Hello, friends. I haven’t shown up around these parts since April! I’ve been in full on summer mode since I knew it was going to be an extra short one. We were in school through the first week of June and we return August 2nd. I personally think going back after Labor Day is the way we should be doing things, but they don’t really ask teachers what they want. Needless to say, I’ll be reporting for duty in about two weeks. Womp womp.
But let’s not think about that! So let’s see, what has happened with the Normans? I became a semi-successful plant lady, I got my bangs back, I discovered the most incredible face sunscreen, Paul and I went on our first vacation in forever, I read a lot of books, I got a new side gig, and I’ve cooked some seriously great recipes. I’ll share some of that and more here today and follow up with even more later on.
Happy April 1st! It’s that time of year again for us fair skin girls who desperately need a tan but can’t always get it from the sun. Maybe you’re like me and just don’t tan very well in the sun because you get burnt so easily. Maybe you don’t have time to lay about in the sunshine. Maybe your sun worshipping days are just over. Regardless of your reason, the world has made it simple for those of us who need a tan and need it fast. Let’s talk about that today.
Over spring break I took a trip to Walmart in Troy, which is sort of a long story that doesn’t really matter here, so…. I’m gonna skip the story and get right to the goods.
Time and Tru Flutter Sleeve Dress
I originally fell in love with the purple version of this dress when I saw it on an influencer, but when I was walking through the store in Troy, I saw the blue on the rack and scooped it right up. It’s loose, you pull it right over your head, it has pockets, it comes in four colorways, and it’s $15.88. I’m going to be wearing this a lot this spring and summer. It’s cute with sneakers, sandals, and heels. I haven’t seen it in our Walmart, but it’s linked here. It fits TTS and is definitely longer on me as you can see at the top of the page. I imagine the model here is 5’9 or 5’10 making it look much shorter.
Time and Tru Braided Low Block Heel Sandals
These nude heels are right on trend with the puffy, braided, quilted look. They will elevate any look be it a dress or jeans and a tee. I think these are a great way to try out a fun trend without breaking the bank. They’re just $20! They don’t come in half sizes, so I decided to size up the half size, and they fit perfectly. The low heel means they are comfortable and can be worn for many occasions and longer lengths of time. I haven’t seen these in our Walmart either, but I linked them for you here. With most ankle strap shoes, I usually get a blister or at least some irritation. That’s why you must get the Body Glide anti-chafing stick. I know it’s meant for your thighs, but trust me on this one. You’ll never have another blister if you apply this before putting your shoes on.
Time and Tru Leopard Flats
These flats have been in circulation for quite some time in most Walmart stores, and I do believe we still have some in our store. I found my size on clearance for $5.00 in the Troy store (found online here for $9) and figured I could wear them now or save them for next fall/winter. They fit TTS and even come in wide width and in a plethora of colors. Leopard is a neutral in my opinion, so I’ll always want a pair of leopard flats. These have a pointed toe but still feel casual. Check your local store if these interest you and you want the clearance price. $9.00 is a fair price, though, in my opinion.
Cover Girl Last Blast Clean Mascara
Why is finding a good mascara so hard? I feel like I’ve tried so many and still haven’t found one I’m loyal to. I mean, I’ve been wearing makeup on a daily basis for nearly twenty years now. It shouldn’t be so difficult. Then throw in that I’m trying to clean up my makeup routine, and things just got even harder! Enter Lash Blast Clean. Now, I’m not raving about this product because it’s only just as good as the rest of the good ones I’ve tried. I don’t love the brush, but that’s my main dislike. The product is actually pretty good. I do apply 2-3 coats to give me longer lashes, but I feel that’s typical for most drugstore mascaras. If you’re wondering why I don’t use Beautycounter’s mascara, it’s because it just didn’t work for me, and I have tried both kinds…multiple times. However, I know people who love it, but it’s more of a minimalist mascara look, and well, I’m just not really a minimalist kind of gal. 🙂
It wasn’t a big haul, but it packs a punch for this upcoming season. I hope our Walmart gets those dresses soon. They are so much cuter in person! Okay, y’all, go have a good day!
Acquiring art for my home is one of the things I’ve just recently developed a real passion for. I’ve found I have a taste for more original art prints and have started learning about artists that I like. Sure, I still find the occasional print from Hobby Lobby or Home Goods, but I’ve also been on the lookout for artists that fit my taste, and I’ve enjoyed the custom pieces I’ve bought from local artists. For Christmas, I received two pieces from Geoffrey Wood, and I am so happy with them. Take a look.
Have you ventured back out into actual restaurants? We haven’t done too much of that here in the Norman house…a few times here and there but for the most part we’ve been sticking to cooking. Pinterest and Half Baked Harvest have been giving me all the ideas lately. I wanted to share some of the better ones we’ve tried and made multiple times.
So far this year I’ve read ten books. This time last year I had only read six. My reading goal this year was to read at least one more book than I did last year. I read 39 books in 2020, so I’d say I’m off to a good start. You can see what I read in January 2021 here and here. Let’s dive into the ones I’ve just wrapped up.
Can you believe we have made it ONE YEAR through this pandemic? I remember this time last year when we were all so scared and stocking up on toilet paper. Thankfully, that toilet paper thing turned out alright! I did have a lot of fear about the virus, though. It took me almost a whole year to actually get it, but now that it’s behind me, I’m glad I’m mostly past it. I still don’t think my taste is 100% back to normal. I can taste almost everything, but there are some things I eat and it just doesn’t taste as good as it once did. Maybe one day… Okay, enough about the virus and the pandemic. Let’s get to some good stuff.
“The time is always right to do what is right.” -Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Happy MLK Day! How’s everyone doing? I’ve had a great week and have been getting ready to go back to school tomorrow with my students. We have been doing virtual school these first two weeks of the new year, and they come back tomorrow. If you’re a teacher who has been through this, it is kind of nice not worrying about the morning school traffic and getting to go to the bathroom whenever you need to, but virtual learning is not proving to be an area in which we excel. Students are learning best in the classroom, and we’re teaching best when they’re in those desks. I’m looking forward to seeing their faces in the flesh tomorrow.
You read that right. I made a table. I recently noticed I had a need for a beverage table on the side of my sofa. The way our furniture has to be positioned in our apartment allows room for only one side table between the sofa and the recliner, but I find myself sitting on the side without the table. Whether it be coffee, a Yeti full of water, or a cocktail, I need a place to put it. So I up and made one.
Welcome to the first edition of 5 Good Things for 2021! How was everyone’s first full week back at work? Goodness me, it was strange at the school house. No students, and ALL the technology. God bless teachers who have to do this. God bless parents for logging in their child(ren). God bless principals for having to deal with all of us! God bless us, every one! 🙂 Seriously, though, what a strange time to be alive. Let’s add on the madness that happened in D. C. and we basically have an extension of 2020. I shared a post on my Instagram story from Priscilla Shirer and asked if you were praying for our country. If you aren’t, please start. If you don’t know what to say, just tell God that. He knows. And now for an awkward pivot….I enjoyed making it a point to find at least 5 good things about each week at the latter half of 2020, so I thought I’d continue it. I’ve got books, a craft, nail polish, a game, and a TV show on deck for you today. You’ll have to let me know if you like any of these things, too.
