I'm so smart I scare myself.

So, I wore this open cardigan this way last December. This time around, creativity tipped its hat to me, so I [brilliantly] decided to wrap it around me and belt it. My Uncle David always said this line to me: "I'm so smart I scare myself." Obviously, I scared him sometimes, too. He also refers to things as being "beautimous." Not sure if anyone else ever says this word, but good ol' Uncle David does. Look at that: my beautimous outfit is so smart I scare me. I kindly thank you, fashion blogs, for inspiring me to rethink my wardrobe. 

I need you to know that these boots are the most comfortable boots to ever grace my feet. Holy cannoli. They're b.o.c. brand, and I bought them on SUPER sale at DSW. Sometimes, that store just blows me giant, sloppy kisses with its awesome finds like this one and these awesome gold flats. I was going to wear these really cute black booties from my mom (she always gives me shoes she realizes she can't wear--hooray for being the same size!), but they looked weird with the jeans. I already turned out all of the lights upstairs; I wasn't about to rethink my pant situation.  

The Outfit:

Cardigan: Urban Outfitters

Belt: Pac Sun

Jeans: The Limited

Boots: b.o.c. via DSW

Earrings: Target

The Details:

Occasion: Forty of the students and a handful of the teachers participated in what's called Safe School Ambassador program. It was an all-day, informal setting in our school's media center. (Such an enriching experience. Truly.) The media center is usually one of the cooler parts of the building, so I dressed for the venue. I could move around comfortably, and I wasn't too hot. 

Comments: The students loved this sweater, and I especially loved it styled this way. When I snuck into the hallway for a bathroom break, one of my previous students informed me that I was going to take her shopping. I agreed that I will take her shopping when she graduates next year; she seemed quite satisfied, and I am a woman of my word. Let it be known that I felt a *smidge* like a high schooler because I was sporting clothing from both UO and Pac Sun. 

Participating in the boots & booties link-up here and here. 

The Best Gift of All

Before I jump right into discussing my wonderful Christmas, guess who shaved only one leg in the shower and didn't realize it until she was putting on lotion? Yeah, you guessed it. Me. 

 I came upstairs to escape the battle cries of Call of Duty. I'd like to smack thank my brother for buying that game for Jeff. Suddenly, a friend joined me on the bed (a place she knows Jeff would kick her butt for lying...clearly, I'm a pushover). She's warming my side so nicely that I cannot bear to exile her.  Instead, I've taken some pictures with Photo Booth.  

Anyway, I know you're not here to see my furry friend. (Or are you?)

Meet another friend of mine: this sweater from Urban Outfitters. I've seen it all over Pinterest, but I seem to be the only one who didn't want the black and white. I was hoping Santa would bring this one to me, and Santa Jeff did not disappoint. I have no idea how he managed to pick the one thing on my Amazon wishlist that I wanted most of all. I guess, after eight years, he sort of knows me? 

It is my favorite sweater. Quite possibly ever. 

He is my favorite husband. Quite possibly ever.

For Christmas Eve, we traveled to Jeff's parents' house. I didn't get any pictures when we were there. Boo :(

His mom always so graciously makes me my favorite dish, mushrooms and rice. 

Yum :)

On Christmas morning, we traveled to my parents' house. My brother, his wife, my parents, Jeff, and I all exchanged presents. Best part of Christmas? Having my niece there. Even though she obviously didn't know about this whole gift giving business, she was the cherry on top of Christmas morning. Kids make the holidays so much more fun! 

He makes things more fun, too.

    He can play normal pretty well.

My sister in law always knows what to get for me. I especially love this mint scarf.

(That fun top is from Momma dukes. I love it, too.)

Mom always outdoes herself. Always. I love how she coordinates all of the clothes that she buys for me. She also has the best taste in jewelry. 

Of course, I think I'm most in love with the things that she crochets for me. 

(Pictures of those coming soon.)

It looks like my big brother wins the award for my favorite gift of the year. Again. 

Last year, he bought me an automatic car starter, and he even had it installed!

My lower back and chilly behind are so thankful every winter morning. 

This year, he bought a name plate for me. In case you can't see what it says under my name, I'll tell you: "World's Best Teacher And Little Sister." 

How thoughtful is he? 

Obviously, the REAL best gift of all is spending time with my family. 

I hope you all had a relaxing, happy holiday.

This post is linked up with Because Shanna Says So, The Pleated Poppy, and Camp Patton.