Gift Guide for Last Minute Shoppers

Happy Friday! If you are an educator, you might be fastly approaching your school vacation-yay! My two week vacation began today and I am so excited! I am going to miss my boys, but I am also excited to have some down time to recharge. I am a huge planner, and have my vacation time all mapped out in my head. For my first week off, I will be spending time here, with my family. Then, I am heading down to Texas to spend time with my boyfriend's family. I plan on relaxing, reading, exercising, and hopefully shopping. I cannot wait!!

Now that it is Friday, we have exactly one more week until Christmas. It's really beginning to feel like the holidays (even though there is no snow)! If you are a last minute shopper-don't stress! I have made a last minute Gift Guide for Her! These gifts are not only adorable, but most of them are on sale. Best of all, all of these items are under $50! Happy shopping!

1. Vera Bradley's Turn Lock Wallet in Marrakesh Motifs- Currently $49.00 $24.50 at 50% off!

2. Vera Bradley's Kiss Kiss Coin Purse in Midnight Houndstooth- Currently $22.00 $11.00 at 50% off!

3. G.H. Bass & Co. Factory Outlet's Dreamy Suede Slipper- Currently $90.00 $24.99!

4. Teavana's New Baroque Gold Handled Mug- Currently $21.95 $10.97!

5. G.H. Bass & Co. Factory Outlet's Stefanie Pom Pom Hat- Currently $40.00 $9.99!

6. The Paper Store's Sterling Silver Massachusetts Pendant Necklace- Currently $24.99!

7. Teavana's New Stackable Dottie Red Tea Tins- Currently $12.95!

8. Fossil's Monster Bag Charm- Currently $48.00!

9. Fossil's Luggage Tag- Currently $28.00!

10. The Paper Store's Camel Oversized Plaid Blanket Scarf- Currently $24.00!

Let me know some of your favorite places to shop for others! Until next time, thank you for reading Cute Teachings!

Over the Knee Riding Boots

It's no secret that I love a good pair of suede/leather shoes. As I have mentioned in previous posts, I believe that they are items worth splurging over. Not only will shoes made from quality material last, but you will look and feel better in them! Us nannies, and other working women, need shoes that will with stand the wear and tear that you will encounter from every day use. Plus, your feet are going to feel much better at the end of the day if they are in comfortable shoes. And for girls who are constantly on their feet, or on the go, comfort is an important quality to have.

In my mind, you can have the most stylish outfit in the world on-but if you finish the look with beat up shoes, the look is left looking sloppy and incomplete. No matter how cute a synthetic shoe may look, it wont last as long as a good quality leather boot or suede flat. Of course, you are going to need to spend more to get more. Sure you may find a great leather boot on sale for $60. Great! But if you buy a man-made boot for $25, the most you are going to get from that shoe is exactly that...$25 worth. Now, I am not saying to spend on your money on pricey boots. Find a pair you love, save, and keep an eye out for a great sale. It is a good idea to spend a little more on a high quality product; because you are much less likely to have to replace it sooner.

This "spy and save" method is exactly what I used for my new black over the knee riding boots. When I graduated college, four years ago, I decided to buy myself a nice pair of black leather riding boots. They were $150, and even though that may be a lot for a new college grad, I decided that I deserved them after all my hard work. I am so glad that I treated myself! To this day these boots are still intact and can be seen in some of my previous posts. My once dressy boots are now perfect for nannying! They are in great shape, but I do not need to worry about getting scuffs because they have been worn in.

About two months ago I decided that I wanted a new pair of black riding boots. For me, a pair of brown riding boots, black riding boots, brown booties, and black booties are staple items to my wardrobe. I know that I get my moneys worth because I live in them from November to April. Therefore, I decided to keep an eye out and not make any impulse purchases. I knew that I wanted my new boots to have certain qualities. I want them to have some form of quilted leather, like my older pair. I also wanted a flat sole, so I would have no problem wearing them every day. And I wanted them to be over the knee, because I had never owned a pair like that before.

I have mentioned before that I love to purchase my leather boots from G.H. Bass & Co. They have amazing high-quality products. The best part is, their website has a tab, at the top, for their Factory Outlet! This is great because, not only are the prices already marked down from their regular store, but they are always having additional sales and promo codes!

G.H. Bass & Co. Factory Outlet is where I found my new leather over the knee riding boots. They were exactly what I wanted, but were $330. I decided that amount was out of my price range, and that I was going to wait and hope that they went on sale. Thankfully they did! They went on sale for 80% off. However, the holidays were approaching and I did not want to spend $90 on myself, so I waited even longer. I am so happy that I did, because they later had an additional 20% off the sale price! In the end I spent $70 for a pair of $330 leather riding boots. You know what people say, "patience is a virtue." 

Maybe leather/suede shoes are not your splurge item. We all have things we love, and our own fashion rules that we have for ourselves. My point is, find an item you love. Put money aside, wait for a sale, and then treat yourself. Because we all deserve to have nice things that make us feel happy. 

OUTFIT DETAILS: Over the Knee Riding Boots: G.H. Bass & Co. Factory Outlet. Knit Top: Express. This top is from last year. Similar patterned tops found here and here. Plaid Scarf: Forever 21. Similar blue plaid scarves found here and here. Dark Wash Jean: Express. Studded Tote: Aldo. Similar tote found here and here.

Thank you so much for reading! I appreciate all the views, and positive feedback.

Until Friday!

Friday in Layers

Another week has come and gone, and its Friday again! I am feeling so much better than I did last week, which made this week fly by. Thank goodness that I nanny such amazing boys! We spent all afternoon at the park with my sister, and the two girls she nannies. The kids had so much fun! There was so much laughter and smiles, it became contagious. Days like these, I think of how lucky I am. I have a job that I love so much, that I do not count down the days to the weekend. 

As my fellow New Englanders know, we have had amazing weather this week! Most days have been in the fifties, and I am loving it! When the weather is nice, I love to wear a light jacket, or vest, and dress in layers. No one likes walking around with a heavy jacket when you do not need one. Chances are, it will leave you feeling sweaty and silly.

I leave for work early in the morning, and come home late at night. Since I live in Boston, I park at a garage that is a ten minute walk from my apartment. It has recently been chilly in the morning, comfortable during the day, and colder in the evening. For this reason, I decided to wear a light sweater, layered with a heavier knit sweater. Then, just to make sure I was warm on my walk home, I wore my favorite green jacket. This jacket is light weight, so I usually wear it during the fall. 

With nannying, you never know the different adventures that you are going to have with the kids. You can start your morning off at the library, spend the day at the zoo, and end at the park. It is always smart to dress in layers. That way, you are able to add or remove clothes through out the day, depending on your activities. This outfit was perfect for just that. 

    

OUTFIT DETAILS: Jacket: Forever 21. Similar Forever 21 green jacket found here. Gray Pullover Sweater: GAP. Similar sweater located here, here, and here. White Knit Sweater: CHAPS. Similar CHAPS sweaters/clothing can be found at Khol's. I love their sweaters and flannels! Dark Distressed Jeans: Express. Brown Leather Riding Boots: G.H. Bass. Similar boots found here. Turn Lock Wallet: Vera Bradley. This color is currently not available. This wallet is sold in various other solid colors here. Necklace: Nigeria.

I hope that you enjoy your weekend! Thank you for reading!

A List of My Essential Winter Accessories

Happy Sunday! If you live in New England, this weekend was a beautiful one. We had sunshine and 50 degree weather! My boyfriend and I were stuck inside with the flu, but I was able to take my German Shepherd on short walks, and run to the nearest CVS to retrieve our saving grace-Theraflu. By the looks of it, I got there just in time! The medicine shelf was almost bare and the lines were long stretched, filled with red nosed people holding tissues.

As I was walking home I felt silly. Here I was, a New Englander, dressed in a winter coat, gloves and a winter headband...and it was 50 degrees! People were going to think that I was from out of town. But all that got me thinking about winter and what I love about it. The snow, hot chocolate, snuggling and the festivities are all wonderful! Winter in the North can be so much fun if you have no where to go, and someone to spend time with. Winter begins at the end of the month, and while you may have that special someone to help keep you warm, I created a list of my favorite winter accessories that will also do the treat!

1. Scarves 

The reason I say scarves instead of scarf is because I believe that every girl's wardrobe should have at least two or three. I personally own many scarves because they are one of my favorite accessories. They are able to complete an outfit while keeping you warm. It is good to have a light scarf, a blanket scarf, and-if you're lucky enough to be/know a knitter-a homemade scarf.

Plaid Blanket Scarf: Nordstrom

Woven Scarf: H&M

2. Mittens/Gloves

Mittens are adorable, however if you are working, then it might be best to invest in a nice pair of gloves. You will be able to use your fingers freely while still keeping warm.

Suede Gloves: H&M

Leather Gloves: H&M

3. Duck Boots

I know that a lot of Northerners buy their duck boots from L.L. Bean and get the Bean Boot. Well I like L.L. Bean, I prefer the duck boots from G.H. Bass & Co. I have owned a pair from both stores and I find that the boots from Bass are much warmer. Many of their boots have faux fur, wool, or flannel interior.

Northern Duck Boot: G.H. Bass & Co. (Factory Outlet)

Sea Duck Boot: G.H. Bass & Co. (Factory Outlet)

4. Winter Hat/Headband 

Ivory Faux Fur Pom Thick Knit Beanie: Express

Embellished Head Wrap: Express

5. Vest

Quilted Vest: G.H. Bass & Co. (Factory Outlet)

Puffer Vest: G.H. Bass & Co.

6. Riding Boots

As I have stated before, I believe that purchasing leather boots is a great investment. If you buy synthetic, they will most likely only last one season and wont keep you as warm. 

Leather Riding Boot: G.H. Bass & Co. (Factory Outlet)

Leather & Suede Riding Boot: G.H. Bass & Co. (Factory Outlet)

7. Warm Coat

Drape Collar Blanket Coat: Express

Puffer Coat: G.H. Bass & Co.

9. Leg Warmers

Leg warmers have also been one of my favorite winter essentials. I love the look that they give when they are popping out of your boots. I find many of mine at TJ Maxx and Marshalls. 

Leg Warmers: Target

10. Warm Socks

Wool Blend Socks: G.H. Bass & Co. (Factory Outlet)

Cable Socks: G.H. Bass & Co. (Factory Outlet)

Although winter does not begin until later December, now is the time to start purchasing these necessities. It is better to buy things like this before you actually are cold and need them. I hope you all stay healthy! As always, thanks for reading!

Lace Up Western Booties

The weekend is finally here! All week I have been sick the flu, and I am just now starting to get better. Although this week has been a tough one, I am thankful to work for such a wonderful family! When you feel appreciated and respected, you wake up every day ready and excited to spend time with those great kiddos. As my fellow nannies, educators, and childcare providers know, even when you're sick, you go to work. Consistency is important for any job, but especially when you work with children. I have never been one for calling out, however, it seems I have the weekend off from Express. I will be taking full advantage of this rare occurrence by staying in bed!  

 

I am so excited to share with you, my new Liv Lace Up Western Booties from Minnetonka! I have always loved Minnetonka, and the quality shoes the brand produces. I find that they make incredibly comfortable shoes, that are perfect for every day use. For for anyone who is on their feet for most of the day, this is an important quality for a shoe to have. 

Another quality that I like about Minnetonka's shoes is that they last. These booties are made of genuine suede that moves with me when I walk.  Unlike some Minnetonka boots/booties, these have a flexible rubber sole that is perfect for daily activity.

Not only are these suede booties comfortable, they are adorable! After being sick all week, I wanted to be comfortable today. These booties had me feeling just that, while still being on trend this season. The moment I saw these, I fell in love and knew I had to have them. These Western styled booties have enough fringe to add flare to any boho chic look. 

OUTFIT DETAILS: Minnetonka Western Bootie: DSW. Leggings: Express. Poncho: Purchased in Barcelona, Spain. Link to similar poncho here. Long-sleeved Fitted Tee: Old Navy.

I hope you all enjoy your weekend and stay healthy! 

Thank you for reading!