to Buy

If you want to browse Indigo Roads Boutique join her Facebook Group. Live sales are done frequently or you can purchase through commenting on a photo “sold” within her albums. Once you comment on a photo she will get in contact with you about payment via Paypal and will need your address for shipping. It’s a very simple process.

If you like what you see here please consider supporting Heather. Click on any of the links provided in this post and head over to her Facebook group. Let me know if you end up buying any of her products as a result of this post!

Which pair do you love most?

The Ameri Brit Mom

Fashion · Uncategorized

LipSense Review

I’ve always wanted to be one of those women who wears lipstick. My goal was always to have that put-together, naturally beautiful look, but a combination of the way it dried out my lips and the ease at which products rubbed off as I ate and talked kept me from wearing it regularly. Over the years, I’ve tried a number of products, but none have proven satisfactory. For months, I’ve noticed several of my friends on social media posting about LipSense. It is a lipstick that promises longevity and moisture for dry lips. I was skeptical after my experience with almost every other company, but when I was invited to a live party I decided to try it out.

At the party, I chose several shades to try on myself. I ended up loving Precious Topaz.

The way you apply LipSense is different than any other I’ve worn. It’s a thin, alcohol-based formula that you apply in layers using long swipes in one direction. Each layer dries within ten seconds. Ideally, you should have three layers of the product on your lips, but I’ll admit I’ve cheated and done some applications with only a single layer and it was fine. After the layers are in place you finish the look with a generous amount of gloss. The gloss locks in the color and hydrates your lips.

Once you have finished with application the color should last 10-18 hours depending on the pH of your skin. Mine usually only lasts about 8 hours, but during that time it doesn’t transfer or rub off.

Because I’ve been a Chapstick fanatic for years, the first application was painful. My lips tingled and cracked as the LipSense formula worked to reverse the effects of wax buildup from Chapstick.

In my experience, the more I used the products the healthier my lips felt. Wearing it daily helps keep my lips hydrated. Glossy gloss has been a great replacement to Chapstick. I like to wear the gloss on its own and also while I sleep.

The first time you order LipSense you need to be sure to get the whole kit. The kit includes lip color, gloss, and Oops Remover. Oops Remover is absolutely necessary for removing the color at the end of the day.

So far, I’ve been very pleased with my experience. I get countless compliments each day that I wear LipSense. My advice for anyone who has naturally dry lips is to give it a week to achieve desired results. The first few days were painful for me, but as time wore on the pain went away. Before LipSense I was damaging my lips using products that contained wax and GMOs. I’m thankful for a product I can feel confident in while also knowing it is advancing my lip health.

If you are interested in giving LipSense a try check out the contact information below. Rachel is my consultant. She has some really good tutorial videos on her social media sites.

Facebook: Make up and Chill with Rachel

Instagram: make_up_and_chill

Email: makeupandchillwithrachel@gmail.com

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The Ameri Brit Mom

dressing and educating · Fashion · Uncategorized

Dressing and Educating: Days 134-138

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Day 134: March 13, 2017

After a week of testing, it was nice to return to the usual schedule and routine in the classroom. In English we read through and interpreted the prologue to Romeo and Juliet and in Honors World History we spent time summarizing major events from the Russian Revolution.

I wore a black sweater and tights from Old Navy, a turquoise scarf and a skirt from The Limited.

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Day 135: March 14, 2017

We finally began reading Romeo and Juliet today. Students were assigned parts and we acted out the first two scenes of the play. One of my students has a peacock at home and brought in several feathers so that we could act out the sword fight of the opening scene. I’ve never done that before in my classes, but it was very fun and memorable. In Honors World History we compared the NEP of Lenin to Stalin’s Five Year Plans through readings and videos.

It was a frigid day so I wore Lula Roe leggings, a long sweater from Target, and my navy puffer vest from J.Crew.

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Day 136: March 15, 2017

Another wet and frigid Ohio day. In English we finished reading through the remainder of Act I from Romeo and Juliet. At this point every student has had an opportunity to read a part. In Honors World History we worked on a study guide for the Russian Revolution test next week.

I wore my Jessika Cowl Neck Poncho by RD Style from my Stitch Fix #10, a maroon layering top from Maurices, black slacks from The Limited and black boots.

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Day 137: March 16, 2017

Today was my husband’s birthday!

We woke up early and I made breakfast/tea in bed. He opened presents and we spent time cuddling as a family before school. It was another really cold day so it made it even harder to leave the warmth of my house this morning.

In English, we watched the first twenty-four minutes of the Romeo and Juliet movie on Netflix and then spent the remainder of the class comparing that to what we have read thus far in the play. In Honors World History, the students are working on an ongoing project about World War II so I gave them a class period with the computers to get some research and writing done.

I wore my Annaway Cable Knit Sweater by RD Style from my Stitch Fix #8, olive jeggings and ankle boots.

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Day 138: March 17, 2017

Saint Patrick’s Day and guess who forgot to wear green!?! This lady! It seems like every year I’m so caught up on planning my husband’s birthday on the 16th that Saint Patrick’s Day creeps up on me. I was nearly at school in the morning when I remembered the holiday, and of course I didn’t have any green on.

So despite my students complaining that I was not dressed appropriately for the holiday today I did get some productive work accomplished. In English, the students read for half the period from their own independent books. Following that they took a quiz over the first act of Romeo and Juliet. In Honors World History, we spent the period reviewing the Russian Revolution for the quiz next week.

Which look was your favorite this week?

The Ameri Brit Mom

dressing and educating · Fashion · Uncategorized

Dressing and Educating: Days 129-133

This week my school gave our post-assessments. Each day we were on a modified testing schedule. The focus of the week for me was giving and grading post assessments so instruction was minimal. Here’s a look at my outfits this week:

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Day 129: March 6, 2017- Carly and One Size Leggings from Lula Roe

 

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Day 130:  March 7, 2017- Shan Color Block Hem Knit Top by Olive & Oak from Stitch Fix #11 and olive jeggings.

 

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Day 131: March 8, 2017- Carlito Dolman Knit Top by Paper Moon from Stitch Fix #4 and black slacks.

 

Day 132: March 9, 2017-I was so busy wrapping up grades I completely forgot to take a picture today.

 

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Day 133: March 10, 2017- White tank from Atmosphere (Primark) and a cardigan from Maurices.

 

Which look was your favorite this week?

 

The Ameri Brit Mom

dressing and educating · Fashion · Uncategorized

Dressing and Educating: Days 124-128

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Day 124: February 27, 2017

A new week brought new content to my English class. We are headed for Romeo and Juliet, but started with an introduction to analyzing poetry to start. We spent today defining terms and looking at examples of traditional and organic poetry. In Honors World History,we discussed the Paris Peace Conference and the end of World War I.

I wore a dress from Wet Seal, leggings from Lula Roe, and a black cardigan.

 

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Day 125: February 28, 2017

The weather was beautiful today in Ohio. It’s been the strangest winter as it has only snowed a couple of times. In English we studied uses of the semicolon and I also handed out the study guide for next week’s post-assessment. In Honors World History we were supposed to go over a student example of a Document Based Question in preparation for the World War I quiz. There was a lockdown at my school all afternoon so that didn’t happen in my afternoon classes. I didn’t even have one class at all and the other afternoon class was cut short.

I wore a Classic T by Lula Roe, leggings and my-Dinah Open Front Cardigan by Staccato from Stitch Fix # 3.

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Day 126: March 1, 2016

There were terrible storms last night that spread into the morning hours. My drive to work involved bright flashes of lightning and downpours. In English we reviewed oxymorons and analyzed poetry in small groups. In Honors World History we played review BINGO to prepare for the World War I Quiz.

I wore my  Queensland Dolman Jersey Top by 41Hawthorn from Stitch Fix #2, black pants from The Limited, and rain boots by Sperry.

 

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Day 127: March 2, 2017

I only taught during the morning today. I took a half day so that I could join my husband at one of his basketball shows in northern Ohio. In English we read and analyzed The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe. In Honors World History the students took their World War I Quiz while a substitute teacher covered my class.

I wore navy slacks, a peasant top from Target and a navy vest from Old Navy.

 

Day 128: March 3, 2017

With post-assessments next week I spent the entire day prepping my students for those by providing study guides and test-prep questions. (I didn’t get a photo of myself in jeans and spirit-wear today.)

 

Which look was your favorite this week?

 

The Ameri Brit Mom

Fashion · stitch fix · Uncategorized

Stitch Fix #11

I’m so excited to share my latest Stitch Fix with you. This is my eleventh box and I’m just as pleased with this one as I have been with all my others.

Being an Influencer for Stitch Fix has been a lot of fun. I’ve had the opportunity to share my experience with you and any promotions that the company has to offer. In addition to spreading the news I’ve been given an affiliate status which means when you use links on my page to sign up for Stitch Fix I can receive some compensation for that. (So click away!)

I’m excited to share with you the latest in Stitch Fix news: Stitch Fix now carries Plus Sizes!!

When Stitch Fix started they limited themselves to serving only sizes 0-14. The company has expanded since its birth to now offer petite, men’s, and now plus sizes as well. If sizing has been an issue or held you back from joining in the past now is the time to give it a shot. I’ve seen some of the plus size collection, Ladies, and the clothes are gorgeous. From dresses to tunics to leggings the pieces are made to compliment ALL body types.

If you have questions about the Plus Sizes now offered or how the program works I am more than happy to answer you. Comment below or drop me an email.

As for my Stitch Fix #11…

1. Shan Color Block Hem Knit Top by Olive & Oak

This is my first piece from Olive & Oak and I really love it. It’s a soft tunic that covers my bottom and front so it pairs well with leggings. I bought this top with no hesitation because I loved the fit and I love the plum color.

2. Celestia Wrapped Circle Pendant by Romolo

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This necklace is gorgeous. It’s been awhile since I’ve kept any jewelry so I decided to add this piece to my collection. Plus, it looks perfect with the tunic I decided to keep as well.

3. Kali Printed Legging by Rune

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I loved these leggings. From their fleece inner layer to their sleek athletic outer appearance they were perfect. They were so perfect in fact that months ago I bought another pair which were almost identical. So although I loved these leggings they didn’t make the cut. If they had been another color then I would have probably kept them.

4. Jamiya Aline Skirt by Renee C

5. Ivette Crochet Detail Top by Crescent

These last two pieces did not make the cut either. Although the print of the skirt was cute the fit was not flattering on me. It was a little too long and the waistband was too loose. I tend to either wear maxi skirts or ones cut just above the knee since I’m fairly short. My height is in my torso so anything in between distorts my height and my legs. If the print of the skirt would have been on a maxi or shorter skirt I most definitely would have kept it.

As far as the shirt, again it was really cute, but I decided against the purchase.

One thing I like about Stitch Fix is that you get the opportunity to shop within your budget. I always like to give myself a limit before I open the box. It can be hard to stay within that budget when I love so much of what they send me, but in the end decisions have to be made. There is no cost to return items, and you have three days to make a decision before the package is due at the post office.

There is a styling fee attached to each fix ($20) which can be applied to any items that you choose to purchase. Also, when you sign up for Stitch Fix you have an opportunity to share your budget and style preferences with the personal stylists working for you.

If you are interested in Stitch Fix or have questions I am happy to help you out. As an Influencer I receive promotional information and FAQs to help you decide if Stitch Fix is right for you. As an affiliate I may receive compensation for your sign up with the company, but honesty is more important to me than a pay check so please ask if you have any hesitations. I love spreading the word about Stitch Fix and I look forward to my next one!

The Ameri Brit Mom

 

dressing and educating · Fashion · Uncategorized

Dressing and Educating: Days 120-123

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Day 120: February 21, 2017

After a long President’s Day weekend I entered my room with energy and excitement for the week ahead. In English, we read “The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst. As we read, we paid particular attention to the author’s use of theme and symbol. This is one of my favorite short stories to teach as the lessons are deep and important.

In Honors World History my students prepared for debates later in the week with a class period devoted to online research and collaboration with debate partners.

I wore a black and white dress from Francesca’s, black OS leggings from Lula Roe and Toms.

 

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Day 121: February 22, 2017

It was a beautiful Wednesday with sunshine and sixty degree temperatures. I opened my windows during class and allowed the fresh air to circulate the room. It’s amazing what a bit of sunshine can motivate students to do. In English, my classes further analyzed “The Scarlet Ibis.” They reviewed the text with a partner and focused on new vocabulary as well.

In Honors World History we quickly discussed the use of poison gases in World War I before returning to debate research.

I wore a black sweater and khakis from Old Navy.

 

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Day 122: February 23, 2017

Just when I thought Ohio weather couldn’t get weirder it hit seventy-five degrees today. This time last year we were on Snow Day #4 in my district. For the second day in a row I had my windows cracked during class and we worked with the background noise of the great outdoors.

In English we reviewed the Scarlet Ibis today with a game of Kahoot! and a written activity. In Honors World History, my students began their group debates on which country was to blame for the start of World War I.

I wore OS leggings from Lula Roe, a navy tunic from The Limited, and red Toms from Stitch Fix.

 

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Day 123: February 24, 2017

The short week came to a close today. It was another beautiful day with sunshine and warm temperatures. My English students took an online assessment over The Scarlet Ibis short story. I wrote the quiz to model the format of the AIR test (Ohio’s standardized test.) In Honors World History, my students completed their debates. Some groups did a great job with the debates going above and beyond expectations.

Today I wore an olive knit top from Primark in England, jeans from Charlotte Russe, and Sperrys.

Which look was your favorite this week?

 

The Ameri Brit Mom

*This post contains affiliate links. I may receive compensation as a result of this post.

Fashion · Uncategorized

How We Roe

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We are in the middle of my husband’s Upward Celebration season. He is an endorsed performer for Upward and spends much of February and March doing shows for different leagues across our region.

Over the next three weeks he will be performing at eight different locations. It makes for a busy two months, but he is able to use his gifts for ministry and that’s something that makes him happy. I support him in this busy time and travel with him when I can. On those days where I can’t go with him I enjoy spending time with my daughter. It’s a season of bonding for us.

To show his gratitude for our patience during this time my husband bought my daughter and I matching leggings from Lula Roe. We had fun mixing and matching our outfits, doing our hair, and painting our nails to match as well.

This is how we Roed at church yesterday in our matching attire. I paired my one size leggings with a Perfect T.

After church, we had a birthday party to attend so I swapped out my Perfect T for a Carly dress. This is the most comfortable dress. I also pattern mixed for the first time. I’ve always been weird about wearing pattern-on-pattern, but this was a good first mix since black seems to go with just about anything.

I’m so in love with Lula Roe. Check out my post, Lula Roe Review for more details and a link to purchase from my consultant, Ashley.

The Ameri Brit Mom

dressing and educating · Fashion · Uncategorized

Dressing and Educating: Days 115-119

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Day 115: February 13, 2017

My classes began today with a debrief of last week’s Socratic Seminar in English. Students evaluated their own strengths and weaknesses and we discussed ways to improve as a class in the future. After the debrief session students began presenting their independent book projects. I received some of the best projects I’ve ever had during this time today. I’m glad that students are gaining an appreciation for reading.

In Honors World History, I showed a documentary from the History Channel about the United States’ entry into the war and how it was influenced heavily by British propaganda. This documentary led to a class discussion and an activity that we will complete later in the week.

I wore a Lula Roe top and leggings today. This is one of the most comfortable ways to dress for school.

 

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Day 116: February 14, 2017

Happy Valentines Day!

Today in English, we wrapped up student reading presentations. It was nice to hear so many book talks and to evaluate the student-created projects.

In Honors World History, I started students on a stations-based lesson. The main idea of the stations was to discuss the Zimmermann Telegram and how it influenced the war. Students were able to get through two of the four stations today. Here is a break down of the stations:

  1. Speech-students read Woodrow Wilson’s speech declaring war on Germany. As they read they were to highlight reasons for the declaration as well as the items that Wilson was asking the people of the United States for.
  2. Decoding-students were given a fictitious message and were to use a matrix (similar to what the British used during the war) to decode the secret message. Once the message was decoded students had discussion questions relating this activity to World War I.
  3. US Enters the War-students were given an article about why the US joined World War I. Using large chart paper students had to create a web with 4-6 reasons why the US joined the war using the evidence provided in the article.
  4. Zimmermann Note-students were provided a translated version of the Zimmermann note. They completed a SOAPTONE activity analyzing the document as a primary source.

I wore a tank and pants from Old Navy and my Ellaine Open Cardigan by Papermoon from Stitch Fix #4.

 

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Day 117: February 15, 2017

In English my students took an online practice AIR test today. It took the entire period and we held class in one of the school’s computer labs. In Honors World History, the guidance department came and discussed scheduling for next year. I spent most of my time today getting caught up on grading. It was a much needed work day where very little time was spent in front of students. I was able to to catch up on things I had fallen behind on and prepare myself for the remainder of the week.

I wore Lula Roe leggings and a black tunic from The Limited.

 

 

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Day 118: February 16, 2017

Parent-Teacher Conference days are always the longest. Today not only did I have to stay until 7:00pm for conferences, but I also helped with a combined baby shower for pregnant teachers which was from 3:00-4:00pm in the school library. A lot of preparation went into making sure it was a successful shower so I was already exhausted by the time doors opened to parents at 4:00pm.

In English, my students took an online writing test today using Vantage, a program my school purchases annually for our students in order to prepare them for the state tests. In Honors World History, we wrapped up the stations-based lesson from Tuesday.

I wore leggings, an orange Old Navy dress, my Abrianna Long Sleeve Knit Cardigan by 41Hawthorn from Stitch Fix and my blanket scarf that I received from Stitch Fix as a Christmas gift for being a Stitch Fix Influencer.

 

Day 119: February 17, 2017

After a few days of practice tests in English I had my students analyze their tests. We discussed the rubric for the AIR writing test and then I polished off the lesson with a game of a Kahoot!

In Honors World History, students were given their debate partner and topic for next week’s debate over the start of World War I. In their debates students will work in pairs to determine the country at fault for starting World War I. After the assignments were given we explored the Fourteen Points within partner groups.

 

It was a great week and I took the opportunity to try some new things this week like Kahoot! and stations-based lessons. I’m excited to implement both of these in my classroom more regularly.

Which look was your favorite?

 

The Ameri Brit Mom

*This post contains affiliate links and I may receive compensation for this post.