Back to School Teacher Cool

One of the best things about teaching is not only getting to buy fresh school supplies for my classroom but also getting to pick out a few new "supplies" for myself. Even if you're not a teacher, treat yourself a late-August work refresher. Here are a few items on my supply list:

LL Bean tote bags are so durable and long-lasting. This bag is perfect for all my school stuff - laptop, papers, notebooks and more! 

I'm constantly giving my students words of affirmation but I want The Best No. 2 Pencil Set for myself.  

Warby Parker frames are not only stylish, but they are really reasonable. 

Goody Spin Pins - for the days when you just need to embrace messy hair.

I should probably start wearing heels more often so I don't blend in with my 7th graders, but it's hard when I'm on my feet all day. I usually go for cute flats like the Sam Edelman Clive Flat. 

 "Don't be tardy to the party!' - one of my many classroom mottos. I absolutely love this Michael Kors wrap watch. 

Check out my teacher supplies from last year - they are still some of my favorite things! 

Hello! Lucky Wedding Announcement

This cute couple got married at San Francisco City Hall and then sent this adorably whimsy announcement designed by Hello! Lucky.

We sent one of our wedding pictures as our Christmas card last year but I think it would have been fun to send one like this too. What a fun way to share a picture from your happy day!

{Photography by Edyta Szyszlo} 

Book Club — Summer Reading List

 

Linchpin: Are You Indispensable? - Seth Godin I read this book at the suggestion of my husband who kept referring to my occasional bouts of self-doubt as my "lizard brain." The main idea of this book is believing in yourself, focusing on your art (everyone has some sort of gift, whether it's what you already do or what you want to do) and mapping out your own plan rather than complying with the system. 

Still Missing - Chevy Stevens Grace of Stripes and Sequins highly recommended this psychological thriller. A young realtor is kidnapped and held captive by a psychopath. It kept me hooked and was the perfect alternative to a fluffy romance "beach" read.

Bossypants - Tina Fey To put it simply, this book is laugh out loud hilarious.

Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins  Obviously. Hannah passed this book on to me, I'm sure knowing that we will end up bonding over the teen cast when the movie is released. I'm looking forward to reading the other books in the series and having something to discuss with my new 7th graders.

I'm currently reading Jaycee Dugard's story, A Stolen Life. It's like the non-fiction version of Still Missing. Crazy stuff.

What books did you read this summer? What are you currently reading?

Feeling Fall Colors

Even if it hadn't been scorchingly hot this summer, I'd still be excited for autumn. The foliage, my birthday, Pumpkin Spice Lattes, Halloween, and the absolutely perfect weather make it my all-time favorite season.

Although there's no end in sight to Texas' 100+ degree day streak, I can't help but daydream about cooler temperatures and the colors that they bring.

 Madewell Fall 2012

Butter London Fall 2012 

 Spartan

More Fall posts on Cirque du Sweet:

Pantone Colors for Women's Fashion Fall 2011 

Sweet Back-to-School Supplies

One week. That's how long I have until I retire my weekday swimsuits for cardigans. I've been a teaching at an elementary school for the past three years but this upcoming year I've been transferred to a middle school to teach 7th grade. I'm both excited and terrified, but mostly looking forward to a new challenge. 

As bittersweet as the end of summer is, if there's one thing that gets me excited about back-to-school it's the smell of new school supplies. As a teacher, it's hard not to love every single thing about this special, back-to-school "dessert" table.

 {Design by One Charming Party featured on Amy Atlas Sweet Designs Blog}

When you were a kid, what were your favorite school supplies?

Jewelry Trifecta

I'm loving the geometric jewelry trend for fall, especially pieces with my favorite shape - the triangle.

{Fred Flare gold pyramid earrings   /   Madewell Fall Festival Necklace   /   House of Harlow Tribal Cuff}